Starting March 22, TUI's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner filled with excited tourists from the United Kingdom will fly into Melbourne Orlando International Airport, with officials projecting the worldwide travel giant bringing 135,000 passengers into Melbourne by the end of 2022. With most passengers heading straight to the theme parks and attractions of Orlando, TUI switching from the much closer to Orlando, Sanford Orlando International Airport to Melbourne is a challenge for TUI, as their regular visitors to the sunshine state will be used to arriving much closer to Orlando. Plus, for Space Coast business leaders, the question is how they can lure these passengers to spend any amount of time, and their money in the local area. Tammy McKenzie who is in charge of the TUI Group's “Project Melbourne" commented "I have colleagues that have come over to Melbourne, and they've been out by the beach there. Yes, the beach is absolutely amazing — but it's quite residential," "If our customers come here, how will they know what's offered? Where will they know to go? And that's going to be the really key part for Melbourne now, and for the Space Coast," McKenzie said. "It's making sure that the Brits know about Melbourne," McKenzie went on to say Melbourne offers TUI two key strategic advantages: nearby beaches and uncongested access to I-Drive. After switching from Sanford to Melbourne, McKenzie said TUI will market the Space Coast to European travelers along these lines: “Melbourne treats visitors to the more authentic side of Florida, and a place to retreat and relax from the chaos of I-Drive.” McKenzie said TUI has been working the past few months with Cocoa Beach hoteliers on packaging overnight stays with Brevard activities: think beachgoing, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, seafood dining and shopping. For example, she said TUI passengers could rent a car and spend consecutive nights along the Space Coast, which could be particularly attractive for Port Canaveral cruisers, and with this in mind, U.K. cruise line Marella Cruises, a division of TUI, will itself launch cruises from Port Canaveral next summer. Destinations will include New York, New Orleans, Charleston, South Carolina, Key West, and the Caribbean. TUI agreed a seven-year contract in 2020 to move its Central Florida gateway operations from Orlando Sanford International Airport to Melbourne. Since then, construction crews have been racing to complete a massive $72 million overhaul of Melbourne's passenger terminal to ensure it can accommodate TUI's aircraft and the large influx of international passengers. All works will be completed in in time to welcome TUI's inaugural flight from the U.K. which will be from Manchester, England on March 22. Rob Himler, Melbourne Orlando International Airport spokesman said TUI will operate 11 weekly flights throughout April from eight U.K. regional airports. Each flight will carry between 300 to 345 passengers. Moving into the busy summer months, flights will increase to 16 weekly flights The Space Coast Office of Tourism has earmarked $200,000 for initial marketing aimed at the influx of TUI passengers. With most TUI passengers spending between 10 to 14 days on their Florida vacations, Melbourne Main Street Executive Director Kim Agee said she hopes they return to Melbourne for the last two days of their trips. “We’re hoping they will stay in our local hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. And that they will come into downtown and shop and play and live and explore, and do all the things that we have to offer," Agee said. TUI Flight Schedule: Here is the details for the TUI flights as they prepare to fly from a large number of U.K. locations into Melbourne. Birmingham Flights from Birmingham (BHX/EGBB) will operate up to 3 times per week. Bristol Twice-weekly flight will operate from Bristol (BRS/EGGD). Doncaster Sheffield A once weekly flight will operate from Doncaster Sheffield (DSA/EGCN). Edinburgh A once weekly flight will also operate from Edinburgh (EDI/EGPH). Glasgow Glasgow (GLA/EGPF) will also have a once weekly flight. London Gatwick London Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) will have twice-weekly flights. Newcastle Twice weekly flights will operate from Newcastle (NCL/EGNT). Manchester Manchester (MAN/EGCC) will see the most flights with up to five weekly flights.

