Heather Nicolas - Pixie Parks Travel

09/06/2024

👻 This ALONE is a reason to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Just LOOK at this Halloween castle 🏰

There are only a FEW DATES available in October, so contact me to get your tickets before it is too late! https://tr.ee/rOnYSnoVdo

09/05/2024

🍽️🍷 The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is now in full swing so let’s chat a little about those food kiosk offerings.

Not everyone is a foodie and some of those menu items can sound a little scary. For the less adventurous, here’s a list of more simple small plates I think you’ll enjoy:
◎ Canada: Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll (This is also where you can get the delicious Filet Mignon with Mushrooms, Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Mashed Potatoes and Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Butter 🤤)
◎ Macatizers: Classic Mac and Cheese (but some yummy flavors to try too!)
◎ Fry Basket: Fry Flight
◎ Greece: Spanikopita (Spinach and Cheese in a flaky pastry)
◎ Brew-Wing Lab (Odyssey): Traditional Buffalo Wings & Fried Pickle Spears
◎ Belgium: Beer-Braised Beef and Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes

Check out Disney Food Blog for a full review of all the food and drinks as well as all the special events for this amazing festival: https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/

09/05/2024

🐅🌳 🐍 If you’ve ever dreamed of braving the wilds of the jungle but know deep down you're more of a theme park snacker than a survivalist, the Wild Africa Trek tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is probably for you.

On this totally safe and exhilarating tour, you can channel your inner explorer without, you know, actually having to go to Africa.🌍

🐊 Swing over crocodile-filled rivers (safely harnessed, of course), 🦛 get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife, 🍇🧀🥖 enjoy snacks on the savanna and your very own guide/personal photographer📸. It’s 3 hours you will never forget!

09/04/2024

🚨 New Villains Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Summer 2025

Deep in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, something delightfully wicked is about to take the stage. It’s an all-new LIVE production starring everyone's favorite Disney Villains – debuting summer 2025!

The creative minds at Disney Live Entertainment will transform Sunset Showcase into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror. The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.

Before these villainous fiends take the spotlight at Sunset Showcase, guests should speed on over for another lap around the track at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy before OCTOBER 7.

09/03/2024

If only “I’M ON VACATION” always meant “I’M NOT WORKING”
🧑‍💻 The hard truth is many people still have to conduct business even when on vacation. It can be a little challenging to find quiet spaces to work at Walt Disney World. 🤫

🏨 Sure, you have your resort hotel room, but sometimes you want a change of
scenery. If you know you’ll have to put in some hours at the house of Mouse, you’ll want to explore staying at a deluxe resort or Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Whether it’s a serene lounge 🛋️, a quiet corner outside on the lush grounds 🌷🌴🪻 or even a spot in one of the conference centers👨‍💼💻👩‍💼, you can get the job done without feeling confined to your room at these resorts.

09/02/2024

09/01/2024

🍪🍨New month means new limited edition flavors!!! 😋

Check out the September flavors at 2 of my favorites Disney Springs stops:
🍪 Gideon’s Bakehouse: THE SEA TURTLE COOKIE
🍨 Salt & Straw: THE APPLE SERIES

🗓️ Check back every moth to see the unique limited time flavors! 😁

08/31/2024

🪐Hey, Walt Disney World pros...you know that Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT gets (and deserves) a lot of our attention, but if you are a thrill seeker, you will LOVE Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! at Disney California Adventure Park. 🦝

🏨 It’s a sister ride to Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but with your favorite Guardians. AND don’t shoot the messenger, but it might even be BETTER than Tower of Terror! 😬

🎶 The music is exactly what you would expect from Star-Lord, and there is an even scarier overlay during the fall! During spooky season, it becomes Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark! 👻

08/31/2024

🏝️ Disney’s Castaway Cay seriously set the bar for cruise line private islands.

🏖️It’s home to a top-notch family beach, a peaceful adult only beach, multiple dining options, activities for kids, adults, the whole family, and the opportunity to see some of our favorite Disney pals. 🐭

🛳️ You can spend the day doing exactly what you want (which includes nothing at all), and no one will be bored!

08/29/2024

Signs you might NEED a Hawaiian vacation:
🌺 You practice Hula dancing while making coffee
🌺 You put drink umbrellas in all beverages
🌺 Your weather app has O’ahu on it
🌺 The wax melts in your warmer are Aloha Breeze scented

If this is you, I can totally relate! Let me help you plan a perfect Hawaii trip to the beautiful Aulani!

08/28/2024

🤯 This blows my mind...Can you believe it’s been five years since Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge was dedicated at Walt Disney World?

⏳It doesn’t even seem possible that it was that long ago! I remember looking at the construction wall art dreaming of the day it will open.... it feels like just yesterday!

