Carrot Cake Cravers, Rejoice! Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival Delivers a Delicious Twist!
Calling all carrot cake fans! If your taste buds tingle at the mention of spiced cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecans, then you absolutely must make a beeline for Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival. A brand new treat has blossomed, and it’s a delightful twist on a classic dessert: the Carrot Cake Liège Waffle!
Forget your standard slice; this isn’t just any carrot cake. It’s a warm, chewy Liège waffle, infused with the familiar flavors of carrot cake, and then taken to a whole new level of deliciousness. Take a golden waffle, crispy on the outside and soft within, topped with a generous swirl of rich cream cheese frosting. Candied pecans add a delightful crunch and sweetness, while a whimsical candy carrot perched on top adds a touch of playful charm.
This delectable creation is the perfect pick-me-up as you stroll through the vibrant gardens and topiaries of the Flower & Garden Festival. And where can you find this slice of waffle heaven? Head straight to Connections Eatery, the bustling spot where Starbucks resides, and prepare for a sweet sensation.
Whether you’re a seasoned Epcot visitor or a first-timer, this Carrot Cake Liège Waffle is a must-try. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the beauty and flavors of the Flower & Garden Festival. Don’t miss out on this limited-time treat – it’s a carrot cake experience you won’t soon forget!
A Musical Magic Unveiled: “Snow White” Featurette and Soundtrack Released!
The anticipation for Disney’s live-action musical reimagining of “Snow White” is building, and fans are now treated to a deeper dive into the film’s enchanting world with the release of a new music featurette and the original soundtrack! With the film set to grace theaters on March 21, 2025, these releases offer a tantalizing glimpse into the reimagined classic.
A special featurette, now available, provides an exclusive look behind the scenes of “Disney’s Snow White.” It delves into the creative process behind the film’s new musical numbers, featuring insightful commentary from director Marc Webb, the EGOT-winning songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and the film’s stars, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. This featurette explores how the filmmakers breathed new life into the beloved story through music.
Adding to the excitement, Walt Disney Records has released the original soundtrack for “Disney’s Snow White.” The lead single, Rachel Zegler’s powerful rendition of “Waiting on a Wish,” has already captivated audiences, amassing over 50 million views across social media since its March 4th launch.
The soundtrack itself is a testament to the musical prowess of the team involved. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, renowned for their work on “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman,” penned the original songs, with additional lyrics by Jack Feldman. The songs are brought to life by the talented cast, including Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, and the voices from the original 1937 animated film, creating a bridge between generations.
The track listing reveals a diverse range of musical styles and emotional depth:
“Good Things Grow” and its “Villagers’ Reprise” establish the film’s vibrant world.
“Waiting On A Wish” showcases Rachel Zegler’s vocal talent.
Classic tunes like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work” are reimagined with fresh energy.
“All Is Fair” and its “Reprise” capture the Evil Queen’s dark allure.
“Princess Problems” and “A Hand Meets A Hand” (co-written with Lizzy McAlpine) delve into the characters’ inner lives.
“The Silly Song” brings playful charm.
“Snow White Returns” and “Good Things Grow (Finale)” promise a captivating conclusion.
It is also noted that the songs “Heigh-Ho”, “Whistle While You Work” and “The Silly Song” contain music by Frank Churchill and Lyrics by Larry Morey, from the original 1937 film.
For dedicated fans, Walt Disney Records will release a deluxe version of the soundtrack on March 20, featuring the songs, Jeff Morrow’s score, and instrumental versions. The score album will follow on March 21, and a vinyl release is scheduled for May, available for pre-order at Disney Music Emporium.
“Disney’s Snow White” promises to be a magical musical adventure, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. With its captivating music and timeless story, this reimagining is poised to enchant audiences of all ages when it arrives in theaters next year.
Unleashing Joy: Disney+ Reveals Trailer for Heartwarming Documentary “Pets”
Get ready for a dose of pure, unadulterated love! Disney+ has just released the trailer and key art for “Pets,” a heartwarming documentary that explores the extraordinary bond between humans and their animal companions. Premiering on National Pet Day, April 11th, this film promises to be a celebration of the unique connections that enrich our lives.
From Disney Branded Television and Imagine Documentaries, and directed by the talented Bryce Dallas Howard (“The Mandalorian”), “Pets” takes viewers on a global journey, showcasing the universal language of love that transcends species. This documentary captures the essence of the pet-human relationship, filled with moments of laughter, tenderness, and genuine emotion.
