Alaska Airlines Unveils Epic New Toy Story 5 Themed Plane
For over 30 years, audiences around the world have followed the beloved toy crew of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, who have taught generations of fans that friendship, magic, and imagination never go out of style. Now, as Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated Toy Story 5 prepares to soar into theaters, Horizon Air (the regional carrier of Alaska Airlines) is bringing the next chapter of this iconic franchise straight to the skies with a brand-new, beautifully themed custom livery!
The specially painted Embraer 175 aircraft (tail number N659QX) showcases original, fan-favorite characters Woody, Buzz, and Jessie right alongside the new tech toy characters debuting in Toy Story 5, including Lilypad, Snappy, Atlas, and Smarty Pants.
Adding to the whimsical Pixar design, the aircraft’s fuselage is covered in iconic floating clouds and playful, Toy Story-inspired callouts like “Saddle Up, It’s Takeoff Time!” and “Ready for Takeoff, Partner.” If you look closely, Forky and Karen Beverly also make surprise guest appearances on the winglets, ensuring that the playful spirit of the franchise can be spotted from every single angle of the plane.
Alaska Airlines officially unveiled the larger-than-life livery to excited guests and employees earlier today during a special event at Portland International Airport.
The aircraft has been affectionately named “To 45 and Beyond”—a clever nod to Buzz Lightyear’s famous interstellar mantra. The name pulls double duty, as the special plane also commemorates Horizon Air’s upcoming 45th anniversary of providing exceptional service across Alaska Airlines’ regional network. It serves as a beautiful reminder to travelers of all ages that adventure, imagination, and a little bit of play are always ready for takeoff.
Horizon’s “To 45 and Beyond” plane joins Alaska Airlines’ incredible lineup of nine other Disney-themed aircraft. Frequent flyers can keep their eyes on the tarmac for other fan-favorites, including:
“Friendship and Beyond at the Disneyland Resort” (Alaska’s first Toy Story livery)
“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer”
“Mickey’s Toontown Express”
“Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort” (which was recently updated with Mandalorian and Anzellan characters to celebrate Disney’s new theatrical release, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu)
Whether you are heading out on a family vacation or spotting planes from the terminal, this incredible new Toy Story 5aircraft is sure to add a major dose of pixie dust to the friendly skies!
Are you hoping to catch a flight on the new “To 45 and Beyond” aircraft?
Revamp Headed to My Disney Experience App This Fall
At a press event last week, Disney shared that the My Disney Experience mobile app and official website are getting several highly anticipated changes and upgrades that guests have been asking for. Walt Disney World executives emphasized that the resort is focusing heavily on making trip planning simpler, booking easier, and helping guests feel much more confident ahead of their upcoming vacations.
Based on direct feedback from park-goers, Disney has rolled out a series of updates to the My Disney Experience app aimed at simplifying the vacation planning process and setting much clearer expectations. By introducing straightforward booking steps, refining how travel details are displayed, and designing layouts that reduce day-of decision pressure, the resort has already seen a significant boost in guest satisfaction and a drop in reported planning hurdles. Moving forward, guests can expect “clear choices, simple language, and fewer steps” whenever they interact with the app’s booking systems.
The impact of these changes is already showing up in the data. A recent update that combined today’s itinerary and future reservations into a single, cohesive “My Plans” tab successfully improved overall ease of use for guests by 8%. Furthermore, Disney revealed that streamlining the dining reservation search and booking flow raised guest satisfaction by 5%, driving website ratings to an all-time record high.
The tech updates aren’t the only changes getting rave reviews. Guests have also shared highly positive feedback for the recent revamp of the resort’s online hotel check-in process, as well as the newly expanded resort luggage pilot program, which recently added two new airlines to the service. Furthermore, Walt Disney World executives took the time to tout that rebranding the Lightning Lane system and shifting from day-of booking to a pre-arrival planning window led to massive, double-digit gains in both ease of use and overall guest experience satisfaction.
