Buildings Starting to Take Shape for Tropical Americas Expansion in Animal Kingdom

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June 13, 2026

Buildings Starting to Take Shape for Tropical Americas Expansion in Animal Kingdom

Concrete Forms Rise as Tropical Americas Construction Pushes Forward at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Construction continues to pick up speed on Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and new signs of progress are now visible above the construction walls. Crews have installed several large concrete forms that will eventually become part of the infrastructure for the highly anticipated land replacing DinoLand U.S.A.

Guests can spot a row of concrete forms near the future carousel location, with worker platforms and railings already in place. These structures allow construction teams to access the tops of the forms as they prepare to pour concrete for upcoming walls or foundations. Additional forms have also appeared closer to Theater in the Wild, where Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! continues to entertain guests.

Elsewhere in the project, more “go-away green” paneling has been added to the exterior of the future Encanto attraction show building. The building will eventually be disguised with lush landscaping and a Casita-inspired façade, helping it blend seamlessly into the land’s tropical setting.

When Tropical Americas opens, guests will be able to experience an Encanto-themed attraction, a brand-new Indiana Jones adventure, and a colorful carousel inspired by the region. While much of the work is still taking place behind the scenes, each new concrete form and construction milestone brings Disney fans one step closer to exploring this exciting new corner of Animal Kingdom.

As construction continues to transform the former DinoLand U.S.A. footprint, Tropical Americas is quickly becoming one of the most exciting projects underway at Walt Disney World. If you’re planning a future visit to see all these changes for yourself, our friends at Get Away Today can help you build the perfect Disney vacation from the ground up!

New 2026 Topps Chrome Toy Story 5 Trading Cards Coming Soon

By

Ana Leal

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June 12, 2026

New 2026 Topps Chrome Toy Story 5 Trading Cards Coming Soon

Dust off your cowboy boots and get your space helmets ready, because Topps is giving us an absolute banger of a release. To celebrate the highly anticipated arrival of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, we are getting the brand-new 2026 Topps Chrome Toy Story 5 trading cards collection. Dropping in hobby shops and select retailers on June 17, this set is packed with legendary favorites and a sneak peek at the fresh faces shaking up the toy box.

If you want to be the first to meet the new crew, you’ll want to hunt down the Toy Story 5 First Edition Inserts. This is the first-ever dedicated insert set for the fifth movie, giving us a closer look at the new toys Buzz Lightyear and Woody will be interacting with. Keep a massive lookout for Lilypad, who happens to be Bonnie’s new obsession and the film’s leading antagonist (move over, Lotso!). Even better? The chase is real with some seriously rare parallel variants:

Base Speckle: Numbered to /20
Black Refractor: Numbered to /10
Red Refractor: Numbered to /5
Superfractor: The ultimate 1/1 holy grail

But the real hype for long-term collectors lies in the Base Cards – Debut Medallion lineup. Think of these exactly like Rookie Cards (RCs) in baseball. These “Debut Cards” mark the first-ever Topps appearance of a character who debuted on-screen within roughly a year of the Chrome release, complete with a special Medallion logo to lock in that status. Because it’s their very first official card, these are bound to be the most sought-after, valuable pieces in the whole set as time goes on.

The star-studded Debut roster includes newcomers Karen Beverly, Smarty Pants, Lilypad, Atlas, Snappy, and a majorly upgraded Hi-Tech Edition Buzz Lightyear. Whether you’re looking to pull a 1-of-1 masterpiece or just want to secure the “Rookie” cards of the next generation of Pixar icons, this set is shaping up to be an absolute must-have.

Mark your calendars for June 17, because these are going to fly off the shelves to infinity and beyond!

