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Enchantment in a Bottle: Our Review of the Disney Princess x Bath & Body Works Collection (Chapter 2)

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Our Thoughts on the New Disney Princess Collection from Bath and Body Works

The next chapter of the #Disney x Bath & Body Works collaboration has officially arrived, and it time to step into From the tower to the bayou, this massive 92-piece collection features seven enchanting fragrances, including five brand-new scents and the return of two fan favorites.

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We’ve spent some time getting to know these royal aromas, and we’re ready to break down which ones belong in your “happily ever after” and which ones might stay in the tower.

Related-Bath & Body Works Unveils New Disney Princess Collection

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The Returning Favorites

Before we dive into the newness, we have to shout out Belle and Tiana, who are back by popular demand! If you missed out on last year’s drop, now is your chance to snag these classics alongside the stunning new Castle Candle Pedestal and the Life’s a Fairytale Keepsake Music Box.

Related-Disney Princess-inspired collection is coming to Bath & Body Works!

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The New Fragrance Breakdown

1. Aurora: The Dreamy Floral

  • The Scent Story: Designed to embody Aurora’s kind nature, this fragrance is all about “dreams beyond the gates.”
  • Fragrance Notes: Soft rose petals, sandalwood dreams, and sparkling fairy dust.
  • Our Thoughts: This is a lovely, soft scent. It actually reminds me a bit of Belle’s fragrance but with a more pronounced (yet not overpowering) rose. It’s light, airy, and incredibly pretty.
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2. Snow White: The Fairest Fruit

  • The Scent Story: A fruity and woodsy blend inspired by love’s first kiss and forest friends.
  • Fragrance Notes: Mystic red apple, ripened fruits, and enchanted woods.
  • Our Thoughts: The description is spot on! It is a gorgeous, luscious scent. The apple is prominent but balanced beautifully by the woodsy undertones. Definitely a winner.
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3. Life’s a Fairytale: The Signature Blend

  • The Scent Story: A combination of what we love about every princess—loyalty, bravery, and truth.
  • Fragrance Notes: Charming berries, floral fairytale, and kingdom woods.
  • Our Thoughts: If you could bottle up the literal feeling of a fairytale, this would be it. It’s soft, magical, and the sweetness of the berries shines through. It’s easily one of our top picks.
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4. Mulan: The Fresh Warrior

  • The Scent Story: A floral and fresh journey representing courage and family honor.
  • Fragrance Notes: Magnolia blossom, fierce waters, and radiant apricot.
  • Our Thoughts: While the description is inspiring, the scent itself felt a bit “hazy” to me. It’s pretty, but I didn’t get a distinct hit of the apricot or the magnolia. It’s a bit soft and lacked a “standout” factor for our personal taste.
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5. Rapunzel: The Golden Musk

  • The Scent Story: A lively fragrance meant to feel like warm sunshine and blooming flowers.
  • Fragrance Notes: Glowing sundrop flower, rich nectar, and golden musk.
  • Our Thoughts: Apologies to the Rapunzel fans, but this was my least favorite. It’s nice, but quite strong—perhaps a bit too strong. While it definitely feels “golden” and warm, the musk was a bit overpowering for my personal preference.
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Final Verdict: The Top 3

After sniffing my way through the kingdom, here is how the leaderboard looks for Chapter 2:

  1. Life’s a Fairytale (The most magical overall)
  2. Aurora (For that perfect soft rose)
  3. Snow White (The ultimate fruity-woodsy combo)
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What do you think of the new scents? Are you team Rapunzel or are you reaching for the Snow White apple? Let us know in the comments!

Muppet Show Reboot Receives Over 7 Million Viewers in Just Over a Week

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It’s Time to Play the Music: “The Muppet Show” Revival Is a Massive Hit

It turns out that what the world really wanted was just… The Muppet Show!

According to Variety and a recent press release from The Walt Disney Company, the Muppets’ triumphant return to the theater has officially struck a chord with audiences. The revival special featuring pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter has reached a staggering 7.58 million viewers across Disney+ and ABC since its debut on February 4.

To celebrate the milestone, the world’s most famous amphibian, Kermit the Frog, took to social media to share his excitement. In a video shared on the official Muppets Instagram, Kermit can be seen letting out his signature “YAYYYY!” to thank fans for tuning in.

Related-Disney Gossip: More Episodes of The Muppet Show in the Works

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Critically Acclaimed Chaos

The success isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the reviews. Ahead of its release, the special boasted a perfect 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Even after a week of massive viewership, that score has only adjusted slightly to a near-perfect 98%, with audience scores matching the enthusiasm.

Critics Consensus: “It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights — this spirited return to The Muppet Show‘s roots is clever, earnest, and feels exactly right.”

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Guest Star Revealed for The Muppet Show Revival Special Coming for Disney+

More Episodes in the Works?

The most exciting news for Muppet fans may be what’s happening behind the scenes. Journalist Drew Taylor recently revealed on episode 345 of the Fine Tooning podcast that the “backdoor pilot” might be turning into a full series.

Speaking to co-host Jim Hill, Taylor noted, “They’re working on writing episodes right now for future installments, Jim, so I just hope that it happens.” Given the viewership numbers, a full season order feels more like a “when” than an “if.”

The Team Behind the Curtain

Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, the special was a masterful blend of nostalgia and modern energy. The production featured the legendary Muppet performers who keep the magic alive:

  • Bill Barretta (Rowlf, Dr. Teeth, Pepe)
  • Dave Goelz (Gonzo, Bunsen, Waldorf)
  • Eric Jacobson (Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Animal)
  • Peter Linz (Statler, Lips)
  • David Rudman (Scooter, Beaker, Janice)
  • Matt Vogel (Kermit, Floyd Pepper)
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Alongside Sabrina Carpenter, the special included hilarious appearances by Maya Rudolph and executive producer Seth Rogen. The executive production team was a powerhouse collaboration including Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Carpenter, Timbers, and The Muppets Studio leads David Lightbody and Leigh Slaughter.

If the ratings are any indication, the Muppet Theater is going to be staying open for a long, long time.

New Short-Form Series “Locker Diaries” Unlocks All-New Adventures From Disney’s Zombies

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Disney Unlocks the Halls with New Anthology Series “Locker Diaries”

Disney is giving fans an unprecedented “peek” into the lives of their favorite characters with the launch of “Locker Diaries,” an all-new short-form anthology series. Designed specifically for the digital age, this unique series frames every story through an open school locker, offering a bite-sized look at the drama, humor, and surprises happening in the hallways of Disney’s most iconic franchises.

The series officially kicks off with “Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES,” and the first two episodes are available to watch right now!

Related-ZOMBIES 4: DAWN OF THE VAMPIRES Ignites with New Trailer & Poster

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Step Inside the Lockers of Seabrook and Shadyside

The first installment of the anthology focuses on the world of ZOMBIES. This live-action series consists of 11 digital shorts that capture the daily antics and school-hall drama at Sunnyside and Shadyside.

Fans will be thrilled to see several familiar faces returning to their roles from ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires:

  • Malachi Barton as Victor
  • Freya Skye as Nova
  • Swayam Bhatia as Vera
  • Julian Lerner as Ray
  • Mekonnen Knife as Vargas

Related-Descendants and Zombies Worlds Collide Concert Special Set for Disney Plus Premiere

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How and Where to Watch

“Locker Diaries” is built for the “vertical viewing” experience, making it perfect for scrolling on your phone.

  • Available Now: Episodes 1 and 2 are streaming on Disney+, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
  • Release Schedule: New episodes will roll out every Saturday through mid-April.
  • Linear Airing: The shorts will begin airing on Disney Channel and Disney Channel On Demand starting next month.
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More Magic on the Horizon

While ZOMBIES is leading the charge, Disney has confirmed that “Locker Diaries” will expand later this year to include characters from “Descendants” and “Phineas and Ferb.” If you can’t wait for more content, Disney has a packed schedule for the coming weeks:

  • Now Streaming: Catch the new animated shorts “Cartoonified! with Phineas and Ferb” on Disney+ and YouTube.
  • Coming Soon: Mark your calendars for Friday, Feb. 20, when the “Descendants / ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour: Concert Special” premieres on Disney+.

From the catchy tunes of Phineas and Ferb to the high-stakes world of the VKs and Zombies, “Locker Diaries” is the ultimate backstage pass to the characters you love.

Two New Preschool Series Beddybyes and Magicampers Premiere on Disney Plus This March

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Disney+ Sets March Premiere Dates for New Preschool Hits “BeddyByes” and “Magicampers”

Disney is doubling down on high-quality preschool programming this spring. Today, the company announced that two brand-new original series—“BeddyByes” and “Magicampers”—will make their grand debut this March on Disney Jr. and Disney+.

