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Welcome back to Park & Heart! We have lots of magic today!
If this is your first Park & Heart, welcome. Each Sunday, I keep it short & sweet with two of my favorite things:
🏰 What’s new or what's old (and helpful) around Walt Disney World
💛 A bit of heart-level encouragement
No selling. No pressure. Just a weekly pause to catch your breath, stay in the loop, and smile a little.
Let's head down Main Street…
🏰 PARK | Disney Updates Worth Knowing
✨ Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away| Magic Kingdom
This new nighttime parade officially begins tonight. Friday & Saturday night soft openings surprised guests with early debuts. And the floats are BEAUTIFUL
✨ Test Track Soft Opening |Epcot
Though Test Track 3.0 does not officially open until July 22 it looks like soft openings may continue over the next two days. The gift shop at the exit has already opened, too.
✨ Halloween Party - Selling out | Magic Kingdom
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party remains super popular this year. More nights have completely sold out. Many going on our Group Cruise (including myself) are attending the night before the cruise sets sail.
✨ Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights | Magic Kingdom
Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights tickets go on Sale July 22nd. Grab them fast, as some of the nights go FAST!
✨ Maharajah Walking Trail |Animal Kingdom
The Maharajah Walking Trail at Disney's Animal Kingdom is truly a sight to behold — full of beautiful architecture, artifacts, and of course, animals. I’m amazed by how many people don’t know about it. It's a MUST SEE
✨ Movies Under The Stars | All Disney Resorts
I believe all of the resorts offer "Movies Under the Stars" each night. These are a golden way to unwind at night, slow down and get off your feet. Personally, they have created some of the best family memories for me.
✨ Herbie The Love Bug | Disney's All Star Movies
If you're a fan of the old Disney movies of Herbie the Love Bug, there's an entire section in Disney's All Star Movies that is a must see.
💛 Tips for Watching Disney Starlight | My First Thoughts
If you’re planning to watch the new parade, here are my early tips:
✅ Parade starts near the fire station at the park entrance.
✅ Watch from the Castle-side of the route if you also want a great Happily Ever After view afterward.
✅ Anywhere between Casey’s Corner and the Castle gives you the best chance to shift over for fireworks.
✅ For now, spots fill up fast — so grab your spot early.
✅ Strike up a conversation with the people around you while you wait (Disney friends are the best kind).
✅ Currently, the parade runs at 9:00 & 11:00 PM, with Happily Ever Afterat 10:00 PM.
✅ If you’re staying late, use the first parade as a chance to enjoy shorter ride waits
🍔 My Top 5 Burgers at Walt Disney World
In no particular order (because they’re all yummy):
1️⃣ House of Blues – Disney Springs
2️⃣ Splitsville – Disney Springs
3️⃣ Steakhouse 71 – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
4️⃣ Geyser Point – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
5️⃣ D-Luxe Burger – Disney Springs
💛 HEART | This Week’s Encouragement
This week, I want to encourage you to pause, look around, and find an opportunity to be a blessing to someone you cross paths with.
I know firsthand how much even a small word of kindness can mean—because I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end.
Back when I was driving Minnie Vans, an older couple hopped in for a ride. They told me all about their grandson who played baseball and how proud they were of him. Then, out of nowhere, the older gentleman started speaking life and encouragement into me like it was his job.
He didn’t know me. We’d never met. But in that short ride, you would’ve thought he was the greatest coach who ever lived—cheering me on, reminding me that I could do anything I wanted, filling the Minnie Van with positivity as if Minnie had personally sent him.
By the time we reached Disney’s Boardwalk, we were laughing like old friends. Before they walked away, they even gave me a hug. It was my job to make those rides magical, but on that ride, this guy made me feel like a million bucks.
And I still remember it.
You never know what the people around you today might be carrying. Maybe all they need is someone to notice them, smile at them, and remind them they matter.
You have the power to change someone’s whole day—maybe even their life—with just a few intentional words.
So this week, be that person.
Offer the kind word. Share the friendly hello. Pay the small compliment.
You never know how far your ripple of kindness might reach.
📚 BEHIND THE CURTAIN | Book & Shop Update
This past week, I had family in town for Justin’s birthday — and Justin & I even put them to work helping us ship out packages. lol It was great to have family in town!
I'm currently working on the devotional aspects of the book. I have all 15 chapters written (Day 1) and now I've started working on the devotional activities (Day 2). Currently I'm still on track for a September release, but I do need to get a little further ahead.
I’m so glad you’re here and hope this series continues to feel like a little pocket of encouragement and magic in your week.
You make a difference in this world!
—Bonnie
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