Hallmark to Release Disneyland 70th Anniversary Sleeping Beauty Castle Ornament
Disney fans and ornament collectors alike are in for a magical treat as Hallmark prepares to release a stunning new Sleeping Beauty Castle ornament to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort. This exquisite Keepsake Ornament promises to bring the enchantment of “The Happiest Place on Earth” to Christmas trees this holiday season.
Designed to honor Disneyland’s “platinum anniversary,” the ornament beautifully captures Sleeping Beauty’s Castle with a captivating iridescent finish. What truly sets this piece apart is its interactive light and sound features. With the press of a button, collectors can enjoy a dazzling light show, complete with simulated fireworks, all set to the beloved melody of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
Crafted from durable plastic, the ornament measures approximately 5.5 x 4 x 2.25 inches, making it a prominent and eye-catching addition to any festive display. It comes packaged in a gift box, making it an ideal present for Disney enthusiasts. The ornament is battery-operated, requiring three (3) alkaline LR44 replaceable button batteries, which are conveniently included.
This new Hallmark Keepsake Ornament offers a perfect way to celebrate seven decades of Disneyland magic and will surely become a cherished collector’s item for years to come.
Meyer Werft Assigns Hull Numbers to New Disney Cruise Line Ships
In a recent announcement from Meyer Werft, the shipyard building the next wave of Disney Cruise Line vessels, five new ships have officially been assigned hull numbers, complete with their projected completion dates.
Germany’s Meyer Werft Shipyard recently released an updated list detailing all the new Disney Cruise Line ships currently under construction. For the first time, several of these upcoming projects have been assigned hull numbers(also referred to as “Yard Numbers” in the publication). These numbers serve as unique identifiers for each vessel being built. The assignment of these new numbers suggests that construction on these ships is either set to begin soon or will significantly accelerate for those already underway.
Given that building a new cruise ship is a multi-year endeavor, Meyer Werft’s list provides projected delivery dates stretching all the way through 2031.
This updated list from Meyer Werft includes several already-announced ships. For example, the Disney Destiny, which recently touched water for the first time, is still set for its maiden voyage on November 20, 2025. Also featured is the Disney Adventure, formerly the Global Dream before Disney Cruise Line acquired it in 2022, with its maiden voyage scheduled out of Singapore on December 15, 2025.
The newly assigned hull numbers — 722, 723, 731, 732, and 733 — correspond to projects slated for delivery between 2027 and 2031. Notably, hull number 723 has the earliest delivery date in 2027 and is categorized as a Wish-class ship, similar to the Disney Destiny and Treasure. Meanwhile, hull number 722 is assigned to the upcoming ship for the Oriental Land Company, expected for delivery in 2028 and projected to begin operations in 2029.
The remaining three new hull numbers – 731, 732, and 733 – are all designated for Disney Cruise Line, but they represent a new, unnamed class of ships that will be smaller than the current Wish-class vessels. While these will be more compact than the Dream and Wish classes, they’re still set to be 20% larger than the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
These innovative ships will feature upgraded technology, including the capability to run on a variety of fuels, a battery system to support the main engines, and a streamlined hull design. The first of these, hull number 731, is anticipated for delivery in 2029. The subsequent two, 732 and 733, are projected for delivery in 2030 and 2031, respectively. If Disney Cruise Line retains the Magic and Wonder, these additions will expand their fleet to 13 ships by the end of 2031. Beyond the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure, the names and further details for these upcoming vessels have yet to be announced.
What are your thoughts on the exciting upcoming additions to the Disney Cruise Line fleet?
New Mamba Cakes Arrive at Epcot’s Karamell-Küche Bakery
EPCOT is now offering two vibrant new cakes inspired by the popular German candy, Mamba fruit chews. These Mamba cakes were next on our list of eats to try at the parks!
You can discover these new cakes at Karamell-Küche, nestled within the Germany pavilion in World Showcase. We easily spotted them among the refrigerated treats in the display case.
Mamba Orange Cake – $6.49
Orange cake with vanilla cream sugar frosting inside a Mamba sugar card and one orange Mamba
While a decent treat, this cake proved to be quite sticky and messy. Unfortunately, it lacked the distinct tartness expected from a Mamba chew, which made it fall flat for us. The orange flavor tasted quite artificial, and while the frosting helped temper this, it did so in a somewhat uninspired way. We also weren’t particularly fond of the vanilla frosting filling in the center.
