Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World and No. 1 Travel Destination in the U.S., continues to embrace new and returning visitors in 2024 with more than two dozen new experiences. The destination — where winter doesn’t exist — is brimming with new possibilities for dream vacations, from movie-inspired attractions and a launch coaster with snowmobile-style cars to a cabaret-style music venue tucked inside a stunning performing arts center and a luxury beach-like resort with an 8-acre crystal lagoon.
With new concepts from Michelin-recognized chefs and Food Network and Top Chef celebrity chefs, alongside champagne bars, sober speakeasies, omakases and arcade bars, Orlando’s culinary and nightlife scene continues to grow to reflect the diversity of the destination with distinct new offerings.
“Year after year, Orlando sets itself apart as a travel destination with new experiences and unforgettable adventures to spark the imagination,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Whether visitors are seeking new thrills, immersive entertainment or foodie-focused exploration, a whole new Orlando is ready to welcome you in 2024.” 
Continuous updates on what’s new in Orlando are available at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination. Visitors are also encouraged to sign up for Visit Orlando’s free, personalized one-on-one Vacation Planning Service with destination experts for guidance and advice on building the perfect itinerary in Orlando, a destination that enters the new year ranked as the top U.S. destination to explore in 2024 by AAA and listed among the most fun destinations in the U.S. by WalletHub.
Theme Park Attractions ADVERTISEMENTJourney of Water, inspired by Moana opened in October at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. Through a self-guided exploration trail, guests are fully immersed in the animated film while playing, dancing and interacting with water that travels through its lifecycle, from rain falling to vapor rising to the clouds.  The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, a fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid,” will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater in the fall. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaces Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park in late 2024. Guests will explore a musical adventure inspired by the fan-favorite film showcasing the beloved characters as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.  DreamWorks Land will debut at Universal Studios Florida in late 2024. Guests will be able to interact with their favorite DreamWorks Animations’ characters in themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring characters from popular movies like “Shrek,” “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda” to life.  Aquatica Orlando will introduce Tassie’s Underwater Twist, a new waterslide that will transform the guest ride experience into an awe-inspiring journey through Australia’s Shark Bay seagrass meadow in spring. SeaWorld Orlando will debut Penguin Trek, an immersive indoor/outdoor launch coaster families can ride together this spring. Guests (including children who meet the height requirement) will ride snowmobile-inspired cars going at a maximum capacity of 43 mph, ending up in the park’s penguin habitat.  LEGOLAND Florida Resort will debut LEGO Ferrari Build & Race this spring, offering guests the experience of viewing a life-sized LEGO Ferrari car, and building and testing it in one of three obstacle-laden test tracks. Younger drivers can enjoy the LEGO DUPLO Build Zone to design their own custom creations with larger bricks. Venue Expansions and Openings
Judson’s Live debuts on Feb. 6, bringing a low-key, 150-seat, cabaret-style music space with unparalleled sound to the spectacular Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Guests will discover new music with scheduled 50-minute performances while enjoying specialty cocktails and a seasonal scratch-kitchen menu of shareable bites.  AREA15 Orlando, the second location of Las Vegas’ highly themed entertainment district, is coming to the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor. AREA15 will offer guests a robust, ever-changing roster of concert events, art exhibitions, nightlife and boundary-pushing shows, featuring an impressive indoor/outdoor event space.  Orlando Science Center opens its newest exhibit, “Life,” this spring. Featuring three distinctive habitats – swamp, ocean and tropical rainforest – with 300 animals from around the world, the new exhibit explores the impact of humans on the environment and is designed to amaze, entertain and educate. New Accommodations and Renovations
The Alfond Inn, a boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Winter Park district, completed an extensive renovation in October, adding 71 guestrooms, a chic café, and a lavish spa, among other features for its 10-year anniversary celebration. Owned by Rollins College, the hotel directs all net operating income to scholarships to underscore its commitment to education, philanthropy and the Winter Park community.  Evermore Orlando Resort, which opened Jan. 1, is Orlando’s first beach-like property with an 8-acre Crystal Lagoon and a 20-acre sandy beach with hammocks, cabanas and recreational activities. Guests can enjoy family paddleboarding, mixology classes, sandcastle-building lessons and more. Evermore, which has the world’s first touchless sunscreen application system, is thoughtfully built for large groups and families offering a range of 2- to 11-bedroom vacation homes.  