Level99 Extending Hours at Disney Springs After Strong Opening Demand
Just weeks after opening its doors at Disney Springs, Level99 is already proving to be a hit with guests. Thanks to overwhelming demand, the interactive entertainment venue is expanding its operating hours beginning Monday, July 13, giving visitors even more time to tackle challenges, compete with friends, and enjoy the newest attraction on the West Side.
The updated hours add an extra hour of fun on most days of the week:
Monday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Previously, Level99 closed at 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The 46,000-square-foot venue officially opened on June 29 and has quickly become one of Disney Springs’ most popular new experiences. Inside, guests will find more than 60 physical and mental challenge rooms, competitive duels, and team-based games designed for adults, families, and groups looking for something beyond traditional arcade entertainment.
Level99 now occupies the former NBA Experience building, continuing the evolution of the space that was once home to DisneyQuest. With extended evening hours, guests have even more flexibility to fit a few rounds into their Disney Springs visit, whether it’s after dinner, before a movie, or as the main event for the night.
If you’ve been thinking about checking out the newest addition to Disney Springs, these expanded hours make it even easier to squeeze in “just one more challenge.”
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Our friends at Get Away Today can help you save on Disney resort stays, park tickets, and vacation packages so you can spend more time exploring experiences like Level99 during your next visit.
GEO-82, the all-new 21-plus lounge opening at Walt Disney World on June 4, 2025, pays homage to the year Spaceship Earth opened – 1982 – and will invite guests to sip, savor and unwind while immersed in the legacy of the past, present, and future of EPCOT.
GEO-82 Lounge at EPCOT Preparing to Launch Walk-Up List Option
Scoring a seat inside EPCOT’s exclusive GEO-82 Lounge may soon get a little easier. Disney appears to be preparing to roll out a new walk-up list feature for the popular adults-only lounge, giving guests another chance to experience one of EPCOT’s newest hotspots even without an advance reservation.
GEO-82, the all-new 21-plus lounge opening at Walt Disney World on June 4, 2025, pays homage to the year Spaceship Earth opened – 1982 – and will invite guests to sip, savor and unwind while immersed in the legacy of the past, present, and future of EPCOT.
Guests have spotted a new “Join Walk-Up List” button on the GEO-82 page within the My Disney Experience app. While the feature isn’t active just yet, tapping the button currently displays a message indicating that availability can’t be searched at this time. Disney has used similar soft launches for other dining locations, so its appearance likely means the walk-up list will officially go live in the near future.
Located inside Spaceship Earth in World Celebration, GEO-82 opened in June 2025 as an upscale lounge exclusively for guests ages 21 and older. The venue has become a popular destination thanks to its inventive cocktails, elevated small plates, and sleek atmosphere. Guests looking for an even more premium experience can also book the GEO-82 Fireworks Experience, which includes reserved seating for Luminous: The Symphony of Us along with a tasting tower and Champagne service.
Once the feature officially launches, guests should be able to open the lounge’s page in the My Disney Experience app and join a same-day queue if space is available. While it won’t guarantee immediate seating, it could be a welcome option for those who missed out on reservations or decide on a last-minute visit to EPCOT.
Planning your next EPCOT adventure? Our friends at Get Away Today can help you save on Walt Disney World vacation packages, hotels, and tickets so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your favorite Disney experiences.
Disney Wins Another Property Tax Challenge, Reducing Art of Animation’s Taxable Value
The Walt Disney World Resort has secured another victory in its long-running property tax disputes with the Orange County Property Appraiser, this time involving Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The legal settlements reduce the resort’s assessed market value across multiple tax years and could ultimately result in Disney receiving a refund for taxes it overpaid.
The newly resolved lawsuits cover tax years from 2015 through 2023. Under the agreements, the resort’s “just value,” Florida’s estimate of a property’s market value for taxation, was reduced by approximately 3% in most years. Originally valued between roughly $253 million and $378 million, Art of Animation’s revised value now ranges from about $245 million to $370 million.
In addition to lowering the just value, the settlement also reduced the resort’s assessed value for the 2021 tax year by the same percentage. Altogether, the adjustments account for more than $75 million in reduced property value across the affected years.
While that figure may sound substantial, it does not mean Disney will receive a $75 million refund. Instead, Orange County’s Tax Collector will recalculate the taxes Disney should have paid based on the updated property values. If Disney is found to have overpaid, it will receive a refund for the difference.