Mamba Strawberry Lemon Cake – $6.49
Strawberry cake with lemon cream sugar frosting inside a mamba sugar card and one lemon Mamba
The strawberry lemon cake proved to be more enjoyable than its orange counterpart, largely due to its delightful lemon frosting filling. We definitely preferred this zesty center over the orange cake’s vanilla filling. The strawberry lemon’s tart flavor truly delivered an authentic Mamba experience, which we really appreciated.
Have you had a chance to try either of these new sweet treats in the Germany pavilion yet?
A brand-new, intensely chocolatey Pinocchio Cookie Tart has arrived at Magic Kingdom, and we just had to try it! You can fittingly find this sweet treat at Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland.
In short, this new Pinocchio Cookie Tart is simply amazing. The cookie base is absolutely perfect, offering a delightful texture that’s neither too hard nor too soft, reminiscent of a cookie cake rather than a dense tart. Inside, the rich, decadent ganache chocolate is beautifully balanced by a light and fluffy chantilly cream.
This thoughtful pairing ensures the tart isn’t overly heavy, so you can easily enjoy it all to yourself without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the added cookie dough pieces provide a fantastic extra burst of sweetness.
Pinocchio Cookie Tart – $6.99
Filled with Chocolate Ganache and topped with Chantilly Cream, Cookie Dough Crumbles, and a Chocolate Piece
Blast Off! Pixar’s “Elio” Takes Over Disney Springs with New Photo-Op
There’s a new leader of Earth at Disney Springs—and his name is Elio! Guests visiting the AMC Theater will now be greeted by a stellar new photo-op celebrating Pixar’s upcoming film Elio, arriving in theaters on June 20, 2025.
Located just to the left of the AMC near the Coca Cola Store, the vibrant display features Elio and his enthusiastic alien sidekick, Glordon, zooming through space on a glowing cosmic wave. The backdrop bursts with blues and purples, inviting fans to “See #Elio at #DisneySprings.” To the right, the official movie poster introduces even more characters from the film, including the imposing Lord Grigon, the quirky OOOOO, and other curious creatures from the mysterious Communiverse.
The new display replaces the former Lilo & Stitch photo-op in the same spot, bringing fresh Pixar energy to Disney Springs just in time for the summer movie season. But this isn’t the only corner of Walt Disney World that’s gone galactic…
Over in Magic Kingdom, Elio has landed inside the Merchant of Venus retail space, and guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can catch an exclusive sneak peek of the movie inside “Walt Disney Presents: One Man’s Dream.” There’s even a small art exhibit showcasing concept art from the film. To top it off, an out-of-this-world line of Elio-inspired merchandise is now available at select locations around the resort.
In Elio, the universe calls back! When a young space-loving dreamer named Elio is accidentally beamed into the Communiverse—an intergalactic organization of alien worlds—he’s mistaken for Earth’s official representative. With a galaxy of eccentric creatures watching his every move, Elio must figure out how to fit in, make friends, and discover who he truly is.
With direction by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, and voices from America Ferrera, Yonas Kibreab, Brad Garrett, Zoe Saldaña, Jameela Jamil, and Shirley Henderson, Elio promises a heartfelt, hilarious ride through the cosmos.
Legendary Disney Director Ron Clements “Unretires” to Mentor a New Generation at Walt Disney Animation Studios
He went the distance… and now he’s back! Ron Clements, the Disney animation legend behind such classics as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, and Moana, is making a triumphant return to Walt Disney Animation Studios—but this time, he’s swapping his director’s chair for a mentor’s seat.
Clements, who was officially inducted into the Annecy Walk of Fame during a heartfelt presentation at the renowned animation festival, reflected on both the honor and his unexpected return. “This is so cool,” he told the crowd. “It’s such an honor to be memorialized this way… I really have been enjoying retirement, but I’m excited about just returning to kind of mentor.”
According to Variety, Clements’ comeback isn’t about helming another feature, but rather about shaping the future of Disney animation from behind the scenes. As studio execs like Disney Animation’s Andrew Millstein and Jennifer Lee continue to usher in new creative voices, Clements’ wealth of experience adds priceless perspective. As Disney Animation President Clark Spencer put it, “The legacy he helped build is the foundation we walk on.”
With decades of storytelling magic under his belt—including his work with longtime partner John Musker—Clements’ resume reads like a treasure trove of Disney gold. From helping usher in the Disney Renaissance with The Little Mermaid to redefining modern musical adventures with Moana, he has a unique understanding of what makes Disney animation sing (sometimes literally).
In a panel conversation with studio heads and Variety’s Peter Debruge, Clements shared the origin of his passion for animation. “I was nine years old… and I saw a reissue of Pinocchio in our local theater,” he said. “I couldn’t get it out of my mind… I decided at that point that I wanted to be an animator, and I wanted to work for Walt Disney.”
