Are we done with the snow yet?
I’m ready for more sun and warm weather. No more shovelling, please (even though I’m rarely the one shovelling at our house)! How about you, are you ready for winter to be over?
✨ Here’s what’s inside this month:
🏰 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Updates
🎬✨Something magical is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio, a brand new experience called “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open in late summer 2026. This reimagined space will transform the current Star Wars: Launch Bay area into an interactive celebration of Disney animation.
The entire courtyard will also be redesigned to reflect the Walt Disney Studios lot, with updated entertainment and family-friendly spaces to relax and explore.
This transformation begins September 25, 2025, when Animation Courtyard closes to prepare for the new experience.
If you love the artistry behind Disney films or have little ones who dream of becoming animators, this is going to be a must-see addition.
For a full breakdown of what’s coming, character details, and planning tips for your next Walt Disney World vacation, visit my website for the complete article here.
The Flavors Are Back at Disney California Adventure 🍷🌮
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 6 through April 27, 2026 at Disney California Adventure Park and it’s bringing all the California-inspired flavors we love.
This fan-favorite festival celebrates the Golden State’s diverse cuisine with:
• Festival marketplace booths featuring small bites and creative sips
• Wine, beer, and cocktail tastings
• Culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars
• Specialty festival merchandise
• Live entertainment and family-friendly experiences
Whether you’re craving savory, sweet, spicy, or sip-worthy, this is the perfect springtime addition to a Disneyland Resort vacation.
If you’re thinking about visiting during festival season, timing matters. Spring Break dates can book quickly, and this event is extremely popular with both locals and travelers.
👉 The full 2026 Foodie Guide, including featured booths and must-try items, is now live on my website here
✨ Tip: When at Disneyland - use Single Rider lines for popular rides like Radiator Springs Racers, Space Mountain, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Canada Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms When You Stay 5 Nights or Longer✨
Canada residents can save on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels this summer, for stays most nights from May 1 to October 4, 2026.
Save up to 30% for stays of 5 or more consecutive nights
Save up to 25% for stays of 1 to 4 consecutive nights
This offer is valid for the Disney Resorts Collection hotels listed below. View the chart to explore savings.
Take Advantage of a Ticket Offer, Too!
🌟 Save Up to 25% on Select Stays at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Be immersed in the magic throughout your visit, save up to 25% on select rooms types of 4 or more nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel, from May 22 through September 7, 2026. Subject to availability and restrictions.
Save up to 25% at:
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Save up to 15% at:
Pixar Place Hotel
🌴 All-Inclusive Spotlight
Thinking About Cancelling or Changing Your All-Inclusive Vacation? Here’s What You Need to Know
Life happens. Schedules change. And sometimes that all-inclusive getaway you were so excited about needs to be adjusted.
Before you cancel or make changes to your package, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
1. Cancellation penalties are time sensitive
Most all-inclusive packages have tiered cancellation policies. The closer you get to your travel date, the higher the penalty can be. In some cases, you could lose your deposit or even the full amount.
2. Changes can trigger repricing
If you change your dates, resort, or even your flight, your package is typically repriced at the current rate. That means you may pay more if prices have increased since you originally booked.
3. Airfare rules are different
Flights often have stricter rules than the resort portion. Some fares are non-refundable, while others may allow changes for a fee plus any fare difference.
4. Travel protection matters
If you purchased travel insurance, your coverage and refund eligibility may depend on the reason for cancellation. Not all reasons are covered, so it is important to review your policy carefully.
5. Always reach out before making changes online
Sometimes there are options available that are not obvious when looking at your booking yourself. As your travel advisor, I can review penalties, explore alternatives, and help you make the best financial decision.
🚢 Cruise Corner
🚢What itineraries fill up the fastest and which ones can you wait on?
🚢 Itineraries That Fill Up FAST
Alaska (May to September)
Short season. Limited ships. High demand. Balcony cabins especially go quickly because everyone wants glacier views.
Europe Summer Sailings
Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises during June, July, and August sell out early, especially family-friendly sailings when school is out.
Holiday Cruises
Christmas, New Year’s, and Spring Break sailings are some of the first to fill. Families lock these in 12 to 18 months in advance.
