Lianett Fernandez, Author at WDW News Today

Corkcicle Shop Coming This Spring to Disney Springs

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023

Throw out those old plastic water bottles, a full Corkcicle water bottle shop is on its way to Disney Springs soon! Earlier this week, the Disney Parks Blog announced that a retail location for Corkcicle would be joining the line up of shops at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort. The new shop will … Read more

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Cash Rates Revealed, Bookings Now Available for Disney Vacation Club Members

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

If you’re hoping to stay at the new The Villas at Disneyland Hotel this fall when it opens, we’ve got good news — the cash rates are now available for the new hotel tower, and bookings are open now for Disney Vacation Club members! Pricing has been revealed for guests wishing to stay at The Villas … Read more

Pacific Wharf Bridge Reopens as San Fransokyo Gate Transformation Continues at Disney California Adventure

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

For the past few weeks, the bridge into Pacific Wharf, soon to be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, has been closed to accommodate the update into the large torii gate-adorned bridge from “Big Hero 6” as part of the area’s transformation into San Fransokyo Square. Now the bridge has reopened to guest traffic from Pixar … Read more

PHOTOS: Scaffolding Removed From Space Mountain Spires at Magic Kingdom

March 16, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

Space Mountain no scaffolding clean roof

Scaffolding has been removed from Space Mountain’s spires in Magic Kingdom, and rooftop cleaning has seemingly been completed in preparation for the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run.

Space Mountain Façade Refurbishment

The scaffolding around the Space Mountain rooftop spires have now all been removed as the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run nears on April 4. Disney has been cleaning the Space Mountain roof exterior since January as they complete the construction for TRON Lightcycle / Run and its surrounding area. We have been following along with the refurbishment while keeping you updated on the changes made to the surrounding area.

Space Mountain no scaffolding clean roof tall spire

Scaffolding was installed in early February around the Space Mountain spires as cleaning and repainting continued on the attraction’s roof.

The scaffolding surrounding the large spires was recently removed, but the smaller spires remained covered.

Space Mountain no scaffolding clean roof short spire

The smaller spires are no longer surrounded by scaffolding, and the work on Space Mountain’s rooftop appears to be complete.

Disney has been making some changes to the surrounding area of the new attraction, TRON / Lightcycle Run, as it prepares for its grand opening next month.

In addition to the maintenance work completed on Space Mountain, a name change and retheming have been made to the classic attraction’s neighboring shop, and a new food stand has been added.

Tomorrowland Launch Depot

Formerly known as Tomorrowland’s Light & Power Co., the shop next to Space Mountain has officially been renamed as part of the updates made to this area. The new name for this shop is Tomorrowland Launch Depot. The1994 Tomorrowland decorative exterior cogs and steampunk style have been replaced with a sleek streamlined facade. The original tower art underneath the clock has been replaced with a mural of Tomorrowland attractions past and present.

The shop formerly sold Space Mountain themed merchandise and featured a D-tech on demand counter for the customization of MagicBands, phone cases, and other items. While it is uncertain if these items will continue to be sold at the shop, new merchandise has been revealed. The new shop will sell unique TRON themed items, including Loungefly backpacks, t-shirts, toys, and light-up clothing and accessories.

Another shop entrance will be located in the back, making it easily accessible for guests exiting the TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.

Tomorrowland Launch Depot will offer guests the opportunity to experience the TRON Identity Program. Guests who purchase the special action figure can customize its unique identity chip and use it to interact with other TRON toys and merchandise. The Tron Identity Program action figures will be priced at $89.99.

Energy Bytes

Disney recently revealed all the details surrounding the new snack stand, called Energy Bytes, located near the entrance of the new TRON / Lightcycle RUN attraction and Space Mountain.

Unique sweet and savory snacks will be available at this food stand, including dumplings, donut holes, mochi ice cream, and a frozen watermelon refresher. These snacks will be sold for under $10. The full price list, with photos, is available here.

