Looks like The Cake Bake Shop is coming along. Construction is really getting off the ground with some vertical additions being spotted over the construction wall.
Cake Bake Shop Location
The Gwendolyn Rogers Cake Bake Shop is being built it was what was formerly the ESPN Club location. Situated near the Boardwalk Deli just at the end of the Boardwalk. This location will be especially convenient for guests staying at Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk area resorts. I must say though don’t doubt it will attract guests from all over Disney property and beyond.
Offerings
The Cake Bake Shop will offer afternoon tea service as well as table service. Brunch, lunch, and dinner will all be offered. This restaurant and bakery will serve everything from cakes, cookies, brownies, pies, cheesecakes, and more. Did I mention champagne and cocktails?
Looking at the concept art above we can see the turreted topper below starting to take place with beams in position.
Signage around the construction lets us know they are expected to open sometime in 2023.
Star Wars: Bo-Katan Spinoff Series Reportedly in the Works
Expansion of the “Mandoverse” appears to continue at a breakneck pace. The hit series ‘The Mandalorian’ has spawned several series set in the same timeline as the Favreau and Filoni-led project. The first step of that expansion was the Book of Boba Fett. Several episodes of that series followed the continued story of Din Djarin and Grogu, helping set up the third season of the Mandalorian.
Two spinoffs from ‘The Mandalorian’ are already in production. Ahsoka and Skeleton Crew are both in stages of development, with the team at Lucasfilm promising more content for the flagship streaming service Disney+. Epicstream has hinted that Bo Katan may soon join that list of new projects.
An alleged leak courtesy of “Making Star Wars” speculates that a spinoff project code-named “Ghost Track 17” will center upon Kate Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan and her ascension to the throne of Mandalore. Bo Katan has become a fan favorite since her appearance in the animated Clone Wars Series.
Making Star Wars asserts that season 3 of the Mandalorian will end with Bo-Katan in full possession of the Dark Saber after battling Din Djarin for it. This is not the first time we’ve heard speculation about a Bo-Katan series. We will have to wait and see if this all comes to fruition when the Mandalorian Premiers on Disney+ on March 1, 2023.
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Corkcicle Available At Magic Kingdom!
Sip happy memories of the world’s most magical celebration with this Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Corkcicle! We found it at Magic Kingdom for $44.99 and thought it was stunning, definitely a must have.
It features a black finish with artwork featuring Cinderella Castle 50 and silhouettes of beloved Disney characters all around surrounded by fireworks! At the bottom it features the Walt Disney World logo and on the back the Disney | Corkcicle one.
The travel tumbler also has a golden press on spill-free lid and can keep your favorite drinks hot or cold. You can take a closer look at it in out Instagram post:
New Magic Shots are now available at Disney Parks. Make magical memories and try out some of these fun photo enhancements offered by Disney’s PhotoPass. Best of all you can get the whole family in. Let Disney’s photographers capture fun family pictures you and your family will cherish forever.
Simply find a Photopass location in one Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom and ask for Magic Shot options. Photopass Photographers will work their magic and superimpose one of many fun additions to your photos!
Magic Kingdom Magic Shots
Celebrate the magic of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration! This Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed at the entrance to the park or on the bridges leading from Cinderella Castle into Fantasyland, Liberty Square, or Tomorrowland — exclusively during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration.
You can find PhotoPass photographers with these Magic Shots stationed at the entrance to the park, on Main Street U.S.A., and in Sir Mickey’s Royal Portrait Studio.
This Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers at all World Celebration locations, near the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam, and when stationed in the United Kingdom pavilion.
This Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed at the following locations — exclusively during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration: • The entrance of the World Showcase • The fountain near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure • The bridge between France and the United Kingdom pavilions • In the Japan pavilion
Hollywood Studios Magic Shots
This Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed at the following locations, exclusively during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration: • Outside of Keystone Clothiers and Tailors to the Stars on Hollywood Boulevard • In front of Mickey’s Runaway Railway • Echo Lake
Add some extra pixie dust to your day with Tinker Bell! This Magic Shot is available from most Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed on Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.
