EPCOT BECOMING showcases the reimagining of EPCOT for a new generation. Watch as Walt Disney World Resort teams rise to the challenge of bringing the constantly evolving park into the future, from creating an innovative new coaster to exploring the wonder of water and culminating with the debut of the next legacy in nighttime spectaculars: “Luminous The Symphony of Us.”
The special will premiere on National Geographic on April 29th and will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu simultaneously.
Joffrey’s Coffee Introduces the Dark Side Coffee Collection
Do you underestimate the power of the dark side? The dark side of coffee that is! Joffrey’s Coffee has done it again, launching a New Star Wars Trio of coffee blends in 3 special Dark Roast options, now available on JOFFREYS.COM and at Disney Springs!
Choose from Star Wars Dare To Resist Blend, Star Wars Dark Side Blend, and Star Wars Double Saber Blend! Can’t decide which one to try? Try all 3 with their trio gift box set! The set of delicious dark blends includes three 11 oz. packages of ground coffee, ready for brewing.
Each of these unique blends will have you daring to resist a dark roast with an alluring body and bold finish, double down on caffeine and savor a full-bodied blend with a robust finish, or tempt you with a powerful, yet smooth taste and smoky finish! Whichever you choose, these delicious dark blends will have any Star Wars Fan ready to take on an adventure!
Disneyland Resort Reveals New Details for Season of the Force
Star Wars fans, dust off your lightsabers! Season of the Force is coming to the Disneyland Resort from April 5 through June 2, 2024. Guests can celebrate with new experiences, as well as limited-time offerings like food, merchandise and more.
Beginning April 5, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will feature new additions inspired by the Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.” Earlier this month, Disney revealed the planet Peridea as the attraction’s newest destination. During their flight, guests may also receive urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, or Din Djarin and Grogu.
On select nights starting April 5 at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be able to take in “Fire of the Rising Moons,” a nighttime experience that debuts a different view of the stunning Disneyland Park fireworks display, with musical accompaniment.
During this special gathering, villagers and visitors alike will come together to celebrate their freedom and to honor the heroes and legends of the galaxy who came before them. As the skies over Batuu light up in bursts of color, imaginations are ignited with the iconic music associated with tales from across the galaxy. It will be a powerful moment guests won’t want to miss!
Including selections from composer John Williams’ Star Wars film scores, “Fire of the Rising Moons” can be experienced from multiple areas in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including the Black Spire Spaceport, the TIE Echelon docking platform, and the speeder garage. Guest’s MagicBand+ will also add to the ceremony’s atmosphere with colorful lights and ambient vibrations.
Whether guests choose the way of the Jedi or pledge their allegiance to the dark side, the many choices of limited-time food and beverages, attractions and more will make Season of the Force a must-visit!
The high-speed Space Mountain overlay, Hyperspace Mountain, will return to Tomorrowland for a limited time through June 2. Guests will once again be able to race through the galaxy, encountering a Star Destroyer and dodging TIE fighters along the way.
Harnessing the power of the Force can really work up an appetite. Guests can fuel up with specialty themed food and beverages available for a limited time, such as the Star Wars sugar cookie. Plus, guests will be able to store rations in new collectible novelties, available for purchase while supplies last.
New this year, aspiring bounty hunters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be able to join the search for Din Djarin, Grogu and more with a holopuck Magic Shot from Disney PhotoPass Service. Returning Star Wars Magic Shots and themed Disney PhotoPass Lenses (included with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service)* create additional opportunities to commemorate guests’ visit to a galaxy far, far away.
From out-of-this-world dining at Galactic Grill to thrilling attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disneyland Park is home to Star Wars experiences guests can enjoy all year long.
At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests can use MagicBand+ to track down virtual bounties in the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters quest. Vibrations and lights from their band help guide them to their bounty, and the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app reveals who is hiding in the shadows.
Aspiring builders can construct their own custom Star Wars merchandise at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests can forge their own lightsaber under the guidance of skilled Gatherers. Droid Depot is stocked with parts, chips and more to assemble their own BB-series, C-series or R-series unit. Purchase is required for both experiences, and advanced reservations are highly encouraged.
The Force is calling! Do you want to celebrate at Disneyland this year? Contact me to get you trip booked! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Super Cute Minnie Mouse Pink Tonal Puff Backpack Exclusively At BoxLunch Gifts!
We found the perfect backpack for those into neutral colors! The Minnie Mouse Pink Tonal Puff Backpack by Loungefly can be found exclusively at BoxLunch Gifts online and at the store for $84.90.
It features a quilted cream fabric with light pink details and gold hardware. It also includes 3D ears and an adorable pink bow to add an extra girly touch. Super cute!
These baskets are so cute! You can choose between Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Stitch or Pooh wearing bunny ears and surrounded by Easter icons. To make it even better, you can personalize it with your kids names!
They are definitely a must have in your home this Easter.
The hoodie features a blue and white tie dye pattern the looks like clouds! The front features the retro Mickey Mouse Disney World logo with two macarons on the side, the full Walt Disney World logo across the back in colorful letters and Mickey Mouse macarons across the sleeve.
New Walt Disney World Blue Hydrangea Spirit Jersey Available At Animal Kingdom!
If you are looking for a new spirit jersey this Spring, the Walt Disney World Blue Hydrangea Spirit Jersey is a great option! We found it at Animal Kingdom for $54.99 and hope to see it soon at the Disney Store as well.
It features a gorgeous light blue color with a Mickey Mouse icon inside the “D” with hydrangea flowers. Turn it around and you will find the Walt Disney World logo across the back with the letters covered in hydrangea flowers.
The design is very simple and magical, perfect for this season and a great match for the new hydrangea Loungefly backpack and ear headband! You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:
This Stitch Light will be the perfect addition to your room, you can use as a night light or mood lightning while you relax with your favorite snack and book! You can find it at Animal Kingdom, as well as, online at the Disney Store for $29.99.
The light features Stitch laying down ready to rest and emits cool blue and white lights. All you have to do is tap it to turn it on and tap again to change the light.
It has three different settings that allow you to turn it off or set the timer for 30 or 60 minutes and is battery operated. You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:
Disney Cruise Line revealed the name of its next ship, the Disney Destiny, along with details about its design theme, “Heroes and Villains.” The ship, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will draw on the legacy of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions to forge a cruise vacation that will empower guests to embrace their own calling aboard every unforgettable voyage. (Disney)
Disney Cruise Line Reveals New Ship Name & Theme – The Disney Destiny!
Disney Cruise Line unveiled details about its upcoming ship, the Disney Destiny, during a keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Scheduled for delivery in 2025, the Disney Destiny will feature a “Heroes and Villains” design theme, inspired by beloved Disney stories and characters.
Portfolio Project Management Executive Philip Gennotte and Project Management Executive Mike Davie from Walt Disney Imagineering Germany celebrated the keel laying ceremony for the Disney Destiny in Papenburg, Germany. Keel laying takes place when a newly minted coin is placed under the first block for good fortune. (Disney)
The ship’s onboard experiences will encompass the dynamic duality of Disney tales, showcasing heroes and villains from iconic films like “The Lion King,” “Hercules,” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.”
The Disney Destiny will continue Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of enchanting artwork with a brand-new filigree design on its bow.
Disney Cruise Line revealed the name of its next ship, the Disney Destiny, along with details about its design theme, “Heroes and Villains.” Disney also unveiled brand-new filigree artwork for the bow of the Disney Destiny, continuing a beloved Disney Cruise Line design tradition. The illustration depicts Minnie Mouse striking a valiant pose in a heroic ensemble, her cape waving majestically in the sea breeze as she boldly leads guests toward their vacation destinies. (Disney)
This illustration features Minnie Mouse in a heroic pose, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and discovery that guests will encounter on their Disney cruise vacations. Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line, expressed excitement about the ship’s role in offering families new ways to experience Disney magic and exceptional service at sea.
