Latest News from Disney Destinations & Universal Resorts
May 26th, 2022
May is winding down and you know what that means…SUMMER! Memorial Day typically kicks off the beginning of summer and living in a touristy beach town, that definitely holds true. Beach days are back and so are the pool days! I love summertime. Life slows down a little and nothing makes me happier than sun-kissed skin, long days, cold drinks, outdoor parties, and summer vacations!
Summer Vacation is beginning for most kids between now and end of June. Whether you’re enjoying a staycation, traveling or maybe visiting a theme park…it’s something we all look forward to. Now, I always get asked, is summer a good time to visit Disney or Universal?
Well, that really depends on YOU. Whatever time works for you and your schedule is the best. Disney seems to be “consistently” on the busy side thanks to Covid closures, revenge travel, 50th celebrations and new attractions. So, with only a handful of slow/low crowds times out there it can make it a little tricky to plan for your vacation. Summertime, regardless of current happenings, is always moderately busy. So, pack your patience. But one perk is prices are usually reasonable and there are often good discounts.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of June-September at any theme park in Florida…it’s so darn hot, humid and well, it’s hurricane season. You can expect storms to practically pop up daily and it feels like you’re living on the sun. So, planning, staying cool and taking lots of breaks is of utmost priority! Now, my exception: Disneyland and Universal Hollywood are 100% recommended because the weather is amazing year-round in California. Heck same goes for Disney’s Aulani in Ko Olina, Hawaii…now, that is my kind of summer vacation!
You know what else is amazing? Water Parks! If you do find your way to Orlando this summer, make sure to visit Universal Orlando Resort VOLCANO BAY water theme park. I give it 10 out of 10 stars…it’s truly the BEST water park ever!
I also enjoy both Disney’s Blizzard Beach (7.5 stars) and Typhoon Lagoon (8.5 stars). You really cannot go wrong with either water park. It’s also ridiculously cheap to add the Water Parks option to your tickets!
Well, whatever and wherever, your summer takes you…I hope you stay safe, healthy and cool all summer long! Have FUN and LIVE your happiest LIFE!
Top 10 ICYMI…in case you missed it
1. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival ends on July 4th. Look for my REVIEW coming soon! I love this festival. The topiaries were amazing, as always. I enjoyed some delicious food and had a blast finding Spike the Bee! 🌼🐝 I picked up some cute festival exclusive merch with Orange Bird this year. Get out and enjoy this festival before it’s over.
EPCOT International FOOD and WINE Festival begins July 14th and ends November 19th. 🍷🍽 Eat the Beat Concert Series Lineup is out and concert dining packages are available NOW! All the Global Marketplaces (aka food booths) have also been announced. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and Emile’s Fromage Montage are returning too. Scavenger hunts are my thing!
Global Marketplaces
The Alps
Indulge in comforting Alpine cuisine, like warm Raclette Swiss cheese served with a baguette.
Australia
Embark on a culinary journey Down Under as you sample popular Australian food and wine.
Appleseed Orchard
Celebrate autumn with tasty apple creations—like an apple tart or apple cider.
Belgium
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a fluffy Belgian waffle—and pair it with a bold Belgian beer.
Brazil
Dig into South American cuisine and culture with the Land of the Palms’ finest fare.
Brew-Wing at the Odyssey
Try a variety of flavorful chicken wings—along with assorted beers and ciders.
Canada
Discover delightful dishes and refreshing beverages from the Great White North.
Coastal Eats – Opening August 15
Savor succulent seafood dishes that pair beautifully with cold beer, wine and cocktails.
China
Please your palate with popular Chinese plates, bubble tea, draft beer and cocktails.
Earth Eats hosted by Impossible™
Delight in hearty, plant-based fare featuring Impossible foods, as well as wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Flavors from Fire
Enjoy heartwarming dishes inspired by campfire-cooked summertime favorites.
France
Fall in love with the classic cuisine of France—along with assorted wines or a slushy cocktail.
The Fry Basket – NEW!
Snack on crispy French fries or yucca fries, seasoned to perfection.
Germany
Venture to Germany for Bavarian bites sure to sate foodies of all ages—every dish is köstlich!
Greece
Opa! Enjoy traditional Greek dishes like spanakopita or a gyro.
Hawaiʻi – Opening August 15
Traverse the Pacific for tropical flavors and island favorites both savory and sweet.
Hops & Barley
Stay stateside for all-American craft beer, wines and the hottest tastes from coast to coast.
India
Spice up your life with Indian cuisine, like samosas and chicken tikka masala.
Ireland
Enjoy favorites from the Emerald Isle, like Irish sausage and seafood pie—which pair wonderfully with Irish ale and mead honey wine.
Italy
Relish the simple elegance of cucina italiana, with some of the world’s best-loved food and wine.
Japan
Delight your appetite with delish dishes and lively libations from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Kenya
Set off on a safari of flavor as you enjoy traditional Kenyan food and beer.
Mac & Eats – Opening August 15
Discover macaroni-and-cheese combos your mom never imagined!
Mexico
Take your taste buds south of the border for tacos, tostadas, Mexican craft beer and margaritas.
The Noodle Exchange – Opening August 15
Savor the flavors of the Far East served up in delicious noodle dishes.
Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE®
Get the brunch party started! Sample sweet treats and sip on sparkling mimosas.
Spain
Feast on flavorful Spanish foods—like paella and charcuterie—along with beer and wine.
The Swanky Saucy Swine
Try out tantalizing pork dishes that pair well with wine and cocktails.
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
Treat your senses to traditional Moroccan cuisine, like grilled kebabs and a falafel pita.
2022 Concert Schedule
Baha Men
July 14 and 15
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
July 16 to 18
Taylor Dayne
July 29 and 30
Tiffany
July 31 and August 1
Joey Fatone & Friends
August 5 to 8
The Devon Allman Project
August 12 and 13
Christopher Cross
August 14 and 15
Journey Former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
August 19 and 20
Air Supply
August 21 and 22
Southern Avenue
September 2 and 3
Kris Allen & David Cook
September 4 and 5
Hoobastank – NEW!
September 9 and 10
Los Amigos Invisibles – NEW!
September 16 and 17
BBMAK
September 23 and 24
Stokley – NEW!
September 30 and October 1
Shelia E.
October 2 and 3
Mark Wills
October 7 and 8
38 Special
October 9 and 10
Billy Ocean
October 23 and 24
Hanson
October 28 to 31
Boyz II Men
November 4 to 7
**MORE dates coming soon
© Disney Parks
2. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is BACK!! 🎃👻
Dates and Pricing have been announced. See my previous Blog Post for all the details!
3. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel 🎡is getting a big transformation with PIXAR theming! A walkway to Disney California Adventure Park is currently under construction. Plus, early entry access for Disney hotel guests begins later this summer! Is Disneyland in your sights? Get a Quote!
4. 💫 BIG NEWS!! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens May 27th! Height requirements: 42 inches. This attraction will use a Virtual Queue: 7am, 1 pm (must be inside EPCOT) and 6 pm on Extended Evening Hours, typically Mondays (for Disney Deluxe Resort Hotel Guests, Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve & Shades of Green only). Individual Lightning Lane will also be available, for purchase at 7 am for Disney Resort Hotel guests and at park opening for all other guests.
5. Hip Hip Hooray…finally!!! ✨✨2023 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages, Room Only and Tickets will be available to Quote and Book beginning on June 8, 2022!! Get a Vacation Quote!!
6. FYI: Annual Passholders 📲have to show a form of identification and show the portion in their MDE account that shows that they are an AP to get some of their discounts.
7. UPDATE: 🧞♂️Disney Genie+ will no longer be available to add prior to your stay beginning June 8, 2022. Guests will only be able to purchase Disney Genie+ via their My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit, one day at a time.
8. Universal Orlando Resort’s🌋🌊 Volcano Bay water theme park celebrates its 5th year! Be sure add a 3 Park Ticket to your Universal Vacation Package so you can experience Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure AND Volcano Bay. 2022 and 2023 packages are available. Plus, stay at least 2 nights with a 3 Park Ticket and save up to $200. Are Epic Vacations your thing, get a Universal Orlando Quote!
9. Disney Cruise Line 🐭🚢is booking Summer 2023 cruises to Europe, Alaska, the Bahamas and the Caribbean! It’s a small world Nursery is open for guests now! Contact me for the latest vaccination requirements and pre-arrival testing information. Get a Quote!
10. MagicBand+ launches later this summer. 😎Hey Disney!, the new digital voice assistant, launches later this year. Is 2022 aiming to be the year of TECH or is it just me?!
Have Questions? Want to know a little more? Send me an email or message.
Thanks for Reading!
🥀Enchantingly Yours,
Angie Baycura
📸 Disney Parks
Enchanted Nook 