Exciting updates at EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion! The construction walls are down, revealing a refreshed courtyard after months of work that began in March. This quiet section of the World Showcase is now once again fully accessible for guests.
The most notable changes are in the pavilion’s courtyard, where the tiles on the four planters and the central fountain have been replaced. The new tiles on the planters and central fountain, featuring a simpler checkered design in teal, blue, white, and yellow, replace the previous intricate tilework.
Guests visiting Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside have an exciting new way to immerse themselves in the magic Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. A new photo op has been set up at the resort, featuring a backdrop of the ride’s landscape. This stunning backdrop showcases all the iconic imagery from the re-imagined attraction, including the salt mine, the thrilling 50-foot drop, and Tiana’s Foods tower.
To add an extra touch of fun to their photos, guests can use various themed props. One popular prop features Louis the alligator joyfully playing his trumpet. Guests can also pick up a green trumpet prop with a yellow outline, echoing the vibrant Mardi Gras colors of the attraction, and pretend to make some music of their own.
For those who love to get every detail right, the photo setup includes a Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sign, beautifully crafted with “Tiana’s” written in yellow and “Bayou Adventure” in green. A pink five-petaled lily graces the center of the “o” in “Bayou,” while yellow lilies accent the corners of the black backdrop.
This delightful photo op is perfect for marking the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which officially opens on June 28 at Magic Kingdom. Previews are currently available for cast members, Annual Passholders, D23 members, and DVC members, making now the perfect time to get a sneak peek and capture a photo at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
New Test Track Logo Unveiled as Reimagining Begins at EPCOT
As Test Track closes its doors for a major refurbishment, a fresh new logo has been revealed on the construction walls surrounding the attraction. This marks the beginning of an exciting transformation for the popular EPCOT ride.
The new logo maintains the familiar black, blue, and white color scheme but introduces a more modern font and incorporates three hexagonal shapes. This subtle evolution from the previous logo signals a new era for Test Track, while still paying homage to its roots.
While the updated font had been previously glimpsed in concept art, the inclusion of hexagons is a surprising addition. The walls also feature the phrase “Coming Soon” in bold yellow lettering, generating anticipation for the reimagined attraction.
Construction crews have already begun work on the refurbishment, wasting no time in bringing the new vision for Test Track to life. This marks the first major overhaul of the ride since 2012, with General Motors continuing as the sponsor and Chevrolet branding remaining a prominent feature.
Imagineers have hinted that the reimagined Test Track will draw inspiration from its predecessor, World of Motion, which closed in 1998 to make way for the current attraction. Guests can expect the new version to capture the same “spirit of optimism” that characterized the beloved classic.
Jodi Benson & Bill Farmer Announced to Join the Cast for Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert
Get ready for a wave of nostalgia! Disney Legends Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel) and Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy) dive into the ’80s and ’90s alongside an all-star cast at the Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert! Catch them with the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl on July 19th and 20th.
The cast includes Corbin Bleu, Susan Egan, Aisha Jackson, Arielle Jacobs, Adam J. Levy, Krysta Rodriguez, alongside gospel vocalists from ‘DC6 Singers Collective’ and an ensemble of Broadway dancers. Sarah Hicks will conduct the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra with music direction by Benjamin Rauhala and choreography by Anna Aimee White.
Following last summer’s spectacular concert celebration of 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Concerts, 10th & Main Productions and the Hollywood Bowl are set to return with the ultimate throwback concert celebrating the very best Disney and Pixar soundtrack hits of the ‘80s and ‘90s including songs from “Hercules,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Toy Story,” “A Bug’s Life,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Newsies,” “Aladdin,” “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pocahontas,” “The Lion King,” “Hocus Pocus,” and many more.
Tickets are on sale through the Hollywood Bowl hollywoodbowl.com. Disney ‘80s – ‘90s Celebration in Concert is part of the LA Phil-presented Hollywood Bowl 2024 Season.
The dedication plaque had a message inscribed on it from Card Walker which read:
“To all who come to this Place of Joy, Hope and Friendship WELCOME
Epcot is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.
May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.”
The reason for the plaque’s disappearance remains a mystery. Was it damaged? Is it undergoing refurbishment? We expect it to return to its familiar spot soon.
Fan Favorite Menu Items Removed from Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom
Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom has shaken things up with a menu refresh! Some familiar favorites are gone, but exciting new dishes have arrived to tempt your taste buds.
While the menu refresh brings new options to Columbia Harbour House, a few beloved items have set sail. The biggest blow for many fans is the absence of the hushpuppies, which were previously available as a side or included with some meals. Several other entrees have also been docked, including the New England Shrimp Boil, Sea Captain’s Fish Sandwich, Mixed Greens Salad, and Plant-Based Crab Cake Sandwich.
