Fans of Encanto, get ready for a magical new adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! During the recent Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared some incredible news—an Encanto-themed ride is coming to the park!
In this new attraction, you’ll join Antonio Madrigal, who has just received his special gift—the ability to communicate with animals. His room has transformed into a breathtaking rainforest, filled with wonder and excitement. As you explore alongside Antonio, you never know which member of the Madrigal family you might encounter, making each journey unique and full of surprises.
Construction on Pueblo Esperanza is set to begin this fall, with the grand opening scheduled for 2027. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy your favorite Animal Kingdom attractions, including Dinosaur, before the magic of Encanto takes center stage.
As Josh D’Amaro said, “At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design, and build these stories into real places.” And the world of Encanto is about to become one of those magical places you can visit, explore, and fall in love with all over again.
Get ready to step into the world of Encanto and experience the magic of the Madrigals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the most villainous musician who ever lived—well, technically died—Ernesto de la Cruz, made a surprise appearance. But the real showstopper came when Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro took the stage to announce an all-new attraction inspired by Pixar’s Coco coming to Disney California Adventure!
In a thrilling reveal at the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, D’Amaro shared that this upcoming attraction will immerse guests in the vibrant world of Coco, as they join Miguel on an unforgettable journey to the Land of the Dead. This marks the first Coco-themed ride in any Disney park, a significant milestone that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Walt Disney Imagineering is set to bring the characters and music of Coco to life in ways that honor the film’s beloved story while delivering a fresh, immersive experience. Drawing inspiration from timeless Disney attractions like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, Imagineers will use the latest Audio-Animatronics technology to create skeletal figures that are nothing short of spectacular. “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe,” D’Amaro teased.
While construction on the attraction is set to begin in 2026, the excitement is already building. Guests can look forward to celebrating everything they love about Coco—from its vibrant characters to its unforgettable music—in a whole new way at Disney California Adventure.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting new chapter unfolds!
The Loungefly Booth at D23 Expo Unveiled Enchanted New Merchandise!
The Loungefly booth at D23 Expo is a magical wonderland for Disney fans, brimming with exclusive and captivating accessories. From classic characters to spooky delights, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the must-have items that have caught our eye:
The booth also had other designs available like the Binx from Hocus Pocus Backpack that also glows! A Deadpool and Wolverine one for Marvel fans and classics like The Little Mermaid, Up and Minnie.
Not everything is bags, Loungefly also has apparel available like a fun Cowboy Mickey Mouse Hoodie and Stitch Tee to add some magic to your style.
These are just a few of the incredible items available at the Loungefly booth. If you’re lucky enough to be attending D23 Expo, be sure to stop by and explore the full collection. For those of us who can’t make it, keep an eye out for these magical pieces to become available online.
Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure Coming to Disneyland
As Walt Disney himself once said, “When we consider a new project, we really study it—not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job.”
Keeping true to this sentiment, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro unveiled an exciting new project during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at the D23 Expo. In 2025, guests at Disneyland will have the unique opportunity to see Walt Disney himself, brought to life through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology, in a new experience titled “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”
This groundbreaking endeavor marks the first time Walt Disney Imagineering has created an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney. The experience will invite visitors to step into Walt’s office and witness the creative process behind his legendary works.
D’Amaro expressed the team’s enthusiasm: “I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor.”
The attraction will debut inside the Main Street Opera House and will subsequently rotate with the classic “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” serving as a tribute to Walt Disney’s pioneering work with Audio-Animatronics technology, which he first introduced 60 years ago.
The project has been a collaborative effort, involving members of the Disney family, including Walt’s great-nephew, Roy P. Disney, who recently visited the Imagineering campus to witness the progress.
D’Amaro concluded his announcement with a powerful statement about the dedication of Imagineers around the world:
“At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design and build these stories into real places. And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world because everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’re going to hear tonight.”
With “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” Disney continues its legacy of innovation and storytelling, honoring the man whose vision and creativity laid the foundation for the magic we experience today.
Guests can follow Simba’s journey from cub to king when the first-ever attraction inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Lion King” debuts at Disney Adventure World in Paris.
The adventure of a lifetime is about to roar to life at Disneyland Paris! During the recent Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro unveiled a thrilling new attraction centered around the beloved classic The Lion King.
The Lion King—celebrating its 30th anniversary this year—remains one of Disney’s most cherished films. The new attraction will be housed in a dedicated area of the park called Pride Lands, which will immerse guests in the rich tapestry of characters and stories from the film. Pride Lands will feature dining options, shopping experiences, and opportunities to meet favorite characters, all designed to transport visitors directly into the world of Simba and his friends.
