Tinker Bell and Fawn Flutter Back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Earth Day 2025
Pixie dust is in the air once again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! In honor of Earth Day 2025, guests can now meet the enchanting fairy duo of Tinker Bell and Fawn—but don’t wait too long, because their stay is short and sweet.
The fan-favorite fairies returned to the Tree of Life Garden on April 20, kicking off the park’s Earth Day festivities a little early. This magical meet and greet is located across from Creature Comforts (a.k.a. the go-to Starbucks stop in the park), and features both characters together, so you’ll only need to queue once for double the fairy fun.
Tinker Bell is donning her classic green dress, translucent wings, and those iconic pom-pom shoes. Fawn, the animal-loving fairy, sports a bright orange and yellow tie-dye ensemble—both befitting their roles as Tinker-talent fairy and Animal Talent Fairy.
This year’s Earth Day celebration is a bit more limited than in years past. Unlike previous events that featured rotating character pairs and week-long appearances, Tinker Bell and Fawn will only be meeting guests through Tuesday, April 22. That means just three magical days to meet the fairy duo—so flutter over soon if you want to say hi!
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland will find a new breakfast option available at Friar’s Nook: Apple Cider Doughnuts. Replacing the former beignets, these vibrant green-coated treats offer a unique twist on a classic flavor combination.
The Apple Cider Doughnuts are covered with a green sugar coating, and have a soft, cake-like texture with small pieces of apple baked inside, complemented by a spicy cinnamon flavor. The granulated green sugar provides a textural contrast, adding a subtle crispness. A delicate drizzle of caramel sauce contributes a nuanced sweetness that harmonizes with the other flavor components.
Priced at $6.49, the Apple Cider Doughnuts present a new breakfast selection for guests within Magic Kingdom. Friar’s Nook, situated in Fantasyland, offers a convenient point of service for this item.
The Mandalorian, Grogu, and Enhanced Controls Coming to Smugglers Run
Excitement emerged from Star Wars Celebration Japan with the announcement of significant updates to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, as revealed during a Walt Disney Imagineering panel. Imagineers Anisha Deshmane and Michael Serna joined Lucasfilm’s Matt Martin to discuss the creative development behind current and future Star Wars experiences at Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Building upon previous announcements at SXSW, the panel unveiled details set to enhance the popular attraction.
At Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, Japan, Walt Disney Imagineering announced updates to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort including new planet destinations coming to the attraction. The destination shown is Tatooine. (Credit: Walt Disney Imagineering; Artist Concept Only)
Unprecedented Control with New Crew Powers
Beginning May 22, 2026, guests at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will experience Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with expanded navigational control. For the first time, flight crews will have the ability to determine their own destination, opening up the possibility of adventures on diverse locales such as Bespin, the debris field surrounding Endor’s destroyed second Death Star, and the newly revealed city-planet of Coruscant. Furthermore, engineer positions will incorporate a new gameplay element allowing for communication with Grogu during the mission.
At Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, Walt Disney Imagineering announced updates to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort including new planet destinations coming to the attraction. The destination shown is Bespin. (Credit: Walt Disney Imagineering; Artist Concept Only)
The Mandalorian and Grogu Integrate into the Adventure
These updates are scheduled to coincide with the release of Lucasfilm’s upcoming title, “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” However, it’s important to note that the attraction’s narrative will diverge from the film’s storyline.
The new Smugglers Run narrative casts Hondo Ohnaka in the role of a quest giver, informing riders of a deal unfolding on Tatooine involving ex-Imperial officers and a pirate faction. A lucrative bounty is offered for their capture, prompting guests to “borrow” the Millennium Falcon and partner with the Mandalorian and Grogu in a mission to track down the targets and explore the galaxy.
The enhancements to the attraction are made possible through a collaboration with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), whose expertise allows riders to take control of their own destinies within the experience. The technology underpinning these updates is built on Unreal Engine 5 by Epic Games, the same engine employed by ILM in the Disney+ series, “The Mandalorian.”
