The attraction is slated to reopen later this year, though Disney has not yet announced a specific return date. While the planned work is described as standard maintenance with no major changes to the ride experience officially revealed, unofficial sources suggest we might see upgrades to the video display screens in the vehicles and new projection systems installed.
Spaceship Earth remains EPCOT’s iconic centerpiece, inviting guests on an illuminating journey through the history of human communication within its signature geodesic sphere. This upcoming downtime for refurbishment follows similar short-term closures in previous years, which were used to refresh the attraction’s lighting, ride systems, and show scenes.
Glow Big or Go Home: The Minnie Mouse Glow-in-the-Dark Ear Headband is Here!
Ready to light up the night (and your accessory game)? Get ready to sparkle with the Minnie Mouse Glow in the Dark Firework Ear Headband by BaubleBar, because these aren’t your grandma’s Minnie ears!
For just $44.99, you can snag these super cool ears at Baublebar.com and instantly elevate your Disney style. We’re talking plush, comfy ears that feature awesome embroidered fireworks. But here’s the best part: those fireworks glow in the dark! Imagine rocking these at a night parade or a late-night park stroll, you’ll be an instant glowing sensation.
And let’s talk about that bow! It’s sheer and totally fun, filled with loose sequins that shimmy and shake as you move. It adds just the right amount of extra sparkle without being over the top. Plus, these ears are designed to be lightweight, so you can wear them comfortably all day and night without any fuss.
Whether you’re hitting up a Disney park, heading to a party, or just want to add some magical flair to your everyday look, these Minnie Mouse ears are an absolute must-have. They’re not just an accessory; they’re a cute conversation starter and the perfect way to show off your love for all things Disney. Get ready to glow!
Get Your Head in the Game: High School Musical Basketball Jerseys Just Landed at BoxLunch!
Guess what, Wildcats fans?! BoxLunch Gifts just dropped the most fabulous High School Musical basketball jerseys, and let me tell you, your inner theater kid is going to scream! For just $44.90 a pop, you can snag a piece of East High history, and the best part? They’re giving the spotlight to none other than Troy Bolton and our queen, Sharpay Evans!
Seriously, I’m not mad about this choice at all. Troy and Sharpay are undeniably the best characters in the movie, and it’s about time they got the merch they deserve. Imagine rocking Sharpay’s jersey, it’s got “Wildcats 01” on the front, decked out with rhinestones, and “Sharpay Evans 01” on the back with even more bling! With its cool color-blocked panels and a woven logo patch, you’ll be bopping to the top in style.
And for the jocks (or those who just love a good basketball aesthetic), Troy’s jerseyis here to help you get your head in the game! Inspired by his iconic Wildcats jersey, it features embroidered “Wildcats 14” on the front and “Bolton 14” on the back. Plus, it’s got an East High patch, a woven tag, and those classic color-blocked panels. You’ll definitely be feeling those “get your head in the game” vibes.
While Troy and Sharpay are clearly the stars of this collection, wouldn’t it be awesome if BoxLunch eventually released jerseys for the rest of the gang? Just imagine the ultimate group DisneyBound with everyone rocking their favorite character’s jersey! But for now, these Troy and Sharpay designs are a total win. Go grab yours and show off your East High spirit!
Spotted at Magic Kingdom: The Cutest Blue Mickey Dooney and Bourke Crossbody Bag!
You know that feeling when you’re strolling through Magic Kingdom, soaking up the magic, and then, you spot something that just screams “take me home!”? Well, that’s exactly what happened when we laid eyes on the Blue Mickey Mouse Dooney and Bourke Crossbody Bag. And let me tell you, it was love at first sight.
This isn’t just any crossbody; it’s a little slice of Disney charm. The sky blue color is absolutely delightful, perfect for adding a pop of cheer to any outfit. And the details? Chef’s kiss! The contrasting white stitching really makes it pop, and that gold-tone hardware gives it a super classy touch. But of course, the star of the show is Mickey Mouse himself, stamped in full color on the lower front right corner. He’s just chillin’ there, looking as iconic as ever, right next to the sleek Dooney & Bourke label plate.
