Festive Mickey’s Pumpkin Patch Photo Op at Disney Springs
Say cheese! A new Mickey’s Pumpkin Patch photo opportunity has popped up in Disney Springs, offering a charming autumnal backdrop for your family portraits.
This adorable photo op can be found by the Co-Op. The backdrop looks like the side of a red barn and features the words “Mickey’s Pumpkin Patch”. Hay bales line the floor against the backdrop and a wooden barrel featuring the pumpkin patch logo is nearby. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes decorate the hay bales and trees with autumn colored leaves decorate the background.
Photo Credit: Mary M
To one side, the hay bales are stacked and decorated with pumpkins and flowers. Behind the stack of hay bales is a wooden sign with arrows pointing different directions. They say “Pumpkin Patch”, “Haunted Hay Ride”, “Caramel Apples”, and “Hot Apple Cider”.
Gideon’s tribute to the popular candy from 1918, the Sea Turtle Cookie nurtures you with premium Chocolate, Homemade Caramel that often busts out the sides, and whole Candied Pecans sprinkled with their signature Sea Salt. This masterpiece perfectly combines Sweet, Salty, Gooey, and Crunchy. This cookie is available every day this month and is limited to 2 per person.
Available every Wednesday and Saturday this month, the Sea Turtle Cake Slice will delight you with three layers of our soft Chocolate Cake completely covered in a wonderful Butter Pecan Buttercream. Lace that with Caramel and top it with Candied Pecans, and you’ve got a Cake Slice to remember!
Louisa is the second born daughter of Mirabel’s parents. Her magical gift is super-strength. Guests at Disneyland can meet her starting today, September 1.
Isabela is Mirabel’s oldest sister. Her magical gift is the ability to make flowers grow. She will be at Disneyland starting September 3.
Both sisters will be at El Zocalo Park at Disneyland Park for a limited time.
During a recent visit to Disney Springs, the Chip and Co team checked in on the progress on the construction of Paddy’s Pub, coming soon to Raglan Road. While the walls are still up, we can tell that construction is progressing!
Paddy’s Pub was announced back in June, with construction commencing soon after. Paddy’s Pub will be permanent outdoor bar when completed and will be located in front of the Shop for Ireland gift shop.
The new bar replaces the mobile bar that was located in the same spot and will feature six to eight seats with a limited drinks menu, including Irish draft beers, locally commissioned craft beers, and Irish cocktails. Named after the poet Patrick Kavanagh, Paddy’s Bar will serve only beverages, with food available at Raglan Road or Cookes of Dublin.
EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall finally opened on June 10, 2024 as the final piece of a multi-year transformation of EPCOT that touched nearly every corner of the park. As an area that is intended to serve as a central hub for EPCOT festivals, the opening of the International Food & Wine Festival has finally provided a first look on how the space will be used by Disney.
Guests visiting EPCOT for the Food & Wine Festival will find and array of merchandise kiosks set up inside the hall. The kiosks are stocked with festival-specific merchandise, including apparal, bags, and accessories.
The Macatizers Food Both can also be found inside CommuniCore hall, making this a great spot to snack on some festival-exclusive items while enjoying a respite from the Florida heat.
Related: Espresso Yourself with Epcot’s Tiramisu Funnel Cake
It is great to see CommuniCore Hall being used as a festival hub for the Food and Wine festival. We are excited to see how the space continues to grow and evolve in the years to come!
Universal Orlando has unveiled the first look at “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry,” an exciting new attraction set to debut at Epic Universe in 2025. This thrilling reveal, released on September 1st during the annual Back to Hogwarts celebrations, offers fans a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be one of the most immersive experiences in the Wizarding World to date.
Accompanied by the caption, “Enter a new era of the wizarding world,” the announcement video teases the rich detail and epic scale that guests can expect from this latest addition to the Harry Potter universe. The attraction takes fans deeper into the British Ministry of Magic than ever before, where they’ll encounter familiar and new characters, explore iconic locations, and embark on a spellbinding adventure.
Guests will enter through the Floo Passage and find themselves in the awe-inspiring atrium of the Ministry. Here, the Fountain of Magical Brethren stands restored, flying memos swirl through the air, and the enchanted weather ceiling looms above, creating a scene straight out of the films.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the atrium. Fans will be thrilled to know that the attraction includes scenes both from the beloved Harry Potter films and never-before-seen moments. The ride features everything from the Hall of Ministers, where past Ministers of Magic from various eras interact, to the Aurors’ headquarters, where Harry, Ron, and Neville are training to become Aurors. The attraction even takes guests inside the infamous pink and gold office of Dolores Umbridge, as she prepares for her trial.