Following her critically acclaimed documentary “Dads” in 2019, Howard returns with a project that is clearly close to her heart. Her passion for animals shines through, creating a relatable and engaging experience for viewers, regardless of their own pet experiences.
“Directing a documentary about the relationship between pets and their people has been a dream for years,” said Bryce Dallas Howard. “There’s something about these wordless intuitive bonds, full of mischief and love, that feel like magic. And pet videos? They tap into such pure innocence and happiness, the kind of laughter that catches you off guard and reminds you why we love them so much. Working with the incredible teams at Imagine Documentaries and Disney Branded Television was an absolute gift, and my hope is that audiences feel the same joy watching this film that we did while making it.”
“Pets” is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments, profiling a diverse cast of characters from everyday pet owners to dedicated animal rescuers. The film highlights the unique and vital connections they share with their dogs, cats, pigs, goats, and even birds of prey. Through a mix of inspirational stories, archival footage, viral videos, and engaging interviews, the documentary takes us on a hilarious and poignant journey that celebrates love, loss, and the unwavering companionship that pets provide.
This original film from Disney Branded Television is produced by Imagine Documentaries, the team behind the Emmy® Award-winning documentary “Jim Henson Idea Man” and the inspiring Disney+ docuseries “Harlem Ice.” The film is produced by Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Meredith Kaulfers, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Elisabeth Jamison. Executive producers are Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.
Prepare to be moved and entertained as “Pets” captures the magic of the human-animal bond. This is a must-watch for anyone who has ever experienced the unconditional love of a furry, feathered, or scaled friend.
Special Offer:
To celebrate the upcoming premiere, Disney+ is offering a limited-time deal. Now through March 30th, new and eligible returning customers can subscribe to the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic for just $2.99/month for four months – a $32 savings compared to the regular monthly price for four months. Visit www.disneyplus.com to take advantage of this offer.
The wait is over! Disney has finally unveiled the first teaser trailer and poster for “Freakier Friday,” the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 2003 film. Starring the iconic duo, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, the film promises to bring a fresh dose of body-swapping mayhem to theaters on August 8, 2025.
The teaser, while brief, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of Tess and Anna Coleman, years after their initial identity-swapping escapade. We see Curtis and Lohan seamlessly slip back into their roles, radiating the same chemistry that made the original film a classic. This time around, the story delves into the complexities of blended families, with Anna now a mother facing the challenges of introducing a stepdaughter into her life.
The premise suggests that the magic (or rather, the chaotic curse) of “Freaky Friday” isn’t confined to a single incident. As the trailer hints, “lightning might indeed strike twice,” implying that another body-swapping adventure is on the horizon. This time, the stakes are higher, with the potential to disrupt not just Tess and Anna’s lives, but also those of their extended families.
“Freakier Friday” is directed by Nisha Ganatra, known for her work on “Late Night” and “The High Note,” bringing a contemporary perspective to the classic tale. The film is based on Mary Rodgers’ original novel “Freaky Friday,” ensuring a connection to the source material while exploring new and exciting avenues.
The star-studded cast further elevates the excitement surrounding the film. Joining Curtis and Lohan are Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, Vanessa Bayer, and Mark Harmon. The impressive ensemble promises a dynamic and engaging cinematic experience. Check out the teaser trailer below!
The teaser has already ignited a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans, who are eager to see Curtis and Lohan reunite on screen. With its blend of humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, “Freakier Friday” is poised to become a must-see event for audiences of all ages. Mark your calendars for August 8, 2025, and prepare for a “freakier” dose of family fun!
Tortuga Tavern’s Outdoor Seating Reopens at Magic Kingdom—But What About the Restaurant?
Ahoy, adventurers! While Tortuga Tavern at Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland hasn’t yet resumed food service, its outdoor seating area is officially open once again. This means guests can once again take a break under the covered patio, which now features brand-new flooring after months of phased refurbishment.
Tortuga Tavern, located just across from Pirates of the Caribbean, closed in June 2024 and has since been used for various temporary purposes:
🏴☠️ Summer 2024 – The location hosted a Captain Jack Sparrow meet-and-greet, offering fans a swashbuckling pirate encounter.
🛍️ Fall 2024 – It briefly transformed into Tortuga Treasures, a temporary gift shop while the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar (Pirates of the Caribbean’s exit store) was under refurbishment.
