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Articles by Michaela Phillips
PHOTOS: New "Star Wars" Button Up, Jacket, and Tee March Into Star Wars Trading Post in Disneyland Resort
On a trip to Downtown Disney District, we stopped by the new Star Wars Trading Post and found some new Star Wars-themed apparel. Stormtooper “Crush the Rebellion” Plaid Shirt – $64.99 This grey flannel shirt has a plaid design. A distressed look is apparent as a Stormtrooper helmet with “Crush the Rebellion” underneath is printed on the back. The front left pocket has a small Galactic Empire symbol.
PHOTOS: New Ariel "The Little Mermaid" Hat Splashes into Disneyland Resort
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. On a trip to Disneyland Resort we found a new hat featuring Ariel from The Little Mermaid. “The Little Mermaid” Ariel Silhouette Hat – $27.99 This hat is a light purple, with a silhouette of Ariel sitting on a rock in a glittery blue in front of a light pink setting sun. The stitching on this hat is same light pink as it pops out of the fabric.
REVIEW: Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Pop Tart Dries Our Palate at TODAY Café
We’re never one to shy away from a new sweet treat, and today had us feasting our eyes on a new offering from TODAY Café. TODAY Café is located right inside the Universal Studios park entrance and offers many options for park guests, from breakfast and lunch sandwiches, to salads and pastries aplenty! Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Pop Tart – $4.99 This Pop Tart is topped simply with light purple icing and sanding sugar. Opening up a cross section of the dessert, you can see the layers of pastry.
REVIEW: Cinnatopia Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream From Salt & Straw Becomes a Favorite in the Downtown Disney District
As a part of their Vault Series, Salt and Straw at Downtown Disney District has brought back five flavors of ice cream. The establishment always has fun new flavors to try. We’ve tried a few of the Vault Series ice creams and were fans of both the Strawberry Tres Leches and the Salted Caramel Cupcake flavors, but we didn’t like the Brown Ale & Bacon flavor very much.
REVIEW: Mardi Gras Bananas Foster, King Cake and Maple Bourbon Truffles and Macarons Available at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Universal Orlando Resort - WDW News Today
While at Universal Universal Orlando Resort, we stopped into the The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to check out a few of their Mardi Gras offerings. We were able to sink our teeth into three different truffles and three different macaron flavors. There are three new truffle offerings for Mardi Gras. The Bananas Foster, the King Cake and a Maple Bourbon option.
REVIEW: Brown Ale & Bacon Ice Cream From Salt and Straw Bitterly Disappoints at Disneyland Resort
Another trip to Disneyland Resort means another sampling of Salt and Straw’s ice cream. The Downtown Disney establishment has new flavors to try this month from their Vault Series, where they re-release past offerings for a limited time. We’ve tried the Salted Caramel Cupcake Ice Cream, and today we gave a different flavor a try. There are five flavors this month that Salt and Straw is offering from their Vault Series. This trip we gave the Brown Ale & Bacon a taste.
REVIEW: Strawberry Tres Leches Ice Cream "From The Vault" at Salt & Straw is a Refreshing Treat at Downtown Disney
On a trip to Downtown Disney, we stopped by Salt & Straw to try one of their monthly ice cream flavors that has come out of their vault. On our last trip, we tried their Salted Caramel Cupcake ice cream. Opting for something fruity this time, we gave the Strawberry Tres Leches flavor a try. Strawberry Tres Leches Ice Cream – $6.25 (One Scoop) We set out to make the yummiest strawberry ice cream we could dream up, calling back to the sweet, pink-hued flavor memories of our childhood. The result?
PHOTOS: New Disney California Adventure Mickey’s Fun Wheel Ear Headband Arrives at Disneyland Resort
As Disney California Adventure ramps of for the A Touch of Disney ticketed event (set to begin on March 18th), new merchandise is starting to arrive to the resort. We found a new pair of Mickey ears celebrating Mickey’s Fun Wheel/PIXAR Pal-A-Round! Disney California Adventure Mickey Ear Headband – $29.99 These ears are covered in a black velvet-like material. The design on the ears is on both sides of the headband. On one side of the ears is a Disney California Adventure logo in a colorful rainbow.
Walt Disney World Theme Park Hours Extended Select Dates in February and March
Walt Disney World park hours have been extended for select dates in February and March.
