Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters Is Riding Into HHN 34 with a Fiery Wrath
Yeehaw and yeehorrors! Universal Orlando has just dropped another fiery haunted house announcement for Halloween Horror Nights 34 — and this one’s hotter than a branding iron straight outta Hell. Grab your boots and your brimstone, because it’s time to saddle up for Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters.
Set in a ghost town where even the tumbleweeds tremble, this original house delivers full-on Old West chaos. Lava demons — yes, lava demons — have erupted from a hellish pit charmingly called Hell’s Well, and they’re turning this dusty town into their personal playground of possession and destruction. Buildings melt. Souls scream. And hope? That’s where Hatchet and Chains come in.
These two demon bounty hunters don’t ride horses — they ride vengeance. Armed with mystical weaponry and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude, they’re the only thing standing between you and a very toasty afterlife. You’ll flee through haunted frontier landmarks like the post office, the saloon, the jailhouse, and even a scorched graveyard. And every corner might hold a demon ready to take over your body… or just melt your face.
Hatchet and Chains joins the already-impressive lineup for HHN 34, alongside the haunted wastelands of Fallout, the cursed creativity of El Artista: A Spanish Haunting, and the machete-swinging terror of Jason Universe. With every new house, this year’s event is shaping up to be a can’t-miss nightmare.
🎟️ Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights 2025 are already on sale, including single-night admission, Premium Scream Night, RIP Tours, and Unmasking the Horror daytime tours. Trust us, many nights of this event will sell out, and the only thing worse than being chased by lava demons is missing your chance to experience it at all.
Stay tuned for more announcements as the fog rolls in. In the world of HHN, there’s always another terror waiting around the corner…
Get ready to treat your taste buds to a truly magical dessert on your next visit to EPCOT! A delightful new Chocolate Baumkuchen Cake has officially arrived at Connections Café, offering a fresh take on a beloved German classic, now with an enchanting Disney twist.
This new offering is an enhanced version of the Chocolate Baumkuchen Cake previously available at the nearby Starbucks location. What makes a Baumkuchen cake so unique?
This popular German dessert, whose name translates to “Tree Cake” (Baum = tree, Kuchen = cake) due to its distinct tree-ring-like layers, is created by pouring thin layers of batter onto a rotating, heated drum. As each layer bakes to a crispy perfection, the process is repeated, building up volume and resulting in a cake with numerous delicate, crispy rings.
The new Chocolate Baumkuchen at Connections Café is beyond delicious! It features the perfectly layered, soft cake base, generously topped with a smooth chocolate ganache, a dollop of fluffy whipped cream, and crowned with an iconic chocolate Mickey—making it a truly Mickey-approved masterpiece!
You can pick up this delightful and visually stunning treat at Connections Café for $6.49. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of Germany’s culinary heritage fused with Disney magic.Have you experienced the wonder of Baumkuchen before? Now’s your chance to try this delightful confection right in the heart of EPCOT!
Disney World Launches Major Dining Reservation Upgrades with Enhanced Search and Calendar View
Walt Disney World Resort has officially rolled out a significantly upgraded dining reservation system across its official website and the My Disney Experience app. This comprehensive redesign introduces a more intuitive and flexible interface, promising to streamline the process of securing coveted dining experiences for guests.
The enhancements are poised to make meal planning faster and more efficient, particularly for popular and high-demand locations. Key improvements include:
Calendar View for Availability: Guests can now utilize a reservation-style calendar, mirroring the familiar interface of the theme park reservation tool. This new feature allows for a quick visual overview of multiple dates simultaneously, making it considerably easier to pinpoint days with available openings for a chosen restaurant.
Flexible Search by Time Range: Moving beyond rigid meal periods (such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner), the updated system empowers guests to precisely tailor their searches. A new time slider allows users to drag and select any custom time window for availability, ranging from 6:00 AM to midnight.
Refined Location Filters: To further simplify the search process, new filters enable guests to narrow down available dining options by specific location. Choices include individual theme parks like Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, comprehensive areas such as Disney Springs, or a broader “All Destinations” view, ensuring guests can easily find restaurants relevant to their itinerary.
For instance, when seeking availability at a highly sought-after venue like Cinderella’s Royal Table, the new calendar now clearly displays which dates in a given month (e.g., July) still have open slots. This allows guests to quickly identify the most convenient day before proceeding to select a specific time.