Although Tortuga Tavern was initially scheduled to reopen in January 2025, those plans were delayed indefinitely, and the space has remained closed for dining. Currently, Disney has not announced a reopening date, and the restaurant does not appear on the dining calendar.
Historically, Tortuga Tavern has operated seasonally, typically opening during high-traffic times when crowds surge. The fact that Disney has fully reopened the seating area could hint at progress—but for now, there’s still no official word on when (or if) food service will resume.
For those hoping for a comeback, here’s a reminder of some past menu favorites:
🌭 Barbecued Slaw Dog – An all-beef hot dog topped with barbecued pork and slaw, served with house-made chips.
🍗 Orange Chicken Strips – Tossed in a sweet orange-soy glaze and topped with green onions.
🥪 Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread, and Banana Sandwich – A sweet and savory delight for adventurous eaters.
🍹 Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slushy – A refreshing, pirate-inspired drink made with Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade.
For Now, Just a Resting Spot
While we wait to see if Tortuga Tavern’s kitchen will fire up once more, at least guests can enjoy the shaded seating as a place to relax in Adventureland. Will the pirates reclaim their feasting hall? Only time will tell!
Would you love to see Tortuga Tavern reopen? Let us know in the comments! ☠️🍽️
West Side Starbucks at Disney Springs Closes for Major Refurbishment—Here’s What You Need to Know
If you were hoping to grab your favorite Starbucks drink on the West Side of Disney Springs, you’ll have to wait a while! The popular coffee spot has officially closed for a major refurbishment, with construction now underway. The refurbishment is expected to last through summer, bringing a fresh new look to the popular coffee stop.
During a recent visit, we found the entire Starbucks location surrounded by construction walls, signaling that big changes are coming. But don’t worry, if you need your caffeine fix while exploring Disney Springs, there are some great alternatives available in the meantime!
A Temporary Breakfast Option is On the Way
Starting next week, Summer House on the Lake will begin offering grab-and-go breakfast items at its Cookie Bar, beginning daily at 9 AM. This is a convenient alternative for guests looking for a quick bite or morning coffee without having to go too far.
While the West Side location is closed, the Marketplace Starbucks remains open and recently completed its own refurbishment. So, if you need your go-to Starbucks order, you’ll still be able to find it at the opposite end of Disney Springs.
With the West Side Starbucks slated for a mid-2025 reopening, we can’t wait to see what changes are in store. Will it feature a fresh new look? More seating? Upgraded technology for faster service? Stay tuned as we keep an eye on the progress!
Are you excited to see what’s next for Starbucks at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments! ☕🚧
Captain America: Brave New World Struggles at the Box Office—Can Marvel Bounce Back?
Marvel’s 2025 box office journey has gotten off to a rocky start, as Captain America: Brave New World has failed to soar to the heights expected of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now about a month into its theatrical run, the film has grossed $177 million domestically and $370.8 million worldwide—solid numbers for many films but a disappointment for a blockbuster of this scale (and cost).
With an estimated $180 million production budget, Brave New World would need to earn at least $540 million to break even, based on industry standards that say a film must gross 2.5 to 3 times its budget to turn a profit. While the film managed to post the year’s biggest opening weekend with a $100 million haul over Presidents’ Day, it fell short of the numbers Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania pulled in during the same timeframe in 2023.
The film quickly lost momentum due to poor word of mouth and mixed reviews, putting it on track to become one of Marvel’s lowest earners. Critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes lists the film as rotten at just 48%, however the audience reviews are a bit more positive at 79% positive.
At this rate, Brave New World will land above outright MCU disasters like The Marvels ($207 million) and The Incredible Hulk ($264 million) but in the same underwhelming territory as Eternals ($402 million) and Quantumania ($476 million).
Can Marvel Regain Its Box Office Strength?
After the massive $1.338 billion success of Deadpool & Wolverine in summer 2024, all eyes are now on Marvel’s next two releases:
🛡️ Thunderbolts – May 2, 2025 🦸 The Fantastic Four: First Steps – July 25, 2025
Both films now face intense pressure to perform, as Marvel Studios works to reignite fan enthusiasm following a string of lukewarm box office performances. While Thunderbolts brings together a new team of antiheroes, Fantastic Four marks yet another attempt at launching the beloved superhero family under the MCU banner.
With Brave New World struggling to leave a lasting impact, Marvel’s future success may depend on these upcoming releases. Can Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four turn things around? Or is the MCU in danger of losing its grip on the superhero movie throne?