Whether you’re looking for a soothing way to wind down the day or a high-energy adventure to spark the imagination, Disney’s new slate has parents and toddlers covered. Along with the premiere dates, Disney also unveiled the theme songs and key art for both series, giving fans a first look at these vibrant new worlds.

Related-Disney Junior Dream Factory Returning to Disneyland Paris in 2026

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BeddyByes: Mastering the Bedtime Routine

Premiere Date: Monday, March 2 (Disney Jr.) | Tuesday, March 3 (Disney+)

Kicking off the month is “BeddyByes,” a gentle, mindful series specifically designed to help young children transition from playtime to dreamtime. The show follows best friends MeMo and BaBa as they traverse the soothing landscapes of Planet BeddyByes.

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  • The Mission: To support healthy daily routines and positive sleeping habits through calming storytelling.
  • The Voice Cast: Newcomers Noah Melo Batista and Phoebe Dalton star as MeMo and BaBa, joined by the legendary BAFTA Award winner Dawn French as Gramma Leeba.
  • Behind the Scenes: Produced by JAM Media, the series is led by executive producer Alan Shannon and director Niall Mooney, featuring a melodic score by Lucie Treacher.

Parents in the U.S. can catch the linear premiere on March 2, followed by a massive 20-episode drop on Disney+ the very next day.

Related-Disney Junior Play and Dance! Temporarily Closing for Cool Kid Summer Event at Hollywood…

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Magicampers: Mythical Mashups and Legendary Lessons

Premiere Date: Monday, March 23 (Disney Jr.) | Tuesday, March 24 (Disney+)

For those who prefer their mornings with a dash of magic, “Magicampers” arrives later in the month. Set at a day camp for magical creatures on a fantastical island, the series follows the adventures of Darly (half-pig, half-Pegasus) and Loomis (half-donkey, half-unicorn).

Related-Disney Junior Play and Dance! Temporarily Closing for Cool Kid Summer Event at Hollywood…

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  • The Heart of the Story: While Darly and Loomis dream of becoming “legendary,” they quickly learn that true greatness comes from self-acceptance and teamwork rather than raw magical power.
  • Star-Studded Cast: The series features a diverse young voice cast including Cassie Glow and Benjamin Mackey, anchored by Emmy® Award winner Uzo Aduba as the camp’s nature spirit leader, Treena.
  • Musical Magic: Fans don’t have to wait long for the soundtrack. Walt Disney Records is releasing the theme song “We’re the Magicampers” tomorrow, February 13, across all digital platforms.

The first six episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ on March 24.


Summary of Premiere Dates

SeriesDisney Jr. PremiereDisney+ StreamingNotable Cast
BeddyByesMarch 2March 3 (20 Episodes)Dawn French
MagicampersMarch 23March 24 (6 Episodes)Uzo Aduba

With these two additions, Disney continues to expand its “globally local” strategy, as both shows are scheduled to roll out internationally throughout the remainder of the year.

New Frozen Short Coming this October

New Frozen Short Coming this October

New ‘Frozen’ Short Film Coming This Fall Ahead of Frozen 3

The cold never bothered Disney’s release calendar anyway. A brand new short set in the world of Frozen is officially on the way this October as part of the long runway to Frozen 3, which is set to hit theaters November 24, 2027.

Related: Teleportation Effect Restored at Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

New Frozen Short Coming this October

The announcement came from Disney Consumer Products executive Paul Gitter in a recent interview, where he shared that the short will help kick off what Disney is calling its biggest ever cross-company marketing campaign leading into the third film. While details about the story and release platform remain under wraps, the timing suggests it could debut on Disney+, as there are no major Disney theatrical releases currently slated for October.

This new short joins a snowy lineup that includes Frozen Fever, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Once Upon a Snowman, At Home with Olaf, and Olaf Presents. If history is any guide, expect something heartfelt, a little hilarious, and probably packed with a song that lives rent free in your head by the end credits.

The Frozen franchise continues to be one of Disney’s most powerful brands more than a decade after Elsa first belted out “Let It Go.” With fans now spanning generations, Disney is leaning into both nostalgia and growth, expanding the franchise with everything from new products to in-park experiences like World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris.