PHOTOS: Former Centorium Store Entrance Removed, Sealed Off as New MouseGear Takes Shape at EPCOT
While much of the roof has been removed from Innoventions West at EPCOT, work is also continuing on the old Innoventions East buildings. More windows were installed on the MouseGear portion of the building, you can see them above marked with x’s. To the right, we see that the old, abandoned Centorium entrance has finally been destroyed. A layer of DunsGlass sheathing has replaced the windows that once harkened guests to The Centorium.
REVIEW: Salted Caramel Cupcake Ice Cream From Salt and Straw Packs a Salty Punch in the Downtown Disney District
Recently on a trip to Disneyland Resort, we stopped at Salt & Straw in the Downtown Disney District. Salt & Straw has new flavors to try this month from their Vault Series, where they re-release past offerings for a limited time. We decided to give one of these limited time flavors a try. Since the lift of the California stay-at-home order, the doors of Salt and Straw have been open for guests to go inside to grab their ice cream treats.
Full Menu Revealed for Disney Junior Character Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The menu is now available for the returning Hollywood & Vine Breakfast at Hollywood Studios. The Disney Junior Character Breakfast is returning to the restaurant starting March 22nd. The character breakfast will start at $42 per adult, and $27 per child.
PHOTOS: The Mandalorian “The Child” Streetwear Collection Available Now at Star Wars Trading Post in Disneyland Resort
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Friday marked the opening of the new Star Wars Trading Post merchandise location in the Downtown Disney District. Being released with the opening of the store is the new streetwear collection based on Grogu and The Mandalorian. Part of this collection was released at Walt Disney World, and is also available on shopDisney. Let’s take a look at the new merchandise.
REVIEW: New Cookies and Cream Pie Rice Crispy Treat is Surprisingly Good at Disneyland Resort
On a trip to Disney California Adventure, we found a new treat to try. This new crispy treat is shaped in a pie dish and served by the slice. We’ve tried some of the Valentine’s Day crispy treats from Disneyland Resort, and were excited to take a bite out of this cookies and cream option. Cookies and Cream Pie Rice Crispy – $4.39 This treat has crushed Oreo cookies on top, with a dollop of cream frosting. The treat is also sprinkled with white, black and red Mickey sprinkles.
Operating Hours Released for Walt Disney World Theme Parks Through May 8, 2021; Park Hours Extended Select Dates in March
Walt Disney World has released the operating hours for its theme parks now through the first week of May. Park hours have also been extended from March 5th through the 13th at select parks. The Magic Kingdom continues to open at 9:00 AM, but will now close at 8:00 PM from March 5th to the 8th, and closes at 7:00 PM on the 9th through the 11th. The park closes at 10:00 PM instead of 6:00 PM on March 12th and 13th. EPCOT continues to open at 11:00 daily, and will now close at 9:00 PM on March 6th.
PHOTOS, VIDEO: First Glimpse of Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration Coming Tomorrow on ABC's Good Morning America Tomorrow
The Disney Parks Twitter has announced that there will be a glimpse at the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World on Good Morning America tomorrow morning. Tune in Friday morning to @GMA and the Disney Parks Blog as we share a glimpse of the @WaltDisneyWorld Resort 50th Anniversary celebration.
VIDEO: Pixar Releases The Story of UP Reimagined in Anime Style
Today Pixar released Up Remix, a short video that follows the story of Up in an anime style. The video starts when Ellie and Carl are young, and condenses the story of the 2009 film in under two minutes. The video was released by the Pixar Twitter, as well as on their Instagram. Time to (re)mix it up! This pixel perfect adventure is one you don’t want to miss.
PHOTOS: Repainting Begins on World Drive Entrance for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary
While leaving Walt Disney World yesterday, we noticed that work has begun on the exit sign on World Drive. It was announced in October that the signs entering Walt Disney World would be repainted for the 50th anniversary celebration. Most of these signs have already been completed. The “See Ya’ Real Soon!” sign currently being worked on is on the far side of the road, behind the large Goofy sign you can see when entering the resort. The construction workers use a lift to get their work done.
PHOTO: New Limited Edition "Muppet Treasure Island" Kermit and Fozzie Bear Pins Available Now to D23 Gold Members
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Ahoy mateys! If you didn’t know, the 25th anniversary of Muppet Treasure Island is upon us, and D23 is offering a limited time pin set to celebrate the occasion. Muppet Treasure Island Pins – $12.99 Each This pin set features Kermit as the dashing Captain Smollett and Fozzie as Squire Trelawney. These pins are available now on shopDisney. Both pins are limited edition of only 1,500.
