New Seating Area Opens in Former Disney Springs Food Truck Location

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June 21, 2026

New Seating Area Opens in Former Disney Springs Food Truck Location

Disney Springs Adds Shaded Seating to Former Food Truck Area

Just days after the longtime Disney Springs food trucks rolled out of the West Side, Disney has already transformed the space into something many guests will appreciate even more during the Florida summer: additional shaded seating.

The former food truck park, located near several popular quick-service dining locations, is now filled with clusters of metal tables and chairs. Many of the tables are topped with pale green patio umbrellas, providing much-needed relief from the Central Florida sun while guests enjoy meals, snacks, or simply take a break from shopping.

The new seating area stretches across much of the former food truck location, creating a welcoming outdoor dining space along the waterfront. Existing landscaping, including trees, flower beds, and the large circular planter in the center of the area, remains in place and helps create a more relaxing atmosphere.

While some guests may miss the unique food truck offerings, the added seating addresses a longtime need at Disney Springs. Finding a place to sit and enjoy food from nearby locations can often be a challenge during busy afternoons and evenings, making this new setup a practical addition for visitors.

As Disney Springs continues to evolve with new shops, restaurants, and entertainment offerings, this refreshed space appears to be a smart use of a previously underutilized corner of the shopping and dining district.

If you’re planning a Disney Springs day filled with shopping, dining, and exploring all the newest additions, our friends at Get Away Today can help you plan the perfect Walt Disney World vacation at a price that’s much easier to digest than a summer afternoon without shade.

Toy Story 5 Dominates the Box Office With Biggest Opening Weekend of the Year

By

Chip

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June 21, 2026

Woody and Buzz Lightyear are taking the box office to infinity and beyond once again. Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 absolutely crushed expectations over its opening weekend, raking in an estimated $160 million domestically and setting a brand-new record for the historic franchise.

The massive debut officially crowns Toy Story 5 as the biggest opening weekend of 2026 so far, sailing past the previous record-holder, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which opened to $131.7 million earlier this year.

Toy Story Dominates the Box Office With Biggest Opening Weekend of the Year

The record-breaking weekend kicked off early with a spectacular $17.5 million in Thursday night previews. By Friday night, the film pulled in $71 million, securing Pixar’s second-biggest domestic opening day in history, just behind The Incredibles 2.

The success wasn’t just limited to North American theaters. Audiences around the world flocked to see the toys back in action, bringing in another $152 million from international markets. That brings the total global haul to a staggering $312 million for its three-day debut.

While the film carried a hefty $250 million production budget, its spectacular performance all but guarantees it is on a fast track to profitability. Critics and audiences are both giving the film glowing praise, which is currently reflected in its stellar 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

This time around, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie find themselves facing off against a modern threat—an edutainment smart tablet named Lilypad that is trying to steal Bonnie’s playtime. The classic voice cast returned for the adventure, alongside an incredible lineup of newcomers including Greta Lee, Keanu Reeves, Alan Cumming, and Bad Bunny. The movie also got a major boost from pop superstar Taylor Swift, who wrote and recorded an original country-style song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You” specifically for the film’s soundtrack.

With an opening weekend this strong and incredible word-of-mouth driving family crowds to multiplexes, Toy Story 5 looks well on its way to joining the elite billion-dollar club alongside its predecessors.

DVC Members Can Pick Up a Free Halloween Keepsake on Every Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party Night

By

Chris B

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June 21, 2026

DVC Members Can Pick Up a Free Halloween Keepsake on Every Mickey's Not So Scary Party Night

Disney Vacation Club Members Can Score a Free Halloween Keepsake at Every Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Disney Vacation Club members have one more reason to celebrate spooky season at Walt Disney World this year. Disney has announced that eligible DVC members attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2026 can pick up a complimentary Halloween keepsake during every party night of the event.

The special giveaway will take place at Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House, the member lounge located in Magic Kingdom. The keepsake will be available from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on every party night from August 7 through October 31. No advance registration is required, making it an easy stop during your Halloween festivities.

To participate, guests must be eligible for Membership Extras benefits and have a valid Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket for that evening. Members will also need to present a valid Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and a photo ID. Eligible members may bring up to four guests per Membership Card, or the number of guests listed on their resort reservation.

One important thing to note is that the lounge will be closed for its normal operations during the giveaway hours, meaning standard lounge amenities and services will not be available between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on party nights. Disney has not yet revealed exactly what the Halloween keepsake will be, but if previous DVC giveaways are any indication, members may want to make this a stop during their evening of trick-or-treating and spooky fun.

If you’re planning a frightfully fun visit to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year, be sure to reach out to our friends at Get Away Today. They can help you conjure up the perfect Walt Disney World vacation package so all you have to worry about is collecting candy and Halloween keepsakes.

Universal Dethrones Disney With the Highest-Budget Movie in History

By

Chris B

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June 21, 2026

Universal Roars Past Disney With the Most Expensive Movie Ever Made

Life, uh… finds a way to spend a lot of money. A new report from Fortune has revealed that Universal Pictures now holds the title for producing the most expensive movie ever made. According to financial documents obtained by Fortune, Jurassic World: Dominion surpassed Disney and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens to claim the record-breaking crown.

Universal Dethrones Disney With the Highest-Budget Movie in History

The report states that Jurassic World: Dominion, which was released in 2022, carried a staggering production cost of approximately $658.8 million. That edges out The Force Awakens, which reportedly cost $638.9 million when it hit theaters in 2015. The massive budget makes Dominion the most expensive film production in Hollywood history.

A significant portion of the ballooning costs came from pandemic-related challenges. Production was heavily impacted by COVID-19 safety protocols, testing requirements, and delays that pushed the film’s release back by more than a year. Universal famously kept much of the cast and crew housed during production shutdowns, adding millions to the overall cost of the project.

Despite the eye-popping budget, Jurassic World: Dominion still performed well at the box office, earning over $1 billion worldwide. Still, the newly revealed figures highlight just how expensive blockbuster filmmaking became during the pandemic era.

Whether dinosaurs can hold onto the box office budget crown remains to be seen, especially with major franchise films from Disney, Universal, and other studios continuing to push production costs to new heights.

If your next adventure involves seeing dinosaurs at Universal Orlando or exploring a galaxy far, far away at Walt Disney World, be sure to contact our friends at Get Away Today to help plan the perfect vacation at a price far lower than a Hollywood blockbuster budget.

Chefs de France Breakfast Buffet Returning for 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

By

Chris B

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June 21, 2026

Chefs De France Breakfast Buffet Returns for EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

Parisian Breakfast Returns to EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival for 2026

Bonjour, breakfast lovers! One of last year’s most popular EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival experiences is making a delicious return. The Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France will once again welcome guests to the France Pavilion for a morning filled with classic French flavors during this year’s festival.

According to the My Disney Experience app, booking details for the breakfast experience will be released on July 16, 2026. The special offering will be available on select Fridays and Saturdays beginning August 28, coinciding with the start of the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Guests can enjoy a traditional French breakfast inspired by the charming cafés of Paris without ever leaving Walt Disney World.

The buffet menu is expected to remain the same as last year and includes an assortment of French pastries such as croissants, pain au chocolat, and almond croissants, along with freshly baked baguettes, premium cheeses and charcuterie, smoked salmon, seasonal fruit, and a beverage of choice. Last year’s experience was priced at $64.95 per person, though Disney has not yet announced pricing for 2026.

Reservations will be required, and the experience remains a prepaid event with limited availability. If you’re looking for a unique way to start your EPCOT day before sampling all the Food & Wine Festival booths, this Parisian breakfast may be the perfect recipe for a magical morning.

If you’re planning a Food & Wine Festival getaway, our friends at Get Away Today can help you book the perfect Walt Disney World vacation package so you can save room for every festival bite and breakfast buffet along the way.

