Construction Walls Removed at EPCOT’s La Poutinerie
Things are moving fast over at EPCOT! Fresh off the heels of the official opening date and menu reveal, the heavy construction walls around La Poutinerie have finally come down. In their place, Disney has rolled out the classic rolling planters—giving parkgoers their very first clear look at the highly anticipated new food kiosk before it officially welcomes its first guests.
Since closing its doors back on January 12th, EPCOT’s former Refreshment Port has been steadily transforming into La Poutinerie, sponsored by Air Canada. Major milestones are clearly being hit, as the structural roof and exterior rock work now look completely finished above the rolling planters. While we are still waiting on the official signage—which concept art shows will eventually anchor at least two sides of the roof—the site’s final touches are taking shape. Soon, a small fenced-off landscaping area in the front will complete the look with custom rock work, a new tree, and vibrant seasonal flowers.
Mark your calendars for July 1st! La Poutinerie, hosted by Air Canada, is officially opening its doors at the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT. According to the airline, the new spot promises to deliver “a taste of Canada at EPCOT,” serving up “a Canadian classic with a twist.” As the Official Canadian Airline of Walt Disney World Resort, Air Canada already offers exclusive Disney perks for its travelers and Aeroplan Members—and now, they are bringing the ultimate late-night comfort food right to the World Showcase.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 Entertainment Showtimes Announced
Get ready to plan your spookiest night of the year! Disney has officially dropped the entertainment showtimes for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, returning to Magic Kingdom on select nights this fall. Even better news? Reservations are now officially open for the popular Halloween Dessert Parties, giving you the perfect opportunity to lock in premium fireworks viewing. Here is a look at the schedule so you can start mapping out your evening!
Catch the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show at 10:00 PM! If you want to skip the hub crowds and pair the show with some sweet treats, reservations are officially live for the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party. You can choose between two viewing options:
Tomorrowland Terrace Viewing: (Seated viewing during the show) — $124 for guests ages 10+ | $74 for kids ages 3–9.
Plaza Garden Viewing: (Reserved standing area in the garden plaza) — $99 for guests ages 10+ | $59 for kids ages 3–9.
For fans looking forward to the iconic Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the first march down Main Street, U.S.A. is officially locked in for 8:15 PM. This matches the kickoff time from last year’s schedule. While Disney hasn’t formally announced the second parade time just yet, it historically kicks off at 11:15 PM—making that later slot the perfect option if you want to skip the heavy crowds of the first showing!
For details, visit our travel partner, Get Away Today, which can handle all of your planning details free of charge, including discount tickets and more. Be sure to ask them about the limited-time deal for fans of Chip and Co and Disney Addicts! Save an extra $10 on your next vacation package, use promo code CHIPANDCO at checkout.
Tony Hale Celebrates Forky and Karen Beverly’s Disney World Honeymoon
Tony Hale, the beloved voice of Forky in the Toy Story franchise, recently spent a magical day at Walt Disney World celebrating the newlywed cutlery! The actor joined Forky and his new bride, Karen Beverly, to commemorate their special honeymoon vacation across the resort.
Fans first caught a sneak peek of Forky and Karen’s adorable wedding in the official trailer for Toy Story 5. Now, the newly married utensil couple has arrived at Walt Disney World Resort alongside Tony Hale to celebrate their honeymoon in style!
Hale personally took the beloved toys on an unforgettable tour across the parks, capturing perfect honeymoon snapshots in front of iconic landmarks like Magic Kingdom’s famous Purple Wall and EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth. The happy couple also enjoyed some classic attractions, taking a relaxing cruise on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and testing their skills on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
To spread the love, Disney Parks shared a collection of these charming honeymoon photos on Instagram, giving fans a firsthand look at the duo’s magical theme park adventures.
Exceptional dining is at the heart of the Walt Disney World experience, whether you’re snacking on park classics or sharing a table with your favorite characters. Disney Dining Plans offer the ultimate convenience to enjoy it all. Now, planning your dream culinary itinerary is getting even better: introducing the Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan, launching for 2027 vacations to give you unprecedented customization.
Why Should You Get a Dining Plan?