With so many new things to see, will you be visiting Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom anytime soon? Let us know in the comments below.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shuri’s Vibranium Gauntlet Light-Up Toy from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

March 15, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

If you’re looking to salute the noble nation of Wakanda from Marvel’s “Black Panther” series as you stroll around Walt Disney World, now you can with a new replica of Shuri’s Vibranium Gauntlet, now available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Specifically, we found this at Keystone Clothiers.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Light-Up Shuri’s Vibranium Gauntlet – $99.99

This light-up gauntlet toy from Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is styled like the vibranium gauntlets created by Shuri in the first “Black Panther” film, featuring the face of a panther with light-up yellow eyes over the fists. The head area of the gauntlet moves back and forth. The wrist area of the gauntlet lights up in purple and it also makes sonic blaster sounds.

The vibranium gauntlet comes in a stylized box that appears like a special crate, similar to the ones seen in the “Black Panther” films and contains one gauntlet in each box.

On the back of the box, you can see some of the features once the gauntlet is lit up.

The side of the box has graphics of what appears to be cylindrical turn handles that would open the crate if it were not a toy.

black oanther wakanda forever shuri gauntlet shop disney

This is a closer look at the vibranium gauntlet where the details of the panthers face and teeth are move visible, along with the some of the graphic art, typical of Wakanda, that decorates the toy. This item can be found in Keystone Clothiers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and on shopDisney.

Don’t miss other “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”-inspired merchandise including Namor ears, as well as the vibranium gauntlet-inspired W.E.B. Tech attachment and sipper both at Disneyland Resort.

Will you be buying this for yourself or a little Black Panther-to-be in your life? Let us know in the comments!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

UPDATE: Disney+ ‘Tiana’ Series Release Window Changed

March 15, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

Walt Disney Animation Studios has updated the release date for the “Tiana” series on Disney+ to an unknown future date.

Tiana Series on Disney+

Disney’s “Tiana” television series, originally scheduled for release on Disney+ in 2024, now has no known release date. It appears that Walt Disney Animation Studios has quietly updated their website and removed the original release date of 2023. The website now says “Coming to soon [sic] Disney+.”

Originally scheduled for a release date of 2023, and then later changed to 2024, the release timeline is now unknown. It may come sooner or later than planned but has likely been delayed.

The “Tiana” series centers around Tiana’s new adventures as Princess of Maldonia and is both directed and written by Stella Meghie. Meghie has been a director on the series “Grown-ish,” “Insecure,” and will now be joining the Marvel universe as well. Earlier, we reported that Disney+ will be creating a series based on “Wonder Man” with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” director Destin Daniel Cretton leading the project. Meghie has now been added to this team and will be directing several episodes, according to Variety.

How do you feel about the Tiana TV series being delayed? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Disney Creates Flynn’s Arcade-Inspired Space Exclusively for TRON Lightcycle / Run Media Event

March 14, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

As part of the TRON Lightcycle / Run media event today, Disney created a special welcome center inspired by Flynn’s Arcade exclusively for the media event preview attendees.

Disney treated their media guests today by welcoming them to a space inspired by Flynn’s Arcade from the 1982 film “TRON” and its sequel “TRON Legacy.” The arcade was the business (and home) of Kevin Flynn, creator of the Grid.

Disney Parks shared video on their Instagram stories showcasing the event with a walk-through of the arcade and its offerings. This all comes ahead of TRON Lightcycle / Run’s grand opening at the Magic Kingdom on April 4.

Media guests were greeted by this neon sign that reads “Game On” with a hidden Mickey icon and an arrow pointing them in right direction.

tron flynns arcade media press event neon tunnel

Next, they walked through a dark tunnel with green neon lights encasing them, very much in theme with The Grid.

tron flynns arcade media press event neon game guitar hero

The temporary media event arcade featured a variety of game options, including Guitar Hero.

tron flynns arcade media press event neon game mspacman galaga

A Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga game can by seen here surrounded by a back frame made of neon lights with a Mickey icon on the top.

tron flynns arcade media press event neon game space invaders

The arcade classic, Space Invaders was also featured at the media event, also surrounded by its own neon light frame.

tron flynns arcade media press event tron pinball

Although the Disney Parks Instagram story did not show a TRON arcade video game, there was a TRON pinball machine.

tron flynns arcade media press event neon game prizes

A prize wall was also seen in the video, complete with a bucket hat, tumblers, a keychain plush of Expedition Everest’s Yeti, and a Baby Groot squeeze toy, among others.

tron flynns arcade media press event snacks

Here, under this giant neon Mickey ice cream bar, fresh popcorn can be seen in a machine, available to guests at the media event.

