BoxLunch Drops a New Exclusive Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Collection!
If your wardrobe has been feeling a little low on glitter lately, BoxLunch just dropped an exclusive new collection that is about to solve that problem real quick. The Pink Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Collection has officially arrived, and it is the perfect mix of classic Disney nostalgia and full-on glam. Every piece features a gorgeous, textured polka dot embossing, sleek applique Minnie ears, and the star of the show, a dazzling rhinestone bow that catches the light just right.
First up, let’s talk about the absolute crown jewel of the drop: the Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Figural Mini Backpack ($84.90). This isn’t just any Disney bag; it features an ultra-dreamy, iridescent applique of Minnie’s face that gives it a fun, modern edge. Combined with the 3D figural ears and that show-stopping rhinestone bow, it’s basically a walking statement piece. Whether you’re rope-dropping your favorite park or just heading out for brunch, this backpack has plenty of room for your essentials while keeping your outfit ten out of ten.
If you prefer to travel a little lighter but refuse to compromise on shine, the Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Crossbody Bag ($64.90) has your name written all over it. It scales down the bulk but keeps all the attitude, rocking the same textured polka dots, applique ears, and sparkly bow. Plus, it comes with a super convenient adjustable strap, making it the ultimate hands-free companion for concert nights, shopping sprees, or casual park hopping.
Finally, you can’t complete the look without the matching Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Wallet ($39.90). This compact beauty packs a serious organizational punch behind its snap closure (which is also topped with a rhinestone bow, obviously). Inside, you’ll find dedicated card slots, a clear ID sleeve for easy access, and a zippered coin pouch to keep your loose change from floating away. It pairs perfectly with the rest of the collection, proving that you can be organized and obsessed with glitter at the same time. Remember, this collection is a BoxLunch exclusive, so grab your favorites before they sell out!
Cinderella Castle Moat Refilling Signals End of Magic Kingdom Repainting Project
One of the most noticeable construction projects at Magic Kingdom is finally nearing its conclusion. Disney has officially begun refilling the moat surrounding Cinderella Castle, a major milestone that appears to mark the completion of the castle’s months-long repainting project.
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom this week can already spot water returning to portions of the moat around the iconic castle. Water was actively being pumped back into the basin on June 1, with several inches already visible along sections of the castle by mid-morning. The water has also begun spreading to other areas of the moat as Disney works to restore the castle’s familiar appearance.
The moat was drained earlier this year to allow crews easier access as they refreshed Cinderella Castle’s color scheme. During the project, Disney returned portions of the castle to a look closer to its original design while also completing maintenance work around the surrounding waterways. With the moat emptied, crews also took the opportunity to repaint the Tomorrowland entrance rockwork and perform other nearby refurbishment projects.
While the moat is not yet completely full, the process is well underway. It may still take several days before water reaches its normal operating level, but the return of the moat is a welcome sight for guests who have watched the project unfold over the past several months.
New Photos Reveal Tropical Americas Rising Above Construction Walls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the new Tropical Americas land is becoming harder to miss. During a recent visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we spotted significant new construction visible above the green construction walls, giving guests one of the clearest ground-level looks yet at the project’s progress.
Several newly constructed concrete block walls now tower above the perimeter fencing, marking one of the first major vertical construction milestones visible from guest areas. The structures appear to feature multiple doorways and window openings, offering a glimpse at the scale of the future buildings taking shape inside the expansion site.
Tower cranes continue to dominate the skyline over the construction zone, while crews were actively working atop the newly completed walls during our visit. From the guest walkway, visitors can now clearly see that the project is moving beyond site preparation and into the early stages of building construction.
The new structures are visible from several vantage points along the construction walls, with the Tropical Americas signage serving as a reminder of what lies ahead. While Disney has not identified every building currently under construction, the rising walls provide another exciting indication that the future home of Encanto and Indiana Jones is steadily becoming a reality.
