In Disney’s new podcast “Frozen: Forces of Nature,” listeners will follow along with Elsa, Anna, and Disa (a NEW character in the story!) to solve the mystery behind what has been disrupting the balance of the Enchanted Forest.
Join Elsa, Anna, and the rest of the Frozen gang to uncover the mystery of the unsettling behavior of the nature spirits and the unforeseen calamity that has struck the kingdom of Arendelle.
New characters will be introduced as well. Disa, the Queen of a neighboring kingdom, and her people sought refuge in Arendelle when their own kingdom was engulfed by floods. Disa arrived with the intention to explore the scientific aspects of Arendelle’s magic, as well.
You may remember the Duke of Weselton from the first Frozen film released in 2013. In this new story, Lord Wolfgang, the nephew of the Duke of Weselton, is in Arendelle to make amends and apologize for his uncle’s past actions. He wishes to secure Queen Anna’s forgiveness and persuade the people of Arendelle of the advantages of fostering trade relations with Weselton.
Arendelle needs your help to restore the magic, and appease the nature spirits! The podcast is currently set to release in October 2023. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts.
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!
And while a PSL can certainly be iconic, it’s important to remember that it’s not the only thing that is now available on Starbucks’ fall menu. The seasonal menu actually includes 2 NEW drinks (along with returning favorites) and we just had to give the new sips a try.
Starbucks in Magic Kingdom
We started things off with the NEW Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. According to Starbucks, this was inspired by a popular customization and it features a mix of creamy chai tea with pumpkin cream cold foam and a “dusting of pumpkin spice.” The drink is priced at $5.29.
We’ve got the new Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte! THIS is going to be a season favorite for sure! pic.twitter.com/V0IVwS7t2C
The chai flavor in this drink is beautifully rich and strong. And the ice makes it wonderfully refreshing on a hot day. The pumpkin flavor is light in the foam but you can still taste it. Interestingly it feels like a fall drink made for the summer, which can be JUST the thing you need on a summer day in Magic Kingdom!
YUM
Our reporter who tried this quite literally had ZERO complaints on this one. ZERO REGRETS PEOPLE. It could be great for anyone looking for a refreshing drink that has chai and pumpkin flavors!
Well This Was a Win
Next up, we tried the NEW Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso. Starbucks notes that this combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso with notes of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar. That is shaken together and topped with oat milk. It’s priced at $6.49.
Now, keep in mind that our reporter who tried this has fully admitted that they’re NOT a coffee person. The coffee flavor was bold and rich here. To them, the espresso was quite strong in this drink, but they think that could be a great thing for coffee fans. It could also be an awesome way to get some (often) much-needed caffeine to keep you moving through a long day in the parks.
Our Drink
One big downside is that the apple flavor is verrrrrrrry light. Because of the strength of the espresso flavor, the apple really gets lost, which is unfortunate. Pro tip: Be sure to mix the drink up before drinking so you get a better mix of flavors. Even so, we wish the apple flavor would have been stronger. But if you absolutely love drinks with a bold espresso flavor, this could be good to try!
Would You Try It?
What do you think? Which of these would you try? Or would you stick with a tried-and-true Pumpkin Spice Latte? Tell us in the comments! We grabbed our drinks at the Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom, but look for these new creations at the Starbucks locations in the parks and Disney Springs (and locations near you!).
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 Parks just released a new video showing Cast Members at Hong Kong Disneyland getting World of Frozen ready, with Anna and Elsa walking through the kingdom to check on the progress. What’s Happening: World of Frozen opens at Hong Kong Disneyland this November. In a new video released by the official Disney Parks Instagram account (included below), Cast […]
Disney Parks just released a new video showing Cast Members at Hong Kong Disneyland getting World of Frozen ready, with Anna and Elsa walking through the kingdom to check on the progress. What’s Happening: World of Frozen opens at Hong Kong Disneyland this November. In a new video released by the official Disney Parks Instagram account (included below), Cast […]
It’s time to take a tumble down the fashion rabbit hole and check out the new Alice in Wonderland collection from RSVLTS (The Roosevelts). That’s right friends, our favorite apparel brand is shining a spotlight on the whimsical destination with a delightful assortment that’s perfect for high tea or wherever your adventures take you. (Please note […]
From September 8 through 10, guests can enjoy discounts at Disney Springs with their Destination D23 badge. Just show your badge at any of the venues listed below to unlock these deals. What’s Happening: Enjoy exclusive discounts at Disney Springs with your Destination D23 badge from September 8 through 10, 2023. Simply show your badge at […]
The official Tokyo Disney Resort YouTube channel recently uploaded a video offering new looks at progress on the construction of the Fantasy Springs expansion to Tokyo DisneySea. The new construction images, in addition to a new piece of concept art for the Fantasy Springs Hotel and four posters, round out the slew of new information from both Disney and The Oriental Land Company regarding Tokyo DisneySea’s eighth port.
New Fantasy Springs Video
The entire video is a short compilation of previously seen concept art and miniature displays of the land’s three sections. Added are some new in-park looks at the expansion’s more distinctive visual features. You can watch the video here:
Frozen Kingdom
The first land explored in the video is Frozen Kingdom. A previously seen miniature display depicting the land is shown; we see the bridge that guests will cross as they approach Arendelle Castle, a building that will host the Royal Banquet of Arendelle counter-service restaurant. In the background, we see rocky hills and the tall peak of the North Mountain. That mountain will ultimately be adorned with a depiction of Elsa’s Ice Palace as it appears in the “Frozen” films.
