Halloween Treat Mix Pops into Main Street Confectionery for Spooky Season at Magic Kingdom
It’s officially spooky snack time on Main Street, U.S.A.! The Kernel Kitchen inside Main Street Confectionery is celebrating Halloween 2025 with a limited-time Halloween Treat Mix, a colorful combo that brings candy-coated fun to the fall season.
Priced at $16.99, the mix starts with buttery popcorn coated in an orange chocolaty drizzle, topped with Halloween M&M’s, crushed chocolate cookies, and a sprinkle of festive orange and black sugar. It looks picture-perfect for the season—and it’s definitely a treat for anyone who loves a little crunch with their candy.
This Halloween treat is as frightfully fun to look at as it is to eat! Whether you’re pairing it with a pumpkin cold brew or grabbing a bag to snack on during the Boo-to-You Parade, it’s a seasonal staple that screams Main Street magic.
Bright New Banners Installed at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Magic Kingdom
The circus is looking sharp again! After months without its colorful signage, Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus has finally received brand-new banners—and they’re brighter than ever.
The refreshed artwork replaces the faded and sun-worn banners removed back in April. Now, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy are once again proudly featured in their over-the-top circus personas. Minnie Magnifique and Madame Daisy Fortuna take center stage on the left side of the tent, complete with their vibrant costumes and themed props. On the right, The Great Goofini and The Astounding Donaldo show off their own spectacular acts, from Goofy’s daredevil stunts to Donald’s hypnotic tricks.
These new banners bring a much-needed splash of color back to the tent’s entrance, perfectly complementing the playful Storybook Circus aesthetic. Inside, the meet-and-greet continues daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with separate queues for Minnie & Daisy and Donald & Goofy.
It’s a small refresh, but one that brings back the whimsical charm fans love about this corner of Fantasyland. After all, what’s a circus without a little spectacle?
Rivers of America Construction Walls Expand as Frontierland Transformation Continues
More beige scrim and scaffolding have gone up around the drained Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom, signaling the next phase of work on the area’s major reimagining. The new construction walls now line much of the Liberty Square and Frontierland piers, with several sections extending into the former riverbed itself.
The Liberty Belle Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island closed permanently in June, and the river was drained soon after. Crews have since removed portions of the old track near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and added new concrete work near Aunt Polly’s. Around 2,000 fish from the river were safely relocated to Seven Seas Lagoon before construction began.
This extensive project will ultimately transform the area into a Cars-themed expansion for Frontierland, bringing Radiator Springs to the riverside. For now, guests can expect ongoing walls and scaffolding through the coming months as Disney’s next big land shift takes shape.
Horse-Drawn Holiday Sleigh Rides Return to Disney’s Fort Wilderness This December
There’s nothing quite like a cozy sleigh ride through the woods to make your Disney vacation feel extra magical. This holiday season, that rustic charm is back! Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will once again offer its beloved Holiday Sleigh Ride experience, returning December 1 through December 30, 2025.
Guests can snuggle up under the stars as they glide through the scenic pine and cypress trails of Fort Wilderness aboard a festive horse-drawn sleigh. These 25-minute rides are priced at $80 per sleigh, accommodating up to four adults or two adults and three small children. With the jingle of harness bells and twinkling lights along the trail, it’s the kind of old-fashioned holiday moment that feels straight out of a storybook.
Keep in mind—Christmas Eve (December 24) is the only night this merry experience won’t be available, so plan accordingly. Reservations open 60 days in advance through Disney’s booking system, and they’re highly recommended since this is one of the resort’s most popular seasonal offerings. Same-day walk-ups may be available, but they’re never guaranteed once the sleigh bells start ringing.
Guests driving to Fort Wilderness should allow extra time for transportation. Parking is located at the resort’s main entrance, with internal buses available to the Settlement Depot where the sleigh rides begin. Disney suggests budgeting about an hour of travel time to reach your departure point—after all, you don’t want to keep your horse waiting!
Get Cozy in Style with the Minnie Mouse Holiday Sweater Mini Backpack!
