‘Toy Story 5’ Meets Horsepower as Porsche Unveils Character-Inspired 911s
Infinity and beyond just got a turbocharged upgrade. Porsche is teaming up with Pixar Animation Studios and The Walt Disney Company to debut three custom-designed Porsche 911 vehicles inspired by Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie from Toy Story 5. These one-of-a-kind rides will make their grand entrance at the film’s red carpet premiere in Los Angeles, blending high-performance engineering with a whole lot of heart.
Created through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, which translates to “special wish,” these bespoke vehicles are essentially rolling works of art. Instead of going full cartoon mode, the designs subtly capture each character’s personality through color, materials, and styling cues. Think sheriff-level confidence, space ranger sleekness, and cowgirl flair, all wrapped in the iconic silhouette of a Porsche 911. Even better, the trio of cars will be sold together as part of a charitable initiative supporting organizations that benefit children and communities in need.
Behind the scenes, the collaboration was all about storytelling through design. Pixar’s production team worked closely with Porsche to translate beloved characters into something entirely new without losing their essence. Meanwhile, Toy Story 5 continues to push its narrative forward, exploring how play evolves in a tech-heavy world. The film, directed by Andrew Stanton and hitting theaters June 19, 2026, brings back fan-favorite voices like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, alongside a new character named Lilypad, a tablet device that shakes things up for Bonnie’s toys. From playtime to prime time, this collaboration proves that imagination can ride shotgun in even the fastest lanes.
Finding Nemo Playground Temporarily Closes at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Looks like one splash-tastic play spot is taking a quick timeout. The Righteous Reef playground, inspired by Finding Nemo, is currently closed for maintenance at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, with the refurbishment expected to last through April 28, 2026.
Nestled beside the Big Blue Pool in the resort’s Finding Nemo section, this colorful coral reef playground is a favorite for little ones, complete with slides and a larger-than-life Squirt keeping watch. While the playground is temporarily off-limits, the rest of the aquatic fun is still flowing. Guests can still enjoy the Big Blue Pool and the nearby Schoolyard Sprayground splash pad, so there’s still plenty of ways to beat the Florida heat.
During the closure, Disney is directing guests to the playground over at nearby Disney’s Pop Century Resort as an alternative. You may also notice a little construction buzz in the area while work is underway, but this appears to be routine maintenance rather than a major overhaul. If all goes according to plan, the reef should be ready to welcome young explorers back before the end of the month.
“Vacation Fun” Closing Soon for Refurbishment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If your Hollywood Studios plans include a quick animated getaway, you may want to move that up on your itinerary. Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie is officially set to close for refurbishment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with its final day of operation scheduled for April 28, 2026. The attraction will go dark starting April 29, and while Disney has confirmed it will return, the only timeline given so far is a vague “later this year.”
Located near Echo Lake, this charming indoor show has been a colorful celebration of Mickey and Minnie’s wild vacation adventures. The short blends brand-new animation with clips from fan-favorite Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts like “Potatoland,” “Croissant de Triomphe,” and “Yodelburg,” creating a fast-paced, laugh-filled escape that has been a great break from the Florida heat. It’s also been a sneaky good crowd-relief spot for guests looking to recharge between thrill rides.
As for what’s being updated during the refurbishment, Disney is keeping those details under wraps for now. This isn’t the first time Vacation Fun has taken a brief hiatus, having previously closed for refurbishment last fall, so this could be anything from routine maintenance to subtle show enhancements. Either way, if you’re hoping to catch Mickey and Minnie’s animated antics before they pack their bags again, you’ve got just a few days left to squeeze it in.
Operating Hours Take Flight for Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT
A fresh breeze is about to sweep through EPCOT as Disney prepares to debut Soarin’ Across America, a limited-time reimagining of the beloved attraction inside The Land Pavilion. Beginning May 26, guests will once again glide over iconic U.S. landscapes in a nostalgic return to the original Soarin’ concept, temporarily replacing Soarin’ Around the World, which will close starting May 14 to make way for the new film.
This coast-to-coast aerial adventure promises a sensory-packed journey featuring more than a dozen breathtaking locations, including the Grand Canyon, all enhanced by the ride’s signature soaring motion, sweeping musical score, and even those fan-favorite scents. Disney has also confirmed that Soarin’ Across America will participate in both Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours, giving resort guests extra opportunities to catch this limited-time flight. On opening day, hotel guests can take off as early as 8:30 am, with general boarding beginning at 9 am.
