Cheers to the Knights! Brewlando Named Official Craft Beer of UCF Athletics
Orlando’s homegrown beer scene just scored a major touchdown—Brewlando has officially been named the Official Craft Beer of UCF Athletics, bringing bold local flavor to game day.
Just in time for the fall sports season, UCF fans will soon find Brewlando’s signature suds flowing at select concession stands during Knights games. This partnership isn’t just a big win for fans—it’s a deeply personal milestone for Brewlando owner Shara Pathak, a proud UCF alum and one of the few women brewery owners in the nation (less than 3%, to be exact).
“This is a full-circle moment,” said Pathak. “As a UCF graduate, it’s incredibly special to now support the university as a partner. I can’t wait for fellow fans to enjoy our beer as they cheer on the Knights — Charge On!”
Brewlando already has a Knight-approved staple in its popular Golden Knight brew, but the new partnership will level up with a full Golden Knight Series—featuring styles like a crisp Pilsner, refreshing Light Lager, bold IPA, and more to suit every fan’s taste.
This announcement comes amid a booming era for Brewlando, which has quickly become one of Central Florida’s most beloved craft beer brands. With multiple locations (including their flagship brewery on Hoffner Ave), 20+ rotating in-house taps, and a passionate community following, Brewlando’s commitment to creativity and quality is unmistakable.
So next time you head to a UCF game, raise a can, cup, or cheers to the Knights—with a locally brewed craft beer in hand.
To explore Brewlando’s current lineup or learn more about the brewery, visit www.brewlando.com.
Universal Fan Fest Nights Are Officially Returning in 2026 — Get Ready for Fandom Overload!
Get your cloaks, power-ups, and cosplay gear ready—Universal Fan Fest Nights are making their epic return to Universal Studios Hollywood in Spring 2026! After an unforgettable debut, this fan-fueled after-hours event is back to transport you across galaxies, realms, and fandoms all in a single night. The landing page now reads, “A Night of Fandom Awaits”, and we couldn’t agree more.
Fan Fest is where sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming collide in the most immersive celebration Universal has ever thrown outside of Halloween Horror Nights. With specialty food, themed merchandise, exclusive meet-and-greets, and incredible one-night-only experiences, this is the ultimate celebration for superfans of every genre.
Here’s a look back at what made the inaugural event legendary (and a taste of what may await):
Dungeons & Dragons brought fantasy to life with a face-off against Xanathar the Beholder in a jaw-dropping interactive experience.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ featured magical creature encounters worthy of a Care of Magical Creatures class.
Back to the Future fans traveled time with immersive callbacks and surprises.
Star Trek’s bridge of the Enterprise welcomed visitors for a warp-speed photo op.
Wicked let guests rub elbows with Elphaba and Glinda in Oz-inspired glam.
Anime fans were spoiled with themed food and exclusive merch from ONE PIECE and Jujutsu Kaisen.
At Super Nintendo World, Yoshi made his first-ever North American meet and greet appearance, and guests hunted for eggs to unlock an exclusive Pink or Blue Yoshi photo op. Even the merch was leveled up!
Oh, and yes—costumes are encouraged! Whether you’re channeling your inner sorcerer, kaiju, or Koopa Troopa, Fan Fest is the place to shine.
Stay tuned, because Universal promises even more fandoms will be added in 2026. You can sign up now to get early access to news, ticket announcements, and special offers directly from Universal Studios Hollywood.
Win a Killer Trip to Universal with Regal’s M3GAN 2.0 Sweepstakes!
Get ready for thrills, chills, and maybe even a few screams of excitement—because Regal Crown Club is rolling out a Halloween Horror Nights sweepstakes as sharp as M3GAN’s titanium teeth. In celebration of the upcoming M3GAN 2.0 release, Regal is giving one lucky winner (and their bravest guest) the chance to snag a spooktacular vacation to either Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood—complete with tickets to Halloween Horror Nights!
Note: HHN is not for the faint of heart (or kids under 13), so leave the little ones at home—this experience is pure nightmare fuel in the best way.
You’ve got until June 29, 2025, to enter. Whether you’re #TeamM3GAN or just a thrill seeker looking for the ultimate fright-fueled vacation, this is your chance to slay the sweepstakes scene.
