Industrial Light & Magic Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

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May 29, 2025

Industrial Light & Magic: Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation

Yesterday, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the world’s leading visual effects company, celebrated its incredible 50th anniversary. Founded in 1975 by George Lucas specifically to bring Star Wars: A New Hope to life, ILM has consistently been at the forefront of cutting-edge visual effects technology, continuously pushing the boundaries of creative storytelling for half a century.

The Walt Disney Company shared an interview with Janet Lewin, SVP and General Manager, ILM, to learn more about how the company has been able to maintain its legendary status in the industry, and what to expect from ILM over the next 50 years.

Industrial Light & Magic is celebrating a monumental anniversary this year with it turning 50 on May 28. How would you describe the last five decades of the visual effects company?

George Lucas founded Industrial Light & Magic 50 years ago out of necessity — there was no other way to tell the story of Star Wars the way he envisioned it. To accomplish his singular vision, we designed new ways of working in a brand-new medium called “visual effects” with practical miniatures and motion control. And, that spirit of invention and fearlessness has defined us and propelled us ever since as we have partnered with storytellers in a vast array of mediums to help tell their stories. Throughout, we have transformed ourselves and the industry time and again with groundbreaking advancements in computer graphics, virtual production, and interactive experiences to support a burgeoning industry.

ILM started with 25 rebels working on visual effects for one film in a warehouse in Van Nuys, California, and now employs over 3,500 visual effects professionals in five countries, working on 50 projects simultaneously. So, our growth has been exponential, but we have retained the same spirit as when we started.

What has made ILM the premier visual effects company in that time? How has it been able to stand out over all these years as visual effects have evolved?

We have maintained our status as the premier visual effects company for five decades because of our drive to push boundaries in visual storytelling, coupled with our proven track record to deliver at the highest quality to our client.

That said, the most important factor of our success has been our talented people, without whom none of it would be possible. We have the most creative and dedicated artists, supervisors, technicians, and production teams in the world, and they drive the innovation necessary to keep ILM on the cutting edge. In fact, a hallmark of ILM is our supportive and collaborative work environment, which makes it a great place to build careers. We are people-centric, and it is not uncommon for employees to celebrate 20-year anniversaries at ILM. The culture of our company is one of the many reasons why ILM is a consistent leader in the industry.

In 2012, The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) acquired Lucasfilm, the parent company of ILM. How has Disney’s creative storytelling enhanced ILM’s innovations and vice versa?

Walt Disney’s vision for his company and George Lucas’ vision for ILM are aligned in many ways, with a central tenet of incredible visuals designed with groundbreaking techniques to tell amazing stories. If you look at the Multiplane camera that Walt Disney used on his early animation titles, for example, you’ll find that same level of creativity and ingenuity in technologies such as ILM’s virtual production suite of tools called StageCraft today.

Since 2012, we have partnered with TWDC banners on a plethora of outstanding projects that have leveraged ILM’s ability to innovate and pushed us in new and exciting ways. Of course, we oversee and execute the visual effects on all of the Star Wars projects for Lucasfilm, but we also play a major role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe on visual-effects-driven movies like The Avengers and Black Panther; we have contributed to the Alien and Avatar franchises for 20th Century, and we regularly partner on Disney’s live action projects like Lilo & Stitch and TRON: Ares, just to name a few.

Which visual effect or innovation defines ILM the most?

There isn’t a single visual effect or innovation that can define Industrial Light & Magic, and in many ways, that’s actually what defines us — the breadth of our contributions to the industry.

While we continue to break new ground every single day, perhaps the most enduring innovation has been ILM’s role in pioneering the development of digital effects. ILM’s groundbreaking work in computer graphics starting in the 1990s literally changed how films are made and continues to impact film, television, and a host of other fields to this day.

We may be best known for our work in a galaxy far, far away, but we have also created Oscar-winning visual effects that enabled other iconic stories to be told, like bringing dinosaurs to life in Jurassic Park, allowing a boy and his alien to fly in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and crafting the villainous Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Today, we continue to support our filmmakers with never-before-seen imagery, and we also leverage our techniques and passion in interactive mediums like Marvel’s award-winning What If…? – An Immersive Story, and the first-in-kind immersive concert experience, ABBA Voyage.

