Must Read: Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth Book

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December 6, 2024

Must Read: Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth Book

Groundbreaking Magic is more than just a book; it’s a captivating journey through time, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of diversity. This inspiring memoir by Martha Blanding offers a unique perspective on the iconic Disneyland Resort, sharing her experiences as the first Black American to achieve a 50-year career with The Walt Disney Company. You can order it online at the Disney Store for $25.99.

Blanding’s story begins in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, where she defied expectations and pursued her dreams. As a young woman, she ventured into the magical world of Disneyland in the early 1970s, a time of significant social change. Her journey from a tour guide to overseeing multi-million dollar events, working alongside renowned artists and celebrities, is a testament to her hard work, talent, and unwavering spirit.

This memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Disneyland, highlighting the impact of societal changes on the park. Blanding’s unique perspective allows readers to witness firsthand how the park adapted to the times, embracing diversity and inclusivity.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Groundbreaking Magic delves into the personal journey of a remarkable woman. Blanding shares heartfelt stories about her family, their experiences with racial discrimination, and the unwavering support that fueled her success. This book is a celebration of family, love, and the power of perseverance.

Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking inspiration, Groundbreaking Magic is a must-read. This heartwarming and insightful memoir offers a fresh perspective on the magic of Disneyland and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Credit: Disney Store

The Dark Side of Science: Unlocking the Power of Chemistry with the Star Wars Sith Science Lab Kit

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Ana Leal

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December 6, 2024

The Dark Side of Science: Unlocking the Power of Chemistry with the Star Wars Sith Science Lab Kit

Young Padawans looking to harness the power of the Force can now turn to the dark side of science with the Star Wars Sith Science Chemistry Lab Kit. This wickedly fun kit, available online at the Disney Store for $22.99, offers eight epic experiments that will have young apprentices mesmerized.

From creating a “Fizzing Death Star” to concocting “Sith Slime,” each experiment is designed to be both educational and thrilling. The kit includes all the necessary materials, including a double-sided Star Wars-themed poster and step-by-step instructions that make exploring the force of chemical reactions a breeze.

The Sith Science Lab Kit is not just about fun; it’s also a great way to introduce young minds to the wonders of chemistry. By conducting experiments like “Dark Chromaquest” and “Feel the Dark Side,” children can learn about concepts such as pH levels, chromatography, and crystallization.

So, whether you’re a budding scientist or a die-hard Star Wars fan, the Sith Science Chemistry Lab Kit is the perfect way to unleash your inner Sith Lord and have a blast while doing it.

Credit: Disney Store

Wrap Yourself in Holiday Magic With The Epcot Festival of the Holidays Throw Blanket!

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Ana Leal

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December 6, 2024

Wrap Yourself in Holiday Magic With The Epcot Festival of the Holidays Throw Blanket!

The Epcot Festival of the Holidays Throw Blanket is a cozy and festive addition to your holiday decor. Priced at $69.99, this 50″ x 60″ blanket is the perfect size to snuggle up with during the chilly winter months.

A unique feature of this blanket is the pattern, which is displayed on the tag that sits atop the folded blanket. This means you can admire the design without having to unfold the entire blanket. The red blanket showcases a delightful repeating pattern featuring iconic World Showcase pavilions, sparkling snowflakes, and the majestic Spaceship Earth.

This charming throw blanket is a must-have for Disney fans and collectors alike. It’s a wonderful way to bring the magic of Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays into your home.

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Snow Globe Magic: A Closer Look at the Enchanting Epcot Festival of the Holidays Tee

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Ana Leal

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December 6, 2024

Snow Globe Magic: A Closer Look at the Enchanting Epcot Festival of the Holidays Tee

The Epcot Festival of the Holidays Tee is a must-have for any Disney fan celebrating the holiday season. Continuing the enchanting snowglobe theme seen in other festival merchandise, this heather navy T-shirt is a stylish and festive addition to your wardrobe.

Priced at $34.99, this limited-edition t-shirt is available at Epcot and is sure to become a treasured souvenir of your holiday visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this piece of Disney holiday magic!

The front of the shirt features the “Festival of the Holidays” wordmark in a cheerful yellow and white, while the back showcases a magical scene. Spaceship Earth is encapsulated in a sparkling snowglobe, with the iconic World Showcase pavilions nestled inside. Snowflakes gently fall from the sky, and other holiday symbols, such as ornaments and candy canes, are scattered throughout the design in shades of blue and gold.

The sleeves of the T-shirt add an extra touch of Disney magic, incorporating the distinctive geodesic pattern of Spaceship Earth. This subtle detail elevates the design and makes the shirt truly unique.

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HEYDUDE Teams Up With Disney for Magical Shoes Just in Time for the Holidays

By

Catherine

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December 6, 2024

HEYDUDE Teams Up With Disney featuring Mickey and Minnie Shoes

Just in time for the holidays, footwear brand HEYDUDE (a Crocs, Inc. brand) has launched a delightful collaboration featuring everyone’s favorite characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse! Available now on HEYDUDE.com, these limited-edition styles are sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday wardrobe.

Mickey Takes the Spotlight:

The Disney x HEYDUDE Wally Funk Mickey Mouse (Men’s) is a true collector’s item. This special edition shoe captures the essence of Mickey with his iconic black and white color scheme. But the magic doesn’t stop there!

The Wally Funk Mickey Mouse features a playful Mickey Mouse hand lace cover, complete with unmistakable Mickey ears. For an extra touch of Disney cheer, the shoe boasts a black and white Mickey Mouse head print lining. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Mickey and showcase your love for all things Disney.

Minnie Makes a Statement:

For the ladies, the Disney x HEYDUDE Wendy Funk Minnie Mouse (Women’s) lets you step out in Minnie-inspired style. This adorable shoe features Minnie’s signature polka dot pattern, making a playful and stylish statement.

Channel your inner fashionista with the Minnie Mouse hand lace cover and charming Minnie Mouse ears. Just like the Mickey version, the Wendy Funk Minnie Mouse boasts a black and white Minnie Mouse head print lining, making sure your love for Minnie shines from every angle. This shoe is guaranteed to make you “blush” with its undeniable cuteness.

Whether you’re a lifelong Mickey fan or adore Minnie’s charm, the HEYDUDE x Disney collaboration has the perfect pair of shoes for you. With their comfortable HEYDUDE design and delightful Disney touches, these shoes are perfect for Disney lovers of all ages.

So don’t miss out on this magical collaboration! Head over to HEYDUDE.com today and bring some Disney cheer to your holiday season!

Sweeten Up Your Holiday Look With The Minnie Mouse Gingerbread Ear Headband!

By

Ana Leal

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December 6, 2024

Sweeten Up Your Holiday Look With The Minnie Mouse Gingerbread Ear Headband!

The Minnie Mouse Gingerbread Ear Headband is a delightful treat for the eyes, not the stomach. This festive accessory retails for $39.99 in the parks but can be purchased online at the Disney Store for a more budget-friendly price of $27.99.

The headband features two oversized gingerbread cookie ears, meticulously decorated with white frosting and red and green sprinkles. While they look incredibly tempting, it’s important to remember that they’re purely decorative.

Beneath the delicious-looking frosting, the ears are covered in soft velour, ensuring comfort throughout the day. A pretty satin bow adorns the headband, adding a touch of elegance to the festive design.

Whether you’re visiting a Disney park or simply want to add some holiday cheer to your everyday look, the Minnie Mouse Gingerbread Ear Headband is the perfect accessory. It’s a scrumptious way to embrace the holiday spirit without the calories!

Iron Man Ear Headband: Power Up Your Disney Experience

By

Ana Leal

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December 6, 2024

Iron Man Ear Headband: Power Up Your Disney Experience

Elevate your Disney Park adventure with the Iron Man Ear Headband. This must-have accessory, retailing at $34.99, is available at Epcot and online at the Disney Store.

Transform into the iconic superhero with this high-impact ear headband. Featuring metallic “armored” accents and a golden tulle band, it captures the essence of Iron Man’s futuristic style. The centerpiece, an arc reactor charm, adds a touch of authenticity to your look.

With this stylish accessory, you’ll be the center of attention at the Disney Parks. Immerse yourself in the excitement and feel like a true superhero.

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Take A Prehistoric Sip With The Dinosaur Gertie Tumbler!

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Ana Leal

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December 6, 2024

Take A Prehistoric Sip With The Dinosaur Gertie Tumbler!

Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction, a beloved Hollywood Studios snack stand, has inspired a new collectible Dinosaur Gertie tumbler. The teal-green tumbler, priced at $24.99, is available at Celebrity 5 & 10 on Hollywood Boulevard.

One side features Gertie enjoying a popsicle, reminiscent of the iconic sign outside the ice cream stand. The other side showcases dinosaur footprints, echoing the trail found around Echo Lake.

Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction has been a fixture at Hollywood Studios since its opening day on May 1, 1989. The stand, named after the friendly dinosaur character, offers a variety of frozen treats. The new tumbler is a delightful addition for fans of the park and Gertie herself.

This teal-green tumbler is the perfect way to bring a bit of Hollywood Studios magic into your everyday life. Whether you’re sipping your favorite beverage at home or on the go, this tumbler is sure to turn heads and spark conversations.

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The Mickey and Minnie Italy Pavilion Ear Headband Is A New Italian Delight!

By

Ana Leal

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December 6, 2024

The Mickey and Minnie Italy Pavilion Ear Headband Is A New Italian Delight!

The Italy Pavilion at Epcot has unveiled a new must-have accessory for Disney fans: a captivating Mickey and Minnie Italy Pavilion Ear Headband. This stylish piece retails for $34.99 and is currently available exclusively at the Italy Pavilion.

The headband boasts a vibrant blue color with a subtle Spaceship Earth pattern adorning the background of each ear. Delicate embroidered details and a sparkling blue sequined bow, accented by a charming “Ciao” button, add a touch of Italian flair.

The right ear features a whimsical scene of Mickey Mouse leaning casually against a lamppost, sporting a stylish blue button-down shirt, cream-colored pants, and a matching fedora. Behind him, iconic Italian buildings, reminiscent of those found in the pavilion itself, create a picturesque backdrop. In the distance, the iconic Spaceship Earth rises above the horizon, symbolizing the global spirit of Epcot. To complete the scene, a vibrant orange embroidered flower adds a pop of color.

The left ear showcases Minnie Mouse as she zips through the Italy Pavilion on her bicycle, her hat playfully flying off. A basket filled with colorful flowers adorns the front of her bike, adding a touch of romance. The same enchanting backdrop of Italian architecture and Spaceship Earth graces this ear, along with the vibrant orange embroidered flower.

The back of the headband continues the captivating design with a light and dark blue Spaceship Earth pattern, framed by a striking red rim. The sides of the headband feature the words “EPCOT World Showcase” and “Italy” in a clear and eye-catching yellow font.

This enchanting Ear Headband is a must-have for Disney fans and Italy enthusiasts alike. Its unique design, intricate details, and playful portrayal of Mickey and Minnie Mouse make it a truly special addition to any Disney collection.

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Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower

By

Chris B

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December 6, 2024

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 1

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Island Tower Celebrates Sustainability and Polynesian Culture

The highly anticipated Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is set to open on December 17, 2024, and it promises to bring more than just luxury to Walt Disney World Resort. This innovative expansion weaves sustainability into its very design, offering guests a stay that celebrates the natural world, Polynesian culture, and cutting-edge environmental practices.

Wailulu Bar & Grill - Dining Room | Artist Rendering | Island To — Artist rendering of the dining room of new Wailulu Bar & Grill, opening on December 17. The casual restaurant will feature a variety of Polynesian-inspired artwork created exclusively for the space. © Disney

Art Inspired by Nature and Conservation

Inside the new Wailulu Bar & Grill, guests will encounter vibrant fish sculptures modeled after trevally fish “swimming” above the dining space. These stunning sculptures are crafted from reclaimed fishing nets, a creative nod to ocean conservation.

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 3 — © Disney

The tower’s lobby features a breathtaking art installation made from preserved moss, further blending natural beauty with modern design. Additionally, a custom Polynesian tapa cloth—made from natural fibers—will be displayed in the tower, celebrating traditional Polynesian wayfinding and craftsmanship.

