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I'm a Disney expert after turning obsession into dream job – best months to book plus little-known way to save hundreds
I'm a Disney expert after turning obsession into dream job – best months to book plus little-known way to save hundreds

The Irish Sun

time5 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

I'm a Disney expert after turning obsession into dream job – best months to book plus little-known way to save hundreds

DISNEYLAND is known as the most magical place on Earth and thanks to an Irish travel agent's financial wizardry, hundreds of euro can be saved on the cost of a visit. Laura Shamel has visited Disney's popular theme parks on 11 different occasions and turned her passion into a full-time gig. Advertisement 3 Travel expert Laura Shamel has revealed her top tips for Disneyland trips 3 Laura with her kids Mia, 11, and Cameron, 7, enjoying a Disney adventure And the mum-of-two, who advises holidaymakers on how best to reduce unnecessary expenses and avoid common mistakes, said there is something for everyone to enjoy on a once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip. Laura said: "There is something about the magic and it's just a wonderful place to be so immersive." Laura, 40, from Co Advertisement Through her travel agency, And thanks to her cost-cutting expertise and savvy tips, a trip to the happiest place on Earth could work out just as cheap as a staycation. She said: "Obviously a lot of people think Disney is for kids, and that's true, they do love it. "But there's something about the magic and it's just a wonderful place to be - so immersive and I think it brings you back to your childhood - it's memories, it's happiness, it's just everything about it. "I have always loved Disney and the parks are just fantastic. I love the rides, I love the shows, I love the character meets, the food - everything about it. Advertisement "There is something for everybody - from the tiny kids to fully grown adults like me - a Disney adult. "You've got Galaxy Edge which is the Star Wars part and my husband is a massive fan. Disney announces brand new theme park "While he's not really bothered about Disney, he's in the Star Wars area and absolutely enjoying it all." Laura is confident that with the right preparation, a trip to one of the parks can be made quite cost effective. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere or looking for the most affordable time to go, Laura recommends taking a trip at the beginning of the year - so looking at January, February or March for jetting off. Advertisement These months tend to have the smallest crowds and most competitive prices, which can help reduce the overall cost of an excursion. CHEAPEST MONTHS Revealing how a trip could cost less than a spin to another county in Ireland, Laura said: "Depending on the time of year you can get really cheap flights. "Out of school holidays usually end up being a lot cheaper, if you don't mind it being cold. "January and February are a really good time to go because they're a lot quieter and a lot cheaper." More of Laura's top tips to save cash on what might seem like an overwhelming trip include travelling during off-peak seasons, booking in advance and choosing basic hotels or nearby accommodation with shuttle access. Advertisement DISCOUNT BUNDLES Laura said Disneyland Paris' Santa Fe Hotel offers a more affordable option and is located within walking distance of the parks. Midweek visits are generally less expensive than weekends and school term times are quieter than the busy holiday periods. Laura added: "For example, Magic Kingdom is busiest on a Saturday and Monday, and the best days to visit are considered to be Sunday or Thursday. "Disney's new Lightning Lane system lets you pay to join a separate, shorter queue for some of the most popular rides and attractions, so you spend less time waiting. "And resort guests can also enjoy early entry every day, giving you a head start before the crowds roll in - with a little planning, you can experience more of your must-dos before the parks really get busy." Advertisement And she says families can also look out for promotional events, such as discounted ticket bundles, which are often released outside of peak travel windows. Plus booking far in advance is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs - with Laura recommending that families begin planning roughly 11 months or more before their adventure. What's more, getting ahead allows holidaymakers to grab the best resort offers along with