Beyond its undeniable good looks, this bag is super practical too. It’s got a secure turnlock closure to keep your treasures safe, and a handy slip pocket inside for those essentials you need to grab in a hurry. Plus, the adjustable strap means you can wear it exactly how you like it, comfy and customizable, just the way we like our park bags! Measuring approximately 5 1/2 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 2 1/2 inches deep, it’s the perfect size for your phone, wallet, a lip balm, and maybe even a little Disney snack. Retailing at $198, it’s an investment, sure, but for a piece that combines Disney magic with Dooney & Bourke quality, it’s definitely worth considering for your next park adventure (or just, you know, daily life!).
It’s Good to Be Bad: Discover the Disney Villains Happily Never After Loungefly Collection!
It’s time to unleash your inner antagonist with the new Disney Villains Happily Never After Loungefly Collection! If you’re looking to add a touch of edgy sophistication to your style, this collection is absolutely wicked. Featuring metallic faux leather, luxurious velvet, and edgy studs, these pieces are designed to help you embrace your villain era with flair.
First up, let’s talk about the Disney Villains Happily Never After Drawstring Mini Backpack, retailing for $80. This isn’t just any mini backpack; it’s a statement piece! Crafted with a mix of metallic faux leather and velvet, and accented with cool studs, it’s designed to make you stand out. You’ll find debossed symbols of your favorite Disney Villains intertwined with spiky vines all over, giving it that perfectly sinister touch. We’re totally here for you getting a little villainous with your look, wear what you love and show it off in style!
Next, we have the Disney Villains Happily Never After Clutch Crossbody Bag, priced at $70. Because who doesn’t love a villainous clutch moment? This bag is perfect for celebrating all your favorite Disney baddies. It features those same debossed villain symbols surrounded by spiky thorns, all brought together with stud cones and velvet. The best part? It’s super versatile! You can rock it as a clutch using the wristlet strap or attach the crossbody strap to wear it like a purse. Talk about options!
And to complete your villainous ensemble, there’s the Disney Villains Happily Never After Wallet for just $40. Why stop at your bag when you can go full villain with all your accessories? This wallet sports metallic faux leather with a chic velvet trim and features the same debossed symbols of your favorite Disney Villains within spiky vines. Inside, you’ll find seven card slots and a clear ID slot, giving you plenty of space for all your essentials. It’s truly the perfect final touch to fully step into your villain era!
Cherry Much in Love: The Mickey Mouse Cherries Denim Collection from BoxLunch!
If you’re anything like us, your heart just skipped a beat because BoxLunch has dropped something truly special: the Mickey Mouse Cherries Denim Collection, and it’s available for pre-order right now! Seriously, we’re not exaggerating when we say we want every. single. piece. This collection is the perfect blend of classic Disney charm and trendy denim, and trust us, it’s going to sweeten up your summer style like nothing else.
First up, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Mickey Mouse Cherries Denim Mini Backpack. For just $79.90, you can snag this adorable backpack that’s practically begging to join you on your next Disney Parks adventure (or just a regular Tuesday, because why not?). Crafted from cool denim, it features the cutest embroidered Mickey Mouse cherries all over. With a handy snap front pocket and a secure cinch closure, it’s not just cute, it’s super functional for all your summer essentials. We’re already picturing ourselves rocking this with our favorite sundress!
Next on our must-have list is the Mickey Mouse Cherries Denim Water Bottle Holder Crossbody Bag, retailing for $46.90. Staying hydrated has never looked so good! This genius little bag is also made with that chic denim and those delightful embroidered Mickey Mouse cherries. It’s got a zipper front pocket for your small bits, a cinch closure to keep your water bottle snug, and a removable crossbody strap so you can wear it however you like. Whether you’re hitting the theme parks or just enjoying a sunny day out, this bag is a total game-changer for keeping your sips close at hand.
And for all your financial needs, or just to keep your cards organized in the cutest way possible, there’s the Mickey Mouse Cherries Denim Accordion Wallet for $34.90. Just like the rest of the collection, it’s made with that fantastic denim material and features those sweet embroidered Mickey Mouse cherries. The accordion-style card slots make it easy to grab what you need, and honestly, it’s just the perfect accessory to complete your summer day adventures. It’s small enough to fit in the mini backpack, making it the ultimate dynamic duo!
Seriously, what are you waiting for? This collection is exclusive to BoxLunch Gifts, and since it’s available for pre-order now, you can be one of the first to rock these amazing pieces. Head over to BoxLunch Gifts and get ready to add some serious sweetness to your wardrobe! Which piece are you pre-ordering first?