Animal Kingdom Magic Shots
We love this Bambi Magic Shot! Available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed at the bridge leading from the entrance of the park into Discovery Island.
Available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed at the bridge leading from the entrance of the park into Discovery Island.
This Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed in front of the Tree of Life or the entrance to DinoLand U.S.A. — exclusively during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration.
Photos really do make the best souvenirs! have fun and let the kids be silly. There really is no better way to remember all those important family memories.
Do you use PhotoPass in the parks? Have you ever tried out a magic Shot before? let us know your favorite Magic Shot in the comments below.
Be sure to check back often so we can keep you updated on all the latest Disney news.
Brazillian Runner Dos Santos Wins 30th Annual 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon
Friends became fierce rivals Sunday as Brazil’s Daniel dos Santos held off training partner and fellow countryman Vanilson Neves to win the 30th annual Walt Disney World Marathon presented by State Farm.
On a clear yet cool morning, dos Santos ran with the leaders early in the 26.2-mile race through all four Disney theme parks, then made his move in the final two miles to narrowly edge Neves at the finish line. dos Santos posted a winning time of 2:26:51, just 33 seconds ahead of Neves, who won the race last year. Josh Baden of Lawrence, Kansas was third at 2:32:02.
The dos Santos victory continued Brazil’s domination of this race. His win marked the 16th time in the last 18 years, including the last two, that a Brazilian has won this race, the final event during the race weekend that also included a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon and a health and fitness expo.
“There was months of training and I had to give up many things to dedicate to training,’’ dos Santos said, “so I could be in good physical condition to compete.’’
In the women’s division, Katherine Cargiulo of Salem, New Hampshire finished first with a time of 3:00:13 followed by Jamie Weglarz of Fort Myers, Florida (3:04:44) and Carolina Ferrao of Sao Paulo, Brazil (3:08:16). Cargiulo’s win was extra impressive given that she broke her back during a triathlon seven months ago and running became part of her recovery.
“Just to be running in a race is a dream come true,’’ she said. “This place is magical.’’
Brian Siemann of Savoy, Illinois won the wheelchair division (1:56:42) to go with his wheelchair wins in the 5K, 10K and half marathon. And Heather Sealover of Bossier City, Louisiana was the first women wheelchair finisher (2:39:18).
To mark the 30th running of the Disney Marathon, the race weekend was awash in nostalgia, including retro merchandise, medals, entertainment and classic Disney characters that all paid homage to three decades of endurance racing at Walt Disney World Resort. The first race took place on Jan. 16, 1994 and involved 6,000 runners. By comparison, Sunday’s race featured more than 13,000 runners – a testament to the growth and popularity of the. Walt Disney World Marathon.
Among the field were 59 runners who have now competed in all 30 Disney Marathons, thus maintaining their “perfect’’ status. They were undoubtedly on hand for many of the race’s most memorable moments, such as when Brazilian runners won 13 straight Disney Marathons from 2005-2017 and last year when Brittany Charboneau of Denver, Colorado won the women’s division of all four Disney Marathon Weekend races (5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon) to become the first person in the event’s history to pull off that sweep.
As the pages continue to turn in this race’s history books, more magical moments await. Runners can start registering for next year’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend on April 11. In the meantime, the runDisney race season continues next month with the 15th annual Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Corkcicle, Feb. 23-26, followed by the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, April 13-16.
Everyone’s favorite Disney Vacation Club sign is looking better than ever. For families visiting Disney’s Parks and resorts spotting this sign has become part of a tradition. The DVC sign which features Mickey’s pal Goofy driving a van packed with his best buddies Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald has been around for over 20 years. Of course, we can’t forget about silly Pluto with his head hanging out of the back of the van!
It recently received a complete refurbishment with a fresh coat of blue paint replacing its previous bright red color.
Now the iconic sign has had some additional detail added in, silhouettes. This appears to be the last of the refurbishment.
DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club which is Disney’s timeshare vacation club that allows its members to book stays through various Disney properties utilizing a point system similar to other timeshares. DVC members also receive various bonus perks such as special events, merchandise, and discounts associated with membership.
We were starting to worry that maybe Goofy had taken off without his pals! It’s nice to see everything back to normal and looking better than ever.
For me, it’s the little things that bring that Disney magic to life. I remember before we moved down how exciting it was for the kids to keep an eye out for the special themed signs letting us know we were almost home. Once we spotted Goofy the excitement really began.
Next time you are visiting Walt Disney World’s Park and Resorts head down lake Buena Vista Drive to spot the Goof and all his pals. Don’t forget to wave to Pluto!
Brightline Reveals First Look Inside Its Orlando International Airport Station
Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, is pulling back the curtain on Central Florida’s latest attraction, Brightline’s Orlando Station. Today, Brightline released a video and renderings of the future station, located at Orlando International Airport, that will connect millions and regionalize the state.
The station spans three-stories, featuring groundbreaking design and a unique synthesis of luxury amenities that meet the demand of today’s modern traveler. Opening this year, Brightline’s Orlando Station will revolutionize train travel in America and continue Brightline’s vision of offering a guest-first travel experience.
The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening area. Brightline is currently the only rail system in America that screens all passengers and bags prior to boarding.
“This world class train station continues our mission of transforming train travel in America,” said Patrick Goddard, president at Brightline. “We have carefully thought through each detail of this station to ensure that it exceeds the expectations of the modern traveler.”
The station takes the luxury amenities Brightline is known for to new heights featuring an upscale retail experience with convenient in-station shopping and its Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and lite bites. The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platform where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart the platform.
Located above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, flip-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the flip-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with the flip-flap sound reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America.
Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevators to the first level platform and board from one of two new track platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and will accommodate a train with four coaches and two locomotives that will transport guests on the Orlando to Miami route in just over three hours.
Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service, will provide complimentary drinks and snacks in a dedicated lounge and train coach. Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a children’s play area located in the SMART lounge.
The 37,350 square foot station is located in the heart of Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 sq. ft. Terminal C and connects directly to the airport’s parking deck C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces reserved for Brightline guests. An automated people mover connects the terminal to the rest of the airport facilities including Terminal A and B in under five minutes.
Brightline’s Orlando station is designed by Bigtime Design Studios, an architecture firm based out of Miami, Florida, that also designed the newly opened Brightline stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, alongside the architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner. The buildout of the station is led by Orlando-based contractor Gomez Construction Co., a minority owned business whose headquarters are based in Orlando, Florida, and employs more than 100 workers on this project.
Avatar The Way of Water Passes Jurassic World As Seventh-Highest Grossing Film All Time
James Cameron’s Avatar The Way of Water continues to dominate and has now earned 1.708 billion dollars at the global box office. This milestone means that Avatar The Way of Water is now the seventh highest-grossing movie in box office history, surpassing Jurrasic World (1.67 Billion).
After four weeks, Avatar The Way of Water has earned $517 million in North America and an additional $1.19 billion overseas. Internationally, Avatar now sits as the fifth-highest movie, behind “Avatar,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Titanic” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Next up for the film is ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ which sits sixth on the all-time list at 1.91 Billion. If Avatar keeps up this pace, it has the potential to break the 2 Billion dollar mark, a rare achievement. There are only five movies to reach that financial milestone and none of them had to overcome the pandemic. Those films include Titanic, Avatar, Avengers: End Game, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Avengers: Infinity War. Cameron directed Avatar and Titanic, with Avatar The Way of Water being the third film helmed by the director to make history.
This financial domination is great news for Disney, who acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019. Twenties Century Fox held the rights to Avatar. Cameron has three more sequels in production for the franchise. Stay tuned for more updates on Avatar: Way of Water as it continues to make history at the box office.
