The new Island Tower Villas at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are opening on December 17, 2024, and while we wait for details like pricing and point charts, you can now take a virtual tour of these stunning accommodations. Thanks to Matterport.com, you can explore every inch of the Deluxe Studio, One Bedroom, and Two Bedroom villas from the comfort of your home—scroll through each room and get a sneak peek at the Polynesian-inspired décor and magical details.
These villas are designed with both comfort and style in mind. The Deluxe Studio sleeps 4 with a queen bed, pull-down sofa, kitchenette, and a cozy bathroom. For those who need a little extra space, the One Bedroom Villa offers a king bed, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a washer and dryer, perfect for families of up to 5. The Two Bedroom Villa is the ultimate option for larger groups, combining the Studio and One Bedroom into a spacious retreat.
Beyond the rooms, the Island Tower will feature more than 260 new villas, a Moana-themed splash pad, a new pool, and even an open-air restaurant. So, take the virtual tour and start dreaming of your next tropical Disney getaway—it’s going to be epic!
Gideon’s Bakehouse Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Special Cookie
Gideon’s Bakehouse, the popular bakery known for its decadent cookies and cakes, is kicking off a month-long weekend promotion in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Starting this weekend and running every Saturday and Sunday through October 15th, customers can indulge in the new Guava & Cream Cheese Stuffed Sugar Cookie.
This limited-edition cookie features a perfectly balanced vanilla cookie base, filled with a delightful combination of guava and cream cheese, and topped with a crunchy layer of coarse sugar. With its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation, the Guava & Cream Cheese Stuffed Sugar Cookie is sure to be a hit.
The special cookie will be available at both Gideon’s Bakehouse locations, Disney Springs and East End Market, while supplies last. There is a limit of two cookies per person.
In addition to the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, Gideon’s Bakehouse reminds its fans that September is halfway over, and their exceptional Turtle Cookie is still available for a limited time.
With these tempting treats and special promotions, October weekends at Gideon’s Bakehouse are expected to be busier than ever. The bakery team is prepared for the influx of customers eager to try the new cookie and other fan favorites.
As the calendar turns from Summer to Fall 2024, all eyes are on 2025: the year Epic Universe will officially open at Universal Orlando Resort! Construction on the immersive theme park has been moving along at an impressive pace, and we have an updated look at the current state of the park thanks to arial drone footage captured and posted by X User bioreconstruct.
The footage touches every aspect of the park, and shows some amazing progress that has been completed in Celestial Park (how cool is that entrance Chronos!), How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk (dragon statues are visible from the air, with some closer images showing Toothless is indeed present at the Hiccup’s Winged Gliders attraction!), some INCREDIBLY impressive work in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic section (are we sure this isn’t actually Paris?), Dark Universe (including coaster testing of the Curse of the Wearwolf ride!), and all of the incredible details that are being added to the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section (I cannot wait to try out Mine Cart Madness!).
Universal’s Epic Universe is slated to open in 2025, and will bring 5 themed lands to the Universal Orlando Resort. The ambitious project spans 750 acres, which will make it the largest theme park at Universal Orlando once completed.
If you’re planning to visit Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter this fall, we have some important news! Scat Cat’s Club – Café will be closing for refurbishment starting on September 23, 2024, and is expected to reopen in mid-October. But don’t worry—the jazz isn’t stopping completely! The neighboring Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge will still be serving up some New Orleans-style magic with live music, signature cocktails, and Southern-inspired bites. So even though the café will be taking a short break, the good times will keep rolling in the lounge!
Known for its Mickey-shaped beignets and tasty Southern dishes, Scat Cat’s Café has long been a must-visit for Disney fans looking for a sweet or savory treat with a side of French Quarter flair. While the refurbishment may temporarily halt beignet feasts, it’ll only make the experience better when the doors reopen.
If you need to get your snack fix during the refurb, don’t worry, you can still get your hands on those iconic Mickey-shaped beignets and more during the downtime. Popular menu items like the specialty beignets and specialty coffees will be available at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, the resort’s main dining location.
