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Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride Officially Launches on May 27th!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride Officially Launches on May 27th!

by | May 10, 2022 | Disney, Epcot, Orlando

The new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction officially opens for launch at EPCOT on May 27, 2022. Our team members at My VIP Tour took the opportunity to go on an intergalactic quest to save the galaxy during the Annual Pass holder’s Advance Preview Event. And we can’t wait to share our experience with our families!

To find the new attraction at EPCOT, head over to the World Discovery neighborhood, where you can find other popular attractions such as Mission: SPACE and Test Track. 

 

Book with My VIP Tour to start the planning process! Reach out to our team at info@myviptour.com or fill out a Get a Quote form. 

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Guardians of the Galaxy Queue – Source: David Roark, photographer

Our Experience on the Ride

 🚨 Spoiler Alert! If you like surprises, skip to “Request to Join the Virtual Queue”

Described as an “omnicoaster,” the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride is one of the world’s largest fully-enclosed coasters and will offer a ton more firsts from Walt Disney Imagineering. The innovations include being the first reverse launch coaster on a Disney ride, plus guests will board 360-degree rotating vehicles for the intergalactic adventure.

Upon arriving inside the building, the queue line winds up around the Galaxarium, which also features an incredible projection show showcasing the intergalactic wonders that connect Terra (Earth) and Xandar, the planet the Guardians of the Galaxy help save in the first film.

Of course, we see the legendary cosmic outlaws during the pre-show – Rocket, Groot, Drax, Gamora, and Star-Lord (a.k.a. Peter Quill). We also get a few words from Nova Prime herself, played by Glenn Close. And the newest face to enter the Guardians of the Galaxy universe is actor Terry Crew. We loved seeing him play his new role as Centurion Tal Marik, the Commander of the Starcharter and close advisor to Nova Prime.

Aboard the Starblaster, Terrans (all riders who inhabit the planet Earth) will blast off to a fantastic musical score featuring songs from the first two films. We could best describe this ride as if Rocket Roller Coaster and Space Mountain had a baby. The steel tracks felt super smooth during our ride, making us feel like we were floating in outer space. There are no significant drops, but the reverse launch and few dips and spirals can be dizzying for some. Although, our team is happy to report that we felt more of a rush of energy during our preview and loved every moment of the ride. There are many fantastic rides and attractions in Disney World, but we’re confident this will be a new fan favorite for thrill-seekers!

Source: Getty Images

Note: This dark thrill story coaster is for 42in (107cm) or taller guests if you are a family with children.

Request to Join the Virtual Queue 

“It’s almost save the galaxy time,” and we can’t wait for our families to experience this incredible new attraction, which will open with a virtual queue. Disney announced, “Guests need to use the My Disney Experience app to enter the attraction. A standby queue will not be available. Each guest can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day.” Families will also have the opportunity to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane entry to the attraction. 

How to enter the virtual queue

Beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of your park reservation, with a valid ticket or pass and a Disney Park Pass Reservation for EPCOT, you can check for an available boarding group via the My Disney Experience app* and request access to the virtual queue. Guests with an EPCOT reservation can make virtual queue requests before heading to the park in the morning. If you are with one of our expert VIP guides, they can assist with requesting access to the virtual queue. 

At 1 p.m., there will be another opportunity to join the virtual queue for anyone who couldn’t join a boarding group earlier in the day. Remember that everyone must be inside EPCOT to access this second virtual queue opportunity.

To give as many guests as possible the chance to save the galaxy, each person can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day during regular park hours. Please note: joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Virtual queue during extended evening hours

Families staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, or other select hotels will have an additional opportunity to join the virtual queue at 6 p.m. on select dates during extended evening theme park hours. Guests with this benefit do not need to be in EPCOT to request to join at that time.

Guests will need a valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day to experience extended evening hours. Or guests may experience extended evening hours if they have a ticket or annual pass with the Park Hopper option and first enter the park where they made their reservation.

How to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry
Families with valid park admission and a park reservation can purchase individual Lightning Lane entry in the My Disney Experience app* via the Disney Genie service on the same day of their visit, subject to availability.
Virtual queue and individual Lightning Lane entry are only accessible via the My Disney Experience app.

If you have questions or need assistance registering for the virtual queue or purchasing an individual Lightning Lane entry, our knowledgeable team at My VIP Tour is available to help!

If Guardian of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and EPCOT are on the top of your list, our team at My VIP Tour is here to offer the ultimate Disney concierge service to assist with your upcoming vacation.

