Guests visiting Disney California Adventure on August 30 were able to cross the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge into San Fransokyo Square for the first time ahead of the land’s official opening on August 31. They were greeted by new signage and decor upon arrival, with the Hamada Bot Shop, the setting of the new Baymax and Hiro meet and greet, being among the newly accessible locations.
Baymax and Hiro Meet and Greet at Hamada Bot Shop
Guests will be able to meet Baymax and Hiro outside of the Hamada Bot Shop. The exterior of the building features a bright red awning, and “Hamada Bot Shop” is printed in a bright blue type across its valance. The font matches that of the official “Big Hero 6” movie logo.
Sliding doors appear underneath the awning, and they’ve been adorned with a vibrant painting of a scenic valley. Detailed clouds line the horizon behind a winding river and tall trees. The usage of vivid colors to depict a picturesque landscape suggests that this painting is perhaps inspired by traditional Japanese art (more specifically the late Ukiyo-e period, the wave that the famous “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” painting is part of).
Decorations that one would expect to find hung on the bedroom walls of children in San Fransokyo are present on the side of the building. There’s a poster that features a city bus in front of the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge; the sun and a pagoda-style building are visible in the background.
A bright poster featuring a chopstick-holding robot is seen underneath the San Fransokyo art. The robot has a mechanized bowl of ramen for a head; fittingly, this poster is presumably a piece of promotional art for a fictional movie or television show called “Robo Ramen.”
There’s another piece of art hanging on the other sliding door, this poster showcasing a building on the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology campus.
General garage items —a recycling bin, brooms, tools, etc. — appear on both sides of the doors. Another piece of San Fransokyo Institute of Technology memorabilia leans against the side of the building beneath a “Cowboy Samurai” poster; this, again, is presumably a piece of promo art for an in-universe show.
A dismantled version of GoGo Tomago’s bike is also hung from the side of the building beneath other garage filler.
A large square entryway is cut from the wall perpendicular to these decorations; looking inside, we see more tools, shelves, and other objects one would expect to find in a garage. The decor makes sense, as the Hamada Bot Shop is where the team from “Big Hero 6” builds and innovates their gear. Guests are visiting these characters in their workshop, and thus, one would expect to find tools.
Words are written on another set of sliding doors further down this wall. The type reads “Tech Salvage & Repair” and “Custom Bot Fighter Upgrades.”
The Hamada Bot Shop Baymax and Hiro meet and greet will be located next to the San Fransokyo Maker’s Market, a retail location. While art was present and visible ahead of the grand opening, temporary walls were still up as of August 30.
San Fransokyo Square
San Fransokyo Square is a “Big Hero 6”-inspired reimagining of the Pacific Wharf section of Disney California Adventure. The land has opened in semi-phases throughout 2023; the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill and Lucky Fortune Cookery started serving “Big Hero 6”-themed meals and desserts in late July, and The Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería opened around that same time.
Aunt Cass Cafe, a new quick-service dining location at San Fransokyo Square, soft-opened on August 30. The land officially opens on August 31.
Will you be checking out the Baymax and Hiro meet and greet at the Hamada Bot Shop in San Fransokyo Square? How do you feel about the “Big Hero 6”-inspired overhaul of Pacific Wharf? Let us know in the comments.
For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.
As Marvel continues to introduce new characters from their upcoming comic series “G.O.D.S.,” the next one up is Mia the magic girl. The highly-anticipated series will introduce fans to an exciting new cast of characters, some of which readers have already met this summer in special bonus pages in select titles. From powerful mystics to daring […]
Boys and girls of every age. Wouldn’t you like to see something strange?
Well, well, well, what have we here?
If you love Nightmare Before Christmas, you’re already singing along — we know you are! Well, now that spooky season has officially started pretty much EVERYWHERE, we’re seeing a ton of new Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise. And just wait until you see the new Loungefly collection we just discovered on Amazon (hint: get your wallet ready now).
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Like we said, there’s a new Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly collection on Amazon that’s been released to celebrate the movie’s 30th anniversary.
Well, well, well, what have we here? We have Oogie Boogie front and center, with Jack Skellington on one side and Sally on the other. In the center of the bag is Oogie Boogie’s wheel — which REALLY spins. You can pre-order this bag now, and it will be released on October 11th, 2023.
