Star Wars Celebration 2020: The Return to Anaheim

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April 20, 2019

Star Wars Celebration 2020: The Return to Anaheim. Lucasfilm has officially announced that the Star Wars Celebration in 2020 will take place in the home of Disneyland itself, Anaheim, California!

This strategic placement of the location for the event next year largely has to do with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, which is located in Anaheim as well. Though the convention will more than likely take place at a convention center in the city, guests will be in close proximity to the park and can visit either before or after the celebration. The official announcement was made by Lucasfilm representatives at the end of the closing ceremony of the 2019 Star Wars Celebration.

“We can’t wait to see you again in Anaheim in 2020!,” read a tweet from the official Star Wars Celebration account on Twitter.

Thanks for Celebrating with us! Star Wars Celebration Chicago was one for the ages and it was all because of YOU! We can’t wait to see you again in Anaheim in 2020! May the Force be with you! #StarWarsCelebration #StarWars pic.twitter.com/zVVSyL44gY

— StarWars Celebration (@SW_Celebration) April 15, 2019

The last time the Star Wars Celebration was held in Anaheim, California was in 2015.

For those who don’t know, the Star Wars Celebration is a gathering of fans, filmmakers, actors, producers, and a huge list of anyone involved with the creation, production, and love of the Star Wars franchise. Fans can get a sneak peek at the latest and greatest releases by Lucasfilm and affiliated companies involving featured films, television series, previous productions, gaming, novels, comic books, and more, just by attending this event and especially at the highly sought after panels during the celebration.

This year the spoils included a first preview of the trailer and a name reveal for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” the 9th Episode in the “Skywalker series” of Star Wars featured films. A look at new merchandise that will be exclusively found at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening on May 31st in Disneyland and August 29th at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. They even got a first look at what is to come to the new Disney+ series “The Mandalorian.”

This is a great opportunity for any Star Wars fan to become one with the force and be immersed into the Star Wars Universe. Will we see you at Star Wars Celebration 2020?

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney, @SW_Celebration

Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? I would love to help you! I am a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the Official Travel Partner of Chip & Company. Key to the World Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I specialize in Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney, or Universal Orlando Resort Vacations. I also can book your stay with Sandals or Beaches Resort, Norwegian Cruise Line, and many more fantastic Vacation Destinations. I can help you make your dream vacation come true! You can call or text me at 904-806-3759 or email me at [email protected]. Feel free to follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below as well. My planning services are FREE with booking! Yes, really FREE!

Round Up The Gang For Toy Story Goldfish From Pepperidge Farm

By

Danielle

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April 19, 2019

Hey howdy hey Toy Story fans! There’s a new snack inspiration coming soon, and it’s starring our pals from Toy Story. The new Toy Story Goldfish from Pepperidge Farm is set to debut on May 1st, and we can’t wait to snatch them up!

Round Up The Gang For Toy Story Goldfish From Pepperidge Farm — Image: Pepperidge Farm

These Goldfish will blast snack time to infinity and beyond! They are flavored “Special Edition Cheddar”, which I suspect will be the same flavor as the Mickey Goldfish and Incredibles Goldfish. Shapes featured will be Buzz and Woody face shapes! The shapes will be a soft yellow, while the traditional Goldfish shapes will come in classic orange, and blue. The packaging shows Woody, Buzz, and Bo rushing into action, with the mysterious carnival in the background. What adventures will our Pixar Pals be getting into when the movie releases in June?

Will you be rounding up some Toy Story Goldfish when they debut on May 1st? Look for them at your local Target, Walmart, and Grocery Stores!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise Coming to Disneyland and Hollywood Studios

By

Danielle

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April 19, 2019

This past weekend at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, Disney Parks Blog revealed coverage of new merchandise coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Now they are back with a new video featuring even more Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise! There are even a few out of this world items you may have never even imagined before.

New items from Galaxy’s Edge revealed at the Star Wars Celebration included a very real seeming Porg, a Kowakian Monkey-Lizard with its iconic laugh, a Resistance Rank Badge set, a Wookie bag and a variety of other items.

