Last week, we got new concept art for the transformation of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel into the Pixar Place Hotel. Today we stopped by the hotel to see what has changed, and spoiler: it’s a lot! The refurbished lobby and gift shop have been partially revealed as the transformation continues. The new paint job on the […]
The post Photos: Reimagined Pixar Place Hotel Lobby and Gift Shop Revealed to Guests appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
Construction walls have come down from the entrance area of Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, revealing some fish figures missing from McElligot’s Pool and the surrounding water features.
The construction walls went up in early May, running from the Port of Entry restrooms through the entrance of Seuss Landing and completely blocking off the park space.
With the walls down, guests can again step out on this balcony to look at waterfalls next to the Seuss Landing entrance.
Signs between the waterfalls point around the corner to McElligot’s Pool. Previously, a column of colorful fish with water spouts was behind and to the left in this same body of water, but these fish were removed during the refurbishment.
You can just barely see the fish in our above photo of Seuss Landing from 2020.
It’s possible the fish are still being refurbished off-site and may be returned.
Yellow archways go over the waterfalls and pools. Other than the removal of some fish, no theming in the area was changed, but things look refreshed.
The refurbishment seems to have just included cleaning, repainting, and maintenance of the water features.
A pink bench wall is accessible again.
The actual McElligot’s Pool is in this park space.
“McElligot’s Pool” is a 1947 Dr. Seuss book and one of the six removed from publication by Dr. Seuss Enterprises in 2021 due to harmful stereotypes. At the time, Universal Orlando Resort announced that they were evaluating the inclusion of these books in Seuss Landing, but ultimately no major changes were made. None of the harmful stereotypes are depicted in Seuss Landing.
The blue splash pad flooring of this area and the pink and purple circles on it looks brighter.
Two more fish figures were removed from McElligot’s Pool.
They sat on the green hill in the center of the small pool and had topiary parachutes.
Above is a picture of the parachuting fish from one of our 2020 photo reports.
Like the fish by the waterfalls, they may return later.
Have you ever relaxed near McElligot’s Pool in Seuss Landing? Let us know in the comments.
Seuss Landing, inspired by Dr. Seuss stories, is one of eight themed lands of Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The land has several attractions, mostly geared toward younger visitors.
Food and beverage locations in Seuss Landing include Green Eggs and Ham Café, Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous, Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop, and Moose Juice, Goose Juice.
During the winter holidays, Seuss Landing is decorated and the Whos of Whoville wander the land, doing their Christmas shopping. There is a Grinch meet and greet, Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast, and the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
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A new Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary tiki cup has arrived at The Watering Hole at Islands of Adventure. Today, we bought it and tried their new Nublar Libre drink.
Chairman’s Reserved Spiced Rum, Lime and Grapefruit Juices, Vanilla Bean, Passion Fruit Purée, Cinnamon Syrup, Topped with Colombiana Soda
We found this cup at The Watering Hole at Islands of Adventure. Although there are four new drinks on the menu, we tried the Nublar Libre this time.
This little stand in Jurassic Park serves up mixed cocktails and frozen drinks.
The other new drinks include Cape Guayaba, Cucumber Basil Colada, and the Zombie.
The cup reminds us of a Tiki-style cup and features many of the different dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, including the Velociraptor and the T-Rex. Although it looks like it’s made of bamboo or wood, it is actually just plastic. The top and bottom of the cup are lined with triangles.
When you bring the cup back, you get $2 off the new drinks on the menu and $4 off the older drinks on the menu.
The Nublar Libre drink was described to us as a more “rugged” drink, without any garnish. We found it to be very strong and potent, however, it was delightfully smooth and easy to drink.
Upon our first sip, we tasted the rum right away, along with a bit of vanilla, and some hints of citrus. It also has a slight cinnamon finish, which usually is a bit much in some drinks, but was expertly mixed into this drink.
The passion fruit helps keep the drink sweet, without being over the top. The vanilla is one of the more prominent flavors in the drink. We found it to be subtle and distinct at the same time.
Overall, we highly recommend this drink. Not only is the drink good, but it also comes with this souvenir cup.
All of the drinks from The Watering Hole are made when you order, so they are always high quality and fresh. They do not pre mix the batches.
The Watering Hole also has gluten-free cocktail options, though they do not come with the Jurassic Park souvenir cup.
