Dr. Mark Penning, VP of Disney’s Animals, Science & Environment, shared some exciting news on Instagram! A new Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal has joined the Kilimanjaro Safaris herd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is the second foal for mom Juno, following Cricket’s arrival last year.
Hartmann’s mountain zebras are native to Namibia and Angola in Africa. They’re the smallest zebra subspecies, distinguished by dewlaps on their necks and a lack of stripes on their bellies. Sadly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies them as vulnerable due to threats like hunting and habitat loss.
Did you know? Another Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal was recently born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! Disney is dedicated to conservation efforts, and these new arrivals are a testament to their commitment to protecting this fascinating species.
Universal Orlando has officially announced the first of five scare zones for Halloween Horror Nights 2024, and it promises to be a spine-chilling experience. The new scare zone is called “Torture Faire,” where guests are invited to brave the gloriously gory medieval torture devices until they are put out of their misery. This marks the first scare zone announcement of the season, with four more yet to be revealed.
In addition to the scare zones, Universal has already announced nine out of ten haunted houses for this year’s event. Fans can also look forward to the announcement of the final house, as well as details on the remaining scare zones, food offerings, and the theme for the live show. There’s also speculation about the possible return of a lagoon show now that the projectors are back up and running.
Here’s a recap of the haunted houses announced so far:
A Quiet Place: Navigate the post-apocalyptic world from the films “A Quiet Place” and “A Quiet Place Part II.” Stay silent to survive as you move from the farmhouse to the woods and the foundry, avoiding monstrous creatures that hunt by sound.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire: Team up with the Ghostbusters to save the world from a second Ice Age. Face off against Garraka and his army of ghosts in this bone-chilling haunted house inspired by the film.
Insidious: The Further: Don’t get trapped in The Further as terrifying demons try to ensnare you. The Red-Faced Demon and KeyFace are waiting to possess your body and keep your soul trapped forever.
Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America: With La Muerte as your guide, encounter three terrifying monsters: the blood-sucking Tlahuelpuchi, owl-faced witch La Lechuza, and bone-ripping El Silbón.
Slaughter Sinema 2: Scream through scenes from B-movie horrors at the Carey Drive-in, featuring creature features, grindhouse gore, spaghetti westerns, and more.
The Museum: Deadly Exhibits: Visit a new folklore museum exhibit, The Rotting Stone, where an evil escapes and destroys everything in its path.
Major Sweets Candy Factory: Chaperone a field trip to a candy factory where free samples transform kids into candy-coated killers.
Goblin’s Feast: Enter a goblin village filled with bloodthirsty goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, and witches who would love to have you for dinner.
Triplets of Terror: Attend the Barmy triplets’ birthday bash where they celebrate by recreating their family’s murders.
Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will take place on select nights from August 30 to November 3 at Universal Studios Florida. With so many terrifying attractions and exclusive ticket options available, it’s time to prepare for an unforgettable spooky season.
The iconic Mars sculpture at EPCOT’s Mission: Space is undergoing a significant transformation, as workers continue to replace the discolored orange paneling with new red panels. This overhaul is part of a long-term effort to restore the vibrant appearance of the sculpture, ensuring it remains a striking feature at the entrance of this thrilling attraction.
Currently, three large rows of black paneling are visible on the Mars sculpture, indicating the ongoing work. These black panels are placeholders and will soon be replaced with the shiny red paneling that now covers most of the sphere. The old discolored orange panels, which are almost entirely removed, can still be seen at the top of the sphere and to the right of the black panels. It’s only a matter of time before these remaining sections are updated, completing the sculpture’s refreshed look.
The process of replacing the paneling on the Mars sculpture has been gradual. Issues with the fading paint were first reported in May of last year, prompting the start of the repair work. Since then, the refurbishment has seen steady progress, with panels being removed and replaced at various times throughout the year. Despite the ongoing work, Mission: SPACE remains open, allowing guests to enjoy the attraction’s exciting journey to Mars while the entrance undergoes its transformation.