Gálkn: Monsters of the North Unleashed as Fifth Original Haunted House at Halloween Horror Nights 34
Something ancient has awakened… and it’s hungry. Universal Orlando just dropped the frost-bitten fright bomb with the reveal of the fifth — and likely final — original haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 34: Gálkn: Monsters of the North.
Set in a desolate northern village cloaked in snow and silence, this chilling house summons Nordic nightmare fuel as a wicked being rises from the dead and unleashes a ravenous horde of monstrous creatures. And when they say “belly of the beast,” they mean it — because that’s exactly where you’re headed. Good luck making it out before becoming monster chow. Past winter-themed houses have been a big hit with fans, and we expect Gálkn will follow suit!
This icy terror joins a frightfully creative lineup of original HHN 34 houses, including:
El Artista: A Spanish Haunting – Where haunted art literally jumps off the canvas in a manor filled with ghostly inspiration gone very, very wrong.
Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters – A fiery Western showdown where mystical weapons are your only hope against lava-drenched demons.
Dolls: Let’s Play Dead – A twisted tea party in toyland, where you’re doll-sized and dodging Frankenstein’d fashion horrors and Victorian undead playthings.
Grave of Flesh – A descent into the underworld itself, where flesh-eaters lurk in cavernous tunnels and your funeral never ends.
These terrifyingly original creations stand shoulder to shoulder with already-announced intellectual property (IP) heavy-hitters like:
Fallout – Venture into a post-nuclear Los Angeles where you’ll encounter vault dwellers, wasteland raiders, Brotherhood soldiers, and terrifying T-60 power armor.
Jason Universe – A blood-soaked trip through Crystal Lake as you run from the machete-wielding legend himself, Jason Voorhees.
Five Nights at Freddy’s – While not officially confirmed as a house yet, all signs (and screams) point to this terrifying franchise being an IP house. We know FNAF will be part of HHN 34, but exactly how has yet to be confirmed (perhaps a house and scare zone combo?).
That still leaves at least two more IP-based houses to be revealed, plus scare zones, food offerings, and live entertainment. And with HHN’s reputation for keeping secrets until the very last scream, you know more nightmares are still brewing.
So, what is Halloween Horror Nights?
Only the most scream-inducing, pulse-pounding Halloween event on Earth. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights transforms the park into a realm of relentless terror, filled with world-class haunted houses, immersive scare zones, gory live shows, and after-dark access to major rides and attractions.
The fear kicks off August 29 and runs through November 2, with an exclusive Premium Scream Night on August 28 for those brave enough to be first through the fog.
Where to Get Tickets
You can already grab your General Admission, Premium Scream Night, Express Passes, and RIP/Unmasking the Horror Tours. Head over to Universal Orlando’s official site or your favorite ticket broker to lock in your night of screams — but move fast. HHN nights sell out quicker than a flashlight in a blackout.
First POV Videos of Reimagined Test Track Shared as Cast Member Previews Begin in EPCOT
The future of transportation has arrived at EPCOT, as the first wave of Cast Members got an exclusive preview of the reimagined Test Track attraction today. With these initial rides, the first on-ride videos have emerged online, offering a thrilling glimpse into the high-tech overhaul ahead of its official public reopening on July 22, 2025.
The updated attraction introduces a completely new narrative, steering away from the previous focus on vehicle safety testing. Instead, it propels guests into an optimistic vision of tomorrow’s mobility. A significant change is the introduction of a dual-narrator format, featuring a dynamic interplay between a human guide and an automated vehicle voice that welcomes guests on their journey.
“Welcome. I’ll be your guide on today’s journey,” the friendly human narrator begins, before the car itself chimes in, “and I’m your automated vehicle. Welcome to the test track.” This conversational approach sets the stage for a story centered on progress and innovation, as the narrators explain, “We’ve always been dreaming about the road to tomorrow—and now we’ve set a course for the future.”
Throughout the attraction, riders are introduced to advanced automotive technologies through updated show scenes and vibrant lighting packages. The automated voice explains how sophisticated sensors and interconnected roadways are revolutionizing the driving experience. The popular vehicle customization phase remains a key interactive element, now framed as a collaborative design session with the ride’s narrators.
