Disney has filed a construction permit for the Pirates of the Caribbean area in Magic Kingdom. This permit, which has been assigned to the Whiting-Turner Contractor Company, extends beyond the typical 12-month validity, lasting until August 31, 2025. This lengthy period suggests a substantial and extended project is in the works.
The specifics of the permit remain under wraps, but it is widely speculated to be related to the previously announced Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge. Announced in September 2023, this unique experience aims to extend the beloved story of Pirates of the Caribbean. We have not heard much about this lounge since D23, but it seems like work may be beginning soon!
The likely location for this new lounge is the former Pirates League makeover experience space. This area, once bustling with young pirates in training, has been empty since the experience closed back in 2020.
Are you excited to check out this new pirate tavern? Leave us a comment to let us know!
The Chip and Co team recently had the incredible opportunity to get an exclusive early look at the Epic Universe Preview Center, which is scheduled to open later this month at Universal Orlando Resort. Located in CityWalk at the location that previously housed the Universal Legacy Store, this Preview Center offers a glimpse into the adventures that await in Universal’s newest theme park, slated to open in 2025.
As you step inside the Preview Center, you’re immediately surrounded by a treasure trove of merchandise from the park’s themed lands: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.
Each land is well represented, with an array of themed merchandise that makes it hard to leave empty-handed. Whether you’re a fan of Mario, a wizard in training, a dragon rider, or intrigued by the mysteries of the Dark Universe, there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout features of the Preview Center is the selfie-walls, designed for you to capture a memory from each land. You can snap a photo against the backdrop of the Mushroom Kingdom, pose with the streets of Paris that will call the Ministry of Magic land home, strike a heroic pose in front of Berk’s dragon-filled skies, or immerse yourself in the eerie ambiance of the Dark Universe.
At the heart of the Preview Center lies a detailed scale model of the entire park. The massive size of the park is well represented via this model, demonstrating the wonders and adventures that await in Epic Universe.
This model is a feast for the eyes, meticulously crafted to showcase all the theming and attractions that will be part of Epic Universe. As you gaze upon it, you can almost hear the sounds of the various lands coming to life.
Dark UniverseSuper Nintendo World and Celestial ParkA view of Stardust Racers which will be located in Celestial ParkLooking down on the streets of Paris in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
To enhance the experience even further, the Epic Universe app is a must-have. This app brings the map to life via some impressive augmented reality features.
Elements we noted while testing out the AR app ranged from watching Thestrals soar in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic to dragons flying above the Isle of Berk to Diddy Kong enjoying a wild ride on the Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster! There are some elements in Dark Universe and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic that are labeled as ‘coming soon’ in AR. We are assuming these elements will be updated after the land flyovers are released by Universal.
The Epic Universe Preview Center is an absolute must-visit for anyone eagerly awaiting the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park. It’s more than just a preview; it’s a gateway to the adventures that lie ahead. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to experience the magic and start planning your Epic Universe adventure today!
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!
Located between two festival kiosks, the area boasts shaded seating, lush artificial grass, and refreshing fans, providing a welcome respite for guests.
With the completion of this project and tomorrow’s opening of CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, EPCOT’s central area is now free of construction walls, marking a major milestone in the park’s multi-year transformation.
Starting June 10th, guests can visit Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in their brand-new home.
CommuniCore Plaza is set to host lively entertainment, beginning with a special “Encanto” sing-along show, “¡Celebración Encanto!”, running multiple times daily.
Don’t forget to grab a bite at Festival Favorites, a new quick-service spot serving up festival favorites year-round.
CommuniCore Hall, Plaza, and Mickey & Friends officially open tomorrow, June 10th, marking the completion of EPCOT’s multi-year transformation.
Product Review Villainous Sugar and Spite Expansion from Ravensburger
Ravensburger has once again delivered a captivating addition to their popular Villainous board game series with their latest expansion, “Sugar and Spite.” This expansion introduces two iconic villains from the Disney universe: King Candy from “Wreck-It Ralph” and Shere Khan from “The Jungle Book.” As fans of the Villainous series and Disney movies, we were excited to dive into this expansion and explore the unique mechanics and strategies that these new characters bring to the table.