Looks like that childhood dream is still going strong—and now it’s inspiring a whole new generation of dreamers at the studio he helped shape. Welcome back, Ron!
Muppet*Vision 3D May Be Getting a VR Revival According to Jim Henson Company
Cue the confetti cannons and Statler and Waldorf groans—Muppet*Vision 3D might be getting a second act… and this time, it’s going virtual! At a recent panel celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Jim Henson Company, fans got a surprise tidbit that could mean the beloved theme park show isn’t quite ready to fade into the felt-lined archives just yet.
According to Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, Muppet*Vision 3D has already been “documented with VR cameras” and talks have begun with Disney about a potential VR release. While nothing is set in stone just yet, this is the first real sign of life for the fan-favorite attraction since it took its final bow at Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier this month.
Muppet*Vision 3D was one of Jim Henson’s final projects before his passing and has been a long-standing tribute to his creative genius. With the show now closed and the Grand Avenue area of the park being prepped for its Monsters, Inc.-themed transformation, many fans have wondered if the Muppets would be gone for good. But according to Disney, the original film has been preserved, and that opens the door for future possibilities.
Could a VR version bring the chaotic charm of the Muppets right to your living room? Or could it be a bridge to a new experience inside the park itself? Rumors continue to swirl about a Muppet takeover of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, with speculation that Muppet*Vision 3D could eventually resurface in the neighboring theater where Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is currently playing.
For now, fans will have to stay tuned—and maybe keep a VR headset on standby. After all, in the words of Sam Eagle, “This is a glorious three-hour finale!” (Give or take a few gigabytes.)
Disney Springs is currently showcasing a vibrant new mural celebrating Pride, prominently featuring a design that has been a hallmark of this year’s Pride merchandise: the Mickey glove rainbow heart.
A repeating pattern of Mickey Mouse silhouettes, each adorned with pride-themed rainbow stripes, forms the backdrop of the display. A standout element of the mural is the very last Mickey on the right.
But the celebration doesn’t stop here! Keep an eye out for even more Pride photo opportunities across all four Walt Disney World parks! It’s a fun way to share your Pride and snap some magical memories.
Photo Credit-Mary M
These colorful and prominently placed mural serves as a wonderful addition to Disney Springs, offering a cheerful and visible celebration of Pride for guests to enjoy.
New “Jason Universe” Merch Slashes Its Way into Universal Orlando and Hollywood
Camp Crystal Lake has never looked so stylish… or sinister. Universal has just dropped an all-new wave of killer merchandise inspired by the upcoming “Jason Universe” haunted house — and it’s a must-grab for horror fans looking to show their slasher pride.
The chilling new merch collection is now available at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, and includes:
A striking black t-shirt featuring Jason Voorhees front and center, posed ominously in front of a forest backdrop with blood-red artwork that practically screams HHN vibes. The bold “Jason Universe” lettering at the bottom seals the look with deadly precision.
A coordinating camping mug that gives off serious “don’t go into the woods” energy. Perfect for your next horror movie marathon — or sipping coffee while plotting your R.I.P. Tour strategy.
A collectible puzzle piece showcasing Jason’s masked mug, designed to snap into the special edition Halloween Horror Nights 2025 frame. Each house this year will have its own unique puzzle piece, and “Jason Universe” is the latest addition to the growing mural of mayhem.
Beginning Saturday, June 14, you can also snag these items online at Shop.UniversalOrlando.com, so you don’t need to brave the fog just to get your hands on them.
“Jason Universe” is the second officially confirmed house for Halloween Horror Nights 2025, joining the radioactive chaos of Fallout. With 10 haunted houses planned for this year’s lineup — along with five scare zones, live entertainment, and event-exclusive food and drink — HHN is already shaping up to be a scream.
Tickets are currently on sale for 48 fright-filled nights from August 29 through November 2 at Universal Orlando. Available options include:
🎟️ Multi-night passes such as Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear are not yet on sale, but stay tuned — they’re likely lurking just around the corner.
So whether you’re team machete or just here for the merch, this is one horror drop you won’t want to miss. Now if you’ll excuse us… we’ve got some shopping (and screaming) to do.
Magic Kingdom’s Sword in the Stone Is Back After Brief Refurbishment
Long live the King… or at least the King hopefuls! After a short hiatus that had guests wondering if Merlin had finally pulled the plug, the iconic Sword in the Stone at Magic Kingdom is officially back and ready for your royal photo op attempts.
