Disney Pride Mural Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pride Month is upon us, and Disney has pulled out the red carpet for the LGBTQIA+ community in a show of love and support. With snacks, treats, Pride Collection merchandise, and various photopass opportunities, including Disney Walls around Springs, and the four Parks.
Yesterday we looked at the new Pride Wall at Animal Kingdom, which has the vertical Pride flag, a silhouette of Mickey Mouse, and a giant white LOVE across the wall. Beautiful and well done. We also got to try a few of the sweets for Pride Month which you can see below.
“Many of our cast members and our PRIDE Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) have collaborated with teams across the company to develop and deliver authentic experiences and offerings to celebrate Pride Month.
From the recent announcement of this year’s Disney Pride Collection to the delicious Pride Foodie Guide and everything in between—the attention to detail in bringing the magic to life for our guests is truly special.”
Disney Pride Mural Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“At Disney Parks, we want our guests and cast members to see themselves reflected in the Disney stories, experiences, and products they know and love — all year long — and we are grateful to work with members and allies of the community to deliver products that are authentic. In addition to creating products that bring the joy of Disney stories to life for our guests, I am proud of our work year-round with nonprofits that lead important programs in support of the LGBTQIA+ community around the world. To learn more about the organizations we support year-round, please visit TWDCPrideCollection.com.”
Dugan the White Rhino Passes Away at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Sad news from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Dugan the White Rhino has just passed away.
Dugan, the white rhino, entered the world in 1995 at the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee before making a journey to the Erie Zoo in Pennsylvania. However, his final and most significant destination was Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2018. As a distinguished member of his rhino crash, the collective term for a group of rhinos, Dugan played a pivotal role in the Species Survival Plan, a program overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This plan focuses on the responsible breeding of endangered species, and Dugan contributed to its success by fathering three offspring.
Today, we share the news confirmed by the dedicated Cast Members at Kilimanjaro Safaris: Dugan peacefully passed away on the morning of June 1st. His memory will be cherished by his mates, as well as his three surviving offspring Ranger, Mylo, and Logan.
Dugan’s remarkable journey and invaluable contributions to conservation efforts leave an indelible mark at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Here are the Top 10 Disney News Stories from Chip and Company for June 3rd, 2023 in no particular order.
New Disney World Annual Passholder Figment PhotoPass Magic Shots New Disney World Annual Passholder Figment PhotoPass Magic Shots. We got over to Epcot yesterday to get our new Annual Passholder Magnet and test out the new treats and snacks available. We had totally forgotten that the Annual Passholder Experience photopass was happening, so when we walked by and saw the AP frame inspired by the new magnet.
Disney Pride Mural Debuts at Magic Kingdom Disney Pride Mural Debuts at Magic Kingdom. Happy Pride! It’s June 1, and that means we are excited to celebrate Pride Month! That also means great photo walls have been added around the four Parks here at “The World”. We have already told you about the great new addition in Epcot, and yesterday we got to see the new and updated Wall at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Here are the Top 10 Disney News Stories from Chip and Company
Every Disney Live Action Movie In The Works Right Now! In the last few years, we have been getting remakes of our favorite childhood stories and the tradition continues with the most recent one being The Little Mermaid, that’s why we want to share with you every Disney Live Action Movie in the works right now and even some sequels to already known ones.
New Pixar Elemental Ear Headband Spotted At Epcot! Get ready for the big premiere of Elemental on June 16th with this new Pixar Elemental Ear Headband that will fire up your style! We found it at the Creations Shop in Epcot for $34.99 and hope to see it available at shopDisney soon.
Hamilton Director Hired to Direct Disney’s Live-Action Moana Disney’s live-action Moana continues to take shape. Thomas Kail, the Tony Award-winning director of Broadway’s Hamilton, has been hired to direct Disney’s live-action remake of the 2016 animated musical Moana. Disney announced the project earlier in the spring, along with the news that Duane Johnson will reprise his role as Maui.
When Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in 2024 guests will see some familiar characters. We already know Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, and Louis will be featured in the attraction. Disney recently shared that 17 original audio-animatronic characters will be in the attraction.
Some of the new characters will be instrument-playing animals like an otter who plays the fiddle. A raccoon and beaver will also be part of the musical ensemble.
Disney also shared that guests will get to see Tiana in multiple outfits as they progress through the ride. Naveen’s little brother, Ralphie, will also be part of the attraction as he is learning the drums.
Music for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney is collaborating with acclaimed artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, both proud natives of New Orleans. Together, they will help Disney create a musical masterpiece that serves as a heartfelt homage to the region that originally sparked the journey with Princess Tiana.
PJ Morton is writing, arranging, and producing the original song for the attraction. He is performing on and producing the sessions in New Orleans of all-new arrangements of the song, as well as songs from “The Princess and the Frog” within the attraction.
Terence Blanchard is helming music arrangements for the attraction’s queue. Terence is working with us to select songs from “The Princess and the Frog,” as well as iconic themes from New Orleans. Just like Tiana’s recipes, the music will combine a medley of instrumental ingredients to cook up something worth savoring.
