Disney is now celebrating another major construction milestone for the much-anticipated TRON Roller Coaster coming to Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort as the first steel support columns are now being installed!
The TRON attraction is based on the guest-favorite attraction TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction will allow riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier.
The steel columns will serve as the framework that’ll support the coaster’s track in Tomorrowland. And today, Disney gave a special look at the columns and the progress Walt Disney Imagineers, Disney cast members and project teams have made in bringing the attraction to life. Take a look at the video below:
Another major milestone was recently celebrated as cast members and the project teams responsible for bringing the new TRON attraction to life at Magic Kingdom Park signed their names on one of the first steel support columns for the new attraction.
The TRON attraction is set to open at Magic Kingdom Park in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
“Toy Story 4” hits theaters in just over a month and today Disney Parks announced the release of a new MagicBand inspired by the adorable disposable spork, from the film, named “Forky”.
The new Limited Edition MagicBand has an edition size of 3500 and retails for $34.99.
The new merch doesn’t end with the MagicBand. There is plenty more Forky inspired merchandise now available at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, including a special plush, apparel and more (none of which is disposable)!
FORKY (voiced by Tony Hale) is not a toy! At least that’s what he thinks. An actual spork-turned-craft-project, Forky is pretty sure that he doesn’t belong in Bonnie’s room. Unfortunately, every time he tries to get away, someone yanks him back into an adventure he’d rather skip.
For Disneyland, merchandise can be found in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park and World of Disney at Downtown Disney District. For Walt Disney World, merchandise can be found in Beverly Sunset Boutique or Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and World of Disney at Disney Springs.
Look out for Forky in Disney·Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” in theaters on June 21, 2019.
A Florida man was arrested last week after Walt Disney World security found a gun in his bag at the bag check area at the Ticket and Transportation Center.
A pistol was secured in a holster with two magazines secured to it inside the bag. He told deputies he “completely forgot it was in his bag.”
The man, identified as Terry Bruce of Daytona Beach, said he normally keeps the weapon in his car, but he was switching cars and always takes it with him.
Records indicate he is not licensed to carry a concealed firearm. He was placed under arrest for carrying a concealed firearm without a license.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walt Disney World revealed a new logo for Hollywood Studios during a celebration of its 30th anniversary today.
The new logo, which will be rolled out later this year, was revealed during a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream of this morning’s celebration. Disney says that with Toy story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this is a whole new park and it calls for a whole new logo.
The celebration started early this morning with “Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Star-Studded Celebration cavalcade starring Mickey and friends” and concluded with the logo reveal at the end. Take a look at the video below to relive the moment.
During the two day media preview of the 30th anniversary we got a close look at some of these new attractions coming to the park in the near future. Take a look below:
