Starting May 16, 2025, during the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, guests can enjoy an assortment of dining experiences throughout the Disneyland Resort. In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests can join the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering for sweet and savory delectables, beverage options, special takeaway items, plus reserved viewing of “Fire of the Rising Moons” fireworks display on select nights. Guests can make reservations on Disneyland.com or via the Disneyland app. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)
Savor the Celebration: Exciting New Dining Experiences for Disneyland’s 70th
Exciting new dining experiences are coming to Disneyland Resort! Coinciding with the commencement of the 70th anniversary celebration on May 16th, three exceptional dining experiences will debut, offering guests unforgettable opportunities.
The new Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn is a multi-course, all-in-one meal package that comes with reserved viewing for the “Paint the Night,” the dazzling nighttime parade which returns to Disneyland Park for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. Guests can pick up their meal between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and sit at any available table at Plaza Inn. Plus, this dining package offers a kids’ meal option that younger guests are sure to love. Reservations open on March 25, 2025.
For the first time, Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will debut character dining during dinner. At Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and friends invite guests in to enjoy the atmosphere, barbecue-style food and comforting desserts. Mickey’s Tales of Adventure will continue to be available for breakfast and brunch at Storytellers Cafe, providing guests with more options to meet their favorite characters. Reservations open on March 25, 2025.
Finally, the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering returns to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park for a limited time. With its variety of delectable options, special takeaway items and subsequent viewing of the nighttime spectacular “Fire of the Rising Moons” when available, this dining package celebrates sweet, savory and Star Wars under the spires. Reservations open on April 3, 2025.
Bob Iger Announces Disney’s Intent to Pursue Further Figment Development
Recognizing Figment’s enduring popularity during the 2025 Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Iger suggested Disney is looking into new avenues to extend the character’s presence beyond its current EPCOT home.
When questioned about Figment’s broader use within Disney, Bob Iger revealed his long-standing familiarity with the character’s appeal. “This is my 24th shareholder call, my 18th as CEO,” Iger shared, “and I think the question about Figment has been asked about 15 times. I call him good old Figment,” indicating a personal fondness.
According to Iger, Figment’s popularity is evident from both shareholder inquiries and the character’s presence at EPCOT. “We know that he’s popular with shareholders because of the fact that they ask questions about him all the time,” he stated, “but we also know that he’s popular at EPCOT, where you can meet him and experience Journey Into Imagination.”
Due to the sheer volume of requests, Iger announced he will instruct Disney’s creative teams to consider developing new Figment-centric projects, such as series or short-form videos. “I’ve been asked this so many times that I am going to ask our creative teams to consider making some form of series or short-form videos of Figment,” he said, citing the character’s popularity beyond park appearances. While details and timelines remain pending, Iger made it clear that Disney understands Figment’s dedicated following.
Are you excited to see more Figment in the future?
Get ready to blast off! Disney and Pixar have just unveiled a brand new trailer and poster for their highly anticipated animated feature, “Elio,” promising a cosmic journey filled with humor, heart, and a whole lot of alien encounters. Set to arrive exclusively in theaters on June 20, 2025, “Elio” is shaping up to be one of next summer’s must-see cinematic events.
The film introduces us to Elio, voiced by the talented Yonas Kibreab, an 11-year-old with a vivid imagination and a burning desire to be abducted by aliens. His dreams become a reality when he’s unexpectedly beamed up to the Communiverse, an intergalactic organization teeming with representatives from across the vast cosmos.
Mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador, Elio finds himself thrust into a crisis of intergalactic proportions. The trailer showcases his bewildered yet enthusiastic reaction to this unexpected role, highlighting the film’s blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.
Joining Elio on his cosmic adventure are a colorful cast of characters. Recent Academy Award® winner Zoe Saldaña lends her voice to Elio’s Aunt Olga, while Remy Edgerly voices Glordon, Elio’s newfound alien friend. The vibrant new poster showcases Elio and Glordon, emphasizing the unlikely friendship at the heart of the film.