Perhaps the most exciting part of these photos is that construction is finally beginning to break the horizon. For months, most of the work remained hidden behind walls and earth-moving equipment. Now, guests can actually watch the new land grow higher with each visit, offering a tangible preview of the massive transformation underway at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ahead of Tropical Americas’ planned 2027 opening.
Get a FREE Limited Edition Disney Moana Reversible Tote Bag at Pandora!
Calling all Disney fashionistas and charm collectors! If you’ve been looking for an excuse to upgrade your accessory game, Pandora just dropped the ultimate incentive. Right now, you can snag a gorgeous, limited-edition Disney Moana Reversible Tote Bag for absolutely free. All you have to do is pick up four select items from the stunning Disney Moana x Pandora Collection. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself to some new shiny things while scoring a major style bonus.
This isn’t just any standard gift-with-purchase canvas sack, either. The bag is an absolute tropical dream, sporting a vibrant floral pattern packed with beautiful blue and pink hues that practically scream island vacation. But the absolute best part? It’s completely reversible! Flip it inside out, and you get a whole second style featuring the distinct silhouettes of Moana, Maui, and everyone’s favorite sidekicks, Pua and HeiHei. It is literally like getting two adorable Disney bags for the price of none.
Ready to set sail and claim yours? You can grab this deal right now by heading over to the Pandora Store at Disney Springs to check it out in person, or you can skip the lines and shop the collection online from the comfort of your couch. Just make sure to act fast, limited-edition freebies like this have a habit of disappearing faster than Maui in hawk form!
Demi Lovato and the Camp Rock 3 Cast Ride Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
If you had Demi Lovato returning to Walt Disney World with a brand-new generation of campers on your 2026 pop culture bingo card, go ahead and claim your prize. The ultimate Disney Channel icon just swapped the Final Jam for Tomorrowland, and honestly, the nostalgia is hitting hard.
In a totally unexpected but completely brilliant crossover, Demi teamed up with the cast of the highly anticipated Camp Rock 3 for a chaotic and fun day at Magic Kingdom. The official Camp Rock Instagram account dropped a new reel to promote both the upcoming movie and the park’s Cool Kids Summer event, and it is safe to say the hype is officially real.
The video kicks off with Demi standing right outside Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, looking like she never left her Disney era. She hypes up the camera, saying, “Okay, first off, this is gonna be the best summer ever. And second, nothing can make me lose my… focus… What is that!?” Cue the perfect comedic timing as the new class of campers, including Hudson Stone, Lumi Pollack, Sherry Cola, and Casey Trotter, peek up at the ride’s marquee with pure curiosity.
From there, the clip cuts straight to the group losing all that focus to blast some targets on the recently revamped interactive ride. The best part? The whole thing is set to “Brand New Day” from Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, which is guaranteed to stick in your head for the rest of the afternoon.
While it’s a blast seeing Demi back in the Disney parks ecosystem, she is actually passing the torch this time around. For Camp Rock 3, she is stepping behind the scenes as an executive producer. Meanwhile, Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas are officially returning to the screen as Connect 3. The new storyline follows the brothers as they scramble to find a fresh opening act for their massive reunion tour after their original choice drops out. Naturally, they head back to where it all started to launch an epic new talent competition among the camp’s rising stars.
The movie is locked in for an August 2026 release on Disney Channel and Disney+, meaning we don’t have much longer to wait. Until then, the new cast is clearly living their best life and getting the ultimate Disney stamp of approval. Let the countdown to camp begin!
New Moana, Tangled, and Little Mermaid Create Your Own Headband Plushies Are Coming to Disney Parks!
Get your wallets ready because the absolute cutest theme park accessory trend is getting a major upgrade this summer. If you’ve been rocking the customizable headband look around the parks, you’re about to have a very hard time choosing your next lineup. Disneyland dropped a massive teaser on their Instagram Story confirming that a brand-new wave of Create Your Own Headband plushies inspired by Moana, The Little Mermaid, and Tangled are officially launching this June!