“Most of these products have never been seen before by any of our fans,” Devon Figge of Merchandise Events at Walt Disney World Resort said. “They’ll see the same product no matter where the come – so, they can visit us on either coast and live their Star Wars story.”

Disney Parks Blog has also gave more info on the locations in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge you can visit to find these new and unique items.

Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.
Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.
First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.
Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.

There will also be market stalls that will carry a variety of merchandise such as:

Toydarian Toymaker – Toys
Creature Stall – Interesting critters that you can take home with you.
Black Spire Outfitters – Clothing
The Jewels of Bith -Accessories and other trinkets to treasure.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at Disneyland this Spring, and Hollywood Studios This Summer! Which Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise items are you looking forward to most?

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: A Resort Tour

By

Sara Parr

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April 19, 2019

Last November, I was lucky enough to travel to Oahu for the first time and stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. I absolutely fell in love with this resort, the island, and its people.

Upon arrival at the resort, guests are greeted with a fresh floral lei for the women and kukui nut beaded necklaces for the men. They serve refreshing flavored water in the lobby as well. The lobby and guests services area, Maka’ala, is centrally located between the two towers- Wai’anae and Ewa. It is home to the largest contemporary Hawaiian art collection in the world.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: A Resort Tour — Lobby view looking out to the entrance

There are numerous room categories and a variety of accommodations at Aulani. We stayed in a Partial Ocean View standard room in the Wai’anae Tower which is also where the Laniwai Spa is located. We loved our view! Down below is the Kula Wai: Outdoor Therapy Garden and the adults only pool, Wailana Pool.

Our room included 2 queen beds that will accommodate up to 4 adults, a small refrigerator, a large dresser, and a walkout balcony. Other amenities included:

Flat-panel TV
In-room safe (laptop-sized)
Wireless Internet access
Blu-ray Disc player
Iron and ironing board
Pack ‘n’ Play Playard
Private porch or balcony
iHome with charger dock
Ceiling fan

Bathroom amenities included a standard tub/shower combo with rain head, a pair of robes, travel sized shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, bath soap, facial soap, and lotion.

Additional items available upon request:

Bed rails
Bottle warmer
Outlet covers
Diaper disposal system
High chair

The resort itself is modeled after the Hawaiian village concept with the rooms at the top and the edges and the valley in the middle. The Waikolohe Valley is where you will find all of the pools and water activities.

The Menehune Bridge and Keiki Cove Splash Zone are perfect play spots for little ones to safely splash and interact in the water.

There are numerous pools including the Ka Maka Grotto, Waikolohe Pool which is the main activities pool, and the Wailana Pool which is the adults only section.

Also found in the Waikolohe Valley are two water slides- Volcanic Vertical, the thrilling tunnel body slide, and Tubestone Curl, an open-air, twisting and turning tube slide that eventually launches you into Waikolohe Stream. The Waikolohe Stream is also where you can enjoy the lazy river. FUN FACT- the pools are heated year-round to 82-86 degree Fahrenheit using the heat generated by the HVAC units at Aulani Resort. How cool!

The beach at Aulani is beautiful. Aulani is located in the Ko Olina area of Oahu which is on the southwestern side of the island. There are 4 lagoons located in Ko Olina that are connected by peaceful walking paths, Aulani is located on the first lagoon. Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary for Aulani Resort Guests. Make sure to stop by Makiki Joe’s for beach equipment rentals.

If you are looking to take a break from the water, make sure to stop by the Pau Hana Room. This community hall is located on the first floor of the Ewa tower across from the Waikolohe Valley pool area. The Pau Hana room offers a plethora of activities to choose from including board games, arts & crafts, books, DVD rentals, including Disney family movies, and instructions and equipment for the Menehune Adventure Trail scavenger hunt game. They also offer activities such as ukulele lessons and painting parties.

Another amazing destination at Aulani is just for kids. Aunty’s Beach House is Aulani’s complimentary Kids Club that is available for guests ages 3-12. This state of the art facility offers just about anything a child could want from arts and crafts, Xbox video game systems, Disney movies shown in the movie room, dress up clothes and a stage to perform on, and an enclosed and secure backyard with play structures. There is a secure check-in/check-out process to give parents peace of mind.