Conrad Orlando, the destination’s first Hilton luxury brand, opens on Jan. 9 with 433 rooms, a spa, numerous dining options – including its signature rooftop experience – and 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space. Located at Evermore Orlando Resort, the property overlooks a golf course, a two-story boathouse for private events and Evermore Bay’s crystal lagoon and sandy beaches.  Aloft Orlando Lake Nona, the closest hotel to the world-class USTA (United States Tennis Association) National Campus and footsteps away from the Drive Shack golf range, opens this month with 205 loft-style guestrooms, 15 suites, wellness facilities, a sports-themed restaurant, and a 10,000 sq. ft. event center. The vibrant hotel will welcome visitors with eclectic décor and design nods to its music and technology roots that give each guestroom its own character. Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the iconic International Drive area, began a phased opening in late 2023, offering private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities. The property will eventually include an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and a lazy river, a fully equipped fitness center, a full-service restaurant and children’s playgrounds. Upon full completion in 2025, the entire resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes. Waldorf Astoria Orlando ushers in a new era of sophistication in 2024 as it completes a multi-phase floor-to-ceiling transformation of its resort rooms and suites, lobby space and select culinary outlets, including its award-winning restaurant Bull & Bear and prestigious 18-hole golf course. The redesign emphasizes the resort’s unique geographic position, pleasantly located within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve, a perfect sanctuary for guests seeking a mix of nature and tranquility.  Dining and Nightlife
EET, the only Indian-inspired restaurant in Disney Springs, is now open. Created by Food Network’s Maneet Chauhan, most recently known for her role as a permanent judge on Chopped, the new eatery offers traditional Indian flavors with a modern flair.  Summer House on the Lake, a lakeside eatery with California-inspired cuisine, also opened at Disney Springs and features local and sustainable ingredients, water views, a signature Rosé cart with rotating bottles and a dedicated Cookie Bar with 15 varieties of oversized cookies.  Arcade Monsters unveiled its fifth location of the video-game bar and restaurant in Orlando’s International Drive area offering a menu of classic bar food. With the purchase of wristbands, visitors of all ages can play unlimited classic arcade games. Flûtes Champagne Bar, a 40-seat French-inspired champagne bar, celebrates the timeless art of champagne-making and brings the elegance, culture, and flavors of France to Winter Park. Stadium Club, a new sports-themed facility located at Caribe Royale Orlando Resort, debuts later this month. The 500-seat facility will feature eight pro-level sports simulators, two bars and several areas for private events.Bar Kada, a new concept by Michael Collantes, chef and owner of Michelin-starred Soseki, will open in February. Bar Kada will be an intimate 30-seat sake and wine lounge with a focus on small plates, ancient sakes and low-intervention wines overseen by Michelin “Sommelier of the Year” Benjamin Coutts and offer experiences like classes and pairing dinners. Moso Nori, a new concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, is expecting a summer opening in Winter Park. The new restaurant will feature a hand-roll bar, serving a variety of temaki, sake, beer, wine and sake-based cocktails. BANDBOX Orlando, the spirit-free speakeasy in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village district, will expand in the new year. The 1920s-inspired venue is partnering with a local coffee company to offer a variety of coffee and tea options by day, and a sober speakeasy by night. The expansion will also feature a larger bottle shop and retail selection. Natsu Omakase, an exclusive 10-seat sushi omakase concept, opened in downtown Orlando with an innovative and seasonal menu. Chuck Lager America’s Tavern is opening its eighth location, and fourth in Florida, from Top Chef alumnus, Fabio Viviani. While known for its craft bourbons, the Tavern will also offer classics, like nachos, burgers, flatbreads and tacos. Pointe Orlando, dubbed a playground for adults with or without kids, will debut a trio of new indoor/outdoor entertainment spaces, including Sports & Social, a place to watch and play games such as Skee-Ball and Foosball; a PBR Cowboy Bar, featuring a mechanical bull and multiple bars; and Live! Plaza, a space for special events, live music, viewing sporting events, festivals and more.  Mid Drive Dive, a locally owned midcentury-inspired bar and restaurant serving elevated American classics, will open in the heart of Orlando’s College Park neighborhood. The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney’s BoardWalk and will feature savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the area’s idyllic charm.  Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant, a new entertainment complex backed by NFL stars such as Rob Gronkowski, is expected to open in Kissimmee in 2024. The complex will feature multiple indoor/outdoor pickleball courts, a food menu that services different dietary preferences and an active calendar of events, including tournaments, clinics and lessons.

