NEW Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket Swinging Into Disneyland Resort

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January 30, 2026

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Celebrate 25 Years of DCA with the New Pixar Pal-A-Round Popcorn Bucket

Get ready to elevate your popcorn game! As part of the grand celebration for Disney California Adventure’s 25th Anniversary, Disneyland Resort has unveiled a groundbreaking new souvenir that is sure to be the “wheel” deal for collectors.

Introducing the Pixar Pal-A-Round Popcorn Bucket—a stunning tribute to the park’s iconic eccentric wheel that brings a literal glow to your park day.

This isn’t your average plastic pail. This bucket is the first of its kind to feature embedded “Magic Inside” technology. This interactive tech allows the bucket to communicate with the environment around you in real-time.

As you journey through both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, your bucket will:

React to Lands: Change colors and light patterns as you enter specific themed areas.
Sync with Attractions: Feature unique lighting effects that enhance the storytelling of select rides.
Amplify Nighttime Spectaculars: Pulse and glow in sync with Disney’s famous fireworks and water shows, adding an extra touch of “pixie dust” to your viewing experience.

Oh, and just like the real landmark, the bucket is modeled with incredible detail, capturing the swinging gondolas and the smiling face of Mickey Mouse!

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The Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket officially “swings” into the resort on February 6, 2026. Given the 25th-anniversary hype and the brand-new tech, these will likely move fast.

Mobile Order (February 6–8 ONLY): For the first three days, your best bet is using the Disneyland App to Mobile Order at these locations:

Hollywood Lounge (Seasonal Novelty Release)
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (Seasonal Novelty Release)
Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield

In-Person Locations (Starting Feb 6):

Fairfax Market
Mortimer’s Market
Select Popcorn and Outdoor Vending Carts throughout Disney California Adventure.

This release is just one of many “surprises and delights” planned for the DCA 25th anniversary. Whether you’re a local regular or a first-time visitor, this bucket is the perfect high-tech way to commemorate a quarter-century of California-inspired magic.

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Will you be adding this interactive wheel to your collection?

Disney to Offer Annual Passholders Exclusive Zootopia Treats and Special Photo Op

By

Chris B

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January 30, 2026

Disney to Offer Annual Passholders Exclusive Zootopia Treats and Special Photo Op

‘Zootopia 2’ Brings Exclusive Annual Passholder Treats and Photo Ops to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are getting even more reasons to go wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, thanks to new Zootopia 2-inspired perks hopping in for a limited time. Along with the previously announced Passholder exclusive magnet, guests can now snag a themed dessert and strike a pose in a special PhotoPass experience tied to the popular new offerings around the Tree of Life.

Disney to Offer Annual Passholders Exclusive Zootopia Treats and Special Photo Op fb

From February 5 through March 15, 2026, Passholders can purchase a Carrot Cake Sundae at Terra Treats, a sweet salute to Judy Hopps featuring vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, roasted pecans, carrot cake crumbs, and a waffle bowl topped with a birthday cake-flavored shell and an adorable chocolate carrot top. During the same dates, a Passholder-only photo opportunity will be available near the Tree of Life sign on Discovery Island, complete with Pawpsicle props and a Magic Shot featuring Nick Wilde selling his famous frozen treats, available daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

These offerings join the free magnet pickup at Discovery Trading Company, limited to one per Passholder while supplies last, and all experiences require a valid Annual Pass and government-issued photo ID. The perks arrive just after the debut of Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, the new 4D show inside the Tree of Life, plus character meet-and-greets at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot, making Animal Kingdom the place to be for fans ready to hop into Zootopia fun.

Disney to Name Bob Iger’s Successor Within the Coming Week

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Chris B

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January 30, 2026

Disney to Name Bob Iger’s Successor Within the Coming Week

Disney CEO Successor Could Be Named Within Days as Iger Era Nears Its Next Chapter

The next chapter in Disney leadership may be turning its page very soon, as sources tell The New York Times that Bob Iger’s successor could be announced within the next week.

According to the report, the Walt Disney Company board of directors is preparing to reveal who will take the helm ahead of Iger’s contract expiration at the end of 2026, a move Disney previously said would happen early this year. The current frontrunner remains Josh D’Amaro, whose park-focused resume and guest-centric approach have made him a popular pick among fans and analysts alike.