These strategic updates are designed to significantly streamline the dining reservation process, minimizing the need for repetitive searches. The aim is to enhance overall guest satisfaction, particularly when securing reservations at perennially popular spots like Cinderella Royal Table and EPCOT’s new Geo-82.
The Eiffel Tower scene in Soarin’ Around the World at Disney California Adventure has officially debuted its highly anticipated correction, along with a few other subtle updates to the attraction.
Soarin’ Around the World at Disney California Adventure has been undergoing a phased refurbishment, leading to a temporary reduction in ride capacity and longer wait times. After a complete closure from April 28 to May 2, the attraction’s individual theaters are now being updated one by one. Currently, Concourse A has reopened, while Concourse B is closed for its refresh. The most notable enhancement is the long-awaited correction of the infamous curved Eiffel Tower in the Paris scene, a change Disney confirmed back in May. For context, the EPCOT version of the ride received this update in November 2024.
Beyond the corrected Eiffel Tower, another significant update to Soarin’ Around the World is the new seatbelt system. The small red release dot has been replaced with a larger red plastic tab, aligning it with the “yellow tab” style found on other attractions.
Additionally, the theater itself has undergone some minor refurbishments. The glider’s movement mechanism appears to be more active, enhancing the ride’s sensation. However, the projector system seems to have been altered, resulting in a darker and slightly blurrier image than before.
Walt Disney Animation Studios Teases 2D Animation Revival
Could hand-drawn animation be returning to Walt Disney Animation Studios? That’s the tantalizing hint dropped by Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush at the recent Annecy International Animation Film Festival. In an interview with TheWrap, Bush, who stepped into the CCO role last year, teased exciting possibilities for the future of Disney’s animation style, even winking when pressed about 2D.
“I love 2D. Right now we have 2D artists who are doing some bonkers amazing things. I’ll leave it at that,” Bush revealed, sparking speculation about a potential revival of the classic animation style that hasn’t seen a fully hand-drawn feature from Disney since 2011’s Winnie the Pooh.
Balancing Innovation with Legacy
Bush’s comments come amidst a broader discussion about stylistic experimentation within the studio. He reiterated his stance from a previous interview with Variety: any shift in animation style must be driven by a “deep narrative reason.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent character designs for sequels, acknowledging Disney’s century-long legacy of animation.
“I think continuing to surprise is important,” Bush told TheWrap, highlighting Disney’s history of revolutionary strides in the medium. He noted that unlike other studios, Disney characters, even in continuing stories, “have to sit within that legacy.”
Referencing past projects, Bush mentioned that Encanto initially explored a “vastly different art style.” However, the team ultimately opted for a more traditional look to align with audience expectations for a Disney musical. Despite this, Bush expressed a strong desire for “a visual shift” in future films.
Pushing Boundaries with Purpose
Bush hinted at stylistic pushes in upcoming projects, stating, “You’re going to see some things in Zootopia 2 that pushes into some of that, actually.” He was likely referring to the film’s use of the new Presto system, a technological advancement in animation. However, he quickly added a crucial caveat: “But the biggest question is, why? You can’t just do it to do it.”
Drawing a comparison to the stylistically groundbreaking Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Bush pointed out that many attempted to copy its aesthetic rather than learn its core lesson. “They were bold and made a choice,” he said. “And that was something very special but deeply tied to comic books. It wasn’t just, we want to do this stuff. It was deeply rooted in the world of comic book language.”
For Disney Animation, the question remains: “As we’re stepping forward and wanting to continue to push those boundaries, is that organic to what this movie is?” Bush elaborated, stressing the importance of the audience feeling that stylistic changes are driven by “a filmmaker’s vision or that story needs to be another step,” rather than being “different for different sake.”
Mentorship and a Vision for the Future
To support this exploration of animation, Bush has even brought legendary Disney animator Ron Clements out of retirement to mentor young artists. Clements was a pivotal figure in the Disney Renaissance, a period defined by its classic 2D animation in films like The Little Mermaid.
Beyond stylistic innovation, Bush is focused on cultivating new talent and diverse voices within the studio. He revealed at Annecy that Disney Animation’s 2026 film will be an original story from a new filmmaker, set for release on November 25, 2026.
“It’s really critical that life experiences find their way into the story,” Bush emphasized. “I think it’s really important to continue to do that no matter what it is, because our movies have to be global and reach a global audience.” He believes that having “different types of people lead those stories is crucial.”
