VidCon and Visit Anaheim Announce Ultimate VIP Helicopter Sweepstakes

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June 6, 2026

Win a VIP Helicopter Ride to VidCon 2026 with Top Creators

If you have ever dreamed of living like a top-tier digital creator, your ultimate fantasy is about to become a reality. VidCon and Visit Anaheim have officially teamed up once again to launch a mind-blowing, once-in-a-lifetime fan experience giveaway that will quite literally take your convention weekend to new heights.

Two lucky fans will have the chance to skip the traffic and win a VIP helicopter ride directly to VidCon Anaheim 2026—and they won’t be flying alone. Each winner will be sharing the cabin with some of the internet’s biggest stars!

The ultimate arrival moment will take off from John Wayne Airport and touch down in Anaheim in spectacular style. The sweepstakes will crown two grand prize winners, each getting a unique creator experience:

Flight 1: One lucky winner and their guest will fly alongside massive Featured Creator Foltyn.
Flight 2: Another winner and their guest will take to the skies with fan-favorites Derek Xiao and Kyland Young.

“VidCon is all about creating unforgettable moments for fans, and we’re excited to partner with Visit Anaheim once again to bring this larger-than-life experience back for 2026,” said Sarah Tortoreti, Vice President of VidCon. “There’s nothing quite like arriving at VidCon by helicopter alongside your favorite creator.”

This sweepstakes isn’t just about the flight—it is the ultimate all-inclusive VidCon package. Winners will receive:

The VIP helicopter ride for themselves and a guest with a featured creator.
Two Multi-Day VidCon Passes to enjoy the entire convention.
A three-night stay at the beautiful Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort right in the heart of the action.

“Anaheim was made for fandom, and this partnership continues to showcase the kind of unforgettable, only-in-Anaheim experiences fans can have here,” added Scott Oklin, Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Anaheim.

You’ll need to act fast if you want to secure your seat in the sky. The sweepstakes is open right now and runs through June 7, 2026.

VidCon Anaheim 2026 will officially take over the Anaheim Convention Center from June 25–27, bringing together thousands of fans, platform innovators, and digital culture leaders for a weekend packed with exclusive panels, meet-and-greets, and immersive brand experiences.

Head over to the official VidCon and Visit Anaheim channels to get your entries in before the June 7 deadline.

Anaheim Hits Record 26.5 Million Visitors in Massive Tourism Boom

By

Sara

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June 6, 2026

Anaheim Hits an All-Time High of 26.5 Million Visitors

Things are booming in Southern California! Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization for Anaheim and Garden Grove, has officially announced that the city reached an incredible, historic milestone. Tourism has surpassed all previous records in visitation, visitor spending, and economic impact, proving that Anaheim is one of the country’s most dynamic, “always-on” destinations.

Just how big was the surge? Let’s look at the staggering numbers.

Anaheim Hits Record Million Visitors in Massive Tourism Boom

Anaheim welcomed a record-breaking 26.5 million visitors, and those travelers brought some serious spending power with them. The visitor economy reached new heights across the city, generating:

$6.8 billion in direct visitor spending.
$10.4 billion in total economic impact.
67,817 jobs supported by local tourism.
$970 million generated in state and local taxes.

For local residents, this massive tourism boom is a huge win—the tax revenue translates to the equivalent of $8,940 per household in tax relief for Anaheim residents!

Rather than being driven by a single peak season or one individual attraction, Anaheim’s growth reflects a major shift in how people travel. Modern vacationers are prioritizing places that offer a constant pipeline of experiences, events, and entertainment all year round.

“Anaheim has become a destination defined by year-round energy and a convergence of experiences,” said Mike Waterman, President & CEO of Visit Anaheim. “Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations where something is always happening. From sports and conventions to concerts, culinary experiences, and Disney, Anaheim delivers that blend every day of the year.”

Waterman put the sheer scale of the city’s tourism into perspective with a mind-blowing comparison: “Disneyland Resort alone welcomes attendance comparable to hosting a Super Bowl every single day, underscoring the scale and impact tourism has across our city.”

A jam-packed calendar kept the city buzzing throughout the year. The milestone was fueled by a steady stream of major conventions like NAMM, Natural Products Expo West, and VidCon, alongside massive concerts at the Honda Center and high-energy Anaheim Ducks hockey games.

Of course, theme park fans had plenty to celebrate, too. The Downtown Disney District drew massive crowds thanks to its vibrant new energy and a wave of highly anticipated restaurant openings.

