Universal Orlando has released the dates for next years Mardi Gras festivities!
Universal Orlando has just dropped the dates for the 2025 Mardi Gras event, “Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval”! Running from February 1 to March 30, 2025, this epic celebration is the ultimate springtime bash you won’t want to miss. The best part? All the fun is included with your theme park admission or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply)!
Universal does Mardis Gras so well, you will think you’ve been transported to the heart of New Orleans! The celebration includes a spectacular parade that winds its way through the park on select nights, bursting with vibrant music, outrageous street performers, and those iconic, over-the-top floats that make Mardi Gras so magical. And don’t forget the beads—thousands of them flying through the air, just waiting for you to catch! It’s not just a parade; it’s a party that you’re a part of, where every moment is a reason to celebrate.
Now, let’s talk food. Whether you’re craving authentic Cajun flavors or ready to explore global eats, the culinary offerings at Universal Mardi Gras are on another level. Think of it as a world tour for your taste buds, all within the festive streets of Universal Orlando. From savory delights to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
And what’s a party without some live music? On select nights, the park will be pulsing with the sounds of Carnaval, featuring performances that will have you dancing in the streets. It’s the kind of energy that makes you feel alive, and it’s all happening at Universal Mardi Gras.
So, what are you waiting for? Circle those dates on your calendar, gather your crew, and start planning your trip to Universal Orlando for the 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. It’s food, floats, and fun like you’ve never experienced before!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Quickly Moving to Completely Sold Out Event!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back at Magic Kingdom for 2024, offering spooky fun on select evenings through October 31. This highly anticipated event is already proving to be a hot ticket, with all August dates completely sold out, along with September 6, 13, 15, and the always-popular October 31.
The event invites guests to enjoy the Halloween festivities from 7:00 PM to midnight, with attractions, special entertainment, and the chance to dress up in costumes for an evening of Disney magic with a spooky twist.
Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are priced between $119 and $199 per person, plus tax, depending on the date selected. While all August dates have been snapped up, there are still opportunities to grab tickets for September and October—though availability is dwindling quickly.
For those looking to save a little, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $10 discount on tickets for event nights in August and September.
With the event selling out fast, especially on peak dates, be sure to secure your tickets soon if you’re planning to join in on the Halloween fun at Magic Kingdom this year!
Big changes are coming to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom as Disney has already filed the first permits for the expansion of Frontierland, which will introduce two Cars-themed attractions to the park. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will be transformed into the Cars-themed area, which will bring the total number of classic Magic Kingdom attractions closed in recent years to 3.
The recently filed permits focus on water management and construction staging, essential for preparing the land. Three construction laydown yards will be established, with one visible from within the park along the northwestern banks of the Rivers of America.
Disney has announced that construction will ramp up next year, with major work starting in early 2025. There will be two attractions that call the new Cars area home, a brand-new thrilling rally race as well as a yet-to-be-described family friendly attraction.
Full Menu Released for Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Disneyland
Get ready for a hoedown of epic proportions! The Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree is coming to Disneyland Park, bringing together barbecue bliss and Country Bear craziness. This beloved restaurant is undergoing a bear-y big transformation, and we can hardly wait to see the results.
The Country Bears are trading in their microphones for barbecue tongs! After hitting the road and discovering the best barbecue flavors from coast to coast, Henry, Wendell, Big Al, and the gang are sharing their culinary finds with you. Savor the mouthwatering Smoked Barbecue Combo Platter, featuring a delectable selection of house-smoked meats, available for mobile order. While you feast on these finger-lickin’ dishes, enjoy the classic tunes of your favorite Country Bear hits.
Smoked Barbecue Combo Platter: A selection of house-smoked meats, served with baked beans, house slaw, white bread, and pickles with a choice of two of the following: Pork Spareribs, Pulled Pork, Sausage Link, or Beef Brisket (New)
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich: Tangy BBQ sauce, house slaw, bread and butter, and pickles served with beer-battered fries (New)
Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with tangy BBQ sauce, pickled red onions, and pickled jalapeños served with beer-battered fries (New)
Smoked Angus Beef Burger and Pulled Pork with American cheese, golden aïoli, pickled red onions, bread and butter pickles, and crispy onions served with beer-battered fries (New)
Corn Ribs Plate: Chile-lime aioli, parmesan, crispy onions, cilantro, and scallions with house slaw and beer-battered fries (Plant-based) (New)
Loaded Fries topped with smoked pulled pork, queso sauce, pickled red onions, and pickled jalapeños, cilantro, and scallions (New)
Classic Cheeseburger served with beer-battered fries
Chicken Tenders Plate served with house slaw and beer-battered fries
Sides
Beer-battered Fries (New)
Baked Beans (New)
House Slaw (New)
Kids’ Meals
All kids’ meals are served with Cuties Mandarin Orange and Applesauce and a choice of small DASANI Water or small Low-fat milk.
Pork Spareribs (New)
Toasted Cheese Sandwich (Disney Check Meal) (New)
Hamburger (Disney Check Meal)
Chicken Tenders
Desserts
Banana Pudding: Bananas, whipped cream, crushed wafer cookies, dulce de leche, and toffee (New)
Funnel Cake Fries dusted with powdered sugar. For an additional charge, add some extra sweetness to your funnel cake fries with Banana Caramel Dipping Sauce! (New)
Beverages
Sparkling Strawberry-Pickle Lemonade: Simply Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, flavors of lime, Sprite, pickle juice and a pickle spear (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Disneyland is set to celebrate a historic milestone in 2025! The beloved theme park announced its 70th anniversary during the D23 Expo, with none other than John Stamos sharing the exciting news.
Originally opening its gates on July 17, 1955, Disneyland has been enchanting visitors for seven decades. A dazzling purple and pink logo featuring the number “70” and iconic castle spires was also unveiled, giving fans a first glimpse of the upcoming celebration.
While specific details are yet to be unveiled, Disney has teased an exciting addition to the 70th-anniversary celebration: a brand-new show featuring a state-of-the-art Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
Will you be heading to Disneyland next year for the 70th anniversary celebration?
Let me handle the magic of planning your Disneyland adventure! As your dedicated travel agent, I’ll curate the perfect itinerary based on your group’s interests, securing the best accommodations, park tickets, and dining reservations. With my expert guidance, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories without the stress of planning.
Disneyland is set to be transformed with the announcement of several groundbreaking new attractions! Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Coco with an all-new ride, assemble with your favorite heroes in an expanded Avengers Campus featuring thrilling new experiences, and journey to the breathtaking world of Pandora with a new Avatar-themed land. These exciting additions promise to redefine the Disneyland experience for guests of all ages.
Pandora Experience coming to Disney California Adventure
Pack your bags, we’re heading to Pandora! In the future, you’ll be greeting everyone with Oel ngati kameie — that’s “I see you” in Na’vi — when this all-new exciting destination arrives at the Disneyland Resort with awe-inspiring sights and experiences.
While Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is based on Oscar-winner James Cameron’s “Avatar” film, this new destination draws inspiration from “Avatar: The Way of Water” and upcoming Avatar films to bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way.
Guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora and the beauty – and danger – that come along with the journey. This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora.
Avengers Campus Expansion with Two New Attractions
Get ready for a multi-world adventure experience with Avengers Infinity Defense. Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big, and small, heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.
If you’re up for another mission, Tony Stark has one for you. And you know Tony, he always wants to try something new and exciting, and it’s going to make you feel like a Super Hero yourself. With the just announced Stark Flight Lab, you’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight.
And, a familiar face will join you at the Stark Flight Lab — Mr. Stark himself. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark for the attractions in the land.
First-Ever Coco Ride
An all-new attraction themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” is coming to Disney California Adventure in the future.
The attraction will be filled with the characters — and music! — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead. This marks the first-ever “Coco” ride in a Disney park!
Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” Josh D’Amaro said. “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.”
First-Ever Walt Disney Audio Animatronic
For the first time ever, when it debuts in 2025, you’ll actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
Walt Disney Imagineering’s first Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is being created for this very special experience. “I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor,” Josh told the crowd.
The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt.
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” A fitting acknowledgement of Walt’s significant advances with Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago when he first introduced the groundbreaking technology.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening
The Happiest Place on Earth will open their attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” on Nov. 15, 2024 (at the start of the Holiday season at Disneyland Resort)! And not only that, but Critter Country will be appropriately renamed Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. Gather up your friends and family, a celebration is coming!
Following its opening at Walt Disney World earlier this year, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open November 15, 2024 at Disneyland park in the newly renamed Bayou Country. Bayou Country is situated on the edge of New Orleans Square with shady trees, mesmerizing music and a vast collection of enchanting surprises. Guests will discover a land filled with friendly woodland animals, from a trumpet-playing gator and an adorable bear who craves honey to a musical cast of bears, frogs, and other critters.
In addition to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Bayou Country will be the home to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, as well as the newly reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, which has one of the most scenic dining areas in all of Disneyland park. And don’t forget to grab your favorite merchandise from Ray’s Berets, and Louis’ Critter Club, and sweet treats from Pooh Corner. While some areas may open earlier, we look forward to welcoming you officially to Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on Nov. 15, which “brings folks from all walks of life together”, as Princess Tiana’s father would say.
Let me handle the magic of planning your Disneyland adventure! As your dedicated travel agent, I’ll curate the perfect itinerary based on your group’s interests, securing the best accommodations, park tickets, and dining reservations. With my expert guidance, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories without the stress of planning.
Double the Fun with the D23 Edition Ichabod and Mr. Toad Loungefly Backpack!
Disney fans, get ready to embark on a whimsical adventure with the new Ichabod and Mr. Toad Loungefly Backpack with Light-Up Belt Bag and celebrate its 75th Anniversary! This must-have collectible is now available online at the Disney Store for $99 and is sure to be the envy of all.
This unique combo offers the best of both worlds: a stylish mini backpack to carry your essentials and a detachable light-up belt bag for added flair. Whether you’re chasing the Headless Horseman through Sleepy Hollow or racing through the wild countryside with Mr. Toad, this dynamic duo is the perfect companion for any adventure.
Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Walt Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, this Loungefly backpack is a nostalgic nod to a beloved classic. With its charming details and playful design, it’s a must-have for any Disney collector.
Don’t just limit yourself to shoulders or hips – get creative with how you wear this versatile accessory! Whether you rock it as a backpack, a belt bag, or a combination of both, you’re sure to turn heads and spark conversations.
This limited-edition Loungefly mini backpack retails for $99 and is available now online at the Disney Store. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of Disney magic!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Merch: Spooktacular Finds at Magic Kingdom!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Halloween with this year’s exclusive merchandise for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. From glow-in-the-dark ear headbands to collectible pins, there’s something for every Disney fan.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Ear Headband ($34.99)
Light up the night with this glow-in-the-dark ear headband featuring a spooky jack-o’-lantern design and a mischievous Mickey Mouse bat.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Lug Bag ($65)
Carry your essentials in style with this spacious and spooky lug bag featuring Mickey and a jack-o’-lantern.
Glow in the Dark Spirit Jersey ($84.99)
Stay cozy and stylish with this Spirit Jersey showcasing Mickey and friends in their Halloween best against a magical backdrop.
Apparel for the Whole Family
Youth Glow-in-the-Dark T-Shirt ($26.99): Little ones will love this vibrant glow-in-the-dark tee featuring Mickey in his Halloween costume.
Annual Passholder T-Shirt ($34.99): Show off your passholder pride with this exclusive design featuring Mickey and friends.
Glow-in-the-Dark Purple T-Shirt ($34.99): Add a touch of magic to your Halloween wardrobe with this glow-in-the-dark tee featuring your favorite Disney characters.
Spooky Drinkware
Mug ($19.99): Enjoy your favorite beverages in this spooky mug featuring a jack-o’-lantern design and Mickey Mouse.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Tervis ($34.99): Celebrate the Sanderson Sisters with this stylish and functional Tervis tumbler.
More Frightfully Fun Products
Light-Up Ornament ($26.99): Add a touch of Halloween magic to your home with this light-up ornament featuring Mickey and the party logo.
Mystery Pin Collection ($29.99): Unbox the surprise with this mystery pin collection featuring 10 different designs.
Additional Pins: Collect your favorite characters with pins featuring Hocus Pocus, Annual Passholder, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more.
With so many exciting items to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect merchandise to commemorate your magical night at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Disney Springs is bringing the underworld to the surface with its latest must-have collectible: the Hades Tumbler with Straw! This fiery new addition to the Disney Villain collection is sure to delight fans of the iconic Disney classic, Hercules.
For a cool $24.99, you can unleash your inner villain with this double-wall tumbler featuring Hades himself in all his menacing glory. The clear acrylic outer wall showcases Hades’ mischievous grin and piercing metallic blue eyes, while the inner wall is adorned with fiery metallic flames to match the Lord of the Underworld’s fiery temper.
But that’s not all! The tumbler comes equipped with a twist-tight lid featuring a sealing ring and a straw hole. And to top it off, you’ll also receive a matching reusable straw with a handy ring at the bottom to prevent it from taking a plunge into your drink.
Whether you’re conquering Mount Olympus or simply conquering your thirst, this Hades tumbler is the perfect way to stay hydrated in style.
Unleash Your Inner Dragon with the Maleficent Baseball Cap!
Are you ready to transform into the Mistress of Evil? Look no further than the World of Disney at Disney Springs, where a wickedly cool accessory awaits! Introducing the Maleficent Baseball Cap in her dragon form, a must-have for fans of the iconic Disney villain.
For just $29.99, you can channel your inner dragon with this head-turning cap. Featuring a detailed dragon design, complete with menacing horns, fiery bill, and embroidered gills, this hat is sure to make a statement. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of evil to your everyday look or complete your Halloween costume.
Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or simply love a good villain, this Maleficent cap is a must-have addition to your collection. Head to the World of Disney at Disney Springs and unleash your inner dragon today!
Disney and Pixar’s record-breaking animated sequel arrives on digital and DVD
Prepare to dive back into the mind of Riley Anderson as Inside Out 2 comes home. The film, which has shattered box office records as the highest-grossing animated film of all time, is set to release digitally on August 20th and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on September 10th.
The heartwarming sequel follows the original film’s beloved characters, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, as they navigate the tumultuous world of teenage Riley. With the introduction of new emotions like Anxiety, the film explores the complexities of growing up with both humor and heart.
Inside Out 2 has been praised by critics for its wit, emotional depth, and stunning animation. The film’s success is a testament to Pixar’s ability to create relatable and unforgettable characters.
Bonus Features
The home release of Inside Out 2 comes packed with exciting bonus content, including:
New Emotions: A deep dive into the creation of the film’s new characters, Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Envy.
Unlocking the Vault: A behind-the-scenes look at the development of the iconic “Vault” scene.
Deleted Scenes: Unreleased footage offering additional laughs and insights into the characters.
If you haven’t seen Inside out 2 yet, be sure to check out this fun and heartwarming movie! Inside Out 2 is a must-watch!
At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced transformative changes coming to Magic Kingdom. We can now confirm that one of those additions, an all-new Cars themed area coming to Frontierland, is signaling the end of two classic Magic Kingdom attractions—Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
The announced Cars land will transport guests from Radiator Springs into the rugged wilderness of a new frontier, featuring a thrilling rally race through mountains, trails, and geysers alongside iconic Cars characters. In addition to this high-octane attraction, a second family-friendly ride will also be introduced with no details available on this second attraction currently available.
This change continues the recent trend of retiring attractions that have been part of Magic Kingdom since its opening, with the announcement of the retirement of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island coming shortly after the recent closure of the Frontierland Arcade to make way for a new DVC Member Lounge.
Related: First Look at Tropical Americas Layout, Coming to Animal Kingdom in 2027
What are your thoughts on Cars land taking over Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island? Leave us a comment to let us know!