So grab your Crown Club card, secure your M3GAN 2.0 tickets, and start dreaming of Halloween horror and theme park magic. Just don’t blink—you never know when M3GAN’s watching.
In an exciting collaboration, VidCon—the global hub for digital creators, platform innovators, and their fans—and Visit Anaheim, Anaheim’s official destination marketing organization, are launching an ultimate fan experience giveaway.
Dreaming of a grand entrance to VidCon? This giveaway makes it a reality! Three fortunate fans (and their plus one) will win a VIP helicopter ride to VidCon Anaheim 2025 on Wednesday, June 18. They’ll depart from John Wayne Airport and arrive in style, sharing the ride with a VidCon Featured Creator like Peet Monzingo, SeanDoesMagic, or KreekCraft. It’s more than just a meet and greet—it’s an exclusive flight with digital stars! Beyond the thrilling ride, winners also score complimentary travel to Anaheim, a 4-night stay at the Anaheim Marriott, and Community Track badges for the flagship event, taking place June 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
“This collaboration not only celebrates the creators and fans that make VidCon so special but also shines a spotlight on Anaheim as a premiere destination for unforgettable moments,” said Scott Oklin, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Anaheim. “We’re thrilled to offer fans a truly elevated experience—literally and figuratively.”
Attendees at this year’s event will have the chance to connect with over 200 Featured Creators on the Community Track, representing diverse fields like lifestyle, gaming, technology, music, books, beauty, and comedy. The 2025 show’s Featured Creators include Aphmau, A.J. & Big Justice, Blair Imani, Dream, Jordan and Salish Matter, Kalen Allen, KREW, Like Nastya, Jesser, Merrick Hanna, Mythical Kitchen, and Steven He.
In addition to a robust Community Track, fans can sign up for Meet & Greets and explore an Expo Floor packed with brand experiences, shopping, swag, and photo moments from partners including Disney+, YouTube, Hasbro, and Aphmau. This year introduces the inaugural “VidCon Hall of Fame” on Thursday, June 19, a special ceremony celebrating influential personalities from the creator economy.
The initial class includes original online video trailblazers: Rhett & Link, Smosh’s Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, Grace Helbig, Joey Graceffa, Tyler Oakley, Rosanna Pansino, and VidCon co-founder Hank Green. Each will be recognized for their significant impact on digital culture, fandom, and the creator economy, and their ongoing influence on VidCon. This historic induction, which coincides with YouTube’s 20th anniversary, underscores the industry’s incredible evolution over two decades.
The giveaway is live now, and fans can enter to win HERE. Entries close on June 6 at 11:59 pm PT. The winners will be announced on June 10.
New Pride Mickey Mouse Hands Popcorn Bucket Available at Disneyland Resort
June is just around the corner, and the Disneyland Resort is already buzzing with anticipation for Pride Month celebrations! Our reporters have been having a blast, from admiring the stunning floral display at Downtown Disney to exploring the vibrant, rainbow-filled Pride Collection merchandise. And with June not even officially here yet, we can only imagine the magic that awaits once the celebrations truly kick off!
But among the early releases, one particular merchandise item is already stealing the show this weekend, and it’s something we definitely think is worth “popping” over to the resort to get your hands on: the brand new Mickey Heart Hands Popcorn Bucket!
This adorable popcorn bucket is the absolute must-have snack carrier for Pride Month. It perfectly resembles Mickey Mouse’s iconic gloved hands forming that sweet, universally recognized heart-shaped sign. Inside, a rainbow of inclusivity awaits, and the bucket’s handy straps feature fun pops of bright color, adding to its celebratory appeal.
Released today, May 31, 2025, at select popcorn cart locations across the Disneyland Resort, this Pride favorite costs $29.50 and includes a delicious portion of popcorn at the time of purchase.
For those eager to snag this delightful collectible without the wait, we have a tip! The Grizzly Peak Airfield popcorn stand is offering the bucket on Mobile Order. We highly recommend starting your hunt there if you’d like to get one of your own and dive into the Pride Month festivities with this heartwarming new souvenir!