Plus, you can get a matching wallet with the same design as the backpack. Let Oogie Boogie, Jack, and Sally watch over all your cash and cards. This wallet even has a fun coordinating lining. You can pre-order this wallet now, and it will be released on October 11th, 2023.
This pin set is sure to be a hit because it has all your favorite Nightmare Before Christmas characters, including Oogie Boogie, Jack, Sally, and Lock, Shock, and Barrel. You can pre-order this set now, and it will be released on October 11th, 2023.
Keep in mind that when it returns, the Quick Service and Standard Disney Dining Plans will be the only two options to return (for now). Disney has previously stated that the Dining Plan must be booked as part of a hotel package. But now, an important change has just been announced regarding the Disney Dining Plan.
First, let’s go over a bit of background. TheDisney Dining Plan is a pre-purchased service that is added onto a Disney Vacation Package (meaning you must be staying on a Vacation Package at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel). Then, once you get to Disney World, all your meals are already paid for, so you simply head to a restaurant on the approved list, enjoy your meal, and scan your card.
Recently, though, the rules seem to have changed. Now, ticketless packages with Dining Plans are available to book for stays at Disney World beginning January 9th, 2024. Disney shared that this change will accommodate guests who have booked back-to-back reservations at different Disney Resort Hotels by allowing them to book a room and Dining Plan without having to add tickets to the package, according to information shared with travel agents.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
These special packages will need to be booked over the phone directly with Disney Central.
Port Orleans French Quarter
We will continue to share updates on this major change, so be sure to follow along as we cover the return of the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re considering purchasing the Dining Plan on your next vacation, then you may want to check our DFB Guide. Our guide has full chapters on whether the Dining Plan is worth the cost, how to get the most out of the Dining Plan, and recommendations for those using the Dining Plan. It will really help you get the most bang for your buck!
Grab the DFB Guide!
We’ve got a comprehensive FAQ about the Disney Dining Plan, and you can check it out here! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
It’s not uncommon for Disney items to be in high demand.
Hello Figment Popcorn Bucket!
Occasionally, there will be an item that is in such high demand that it sells out FAST! Then, sometimes, it ends up on eBay and sells for WAY higher than its original price (like the Figment Popcorn Bucket, for example). Well, it’s happened again, but not with a popcorn bucket this time.
At the 2022 D23 Expo, we saw a lot of really cool things, like new tech and new attractions. We also saw the new Disney card game Disney Lorcana for the first time.
Lorcana is a NEW trading card game that debuted at the D23 Expo last fall. This card trading game was created by the collaboration of Ravensburger and Disney. At the D23 Expo, guests could purchase an exclusive collector set with the first six cards and get the Mickey promo card for free. These cards were in really HIGH demand, and the booth sold out very quickly! Then, shortly after the expo, you could find the cards being sold on eBay (with quite the markup)!
Now, after the game has clearly garnered much anticipation, it has finally been released to the public. And the public was very excited.
The Lorcana Starter Set!
The World of Disney store in Disney Springs opened early at 9:30AM, and by 10AM, they had SOLD OUT of all sets except the starter sets! The store had lots of starter sets still available.
They still had lots of starter sets available!
A shop worker said they are hoping to have more of the others back in stock by next week. The cards feature Disney characters like Mickey–Brave Little Tailor.
This has to be one of the most popular Disney games we’ve seen! Don’t forget that the game will be available on shopDisney starting September 1st. If the launch is anything like what we’ve so far, it will likely sell out QUICKLY.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Disney World has some absolutely incredible hotels — we’re not denying that — but the hotels at the Most Magical Place on Earth also have a FATAL FLAW.
Grand Floridian Lobby
No, it’s not the over-the-top Disney theming at some spots (which might not appeal to older adults) or the lack of Disney theming at other places (which might not appeal to kiddos). And it’s not even the current lack of room service at most of the hotels (though that is something to consider before booking). Nope, Disney World’s hotels have a different fatal flaw and it’s something you’ll need to know about before booking.
The fatal flaw of Disney World’s hotels is their…PRICING. That may come as no surprise to those who have stayed at Disney World’s hotels recently or have started pricing out their trips. But if you’ve only just begun your vacation planning or haven’t been to Disney in years, you might be SHOCKED to see just how much a Disney World hotel will set you back in terms of price.