Disney has filed numerous property tax challenges over the years involving hotels, attractions, and other properties throughout Walt Disney World, arguing that several of the county’s valuations exceed fair market value. Recent settlements have also reduced valuations for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Planning your next stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or anywhere else at Walt Disney World? Our friends at Get Away Today can help you find the best vacation package, tickets, and hotel deals to make your next magical getaway even more affordable.
Disney Just Dropped a First Look at Exclusive D23 Fan Event Merch
Want to stand out at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa? While a killer cosplay, your go-to Disney tee, or a pin-covered backpack are always great choices, this year’s event (running August 14–16) is bringing the ultimate way to show off your fandom. The Walt Disney Company Store is dropping several brand-new, exclusive merchandise lines created just for the weekend, meaning you can rock the latest and greatest D23 gear right on the convention floor!
The Walt Disney Company Store, in collaboration with the Walt Disney Archives, presents a collection inspired by Walt Disney’s iconic office in Burbank, CA— Walt’s Office, Suite 3H—where creativity and imagination came to life, a tribute to the visionary who started it all.
Disney Epic Rivals
For the universal fan of the Disney classics, this collection celebrates the nostalgia of Disney with a modern look. With a more colorful approach, our Epic Rivals collection showcases some iconic Disney rivals; fan-favorite heroes and villains reimagined through brands like Spirit Jersey, RSVLTS and LUG.
The Walt Disney Studio | Disney Castle
Inspired by the iconic Walt Disney Studios opening castle, this collection features a timeless symbol of magic—beloved across generations and still inspiring today.
Honda Center | Exclusive Merchandise
Debuting at Honda Center—fans will have exclusive access to themed apparel, Loungefly® Mouse Ears, and curated special‑release pins presented across the three-day event.
D23 Boutique
Elevated style for the modern Disney fan, featuring premium assortments from lululemon and Nike.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event | Official Event Merchandise
Your one-stop shop for official event merchandise—a curated expression of Disney magic and style, crafted for dreamers, collectors, and fans alike.
What item(s) do you hope you add to your Disney collection?
Now Open! La Poutinerie Quick-Service Kiosk Debuts at EPCOT
World Showcase just got a massive, mouthwatering upgrade! Just in time for Canada Day, the brand-new La Poutinerie quick-service kiosk has officially opened its doors at EPCOT.
Sponsored by Air Canada, the new spot completely replaces the former Refreshment Port, transforming the highly-trafficked corridor between World Celebration and the Canada Pavilion into an immersive, beautifully themed celebration of Canada’s most delicious comfort food.
The structural makeover is a major step up from the old booth design. The kiosk now features rich stone detailing wrapping the columns, a classic metal standing-seam roof, and a rustic chimney perched on top.
Paying homage to its aviation sponsor, the signage features gold airplane propellers and wings, and the menu carries the tagline: “Ready for Taste Off.”
Even the surrounding landscaping has received a total overhaul. Guests are welcomed by a gorgeous center sculpture of Loon birds flying out of a driftwood structure, nestled in front of a stunning maple tree with vibrant orange and red fall leaves. Surrounding the queue are potted plants representing Canada’s diverse provinces and territories—each complete with a small plaque showcasing the region’s native plant and official flag.
Over the pick-up windows, Disney has installed a retro airport-style split-flap message board that constantly spins to reveal fun Canadian trivia. Air Canada crew members were even on hand for opening day, passing out official mini Air Canada flight wings to celebrating parkgoers! Guests could also pose for photos with a giant novelty boarding pass featuring the opening date and the airport-coded text: “CHZ FRI GVY” (Cheese, Fries, Gravy).
La Poutinerie has completely streamlined its focus to serve what early reviewers are already calling the best fries on Walt Disney World property. The menu features two distinct, heavy-hitting poutine options and specialty sips:
Québec: L’Authentique ($10.99): The gold standard of comfort food. It features thick-cut French fries that are perfectly crispy, piled high with authentic squeaky cheese curds and a rich, savory brown gravy.
Montréal: Viande Fumée ($12.49): An elevated, highly dense portion that’s perfect for sharing. This one tops those crispy fries and cheese curds with deeply flavorful smoked meat (reminiscent of the pastrami over at Regal Eagle), tart pickles, and a tangy mustard gravy.
On the Beverage Menu:
Spiced Apple Slushy ($6.29): A non-alcoholic frozen blend of ginger beer, zesty lime, and warm spiced apple.
Spiced Apple Mule ($14.50): The adult version of the slushy, featuring Iceberg Canadian Vodka that perfectly cuts the ginger spice for a ultra-refreshing summer sip.
Canadian Brews: Guests can also grab a premium Unibroue La Fin du Monde Belgian-style Tripel Ale ($14.00) or a crisp Molson Canadian Lager ($10.75).
The kiosk is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and accepts the Disney Dining Plan (though note that Mobile Ordering is not available here just yet). Be sure to stop by and grab a fork on your next trip around the world!
If you want to head to the Canada Pavilion to try this new eatery, contact our partners at Get Away Today!
La Poutinerie Quick-Service Kiosk Added to New EPCOT Park Map
EPCOT has officially debuted a brand-new park map for July 2026, and it features a major update for World Showcase foodies! La Poutinerie, the highly anticipated quick-service kiosk hosted by Air Canada, has officially taken its permanent place on the map guide.
The new snack spot, which officially opened its windows to guests on July 1 (Canada Day), replaces the long-standing Refreshment Port.
While the location itself isn’t physically new—sitting right at the gateway between World Showcase and World Celebration—its status on the map has changed significantly.
Previously, Refreshment Port was listed under generic, standalone dining on the guide map. Now, the location has been completely rethemed, given a fresh, beautiful layout, and is officially recognized as a permanent part of the Canada Pavilion at Number 80.
The new map features a vibrant cover showcasing children watching EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us. Inside, the entire guide has been rearranged, featuring updated “EPCOT at Night” promotional sections and a fully refreshed map key that includes La Poutinerie’s new name and number.
Sponsored by Air Canada (the Official Canadian Airline of Walt Disney World), the revamped kiosk features beautiful aviation and Canadian-inspired touches, including a working split-flap airport message board over the pick-up window that spins to reveal fun Canada trivia.
The menu narrows its focus strictly to mastering two incredible versions of the classic Canadian comfort dish:
Québec: L’Authentique ($10.99): The traditional favorite featuring crispy French fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich brown gravy.
Montréal: Viande Fumée ($12.49): A heavy-hitting upgrade featuring French fries, cheese curds, savory smoked meat, pickles, and a tangy mustard gravy.
You can also wash it all down with specialty drinks like the alcoholic Spiced Apple Mule or grab a classic Molson Canadian Lager.
Ready to book your next visit to Epcot to try the new kiosk? Contact our partners at Get Away Today!
See the Stunning, Clear New View of Spaceship Earth at Epcot
If you are planning a trip to EPCOT soon, your morning arrival photo is going to look a little bit different—and a lot more iconic!
Disney has recently removed several trees from the main garden bed right at the park’s front entrance, opening up a completely unobstructed, breathtaking view of Spaceship Earth.
The trees, which appear to have been Shumard oaks, were located front and center in the main planter just past the tap-stiles. While the greenery added a lovely touch of nature, when those oaks were in full bloom, they heavily blocked the lower half of EPCOT’s legendary geosphere.
With those trees gone, guests now have a perfectly clear line of sight to the park’s icon the absolute second they step through the gates. It makes the entire entrance feel grander, more open, and reminds us of the classic EPCOT layout.
Don’t worry, the entrance hasn’t lost its color! The garden bed is still beautifully manicured and full of life, currently featuring a vibrant sea of red and white flowers alongside the remaining low shrubbery.
Because Disney landscaping is always evolving, it is highly possible that new, lower-profile trees or alternative greenery will be planted in the space down the road. For now, though, Disney photographers and guests alike are enjoying the clean, postcard-perfect views.
What do you think of the new look? Contact our partners at Get Away Today to book your next visit to Epcot!
Disneyland Offers Sneak Peek at Gordon Ramsay’s New Restaurant
Exciting news for foodies and Disney fans alike! Disney has officially shared a first look at the highly anticipated Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, coming soon to the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.
Construction has been underway throughout the year, and the newly released images give us a stunning glimpse of what to expect when the doors finally open.
The new dining spot draws heavy inspiration from London’s famous Carnaby Street during the height of the 1960s cultural revolution. Guests can look forward to immersive, plush interiors, iconic British pop art, and a vibrant soundtrack featuring classic British Invasion rock bands.
The restaurant is designed to offer multiple dining experiences, featuring a dedicated bar area, signature cozy booths, and two outdoor terraces perfect for catching those Southern California breezes.
Chef Gordon Ramsay shared his enthusiasm for the new project:
“All eyes were on London in the 1960s, a full-on fantastic technicolour scene of people going out and having fun. We are bringing those cool vibes to Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby. Stunning interiors, incredible food and great music, whether it’s date night or dinner with friends or family, The Carnaby is going to bring the very best of cool Britannia to Downtown Disney District.”
True to Ramsay’s roots, the menu will pay homage to classic British fare. Diners can expect to see his world-renowned signature dishes, including:
Beef Wellington
Fish and Chips
Sticky Toffee Pudding
To round out the meal, the restaurant will feature an extensive list of curated wines and beers, alongside a unique selection of signature cocktails. For an added layer of entertainment, select evenings will feature live music after dark.
Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby will sit directly above the newly relocated Earl of Sandwich, making this corner of Downtown Disney a major hub for incredible eats.
While an exact opening date hasn’t been set, Disney notes that the restaurant is “opening soon,” meaning it won’t be long before you can grab a table and experience a taste of cool Britannia yourself.
Ready to visit Disneyland and experience this new restaurant? Contact our partners at Get Away Today to book your trip!
Grab the New Big Thunder Mountain Little Golden Book on Amazon Now!
Hold onto your hats and glasses because the wildest ride in the wilderness just got the ultimate nostalgic glow up! The highly anticipated Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Little Golden Book has officially arrived for $5.58 on Amazon, and it is every bit as charming as you’d hope. If you’ve ever wanted to take the magic of the iconic Disney Parks attraction home with you, minus the actual runaway train panic, this is your chance.
This beautifully illustrated book lets you and your little ones race through a haunted gold mine, duck away from tumbling boulders, and keep a sharp eye out for long-forgotten treasures scattered across the frontier. It perfectly captures the thrilling, Wild West themed vibe of the coaster. Disney lovers of all ages are going to obsess over the gorgeous artwork that brings the classic park lore to life on every single page.
Let’s be honest, Little Golden Books are an absolute staple with basically 100% consumer recognition, seamlessly blending hot modern licenses with the timeless, gold spined classics of tomorrow. The best part? Adding this beauty to your shelf won’t break the bank. You can grab your copy right now on Amazon for just $5.58.
Whether it’s a gift for a tiny park-hopper in training or a fun addition to your own Disney collection, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your cart before it chugs away!
New Mickey and Minnie Mouse Cinderella Castle Bank To Stash Your Cash!
If you’re already dreaming about your next trip to Walt Disney World, it’s time to start counting those pennies and we found the absolute cutest way to do it. The new Mickey and Minnie Mouse Cinderella Castle Bank has officially dropped online at the Disney Store, and it is the perfect desk companion to help you build up that vacation fund. Retailing for just $19.99, this little gem proves you don’t have to break the bank just to buy one!
This isn’t your average, run of the mill piggy bank, either. It’s a fully sculpted, incredibly detailed miniature version of Cinderella Castle, featuring everyone’s favorite power couple, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, hanging out right upfront. But the coolest part? There is a translucent Mickey mouse icon built right into the castle that displays a fireworks show over Fantasyland whenever you drop your coins into the slot on the center turret. Talk about some instant gratification for saving your money!
Whether you’re trying to teach the kiddos the value of saving up for their own theme park souvenirs, or you’re an adult trying to budget for that next magical getaway, this bank makes stashing your cash way more fun. And don’t worry about having to smash your beautiful new castle when it’s finally full; it comes with a super convenient twist-lock stopper on the bottom so you can let the gold and silver pour out for easy counting. Head over to the Disney Store website and grab yours before they sell out!
Play Your Music and Rock Your Style With The New Camp Rock Cropped Baseball Jersey!
Hey camp rockers, it’s time to channel your inner Mitchie Torres or Shane Gray and get ready to rock! If you still know all the words to “Play My Music” and let’s be real, who doesn’t?, BoxLunch just dropped the ultimate piece of nostalgic merch that belongs in your closet immediately. Say hello to the Camp Rock Connect 3 Cropped Baseball Jersey.
It features a super cute, trendy cropped fit with classic striped details along the sleeves and collar, making it the perfect blend of sporty and early 2000s Disney Channel chic. The front proudly sports the iconic Camp Rock film logo so everyone knows exactly where your loyalties lie. But the real showstopper is on the back, a gorgeous, high-quality embroidered “Connect 3” design that pays perfect homage to Shane, Nate, and Jason.
Whether you’re heading to a concert, jamming out in your bedroom, or just looking for the ultimate casual game day fit, this jersey brings all the main character energy. It retails for $54.90 and is available exclusively at BoxLunch.com. Don’t waste time to grab one, snag yours before they’re gone and get ready to rock summer camp style all year round!