Trio Platter Revamped: This platter gets a makeover! It now features beer-battered shrimp and fish instead of the classic fried options. The hushpuppies have been swapped for french fries, but the price remains at $14.29.
Shrimp Skewer Upgrade: The former Grilled Shrimp Skewer has been transformed into a full-fledged Shrimp Skewer Platter. It now comes with green beans and rice for $14.49.
Chicken Strips Get a New Name: Not much change here, just a new name! The Chicken Strips are now called the Chicken Platter, but it’s still the same delicious combination of chicken strips and fries for $10.99.
Lobster Roll Stays Classic: Thankfully, the Lobster Roll remains unchanged. You can still enjoy chilled lobster with a touch of mayonnaise on a New England-style bun served with french fries, all for $16.99.
The following entrées are new:
Maple-Mustard Glazed Salmon: Served with Green Beans and Rice – $14.79
Fried Shrimp Platter: Beer-battered Shrimp served with French Fries – $13.99
Shrimp Salad: Mixed Greens with Cherry Tomatoes, Mild Pepperoncini, Manzanilla Olives, and Capers topped with Grilled Shrimp – $13.49
Fish Platter: Beer-battered Fish served with Tartar Sauce and French Fries – $12.99
Plant-based Crispy Mushroom Roll: Cornmeal-fried Mushrooms, Plant-based Spicy Tartar Sauce, Lettuce, Tomatoes, and a Pickle served with French Fries – $13.49
Good news for parents! Disney Check Meals at Columbia Harbour House have a yummy new option for little ones: the Turkey Sandwich Kid’s Pack. For $7.79, this kid-approved meal includes sliced roasted turkey breast and cheddar cheese on honey wheat bread, all served with refreshing apple chips, cucumber slices, and grape tomatoes. And like all Disney Check Meals, it meets Disney’s Nutrition Guidelines to ensure a complete and balanced meal for your child.
Are you bummed with this menu change or are you looking forward to trying the new items?
Fun Facts about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in the Magic Kingdom
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens this week in the Magic Kingdom! To help get you excited for this new attraction, we’ve got some fun facts to share.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure picks up the story after the events of the film. After opening Tiana’s Palace, the princess continues to grow her business with an employee-owned cooperative, Tiana’s Foods, which can be found in a former salt mining facility that Tiana has transformed.
The entrance to Tiana’s Foods features a colorful mural from Louisiana native artist Malaika Favorite. Princess Tiana’s weathervane was crafted by 3rd generation master blacksmith Darryl Reeves at his historic Seventh Ward New Orleans workshop. Inside the queue, enjoy the sweet smell of Tiana’s famous “man-catching” beignets!
Following her successes, Princess Tiana is hosting a party for the people of New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season of 1927, but there’s been a mix-up ni the party preparations between Prince Naveen and Louis – no one booked a band! The company PA system plays a radio program throughout Tiana’s Foods and between tunes is an important message from the radio host: Tiana needs help finding musicians for tonight’s party!
While inside the attraction queue, check out the details in Tiana’s office and kitchen, like newspaper clippings and photos of Tiana’s favorite memories, including the princess and her friends loading ingredients into logs for transport. You’ll also see her to-do list for the party, where everything is checked off except for hiring a band!
Listen to the company radio for all-new New Orleans-inspired music arranged and produced by Terence Blanchard, award-winning musician and contributor to the soundtrack of “The Princess and the Frog.” In between songs, the radio announcer invites one and all to Tiana’s celebration.
Now it’s time to get “going down the bayou!” Good thing you’re up for the challenge to help find “the missing ingredient” for the party. According to Louis, the bayou is the best place to find talented musicians so helpful party goers board log flumes to explore. Among the cypress trees are musical critters with instruments made from found objects and natural materials, playing Zydeco, Rara and Afro-Cuban music. Tiana loves their sound; it’s just the ingredient she was looking for!
The attraction features dozens of all-new Audio-Animatronics figures, with familiar faces from the film like Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, Louis, Prince Naveen, Prince Ralphie , Eudora and Charlotte as well as the musical critters. Voice talent from the film reprise their roles, including Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana, Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis and Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie.
With the talented critter bands booked for the big party, it’s time to hurry back out of the bayou – and luckily, Mama Odie knows a shortcut that will send guests speeding down to the celebration.
Following a thrilling 50-foot drop, the logs roll into a New Orleans neighborhood soiree at Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen’s home! The party is full of new and familiar faces, musical critters, and a new, original song written and produced by award-winning musician PJ Morton and performed by Anika Noni Rose, “Special Spice.”
Are you looking forward to experiencing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer? Contact me today to start planning your Disney World trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE.
Today is National Flamingo Day, and what better way to mark the occasion than a visit to the newly opened Flamingo Point at Discovery Cove? Flamingo Point is about to get a whole lot cuter, as they are celebrating the arrival of a newly born Flamingo!