Great news foodies! The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12 2022, and tickets are on sale now! The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is a street party festival with unlimited tastings of culinary selections from the hotel's award-winning restaurants plus bottomless wine, beer, and beverage samplings from around the world. It all takes place amidst a wonderful backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel's causeway featuring several themed areas such as a beer garden, carnival corner and bubble lounge. Plus, the great news is that for 2022, the event will also feature the return of the interactive food and beverage seminars lead by the hotel's expert team. Food Stroll the causeway where you will be tempted with a diverse selection of delectable delights prepared by our award-winning chefs. Our chefs will be offering unrivaled cuisine to please every palate. Meet our all star line-up of award-winning chefs including Todd English, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. Drink Sample fine wine, beer and spirits from around the world. This is a great opportunity to sample beverages you may not have thought to try before. Our certified sommeliers will be on hand to answer all questions regarding choosing the right wine for your meal or celebration. Learn Expand your knowledge of wine, beer, spirits and sake. Learn how to choose the right beverage and how to pair it perfectly with your meal. Our certified sommeliers will teach you the basics to advanced skills of choosing the perfect bottle for the perfect occasion and the perfect meal. You’ll walk away with the ability to impress at your next dinner outing! Entertainment Of course, the food and drink will be exceptional, but we’re going all out with live entertainment performing in the famous Dolphin clamshell fountain on both evenings. We’ll also have a merchandise tent where you can pick up a souvenir to commemorate the event! More information about the 2022 event will be released soon. For the latest information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FoodandWineClassic.com

Walt Disney World have announced that major and exciting changes are coming to the Disney Boardwalk Resort area over the next few years. Disney describe the changes as new enhancements and offerings to the popular, turn-of-the-century promenade, changes include a charming new lobby design and nearby coffee bar to delectable dining options, refreshed guest rooms and other special touches. Waterside strolls will be extra special with storybook sweet treats and dreamy desserts at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a new table service restaurant and bakery that’s sure to delight. Expected to open in 2023, this restaurant will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love. And with this new sweet spot on the horizon, the BoardWalk Bakery will be changing, becoming a brand new sandwich shop for guests to enjoy a bite along the water’s edge, joining other current food and beverage locations like BoardWalk Ice Cream. Through the doors of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, light and airy touches will reinvigorate the lobby, lounge and guest rooms, carrying the seaside breeze right inside. Just off the lobby, a new coffee bar with artisanal beverages and quick bites will be available to-go or in newly refreshed seating spaces inside or outdoors. All these changes sound very exciting, and we cant wait to see these developments come to life over the next few years! The Disney Resort hotel experience is a special part of what makes each Walt Disney World vacation truly memorable. As one of 31 themed resorts in the Disney Resorts Collection, Disney’s BoardWalk offers something for everyone – from shopping and dining to entertainment and recreation. We are looking forward to sharing new details about these enhancements at the resort as they become available.

Walt Disney World remains as busy as ever, and the operating hours have been extended from March 27 through April 2 at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom will continue to open at 9:00 a.m. It will now close at 11:00 p.m. Extended evening hours on March 29 will start at 11:00 p.m. and go until 1:00 a.m. EPCOT EPCOT will now be opening at 8:30 a.m. instead of 10:00 a.m. Early entry will begin at 8:00 a.m. It will still close at 9:00 p.m. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney’s Hollywood Studios will now open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. Early entry will begin at 8:00 a.m. It will still close at 9:00 p.m. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney’s Animal Kingdom will now open at 7:30 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. Early entry will begin at 7:00 a.m. It will now close at 8:30 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m.

An important milestone has been reached in the construction of Walt Disney World's latest attraction, and its great news! Walt Disney Imagineering has released a new video offering a look behind-the-scenes at the construction of the brand new TRON Lightcycle Run attraction at Magic Kingdom, the much delayed ride is expected to open by the end of next year. Imagineer Chris Beatty said, "the team will soon start a process known as “push/pull,” where sections of the seven-vehicle train are slowly moved through the entire ride track. Once the track is completely ready, trains will begin launch tests at incremental speeds, with the team eventually working their way up to full-speed launches." The great news is that guests in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom will soon see the attraction's trains make their way out of the launch zone and underneath the attraction's iconic canopy. Check out this video below for a behind-the-scenes look from Executive Ride Engineer, Jerold Kaplan, as the team prepares for this important and exciting milestone.

