Latest Aerial Look at Universal Orlando Epic Universe Construction

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January 21, 2025

Latest Aerial Look at Universal Orlando Epic Universe Construction 1

We are just four months away from the highly anticipated opening of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, set to revolutionize theme park storytelling with its five immersive worlds. Thanks to updated aerial images shared by X user bioreconstruct, we have an exciting new look at the incredible progress being made on this ambitious project. Construction began in March 2021, and the transformation of the site into a fully realized theme park has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™
The streets of Wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic are coming to life with the detailed facades now painted and themed elements, such as awnings and advertisements, being installed. This land will transport guests from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry, immersing them in the magical international wizarding community.

Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
The portal entrance to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is nearing completion, with much of the portal theming already installed. A notable feature is the massive door within the portal, which will likely be used to close off the land before opening each day, creating a grand reveal at rope drop. Inside, both Mine Cart Madness and Yoshi’s Adventure are progressing well, with thematic elements nearly complete. Ride testing is underway, and team members have already begun test riding Mine Cart Madness.

Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X

How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
The vibrant Viking village is shaping up beautifully, with landscaping and theming underway at the land’s portal entrance. The canopy frame over the Spitfire Grill entrance is nearing completion, signaling that the land’s immersive details are steadily coming together.

Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X

Celestial Park
The cosmic centerpiece of Epic Universe, Celestial Park, continues to take shape. The canopy for the Stardust Racers queue is almost finished, and the ride has been undergoing testing for several weeks. Decorative silver spheres are being installed to enhance the space-themed aesthetics, while landscaping is well underway to complete this lush and immersive area.

Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X
Image by bioreconstruct on X

Dark Universe
Dark Universe, home to Universal’s iconic monsters, is also making significant progress. The Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster is being outfitted with safety netting to protect guests from loose items, while Frankenstein Manor is nearing exterior completion. Signage for village restrooms and railings for the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment queue are also in place, adding final touches to this eerie and atmospheric land.

arieal look at epic universe jan 2025 — Image by bioreconstruct on X

A Game Changer in Theme Parks

Epic Universe is poised to set a new standard for immersive storytelling in theme parks. With construction progressing rapidly across all five lands, the excitement continues to build as we approach the park’s opening. From the magical streets of Wizarding Paris to the high-energy adventures in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and the cosmic thrills of Celestial Park, every detail of Epic Universe is designed to create unforgettable experiences for guests.

Do you have your tickets for Epic Universe yet? Leave us a comment to let us know what attraction you are planning to check out first!

Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!

First Look at New Universal Orlando Eye Catching Road Signs

By

Chris B

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January 21, 2025

First Look at New Universal Orlando Eye Catching Road Signs 1

We have your first look at the new Universal Orlando entrance signs

Universal Orlando Resort has revealed new entrance signs around the property, offering a sleek and modern welcome to guests, and we have your first look at the signs thanks to X user bioreconstruct. The signs feature the Universal Orlando Resort logo, flanked by large digital screens. While the screens currently display a star-filled animation, they are expected to showcase visuals from Universal’s popular franchises, including Jurassic World and Harry Potter.

First Look at New Universal Orlando Eye Catching Road Signs 2 — Image by bioreconstruct on X

The signs can be seen at several key locations:

The entrance to Epic Universe on Universal Boulevard
Turkey Lake Road and Hollywood Way
Universal Boulevard and Hollywood Way
South Kirkman Road and Major Boulevard
Vineland Road and Universal Boulevard

First Look at New Universal Orlando Eye Catching Road Signs artist — artist depiction of the new entrance signs

With the signs now officially unveiled, the countdown begins to see what eye-catching imagery Universal will display next. What IP are you most excited to see light up the screens? Let us know in the comments!

Disney Lorcana TCG shares upcoming Release Schedule and 9th Expansion

By

Marc Valentine

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January 21, 2025

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Disney Lorcana TCG shares upcoming Release Schedule and 9th Expansion

Excitement continues to build for Disney Lorcana fans as Ravensburger unveiled major updates to its trading card game’s upcoming release schedule during London’s Toy Fair. Key reveals include details on the highly anticipated Archazia’s Island set, as well as new information about Reign of Jafar and the next set, Fabled.

Archazia’s Island – Launching March 2025

The spotlight was on Archazia’s Island, the next Disney Lorcana TCG set set to launch in March 2025. Packaging for the set was revealed for the first time, offering a stunning glimpse of Archazia, a new character created exclusively for Disney Lorcana. This marks a significant moment for the game as it continues to expand its roster with original characters, deepening the lore and captivating its fanbase.

Archazia’s Island will introduce two new deck configurations:

Sapphire/Ruby Deck featuring Beauty and the Beast-inspired artwork
Amethyst/Steel Deck showcasing new artwork of Jafar and Iago

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These decks are expected to offer fresh strategic opportunities and compelling gameplay dynamics for both new and experienced players.

Reign of Jafar – Release Date and Details Confirmed

Following Archazia’s Island, the next chapter in the Disney Lorcana saga, Reign of Jafar, is slated for release on June 6, 2025, with pre-release events kicking off on May 30, 2025. This expansion is shaping up to be a thrilling addition to the game, as Jafar takes center stage in a storyline that sees him seizing control of Archazia’s Island and transforming it into a dark fortress. The tagline, “His Crown, His Realm,” sets the tone for what could be Lorcana’s most perilous adventure yet.

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Fabled – Coming Q3 2025

Ravensburger also offered an exciting teaser for the set following Reign of Jafar. Titled Fabled, the set is expected to release in Q3 2025. While specific details remain under wraps, the name hints at an exploration of legendary stories and mythical characters within the Disney universe. Fans are already speculating about which characters and settings might make their debut in this expansion.

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Building Momentum for Disney Lorcana

With the steady rollout of these expansions, Disney Lorcana continues to solidify its place as a premier trading card game. The addition of original characters like Archazia and innovative new decks ensures the game remains fresh and engaging for its growing community of players and collectors.

Stay tuned for more updates as Ravensburger releases additional details about these upcoming sets. As the world of Disney Lorcana expands, the journey is just beginning!

Disney’s Moana 2 Breaks $1 Billion in Global Box Office

By

Sara

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January 21, 2025

Disney’s Moana 2 Breaks $1 Billion in Global Box Office

Disney’s Moana 2 has achieved a global box office gross of over $1 billion, making it the third 2024 release to surpass this milestone. This significant box office success marks a hat trick for Disney, solidifying them as the only studio with three films released in 2024 that have each generated over $1 billion worldwide.

A total of 56 films have achieved a worldwide box office gross exceeding $1 billion. Moana 2 marks Disney’s 32nd such film (including three from the Fox acquisition) and the 4th from Walt Disney Animation Studios, joining Frozen 2, Frozen, and Zootopia in this exclusive club.

Starring Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, ‘Moana 2’ has surpassed the $1 billion mark at the global box office. As of Sunday, the film has grossed $442.8 million domestically and $567.1 million internationally. This past weekend, it added $7.9 million from 52 overseas markets, marking a 32% decline in its eighth week of release.

Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, ‘Moana 2’ debuted in late November, achieving the highest-ever reported animated opening weekend globally. It subsequently broke numerous box office records and maintained strong performance throughout the holiday season.

Disney’s success with ‘Moana 2’ has made them the sole studio in 2024 to surpass $5 billion in global box office revenue, a feat unmatched since 2019.

‘Moana 2’ has achieved remarkable international success, ranking as the second-highest-grossing animated film of all time in Brazil and France. It also holds the title of highest-grossing Walt Disney Animation Studios film in France, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico, as well as across Latin America, Greece, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, the UAE, New Zealand, Peru, Chile, Central America, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

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Serve Up Style: The Disney Sketch Dooney and Bourke Pickleball Racket Sling Bag Is A Champion’s Choice

By

Ana Leal

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January 20, 2025

Serve Up Style: The Disney Sketch Dooney and Bourke Pickleball Racket Sling Bag Is A Champion’s Choice

Get ready to dominate the pickleball court with a touch of Disney magic! The Disney Sketch Dooney and Bourke Pickleball Racket Sling Bag is the perfect accessory for any pickleball enthusiast.

Find it online at the Disney Store for $178 and elevate your pickleball game in Disney Style.

This stylish and functional bag features an allover print showcasing beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Tinker Bell, and more. The vibrant design also includes iconic symbols such as the Fantasyland Castle, Mickey balloons, and Mickey ear hats, adding a playful and cheerful touch. Crafted with high-quality materials, including leather finishings and signature Dooney & Bourke elements, this bag exudes sophistication and durability.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, the Disney Sketch Dooney & Bourke Pickleball Racket Sling Bag will not only keep your racket secure but also add a touch of Disney charm to your game day.

Credit: Disney Store

Enchanting Pink Mickey Mouse Icon Crocs at Walt Disney World

By

Ana Leal

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January 20, 2025

Enchanting Pink Mickey Mouse Icon Crocs at Walt Disney World

Disney fans and Crocs enthusiasts alike are sure to swoon over the newest addition to the Crocs collection: the Pink Mickey Mouse Icon Crocs. These adorable shoes, retailing for $59.99, are currently available at Walt Disney World and are a must-have for any Disney lover.

The Crocs are a delightful shade of light blush pink from top to bottom, exuding a cheerful and playful vibe. What truly sets these Crocs apart is their unique design. Instead of the traditional round holes, the front face of the shoes features charming Mickey Mouse icon-shaped holes, adding a touch of Disney magic. This whimsical design extends to the sides of the shoes, showcasing more of the adorable Mickey icon holes.

While the front and sides feature the special Mickey Mouse holes, the toe area retains the classic rectangular holes that are synonymous with Crocs. The back strap, matching the overall pink hue, features the signature Crocs wordmark, completing the stylish and comfortable look.

These Pink Mickey Mouse Icon Crocs are a delightful blend of fashion and functionality, offering both comfort and a touch of Disney magic. Whether you’re exploring the parks or simply enjoying a casual day out, these Crocs are sure to add a touch of whimsy to any outfit.

New Toy Story Green Alien Hoodie For Out Of This World Comfort!

By

Ana Leal

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January 20, 2025

New Toy Story Green Alien Hoodie For Out Of This World Comfort!

Disney Parks has released a new Toy Story Green Alien Hoodie. This cozy and unique hoodie retails for $69.99 and is currently available at Magic Kingdom. While you might expect a green hoodie, this stylish piece is primarily a vibrant sky blue, adding a playful twist to the classic alien design.

The hoodie features a convenient front hand pocket in the same sky blue shade, keeping your essentials close at hand. A subtle touch of bright green accents the cuffs of both sleeves, adding a pop of color. On the right chest, an embroidered Pizza Planet logo patch proudly displays the aliens’ favorite hangout.

The real showstopper, however, is the hood. It’s a vibrant green, perfectly capturing the iconic alien look. But that’s not all – the hood is adorned with three embroidered eyeballs, just like the beloved “Toy Story” characters. To complete the look, a plush rounded antenna sits atop the hood, adding a playful and whimsical touch.

This Green Alien Hoodie is a perfect blend of comfort and style, making it a must-have for any “Toy Story” enthusiast. Whether you’re exploring the Magic Kingdom or simply staying cozy at home, this unique hoodie is sure to bring a smile to your face.

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The Jungle Cruise Tumbler: Drink in the Magic of Adventureland with Every Sip

By

Ana Leal

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January 20, 2025

The Jungle Cruise Tumbler: Drink in the Magic of Adventureland with Every Sip

The Jungle Cruise Tumbler is a must-have for any fan of the classic Disney Parks attraction. This vibrant green tumbler features whimsical artwork that perfectly captures the spirit of the Jungle Cruise.

This collectible tumbler retails for $29.99 and is currently available at the Creations Shop in Epcot and online at the Disney Store.

The front of the tumbler showcases the iconic Jungle Cruise logo in eye-catching yellow and orange bubble letters. Below, a brightly colored boat navigates the treacherous waters, encountering a wide-mouthed hippo ready to greet unsuspecting passengers. The “Adventureland” text at the bottom echoes the classic signage found in the Disneyland park, further immersing fans in the Jungle Cruise experience.

The sides of the tumbler are adorned with a delightful array of jungle flora and fauna. Lush leaves, vibrant flowers, and fluttering butterflies create a sense of adventure and exploration. A subtle nod to the attraction’s famous python is included in the design, adding a touch of intrigue.

The tumbler is not only visually appealing but also practical. It comes equipped with a green straw and a leakproof seal, making it perfect for enjoying beverages on the go. And as a special touch, the tumbler is topped with a charming elephant figurine, a nod to the playful elephant bathing scene on the Jungle Cruise.

Whether you’re a seasoned Jungle Cruise explorer or simply appreciate the whimsical charm of Disney Parks, this tumbler is a delightful souvenir that will bring a touch of adventure to your everyday life.

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New Vibrant Figment Water Bottle to Keep You Hydrated in Style

By

Ana Leal

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January 20, 2025

New Vibrant Figment Water Bottle to Keep You Hydrated in Style

A new Figment water bottle has arrived, and it’s as adorable as the mischievous dragon himself. This vibrant bottle is perfect for keeping your drinks cool and showing off your love for all things Imagination!

It retails for $24.99 and is available at Epcot! It will make a delightful addition to any Disney collection and a fantastic way to stay hydrated while exploring the wonders of Epcot.

The bottle features Figment in his iconic yellow and red sweater, looking as charming as ever with his arms and legs crossed. The word “FIGMENT” is prominently displayed in purple around the bottle, with playful stripes adding a touch of whimsy. The design is further enhanced with a delightful assortment of Figment-related icons and words, including Spaceship Earth, the Imagination Pavilion icon, and more, all rendered in cheerful shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow.

The purple lid comes with an orange strap for easy carrying and secure closure. This stylish and functional water bottle is a must-have for any Figment enthusiast.

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Lightning Lane Premier Pass Now Being Sold to All Disney World Guests

By

Chris B

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January 20, 2025

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Lightning Lane Premier Pass Now Available to All Guests at Walt Disney World

Starting January 21, Walt Disney World is expanding its Lightning Lane Premier Pass pilot program to all guests. Previously available only to Deluxe Resort guests and later to those staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel, the popular offering is now accessible to everyone, providing a convenient way to save time in line and maximize the magic.

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What is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows guests one-time access to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park for the day. With the flexibility to enjoy attractions at your leisure, this pass has become a must-have for many visitors, particularly during high-volume days when demand soars.

How and When to Purchase

Guests can purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time on the first day of their park visit, provided they have valid theme park admission. However, the booking window and eligibility vary depending on your accommodations and ticket type:

Disney Resort Hotel Guests: Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, as well as the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green, can purchase the pass up to 7 days in advance of their stay for the entire length of their visit (up to 14 days).
Non-Resort Guests and Annual Passholders: These guests can purchase the pass 3 days in advance of their visit.

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For guests with date-based theme park tickets, the pass can be purchased 3 days before the ticket’s start date for the full number of valid admission days.

A Valuable Option for High-Volume Days

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass has proven especially popular on high-traffic days, often selling out. For those planning to visit Walt Disney World during peak times, securing this pass early offers a significant advantage, ensuring shorter wait times and more opportunities to enjoy the parks’ iconic attractions.

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Whether you’re a seasoned Annual Passholder or planning your first visit, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is now a powerful tool for crafting a smoother, more efficient Disney experience. With its expanded availability, everyone can now take advantage of this time-saving offering and make the most of their magical adventure at Walt Disney World!

Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT Now Closing 2 Hours Early Daily

By

Chris B

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January 20, 2025

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The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT Now Closing Early

Guests visiting EPCOT may notice a significant change in the operating hours for The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion. Starting immediately, the pavilion will now close at 7 PM daily, which is two hours earlier than its typical operating hours.

This adjustment is currently reflected in Disney’s official park hours calendar, which extends through mid-March 2025. However, Disney has not provided an official explanation for the change. Speculation suggests it could be a seasonal adjustment due to lower evening crowds or to accommodate ongoing work at the pavilion. Regardless, it’s a shift worth noting for guests planning their evening activities at the park.

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A Journey Under the Sea

For those unfamiliar, The Seas with Nemo & Friends is located in World Nature at EPCOT and offers a gentle, immersive ride based on Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Guests board a “clamobile” and travel through vibrant coral reefs, dodge jellyfish and anglerfish, and catch a ride on the East Australian Current with Crush and Squirt—all in search of Nemo.

Beyond the ride, the pavilion features a massive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium, home to a variety of marine life, including clownfish, sharks, and rays. Guests can also enjoy hands-on activities that teach about marine biology and ocean conservation, making it a perfect stop for families with young explorers.

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Complimentary Scavenger Hunt

Don’t miss the complimentary scavenger hunt, where visitors can help Dory find her friends by solving clues and collecting stickers. This self-guided adventure adds an extra layer of fun and learning to your visit.

Plan Ahead

With the earlier closing time, visitors should plan to experience The Seas with Nemo & Friends earlier in the day. Whether it’s riding the “clamobiles,” marveling at the aquatic life, or joining Dory on her scavenger hunt, there’s still plenty of magic waiting beneath the waves—just make sure to dive in before 7 PM!

Tiny Train Town in Germany Pavilion Decorated for Epcot Festival of the Arts

By

Chris B

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January 20, 2025

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Tiny Train Town in Germany Pavilion Gets a Festival of the Arts Makeover

The Tiny Train Town in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion is showcasing its artistic flair this year, thanks to a festive makeover for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Guests strolling through the pavilion can now spot colorful banners adorning the miniature village, celebrating the festival that runs from January 17 to February 24, 2025.

Tiny Train Town in Germany Pavilion Decorated for Epcot Festival of the Arts cover

Since its debut during the 1995 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, this charming mid-century Bavarian-inspired village has been captivating Disney fans with its incredible detail and ever-changing seasonal decorations. From tiny gardens and well-tended hedges to streams, boulders, and picturesque town squares, the train town is a perfect backdrop for the creative spirit of the Festival of the Arts.

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Each season brings new touches to this miniature masterpiece, and this year is no exception. Eagle-eyed visitors can marvel at the vibrant festival banners scattered throughout the town, enhancing the already stunning landscape of homes, shops, and churches set against a lush countryside.

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The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is a celebration of creativity, offering guests dazzling entertainment, vibrant artwork, and palate-pleasing cuisine. The festival’s magic even extends to the tiniest details, such as the enhancements to this beloved train village. Be sure to stop by and experience the artistry up close on your next visit to Epcot!