For those looking to get their jazz fix in the meantime, the Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge will be open from 5:00 PM to midnight with live music setting the mood from 7:30 PM Fridays through Sundays The lounge’s full-service bar offers some signature concoctions like the Syncopation Shift, with a colorful blend of Tito’s Vodka, Bayou Rum, Midori, and a souvenir glow cube to light up your evening. Or if you’re craving something more classic, try the Bonfamilies Bourbon Peach Tea, featuring Woodford Reserve and a splash of sweet tea, or the fan-favorite Bebop Bloody Mary, complete with shrimp, sausage, and a kick of spice.
And for those feeling peckish, the lounge has you covered with a delectable menu featuring options like the Oyster Beignet Po’Boy and the famous Scat Cat Beignets. Whether you like them classic or with a boozy twist (hello, Baton Rouge Beignets), you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.
Disney and DirecTV Reach Agreement After Heated Contract Dispute
DIRECTV and Disney have reached a deal, restoring Disney’s full lineup of channels to DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and U-verse customers. This means that customers can once again enjoy their favorite Disney shows and movies without interruption. Both companies are now working to finalize a new, long-term contract.
Continued carriage at market-based terms of Disney’s entertainment, sports and news programming from its comprehensive linear portfolio, which includes the ABC Owned Television Stations, the ESPN networks, the Disney-branded channels, Freeform, the FX networks and the National Geographic channels.
The opportunity to offer multiple genre-specific options — sports, entertainment, kids & family — inclusive of Disney’s linear networks along with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+.
Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming services (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) to be included in select DIRECTV packages under a wholesale agreement, and also to be made available on an a la carte basis.
The rights to distribute Disney’s upcoming ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer service upon its launch at no additional cost to DIRECTV customers.
In a joint statement, the two companies commented: “Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DIRECTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options. DIRECTV and Disney have a long-standing history of connecting consumers to the best entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment by recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney’s content and the evolving preferences of DIRECTV’s customers. We’d like to thank all affected viewers for their patience and are pleased to restore Disney’s entire portfolio of networks in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”
An Almost Christmas Story Short Coming to Disney+ this Fall
Disney Branded Television announced a new animated short-film for Disney+, “An Almost Christmas Story,” directed by David Lowery and produced by five-time Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón.
Set to premiere this fall, the film follows Moon, a curious young owl who finds himself trapped in a Christmas tree bound for Rockefeller Plaza. Befriending a lost girl named Luna, Moon embarks on a heartwarming adventure through the bustling city. Together, they discover the magic of the holiday season and form an unlikely bond as they navigate their way back home. Inspired by the true story of Rocky, a tiny owl rescued from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020, “An Almost Christmas Story” is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Produced by Disney Branded Television and Cuarón’s Esperanto Filmoj, in association with Titmouse and Maere Studios, and with animation services by 88 Pictures, the celebrated creative team includes Lowery (director, screenplay and producer), Cuarón (producer and story), Gabriela Rodríguez (producer), Jack Thorne (story and screenplay), Nicholas Ashe Bateman (creative designer) and Daniel Hart (composer).
Also announced: Disney+ launched its Blockbuster Offer where now through September 27, new and returning customers can stream the biggest movies and series of the fall with Disney+ Basic for only $1.99/month for three months.
Get ready for Halloween with the latest Oogie Boogie Bash merchandise! From apparel to accessories, there’s something for everyone. Shop now at Disney California Adventure.
In the center is a black glow-in-the-dark t-shirt available for $24.99. The T-shirt features Oogie Boogie, the mischievous villain, encased in a purple sphere. Green bats flit around his head, adding to the spooky atmosphere. Below him, “Disney California Adventure” is written in green.
On either side of Oogie Boogie, you’ll find the silhouettes of five iconic Disney villains: Jafar, Maleficent, Ursula, Dr. Faciler, and the Evil Queen. They pose menacingly above the event name, “Oogie Boogie Bash 2024.” The name is black with a green outline, and “2024” is in purple.