A Disney Dining Plan makes vacation planning simpler, allowing guests to focus entirely on the culinary fun along the way. Designed for ultimate convenience and flexibility, these plans let travelers prepay for meals and snacks so they can indulge in their favorite foods without ever checking a menu price.
A Hot Honey Chicken Waffle? They can consider it ordered. A Rapunzel Sundae? Say no more. Both of these delicious treats and so much more are included in a dining plan.
For those intrigued by the possibilities, here is a complete guide to everything there is to know about Disney Dining Plans.
How do Dining Plans Work?
Dining Plans are purchased as part of your stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel. You can add them before your vacation online, through a cast member at our call center or via your travel professional.
For everyone in your party ages 3 and over, dining plans include a set number of meals and snacks based on the number of nights of your resort stay.
Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay, with unused meals rolling over day-to-day until midnight on your check-out day. That means you are not limited to a specific number of meals per day. You can mix and bundle your meals to fit your schedule.
Once you’re at a dining location, just let the cast member know that you are using a dining plan and they will handle the rest.
Which Dining Plan is Right for You?
For 2027, you can choose from three dining plans depending on your vacation style. Whether your family is all about grab-and-go meals to stay in the action or you want extra time around the table, we have an option for you.
Quick-Service Dining Plan
Great for guests who want fewer reservations and more time for fun.
What does it come with?
2 quick-service meals per night of stay
1 snack or nonalcoholic drink per night of stay
1 resort-refillable drink mug (per guest per stay)
Table-Service Dining Plan
A nice balance of sit-down meals and on-the-go favorites.
What does it come with?
1 table-service meal per night of stay
1 quick-service meal per night of stay
1 snack or nonalcoholic drink per night of stay
1 resort-refillable drink mug (per guest per stay)
NEW for 2027: Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan
Perfect for guests who want to enjoy three meals per day or signature dining experiences.
What does it come with?
2 table-service meals per night of stay
1 quick-service meal per night of stay
1 snack or nonalcoholic drink per night of stay
1 resort-refillable drink mug (per guest per stay)
What is a Quick-Service Meal vs a Table-Service Meal?
Quick-service meals are locations where you order at a counter. Think Connections Eatery at EPCOT or Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom. These spots use one quick-service meal and are perfect for grabbing a tasty meal, then getting right back to the fun.
Table-service meals are restaurants where you are seated and served, often a great choice for a mid-day break, a celebratory meal, or one of those unforgettable dining moments that become part of the vacation story.
Spots like Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdom or 50’s Prime Time Café at Hollywood Studios are delicious examples and cost one table-service meal.
Reservations are highly recommended for table-service locations and, since you are staying at a Disney resort, you have first access to book your dining reservations – up to 60 days in advance of your check-in day – for the entire length of your stay.
Character dining and signature dining experiences, like table-service restaurants, offer a relaxed meal around a table. However, they come with a magical twist, such as a Disney character coming to your table or refined cuisine from award-winning chefs.
These experiencescan use up to two table-service meals, so if restaurants like Story Book Dining at Artist Point within Wilderness Lodge or Tiffins Restaurant at Animal Kingdom are must-dos during your vacation, consider the Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan, which offers greater flexibility to enjoy these locations.
Dining Plan Tips
Keep track of your meals via the My Disney Experience app, on dining receipts or by asking a cast member at your resort front desk or a guest relations location.
Your table-service meal meals can also be used at quick-service restaurants, giving you even more flexibility if your plans change or you want to grab a meal on the go.
Don’t forget your refillable drink mug when spending time at your resort! You can get easy refills on all sorts of drinks during your stay, from water to soda and even coffee.
Ready to Start Planning?
Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is an exciting milestone, but with four massive theme parks, dozens of resort hotels, and endless dining options, the planning process can quickly become overwhelming. Click the graphic below to start.
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Teaser Trailer for Mark Ruffalo-Led ‘Gatto’ to Debut Ahead of ‘Toy Story 5’
Theatergoers are in for an extra dose of Pixar magic, as reports indicate that the first teaser trailer for the studio’s next highly anticipated film, Gatto, will debut exclusively on the big screen ahead of Toy Story 5.
Audiences heading to theaters to see Toy Story 5 when it releases on June 19, 2026, will reportedly get an exclusive first look at the teaser trailer for Gatto playing right before the feature presentation.