Bruce Logan, VFX Pioneer Behind Star Wars’ Death Star Explosion, Dies at 78
The cinematic world mourns the passing of Bruce Logan, the pioneering visual effects artist and cinematographer, who died on April 10, 2025, in Los Angeles at the age of 78. Among his many remarkable contributions to film history, none is quite as iconic as the breathtaking destruction of the Death Star, the Galactic Empire’s formidable space station and superweapon in George Lucas’s original “Star Wars” (1977).
“Blowing up the Death Star is my greatest P.R. coup, but was in fact very low-tech,” Logan shared with the Los Angeles Post Production Group in 2020. He often expressed a preference for practical effects, finding newer, digitally-driven visuals to have “an unsatisfying synthetic gloss.”
Logan, who also excelled as a cinematographer and director, faced a unique challenge with the Death Star’s explosion: he couldn’t film it as if it were happening on Earth. This meant eschewing conventional pyrotechnics for a more inventive approach to simulate the immense destruction of a colossal space station.
Michael Bruce Sinclair Logan was born in London on May 14, 1946. His father, Campbell, was a director for the BBC, while his mother, Louisa (Rogers) Logan, bravely drove an ambulance during the Blitz in World War II.
Bruce pursued his studies in mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood, England. His passion for filmmaking began early; at just 12 years old, he was already creating animated films using toy soldiers, cars, and even lawnmowers. Before long, he was working at an animation studio in Borehamwood, England, contributing to projects for the BBC and the military. In 1965, he landed a pivotal role as an animation artist for Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking film, “2001: A Space Odyssey”. During his time on that iconic production, which premiered in 1968, he gained invaluable experience by shadowing Douglas Trumbull, one of the film’s special photographic effects supervisors.
Logan’s contributions to “2001: A Space Odyssey” were significant, including supervising the iconic title sequence that featured the sun rising over Earth and the moon, set to Richard Strauss’s “Also Sprach Zarathustra.” He also designed and shot the mock computer readouts and the pivotal Jupiter Mission sequence. He then transitioned to cinematography, working on films like Roger Corman’s “Big Bad Mama” (1974) and “Jackson County Jail” (1976).
Though he initially hesitated to return to visual effects, taking on “Star Wars” proved to be a rewarding experience. Working under John Dykstra, Logan was instrumental in creating the destruction of not only the Death Star but also the X-wings, TIE fighters, and the peaceful planet Alderaan, Princess Leia’s home.
In 1982, Logan served as the cinematographer for Disney’s science-fiction thriller, “Tron,” directed by Steven Lisberger. The film was groundbreaking for its innovative blend of live-action and computerized imagery, telling the story of a video game developer, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, who is digitally zapped into his company’s computer system after attempting to uncover who stole his game.
Logan’s impactful visual effects work extended beyond science fiction, notably including miniatures for the 1980 comedy “Airplane!” Following “Tron,” his career encompassed visual effects for films like “Firefox” and “Batman Forever,” as well as cinematography for TV specials featuring comedians George Carlin and Jamie Foxx, and music videos for Rod Stewart and Prince. He also directed the feature films “Vendetta” (1986) and “Lost Fare” (2018).
Outside of his prolific film career, Logan was an avid racer, competing in the Sports Car Club of America circuit during the 1970s and ’80s. He even brought his Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG to race at the Willow Springs International Raceway just months before his passing.
Logan’s marriages to Kathryn Fenton and Margaret Mayer ended in divorce. He is survived by his partner, Leslie Campos-Logan, and his children, Mary Grace Logan and Campbell, from his marriage to Ms. Mayer.
His early work with Stanley Kubrick on “2001: A Space Odyssey” was a profoundly influential experience. From the age of 19, Logan met with Kubrick daily to review dailies, a period he considered his equivalent of film school.
Actress Renee Victor, that Played Abuelita in Coco, has Passed Away
Renée Victor, the accomplished actress celebrated for her memorable voice work as Abuelita Elena in Disney and Pixar’s Coco and her compelling portrayal of Lupita in Showtime’s Weeds, passed away peacefully at her Sherman Oaks, California, home Friday night. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Victor, 86, passed away from lymphoma. Her daughters, Raquel and Margo Victor, shared in a statement, “Renee is perhaps best known as the voice of ‘Abuelita’ in Disney’s 2017 blockbuster Coco. Renee was loved by so many and had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.”
