New “Mardi Gras Season” posters have been added to the construction walls of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, joining Southern Dome Salt Company stamps signs, Tiana’s Foods signs, and a Louis photo op.
These posters, strategically placed around the future entrance under the Frontierland train station, feature the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras — purple, yellow, and green. They invite guests to “Celebrate Mardi Gras Season” with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, showcasing a lively band and jazz instruments against a festive backdrop.
As anticipation builds for the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure next month, these new posters offer another glimpse into the immersive experience awaiting guests. With the promise of year-round Mardi Gras celebrations and the enchanting story of “The Princess and the Frog,” the attraction is set to become a vibrant and magical addition to the park. Be sure to check out these colorful posters on your next visit and get ready for a taste of New Orleans royalty at Magic Kingdom!
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
New ‘Celebración Encanto’ Flags Added to CommuniCore in EPCOT
The magic of Encanto is coming to EPCOT! Guests visiting the park can now spot colorful flags hanging above the CommuniCore Plaza stage, signifying the upcoming arrival of the new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!”
Debuting June 10th alongside the opening of CommuniCore Hall, this exciting show will invite park-goers to sing along with their favorite tunes from the hit Disney movie. Mirabel and Bruno are also rumored to make appearances, making the experience even more special for Encanto fans!
The flags themselves are a burst of color, featuring red, pink, orange, yellow, blue, and green. They hang on strings in a graceful curve over the stage, adding to the festive atmosphere. The “¡Celebración Encanto!” signage complements the decorations, ensuring everyone knows the magical show is on its way.
This new addition is sure to be a hit with Disney fans of all ages. “¡Celebración Encanto!” runs for a limited time only, ending September 6th. So, get ready to belt out “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and celebrate the Madrigal family at EPCOT this summer!
Exploring the Cinematic Elements of DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida.
Guests traveling around the roads in Central Florida will inevitably encounter billboards advertising Universal Orlando Resort as a theme park like no other, noting “It’s More Than Magic. It’s Real.” The resort went all-in on the real aspect in the new DreamWorks Land section of Universal Studios Florida, which aims to bring myriad characters from your favorite DreamWorks films to life. DreamWorks Land, for those unaware, is a fun all-new kids area that replaces the former Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone near the opening-day E.T. attraction. The land features an enchanting blend of interactive attractions and character encounters that brings beloved DreamWorks movies to life. Here’s a detailed look at these elements and the movie scenes they are drawn from.
The land is broken down into three main areas: Shrek’s Swamp, the Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda Training Camp.
Shrek’s Swamp Area
This area immerses guests in the whimsical world of “Shrek.” Visitors can meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey at Shrek’s cottage, located at the base of a massive tree stump, closely resembling Shrek’s swamp home. Fiona appears in her human form, Shrek looks just like in the films, and Donkey has an updated appearance from the previous meet and greet. Chatting with Donkey is super fun, and really brings elements from the Shrek films to life (we chatted with Donkey about life in the swamp, his Dragon wife, and their kids). Beyond the meet-and-greet, there’s a Shrek-themed play area where children can explore and slide through the swamp (during our time in the swamp, Fiona was not present).
Pinocchio’s Fact Shack, another fun feature in this area, allows guests to interact with Pinocchio. In the Shrek movies, Pinocchio is sold to Lord Farquaad’s men by his creator Geppetto during the banishment of all fairytale creatures from Duloc. Pinocchio ends up in Shrek’s swamp with the other fairytale creatures and becomes a close friend of Shrek.
By pressing a button found at the base of his treehouse, Pinocchio shares ‘interesting facts’, and his nose humorously grows when he tells a lie, echoing his unique trait in the films.
King Harold’s Swamp Symphony offers an interactive musical experience where guests can hop on lily pads to make the frogs “sing,” creating fun and creative melodies.