Qui-Gon Jinn’s Lightsaber Arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Obi-Wan Kenobi had to learn the ways of the Force, and Qui-Gon was the Master Jedi who taught him. In Star Wars The Phantom Menace, we are introduced to Qui-Gon, who is the person who saved Anakin Skywalker on planet Tattoine. This is also where we first meet, Darth Maul who will eventually be the reason for Qui-Gon’s death, in one of the best lightsaber battles in all the Star Wars movies.
That Lightsaber Hilt could now be yours at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities on Batuu in Disney’s Star Wars Galaxies Edge. Qui-Gon Jinn’s simple yet elegant lightsaber served him in many conflicts. The maverick Jedi designed his green-bladed saber to imitate the weapon of his master, Count Dooku; Qui-Gon’s saber, in turn, inspired the design of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s first Jedi weapon.
Hidden inside the den, you’ll encounter a rotating collection of unique items that include everything from jewelry to ancient tools, to rare kyber crystals, to statues—and even a collection of famous lightsabers. The eclectic assortment of goods comes from many different planets and eras.
You’ll want to explore every nook and cranny of the shop—who knows what priceless riches you’ll uncover.
How Dok-Ondar acquired all of these treasures, no one knows. Some secrets are better off kept that way. Other secrets are better off kept for sale on the shelves of Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
One Original Member of the Cast for Pixar’s Inside Out Not Returning
Disney announced earlier this year that it would follow up Inside Out (2015) with a sequel. Pixar has yet to announce details about the upcoming sequel, and only Amy Poehler has committed to returning for the second film. Inside Out was critically acclaimed and a huge hit, making nearly $900 million worldwide. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
One ‘Inside Out’ actor has confirmed that she will not return to the control center for the Inside Out sequel. Rumors had been swirling that Mindy Kaling (Disgust) and Bill Hader (Fear) would not return due to discrepancies in pay. That same report cited Poehler would receive $5 Million for her performance while her cast mates Kaling and Hader were set to earn 100,000 each.
Kaling was asked about her future with the franchise and said, “I had a great time working on Inside Out and am sure Inside Out 2 will be great. But I’m not working on it.” Kaling confirmed this news in an interview with The Wrap where she sat down with to discuss her new HBO series “Velma.”
Kaling stressed that she is not a part of Inside Out 2 “right now”. Her participation could change depending on the direction of the story and if they can work on an agreeable compensation for her performance.
Pixar’s Inside Out follows the story of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, whose life is turned upside down when her family moves to a new city. The film is set inside of Riley’s mind, where five emotions – Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness – are represented as characters who help to guide her actions and thoughts.
When Joy and Sadness are accidentally swept up into the vast expanse of Riley’s long-term memory, they must journey back to headquarters and restore balance to the young girl’s mind before it’s too late. Along the way, they encounter various other aspects of Riley’s psyche and learn valuable lessons about the importance of all emotions, not just the happy ones.
Stay tuned for more production news from Inside Out 2 and more Pixar animation films from 2023 and beyond. Mindy Kaling’s “Velma” hits HBO Max on Jan. 12, and “Inside Out 2” hits theaters on June 14, 2024.
Disney News Round-Up: Man goes on a Rampage at T-Rex in Disney Springs, Walls Come Down in Tomorrowland, 50th-Anniversary Finale Merchandise, New Mandolorian Spinoff, and the 50 new things coming to Epcot Festival of the Arts 2023.
Mysterious New Building Outside Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios
There is a Mysterious New Structure next to the Toy Story Mania exit in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The building can be seen as guests are leaving Toy Story Mania ride in Toy Story Land.
Disney has been working on this new building for a couple of weeks now behind the green scrim.
There is no roof on the building yet for this mysterious structure. It was thought this area would be used as an additional seating area for Woody’s Lunch Box.
Here are more photos of the Mysterious New Building Outside Toy Story Midway Mania:
Originally I thought it might be a bathroom for Woody’s Lunch Box but there are bathrooms right next to the popular eatery across from Alien Swirling Saucers.
It is any guess what this new building will be, maybe another Toy Story Shop???