ILM got its start creating the effects for 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, which itself will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in a couple years. How are the two inextricably linked?

Without Star Wars, ILM would not have existed and without ILM, there would have been no way of making Star Wars. ILM’s techniques and innovations are in the fabric of Star Wars projects; we inspire new ways of telling these boundless stories and pay homage to the original methodologies like miniatures and stop-motion, even when we are embracing advanced techniques like StageCraft. While ILM has expanded our clientele and has worked on over 400 projects since A New Hope, our roots remain grounded in George Lucas’ ethos of audacity and transformation.

What do you think the next 50 years of ILM will look like?

I believe we will continue to thrive, grow, transform, and inspire. As we did for the first 50, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in visual effects, feature animation, interactive, and immersive entertainment, helping new generations of storytellers to realize their vision.

It’s hard to know where the industry will evolve over the next 50 years, but we are determined to be leading the charge. The culture of innovation, transformation, and collaboration has driven this company for 50 years and remains firmly in our DNA for the future.

City of Anaheim to Decide How to Use $15 Million from DisneylandForward for Affordable Housing

By

Sara

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May 29, 2025

City of Anaheim to Vote on Allocation of $15 Million DisneylandForward Funds

This week, the City of Anaheim is set to make a pivotal decision regarding the allocation of the initial $15 million contributed by Disney for affordable housing. This significant sum is a component of the broader DisneylandForward project.

As reported by the Orange County Register, the Anaheim City Council was scheduled to convene today, Thursday, May 29, to deliberate on the proposed utilization of these funds. The current plan presented to the council outlines a multi-faceted approach: it aims to support the construction of new affordable housing units, offer loan assistance to prospective homebuyers within the city, and provide crucial funding for low-income families facing the threat of eviction.

The DisneylandForward initiative, an ambitious expansion plan for Disneyland Resort, received approval from the City of Anaheim last spring. A key component of this approval included Disney’s significant commitment of $30 million dedicated to affordable housing. This funding is being disbursed in two installments: the initial $15 million is being provided this year, with the remaining $15 million scheduled for release in five years.

Adding to these funds, Anaheim is also set to receive $1 million from a federal grant. City staff will present a comprehensive affordable housing plan for discussion and approval at Thursday’s City Council meeting.

The core of the proposal centers on the “Build More Homes Initiative,” which requests $9.5 million of the total $16 million (the $15 million from Disney plus the $1 million federal grant). As its name suggests, this initiative is focused on the direct construction of new affordable housing units. Officials project that this allocation could facilitate the creation of an estimated 250 to 300 new units.

Furthermore, the proposal outlines a loan assistance program for homebuyers. This program would offer a 30-year “silent second mortgage” of $50,000, carrying a 3% interest rate. A “silent second mortgage” means borrowers would not be required to make payments until they sell, refinance, or fully pay off their primary home. Eligibility for this program would require a household income not exceeding 150% of the median income for Orange County.

Finally, the remaining $1 million of the allocated funds would be directed towards supporting residents at risk of eviction. This assistance would come in the form of one-time grants, capped at $5,000 or two months’ rent, whichever is lower, for households whose income is under 50% of the median income.

Anaheim’s Housing and Community Development Commission has already given its unanimous approval to the proposed funding plan.

The decisive City Council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. It’s worth noting that Disney’s commitments extend beyond affordable housing; as part of the DisneylandForward agreement, the company also pledged $10 million for sewer improvements along Katella Avenue and $8 million for Anaheim city parks within the first year. Overall, Disney has committed to investing between $1.9 billion and $2.5 billion in Disneyland Resort over the next decade. This significant investment includes exciting plans such as an expansion to Avengers Campus, featuring new attractions like Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, as well as a brand-new “Avatar” themed land.

In a related initiative, Disney is also providing funding for an affordable housing project in Florida, which received approval from Orange County Commissioners last fall.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Shatters Box Office Records

By

Sara

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May 29, 2025

“Lilo & Stitch” Soars to Unprecedented Box Office Heights

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating a monumental achievement this past weekend, thanks to everyone’s favorite mischievous blue alien, Stitch!

