Minnie & Mickey Valentine’s Day Tumbler: A Love-Filled Sip
Get ready to sip in style this Valentine’s Day with the adorable Minnie & Mickey Valentine’s Day Tumbler! This exclusive BoxLunch Gifts find is now available for pre-order online for just $29.90.
Perfect for your morning coffee or afternoon tea, this pink tumbler is not only functional but also incredibly cute. The handle and lid keep your drink secure, while the straw topper adds a playful touch. The front of the tumbler features a heartwarming image of Mickey and Minnie holding hearts above the phrase “Made for Each Other.” On the back, the message “Share the love” is surrounded by beautiful flowers and iconic Mickey symbols.
But the cuteness doesn’t stop there! The straw charm features a miniature version of the beloved couple, making this tumbler the ultimate Valentine’s Day accessory. Don’t miss out on this must-have item for Disney fans and lovers of all things adorable.
Epcot Festival of the Holidays Spirit Jersey: A Wintery Delight
The Epcot Festival of the Holidays is a magical time, and Disney has captured the spirit of the season with a stunning new Spirit Jersey. Retailing for $79.99, this stylish garment is a must-have for any Disney fan.
Inspired by the iconic Spaceship Earth, the lower torso of the jersey features a muted light blue geodesic pattern adorned with delicate white snowflakes. This design element pays homage to the park’s centerpiece and adds a touch of winter wonder.
On the left breast, a playful Mickey Mouse mistletoe is printed in puffy white and blue ink. This adorable detail adds a festive touch to the jersey and is sure to bring a smile to your face.
The back of the jersey showcases the wordmark for the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays in white puffy ink, spanning across the shoulders. This bold typography adds a touch of holiday cheer and makes the jersey instantly recognizable as a piece of Festival merchandise.
If you’re looking to add a touch of Epcot magic to your winter wardrobe, this Spirit Jersey is the perfect choice. Head to Epcot and grab yours today!
Epcot Festival of the Holidays Pin Collection: A Collector’s Dream
Pin collectors, rejoice! Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays has unveiled a dazzling array of pins that are sure to delight. This charming Epcot Festival of the Holidays Pin Collection capture the essence of the season, making them must-haves for any Disney pin enthusiast.
One of the standout pieces is the Snowglobe Pin. Priced at $19.99, this magical pin features a stylized Spaceship Earth adorned with the festival’s wordmark. The real magic happens when you shake it, as a flurry of “snow” falls within the globe, creating a winter wonderland.
For Annual Passholders, there’s an exclusive treat in store. The Annual Passholder Snowglobe Pin, priced at $22.99, is a unique collectible shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head. While it doesn’t have confetti, the design is equally enchanting. The festival wordmark is showcased in bold red, with World Showcase and “Passholder” text adding to the festive appeal.
These limited-edition pins are the perfect way to commemorate the holiday season at Epcot. Don’t miss your chance to add these treasures to your collection!
This Germany Pavilion Mickey Pretzel Ear Headband Is A Bavarian Delight
For the ultimate German-inspired Disney accessory, look no further than the Germany Pavilion Mickey Pretzel Ear Headband. Retailing at $44.99, this unique piece is a must-have for any Disney enthusiast and is available at Epcot.
The headband itself features two iconic Mickey Mouse ears, reimagined as delectable pretzels. The pretzels are a light brown color, adorned with white salt crystals, and have a darker brown interior. The ears are attached to a bright yellow pleather headband, lined with soft black velour for comfort.
The real showstopper, however, is the bow. A colorful patchwork of German-themed patches covers the pleather bow, adding a festive and authentic touch. Among the patches, you’ll find depictions of lions, beer steins, knights, bread, sausages, and more. Each patch is accompanied by a banner, some highlighting “Oktoberfest” and “Pretzel knots,” while others simply celebrate “Biergarten.” A particularly charming patch reads “Beer, Food, & Fun” with “EPCOT” in yellow against a brown background.
Whether you’re a fan of German culture, a lover of all things Disney, or simply looking for a unique and stylish accessory, the Germany Pavilion Mickey Pretzel Ear Headband is sure to delight.
Epcot Holiday Cookie Stroll Storage Box: A Sweet Souvenir
If you’re a fan of the Epcot Holiday Cookie Stroll, you’ll want to check out the limited-time Festival Cookie Container. This festive storage box is the perfect way to transport your delicious treats home and keep them fresh.
Priced at $24.99, the container is a stylish addition to any kitchen. It’s adorned with a vibrant red hue and features a repeating geodesic pattern reminiscent of Spaceship Earth. The Holiday Cookie Stroll wordmark and illustrations of various cookies complete the design.
While the container adds a touch of holiday cheer, it’s important to note that it’s not dishwasher or microwave safe. However, it’s a great way to store your cookies or other small items, making it a practical and festive souvenir from your Epcot holiday experience.