What do you think—can Marvel bounce back? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🎬
Get ready to make a splash—Kali River Rapids is officially back in action!
After its scheduled annual refurbishment, Kali River Rapids, the thrilling whitewater rafting adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopened to guests on Friday, March 14, 2025.
The January-to-March closure has become a routine part of the attraction’s maintenance schedule, as Disney strategically targets the cooler months for refurbishments. This timing minimizes the impact on guests since fewer people are eager to get drenched when the temperatures are lower. But with spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to hop back into your raft and take on the rushing waters of Asia’s fiercest river adventure!
🌿 A Scenic but Wild Ride – Set in the heart of Anandapur, the attraction takes you on a raging whitewater adventure past lush jungles, gushing waterfalls, and bedrock formations before you plunge down a 20-foot slope.
💦 You WILL Get Wet – Whether it’s a light splash or a full drenching, this ride spares no one! If you’d rather stay dry, bring a poncho, extra clothes, or a towel. Disney also provides lockers near the entrance for stashing your valuables before the ride.
⏰ Slightly Different Hours – Keep in mind that Kali River Rapids typically opens one hour after the park does, so plan accordingly if this ride is on your must-do list.
With spring break crowds rolling in, Kali River Rapids is sure to be a cool and refreshing escape from the Florida heat. Will you be taking the plunge, or are you keeping dry on the sidelines? Let us know in the comments! 🌊💦
Hookfang Spotted! Another Flying Dragon Takes Shape at Universal Epic Universe
Another dragon has been spotted at Universal’s Epic Universe, and this one is ready to take flight! WESH 2 News caught sight of Hookfang, Snotlout’s fiery and temperamental Monstrous Nightmare, as one of the flying dragon drones set to soar over How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
While the news crew didn’t see Hookfang in action just yet, they got a full look at the massive drone parked on the ground. This is our best glimpse so far at Universal’s ambitious plans to bring dragons to life in the skies above Berk, a feature that was confirmed last month.
Hookfang won’t be alone—Universal has revealed that Isle of Berk will be crawling (and flying) with dragons, including: 🐉 Walk-around dragons you can interact with. 🏡 Dragons peeking out of houses and rooftops throughout the village. 🚀 Flying dragon drones, like Hookfang, that will soar overhead.
More Dragons Are Taking Flight
This isn’t the first dragon Universal fans have spotted in the wild. Earlier this year, WESH 2 captured footage of Dart, a Night Light dragon, practicing backstage—offering a sneak peek at one of the life-sized animatronic dragons that will be part of the land. Meanwhile, bioreconstruct’s aerial photography recently gave us a look at Toothless in the first launch of the Hiccup’s Winged Gliders attraction.
An aerial video clip from Feb 28. Caught a glimpse of Toothless in the first launch of Hiccup's Winged Gliders. pic.twitter.com/G3tCfThWW8
With Epic Universe opening May 22, 2025, the excitement for How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk keeps growing. The fire-breathing fun will be just one part of the massive new theme park, which will also feature: ✨ Celestial Park – A stunning, futuristic hub filled with cosmic gardens and fountains. 🪄 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – A magical journey through wizarding Paris and London. 🧟 Dark Universe – A chilling land where Universal Monsters lurk in the shadows. 🎮 Super Nintendo World – A high-energy world featuring Mario, Donkey Kong, and more.
With flying dragons now confirmed and Hookfang making his first public appearance, the Isle of Berk is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and immersive lands Universal has ever built.
Who’s ready to see dragons take to the skies? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🔥🐉
Take to the Skies! Meet Hiccup and Toothless at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe
Universal Orlando has just given us our first real look at the Hiccup and Toothless meet & greet coming to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe—and it’s as legendary as you’d expect! Fans have been waiting to see how this meet-and-greet would take shape ever since it was first announced, and now, with Team Member previews in full swing, we finally have a glimpse at the Viking-and-dragon duo in action.
Universal dropped the reveal on social media with a fittingly epic caption: 🗡️ “The heart of a chief and the soul of a dragon. Get ready to meet Hiccup and his best bud Toothless, only at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk in Universal Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025.” 🐉
If you’ve ever dreamed of standing alongside the heroic dragon rider and his fiercely loyal (but utterly adorable) Night Fury, this is your chance! The Haddock Paddock will be your go-to spot in Berk to meet Hiccup and Toothless, snap some photos, and celebrate the unbreakable bond between Viking and dragon.
