Adorable Mickey Mouse Fridge Magnets Set created by WishUponMagic on Etsy for $9.99. You can order yours here!
Related – Magical Custom Laser Cut Disney Castle To Add To Your Home!
This set contains 8 different Mickey Mouse magnets with a matte velvety finish in neutral colors that will add magic to your fridge and help you organize your notes or any other items you need to display.
Elemental is Pixar’s latest feature film that released in theaters June 16. The film stars Leah Lewis as the voice of Ember Lumen and Mamoudou Athie as Wade. In Elemental, four elements live together in harmony in “Element City.” The story begins with Ember’s parents migrating from the home to live in Element City. Mirroring the real world immigrant experience they work hard to establish themselves and build a thriving small shop that the Lumens hope will someday become the legacy of their daughter.
While Element city is diverse in its population, it is reinforced early that “Elements Don’t Mix” and for the most part fire elements find themselves secluded to their own neighborhoods harboring ill feelings towards the other elements, but mostly water. Burdened by the great weight of responsibility Ember wrestles with the pressures of assuming control of the family business.
One day in an emotional (and literal) explosion she causes a rupture in the basement pipes in which Wade (A Water Element was trapped). While the two start off on the wrong foot, they soon learn that they can work together and just go with the flow. An unexpected romance and a heartwarming story of finding new paths while staying true to your heritage is at the very heart of the story.
Related: Elemental Records Second Worst Opening Weekend in Pixar History
Pixar’s Elemental is a gorgeous film and a heartwarming story that packs all the usual feels we expect from the animation studio. The concept seems to follow a familiar pattern bringing inanimate things to live in their own world.
In a way the film felt very much like Zootopia meets Inside Out, but having loved both of those films viewers may feel right at home with this new story. Ultimately Elemental is a story about celebrating family and tradition, but it’s also about forging your own path and finding a new way. Much of the film touches upon diversity and different backgrounds coming together to make the world a brighter place.
While Elemental certainly underperformed at the box office, the film is a creative masterpiece that we anticipate many are waiting for on Disney+. Consumption of Disney and Pixar animation still seems to lag from the effects of the pandemic with viewers opting to watch from the comforts of their homes only weeks after the release in theaters. Elemental may suffer financial hardships at the box-office, but this film doesn’t suffer on the creative achievements that we have come to expect from Pixar.
Ultimately Pixar’s Elemental is a film that will delight kids, but also has a deep enough story to hold the adults. Elemental is now in theaters worldwide. It is directed by Peter Sohn and written by John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh. The film draws inspiration from Peter Sohn‘s life with his parents immigrating to the USA from Korea. Sohn’s family also opened up a grocery store named Sohn’s Fruits and Vegetables, very similar to Ember’s family in the film. Elemental doesn’t move the needle in terms of creative storytelling from Pixar, but we still think it is a worthwhile film and can’t wait to see it again. Four out of Five Stars.
Experience a Soulful Celebration this Summer at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where the magic of the season combines with R&B beats, delectable soul food, cherished Disney characters, captivating entertainment shows, and inspiring African-American artistry.
Join us at The Most Magical Place on Earth and immerse yourself in a summer filled with soulful delights and unforgettable memories.
Related – Celebrate Black History Month with these Food & Drink Items Coming to Walt Disney World
Live Music at EPCOT and Disney Springs
There are plenty of locations around Walt Disney World Resort for guests to listen to live soulful music this summer. The Garden Rocks Concert Series during EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will feature performances from Living Colour (6/30-7/1) and Evolution: Motown (7/4-7/5). Later in the summer, artists such as Southern Avenue (8/4-8/5), Ruben Studdard (8/11-8/12), Ayron Jones (8/25 – 8/26) and Baha Men (9/1 – 9/2) are performing live at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE. Additionally, guests can enjoy the sounds of soulful music from Black musicians like Don Black, Wassalou, Free Cadence and Franchise Players at various stages around Disney Springs.
