According to Team Members, the Coca-Cola Refresh building in Universal Studios Florida will soon close for a complete interior refurbishment.
Coca-Cola Refresh
Coca-Cola Refresh is located in World Expo, near Men in Black: Alien Attack. The small building has a slanted roof over red panels and windows. A retro tower sculpture features red bubbles and the word “Refresh.”
The Team Member we spoke to couldn’t provide an exact closing date, but it sounds like it will begin soon, likely in the next three weeks before Halloween Horror Nights.
We took a last look inside the building. It features a red and white color scheme inspired by the classic Coca-Cola bottles.
In the center of the building is an alien sitting in a futuristic seat inside a transparent tube. Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are built into the wall behind the alien, with screens around the machines appearing to show a futuristic Coca-Cola factory.
A giant red Coca-Cola bottle is on one wall next to the screen set against icy blue swirls.
The screens show robots portraying bottles of Coke.
Guests could previously interact with the largest section of screens thanks to an Xbox controller. However, the Xbox has been disconnected and there is no longer interactivity.
Guests could purchase a cardboard cup or reusable cup at the cash wrap before filling their drink.
Light-up panels above the windows feature colorful minimalist images. The artwork depicts a stick figure doing different physical activities like lifting weights and running.
The lamps hanging from the ceiling are frosted orbs.
We don’t know what the new interior will look like. What are you hoping to see? Let us know in the comments.
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.
Season 7 of PBS KIDS’ hit animated series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood from Fred Rogers Productions premiered today, expanding the Neighborhood of Make-Believe from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Twelve years after the spin-off debuted, the animated series from Fred Rogers Productions is changing things up, offering stories from the point-of-view of other characters in the neighborhood, and also revealing […]
Disneyland is already making reference to the new name for Critter Country revealed at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, with an updated spiel aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat. What’s Happening: During Saturday night’s Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, it was revealed that Critter Country would be renamed to Bayou Country in anticipation of the opening of […]
This year, EPCOTis hosting the event from August 29th through November 23rd, 2024. There are going to be so many amazing booths and all kinds of entertainment — more than you can count, and we’re here for it! That being said, we wanted to go over some of the Food and Wine Festival trends we’re expecting to see this year.
Again, the 2024 Food & Wine Festival is being held from August 29th through November 23rd, so make sure the dates are highlighted, circled, stamped…whatever you need to do to make sure you don’t miss it! ‘Round these parts, we’re constantly trying to predict what will happen during this year’s festival, so let’s do just that and go over the trends we’re expecting to see this year at the Food & Festival.
New Lug Bags
Okay, let’s start straigh away with accessories. As you know, the right bag can make or break your park experience, and in 2024, it looks like we’re probably going to be obsessing over a new must-have item: a brand-new Lug bag.
Orange Bird Lug bags are BACK!
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Lug is a brand that’s got some practical yet stylish bags, which makes them perfect for theme park adventures.
It’s back!
They’re typically big enough to hold your essentials (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a phone) but small enough that they won’t weigh you down. Plus, all those vibrant colors and fun patterns will definitely complement your favorite Disney fit.
La vita really e bella
There might even be an exclusive EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Lug bag this year, so we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled!
Exclusive Festival Merch
Every year, Disney ups the ante with exclusive festival merchandise, and 2024 will most likely be no different.
Food & Wine Spirit Jersey
If you’re a collector or just someone who loves getting a good souvenir, get ready. We’re expecting to see limited-edition pins, spirit jerseys, and other “surprises” that will only be available at the festival.
2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Dooney & Bourke
Remember, snagging these goodies early is the key because there’s nothing worse than seeing that perfect piece of merch on Instagram, only to find out it’s sold out when you finally get to the park.
Festival Hat
As a pro-tip, you might want to plan on hitting the festival shops first thing when you get to EPCOT so you don’t miss out on anything.
More Mocktails
Let’s face it. Not everyone who goes to the festival is looking to drink around the world. Whether you’re the designated driver or just want something refreshing, mocktails are going to be your go-to this year.
So yummy
I’m sure we’re going to see creative, non-alcoholic concoctions that are every bit as “Instagram-worthy” as their boozy counterparts. They really are the perfect way to stay cool and hydrated without missing out on any of the fun. Also, they can be a bit easier on the wallet, too!
