Are you ready to take the family to Hawaii?
Disney Aulani Resort is in this week of theme park news. Yes, yes, I know it’s not a theme park, but it does offer that Disney magic and experience beyond the parks. Disney also released more images and info from the NEW Disneyland Hotel Villas and announced an exotic destination being added to Disney Cruises in 2024. Read on for all of that and more including news from Universal Orland Resort!
Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa
Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa on the island of Oahu, HI was given some attention this week. Disney Destinations described new tours available for guests of the resort. Now, families can learn all about how Hawaiian culture and arts influenced how this gorgeous resort came to be.
Maka ‘ika ‘I (tour/sightseeing) have been added for guests so you can learn all about how Disney Imagineering and local experts worked meticulously to create Aulani in authentic Hawaiian culture and natural beauty. You can now take 1 of 2 (or both) walking tours of the resort with a different focus for each. One highlights the architectural features of the resort and its balance with nature, while the 2nd is a tour of the “story” behind Aulani inspired by local artists.
Photo Credit: Disney Destinations
That’s not all!!! Guests of Aulani Resort and Spa can take a 45 minute “music lesson” and be introduced to Hawaiian musical instruments. You will even learn how to play familiar songs on the Ukulele. Lastly, pre-teens will enjoy the “Menehune Adventure Trail”! This enchanted experience is a tech led scavenger hunt to find all of the magic the mythical creatures (Menehune) create while we sleep.
You can learn all the details about this beautiful destination by visiting Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa: The Beauty and Culture of Hawaii with a Magical Disney Touch.
The Opening of Disneyland Hotel Villas
This week, an opening date was announced for the NEW villas at Disneyland Hotel. The 4th tower building added to the resort will open on September 28, 2023. The lobby of this tower building will feature a one-of-a-kind Lorelay Bove mural inspired by the Princess and The Frog fairytale. In addition, all 344 rooms will have artistry depicting stories such as Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty, Fantasia and more.
The accommodations include duo studios, deluxe studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas as well as grand villas. The DVC member reservation window opens March 15, Disneyland Resort Magic Key Holders can book as of March 16, and the general public can make reservations as of March 17, 2023.
You can get more information on the new villas by clicking HERE.
Disney Cruise Line Has a New Destination
In the Summer of 2024, guests aboard some Disney Cruise ships will enjoy a stop at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Currently, Disney Imagineers are working closely with local Bahamian artists to create a port of call with a focus on Bahamian life, vivid color and natural beauty.
This stop on the cruise itinerary will include activities for everyone. Families as well as adults only cruisers will have their choice of activities and experiences at this location much like Disney’s Castaway Cay. Those include pristine beaches, a family water play area, adults exclusive beach, and a kid’s club for ages 3-12 years old. Also available will be:
- Volleyball
- Watercraft
- Bike Rentals
- Private Cabanas
- Nature Trails and Tours
The island destination will be heavily focused on respect for nature which is described as “The heart of the design”.
You can find more Disney Cruise Line Vacation options in Big News for Disney Cruise Line or Disney Cruise Line to Offer More Magic with Cruising from Hawaii, Sydney and Vancouver.
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Extras
The Flower and Garden Festival kicked off on March 1 and this week we learned about new Disney Photopass options you can take advantage of on your visit. You can add a “Flurry of Butterflies” to your Epcot photo at the entrance to World Showcase just below the Monorail overpass. Are you an Orange Bird fan? He can join you as a magic shot at all World Celebration photopass locations.
Other magic shot options include:
- Isabella (Encanto) outside Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Spike the Bee
- Add a “Floral Frame” at the Italy Pavilion or at the entrance to World Showcase
- Tiny World Shot at the fountain beyond the main entrance.
For all the information on this year’s festival, check out What’s New for 2023 at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?
Universal Orlando Resort 2024
Are you thinking about your 2024 vacation? Universal Orlando Resort is ready for you! On Saturday, Universal Parks and Resorts announced the booking window for 2024 was now open for the theme park destination. Reach out to your travel planner for pricing and reservations. Our friends at DizN Vacations are waiting for your message!
Do you want to know more about a Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Read all about it in You Should Spend a Week at Universal Orlando Resort.
This week of news featured exotic destinations, new accommodations, and the potential of planning as far out as 2024! What are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below. If you’re interested in a taking your next trip to your favorite theme park destination, reach out to the DizN Vacation agents for a no obligation quote today!
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