First Look at The Wetlands at Disney Lakeshore Lodge, Opening Summer 2027
Disney has shared a first look at The Wetlands, the expansive outdoor recreation area coming to the new Disney Lakeshore Lodge when the resort opens at Walt Disney World in summer 2027. Nestled along the shores of Bay Lake, this nature-inspired oasis will blend relaxation, adventure, and Disney storytelling into one unforgettable resort experience.
Located just beyond the resort lobby, The Wetlands will offer guests multiple ways to enjoy the outdoors. Families with younger children will find plenty to explore in themed play areas inspired by Disney’s Pocahontas. Drawing inspiration from the iconic song “Colors of the Wind,” Heron Shores will feature imaginative climbing and play structures, while Otter Springs will provide interactive water play areas where kids can splash, slide, and cool off under the Florida sun.
One of the most exciting additions is Daydream River, a lazy river winding through the recreation area. Guests can float along at a leisurely pace while taking in scenic views of the surrounding wetlands and Bay Lake. The experience appears designed to encourage guests to slow down and embrace the natural beauty that serves as the heart of the resort’s theme.
At the center of The Wetlands will be Lakeside Lagoon, the resort’s zero-entry feature pool. The family-friendly pool will include a spiral waterslide and plenty of space for guests of all ages to enjoy a day in the water. Meanwhile, guests looking for a quieter escape can head to Perspective Pond, a leisure pool and whirlpool spa tucked away on the opposite side of the resort. Disney says this area will offer prime views of Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evening.
Beyond the pools and water attractions, The Wetlands will feature walking paths filled with educational details about local plants and wildlife. Disney is also teasing a special plaque honoring a beloved attraction that once occupied this location, sparking speculation among longtime Walt Disney World fans about possible references to River Country.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge will feature 967 guest rooms, including studios, suites, and new waterfront Lake Houses. The resort’s design will celebrate nature through the lens of Disney storytelling, drawing inspiration from films like Bambi, Pocahontas, and Brother Bear. Large windows, natural materials, and stunning Bay Lake views will help bring the outdoors inside throughout the property.
With a lazy river, multiple pools, interactive play areas, waterfront accommodations, and easy boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, Disney Lakeshore Lodge is shaping up to be one of Walt Disney World’s most unique resort destinations when it opens in summer 2027. And when you’re ready to plan your future stay at this beautiful new resort, be sure to contact our friends at Get Away Today for help creating the perfect Walt Disney World vacation.
Hollywood & Vine Fantasmic! Dining Package Gets Another Price Increase at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Catching Fantasmic! with a dining package at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to cost a little more. Disney has quietly increased the price of the Hollywood & Vine Fantasmic! Dining Package, making the popular way to secure reserved seating for the nighttime spectacular slightly more expensive for families.
The change affects the lunch and dinner dining package options at Hollywood & Vine. Adult pricing has increased from $81 to $82, while children’s pricing (ages 3-9) has jumped from $51 to $53. Breakfast package pricing remains unchanged. While the increase is modest, it marks another price adjustment for one of the most popular dining package offerings at Walt Disney World.
The Fantasmic! Dining Package combines a meal at a participating Hollywood Studios restaurant with access to a reserved seating section for Fantasmic!. Guests dining at Hollywood & Vine receive a buffet meal along with a voucher for reserved show seating. Other participating restaurants include 50’s Prime Time Café, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby.
Current Fantasmic! Dining Package pricing is: • 50’s Prime Time Café: Adults $60, Kids $23 • Hollywood & Vine Breakfast: Adults $67, Kids $42 • Hollywood & Vine Lunch & Dinner: Adults $82, Kids $53 • Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: Adults $59, Kids $23 • The Hollywood Brown Derby: Adults $83, Kids $31
The package remains a popular option for guests looking to avoid long standby lines for Fantasmic!, especially during busy seasons. Reserved seating is still first-come, first-served within the designated section, so arriving early is recommended for the best views.