Disney have announced that over the next few years, new enhancements and offerings will be coming to the BoardWalk at Walt Disney World, one such upgrade is the announcement that a brand new restaurant and bakery will be opening in the popular, turn-of-the-century themed promenade. Storybook sweet treats and dreamy desserts are promised at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. Expected to open in 2023, this new table service restaurant and bakery will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with an afternoon tea service The whimsical setting within this exciting new restaurant and bakery is sure to complement the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that we all know and love. The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is a very popular Central Indiana restaurant and bakery with locations in Broad Ripple and Carmel. Cake Bake Shop owner Gwendolyn Rogers made the announcement that she is opening a new location in the most magical place on earth on The Cake Bake Shop's Instagram account. "I am so excited to announce that I will be opening my next Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World Resort. Expected to open in 2024!" The Carmel location which the new BoardWalk restaurant is believed to be based on, is a magical and whimsical space which is sure to become a must visit spot in Walt Disney World. When you arrive you walk through French doors, sparkling chandeliers over head, antiqued mirrors, French inspired furniture, beautiful seasonal decorations, gorgeous cakes on French porcelain platters topped with glass domes. Gwendolyn's shops offer the most incredible experience from ‘The Best Quiche You Will Ever Have’ to homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, even a true French Croque Monsieur. Behind the kitchen window you can see the master bakers gently sieving non-bromated flours from Vermont, there are large pots of French & Belgian Chocolate melting on the stove, cakes baking in the ovens and decorators frosting the most exquisite cakes. We cannot wait for this new restaurant to open in Walt Disney World, and we're sure it's going to quickly become a must visit location, not only for the visitors to the resort, but for us too!

You'll feel like you have the luck of the Irish when you visit Walt Disney World during the St Patrick's Day holiday. The resort's chefs and mixologists have put together a wonderful selection of eats and treats, perfect if you’ve got some Irish in you, or your a foodie looking for unique, and tasty St Paddy's Day treats. From savory dishes to sweet delights, and deliciously crafted Irish cocktails, there is a little bit of everything for everyone, so grab your appetite and go over the rainbow Walt Disney World, and enjoy a pot of gold filled to the brim with irresistible goodies! Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Intermission Food Court (available March 13 through 19) St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) Disney’s All-Star Music Resort World Premiere Food Court (available March 13 through 19) St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Art of Animation Resort The Drop Off (available March 13 through 31) Good Luck Charm: Vodka and Irish cream liqueur blended with vanilla ice cream topped with fresh whipped cream and cookie ears Landscape of Flavors (available March 13 through 19) Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available) Disney’s BoardWalk AbracadaBAR (available through March 31) Irish Magic Trick: Irish whiskey, Italian liqueur, and bitters Atlantic City Dance Hall (available through March 31) Shamrock Punch: Apple whisky, vodka, apple sour, lime sour, Granny Smith apple, and Sprite garnished with a glow cube Bellevue Lounge (available through March 31) Irish Mule Cocktail: Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice garnished with a lime BoardWalk Bakery (available March 12 through 17) (Mobile Order available) Mint Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ‘n cream mousse topped with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a sugar cookie shamrock Shamrock Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with green holiday decor Cannoli: Traditional Cannoli with green holiday decor Coconut Macaroon: Traditional giant coconut macaroon with green chocolate decor Mickey Brownie: Ganache brownie with green holiday sprinkles Boardwalk Joe’s (available through March 31) Pot O Lucky Gold: Coconut rum, vodka, lime, pineapple juice, and honey-mango flavors garnished with lime and pineapple Leaping Horse Fuzzy Leprechaun: Vodka, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, orange juice, and pineapple juice garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry Trattoria al Forno (available through March 31) Italian Leprechaun: Limoncello, prosecco brut, and elderflower liqueur garnished with mint Mimosa Verdi: Prosecco brut, blue curaçao, fruit liqueur, and pineapple juice Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Centertown Market (available March 13 through 19) Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and a shamrock chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Café (available March 17) St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Green cupcake filled with gold crispy pearls topped with buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles, and white chocolate Minnie hat (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gasparilla Island Grill (available through March 18) St. Patty’s Day Hat: Caramel Irish cream mousse on a shortbread cookie (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Goods to Go and The Artist’s Palette (available March 17) St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Irish dry stout cake with Irish cream liqueur mousse and whiskey caramel finished with vanilla buttercream, gold crisp pearls, and a white chocolate shamrock (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s (available March 17) St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake topped with chocolate and vanilla buttercream, chocolate Mickey ears, and a shamrock (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Pop Century Resort Everything POP Shopping & Dining (available March 13 through 19) Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (available March 13 through March 19) Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Riverside Mill (available March 13 through March 19) Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor Disney’s Riviera Resort Le Petit Café (available March 17) Caramel Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel hazelnut custard filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Roaring Fork (available March 17) Shamrock Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ’n cream (Mobile Order available) Disney’s Yacht Club Resort The Market at Ale & Compass (available through March 17) Irish Cream Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a Irish cream mousse covered in chocolate ganache and finished with chocolate and vanilla crisp pearls and a chocolate clover (Mobile Order available) Disney Springs Amorette’s Patisserie (available March 12 through 20) Luck of the Irish Petit Cake: Layers of praline, whiskey-scented vanilla chiffon cake, and Irish cream liqueur pastry cream City Works Eatery (available through March 17) Irish Nachos: House-made corned beef, hardwood-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, IPA cheese sauce, green onions, and chips Pastrami Reuben: House-made pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, bacon-braised sauerkraut, and marble rye Shepherd’s Pie: Stout-braised ground beef, peas, carrots, onions, shredded cabbage, and potato purée Dark Side of The Moon: Belgian-style witbier and an Irish dry stout Snakebite: Hard apple cider and an Irish dry stout Voodoo: Raspberry ale and an Irish dry stout D-Luxe Burger (available through March 31) Dubliner Burger: Double stack of signature blend beef patties topped with cheddar, corned beef, lettuce, fried onions, and Irish stout barbecue sauce The Ganachery (available March 12 through 20) Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Squares The Daily Poutine (available through March 31) Irish Poutine: Fries, Irish porter cheddar cheese, stout gravy, onion marmalade, and sliced pork bangers Raglan Road Irish Pub (available through March 17) Take part in the festivities of Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival this year with classics like fresh-caught fish and chips, Shepherd’s to Die for Pie, and the plant-based take on shepherd’s pie, This Shepherd Went Vegan, along with delicious drinks including the new So Berry Les. So Berry Les: Local Florida strawberry and Key lime-infused hard seltzer Vivoli il Gelato Float: Vanilla gelato with an Irish dry stout (available through April 30) Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake: Mint chocolate chip gelato, cookies and cream gelato, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips (available through April 5)

