Royal Run: Unveiling the Enchanting 2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Merchandise!
Disney recently unveiled a first look at the enchanting merchandise collection for the 2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. This year’s collection features captivating artwork showcasing beloved Disney Princesses alongside their iconic villains, perfect for runners and collectors alike.
A standout piece is the Spirit Jersey, featuring Princess Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White, and Mulan in dynamic running poses. The shadows of their respective villains – Maleficent, Jafar, the Evil Queen, and Shan Yu are subtly outlined in the background, adding a touch of intrigue.
To complement the Spirit Jersey, a matching Minnie ear headband will be available. The front of the ears showcases Snow White and Aurora with their respective villains, plus a vibrant purple bow adorned with the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2025 logo and embroidered icons representing each princess.
For those seeking a stylish and functional option, a jacket featuring the princesses framed within elegant purple boxes accented with flowers will be a popular choice. The villain corresponding to each princess is subtly outlined behind them, and the race they represent is discreetly displayed in the bottom left corner of each box.
Every princess needs to stay hydrated so a matching water bottle is also here to complete the set.
The collection also includes an iridescent zip jacket emblazoned with the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2025 logo within a striking circular emblem. A variety of t-shirts are available, including one featuring the princesses with the year “2025” elegantly integrated into the design, and another showcasing the villains with the princesses running gracefully in the background.
Event merchandise will be available for purchase during the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Expo will be open on the following dates and times:
Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Monsters, Inc. Coming to Hollywood Studios, Muppets Moving On!
Big changes are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Get ready to enter the world of Monsters, Inc. as a brand-new land takes over the south side of the park. This exciting addition, announced at last summer’s D23 Expo, will feature a thrilling suspended coaster recreating the iconic door vault scene, along with new dining, shopping, and a unique theater show.
To make way for this monstrous makeover, the Grand Avenue area will begin a phased closure in May. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will serve its last plate of pasta on May 10th, followed by the closure of MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo on June 7th.
But don’t worry, Muppet fans! Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang are simply moving to a new location within the park. They’ll be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith on Sunset Boulevard, transforming it into a rockin’ music festival experience with some of music’s biggest stars.
This marks the first Disney ride to feature the Muppets, promising a hilarious and high-energy adventure filled with laughter, screams, and new tunes. Guests can also expect plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard.
While we say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D in its current form, Disney is exploring ways to preserve the beloved film and other elements of the experience for future enjoyment.
In the meantime, there’s still time to catch one last ride on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and experience the MuppetVision 3D finale before their final curtain calls.
Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting transformations happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Butterbeer Season is BACK and better than ever in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort
Accio Butterbeer! The wizarding world’s most magical season is returning to Universal Orlando Resort in 2025, and this time, the celebration is longer, sweeter, and frothier than ever. Butterbeer Season kicks off on March 1 and runs all the way through May 31, giving witches, wizards, and even Muggles three whole months to indulge in all-new enchanting ways to enjoy this iconic wizarding beverage. Grab your wands and robes, because this year’s festivities promise to be nothing short of spellbinding.
Last year, Butterbeer Season made its debut, and it was nothing short of stupefying! Fans were introduced to a delightful array of Butterbeer-themed treats, including a popsicle-style Butterbeer ice lolly that chilled our taste buds with its rich, butterscotch flavor. The silver collectible steins made their debut too, allowing fans to sip their cold or frozen Butterbeer in goblets worthy of a Hogwarts feast. And let’s not forget the exclusive Butterbeer caramels—sweet little nuggets of joy that had even Professor Snape smiling (well, probably not, but we can dream).
Mark your magical calendars and prepare your wallets, because the return of Butterbeer Season in 2025 promises to be sweeter than a victory in the Quidditch World Cup. With a longer celebration, new surprises, and all your Butterbeer favorites from last year making their return, it’s sure to leave fans exclaiming, “Merlin’s beard, this is amazing!”
See you in Hogsmeade, where the Butterbeer is always cold and the magic never ends! 🧙♂️🍺✨
Celebrate the Holidays Even Earlier at Universal Orlando in 2025 – It’s a Who-liday Miracle!