One of the most exciting elements of the ride is the return of Dame Imelda Staunton, who reprises her role as Dolores Umbridge. Her performance, described as taking Umbridge “to the extreme,” is sure to be a highlight for fans. Additionally, guests will encounter other key characters from the Wizarding World, including Yaxley, Macnair, the Carrows, and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
As the adventure unfolds, guests will board enchanted lifts that whisk them through the various departments of the Ministry, including the Ministry Archives and the Department of Magical Creatures. The ride promises a thrilling experience, complete with encounters with Death Eaters, magical creatures, and plenty of surprises that have yet to be revealed.
With its unprecedented scale, intricate detail, and a cast of beloved characters brought to life, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” is poised to become a must-visit attraction for fans of all ages. Universal Orlando has once again teamed up with Warner Bros. to create a magical experience that not only stays true to the Wizarding World but also pushes the boundaries of theme park storytelling.
Related: Universal Orlando Shares First Look at Stardust Racers Coaster Coming to Epic Universe
Mark your calendars, as Epic Universe is set to open in 2025, and “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” will undoubtedly be one of its crown jewels.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ Premieres October 29
Get ready to wave your wands again! Disney Channel’s beloved series, Wizards of Waverly Place, is making a magical comeback with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. The highly anticipated continuation will premiere on Tuesday, October 29, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.
Selena Gomez, who originated the role of Alex Russo, will make a guest appearance in the first episode. Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas are serving as writers and executive producers, along with Gary Marsh, Jonas Agin, Gomez, and Henrie. Andy Fickman directed and executive-produced the pilot and will be directing multiple episodes.
The series is set to premiere on Disney Channel, with the first eight episodes also available on Disney+ and Disney Channel On Demand on Wednesday, October 30. Following the premiere, two new episodes, including a Halloween-themed episode, will air on Wednesday, October 30. Beginning November 8, episode premieres will move to Fridays at 8:00 p.m. EDT, with two episodes weekly.
Are you excited to see the Russo family back in action? Let us know in the comments below!
Coco Jones Reimagines ‘Almost There’ in New Music Video for Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’
To commemorate World Princess Week, Disney has teamed up with Grammy-winning singer Coco Jones to create a fresh take on the iconic “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog. The classic 2009 film, celebrating its 15th anniversary, follows Princess Tiana’s inspiring quest to open her own restaurant. This new rendition of “Almost There” captures Tiana’s unwavering spirit and encourages audiences to pursue their own dreams with passion and determination.
“I was so excited to get involved with the Disney Princess ‘Create Your World’ campaign because I feel like princesses have always been such an inspiration to me and my little sister as we grew up,” said Jones. “I love the representation that Tiana has on the world and on young Black girls and it’s really exciting for me to be a part of continuing to make these classic, beautiful songs with beautiful messaging more modern and see what new generation they inspire.”
“Create Your World” is a multi-faceted campaign to inspire girls today and give them the opportunity and tools to use their imaginations, try new things, and believe in themselves with the fun and magic that Disney Princesses bring to every part of life. This modern take on a classic anthem showcases how, even today, beloved songs and stories from Disney Princesses continue to inspire fans, including musical artists like Coco Jones.
Coco Jones performed her rendition of “Almost There” for the first time earlier this month during Disney Princess – The Concert at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa®. Her performance was met with roaring applause from Disney fans eager to hear the beloved classic. Now, fans of all ages can enjoy the reimagined version of “Almost There” across all music streaming platforms (including Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more) along with a newly released music video available on Disney Music Vevo.
Coco Jones’ version of “Almost There” is a part of an ongoing collaboration with musical artists in a variety of genres to reimagine timeless Disney Princess songs throughout the “Create Your World” campaign. Stay tuned for more announcements regarding featured songs and artists.
The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party will make a limited return to Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure Park this year. This festive celebration, known as the “ultimate fiesta for Navidad,” will kick off on November 16, 2024, and conclude on January 5, 2025. To accommodate the limited engagement, performances will be scheduled on the following 16 dates:
November 16
November 17
November 23
November 24
November 30
December 1
December 7
December 8
December 14
December 15
December 21
December 22
December 28
December 29
January 4
January 5
Despite the reduced frequency to Saturdays and Sundays this holiday season, the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party will still be hosted by the beloved Three Caballeros and feature appearances from Mickey and Minnie. Additionally, the trio will once again don their updated outfits, a delightful treat for guests who enjoyed last year’s festive attire.
Budget cuts have led to the closure of several live entertainment options at Disneyland Resort in 2024, including Club Pixar and ‘Dr. Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts.