Hoodie
On the left is an Oogie Boogie Bash hoodie, available for $69.99. The hoodie is a bright neon green with a convenient kangaroo pocket. On the left breast, “Oogie Boogie Bash 2024” is printed in bold black and purple. The shoulders of the hoodie feature black lines that mimic Oogie Boogie’s signature stitching.
The hood drawstrings are a festive red and white, designed to resemble candy canes. The back of the hoodie showcases “Oogie Boogie Bash” in large, bold black letters. Below the name, Lock, Shock, and Barrel, Oogie Boogie’s mischievous henchmen, march in a menacing line, each armed with a different weapon.
The hood is designed to resemble Oogie Boogie’s head. His two piercing black eyes are positioned on either side, and the bottom of the hood features the distinctive black lines that outline his lips.
Spirit Jersey
Every good Disney merch collection has a spirit jersey! The Oogie Boogie Bash spirit jersey on the right is available for $79.99.
The Spirit Jersey from the collection is a stylish blend of black and green. The center section and sleeves are green, while the top and bottom are black. On the left breast, “Oogie Boogie Bash 2024” is printed in black with a white outline. Three mischievous black bats fly around the lettering, adding a touch of spooky charm.
The back of the Spirit Jersey features the same striking color scheme. “Oogie Boogie Bash” spans across the shoulders, its letters matching the shirt’s color and outlined in white. Above the Halloween event name, “Disney California Adventure” is prominently displayed in white. Oogie Boogie is prominently featured on the lower half of the Spirit Jersey. His entire body is covered in crisscrossing black lines, adding a textured and menacing look.
Loungefly
If you love Loungefly bags as much as we do, you won’t want to miss out on this one! It’s available for $88.
Oogie Boogie’s ghastly grin is displayed on the small front pocket of this Loungefly backpack. Behind him, purple lines intersect to form a globe-like shape. To the right of his head, four green bats flutter. The top of the backpack is black pleather adorned with numerous green bats. A black tag featuring the “Disney Parks” and “Loungefly” wordmarks is centered above Oogie Boogie.
The back of the backpack is black with etched bat patterns. The adjustable straps are purple, and a purple strip runs across the top. “Oogie Boogie Bash 2024” is printed in green on the strip.
Ornament
A great souvenir from the party is the ornament! It’s available for $26.99.
This Oogie Boogie ornament features a 3″ x 2″ picture frame at its center. Below the frame, a rounded black section displays “Oogie Boogie Bash 2024” in raised green and purple letters. Above the lettering, the five villains from the T-shirt pose menacingly, while numerous bats fly around, adding to the spooky atmosphere.
The ornament features a green ribbon loop for hanging on a Christmas tree. However, thanks to a black stand on the back of the picture frame, it can be displayed year-round. The stand also features the inscription “Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” in white.
A black clasp secures the back of the frame. By moving the clasp, guests can open a small door and insert a personalized photo.
Ears
You can’t go wrong with Minnie ear headbands! This year’s Oogie Boogie Bash ears are available for $44.99.
The glow-in-the-dark ear headband available at this year’s event features a black bow between two ears. One ear showcases Oogie Boogie looming large behind the Carthay Circle Restaurant, with a bat flying over his shoulder. The other ear is green and features black silhouettes of Jafar, the Evil Queen, and three bats. On the back of the left ear, “Oogie Boogie Bash” is written in a green outline, surrounded by three green bats. “2024” is in purple at the bottom.
The other ear is green and features the silhouettes of the remaining five villains from this year’s merchandise collection: Maleficent, Ursula, and Dr. Facilier. The headband is a vibrant purple. On one side, a black metal tag displays the “Disney” and “Loungefly” wordmarks in a contrasting gray.
Oogie Boogie Bash merchandise also available includes a keychain, tumbler, and some special Magic Key Holder exclusive items. Which would you like to add to your collection?