While the interior scenes and story are entirely new, the ride retains its iconic, high-speed finale. After navigating a series of evaluations, vehicles burst through the doors for a thrilling lap around the exterior track, a fan-favorite element that has been preserved. The experience concludes on a hopeful note: “Our road might have had some twists and turns, but the future is always just around the corner—and together, we keep moving forward.”
These exclusive Cast Member previews are scheduled to run through July 10. Disney has also confirmed that other select groups, including Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, Club 33 Members, and Golden Oak residents, will have their own preview opportunities. More details on dates and registration for these previews are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, building anticipation for the attraction’s summer return.
New Map Reveals Massive Footprint for Door Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hold onto your hard hats, because a monster-sized project is ramping up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and it’s looking screamingly epic!
A newly released GIS map from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has revealed just how massive the upcoming Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster really is. The building for this high-energy thrill ride will stretch approximately 365 feet by 330 feet, clocking in at a whopping 103,000 square feet. For comparison, that’s larger than Rise of the Resistance and DINOSAUR combined—and it’s not too far behind Cosmic Rewind’s footprint at EPCOT!
This colossal structure will rise just south of the former Grand Park area, replacing backstage infrastructure (including a Cast Member parking lot) and nudging up near Star Tours and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Construction walls are already up, so the transformation of this quiet corner of the park into the wild world of Monstropolis is officially underway.
So, What’s Behind Those Doors?
Imagineering is promising a scream-powered ride experience straight out of the film’s chaotic door vault scene. Guests will be suspended beneath their coaster vehicle, with feet dangling as they dodge, dip, and dive through a whirlwind of moving doors and set pieces.
The journey will kick off with a dramatic vertical lift and launch, a first-of-its-kind combo for Disney, that rockets guests into the door vault. Picture yourself hurtling into the multicolored madness, with other coaster cars zipping by on different levels in a dazzling display of kinetic energy. It’s Monsters Inc. mayhem like never before!
Concept art also teases a sprawling Scare Floor-style loading area, adding even more storytelling punch to the queue and pre-show experience.
Though some structures from the Grand Park area will be repurposed, the bulk of Monstropolis, including this mammoth new ride, is being built on previously inaccessible land, marking one of the largest footprint expansions at the park in recent years. Demolition permits for the Stage 1 Company Store are already filed, with work expected to ramp up over the next few weeks.
No official opening date has been announced yet, but with land clearing, fencing, and now this detailed map release, it’s safe to say that Monstropolis is well on its way to becoming a scream-worthy reality.
Stay tuned—we’ll be watching every door swing open and every construction wall go up as we inch closer to one of the most anticipated new lands at Walt Disney World.
Snoozing in Style: Adorable Sleeping Yoshi Plush Now at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk
Heads up, Nintendo fans! There’s a sleepy little surprise waiting for you at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, and it’s bringing major cozy vibes. The Super Nintendo Store has officially stocked the shelves with the most huggable merch yet: Sleeping Yoshi plushies in both green and pink!
These soft, dreamy dinosaurs are modeled after Yoshi mid-nap, complete with closed eyes and a peaceful expression that’s basically begging for a snuggle. Whether you’re repping Team Green or crushing on that pastel Pink Yoshi, these plushies are the perfect power-up for any Nintendo fan’s collection.
The Super Nintendo section in the CityWalk store is an epic new hub for all things Super Nintendo World, with colorful apparel, character-themed accessories, and now—your new nap-time buddy. Think of it as a warp pipe straight to the Mushroom Kingdom, no theme park ticket required.
So if you’re stopping by CityWalk for Butterbeer, Voodoo Doughnut, or just a stroll, pop into the store and snag a Yoshi before they vanish faster than a star power-up!
Universal Moves One Step Closer to Building Its First-Ever UK Theme Park
Hold onto your Butterbeer; Universal is officially moving forward with plans to open a brand-new theme park and resort in the United Kingdom! 🎢🇬🇧 Universal Destinations & Experiences just announced that it has formally submitted its request for planning permission to the UK government, bringing the dream of a world-class Universal theme park in Bedford one major step closer to reality.
Back in April, Universal stunned theme park fans around the globe with news of its intent to create an entertainment resort complex on a massive site near Bedford. This week’s letter confirms they’ve submitted an official request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to approve the project via a Special Development Order (SDO), a fast-track mechanism that allows nationally significant developments to move more quickly through the approval process.