The lineup for this drop is stacked with fan favorites. For the Moana crew, you can snag Moana herself, her adorable sidekick Pua, the chaotic Heihei, and even a tiny, fierce Kakamora. If you are more of an under-the-sea fan, Ariel and Flounder are ready to join your collection. And for the Tangled stans, the Rapunzel and Pascal plushies are must-haves to mix and match. Because each character features handy Velcro straps on the bottom, you can easily swap them out depending on your park day mood or outfit.
If you happen to be visiting Walt Disney World right now, you might actually catch a head start on building your new look. Spotters have already seen Heihei, Pua, and the Kakamora making early appearances on the East Coast. Don’t worry if you’re a West Coaster, though the full collection is expected to be widely available at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World over the coming weeks.
As for pricing, Disney is keeping things consistent with their previous character drops. The base black headband is sold separately for $11.99, and each individual character plush will run you $13.99. Whether you want to pile four characters high like a crown or just let Pascal sit solo on your shoulder, these are going to be the hot items to track down on your next Disney trip!
Disney Unveils Phenomenal Lineup of Experiences for Disney Celebrates America Event
Today, The Walt Disney Company shared a spectacular lineup of television broadcasts, theme park events, and community initiatives for its upcoming “Disney Celebrates America” campaign, highlighting fresh details for a massive 24-hour multi-platform broadcast and a primetime special. This company-wide project marks the 250th anniversary of the United States by bringing together special programming, park activations, and unique storytelling across Disney’s entire portfolio of brands. For over one hundred years, Disney has played a significant role in American culture, highlighting the creativity, optimism, and endless possibilities that bring generations together. The new campaign embraces that enduring history while giving fans a chance to honor the country and its future.
“As our country marks this historic 250th milestone, ‘Disney Celebrates America’ allows us to honor the people, locations, and collective experiences that shape our national identity,” noted Ken Potrock, President of Major Events Integration for The Walt Disney Company. “By blending immersive park offerings with unprecedented television moments, Disney is inviting families everywhere to unite and celebrate America through meaningful reflection on our past and an inspiring look at the future we can build together.”
“Disney Celebrates America” comes to life through storytelling and experiences across the full breadth of The Walt Disney Company. On June 29, ABC will air a 2-hour primetime special entitled Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness hosted by 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts from Walt Disney World Resort and national correspondent Will Reeve from Disneyland Resort. From Main Street, U.S.A. and its turn-of-the-century nostalgia to Tomorrowland, where the nation lifts its gaze to the future, each stop will play host to true tales of American “firsts.” In this coast-to-coast event, Disney Parks and attractions are the portal through which America’s greatest stories, triumphs, and traditions are celebrated. The special will air from 8-10 p.m. PT/ET.
Beginning the evening of July 3 and continuing through July 4, ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ESPN, and National Geographic will present an unparalleled 24-hour, cross-platform broadcast spanning ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, ABC News Live, ESPN, and ABC Owned Television Stations and affiliates. Led by World News Tonight anchor David Muir and featuring anchor Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America co-anchors Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan, Nightline co-anchors Juju Chang and Byron Pitts, 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts, Prime anchor and World News Tonight Sunday anchor Linsey Davis, The View co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines along with more of the ABC News team and talent, the expansive programming event takes viewers across all 50 states to explore the people, places, and defining moments of the nation’s 250-year history. Featuring live celebrations, immersive storytelling, performances, and reporting from locations across the country, the broadcast delivers a comprehensive, daylong tribute to America’s past, present, and future.
Alongside a special edition of Good Morning America,World News Tonight with David Muir, and Nightline, curated segments include:
Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash is a one-of-a-kind live celebration with must-see performances by iconic artists and musical acts spanning multiple genres. In collaboration with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and ITV America Nashville, hundreds of thousands are expected to gather in-person in the heart of downtown Nashville for this milestone event, which will also feature one of the largest fireworks and drone shows in the United States set to a live score by the GRAMMY® Award winning Nashville Symphony.
