SQUIRREL! Oh Wait, It’s the Snuggliest Dug Weighted Plush Ever!
You know Dug, right? That super sweet golden retriever who just wants to be your pal? Well, guess what? You can bring him home in the cuddliest way possible! The Disney Store online just dropped a Dug Weighted Plush, and trust me, you’re gonna want to get your paws on this one.
Seriously, this isn’t your average stuffed animal. This Dug is extra special because he’s got this removable weighted pouch inside. Think of it like a gentle hug that just melts away stress. For $39.99, you can snag this super soft and snuggly dude online right now.
I’m telling you, a good squeeze from this Dug is probably better than a lot of things in life. Go on, treat yourself to some extra comfort – you deserve it!
Pop the Magic: The Adorable Disney Popcorn Bucket Ornaments Have Arrived!
You know those ridiculously cute popcorn buckets you just have to snag every time you hit up the parks? Well, get ready to squeal because now you can hang ’em on your tree! Yep, Disney’s dropped a line of miniature ornament versions of some of their most iconic popcorn buckets, and they are seriously adorable.
Each of these little Disney popcorn bucket ornaments will set you back $29.99, and you can snag ’em right now at Magic Kingdom or online at the Disney Store.
First up, we’ve got Elliott from Pete’s Dragon, looking all glowy and sweet just like in the Main Street Electrical Parade. But get this – you can actually press his back and the “popcorn” inside lights up along with his spots! How cool is that?
Then there’s our little green buddy, an Alien from Toy Story! This dude looks like he’s been hitting the snack bar hard, ’cause his mouth opens up to show a bunch of sparkly, light-up “popcorn.” Seriously, the detail on these things is wild.
Of course, you can’t forget the classic Mickey balloon! This ornament is a buttery yellow cutie and even has a spring-loaded back that pops open to reveal – you guessed it – light-up “popcorn.” It’s proof that sometimes, when balloons “pop,” it’s a good thing!
For all you fairytale lovers, the Pumpkin Coach is here! Cinderella’s peeking out, and the whole carriage is filled with “popcorn” that lights up with the press of a button. It even has a tiny little handle! Talk about magical.
And last but not least, for the Star Wars crew, it’s R2-D2! Turns out, what’s inside this trusty droid (at least in ornament form) is shimmering “popcorn.” Lift his dome to see it, and press his front vents to make it glow.
Seriously, if you’re a Disney collector or just love a bit of park magic in your home, you gotta check these out. They’re gonna be pop-ular, for sure!
Don’t Lose Your Tail! Grab the New Eeyore Ear Headband Today!
If you happen to be strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. you might spot the Eeyore Ear Headband. Seriously, these things are just too cute for words. And guess what? You can snag a pair for $34.99 right there in Magic Kingdom.
But these aren’t just your run-of-the-mill ears. They’ve got those long, droopy Eeyore ears that are super soft to the touch, all covered in this fluffy faux fur. But wait, there’s more! They didn’t forget his tail! Yep, sticking right out the back is that iconic tail with the little fuzzy bit at the end and a sweet pink satin bow.
Honestly, you could probably wander around the Hundred Acre Wood in these and trick Pooh and the gang for a sec. And the best part? Unlike the real Eeyore, you don’t have to worry about losing your tail because this one’s definitely staying put.
So, if you’re looking to add a little bit of lovable gloom to your Disney look, these Eeyore ears are a total must-have. You’re gonna get noticed, and in the best way possible!
Try the Mac & Cheese Hand Pie from Friar Nooks in Magic Kingdom
Friar’s Nook, a quick-service dining location within Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, known for its traditional American fare, has expanded its menu with a distinctive new offering: the Mac & Cheese Hand Pie!
For $8.99, you can get your hands on this delicious handheld snack. With a golden-brown, fried exterior and a creamy cheesy filling, its the perfect balance of savory and crunch.
To elevate the cheesy experience even further, the Mac & Cheese Hand Pie comes with a side of the cheese dipping sauce. You know the one – that bright yellow, slightly processed, yet undeniably comforting sauce that many of us have grown up with. It provides an extra layer of cheesy goodness for those who can’t get enough.