The upcoming film follows a character named Nero, who finds himself forced to forge an unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to discovering his true purpose. Luca director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren are teaming up once again to bring Gatto to life, returning to Casarosa’s home country of Italy—the same beautiful setting that inspired Luca. Breaking new ground for the studio, the movie will showcase a distinct, hand-painted animation style, marking an exciting visual first for Pixar.
Gatto is officially scheduled to hit theaters on March 5, 2027. However, lucky attendees at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival will get an early sneak peek later this month, where the film is set to be previewed alongside another upcoming project, Hexed.
Seating Area Returns to EPCOT Breezeway as Local Pin Traders Make Their Comeback
One of EPCOT’s longtime unofficial traditions is making a welcome return. Local pin traders are once again gathering in the breezeway outside Connections Café, bringing back a familiar sight that many regular EPCOT guests have missed over the past few weeks.
Pin trading activity in the area was halted back in mid-May, leaving many collectors wondering if the popular meetup spot was gone for good. Fortunately, the traders have returned, and Disney has made some adjustments to help the space function better for everyone.
As seen in our photos, the tables and benches have been moved to the sides of the breezeway, creating a more open central walkway for guests traveling between World Celebration and the front of the park. The new arrangement still provides plenty of room for traders to display their collections while helping reduce congestion in one of EPCOT’s busiest pedestrian corridors.
The area was bustling during our visit, with dozens of collectors setting up displays filled with Disney pins ranging from current releases to hard-to-find collectibles. Guests could be seen browsing binders, negotiating trades, and chatting with fellow collectors throughout the afternoon. The setup strikes a nice balance between preserving a beloved EPCOT tradition and maintaining comfortable guest flow through the breezeway.
For Disney pin fans, the return of the trading community is a welcome sight. Whether you’re hunting for a rare treasure, completing a collection, or simply enjoying the social side of the hobby, the EPCOT pin trading scene is officially back in business.
Disney Celebrates America’s 250th with a Look Back at Presidential Visits to the Parks
As excitement builds for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Disney Parks is taking a trip through history by highlighting some memorable visits from U.S. presidents and other prominent political figures over the decades.
The collection of photos shared by Disney showcases just how long the relationship between Disney parks and American presidents has stretched. The first presidential visit came in 1957 when former President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman spent a day at Disneyland. Disney fans may recognize the famous story from that visit: Truman reportedly declined to ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant because the elephant was associated with the Republican Party, his political opponents.
Another fascinating snapshot features then-Senator John F. Kennedy during a 1959 visit to Disneyland. Kennedy had not yet been elected president and was visiting as part of a meeting with Guinea President Ahmed Sékou Touré. Just a few years later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower would visit Disneyland with his family, even taking time to sign the park’s VIP guest book and send Walt Disney a personal letter following the visit.
The presidential visits continued through the decades, including President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 appearance at EPCOT, where he praised the park’s international fellowship program. President George H.W. Bush later visited Walt Disney World in 1991 during the resort’s 20th anniversary celebration, while former President Jimmy Carter and his family enjoyed a Disney Cruise Line vacation aboard the Disney Wonder in 2001.
From Disneyland’s opening decade to modern-day Disney Cruise Line sailings, these presidential visits offer a unique glimpse into Disney’s place in American culture. As the nation prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial, Disney is reminding fans that a little bit of presidential history can be found throughout its parks and experiences.
EPCOT Debuts New Solar-Powered Trash and Recycling Bins Around World Showcase
EPCOT is known for embracing innovation, and now even the trash cans are getting a futuristic upgrade. New solar-powered trash and recycling bins have begun appearing around World Showcase, bringing a more sustainable and high-tech approach to keeping the park clean.
The new bins have been spotted near Port of Entry, Disney Traders, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, The Odyssey, and throughout the Mexico Pavilion. Unlike Disney’s traditional open-top trash cans, these new units feature enclosed openings that are accessed by pressing a foot pedal at the base. The hands-free design helps improve hygiene, though some guests may need a moment to figure out exactly how they work.