Disney leaders emphasized that these enhancements aren’t just limited to digital planning tools. Walt Disney World is continuously expanding offerings designed to help families maximize their vacation time, particularly throughout the ongoing “Cool Kids’ Summer” promotion. Examples of these family-friendly perks include special limited-time ticket offers, new park experiences tailored specifically for younger guests, and complimentary water park admission on check-in day for Disney Resort hotel guests. Disney believes this combined approach offers families unmatched flexibility while ensuring they feel completely prepared the moment they arrive.
Disney executives recognize that guests plan their vacations in a variety of ways—whether they are collaborating with a travel advisor, speaking with a Cast Member at the Call Center, or booking directly on their own. For those who choose to book directly via the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World website, a wave of new features is coming over the next few months to make the digital planning process smoother than ever.
What’s Coming to the My Disney Experience App:
Expanded Language Support: Official Spanish translations will be integrated into the app very soon.
A Trip-Centric Homepage Redesign: The app home screen is getting a complete visual makeover. Moving away from cluttered tiles, the new interface will feature a softer color palette and a simplified menu that automatically gathers your essential trip details, travel parties, and key booking steps into one centralized hub.
Interactive Trip Checklist & Countdown: To build anticipation and keep you on track, a new vacation countdown will pair with an intuitive checklist. This feature will clearly outline outstanding pre-trip tasks, reminding you exactly when to book your dining reservations, secure Lightning Lanes, complete resort hotel check-in, and add park tickets to your smartphone’s digital wallet.
Simplified “Trip Party” Linking: Connecting with family and friends will become a hassle-free process. Instead of managing complicated account codes, you will be able to instantly link your travel companions by sending a shareable link directly to your phone contacts.
AI-Powered Search Discovery: Finding answers inside the app will be easier than ever. Disney is integrating advanced AI search models designed to handle natural, conversational language—giving guests instant, summarized answers at the top of their screen rather than a frustrating list of generic links. While executives are keeping the exact technical details of the AI backend under wraps, the performance boost promises to be substantial.
Real-Time Lightning Lane Status: Guests will also have much clearer, effortless access to see exactly when their next Lightning Lane selection window opens up during their park day.
Big upgrades are also heading to the desktop experience. A brand-new vacation planning and booking interface on the official Walt Disney World website is set to make customizing your resort stay easier than ever. For the very first time, guests will be able to easily compare different vacation options, review hotel rates across multiple dates simultaneously, and better visualize which travel weeks best align with their budget and personal needs.
While calendar-based rate comparisons and flexible searches have long been standard across the travel and hospitality industry, this marks a massive leap forward for Disney’s proprietary booking engine. The new functionality will even allow guests to browse by season, making it simple to scan price fluctuations across a range of months before locking in a vacation package.
Disney states that it will share additional details and deep dives into these new web and mobile features as they begin rolling out. While the overarching rollout is slated to begin this fall, the resort has not yet announced specific launch dates for individual enhancements.
Pineapple Crisp Sundae Arrives at Tamu Tamu Treats
Calling all dessert lovers! A brand-new Pineapple Crisp Sundae has officially landed at Tamu Tamu Treats in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you’re a fan of refreshing, tropical sweets, this new menu addition is the perfect way to cool down during your next wild park adventure.
Ingredients: Pineapple crisp cake, vanilla ice cream, pineapple caramel, and a crispy streusel topping.
We recently stopped by Tamu Tamu Treats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to give this new tropical dessert a try. Right off the bat, the Pineapple Crisp Sundae reminds us of a classic, warm fruit crumble cake topped with a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream.
While it’s a delicious addition to the park, we can’t help but wish it featured pineapple DOLE Whip® instead of traditional vanilla ice cream to really punch up that vibrant, tropical flavor profile. That being said, if you are a fan of warm apple pie, fruit cobblers, or any classic dessert served à la mode, you are absolutely going to love this cozy, comforting treat!
Steven Spielberg’s Biggest Blockbusters Take Over Universal Orlando’s New Summer Tribute Store
Universal Orlando has opened a brand-new summer Tribute Store celebrating the legendary career of Steven Spielberg, and it’s packed with movie magic, iconic props, costumes, and immersive experiences inspired by some of the filmmaker’s most beloved films.
