Final Preparations Begin for the ‘Disney Hercules’ Musical Aboard the Disney Destiny
We are thrilled to bring you an exclusive first look at rehearsals for “Disney Hercules,” the brand-new, Broadway-style stage show developed specifically for the Disney Destiny.
Earlier this month, the cast began rehearsals for “Disney Hercules” on the Walt Disney Theatre stage, incorporating finishing touches, like costumes, props, and set pieces, to help bring this unique adaptation of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film to life.
Now, with the maiden voyage just a few weeks away, it’s almost time to raise the curtain and reveal the high-fashion costumes, ancient Greece-inspired sets and state-of-the-art puppetry that will take “Disney Hercules” from zero to hero.
Woman Files Lawsuit Against SeaWorld Orlando After Alleged Duck Strike on Mako Roller Coaster
It’s not every day that a theme park lawsuit involves a duck, but that’s exactly what’s flying through the headlines this week. An Orange County woman has filed suit against SeaWorld Orlando, alleging that she was struck in the face by a duck while riding the park’s high-speed Mako roller coaster earlier this year.
According to court documents filed Monday in Orange County, the incident occurred on March 24, 2025. The woman claims she was riding Mako when a duck entered the ride’s path and hit her directly in the face, knocking her unconscious and causing what she describes as permanent injuries.
The lawsuit, filed by Morgan & Morgan, accuses SeaWorld of negligence, arguing the park failed to maintain a safe environment and did not warn guests of potential hazards related to bird activity near the attraction. The complaint states that the coaster’s placement over or near a body of water increased the risk of collisions with ducks, gulls, geese, and other waterfowl.
The filing further claims that Mako’s design “creates a zone of danger for bird strikes” due to its speed and proximity to areas frequented by wildlife. The woman is seeking at least $50,000 in damages and has requested a jury trial.
Interestingly, the incident was not reported to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state agency that tracks theme park injuries, as required when guests are hospitalized after on-ride incidents.
SeaWorld Orlando has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Pandora After Dark Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom as Earlier Sunsets Extend the Glow
It’s almost time to get bioluminescent again! As daylight saving time comes to an end this weekend, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is ready to let the glow flow once more in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Starting November 1, the park will shift to later closing times, giving guests more chances to experience the Valley of Mo’ara under its shimmering nighttime sky.
With sunset hitting around 5:30 p.m., those 8:00 p.m. closings will mean nearly two full hours of darkness to enjoy the breathtaking bioluminescence throughout Pandora. From glowing pathways and pulsating plant life to the towering floating mountains lit in ethereal hues, the land transforms into something truly magical once the sun dips below the horizon.
That means extra time to catch Avatar Flight of Passage or take a peaceful float through Na’vi River Journey as the Shaman of Songs welcomes you with her mesmerizing melody. Guests who usually visit earlier in the day often miss this jaw-dropping nighttime transformation, so this is the perfect season to see why Pandora After Dark has become one of the most stunning after-sunset experiences in all of Walt Disney World.
New Sweet Sleeping Beauty Storybook Chocolates at Disney Springs!
These new Sleeping Beauty Storybook Chocolates are seriously enchanting! Forget the basic candy bar; this is a treat that brings the magic of the film right into your hands. For $12.99, you can snag this delightful little treasure at Disney Springs.
The real star of the show is the storybook tin itself. It’s designed to look just like the storybook that opens the Sleeping Beauty movie, and the detail is fantastic. The tin is a lovely golden metal adorned with printed filigree and faux “gems” on the cover, making it feel super fancy and true to the classic Disney aesthetic. One side even has faux printed pages! The spine is clearly labeled with the film’s title and “Dreams Come True Chocolates.” Once you’ve devoured the contents, you’re left with a gorgeous keepsake box, win-win!
But let’s talk about what’s inside! The tin holds six delicious milk chocolate coffee truffles. With about two servings of three pieces each, it’s the perfect little indulgence. Whether you eat them all yourself or share with a friend (we won’t judge!), the rich flavor combination is a dream. Just a heads-up for anyone with allergies: these contain milk and soy and are manufactured on equipment shared with peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, eggs, and sesame.