Beyond the pedal-operated doors, the bins feature built-in solar panels that help power an internal trash compactor. This technology allows the bins to hold more waste before needing to be emptied, potentially reducing the number of collection trips Cast Members need to make throughout the day.
Perhaps the most exciting detail for Disney park enthusiasts is the return of the beloved World Showcase medallions. Many fans noticed last year when several of the decorative country medallions were replaced with simple stickers. These new bins once again feature the iconic medallion designs, adding a bit of classic EPCOT charm to the park’s latest piece of technology.
It’s a small change, but one that combines EPCOT’s spirit of innovation with a nod to the details longtime guests love.
Universal Kids Resort Silver Annual Passes Sell Out Before Opening Day
Universal Kids Resort may not open until July 1, but demand is already proving that families are eager to visit the brand-new park in Frisco, Texas. Universal has officially sold out its Silver Annual Passes online less than a month before the resort welcomes its first guests.
Both versions of the Silver Annual Pass, including the standard option and the version that includes parking, are currently listed as sold out. Before disappearing from sale, the passes were priced at $129.99 and $164.99 respectively. The website notes that the passes are “currently sold out,” leaving the door open for additional inventory to be released in the future.
Guests can still purchase regular admission tickets, with one-day tickets starting at $54.99 and two-day tickets available for $73.99. Families looking to make a getaway out of their visit can also book vacation packages that bundle hotel accommodations, park admission, and early entry benefits. The package includes two nights at the on-site hotel, one-and-a-half days of admission, and access to the park one hour before opening.
Designed specifically for younger children and their families, Universal Kids Resort will feature themed lands inspired by beloved franchises including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Minions, Jurassic World, Trolls, and SpongeBob SquarePants. With annual passes already selling out ahead of opening day, it looks like Universal may have another hit on its hands deep in the heart of Texas.
New “Light Lounge at the Odyssey” Signage Appears at EPCOT
Something bright may be on the horizon at EPCOT! During a recent visit to the park, new signage was spotted outside The Odyssey building in World Celebration, hinting at what appears to be a brand-new experience called “Light Lounge at the Odyssey.”
The colorful new sign features a futuristic design filled with pink, blue, and purple geometric patterns that feel right at home alongside Spaceship Earth. The words “Light Lounge at the Odyssey” are prominently displayed across the center, immediately catching the attention of guests passing by.
Adding even more intrigue, the side entrance to The Odyssey has been roped off, suggesting preparations may already be underway inside. The building most recently served as home to The Citrus Blossom during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, but those festival decorations have now been removed following the event’s conclusion.
Disney has not officially announced what the Light Lounge will be, but the timing has fans wondering if it could be part of EPCOT’s summer offerings. With the new signage already in place, it seems likely that more details could be revealed in the near future. Until then, EPCOT guests will be keeping a close eye on The Odyssey to see what illuminates next.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the exceptional Animal Care team is so deeply attuned to their residents that even the most subtle change can speak volumes. That dedication proved vital when keepers noticed a faint cloudiness developing in the right eye of Kendi, a beloved 27-year-old white rhino who has called the park home since birth. While the shift was incredibly minor, the veterinary team—who regularly perform Kendi’s wellness exams—knew it deserved immediate and close attention.
For a rhino of Kendi’s size, vision – along with her strong sense of smell and hearing – plays an important role in how she moves through her environment, finds food, and interacts with her world.
Those quiet signals prompted her care team to take a closer look. Through careful observation and the trust built over years of daily care, veterinarians identified the issue early: cataracts, a condition that clouds the eye lens and can lead to blindness if left untreated.
What came next would mark an extraordinary milestone in animal care.
Surgically removing a cataract in a white rhino is exceptionally rare and highly complex, requiring extensive planning, innovation, and collaboration. Dr. Betsy, a veterinarian with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, has been involved in every step of the preparation process.
“I’ve planned for this one procedure more than any other in my life,” said Dr. Betsy. “It’s been one of the most rewarding moments of my career. The level of innovation pushed us to think differently – and ultimately raised the bar for what’s possible in veterinary care.”
The first stage of preparing for this procedure was no small undertaking. For several years, the husbandry team worked around the clock to train Kendi for voluntary eye drops.