Credit: Topps

Strut in Style with the New Aristocats Marie Pink Bow Backpack from BoxLunch

By

Ana Leal

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June 12, 2026

Strut in Style with the New Aristocats Marie Pink Bow Backpack from BoxLunch

If you are ready to channel your inner classy kitten, BoxLunch has dropped an absolute must-have for your accessory collection. The Aristocats Marie Pink Bow Backpack is the ultimate way to bring some major Parisian attitude to your daily look. Retailing for $69.90, this piece is a total BoxLunch Exclusive, meaning you won’t just find it sitting on any old department store shelf.

The attention to detail on this bag is seriously next-level. Right on the front pocket, you get a gorgeous, fuzzy embroidered chenille applique of Marie herself, looking just as sassy and sweet as ever. To wrap it all up in true Aristocats style, the bag features delicate ruffle trims along the edges and a massive, iconic pink bow sitting pretty right between the top handles.

It is not just a looker, though, this backpack is totally built for all your daily adventures. It features multiple pockets to keep your keys, wallet, and lip gloss completely organized while you are on the go. Whether you are headed to a Disney park or just strutting down the sidewalk, this bag reminds everyone that, because you’re a lady, you simply must travel in style!

Credit: BoxLunch

Stand Out With The New Glow-in-the-Dark Powerline Backpack

By

Ana Leal

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June 12, 2026

Stand Out With The New Glow-in-the-Dark Powerline Backpack

If you still listen to “I2I” on repeat and firmly believe that the Perfect Cast is the greatest dance move ever invented, BoxLunch has a new drop that is about to stand out completely in your collection. The A Goofy Movie Powerline Icons Backpack brings total 90s nostalgia straight into your daily style routine. It is the ultimate tribute to the biggest pop star in Disney history, wrapped up in a sleek, vibrant design that is perfect for theme park days or casual weekend wandering.

What makes this exclusive backpack a total must-have is the creative mix of textures stitched into it. The dark canvas serves as the perfect backdrop for vibrant, embroidered patches showcasing Powerline in all his yellow-jumpsuit glory, capturing those iconic concert poses we all tried to mimic as kids. Scattered alongside the patches are bright printed details, including retro atomic symbols and neon lightning bolts that instantly channel that classic, high-energy 90s concert aesthetic.

BoxLunch didn’t skimp on functional, street style flair for this design, either. Instead of standard pulls, the bag features rugged, outdoor inspired paracord straps across the front and top handle, adding a modern, structured edge. It also features handy side pockets to easily slip your essentials into, and the main adjustable shoulder straps come in a gorgeous, colorful neon pattern that pops beautifully, making it just as fun to look at from the back as it is from the front.

But the absolute coolest feature? It completely glows in the dark. Once the sun goes down or the park lights dim, the neon elements light up, ensuring you keep that main-stage energy alive wherever you go. Retailing for $69.90 exclusively at BoxLunch, it is a gorgeous, cozy-core accessory for anyone looking to add a little extra magic, nostalgia, and neon brightness to their wardrobe.

Credit: BoxLunch Gifts

This New BoxLunch Exclusive Beauty and the Beast Stained Glass Portraits Backpack is a Fairytale Dream

By

Ana Leal

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June 12, 2026

This New BoxLunch Exclusive Beauty and the Beast Stained Glass Portraits Backpack is a Fairytale Dream

Calling all Disney fashionistas, because we just found your next absolute must-have accessory! BoxLunch has done it again with a magical new release that will have you feeling like you walked straight into a fairytale. The brand new Beauty and the Beast Stained Glass Portraits Backpack is officially here, and it is a total dream come true for anyone obsessed with this timeless animated classic.

This stunning bag is completely covered in gorgeous, debossed stained-glass character portraits that perfectly capture the artistic magic of the movie’s iconic opening prologue. You’ll spot all your favorite enchanted friends beautifully detailed across the material. To make it even sweeter, the backpack features a delicate rose zipper pull and a super cute, removable rose coin purse that attaches right to the front. It is the ultimate mix of functional storage and pure Disney nostalgia.