Deck the halls and fluff your fur, because the holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort is kicking off earlier than ever in 2025! This year, the festivities start on November 21—a day earlier than last year—and run daily through December 31, giving guests even more time to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you’re here for the Whos or the wands, Universal Orlando promises a holiday experience so magical it would make even the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes.
Speaking of the Grinch, it’s not really the holidays until the mean, green one makes his grand entrance. During Grinchmas, you can catch him in all his snarky, lovable glory at the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular in Islands of Adventure. For the ultimate Who-ville experience, don’t miss Breakfast with the Grinch, where you can start your day with fluffy pancakes and snarky quips from the Grinch himself. (Word to the wise: keep a close eye on your bacon—he’s been known to swipe a slice or two!)
But the holiday cheer doesn’t stop in Who-ville. Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Christmas magic comes to life with awe-inspiring décor straight out of a spellbook. Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are draped in dazzling lights and festive garlands, creating a yuletide atmosphere even Professor Snape couldn’t frown at. Be sure to check out the spectacular projection show on Hogwarts Castle, where holiday scenes straight out of a storybook dance across the iconic structure to the sounds of your favorite wizarding carols.
And of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a parade. Universal Studios Florida is bringing back its Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, where larger-than-life balloons, cheerful floats, and Santa Claus himself will spread holiday joy. But it’s not just the parade that sparkles—both parks are decked out with themed decorations, twinkling lights, and enough festive flair to make even a snowman feel at home in Florida’s sunshine.
So, gather your family, friends, and maybe even a reluctant Grinch, and head to Universal Orlando Resort starting November 21 for a holiday season that’s sure to be one for the books. Because as the Grinch himself might say, “It’s time to sleigh the holidays, Universal-style!” 🎄✨
Bob Iger’s Pay Package Soars to $41.1 Million in 2024
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger saw a significant boost in his compensation in 2024, with his total pay package reaching $41.1 million. This represents a 30% increase from the $31.6 million he earned in the previous year, according to the company’s recently released annual proxy report.
Iger’s contract with Disney is set to expire on December 31, 2026. The company has stated that it plans to select his successor by early 2026.
A large portion of Iger’s compensation is tied to performance-based incentives. His base salary accounts for only $1 million of the total package. The remaining amount is distributed across various categories:
Bob Iger’s Compensation Breakdown
Base Salary: $1 million
Stock Awards: $18.3 million
Option Awards: $12 million
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation: $7.2 million
Change in Pension Value/Deferred Compensation Earnings: $495,142
All Other Compensation: $2.1 million
Total: $41.1 million
The company’s fiscal year concluded on September 28, 2024. Disney’s annual shareholder meeting will be held virtually on March 20, 2025.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced several changes to management positions at Disneyland Resort, Disney Signature Experiences, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
D’Amaro announced several key leadership changes, including the creation of a new role to oversee major events integration and the appointment of new leaders for Disneyland Resort, Disney Signature Experiences, and Shanghai Disney Resort. These moves come as Disney Experiences embarks on ambitious expansion plans for its cruise line and theme parks worldwide.
“We have a deep bench of globally minded business leaders who bring the versatility needed to step into key roles across our diverse portfolio,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “These tenured leaders have extensive technical and operational expertise with strong insight and understanding of the guest experience, and possess qualities that promote innovation, creativity, and results.”
D’Amaro announced the following strategic senior executive changes:
Joe Schott, President of Shanghai Disney Resort since 2019, has been appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences (DSE). DSE encompasses a diverse portfolio including Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney. Schott brings 40 years of Disney experience, including leadership roles at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort. His global expertise will be invaluable as Disney Cruise Line embarks on significant expansion.
Andrew Bolstein, a key member of the Shanghai Disney Resort opening team, has been promoted to President & General Manager. With over 30 years of Disney experience across locations like Walt Disney World, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, Bolstein brings extensive operational knowledge and strong relationships to this role. He will report to Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International.
Ken Potrock, a 30-year Disney veteran, will lead a newly created division focused on maximizing the impact of major events, such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 250th Anniversary of the United States. He will continue to report to Josh D’Amaro while also being accountable to Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN.