The live-action reimagining of Lilo & Stitch, based on the beloved 2002 animated classic, has taken the box office by storm. It debuted as the number one film globally, raking in an impressive $361.3 million worldwide so far, with $182.7 million coming from North America alone. This incredible opening didn’t just exceed industry predictions; it also made history as the largest Memorial Day weekend opening of all time domestically over a four-day period.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Shatters Box Office Records

On Memorial Day, Lilo & Stitch took in $37 million, making it the fourth highest-grossing domestic Monday in industry history.

“The love that people have for Lilo & Stitch continues to grow, and the goal with this new retelling was for audiences to be able to enjoy these characters on the big screen again and hopefully have just as much fun watching it as we had making it,” Alan Bergman, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment, said. “We are tremendously proud of this history-making launch, and I want to give my thanks to our teams who have done such great work as well as to the fans who have made this exceptional opening possible.”

The phenomenal opening weekend of Lilo & Stitch has propelled The Walt Disney Studios past a significant financial benchmark, making it the first studio in 2025 to surpass $2 billion at the global box office.

This live-action adaptation, skillfully directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and featuring compelling performances by Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani, has not only delighted audiences but also achieved remarkable commercial success. It now stands as the third highest Disney Live Action global opening of all time, a testament to its widespread appeal, placing it just behind the cinematic giants The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017). This latest triumph further solidifies Disney’s dominant position in family entertainment, as the studio now impressively holds eight of the top ten PG-rated opening weekends ever.

Lilo & Stitch also notched an exceptional response from audience. The film holds a 93% “Verified Audience” score on Rotten Tomatoes and garnered an “A” CinemaScore.

The film’s historic weekend is another example of the power of Stitch — one of Disney’s most beloved characters and biggest brands.

“Stitch is an example of what Disney actually does best,” David Greenbaum, President of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, said last week. “An extraordinary animated film from 2002 that becomes a series that then over time creates a real fanship, which leads to us looking at the idea of creating this wonderful film that we now are bringing out to the world.”

Producer Jonathan Eirich added that the film is a “perfect kickoff to summer.”

“This movie is such an emotional roller coaster. It’s fun, it’s chaotic, and it has so much heart,” he said. “We talk a lot about the experience of laughing and crying with other people in a cinema — there’s nothing like it.”

Have you seen “Lilo & Stitch” yet?

Nostalgic Disney+ and Hulu Totally Rad Campaign

By

Sara

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May 29, 2025

Disney+ and Hulu Go “Totally Rad” with Nostalgic Campaign

Get ready to rewind and relive your favorite memories! Disney+ and Hulu are launching a brand-new “throwback” campaign this month, designed to immerse viewers in the nostalgia of the ’90s and 2000s. The campaign will showcase some of the streamers’ most beloved series from those iconic decades through engaging new advertisements. Beyond just ads, Disney plans to enhance the experience with themed content drops across Disney+’s social channels and even hidden “Easter egg pins” for eagle-eyed viewers to discover.

To further immerse fans in this nostalgic journey, Disney is developing real-life experiences centered around the throwback theme. This includes immersive activations and photo opportunities planned for Los Angeles and various fan events, such as VidCon and Destination D23. Additionally, the company is collaborating with brands like Swimply and ThredUp throughout the summer, aiming to “bring fan favorite ’90s and 2000s locations and looks to life.”

Beyond the immersive real-world activations, Disney+ is offering its premium subscribers an exclusive “Throwback Stream” — a dedicated 24/7 channel showcasing a continuous feed of retro Disney content and marathons. Imagine reliving the glory days of Saturday morning cartoons, with the channel featuring beloved shows like Doug, Recess, Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Phineas and Ferb, Kim Possible, and Pepper Ann.

In addition to this always-on stream, Disney+ is also introducing a specially curated “Throwback Collection” within its library. This collection will feature a treasure trove of fan-favorite titles, including iconic series such as Lizzie McGuire, Hannah Montana, Boy Meets World, and The Golden Girls, allowing subscribers to easily discover and revisit their cherished classics.

