Disney Begins Refurbishment on the EPCOT World Celebration Reflecting Pool

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June 14, 2026

Disney Begins Refurbishment on the EPCOT World Celebration Reflecting Pool

Disney Begins Work on the World Celebration Reflecting Pool at EPCOT

Refurbishment is officially underway at the World Celebration reflecting pool, where Disney has completely drained the water to begin work. Inside the empty basin, the iconic river rocks have been cleared from their usual spots and piled together in designated areas as crews prepare for the next steps.

The maintenance work affects the body of water located between the Imagination and Land pavilions, right next to CommuniCore Plaza. With the area completely drained and the river rocks gathered into large piles throughout the basin, the raw concrete floor is currently fully exposed to passing guests.

To assist crews with the refurbishment, a small scaffolding staircase has been erected for easy access into the dry basin. Just behind these steps, Disney has placed a row of rolling planters, serving as a subtle boundary to keep guests from wandering or climbing down into the construction zone.

It’s a time-honored tradition for guests to toss coins into Disney waterways and make a wish. Periodically, these coins are harvested from spots like Cinderella’s Wishing Well at Magic Kingdom and other fountains across the resort—including this reflecting pool—to be cleared out ahead of maintenance. These wishes go on to do some serious real-world good: Disney collects the coins and donates them to incredible organizations like Make-A-Wish and Give Kids The World Village. Back in 2022, these collected coins totaled a massive $30,000 donation, and with this reflecting pool now completely drained, Disney will likely have another substantial contribution ready to hand over soon.

If you’d like to plan your next visit to Epcot, contact our partners at Get Away Today!

New Caramel Popcorn with Apple Caramel Churro Bites Arrive at The Odyssey in EPCOT

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Sara

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June 14, 2026

New Caramel Popcorn and Apple Caramel Churro Bites Arrive at The Odyssey in EPCOT

Caramel Popcorn and Apple Churro Bites Arrive at EPCOT

Two delicious new flavored churro bites have officially landed at EPCOT’s new Light Lounge inside The Odyssey! We dropped by to try both the Caramel Popcorn and Apple-Caramel varieties so you know exactly which one deserves a spot on your park-day snack list.

Caramel Popcorn Churro Bites – $6.49 (Caramel churros, kettle corn, and caramel sauce) This treat is beautiful, Instagram-ready, and absolutely delicious. The warm, perfectly cooked mini churros blend cinnamon and caramel beautifully, while the addition of colorful kettle corn makes for a fun presentation. Keep in mind that with only four mini churros, this is really a single-serve snack rather than a shareable plate. If you love caramel, this is an absolute must-try!

New Caramel Popcorn with Apple Caramel Churro Bites Arrive at The Odyssey in EPCOT

Apple-Caramel Churro Bites – $6.99 (Served with vanilla dipping sauce) Out of the two new options, this one was our clear winner. These bites feature a wonderfully soft texture (no stale Disney churros here!) and are loaded with flavor from a refreshing apple filling and real fruit pieces on the side. Paired with the vanilla dipping sauce, it’s the perfect, not-too-heavy dessert to enjoy while cooling off in the AC. It is still plenty sweet, but the crisp apple flavor balances it beautifully. If you love apple desserts, this is a must-try—but if you don’t like apples, stay far away!

Have you had a chance to try either of these tasty treats yet? Contact our partners at Get Away Today to get your next visit booked!

Light Lounge Now Open at The Odyssey in EPCOT

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Sara

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June 14, 2026

Light Lounge Now Open at The Odyssey in EPCOT

Light Lounge Opens at EPCOT’s Odyssey Pavilion

The wait is over! After recently spotting new signage at The Odyssey, we’re thrilled to announce that the Light Lounge is officially open at EPCOT. Here is your complete guide to everything you need to know about this bright new addition.

Disney kept us guessing! Since the new signage went up at The Odyssey, there hadn’t been a peep of official news about what the Light Lounge actually was. That made its sudden debut today a total, welcome surprise.

The air-conditioned lounge is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it the perfect spot to escape the afternoon heat.