Potrock previously led Disneyland Resort, overseeing its successful post-pandemic reopening and securing approval for the DisneylandForward expansion plan. His accomplishments include the opening of Avengers Campus, the reimagining of Pixar Place Hotel, and the expansion of Disney California Adventure.
Thomas Mazloum has been appointed President of Disneyland Resort. He will lead over 36,000 Cast Members and oversee the operation of the resort’s two theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney District, guiding Disneyland through the growth enabled by the recently approved DisneylandForward plan.
Mazloum previously led Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the significant expansion of Disney Cruise Line. His experience also includes various leadership roles at Walt Disney World, encompassing operations, resorts, transportation, and more. He will continue to report to Josh D’Amaro.
Disney Experiences boasts a global reach, encompassing 12 theme parks worldwide. Disney Cruise Line, visiting nearly 40 countries, will more than double its fleet by 2031. Furthermore, Disney’s renowned consumer products division extends the magic into homes across the globe, solidifying its position as the world’s largest licensor. These leadership transitions will take effect immediately.
Enjoy Eats and Reserved Seating with a Garden Rocks Dining Package
Disney has revealed details about the highly-anticipated Garden Rocks Dining Packages for the upcoming 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. These packages offer a delightful combination of fine dining and live entertainment, making them a popular choice among festival-goers.
A delicious meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant:
Spice Road Table: Enjoy a selection of two small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter, and a non-alcoholic beverage (or an alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and older).
All Other Participating Restaurants: Savor an entrée and dessert, or indulge in a full buffet (where applicable). Your meal also includes a non-alcoholic beverage (or an alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and older).
One (1) guaranteed seat per person at a Garden Rocks Concert on the same day.
Take a look at the restaurants available and the pricing:
The 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will run from March 5th to June 2nd, delighting guests with vibrant gardens and captivating entertainment. The renowned Garden Rocks Concert Series will feature both globally recognized artists and talented local musicians, adding another layer of excitement to the festival.
Dreaming of a Walt Disney World getaway? Contact me today to get your trip booked! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s exclusive rewards program for repeat cruisers. These valued guests are often delighted by the intricate towel animals artfully crafted by the crew and displayed in their staterooms, a signature touch of Disney magic.
The heartwarming commercial follows the adventures of a towel dog, sporting a miniature Mickey Mouse ear hat, eagerly awaiting the return of its Castaway Club “Family.” When the dog appears dejected, the crew springs into action, ensuring it has a memorable stay. They indulge the dog with a playful tour of the ship, even crafting a charming napkin hat in a whimsical nod to Disney’s founding year, 1923.
The fun continues with a playful romp amongst “The Little Mermaid” costumes, culminating in a delightful recreation of Ariel’s iconic underwater scene. The excitement reaches a peak as the dog enjoys a thrilling ride down a waterslide. Finally, the towel dog returns to the stateroom, ready to welcome its “Family” home for another magical Disney Cruise Line adventure.
Ready to embark on your next Disney cruise? Contact me today to get your next cruise on the books! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Feel the Force at Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is returning to Disneyland Park for select nights from April 8th to May 6th, 2025.This special after-hours event promises out-of-this-world entertainment, themed snacks, and unique experiences.
Today, the official Disney Parks Instagram account announced that tickets for this galactic adventure will go on sale to the general public no earlier than 9:00 AM PT on Thursday, January 30th. Magic Key holders will have access to a pre-sale opportunity for tickets
Tickets for this special after-hours event will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, January 30th at 9:00 AM PT.
For Magic Key holders, pre-sale opportunities are as follows:
January 28th (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT): Pre-sale tickets available for Inspire Magic Key holders.
January 29th (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT): Pre-sale tickets available for all Magic Key holders.
Guests of all ages are invited to dress in their finest Star Wars attire and join the thrilling Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade, marching down Main Street, U.S.A. Throughout the night, encounter special Star Wars character sightings, discover unique merchandise, enjoy shorter wait times for select attractions, dance the night away in a galactic DJ party zone, and even learn lightsaber techniques with an exciting instructional session.