Disney+’s strategic throwback campaign arrives at a time when the depth of a streamer’s content library is increasingly crucial in the competitive streaming landscape. Older series, such as The Office and Suits, consistently demonstrate their enduring popularity by making significant impacts on the Nielsen streaming charts.

This trend is further underscored by Nielsen’s 2024 State of Play report, which highlights that “Content that pre-dates 2010 represents an opportunity as streaming services seek to solidify their standings with viewers.” Disney+’s new campaign appears to be a direct response to this recognized value in legacy content, aiming to leverage its extensive catalog of beloved classics to attract and retain subscribers.

What “throwback” shows are you excited to stream?

Disney Vacation Club Bringing Back its “Welcome Home Weeks” in August

By

Sara

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May 29, 2025

Disney Vacation Club Revives “Welcome Home Weeks”

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is excited to announce the return of “Welcome Home Weeks,” running from August 14 to September 16, 2025. DVC members can look forward to a variety of complimentary treats, engaging morning meetups, and delightful character events. These special offerings will be available across multiple resorts, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

Here’s what DVC members can expect during this event:

Complimentary Ice Cream

DVC members can grab a complimentary Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, ice cream sandwich, or fruit bar at the following locations:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Tower of Terror Courtyard
Mondays and Tuesdays, starting August 18
11:00 am–2:00 pm

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Upcountry Landing in Asia
Thursdays and Fridays, starting August 14
1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Magic Kingdom Park

Tomorrowland Terrace
Wednesdays, starting August 20
11:00 am–2:00 pm

Disney Springs

Gateway to Discovery – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center
Mondays and Fridays, starting August 15
1:00 pm–4:00 pm

EPCOT

Lobby of Living Seas Salon
Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting August 19
1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney Vacation Club Preview Center
Daily, August 14–September 16
11:00 am–5:00 pm

Morning Coffee Meetups

Begin your morning by mingling with other DVC members over complimentary coffee and treats. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share stories, get tips, and connect with fellow enthusiasts before heading out to the parks or resorts.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Top of the World Lounge
Saturdays and Sundays, starting August 16
10:00 am–11:30 am

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Reunion Station
Saturdays and Tuesdays, starting August 16
9:00 am–10:30 am

Character Meet-and-Greets

Meet favorite Disney characters during special DVC-exclusive events.

Walt Disney World Resort

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk
August 25–27 and September 8–10
11:00 am–1:00 pm

What DVC member perks are you most excited about?

Beyond the Ballpark: The Savannah Bananas Take on Disneyland Resort

By

Sara

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May 28, 2025

The Happiest Place on Earth Just Got B-A-N-A-N-A-S! Savannah Bananas Visit Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort guests went absolutely bananas today, May 28, as “The Greatest Show in Sports,” the Savannah Bananas baseball team, brought their unique brand of fun to the park for a special one-day experience! New photos just released by the resort perfectly capture all the excitement and fanfare from the team’s appearances earlier today at Disneyland Park.

Select players appeared in an energetic cavalcade along the parade route of Disneyland Park, then the team performed a special dance number of “Hey Baby” in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Fans also enjoyed banana-themed food and beverages available around the resort.

The Savannah Bananas visited just in time, as Disneyland Resort begins its milestone 70^thCelebration and right before the team’s road game vs. the Firefighters at Angel Stadium, May 30-31, 2025.

Savannah Bananas Rode Some Fan Favorite Attractions

When at Disneyland, you can’t skip on your favorite attraction– and the Savannah Bananas feel the same way! During their visit, they were eager to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Not only did they have a blast, but we made sure to capture their good side with some a-peeling photos!

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The Firefighters Meet the Disneyland Fire Department

The Bananas aren’t the only team visiting Disneyland – the Firefighters are in town, making a pit stop before their big game at Angel Stadium! They couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet the famous Disneyland Fire Department, including Hank, the longest standing employee at the Walt Disney Company. What a flame-tastic moment!

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A Banana-filled Castle Dance

In true Bananas fashion, the team put on their yellowest attire to perform a special dance number of “Hey Baby” (an all-time fan favorite) in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Who ever thought you’d see a bunch of bananas dancing at The Happiest Place on Earth?