Kakigōri Kool Shaved Ice Cart Coming Soon to Disney Springs

By

Chris B

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June 21, 2026

New Kakigōri Kool Shaved Ice Cart Coming Soon to Disney Springs

A cool new treat is headed to Disney Springs, and it looks like it will be the perfect way to beat the Florida heat. Disney Springs is preparing to welcome Kakigōri Kool, a brand-new shaved ice cart that will bring a taste of Japan to Walt Disney World.

The new cart will be located just outside of Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs. Guests will be able to enjoy traditional Japanese-style kakigōri, a light and fluffy shaved ice dessert that is popular throughout Japan. The icy treats will be topped with a variety of fruity syrups along with fun additions like strawberry popping boba and fresh pineapple.

The arrival of Kakigōri Kool adds yet another new offering to the ever-evolving Disney Springs lineup. The shopping and dining district has seen plenty of changes lately, including new signage appearing for upcoming locations like Level99 and Six Ravens, the removal of food trucks from the West Side, and updated transportation policies for non-resort guests.

While Disney has not announced an opening date yet, the colorful concept art and menu tease suggest this refreshing new snack stop could become a popular destination during the hot summer months. For guests looking for a sweet treat between shopping, dining, and entertainment, Kakigōri Kool may soon be serving up the coolest stop at Disney Springs.

If you’re planning a Disney Springs visit to check out all the newest additions, our friends at Get Away Today can help you plan the perfect Walt Disney World vacation with great prices on tickets, hotels, and vacation packages.

Live-Action Moana Tracking for Strong $85 Million Opening Weekend

By

Sara

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June 21, 2026

Live Action Moana Tracking for Strong $ Million Opening Weekend

Live-Action Moana Eyes Strong $85 Million Box Office Debut

Early tracking numbers are in for the live-action Moana, and the box office waves might be a bit smaller than Disney hoped. Current projections are pointing toward a modest, yet solid, opening weekend in North America.

According to Deadline, Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana is charting a course for an $85 million domestic opening weekend when it sails into theaters on July 10. While that number might sound a bit modest for a massive Disney remake, the film is sailing right into a crowded summer box office storm. Wayfinder Moana will have to go head-to-head with Pixar’s powerhouse Toy Story 5 (which is eyeing a massive $150 million to $175 million debut), as well as Universal’s Minions & Monsters, projected to pull in $95 million following its July 1 release.

So, how does that $85 million stack up against Disney’s recent live-action track record? It’s actually a mixed bag! It easily outpaces 2025’s Snow White, which fell short of its early $50 million projections. It’s also pacing way ahead of 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King, which had a rocky $35 million domestic start before showing serious legs and defying those early “flop” labels. However, it won’t quite touch the tidal wave success of 2025’s Lilo & Stitch, which absolutely crushed expectations with a massive $145.5 million opening weekend.

Will you be heading to the theater to see the live-action Moana?

Disney and Pixar Share Toy Story 5 Magic With Children’s Hospitals Globally

By

Sara

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June 21, 2026

Disney and Pixar Share Toy Story Magic With Childrens Hospitals Globally ()

Disney and Pixar Launch Global Toy Story 5 Initiative for Children’s Hospitals

With Toy Story 5 officially hitting theaters, The Walt Disney Company is making sure the celebration extends far beyond the big screen. In true Disney fashion, they are using the massive launch of the beloved franchise to bring an incredible dose of hope, joy, and comfort to young patients and their families in children’s hospitals around the globe.

Disney is partnering with major charitable organizations and brands to transform the hospital experience into a world of imagination. Here is a breakdown of how the magic of Woody, Buzz, and the gang is being delivered directly to the kids who need it most.

Disney’s outreach spans multiple continents, combining exclusive movie screenings, interactive tech, and special gear for patients and caregivers alike.

