New EPCOT Park Map Shows Completed World Celebration Area

By

Sara

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June 14, 2024

New EPCOT Park Map Shows Completed World Celebration Area

Planning your EPCOT visit just got easier! The digital park map now includes the new CommuniCore Hall and Plaza.

Be aware that the paper maps inside EPCOT might not include the recently opened CommuniCore Hall and Plaza. Luckily, the My Disney Experience app has the most up-to-date digital map.

CommuniCore Hall, featuring the new Mickey & Friends meet and greet, offers a flexible space for guests to relax and enjoy indoor respite. The adjoining plaza extends this comfort zone outdoors, complete with artificial turf, making it a perfect spot to unwind throughout the year, even as the EPCOT festivals transform the park.

The centerpiece of CommuniCore Plaza is a lively stage, currently hosting the interactive sing-along ¡Celebración Encanto! Join Mirabel and Bruno (during the finale) for a musical celebration of the Madrigal family.

Ready to explore the new areas in Epcot? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.

Mickey Mouse Fist at Center of Disneyland Union Dispute

By

Sara

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June 13, 2024

Mickey Mouse Fist at Center of Disneyland Union Dispute

Disneyland workers and management are at odds over a union button featuring Mickey Mouse’s white gloved fist. The symbol of solidarity is being used by workers in ongoing contract negotiations for over 13,000 employees.

Disneyland’s union, representing over 13,000 workers, filed unfair labor practice charges against the park. The move comes after more than 500 employees were disciplined for wearing union buttons featuring Mickey’s raised fist. The charges will be investigated by the National Labor Relations Board.

According to Disney officials, “Disneyland Resort cast members may only wear buttons and pins that are a part of their costumes while at work so that the show is maintained for our guests.”

Disneyland enforces a ‘Disney Look’ policy, requiring cast members to remove non-approved items. Repeated violations could lead to disciplinary action, but Disneyland says few workers have faced it so far.

Today, Disney cast members announced that they have filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney on behalf of 13,000 workers at the resort for unlawful discipline, intimidation and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union buttons at work. pic.twitter.com/gg7CUk6JUh
— DisneyWorkersRising (@disneyrising24) June 11, 2024

The union argues a 1945 Supreme Court ruling protects workers’ right to wear union insignia despite dress code policies. While Disneyland’s “Disney Look” guidelines, once strictly regulating everything from hairstyles to jewelry, have loosened in recent years to promote diversity, the union apparently believes these buttons fall under protected speech.

Since April, a union coalition representing Disneyland’s “cast members” (employees) – ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, and more – has been negotiating a new contract with Disney. The current contract expires on June 16th.

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Kith Soars into Dumbo with New Walt Disney’s Dumbo Apparel Collection!

By

Ana Leal

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June 13, 2024

Kith Soars into Dumbo with New Walt Disney’s Dumbo Apparel Collection!

Get ready to celebrate the magic of Disney’s Dumbo with a brand new collection from Kith Kids! To mark the grand opening of their Kith Kids Dumbo Flagship store, Kith has teamed up with Disney once again to create a whimsical line of apparel and accessories inspired by the beloved elephant.

The Disney | Kith Kids Dumbo Collection features a delightful range of tees and hoodies, each showcasing artwork that reimagines the iconic film through the lens of Kith’s signature style. Crafted from the brand’s premium cotton jersey, these tees and hoodies offer a luxuriously soft feel and come in a garment-dyed or vintage wash for a unique touch.

Young Disney fans will love the Director’s Hoodie, featuring unforgettable scenes from the movie splashed across the back alongside Kith and Disney’s co-branding on the front. For a more playful look, a variety of tees showcase Kith’s classic and serif logos alongside charming Dumbo illustrations. To complete the outfit, a reversible bucket hat adds a touch of streetwise flair and coordinates perfectly with the apparel.

Kith Baby hasn’t been forgotten! The collection also boasts a selection of adorable crewnecks, tees, and onesies for babies, all featuring designs that match the Kith Kids assortment. Plus, a matching bucket hat ensures your little one is the most stylish dumbo on the block.

Mark your calendars! The Disney | Kith Kids Dumbo Collection takes flight on Saturday, June 15th, launching exclusively in-store at the grand opening of the Kith Kids Dumbo Flagship. Following the opening, the collection will be available at select Kith stores, so be sure to check their website for details. With this adorable range, Kith and Disney have created the perfect way for kids of all ages to celebrate the timeless tale of Dumbo!

Credit: Keith

Double the Trouble, Double the Fun: Stitch and Angel Donut Plushes Available Now!

By

Ana Leal

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June 13, 2024

Double the Trouble, Double the Fun: Stitch and Angel Donut Plushes Available Now!

Calling all Lilo & Stitch fans with a sweet tooth! Get ready to sink your teeth into adorable with the new Stitch and Angel Donut Plushes! These delectable delights are the perfect way to celebrate your love for these mischievous experiments and delicious Disney treats.

Available now at Epcot or online at the Disney Store for $29.99 each, these plushes are sure to be a hit with fans of all ages. Here’s why you need to add them to your collection:

Scrumptious Stitch: Stitch comes sporting a festive Aloha shirt covered in donuts, including Mickey Mouse donuts! He’s also holding a plush donut with embroidered frosting and sprinkles. Don’t forget the collectible “Stitch Attacks Snacks” patch on his foot, a special touch for this June release.
Angelic Appetite: Angel isn’t one to miss out on the fun! She’s decked out in a donut-patterned jumper and clutches her own plush donut with embroidered details.

These plushes are the sweetest way to commemorate your Disney vacation or add a touch of whimsy to your home collection. So don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! Head to Epcot or the Disney Store online and make these loveable treats yours today!

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Donut Worry, Be Happy! The Mickey Mouse Donut Spirit Jersey Arrives at Walt Disney World!

By

Ana Leal

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June 13, 2024

Donut Worry, Be Happy! The Mickey Mouse Donut Spirit Jersey Arrives at Walt Disney World!

Get ready to sink your teeth into the latest must-have merchandise: the Mickey Mouse Donut Spirit Jersey! This delightful design is sure to satisfy your cravings for Disney fashion and sugary treats.

It’s a must-have for any Disney fan with a sweet tooth, and at $79.99, it’s a treat you can afford! Don’t wait, grab yours today at Epcot or online at the Disney Store before they disappear faster than a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar on a hot summer day!

This delectable Spirit Jersey features a giant Mickey Mouse donut graphic on the front, glazed to perfection with a touch of nostalgia. The back shoulder features a puffy, “iced” Walt Disney World logo, adding a touch of park pride to your sweet outfit. But wait, there’s more! The entire jersey is designed to look like a giant pink frosted donut, complete with sprinkles and drips for an extra touch of magical flair.

This Spirit Jersey is the perfect way to show your love for Disney and your love for donuts all in one delicious piece. You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:

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A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Approves Agreement that Allows New Park Expansion

By

Chris B

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June 13, 2024

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Walt Disney World Resort and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have finalized a significant agreement following a unanimous decision by the board during the final vote on June 12. This agreement will set the course for the development activities at Walt Disney World Resort for the next decade.

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This landmark agreement delineates the maximum potential for new developments at Disney World through 2034, including:

Up to 53,467 hotel rooms
Over 1.2 million square feet of office space
Over 1.7 million square feet of retail and restaurant space
Five minor theme parks (e.g., water parks, sports complexes)
Five major theme parks, including the possibility of one new major theme park

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These figures represent the upper limits of possible development, providing Disney with the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and guest preferences while ensuring responsible growth. Agreements such as the one reached by the CFTOD and Disney World will often include:

Mitigation Strategies: Proposals to mitigate development impacts, particularly in terms of transportation.
Public Facility Scheduling: Timing for new public facilities such as water, wastewater treatment, parks, schools, and transportation infrastructure, which the developer may fund.
Land Reservations: Descriptions of any land reservations or dedications for public purposes.
Regulatory Approvals: An outline of any necessary approvals, waivers, variances, or special exceptions that the developer will seek.

Water Slide in Bay Cove Pool at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower Closed for Refurbishment

By

Chris B

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June 13, 2024

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We have a refurbishment alert for you that does not currently appear on the Walt Disney World website. During a visit to Disney’s Contemporary Resort earlier this week, we found the water slide at the Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower to be closed for refurbishment.

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The sign above can be found just outside of the pool area, alerting guests to the fact the slide is closed but the pool remains open. As you can see in the photo below, scaffolding has been erected around the slide to facilitate the refurbishment.

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We do not currently know the scope of the work, nor when the slide is expected to re-open.

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is Officially Closing for New DVC Lounge

By

Chip

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June 13, 2024

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Disney Vacation Club Lounge to Replace Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade at Magic Kingdom

The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, an opening day attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, will soon be transformed into a new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member lounge.

The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will permanently close on June 23, 2024 to make way for a new Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge.

This confirms earlier rumors that the Shootin’ Arcade would be repurposed to create a dedicated space for DVC members.

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While DVC had previously announced a new lounge in January, the location remained undisclosed until now. Currently, a DVC kiosk sits adjacent to the Shootin’ Arcade, making this area a natural fit for the new lounge.

The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, once a popular paid attraction, was made free to play in 2021 after an extended closure. It offered guests a chance to test their aim on a variety of moving and stationary targets.

This new DVC lounge will join the existing one in EPCOT’s Imagination! Pavilion, offering members another exclusive space to relax and enjoy the benefits of their membership. With comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, device-charging stations, and a dedicated DVC Member Services team, the lounge promises to be a welcome addition for those seeking a respite during their park adventures.

While the loss of the Shootin’ Arcade may be bittersweet for some, the new DVC lounge represents Disney’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience for its members.