Cursed Energy Levels: MAX! Jujutsu Kaisen Comes to Life at Universal Fan Fest Nights
Attention all Sorcerers (and anime superfans): Jujutsu Kaisen is unleashing its cursed energy on Universal Studios Hollywood for the very first time — and it’s going to be nothing short of domain expansion-level epic.
As part of the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights, the smash-hit anime and manga series Jujutsu Kaisen is getting a fully immersive activation called “Hunger of the Cursed”, and trust us — Gojo-sensei would definitely approve.
Set inside the DreamWorks Theatre, the story begins with a “groundbreaking ceremony” for a new Jujutsu High in Osaka. Sounds pretty chill, right? Until the walls shake, the vibes get real cursed, and Principal Kuroishi reveals he’s not here for good grades — he’s a full-blown Curse User.
Cue Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara leaping into action in a thrilling, multi-sensory showdown filled with shikigami, banter, surprises, and oh yes — confetti explosions. It’s action-packed anime glory, presented in Japanese with English subtitles for the full JJK flavor.
🍪 Themed Snacks Worthy of a Sorcerer
Hungry like a cursed spirit? Fuel up at the Jujutsu Kaisen Concession Cart with snacks straight from the series:
Sukuna Cursed Crunch: A red velvet cookie with white chocolate chips and Sukuna’s sinister markings.
Ten Shadows Churro: Two half-churros inspired by Megumi’s Divine Dogs — one Oreo-chocolatey, the other sweet and powdered.
Yuji’s Chocolate Brownie: Decked out like his uniform and pink hair. Topped with buttercream, caramel swirl, and crunchy pearls.
Nobara’s Strawberry Hammer Smash: A strawberry tajin frozen drink that’s as fierce and sweet as the queen herself.
Suit up with exclusive merch featuring Yuji, Megumi, Nobara, and Gojo. From graphic tees and hoodies to plush Divine Dog hats and keychains, this is your chance to rep your favorite Sorcerers in style.
Whether you’re new to the world of curses or a manga-devouring veteran, Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed promises a fully powered-up experience during Universal Fan Fest Nights.
Fan Fest Nights run select nights April 25–May 18. Cosplay encouraged (just leave the Straw Dolls and Cursed Tools at home, please). So grab your ticket, sharpen your cursed technique, and get ready to battle some seriously dark vibes.
Beam Me Up, Hollywood! “Star Trek: Red Alert” Warps into Universal Fan Fest Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood is going boldly where no theme park has gone before — and it’s taking you along for the ride! “Star Trek: Red Alert,” an immersive, story-driven experience, is set to debut as part of the first-ever Universal Fan Fest Nights, and it’s the stuff of sci-fi dreams. Set aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D — yes, the actual screen-used bridge from Star Trek: Picard — this epic walkthrough whisks guests into the year 2403 as an interstellar threat sends Starfleet scrambling.
From exploring iconic rooms like the sick bay and turbolift to beaming out via transporter (no holodeck required), this multi-sensory adventure is designed to make every Trekkie’s heart go warp speed. Expect easter eggs galore, original set recreations, and scenic detail straight from Paramount’s archives.
Of course, no mission is complete without fuel, and Universal delivers with a galaxy’s worth of themed treats at Quark’s Café and the 10 Forward Bar. Klingon Targ Legs? Tribble Truffles? Tea, Earl Grey — hot and cold? Set phasers to “delicious.”
Whether you’re Team Picard, a Worf warrior, or just curious about Romulan Ale, Star Trek: Red Alert is an unforgettable encounter with the final frontier — all without leaving Earth. Universal Fan Fest Nights run select evenings April 25 through May 18, 2025. Costumes encouraged (but leave your phasers at home). 🖖
Are you ready to boldly go? Let us know which iconic moment you’re most hyped for in the comments!
New Additions to “it’s a small world”: Miguel and Dante from “Coco”
Following a period of refurbishment, Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” will reopen on April 25th with a new addition: characters from Pixar’s “Coco.” This update by Walt Disney Imagineering revisits a history where changes to the beloved attraction have ignited strong opinions among devoted fans. The inclusion of Miguel and Dante marks the latest evolution of the iconic boat ride.
