Fantasy Springs is FINALLY here, and so are its NEW RIDES.

Tokyo DisneySea’s highly anticipated new land, Fantasy Springs, is opening soon on June 6th, and so are the land’s four BRAND NEW RIDES, including one based on a beloved Disney film that’s NEVER had a ride before. We had the chance to experience this ride before it opened, and wanted to bring you with us — let’s go!

Hello from Tokyo! We’re here checking out everything Disney’s Fantasy Springs has to offer. Our team is staying up overnight to deal with the time difference and bring you the news, and we’re sending TONS of photos and videos from Japan to the U.S. just for you!

This brand-new ride is based onTangled, Disney’s 2010 telling of the story of Rapunzel. YES. We’re FINALLY going to the LANTERN FESTIVAL!

In Fantasy Springs, we get to see Rapunzel IN the tower. YOU GUYS, you cannot convince us she’s not real.

Now, this ride is not actually a re-telling of the story of Tangled. It’s on the shorter side, and is a retelling of Rapunzel and Flynn’s love story. This is ROMANTIC! Imagineers told us the ride is designed to evoke the feeling of falling in love.

Now this ride starts with animatronics OUTSIDE. We see Flynn and Rapunzel meet here.

As is consistent with what we usually see from Tokyo Disney Resort — there are some serious tech advances here. These audio-animatronics are impressive. You get close to Flynn, and you can see all the detailing in his face out here.

The ride has about five scenes, starting with some fun scenes including Rapunzel swinging by her hair.

And healing Flynn with it. Rapunzel’s hair in this scene is lit so beautifully. Her hair IS hair — the texture is SO real, and we think it must be lit from within.

And then you’re on to the iconic scene we have all dreamed of living in — the Lantern Festival opens up before you. The WHOLE room is water — and you feel like you are sitting on a lake with Rapunzel and Flynn.

OK, this is gonna sound cheesy, but this scene really makes you want to fall in love!

Seriously, the Imagineers we talked with in Tokyo told us they are expecting a lot of proposals to happen here. In fact, they’ve already had one! The project manager was proposed to during the ride’s construction.

There are projections on the wall of the Lantern Festival scene that help extend the scene, and Disney is using forced perspective to make it feel like you’re truly out on an open lake under big skies. As we said, this ride is a little on the short side — but it’s beautiful and comparable to the Shaman scene in Na’vi River Journey in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

Here’s a FULL-RIDE THROUGH of Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival!

Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival FULL RIDETHROUGH (1/2) #mediaevent#TokyoDisneyResort #TokyoDisneySea#FantasySprings pic.twitter.com/4OmEBJQv2f

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) May 9, 2024

And here’s Part 2!

Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival FULL RIDETHROUGH (2/2) #mediaevent#TokyoDisneyResort #TokyoDisneySea#FantasySprings pic.twitter.com/pZXEO8so2f

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) May 9, 2024

Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival FINALLY brings the character a Disney ride in spectacular fashion. Stay tuned to DFB for MORE Fantasy Springs coverage — we’re bringing you along on this adventure! 

Read This Before You Try To Visit Disney’s NEW Theme Park Expansion; Fantasy Springs

Do you wish Disney would replicate this new Tangled attraction in one if the U.S. parks? Let us know in the comments below. 

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Tokyo Disney to attend their media preview of Fantasy Springs. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ

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We got a special tour of Disney’s NEWEST hotel!

Tokyo DisneySea’s newest land — Fantasy Springs — is FINALLY almost here! First announced in 2018, the land was hit with a series of delays, but is finally scheduled to open on June 6th. And right now, we’re in Tokyo getting a sneak peek!

One of the biggest parts of Fantasy Springs – both in literal size as well well its central place in the land’s story – is the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel. Located WITHIN the land, this massive new hotel is the sixth hotel at the Tokyo Disney Resort, and the fourth in the Deluxe Type category.