Test Track Gets a Revamp! Show Cars Find New Home During Epcot Refurbishment
Epcot’s iconic Test Track is undergoing a major reimagining, and with it comes a unique opportunity for guests! The sleek Chevrolet show cars that usually reside inside the attraction have been relocated outdoors, offering a chance to get up close and personal with these beauties while the ride undergoes its transformation.
Parkgoers can now find a vibrant yellow Corvette, a stylish black SUV, and a bold red truck parked prominently in front of the construction walls surrounding Test Track. Just like before the closure, guests can hop in and out of the vehicles to explore their features firsthand (minus the joyride, of course!).
This refurbishment marks a new chapter for Test Track. The attraction closed its doors on June 17th to pave the way for a reimagining inspired by the classic World of Motion. This was the original thrill ride that Test Track replaced in 1998, and its return influence promises an exciting update for the popular Epcot experience.
The construction walls themselves offer a glimpse into the future. The new Test Track logo has been unveiled, hinting at the changes to come. Scaffolding near the back of the building suggests significant work is underway to bring the reimagined attraction to life.
This refurbishment marks Test Track’s first major overhaul since 2012. With inspiration drawn from the beloved World of Motion and a focus on guest engagement even during the closure, anticipation is building for the return of this Epcot staple.
While details about the updated ride experience remain under wraps, the presence of the show cars and the construction progress itself fuels the excitement for what’s to come. We’re excited for the new Test Track to open!
Disneyland Paris Soars into Record Books with Dazzling Bastille Day Drone Show
Disneyland Paris celebrated Bastille Day in spectacular fashion, setting a new Guinness World Record title for the “Largest aerial display of a fictional character formed by multirotors/drones.” The breathtaking display featured 1,571 drones, illuminating the night sky with a giant tricolor Mickey Mouse head soaring above Sleeping Beauty Castle.
“We are thrilled and proud to have set this GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title,” said Ben Spalding, Entertainment Producer at Disneyland Paris.
Bastille Day, the French National Day, commemorates the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. Paying homage to the French flag, the Mickey Mouse head was adorned with blue, white, and red stripes, creating a patriotic spectacle.
The record-breaking drone display was part of a larger 12-minute nighttime show meticulously crafted by Disneyland Paris Entertainment in collaboration with Dronisos. Over 1,630 drones, including pyro-drones, painted the sky with scenes from iconic Disney stories inspired by France. “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Aristocats,” and “Ratatouille” were all represented, alongside national symbols like the Eiffel Tower and the rose window of Notre Dame Cathedral.
This extraordinary event not only marked a historic moment for Disneyland Paris but also showcased the innovative use of technology in creating magical and memorable experiences for guests. The stunning drone display is a testament to Disney’s commitment to pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their creativity and ingenuity.
EPCOT has unveiled a stunning new mural at the character meet and greet location near Spaceship Earth. This vibrant backdrop celebrates the new entrance area, featuring the iconic Spaceship Earth with its points of light and the refreshed water feature.
The new mural is a perfect embodiment of EPCOT’s spirit and innovation. From the gleaming Spaceship Earth to the beloved Figment, the artwork captures the essence of the park, welcoming guests to embark on their next adventure. This colorful and lively mural is not just a feast for the eyes but also a fantastic photo opportunity for visitors. 📸✨
The Perfect Backdrop for Character Meet and Greets
But the excitement doesn’t end there! This mural also serves as a designated character meet-and-greet spot. Guests can now hug their favorite Disney pals and snap memorable photos in front of this beautiful new backdrop. 💖 Whether it’s Mickey, Minnie, or any other beloved character, this new location is sure to make your visit even more magical.
Next time you’re at EPCOT, make sure to check out this fantastic new addition at the main entrance. It’s the perfect place to kick off your day at the park and capture some unforgettable moments with your favorite characters. So, grab your camera, strike a pose, and let the magic of EPCOT shine in your photos! 🌟
Don’t miss out on this exciting new spot – it’s a must-see on your next visit to EPCOT!