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is debuting “Pixar Pals Spectacular” this summer, a brand-new nighttime show celebrating friendship. Exclusive to the resort as part of its first-ever Pixar Summer Fest, this innovative storytelling experience transforms the Castle of Magical Dreams and Main Street, U.S.A. with dazzling drones, immersive projections, giant inflatables, fountains, lasers, and music.
To learn more about the creative vision behind this ambitious production, we spoke with members of the Disney Live Entertainment team who helped bring “Pixar Pals Spectacular” to life: Creative Director Christie Evangelisto, Show Director Matt Coombes, and Producer Laetitia Lee.
From the very first moments of “Pixar Pals Spectacular,” guests are immersed in a world where Pixar’s most beloved friendships unfold across the night sky.
The journey begins with the iconic Pixar Lamp and Ball appearing above the park through synchronized drone choreography before guests are swept into unforgettable stories featuring Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars, Carl and Russell from Up, Marlin and Dory from Finding Nemo, and many more.
“Friendship is a theme that runs throughout all our lives, from our very earliest memories through our formative years into adulthood, where our friends shape who we are,” Matt Coombes shared. “We had a lot of fun discussing the friendships from the Pixar canon that would resonate the most with our guests, as well as those moments which had the most emotional weight.”
That emotional journey is intentionally woven throughout the show, taking guests from the playful beginnings of friendship in Toy Story to the touching moments of WALL·E, Inside Out, Turning Red, and more.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Pixar Pals Spectacular” is its scale. Rather than focusing solely on the castle, the creative team transformed both the Castle of Magical Dreams and the entirety of Main Street, U.S.A. into an expansive storytelling canvas.
Throughout the experience, guests can see Pixar stories take shape before them as doors from Monsters, Inc. swing open, waves from Finding Nemo ripple across buildings, the colorful world of Up fills the sky, and the high-energy excitement of Cars races through the park.
“We leaned into the art of Pixar as our inspiration to allow us to transform the architecture in a fun and surprising way,” Matt explained. “The credit sequences of many Pixar films provided fantastic artistic inspiration for these projections and animations.”
The result is an immersive experience that continuously evolves, creating moments of discovery from beginning to end.
At Disney Live Entertainment, technology serves the story and “Pixar Pals Spectacular” showcases what can happen when creative and technical teams unite behind a single vision. The production combines projection mapping, lighting, fountains, lasers, drones, inflatable character figures, and original arrangements of beloved Pixar music into one seamless experience.
Producer Laetitia Lee describes the process as creating a shared visual language across every storytelling medium.
“The show began as a unified story — defining mood, scale, and emotional flow before any technology was selected,” said Laetitia. “The focus was on layering imagery, movement, and rhythm into one cohesive canvas, ensuring every discipline contributes to a single, immersive experience.”
One standout example arrives during The Incredibles sequence, where projections, drones, lasers, lighting effects, and fountain projections work together to place guests in the middle of the action.
Above, the night sky becomes a new stage for storytelling as guests witness larger-than-life drone moments inspired by Pixar icons, including the Pixar Lamp and Ball, the balloon house from Up, and memory-inspired imagery from Inside Out.
Pixar’s stories have connected with audiences around the globe for decades because they capture universal emotions and experiences. That spirit guided the creative team throughout the development process.
“What makes Pixar storytelling so timeless is that it always speaks directly to the human experience,” Christie shared. “No matter your age, culture, or background, you see your own self reflected in their stories and characters.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout “Pixar Pals Spectacular,” which brings together classics like Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. alongside newer stories such as Turning Red and Inside Out — even characters from Toy Story 5, which is currently in theaters, can been seen in the show!
“The most rewarding part has been bridging generations,” said Laetitia. “Seeing characters from Toy Story or Up coexist seamlessly with Turning Red and Inside Out creates a shared emotional experience across ages.”
Hong Kong Disneyland Pixar Pals Spectacular As the grand finale unfolds, Pixar friendships from every era come together in a spectacular crescendo of lights, music, projections, drones, fountains, and surprise character inflatables stretching down Main Street, U.S.A. Guests are surrounded by stories that remind us all that life’s greatest adventures are the people we share them with.
As Matt noted, “We hope for guests to see themselves in the stories playing on the castle and along Main Street, U.S.A. We hope they can find connection and representation in the incredible volume of stories and characters featured in the show.”
Don’t miss “Pixar Pals Spectacular” this summer at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort during Pixar Summer Fest, now through August 31, 2026.