PHOTOS: TRON Character Skins, Light Cycle Glider and More Added to Fortnite Video Game
Fortnite has added character skins, light cycles and more into the game based on TRON. Fortnite posted a teaser video hinting at the next addition to the game, and clues from the teaser helped fans determine that TRON would be the next release.
Anaheim City Council Votes in Favor of California Assembly Bill To Accelerate Disneyland Reopening
The Anaheim City Council has voted in favor of allowing large theme parks to open at the same time as their smaller counterparts. “The Anaheim City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to support a state assembly bill that would alter the reopening guidelines for theme parks.
PHOTOS: Pixar Pier and Cars Land Illuminated After Dark as Disney California Adventure Prepares for New Event
On our last visit to Disney California Adventure, we saw that many of the lights around the park have been turned on in areas currently inaccessible to guests. Last night, we found out which lands would be opening for the new festival-like ticketed Disney California Adventure event next month, though we’re unsure if this is the cause of the illumination. It seems likely though. The headlights to the Boudin Bakery car in Pacific Wharf were turned on.
PHOTOS: "Beauty and the Beast" Chip Plant Pot Hops into Walt Disney World
Disney has been releasing a lot of Beauty and the Beast merchandise lately, and today we found a new Chip succulent for sale. Chip Succulent Pot – $12.99 This small succulent cup shows Chip blowing bubbles. The bubbles are a bright yellow, and in the middle of them is a cute green plastic succulent. The cup is chipped on the right side to match the iconic character. Chip’s cheeks are puffed out as he blows. The Chip figurine sits on a small pink podium.
PHOTOS, VIDEO: First Look Inside Star Wars Trading Post at Disneyland Resort
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. We got to take a look inside the new Star Wars Trading Post now open for Legacy Passholder previews in the Downtown Disney District. We have been watching the transformation of the old Rainforest Cafe building very closely since the announcement was made that it would become a galactic merchandise location.
BREAKING: Food & Beverage Cast Members Being Called Back to Disney California Adventure
Cast members are being called back to Disney California Adventure before the new ticketed event in the park opens in March. That event will focus on food and beverage offerings, merchandise, and unique entertainment experiences. Food & beverage cast members are currently being called back for Cars Land, Pacific Wharf, Pixar Pier and Grizzly Peak lands. There will also be cast members called back for six festival-style booths. Buena Vista Street will also partake in the event.
It’s Tough to be a Bug at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will Close for a Short Refurbishment in March 2021
It’s Tough to be a Bug, the attraction housed in the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, will close for a short refurbishment beginning in March. The refurbishment is set to last from March 8th through March 11th, with the attraction reopening on the 12th. There are no details given on exactly what will be done during this small refurbishment, but considering the length of time we don’t expect any large changes to be made to It’s Tough to be a Bug.
PHOTOS: Exterior Panel Installation Begins at Universal Studios Store Under Construction in Universal CityWalk Orlando
The new flagship store for Universal Studios is currently under construction at Universal Studios CityWalk Orlando. A lot of work has been done in the last few days, and recently we saw that blue exterior panels are being added to the side of the large building. On the left side of the building you can see one small portion of paneling has been added to the front of the store. That is the only piece of paneling that has been added to this portion of the building so far.
"The Art of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" Coffee Table Book Now Available for Pre-Order
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Galaxy’s Edge has been open since mid-2019 at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. This ultra detailed land has a lot to offer guests with chances to build lightsabers and droids that guests can take home as souvenirs. Soon there will be another way to bring some of the Force directly into your home. Now available for pre-order on Amazon is a new book titled The Art of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
REVIEW: New "Masquerade" Cookie is Delightfully Sweet at the Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida
We’ve been working our way through the event treats now available at the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida for Mardi Gras, and today we got a chance to try a new Mardi Gras cookie. “Masquerade” Cookie – $3.49 The cookie comes decorated with a sweet yellow frosting and a green masquerade mask on top that is actually a smaller cookie. There are also Mardi Gras chocolate candy pearls placed around the mask. Do beware, the chocolate candies were super hard.
REVIEW: New Vegan Brownie Skull Arrives at the Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida
We have made a lot of trips to the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida because of all of the fun treats they have available for Mardi Gras. We have enjoyed the Mardi Gras King Cake and the Bananas Foster Cheesecake Pop from the Tribute Store. Now it’s time to try a new treat. Today we gave the Vegan Brownie Skull a try. Vegan Brownie Skull – $5.49 Halloween and Holiday Tribute Stores have both had vegan brownies and they’re always incredible and a top pick for Team Members and guests.
