It seems Astro Orbiter in Disney’s Magic Kingdom has temporarily lost its orbital track. A week ago the ride was unable to open, as usual. The days to follow it was closed down for unscheduled maintenance. Disney now officially states that it is closed down for refurbishment. Their website and, the My Disney Experience App now reflect this change.
Astro Orbiter flies high above the sky as you piolet your own rocket ship in Tomorrowland, just above the People Mover. It is slated to reopen on August 15th as long as nothing else tries to knock it out of orbit. The last time it had major refurbishments dated back to 2014 where it received a new and improved color scheme.
With Tomorrowland receiving some big changes with the highly anticipated Tron ride for example, and new color palate, perhaps it also will follow suit during this refurbishment. You might notice something else in Tomorrowland a bit out of sorts. Its main entrance sign has also come down and a new one is on its way. Disney prefers to have maintenance planned and scheduled in advance, so it will be curious to see what changes if any they make cosmetically to the ride, or if the maintenance will solely be mechanical to get the rockets up and back into orbit as soon as possible.
Check back with @ChipandCo for any change to the status of Astro Orbiter. Keep your eyes on the lookout for all the changes and improvements coming to Disney’s Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland.
Javier Bardem is up for the role of King Triton in Disney’s upcoming rendition of “The Little Mermaid”.
The cast for “The Little Mermaid” has been filling up quickly. Halle Bailey will play Ariel, Awkwafina will star as Scuttle, and Jacob Tremblay will portray Flounder in the film. Lastly, Melissa McCarthy is the front runner for the role of Ursula!
This leaves the roles of King Triton, Prince Eric, Flotsam, Jetsam, and Sebastian left to be filled. Javier Bardem could be filling the role of Ariel’s father, King Triton! According to “Deadline”, Bardem is up for the role of the strictest dad in the sea.
The director of “Chicago” and “Mary Poppins Returns”, Rob Marshall, will direct the new version of “The Little Mermaid”. Marshall will be joined by David Magee (“Finding Neverland”, “Life of Pi”) and Jane Goldman (“Kick-Ass”, “X-Men: First Class”) for the script.
The film will feature the classic, favorite songs from the 1989 animated version along with new pieces by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Aside from possibly starring in “The Little Mermaid”, you can see Javier Bardem on the big screen in “Dune”. This film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and stars Jason Momoa, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and more.
Disney has a current trend of transforming beloved, animated movies into live-action films. Live-action versions of “Aladdin”, “Dumbo”, and “The Lion King” have all released in 2019. What do you think a live-action “The Little Mermaid” will be like?
Stay tuned for a release date of the new “The Little Mermaid”!
We had the honor of being invited to Terralina Crafted Italian’s Wine Dinner with Executive Chef Justin Plank. This is a special dinner that has a four-course meal with Italian wine pairings. It is a special ticket event. There are a couple restaurants in Disney Springs that participate monthly. The next one at Terralina is on August 14th, you can purchase tickets for that here. This was an excellent dinner and enjoyable intimate atmosphere.
About Terralina Crafted Italian
The restaurant is located in Disney Springs in The Landing and next door Paddlefish. The atmosphere is classic Italian with a cozy fireplace, old rock face walls, and stone flooring. It was exactly how you would picture an Italian restaurant to be. The restaurant seemed nice and casual and a nice spot to dine at Disney Springs.
There is a regular menu beyond the special wine pairing event that looked equally delicious. As the usual Walt Disney World dining goes it’s recommended to have reservations prior.
The Four-Course Wine Pairing
Of course the reason we were invited was to enjoy their special four-course dinner with Italian Wine pairings. When we arrived the Executive Chef Justin Plank came out and described the dishes he had prepared for us. They also explained the wine pairings and where each part of Italy the wine had originated.
Our first course was a Seared Ahi Tuna over Roasted Eggplant and Olive Tapanade. This was paired with a Gavi Di Gavi from Piemonte, Italy.
This meal was delicious and with each course, there was a generous helping. I really enjoyed the flavors and the Ahi Tina was mouth- watering.