Nestled right in the heart of Fantasyland — between Cinderella Castle and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — the legendary sword mysteriously vanished from guest access earlier this week. On Wednesday, June 11, the area was roped off, leaving many fans puzzled (and a little heartbroken) as their dreams of ruling England were temporarily paused.
But good news travels fast in the realm of fairy tales: by Friday, June 13, the sword had triumphantly returned! While Disney hasn’t offered any official details on the refurbishment, the sword appears to have gotten a little TLC — perhaps a magical polish or some enchanted reinforcement.
This beloved photo spot has been a fan-favorite for decades, offering kids and adults alike the chance to try their strength (and destiny) at pulling the legendary blade from the stone. It’s part of what makes the Fantasyland experience so whimsical — a perfect mix of charm, history, and a little touch of Disney magic.
Whether you’re chasing the crown or just snapping a pic for the ’gram, it’s great to see this little slice of Arthurian legend restored to its rightful place!
Jollywood Nights Gears Up for a Glamorous Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2025
While Disney has yet to officially announce its return, the red carpet is practically unfurling—because Disney Jollywood Nights is coming back for 2025, and we’ve got the receipts. Or in this case, the audition calls.
Spotted on the Disney Auditions website, Disney Live Entertainment is now casting singers and dancers for this year’s edition of the holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The listing confirms seasonal contracts running October through December 2025, which all but guarantees the glitzy, jazzy after-hours soiree is on its way back to Hollywood Boulevard.
The casting call is seeking a range of performers, including:
Mezzo sopranos with jazz and pop stylings (think Ella Fitzgerald meets holiday big band)
Tenor crooners with a rockabilly edge (channel your inner Brian Setzer)
Dancers trained in musical theater, jazz, and swing, with partnering skills a major plus
And while Disney didn’t spill many details in the listing, it does confirm the return of the stage show at Theatre of the Stars—once again featuring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Mickey, Minnie, Belle, and Tiana, along with live jazz musicians and a talented ensemble cast. Sounds like the magic mix we’ve seen in past editions!
No official dates, pricing, or event details have been shared yet for Jollywood Nights 2025, but the timing of these auditions suggests an announcement could be coming very soon. Last year, the event expanded with new entertainment offerings and several sold-out nights, and it looks like Disney is prepping to keep that momentum going.
Stay tuned—because if the holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are your kind of festive, Jollywood Nights 2025 is warming up behind the scenes, and we’ll be watching for that big debut.
Even Disney’s biggest theatrical flops, like the live-action Snow White, can find new life on streaming! A film’s cinema struggles don’t always mean there’s no audience for it. With the easy access streaming services provide, it’s becoming common for box office disappointments to find success at home. Take Mickey 17, for example: after earning just $131.8 million globally against a $118 million budget, it soared to become the most popular film on HBO Max earlier this year. Now, Disney is seeing similar results with one of their own recent theatrical bombs after its streaming debut.
That film making a comeback on streaming is none other than Disney’s live-action Snow White remake. According to FlixPatrol, a service that tracks streaming popularity, the movie is currently the number one film on Disney+. It’s significantly outperforming both the original animated Lilo & Stitch and the newly released Predator: Killer of Killers.
Snow White only just hit Disney+ earlier this week, mere months after its theatrical debut. Plagued by underwhelming reviews and a string of controversies—everything from its depiction of the seven dwarves to the differing views of stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—the movie managed a meager $205.6 million worldwide against a substantial budget of $240-270 million. This makes it one of Disney’s lowest-grossing live-action remakes to date.
Disney was certainly hoping for a stronger theatrical performance from Snow White, which unfortunately joins a list of recent studio releases that have underperformed at the box office, including Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*. Fortunately for Disney, Lilo & Stitch is on track to soon surpass the $1 billion mark, helping to soften the blow.
Snow White was never truly considered a must-see big-screen event, especially once mixed reviews began to surface. This likely contributed to its weak theatrical draw. With shorter theatrical windows, audiences can be more selective about what they see in multiplexes. If a film isn’t deemed worth the trip—and the cost—it’s easy to simply wait for it to hit streaming. For those curious about Snow White, catching it “free” at home is clearly a more appealing option than paying to see it in theaters.
While Disney would undoubtedly prefer both a box office blockbuster and a streaming hit, the studio can at least take comfort in Snow White’s strong streaming numbers. However, this doesn’t mean Disney should ignore the lessons from Snow White’s performance. The studio can still find success remaking its animated classics (as Lilo & Stitch demonstrates), but it needs to be much more selective about which projects get the green light. When Lilo & Stitch eventually arrives on Disney+, it’s poised to be a massive hit at home after its early summer box office dominance—that’s the winning formula Disney is aiming for with all its films.