Flynn’s Arcade was previously replicated more faithfully during the ElecTRONica dance event, which took place select nights at Disney California Adventure from 2010 to 2012. The location featured a number of classic arcade games as well as the TRON arcade game manufactured by Bally Midway. Guests could also immerse themselves in the neon world of The Grid during the beloved dance event. We covered this event in the early days of WDWNT if you would like to read more about it.

What do you think about this exclusive TRON media event? Do you wish it was open to the all park guests similar to the way ElecTRONica’s experience ran? Tell us in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

PHOTOS: Roundup Rodeo BBQ Marquee Uncovered in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

March 15, 2023March 14, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

Marquee signage for Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant, located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has been uncovered. Roundup Rodeo BBQ Marquee As you can see, the marquee looks almost exactly like the concept art shared by Disney with the exception of a few details. Stinky Pete has been added to the backdrop next … Read more

D23 Gold Members Invited to the 40th Anniversary Screening of ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’ in London

March 14, 2023March 14, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

d23 star wars return of the jedi 40 anniversary london

Disney announced that a special screening of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” will be taking place in London, with tickets going on sale, Thursday, March 16, exclusively for D23 gold members. D23 Exclusive Screening for “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” 40th Anniversary Disney will begin selling tickets on March 16 to D23 gold … Read more

Celebrate Pi(e) Day With New Disney PhotoPass Lenses Inspired by MuppetVision 3D

March 14, 2023March 14, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

In honor of Pi(e) Day, Disney added a new PhotoPass Lens to the My Disney Experience app, and it puts you right in the center of MuppetVision 3D. Disney announced the release of new Disney PhotoPass Lenses, featuring the Muppets for “Pie Day” as part of the popular celebrations based around the mathematical value 3.14, … Read more

Spirit Jerseys, Loungefly Bags, and More From the Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy Collection Has Landed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

May 10, 2023March 12, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

Starwars womensday 2023 collection collage parks 1

The Star Wars Women of the Galaxy Collection has arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios just in time for the International Women’s Day celebration.

Both an adult and youth Spirit Jersey, along with a white faux leather wristlet and a Loungefly crossbody bag, have been spotted at the park. All products feature the phrase “The Force Is With Us.” They can be found at Keystone Clothiers as well as on the ShopDisney website.

keystone clothiers construction walls jan 2023 5803

As we mentioned a few months back, Keystone Clothiers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still under construction for damage sustained to the exterior due to a falling piece of the façade, but it is still open for business.

Star Wars Women of the Galaxy Spirit Jersey for Adults – $74.54

Spiritjersey starwars womensday front adults

This white Spirit Jersey for adults has a screen-printed applique on the front that features Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano, Rey, Padme Amidala, Hera Syndulla, and Rose and Paige Tico, along with BB-8. The Spirit Jersey has a black trim around the neck and sleeve cuffs. It’s available in sizes XS – XXL and retails for $74.54 at the parks and $74.99 on ShopDisney.

spirit jersey starwars womensday detail adults

The front side also features a small black applique with the Star Wars logo.

spiritjersey starwars womensday back adults

The back side has a screen print of the words “The Force is With Us” in puffy ink.

Star Wars Women of the Galaxy Spirit Jersey for Kids – $54.99

Spiritjersey starwars womensday front kids

A white Spirit Jersey for kids with a screen print on the front of Ahsoka Tano, Rey, Princess Leia, Padme Amidala, Hera Syndulla, and Rose Tico, is also available. The front side of the Spirit Jersey also features a small black applique with the Star Wars logo. It’s available in sizes 4 -14 for $54.99 at the parks or $49.99 on ShopDisney.

spiritjersey starwars womensday back kids

The Spirit Jersey has contrasting sleeves in black and burgundy along with a screen print in puffy ink across the back that says “The Force is with us.”