meal plans and the best flight prices. She said: "I think if you book in advance as well, that's when the prices tend to be better. "Ideally you can book the holiday up to a year in advance - and I think for Walt Disney in Advertisement "About 11 months to a year before, you can generally start looking and booking things." For those looking to get the most out of their trip to Disney World while on a budget, Laura recommends the 14-day Magic Ticket. MAGIC TICKET Working out at only €45 per person per day, this option covers all four theme parks and two water parks, includes the Memory Maker photo pass, and even allows park hopping. The ticket also includes entry to selected mini-golf courses and gives families much better per-day value compared to shorter options. She said: 'A 14-day Magic Ticket works out at approximately €45 per person, per day, but on-the-gate prices for a single day ticket can set you back roughly €217." Advertisement And when it comes to food, there are several ways families can reduce their daily spending without compromising on meals. Laura advises packing snacks from home or stopping at supermarkets like 'LOTS OF WAYS TO SAVE' Families should also bring reusable bottles to make use of free water stations that are available at most restaurants on site. What's more, Laura recommends mixing quick-service dining with occasional sit-down meals to keep the overall costs down. She said: "So if we are talking about Walt Disney World, there are lots of ways to save money. Advertisement "You can take your own food into the parks, so you don't particularly have to pay for stuff at the restaurants. 'January and February are a really good time to go because they're a lot quieter and a lot cheaper." Laura Shamel "What I tend to do is take a Lyft or an Uber to a Walmart or Target and stock up on water, snacks, cereal bars, crisps, pretzels – you name it. "I'll always tell clients to take a reusable water bottle, and you can get a free cup of ice water and just pour it in there. "Otherwise a bottle of water could cost you about $4 - and obviously it's so important to stay hydrated in that Florida heat." There are also reusable mugs for the resorts that give you access to unlimited drinks for only $24.99, saving you hundreds on a two-week trip. Advertisement What's more, the Disney Dining plan is another major way to save money. Part of the plan, meals work out around $20 per person and gives you access to a number of different eateries across the park. And Laura said this is one of the best ways to stick to your budget while indulging in all of the delicious food Disney has to offer. She said: "Disney can be overwhelming with little ones, so take regular breaks to recharge and take advantage of air-conditioned areas and quick service food options. "Parents can also take advantage of Rider Switch, where adults can take turns on rides without waiting in line twice. Advertisement "Staying in a Disney hotel comes with perks like early park entry and complimentary transport around the property, as well as free and fun activities like movies under the stars. "And if meeting Mickey, Winnie the Pooh or your favourite princess is high on your list, a character dining experience is the way to go. "You'll get hugs, autographs and plenty of photo opportunities, all while enjoying a meal in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant. "While they can be on the pricier side, the time saved (and the memories made) often make it worth every penny." SPECIAL FUND Laura also revealed an easy hack for families in order to save for their dream trip. Advertisement She said: "Have a Disney fund. Disney is such a magical holiday, and I think it's on most people's bucket list. "Maybe don't have a takeaway on that Saturday night, cook at home and then put that money on a card or in a pot and save it for your Disney fund. "Any kind of extra cash, put it in a Disney fund." Travel agent Laura knows how important the planning process can be, especially when it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Laura said: "Disney parks are magical but complex, with everything from booking rides to food choices having optimal strategies, which is why partnering with external experts to help lessen the financial burden for families is so important. Advertisement "And that comes at no additional charge – I'm just here as the planner. "I can send them itineraries, restaurant guides, and ride information, and let clients know the best days to visit certain parks." 3 Laura said there are many ways to make a Disney trip cheaper

