Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • NEW Limited-Release Designer Mouse Ears Coming to Disney Parks & shopDisney

    NEW Limited-Release Designer Mouse Ears Coming to Disney Parks & shopDisney

    Beginning May 24, guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort can purchase a series of limited-release Mickey Mouse ear hats and Minnie Mouse ear headbands that, for the first time ever, are designed by notable celebrities, designers and artists!

    The collection will introduce signature elements of each collaborator to the iconic silhouettes of Mickey and Minnie for a never-before-seen look. For those of you not at the resorts, you’re in luck! They will also be available online at shopDisney.com.

    Each month, new designs will be released such as a bridal-inspired design using hand sewn crystal and pearl embroidery by Vera Wang, a decadent crystal-encrusted ear hat from The Blonds, a classic pink-puffed ear headband by Betsey Johnson, a mommy-and-daughter set by Cupcakes and Cashmere and a genuine crafted leather, floral-inspired ear headband by COACH, as seen above.

    Legendary supermodel, television host and entrepreneur Heidi Klum also designed a dazzling pair of ears coming this fall, as seen above. And in early 2020, another stunning ear headband will hit the shelves from American supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss.

    The creative collaborations don’t stop there! Other designers in the collection include HARVEYS (as seen above), ALEX AND ANI, Loungefly and a design from a galaxy far, far away by Star Warsactress Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe.

    Artists from around the world will also expand upon the stories of some of the most beloved characters and attractions in a whole new way. Some designs from artists as featured in the WonderGround Art Galleries include: NOAH, SHAG, Jerrod Maruyama, Dave Perillo and John Coulter.

    Many of the designs in the collection take inspiration from beloved Disney characters and Disney Parks attractions, including an Enchanted Tiki Room-inspired design pictured above and forthcoming designs by Disney Imagineers such as Kim Irvine, Kevin Rafferty and Joe Rohde.

    For those of you looking to get your ears on, check out the jam-packed release schedule, with even more designs to be announced in the coming months:

    • HARVEYS – May 24th
    • Betsey Johnson – Summer 2019
    • ALEX AND ANI – Summer 2019
    • Noah Fine Art – Summer 2019
    • Kim Irvine – Summer 2019
    • Her Universe – Summer 2019
    • SHAG – Summer 2019
    • Jerrod Maruyama – Fall 2019
    • Heidi Klum – Fall 2019
    • The Blonds – Fall 2019
    • Loungefly – Fall 2019
    • COACH – Fall 2019
    • Joe Rohde – April 2020
    • Vera Wang – Spring 2020
    • Cupcakes and Cashmere – Spring 2020
    • Kevin Rafferty – Spring 2020
    • Karlie Kloss – Spring 2020
    • John Coulter – Summer 2020

    Get ready to show your #DisneyStyle when these new designs from the collection hit The Disney Dress Shop, Disneyana and Off the Page at Disneyland Resort in California, Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories, MouseGear, Uptown Jewelers, Once Upon a Time and Discovery Trading Companyat Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and online at shopDisney.com/Disney-Parks-Designer-Collection.

  • BREAKING: Space-Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot Will Open Later This Year

    BREAKING: Space-Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot Will Open Later This Year

    As we previously reported, a one-of-a-kind, space-themed restaurant is currently planned for Epcot that’ll offer guests amazing meals and a spectacular view – from high above Earth and today, Disney announced that this new restaurant will be open for business by the end of 2019.

    The restaurant was initially announced in summer 2017 and once completed, the restaurant will invite guests to travel to space for an amazing dining experience in the stars. Menu details are few, but we know they have developed a menu that features internationally-inspired cuisine, more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines and a wide selection of craft beer.

    The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, led by Nick Valenti, which operates several other restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort, including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs.

    But Epcot guests don’t have to wait until the restaurant opens to enjoy a thrilling adventure in space. In summer 2017, the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction launched new experiences: the enhanced Orange Mission offers a truly intense experience that lets guests feel the force of an actual space launch en route to Mars; while the all-new, family-friendly Green Mission takes guests on an exciting orbit around Earth.

    The price point for the new restaurant is still a mystery and there has been no announcement about its name.

