PHOTOS: Bard Droid Debuts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort
Toni Ferrigno
We spotted Bard on his first day on Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Bard, Tohan Lege’s droid takes his place on a platform above the Black Spire Outpost Spaceport. You can find him to the right of the Millennium Falcon. Bard has been added as part of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge fireworks show, …
REVIEW: Fantasmic! Dining Package at Blue Bayou Leaves a Lot to be Desired
Shannen Ace
With the return of “Fantasmic!” comes the return of “Fantasmic!” dining packages. We had lunch at Blue Bayou Restaurant as part of a “Fantasmic!” dining package on the first day of the show’s return. ‘Fantasmic!’ Dining Package Details The Blue Bayou dining package at Disneyland Park is $89 per adult and $35 per child. It …
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Pool & Mardi Grogs Bar Reopen After Refurbishment
Shannen Ace
Doubloon Lagoon pool, the Aquatic Play Area, and Mardi Grogs pool bar at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter are back open after a routine refurbishment. They closed in February. Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Refurbishments A Mardi Gras band of alligator figures leads guests to the pool area. The Doubloon Lagoon decorations haven’t …
Disney Files Permit for New Country Bear Musical Jamboree Sign
Shannen Ace
Disney filed a Notice of Commencement permit this week for new Country Bear Musical Jamboree signage at Magic Kingdom. Country Bear Musical Jamboree Sign The permit contracts Jon Richards Company to “Install signage” at the Grizzly Hall address. Jon Richards has previously created themed signs, sets, and lighting for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. …
‘Better Together A Pixar Pals Celebration’ Parade Theme Song Added to Streaming Platforms
Shannen Ace
Pixar fans can experience “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” at home with the parade’s theme song now streaming on various music platforms. “Better Together” Now Streaming “Better Together” is performed by artists Norelle and “Matt from Middle School,” and composed by Chantry Johnson. It’s available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. …
REVIEW: Disappointing Espresso Croissant Available at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Shannen Ace
Walt Disney World has a new espresso croissant available at Riverside Mill Food Court and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. We got our espresso croissant at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. Espresso Croissant – $5.79 This adventurous treat is aptly named, although Disney added some …
Disney Springs Art Walk Features New Mural by Emily Ding for AAPI Heritage Month
Shannen Ace
A new mural by Houston artist Emily Ding is at the Disney Springs Art Walk for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. “Taking Flight” at Disney Springs Art Walk Ding’s new “Taking Flight” mural is on the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression. The outdoor art walk launched in 2022 which …
KidZone Pizza Company Sign Removed at Universal Studios Florida
Shannen Ace
The KidZone Pizza Company sign has been removed from the restaurant’s facade at Universal Studios Florida. KidZone Pizza Company KidZone Pizza Company was one of the last remnants of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, which closed to (mostly) become DreamWorks Land. It’s located next to SpongeBob StorePants and is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. The facade …
PHOTOS: The Cake Bake Shop Signs Installed on Future Restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk
Shannen Ace
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers at Disney’s BoardWalk now has signage. Two signs were added to the building that once housed ESPN Club and will soon be home to a table-service restaurant and bakery. The Cake Bake Shop Construction The signs are white rectangles with “The Cake Bake Shop” in golden lettering. “Cake …
New Bard Droid Arrives at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland for ‘Fire of the Rising Moons’ Fireworks
Shannen Ace
Tohan Ledge’s droid, Bard, has arrived at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park for the “Fire of the Rising Moons” fireworks show. ‘Fire of the Rising Moons’ Droid Bard is a modified R1-series droid. He has been mentioned during “Fire of the Rising Moons” since the show’s debut in early April. Fans have been …
NOAA Predicts Above-Normal 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Shannen Ace
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, predicting an above-normal season. NOAA 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook The Atlantic hurricane region includes the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is, of course, located between the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and hurricanes …
BREAKING: Triplets of Terror Haunted House Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 33
Brit Tuttle
Universal Orlando Resort has announced another original haunted house for the lineup at Halloween Horror Nights 33: Triplets of Terror. Triplets of Terror at Halloween Horror Nights 33 Triplets of Terror is the sixth haunted house to be announced in this year’s 10-house lineup. It joins other original houses Slaughter Sinema 2, Goblin’s Feast, Major …
Tourism Oversight District Exploring $100 Million Worth of Walt Disney World Roadway Improvements
Shannen Ace
After previously approving a $3.1 million cut to road work around Walt Disney World, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District this week began exploring $100 million worth of roadway improvements. Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Looking Into Walt Disney World Roadway Improvements The three General Business items on the agenda for the District’s May 22 …
Love is Universal Nights Returning to Red Coconut Club in June
Annie Wilson
Universal CityWalk Orlando is celebrating Pride with Love is Universal Nights at the Red Coconut Club this June. Love is Universal Nights The Red Coconut Club will be open on Thursday and Friday nights for Love is Universal Nights. Hours for Thursday nights are from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Friday nights from 5 …
Red Panels Updated at Mission: SPACE Mars Sculpture in EPCOT
Toni Ferrigno
The refurbishment of the exterior of Mission: SPACE continues, with the Mars sculpture getting newly updated paneling. Mission: SPACE Mars Refurbishment New red panels have been added to the structure, above and slightly to the right of its entrance. Work on the exterior of Mission: SPACE began in May of last year, with updates being …
Disney Files Permit for Tropical Americas Land at Animal Kingdom & More: Daily Recap (5/23/24)
Katie Francis
Disney filed a Notice of Commencement for their new Tropical Americas land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, made their first political contribution in Florida since 2022, and announced new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure details — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Thursday, May 23, 2024. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Animal Kingdom …
New Donald Duck 90th Anniversary Munchlings Plush at Disneyland Resort
Shannen Ace
The Donald Duck Munchlings plush, celebrating Donald’s 90th birthday this summer, is now available at Disneyland Resort. Donald Duck Munchlings Plush – $34.99 We found the plush in EngineEAR Souvenirs, the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway gift shop. The plush has basically the same design as the popcorn bucket. A Donald-inspired popcorn kernel sits in …
New ‘Ghostbusters,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Shrek,’ ‘Back to the Future,’ and ‘E.T.’ Summer Tribute Store Merchandise at Universal Studios Florida
Toni Ferrigno
New merchandise themed to “Back to the Future,” “Shrek,” “Jaws,” “E.T.,” and “Ghostbusters.” is now available at the Summer Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida. “Back to the Future” Future Changer T-Shirt – $25 This teal blue shirt features a yellow design reading “Future Changer.” The time-traveling DeLorean from the “Back to the Future Films” …
New Matterhorn DOLE Whip Coming to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
Shannen Ace
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel announced that a new DOLE Whip treat inspired by the Matterhorn will be available beginning in June. Matterhorn DOLE Whip Starting on June 1, Trader Sam’s will serve the Coconut-Pineapple DOLE Whip topped with coconut shavings mixed with silver and blue edible glitter in a Matterhorn cup. …
Disney Makes First Political Contribution in Florida Since 2022
Shannen Ace
The Walt Disney Company has made their first political contribution in Florida since 2022. Two years ago, Disney suspended political contributions in Florida after it was discovered they had donated to all the sponsors of the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and a total of $125,000 to the state’s Republican Party that year. The company’s …
Floating Candelabra Returns to The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom
Toni Ferrigno
The floating candelabra has returned to the Endless Hallway scene inside The Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World. Floating Candelabra Returns The floating candelabra, which was removed from The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom back in January of 2024 made its return five months later. The candelabra can be see floating at the back of …
PHOTOS: More Shade Coming to EPCOT with New World Celebration Flex Space
Toni Ferrigno
Work on the World Celebration flex space has continued, with signs that a shaded area is on the way. World Celebration Flex Space Construction The flex space, which is located next to the Imagination! Pavilion, seemed nearly complete just a few days ago, but recent construction has added support poles for what will likely be …
New Mural and Wait Time Sign Added Outside of E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Florida
Toni Ferrigno
There’s a new mural in progress and a newly added wait time sign outside of E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Florida. E.T. Adventure Updates Framing for a wait time sign has been added to the new E.T. Adventure sign at Universal Studios Florida. The sign was installed after a brief refurbishment earlier this May. Just …
Mama Odie’s Hot Sauce and Dooky Chase’s Seasonings to Be Sold at Disney Parks for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Toni Ferrigno
Themed to the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction, Disney Parks will soon offer up Mama Odie’s Hot Sauce and Dooky Chase’s Restaurant seasonings for sale. Mama Odie’s Hot Sauce and Dooky Chase’s Seasonings Coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Guests hoping to get a taste of New Orleans will have two new options at Walt Disney …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Full Tour of 2024 Summer Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida
Toni Ferrigno
The 2024 Summer Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida held its UOAP previews ahead of its opening this Friday, May 24, and we were there to check it out. 2024 Summer Tribute Store Tribute Store Plaza The 2024 Summer Tribute Store is themed to Tribute Store Plaza, a fictional 1980s shopping mall with three stores …
Disney Files Notice of Commencement Permit for Tropical Americas Expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Toni Ferrigno
Disney has filed a new Notice of Commencement to begin work on the Tropical Americas expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Notice of Commencement for Tropical Americas Expansion The Notice of Commencement, filed on May 23, 2024, is to install Walt Disney Imagineering trailers in a “backstage” area behind Kali River Rapids and Maharaja Jungle Trek …
New ‘Moana’ Collection by Vera Bradley at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
Walt Disney World has a new collection of “Moana” bags by Vera Bradley. We found the tote and sling backpack in BouTiki at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the regular backpack in Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom. ‘Moana’ Vera Bradley Collection The bags all feature the “Moana Tropical” pattern. They’re light blue with images of …
Galactic Gateway Screen Reactivated During Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
The Galactic Gateway stage in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom has been undergoing refurbishment for the past few months. This included getting a new blue color scheme. Work seems almost complete and the stage’s screen was recently turned back on. Galactic Gateway Refurbishment Rolling planters surround the stage but guests can still walk through the plaza. …
New Astro Orbiter Bicoastal Adventures Pin at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
A new limited edition Disney Bicoastal Adventures pin celebrates Astro Orbiter (or Astro Orbitor). This pin series features attractions that exist at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. We found the new pin at Frontier Trading Post in Magic Kingdom. Limited Edition Bicoastal Adventures Astro Orbiter Pin – $19.99 The pin has a …
BREAKING: Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America Haunted House Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 33
Brit Tuttle
Yet another haunted house has been announced for Halloween Horror Nights 33 at Universal Orlando Resort — Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America. Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America at Halloween Horror Nights 33 Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America is the fifth haunted house announced for Halloween Horror Nights 33, joining other original houses …
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Queue to Feature Nods to U.S. Military Service and Veterans
Toni Ferrigno
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will feature a salute to military service, with a storyline inspired by Tiana’s father. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Military Service Storyline In “The Princess and the Frog,” Tiana’s father, James was a World War I veteran. That story will continue and expand in the queue of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens at Walt …
New Screen Added to Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk Orlando
Shannen Ace
Work continues on the Epic Universe preview center in Universal CityWalk Orlando, which takes over the former Universal Legacy Store. Epic Universe Preview Center During a visit to the future site of the Epic Universe Preview Center on May 23, 2024, we noted a new screen being installed above the entrance. So far, the screen …
Decorative Panels Removed From Prince Charming Regal Carrousel as Refurbishment Continues
Shannen Ace
A different set of horses has been roped off for floor work on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Magic Kingdom, and many of the decorative panels in the ride’s central column have been removed. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Crews have been roping off ten horses — two rows of five — at a time. The floor beneath …
Disney Dreams That Soar Drone Show Video & More: Daily Recap (5/22/24)
Katie Francis
We have a full video of the new Disney Dreams That Soar drone show, a first look at a Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ball cap, and a first look at the new Fantasmic! coming to Disneyland this week — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Walt Disney World Magic …
Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel Restaurant Shut Down Due to Roaches in Kitchen
Shannen Ace
Dining at the Embassy Suites Resort — Lake Buena Vista, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, was shut down on May 16 due to health and safety violations. Embassy Suites Health & Safety Violations According to the Orlando Sentinel, the resort’s kitchen had four violations. The Embassy Suites has the Gazebo Restaurant & Bar, Starbucks …
LED Screen Added to CommuniCore Plaza Stage in EPCOT
Shannen Ace
An LED screen has been installed above the CommuniCore Plaza stage in EPCOT ahead of the debut of “¡Celebración Encanto!” next month. CommuniCore LED Screen The screen is on the underside of the overhang, in a metal frame. Colorful flags and stage lights are also on the overhang above the stage. The screen is featured …
New World Celebration Wall Revealed, More ‘Encanto’ Decorations at CommuniCore Plaza in EPCOT
Shannen Ace
A wall in World Celebration Gardens is uncovered, more “Encanto” decorations are up at CommuniCore Plaza, and trees have been planted in World Nature as construction continues throughout EPCOT. Celebration Garden Wall The back wall of the Celebration Garden has finally been revealed. The wall is directly behind Dreamers Point. It’s been blocked by rolling …
New Universal Rewards Visa Credit Card Kiosk at Universal Orlando Resort Parking Garages
Shannen Ace
A new kiosk for the Universal Rewards Visa Signature Cards has opened near security at the Universal Orlando Resort parking garages. Universal Rewards Credit Card Kiosk The kiosk, run by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), is a large round blue structure. The marquee reads “It’s time to get rewarded.” It wasn’t open during our recent visit, …
Speakers Return to Disneyland Parade Route After One Fell in Guest Path
Shannen Ace
Speakers and their support poles have returned to Disneyland Park after almost seven weeks. The poles were removed after one fell in a guest path in early April. Disneyland Parade Route Speakers The speakers can be seen along the park’s parade path. The poles and speakers themselves are “Go Away Green,” meant to blend in …
New Sign and Windows Installed on Upcoming DVC Welcome Center at Disney California Adventure
Shannen Ace
A new sign and windows have been installed on the former Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure, which is becoming a Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center. DVC Welcome Home Center Construction Construction walls went up around Blue Sky Cellar in late 2023. Over the walls, we can now see a small round wooden …