The centerpiece of this new area will be a groundbreaking attraction that takes guests on a journey alongside Simba, from his early days as a cub to his ascension as king. Imagineers are hard at work crafting an experience that promises to be as epic and heartwarming as the movie itself. As guests venture into the caverns beneath Pride Rock, they will feel as though they have stepped straight into the story.
“At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design, and build these stories into real places,” D’Amaro said during the event. “And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world because everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’re going to hear tonight.”
This new attraction is set to bring even more magic to Disneyland Paris, offering fans of The Lion King an unforgettable adventure. With the resort’s continuous expansion and the addition of iconic experiences, there’s never been a better time to visit Disney Adventure World.
Get Ready to be Dazzled: A Brand-New Nighttime Parade is Coming to Magic Kingdom
Imagine yourself on Main Street, U.S.A., surrounded by loved ones, eagerly awaiting the start of a magical nighttime parade. The lights dim, the music swells, and a brand-new spectacular unfolds before your very eyes.
This dream will soon be a reality, as Disney announced at the D23 Expo that a new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight”, will premiere at the Magic Kingdom Park in the summer of 2025.
Broadway stars and former Disney cast members Rachel Potter and Eden Espinosa shared the exciting news during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase panel. The parade will continue the legacy of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” utilizing cutting-edge technology to bring fresh stories featuring iconic Disney characters to life. The Blue Fairy will guide the enchanting experience, joined by beloved characters from films like “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.
Disney’s commitment to creating unforgettable nighttime experiences extends beyond the Magic Kingdom. “Reach for the Stars,” a new nighttime spectacular, will debut at Tokyo Disneyland on September 20. And in January 2025, Disneyland Paris will unveil its own new show featuring timeless Disney and Pixar songs. This heartwarming journey will be told through projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle and, for the first time, down Main Street.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro emphasized the dedication of Imagineers around the world to bring these experiences to life:
“At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design and build these stories into real places. And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world because everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’re going to hear tonight.”
With these exciting developments on the horizon, the future of nighttime entertainment at Disney Parks is brighter than ever. Get ready to be dazzled!
West Coast Disney Fans-we have an amazing update for you! Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Pandora! Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort will soon unveil an all-new destination inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and upcoming films in the Avatar series.
Announced by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro during the D23 Horizons Showcase, this exciting new addition will transport guests to the breathtaking seas of Pandora, offering an intense and emotional adventure that blends beauty with danger.
Building on the success of Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this new experience will introduce guests to majestic natural wonders and thrilling excursions in a dynamic, immersive environment. Disney Imagineers are already hard at work bringing this epic vision to life, ensuring that this Pandora experience will be a must-visit for Disney fans and Avatar enthusiasts alike.
Greetings Foolish Mortals! While Chip was tied up at D23 on the west coast, other members of the Chip and Co team headed to the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party of the year. We came, we saw, we ate, we met tons of characters-and we have the highlights of the night right here ready to share with you!
Despite the overlap with D23 out in California, the first night of the Halloween Party did sell out. For those of you who (like us) enjoy adding maps to your lineup of Disney collectables, there is once again a map available that highlights the party’s activities.
After scanning into the party and grabbing our wrist band, we grabbed our trick or treat bag so we can fill it up with candy throughout the night!
Have an allergy? No problemo! Allergy friendly treat stops are highlighted on the map, and a teal treat bay is available to ensure you are able to snag those allergy-friendly treats (you collect teal tokens at the trick or treat stops rather than the candy that is present there, and then redeem them at one of the allergy-friendly centers to get all of your treats).
This fun system ensures everyone can get in on the trick or treat action, while also ensuring those with allergies can still enjoy some treats!
Of course it wouldnt be Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party without meeting some rare characters, and we happened accross our first character meet and greet pretty early when we met Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Red Queen all in one spot!
One new addition to this years party is meeting with both Mirabel and Bruno from Encanto! We had SO much fun engaging with these two characters, and highly recommend you also spend some time hanging with them!
There are, of course, several unique and fun snack options available at this years party, including this ‘worms and dirt Churro’ (
and this AMAZING Mickey popcorn bucket!
We think this bucket is going to be the hit of the season, and hope they are able to keep them in stock throughout the season! It lights up, looks super cute, and is the perfect addition to our lineup of Disney collectables!
The Boo To You parade is great once again this year, packed with fun characters and spooky cool vibes, including the addition of Max in his Powerline outfit!
Max jams to the beat, complete with the Powerline Dancers (guess it’s time to watch the Goofy Movie again!).