Guests looking to join the resistance via the Batuu base at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this weekend discovered an exciting new addition. Disney has started testing a Single Rider Line for the immensely popular Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction. While this option can significantly reduce wait times, it does come with some notable limitations.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a deeply immersive experience located in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge section of Hollywood Studios. The attraction begins with a briefing featuring a holographic Rey, followed by a ride aboard a CEC Intersystem Transport Ship. Guests are then “captured” by the First Order and undergo a brief interrogation by Kylo Ren before being rescued in a thrilling sequence led by Finn and Poe.
The Single Rider line bypasses many of these immersive elements, taking guests directly from the entrance to the First Order ship. This means missing out on some of the story and immersive features, but it allows guests to enjoy the core part of the ride with minimal wait time.
Overall, the Single Rider option is a fantastic choice for those who have experienced the full attraction before. For first-time riders, we recommend the traditional Standby queue or a Lightning Lane pass to fully appreciate the complete experience of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
A clever fan with a sense of humor managed to temporarily name the half-mile-long pier at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point “Bob Chapek Pier” on Google Maps. This playful nod to the former Disney CEO adds a lighthearted twist to the otherwise daunting walk from the cruise ships to the island. The prank was short-lived, and as of Monday July 15 the reference seems to have been removed from the website.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which opened on June 6, 2024, is the newest addition to Disney’s exclusive Bahamian islands, joining the beloved Disney Castaway Cay. While the island offers a plethora of activities, including restaurants, cabanas, shops, and both water and land adventures, the half-mile pier has become a point of contention for many guests.
The pier, with no shade or tram, requires all guests to walk the half-mile stretch from their ship to the island. Disney does offer shuttle service for those with disabilities, but all other guests must make the trek on foot. Without any seating or rest areas along the pier, the 10-15 minute walk can be quite challenging under the hot Caribbean sun.
This has led to mixed reviews, with some guests humorously pointing out the challenge. One guest commented, “Also, please be prepared it’s a half-mile walk from the pier to the boat, my goodness.” Another mentioned, “The beach and water are the stars,” highlighting the island’s redeeming qualities despite the long walk.
Overall, Disney Lookout Cay has received a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars from 18 Google reviews. While some negative comments focus on the walk and the ongoing construction, many guests did seem to enjoy the island’s beauty and amenities.
Despicable Me 4 & Inside Out 2 Dominate the Weekend Box Office
The global and international box office continues to be dominated by animation, with Universal/Illumination’s Despicable Me 4 leading the charge this weekend. Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out 2 also maintains its impressive momentum, demonstrating strong performance after five weeks in theaters. The positive trend extends to all major titles currently in release, providing a reason for optimism in the industry.
This week, Inside Out 2 achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming Pixar’s highest-grossing movie ever globally. Furthermore, the Despicable Me/Minions franchise cemented its place in history by becoming the first animated franchise to surpass $5 billion in global box office revenue.
Despite these achievements, both films show no signs of slowing down. Despicable Me 4 has yet to open in key markets like Japan, Korea, and Italy, while Inside Out 2 is set to debut in Japan on August 1st. Industry insiders believe the Japanese market could propel the Pixar sequel past Frozen 2 to become the biggest animated film of all time worldwide.
Outside the animation genre, Paramount’s A Quiet Place: Day One is making a significant impact, recently crossing the $100 million mark overseas and reaching $200 million globally. Additionally, Warner Bros’ Twisters had a promising early start, earning $11.5 million in 38 markets, including Australia, Mexico, and Brazil. Universal will handle the domestic release of Twisters, with the film set to hit theaters on July 19th.
Food Booths Installed for 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
EPCOT is gearing up for its delicious journey around the world! The 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off on August 29th, and enticing Global Marketplace booths are already popping up throughout the park. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with international flavors!
While the full lineup for the Global Marketplaces is still under wraps, Disney has confirmed some returning favorites! Get ready to indulge in classic treats from Belgium, Germany, The Alps, and Hawai’i at the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
The booth previously known as Coastal Eats has received a fresh makeover for the Food & Wine Festival. Located near the Outside Creations Shop, it now boasts a vibrant water and coral theme, hinting at a new culinary adventure. While Disney hasn’t revealed the official name or menu yet, it promises to be a refreshing addition to the festival!