Best of all, you don’t need a royal treasure trove to add this beauty to your wardrobe. Retailing for just $69.90, this spectacular accessory is a BoxLunch Exclusive, meaning you won’t find it anywhere else! Whether you are planning your next magical trip to the theme parks or just want to add some fairytale flair to your everyday outfits, head over to BoxLunch Gifts and grab yours before it sells out!

Credit: BoxLunch

Giddy Up! Snag the New Jessie Hat Backpack at the Disney Store

By

Ana Leal

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June 12, 2026

Giddy Up! Snag the New Jessie Hat Backpack at the Disney Store

Yee-haw! If you’ve been looking for the perfect way to channel your inner cowboy or should we say, Sheriff, we’ve found the ultimate accessory for your next roundup. Everyone’s favorite yodeling cowgirl is officially running the town after taking over the badge at the end of Toy Story 4, and now you can carry a piece of her latest adventure wherever you go.

Say hello to the Jessie Hat Backpack, a totally novel twist on Disney style that turns her iconic red cowgirl hat into a functional piece of gear.

It’s got all the authentic, rootin’-tootin’ details you’d expect, from the white stitching around the brim to a white zipper running right around the crown that opens up to hold all your daily essentials.

The back is where the real fun happens, though. The adjustable straps feature a bold cow print inspired by Jessie’s signature chaps, and they’re topped off with a shiny golden “Sheriff” star badge so everyone knows who’s in charge.

Ready to lasso one for yourself? You can grab this must-have piece online at the Disney Store right now for $39.99. Whether you’re heading to the theme parks or just running errands around your own watering hole, this bag is guaranteed to make you feel like the rootinest, tootinest wrangler in the West!

Credit: Disney Store

Watch the Teaser Trailer for Pixar’s ‘Gatto’ Coming to Theaters in 2027

By

Sara

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June 12, 2026

Watch the Magical New Teaser Trailer for ‘Gatto’

Pixar is taking us back to Italy, but this time, things are getting a little… furry.

Disney and Pixar have officially released the very first teaser trailer and poster for their upcoming original animated adventure, “Gatto.” Sweeping audiences away to the beautiful, canal-ridden streets of Venice, Italy, this film promises to dive deep into a secret, feline-run underbelly that you have to see to believe!

Along with the teaser, Pixar dropped some major casting news! Marvel star Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers, Poor Things) joins the voice cast as Nero, a scrappy black cat trying to survive the superstitious streets of Venice.

Opposite Ruffalo is Hollywood icon Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix trilogy, John Wick), who lends his commanding voice to Rocco, a ruthless local feline mob boss. The brand-new teaser trailer gives us our first hysterical look at Nero and Rocco as they team up to question another cat in a classic, laugh-out-loud Pixar interrogation scene.

In Gatto, Nero has spent years maneuvering through the winding canals and ancient superstitions of Venice. However, he is starting to face a very cat-specific existential crisis: he begins to question whether he’s lived the right lives.

Deeply indebted to the local mob boss Rocco, Nero finds himself backed into a corner. To escape his quandary, he is forced to forge a truly unexpected friendship that might finally help him discover his true purpose—that is, unless Venice gets the better of him first!

If the Italian setting and gorgeous art style feel familiar, there is a wonderful reason for it. Gatto is directed by Enrico Casarosa and produced by Andrea Warren—the brilliant filmmaking duo behind Pixar’s Oscar®-nominated, fan-favorite feature Luca! With their track record of delivering heartwarming stories and breathtaking animation, we already know Gatto is going to be an instant classic.

Take a look at the official teaser poster below:

You’ll have to wait a little while longer to catch this purr-fect adventure on the big screen. Disney and Pixar’s Gatto is scheduled to release exclusively in theaters on March 5, 2027.

What do you think of the first look at Nero and Rocco? Are you excited to visit the feline underworld of Venice?