400+ Hospitals Reached: Immersive experiences and screenings are hitting more than 400 children’s hospitals globally, including over 300 across the United States.
Starlight Partnership: Continuing a 25-year collaboration, Disney is working with the Starlight Children’s Foundation to deliver custom Toy Story-themed hospital gowns featuring Woody, Jessie, and Buzz.
Disney Movie Moments: Patients and their families get a front-row seat to exclusive screenings of Toy Story 5 right inside the hospital while the film is still playing in theaters.
Global Character Tour: Across Europe, a dedicated character tour is stopping at 10 children’s hospitals in 9 countries. Meanwhile, in Asia, characters are celebrating the opening of a brand-new, Pixar-themed care space at Shenzhen Children’s Hospital.

The magic officially kicked off back on June 9 at the film’s star-studded Los Angeles premiere. Disney set up a special digital installation called the “Star Command Message Transmission.” Premiere attendees and the stars of the movie wrote heartfelt messages to young patients, which are now being broadcast at select hospital activations nationwide.

One of the major highlights of this initiative took place on June 16 at Children’s National in Washington, D.C. The hospital was transformed into a “Toy Story Imagination Station,” featuring:

A life-size interactive “Lilypad” activation (themed after the franchise’s new character).
In-person meet-and-greets with Woody and Jessie.
Live drawing sessions hosted by real Pixar animators.
An exclusive early screening of the film.

A celebration this big wouldn’t be complete without some incredible toys. The Disney Store joined forces with major licensees like Mattel and LeapFrog to provide massive product donations at these hospital events. Kids were able to pick out their very own Woody, Buzz, and Jessie action figures, Disney Store plushies, and LeapFrog toy tablets inspired by Lilypad.

Disney didn’t forget about the hardworking healthcare heroes, either! Hospital caregivers at these events received specially designed, Toy Story 5-themed footwear from the medical footwear brand Clove to keep them comfortable on their shifts.

“At Disney, we have so many incredible stories and characters that our guests around the world have a deep emotional connection to,” said Lisa Haines, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at The Walt Disney Company. “Moments like the release of Toy Story 5 offer an opportunity to turn that connection into hope and joy for kids and their families when they need it most.”

It is clear that over 30 years after the original movie captured our hearts, the Toy Story franchise is still doing what it does best: teaching us the true meaning of friendship and being there for one another.

Reopening Date Announced for Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland

By

Sara

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June 20, 2026

Reopening Date Announced for Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland

Pirates of the Caribbean Reopening Date Revealed at Disneyland

Following a refurbishment closure that lasted just over a month, Pirates of the Caribbean is officially set to reopen its gates at Disneyland next week.

According to the official Disneyland website, Pirates of the Caribbean is scheduled to officially reopen to guests on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Both the classic boat ride and the adjoining Blue Bayou Restaurant have been closed for scheduled maintenance since early May. While the attraction remained completely dark during the closure, the Blue Bayou Restaurant managed to reopen earlier with a modified dining experience, and the exterior queue area for the ride received a fresh coat of paint.

If you’d like to plan your next visit to experience Pirates of the Caribbean, contact our partners at Get Away Today!

State Agreement Requires Disneyland to Retire Gas-Powered Autopia Cars by February 2027

By

Sara

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June 20, 2026

State Agreement Requires Disneyland to Retire Gas Powered Autopia Cars by February

Disneyland Faces February 2027 Deadline to Ditch Gas Engines on Autopia

Disneyland has been given a firm deadline to phase out the traditional gas-powered vehicles on Autopia, with a mandate requiring the classic Tomorrowland attraction to officially transition away from gasoline engines by February 1, 2027.

According to KTLA, an agreement with the California Air Resources Board mandates that Disneyland must retire its current fleet of gas-powered Autopia vehicles by February 1, 2027.

This deadline offers the most definitive timeline to date for the future of the classic Tomorrowland attraction, which Disneyland had previously confirmed will be converted to feature entirely electric vehicles.

Disneyland officials have already shared that the resort is actively designing, engineering, and testing a fully electric prototype for the ride. Although the attraction is slated to undergo a major update as part of this eco-friendly overhaul, Disneyland has not yet announced an official closing date for the conversion or a timeline for when the ride will reopen to guests.