Through patience and trust-based care, Kendi became comfortable with the routine of receiving this essential medication up to four times a day. That dedication and preparation proved invaluable when the time finally came to perform the surgery in the rhino barn.
Dr. Betsy partnered with an ophthalmologist from the University of Florida (UF) — one of Disney’s long-standing collaborative veterinary partners — to design a procedure that adapted advanced veterinary surgical techniques to one of the world’s largest land mammals.
“It was truly an honor to be part of Kendi’s care. While cataract surgery is routine in humans, performing this type of procedure on an animal — especially one as large as a white rhino — presents extraordinary challenges,” said Dr. Caryn Plummer, ophthalmologist with the University of Florida.
“In Kendi’s case, the potential to restore her vision made every complexity worth navigating. This effort would not have been possible without the dedicated veterinary and animal care team at Disney, whose teamwork, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kendi’s safety were essential every step of the way. We’re hopeful that improved sight will make a meaningful difference in Kendi’s quality of life.”
The surgery was a success, but the care didn’t stop there.
Kendi’s recovery from the successful surgery called for continuous monitoring and creative solutions. In a true cross functional collaboration, Disney’s costuming team worked for two years to design and craft a custom, specially tailored protective eye mask.
This one-of-a-kind piece of aftercare equipment helped protect her healing eye while also allowing the necessary post-operative eye drop treatments.
“This was definitely outside the scope of what our team is usually asked to do,” said Tracy, a costuming manager. “But nothing about this project was ordinary. We worked closely with the Animal Care teams to design a fully custom solution – one that suited Kendi’s anatomy and supported her comfort and recovery every step of the way.”
This collaborative spirit was a reminder for everyone that caring for animals at Disney is never one dimensional. Whether they are veterinarians, keepers, designers, or engineers, people from across the company bring their talents together when it matters most.
Kendi’s recovery is about more than restoring sight to one animal — it’s about protecting a species.
White rhinos are near threatened in the wild, and protecting the health and wellbeing of individuals like Kendi helps support the broader work of species conservation, including work supported by the Disney Conservation Fund that protects wildlife like rhinos and their habitats in Africa and Asia.
Kendi’s journey is an inspiring opportunity to educate and connect. For the veterinary community, Dr. Betsy and Dr. Plummer plan to share the surgical technique and key learnings, so rhinos around the world may benefit. For families and children, Kendi’s story shows how caring for one animal can help inspire the protection of wildlife around the world.
Today, Kendi is back on the savanna at Animal Kingdom with clearer vision and renewed confidence. Her story highlights what can happen when teams work closely together and bring thoughtful, creative solutions to the table, all grounded in science and a deep commitment to animals in our care.
New Disney Store Exclusive Robin Hood Loungefly Mini Backpack For A Nostalgic Disney Style
Ooh-de-Lally! If you’ve been waiting for the ultimate tribute to Sherwood Forest’s finest hero, your wish has officially been granted. The Disney Store Exclusive Robin Hood Loungefly Mini Backpack is here, and it is a certified must-have for nostalgic fans. Seriously, slackers should be outlawed for missing out on this one! This isn’t just any ordinary bag; it’s a legendary package brought to you by the masters of fandom fashion, Loungefly, and it captures all the fanciful fun of the 1973 animated classic.
What makes this backpack a total crown jewel? For starters, it is packed with plentiful pockets and deluxe features that will make you feel richer than Prince John (before Robin steals his gold, of course). The standout feature is a round front zip pocket boasting a manual spinning disc. Give it a whirl to see a screen art chase scene featuring Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Little John, Lady Cluck, and the Sheriff’s bowmen quite literally running in circles. Add in gorgeous embroidered text accents and a vibrant lineup of your favorite merrie menagerie, including Sir Hiss and the Sheriff’s henchmen and you’ve got a masterpiece.
Now for the important logistics so you don’t get left in the dust, this exclusive beauty retails for $100 and is available for pre-order right now! You won’t have to wait long to rock it either, as it’s scheduled to ship out on June 16th. Whether you’re heading to the Disney parks or just want to bring some nostalgic charm to your daily errands, this bag is the perfect way to show off your love for the foxiest hero in Disney history. Secure yours before it disappears into the woods for good!