Here’s a look inside one of the rooms at the Fantasy Springs Hotel in Tokyo DisneySea! #mediaevent#TokyoDisneyResort #TokyoDisneySea#FantasySprings pic.twitter.com/CWbNbrjpKq

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) May 9, 2024

According to the mythology of the land, the hotel is a chateau constructed by a duchess who’d discovered springs that could takes those who travel on them to fantastical locations – AKA the Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan mini-lands that make up Fantasy Springs. The hotel’s decor befits this regal theming, with portraits of numerous Disney princesses lining the hallways.

Once we entered the room proper, we were a greeted by a room that was both decoratively and architecturally fantastical, with a rounded style reminiscent of classic Disney animation. For example, the framing around the television set. 

The room features two beds, as well as two seating areas. Note the regal floral motif throughout.

The recessed seating area in the room we toured was flanked by a massive Tangled mural.

Rapunzel was also present on the decorative closet doors.

This beautiful, black-glass door leads into the bathroom.

The room’s shower furthers the plant-life motif. 

As one would expect, the room we toured also displayed some of the amenities available to guests in their rooms, including stationary…

… coffees and teas…

… pajamas…

…and slippers!

The Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel is a glorious new jewel in the crown of the Tokyo Disney Resort, and functions as both a luxury hotel and an integral part of the new land’s story. Stay tuned to DFB for more Fantasy Springs coverage.

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney and OLC to attend their media preview of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food

Would you stay at the Fantasy Springs Hotel if you were traveling to Tokyo DisneySea? Let us know in the comments below.

The post ROOM TOUR: Check Out Disney’s Newest Hotel! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Disney and Warner Bros. are teaming up for a new streaming bundle, a large leak at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort caused the closure of facilities inside, and the new 626 Day Stitch plush is now available— all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel remains open but has limited capacity as some horses are roped off.

EPCOT

• Ahead of the premiere of the third season of “Bridgerton” this month, The Crown & Crest in the United Kingdom Pavilion of EPCOT has displayed coats of arms for the show’s families.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• On Wednesday morning, a major leak at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort shut down both the BouTiki gift shop and Kona Cafe.
• The World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will go through a refurbishment this July.
• Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a request to extend another construction permit for the abandoned Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge.

New Merchandise

• In honor of 626 Day (June 26) this year, a new Stitch plush is available at Walt Disney World. 
• In honor of Star Wars Day on May the 4th, Droid Depot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has a new series of Droid Factory Mystery Crates. 

Disneyland Resort

• It’s official: the DisneylandForward project will go into effect 30 days from Tuesday, May 7, 2024, following its final approval from the Anaheim City Council yesterday evening.
• To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, Disneyland Resort has introduced special dishes throughout the resort, including a new Dragon Fruit Soju Mule at Hollywood Lounge.
• In honor of Star Wars Day on May the 4th, Droid Depot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has a new series of Droid Factory Mystery Crates. 
• Critter Country at Disneyland Park has closed temporarily for continued construction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the transformation of the land’s gift shops. 

Tokyo Disney Resort

• Guests looking to take home commemorative merchandise will find it all at Fantasy Springs Gifts, the gift shop inside the hotel and accessible from the park.
• Tokyo Disney Resort shared an updated map of Tokyo DisneySea including Fantasy Springs, as well as a full photo tour of the port’s three lands: Peter Pan’s Never Land, Frozen Kingdom, and Rapunzel’s Forest.
• Disney Parks shared the first footage from Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, a new ride opening at Fantasy Springs in Tokyo DisneySea this summer.
• Fantasy Springs guests will be able to enjoy sweet treats at all the port’s dining venues when it opens this June, but especially at the Ice Cream wagon.

Entertainment and Media

• The Hollywood Bowl will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Lion King” with a special live-to-film concert screening on May 24 and 25.

Disney+

• In a new streaming network partnership, Disney and Warner Bros. have joined together to offer a new bundle of services.