Here’s what the project includes:
A full-scale Universal theme park with multiple themed lands
On-site resort hotels and visitor accommodations
Retail, dining, and entertainment venues
Transportation improvements including an expanded Wixams railway station and new road access
If approved, the resort could generate £50 billion in economic benefit and create an estimated 28,000 jobs, with about 80% of those roles expected to be filled by locals in Bedford, Luton, Milton Keynes, and surrounding areas.
Universal has been working closely with local councils, transport and environmental agencies, and residents throughout the process. A public engagement campaign last year drew thousands of responses, with a whopping 92% expressing support for the project.
The company emphasized that the next step involves public comment on its environmental and planning documents, so local voices can still help shape the future of Universal’s UK adventure. Those eager to follow the journey can find more updates at universalukproject.co.uk.
So, what will the park include? While Universal hasn’t officially revealed ride lineups or themed lands yet, fans are already speculating about possible UK debuts of favorites like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Jurassic World, with some leaks suggesting lands and attractions centered around James Bond and Wicked may also be in the works. Stay tuned, this is one story that’s just getting started.
Inside the Studio Where ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Was Born: A Rare Look at Feature Animation Florida at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Aloha, animation fans! If you’ve ever wondered where Stitch first caused adorable chaos—or where Disney magic meets movie-making history—you’re in for a real treat. In celebration of the new live-action Lilo & Stitch film now in theaters, Disney just dropped a heartwarming behind-the-scenes tour of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, the birthplace of the 2002 animated classic.
And guess what? That building still stands tall inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, bursting with inspiration, animation artifacts, and the creative spirit that helped bring some of Disney’s most beloved characters to life—including our favorite blue experiment from outer space.
From Theme Park Tour to Animation Landmark
When the park opened in 1989, The Magic of Disney Animation gave guests a peek into real production spaces—yes, you could literally watch animators sketch out characters like Ariel, Aladdin, and Simba right before your eyes. Then in 1998, things got even bigger with the addition of a dedicated four-story Feature Animation building, opened by none other than Roy E. Disney and Michael Eisner.
It was in these very halls that directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois developed Lilo & Stitch, bringing a quirky sketch of an alien to life with Hawaiian vibes, heartstring-pulling storytelling, and watercolor backgrounds that stood apart from the CG-heavy style of the era. Chris Sanders even gave Stitch his signature voice!
According to Clark Spencer, producer of Lilo & Stitch and now president of Disney Animation, the original script was set in Kansas. But one look at a map of Hawai‘i changed everything—and brought the concept of ohana to the core of the story. “That changed everything about the story,” Spencer shared. “It also gave the story its emotional core: Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”
Where Stitch Still Lives (and Soars)
Though the public can no longer tour Feature Animation Florida, it’s still very much alive backstage—housing Cast Members who now work on projects for Disney Experiences. But the spirit of Stitch is everywhere.
Each floor is themed to a different Disney animated classic, from Mulan and Brother Bear to The Lion King, where Florida-based animators once created entire sequences like “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.” The third floor is lovingly dubbed “The Stitch Floor,” complete with a 69-foot mural of Lilo and Stitch, Elvis memorabilia, and original concept art that still inspires Cast Members daily.
And yes, some of the original animation desks, editing equipment, and even ink & paint jars (with whimsical names like “Disney Bengal Rose”) are preserved like treasured heirlooms.
The magic doesn’t end there. You’ll also find:
Related:
Frosted viewing windows from the original guest tour
Signed walls by legends like Clark Spencer and Roy E. Disney
Dumbo ride vehicles, tropical plants, and retro Art Deco flair
The Screening Room, where animators once previewed their films—including Lilo & Stitch
Today’s Cast Members, like Rain Blanken (who shared this epic peek behind the curtain), say it best: working in this space isn’t just a job—it’s a daily walk through animation history. “There are many days when I discover a new artifact just around the corner or just wonder what conversations about my favorite little blue alien happened right in my office.”
As Disney continues to honor its animation legacy while pushing new boundaries, it’s comforting to know that the heart of Lilo & Stitch—and the team that believed in ‘ohana—still echoes in the halls of Hollywood Studios.
Don’t forget to stream the original animated film Lilo & Stitch on Disney+, and catch the new live-action adaptation in theaters now. Mahalo for taking a trip through Disney history!