Located inside Universal Studios Florida, the Spielberg Summer Blockbusters Tribute Store invites guests to step through cinematic history, beginning with the movie that helped create the modern summer blockbuster: Jaws. The opening room features storyboards, behind-the-scenes photos, posters, and memorabilia from the 1975 classic. Guests can even snap photos in an Amity Island-inspired scene complete with police barriers, fishing props, and the ominous shark fin approaching the Orca.
The exhibit also showcases some incredible pieces from the film, including a shark jaw from Quint’s house, script pages featuring Steven Spielberg’s annotations, and personal materials used during production. Fans will also find a collection of Jaws merchandise spanning decades, from vintage collectibles to the latest anniversary releases.
The journey continues with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, where guests can explore concept artwork, production photos, and original props used in the film. Highlights include the iconic Speak & Spell, the homemade coffee can transmitter, and even a genuine animatronic arm from E.T. himself. The room recreates the film’s unforgettable flying bicycle scene, complete with bikes suspended overhead beneath a glowing moon.
Jurassic Park roars into the next section of the store, featuring props and costumes from the groundbreaking 1993 blockbuster. Among the displays are John Hammond’s famous amber-topped cane, dinosaur eggs, Tim Murphy’s night vision goggles, and the original costume worn by Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler. Fans of The Lost World: Jurassic Park will also find dinosaur maquettes, production artifacts, clapperboards, and Jeff Goldblum’s all-black Ian Malcolm costume.
The final exhibit celebrates Spielberg’s newest film, Disclosure Day, which arrives in theaters on June 12. The upcoming sci-fi thriller receives its own gallery featuring movie posters, costumes worn by stars Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor, and screen-used props from the film.
After exploring the exhibits, guests can browse a retail area filled with merchandise inspired by Spielberg’s films, including exclusive Jaws items and collectibles celebrating his cinematic legacy.
New Retro Jaws, Minions, and SpongeBob Merchandise Arrives at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is serving up a wave of nostalgia with several new merchandise collections inspired by Jaws, Minions, and SpongeBob SquarePants. From retro shark-themed apparel to quirky Minions collectibles and Bikini Bottom accessories, there is plenty for fans to add to their wish lists.
The biggest catch may be the growing lineup of Jaws merchandise celebrating the legendary blockbuster’s 50th anniversary. New apparel includes vintage-inspired tees, hoodies, bucket hats, and windbreakers featuring classic artwork from the film. Guests can also find Amity Island-themed shirts, shark backpacks, tumblers, blankets, and plush sharks that look ready to take a bite out of your vacation budget.
One of the most unexpected additions is a crossover collection featuring Hello Kitty dressed as the iconic shark from Jaws. The collection includes apparel, collectibles, plush figures, and accessories that blend Sanrio’s lovable mascot with one of cinema’s most famous predators. Somehow it’s both adorable and slightly terrifying.
Over in Minion Land, a new Illumination’s Minions & Monsters merchandise collection has arrived to accompany the seasonal celebration. Guests will find apparel, collectibles, figures, and interactive Puppetronic Minions inspired by the monster-themed versions of everyone’s favorite yellow troublemakers. The colorful collection brings plenty of spooky-cute energy without being too scary.
Fans of SpongeBob SquarePants can also dive into new merchandise inspired by Bikini Bottom’s most famous residents. One standout item is a Krabby Patty-themed backpack featuring SpongeBob and Patrick alongside burger-inspired details. Another fun addition is a Gary the Snail coin purse that perfectly captures the beloved pet’s wide-eyed expression.
The new collections can be found throughout Universal Orlando Resort, with many of the Jaws items available in the Tribute Store as well as the Amity takeover in the San Frasisco area of Universal Studios Florida. Whether you’re looking for retro movie nostalgia, mischievous Minion fun, or a trip under the sea with SpongeBob and friends, Universal’s latest merchandise offerings have something for every fandom.
With summer crowds arriving and new seasonal experiences popping up across the resort, these collections are likely to become popular souvenirs for guests looking to bring a little piece of Universal magic home.
