Harvest Fun with Chip ‘n’ Dale Popcorn Bucket Arrives at Tokyo Disneyland
Perfect for a fall day, a new harvest-themed popcorn bucket featuring Chip ‘n’ Dale will soon be available at Tokyo Disneyland. You can get this new Chip ‘n’ Dale harvest popcorn bucket at The Big Pop in Tomorrowland for ¥3,800 starting on September 16.
This popcorn bucket features the lovable chipmunk duo, Chip ‘n’ Dale, enjoying a feast in a picnic basket. The plastic basket is designed to look like wicker and is tied with a yellow gingham ribbon and an acorn.
The lanyard attached to the basket’s handles also matches the theme. One side is decorated with a pattern of brown leaves and acorns, while the other side features a classic yellow gingham print.
Inside the basket, Chip ‘n’ Dale are surrounded by a bountiful harvest of goodies. The adorable duo is enjoying a variety of bright fruits and nuts, including blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, apples, an acorn, and a walnut.
Beside Chip, an open jar of blueberry jam sits invitingly. Chip, holding a tiny wooden spoon, is carefully drizzling jam onto a peanut that looks just like Donald Duck. The jam forms a cute sailor cap for the Donald-shaped peanut.
Would you like to add this popcorn bucket to your collection?
First Track Removed from Rivers of America as Frontierland Transformation into Piston Peak Continues
Big changes are rolling through Frontierland, and Disney has just taken a major step in transforming the Rivers of America into the all-new Piston Peak area. On our latest visit, we spotted that the first section of track guiding the Liberty Square Riverboat has already been removed.
For decades, this underwater track kept the Liberty Belle on its course as it steamed around Tom Sawyer Island. With the track now being pulled up, it’s clear that the river as we knew it is officially drying up for good. Most of the water has already been drained, leaving behind muddy banks, exposed docks, and scattered construction equipment.
Guests walking near the Haunted Mansion and Frontierland can spot trucks, scaffolding, hoses, and plenty of construction cones as the final puddles of rainwater are pumped out. Tom Sawyer Island still stands, but its props have been removed, leaving the rustic buildings as empty shells awaiting their future.
So what’s next? Piston Peak, a brand-new Cars-inspired land, will expand Frontierland with towering Rocky Mountain-inspired backdrops, a winding river with playful water features, and nods to barrel bridges and other details that once made Tom Sawyer Island so charming. Disney has announced two attractions for the new area, including an off-road rally ride that promises plenty of thrills.
Importantly, Imagineers are designing Piston Peak with sightlines in mind, ensuring that guests on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or over by Haunted Mansion won’t suddenly spot Radiator Springs-style architecture breaking the frontier illusion.
New Construction Walls Go Up at Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center
On our way to Disney’s Magic Kingdom today, we noticed fresh construction walls popping up at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). The work appears to be focused on the ticket windows located to the left of the main entrance.
This area has already seen some major updates in recent years. Back in 2021, the Magic Kingdom ticketing area received a stylish refresh with a new blue-and-gold color scheme that replaced much of the older purple design. While some hints of the original purple still remain, most of the TTC now matches the sleek, modern look found across Walt Disney World’s entrances.
The current project seems to be fairly limited in scope, so it’s unlikely to disrupt the main flow of guests heading toward the monorail, ferryboats, or tram areas. The rest of the TTC continues to operate normally, including the newly streamlined tram routes that take guests to both the Heroes and Villains parking lots.
It will be interesting to see if this is just a small refurbishment of the ticket booths or if Disney is planning a larger enhancement to match the rest of the refreshed entrance experience.
The Ultimate Disney Princesses Floral Portraits Backpack Has Arrived at BoxLunch!
This backpack is the ultimate way to travel like royalty! BoxLunch has just released a must-have accessory for any Disney fan: the Disney Princesses Floral Portraits Backpack by Loungefly. This exclusive bag retails for $79.90 and is perfect for carrying your essentials while showing off your love for some of the most iconic princesses.
