Volcom Permanently Closes at Disney Springs, ‘Back to the Future’ 40th Merchandise & More: Daily Recap (4/30/25)
Gretchen McDermid
The Volcom store has permanently closed at Disney Springs and new merchandise themed to the 40th anniversary of “Back to the Future” has been released— all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney Springs Walt Disney World Resort Hotels New …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs 4/30/2025 (Is Disney Reading This? Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby and Big Thunder Mountain Update)
Bryce B.
Howdy Hey! This morning I started my day in Disney’s Grand Floridian, where the lobby is currently under some serious refurbishments. I then went to Magic Kingdom where I started to get paranoid that someone from Magic Kingdom may be reading this. I ended my day in Disney Springs with some light shopping. Good Morning …
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts Announce New Executive Chef
Shannen Ace
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin announced they have promoted Chef Devin Queen to executive chef. New Executive Chef at Swan and Dolphin Queen began working in restaurant kitchens at age 12 as a dishwasher. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Queen has 24 years of food and beverage …
Walkway Between Cars Land and Avengers Campus Now Closed at Disney California Adventure
Gretchen McDermid
To make way for the expansion of Avengers Campus and a possible new bathroom facility, the guest walkway leading to the area from Cars Land has now been closed. Walkway Closed Between Avengers Campus and Cars Land As we reported last week, the walkway connecting Avengers Campus to Cars Land on the side of Disney …
REVIEW: New Breakfast Cheesy Pretzel From Maurice’s Treats at Disneyland
Shannen Ace
A slew of new menu items debuted at Disneyland Resort on Wednesday, including a new Breakfast Cheesy Pretzel. The Breakfast Cheesy Pretzel is now available from Maurice’s Treats at Disneyland Park. This outdoor snack kiosk is located near the entrance to the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland. Breakfast Cheesy Pretzel – $12.99 Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Bread …
Newly-Covered STK Steakhouse Outdoor Terrace Opens at Disney Springs
Shannen Ace
The newly-enclosed terrace of STK Steakhouse at Disney Springs is now open to guests. STK Steakhouse Terrace Since STK Steakhouse opened at Disney Springs 10 years ago, the terrace overlooking the nearby Disney skyline has been open-air. Over the past several weeks, STK has been working on adding a new roof with sliding panels. The …
Roof Shingles Completely Removed from ‘Jaws’ Bathroom at Universal Studios Florida
Gretchen McDermid
All of the shingles on the roof of the “Jaws” bathroom in Universal Studios Florida have been removed as the restroom renovation continues. ‘Jaws’ Bathroom Roof Shingles Removed Construction crew members have been making steady progress on the renovation of the “Jaws” bathroom since the building first went under construction in February. Following our last …
Exclusive Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Entrance Now Accessible to Guests at Toy Story Hotel
Gretchen McDermid
Guests staying at the Toy Story Hotel in the Tokyo Disney Resort will soon be able to use the Fantasy Springs Entrance to Tokyo DisneySea instead of the main park entrance. Fantasy Spring Entrance Open to Toy Story Hotel Guests According to a new update on the Tokyo Disney Resort website, guests staying at the …
Chicken, Chicken, Chicken – Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Under Construction at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Shannen Ace
A new Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers location is under construction at CityWalk in Universal Studios Hollywood. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Coming Soon Raising Cane’s is a quick-service restaurant originally named for owner Todd Graves’s Labrador Retriever, Raising Cane. The location is known for serving a menu of almost entirely chicken fingers, with only some sides …
Sheep Removed From Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
The bighorn sheep has been removed, more track has been installed, and structures are being repainted at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom during the attraction’s year-long refurbishment. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction In the past few days, crews have installed new pieces of track in this curve of the coaster over the Rivers …
NEW Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Mason Jar Sipper at Disneyland
Shannen Ace
The new Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree mason jar sipper is now available from the quick-service restaurant in Disneyland Park. Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Mason Jar Sipper – $19.49 The new sipper was released alongside several new drinks across Disneyland Resort, including Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree’s new Watermelon Lemonade ($6.99). The sipper comes with the guest’s …
New ‘Harry Potter’ Pygmy Puff Merchandise Arrives at Universal Orlando Resort
Shannen Ace
Three new Pygmy Puff merchandise items are available at Universal Orlando Resort. In the “Harry Potter” series, the pink and purple fluffy creatures were bred from Puffskeins by Fred and George Weasley to sell at their shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. The collection is available alongside previously released Pygmy Puff plush at Universal Studios Store in …
Work Begins on 70th Anniversary Castle Sculpture at Disneyland Resort
Shannen Ace
Construction walls have gone up and crews have installed the first elements of a Sleeping Beauty Castle-inspired sculpture coming to the Disneyland Resort esplanade. 70th Anniversary Sculpture Construction The sculpture, honoring the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Park, will be in the center of the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Supports for the sculpture …
Volcom at Disney Springs Closes Permanently
Shannen Ace