Countdown to America’s 250th reporting features rare access inside the Statue of Liberty with a once-in-a-lifetime tribute, produced in close partnership with the Consulate General of France in New York
GMA’s “50 States in 50 Weeks: America The Beautiful,” a culmination of the showcase series of the beauty of America’s land and people
Dawn of America tracing American history from colonial times through the Declaration of Independence
A look at the brave U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families who have helped defend their country for two and half centuries
America Expands Westward highlighting America’s growth through a cross-country adventure including broadcasts from Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder with celebrations from Ketchikan, Alaska
Innovation and Invention presenting a special look at the birth of Hollywood cinema, the history of American fashion, the space race, and more
Wonders of America, a special collaboration between ABC News anchors and National Geographic Explorers
The Wonders of America broadcast segment will feature the newly announced “Seven Natural Wonders of America,” a list created in collaboration between National Geographic and ABC News, highlighting the extraordinary and awe-inspiring locations across the country that represent the beauty of the United States of America. The first wonder revealed today on Good Morning America was the Hawaii volcanoes, with six more sites to be revealed on the Fourth of July during the broadcast with on the ground reporting from ABC News talent. National Geographic will further explore the nation’s stories through an expansive summer storytelling package across print, digital, and social platforms launching June 16.
ESPN’s flagship news and information program, SportsCenter, will present a special two-hour edition live on ABC on July 4 from 2-4 p.m. PT/5-7 p.m. ET, celebrating the people, moments, and stories that have shaped American sports culture. Co-hosted by Kevin Negandhi and Christine Williamson, the program will feature live reports from SportsCenteranchors across the country alongside original storytelling, historical retrospectives, and talent-driven segments from ESPN’stop personalities. Coverage will include features on iconic American sports moments and the enduring cultural impact of sports in America, complemented by essays and SC Featured storytelling.
ESPN.com will feature “AMERICA 250 Road Trips: A journey though the mystery and majesty of sports,” a five-day series of stories to mark America’s 250th anniversary on July 4. Five ESPN reporters followed a custom road trip to explore how sports shaped the country’s identity. The visual-heavy presentations will include maps, illustrations, photography, videos, and graphics.
Coast-to-Coast Celebrations at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort
Soarin’ Across America, now open at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort and debuting July 2 at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort in Southern California, is a reimagined flight experience that takes guests on a breathtaking journey across the United States, spotlighting a tapestry of the nation’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes in a uniquely Disney way, including more than a dozen locations such as the New England coastline, Mount Rushmore, Washington, D.C., New York City, Grand Canyon West, and more. Created by Walt Disney Imagineering, fans will enjoy this all-new experience brought to life with the elements that they know and love from this attraction—the flight, sights, scents, and a new arrangement of the iconic Soarin’ score by composer Bruce Broughton.
We just got a first look at the BRAND NEW Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT! 🇺🇸✈️😭Disney built this entire all-new version to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and the new scenes are absolutely breathtaking. It kicks off with an Artemis rocket launch sequence, takes you from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon, and ends with patriotic fireworks right over Spaceship Earth! 🎆❤️🤍💙 It officially opens on May 26th, but catching these early previews was unreal. Who is ready to fly across the USA? 🙋♂️ #epcot#waltdisneyworld#soarinacrossamerica#disneyparks#disneynews
National Geographic adds to the attraction experience with photography and trivia integrated into the queue for Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT. At Walt Disney World, as fans wait to board the attraction, their knowledge is put to the test with an all-new trivia challenge entitled The Soarin’ Challenge Across America. Utilizing the theme of superlatives, these questions invite guests to learn which state is “Most Likely to Reach for the Stars” or “Most Likely to Strike Gold.” Whether enjoying fun facts inspired by beloved National Geographic titles or admiring stunning photography curated from the National Geographic archives, fans of all ages can find something to discover while preparing to take to the skies.
