PHOTOS: All Four New Park-Exclusive Wizarding World of Harry Potter Wands at Universal Parks Worldwide
JonS
Recently, an all-new collection of interactive wands debuted at Universal Parks across the world exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. One unique aspect of this collection involves the fact that each Universal Studios park or resort worldwide has their own exclusive wands only available there! Guests visiting one of the four locations with …
New Santa Mickey Sequined Spirit Jersey Arrives at Disneyland
Spencer Lloyd
As Disneyland Resort continues celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, we’re sure to keep seeing new festive merchandise trickling in to the parks. And sure as Santa comes every year, we found a delightful new Santa Mickey sequined Spirit Jersey at Disneyland! Park your sleigh in front of the Emporium on Main Street, …
runDisney Volunteers Outraged as Disney Reduces Ticket Gift to Half-Day Only
Chuck Mirarchi
Disney relies on volunteers to make each of their runDisney marathons go smoothly. In exchange for their time, Disney gave each volunteer a complimentary full-day theme park ticket as a “thank you.” However, after this year’s Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, without notice, volunteers received only a half-day ticket. The Orlando Sentinel reports …
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Showcase Returns to Disneyland in March 2023
Chuck Mirarchi
To the excitement of brides and grooms everywhere, Disney Weddings has announced that Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Showcase will return in spring 2023. The showcase will be held at the Disneyland Resort on March 4, 2023. Registration opens on January 6. This event offers couples the chance to tour many of the Disneyland Resort venues, …
Disney Exclusive Funko POP! Featuring Mickey Mouse in a Haunted Mansion Doom Buggy Coming Soon
Chuck Mirarchi
In honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, Funko POP! Rides have created a new vinyl figure featuring Mickey Mouse in a Haunted Mansion Doom Buggy. This adorable vinyl figure has Mickey Mouse dressed as The Groundskeeper, better known as “Caretaker,” and also semi-officially named Silas Crump. This figure will be a Disney exclusive. @disneyland_goonies posted …
Pteranodon Flyers Closed Indefinitely at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
JonS
Pteranodon Flyers, a glider-style attraction in Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, is reportedly closed for an indefinite period of time. The attraction shut down unexpectedly on the morning of Sunday, December 4. It has not reopened since. We know that about half of the Jurassic Park area and “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” …
Papel Picado Ear Headband Arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kelly Osterman
A new Día de los Muertos-inspired papel picado ear headband has shown up at Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Papel Picado Ear Headband – $34.99 The front of the headband is decorated with brightly colored flowers in alternating shades. The other ear is black and pink and features the image of a heart …
Disneyland Paris Announces Lavazza as an Official Partner
Chuck Mirarchi
On Disneyland Paris’ official Twitter page, the park announced that the Italy-based coffee brand Lavazza is now one of their official partners. They will feature Lavazza Group-owned Lavazza and Carte Noir beverages. “We’re happy to announce that @lavazzagroup is one of our Official Partners for the next 5 years! Our guests can now find a …
Disney Cruise Line Shortens Refund Window for Guests Who Test Positive for COVID-19
Chuck Mirarchi
Disney Cruise Line’s refund policy has been quite flexible when it comes to guests who test positive for COVID-19. However, that policy will change this Friday. For sailings booked on or after December 9, guests who test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of their sail date can receive a refund in their original form …
New Genie+ Update Will Streamline Modifications for Lightning Lane Selections
Katie Francis
A new update is coming to Disney Genie+ to improve useability. Guests will soon be able to modify Lightning Lane selections without canceling and rebooking. The new function will allow users to search for other available Lightning Lane attractions or arrival times and swap them. This will reduce the number of steps it takes to …
New Earl the Squirrel Storybook Ornaments From Universal Orlando Resort
Shannen Ace
While you’re working through the Holiday Tree Hunt at Universal Orlando Resort, you can also pick up some special Earl the Squirrel ornaments. The four ornaments resemble childrens’ storybooks but unfortunately don’t actually open to a story. Holiday Tree Hunt Ornament – $15 This first ornament features Earl on the Holiday Tree Hunt, using the …
Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I Airplane Interior to be Restored to Its 1960s Design
Chuck Mirarchi
This past September, Disney unveiled Walt Disney’s fully restored Grumman Gulfstream I airplane at the 2022 D23 Expo. After the expo closed, the plane went to its new home at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Yesterday, on Walt’s 121st birthday, it was announced that the interior of the plane would be restored to how it …
Disney CFO Christine McCarthy Leading Contender for Company CEO According to Insiders
Chuck Mirarchi
In a surprise twist, Disney Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy has now emerged as the leading candidate to take over the CEO position at The Walt Disney Company. According to Deadline, McCarthy was “a steady hand” when Iger and Chapek were in charge. She was “influential in helping to successfully engineer a string of key …
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Cocktail and More New Menu Items Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Katie Francis