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In early 2023, Miami Beach was officially named “North America’s Leading Beach Destination” and “North America’s Leading City Destination” by one of the travel industry’s most respected organizations. Now, the world-famous destination has been recognized as the “World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination 2023” by the World Travel Awards, adding to Miami Beach’s collection of awards and accolades designated in the 2023 calendar year.As a diverse city with an abundance of experiences for all travelers, Miami Beach is home to a renowned public art collection, variety of museums and galleries, a selection of globally-recognized luxury hotels and spas and travel-worthy restaurants with both established and rising chefs at the helm.
“It is an honor to be named as the World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination of 2023 by the prestigious World Travel Awards after being recognized in two previous categories that represent Miami Beach’s global appeal,” says Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “We’ve continued to make strides as a destination leader by continuously working to showcase our city’s best attributes with interactive resources and thoughtful user experiences to connect with repeat and future visitors.”
Miami Beach welcomes travelers to a city with architectural roots and design that is perfectly situated amongst iconic waters that offer a variety of activities to connect with the natural beauty of the area and lifestyle, from water sports and beachfront yoga to menus featuring invasive species and conscious techniques to help preserve marine life. And, this past year, the Miami Beach and Visitor and Convention Authority has doubled down on immersive technology, including the launch of the EXP Miami Beach Tours App, now available for download on Google Play and Apple,  that seamlessly allows users to explore the many lifestyle itineraries available in-market including a including a cultural institutions tour, public art tour, art deco tour and LGBTQ+ tour and more.
Adding to Miami Beach’s reputation as a world leader in the lifestyle space, the destination will participate in the debut Open House Miami showcase scheduled to take place March 1-2, 2024.
Open House Miami will be only the fourth city in the U.S., following New York, San Diego, and Chicago, of what has become a worldwide movement to open cities and engage the community in conversations about how to shape the future and celebrate historic design and architecture. Complimentary direct access to experience a collection of buildings throughout Miami Beach will provide opportunities for visitors to connect, learn, discuss and debate amongst experts and themselves.ADVERTISEMENT“As we work to preserve our award-winning history in 2024, we look forward to introducing new offerings and experiences, like Open House Miami, that attracts visitors from around the world,” adds Grisette Marcos. “We’re also set to further enhance our technology resources through the use of augmented reality across a number of owned platforms to help highlight the Miami Beach lifestyle.”
To learn more about Miami Beach’s recent awards wins, the upcoming Open House Miami experience and more, follow the @experiencemiamibeach handles on Instagram, Threads and Facebook, and subscribe to receive information and deals from the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority at miamibeachvca.com.