As a self-proclaimed “planner,” Bush is currently working on a “10-year slate” for the studio. For him, the excitement lies in identifying the “nugget of an idea” and determining if it “can hold a giant movie.”
“Our movies have to be giant movies,” he explained, highlighting his personal preference for immersive, entertaining films that evoke a full range of emotions. Bush views his primary role as identifying these strong concepts early on, finding filmmakers whose natural inclinations align with such stories, and ensuring “everyone at Disney Animation is on board for that ride.”
Bush, who co-wrote and co-directed Zootopia, wrote Moana and its sequel, and co-wrote and directed Encanto, is now co-directing Zootopia 2, set to release on November 26, 2025. He initially planned to direct it solo but brought back Byron Howard (co-director of the first film) after his CCO promotion.
While admitting some initial apprehension about stepping into the chief officer role, Bush is embracing the challenge. “It’s been really exciting to start to work with those teams,” he said, valuing his ability to provide an objective viewpoint. His passion for “transporting audiences somewhere – immersive worlds, characters that you fall in love with, more entertainment-forward [films]” remains at the forefront of his leadership.
Tinker Bell Meet & Greet Returns to Disneyland’s Pixie Hollow
After an extended closure for refurbishment, the Tinker Bell meet and greet location at Disneyland’s Pixie Hollow is set to welcome guests once again. The Disneyland website now confirms that “Meet Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow” will reopen on June 29, 2025. While this isn’t the first projected reopening date for the beloved location, the crucial difference this time is that specific operating hours for Tinker Bell’s appearances are now listed on the official website.
If you’re hoping to visit Tinker Bell at Pixie Hollow, here are her currently scheduled meeting times:
8:15 AM to 10:30 AM
11:15 AM to 2:30 PM
While Pixie Hollow has previously hosted other fairies, Tinker Bell is currently the only one scheduled for meet and greets at this location.
The description for this experience on the Disneyland website reads:
Meet Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow
Discover an enchanted forest hideaway where you’ll encounter Tinker Bell in her magical realm.
The Path to Never Land
You’ll have to “shrink” down to the size of a pixie for this enchanting encounter. When you reach the heart of their wee world, you’ll be greeted by Tinker Bell herself!
Don’t forget a camera―pixies just love to have their picture taken.
About Tinker Bell
From Peter Pan to Pixie Hollow, Tinker Bell is the spirited fairy we all believe in—with faith, trust and pixie dust.
Are you looking forward to meeting Tinker Bell again?
Fourth of July offerings and festivities are returning to Epcot! From character meet & greets to nighttime shows, guests are sure to feel patriotic while celebrating Independence Day.
Don’t miss the chance to meet Mickey and friends in their festive “Spirit of ’76” outfits at EPCOT! These special meet and greets are usually available for a limited time at The American Adventure pavilion.
As evening falls, Spaceship Earth will glow in a stunning display of red, white, and blue. You can typically expect the patriotic “Heartbeat of Freedom” fireworks tag to join the park’s nighttime spectacular. While Disney hasn’t announced the exact time, it will likely follow “Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” which is scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 4.
Will you be celebrating Independence Day at Epcot this year?
Jon Bernthal’s Punisher Locked and Loaded for Spider-Man: Brand New Day
It’s official—Frank Castle is heading back into the Marvel fray. Marvel Studios has confirmed that Jon Bernthal will reprise his role as The Punisher in the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the fourth installment in the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man saga.
Set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026, Brand New Day will pick up the tangled threads left after No Way Home, as Peter Parker navigates a world where no one remembers who he is—not even MJ or Ned. But while Peter’s circle has forgotten him, his street-level troubles are about to get way more intense with Frank Castle on the scene.
Bernthal first made waves as the gritty vigilante in Netflix’s Daredevil, eventually headlining The Punisher and making appearances in Luke Cage. While those series weren’t originally part of the official Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Disney has been slowly folding key characters and stories into the MCU canon, most notably through Daredevil: Born Again, where Bernthal also returned as Castle.
Marvel fans will also get more Punisher content soon—Bernthal is both starring in and helping write an upcoming untitled Punisher television special set after the events of Born Again.