Disney announced new menu items are coming to several of the restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The menus will be updated starting December 8. See all the new items, sorted by venue, listed below. Maji Pool Bar Shrimp Bakuli: chilled poached shrimp, pickled carrots, and Basmati rice with a flavorful soy-ginger dressing and berbere …
RUMOR: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Tree of Life Awakenings Show Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Chuck Mirarchi
The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park may be getting a new sequence as part of its projection show, “Tree of Life Awakenings,” in a couple of weeks. It is believed that the new projection sequences, which will be incorporated with the attraction’s present show, will coincide with the release of James …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 12/04/22 (Phone Photography & Filming No Longer Allowed on Space Mountain, Toy Story Holiday Ear Headband, New Daisy & Minnie Pandora Charm Set, & More)
Melissa Emery
Season’s Greetings from Magic Kingdom! Today we plan on doing some shopping and rides. As always we will be sure to report on all the new things we find. Let’s get started. On our way to Magic Kingdom this morning we spotted more blue road signs that have replaced the purple signs on Buena Vista …
NEW Aristocats Dooney & Bourke Collection Arrives at Walt Disney World
Kelly Osterman
A new Aristocats Dooney & Bourke collection has pawed its way into Hollywood Studios and everyone will want to be a cat with one of these three new stunning handbags. Artist Ann Shen has collaborated with Dooney & Bourke to create this purr-fectly chic new collection which is available at the Majestic Theater Store. Large …
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! Attraction Façade Repainted, Characters Scarier Than Ever
Chuck Mirarchi
Over the summer, we reported that Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! attraction at Disney California Adventure would be closing for a refurbishment. The attraction recently reopened and the monsters on the façade are looking scarier than ever. We visited the attraction and discovered that the characters that grace the façade of the …
RUMOR: Paint the Night Electrical Parade May Return to Disneyland Resort in 2023
Katie Francis
Reports indicate that the Paint the Night Electrical Parade will return to Disneyland Resort next year. The parade debuted in 2015 for the 60th anniversary of Disneyland. It has a rather spotty performance history, ending its initial run in September 2016 only to return for the holiday season. It was replaced by the original Main …
Disney Senior Vice President of Communications Leaving Company After 17 Years
Tom Corless
According to Variety, Heather Hust Rivera, the senior vice president of communications at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED), is exiting the company after nearly two decades. The moves come as returning CEO Bob Iger looks to restructure the company following the sudden removal of Bob Chapek. Chapek had himself reorganized Disney with the creation of DMED, with the aim …
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell Confirms Epic Universe to Open Summer 2025, Takes Shot at Disney Animation
Chuck Mirarchi
Today at the UBS Global TMT Conference in New York City, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell confirmed that Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s third theme park will be opened in the summer of 2025. During a question and answer session, Shell stated “We’re right on track. Literally right on track.” Although he didn’t say exactly when Epic …
Haunted Mansion Model Kit Now Available at Disneyland Resort
Chuck Mirarchi
Just when you thought you might have one too many Disney model kits, along come the Haunted Mansion Model Kit. We found this at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. As the Ghost Host says, “There is always room for one more.” Haunted Mansion Model Kit – $29.99 This …
RUMOR: Baymax Will Fly Over Sleeping Beauty Castle in New Wondrous Journeys Fireworks Spectacular at Disneyland
Katie Francis
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, new entertainment offerings are coming to Disneyland Resort in January. Reportedly, the new Wondrous Journeys fireworks spectacular at Disneyland Park will feature a flyover from Baymax. Reddit user OFUTLAC posted a photo that appears to show a Baymax figure staged at Sleeping Beauty Castle. …
Disney Sued Over Alleged Patent Infringement for Genie and Genie+ Technologies
Chuck Mirarchi
Mention Disney Genie and Genie+ to most Disney fans and you’ll get a long dissertation on how much they hate the relatively new system. Now, a California-based theme park firm also has an issue with it as well; however, this is more legal in nature. On December 2, 2022, Agile Journey LLC filed a lawsuit …
Hello Kitty Store at Universal Studios Florida Reopens With New Generic Flooring
Chuck Mirarchi
In October, we reported on the construction that had begun at the Hello Kitty Store at Universal Studios Florida. As reported, the store has reopened and will be re-themed in the near future. Last month, we stated that the shop was getting a new floor, as well as a little refreshing. The shop would retain …
Remember Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Forever When You Propose with an Ornament Ring Box featuring Cinderella Castle and Plastic Ring
Chuck Mirarchi
For die-hard Disney fans, incorporating Disney into the proposal or the wedding is a given. When it’s an engagement, many people will pop the question somewhere in the park – typically in front of the castle. Now you can get down on one knee and propose (or commemorate the occasion) with this Walt Disney World …
13 New ‘Harry Potter’ Interactive Wands Debut at Ollivander’s Including Florida Exclusive at Universal Orlando Resort, Previous Designs Now Retired
Katie Francis