While Disney is officially calling this a “limited-time journey,” the exact length of the engagement remains a bit of a mystery. The experience is tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration, suggesting a summer spotlight, but if guest reactions soar as high as expected, this patriotic flight path could stick around longer than anticipated. Either way, if this is on your must-do list, you may want to fasten your seatbelt and plan sooner rather than later.
Exclusive Annual Passholder Meet & Greet Heading to Disney Parks This Summer
Summer is about to get a whole lot more magical for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders! As part of the highly anticipated V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days 2026, EPCOT will play host to exclusive character meet and greets reserved just for Passholders. This limited-time celebration is Disney’s way of rolling out the red carpet for its most loyal fans, offering unique photo ops and face-to-face time with beloved friends in the heart of the park.
Disney has confirmed that Passholders can drop by the Magic Eye Theater to visit with “some of Mickey Mouse’s best pals” from May 1 through July 31. This exclusive meet-and-greet will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to snap a photo between your favorite EPCOT attractions.
While Disney is keeping the exact lineup under wraps, fans can expect to see favorites like Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, or Chip ‘n’ Dale. The theater, located in World Celebration right next to Journey Into Imagination With Figment, is the current home of the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. Look for the fun to take place in the lobby area—the same spot where Mickey and Minnie have greeted guests in the past.
The character fun is just the beginning! This summer’s celebration includes a full lineup of member exclusives:
The Passholder Lounge: Relax in the air-conditioned comfort of Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco pavilion.
Exclusive Swag: Grab the newest Toy Story-themed Passholder magnet and a specially designed popcorn bucket.
Discounts & Merch: Take advantage of limited-time dining discounts and shop exclusive Passholder apparel and collectibles.
Will you be participating in Passholder Days this summer?
New Permits Hint EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2026 Prep Is Already Underway
It may still be spring, but the flavors of fall are already quietly simmering at EPCOT. Two newly filed permits from Walt Disney Imagineering are giving us our first breadcrumb trail that preparations for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival are officially in motion.
Both permits, filed on April 21, call for signage installation by Kentavo, a company that has become a familiar name around Walt Disney World thanks to recent work on projects like Aloha Isle and “it’s a small world.” One permit is tied to the address for Spaceship Earth, suggesting we could see festival displays or decorative elements popping up near the park’s iconic entrance. The second points to the playground area behind Creations Shop, a space that frequently gets a themed refresh depending on the festival season, even if it keeps its WALL-E roots.
While Disney has not officially announced dates or details for this year’s festival just yet, these early permits are a classic sign that the wheels are already turning behind the scenes. Seasonal signage and decor are often some of the first elements to go in, setting the stage for the booths, menus, and culinary creations that will soon follow. Think of it as EPCOT quietly setting the table before the big feast begins 🍷🍽️
If history is any guide, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will likely return later this summer, bringing with it global marketplaces, live entertainment, and plenty of reasons to snack your way around World Showcase. For now, these permits are the first taste of what is to come and if you listen closely, you can almost hear the clink of festival glasses already.
New Mandalorian and Grogu Attraction Poster Revealed for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Mission
A new adventure is blasting into hyperspace, and Disney just dropped the poster to prove it. The official artwork for the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has officially been revealed, giving fans a fresh look at the next chapter of chaos inside the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
The new poster flips the perspective, showing Din Djarin clutching Grogu as they soar alongside the Millennium Falcon over Batuu. Surrounding them is a full-blown galactic traffic jam featuring TIE Fighters, an Imperial shuttle, and even the haunting remains of the Death Star drifting in the background. It’s cinematic, chaotic, and packed with Easter eggs that Star Wars fans will absolutely be pausing to zoom in on.
This brand-new mission, coming to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park on May 22, ties directly into the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu film release. Guests will join Mando and Grogu on a bounty-hunting mission across the galaxy, tracking down ex-Imperial targets with the ability to visit multiple iconic locations like Bespin, Endor, and Coruscant. For the first time, riders will even have control over their destination, adding a new layer of unpredictability to each flight.
