TouringPlans Travel Beat 4-20-2024

At Travel Beat we have all the “other” news from the last week or so—the stuff that wasn’t big enough to stop the presses for. What did the newsroom bring us this week? Bullets are just ahead if you’re in a hurry, and more details follow below. Don’t forget to check out the Headline News Recap, in case there was something you missed!

• Disney has Announced Themed Snacks for Star Wars Day
• It’s runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
• Disneyland Paris Reimagines Suites
• Universal Orlando Annual Pass Discounts for May
• Disneyland Forward is Going Forward
• Headline News Recap

Disney has Announced Themed Snacks for Star Wars Day

May the Force be with all of us on May the 4th. To add to the fun, Disney is offering special Star Wars-themed snacks on both US coasts and in Paris. Most items will be available from May 4 to May 31.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, keep an eye out for Star Wars snacks at most quick service venues including Rosie’s All-American Cafe (Mustafarian Puffs aka red cream puffs with Oreo custard), Docking Bay Seven (Mossberry Biscuits aka biscuit topped with ube and matcha icing), Milk Stand (polystarch puffbread aka croissants topped with blue and green milk craquelin), and at Dockside Diner (the iconic Princess of Alderaan Shake aka a salted caramel shake with a Princess Leia cinnamon bun hairdo. There will also be Star Wars items available at Amorette’s Patisserie and at The Ganachery, both at Disney Springs.

At Disneyland there are several stellar food items, but the big buzz is about a souvenir mug to be offered at Oga’s Cantina. The Grinning Loth-cat mug includes guava coconut milk with basic crystals, but we’re just here for the otherworldly Cheshire Cat vibes.

At Disneyland Paris, keep an eye out Star Wars eats at Cafe Hyperion (BB-8 burger and dessert), Cool Station (Chewbacca Donut and Biscuit Grogu), and Rocket Cafe (themed waffles and cookies).

Disneyland Paris Reimagines Suites

In more Paris news, Disneyland Paris has unveiled designs for new Signature Suites at Disneyland Hotel. The suites are themed to the films Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, Frozen, and Sleeping Beauty. The suites have interactive elements, new artwork, and detailed theming.

It’s runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend at Disney World

run Disney’s Springtime Surprise races are happening this weekend (April 18-21). The weekend includes 5K, 10K, and 10 mile races, as well as virtual events and a special “Splash” after hours evening at Typhoon Lagoon water park.

The event merchandise, available at the race Health and Fitness Expo features a quartet of beloved Disney characters (Tinker Bell, Russell, Simba, and Stitch) repping each of the four races. Merch includes ears, a range of tees, a water bottle, a spirit jersey, and a few styles of bags. So cute!

Universal Orlando Annual Pass Discounts for May

Universal Orlando Annual Pass holders can snag some extra savings during the month of May. The big news is that with the promotion of an additional 10% off, some pass holders can get up to 25% off on mobile orders of food an drink at Universal-owned restaurants. Other benefits include 25% off VIP tours and discounts of up to 45% on rooms at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort, as well as exclusive menu items and dining locations and a totally rad free button.

Disneyland Forward is Going Forward

Disney has passed another hurdle toward the full approval of a $1.9 billion expansion of Disneyland. The Anaheim City Council unanimously approved Disney’s proposal which will include reallocating space with the eventual aim of creating Frozen and Zootopia lands. Final approval is expected to come in May.

Headline News Recap

While we don’t have much in the way of specifics yet, Universal has teased that they’ll be announcing their summer Entertainment on the 29th. Keep an eye on their social media if you want the news ASAP.

We’re still over-the-moon happy for the folks at WDW’s Victoria & Albert’s restaurant at the Grand Floridian. Chef Matthew Sowers Garnered a Michelin Star for the fine food and Maitre D’ Israel Perez earned a special Service Award. Both honors are incredibly well deserved!

And in case you missed it, one of the last COVID-era closures has ended. 1900 Park Fare, located off the lobby of the Grand Floridian, has returned with character dining. Take a peek at our review.

That’s it for this week’s Travel Beat.

What news are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!