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party once again proves to be a fun-filled night at the Magic Kingdom. Are you heading to the party this year? If so leave us a comment and let us know!
Magical Products at The Walt Disney Company Store at D23 Expo!
The Walt Disney Company Store at D23 Expo is a must-visit for any Disney fan. This year’s offerings are a magical blend of nostalgia and contemporary style, catering to fans of all ages.
The Disney California Collection is a vibrant homage to the Golden State. Featuring a sunny palette of blues, reds, and yellows, this collection transports you to iconic Disney landmarks in the heart of California. From coasters and tote bags to cozy pillows and apparel, there’s something for every taste.
Collectibles to Cherish
For those seeking truly unique pieces, the collectible figures are a standout. The iconic Partners Statue of Walt and Mickey is a timeless classic, while the Roy Disney and Minnie Bench Statue offers a heartwarming tribute. For a touch of studio magic, consider the Pluto’s Corner Sign or The Walt Disney Company Water Tower Statue.
Apparel for Every Disney Fan
The apparel selection is equally impressive. A variety of t-shirt designs showcase the D23 logo, TWDC branding, and beloved imagery from The Walt Disney Studios. The Disney Baseball Jersey is a playful twist on classic Americana.
Meanwhile the limited-edition D23 Spirit Jersey is a must-have for any collector. It features a gorgeous royal blue color with little stars all around and D23 logo on the front and across the back and Sorcerer Mickey at bottom.
For a versatile piece, the reversible D23 Jacket offers two looks in one. Go for a classic blue and little D23 logo or an all over pattern of Disney icons.
Immerse Yourself in Studio History
The Walt Disney Studios Collection is a nod to the iconic Burbank studio. Featuring an all-over pattern of studio graphics, the button-up and backpack are perfect for fans who want to carry a piece of Disney history with them.
Other highlights include a crossbody bag adorned with the Snow White dwarfs facade and a denim backpack featuring patches of the different animation buildings.
Limited Edition Items
Pin collectors, you need to check out the limited edition pins featuring Sorcerer Mickey, Tiana and more. There’s also a gorgeous poster with Sorcerer Mickey bringing to life an array of beloved of Disney characters in full color.
Additional Must-Haves
Beyond the featured collections, the store offers a range of other delightful items. The D23 Bag is a versatile accessory that can be customized with pins, while the D23 Blanket provides cozy comfort. For a touch of Disney magic on the go, the Sorcerer Mickey D23 Bucket Hat is a fun and stylish choice.
With its impressive array of merchandise, The Walt Disney Company Store at D23 Expo is a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for a special souvenir, you’re sure to find something to cherish.
Disney Treasure: Haunted Mansion and Periscope Pub Crew Costumes Revealed
New costume designs for the crew of the Disney Treasure’s Haunted Mansion Parlor and Periscope Pub were unveiled today at D23 in Anaheim, California.
Disney Live Entertainment’s Senior Costume Designer, Josh Winchester, who previously crafted the enchanting uniforms for the Disney Wish, has once again brought his creative vision to life. Drawing inspiration from the iconic park attractions and films that inspired these venues, Winchester has meticulously designed costumes that seamlessly blend classic charm with a distinctly Disney Cruise Line flair.
“In my role, I have the opportunity to shape how our crew members will fold into the story and energize the worlds Imagineers have built,” said Josh.
Josh’s designs for the Haunted Mansion Parlor costumes promise to bring the ominous Haunted Mansion lore to life onboard the Disney Treasure. A striking green pincord vest will be stylishly layered atop a striped purple shirt, reminiscent of the wallpaper from the famous stretching room, which has been featured in Haunted Mansion attractions across the globe. True to the nostalgic aesthetic of the Haunted Mansion franchise, the costumes will combine a moody color scheme with Easter Egg-riddled accessories, including a mysterious set of keys.
Meanwhile, the costumes for Periscope Pub will be an elevated take on the crew uniforms featured in Walt Disney’s 1954 film, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Sharp nautical navy vests will include faux leather accents on the shoulders, neckline and pocket. The costumes will also tie back to the celebrated 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage attraction with a custom pin inspired by one once worn by Walt Disney World Resort cast members in Magic Kingdom Park.
D23- An Exciting Recap of Disney Magic and Movies coming soon!
The 2024 Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 kicked off with a spectacular three-hour presentation that left fans buzzing with excitement! The showcase was brimming with thrilling reveals, star-studded appearances, and exclusive previews of upcoming films and series. Here’s a roundup of everything Disney unveiled, ensuring this year’s event will be remembered for years to come!