Hogwarts Castle Refurbishment Complete at Universal Islands of Adventure
After months of refurbishment work, Hogwarts Castle has emerged from behind scaffolding with a refreshed appearance that enhances the iconic centerpiece of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without dramatically changing its look. Instead of a complete makeover, Universal focused on cleaning, repainting, and restoring details that had weathered over years of exposure to Florida’s intense sun, rain, humidity, and nightly fireworks.
One of the most noticeable improvements can be found on the castle’s towering spires. The main tower stonework and roofing have been cleaned and refreshed, removing much of the dark soot and discoloration that had accumulated over the years from the nearby Nighttime Lights and projection shows. The result is a brighter, cleaner appearance that more closely resembles the castle’s original debut look.
The rocky cliffs beneath Hogwarts have also received significant attention. Fresh paint has restored depth and texture to the mountainside, correcting areas that had become faded or discolored. New moss and lichen details have been added throughout the rockwork, creating a richer and more realistic aged appearance that blends naturally into the surrounding landscape.
Several of the castle’s smaller towers and spires were also refreshed during the project. Along with removing years of soot buildup, Universal added subtle green moss and lichen accents to help recreate the weathered look of the centuries-old wizarding school while maintaining the intricate architectural details.
The lower castle walls and surrounding towers received similar treatment, with refreshed paintwork and additional aging effects helping details that had become muted over time stand out once again. The enhancements are subtle, but fans familiar with Hogwarts will likely notice the increased contrast and restored textures throughout the structure.
While the refurbishment is not a dramatic transformation, it serves as an important reminder of the ongoing work required to maintain one of Universal Orlando’s most iconic landmarks. Sitting under the Florida sun day after day takes a toll on even the most magical castle, and this refurbishment helps ensure Hogwarts continues to look its best for years to come.
First Look at New Minions & Monsters Treats Invading Minion Cafe at Universal Studios Florida
Something delightfully despicable has arrived at Minion Cafe! Universal Studios Florida has rolled out a trio of new Minions & Monsters-inspired treats that bring a playful monster twist to the restaurant’s already quirky menu.
Leading the charge is the Monster Marshmallow Lemonade ($7.99), a vibrant strawberry lemonade topped with fluffy Sh’mallow marshmallow cream and candy eyeball sprinkles. The drink is sweet, tart, and packed with monster personality, making it a fun photo-worthy addition to any Minion-filled day.
For guests with a sweet tooth, the Irene’s Creamsicle Cheesecake Calzone ($11.99) may be the most eye-catching item of the bunch. This monster-inspired dessert features pizza dough stuffed with cheesecake bites and orange marmalade, then topped with orange vanilla cream and candy eyeballs. The result looks like a friendly monster escaped from the lab and landed on your plate. The combination of citrus and cheesecake flavors gives it a nostalgic creamsicle taste with a creative Universal twist.
Rounding out the new offerings is Howard’s Berry Lemonade Cupcake ($6.79), a berry lemonade cupcake topped with pink frosting and garnished with a gummy tentacle. The colorful dessert looks like it swam straight out of a monster lagoon and delivers a refreshing berry-citrus flavor combination.
These new treats join the growing lineup of themed food offerings at Minion Cafe, proving once again that Universal’s culinary team knows how to make food that’s just as entertaining as the attractions themselves. Whether you’re Team Minion or Team Monster, these new menu additions are sure to make your next visit a little more despicably delicious.
Mickey & Minnie Go Cottagecore for New Disney Vacation Club Meet and Greet at EPCOT
Disney Vacation Club members have a charming new reason to stop by EPCOT! Mickey and Minnie Mouse are trading their usual park attire for cozy cottagecore fashions as part of the latest exclusive character meet and greet available through the Membership Magic Beyond program.
The adorable new outfits are the third seasonal look in an ongoing series at the ImaginAtrium lounge in EPCOT. Minnie sports a blue jumper accented with floral details, lace trim, and a pink bow, while Mickey complements her style with a floral shirt, pink vest, and denim pants. The pair pose alongside a flower-filled bicycle and baskets of baked goods, creating a scene that looks straight out of a storybook countryside.
Guests meeting the duo will also receive a special “Membership Magic Passport” autograph card. Inside, members will find Mickey and Minnie’s signatures along with five passport-inspired stamp designs, making for a fun keepsake from the experience.