Disney Considering a Co CEO Structure to Replace Bob Iger — Dana Walden

He is reportedly competing with Dana Walden, her fellow co-chair Alan Bergman, and ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro. While not confirmed, the announcement could coincide with Disney’s Q1 2026 earnings report expected Monday, making for a potentially headline-heavy start to the week.

Whoever steps into the role will inherit a company in the middle of massive park expansions, streaming shifts, and some very passionate fandom opinions, so the magic crown is not a light one to wear.

Building Locations Revealed for Cars and Villains Land Coming to the Magic Kingdom

By

Chris B

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January 30, 2026

Buidling Locations Revealed for Cars and Villains Land Coming to the Magic Kingdom

New Permit Reveals Ride and Show Building Footprints for Cars and Villains Lands at Magic Kingdom

Fresh permit filings with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have just given us our clearest look yet at what’s coming to Magic Kingdom, and things are getting villainously exciting. New utility and water management plans filed by Disney outline multiple new “facility” buildings tied to the upcoming Cars-inspired Piston Peak National Park and the long-teased Disney Villains Land.

Piston Peak National Park will take over most of the former Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island footprint within Frontierland, while Villains Land will rise in a backstage area north of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and The Haunted Mansion. The Villains side of the filing shows two large facilities that could be show buildings for rides or entertainment, along with a smaller structure between them and a long building that appears to sit between the Villains and Cars areas just north of Big Thunder.

Disney has already confirmed two attractions for Villains Land, but has not revealed whether these buildings will house rides, shows, shopping, or dining. Over in Piston Peak, the permit outlines a semi-circle-shaped building and two smaller facilities. The semi-circle structure is likely tied to the off road rally race attraction announced for the Cars land, which is expected to be mostly outdoors, while the second attraction may also rely heavily on exterior track and terrain.

One especially intriguing detail is a small facility located near The Haunted Mansion, which could serve as anything from extended queue space to restrooms or even a themed lounge or bar, though Disney has not hinted at its purpose. While these filings focus on underground utilities rather than final layouts, they give us a fascinating early map of how Cars and Villains will reshape Frontierland and beyond, and it’s clear that Magic Kingdom’s future is shifting into high gear.

Humphrey the Bear Making Disneyland Debut at Storyteller’s Cafe

By

Sara

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January 30, 2026

Humphrey the Bear Joins the Fun at Storytellers Cafe

Get ready to welcome a “bear-y” special guest to the Disneyland Resort! Starting February 6, the lovable Humphrey the Bear will make his long-awaited debut at Storytellers Cafe. Fans can find him joining the forest festivities during Donald’s Tales of Adventure dinner buffet, adding a touch of classic woodland charm to this fan-favorite character dining experience at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This mischievous, snack-loving grizzly bear of Brownstone National Park is featured in several Disney animated shorts, including two of his own as the leading star. Humphrey’s humorous antics in Goofy and Donald Duck cartoons and beyond even inspired Humphrey’s Service & Supplies at Disney California Adventure.

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Advanced reservations are highly recommended for Storytellers Cafe and can be booked up to 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app.

New Playground Coming to Tropical Americas Expansion in Animal Kingdom

By

Chris B

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January 30, 2026

Iguanodon Already Removed from in Front of Dinosaur Ride in Animal Kingdom

New Tropical Americas Playground Details Revealed for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New permit filings have just peeled back the jungle leaves on another piece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas transformation, and this one is made just for the littlest explorers. According to newly filed wastewater and site plans with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a brand new playground is coming to the Tropical Americas land.

New Playground Coming to Tropical Americas Expansion in Animal Kingdom

The new playground will take over the former Cretaceous Trail space between DINOSAUR, which is being reimagined into an Indiana Jones attraction, and the former Chester and Hester’s store, now slated for Tropical Americas retail. The site layout shows a footprint that will feel very familiar to longtime fans, with a design that closely resembles the beloved Boneyard playground that lived in DinoLand U.S.A. for years before being demolished to make room for a new carousel.