If you’re looking for a perfect souvenir or a sweet gift for the Disney lover in your life, these Storybook Chocolates are a must-buy.
Dazzling Mickey and Minnie Swarovski Crystal Figure at Disney Springs!
Wow, have you seen the latest must-have collectible that’s seriously ready to make your wallet weep (but your heart sing)? We’re talking about the Mickey and Minnie Swarovski Crystal Figure, and trust us, it’s absolutely breathtaking! This isn’t just a regular figurine; it’s a sparkling masterpiece that captures a truly sweet moment between the most iconic Disney couple.
Imagine Mickey and Minnie sitting together on a bench, sharing a quiet, special moment, with Mickey presenting Minnie with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Aww! It’s the perfect scene of classic romance, but taken to a dazzling new level.
And when we say “dazzling,” we mean covered from head-to-toe (and bench-to-flowers) in genuine Swarovski crystals! Seriously, the entire piece is designed to absolutely shimmer and shine, turning any corner of your home into a focal point of pure, unadulterated sparkle. It’s the kind of piece that demands attention and instantly elevates your Disney collection. If you’re looking for something that truly captures the magic and is ready to make the whole place shimmer, this is it.
Now, let’s talk about the price tag. Yes, we know, you might need to take a deep breath. This incredible figure retails for a cool $16,900. It’s definitely a splurge, a major splurge, that puts it firmly in the category of a serious investment piece. But hey, if you’re a devoted collector and you’ve got that kind of coin to spare, why not treat yourself? You can find this stunner at Crystal Arts in Disney Springs. Just think of the bragging rights! Wouldn’t you love to take this piece of incredible, shimmering Disney magic home?
Disneyland Resort Hotels Announce the Return of Seasonal Character Dining
For a limited time this holiday season, both Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel will host holiday character dining experiences. These special buffet meals feature a selection of scrumptious, seasonal menu items, all while beloved Disney characters—dressed in their most festive outfits—make appearances throughout the meal.
These experiences are an amazing value for all the delicious food you care to enjoy and the opportunity to meet multiple characters at one location. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Character Dining at Storytellers Cafe
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026, Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch features Disney friends in festive colors and plaid fabrics. You’re welcome to dine in your coziest fashion, including your pajamas.
For a memorable yuletide dinner, Storytellers Cafe presents Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026. Mickey Mouse, Scrooge McDuck, and more characters come together in looks inspired by the classic Christmas story.
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!
Over at the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen joins the seasonal festivities with a holiday breakfast, brunch, and dinner, November 17, 2025 through January 6, 2026. Goofy and his pals put on their merry best, mixing classic red and green colors with pastels, print, and snowy sparkles.
Candy Cauldron’s Signature Candy Apples at Disney Springs
At Walt Disney World’s Candy Cauldron in Disney Springs, guests witness decades of artistry come to life with every sweet purchase. This year, the spotlight is on Joanne Torres, a 31-year Cast Member whose candy apple creations have become part of her own family legacy.
Joanne’s connection to Disney runs deep; her son, Pedro, even joined her in the kitchen back in 2010. She personally trained him on how to dip and craft many of the confections, including the iconic candy apples. While Pedro has since moved on to the exciting behind-the-scenes merchandise line of business, his mother continues to make magic for guests.
“I like interacting with our guests,” Joanne said. “It’s exciting when people watch us making candy apples. The key to making perfect candy apples: it takes a lot of practice. That’s what I tell new cast members.”
Over the years, Joanne became a master of candy apple making. With her skill of decorating, she also became a mentor, training dozens of new cast members over the years. One of those new cast members? Her son – Pedro, who joined the team in 2010 as a seasonal hire while still in high school.
“She’s the reason I started here and this location was the beginning of my Disney journey,” Pedro said. “She was a great teacher, and definitely somebody who made sure I got that trade done right, because she’s very particular with making sure that everything that our guests buy is done to perfection.”
Under his mom’s guidance, Pedro learned the fine details of candy craftsmanship — and the deeper lessons of guest service, teamwork, and creativity. That foundation led him to a career in Disney leadership roles, including one in 2019 during the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Their story is one of many within the Cauldron’s history: generations of cast members passing on candy apple skills, stories, and the magic of making something by hand.