However, if you’re not a fan of this particular style of cheese sauce, don’t let that deter you. The hand pie itself is so flavorful and well-executed that it absolutely stands on its own. We found it to be just as enjoyable, if not more so, without the additional dipping sauce.
Our overall impression? The Mac & Cheese Hand Pie from Friar’s Nook is a standout quick-service offering. It’s a clever and delicious twist on the current fried mac and cheese trend, providing a unique textural contrast and a satisfyingly cheesy interior. It’s the perfect size for a substantial snack or a light lunch, and its portability makes it ideal for enjoying while exploring the wonders of Fantasyland. We can confidently say that this is a menu item we’ll be adding to our regular rotation at Magic Kingdom.
Sip, Support, and Save the Bees with the Bee’s Harvest Margarita at Disney Springs 🐝🍹
Earth Day is buzzing with excitement this year, and Disney Springs is sweetening the celebration with a delicious way to give back. Say hello to the Bee’s Harvest Margarita—a limited-time cocktail that’s doing more than just tickling tastebuds. It’s part of the new “Bee the Difference” campaign supporting The Bee Cause Project, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting pollinators through education and hands-on learning. That’s right—you can help the planet, one sip at a time!
🗓️ Now through May 20, guests at select Patina Restaurant Group locations in Disney Springs can raise a glass in support of the bees that keep our world blooming. Here’s where you can find this pollinator-powered cocktail—and which version you’ll be sipping:
🍣 Morimoto Asia 🐝 Bee’s Harvest Margarita – $19 Crafted with Patrón Silver Tequila, Florida orange liqueur, lime, honey simple syrup, and rimmed with bee pollen salt.
🍸 The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s, and Enzo’s Hideaway 🐝 Bee’s Harvest Margarita – $19 This version features Patrón Reposado Single-Barrel Tequila, paired with Florida orange liqueur, lime, honey simple syrup, and that same buzz-worthy bee pollen salt rim.
The Buzz Behind the Drink 🐝
This isn’t just any eco-friendly effort. The Bee the Difference campaign, spearheaded by Delaware North, supports The Bee Cause Project, which has already provided Bee Grants to over 500 schools and organizations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. These grants fund observational hives and pollinator education, helping kids and communities connect with nature, build STEAM skills, and understand the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.
Fun fact: The average worker bee produces just 1/12 teaspoon of honey in its lifetime! But together, an entire hive can generate up to 60 pounds of honey annually. It’s a sweet reminder of what’s possible when we work together.
This Earth Day season, stop by Disney Springs and toast to the tiny heroes who help grow the world. Whether you’re enjoying sushi at Morimoto or soaking in the speakeasy vibes at Enzo’s Hideaway, the Bee’s Harvest Margarita is your passport to pollinator-powered goodness.
🌍 Drink for a cause. Sip with purpose. Bee the difference.
Let’s make every drop count—for the bees, the blooms, and the next generation of environmental stewards. 🍯💛
Vroom Vroom! New Permit Signals Start of Imagineering Offices for Magic Kingdom’s Cars Land Expansion
Looks like Lightning McQueen is revving his engines—and the team behind the wheel is getting ready to roll! 🚗💨 A newly filed Notice of Commencement from Walt Disney Imagineering has just dropped, and it officially kickstarts the setup of temporary Imagineering offices in preparation for the high-octane expansion headed to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
The permit, filed with Orange County and tied to 5055 Caribbean Way, details the installation of trailers that will serve as basecamp for what’s expected to be the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. And yes, McGrath RentCorp—a company known for supplying modular buildings for major projects—is the listed contractor, so this trailer town is about to become the nerve center for some serious Disney magic.
Welcome to the Pit Crew HQ
Set to rise behind Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the new trailer complex will be nestled in a backstage area off Floridian Way, conveniently located just behind Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. That’s the same area Disney confirmed will be transformed into a brand-new Cars-themed land, complete with two new attractions—including a thrilling rally-style race through the mountains and a family-friendly experience for your little cruisers.