Unboxing Experience
From the moment we opened the “Sugar and Spite” expansion, it was clear that Ravensburger had maintained their high standards for production quality. The packaging is visually appealing, featuring vibrant artwork of King Candy and Shere Khan. The attention to detail is immediately evident, setting the stage for an immersive gaming experience.
One of the standout features of the Villainous series has always been the quality of its components, and “Sugar and Spite” is no exception. The player movers, which represent King Candy and Shere Khan, are nothing short of spectacular. These movers are intricately designed, capturing the essence and silhouettes of these infamous Disney villains. King Candy’s mover is particularly striking, with its playful yet menacing design that perfectly encapsulates his dual nature as a deceptive ruler of Sugar Rush.
The villain boards and decks of cards are equally impressive. Each villain board is adorned with high-quality art that transports players into the respective worlds of “Wreck-It Ralph” and “The Jungle Book.” The cards are sturdy and well-printed, featuring beautiful illustrations that bring each character and action to life. The consistency in art style across the Villainous series ensures that “Sugar and Spite” seamlessly integrates with previous expansions, providing a cohesive and visually stunning gaming experience.
Ravensburger has done a commendable job of making the game accessible to both new players and seasoned veterans. The instructions are clear and concise, providing step-by-step guidance on how to set up and play the game. We found the rulebook to be well-organized, with helpful diagrams and examples that made it easy to grasp the new mechanics introduced in this expansion.
Our gaming group thoroughly enjoyed the “Sugar and Spite” expansion. The new villains added fresh layers of strategy and excitement to our sessions. While both characters were fun to play, we found ourselves particularly drawn to King Candy. Perhaps it’s our affinity for “Wreck-It Ralph,” but King Candy’s gameplay felt especially dynamic and entertaining.
Replayability and Integration
One of the strengths of the Villainous series is its high replayability, and “Sugar and Spite” continues this tradition. Each villain offers a unique gameplay experience, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and approaches. The integration of this expansion with previous ones is seamless, allowing for a diverse and varied gaming experience. Whether you’re mixing and matching villains from different expansions or focusing solely on “Sugar and Spite,” the game remains fresh and exciting with each playthrough.
Overall Impression
Ravensburger’s “Villainous: Sugar and Spite” is a stellar addition to an already fantastic series. The high-quality components, captivating art design, and well-crafted gameplay mechanics make this expansion a must-have for fans of the Villainous series and Disney enthusiasts alike. The inclusion of King Candy and Shere Khan brings new strategic possibilities and thematic richness to the game, ensuring hours of entertainment and engagement.
We were particularly impressed with the balance between accessibility and depth. The clear instructions make it easy for new players to jump in, while the intricate gameplay ensures that experienced players will find plenty of challenges to keep them engaged. The thematic consistency and attention to detail in the design and mechanics are commendable, enhancing the overall immersion and enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, “Villainous: Sugar and Spite” is another slam dunk from Ravensburger. The expansion lives up to the high standards set by previous installments, delivering an exceptional gaming experience that will delight both new and returning players. Whether you’re plotting to glitch Vanellope as King Candy or hunting Mowgli as Shere Khan, the new characters and mechanics provide endless fun and strategic depth.
If you’re a fan of the Villainous series or simply love Disney villains, this expansion is a worthy addition to your collection. Ravensburger has once again proven their expertise in creating captivating and high-quality board games, and “Sugar and Spite” is no exception. Dive into the world of Disney villainy and experience the thrill of being bad with this outstanding expansion.
Visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this summer are in for a refreshing treat with the return of FREE beer*. For a limited time, the Tampa theme park will offer one complimentary beer per day to all guests and two complimentary beers per day to Pass Members. Guests can savor their ice-cold beer daily at Orang Café in the Jungala area, with a variety of rotating options including classic domestic brews and artisanal craft beers. This refreshing perk is the perfect complement to a day filled with thrilling roller coasters and up-close animal encounters.
