New and Returning Festival of the Arts PhotoPass Magic Shots
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is officially underway, and Disney PhotoPass is ready to capture your artistic spirit with a vibrant array of photo opportunities!
Easel: by the planter where you enter World Showcase from World Celebration, close to the Disney Vacation Club Discovery Desk โ when you grab this photo, you never know what work of art might show up!
Figment Rainbow Chalk: from most Disney PhotoPass photographers located in World Showcase โ be sure to ask your photographer for this photo!
Mickey Mouse Glow: at the main entrance of the park to the left-hand and right-hand sides, after sunset only
Light Painting: near the popcorn cart and Creations Shop as you head from World Celebration into World Showcase
Figment Chalk Art: located in the following locations โ when you grab this photo, you never know what Figment might draw for you!
On the bridge leading from the United Kingdom pavilion into the France pavilion
by the topiary at the entrance to World Showcase after you pass under the Monorail beam
In the China and Italy pavilions
by the waterfall near Journey Into Imagination with Figment
near the popcorn cart and Creations Shop as you head from World Celebration into World Showcase
at the main entrance of the park to the left-hand and right-hand sides
Figment Glow Lightbulb: in the center of the new World Celebration area heading towards World Showcase near the large planter, after sunset only
Paint Palette: by the planter where you enter World Showcase from World Celebration, close to the Disney Vacation Club Discovery Desk
Art Collage: located in the following locations – by the topiary at the entrance to World Showcase after you pass under the Monorail beam – by the planter where you enter World Showcase from World Celebration, close to the Disney Vacation Club Discovery Desk – by the waterfall near Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Figment Glow: at the main entrance of the park to the left-hand and right-hand sides, after sunset only
Tiny World: near the fountain just beyond the main entrance of the park.
Disney Cruise Line Hiring Performers for Hercules Stage Show on the Destiny
Disney Cruise Line is currently holding auditions for talented individuals to join the inaugural cast of the Hercules stage show on the newest ship, Disney Destiny!
Disney Destiny will launch late 2025 and feature the exclusive, much-anticipated theatrical production, “Disney Hercules!” While the ship will be the first to feature a Hercules theater show, Disney is also looking for other character performers for the crew.
Disney is seeking mainstage dancers trained in ballet and jazz to bring to life the fresh and modern take on Hercules as well as Frozen, A Musical Spectacular and Disney Seas the Adventure. They are also looking for a skilled cast of repertory singers, actors, and dancers.
SEEKING:
THE MUSES: CLIO, TERPSICHORE, CALLIOPE, MELEPOMENE, and THALIA. These roles are open to all performers. Male vocal range Bb2-Db5. Female vocal range A3-G5. Gods and Goddesses of the arts and proclaimers of heroes. These outspoken, all-knowing, and enthusiastic performers narrate the journey of Hercules through song, wit, and humor. Experienced vocalists with strong performance in Gospel, R&B, and Pop. Must have the ability to maneuver around tight, complex harmonies and strong command of movement, shape and style. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
HERCULES: 21 – 30 years old. 5โ10โ and above. Vocal range C3 โ B4. Inclusive. Strong build. Clumsy but charming and very charismatic. Strong singer, actor and dancer. Can show deep emotional range. Will potentially portray Hans in Frozen. Hans has evil in his core, can change persona on-a-dime. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
MEG: 20 – 30 years old. 5โ5โ – 5โ8โ. Vocal range G3 to C5. Inclusive. Witty and a strong minded person. A combination of seductive , stern, and gentle. A commanding beautiful voice and presence. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
PHIL: 30 – 40 years old. 5โ7โ – 5โ11โ, strong core. Vocal range B2 โ F#4. Inclusive. Rough around the edges and dramatic. Tough and rude with a big heart. A comedic actor that gets easily annoyed. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
PAIN & PANIC: 20-35 years old. 5โ7 to 5โ10โ. Very comedic both physically and verbally. Strong actors with improv capabilities. All shapes and sizes. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory. For example, Peter Pan and Olaf.