The February 2027 deadline is the result of a 2024 settlement reached between Disneyland and the California Air Resources Board. Disneyland paid a $56,250 penalty following a disclosure that the Honda engines used for the attraction were running without certified emissions controls. Resort officials noted that the situation stemmed from an administrative oversight, which was subsequently corrected without causing any environmental impact.

Under the terms of the agreement, Disneyland committed to phasing out the existing gas-powered engines and transitioning the ride to electric vehicles. Autopia has utilized gasoline-powered cars since its debut on Disneyland’s opening day in 1955. As one of the park’s few remaining original opening-day experiences, the classic attraction allows guests to steer vehicles along a guided scenic roadway through Tomorrowland.

The transition to electric vehicles also aligns with the Disneyland Resort’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability. The resort has established a goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 and continues to invest in cleaner energy and eco-friendly initiatives throughout the entire property.

Ready to book your next visit to Disneyland? Contact our partners at Get Away Today!

Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground and Disney Developing Animated Fantasy Series

By

Sara

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June 20, 2026

Disney Partners with Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground for Upcoming Animated Fantasy Project

Disney and the Obamas’ Higher Ground Team Up for Animated Fantasy Show

An original animated fantasy series entitled Journey is in development from Higher Ground and Disney, slated to stream exclusively on Disney+. The creative production company behind the project, Higher Ground, was founded by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

The newly greenlit show will mark the first project for Higher Ground since it became an independent entity from Netflix. The series was created by Matt Munn, whose prior credits include Spies in Disguise, Ferdinand, and The Peanuts Movie. The narrative centers on a young heroine named Journey who is forced to venture outside the safety of her home after its protective energy shield fails.

Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, praised the project in a statement, describing Journey as an epic adventure anchored by a remarkable young heroine whose courage inspires those around her. Davis added that at its core, the series is a story about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of believing in something bigger than oneself—universal themes that have defined Disney stories for generations.

Munn will serve as an executive producer alongside Steve Loter, known for Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and Kim Possible. They are joined by Jessie Dicovitsky, who executive-produces on behalf of Higher Ground.

Dicovitsky, who serves as the Head of Television for Higher Ground, noted that by combining adventure, imagination, and music, Journey is a true original that takes bold swings. She expressed pride in partnering with Disney on the fantastical series, noting that it builds on Higher Ground’s history of delivering fun and meaningful stories for kids and families. The production company’s previous animation portfolio includes projects such as We the People and Ada Twist, Scientist.

What do you think about this new show?

Not to be Missed Toy Story 5 Food, Drinks and Novelties at Disney World & Disneyland

By

Sara

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June 20, 2026

The Ultimate Toy Story 5 Food, Drinks, and Novelties Coming to Disney Parks

Disney Parks are bringing the magic of the toy box to life with an exciting new lineup of Toy Story 5 themed food and beverage options at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Guests can look forward to a playful variety of character-inspired treats, colorful specialty drinks, and must-have collectible novelty items that celebrate Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang.

Saddle up for a salty snack with the all-new Bullseye Bucket, available starting June 18 at Disneyland Resort in Disney California Adventure park and coming soon to Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last). Modeled like everyone’s favorite loyal steed from Toy Story, this fun collectible is the perfect way to bring a little Wild West charm to your snack time.

Guests can enjoy a lineup of returning Toy Story-inspired treats at Disneyland Resort, including a Forky Cake Pop available at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff in Disney California Adventure, plus a Moonliner Macaron and The Green Drink at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland park. Plus, the Little Green Men Jetpack Sipper has touched down in both Tomorrowland in Disneyland park and Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. Talk about an out-of-this-world way to stay refreshed!

There’s even more to discover over at Walt Disney World. From the Yodel-ay-hee-hoo! Cheesecake at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs to the Lilypad Lunch Box Tart at Woody’s Lunch Box in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, themed treats are popping up across the resort.

Which item(s) do you want to try? If you’d like to book your next Disney vacation, contact our partners at Get Away Today!