New Disney Parks Icon Shirt Features Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Tower!
We stopped by The Emporium at Magic Kingdom and found this Disney Parks Icon Shirt for $29.99 that features Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Water Tower! This is the first shirt the shows the new attraction that is opening later this summer.
The shirt features a light teal color with “Things Living Rent Free In My Head” text in darker teal ink and a background of Disney World icons in white like Spaceship Earth, Tree of Life, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, Partners Statue, Fantasyland Castle, Haunted Mansion and more. A must have!!
You can take a closer look at this shirt in our Instagram post:
Ravensburger has just announced several updates to the upcoming Challenge Schedule and details surrounding the player cap along with ticket information for competitive players.
Ravensburger is thrilled to share that after further collaboration with our event partners, we’re increasing the player limits across all events!
For the debut events on May 25 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and Lille, France, we’re raising the capacity to accommodate up to 2,048 players each.
The Atlanta event will be relocated to the Georgia World Congress Center to accommodate the additional players.
The Lille event will continue at the Lille Grand Palais.
Following events will feature updated player caps, doubling in size at minimum, with potential for further increases based on venue capacity.
Moreover, when tournament participation reaches 1,025 or more, qualifications for Continental Championships and promo card rewards will adjust accordingly. Stay tuned for more details on this alongside the final prize list.
Based on community input, all upcoming Disney Lorcana Challenge event tickets will now be distributed exclusively through the Melee tournament platform. This adjustment ensures that every ticket is tied to the player’s tournament registration account. Ticket sales for forthcoming events are set to resume starting next week.
For the May events in Atlanta and Lille, which have already commenced ticket sales, the existing ticket pages will be maintained.
In the case of Lille, additional tickets will be available for purchase on Monday, April 8, at 20:00 CEST (8 pm, Central European Time).
For Atlanta, supplementary waves of ticket sales will open exclusively to individuals on the waitlist over the weekend.
If players on the waitlist are selected to participate, they will have a 24-hour window from the time they receive the email notification to secure their ticket. Players are only able to purchase tickets during their designated window. Failure to purchase within this timeframe will result in the opportunity being passed on to another waitlisted player.
While there was always a strategy in place to enhance and expand upon the initial Disney Lorcana Challenge, the team is now endeavoring to expedite certain aspects of those plans in light of increased demand. This effort will encompass scheduling additional events preceding the Continental Championships, with further specifics to be announced soon.
Ravensburger has stated it “remains steadfast in our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our players, and we are grateful for the community’s patience and enthusiasm as we navigate these early stages. With Disney Lorcana TCG having launched less than a year ago, we continue to be deeply moved by the unwavering support of our dedicated fanbase at every step of the journey.”
Will you be playing in the Challenge? Stay tuned for more Disney Lorcana related news here at Chip and Company. Check with your local retailer for a schedule of all organized play and best wishes to all our fellow illumineers on the upcoming competitions. Share you favorite deck ink combinations in a comment and let us know your favorite glimmer.
Hold onto your hats, Star Wars fans โ the galaxy just got a whole lot bigger! The beloved Star Tours โ The Adventures Continue attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and its counterparts at Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris) just received a hyperspace jump in excitement with the addition of brand new scenes inspired by your favorite Disney+ shows!
Starting today, you can experience all-new adventures featuring characters and locations from the hit series “Ahsoka,” “Andor,” and of course, “The Mandalorian.” These thrilling additions further expand the already massive library of storylines within Star Tours, bringing the total number of possible experiences to over 250!
One exciting new sequence takes you to the watery world of Seatos, glimpsed in the “Ahsoka” series. Here, you’ll find yourself embroiled in a thrilling battle alongside the courageous Ahsoka Tano herself!
But that’s not all! Your StarSpeeder 1000 might also receive urgent transmissions from other iconic characters. You never know when Cassian Andor from “Andor” might need your piloting skills, or when you might find yourself hurtling through hyperspace alongside the Mandalorian and the adorable Grogu!
The inclusion of these beloved Disney+ characters adds a whole new layer of excitement to this classic attraction. It’s a testament to Disney’s dedication to keeping Star Tours fresh and engaging for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a first-time recruit, Star Tours โ The Adventures Continue offers a thrilling and unpredictable adventure through the Star Wars galaxy.
So, grab your boarding pass and get ready to experience the magic for yourself! When blasting off on your new adventure, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the exciting new banners adorning the Star Tours exterior, and don’t forget to check out the all-new merchandise collection!
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!