This exclusive meet and greet is available only to Disney Vacation Club members who have purchased the Membership Magic Beyond add-on for 2026. The add-on costs $99 and provides access to special perks and experiences throughout the year, including these limited-time seasonal character encounters at EPCOT.
Fans have already seen Mickey and Minnie debut alpine-inspired outfits and spring cruise fashions earlier this year, and these cottagecore looks may be their most charming costumes yet. For Disney Vacation Club members planning an EPCOT visit, this picture-perfect meet and greet is worth adding to the itinerary.
Say Aloha To The Stitch and Scrump Lego Set That Arrived To The Disney Store
If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to add some serious cuteness to your shelves, the Disney Store just dropped the ultimate summer must-have. The brand-new LEGO Stitch and Scrump building set has officially landed, and it is every bit as adorable as you’d imagine.
Retailing for $69.99, this 713-piece set lets you bring Disney’s favorite blue extraterrestrial and his homemade companion straight into your living room. What makes this build so fun is just how customizable it is. Stitch is fully poseable, meaning you can adjust his head, hands, and those iconic big ears to match whatever vibe you are feeling. Even better? The set includes a brick-built ukulele and a leaf grass skirt that slides right around his waist. You can easily pose him practicing his hula dance moves or strumming a little tune.
Of course, Experiment 626 wouldn’t be complete without his crew. The set also includes a smaller, incredibly detailed build of Scrump, looking exactly like Lilo’s beloved, slightly lopsided rag doll. Standing at over 7.5 inches tall when finished, the completed Stitch makes the ultimate pop of Disney nostalgia for a nightstand, desk, or display shelf.
If you want to turn build night into a full family affair, you can use the “Build Together” mode inside the LEGO Builder app. It lets multiple people team up and piece the set together simultaneously using their own phones or tablets. Whether you are building it solo while rewatching the movie or sharing the fun with friends, this piece of memorabilia is bound to clear out your neighborhood of boring decor. Head over to the Disney Store to grab yours before it surfs away!
New Donald Duck Plush Tote Bag and Accessories Waddle Into The Disney Store
Everyone’s favorite hot-headed but lovable duck is turning heads, and this time, it’s not because of a temper tantrum. If you’ve been looking to add some serious cuteness to your style, the Disney Store just dropped a collection of Donald Duck plush bags and accessories that will have you absolutely quackers. From fuzzy statement pieces to the perfect everyday accents, this lineup brings all of Donald’s iconic sailor charm right into your wardrobe.
First up is the absolute star of the show: the Donald Duck Plush Tote Bag for $44.99. Honestly, it’s impossible to have a bad day when you’re carrying this fluffy masterpiece. This isn’t just any regular tote; it’s a super soft, furry bag featuring an irresistibly sweet, embroidered Donald. Complete with his signature blue sailor hat and red bow tie, it’s big enough to lug around all your daily essentials while serving major style points. Whether you’re heading to the theme parks or just running errands, this cuddly accessory is guaranteed to brighten up your look.
If you’re someone who likes to keep things organized (and extra adorable), you’ll definitely want to snag the Donald Duck Wristlet Pouch and Plush Coin Purse Set for $24.99. This dynamic duo gives you two bags in one, and they are both ridiculously cute. You get a sleek canvas zip pouch featuring a vibrant Donald decal, paired with a miniature, fuzzy plush coin purse that boasts a 3D hat and bow. Both pieces clip right onto a handy wristlet strap that proudly displays Donald’s name, making it the perfect grab-and-go set for those quick trips when you want to travel light.
Finally, you can top off your entire look with the Donald Duck Plush Hair Clip for $14.99. This is the ultimate way to inject some playful Disney magic into your everyday hairstyle. This spring-loaded clip features plastic teeth to keep your hair securely in place, but the real highlight is the fuzzy, double-sided Donald face. With sweet embroidered details, this little accessory ensures you’ll be inspiring smiles whether you’re coming or going.
The entire collection is available online at the Disney Store right now, so flock on over and grab your favorites before they waddle away!