Eco-Friendly Details in Guest Rooms

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 4 — © Disney

Even the smallest details in the Island Tower highlight sustainability. Luxurious rugs in the guest rooms are made from recycled plastics, transformed into silk-like yarn through revolutionary technology. These rugs, inspired by ocean waves and coral patterns, immerse guests in the serene beauty of Polynesian beaches.

Preserving History While Building the Future

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 5 — © Disney

During construction, a historic tree dating back to Walt Disney World’s opening day was carefully preserved and relocated within the resort. The Florida Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) and the Sabal palm growing within it are iconic features of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Guests can now enjoy this piece of history, which has been part of cherished memories for decades.

Sustainability at the Core of Design

The Island Tower was constructed with sustainability in mind, aligning with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals. The majority of the structure was pre-fabricated off-site, significantly reducing construction waste. Energy-efficient features such as optimized heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, and the first all-electric kitchen at Walt Disney World Resort make this tower a model of eco-friendly innovation. As a result, the tower has been recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program.

Opening December 17, 2024

Guests and Disney Vacation Club members will soon have the opportunity to experience the Island Tower’s unique blend of luxury, culture, and sustainability. From its art installations crafted from reclaimed materials to its energy-saving operations, this addition to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows represents a bold step forward in responsible tourism and immersive storytelling.

Disney Requests 60-Day Extension to Update Cars Land Permit in the Magic Kingdom

By

Chris B

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December 6, 2024

Disney Requests 60-Day Extension to Update Carsland Permit in the Magic Kingdom 3

Disney Requests Extension for Rivers of America Transformation Permit

Disney has requested a 60-day extension to address the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) concerns regarding the planned transformation of the Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom into a new “Cars”-themed area. The request, submitted by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District on behalf of Walt Disney World, allows additional time to respond to a six-page Request for Additional Information (RAI) issued by the district.

Disney Requests 60-Day Extension to Update Carsland Permit in the Magic Kingdom 1

The extension was filed by Mandee Brandt, the District’s Senior Water Resource Engineer, and cited the need for more time to prepare a response to the RAI, which was dated September 11, 2024. The original permit application, submitted on August 12, included plans for basin stormwater modifications to accommodate the construction of new attractions in the area surrounding Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America.

The RAI from SFWMD called for clarifications and 20 specific adjustments to the permit. After receiving no immediate response, the district issued a notice requiring an update within 10 days or the permit would be denied.

Disney Requests 60-Day Extension to Update Carsland Permit in the Magic Kingdom 2

The “Cars” expansion, planned as part of Frontierland, will feature two attractions: a thrilling rally race through the mountains, possibly using a ride system similar to Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, and another unannounced family-friendly experience. Disney previously announced that construction is expected to begin in early 2025, which is still possible provided these permitting issues are able to be straightened out.

New Lions Debut at Kilimanjaro Safari in the Animal Kingdom

By

Chris B

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December 6, 2024

New Lions Debut at Kilimanjaro Safari in the Animal Kingdom 1

Meet the New Pride on the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Three young lions have officially joined the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, taking up residence in the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction. Mshango, Zahara, and Neema, a trio of siblings, are settling into their new home atop the kopjes rocks of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, where they are delighting guests with their playful energy and commanding roars.

The addition of these lions comes just weeks ahead of the theatrical release of Mufasa: The Lion King on December 20. The live-action film is expected to inspire millions with its portrayal of nature’s beauty and the importance of habitat preservation—a message that resonates across the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In conjunction with the film’s release, Disney is relaunching its Protect the Pride conservation campaign. The initiative supports the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund (LRF), which works to double the wild lion population by 2050 through habitat restoration and protection efforts in Africa.

As part of Disney’s commitment to wildlife conservation, the lions also play a critical role in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). This program promotes genetic diversity and sustainable breeding for animal populations, many of which are at risk in the wild. In time, Mshango, Zahara, and Neema may breed with members of other prides, contributing to the future of their species.

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Guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris can now observe the new arrivals as they adapt to their surroundings, offering a closer look at these iconic animals in a setting designed to reflect their natural habitat. Disney’s conservation efforts aim to foster a deeper connection between visitors and the wild, encouraging ongoing support for initiatives like Protect the Pride.

More information about Disney’s Protect the Pride campaign can be found at Disney.com/MufasaProtectThePride.