  • Grandmother Arrested for Having CBD Oil at Disney World

    Grandmother Arrested for Having CBD Oil at Disney World

    A 69-year-old North Carolina woman was recently arrested at Disney World when CBD oil was found in her purse at a security check point.

    Hester Jordan Burkhalter began using CBD oil for her arthritis after her doctor recommended it. She even had a note from the medical professional in her purse at the time of arrest, but it didn’t matter.

    She then spent 12 hours behind bars before being released on a $2,000 bond. Orange County Sheriff’s Office officials have said that their deputy was just following the law, but the charges against Burkhalter were eventually dropped.

    Burkhalter told Fox 35 that she had been planning on the trip for two years. “I have really bad arthritis in my legs, in my arms and in my shoulder,” she said. “I use (CBD oil) for the pain because it helps.” When she was stopped by security outside of the Magic Kingdom, however, she was arrested. “I’ve never had but maybe one speeding ticket in my life.”

    Despite the fact that it’s sold on store shelves across the state, CBD oil is still technically illegal in the state of Florida (unless the user has a prescription). This has created a confusing situation in the Sunshine State.

  • New Complimentary MagicBand Upgrade Options Coming Soon to Disney World

    New Complimentary MagicBand Upgrade Options Coming Soon to Disney World

    When you book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, picking out your MagicBand and customized with your name and favorite color is part of the fun! And soon, Disney will be adding the option to upgrade the complimentary solid-color MagicBand that comes with your reservation.

    Soon, Disney Resort hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade, at a discounted price, to one of more than 30 new MagicBand upgrade options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs. These new MagicBand upgrade options will be available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price that reflects a $14.99 discount off the regular retail cost through the My Disney Experience website.

    Check out the video below to get a sneak peek:

    A colorful selection of complimentary MagicBands is still available for guests who choose not to upgrade. The new upgrade options can also be shipped to guests’ homes (U.S. addresses only) if ordered 11 or more days ahead of arrival and can be personalized if done so at least 6 or more days ahead of arrival.

    The MagicBand, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, effortlessly links the Walt Disney World Resort vacation choices and plans guests make in the My Disney Experience app – from entering the parks to redeeming FastPass+ selections, using dining plan credits, linking Disney PhotoPass photos and more.

  • VIDEO: U.S. Navy Blue Angels Perform Flyovers at Epcot

    VIDEO: U.S. Navy Blue Angels Perform Flyovers at Epcot

    Yesterday, guests visiting Epcot cheered as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed several magical passes above the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction in honor of Military Appreciation Month.

    The Blue Angels executed two flyovers at 500 feet, roaring by at speeds of more than 250 mph.  During one of the passes, the pilots performed a perfect “Delta Break” maneuver above the Spaceship Earth.  

    Many guests at Epcot, which included visiting U.S.military personnel, veterans and their families, said it was a special experience watching some of the world’s best pilots in action during their Disney vacation. Take a look at the amazing video below:

    “I did two tours in Vietnam and I was on the USS Somers and to see them go right over Spaceship Earth and on the second pass, when they split up – it was awesome,” Epcot guest and Navy veteran James Fredricks said. “I can’t help myself from getting emotional about it.”

    Supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and celebrating their service has long been a Disney tradition. After the celebration at Epcot, the Blue Angels travel south – to the Fort Lauderdale Air Show in Florida.

  • VIDEO: New Baby Gorilla Born at Disney World

    VIDEO: New Baby Gorilla Born at Disney World

    The family at Disney Animal Kingdom just got a little bit bigger. a healthy baby western lowland gorilla was born on May 1 at the park to mom Kashata and dad Gino.

    Both mom and baby are doing well and bonding onstage at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail with the rest of the family troop. The entire family even joined in the celebration of the new baby’s arrival with a special enrichment tactic to reveal the baby’s gender.

    Turns out, it’s a girl! And her name is Grace! Check out the video of Kashata and Grace’s first moments bonding onstage at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail below:

    Kashata and the baby’s father, Gino, were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP). The program is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of critically endangered species, such as western lowland gorillas, so they will have healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come.