Ready to embark on a magical Disneyland adventure? Let me be your personal travel guide. I’ll tailor your trip to your specific interests and preferences, ensuring you make the most of your time in the Happiest Place on Earth.
Disneyland Spending $600,000 to Replace Jungle Cruise Animatronic Tiger Scene
The Jungle Cruise at Disneyland will undergo a seasonal refurbishment from September 16th to October 3rd. During this time, the iconic crumbling ruins surrounding an animatronic tiger will be updated. This particular tiger had gained a bit of notoriety for its comedic predicament after becoming lodged in a wooden box, adding a touch of unexpected humor to the ride.
Photo of Tiger scene before walls were put up around the area
Disneyland has taken steps to modernize the Jungle Cruise attraction by submitting building permits valued at $600,000 to the city of Anaheim. These permits, filed in August, outline plans to replace the audio-animatronic tiger structure with new electrical components, footings, a steel frame, and cement plaster rockwork. This significant investment demonstrates Disney’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience on this beloved classic ride.
The Jungle Cruise faced an unexpected closure in November when the infrastructure surrounding the audio-animatronic tiger, located opposite the Indiana Jones Adventure temple entrance, collapsed. To conceal the damage and ensure safety, the tiger scene was temporarily hidden behind green screens. A wooden fence was then erected to shield the animatronic animal while necessary repairs were carried out. This temporary structure obscured a rock shrine arch that frames the tiger, though the quartet of animatronic crocodiles remained visible below.
Walt Disney Imagineering took creative measures to disguise the peculiar sight of the “tiger in a box” by transforming the scene into an archaeological dig site. A prominent “Restricted Access” notice was added, cautioning visitors against removing any items without written consent from the “Board of Regents of the Archaeological Department.” This clever approach added a touch of intrigue and humor to the attraction.
Jungle Cruise skippers, known for their comedic abilities, often incorporated the boxed tiger into their repertoire of witty banter and bad jokes. The unusual situation provided a ripe opportunity for these talented performers to entertain guests with their humorous commentary.
Are you looking forward to seeing the tiger return to its original glory?
Mac and Cheese Showdown at New Macatizers Booth in Communicore Hall
The 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is in full swing, and we’re here to indulge in one of its newest culinary delights. If you love Mac and Cheese, you’ll want to check out the new Macatizers booth! The Macatizers booth is brand new this year and we tried some of the options available.
We sampled three delectable mac and cheese dishes at Macatizers: the classic Traditional Macaroni & Cheese with herbed panko, the savory Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese with shaved beef, peppers, onions, and bread crumbs, and the hearty Impossible Chili Mac & Cheese with sour cream and cheddar. Each one was a flavor explosion, but the Impossible Chili Mac & Cheese stole the show. It was a perfect blend of creamy mac and cheese and spicy chili, making it our favorite of the day.
The Halloween Horror Nights 33 Tribute Store Is A Haunting Experience You Can’t Miss
The Halloween Horror Nights 33 Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida has just opened, perfectly timed with the kickoff of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights season. Once again, you’ll find the store in the New York section of the park, right next to Revenge of the Mummy. This year’s theme takes fans to a creepy dystopian city overrun by an ancient evil, which seems to have arrived via a mysterious shipment.
From the outside, the Tribute Store appears as a graffitied shipping container flanked by scaffolding, giving off an eerie vibe right from the start. Once you step inside, you’re transported into a series of haunted urban environments. As you explore the winding hallways within the store, you will encounter scenes like an abandoned warehouse and a creepy subway station. At the end of the store, you will come face to face with the ‘Bat’ you have been warned about throughout the store. The theming is so immersive this year that it almost feels like stepping into an 11th haunted house!
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the fan-favorite Tribute Store at Halloween Horror Nights, and it’s packed with all the must-have merchandise from this year’s event as well as an impressive array of event-themed treats. Whether you’re looking for exclusive shirts, collectibles, or other Halloween Horror Nights memorabilia, the Tribute Store has you covered.
Universal gave us our first glimpse of the store through an incredibly well-done teaser video that set the stage for the creepy narrative. The video begins with the discovery of a mysterious shipment—no return address, no information, just something sinister hidden within. As the story unfolds, viewers are led through deserted urban environments, with eerie whispers and unsettling events hinting at the ancient evil now lurking within the city. The video ends with the chilling realization that whatever this evil is, it’s here, and it’s drawn to something deep within the store.
For those who can’t make it to Halloween Horror Nights this year, fear not—many of the items from the Tribute Store are available online through the Shop Universal website. And for a full walkthrough of the store, we’ve got you covered with an in-depth look at all the spooky details.
Have you had a chance to explore the new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store? Leave us a comment to let us know what you think!
