A group of 24 talented young women from New Orleans had the opportunity to live out a culinary fairytale! Thanks to a collaboration between Visit Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort, Southwest Airlines, and New Orleans & Co., these aspiring chefs, aged 17-27, got to experience an unforgettable adventure in Orlando this week!
Inspired by the journey of Princess Tiana, a beloved chef and restauranteur, the young women were immersed in the world of culinary excellence with Disney. Their all-expenses-paid trip includes round-trip flights courtesy of Southwest Airlines, accommodations, theme park tickets, and unparalleled educational opportunities with Disney’s top culinary professionals.
The adventure kicked off with a welcome reception at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on Tuesday, July 23rd. The girls were greeted by Disney and gifted some incredible merchandise including Tiana Minnie Ears and Princess and the Frog Loungefly backpacks.
Stella Chase, the daughter of the late Chef Leah Chase and the inspiration behind Princess Tiana, welcomed the girls to the event along side her grand-daughter Zoe, who also took part in the excitement. The Chase family has been actively involved in the creative process with Disney as the company expands Tiana’s presence in the parks.
On Wednesday July 24th, the chefs were given the opportunity to take part in a Special Character Greeting at Magic Kingdom Park with none other than Princess Tiana herself and Louis!
Following some fun photo ops, the girls (myself included) got to ride on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with no line, just as the park was opening! We all had a blast!
On Thursday, July 25th, the special event concluded with the ladies showcasing their culinary talents at a hosted chef experience at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Congratulations to all of the amazing women chefs that were a part of this magical culinary dream come true! Check out more photos and video clips from the experience on our Instagram!
The Walt Disney Company and ESPN have announced a landmark 11-year extension with the NBA and WNBA, ensuring that Disney remains the primary media rights partner from the 2025–2026 season through the 2035–2036 season. This renewal solidifies Disney and ESPN’s exclusive position as the home of the NBA Finals and continues their commitment to delivering premium sports content.
Exclusive NBA Finals Coverage: Disney retains exclusive rights to broadcast the NBA Finals, maintaining its position as the go-to destination for one of the league’s most prestigious events.
Comprehensive Rights Package: ESPN secured the “A package,” including premiere games, further enhancing its extensive NBA and WNBA coverage.
Digital Expansion: This deal supports ESPN’s evolution into a leading sports digital platform, leveraging Disney’s brand depth and launching a direct-to-consumer offering in Fall 2025.
According to Rosalyn Durant, ESPN’s Executive Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions, renewing the NBA and WNBA rights was crucial due to the leagues’ global appeal and young, diverse fanbase. The NBA and WNBA are integral to ESPN’s content strategy, driving the network’s digital future and flagship direct-to-consumer product.
ESPN’s investment in the WNBA has seen significant growth, with more games on ABC, record viewership for the WNBA Draft, and substantial increases in game and show audiences. This new deal underscores ESPN’s commitment to women’s sports, promising tremendous growth and innovation for the WNBA.
The new agreement builds on decades of collaboration between ESPN and the NBA (since 2002) and the WNBA (since its inception in 1997). Durant highlighted the strong relationship, emphasizing the collaboration during the 2020 NBA COVID “Bubble” at Walt Disney World Resort as a testament to their successful partnership.
The renewed rights deal will also enable first-of-their-kind collaborations between the NBA, Marvel, and Walt Disney World Resort, showcasing Disney’s unique ability to integrate its various brands and create unparalleled fan experiences.
The enchanting Princess Tiana sipper is splashing its way to Disneyland Resort on August 1st! This magical collectible will be available at various locations throughout the resort, so keep an eye out.
The sipper is a true work of art. Its translucent green body features beloved characters like Louis, Ray, and iconic symbols from the film. Tiana herself stands proudly atop the lid, dressed in her signature green lilypad gown. The transparent straw adds a whimsical touch as it spirals around the cup before reaching the top.
Disney fans who missed out on the Princess Tiana sipper during its initial release at Magic Kingdom in late June for the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will have another chance to snag this coveted collectible when it arrives at Disneyland Resort next week.
Let me handle the stress of planning your Disneyland adventure! From finding the perfect hotel to securing those coveted park reservations, I’ll curate a magical itinerary tailored to your family’s desires. Enjoy the magic of Disneyland without the hassle of planning – let me be your personal fairy godmother for the perfect trip.
Haunted Mansion Holiday Returning to Disneyland on July 29th
Get ready for some spooky, festive fun! Disneyland Park is bringing back Haunted Mansion Holiday early this year,starting July 29th. Just in time for Halloween Time and the holiday season, the Haunted Mansion will be transformed into a “Nightmare Before Christmas” wonderland. This year’s centerpiece, the gingerbread house, will feature a brand new design!
While you enjoy the Nightmare Before Christmas transformation, please note that the attraction is currently using a virtual queue system. This is due to ongoing construction of an expanded outdoor queue featuring new theming and a charming new shop. Stay tuned for the grand reveal of the finished project!