Casting details for Brand New Day continue to spark speculation, with Zendaya and Jacob Batalon rumored to return as MJ and Ned, and Stranger Things alum Sadie Sink already confirmed to join the cast. How exactly Castle will fit into the story—or whether he’ll be friend, foe, or frenemy to Peter Parker—remains a mystery, but one thing’s for sure: the streets of New York are about to get a lot more dangerous.
Gargoyles, Gothic, and Guts: Halloween Horror Nights 34 Embraces Dark Elegance with Park-Wide Conservatory Theme
Spooky season is creeping closer, and Universal Orlando is letting fans in on some chilling new details about the overarching theme for Halloween Horror Nights 34—and it’s nothing short of ghoulishly gorgeous. At this year’s Spooky Empire convention in Orlando, HHN veterans Mike Aiello (Show Director for Universal Studios Orlando) and Lora Sauls (assistant director of creative development and show direction for art, design and entertainment at Universal Orlando) peeled back the curtain on the event’s atmospheric backbone: a hauntingly immersive, gothic-inspired environment known as The Conservatory.
While HHN has always delivered on scares, this year the creative team is dialing up the immersion with a cohesive aesthetic that will weave through the entrance, scare zones, and even the merchandise. Yes, horror fans, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights will feel like one sprawling haunted manor—with overgrown vines, crumbling stone walls, twisted roots, gargoyle guardians, stained glass windows, and more lurking in every shadow.
According to the panel, The Conservatory will serve as both the literal and thematic gateway to the event, likely forming the basis of the first scare zone. But as you explore deeper into the park, the separate zones will still reflect their own unique identities—while maintaining eerie visual callbacks to this central gothic theme. Think of it as a living, breathing haunted garden…that just might want to keep you.
Already, this rich visual identity is blooming in this year’s merch drops. The first release featured the “Never Go Alone” tagline sprouting from gnarly roots, surrounded by faux stone, stained glass, and antique-style statues. Even the acrylic stand from the Fallout house reveal follows suit, with blood-splattered panes and Gothic Revival vibes that look like they were pulled from a haunted cathedral.
While the full scope of this all-encompassing aesthetic is still under wraps (or maybe under creeping vines), one thing is clear: HHN 34 is shaping up to be one of the most visually cohesive and atmospherically ambitious events ever.
If you’re a fan of horror with a heavy dash of high art—and a soft spot for spooky architecture—this year’s event is about to be a dream… or maybe a nightmare… come true.
Test Track Ride Testing Ramps Up Ahead of July 22 Reopening at EPCOT
Do you hear that? 🏎️ The sound of roaring engines, screeching tires, and futuristic whirrs is echoing through EPCOT once again—and that can only mean one thing: Test Track is back in motion!
While the official reopening date is July 22, 2025, guests wandering near World Discovery might already catch the thrilling sounds of ride vehicle testing as the attraction gets road-ready after a year-long refurbishment. That glorious hum of tires racing along the outdoor loop? Music to the ears of Test Track fans!
Disney has confirmed that there will be several rounds of previews ahead of the official reopening, with Cast Member preview already being scheduled. Previews help ensure the attraction is fully operational and entering its final laps before opening to the general public. If you’re part of select groups like Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak residents, or Club 33 Members—your turn to feel the wind in your hair is coming soon! While those preview dates haven’t been released just yet, expect notifications to start rolling out over the next few weeks.
This newly enhanced version of Test Track will feature:
A sleek new musical score to match the high-speed thrills
Immersive new scenes, including one that lets you “See Through the ‘Eyes’ of a Vehicle” using over 29,000 points of light to simulate high-tech sensors and cameras
A deeper dive into how smart technology is driving the future of transportation
But for now, the most exciting update isn’t what you see—it’s what you hear. The return of Test Track’s unmistakable engine roars is already creating a buzz across EPCOT, reminding us all that one of Walt Disney World’s most thrilling attractions is about to cross the finish line.
Santa’s Florida Staycation Spot is Back! Winter Summerland Mini Golf Reopens at Walt Disney World
Christmas in July? Try Christmas and summer all year long! The whimsical Winter Summerland Miniature Golf course at Walt Disney World is officially back in action after a two-month refurbishment—and both the Winter and Summer courses are once again welcoming mini-golfers of all ages.
Located near Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Winter Summerland is Santa’s sunny seasonal escape. Whether you’re teeing off through a sandy, sun-drenched paradise on the Summer Course, or dodging snowmen and icy obstacles on the Winter Course, each of the 18-hole layouts delivers a festive Florida twist. While the closure (which began April 28) didn’t bring major overhauls, guests may notice spruced-up greens and freshly painted props keeping the place looking sleigh-ready.
