Disneyland Announces “Celebrate America!” Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration is in full swing, bringing a summer filled with special entertainment, merchandise, and magical experiences to the Happiest Place on Earth! As part of the festivities, the nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys has been enchanting guests nightly. However, for one special evening on July 4th, “Wondrous Journeys” will pause as Disneyland presents a patriotic alternative: Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.
Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky originally debuted in 2008 and has since become a cherished tradition. This patriotic spectacular illuminates the night with dazzling fireworks, stirring music, and now incorporates modern projections and special effects. While Daps Magic has chronicled its evolution over the years, with new ideas continually enhancing the show, below is a glimpse of the 2024 version of “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”
This patriotic nighttime spectacular is scheduled for 9:35 PM on July 4th. If past years are any indication, the park could be quite busy as guests gather to celebrate Independence Day and witness these special fireworks. At this time, it’s unclear what other patriotic entertainment will be offered that day. However, it’s common for the Dapper Dans to perform in their festive patriotic costumes, and military bands often play throughout the Disneyland Resort for the holiday.
Will you be celebrating Independence Day at the Disneyland Resort?Contact me today to book your visit! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Disney and Pixar’s latest animated feature, “Elio,” has opened to a disappointing box office performance, marking the lowest domestic debut in Pixar’s illustrious history. Released on June 20, 2025, the film earned an estimated $9 million on its opening Friday, including preview screenings, from approximately 3,750 locations. Industry projections suggest an opening weekend in the range of $20-$22 million, falling significantly short of expectations.
“Elio,” an original animated adventure centered on a young boy mistakenly identified as Earth’s intergalactic ambassador, faced stiff competition in its opening weekend. It was overshadowed by Universal’s live-action fantasy film “How to Train Your Dragon,” which continued to perform strongly in its second weekend, and the horror sequel “28 Years Later,” which topped Friday’s chart.
The film’s opening figures are a stark contrast to previous Pixar releases. The studio’s prior lowest domestic debut in the modern era was “Elemental” in 2023, which opened with $29.6 million. While “Elemental” eventually found its legs and went on to gross around $500 million globally as a sleeper hit, “Elio” faces an uphill battle to recoup its reported $150 million production budget with such a soft start.
Despite the box office struggles, “Elio” has garnered generally positive reviews from critics, boasting an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and an “A” CinemaScore from audiences, indicating strong reception from those who have seen it. This suggests that positive word-of-mouth could potentially help the film’s longevity in theaters, though it would need exceptional “legs” to significantly improve its overall gross.
The modest opening for “Elio” continues a recent trend for original Pixar films, which have sometimes struggled to capture the same immediate audience attention as their franchise counterparts. However, Pixar’s upcoming slate includes “Toy Story 5” in 2026, a sequel expected to perform exceptionally well given the franchise’s history of billion-dollar global grosses. This suggests that while “Elio” may be a bump in the road, Pixar’s long-term box office outlook remains strong, particularly with beloved franchises.
Adult-Exclusive Dining on Disney Cruise Line Sees Price Increases
According to Disney Cruise Line Blog, Disney Cruise Line is adjusting prices for adult-exclusive restaurants across its fleet. These changes, rolling out for new dining reservations on voyages departing from U.S. ports or Vancouver, reflect ongoing enhancements to the adult dining experience and menu selections. Notably, sailings from European homeports or Australia/New Zealand are not affected by these price increases at this time.
Across the fleet, the price for brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse will increase by $5, bringing it to $55. Similarly, the pre-fixe dinner menu at these locations will also go up by $5, to $55.
Remy
Onboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Remy will see price increases for its intimate, upscale dining experiences. These menus are crafted by Chef Arnaud Lallement of the Michelin 3-star l’Assiette Champenoise, and Chef Scott Hunnel from Walt Disney World Resort’s award-winning Victoria & Albert’s.
Remy Champagne Brunch will increase by $5 to $85.
The Remy Dessert Experience will increase by $5 to $70.
The prix-fixe Remy Dinner will jump by $10 to $145.
Enchanté
On the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish, the prix-fixe menu selections at Enchanté, specially crafted by 3 Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement, will also see a $10 increase. This brings the base price for both Enchanté Lunch and Enchanté Dinner to $145.
It’s anticipated that the Disney Destiny, launching later this year, will feature the same pricing for Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté.