Ozark Actor Julia Garner Joins Marvel โThe Fantastic Fourโ as Shalla-Bal
Julia Garner, known for her Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performances, is set to join the cast of Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four” as Shalla-Bal, a character inspired by the Silver Surfer from the Marvel comics.
In this highly anticipated film, Garner will star alongside Pedro Pascal, who will portray Reed Richards (also known as Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (the Thing).
Directed by Matt Shakman, renowned for his work on “WandaVision” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” and featuring a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, and Eric Pearson, “Fantastic Four” is gearing up for production this summer. The film is slated for release on July 25, 2025.
The Silver Surfer, previously brought to life by Doug Jones and voiced by Laurence Fishburne in 2007’s “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” holds a significant place in the Marvel universe.
Garner is best known for her portrayal of Ruth Langmore in the hit series “Ozark,” where she shared the screen with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. Her stellar performance in the series garnered her three Emmys and a Golden Globe. She has also made memorable appearances in other television shows such as “The Americans,” “Dirty John,” and “Inventing Anna,” earning additional Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work.
In the realm of film, Garner received acclaim and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her role in Kitty Green’s “The Assistant.” Notably, she reunited with Green for “The Royal Hotel,” a project she also produced under her Alma Margo production banner. Upcoming projects include starring roles in Leigh Whannell’s “Wolf Man” alongside Christopher Abbott and the psychological thriller “Apartment 7A,” produced by John Krasinski and distributed by Paramount.
Let us know your thoughts on this casting decision for the Silver Surfer in the MCU. Stay tuned for more production updates on this film and other Marvel projects here at Chip and Company.
First Look: New Star Tours Cast Member-Inspired Merchandise Collection
Star Wars fans, get your wallets ready! Just in time for the new Star Tours scenes featuring Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, and Din Djarin with Grogu, Walt Disney World has launched a fresh collection of Star Tours Cast Member inspired merchandise at Tatooine Traders in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Get ready for thrilling changes at EPCOT, as Disney has just announced a major overhaul of the beloved Test Track attraction! A brand-new rendering has been released, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the reimagined experience.
Disney confirms that Test Track, presented by Chevrolet, will temporarily close its doors on June 17th to allow for the transformation. While details on the reimagined ride are still under wraps, this rendering hints at a futuristic aesthetic and an evolution of the attraction’s thrilling concept.
It was announced back at the D23 Expo that Test Track would get an update but details have been pretty scarce.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development as Disney shares further insights into the reimagined Test Track experience!
Calling all jazz enthusiasts and frog fanatics! The transformation of Frontierland continues as the Briar Patch gift shop undergoes a refurbishment to match the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The familiar entrance is now covered in dark scrim, hinting at the exciting changes brewing beneath.
While details remain under wraps, this recent development comes on the heels of Disney’s announcement that the Briar Patch shop at Disneyland will be transformed into Ray’s Berets, a charming nod to the beloved firefly character from “The Princess and the Frog.” Additionally, a portion of Pooh Corner will be reimagined as Louis’ Critter Club, offering a delightful tribute to the trumpet-playing alligator.
While we do not know if these same shops will make their way to Walt Disney World, it is not much of a surprise that the gift shop is getting an overhaul in light of the transformation of the attraction from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
So, stay tuned, fellow adventurers! We’ll be keeping a close eye on the Briar Patch’s transformation and share all the juicy details as soon as they become available. In the meantime, let the speculation begin โ what name would you love to see grace the entrance of the newly transformed shop?
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!
Attention EPCOT adventurers! Your journey around the EPCOT neighborhoods just got a bit easier. The walkway connecting World Nature and World Celebration near the Imagination! pavilion is finally open once again.
This short but important walkway allows guests a more direct route between the Imagination pavilion and World Showcase. After a month of construction, the pathway is clear, allowing for smoother park navigation.
While celebrating this walkway’s return, it’s important to note that construction in the area isn’t entirely complete. Construction walls remain around the upcoming CommuniCore Hall and Plaza. The good news? These exciting new spaces are expected to open in June, bringing fresh experiences to EPCOT!
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!
Magic Kingdom is getting closer to opening the much-anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer, and a touch of nighttime magic has just been added! It seems like every time we visit lately new touches have been added to the attraction, with the latest addition seemingly lighting the way to summer.
MoreCrews recently installed beautiful new lanterns throughout the ride queue and experience. Inspired by the film “The Princess and the Frog,” these vintage-style kerosene lanterns dangle from wooden beams bordering the ride system. Each lantern features a round handle on top, adding a charming touch that evokes the bayou’s warm hospitality. stuff
While the exact opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure remains under wraps (it’s slated for summer 2024!), these new lanterns are a delightful sign of progress. They hint at the immersive experience that awaits guests, promising a journey filled with wonder and enchantment.