“Moana 2” Makes a Splash, Shattering Thanksgiving Box Office Records
Disney’s “Moana 2” has made a triumphant voyage to the top of the box office, setting new records for Thanksgiving weekend and solidifying Disney’s dominance in the animation realm.
The highly anticipated sequel, which follows Moana and Maui on another epic adventure across the sea, raked in an estimated $221 million domestically in its first five days, making it the highest five-day opening of all time. This impressive feat surpasses the previous record held by “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” ($204.6 million).
“Moana 2” also claims the title of the highest Thanksgiving opening weekend box office, beating “Frozen’s” $94 million total in 2014. Furthermore, it achieved the highest five-day Thanksgiving total, surpassing “Frozen 2’s” second-weekend earnings of $125 million in 2019.
Disney now holds the record for the top seven Thanksgiving opening weekends of all time, as well as nine out of the top ten, demonstrating its continued strength in delivering family-friendly entertainment during the holiday season.
Globally, “Moana 2” has already amassed an impressive $386 million, further solidifying its box office dominance.
This success adds to Disney’s impressive streak at the box office this year. The company now holds the top three domestic openings of 2024, with “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and now “Moana 2” leading the charge.
The strong performance of “Moana 2” highlights the enduring appeal of Disney animation and the power of storytelling to resonate with audiences of all ages. As the film continues its theatrical run, it’s poised to make even bigger waves and solidify its place as a box office giant.
“Moana 2 has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a testament to the phenomenon that Moana has become,” Alan Bergman, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment, said. “We’re fortunate to have an incredibly talented and hard-working creative team at Disney Animation who brought this new adventure to life, alongside our wonderful stars Auli‘i and Dwayne and great new music. This is a moment to celebrate, and we’re thankful to all the moviegoers and fans who’ve helped make this a record-breaking debut.”
Away from the box office, the film was a hit with audiences as well. Moana 2 received an “A-” CinemaScore and a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 87%.
The success of Moana 2 is just another example of the might of the sea-faring franchise.
Since hitting theaters in 2016, Moana has consistently been among the Top 10 most-streamed movies of the year —and in 2023, the film starring the voice talents of Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson crossed 1 billion hours streamed on Disney+. In fact, it was the most streamed movie on any platform in the U.S.
However, the franchise’s popularity goes far beyond her onscreen appearances.
Not only are apparel, books, and toys offered at Disney Store and other retailers, but Moana’s story continues across the globe at Disney’s theme parks and soon guests can enjoy Disney The Tale of Moana aboard the Disney Treasure cruise ship, which will bring Moana’s musical journey to the stage for the very first time.
“Seeing the popularity of Moana grow since it was released eight years ago is incredible,” Jared Bush, the Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, said. “We spend so long making these movies, and everyone puts their heart into them. That people still find themselves in her story and want to be with Moana on the canoe, it’s a dream come true.”
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is Officially Sold Out for 2024
If you were hoping to grab tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom this year, we hope you already have them in hand—because the beloved holiday event has officially sold out! Spanning select evenings from November 8 to December 20, 2024, this festive celebration of holiday cheer has once again proven to be one of the most in-demand experiences of the season.
For those lucky enough to have secured tickets, this year’s event promises a magical winter wonderland filled with yuletide joy. From snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A. to sweet treats and festive beverages included in the ticket price, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offers an unforgettable evening of seasonal splendor. Guests can look forward to dazzling holiday decorations, whimsical photo opportunities, and, of course, plenty of cookies and cocoa at designated spots throughout the park.
This sell-out isn’t surprising, as the event sold out around the same time in 2023. If you’re still hoping to attend, your only chance might be to check at Magic Kingdom on the day of the party to see if any last-minute tickets are available. However, availability is not guaranteed, so it’s always best to plan ahead for this popular holiday tradition.
For those who secured their tickets early, congratulations! You’re in for an evening of festive fun that captures the true magic of the holiday season at Walt Disney World. If not, mark your calendar for next year—Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is clearly an event worth planning for in advance!
Disney Legend Josh Gad Calls for Figment Attraction Update at EPCOT
Disney Legend Josh Gad, the Disney Legend known for a myriad of works including the voice of Olaf in Frozen and LeFou in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, has fans buzzing after a bold Instagram post directed at Walt Disney Imagineering. Gad, who recently visited EPCOT to perform in the Candlelight Processional, didn’t hold back when he shared his thoughts about one of the park’s most iconic—but polarizing—attractions: Journey Into Imagination With Figment.
“Hey @waltdisneyimagineering 📞 me. We need to give this guy the ride update he deserves,” Gad wrote, accompanied by a photo of Figment. The playful yet pointed message has reignited debate about the future of the beloved purple dragon and the ride that’s been a staple of EPCOT since 1983.