Forget your plain, boring bags this holiday season; it’s time to infuse your look with some serious Disney cheer! We’re obsessing over the Minnie Mouse Sweater Holiday Mini Backpack, and trust us, you need this festive fashion accessory in your life. This isn’t just any mini backpack, it’s a BoxLunch Gifts exclusive design, which means you won’t find this perfect piece of yuletide style just anywhere. If you’re a collector of unique Disney merchandise, you better sprint, not walk, to grab this one!
What makes this bag so special? It’s literally designed to look like a tiny, festive holiday sweater, which is just the cutest concept ever. The body of the backpack has a wonderful knit texture, giving it that cozy, authentic sweater feel. But they didn’t stop there! The details are what really make it shine. You’ll find lovely embroidered accents and cute little applique Christmas icons scattered across the front, making it a true miniature masterpiece of holiday cheer. To top it all off, because it wouldn’t be Minnie without a bow, there’s an adorable velvet bow right on top, giving it a classic touch of Minnie’s signature style.
This little bundle of holiday joy retails for $79.90, and for a unique, exclusive Disney collectible that’s this charming and detailed, we think it’s a steal! Whether you’re heading to the Disney parks, a holiday party, or just want to add a dash of sparkle to your everyday errands, this mini backpack is the perfect way to show off your love for Minnie and the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t wait too long to snag this BoxLunch exclusive; holiday merchandise tends to disappear faster than Santa’s cookies!
Transform Your Morning With The Disney Parks Color Changing Mugs!
Have you ever wished your morning coffee routine could bring a little extra magic? Well, get ready, because the Disney Parks Color Changing Mugs are here to seriously level up your mug game! Forget those boring, monochrome cups, because these aren’t just any souvenirs, they’re a mini-show every time you pour a hot drink.
Imagine starting your day by dropping some boiling water or a fresh cup of coffee into your mug and watching as the iconic silhouettes of your favorite park poof become vibrant and detailed right before your eyes. Talk about a great way to kick off a “foggy morning!”
Whether you’re team East Coast or West Coast, there’s a mug for you! For those who dream of The Most Magical Place on Earth, the Walt Disney World Color Changing Mug is the perfect piece of stoneware. Those subtle resort icons, the ones that are just dark shapes when the mug is cold, spring to colorful life when they warm up, basically saying “Good Morning!” in the most awesome, magical way possible.
And if The Happiest Place on Earth is where your heart is, the Disneyland Color Changing Mug does the same fantastic transformation, bringing all those classic resort icons into bright, beautiful focus. It’s like a little dose of park energy to get you going!
Seriously, these mugs are a must-have, and at just $19.99 each on the Disney Store, they’re a totally affordable way to grab a piece of the magic without booking a flight. They’re stoneware, they hold your favorite brew, and they put on a cool show every day. If you’ve been looking for that perfect souvenir that actually brightens your day, or a gift for that Disney-obsessed friend who needs a morning pick-me-up, stop what you’re doing and head over to the Disney Store. Trust us, your coffee routine will thank you!
New Magical Mickey and Minnie Outerwear Drops at Disney Store!
Brrrr! Old Man Winter is knocking, but your cold-weather style doesn’t have to be a total snooze-fest. Forget the boring black puffers and drab gray hoodies, the Disney Store just dropped some seriously awesome new Mickey and Minnie outerwear that’s going to inject a magical dose of fun into your wardrobe! Whether you’re all about being cozy-cute or making a major fashion statement, there’s a perfect new jacket waiting for you.
First up, get ready to unleash your inner style villain (in the best way possible) with the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Dalmatian Print Faux Fur Coat for $119.99. This isn’t your average coat; it’s a statement piece! Imagine sinking into the glorious warmth of this luxe faux fur. But the real magic? The allover Dalmatian-style pattern is actually made up of tiny Mickey icons and Minnie bows! It’s subtly Disney, but outrageously chic. With a classic shirt collar, front pockets for your essentials (or just to keep your hands toasty), and a slightly oversized fit, this mid-length coat is practically begging to be paired with some black skinny jeans and cool boots. You’ll be snug and totally show-stopping.