If you’re planning a Hollywood Studios day centered around Fantasmic!, these dining packages can still offer a convenient way to combine dinner and entertainment, even if they’ll now take a few extra dollars out of your Disney dining budget. And when you’re ready to plan your next Walt Disney World vacation and lock in those hard-to-get dining reservations, be sure to contact our friends at Get Away Today for expert vacation planning assistance.
Mark your calendars for July 8! Disney Dreamlight Valley is celebrating 100 years of Winnie the Pooh with an all-new expansion: Honeyglow Woods. Cross through a magical new gateway to explore a stunning storybook biome filled with challenging puzzles, forgotten secrets, and a fair share of honey.
The Honeyglow Woods used to be the perfect spot for doing absolutely nothing… until the massive Everoak Tree at the heart of the forest suddenly locked tight.
To begin this whimsical journey, you must plant a special Tree Sprout and nurture it into a glowing gateway that can be placed anywhere in your Valley, Floating Islands, or Expansion areas—with the freedom to move or remove it whenever you like. Once you step through into the woods, you’ll quickly realize a strange mystery has taken hold… but thankfully, you’ll have plenty of friendly company along the way!
Soon you’ll reunite with Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore to return to the fun, carefree days of childhood!
First, you’ll meet the Pooh Bear himself: Winnie the Pooh! Spend some time playing hide-and-seek and watching the clouds go by, then uncover the magic of honey—magical honey that is! Oh, and well, it looks like Eeyore has lost his tail again. Help this delightfully gloomy donkey find a new tail until you can find the real one. Lastly, help the courageous Piglet face his fears, and reunite the trio!
Before you know it, you’ll be able to invite Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, and Piglet back to your Valley! They’ll of course arrive with their own homes, Friendship Quests and rewards… but first you’ll want to solve the mystery of the Honeyglow Woods.
A New Magical Land, with Magical Honey
This magical place, inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood, was where you would spend splendid lazy summers as a kid. It represents a new space to decorate and make your own with four special new areas to discover and progress through.
First is the Drowsybloom Acre, a sunny meadow perfect for napping and smelling flowers. Then there’s the Gloommeadow, a murky marsh full of ponds, puddles, and rivers. There’s also Braveheart Grove, a dense forested area where you (and Piglet) will face your fears. Finally, there’s the Nectar Apiary, a hidden glen filled with honeycombs where you’ll find the source of the troubles!
To get to the Honeyglow Woods, you’ll use the previously mentioned magical glowing tree. You’ll also have special new portals in the Honeyglow Woods that will take you right to Scrooge McDuck’s Store and Chez Remy’s restaurant.
Speaking of food, in the Honeyglow Woods, you’ll be able to use the honey from the bee boxes to unlock new honey-based recipes and furniture, like Warm Milk & Honey, Honeycrunch Bar, Pooh’s Birthday Cake, Honeypot Lamp, Cozy Honeyleaf Rug, and so much more!
But wait, that’s not the only way you’ll be able to use honey! This Adventure Pack also contains a brand-new gameplay mechanic: beekeeping! By placing flowers around a Busy Bees’ House, they’ll get pollinated, which will generate more honey in the houses. In addition to this, a fully pollinated Busy Bees’ House will double the growth of flowers in the same Biome up to their spawn limit. You’ll also be able to move these Busy Bees’ Houses to any of your other Biomes, including your base game Valley!
And of course, no new lands in Disney Dreamlight Valley would be complete without a new kind of critter… behold the absolutely adorable hedgehogs! These little cuties will come with their own Photo Mode poses and Friendship Levels to unlock!
The Honeyglow Woods Adventure Pack also introducesa new mini-game: Pooh Sticks! By interacting with a Honeyglow bridge in the Gloommeadow, you’ll be able to aim and drop a stick (and other items) to race them down the river. This is a new and unique way to interact and level up your Friendship Level with your Villagers and unlock exclusive rewards!