The Volcom store at Disney Springs has permanently closed after its operator filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Volcom Closed All Volcom signage was removed from the facade near World of Disney in Town Center. The logo-shaped lamps are gone from either side of the storefront’s windows. The windows have black tarps covering them from …
Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro Participating in Q&A During MoffettNathanson Conference in May
Shannen Ace
Josh D’Amaro will participate in the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference next month. The Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will participate in a question-and-answer session at the conference on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at approximately 9:40 a.m. ET/ 6:40 a.m. PT. The Q&A will stream live at www.disney.com/investors. CEO Bob Iger participated in …
Aulani Duffy & Friends Merchandise Including Olu Mel Lug Bag Now Available at Downtown Disney
Jamie Rowland
A few Duffy & Friends items have made their way to Storyland Boutique in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. These items are originally from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i, and feature ‘Olu Mel and CookieAnn. CookieAnn Plush – $35 CookieAnn is a yellow dog who loves to cook. The plush wears …
Keystone Clothiers Doorway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Gets New Theming Nearly Three Years After It Collapsed
Shannen Ace
The broken doorway of Keystone Clothiers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has received new theming over two and a half years after it collapsed, although work isn’t wrapped up. Keystone Clothiers Construction There is now marble green theming on the top of the doorway. This is the side entrance to the gift shop — the other entrances …
Win a Trip to Universal Epic Universe and Meet Cody Rhodes with WWE Sweepstakes
Shannen Ace
WWE announced a new Universal Orlando Resort sweepstakes, including a visit to the new Epic Universe theme park and the opportunity to meet Cody Rhodes. WWE Universal Orlando Resort Sweepstakes The grand prize includes a 5-day, 4-night trip to Universal Orlando Resort for the winner and three guests. They’ll get round-trip airfare to Orlando, ground …
NEW ‘Star Wars’ May the Force Be With You Spirit Jersey Now Available Online
Brit Tuttle
Just in time for Star Wars Day, a.k.a. May the 4th, a new “Star Wars” May the Force Be with You Spirit Jersey is now available online from the Disney Store. ‘Star Wars’ May the Force Be with You Spirit Jersey – $79.99 This black Spirit Jersey features an all-over galactic print of stars, with …
Some Construction Walls Removed From The Seas in EPCOT, Info Signs Updated
Shannen Ace
Half of the construction walls are gone from inside The Seas pavilion of EPCOT, revealing few significant changes. The Seas Construction There were previously construction walls on the left side of the pavilion’s aquarium space, between the manatee viewing area and the exit of The Seas With Nemo & Friends. The walls blocked access to …
New Apparel, Kitchenware, and More Celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Katie Francis
Joining the Loungefly backpack and ball cap that arrived earlier this month is a collection of apparel, kitchenware, and more celebrating Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We found all items in Mickey’s of Hollywood, which is located on Hollywood Boulevard, across from Celebrity 5 & 10. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Merchandise Crop Top – $34.99 This baggy crop …
Tortilla Jo’s Walls Demolished at Downtown Disney District in Disneyland Resort
Shannen Ace
The second-story walls of the former Tortilla Jo’s and Taqueria have been torn down to make way for new eateries at Downtown Disney District in Disneyland Resort. Tortilla Jo’s Demolition The last remaining walls on the top half of the building have been demolished since our last update, leaving just a framework. Crews have started …
New Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Merchandise Including Loungefly Backpack
Shannen Ace
A new Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort merchandise collection featuring Mickey and Minnie is available at Walt Disney World Resort. The collection includes apparel, tumblers, a Loungefly mini backpack, and more. The merchandise is at the resort’s gift shop, Calypso Trading Post. The artwork matches previously released merchandise. Loungefly Mini Backpack – $90 Mickey and Minnie …
New Orange Bird Collared Sweatshirt at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
Walt Disney World has a brand new collared sweatshirt inspired by Orange Bird. Disney created the little bird for the 1971 opening of Magic Kingdom as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission, which sponsored Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland. Orange Bird Collared Sweatshirt – $69.99 The sweatshirt is …
Check-in Moves, Garden Tea Room Blocked Off During Ongoing Grand Floridian Lobby Remodel
Shannen Ace
More construction walls are up in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, forcing check-in to move. Grand Floridian Lobby Remodel Crews removed the lobby’s iconic birdcage earlier this month — the first step in a major remodel of the space that will include the construction of a birdcage-inspired bar. In addition to the construction walls …
Full List (with Prices) of Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Merchandise at Universal Orlando
Shannen Ace
This summer marks 40 years of “Back to the Future” and Universal Orlando Resort has a new collection of merchandise honoring the milestone. Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Merchandise The new merchandise includes items from Universal’s UNIVRS brand. Items are available at various merchandise kiosks and Five & Dime in Universal Studios Florida. UNIVRS …
Universal Volcano Bay Closing for 5 Months Next Year & More: Daily Recap (4/29/25)
Katie Francis
Epic Universe preview tickets are now available for all guests to purchase, Walt Disney World teased a possible Maleficent Annual Passholder magnet, and guests at Universal Fan Fest Nights can meet characters from One Piece — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Walt Disney World Walt Disney World …
PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 4/29/2025 (Pin Tuesday, The Seas Updates, and Weird Fun Finds)
Bryce B.
Howdy! Today, I spent the morning in EPCOT before resort hopping. I found new limited edition pins, The Seas lost a few construction walls, and there were a few weird and even fun finds throughout the day. Monorail Mornings Good morning from the Walt Disney World monorail. I stand by the fact that a quiet …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Tour Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities in Dark Universe at Epic Universe
Katie Francis
Discover what lies within Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, a gift shop in Dark Universe at Epic Universe. About Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities is inspired by the character Dr. Septimus Pretorius, the antagonist of “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935). Like Dr. Frankenstein, Dr. Pretorius created monsters. His, however, were tiny homunculi, which he kept in jars. Dr. Pretorius may …
More Room Walls, Possible Beach Cabanas Under Construction at Disney Lakeshore Lodge
Shannen Ace
Rooms continue to take shape in Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a new resort under construction at Walt Disney World. Disney Lakeshore Lodge Construction From the land, more wall framing is visible along this side of the building. The first few floors now have vertical steel poles creating the shapes of walls around windows. Meanwhile, crews continue …
Water Returns to Stormalong Bay Pool, New Shingles Installed at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Shannen Ace
One of the three Stormalong Bay pools at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts has been refilled with water amid an ongoing refurbishment. Stormalong Bay Construction A week ago, crews were filling the floor of this pool with sand, a standard for swimming pools. Now it’s full of water, indicating work on the pool is …
New Orleans-Inspired Sno-Balls Coming to Disneyland This Month
Shannen Ace
Royal Street Veranda at Disneyland Park will start offering New Orleans-inspired Sno-Balls this month. New Orleans Sno-Balls The new shaved ice treat debuts with dozens of other menu items throughout Disneyland Resort on April 30. Guests will get to choose up to two of these house-made flavored syrups for their sno-ball: Royal Street Veranda in …
New Customizable Plush Ears Ball Cap at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
Guests can now customize a ball cap with plush character ears in the same vein as the plush character headbands. Customizable Ball Cap – $14.99 The ball caps are available alongside plush ate create-your-own headband stations throughout Walt Disney World, including in Ever After at Disney Springs. The hat, like the headband, is sold separately …
Red Guardian Coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure for Limited Time
Shannen Ace
Red Guardian a.k.a. Alexei Shostakov will soon appear in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. Red Guardian at Avengers Campus Red Guardian will make his debut on May 2, the same day “Thunderbolts*” releases in theaters. Disneyland Resort released the following video showing the face character hailing different Avengers. He will appear for a limited …
REVIEW: ONE PIECE and Jujutsu Kaisen-Inspired Food at Universal Fan Fest Nights
Shannen Ace
Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood has limited-time food items inspired by anime shows “ONE PIECE” and “Jujutsu Kaisen.” ONE PIECE The “ONE PIECE”-inspired items are available at Sanji’s Galley, a.k.a. Cocina Mexicana. Offerings include Luffy’s Meat on a Bone, Chopper Cupcake, Nico Robin’s Tropical Iced Tea, and Devil Fruit Concha, but we …
Disney Music Festival Begins at Disneyland Paris With 12 Concerts and Shows
Shannen Ace
Disney Music Festival kicked off at Disneyland Paris this month. The brand-new event celebrates the music of Disney Animation and Pixar with live performances across Disneyland Park. Disney Music Festival 2025 Disney Music Festival runs through September 7, 2025, coinciding with Fête de la Musique — World Music Day — an annual nationwide celebration of music, celebrated …
PHOTO: Elphaba and Glinda ‘Wicked’ Meet and Greets at Universal Fan Fest Nights
Shannen Ace
Guests can meet the witches of “Wicked” during Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, although Elphaba and Glinda do not meet together. ‘Wicked’ Meet and Greets Guests can meet the witches on the Upper Lot outside the Universal Studios Store. Glinda and Elphaba alternate appearances in front of a flat inspired by the …
BREAKING: 1-Day Epic Universe Preview Tickets Now On Sale for All Guests
Brit Tuttle
Universal Orlando Resort has now released 1-Day preview tickets for Epic Universe that are available to all guests ahead of the park’s official opening. 1-Day Epic Universe Preview Tickets Available for All Guests These preview tickets range from $144 to $154 for adults ages 10+, and $139 to $149 for children ages 3-9. At the …
Disneyland Railroad Engine Ernest S. Marsh Marks 100th Anniversary
Shannen Ace
Disney is marking 100 years of Disneyland Railroad engine Ernest S. Marsh with a pair of flags on its front. Ernest S. Marsh Engine Two green flags are mounted on the front of the engine. On the flags is the engine’s number 4 icon, which reads “Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, U.S.A.” The flags also feature …
BREAKING: Universal Volcano Bay Closing for 5 Months Next Year, Ending TapuTapu Wearable and Virtual Lines
Shannen Ace
Universal Volcano Bay is ending their TapuTapu wearable device and virtual lines, and closing for five months starting next fall. Universal Volcano Bay Ending TapuTapu The Universal Orlando Resort website states, “Starting October 1, 2025, the TapuTapu wearable and virtual line will no longer be available. Guests can access attractions queues at their leisure.” The …