If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex and find yourself at Disney World, chances are you’ll make your way to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. Nestled in the rustic ambiance of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, this quick-service eatery has been a staple for those seeking a taste of the Southwest. The menu, featuring staples like tacos, nachos, fajitas, and customizable bowls, offers a versatile dining experience that caters to nearly every palate.
However, a recent change has left some regulars less than pleased. It appears that black beans, a key ingredient for many, have vanished from the menu, replaced silently by pinto beans. This shift might seem minor to some, but for aficionados of the specific, earthy taste and smoother texture of black beans, this is a significant switch.
The now-defunct Pecos Bill’s Toppings Bar
This change is part of a broader trend at Pecos Bill’s, which has seen the disappearance of beloved features such as the customizable toppings bar. This self-serve buffet of sorts, allowing guests to pile on lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and more, was a highlight for many. It provided a personalized dining experience unique in the fast-paced environment of theme park dining. Sadly, the toppings bar did not return after the park’s reopening post-pandemic closures, leaving guests nostalgic for the days of heaping extras on their dishes.
As with all changes, feedback from visitors will likely determine if this new bean swap becomes permanent or if black beans make a triumphant return. Until then, guests will have to adjust their expectations and perhaps find new ways to enjoy their favorite Tex-Mex dishes, pinto beans and all.
Disney Recognized as a Global Force for the Fourth Consecutive Year on TIME100 List
The Walt Disney Company has once again secured a spot on TIME magazine’s prestigious TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, highlighting its sustained impact on the global stage. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Disney has been honored with this recognition since the list’s inception in 2021.
TIME’s 2024 list emphasizes Disney’s enduring strength in the entertainment industry and its strategic focus on achieving profitability in the streaming sector. As the sole media and entertainment company featured on this year’s list, Disney’s influence remains undeniable.
“No single data point or financial metric makes a TIME100 Company,” TIME said. “Instead, we are looking at a mosaic of qualities, studying impact, innovation, ambition, and success, all in the many different forms that take shape today.”
What do you think about Disney being named to TIME’s List of the Most Influential Companies of 2024? Let us know in the comment box below.
First Look at New Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Cast Member Costumes from the Magic Kingdom
As excitement builds for the June 28th opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, cast members got a special preview of the reimagined attraction and debuted their new attire.
The costumes, a blend of classic Frontierland style and New Orleans flair, feature light brown pants, brown boots, and blue patterned shirts with either white or darker blue detailing. A festive touch is added with yellow, purple, and green Mardi Gras-inspired ascots.
The Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening team is currently riding the attraction at Magic Kingdom Park — and here’s a first look at their costumes! pic.twitter.com/oMOCipTtoc
Adding to the bayou charm, cast members stationed near the attraction’s splashdown were seen sporting yellow-gold flat caps, reminiscent of classic “newsies” hats.
The new costumes perfectly complement the vibrant and immersive atmosphere of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, adding another layer of authenticity to the guest experience. This exciting sneak peek follows the recent unveiling of the attraction’s sign, further heightening anticipation for the grand opening.
‘Moana 2’ Sets a Record as Disney’s Biggest Animated Trailer Launch in History
Moana is back and setting sail for a record-breaking adventure! Walt Disney Animation Studios unveiled the teaser trailer for “Moana 2” across social media, and it’s making waves.
Starring Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson once again as Moana and Maui, the trailer shattered Disney history for an animated trailer launch. With a whopping 178 million views in just 24 hours, it surpassed previous records held by “Inside Out 2” (157 million), “Frozen 2” (116 million), and even “Incredibles 2” (113 million). Get ready to dive back into the world of Moana – the hype is real!
“Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, said when the sequel was announced in February. “And we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.”
Proving its staying power, Moana (2016) held the title of most-streamed movie in 2023, according to Nielsen data. This love for the characters, music, and story is sure to translate to excitement for Moana 2!
Opening only in theaters on November 27, 2024, Moana 2 reunites Moana and the demigod Maui three years after the events of the first film for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
Pixar Considering Rebooting The Incredibles and Finding Nemo
Pixar is looking to revisit fan favorites! According to a Bloomberg report, the studio is considering rebooting some of its films, like The Incredibles and Finding Nemo. This comes as Pixar ramps up production of sequels and franchise films alongside original stories.
The studio is hoping to tap into existing fan bases and recreate the magic that made these movies so successful in the first place. This could mean renewed interest in merchandise and theme park attractions as well.
Pixar is betting big on Inside Out 2, but according to a report, success isn’t guaranteed. The animation studio’s future slate might depend on how audiences react to the sequel. If the film falls short, Pixar could shift its focus towards established franchises instead of original ideas. The pressure is on for Inside Out 2 to prove that these beloved stories can still resonate with audiences.