“Elio” promises to explore themes of belonging and self-discovery as Elio navigates the complexities of the Communiverse. He will encounter a host of “out-of-this-world creatures” who will help him realize his place in the universe. The film’s tagline, “For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Elio,” the universe calls back!” perfectly encapsulates the film’s central premise.
With its blend of captivating visuals, heartwarming storytelling, and a stellar voice cast, “Elio” is poised to be another Pixar triumph. Mark your calendars for June 20, 2025, and prepare to embark on a cosmic journey of self-discovery with Elio! Watch the official trailer below!
Storytellers Cafe to Host New Donald Duck Character Meal
Starting this May, guests at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa can enjoy a brand-new buffet experience as Donald Duck takes over Storyteller’s Cafe, offering a unique character dining adventure.
Move over, Mickey! Donald Duck is taking charge of Storyteller’s Cafe, launching “Donald’s Tales of Adventure Buffet” on May 16th, coinciding with the Disneyland 70th Celebration. Get ready for a BBQ-style feast with campfire flair, and book your reservations starting March 25th.
Guests can look forward to seeing Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, and Clarabelle Cow in exclusive new costumes during the upcoming character dining experience. While Storyteller’s Cafe undergoes refurbishment, the dining experience is being offered temporarily in a designated conference room.
Are you looking forward to seeing Donald as the center of a character dining experience?
We Found It! The Spaceship Earth Light Up Ornament is Back!
You know that super cool Spaceship Earth light up ornament everyone’s been hunting down? Guess what? We snagged one! Yep, that shiny, silvery sphere of awesomeness is back in stock at Epcot, and for a sweet $29.99. Seriously, we were doing our happy dance when we found it.
This isn’t your average ornament. It’s a legit 3D model of Spaceship Earth, all decked out in this awesome metallic silver paint. The legs holding it up are a nice, neutral tan, and it sits on a clean, white base. And get this, the new EPCOT wordmark, you know, the one with the connected letters, is right there on the front. It’s a nice touch.
But wait, there’s more! If you look around the sides of that white base, you’ll see these cool little circular symbols. They represent all sorts of Epcot pavilions and attractions. We spotted a space helmet for Mission: SPACE, some global icons for World Showcase, and even little Nemo for The Seas with Nemo & Friends. It’s like a mini Epcot history lesson right there on your ornament.
And the best part? It lights up! There’s a little battery compartment, and when you flip the switch, tiny lights scattered across the sphere start glowing. Just like the real Spaceship Earth at night! They slowly change color, going from purple to green to blue, creating this really neat effect. It’s perfect for adding a little Epcot magic to your Christmas tree, or, let’s be real, just displaying it year-round. This thing is too cool to pack away!
CEO Bob Iger Highlights Company’s ‘Perfect Marriage’ of Creativity and Technology
The Walt Disney Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders saw CEO Bob Iger emphasize the company’s commitment to the “perfect marriage” of creative storytelling and cutting-edge technology. Iger asserted that this blend has been a defining characteristic of Disney since its inception.
Speaking from Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters in Glendale, California, Iger underscored the historical significance of technology within Disney’s narrative. “Since the company’s earliest years under Walt, technology has always been viewed as a powerful storytelling tool, and innovation has been in our DNA since the start,” he stated. Demonstrating this synergy, Iger showcased the BDX droids, a tangible example of Disney’s technological advancements, which will soon feature in the upcoming Star Wars film, “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”
Studios: An Outstanding Year
Iger continued his remarks by noting that in 2024, Disney’s theatrical business had an “outstanding year at the global box office following our reorganization that restored creativity to the center of our studios.”
That success was fueled by the company’s popular franchises, including the top three movies of 2024: Pixar’s Inside Out 2, Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2.
Disney had a big year critically as well.
“Our renewed focus on quality over quantity has also resulted in outstanding critical success,” Iger said, noting that the company won a record-breaking 60 Emmy® Awards, led by Shōgun and The Bear. Iger also pointed out that Disney received 15 Oscar® nominations, with Kieran Culkin winning Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain.
