Don’t Dive Without It: The Atlantis Shepherd’s Journal Mini Backpack Has Arrived!
If you’ve ever dreamt of joining Milo Thatch and Kida on their quest to find the lost continent of Atlantis, then you know you need the right gear for the job. And what’s the most essential piece of equipment for a budding explorer? Your notes, of course!
Ready to add this archaeological find to your collection? The Atlantis: The Lost Empire Shepherd’s Journal Mini Backpack is retailing for $79.99. Here’s the catch, though: it’s an exclusive item from BoxLunch Gifts. That means you won’t find this legendary piece in stores, so you’ll want to head straight to their website before it vanishes into the depths!
This isn’t just any bag; it’s designed to look like the iconic, ancient journal that leads the expedition to Atlantis. The whole body of the backpack has a cool debossed texture, making it look like it’s been through a few underwater caves already. The real star of the show is the front pocket, which features an applique of the Shepherd’s Journal itself, complete with intricate embroidered details.
Seriously, it looks like it jumped right off the screen! But it gets even better. Take a look at the side pockets, and you’ll find a fun print of your favorite crew members, ready to tag along. The adjustable straps mean you can comfortably carry your loot, whether it’s crystals, research notes, or just your wallet and keys. This bag is definitely built for traveling, and its mini size makes it perfect for everyday use without weighing you down.
It’s the perfect way to subtly (or not-so-subtly) show off your love for one of the most underrated Disney flicks.
Imagineering Video Spotlights EPCOT Easter Eggs Hiding in Test Track 3.0
Attention, gearheads and nostalgia nerds — Walt Disney Imagineering just dropped a behind-the-scenes video that’s basically an EPCOT scavenger hunt on wheels. The refreshed Test Track 3.0 isn’t just about that glorious outdoor speed burst. It quietly parks a garage full of tributes to classic EPCOT Center and the ride’s own history, and Imagineer Dan points out several can’t-miss details fans will love.
Here are the standouts to watch for on your next lap through the pavilion:
Mini Test Track Cars Shelves lined with scale models showcase the attraction’s evolution since 1999, nodding to 1.0, 2.0, and the current 3.0 era.
World of Motion Throwbacks Props on desks and shelves reference the pavilion’s original occupant, including a 1920s biplane, a riverboat, and a re-imagined sea serpent recreated from early 1982 artwork.
Progress City Influence The city vista inside the ride borrows shapes and layout from Walt’s original Progress City model. The central building is featured prominently, with surrounding architecture inspired by those formative designs.
Early rider reactions have praised the return to tactile sets, clever lighting, and those classic EPCOT vibes you can feel in your bones. Whether you’re Team 1.0 crash tests, Team “Tron Track,” or all-in on 3.0’s retro-future aesthetic, these Easter eggs make the queue and scenes worth a slow stroll before you punch it to 64.9 mph.
Pro tip: keep your eyes up in the queue and in the city scene — the best nods are often perched on shelves or tucked into corners. And yes, you’re still getting that grin-inducing speed finale once you’ve soaked up all the history.
You’ve Got a Friend in Fashion: The Adorable Toy Story Unique Vintage Collection Just Dropped
Get ready to shout, “There’s a snake in my boot!” because the new Toy Story Unique Vintage Collection is here, and it’s seriously adorable! Forget those boring old graphic tees; this collection, now online at the Disney Store, is bringing the rootin’ tootin’ Wild West style of Woody and Jessie to your wardrobe with some truly unique vintage-inspired pieces. It’s the perfect way to show off your love for the original gang without looking like you just left a kids’ birthday party.
First up is the star of the show: the Woody and Jessie Swing Dress for $148. Seriously, you’ll be the cutest cowpoke this side of Andy’s room! This all-cotton beauty is covered in an allover paisley design that features Woody and Jessie, making it an instant conversation starter. The vintage vibes are strong with a sweet sweetheart neckline, charming puffed sleeves, and a lapel that’s trimmed with mini-pom poms and a cute bow tie. And the best part? The full swing skirt has side pockets! That means you can keep your lip gloss or your lasso handy. It’s prairie perfection!
If you’re looking for something that screams Western charm, check out the Woody and Jessie Bandana Print Skirt for $98. This pleated midi skirt is an absolute winner. It features the same adorable paisley print with Woody, Jessie, and their critter pals, all done up in an all-cotton fabric that feels light and fun. It even comes with a cool black simulated leather belt and a shiny cowboy buckle to cinch your waist and complete the look. And yes, it has side pockets too, so you can quickly “draw” your phone or keys whenever you need them.