The staggered rollout of these price increases begins with the Disney Wish on June 20th, followed by the Disney Treasure on June 21st. The Disney Dream will see an increase starting June 26th, and the Disney Magic on June 27th. The Disney Wonder’s prices will go up starting June 30th (excluding Australia/New Zealand sailings). Finally, the Disney Fantasy will implement the new pricing on November 16th, after its dry dock and the first voyage from Port Canaveral.
For guests with existing adult dining reservations made before each ship’s respective change date, Disney Cruise Line will honor the original booking price. However, any new reservations made after these dates will be charged at the increased rate.
The last price increase for adult dining on Disney Cruise Line was in July 2023.
The Disney Animal Care Team: Dedicated to Saving Sea Turtles
Did you know Disney’s animal care experts have rehabilitated and released over 350 sea turtles in the last four decades? This World Sea Turtle Day, get to know the incredible animal care team at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, who are working daily to ensure the survival of these beautiful creatures.
While research suggests some sea turtle populations may be recovering, they still face significant global threats like habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. Continued efforts to aid their population growth are crucial. At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, a dedicated team of cast members focuses on rehabilitating injured sea turtles found off Florida’s coast. They recently received three cold-stunned turtles named Bond, Little Foot, and Thunder, transferred by the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission after being discovered off Jacksonville. Cold-stunning is a condition where sea turtles become weak and inactive due to dangerously cold water temperatures.
Recovering from this type of hypothermia can be life-threatening, but these three turtles, Bond, Little Foot, and Thunder, received world-class care from our animal care team and made full recoveries. Bond, a juvenile green sea turtle, faced additional complications when he was found, battling pneumonia. A dedicated team of aquarists and veterinarians developed a specialized care plan that ultimately prepared him for his release into the wild near St. Augustine last month.
“Sea turtle rehab medicine is one of my favorite parts of being a veterinarian,” said Dr. Kyle, a veterinarian with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “It’s a small way that I can try to restore some health to the ocean and share this message with our Guests at Disney to inspire communities to protect and preserve the ocean.”
Just like Bond, hundreds of other sea turtles have been rehabilitated at Walt Disney World and successfully returned to the ocean. Disney has long championed and participated in sea turtle rehabilitation and release, a practice vital for the species’ survival and incredibly rewarding for the passionate cast members involved.
“We can all make a difference by keeping beaches clean, turning off lights near the shore at night, avoiding marked nests, and knocking down your sandcastles,” says Emily, a conservation programs manager who spearheads Disney’s sea turtle conservation efforts. “Every small action helps create a safer, healthier environment for sea turtles and coastal wildlife.”
Addressing the conservation needs of sea turtles requires a mighty team effort. To date, the Disney Conservation Fund has played a role in protecting over 1,000 wildlife species across every continent and ocean, including these remarkable marine reptiles.
“El Artista: A Spanish Haunting” Revealed as First Original House for Halloween Horror Nights 34
Universal Orlando just gave fans their first taste of the original terror brewing for Halloween Horror Nights 34—and it’s dripping with gothic beauty, ghostly possession, and a whole lot of artistic anguish. Say hola to El Artista: A Spanish Haunting, the first original haunted house officially announced for this year’s event, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before at HHN.
Unveiled during a panel at Spooky Empire—Florida’s ultimate horror fan convention—and confirmed on Universal’s social media, El Artista plunges guests into a tragic ghost story rooted in the late 1800s. The tale follows Sergio Navarro, a once-renowned Spanish painter whose creative flame is flickering. Desperate for inspiration, he moves into a remote manor deep in the woods—La Casa de Creación, a place rumored to inspire tortured geniuses…and harbor a sinister legacy.
But the manor holds more than memories. It’s inhabited by the restless spirits of past artists—and something far more malevolent lurking within its conservatory. As Sergio’s paintings begin to reflect nightmarish imagery not of his own making, the house twists his mind and unleashes a supernatural storm. The spirits want to use his art as gateways into our world, and when the veil between life and death grows thin, Sergio must resist total possession… if he can.
The creative team behind El Artista is pulling out all the stops—from Pepper’s Ghost illusions to paintings that literally come to life, with ghosts pushing through canvas and walls. Expect a blend of gothic and Spanish colonial architecture, lavish scenic design, and an atmosphere drenched in dread. Designed by Dylan Kolac (yes, Dead Man’s Pier fans, that Dylan), this house is said to be one of the most visually stunning originals ever conceived.
Art also plays a major role beyond the scares: guests will encounter original ghostly artwork that ties into the broader Halloween Horror Nights universe. And those who take the Unmasking the Horror lights-on tour may spot clever Easter eggs and haunted visuals connecting back to the event’s overarching theme.
What makes this house even more meaningful is the cultural passion behind it. Creative lead Ramon Parra, who co-wrote and directed the house’s development, called it the honor of his career—bringing to life a brand-new Latino horror story with deep emotional and visual layers. It’s a celebration of folklore, artistry, and the dark power of inspiration gone wrong.
With El Artista: A Spanish Haunting, Universal isn’t just giving us jump scares—they’re crafting a story that lingers, long after you’ve left the fog.
Epic Universe Attractions Are Quietly Staying Open Past Park Close — Here’s What to Know Before You Bolt
Here’s a pro tip that could level up your Epic Universe adventure: don’t sprint for the exit at 9:00 P.M. sharp. While Universal Orlando’s newest theme park officially closes at 9:00 each night, many attractions across the park have been continuing to operate well past that time—sometimes as late as 10:00 P.M.—giving savvy guests one last ride into the stars.
Over the past week, nearly every major ride across all five lands of Epic Universe has remained open beyond posted closing, with wait times still being posted as late as 9:45 P.M. In Isle of Berk, some attractions like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders have hit capacity right at closing, while others such as Dragon Racer’s Rally and Fyre Drill have occasionally operated well past 9:00 P.M., depending on crowds and demand.
Over in Super Nintendo World, rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure have frequently continued welcoming guests after posted hours, while Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness has generally closed on time. In Celestial Park, the Constellation Carousel has also been spotted running late into the evening, sometimes with moderate wait times still posted well past 9:00.
Meanwhile, the Dark Universe duo—Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf—have both seen extended operation on some nights, with only occasional delays affecting their availability. And in the Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry has typically drawn large end-of-day crowds, often reaching capacity before the line is officially cut off near closing
The extension appears unofficial and variable—sometimes rides close due to capacity, other times they hum along for an extra hour. Team Members didn’t have a consistent answer about exact closing times, suggesting that Universal may be testing extended hours or at least providing a soft buffer for end-of-night crowds.
Say Cheese! A Brand-New Crispy Cheddar Melt Corn Dog Has Arrived at Disney’s BoardWalk
Get ready to take a bite out of bliss—because Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs at Disney’s BoardWalk is rolling out a cheesy new creation that’s got us dreaming in golden crunch and gooey goodness. Starting Friday, June 20, 2025, the Crispy Cheddar Melt Corn Dog makes its delicious debut exclusively at the Florida location.
This isn’t your typical corn dog. The Crispy Cheddar Melt is a fried-on-a-stick fantasy featuring alternating bites of juicy hot dog and melty cheddar cheese, all rolled in crispy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. If that wasn’t already magical enough, it’s served with a house-made cilantro garlic dipping sauce—a flavorful kick that takes this snack to a whole new level.
Though it’s not listed on the official online menu just yet, pricing is expected to match their other specialty offerings at $15.50. And in case you’re wondering—yes, this cheesy delight is only available at the Walt Disney World Blue Ribbon location, not in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District. This exclusive continues the trend of inventive additions since their opening last August, including the now-legendary pickle dog and that monstrous mozzarella stick added last fall.
So whether you’re strolling down Disney’s BoardWalk or just on a mission for the most over-the-top theme park snack of the summer, the Crispy Cheddar Melt is calling your name. Cheddar luck next time if you miss it!
Get ready for a prehistoric spectacle! The Los Angeles Philharmonic will bring the iconic film Jurassic Park to life at the Hollywood Bowl with two special performances on Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17, both at 8 PM.
Under the masterful direction of conductor David Newman, the entire Jurassic Park film will be shown on the Bowl’s giant HD screen. But here’s the thrilling twist: the orchestra will perform John Williams’ legendary score live, creating an unparalleled immersive experience. Newman, a highly acclaimed film music composer and conductor, boasts a career spanning over 100 films, including an Academy Award-nominated score for Anastasia in 1998.
The Hollywood Bowl, with its starlit sky and surrounding trees, offers the perfect atmosphere to witness this epic battle between humanity and prehistoric beasts. The excitement doesn’t stop with the concert! Before the show, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will be on hand, featuring local paleontology students eager to discuss all things dinosaurs with curious minds. Plus, the JP Motor Pool will be showcasing their incredible fleet of customized vehicles from the film, further enhancing the immersive experience.
Originally unleashed on June 11, 1993, Jurassic Park recently celebrated its 26th anniversary. Directed by the visionary Steven Spielberg, adapted from Michael Crichton’s work, and boasting the unforgettable music of John Williams, the film became a cinematic phenomenon. Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Richard Attenborough, and Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic Park earned three Academy Awards for Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Visual Effects, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking masterpiece.
Magic Shots at Walt Disney World theme parks offer guests a delightful way to enhance their vacation photos with a touch of Disney magic. Taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed throughout the parks, these special photos digitally insert beloved Disney characters, whimsical effects, or other fun surprises into your pictures. Whether it’s Tinker Bell perched on your hand, a mischievous Stitch photobombing your group, or a stunning visual effect, Magic Shots create unique and memorable souvenirs that go beyond traditional snapshots, making your Disney memories even more enchanting. Take a look at the Magic Shots that are currently available at Disney World’s theme parks.
Olaf: Warm hugs? That can only mean one thing: Olaf! This Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed at the bridge leading from Cinderella Castle into Tomorrowland, as well as in Sir Mickey’s Royal Portrait Studio.
Peter Pan’s Shadow: Off to Neverland! This Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers located near the Cinderella Castle walls by Pinocchio Village Haus.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Edna Mode: We said no capes! This Magic Shot is available in the following locations:
– from the first Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed on Sunset Boulevard
– near the Hollywood Studios arch
– in Pixar Plaza
Olaf: We love warm hugs! This Olaf Magic Shot is available from Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed at Echo Lake and on Hollywood Boulevard.
Baby Animal: Pose for a wild Magic Shot with Baby Animal from The Muppets! It’s available from Disney PhotoPass photographers located on Sunset Boulevard — be sure to ask your photographer for this photo!
Epcot
Tiny World: Take a step into our Tiny World! This Magic Shot is available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer located near the fountain just beyond the main entrance of the park.
Groot: I am Groot! This Magic Shot is available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed near the entrance of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Donald Duck: He’s #1! This Magic Shot is available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed at the entrance of the park near the ticket windows.
Tinker Bell: A pixie-perfect Magic Shot! It’s available from Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed in the following locations:
– at the entrance of the park near the ticket windows
– in front of the Lion King statue near Pizzafari
– closest to the Tree of Life in Discovery Island
Do you stop for Magic Shots when you’re visiting Walt Disney World?
TruMoo Unveils Fantastic Berry Lowfat Milk This July, Celebrating Marvel’s “Fantastic Four: First Steps”
Get ready for a truly “Fantastic” addition to your dairy aisle! TruMoo, known for its delicious chocolate milk, is set to release a brand-new flavor this July: TruMoo Fantastic Berry Lowfat Milk. This exciting new offering is being launched in honor of Marvel’s highly anticipated film, “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which hits theaters on July 25.
“Get ready to power up your pour with the new TruMoo Fantastic Berry Lowfat Milk, available in dairy aisles nationwide this July. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning…” a TruMoo representative shared.
While TruMoo’s previous pop-culture inspired release, the “Star Wars” Blue Milk, featured a vanilla flavor, this new “Fantastic Four” collaboration promises a vibrant berry experience. Fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to try this unique new milk when it becomes available.
This partnership marks a fun way for fans to celebrate the upcoming Marvel film, bringing a taste of the superhero action directly to their breakfast tables or snack times. The release of TruMoo Fantastic Berry Lowfat Milk will lead up to the theatrical debut of “Fantastic Four: First Steps” on July 25. Keep an eye on your local dairy aisle this July to be among the first to “power up your pour” with this fantastic new flavor!
Disney and Pixar’s Elio Blasts into Disney Parks Worldwide with Out-of-This-World Experiences!
Attention, Disney Parks fans: incoming transmission from the Communiverse! In a spectacular celebration of Disney and Pixar’s all-new film, Elio, now playing exclusively in theaters, Elio’s world has been beamed down to Earth, bringing new intergalactic treats, products, dance parties, and more to Disney Experiences around the globe. Get ready to join the fun this summer!
Walt Disney World Resort Embraces the Communiverse!
EPCOT visitors will be amazed to see Spaceship Earth transformed in an incredible digital stunt, seemingly “beamed up” to the Communiverse by Elio himself, Earth’s Ambassador.
Over in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, guests can groove to out-of-this-world tunes during a space-inspired DJ dance party at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage, part of Cool Kid Summer. Keep an eye out for surprise appearances!
For those eager to explore, Elio’s Guide to an Intergalactic Adventure has taken over Tomorrowland’s Merchant of Venus. Scan a postcard to space, snap some photos with exclusive film backdrops featuring Elio and his new galactic friends.
And speaking of cool spots, right next to Merchant of Venus, Auntie Gravity’s now features an “Elio” inspired float! This refreshing Sprite float with purple shimmer and fruit-flavored boba pearls is topped with vanilla soft-serve, gold star sprinkles, and blue raspberry sour straws (Non-alcoholic). It’s available now until September 1, 2025.
Disneyland Resort: Art, Photos, and Alien Encounters
At the Pixar Place Hotel, located in the second-floor atrium, the Art of Pixar Gallery featuring Elio invites visitors to experience the visual development process of filmmaking. Discover original drawings, paintings, and sculptures from Pixar’s newest release, showcasing Elio, his best friend Glordon, and other characters. Downstairs in the lobby, snap an astronomically fun photo at the “Elio” photo location, and be on the lookout for Lord Grigon and other out-of-this-world alien sculptures.
Shanghai Disney Resort & Disneyland Paris Join the Intergalactic Celebration
At Shanghai Disney Resort, keep an eye out for special Pixar-themed disposable cups and plate mats at the Stargazer Grill-Pixar Celebration in Tomorrowland. You might even receive one featuring characters from Elio!
Over at Disneyland Paris, guests can enjoy a new Elio-themed Animated Magic Shot in Discoveryland until July 9, 2025. Head to Animation Academy in Walt Disney Studios Park, where Elio and Glordon have been added to the lineup of characters you can learn to draw. Catch the Elio trailer at the pre-show or the Elio panel at the post-show, and look for collectible card distributions featuring six characters from the film. You may even spot new water art drawings of Elio and Glordon around the parks!
Bring the Communiverse Home: Elio Products Hit the Stores!
Team up with your favorite Elio characters by bringing the intergalactic adventures home through a vibrant collection of merchandise, with some items available at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Elio Small Plush: Cuddle up with the presumed “Leader of Earth” in plush form.
Glordon Plush: Elio’s loyal alien companion beams in for out-of-this-world snuggles.
Elio Figure Set: A detailed eight-piece set including Elio Solís, Aunt Olga, and a host of weird and wacky alien creatures.
Mattel Disney and Pixar Elio Action Figure Storyteller 3 Pack: Includes posable action figures of Elio, Ambassador Grigon, and Glordon.
Mattel Disney and Pixar Elio MINIS Ooooo’s Ooze Mystery Pack: Unbox a spaceship-shaped container with Ooooo’s Ooze slime and 2 mini figures.
Pop! & Buddy Elio with OOOOO (Glow): A Funko POP! & Buddy duo eager to explore space, with a glow-in-the-dark companion.
The Art of Elio: Showcases the art, behind-the-scenes details, and making of the film, with exclusive interviews and concept art.
Disney/Pixar Elio Little Golden Book: A perfect retelling for young children and collectors alike.
With Elio now playing in theaters, these incredible experiences across Disney Parks worldwide offer fans the perfect way to extend their intergalactic journey! Don’t miss out on the cosmic fun this summer!
Disney Dominates 2025 Box Office With $1.1 Billion (And We’re Only Halfway Through the Year!)
Talk about box office magic! ✨ We’re only halfway through 2025, and Disney is already sitting atop the domestic charts with a jaw-dropping $1.1 billion in ticket sales. Thanks to a mix of nostalgic remakes, superhero sequels, and family favorites, the House of Mouse has surged 222% ahead of this time last year—and the hits just keep coming.
Leading the pack is the wildly successful live-action “Lilo & Stitch”, which has raked in over $371 million and has already surfed its way to the No. 2 spot overall for the year so far. Other major wins include “Captain America: Brave New World” ($200.5M) and “Thunderbolts”* – ($188.8M).
These titles have helped propel Disney well ahead of Warner Bros., who sits in second place with $906.9M thanks to hits like The Minecraft Movie and Sinners.
And here’s the kicker: Disney’s biggest blockbusters of 2025 may still be ahead. Coming soon to a theater near you:
