First Look at the runDisney 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Medals
Get ready to relive the golden age of sports with a magical Disney twist! The runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is back at Walt Disney World Resort from January 8-12, 2025. Join Mickey and friends as we celebrate decades of running dreams come true. This year’s event is extra special as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge with a nostalgic celebration of all things Disney.
Starting off the race weekend on the right paw is the Walt Disney World 5K. Channel your inner Pluto and race 3.1 miles like a dog with a bone, earning yourself a paw-sitively exciting finisher medal.
Walt Disney World 10K
Say chip, chip, hooray for the Walt Disney World 10K! Get into 6.2 miles of fun with a pair of beloved chipmunks, Chip ‘n Dale, as you earn this finisher medal.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
Birds of a feather… run together! Join our fine feathered friends, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, on a 13.1-mile course during the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and fly to the finish line to earn this finisher medal.
Walt Disney World Marathon
It’s a running celebration through all four Disney Parks with hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse during the Walt Disney World Marathon. Round out your magical miles-filled weekend with a 26.2-mile course to earn this finisher medal.
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge
Gawrsh, the fun doesn’t have to end at one finish line. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge by finishing two races complete with a 39.3-mile adventure and earn this finisher medal.
Dopey Challenge
More miles, more medals! Runners who make their way through all four races, and 48.6 miles, can join Dopey and earn some serious bling during the Dopey Challenge.
Will you be participating in the runDisney 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?
Stitch Up Some Spooky Style with the New Stitch Halloween Glow-in-the-Dark Loungefly Hoodie!
Get ready to unleash your inner ghoul with the new Stitch Halloween Glow-in-the-Dark Loungefly Hoodie! This must-have piece is the perfect blend of cute and creepy, making it a standout addition to any Halloween wardrobe.
Priced at $70, this cozy and stylish sweatshirt is available now at the Disney Store online. Hurry, though, this limited-edition piece is sure to fly off the shelves faster than Stitch can cause mischief!
For those who thought Stitch couldn’t get any cuter, think again. This heavyweight pullover sweatshirt features the lovable alien transformed into a glowing ghost. Surrounded by a starry sky, Stitch’s mischievous grin is sure to bring a smile to your face, even on the spookiest of nights.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The hoodie’s glow-in-the-dark ghouls and stars will make you the envy of every Halloween party. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or attending a costume party, this hoodie is guaranteed to turn heads.
Sparkle and Shine: New Glitter MagicBands Cast a Spell at Epcot!
Epcot is dazzling guests with its latest magical merchandise: the new Pink and Silver Glitter MagicBands! These enchanting accessories are now available at the Creations Shop and are sure to add a touch of pixie dust to any Disney World vacation.
Priced between $34.99 and $54.99, depending on the design, these MagicBands are a must-have for any Disney fan. The first design features a captivating blush pink glitter color, complemented by a solid blush pink tap icon and a subtle Mickey Mouse silhouette in a slightly darker shade. For those who prefer a cooler tone, the silver glitter version offers a shimmering and sophisticated look with the same elegant design.
These glittery wonders not only look stunning but also serve as your key to unlocking the magic of Walt Disney World. Use them to enter your resort, access theme parks, link your Disney PhotoPass account, and even make purchases with ease.
So, the next time you’re exploring the wonders of Epcot, be sure to stop by the Creations Shop and add a touch of sparkle to your Disney experience with one of these magical MagicBands.
New Mickey Mouse Topolino Plush is the Perfect Souvenir!
Disney fans, get ready to add a touch of Italian charm to your collection! Epcot’s Italy Pavilion has unveiled an adorable new Mickey Mouse plush that’s capturing hearts (and shopping carts) left and right.
At a price of $34.99, the Mickey Mouse Topolino plush is a reasonable investment in pure Disney magic. So, next time you’re strolling through the Italy Pavilion, be sure to stop by and bring home this lovable plush.
This charming plush features Mickey in classic Italian attire: a dapper blue shirt, vibrant red pants, and a stylish maroon ribbon accentuating his waist. To top it off, Mickey sports a tan hat with his iconic ears peeking through and a playful red ribbon wrapped around the brim. It’s a look that perfectly blends Mickey’s timeless appeal with Italian flair.
This cuddly companion is the ideal souvenir to commemorate your Epcot adventure. Buon divertimento!
First Look at 2024 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Merchandise!
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is not only a culinary adventure but also a shopper’s paradise! This year’s Food and Wine Festival merchandise is packed with fun and functional items that will transport you back to the festival every time you use them.