Savannah Bananas Cavalcade

To celebrate the Savannah Banana’s exciting visit, Bananas players danced their way down Main Street, U.S.A for a special cavalcade. It was truly a sight to see!

Did you see the Savannah Bananas at Disneyland today?

Universal Orlando Sets E.T. Refurbishment to Start Next Month

By

Chris B

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May 28, 2025

Universal Orlando Sets E.T. Refurbishment to Start Next Month

E.T. Adventure Set for Short Refurbishment This June at Universal Studios Florida

Phone home… and maybe check the refurb calendar while you’re at it. Universal Studios Florida has announced that E.T. Adventure, the park’s longest-running attraction, will be closing temporarily for maintenance from June 9 to June 13, 2025.

If your summer trip includes a visit to the stars aboard a flying bike, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

A Ride That’s Out of This World—and Time

E.T. Adventure is more than a nostalgic ride—it’s a Universal time capsule. First opening with the park in 1990, this dark ride blends action, whimsy, and a whole lot of Spielberg heart. Guests board suspended bikes and help E.T. return to the faraway Green Planet, complete with glowing forests, government agents on your tail, and a surreal alien world that’s pure ’80s movie magic.

The first half retells key moments from the 1982 film, while the second half launches into an original storyline featuring E.T.’s galactic friends like Botanicus, Orbidon, and that bizarre alien choir that lives rent-free in our dreams.

And yes, if you give your intergalactic passport to the Team Member at the boarding area, there’s a good chance E.T. will thank you personally at the end—assuming he remembers.

Why This Classic Still Shines

While other Universal originals like Jaws, Back to the Future: The Ride, and Kongfrontation have gone the way of the dodo, E.T. Adventure endures, thanks in large part to Steven Spielberg. The legendary director not only served as creative consultant for the attraction but is also said to hold sway over its future—his long-standing contract with Universal reportedly includes veto power on changes to the ride.

That connection remains strong. Spielberg made a surprise appearance during the 2025 Epic Universe preview, a symbolic moment that reaffirmed his ongoing influence within the parks—even if E.T. wasn’t directly mentioned.

Just a Quick Pit Stop

This five-day closure is brief but important, a reminder that Universal still takes time to care for its classics, even in a park now filled with the likes of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Minions galore.

Barring any delays, E.T. Adventure is expected to reopen on Saturday, June 14, 2025. As always, guests are encouraged to check the Universal Orlando app or website for updates closer to their visit.

So if you’re planning a June trip, consider hopping on that bike before the refurb kicks in. Because in a world of constantly evolving theme parks, it’s nice to know some stars still shine the same.

Veteran Portraits by President George W. Bush Extended through 2026 at EPCOT

By

Chris B

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May 28, 2025

Veteran Portraits by President George W Bush Extended through at EPCOT

Portraits of Courage Exhibit Extended at EPCOT Through Spring 2026: Honoring America’s Heroes

Walt Disney World Resort is keeping a powerful tribute to America’s service members in the spotlight for just a little longer. The Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit, created by former U.S. President George W. Bush, has officially been extended through Spring 2026 at EPCOT’s American Adventure Pavilion.

Since debuting in June 2024, the exhibit has touched hearts with over 60 vivid oil paintings of post-9/11 U.S. service members and veterans—many of whom President Bush has come to know personally since leaving office. These portraits not only showcase the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who’ve served, but they also highlight the ways in which these heroes continue to lead and serve in civilian life.

A Patriotic Legacy

There may be no more fitting location than the American Adventure Pavilion, where Disney celebrates the nation’s history and heroes. Walt and Roy O. Disney, both World War I veterans, laid the groundwork for this enduring connection to the Armed Forces—one that continues to flourish today through initiatives like this exhibit and the resort’s ongoing support of military families.

Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute, shared,

“Sharing veterans’ stories reminds all of us of their incredible courage, sacrifice, and resilience in defense of our nation—and of their continued contributions to our communities beyond their time in uniform.”