“While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart, and adventure,” he said.
Streaming: All In One Place
One thing all these films and series have in common, Iger added, is that ultimately “they will all be accessible on Disney+,” which expands Disney’s “rich library of a century’s worth of storytelling.”
“By giving subscribers the option to watch what they love most from across the worlds of Disney, all in one place, we are turning Disney+ into the ultimate streaming destination,” Iger said. “With the recent additions of the Hulu and ESPN tiles on Disney+, we’ve created a seamless streaming experience that is both convenient and user-friendly, resulting in higher engagement for our bundle subscribers.”
And when ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer offering launches in early fall, subscribers will have the option to access the full suite of ESPN’s networks, as well as ESPN+, from inside Disney+.
Disney Experiences: Projects Underway
Iger then shifted to Disney’s Experiences segment.
“Last year we talked about our plans to turbocharge growth in this segment through strategic investments. Today I’m proud to share some of what we’ve been up to,” Iger said. “Right now, we have more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history.”
That includes Magic Kingdom undergoing its largest expansion ever (including a new area inspired by Cars and the much-anticipated Villains-themed land), A Monsters Inc. themed land coming to Hollywood Studios (featuring the company’s first-ever vertical lift coaster), a new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom (with attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones), doubling the size of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, and much more.
“Guests are going to love the many new offerings coming to our theme parks, and we’re proud of the positive economic impact these projects will have in the communities in which we operate, including creating thousands of new jobs in Florida and California,” he said.
At sea, Disney Cruise Line is also growing, which will allow Disney to “double our capacity to reach millions more people around the world,” according to Iger.
“All of these projects, as well as our $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games to bring a transformational new games and entertainment universe to Fortnite, reinforce how we are giving consumers the opportunity to experience our popular IP in exciting and innovative ways,” he said.
Positive Impact
Iger then explained that “at Disney, we’ve always believed it’s important to be one of the world’s most admired companies — not only for what we create, but for the positive impact we have.”
He noted that in the wake of the devasting wildfires in Southern California, the company committed $15 million to the recovery efforts, adding that it’s “been especially inspiring to see how our employees have stepped up to assist their neighbors in need, with the Disney VoluntEARS team quickly mobilizing to put on one of the largest disaster relief drives in our company’s history.”
He also spoke about Disney’s enduring commitment to supporting veterans, the company’s longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish, and the impact of a years-long initiative supporting children’s hospitals.
“We remain the No. 1 wish-granter in the world for children facing critical illness, and on average Disney grants a child’s wish every hour of every day,” he said. “In addition, last year we fulfilled our $100 million commitment to enhance the children’s hospital experience for both patients and their families. Walt believed deeply in the power of happiness and imagination to lift children’s spirits, even in the most difficult times, and that continues to guide us today.”
There’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Storyteller
Iger concluded his remarks by returning to the theme of technology.
“Thanks to modern technology, there’s never been a better time to be a storyteller,” he said. “Today, we have the ability to greatly enhance the quality of our storytelling and to reach more people, in more places, in more ways than ever before.”
He continued, “As you reflect on everything we’ve shared with you today — from the renewed creative momentum at our studios, to the bold direction of our streaming and sports strategies, to the focused investments we’re making in our Experiences business, to how we’re expertly leveraging technology in all that we do, I hope you are inspired and energized by the limitless possibilities before us.”
Take A Sip Of Wonderland With The Mad Hatter Teacup Espresso Cup
Are you feeling a little sleepy, craving caffeine? Then maybe you need the Mad Hatter Teacup Espresso Cup in your life! And let me tell you, it’s not just any espresso cup. It’s like they plucked one straight from the Mad Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland, shrunk it down, and gave it a gorgeous teal makeover with these deep, almost midnight blue details. Seriously, it’s that cute.