For those who prefer to carry the magic with them, the Loungefly backpack featuring Chef Figment is a dream come true. This stylish bag is perfect for carrying all your festival essentials while showcasing your love for Disney and food. You can also quench your thirst in style with the new Corkcicle water bottle featuring the festival logo and iconic Epcot pavilion graphics. It’s the perfect companion for your festival adventures and beyond.
For the home chef, there’s plenty to love. A must-have is the adorable Chef Mickey and festival logo kitchen glove and spatula set, perfect for whipping up your favorite festival-inspired dishes. Measuring cups in a rainbow of colors featuring the festival logo will add a touch of magic to your baking endeavors.
Elevate your entertaining game with a wooden tray showcasing the iconic “Only Eat The Goof Stuff” quote and a hanging Remy. It’s a conversation starter and a functional piece all in one. And let’s not forget the charming Remy kitchen timer and decorative statue, a delightful addition to any kitchen.
For wine lovers, a sleek tray with a wine glass featuring the Food and Wine Festival logo is a must-have. And let’s not forget the iconic Disney Parks trash cans, now available as adorable salt and pepper shakers!
Stay tuned for more details and official release dates for these exciting new merchandise items. We can’t wait to see what other surprises the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has in store!
Disney Eats Pineapple Swirl Ear Headband: A Tropical Treat for Your Head
Disney Parks has done it again! The new Pineapple Swirl Ear Headband has arrived to the Magic Kingdom, inspired by the iconic Adventureland frozen treat, this headband is a delicious addition to your Disney style.
You can snag this tropical treasure at The Emporium or online at the Disney Store for $39.99. Hurry, though, this limited-edition headband is sure to sell out fast!
This headband is a true feast for the eyes. Each ear is designed to look like a juicy slice of pineapple, complete with realistic details. The centerpiece is a green sequin bow with an adorable pineapple swirl charm, adding a touch of playful whimsy.
As part of the beloved Disney Eats collection, this headband perfectly captures the magic and fun of indulging in your favorite park treats. It’s the perfect accessory to complete your Disney outfit and spark conversations with fellow fans.
So, whether you’re planning a Disney vacation or simply dreaming of your next adventure, this Pineapple Swirl Ear Headband is the perfect way to bring a touch of the parks into your everyday life.
Goofy’s Kitchen is increasing its prices starting August 23rd. Adult breakfast will jump from $55 to $65 per person, while lunch and dinner go from $64 to $75. Kids aged 3-9 will see breakfast rise from $33 to $36, and lunch/dinner from $36 to $39.
Adults can expect to pay 18.18% more for breakfast and 17.19% more for lunch and dinner. Children’s meals will increase by 9.09% for breakfast and 8.33% for lunch and dinner.
The price hikes coincide with Goofy’s Kitchen’s Halloween festivities, kicking off on August 23rd and running through October 31st. Expect Goofy and friends in costume, special Halloween menu items, and a complimentary Halloween button for all guests.
Will you be celebrating Halloween at the Disneyland Resort?
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Universal Has Provided A Sneek Peek Of This Years Ultimate Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise!
As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, the spooky season is creeping up on us—and that means Halloween Horror Nights is back with a vengeance at Universal Studios! Whether you’re ready to face your fears at the parks or want to bring the terror home, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights collection is bigger and better than ever. From coast to coast and around the globe, Universal Studios is serving up a killer selection of merchandise that’s perfect for every horror fan.
Starting this month at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, and next month at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore, guests will discover an epic lineup of all-new merchandise showcasing “where horror lives.” We’re talking about the largest assortment yet—think apparel, souvenirs, homeware, collectibles, and accessories that scream Halloween Horror Nights. And the best part? You can even snag some of these frightful finds at retailers like Amazon and Hot Topic.
“Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate destination for thrills and chills, and we’re providing fans the opportunity to express their affinity or bring some of their favorite frights home with them,” said Vince Klaseus, President of Universal Products & Experiences. So, whether you’re haunting the parks or cozying up at home, there’s a terrifying treat waiting for you.
Frightful Finds at Universal Orlando Resort & Universal Studios Hollywood
This year, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are taking Halloween Horror Nights to the next level with a variety of merchandise collections featuring fan-favorite fiends and the most-anticipated haunted houses. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:
Lil’ Boo is back, and this adorable yet creepy baby pumpkin is ready to steal your heart—and your soul—with an all-new collection. From popcorn buckets to shoulder plushies, backpacks, headwear, and more, Lil’ Boo is your must-have spooky sidekick.
Get ready to glow in the dark with the all-new Halloween Horror Nights collection, featuring bright neon colors and skull designs. Whether it’s a sickening house tee, a pierced, reversible bucket hat, or a bat-eared beanie, you’ll stand out in the eerie glow of Halloween night.
Chucky fans, rejoice! Everyone’s favorite killer doll is back with an updated popcorn bucket, complete with new phrases and a stitched-up look straight out of Bride of Chucky.
Ghostbusters fans, you’re in for a treat—two new collections are here, showcasing vintage artwork from the classic film and chilling new designs inspired by Sony Pictures’ latest installment, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
The Universal Monsters are returning with a twist in the Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines collection, featuring everything from tees to wine glasses dripping with gothic flair.
And don’t forget spine-tingling products inspired by iconic films like M3GAN, The Black Phone, The Purge, A Quiet Place, Insidious: The Further, and more!
Starting August 26, Universal Studios Hollywood will also debut exclusive products inspired by The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy and a Dia de Los Muertos-inspired collection, available at various locations throughout the park and CityWalk.
Meanwhile, at Universal Orlando Resort, guests can step into a dystopian nightmare at this year’s all-new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, opening August 28. Venture through haunted urban locales, from abandoned warehouses to creepy subway stations, all while shopping for the latest and greatest Halloween Horror Nights gear and treats.
Spooky Delights Beyond the States
The scares don’t stop at the U.S. borders—Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore are bringing their own terrifying twists to Halloween Horror Nights. From Sept. 6 to Nov. 4, Universal Studios Japan will feature an exclusive collection inspired by Hami-Kuma, the grotesque but cute ruler of Halloween Horror Nights, alongside a first-ever collaboration with Chainsaw Man. Get ready to face off against demons with new merchandise that’s sure to give you goosebumps.
And over in Singapore, Southeast Asia’s biggest Halloween event returns with blood-curdling accessories and drinkware featuring the iconic Halloween Horror Nights logo. Plus, fans can grab the infamous Chucky popcorn bucket, fresh from the U.S., to make their nightmare complete. Halloween Horror Nights 12 will span 18 event nights from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2, so get ready for a fright fest like no other.
If you’re too scared to take on the terror in real life, or simply can’t make it to the parks, don’t worry! Select Halloween Horror Nights merchandise is available now on shop.UniversalOrlando.com, with more coming soon. You can also find some of these spooky goodies on Amazon, including exclusive art from Monstrous 2: The Nightmares of Latin America and Luchadores Monstruosos at Universal Studios Hollywood.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking to add a little spooky flair to your life, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights merchandise collection has something for everyone. Get ready to unleash the horror and make this Halloween one to remember!
The planters concealing the Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs stand at Disney’s Boardwalk have been removed, finally offering a clear view of the reimagined location. This marks the second time we’ve had an unobstructed look at the former BoardWalk To Go. Construction walls came down in June, but planters were subsequently added while interior and exterior work continued.
The building’s exterior remains largely unchanged since our last visit. The most noticeable alterations are the addition of a fire alarm and the relocation of the menu to beside the “Order” window on one side of the kiosk. We were able to glimpse the menu through the planters last month.
The menu closely resembles that of the original Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District, but the new Walt Disney World location boasts an expanded offering of corn dog varieties, as well as cotton candy and lemonade.
Our Experience at Universal Orlando’s Annual Passholder Appreciation Night
Universal Orlando’s Annual Passholder Appreciation Night, presented by Coca-Cola®, returned for two nights on August 16 and 17, offering exclusive access to favorite rides, attractions, character appearances, and more. This was the second year in a row that Universal has hosted an Annual Passholder night, with this years event being expanded from one night to two. We had the opportunity to attend the event on August 17, and had an AMAZING time! Now that we have had a day to rest and decompress, we wanted to put together our thoughts on the event for you!
Strategically arriving at Universal Studios Florida around 7:15 PM, we aimed to avoid the initial rush of crowds. Parking was a breeze, and we quickly accessed the resort, although we were slightly disappointed to find that Valet was closed—understandable given the event’s popularity among passholders who often use Valet services as part of their perks.
Check-in was a breeze, and we were thrilled to see that the exclusive event magnet was being handed out right at check-in. This saved us from having to wait in line inside to pick one up later, which was a nice touch. As we made our way to the Music Plaza Stage area, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere with a DJ spinning tunes and plenty of selfie walls set up for some fun photo ops.
While we didn’t get a chance to try any of the snacks or food items available during the event, we did hear some chatter about dining locations being closed on the first night, which caused a bit of frustration for some guests. However, this seemed to have been resolved by the time we attended, as Mel’s Drive-In was open and serving guests during Passholder Night.
The famous Pizza Fries were available at Louie’s Italian Restaurant, although there was a bit of a line when we popped in and we did not want to wate precious time waiting for some. The Pizza Fries did not seem to be available via mobile order, which would have made snagging some a bit easier.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the low crowd levels, allowing us to enjoy several attractions with minimal wait times. We experienced Transformers as a walk-on, Revenge of the Mummy with just a 15-minute wait from locker to board, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts with a 5-minute wait outside the first pre-show, and Men in Black with no wait at all.
Although we were disappointed that the Kung Fu Panda section of DreamWorks Land was closed, we were delighted to see Donkey, Shrek, and Fiona making appearances for meet and greets. Universal adjusted last years procedures to not allow a stand-bye line for passholders that did not get a free event ticket, which seemed to have solved the crowd issue that passholders experienced last year.
The highlight of the night for us was definitely meeting Frank the Dog from Men in Black. If you didn’t catch him during the event, you can still see him at the Animal Actors On Location! show at Universal Studios Florida. We also spotted Woody and Winnie Woodpecker greeting guests outside the Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show building, which was a fun surprise.
To top off the evening, we caught the 9:30 PM showing of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular . It was a fantastic way to break up the night and enjoy an amazing nighttime spectacular.
Related: Universal Orlando Shares First Look at Stardust Racers Coaster Coming to Epic Universe
Overall, we had an amazing time at UOAP Passholder Nights and hope Universal brings this event back again next year! The exclusive access, low crowds, and special character appearances made for a truly unforgettable experience.
Quick shopkeeping note: we were NOT sponsored by Universal Orlando for this event. This review is based on my personal experience attending the event as a fellow passholder who waited in the virtual queue to snag a spot along with everyone else.
Signage Updated at Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk as Construction Progresses
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a highly anticipated addition to Disney’s BoardWalk, has received some extra touches to its signage, signaling that progress, albeit slow, is being made on the new restaurant and bakery. While the initial signs were installed back in May, additional panels and primer have recently been added, helping to complete the shop’s elegant and whimsical look.
Originally slated to open in 2023, the Cake Bake Shop has faced delays, and construction is still ongoing, with no firm opening date announced yet. The new establishment is replacing the former ESPN Zone, transforming the space into a charming and magical dining experience.
Gwendolyn Rogers, the visionary behind the Cake Bake Shop, is working to bring her unique restaurant and bakery concept to Walt Disney World. The new location will feature both savory and dessert menus, as well as a delightful afternoon tea service, all presented in a whimsical setting that promises to enchant Disney guests.
As construction continues, fans eagerly await the grand opening of this new table service restaurant, which promises to be a sweet addition to Disney’s BoardWalk. The new signage is a hopeful sign that the Cake Bake Shop is one step closer to finally welcoming guests for dinner or tea.
Liberty Square Riverboat to Close Briefly as Magic Kingdom Prepares for Major Changes
The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom is set to close briefly this week, marking the beginning of what could be its final days of operation. The beloved attraction, which has ferried guests around the Rivers of America for decades, will be closing from August 20-22, as indicated by the Walt Disney World website, which lists “No Times Available” for the attraction on these dates. While Disney has not provided a formal announcement explaining the brief closure, it comes at a time when the riverboat is slated to close permanently in the near future.
Fans have been anxiously monitoring the operating schedule for the Liberty Square Riverboat ever since it was revealed that the attraction would be making way for a new Cars-themed expansion at Magic Kingdom. This new land, announced at D23, is expected to ramp up major construction efforts in 2025, bringing significant changes to the park’s landscape.
As of now, there is no firm closing date for the riverboat, leaving fans in suspense about when they might take their final journey on this iconic vessel. The upcoming closure from August 20-22 is likely routine, and given the fact that the attraction will close permanently next year, no major changes are expected during this brief downtime.
While the exact timing of the riverboat’s permanent closure remains uncertain, it’s clear that Magic Kingdom is gearing up for a transformative new chapter. Guests who cherish the nostalgia of the Liberty Square Riverboat should take the opportunity to experience it while they still can, as the horizon of Magic Kingdom is set to change in exciting new ways.