D23 Gold Members Can Soon Book an Exclusive Mexico Pavilion Experience at EPCOT

By

Sara

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June 12, 2026

D Gold Members Can Soon Book an Exclusive Mexico Pavilion Experience at EPCOT

D23 Gold Members Get Exclusive, After-Hours Experience at EPCOT

An unforgettable culinary journey awaits Disney fans this summer. On July 14, 2026, D23 Gold Members will have the rare opportunity to experience EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion like never before. This exclusive, ticketed event blends a private agave spirits tasting and a custom cocktail with a masterfully curated lunch at the iconic San Ángel Inn Restaurante. Don’t wait to reserve your seat at the table: tickets go on sale today, Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET via tickets.d23.com.

This premium event runs from 12:45 PM to approximately 4:30 PM ET and is packed with exclusive perks, rare tastings, and historic Disney connections. The afternoon is split into three unforgettable chapters:

1. The La Cava Experience (12:45 PM – 2:30 PM)

Your afternoon kicks off with an intimate, private tasting led by none other than Tequila Ambassador Humberto Soto. You’ll be guided through a flight of six premium agave spirits, ranging from smooth blancos to rich, aged tequilas, plus a complex artisanal mezcal. Fresh chips and guacamole will be served to cleanse your palate between pours.

Exclusive Take-Home Keepsakes:

An official “Agave Connoisseur Club” pin.
A commemorative tequila cocktail glass featuring the La Cava Tequila logo, beautifully etched by the Arribas Brothers.

2. Exclusive Sips at La Cava del Tequila (2:30 PM – 3:15 PM)

Next, guests will step inside the fan-favorite lounge to be among the very first to sip on two exclusive cocktails:

The Aztec Eagle: A D23 Member-exclusive drink created in collaboration with the Walt Disney Archives. This special cocktail honors Walt Disney’s real-life 1943 Order of the Aztec Eagle award, bestowed upon him by the Mexican government.
Anniversary Old Fashioned: An in-house, barrel-aged cocktail celebrating La Cava del Tequila’s 17th anniversary. You get to taste it here before the general public!

Exclusive Take-Home Keepsake:

A stainless-steel beverage sphere (whiskey stone) custom-etched by the Arribas Brothers with the number “23.”

3. A Historic Lunch at San Ángel Inn (3:15 PM – Approx. 4:30 PM)

To cap off the afternoon, you’ll head inside the pyramid for a curated tasting menu that celebrates culinary history. The meal traces San Ángel Inn’s legacy all the way from EPCOT’s Opening Day in 1982 back to its roots as a legendary Mexico City institution.

Guests will select an appetizer, main course, and dessert from the special tasting menu. Plus, you’ll be served a San Ángel Inn Margarita, mixed using the original recipe from the historic Mexico City location.

Exclusive Take-Home Keepsake:

A beautiful replica of the original 1982 EPCOT Opening Day San Ángel Inn menu.

D23 Gold Members Can Soon Book an Exclusive Mexico Pavilion Experience at EPCOT

Important Event Details & Know-Before-You-Go

Planning to snare a ticket? Here is everything you need to know before booking:

Check-In Info: Check-in takes place from 12:15 PM to 12:40 PM ET at the outdoor podium of La Hacienda de San Ángel Restaurant (located along the World Showcase lagoon).
Age Requirement: All attendees must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID.
Ticket Pricing: Tickets are $349 per person (plus a $7 processing fee) and include an official event credential.
Theme Park Admission: Valid EPCOT admission is REQUIRED and is not included in the event ticket price. Theme park parking is also separate.
Dietary Restrictions: Have an allergy? Dietary and allergy requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance by emailing [email protected]. Please note that day-of dietary modifications cannot be accommodated due to the curated nature of the menu.

Will you be purchasing a ticket for this event?