Gad’s critique isn’t without context. The original Journey Into Imagination opened in 1983, starring Figment and his charming mentor, Dreamfinder, as they turned dreams into reality aboard the Dream Mobile. This version ran until 1998 and is still cherished by Disney fans for its creativity and the catchy anthem, “One Little Spark.” However, the attraction’s subsequent overhaul in 1999, retitled Journey Into YOUR Imagination, was poorly received. It eliminated Figment and Dreamfinder altogether, opting for a more science-focused theme. Fan backlash was so intense that Disney quickly pivoted, debuting the current version in 2002, which brought Figment back—albeit without Dreamfinder.
While Figment remains an EPCOT icon, even inspiring his own merchandise and meet-and-greet, the ride itself has struggled to live up to the imaginative legacy of its original incarnation. Gad’s comment has many fans wondering: Could his call to action finally spark a reimagining worthy of Figment’s whimsical charm?
Could a return of Dreamfinder be on the horizon? Might Disney create an entirely new experience to celebrate the purple dragon that so many fans hold dear? For now, no official plans have been announced, but Gad’s playful challenge to Disney Imagineering has certainly reignited the conversation.
As Figment’s original anthem reminds us, “One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation.” Perhaps Gad’s spark will be just the push Figment needs to soar back into the imaginations of Disney fans for generations to come.
Name Announced for New Disney Villains Show Coming to Hollywood Studios
Disney unveiled the name of its upcoming Villains show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” on ABC, which aired on December 1st.
“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is the name of the new Villains show that will take over the former Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The creative minds at Disney Live Entertainment will transform Sunset Showcase into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror. The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.
We can’t wait to see just what this villains show is all about!
New Details Announced for New Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade Coming to Magic Kingdom
Disney revealed the full name of its upcoming Starlight Nighttime Parade for Magic Kingdom during the “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” on ABC, which aired on December 1st.
Get ready to dream the night away! Disney’s new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” is set to debut at Magic Kingdom in summer 2025. Originally announced at D23 Expo 2024, the parade will enchant audiences with stunning floats featuring beloved characters from Encanto, Moana, Peter Pan, and more. The magical Blue Fairy will lead the procession, bringing the parade to life with her enchanting presence.
In September 2024, Walt Disney World opened a casting call for its highly anticipated new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.” This marks the return of a nighttime parade to Magic Kingdom during regular park hours for the first time since 2016, when the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade retired.
Are you excited to see Magic Kingdom get a nighttime parade again?
Dollywood Steals the Spotlight with Three USA Today 10Best Nominations!
Dollywood fans, rejoice! Your favorite theme park is once again basking in the glow of national recognition. Dollywood Parks & Resorts has snagged a whopping three nominations in the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024!
This exciting news comes hot on the heels of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary celebrations, solidifying their position as a leader in the entertainment industry. Here’s a closer look at the coveted nominations:
Best New Museum:The Dolly Parton Experience – This immersive exhibit takes visitors on a captivating journey through Dolly’s remarkable career. Explore interactive features that make you feel like you’re right alongside the Queen of Country herself!
Best New Theme Park Attraction:The Dolly Parton Experience – It seems Dolly’s magic is a double threat! This nomination celebrates the innovative and engaging experience that brings Dolly’s story to life.
Best New Hotel:Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort – This stunning resort, already recognized by National Geographic, is now vying for the top spot in the Best New Hotel category.
Dollywood’s track record with USA Today’s 10Best awards is impressive, consistently ranking high in reader votes. This year is no exception, with these nominations highlighting the park’s dedication to exceptional experiences.
Show Your Dollywood Love! Vote Now!
Dollywood fans can play a crucial role in securing these wins for the park. Voting for the awards is open now and runs through Monday, December 23rd at 11:59 AM EST. Click the link here to cast your ballot for your favorite Dollywood offerings. Remember, you can vote once per day, per device, so make your voice heard!
With these nominations and the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations, Dollywood is gearing up for another unforgettable year. Stay tuned for exciting updates and plan your visit to experience the magic firsthand!
Voices of Liberty Return for 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
The magic of the holiday season at Epcot is set to shine even brighter this year with the return of a beloved tradition: the Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers! This talented a cappella group will once again transport guests back in time with their heartwarming performances of classic holiday tunes.
Dressed in their signature Victorian attire, the Voices of Liberty will fill the air with festive cheer as they roam the American Adventure pavilion. Their harmonious vocals and captivating stage presence are sure to delight audiences of all ages.
The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 29th through December 30th, offering a variety of holiday-themed food, drinks, merchandise, and entertainment. To catch the Voices of Liberty’s performances, be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date showtimes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the timeless magic of the holiday season with the Voices of Liberty at EPCOT.