Unique or Bucket List Sailings
Think Panama Canal transits, transatlantic repositioning cruises, and longer specialty itineraries. These often have fewer sailings and repeat cruisers who book early.
New Ship Inaugural Seasons
When a new ship launches, demand spikes. Early sailings are usually gone quickly.
⏳ Itineraries You May Have More Flexibility With
Caribbean (non-holiday dates)
Because there are so many ships sailing the Caribbean year-round, you often have more options and occasional last-minute deals outside peak times.
Short 3 to 4 Night Sailings
These run frequently and tend to have more availability, especially during off-peak months.
Shoulder Season Sailings
Early fall in the Caribbean or late spring in certain markets can offer more flexibility and sometimes better pricing.
🎢 Universal Orlando & Hollywood Updates
There’s something new to smile about at Universal Studios Hollywood.
At Universal CityWalk Hollywood, you can now Come Eat, Shop and Smile with Hello Kitty at the brand-new Hello Kitty® and Friends Cafe and Sanrio® Smile Shop. Think small cakes, adorable bows, sweet treats, and super cute merchandise that makes the perfect souvenir. It’s a fun add-on to your park day or even a reason to stop by CityWalk on its own.
Meanwhile, over at Universal Orlando Resort, ticket options just got even more exciting.
New 3-, 4-, and 5-Day Park-to-Park tickets now allow guests to visit:
• Universal Epic Universe
• Universal Studios Florida
• Universal Islands of Adventure
• Universal Volcano Bay
every single day of your ticket.
That means you can bounce between all four parks or dedicate a full day to each one and truly immerse yourself in everything from wizarding adventures to water park relaxation to the all-new experiences at Epic Universe.
Whether you’re team Hello Kitty in Hollywood or planning a four-park adventure in Orlando, there are some exciting reasons to start planning now.
✨ From My Travels:
Are Disney Holiday parties worth it?
In my opinion, yes.
If you have never experienced one, I always say try it at least once. There is just something different about being in the parks during a limited-capacity event. The atmosphere shifts, the lighting feels more magical, and the crowds are noticeably lighter.
We have attended Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party whenever our trips line up with them, and now we add Disney Jollywood Nights to the list as well.
Here is why we love them:
• Unique character meet and greets you will not find during regular park hours
• Shorter wait times for many attractions
• Party-exclusive treats and entertainment
• A completely different vibe from a regular park day
A few things to keep in mind. Not every ride or restaurant is open during the party, so you do want a bit of a plan going in. The bonus is that you can enter the park early on the day your party ticket is valid, which gives you even more value.
Do you have to attend every year? No. The parties do not drastically change from year to year.
Do we still go when we can? Yes.
For us, it is about lighter crowds, a more relaxed pace, trick-or-treating down Main Street, U.S.A., or enjoying hot cocoa and cookies during the holidays. It feels festive without feeling rushed.
🧳 Travel Quote of the Month:
‘We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.’ – Anonymous
📰 Additional Travel Highlights
Visa Updates for Canadian Travellers in 2026 🇨🇦✈️
Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 destinations worldwide. However, some countries still require visas or electronic travel authorizations (eVisas/eTAs) before departure.
Destinations That Typically Require Advance Authorization
Countries such as India, Vietnam, Brazil, Australia (ETA), New Zealand (NZeTA), Saudi Arabia, and several African nations require Canadians to apply in advance. Cuba also requires a tourist card.
Europe Update
Most of Europe remains visa-free for up to 90 days, but an ETIAS travel authorization will soon be required for entry into the Schengen Area.
China 2026 Update
From February 17, 2026 to December 31, 2026, Canadian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
Before booking any international trip, always confirm entry requirements at Travel.gc.ca, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond travel, and check for proof of onward travel requirements.
If you are planning an international getaway, I am happy to help you navigate the details so your trip starts smoothly.
Ready to plan your next escape?
Reply to this email or click here to request a quote:
📧 [email protected]
💻 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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Next, the Disney Adventure will sail through the Panama Canal, make a stop in Los Angeles, and then cross the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo. This nearly two-month voyage will conclude in early March, just in time for the ship to reach Singapore ahead of its maiden voyage on March 10.
