NFL Monsters Funday Football Photo Op Touches Down at Disney Springs
Disney Springs has a monstrously fun new arrival just in time for Monday Night Football. A brand new Monsters Funday Football photo op has appeared outside the Orange Garage, celebrating the upcoming animated takeover of the Eagles vs. Chargers game on December 8.
Guests will find themselves standing right on the turf at SoFi Stadium thanks to a huge, vibrant backdrop featuring Mike Wazowski, Sulley, and mini NFL player avatars repping both teams. Mike stands alongside an Eagles player while Sulley backs up a Chargers player, all framed beneath the oversized Monsters Funday Football logo. Behind them, the stands are packed with cheering monsters, complete with signs for Mike, Sulley, ESPN, the Eagles, and the Chargers.
The setup is completely flush, so guests can walk right up to the scene for a perfect game day photo. A nearby sign promotes the big event, reminding fans that the animated broadcast will air on Monday, December 8, at 8 PM ET across Disney+, NFL Plus, ESPN2, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and the ESPN app.
It is a fun crossover between Pixar playfulness and NFL hype, and it brings a little extra cheer to the holidays at Disney Springs. Whether you are rooting for the scream team or just here for the pics, this photo op is a touchdown for fans.
NETFLIX TO ACQUIRE WARNER BROS. FOLLOWING THE SEPARATION OF DISCOVERY GLOBAL
In a massive move set to reshape the global entertainment landscape, Netflix, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD) today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, as well as the streaming services HBO Max and HBO.
The cash and stock transaction is valued at $27.75 per WBD share, subject to a collar mechanism. The total enterprise value of the deal is approximately $82.7 billion, with an equity value of $72.0 billion.
The acquisition is expected to officially close in Q3 2026, following the previously announced separation of WBD’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global, into a new, publicly-traded company.
A New Century of Storytelling Dominance
This acquisition brings together two pioneering entertainment businesses, melding Netflix’s innovation, vast global reach, and best-in-class streaming service with Warner Bros.’ century-long legacy of world-class storytelling and production capabilities.
The combined company will boast an extraordinary entertainment portfolio. Beloved WBD franchises, shows, and movies—including classics like The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard of Oz, the DC Universe, Harry Potter, and Friends—will join Netflix’s extensive portfolio of original titles, such as Wednesday, Money Heist, Bridgerton, Adolescence, and Extraction.
Netflix co-CEOs praised the strategic move, emphasizing its value to both consumers and shareholders.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters, and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix, added that the acquisition will accelerate their business “for decades to come.” He noted, “With our global reach and proven business model, we can introduce a broader audience to the worlds they create—giving our members more options, attracting more fans to our best-in-class streaming service, strengthening the entire entertainment industry and creating more value for shareholders.”
David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, echoed the sentiment of synergy: “Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most. By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come.”
Combination Will Offer More Choice, More Opportunities, More Value
Complementary strengths and assets: Warner Bros.’ studios are world-class, with Warner Bros. recognized as a leading supplier of television titles and filmed entertainment. HBO and HBO Max also provide a compelling, complementary offering for consumers. Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.
More choice and greater value for consumers: By adding the deep film and TV libraries and HBO and HBO Max programming, Netflix members will have even more high-quality titles from which to choose. This also allows Netflix to optimize its plans for consumers, enhancing viewing options and expanding access to content.
A stronger entertainment industry: This acquisition will enhance Netflix’s studio capabilities, allowing the Company to significantly expand U.S. production capacity and continue to grow investment in original content over the long term which will create jobs and strengthen the entertainment industry.
More opportunities for the creative community: By uniting Netflix’s member experience and global reach with Warner Bros.’ renowned franchises and extensive library, the Company will create greater value for talent—offering more opportunities to work with beloved intellectual property, tell new stories and connect with a wider audience than ever before.
More value for shareholders: By offering members a wider selection of quality series and films, Netflix expects to attract and retain more members, drive more engagement and generate incremental revenue and operating income. The Company also expects to realize at least $2-3 billion of cost savings per year by the third year and expects the transaction to be accretive to GAAP earnings per share by year two.