As guests float through the Mexico portion of the water-based “it’s a small world” attraction, they’ll encounter silhouetted figures of Miguel and Dante from Pixar’s 2017 film “Coco,” set against a backdrop of a marigold bridge. Miguel will be strumming his guitar, dressed in a mariachi ensemble, and Dante will be visible in his distinctive rainbow-hued alebrije form.
The addition of 29 new dolls representing Disney and Pixar characters to “it’s a small world” in 2008 sparked significant debate among fans, even being dubbed the “Small World War.” This update saw Alice in Wonderland integrated into the England scene, Cinderella joining the France display, and Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story” featured in a newly created American West section.
The Disney+ docuseries “The Imagineering Story” explored the difficulties of updating beloved Disneyland attractions and the predictable fan backlash that often follows changes to Walt Disney’s original park.
“Guests want everything to stay the same, just as they remember the first time they ever came,” Imagineering art director Kim Irvine said in the Disney+ docuseries. “But that’s really not a good idea because things become stale. Walt wanted all of these attractions to be updated. He kept saying you’ve got to keep this thing alive, fresh and new.”
The online reaction during the controversy saw “disgusted” fans using strong language, such as “idiotic plan,” “pointless destruction,” and “gross desecration,” to describe Disneyland’s proposed changes to Imagineer Mary Blair’s iconic “it’s a small world” designs.
“While this was happening I was afraid to go out on the street at night,” Irvine said in the docuseries. “It was really serious and people were very upset about it.”
The Small World outcry prompted Disney Legend Marty Sklar to pen an open letter to aggrieved fans.
“We all agree that It’s a Small World is a Disney classic,” Sklar wrote in the letter. “But the greatest ‘change agent’ who ever walked down Main Street at Disneyland was Walt himself. In fact, the park had not been open 24 hours when Walt began to ‘plus’ Disneyland and he never stopped.”
Sklar directly addressed the allegations that Imagineering was ruining Walt Disney’s creation.
“I’ve heard that we are planning to remove the rainforest, add Mickey and Minnie, create an ‘Up with America’ tribute, to effectively ‘marginalize’ the Mary Blair style and Walt’s classic,” Sklar wrote in the letter. “In fact, just the opposite is true. We want the message of brotherhood and goodwill among all children around the world to resonate with more people than ever before, especially today’s young people.”
The “Coco” additions aren’t the only updates planned for “it’s a small world.” As part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration on July 17th, the attraction will also feature new lyrics, including a previously unreleased “Last Verse” for its iconic song, written by the late Richard Sherman.
Are you looking forward to “it’s a small world” reopening with the new Coco characters?
Innovative Accessibility: Disneyland Cast Members Create Attraction Models
From soaring with Dumbo to evading the First Order, Disneyland Resort’s attractions captivate guests with immersive, multi-sensory storytelling. Often, it’s the meticulously designed ride vehicles that truly transport visitors into these imaginative worlds.
Driven by Disney’s commitment to enhancing accessibility, a dedicated team has pioneered a pilot program of 11 tactile models showcasing Disneyland Resort’s attraction ride vehicles. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind for a North American Disney park, culminates a year of dedicated development.
Starting March 12, the 3D-printed models will be available for guests who are blind or low vision, providing a tangible opportunity for guests to explore the immersive elements of an attraction vehicle prior to experiencing the attraction.
When a guest arrives at the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance Esplanade, they can have an individualized conversation with a cast member at the Accessibility Services Kiosk, at which time they can request to interact with the Tactile Models. An Accessibility Services cast member will then escort the guest to a private room and provide them a visual description of the attraction vehicle as they interact with each Tactile Model.
Making Magic with Miniature Models
A member of the Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Development team — a team that was integral in creating the Tactile Models — explained the importance of working closely with cast members who are blind or low vision from ENABLED, the Disneyland Resort accessibility and inclusion-focused Belonging Employee Resource Group (BERG), to create user-friendly models that provide a tactile experience of the attraction vehicles. “If you are not blind or low vision, you might not consider the importance of familiarizing yourself with an attraction vehicle ahead of time,” the Imagineer said.