The new play area will feature multiple slides, a climbing structure, and play zones fully integrated into the Central and South American theming of the land, giving families with young kids a dedicated spot to burn off energy right between two major attractions. This playground is part of the larger Tropical Americas overhaul replacing DinoLand U.S.A., which also includes the Encanto themed dark ride, the Indiana Jones conversion of DINOSAUR, refreshed dining and retail, and a complete reimagining of the area’s look and story.

While Disney has not announced an exact opening date, Tropical Americas is currently targeted for a 2027 debut, and these permit filings are a strong sign that this land is quickly moving from concept art to concrete.

Disney Cruise Line Introduces Evie the Towel Animal Plush

By

Catherine

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January 30, 2026

Evie the Towel Animal Comes to Life: New Disney Cruise Line Plush Now Available!

If you’ve ever walked into your Disney Cruise Line stateroom and been greeted by a charming origami dog made of towels, you know the instant smile it brings. Now, you can take that magic home. Disney Cruise Line has officially launched Evie, the towel animal plush, available for purchase across the fleet!

From Viral Star to Cuddly Companion

Evie first captured hearts in January 2025 during the “We Miss You” (or “Castaway Club”) advertisement. The emotional short film followed Evie, a towel dog, as she wandered the ship—exploring the Oceaneer Club and the AquaMouse—patiently waiting for “her” family to return to their stateroom.

Her transition from a piece of stateroom origami to a permanent plush member of the Disney family was a response to the overwhelming love fans showed for her online.

@chipandcompany
Evie Towel Animal Plush Now Available on Disney Cruise Line! #disneymerch #disneycruiseline
♬ original sound – chipandcompany – chipandcompany

The Evie plush perfectly captures the “folded towel” aesthetic that has become a hallmark of the Disney Cruise experience. Here are the details:

Design: A soft, white plush textured to look like a freshly folded towel.
Iconic Accessory: Evie wears a black Mickey Mouse ear hat featuring the Disney Cruise Line logo embroidered in shimmering gold thread.
Exclusive Status: Currently, Evie is only available in the gift shops onboard Disney ships, making her a true “at sea” exclusive.

The Towel Animal Legacy

Evie joins a growing collection of towel-inspired merchandise. In recent years, Disney Cruise Line has introduced other fan favorites, including a Monkey and an Elephant plush, often priced around $28 to $35. While an official price for Evie hasn’t been posted in the initial announcement, she is expected to fall within that same range.

For many cruisers, these towel animals are the highlight of their evening turndown service. Having a plush version means you don’t have to say goodbye to your “stateroom friend” on disembarkation day.

Disney Afternoon Collection coming to Nintendo Switch on February 26th

By

Catherine

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January 30, 2026

The Disney Afternoon Collection: Nostalgia Hits Nintendo Switch This February

Disney fans, it’s time to grab your pogo canes and fire up the Sea Duck! The Disney Afternoon Collection is officially making its debut on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on February 26, 2026. While the digital version drops in February, collectors can look forward to physical copies launching on May 29, 2026. This isn’t just a simple port; developer Digital Eclipse and publisher Atari are bringing an expanded version of the 2017 classic to Nintendo fans, complete with exclusive titles and a treasure trove of nostalgic extras.

Eight Iconic Games in One Package

Originally released by Capcom in the early ’90s, these games defined the 8-bit and 16-bit eras for many. The collection now includes eight legendary titles, featuring two new Super Nintendo (SNES) additions exclusive to the Nintendo release:

DuckTales (1989) & DuckTales 2 (1993): Journey across the globe as Scrooge McDuck.

Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers (1990) & Rescue Rangers 2 (1994): Team up for co-op platforming action.

Darkwing Duck (1992): Face off against F.O.W.L. in the shadows of St. Canard.

TaleSpin (1991): Take to the skies in side-scrolling shooter levels.

Goof Troop (1993) [NEW]: A co-op puzzle adventure (one of Shinji Mikami’s first games!).

Bonkers (1994) [NEW]: Solve wacky crimes across Toontown.