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

The post Disney & Warner Bros. to Launch New Bundle With Disney+, Hulu, and Max & More: Daily Recap (5/8/24) appeared first on WDW News Today.

Fantasy Springs guests will be able to enjoy sweet treats at all the port’s dining venues when it opens this June, but especially at the Ice Cream wagon.

Fantasy Springs Ice Cream Wagon

The wagon is located next to the Springs Treasures cart under a shade. This is near the entrance to Fantasy Springs. It’s a teal-blue kiosk with golden vine and pink floral detailing.

Meiji sponsors the Ice Cream wagon.

Cast Members at the wagon wear the same costume as Royal Banquet of Arendelle Cast.

Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea will open on June 6, 2024.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Critter Country at Disneyland Park has closed temporarily for continued construction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the transformation of the land’s gift shops. The Briar Patch will become Ray’s Berets and the left side of Pooh Corner will become Louis’ Critter Club.

Critter Country Construction

Riding on the Disneyland Railroad, we can easily see construction materials in Critter Country, which also includes The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Scaffolding covered in scrim surrounds much of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Past the scaffolding is a temporary tent for construction workers and materials. A vehicle was parked next to the scaffolding. Some kind of industrial machine was near the elevated train tracks.

Green fencing is near the back of Critter Country, in front of Pooh Corner. Louis’ Critter Club is the “home away from home” for the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure critters. Guests will be able to purchase apparel, accessories, home decor, and more featuring Tiana and the new animal characters. The treat side of Pooh Corner will remain.

We don’t know if the rest of Critter Country will receive significant updates. As the land has only been closed for a week, there are no clear suggestions of major changes.

On the other side of the railroad track, scaffolding descends down the side of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure salt mine mountain. This side wasn’t covered in scrim during our visit.

A long pile of flagstones is at the base of the mountain. There were a couple of construction vehicles as we passed by.

Tarps are around The Briar Patch. Concept art for Ray’s Berets indicates the gift shop’s exterior will only see minor changes, like a new sign and firefly lights.

Ray’s Berets will sell headwear, apparel, accessories, toys, and more.

Construction walls line the elevated walkways of Hungry Bear Restaurant, which is still open during construction.

Where the walls end, green tarps are supported by wooden beams.

Check out our final tour of Critter Country before the closure.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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The Future of Disneyland: DisneylandForward

After years of planning and negotiations, the Anaheim City Council has unanimously approved Disney’s ambitious $1.9 billion expansion plan, dubbed DisneylandForward. This historic decision paves the way for a transformative reimagining of the Disneyland Resort, promising to elevate the guest experience to unprecedented heights while bolstering the local economy. With a commitment to invest at least $1.9 billion over the next decade, Disney is poised to bring its world-renowned storytelling and immersive experiences to new realms, captivating visitors from around the globe.

A Vision for Growth and Revitalization

DisneylandForward is a comprehensive blueprint that will guide the development and growth of the Disneyland Resort over the next four decades. At its core, the plan seeks to maximize the potential of Disney’s existing properties by introducing a more flexible zoning approach, allowing for a seamless integration of theme park attractions, hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.

Ken Potrock, President of the Disneyland Resort, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “For nearly seven decades, Disneyland Resort has made a unique, irreplaceable impact on hundreds of millions of guests from around the world. How exciting to know our best days are still ahead – I can’t wait to show you what’s to come.”

Reimagining the Resort Landscape

One of the most significant aspects of DisneylandForward is the rezoning of specific areas within the resort. The west side of Disneyland Drive, currently occupied by parking lots and hotels, will be transformed into a vibrant district featuring theme park attractions alongside hotels. Similarly, the southeast area, currently home to the Toy Story Parking Area, will be reimagined as a hub for theme park attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

This strategic rezoning will enable Disney to bring beloved franchises and innovative experiences to life, drawing inspiration from the company’s successful endeavors at other global destinations. Guests can anticipate the potential arrival of lands and attractions inspired by franchises such as Frozen, Coco, Black Panther, Tangled, Peter Pan, Zootopia, Toy Story, and Tron, among others.