Star Wars Women of the Galaxy Loungefly Crossbody Bag – $40.00

starwars womensday loungefly crossbody front

A Loungefly rectangular crossbody bag is also part of the collection. This bag features Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano, Rey, Padme Amidala, Hera Syndulla, and Rose and Paige Tico, along with BB-8. It retails for $40.00 at the parks and on ShopDisney.

starwars womensday loungefly crossbody front details 1

Close-up of the front of the bag.

starwars womensday loungefly crossbody back

The back of the bag is solid black faux leather with a Loungefly Star Wars emblem badge.

starwars womensday loungefly crossbody strap detail

The bag comes with a chain strap that has a faux white leather shoulder piece with the words “The Force is with us.”

starwars womensday loungefly crossbody side detail

This bag also features an applique on the side that shows a silhouette of Princess Leia’s iconic hair and says “Women of the Galaxy” and “The Force is with us.”

Star Wars Women of the Galaxy Wristlet Bag – $24.99

A white faux leather wristlet is also available from this collection. This wristlet, which resembles a mini belt bag, comes with a zipper across the top and a small applique on the front with a silhouette of Princess Leia’s bun hairstyle and the phrases “Women of the Galaxy” and “The Force is with us”, similar to the one on the Loungefly crossbody bag. It retails for $24.99 at the parks and ShopDisney.

The strap is made of white elastic with the words “The Force is with us” printed in black.

starwars womensday wristlet insidelining

The inner lining features a black, white, and gray geometric print.

These items are part of the same collection as the new Princess Leia-inspired BaubleBar ears recently seen at the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom.

With so many items to choose from, there is definitely something for adults and younglings alike. Are you excited about this new Star Wars Women of the Galaxy collection? Tell us what you’re getting in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Cate Blanchett Visits Loki and Thor in Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure Park

March 16, 2023March 11, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

Cate Blanchett Avengers Campus California Adventure

Cate Blanchett, who plays Marvel’s Hela, Goddess of Death, in the Thor Ragnarok, made a surprise appearance at the Avengers Campus in Disney’s California Adventure Park. Cate Blanchett Visits Loki & Thor Oscar winning actress, Cate Blanchett made an appearance in the Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure Park today. The actress can be seen … Read more

New $99,000 Arribas Brothers Spaceship Earth Available at Walt Disney World

March 10, 2023March 9, 2023

by Lianett Fernandez

Spaceship earth arribas brothers epcot replica front

An Arribas Brothers rainbow colored figure of Spaceship Earth, covered in Austrian crystal stones, has been spotted at Kunstarbeit in Kristall in EPCOT for only $99,000.

Limited Edition Spaceship Earth 40th Anniversary by Arribas Brothers – $99,000

The Arribas Brothers are back at it again, but this time, instead of creating a crystal covered replica of Cinderella Castle, they have honored EPCOT’s park icon, Spaceship Earth. This limited edition Arribas Brothers’ rainbow colored replica figure of Spaceship Earth has been spotted at Kunstarbeit in Kristall at the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT and was released as part of the EPCOT 40th anniversary. The statue comes with a certificate of authenticity and is a limited production of 40. It retails for $99,000.

Spaceship earth arribas brothers epcot replica front overhead

The ball and grass are completely covered in Austrian crystal stones and rest on top of a black circular base.

Here you can see the details on the “grass” area where the crystals go from a darker green to a lighter green in an ombre style.

Spaceship earth arribas brothers epcot replica right side

Both the left and right sides of the figure seem to have the same design.

Spaceship earth arribas brothers epcot replica left side

Spaceship earth arribas brothers epcot replica detail seal

The base has a blue and silver crystal trim to finish off the figure, and it rests on top of a black base featuring a small EPCOT 40th anniversary emblem in gold.

Spaceship earth arribas brothers epcot replica certificateofauthenticity

Each comes with a signed certificate of authenticity. It details the extensive process of hand-setting each of the 155,300 crystals over 681 hours for each figure.

Earlier during the anniversary, crystal replicas of the entrance pylons also debuted at a smaller price point of $1,250.

These Spaceship Earth replica figures are limited, but we are curious; would you bring one home? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.