The next course was a Fresh Artichoke Risotto with Pecorino Romano and Baby Heirloom Tomatoes. It was paired with a Grenache from Toscana.
This was probably my favorite dish of the night. The heirloom tomatoes helped balance the saltiness of the Risotto and there were large pieces of artichoke throughout.
The third course was a Braised Veal Ragu with Calabrian Chilis, Golden Raisins over Creamy Polenta Topped with Whipped Goat Cheese. The meal was paired with a Sagrantino Di Montefalco from Umbria, Italy.
This course was a little spicy but still delicious. I wanted to note that a couple across from me did not eat veal and let the chef know when they booked this event. Terralina was very accommodating and they were brought out some scallops in place.
Lastly, we got to enjoy the dessert course. It was a Zabaglione with Fresh Berries and Grapes. The final wine was a Vino Passito from Sicilia.
I was pleased the dessert was light and fresh. After being so full from three full courses it was a nice way to end the night. The wine was also my favorite of the night with hints of fig.
Overall Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised with the menu from this special meal and wine pairing. It was different from your typical Italian dinner. The choices that Chef Justin Plank chose were delicious and cooked amazingly. I would definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a night out at Disney Springs. It was a nice evening for couples and the price is fantastic considering the large amount of food and drinks you get. The next opportunity to experience a dinner like this at Terralina Crafted Italian is August 14th. The Chef will be James Beard Winning Chef Tony Mantuano. Keep in mind there will be a different menu with a different chef. Tickets are $110 per guest and once again can be purchased here. To book a regular dining reservation you can do that through Disney’s website here.
Thank you again to Terralina Crafted Italian for inviting us to experience this unique and delicious dinner. It was definitely an amazing experience and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Marvel Announces New Ghost Rider Comic Book Series. The new series will focus on Johnny Blaze and Denny Ketch return and help Robbie Reyes who currently holds the mantle of Ghost Rider.
Ed Brisson (X-Force) is set to write the series with Aaron Kuder (Guardians of the Galaxy) doing illustrations for the new Marvel Comic series. Marvel is expected to launch the new Ghost Rider series in October 2019.
Marvel gives this description for the new series: “The Brothers Ghost Rider are back! Johnny Blaze ain’t just the king of Hell—he’s the warden too. He’s the first line of defense between the demonic hordes trying to escape the joint and the lords of other hells making a play for his throne and all the power that comes with it – including a certain evil queen from his past! Meanwhile, Danny Ketch never wanted to be a Ghost Rider. Now that his brother’s in charge downstairs, Ketch must take on the duty of Earth’s Spirit of Vengeance full-time—no matter how much he’d rather be doing anything else… Superstar creative team ED BRISSON (EXTERMINATION) and AARON KUDER (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) redefine the Marvel Universe’s supernatural underbelly for a brutal new era! PLUS: the first installment of the Caretaker Chronicles! Forget everything you thought you knew!
According to Comicbook.com, “Johnny’s ascension to the throne of Hell came after Doctor Strange used borrowed Asgardian magic to try to resurrect Las Vegas and all of its residents and tourists who died there in Hydra’s attack during the Secret Empire event. Strange’s good intentions backfired. He succeeded in raising Las Vegas, but Hell came up with it, turning the City of Sin into Hell on Earth.Wong assembled a team to try to undo his master’s mistake. He gave Johnny a special mission, sending him to Mephisto’s tower. Mephisto killed Johnny, sending him to hell. This turned out to be part of Wong’s plan. With Mephisto on Earth, Johnny was able to claim the empty throne of Hell. Johnny has reigned there ever since, even offering the current Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes, a hand when the Avengers were under attack by the Legion of the Unliving.”
Comic Book fans, be on the lookout for new Ghost Rider comics starting this October!
Always let your conscience be your guide, is the theme of this month’s Disney Wisdom collection! The new Jiminy Cricket Disney Wisdom collectible series is inspired by the wise words spoken in the classic Pinocchio film.