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Stunning New Live-Action Moana Plane Design

By

Sara

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June 12, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Stunning New Live Action Moana Plane Design ()

Hawaiian Airlines Debuts Gorgeous New Moana Live-Action Aircraft

Disney’s highly anticipated live-action Moana is set to hit theaters on July 10, and Hawaiian Airlines is celebrating the voyager’s next journey with three commemorative aircraft liveries. Designed to capture the daring spirit of exploration and traditional wayfinding, the special designs will roll out over the summer.

The airline debuted its first Moana-themed design yesterday on an Airbus A321neo (N227HA), which regularly services routes between Hawaiʻi, the U.S. West Coast, and the Cook Islands. In July, the final two designs will make their debut: one on Hawaiian’s flagship transpacific Airbus A330, and the other on a Boeing 717 servicing the carrier’s interisland network.

Ahead of the film’s highly anticipated July 10 theatrical debut, all three aircraft will feature the inspiring message, “Voyage beyond the reef,” to ignite a spirit of adventure in passengers. The vibrant exterior designs showcase beloved characters from the reimagined film: the shape-shifting demigod Maui takes form as a powerful hawk wielding his iconic fishhook, while the coconut-armored Kakamora can be seen catching rides in the sea breeze. Even the wingtips get in on the fun, featuring Moana’s loyal animal companions—Heihei the clumsy rooster and Pua the adorable pot-bellied pig—to guide the crew on their journey. The magic continues inside the cabin, where Moana’s island friends will surprise passengers on the overhead luggage bins.

These new live-action Moana aircraft follow in the footsteps of previous, highly popular custom liveries that celebrated the film’s animated predecessors, Moana and Moana 2. For Hawaiian Airlines, which has served the islands for over 96 years, the partnership is a natural fit. The carrier has a deep-rooted tradition of honoring early Polynesian voyagers and celestial navigation across its entire fleet, a legacy reflected in its practice of naming each aircraft after native Hawaiian birds, stars, plants, and forests.

What do you think of the new Moana plane? If you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation, contact our planning partners at Get Away Today!

Disney Legend and Original Tinker Bell Model Margaret Kerry Passes Away at 97

By

Sara

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June 12, 2026

Disney Legend and Original Tinker Bell Model Margaret Kerry Passes Away at

Disney Legend Margaret Kerry Passes Away at 97

The world has lost a piece of its magic. Margaret Kerry, the multi-talented actress who famously provided the physical inspiration and movements for Disney’s Tinker Bell, passed away on June 11, 2026, at age 97.

Long before she was a Disney Legend, she was Peggy Lynch, a working actress who caught the eye of animator Marc Davis. For the 1953 masterpiece Peter Pan, Kerry was tasked with creating magic out of thin air—pantomiming on a bare stage with oversized props like giant scissors and a massive keyhole to give Tinker Bell her spunky, lifelike movements. Her contribution to Neverland didn’t stop there, either; Kerry also lent her voice and physical grace to the film’s memorable red-headed mermaid.

From 1992 to 2004, Kerry pivoted to radio, writing, producing, and hosting What’s Up Weekly – Ministry Loves Company on KKLA-FM. She went on to author two books: her 2016 autobiography, Tinker Bell Talks: Tales of a Pixie Dusted Life, and a 2019 booklet on her struggles with face blindness (prosopagnosia), titled They All Look Alike To Me.

Kerry’s historical footprint was recently spotlighted during Disney’s 100th-anniversary celebration, where her original Tinker Bell ballet slippers went on display at The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Our thoughts go out to Kerry’s family and loved ones.

New Disneyland License Plate California Update: Major Milestone Reached!

By

Robbie

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June 11, 2026

California drivers and Disney fans, get ready to add some pixie dust to your daily commute! If you have been looking at Florida’s famous Walt Disney World specialty plates with a bit of envy, we have some incredible news. The highly anticipated Disneyland-themed specialty license plate has officially cleared a massive hurdle and is moving one step closer to becoming a reality on California roads.