The cast members behind this initiative strategically created a total of 11 Tactile Models including:
Disneyland Park Tactile Models
Dumbo from Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Bateau from Pirates of the Caribbean
First Order Transport Vehicle from Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Carrousel horse from King Arthur Carrousel
Teacup from Mad Tea Party
Goofy’s locomotive from Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Disney California Adventure Park Tactile Models
Clamshell from The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Car from Radiator Springs Racers
Roadster from Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
Carnival car from Toy Story Midway Mania!
Racoon critter from Jessie’s Critter Carousel
The Fantasyland classic, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, is one example of a highly immersive attraction where guests take an “ear-borne” adventure with Dumbo and ride in an elephant-shaped attraction vehicle. “If you’re not able to see some of those visual elements of the ride vehicle you’re in, you don’t know that you’re sitting in an actual elephant or that they are flying in a circle over Fantasyland,” a project manager from the Disneyland Resort Accessibility Integration team said. “But now that we have the physical model for these guests to interact with, they are immersed into the story through elements that maybe they weren’t able to experience before.”
Other Tactile Models in this launch will further guests’ understanding of attraction themes while also creating an awareness of the vehicles’ structure. The project team behind the Tactile Models explain that some of the ride vehicles – such as Pirates of the Caribbean or Radiator Springs Racers – were important to include so Guests can familiarize themselves with how the seats are arranged to understand the space and how to safely enter the vehicle.
As with any Disney creation, the Imagineers behind the magic made sure to add special, uniquely-Disney details to the Tactile Models. For example, as guests escape the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, their escape pod is piloted by an R5 unit that swivels its head as it looks for the best escape route. Similarly, on the Tactile Model version of the First Order Transport Vehicle, guests can move the R5 unit’s head when interacting with it.
Guests who choose to experience Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and climb aboard a colorful car that dances to tire-tapping Italian tunes, can familiarize themselves with the Tactile Model before entering the park. While the roadsters in the attraction feature license plates with the names of Luigi’s cousins, one of the Imagineers who created the Tactile Model for Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters chose to add their own personal touch to the model’s license plate. “The license plate on the Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Tactile Model is actually a call back to an Imagineer’s daughter, who is now also an Imagineer. It’s her birthday and initials,” a fellow Walt Disney Imagineer on the project said.
To Infinity and Beyond
The Accessibility Integration team, one of many teams behind the Tactile Models, shared that the pilot collection is just the beginning, explaining that the development team has goals to both add more attractions to the collection and explore other types of tactile models that can enhance the guest experience for those who are blind or low vision.
With the creation of more individualized offerings and accommodations at Disneyland Resort, initiatives like Tactile Models bring beloved tales to life for even more guests. Through the power of collaboration among passionate cast members, like those on the Tactile Model creative and accessibility teams, the possibilities are truly endless.
First Look as the Disney Adventure Achieves Float Out Milestone!
Disney Cruise Line celebrated a monumental occasion in the creation of their newest fleet member: the Disney Adventurehas officially achieved its Float Out! This significant transition saw the majestic vessel, still under construction, carefully guided into the open waters of the shipyard harbor for the very first time, marking a pivotal step in its journey towards welcoming guests.
The Float Out ceremony is a time-honored shipbuilding tradition, signifying that the hull of the ship is complete and capable of floating independently. For the Disney Adventure, this milestone unlocks a new phase of construction, bringing the eagerly awaited magic and signature Disney touches closer to reality.
Now that the vessel rests in the shipyard harbor, the real transformation begins to take shape above deck. Soon, the iconic Disney Cruise Line funnels, instantly recognizable symbols of seafaring enchantment, will be installed, silhouetting against the horizon. Beyond the visual grandeur, the upper decks will come alive with the installation of thrilling attractions that promise unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.
Among the highlights destined for the Disney Adventure’s upper reaches is the much-anticipated Marvel Landing’s Ironcycle Test Run. Imagine the exhilaration of soaring through the air, inspired by Iron Man’s iconic suit – a taste of the high-octane adventures that await. The Float Out provides the first tangible glimpse of how the Disney Adventure’s stunning exterior will ultimately look, hinting at the elegance and innovative design that Disney Cruise Line is renowned for.