Expanding Horizons: New Lands and Attractions

While specific details about the forthcoming lands and attractions remain under wraps, Disney CEO Bob Iger has hinted at the possibility of introducing an Avatar-themed area at Disneyland, similar to the highly acclaimed Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida. “We have one Avatar-based land, Pandora, in Florida. We’re going to put a second one in California,” Iger shared during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference in March.

Additionally, the DisneylandForward website tantalizes visitors with glimpses of potential inspirations, showcasing exciting lands and attractions from other Disney parks around the world. These include the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland, featuring a thrilling boat adventure and a castle-themed restaurant; Rapunzel’s tower and the Neverland area from Tokyo DisneySea; and the immersive Zootopia land at Shanghai Disneyland, complete with innovative attractions and entertainment offerings.

Enhancing Transportation and Infrastructure

To support the anticipated influx of visitors and the expansion of the resort, DisneylandForward also addresses transportation and infrastructure needs. Disney plans to invest significantly in parking, transit, and pedestrian safety measures, aiming to improve mobility throughout the Anaheim Resort area. One notable aspect of the plan is the creation of a new parking destination on the east side of the resort, potentially featuring one to three pedestrian bridges with upgraded entrance accessibility for hotels and businesses along Harbor Boulevard. Additionally, Disney will collaborate with local businesses and the city to encourage the use of public transit and ride-sharing services for cast members and guests.

Economic Benefits for Anaheim

Beyond the exciting prospects for guests, DisneylandForward promises to deliver substantial economic benefits to the city of Anaheim and its residents. According to an independent analysis conducted by Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, every $1 billion invested by Disney in the Disneyland Resort is projected to generate approximately $15 million in annual revenue for the city.

These funds will be instrumental in supporting essential community services, including additional fire and police personnel, park maintenance, and infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, Disney has committed to a unique benefits package for Anaheim, allocating $30 million for affordable housing, $8 million for city parks, $85 million for traffic improvements and pedestrian safety, and continued investment in workforce development programs.

Community Impact and Sustainability

While the economic advantages are undeniable, Disney has also prioritized minimizing the environmental impact of the expansion. The DisneylandForward project underwent a comprehensive environmental review process, addressing concerns related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and transportation. To mitigate these potential issues, the plan incorporates measures to reduce air emissions and waste, minimize water and energy usage, and implement robust transportation demand management strategies. Disney’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the resort, as the company continues to explore innovative opportunities in clean transportation, such as electrifying its vehicle fleet and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

A Legacy of Innovation and Storytelling

As the Disneyland Resort prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the spirit of Walt Disney’s original vision remains at the forefront. Potrock eloquently captured this sentiment, stating, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” With DisneylandForward, Disney aims to honor this legacy by pushing the boundaries of storytelling and immersive experiences, creating unforgettable memories for generations to come. As the resort evolves and expands, it will undoubtedly cement its position as a premier global destination, captivating visitors with its unparalleled blend of magic, innovation, and timeless Disney magic.

Final Thoughts

The approval of DisneylandForward marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Disneyland Resort and the city of Anaheim. With a commitment to invest billions of dollars and a vision for unprecedented growth and innovation, Disney is poised to redefine the theme park experience. From the potential introduction of beloved franchises like Avatar and Frozen to the seamless integration of hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment, the possibilities are truly boundless. As the resort expands its horizons, it will continue to be a driving force for economic growth, job creation, and community development in Anaheim.

Moreover, Disney’s dedication to sustainability and minimizing environmental impact ensures that this expansion will be a responsible and forward-thinking endeavor, setting a precedent for future developments in the industry. As the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Disney’s grand plans, one thing is certain: the magic of Disneyland is about to reach new heights, captivating visitors from near and far with experiences that will forever etch themselves into the annals of theme park history.