Born on July 25, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, Renée Victor was the eldest of three sisters. She relocated to Los Angeles in the 1960s, embarking on an entertainment career as a singer for prominent bandleaders like Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado, who were instrumental in popularizing Latin music in the U.S. During this time, she also taught salsa and tango as a dance instructor. It was in these vibrant circles that she met her husband. From 1963 to 1973, the couple performed together globally as “Ray & Renée,” earning them the nickname the “Latin Sonny & Cher.”
In the 1970s, Victor hosted KTLA’s Pacesetters, a program that shed light on the Chicano Power movement. After joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1973, she successfully transitioned to television and film work in the 1980s, landing roles in series such as Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Matlock. Her film credits include The Doctor, starring William Hurt, and both The Apostle and A Night in Old Mexico, where she appeared alongside her close friend Robert Duvall.
Victor’s extensive career also included a recurring role as Florina Lopez on ER, voice acting for the 1992 animated series The Addams Family, and recent appearances in popular shows such as Vida, Gentefied, All Rise, Snowpiercer, Mayans M.C., Dead to Me, A Million Little Things, and With Love.
‘Phineas and Ferb’ Themed Ice Cream Truck Tours Southern California
Get ready for a sweet dose of nostalgia! Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb” branded ice cream truck is currently touring Los Angeles, celebrating the highly anticipated return of the beloved animated series. This family-friendly truck will be dishing out treats across the city until June 8, offering fans a delicious way to mark the show’s comeback.
This ice cream truck tour isn’t just about frozen treats; it’s a fun, real-world experience for both long-time fans and new viewers of Phineas and Ferb. The branded truck offers series-inspired frozen treats, exclusive goodies, and much more.
The tour is making over 40 stops at popular Los Angeles locations, including iconic spots like the Griffith Park Observatory, Santa Monica Pier Beach, and the El Capitan Theatre. You can also catch the truck at family-friendly venues such as Farmer’s Markets and AYSO games, with many more locations listed below.
Saturday, May 31
Santa Monica Pier
1535 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica 90401
12pm – 4pm
Sunday, June 1
Elysian Park – By Dodgers Stadium Entrance
835 Academy Rd, Los Angeles 90012
11am – 5pm
Monday, June 2
KTLA Studios
5800 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90028
11am – 5pm
Tuesday, June 3
Elysian Park – By Dodgers Stadium Entrance
835 Academy Rd, Los Angeles 90012
2pm – 7pm
Wednesday, June 4
Walt Disney Studios Lot
500 S Buena Vista St, Burbank 91521
12pm – 4pm
Thursday, June 52 EVENTS FOR DAY
EVENT 1: Penske Media Corp Building
11355 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles 90064
12pm – 2pm
EVENT 2: La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90036
2:30pm – 5pm
Friday, June 6
Balboa Park Fun Zone Area
600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach 92661
12pm – 4pm
Saturday, June 7
AYSO Region 55 Soccer Tournament
18100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach 92647
10am – 3pm
Sunday, June 8
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802
12pm – 4pm
The highly anticipated fifth season of “Phineas and Ferb” releases Thursday, June 5 at 8PM with two new episodes on Disney Channel and Disney XD. The first 10 episodes will be available to stream the following day on Disney+.
Radiator Springs Racers Getting LED Lighting Upgrade at Disney California Adventure
Disneyland has taken a significant step toward enhancing one of its most popular attractions, Radiator Springs Racers, located in Disney California Adventure. The park has recently filed a new permit specifically for the upgrade of all show lighting within the attraction to energy-efficient LED fixtures.
This isn’t just a simple lighting upgrade; the permit indicates a more comprehensive overhaul for Radiator Springs Racers. In addition to the shift to LED fixtures, the project also encompasses significant audio, video, and network updates throughout the entire attraction. This suggests a concerted effort to modernize the ride’s entire sensory experience, potentially leading to crisper sound, clearer visuals, and more seamless technological integration, ultimately enhancing the immersive journey through Ornament Valley.