A Sweet New Treat: Storybook Treats Hits the Swan and Dolphin
Disney World just got a little sweeter! A new dessert truck, Storybook Treats, has rolled into the area between the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, bringing a magical array of sweet treats to the scene.
Every Friday and Saturday night, weather permitting, you can find this tasty treasure near the boat dock. From Mickey-shaped delights covered in sprinkles to other delectable desserts and refreshing beverages, Storybook Treats is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Walt Disney World, be sure to add a stop at Storybook Treats to your itinerary. It’s the perfect way to end a day of fun and adventure with a touch of Disney magic!
Will you be indulging in the sweet treats at Storybook Treats? Let us know in the comments!
Dr. Mark Penning recently shared a heartwarming ultrasound: Sohni, a Sumatran Tiger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is pregnant again! This isn’t her first time expecting; in 2019, she gave birth to twin tiger cubs. One of them, Jeda, has since been relocated to the San Antonio Zoo to contribute to the Species Survival Plan. Sohni’s pregnancy is especially significant, as Sumatran Tigers are critically endangered. There are fewer than 600 of them left in the wild.
Guests can spot Sohni and her mate Conrad during their adventure through the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Sohni’s upcoming baby is just one of the many new additions to the vibrant animal population at Walt Disney World. Over the summer, four Hartmann’s mountain zebras and a baby eland antelope were born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Central Florida’s bringing the holiday cheer with a twist at Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland! This riverside paradise transforms into a festive wonderland from December 1st to 25th, and it’s the perfect way to experience the holidays with a splash of Florida sunshine.
Remember that feeling of pure joy seeing Santa’s Workshop come to life last year? Well, get ready for an even bigger dose of holiday magic! This year, the Workshop returns with even more interactive experiences, making it the ultimate destination for little believers (and maybe some big believers too!).
Meet the Jolly Old Saint Nick: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Santa himself will be holding court at the Workshop, ready to hear those Christmas wishes and capture some picture-perfect moments.
Dazzling Christmas Tree Forest: Get lost in a wonderland of twinkling lights and towering trees, with a 30-foot centerpiece that’ll make your jaw drop
Breakfast with Santa: Make memories that will last a lifetime with a delicious breakfast by the Wekiva River, all while sharing a table with the main man himself!
Elf-tastic Activities: From decorating ornaments with Santa’s helpers to making reindeer feed (because those hard-working caribou need their energy!), there’s plenty of holiday fun to be had.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus: Cuddle up with a mug of hot cocoa and listen to heartwarming stories read by Mrs. Claus herself.
Holiday Movie Nights: Get cozy under the twinkling lights with classic Christmas favorites playing in the heart of the Tree Forest.
Special Guest Appearances: Get ready for some hilarious holiday hijinks with a visit from Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! You won’t want to miss The Grinch and his Whoville Elves spreading their own unique brand of holiday cheer either!
Giving Back: Feeling generous? Wekiva Island is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Kids House of Seminole County. Bring a toy and spread some extra cheer this season!Free Gift Wrapping: Let the elves take care of the tedious stuff! On select dates, bring your presents and enjoy a stress-free holiday shopping experience.
This is just a taste of the festive fun that awaits! Get ready for a holiday season that’s truly one-of-a-kind at Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland!
D23 Tune in to Terror Halloween Event Coming in October
Hollywood, 2024. Amidst the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown during the height of the Halloween season, D23 beckons you to a Halloween event. On October 26, 2024, a beacon for the ultimate fans will light up the night. We invite you, if you dare, to join us for an unforgettable evening of Halloween festivities—where you are the center of attention!
D23 Tune-in to Terror: A Hollywood Halloween—Presented by Disney+ invites subscribers to dive into a realm where television transforms into a spine-chilling experience, dominating the airwaves with your favorite Halloween tales from Disney’s eeriest worlds. With supernatural settings designed to make every viewer the star, there’s no end to how you can enjoy your Halloween on-screen, complete with frightfully fantastic tunes. So, step through the static and into a televised realm brimming with tricks and treats.