This attraction also draws inspiration directly from the “Shrek” films. King Harold, originally a frog, was transformed into a human by the Fairy Godmother to court Princess Lillian. In the films, the now-human Harold is the ruler of Far Far Away and Fiona’s father.
Mama Luna’s Feline Fiesta provides an interactive experience where guests can engage with screens by turning cranks and pushing buttons, causing the objects on the screens to react. The theming of this attraction is drawn directly from the “Shrek” universe film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
In the Puss in Boots film Mama Luna, residing on the outskirts of Del Mar, is a bit of a Crazy cat Lady who takes in stray cats at her Cat Rescue. She offers her home as Puss’s “forever home” when he is advised to retire.
Trolls Area
The Trolls area features a variety of nods to the Trolls Movie and is themed in the same bright, vibrant colors you would expect the Trolls to live in.
The Trolls Trollercoaster can be found here, which is the only actual ride in DreamWorks land. The TrollerCoaster is a family-friendly coaster that young kids can enjoy, with fun theming that incorporates various Trolls characters.
Guests can also meet Poppy and Branch, the main characters from the films, and enjoy the Trolls fountain, which features these beloved characters.
Kung Fu Panda Section
The Kung Fu Training Camp area allows young guests to jump right into the “Kung Fu Panda” films. The entrance features two water play areas as well as a dry play area themed after Mr. Ping’s noodle shop, Mr. Ping’s Noodle Kaboodle. Mr. Ping, Po’s adoptive father, is a beloved character who owns Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu in the Valley of Peace.
Po Live! is an interactive experience located at the back of this section, where screens bring Po to “life” to teach guests some Kung Fu moves. This attraction captures the dynamic and engaging training scenes from the “Kung Fu Panda” films. Although a digital experience, Po interacts with the audience: asking and answering questions, calling on specific people to perform some moves, and having a ton of fun along the way!
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration This live-action show is a must-see, as it uses the power of imagination to transport guests into scenes from “Shrek,” “Trolls,” and “Kung Fu Panda.” Featuring singing, dancing, characters, and life-size puppets, the show offers a fun and engaging experience that showcases the magic of these beloved movies.
Food and Merchandise In the Shrek area, visitors can enjoy Swamp Snacks, while in the Trolls area, Trolls Treats offers snacks from a stand designed to look like a boombox, in keeping with the musical theme.
High Five Hideaway, themed after the cloud guy from “Trolls,” is where guests can purchase merchandise, allowing them to take a piece of DreamWorks Land home with them.
DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida brings the magic of these popular movies to life, offering fans an immersive experience filled with interactive attractions, character encounters, and playful settings that reflect the essence of their favorite DreamWorks films. Which character are you most looking forward to meeting? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
We are almost there! The opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is just around the corner. As Disney prepares the ride for its June 2024 opening, it appears a few of the rides feature residents are starting to call the attraction their home.
We recently spotted ‘Lari the Armadillo at the Splash Mountain replacement. Lari has a mailbox near his door, demonstrating here is not here for just a visit but to stay!
Lari is an armadillo that lives in the bayou according to the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure story. We will need to wait until we take a spin on the new attraction to check out how Lari factors into the ride experience.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
We spotted the all-new Orange Bird Bus making its rounds at Walt Disney World.
The Walt Disney World resort is continuing to roll out new buses to add to its transportation fleet. The buses all feature new characters, as well as an array of new and improved accessibility features. The latest bus we spotted is wrapped with an Orange Bird theme!
The Orange Bir bus contains a large Orange Bird character between the front and rear bus doors, with orange trim wrapping around the top of the bus and yellow and green trim wrapping around the bottom of the bus.
The Orange Bird bus is one of 90 new buses that Walt Disney World has been slowly rolling out over the past few months. Other themes for the buses include Zootopi, Ratatouille, 101 Dalmatians, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Figment.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
EPCOT CommuniCore Plaza Construction Nears Completion
The much-anticipated CommuniCore Hall and Plaza at EPCOT are nearing completion, with exterior work nearing its final stages. Guests can expect the new venue to open its doors in just under two months.