Modern Features for a Smooth Ride

Digital Eclipse has added several quality-of-life updates to ensure players of all skill levels can enjoy the “Afternoon” experience:

Rewind Button: Fell into a pit? Just hit Rewind and try the jump again instantly.
Boss Rush & Time Attack: For the competitive spirits, these modes feature online leaderboards to see who the fastest player in Duckburg is.
The Gallery: A virtual museum filled with original ads, vintage game boxes, and “Pencil to Pixel” sketches showing the transition from animation to game art.
Custom Music Player: Rock out to banger soundtracks, including the legendary “Moon Theme” from DuckTales.

Physical Edition Goodies

If you prefer to hold your games in your hand, the physical edition is a collector’s dream. It includes the full game on a cartridge (no massive downloads required) plus:

Two sticker sheets.
Eight retro milk caps (Pogs are back!).
Three collectible cards.
Reversible cover art.

Ready to jump back in? You can pre-order the digital version on the Nintendo eShop now or secure your physical copy through Atari and major retailers. Can’t wait to get our Nintendo on-Disney style!

Oh Boy! The Mickey Mouse Classic Crocs Belt Bag You Didn’t Know You Needed

By

Ana Leal

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January 30, 2026

Oh Boy! The Mickey Mouse Classic Crocs Belt Bag You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re the kind of person who wants to channel your inner Disney icon while keeping your hands free for a Dole Whip (priorities, right?), Crocs just dropped the ultimate accessory. The Mickey Mouse Classic Crocs Belt Bag is basically the “Sport Mode” version of a purse. It’s vibrant, nostalgic, and honestly, a total conversation starter whether you’re rope-dropping Magic Kingdom or just trying to survive a trip to the grocery store.

Currently, this limited-edition piece is retailing for $59.99 exclusively on the Crocs website. It’s a bit of a splurge compared to a standard bag, but for the sheer amount of Jibbitz real estate and Disney magic you’re getting, it’s a solid investment for your next park day.

The design is classic Mickey through and through. It features a bold red base that immediately pops, accented by a bright yellow top zipper that’s impossible to miss. But the real star of the show? Those iconic Mickey ears sticking off the top. It’s whimsical without being too much, though let’s be real, if you’re wearing ears on your waist, you’re already committed to the bit, and we love that for you.

For the Jibbitz enthusiasts out there, this bag is a literal playground. Most bags give you a spot or two for charms, but this one is doing the most:

12 holes on the main red body.
12 extra holes on the ears.
That’s 24 spots to deck out with your favorite charms!

You can keep it strictly Disney-themed or go rogue and mix in some snacks and aliens, the level of personalization here is pretty unmatched for a belt bag.

Beyond the looks, it’s actually functional. The adjustable strap means you can wear it as a traditional fanny pack or sling it across your chest for that trendy crossbody look. There’s a rear zip pocket for the stuff you really don’t want to lose (looking at you, ID and credit cards), while the main compartment keeps your essentials within easy reach.

Credit: Crocs

The Muppet Show Advance Screening for D23 Gold Members Before Disney+ Premiere

By

Chip

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January 30, 2026

Tune in to D23 Gold Theater on Tuesday, February 3, at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET for a special advance screening of The Muppet Show before its premiere on Disney+ and ABC!

It’s The Muppet Show! Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the beloved Muppets ensemble are back with a brand-new special event. Music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos are bound to ensue when The Muppets once again take the stage of the original Muppet Theatre with their very special guest, Sabrina Carpenter! The Muppet Show makes its triumphant return on Disney+ and ABC this February—and D23 Gold Members can watch it in advance on D23 Gold Theater.

From 20th Television, Disney Branded Television, The Muppets Studio, and Point Grey Pictures, the special event is directed by Alex Timbers, who also serves as executive producer. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee are executive producers for Point Grey Pictures; David Lightbody, Leigh Slaughter, and Michael Steinbach are executive producers for The Muppets Studio; Sabrina Carpenter, Albertina Rizzo, Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson are executive producers.

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The original series The Muppet Show, created by Disney Legend Jim Henson, ran from 1976 through 1981; aired in over 100 countries; and featured a cavalcade of notable guest stars. In 2026, that original series celebrates its incredible 50th anniversary! All five seasons of The Muppet Show are currently available to stream on Disney+.