Launching on July 20, Series 7, will feature the wise and level-headed Jiminy Cricket from Disney’s Pinocchio. Each month fans can discover a new character, color and quote as part of the new Disney Wisdom series. Fans will find a new plush, mug, journal, and set of pins both in store and online, with a t-shirt and art print also available exclusively online.
Disney Wisdom Plush – : $26.95
Give a little whistle for Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy’s enduring quote embroidered on this special edition plush from the Disney Wisdom Collection.
Disney Wisdom Mug – $18.95
”Always let your conscience be your guide.” The Blue Fairy and Jiminy Cricket share words to life by on this limited edition mug.
Disney Wisdom Pin Set – $16.95
Jiminy Cricket and Figaro share wisdom in this collectible pin set sharing sage advice from the Blue Fairy.
Disney Wisdom Journal – $16.95
You can follow the guidance of your conscience when jotting down your thoughts in this limited release Disney Wisdom journal featuring the inspirational quote from Pinocchio.
The inspirational Jiminy Cricket Disney Wisdom Collectible series will be available online and in store beginning Saturday July 20th.
Stay tuned for August for Bambi, and the iconic quote from Thumper “If you CAN’T say something NICE, don’t say NOTHING at all!”
Drop what you’re doing and head over to Walt Disney World’s All-Star Movies Resort. You’ll thank us later. It’s time to discover Disney’s next great late-night snack: the all-new Cinema Popcorn Caramel Sundae has arrived!
This sundae starts with a base of caramel popcorn (and caramel sauce), layered with Dulce de Leche ice cream, more caramel popcorn, whipped cream, and another drizzle of caramel sauce. Oh my! It’s worth noting that Dulce de Leche is not among the regular flavors offered and is only available in this sundae.
What makes this the perfect sundae is the balance it has achieved between sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. Every bite can be loaded with ice cream and popcorn, the ideal blend. But dig in fast! The whipped cream on top is piled so high it’s likely to fall off before you find a place to sit.
At $6.99, the sundae isn’t one of the cheapest options on the menu, but it’s definitely the most bang for your buck. We ordered ours in the keepsake mug for an extra $3 (because let’s face it, we only ever want to eat ice cream out of this from now on) and were able to split it and still be satisfied. In truth, the popcorn makes it more filling than a regular sundae, and the caramel adds enough sweetness to satiate your sweet tooth. The only people who won’t like this sundae are the diners sitting at the next table who can’t keep their eyes away.
You can find this sundae over at the World Premiere Food Court, just look for the sign that says “Rialto.” Whether you’re staying at the All-Star Movies Resort or not, you’ll want to make a special trip over to try this one. We’re sure glad we did!
You may have heard of “Around the World in 80 days”. But you probably have never heard of Around the USA in 12 hours. During this summer you can make your way through the Disneyland Resorts and experience different parts of America. It’s kind of like Epcot but only celebrating the United States. The celebration incorporates multiple iconic American foods into your experience.
One moment you can enjoy a delicious Barbecue meal and when you’re ready for dessert you can stroll down to the New Orleans Square and enjoy one of Princess Tiana’s favorite hometown treats Beignets. Beignets are pillowy squares of fried dough that are served still warm and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Attractions
Pirates of the Caribbean
While you are in the area you can also live your pirate dreams while riding “Pirates Of The Caribbean”. Even if you don’t particularly love swashbuckling pirates; you can still enjoy a boat ride in the air conditioning as you digest all of those carbs.
Davey Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
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Long ago were the days of Davy Crocket or as he also known as the “King of the Wild Frontier”. If you want to feel like you were a part of the Wild West you can hop a ride on “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” and row across the “Rivers of America”. The “Rivers of America” are “Rugged landscapes inspired by 4 of America’s majestic rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, Missouri, and the Rio Grande. Each is carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, wildlife, and picturesque waterfalls.” – Disneyland.disney.go.com As you paddle your way down the river you may hear the train horn as it blows in the distance.
