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Everybody Wants to Celebrate: The Aristocats 55th Anniversary Merch Is Here!

The Aristocats 55th Anniversary Merch

Everybody Wants to Celebrate: The Aristocats 55th Anniversary Merch Is Here!

Can you believe it? Our favorite Parisian kitties, Duchess, Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz, are celebrating 55 jazzy years since The Aristocats first graced our screens! To mark this très chic milestone, Disney has dropped a collection of merchandise that is just as elegant, sassy, and fun as the movie itself. Get ready to tap your paws, because this gear is purr-fection!

Related – The Aristocats CakeWorthy Collection: Because Everybody Wants to Be a Cat!

First up, let’s talk wardrobe. You can bring a little melody to your everyday style with The Aristocats Spirit Jersey. This rosy pink number is totally in tune, with bold, musical lettering across the back and playful notes on the front. It’s the ultimate chic way to show off your classic Disney love. And what’s a Parisian look without the perfect bag? The Aristocats Fluffy Handbag is oh-so-soft and features Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz in a cosy, characterful design. It’s ideal for holding your essentials, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want an excuse to carry something this fluffy?

The Aristocats 55th Anniversary Merch

A lady always drinks in style, and Marie certainly knows it! Elevate your next tea party with the Marie Eiffel Tower Mug. This isn’t just any mug, it features Marie’s classic artwork, heart and cloud details, and, best of all, four adorable little feet! Talk about luxury. If you’re heading out, the Marie Water Bottle is your new best friend. Decked out in pink with Marie’s iconic pose and a bold ‘Très Chic’ design, this bottle ensures your hydration game is as elegant as your style.

Time to get organized in true Aristocat fashion! The Marie Weekly Planner is an elegant set that unfolds to reveal a chic planner, sticky notes, and notepads, all secured with a magnetic closure. Planning your week has never looked so purr-fect! To keep your writing tools just as refined, grab the Marie Pencil Case. It’s as soft and refined as Marie herself, featuring her signature pink bow and embroidered details. And for turning every jotting into a work of art, the Marie A5 Notebook boasts a gorgeous hardcover, ribbon bookmark, and super chic interior pages. Your ideas are about to get a serious Parisian upgrade!

For the serious collectors, the 55th anniversary pins are a must-have! The Limited Release Pin beautifully captures a classic family moment, featuring Duchess and her three kittens nestled in a basket, a delightful tribute to Parisian elegance. Then there’s the Limited Edition Jumbo Pin, which is ready to strike up the band! It showcases the whole feline crew in a groovy musical moment, the ultimate collector’s piece for anyone who knows the best place to be is where the jazz is at!

Finally, add some sparkle to your holiday decor with The Aristocats Light-Up Living Magic Sketchbook Ornament. Watch Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz swing on a Tiffany lamp that actually lights up! It’s a truly unique, mesmerizing piece that proves everybody wants to be a cat who knows where it’s at!

The Aristocats 55th Anniversary Merch

Are you ready to bring home some of these très chic items? Which piece from the 55th Anniversary collection is catching your eye the most?

Credit: Disney

Get Ready to Slay the Holidays: Lilly Pulitzer Disney Holiday Collection Just Dropped!

Lilly Pulitzer Disney Holiday Collection

Get Ready to Slay the Holidays: Lilly Pulitzer Disney Holiday Collection Just Dropped!

Seriously, stop what you’re doing because Lilly Pulitzer just launched the cutest, most sunshine-y holiday collection you could imagine, and it’s a total game-changer. They teamed up with Disney to bring us a collaboration that is absolutely bursting with color and joy! Forget the snowy winter blues, this collection is all about a “sun-drenched holiday adventure” starring none other than Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse!

The new print, aptly named “Mickey’s Island Escapade,” captures the iconic duo in Lilly’s bright, happy, resort-inspired world. It’s like a little dose of tropical vacation that lasts from December all the way through Valentine’s Day!