KRISTOFF: 20 to 30 years old. 5โ10โ and above. Inclusive. Strong singer and mover. Strong physique. Ice harvester; rugged blue-collar type; a little rough around the edges, yet endearingly awkward; not your typical Disney hero; protector and loyal. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
DUKE of WESELTON: 25 to 35 years old. 5โ9โ and above. Inclusive. Top notch comedic actor with dark and manipulative undertones. Must bring strong movement to the ensemble. Bari-tenor. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
ANNA: 20 to 30 years old. 5โ3โ to 5โ8โ. Vocal range A3 to E5 mix/belt. Inclusive. Strong grounded actor and singer. Must have a natural, yet awkward, comedic charm. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
ELSA: 25 to 35 years old. 5โ6โ to 5โ9โ. Vocal range F3 to Eb5. Inclusive. Strong core. Mezzo Soprano with floaty mix/ powerful belt. Must sing โLet it Goโ in the original key effortlessly. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
TIANA: 20 to 30 years old. 5โ5โ to 5โ8โ. Vocal range Bb3 to Db5. Trim with strong core, strong soprano mix, skilled actor. Will also portray other roles/ensemble within the repertory.
Are you looking forward to sailing on the new Disney Destiny?
The funnel cake stand in the American Adventure Pavilion always features a special treat at each EPCOT Festival! For the Festival of the Arts, there’s just one item at the funnel cake stand: the NEW Cotton Candy Funnel Cake! It’s topped with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, a vibrant pink and purple sugar dusting, and crunchy cotton candy pieces.
While we didn’t detect any cotton candy flavor in this funnel cake, it was undeniably sweet! We also found it a bit challenging to eat due to the combination of ice cream, powdered sugar, and sugar crystals. Despite this, it’s a delicious treat and costs $12.
Disney ‘Looking at’ Removing Hanging Corpse from Haunted Mansion
The Ghost Host famously invites guests to join the 999 souls already residing within Disney’s Haunted Mansion, however we may see one of these spectral residents removed from the iconic stretching room at the beginning of the ride.
In preparation for the reopening of the original 1969 version of Disneyland’s beloved dark ride, Kim Irvine, Imagineering’s creative director at Disneyland, disclosed that Disney is contemplating a potential overhaul of a scene at the attraction’s outset. This scene, situated in the stretching room, features a visual gag involving a hanging corpse suspended from the rafters.
“We’re still looking at that,” Irvine, whose mother, Imagineer Leota Toombs, lent her face and voice to the ride’s Madame Leota, the crystal ball-bound character, recently shared with the Los Angeles Times. “That one is complicated, structurally โฆ One thing at a time.”
The outlet reported that Irvine and her team initially discussed removing the hanging corpse during a previous refurbishment in 2021. They cited concerns that such an image might be distressing for some guests.
Following the Ghost Host’s introductory narration, the stretching room sequence immerses riders in the eerie atmosphere of the Haunted Mansion. The sequence culminates with the narrator’s challenge to “find a way out” of the seemingly inescapable room โ a room with “no windows and no doors.” This declaration is accompanied by a clap of thunder, dimming lights, and a dramatic effect that reveals a lifeless body dangling from a wooden beam overhead. The narrator further emphasizes that this method of escape is his preferred choice for exiting the seemingly inescapable chamber.
In recent years, Disney has undertaken efforts to modify certain thematic elements within its attractions. This includes the transformation of both Splash Mountain flume rides into experiences based on “The Princess and the Frog.” This decision followed criticism of the rides’ original storylines, which drew inspiration from the 1946 film “Song of the South.” This film has long been criticized for perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes. Additionally, in 2021, Disneyland reopened its classic Jungle Cruise boat ride after removing depictions deemed insensitive towards Native peoples.
The recent Times article also highlighted a new addition to the Disneyland attraction. The reopening will feature a new scene depicting the legendary bride who haunts the attic sequence. Other enhancements include a new gift shop inspired by Madame Leota and a revitalized outdoor queue area.
While Irvine’s comments specifically addressed the Disneyland version of the ride located in Anaheim, California, classic versions of the Haunted Mansion also operate at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, and at Tokyo Disneyland in Japan. Other unique iterations, inspired by the original but featuring distinct storylines, operate under the names Phantom Manor and Mystic Manor at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland, respectively.
What do you think about the possibility of Disney changing this part of Haunted Mansion?
Save 25%ย for stays of 5 or more nights for travel on:
April 11, 2025, to June 11, 2025
Save 20%ย for stays of 4 nights for travel on:
April 11, 2025, to June 11, 2025
This offer is valid for consecutive-night stays during the date ranges listed above.
No matter how long you stay, youโll enjoy an unforgettable vacation brimming with fun for the entire family.
In addition to the room-only offer, there is also a special offer available for Disney Visa Cardholders. The following savings are valid for consecutive-night stays from April 11, 2025, to June 11, 2025:
Save 25%ย on rooms for stays of 4 nights
Save 30%ย on Villas for stays of 5 or more nights
Save 30%ย on rooms for stays of 5 nights or more
Save 25%ย on Villas for stays of 4 nights
Ready to take advantage of these special offers? Contact me today to get your Aulani getaway booked! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
New Details Revealed for Upcoming Disney Live Entertainment Experiences at Disney World
Welcome, 2025! Disney has recently shared more details about the incredible summer experiences Disney Live Entertainment is bringing to life at Walt Disney World!