The front of the bag features stunning floral portraits of four beloved princesses: Ariel with Flounder, Rapunzel with Pascal, Pocahontas with Meeko, and Mulan with Mushu. The vibrant portraits are surrounded by beautiful embroidered flowers, adding a touch of elegance and detail.
What makes this bag even more special are the side pockets, which feature even more princesses, along with shimmering gold accents that really make the design pop. It’s not just a backpack, it’s a tribute to the magic of Disney. Whether you’re heading to the Disney Parks or just want to add a little sparkle to your everyday outfits, this Loungefly mini backpack is a fantastic way to do it.
Say Bonjour to the New France Pavilion Ear Headband at Epcot!
You’ve probably seen plenty of ear headbands at the Disney parks, but some just stand out from the crowd. The new France Pavilion Ear Headband from Epcot is a perfect example. It’s an instant classic, and we’re totally in love with its design.
First off, let’s talk about that stunning pastel color palette. The soft pink and blue of the ears give it a dreamy, romantic feel that perfectly captures the spirit of Paris. Each ear is a little work of art, with one featuring a golden Eiffel Tower against a picturesque sky and the other showcasing Les Halles, also in a beautiful, shiny gold. But it’s the little details that truly make these ears special. The romantic rose trim around each ear adds a whimsical, charming touch that feels straight out of a fairytale.
And of course, we can’t forget the centerpiece! The bow is made of a lovely fabric with a pattern of pink Minnie icons and scattered roses. Hanging from the bow is the most adorable metal macaron charm, a sweet and delicious nod to French confectionery.
The same delightful pattern from the bow is also on the back of the ears, so it looks great from every angle. To finish it all off, the side of the headband has “France” embroidered in a beautiful blue script.
Whether you’re strolling through the World Showcase or just want to bring a little bit of Epcot magic home, this headband is the perfect souvenir. It’s available at Epcot for $34.99 and is a must-have for any fan of French culture or simply beautiful Disney merchandise.
Spotted! A brand new pair of ears have made their way to Epcot, and they’re giving us all the feels for the United Kingdom. If you’re looking for a patriotic and utterly charming addition to your collection, you’ve got to check out the new UK Pavilion Ear Headband.
These aren’t just any ears; they’re a celebration of all things British, with a magical Disney twist. The ears themselves are decked out in a Union Jack pattern, but look closer, the flag is made up of dozens of tiny, iconic Mickey Mouse heads! It’s a super fun and subtle detail that Disney fans will absolutely love.
Right in the middle, a vibrant, red satin bow ties the whole look together, adding a classic pop of color. And let’s not forget the little charm that dangles front and center! It features a crisp, white Mickey icon and the Epcot logo set against the UK flag, making it a perfect keepsake from your park visit. You can snag these beauties for $34.99, and trust us, they’re a must-have for anyone who loves the UK pavilion or just wants a very stylish, very patriotic pair of ears to add to their Disney wardrobe.
Seize Your Moment with New Coco Day of the Dead Merchandise at Epcot!
Are you ready to “Seize Your Moment” with the new Coco Day of the Dead merchandise at Epcot? The Mexico pavilion has outdone itself with a beautiful collection inspired by the beloved film, and you’re going to want to grab a little piece of the Land of the Dead for your own home. With vibrant colors, intricate designs, and fan-favorite characters, this new lineup is the perfect way to bring a little of that magical Epcot feeling home with you. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights!
First up, let’s talk about the home decor, because who doesn’t want to add a touch of whimsy to their living space? The new ceramic candle holder ($29.99) is a must-have. It’s got a clean white base with a pop of pink on the sides and a pink ring right in the middle. The best part? A beautiful blue skull surrounded by colorful flowers is pictured right above the ring. More floral designs are sprinkled on the sides, and it even has a hole in the back so you can hang it up on a wall if you want. It’s the perfect piece to celebrate Día de los Muertos all year long.