Veterans’ Stories Come to Life

In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, a new special, Our America: Portraits of Courage, dives deeper into the lives of four featured veterans: Matthew S. Ayers, Andrew Bachelder, Brian Flom, and Michael “Rod” Rodriguez. Through candid interviews and President Bush’s own reflections, viewers get an intimate look at these individuals’ personal journeys—on and off the battlefield.

One particularly emotional moment was when U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew S. Ayers visited EPCOT with his wife and daughter to see his portrait in person. Sgt. Ayers, a combat medic who has served across multiple branches since 2003, shared his experiences and introduced his family to the brave individuals portrayed alongside him. His daughter Isabella was able to see her father honored in a permanent way—an unforgettable experience for their entire family.

“Having the exhibit at Disney, you’re going to get people from all over the world that see it. I hope that they see that it’s something special,” said Sgt. Ayers.

Related: A Star-Spangled Day at Walt Disney World

More Than Just a Tribute

The exhibit also provides resources for post-9/11 veterans and their families. One highlight is Check-In, a free tool designed to connect veterans with mental and brain healthcare services. Guests can learn more at veterancheckin.org.

As Disney continues its mission to create happiness for all guests—including those who serve—Portraits of Courage stands as both a work of art and an act of gratitude. Whether you’re a veteran, family member, or simply a guest wandering through EPCOT, the exhibit offers a moving reminder of the strength, sacrifice, and humanity behind the uniform.

Toothless Passholder Button Coming to Universal Orlando in June

By

Chris B

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May 28, 2025

Toothless Passholder Button Coming to Universal Orlando in June

Toothless Passholder Button Flying into Universal Orlando This June

Calling all dragon riders! 🐉 Universal Orlando is continuing its fire-breathing streak of collectible goodies with the second in its Epic Universe-themed button series—this time starring everyone’s favorite Night Fury: Toothless!

Starting June 2, 2025, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can snag an exclusive Toothless button inspired by How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, one of the five themed lands soaring into Epic Universe next year. With those signature bright green eyes and scaly black face front and center, this button is a must-have for any Viking-in-training.

Where to Grab Yours

The Toothless button will not be available inside Epic Universe itself, but Passholders can pick one up (while supplies last!) at these two locations:

UOAP Lounge at Islands of Adventure – Available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Tonight Shop at Universal Studios Florida – Available from park open to close

Whether you’re exploring Hogsmeade or preparing for liftoff in Super Nintendo World, this button adds the perfect touch of Berk-inspired flair to your lanyard or bag. And let’s be real—it’s hard to say no to that adorable dragon stare.

This is the second in a series of five buttons themed to Epic Universe, so if you missed the first, now’s your chance to jump in. Supplies are limited, so make like Hiccup and act fast before Toothless flies off!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Exterior Refurbishment Scheduled for June – September

By

Chris B

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May 28, 2025

Disney's Beach Club Resort Exterior Refurbishment Scheduled for June September

More Exterior Work Set for Disney’s Beach Club Resort This Summer and Fall

Looks like the construction parade isn’t quite ready to roll out just yet at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! Fresh off the heels of a splashy refurbishment at Stormalong Bay, even more exterior enhancements are coming to this beloved seaside-themed resort beginning in early June and continuing through September 2025.

If you’re dreaming of a late-summer or early-fall stay at Beach Club, here’s what you need to know before you pack those flip-flops and mouse ears.

What’s Changing?

From June through September 2025, Disney will be conducting additional exterior maintenance around the resort. The most noticeable impact? The temporary closure of the porte cocheres—the covered drive-up entrances used for guest drop-offs and pickups.

But don’t worry—Disney has confirmed that valet parking, luggage assistance, and transportation services will all continue without interruption. You just might have to walk a few extra steps to get your beach day started.

What to Expect During Your Stay

Construction crews will be working during daytime hours, and while they’ll do their best to keep the magic going, guests should expect to see scaffolding, workers, and—yep—hear a bit of construction noise. Mickey might be on vacation, but the jackhammers aren’t.

This next wave of work closely follows the renovation of Stormalong Bay, the sprawling, shipwreck-themed pool complex shared with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. That project is scheduled to wrap up in June, meaning pool lovers can still float away in the lazy river or take the plunge down that epic waterslide while the new exterior work gets underway nearby.