The Disneyland Railroad
Once you cross the “Rivers of America” you can catch a ride on the “Disneyland Railroad”. While onboard, you can catch a glimpse of 5 different waterfalls and listen to a history lesson about the frontier. Just like where “Big Thunder Mountain” is inspired to be from. Another American landmark you can see while on the Disneyland Railroad, is the Grand Canyon. While traveling along the rails you can view the Disney version of the canyon as it looks today. You can also take a journey back in time to see what it may have looked like in the Jurassic Period.
Jessie’s Critter Corner
While exploring the USA you may decide to pop on over to the “Pixar Pier” in “Disney’s California Adventure”, to trade in your regular shoes with cowboy boots, when you ride “Jessie’s Critter Carousel”.
Cars Land
“Get your Kicks on Route 66”, when you travel across the park to Cars Land. Radiator Springs is just a pitstop away from the famous highway “Route 66”. In California Adventure you can see a replica of the town as well as three different attractions; Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree,Radiator Springs Racers, and Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters.
Grizzly River Run & Soarin’ through California
The Last two attractions for touring America you’ll find in Disneyland are the Grizzly River Run and Soarin’ through California.Soarin’ through California is a way to see famous California Sights from a birds-eye view. While the Grizzly River Run is a river raft ride deep in the rivers of the California mountains.
America’s Favorite Superhero
One last American sight to see in Disney California Adventures is Mr. America himself, also known as Captain America. Just in case you forgot that Disney bought Marvel, you can catch Captain America strolling along Hollywood Land. Even though it may not be “The Chris Evans” but you could consider this guy a close second.
So you wanna dress like an American?
There are many spots within the parks that you can purchase Americana themed items. Such as Spirit Jerseys, Mickey Ears, and plushies.
If you want, you can hop on a Disney bus and take a trip to the Downtown Disney Resort. Where you can visit Curl Surf shop and purchase the other USA themed merchandise until the end of July.
Do you want to snack like an American?
If while you’re in Downtown Disney you start to feel famished you can grab a snack. The Wetzel’s pretzels have a new Frozen Cherry Boba Lemonade, Boba is the popping pearls. Until the end of July, you can enjoy new summer berry ice creams at Salt and Straw. This list entails; Birthday Cakes & Blackberries flavor, Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero flavor and Fresh Sheep’s Cheese.
Are you a Disney history Buff?
Maybe you are a diehard Disney fan, or maybe you just want to prepare for some Disney Trivia? What’s a better way to learn about Disney history than to experience it first hand?
In 2019 Disneyland celebrates many different anniversaries, July 17th is the park’s 64th Birthday. July 17th is also Splash Mountain’s 30th anniversary. “The Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Submarine attractions celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 14” –Disneylandnews.com The last attraction with an anniversary in the summer is the Haunted Mansion which is turning 50 years old.
Lastly, if you have a keen interest of American History. “Guests can head over to Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., to see the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction, which continues to inspire generations of guests with inspirational storytelling, a famous speech and a salute to President Abraham Lincoln.” –Disneylandnews.com
After a full day of Park Hopping around Disneyland Resorts, you’ll feel like you traveled the country in just a matter of hours.
Something devious and wicked has materialized on shopDisney! New Hocus Pocus Merchandise featuring our favorite wicked Sanderson Sisters is now available to get us ready for the witching season! Hauntingly cute treasures are ready to put a spell on us, including a new purse, Spirit Jersey, and more!
You can also stack up the wicked cuteness with the Hocus Pocus ”Tsum Tsum” Plush Set. The stackably soft spellbinding Sanderson sisters, Winifred, Mary, and Sarah, come in a special presentation box.
Fashionable witches will adore this wicked compact mirror. It has both a standard side and a magnifying side, plus haunting cloisonné details, and a bewitching illustration of the Sanderson Sisters on the cover.
We did mention a Spirit Jersey! Run amuck, amuck, amuck in comfort and style with this spellbinding Hocus Pocus Spirit Jersey. The black and purple tie-dye give this jersey an eerie look, while gold screen gives an enchanting vibe.