    The team of Disney animal care experts has decided to name the baby Grace after the GRACE gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is dedicated to helping gorillas orphaned by poaching. Animal care experts from Disney’s Animal Kingdom have spent more than 10 years helping the GRACE team and local community rehabilitate orphan gorillas and protect the species in the wild.

    Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can join in the celebration of the baby’s arrival by visiting Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and may catch a glimpse of Kashata and the baby. Exclusive photo opportunities are also available, as well as a specialty cupcake, available for purchase at Tamu Tamu Refreshments.

  • New Details Revealed For Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

    New Details Revealed For Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

    As we previously reported, “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is opening in 2020 and today Disney has revealed several exciting new details!

    Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway makes for the first ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction. The new attraction will totally immerse guests in a cartoon world and will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction. They say it’s an ear worm for sure!

    We got a preview of the the ride marquee, as you can see in the pic above, which will hang on the Chinese Theatre when the attraction opens. Then we got a chance to see what the ride vehicles will look like as you can see below. On the left in normal lighting and on the right in black lighting.

    One you make it inside past the marquee, the pre-show are will feature a brand new Mickey Mouse animated short called “Perfect Picnic.”

    Goofy will be driving the train once you make it on the ride and one of the most interesting take aways from todays press event is that the whistle that will be heard in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the actual whistle used from 1928’s “Steamboat Willie.”

    On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes.

    The teams helping create the attraction are currently working with partners at Disney Television Animation—the people who create the popular and award-winning Mickey Shorts – to keep the characters and story authentic and to make sure you’re able to step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before.

  • New Table-Service Restaurant Coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    New Table-Service Restaurant Coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Get yer lasso’s ready, cowpokes, because here is some rootin’ tootin’ news for ya! There’s a brand-new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Upon entering Andy’s back yard, guests are magically transformed to the size of a toy, surrounded by toys and playsets scattered throughout the area. And soon, guests will discover that a new play area has been set up – and it’s called Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant. But of course, being Andy, it certainly isn’t your usual rodeo…

    Using three cardboard boxes cut and taped together, Andy has created a new rodeo arena using some of his favorite toys, games, and play sets. And while some pieces are definitely western-themed, what makes this rodeo special is the broad assortment of toys that have been brought together to create a fun, colorful mashup-atmosphere that only a child could create. 

    Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by all of the rodeo festivities in-action as well as western town and train station play sets. And you just might spot some of your favorite Disney•Pixar characters scattered throughout the restaurant in the form of toys and game pieces including a toy version of Jessie riding on the back of a Trixie pull-toy and unique toy versions of Bo Peep and her sheep, all who appear to be performing in the rodeo together.

    This immersive restaurant will surround guests with a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets, providing yet another unique, fun, family-friendly dining experience that could only be had in Toy Story Land. In the meantime, be sure to check out Woody’s Lunch Box for delicious sandwiches, Lunch Box Tarts, and more!

  • New Fireworks Show Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

    New Fireworks Show Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

    For the first time in 14 years Disney is introducing a brand-new fireworks spectacular to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.

    The spooky fun event, that happens on select nights from August 16 to November 1, will feature returning favorites along with all-new experiences, including the debut of an incredible new fireworks spectacular.

    As you can see in the concept art above in the very first scene to be released, this new show will feature state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks that come together to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night.

    The show will take guests along on a trick-or-treating adventure, where four friends – Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy – find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house. The journey takes them from one room of the house to another, encountering dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts and a whole series of troublemaking Disney villains.

    Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $79. If you’d like a reserved spot for the new fireworks, adding the Fireworks Dessert Party to your trip is the perfect option! Contact Kimberly at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly for more information.

    Also, returning to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year:

    • “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” Live Show, featuring the Sanderson Sisters and other spooky Disney villains.
    • “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” which happens twice nightly and features favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best, along with the Disney villains and a cavalcade of fiendishly fun floats.
    • Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam in Fantasyland; where all of the young partygoers can dance the night away with favorite Disney Junior characters like Doc McStuffins and Vampirina.
    • In Frontierland, prospector Cactus-Flower Cate rounds up youngsters for the “Frontierland Costume Promenade,” encouraging them to show off their costumes in a quest for the greatest treasure in the land – candy! The “Frontierland Costume Promenade” takes place just prior to each run of Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade.
    • Trick-or-treating throughout the park