Related – Your Wish Granted: The Cinderella Lilly Pulitzer Collection is Here!

This is not some quiet, subtle launch, friends. This is a bold, bright, and cheerful assortment designed to spark instant delight! The collection features 10 giftable pieces for both women and girls, meaning you can absolutely treat yourself and your mini-me to some adorable matching moments. The star of the show is definitely the “Mickey’s Island Escapade” print, which comes in a vibrant, multicolored French Terry with playful pops of yellow, blue, pink, and green.

But wait, there’s more! You can also snag a white-grounded half-drop lounge set and a dress for a slightly different vibe, plus a super sweet pink striped pajama set decked out with heart-shaped motifs, perfect for cozy holiday mornings.

The best part? These pieces are designed to be incredibly versatile! They’re perfect for holiday gifting (hint, hint!), but their bright, resort aesthetic means they’ll transition seamlessly into spring and beyond. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth. With prices ranging from $58 to $178, there’s something to treat every Disney or Lilly Pulitzer fan on your list. And guess what? You don’t have to wait! The collection is available right now on lillypulitzer.com and online at the Disney Store!.

Honestly, this is one of those collabs that is going to fly off the shelves, so you might want to click over there before the best pieces are gone! Get ready to make your holidays brighter than ever!

Credit: Disney

Disney World Golf Named 2026 Resort Course of the Year By The National Golf Course Owners Association

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Walt Disney World Golf Scores Big as 2026 Resort Course of the Year

Walt Disney World Golf is swinging into the spotlight in the best way possible, because the National Golf Course Owners Association has officially crowned it the 2026 Resort Course of the Year. That’s no small feat, considering NGCOA represents thousands of golf courses nationwide, but the Happiest Place on Turf is clearly living its best fairway life.

Operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, the resort’s three championship courses plus the nine-hole Oak Trail layout continue to shine thanks to a team that treats every round like a story worth telling. Cathy Harbin, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors, praised the crew for setting the bar on service, design, and passion for the sport, and honestly, that Disney magic shows from the bag drop to the final putt.

Related: Daytime Schedule Confirmed for 2025 Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Disney Golf Magnolia

Guests will get to see this accomplishment highlighted at the Golf Business Conference in January 2026 right here in Orlando. And if you’ve visited recently, you already know why WDW Golf is earning applause. A massive overseeding project across all four courses just wrapped for the first time in over a decade, boosting year-round quality and playability. Disney’s Magnolia, fresh off its most extensive renovation ever, features new teeing grounds, reimagined bunkers, beautifully contoured greens, and even Disney-themed hole names inspired by classic films. Its new signature stretch, affectionately dubbed Grumpy’s Gauntlet, challenges players through holes 14 to 17 with a mix of whimsy and wickedly fun strategy, all capped off by the iconic Mickey-shaped bunker on hole 6.

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Walt Disney World Golf

Tech lovers will also appreciate the new premium golf cart fleet available on Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista. Think fob-based starts instead of keys, LED multifunction displays, USB charging, upgraded wheels, and Bluetooth speakers so you can cruise the course in style. Over at Oak Trail, guests can enjoy FootGolf or sink putts at The Greatest Green Ever Played, a charming 18-hole homage to Francis Ouimet’s legendary 1913 U.S. Open victory as portrayed in Disney’s film The Greatest Game Ever Played.

Related: Planning a Magical Golf Vacation at Walt Disney World Resort

walt disney world golf champions pavilion

The recognition from NGCOA celebrates years of dedication to quality, consistency, and that signature blend of Palmer hospitality and Disney service. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, exploring reimagined holes, or just soaking up the Florida sunshine between shots, Walt Disney World Golf continues to prove why it’s the place where magical rounds happen every day. Here’s to the champions of turf, and here’s to even more unforgettable golf moments ahead.

