Celebrate Fall with a Pumpkin Mickey Cone in Disney Springs
Guests visiting Disney Springs this fall can get into the Halloween spirit with a new, festive treat. Swirls on the Water, the popular kiosk known for its soft-serve and Dole Whip creations, has introduced the adorable Pumpkin Mickey Cone for a limited time.
The Pumpkin Mickey Cone features a swirl of marshmallow and chocolate soft-serve, nestled in a vibrant, pumpkin-colored waffle cone. The treat is topped with festive Halloween sprinkles and a white chocolate Mickey piece, making it as photogenic as it is delicious.
Priced at $6.49, the cone is a perfect way to celebrate the spooky season. It’s a sweet and simple option for those who want a festive treat without a bold, new flavor.
This seasonal offering is available at Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs from August 19 to November 4, 2025. Be sure to grab one before it disappears like a ghost!
EPCOT Parking Lot Resurfacing Brings Temporary Closures
If you’re planning a trip to EPCOT in the coming days, you might want to pack a little extra patience before hitting the parking lot. A major resurfacing project is underway, and it has temporarily closed off a significant portion of guest parking, including the Moana section of the Earth lot.
Guests arriving this week will notice orange cones, caution tape, and crews hard at work tearing up old pavement and smoothing down fresh asphalt. Once the pavement work is complete, the lot will be re-striped with new parking lines, arrows, and markers to help with traffic flow.
This isn’t the first facelift EPCOT’s parking lot has seen in recent years. Back in 2023, the Walt Disney World theme park rolled out a major re-theming that replaced the old “East” and “West” designations with fun new character-based sections. Now, guests park in either the “Earth” or “Space” side of the lot, with Earth featuring characters like Moana, Heihei, Dory, and Crush, while Space includes Rocket, Gamora, Wall-E, and Eve. These themed signs, along with the Car Locator function in the My Disney Experience app, make it easier to track down your car after a long day exploring the park.
While construction is in progress, guests may want to allow extra time to park and walk or take a tram to the entrance. It may be less convenient in the short term, but the refreshed lot should make for a smoother, safer experience once the work wraps up.
Patina Group Restaurant Workers at EPCOT and Disney Springs Voting on Possible Strike
A potential labor shake-up is brewing at Walt Disney World as restaurant workers employed by Patina Restaurant Group vote on whether to authorize a strike. The decision could affect several popular dining locations in EPCOT’s Italy pavilion: Tutto Italia, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, and Via Napoli.
UNITE HERE Local 737, the union representing Patina Group employees, announced the strike authorization vote during a press conference on Tuesday. According to the union, negotiations with Patina Group have not made “adequate progress,” and the current labor contract for Italy pavilion restaurants expires September 30. If approved, the vote would give the bargaining committee the ability to call a strike at any time after that date.
This would be historic, as it would mark the first time employees have gone on strike inside a Walt Disney World theme park. The development also comes amid broader organizing efforts among Patina Group workers across Walt Disney World. Employees unionized last year, citing what they described as “second-class working conditions,” and they filed a formal complaint against the company in July.
Patina Group, a subsidiary of Delaware North, operates multiple high-profile dining venues at Disney World beyond the Italy pavilion. These include Space 220 at EPCOT, as well as Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, The Edison, Morimoto Asia, and Pizza Ponte at Disney Springs. Note only the
To keep guests informed, the union launched a new website, DisneyWorldFoodAlert.org, where visitors can find updates about potential labor disputes and see which restaurants are covered by fair union contracts.
It’s important to note that this news comes at the time of ongoing contract negotiations, and as of now, Patina Group has not issued a public response. Whether or not the strike vote results in a work stoppage remains to be seen, but with the busy fall season approaching — including EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival — the timing could have significant impacts for both guests and Cast Members alike.
A Royal Feast: New Food & Drinks for World Princess Week at Disney Parks
World Princess Week is in full swing, and Disney parks are celebrating the legacy of the Disney Princesses with a dazzling array of delicious treats at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. This year’s regal lineup features a magical mix of returning fan favorites and enchanting new delights that pay tribute to the strength and spirit of these iconic characters.
Walt Disney World Resort
At Walt Disney World, each princess-inspired treat tells its own tasty tale. These enchanting eats and bubbly beverages are available now across multiple parks and resorts – each one fit for royalty!
NEW! Rapunzel Berries and Cream Cake: Vanilla cake, lemon cheesecake mousse, and blackberry jam (Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining)
NEW! Colors of the Wind Petit Cake: Almond chiffon, cherry jam, citrus mousse, and chocolate shavings (Amorette’s Patisserie)
NEW! Moana Mini Cake: Vanilla cake, mango mousse, and buttercream (Capt. Cook’s and Kona Island)
NEW! Tiana’s Mint Chocolate Chip Bar: Mint chocolate chip mousse with cocoa sablé (Gasparilla Island Grill)
NEW! “A Flower That Blooms”: Lychee-vanilla tart with kalamansi gelée, orange blossom whipped cream, and crispy pearls (Creature Comforts)
RETURNING! “Make it Pink, Make it Blue” Aurora Fruit Tart: Diplomat cream, raspberry mousse, fresh berries, white chocolate crown with citric acid color-changing solution (Le Petit Café)
RETURNING! Cinderella Cupcake: Vanilla cake with vanilla crème custard filling, buttercream, white chocolate slipper, and fondant pumpkin (Contempo Café)
RETURNING! Bubbles of the Sea: Gold Peak Sweet Green Tea, lemon juice, pineapple, and guava topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer (Non-alcoholic) (Dockside Diner and Market at Hollywood Studios)
Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with powdered sugar drizzled with honey (Golden Oak Outpost)
Belle Cup of Enchantment: Cranberry and Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice topped with yellow shimmer and strawberry boba pearls (Fairfax Fare)
The Clock Strikes Twelve: Chocolate ganache tart topped with salted caramel-coffee mousse (Cinderella’s Royal Table)
Rapunzel Sundae: Shortcake with DOLE Whip Lemon and wild berry soft-serve topped with berry compote and sugar flowers (Storybook Treats)
Aurora Cone: DOLE Whip Strawberry and blue soft-serve topped with white chocolate crispy pearls in a sugar cone (Storybook Treats) (please note that this item will not be available during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties)
Disneyland Paris
Available August 22-31, these limited-time offerings at Disneyland Paris are your passport to a royal tasting journey you won’t want to miss. Fleur de Lys Bar in Disneyland Hotel is serving up two specialty sips that are sure to add a touch of fairytale flair to your day.
NEW! Triple Trouble: Blueberry and cranberry nectars, spiced red fruit syrup, vanilla whipped cream, spirulina, and black charcoal; Pineapple juice, pear and apricot nectars, orgeat syrup, and pistachio whipped cream served with a blueberry and violet tartlet (Non-alcoholic beverages) (Fleur de Lys Bar)
NEW! Faithful Friend of Atlantica: Almond liqueur, lemon gin, pineapple juice, lemon, cane syrup, and fleur de sel served with lemon pepper vinegar pearls (Fleur de Lys Bar)
Get dressed in your royal best and bring your appetite to celebrate World Princess Week with these delightful drinks and desserts!
Find $104 Ticket Days for Halloween at Disneyland 2025
The transition from summer to fall brings the spooky season and pumpkin spice, but at Disneyland Resort, you can already enjoy Halloween Time through October 31, 2025. This season coincides with the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, meaning you can relish in both anniversary festivities and the spooky season. Even better, you can take advantage of the cheaper ticket days while the weather is still warm and the days are longer.
$104 Disneyland Ticket Dates
Throughout the year, you can check the ticket calendar on Disneyland.com to see the range of available dates, ticket options, and prices.
For families with toddlers and preschoolers, children younger than age three don’t need a ticket.
August 2025 Dates with 1-Day, 1-Park Tickets for $104:
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Thursday, Aug. 28
September 2025 Dates with 1-Day, 1-Park Tickets for $104:
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Thursday, Sept. 4
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Thursday, Sept. 11
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Thursday, Sept. 18
Looking for accommodations? A special hotel offer has savings up to 20% on select stays of three or more nights through Dec. 19, 2025, at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
Want to take advantage of this special offer? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
First Look: The Lion King Dinner Show Cast Costumes for the Disney Destiny
The Disney Live Entertainment Costume Design & Development team is hard at work on the costumes for Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. Today, we’re getting an exclusive first look at some of their finished designs.
Amanda Avila, Associate Costume Designer with Disney Live Entertainment, is the creative mind behind the costumes and accessory pieces for the all-new dining experience coming to the Disney Destiny. “The costumes take inspiration from the various regions of Africa, with a mix of both contemporary and traditional silhouettes and details,” said Amanda. “We wanted them to feel elevated and regal with nods to both the characters and the culture.”
For example, many of the pieces feature cowrie shell details, which draw inspiration from the country of Benin in West Africa. In Benin, the shells symbolize prosperity, wealth, good luck, and destiny – a fitting representation of Simba’s story and the name of the ship itself.
The costumes and accessories will play an important role in the retelling of Simba’s journey from cub to king. Throughout the performance, the storytellers will wear specific accessories to embody the personalities and attributes of various characters from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. For example, the Scar accessories are the only pieces in the collection that incorporate the color black, inspired by his distinct black mane. His headdress will feature a single red feather above his left eye, which Amanda designed to represent his scar.
Guests will have the chance to see Amanda’s exquisite designs up close when Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King debuts on the Disney Destiny this November!
Ready to book your next sailing on the Disney Destiny? Contact me today to get started! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Add Some Magic to Your Outfit with This Mickey Mouse Blue and White Stripe Crossbody Bag!
Get ready to add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your daily adventures with the Mickey Mouse Blue and White Stripe Crossbody Bag, available now at Hot Topic for just $48.90. This isn’t just any bag; it’s the perfect blend of playful charm and practical design, making it the ideal companion for any Disney fan on the go. Its classic blue and white striped pattern gives it a fresh, nautical vibe, while a shyly posing Mickey Mouse on the front adds that iconic, heartwarming touch we all love.
But this bag is more than just cute looks. It’s built for convenience and organization. Inside, you’ll find plenty of pockets to keep your essentials neat and tidy, from your phone and keys to your wallet and more. The bag features a secure magnetic snap closure to keep your belongings safe, so you can focus on having a magical day. Plus, the adjustable strap means you can wear it comfortably no matter where your day takes you.
What truly sets this crossbody bag apart is its clever, thoughtful details, like the detachable lipstick case that’s perfect for quick touch-ups. It’s a small but mighty feature that shows this bag was designed with a little extra magic in mind. Whether you’re heading to a theme park, running errands, or meeting friends, this bag is a stylish and functional way to carry a piece of the Disney world with you. Don’t miss out on your chance to make every day a little more magical!
Your New Sidekick: The Tangled Pascal Mini Backpack is Here!
Get ready for the best day ever with the Tangled Pascal Mini Backpack! Your favorite chameleon sidekick, Pascal, is ready to join you on all your adventures. Whether you’re off to see the floating lanterns or just grabbing a coffee, this adorable bag is the perfect way to carry your essentials.
This mini backpack, available at Hot Topic for just $49.90, is covered in a beautiful allover print featuring Pascal, delicate flowers, and the iconic lanterns from the movie. It’s a subtle and sweet nod to the beloved Disney film that any fan will appreciate.
Don’t let the “mini” in the name fool you, this bag is surprisingly practical. It has a spacious main compartment for your phone and wallet, a handy front zipper pocket for smaller items like keys and lip balm, and even an interior drop pocket to keep things organized. With adjustable straps, it’s comfortable for a full day of exploring. So grab your Tangled Pascal Mini Backpack and get ready to live your best life, just don’t forget your frying pan!
The Muppets Haunted Mansion Madame Pigota Crossbody Bag Is a Must-Have!
Prepare your closets, spooky season is here! And what better way to get into the spirit than with a new bag from HerUniverse.com? This time, they’ve taken inspiration from the classic Muppets Haunted Mansion special to create a truly one-of-a-kind accessory.
Introducing the Haunted Mansion Madame Pigota Crossbody Bag, retailing for just $42.90. This isn’t your average bag; it’s a statement piece that screams spooky chic.
The standout feature is a 3D sphere of Madame Pigota herself, perched ominously on the flap. It’s a fun and playful nod to the special’s mysterious character that will have you feeling like you’ve stepped right into the mansion. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The bag also features the iconic Haunted Mansion wallpaper, but with a clever Muppets twist. You’ll have to look closely to spot all the familiar faces hidden within the pattern.
Functionality is also a key feature of this bag. It comes with an interior drop pocket to keep your essentials organized and an adjustable, removable crossbody strap so you can wear it however you like. So, whether you’re heading to a Halloween party, a day at the Disney parks, or just want to add a touch of eerie elegance to your everyday look, the Haunted Mansion Madame Pigota Crossbody Bag is the perfect choice. Grab yours now at HerUniverse.com before it disappears into the great beyond!
Ghoulishly Glam: Must Have Her Universe The Haunted Mansion Glow in the Dark Apparel!
You’ve been dying to find the perfect spooky outfit, and now you have a reason to get out of your crypt! Her Universe has unveiled some ghostly new additions to their collection, just in time for the Halloween season. If you’re a fan of Disney’s The Haunted Mansion, these are a must-have. And the best part? They glow in the dark!
First up, let’s talk about the Haunted Mansion Eyes Glow-In-The-Dark Retro Dress. For $63, you can look ghoulishly gorgeous in this stunning piece. It’s got everything you could ask for, mesh panels at the shoulders, flutter sleeves with a cool flocked wallpaper pattern, and a cute “HM” embroidered right on the chest. Plus, the neckline has some awesome tie detailing. But the real showstopper? The skirt! It has contrast purple godets with glow-in-the-dark eyes printed all over. You’ll definitely be the most ethereal-looking ghoul at the party! This dress even has a back zipper and side seam pockets, so it’s as practical as it is spooky.
If dresses aren’t your thing, or you just want to cozy up, check out the Haunted Mansion Icons Glow-In-The-Dark Cardigan for $51. This cable knit cardigan is perfect for keeping the grave chills away. It features buttons down the front and has allover embroidery of iconic Haunted Mansion symbols, ghosts, tombstones, stars, and bats, with an “HM” on the chest. And yes, all that embroidery glows in the dark! Imagine walking into a dimly lit room and seeing all those spooky icons light up. It’s the perfect way to show your love for the 999 happy haunts, all while staying warm.
These new pieces are just the thing to get you ready for a spooky season full of haunts and scares! So, if you’re ready to embrace your ghostly side, grab these awesome Her Universe items before they vanish forever.
Get Ready to Haunt Your Wardrobe with The New Disney Halloween BaubleBar Ears!
Are you ready for some spooky, stylish fun? Get ready to haunt your closet with the most adorable Halloween accessories from BaubleBar! They’ve dropped a new line of Disney Halloween ears that are perfect for adding a touch of magic to your October outfits. Each one retails for $49.99 and is available on BaubleBar.com. These aren’t just any ears; they are a whole vibe!
First up, we have the Minnie Mouse Pumpkin Ears Headband, and let me tell you, they are gourd-geous! The vibrant orange ears are covered in raised jack-o’-lantern designs and are absolutely dripping in multicolored crystals. And the bow? A sheer black beauty decorated with bright orange gemstones. You’ll be ready for any pumpkin patch photo-op with these on your head. They are the perfect way to show off your festive spirit with a bit of sparkle.
Next, get ready to get tangled in the Minnie Mouse Spider Ears Headband! These are creepy, crawly, and so much fun. The plush black ears are covered in intricate spider webs, each one embellished with dainty pearls and sparkling crystal details. The sleek silver bow adds a touch of sophistication to this spooky-chic look. These are a must-have for anyone who loves a good spooky season and wants to look fashionable while doing it.
Last but not least, prepare to embrace your inner ghoul with the Minnie Mouse Ghost Ears Headband. These adorable ears feature plush black fabric decorated with Mickey-themed ghosts and stars. They’re embellished with dainty crystals and bead accents, making them sparkle and shine. To top it all off, they have a sequined silver bow that catches the light with every move.
Whether you’re hitting the theme parks or just chilling at home, these ears are the perfect way to show off your love for all things spooky and cute.
Magic Shots Coming to 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
As the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off, Disney PhotoPass is adding new magical elements for guests to enjoy. During a recent media preview, a new prop and two new Magic Shots were revealed, bringing a dash of Disney magic to your festival photos.
Guests can now pose with a whimsical Figment-themed suitcase, perfect for celebrating the spirit of Imagination! The dark green suitcase is adorned with travel decals featuring iconic EPCOT symbols, including a winged lightbulb for the Imagination! Pavilion and Spaceship Earth. This unique prop is a must-have for any Figment fan looking to add a touch of whimsy to their photo album.
This year’s festival also introduces two new Magic Shots, allowing guests to interact with characters from beloved Disney and Pixar films.
Elemental Magic Shot: From the Pixar film Elemental, a new Magic Shot features Ember and her father, Bernie. In the shot, Ember is seen with a small toasted snack, likely the Kol-nuts from the movie, while Bernie stands nearby.
A Goofy Movie Magic Shot: Fans of A Goofy Movie will love this new Magic Shot starring Max and his friend Bobby. Guests are instructed to hold out their hand, and the photo magically fills their palm with a pile of dripping “Cheddar Whizzy,” a nod to the film’s iconic snack.
The new Figment suitcase prop and both Magic Shots will be available throughout the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which runs from August 28 through November 22.
