In this week’s episode of How the Epcot Construction Walls Turn, construction walls in the park’s World Celebration neighborhood have shifted. The walls are moving in conjunction with the work on the pavement in the area.
Guests visiting World Celebration will now find these construction walls on the east end of the neighborhood’s garden area. The walls were previously located along the west side.
Have you had a chance to check out the new neighborhoods in EPCOT? Leave us a comment to let us know what you think!
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!
Calling all Percy Jackson fans: a Percy Jackson Exhibit opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier this month as part of the Walt Disney Presents walk-through exhibit. The new exhibit immerses Percy Jackson fans in the Jackson universe via a rich collection of screen-worn costumes and props from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ series.
Visitors to the exhibit can see costumes worn by the main characters, including Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. These costumes are displayed with details like the red Converse shoes gifted to the heroes by Luke and Annabeth’s Yankees cap, which plays a significant role in the series. The exhibit also showcases items from specific episodes, like Dionysus’ patterned shirt and cutoff shorts, and various props from the Camp Half-Blood scenes, including the Capture the Flag armor and the iconic blue-plumed helmet worn by Percy.
In addition to the costumes, the exhibit displays various “magical possessions” from the series. This includes Percy’s sword Riptide, which can transform into a pen, and Annabeth’s dagger. Fans can also see the Master Bolt, an essential item in Percy’s quest, and other significant props like Zeus’ costume and a Camp Half-Blood necklace, symbolizing the years spent at the camp by a demigod.
The exhibit also includes a 10-minute video in the Walt Disney Presents theater, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Disney+ series. This gives visitors a deeper understanding of the adaptation process and the creative efforts behind the series.
The Percy Jackson Exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a temporary installation with no official closing date announced yet. It marks a unique opportunity for fans of the series to immerse themselves in the world of Percy Jackson and experience the magic of the series up close.
These coasters are 3.5 inches wide and .75 inches tall each and feature a gold finish and Mickey Mouse icon in the middle. They are water resistant and also light up by adding pressure to them and need 3 AAA batteries. A must have for any Disney fan!
Disney Lunar New Year Merch Arrives At Walt Disney World!
Celebrate the year of the dragon with the Disney Lunar New Year Merch available at Walt Disney World! We found an ear headband, spirit jersey and adorable plush at Magic Kingdom that will bring luck to you all year long!
The spirit jersey features a gold Fantasyland castle with fireworks on the front and “Year of the Dragon” “Happy New Year” in gold foil across the back. The bottom part incudes an all over pattern featuring beloved Disney characters like Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Chip & Dale dressed for the Lunar New Year along with coins, dragons and text that reads “Happy New Year.” It will for sure bring you good luck all year long!
Mickey Mouse is in a festive mood to celebrate the Year of the Dragon on his fancy outfits with furry trims and an ornate headdress for the auspicious occasion.
You can take a closer look at these products in our Instagram post:
New Ahsoka Tano Collection By Ashley Eckstein Arrives In EPCOT!
A new Ahsoka Tano Collection just arrived to Epcot! These pieces are inspired in the moment when Ahsoka renounced her past with the statement “I am no Jedi” and includes apparel and accessories out of this world, take a look:
Let’s start with the ears created by Ashley Eckstein in collaboration with Bret Iwan. They are based on the Star Wars Rebels episode #222 “Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 2” where Ahsoka Tano says the line, “I am no Jedi.” They feature the iconic blue and orange colors and her head piece, you can get them for $34.99 at Epcot and online at shopDisney.
For accessories, we found an Ahsoka Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler that is color changing! As well as a Canvas Tote Bag with the Star Wars logo embroidered on the front, the Star Wars: Rebels scrips printed on the back.
Finally, plenty of different t-shirts and sweatshirts are available both at the parks and online at shopDisney. They are all super cool, im sure you will find that fits your style.
New Disney ILY Dolls And Accessories Spotted In EPCOT!
New Disney ILY Dolls just arrived to Epcot! They are perfect for the fashion forward Disney fans allowing them to mix and match outfits and accessories and create their own magic. Take a look at the new dolls inspired in some of your favorite princesses!
Ready for her first art opening or a day just chilling with friends of the two or four-legged variety, this Rapunzel doll is a true original, just like your kid! She features ringlets streaked with gold and a Minnie Mouse ears headband influenced by her very best pal, she also comes with a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that hides one of 12 pretend park snacks that she’ll happily share with Pascal who, of course, is right by her side.
Under the sea or all over town, this Ariel doll sparks adventure anywhere their imagination leads. She’s dressed in a stylish outfit inspired by The Little Mermaid, from the top of the Minnie Mouse ears headband featuring a crown to the charm on her shell-shaped bag. She also comes with a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that holds one of 12 hidden park snack surprises and not one requires the use of a dinglehopper.