If you asked them, the villains would probably try to convince you that theyโve been treated pretty unfairly over the years. In this show, the Magic Mirror has summoned us to hear them out. Never ones to let a dramatic performance pass them by, fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent will break through the glass and take the stage to prove once and for all why they are the most misunderstood. In the end, it will be on you to make the final call in a delightfully wicked finale filled with dozens of the most infamous evildoers awaiting your decision from within the Mirrorโs realm.
A dedicated team has spent nearly two years developing the cutting-edge stage design, thrilling effects, and catchy live musical numbers that will celebrate the villains we love to hate. There will be drama, there will be laughs, there will be something for everyone when the show opens this summer alongside โThe Little Mermaid โ A Musical Adventureโ โ another spectacular new production sure to make waves at Disneyโs Hollywood Studios.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Switching gears to Magic Kingdom Park, โa nod to the past with our eyes firmly set on the futureโ has become a bit of a motto for the creative team bringing โDisney Starlight: Dream the Night Awayโ to life. As they prepare this all-new nighttime parade for its debut this summer, the team is drawing inspiration from not only the rich history of nighttime parades at Magic Kingdom (trust me fellow parade lovers, there are more than a few easter eggs), but also some of Walt Disney Animation Studiosโ earliest animated features.
This reverence for the past will be on full display in the paradeโs recently revealed princess unit, which pays homage to Disney Legend and artist Mary Blairโs original concept artwork for Disney Animationโs โCinderella.โ Anchored by a gleaming fountain of light that overflows to illuminate a cosmic ballroom, the float is just one piece of the constellation of classic and contemporary stories that make up this new parade. Moments from Disney Animationโs โMoana,โ โPeter Pan,โ โFrozen,โ โEncantoโ and more will unfold on a bed of starlight as the cavalcade floods Main Street, U.S.A. with some of your favorite tales.
Anyone whoโs seen a good parade knows the floats are just one piece of the magic. Thatโs why members of the Disney Live Entertainment Costuming team have been hard at work designing a whole fleet of glimmering garments for โDisney Starlight.โ
Using a blend of innovative lighting techniques and whimsical custom-fabrics, the team is constructing each look to be โkissed by starlight.โ When you look at the photo below of one of the prototype costume pieces for the parade, try to imagine it swirling down the parade route, layers of shimmering fabric picking up the glow of the surrounding floats, each light twinkling in perfect synchronization with the music.
Speaking of musicโฆ You know what? Itโs only January. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Disney Live Entertainment!
Ready to book your summer Disney World trip? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Mickey and Minnie Returning to the National Cherry Blossom Parade
Get ready for some springtime magic! Mickey, Minnie and a special royal friend are marching in the National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C. this spring.
Washington’s NBC affiliate has reported that Princess Ariel will join Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the annual National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C. this spring. While Mickey and Minnie are familiar faces at the Cherry Blossom Festival, this will be the first time Princess Ariel has graced the parade route. This year marks the third consecutive year that Mickey and Minnie have been honored as Grand Marshals of the parade, which will take place on Saturday, April 12th at 10:00 AM.
Constitution Avenue transforms into a vibrant spectacle during the Nation’s Springtime Parade. Grand, colorful helium balloons soar alongside elaborate floats, while marching bands from across the country fill the air with music. Celebrity entertainers and dazzling performers captivate the crowd, creating a symphony of sights and sounds that celebrate the arrival of spring in Washington, D.C.
If you are in the D.C. area, be sure to check out the parade!
WWII Veteran Honored at Disney World on 100th Birthday
Recently, a cherished tradition at Walt Disney World recognized WWII veteran and retired U.S. Army Colonel William “Bill” Connelly, adding a special touch to his 100th birthday celebration at Walt Disney World Resort.
Each evening, as the American flag is lowered on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, Disney pauses to honor the brave men and women who serve our nation. “Bill” was recently honored during the flag lowering on his 100th birthday.
โIt really is an honor,โ said Bill. โYou make a guy feel goodโthatโs the best way I can describe itโall of you.โ
During World War II, Bill served our country in the 115th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He was drafted as an 18-year-old, and with help from the Army, he finished high school, went to college and ROTC (Reserve Officersโ Training Corps), earned his bachelorโs degree and was later commissioned as an Army officer.
He was involved in both the European and Pacific theaters, including the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. A soldier for 27 years, he spent most of his career working with the Counterintelligence Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone.
