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- Beyond the Pixie Dust: Issue 08
Beyond the Pixie Dust: Issue 08
Your destination for tips, tricks, deals, and news on all things travel
Catherine at Timeless Tales Travel
January 05, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2026
I can’t believe 2025 is already over, what was your favourite memory from last year? If I had to pick just one, it would be from our last trip and celebrating Savannah’s 11th birthday at EPIC Universe in Orlando, Florida. It wasn’t what we did but that we were all together to celebrate her as a family. With our oldest away at college this year things have been different, good but sad too.
✨ Here’s what’s inside this month:
🏰 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Updates
Disney News to Start the New Year
Big changes are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. To make way for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, opening Summer 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will close on March 2, 2026. The final day to ride will be March 1, 2026.
After enjoying so many delicious bites in 2025, 2026 is shaping up to be just as tasty. The chefs at Disneyland Resort have been busy creating an exciting lineup of treats. From offerings tied to the ongoing Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration to new and returning favorites throughout the resort, there is plenty to look forward to.
As part of the 70th Celebration, limited-time food and beverages are bringing a flavorful twist to seven decades of magic. Fan-favorite items are returning alongside brand-new creations. A full guide to all the offerings can be found here.
Looking ahead to early 2026, it’s time to mark your calendar for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. The festival returns January 16 through February 23, 2026, at Walt Disney World Resort, blending culinary, visual, and performing arts into a truly magical experience.
EPCOT Festival of the Arts Tip 🎨
Grab a Festival Passport as soon as you enter the park. It’s your best guide for food studios, art booths, showtimes, and the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. I always recommend taking a few minutes to skim it first so you can plan your must-see art and must-try snacks before lines build up.
 | Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels this spring—for stays most nights from February 22, 2026, to April 30, 2026. Plus, enjoy other savings select nights until February 19, 2026. Take Advantage of a Ticket Offer, Too! You may be able to combine this room offer with a special ticket offer for Canada residents —to get a 4-day or longer Walt Disney World theme park ticket starting at US$115 per day, plus tax (total price starting at US$459 plus tax). These 2 offers can be combined to create a room-and-ticket package for arrivals:
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 | Be immersed in the magic throughout your visit, save up to 25% on select stays of 3 or more nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel, from January 1 through May 21, 2026. Subject to availability and restrictions. This winter or spring, stay 3 nights or more— weekdays or weekends—and enjoy savings on both Standard and Premium room types at these magical Disneyland Resort hotels:
Book now through May 7, 2026. Travel must be completed by May 22, 2026. |
🌴 All-Inclusive Spotlight
RIU PALACE RIVIERA MAYA
   | Completely renovated in 2019, the iconic Riu Palace Riviera Maya blends modern luxury with the grand elegance it has been known for since opening in 2006. The renovation refreshed all guest rooms, public spaces, and outdoor areas, introducing RIU’s updated décor while preserving the resort’s five-star beachfront charm. Guests can enjoy 24-hour all-inclusive service, room service, and an expanded dining lineup, including the new Italian restaurant Il Portico. Favorite venues remain, including Don Rafael, Yashima, Agave, Chilis, Krystal, and Pepe’s Food at the pool. Newly redesigned bars, the theatre, and Lounge 24 add a more refined feel, along with the addition of the Capuchino café and ice cream parlour. Relaxation is front and center with 460 beautifully designed rooms inspired by the ocean, three swimming pools including a swim-up bar, and upgraded entertainment options. Adults can enjoy RiuFit classes, daytime and evening entertainment, and the weekly Riu Party at nearby Riu Tequila. Families will love the updated RiuLand Kids’ Club, complete with a children’s pool, slides, and water games. If you are searching for a refined all-inclusive escape in an unbeatable Riviera Maya location, Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a wonderful choice. |
🚢 Cruise Corner
🚢Disney Castaway Cay Family Beach Cabanas are now Sandcastle Cabanas
The Family Beach Cabanas at Disney Castaway Cay have a new name. They are now called Sandcastle Cabanas. This playful update adds even more magic to the Castaway Cay experience.
When booking online through My Cruise Activities, guests will see them listed as:
Castaway Cay – Sandcastle Cabana (cabana number) – Family
With this change, both Sandcastle Cabanas and Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas are now clearly shown on the updated Castaway Cay map.