The Bottom Line

Disney’s Beach Club Resort will remain open and fully operational during the project, with all core amenities—including transportation, dining, and recreation—available to guests. So while the entrance may look a little different and you might hear a buzz or two in the background, you’ll still be enjoying that breezy Atlantic Boardwalk charm in full Disney style.

Whether you’re grabbing a scoop at Beaches & Cream or heading to EPCOT through the International Gateway, you’ll still find plenty of reasons to say “Wish you were here!”

Get Ready For Some Early Spooks! Mickey and Minnie Light Up Pumpkins Are Coming Soon!

By

Ana Leal

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May 28, 2025

Get Ready For Some Early Spooks! Mickey and Minnie Light Up Pumpkins Are Coming Soon!

Oh boy, oh boy, get ready to add some serious magic to your Halloween decor, because something spooktacular is just around the corner! We know what you’re thinking, “Halloween? In June?” And to that, we say, “Absolutely!” Because when it comes to Disney, it’s never too early to start planning your festive celebrations, especially when they involve Mickey and Minnie.

Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to click “add to cart” because on June 6th at 8 AM PT, the brand new Mickey and Minnie Light-Up Pumpkins are dropping online at the Disney Store! That’s right, two iconic characters are getting the Halloween treatment, and trust us, you’re going to want both. At $74.99 each, these aren’t your average grocery store gourds, these are Disney-level decorations that will bring a smile to every trick-or-treater’s face.

First up, let’s talk about the Minnie Mouse Light-Up Jack-o’-Lantern. Minnie is ready to light up your Halloween with her signature sweet smile, all molded into this adorable pumpkin decor. It’s not just cute, it’s magical! This little gem lights up with a flickering glow, just like a real jack-o’-lantern, giving off that warm, welcoming vibe. Imagine Minnie’s grinning face greeting all your visitors, it’s practically a must-have for any Disney fan’s Halloween display.

And of course, we can’t forget the main mouse himself! The Mickey Mouse Light-Up Jack-o’-Lantern is here to bring his own brand of cheer to your spooky season. Just like Minnie, Mickey will be lighting up your Halloween with his big, friendly smile, molded perfectly into this fantastic decor. But here’s where Mickey gets a little extra fancy, his pumpkin lights up with different settings! That’s right, you can customize the glow to fit your Halloween mood. Both of these pumpkins are going to provide that welcoming grin to your trick-or-treat visitors, making your home the most magical one on the block.

So, while the sun is shining and summer plans are in full swing, don’t sleep on these amazing light-up pumpkins. Getting your Halloween decor sorted early means less stress later and more time to enjoy the spooky season. Seriously, better to be prepared with some magical decor, right? We’ll see you online on June 6th, ready to snag these awesome Mickey and Minnie Light-Up Pumpkins!

Credit: Disney Store

Score Major Style Points with This Mickey Mouse Letterman Jacket!

By

Ana Leal

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May 28, 2025

Score Major Style Points with This Mickey Mouse Letterman Jacket!

Calling all Disney fans and style mavens! Get ready to level up your cool-weather game with the Mickey Mouse Letterman Jacket, a true MVP for those chilly nights. This isn’t just any jacket; it’s a soft, varsity-style sweat jacket that brings all the magic of Disney to your wardrobe.

For just $89.99, you can snag this gem online at the Disney Store. And trust us, it’s worth every penny. Imagine rocking this jacket at The Most Magical Place on Earth, or anywhere else you want to show off your Disney pride.

What makes this jacket a winner? It’s all about the details! You’ll find a super cool chenille “D” block letter with an embroidered Mickey Mouse appliqué on the chest, giving it that authentic letterman feel.

The back is where the real party’s at, featuring chenille “Walt Disney World” collegiate block lettering and another fantastic embroidered chenille Mickey Mouse appliqué. Plus, to top it all off, there’s “Since 1971” embroidered text on the back, a nod to Walt Disney World’s opening year.

With all these awesome touches, you’re guaranteed to be the “big mouse on campus” wherever you go!

Credit: Disney Store