Loungefly never fails to disappoint with new character handbag designs. The Hocus Pocus Loungefly Bag features the Sanderson Sisters conjouring up a colorful fashion statement on the front, while Binx the cat keeps watch on the back. It even has a removable puple pvc appliqué tarot charm.
You can find all of these spellbinding new Hocus Pocus Merchandise finds and more on shopDisney now!
SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer just got hotter with the announcement of a new weekend concert series and the return for a limited time of the popular Fun Card. Today, the park announced a surprise four-weekend series of concerts, beginning July 20. The indoor series, which is free with theme park admission, will be held in Nautilus Theatre twice daily on both Saturdays and Sundays. For the best seat in the house, guests can purchase reserved and VIP seating for select performances. A limited number of reserved and VIP seating options and packages are available online at seaworld.com/orlando/events/summer-concert-series/.
Hurry and get your reserved and VIP seats and packages now before they sell out!
SeaWorld Summer Concert Series:
Colt Ford— July 20-21
Vertical Horizon— July 27-28
Jefferson Starship— August 3-4
Blood, Sweat and Tears— August 10-11
Pay for Less Than a Day, Play for the Rest of the Year:
For a limited time, the popular Fun Card is back! Guests can pay for less than a day and play for the rest of the year with the purchase of a Fun Card, valid for park entrance through the end of 2019[1]. Included with Fun Card admission, guests will be able to enjoy for free all of SeaWorld Orlando’s exciting, award winning events through the end of 2019: Praise Wave, Craft Beer Festival, Spooktacular and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. SeaWorld Orlando Fun Cards can be purchased RIGHT NOW for LESS THAN THE PRICE OF A DAY at the incredibly low price of ONLY $79.99 and a Two-Park Fun Card for SeaWorld and Aquatica is available for LESS THAN THE PRICE OF A DAY at the incredibly low price ofONLY $99.99. For details, visithttps://seaworld.com/orlando/limited-time-offers/
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Seven Seas Food Festival details and information.
[1] Limited, select blackout dates apply. See details for more information.
Ever wondered if you’d one day be able to find the music of your favorite talking animals, courageous princesses, and adventurous superheroes all in one place? With Spotify’s new Disney Hub you can find all that—and more—right from the search bar.
Dreams really do come true.
Starting July 17, users in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can search “Disney” on Spotify to find a designated hub for the music behind some of their favorite Disney movies and TV shows. Stream playlists full of everything from The Little Mermaid to modern favorites like Frozen, to Star Wars instrumentals, and even Marvel movie soundtracks. Plus, Disney compilations made for every part of your day—road trip, shower, or sleep time—will help ensure your life is nothing short of magical.
So don your Mickey Mouse ears and get ready to listen to some of the Disney playlists on the new hub. Here’s a look at a few of our favorites:
Disney Hits
Stream Disney Hits to hear the top songs from the biggest Disney and Pixar films.
Disney Favorites
Like Disney Hits, Disney Favorites will have everyone’s favorite current tunes, plus the ones you loved when you were a child. (You’ve still got a friend in me.)
Disney Classics
Kick back with Disney Classics, a nostalgic playlist that includes songs from the Disney Parks, live action and animated classic soundtracks, and songs from Disney Channel originals movies.
Disney Sing-Alongs
From the shower to the car, Disney songs that you can’t help but sing-along to.
Disney Princess
From Belle to Cinderella to Ariel to Moana, Disney Princess has the love ballads as well as the coming-of-age breakaways.
Marvel Music
All the best songs and scores from all your favorite Marvel films and shows.
The Best of Star Wars
Enter, Darth Vader.
Stay tuned for more of your favorites — the Disney Hub will be updated with additional content as it roars across the screen this summer and throughout the year.
Summer has arrived at the Disneyland Resort in sunny California! If you’re looking to beat the heat, we have a list of the best summer treats to stay cool at Disneyland.
Starting with the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where you can party with DJ R3X and sip on some fun concoctions.