Ready for a trip to the castle or a stroll in the village, this Belle doll is ready to go wherever adventure leads. From her Minnie Mouse ears headband with a rose motif to the cute hoodie complete with a hole made to let her long pink-streaked hair flow free, she looks the very picture of a modern princess. She comes with a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that hides one of 12 pretend park snacks, but they won’t know which one they have until they open it. But if you’d like to hazard a guess, be our guest.
Do they want to build a snowman? Or enjoy hot chocolate by the fire? Wherever their imagination leads, this dazzling Elsa doll is sure to break the ice. She is dressed in an outfit that evokes the cool blues and whites of Frozen, she wears a Minnie Mouse headband with faceted ears. She also comes with a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that hides one of 12 pretend park snacks, each one sure to go well with cocoa.
Reindeers are better than people. Who knows if what Kristoff sings is right, but it is true that there’s no better playtime companion than this Sven doll. Handsome, stylish and ready for adventure, Sven takes human form in this doll that evokes the fun of Frozen, from the colorful puffer jacket and Sven tee to the Mickey Mouse ears headband with antlers. It also comes with a Mickey Mouse pretend balloon that holds a hidden park snack surprise that almost certainly won’t be hay. Sorry, Sven.
And if you already own an ILY doll, you can also get accessories to keep updating their look! We found some inspired in Minnie Mouse and Pixar! Very cute.
Adorable Valentines Day Stitch Plush Spotted In Magic Kingdom!
This Valentines Day Stitch Plush is the world’s sweetest space invader! We found him at Magic Kingdom for $29.99, you can also order yours online at shopDisney and make it part of your Ohana.
The adorable plush is holding a pink heart that says “UR CUTE” with a little bite on it, a satin headband with two hearts and hot pink hearts embroidered on his feet. So cute!
You can take a closer look at this plush in our Instagram post:
Celebrate The 65th Anniversary Of Sleeping Beauty With New Magical Products!
Can you believe Sleeping Beauty is celebrating 65 years! A movie that brought magic into our hearts once upon a dream back in 1959, and started the big debate of make it pink, make it blue, still going until this day, be honest, which one do you like the best?
Well, it doesn’t matter, because the products we have to share will make both teams happy, take a look at the beautiful new collections filled with magic and enchantment:
Celebrate 65 years of magic with the new Sleeping Beauty Dooney & Bourke Collection featuring an allover pattern that includes Princess Aurora as Briar Rose, owl, birds and rabbit, plus roses against a beautiful light pink background. You can get a tote bag, crossbody bag and matching wallet!
Loungefly is also releasing a new Sleeping Beauty collection that will be available next month! This one features a gorgeous lavender color with Aurora dancing in the woods with her woodland animals on the backpack that opens up to reveal her prince, the three fairies in the beautiful crossbody bag and Aurora in a sleeping spell on the matching wallet.
These figures from Enesco will bring the magic back to your home! There are plenty of different ones to choose from inspired in this magical fairytale, you can take a look at them here!
This Aurora Limited Edition 65th Anniversary Doll is gorgeous! She looks stunning in her stardusted pink and blue satin gown, and adorned with sparkling gems and delicate golden embroidery, our serene Sleeping Beauty from once upon a dream is a romantic vision to behold!
Finally, who doesn’t love to curl up with a good book and maybe a cup to tea? The Aurora Mug will help you enjoy your favorite warm beverage while reading Disney’s Promchanted by Morgan Matson coming up in March! You can pre-order it now here.
Construction Permit Filed for Recently Closed Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Disney has submitted a construction permit for the now-shuttered Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World, and it has been assigned to Sunstate Awning & Graphic Design, a Florida-based company specializing in custom fabric and metal awnings.
Unfortunately, the permit lacks additional details, leaving the scope of the work shrouded in mystery. Whether the construction is linked to a future guest-oriented project at the former Starcruiser or merely part of routine maintenance during its closure remains unknown.
Rey (left) battles Kylo Ren during a moment from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)
Disney has remained quiet on the building’s future. In June 2023, Disney Parks chief Josh D’Amaro shared the news, “No hints yet, but something will happen.”
Potential ideas for repurposing the Starcruiser include a more affordable daytime excursion from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or transforming the facility into a conventional hotel experience. However, the latter seems less plausible due to the substantial modifications required for the building to function as a traditional hotel.
Rey speaks with a young Halcyon starcruiser passenger in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Debuting on March 1, 2022, with a steep price tag of approximately $5200 for a two-day, two-night stay, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser faced initial success but encountered a swift downturn in bookings after the strong initial sales. In response, Disney sought cost-saving measures and strategies to boost reservations.
