Halloween Horror Nights 32 House Entrance Portals Arrive at Universal Studios Florida
Shannen Ace
Halloween Horror Nights 32 portals have appeared throughout Universal Studios Florida. These “portals” are near the entrances to haunted houses and other experiences. They will eventually display the house names, wait times, and warnings. Halloween Horror Nights 32 Portals The first portal we spotted is next to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the “Minion Xing” …
Disneyland Paris Hosting Annual Passholder ‘Villainous Night’ in September
Shannen Ace
Disneyland Paris is hosting the Annual Passholder-exclusive “Villainous Night” on Friday, September 29 at Disneyland Park. Villainous Night The ticketed event is for Disneyland Pass and Annual Pass members only. Tickets are €55 and nominative. Sales will open on Thursday, August 31, at 11:00 a.m. CET at this link. The Passholder will be able to …
CFTOD Budgets Over $5 Million for Walt Disney World Legal Fight
Shannen Ace
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Administrator Glen Gilzean announced in a presentation during today’s Board meeting that over $5 million would be budgeted in 2024 for their legal fight with Walt Disney World. Disney Expenses The “Disney induced expenses” come to a total of $5,070,000 in the 2024 fiscal year budget. Broken down, that …
Reedy Creek Firefighters Call CFTOD Removing Walt Disney World Annual Pass Benefits a ‘Low Blow’
Shannen Ace
During Wednesday’s Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors meeting, Reedy Creek firefighters spoke out against the District’s decision to cancel the Walt Disney World Annual Pass program and other benefits for District employees. After receiving a bill from Walt Disney World, the District released a press release calling the benefits a “scheme” …
CFTOD Potentially Paying Law Professor $110,000 to Recommend District Reforms
Shannen Ace
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors may be hiring a law professor to prepare a detailed research report identifying strengths and weaknesses in the District. The proposed research project is on Wednesday’s CFTOD Board agenda as item 8.1. Professor Donald J. Kochan is Executive Director of the Law & Economics Center …
PHOTOS: More Vehicles Added to Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones, ‘Nightmare Fuel: Revenge Dream’ Sign Installed at Universal Studios Florida
Brit Tuttle
With Halloween Horror Nights 32 just over a week away, more details and decoration are being added to the scare zones throughout Universal Studios Florida, including a few prop vehicles. Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood In the New York scare zone, Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood, a few new props have been added to the …
Watch Playtest of Journey of Water Inspired by ‘Moana’ at EPCOT, Costume Changing Rooms Returning and No Longer Free at Tokyo Disney Resort, & More: Daily Recap (8/22/23)
Kyle Silagyi
We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Walt Disney World Magic …
Nearly 5,000-Piece LEGO Harry Potter Collectors’ Edition Gringotts Wizarding Bank Set, Advent Calendar Coming Soon
Brit Tuttle
Two new LEGO Harry Potter sets will soon bring more of the Wizarding World to store shelves, with both releasing next month. Gringotts Wizarding Bank – Collectors’ Edition – $429.99 This massive Collectors’ Edition Gringotts Wizarding Bank set is packed with details, and includes references to both the first and final Harry Potter films. Fans …
‘Brave’ Tapestries Removed for Mirabel Meet and Greet at Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
“Brave” tapestries have been removed from the entrance to the Fairytale Garden area in Magic Kingdom as it is transformed into Casita Madrigal from “Encanto” for a Mirabel meet and greet. Mirabel Meet and Greet Construction A green construction wall and green scrim covers the front of the “garden.” A crane arrived on site in …
PHOTOS: Scrim Removed From Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby as Railing Work Nears Completion
Shannen Ace
Work is starting to wrap up on the guest floor railings overlooking the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This project began in June with construction walls and vehicles taking up much of the resort’s lobby space. The lobby itself will also be remodeled, but not until next year. Grand Floridian Interior Construction …
Earth Removed for Refurbishment From Mission: SPACE Entrance at EPCOT
Shannen Ace