The celebration will continue across Walt Disney World with patriotic lighting on Spaceship Earth, special performances from Voices of Liberty, the beloved Electrical Water Pageant, as well as themed décor along Main Street, U.S.A., character experiences, and limited-time merchandise, food, and beverage offerings throughout the resort. Additional activities include flag retreat ceremonies, performances by the Dapper Dans and Main Street Philharmonic, an extended run of the Portraits of Courage exhibit honoring post-9/11 veterans through Fourth of July weekend, and more. Fans can head to Disney Springs for festive décor, plus special performances from the United States Air Force Band of the West.
During Los Angeles Fleet Week at Disneyland Resort on May 21, 2026, more than 100 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen participated in the event, which included special performances from Navy Band Southwest, a U.S. Navy flyover during a special flag retreat ceremony, and more. An American flag flown over Disneyland Resort was presented to U.S. military leaders as a token of Disney’s appreciation of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversaries. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse also debuted their all-new patriotic attire, dressed in their best red, white, and blue to join in the celebration of an incredible milestone. With vibrant colors and iconic details, the new ensembles are a perfect nod to America’s enduring story.
At Disneyland Resort, West Coast offerings include special flag retreat ceremonies honoring veterans, themed décor along Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park and Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure, limited-time entertainment, and specialty food and beverage offerings. Additional opportunities to celebrate over Fourth of July weekend include a pre-show fireworks tribute ahead of World of Color, the return of the Celebrate America! fireworks spectacular, patriotic themed attire for the Dapper Dans, military band performances, and a celebratory cavalcade honoring America.
Honoring Veterans and Military Families
Throughout the celebration, Disney is continuing its longstanding commitment to honoring U.S. service members, veterans, and their families, a legacy that has been part of the company’s story since its earliest days. As part of “Disney Celebrates America,” Disney is expanding its relationship with Blue Star Families through a previously announced $2.5 million commitment to help strengthen military families and communities across the country, creating unique moments of connection and celebration powered by Disney. The Walt Disney Company has proudly supported Blue Star Families for over a decade in their work helping U.S. military families across the country.
Disney’s commitment supports a wide range of experiences and programs throughout the anniversary year, including the 25th Disney and Blue Star Books in Washington, D.C. at the Library of Congress, which brought over 500 military children and family members together through the joy of reading and play, including thousands of donated Disney and National Geographic books. Through the years, Disney has donated more than 370,000 books to enrich military families. Families received welcome kits that were assembled by Disney VoluntEARS and participated in additional activities including story time and character moments with Belle from Beauty and the Beast (1991) in the largest library in the world. Other character appearances included Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story (1995), Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Sophia the First.
Disney also hosted a special film screening of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars:The Mandalorian and Grogu (now in theaters) with plans for a screening of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 (debuting June 19) for military families, as well as other events across the country that support families when they need it most. Throughout May, during National Military Appreciation Month, Disney and Blue Star Families worked together to create meaningful moments for military families across the country. This collaboration with Blue Star Families demonstrates Disney’s ongoing commitment to honoring and uplifting those who serve in uniform and their loved ones.
Additional Experiences Nationwide
From themed activities onboard Disney Cruise Line to a Sam Eagle merchandise collection featuring the beloved patriotic character from The Muppets available in select Disney Stores and on DisneyStore.com, there will be many opportunities for fans to join in on the celebration. Disney will continue the countdown to America’s 250th anniversary in the coming months, with even more ways to celebrate on Fourth of July weekend.
Alaska Airlines Unveils Epic New Toy Story 5 Themed Plane
For over 30 years, audiences around the world have followed the beloved toy crew of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, who have taught generations of fans that friendship, magic, and imagination never go out of style. Now, as Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated Toy Story 5 prepares to soar into theaters, Horizon Air (the regional carrier of Alaska Airlines) is bringing the next chapter of this iconic franchise straight to the skies with a brand-new, beautifully themed custom livery!