Tickets for this unforgettable experience include admission to Disneyland Park three hours before the party officially begins, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos captured during the event, plus a commemorative credential and a guide map to help you navigate the galactic fun.
Exciting Additions Coming to the Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney has announced exciting enhancements coming to Disneyland Resort Hotels, elevating the guest experience at the Happiest Place on Earth.
These enhancements include the introduction of new concierge lounges, the creation of captivating themed suites, and a comprehensive refresh of existing interiors. These exciting updates promise to provide guests with even more magical and memorable stays.
Napa Rose to Bloom with New Interior, Beautiful Patio
The award-winning Napa Rose is taking its dining experience to the next level with an exquisite new look thatcelebrates Craftsman design with an eye toward modern Californian luxury and approachability. The restaurant will have a rustic elegance and will be a tapestry of California’s storied history of wine and wine making, using natural textures such as reclaimed French oak flooring and columns (a type of wood used to make wine barrels), hand-pinged artisan metals, leathers, deep colors of cabernet, and an eye-catching chandelier inspired by California’s Mission grapevines.
Along with its existing dynamic exhibition kitchen, the restaurant will expand the counters where guests can watch the masters in action. Outside, the gorgeous patio is being enhanced with more seating for lovely al fresco dining, with two new fireplaces adding to the charming ambiance.
Napa Rose will temporarily close this spring and is slated to reopen in fall 2025. The restaurant, known for its refined California cuisine made with superb ingredients, will introduce a new menu and will still feature fan-favorites such as the Smiling Tiger Salad, along with an impeccable wine collection of more than 1,500 labels.
To make way for these enhancements, there will be temporary updates to dining offerings at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Plans Underway for Two All-New Concierge Lounges at Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian
This summer, the Disneyland Hotel will unveil an all-new concierge lounge, High Key Club, celebrating the music and sounds of Disneyland park circa 1955. Swanky and sophisticated, colorful and fun, the lounge will also pay homage to the mid-century modern aesthetic of the era.
This stylish oasis in the sky will draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of original and classic sounds at Disneyland park. Celebrating not only music, artists, musicians, and voices, but also unique instruments, bands, foley sounds, and history of audible magic at the park that Walt Disney brought to life, High Key Club will feature a custom soundtrack showcasing the sounds and songs of the park and will display prominent artifacts.
High Key Club will nearly double the space of the previous club-level lounge in the hotel’s Adventure Tower and will be a special place for concierge-level guests to watch Disneyland park fireworks and enjoy music from the show on nights that feature pyrotechnics.
In addition to The Veranda concierge lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, plans are underway for the hotel to add a second club-level lounge nearby.
This newly designed, two-story space will celebrate classic California Craftsman design and will be a perfect spot for lounging with a good book, relaxing with a glass of wine or admiring the hotel’s Great Hall lobby below. Continuing the hotel’s forest theme of the Great Hall lobby, the new concierge lounge will be inspired by giant sequoias and will be located high in the “treetops” of the 5th and 6th floors — an “aviary” where club level guests can relax, rest and “nest” in luxury and hospitality.
This space will continue the unique Californian Craftsman design by showcasing columns and arches inspired by the existing lobby architecture, wrought iron branching details, and beautiful hand-crafted tile murals. The flora and fauna will keep with the story of the sequoias.
Certain to be stunning, the lounge will be filled with natural light during the day and a golden glow at sunset from expansive skylights, with a two-story stained-glass door and a curved staircase leading to the mezzanine. This new space is slated for completion in 2026.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Pixar Place Hotel just yet, here’s a look at the Creators Club concierge lounge, which debuted this past year and showcases the collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios featuring concept art, maquettes, attractions posters and cheerful décor.
At all three hotels, club-level guests are invited to these lounges to enjoy snacks and beverages throughout the day and a dedicated concierge.