The evening began with a warm welcome from Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, who set the stage for the night’s grand reveals. The spotlight quickly shifted to Moana 2, which promises to dive deeper into the oceanic adventures of its beloved heroine.
The newly released trailer showcases Moana as she seeks to reunite with Maui in the face of a new stormy threat that endangers her family. The excitement was palpable as stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho took to the stage, discussing their characters and the evolution of their stories. Moana 2 is set to make waves in theaters on November 27, 2024. Check out the official trailer for Moana 2!
Disney Monster Jam: An Immersive Experience
Dwayne Johnson’s enthusiasm didn’t stop with Moana. He also teased a new project, Disney Monster Jam. Although details remain scarce, Johnson promised an immersive, live-action experience from the perspective of monster trucks, featuring eccentric drivers and high-octane thrills.
Avatar 3: Fire and Ash
James Cameron made a surprise appearance to unveil the official title for the next installment in the Avatar saga: Avatar: Fire and Ash. While no footage was shown, stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington presented an intriguing look at the concept art for this highly anticipated sequel, scheduled to premiere on December 19, 2025.
Pixar’s Expanding Universe
Pixar’s presentation revealed exciting developments for both existing and new properties. The studio announced Dream Productions, an Inside Out spinoff series, and teased its first original series, Win or Lose, set to premiere on December 6, 2024. The latter promises a variety of animation styles, offering fresh visual experiences.
Pixar also confirmed the development of Toy Story 5, directed by Andrew Stanton, which will see the toys facing off against electronic playthings and a rogue Buzz Lightyear. Scheduled for summer 2026, this installment will continue the beloved franchise’s legacy. Additionally, Hoppers, an original animated film featuring Jon Hamm and Piper Curda, is slated for a spring 2026 release.
Elio: A New Pixar Universe
Before moving on to Toy Story 5, Pixar will launch Elio on June 13, 2025. The film, which explores new worlds and stars Zoe Saldana as Elio’s aunt, was previewed with an exclusive trailer that intrigued fans with its cosmic themes.
Incredibles 3: Confirmed!
The iconic superhero family is making a comeback with Incredibles 3. Although specific details are yet to be revealed, the announcement was met with widespread excitement from fans eager to see what new adventures await the Parr family.
Zootopia 2: Expanding the City
Zootopia 2 was another highlight, with new footage revealing the character Gary, played by Ke Huy Quan, and a new semi-aquatic locale called Marsh Market. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will return for their next big adventure on November 26, 2025.
Star Wars and Marvel Updates
The Star Wars universe continues to expand with the upcoming series Skeleton Crew, starring Jude Law. The first teaser offered a glimpse of younglings lost in the galaxy, with a two-episode premiere scheduled for December 3, 2024. Additionally, Andor will return for a second season, featuring behind-the-scenes footage that teased appearances from fan-favorite characters.
Live-Action Adaptations
Disney’s live-action slate is equally exciting. The Lilo & Stitch remake presented a first look at a more detailed Stitch, set for a summer 2025 release. The live-action Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler, unveiled its first trailer, showing off familiar faces and new music, with the film hitting theaters on March 21, 2025. Watch a sneak peek of each of their trailers below.
Finally, Mufasa: The Lion King closed out the showcase with an extensive look at the prequel, featuring a young Scar and new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. This film is slated for release on December 20, 2024. Watch the trailer below!
The Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 2024 delivered a whirlwind of excitement and reveals, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Disney’s cinematic and streaming offerings. With so many highly anticipated projects on the horizon, it’s clear that the House of Mouse is set to continue captivating audiences worldwide.
Mickey Pumpkin Bucket Debuts at Not So Scary Halloween Party
Get ready for a spooky surprise this Halloween season as the highly anticipated Mickey Pumpkin Bucket made its unexpected debut at Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Originally unveiled at Disneyland Resort, this charming collectible has quickly become a must-have for Disney fans!
The bucket features Mickey Mouse dressed as a jack-o’-lantern, complete with a glowing face and a candy-filled costume. The playful design, coupled with the bucket’s functionality, has already made it a fan favorite. A detachable strap adorned with candy and Mickey motifs adds to the fun of the bucket!
The back of the pumpkin opens to fill popcorn, and there is a black strap with the words “Trick or Treat” in green and yellow lettering.
To add to the Halloween magic, the “Hocus Pocus” Minnie as Winnie sipper, previously released at Disneyland Resort, is also now available at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Magic Kingdom.
Guests can find the Mickey Pumpkin Bucket at popcorn carts throughout the Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Each bucket comes filled with popcorn and is limited to two per person, per transaction. We definitely need one for our collection, don’t you?!