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My Second Home, the world’s largest indoor dog park and Dubai’s first and largest luxury pet resort, is serving up a pawsome family feast this festive season, with Christmas dinner for humans – and a special, free festive meal for their dogs. My Second Home has teamed up with Harness Foods to offer a full traditional Christmas dinner – with a choice of meat, vegetarian and vegan options – and a special festive menu just for their pets.  Priced at AED195 per person, with free delivery in Dubai, My Second Home’s festive feast includes a choice of roast turkey, lamb or beef, salmon en croute, vegetarian wellington, and vegan lentil seed loaf. Each comes with all the trimmings: roast potatoes, honey parsnips, orange and thyme carrots, balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts, cauliflower cheese, red cabbage, chickens-in-blankets, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, lashings of gravy and cranberry and bread sauce.  Diners can also choose two desserts from mince pies, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate yule log or apple and blackberry crumble.And the family’s four legged friends can tuck in to roast turkey, lamb or beef, followed by doggie ice-cream, at no charge. To order, email [email protected], or call 055 899 2235 by Thursday, 14 December. My Second Home is also gearing up for its busiest festive season yet in terms of pet boarding, with an additional 150 dogs and cats booked in over Christmas and New Year. Some pooches will stay at My Second Home’s new, AED3.5 million small dogs facility, opening this December. Paul Sowerby, Co-Founder of My Second Home, said: “The festive season is a time for families, and pets are integral to the family unit. Our Christmas dinner offering – for humans and hounds – is part of our continued efforts to enhance the services at My Second Home, and we are expecting a big response to this great-value festive feature.“And for pets who will be without their families this Christmas, we’ll be offering our usual home-from-home comforts as we welcome hundreds of pets festive boarding at our original facility at Dubai Investments Park, our second venue at Al Quoz, and our new premises – exclusively for small dogs – which will open this month.”For more information on My Second Home, visit the website, email [email protected] or call 04 881 8002. 

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The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is joining with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs playing a key role in reshaping the hotel and new business model landscapes.
The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to any startup or entrepreneur worldwide. The competition will award 10 finalists with the best solutions in the categories of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and Business Models, and Sustainability Impact.
Innovation and technology in the hospitality industry redefine the very essence of the guest experience, transforming hotels into hubs of seamless, personalized services. With his competition, we are sourcing startups on a global level that are pioneering solutions that elevate the standards of guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability for hotels and new business models. Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Hosting the UNWTO Startup Competition for the second consecutive year at Infecar, with a dedicated focus on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels, underscores our steadfast dedication to fostering sustainability and innovation within this pivotal industry. Ms. Natalia Santana, Director General of Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria.
The finalists will pitch their ideas at the Tourism Tech Adventures Canarias on 20 February 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaría, followed by mentorships from international partners. The winning startups will receive tailored support, become a member of the UNWTO Innovation Network with access to venture capital and the private sector, will receive scholarship opportunities from the Tourism Online Academy, and potential implementation of their projects.ADVERTISEMENTAbout the UNWTO Startup Competitions:UNWTO, through its Department of Innovation, Education, and Investments, has developed 14 global entrepreneurship competitions (“UNWTO Tourism Startup Competitions”), and 11 specific challenges that have generated an Innovation Network of over 7000 Members. The UNWTO startup competitions ignite a revolution in the tourism sector, steering it toward higher levels of intelligence, sustainability, and innovation. The competition seeks to identify and support pioneering startups that can contribute to the transformation of the industry.
For more details about the startup competition, or innovation initiatives, please contact [email protected]

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For the first time, Detroit will serve as host site of U.S. Travel’s IPW, the leading international inbound travel trade show and largest generator of travel to the United States, the association announced today. IPW will be held in the city on June 10-14, 2028.
The 2028 event will be staged at Huntington Place and at sites throughout the city. IPW is the U.S. Travel Association’s biggest event with over 90,000 pre-scheduled business appointments connecting 1,600 global travel buyers and more than 700 travel media with several thousand U.S. travel suppliers.
More than 5,000 travel professionals representing 60+ countries participate in total. Past IPWs have generated more than $5.5 billion in future travel to the United States. This event will dramatically increase visitation and investment in the Detroit region and be beneficial for the entire state of Michigan.