This record-breaking year is just the beginning of what city officials are calling Anaheim’s “Golden Decade.” The destination is currently undergoing massive, transformative projects that will provide global visibility leading into international events like the 2028 Olympic Games.

With game-changing multi-billion-dollar investments like the DisneylandForward expansion initiative, the OCVIBE entertainment district, and the ongoing transformation of the Honda Center area, Anaheim is perfectly positioned to keep shattering tourism records for years to come.

Have you visited Anaheim recently, or are you planning a trip soon to see all the changes at the Disneyland Resort?

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Disneyland Reopening Date Announced

By

Sara

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June 6, 2026

Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters in Disneyland Reopening Date Announced ()

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Has an Official Reopening Date

Great news, Space Rangers! After spinning its lasers down for a multi-month refurbishment, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is officially returning to Tomorrowland next week. Get ready to blast off and defeat Evil Emperor Zurg once again!

According to the latest update on the official Disneyland website, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters will officially reopen on Friday, June 12.

The Tomorrowland favorite has been closed for refurbishment since April 2026. While Disney hasn’t shared explicit details about the work done, this closure is expected to be a standard tune-up rather than a massive overhaul. Unlike the recent, extensive refurbishment of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Walt Disney World—which brought brand-new ride vehicles, refreshed scenes, and updated targets to the East Coast—the Disneyland version likely just received general interior maintenance.

As an added bonus for shoppers, the nearby Little Green Men Store Command shop has already quietly reopened its doors to guests, though a bit of construction scrim is still temporarily covering the outside facade.

Are you excited for Astro Blasters to reopen?

First Look at the Ultimate Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Combo Popcorn Bucket

By

Sara

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June 6, 2026

First Look at the Ultimate Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Combo Popcorn Bucket

Disney Debuts New Ultimate Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Combo Popcorn Bucket

Calling all Toy Story fans and souvenir collectors! Regal Cinemas has just unveiled a brand-new collectible that is sure to fly off the shelves faster than a Star Command rocket.

To celebrate the highly anticipated theatrical release of Toy Story 5, Regal is launching the ultimate Buzz Lightyear Collectible Popcorn & Drink Container!

This isn’t just your average popcorn bucket. This massive, fully detailed Buzz Lightyear container is packed with interactive features that make it a must-have piece for any Disney collector.

Here is what makes this collectible so epic:

Retractable Wings: Just like the real Space Ranger, Buzz features wings that can actually deploy!
Dome Helmet Lid: Keep your snacks secure with a clear, moveable helmet dome that opens and closes.
Light-Up Actions: Flip a switch and watch Buzz light up, making it the perfect companion for a dark movie theater.

Best of all, this collectible is a true combo container. Your purchase doesn’t just get you Space Ranger Buzz—it also comes filled with a large popcorn and a large soda to enjoy during the movie.

You can blast off with this ultimate collectible starting June 19, 2026, exclusively at participating Regal Cinemas locations. It will be available right in time for opening day of Toy Story 5.

Disney and Pixar popcorn buckets are notorious for selling out incredibly fast, and with a design this detailed, the Buzz Lightyear combo container is bound to be a hot ticket item. If you want to secure one for your collection, you’ll definitely want to head to the concession stand early on opening weekend!

Are you planning on seeing Toy Story 5 in theaters?

Exclusive D23 Night Coming to Oogie Boogie Bash This Halloween

By

Sara

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June 6, 2026

Exclusive D Night Coming to Oogie Boogie Bash This Halloween

D23 Members Are Getting Their Very Own Night at Oogie Boogie Bash This Year!

An exclusive night of Halloween magic is coming to Disney California Adventure just for D23 members. D23 is hosting its very own night at Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, packed with all the usual after-hours perks like immersive treat trails, eerie entertainment, and rare character meet-and-greets.

To make the night even more special, D23 Members will get access to exclusive event perks, including unique photo backdrops and a live DJ spinning spooky tracks at the Paradise Garden Bandstand. Attendees will also have the rare chance to buy two limited-edition, event-exclusive D23 Halloween pins (limit of one per style per order, with a purchase link sent to ticket buyers at a later date).

Separate event admission is required to attend. Tickets for this exclusive D23 Night go on sale June 16, 2026, with the online waiting room opening at approximately 8:45 a.m. PT.