If you prefer your daily dose of Disney to be a little more low-key but still super comfy, check out the Mickey Mouse Icon Polar Fleece Jacket for just $74.99. This is the ultimate cozy layer! Made from a super-soft polar fleece, this jacket will seriously warm you up on a chilly day. The allover embroidered design of classic Mickey icons gives it a subtle-yet-sweet Disney vibe. It has a casual cadet collar and the drop shoulders give it that perfect, slouchy, oversized silhouette that’s so in right now.
Plus, the snap-button closures mean throwing it on for an early morning coffee run or a long day at the parks is an absolute snap! Pair this fleece with leggings and sneakers for an effortlessly adorable look.
So, ditch the winter fashion blues and grab one of these new beauties! Trust us, with the Dalmatian faux fur or the iconic Mickey fleece, you’ll be feeling warm, cozy, and 100% ready to bring a little bit of Disney magic to your everyday adventures. Happy shopping, friends!
New Williams Sonoma Day of the Dead Table Decor Gives Us Pixar Coco Vibes!
Okay, seriously, have you seen the new Day of the Dead collection from Williams Sonoma? Because if you’re anything like us, you’re getting major Pixar Coco vibes, and we are living for it! Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is all about celebrating life, flavor, and tradition, and this collection is the perfect way to bring that vibrant spirit right to your dinner table. Forget muted colors; we’re talking a full-on fiesta!
The star of the show has to be the dinnerware. It’s a beautiful tribute to the Mexican art of calaveras, those gorgeously decorated molded sugar skulls that are so central to the celebration. Each plate, bowl, and platter is just bursting with color, lush blossoms, and iconic skull designs. Whether you’re plating up traditional pan de muerto, a festive entrée, or just a colorful appetizer, this backdrop is going to make your food look absolutely incredible. It’s the kind of collection that feels like an instant heirloom, ready to be part of your holiday tradition for years to come.
But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to check out the glassware. It takes that same calavera inspiration and transforms it into the most festive way to serve up your favorite spirits. Imagine a stunning glass, embellished with vibrant floral motifs, those iconic skulls, and a gleaming gold rim, all lit up by candlelight. It’s the detail that ties the whole table together and adds that extra pop of celebratory shimmer.
Honestly, with this Day of the Dead collection, your home is going to be packed with the color, tradition, and heart needed to truly honor the holiday, just don’t forget the marigolds!
Get Ready to ‘Squee!’ It’s the Starbucks Hello Kitty Collection!
Get your wallets ready because Starbucks is teaming up with Hello Kitty for the most adorable holiday merchandise collection you could ever imagine. Seriously, if you’re looking for the cutest gifts this holiday season, look no further. Starting November 6th in Starbucks coffeehouses across the U.S. and Canada, you can snag this super cute, limited-edition gear. The whole vibe is all about celebrating friendship with the theme: “Together in fun forever.” Honestly, it’s just the perfect little dose of sweet nostalgia and holiday cheer!
Let’s dive into the goodies, because there are some absolute must-haves here. The star of the show has to be the Boxed Plush for $34.99. Imagine: the iconic Hello Kitty herself, dressed to impress in a signature Starbucks green apron, and yes, her classic red bow is still there! She’s even bringing her cuddly little teddy bear friend, Tiny Chum, along for the ride. Boxed up all nice and neat, this plush is basically the perfect ready-to-go gift.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. For your morning brew, you can grab the 16-ounce Ceramic Mug for $32.95. It’s got a great Hello Kitty design and is topped with a fabulous red silicone bow on the lid. Your coffee has officially never been cuter! And of course, Starbucks has you covered for all your sips on the go.
Whether you’re into hot or cold drinks, the collection has a cup for you. If you need something sturdy for your massive holiday iced lattes (with extra whipped cream, naturally), check out the Stainless Steel Cold Cup ($32.95). At a generous 26 ounces, it can hold a Venti and still have room for all the toppings! If you prefer a lighter, more playful option, there’s a 24-ounce Cold Cup ($24.95) featuring Hello Kitty and Tiny Chum scattered among cute coffee beans and tiny Starbucks mugs, so fun!