PHOTOS: Main Street Firehouse Reopens with Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom Removed
In what has to be a pretty big surprise, the Main Street Firehouse at the Magic Kingdom has reopened from refurbishment with little fanfare and no announcement. The Firehouse doors were shut just a few weeks ago with the permanent closure of the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card game. We were shocked to see the doors open this evening. It wasn’t open earlier today. Fire Engine No. 71 now sits in the Main Street Firehouse, surrounded by stanchions.
UPDATE: Cause of Fire at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Universal’s Islands of Adventure Revealed
This morning a small fire erupted at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This attraction at Universal Orlando Resort is currently under refurbishment. This afternoon we have learned more details regarding the fire. Info about the fire at Islands of Adventure: External pump was being used to remove water from Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges (closed for refurb).
PHOTOS: Glass Installed at New Universal Studios Store Under Construction at Universal CityWalk Orlando
A new Universal Studios Store is currently being built at Universal CityWalk in Orlando. Today on a visit to CityWalk we got to see the progress of the “production” taking place. A lot of work has been done to the space since we checked out the building in October. From behind the construction walls we can see that glass has been installed to the storefront.
Disney Website Now Lists Contemporary Resort Room Remodel Project, Still Silent on Possible “The Incredibles” Themed Rooms
Disney has officially announced that portions of the Contemporary Resort will be closed for refurbishment beginning in April of this year. The refurbishments will be focused on reimagining some of the rooms in the main tower. Permits for this construction were filed back in January, and construction is expected to last until September of this year. As stated on the Walt Disney World website: “Starting in April 2021, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will begin a refurbishment to reimagine Guest rooms.
Refurbishments Announced for Stormalong Bay and Samawati Springs Pools at Walt Disney World
Two refurbishments at Walt Disney World Resort hotels were just announced. If you’re staying at the Yacht or Beach Club Resort this spring be aware that the Stormalong Bay waterslide will be closed starting this month. The Stormalong Bay Pool will continue to be open, only the waterslide is going under refurbishment. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village will be closing for refurbishment starting January 2022 until April of that year.
PHOTOS: Rob Gronkowski Visits Walt Disney World Following Tampa Bay Buccaneer Super Bowl Victory
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Yesterday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Superbowl, and Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski both excitedly said they were going to Walt Disney World following the game. Today the Disney Parks Blog shared photos of Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski’s day in the parks. The football player looked like he had a blast at the Happiest Place on Earth.
PHOTOS: New "Robin Hood" Loungefly Backpack and Pin Now Available Online
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Loungefly has just released a new Robin Hood themed backpack and enamel pin. These new pieces of merchandise reflect the humor and adventure in the classic film. “Robin Hood” Loungefly Backpack – $70.00 This Loungefly has Robin Hood and Maid Marian swinging over the archery tournament tents as they escape from Prince John. The bag is a bright blue, with darker blue accents.
PHOTOS: More Wires and Plants Added to Star Wars Trading Post at Disneyland Resort
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Just when we thought no more Star Wars could be thrown onto the old Rainforest Cafe building, more appears. On a trip to Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort we noticed that even more wires and plants have been added to the soon-to-be Star Wars Trading Post. This project has been underway since it was announced that the old Rainforest Cafe would be turned into a galactic merchandise location in mid-January.
PHOTOS: Snack Carts Return to Disney California Adventure Serving Popcorn, Churros and More
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Disney California Adventure has been reopening dining locations since the lift of the California stay-at-home order, and today a plethora of snack carts opened to serve guests. Also opening today was Carthay Circle Restaurant and Smokejumpers Grill. A churro cart now sits at the end of Hollywood Land, serving churros and cold beverages.
PHOTOS: New Paradise Falls "Up" Tumbler Floats into Walt Disney World
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. On a trip to Walt Disney World we found an adorable new Up tumbler. We found this tumbler at Disneyland Resort not too long ago, and are excited to see it now available in Florida as well. Paradise Falls “Up” Tumbler – $19.99 This tumbler has a design that wraps around the entire cup, and is themed towards a trip to Paradise Falls in South America. Russell and Doug are both on the tumbler.
PHOTOS: Jungle Cruise Little Golden Book Arrives this Spring
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. Little Golden Books have been a Disney staple for many years. Recently it was announced that a Haunted Mansion Golden Book would be released this summer. Now, there’s one more Little Golden Book to be excited about! Another Golden Book based on a classic Disney attraction is being released, this time themed towards the Jungle Cruise.