Pool at Polynesian
Let’s take a look at some sample booking dates to demonstrate just how incredibly expensive Disney World’s hotels can be.
Let’s say you want to book a relatively quick getaway to Disney World where you’d check in on February 1st and check out on February 4th. We’ll look for a room just for 2 adults. Disney World’s hotels range in price for those dates from an average of $127.33 per night (at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort) to a whopping $821 at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (just in terms of basic starting price).
Copper Creek Villas
Let’s take a look at the cheapest options on Disney property:
An average of $127.33 per night will get you a tent or pop-up campsite at Fort Wilderness
$171.33 per night will get you a preferred room at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
$172.33 per night will get you a preferred room at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
$175.33 per night will get you a preferred room at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
$201 per night will get you a standard room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
$220 per night will get you a standard room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
$273.33 per night will get you a standard view room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Prices only go up from there as rooms at Disney’s moderate and deluxe resorts get into the $280+-$500 range
Looking for a family suite at Disney’s Art of Animation? That’ll set you back $467.33 per night
French Quarter Room
For the most part, the prices above reflect prices for standard rooms (not suites). If you’ve never even looked at staying off-property, then these prices might seem totally typical to you. But you may also be surprised to see how much MORE space you can get for the same price (or less) if you stay at a non-Disney hotel.
For example, for these same dates, you can book a 1 king 1-bedroom suite with a sofa bed (which has a separate king bedroom and living room) at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando in the Disney Springs Area for $237 (or even less if you have the Honors Discount).
Opt for a place like the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista (another Disney Springs hotel) and you could book a room with 2 double beds for $127.22 per night (though keep in mind there is a resort fee to add onto that).
If you look at other websites, you can see other hotels and what those might cost. For example, the TownePlace Suites offers rooms for an average of $231 per night — lower than many of the Disney hotels — and breakfast is included (something that you will NOT find at any of the Disney World hotels unless you stay in the Club Level-service rooms, which are even more expensive).
Now, we’re NOT saying that staying in a Disney World hotel is never a good idea. It can ABSOLUTELY be the best choice for you and your family to stay in a Disney World hotel for many reasons including the free transportation they offer to the parks (some of these other hotels offer free transportation to the parks but they could be very sporadic and inconvenient), the free parking they offer for hotel guests, the Disney theming, the convenience of simply being on property, the Disney level of service offered, and more.
Plus, Disney World hotels can give you certain perks — like extra time in the parks or earlier access to making Individual Lightning Lanes — that certain other hotels can’t give you. (Note that certain non-Disney hotels do qualify for some of these benefits so you need to examine that carefully.)
Art of Animation
The point is that oftentimes if you do a direct comparison of the Disney World hotel prices versus the prices of other hotels nearby (including just the ones in the Disney Springs area), you’ll typically find that the Disney World hotels are more expensive and you might not be getting quite as many perks as you’d think.
While other hotels might offer free breakfast or free snacks (and sometimes even multiple free MEALS), those aren’t things you’ll find at Disney World’s hotels for the most part. You may also be able to get a substantially bigger room (like a suite-style space) at a nearby hotel for less or about the same as you’d pay for a smaller room at Disney.
Pop Century
The important thing is to evaluate what your family wants and needs, what your budget is, and what perks are most important to you. That can help you determine whether a Disney World hotel (at its typically more expensive price) is worth the cost.
Is it more valuable to have free (more frequently offered and consistent) transportation to the parks or free breakfast? Would you rather have heavy Disney theming in a smaller room or a more spacious room with no theming at all? Is it more important to have free hotel parking or does it work out if you pay a cheaper price but then have to pay for parking/a hotel fee at a third-party hotel?
On the flip side, the dining at Disney World’s hotels (particularly in spots like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) can blow other nearby hotels WAY out of the water. And sometimes the Disney theming CANNOT be underestimated in terms of its value. You also need to consider the additional fees third-party hotels often charge (compared to Disney World hotels where things like overnight hotel parking are free). That might even out some of the costs. It all depends on what you need and want.