What Leaders Are Saying About Detroit Securing IPW
“In a historic run of success for Detroit, today marks another huge win for the city and the State of Michigan with the announcement that the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW event is coming to the Motor City in 2028,” said Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari. “This event will help inspire millions of more people to visit our city, which will help generate billions of dollars in economic impact. We can’t wait to bring the world to Detroit and Detroit to the world.ADVERTISEMENT“By serving as host site of IPW in 2028, Detroit will play a key role in growing inbound travel and strengthening the U.S. economy,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “U.S. Travel looks forward to working with Visit Detroit and the State of Michigan to bring the world to America—and ensuring IPW remains a can’t-miss event on the global travel industry’s calendar.” See Video Message from Geoff Freeman.
“IPW is an incredible opportunity for Michigan,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled to welcome the worldwide travel industry to Detroit for this global showcase of America. We can’t wait to highlight the Pure Michigan experience on an international stage.”

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The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that Hong Kong has won IBTM, the world’s leading Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) event brand, to organise its inaugural MICE trade show IBTM Asia Pacific 2025, in Spring 2025 in Hong Kong.
The event is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel trade and MICE professionals from the Mainland, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, South Korea and other markets in the region, and long-haul markets. The event not only provides an ideal platform for Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas travel agents, hotels, MICE venues, attractions, airlines and other industry players to explore business opportunities, but also helps consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and facilitate the development of MICE tourism throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman, said, “IBTM’s decision to host its inaugural flagship trade show for the Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s international standing and its unique role as a super-connector of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by the global MICE industry. The event will not only bring more than 1,500 high-yield visitors from the global travel trade and MICE industry to Hong Kong but will also generate positive word-of-mouth with their personal experience. This, in turn, will help bring more MICE events to Hong Kong, creating unlimited business opportunities for Hong Kong.”
Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM Portfolio Director, agreed that Hong Kong is an international MICE hub, “Hong Kong comes with various competitive edges, such as its diverse choice of venues, convenient transport facilities and the provision of comprehensive professional support. Geographically, it is well positioned as a gateway between the world and the Mainland, especially cities in the GBA, which makes the city the ideal host of IBTM Asia Pacific. I am confident that this exhibition will help MICE trade members in different markets establish contacts with each other and explore opportunities in the region.”

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For the first time, Disneyland Resort is releasing its lineup of special events and limited-time festivities for the coming year, with 2024 highlighted by the resort-wide Pixar Fest celebration beginning in the spring. Guests can book Disneyland Resort theme park reservations up to 180 days in advance with the expanded reservation calendar, and the slate of scheduled events can help them plan their visits earlier.With distinctly Disney experiences and exciting happenings all year long, no two visits are the same. As it enters an era of boundless growth and innovation, Disneyland Resort is also investing in the development of more guest experiences, with work underway on Pixar Place Hotel; the upcoming attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure; and the continued transformation of the Downtown Disney District.
A variety of ticket options and special offers throughout the year make it possible for many guests to visit Disneyland Resort. For visits in early 2024, families can get greater value with a special offer on theme park tickets for children ages 3-9.* Valid between Jan. 8 and March 10, 2024 (no blockout dates, subject to park reservation availability), child tickets can be purchased for as low as $50 per child, per day. More information is available on Disneyland.com.
Reimagined Pixar Fest returns spring 2024
Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, 2024, bringing guests together for a celebration of friendship and beyond. From colorful décor and themed menu items to commemorative merchandise, the Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District will have a Pixar twist of friendly fun for a limited time.
This festival of friendship is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”, will debut at Disney California Adventure Park, and at Disneyland Park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes. During the celebration, guests may encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red” and more. Additional entertainment and offerings will be announced at a later date.ADVERTISEMENTFestivals and limited-time celebrations
The return of highly anticipated festivals and seasonal festivities add many more choices of entertainment, menu items and experiences to Disneyland Resort visits in 2024.