No Disney day is complete without a pineapple Dole Whip. Try the Tropical Hideaway for different variations of the dole whip, including raspberry flavor. Yum!
Drive on down to Route 66 in Carsland for some fun treats. At the Cozy Cone, try a Red’s Apple Freeze, which is sure to cool you down after a big race.
Next, make your way to the Pixar Pier. Stop at Lamplight Lounge and take in all the sights and sounds of the pier while enjoying some creative cocktails.
Across the way, is the Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats counter. Grab a lemon soft serve or one of our favorites, the Pixar Pier Parfait!
Last, the parks are not the only places to get a cool treat. The Downtown Disney District is filled with plenty of options to cool down away from the rays.
Stop by Black Tap in Downtown Disney to get your hands on one of their Crazy Shakes. Their name says it all. These shakes are filled with so much good stuff, which makes them perfect for sharing.
If you want something fruity and delicious, grab a smoothie or juice from Jamba Juice. With so many choices and flavors, you can’t go wrong!
What’s your favorite Disneyland treat to cool down with? Let us know in the comments!
We all love going to Disney for the awesome rides, adorable characters, great shopping and well…food!!
When it comes to desserts and drinks, Disney don’t disappoint, and this summer is no exception.
Stay cool this summer with these hidden gems available throughout the Walt Disney World resort!
Magic Kingdom Park:
It’s a Party! Sundae and the Sugar Cookie Sandwich available through July 31th at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.
Can’t miss the opportunity to try one of the delicious soft serve like a Dole Whip Pineapple at Aloha Isle, an Orange-Vanilla Swirl and Redd’s Revenge Float with strawberry soft-serve and Fanta Strawberry at Sunshine Tree Terrace, a Dole Whip – Lemon and Lime at Storybook Treats and the newest 2319 Cone with mango vanilla swirl soft serve at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies.
A Space Ranger Slush at The Launching Pad or Wonderland Slush at Cheshire Café.
Epcot:
Specialty beverages like the Awesome Mix Slushy, the I Am Root root beer float, the Destroyer Punch or the Galaxy Juice at Fife & Drum for “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! available through August 18th.
Enjoy delicious Italian Gelato from Gelati in the Italy pavilion.
Kakigōri (Japanese shaved ice) from Kabuki Cafe in the Japan pavilion.
Try unique flavors of ice cream and macaron ice cream sandwiches at L’Artisan des Glaces in the France pavilion.
Say Hakuna Matata with the No Worries Panna Cotta (raspberry, papaya, and mango panna cotta with cookie crumbles and white chocolate!) at Refreshment Outpost.
Frozen Pimm’s Lemonade at the UK Beer Cart made with frozen Minute Maid Lemonade, Sprite and gin.
Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade at The Land Cart or a Blueberry Slushy at the Canada Popcorn Cart.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Build your own sundae with the new Burgers and Sundaes experience at Restaurantosaurus starting August 18th.
Celebrate the release of Disney’s The Lion King with the Simba Ice Cream Sandwich, Simba’s Sunset Dole Whip, the King’s Cooler, the Asante Slush or the Bugs ‘n Grub Waffle Cone (slimy yet satisfying!).
Scrooge McDuck’s Billionaire Bacon Caramel Sundae in DinoLand U.S.A.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Enjoy a milkshake from Dockside Diner.
Delicious ice cream, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches from Hollywood Scoops.
Have an incredible Frozone Slush (Fanta Blue Raspberry with whipped cream) or the Secret Identity (Frozen Coca-Cola with cherry cotton candy) from the Neighborhood Bakery.
Choose a refreshing Green Alien drink with the Mystic Portal Punch at Woody’s Lunch Box.
Disney Springs:
Don’t forget to try one of the many specialty beverages and desserts available through Sept 2nd for Disney Springs Flavors of Florida 2019 like the Violet Sake Slushie from YeSake.
Enjoy a delicious artisanal shake like the S’mores Gelato Shake or the Salted Caramel Gelato Shake from D-Luxe Burger.
Have you tried any of these? Tell us which ones are your favorites!!