Transaction Details and Timing
Under the terms of the agreement, each WBD shareholder will receive $23.25 in cash and $4.50¹ in shares of Netflix common stock for each share of WBD common stock outstanding at the closing of the transaction. The transaction values Warner Bros. Discovery at $27.75 per share, implying a total equity value of approximately $72.0 billion and an enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion
In June 2025, WBD announced plans to separate its Streaming & Studios and Global Networks divisions into two separate publicly traded companies. This separation is now expected to be completed in Q3 2026, prior to the closing of this transaction. The newly separated publicly traded company holding the Global Networks division, Discovery Global, will include premier entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery, free-to-air channels across Europe, and digital products such as Discovery+ and Bleacher Report.
The stock component is subject to a collar under which WBD shareholders will receive Netflix stock valued at $4.50 per share, provided the 15-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of Netflix stock price (measured three trading days prior to closing) falls between $97.91 and $119.67. If the VWAP is below $97.91, WBD shareholders will receive 0.0460 Netflix shares for each WBD share. If the VWAP is above $119.67, WBD shareholders will receive 0.0376 Netflix shares for each WBD share.
The transaction was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Netflix and WBD. In addition to the completion of the separation of Discovery Global (WBD’s Global Networks business), completion of the transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals, approval of WBD shareholders and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in 12-18 months.
Moelis & Company LLC is acting as Netflix’s financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel. Wells Fargo is acting as an additional financial advisor and, along with BNP and HSBC, is providing committed debt financing related to the transaction.
Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.
Disney World Swan & Dolphin Unveils Holiday Experiences
Families looking for festive fun this year can look forward to a wide variety of holiday experiences being offered throughout the season at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
Guests can revel in the magic of a Central Florida holiday season with the ideal home base at the iconic three-hotel complex offering special holiday dining, meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus and spirited dancing holiday lights as part of this year’s celebrations. The property’s location also offers easy access and complimentary transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as favorite seasonal events including Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
Entertainment and Photo Ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with their special elf Kandy Kane, will entertain guests at Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool on select nights. There will also be special holiday entertainment providing guests with laughter and fun photo opportunities.
Santa’s Dancing Lights Spectacular Each evening, the hotel’s outdoor causeway transforms into a dazzling musical spectacle with dancing illuminated palm trees synchronized to favorite holiday tunes.
Elves’ Magical Workshop Children can step into a whimsical world of creativity inside the Elves’ Magical Workshop, where friendly elves guide them through festive craft stations including ornament decorating, personalized gift bag assembly, stuffed-toy creation and complimentary cookie decorating, each designed to spark imagination and holiday cheer.
Guestroom “Deck the Halls” Holiday Décor Packages The elves are spreading Christmas cheer by helping guests decorate their rooms with a special “Deck the Halls” package, which includes a 6-foot pre-lit Christmas tree, tree topper, ornaments, tree skirt and Santa’s Stocking (additional cost).
Will you be celebrating the holidays at the Swan & Dolphin Resort?
Disney Character Warehouse Implements Strict No Refund/Return Policy to Combat Resellers
The hunt for a deal at the Disney Character Warehouse outlets is about to get a whole lot riskier. In a major move aimed squarely at curbing the pervasive issue of merchandise reselling, The Walt Disney Company is set to implement a sweeping new “all sales final” policy at its Character Warehouse locations and Cast Connection stores.
A sign recently posted inside the Orlando International Premium Outlets location, and reportedly at other Character Warehouse sites, outlines the strictest return policy yet, designed to remove the financial safety net previously exploited by professional resellers.
New Policy Details: Effective February 1, 2026
The new rule makes it clear: the days of returning unsold outlet merchandise are over.
RETURN POLICYEffective February 1, 2026, all sales at Character Warehouse locations and Cast Connection will be final. No refunds, exchanges, or returns will be accepted; all items will be sold as-is with no exceptions.
This single, firm change signals a significant crackdown. For shoppers, this means any item purchased from this date forward—from discounted apparel to sought-after collectibles—is a permanent acquisition.
The primary motivation behind this aggressive new policy is to dismantle the profitable business model used by merchandise resellers.
In the past, resellers would purchase large quantities of clearance items from the Character Warehouse. They would then list these items on third-party online platforms (like eBay or Poshmark) at a significant markup. If an item didn’t sell quickly, the reseller could simply return the unsold stock to the outlet store within the 30-day window for a full refund, effectively eliminating their inventory risk.
The new no refund, no return, no exchange rule removes this loophole entirely. By forcing resellers to commit to all purchases, it introduces a significant financial risk to their operations, making it much less viable to mass-buy inventory.