13 new interactive wands have arrived right on schedule at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. One of the wand designs is exclusive to Florida, and the other Universal parks worldwide will have their own exclusives, too. All of the new designs are $63, just like the previous styles. As opposed …
Flags With Toothpick Poles Added to Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Chuck Mirarchi
We recently headed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to check on the progress at the Toy Story-themed Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant. The new table service restaurant, which was announced in 2019, is located just past the Toy Story Land entrance and in between Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania attractions. Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant …
New Earl the Squirrel Pillow, Grinch Flannel, and Grinch Ornaments From Universal Orlando Resort
Shannen Ace
Celebrate Christmas with new merchandise from a cart in Universal CityWalk Orlando. We found a new Earl the Squirrel throw pillow, plush a Grinch flannel and four new Grinch ornaments designed by Jim Shore. Earl the Squirrel Pillow – $45 Earl the Squirrel is pictured in a wreath with “Universal Studios” below him. Earl’s wearing …
Details Released for Pixar Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line Including ‘An Incredible Deck Party’ and More
Katie Francis
The Pixar Day at Sea cruises begin on January 7 with select Disney Cruise Line voyages, and more details are finally being released. Character Encounters Characters will abound during Pixar Day at Sea, including character greetings with some of your favorites from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Incredibles” and “Inside Out,” along …
Indiana Jones Adventure Attraction to Close for Multi-Month Refurbishment at Disneyland, May Include New ‘Dial of Destiny’ Content
Chuck Mirarchi
This past October, we reported that the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction at the Disneyland Resort would be closed for a three-day refurbishment the following month. However, starting on January 9, 2023, the attraction, located in Adventureland, will close for a lengthy refurbishment. Disney doesn’t give a reopening date only to say that it will return …
REVIEW: Puss in Boots Takes Over Schwab’s Pharmacy With 3 New Specialty Milkshakes in Universal Studios Florida
Shannen Ace
Puss in Boots has taken over Schwab’s Pharmacy in Universal Studios Florida, turning the ice cream shop into the “Milk Bar” in honor of the new Puss in Boots film. This fun little overlay also brings 3 brand new specialty milkshakes, each themed to one of the characters from the film. We couldn’t wait to …
New ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Germany Pavilion Merchandise Line at EPCOT
Maddy
“Magic mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” There’s a new line of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” merchandise available in the newly reopened Volkskunst. Grumpily Ever After Shirt – $36.99 This white shirt features Grumpy looking, well, grumpy. The back has a newly designed EPCOT Germany Pavilion logo. The new …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 11/30/22 (Boba Fett Ears, Big Feet Baymax, Santa Meet & Greet, & More)
KaylaP
Good morning from Magic Kingdom! As we were walking up to the park entrance, we spotted the Lilly Belle in the station. The Walter E. Disney has been seen testing on the tracks quite often but this is the first time we are seeing the Lily Belle out. There is an adorable new Big Feet …
Grinch Popcorn Bucket Arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood
Kelly Osterman
It came without ribbons, it came without tags (it does have one tag). It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Well of course it did, it’s a popcorn bucket. The mean one himself, Mr. Grinch, has shown up at Universal Studios Hollywood, and now you can take him home with you! Grinch Popcorn Bucket – …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Tour One of the Cutest Disney Hotel Rooms on Earth Themed to Chip & Dale!
Shannen Ace
During a recent trip to Tokyo Disney Resort, we stayed in a standard floor Chip ‘n Dale room at the Disney Ambassador Hotel. This hotel is themed to America in the 1930s during the golden age of Hollywood. it features elegant art deco designs and a variety of guest rooms themed to Disney characters. In …
Cherlindrea’s Wand From ‘Willow’ Available at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
Disney+ recently debuted the “Willow” series, a sequel to the 1988 film of the same name. Fans visiting Walt Disney World can now take home a collectible inspired by the original film: Cherlindrea’s wand. Cherlindrea’s Wand – $85 This wand is gifted to Willow by the Fairy Queen Cherlindrea. It includes a rock-like base with …
WATCH PARKSCENTER — The New Iger Era is Here, Magic Keys Came and Went, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Begins!
Rob Whiteside
Join us live tonight, Sunday, December 4th, now at 9:00 p.m. ET or watch ParksCenter anytime on our new home, WDWNT.TV. So much has happened while we were away, catch up with the latest Disney Parks news on ParskcCenter! Each week, we cover the top stories in Disney Parks news and discuss the topics that …
Scarlet Witch Loungefly Bag Spotted at Disney California Adventure
Justin Topa
A red, faux-leather Scarlet Witch Loungefly Bag is currently available at the Super Store featuring Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, but WandaVision fans better hurry to get their hands on this new Marvel backpack.
New ‘Gremlins’ Stripe Funko POP! Loungefly Wallet at Universal Orlando Resort
Shannen Ace
A new wallet by Loungefly and Funko POP! depicting Stripe from “Gremlins” is available at Universal Orlando Resort. “Gremlins” Stripe Loungefly Wallet – $55 The wallet features Stripe in his Gremlin form, wearing 3-D glasses. His ears and white tuft of hair stick out from the sides of the wallet. The back has a scaly …