The daily flag retreat ceremony is always a special moment, but itโs even more meaningful when we can celebrate the bravery and sacrifices of heroes from the โgreatest generation,โ like Bill.
Saluting Cast Member Military Families
His son-in-lawโGeoffrey Grike, senior systems engineer, Disney Experiencesโis a Disney cast member who was thrilled his company would be celebrating the selfless service of this American hero timed to his 100th birthday at the daily Flag Retreat ceremony.
โWhat an amazing flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom honoring my father-in-law, Col. William A. Connellyโa loving husband of 63 years, a father of three daughters, grandfather of six, great-grandfather of six, a World War II veteran, and now a centenarian,โ reflected Geoffrey. โSo many family memories have already been made here, and todayโs new memory will certainly never be forgotten.โ
At the ceremony, Bill shared his legacy with three generations of family members. This was a full-circle moment for the Connelly family, who have been enjoying family vacations at Walt Disney World Resort for more than 50 years.
โWe first visited Disney in 1973 and have been back nearly every year since, to enjoy the parks and golf courses. This was always a vacation that the whole family looked forward to,โ Bill added.
As the sun set over Magic Kingdom, the patriotic chords of the national anthem sung by Dapper Dans swept through the crowd. The color guard and members of the Disney SALUTE veteran employee resource group stood proudly around the flagpole. Members of Magic Kingdomโs security team then handed the flag to Bill, as he was cheered on by guests and cast members.
After the flag was lowered, cast members and guests lined up to shake hands with Bill and thank him for his service.
โI couldnโt imagine all those people shaking hands with me, thanking me for something I shouldโve done,โ he reflected humbly. โI shouldnโt be honored for my serviceโit was my privilege to do it.โ
The emotional and heartwarming procession is an enduring homage to liberty and the incredible people who protect our nation through service.
Creating Happiness for Our Nationโs Heroes
Respect for military service members, veterans and their families is engrained in Disneyโs history. Thisย legacy began with foundersย Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I.ย
For nearly 70 yearsโsince Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971โwe have saluted our countryโs heroes with daily flag ceremonies. Each day, a veteran or service member is selected from the dayโs visitors at Magic Kingdom to be the official โU.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Dayโ and participate in the sunset ceremony.
Disney has honored many veterans who served in World War II through flag retreat ceremonies from coast to coast, including 101-year-old U.S. Army Staff Sgt. โPapa Jakeโ Larson and 101-year-old Specialist S, 3rd Class for the U.S. Navy, Dorothy โPatโ Rudd.
Another former honoree is Billโs best friend and fellow U.S. Army veteran, Tony Gallego, who joined the celebration and helped the Connelly family cheer him on. Tony was previously honored at a Magic Kingdom flag retreat ceremony in 2024, while celebrating his 100th birthday.
Lunar New Year Celebration Kicks of at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
The magic of Lunar New Year extends to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa! Guests can enjoy festive treats and enchanting decor throughout their stay.
Following the success of last year’s debut, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is once again embracing the Lunar New Year with festive decor and delightful treats. While the stunning dragon that adorned the lobby last year has been replaced, guests can still expect to find enchanting decorations celebrating the Year of the Snake.
The lobby is transformed into a whimsical scene, featuring a captivating green snake artfully coiled into the iconic Mickey Mouse shape. This centerpiece is beautifully framed by a dazzling array of colorful paper lanterns, some of which conceal hidden Mickeys for guests to discover.
Guests will be delighted by a captivating three-sided photo op nestled in a corner of the lobby. The vibrant red walls are adorned with enchanting Lunar New Year motifs, and elegant gold arches draped with festive ribbons add a touch of grandeur. Potted bamboo plants gracefully frame the space, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. This versatile space can also be utilized for engaging talks and performances throughout the Lunar New Year festivities.
The Great Hall Cart also features some Lunar New Year themed treats.
This Mickey-shaped sugar cookie features a red frosting drizzle and a charming green snake sugar image. White frosting swirls, dusted with gold sprinkles, accentuate the cookie’s edges and Mickey’s ears.
Indulge in a set of five pretzel rods, each dipped in a vibrant red sprinkle coating. To add a touch of magic, each pretzel is finished with a drizzle of white frosting and a sprinkle of shimmering golden glitter.
This square rice krispy treat features a white sugar image of Mushu holding his gong. The front is adorned with white frosting and golden sprinkles, and it’s conveniently sold individually and already wrapped in plastic.
The Lunar New Year Cart menu features an enticing assortment of macarons priced at $21. However, during our visit on the first day, these delectable treats were not yet available.