Book with My VIP Tour to start the planning process! Reach out to our team at info@myviptour.com or fill out a Get a Quote form. 

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What’s Happening Now | March 2022

What’s Happening Now | March 2022

by | Mar 17, 2022 | Disney, Disney news, Disney tours, disney world, Halloween, Holiday, My VIP Tour, Orlando, Tips & Tricks, Universal Studios

What's Happening Now at Walt Disney World

There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to fun Disney merchandise drops, meet and greet updates, and more, our Dream Team at My VIP Tour always has (our Minnie) ears on the latest Disney news.

Here are some exciting changes happening to keep you up to date for your next vacation.

March 18, 2022

Festival of Fantasy

Disney

Parades are finally back at Magic Kingdom! Prepared to be dazzled by all of the staple Disney characters as they celebrate the spirit and tales of FantasyLand.  Plus you’ll get to see the main characters of Tangled, Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid as they wind through the park on colorful and vibrant state-of-the-art floats. 

The show is 12 minutes of music, dancing and enchantment. 

 

NEW ‘Princess & the Frog’ Minnie Ears 

Disney

 

 It seems as if Disney is releasing new Minnie ears every week, but we are gushing over the latest drop, that are fit for royalty. 

 The Disney x Bauble Bar’s latest collaboration released a brand new pair of ears inspired by Princess and the Frog! These glamorous ears are wrapped in a beautiful green velour with a bejeweled gold tiara inspired by Princess Tiana’s signature outfit. The gold beading along the outer perimeter gives the ears an extra touch of elegance. 

The Princess and the Frog ears can be found online at Shop Disney for $49.99. 

Live in Full Bloom at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

Disney

The 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is happening now! From March 2 to July 4 there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy all the fresh flavors that Disney has cooked up! Although, there’s more than just food and drinks during this festival. Come marvel at nearly 100 topiaries of Disney characters, interactive gardens, and live music entertainment. 

If you haven’t attended an Epcot festival before, get ready to have a deliciously good time!

Cinderella’s Royal Table Character Meet-and-Greet Update

Disney

Cinderella has made her way to the lobby of Cinderella’s Royal Table, and will now be available to meet and take photos with guests after check in. If you’ve been excited for a family picture with a true princess, make sure to book your reservations at Cinderella’s Royal Table for your next vacation! 

MVT Pro Tip: Staying on Disney property, and booking your dining 60 days before your arrival will increase your chance of finding a reservation. We suggest booking it at the end of your trip, when you should find more availability.  Cancelations tend to occur in the days leading up to your arrival, so keep checking your My Disney Experience app, and make sure you have a credit card saved as this is a prepaid experience. Cinderella’s Royal Table is $60+ for adults and $37+ for children.

More Character Meet & Greet Updates

Disney

There are many new and exciting changes happening with character meet and greets! 

Recently, Disney is bringing more and more characters back into the parks to greet guests. Currently, you may see the following characters at these parks:

–Magic Kingdom: Mickey Mouse, Cinderella & Elena, Rapunzel & Tiana
– Epcot: Mickey Mouse, Elsa & Anna, Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty
– Hollywood Studios: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Olaf      – Animal Kingdom: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald are back at Tusker House (dining reservations needed)

Keep checking back here for updates on more traditional Meet and Greets, our fingers and toes are crossed that hugs and autographs will be back soon!

 

Stay tuned for more Walt Disney World and Universal Studios updates, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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What’s Happening Now | March 2022

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Halloween 2020 at Universal Studios Orlando

Halloween 2020 at Universal Studios Orlando

by | Oct 24, 2020 | Halloween, Holiday, My VIP Tour, Orlando, Travel, Universal Studios

Halloween 2020 at Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

We recently had the opportunity to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to experience all of their incredible Halloween themed festivities. When it comes to Halloween, Universal truly goes above and beyond. 

Although Universal’s annual Halloween Horror Nights event was canceled this year, Universal still has plenty of spooky activities and entertainment around the parks for guests to enjoy. For the first time ever, Universal has two haunted houses running daily, and trust us when we say these haunted houses are not for the faint of heart! 

Haunted Houses

Revenge of the Tooth Fairy 

A pop-up book about the tooth fairy seeking revenge on a little boy who refuses to give up his teeth. Universal describes this house as “a darker ritual to the innocent traditions of the tooth fairy”.  Each room features gruesome depictions of unfortunate victims of the tooth fairy, many of them missing parts of their mouth or head, and we were impressed by how realistic some of them looked. We also suffered many jump scares as we went around corners to find the terrifying tooth fairy waiting to jump out at us!