Related: Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World

New Frozen Short Coming this October

Production is already underway on Frozen 3, with Josh Gad returning as Olaf alongside Kristen Bell as Anna and Idina Menzel as Elsa. Jennifer Lee has stepped away from her role as Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios to focus fully on the next chapters of the Frozen saga. And yes, Frozen 4 is already in development, because this snowstorm is not melting anytime soon.

Between a new short this fall and a theatrical sequel in 2027, it looks like we are all officially entering our next Frozen era.

Disney Celebrates 1st Birthday of Masai Giraffe Tucker at Animal Kingdom

Disney Celebrates st Birthday of Masai Giraffe Tucker at Animal Kingdom

Tucker the Masai Giraffe Celebrates First Birthday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

There is a very tall reason to celebrate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Tucker, the first Masai giraffe born at the park since 2021, just turned one year old and his birthday bash was anything but small potatoes.

Related: Teleportation Effect Restored at Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Tucker made his debut on Kilimanjaro Safaris around Earth Day 2025, quickly becoming a fan favorite as guests spotted him exploring the savanna alongside his mom, Mara. Now officially one year old, Tucker celebrated with special enrichment created by his dedicated keepers and Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center. Think giraffe friendly “cupcakes” and a towering birthday “cake” crafted just for him. No candles required when you are already reaching for the sky.

Tucker’s birth is more than just adorable content for your camera roll. The Masai giraffe is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with roughly 30,000 remaining in the wild. His arrival supports the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which focuses on maintaining healthy genetic diversity and protecting giraffes from extinction.

Disney Celebrates st Birthday of Masai Giraffe Tucker at Animal Kingdom

You will only find Tucker out on Kilimanjaro Safaris, not on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. His mom, Mara, joined the park in 2015 and has now welcomed three calves, including Jabari in 2019. Tucker is carrying on quite the legacy.

His milestone also arrives during a big anniversary for the Disney Conservation Fund, which is celebrating 30 years of protecting wildlife and habitats around the globe. Since its founding on Earth Day 1995, the fund has directed more than $132 million to conservation programs, helped protect over 1,000 species, supported more than 600 organizations, and contributed to safeguarding more than 315 million acres of land and marine environments.

Related: Meet the Disney Project Team for Frozen Ever After Update

Disney Celebrates st Birthday of Masai Giraffe Tucker at Animal Kingdom

The Disney Conservation Fund was created in connection with the development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, continuing a conservation legacy inspired by Walt Disney himself. Through grants and hands-on efforts from Conservation Cast Members, the initiative supports habitat restoration, endangered species protection, and future conservation leaders worldwide.

If you have been lucky enough to spot Tucker stretching those long legs on the savanna, you know there is something extra special about watching a young giraffe grow up in a setting designed to inspire conservation. One year down, many more wild adventures to go.

Teleportation Effect Restored at Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Teleportation Effect Restored at Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Teleportation Effect Restored at EPCOT

Cue the jump point, Terrans. The teleportation effect in the pre-show for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is officially back online at EPCOT after reportedly being out of commission for several weeks.

Related: Meet the Disney Project Team for Frozen Ever After Update

Teleportation Effect Restored at Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

If you have ridden recently and thought the “teleport to space” moment felt more like “please proceed through the already open doorway,” you were not imagining things. The second pre-show room normally delivers a bright flash followed by a split-second blackout, with the walls dramatically rising to reveal that you have been transported from the pavilion to a Nova Corps ship. It is one of those blink and you are in another galaxy Disney tricks that makes even seasoned Annual Passholders grin.

However, during multiple visits earlier this month, the effect was not operating. Guests entered the room with the walls already raised, skipping that signature surprise moment entirely. Functional, yes. Galactic, not so much.

Now, according to attraction cast members, the full teleportation effect has been restored. That means the flash, the blackout, the moving walls, and that split second of “wait, what just happened?” magic are all back in action.

Of course, as with many complex show elements, this effect can come and go depending on technical conditions. So if you are heading to World Discovery soon, keep your eyes open and let us know whether you get the full cosmic experience.

Related: Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries Begin To Arrive in EPCOT

Teleportation Effect Restored at Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

It has been a busy stretch at EPCOT. Updated animatronics recently debuted at Frozen Ever After, Flower and Garden topiaries are popping up earlier than usual, and Festival of the Arts continues through February 23. Between horticulture glow-ups and galaxy hopping, EPCOT is practically speed running seasonal upgrades.