(Omark Reyes, photographer)
The Disney Destiny joins Disney Cruise Line’s fleet expansion, which includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure ships, the Disney Adventure homeporting in Singapore, and the new island destination in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Releases New Interactive Mickey’s Toontown Bubble Blower
Disneyland has unveiled a delightful new addition for visitors to enjoy – the brand-new Mickey’s Toontown bubble blower. This whimsical toy captures the playful spirit of Toontown with its interactive features and colorful design.
In a recent video debut, a “guest” showcases the Toontown-themed bubble blower, demonstrating its various functions. Alongside blowing bubbles, the toy includes interactive elements like squeaking, cranking, spinning, and pressing buttons, adding an extra layer of fun for users.
The video provides a full overview of the bubble blower’s capabilities, inviting viewers to experience its magical charm.
Now available for purchase inside Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park, the bubble blower perfectly complements the cartoony ambiance of the area.
With its functional cranks and buttons, the Toontown bubble blower creates delightful sounds and illuminates in different colors, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of Mickey’s Toontown for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Does it remind you of the game Bop It from the 90’s?
Disney’s Efforts to Save Rare Toads from Extinction on World Frog Day
Surviving in the wild isn’t always a smooth journey, as exemplified by the struggles faced by the Puerto Rican Crested Toad. Since the 1920s, this unique species has grappled with population decline attributed to invasive marine toads, environmental pollution, habitat loss, and ongoing development on the island.
Regarded as an “indicator” species, Puerto Rican Crested Toads play a crucial role in signaling the health of endangered ecosystems. They also offer medical benefits to humans through substances that combat microbes and viruses, underscoring their significance in ecological balance and potential medical discoveries.
This critically endangered toad species became the first amphibian placed on a Species Survival Plan (SSP) by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1984. Animal experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, alongside other AZA-accredited facilities, collaborate to operate a successful specialized breeding program aimed at conserving endangered and threatened species.
Since 2011, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been actively involved in breeding Puerto Rican Crested Toads and facilitating the transportation of thousands of tiny tadpoles back to the island. Breeding efforts are typically concentrated in May, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season when toads can lay up to 15,000 eggs.
The management of this program has transitioned to the Puerto Rican Crested Toad Conservancy, working in tandem with experts nationwide, including dedicated keepers like Tayler at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Tayler highlights the exceptional care provided to invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians by the ectotherm team, emphasizing the rewarding experience of witnessing tadpoles reintroduced into the wild in Puerto Rico.
This introduction initiative is just one facet of Disney’s commitment to conservation, aiming to safeguard vulnerable species and inspire future generations to embrace conservation practices. By showcasing the resilience and unique characteristics of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, Disney and its animal programs instill hope for a sustainable future.
In closing, while all toads are classified as frogs, the Puerto Rican Crested Toad stands out for its distinctive head crest, habitat preferences in dry forests, and notable size differences between genders. This remarkable species serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate beauty and importance of biodiversity in our ecosystems.
To learn more about Puerto Rican crested toads be sure to hop on over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or visit www.disney.com/conservation.
Video: Disney Shares First Look at its Innovative AI-Powered Star Wars BD Robots
During Nvidia’s GTC Artificial Intelligence event in San Jose, Disney’s AI-driven Star Wars robots stole the spotlight as featured guests during Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote speech.
Crafted by Disney Research and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, WDI’s mobile robotic figures are fueled by Nvidia Jetson robotics computers, boasting impressive stability and incredibly emotive movements.
Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, disclosed that Disney’s Star Wars AI robots mastered walking in NVIDIA Isaac Sim, a robotics simulation platform empowering designers to create, evaluate, and educate AI-equipped robots.
Although the timeline for Disney’s integration of its latest robot technology into theme parks remains uncertain, Disneyland visitors were treated to a trial run in October 2023 at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
This technology fulfills the potential and promise guests expected from the immersive land when Disney revealed a Star Wars-themed area of theme parks. Free-roaming droids will certainly add to the authenticity of the experience and bring guests one step closer to living their Star Wars fantasy at Disney Parks.