This modernization effort suggests a commitment to improving the guest experience, potentially leading to more vibrant and dynamic lighting effects, while also aligning with sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption. This kind of behind-the-scenes investment often indicates a long-term commitment to maintaining the high quality and immersive storytelling of beloved rides.
While exciting, the timeline for these extensive enhancements remains unconfirmed. No dates have been announced regarding when this work will take place, or if the attraction will require any temporary closures during the upgrade process. Guests planning visits to Disney California Adventure should keep an eye on official Disneyland announcements for any operational updates regarding Radiator Springs Racers.
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration invites guests to “celebrate happy” with special entertainment, festive decorations, and, of course, themed food and beverages. For many, the park’s iconic snacks are deeply intertwined with cherished memories of “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Imagine savoring a tuna sandwich by a pirate ship in the ’60s, a hazy snack under the glowing lights of Videopolis in the ’80s, or enjoying Beef Stroganoff with your family in the ’90s. The culinary team at Disneyland Resort has delved into this rich history, crafting new creations and modern takes on classic eats that evoke these nostalgic moments.
He’d tell you it was all started by a mouse, but it was Walt Disney himself that opened Disneyland Park back in 1955. Putting a few of his favs on the 70th menu is one way we can honor him during our anniversary celebration. Here are a few new dishes inspired by Walt’s love for chili, pie, and of course, mouse ears.
Mickey Hat Cookie
Find it at: Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Market House in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Cookie dipped in chocolate with a chocolate decoration.
These cookies utilize a design reminiscent of the mouse ear hat made popular by theMickey Mouse Club television series in 1955. You might not be required to sing, “M-I-C-K-E-Y’ between bites, but we won’t discourage it.
Chili Cheese Corn Dog
Find it at: Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Corn dog topped with chili, shredded cheddar, and corn chips
Chili is a known favorite of Walt’s, with one of his recipes preserved in the Walt Disney Archives dating to 1958. Over the years, Disney chefs have refined the recipe and continue to serve “Walt’s Chili” for park guests around the world. This chili corn dog is the perfect vehicle for a heapin’ helpin’ of Walt’s homestyle favorite.
W.E.D. Chili Cheese Baked Potato
Find it at: Troubadour Tavern in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Baked potato topped with beef & bean chili, cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and cornbread.
Walt enjoyed simple and comforting food, and this dish fits the bill. It’s named after WED Enterprises, the company Walt founded in 1952 to help create Disneyland. Today, WED Enterprises is known as Walt Disney Imagineering, and we are known as people who are about to eat this potato.
Lemon Chiffon Pretzel
Find it at: Pretzels near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Cream cheese-filled pretzel dipped in lemon-flavored icing topped with crushed vanilla wafer.
Walt famously loved pie and one slice of choice was lemon chiffon pie with a graham cracker crust. Today, take in Tomorrowland’s futuristic views while pulling apart this literal twist on one of Walt’s favorite desserts.
New Bites Inspired by Casa de Fritos
What we’re looking at here is not only the Frito Kid, but also a chip vending mechanism — the perfect combination of surreal Disneyland foodie fun in 1955 that formed memories in the minds of kids everywhere. The Casa de Fritos was located where Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante currently serves up classic Mexican cuisine. For the Disneyland 70th Celebration, the menu includes the following two takes on Casa de Frito classics.
Fried Tamale Walking Taco
Find it at: Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Fried beef tamale with chili, corn chips, and diced onions with cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
This dish is a fusion of two items once served at Casa de Fritos in Frontierland: A Ta-cup and a Frito Chili Pie. The Ta-cup was an open-faced taco housed in a fried corn tortilla. Both items were early favorites at Casa de Fritos, so their descendant is likely to be a big hit.
Mocha Cream Puff
Find it at: Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Cream puff filled with cinnamon-mocha pastry cream topped with chocolate-covered corn chips.
Yes, we said chocolate-covered corn chips. Using the classic corn chip as a topping on a sweet dessert offers the right amount of sweet and savory flavor combo that will have you trying to remember the last time you had something this good.
Tropical Nods to Tahitian Terrace
In 1962, the Tahitian Terrace opened in Adventureland, offering the live entertainment of the Royal Tahitian Dancers and a menu inspired by the flavors of the South Seas.