Walt Disney Company Earns 27 Golden Globe Award Nominations

Walt Disney Company Golden Globe

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating a monumental awards season, having secured 27 Golden Globe Award® nominations across its extensive portfolio of content brands and studios. This impressive haul highlights the creative strength of Disney’s film and television divisions, with nods going to properties including ABC, Disney+, Hulu, FX, and 20th Century Studios.

From streaming sensations to theatrical blockbusters, Disney’s storytelling prowess was recognized across the board.

Related – Toy Story Director Defends making a 5th Movie

Television & Streaming Dominance

Disney’s streaming platforms and television studios were a major force, with Hulu and FX leading the charge. Critical darlings such as Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, and the breakout hit Abbott Elementary all received nominations, cementing their status as some of the best television currently on air.

Disney+ also made a strong showing, earning recognition for the critically acclaimed Star Wars series Andor and the upcoming Pixar film Elio, which received a nod in the animated category.

Individual performances were also celebrated, with nominations going to standout stars including Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short for their comedic chemistry in Only Murders in the Building, as well as Glen Powell for his role in Chad Powers.

Theatrical Success

On the film side, The Walt Disney Studios earned a total of eight nominations, reflecting a diverse slate of cinematic achievements.

Major titles receiving recognition include:

  • Avatar: Fire and Ash (20th Century Studios)
  • Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
  • Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (20th Century Studios)
  • The Testament of Ann Lee (Searchlight Pictures)

The winners will be announced at the Golden Globe Awards ceremony, kicking off what promises to be an exciting season for The Walt Disney Company.

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2026 GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu Originals / 20th Television)

4 nominations

Streams on Hulu

  • Best Television Series (Musical/Comedy)
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Steve Martin
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Martin Short
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Selena Gomez

The Bear (FX / Hulu)

3 nominations

Streams on Hulu

  • Best Television Series (Musical/Comedy)
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Jeremy Allen White
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Ayo Edebiri

The Beast in Me (20th Television)

3 nominations

Premiered and streams externally

  • Best Television Limited Series, TV Anthology or Motion Picture  
  • Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television — Matthew Rhys
  • Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television — Claire Danes

Nobody Wants This (20th Television)

3 nominations

Premiered and streams externally

  • Best Television Series (Musical/Comedy)
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Adam Brody
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Kristen Bell

Avatar: Fire and Ash (20th Century Studios)

2 nominations

Premieres in theaters this month

  • Best Original Song, Motion Picture – “Dream as One” by Miley Cyrus, Simon Franglen, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
  • Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Dying for Sex (FX / Hulu / 20th Television)

2 nominations

Streams on Hulu

  • Best Television Limited Series, TV Anthology or Motion Picture   
  • Best Lead Actress in a Television Limited Series, TV Anthology or Motion Picture – Michelle Williams

Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

2 nominations

Premiered in theaters

  • Best Animated Feature
  • Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Abbott Elementary (ABC / 20th Television)

1 nomination

Premieres on ABC, streams on Hulu

  • Best Television Series (Musical/Comedy)

Andor (Lucasfilm Ltd.)

1 nomination

Streams on Disney+

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Drama) – Diego Luna

Chad Powers (Hulu / 20th Television / ESPN)

1 nomination

Streams on Hulu

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Glen Powell

Elio (Pixar Animation Studios)

1 nomination

Premiered in theaters, streams on Disney+

  • Best Animated Feature

Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts (Hulu)

1 nomination

Streaming on Hulu December 19

  • Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television – Kumail Nanjiani

Paradise (Hulu Originals / 20th Television)

1 nomination

Streams on Hulu

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Drama) – Sterling K. Brown

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (20th Century Studios)

1 nomination

Premiered in theaters

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama – Jeremy Allen White

The Testament of Ann Lee (Searchlight Pictures)

1 nomination

Premieres in theaters this month

  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy – Amanda Seyfried

New Construction Permit Issued for Work at Dinosaur in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Permit Issued for Construction at Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur

As Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares to transform the DINOSAUR attraction into a new Indiana Jones experience in early 2026, a recent Imagineering permit confirms construction work will begin soon. This work targets the courtyard area directly in front of the current DINOSAUR entrance.