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (Jan. 23-Feb. 18): A tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions, this multicultural celebration rings in the Year of the Dragon with Asian-inspired food and beverages, vibrant décor and Mushu leading the way in “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.”
Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park (Feb. 17 and 24): Performing at the Fantasyland Theatre, the 2024 “Celebrate Gospel” concerts will be headlined by Marvin Sapp (Feb. 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Feb. 24). “Celebrate Gospel” is an annual tribute to Gospel music that brings together award-winning music artists and community choirs from across Southern California.
Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure Park (Feb. 22-23): In celebration of the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club’s 30th anniversary, the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Ducks team up for a two-day event in Hollywood Land, including a celebratory cavalcade, fan zone with themed activities and photo opportunities, plus appearances by select current and legacy team players.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 1-April 22): The gastronomic extravaganza serves up creative foods and beverages, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment inspired by the diverse cultures and cuisines of the Golden State. The popular attraction, Soarin’ Over California, also returns for a limited time.

Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (April 5-June 2): Season of the Force arrives at Disneyland Park with Hyperspace Mountain and specially themed food and beverage, merchandise and more for a limited time. Debuting during the celebration, guests can embark on new adventures aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort (Aug. 23-Oct. 31): Wicked fun for all ages, this spellbinding season transforms the resort with autumn décor, characters dressed in hauntingly haute Halloween outfits and uniquely themed attractions.
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (Aug. 23-Nov. 2): The everlasting bonds of family and Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos are honored through a cultural experience featuring storytelling and music from Pixar’s “Coco.”
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Begins Nov. 15): Family and friends can celebrate the season with the lively Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park, plus seasonal overlays on beloved attractions, cherished holiday spectaculars and dazzling wintry décor throughout the resort.
Separately ticketed after-hours events
Guests can play the night away during fan-favorite after-hours events scheduled in 2024. These themed, separately ticketed events include pre-party park mix-in, shorter wait times for select attractions, unlimited select Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event, and more.
Disneyland After Dark (select nights from January through June): Disneyland Park will host four themed soirées packed with unique entertainment, rare character encounters and distinctive menus of sweet treats and savory snacks.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party** (Returning in 2024): Disney California Adventure Park will throw family-friendly Halloween parties including immersive treat trails, rare character sightings and unique entertainment. For this spirited occasion, guests are invited to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes.**
More magic in the making
The reimagined Pixar Place Hotel opens Jan. 30, 2024, marking the official transformation of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel into the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure Park will offer Pixar-themed guest rooms, new dining featuring Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more.
Beginning May 24, the nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene. In this treasured show, fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art projections.
When the new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts at Disneyland Park later in 2024, guests will embark on a musical journey inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.” The stories of Princess Tiana also extend to Tiana’s Palace quick-service restaurant and Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets retail shop in New Orleans Square.
The evolution of the Downtown Disney District continues to take shape with the openings of Paseo and Céntrico, serving Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, and Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, in 2024. Restaurants and boutiques in the area will also continue to offer new must-have merchandise and menu items to discover. Musical entertainment, activities and events make the newly opened Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn on the district’s west end an ideal location for gathering and relaxation.

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World Travel Awards is delighted to announce that it will host its Grand Final 2023 – the climax of its 30th anniversary of rewarding travel excellence – at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab.
The landmark celebrations, featuring the winners of the prestigious World categories – the highest honours in travel and tourism – will take place on Friday 1 December 2023, with the who’s who of the global industry in attendance.
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an icon of Arabian luxury, one of the most famous landmarks in Dubai, renowned for its ‘seven-star status’. Built on its own island, the sail-shaped building rises 321m, providing guests with an amazing hotel room view of the Arabian Gulf.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to reveal that our Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2023 will take place at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. This iconic hotel has played a significant role in putting Dubai on the global luxury tourism map, and exemplifies the meteoric emergence of the emirate into a powerhouse of tourism and hospitality.
He adds: “I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the world for what promises to be a fabulous, historic event that will last long in everyone’s memory.”ADVERTISEMENT

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