It’s time to grab a candy cane putter, channel your inner elf (or beach bum), and dive into one of the most delightfully themed mini golf spots on property. Whether you’re chasing a hole-in-one under twinkling Christmas lights or next to a surfing Santa, Winter Summerland is bringing merry magic back to your Disney day.
Discover Elio: Pixar’s Humorous and Heartfelt Space Journey Blasts Off!
Pixar Animation Studios’ latest original feature,Elio, which hits theaters today, Friday, June 20, 2025, is more than just a cosmic adventure. It’s a deeply personal journey that explores identity, belonging, and the profound power of connection. With its signature blend of emotional storytelling and visual innovation, Elio continues Pixar’s cherished tradition of crafting films that resonate across generations.
At the heart of the story is Elio, an imaginative 11-year-old who suddenly finds himself transported across the galaxy. In a twist of fate, he’s mistaken for Earth’s ambassador to the Communiverse—a vibrant, otherworldly coalition of alien civilizations. What unfolds is a captivating tale of self-discovery, unexpected courage, and the universal desire to find your place.
“Finding a drive for a story always starts with character,” explains director Domee Shi. For Elio, Shi focused on “this idea of a boy that’s just running away from loneliness on Earth.” She notes that Elio’s obsession with being abducted by aliens stems from “his desperation to belong somewhere in this universe.” This specific character drive, she adds, “feels very universal.”
The film’s emotional depth is beautifully matched by its breathtaking visual splendor. “It’s an all-encompassing experience,” says Zoe Saldaña, who voices Elio’s Aunt Olga. “All the work that went into creating this beautiful and colorful universe — the Communiverse — can only be deeply appreciated on a big screen.” The filmmakers collaborated with production designer Harley Jessup (known for Pixar classics like Ratatouille and Coco) to bring the Communiverse to life with dazzling creativity. Drawing inspiration from deep-sea creatures and microorganisms, they crafted a world that feels both alien and inviting. For example, the character Glordon is inspired by the Tardigrade, and the Communiverse’s shape echoes deep-sea jellyfish.
Producer Mary Alice Drumm aimed to counter the typical portrayal of space as a dark, threatening place. Instead, she worked with Jessup to create a version of space in Elio that is a “warm, wish fulfillment colorful place Elio would want to do.” She hopes that for audiences, “hopefully it’s this beautiful aquarium in space you want to go to.”
A “Bucket List Dream” for the Cast
For Zoe Saldaña, joining the Pixar family was a dream come true. “Obviously, Pixar is a bucket list dream of a company to be a part of because their stories are so compelling,” she shared. Now, having watched Pixar movies with her own kids, Saldaña is enjoying “cool mom points” for being a part of Elio.
Yonas Kibreab, who voices Elio, echoed the excitement, stating, “I’m so grateful to be a part of it.” Kibreab hopes audiences leave the movie feeling entertained and realize “how important friends and family are. And if you’re going through grief or you’re feeling some type of way, at the end of the day, it’s all going to be okay.”
Director Madeline Sharafian highlighted Pixar’s unwavering commitment to emotional storytelling. “Something that we were always looking for was to strengthen the moments of emotional catharsis, which I do think is a reason people go see Pixar movies,” Sharafian said. The filmmakers had the luxury of collaborating with Pixar’s animators, who, over three decades, have honed their abilities to bring emotion to a vast array of characters and objects. “Even though there are aliens, that have different modes of ambulation and different numbers of eyes, they still need to be able to be expressive and convey emotion,” Sharafian explained, praising the animators’ ability to emote even with characters like Glordon, who lacks eyes or eyebrows.
With its unique blend of sci-fi wonder and heartfelt storytelling, Kibreab suggests Elio feels almost like a mash-up of WALL-E and Up. “When you put it together, you get Elio,” Kibreab said. “It’s an original and it’s going to be so great.”
“We all have this yearning to belong and to be accepted,” Saldaña concluded. “But in order for that to happen, you have to learn to accept yourself. That’s a big takeaway in the story of Elio.”
As Pixar continues to push the boundaries of animation and storytelling, Elio reinforces the studio’s legacy—inviting audiences of all ages to look to the stars and, ultimately, find themselves.