In honor of Star Wars Day on May the 4th, Droid Depot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a new series of Droid Factory Mystery Crates. The first series of these mystery droid figures launched in late 2021.

Droid Factory Mystery Crates

There are six possible astromech droids in this series:

• MB-12: burgundy BB-shaped unit
• LM-7B: white, black, and blue R4-shaped unit
• AR-L5: blue BB-shaped unit
• M5-K7: white and orange R2-shaped unit
• SC-97: tan BB-shaped unit
• J1-B2: white and silver R4-shaped unit

BB units, like BB-8, have orb-shaped bodies and domed heads. R2 units, like R2-D2, have cylindrical bodies and domed heads. R5 units have cylindrical bodies and conical heads with flat tops.

The figures come in mystery crates that are steel blue with screen-like panels on the sides and top. The figures are recommended for ages 4 and up.

On the back of the crate is a fake control panel with red and white buttons.

Pricing varies from $14.99 to $19.99.

The Droid Depot symbol is in silver on the top.

Check out more May the 4th exclusives and read our full guide to Season of the Force at Disneyland Resort.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, Disneyland Resort has introduced special dishes throughout the resort, including a new Dragon Fruit Soju Mule at Hollywood Lounge.

Hollywood Lounge

Hollywood Lounge is a drink stand located in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure, nestled in between Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! and Stage 12.

• Dragon Fruit Soju Mule – $17

Dragon Fruit Soju Mule – $17

Soju, dragon fruit syrup, lime juice, and ginger ale, garnished with DOLE dragon fruit

Rating out of 7: 7

This drink was absolutely amazing. We’re a huge fan of Moscow mules, and this paired well with the dragon fruit. A Cast Member at Hollywood Lounge advised us to mix the drink well before enjoying it, and this was great advice; it helped the flavors blend even more together.

There is just enough alcohol in this to let you know it’s there, with a tiny bite of ginger on the back end. As fans of mules in general, we would definitely get this again.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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We’re still about a year away from the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s NEW theme park, Epic Universe.

However, we’ve been getting more and more details about all five themed lands the park will have, including the Isle of Berk (a How To Train Your Dragon land) and Super Nintendo World. Now, we’ve seen various construction updates online, but let’s just say we got curious and decided to go check out some of that construction (from a safe distance, of course) for ourselves!

Granted, we can’t get TOO close to the construction, but we still saw progress on the hotels being built near Epic Universe. Universal Stella Nova Resort along with Universal Terra Luna Res0rt  will “place guests in the center of marvelous galaxies and diverse planetary elements for an experience unlike anywhere else in the universe – complete with tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, various cosmic-inspired dining options and so much more.” Here’s the concept art:

Here’s what it looks like right now. It’s coming right along, as you can tell. The exterior looks like we’re staring into space. Very cool!

Stella Nova, which is inspired by the cosmos (as if you couldn’t tell) will open on January 21st, 2025. Terra Luna is inspired by terrestrial exploration and will open on February 25th, 2025.

We also got a bit of a peek at the construction of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. This is the hotel that will have its very own entrance directly into Epic Universe. Helios will offer “500 rooms integrated into the park like no other theme park in the world.” Color us curious! Here’s the concept art:

Here’s what it looks like now. We don’t yet have an official opening date for this hotel.

Finally, we sort of got a sneak peek at a few of the lands. We THINK this is something from Isle of Berk, just based on concept art we’ve seen. It’s a HUGE structure, whatever it is!

We also saw the top of Starfall Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster that will be part of the park’s Celestial Park, which will serve as the mainland at the entrance of Epic Universe.

It’s exciting to see all the progress being made on Epic Universe. The new theme park is scheduled to open in 2025, and we can’t wait! We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

UPDATE On the Best Part of Universal’s Epic Universe — The In-Park Hotel

What do you think of Epic Universe so far? Which hotel would you like to stay in? Let us know in the comments!

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