Adding a sprinkle of star power to the momentous occasion, none other than Captains Minnie and Mickey Mouse themselves were present at the Meyer Wismar shipyard. Their cheerful presence underscored the magic and wonder that the Disney Adventure is poised to deliver to families and Disney enthusiasts around the world. Their participation in the Float Out ceremony served as a delightful reminder of the beloved characters and storytelling that are at the heart of the Disney Cruise Line experience.
The successful Float Out is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the teams at Meyer Werft and Disney Cruise Line. It represents countless hours of design, engineering, and meticulous work, all coming together to bring this dream vessel to life.
As the Disney Adventure sits afloat, ready for its next stage of development, anticipation continues to build. Disney Cruise Line is keeping the excitement alive, encouraging fans to stay tuned for further updates and sneak peeks into the ship’s progress. For those already dreaming of setting sail on this extraordinary vessel, the news is even more encouraging: more sailing dates have just been released! This provides even greater opportunity to plan your future adventure aboard the Disney Adventure and be among the first to experience its unique blend of Disney magic and seafaring wonder.
The Float Out of the Disney Adventure is more than just a technical milestone; it’s a tangible step towards creating unforgettable memories for future passengers. It’s a promise of adventure, relaxation, and the unparalleled service and storytelling that define a Disney Cruise Line vacation. As the ship continues its journey towards completion, the world eagerly awaits the moment it finally sets sail, ready to create new adventures on the high seas!
SeaWorld Orlando has announced the highly anticipated opening date for its groundbreaking new attraction, Expedition Odyssey! On May 1st, 2025, SeaWorld promises to be the most immersive Arctic experience ever created, this first-of-its-kind adventure will transport guests to the frozen north through a thrilling combination of cutting-edge ride technology, breathtaking real-world footage, and unforgettable encounters with Arctic wildlife. Related-SeaWorld Launches Exclusive Baby Shark Experiences
Expedition Odyssey is poised to redefine the experience, blurring the lines between simulation and reality. Imagine embarking on an exhilarating journey through towering glaciers, traversing vast, windswept tundra, and plunging into the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean, all while coming face-to-face with some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures.
The heart of Expedition Odyssey lies in its next-generation ride system, boasting an unprecedented range of motion. This innovative technology will bring an unparalleled fluidity and realism to every twist, dive, and glide, making you truly feel like you’re navigating the Arctic’s dynamic landscapes. Complementing this dynamic motion will be exclusive, custom-shot video footage captured in remote Arctic locations. This unmatched authenticity will immerse guests in breathtaking encounters with iconic animals such as majestic polar bears, playful orcas, graceful beluga whales, curious seals, and impressive walruses.
An Adventure for Explorers of All Ages
Designed to ignite the spirit of adventure in everyone, Expedition Odyssey continues SeaWorld Orlando’s commitment to family-friendly thrills with a surprisingly accessible height requirement of just 39 inches. This means that both the young and the young-at-heart can embark on this unforgettable Arctic expedition together. Plus, being entirely indoors, this attraction guarantees a cool and thrilling escape for the whole family, rain or shine, all year round.
From Ride to Reality: Real Arctic Animal Encounters Await
The immersive adventure doesn’t end when the ride stops. As guests disembark from Expedition Odyssey, they will seamlessly transition into captivating face-to-face encounters with real Arctic animals, including enchanting beluga whales, sleek seals, and impressive walruses. Adding an extra layer of heartwarming connection is the arrival of Uki, an orphaned Pacific walrus calf rescued in Alaska. Deemed non-releasable, Uki found a new home at SeaWorld Orlando last September and will make her debut in Expedition Odyssey’s meticulously crafted Arctic habitat. Guests will have the unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary animal ambassador firsthand.
For those seeking an even deeper connection, SeaWorld will offer exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences like the Beluga Whales Up-Close Tour, allowing guests to stand poolside with these intelligent marine mammals and learn about their behaviors and the critical conservation efforts surrounding them.