The exterior of CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT is nearing completion with most of the white, triangular panels inspired by Spaceship Earth installed. The remaining gaps are intentional design elements.
CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT features two long overhangs flanking opposite sides, with CommuniCore Hall forming a third side. The remaining open area offers a clear view of the stage positioned under the taller overhang extending from the Hall.
CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT recently received a lush green makeover with the installation of artificial turf. This creates inviting grassy areas for guests to relax or enjoy some playtime.
The stage at CommuniCore Plaza features a low-profile circular design with a unique touch: its outer edge is clad in white, triangular panels that echo the Spaceship Earth theme.
CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT appears largely finished, with lush green spaces and a distinctive stage. Construction on the adjoining CommuniCore Hall is still underway, but with exterior work nearing completion, the entire venue is expected to open soon.
Explore the magic of the parks with your own VIP Tour Guide during a customizable experience filled with attractive benefits.
The team at Disney VIP Tour Services will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups of up to 10 Guests to see and do the things on your list. Just tell your personal VIP Tour Guide what you’d like to see, and they’ll customize your day to your desire!
Disney Vacation Club Members who purchased directly from Disney and are eligible for Membership Extras may book this tour. Theme Park admission is not part of the ownership interest and is sold separately.
New Game Features Revealed for Disney Dreamlight Valley
Disney Dreamlight Valley celebrates a year of Disney magic! And to mark the occasion, the free “Thrills & Frills” update is here, bringing even more Disney Parks fun to your cozy world.
Fans can engage in a brand-new Disney Parks-inspired Star Path and new additions to the Premium Shop where they can find attractions like Alien Swirling Saucers, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Also, fans who were unable to participate in the previous Star Path will have a chance to obtain Pixar Pal-A-Around, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Mad Tea Party in the Premium shop. With the new multiplayer feature, invite your friends over to visit your own Disney Parks in the Valley, then return the favor.
A new feature in Disney Dreamlight Valley will allow players to interact with the attractions mentioned above and experience the ride in-game from a first-person POV and even take a selfie! Speaking of selfies, put on your best Disney Parks-inspired outfit and take a photo with Minnie Mouse in a new unique Dream Style or newcomer Daisy Duck who has her own Parks-inspired Dream Style as the resident fashionista.
Daisy Duck has been a highly requested villager and with this update, players will have the chance to befriend her as they start her Friendship Questline and are eventually rewarded with their own Boutique. Once their Boutique is up and running, players can share their custom creations made with Touch of Magic tool and unlock new Parks-inspired motifs from the Star Path to design with.
A Disney Dreamlight Valley update wouldn’t be complete without a themed animal companion. In honor of the delicious Disney Parks popcorn, fans can partner up with the Peppy Popcorn Squirrel, a dapper brown squirrel in a red and white popcorn vendor jacket, matching hat, and a popcorn bucket on its back with popped corn spilling out as it follows the player around.
If you haven’t picked up Disney Dreamlight Valley, you can get the game for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and on Apple Arcade across all iOS systems. The expansion Disney Dreamlight Valley: A Rift in Time, which also released Act II today, is sold separately.
Indulge in playful sweets like churro pretzel bites or fried cheesecake. Craving something savory? Dive into the Smokehouse Cuban or Kung Pao Chicken.
And don’t forget to quench your thirst with a new tropical cocktail or refreshing mocktail!
At City Works Eatery and Pour House guests can enjoy a lively meal indoors amidst the restaurant’s sprawling, high-energy atmosphere—designed with massive, state-of-the-art HDTVs at every angle—or dine al fresco on the spacious outdoor patio. Either way, it’s a win for all!
