Hollywood Studios has just unveiled another seat upgrade! The iconic Walt Disney Theater, located within the Walt Disney Presents exhibit, has recently reopened its doors, boasting brand-new carpeting and seating!
The refurbishment of the carpet and seats has impacted the overall look and feel of the entire theater. Guests can now relax in plush, comfy seats featuring a lighter patterned upholstery. The carpeting throughout the theater maintains the same design as the original carpet in the lobby, with the new theater carpeting boasting a richer, more vibrant feel. It’s a subtle change that makes a big difference in creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
The updates to the interior of the Walt Disney Theater follow a recent update to the seats inside of the Muppet Vision 3D attraction. Given all of the updates and work that is either currently underway or recently completed throughout the Walt Disney World resort, it appears the parks are moving quickly through a punch list of deferred maintenance.
Hiya pals! The Lion King taught us that Hakuna Matata means ‘no worries’, and this problem-free philosophy has been extended to the new Safari-inspired desserts that are now available at Sanaa. We were recently able to stop by this popular restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and found the all-new lineup of desserts to be wilder than a cheetah chase across the savanna! Inspired by the amazing animals that call the savanna home, these treats are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
First up is the majestic Giraffe Tower Mousse. This towering beauty features layers of banana cake, peanut butter mousse, and banana mousse, all drizzled with decadent caramel. The real star of the show, though, is the Tanzanian peanut brittle crunch that adds a delightful textural contrast. It’s like taking a safari across a flavor landscape!
photo credit: Mary M.
Next, we ventured into the world of everyone’s favorite meerkat and warthog duo with the Timon Grubs. This playful dessert is perfect for younger adventurers. It features a base of banana pastry cream, topped with a mountain of whipped cream, sliced bananas, and the pièce de résistance: adorable graham cracker bugs, gummy worms, and chocolate rocks! It’s a fun and flavorful way for kids to join the dessert safari.
photo credit: Mary M.
Our safari continued with the intriguing Ankole Cake. This decadent dessert features a spiced chocolate cake, perfect for those who love a kick with their sweetness. The cake is then layered with delightful baobab curd, a unique African fruit with a tangy twist. Coconut gel adds a refreshing element, while meringue horns and STARR African Rum-macerated citrus provide a touch of elegance and Caribbean flair. It’s a truly adventurous combination of flavors!
photo credit: Mary M.
Next, we encountered the Wilde-best Wildebeest. This flourless chocolate cake is a dream for any chocolate enthusiast. Dense and decadent, the cake is beautifully complemented by a pool of milk chocolate custard. To add a delightful textural surprise, the dish is finished with chocolate fudge-coated cocoa nibs. It’s a rich and satisfying tribute to the mighty wildebeest.
Finally, we cooled down with the Black Sesame Sundae. This unique offering features black sesame ice cream, a flavor that’s becoming increasingly popular. The ice cream is then complemented by roasted spiced pineapple, adding a touch of tropical warmth. Tea caramel provides a hint of sweetness, while milk crumble and raspberry crisps add delightful textural contrasts. It’s a refreshing and unexpected twist on a classic dessert.
Have you tried the new safari treats at Sanaa? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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!
Get Ready for “It’s a Small World with Groot” Coming to Tokyo Disneyland in 2025!
Marvel Magic is about to meet a classic Disney attraction! Tokyo Disneyland has announced an incredible limited-time event: “It’s a Small World with Groot”! Starting in the winter of 2025, this unique experience promises to delight Disney and Marvel fans alike.
Imagine the adorable figures of “it’s a small world” reimagined as your favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe characters! Groot, of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame, will lead the way as he and his fellow heroes take a whimsical vacation around the globe. Expect to see familiar faces interacting with children and cultures from around the world, all in the signature “it’s a small world” style.
Unique Crossover: This marks the first time Marvel characters will be integrated into a classic Disney Parks attraction at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Adorable Factor: The charming character designs are sure to be a hit for all ages.
Limited-Time Fun: The event’s temporary nature makes this a must-do for Disney and Marvel enthusiasts visiting during the designated time period.
Exact start and end dates for “It’s a Small World with Groot” will be announced soon, so keep an eye on the Tokyo Disneyland website and Disney news sources for updates.
Are you excited about this special event? Which Marvel characters would you love to see featured in “it’s a small world” style? Let us know in the comments!
Space 220 Restaurant offers the “height of dining” at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The first-of-its-kind concept opens Sept. 27, 2021, inviting guests to feel as if they travel 220 miles above Earth to the Centauri Space Station for lunch or dinner. (Todd Anderson, photographer)
EPCOT’s Space 220 Announces New Kids Meals and Trading Cards
Calling all space adventurers! Elevate your dining experience at EPCOT’s Space 220 with exciting new additions that will make your interstellar journey even more thrilling, especially for younger explorers!
Gear up for cosmic fun with the all-new Space 220 Collectible Trading Cards! Featuring two brand new series – Uranus and Neptune – these exclusive card packs offer a chance to collect unique keepsakes unavailable anywhere else. Each pack contains five beautifully designed cards brimming with fascinating space-themed facts to fuel your child’s imagination. But hurry, these limited-edition series won’t be around forever!
Space 220 has also expanded its culinary offerings to cater to our junior space explorers. The new children’s menu boasts a delicious selection for both lunch and dinner and includes:
Liftoff Appetizers: Choose from options like Mozzarella Moons (fried mozzarella with marinara), Grow Zone Crudités (seasonal vegetables with ranch dip), a refreshing Fruit Cup, a classic Baby Greens salad, or a kid-sized Satellite Caesar salad.
Star Course Entrees: The adventure continues with the Steak and Space Fries, featuring a perfectly grilled filet medallion with space fries (because who doesn’t love fries in space?).
Supernova Sweets: End the mission on a sweet note with the Saturn Sandbox, a delightful creation of strawberries, Nilla wafers, and creamy goodness.
Buckle up and get ready for a truly out-of-this-world dining experience at Space 220! To make your reservations, click here!
Must Have Disney Princess Anime Ruffle Jacket By CakeWorthy!
I found this Disney Princess Anime Ruffle Jacket by CakeWorthy and immediately fell in love with it! So if you are like me and love Disney Princesses and girly clothes, this jacket is for you. You can get it here for $69.95.
The jacket features a lavender color with an all over pattern of Ariel, Cinderella, Tiana, Snow White and Belle in an anime style artwork inside heart shapes. What makes this jacket more unique is that it features a peter pan collar with ruffles and more ruffle details at the bottom and sleeves, so cute! This is definitely a must have, trust me.
I am in love with this Cinderella Work Out Set by BellaBlingByCourtney on Etsy! If you enjoy attending runDisney events or just working out at home, you have to check out this shop with adorable designs inspired in Disney Princesses and other beloved Disney characters.
This Cinderella skirt and matching tank top set super comfy and lightweight. The skirt is made to look like the bottom part of Cinderella’s dress and even includes shorts underneath so you feel safe during any work out activity.
Match it with the tank top featuring a running shoe instead of Cinderella’s glass slipper and a quote that says “Forget the glass slipper, this princess wears running shoes”, very cute!
Every princess needs to stay hydrated, this Etsy shop also has some magical tumbler designs like this one with an all over pattern of colorful Mickey Mouse icons! My water stayed cold all day long!
You can take a closer look at these products in our Instagram post:
New Pixar Fest Merchandise Arriving At Disneyland Next Month!
Take a look at the sneak peek of the Pixar Fest Merchandise arriving to Disneyland just in time to get ready for the festival taking place from April 26th through August 4th, 2024!
Unique and fun merchandise will be available in April like a must have Spirit Jersey in navy blue, hoodies, t-shirts, baseball and bucket hats plus a new Lug bag featuring the Pixar ball and a mug and water bottle with all the Pixar characters.
There will also be special limited-time collectible medallions themed to each of your favorite Pixar films coming to Disneyland Resort just for Pixar Fest. Machines with the medallions will be located throughout Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park, Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
Another fun collection coming in April is the Wilderness Explorer Collection inspired by Pixar’s Up! The pieces in this collection are amazing, we got a sneak peek of the green jacket with pockets and patches, a Ready for Adventure tee and bucket hat that matches the jacket very well!
Other things include a bandana, blanket, water bottles and Wilderness Explorer patch set, plus there is even a pet jacket so the whole family can match and awake their spirit of adventure. Look for this collection at Pioneer Mercantile in Disneyland park, Rushin’ River Outfitters and Knick’s Knacks in Disney California Adventure park and World of Disney in Downtown Disney District.
Can’t wait to get some Pixar merch? Check out the Pixar Painted Collection available now that includes items like a character button up shirt, Mike Wazowski painted pullover hoodie and tumbler. Look for them at Little Green Men Store Command in Disneyland, Knick’s Knacks in DCA, World of Disney in Downtown Disney and STOR-E at Pixar Place Hotel, as well as, online at the Disney Store.
Also available now, new Toy Story merchandise has arrived ahead of Pixar Fest. It features items for the entire family that includes a sharp Toy Story Family jersey, adult zip-up hoodie, new backpack and backpack.
The straw hat features a Minnie Mouse charm featuring our favorite fashionista sitting against the Eiffel Tower and a black ribbon around the hat with an embroidery design at the end of colorful macarons displayed on a Minnie Mouse cake stand.
You can take a closer look at this hat in our Instagram post:
Meet the Audio-Animatronic Critters of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
In the enchanting bayou of Princess Tiana’s world, a delightful mix-up between Prince Naveen and Louis has set the stage for an unexpected adventure. As Tiana prepares for a grand party, a mishap leads to a crucial need for a band, sparking a thrilling quest for musical critters in the heart of the bayou.
Enter the critters – all-new Disney characters created exclusively for this magical attraction. These lovable critters play a pivotal role in bringing the bayou to life with their infectious music and charming personalities. Led by Tiana and Louis, guests will embark on a whimsical journey to find these musical companions, ensuring that the party goes on in true New Orleans style.
The first encounter introduces us to a group of critter musicians, serenading guests with a lively rendition of “Gonna Take You There” from “The Princess and the Frog.” Picture a Zydeco-inspired melody resonating through the bayou, complete with fiddles, accordions, washboards, and other unique instrument voices. As guests float down the river amidst dancing fireflies, they can’t help but sing along to the familiar tune.
But who are these adorable critters behind the music? Stay tuned to meet these charming musicians and discover their delightful backstories. Moreover, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises even more surprises as guests uncover new friends and experiences along the way.
Byhalia the Beaver – Byhalia doesn’t just build dams; she helps build musical instruments using natural materials from the bayou. As a strong-willed percussionist, it’s safe to say Byhalia is the heartbeat of the band, as well as a natural designer and engineer.
Gritty the Rabbit – Always willing to dig a little deeper to help others, Gritty plays the washboard (a found automobile license plate) with a high-energy flair. It’s the perfect instrument for someone who’s often overzealous and digs to relieve her nerves.
Beau the Opossum – Seeing limitless possibilities, no one finds more wonder in the bayou and the sounds of zydeco music than Beau. All she knows is beauty, especially her own. You can find her plucking out the low notes with her upright gourd bass, which of course, involves some musical dexterity with her tail.
Apollo the Raccoon – Apollo loves transforming abandoned objects into works of musical art – like his squeezebox. He’s full of energy and storytelling, especially about the objects he finds in the bayou. He’s particularly close with Rufus and appreciates Rufus’ calm demeanor.
Rufus the Turtle – Rufus may be a turtle, but he’s quick to jump into rhythm with his harmonica. He’s also the first to join in on new adventures! He’s genuine and sincere but may come across as a little sarcastic at times with his habitual sighing. Rufus loves going on adventures with Apollo.
Timoléon the Otter – He’s the eldest of the band, but Timoléon’s fiddle-playing is inspired by all the ‘kids’ he spends his time around while in the bayou. When he’s not sawing out a jig, he’s famous for telling stories of days long ago about his explorations of every corner of the bayou.
For those captivated by these lovable critters, the adventure extends beyond the bayou. Soon, Beau, Apollo, and Rufus will become huggable plushies, allowing guests to bring a piece of the magic home with them.
It’s a rare opportunity to connect with brand-new original Disney characters, adding an extra layer of excitement to the immersive experience at our beloved theme parks. Get ready to embark on a musical quest like never before as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure unfolds its enchanting story at the heart of the Magic Kingdom.
Not only are these critters special, but so are the many innovative Imagineers and partners who are bringing them to life. Meet my talented colleague and storyteller, Laura West, a lead concept designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, and the creator of these adorable critters.
In collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, Laura carefully crafted the brand-new characters that you’ll see in the attraction. Check out her detailed creative process below!
Stay tuned, because there’s more to come from the other talented critters you’ll meet in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens at Walt Disney World Resort this summer, and later this year at Disneyland Resort.
Figment fans, we have some exciting news to share with you! After several years of being out of order, Figment’s water cooler in his upside-down house has finally been fixed and is once again bubbling!
Journey Into Imagination With Figment has a long history at EPCOT, originally opening on March 5, 1983. The attraction introduced the lovable purple dragon, Figment, and his friend, the Dreamfinder, who guided guests through the wonders of imagination.
In 1999, the ride underwent a significant overhaul, reopening as Journey Into Your Imagination with a new storyline and a reduced role for Figment. However, this version was not well-received, leading to another update in 2002. The current version, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, restored Figment to a starring role, much to the delight of fans.
The recent repair of the water cooler effect is a small but meaningful update that enhances the ride experience and preserves the attraction’s charm for future generations of EPCOT visitors. So next time you’re at EPCOT, be sure to take a journey with Figment and enjoy the newly restored bubbling water cooler!
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!
A long time ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away….the Chip and Co team tried an amazing treat at Hollywood Studios-the Star Wars Princess of Alderaan Shake ! Disney recently debuted this out-of-this-world milkshake to honor Women’s History Month and celebrate one of the most iconic female characters in the galaxy.
Priced at $9.79, this salted caramel shake is a tribute to the courageous and wise Princess Leia (the Princess of Alderaan). It’s topped with whipped cream, edible glitter, and mini cinnamon rolls that resemble Leia’s famous hair buns.
The mini cinnamon rolls that serve as Leia’s hair buns are freshly baked at the recently opened Ice Cold Hydraulics on Grand Avenue. They add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice to the shake, combining with the saltiness of the shake to create the perfect blend of flavors.
Overall we really enjoyed this treat! The milkshake is thick and creamy and features a great blend of salty and sweet flavors. It’s a treat that’s sure to please both your taste buds and your inner Star Wars fan!
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!