Guests’ regularly scheduled programming becomes interrupted in the most alluring of ways with a few “chilling channels” lurking around every corner, inspired by the iconic stories that always leave us with a skeleton grin. Don’t touch that dial! We promise you’re going to want to see this…
“The Tip Top Club”: Since you’re “dropping in,” what better place to disappear into the night than the one and only Hollywood Tower Hotel? Become the star you were born to be at this lobby location, taking direction from the dazzling movie-town haunt, and kick off your electrifying experience by checking in and receiving your “room key” credential and gift for the event. After drinking in the striking grandeur and luxury of the lobby space, elevate your evening and take in some live jazz while you chat with fellow hotel guests. Apologies if some of them appear to be rather… ghastly in appearance.
“The Black Flame Ballroom”: At the darkened heart of this tele-visionary venue, dive into the dance hall that all of Hollywood is absolutely dying to get into! Celebrate fan-favorite Halloween stories at this classically inspired ballroom, where everyone who’s anyone is tuning in for an ominously ostentatious Tinseltown happening—inspired by the iconic Halloween happenings from Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2—and swing the night away with a buzzing band! Since this is the spookiest soiree in town, you never know who could crash the party…
“The Happiest Haunt”: When summoning the ghostliest residents of Disney’s regions beyond, we’re calling in the spirits… wherever they dwell! Featuring a macabre Seance Room photo opportunity, we invite you to snag a seat to enjoy some spectral snacks and even find the time to trade a few ghost stories with one another.
“The Witches’ Road Lounge”: Stay for a spell at this delectably devious dominion teeming with mysteries, taking point from witty witch Agatha Harkness and her eclectic coven, making their play to hex Disney+ in Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along this Halloween season. Do you dare to enter this spellbound lounge space inspired by the wilds of the Witches’ Road? Set your experience to a gas of a soundtrack, as a DJ whisks you into the insidious and perfidious sides of magic.
And more spooktacular spaces to be announced soon!
Costumes: As the star of this show, be sure you dress the part! A Hollywood Halloween would not be complete without a few costumes sure to make the viewers shriek with envy. We hope you take this as your opportunity to make jaws (and service elevators) DROP with your applause-worthy style!
Details
Your ticket includes:
Entry to D23 Tune-in To Terror: A Hollywood Halloween, featuring three floors of thematic rooms, photo opportunities, and more!
Evening entertainment, including a live band, DJs, and spectral surprises.
Passed hors d’oeuves and snack stations, along with sweet surprises.
Commemorative event pin featuring artwork inspired by a retro television set.
Exclusive credential created just for this event.
Additional exclusives for guests who purchase “Prime Time” Entry:
Priority access to the venue and dedicated entry queue.
One (1) drink ticket that can be used for beer, house wine, well drink, soda, or bottled water.
One (1) “Prime Time” gift: Commemorative print featuring artwork inspired by the Tip Top Club at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, with gold foil details.
You can find all details and ticket information here.
Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke has No Plans to Retire from Acting
Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke has shared his excitement about continuing his work in entertainment and keeping his fans entertained with laughter.
At the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards last week, the legendary actor received an award for Outstanding Variety Special for his birthday special, “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.”
At the event, the 98-year-old Van Dyke expressed that he is “looking for work” and took some time to reflect on his illustrious career.
“For making people laugh for 75 years,” the actor responded to questions about how he would like to be remembered. “I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing.”
According to People, Dick Van Dyke’s recent award has made him the oldest winner of a Creative Arts Emmy, sharing the honor with the late Norman Lear, who won at age 98 in 2020.
During his acceptance speech, Van Dyke was met with enthusiastic applause and took a moment to thank the audience, even breaking into a dance on stage.
In June, Van Dyke also achieved another milestone as the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy for his role as Timothy Robicheaux on “Days of Our Lives.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Van Dyke has earned several Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award.
With a career spanning decades, Dick Van Dyke is renowned for his roles in classics like “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Mary Poppins.”
Van Dyke revealed that he has numerous stories to share and is considering doing so through a potential one-man show for his fans.