The Adventure Pack and Early Adopter Bonus
The Honeyglow Woods is the first ever Disney Dreamlight Valley Adventure Pack—an optional, paid new add-on to be experienced alongside the usual free content updates. Diving into this sort of adventure creates a unique experience inspired by one beloved universe with thematic landscapes to decorate, a brand-new story, and a cast of lovable Characters for those who wish to bring a little extra Disney magic to their Village. For more on this new type of experience, check the Adventure Pack FAQ: https://disneydreamlightvalley.com/news/faq_adventurepacks
For those of you already playing Disney Dreamlight Valley, you’ll be able to enjoy the Honeyglow Woods on all platforms or purchase this new adventure in the Premium Shop. What’s more, you’ll get 2,000 Moonstones to spend however you please!
If you’re brand-new to Disney Dreamlight Valley, you can get the Honeyglow Woods AND the base game with 10,000 Moonstones! (Psst, that’s a special currency you can spend on exclusive furniture and clothing in our Premium Shop.)
For anyone playing either the standalone Adventure Pack or the bundled edition with the base game before July 22, you’ll also receive an exclusive Rainy Day Winnie the Pooh Dream Style in your in-game mailbox with your purchase!
Disney Dreamlight Valley Apple Arcade Edition owners will have access to the contents of the Honeyglow Woods Adventure Pack on day one without the need for an additional purchase.
What’s Next?
Since it’s already halfway through the year, later this summer, you’ll meet a long-awaited Villager: Ralph, from Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph, who will finally be joining Vanellope in the Valley!
Ralph will arrive in the Valley with some help from the Forgotten. Get swept into video game nostalgia as you help Ralph run a Bad-Anon meeting, reconnect with Vanellope, and more! This update will also include a new Star Path, features, and quality-of-life improvements—more info coming soon!
Then later in the year, you can expect two more free base game updates, and a new Disney Dreamlight Valley Expansion.
Twitch Drops
Last but not least, this Summer Showcase also kicked off a new Twitch Drops activation!
From today, June 17, until June 24,you can watch partnered creators’ Disney Dreamlight Valley streams to unlock an Eeyore Ears Headband!
Minions Take Over Xfinity Stores Nationwide to Celebrate New Movie This Summer
Bello! The Minions are causing chaos far beyond the movie theater this summer. Comcast NBCUniversal has announced a new nationwide collaboration inspired by Illumination’s upcoming film, Minions & Monsters, which arrives in theaters on July 1. To celebrate the latest adventure in the wildly popular franchise, all 700 Xfinity retail stores across the country are getting a Minions-themed makeover packed with interactive experiences, exclusive collectibles, and special perks for Xfinity members.
From June 15 through July 5, guests visiting participating Xfinity stores can step into “A Portal into Mayhem,” an augmented reality experience that brings characters from Minions & Monsters into the real world. Fans can search stores for hidden Minions, cast spells, unlock movie clips, and interact with digital characters throughout the experience. Select locations will also feature larger-than-life Minions displays inspired by scenes from the film, creating fun photo opportunities for families and fans.
The promotion also includes exclusive merchandise and collectibles. While supplies last, guests can pick up limited-edition Minions pins and T-shirts, with additional exclusive items available for Xfinity Platinum and Diamond members. Xfinity members can also access movie-themed digital experience kits through the Xfinity app and enjoy special movie-going perks tied to the film’s release.
Beyond the in-store fun, Xfinity members can take advantage of several movie-related benefits. Eligible members can receive a $5 Fandango Movie Cash offer and purchase tickets for early-access screenings of Minions & Monsters through Fandango while supplies last. Diamond members can even enter for a chance to win VIP screening tickets in select cities including Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco. The promotion also highlights Xfinity’s Same-Day WiFi service, with the Minions helping demonstrate how customers can sign up, set up, and start streaming in just one day.
Whether you’re a longtime Minions fan or simply looking for some family-friendly fun before the movie’s release, this nationwide takeover brings a little bit of Illumination’s trademark mayhem directly to your local Xfinity store.
Planning your next theme park adventure? Our friends at Get Away Today can help you save on vacations to Universal Orlando Resort and other top destinations, making it easy to add a little more adventure to your family’s next getaway.
Il Mulino Reveals Upcoming Wine Dinner at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin
Food and wine lovers, rejoice! This summer, you can take your palate on an exquisite European journey without ever leaving Central Florida. Il Mulino New York Trattoria, located at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort, has officially announced an all-new Tour of Italy wine dinner series.
Running one night per month from June through September, this exclusive event invites guests to embark on a spectacular 6-course culinary journey through Italy. Each dinner will feature a one-night-only, chef-curated tasting menu perfectly paired alongside exceptional wines highlighting two different Italian regions per month.
Whether you are a fan of bold Tuscan reds or crisp Sicilian whites, each month brings a completely fresh menu and wine lineup to discover:
June 25 at 6 p.m. – Veneto & Tuscany
July 16 – Umbria & Abruzzo (Time TBC)
August 20 – Campania & Calabria (Time TBC)
September 24 – Sicily & Sardegna (Time TBC)
Event Details & Reservations
Where: Il Mulino New York Trattoria at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort (1200 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32830)
Cost: $175 per person
Because of the intimate nature of these chef-curated tasting experiences, space is highly limited and these events are expected to sell out quickly. If you want to secure your seat at the table for this ultimate summer dining experience, head over to OpenTable to book your reservations through Il Mulino today!
Which Italian region’s wine and cuisine are you most excited to try?
Disneyland Contract Talks Heat Up with Major Proposed Changes
Things are heating up at the bargaining table for Disneyland Cast Members. In the latest round of contract negotiations, major changes have been proposed that could significantly impact the hard-earned benefits of the resort’s dedicated workforce.
According to updates from the negotiations, a series of substantial cuts across the board are currently on the line. The proposed rollbacks target foundational employment benefits that Disneyland members rely on daily, creating a tense atmosphere at the bargaining table.
The proposed changes represent a significant shift from existing contract agreements, threatening several key areas of employee compensation and well-being:
401(k) Reductions: Negotiations include a proposed reduction in company 401(k) matching contributions, directly impacting long-term retirement savings.
Holiday Pay Cuts: Full-Time holiday benefits face potential reductions.
Elimination of PTO: The proposals call for the elimination of Paid Time Off (PTO), stripping away vital flexibility for personal time and wellness.
Loss of Paid Parental Leave: Paid parental leave is also on the chopping block, removing essential financial support for Cast Members growing their families.
Disneyland Cast Members are the heart and soul of the Happiest Place on Earth, bringing magic to millions of guests every single day. Representatives advocating for the workers emphasize that members deserve a contract that genuinely values their tireless work and dedication, rather than one that strips away their livelihoods and hard-earned security.
As negotiations continue to unfold, the workforce remains united in fighting for a fair contract that protects their existing benefits and respects their contributions to the resort’s ongoing success.
What are your thoughts on these unfolding negotiations?
Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle Spotted in Surprise ‘Toy Story 5’ Cameo
In an exciting new clip from Pixar’s Toy Story 5, which officially hit theaters today, Friday, June 19, Disneyland’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle makes a surprise, brief cameo on the big screen.
In the featured clip, the toys successfully track down Snappy, prompting Jessie to agree to turn the toy camera back on. Once a fresh set of batteries is inserted, Snappy begins projecting a slideshow of nostalgic photos from the past, culminating in a special snapshot from Disneyland flashing across the screen.
Watch the clip below:
The latest installment in the Toy Story franchise brings a whole new challenge for Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang as they go head-to-head with a modern-day rival: electronics, the ultimate distraction that kids are obsessed with today.
Fans will be thrilled to hear that Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack are all returning to voice their iconic roles as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. Joining the beloved playtime crew are some exciting new characters, including Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee, and Smarty Pants, voiced by Conan O’Brien.
The cast also features some notable updates and fresh faces:
Following the passing of Carl Weathers, Ernie Hudson is stepping into the role of Combat Carl.