With its dark, dungeon-inspired theming and dramatic show kitchen, the shop pays tribute to one of Disney’s most iconic villains — the Evil Queen from Walt Disney’s first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But beyond the cobblestone styled walls lies something even more enchanting: generations of craftsmanship, storytelling, and one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved treats — the candy apple.
The Lore of the Disney Candy Apple
Candy and caramel apples have been part of Walt Disney World’s culinary story since the early 1970s. Guests began biting into these delicious confections along Main Street, U.S.A., and they quickly became a guest favorite — not just for their sweet crunch, but for the magic of watching them being made. Over time, cast members began turning these apples into edible works of art, incorporating beloved Disney characters and holiday themes.
Among the most iconic creations is the Evil Queen Apple which was introduced in the mid-2000s as a Halloween seasonal treat. Designed to resemble the cursed fruit from Snow White, the apple features a glossy red candy shell with a signature green “drip,” echoing the film’s infamous scene. It remains one of the most sought-after specialty items each fall. And if an apple is not your thing, you may also enjoy the shop’s Evil Queen cake pop – another fan-favorite.
Today, guests can watch these candy apple treats come to life through the windows of Disney’s Candy Cauldron, where cast members dip, swirl, and decorate apples in real time.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Holiday Magic at Disneyland Resort
The jolliest season is officially underway! Straight from the North Pole, Santa Claus himself has arrived at the Disneyland Resort to spread holiday cheer, pose for photos, and listen to the Christmas wishes of good little girls and boys.
You can say “ho-ho-hello” to St. Nick across the resort through December 24, 2025.
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail has undergone a festive transformation. It’s now a jolly playground filled with holiday games, festive activities, and a fun challenge for the whole family: searching for brightly colored presents hidden along the trail.
Starting November 27 and running through December 24, Santa is expanding his route to include the beautiful resort hotels! Guests and visitors can catch St. Nick for a special visit at these enchanting locations:
Disneyland Hotel
Pixar Place Hotel
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Don’t miss the chance to capture those memorable holiday moments with the man in red during your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Your Guide to Finding Holiday Characters at Disneyland Resort
The air is crisp, the décor is dazzling, and Disney characters across Disneyland Resort are stepping out in their festive finest! Meeting these pals in their seasonal attire is a special, limited-time tradition unique to the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Here’s where you can find them, starting with Disneyland Park:
Disneyland Park
Disney characters at Disneyland Park are fully decked out for the occasion! When stopping along Main Street, U.S.A., Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals will be wearing newly designed, festive outfits that put a special “holiday spin” on their looks from the recent 70th Celebration.
Entertainment and Parade Sightings
The holidays also bring incredible character appearances during the park’s signature entertainment offerings:
‘A Christmas Fantasy Parade’: Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, this treasured tradition features a massive cast of characters, prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, and dancing gingerbread cookies. Characters often featured in the parade include:
Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Green Army Men, Jessie, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Max Goof, Belle, Beast, Snow White, The Prince, Princess Aurora, Prince Phillip, Cinderella, and Prince Charming.
‘Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!’: This returning, daily experience at the Fantasyland Theatre runs through December 24. In addition to watching animated shorts and singing holiday songs, guests can greet Disney characters such as:
Chip ‘n’ Dale, Goofy, and Pluto.
Disney California Adventure Park
At Disney California Adventure, you’ll find characters sporting everything from classic holiday outfits to simple, festive accessories:
Buena Vista Street: Be sure to stroll down Buena Vista Street, where classic Disney characters are dressed in retro-inspired wintry wear. Their outfits beautifully complement the nostalgic 50-foot Christmas tree in the area. You may spot:
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, and Clarabelle Cow.
Cars Land: Even the four-wheeled residents get into the spirit! Mater sports a giant Santa hat, making for a fun and essential holiday photo op.
Grizzly Peak: Keep an eye out for characters from Up, including Carl, Russell, and Dug, who are often available for greetings in this scenic area.
Don’t forget your camera—these unique holiday photo opportunities only last through the season!