“We are pleased to announce the opening date of Expedition Odyssey, an adventure unlike anything our guests have experienced before, combining thrilling, immersive storytelling with powerful, real-world animal connections,” said Jon Peterson, Park President of SeaWorld Orlando. “The newest addition to our park is unlike anything we have ever done before and brings to life the wonder of the Arctic in a way only SeaWorld can do.”
Be Among the First to Explore Expedition Odyssey
The best way to ensure you’re among the first to experience this groundbreaking Arctic adventure is with a SeaWorld Annual Pass. And now, for a limited time during the Spring Spectacular Sale, you can buy an annual pass and upgrade to the next tier for FREE!
As a Pass Member, you’ll enjoy a wealth of benefits, including:
Unlimited visits to SeaWorld Orlando
Exclusive early ride dates & times for Expedition Odyssey
Free parking & guest passes
Exclusive discounts on food, merchandise, and special events
Don’t miss your chance to be a pioneer on this incredible journey. Expedition Odyssey is set to launch this spring at SeaWorld Orlando, promising an unparalleled and unforgettable Arctic experience for the whole family. Get ready to embark on an adventure that will leave you breathless and inspired by the wonders of the frozen north!
New and Fan Favorite Merch at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Guess what we stumbled upon during our latest stroll around the groovy Disney’s Pop Century Resort? Some seriously awesome new and returning merch that you’re gonna wanna snag for your collection!
First off, let’s talk hydration, Disney style! They’ve got these super cool Pop Century Resort insulated tumblers for $27.99. You’ve got two choices: one in a chill blue with the resort logo and Mickey peeking out of the “O” – how cute is that?! The other one is a total blast from the past with an all-over print of the Pop Century logo in a bunch of different color combos. Perfect for keeping your drinks icy cold (or toasty warm!).
Pin collectors, listen up! They’ve got a sweet Mickey Mouse Telephone Statue Pin for just $12.99. It’s like a tiny little memory of that iconic phone in the lobby – a must-have if you love this resort! Plus, there’s another pin featuring the sleek Disney Skyliner.
And if you’re into classic characters, they’ve got you covered with adorable pins of Winnie the Pooh, Chip and Dale, Stitch, Dumbo, and Marie!
Since it’s practically summer here in Florida, they’ve also rolled out some fun summer goodies. Check out the Mickey Mouse Summer Fun Stainless Steel Tumbler! It’s got Mickey catching a wave and holds 12 ounces of your favorite drink. It even comes with a straw! And for those outdoor hangouts, the Mickey Mouse and Friends Tumbler Set is perfect. You get four tall tumblers with Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, and Donald chillin’ on inner tubes. How fun is that? To keep your snacks cool while you’re out and about, they even have a cooler with a super cute Disney summer pattern.
Now, for the sweet stuff! If you’re into sour treats, you have to see the Little Green Men Sour Apple Gummies for $12.99. The container is designed like a claw machine with a clear top and a little claw reaching for the gummies. The bottom looks like the “Toy Story” logo. And the gummies themselves are shaped like little green aliens! How clever is that? For the cookie lovers, there’s the “Monsters, Inc.” Scream Can Monster Cookies for $17.99. The tin is yellow with black stripes and says “Caution: Unrefined Screams.” You can even peek inside through a little window. The top has fake lock and unlock arrows, and the bottom has the “M” logo with an eye. Such a fun way to enjoy some cookies!
Of course, no Disney trip is complete without a MagicBand! They’ve got some new designs featuring the Toy Story Aliens, the Evil Queen, and Alice in Wonderland. Gotta have that wrist candy!
And last but not least, I spotted the Mickey Mouse Telephone Ornament for $24.99. It’s a miniature version of that giant phone we all love! And for a little touch of spring, there’s a super cute Mickey popsicles bracelet in pastel colors.
Seriously, Pop Century is stepping up its merch game! You’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for these goodies on your next visit. Happy shopping!
Star Wars Celebration Japan Highlights “Special Symbiotic Relationship”
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 has drawn over 100,000 fans from more than 125 countries for a sold-out, three-day celebration of the iconic, nearly 50-year-old franchise. This unique event offers fans direct access to panels with creative talent and the chance to meet stars like Diego Luna, Rosario Dawson, and Hayden Christensen, providing a deep immersion into the Star Wars galaxy.