The Bride of Frankenstein Lives

Derived from the popular “Universal Monsters” house from last year’s Halloween Horror Nights, this house is not quite as intense as the tooth fairy house, however it is thrilling in its own way. This creepy love story follows the bride of Frankenstein as she emerges from the shadows and does whatever it takes to revive her beloved Frankenstein. As you enter through a narrow hallway, the first room opens up to creepy castle ruins, where the Bride of Frankenstein lurks up above and screams for the loss of her true love. As we walked through the house, we witnessed the various ways she tried to resurrect him, including sacrificing three different Brides of Dracula to her schemes. Her victims repeatedly gave us quite the scare by lunging at us out of the darkness or screaming from behind a closed door. The detailed sets and horrifying costumes in this house made it a new favorite of ours! 

 

 

 

Universal’s Scarecrow Stalk Scavenger Hunt

Inside Universal

If you’re looking for a less scary way to celebrate Halloween at the park, we loved Universal’s Scarecrow Stalk Scavenger Hunt. Simply request a free scavenger map at any merchandise location, and you’ll be on your way to hunting down 13 unique scarecrows and skeletons, hidden throughout the park. If you have a keen eye, you might even spot some fun Universal easter eggs. If you can find all 13 scarecrows, head to Studio Sweets or San Francisco Candy Factory to pick up a special reward. We had a blast hunting down each of these spooky creations! 

 

 

 

 

Trick-or-Treating

If you are visiting the parks with little ones, or would like to skip the Haunted Houses all together, Trick-or-Treating is a great way to explore the park and still get in the Halloween spirit. 

Children 12 and under can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and collect treats at 10 different locations throughout Islands of Adventure.

Special Trick-or-Treating bags are provided by Universal and each participating location will be designated by a pumpkin sticker on the door or window. 

Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store

This spooky shop is an attraction in its own right, featuring multiple themed rooms decked out with detailed decorations, Halloween-themed snacks, and, of course, plenty of Halloween Horror Nights merchandise. Once you enter through the castle ruins, you’ll find yourself wandering through iconic scenes from Beetlejuice, Dr. Frankenstein’s Laboratory, a creepy pumpkin-themed zone, and even a haunted Bakery. As you walk between rooms, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for posters from all 30 Halloween Horror Nights events. You may have to wait in an additional line to get into the Bakery, but it’s well worth it for a peek at their beating gummy hearts – you truly have to see them to believe them! There are plenty of other Halloween themed snacks located throughout Universal, such as “Franken Fried Chicken”, specialty donuts at Voodoo Doughnut, and spooky cocktails at the Skeleton Bar.

Although the parks are very different this year than they were last year, we had an absolute blast celebrating Halloween at Universal Studios. We are so excited to see what the Holiday season will bring in the next couple of months. Stay tuned and follow us on Social Media for more fun park adventures!

Are you planning a trip to the theme parks? You can reach us by phone @ (407) 636-2390 or by email at info@myviptour.com

 

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2021 Walt Disney World Resort Reservations Now Available

2021 Walt Disney World Resort Reservations Now Available

by | Oct 16, 2020 | Disney, Disney news, Disney tours, disney world, Holiday, luxury resorts, My VIP Tour, Orlando, Restaurants, Tips & Tricks, Travel, Universal Studios, VIP Disney

2021 Walt Disney World Resort Reservations Now Available

Walt Disney World Resort Reservations are now available through December 31st, 2021! We know so many families have been waiting for this moment since canceling or rescheduling their 2020 trips due to Covid-19. If you are not traveling to the parks this year, but would like to next year, now is the time to get started! 

Resort Packages vs. Room Only Reservations

All resort reservation packages are now available through the end of 2021, with or without the purchase of theme park tickets. You can book your accommodation in two ways:

Resort Packages: When booking a resort package, you are able to reserve your accommodation as well as your theme park tickets for your stay. This pricing comes together in a package and can be modified if needed before your arrival.

Room-Only: A room-only reservation does not include your theme park tickets. Theme park tickets can be purchased separately at a later date.

 

Park Ticket Details 

Walt Disney World is currently offering guests to purchase park tickets along with their accommodations or separately for all dates in 2021. Park Hopper tickets are also currently available, however as the parks are still running as a one-park-per-day limit, Park Hopper tickets are not guaranteed at time of travel.

Please note: If you have purchased your park tickets, entrance into the parks is not guaranteed until you have made park reservations for your specific dates. We highly recommend making your park reservations as soon as your accommodation is booked and tickets are purchased.

 

Resort Availability

Disney

There are lots of accommodation options to choose from on Walt Disney World property and where you decide to stay all depends on your schedule, your resort preferences, and resort availability.

Due to reduced capacity on Walt Disney World property, the following resorts are not currently scheduled to open for Fall 2021: 

  • All Villa Properties
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
  • All-Star Movies Resort
  • All-Star Sports Resort
  • All-Star Music Resort
  • Port Orleans – Riverside
  • Port Orleans – French Quarter
  • Wilderness Lodge
  • Saratoga Springs
  • Old Key West

*The Polynesian Resort refurbishment, including all new Moana themed rooms, will be finished by Fall 2021!

Dining Plans and Dining Reservations

Disney

At this time, Dining Plans will remain unavailable to add to resort reservation packages.

According to Disney, a confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel.

Select dining locations require reservations so make sure to check each of your desired locations for details.

How to Get Started on your 2021 Walt Disney World Vacation

Disney

With so many options for accommodations, dining, and attractions, planning a trip to Orlando can seem overwhelming. That is what we are here for! From finding the perfect resort to planning out your entire stay, our team at My VIP Tour and Katie Bean Travels will assist with making sure your families builds unforgettable memories on your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation.

Reach out to our team today to discuss your theme park plans. You can reach us by phone @ (407) 636 2390 or email at info@myviptour.com

    We can’t wait to welcome you to Orlando and help Build Better Memories with your friends and family in 2021. See you real soon!

     

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    What’s Happening Now | March 2022

    What’s Happening Now | March 2022

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    Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide at the Theme Parks

    Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide at the Theme Parks

    by | Oct 16, 2020 | Disney, Disney news, Disney tours, disney world, Holiday, luxury resorts, My VIP Tour, Orlando, Restaurants, Tips & Tricks, Travel, Universal Studios, VIP Disney

    Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide in the Theme Parks

    Gone are the days where guests can show up to the theme parks with no plan or schedule. With hundreds of resort and dining options, attractions, and fun activities to do around Orlando, it is crucial to have a park expert assisting along the way. Here are Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide in the Theme Parks.

    1. Creating the Perfect Schedule – for Everyone!

    Between four Walt Disney World theme parks and two Universal Studios theme parks,  there are over 100 attractions for guests to experience. Trying to organize a schedule where everyone in your group is able to do the attractions that are most important to them can be challenging. Your VIP Concierge here at My VIP Tour will discuss the parks and attractions with you in depth throughout the pre-planning process so they can create the perfect day-to-day theme park schedule for your family.

    Once you are here in Orlando, your VIP guide will navigate your family through the parks in a very specific way so that everyone is experiencing attractions that are suitable for them. We often hear from our families that they expected their children to have fun, but never expected to have just as much fun themselves. Everyone in your family, from little ones to teens, and adults of all ages, deserve to feel the magic of the theme parks with no stress of thinking how to get through the parks and crowds each day. 

     

    2. Shorter Wait Times 

    Shorter wait times are what most families look for when hiring a VIP guide, and that is one of our favorite perks of our service! The theme parks have become so busy over the past few years. The average a guest visiting the parks on their own will wait is about 45-60 minutes for an attraction. Most of the popular attractions will experience a 90 minute or more wait time in the afternoons and during peak season dates. Yikes!

    Our team at My VIP Tour has spent years studying the parks and attractions. Each an every one of our VIP guides goes through an intense training program to learn the in’s and out’s of the parks. With our expertise, and park knowledge, our families typically never wait more than about 15-20 minutes for an attraction throughout the day, leaving more time for rides and fun, and less time waiting in line. 

     

    3. Having a Local Expert

    We are Orlando based, many of us born and raised here, having visited Disney from a young age. Living here and visiting the theme parks daily puts us “in the know”.

    All of the pre-planning is incredibly important when visiting the theme parks, however one of the best perks of hiring a VIP guide is having a local expert in real time while you are on vacation. Our Disney VIP guides are able to visit the parks daily and keep up with every single change that comes our way. We take that knowledge to plan the perfect customized itinerary for each individual family. Our Disney VIP Guides keep in touch with their families throughout their entire stay to make sure they can answer any questions that may arise. Our team of Orlando experts and can make recommendations on dining, other theme parks to visit, and fun activities outside of the parks.

    Your Disney VIP guide will work together with your VIP concierge to cancel or make new dining reservations, book transportation, purchase extra park tickets, and do anything else they can do to help make your stay at the most magical place on earth as magical as it can be!

    4. More than just a VIP Guide

    Short wait times and stress-free planning are an amazing part of our service, however it’s the extra details that really elevate the experience.

