Lari the armadillo, an original Tiana’s Bayou Adventure character, now has his own mailbox and a lantern at the Magic Kingdom attraction.

Lari the Armadillo Props

The new mailbox is located outside a door on the Critter Co-Op façade. Critter Co-Op replaces The Briar Patch as one of the gift shops for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

The mailbox resembles a tree trunk that has been cut to have a door. A metal flag is attached to the side above “Lari.”

The armadillo’s name is painted in white. Lari is also referenced in a Critter Co-Op window.

It seems this is Lari’s home and he may actually be the proprietor of the new gift shop. Here is Disney’s description of Lari:

This mischievous fella, while quiet in demeanor, seems to always show up where you least expect him to. I hear he has a habit of “borrowing” things that aren’t his (although those things eventually make it into the right “paws”).

A fake rock outside Lari’s home has a rectangular hole. This will probably hide a speaker or light.

Speaking of Lari the armadillo, we checked on his figure next to the ride flume near the end of the attraction. This figure was installed last month. Another version of Lari was installed on the ride last week.

This Lari now has a red and green lantern next to him.

We saw a trio of Imagineers walking along this loop of the flume, checking on the attraction.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Entrance

Meanwhile, crews are getting ready to install wait time signage at the entrance of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This sign in a nearby flowerbed is still wrapped in a tarp.

The entrance to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be under the Frontierland train station. During our last few construction updates, crew members took a tarp down from the entrance marquee and installed wood.

There are two square openings in the wood with electrical wiring inside. We expect electronic signs to be installed over these openings.

Other Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction

Crews continue to clear construction materials from this space behind construction walls and under the train station. This is where the Splash Mountain-themed Laughin’ Place play area used to be. It’s starting to look more cleaned up, indicating it may reopen as a walkway soon.

Guests can still walk under the train station to reach restrooms near the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure queue. We could hear crew members working behind the construction walls.

The Splash Mountain façade has been transformed with foliage and crops, turning it into an old salt mine in the bayou of Louisiana. Along this fence next to the ride’s flume, we can see what looks like lemons.

Perhaps the only real remnant of Splash Mountain left in the area is this “Cast Members Only Please” sign. It doesn’t specifically reference Splash Mountain but it has the more woodsy aesthetic of the old attraction.

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Hey everyone! Today, I adventured through Magic Kingdom to see what’s new and exciting. There’s a lot to unpack, so buckle up!

First stop, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The scaffolding is finally down, revealing the beautifully themed attraction. It wasn’t testing today, but I got a good look around the queue and spotted some critters through the windows. Apparently, they’re still adding some finishing touches.

Speaking of finishing touches, did you know the neat lampposts by the restrooms are modeled after old-timey wiring? It’s a neat detail that adds to the immersive atmosphere.

While Tiana’s Bayou Adventure wasn’t testing today, I did get to enjoy a fun cavalcade featuring Miguel, Woody, Judy Hopps, and a bunch of other favorite characters. There’s also a new armadillo resident back by the Critter Co-op! Keep your eyes peeled for him, he might just spray you on your next visit!

Next, I hightailed it over to Storybook Circus to check out the new “Smellephants’ on Parade” experience. Apparently, there’s a new smelly adventure in town, and Timothy Q. Mouse needs your super sniffer to help him find eight hidden scent statues scattered around the land. I found the first one by Big Top Souvenirs – it’s a caramel apple! The scent is strong, so you won’t miss it.

Speaking of Big Top Souvenirs, they’ve got some cool new merchandise in stock. I spotted a retro-looking Sleeping Beauty Castle tumbler and a matte black Cinderella Castle tumbler. There are also some fun new t-shirts featuring Mickey and the Muppets. Keep an eye out for the Fourth of July ears and the interesting Star Wars headband with a hidden Mickey!

Finally, no trip to Magic Kingdom is complete without some delicious food. I grabbed a corn dog while I was checking out the new “Smellephants on Parade” experience.

Overall, it was a fantastic day at Magic Kingdom! I can’t wait to see what new things come our way next time.

Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed the Mega Video Rentals theme for the Summer Tribute Store with a sign for the store’s personalized prop experience.

Mega Video Rentals Summer Tribute Store

Guests can “Become part of the Tribute Store” by getting their photo on a video cassette box cover. Guests can get their photo taken at 5 & 10 in Universal Studios Florida or All Hallows Eve Boutique in Universal Islands of Adventure.

The sign features the Mega Video Rentals logo we’ve seen in previous Tribute Store teasers.

Guests who participate will be placed into a VHS tape poster for a fake retro film: Danger Road 2, Trip & Fall, or Midnight Screaming. The posters can each fit one to four people. They can also include photos of pets but the photo must include the pet’s whole body.

There’s also a design for a horror movie with the tagline “It’s time… again.” This design is not yet available. A label says it’s “still in production” and the title is pending. It should be available soon.

The experience is $89. After the Tribute Store closes at the end of the summer season, guests get their VHS tape prop, socks featuring the store’s VHS tape mascot, and a personalized Mega Video Rentals membership card.

Will you be doing this prop experience for the summer tribute store? Let us know in the comments.

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Disney has announced the official name of the new Disney Vacation Club tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, as well as an opening window and other important dates. They also released new concept art.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will take you on a storytelling journey that brings to life the spirit of Polynesia.

Projected to open in December 2024, the proposed 10-story tower overlooking the stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon will celebrate the natural world, and of course, the magic of Disney. 

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be within convenient walking distance to the Disney Monorail, making it the perfect base for visiting Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. 

Did you know that original concept designs for Disney’s Polynesian Resort featured a prominent tower as the heart of the resort? Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands. 

When you arrive at Island Tower, you will notice beautiful designs created exclusively for the exterior, including a gorgeous Manta Ray that symbolizes freedom, protection and grace. 

Inside the lobby, you will be greeted by an art panel installation on the ceiling inspired by several Polynesian Islands, showcasing wildlife native to each locale. Each animal holds a strong connection to the islands and symbolizes values important to Polynesians.

Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with over a dozen artists from around the world to create unique artworks that will be displayed throughout the resort. From preserved moss walls to sculptures made from recycled fishing nets, each piece will be inspired by the spirit of conservation and embody the rich cultures of Polynesia.  

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature a variety of room types that will sleep from two to nine guests, such as duo studios, spacious one- and two-bedroom villas and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Many rooms will feature spectacular views. 

In the meantime, here are some important dates to keep in mind:   

• June 4: Disney Vacation Club members can make early rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Disney Vacation Club members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date. 
   
• June 5: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639. 
   
• June 6: All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639. 

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