Related – Lineup Announced for 2023 Eat to the Beat Concert Series at EPCOT
Go Under the Sea with Ariel from the live-action story
Ariel from the all-new live-action story ‘The Little Mermaid’ is greeting guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ariel’s meet and greet location at Walt Disney Presents features artwork inspired by the movie that guides guests on a journey from sea to land, ending at the picturesque setting of Prince Eric’s shoreside castle. The location also features replicas of some of Ariel’s favorite “thingamabobs.”
Cooking With Soul” continues with its collection of soulful culinary dishes found throughout Walt Disney World Resort such as Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni & Cheese. The item was so popular during Black History Month at Contempo Café that it will be returning to the buffet at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort later this month.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage is one of the more popular items at Tusker House, as well as the Collard Greens. New this year are yummy under-the-sea offerings based on the live-action remake of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid,’ including Bubbles at Sea, a delicious beverage featuring Gold Peak sweet green tea, lemon juice, pineapple and guava topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer that is available at multiple locations. And, for an even more special treat, The Little Mermaid Sea Salt, Caramel and Chocolate Pop with ocean fondant can be found at The Ganachery at Disney Springs.
Cultural Art
The works of four Black artists are on display at the Disney Springs Art Walk. This summer, three new artists will showcase their artistic expression on walls across property at Disney Springs, EPCOT Amani Village and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Cape Town-based Street artist Nardstar* will be live painting her artwork, which will celebrate natural hair, at the Disney Springs Art Walk June 15 through 20. Kenyan artist Wise Two begins painting in EPCOT on July 5 and new art at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be available in August.
Get a Glimpse of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
As construction continues on Magic Kingdom Park’s much-anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, guests will soon be able to see the centerpiece of the attraction, Tiana’s Foods water tower, topped by her signature tiara.
Related – Southern Dome Salt Co Transformation Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in the Magic Kingdom
Highlighting Black-Owned Businesses
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers a selection of handmade goods from African artisans. Local Green Orlando Food Truck at Disney Springs is a Black-owned eatery that offers fresh, flavorful cuisine served on the fly. And there’s a handful of food and beverage items available at various establishments throughout Walt Disney World made with Uncle Nearest Premium Whisky – the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world.
Watch Talented Athletes
Guests can watch future NBA and WNBA players competing in the AAU Girls and Boys Summer Basketball tournament, July 3-16, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Likewise, the nation’s top high school talent will be on display at the sports complex during the NBPA Top 100 Camp, June 26-July 2. Soccer fans won’t want to miss the LaLiga Promises international tournament, June 23-25, widely considered one of the most important events in the world for 12-and-under players, and the USYS National Championship, crowning the best youth club teams in America, July 18-23. For more information on the events and tickets, guests can visit www.espnwwos.com/events.
Guests visiting EPCOT better get ready to crank up the mixtape and blast off on an awesome intergalactic chase through time and space in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! They can set out on a whitewater adventure through a lush jungle in the heart of Asia on Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, put their own concept car to the test on Test Track Presented by Chevrolet, thrill to the speed and excitement of the now-open TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise or be dazzled by incredible fireworks as Happily Ever After Presented by Pandora lights up the night sky, both at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests looking to thrill their taste buds won’t want to miss the newly opened Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which serves up barbecue-inspired fare family style – a perfect to start to the summer barbecue season.
To experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit. For more information just fill out the form below and one of our agents with Destinations to Travel will be in touch!
Walkway & Bathrooms Reopen in World Nature Area of EPCOT After Year Long Refurbishment. This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens.
Fall will also mark the completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature seasonal gardens and will be home to both Communicore Plaza as well as Communicore Hall, where guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. Guests can also discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”
Next to CommuniCore Hall, and across from both The Land and Journey Into Imagination inspired by FIgment, the bathrooms have finally reopened. With new and updated plumbing, faucets, and a basic overhaul of the facilities.
Related: We Spotted These Rare Disney Characters in EPCOT
Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. A dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers, and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.