Planning a Disney trip can be overwhelming! Let me take the stress out of it. As your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I’ll not only handle all the bookings and reservations, but I’ll also use my Disney expertise to craft a magical itinerary that perfectly fits your interests and budget. Plus, I’ll keep an eye out for special offers and discounts to save you money!
Dapper Dans Debut New Spring Outfits in the Magic Kingdom
The iconic Dapper Dans of Magic Kingdom have received a wardrobe update! As part of a larger refresh of costumes on Main Street, the Dapper Dans are now sporting new looks.
Eco-conscious and performer-friendly, the new costumes are crafted from recycled materials and designed for breathability, ensuring the Dapper Dans stay cool and comfortable while entertaining guests.
The costumes include blue pants with white shirts and striped vests. The vest stripes are dark blue, light blue, green, and yellow.
Planning a Disney trip can be overwhelming! Let me take the stress out of it. As your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I’ll not only handle all the bookings and reservations, but I’ll also use my Disney expertise to craft a magical itinerary that perfectly fits your interests and budget. Plus, I’ll keep an eye out for special offers and discounts to save you money!
Nicolas Cage to Star in Live-Action Spider-Man Noir Series
Get ready for a web-slinging adventure unlike any other! Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage is set to star as Spider-Man Noir in a brand new live-action series titled “Noir,” coming to MGM+ and Amazon Prime Video.
This marks the first time the popular Spider-Man variant will be brought to life on screen outside of animation. Previously voiced by Cage in the critically-acclaimed “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” the character will take center stage in this gritty noir-inspired drama.
A collaboration between Sony and Amazon, “Noir” boasts a powerhouse team. Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot lead as co-showrunners alongside “Into the Spider-Verse” producers Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal. Emmy winner Harry Bradbeer will executive produce and direct the first two episodes.
“Noir” is the second Sony-Marvel project at Amazon, joining “Silk: Spider Society.” With hundreds of Spider-Man characters under Sony’s control, the future of this web-slinging universe is bright!
Expect a fresh take on the superhero genre with a charismatic lead and a seasoned creative team. “Noir” swings into action soon on MGM+ and Prime Video.
Raven’s Home Spin-Off Series Alice In The Palace Announced
It’s the end of an era for one beloved Disney Channel sitcom, but the beginning of a new chapter for its star. After six seasons, “Raven’s Home” has concluded its run, but Raven-Symoné isn’t going anywhere. In fact, she’s inked a multi-year overall deal with Disney Branded Television, opening doors for exciting new projects.
The deal includes a greenlight for a new pilot titled “Alice in the Palace,” a spinoff from “Raven’s Home.” This new series will star Emmy-winning actress Mykal-Michelle Harris as Alice, Raven’s younger cousin. The story follows Alice’s return to England where she reunites with her doppelganger, the young royal Duchess Clementine (also played by Harris). Fans can expect hilarious hijinks as Alice experiences the “normal” life and Clementine gets a taste of royalty.
“Raven’s Home” veterans Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas will continue their magic behind the scenes, writing and executive producing the pilot for “Alice in the Palace.”
This new venture is a testament to Raven-Symoné’s long-standing and successful relationship with Disney. “Disney Channel has been the canvas for my creative expressions since I was 15 years old,” Raven-Symoné said in a statement. “I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of this creative journey alongside my Disney family.”
Fans will remember Raven-Symoné’s rise to fame as the lead in the 90s hit “That’s So Raven,” which “Raven’s Home” was a spinoff of. Her Disney resume also includes starring in and executive producing the popular “Cheetah Girls” movies and gracing the Broadway stage. Beyond acting, Raven-Symoné has also stepped behind the camera, directing episodes for Disney Channel shows like “Sydney to the Max” and “Pretty Freekin Scary.”
Disney Branded Television president Ayo Davis expressed his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration. “Raven is a true trailblazer who constantly pushes creative boundaries,” Davis said. “We are delighted to continue our close relationship with Raven for many years to come, starting with the new spinoff ‘Alice in the Palace.”