For now, it is safe to say Cosmic Rewind is once again sticking the landing on its pre-show moment. And when you are blasting off to “September” or “One Way or Another,” that teleportation beat just hits different when it actually teleports.

Universal Orlando Investing $20 Million on New Secret Event Venue Coming to Epic Universe

Epic Universe Park to Park

Universal Orlando Investing $20.6 Million in New Event Venue at Epic Universe

Universal Orlando is quietly adding another star to the cosmic skyline at Universal Epic Universe. According to reporting by the Orlando Business Journal, recently filed Orange County permits reveal that the resort is investing $20.6 million in a brand-new two-story event venue inside the park, potentially giving corporate gatherings and conventions a front-row seat to the future of themed entertainment.

Related: Legendary Performers Join the Universal Mardi Gras Celebration This February

Universal Orlando Investing $20 Million on New Secret Event Venue Coming to Epic Universe

The building, nicknamed Project P915, will span roughly 53,886 square feet and accommodate between 1,200 and 1,400 guests depending on the layout. The first floor alone will feature around 19,000 square feet of flexible event space, including configurations with a stage and nearly 9,600 square feet dedicated to seating for attendees. Plans also show a kitchen, storage areas, and a dedicated employee breakroom, meaning this space is built for serious business with a splash of Universal flair.

Perhaps the most eye-catching detail is the roof design. Site plans reveal a distinct hexagon canopy that may incorporate colorful LED elements, perfectly matching the vibrant aesthetic seen throughout Celestial Park. And here is where things get really interesting for those of us tracking permits and aerials, like it is our favorite attraction. Site prep is already underway inside a designated Celestial Park expansion pad. Roughly 20,000 square feet of land has been cleared, and recent aerial photography has shown active work happening in that space, strongly suggesting this is where the new venue will rise.

Orange County Property Appraiser mapping indicates more than 100,000 square feet of available space within Celestial Park overall, giving Universal plenty of flexibility. As the central world of Epic Universe, Celestial Park connects the park’s five themed lands and serves as the literal and visual hub. Placing a large-scale event venue here would make logistical sense and keep corporate guests right in the heart of the action.

Related: The Ultimate 2026 Universal Mardi Gras Foodie Guide

Universal Orlando Investing $20 Million on New Secret Event Venue Coming to Epic Universe

This move also aligns with previous comments from Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury, who noted that Epic Universe was master planned with greenfield space intentionally left between worlds to allow for flexible expansion. Translation: the galaxy is far from finished.

With Orlando’s convention industry projecting an estimated $5 billion economic impact over the next year and record bookings at the Orange County Convention Center, Universal appears ready to beam business events into immersive territory. Epic Universe by day, illuminated canopy and cosmic energy by night.

Major Route Change Debuts for Starlight Dream the Night Away Parade at Magic Kingdom

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Major Route Change Debuts for “Starlight: Dream the Night Away” Parade at Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World has introduced a significant operational shift for its newest nighttime spectacular, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. Starting February 12, 2026, Disney has officially altered the flow of the evening by reversing the direction of the second nightly performance.

Since the parade’s high-profile debut on July 20, 2025, it has followed a “reverse” path compared to daytime parades, always stepping off from Town Square and heading toward Frontierland. Now, for the first time, the late-night showing will flip the script.

Related-Magic Kingdom’s Disney Starlight Parade Reducing Performances in Early 2026

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The New Nightly Schedule

On evenings when the park hosts two performances, the route will now alternate directions to better manage guest flow:

  • 1st Performance (7:45 PM): Steps off from Town Square, traveling down Main Street, U.S.A., through Liberty Square, and ending in Frontierland.
  • 2nd Performance (10:00 PM): Steps off from Frontierland, traveling through Liberty Square and down Main Street, U.S.A., ending at Town Square.

Note: This change only applies to nights with two scheduled performances. On nights with a single showing, the parade will continue to start from Town Square as usual.

Related-Disney Starlight Parade Twice-Nightly Performances will Continue in the Magic Kingdom

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Why the Change? Solving the “Hub” Congestion

While Disney hasn’t released an official statement on the “why,” the logic is clear to anyone who has navigated the park between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

The nightly fireworks show, Happily Ever After, currently lights up the sky at 9:00 PM—smack in the middle of the two parade times. This creates a massive “logjam” in the Central Plaza (the Hub) around Cinderella Castle.