While your children are enjoying all that Aunty’s Beach House has to offer, you can escape to the Laniwai Spa for some ultimate pampering. I was blown away by Laniwai Spa. It was absolutely beautiful and the attention to detail was so thoughtful. The entire experience is intentional from the moment you arrive through the end of your treatment. They offer numerous spa therapies to choose from and reservations are strongly encouraged.

For us, vacation also means letting ourselves enjoy decadent food and beverages and Aulani did not disappoint in this category. ‘Ama’Ama and Makahiki are both fantastic table service restaurants, with Makahiki offering character dining. Off the Hook and Ulu Cafe are great quick service options and there are numerous snack kiosks throughout the property. You can also order poolside. The ‘Olelo Room is a beautiful lounge inspired by the Hawaiian language that serves cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment in the evenings.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, Aulani also offers an endless amount of entertainment and activities from character meet and greets, movies on the lawn, KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, sunrise yoga, and so much more. Aulani also offers on-site car rentals if you would like to check out more of what the island of Oahu has to offer.

I hope you enjoyed exploring Aulani with me. We truly had the best vacation and are already planning our return to this amazing resort next year! I would love to help your family plan your Hawaiian vacation as well. Email me at s.parr@keytotheworldtravel or fill out the form below to get started.

Are you ready to visit Aulani for yourself? Let’s book your next adventure today! As a travel planner with the official travel partner of Chip and Company, Key to the World Travel (An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner), I can help with all of your vacation needs. I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, Universal Orlando and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Send me an email at [email protected] or fill out and submit the form below to receive a free no obligation quote. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

Discover A Whole New World Of Style With The Aladdin Pandora Collection

By

Danielle

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April 19, 2019

Show your love of Aladdin with this beautifully detailed collection by Pandora Jewelers. The Aladdin Pandora Collection unlocks a world of style and imagination with stunning pieces inspired by the classic Disney Film.

Three beautifully hand-finished charms, and a bangle capture the magic of Aladdin in a shimmering collection. Details like a liftable lid on the iconic magic genie lamp charm showcase the wonder of the film, with the beauty of Pandora. The Sultan’s palace dangle charm adds a majestic appeal to a bracelet or necklace with shimmering stones on each side of the bail. The bangle has a silver finish and is engraved with the words “Never Lose Your Sense of Wonder,” the sleek design holds a stone-studded ball clasp detailed with exotic flourishes and the Pandora and Disney logos.

Discover A Whole New World Of Style With The Aladdin Pandora Collection

The grand show stopping charm of this collection I feel is the Magic Carpet Ride button-shaped charm. This beautifully detailed charm is cast in sterling silver and enamel decorated with a night scape featuring Aladdin and Princess Jasmine flying on a magic carpet. On the flip-side of the charm is an engraving that says “You Fill My World With Wonder”.

Discover A Whole New World Of Style With The Aladdin Pandora Collection

You can find this collection online at Pandora.net now, as well as at select locations throughout the Disney Parks and Resorts where fine jewelry is sold!

What do you think of the shining shimmering splendid new Aladdin Pandora Collection?

Moana Sails into Disney Magic Kingdoms Game

By

Heather Adamczak

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April 19, 2019

Disney Magic Kingdoms – Moana and her friends have joined the park! She is one of the most popular requested characters to date, and we are thrilled to announce she is now available for players to bring to their very own Disney park!

New Characters – New characters coming to Disney Magic Kingdoms include:

Moana
Maui
Hei Hei
Pua
Gramma Tala
Chief Tui
Sina

New Attractions, Concessions, Decorations, and more:

Four new attractions, including Moana’s Boat!
Four new concession stands, like Grilled Pineapple or the Hook Stand
Four new decorative items, such as the cute Palm Tree Bench!

As a special treat, Comfy Moana from Ralph Breaks the Internet is a special costume for Moana! This is a very exciting update for Disney Magic Kingdoms, and if you are interested in checking out the new Moana content, please let me know. This is a unique and time-limited event, so check it out soon!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios has pushed back to Spring of 2020

By

Chip

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April 19, 2019

In case you missed it we just announced the news that Disneyland will get getting their very own Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Toontown in 2022.