But Hiccup and Toothless aren’t the only ones making an appearance—keep your eyes peeled for Astrid and Stormfly, plus other fan-favorite Vikings and dragons roaming the Isle of Berk. You might even spot some dragons flying overhead as you explore this immersive new land!
More Than Just a Meet & Greet—Live the Berk Life
The How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk area is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling lands in Epic Universe, packed with dragon-sized adventures, heart-pounding rides, and Viking-worthy feasts. Here’s what awaits beyond your legendary meet & greet:
🔥 Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – Soar over Berk in this coaster-style ride, inspired by Hiccup’s latest flying contraption.
🎭 The Untrainable Dragon – A live stage show where Hiccup, Astrid, and Gobber face off against a mysterious new dragon!
🏁 Dragon Racer’s Rally – Feel the rush of high-speed dragon racing as you train to become a champion rider.
🚤 Fyre Drill – Join Ruffnut & Tuffnut in a watery boat battle—because what’s a Viking festival without getting soaked?
⚔️ Viking Training Camp – Little adventurers can climb, slide, and explore a massive interactive playground filled with dragons.
Exploring Berk is bound to work up an appetite, but thankfully, the land is serving up legendary eats and drinks:
🍖 Mead Hall – A feast fit for a chief! Dig into roasted meats, fresh fish, and an array of Viking-approved meads, ciders, and ales.
🔥 Spit Fyre Grill – Grab flame-seared eats cooked up by a helpful (but unseen) dragon fry cook.
🍻 Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – A racing-themed food stand where you can fuel up before your next dragon-riding adventure.
Count the Dragons!
How dragon-packed is Berk? Universal says the Viking village will feature 30 dragons—both static and animated—representing 17 unique dragon species from the world of How to Train Your Dragon! So while you’re busy meeting Hiccup and Toothless, keep your eyes peeled for hidden dragons all around you.
With Epic Universe opening on May 22, 2025, the countdown is on to step into the world of Berk and make friends with a Night Fury! Are you excited to meet Hiccup and Toothless? Let us know in the comments!
D23’s Mickey’s of Glendale Arrives at Walt Disney World Resort
Mickey’s of Glendale is bringing its exclusive merchandise to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This is a rare opportunity to shop specialty items, unique collectibles, and fun accessories found nowhere else.
Ticket holders will not be admitted to the Mickey’s of Glendale store outside of their confirmed shopping window, or allowed to queue any earlier than 30 minutes before their scheduled time.
The shopping windows are as follows:
9 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET
9:30 a.m.–10 a.m. ET
10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. ET
10:30 a.m.–11 a.m. ET
11 a.m.–11:30 a.m. ET
11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. ET
12 p.m.–12:30 p.m. ET
12:30 p.m.–1 p.m. ET
1 p.m.–1:30 p.m. ET
1:30 p.m.–2 p.m. ET
2 p.m.–2:30 p.m. ET
2:30 p.m.–3 p.m. ET
3 p.m.–3:30 p.m. ET
3:30 p.m.–4 p.m. ET
4 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET
4:30 p.m.–5 p.m. ET
Attendees will also receive a randomly selected mystery pin from the D23 vault and a D23 shopping bag. Ticket reservations are limited to D23 Gold Members and one guest per member. Strict adherence to ticket requirements is mandatory, as each attendee must present a valid ticket for entry. Moreover, any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and they too will require an event ticket for admission.
Disney+ and Roku Team Up for “Moana 2” Spotlight in Roku City
The vibrant world of “Moana 2” is making waves in Roku City, thanks to a collaboration between Roku and Disney+. Viewers can now experience the film’s magic directly within Roku’s iconic screensaver. From the distant shores of Oceania, Moana’s companions, including Motufetū, Pua, and Heihei, have arrived in the digital cityscape, bringing the adventure to life until March 20th.
This Roku City campaign allows Disney+ to craft a distinctive and memorable experience for Roku’s vast audience of over 90 million streamers, infusing their viewing experience with Disney magic. Roku City, renowned for its hidden pop culture references, offers brands an unparalleled opportunity for genuine audience engagement. Notably, 85% of Roku subscribers have encountered the screensaver during streaming breaks.
You can see above what Roku City looked like before “Moana 2” was added. Have you ever watched the screensaver while streaming on Roku?