Yesterday’s Top 10 Disney News Stories from Chip and Company. Video: Karen Jumps off stopped Gran Fiesta Tour, Elemental Records Second Worst Opening Weekend in Pixar History, Indiana Jones Den of Destiny in Hollywood Studios, Elmo Sandcastle Popcorn Bucket Debuts at SeaWorld Orlando, plus much more.
Video: Karen Jumps off stopped Gran Fiesta Tour, Fights with Guests and Cast Members Before Being Banned A recent incident at EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour involving a reportedly intoxicated guest (Karen) has garnered attention after going viral online.
Elemental Records Second Worst Opening Weekend in Pixar History After an almost three-year hiatus from original theatrical releases, Pixar Animation Studios has returned to cinemas nationwide. In the wake of the pandemic, the acclaimed studio had three consecutive movies released exclusively on Disney+. Last year’s “Lightyear,” a Toy Story spinoff, marked Pixar’s first theatrical presence since 2020.
New Elemental Photo Op Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios New Elemental Photo Op Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Pixar’s newest movie “Elemental” hit theaters this past Friday to mixed reviews from adults who have seen it, no word on how kids are perceiving the movie, yet.
Celebrate EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Starting on November 24th Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays is returning to Walt Disney World this holiday season! Disney recently shared that the Festival will return on November 24, 2023, and run through December 30, 2023.
Disney Jollywood Nights Event Dates to Include Fantasmic! Performances for Day Guests Disney recently announced an all-new holiday party coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year. Disney Jollywood Nights is a brand-new nighttime party that will run on select nights November 11 to December 20, 2023. Recently, we learned the party will not impact the ability for day guests to experience Fantasmic!.
Marvel Unleashes Thrilling Trailer for Kraven the Hunter Kraven the Hunter is the visceral story about how and why one of Marvel’s most iconic villains came to be. Set before his notorious vendetta with Spider-Man, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as the titular character in the R-rated film.
5 Reasons To Attend Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights Halloween is a time of spookiness, thrills, and frights, and there’s no better place to embrace the spirit of the season than Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Look inside Indiana Jones Den of Destiny in Hollywood Studios Look inside Indiana Jones Den of Destiny in Hollywood Studios. The final installment of the Harrison Ford led Indiana Jones franchise is coming out on June 30th, 2023.
Big Delays for Disney Movie Schedule Due to Writers Strike Amidst the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, Disney Shuffles Release Dates for Upcoming Films according to Deadline.
Elmo Sandcastle Popcorn Bucket Debuts at SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld Orlando, the renowned marine theme park, has added a delightful new addition to its lineup of attractions. Introducing the Elmo Sandcastle Popcorn Bucket, a whimsical and captivating treat that has quickly become a favorite among visitors of all ages.
An adorable set of tiny, twin Cotton-Top Tamarin baby monkeys were recently born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The size of the cotton-top tamarin population at Disney World has now doubled!
Related – Merry Menagerie Returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the 2023 Holiday Season
Weighing about as much as a common chicken egg, and measuring approximately four inches
long, these pint-sized newborns cling tightly to their parents as both mom and dad acrobatically
leap from branch to branch in their habitat on Discovery Island.
These bundles of joy have Disney’s animal care team themselves jumping for joy – though less
acrobatically – as the pair marks the first cotton-top tamarin births at Walt Disney World since 2001. It’s too soon to know if they’re male or female, so these cute little monkeys haven’t been named yet.
Although cotton-top tamarins are considered a rare species with less than 7,500 remaining in the wild, having twins is quite typical for the species. Infants are completely dependent on their families for survival and are carried around on the backs of their family members for up to 14 weeks. As first-time parents, both mom and dad are doing great, sharing the parenting duties. You can expect to see the twins cozied up to both mom and dad over the next several months.
Cotton-top tamarins are native to Colombia and typically found in the tropical forests of the northwest region of the country. These primates live high in the treetops and forage through the canopy for the fruits and insects that make up most of their diet. They are critically endangered because of the illegal pet trade as well as extensive deforestation and loss of habitat.