This all-new Mickey & Minnie themed ride-through attraction at Disneyland park will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon short where anything can happen! Once you step into the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, you’ll board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, one magical moment after the next leads you to a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

With a lovable theme song and original storyline, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be using state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects to transform the cartoon world into an incredible and immersive multi-dimensional experience.

Originally Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway was planned to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort the fall of 2019. We have just received word that the date has been delayed to Spring of 2020 now.

There has been no official word why Disney made the change but honestly, with everyone focusing on Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and even the Disney Skyliner it is not that big a deal to me.

What do you think? Let me know in the comment box below.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming to Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland

By

Heather Adamczak

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April 19, 2019

Today Disney released information about the future of ToonTown in Disneyland. President of the Disneyland Resort, Josh D’Amaro posted to his Instagram that big news was coming about the future of Toontown today at 10am PST, 1pm EST.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming to Mickey’s Toontown in 2022! This new Mickey Mouse cartoon short themed train ride is going to be pulling into the Disneyland station using state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects taking you into a multi-dimensional experience.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is also planned to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort in spring 2020.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Josh D'Amaro (@joshdamaro)

Source: Disney/Josh Damaro

Blast-Ended Skrewt Announced As The Next Creature Apart of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

By

Heather Adamczak

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April 19, 2019

One by one the creatures for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Orlando have been announced. This week we have brought you 4 of the beasts joining Hagrid on this new attraction opening June 13th at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside Universal Orlando Resort. Today Universal announced one more! The Blast-Ended Skrewt will join the mythical creatures at the new ride.

For the first time ever, you’ll be able to come face-to-face (or face-to-rear) with a Blast-Ended Skrewt on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Described as a cross between scorpions and elongated crabs, Skrewts aren’t afraid to attack other Skrewts they encounter and have incredibly strong armor that can’t be penetrated by spells – proving to be a challenge for Hagrid since they hatched.

On your journey through the Forbidden Forest during Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll encounter Blast-Ended Skrewts up to 8 feet long with tails up to ten-feet high and topped with a massive stinger. The Blast-Ended Skrewt is the main lesson for the day but, as with all adventures with Hagrid, things don’t always go to plan…

Fun Facts:

Blast-Ended Skrewts were first introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and also mentioned in Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
As you may have read in the book, Hagrid created these unique creatures by crossbreeding Fire Crabs and Manticores – fierce creatures in their own right
Skrewts create actual fire from their ‘blasting-ends,’ igniting at random intervals – so be wary during your encounter
Even if you’re far enough to avoid their fire, watch out as you may still catch a whiff of their powerful scent… known to smell like rotting fish

The first creature we brought you was Fluffy, the three-headed dog who falls asleep at the sound of music, will be making an appearance in this highly anticipated attraction.

Cornish pixies will also be making a swarm of an appearance. These magical creatures are pint-sized – they only stand about 13 inches tall. They also live to create mischief which unfortunately usually comes at the expense of others and may not be for those with a fear of heights. Cornish pixies are winged magical creatures and can easily lift an unsuspecting victim in the air and set them in a tree or tall building. Remember Neville? According to Universal Orlando Blog, there will be more than 20 of these electric blue magical creatures with wings to be found throughout the adventure in places that one may not expect. That being said, an infamous blue car was specifically mentioned.

A Centaur will be apart of the attraction as well. This magical creature that looks half human, half horse. They have a human head, torso and arms joined to a horse’s body. Even though they look somewhat human, they are their own species and should be treated with the utmost respect. Riders should keep a lookout for this mysterious archer in the distance ready to strike while making their way into the dark forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The Centaur stands at 8 feet tall, which would most likely make him a great athlete in the Muggle world!

Devil’s Snare isn’t a true creature, but it is a highly dangerous plant from the wizarding world. This seemingly innocuous plant frequently squeezes and strangles its unsuspecting victims when they touch this unruly plant’s vines. It is important to keep in mind that Devil’s Snare thrives in dark and damp environments, and has a strong dislike of light and fire. This may serve as useful knowledge during your journey into the forest! Facing the Devil’s Snare will be one of the many challenges you will face in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Remember to remain calm if you find yourself ensnared in a thicket of this devilish plant. If you struggle, you may find yourself entangled in hundreds of its vines.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort No-Cost Reservation Details

By

Katelyn G

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April 19, 2019

You must have a room reservation at one of the Disneyland Resorts in order to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening next month at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. To prepare for overcrowding and maximum capacity scenarios, Disneyland has created several new rules and procedures.