We snagged one at Disney Springs, obviously, and let me tell you, it’s become my new favorite thing. Forget your boring, plain white espresso cups. This little guy? It’s like a tiny dose of Disney magic every single morning. Imagine waking up, bleary-eyed, and pouring a shot of espresso into this adorable teacup. Suddenly, you’re not just waking up, you’re experiencing it. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your day with a little whimsy and a whole lot of caffeine.
Honestly, I’m surprised it hasn’t started spinning on its own yet. It’s that authentic! If you’re a Disney fan, a coffee lover, or just someone who appreciates a good, quirky piece of merch, you NEED this cup. It’s the kind of thing that makes you smile every time you use it. And let’s be real, who doesn’t need more smiles in their morning routine? I’m telling you, this cup has got me feeling like I’m “that girl” every morning, and “that girl” is definitely having a Mad Hatter Espresso!
Pixar Animation Studios is developing “Coco 2,” a sequel to the acclaimed 2017 film “Coco.” CEO Bob Iger announced the project during The Walt Disney Company’s annual shareholder meeting, stating that the film is in its early stages but promises “humor, heart and adventure.” Further details will be released in the future.
“Coco 2” reunites the team behind the original film, including Oscar®-winning director Lee Unkrich (“Coco,” “Toy Story 3”) and co-director Adrian Molina (“Coco”). Oscar-winning producer Mark Nielsen (“Toy Story 4,” “Inside Out 2”) will produce.
“Coco,” the beloved Disney and Pixar film, captivated audiences with the story of Miguel, a determined 12-year-old aspiring musician. Faced with his family’s long-standing music ban, Miguel embarks on a remarkable journey to the colorful Land of the Dead, seeking to uncover the truth behind his family’s past. The film’s critical and commercial success was underscored by two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, and Best Original Song (“Remember Me”), alongside numerous other accolades.
Achieve Sparkle & Comfort With This Walt Disney World Rhinestones Gray Hoodie!
Imagine yourself strolling through Epcot, maybe a little chilly from those chilly Florida mornings and nights and BAM! you spot this super chill gray hoodie. It’s the Walt Disney World Rhinestones Gray Hoodie, and honestly, it’s just the perfect blend of cozy and sparkly. Retailing for $69.99, it’s definitely a splurge, but hear me out.
First off, it’s gray. You know, the kind that goes with literally everything? It makes it look super comfy and effortless, which is exactly what you want when you’re trekking around the parks all day. But here’s the magic: on the front chest, there’s a classic Mickey Mouse icon, but it’s not just printed on. Nope, it’s decked out in rhinestones! Just enough sparkle to catch the light and make you feel a little extra special.
And if that wasn’t enough, “Walt Disney World” is written down the sleeve, also in rhinestones. Talk about subtle, but still totally Disney.
And guess what? It gets even better when you turn around. On the back, there’s a larger Mickey Mouse icon, and yes, you guessed it, more rhinestones! It’s like they knew we needed that extra dose of sparkle to really make the hoodie pop. It’s not over the top, just perfectly placed to give it that touch of Disney magic.
Honestly, it’s the kind of hoodie you can wear to the parks, around the house, or even out with friends and still feel like you’re carrying a little bit of that Disney spirit with you. If you’re looking for a comfy, cute, and just a touch sparkly piece of Disney merch, this gray rhinestone hoodie is a total winner.
Disney Moves Full Speed Ahead on Zootopia: Better Zoogether! at Animal Kingdom
Big changes are happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as work continues on the transformation of the Tree of Life Theater for the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether! attraction. Walt Disney Imagineering has officially filed two new Notices of Commencement, confirming that construction is in full swing for this highly anticipated 3D experience, set to debut in winter 2025.
The latest filings outline key components of the ongoing work:
🔹 Elite A/V Systems Inc. has been contracted to handle “Install Set Elements”, suggesting that physical staging and themed set pieces will soon be added inside the theater.
🔹 Solotech has been brought in for “Electrical Work”, indicating upgrades to lighting, effects, and projection systems.