Celebrate 30 Years of the Lion King at Walt Disney World for a Limited Time

By

Chris B

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June 13, 2024

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The Walt Disney World Resort has kicked off a special celebration for the 30th anniversary of “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. From now until September 6, fans of the iconic animated film can enjoy a variety of character greetings, themed food and drinks, unique merchandise, and other exclusive surprises that only Disney can offer.

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One of the highlights of this celebration is the opportunity for guests to meet Timon and Rafiki at Conservation Station in Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Accessible via the train near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris, this area is also where guests can try their hand at drawing other favorite characters from “The Lion King” at the Animation Experience. Guests can check out The My Disney Experience app for up to date meet-and-greet times.

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The celebration also features a range of limited-time treats inspired by “The Lion King.” Guests can indulge in the Simba Paw Cookie, available at outdoor food carts, or try the You Follow Old Rafiki Cheesecake, a delectable blend of passion fruit mango cheesecake with a coconut-lime crust.

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For a refreshing treat, Rafiki’s Squash Banana Shake, available at Tiffins Restaurant, is a must-try, along with the Remember Who You Are dessert—a delightful Kenyan coffee mousse with caramelized bananas and chai chantilly.

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For those looking to commemorate the anniversary with some special merchandise, there’s plenty to choose from. The new collection includes a stunning adult sweatshirt with Simba silhouetted against the setting sun, a blue and white tie-dye youth zip hoodie, and a colorful “Hakuna Matata” ear headband. These items and more can be found at Island Mercantile in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Enhancing the experience at “The Festival of the Lion King” show is the MagicBand+, which adds dancing lights and haptic vibrations during key moments of the performance. Guests are invited to join the celebration and make unforgettable memories with “The Lion King” at Walt Disney World!

VIDEO: Guest Refills Water Bottle in Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Queue

By

Chris B

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June 13, 2024

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The weather in Central Florida can be quite hot, especially during the summer months. While staying hydrated is crucial during a visit to the Magic Kingdom, one guest took an unusual approach to fill their water bottle while waiting in line for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

@jaimeleeogle
This surely can’t be a bottle refill station in the 7 dwarfs mine train queue ?!? Son saw this and sent this to me. He saw a kid drink from the feature too. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it just an interactive water feature to play in not to drink though? Hope that water isn’t recycled and/or they have a good immune system. I dont wish tummy troubles on anyone. 🙈 #wdw #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #waterbottle #sevendwarfsminetrain #isthiswatersanitary #tantordisney #fyp #disney #disneyparks #areyousurethiswaterissanitary
♬ original sound – no name

Guests familiar with this attraction will recognize the interactive water play feature located near the end of the outdoor queue. A video posted on TikTok shows a guest using this water feature to fill their bottle.

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Although the water is likely treated and generally safe for incidental contact, such as accidental splashing or a child playing and putting their hands in their mouth, it is likely not intended for drinking in large quantities. We highly recommend guests do NOT fill there water bottles via this feature while waiting in line for the mine train!

Love Pride Sign Returns to Disney Springs

By

Chris B

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June 13, 2024

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The Walt Disney World Resort has been rolling out decorations celebrating Pride Month, with murals returning to all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Disney Springs has also been included in the Pride celebrations via the installation of a Love Pride sign.

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The large pride sign, featuring a silhouette of Mickey Mouse painted in the colors of the pride flag along with with the word LOVE in black letters, has been installed just outside the Sephora store.

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Which of the Disney Pride designs is your favorite? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Inside Out 2 Headquarters Opens Its Doors for Fans to Make Core Memories

By

Chip

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June 13, 2024

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Inside Out 2 Headquarters Opens Its Doors for Fans to Make Core Memories

Growing up is a rollercoaster of emotions, and Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” explores the complexities of adolescence with wit and heart. To celebrate the film’s theatrical release on June 14th, Airbnb is offering a unique opportunity for fans to step inside Riley’s inner world and make core memories of their own.

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Located just outside the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Riley’s Headquarters has been recreated as a real-life Airbnb, complete with vibrant colors, interactive elements, and breathtaking views. Guests will be welcomed by host Joy herself, who will guide them through an emotional journey of self-discovery.

Related – Top 10 Things to Know About Pixar Fest

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This immersive experience includes:

EQ 101: A guided tour of each emotion’s headquarters, from Joy to Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear.
Take Control: Guests can take a spin at navigating Riley’s control panel, experiencing the complex workings of her emotions firsthand.
Dream World: Each night, guests can choose a room that matches their mood and drift off to a restful sleep, creating new core memories.
Scavenger Hunt: An exciting scavenger hunt will lead guests through the headquarters, unlocking new emotions and building lasting memories.

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Booking for this once-in-a-lifetime experience opens on Tuesday, June 18th at 6:00 AM PT and closes on June 22nd at 11:59 PM PT. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Las Vegas.

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So, are you ready to explore the depths of your emotions and make unforgettable core memories? Don’t miss this chance to step into the world of “Inside Out 2” and discover the magic that lies within.

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Check out an exclusive look inside the Inside Out home below:

Photo Credit Ryan Lowry & Airbnb Inc.