Inside Out 2 is riding a wave of excitement! The sequel’s trailer smashed Disney’s record for an animated film launch, racking up a whopping 157 million views in just 24 hours. That’s even bigger than the popular premieres of Frozen 2, Encanto, and Moana! This phenomenal response bodes well for the film, especially considering it’s been nearly a decade since fans last joined Riley and her emotions on screen. With a somewhat unpredictable movie market these days, Inside Out 2 appears to be generating a lot of positive buzz.
Pixar’s CCO, Pete Doctor, thanked fans for making the Inside Out 2 trailer such a hit when it debuted. “We are thrilled so many people have tuned in to check out the new trailer for Inside Out 2,” Pete Docter wrote at the time. “When the first film came out, we knew that by telling a story where we could see our emotions — those little voices inside your head — there would be so much more to explore than we could possibly fit into one film. We couldn’t be more grateful to see the kind of response the trailer has received so far. Thank you to all who have checked it out — we can’t wait for everyone to see the film when it comes to theaters next summer.”
Would you like to see Finding Nemo and The Incredibles rebooted?
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Returning to the Disneyland Resort in 2025
Get ready to choose your runDisney adventure! The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend presented by Honda is returning to Disneyland Resort January 30-February 2, 2025!
Guests of all ages can participate in this exciting race weekend at The Happiest Place on Earth. A variety of experiences are available for all skill levels. Run through Disneyland Resort and the surrounding Anaheim area during themed races including a heroic 5K, a Star Wars™ 10K, a Mickey Mouse and Friends half marathon and even a Dumbo challenge. Plus discover Kids’ Races, in-Park yoga and more.
Take a look at the individual event themes:
Disneyland 5K presented by Honda | Heroic Adventures
Rocket on over to the heroic 2025 Disneyland® 5K. Hosted by Groot, this 3.1-mile jaunt will be heroic fun for everyone!
Disneyland 10K presented by Honda | A Galaxy of Adventure
Lace up for excitement during the 2025 Star Wars™-themed Disneyland 10K featuring Ahsoka Tano. As part of this 6.2-mile journey, you’ll experience galactically great entertainment, Characters and more!
Disneyland Half Marathon presented by Honda | Adventures with Friends
Prepare for an enchanting escapade during the 2025 Mickey Mouse and Friends-themed Disneyland Half Marathon. And with Safari Mickey Mouse as your host, you’re sure to rock this 13.1-mile trek.
Dumbo Double Dare presented by Honda | Double the Adventure
Sign up for an event that’s two times the fun with three times the medals––the 2025 Dumbo Double Dare! Hosted by the precious pachyderm, Dumbo, this 19.3-mile challenge dares you to complete both the Disneyland 10K and the Disneyland Half Marathon on pace, earning a special medal when you do.
runDisney Kids Races | Adventure Is Out There
Kids ages 9 and younger can enjoy some doggone, good fun during our runDisney Kids’ Races hosted by Dug from Disney and Pixar’s UP.
Disneyland Yoga | A Feel Good Adventure
Making its return to the 2025 event weekend, start your event off with a feel-good adventure during Disneyland Yoga, taking place before opening inside Disneyland park. Hosted by Baymax from Disney Animation’s Big Hero 6, participants can start their morning enjoying the unique opportunity to do yoga with a breathtaking view, plus experience special photo opportunities and appearances by Disney characters.
Future participants wanting to join the 2025 event weekend should mark their calendars for the following registration dates and times:
Mischief Maker in Disguise: Adorable Stitch in Cheshire Cat Costume Backpack Now at Loungefly!
Calling all Disney fans with a mischievous streak! Loungefly has cooked up a delightful surprise with their latest exclusive, a Stitch in Cheshire Cat Costume Backpack! This adorable accessory is sure to add a touch of whimsy to your everyday adventures.
Make mischief your middle name and snag this exclusive Loungefly mini backpack for $90 now at Loungefly.com.
Crafted with love (and maybe a little bit of chaos), Stitch brings his unique charm to Wonderland as the Cheshire Cat. This fuzzy thespian has fashioned a delightful costume, complete with a homemade headband, glow-in-the-dark teeth (perfect for disappearing acts!), and a charmingly mismatched striped pink sweater. The fun doesn’t stop there, the detachable bag charm features a scene straight out of Stitch’s theatrical debut, adding another layer of playful detail.