Coca-Cola Has an Exclusive Product Headed to Shelves
Coca-Cola Has an Exclusive Product Headed to Shelves

Yahoo

time26-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Coca-Cola Has an Exclusive Product Headed to Shelves

Typically, we'd have to say that our favorite brands cannot get any better. However, once our beloved brands start teaming up with other big names we adore, we're happy to admit that we're wrong. Because, sure, a Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich hits the spot any day of the week, but add crunchy Takis to it and it's even better. And cookies and cream ice cream will always be a classic, but make it with real Oreo pieces and it can't be beat. If there's one brand out there that knows how to do partnerships, it's Coca-Cola. The soda giant has solidified itself as the largest in the world, thanks not only to its fan-loved proprietary products, but also to the deals and placements it has secured. Everyone knows there's something special about a McDonald's Coke, and those exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle flavors at movie theaters, amusement parks, and fast food chains will never get old. Now, Coca-Cola is flexing another one of its long-standing partnerships with its latest, exclusive launch. Coca-Cola and Disney are teaming up for a new "Star Wars" release. Coca-Cola and Disney have been working together since Walt Disney opened Disneyland 70 years ago. Today, Coke has a strong presence in the Disneyland and Walt Disney World parks—from Club Cool in Epcot that allows you to try Coke flavors from around the world to specialty Coke products themed for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This summer, the brands are launching the new Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy campaign, complete with 30 new can and bottle designs featuring classic "Star Wars" characters. Much like Coke's partnership with Disney and Marvel last summer, the "Star Wars"-inspired cans and bottles will each showcase an exclusive design and iconic character. "We did Marvel last year and it was so impactful and people were really happy with it—we were like, okay, what's next? And this one was just a natural place for us," Islam ElDessouky, Coca-Cola's Global Vice President of Creative Strategy & Content, told Allrecipes. Twenty-seven of the designs will be found on Classic and Zero-Sugar products of Coca-Cola across the globe, but three of the "Star Wars" designs will be exclusive to the Disney parks. You'll find Lando Calrissian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, Kylo Ren, Ahsoka Tano, Darth Maul, K-2SO, Boba Fett, Poe Dameron, The Mandalorian, Cassian Andor, General Grievous, and Emperor Palpatine on Classic Taste Coca-Cola cans and bottles. Zero-Sugar cans and bottles will feature Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Han Solo, BB-8, C-3PO, R2-D2, Finn, Rey, Grogu, and an Imperial Stormtrooper. Special Cokes featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, a First Order Stormtrooper, and Chewbacca will be exclusive to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Additionally, The Mandalorian and Grogu design can be found in vending machines at Tokyo Disney Resort. The new, special-edition "Star Wars" x Coca-Cola cans and bottles are rolling out to retailers across North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, and the Asia-Pacific regions beginning in July, where they'll be sold for a limited time. And, to take the Disney magic one step further, each can will feature a QR code that, when scanned, transports you to a galaxy far, far away through augmented reality. The experience lets you record a video of yourself that will be transformed into a "Star Wars"-style hologram transmission that you can share with friends and family. Here's our transmission to 30 new Coca-Cola cans hitting markets, your mission is simple: Collect them all. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES

Disney faces lawsuit in 2023 upskirt investigation of former employee
Disney faces lawsuit in 2023 upskirt investigation of former employee

Yahoo

time25-03-2025

  • Yahoo

Disney faces lawsuit in 2023 upskirt investigation of former employee

Legal action is being taken against Disney World regarding the former employee accused of taking a video up a girl's dress. We first told you in 2023, when Jorge Diaz Vega was charged with voyeurism and admitted to investigators that he took multiple videos up women's skirts while working at the theme park. A new 18-page lawsuit claims Disney World should have known Jorge Diaz Vega was unfit for his position and posed a risk for park guests and employees. The lawsuit says the park should have been aware of evidence uncovered by investigators that included 'more than 600 images and videos of unwitting victims on his phone.' Criminal Attorney Jose Rivas explains why the lawsuit has ground. 'All they have to prove is that the individual was working during the term of employment, they committed this act, and Disney had a duty to investigate him. There's a prior act. In this case, they should have known, fired, or kept him under supervision. By allowing him to work, they were negligent, and for that, they'll be held liable,' said Rivas. Court documents reveal the victim in the lawsuit was 14 years old at the time of the March 2023 incident. She told her grandmother Diaz Vega 'bent over to pick up a toy and used his cellphone to take a picture under her dress while at the Star Wars' Galaxy Edge marketplace. Both an Orange County Sheriff's Office affidavit and the lawsuit say Diaz Vega's recording history involved park employees. Court documents state he was caught recording a female employee at Disney's Animal Kingdom— before the incident involving the minor. Diaz Vega admitted to taking videos and even showed investigators some of what he took. The affidavit says he said, 'Taking the videos was a guilty pleasure.' He told them he had been doing it for six years, the duration of his employment at the park. 'This is a perfect case where you have to be aware of your surroundings. This particular case you have a person in uniform who is trying to record a minor, had it not been for this individual seeing this, who know how many more times it occurred,' said Rivas. During an interview with deputies, Diaz Vega wrote an apology letter to his victims. He also shared why he committed the act. He told investigators that when he was little and living in Puerto Rico, a female clown placed him under her dress. Diaz Vega remains in the Orange County Jail. He's set for a competency hearing in May. WFTV has reached out to attorneys on both sides and Disney for comment but haven't heard back. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

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