At the iconic Disney’s BoardWalk, a new era is dawning at the former ESPN Zone location. The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is in the midst of a remarkable transformation, and May brings a flurry of construction activity as this beloved bakery takes shape. We have an update on the construction progress and the restaurant and bakery ready to share with you!
Since our last visit, the exterior walls have had siding installed. The windows, which were being installed during our last visit, are now framed. Several areas that were previously contained only steel frames have also had siding added. Construction was active, and it appears the Cake Bake shop is rapidly progressing toward its opening date!
The section of the Cake Bake Shop with the tower will be the restaurant section, while the section to the right of the area with the tower will be the home to the bakery section. The Cake Bake Shop is slated to opening sometime this year.
May brings forth a celebration of diverse cultures, traditions, and flavors as Disney Springs pays tribute to Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Throughout the month, visitors are invited to embark on a culinary voyage that honors the rich culinary tapestry of Asia and the Pacific Islands. From savory delights to sweet temptations, there’s a plethora of palate-pleasing dishes awaiting discovery.
The journey begins with a whimsical creation from Amorette’s Patisserie: the Mushu Cake Bar. Inspired by the iconic Disney character Mushu from Mulan, this indulgent dessert features layers of moist cake and creamy frosting adorned with playful decorations that capture the spirit of the dragon guardian.
Adobo Tacos – Morimoto Asia
For those with a craving for savory flavors, Morimoto Asia presents a culinary masterpiece with their Adobo Tacos. Drawing inspiration from Filipino cuisine, these tacos offer a harmonious blend of tender marinated meat and warm, soft tortillas—a true taste of the vibrant streets of Manila.
Year of the Dragon Chocolate Piñata – The Ganachery
Prepare to be dazzled by The Ganachery’s Year of the Dragon Chocolate Piñata—a visual spectacle crafted from the finest chocolate. Symbolizing good fortune and prosperity, this intricately designed piñata is filled with an assortment of tempting treats, inviting guests to indulge in a treasure trove of chocolates, truffles, and delights.
Bombay Smash – Eet Fun Indian
Transporting guests to the bustling streets of Mumbai is the Bombay Smash cocktail from Eet Fun Indian. This refreshing libation offers a modern twist on classic Indian flavors, blending aromatic spices, tropical fruits, and premium spirits—a toast to the vibrant culture and heritage of India.
To conclude the culinary journey, Splitsville Orlando presents the Golden Spider Roll—a sushi masterpiece that showcases the artistry and precision of Japanese culinary tradition. With delicate crab, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber wrapped in golden tempura flakes, each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
Beginning July 13th, guests can expect to see a significant reduction in horseback riding opportunities. The popular trail rides will be unavailable most days, specifically Monday through Friday.
There is a glimmer of hope for those craving a weekend on the range! Horseback riding may still be available on select Saturdays and Sundays. However, due to limited availability, reservations are strongly recommended. Guests can check for availability on the Disney World’s My Disney Experience app every Friday for the following weekend.
Unfortunately, there’s no word yet on when the horseback riding experience will return to its regular schedule. Disney hasn’t provided a specific end date for the limited operation or details on the construction project impacting the area.
So, if you were planning a horseback riding adventure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for availability before your visit. Hopefully, the neigh-sayers will be out of the picture soon, and you’ll be back in the saddle in no time!
New Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket Available at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Day
Calling all Star Wars fans visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios! May the 4th be with you, and may it also bring you a collectible Stormtrooper Helmet Popcorn Bucket!
This limited-edition bucket is now available for purchase at popcorn carts throughout the park. We spotted them at the cart near Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but keep your eyes peeled throughout the park.
Each bucket comes filled with delicious popcorn and makes the perfect souvenir for any Star Wars enthusiast. But hurry, there’s a limit of two per person, per transaction, and these are sure to sell out fast!
For the 60th anniversary of “it’s a small world,” Disneyland is offering guests a fun photo op! Head to the Small World Promenade and grab one of two special anniversary props. One features the iconic Tower of the Four Winds, a nod to the ride’s debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The prop also includes celebratory messages for the attraction’s milestone anniversary.
The second anniversary prop celebrates the heart of the ride itself – the diverse characters! It features a colorful scene with a dozen classic “it’s a small world” figures all nestled in a bright blue boat. Just like the first prop, it’s emblazoned with celebratory messages for the attraction’s 60th anniversary.
Did you know “it’s a small world” has been spreading international cheer for over 60 years? It all began at the 1964 New York World’s Fair on April 22nd, where the ride charmed guests with its message of global unity. After a phenomenal run, it set sail for Disneyland, opening there on May 28th, 1966. The beloved ride has become a global phenomenon, captivating guests at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland. Speaking of Tokyo, get ready for a surprising makeover! Their “it’s a small world” will soon be getting a Groot-inspired Marvel twist!
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The Russell Magic Shot is available across from Feathered Friends in Flight! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and near Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park.
The Hiro & Baymax Magic Shot is available in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, in the Japan pavilion at EPCOT, by the Hollywood Studios arch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and in San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park.
The Mei Panda Tail Magic Shot is available at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs.
The 4*Town photo is available in Pixar Plaza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Where will you be celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
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Disney’s X-Wing from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge now on display at National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has acquired a unique piece of aviation history: a Boeing CV2 Cargo Air Vehicle (CAV). This drone holds the distinction of being the first large, electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to be flown commercially in the US.
The CAV gained fame during its starring role at the opening of Walt Disney World’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction. Boeing partnered with Walt Disney Imagineering to transform two CV2s into X-wing fighters, complete with body shells, for a spectacular flyover. This one-of-a-kind aircraft, a gift from both Boeing and Walt Disney Imagineering, will now be on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
“While lightweight delivery drones are being tested at a number of locations around the nation, the development of heavier vertical takeoff and landing cargo drones for military and commercial use is one of the most promising areas of autonomous aircraft development,” said Roger Connor, vertical flight curator at the museum. “The Boeing Cargo Air Vehicle was the first of these allowed to perform a commercial flight in the United States—in this instance, carrying a Star Wars X-wing shell that was used at Walt Disney World.”
Boeing started developing the CAV in 2017. These fully electric, unmanned vehicles were designed to haul cargo weighing up to 500 pounds. They served as flying test labs, helping Boeing explore the potential and challenges of using electric propulsion, advanced batteries, and autonomous flight. Fast forward to December 2019: Boeing teamed up with Walt Disney. During a special event at Disney World, two CAVs transformed into X-wings with the help of special effects. Ultraviolet spotlights made the drone bodies disappear, leaving behind only the illusion of iconic Star Wars starfighters soaring through the night sky.
“As Disney Imagineers, we leverage new and emerging technology in service of the story-driven experiences we create,” said Scott Trowbridge, senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. “Our work to bring a ‘real’ X-wing to the skies above Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for the opening of a new attraction was not only spectacular, but a moment representative of the immersive Star Wars experience coming to life.”
This X-wing-clad Boeing CAV boasts a wingspan of 6.2 meters (20.2 feet) and gets its power from 128-kilowatt electric motors. It takes flight in the museum world starting May 3rd, joining the vertical flight collection on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
The Sweet Mickey Mouse Lollipop Loungefly Backpack Is Now Available At Disney Springs!
The new Mickey Mouse Lollipop Loungefly Backpack is available at Disney Springs! It looks way more beautiful in person, the colors are so vibrant and it looks super sweet. We are definitely adding this one to our collection, you can also find it online at the Disney Store for $88.
The backpack is white with green details, it also features an all over pattern of Mickey Mouse lollipops and a front pocket shaped like the sweet treat with green, blue and pink swirl colors.
The sides also feature a lollipop to match with the front pocket, other details include gold hardware and an inside lining of Mickey Mouse lollipops against a light yellow background and the Disney Eats tag.
You can take a closer look at this bag in our Instagram post:
We found new Mickey Mousewares products at Epcot that will add a touch of magic to your home! They are also available online at the Disney Store, so if you don’t have a visit to Disney World anytime soon, you can just order yours and even take advantage of free shipping on orders $75 and more with code SHIPMAGIC. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the new collection:
These placemats will add color and character to your meals! The set includes 4 Mickey Mouse silicone placemats in red, green, yellow and blue with raise Mickey facial features. The rubber is durable and easy to wipe down so they’re as fun as they are functional!
This super cute set features a Mickey Mouse shaped sponge that fits perfectly inside the holder inspired in Mickey’s shorts! The suction cups on the base mean it’s easy to have Mickey stick around to the kitchen counter or sink.
You can take a closer look at these products in our Instagram post:
New Baublebar Disney Jewelry Available At Disney Springs!
We are in love with this Baublebar Disney Jewelry we found at Disney Springs! If you love Disney fashion, these earrings and ring will help you add a subtle touch of magic to any outfit for a fun park style or to wear out and about any day, take a look:
The first pair we found features gold Mickey Mouse icons surrounded by colorful raffia to add a pop of color to your style! They are also available online at the Disney Store for $40.
DONALD DUCK EARRINGS AND RING
Then we spotted these Donald Duck earrings and matching ring! Donald is making different faces in the dangling earrings with blue gemstones, and looking adorable in the stacking ring with Donald’s face covered in red, white and yellow stones.
You can take a closer look at these new accessories by Baublebar in our Instagram post:
In 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood is set to redefine the thrill ride landscape with the debut of its first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.” Themed around Universal Pictures’ monumental “Fast & Furious” film saga, this ride is poised to elevate the theme park experience, merging high-octane excitement with unparalleled technological innovation.
“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will feature a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely designed to immerse guests in the high-speed universe of “Fast & Furious.” The ride’s standout feature is a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation capability for each ride vehicle, allowing for an exhilarating sensation of drifting akin to the franchise’s iconic car chase scenes. This cutting-edge technology is complemented by an elaborate track that incorporates advanced sound reduction techniques, ensuring a breathtaking yet smooth ride experience.
An Immersive Fast & Furious Adventure
Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood, highlights the importance of this addition: “As Universal Studios Hollywood continues to evolve, the arrival of ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ will be a powerful game changer that will infuse a new level of thrill into our already dynamic theme park.” This sentiment underscores the ride’s potential to become a new fan favorite, enhancing the park’s reputation for delivering state-of-the-art, themed entertainment.
Guests will start their adventure in a garage-style queue area, reminiscent of the film series’ famous settings, before boarding replicas of the films’ iconic cars. The ride then takes them on a high-speed journey along an aerial track that offers stunning views over parts of Universal Studios Hollywood.
A New Era of Theme Park Attractions
“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” joins a roster of innovative attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” and many more. The new roller coaster not only stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of the “Fast & Furious” film series, which has garnered over $7 billion at the global box office, is poised to set new standards in roller coaster technology and entertainment.
The introduction of “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” coincides with the 60th anniversary of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Studio Tour, an iconic attraction that offers guests a glimpse into the magic of movie-making. This juxtaposition of celebrating classic cinema while introducing cutting-edge ride technology reflects Universal Studios Hollywood’s ongoing commitment to innovation and entertainment.
As excitement builds for its 2026 launch, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” is set to become a landmark attraction, promising an immersive experience that mirrors the high-speed action and thrilling escapades of its film counterpart. It’s more than just a roller coaster; it’s an embodiment of the speed, innovation, and cinematic flair that defines Universal Studios Hollywood.
This Mother’s Day, create a lasting memory with a charming photo opportunity at Disney Springs, presented by AdventHealth. Nestled near the entrance to the Orange Garage, between the AMC Theater and the Coca-Cola Store, this picturesque spot is a perfect backdrop to honor the special mom in your life.
The centerpiece of this photo op is a vibrant “Mom!” sign set in a beautiful flowerbed. The letters are a delightful blue adorned with pink flowers and green leaves, creating a cheerful and inviting scene. Although Disney PhotoPass photographers might not be available, Disney Cast Members can help snap your perfect shot using your own phone or camera. It’s a wonderful way to capture the joy of the day in a location that’s easily accessible yet wonderfully themed.
Additionally, the photo op includes a variety of fun, themed signs that guests can hold while posing. These signs feature witty and heartwarming phrases like “Mom’s Favorite,” “Moms are incredible,” and “#MomLife,” each designed with colors and styles that match the “Mom!” sign. From celebrating new moms with “First Mother’s Day!” to sharing exciting news with “We’re expecting!” each sign adds a personal touch to your photos.
Although during our visit we noted that Cast Members were not handing out the special seed-embedded postcards as advertised, the photo spot itself remains a must-visit for families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day in a uniquely Disney way.
Whether you’re capturing a moment with “Mom squad” or highlighting a “Mom-to-be,” Disney Springs offers a delightful setting to make Mother’s Day extra special. Don’t forget to stop by this charming spot during your visit to create a beautiful memory and perhaps even start a new Mother’s Day tradition.