Related – Disney Replaces Dinosaur on Ride Photo Ahead of Permanent Closure at Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur

A new construction permit, filed on Friday, targets “600 DinoLand Drive,” an address that likely corresponds to the courtyard area in front of the DINOSAUR attraction. This interpretation is supported by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s (CFTOD) Address Finder, which places the nearby DinoLand Goofy and Pluto meet-and-greet area at 594 DinoLand Drive.

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The new construction permit, which is valid for one year, contracts Whiting-Turner for “General Construction” in the area. This work is highly likely preparatory for the new Indiana Jones ride transformation. Whiting-Turner is a frequent Disney partner, having managed several notable projects, including the construction of Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and the demolition of both It’s Tough to Be a Bug and early facilities in DinoLand U.S.A.

The final phase of the DinoLand closure is set for February 2026, when both the DINOSAUR attraction and Restaurantosaurus will close permanently. These closures pave the way for the exciting new Tropical Americas land, which is confirmed to include major additions like an Encanto ride, a new carousel, and an Indiana Jones attraction.

Are you sad to see DINOSAUR go?

Select Music from Disney’s Jollywood Nights Now Available on Apple Music and Spotify

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Jollywood Nights Music Now Streaming on Apple Music and Spotify

Good news for holiday music fans! You can now stream select tracks from the Disney Holidays in Hollywood show, a highlight of the Jollywood Nights event, on both Apple Music and Spotify.

Related – Select Jollywood Nights 2025 Merchandise Now Available for Day Guests

Jollywood nights

The two available songs are:

  1. What the Holidays Mean – Emily Deler, The Holidays in Hollywood Singers, The Holidays in Hollywood Big Band (3:34)
  2. Banded Nutcracker – The Holidays in Hollywood Big Band (1:39)
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Disney Holidays in Hollywood—the popular musical stage show from Jollywood Nights—is a charming throwback to classic Hollywood holiday specials. Hosted by the fabulous duo Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, the performance takes place in the Theater of the Stars (daytime home of Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage on Sunset Boulevard). The show, which debuted in 2023, features Mickey, Minnie, Belle, Tiana, and a host of other musicians and performers celebrating the season.

Will you be streaming these songs?

Fort Wilderness Decorated for the Holidays with Festive Christmas Tree

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Fort Wilderness Decked Out for the Holidays

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is officially decked out for the holidays by Disney! Adding to the festive atmosphere, guests are also encouraged to decorate their own campsites, creating a truly unique and joyful display of personalized holiday cheer across the resort.

The holiday décor immediately sets a festive, rustic tone, starting right at the resort’s entrance. The stone columns of the Fort Wilderness sign are wrapped in garland featuring reindeer cutouts, stars, and red flowers. This charming, western-themed detail continues at the main bus stop, where garland hangs beneath the roof, punctuated not by traditional wreaths, but by red wheels adorned with silver stars, horseshoes, boots, and festive bows.

The rustic holiday theme continues at Pioneer Hall, the home of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, where railings are draped in elaborate garlands and wreaths. These decorations blend elegance and wilderness, packed with shiny baubles, poinsettias, ribbons, and unique wood acorn-shaped accents.

The festive flair extends to Trail’s End Restaurant, featuring garland intertwined with draped ropes and bell decorations, all centered around a large wreath boasting a horseshoe and star above the entrance.

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A beautiful, ranch-inspired Christmas tree stands prominently between Pioneer Hall and the Settlement Trading Post, serving as a focal point for the settlement area. Topped with a striking silver star, the tree features coordinating rustic décor. Meanwhile, the nearby Settlement Trading Post sign and roofline are equally festive, wrapped and draped in complementing garland.