The final voyage of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser concluded on September 28-30, 2023.
The anticipation for Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, is building as rapidly as the park itself. Thanks to X user bioreconstruct, we have even more photos to share with you of the impressive progress being made on the theme park.
Epic Universe is poised to be a groundbreaking addition to Universal Orlando Resort. Envisioned as more than just a theme park, it’s a comprehensive entertainment experience, featuring themed lands, exhilarating attractions, unique dining experiences, and immersive storytelling. The park is expected to expand Universal’s already impressive portfolio with new characters and stories, aiming to create an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Super Nintendo Land is a confirmed land in the park, with other rumored lands (seemingly confirmed via construction), including an expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, How To Train Your Dragon, and Dark Universe.
Aerial overview of construction at Epic Universe. In-park resort tower at right. Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts at top center. pic.twitter.com/yS31P7pm5h
Recent aerial photos shared by bioreconstruct of the construction site offer a preview of what’s to come. The first photo reveals an expansive aerial overview of Epic Universe, showcasing the scale and complexity of the project. Notably, the in-park resort tower stands prominently to the right, while the Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts are visible at the top center. The dueling roller coaster stands prominently at the bottom of the photo.
Aerial look at Epic Universe Jan 26, 2024 • Scaffolding removed at a Harry Potter street • Scaffolding removed at a Donkey Kong wall • Train in 2nd launch of the Dragon coaster • Attraction staging at the park dome • Rock work at dual-racing coaster station pic.twitter.com/IhC8YMn8RU
In another aerial photo shared by bioreconstruct, the scaffolding has been removed from a Harry Potter-themed street, unveiling what promises to be a meticulously crafted area that will immerse guests in the Wizarding world. Similarly, the removal of scaffolding at a Donkey Kong wall indicates the nearing completion of this highly anticipated section of Super Nintendo World. A train has been spotted on the second launch of the Dragon coaster, signaling advancements in the park’s thrill ride offerings, along with the rock work at the coaster’s station.
We cannot wait for Epic Universe to open in 2025. What area of this new park are you most excited to experience?
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando 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 Universal 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 Universal vacation package through me!
We have an exciting update for everyone tracking the progress of the new Dreamworks area at Universal Orlando. Shrek’s Swamp, a beloved feature from the hit DreamWorks movie “Shrek,” has risen above the construction walls at the new land currently being constructed at Universal Studios Florida!
The new Dreamworks area replaces the former KidZone section of Universal Studios Florida. The land was announced in July 2023, and will reportedly feature iconic Dreamworks characters such as Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. In typical Universal fashion, the park is keeping further details under wraps. You can see the top of Shrek’s Swap in the video below.
The land is slated to open in 2024, but a specific opening date has not yet been announced.
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando 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 Universal 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 Universal vacation package through me!
Universal Orlando Resort announced an update to the lineup for the Mardi Gras Concert Series. Elle King, the renowned singer and songwriter, has been replaced by rising star Nessa Barrett. This sudden lineup comes in the wake of Elle King’s recent performance at a Dolly Parton tribute at the Grand Ole Opry, which garnered negative attention due to its profanity-laden content.
For those who might not be familiar, Nessa Barrett is a young artist who has been making waves in the music industry. She originally gained fame through Tik Tok in 2019, which was followed by the release of her debut single in 2020. Barrett has since captured the hearts of millions with her voice and artistic flair. Barrett’s music, often described as emotional and relatable, resonates with a wide range of audiences.
Elle King, initially scheduled to perform on February 17, faced backlash following a recent performance at the Grand Ole Opry. King, who was performing a tribute to Dolly Parton, was admittetly intoxicated in stage when she forgot the lyrics to ‘Marry Me’ and infused profanity into Parton’s song. This incident led to King cancelling several shows as well as the decision to replace her with Nessa Barrett in the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Concert Series.
This year’s Mardis Gras celebration is slated to take place from February 3 through April 7, 2024, at Universal Studios Florida. While the Mardis Gras parade will occur daily, concerts are only offered on select nights. Here is the lineup and dates for this year’s performers, with each concert scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM at the Music Plaza stage (located near Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster):
Feb. 3: Walker Hayes
Feb. 10: The All-American Rejects
Feb. 17: Nessa Barrett (replacing Elle King)
Feb. 18: KC and the Sunshine Band
Feb. 24: Barenaked Ladies
March 2: DJ Khaled
March 9: Ava Max
March 10: Queen Latifah
March 16: Luis Fonsi
March 17: Zedd
All of the Mardis Gras festivities, including the concerts, are included with valid park admission (note blockout dates may apply for some Annual Passes).
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando 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 Universal 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 Universal vacation package through me!