If you secure a ticket to this exclusive night, you’ll get access to all the iconic offerings that make Oogie Boogie Bash the ultimate Disney Halloween event. Here is a breakdown of the event highlights:

Early Park Entry: Your event ticket gets you into Disney California Adventure starting at 3:00 PM—no park reservation required!
Shorter Wait Times: Because attendance is strictly limited, you can enjoy the park after hours with significantly shorter lines at select attractions.
Immersive Treat Trails: Trick-or-treat along mysterious trails stocked with M&M’S®, Skittles®, Snickers®, and more. Best of all, Disney Villains will be ruling over the trails from their thrones!
Rare Character Encounters: Prepare for way more villain sightings than a standard park day, including immersive interactions with Ernesto de la Cruz, Maleficent, and Hades.
Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake: Join a ghostly street party gathering where happy haunts come out to celebrate.
Villains Grove: Watch Redwood Creek Challenge Trail transform into a hauntingly beautiful dreamscape inspired by classic Disney Villains.
Spirited Décor: Immersive lighting, music, and special effects will create a family-friendly, not-so-scary Halloween atmosphere throughout the park.
Free PhotoPass Downloads: Capture all your ghoulish memories with unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads included with your ticket. Just scan your event wristband into the Disneyland app to access and download your photos for up to 45 days. Guests will also receive a commemorative event guide upon entry (limit one per ticketed guest).

Will you be purchasing a ticket for this event?

World of Disney Interior Layout Refreshed with New Displays at Disney Springs

By

Sara

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June 6, 2026

World of Disney Interior Layout Refreshed with New Displays at Disney Springs

World of Disney Updates Its Store Layout with New Displays

If you’ve stepped inside World of Disney at Disney Springs lately, you might have noticed things looking a little different! The ultimate flagship Disney merchandise location has quietly debuted a refreshed interior layout, complete with brand-new merchandising displays designed to make your shopping experience smoother, brighter, and more magical.

World of Disney is famous for being the epicenter of Disney merchandise at Walt Disney World. Because it is one of the busiest retail locations on property, Disney is constantly looking for ways to keep the layout feeling modern and easy to navigate.

This latest interior refresh focuses on maximizing space and enhancing sightlines across the massive store. Guests will find reconfigured retail sections that create wider, more logical pathways—a major win for anyone navigating the store with a stroller or ecv during peak evening crowds!

Complementing the layout change are sleek, updated product displays. These new fixtures aren’t just functional; they feature enhanced presentation elements that make the latest spirit jerseys, ear headbands, and character plush practically pop off the shelves. The updated displays also allow cast members to showcase newly released collections in a much more prominent, eye-catching way right as you walk through the various zone entrances.

This interior update comes at a busy time for Disney Springs, which continues to reinvent itself to stay modern. From the highly anticipated arrival of Level99 on the West Side to recent retail shake-ups like the upcoming Cole Haan location, Disney is making sure the entire shopping and dining district stays fresh for guests.

Even if you know World of Disney like the back of your hand, you’ll want to take your time wandering the floor on your next trip to get used to the new flow. Finding your favorite Mickey ear hat or trendy apparel line might require a quick look around, but the beautifully organized new displays make the treasure hunt half the fun.

What do you think of the new layout? Do you prefer when Disney updates its major stores, or do you miss the classic setups? Stay tuned to Chip & Co for all the latest updates happening around Walt Disney World!

Disney Cruise Line Wins 2025 Blue Circle Award for Environmental Excellence

By

Sara

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June 6, 2026

Disney Cruise Line Wins Blue Circle Award for Environmental Excellence ()

Disney Cruise Line Wins Prestigious Environmental Excellence Award

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has once again honored Disney Cruise Line with the 2025 Blue Circle Award. The accolade celebrates the cruise line’s ongoing dedication to sustainable operations and its voluntary participation in the port’s eco-friendly EcoAction Program.

The Blue Circle Award honors shipping and cruise lines that lead the industry in reducing emissions and minimizing their environmental footprint. This marks the 13th time Disney Cruise Line has earned the distinction, highlighting its long-term dedication to meeting the strict eco-standards set by the Port of Vancouver.

A major pillar of Disney’s green initiatives in Vancouver is the use of shore power. Whenever it’s available, the Disney Wonder plugs directly into the port’s shoreside electric grid while docked. This allows the ship to completely shut down its onboard engines, drastically cutting down emissions while in port.

As Disney Cruise Line expands its footprint in Vancouver, the company continues to collaborate closely with the port to champion sustainable operations and environmental stewardship.

This year marks a major milestone for the region: for the very first time, two Disney ships will be homeporting in Vancouver for the Alaska season. The Disney Magic has officially joined the Disney Wonder in sailing northern itineraries, with both ships keeping eco-friendly practices and port sustainability at the forefront of their operations.