International Cuteness Alert! New Disney Store Japan and Europe Plush and Keychains Are Dropping This June
Hey plush collectors, get your wallets ready because June 2026 is officially turning into a major shopping spree! There is so much fun hitting shelves this month, whether you’re a hardcore Disney collector or just love a good cuddle buddy. Disney is pulling out all the stops by bringing highly anticipated Disney Store Japan and Europe plush and keychains straight to DisneyStore.com. You won’t even need a passport to snag these international cuties.
Kicking things off right now, you can already grab a delightfully chubby Donald Duck plush straight from Disney Store Japan. He is the ultimate lazy-day companion, featuring dreamy pastel colors and big, squishy features that make everyone’s favorite hot-headed duck look incredibly sweet and huggable. Trust us, his extra-plump design is going to look perfect sitting on your bed or couch.
If you’re obsessed with the micro-plush trend, you’re going to be buzzing over the next big drop of Urupocha-Chan plushies from Disney Store Japan. This latest assortment features Winnie the Pooh and his Hundred Acre Wood squad reimagined as fuzzy little honeybees, complete with tiny antennae and wings. If you want to snag them early, they are available exclusively on the Disney Store TikTok Shop right now through June 7, before officially migrating over to DisneyStore.com on June 8.
Speaking of the Hundred Acre Wood, Disney Store Europe is also bringing over a stunning, flower-filled collection that screams warm-weather vibes. This beautiful lineup features Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, and Roo embracing the best of spring and summer. They’re all decked out in gorgeous floral crowns, holding colorful bouquets, and peeking out of flower-filled “hunny” pots. It’s the perfect aesthetic to brighten up any room.
For the sports fans out there, get ready to get a total kick out of the Mickey & Friends Soccer Plush Collection, also courtesy of Disney Store Europe. Dropping later this month on DisneyStore.com, the collection features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy all geared up in vibrant athletic uniforms and ready to hit the field. They are the perfect good luck charms for your own game days.
If hitting drop shots and dominating the tennis court is more your speed, Disney Store Europe has you covered there, too. Their preppy tennis plush collection features Mickey and the gang looking sharp in classic white tennis skirts and shorts, carrying miniature rackets and tennis balls. Make sure to keep your eyes glued to the Disney Store New Arrivals page so you don’t miss these sporty drops, and stay tuned for even more international merch hitting the site in the coming months!
New Disney Parks Dooney and Bourke Satchel by Jerrod Maruyam Is Pure Magic!
Get your wallets ready, Disney fashionistas! If you’re a fan of adorable, pastel-hued Disney magic, you are going to flip over the latest collaboration hitting the shelves. Acclaimed artist Jerrod Maruyama has officially brought his signature cute-as-a-button aesthetic to a brand-new Disney Parks Dooney and Bourke Satchel. It is the ultimate celebration of everything we love about a day in the parks, all wrapped up in one seriously stylish handbag.
What makes this bag an absolute must-have is the incredibly detailed allover print. Maruyama has packed the design with a treasure trove of iconic park landmarks, classic attractions, and beloved characters. As you scan the elegant pebbled coated cotton exterior, you’ll spot everything from a whimsical Fantasyland Castle and Spaceship Earth to retro favorites like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Autopia, and the Mad Tea Party. Even Space Mountain and a playful Figment make an appearance alongside Mickey Mouse and Snow White.
Of course, a Disney park day isn’t complete without the snacks, and this bag delivers on the foodie front, too. Look closely at the pattern and you will find adorable illustrations of a classic turkey leg, a pink-frosted donut, a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar, and a refreshing pineapple swirl. Because every single bag features a unique print placement, hunting for the perfect layout with your favorite icon front and center is half the fun. Beyond the jaw-dropping artwork, this satchel is as functional as it is beautiful. It features durable leather top carry handles alongside a versatile shoulder strap, making it the perfect everyday companion whether you’re strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. or running errands at home.
Ready to add this masterpiece to your collection? The Disney Parks Dooney & Bourke Satchel by Jerrod Maruyama retails for $298. You can track one down in person during your next trip to Walt Disney World, or skip the travel and snag it right now online at the Disney Store. Don’t wait too long, though, pieces this cute have a habit of disappearing fast!