If you’ve not had the chance to visit yet, just WOW. The details of this land are off the charts. Take Ronto Roasters for example. Just this simple Quick Service spot is designed to the hilt, with full scale immersion and wildly popular wraps for both
breakfast and lunch! They are on our must eat list every trip to Hollywood Studios!

08/27/2024

🍄Super Mario Bros at Walt Disney World?!?!?! Yep! 🐢

👨🏻‍🔧👨🏻‍🔧👸 Head over to the Mistukoshi Department store in EPCOT’s Japan pavilion for a wide array of Super Nintendo® character plush dolls! (And Hello Kitty too if you’re interested😻)

08/26/2024

🐶 OK dog-loving friends, weigh in here. When it comes time to plan that family vacation, is your pup coming with you or enjoying a staycation and getting a sweet
souvenir from you when you get home to that wagging tail?

🐕‍🦺 It’s awesome that Walt Disney World has several dog-friendly hotels and the Best Friends Pet Care boarding nearby to make it easy for your fur babies to vacation with or near you. But not all pups do well with travel, change or separation. So I’m curious how you handle it.

08/25/2024

📟 Paging fans of Dr. Jones!

🐍 The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been entertaining guests for 35 years! It’s timeless fun that needs to be on your itinerary for sure, BUT...don’t just buzz by this area after the show or in a rush to get to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

👁️ Like Indy, there’s more to this area than meets the eye. Here are some details that you won’t want to miss:
◎ Find the rope with the ominous “Do Not Pull” sign and give it a little tug—if you dare and listen closely!
◎ Take a closer look at the table filled with artifacts. These props are carefully curated to make you feel like you’ve stepped into Indy’s world of archaeology and adventure.
◎ Grab a quick bite at the Epic Eats stand, where you can get funnel cakes, ice cream and drinks.

08/24/2024

🙊 We’ve got some controversy folks!

🐭Remember when it was said that food is always better Mickey shaped? Some Walt Disney World visitors, including myself, want to retract that statement after the recent BIG waffle change at Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow.

🤝 Previously, the hand-held version of my daughter's favorite snack came with strawberries, bananas, and blueberries and chocolate-hazelnut spread on a thick round waffle that could handle taming the many toppings.

🍽️ Today, the waffle is a thin Mickey shape and you can choose between 2 different fruit options: 1. Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread and Bananas 2. Berries and Cream. This new version requires a fork and knife to enjoy.

Side note: My daughter was NOT happy to hear that they separated her fruits so we are HOPING they will allow us to still order the banana and berries together with the Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread... or enough people revolt and they change the menu 🤞

08/24/2024

👻Even if you didn’t know this weekend is the first Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park, there would be signs.

🎃Unlike at Walt Disney World where Magic Kingdom is the only park that gets all done up for Halloween, Disneyland busts out the decorations for both parks and hosts their big bash at DCA.

⌛️Another HUGE difference is that this party sells out QUICK! All 27 dates throughout August, September and October sold out in 11 days... many days sold out the first date they became available! So if you want to experience this party next year, let me know and I will help you so you don't miss out!

08/22/2024

🚨2025 Disneyland Resort room and ticket packages are now available! ✨

These packages will be valid for arrivals Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2025. If your interested in checking out all these California parks have to offer in 2025 while they celebrate the Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary, fill out a Disneyland California vacation request form to get started: https://linktr.ee/pixieparksheathern

08/21/2024

In two words I’ll tell you why Disneyland in California wins for toddlers: Mickey’s Toontown.

🤗 With interactive play areas (they can touch everything!), family-friendly attractions, safe spaces to run around, shady spots, dining options and restrooms, it truly is the ultimate toddler playground.

🏡 Not to mention those coveted photos of meeting Mickey and Minnie at their cute homes!

08/20/2024

🍽️ The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE is almost here! From August 29 to November 23, 2024, embark on a culinary adventure across 6 different continents.

🎸One of my favorite part of this festival is the Eat to the Beat Concert series! Throughout the even, hear some of your favorite bands as they liven up the American Pavilian. Best part? There is no additional fee for these concerts!🎶

Use this list to plan out when you want to go and when your ready, fill out a vacation request for to start planning your trip: https://linktr.ee/pixieparksheathern

08/19/2024

🤳 How important are vacation pictures to you? Are you satisfied with whatever you snap on your phone camera? Do you lug around the “big camera”? Or are you all in for Disney PhotoPass shutterbugs to capture the memories for you?