We invite you to join us for this special advance screening in the D23 Gold Theater virtual event series, which will be available to watch HERE as it airs on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET.

() The Muppet Show Official Teaser Disney+ YouTube

DETAILS

The event will begin at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET. This airing will include a chat where viewers can discuss the special event as it airs.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

This is a complimentary virtual event exclusive to D23 Gold Members.

Disney Cast Member Aunt Elaine Reflects on 50 Years of Service at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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January 30, 2026

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Aunt Elaine Reflects on 50 Years of Service at Walt Disney World

For many guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a meal at the 50’s Prime Time Café isn’t complete without a visit from a very special family member. Elaine West Grimes, known to thousands as “Aunt Elaine,” recently celebrated a monumental 50 years with Walt Disney World, proving that for some, the magic never fades.

In an exclusive interview with People, Grimes shared her journey from her start in 1975 as a cashier at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to becoming one of the most beloved figures in the theme park community.

Elaine West Grimes Walt Disney World th Anniversary Celebration fbafdabceeccd — Photo Credit Walt Disney World

Grimes worked in various roles over the decades, including training new Cast Members in food safety and cash handling. However, it was a shift in technology that eventually led her back to her true calling. “They brought in computers, and I’m not a computer person,” she told People.

That transition paved the way for her to join the 50’s Prime Time Café 25 years ago. The restaurant, themed like a 1950s family kitchen, features a “cast” of siblings, cousins, and parents. But for Grimes, there was only one role she wanted.

“I am everybody’s favorite Aunt Elaine,” she said. “Everybody needs a favorite aunt.”

Known for her charmingly strict lessons in table manners—reminding guests to “do your chores” and “eat all your vegetables”—Aunt Elaine has built a massive following. Fans even have a dedicated Facebook group, “Aunt Elaine’s 50’s Prime Time Family Album,” where visitors share selfies and memories of their time at her table.

Some guests have been visiting her for decades. Grimes recalled a couple who recently sat at her table and pulled out a photo they had taken with her back in 2006. “It’s like you’ve been friends for a long time,” she noted.

Elaine West Grimes Prime Time Cafe Mickey Mouse cbcabfadfb — Photo Credit Walt Disney World

To mark her half-century of service, Disney presented Grimes with a commemorative statue of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She was also honored at the annual Service Celebration, where she and her fellow long-tenured Cast Members were given exclusive after-hours access to Magic Kingdom.

For Grimes, the reward remains simple: the joy of the guests. “Just to hear a guest tell me ‘thank you’—that they’ve had a good time—is enough,” she said.

To read the full, exclusive story of Aunt Elaine’s 50-year journey, check out the original article over at People.com.

Unauthorized Third-Party Vendors Receive Cease & Desist Letters from Disney

By

Chris B

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January 30, 2026

Unauthorized Third Party Vendors Receive Cease & Desist Letters from Disney

Disney World Cracks Down on Unauthorized Third-Party Businesses With Cease & Desist Letters

Walt Disney World has begun sending cease and desist letters to a number of unauthorized third-party businesses operating across the resort, signaling a much firmer stance on outside services being offered on Disney property.

The impacted vendors include private photographers, personal chefs, stylists, hotel room decorators, and similar services, many of whom built their businesses through the Ear For Each Other Facebook group that originally launched in 2020 to help furloughed Cast Members share side hustles during the pandemic. According to statements collected from affected vendors, the letters are coming directly from Walt Disney World Security and cite long-standing property rules that prohibit unapproved commercial activity anywhere on Disney property, including resort hotels, theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Christmas Decorations Finally Come Down at the Magic Kingdom

One personal chef shared that he has now been flagged by Disney and will move bookings to off-property locations, while a Central Florida photographer confirmed that third-party photo sessions at Disney resorts are no longer allowed, despite previously receiving verbal approval from resort management. The letters reportedly instruct vendors to immediately stop operating on property, remove Disney-related advertising, and warn that continued activity could lead to trespassing bans and possible legal action.

The move echoes similar enforcement actions in late 2023, when Disney trespassed several third-party tour guides for operating without authorization, and underscores Disney’s position that any sale of goods, services, or commercial photography on property requires prior written approval from the company.