This tiki cup is also available in Universal Studios Hollywood at the Isla Nu Bar, just outside of Jurassic World — The Ride. Go check out our review
Are you going to try this new drink? Let us know in the comments.
For more Jurassic Park news, check out these articles:
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
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We’re celebrating two momentous occasions with the latest pins at Walt Disney World. Today we have a limited edition “Mulan” 25th Anniversary pin, along with a Father’s Day 2023 pin featuring Raya and Chief Benja.
This pin features the major figures of the Fa family including Mulan at the ready with her sword. Fa Zhou and Fa Li, her father and mother respectively, are behind in admiration. To the far left we see the First Fa Ancestor looking upon Mulan. And in the lower left corner, we see her trusty cricket Cri-kee. There’s a limited edition of 5000 on this pin.
“Mulan” first released in theaters on June 19, 1998 in the United States, and is a retelling of an old Chinese folktale about a young Chinese woman who learns that her elderly and disabled father is to be called up into the army in order to fight the invading Huns. Knowing that he would never survive the rigors of war, she decides to disguise herself and join in his place. Unknown to her, her ancestors are aware of this and to prevent it, they order a tiny disgraced dragon, Mushu to join her in order to force her to abandon her plan. He agrees, but when he meets Mulan, he learns that she cannot be dissuaded and so decides to help her in the perilous times ahead.
This pin celebrating Father’s Day 2023 on June 18 shows a young Raya with her father Chief Benja on a background of smoke. It reads “Father’s Day 2023” below. Benja’s cool and kind nature serves as inspiration for Raya throughout the film, after suffering his death during the opening.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” is a much more recent Walt Disney Animation Studios film, releasing on March 5, 2021. Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. However, when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned, and it’s up to a lone warrior to track down the last dragon and stop the Druun for good.
Both of these pins are available now at Frontier Trading Post at the Magic Kingdom. Let us know if either of these will be in your collection in the comments below!
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The post ‘Mulan’ 25th Anniversary and Raya & Chief Benja Father’s Day 2023 Pins Arrive at Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.
Today, Walt Disney World revealed more details on the return of the Disney Dining Plan, including what is and is not included in the updated plan. Below is a list of all the restaurants at Walt Disney World that will be participating in both the regular Dining Plan and Quick Service Dining Plan. Select table service […]
The post Complete List of 2024 Disney Dining Plan Locations at Walt Disney World appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
The Fantasia and Pinocchio floats have finally returned to the “Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy absence.
We caught the “Festival of Fantasy Parade” today and saw that the Pinocchio and Fantasia floats were included back in the float lineup. They have been missing from the parade since the end of March.
The Pinocchio float has the puppet-turned-real-boy sitting atop a colorful depiction of Monstro the whale. Behind Pinocchio is a tiny carnival featuring a swing ride, roller-coaster, and Ferris wheel.
The Fantasia float follows the Pinocchio float. It features memorable characters from the 1940 animated classic including Madame Upanova, Hyacinth Hippo, Elephanchine, Ben Ali Gator, Peter Pegasus, and more.
There are also acrobats in brightly colored costumes performing on swings atop the float.
Disney has not announced why the parades have been missing for more than two months. From what we can see, it looks like they may have been given a new coat of paint.
Pluto waves to guests as the parade makes its way through the streets.
The princess garden float was given a slight makeover when Festival of Fantasy returned last year, with new flowers and giant ribbons on the front where Belle and the Beast stand.
The rest of the float has slowly spinning sections with the other princesses. This float originated in the “Jubilation!” parade at Tokyo Disneyland in 2008 before moving to Walt Disney World.
Dancers in colorful dresses and braids, along with Ulfa the mime, usually led the “Tangled” unit.
Rapunzel stands at the front of the float and Pascal is perched atop a sign for The Snuggly Duckling.
Flynn, Maximus, and some of the ruffians stand on giant swinging axes behind Rapunzel. The float resembles a Nordic Viking ship.
The Pinocchio float has the puppet-turned-real-boy sitting atop a colorful depiction of Monstro the whale.
Behind Pinocchio is a tiny carnival featuring a swing ride, roller-coaster, and Ferris wheel.
Acrobats in swings would perform at the back of the float.
Watch our video of Festival of Fantasy from March 2022 below.
What is your favorite float in the Festival of Fantasy Parade? Let us know in the comments.
In the meantime, check out some other news from Magic Kingdom:
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Could this be a sign that Disney World’s early theme park entry will change in the future? Early Entry Early Theme Park Entry is a terrific benefit. It began in the fall of 2021 and replaced morning Extra Magic Hours. All guests utilizing this benefit can take advantage of entering the parks 30 minutes before the […]
The post Disney updates information on early entry for select guests appeared first on KennythePirate.com.
A new “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” hoodie is now available at Walt Disney World, as part of a larger Disney100 apparel collection inspired by the classic show.
The pullover hoodie is a distressed black. “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” is on the chest above a large pocket.
Most of the lettering is white. “Walt Disney’s” is in the classic cursive script, while the rest is block lettering. “Color” is embroidered with pink, orange, yellow, blue, and green thread.
The program was originally called “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” when it was hosted by Walt Disney in the 1960s. After Disney’s death, the show was rebranded to “The Wonderful World of Disney.”
On the back is an image of Walt Disney and Ludwig Von Drake on a retro TV. Blue, yellow, and red stars are around the TV.
It reads, “Every Sunday Evening Step Into Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.”
We found the hoodie at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom with the rest of the “Wonderful World of Color” merchandise.
It’s part of the Disney100 Eras collection.
Walt Disney World announced monthly themes to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company over the next several months.
As previously announced, Disney100 will be celebrated at EPCOT with Mickey and Minnie in their platinum outfits and a platinum Mickey sculpture. A new Spectacle of Light show will debut on Spaceship Earth and, in late 2023, a new Disney100 nighttime spectacular will premiere to replace “Harmonious.” Journey of Water, CommuniCore Hall, World Celebration Garden, and Dreamers Point are all scheduled to open in late 2023 at EPCOT.
Mirabel will have a meet and greet at Magic Kingdom beginning “this fall” in the Fairytale Garden. She will be replacing Merida, and the area will be redesigned to look like the Casita Madrigal.
Check out our full list with locations of Disney100 pressed pennies at Walt Disney World. Other souvenirs include Disney100 silver medallions, gift cards, light-up balloons, and refillable mugs.
Here is just some of the Disney100 merchandise at Walt Disney World:
The 100 Years of Wonder celebration is in full swing at Disneyland Resort, where guests can enjoy “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland and “World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure. The platinum Mickey sculpture at EPCOT will presumably be the same as the one at Disneyland, which had to be fixed because the Walt Disney quote on the base was incorrect. Disneyland also has a platinum Minnie statue.
Disneyland Resort is offering the “Celebrating Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort” guided tour, including a walk through both parks, the drawing experience at Animation Academy, a digital download of a photo taken in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Disney100 snack, reserved viewing for “Magic Happens” parade, and a limited-edition pin.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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More than two years after its permanent closure, the former home of Starbucks at Universal CityWalk Hollywood has been encased in construction walls.
Our latest visit to Universal CityWalk Hollywood revealed the former Starbucks finally behind walls. The outlet suddenly closed in April 2021, right before the nearby Universal Studios Hollywood reopened from its extended COVID-19 closure.
Fortunately there are two Starbucks outlets in the park as well as another within CityWalk so guests can still get their Frappuccino fix.
One of the siren signs has been tarped over, although the second siren logo and lettering for Starbucks Coffee are still visible.
The characteristic “Pardon our stardust” signs are hanging along the blue work walls. No plans have been announced for this space as of yet, but it’s likely that a new tenant for the food and shopping space has finally been found.
The space is located next to IT’SUGAR in Universal CityWalk Hollywood. We’ll be watching this space closely for new developments.
Were you disappointed to lose this Starbucks location? Let us know in the comments below!
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen finally opened its third full-size outlet at Universal Studios Hollywood in January, following locations in Orlando and Beijing, so we decided to stop in and give things a taste.
The West Coast version of Toothsome began construction in 2020, with this being the former home of the Hard Rock Cafe from 1996 to 2020. The exterior has a faux brick facade with steampunk touches like gears, pipes, and a tall cooling tower outside the front. The color scheme is mostly black and gold.
Stepping inside, we’re greeted with a similar steampunk vibe, down to the employees’ costumes. Black and gold are the primary colors throughout, with white accents to set them apart. Straight ahead after entering is the two-story dining area.
To the right is the gift shop, which sells take-home treats and some souvenirs.
Off to the left is outdoor seating and access to the milkshake bar.