Made from high-quality vegan leather, this mini backpack boasts all the functionality you’ve come to expect from Loungefly. Adjustable shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit, while the zippered front pocket and side mesh pockets provide convenient storage for your daily essentials. With its rose gold hardware and whimsical design, this backpack is a must-have for any Disney fashionista.
With Stitch’s infectious grin and Cheshire Cat’s signature grin, this playful accessory is guaranteed to turn heads and add a touch of Disney magic to any outfit!
Up, Up, and Away to the Disney Store! Celebrate 15 Years with a New Up’s 15th Anniversary Collection!
Adventure is calling! Set your sights on Paradise Falls with the whimsical new Up’s 15th Anniversary Collection, now available at the Disney Store. This heartwarming collection lets you celebrate Carl Fredricksen, Ellie, Dug, and the enduring power of dreams in style.
These exquisite limited edition dolls capture Carl Fredricksen and Ellie in their youthful spirit, ready to embark on a lifetime of dreams together. Carl comes dressed in intricate detail, featuring a twill jacket, sweater, shirt, tie, herringbone pants, shoes, and his signature glasses. Ellie complements him perfectly in a charming gingham dress with a delicate lace hem. Both dolls are fully poseable, allowing you to recreate your favorite scenes from Disney and Pixar’s Up.
The set comes complete with a beautifully crafted scenic base featuring a sidewalk, white picket fence, mailbox, and grassy details. The mailbox adds a heartwarming touch, adorned with Carl and Ellie’s names and handprints. It even opens to reveal a tiny flag, while the included picnic basket overflows with charming accessories like a blanket, soda bottle, loaf of bread, cheese, a plate, two tomatoes, and a gingham placemat. This Limited Edition Carl and Ellie Doll Set is a must-have for any Disney fan or collector, a perfect reminder that adventure is always out there, especially with love by your side.
Take your love for Disney Pixar’s Up to new heights with this epic hoodie. Featuring a sprawling design across the front, Carl’s iconic house floats amongst a sea of colorful balloons, ready to whisk you away on an unforgettable journey.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! The long, color-blocked sleeves add a touch of modern flair, while the screen printed art continues the storytelling. Reminisce about the film’s heartwarming beginnings with a young Carl and Ellie on the left sleeve. Then, on the right, see the present-day crew all together: Carl, wilderness explorer Russell, and Dug, his endearing canine companion. This comfy, collectible hoodie is perfect for Pixar fans of all ages!
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Dug, the lovable canine from Disney and Pixar’s Up, by your side! This crossbody bag is the perfect accessory for any Up fan. The bag features a detailed plush sculpting of Dug, complete with embroidered features that bring him to life. Dug’s iconic red collar is made of simulated leather and includes screen art “voice controls,” just like his collar in the movie. The die-cut detailing of Dug’s head makes this bag even more special.
For added functionality, the crossbody bag includes a detachable zip pouch. The faux fur pouch features two designs: Kevin’s chicks on one side and three tennis balls on the other, referencing Dug’s love for both. The pouch is held securely in place by Dug’s plush paws and a convenient side-release buckle. The pouch even has side straps for Dug’s paws to playfully pass through, making this bag both stylish and fun.
Take your love for adventure to new heights with the adorable Up ear headband! This comfy simulated leather headband features padded ears brimming with iconic imagery from the beloved Disney Pixar film. The right ear showcases Carl Fredricksen’s charming house, complete with colorful balloons that seem to carry it aloft. For an extra touch of whimsy, a Grape Soda bottlecap brooch adds a playful pop. The left ear boasts a detailed compass, perfect for navigating any adventure.
And tying it all together is a detachable bow, inspired by Carl’s signature bowtie, for a truly unforgettable look. Whether you’re soaring through the skies with dreams of paradise or exploring closer to home, this Up ear headband is sure to be your new favorite adventure companion!
Challenge yourself with this unique two-sided puzzle featuring iconic scenes from the movie. On one side it features the intrepid young Ellie and a rather more wary Carl as kids, and on the reverse side you will find the grown-up couple enjoying a picnic and contemplating the exciting expeditions they plan to go on.
Take off on an adventure with this commemorative D23 Gold Member exclusive pin set celebrating 15 years of Disney and Pixar’s Up! This adorable double-pin design features a young Carl Fredricksen, channeling his inner explorer with Ellie’s signature grape soda pin and his brightly colored “Spirit of Adventure” balloon. The two pins are connected by a sweet blue ribbon, reminiscent of Carl clutching his balloon in his younger years.
Limited to only 1,000 and exclusive to D23 Gold Members, this collector’s item is a must-have for any Disney fan. So don’t miss your chance to add a touch of wilderness explorer spirit to your pin collection and celebrate the enduring legacy of Up!