Over the next few weeks Justin Rapp, a Disney Ambassador, will be sharing some guidelines to make your Galaxy’s Edge experience as enjoyable as possible. A series on the Disney Parks Blog called “Know Before You Go” will highlight these helpful hints. (Check out the video below)

The first planning video features the no-cost reservations you will need to visit Galaxy’s Edge from May 31st (Opening Day) to June 23rd, 2019. These no-cost reservations are REQUIRED to enter Galaxy’s Edge in addition to a valid theme park admission.

Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resorts will automatically receive a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation as part of their room reservation. One reservation per registered guest will be distributed.

Information on how off-property guests will obtain a Galaxy’s Edge reservation has yet to be announced. There will be no standby line.

Looking to head to a galaxy far, far away? Contact me to book a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World today!

Source: Disney.

Let’s book your adventure today! Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from me – an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations from Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help from everything to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 815-953-4804, via email at [email protected], my Facebook Page, or fill out and submit the form below.

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot Has an Updated Menu.

By

Jessica Jones

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April 19, 2019

San Angel Inn Restaurante in Epcot is also undergoing an updated menu change! Although we are always sad to see some dishes go, it is always refreshing to try new dishes!

Located inside the Mexico Pavillion, San Angel Inn Restaurante is modeled after a 17^th-century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins. This restaurant provides south of the border specialties with old world hospitality in an intimate, twilight setting. Guests can start out with a romantic meal with zesty appetizers, delectable entrees, mouth-watering desserts, and Margaritas that are to die for.

Plus, with the new menu changes, guests can enjoy new additions to the menu. Guests can now enjoy Tostadas De Camaron, Sopes De Champinon, Empanada De Chorizo, Camorones Al Chipotle, Puerco en Salsa Verde, and Flan de Coco-coconut custard topped with toasted coconut and a crème anglaise.

However, guests will be saying goodbye to the following items on the menu. San Angel Inn Restaurante will no longer be providing Coctel De Camaron, Camarones Al Ajillo, Carnitas De Puerco, Traditional Vanilla Flan, Nieves, 5 De Mayo and Mexican Mule.

Did any of your favorite traditional meals make the list of items on the menu no longer being served? Are you excited for any of the new additions to the menu? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Orlando Parks News

Ready to experience San Angel Inn Restaurante at Walt Disney World in Epcot?!?! Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], follow on Facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Lion King Monopoly Will Make Your Game Night The Talk Of Pride Rock

By

Danielle

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April 19, 2019

Hakuna Matata is not something my very competitive self says during a game night, but I think I can make an exception for the new Lion King Monopoly Game. Set to come out Monday, April 22, 2019, the new game will be available at Walmart to celebrate the animated film’s 25th anniversary.

“Celebrate Simba’s journey to become king with this Monopoly: The Lion King Edition game. Players move around the gameboard as their favorite Lion King character, buying as many Pride Lands themed properties as they can. The game board features artwork inspired by The Lion King motion picture and comes with 6 character tokens. The more a player owns, the more rent they can collect from other players. The last player with money when all other players have gone bankrupt wins! The Lion King themed edition of the Monopoly game makes a great gift for fans of the Disney movie and is a fun choice to play on family game night.”

Players can imagine Simba’s journey to become king with 6 tokens featuring Timon, Simba, Nala, Mufassa, Pumbaa, or Scar. The game comes with a “Pride Rock” that holds the Destiny cards and get this plays Lion King music! The Title Deed cards replace Chance cards and Community Chest cards and are made up of unforgettable moments and locations from the film.

You can get the exciting new Lion King Monopoly Game beginning Monday April 22st at Walmart.com! Will you be celebrating the Lion King Anniversary with this fun new twist on Monopoly?

Image Source: Walmart.com