Disney World has announced plans for a new lounge inspired by the iconic Spaceship Earth, set to open at EPCOT just before summer 2025. Located in the former corporate lounge overlooking World Celebration, the new space will draw inspiration from the geodesic sphere’s unique design and futuristic themes.
The lounge is described as a “zen space” for families to gather and enjoy refreshments. Disney Imagineers envision an atmosphere of “mysterious and elegant intimacy,” achieved through the use of rich textures and warm metallic tones.
This new addition to EPCOT’s World Celebration area will provide a unique and relaxing environment for guests to unwind and connect while enjoying stunning views of the park. The lounge’s Spaceship Earth-inspired design is sure to resonate with Disney fans who appreciate the iconic structure’s symbolism of innovation and progress.
While further details about the lounge’s offerings and specific opening date are yet to be revealed, the announcement has generated excitement among those eager to experience this new addition to EPCOT’s diverse range of experiences.
Hard to believe the holiday season is already upon us! And in case you missed it, Mickey Mouse has taken on a heartwarming mission: spreading magic to children in need this Christmas.
Here’s the plan: Mickey will head to Disney Store Times Square to pick up new, wrapped toys donated as part of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive. From there, he’ll help deliver them to Walt Disney World to be shared with kids in need, spreading the happiness and wonder of the season.
But before he sets off, our favorite mouse has a few final things to check off his to-do list. He’s already checked in with Santa and asked Goofy to watch Pluto while he’s away. Now, he just has to pack for the journey! Don’t worry – he’s promised Minnie Mouse he’ll be back just in time for the holiday festivities. It should be a quick trip, right?
Follow along on Mickey’s holiday journey at DisneyConnect.com/MickeyTracker. Plus, stream The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular on Hulu and Disney+ beginning Monday, December 2 where Mickey’s exciting journey was first announced!
From December 24th to 27th, 2024, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass will reach its highest price point ever. This rebranded version of Genie+ will cost $39 per person, per day for Magic Kingdom, $35 for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, $32 for EPCOT, and $29 for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These prices match the previous record-high Genie+ costs for the same period in 2023.
Genie+, Disney’s paid FastPass replacement, debuted at Walt Disney World in October 2021 with a flat rate of $15 per day. Since then, the service has transitioned to a variable pricing model with higher costs, especially during peak periods.
Recently, Disney introduced the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, a premium option exclusively for Walt Disney World hotel guests. This pass grants access to every Lightning Lane attraction in one park, allowing visitors to bypass standby queues throughout the day.
Do you plan to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for your next Disney World trip?
Festive Fragrances by Scentsy Joins the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Discover the enchanting Festive Fragrances garden, a new addition to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Presented by Scentsy, the garden awaits you between Imagination! and World Showcase.
The Festive Fragrances garden features four ornament-shaped displays, each offering a unique holiday scent. Inside each ornament, you’ll find a themed display and a scent-sampling area. A nearby placard provides the scent name and a poetic description.
Clove & Cinnamon
Oranges studded with cloves sit beside a wooden spice rack filled with glass bottles. A nearby pot overflows with a colorful mix of oranges, cranberries, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and more.
Ginger Cookie Crunch
The Ginger Cookie Crunch display features a delightful assortment of gingerbread houses and Christmas trees, all crafted from delectable gingerbread cookies.
Frosted Cedar
The Frosted Cedar ornament showcases two miniature cedar trees, delicately dusted with a layer of faux snow.
Maple Apple Bourbon
This ornament features autumn leaves scattered across a bed of faux grass, complemented by fall florals. A rustic crate filled with maple syrup bottles sits atop a table beside a small stack of bourbon barrels.
Guests can purchase Scentsy’s holiday-themed products at CommuniCore Hall in World Celebration during the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of Holidays, which runs from November 29 to December 30.
Minnie & Mickey Valentine’s Day Tumbler: A Love-Filled Sip
Get ready to sip in style this Valentine’s Day with the adorable Minnie & Mickey Valentine’s Day Tumbler! This exclusive BoxLunch Gifts find is now available for pre-order online for just $29.90.
Perfect for your morning coffee or afternoon tea, this pink tumbler is not only functional but also incredibly cute. The handle and lid keep your drink secure, while the straw topper adds a playful touch. The front of the tumbler features a heartwarming image of Mickey and Minnie holding hearts above the phrase “Made for Each Other.” On the back, the message “Share the love” is surrounded by beautiful flowers and iconic Mickey symbols.
But the cuteness doesn’t stop there! The straw charm features a miniature version of the beloved couple, making this tumbler the ultimate Valentine’s Day accessory. Don’t miss out on this must-have item for Disney fans and lovers of all things adorable.
Epcot Festival of the Holidays Spirit Jersey: A Wintery Delight
The Epcot Festival of the Holidays is a magical time, and Disney has captured the spirit of the season with a stunning new Spirit Jersey. Retailing for $79.99, this stylish garment is a must-have for any Disney fan.
Inspired by the iconic Spaceship Earth, the lower torso of the jersey features a muted light blue geodesic pattern adorned with delicate white snowflakes. This design element pays homage to the park’s centerpiece and adds a touch of winter wonder.
On the left breast, a playful Mickey Mouse mistletoe is printed in puffy white and blue ink. This adorable detail adds a festive touch to the jersey and is sure to bring a smile to your face.
The back of the jersey showcases the wordmark for the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays in white puffy ink, spanning across the shoulders. This bold typography adds a touch of holiday cheer and makes the jersey instantly recognizable as a piece of Festival merchandise.
If you’re looking to add a touch of Epcot magic to your winter wardrobe, this Spirit Jersey is the perfect choice. Head to Epcot and grab yours today!
Epcot Festival of the Holidays Pin Collection: A Collector’s Dream
Pin collectors, rejoice! Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays has unveiled a dazzling array of pins that are sure to delight. This charming Epcot Festival of the Holidays Pin Collection capture the essence of the season, making them must-haves for any Disney pin enthusiast.
One of the standout pieces is the Snowglobe Pin. Priced at $19.99, this magical pin features a stylized Spaceship Earth adorned with the festival’s wordmark. The real magic happens when you shake it, as a flurry of “snow” falls within the globe, creating a winter wonderland.
For Annual Passholders, there’s an exclusive treat in store. The Annual Passholder Snowglobe Pin, priced at $22.99, is a unique collectible shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head. While it doesn’t have confetti, the design is equally enchanting. The festival wordmark is showcased in bold red, with World Showcase and “Passholder” text adding to the festive appeal.
These limited-edition pins are the perfect way to commemorate the holiday season at Epcot. Don’t miss your chance to add these treasures to your collection!
This Germany Pavilion Mickey Pretzel Ear Headband Is A Bavarian Delight
For the ultimate German-inspired Disney accessory, look no further than the Germany Pavilion Mickey Pretzel Ear Headband. Retailing at $44.99, this unique piece is a must-have for any Disney enthusiast and is available at Epcot.
The headband itself features two iconic Mickey Mouse ears, reimagined as delectable pretzels. The pretzels are a light brown color, adorned with white salt crystals, and have a darker brown interior. The ears are attached to a bright yellow pleather headband, lined with soft black velour for comfort.
The real showstopper, however, is the bow. A colorful patchwork of German-themed patches covers the pleather bow, adding a festive and authentic touch. Among the patches, you’ll find depictions of lions, beer steins, knights, bread, sausages, and more. Each patch is accompanied by a banner, some highlighting “Oktoberfest” and “Pretzel knots,” while others simply celebrate “Biergarten.” A particularly charming patch reads “Beer, Food, & Fun” with “EPCOT” in yellow against a brown background.
Whether you’re a fan of German culture, a lover of all things Disney, or simply looking for a unique and stylish accessory, the Germany Pavilion Mickey Pretzel Ear Headband is sure to delight.
Epcot Holiday Cookie Stroll Storage Box: A Sweet Souvenir
If you’re a fan of the Epcot Holiday Cookie Stroll, you’ll want to check out the limited-time Festival Cookie Container. This festive storage box is the perfect way to transport your delicious treats home and keep them fresh.
Priced at $24.99, the container is a stylish addition to any kitchen. It’s adorned with a vibrant red hue and features a repeating geodesic pattern reminiscent of Spaceship Earth. The Holiday Cookie Stroll wordmark and illustrations of various cookies complete the design.
While the container adds a touch of holiday cheer, it’s important to note that it’s not dishwasher or microwave safe. However, it’s a great way to store your cookies or other small items, making it a practical and festive souvenir from your Epcot holiday experience.
“Moana 2” Makes a Splash, Shattering Thanksgiving Box Office Records
Disney’s “Moana 2” has made a triumphant voyage to the top of the box office, setting new records for Thanksgiving weekend and solidifying Disney’s dominance in the animation realm.
The highly anticipated sequel, which follows Moana and Maui on another epic adventure across the sea, raked in an estimated $221 million domestically in its first five days, making it the highest five-day opening of all time. This impressive feat surpasses the previous record held by “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” ($204.6 million).
“Moana 2” also claims the title of the highest Thanksgiving opening weekend box office, beating “Frozen’s” $94 million total in 2014. Furthermore, it achieved the highest five-day Thanksgiving total, surpassing “Frozen 2’s” second-weekend earnings of $125 million in 2019.
Disney now holds the record for the top seven Thanksgiving opening weekends of all time, as well as nine out of the top ten, demonstrating its continued strength in delivering family-friendly entertainment during the holiday season.
Globally, “Moana 2” has already amassed an impressive $386 million, further solidifying its box office dominance.
This success adds to Disney’s impressive streak at the box office this year. The company now holds the top three domestic openings of 2024, with “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and now “Moana 2” leading the charge.
The strong performance of “Moana 2” highlights the enduring appeal of Disney animation and the power of storytelling to resonate with audiences of all ages. As the film continues its theatrical run, it’s poised to make even bigger waves and solidify its place as a box office giant.
“Moana 2 has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a testament to the phenomenon that Moana has become,” Alan Bergman, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment, said. “We’re fortunate to have an incredibly talented and hard-working creative team at Disney Animation who brought this new adventure to life, alongside our wonderful stars Auli‘i and Dwayne and great new music. This is a moment to celebrate, and we’re thankful to all the moviegoers and fans who’ve helped make this a record-breaking debut.”
Away from the box office, the film was a hit with audiences as well. Moana 2 received an “A-” CinemaScore and a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 87%.
The success of Moana 2 is just another example of the might of the sea-faring franchise.
Since hitting theaters in 2016, Moana has consistently been among the Top 10 most-streamed movies of the year —and in 2023, the film starring the voice talents of Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson crossed 1 billion hours streamed on Disney+. In fact, it was the most streamed movie on any platform in the U.S.
However, the franchise’s popularity goes far beyond her onscreen appearances.
Not only are apparel, books, and toys offered at Disney Store and other retailers, but Moana’s story continues across the globe at Disney’s theme parks and soon guests can enjoy Disney The Tale of Moana aboard the Disney Treasure cruise ship, which will bring Moana’s musical journey to the stage for the very first time.
“Seeing the popularity of Moana grow since it was released eight years ago is incredible,” Jared Bush, the Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, said. “We spend so long making these movies, and everyone puts their heart into them. That people still find themselves in her story and want to be with Moana on the canoe, it’s a dream come true.”
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is Officially Sold Out for 2024
If you were hoping to grab tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom this year, we hope you already have them in hand—because the beloved holiday event has officially sold out! Spanning select evenings from November 8 to December 20, 2024, this festive celebration of holiday cheer has once again proven to be one of the most in-demand experiences of the season.
For those lucky enough to have secured tickets, this year’s event promises a magical winter wonderland filled with yuletide joy. From snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A. to sweet treats and festive beverages included in the ticket price, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offers an unforgettable evening of seasonal splendor. Guests can look forward to dazzling holiday decorations, whimsical photo opportunities, and, of course, plenty of cookies and cocoa at designated spots throughout the park.
This sell-out isn’t surprising, as the event sold out around the same time in 2023. If you’re still hoping to attend, your only chance might be to check at Magic Kingdom on the day of the party to see if any last-minute tickets are available. However, availability is not guaranteed, so it’s always best to plan ahead for this popular holiday tradition.
For those who secured their tickets early, congratulations! You’re in for an evening of festive fun that captures the true magic of the holiday season at Walt Disney World. If not, mark your calendar for next year—Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is clearly an event worth planning for in advance!
Disney Legend Josh Gad Calls for Figment Attraction Update at EPCOT
Disney Legend Josh Gad, the Disney Legend known for a myriad of works including the voice of Olaf in Frozen and LeFou in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, has fans buzzing after a bold Instagram post directed at Walt Disney Imagineering. Gad, who recently visited EPCOT to perform in the Candlelight Processional, didn’t hold back when he shared his thoughts about one of the park’s most iconic—but polarizing—attractions: Journey Into Imagination With Figment.
“Hey @waltdisneyimagineering 📞 me. We need to give this guy the ride update he deserves,” Gad wrote, accompanied by a photo of Figment. The playful yet pointed message has reignited debate about the future of the beloved purple dragon and the ride that’s been a staple of EPCOT since 1983.
Gad’s critique isn’t without context. The original Journey Into Imagination opened in 1983, starring Figment and his charming mentor, Dreamfinder, as they turned dreams into reality aboard the Dream Mobile. This version ran until 1998 and is still cherished by Disney fans for its creativity and the catchy anthem, “One Little Spark.” However, the attraction’s subsequent overhaul in 1999, retitled Journey Into YOUR Imagination, was poorly received. It eliminated Figment and Dreamfinder altogether, opting for a more science-focused theme. Fan backlash was so intense that Disney quickly pivoted, debuting the current version in 2002, which brought Figment back—albeit without Dreamfinder.
While Figment remains an EPCOT icon, even inspiring his own merchandise and meet-and-greet, the ride itself has struggled to live up to the imaginative legacy of its original incarnation. Gad’s comment has many fans wondering: Could his call to action finally spark a reimagining worthy of Figment’s whimsical charm?
Could a return of Dreamfinder be on the horizon? Might Disney create an entirely new experience to celebrate the purple dragon that so many fans hold dear? For now, no official plans have been announced, but Gad’s playful challenge to Disney Imagineering has certainly reignited the conversation.
As Figment’s original anthem reminds us, “One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation.” Perhaps Gad’s spark will be just the push Figment needs to soar back into the imaginations of Disney fans for generations to come.