What This Means for Shoppers
While the policy is a win for regular Disney fans frustrated by empty shelves, it also changes the game for all discount hunters:
Buyer Beware: All customers must now carefully inspect items for damage or defects before purchase, as all sales are “as-is.” There will be no recourse for a change of mind or finding a flaw later.
A Final Farewell to Returns: If you buy the wrong size, change your mind, or find a better price elsewhere, the item cannot be brought back.
A Limited Window for Old Policy Returns
For shoppers who have already made purchases, there is a clear, short-term grace period:
Purchases On or Before January 31, 2026: These items may still be returned within 30 days of purchase, provided the shopper has a valid original receipt. The items must be unused, in original unopened packaging, and have all tags attached, unless they were marked “all sales final” at the time of purchase.
This new measure marks a firm escalation in Disney’s efforts to manage merchandise supply and deter the practice of reselling, ensuring that stock remains available for guests seeking personal souvenirs and park discounts.
What are your thoughts on this new policy? Do you think it will be effective against resellers?
Disneyland Paris Cast Members Reveal the Magic of Disney Adventure World
Disneyland Paris cast member, Dorine, has shared a first look at the new Disney Adventure World. The resort recently hosted Journey Into Disney Adventure World: A Cast Life Event, which offered over 5,000 Disneyland Paris cast members the chance to be some of the first to be immersed into the new experiences Disney Adventure World. Disney Adventure World will open on March 29, 2026.
Dorine is a member of the opening team and she shared all of the excitement from the three-day expo-style event. After a breathtaking opening moment where Queen Elsa used her powers to illuminate the showroom, the Cast Members began exploring each immersive station. Everywhere they looked, creativity was bursting to life. The atmosphere felt alive with thousands of Cast Members, creating a feeling like walking into a storybook that was just waiting to be read out loud.
Early samples of merchandise, from intricate apparel inspired by Scandinavian motifs to sparkling collectibles, filled the decor in the area, including a life-size reproduction of several icons of future Disney Adventure World, where Disney characters popped by to surprise and welcome everyone.
Further along, chefs proudly presented prototypes of the flavors that will soon become favorites at the Nordic Crowns Tavern or The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. Stories can also be told through the richness of the flavors, the textures, and the carefully sourced ingredients. Everything looked incredible, and having the chance to hear from the chefs about the creative process was truly amazing!
Did you know? Disney’s chefs tested over 30 different recipes of mashed potatoes for the Nordic Crowns Tavern menu before they were completely satisfied with the result!
At another area of the expo, models, storyboards, drones, and interactive elements of all sorts offered a glimpse of upcoming shows, such as the groundbreaking new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Cascade of Lights,” which we can’t wait to discover!
One of the biggest highlights? A gondola from Raiponce Tangled Spin, the new attraction coming to Adventure Way, was installed by Walt Disney Imagineering teams for cast members to take photos!
With the chance to step into such a whimsical vehicle for the first time, Dorine felt immersed in the magic of the Festival of Lanterns and pictured herself boarding this future attraction beneath a sky illuminated with floating lanterns and the iconic song “I See the Light.”
The future costumes of the operational cast members of World of Frozen were on display. The colors, the Nordic patterns, the details…all left the cast members in awe.
Many surprises sprinkled this already-magical journey, as the exploration session was paused to let Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take over the central stage in their brand-new outfits. Soon, an array of favorite Disney characters and Super Heroes joined the group on-stage to mark the grand finale of this unique Disney Cast Life adventure.
Are you excited to experience this new area of Disneyland Paris next year?
As the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration continues, “Paint the Night” parade returns Jan. 30, 2026, to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif. The fan-favorite parade features stunning colors, vibrant floats and more than a million brilliant LED lights. (Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)
January Return Dates Set for Disneyland 70th Shows; New Vault Merchandise Drops
Just after dropping the highly anticipated 2026 calendar, Disneyland Resort is thrilled to announce key return dates for fan-favorite entertainment, alongside the debut of all-new merchandise collections for its spectacular 70th Celebration!
Jan. 8
“Wondrous Journeys”
Mickey and friends wearing Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration outfits
Jan. 9
“The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade”
Jan. 30
“Paint the Night” parade
Guests can continue to enjoy current 70th entertainment that has continued through the holiday season, including “World of Color Happiness!,” “Tapestry of Happiness” and “Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night.” The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will conclude Aug. 9, 2026.