The specially painted Embraer 175 aircraft (tail number N659QX) showcases original, fan-favorite characters Woody, Buzz, and Jessie right alongside the new tech toy characters debuting in Toy Story 5, including Lilypad, Snappy, Atlas, and Smarty Pants.
Adding to the whimsical Pixar design, the aircraft’s fuselage is covered in iconic floating clouds and playful, Toy Story-inspired callouts like “Saddle Up, It’s Takeoff Time!” and “Ready for Takeoff, Partner.” If you look closely, Forky and Karen Beverly also make surprise guest appearances on the winglets, ensuring that the playful spirit of the franchise can be spotted from every single angle of the plane.
Alaska Airlines officially unveiled the larger-than-life livery to excited guests and employees earlier today during a special event at Portland International Airport.
The aircraft has been affectionately named “To 45 and Beyond”—a clever nod to Buzz Lightyear’s famous interstellar mantra. The name pulls double duty, as the special plane also commemorates Horizon Air’s upcoming 45th anniversary of providing exceptional service across Alaska Airlines’ regional network. It serves as a beautiful reminder to travelers of all ages that adventure, imagination, and a little bit of play are always ready for takeoff.
Horizon’s “To 45 and Beyond” plane joins Alaska Airlines’ incredible lineup of nine other Disney-themed aircraft. Frequent flyers can keep their eyes on the tarmac for other fan-favorites, including:
“Friendship and Beyond at the Disneyland Resort” (Alaska’s first Toy Story livery)
“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer”
“Mickey’s Toontown Express”
“Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort” (which was recently updated with Mandalorian and Anzellan characters to celebrate Disney’s new theatrical release, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu)
Whether you are heading out on a family vacation or spotting planes from the terminal, this incredible new Toy Story 5aircraft is sure to add a major dose of pixie dust to the friendly skies!
Are you hoping to catch a flight on the new “To 45 and Beyond” aircraft?
Revamp Headed to My Disney Experience App This Fall
At a press event last week, Disney shared that the My Disney Experience mobile app and official website are getting several highly anticipated changes and upgrades that guests have been asking for. Walt Disney World executives emphasized that the resort is focusing heavily on making trip planning simpler, booking easier, and helping guests feel much more confident ahead of their upcoming vacations.
Based on direct feedback from park-goers, Disney has rolled out a series of updates to the My Disney Experience app aimed at simplifying the vacation planning process and setting much clearer expectations. By introducing straightforward booking steps, refining how travel details are displayed, and designing layouts that reduce day-of decision pressure, the resort has already seen a significant boost in guest satisfaction and a drop in reported planning hurdles. Moving forward, guests can expect “clear choices, simple language, and fewer steps” whenever they interact with the app’s booking systems.
The impact of these changes is already showing up in the data. A recent update that combined today’s itinerary and future reservations into a single, cohesive “My Plans” tab successfully improved overall ease of use for guests by 8%. Furthermore, Disney revealed that streamlining the dining reservation search and booking flow raised guest satisfaction by 5%, driving website ratings to an all-time record high.
The tech updates aren’t the only changes getting rave reviews. Guests have also shared highly positive feedback for the recent revamp of the resort’s online hotel check-in process, as well as the newly expanded resort luggage pilot program, which recently added two new airlines to the service. Furthermore, Walt Disney World executives took the time to tout that rebranding the Lightning Lane system and shifting from day-of booking to a pre-arrival planning window led to massive, double-digit gains in both ease of use and overall guest experience satisfaction.
Disney leaders emphasized that these enhancements aren’t just limited to digital planning tools. Walt Disney World is continuously expanding offerings designed to help families maximize their vacation time, particularly throughout the ongoing “Cool Kids’ Summer” promotion. Examples of these family-friendly perks include special limited-time ticket offers, new park experiences tailored specifically for younger guests, and complimentary water park admission on check-in day for Disney Resort hotel guests. Disney believes this combined approach offers families unmatched flexibility while ensuring they feel completely prepared the moment they arrive.