    Our VIP guides go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for our families from the moment they enter the park until the moment they get back to the resort.

    We love to celebrate special occasions, take candid photos throughout each day, share our extensive knowledge on park history and facts, add in special (secret!) details for the kids, and so much more.

    Our VIP guides quickly become part of the family from day one and do everything they can to learn what is most important to each and every member of the group so they can customize the entire experience.

    5. Our Level of Care

    We truly believe that our level of care is what sets My VIP Tour apart.

    Each member of our team has visited the theme parks from a very early age and knows how special these trips can be. Some of our families plan their once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip with us and some visit with us annually. No matter if it’s your first or 20th trip, our goal is always to Build Better Memories each and every time.

    Our team truly cares deeply about our families and their vacations. From the first phone call with our VIP concierge team to the last good-bye with your VIP guide at the park, your happiness and satisfaction is our number one priority.

    Don’t just listen to us, head to our Trip Advisor page to read reviews from over 700 families who rated My VIP Tour five stars!

    We can’t wait to meet your family and Build Better Memories with you soon!  

      Contact our concierge team today to get started on your next Orlando theme park dream vacation.

      You can reach us by phone @ (407) 636-2390 or by email at info@myviptour.com

       

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      What’s Happening Now | March 2022

      What’s Happening Now | March 2022

      There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...

      Fall in Love with the Holiday’s at Walt Disney World

      Fall in Love with the Holiday’s at Walt Disney World

      by | Sep 7, 2020 | Disney, Disney news, Disney tours, disney world, Halloween, Holiday, My VIP Tour, Orlando, Tips & Tricks, Universal Studios

      Fall in Love with the Holiday's

      at Walt Disney World

      Summer is officially over, which means our favorite time of year is right around the corner. There is truly something so magical about the theme parks during the Holiday season. This year is definitely different than previous years, however, there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to in the coming months!

      Fall & Halloween at Magic Kingdom

      News13

        Although Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has been canceled this year, fall is still such a wonderful time to visit the theme parks.
        From September 15th through October 31st, Magic Kingdom will be adorned with beautiful seasonal decor throughout the park. Characters including Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and pals will wave to guests from a special Halloween cavalcade. You may even see some of your favorite Disney villains along for the ride. Disney is also allowing guests for the first time ever to wear their favorite Halloween costume to the parks to celebrate.

      New Projection Show for Cinderella’s Castle Starting Nov. 6th 

      Disney

      Each year during the Holiday season, Cinderella’s Castle lights up with over 200,000 beautiful crystal lights that emulate icicles dripping from every angle. This year, in place of the icicle lights, Disney has created an incredible projection show that will run through the evening starting at sun down. According to Disney Parks Blog, “the appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation”.  Get your cameras ready! This new addition will make for an incredible Holiday card backdrop for the whole family.  

      Character Sitings throughout the Parks

      Disney

      One thing we have truly missed about the parks is being able to meet all of our favorite characters and princesses. This holiday season, however, the Disney parks have created ways for us to see all of our favorites while staying safe with social distancing. Starting November 6th, guests will be able to see special character cavalcades through Magic Kingdom including gingerbread men, elves, reindeer and our personal favorite, the toy soldiers! Guests can also enjoy festive flotillas at Animal Kingdom, Holiday Promenades at Epcot, and Merry Motorcades at Hollywood Studios. Santa Claus will also be available to wave to guests at all four parks and Disney Springs.

      Minnie Mouse to Host Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine

      Disney

      We are so excited to see character dining slowly returning to the parks. Starting November 6th, Minnie Mouse will host a seasonal dining experience at Hollywood & Vine located at Hollywood Studios park. Santa Goofy will also be in attendance along with some of Minnie’s other friends. The characters will not be available for personal photos, however will be available to wave to guests and pose for photos.

      Celebrate the Holiday’s at Disney Springs

      Disney

      If you are heading to the theme parks this Holiday season, make sure to stop by Disney Springs. Disney has announced that the “elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees are spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination”. These beautiful trees will be displayed all throughout Disney Springs, which is perfect for an unplanned afternoon, or evening after a busy day at the parks. Another special addition to Disney Springs this year will be a magical snowfall throughout three of the main areas: The Landing, Town Center, and West Side.

      Jock Lindsey Hanger Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with returning holiday decor and a limited-time festive menu for guests to enjoy this Holiday season.

        Stay tuned for more Walt Disney World and Universal Studios updates in our October newsletter. You can also stay up to date on all park and resort information by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

         

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        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...