Blake Clark is expected to once again voice Slinky Dog, continuing the role he originally took over after Jim Varney passed away in 2000.
Alan Cumming joins the playroom as the voice of Evil Bullseye.
Music superstar Bad Bunny will be lending his voice to a new toy named Pizza with Sunglasses.
In a touching twist for long-time fans, Jessie’s original owner, Emily, is officially set to make an appearance in the film.
Will you be heading to the theater to see the new movie?
Lips of The Electric Mayhem Guests on ‘Imagineer That’
In the latest episode of Imagineer That!, Tom Morrow 2.0 welcomes a very special guest—Lips from Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem! Together, the duo dives into the fascinating world of physics to discover exactly how objects manage to stay safely inside a roller coaster even when it goes completely upside down.
While visiting Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tom Morrow 2.0 poses the age-old question: “How do objects stay in a roller coaster as it goes upside down?” While Lips from The Muppets attempts to chime in with his own explanation, Tom Morrow 2.0 gets the definitive, scientific breakdown from Sarah, a Senior Ride Development Engineer for Disney Imagineering. Keep your eyes peeled at the very end of the video, too, as Joe from Legal makes a hilarious surprise appearance.
Past episodes of Imagineer That! dive into the complex orchestration behind Disney’s breathtaking audiovisual spectaculars, the meticulous upkeep needed to keep advanced Audio-Animatronics show-ready, and the clever design secrets Imagineers use to keep the lions and rhinos safely separated at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Fans can stream the entire Imagineer That! series on both Disney+ and YouTube.
See the full episode below:
Contact our partners at Get Away Today to plan your next visit to Hollywood Studios!
Central Florida Zoo Announces Passing of Rescued Sloth Willow
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has shared the heartbreaking news that Willow, one of the rescued sloths brought to the Zoo from Sloth World in April, has passed away.
According to Zoo officials, Willow’s health declined over the past several days despite intensive veterinary treatment and around-the-clock supportive care. After carefully monitoring her condition, veterinarians made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent further suffering.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Willow,” said Central Florida Zoo CEO Richard Glover. “Our animal care teams devoted countless hours to providing compassionate care. While this outcome is heartbreaking, we take comfort in knowing Willow received the highest level of care and support from a team that was fully committed to her well-being.”
Willow was one of 13 sloths transferred to the Central Florida Zoo on April 24 following the closure of Sloth World. Since their arrival, Zoo veterinarians, animal care teams, and sloth experts from across the country have worked tirelessly to provide specialized treatment and rehabilitation for the rescued animals. Willow’s passing marks another difficult loss in the Zoo’s ongoing effort to care for the group.
The Zoo confirmed that eight rescued sloths remain in their care: Chewy, Dolce, Phantom, Blackberry, Hazel, Leeloo, Mojo Jojo, and Pearl. All continue to remain in quarantine, where they are receiving close monitoring, veterinary care, and any treatments needed as their recovery continues. Zoo officials say maintaining a low-stress environment remains critical to supporting the surviving sloths during this challenging process.
Our thoughts are with the dedicated animal care team at the Central Florida Zoo as they continue their mission to provide the best possible care for these rescued sloths.
The Grinch Is Coming Back! Jim Carrey and Ron Howard Reportedly Returning for Sequel
The holiday season may be getting a little greener. According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment are developing a sequel to the beloved 2000 live-action hit How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with Jim Carrey in talks to return as the iconic Christmas-hating Grinch and Ron Howard expected to return to the director’s chair.
The original film became a holiday phenomenon when it debuted in November 2000, earning $260 million domestically and $345 million worldwide. It also won an Academy Award for Best Makeup, thanks to the incredible transformation that turned Carrey into the grumpy resident of Mount Crumpit. More than 25 years later, the film remains a holiday favorite and continues to rank among the most-watched Christmas movies on streaming platforms each year.