The enticing aroma of grilled goodness might draw you to a familiar wood-paneled booth across from the playground. While this spot previously tantalized taste buds with fiery flavors at Flavors From Fire, Disney hasn’t announced its official 2024 transformation yet.
Don your favorite red and white stripes, because a familiar booth is back near the playground! This boxy white and red gem might have been The Fry Basket last year, but Disney is keeping its 2024 offerings under wraps. Will it return with crispy classics or surprise us with something new?
A taste of Mexico is setting sail for the Food & Wine Festival! The beloved Mexico booth has docked along the World Showcase lagoon, nestled between the Mexico pavilion and the Disney Traders gift shop.
Savor the Far East right next door to the Mexican fiesta! The Noodle Exchange booth sets up shop directly across the lagoon from its Mexico counterpart. This popular marketplace offers a delightful journey through Asian flavors with its signature noodle dishes.
The 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off a delicious global adventure on August 29th and continues its flavorful journey until November 23rd.
Planning your EPCOT Food & Wine Festival trip can be a breeze with me as your travel agent! I can help you find the perfect dates for your foodie adventure, considering park availability and potential festival highlights. Plus, I can search for the best deals on park tickets and hotels close to the magic. Let me focus on your dream festival experience, so you can focus on indulging in those delicious treats!
Walt Disney Company Faces Alleged Massive 1.1TB Data Breach
The Walt Disney Company is reportedly facing a significant data breach, with claims that 1.1 terabytes of sensitive information have been compromised. A hacktivist group known as “Nullbulge” claims to have gained access to Disney’s internal Slack platform, potentially exposing a vast amount of data, including unreleased projects, login credentials, concept art, and personal information.
While the exact contents of the breach remain unverified, the group has released a screenshot purportedly showing various Disney files. However, the “Nullbulge” website has since been taken offline, preventing further access to any leaked data. Disney has yet to publicly address the alleged breach.
If confirmed, this incident would be the latest in a series of high-profile data breaches impacting major companies. In late 2022, Rockstar Games suffered a similar breach through its Slack platform, resulting in the leak of 90 videos related to the highly anticipated game GTA 6. Similarly, in late 2023, Insomniac Games fell victim to a significant breach, with over 1 million files compromised and later released to the public after hackers failed to find a buyer willing to pay $2 million for the data.
The potential fallout from this alleged breach for Disney is substantial, given the vast amount of sensitive information that may have been exposed. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting further details and an official response from Disney regarding the incident.
Port Canaveral has officially welcomed Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, designed for the ultimate short getaway. This ship offers unique 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday cruises, including a visit to the award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
“Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is one of the most anticipated new cruise ships in the industry,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “We’re excited to support the demand for short itineraries and provide high-quality experiences from our port.”
Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray (right), Canaveral Port Authority Commission Vice Chair Wayne Justice (left) and Utopia of the Seas Captain Gus Andersson exchanged commemorative plaques during a ceremony to acknowledge the ship’s historic arrival at Port Canaveral. (Photo: Canaveral Port Authority)
To honor the ship’s arrival, Capt. Murray presented Utopia’s Capt. Gus Andersson and crew with a commemorative plaque.
A New Era for Port Canaveral
With Utopia of the Seas joining the fleet, Port Canaveral now hosts two of the world’s largest cruise ships. Utopia joins Wonder of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, with Voyager of the Seas arriving on November 26. Port Canaveral has expanded parking at Cruise Terminal 1 by 1,000 spaces to accommodate the increased traffic.
Built in Saint-Nazaire, France, Utopia of the Seas offers more than 40 dining, drinking, and entertainment venues across eight themed neighborhoods. Highlights include:
FlowRider Surf Simulator
10-Story Zip Line
The Ultimate Abyss: The longest dry slide at sea
Get ready for an unforgettable journey aboard Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, whether for a quick weekend escape or a mid-week adventure. Bon voyage!