Cotton-top tamarins are known for the wild manes of bright-white hair atop their heads, resembling a well-known genius and theoretical physicist. And they’re highly intelligent, too, with at least 38 distinct calls in their vocal repertoire to communicate with each other!
Fully grown, adult cotton-top tamarins weigh less than a pound and are about the size of a squirrel. Though small in stature, these twins will play a big role in the continuation of one of the most endangered primate species.
The birth of these critically endangered primates is just one example of how Disney works with the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan to help ensure the responsible
breeding of threatened species in managed care and help create healthy and genetically diverse
populations of animals for years to come.
Be on the lookout for these cute babies on your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Ready to plan your next visit to Disney World? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Disney recently shared that holiday celebrations are returning to Disney World later this year. Disney is also hiring for multiple roles for the holiday season. Take a look:
Related – Celebrate EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Starting on November 24th
Inline Skating Performers for Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
Disney Live Entertainment is seeking performers of all races, ethnicities, and genders, who are local to the Orlando, FL area, for Character and Inline Skating roles performing in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Disney is looking for dynamic, energetic performers who are interested, and available, to perform for the 2023 Holiday season at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
Accepting submissions now through June 20th.
Seeking the following roles and heights:
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Inline Skaters: 5’7″ – 6’2″. Slender and/or athletic builds, with past skating experience. Must be comfortable enough to perform choreography in skates, including spinning, edging, etc.
If you’re interested, you can find more information here.
Holiday Vocalists for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Disney Live Entertainment is accepting online submissions from Vocalists for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, performed at the Walt Disney World Resort during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2023 holiday season.
Join Mickey and his friends as they throw a Christmas party on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, in a celebration of music, dancing, and friends. Full of classic holiday songs and new favorites, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration features a variety of characters, vocalists, and dancers coming together for the most wonderful time of the year.
Contracts begin in early October 2023 and run through early January 2024. POTENTIAL HOUSING MAY BE PROVIDED FOR OUT OF TOWN CANDIDATES.
SEEKING:
Male Presenting Vocalists: A high bari-tenor who can sing in the styles of contemporary pop, country, and musical theatre. Should have solid vocal technique, exceptional stage presence, and execute light choreography. We strongly encourage BIPOC vocalists and vocalists of all shapes and sizes to submit.
Female Presenting Vocalists: A pop soprano who can sing in the styles of Latin, contemporary pop, and musical theatre. Bilingual skills are a plus! Should have solid vocal technique, exceptional stage presence, and execute light choreography. We strongly encourage BIPOC vocalists and vocalists of all shapes and sizes to submit.
You can find more information here.
Holiday Dancers for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Disney Live Entertainment is accepting submissions from Dancers for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, performed at the Walt Disney World Resort during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2023 holiday season.
Join Mickey and his friends as they throw a Christmas party on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, in a celebration of music, dancing, and friends. Full of classic holiday songs and new favorites, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration features a variety of characters, vocalists, and dancers coming together for the most wonderful time of the year.
Contracts begin in early October 2023 and run through early January 2024. POTENTIAL HOUSING MAY BE PROVIDED FOR OUT OF TOWN CANDIDATES.
SEEKING:
Male and female presenting dancers with exceptional dance technique and performance quality. Must be proficient in multiple styles of dance that include musical theatre-jazz, Latin, and country. Knowledge of partnering and dance lifts is a plus! Disney strongly encourages BIPOC dancers and dancers of all shapes and sizes to submit.
You can find more information about the position here.
Walt Disney World is looking to fill a position for a Bruno Madrigal look-alike. The position and casting call has been posted on Disney’s career website.
Related – Disney Hiring for New Musical Coming to Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure
Disney Live Entertainment is seeking performers to portray Bruno from the animated film, Encanto. This role is for potential future special events. Performers will have the opportunity to bring this role to life, in addition to performing as the world famous Disney Characters, at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING ROLE:
Bruno: 5’6″ – 5’9″, athletic build, with an expressive, careful, and selfless personality. From the animated film, Encanto.