According to reporting from Click Orlando, the all-inclusive day resort is celebrating the birth of a baby Caribbean flamingo, who hatched on June 7 after the usual 27-31 day incubation period. Proud parents Abbie and LJ are thrilled with their new chick, marking the second for Abbie.
While the newest family member isn’t residing in the new habitat just yet, visitors can still enjoy observing the rest of the flamboyance up close. Flamingo Point is home to the Flamingo Mingle, an upgraded program starting at just $59 per person. This experience allows guests to meet and mingle with Caribbean flamingos in a safe, controlled environment. The program also includes a question-and-answer session with the park’s expert aviculturists, providing a unique educational opportunity for guests of all ages.
To make the experience even more special, Discovery Cove has partnered with Audubon Florida, donating five percent of Flamingo Mingle proceeds to support their conservation efforts. Due to the limited number of slots available each day, advance reservations are highly recommended. Come and experience the beauty and grace of these magnificent birds while supporting a great cause!
Celebrate summer with the biggest and best sale of the year at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. During the 4th of July Sale, guests can save up to 55% on Tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes. “It’s the perfect opportunity for families and thrill-seekers alike to experience the excitement and adventure our parks have to offer at an unbeatable value,” said Stewart Clark, Park President.
This summer, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay features the return of Summer Nights, the debut of the Red, White & Brews event, and the new ice show, Rhythm of Nature. Guests can also enjoy free beer* and the all-new Phoenix Rising ride. Adventure Island offers the new Castaway Falls with over 100 interactive aquatic elements and Island Nights with extended park hours until 8 p.m. every Friday in June and July.
Maximize your summer fun with Busch Gardens Fun Cards, providing park admission through December 31, 2024, for $82.99, or a two-park Fun Card for $109.99. Annual Passes start at $12.75 a month, offering unlimited access and perks like FREE parking, guest tickets, and more. Visit BuschGardensTampa.com and AdventureIsland.com for more details and make this summer unforgettable!
‘Inside Out 2’ Dominates Box Office, Becomes Highest-Grossing Film of 2024
In a remarkable feat, Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has ascended to the top of the box office charts, claiming the title of the highest-grossing North American release of 2024 after just over a week in theaters.
The animated sequel has raked in a staggering $285.7 million domestically, surpassing “Dune: Part Two” which held the previous record with $282 million. This triumph comes on the heels of a series of impressive milestones for the film.
“Inside Out 2” shattered the year’s record for Thursday night previews and secured the second-largest opening weekend ever for an animated film, trailing only “Incredibles 2.” The film continued its winning streak by achieving the highest-grossing Tuesday for an animated film, surpassing the “Incredibles” sequel once again.
With no indication of slowing down, “Inside Out 2” is on track to potentially break the record for the biggest second weekend for an animated film, currently held by “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” with $92.3 million.
Globally, the film has already amassed a total of $545.1 million and is projected to surpass $650 million by the end of this weekend. This trajectory puts it on a path to surpass the box office success of its predecessor, the original “Inside Out,” which grossed a global total of $858.8 million.
The overwhelming success of “Inside Out 2” is a testament to its captivating storyline, endearing characters, and the enduring appeal of Pixar’s storytelling prowess. As audiences continue to flock to theaters to experience the emotional journey of Riley and her emotions, it’s clear that “Inside Out 2” is a box office powerhouse that will leave a lasting impact on the film industry.
Disney Parks fans can now enjoy the theme song for “Disney Dreams That Soar,” the new drone show at Disney Springs, on their favorite music streaming platforms. Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, the track “Dreams That Soar,” performed by Omar Cardona and Brooke Weirick, captures the magic of the show in just three minutes and 53 seconds.
The drone show, featuring 800 drones creating formations of Disney characters like Tinker Bell, Dumbo, and Peter Pan, is a mesmerizing 10-minute spectacle. It runs nightly at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. above Lake Buena Vista on Disney Springs West Side until September 2. Guests can view the show from the waterfront area between the Cirque du Soleil Theatre and the Aerophile.
Along with “Dreams That Soar,” other recent Disney music releases available for streaming include the soundtracks for Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana;” Pixar Place Hotel; Tokyo DisneySea’s “Journey to Fantasy Springs;” and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s “Special Spice.”
Summer mornings just got a whole lot brighter with the introduction of the Disney Mickey Mouse Summer Morning Blend from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company. This new Medium Roast promises to elevate your mornings with its rich and well-balanced taste, making it the perfect way to start your day during the sunny season. J
Joffrey’s, the official specialty coffee provider for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Vacation Club, has crafted a coffee blend that captures the essence of Disney magic. The Disney Mickey Mouse Summer Morning Blend features a smooth yet flavorful profile, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers seeking a delightful start to their day.