Disney executives recognize that guests plan their vacations in a variety of ways—whether they are collaborating with a travel advisor, speaking with a Cast Member at the Call Center, or booking directly on their own. For those who choose to book directly via the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World website, a wave of new features is coming over the next few months to make the digital planning process smoother than ever.
What’s Coming to the My Disney Experience App:
Expanded Language Support: Official Spanish translations will be integrated into the app very soon.
A Trip-Centric Homepage Redesign: The app home screen is getting a complete visual makeover. Moving away from cluttered tiles, the new interface will feature a softer color palette and a simplified menu that automatically gathers your essential trip details, travel parties, and key booking steps into one centralized hub.
Interactive Trip Checklist & Countdown: To build anticipation and keep you on track, a new vacation countdown will pair with an intuitive checklist. This feature will clearly outline outstanding pre-trip tasks, reminding you exactly when to book your dining reservations, secure Lightning Lanes, complete resort hotel check-in, and add park tickets to your smartphone’s digital wallet.
Simplified “Trip Party” Linking: Connecting with family and friends will become a hassle-free process. Instead of managing complicated account codes, you will be able to instantly link your travel companions by sending a shareable link directly to your phone contacts.
AI-Powered Search Discovery: Finding answers inside the app will be easier than ever. Disney is integrating advanced AI search models designed to handle natural, conversational language—giving guests instant, summarized answers at the top of their screen rather than a frustrating list of generic links. While executives are keeping the exact technical details of the AI backend under wraps, the performance boost promises to be substantial.
Real-Time Lightning Lane Status: Guests will also have much clearer, effortless access to see exactly when their next Lightning Lane selection window opens up during their park day.
Big upgrades are also heading to the desktop experience. A brand-new vacation planning and booking interface on the official Walt Disney World website is set to make customizing your resort stay easier than ever. For the very first time, guests will be able to easily compare different vacation options, review hotel rates across multiple dates simultaneously, and better visualize which travel weeks best align with their budget and personal needs.
While calendar-based rate comparisons and flexible searches have long been standard across the travel and hospitality industry, this marks a massive leap forward for Disney’s proprietary booking engine. The new functionality will even allow guests to browse by season, making it simple to scan price fluctuations across a range of months before locking in a vacation package.
Disney states that it will share additional details and deep dives into these new web and mobile features as they begin rolling out. While the overarching rollout is slated to begin this fall, the resort has not yet announced specific launch dates for individual enhancements.
Pineapple Crisp Sundae Arrives at Tamu Tamu Treats
Calling all dessert lovers! A brand-new Pineapple Crisp Sundae has officially landed at Tamu Tamu Treats in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you’re a fan of refreshing, tropical sweets, this new menu addition is the perfect way to cool down during your next wild park adventure.
Ingredients: Pineapple crisp cake, vanilla ice cream, pineapple caramel, and a crispy streusel topping.
We recently stopped by Tamu Tamu Treats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to give this new tropical dessert a try. Right off the bat, the Pineapple Crisp Sundae reminds us of a classic, warm fruit crumble cake topped with a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream.
While it’s a delicious addition to the park, we can’t help but wish it featured pineapple DOLE Whip® instead of traditional vanilla ice cream to really punch up that vibrant, tropical flavor profile. That being said, if you are a fan of warm apple pie, fruit cobblers, or any classic dessert served à la mode, you are absolutely going to love this cozy, comforting treat!
Steven Spielberg’s Biggest Blockbusters Take Over Universal Orlando’s New Summer Tribute Store
Universal Orlando has opened a brand-new summer Tribute Store celebrating the legendary career of Steven Spielberg, and it’s packed with movie magic, iconic props, costumes, and immersive experiences inspired by some of the filmmaker’s most beloved films.