This latest award is just one piece of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet-wide push toward sustainability. In fact, the company recently ranked No. 7 on the 2026 Forbes Best Brands for Social Impact list, a testament to its ongoing commitment to responsible business practices.

What makes this eco-friendly push even more impressive is the scale of Disney’s current expansion. The fleet has already grown to eight active ships, with five more on the horizon by 2031—including the newly announced Disney Believe, set to debut next year. As Disney Cruise Line scales up its global footprint, it remains fiercely focused on minimizing its environmental impact by cutting emissions, conserving energy, reducing waste, and protecting marine wildlife.

Have you sailed with Disney Cruise Line recently?

Walt Disney Imagineering Files Permit for New Tropical Americas Playground

By

Sara

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June 6, 2026

Walt Disney Imagineering Files Permit for New Tropical Americas Playground — At Destination D23 2023, it was announced that Walt Disney Imagineering is planning to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into a new land inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “tropical Americas.” As part of their research, Imagineers are looking at some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet in the regions just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere - the northern part of South America, stretching up into Central America. New experiences inspired by “Encanto” - the Academy Award winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film - and the fan-favorite adventurer Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)

Disney Files Permits for New Tropical Americas Play Area

Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a new “General Construction” permit for the upcoming Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While the permit itself is broad, the listed contractor reveals that the work is specifically designated for the land’s new playground.

While Disney has confirmed that a brand-new playground for small children will be part of the Tropical Americas lineup, they’ve kept specific details under wraps. However, the latest permit fills in some blanks: the contract has been awarded to Landscape Structures, Inc., a commercial playground manufacturer. According to their website:

“Our commercial playground designs create play areas that welcome all ages and abilities, become signature gathering spaces for communities and offer the most innovative and inclusive playground experiences.”

Earlier this year, a Florida Department of Environmental Protection filing gave us our first real look at the upcoming playground. The documents place the new play area right on the current site of the Cretaceous Trail—the spot near DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus that currently hosts the Daisy Duck and Chip ‘n’ Dale meet-and-greets. According to the plans, the playground will feature at least two slides and a climbing structure.

This is just the latest in a massive wave of permits for the Tropical Americas expansion. Back in April, nine permits were filed for electrical work in the area, followed by three permits for the Indiana Jones attraction in May. Disney also extended a permit with contractor Whiting-Turner for the Encanto ride. Most recently, the paper trail has ramped up even further, with six permits filed for various locations across the land, followed by two more just a couple of days ago.

Are you excited for Tropical Americas to be complete?

Central Florida Zoo Shares Sloth Update Fans will Love

By

Chris B

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June 6, 2026

Central Florida Zoo Shares Sloth Update Fans will Love ()

Rescued Sloths from Sloth World Continue Recovery at Central Florida Zoo

The rescued sloths from the Sloth World situation are continuing their long road to recovery at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and the latest update brings a small but meaningful sign of progress.

The Zoo’s Animal Care team shared that they have been working on voluntary weight training with the sloths, allowing the animals to participate in their own care with as little stress as possible. So far, Willow, Mojo Jojo, and Leeloo have successfully provided weights using a custom “weigh box” designed by Kayce, the Zoo’s Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator. The team is still working with the remaining sloths.

The setup is simple but clever. The sloths are encouraged to enter the box using some of their favorite foods. Inside is a perch where they can hang comfortably, while the entire box is attached to a hanging scale, similar to one used for luggage. This allows caregivers to monitor weight, a key part of tracking their recovery, without unnecessary handling.

The update comes after the Central Florida Zoo took in 13 two-toed sloths from Sloth World on April 24. The group arrived requiring extensive care, with many showing signs of dehydration, low body weight, gastrointestinal issues, and other health concerns. Several sloths sadly did not survive, including Bandit, Habanero, Dumpling, and young Mr. Ginger. The Zoo has continued to provide intensive support for the remaining animals, working alongside veterinary teams, nutrition staff, and sloth care experts.

As of the latest updates, the surviving sloths remain behind the scenes and under careful watch. While some, including Dolce, Chewie, and Phantom, have been considered clear of ICU-level care, the Zoo has stressed that recovery is still a slow and delicate process. For these animals, even a routine weigh-in is a big step forward.

For now, Willow, Mojo Jojo, and Leeloo’s successful weigh-ins are another encouraging moment in a difficult story. The Zoo’s team continues to take the recovery one slow, careful sloth step at a time.