Not to mention, they’ll be able to get all the latest Star Wars news and updates, such as the release date of Star Wars: Starfighter and the Season 2 trailer for Light & Magic.
Star Wars Celebration has taken place all over the world since its beginnings in 1999. But, for the second time, it’s landing in Japan, a nation that has “a very special symbiotic relationship” with the Star Wars franchise, according to Carol Choi, EVP, APAC Integrated Marketing & Japan Managing Director at Disney.
“Japan’s rich storytelling, history, art, and popular culture have influenced Star Wars for nearly 50 years, and Star Wars has made its own mark in Japanese storytelling,” Choi said.
Central to the Saga
Japanese popular culture, history, and cinema had a deep influence on George Lucas as he embarked on creating Star Wars. Lucas famously drew from samurai films like Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress to influence a narrative structure and character archetypes for Star Wars. And of course, Darth Vader’s imposing helmet found part of its origin in historic samurai armor.
“Elements like the Jedi, modeled after samurai, and the spiritual aspects of the Force, influenced by Bushido, highlight the profound impact of Japanese culture on the series,” Choi explained. “There is so much love and respect amongst Lucasfilm executives and creators towards Japanese creators, films, anime, and manga, as we will undoubtedly experience at the Celebration this year.”
Lucas Seastrom, Historian at Lucasfilm, noted that this influence continues to this day, “with series like Star Wars: The Clone Wars evoking elements of the Godzilla films or The Mandalorian taking inspiration from Japanese manga.”
Not only has Japan influenced Star Wars, but the success of Star Wars has created a feedback loop to Japanese storytelling
“The success and popularity of Star Wars on both sides of the Pacific helped bring Japanese anime to American audiences, and likewise inspired the growth of science-fantasy anime stories in Japan itself,” Seastrom said. “With the production of Star Wars: Visions in recent years, this has come full circle, with Japanese filmmakers bringing their distinct points of view to create Star Wars stories directly in the anime medium.”
And it isn’t just a connection between the U.S. and Japan, but the whole world, too.
“Star Wars has drawn deep inspiration from Japan and through its storytelling and visual design, introduced aspects of Japanese culture to global audiences across generations,” Choi said.
A Gateway to APAC
“Star Wars Celebration continues to grow year over year. It’s a testament to not only the incredible generational appeal of the saga but also to the lifelong memories that are created at an event like this,” Chris Argyropoulos, VP, Franchise Assets & Publicity, Lucasfilm, said.
This event is a tangible way that fans across APAC can connect with the brand that they love. For instance, many attendees to this year’s Celebration are flying in from Australia and New Zealand, as well as from Southeast Asia.
And fans in the APAC region have that connection to Star Wars due to a variety of touch points with the Star Wars franchise. The films and television series are, of course, global. And series like Star Wars: Visions — a special Disney+ anthology series that was created in collaboration with local Japanese anime studios, have, according to Choi, “really resonated with Japanese and Asian viewers.”
On top of that, Disney Consumer Products collaborates with global and local partners to create a diverse portfolio of products that blend the creative excellence of Japanese manufacturing with the iconic storytelling of Star Wars, so fans can carry the story with them wherever they go.
A Galaxy of Celebration
While there’s always so much Star Wars to celebrate, this year’s Star Wars Celebration will hold space for tons of exciting moments in the coming weeks.
There will be panels on the highly anticipated second season of Andor on April 22; the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith, which is returning to movie theaters in a limited engagement on April 25; a look at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the groundbreaking visual effects house that is the subject of a second season of the series Light & Magic, and which celebrates its 50th anniversary in May.
There’s all that and so much more at Star Wars Celebration, which will keep fans interested and in the know as the latest Star Wars projects — like next year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu — come to a galaxy not so far away.
“For Lucasfilm, it’s important that we give fans from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an event like Star Wars Celebration to keep them engaged and get them excited about what the next 50 years will bring,” Argyropoulos said.