Located inside Universal Studios Florida, the Spielberg Summer Blockbusters Tribute Store invites guests to step through cinematic history, beginning with the movie that helped create the modern summer blockbuster: Jaws. The opening room features storyboards, behind-the-scenes photos, posters, and memorabilia from the 1975 classic. Guests can even snap photos in an Amity Island-inspired scene complete with police barriers, fishing props, and the ominous shark fin approaching the Orca.
The exhibit also showcases some incredible pieces from the film, including a shark jaw from Quint’s house, script pages featuring Steven Spielberg’s annotations, and personal materials used during production. Fans will also find a collection of Jaws merchandise spanning decades, from vintage collectibles to the latest anniversary releases.
The journey continues with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, where guests can explore concept artwork, production photos, and original props used in the film. Highlights include the iconic Speak & Spell, the homemade coffee can transmitter, and even a genuine animatronic arm from E.T. himself. The room recreates the film’s unforgettable flying bicycle scene, complete with bikes suspended overhead beneath a glowing moon.
Jurassic Park roars into the next section of the store, featuring props and costumes from the groundbreaking 1993 blockbuster. Among the displays are John Hammond’s famous amber-topped cane, dinosaur eggs, Tim Murphy’s night vision goggles, and the original costume worn by Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler. Fans of The Lost World: Jurassic Park will also find dinosaur maquettes, production artifacts, clapperboards, and Jeff Goldblum’s all-black Ian Malcolm costume.
The final exhibit celebrates Spielberg’s newest film, Disclosure Day, which arrives in theaters on June 12. The upcoming sci-fi thriller receives its own gallery featuring movie posters, costumes worn by stars Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor, and screen-used props from the film.
After exploring the exhibits, guests can browse a retail area filled with merchandise inspired by Spielberg’s films, including exclusive Jaws items and collectibles celebrating his cinematic legacy.
New Retro Jaws, Minions, and SpongeBob Merchandise Arrives at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is serving up a wave of nostalgia with several new merchandise collections inspired by Jaws, Minions, and SpongeBob SquarePants. From retro shark-themed apparel to quirky Minions collectibles and Bikini Bottom accessories, there is plenty for fans to add to their wish lists.
The biggest catch may be the growing lineup of Jaws merchandise celebrating the legendary blockbuster’s 50th anniversary. New apparel includes vintage-inspired tees, hoodies, bucket hats, and windbreakers featuring classic artwork from the film. Guests can also find Amity Island-themed shirts, shark backpacks, tumblers, blankets, and plush sharks that look ready to take a bite out of your vacation budget.
One of the most unexpected additions is a crossover collection featuring Hello Kitty dressed as the iconic shark from Jaws. The collection includes apparel, collectibles, plush figures, and accessories that blend Sanrio’s lovable mascot with one of cinema’s most famous predators. Somehow it’s both adorable and slightly terrifying.
Over in Minion Land, a new Illumination’s Minions & Monsters merchandise collection has arrived to accompany the seasonal celebration. Guests will find apparel, collectibles, figures, and interactive Puppetronic Minions inspired by the monster-themed versions of everyone’s favorite yellow troublemakers. The colorful collection brings plenty of spooky-cute energy without being too scary.
Fans of SpongeBob SquarePants can also dive into new merchandise inspired by Bikini Bottom’s most famous residents. One standout item is a Krabby Patty-themed backpack featuring SpongeBob and Patrick alongside burger-inspired details. Another fun addition is a Gary the Snail coin purse that perfectly captures the beloved pet’s wide-eyed expression.
The new collections can be found throughout Universal Orlando Resort, with many of the Jaws items available in the Tribute Store as well as the Amity takeover in the San Frasisco area of Universal Studios Florida. Whether you’re looking for retro movie nostalgia, mischievous Minion fun, or a trip under the sea with SpongeBob and friends, Universal’s latest merchandise offerings have something for every fandom.
With summer crowds arriving and new seasonal experiences popping up across the resort, these collections are likely to become popular souvenirs for guests looking to bring a little piece of Universal magic home.