These permits confirm that Disney is making swift progress on the attraction’s development, bringing guests one step closer to experiencing the world of Zootopia in a brand-new way.
Construction Efforts Are Well Underway
The transition from It’s Tough to Be a Bug! to Zootopia: Better Zoogether! has been moving quickly. Just one day after the previous attraction closed on March 17, 2025, Imagineering teams were already on-site. Since then, ongoing work has been observed, with crews frequently entering and exiting the theater as preparations advance.
While Disney has yet to reveal all the details, we do know that Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will take guests on an immersive journey through the diverse biomes of Zootopia, featuring characters from the beloved 2016 animated film. With new set elements and technical upgrades now confirmed, the attraction is shaping up to be a visually impressive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
With construction ramping up and winter 2025 just around the corner, excitement is building for this fresh addition to Animal Kingdom. Stay tuned for more updates as Disney continues its transformation of the Tree of Life Theater!
Are you looking forward to seeing Zootopia take center stage at Animal Kingdom? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🦊🎥✨
Demolition Begins on “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” as Animal Kingdom Prepares for “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”
Change is underway around the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as demolition has officially begun on It’s Tough to Be a Bug, the 4D show that had been a staple attraction since the park’s opening in 1998. The show permanently closed on Sunday, March 16, and construction walls have now gone up around the area as Disney prepares for its new Zootopia-themed replacement.
The most noticeable sign of change? The removal of the attraction’s entrance structure and signage, which have now been completely taken down. This marks the first visible step in transforming the space into “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, an all-new immersive show inspired by the hit 2016 Disney animated film Zootopia.
What to Expect from “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”
Set to open this winter, the new attraction will take guests on an adventure alongside Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other beloved characters from Zootopia. While details remain scarce, Disney has teased that the show will incorporate stunning visual effects and new storytelling elements, making it a fresh, modern addition to Animal Kingdom’s entertainment lineup.
A New Era for the Tree of Life
This marks a significant change for the Tree of Life Theater, which has housed It’s Tough to Be a Bug for over 25 years. The original attraction, based on Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, took guests into the world of Flik and his insect friends, offering a fun (and sometimes startling!) 4D experience complete with sensory effects.
As Disney continues to expand its lineup of IP-driven attractions, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is expected to bring new energy to the park and introduce a wider range of animal species to Animal Kingdom’s storytelling.
Stay Tuned for More Updates!
With construction now in full swing, we can expect more visible changes in the coming months as Disney prepares to unveil this exciting new experience. Are you excited for Zootopia: Better Zoogether!? Or will you miss It’s Tough to Be a Bug? Let us know in the comments!
Disney Visa Cardmembers Can Score a FREE Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World Resort in 2025!
Disney Visa Cardmembers, get ready for a magical offer that will make your next Walt Disney World vacation even more delicious! Now through March 26, 2025, you can enjoy a FREE Disney Dining Plan when you book a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resorts Collection hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option.
This exclusive deal is available for arrivals on most nights during the following dates: 📅 June 29 – September 30, 2025 📅 October 20 – November 1, 2025 📅 December 6 – December 22, 2025
What’s Included in the Free Dining Offer?
Your free dining plan depends on the resort category you choose:
🍽️ Disney Dining Plan – Included when staying at a Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort (such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and more).
🍔 Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan – Included when staying at a Disney Moderate or Value Resort (such as Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and others).
How to Book This Offer
To snag this limited-time deal, you must: ✅ Book a minimum 4-night, 4-day package with a Park Hopper ticket. ✅ Pay the deposit using a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. ✅ Make advance reservations (as space is limited). ✅ Ensure everyone in the room is on the same package.
🔹 Theme park tickets must be used within a limited number of days based on your stay. 🔹 Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of booking. 🔹 Additional charges may apply for more than two adults per room at Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts. 🔹 Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
Don’t miss this sweet (and savory) deal—book your trip today and enjoy a free dining plan while making unforgettable memories at Walt Disney World in 2025!
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
