Disney World Reveals Name for New Baby Masai Giraffe
Walt Disney World has officially revealed the name of its newest—and tallest—arrival! The adorable female Masai giraffe calf born earlier this spring has been named Ivy, and excited guests will be able to catch a glimpse of her out on the savanna very soon.
The precious baby girl made her big debut back in April, entering the world at an impressive 120 pounds and standing nearly six feet tall! Since her birth, her attentive mother, Willow, has been right by her side, helping her curious little calf get the hang of life as they bond and settle into their routine behind the scenes.
According to animal care experts, Ivy is thriving and will be ready to make her grand debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna very soon.
2026 Disney After Hours Dates Released: Is This Still the Best Ticket at Walt Disney World?
If you’re looking for a way to experience Walt Disney World with lower wait times, fewer crowds, and all the Mickey bars you can carry, Disney has officially released its 2026 After Hours schedule for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
These separately ticketed events continue to be one of Disney’s most popular upcharge offerings, giving guests access to select attractions for three hours after the parks close while attendance is capped well below normal daytime levels. Even better, guests can enter the park as early as 7 p.m., making the event feel more like a half-day ticket than just a late-night experience.
For many Disney fans, the biggest draw remains the attraction lineup. Magic Kingdom After Hours includes headliners like TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion. Hollywood Studios offers access to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. EPCOT’s lineup is anchored by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and, for 2026, Test Track joins the After Hours roster following its reopening.
While Disney often highlights the complimentary popcorn, ice cream novelties, and bottled beverages included with admission, the real value comes from what many guests can accomplish in a single evening. It is not uncommon for visitors to ride attractions that would normally require hours of waiting during regular park operations.
One interesting planning tip for 2026 involves Disney Resort hotel guests. Since Disney now offers complimentary water park admission on check-in day, visitors can spend the afternoon at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach before heading to an After Hours event that same evening. For families trying to maximize vacation value, it creates a surprisingly packed first day without using a standard theme park ticket.
The full 2026 schedule includes 18 Magic Kingdom events, 25 Hollywood Studios events, and 18 EPCOT events, with dates running from January through September. Historically, some of the most popular nights sell out weeks or even months in advance, particularly during spring break and summer travel seasons.
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.
ESPN and Toy Story Team Up for New Super Bowl LXI Campaign Ahead of Toy Story 5 Release
The road to Super Bowl LXI just got a whole lot more animated. ESPN has unveiled a brand-new installment in its “We’re Going” campaign, and this time it’s bringing the world of Toy Story 5 along for the ride.
Debuting during Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the new spot titled Toy Story 5.5 blends ESPN personalities with Pixar magic as action figure versions of some of the network’s biggest stars spring to life and embark on an adventure from Bristol, Connecticut to Los Angeles, the future home of Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.
The commercial opens with ESPN hosts Laura Rutledge and Marcus Spears discussing preparations for the big game, noting that certain toy action figures have been left behind to “hold down the fort.” Naturally, those toys have other plans. In true Toy Story fashion, the figures come to life after the humans leave and set off on a cross-country journey alongside Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s famous toy box crew.
The animated spot features toy versions of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, Pat McAfee, Adam Schefter, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Randy Moss, Jason Kelce, and even ESPN mascot App-E. The crossover serves as both a celebration of ESPN’s upcoming Super Bowl coverage and a creative promotional tie-in for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, which arrives exclusively in theaters on June 19, 2026.
The commercial marks the third chapter in ESPN’s yearlong “We’re Going” campaign leading up to Super Bowl LXI. Previous entries included a post-Super Bowl kickoff spot highlighting Disney’s company-wide support for the event and an NFL Draft-themed commercial featuring Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing ESPN as the network’s pick for the big game.
The collaboration is part of ESPN’s broader “Year of the Super Bowl” initiative, which combines the storytelling power of ESPN, Disney, and the NFL through special programming, live events, podcasts, and unique creative campaigns designed to build excitement all the way to kickoff.