For an enhanced parade experience, guests can book a “Paint the Night” Dining Package at Plaza Inn starting Dec. 4, 2025, on Disneyland.com for use beginning Jan. 30, 2026.
New Items in the Vault Collection
A new chapter is debuting as part of the Vault Collection, and Tinker Bell is front and center! Arriving at Disneyland Resort in January 2026, these items channel the same pixie-dust charm that defines the magic of Disneyland, making the collection feel like a fairytale come to life.
In the Tinker Bell Chapter, check out apparel featuring Pixie Hollow’s most famous tinker fairy, including the Women’s Tee, or sprinkle some pixie dust in your home with items like the Trinket Tray and Notepad and Pen.
New Items in the Castle Collection
Sleeping Beauty Castle is so emblematic of Disneyland, we had to create even more merchandise inspired by its classic charm. Check out new items in the Castle Collection — the Spirit Jersey, Women’s Tee, and Pin Set — when they drop in January.
Have you had a chance to experience the 70th anniversary celebration yet?
A Magic Key pass can deliver its full value in as few as four visits, unlocking Park Hopper admission, discounts on parking, merchandise, dining and Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and more unique perks throughout the year. Sales for the new Explore Key, Imagine Key will begin on Jan. 13, 2026. Inspire and Believe passes are currently on sale as well.
Disneyland Resort Introduces New Magic Key, Replacing the Enchant Tier
Disneyland Resort today announced the addition of the Explore Key pass to its Magic Key lineup, confirming the news via the official @DisneylandMagicKey social channel. New sales for both the Explore Key and the Imagine Key will commence on January 13, 2026, starting no earlier than 9 a.m. P.T. These two tiers will join the existing Inspire and Believe passes, which remain available for new purchases.
The introduction of the new Explore Key means the Enchant Key will no longer be available for new purchases or renewals. Current Enchant Key holders can continue to use their pass benefits until their existing pass expires.
The Explore Key retains benefits similar to the former Enchant Key but offers an exciting new perk: access on weekdays throughout June and July. This makes it ideal for families planning to enjoy the parks during their summer vacation, allowing guests to experience the magic in every season.
Explore Key price: $999
Benefits include:
Reservation-based Park Hopper admission with an ability to hold up to 4 theme park reservations at a time
Up to 10% off select merchandise and dining
25% off parking at the Toy Story Parking area
25% off the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass
What do you think about this new pass replacing the Enchant Pass?
If there’s one thing Annual Passholders love, it’s Figment merch, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays just sprinkled even more imagination into the season. A brand-new Passholder-exclusive Figment cup has officially landed at Refreshment Station, and it comes filled with a festive Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy topped with assorted candies.
For $6.25, this one is a sweet little holiday steal you can sip while strolling through World Showcase. The cup features Figment rocking his holiday sweater, surrounded by EPCOT icons and the festival wordmark. On the other side, “Passholder” shimmers in gold lettering, making this tiny purple dragon feel extra fancy this year.
You can grab the cup and drink now through December 30, while supplies last, but you will need both a valid Annual Pass and a government-issued ID to bring this imagination-fueled drink home.
We really enjoyed this treat. It is made to order, so you can customise the toppings if you want (we went all-out for the full experience). The flavor is not overly sweet or in-your-face, and the souvenir cup is a nice touch. We highly recommend picking on up during your next trip around the (holiday) world (just be sure to pack your AP, as the cast members will confirm you are a current Annual Passholder holder before selling one to you!)
New Epic Universe Permit Confirms Expansion Tied to Wizarding World of Harry Potter
It looks like Universal is stirring up something magical behind the scenes, because the latest Epic Universe permit just got a very revealing update. The construction permit filed last month has officially moved to review, and a brand-new note now confirms what every wizard, witch, and muggle has been buzzing about: this one is designated for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic! So grab your Floo Powder and hold on tight, because things are getting interesting.
The permit, filed by Baker Barrios Architects on behalf of Universal, lists “new construction” plus utility and foundation work for 1001 Epic Blvd, right inside Area P905. Park fans will recognize that codename as the Ministry of Magic land that anchors the current Wizarding World in Epic Universe. The permit covers roughly 150,000 square feet, which is about the size of the existing land, and notably does not include truss engineering or tree removal. Translation: something significant is coming, but the groundwork appears more targeted than a complete overhaul.