SeaWorld's Aquatica will open it's all new body slide, Reef Plunge to guests on March 13 As guests slide through translucent cutouts and rings, they will twist and turn through over 330 feet of fiberglass, they will spot a vibrant array of marine life in the new habitat. Animals include Commerson's dolphins, leopard sharks, sardines, and a variety of other cold water fish which will all call the new attraction home. Reef Plunge is an update to the former Dolphin Plunge attraction at the water park, and many elements from the original attraction are still there, but there are some awesome changes which really enhance the overall ride experience. The top half of the slide now features fiberglass sections with translucent silhouettes of many different animals. There is also new ring elements, which gives you the illusion that you are sliding faster than you are. The highlight of the experience is that you slide through clear acrylic tubes giving you the chance to see an array of marine life in the new habitat. The great news is that with the changes, Aquatica has been able to lower the minimum height requirement for Reef Plunge from 48 inches to 42 inches, allowing younger visitors a chance to experience it. "2022 is going to be an exciting year for Aquatica Orlando. Aquatica was voted the No. 1 waterpark in the USA because guests love our year-round operations, one-of-a-kind attractions and laid-back beach vibe,” said Kyle Miller, park president. In addition to opening this brand new attraction, SeaWorld have said multiple enhancements are happening throughout Aquatica, including the addition of more that 1.000 loungers and beach chairs with increased shade, a new quick-serve pizza place, a new beach bar, plus upgrades to the popular Banana Beach Cookout. Multiple attractions will also receive upgrades, including enhancements to several slides.