🎞️ My family is a BIG fan of getting the Memory Maker add on! With the Memory Maker you’ll get:
◇ any shots a PhotoPass photographer takes-and they are all over the parks and resorts!
◇ select attraction photos
◇ Disney PhotoPass® Studio at Disney Springs

💵 When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll have the option to add the Memory Maker Photo Package in advance, which saves you quite a few bucks. Consider the value of getting EVERYONE in the picture and documenting your precious memories with professional, frame-worthy shots! They often take many different poses and sometimes you get some magic added to your photo that you don't know until you get your photo on your phone which is super fun!

08/18/2024

🎆 Want to plan a date night to remember at EPCOT? Check out the Fireworks Dining Package at Rose & Crown!

🍻For those that like to enjoy adult beverages and British fare, it’s kind of the best deal around the “world”. Included is your choice of:
▸ Appetizer (choice of two)
▸ Entree (choice of four)
▸ Dessert (choice of two)
▸ Select UNLIMITED Beverages (including Ales, Lagers, Stouts, Ciders, Wines and Prosecco)

🎇Plus a great spot on the patio to enjoy Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which is stunning!

08/17/2024

🛑 Please DON’T go all the way to Disney California Adventure Park and just get popcorn, ice cream or chicken nuggets. I’m here to save you from vacation regret with this list of MUST EATS at DCA:

‣Mickey Sourdough Loaf at Boudin Bakery
‣Anything at Schmoozies!
‣Baymax Macaron at Lucky Fortune Cookery
‣Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cone at Chili Cone Queso
‣Lobster Nachos at Lamplight Lounge
‣Quantum Pretzel at Pym Test Kitchen
‣Frozen Hot Chocolate at Ghiradelli

What on my list ranks #1 for you? Would you add anything as a MUST EAT?

08/17/2024

🎃 2024 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is in FULL SWING!!! Here are some highlights of the amazing characters, food, and shows offered at this amazing event

👻 For full in-depth details of all the things, visit Disney Food Blog who ate and saw it all! https://www.disneyfoodblog.com

🍬 Want to experience all the fun for yourself? I can help! Fill out a request form: https://linktr.ee/pixieparksheathern

08/16/2024

08/15/2024

🎉25 years of Disney Wonder!

🚢 Bigger doesn’t always mean better and this is so very true of this world-class vessel. While cruise lines are trending toward mega ships, the cozy intimacy of the Disney Wonder offers a now unique, more relaxing experience that will have you disembarking with unforgettable memories.

🗺️ This beauty sails to Australia, Alaska and Caribbean destinations and is now booking into 2026! Maybe this year is the one you take a Halloween or Christmas cruise? Fill out a Disney Cruise Live vacation request form here to get started: https://linktr.ee/pixieparksheathern

08/14/2024

🔎You can stop searching, I’ve found your new Disney Springs dining hot spot!

I’ll admit, whenever a new restaurant opens, there is a lot of hype around it-warranted or not. However, Summer House on the Lake lives up to it all!

Picture a breezy beach house vibe, open airy spaces, an eclectic menu that caters to just about all palettes, an in-house cookie bar and an ever-present feeling of being on vacation.

And if you are not at Disney, they have other locations you can try! The place where summer never ends is also located in Chicago, IL, North Bethesda, MD, and Las Vegas, NV!

08/12/2024

Currently, you have two options when it comes to riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure:
✔︎ Virtual Queue (free to join)
✔︎ Lightning Lane Multi Pass (requires purchase)

⏳It’s not an option right now to just get in line and wait to ride without a “reservation” using one of the above methods. And if you want to ride twice in one day, you’ll need to secure BOTH a Virtual Queue AND a Lightning Lane Multi Pass selection, which can be a challenge.😥

🎺🎷 This is an attraction you’ll want to experience, much like MANY other visitors. When staying on-property you’ll definitely have a BIG ADVANTAGE for a chance at securing the most popular attractions! Let’s work together so that you take FULL advantage of the on-site perks! https://linktr.ee/pixieparksheathern

08/11/2024

🏝️ I don’t know who needs to hear this but, MANY Walt Disney World Resorts have...beaches!

🪣📖 Or at least sandy areas that kids can play on while you relax with that book you’ve been meaning to read. What’s even better is that most resort gift shops sell sand toys, how about that! For about $15 (as of July 2024) they can play and get a fun souvenir from the trip. Win- win! 🏆

08/10/2024

🔥For the kind of s’more you eat with your pinky up, head to Disney Springs and pop into The Ganachery for one of their Artisan S’mores!

🍫This chocolate shoppe is full of the most decadent candy and novelties one can dream up. Truffles, cocoa bombs, chocolate piñatas, pops, pearls and so much
more.

🧑‍🍳PLUS, they have a live kitchen so you can watch the masters at work!