Mickey and Minnie Celebrate Lunar New Year with Festive New Outfits at California Adventure
Exciting news! Mickey and Minnie are getting a festive makeover for the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure. Be sure to look for their stunning new outfits during your visit!
Get ready to be charmed by Mickey and Minnie in their Lunar New Year best! This year, they’ll be dazzling guests in traditional Korean attire. Minnie will enchant with a captivating pink and white hanbok, its sleeves adorned with exquisite details. She’ll complete the look with elegant pink and yellow shoes and white socks. Mickey will also be looking dapper in a stylish blue and white hanbok, paired with classic brown and black shoes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Mickey and Minnie in their beautiful Lunar New Year outfits! They’ll be greeting guests at the Paradise Gardens Gazebo throughout the day.
This year’s Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure offers a delightful array of experiences. Highlights include delectable Asian-inspired dishes at marketplace menus, special character appearances, festive merchandise, and much more.
Construction is officially underway on the new Tropical Americas expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney has taken a monumental step forward in transforming Animal Kingdom, officially breaking ground on the much-anticipated Tropical Americas expansion. On Friday, January 17, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) and the Tropical Americas project team celebrated the milestone with a special groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of construction on what will become a vibrant new land inspired by the cultures and wildlife of Central and South America.
The Tropical Americas expansion will breathe new life into the space formerly occupied by DinoLand U.S.A., with the reimagined area set to open in phases through 2027. This ambitious project aims to celebrate the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region, introducing guests to new attractions, dining experiences, and immersive environments.
A new attraction themed after the Walt Disney Animation Studios film โEncantoโ follows Antonio the day after he received his magical gift โ the ability to communicate with animals and is situated in the new Tropical Americas land coming to Disneyโs Animal Kingdom.
What to Expect from Tropical Americas
Disney has already unveiled exciting details about what guests can look forward to in the Tropical Americas land. Among the highlights are:
Encanto-Themed Attraction: Step into the magical casita and celebrate Antonioโs unique gift of communicating with animals. This interactive experience will allow guests to immerse themselves in the Madrigal familyโs extraordinary world while learning about the fascinating creatures Antonio connects with.
Indiana Jones Adventure: A thrilling archaeological journey awaits! Set to replace the DINOSAUR attraction after its closure in early 2026, this ride will take guests deep into a newly discovered Maya temple, offering a mix of pulse-pounding excitement and rich storytelling.
In addition to these attractions, the new land will feature lush landscapes, themed dining, and entertainment offerings that highlight the vibrant traditions and wildlife of Central and South America.
The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disneyโs Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple โ and the ensuing adventure โ alongside Indiana Jones.
Transitioning from DinoLand U.S.A.
With construction officially underway, half of DinoLand U.S.A. has already closed to make room for this transformation. However, the DINOSAUR attraction and Restaurantosaurus will remain operational through the end of 2025, giving guests a final opportunity to enjoy these classics before they are retired..
The Tropical Americas expansion is set to become one of Disneyโs most ambitious projects in recent years, further solidifying Animal Kingdomโs reputation as a park that combines thrilling attractions with a focus on conservation and cultural appreciation. As the land opens in phases, it promises to offer a fresh and immersive experience, redefining this corner of the park and drawing guests into the wonders of Central and South America.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project progresses!
Finding True Love at Walt Disney World: Adorable Donald and Daisy Valentine’s Day Shirts
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate with your sweetheart than with some adorable matching Disney merchandise? We stumbled upon the most charming Donald and Daisy Valentine’s Day shirts during our recent trip to Epcot, and we simply had to share the love!
Both shirts boast a vibrant red hue, with Daisy’s design showcasing her playfully writing Donald’s name on a piece of paper, her face radiating with dreamy affection. Meanwhile, Donald’s shirt features him sketching a heart while lost in thoughts of his beloved Daisy. Both shirts are adorned with the heartwarming phrase “My Valentine” and the iconic Walt Disney World logo, making them the perfect souvenirs for a romantic getaway or a special celebration at home.
These shirts are not only incredibly cute but also a wonderful way to express your love for Disney and your significant other. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or simply looking for a unique and heartwarming gift, these Donald and Daisy Valentine’s Day shirts are sure to steal your heart. We highly recommend keeping an eye out for them at the Disney Store online, as they would make the perfect addition to any Disney fan’s wardrobe.
So, this Valentine’s Day, why not spread some extra love and magic with these adorable matching shirts? They’re a delightful reminder of the power of love and the timeless charm of Disney, making them a truly unforgettable keepsake.