Guests who visited the park in those days might remember visiting until midnight, peering over a menu at a parting curtain of water or a fire dancer nearby. To remember this literal hot spot, let’s dance over to Carnation Café and Bengal Barbecue for a couple of new delights.
Tropical Rum Cocktail
Find it at: Carnation Café in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Rum Original Dark, Pineapple, Orange & Lime Juices, and Grenadine.
Raise a glass to Tahitian Terrace with the bright tropical flavors of this classic drink that may remind you of past vacations in the sun, palms swaying in the breeze, cocktail in hand.
Grilled Tahitian Ribs
Find it at: Bengal Barbecue in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Ribs served with white rice and pineapple slaw.
Succulent ribs with pineapple and rice appeared on the original Tahitian Terrace menu, and we’re so glad to see the modern version at Bengal Barbecue.
Nostalgic Carnation Inspirations
Carnation Ice Cream Parlor opened on July 17, 1955, complete with an ice cream counter where guests could try the latest creamy cool treats right on Main Street, U.S.A. Today, guests can experience a few callbacks to their favorites, both savory and sweet.
Beef Stroganoff
Find it at: Carnation Café in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Braised Beef, Bacon, Onions, and Mushrooms over Egg Noodles.
A delectable Beef Stroganoff was offered on the Carnation Café menu in the 1990s. If the rad memory of this savory mountain of pasta and beef has stuck with you since the days of Darkwing Duck, give this latest version a try.
Banana Split
Find it at: Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams topped with strawberries, pineapple, hot fudge, fresh banana, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry.
The Victorian Banana Split was a favorite at Carnation Ice Cream Parlor in Disneyland Park beginning in 1955. We consulted with the original Carnation Ice Cream Parlor menu, and it can be found today at the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Dreyer’s, and this banana split is so very close to the original, making it the perfect sugary treat to transport you to another time.
Banana Split Churro
Find it at: Churros near Goofy’s Sky School in Disney California Adventure Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Classic churro rolled in cocoa powder with banana and strawberry sauces garnished with whipped topping, crushed peanuts, and a cherry.
The latest in-carnation of the Victorian banana split, this modern treat takes the banana split to new heights and to the churro-lovers out there. If you’re looking for your next churro to check off the list, this is certainly the most ap-peeling.
Party Like it’s 1955
The foodie landscape at the park in 1955 played on the adventurous spirit of guests and pirates alike.
With so many new foodie inventions in the past 70 years, Disney chefs enjoyed taking a look back and recreating some of those mid-century recipes. Here are a couple of bites that harken back to that first summer at Disneyland.
Hook’s Galley Tuna Melt
Find it at: Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Fresh tuna salad topped with Muenster and herb-marinated tomatoes served with house chips.
In August 1955, shortly after Disneyland opened, the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant in Fantasyland offered tuna sandwiches. Guests could enjoy both photo opportunities at the ship’s wheel and sandwich oppor-tuna-ties inside. Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant becameCaptain Hook’s Galley in 1969 (and later closed in 1982). Today, you can savor your own swashbuckling dreams and this delicious take on the classic sandwich.
Apple Pancake Rolls
Find it at: River Belle Terrace in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Apple pie topping, walnut streusel, and cinnamon Chantilly cream served with choice of bacon or sausage.
Pancake roll-ups were a staple on the Pancake House menu when it opened in August of 1955. Strawberry and blueberry pancakes are also available as a variation of an original item sold at the Pancake House. The Apple Pancake Rolls served today are a close double to those that guests snacked on nearly 70 years ago.
More Retro Treats Inspired by Eats from Decades Past
In the totally tubular 1980s, Disneyland opened Videopolis in Fantasyland and proved even Mouseketeers could moonwalk.
With giant video screens that played the latest music videos and a huge dance floor, it was the place to boogie down before fueling up with futuristic round fries at The Space Place restaurant in Tomorrowland or grabbing a burger in Frontierland.
Here’s a few more most-righteous modernized must-eats that will take you back.
Dancing Shimmering Lights
Find it at: Troubadour Tavern in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Sweet berry lemonade with blackberry topper and colorful sanding sugar.