Don’t forget the perfect topper! The Woody Cardigan Sweater for $98 is the ideal piece for adding a little sheriff flair to any outfit. This fitted knit sweater is pure fun, featuring a button-up front and cute 3/4 length sleeves. The real magic is in the details: the yoke is decorated with embroidered designs of Woody’s iconic boots, stars, and arrows. Even if your own spurs don’t jingle or jangle, this cardigan will definitely be a kick to wear! It’s an awesome, subtle nod to everyone’s favorite deputy.
This whole collection is the perfect mashup of nostalgia, quality, and genuinely cute style. It’s what you get when vintage fashion meets your childhood favorite movie. Are you going to lasso any of these awesome pieces for your closet?
Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios Now Closed Off as Transformation Begins
Big changes are underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as construction walls have gone up around much of Animation Courtyard. The area is officially closed to guests as Disney begins the transformation into The Walt Disney Studios, a new reimagined land announced earlier this year.
Visitors entering Animation Courtyard through the familiar arch now find their path blocked, with Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show both closed off from access. The walkway through the archway does remain partially open, however, allowing guests to continue visiting The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, which remains in operation. Walt Disney Presents also stays open during this phase of work. Additional walls stretch between the Chinese Theater and Mermaid Theater, further redirecting guest flow.
The closure marks the first major step in the on-the-ground transformation of the space. When it reopens in 2026, Animation Courtyard will become The Walt Disney Studios, a reimagined land designed to reflect the historic Burbank studio lot where Walt Disney built his dreams.
Anchoring the updated area will be The Magic of Disney Animation, a family-friendly experience featuring interactive exhibits, character meet and greets, and an Alice in Wonderland–inspired play area. The courtyard itself will get a refreshed look, with whimsical design details that tie back to Disney’s rich animation legacy.
For now, walls are the only thing guests can see—but behind them, Imagineers are already hard at work. With new entertainment, attractions, and interactive spaces on the way, The Walt Disney Studios promises to bring a fresh layer of Disney magic to Hollywood Studios in just a little over a year.
The world has lost a titan of science and conservation: the famous primatologist Jane Goodall has passed away at the age of 91. She was a true pioneer whose revolutionary, long-term study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, forever changed our understanding of animal behavior and humanity’s place in the natural world.
“The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute has passed away due to natural causes,” the institute announced. “She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States.”
The institute added, “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”
Disney famously consulted with Dr. Goodall during the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In her honor, a plaque and a carving of David Greybeard—the chimpanzee who first befriended her in Gombe—were placed on the Tree of Life, near the entrance to the Tree of Life theater.
Dr. Goodall also served as an ambassador for the Disneynature studio, where she co-produced the 2012 documentary Chimpanzee. Additionally, she was the subject of numerous National Geographic productions. A United Nations Messenger of Peace and an honorary member of the World Future Council, she first began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania back in 1960.
Frozen Fan Fest is Back: Here’s All the New Merch You Need to See!
Hey, “Frozen” fans, get ready to let it go… and grab your wallets! Disney’s Frozen Fan Fest is back this October, and it’s bringing a flurry of amazing new merchandise that will have you stepping right into the magic of Arendelle. Whether you’re all about Anna, Elsa, or our favorite goofy snowman Olaf, there’s something new and exciting for fans of all ages. This year, they’re giving a special shout-out to the beloved animals, so get ready to see more of everyone’s favorite reindeer, Sven!
If you’ve got little ones (or if you just love a good collectible!), the toy section is packed with fun. You can snuggle up with adorable new Anna and Elsa plush dolls, or check out some cool new Barbie dolls and playsets. Seriously, there’s a toy for every kind of play, making it easy to bring the Arendelle adventures home.
With Halloween around the corner, check out the Elsa and Anna costumes your kids will love! And they can even wear them any day!
And with the holidays just around the corner, what’s a better way to countdown to Christmas than with a super fun Frozen advent calendar? That’s definitely going on our wish list!
Want to add a little Arendelle sparkle to your everyday look? The accessories are top-notch. You can literally wear your love for the franchise with an adorable Olaf Pandora charm for some extra wrist bling. Or, get ready to face the sun in style with some chic Elsa-inspired sunglasses. Need a place to stash your school books or essentials? Check out the new Frozen backpack, which comes in a dreamy light blue and mint green, perfect for any season.