Imagineers, project managers, and contractors will soon be on-site daily, as this setup will serve as the operational hub for overseeing everything from site prep to steel beams. With early site work like stormwater planning already underway, this latest filing is your neon green flag that things are about to shift into high gear.
If you caught the announcement at D23, you already know that this project is more than just a fresh coat of paint. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro teased (with a little help from Tow Mater), this transformation reflects the American West’s spirit of forging new paths—and yes, that includes racecars.
So, while Mater may be dreaming of mudholes and McQueen is visualizing victory laps, the real race has just begun… and it’s behind the construction walls.
📍 Temporary offices? Check. 📐 Plans drawn? Check. 🚧 Dirt moving? Oh, you better believe it.
We’ll keep our eyes on the road and our ears to the ground as this Cars-tastic expansion picks up speed. Buckle up, Magic Kingdom—Radiator Springs is rolling into town. 🏁
Heads Up, High-Flyers! Disney Skyliner Refurbishment Scheduled for January 2026
If you love soaring above Walt Disney World in those charming gondolas, here’s a heads-up that might ground your plans—temporarily, of course! The Disney Skyliner will be taking a brief break for its annual tune-up from January 25 through January 31, 2026.
🎡✨ During this week-long refurbishment, the Disney Skyliner will be offline for routine maintenance. But don’t worry—you won’t be left stranded. Complimentary bus transportation will be available to keep guests gliding smoothly between their resort and the parks.
This quick closure is part of the regular post-holiday maintenance that typically happens each January—just after the New Year crowds head home and before spring breakers descend in full force.
What is the Disney Skyliner?
Just in case you haven’t had the pleasure: the Disney Skyliner is Walt Disney World’s innovative aerial gondola system, whisking guests between the sky and the magic. It connects EPCOT’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with several resorts, including:
🎨 Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 🌴 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 🎶 Disney’s Pop Century Resort 🇫🇷 Disney’s Riviera Resort
And bonus—if you’re docking at EPCOT’s International Gateway, you’re just steps away from Disney’s BoardWalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club Resorts, along with some excellent dining and nightlife.
Regular Operating Hours (When It’s Not Getting a Spa Day)
🕒 Opens: 1 hour before Early Theme Park Entry at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios 🌙 Closes: 90 minutes after either park closes 🌟 Extended Evening Hours Nights at EPCOT: — Skyliner runs 1 hour past park close, but only between EPCOT and Disney’s Riviera Resort
(Heads-up: the Caribbean Beach ↔️ Pop Century ↔️ Art of Animation line does not operate during that time.)
So while we’ll miss that breezy view over Hourglass Lake and the gliding gondolas sailing through Caribbean Beach’s station like a scene from a Disney short film, we know this quick refresh means smoother skies ahead.
Pack your pixie dust and your patience—it’ll be back before you know it!
More Good News for Passholders! Two New ‘Good-to-Go Days’ Added in April at Walt Disney World
Spontaneous Disney days just got a little more magical! Walt Disney World has just rolled out two more “Good-to-Go Days” this April for Annual Passholders—offering even more flexibility to visit your favorite parks without the need for a reservation.
Mark your calendars: April 21 and April 23, 2025 are officially good-to-go! On these dates, Annual Passholders can enter any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—without booking a park reservation in advance.
In case you’re new to the magic, Good-to-Go Days are select days when Annual Passholders are free to visit the parks without securing a theme park reservation. It’s a pixie-dusted perk designed to make spontaneous trips easier—just keep in mind they’re still subject to blockout dates and park capacity limitations.
Good-to-Go Days are added periodically, so it’s worth checking back often. And if you already made a reservation for one of these dates? No worries—your reservation will show up under “My Plans,” but it won’t count against your reservation hold limit.
So whether you’re craving a ride on Tron, dreaming of a Dole Whip, or just want to soak in some Cinderella Castle vibes, you’ve now got two more opportunities to do it—no planning required.
Stay tuned for more spontaneous magic ahead…because at Disney, the best days are often the ones you didn’t plan for!