Source: Tokyo Disney Resort Youtube Channel
The video then offers us a look at the actual peak in its current stage of construction. Visual work on the rock itself appears to be at or nearing completion, though construction is ongoing; scaffolding is present, and while we can see the structure that will soon be Elsa’s Ice Palace, the palace itself is not yet visible.
The marquee attraction at Frozen Kingdom will be Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, a 6.5-minute water ride following the story of the first “Frozen” film. Guests will be able to dine at the aforementioned Royal Banquet of Arendelle, and snacks will be available at Oaken’s OK Foods.
Rapunzel’s Forest
The video then showcases Rapunzel’s Forest. A waterfall is seen cascading from the rocks behind Rapunzel’s tower in the miniature display. In our first look at Rapunzel’s tower during its current stage of construction, we see the greenery that stretches up the tower to Rapunzel’s window. Though where the water will ultimately run from is visible, the waterfall itself, expectedly, is not yet present.
Source: Tokyo Disney Resort Youtube Channel
In Rapunzel’s Forest, guests will be able to experience Rapunzel’s “best day ever” on the Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival water ride. They will also be able to dine at The Snuggly Duckling counter-service restaurant.
Peter Pan’s Never Land
Peter Land’s Never Land is the last section detailed in the video. We see a pirate ship guests will be able to explore in the foreground of the previously shown display, and in the background, we see the mountain that will house the land’s main attraction.
Source: Tokyo Disney Resort Youtube Channel
Our look inside the park at the current construction offers us a peek at the detailing on the pirate ship and the greenery on the hills. Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, a 6-minute 3D ride that will require guests to wear goggles, will take place inside the mountain. Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies is Peter Pan’s Never Land’s other ride, and while guests aren’t riding either attraction, they can dine at the Lookout Cookout counter-service restaurant.
New Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel Concept Art
Source: Disney Parks Blog
We’ve seen concept art for the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel before, but that art frequently placed the Grand Paradis Lounge (the hotel’s lobby lounge, the large rounded feature with an ovular window in the above art) on the right side of the frame. This new art, included in an official Disney Parks Blog post, changes perspective and places the lounge on the left side of the image, unveiling a new part of the hotel and a better look at some detailing.
In front of the Grand Paradis Lounge, a water feature inspired by the iconic “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” section of “Fantasia” is featured. The rock work depicts the brooms brought to life by Mickey Mouse as they pour water into a pool. This feature will be surrounded by flowers.
All four of the posters serve as advertising material for Fantasy Springs’ attractions. This poster features guests as they ride Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies, which transports riders to Pixie Hollow.
Source: Disney Parks Instagram
This poster advertises Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure and features Peter leading Wendy, John, Michael, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys on an adventure through moonlit clouds.
Source: Disney Parks Instagram
The poster for Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival showcases a boat approaching Corona Castle as lanterns light the sky. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are seen in a boat in front of the ride vehicle.
Source: Disney Parks Instagram
The Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey poster aims to emulate a stained glass window and features the two characters touching hands in front of Arendelle Castle.
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea
Work on Fantasy Springs commenced in 2019 following its 2018 announcement. The eighth port at Tokyo DisneySea initially aimed to open in 2022 but was ultimately delayed to 2023, and that date has again been pushed back. The expansion is expected to open completely in Spring 2024.
Are you excited about the Fantasy Springs expansion to Tokyo DisneySea? How do you feel about the new looks inside the park? Let us know in the comments.
Halloween is beginning to emerge at Disney Parks, and for many, this marks the start of the season! The first official day of fall is still a month away and Halloween is over 2 months off, but some of us like to celebrate early. To get excited for the spooky season, Disney’s official fan club, […]
Pro Football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe will join First Take, ESPN’s signature morning debate show featuring Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, every Monday and Tuesday during football season. Sharpe will make his First Take debut going head-to-head with Smith for the full two hours on September 4th and […]
The construction walls around the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone have moved again, revealing a new planter and the removal of an old Woody Woodpecker statue.
KidZone Construction
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone closed permanently in January 2023. Animal Actors On Location!, E.T. Adventure, SpongeBob StorePants, and KidZone Pizza Company all remain.
The new planter is outside SpongeBob StorePants.
It’s already full of small trees and bushes.
The Woody Woodpecker statue was outside KidZone Pizza Company. The bird was depicted holding up a fresh pizza and wearing a chef’s hat. Green squares have also been removed from the pavement.
Here’s a picture of the statue and pavement from a few years ago.
The rest of KidZone Pizza Company isn’t strongly Woody-themed, but we may see more changes to it as time goes on. The KidZone is set to become a DreamWorks land next year.
The blue construction walls decorated with DreamWorks characters have shifted to block the SpongeBob StorePants exit that faces E.T. Adventure.
Guests must walk between construction walls to reach the E.T. attraction.
The DreamWorks land concept art shows a Trolls-inspired coaster suspiciously similar to Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.
The concept art focuses on the sign, though we can also see the coaster and a Shrek and Donkey meet and greet. One of the purple spider creatures from the Trolls franchise sits atop a column by the coaster, and a spider web is above the track.
Here is Universal Orlando Resort’s announcement about the DreamWorks land, which doesn’t have an official name yet:
Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation’s beloved animated characters. As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them. They will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse‘ and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like ‘Shrek,‘‘Trolls‘ and ‘Kung Fu Panda‘ to life in the most imaginatively fun ways.
The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments. Stay tuned – more details will be revealed in the future.
What are you hoping to see in the new DreamWorks land? Let us know in the comments.
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