Journey Beyond the Reef With New Live-Action Moana Photo Op at Disney Springs
Disney Springs guests can now answer the call of the ocean with a brand-new photo opportunity celebrating Disney’s upcoming live-action Moana, which sails into theaters on July 10, 2026.
The new display has been installed near Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs and features a vibrant movie billboard showcasing Moana and Maui against a backdrop of crashing waves and tropical scenery. Decorative greenery surrounding the display helps bring a little bit of Motunui magic to Disney Springs, making it a fun stop for fans eager to celebrate the upcoming film.
The photo op highlights actress Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, standing confidently with her oar in hand, alongside Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the larger-than-life demigod Maui. Disney fans will also spot beloved companions Pua and Hei Hei joining the adventure. The colorful display captures the spirit of the film and offers guests a great place to snap a photo while visiting Disney Springs.
The live-action adaptation follows Moana as she answers the Ocean’s call and ventures beyond the reef on an epic journey alongside Maui to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Thomas Kail, best known for Hamilton, and features original music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, with Mancina also returning to compose the score.
Are Earl of Sandwich’s Giant Cookies the Hidden Sweet Treat at Disney Springs?
When Disney Springs cookie conversations come up, most guests immediately think of Gideon’s Bakehouse or Summer House on the Lake. But there’s another contender quietly serving up oversized cookies that may deserve a spot on your snack radar: Earl of Sandwich.
Known primarily for its hot sandwiches and quick-service meals, Earl of Sandwich has been expanding its dessert lineup with several loaded cookie options. We recently took a closer look at three of their standout offerings to see if they are worth saving room for during your next Disney Springs visit.
The Cookies and Cream Cookie starts with a vanilla sugar cookie base topped with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and a drizzle of vanilla icing. While it delivers plenty of sweetness, the cookies-and-cream flavor is surprisingly subtle. The cookie pieces add a nice crunch, but the overall taste leans more toward a classic sugar cookie than a true cookies-and-cream creation. Younger guests with a sweet tooth may enjoy it most.
The Salted Kit Kat Loaded Cookie takes a more indulgent approach, featuring a chocolate cookie packed with chocolate chips, Kit Kat pieces, and caramel. The rich cookie base delivers familiar bakery-style flavors, while the caramel adds a nice twist. The Kit Kat topping provides extra texture, though some pieces can become soft and melty. It is definitely the messiest option of the bunch, so keep plenty of napkins nearby.
The surprise favorite may be the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie. Topped with cream cheese frosting and plenty of cereal pieces, this cookie balances sweetness with a slight tang from the frosting. The cookie itself has a soft, crumbly texture that pairs well with the cinnamon cereal topping. While the cereal loses a bit of its crunch, the overall flavor combination works surprisingly well and keeps the dessert from becoming overly sweet.
At $3.99 each, these cookies offer a relatively affordable sweet treat compared to some of Disney Springs’ more famous dessert destinations. While they may not dethrone the heavy hitters, Earl of Sandwich is proving there’s more to its menu than sandwiches alone.
Universal Kids Resort Reveals First Look at Playful Shops and Merchandise
Universal Kids Resort is getting ready to open in Frisco, Texas on July 1, 2026, and Universal just gave families a first peek at the adorable shops and character-inspired merchandise coming to the new park. Each of the resort’s seven themed lands will have its own retail location filled with outfits, plush, toys, accessories, and kid-friendly displays designed to make little guests feel like they have stepped right into their favorite stories.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp will feature Jurassic World Outfitters, where young dino explorers can find themed apparel, interactive masks, action figures, hatching dinosaur eggs, LEGO sets, glowing egg keychains with tiny plush dinos inside, and oversized sleeping dinosaur plush.
Over in SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom, Barg’N-Mart will be packed with nautical nonsense, including a Glove World plush hat, SpongeBob and Plankton shoulder pals, plush rings, bucket hats, apparel, toys, and character plush. Grab-it Mart will also offer beach-ready accessories for families heading under the sea.
Shrek’s Swamp will bring the ogre energy at Triplets Treasures, with matching ogre hoodies for kids and adults, ogre ears in several styles, Shrek and Donkey shoulder pals, plush, apparel, and accessories.
At Bello Bay Boutique in Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, guests can choose their side with Team Yellow and Team Purple apparel, headwear, accessories, and Minion plush.
TrollsFest will shine bright with Sparkle Shine Glitter Glow, home of the Troll-ify Me! Experience featuring Branch, Poppy, and Guy Diamond-inspired makeover looks with wigs, headwear, makeup, and colorful costume pieces.
Puss in Boots Del Mar will feature Mercado de Perrito, offering apparel, accessories, headwear, and cosplay items inspired by the fearless feline and his friends, while Tienda de Dulces will serve up themed sweets and treats.
At the center of it all, the flagship Universal Kids Resort Store in Isle of Curiosity will bring together merchandise from all seven lands, resort-branded items, and an expanded collection of Gabby’s Dollhouse goodies, including hats, headbands, stuffies, outfits, and more. Select items are also available now on shopUniversal.com for families who want to start the fun before opening day.
Double the Chaos! Disney Drops a New Forky and Karen Beverly Magnetic Shoulder Plush Set
Just when you thought your theme park style couldn’t get any more delightfully chaotic, Disney drops the ultimate dynamic duo to sit right on your shoulder. If you’ve been obsessed with everyone’s favorite existential spork since Toy Story 4, get ready to double the fun. The new Forky and Karen Beverly Magnetic Shoulder Plush Set has officially arrived, bringing a whole lot of kooky charm and spontaneous picnic energy to your next park day outfit.
This isn’t just your standard single-character drop, this release gives you a complete set of two mini plush cuties. You get Forky in all his wide-eyed, pipe-cleaner-armed glory, alongside his equally adorable match, Karen Beverly (affectionately known as “Knifey”). Both are perfectly captured with their signature DIY craft details, from Forky’s rainbow foot to Karen’s bright yellow yarn hair and green dress. Because it’s a duo, you can choose to rock one at a time or pile both onto your shoulder for maximum toy-box style.
The magic behind these little guys is as simple as it is clever. The set includes a hidden fabric disc embedded with a strong magnet that slips right under the fabric of your shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket. Once that’s in place, you just pop Forky or Karen right on top, and they secure instantly to your shoulder. They’ll stay securely perched as you stroll through the parks, grab a treat, or take off on your own adventures. It’s an instant conversation starter that adds a fun, interactive pop to any Disney look.
Ready to add these lovable trash-turned-treasure characters to your collection? The Forky and Karen Beverly Magnetic Shoulder Plush Set retails for $39.99 and is available right now online at the Disney Store. Whether you’re gearing up for a trip to the parks or just want some kooky company for your everyday outfits, this set is bound to bring a smile to every Toy Story fan you run into.
New Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Wooden Mug Holder To Showcase Your Collection!
Oh, bother… your kitchen counter is looking a little bare, isn’t it? Well, get ready to turn that morning coffee routine into a trip straight to the Hundred Acre Wood. The new Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Wooden Mug Holder has officially arrived at the Disney Store, and it is pretty much the sweetest thing since a fresh pot of hunny.
This isn’t your average, boring kitchen organizer. It features winningly sculpted figures of Pooh and Piglet standing right at the base, looking up adoringly at a little honeybee perched at the very top of the tree. The stand itself is cleverly shaped like a whimsical hunny tree, making it the perfect, cozy backdrop for your favorite morning vessels.
Whether you’re a die-hard Disney mug collector or just need a spot for your everyday standard cups, this tree has you covered. It can comfortably accommodate up to six mugs with handles, letting you display your collection in the most wonderful way possible. It’s a functional piece of kitchen decor that doubles as a daily dose of pure, nostalgic joy.
