Disney World has announced upcoming changes to its popular Fantasmic! Dining Packages at Hollywood Studios, set to take effect on August 29, 2024. These packages, which offer guests reserved seating for the Fantasmic! show along with a meal at one of the park’s participating restaurants, will see adjustments in pricing and inclusions.
Starting on August 29, the new packages will include an entrée and dessert (no appetizer) at select full-service restaurants, one full buffet (where applicable), a non-alcoholic beverage, or an alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and older. Currently, the package includes an entrée and appetizer or dessert, along with a non-alcoholic beverage.
If you have already been looking at pricing for these packages, you will find price for adults has increased by $6 across the board while children’s prices have remained the same. Note, in Disney speak, ‘adult’ as far as pricing starts at age 10.
We are just under 2 weeks away from the theatrical premier of Illumination’s Despicable Me 4, and Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating by bringing even more Minion madness to Universal Studios Florida. A fun display has been set up inside the park that is the perfect place to grab a few selfies!
In “Despicable Me 4,” Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) and Lucy (Oscar® nominee Kristen Wiig) are back, along with their three daughters—Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Polan). This time, the family welcomes a new member, Gru Jr., who delights in tormenting his dad with mischievous antics.
Gru’s latest challenge comes in the form of a new nemesis, Maxime Le Mal (Emmy winner Will Ferrell), and his cunning femme fatale girlfriend, Valentina (Emmy nominee Sofia Vergara). When Maxime and Valentina’s villainous plans put the Gru family in danger, they are forced to go on the run. Amidst the chaos, Gru must navigate the challenges of fatherhood, protect his family, and stop Maxime and Valentina’s nefarious schemes, all while the Minions add their signature comedic flair to the adventure.
It looks like even more construction will be coming to the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. Disney has recently filed a new construction permit for the Frontier Trading Post. The permit, which lists “general construction” as the description of improvement, was filed on June 13, 2024, and includes an expiration date of June 30, 2025.
The project has been assigned to MLC Theming, Inc., a specialty construction company based in the greater Orlando area. According to their website, MLC Theming specializes in scenic painting and aging of structures, fabricating facades, carving rock work, and more. Given the chosen contractor and scope of work, it appears this permit will likely be for general upgrades and improvements to the store.
This construction permit comes just a week after another significant announcement regarding Frontierland. The nearby Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade will close permanently later this month to make way for a Disney Vacation Club member-exclusive lounge.
What are your thoughts on these changes to Frontierland? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Heads up to those looking to visit the Walt Disney World theme parks today: Magic Kingdom will be closing at 7 pm. This early closure is in place to accommodate a private event as part of the Department of Defense Warrior Games, taking place from June 21 to June 30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Warrior Games are a remarkable event, celebrating the resilience and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. The Games feature a variety of athletic competitions and foster camaraderie and support within the military community. This private event at the Magic Kingdom is a special opportunity for participants to experience the magic of Disney in a unique and memorable way.
If you’re at Disney World today, you’ll still have plenty of options for fun and adventure. Here are the operating hours for the other Disney parks on that day:
We are just about 1 year away from the opening of Epic Universe, the all new Universal Orlando theme park that will feature five immersive themed lands, on site hotels, and epic dining and shopping experiences. Universal has already unveiled details for three of the lands: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and today has brought us the details on Dark Universe.
Try to Escape Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Latest Experiment
One of the marquee attractions, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, takes you deep below the Frankenstein estate. Here, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the ghastly work of her ancestors.
A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters, including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The towering manor where these horrors unfold stands as a testament to the perils within.
Within Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, you’ll witness a spectacular sight: The Phantom of the Opera’s organ, featuring 14 individual flame points that shoot vertical flames over 3 feet in the air, dancing in synchronicity with the haunting organ music. This fiery display adds an unforgettable element to the experience.
Now It’s Your Turn to Face the Curse
Maleva, leader of The Guild of Mystics, welcomes you to a secluded wagon camp, where you’re warned of the creatures prowling the deep woods. Curse of the Werewolf is a thrilling ride that takes you through the forest at 37 mph.
Surrounded by glowing eyes and gnashing teeth, you’ll spin and weave as you try to escape a pack of werewolves. This two-minute ride tears through a dark, foreboding shed, where mysterious figures claw ever so near.
Release Your Inner Creature for the World to See
At the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, Dr. Pretorius’ old lab has been transformed into a parlor where skilled artisans bring out your inner monster. Whether you want to be a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or something even more fashionably monstrous, this experience allows you to embrace your love for Universal Monsters.