The Strategy:

  • Old Way: The 10:00 PM parade would leave Town Square and head straight into the Hub while thousands of fireworks viewers were still trying to exit or find a spot.
  • New Way: By starting the second parade in Frontierland, the floats approach the Hub from the opposite side. This buys the “fireworks crowd” an extra 15 to 20 minutes to disperse toward the exit before the parade reaches the Castle and Main Street.
Disney Starlight Parade Twice Nightly Performances will Continue in the Magic Kingdom

What This Means for Your Viewing Strategy

If you’re a creature of habit, it’s time to update your “perfect spot” mental map. Reversing the route changes the perspective of every float, including the massive Frozen, Coco, and Encanto units.

Feature7:45 PM Showing10:00 PM Showing
Start PointTown Square (Front of Park)Frontierland (Back of Park)
End PointFrontierlandTown Square
Crowd LevelTypically heavierTypically lighter
Pro TipBest for an early exit from the park.Best for riding attractions late, then catching the end of the parade on Main Street.

If you have a preferred side of the street for photos—perhaps to catch the Blue Fairy with the Castle in the background—remember that the floats will now be facing the opposite way during the second show.

The second performance remains the “secret weapon” for lower wait times and better views, but keep an eye on the clock; Frontierland will now fill up earlier for the 10:00 PM show than it did previously!

Disneyland Confirms Shuttle Service to Stay for Toy Story Parking Area

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Planning a trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth” just got a little less stressful. Amidst major changes to Anaheim’s local transit landscape, Disney officials have confirmed that the shuttle service for the Toy Story Parking Area will continue, ensuring guests still have a reliable, air-conditioned lift to the front gates. No other info has been provided yet, but we will keep you posted once we hear from the resort.

If you’ve been following the news about the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) system winding down, you might have worried about your favorite parking hack. Here is everything you need to know about the Toy Story shuttle and why this is a win for your next Disney day.

In early 2026, the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) announced that the ART bus system would officially cease operations on March 31, 2026. For decades, ART has been the backbone for off-site hotel guests and provided the fleet for Disney’s Toy Story lot.

While the broader hotel shuttle network is ending, Disneyland Resort has confirmed that shuttle service between the Toy Story lot and the parks will remain in place. Even after the ART system shuts down, Disney is committed to maintaining this vital link for guests.

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Why Park at the Toy Story Lot?

While many people head straight for the Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals parking structures, the Toy Story lot (located at Harbor Blvd and Katella Ave) is often the “secret weapon” for savvy visitors:

  • Convenience: The shuttles drop you off at the East Shuttle Area, right near the Esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
  • Security: You often go through security screening at the parking lot, meaning you can bypass the longer lines at the main entrance.
  • Accessibility: For families with strollers, heavy gear, or those who simply want to save their steps for the park, the shuttle is a life-saver compared to the long walk from the parking structures.
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What to Expect After March 31, 2026

While the service is staying, the “behind the scenes” operation may look a little different.

  1. New Operators: Since ATN is winding down, Disney may transition to a private fleet or a new third-party provider.
  2. Same Route: The pickup and drop-off points are expected to remain the same, keeping your arrival routine familiar.
  3. Frequency: Disney aims to keep the “bus every 15 minutes” standard that guests have come to rely on.

Pro Tips for Disneyland Parking in 2026

  • Check the App: Always check the Disneyland App before you arrive. It provides real-time updates on which lots are open and current parking prices.
  • Early Bird Gets the Spot: The Toy Story lot usually opens 60-90 minutes before the earliest park opening. Arriving early ensures a shorter shuttle wait.
  • Consider Walking: If the shuttle line looks daunting and you’re parked near the Harbor Blvd exit, the walk to the parks is approximately 0.9 miles (about 15–20 minutes).
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Looking Ahead: The Eastern Gateway

The decision to keep the Toy Story shuttles is a bridge to the future. Disney recently filed permits for a massive new 6,000-space parking structure and transportation hub on the east side of the resort, with construction slated to begin in late 2026. Until that project is complete, the Toy Story lot remains a cornerstone of the Disneyland arrival experience.