The reported sequel is being written by Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel, a trio known for acclaimed comedy projects including Barry, Veep, Silicon Valley, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The writers also previously worked together on the 2003 live-action adaptation of The Cat in the Hat. While plot details remain tightly wrapped like a Christmas present under the Whoville tree, the return of both Carrey and Howard would undoubtedly excite longtime fans of the original film.
The 2000 adaptation brought Dr. Seuss’ classic story to life with elaborate sets, memorable performances, and plenty of holiday heart. Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch has become one of the most recognizable versions of the character, helping the film maintain its popularity generation after generation. If the project moves forward, it would mark Carrey’s return to one of his most beloved roles and give fans a chance to revisit Whoville in an all-new adventure.
As development continues, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more details. Until then, it sounds like Christmas may be arriving a little early for Grinch fans everywhere.
If you’re dreaming of your own holiday adventure to meet the Grinch in person, our friends at Get Away Today can help you plan the perfect getaway to Universal Orlando Resort!
Stranger Things 5 Merchandise Creeps Into Halloween Horror Nights Ahead of This Fall’s Haunted House
The Upside Down is already starting to spill into Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Following today’s announcement that Stranger Things 5 will inspire all-new haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights 2026, Universal has also unveiled a limited-release merchandise collection that gives fans their first chance to bring a piece of the final season home.
The new collection includes a retro-inspired Stranger Things T-shirt and matching mug that blend the show’s iconic 1980s aesthetic with Halloween Horror Nights flair. The artwork features a menacing silhouette looming over Universal Studios alongside the familiar Stranger Things logo, while the back of the design carries the HHN slogan “Never Go Alone,” making it a perfect addition to any horror fan’s collection.
Perhaps the standout item is the new Stranger Things acrylic figure set, which includes terrifying creatures from the series including a Demogorgon, a Demodog, and Vecna. The collectible figures are designed to fit into Universal’s separately sold Infernal Carnival display system. Universal says additional acrylic collectibles representing other haunted houses from this year’s event lineup will be released later, allowing fans to build one large Halloween Horror Nights display throughout the season.
The new merchandise is available now at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Fans who can’t make it to the parks can also shop the collection online beginning June 18 at 9 a.m. PST through Universal’s online store. With Stranger Things returning to Halloween Horror Nights for its fifth and final season, this is likely just the first wave of merchandise creeping out of the Upside Down before the event begins later this summer.
If you’re planning a trip to brave the Upside Down at Halloween Horror Nights this fall, our friends at Get Away Today can help you score great deals on Universal Orlando vacations, hotel stays, and theme park tickets.
Disney Extends Park Hours Ahead of Fourth of July Crowds at Walt Disney World
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation around Independence Day, you’ll have even more time to enjoy the parks. Disney has quietly extended operating hours at several parks for the week leading up to July 4, giving guests extra opportunities to experience attractions, nighttime entertainment, and holiday festivities.
The biggest update comes to Magic Kingdom, where hours have been extended on multiple days. June 30 and July 2 will now run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., while July 3 will open an hour earlier at 8 a.m. and remain open until 11 p.m. On July 4 itself, Magic Kingdom will welcome guests from 8 a.m. all the way until midnight, adding two extra hours compared to the previously published schedule.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also getting a little extra time, with both June 29 and June 30 now scheduled to remain open until 10 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will stay open until 7 p.m. on June 30, extending its original closing time by one hour. EPCOT’s hours remain unchanged through the holiday period, with the park scheduled to close at 9 p.m. on July 4 despite offering special patriotic fireworks presentations during the holiday weekend. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are currently scheduled to operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the week.
These kinds of park hour extensions are common as Disney gets a better picture of expected attendance levels. If you’re visiting during the busy holiday week, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app for the latest schedule updates. More park time means more rides, more snacks, and more chances to catch those spectacular nighttime fireworks lighting up the skies over Walt Disney World.
If you’re thinking about spending the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World, our friends at Get Away Today can help you plan the perfect red, white, and blue Disney vacation with great deals on tickets, hotels, and vacation packages.