And for all those precious memories, the new 4” x 6” photo frame ($34.99) is a perfect addition. This ceramic frame is a stunner with its white base and cute dotted trim around the edges and the photo window. Miguel’s face is right at the bottom, surrounded by music notes and flowers, with more flowers along the frame’s edge. Just a heads-up, there’s no glass or acrylic over the photo, so your favorite picture will be right there in the open, and it has a sculpted stand on the back for easy display.
Need to stay hydrated or caffeinated? The new drinkware collection has you covered! The water bottle ($39.99) is so cool, with a shiny blue-orange ombré finish that wraps around it. You’ll see black filigree, guitars, and all your favorite faces, like Miguel, Héctor, and Ernesto de la Cruz. The black lid has a handle and a blue pop-up straw, making it super convenient for on-the-go adventures. Just remember to hand wash this beauty, it’s not microwave-safe.
If you’re more of a mug person, you’ll love the new jug-shaped mug ($27.99). It’s mostly black with a bright blue rim and is decorated with colorful flowers and filigree designs. A pink sugar skull is on one side, and on the opposite side, you’ll find Miguel’s skeletal face with his iconic red hood. A yellow sugar skull is also pictured next to the handle. The best part? It comes with a bone-white spoon with a skull-shaped handle. It’s the perfect way to add a little flair to your morning coffee!
And of course, no trip to Epcot is complete without a new accessory to show off your Disney side. The new handbag ($49.99) is a showstopper. It has a stunning blue-pink-red-orange ombré design that matches the new Coco ears (sold separately). You’ll see black embossed images of Miguel, Hector, and Ernesto de la Cruz, all nestled among floral filigree, instruments, and skulls, with a large skull icon right in the center. The bag has a black base and two black handles with a cute scalloped trim where they attach. The main compartment zips up for security, and it even comes with a detachable crossbody strap for versatility. The interior is a solid black, so you don’t have to worry about the colorful pattern getting lost inside. It’s the perfect bag for carrying all your park essentials and showing off your love for Coco!
A Spooky Stay: Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel Debuts New Gothic Suite for Halloween
Just in time for the spooky season, the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, a Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel, has unveiled a brand-new themed suite. Fans of the Haunted Mansion will feel right at home in Sargon’s Darkwood Chamber, a gothic-themed room designed with a touch of eerie elegance.
This specialty suite features two queen beds and a queen sofa bed, allowing it to comfortably sleep up to six guests. The room is decorated with dark accents and gothic decor to create a truly unique atmosphere. It is available for booking exclusively on the hotel’s website.
Booking a stay in Sargon’s Darkwood Chamber comes with some great perks. Guests receive a complimentary buffet breakfast for two each morning at the Garden Court Bistro and free parking for one vehicle.
The Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel is also known for its other magical accommodations, including the Knight and Unicorn “Enchanted Suites” and themed castle bunk bedrooms. For added convenience, the hotel offers a free Dream Machine shuttle to the Disneyland parks.
Disney On Ice Presents ‘Jump In!’: A Dazzling New Show
Get ready to Jump In! The all-new Disney On Ice show had its spectacular opening night on Friday. This magical show takes you on an adventure with more than 50 characters, including favorites from Moana 2, Zootopia, Frozen, and Inside Out 2.
Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy for a brand-new adventure on ice. With a tap on the Magical Mouse Pad, you and your family will be whisked away on an unforgettable journey with over 50 of your favorite Disney characters.
Experience the high seas of Moana 2 and the vibrant world of Inside Out 2 as new characters from these blockbuster films make their debut on the ice. The show also features a fun-filled journey to help Stitch fix a glitch, a visit to the bustling city of Zootopia, a trip through the wintry world of Frozen, and a stop in the playful universe of Toy Story. You’ll also travel to the vibrant world of Colombia to see the Madrigal family from Encanto.
The show is a spectacle of awe-inspiring visuals, thrilling stunts, and mesmerizing choreography, including a dazzling parade of princesses like Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Tiana. Get ready to be immersed in the magic of Disney!
During the 2025-26 season, the tour will play 36 cities, including Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, Montreal, Dallas and Houston. Get your tickets now!
Disneyland Handcrafted: An Inside Look at the Park’s Never-Before-Seen Construction
Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, who has deep ties to Disney, unveiled her new documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted, during the “Creating The Happiest Place on Earth” panel at Destination D23. Coming to Disney+ and Disney YouTube this winter, the film offers a powerful look back at the 70-year legacy of the Disneyland Resort. While the panel celebrated decades of memories, Iwerks’s new film promises a unique focus on the skill and artistry that went into building the park.
Leslie showcased the inventive creative process behind Disney Parks when she produced The Imagineering Story in 2019, and has ties to a strong family history at Disney that stretches back to Walt’s time. Following the passion and expertise set by her grandfather Ub and her father Don, Leslie continues to leave a legacy of pure technological innovation and key attention to detail.
Disneyland from Early Conception to Opening Day
Capturing the excitement of the creation of Disneyland as it was being built more than 70 years ago, you’ll get a chance to peek behind the orange groves and experience the making of the park like never before in Disneyland Handcrafted. This unique film, complete with ASMR moments and constructed using only rarely seen footage that Leslie handpicked through the Walt Disney Archives, depicts the thoughtfulness and care that was put into the development of Disneyland.
As featured in the trailer, Walt’s trailblazing embrace of television has been well-documented in the past, which is why he tasked several cameramen to capture the construction of Disneyland leading up to the park’s opening. Providing an up-close, first-hand look at many of the artists, craftsmen, and Walt Disney Imagineers who were actually there during the construction of Disneyland amid tough conditions, so much of this footage has not seen the light of day…until now.
During production, Leslie was able to tour the Walt Disney Archives and track down binders full of film reels, discovering historical reels that had never been scanned before (including some raw 16mm footage that was never used for “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color”). Having been stored in the vaults for years, Leslie and her dedicated team were able to produce high-resolution scans of every reel without a timecode, helping to restore beautiful, once-forgotten shots of the early days of Disneyland onto a hard drive through a revolutionary process that had never been tackled before.
Disneyland Handcrafted: Exploring the Original Roots of Disney Parks
No matter what Disney park you’re visiting around the world, you can still trace that special feeling that you get when passing through the front gates at each park back to the original vision of Disneyland. This new film provides an up-close look at the dedication, effort, and passion that was required to realize a dream that would go on to inspire millions around the world.
Honoring the history and revolutionary spirit of Walt Disney has fueled innovation across generations, opening the door for evolution and growth just as Walt dreamed. Disneyland laid the groundwork for a massive global industry that is currently in the biggest era of growth since the original park’s opening, making this film a truly special treat for Disney fans.
The Biggest Announcements for Disney Parks and Resorts from Destination D23
Another successful Destination D23 has wrapped, bringing with it a whirlwind of exciting announcements for Disney parks and resorts. Let’s dive into some of the highlights.
Walt Disney Studios Showcase
New Tron: Ares Ride Overlay Announced for TRON Attractions
The next time you step into the digital frontier with TRON Lightcycle / Run, you’ll launch into a Tron: Ares version of the high-speed, adrenaline-pumping ride that bends reality into the video game world. Replacing the blue and orange hues of the ride, you’ll weave through twisting tunnels of vibrant red and orange light trails, feeling the rush of wind and the surge of acceleration as you compete in a dazzling Lightcycle race.
Creating the Happiest Place on Earth
Disneyland Handcrafted: Trailer Revealed for New Documentary Coming This Winter
Oscar and Emmy nominated filmmaker (with deep Disney roots!) Leslie Iwerks announced on stage at the panel that her new documentary film Disneyland Handcrafted, is coming this winter to Disney+ and Disney YouTube.
Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure Coming to the Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed that you will soon be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” at Magic Kingdom.
What’s Cooking with Disney Eats
First Look: New Concept Art for Napa Rose at Disneyland
When it reopens, the award-winning Napa Rose will offer an elevated dining experience, blending timeless Craftsman design with a fresh take on modern Californian sophistication and warmth, and immersing guests in a way only Disney can do.
New Must-Try Drinks Coming to Disney Destiny
During your voyage, slip away to The Sanctum, Haunted Mansion Parlor, and Cask & Cannon, all themed spaces that are inspired by the larger-than-life personalities of epic Disney stories, brought to life through elevated interpretation and refined theming.
New Novelty Items Coming to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line
Dive into a full menu of announcements, with one of the highlights being the reveal of eight (!!) new novelty items coming to select Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line ships – including popcorn buckets, sippers, and mugs.
Disney Villains: Icons of Evil
New Details About the Architectural Inspirations for Villains-Themed Land at Magic Kingdom
After Imagineers identified the similarities between magical, fluid, and organic appearance of both the animated villains and the Art Nouveau style of construction, the team behind coined the term “Conjured Architecture.” This refers to the blend of historical components and fantastical worlds that have merged to ultimately create something wicked that will be able to be experienced firsthand – a villain-inspired land.
Mattel Unveils New Collectible Disney Ursula Doll Joining the Disney Darkness Descends Series
Disney’s Ursula is the newest addition to the Darkness Descends Series, which began with Maleficent in 2023 and continued with Cruella de Vil in 2024. These dazzling divas are displayed in intricately designed boxes and made with premium materials – a true celebration of iconic Disney Villains in their most evil, high-fashion forms.
Everything Revealed About the Disney Villains-Themed Land, Products, and More at Destination D23
Featuring a mischievous musical medley provided by Disney Concert Group, along with stage and screen stars Michael James Scott and Jodi Benson, this presentation gave a sneak peek into some upcoming villains-focused projects and products – including the new villains-themed land at Walt Disney World, showing that these devilish divas never go out of style.
Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles
New Color Palette Announced for Cinderella Castle
The updated paint will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold, aiming to enhance the castle’s architecture. While the project team is still putting the finishing touches on the paint design process, WDI wanted to share the incredible amount of research and care that goes into this project.
Details, Lore, and More Hidden Gems Revealed For Disney Castles
Hosted by Michelle Khare, creator of “Challenge Accepted,” Imagineers Wyatt Winter, Jason Grandt, and Katie Gibbs were joined by Former Imagineering Creative Executive Tom Morris and James Silson, Show Director with Disney Live Entertainment, to share their most in-spire-ing moments in the history of building Disney Castles.
What announcement were you most excited to hear at Destination D23?
50 years, Cinderella Castle has welcomed guests down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. During the “Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles” panel at Destination D23, Imagineers looked back at the various overlays and color schemes for Cinderella Castle over the years. Imagineers also shared a rendering for the new Cinderella Castle color palette, which is inspired by the classic and original look of the castle.
The updated paint will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold aiming to enhance the castle’s architecture. While the project team is still putting the finishing touches on the paint design process, we wanted to share the incredible amount of research and care that goes into this project.
A Royal Palette
Around the globe, there are six Disney “Castle parks,” where the castles serve as the heart of the parks —the landmarks that draw guests in, the backdrop of cherished family photos, and the icons that represent the magic of Disney around the world. At Walt Disney World, the castle’s iconic look is built on a timeless color combination: deep, handsome blues paired with radiant golds. These colors were chosen to reflect the Florida sunshine in a way that makes the castle shimmer from every angle.
No matter the season or the perspective, Cinderella Castle is designed to be picture-perfect, much of which can be attributed to the paint and themed finishes. Because of that, the paint we use has to undergo accelerated UV and weather testing, simulating years of sun exposure. This rigorous process ensures that the castle’s colors stay vivid for years to come.
For hard-to-reach locations, such as the roofs, we use a high-performance paint that is actually used for cars! The paint is durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for touch-ups.
Sheen also plays an important role. Subtle variations help the castle feel more lifelike: stones are finished with a lower sheen to appear natural, while rooftops and gold accents shine with higher gloss, giving them a decorative sparkle. Gold is used strategically around the spires, to catch the last reflections of sunlight.