Disneyland Brings Surprise Field Days to California Students
As a heartwarming continuation of Disneyland and The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to the Los Angeles wildfire recovery efforts, students at two schools in Brentwood, CA were surprised with exciting Disney Field Days!
Disney brought the magic directly to students at Nora Sterry Elementary School and Brentwood Science Magnet with surprise afternoon field days. Over 16 beloved Disney characters joined in the fun, which included hands-on activities, interactive games, and gift bags filled with Disney Consumer Products. More than 900 students participated in these events, which offered a joyful experience for both schools, each having welcomed students displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires in the Palisades region.
“Disney has called Los Angeles home for more than a hundred years, and while the fires were still raging, we made a commitment — to be there for the community as it recovers and begins to rebuild,” Lisa Haines, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company, said. “That’s really what today is all about and we couldn’t be more excited to be here.”
A Helping Hand
Earlier this year, as the wildfires in LA were being contained, Disney reached out to Alberto Carvalho, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent, asking how the company could help.
Disney quickly provided a monetary donation to the LAUSD Education Foundation to help impacted teachers and collaborated with LAUSD on ways that the company could spruce up the schools. Those enhancement projects won’t begin until the summer, so the company decided to do something only Disney could do more immediately.
The result was the teams from Disney Experiences and Disneyland Live Entertainment and Events jumping into action to create Disney Field Day!
“A Little Joy, Happiness and Some Hope”
Last Friday afternoon, the students at Nora Sterry Elementary School in Brentwood, CA had an inkling that they were in for a delightful surprise. And judging by the Mickey Ears and characters shirts they were wearing, they suspected the surprise was coming from Disney.
While Cast Members like John Breckow, Director of Corporate Citizenship, Disney Experiences, could tell the students knew something was brewing at their school, “I’m not sure they knew how MUCH fun they were about to have,” Breckow said.
Beyond their schoolyards being transformed with fun-filled activities, the students were also visited by beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Moana, Rey, and more, from brands like Disney Animation Studios, Princesses, Pixar Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and, of course, some more Classic Disney pals.
Dara Renee and Josh Colley from Descendants: The Rise of Red and Meg Donnelly and Trevor Tordjman from Zombies made appearances at the events, and Disney Consumer Products provided plush for gift bags and giveaways.
“Our main goal was to bring a little joy, happiness and some hope to these students who have shown so much resilience and been through so much this year,” Breckow said. “And not just the Palisades students who relocated, but the Brentwood students who so generously received them at their schools.”
Replacing What Was Lost
Two special moments occurred at Brentwood when a student and teacher were given special gifts to replace items lost in the fires.
The first was to Pre-K teacher Ms. Lam, who had a collection of Mickey Ear hats and Ear Bands that were lost in the fire. Ms. Lam and her students were amazed as more and more VoluntEARS entered the classroom to gift her hats, exclaiming “MORE EARS?” before finally landing on an amazing 51 in total.
Felicity, a student at Brentwood Science Magnet, lost her favorite plush tiger in the fire. The team behind the event decided to bring her a new tiger plush. But they made it extra Disney special for Felicity by bringing Tigger along, “who came bouncing out to meet her in front of a 100-acre wood scene,” Breckow said. “The smile on her face in that moment is why I work at Disney.”
Volunteering in Disney’s DNA
The events were made even more special thanks to the Cast Members who jumped in to help, including about 75 VoluntEARS who did everything from stuffing gift bags for the students to moving them seamlessly from adventure to adventure to everything else in between.
“Volunteering is really in our DNA at Disney,” Breckow noted. “We simply couldn’t create magical moments like these without the energy, positivity, and commitment of our employees and Cast Members.”
Bringing all these Disney teams together to create moments of happiness and joy where it’s needed most “was another wonderful example of how we can bring the ‘best of Disney,’” Breckow said.
The Latest Effort
Disney Field Day! is just the latest effort in The Walt Disney Company’s continued support of its community and employees in the LA area in the aftermath of the wildfire crisis. In addition to our work with LAUSD, Disney has provided a monetary donation to the Pasadena Educational Foundation and is in conversations with Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) to bring special experiences like these to the students and teachers impacted by the Eaton Fire.