Perhaps the biggest glow-up comes for the engineer role, which now includes the ability to interact with Grogu during the mission. Yes, pressing buttons while Baby Yoda reacts is officially part of the job description. The update is powered by Unreal Engine technology through Disney’s collaboration with Epic Games, giving the experience a more dynamic, cinematic feel.
With this update, Smugglers Run is finally tapping into the multiple-mission potential it was originally designed for. And if this poster is any indication, this mission is about to make the Kessel Run look like a warm-up lap 🚀✨
Universal Legacy Store Returns to CityWalk with Retro Merch, Iconic Photo Ops, and Jaws-Inspired Collection
The nostalgia meter is about to spike at Universal CityWalk Orlando as Universal Orlando gears up for the return of a fan-favorite shopping experience. The Universal Legacy Store is officially making its comeback, bringing with it a treasure trove of retro-inspired merchandise and immersive photo ops that celebrate some of the most beloved films and attractions in Universal history.
Opening April 24, the reimagined shop will take over the former Epic Universe Preview Center space and dive headfirst into iconic franchises like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, and Back to the Future, alongside the legendary Universal Monsters. Expect larger-than-life displays perfect for photos and shelves packed with throwback merch that feels like it was plucked straight from a time-traveling DeLorean.
Adding an extra layer of collectible magic, Universal is also rolling out a series of exclusive merchandise collections from illustrator Tom Whalen. Known for his bold graphic style and vibrant storytelling, Whalen’s work will debut with a Jaws-inspired collection next month, with more themed drops expected to follow in the coming months. If your wallet hears the dun dun… dun dun… soundtrack approaching, it might already be too late.
With new experiences continuing to pop up across the resort, the return of the Universal Legacy Store is another sign that Universal Orlando is leaning hard into both nostalgia and next-level storytelling. Whether you are hunting for retro merch or just want a photo with some cinematic legends, this is one stop you will not want to skip on your next CityWalk stroll
Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Debuts Major Menu Overhaul with New Dishes and Changes Across All Meals
Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort just got a fresh island breeze as Kona Cafe rolls out a sweeping menu update that touches breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you are a longtime Tonga Toast loyalist or just drifting in for a tropical bite, there is a whole new lineup to explore with new flavors, re-imagined classics, and a few familiar favorites that have quietly sailed off into the sunset.
Breakfast is serving up some of the most noticeable changes. The Polynesian Egg Platter has jumped in price and swapped out its fruit and muffin sides for pineapple compote and mini pancakes with macadamia nut butter. Meanwhile, new dishes like the Açai Bowl and the Samoan Benedict bring bold tropical energy to the morning lineup, while fan-favorites like French Toast have disappeared from the main menu. Even the kids menu got a playful remix with Pudge’s Peanut Butter French Toast stepping in as the new star. Coffee lovers will also notice a slight price increase for the Kona Press Pot, because even paradise feels inflation these days.
Lunch and dinner are where things really get adventurous. New sushi rolls, including the Dynamite Roll and Dragon Eel Roll, join the menu alongside a hefty sushi combination platter for those who want to sample it all. Classic dishes have been reworked or replaced entirely, with new additions like the Grilled Chicken Kimchi Sandwich, Mirin-Teriyaki Burger, Char Siu Duck, and Beer-braised Pork Shank bringing bold, globally inspired flavors to the table. Even sides and sauces have been reimagined, giving returning guests a completely different experience. Over at Kona Cafe, it is less of a refresh and more of a full-on culinary reboot.
If you have a Kona Cafe reservation coming up, it might be worth taking a peek at the updated menu before you go. Some longtime favorites are gone, but in their place is a lineup that leans deeper into tropical flavors with a modern twist. It is a bit like a menu makeover montage, and honestly, Stitch would probably approve 🌺🍍
Carry a Little Magic With The Orbitkey Disney Collection!
Let’s be real: most Disney merch for adults either looks like a preschool backpack or is so subtle you can’t even tell it’s Disney. Orbitkey finally cracked the code with their new collection, blending that hit of childhood nostalgia with the kind of sleek, high-end functionality we actually need to survive a 9-to-5 or a 12-hour stint at the parks. It’s basically the grown-up way to show your ears without sacrificing your professional aesthetic.