Will you be visiting Fort Wilderness this holiday season?

Port Canaveral Becomes Busiest Cruise Port in the World

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Port Canaveral Claims the Crown as World’s Busiest Cruise Port

Port Canaveral has officially surpassed Port Miami to be crowned the busiest cruise port in the world. The achievement, confirmed on December 2, marks the second time Port Canaveral has taken the top spot, demonstrating its incredible post-pandemic surge and sustained growth.

Port Canaveral recorded a historic 8,602,047 passengers in the past fiscal year, narrowly edging out PortMiami’s 8.5 million. This colossal figure represents a significant 13.3% surge in passenger volume compared to the previous year’s 7.9 million, solidifying the Port’s position as a dominant force in the global cruise industry.

Related-Disney Cruise Line Celebrates Opening of New Port Everglades Terminal

port

A Homeport for Mega-Ships and Disney Dreams

The Port’s success is largely attributed to its strong partnerships with major cruise lines, including the popular Disney Cruise Line. Port Canaveral is home to a total of 16 home-ported ships, including four vessels from the Disney fleet: the Disney Dream, Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, and the recently added Disney Treasure.

The ability to host a growing number of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced ships, such as those from Royal Caribbean and the continuous presence of the Disney fleet, has been a key driver in pushing Canaveral past its perennial rival in Miami.

Related-Disney Cruise Line Recognized for Environmental Stewardship with Port of Vancouver’s Blue Circle Award

port

Future Focused: Massive Expansion Underway

Port Canaveral is not resting on its laurels. According to Port CEO, Capt. John Murray, the strong market conditions and the race for supremacy necessitate continued investment.

“This past year is a complete representation of what the industry is like today. We’re all sailing at 100%,” said Murray. “It’s a very strong business market right now and we’ve been fortunate to bring in some great numbers.”

To sustain this record growth, the Port has laid out an ambitious development plan:

  • 2026 Capital Projects: $255 million in capital projects is planned for the coming year.
  • Five-Year Plan: A massive $912 million in total infrastructure and capital projects is planned over the next five years.

Key to this expansion is the plan to double the capacity of Terminal 5 and develop a seventh cruise terminal campus, ensuring the Port can achieve the “highest possible utilization” from its assets and accommodate the massive number of passengers expected.

disney cruise

Looking Ahead to Next Year

The growth trajectory is expected to continue sharply. Next year, the Port will welcome two more home-ported ships, bringing the total to 18 vessels. This is projected to result in approximately 9 million passengers passing through the Port, an estimated increase of 400,000.

The impressive passenger numbers underscore the immense demand for cruising in Florida, which remains the cruise capital of the world. As Murray noted: “We’ve got two great seaports in Florida and we’re competitive with our number of passengers. The fact that we can all be hitting these numbers is fantastic.”

Closer Look at the Christmas Decorations at Universal’s Epic Universe

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The Holiday Season Has Arrived at Epic Universe

Universal’s Epic Universe may be the newest park on the block, but it already feels like it was built for the holidays. We recently had the chance to visit during its first-ever festive season, and the decorations completely swept us off our feet. Every land has its own personality, and the holiday overlay leans into that identity so thoughtfully that nothing feels generic or out of place. Instead, the park sparkles with custom garland, themed wreaths, and whimsical details that make the entire experience feel warm, immersive, and wonderfully alive.

Related: Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom

As soon as you approach the entrance, the holiday cheer greets you with glowing garland draped across the archways and buildings. Even the restroom facade gets in on the celebration with a beautifully designed wreath that matches the teal tilework so perfectly it looks like it was always meant to be there. The Chronos Portal glows under twinkling gold lights, and the whole area transforms beautifully at night when the holiday lighting blends with the park’s existing evening atmosphere for a dreamy effect.