Cabanas are subject to availability and can be pre-reserved at disneycruise.com under My Cruise Activities. Cabanas must be booked at the reservation level, and only guests on that reservation should be selected during booking. Up to 10 additional guests may be added onboard by visiting the Port Adventures Desk or Guest Services.
 | 🚢Canadian Residents: Save Up to 35% on Select Sailings🚢 Take advantage of special savings of up to 35% on prevailing rates as quoted by Disney Cruise Line for select stateroom categories. Save up to 35% on Select Sail Dates 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral 3-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston with Marvel Day at Sea 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston 4-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston with Marvel Day at Sea 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral |
 | 🌟 Introducing Legend of the Seas Legend of the Seas is designed for families who want it all. Soak up the sun, grab a quick bite from one of 13 grab-and-go venues, including new flavors at AquaDome Market, and come together each evening to share stories from the day’s adventures. Spend fun-filled days in Surfside, the stay-all-day neighborhood made for families, featuring a new carousel, endless splashes at Splashaway Bay, and outdoor team challenges at Family Field Day. When it’s time to cool off or turn up the excitement, choose between relaxing at Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, or braving Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with over 1,100 feet of thrilling twists and turns. From a round at Lost Dunes to unforgettable itineraries through Europe or under the Caribbean sun, Legend of the Seas offers unforgettable moments your family will be talking about long after the journey ends. |
🎢 Universal Orlando & Hollywood Updates
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval 🎉
Get ready for a celebration full of color, music, and flavor! From February 7 through April 4, 2026, enjoy a spectacular parade, beads, live music, and delicious dishes from around the world.
Take the experience to the next level with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, now on sale! Separate same-day theme park admission is required, and parade float spots are limited—so plan ahead to secure your spot.
Universal Mardi Gras Tip 🎭
Arrive early in the day and enjoy the food booths before the parade crowds build. Portions are perfect for sharing, so you can sample more flavors without filling up too fast. Save the parade and live music for the evening when the energy is at its peak.
✨ From My Travels:
 | On our last vacation, we spent a day at EPIC Universe celebrating our youngest’s birthday, and wow… it was busy. It definitely felt much more crowded than the original Universal parks, but for a birthday trip, the excitement was worth it. There was absolutely no way I was missing the chance to meet Toothless. The posted wait time was 90 minutes, but I don’t think we waited nearly that long. To make it even better, Stormfly and Astrid came out as well, which made the wait worth it and turned it into such a special moment. Seeing the Savannah’s reactions made it 100% worth it. We grabbed lunch at Mead Hall, and I was pleasantly surprised. A lot of the menu leaned heavily toward salmon, which I don’t eat, so I ended up ordering a kids meal, but the portion was still more than enough. One of my favorite parts was the mobile ordering. You find a table, place your order, and they bring the food right to you. No standing in line to order, no juggling trays, and no wandering around trying to find seating. That alone made it a win on a busy park day. All in all, it was a packed but memorable day and such a fun way to celebrate a birthday in a brand-new park |
🧳 Travel Tip of the Month:
Build in a little flexibility. Whether it’s an extra travel day, a slower morning, or a rest afternoon, giving yourself breathing room makes a huge difference. Trips are more enjoyable when you’re not rushing from one thing to the next, especially when traveling with family.
📰 Additional Travel Highlights
Did You Know? You Can See Europe by Rail 🚆
Exploring Europe by train is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to travel. High-speed and regional rail lines connect major cities and charming towns, allowing you to move seamlessly from country to country without the stress of airports or long drives.
Imagine breakfast in Paris, lunch in Brussels, and dinner in Amsterdam, all in the same day. Traveling by rail means more time enjoying your destination and less time worrying about logistics. Stations are typically located right in city centers, making arrivals and departures incredibly convenient.
Whether you’re dreaming of a multi-country adventure or a relaxed journey through one region, rail travel offers comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable views along the way. If Europe is on your travel wish list, a rail itinerary might be the perfect way to experience it.
Ready to plan your next escape?
Reply to this email or click here to request a quote:
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💻 catherinestravels.com
👉 www.timelesstalestravel.com/catherinem
Thanks for being part of this journey. Until next time, keep dreaming, exploring, and your travels be filled with new memories.
Adventure awaits!
Catherine
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