There’s also plenty of physical space between the current Wizarding World and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which lines up beautifully with long-running expansion chatter. The vibe here is that Universal is prepping the canvas, whether it’s for a brand-new structure or further development of what’s already in place. And honestly, it’s not surprising. Universal executives have been teasing expansion plans since before Epic Universe even opened. As Universal Orlando Resort’s President Karen Irwin said earlier this year, “We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic.”
Whatever it is, it’s clear the Ministry has approved more magic. And we cannot wait to see what Universal conjures next.
TSA Raises the Price of Showing Up Without a REAL ID starting February 2026
If you’ve been procrastinating that REAL ID upgrade like it’s the laundry pile you keep pretending isn’t there, TSA just added a little extra motivation. Starting February 1, 2026, travelers who show up to airport security without a REAL ID or passport will now have to fork over a $45 fee before they can head through the checkpoint. Yep, that’s more than double the $18 fee they floated earlier this year, so consider this your sign to stop dodging the DMV.
Instead of waving you through with a shrug, TSA will require travelers without an acceptable ID to verify their identity using biometric or biographic systems before they’re allowed to continue. That means hopping online at TSA.gov, paying the new fee, and completing the verification process. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but can stretch to 30 minutes or more, which is not the kind of vacation pre-game anyone wants before their flight to Orlando.
It’s also not a guaranteed pass. TSA officials emphasized that if they can’t confirm who you are, you won’t be allowed through security, fee or not. And if you show up at the checkpoint without an ID, you’ll be pulled out of line to complete those online steps before you can come back. Even travelers with lost or stolen IDs will be charged the fee.
Once verified, the fee covers your TSA access for up to ten days. After that, you’ll have to pay again if you still haven’t wrangled a REAL ID into your wallet. TSA says roughly 94 percent of travelers already use REAL IDs or acceptable documents, so most folks won’t be affected, but if you’re in that 6 percent… now may be the time to get one!
Free Disney Water Park Tickets Make a Splash Again for Summer 2026
If your ideal Disney vacation includes a little theme park magic and a whole lot of floating around in a lazy river, get ready to soak up some seriously good news. Disney has confirmed that the fan-favorite free water park admission perk for Disney Resort hotel guests is officially returning for summer 2026, bringing back those blissful Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach days without dipping further into your budget.
This offer first made waves earlier this year, giving resort guests complimentary access to whichever water park was operating at the time. But next summer brings an even bigger upgrade. For the first time in over five years, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time starting May 21, 2025. That means more splashing, more slides, more wave pool time, and less having to choose between a tropical storm-tossed paradise and a snowstorm-themed oasis.
Before the pandemic, the two parks alternated seasons, with one always taking the spotlight while the other cooled off. Now, Disney is making it easier than ever for guests to pack swimsuits, sunscreen, and maybe a sense of adventure, because there’s going to be water park fun for everyone no matter when they visit.
Will you be taking advantage of this sun-soaked perk during your 2026 stay? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Magic Kingdom Park Passes Vanish for Annual Passholders on New Year’s Eve 2025
If you were hoping to ring in 2026 under a sky full of pixie dust and fireworks at Magic Kingdom, you might want to make like Dash from The Incredibles and sprint to a backup plan. Annual Passholder reservations for New Year’s Eve at the Most Magical Place on Earth are officially gone. Christmas Day is booked solid, too, making this one sizzling season for park demand.
According to the Passholder reservation calendar, December 31 has switched to the dreaded gray “no availability” status for the Incredi Pass, the only pass type that isn’t blocked out for the holidays. Sorcerer, Pirate, and Pixie Dust Passholders are blocked from at least December 21 through January 1, which leaves the Incredi crowd carrying the holiday load and filling those slots fast.
If you didn’t snag Magic Kingdom, you’re not totally out of luck. There are still reservations available at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and as long as Magic Kingdom doesn’t hit capacity, you can still hop over later in the day. Passholders may also slip in after 2 p.m. when reservations are no longer required.
Regular Magic Kingdom tickets for New Year’s Eve also sold out back in October, so clearly everyone wants a front-row spot for Fantasy in the Sky. The beloved fireworks spectacular will blast off twice nightly on December 30 and 31, lighting up the castle and kicking off the countdown with all the old-school nostalgia fans adore.