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offer Teachers Up to 25% Off This Summer

By

Chris B

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June 6, 2026

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offer Teachers Up to % Off This Summer ()

Teachers Can Save Up to 25% at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels This Summer

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels have announced a special summer offer exclusively for educators from the United States and Canada. Eligible teachers can save up to 25% off best available room rates when booking stays through September 7, 2026, making a Walt Disney World vacation a little more affordable during summer break.

The offer is available now through August 31 and includes discounts at several popular Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels. Participating locations include the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista with savings of up to 25%, while the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs are offering up to 20% off. Guests booking at the Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa can take advantage of waived resort fees.

What makes these hotels especially attractive is that they’re all official Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Guests receive benefits including complimentary shuttle transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks and 30-minute Early Theme Park Entry every day, allowing visitors to get a head start on attractions before regular park opening.

The hotels are also located within walking distance of Disney Springs, giving guests easy access to more than 90 shops, dozens of restaurants, live entertainment, and unique experiences. Additional perks include discounts at Walt Disney World golf courses and special savings opportunities at select Disney Springs dining and shopping locations through the Passport to Savings program.

The timing couldn’t be better for families looking to experience Walt Disney World’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER celebration before it ends on September 8. Limited-time offerings include Bluey and Bingo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, GoofyCore at EPCOT, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and special entertainment at Disney Springs.

First Look at the Food & Beverages Coming to Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

By

Chris B

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June 6, 2026

Disney Reveals New Glow-Worthy Food and Drinks for H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon

Disney has unveiled a lineup of new specialty food and beverage offerings for this year’s H2O Glow After Hours events, bringing a fresh menu of snacks, sweets, and savory treats to the popular after-hours water park party. The separately ticketed event transforms Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon into a neon-filled nighttime celebration complete with shorter attraction waits, dance parties, character appearances, and exclusive food offerings.

First Look at the Food & Beverages Coming to Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

First Look at the Food & Beverages Coming to Disney HO Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon ()

Among the new additions this year are Churro Rings, Pizza Egg Rolls, and a Pork Tamale, all available at Typhoon Tilly’s. Guests can also grab a Turkey Calzone, Mini Pretzels, Sloppy Max Sliders, and a shareable Snack Box from Leaning Palms. One of the most intriguing new beverages is the Frozen Hot Honey Lemonade, which will be available at both dining locations and sounds like the perfect way to cool down during a warm Florida evening.

H2O Glow After Hours returns on select nights through September 5, 2026, with event dates spread across June, July, August, and early September. Guests can enter the water park as early as 6:00 p.m., with the event officially running from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

In addition to the specialty menu, guests can enjoy lower wait times at popular attractions including Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Miss Adventure Falls, Humunga Kowabunga, Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, Castaway Creek, and more. The event has become a favorite summer offering for families looking to experience Disney water park fun after the sun goes down.

Tickets start between $85 and $89 plus tax depending on the date, with discounts available for children, Annual Passholders, eligible Disney Vacation Club Members, and Water Park Seasonal Passholders.

Disney Reveals Fresh New Seasonal Flavors Coming to California Grill

By

Chris B

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June 6, 2026

Disney Reveals Fresh New Seasonal Flavors Coming to California Grill ()

California Grill Unveils New Menu Items and Signature Cocktail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Guests looking for an elevated dining experience at Walt Disney World have even more reasons to book a reservation at California Grill. The signature restaurant atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort has refreshed its menu with several new entrées, appetizers, and a sparkling new cocktail.

Among the newest additions is a Fire-Roasted Artichoke Flatbread featuring white bean purée, ramp aioli, lemon zest, artichokes, arugula, and California olive oil. Guests can also enjoy a new Domestic Lamb entrée served with herb-ricotta gnudi, fava beans, root spinach, tomato ragù, and red wine jus, or opt for the Grilled Pork Tenderloin accompanied by goat cheese polenta, roasted pork belly, mushrooms, and a zinfandel glaze.

Seafood lovers have a new option as well with the addition of Cioppino, a hearty dish featuring black bass, clams, shrimp, calamari, mussels, crispy garlic chips, and sourdough croutons. California Grill has also updated a few existing offerings, replacing the Hearts of Romaine salad with a traditional Caesar Salad and transforming the former Seared Salmon entrée into a Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon dish.

To complement the new menu, California Grill is introducing the Honeycomb Fizz, a refreshing cocktail made with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, house-made lemon and honey syrup, peach nectar, and Domaine Carneros Brut. The restaurant has also updated its children’s menu with new side options including broccolini and white basmati rice.