“Pumpkin King Jack Skellington has been busy decorating the Haunted Mansion for the Haunted Mansion Holiday—with frightfully festive touches inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Experience thrilling sights and seasonal surprises created by the citizens of Halloween Town. Sally, Oogie Boogie and other beasties from the beloved film will be on hand to wish you ‘Season’s Screamings!’”
Dreaming of a Disneyland adventure? Let me handle the planning stress! As your travel agent, I’ll craft the perfect itinerary, from park tickets and hotel stays to dining reservations and special surprises. Sit back, relax, and let the magic begin!
Purr-fectly Adorable: Disney Cats Dooney and Bourke Ear Headband!
Disney fans and cat lovers, rejoice! A new must-have accessory has arrived at Magic Kingdom that’s sure to steal your heart (and your wallet). The Disney Cats Dooney and Bourke Ear Headband is the ultimate feline fashion statement, and it’s now available at Uptown Jewelers.
For a whopping $198, this luxurious headband boasts coated cotton ears adorned with an adorable array of Disney cats on both sides. From the mischievous Cheshire Cat to the regal Simba, this accessory is a veritable who’s who of feline fandom. Other featured furballs include Rajah, Berlioz, Duchess, O’Malley, Marie, Scat Cat, Mittens, Bagheera, Oliver, Figaro, and Mochi.
The headband’s charm is elevated by a genuine leather bow, featuring an embossed “Dooney & Bourke” metal label for an added touch of luxury.
Whether you’re a die-hard Disney collector or simply a cat enthusiast, this headband is a must-have item to complete your magical look. Just be prepared to shell out for this purr-fectly priced accessory!
Haunted Mansion Gargoyle Water Bottle: A Spooktacular Sip!
Memento Mori at Magic Kingdom has unleashed a new must-have for Haunted Mansion fans: a gargoyle water bottle. This chillingly cool accessory is perfect for quenching your thirst while paying homage to one of the most iconic Disney attractions.
At a price of $34.99, this sleek black water bottle features a matte finish and is adorned with the classic Haunted Mansion wallpaper design in glossy black. But the real star of the show is the gargoyle cap. This detailed replica of a stretching room gargoyle adds a touch of spooky elegance to your hydration routine.
Whether you’re exploring the Magic Kingdom or simply looking to add a touch of the supernatural to your daily life, this Haunted Mansion Gargoyle water bottle is a must-have for any fan.
Partners in Magic: New Partners Statue T-Shirt Is a Must Have for Disney History Buffs!
Magic Kingdom shoppers are in for a treat with the latest addition to The Emporium’s merchandise lineup. A new dark grey Partners Statue t-shirt featuring the iconic statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse has captured the hearts of Disney history enthusiasts.
The shirt, priced at $29.99, showcases the beloved duo standing side-by-side, with Cinderella Castle and fluffy clouds as a picturesque backdrop. A subtle Walt Disney World Resort logo adorns the bottom of the shirt, adding an authentic touch.
For those looking to maximize their savings, the shirt is included in The Emporium’s “2 for $24.99 each” promotion, making it an even sweeter deal for those who want to stock up on Disney style.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or simply appreciate the magic of the parks, this t-shirt is a wonderful way to commemorate your love for the Walt Disney Company. Head over to The Emporium on your next Magic Kingdom visit to snag this must-have item!
Universal Orlando Announces the Theme for the 10th and Final House for Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando has revealed the theme for the highly anticipated 10th and final haunted house for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. The all-original haunted house, titled “Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines,” will feature an all-female cast of classic Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula’s Daughter, She-Wolf of London, and Anck-Su-Namun. This thrilling addition will debut at Universal Orlando Resort on Friday, August 30, and at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, September 5.
“Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines” introduces guests to a new terrifying storyline. Visitors will find themselves in the midst of an epic battle between two unexpected alliances of classic female Universal Monsters. Saskia Van Helsing, a new huntress and daughter of the legendary Abraham Van Helsing, faces Dracula’s daughter, Countess Marya, who has risen from the dead to seek revenge and destroy the Van Helsing bloodline.
Dracula’s daughter forms a deadly alliance with the She-Wolf, inspired by the 1946 film She-Wolf of London, and the undead, mummified Egyptian princess Anck-Su-Namun from the 1932 film The Mummy. Their mission to kill is intercepted by Saskia and an unlikely ally, The Bride of Frankenstein. This terrifying adventure will take guests on a journey through a life-and-death battle, with only one bloodline left to survive.
At Universal Studios Hollywood, the haunted house will have added historical relevance as it will be located within legendary Sound Stage 12, the original filming location for classic Universal horror movies such as Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
The Universal Classic Monsters haunted house also marks the return of GRAMMY® Award-winning musician SLASH, who will compose an original score for this all-new haunted house. SLASH’s score will be featured alongside his past compositions on a limited-edition vinyl album, available at Universal Studios Hollywood throughout the event.
At Universal Orlando Resort, Emmy®-nominated composer Sara Barone will elevate the haunted house experience with her original score. Barone, known for her work on BBC’s Planet Earth III alongside Hans Zimmer and Jacob Shea, and Amazon’s Silver and the Book of Dreams, is currently part of the Universal Composers Initiative. This program, led by Universal’s Film Music team and Talent Development & Inclusion, provides composers with unparalleled access to the studio process and exclusive scoring opportunities.
A Quiet Place: Navigate a post-apocalyptic world in silence, evading monstrous creatures that hunt by sound. This house will test your ability to remain absolutely quiet to survive.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire: Join the Ghostbusters in a bone-chilling battle against Garraka and his ghostly army as you strive to prevent a second Ice Age from engulfing the world.
Insidious: The Further: Fight to escape a realm of terrifying demons eager to ensnare your soul. The Red-Faced Demon and KeyFace await, making every step a perilous one.
Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America: Encounter the blood-sucking Tlahuelpuchi, the owl-faced witch La Lechuza, and the bone-ripping El Silbón, all guided by La Muerte herself. This house promises to bring the horrors of Latin American folklore to life.
Slaughter Sinema 2: Experience scenes from B-movie horrors at the Carey Drive-in, featuring creature features, grindhouse gore, spaghetti westerns, and more, in a gruesome cinematic journey.
The Museum: Deadly Exhibits: Witness chaos as an evil artifact unleashes destruction within a folklore museum, turning a routine visit into a nightmare.
Major Sweets Candy Factory: What starts as a sweet field trip to a candy factory turns into a nightmare as children transform into candy-coated killers.
Goblin’s Feast: Enter a village of bloodthirsty goblins and witches, where you must survive their grisly feast.
Triplets of Terror: Attend the Barmy triplets’ twisted birthday bash where they recreate their family’s murders in a chilling celebration.
Adding to the frights are the scare zones Duality of Fear, Swamp of the Undead, and Torture Faire, as well as the electrifying stage show Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus, which promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Tickets and Event Dates
Single night and multi-night tickets for Halloween Horror Nights are already on sale. The event will run on select nights from August 30 to November 3, offering plenty of opportunities to experience the horror and excitement.
With the announcement of Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2024 house lineup is now complete, ensuring an unforgettable and terrifying experience for all who dare to attend. Get your tickets now and prepare for the ultimate Halloween adventure!
Four Striped Newcomers: A Baby Boom at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A flurry of black and white stripes has taken over Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge this summer, as four adorable Hartmann mountain zebra foals have made their debut. Each foal boasts a unique personality as they explore their vast savanna home.
These new arrivals bring the total number of zebra species at Walt Disney World to three, including Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and the plains zebra. Hartmann’s mountain zebras are native to the mountainous regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
The newest foal, a tall baby boy born on July 16th to second-time mom Aziza, is currently bonding with his mother backstage before joining the rest of the herd on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.
Earlier in July, first-time mom Asha welcomed a curious colt with a unique dash on his right leg, mirroring a similar marking on his grandmother, Heidi. Second-time mom Juno also gave birth to a beautiful filly named Cada, identifiable by a distinct white marking on one of her back legs.
The eldest of the foals, Penne, was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on June 13th. Weighing nearly 100 pounds at birth, Penne quickly began exploring the savanna with his mother, Heidi, much to the delight of guests. Penne’s birth marked the third generation of Hartmann’s mountain zebras at the Lodge, as his mother Asha was also born there in 2020.
These new additions offer a unique opportunity for guests to observe the expressive behaviors of Hartmann’s mountain zebras. The animal care teams at Disney World closely monitor these behaviors to ensure the well-being and socialization of the herd.
Each of these new arrivals is incredibly special for the Hartmann’s mountain zebra species. Currently, these animals are listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. These births are a success thanks to the Species Survival Plan, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that ensures responsible breeding and genetic diversity of hundreds of animal species.
These four new foals join the long list of more than 5,000 animals that receive exceptional care every day at Walt Disney World. For updates and to see all the amazing work our talented team of cast members are doing follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram.
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Peter Pan and Captain Hook Soar to New Heights Aboard the Disney Treasure!
The Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, has reached a new milestone: the installation of the iconic Peter Pan and Captain Hook sculptures on its stern.
These larger-than-life figures, crafted in California and carefully transported to Germany, add a touch of magic and adventure to the ship’s classic exterior. Standing at over 9 feet tall with a size 36.5 shoe, Peter Pan is sure to be a sight to behold as he battles the nefarious Captain Hook high above the waves.
This exciting development brings the Disney Treasure one step closer to its highly anticipated maiden voyage in December 2024.
Global superstar Ciara and NFL quarterback Russell Wilson recently celebrated their son Win’s fourth birthday in the most magical way possible—at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida! The family marked this special occasion with a day full of joy and memorable experiences, making it Win’s first visit to the enchanting Magic Kingdom Park.
After a magical meet-and-greet with the boss man himself, Mickey Mouse, the family spent the day exploring the wonders of Magic Kingdom Park. They enjoyed a variety of iconic attractions, including the brand new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as well as “It’s a Small World,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Dumbo the Flying Elephant.”
From meeting Mickey Mouse to experiencing the thrill of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Win’s fourth birthday was truly a magical day at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s to many more happy moments and adventures for the Wilson family in the years to come.