Celestial Park shines especially bright during the holidays. Its arcades and glass domes sparkle with warm garland, ornaments, and elegant lighting that dances across the walkways after an evening rain. Restaurants throughout the hub also show off their festive flair. Atlantic dazzles with seashell-studded garland and warmly lit Christmas trees that reflect against the restaurant’s glowing blue undersea lighting, capturing the perfect nautical Christmas aesthetic. Nearby kiosks and eateries layer in their own themed elements, creating a sense that every space received personalized attention.

Over in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, the magic gets dialed up even further. Garlands drape across rooftops and windows with incredible detail, including magical creature motifs and whimsical ornament clusters that fit the wizarding aesthetic perfectly. The transformation from day to night is stunning. From intricate wreaths to clever snowflake designs made of keys, the creativity here is astounding. The decorations blend perfectly with the land, adding to the aesthetic rather than taking away from it.

Meanwhile, the Isle of Berk celebrates Snoggletog, the Viking holiday from the How to Train Your Dragon universe. Every decoration fits beautifully within the land’s rustic and handmade aesthetic. Inside the shops, garland, banners, and displays of dragon eggs celebrate the season in a way that feels both festive and distinctly Berk. The “Choose Your Dragon” area is wrapped in greenery and berries, and small Snoggletog touches appear around every corner. It’s charming, thoughtful, and packed with detail for fans of the franchise.

Related: The Must-Try Holiday Treats at Universal Orlando Resort for 2025

Even Dark Universe is getting in on the holiday spirit in its own twisted way. Inside the Manor Storehouse, the gift shop at the exit of Monsters Unchained, guests will find a Christmas tree that looks like it crawled right out of Frankenstein’s lab. Twisted branches, snarled vines, and black lace wind through the tree, while chains drape across the boughs like perfectly eerie garland. The ornaments feature iconic Universal Monsters, including Frankenstein, the Bride, and other classic creatures, turning the whole display into a delightfully macabre centerpiece. It’s the perfect blend of festive and frightful, proving that even the spookiest corner of Epic Universe can’t resist a little holiday magic.

Epic Universe’s first Christmas season proves that holiday décor doesn’t have to be copy-and-paste to be spectacular. Every element feels handcrafted for its specific location, and wandering the park after dark is nothing short of magical. If you plan on visiting this season, make time to explore each area, soak in the lighting, and enjoy one of the most beautifully themed holiday experiences in Orlando.

Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom

Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to the Animal Kingdom

Joe Rohde Shares Fascinating Takeaways from a Legends Dinner Featuring the Creative Minds Behind Epic Universe

Disney Legend Joe Rohde just dropped a treasure trove of creative insight recently on Instagram, and theme park fans from both sides of I-4 are eating it up like Butterbeer at breakfast. Rohde was invited to the annual Legends Dinner hosted by Bob Rogers, and while he arrived right on time, most of the evening’s honorees were still tied up greeting fans after a record-breaking two-hour receiving line. The honorees? None other than the creative executives behind Universal’s colossal new Epic Universe.

Related: New Construction Permit Suggests Possible Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expansion

Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom

Although Rohde hasn’t yet visited the park himself, he sat in on a deep-dive presentation where Eric Parr, Jody Keller, Katy Pacitti, and Steve Blum walked the audience through the philosophy and management approach that shaped Universal’s newest blockbuster expansion. And in true Joe Rohde fashion, he shared a set of raw, thought-provoking notes that feel like must-read inspiration for anyone passionate about themed design.

Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom

Among his biggest takeaways was the intentional decision by Universal Creative to rethink traditional theme park design rules. Instead of following established canon, they embraced bold departures, like designing each land as its own cul-de-sac to encourage exploration over crowd flow efficiency. Rohde also highlighted a principle he once championed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: a theme park should feel like a park first, not a chaotic highway of guests sprinting from one high-octane attraction to the next.

Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom

The team emphasized the importance of small, intimate experiences instead of relying solely on massive anchor attractions. In their view, the richest moments aren’t always measurable by traditional metrics. World-building also surfaced as a critical theme, with a reminder that fully realized environments need multiple layers of detail. And of course, the perfect quote to sum that up: “If you have a land about dragons, there better be dragons,” which is likely a sly nod to the Beastly Kingdom that was part of the plans for Animal Kingdom but never came to fruition.

Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom

Value engineering came up too, with refreshingly honest observations about how decisions are made. The group argued that the power to determine value should rest with the design team itself instead of being driven solely by budget reductions. They also discussed the challenge of breaking through corporate silos, noting that talent is rarely limited to one box, and that teams thrive when people are acknowledged as multidimensional instead of “generic.”

Related: Celestial Park Unwraps Its First Holiday Season at Epic Universe

Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom

Perhaps the most resonant philosophy of the night was a mantra for any creative leader: an executive’s job is not to say no, but to ask how.

Rohde noted that the room was packed with young aspiring creatives, soaking up guidance from some of the most influential minds in themed entertainment. And if Rhode’s Instagram post advice is any indication, the future of immersive storytelling is in very good hands.

Walt Disney Imagineering Shares Behind the Scenes Video of Tropical Americas Construction

Walt Disney Imagineering Shares Behind the Scenes Video of Tropical Americas Construction

Disney Releases New Behind-the-Scenes Look at Tropical Americas Construction and the Upcoming Encanto Ride

Disney just dropped a magical little construction update, and it looks like Antonio’s room is growing faster than a casita on Miracle Night. Walt Disney Imagineering shared a brand-new behind-the-scenes video taking fans beyond the construction walls of the Tropical Americas project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With the land now officially going vertical, we’re getting our best look yet at the future Encanto attraction taking shape.

Related: All Aboard! Magic Kingdom’s Beloved Steam Trains Mark 100th Birthday

Walt Disney Imagineering Shares Behind the Scenes Video of Tropical Americas Construction

The update shows a newly installed tower of steel framing rising along the back of the show building. While it may look like simple skeleton work for now, this framework will eventually support the walls and roof of the ride space where guests will step into Antonio’s rainforest-filled room. The attraction’s story centers on Antonio receiving his special gift, giving guests the chance to explore the lush, living space alongside him — and maybe run into a few familiar members of the Madrigal family.

Walt Disney Imagineering Shares Behind the Scenes Video of Tropical Americas Construction

Disney’s video also features a peek at vibrant mural art on the construction walls that sets the tone for the land’s tropical aesthetic. Tropical Americas continues to move forward, promising an immersive blend of Encanto magic, animal adventures, and richly themed environments inspired by the regions of northern South America.

Related: Big Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026!

Check out the full video here:

Daytime Schedule Confirmed for 2025 Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Daytime Schedule Confirmed for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

2025 Daytime Schedule Announced for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom

Disney just delivered an early Christmas gift, and it’s all wrapped up in peppermint-striped perfection. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade officially shifts to its daytime schedule this holiday season, bringing even more festive cheer to Magic Kingdom during the most wonderfully crowded time of the year. From December 22 through December 31, guests can catch the beloved parade twice daily at 12 PM and 3 PM, giving Santa and friends plenty of chances to jingle all the way down Main Street, U.S.A.

Related: New Hallmark Holiday Movie with Lacey Chabert Coming to Disney World

The final nighttime performance will take place on December 21, coinciding with the last sold-out night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Once the sparkly after-hours season wraps, the parade sleighs right into the regular daytime lineup, offering extra opportunities to see dancing reindeer, gingerbread men, and your favorite Disney pals in their holiday best.

Related: What’s Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026

Daytime Schedule Confirmed for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

As always, the journey begins in Frontierland near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, then glides through Liberty Square, circles the hub for those iconic castle views, and finishes with a merry march down Main Street, U.S.A. Whether you’re braving the holiday crowds or planning your perfect festive photo spots, this parade is one of the most magical traditions of the season.

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