Pack your essentials for your next adventure with this mini backpack modeled after Carl’s iconic satchel. It features Carl steering Charles Muntz’s zeppelin on the front. It also has lots of great die cut elements to make Carl’s character come to life. He’s even joined by his friends Russell and Dug. Now you can take them all along on your adventures.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Up, this collection has something for everyone. So head to your local Disney Store or shop online and let the adventure begin!
Make a Mischief-Managed Statement with the New Stitch Dooney and Bourke Collection at Magic Kingdom!
Calling all Stitch fans and Disney fashionistas! Get ready to add a touch of intergalactic island vibes to your wardrobe with the arrival of the much-anticipated Stitch Dooney and Bourke Collection at Magic Kingdom. This adorable collection features a design that’s as sweet as Stitch’s stolen cookies, with everyone’s favorite experimental escape pod captain playfully peeking out from behind lush Hawaiian flowers and leaves in a delightful palette of blues.
The collection boasts three must-have pieces: a spacious tote bag, a convenient crossbody bag, and a matching wallet. The tote bag is perfect for park adventures, offering ample room for all your essentials and souvenirs. The crossbody bag is ideal for those who prefer a lighter carry, featuring an adorable design with a front slip pocket for easy access to your phone or park pass. And to complete the ensemble, the wallet is a charming way to keep your cash and cards organized in Stitch-tastic style.
Whether you’re a die-hard Stitch devotee or simply love a touch of tropical flair, this Dooney & Bourke collection is sure to turn heads. The high-quality craftsmanship and timeless design, combined with the playful Stitch print, make these pieces not just functional accessories but treasured collectibles. So head over to Magic Kingdom and snag your favorites before this limited-edition collection gets swept up faster than you can say “Ohana!”
Universal Studios is proud to announce the return of the “Love is Universal” collection, a vibrant and inclusive range of merchandise being release in conjunction with Pride Month celebrations. Available now through August 31, 2024, at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, and online at shop.UniversalOrlando.com, the collection features an array of products, including posters, glassware, backpacks, bucket hats, cooling towels, t-shirts, and more.
In an exciting update for 2024, the collection expands to include all-new products alongside beloved favorites, featuring items such as posters, glassware, backpacks, bucket hats, cooling towels, and t-shirts. Designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion, the “Love is Universal” collection offers guests a unique way to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community during their park visits or through online purchases.
Continuing its commitment to social responsibility, Universal Studios announces that 100% of the profits from the sale of this collection will be donated to local non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting and engaging the LGBTQ+ community.
Gaylord Palms Resort is set to illuminate the evening skies with “Sounds of America: A Nighttime Spectacular,” a vibrant new fireworks display near Disney World. This free event, taking place on the Coquina Lawn, combines high-tech drone choreography with traditional fireworks to create a dazzling visual celebration of American themes, all synchronized to an original soundtrack produced by Gaylord Hotels.
The series runs on select dates throughout the summer, starting at 9 p.m. Show dates include May 31, June 7, June 14, June 28, July 3, July 5, July 19, July 26, August 9, August 10, August 30, and September 1.
Offering a unique blend of advanced drone technology and the classic appeal of fireworks, “Sounds of America” enriches the Orlando area’s entertainment options, providing a memorable nighttime attraction for both tourists and local residents. This spectacular show is designed to captivate audiences of all ages, adding another must-see event to the summer calendar.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Unveiled in Magic Kingdom Makeover
Magic Kingdom guests are buzzing with excitement as construction walls surrounding the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have finally come down, offering the first real glimpse of the reimagined attraction.
The transformation of the former Splash Mountain into a vibrant celebration of Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” is nearly complete, and the results are enchanting.
The newly revealed exterior showcases lush greenery, vibrant colors, and intricate details that transport visitors straight into the heart of the bayou. Familiar sights like the iconic water tower have been meticulously reimagined, while new elements like Tiana’s Foods sign and colorful storefronts add depth and dimension to the scene. The overall effect is a delightful blend of nostalgia and fresh excitement, perfectly capturing the spirit of Tiana’s entrepreneurial journey.
With the grand opening set for June 28th, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as fans eagerly await the chance to embark on this musical journey through the bayou.
The attraction promises to delight guests of all ages with innovative audio-animatronics, captivating music, immersive storytelling, and encounters with beloved characters and vibrant new scenes. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is poised to become a beloved new addition to the Magic Kingdom, offering a magical experience that celebrates diversity, dreams, and the power of perseverance.
Here are some more photos from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure now that the walls are down!