Disney’s Grand Californian to Add New Décor to Guest Rooms
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will begin refreshing all its guest rooms, including the Disney Vacation Club Villas. The décor will complement the rooms’ existing Arts & Crafts motif, yet will add new bold colors across the carpets, upholstery and bedding, with accents inspired by the beautiful California wildflower blooms often found in Impressionistic plein air paintings that helped define the art movement of the Arts and Crafts period and continue to inspire artists today. Most notably, each room will have new artwork that was commissioned from local plein air painters.
Pixar Place Hotel Reveals New Details on Themed Signature Suites
This summer, Pixar Place Hotel will add two new, two-bedroom themed premium suites, opening new doors into the worlds of Pixar Animation Studio’s “Coco”and “The Incredibles.”
The Coco Suite, with Oaxacan-style architecture, will feature terracotta tiling, Mexican artisan quilted and woven pieces, a fireplace, unique handcrafted wooden furniture, and thoughtful touches of hand-painted art. The Coco Suite is inspired by the film’s Rivera family hacienda with many family photos and mementos.
The Incredibles Suite will have a mid-century design with a “spy-fi” twist. In “Incredibles 2,” DevTech businessman and Super fan Winston Deavor lends his striking home for the Parr family to live. Now he has designed the perfect getaway for the family! The suite includes a primary bedroom for the Parr parents, with a connecting room for Edna Mode designed by Edna herself. Beginning with a hand-scanning prop at the entryway, guests will encounter Super-inspired touches and special effects including a spy phone, hidden messages, a secret door and other surprises!
These themed suites are in addition to the hotel’s several other room types including standard rooms and one, two and three-bedroom suites to accommodate various family travel needs.
Enjoy More Disney, Extra Perks at Disneyland Resort Hotels
Guests staying at any of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort can enjoy magical benefits such as preferred access to a limited number of hotel restaurant reservations, a variety of hotel guest activities and Early Entry, which offers admission to a designated theme park 30 minutes earlier than the general public to enjoy select attractions, shopping and dining. Each hotel offers close proximity to the theme parks, and Disney’s Grand Californian and Pixar Place Hotel each have a dedicated hotel guest entrance to Disney California Adventure park.
Dreaming of a Disneyland getaway? Contact me today to get your trip on the books! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom will have early closures on the following dates:
January 22, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30
February 3, 5, 6
The attraction will close at 6:00 PM on these evenings.
These early closures may be attributed to regular maintenance needs. Historically, Splash Mountain, the predecessor to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, typically underwent annual refurbishment during the cooler months of January and February when attendance tends to be lower. However, Disney may be opting for shorter, more frequent maintenance periods for the new attraction to minimize disruption for guests.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened at Magic Kingdom in June 2024 following a period of previews. Since its debut, the attraction has encountered some operational challenges. Notably, Disney has quietly removed Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from its Disney After Hours event lineup. This suggests that the attraction may be experiencing operational difficulties, potentially impacting its availability during extended park hours.
Will you be visiting Magic Kingdom on the dates the attraction will close early?
Soft and Sweet: Indulge in Tokyo Disney-Inspired Disney Plush Tote Bags and Lunch Boxes at Disney Springs
Disney Springs recently unveiled a delightful collection of fuzzy Disney Plush tote bags and lunch boxes reminiscent of the charming Tokyo Disney merchandise style. These adorable accessories feature beloved Disney characters, captivating both children and adults alike.
The tote bags, priced at $44.99 each, are crafted from incredibly soft and plush fabric. The collection showcases enchanting designs of Stitch, Lotso, Marie, and Bambi, each with intricate embroidered details that bring the characters to life. These bags are not only stylish but also incredibly functional for everyday use.
For those seeking a touch of whimsy for their lunchtime adventures, the lunch boxes are an absolute must-have. Priced at $34.99 each, these delightful boxes feature beloved characters like Pooh, Marie, Stitch, and Bambi, all rendered in the same irresistibly soft and fuzzy fabric as the tote bags. These lunch boxes are not only adorable but also practical for keeping snacks and meals safe and secure.
This enchanting collection of plush tote bags and lunch boxes is a delightful addition to the Disney Springs merchandise offerings, capturing the essence of the beloved Tokyo Disney style with its charming designs and high-quality craftsmanship.