The music will borrow from several musical styles that either originated or took up permanent residence in New Orleans. Some of our brand-new Audio-Animatronics figures will bring the invigorating sounds of New Orleans to life. Take this new rendering of Prince Naveen’s brother, Ralphie, for example. It’s a scene you commonly see in New Orleans: the joie de vivre influencing his every movement as he jams to the beat of his songful soul. Or this band of friendly critters playing joyful Zydeco-style music.
Are you looking forward to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening?
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Sutton wished to spend a day with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment cast after watching and becoming a huge fan of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” on Disney+. He joined veterinarians, animal keepers and team leaders on his ninth birthday for a close-up look at the care that the cast provides to animals and the environment every day.
The day was filled with smiles and wild surprises as Sutton met with some of his favorite animals and doctors from the show – an experience that will surely inspire him as he works toward his dream of becoming a wildlife hero someday.
This is just one of many wishes Disney has made come true for Make-A-Wish kids and their families.
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Actor Sergio Calderón has passed away at the age of 77
Actor Sergio Calderon, known for his roles in Men In Black and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World End, has passed away at age 77 according to Deadline.
25yrs one of the greatest movies I worked in was released: MIB. Thanks to Barry Sonnenfeld 4 this wonderful opportunity & to Rick Baker 4 his work on Mikey’s Head! It’s thanks to his extraordinary talent that MIB beat Boogie Nights at the MTV Movie Awards for Best HeadonAStick pic.twitter.com/xqq6TnzCUI
Men In Black fans know Calderón as the ‘head on a stick’ that was used as a disguise by an alien at the beginning of the movie. Calderón would go on to play the role of Captain Vallenueva in the 2007 film Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End and Gustavo in the 2010 film Little Fockers.
Calderón began acting professionally in 1970 after graduating from the Instituto Andrés Soler of the Asociación Nacional de Actores in Mexico according to IMDB. He reportedly passed away earlier this morning surrounded by his family.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Pride Cinnamon Roll Debuts for Pride Month at the Magic Kingdom. Throughout June, we’ll be celebrating with a variety of delicious dishes and sips expertly created by our talented teams of chefs and mixologists. From the recent announcement of this year’s Disney Pride Collection to the delicious Pride Foodie Guide and everything in between—the attention to detail in bringing the magic to life for our guests is truly special.
We have seen Main Street Bakery change up the famous Cinnamon Roll at various times of the year, from pink icing during Valentine’s Day, to the Spooky Roll during Halloween. Now we have a Pride version to add to the collection. The flavor has not changed in any way, it is still the same cinnamon roll we all love. Now with added Pride.
Main Street Bakery (Available June 1 through 30)
Pride Cinnamon Roll $6.79
While having your morning Starbucks and Pride Cinnamon Roll, check out the new Purple Pride Wall.
Pride Cinnamon Roll Debuts for Pride Month at the Magic Kingdom
Make a stop on the way down Main Street and top off your day with a tasty cup or even a mouthwatering treat—including a selection of STARBUCKS® Coffee and specialty beverages, along with Disney baked goods.
Disney World Annual Passholders Receive an Entire Month of Bonus Reservations in June. Looks like Disney has added an additional bonus to the V.I.Passholder days going on now until June 30th, 2023. Disney World Annual Passholders are getting a whole month of bonus days.
Starting yesterday, Walt Disney World Reservations show Gold Stars every day when going to make an Annual Pass Park Reservation. Let’s make sure we tamper your expectations a little by saying, so far the only Parks available are Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That is not a bad thing. If this changes we will let you know.
Normally AP holders are restricted to the number of daily reservations their individual pass allows. Pixie Pass holders can only have three reservations at a time, while Sorcerer Passholders can have five. These Park reservations will not count against your overall total days, and instead become free reservations.
Disney World Annual Passholders Receive an Entire Month of Bonus Reservations in June
V.I.Passholders days are going on now, here are some of the highlights:
MERCHANDISE DISCOUNTS During this time, the Passholder merchandise discount at select Disney-owned and -operated merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort will temporarily increase from 20% to 30%.
FOOD & BEVERAGE DISCOUNTS Plus, during this same time, Annual Passholders can enjoy an increase from 10% to 20% on discounts for food and nonalcoholic beverages at select locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Limited-Time EPCOT Exclusives
Discover delightful Passholder-exclusive discounts in bloom at EPCOT.
From May 31 through June 30, 2023, Annual Passholders receive 20% off at select Outdoor Kitchens when using a cashless form of payment
Participating Locations:
Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
BRUNCHCOT
EPCOT Farmers Feast
Florida Fresh
La Isla Fresca
Magnolia Terrace
Northern Bloom
Pineapple Promenade
Refreshment Outpost
Refreshment Port
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
The Citrus Blossom
The Honey Bee-stro hosted by National Honey Board
The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth
Trowel & Trellis hosted by Impossible™
Passholder Offerings at Sunshine Seasons Cool off and take a break at this reserved space just for Passholders––available for a limited time.**
Where and When
Location: The Land Pavilion
Dates: May 31 through June 30, 2023
Times: Park open to Park close
Delight in refreshing treats, available for purchase during Sunshine Seasons operating hours, such as:
A Spark of Grape Shake Grape, guava, passionfruit, orange and lime
Raspberry “Lemonade” Tart Shortbread tart filled with lemon mousse, raspberry jam and raspberry mousse
Figment Magnet
Passholders—get ready to dream big and head to EPCOT to pick up a Figment Passholder magnet.
These Annual Passholder-exclusive magnets will be available at:
New Stitch Collection Available At Walt Disney World!
A new Stitch collection just arrived to Walt Disney World and shopDisney ready to join your Ohana! Our favorite alien is the star of this new merchandise collection featuring vibrant colors and Hawaiian icons, we need everything! Take a look at all the fun products you can get:
This hand towel will add a Hawaiian touch to your bathroom or kitchen! Is white with a beautiful embroidered design of Stitch, his name and pink flowers.
A bathroom makeover is in your future perhaps? Maybe this curtain shower featuring Stitch surfing and a striped background in pastel colors will convince you.
Finally, carry all your essentials to a beach trip, park day or anywhere your adventures might take you with this drawstring bag with an all over pattern of Stitch faces and Hawaiian flowers in blue and pink colors.
You can take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:
Collectible Tron Pressed Pennies Now Available at the Magic Kingdom. Do not get us wrong, we love us some pressed pennies at Walt Disney World, but have you seen the price? One Dollar for a pressed penny? Or all eight for $5.00, I dunno that last one seems okay, but dang! Trust me, I am not trying to say anything negative here, but inflation has hit the pressed penny market hard.
Anyway, a Disney Pressed Penny machine has turned up inside Launch Depot in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Launch Depot is the gift shop for Tron and the exit and gift shop for Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.
The new Penny machine has 8 total designs featuring Tron Lightcycle Run. Some of the better ones are Mickey’s head in Tron graphics, along with the Lightcycle ones, and the Team Orange and Blue Characters. Check out the images below.
More Indiana Jones Dial of Destiny Products Announced Ahead Of Theatrical Release!
Get ready for your next big adventure with these new Indiana Jones Dial of Destiny products available now! You will find apparel, accessories, home decor, action figures and more, take a look:
This Hawaiian style shirt features Reyn Spooner’s hand-illustrated vignettes portray some of Indy’s most iconic moments. The “Raiders of the Lost Ark”-inspired print will be available in four of Reyn Spooner’s popular styles: Classic Button Front, Tailored Button Front, Pullover and Youth Classic Button Front.
Throw me the idol and show me the money! The iconic golden idol from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is back and ready to hold your funds with The Golden Idol Bank by Gentle Giant. You can also add a Treasures Premiere Collection Statue to your home decor.
You can add to your wardrobe with not one, not two, but three new “Indiana Jones” crew neck sweatshirt designs inspired by Indy’s classic adventures. The Heroes and Villains Collection includes the “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” Modern Fleece,“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” Modern Fleece, and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” Modern Fleece. Plus, the short-sleeve Indiana Jones Welcome to Cairo Natural Tee and Indiana JonesIcons of Adventure Since 1935 Long Sleeve tee.
The Indiana Jones Adventure Bag by U.S Wings will help you store your valuables while exploring the unknown! It features a rugged style, just like Indy’s but big enough to hold your valuables, whether that be an ancient idol or a 10-inch tablet. The bag is even stamped with a special, personal touch: “Property of Dr. H. Jones, Jr.”
Turn your home into a museum with the Golden Idol and Pedestal Magnet Set by Regal Robot featuring a bright gold-painted idol, and pedestal with hand-painted distressing accents. You can also get the Temple Trap Large Wall Decor, a three-dimensional sculpture is roughly 15 inches in size – the same as the original set dressing from the film, “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Made in the U.S.A., this wall décor creation is cast in nearly 5 pounds of polyurethane resin and hand-painted with realistic stone accents and aging. It even features faux moss embellishments for a truly realistic, ancient feel.
Hasbro’s “Indiana Jones” Adventure Series is gaining a slew of new Indiana Jones and Helena Shaw action figures and related accessories inspired by “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Both character figures include a detachable backpack, flashlight accessories, and a Build-An-Artifact piece.
BoxLunch Gifts has sone new exciting pieces including the Our Universe “Indiana Jones” Patch Utility Overshirt and “Indiana Jones” Map Color Block Long Sleeve T-Shirt, both perfect for your next trip to the museum. Plus your littlest explorer will be comfy cozy in the “Indiana Jones” Map Infant One-Piece, complete with a snap-button closure and plane graphic to help chart future adventures. You can also shop keychains, pins, stickers, and more.
Over at shopDisney, you can keep yourself hydrated with this new Stainless Steel Tumbler. Plus, kids will love to dress like Indy for all their upcoming adventures with the Faux Button-Down T-Shirt or Costume Accessory Set.
You can also get a Tie-Dye T-Shirt and wear it to the theater to see “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” later this month! This super comfy short-sleeve tee is complete with a print of Indy’s signature fedora hat and whip. The 4-Pack Puzzle Set will soon be your new favorite activity with four incredible jigsaw puzzles to solve.
As you can see, a great variety of products inspired in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny movie coming to theaters this month!