PHOTOS: Beautiful Beauty and the Beast Journal Arrives at Walt Disney World
On a trip to Animal Kingdom, we spotted a new piece of Beauty and the Beast merchandise. There seems to be a lot of new merchandise themed to the classic movie, as we recently found a Beauty and the Beast home collection only a few days ago. Beauty and the Beast Journal – $19.99 This Beauty and the Beast journal has a bright red cover, with Belle and the Beast engraved on the cover. The title of the film is also engraved, and shines in gold.
REVIEW: Carthay Circle Lounge - Alfresco Dining Reopens with NEW Double Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae
Disneyland Resort has been reopening dining locations since the lift of the California stay-at-home order at the end of January. There have been changes at the resort as restaurants slowly open outdoor dining in Downtown Disney and Disney California Adventure. Last night, Award Wieners in Hollywood Land opened in Disney California Adventure, and today marks the reopening of both Carthay Circle Restaurant and Smokejumpers Grill.
Operating Hours Released for Walt Disney World Theme Parks Through April 24, 2021; Park Hours Extended Select Dates in February
Walt Disney World park hours have just been released through April 24th, and some park hours have been extended from Tuesday February 16th to Saturday February 27. Here are the updated hours for the later half of February: Magic Kingdom: 2/16 – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM 2/18 – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 2/21-2/25 – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM 2/26 – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 2/27 – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Magic Kingdom continues to open at 9:00 AM, but now closes later on select dates.
PHOTOS: New Star Wars Trading Post Lights Up in the Downtown Disney District
We’ve been watching the transformation of the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney into the new Star Wars Trading Post which is scheduled to open on February 19th. Tonight we got to see the new merchandise location all lit up. A lot has been added to the old Rainforest Cafe facade, including satellites, wires and a ton of camo netting. The tall tower on the building has an orange glow from within at night. Yesterday Rey’s Speeder was added to the outside of the transformed building.
PHOTOS: Award Wieners and Grizzly Peak Area Now Open at Disney California Adventure
Tonight at Disneyland Resort the quick service location Award Wieners has opened! The lift of the California stay-at-home order has allowed outdoor dining to return to Disneyland Resort, and it took a few days for some establishments to get up and running. Award Wieners is now officially open in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure. The eatery which serves an assortment of hot dogs. The menu for Award Wieners is the same as it was when it was reopened in November.
REVIEW: New Strawberry Soft-Serve Waffle Cone Needs a Spoonful of Sugar at Animal Kingdom
We are inching closer and closer to Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World, and more themed treats are being released. On a trip to Animal Kingdom we found a Valentine’s Day ice cream now available at the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck. We’ve tried limited time ice cream at Anandapur before, and it didn’t blow our minds. Let’s see how this Valentine’s offering shapes up. The Anandapur Ice Cream Truck is located in Asia at Animal Kingdom, and is a short walk to the left of Expedition Everest.
CONFIRMED: A Day in the Park with Barney at Universal Studios Florida is Permanently Closed
Last month we heard word that A Day in the Park with Barney, a live show at Universal Studios Orlando, may close permanently. Today that speculation has been confirmed. In response to a fan on Twitter, the Universal Orlando Resort Twitter account stated that the Barney show would no longer run, for good. Yes, A Day in the Park with Barney has permanently closed at Universal Studios Florida.
PHOTOS: New Limited Release Frontierland, Recess School's Out, and Kingdom of Cute MagicBands Arrive at Walt Disney World
Three new limited release MagicBands have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look at the new designs. kingdom of Cute MagicBand – $29.99 This MagicBand has characters and icons from both U.S. resorts on the front, with a light blue background. Frontierland MagicBand – $29.99 This orange MagicBand has icons and characters from Frontierland. The Davy Crocket Explorer Canoes, Melvin from the Country Bear Jamboree and trains from Big Thunder Railroad are all accounted for.
Pirates of the Caribbean Did Not Open Today at the Magic Kingdom
There have been issues occurring at Pirates of the Caribbean as of late, and today the attraction failed to open at all. A message from the Vice President of Magic Kingdom Jason Kirk states an apology for the attraction being down, and assures guests via the MyDisneyExperience app that cast members are diligently working on getting the attraction back up and running. Keep up with WDWNT as we continue to follow this story.
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