If a Disney World hotel is best for you but you don’t want to overspend, there are some tricks you should know about. First, ALWAYS look for available discounts. These are available several times a year and could help you save some serious cash.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
And know that you do NOT have to go through the stress of trying to plan a Disney World visit on your own. Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations to get their help! They’re constantly searching for offers that could help you save money so you’ll know that you’re getting the best deal out there.
DON’T DO IT ALONE!
Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.
Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)
So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you
What do you think? Is it worth the cash to stay at a Disney World hotel or are you a fan of staying off property? Tell us in the comments.
And stay tuned for more tips and tricks for your upcoming Disney trips.
We’re anxiously awaiting an opening date from Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs, but a recent job posting suggests that the opening might be sooner than we think! The restaurant posted on its Instagram that it’s now looking for employees for the Disney Springs location. How exciting!
Now, we only have a vague timeline for the restaurant’s grand opening, and that’s sometime in late 2023. But 2023 is whizzing right by us, so we’re hoping to get a more specific date soon. We’ve been keeping an eye on construction, too, and it’s coming right along.
Recent construction on Summer House on the Lake
The restaurant, which has locations in Chicago and Bethesda, MD, will feature a menu inspired by California flavors made with “simple, sustainable ingredients.” You’ll be able to order things like pizzas, salads, pasta, sandwiches, wood-grilled dishes, and more.
The location will also feature a dessert bar, The Cookie Jar, a dessert-focused market that serves “freshly baked cookies and house-made pastries.” To say we’re excited about that is an understatement! We are ALL about some cookies! Who knows? Maybe it will even give Gideon’s Bakehouse a run for its money.
As always, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates about Summer House on the Lake, and we’ll share them with you as soon as we can. Stay tuned to DFB for more.
Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
As kids head back to class, ABC7/WABC-TV NY will examine the challenges impacting educators and administrators with the “Back to School: Academic Recovery” town hall special. What’s Happening: The town hall special will be hosted by WABC-TV Eyewitness News This Morning weekday co-anchor Mike Marza and reporter and co-anchor of Eyewitness News Saturday and Sunday mornings Michelle […]
Earlier this month, we reported on the rumor that Mel’s Die-In would not be open during Halloween Horror Nights 32 at Universal Studios Florida. Now it seems the Mel’s Die-In light-up sign won’t even be turned on.
Mel’s Die-In
Mel’s Drive-In, located in the Hollywood section of the park, is one of the most popular restaurants during Halloween Horror Nights. It’s not the food that draws the crowds, though. Every year during HHN, two of the lit letters from the sign are turned off, making the neon sign read “Mel’s Die-In” instead of “Drive-In.”
Earlier this year, there was a rumored closure of Mel’s Drive-In for refurbishment. The refurbishment was said to begin in late May but was delayed until mid-June. It remains closed, meaning it likely won’t be open for Halloween Horror Nights 32, which begins in just a few days on September 1.
It was thought that though Mel’s Die-In wouldn’t be open, the light atop the restaurant would at least be changed — but it is reported the power has been cut to Mel’s Drive-In and will remain turned off for a few weeks, if not for the entire run of Halloween Horror Nights.
The sign certainly isn’t illuminated right now.
When the restaurant closed, we took a look through the windows and saw the booths and tables being removed. The restaurant is getting completely refreshed, from the dining room to the kitchen.
There is still a chance the refurbishment could be completed during the Halloween Horror Nights, and Mel’s Die-In may open later in the season, but as of now, the list of restaurants open during the event this year does not include Mel’s.
You won’t have to look too far to find spooky food, though. Battery Park is located directly across from Mel’s Drive-In and will be serving food during the event. Last year, Battery Park was themed to the Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar, but this year it will be a food booth. The booth is themed to Mel’s Drive-In, perhaps to serve as a temporary replacement.
Minion Cafe should be open during the event as well as plenty of other locations to grab food from, though. Take a sneak peek at some of the items coming to Halloween Horror Nights this year in our Taste of Terror review, and see the full event menus here.
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.
“There’s a line where the sky meets the sea, it calls me….” If you feel the sudden urge to visit Entertainment Earth to check out this exclusive Moana Pop! we’re right there with you. The unique blue translucent deco is a creative take on the traditional Pop! figures and will look great among all your other Moana […]
