DLW 319: Into the Realm with Disney Author Alexandra Monir

This week, Magic Key sales resume, new details on upcoming festivals, Tale of the Lion King roars away, lightning lane coming to a classic attraction, we talk to Disney author Alexandra Monir, and more!

Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/.

Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos.

News:

Magic Key sales will resume on January 10, 2024. All four levels will be available no earlier than 9am PST. Prices range from $499 for the Imagine Key, up to the Inspire at $1649. Depending on your key level, perks include things like discounts on food and merchandise purchases, parking discounts, photo pass, special offers just for keyholders and more. To learn more information check out the link in our show notes. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/magic-key/?CMP=FBPAGE20240104174354 https://www.micechat.com/330375-disneyland-magic-keys-everything-you-need-to-know/ https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/ When Pixar Fest comes to Disneyland in April, it will feature vibrant decorations and themed entertainment celebrating beloved Pixar characters. A highlight of the festival is a new sculpture on Main Street, U.S.A., featuring iconic Pixar characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear. – NEW Main Street, U.S.A., Addition Announced for Disney’s Pixar Fest | the disney food blog Disney California Adventure is set to reintroduce “Hurry Home — A Lunar New Year Celebration,” a nighttime show, as part of its Lunar New Year Festival starting on January 23rd. This special event will be showcased before the “World of Color — ONE” show, which is returning from a brief refurbishment on January 19th. The “Hurry Home” celebration will continue through February 18th, aligning with the duration of the Lunar New Year Festival. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/05/a-disney-nighttime-show-is-coming-back-in-2024/ The Food & Wine Festival, running from March 1st through April 22nd, will offer an array of events. Highlights include Tasting Seminars, Beer Education & Tasting Seminars featuring various breweries, and Wine Seminars with experts from wineries. There’s also a special Mixology Class at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Lounge, priced at $159 per person, with events occurring on select dates. Check out the link in the show notes for all the details. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/05/new-details-revealed-about-the-2024-disney-california-adventure-food-wine-festival/ Lightning Lane is coming to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction while the Haunted Mansion is closed for refurbishment. This decision has sparked criticism, as it is believed to potentially increase standby wait times for an attraction that typically does not require a skip-the-line feature. Critics argue that this move decreases the guest experience, pointing to similar impacts seen with the Little Mermaid attraction, where the introduction of Lightning Lane led to longer standby lines. – https://www.micechat.com/377221-disneyland-news-holidays-end-lightning-lame-constant-construction/ The “Tale of the Lion King” show at Disneyland has concluded its run. This high-energy performance, although smaller in scale compared to previous productions at the Fantasyland Theatre, was popular. With its closure, Disneyland currently has no major theatrical productions, as the Hyperion and the Fantasyland Theater are unused and “Fantasmic!” is set to return on May 24th. The park continues to offer smaller-scale shows like Storytelling at the Fairytale Theatre in Princess Fantasy Faire. – Disneyland Update: The Great Goodbye, Lightning Lame & Constant Construction (micechat.com) Disneyland has unveiled ten new culinary delights, available starting January 10th. At the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, guests can indulge in Banoffee Pie, Strawberry-Stuffed Croissant, Cherry-Vanilla Macaron, Lemon Meringue Éclair, Chocolate Mousse Brownie, S’mores Tart, and Beef Birria Toasted Cheese. Meanwhile, Smokejumpers Grill in Disney California Adventure is adding a Raspberry Cheesecake Shake, Citrus-Melon Punch, and Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade to its lineup. These additions offer diverse flavors, ranging from sweet pastries to savory sandwiches, offering something for everyone. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/01/08/disney-just-announced-10-new-menu-items/

Snack Chat:

Carnation Cafe, a fixture of Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A., opened as an ice cream parlor in 1955. Sponsored by Carnation, it initially featured an ice cream counter and outdoor seating. In 1997, it transformed into a restaurant specializing in American comfort food. The Victorian-style building offers a charming dining experience, with carnation flowers on each table. Signature items include Walt Disney’s favorite, Walt’s Chili, and popular vegan Mickey Mouse waffles. The cafe also gained attention for its fried pickle appetizers, a Disneyland must-try according to Eater in 2019 – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/carnation-cafe/menus

Discussion Topic:

Author and International Best Seller Alexandra Monir hanna.pollock@sparkpointstudio.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOpEzciirg/ https://books.disney.com/book/realm-of-wonders/ https://www.instagram.com/alexandramonir/ Anyone who orders a book and sends a reciept screenshot or photo to hanna.pollock email can get a free limited edition signed book plate (personalized with provided name) and a limited edition 3 poster set. https://a.co/d/ebRoC0c – The Final Six book alexandramonirbooks@gmail.com