Here is the latest update on the Disneyland license plate program, how much it will cost, and how your preorder will support vital pediatric healthcare across the Golden State.

The Latest Update: A Major Milestone Achieved

When California State Treasurer Fiona Ma first announced the public-private collaboration in early May 2026, the project faced a strict state requirement: it needed to generate significant community interest and secure a minimum of 7,500 preorders before the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would even consider putting it into production.

The response from the Disney community? Absolutely overwhelming. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) officially announced that over 44,000 people have already joined the interest list, absolutely shattering the initial milestone. Thanks to this tremendous wave of support, the official application package has been submitted to the California DMV for formal review and approval.

What Happens Next? Over the coming months, the DMV will review the application and finalize the official plate design. Once authorized, the state will open official presales and give fans instructions on how to lock in and pay for their preorders.

How the Disneyland License Plate Benefits Children’s Hospitals

This project isn’t just about showing off your love for the mouse—it’s a powerful fundraising initiative. The plate is a joint collaboration between the Disneyland® Resort, the California Children’s Hospital Association (CCHA), and the CHFFA.

Net revenues generated from every single plate sold and renewed will go directly into a specialized program fund. This money will be distributed to 13 eligible children’s hospitals statewide (including major institutions like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach).

The funds will actively support:

Uncompensated healthcare services for families facing complex medical challenges, regardless of their ability to pay.
Patient- and family-centered support services to make hospital stays less intimidating for children.
Essential pediatric personnel and clinical education programs.

How Much Will the Disneyland California License Plate Cost?
While the official design is still being finalized behind closed doors, state officials have released the pricing structure for the upcoming plates.

Plate Type	Initial Cost	Annual Renewal Fee
Sequential (Standard)	$50	$40
Personalized (Custom)	$103	$83

Note: Standard DMV vehicle registration fees and a non-refundable processing fee will still apply.

How to Get on the Disneyland License Plate Interest List
Even though the application is currently sitting with the DMV for official approval, you can still add your name to the state’s official interest list by clicking here. Signing up ensures that you will receive first-alert emails the exact moment the final design is unveiled, along with direct instructions on how to place your official preorder and select your personalized text.

Are you planning to get the new Disneyland plate for your car?
Will you go with a standard sequential plate, or do you already have a perfect Disney-themed personalized plate combination in mind? Let us know in the comments on our social media accounts!

Celebrate America 250 with an Exclusive DVC Character Dance Party at Disney’s BoardWalk

By

Chris B

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June 11, 2026

Disney Vacation Club Hosting Special Meet & Treat at Disney’s BoardWalk for America’s 250th Birthday

Disney Vacation Club Members have a patriotic perk to look forward to this summer as Disney Vacation Club celebrates America’s 250th birthday with a special Meet & Treat event at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Celebrate America with an Exclusive DVC Character Dance Party at Disney's BoardWalk

The limited-time event will take place on July 1 and July 2, 2026, inside Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk. Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can stop by from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for complimentary treats and character meet-and-greet opportunities as part of the celebration.

To attend, Members must be eligible for Membership Extras and have a qualifying Disney Vacation Club reservation at a Disney-owned-and-operated Walt Disney World Resort hotel or Disney’s Vero Beach Resort during one of the event dates. Guests can attend only one of the two event days, and no advance registration is required.

Disney notes that attendance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the queue may close before the scheduled end time if capacity is reached. Eligible Members may bring up to four guests or everyone staying in their resort room. Members should also remember to bring their digital Membership Card and valid photo ID. Due to potential parking restrictions at Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney recommends using Walt Disney World transportation to access the event.

Whether you’re visiting for the characters, the treats, or simply looking to add a little red, white, and blue Disney magic to your vacation, this special Disney Vacation Club event looks like a fun way to celebrate America’s milestone birthday. If you’re considering becoming a Disney Vacation Club Member or planning your next Disney getaway, be sure to reach out to our friends at Get Away Today for help planning the perfect vacation.