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Paige O’Hara voice of Belle Appearing at EPCOT Festival of the Arts

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Disney Legend Paige O’Hara Brings “Belle-Inspired” Magic to EPCOT Festival of the Arts

If you’ve ever wanted to meet a real-life Disney Princess, now is your chance. Paige O’Hara, the legendary voice behind Belle in the 1991 classic Beauty and the Beast, has officially arrived at the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

While many know her for her iconic singing and acting, O’Hara is also an accomplished Disney Fine Artist. She is spending the holiday weekend meeting fans and showcasing her “Belles by Belle” collection—a series of paintings that capture her unique connection to the character she brought to life over 30 years ago.

Related-New and Returning Artists Coming to EPCOT Festival of the Arts in 2026

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Appearance Details & Location

O’Hara is appearing for a strictly limited engagement through Monday, February 16. You can find her at the World Showcase Bridge Kiosk, conveniently located between Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase Lagoon.

Remaining Signing Schedule:

If you are planning to visit, keep these times in mind:

  • Friday, Feb 13 – Monday, Feb 16: * 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
    • 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Related-Genie’s Magic Lamp from Aladdin on Broadway Arrives at EPCOT for Festival of the…

Festival of the Arts Entrance

Planning Your Visit: The Virtual Queue

Meeting a Disney Legend is a high-priority task for many festival-goers. To manage the crowds, EPCOT may implement a Virtual Queue specifically for this signing event. This is usually a “low-tech” virtual queue managed on-site by Cast Members, rather than through the My Disney Experience app. Arrive early at the World Showcase Bridge Kiosk and speak with the team there to secure your spot.

Exclusive Art for Sale

Fans looking to take home a piece of history can purchase both original paintings and limited-edition prints at the kiosk. Having your artwork signed by the “voice of the character” adds a layer of magic that is unique to the Festival of the Arts.

Whether you’re a lifelong Beauty and the Beast fan or an art collector, this is a rare opportunity to chat with a Disney Legend who helped define an era of animation.

Tomorrowland Rocks Finally Getting a Fresh Coat of Paint After Years of Delay

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Tomorrowland Rocks: The Long-Awaited Glow-Up is Finally Happening

For Disney fans who have spent the last few years squinting at the jarring contrast at the entrance of Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, there is finally some colorful news. The “great paint stall” of the 2020s appears to be over.

After nearly three years of architectural purgatory, the faded, weathered rockwork lining the land is finally receiving its fresh coat of futuristic blue-gray paint.

Related-Magic Kingdom Drains Cinderella Castle Moat

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A Project Frozen in Time

To understand why this is a big deal, we have to look back at the timeline. The “New Tomorrowland” aesthetic—shifting away from the 1994 “Buck Rogers” metallic look toward a cleaner, mid-century modern vibe—hit a snag:

  • 2016: The rocks were transitioned from their original natural red-brown “canyon” look to a sleek, metallic blue-gray.
  • 2023: The entrance rocks framing the bridge were repainted, looking shiny and brand new.
  • The Stall: For reasons unknown, the brushes were put down after the entrance was finished.

This left a bizarre visual rift: the front of the land looked like a high-tech utopia, while the rest—stretching toward Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe—faded into a dull, chalky gray. In some spots, the old 90s-era red-brown paint was even beginning to peek through, like a ghost of Disney past.

Related-Gray Paint Appears on Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom

Progress Near Cosmic Ray’s

The wait officially ended this week. Painters were spotted on the north side of the land, deep among the crags near the moat. Interestingly, crews were seen consulting reference images to ensure the color grading perfectly matches the 2023 entrance work.

To protect the “Future That Never Was” aesthetic, nearby rocket-like structural supports have been wrapped in protective plastic. It’s a clear sign that Disney is committed to finishing the job this time around.

Why Now? The Moat Factor

The sudden burst of productivity likely isn’t a coincidence. Currently, the Magic Kingdom moat has been largely drained to facilitate the ongoing maintenance and repainting of Cinderella Castle. With the water levels low, crews have easier, safer access to the base of the rockwork that is usually submerged or difficult to reach via barge.

rocks

What’s Next?

As the “Great Tomorrowland Paint Job” continues, guests can expect more scaffolding and plastic wrap throughout the land. However, the end result will be a cohesive, vibrant entryway that finally matches the sleek aesthetic of TRON Lightcycle / Run and the refurbished Tiana’s Bayou Adventure nearby.

Tomorrowland is finally stepping out of the “dull gray” era and back into the gleaming future we were promised.