The Light Lounge features a curated menu of quick bites and refreshing drinks, perfect for a mid-day break. On the savory side, you can grab Chicken Strips served with French fries for $10.99. If you have a sweet tooth, they are offering Apple-Caramel Churro Bites with a vanilla dipping sauce for $6.99, alongside Caramel Popcorn Churro Bites—a mix of caramel churros, kettle corn, and caramel sauce—for $6.49. To wash it down, choose from standard bottled beverages ($5.50), DASANI water ($4.25), a rotating line of $12.50 Seasonal Draft Beverages, or a fun Frozen Fruit Slush ($9.29) featuring your choice of Simply juices, topped with cotton candy and a souvenir glow cube.

Alongside the snack lineup, guests can enjoy live entertainment from variety performers Max & Aydar, who have officially moved indoors from their original spot at the World Celebration Gardens. This duo brings plenty of laughs by juggling a mix of objects and poking fun at each other throughout the show. During their previous outdoor run, they even invited kids center stage to participate in a fun plate-spinning act! You can catch their indoor performances every half hour starting at 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The aptly named Light Lounge draws its design inspiration from refraction. The space features:

Dynamic Lighting: Shifting lights play across the blue and green walls, altering their vibrancy and creating an ethereal, underwater-like ambiance toward the back of the lounge.
Varied Textures: The walls blend matte finishes with shimmering, sparkly panels that completely change character under different lights.
Waterfall Accents: Close inspection reveals vertical lines of reflective material, giving the illusion of gently cascading water.

Ready to visit Epcot and see the Light Lounge? Contact our partners at Get Away Today!

Why the Churro Sundae at La Cantina de San Angel Is Still a Must Try EPCOT Snack

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Chris B

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June 13, 2026

Why the Churro Sundae at La Cantina de San Angel Is Still a Must Try EPCOT Snack

Hidden EPCOT Dessert Combines Two Disney Snack Favorites Into One Sweet Treat

When guests talk about iconic EPCOT snacks, churros and soft serve ice cream are usually near the top of the list. Tucked away at La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion, there’s a dessert that combines both into one delicious under-the-radar treat: the Churro Sundae.

This sweet creation starts with vanilla, caramel, or swirl soft serve ice cream topped with warm mini churros, caramel sauce, and festive red, white, and green sprinkles inspired by the colors of the Mexican flag. The combination of freshly made churros and cold creamy ice cream creates the perfect contrast of temperatures and textures, making it a refreshing option on a hot Florida afternoon.

One of the best parts of the dessert is its customization. Guests can choose their preferred soft serve flavor, though the swirl option tends to be the fan favorite. Caramel lovers may enjoy going all-in with the caramel soft serve, but the added caramel drizzle already packs plenty of sweet flavor into every bite.

While it may not get as much attention as some of EPCOT’s festival treats, the Churro Sundae remains one of the park’s hidden gems. If you’re exploring World Showcase and looking for something sweet after tacos, nachos, or a margarita, this dessert is well worth a stop. And when you’re ready to snack your way around EPCOT, be sure to contact our friends at Get Away Today to help plan your next Walt Disney World adventure.

Disney Begins Removing Iconic Flowerbeds Following the End of EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

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Chris B

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June 13, 2026

Disney Begins Removing Iconic Flowerbeds Following the End of EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

EPCOT Begins Removing Flower & Garden Festival Displays Following Festival’s End

The blooms are fading at EPCOT as Disney begins clearing away decorations from the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Just days after this year’s festival came to a close, crews have already started removing some of the colorful flowerbed displays that transformed the park throughout the spring season.

One of the most noticeable changes can be found near World Showcase Lagoon outside The Odyssey pavilion, where the popular Festival Blooms display has disappeared. During the festival, this area featured vibrant floral arrangements designed to resemble giant butterflies and flowers. Now, the space has returned to mostly grass, with a few bare patches of dirt serving as a reminder of the elaborate display that recently occupied the area.

Not all festival elements are gone just yet. Flowerbeds near the Imagination! Pavilion remain in place for now, suggesting Disney’s post-festival cleanup will continue in phases throughout the park. The removal of the floral displays follows other recent changes at The Odyssey, where signage associated with the Citrus Blossom outdoor kitchen has also been taken down.