For something that works with both hot and cold, there’s a 12-ounce Stainless Steel Tumbler ($32.95) with a lid in that classic Starbucks green. And to keep up those New Year’s resolutions, the 20-ounce Water Bottle ($29.95) has a sweet little coffee mug design and the uplifting message “Together in Fun Forever” right on it.
Finally, if you want to spread the cheer, they’re dropping adorable Hello Kitty Starbucks Gift Cards, including a special, cute-as-a-button Hello Kitty-shaped card (minimum $10 load). Seriously, don’t sleep on this collection, it’s going to fly off the shelves!
Zoo Boo Bash Returns for Three Weekends of Festive Fun at the Central Florida Zoo
Costumes, candy, and critters, oh my! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is gearing up to host the wildest Halloween celebration in town! The family-favorite Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health, is returning for three weekends of not-so-scary, festive fun this October.
Zoo Boo Bash offers the perfect way for guests of all ages to get into the Halloween spirit with treat stations, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities to show off their creative costumes.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing kids light up when they trick-or-treat around the Zoo and show off their costumes,” said Richard E. Glover, Jr., CEO of the Central Florida Zoo. “Zoo Boo Bash is a safe, memorable way for families to celebrate Halloween while enjoying everything the Zoo has to offer.”
Guests attending the event will enjoy not-so-scary Zoo decorations, engaging animal enrichment activities, and a dedicated trick-or-treat station path. Exclusive food and drink options will also be available to enhance the celebration.
Orlando Health is proud to once again support the Zoo’s annual event. “Orlando Health is proud to once again support Zoo Boo Bash, a tradition that brings families together in a fun and safe environment,” said Megan Almasi, Sr. Director of Community Relations. “We believe in creating healthy communities through meaningful experiences, and this event is a perfect way for families to celebrate the season.”
All Zoo Boo Bash activities are included with regular zoo admission. For Zoo Annual Pass Holders, admission is just $5 per person named on the annual pass card.
Don’t miss out on this Central Florida tradition that offers a fun, safe, and memorable way to enjoy Halloween with the entire family!
Walt Disney Legacy Award Honors Esteban Carrillo, Co-Founder of Mariachi Cobre
For over four decades, millions of guests at EPCOT’s Mexico pavilion have been delighted by the warm, traditional folk music of Mariachi Cobre. Since opening day on October 1, 1982, this world-famous group has been a cherished part of the World Showcase, sharing beautiful music filled with stories of life and love. This year, the Disney community is celebrating a monumental achievement for the group’s co-founder and director, Esteban Carrillo, who has been named a recipient of the prestigious Walt Disney Legacy Award.
This unique honor is reserved for cast members who are nominated by their peers for exemplifying Walt Disney’s timeless values of Dream, Create, and Inspire.
Over the last 40 years, Esteban has become a treasured fixture at EPCOT, touching the lives of both guests and fellow cast members. He is known for his ever-present smile, with peers noting that, “If anyone doesn’t have one, Esteban will make sure they do by the end of the day.”
Esteban’s history of “creating happiness” at Disney stretches back even further than EPCOT’s opening. He fondly recalls his very first performances at Disneyland in 1968 as part of a youth mariachi group. During those early days, he even had the dream-like experience of flying in Walt Disney’s personal plane.
With over five decades of sharing mariachi music and Mexican American culture with the world, Esteban has had a profound impact on the mariachi community. In fact, some of the very band members who nominated him for the Legacy Award were first inspired by him as children.
Mariachi Cobre member Rene Aguirre Garcia, who hails from Esteban’s hometown of Tucson, Arizona, grew up with posters of Esteban and his brother/co-founder, Randy Carrillo, on his walls. “As a kid, he was the director of many of the workshops I would go to and he was definitely one of my idols,” Rene says. “I always looked up to him and aspired to be part of the group one day. I never thought I’d be playing alongside him, but the last few years have been a dream come true.”