And for the coziest part of the collection, Disney has your little ice princesses covered! They can stay warm and totally in style with an Elsa-inspired fuzzy scarf, matching earmuffs, and gloves. Imagine heading out for a chilly day wrapped up in all that soft, magical gear!
Beyond the merch, the fun continues with a brand-new LEGO animated special, LEGO Disney Frozen: Operation Puffins, premiering on Disney+ on October 24. So, get ready to shop ’til you drop and then settle in for a brand-new adventure!
Construction Underway as Hollywood Studios Prepares for New Monsters Inc. Themed Area
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is officially making way for the monsters! Construction walls are now up in Grand Avenue as Disney begins transformation work on the upcoming Monsters, Inc. themed land, first announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23.
Fresh photos from inside the park show walls decorated with Mike and Sulley artwork, along with concept art teasing what’s coming. A sign currently covers the entrance of Muppet*Vision 3D, which sits within the construction zone, while heavy equipment and covered work areas are visible behind the walls.
Aerial shots from X user @bioreconstruct provide an even better look, revealing just how much space is being cleared for the new land. On the far left side of the park, land development is underway for what will soon become the Monsters, Inc. coaster and its surrounding themed area.
During the D23 presentation, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, joined by Disney Legend Billy Crystal, unveiled the project to huge applause. The new land will let guests step into the world of Monstropolis after the events of the original film. Humans are now welcome in the city, where laughter fuels the energy grid.
The highlight will be the first-ever suspended roller coaster at a Disney park, themed to the iconic door vault sequence from Monsters, Inc. Riders will be whisked through the factory on swinging “doors” just like Mike and Sulley, soaring high above the factory floor. According to D’Amaro, this idea has been brewing since he first saw the movie in 2001. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley. Now, we’re doing that, too—and you’re coming along for the ride.”
In addition to the headliner coaster, the land promises a fully immersive atmosphere where guests can stroll through Monstropolis and encounter some of their favorite monster friends. Expect plenty of laughs along the way (Roz is definitely watching).
Disney has not announced an exact opening date, but the land is expected to debut sometime in 2026 or 2027. With walls up and visible prep already in motion, Imagineers are clearly wasting no time in bringing Monstropolis to life.
HollyGroove Swinging Band Brings Jazzy Vibes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a brand-new beat, and it’s coming from the HollyGroove Swinging Band! This lively quartet made their debut on September 28, 2025, and they’re already turning heads (and tapping toes) on Hollywood Boulevard.
The four-member group features trumpet, trombone, drums, and tuba, delivering jazzy renditions of Disney classics that give the park’s streets a whole new rhythm. Most often, you’ll find them near the Chinese Theater, though they sometimes march their way down Hollywood Boulevard, instruments blaring, turning the park into a mini New Orleans–style street party.
HollyGroove Swinging’s sets aren’t on the My Disney Experience app just yet, so catching them feels like a bit of Disney serendipity. Guests can ask a nearby Cast Member for their daily schedule, but part of the fun is stumbling upon the swinging sounds unexpectedly. During one of their early performances, Chip and Dale popped by to groove with the band, proving this act is already a hit with characters and crowds alike.
Though the group isn’t a Disney-produced act (they’re brought in by an outside entertainment company), employees have confirmed that HollyGroove Swinging is expected to be a permanent offering through at least the end of 2025. Better yet, the addition is part of a larger push to bring more live entertainment to Hollywood Studios, so fans can look forward to even more magic in the months ahead.
The Merch is Served! A Sneak Peek at the 2025 runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Merchandise!
The First Look at the 2025 runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend merchandise is here, and it looks absolutely delish! This year’s theme is “Disney Magical Mealtimes,” with each race celebrating a different part of the day’s eats: Mulan and Mushu for the 5K Breakfast, Olaf for the 10K Lunch, Lady and the Tramp for the Half Marathon Dinner, and Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather for the Two Course Challenge Dessert. Let’s dive into some of the must-have gear!
First up, you know you need the Spirit Jersey. This one is a gorgeous purple that matches the main wordmark, which pops in yellow and white. The best part? The lower half is decorated with white outlines of Spaceship Earth and fun food items from each race theme, think Mushu’s porridge, Fauna’s cake, Lady and Tramp’s iconic pasta, and Olaf’s sandwich. If a regular T-shirt is more your speed, there’s one in the same color scheme with the whole theme artwork, Spaceship Earth, and the Walt Disney World logo front and center.
