Gorgeous Mickey Mouse Icon Nesting Bowl Set To Bring Magic To Your Kitchen!
If you’ve been looking for a way to add some Disney magic to your home without clashing with your aesthetic, your search is officially over. We all love a bit of character flair, but sometimes the bright primary colors don’t exactly scream sophisticated kitchen. Enter the Mickey Mouse Icon Nesting Bowl Set, the perfect solution for the Disney fan who lives for a neutral palette.
Retailing for $44.99 at theDisney Store online, this trio is a total dream for anyone into the quiet luxury or boho-chic vibe.
These aren’t just your average mixing bowls; they’re designed to fit seamlessly into a modern kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of Mickey-shaped pancakes or just serving up some snacks, these bowls bring a subtle, chic taste of the Parks right to your countertop.
The set comes with three distinct sizes that nest perfectly together, saving you that precious cabinet space. Each bowl has its own personality while staying strictly within that gorgeous tan and off-white color scheme:
The Smallest Bowl: A beautiful tan shade that’s completely covered in embossed Mickey Mouse icons. It’s textured, tactile, and honestly just adorable.
The Medium Bowl: An off-white base featuring tan Mickey icon screen art. This one provides a nice visual contrast to the textured small bowl while keeping the theme cohesive.
The Largest Bowl: The anchor of the set is a crisp off-white, keeping it simple and clean with embossed Mickey icons running elegantly along the rim.
It’s rare to find Disney kitchenware that feels this grown-up while still being undeniably whimsical. For under $50, you’re getting a functional set that looks like it belongs in a high-end interior design magazine. It’s the kind of set that makes you want to host a brunch just so you have an excuse to put them on display. If you’re ready to level up your kitchen game, head over to the Disney Store site and snag these before they disappear!
If you’re wandering through EPCOT and looking for something that is pure, unadulterated cuteness, you have to stop and check out the latest find for the kiddos. We all know Baymax is the ultimate healthcare companion, but when you pair him up with Mochi (Aunt Cass’s “hairy baby” calico cat), it’s almost too much to handle. This new youth Baymax and Mochi Heart tee is basically a warm hug in shirt form.
The design is set on a super cozy gray fabric that feels perfect for a long day of park hopping or just lounging at home. Right in the center, you’ve got Baymax and Mochi snuggled up together inside a big heart. It’s topped off with the phrase “Besties Forever” in a fun, bubbly font, making it the perfect gift for a little one to wear while meeting their own favorite characters.
Aside from being adorable, it’s also a great souvenir because it features the Walt Disney World logo right at the bottom. It’s a classic way to remember a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth without being too over-the-top. For $24.99, it’s a solid price point for official park gear that you know they’ll actually want to wear again and again.
Whether you’re hitting up San Fransokyo Square over in California or just soaking up the vibes at EPCOT, this shirt is a total win for any Big Hero 6 fan. Just try not to say “ba-la-la-la-la” every time you see them wearing it!
If you’re wandering through Epcot and looking for your next favorite cozy find, you have to check out the new Mickey Heart Hand Sweatshirt. It comes in a gorgeous, moody darker pink, honestly, it’s the perfect shade if you want something colorful but a bit more sophisticated than a bright bubblegum pink. It’s got that classic “I’m on vacation and loving it” vibe that makes it hard to leave on the hanger.
The real star of the show is the texture. On the chest, you’ve got those iconic Mickey gloves in a soft chenille appliqué, coming together to form a sweet little hand heart. To tie it all together, the Walt Disney World wordmark is embroidered right underneath in a sleek black. It’s a great mix of materials that makes the hoodie feel a bit more boutique than your standard screen-printed souvenir.
As for the fit, it’s a total classic pullover. You’ve got your trusty kangaroo pocket for stashing your phone (or a stray churro), plus ribbed cuffs and a drawstring hood to keep things snug. It’s retailing for $69.99, which is a solid price point for a high-quality park hoodie that’ll actually keep you warm during those surprisingly chilly Florida nights.
The Summer That Never Was: A New “Phineas and Ferb” Movie Greenlit at Disney+
Behold! The Tri-State Area is about to get a whole lot more chaotic. Disney Branded Television has officially greenlit a new Phineas and Ferb time-warp adventure movie, marking the third feature-film installment for the global phenomenon.
Series co-creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh are returning to executive produce the project, which is set to begin production later this year. The movie will be available to stream on Disney+and will also air on Disney Channel, following the massive success of the show’s recent fifth-season revival.
The upcoming film centers on a catastrophic mishap involving Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz. In his latest attempt at temporal manipulation, an experiment backfires and accidentally erases the pivotal moment Phineas’ mom, Linda, met Ferb’s dad, Lawrence.
The consequences are dire: without that meeting, the boys never become brothers. Instead of grand inventions and “the best summer ever,” every day is now merely “adequate.” As reality begins to unravel and the future hangs in the balance, Phineas and Ferb must find a way to restore the timeline and save their family before it’s too late.
“We’ve always wanted to explore a story centered on family and unconditional love, preferably in a way that’s bold and sentimental yet classically funny,” said Povenmire and Marsh. “We’re grateful for the runway to expand Danville and take these characters to a whole new level.”
Fans can expect the familiar voices that defined a generation to return for this high-stakes mission. The cast features Vincent Martella as Phineas, David Errigo Jr. as Ferb, and Ashley Tisdale as the ever-suspicious Candace Flynn.
Rounding out the ensemble are Caroline Rhea (Linda Flynn-Fletcher), Alyson Stoner (Isabella), Maulik Pancholy (Baljeet), and Bobby Gaylor (Buford). Dee Bradley Baker once again provides the iconic sounds of Perry the Platypus, while Povenmire and Marsh voice their respective roles as Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram.
A Weekend of Non-Stop Content
The movie news arrives just ahead of a massive wave of new content hitting Disney+ and Disney Channel this weekend:
Friday, Jan. 16: Eight all-new shorts titled Agent P Under C will debut. The digital series follows Perry the Platypus as he goes undercover to thwart A.N.A.T.H.E.M.A. (the Alliance of Nefarious Animals That Have an Exceptionally Memorable Acronym).
Saturday, Jan. 17: New episodes of Phineas and Ferb will drop, including the 22-minute special “VENDPOCALYPSE THE MUSICAL.” This musical event will feature guest stars Meghan Trainor, Anna Faris, Cristo Fernández, Megan Rapinoe, and Iain Stirling.
With the franchise recently ranking on Nielsen’s Streaming Top 10 with nearly 600 million minutes viewed, the enduring appeal of the series is stronger than ever. All original seasons and previous films are currently available to stream on Disney+.
Epic Lineup Revealed: SeaWorld Orlando Announces 2026 Seven Seas Food Festival Concert Series
SeaWorld Orlando is turning up the volume in 2026 with its Seven Seas Food Festivalconcert series, featuring what park officials call the strongest lineup of live music in the park’s history. Running select dates from January 31 through May 17, the series includes more than 30 full-length live concerts—all included with park admission.
“This is the biggest and most diverse concert lineup we’ve ever presented,” said Jon Peterson, Park President of SeaWorld Orlando. “With chart-topping artists, throwback favorites, and every concert included with park admission, we’re delivering one of the best entertainment values in Central Florida.”
The 2026 series spans a massive range of genres, including pop, hip-hop, country, classic rock, alternative, and Latin. Whether you’re a fan of 1960s legends or contemporary chart-toppers, the Bayside Stadium stage has something for every generation.
Artist Highlights
The Kickoff: Global superstar Flo Rida gets the party started on January 31.
Nostalgia Hits: Fans can catch Boyz II Men, The Beach Boys, and the Pop 2000 Tour (hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC).
Rock & Alternative: Legends like Gene Simmons (of KISS) and Jefferson Starship join modern favorites like The Fray and Fitz and the Tantrums.
Country Stars: Nashville hits the stage with Trace Adkins, Maddie & Tae, and Brett Young.
All concerts are held at 7:00 p.m. at Bayside Stadium. Here is the current schedule of announced performers:
Date
Artist / Performance
Jan. 31
Flo Rida
Feb. 1
Saliva
Feb. 7
Bow Wow
Feb. 14
The Click Five
Feb. 15
Warrant
Feb. 20
Jefferson Starship
Feb. 21
Omar Courtz
Feb. 22
Pop 2000 Tour (Chris Kirkpatrick, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, LFO)
Feb. 27
Ying Yang Twins & Paul Wall
Feb. 28
Gene Simmons
Mar. 6
Smash Mouth
Mar. 7
Maddie & Tae
Mar. 8
I Love The 90s: Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC, Color Me Badd
Mar. 14
Connor Price
Mar. 15
Tiffany, Bow Wow Wow, and Animotion
Mar. 21
All-4-One
Mar. 22
The Beach Boys
Mar. 27
Soulja Boy and Baby Bash
Mar. 28
Fitz and the Tantrums
Apr. 4
Brett Young
Apr. 10
Chris Janson
Apr. 12
The Fray
Apr. 17
Uncle Kracker
Apr. 18
Trace Adkins
Apr. 26
Boyz II Men
May 1
Bonnie Tyler
May 9
Grupo Manía
May 16
Proyecto Uno
More Than Just Music: Global Flavors
The Seven Seas Food Festival is SeaWorld’s signature culinary event. This year features a NEW rotating lineup of global flavors across more than 25 international marketplaces. Guests can sip and sample their way through specialty beverages and world-class cuisine while enjoying live street entertainment throughout the park.
Enhance Your Experience
While concerts are free with admission, guests can upgrade their night with Reserved Seating available in three tiers:
Front Row: Unobstructed views and exclusive Floor Bar access.
Up Close: Premium proximity to the stage.
Reserved: Guaranteed seating in a designated section.
The Best Way to Attend
For those planning to visit multiple times, the SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card or an Annual Pass offers the best value. Pass Members enjoy perks like free parking, guest tickets, and discounts on the Seven Seas food sampling lanyards.
40 Years of Wonder: Disney’s The Seas Celebrates Four Decades at EPCOT
For 40 years, guests at EPCOT have been diving into a world where curiosity runs as deep as the ocean. Today, The Seas with Nemo & Friendscelebrates four decades of inspiring explorers to discover the wonders beneath the waves. From its debut as an engineering marvel to its current status as a global leader in marine conservation, let’s dive in and explore this incredible journey!
Originally opened as The Living Seas on January 15, 1986, the pavilion offered more than just an aquarium—it was an immersive journey into ocean exploration.
A Futuristic Journey
In the early days, guests began their adventure by boarding hydrolators, which created the sensation of traveling deep beneath the waves to Seabase Alpha, a futuristic undersea research center. “With no large aquariums like this at the time, we had to be creative in engaging guests,” says Tom, Animal Policy & Content Director. “It paid off—we were inspired by the vision to create something as beautiful as the ocean.”
Creating the pavilion was a massive undertaking that led to several industry breakthroughs:
A Giant Environment: Upon opening, it featured the largest indoor saltwater environment in North America.
Innovative Filtration: The team developed a reverse-flow filtration system that recycled 5.7 million gallons of water.
Sustainability: A pioneering closed-loop water system set a global benchmark for sustainable aquarium practices.
The pavilion evolved over time, welcoming Turtle Talk with Crush in 2004 and officially transforming into The Seas with Nemo & Friends in 2007, blending beloved Disney storytelling with marine education.
The Present: Innovation in Animal Care
Today, the pavilion is home to over 2,000 animals and 90 marine species. A dedicated team of veterinarians, nutritionists, and aquarists works around the clock to provide world-class care.
Leading in Conservation
The Seas plays a critical role in protecting Florida’s most iconic species:
Manatee Rescue: As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), Disney has successfully rehabilitated and released 30 manatees.
Sea Turtle Recovery: More than 350 sea turtles have been cared for and returned to the “big blue” by Disney’s team.
Coral Restoration: Beyond EPCOT, Disney scientists are outplanting coral fragments in The Bahamas to restore fragile reef ecosystems.
The Disney Conservation Fund is also celebrating a milestone—30 years of impact with $132 million invested globally, including $24 million specifically for marine species.
The Future: Inspiring the Next Generation
As EPCOT continues its multi-year transformation, The Seas remains a cornerstone of the park’s mission. By connecting guests with marine life, Disney hopes to spark a lifelong passion for the environment.
“When guests connect with these animals, something amazing happens – they start caring about how to protect them,” says Dr. Geoff, animal operations director. “We’re impacting the next generation, and they’re the ones who will help us save our oceans.”
From the hydrolators of 1986 to the conservation triumphs of 2026, The Seas with Nemo & Friends continues to prove that the spirit of curiosity is the most powerful tool we have for protecting our planet.
First Snowfall Hits Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort
The arrival of the first snowfall of 2026 has ushered in a breathtaking start to the year, transforming the Disney parks in Paris and Tokyo into shimmering winter wonderlands.
From the spires of Sleeping Beauty Castle to the newly frosted peaks of the North Mountain, these rare weather events have provided a cinematic backdrop for a year that promises to be one of the biggest in Disney Parks history.
In France, the “charming streets” of Disneyland Park were glistening under a fresh coat of snow, but the real excitement was happening next door at the soon-to-be-renamed Disney Adventure World.
For the first time, snow fell upon the World of Frozen construction site. While the immersive land officially opens on March 29, 2026, the sight of real snowflakes dusting the 118-foot-tall North Mountain offered a breathtaking preview of the kingdom of Arendelle.
Frozen Ever After: A family-friendly boat journey through Elsa’s Ice Palace featuring state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics.
A Celebration in Arendelle: A brand-new show on the waters of Arendelle Bay. Presented several times a day, the performance unfolds aboard three majestic Viking longships and celebrates the “Snowflower Festival.”
Nordic Eats & Sweets: Guests can savor authentic flavors at the Nordic Crown Tavern or shop for unique treasures at the Fjord View Shop, home to the interactive “Rúna” baby troll toy.
Tokyo Disney Resort: A Fairytale Duster
Halfway across the globe, delicate snowflakes also fell on Tokyo Disney Resort to kick off 2026. This rare sight added an extra layer of charm to Tokyo Disneyland, where rooftops were dusted in white—most notably Beast’s Castle at the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction.
The snowfall has amplified the park’s seasonal atmosphere, making it the perfect time to indulge in cozy winter traditions.
Winter Must-Haves in Tokyo:
The Treats: Guests are warming up with Hot Chocolate (Lingonberry & Whipped Topping) at Fantasy Springs or the classic Hot Cocoa found at Rackety’s Raccoon Saloon.
The Views: The “dusting of white” across the Mediterranean Harbor at Tokyo DisneySea and the Westernland wilderness offers a unique perspective that few guests get to see in person.
Winter Magic Around the World
These snowfalls serve as a reminder that winter at Disney parks is truly something special. Whether you’re dreaming of a chocolat chaud in Paris or a steaming cup of hot cocoa in Tokyo, the season brings a sense of celebration that makes every corner of the parks feel like a storybook.
So bundle up, grab your camera, and take in the magic—2026 is just getting started!
First Look: The New Figment Artist Popcorn Bucket is Coming to EPCOT’s 2026 Festival of the Arts
It has become one of the most anticipated traditions of the new year at Walt Disney World. It isn’t a new ride or a castle show—it is a plastic purple dragon that holds popcorn.
Set to debut alongside the festival kickoff on Friday, January 16, 2026, this year’s bucket leans heavily into the “Arts” theme, giving everyone’s favorite spark of imagination a creative new look. But for fans hoping to snag one, the purchase process will look a little different than the chaotic queues of years past.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Figment Popcorn Bucket.
While previous years have featured Figment inside his famous Imagination Institute lightbulb or perched atop the glass pyramids of the Imagination Pavilion, the 2026 edition puts the focus back on the character himself.
The Figment Artist Bucket features the beloved dragon in a playful, seated pose. Ready to paint the town (or at least the World Showcase), he is donning a paint-splattered purple beret and a colorful, paint-stained bow tie. To complete the ensemble, he is clutching a large paintbrush, looking every bit the artiste ready for his close-up.
The bucket also comes with a themed, adjustable carrying strap covered in artistic patterns, making it easy to carry around the park while you sample the festival’s culinary delights.
Longtime fans will remember the “Popcorn Bucket Panic” of 2022, where the original Figment bucket commanded lines of up to seven hours, wrapping around the World Showcase. To avoid a repeat of that viral chaos, Disney is continuing to utilize technology to manage demand.
For 2026, the Figment Artist Popcorn Bucket will be available via Mobile Order only.
Location: Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey Pavilion (located between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion).
Price: $29.00.
Contents: Includes a serving of signature Rainbow Popcorn.
Purchase Limit: There is a strict limit of two (2) buckets per person, per transaction.
How to Secure Yours: On the day of your visit, open the My Disney Experience app and select “Order Food.” You will look for the “EPCOT Souvenir Release” option (likely under the Odyssey Pavilion or a special banner). Select an arrival window, pay for your order, and head to the Odyssey only when your window is called. This system allows guests to enjoy the festival rather than spending half their day standing in a queue.
Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic joins the lineup at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T taking place Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2023, at Walt Disney World Resort. The new festival food studio offers an array of vibrant and playful food-and-beverage items guaranteed to ignite guests’ imaginations (Amy Smith, Photographer)
Once you have secured your bucket, you won’t want to leave the Odyssey Pavilion too quickly. Figment’s Inspiration Station is returning for 2026 with a menu full of colorful, photo-worthy treats.
In addition to the bucket, the location will serve:
Figment Fantasy Cake ($5.79): A sponge cake filled with strawberry whipped cream, topped with white chocolate ganache, orange icing, and white chocolate Figment wings.
Color Scheme Cake ($5.29): A fruit-flavored, rainbow-hued cake topped with Skittles® “Pop’d” freeze-dried candy.
Hard Ciders: A flight of craft ciders from 3 Daughters Brewing, including Black Cherry, Orange Cream, and Strawberry Banana.
The Figment popcorn bucket has morphed from a simple souvenir into a pop-culture phenomenon. Since the explosion of popularity in 2022, Disney has made Figment the unofficial mascot of the Festival of the Arts, releasing new merchandise collections, Spirit Jerseys, and pins dedicated to the purple dragon each January.
With a design that perfectly fits the creative spirit of the festival and a purchase process designed to save your sanity, the 2026 Figment Artist Bucket is expected to be a sell-out hit.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs daily from January 16 through February 23, 2026. As with all limited-edition Disney merchandise, the bucket is available while supplies last, so we recommend prioritizing your Mobile Order as soon as you enter the park.
Imagineers and Ambassadors Share Their Review of ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’
The new documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted, uses rare archival footage to transport viewers back to the high-stakes weeks leading up to Disneyland’s 1955 debut. It captures the raw energy, impossible deadlines, and manual labor required to build a dream from the ground up. Disney has shared the reactions of Leslie, the cast, and a group of Imagineers after a special advanced screening of the documentary.
The Stars Arrive at Disney Springs
On Tuesday, a red carpet sprouted between theaters two and three, inviting a crowd of cast members and media, all buzzing to view Disneyland Handcrafted for the first time. Tuesday afternoon movie-goers shuffled by curiously and asked more than a few times about what was happening in the typically quiet hallway. Old friends were greeted, laughs shared, stories swapped, and popcorn grabbed at the door.
Creators and Imagineers alike posed for photos against a Disneyland Handcrafted backdrop, Leslie Iwerks may have pulled out the disembodied hand of Abraham Lincoln at some point, and Disney’s team was ready to capture the excitement before and after the show.
Fresh off the heels of a star-studded Burbank premiere of Disneyland Handcrafted last week the excitement continued at Walt Disney World. This special screening focused on sharing Walt’s vision with cast members, famous for enhancing the guest experience every day. Former and current representatives of the Disney Ambassadors, Imagineers, cast members, Leslie, and even a couple original 1955 Disneyland cast members, Tom Nabbe and Bill Hoelscher.
Imagineers and Anticipation Before the Premiere
So what else can be said about the grand opening of Disneyland? What haven’t we seen in the past 70 years? Those are the questions that Imagineer, Diego Parras, was looking forward to finding out ahead of watching the film.
Diego previously worked with Leslie Iwerks on The Imagineering Story, a six-part docuseries that takes the viewer behind the curtains of Walt Disney Imagineering and the creation of Disney theme parks and attractions around the world.
“Leslie is a master storyteller,” said Diego. “I can’t wait to see how she visually put together all these incredible stories that we’ve heard for years from our Disney legends.”
He’s not the only Imagineer thrilled to see specific moments come to life. Imagineer Ash Brannon shared that he’s ready to see the birth of his favorite attraction. You might know which one that is based on this infamous quote: “And if you look to your left, you’ll see the backside of water.”
If you guessed The Jungle Cruise, you’re correct. This beloved attraction is a favorite for many like Ash due to the comedic moments and unique atmosphere – and it’s one of many milestones that was accomplished within 12 months.
A Standing Ovation
As the film concluded and the lights slowly turned on, a crowd rose with cheers and happy tears as they began to applaud Leslie’s film. Leslie is the granddaughter of Ub Iwerks, Disney Legend and co-creator of Mickey Mouse, and daughter of Disney Legend, Don Iwerks. Following in the creative family footsteps, Leslie is an Oscar- and Emmy-nominated documentary director and producer.
The crowd was eager to hear from Leslie and Michael Hundgen, Portfolio Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering during a Q&A session in the theater.
Disney Ambassadors React to Disneyland Handcrafted
Leslie was excited to see the cast be so moved by the film, “The fact that it just took such hard work on Walt’s behalf to risk everything and for everybody to mobilize around his singular vision to pull off the impossible. Everyone continues that DNA; they continue everything that he put in place on that dirt plot. And [cast members] continue the magic every day.”
The very first Walt Disney World Ambassador, Debby Dane Browne came out of the theater with big feels about how the film captured the creation of Disneyland, “I was brought to tears about five times, it was so sweet! I hadn’t seen most of that footage.”
Debby said the film reminded her of when she was hired as a Walt Disney World cast member in 1969 (before becoming the first Ambassador in 1970). As part of the Walt Disney World Preview Center, she was there for the very beginnings of Magic Kingdom, “It was just mud and big equipment … seeing Walt Disney World from scratch and then seeing [Disneyland Handcrafted]; it really got me so emotional.”
Michael Collier, former 2006 Walt Disney World Ambassador, told how he enjoyed the niche moments and surprises for even the most seasoned cast members, “As an Ambassador, we get the chance to hear lots of Disneyland stories. Those that cast members have heard, or Disney fans have heard. But this took us to some of the backstories of the backstories.”
Shannon Smith-Conrad, former 2024-2025 Walt Disney World Ambassador said she got chills as she chatted about the film, “If you’re looking for a dose of motivation and inspiration to chase after your dreams, you have to watch Disneyland Handcrafted.”
We spotted Kylee Withers and Phelicia Blake near the red carpet — who currently represent Walt Disney World cast members as part of the Ambassador team. Like the Ambassadors that came before them, Kylee and Phelicia shared the same emotion (and admittedly, a few tears).
Phelicia reflected on the legacy of Disneyland, “Just to see where we all started, to where we are now. It was amazing to see. There were times where I was trying not to cry, honestly, because it was so honest and vulnerable.” And Kylee connected with the cast members on screen, “I love the title, ‘Disneyland Handcrafted,’ because this film really is a testament to how much Disneyland truly was a labor of love, and I think seeing this footage for the first time, you realize it’s handmade. Every single thing was a person that believed in what Walt Disney believed in to make that dream a reality.”
Grab your friends and gather around the TV on January 22 to tune into this emotional look at the year-long creation of Disneyland in this uplifting tale that shows any dream is possible with a little magic and determination.
The expansion of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom bus depot is in its final stages, with crews now applying the finishing wood stains to the new structures. This aesthetic touch is one of the last steps in the project, signaling that the expanded hub will soon be ready to welcome the surge of guests arriving for the park’s massive 2026 season.
The Animal Kingdom bus depot expansion has reached a major milestone, with the staining of the wooden structures now appearing complete. While construction materials and protective scrim still remain visible around the site, the project is clearly entering its final phase.
Although the permanent signage for the new load zones has yet to be installed, the refined look of the timber suggests that the area is just a few finishing touches away from opening. This much-needed capacity boost is expected to be in use very soon to help manage the heavy 2026 park crowds.
In addition to the bus loop improvements, a new building has recently gone vertical nearby. Though its siding and roofing have yet to be installed, the structure’s location suggests it may serve as an expanded hub for Cast Member operations or management support.
Disney Starlight Parade and More Shine in IAAPA Brass Ring Award Nominations
Disney is having a full sparkle moment as multiple Walt Disney Company offerings have landed finalist spots in the 2025 IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Awards. These industry honors celebrate experiences that push creative boundaries and elevate guest experiences, and Disney’s nominations span theme parks, cruise ships, retail, and sustainability efforts. In other words, imagineering magic showed up and chose excellence.
Leading the parade, quite literally, is Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away at Magic Kingdom. The nighttime spectacular is a finalist for Most Creative Spectacle, going head-to-head with two other Disney showstoppers: World of Color Happiness! at Disney California Adventure and Disney Tales of Magic at Disneyland Paris. The category is basically a glow-stick showdown, and Disney is competing with itself on three continents.
Disney Cruise Line also earned a well-deserved nod, with The Tale of Moana aboard the Disney Treasure recognized as a finalist for Most Creative Theatrical Production for year-round operation. Back on land, The Key to Disneyland from the resort’s 70th anniversary celebration unlocked a nomination for Best Custom Retail Souvenir, while Disney Consumer Products was recognized for its Disney Figurine Set Sustainable Packaging Program, highlighting the company’s ongoing push toward more eco-friendly practices.
Disneyland to Feature Multiple Eras of Star Wars Starting April 29
In a historic move for the park, Disneyland Resort is officially “unlocking the timeline” at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, moving away from its strict sequel-trilogy setting to embrace the entire saga.
Fans know that Batuu has played a role in the history of the galaxy for hundreds of years on the Outer Rim. Beginning April 29, 2026, visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in different points of the Star Wars saga inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park as they never have before with characters and storylines that capture the heart of what draws guests to this galaxy far, far away. These exciting updates to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will enable visitors to experience even more of the eras of Star Wars.
New storylines will be brought to life on Batuu, spanning multiple eras of the planet’s rich history. These updates will enable you to experience the Galactic Civil War and New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and First Order.
Black Spire Outpost will roll back in time several decades, thoughtfully introducing beloved characters from across the Star Wars timeline, new props and graphics in some areas, musical selections from Star Wars film scores throughout the land and more. Each era will be brought to life with the same care and attention to detail that the land was originally designed with, masterfully weaving together stories from across time and space in one location.
Where You’ll Find Iconic Star Wars Saga Characters
Cue “The Imperial March.” Darth Vader’s search for Luke Skywalker will bring him to Batuu. This Sith Lord will be joined by Imperial Stormtroopers, and as they seek the elusive Jedi, they may find hints of the Force around the outpost.
Leia Organa and Han Solo will be reunited with Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca amid the rocky spires.
Luke Skywalker will roam the outpost seeking knowledge of the Force and artifacts related to lightsaber building, kyber crystals, and more.
Leia Organa may be spotted near the Millennium Falcon, where she’ll recruit travelers and locals to help keep Luke safe.
Han Solo also will linger around his prized ship, tempted by the local cantina.
These iconic heroes and villains of the Star Wars saga will join familiar faces you may see now in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Encounter Ahsoka Tano and The Mandalorian and Grogu near the marketplace.
The beloved starship mechanic and fighter pilot’s assistant, R2-D2, will also continue to roll through the land.
The forested area on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost will continue to represent a time inspired by the Age of the Resistance. You may find Rey around this Resistance camp, and if you’re bold enough, become a hero yourself in a climactic battle with the First Order aboard Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Hear John Williams Music Throughout the Land
As you take in the towering remains of petrified trees that create the skyline of Batuu, you’ll be further transported into the world of Star Wars with the addition of beloved scores from legendary composer John Williams, pulling themes from the first six films.
Passing through the tunnels of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the iconic “Main Title” and Force Theme will beckon you to a galaxy far, far away. As you wander through the land, you’ll hear motifs from other classic tracks including “Han Solo and the Princess,” “The Desert and the Robot Auction,” “The Emperor” and more.
And of course, the lively tune “Cantina Band” will be heard from within Oga’s Cantina. In the era of the Galactic Civil War, proprietor Oga Garra only recently opened this watering hole, which is already becoming a popular spot for intergalactic travelers.
Enhancements to Local Establishments and Shops
As Batuu’s history is represented with new storylines, you may notice some updates to buildings and shops throughout the land.
First Order Cargo will transform into Black Spire Surplus, a military salvage operation offering artifacts from across the history of the galaxy, including Imperial and Rebel items from the Galactic Civil War.
As antiquities shops often do, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will display a different array of one-of-a-kind items from its past. The curiosities and artifacts in his shop certainly change with the times.
An earlier generation of the Mubo family will operate Droid Depot, where they will be prototyping the BB style of droid. You’ll still have the opportunity to purchase and create your own droid companion at this shop.
In his search for information on lightsabers and the Force, Luke Skywalker will be interested in meeting with Savi. You may continue to have the opportunity to purchase and build your own lightsaber under the guidance of Savi’s Gatherers.
Plus, Favorite Star Wars Attractions, Entertainment, and Food
As the storyline of Batuu expands to encompass a broader selection of stories reflecting the planet’s rich history, you will still be able to enjoy some of your favorite galactic pastimes. From the cockpit of Han’s trusted ship, fly aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or sample favorite flavors from across the galaxy like blue milk and ronto wraps.
Watch as the spires of Batuu become a one-of-a-kind backdrop each night for the legendary story of the Skywalkers in the projection show “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” On select evenings, “Fire of the Rising Moons” showcases a unique view of the Disneyland park fireworks accompanied by iconic music and tales from across the galaxy.
Whether you’re walking the path of the light or dark side — or even just a traveler passing through this rich story — you won’t want to miss these updates that celebrate even more of the stories and characters Star Wars fans know and love. You may begin to see some of these enhancements appear in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland over the next couple months, before they officially debut on April 29, 2026.