While it’s always a little sad to see the flowers go, it also signals the transition to EPCOT’s next season of festivals and experiences. Before long, the park will be preparing for its next major celebration, continuing EPCOT’s year-round cycle of food, entertainment, and special events. If you’re already planning your next visit to see what’s blooming next at Walt Disney World, our friends at Get Away Today can help you plant the seeds for a magical vacation.

New Speed Bumps and Rumble Strips Added to EPCOT Entrance

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Chris B

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June 13, 2026

New Speed Bumps and Rumble Strips Added to EPCOT Entrance

New Speed Humps Added Near EPCOT Parking Plaza to Slow Traffic

Drivers heading to EPCOT may notice a new obstacle on their way to a day of Disney fun. Disney has added new speed humps to portions of the roadway leading into the EPCOT parking plaza in an effort to slow down vehicles approaching the toll booths and parking areas.

The new black-and-yellow speed humps were installed near the parking entry lanes, just beyond existing rumble strips. Currently, the first set only spans the left-side lanes, while another set near the return roadway is designed specifically to slow vehicles entering from the left. During the initial rollout, some drivers were reportedly seen changing lanes to avoid the bumps altogether, which could lead Disney to expand the humps across additional lanes in the future.

While they may add a few extra seconds to the drive into the park, the new traffic-calming measures are likely intended to improve safety in an area where thousands of vehicles pass through daily. Between guests arriving for rope drop, convention attendees heading to nearby resorts, and families returning after a long day in the parks, the EPCOT parking entrance can get surprisingly busy.

The next time you’re driving toward Spaceship Earth, don’t be surprised if your journey includes a couple of extra bumps before the magic begins. And if you’re planning your next Walt Disney World adventure, our friends at Get Away Today can help you navigate all the vacation details, speed humps included!

Three Caballeros Animatronics Receive a Surprise Refresh at EPCOT

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Chris B

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June 13, 2026

Three Caballeros Animatronics Receive a Surprise Refresh at EPCOT

Three Caballeros Looking Sharper Than Ever on Gran Fiesta Tour at EPCOT

Guests sailing through the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT may notice that Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles are looking a little more polished these days. During a recent ride on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, the beloved animatronic trio appeared noticeably shinier, sparking speculation that Disney may have quietly refreshed the figures.

The most obvious changes seem to be on the characters’ eyes and beaks, which now have a brighter, glossier appearance than many guests remember. While the animatronics continue to perform the same movements and scenes at the finale of the attraction, the refreshed look helps the Three Caballeros stand out even more during their musical sendoff through Mexico.

Disney has not announced any official refurbishment of the figures, and Cast Members reportedly had not been informed of any updates. Still, the visual improvements are hard to miss for longtime fans of the attraction. Rather than a complete replacement, it appears the trio may have simply received some much-needed TLC to keep them looking show-ready.

The Gran Fiesta Tour remains one of EPCOT’s hidden gems, offering air conditioning, catchy music, and plenty of Donald Duck antics inside the iconic Mexico Pavilion pyramid. With the Three Caballeros now looking extra camera-ready, it might be the perfect excuse to take another voyage through Mexico on your next EPCOT visit. And when you’re ready to plan your own grand fiesta at Walt Disney World, be sure to contact our friends at Get Away Today for help creating a practically perfect vacation package.

Virgin Atlantic Moving to Terminal C at Orlando International Airport

By

Chris B

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June 13, 2026

Virgin Atlantic Moving to Terminal C at Orlando International Airport This Month

Passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic through Orlando International Airport will soon have a new place to check in. Beginning June 30, 2026, Virgin Atlantic will officially relocate all of its Orlando operations from Terminal A to Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

The move comes as Terminal C prepares to open its expansion, adding four new MARS (Multiple Aircraft Ramp System) gates capable of handling either four widebody aircraft or up to eight narrow-body aircraft. Since opening in 2022, Terminal C has become the primary home for many of MCO’s international carriers, making it a natural fit for Virgin Atlantic’s growing operations.

Virgin Atlantic currently offers daily nonstop flights between Orlando and both London Heathrow and Manchester, with additional flights added during peak travel seasons. The airline also operates seasonal service between Orlando and Edinburgh, Scotland, helping connect Central Florida visitors with several major destinations across the United Kingdom.