Ready to add a little Hundred Acre Wood magic to your home? This charming piece retails for $39.99, but you won’t find it sitting on standard theme park shelves. It is available exclusively online at the Disney Store, so you’ll want to head over to their site and snag one before the bees fly away with them all!
To Infinity and Beyond Comfortable: The New HEYDUDE x Toy Story Collection is Coming!
Get ready to unlock a major core memory, because HEYDUDE is officially opening up the toy chest! They’ve teamed up with Pixar for a limited-edition Toy Story collaboration, proving that the best friendships and the absolute best shoes are the ones built to last. Whether you’re a 90s kid living for the nostalgia or shopping for the next generation of space rangers, this drop has you covered with both adult and kids’ sizes.
First up, taking comfort to infinity and beyond, is the Wally Funk Buzz Lightyear. These kicks bring a serious futuristic edge to your feet, featuring a plush, cushioned ankle collar designed for intergalactic comfort. Thanks to HEYDUDE’s signature lightweight outsole, walking in these will give you a total zero-G feel, no spacesuit required.
If you’re more of a cowboy than a space ranger, you’ve definitely got a friend in the Wally Funk Sheriff Woody. This pair perfectly blends classic, rugged cowboy style with everyday practicality. They come packed with a removable foam insole and an easy slip-on system, meaning you can saddle up and head out the door faster than you can yell, “There’s a snake in my boot!”
Rounding out the trio is the Wendy Mid Jessie, made for anyone ready to go wild and wear western. Grounded in bold, adventurous styling, these mid-tops feature a super fun cow-print canvas and an iconic fringe collar that screams yee-haw. Plus, they’re loaded with extra cushioned comfort to keep your feet happy through a whole day of wrangling.
Whether you’re gearing up for zero-G travel or just handling everyday adventures closer to home, this collection is built for ultimate comfort and play. Mark your calendars, partners, the HEYDUDE x Toy Story collaboration officially drops on June 9 at HEYDUDE.com. Don’t snooze on it, or they’ll be gone faster than Andy’s childhood!
Stone Cold Stunning: Mondo Announces Epic 1/6 Scale Disney Gargoyles Goliath Figure!
Get ready to scream one thousand years ago! because our childhoods are officially invading our display shelves. Mondo, the undisputed absolute legends of high-quality pop culture collectibles, just dropped some massive news, they are adding Disney’s iconic 1990s animated masterpiece Gargoyles to their legendary 1/6 scale figure lineup.
If you grew up watching stone statues come alive to protect the streets of Manhattan, your inner 90s kid is about to lose its mind. The star of the show is none other than the leader of the Manhattan Clan himself, Goliath. Pulled straight from the shadows and forged in stunning detail, this limited-edition figure is a massive, towering tribute to the heroic gargoyle. Standing at 13 inches tall and boasting an absolutely jaw-dropping 14-inch wingspan, this isn’t just a toy, it’s a masterpiece that will completely dominate your collection.
What’s in the Box?
Mondo is going all out with the accessories for this release, packing the box with enough swappable parts to let you recreate just about any iconic pose from the show. Here is exactly what you get for the $350:
The Big Guy: Goliath Figure (13″ Tall, 14″ Wingspan)
The Faces of Goliath: Four swappable portraits (Smirk, Scowl, Scream, and a spectacular Scream Portrait with glowing White Eyes)
Hair & Wings: 2 swappable hair attachments (Relaxed and Flowing) plus both massive Open Wings and a set of Swappable Folded Wings for a more stoic look.
The Hands: 4 pairs of interchangeable hands to hold all your gear.
The Deep-Cut Lore Accessories: The Morningstar, the Phoenix Gate, a Broken Phoenix Gate, and the Werewolves book.
The Ultimate Bonus: A complete Bronx Vinyl Companion Figure to stand by Goliath’s side, plus a standard figure stand.
At $350, it is definitely a premium investment, but considering you get a massive Goliath, a bonus Bronx figure, and a treasure trove of show-accurate accessories, it’s a must-have for the die-hard fan.