The standout of the collection is the Donald Duck Orbitkey Daily Tote ($115). This isn’t just a canvas bag with a print slapped on it; it’s a masterclass in organization. The structured base is a total game-changer, it actually stays upright on its own, so you aren’t constantly fishing for your wallet at the bottom of a fabric puddle.
The practicality here is honestly top-tier. You get a dedicated padded laptop sleeve that you can access without even opening the main bag, a hidden passport pocket for travel days, and a luggage pass-through strap. It’s wrapped in weather-resistant recycled polyester, so if you get caught in a Florida rain shower or a spilled latte, your gear stays dry. The Disney details are tucked throughout, making it feel like a secret handshake for fans.
Hands-Free Magic: Phone Straps
If you’re someone who constantly misplaces their phone or hates digging through a bag to snap a photo, the phone straps are about to be your best friends.
Mickey Mouse Crossbody Strap ($39.99): This is the ultimate hands-free hero. It’s got a smooth, one-pull adjustment so you can wear it high or low, featuring subtle Mickey accents that keep it playful but polished. It’s perfect for those days when you just want to grab your phone and go.
Daisy Duck Wrist Strap ($24.90):For a more compact vibe, the Daisy-inspired wrist strap is genius. It’s self-tightening, so it cinches to your wrist to prevent those “oops” drops. It’s a small, stylish pop of character that makes your everyday carry feel just a little bit more whimsical.
Whether you’re commuting to the office or navigating Main Street, this collection proves that you don’t have to choose between being a functional adult and a Disney dreamer. It’s practical magic at its finest.
San Diego to Remain Disney Cruise Line’s West Coast Home Through 2031
Get ready to set sail from the West Coast! Disney Cruise Line and the Port of San Diego have officially inked a new agreement that keeps the magic in SoCal through at least 2031.
This isn’t just a simple extension—it’s a massive expansion. Under the new deal, the number of Disney cruises departing from San Diego is expected to approximately double each year. Whether you’re dreaming of the white sands of Cabo or the charm of Catalina Island, your options for a magical getaway are about to get a whole lot better.
For fans of the West Coast itineraries, this news is a game-changer. The agreement ensures Disney priority access to the B Street cruise terminal, allowing for more frequent departures and a broader range of seasonal trips to Baja and the Mexican Riviera.
Jose Fernandez, Vice President of Port Strategy for Disney Cruise Line, noted that San Diego has been a favorite for guests for over a decade. This commitment supports Disney’s “long-term growth” while continuing to be a major player in the local economy.
This partnership is making waves in more ways than one:
1 Million Passengers: Disney expects to bring over a million guests through the port over the course of the agreement.
A First in 20 Years: This is the first time in over two decades that a cruise line has offered a minimum annual guarantee at the Port of San Diego.
Economic Boost: The deal is set to inject millions into the region, supporting local businesses and jobs tied to tourism and port activity.
The excitement is already building for the upcoming 2026-2027 season, which will see two beloved ships calling San Diego home:
Ship
Dates
Destinations
Disney Magic
October – November 2026
3 to 7-night voyages, plus a 14-night Panama Canal transit to Galveston.
Disney Wonder
October 2026 – April 2027
3 to 7-night itineraries to Catalina Island, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and Puerto Vallarta.
Disney Cruise Line isn’t just visiting; they are part of the community. From career development programs with Junior Achievement of San Diego to environmental conservation efforts with San Diego Coastkeepers, Disney continues to focus on youth empowerment and protecting the beautiful California coastline.
As Disney Cruise Line enters a period of “unprecedented global growth,” San Diego remains a primary gateway for that signature Disney storytelling at sea.
With May the 4th rapidly approaching, a fleet of new flavors is landing across Disney Parks to transport your taste buds to a galaxy far, far away. From the highly anticipated debut of Pink Milk at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the return of fan-favorite snacks, there is plenty of “cargo” to hunt down across Walt Disney World Resort.
Milk Stand
(Available starting May 1)
Pink Milk: Plant-based rice milk blend with sweet and fruity characteristics (Non-alcoholic)(New)
Pink Milk Cooler: Plant-based rice milk blend with sweet and fruity characteristics and Bacardi Superior Rum (New)
Kerkoiden Blue Cake: Spiced vanilla shortbread cookie with ginger cream cheese icing (New)
Oga’s Cantina Menu
(Available starting May 4)
Batuu Bites: Blue corn, barbecue, and curry spice chips with lotus root, green bean chips, and herb dip
The Roaring Loth-Cat: Minute Maid Apple Juice, lemon, and cinnamon with Seagram’s Ginger Ale (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available starting May 4)
Three Suns Over Batuu: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with hot honey, DOLE Pineapple Juice, mango, guava, and ginger (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Kamino Cooler Served in DJ R-3x Souvenir Mug: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, passion fruit syrup, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and lime juice (New)
Ronto Roasters Menu
(Available starting May 1; mobile order available)
Keshian Spiced Chips: Lotus root chips tossed in cinnamon sugar
Beverage Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Menu
(Available starting May 1)
Ettel Nuts: Assortment of sweet, spicy, and queso fundido nuts with chocolate candy rocks (New)
Backlot Express Menu
(Available May 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Your Chosen Path Cupcake: Cookies and cream cupcake, marshmallow buttercream, white chocolate X-Wing, and milk chocolate rocks. Inside the cupcake, a secret lightsaber color will reveal itself! (New)
Wookiee Cookie: Two oatmeal cookies with vanilla cream filling garnished with a milk chocolate sash on top
Available Throughout the Park
(Available May 1 through 31)
Lightsaber Churro served with chocolate sauce
Updated! Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Menu
(Available starting May 1; mobile order available)
Enjoy updates to the sides of some of your favorite galactic dishes.
Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip: Crispy chicken served with house-made macaroni and roasted vegetables garnished with cauliflower leaf kimchi
Shaak Pot Roast with Kublag Mash: Birria pot roast with turmeric-garlic mash and roasted carrots
Sweet Puffer Pig Ribs with Portion Bread: Pork ribs brushed with tangy BBQ sauce and served with mac & cheese and sponge cake
Endorian Chicken Tip-Yip Salad: Guava BBQ chicken with avocado-jalapeño dressing, arugula, radish, romaine lettuce, cucumber, red onion, haricot vert, pineapple, and rice noodles
Available at Multiple Locations Throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios
(Available May 4 through 31; limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last)
Chosen One Cooler: A crisp, refreshing blend of Granny Smith apple with white cranberry and lime juices served with a green Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Non-alcoholic) (Also available with Absolut Citron Vodka) (New); Available at the following locations:
ABC Commissary
Backlot Express
Rosie’s All-American Café
Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
Snack Cart near Hollywood Boulevard
Sith Lord Libation: A flavorful combination of blood orange with white cranberry and lime juices served with a Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Non-alcoholic) (Also available with Absolut Citron Vodka); Available at the following locations:
ABC Commissary
Backlot Express
Rosie’s All-American Café
Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
Snack Cart near Hollywood Boulevard
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie Menu
(Available starting May 4; mobile order available)
Bright Suns Chocolate Mousse: Milk chocolate mousse, lemon curd, tangerine, and brown butter cake (New)
The Ganachery Menu
(Available starting May 4)
Across the Stars Ganache Bars: Ganache Bars inspired by Star Wars planets, featuring the flavors of corn and nuts for Kashyyyk, dragon fruit for Tatooine, spicy cherry for Mustafar, and mint-lime for Hoth (New)
Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop: Solid milk chocolate pop with crispy pearls
Star Wars Novelties
(Available starting May 4; limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last)
Salvaged Protocol Droid Bucket (New)
Ice Cold Hydraulics
Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
Popcorn Cart near Center Stage
Mobile Order via Disney’s Hollywood Studios Souvenir Release Store
Bantha Sipper (New)
Milk Stand
ABC Commissary
Backlot Express
Fairfax Fare
Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
Outdoor Food Carts near the Main Entrance
DJ R-3X Mug (New)
Oga’s Cantina
Jabba’s Sail Barge Bucket (New)
Mobile Order via Disney’s Hollywood Studios Souvenir Release Store (Available May 4 and 5)
Kat Saka’s Kettle (Available starting May 6)
Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo; served with the Moof Juice or Takondana Quencher
Oga’s Cantina; served with Jabba Juice or Outer Rim
Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo; served with the Moof Juice or Takondana Quencher
Oga’s Cantina; served with Jabba Juice or Outer Rim
What Star Wars eats are you looking forward to trying this year?