The menu is quite nicely housed in this pleather book with the restaurant’s logo emblazoned on the front.
The first page describes the story of the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and its founder, as follows:
Jacques landed the dirigible in front of a small cottage home in London, England. Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome was overjoyed to share her experiences and experiments with her family.
She quickly stepped from the cockpit of the airship and dashed up the cobble pathway. She threw open the front door, soaking in her childhood home.
Except…It was empty. All that remained was the old Victrola in the corner of the living room.
Penelope stepped into her mother’s kitchen recalling the first time she ever tasted chocolate. There was a song in her head. She couldn’t recall the name of it, but it was French and Jazzy. There on the kitchen floor was a note from her parents.
Dearest Penelope, We have set out to join you in your adventures. Surely the world isn’t so big that we can’t find you. We shall look for you wherever chocolate can be found. Love, Thomas & Violette Toothsome
Penelope knew immediately what she had to do. She would take everything she knew about chocolate and develop a fully industrialized, state-of-the-art chocolate emporium! Until the day she was reunited with her family, she would share her love and knowledge of chocolate with the world!
With the old Victrola in her arms, Penelope made her way back to the dirigible. Jacques quickly lifted them into the air. They were off to chase their destiny and find the perfect location for the worlds foremost chocolate emporium. There would still be discoveries to be made, but she was determined to make them all.
That is the story of Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome.
Or at least… so I’ve been told.
Plenty of cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits are available to complement your meal.
Available items on offer for appetizers include the chocolate almond bread or the coffee and chocolate stout wings.
Soups and salads are also available to start.
Pizza options are available as flatbreads, including margherita, BBQ chicken, and pepperoni.
Don’t feel like a burger? Chicken, steak, and ham sandwiches are all available, including a reuben and a croque monsieur.
There’s some pretty massive burgers on the menu here though, including the Tour de France and the May Contain Bacon.
Feeling like pasta? You can get some gnocchi, fettuccine alfredo, or risotto as well.
Steak, chicken, and fish are all on the menu as main entrees as well.
Don’t feel like a shake for dessert? Get a crepe or some waffles instead!
French toast and quiche are quite the contrasts — sweet and savory options!
But of course the highlight of Toothsome is the over-the-top sugar bomb milkshakes, which feature a whopping of toppings!
There’s so many choices, from red velvet to key line, confetti to pineapple upside down, it’s so hard to choose!
A more traditional experience can also be had through the sundae selection, which can even contain a piece of cake within!
For those who may not want a gigantic diet-crushing milkshake, some more subdued desserts including a chocolate creme brulee and bread pudding are also available.
Kiddos also have some small options in case a monstrous hamburger and huge milkshake would bounce them off the walls too much.
Check out our full tour and review here on Universal Parks News Today.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
The post Construction Walls Finally Installed Around Former Starbucks at Universal CityWalk Hollywood appeared first on WDW News Today.
If you were cheering under the sea this weekend as Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid hit the cinemas in lavish style, then this new merch item is for you. The Little Mermaid Treasure Chest Crossbody Bag is $125 and features gold accents and vegan leather.
Let’s take a look at this new bag from Loungefly below:
For the mermaid who has everything, our exclusive Stitch Shoppe The Little Mermaid Treasure Chest Crossbody Bag is one gem of a find. No Disney wardrobe is complete without this exquisite figural crossbody bag in the shape of a treasure chest. An elegant gold metal shell clasp features a key “turn lock” in the shape of a dinglehopper, at the top of the bag. Wood grain debossed details carry through on all sides of the bag. Appliques of Flounder, Sebastian, starfish, coral, and aquatic plants add character around the sides, back, and front. A vegan leather charm of Flounder tops off the look. It’s the perfect accessory for securing all your keepsakes—and making a stylish splash wherever you go.
Each bag also comes with a matching 1.5-inch enamel pin of a treasure chest with Sebastian inside. This pin, which is only available with this Stitch Shoppe collection, features shiny gold hardware and the classic Loungefly/Funko crown debossing on the back.
Crossbody bag features include vegan leather (polyurethane), gold-colored metal hardware, adjustable and removable gold chain straps, a vegan leather charm, and applique, debossed, embossed, and printed details. Note the coordinating lining.
This crossbody bag is an officially licensed Disney product.
Crossbody bag dimensions: 9” W x 7” H x 4” D (Width is measured across the bottom of the bag.)
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