Whether you want him looking calm and calculated or full-on berserker mode with his eyes glowing white, Mondo has thought of everything. The countdown to the night shift has officially begun, so make sure you head over to Mondo’s site to sign up for launch notifications before this limited-edition stone cold stunner sells out!
Calling All Fashion Girlies: Two New Disney Princess Accessories Just Dropped!
Calling all fashion girlies, Disney adults, and style icons! Disney just dropped two absolute must-haves that are about to elevate your accessory game to full-blown royalty status. Whether you are putting together the perfect Disney Bound outfit for the parks or just trying to inject a little magic into your everyday streetwear, these new pieces are pure fairytale magic. Let’s break down the new arrivals that need to go straight into your shopping cart.
First up, we have to talk about the absolute star of versatility: the Disney Princess Silk Scarf($16.99). Honestly, for under 17 bucks, this thing is a steal because the styling options are genuinely endless. It features a stunning, whimsical print of four fan-favorite heroines alongside their iconic castles. You can live out your vintage European summer fantasy by tying it over your hair, knotting it chicly around your neck, or wrapping it around your waist as a statement belt. And if your favorite handbag is looking a little plain? Tie this beauty onto the strap for an instant, high-fashion glow-up. It’s giving effortless elegance with just the right amount of pixie dust.
If your vibe is a bit more streetwear-meets-royal, the Disney Princess Baseball Cap ($32.99) is about to be your new obsession. This isn’t just your basic dad hat, it is a literal crown for the modern fashion girly. The cap features an allover print of various Disney Princess tiaras, embroidered text accents, and an adjustable backstrap so it actually fits perfectly. But the absolute best part? The back features a massive, glittering bow that screams royalty from every angle. It is the ultimate mix of sporty and sparkly, making it the perfect piece to save you from a bad hair day while keeping you looking effortlessly put together.
Both of these pieces are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice your fashion-forward style to show love for your favorite fairytales. Which one are you adding to your collection first?
Construction Reaches New Milestones for the Highly Anticipated Monsters Inc Land
The monster world is officially becoming a reality at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Construction on the brand-new Monsters Inc Land is moving quickly, with steel columns now rising high above the construction walls. Every single day brings new details to light as Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios collaborate to bring Mike and Sulley’s hometown to life with authentic sights, sounds, and flavors.
This massive expansion goes beyond adding new attractions; it marks the beginning of an entirely new storyline in the park. The laugh-powered city of Monstropolis is preparing to open its borders to human visitors for the very first time in history. This milestone is already driving massive headlines inside the monster world, with the city’s official newspaper, the Monstropolis Horn, breaking the news of this historic change.
The open-door policy marks a massive cultural shift for a society that was built on fear for generations. Monsters used to believe that humans were completely toxic and highly dangerous, which led to the strict decontamination protocols we all remember. Everything changed when Mike and Sulley discovered that human laughter generates far more energy than screams, shifting the entire city from a state of fear to one of deep curiosity and connection.
To help smooth the transition between the two worlds, the city has established an entirely new government agency called the Department of Human Relations. This specialized team is dedicated to educating citizens on human behavior and ensuring that monsters are fully prepared to welcome outside guests. Their efforts have paved the way for an event that once seemed completely impossible.
The centerpiece of this grand opening is a brand-new citywide celebration called H.U.M.A.N. Day, which stands for “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice.” This historic cultural exchange is designed to help monsters and humans meet face-to-face in a fun, welcoming environment. Guests will get to explore the downtown streets, sample unique monstrous cuisine, and immerse themselves in the daily life of the city.
The bustling cityscape will feature several landmark locations that fans will immediately recognize from the films. Guests can look forward to exploring a vibrant commercial district lined with quirky storefronts, including the famous Harryhausen’s restaurant and the iconic Glob Theater. More exciting updates are expected as progress continues toward the official launch of H.U.M.A.N. Day.