Meet Some of the Monsters of Dark Universe
In Darkmoor Village, you’ll encounter inhabitants such as Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride, Ygor, The Invisible Man, a courageous monster hunter, and even a musician who might regale you with songs about the village. Feel free to say hello and take photos with them, but beware—you never know who or what might be lurking in the shadows. Over 6,500 different lighting elements bring to life the rich stories of Darkmoor’s history. Many fixtures were custom-designed to tell the tales of vampires and scientists, casting an eerie glow over the village.
Enjoy a Monstrously Good Meal
Das Stakehaus is an old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs. Here, you can enjoy a meal surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts. The restaurant is run by vampires’ “familiars,” or servants, adding a unique twist to your dining experience. Just don’t venture down to the catacombs below, or you might find yourself on the vampires’ menu.
For those with a taste for a hearty meal, The Burning Blade Tavern is the place to be. This old mill, transformed into a monster hunters’ hangout, offers a menu of burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels, and specialty beverages. The windmill at the top of the tavern erupts into flames several times an hour, providing a spectacular view day and night.
A visit Dark Universe at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe will allow you to explore a world of horror and adventure. Whether you’re braving the rides, meeting legendary monsters, or enjoying a monstrously good meal, Dark Universe promises an experience you won’t soon forget. To fully immerse yourself in this new land, be sure to head on over to the Universal Orlando website to click through an interactive walkthrough!
In anticipation of the upcoming release of Despicable Me 4, Universal Studios has added a stunning new Minion medallion to the entrance archway of the park. The fun and eye catchinbg medallion is a great celebration of the upcoming film. Medallions like this are common at Universal Studios, with medallions also being used to mark Universal celebrations such as Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights.
In Illumination’s Despicable Me 4, Gru (voiced by Oscar® nominee Steve Carrell) is back for an exciting and bold new era of Minions mayhem. Joining Gru once again are his devoted wife Lucy (voiced by Oscar® nominee Kristen Wiig) and their daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Polan).
This time, the Gru family welcomes a new member: Gru Jr., who is determined to torment his dad at every turn. As if that weren’t enough, Gru faces a formidable new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (voiced by Emmy winner Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (voiced by Emmy nominee Sofia Vergara). When the family finds themselves on the run, they must navigate a series of hilarious and heartwarming challenges. The film will hit theaters on July 3.
Experience All That’s New at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds this summer with Morimoto Asia‘s exciting new culinary offerings and discounts at Disney Springs!
New Lunch Menu Delights Starting now, guests can indulge in a delectable selection of signature pan-Asian dishes during weekday lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The newly introduced lunch menu boasts a mouthwatering lineup of flavors, including:
Katsudon: Panko-breaded pork skirt with dashi soy, organic egg, scallions, and pickled ginger, served over house-polished white rice.
Poke Bowl: A vibrant mix of tuna, salmon, and hamachi marinated in soy and sesame, topped with crunchy garlic chili and served over sushi rice.
Asian Salad: A refreshing blend of mesclun and baby iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomato, red onion, orange segments, apple, wonton chips, and a zesty ginger dressing. Enhance your salad with a choice of protein like chicken, oishii shrimp, bulgogi beef, calamari, or fried tofu.
Set Menus: Choose from the Pork Katsu Curry Set, Orange Chicken Set, or Ramen Set, each accompanied by a Kanikama roll or fried chicken dumpling and a choice of miso soup or house salad with yuzu dressing.
Exclusive Discount for Disney Annual Passholders From July 1st through September 30th, Disney Annual Passholders can enjoy a 20% discount on their weekday lunch meals at Morimoto Asia, making it the perfect time to explore the new menu.
Sweet New Dessert Delights In addition to the savory lunch offerings, Morimoto Asia has also introduced tantalizing new desserts available during both lunch and dinner:
Matcha Mousse: A delicate matcha mousse layered with raspberry sponge cake and raspberry jam.
Nama Chocolate: Indulgent chocolate truffle squares complemented by caramel cream, crunchy puff rice, and caramel pearls.
Japanese Souffle Cheesecake: A light and airy cheesecake infused with strawberry and shiso, topped with a refreshing strawberry sorbet.
Don’t miss out on these exciting new culinary adventures at Morimoto Asia! Whether you’re craving a savory lunch or a sweet treat, this renowned Disney Springs restaurant has something to satisfy every palate.
Florida Residents Receive 25% Off Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages at Paddlefish
Calling all foodies! Craving delicious steak and seafood? Look no further than Paddlefish at Disney Springs, consistently rated among the best restaurants there. And guess what? There might be a sweet deal waiting for you this summer (but hurry, these offers can change quickly!). Not everyone qualifies for the discount though.
Attention Florida residents! Score a sizzling summer deal at Paddlefish in Disney Springs! Until the end of August, enjoy 25% off your food and non-alcoholic drinks. This is a delicious opportunity to savor their famous steak and seafood without breaking the bank. But hurry, this offer won’t last forever!
Snagging this summer steal is easy! Just show proof of your Florida residency when you dine in. Planning ahead? Reservations can be made through OpenTable or the My Disney Experience app.
Planning a Disney World trip can be overwhelming! Let me, your Disney travel agent, be your magic wand. I’ll handle all the details, from finding the perfect hotel to securing coveted dining reservations, so you can focus on the pixie dust and Mickey ears.
Employees Suing Walt Disney Company Over Canceled Move From California to Florida
The reversal of Walt Disney Company’s plan to relocate 2,000 California workers to Florida is still causing problems for the company. The decision to scrap the move, which was initially announced in 2021, came after Bob Iger returned as CEO last year.
In 2021, Disney caused a stir with plans to move 2,000 employees from California to Florida. This included their famous Imagineers who design Disney theme parks and resorts. The move was meant to benefit from Florida’s tax breaks, but many employees weren’t happy about uprooting their lives from Southern California. The plan was eventually scrapped after Disney’s leadership changed.
Now, some angry Disney employees who uprooted their lives for the move are suing the company.
A lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleges Disney misled and pressured employees into relocating to Florida. The lawsuit claims numerous employees, including plaintiffs Maria De La Cruz and George Fong (both current Disney employees), sold their homes in Los Angeles and moved to Central Florida based on the company’s promise of job relocation.
According to the lawsuit, Disney led employees to believe their jobs would be transferred to Florida and that refusing the move could lead to termination. The lawsuit details that De La Cruz and Fong agreed to the relocation in November 2021, with Disney allegedly giving affected employees only 90 days to decide. Further details, like De La Cruz selling her Altadena home in May 2022, are included in the lawsuit to support the claim of disrupted lives due to Disney’s alleged misleading practices.
A year after they had sold their houses and moved, Disney canceled the project.
The lawsuit aims to become a class action, representing all California Disney employees, current or former, who uprooted their lives and moved to Florida because of Disney’s plans for the Lake Nona project. The suit seeks unspecified damages to punish Disney for its actions.
While Disney admitted some employees had already relocated to Florida when they scrapped the move, the lawsuit alleges the company’s offered compensation packages weren’t enough to make up for the disruption. The lawsuit suggests Disney didn’t adequately address the situation for those who uprooted their lives based on the company’s promises.
It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July is just around the corner. If you are planning on spending the holiday at or near Walt Disney World, we have good news: the sensational patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” is making a grand return to EPCOT for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations. This spectacular event is set to follow “Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” creating an unforgettable evening of lights, music, and patriotism.
Disney has confirmed The Heartbeat of Freedom will light up the sky on both July 3 and July 4, with performances starting at 9 p.m. Traditionally, this EPCOT show only graces the skies on the Fourth of July itself. This change aligns EPCOT with the Magic Kingdom’s customary two-night celebration, where guests have enjoyed Fourth of July fireworks on both July 3 and 4.
For those planning to experience this spectacular event, it’s wise to arrive early. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World, and prime viewing spots fill up quickly. Consider securing a spot near the World Showcase Lagoon for the best views of both “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” and “The Heartbeat of Freedom.”
Grab Your Shopping List, Bluey Shopping Cart Has Arrived at Disney Store!
Get ready to embark on imaginative grocery adventures with the all-new Bluey Shopping Cart, now available at the Disney Store! This adorable playset, retailing at $19.99, captures the hearts of Bluey fans and ignites hours of pretend-play fun.
Crafted for little hands, the Bluey Shopping Cart features a sturdy design with rolling wheels for easy maneuvering. It comes complete with eight colorful boxes of play food, including essentials like tea, milk, and flour, alongside yummy treats like popsicles and cereal. But watch out for that “green stuff” – just like Bingo, this cart avoids the dreaded vegetables!
Let your little one recreate their favorite Bluey moments or invent their own grocery store escapades. The cart features a charming decal showcasing Bluey and Bingo, along with a special “Bluey” stamp for that extra touch of authenticity. Plus, the packaging includes a delightful surprise – a recipe for fairy bread, a classic Aussie treat you can whip up together for some post-shopping fun!
So, don’t miss out on this pawsome opportunity to bring the magic of Bluey home. Head down to your nearest Disney Store or visit their website to snag the Bluey Shopping Cart today!