It's great news to have parades and shows back at Magic Kingdom, and it's fair to say that Magic Kingdom has gotten even more magical with entertainment filling the streets and castle stage as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration. We're delighted that the castle stage show is back with the debut of “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire,” a newly enhanced show where you’ll see characters from “Frozen,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more join Mickey Mouse and all his friends in a musical extravaganza on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. The opening and finale of the show feature a heartwarming new song and sparkling EARidescent fashions designed exclusively for The World’s Most Magical Celebration. Check out the video below to hear Show Director Tara Anderson and Principal Music Producer Dan Stamper talk about bringing this exciting experience to life. “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” is only part of the fun. The beloved “Disney Festival of Fantasy” parade is back – this time winding its way through the park not once, but twice each day! That’s double the chance to experience the enchanting floats – like the fire-breathing Maleficent dragon – and iconic music as characters from “The Little Mermaid,” “Tangled,” “Peter Pan” and more bring their individual stories to life in a spectacular way. Magic Kingdom sure feels like its getting back to it's magical self, you gotta go check it out!

Disney Vacation Club has released a new short documentary about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, ahead of the new Villas opening for members this summer. Filmed on location with help from some familiar Disney characters, the video celebrates the past, present and future of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as more Disney Vacation Club Members than ever call this approachably elegant getaway home. Debuting summer 2022 and on sale now, new accommodations will broaden the available range of room options, which have recently been excitingly enhanced. Hear insights about the resort’s design from Disney Legend Wing Chao, catch up with resort General Manager Cosmo Kapoor and peek inside its grandest villa with Disney Imagineer Shawn Moore. Celebrated for its 1890s Victorian architecture and elegance, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a favorite resort of Disney Vacation Club Members. Beginning summer 2022, approximately 200 new resort studios will be home to DVC members, a Disney Vacation Club room type unique to The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. At the same time, existing villas including deluxe studios, one and two bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas will be enhanced. The expansion and enhancements provides guests with even more opportunities to make magical vacation memories together with Magic Kingdom Park close by. The new resort studios feature two queen size beds and a day bed with room for up to five guests. The existing villas will also receive exciting enhancements. The deluxe studios at the resort can also accommodate up to five guests and feature a queen size bed, a pull-down queen size bed that tucks away seamlessly into the wall, and a charming pull down bunk-size bed – perfect for the little ones. For an even grander stay, families staying in spacious one or two bedroom villas enjoy the comforts of home while staying inside the magic. These accommodations offer full kitchens and large living areas as well as added conveniences – like modern appliances, a farmhouse sink, and a washer and dryer. Living areas will feature a new pull-down queen size bed along with a pull down bunk-size bed that folds away to be hidden beneath the media center. For larger families and multi-generational vacations, guests enjoy plenty of room and comfort in the three bedroom grand villa. These spacious accommodations sleep up to 12 guests, with two bedrooms that include two queen size beds each, along with a primary bedroom that features a king size bed. Three bedroom grand villas also boast a dining area and expansive living room. Charming accents in the rooms include Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Victorian themed silhouettes and other artwork featuring Mary Poppins and Dumbo. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa sits on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and is located in the heart of the magic. Close by, guests can enjoy the monorail, buses, and water taxi services directly from the property to travel throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is also literally steps away from the excitement via a new walkable promenade leading to and from Magic Kingdom Park.

Following the return of 'Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade' at Magic Kingdom, 'Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade' at Magic Kingdom is now only performing twice per day. The new Magic Kingdom cavalcade debuted February 11 2022 with four performances per day, but now has showings in the late afternoon only. 'Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade' takes place earlier in the day, twice daily.

Disney have announced that the Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the EPCOT Experience will be closing permanently on March 14, 2022. No specific plans for the space have been announced by Disney, but there are apparently new experiences in development for the space within the Odyssey building. Imagineer Zach Riddley said on Instagram, "With the transformation now well under way and many of those projects now open, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Harmonious and the upcoming debut of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind this summer, we have decided it is time to close the EPCOT Experience on March 14 and make way for exciting new activations of the Odyssey pavilion to create a great experience for our guests." Located in the Odyssey building between World Showcase and Future World, the exhibit opened October 1 2019 and featured a 360 degree movie and projection mapping onto a model of the park to tell the story of Epcot's future. The 12 minute show includes concept art, and guides guests through each of the new additions that were planned for EPCOT.