TouringPlans Travel Beat 7-6-2024

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!

• Critter Co-Op Opens in Magic Kingdom
• planDisney Panelist Search Opens Monday
• Tickets Now On Sale for Disney World Holiday Events
• Stays Begin at the Newest DVC Resort
• Disney Ever After (Re)Opens at Disney Springs
• Mega Movie Parade Opens at Universal Orlando
• Headline News Recap

Can you guess which story inspired this week’s cover image? Leave your guesses in the comments!

Critter Co-Op Opens in Magic Kingdom

Just one day after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened last Friday, Critter Co-Op opened next door. Critter Co-Op is the home of all the Tiana merch you’re looking for, including the Tiana-themed snacks, Dooky Chase’s line of seasonings, and the interactive Fireflies.

plan Disney Panelist Search Opens Monday

Are you “that neighbor” that everyone comes to for advice about Disney planning? Have you ever thought that you would just love to do that even more? Well, here’s your chance. planDisney is Disney’s own online Disney advice service, and the search for 2025 panelists begins on Monday, July 8 at noon Eastern. The three-round application process includes a series of short answer questions, a brief video submission, and a virtual interview. For more information, visit the planDisney Search site.

Tickets Now On Sale for Disney World Holiday Events

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights went on sale this week to guests with a booked onsite stay at Disney World. Sales to all guests begin this Wednesday, July 10.

Stays Begin at the Newest DVC Resort

The first guests checked into the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort this week. It’s the newest Disney Vacation Club property, and is expected to continue opening cabins throughout the year to reach its total of more than 350 units.

In case you haven’t been following along, this is the first Disney Vacation Club resort that is at a Moderate Resort. Perhaps more interestingly, it is the first Disney World DVC property that doesn’t include a separate bedroom for adults or a washer/dryer in a multi-room unit. It will be interesting to see how it’s received over the next several months.

Disney Ever After (Re)Opens at Disney Springs

The Disney Springs character merchandise location has been reopened and reimagined. Find your favorite character, and give some of the merch a custom bent. Disney Ever After is home to the custom character headbands that were previously available at Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Mega Movie Parade Opens at Universal Orlando

Universal’s newest daytime entertainment rolled down the boulevard this week. Celebrating classic movies from Universal Studios, the new parade – which was technically in technical rehearsals this week as a few announced floats weren’t quite ready yet – features floats and street performances based on Universal’s classic movies. Look for Jaws, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, and more.

Headline News Recap

The end of August will be here before you know it, and the Food & Wine Festival – and Eat to the Beat Concert Series – will arrive with it. 2024 Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup and Dining Packages

The Disney Dream will head to a brief drydock at the end of the summer, and emerge with a few changes. Fall 2024 Updates to the Disney Dream

That’s it for this week’s Travel Beat. What news are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!