“Create Your World” Shines a Light on Pandora’s Disney Princess Magic
Pandora, the world’s largest jewelry brand, is taking center stage in the new Disney documentary series, “Create Your World: Disney Princess x Pandora.” The latest episode offers a captivating deep-dive into the creative partnership between the iconic brands, exploring how the inspirational narratives of Disney Princesses continue to empower women and girls globally.
Premiering on Hulu, the documentary highlights Pandora’s expert craftsmanship and the profound significance of jewelry as a form of self-expression. It will also be available across the ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming and digital platforms starting Saturday, November 1 at 8:30 p.m. CT.
Behind the Artistry: A Look at the Creative Vision
The episode was filmed across Pandora’s main locations in Copenhagen and Thailand, giving viewers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the artistry that goes into the brand’s hand-crafted jewelry.
Featuring key voices from both Disney and Pandora, the documentary spotlights Pandora Creative Directors Francesco Terzo and A. Filippo Ficarelli. The duo shared a deeply personal perspective on the collaboration, emphasizing the natural connection between the core values of the Disney Princesses and Pandora’s brand ethos
They stressed that being a Disney Princess is about courage, empowerment, and redefining what it means to be a princess, not just gowns and fairy tales.
“Just like Disney, we believe that nothing is more powerful than a story to touch hearts and change the world for the better,” said Terzo and Ficarelli. “At Pandora, we know that Disney Princess stories go far beyond a simple love story; each one is a journey of self-love and a journey of community… Real royalty isn’t about the crown but about owning who you are. Because the most epic journey is the one where you rule your own destiny.”
A Tale of Success and Future Teases
Pandora’s collaboration with Disney first began in 2015 with designs inspired by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, later expanding to include the Disney Princess storylines. This partnership has proven to be a massive success.
In 2025, the Disney Princess Collection became Pandora’s most successful line within its Disney assortment. The Rapunzel-inspired ring emerged as the top-selling item, a testament to the enduring emotional connection fans have with these beloved characters. With over half a million Disney Princess-inspired rings sold year-to-date, this line remains Pandora’s fastest-growing segment.
Fans will also want to keep their eyes peeled for a subtle peek into the future, as the episode offers a glimpse of what’s ahead for the collaboration in 2026, teasing a new and yet-to-be-announced Disney Princess-inspired line.
The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special Returns to Disneyland Resort
Get ready for an unconventional holiday celebration! Deadpool is making his seasonal comeback at Disneyland Resort with the return of “The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special.”
Appearing near Avengers Campus, this limited-time show offers guests a dose of holiday hilarity and super special seasonal stories, all told with Deadpool’s signature style. Adding to the excitement, the fan-favorite mutant Wolverine is also scheduled to make guest appearances during select performances. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday event!
Arribas Brothers Celebrate 50 Sparkling Years at Disney Springs
Fifty years of glass, glitter, and pure Disney magic — the Arribas Brothers just marked a half-century at Disney Springs, and their celebration was as dazzling as their crystal creations.
Earlier this month, the Arribas Brothers team gathered at Crystal Arts in Disney Springs (originally known as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village) to celebrate their golden — or perhaps crystal — anniversary with Disney. The milestone was commemorated with a special plaque presentation by Disney Springs executives Debbie Hart and Michael Reiss, along with members of the leadership team.
The circular silver plaque presented to the artisans features the Disney Springs logo and the words “Arribas Brothers – The Source of Inspiration – 50 Years at Disney Springs.” It’s a fitting tribute to the brand that has enchanted generations of guests with its shimmering glasswork and delicate artistry.
The Arribas Brothers’ story with Disney began long before Disney Springs existed. The company first partnered with The Walt Disney Company in 1967, opening a glassware gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park. Their craftsmanship quickly became a beloved part of the Disney Parks experience, and today, you’ll find Arribas locations around the world — from Orlando to Paris to Tokyo.
At their Disney Springs Crystal Arts store, guests can marvel at live glassblowing demonstrations, intricate engraving, and custom laser etching that turn everyday keepsakes into one-of-a-kind souvenirs. From tiaras to crystal castles, each piece captures the timeless sparkle that’s made Arribas Brothers a Disney staple for five decades.