This summer, Busch Gardens introduces the all-new Phoenix Rising roller coaster. Inspired by legend, this fiery, family-friendly ride in vibrant Pantopia takes guests soaring above the Serengeti Plain at speeds up to 44 miles per hour. With a height requirement of just 42”, Phoenix Rising offers fun-filled twists and turns, making it an ideal adventure for families to enjoy together.
Extend your day into a fun-filled evening with Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights. Gwazi Plaza comes alive with the all-new Gwazi Rocks, featuring vibrant dance and percussion performances. The Stanleyville Theater hosts Cirque Electric, showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and gymnastic feats. At the Dragon Fire Grill, guests can sing along to tunes from favorite artists during the Icons performance, featuring mesmerizing dance and vocals inspired by musical legends. Each evening concludes with the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, illuminating the skies over Busch Gardens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with special shows on the Fourth of July.
With an array of new attractions and events, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers the ultimate summer experience. Don’t miss out on the excitement and the chance to enjoy free beer in this unforgettable season of fun!
Aquatica Orlando, voted the #1 Best Outdoor Water Park in America for four consecutive years by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice, is the ideal summertime destination, offering both fun and relaxation. With exhilarating attractions like the all-new Tassie’s Underwater Twist, the world’s most immersive waterslide, and the nighttime excitement of the AquaGlow Experience, Aquatica ensures a day full of thrilling adventures from sunrise to sunset.
Starting June 7, Aquatica introduces the all-new AquaGlow Experience every Friday and select Saturdays all summer long. This electrifying nighttime swim party transforms the park into a neon paradise under the starlit sky. Guests will be immersed in vibrant colors and pulsating rhythms, with highlights like the Electric Tides laser show over the wave pool and an illuminated lazy river. This separately ticketed event offers complimentary soft drinks, a commemorative wristband, and an enhanced experience with limited capacity and shorter wait times for popular attractions.
The all-new Tassie’s Underwater Twist takes guests on an immersive journey through Australia’s Shark Bay, featuring vibrant digital underwater scenes with manta rays, humpback whales, and even sharks. For family fun, Roa’s Rapids offers a thrilling action river ride, while Turi’s Kid Cove provides a playful oasis for children. The wave pools at Cutback Cove and Big Surf Shores cater to all preferences, from rolling waves to gentle surf.
Aquatica offers various ways to relax and recharge. Guests can reserve private cabanas and loungers across the park, enjoy enhanced pathway shades and misters, and refuel at the refreshed Mango Market with its new menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. For a more laid-back vibe, Trader Turi’s Tiki Bar serves frozen drinks and tropical cocktails, perfect for unwinding.
A vibrant aquatic landscape with South Seas spirit, Aquatica Orlando delights all ages with its thrilling water rides, 50 slides, rivers, lagoons, and 84,000 square feet of sandy beaches. Voted the #1 outdoor water park by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Poll, Aquatica offers exclusive attractions and undersea adventures. Whether wading into lazy rivers, enjoying wave pools, or relaxing on Orlando’s loveliest beaches, Aquatica is the perfect spot for family fun and relaxation.
Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line‘s newest destination located on Eleuthera’s southernmost tip is now home to vibrant Junkanoo celebrations at Disney Lookout Cay. In “Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration,” local Junkanooes sound a conch shell, inviting guests to join a colorful parade of dancing and music, culminating at the Goombay Cultural Center with Mickey Mouse and friends. Junkanoo is a local Bahamian festival that is packed with joyous music and vibrant parades.
The Play-Play Pavilion hosts the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash, where guests enjoy games with Disney characters to Bahamian renditions of Disney tunes. Activities like Goofy’s Limbo, Pluto’s Pineapple Ring Toss, and Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Water Brigade ensure fun for all. There is even a fun activity for kids, where they will make a headband to wear as part of the celebration!
Music is a central element of the experience at Disney Lookout Cay, featuring performances by musicians and artists from Eleuthera and The Bahamas. Guests can enjoy an original song, “Ery’ting Cool,” produced in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering and local producers. Adding to the festive spirit, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale sport brand-new, tropical looks created by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett. These couture designs, featuring prints, patterns, and textures made from natural Bahamian materials like raffia, beautifully capture the essence of Junkanoo.
Disney World has launched a new planDisney Resort Guide video series, perfect for vacation planners seeking the ideal Disney Resort hotel. This series breaks down the essentials of each resort, covering theming, transportation options, room types, dining, recreational activities, and more, all infused with valuable planDisney tips.
The first episode features Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a New England-inspired property situated walking distance from EPCOT. Panelists Amy C. and Matt N. highlight the resort’s unique offerings, including the 3-acre Stormalong Bay water park with its sand-bottomed pool, casual and fine dining options like Beaches & Cream Soda Shop and Cape May Café, and a variety of recreational activities such as bike rentals, fishing, and movies under the stars. The resort’s convenient access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, along with a range of accommodation options from standard rooms to spacious suites, ensures a memorable stay for all guests.
Throughout the series, planDisney experts share tips to help guests maximize their Disney Resort experience. Whether looking for luxury, budget-friendly options, or unique theming, the planDisney Resort Guide series provides the insights needed to choose the perfect resort for a magical Disney vacation.
Celebrate Soulfully Returns to Disneyland this Month
Feel the rhythm and celebrate Black excellence at Disneyland Resort’s Celebrate Soulfully this June. Dig into delicious dishes, groove to live music, and discover inspiring art displays.
Celebrate the vibrant songs, powerful stories and rich history of Black culture with a variety of uplifting experiences the whole family can enjoy.
Celebrate the Magic
Meet Tiana Explore the streets of New Orleans Square where you might encounter Tiana as she regales you with tales of the Bayou.
Meet Ariel (From the Live-Action Film) The curious young mermaid who dreams of adventure has come ashore to explore the world above—you might run into her near “it’s a small world”!
Celebrate the Joy
Golden Horseshoe Exhibit: Black Music at the Turn of the 20th Century Join us at The Golden Horseshoe for a rich and powerful experience—a showcase of ragtime and Black country music. See how these 2 iconic musical genres still thrive and inspire American culture, as you explore onstage vignettes, replete with décor, props and graphics.
Tiana’s Palace Experience the vibrance and celebratory spirit of New Orleans Square—where the good times roll, and Creole- and Cajun-inspired fares are ready to be enjoyed.
Disney California Adventure Park
Celebrate the stories and legacy of Black artists and characters at Disney California Adventure Park.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Watch an exciting celebratory parade with Joe Gardner and 22 from Soul, who bring their worlds together to celebrate the sweet things in life.
Pixar Fest Marketplace – The Spark Relish feel-good food that feeds your soul, inspired by Soul.
Disney Legend Floyd Norman Discover the art of Floyd Norman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first Black animator. As you travel through Hollywood Land, take a moment to encounter this Disney Legend’s contributions to some of the most beloved animated films of all time.
Black Panther, Dora Milaje and Captain America Assemble your team at Avengers Headquarters where heroic encounters await. Cross paths with Black Panther, learn the wisdom of Wakanda and even train with General Okoye and the Dora Milaje, Black Panther’s royal guard. You may see Captain America, too!
Five & Dime Soulful singer Dime and her jazz quintet perform hits of the ‘20s and ‘30s with brass and sass on Buena Vista Street.
Paradise Garden Bandstand Sit in a lovely garden setting and enjoy an incredible lineup of musical acts.
June 6, 8, 9, 20 and 23: Dedrick Bonner, Rhythm & Blues Brothas
June 7 and 21: Island Reggae Band
June 13, 14 and 29: PAN DULCE ft Alan Lightner
June 27 and 28: Mel &Friends
Downtown Disney District
Keep the celebration going at the Downtown Disney District.
Explore
Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage Entertainment Dance and groove to live musical performances highlighting genres such as R&B, hip hop, reggae, funk, Motown, jazz and doo-wop.
Enjoy family-friendly shows:
Showtimes 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Performances
June 2, 14 and 16: UniverSOUL Hip Hop
June 7, 9 and 21: Doo Wop Souls
June 8, 15 and 22: Got Rhythm!
June 23 and 30: Tap N Jam
June 28 and 29: Molodi LIVE
Listen to music at night:Showtimes 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM (The last set start time may vary due to the fireworks schedule.)Performances
June 1 and 2: Kirk Andrés Wilson – Quartet
June 7 and 9: Michael Haggins Band
June 8 and 19 (Juneteenth): Forward Motion Band
June 14 and 30: Caravana – Kenny Hudson
June 15: The Honeydrops
June 16 and 23: Del Atkins and the LYFE Band
June 21 and 22: 408 Collective
June 28 and 29: Apollo Bebop
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio For dinner, experience a modern twist on New Orleans cuisine and hear jazz music on stage in the Gulf Room.
Dinner Hours
Monday through Thursday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday through Sunday: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Lovepop Discover greeting cards that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. In June, Lovepop will feature a Black is Beautiful pop-up card designed in collaboration with talented artist Anthony Conley.
Artist Showcase and Signing with Larissa Marantz and Mark Page Take your artwork to the next level and get it signed by the creator! Guests who purchase artwork by Larissa Marantz or Mark Page on the event day at the event location may have the opportunity to meet the artist and have select merchandise signed.
Date: June 29
Times and Locations
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at WonderGround Gallery, Downtown Disney District
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Disneyana Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Park
Ready to experience Celebrate Soulfully at the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today to start planning your next visit to Disneyland! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE.
Looking for family fun or adult tranquility? Disney Lookout Cay has you covered. Explore their dedicated beaches, all boasting unmatched natural beauty.
Rush Out, Gush Out Water Play is a water play area for all ages, and Sebastian’s Cove has several amazing youth activities. Private cabanas are also available for both families and adults to reserve.
At Serenity Bay, you’ll absolutely love the tranquil views from your very own beach, which has its own barbecue pavilion, Serenity Bay BBQ, and watering hole, Blue Hole Bar.
And you can head over to the Nature Trail, where you’ll discover Eleuthera’s beautiful scenery leading to the easternmost end of the island, taking in the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, bronze sculptures introduce you to indigenous animals, including money bat moths, curly-tailed lizards and land crabs.
Eleuthera also has plenty of wonders beyond Disney Lookout Cay. Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators offer a chance to explore the breathtaking beauty of The Bahamas with private historical and cultural tours, buggy excursions, scuba tours and catamaran sailings.
Dreaming of a magical Disney cruise? Let me be your pixie dust! I’m a Disney expert who will navigate the planning process and find the perfect itinerary for your family. Sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Contact me today to start planning!
Pixar Inside Out Eats & Treats Coming to the Disney Parks
To celebrate the release of Inside Out 2, Disney Parks are serving up some exciting new treats! Grab a refreshing Feeling Kinda Blue-berry Chai Iced Latte or a delightful Inside Out 2 Petit Cake for a sweet taste of the movie. Don’t forget to check out the other fun food and souvenir options available for a truly Inside Out experience!
Feeling Kinda Blue-berry Chai Iced Latte at Market, Neighborhood Bakery, and Catalina Eddie’s at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Available June 10 through July 26) and Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs (Available June 10 through July 14)
Frazzled Float at Epic Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Available June 10 through September 6)
Specialty Character Kids’ Cup at 50’s Prime Time Café, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Available starting June 10)
Inside Out Specialty Souvenir Cup at outdoor vending locations at Shanghai Disney Resort (Available June 13 through August 31)
Inside Out Anxiety Straw Clip at various locations at Disneyland Resort (Available starting June 14)
Sadness Cheesecake at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta (Available now through June 29)
Joyful Cheesecake at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta (Available June 30 through August 18)
Inside Out-themed Doughnuts in apple, raspberry, and lemon flavors at Disneyland Paris (Available starting June 19)
Inside Out themed Popcorn Scoops in garlic, wasabi, and hot jalapeño flavors at Hong Kong Disneyland (Available starting June 9)