This vivid concoction was inspired by Videopolis, that radical high-tech area guests were able to dance the night away in the 1980s and 1990s. With each sip, reflect on your dance moves and hair choices back then and let us know if you’ve seen any improvement over the years.
Space Place Cottage Fries
Find it at: Galactic Grill in Disneyland Park
Vintage-Inspired Flavors: Fries tossed in Parmesan butter and parsley served with house-made ranch.
These Cottage Fries take us back to The Space Place restaurant in Tomorrowland from 1977 to 1996 where they were served as a futuristic side dish. Wait — if Cottage Fries are coming back in 2025, now soaring to entrée status… that means Tomorrowland’s vision of the future was right all along!
Cowboy Fries
Find it at: The Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland Park
Frontierland restaurants used to offer hamburgers in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, so to tip our cowboy hats to those burgers of the past, we topped fries with all the goodness of a burger, without the bun.
Ready to book your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today! 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 Cruise Line Establishes Permanent Base in Galveston Starting 2027
Galveston, Texas is set to become a permanent homeport for Disney Cruise Line, with year-round operations commencing in 2027. This significant expansion, confirmed by Rodger Rees, Port Director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, marks a substantial upgrade from the seasonal sailings Disney has offered from the port for over a decade.
During a recent meeting of the Galveston City Council and Wharves Board, Rodger Rees, Port of Galveston Director and CEO, shared exciting news about the port’s future. He noted the significant growth in the Western Caribbean cruise market, stating, “The cruise business, as I mentioned, they’re expanding exponentially down here in [what] we call the Caribbean, the Western Caribbean. They’re putting a lot of money into that. Because of that, Disney is expanding to full-time here in Galveston starting in ’27,” as reported by the Houston Chronicle. This confirms Disney Cruise Line will establish a permanent, full-time presence in Galveston starting in 2027.
Currently, the Disney Magic is the sole Disney Cruise Line ship sailing out of Galveston, operating as a seasonal port for the company since 2012. However, Rees indicated that the transition to full-time operations would likely bring a larger Disney cruise ship to Galveston, rather than the Magic. This suggests Disney is committing a more substantial vessel to the port’s year-round service.
You can currently book Disney Cruise Line sailings departing from Galveston between November 2025 and April 2026. These itineraries feature stops in popular Western Caribbean destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Progreso, Mexico. For superhero fans, select sailings include a Marvel Day at Sea, while those looking to celebrate the holidays at sea can opt for “Very Merrytime” sailings with festive Christmas celebrations in November and December.
Looking ahead, Disney Cruise Line is poised for significant expansion, making it easier to establish new homeports. The fleet is growing rapidly, with two new ships launching later this year: the Disney Destiny will set sail from Port Everglades this November, followed by the Disney Adventure out of Singapore in December. These additions will bring Disney’s total fleet to eight ships, joining the already operational Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, Wish, and Treasure. This increased capacity provides Disney Cruise Line with greater flexibility to broaden its offerings and cater to more guests from various regions, like the newly announced full-time operations in Galveston.
Ready to book your voyage out of Galveston? Contact me today to start planning your cruise! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Deep in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard, inside Sunset Showcase, the all-new stage show “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is set to debut on May 27, 2025, at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort. (Steven A. Diaz, photographer)
“Magic Mirror” from ‘Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After’ Now Streaming!
Good news for fans who’ve been captivated by the dark allure of “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The catchy and captivating original song, “Magic Mirror,” from the popular stage show is now available to stream on all major music platforms.
This exciting release includes both the standard version and a pulsating remix of “Magic Mirror,” packaged together as a digital album. Now, you can bring the wicked enchantment of the Sunset Showcase directly into your home, car, or wherever you listen to your favorite tunes.
For those who have experienced “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” you’ll know that the Magic Mirror serves as the enigmatic and charismatic host of the show. His new original song kicks off the performance with a spellbinding introduction, setting the stage for the parade of iconic Disney baddies. The tune also plays at the end of the show and serves as engaging walk-off music as guests exit the Sunset Showcase.
If you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to catch a live performance of “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” Shows typically run between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Sunset Showcase, conveniently located next to the thrilling Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Now, you can enjoy the “Magic Mirror” song on repeat, keeping the villainous spirit alive long after your park day ends!