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!
Drum Major Mickey Mouse leads a jubilant parade at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by 100 students who are part of the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Disney Dreamers Academy is a mentorship event hosted annually by Walt Disney World Resort to foster the dreams of 100 Black students and teens from underrepresented communities around the country. (Mark Ashman, photographer)
(Mark Ashman, photographer)
100 High School Students Take Part in Disney Dreamers Academy Parade at Disney World
A hundred high school students from across the nation embarked on the adventure of a lifetime with a vibrant parade through Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. This extraordinary moment marked the start of the 17th annual Disney Dreamers Academy, a transformative mentorship program designed to empower and inspire Black students and teens from underrepresented communities.
The parade burst with excitement as the Dreamers were joined by actress Dara Reneรฉ of ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and the upcoming ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’. Reneรฉ, the program’s “Dreambassador,” serves as a mentor and role model for the students. Beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Princess Tiana added to the magical atmosphere.
(Mark Ashman, photographer)
A Program that Inspires
Disney Dreamers Academy is a five-day immersive experience focused on career exploration and personal development. Hand-picked from thousands of applicants, these exceptional students enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World. Thanks to the support of sponsors like AT&T, Sprite, and Delta Airlines, the program offers workshops, leadership seminars, and inspiring presentations from celebrities, community leaders, educators, and Disney executives. This year’s celebrity lineup includes Daymond John (‘ABC’s Shark Tank’), actor Lance Gross, and reality TV star Sanya Richards-Ross (‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’).
Disney Dreamer Academy students march down Main Street U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park in a celebratory parade to kick off the five-day mentoring event at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Mark Ashman, photographer)Disney Dreamer Academy students march down Main Street U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park in a celebratory parade to kick off the five-day mentoring event at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Mark Ashman, photographer)Actress and performer Dara Reneรฉ, Disney executive Tracy Powell and Disney’s Princess Tiana ride in the grand marshal vehicle alongside aspiring engineering student Sophia Halm, one of the 100 teens participating in Disney Dreamers Academy 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort on April 4, 2024, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Mark Ashman, photographer)Broadway singer and actress Kissy Simmons performs โShadowlandโ from the hit Broadway musical, โThe Lion King,โ at the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy welcome celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista Fla., on April 4, 2024. (Mark Ashman, photographer)Students look on with excitement during the welcome celebration at Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Thursday April 4, 2024. The Disney Dreamers Academy is a mentorship event hosted annually by Walt Disney World Resort to foster the dreams of 100 Black students and teens from underrepresented communities around the country. (Mark Ashman, photographer)
Dreams Take Flight
The Disney Dreamers Academy is more than just a parade โ it’s a springboard for young people to explore their potential and chase their dreams. If you know a high school student who could benefit from this incredible opportunity, be sure to keep an eye out for the next round of applications!
All-new YouTube series โWe Call It Imagineeringโ Launching by Walt Disney Imagineering
Get ready to step behind the curtain of creativity with Walt Disney Imagineering‘s exciting new YouTube series! A recently released teaser trailer offers a glimpse into the world of the Imagineers, the talented minds who bring Disney stories and experiences to life. The trailer features glimpses of passionate Imagineers discussing their craft, along with intriguing hints of what’s to come.
One particularly eye-catching moment showcases the BD-1-style roaming droids, first tested at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park. This technology hints at the innovative experiences viewers can expect to see explored in the series.
The announcement comes on the heels of other exciting developments at Walt Disney Imagineering. Former Imagineer Joe Rohde’s return to lead master classes, and the unveiling of the revolutionary “HoloTile Floor” technology by Disney Research Fellow and Imagineer Lanny Smoot, all point towards a future filled with groundbreaking experiences.
With the promise of a behind-the-scenes look at the magic-making process, the new YouTube series is sure to capture the hearts of Disney fans worldwide. Be sure to check out the sneak peak video below! We can’t wait to see the wonders that await us in the world of Disney Imagineering!
Start your morning with your favorite beverage in this Peter Pan Neverland Mug filled with pixie dust! We found it at the UK pavilion in Epcot for $24.99.
It features a Walt Disney Studios storybook illustration that includes Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy, John, Michael, Cubby, Foxy (a.k.a Slightly), Mermaids, and the Jolly Roger at Neverland with a plain green handle and interior color.
You can take a closer look at this mug in our Instagram post: