Walls Up as Downtown Disney Construction is Ongoing
Construction is still ongoing on the west end of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. Buildings have been demolished and work is underway on new restaurants and guest areas.
The walls up around the former AMC theater area show concept art for what is to come to Downtown Disney. The space behind the walls will soon be home to the new Din Tai Fung restaurant, a new Earl of Sandwich location, other shops, a stage for musical guests and a grassy area for special events.
Another part of the wall also shows a look back at Downtown Disney through the years. There are images from the 1950s, 1960s, and 2000s.
The upcoming spaces draw inspiration from the mid-century space age aesthetic, a trend that thrived in California during the 1950s and ’60s.
While this initiative has been gradually advancing over the past few years, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock recently announced an anticipated completion timeframe of 18 months. This projection suggests that the District will fully showcase its revitalized appearance by the end of 2024.
The ongoing enhancements to the resort’s entertainment, shopping, and dining hub represent just a tiny fraction of the broader initiatives tied to the DisneylandForward program. This extensive, multi-year public planning endeavor aims to chart the course for the next thirty years of development in collaboration with the City of Anaheim and Orange County.
If you’d like to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
New & Exciting Details Revealed for Pixar Fest Coming to Disneyland this April
Pixar Fest is coming to the Disneyland Resort next month! From April 26 through August 4 guests can celebrate friendship and beyond with many all-new offerings, plus some returning favorites with special new enhancements!
New ‘Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!’ Parade at Disney California Adventure Park
Dynamic and colorful floats will make their way through Disney California Adventure park twice per day in the new “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade from Disney Live Entertainment, with high-energy dancing and appearances by more than two dozen Pixar characters. You’ll spot Red Panda Mei and her friends rocking out to their favorite boy band, 4*Town; Joe Gardner and 22 from “Soul” celebrating the sweeter things in life; Luca, Alberto and Giulia from “Luca” enjoying their time together on the water’s edge in Portorosso; and more. The grand finale will feature Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl from “The Incredibles,” Miguel from “Coco,” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” and Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story.”
‘Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular’ at Disneyland Park
“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will return to Disneyland park with some all-new scenes from the creative teams at Disney Live Entertainment and Pixar. Celebrating the heart of Pixar storytelling, this nighttime spectacular will take you on an emotional journey of friendship with Pixar pals as they meet for the first time, set out on adventures, overcome adversity and in the end, forge everlasting bonds. In addition to iconic moments from the original production — like Miguel strumming his guitar and Carl and Ellie’s house floating above Sleeping Beauty Castle — you’ll also see new scenes added featuring characters and moments from Pixar’s “Onward,” “Soul,” “Luca,” “Turning Red” and “Elemental” brought to life like never before.
Vivid projections, colorful lasers and memorable music can be enjoyed from multiple locations throughout Disneyland, including the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and Main Street, U.S.A. And on most evenings, fireworks will illuminate the sky with this beloved show.
Bonus: During “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” your MagicBand+ will come to life with twinkling lights and vibrations synchronized to the music.
Club Pixar at the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure Park
During the day at the Hollywood Backlot, you can snap a photo in front of Pixar-themed backdrops, play games and maybe even encounter a favorite character to pose with.When day turns to night, Club Pixar will take over the area for a nighttime party, inspired by the amazing stories from Pixar Animation Studios. Your whole group can enjoy an interactive DJ dance party, live performances, exciting games, photo opportunities, themed food, specially crafted beverages and more.
Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park
Throughout the day, the whole family can dance and play the Pixar way with some favorite pals at the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park. Get into the groove at a high-energy show, enjoy interactive games, photo locations and activities inspired by Pixar feature films, and even watch a selection of iconic shorts on the big screen.
Pixar-Themed Foods and Marketplaces
Foodies, get ready for Pixar-inspired food and beverages available around the resort! Though we can’t share all details on all the treats just yet, we’ve got an early look at an item you can start dreaming about – the iconic Pixar Fest cake will return to Plaza Inn!
New this year, the menu at Troubadour Tavern in Disneyland park will transform to feature Pixar-inspired bites and beverages. And once again, Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure park will serve “Coco”-inspired menu items.
You’ll also want to mark your calendars because beginning May 10, six Pixar-themed marketplaces will join the fun in Disney California Adventure park and be available through the length of the festival. Each location celebrates a unique film, and menu items will transport you and your tastebuds right into some fan-favorite Pixar worlds. Here’s a little flavor of what you can expect:
Summertime dishes inspired by the Italian coast at Portorosso Pasta from “Luca”
Reimagined classics at Gusteau’s To-Go,themed to “Ratatouille”
A playful mélange of elements at The Elemental Table,inspired by “Elemental”
Fun foods perfect for a tween, boy band (or anyone, really!) at 4*Town Fav*4*ites from “Turning Red”
Feel-good foods that feed your soul at The Spark, inspired by “Soul”
Flavors to appeal to all of your emotions at Hanger Management from “Inside Out.”
Encounters with Pixar Characters
At various locations in both parks, you’ll be able to meet many characters from Pixar stories, including friends from “Inside Out” and “The Incredibles.” You may also encounter Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” who will be making their Disneyland Resort debut for Pixar Fest!
Incoming Novelties
For that perfect keepsake that also satisfies your Disney snack cravings, look no further than new novelties arriving just for Pixar Fest! You may recognize the Pizza Planet truck from … well, almost every Pixar film, and soon you can purchase a version that doubles as a popcorn bucket!
Pixar Merchandise Throughout Disneyland Resort
If you just can’t wait to get in the Pixar Fest spirit, we’ve got some good news! All-new merchandise collections will begin to arrive around Disneyland Resort this month, with stylish designs inspired by iconic Pixar films and characters. From Pizza Planet baseball caps to Mike Wazowski sweatshirts, items from these collections are the perfect way to get ready for a Pixar-filled summer. Plus, additional limited-time Pixar Fest merchandise will arrive in April.
You’ll also find medallions themed to each of your favorite Pixar films available for a limited time throughout Disneyland Resort. Whether you’re a fan of classics like “Toy Story” and “a Bug’s Life” or prefer newer releases like “Lightyear” and “Elemental,” you won’t want to miss these collectibles.
Festive Décor Throughout Disneyland Resort
Decorations will pop up all around Disneyland Resort, enhancing The Happiest Place on Earth with brightly-colored banners, incredible sculptures that double as must-stop photo locations and more inspired by favorite Pixar stories! In the esplanade between Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, you won’t want to miss the over 25-foot-tall sculpture celebrating friendship and highlighting the iconic Pixar Ball. And in Disney California Adventure, you’ll even be able to use your MagicBand+ to interact with a Pixar-themed installation.
Pixar Fest at Downtown Disney District
The festivities will extend into the Downtown Disney District, with vibrant decorations throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment promenade. You can shop favorite merchandise collections, strike a pose in front of photo opportunities celebrating Pixar stories and when hunger strikes, enjoy Pixar-inspired menu items at select dining locations.
Disneyland Resort is the ultimate destination for Pixar fans this summer and beyond, as these limited-time offerings join an array of ways you can celebrate Pixar year-round. From Cars Land and Pixar Pier, to attractions like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, to eats at Angry Dogs and Alien Pizza Planet, Pixar stories are celebrated everywhere you look!
And for those who want to stay in the magic even after leaving the theme parks, Pixar Place Hotel is a great way to stay immersed! Pixar Place Hotel celebrates the artistry of Pixar Animation Studios, with nods to every feature film from the iconic animation studio. As the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States, it brings the innovative storytelling of Pixar Animation Studios to life in a whole new way, from never-before-seen artwork to unique character encounters — including Joe Gardner from “Soul” and Bing Bong from “Inside Out.”
Ready to celebrate Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today to get your trip on the books! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical and stress-free vacation.
Adorable Mickey And Minnie Easter Bag Charms By BaubleBar!
This Spring add a touch of Disney magic to your bag with these Mickey And Minnie Easter Bag Charms by BaubleBar! They are adorable and filled with shimmer and enchantment.
The Mickey Mouse bag charm features our favorite mouse dressed up for Easter in a plaid shirt with pastel colors and blue shorts covered in sparkly stones. His shoes are also covered in yellow stones and his bunny ears headband matches the plaid on the shirt and are topped with sparkly gemstones.
Minnie is looking gorgeous in her colorful dress with blue and purple gemstones and pearl accents, her shoes are covered in sparkly purple stones that match her bow, and her bunny ears feature pearls to match her dress and add an extra girly and classic touch.
Pixar Marketplaces Coming to Disney California Adventure for Pixar Fest
Attention, Disney Addicts! Prepare to immerse yourselves in a world of Pixar-inspired culinary delights scattered across the resort! While we’re keeping some treats under wraps for now, we’re excited to offer you a sneak peek at one particular delicacy to whet your appetite – the iconic Pixar Fest cake will be making its triumphant return to Plaza Inn!
But that’s not all – this year, Troubadour Tavern at Disneyland will undergo a magical transformation, featuring an array of Pixar-inspired bites and beverages. Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, Paradise Garden Grill will once again delight guests with a menu inspired by the heartwarming film “Coco.”
And if that isn’t enough to tantalize your taste buds, mark your calendars for May 10th, when six Pixar-themed marketplaces will make their debut at Disney California Adventure, remaining open throughout the festival. Each marketplace will pay homage to a unique Pixar film, transporting you and your senses into the beloved worlds of Pixar. Here’s a taste of what’s to come:
Indulge in summertime delights inspired by the Italian coast at Portorosso Pasta, paying homage to “Luca.”
Gusteau’s To-Go will serve up reimagined classics themed to the beloved film “Ratatouille.”
Experience a playful fusion of flavors at The Elemental Table, drawing inspiration from “Elemental.”
Dive into fun and flavorful dishes perfect for any occasion at 4Town Fav4*ites, inspired by “Turning Red.”
Feed your soul with feel-good foods at The Spark, celebrating the heartwarming film “Soul.”
Explore a spectrum of flavors to satisfy all your emotions at Hanger Management, inspired by the beloved film “Inside Out.”
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other, as Pixar Fest brings together the magic of Pixar and the joy of delicious cuisine. Let your taste buds rejoice as you savor the flavors of Pixar’s most beloved worlds, right here at the resort.
The design is retro looking with the Walt Disney World logo surrounded by different icons from the 4 themed parks like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in pastel colors.
You can also pick between more than 10 different shirt colors to get the one that goes best with your style or match with your friends!
New BoxLunch Gift Exclusive Minnie Mouse Pastel Polka Dot Loungefly Backpack Available Now!
This new Minnie Mouse Pastel Polka Dot Loungefly Backpack is perfect to add a touch of Disney magic to your style this Spring! You can get it online at BoxLunch Gifts for $84.90.
It features a polka dot pattern in teal, yellow and lavender colors making it perfect for Easter! It also features 3D ears and bow plus gold hardware, adjustable straps and inside lining featuring Minnie Mouse! Definitely a must have in your style.
Pizza Planet Truck Popcorn Bucket Coming to Pixar Fest
Beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios are about to come to life in a whole new way when Pixar Fest returns to Disneyland Resort from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024!
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with a touch of Pixar magic as Disneyland Resort unveils an exciting new novelty for Pixar Fest: the Pizza Planet Truck Popcorn Bucket. As Pixar Fest continues to enchant guests with its celebration of all things Pixar, this delightful addition promises to be a must-have keepsake for fans of the beloved animation studio.
For those familiar with Pixar’s iconic Pizza Planet truck, which has made appearances in numerous Pixar films, this popcorn bucket serves as both a charming souvenir and a practical snack holder. Now, fans can indulge in their favorite Disney snacks while basking in the nostalgia of Pixar’s timeless classics.
This whimsical novelty perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Pixar Fest, offering guests the opportunity to bring home a piece of Pixar magic. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Toy Story franchise or simply appreciate the creativity and imagination that Pixar embodies, the Pizza Planet Truck Popcorn Bucket is sure to delight guests of all ages.
But that’s not all – with Pixar Fest in full swing, there are plenty more fun Pixar-themed novelties to look forward to. From exclusive merchandise to delectable treats inspired by Pixar characters, the festivities are far from over. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting announcements as Pixar Fest continues to dazzle guests with its celebration of friendship, adventure, and the power of imagination.
So mark your calendars and get ready to join in the fun at Pixar Fest. Whether you’re exploring the parks, enjoying the vibrant entertainment offerings, or indulging in delectable Pixar-inspired snacks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as Disneyland Resort pays tribute to the magic of Pixar. And with the Pizza Planet Truck Popcorn Bucket making its debut, it’s bound to be an event to remember for Pixar fans everywhere.
New Minnie Mouse Hydrangea Sequined Loungefly Backpack Spotted At Disney Springs!
A gorgeous sparkly Minnie Mouse Hydrangea Sequined Loungefly Backpack is now available at Disney Springs for $98. We can’t wait for it to be available at the Disney Store as well.
The backpack features a hydrangea blue color covered in sequins that will help you make the whole place shimmer! It also features 3D ears and a sequined bow plus silver hardware.
You can take a closer look at this backpack in our Instagram post:
New Ratatouille Ear Headband Now At Disney Springs!
A new Ratatouille Ear Headband is now available at Disney Springs for $34.99! A perfect accessory to remind you that the only limit is your soul every time you wear it.
The ears are beige with a dark blue trim and feature Remy on one side and Emile on the other. The bow is made to look like a piece of cheese and the back of the ears feature the iconic blue and white plaid pattern from Ratatouille.
You can take a closer look at these ears in our Instagram post:
Pixar Fest Decorations Starting to Show Up Ahead of Festival
Pixar Fest is returning to the Disneyland Resort this year! From April 26 through August 4, 2024, guests can celebrate all things Pixar. While the festival doesn’t start until next month, some decorations have already been put up at the resort.
Three large posters advertising Pixar Fest 2024 have been installed at Disney California Adventure. We saw them in the seating area outside of the Hyperion Theater. One features characters from Monsters Inc., one features characters from Coco, and the third features characters from The Incredibles.
All three posters also feature the festival’s catch phrase, “Celebrating Friendship and Beyond”.
While visiting World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District, we also noticed some new Pixar merchandise displays. They didn’t feature Pixar Fest specific merchandise or decor but there is a lot of Pixar merch available to purchase.
Signs above the displays read “World of Pixar”. There are all kinds of merchandise and souvenirs available. Apparel, Loungefly backpacks, Minnie ears, Mickey ear hats, and more!
We also saw tumblers, stuffed animals, toys, etc.
Pixar Fest will be a celebration of friendship and beyond with exciting entertainment and Pixar pals! We can’t wait for it to begin.
Want to experience Pixar Fest this year? Contact me today to get your trip booked! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Ravensburger, renowned for its acclaimed board games, exquisite toys, and challenging puzzles, has unveiled its latest addition to the Star Wars™ Villainous series: Star Wars™ Villainous: Revenge at Last. This two-player expandalone thrusts players into the sinister realms of the galaxy far, far away, featuring the relentless Sith lord Darth Maul™ and the indomitable Commander of the First Order, Captain Phasma™.
Scheduled for pre-order on June 24, 2024, and hitting Target stores on July 21, 2024, Star Wars™ Villainous: Revenge at Last promises an immersive experience like never before. Lysa Penrose, Head of New Games Marketing at Ravensburger, expressed excitement, stating, “The Star Wars galaxy teems with intricate, dark, and captivating tales, particularly those surrounding beloved antagonists like Darth Maul.
“In crafting this expansion, we’ve endeavored to encapsulate Maul’s narrative within the engaging gameplay of Villainous, featuring custom art and objectives of unparalleled ruthlessness.”
Fans of Villainous should pick up the newly refreshed “Introduction to Evil” (pictures below) and other amazing expansions featuring their favorite Disney Villains.
In this latest installment, players delve into the untold ambitions of Darth Maul and Captain Phasma, racing to fulfill their dark destinies. Each villain offers a unique “Villain Deck,” immersing players in gameplay reflective of their character’s motivations and exploits across various Star Wars media. Through cunning strategy, luck, and the channeling of their villain’s ambition, players strive to be the first to achieve their sinister objectives.
Star Wars Villainous introduces game mechanics exclusive to the Star Wars universe, including Force wielder currency and rules governing iconic ships and transports. Further gameplay details will be unveiled in June alongside the game’s pre-order availability, promising fans an experience that transcends the ordinary and plunges them into the depths of villainy within the Star Wars galaxy.
The Star Wars™ Villainous: Revenge at Last game is suggested for players ages 10 and up and will be available at retail in July with a reduced price point of $19.99 USD/$29.99 CAD. The game is compatible with the previous Star Wars™ Villainous game releases, including the Star Wars™ Villainous: Power of the Dark Side and Star Wars™ Villainous: Scum and Villainy releases.
Hey, thrill-seekers and Nintendo fans! Have you ever wanted to jump into a video game and experience the adventure in real life? Well, soon you’ll be able to do just that with the upcoming Donkey Kong Roller Coaster, believed to be officially named Mine Cart Madness, at Super Nintendo World, coming soon to Epic Universe! Thanks to some awesome aerial photos shared by bioreconstruct, we’ve got a sneak peek at what’s to come, and let me tell you, it looks amazing!
The Donkey Kong Roller Coaster is shaping up to be one of the most exciting attractions in the soon-to-open Epic Universe theme park, set for 2025. The recent photos show that the large gold bricks at the top right of the coaster have had their scaffolding removed, revealing the progress that has been made on this much-anticipated ride.
photo credit: bioreconstruct
One photo gives us an aerial view of the current theming of a wall at the roller coaster. The center area has been recently assembled, and it looks like it will be painted soon, adding to the vibrant and immersive world of Donkey Kong. The theming is certainly reminiscent of Donkey Kong!
photo credit: bioreconstruct
Another exciting feature spotted in the photos is a barrel that riders will pass through on the lift hill. It’s positioned on a rectangular steel frame, ready to be lifted into place. This detail alone shows how much effort is going into making this ride a unique and thrilling experience, and is another element Donkey Kong fans will recognize from the video games!
Aerial photo of the barrel that will be at the lift hill of the Donkey Kong roller coaster in Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/r3akvfj0Xm
What sets the Donkey Kong Roller Coaster apart is its design, which allows the vehicles to seemingly jump over broken track pieces. This mirrors the iconic gameplay of the Donkey Kong video games, where mine carts had to leap over gaps in the tracks. It’s sure to be a heart-pounding feature that makes riders feel like they’re part of the game.
Glimpse of large gold bricks recently completed in Super Nintendo World. As seen from Universal Blvd. pic.twitter.com/29xgclqtpd
The Donkey Kong Roller Coaster, or Mine Cart Madness, is just one part of the larger Super Nintendo World, which promises to bring our favorite video games to life. From the aerial views shared by bioreconstruct, it’s clear that this roller coaster is going to be a standout attraction. With innovative design and exciting theming, it’s sure to be a hit with both roller coaster enthusiasts and Nintendo fans!
As we await the grand opening of Epic Universe in 2025, these sneak peeks have certainly increased the excitement and anticipation for this ambitious new park. Get ready to strap in, hold tight, and experience the thrills of Donkey Kong’s world like never before!
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