|
Let me introduce something I’m really excited about.
It’s called Park & Heart—a little space each Sunday to share the two things I love most:
It’s a strange mix, I know—but honestly, I think the world needs a little more sunshine right now.
No selling. No pressure. Just a weekly pause in your inbox to catch your breath, stay in the loop, and maybe smile a little.
Let’s jump into this week’s Park & Heart:
PARK | Disney Updates Worth Knowing
Two new shows just opened at Hollywood Studios (May 27):
-
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
Runs continuously throughout the day (currently every 40 minutes, with the last show around 7:20). I’m a fan—even though reviews are mixed, it’s fun, upbeat, and surprisingly charming.
-
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Runs every 30 minutes during peak hours and hourly in the mornings and evenings. If you love the villains, you’ll enjoy this! The staging is fantastic, and it really pulls in the audience. The technology and stage - OH MY!
EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival returns August 28–November 22.
If you’re visiting during those dates, I highly recommend dedicating a full day (or two!) to savor the booths, music, and atmosphere.
Right now, with no festival running, EPCOT feels noticeably quieter. But heads up—food options are limited. EPCOT has really become an “eat-around-the-world” park, and when the festivals are on pause, that experience takes a hit.
💦 Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach Perk:
Guests staying at Disney resorts get free water park admission on check-in day.
It’s a great way to start your trip off cool and refreshed—just pack your swimsuits in your carry-on and head straight to the wave pool while you wait for your room.
Starting your vacation on the lazy river - that is one of the most genius things Disney has offered in a while. You can't go wrong with either water park. They have been closing at different times, so that may be a factor when deciding which you want to take advantage of.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
There’s construction underway for a brand-new entrance and bus loop. I haven’t seen an official announcement yet, so this might still be under wraps—but it looks like a big win. The Poly deserves a grander entry!
Monsters Inc. Land Incoming
The Muppets Courtyard is now behind construction walls. Yes, I’m sad to see Muppet Vision 3D go, but the concept art for the new Monsters Inc. area is exciting and was even updated when they put up the construction walls.
It teases a major coaster, a show, shops, a sushi restaurant (speculation), and a kids’ play area. No timeline yet—but construction has already started.
Rivers of America Update
This one stings. Starting July 7, the Rivers of America, Liberty Belle, and Tom Sawyer Island will begin to be removed at Magic Kingdom. They’re making way for a Cars-themed area.
I’ll be soaking in that space every chance I get between now and then.
The updated concept art looks much stronger than the original, so… I’m cautiously optimistic.
Cake Bake Shop
Tina took me here last week for a belated birthday dinner—and wow. It’s not a casual place (it’s pricey), but for special occasions? It’s a winner. I’d go agai for something celebratory. And though it is expensive, it also FEELS like it's high end. They do not skimp on anything.
💛 HEART | Today’s Encouragement
I was in EPCOT last week when I saw a little girl in full princess gear twirling in the France Pavilion—right in front of Impressions de France.
She wasn’t performing. She wasn’t doing it for attention. She was just living in the moment—completely joyful.
And it made me pause.
How often do we, as adults, stop twirling? Not literally, but in our own way, simply living in the moment?
We get so caught up in plans, pressure, and productivity—even at Disney—that we forget to just be in the moment. To be where our feet are. To soak up all life has to offer.
So here’s your reminder (and mine): You don’t have to be so serious all the time. You’re allowed to feel alive. You’re allowed to let your guard down. You’re allowed to feel Joy- just because.
And in your own way... let yourself twirl a little.
Behind the Curtain (Book Update)
You may (or may not) know I’ve been working on a book—one that weaves together faith, Joy, and the magic of the Disney parks.
It first started as me writing out thoughts / journaling / processing the life that was happening around me - the beauty that I saw in life. Eventually I decided I wanted to do a bit more with these entries - and turn it into a book.
What in the world was I thinking?? But here I am, writing a book. lol
It’s coming together in ways that surprise me and stretch me.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a few sneak peeks here inside Park & Heart—not as a promotion, but as a way of letting you in on the journey.
So far, I’ve written six chapters. And re-written them about sixty times each. lol
Each one pulls a story from the parks and pairs it with a spiritual principle—all pointing toward living a more Joy-filled life. I want to share those thoughts with others... that part scares me a TON.
I know… it’s a unique combo. But it’s been on my heart for a long time, and the timing finally felt right.
Thanks for letting me share it.
|