Disneyland guests will have to wait a bit longer for the return of ‘it’s a small world.’ The attraction, which closed after the holiday season for refurbishment and was initially expected to reopen on April 26th, is now scheduled to reopen on May 9th, a delay of two weeks.
Get ready for a heartwarming addition to Disneyland’s ‘it’s a small world’! When the beloved attraction reopens, Miguel from Coco and his loyal companion Dante will join the global celebration. Guests will be delighted to see the duo silhouetted against a vibrant marigold bridge as they sail through this classic experience.
Exciting changes are in store for ‘it’s a small world’ at Disneyland this year, beyond the new characters. On July 17th, the iconic song will be enriched with a brand-new third verse. These lyrics, penned by the legendary Richard Sherman before his passing, were initially unveiled at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event during “Jolly Holiday: A Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman.”
Are you looking forward to experiencing the updated version of the attraction next month?
Disney Springs Dining Gets a Flavor Upgrade at City Works
Get ready for a flavor adventure! On April 30th, City Works Eatery & Pour House at Disney Springs is elevating its menu with exciting new dishes. Expect bold tastes influenced by global kitchens and the latest culinary trends, ensuring there’s a delicious discovery for everyone.
Smash Burger Tacos – A fresh take on the viral smash burger taco trend, featuring a smashed beef patty with yellow cheddar, shredded iceberg, vine-ripened tomato, red onion, dill pickle, and signature burger sauce, all wrapped in flour tortillas.
Hot Honey Flatbread – A sweet-meets-spicy flatbread featuring a spicy marinara base with pepperoni, goat cheese, mozzarella, arugula, red pepper flakes and a drizzle of hot honey maple.
Thai Chili Noodle Bowl – A flavor-packed bowl with cold glass noodles, fresno chili, green onion, carrot, cilantro, edamame, red cabbage, cucumber, Thai chili vinaigrette, and crispy garlic.
With 17 new menu items, there’s even more to enjoy! Will you be dining at City Works when the new items are available?
Vertical Expansion: DVC Lakeshore Lodge Adding More Stories
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, the long-awaited newest hotel near Magic Kingdom, has an interesting backstory. Initially announced as Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge, the project seemed to stall. However, recent observations in the area reveal ongoing construction, with work visibly progressing on additional stories.
The site of the upcoming Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is the former location of Disney’s River Country water park, situated near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Interestingly, the hotel’s construction can also be observed from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort and Contemporary Resort. Disney has publicly stated that the opening is planned for 2027.
The construction site features at least five prominent high-reach cranes, along with various other “smaller” pieces of equipment distributed across the area. Multiple levels of the building appear to be actively under construction.
The upcoming hotel is described as being “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” While recent updates since the name change have been scarce, the resort was initially announced as a brand-new Disney Vacation Club property featuring over 900 rooms across 10 floors.
Are you looking forward to experiencing a new Walt Disney World Resort hotel?
Inside Imagineering: A Look at the New Test Track Ride Vehicles
Walt Disney Imagineering has released a video offering a sneak peek at the redesigned ride vehicles for Test Track, which is currently undergoing a reimagining at EPCOT.
The graphics fabrication team took center stage in the video, offering viewers a close-up look at the application of the new wraps and graphics to the Test Track ride vehicles.
The updated Test Track vehicles feature a more understated and darker aesthetic, intended to better integrate with the ride environment. The design team opted for a look reminiscent of a research and development prototype. Key changes include new seats, paint, wraps, and both interior and exterior graphics.
Following a year-long closure, the reimagined Test Track is set to debut at EPCOT in late summer 2025. This update draws inspiration from World of Motion, the original General Motors-sponsored EPCOT attraction that Test Track replaced. World of Motion, which explored the history of transportation, closed in 1996, leading to Test Track’s opening in 1998. Test Track previously underwent a reimagining in 2012, becoming Test Track 2.0.
The upcoming reimagining of Test Track will prioritize the ride experience itself, shifting focus away from the pre- and post-show elements. Walt Disney Imagineering aims to infuse the updated attraction with the “spirit of optimism” that characterized World of Motion.