Want to accessorize those miles? Check out the matching ear headband. It’s purple with a cool gray fabric bow. Each ear features the art for one of the four themes. We’ve spotted Lady and the Tramp on the back left ear, and Fauna representing the Two Course Challenge on the back right. You can bet the other two characters are waiting on the front to complete the set!
For those who lean into the softer side, there’s a light pink hoodie that is seriously cute. The back is designed to look like a fairytale poster featuring Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather around a cake that reads “19.3” (that’s the Two Course Challenge mileage!) and “Two Course Challenge 2025.” It’s finished off with “runDisney Walt Disney World” at the bottom. It’s perfect for cozying up after conquering those miles!
We’ve also got a solid collection of general race-weekend gear in a dark gray. This includes a T-shirt, windbreaker jacket, baseball cap, and a mug. The shirt and hat keep it classic with just the main event wordmark, though the hat also has a cool blue outline of Spaceship Earth. The jacket is a standout: the back features Spaceship Earth and the wordmark, surrounded by the artwork for all four race themes. It’s a great way to show off all your magical miles!
But wait, there is a whole line of T-shirts, one for each individual race. For the Half Marathon, there are two options in blue and red. They both feature Lady and the Tramp next to a big bowl of pasta and breadsticks, cleverly designed to depict the “13.1 miles” distance. The red shirt puts the art on the back, while the blue one brings it to the front. No matter which distance you run, there’s a perfect race-specific shirt to celebrate your accomplishment!
Finally, you can also get a deep purple mug with a tennis show artwork and the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon! And because Christmas is getting closer, get a running show ornament to remember your big accomplishment!
Tim Burton’s heartwarming story of the innocently endearing character who cannot touch others will charm audiences new and old when Edward Scissorhands makes its debut on digital retailers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home) and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc on October 28—just in time for the Halloween season.
Lovingly restored for its 35th anniversary, every sparkle of Edward’s eyes and every glint of his blades now shines with breathtaking clarity, enhanced by Dolby Vision®. The experience is complete, accompanied by cutting-edge Dolby Atmos® sound. First released in 1990, the film has carved a permanent place in the hearts of fans of Burton, Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, and Danny Elfman for decades, and is now presented more vividly than ever before.
Edward Scissorhands remains one of cinema’s most enchanting modern fables. A kindly inventor once created a gentle young man named Edward, but passed away before he could finish his work—leaving Edward with only metal shears for hands. Lonely until welcomed into a pastel suburbia by a kind Avon lady, Edward’s story still resonates today with its timeless message: to embrace what makes us different, and to discover that wonder often lies just beyond the unknown.
The film’s exploration of an outsider navigating suburban life, coupled with its distinct gothic-meets-pastel aesthetic, has made it a cultural touchstone that continues to feel relevant three and a half decades later.
A Collector’s Dream: The Hauntingly Beautiful SteelBook® Edition
For collectors and fans, a hauntingly beautiful SteelBook® encases the classic film. The exterior features striking artwork, with Kim’s face reflected in shattered glass on the front and a detailed close-up of Edward’s compelling gaze on the back. The interior reveals a captivating illustration of a gothic Edward in all his leathered, studded, and bladed glory. This limited-edition set includes both the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs, making it a must-have for any enthusiast.
Bonus Materials Included!
Delve deeper into the creation of this modern masterpiece with the following bonus features:
Featurette – Peek behind the scenes and hear the cast & crew of Edward Scissorhands discuss Burton’s unique, modern reinterpretation of Frankenstein.
Audio Commentary by Director Tim Burton
Audio Commentary by Composer Danny Elfman
This highly anticipated 35th-anniversary debut of Edward Scissorhands on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and digital platforms this October 28th is more than just a home media re-release; it’s a monumental cinematic event. Thanks to the breathtaking restoration featuring Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®, audiences can now experience Tim Burton’s enduring modern fable—with its powerful themes of difference and acceptance—in a clarity and richness never before possible. For dedicated fans and new viewers alike, this release—especially the collector-grade SteelBook®—ensures that Edward’s gentle heart and razor-sharp hands will continue to cut a permanent, unforgettable place in the canon of holiday-season classics.
Walt Disney World Package Deal Offers Up to $250 Per Night in Savings
Disney World has announced a new package deal allowing guests to save up to $250 per night on resort hotel accommodations. The offer requires the simultaneous purchase of a 4-night or longer Disney Resort hotel stay and a 4-day or longer theme park ticket. Bookings for this package are available starting September 30 for select visits between January 4 and July 25, 2026.
This new room and ticket package is designed to encourage longer stays, allowing guests ample opportunity to experience the latest additions and classic attractions across the resort.
Additional Savings and Dining Perks
In addition to the primary package deal, Disney has released several accompanying offers:
General Resort Discount: Guests seeking accommodations only can save up to 25% on room rates at select Disney Resort hotels for visits on select nights between January 4 and April 30, 2026.
Free Kids’ Dining: When guests purchase a dining plan for those aged 10 and up, children aged 3 to 9 can receive a complimentary dining plan. This offer is notably combinable with other package deals.
Guests planning their 2026 visits can look forward to a full slate of world-class attractions, entertainment, and character experiences across the four theme parks:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Entertainment includes the new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. Thrill-seekers can pilot the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, with a new update featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu slated for May 2026.
EPCOT: Must-do attractions include the family-thrill coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the newly reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors. For dining, the family-friendly British pub Rose & Crown offers traditional favorites.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: The park’s wildest offerings include Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a new 4D show opening November 7 in the Tree of Life Theater, and the popular banshee flight experience, Avatar Flight of Passage.
Magic Kingdom: Guests can experience TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, one of the fastest coasters at the resort, and close out the evening with the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade.
McDonald’s brings back the Monopoly game after nearly a decade.
The iconic MONOPOLY Game at McDonald’s is making its long-awaited return to the U.S., marking its first comeback in nearly a decade. Starting October 6th for a limited time, fans across the country can once again engage in the popular promotional game, which features new digital twists alongside the classic physical game pieces. The revival aims to give customers more ways to play and win by integrating the McDonald’s app into the experience.
This year’s game allows participants to collect traditional game pieces found on select menu items, while also earning a digital “Bonus Play” for a second chance to win prizes via the McDonald’s app. Customers can peel and play their pieces, using the app to collect properties and redeem prizes that include everything from dream vacations and new vehicles to free food and a $1 million cash prize.
“Our fans have been clamoring for the return of MONOPOLY at McDonald’s, and we’re thrilled to bring it back with a modern, digital spin,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of McDonald’s USA. She added that the game is a core memory for many customers and is now positioned to be shared across generations.
1. REGISTER: Download the app, opt in to Rewards and register for the Game. Pre-register between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5 and get 500 bonus MyMcDonald’s Rewards points (so you’re basically already winning).
2. ORDER YOUR FAVES: Starting Oct. 6, registered players can order select menu items and get a game piece to play. Some items get you a physical piece (e.g., on the side of your large fry box); others get you a digital piece right on your phone, when you order in the app or use your Reward code. Check out the app for a complete list of eligible menu items. No purchase is necessary to play. See below for details on how to play without purchase.*
3. PEEL FOR PRIZES OR PROPERTIES: There are two ways to get in on the fun this time around!
Physical game pieces: Peel from packaging, then scan in the app to reveal your prize or collect a digital property piece.
Digital game pieces: When you earn a digital game piece, you can “peel” directly in the app to reveal if you’re an instant winner or to collect your digital property piece.
4. In both cases, be sure to play the bonus game in the app for a second chance to win through Nov. 2.
Winning Never Tasted This Good
There are more than 30 eligible menu items across our breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus – including fan favorites like the Quarter Pounder® with Cheese, Egg McMuffin®, large fries, and more! With an amazing pool of prizes, someone’s bound to win – why not you?
Collect property pieces for a chance at epic prizes such as 1 million American Airlines AAdvantage® miles, a $50,000 Vacation to a MONOPOLY GO! Location** or a $10,000 Lowe’s Shopping Spree.
Play the Bonus Play through Nov. 2 for a chance to win prizes like a 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Limited and exclusive experiences from The Coca-Cola Company. One lucky player could even win $1 million cash.
Of course, there are free food prizes aplenty, including favorites such as the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Double Cheeseburger and Snack Wrap®. You could also win MyMcDonald’s Rewards points to use towards even more free food.
For more information, full prize list, and official game rules, go to playatmcd.com.
“MONOPOLY has been a cornerstone of play for nine decades, bringing families and friends together for fun and connection. This iconic promotion captures that same spirit,” said Brian Baker, Senior Vice President, Board Games, NERF and PLAY-DOH at Hasbro. “Fans have been eagerly awaiting its return – and we can’t wait for them to experience the unforgettable excitement that MONOPOLY at McDonald’s delivers.”
Don’t just dream of MONOPOLY Money – come play for the real thing. The next big winner could be you!