A Forever Legacy
Esteban is proud to join the select group of Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients, including his brother, Randy Carrillo, co-founder of Mariachi Cobre, who recently retired and remains one of Esteban’s biggest inspirations.
The Legacy Award is not the only high honor Esteban has received. In 2022, he served as the inspiration for one of the five Mariachi Forever stamps released by the United States Postal Service, which honored the global cultural importance of mariachi music. Despite his numerous accolades, Esteban remains humble, admitting he’s still surprised to receive letters and cards accompanied by a stamp with his photo.
“It’s quite an honor. I’m very proud they’re putting mariachi out there to a bigger demographic to promote our music and our culture,” he says.
An Ambassador for Disney and Culture
Whether he is sharing a special song with a guest or mentoring newer members of the band, Esteban dedicates his time to creating joy. As Rene Aguirre Garcia notes, “He goes above and beyond for all of our guests here at EPCOT and I believe he embodies exactly what Walt Disney wanted a cast member to be like.”
Though excited to wear his new blue Legacy nametag, Esteban credits his success to the entire Mariachi Cobre group. He emphasizes that he shares this honor with them, stating that without the band, he wouldn’t be the musician or person he is today.
From his signature smile to his cheerful confidence, Esteban Carrillo truly makes Walt Disney World feel like home for all who visit. Congratulations, Esteban, and thank you, Mariachi Cobre, for continuing to share your beloved culture, traditions, and música with the world! Sources
The Simpsons Showrunner Thinks Removing Springfield Would “Destroy” Universal’s Parks
Universal’s Springfield might just be too iconic to ever leave — at least according to The Simpsons co-showrunner Matt Selman. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Selman made it clear that he’d be “shocked” if Universal ever lost the rights to The Simpsons and removed the long-running animated series from its parks in Orlando and Hollywood.
“I would personally be shocked if The Simpsons did not continue at Universal,” Selman said. “It does not seem logical to me that they could close that, or that they would be so shortsighted to do that.”
While Disney technically owns the franchise after acquiring 20th Century Fox in 2019, Universal still operates The Simpsons Ride and the fully themed Springfield areas in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood. The deal between the two studios — struck before Disney’s acquisition — allows Universal to continue using the property in its parks for the time being.
Selman isn’t part of those licensing negotiations, but he didn’t mince words when speculating about the consequences if Universal ever had to close Springfield. “Think about it — what would they put there?” he said. “They’d have to close it down for what, two years? And build another area right in the middle of Universal? It would destroy them!”
Both Universal parks feature The Simpsons Ride, which opened in 2008 as a motion-simulator experience that takes guests on a chaotic journey through Krustyland. In 2013, Universal expanded the experience into full-fledged Springfield lands filled with fan-favorite spots like Krusty Burger, Lard Lad Donuts, Moe’s Tavern, and Cletus’ Chicken Shack. Orlando’s version even includes the spinning Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ’n’ Hurl ride.
Selman sang the area’s praises, calling it “fantastic” despite the attraction’s age. “The Springfield food court is amazing,” he said. “Cletus’s fried chicken on the bone is so good. The Krusty Burger is so good. The branding and level of Springfield specificity is fantastic.”
He also noted that the giant pink donut from Lard Lad remains one of the parks’ most profitable snacks: “They would walk away from the giant donut? Nothing is printing more money!”
And while he doesn’t have the time to lead a new project, Selman couldn’t resist pitching one last idea — a Halloween Horror Nights tie-in. “It is insane that they never Treehouse-of-Horror-ified Universal for Halloween Horror Nights,” he said. “Why we didn’t spooky-ify it, when Treehouse of Horror is our most beloved thing — that seems like someone dropped the ball. Possibly me.”
For now, fans can breathe easy: there’s no indication Springfield is going anywhere soon. With its hilarious atmosphere, deep-cut Easter eggs, and food that rivals any land in the park, Selman’s comments echo what many theme-park fans have been saying for years: Springfield may be yellow, but it’s pure theme-park gold.