The open call will take place on July 8, 2023, at 9 am EST.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wardrobe/Rehearsal Facility
3271 Sherberth Rd
Kissimmee, FL 34747
Requirements:
Are you looking forward to seeing Bruno at the parks?
Giant Light Towers Installed at World Celebration in EPCOT. Opening as a part of the new World Celebration neighborhood in EPCOT later this year, CommuniCore Hall will be a dynamic exhibition space that can transform with each new festival throughout the year.
Outside Communicore Hall will be a festival space and a stage for live performances. The new towers going up should be light towers. As the historic transformation of EPCOT nears completion, a plethora of new attractions and experiences bring the next generation of immersive storytelling to life for guests.
Related: We Spotted These Rare Disney Characters in EPCOT
This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens. This fun, interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the ocean and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
Fall will also mark the completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature seasonal gardens and will be home to both Communicore Plaza as well as Communicore Hall, where guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. Guests can also discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.
Walls and Scaffolding Up at the Canada Pavilion. One of our favorite pavilions to stop at during our trips around Epcot’s World Showcase is Canada. Home to maple popcorn, Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360, and one of the best steaks at Disney, Le Cellier Steakhouse. Let’s not forget the Cheese Soup available at the festival booths.
For now, though, the Castle – Hotel du Canada – is undergoing some maintenance, and the area is closed off. With scaffolding covering 3 sides, Disney has added walls to make sure no one wanders inside the work zone. Disney also lists Trading Post as Temporarily Unavailable. We have no clue how long the work is going to last, but normally they do not take long.
You can still get to the dining locations and circle vision and walk around the gardens to see some spectacular views.
Related: We Spotted These Rare Disney Characters in EPCOT
We Spotted These Rare Disney Characters in EPCOT. Walt Disney World is filled with secrets, from Hidden Mickey’s to Throwing out the First Pitch at Casey’s Corner. You can stumble upon fun events all the time. Yes, if you search around you can find the times and places that secret things happen, except for one of the best secrets, Character-Palooza at Epcot’s World Showcase.
What is Character-Palooza, and where and when can you see this? Let’s start with the what. Ever want to meet some of the most random characters in Disney World? These are characters in training, along with the Blueberries (the character handlers, who wear blueberry colors shirts) who are also in training. It could be almost any character, but most times you will find Penguin from Marry Poppins, Tigger, Chip and Dale, Goofy, and Donald Duck.
Sometimes you can even see rare characters like Mushu, Mickey Mouse, Bert from Mary Poppins, and others we have heard about like Pinocchio, Geppetto, and Honest John. Yesterday we got to meet and greet Big Al and Wendell, along with Meeko from Pocahontas, and Stitch. Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh was also hanging out.
You can line up and meet and greet all the characters. Furthermore, they will sign your autograph books.
Related: Stitch Spotted Roaming Around Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom
Where this happens, it could be in the walkway next to Regal Eagle Smokehouse in America Adventures area. Also, we have seen this happen next to Joffrey’s in between Canada Pavillion and the UK Pavillion.
When is the biggest question, and the answer is simple and not so simple. We do not know, it is random. So we will give you tips to find it. If you see a bunch of Cast members in Training walking around the areas mentioned above, it is possible they will start it anytime or in an hour or two.
The Mr. Toad popcorn bucket will be driving merrily into Disneyland soon! This cute popcorn bucket first debuted at Walt Disney World but will be available at Disneyland starting tomorrow.
Related – Mr.Toad Popcorn Bucket Still Available at the Magic Kingdom
This time the Mr. Toad popcorn bucket will have a Disney100 carrying strap. Other than that, the bucket is the same as the Disney World version. Mr. Toad is depicted driving his red motorcar. The bucket opens in the back for the popcorn. The new strap is red and gold and features various images of Mr. Toad and the Disney100 logo.
The popcorn bucket will be available starting tomorrow, June 20, at the Fantasyland and “it’s a small world” popcorn carts. Limit two per person, per transaction. No discounts apply.
Will you be heading to Disneyland to snag your own Mr. Toad popcorn bucket?
Want to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