Earth has been removed from the entrance area of Mission: SPACE at EPCOT for refurbishment. The pavement of the Mission: SPACE courtyard was recently updated, with Mars rover tracks removed and replaced with planet mosaics. Earth Removed from Mission: SPACE In May we noted that the giant Mars orb front and center at the attraction …
RUMOR: Roaming M3GAN Horde Coming to Halloween Horror Nights 32
Katie Francis
We reported the possibility in the past and now more sources have indicated that the roaming M3GAN horde will be coming to Halloween Horror Nights 32 at Universal Studios Florida. Following the confirmation of Death Eaters this morning, M3GAN and David S. Pumpkins remain the last unannounced experiences for this year’s event. Roaming M3GAN Horde …
Disney Lorcana Booster Pack Box Design Allows Resellers to Pull Cards Without Breaking Seal
Shannen Ace
As Disney Lorcana rolls out to the masses, fans are finding a problem with the booster pack box packaging. A single Disney Lorcana booster pack contains 12 cards, while a booster pack box contains 24 packs. A booster pack box retails for $143.99 but is scarce right now as Lorcana is only available at specialty …
REVIEW: Trying Thai Chile Chicken Tenders, Dulce de Leche Tart, Al Pastor Fries, and More at Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure
Brit Tuttle
While on a recent visit to Disney California Adventure, we decided to check out some of the menu items at Paradise Garden Grill that were added earlier this summer. Paradise Garden Grill These items replaced the BBQ-centric menu that was added to the restaurant last summer, but there have been other seasonal menus offered between …
PHOTOS: Radiator Springs Racers Exterior Track Repaved, Rockwork Repainted During Refurbishment at Disney California Adventure
Brit Tuttle
Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is temporarily closed for refurbishment, and we spotted crews hard at work on the ride while on a visit to the park. Radiator Springs Racers Refurbishment The ride closed on August 18 for this refurbishment, and the closure is scheduled through August 27, according to …
PHOTOS: Torii Gate Bridge Nears Completion, More New Signage Added in San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure
Brit Tuttle
With San Fransokyo Square’s opening date just a little more than a week away at Disney California Adventure, the last-minute touches are starting to appear throughout the land. Let’s take a look. Torii Gate Bridge Nears Completion Since our last update, it appears as though the Torii Gate Bridge in San Fransokyo Square is nearly …
UPDATE: Virtual Queue Unavailable For All Rogers: The Musical Showtimes Today
Shannen Ace
Rogers: The Musical at Disney California Adventure is not using the virtual queue for any showtimes today. The virtual queue has been available since Rogers: The Musical debuted, but was never required, similar to “World of Color – ONE.” Rogers: The Musical Virtual Queue This morning, a push notification from the Disneyland App this morning let guests …
Glen Gilzean Resigns From Ethics Commission to Keep CFTOD Administrator Job
Shannen Ace
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Administrator Glen Gilzean Jr. has resigned from his position as chairperson of the Florida Commission on Ethics after it was discovered he had violated a rule of the Commission by taking the District job. Gilzean was hired as District Administrator in May. But it was recently revealed that, due …
Robin Hood MagicBand+ and Roger Rabbit Pin Join Disney100 Decades Collections at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
A “Robin Hood” MagicBand+ has arrived at Walt Disney World as part of the 1970s Disney100 Decades collection released last month, while a Roger Rabbit pin has joined the recently-released 1980s Disney100 Decades collection. Limited Edition Robin Hood MagicBand+ – $64.99 The MagicBand+ comes in a blue-purple Disney100 Decades box. It’s green, with images of …
New ‘One Little Spark’ Figment Magnet Available at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
Add “one little spark” to your fridge with this new Figment magnet available at Walt Disney World. It matches the Figment ornament previously released and we found it at the Imagination! Pavilion in EPCOT. Figment Magnet – $12.77 The magnet is shaped like a lightbulb, with “One little spark lights up for you” on an …
Shawarma is Finally Available in Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris
Shannen Ace
Shawarma is finally available at the Parisian Avengers Campus! The food famously enjoyed by the Avengers after the Battle of New York is now on the menu at Super Diner in Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris. New Super Diner Menu Shawarma replaces the restaurant’s sandwiches. Here are the new options, …
Rogers: The Musical Not Using Virtual Queue for First Two Performances Today
Shannen Ace
Rogers: The Musical at Disney California Adventure is not using a virtual queue for its first two performances today. Instead, only the standby queue will be available. Rogers: The Musical Queue The virtual queue has been available since Rogers: The Musical debuted, but was never required, similar to “World of Color – ONE.” A push notification …
2024 Disneyland Resort Vacation Packages Going on Sale This Week
Shannen Ace
2024 Disneyland Resort vacation packages will be available beginning on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Vacation packages include theme park tickets and a resort hotel stay at one of the hotels of the Disneyland Resort. By next year, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will have completed its transformation into Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel. Coinciding with, but not …
New LEGO Marvel Minifigures & Advent Calendar Coming Soon
Brit Tuttle
A new LEGO Minifigures blind box series and advent calendar themed to Marvel are both set to release next month. Marvel LEGO Minifigures Marvel Series 2 – $4.99 The second series of LEGO Marvel Minifigures is set to release on September 1, 2023. This series includes 12 Marvel Minifigures to collect, including Hawkeye and Kate …
2023 Halloween Tribute Store Trusses Installed at Universal Studios Florida
Shannen Ace
Trusses have been installed for the 2023 Halloween Tribute Store façade at Universal Studios Florida. Tribute Stores operate seasonally at Universal Studios Florida with changing themes inspired by different holidays and IPs. Halloween Tribute Store The Halloween Tribute Store will be back in the New York section of the park and themed to a “mysterious NYC Comic Book …
New World of Frozen Concept Art Released Ahead of November Opening at Hong Kong Disneyland
Shannen Ace
Hong Kong Disneyland has released another piece of World of Frozen concept art ahead of the land’s November 2023 opening. World of Frozen Concept Art The concept art depicts the village of Arendelle with the palace in the background and Elsa’s ice palace on the North Mountain in the distance. To the right, musicians play …
BREAKING: ‘Harry Potter’ Death Eaters Confirmed for Diagon Alley This Fall at Universal Studios Florida
Katie Francis
Death Eaters have been confirmed to appear in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley this Halloween season at Universal Studios Florida. Death Eaters in Diagon Alley We first reported the rumor on July 2, and Universal has finally confirmed that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will play a larger role this …
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Sold Out Through September 17
Shannen Ace
All Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates through Sunday, September 17, 2023 are now sold out. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party began on August 11. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Sold Out Dates These remaining dates are now sold out: Though Thursday, October 5 was previously listed as sold out, it is currently available. Prices range from $149 …
VIDEO: Journey of Water Inspired by ‘Moana’ Playtest at EPCOT
Shannen Ace
TikTok user Disney Parks Live (^!^~~ was able to playtest Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” at EPCOT and shared a video of their experience. The new walkthrough attraction is set to open later this year, but an exact date has not been announced. Watch the TikTok video below or by clicking here. Some of …
Costume Changing Rooms Returning, No Longer Free During ‘Disney Halloween’ at Tokyo Disney Resort
Shannen Ace
Tokyo Disney Resort will once again have costume changing rooms during “Disney Halloween” this year, but the offering is no longer free. ‘Disney Halloween’ Costume Changing Rooms Changing rooms were available during the annual Halloween festival prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These photos of changing rooms at Tokyo DisneySea are from 2019. …
College Program Cast Member Fired After Viral TikTok Captures Guest Altercation, CFTOD Board Removes Walt Disney World Pass Benefits for Employees, & More: Daily Recap (8/21/23)
Brit Tuttle
We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Monday, August 21, 2023. Walt Disney World EPCOT …
New Star Wars LEGO Sets Featuring Ahsoka Tano, The Clone Wars Coming Soon
Brit Tuttle
Two new Star Wars LEGO sets are set to hit store shelves next month, with one inspired by the upcoming Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” and the other by “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” LEGO Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle – $79.99 This set brings Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle to life. Featuring approximately 599 …
VIDEO: Voice Actor Jim Cummings Sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to Winnie the Pooh on Social Media
Brit Tuttle
To celebrate Winnie the Pooh’s birthday today, August 21, voice actor Jim Cummings, better known as the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger (among many other characters,) shared a special birthday message on social media. Jim Cummings Sings Birthday Song for Winnie the Pooh in Social Media Video In the video, two plushes of …
New 1980s Disney100 Decades ‘Rescue Rangers,’ ‘Oliver & Company,’ and Roger Rabbit Merchandise at Disneyland Resort
Shannen Ace
The 1980s Disney100 Decades collection has arrived at Disneyland Resort. We found the “Rescue Rangers” ear headband and Loungefly mini backpack, “Oliver & Company” plush, and Roger Rabbit pin. The “Rescue Rangers” and “Oliver & Company” items were in Fortuosity Shop, while the Roger Rabbit pin was in the Emporium. We also saw the ear …
BREAKING: DeSantis’ Tourism Oversight Board Canceled Walt Disney World Pass Benefit for Employees, Offering New $1000 Stipend Despite Calling Benefit Program ‘Scheme to Funnel Taxpayer Dollars’
Katie Francis
In a leaked email from an anonymous source, it was revealed that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has already ended the Walt Disney World Annual Pass program for their employees with no prior notice. CFTOD Board Ends Walt Disney World Annual Pass Benefit With No Notice Our source detailed that this change affects retired …
PHOTOS: ‘New Trail to Frontierland’ Revealed at Disneyland Park
Brit Tuttle
Some walls have been moved and removed at the Adventureland entrance area at Disneyland Park, creating a wider route that Disney describes as a “new trail to Frontierland.” New Trail to Frontierland Upon entering the land, guests will encounter this construction wall, as well as see another construction wall by the restrooms. Earlier this month, …
Sassagoula River Cruise Boats to be Temporarily Unavailable Due to Bridge Refurbishment
Brit Tuttle
The Sassagoula River Cruise water transportation service will be temporarily unavailable for a short period later this month, according to Orlando Theme Park News. Sassagoula River Cruise Temporarily Closing This watercraft transportation service will be closed to guests from August 28-30, as a result of bridge refurbishment. Affected guests can still take a resort bus, …
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Vows to Eliminate Employee Benefits Like Walt Disney World Passes & Discounts
Shannen Ace
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has issued a press release stating they have submitted a referral to the Florida Inspector General hoping to eliminate employee benefits for district employees like complimentary Walt Disney World passes and discounts. The CFTOD received a $492,382.96 bill from Disney for “Q1 FY22 Tickets,” prompting this move. In the …
New ‘Plane Crazy’ Mickey Mouse Dooney & Bourke Collection (Featuring an Incorrect Walt Disney Quote) Now Available at Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
The new Mickey Mouse Dooney & Bourke collection inspired by the first-ever Mickey cartoon, “Plane Crazy,” is now available at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom. “Plane Crazy” Dooney & Bourke Collection The four bags are white with red handles and detailing. A golden Dooney & Bourke plaque is on the front of each. Mickey Mouse …
All Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Legacy Lightsaber Hilts 30% Off at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Disneyland
Shannen Ace
All Legacy lightsaber hilts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland are currently 30% off. The discount is available through October 16, 2023. A selection of hilts were discounted this past spring, but this discount is on all currently available hilts. Here are some of the hilts available, and their …