Airport officials say the relocation is designed to help balance passenger traffic throughout the airport, creating a smoother experience at security checkpoints, dining locations, and other guest areas. Travelers arriving internationally can also speed up the customs process by using the free Mobile Passport Control app, while eligible passengers may continue using Global Entry for expedited entry into the United States.

Guests connecting from Terminals A or B will be able to reach Terminal C using the airport’s Terminal Link tram system. Travelers with rental car reservations are encouraged to verify pickup instructions directly with their provider, though rental car services will continue to operate across all three terminals.

If you’re planning a trip across the pond or welcoming international visitors to Central Florida, be sure to double-check your terminal before heading to the airport. And when you’re ready to plan your next Orlando getaway, reach out to our friends at Get Away Today, who can help make your vacation take off as smoothly as a Virgin Atlantic departure from Terminal C!

Disneyland Handcrafted Nominated for TCA Award

By

Sara

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June 13, 2026

Disneyland Handcrafted Nominated for TCA Award

Disney+ Documentary Disneyland Handcrafted Nominated for Television Critics Association Award

If you love Disney history as much as we do, it is time to celebrate! The critically acclaimed Disney+ and YouTube documentary Disneyland Handcrafted is officially sweeping through award season.

Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks (the brilliant mind behind The Imagineering Story), the feature film has officially been nominated for a Television Critics Association (TCA) Award for Outstanding Achievement in News and Information.

But the accolades don’t stop there. The documentary recently took home three Telly Awards and has officially been submitted for Emmy consideration.

For those who haven’t caught it yet, Disneyland Handcrafted chronicles the jaw-dropping, high-stakes year leading right up to Disneyland’s legendary Opening Day in Anaheim on July 17, 1955.

What makes this project stand out is how raw and honest it is. Rather than just focusing on the magic, Iwerks pulls back the curtain on the immense financial, physical, and personal risks Walt Disney and his crew took to build the park. It is a story of pure grit, ambition, and determination.

What to listen out for: The documentary features entirely recreated soundscapes built from the ground up, paired with incredibly rare, unpolished archival footage that makes you feel like a fly on the wall in 1955.

Whether you are an absolute Disney history buff or just love a good behind-the-scenes look at how the theme park industry was born, this one is an absolute must-watch.

Where to stream: Disneyland Handcrafted is currently streaming right now on Disney+ and is also available for free on the official Disney YouTube channel.

We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed when the TCA winners are announced across their social channels later this summer!

Have you watched Disneyland Handcrafted yet?

Original Co-Creator Chris Sanders to Direct Live-Action Lilo and Stitch 2

By

Sara

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June 13, 2026

Original Co Creator Chris Sanders to Direct Live Action Lilo and Stitch

Chris Sanders Returns to Direct the Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Sequel

Big news from a galaxy far, far away! As first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Chris Sanders is officially stepping into the director’s chair for Lilo & Stitch 2. This is massive news for fans, as Sanders isn’t just the iconic voice behind everyone’s favorite blue alien, Stitch—he’s also the brilliant mastermind who co-created and directed the original animated masterpiece!

Talk about keeping it in the ohana! Chris Sanders is officially taking the reins as director for Lilo & Stitch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2025 live-action adaptation. Sanders’ roots with the franchise run incredibly deep—he co-created, co-wrote, and co-directed the original 2002 animated classic, and has spent over two decades voicing Experiment 626 in both animation and live-action. As we previously reported, he is pulling double duty for this sequel, serving as both the director and the writer!

This marks a bit of a creative shift from the first live-action film, which was helmed by director Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell With Shoes On) and written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. However, fans can expect plenty of continuity behind the scenes. Jonathan Eirich is returning to produce the sequel after producing the 2025 remake, alongside Ryan Halprin, who will serve as executive producer.

Mark your calendars, Disney fans! Lilo & Stitch 2 has quietly been in development since June 2025, and it is officially locked in for a theatrical release on May 26, 2028. Even more exciting? This won’t just be a rehash of old direct-to-video sequels—this upcoming film promises to deliver a completely brand-new, original story for our favorite galactic duo!

Are you excited for Lilo & Stitch 2?

Exclusive Souvenir Map Scavenger Hunt Coming Soon for Disneyland Magic Key Holders

By

Sara

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June 13, 2026

Exclusive Souvenir Map Scavenger Hunt Coming Soon for Magic Key Holders

Attention Magic Key holders! As the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration draws to a close, you can participate in a brand-new, exclusive scavenger hunt. Even better? You’ll score a special commemorative souvenir park map just for playing!

This exciting new quest draws its inspiration from the Magic Key Road Trip Year—a special celebration dedicated to park-filled adventures. Using the map as your guide, you’ll solve clever clues that lead you to hidden spots and fun, easily missed details scattered all throughout Disneyland Park.

When it’s time to start your adventure, you can pick up your map at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A. However, there is a bit of a mystery surrounding the exact kickoff date! The official Magic Key Extras page lists the event as running from Friday, June 26 through July 24, while the Magic Key Instagram account states it will begin on July 14. We are keeping a close eye on this and will update this post as soon as Disney clears up the confusion!

Keep in mind that there is a strict limit of one map per Magic Key holder, and they are only available while supplies last. To grab yours, you must be physically present at Disneyana and show a valid Magic Key pass at the time of redemption.

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Will you be picking up a map? If you’d like to book your next Disneyland vacation, contact our partners at Get Away Today!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Announces Summer Celebrations and a Birthday Party for America 250

By

Sara

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June 13, 2026

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Launches Big Summer Savings and Special Events

Celebrate America’s 250th & Summer Magic at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin!

With summer already in full swing and July just around the corner, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is giving guests even more to celebrate this season! If you are looking for the ultimate destination to ring in America’s historic 250th Birthday, this fan-favorite resort has a spectacular lineup of events, exclusive theme park perks, and sizzling summer deals waiting for you.

Here is a look at what the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has in store for the big milestone and beyond:

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Announces Summer Celebrations and a Birthday Party for America

An Epic July 4th Weekend Birthday Bash

On July 4th Weekend, the resort is throwing a massive party for America’s 250th Birthday, and all hotel guests are invited to join the fun! From July 3 through July 5, the resort will come alive with patriotic celebrations.

Guests can look forward to:

A live DJ spinning tracks by the pool
Inflatable, family-friendly games
USA-themed arts and crafts for the kids
A specialty “Red, White & Poured” cocktail for the adults
Complimentary birthday cake to celebrate this momentous national occasion!

Walk or Sail Straight to EPCOT’s New Soarin’ Across America

After soaking up the poolside fun, Swan and Dolphin guests have a front-row seat to the magic. Thanks to the resort’s premier location, guests can take a quick stroll down the walking path or hop on a complimentary Disney water taxi straight to EPCOT.

Once inside the park, you can be among the first to experience the brand-new Soarin’ Across America attraction, launching specifically in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. This breathtaking new voyage takes guests over some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders—like the Grand Canyon—as well as iconic cityscapes, all accompanied by a beautiful new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ musical theme.

Chip & Co Tip: Don’t forget that guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin can take advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry benefit! This is the perfect way to beat the lines and experience Soarin’ Across America with a shorter wait.

Keep the Vibes Going with the New Summer Concert Series

The party doesn’t stop after the holiday weekend. The Swan and Dolphin is keeping the energy high all season long with its brand-new Summer Concert Series, running from July through the end of August.

Available exclusively for hotel guests (or non-guests who purchase a resort pass), these summer night events will feature incredible live music, themed food trucks, specialty cocktails, and vibrant vacation vibes. For a full list of concert dates and specific activities, guests can check out the official Swan and Dolphin Sizzlin’ Summer guidebook upon arrival.

Sizzling Summer Savings

As part of the hotel’s Summer Story Worth Telling campaign, making these memories is more affordable than ever. The resort is offering a variety of sizzling summer deals with savings starting at 25% off for Disney Annual Passholders, teachers, Florida residents, and more!

Whether you are lounging by the pool with a slice of birthday cake, rocking out to live music, or soaring over the Grand Canyon, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is the place to be this summer.

Are you planning to celebrate America’s 250th at Walt Disney World? Contact our partners at Get Away Today to get your trip booked!