More Plant-Based Dishes
To be fair, Disney has been stepping up its plant-based game over the past few years, and we’ll most likely see even more plant-based options on the festival menu here in 2024.
IMPOSSIBLE Buffalo Chicken Tenders with plant-based blue cheese, plant-based ranch, and celery
Whether you’re a committed vegan, a curious carnivore, or just someone looking to mix it up, you’re in for a treat. It’s so interesting living in a time where plant-based dishes are no longer the afterthought, but they’re becoming a major highlight.
Buffalo Brussels Sprouts with plant-based blue cheese and plant-based ranch
Plus, don’t we all love indulging in something delicious and feeling a little better about our choices?
More “Elevated” Comfort Food
Comfort food has been making a comeback, and we’re expecting to see more of it at this year’s festival. We’re talking about those familiar, feel-good dishes but with a gourmet twist.
This was hearty and delicious!
Think mac and cheese topped with truffle oil, loaded fries with artisanal cheeses, or a classic grilled cheese made with the fanciest bread and cheese combo you can imagine.
Fry Flight from Fry Basket
In other words, it’s all about taking the foods you crave and dialing them up a notch. These are the kinds of foods that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, no matter what’s going on outside. We’re definitely going to come hungry, so we can indulge in all the elevated comfort dishes we can find.
More Local Florida Flavors
The last thing (for this list) trend we’re expecting this year is an even bigger focus on local food from Florida. Because of the continued rise of farm-to-table dining and an increased appreciation for locally sourced ingredients, EPCOT should highlight even more of the best that Florida has to offer.
Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Peach
There’s a lot that the Sunshine State has to bring to the table, so look out for booths featuring any local gems, allowing you to taste your way through Florida without ever leaving the park.
Want to learn more about this year’s Food & Wine Festival? Check out our guidebook for comprehensive coverage and info about this event!
You’re stoked about this year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, right? So are we! Share your thoughts below and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World news, reviews, tips, and more!
Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it’s a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience.
If you’re planning a day or a week at the festival, we’ve got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it’s a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU!
Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!
This past weekend, Disney hosted the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. During the Horizons showcase, Disney dropped a ton of news relating to their theme parks. Two of the biggest announcements came in the form of Cars and Villains lands coming to the Magic Kingdom. Now just days later, Disney is already putting the wheels in motion.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Construction permits are being filed this week, Disney World said, and work will get into “high gear next year,” leaving time to “experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today,” the release reads.”
These won’t be the first permits filed for the Magic Kingdom’s massive expansion. Earlier this year, we heard Disney had filed permits to work on storm drainage and other foundational work, a “small but CRUCIAL step” for massive construction of this magnitude. In addition, a large area directly north of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom that was previously labeled as “considered unavailable for development,” had it’s designation changed to “Marginally Unsuitable“ meaning that “development is permitted to the extent allowable under the District’s long-term permits.
Disney described the decision to replace an iconic part of the park as such. “To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers. We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland.”
Map of where the new Cars area will be
Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World portfolio executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering added in the press release, “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”
With construction permits already filed, it seems that work is moving quickly on the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates as construction kicks into high gear.
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!
Are you excited for these expansions, or mourning the loss of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island? Let us know in the comments below.
WHEW! What an AWESOME past few days! We were at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event from August 9th to August 11th, and Disney was busy dropping news all over the place.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
First, on August 9th, we heard about new movies and Disney+ series. Then, on August 10th, we got MAJOR experiences news. Disney shared new lands coming to the parks, a new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom, new gaming experiences headed to Fortnite, and y’all it was ALL unbelievable! Every announcement is actually happening as no Blue Sky ideas were shared. But there was one announcement that all of us went wild for — a new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom! But Disney didn’t share too many details, and we now we have a few questions.
When Disney first announced the new Villains Land, Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, didn’t say where or when exactly the new land (that fans have been asking for for years) would go. It wasn’t until a couple of days later that we got one of those details answered.
Disney hasn’t announced any kind of timeline for the new land, and we doubt we’ll see one for a little while. However, since work has already begun on the new land, we hope that it will be completed relatively soon. We would guess that within the next five years or so, we’ll be walking into Villains Land.
@BioReconstruct X (formerly Twitter)
The new Tropical Americas Land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set to open in 2027, so about three years from now, with construction beginning this fall. That could mean that Villains Land may have a similar timeline. The one big difference between these two lands, though, is that Tropical Americas Land is taking over an already existing land whereas Villains Land is starting completely from scratch, so it may take longer than three years.
Puebla Esperanza model
Another reference for a timeline might be Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Construction on the Star Wars land began in April 2016 in both Disneyland and Disney World. In Disneyland, it opened three years later in May 2019, and in Disney World, it opened four years later in August 1019. So within the next five years may be a good bet for the new Villains Land!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Now, onto our second question: what will there be to do in Villains Land? Disney hinted that there will be two major attractions, dining, and shopping “on an incredibly twisted grand scale” Josh D’Amaro even said, “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls. It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.” Sounds magnificent!
There’s not much concept art yet for the new land, but if we take a close look at what Disney did share, we might get some hints about these new experiences.
When we zoom in, we can see a lot more detail on the concept art. For instance, in the bottom right-hand corner, it looks like this may be the walkway where we will officially enter Villains Land likely from Frontierland. Some of the rocks remind us of Scar’s lair as well as the Underworld where Hades lives.
Once we get into Villains Land from the entrance, it looks like we come up on a central gathering area. It looks like there are several menacing buildings in this area which could potentially be the shops and restaurants that Disney mentioned coming to the land.
Far off in the distance, there appears to be a castle high on some pointed rocks. By the looks of it, this appears to be Maleficent’s castle towering high above the land. There will be two major rides in Villains Land, perhaps her castle will house one of them.
Off to the left of Maleficent’s castle, we find Maleficent herself in dragon form! And next to the dragon are thorny vines, and those thorns almost appear to take the shape of a roller coaster track. How awesome would it be to get a brand-new roller coaster in Villains Land?!
Overall, the concept art for Villains Land certainly looks enticing! It seems this new land will be a thing of nightmares in the best way possible. Fans have been asking for a Disney Villains land for a long time, and now we’ll finally get to experience it. We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears open for more details, so keep following DFB!
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!
Are you excited for Villains Land? Let us know in the comments!
Your 60-day Advance Dining reservation window is about to come up, and you panic – you do not know where to dine! Don’t worry! That is where DFB is here to help you out! AJ has three Disney World restaurants that have been reliable for years, and she always recommends them. Trust us, she knows what she is talking about when it comes to where to find the best food at Disney World!She has been Disney Food Blogging for 15 years now!
Now, it is important to note that a high price tag does not always mean that the food quality is going to be great. Some restaurants are more about the theme and experience rather than fine dining. Other restaurants offer all-you-care-to-enjoy meals where they charge more for the quantity of the food rather than the quality of the food.
Garden Grill feast
With that being said, let’s dive into AJ’s top three OL’ reliable restaurants at Disney World!
Starting off in EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion, tucked away, you will find Le Cellier Steakhouse. It can be hard to find reservations for this restaurant, especially if you are traveling during peak travel season, so make sure you are searching for dining reservations as soon as your Advance Dining reservation window opens.
Oh, Canada!
This tends to be one of AJ’s favorite places to dine, and it is a great location to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or just life in general.
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Le Cellier serves many classic steakhouse options, as well as a few signature dishes, like loaded poutine and Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. And if you need a quiet, comforting escape from all the theme park action, Le Cellier’s atmosphere can provide just that — someplace warm and cozy. Except that sometimes the booths can feel a little too close together. Regardless, Le Cellier has been and will continue to be AJ’s go-to option if she is craving a filet or a nice bowl of cheesy soup.
It also has a slightly different menu from Tiffins and the best part is that you won’t have to pay signature meal prices if you do not want to.
Lounge-style seating
On the menu, you will find specialty beverages, including some fun and exclusive mocktails. Small plates include grilled chicken satay, Tiffins’ bread service, and what AJ claims to be the BEST churros on the property.
For AJ’s third OL’ reliable, she recommends Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Both the park and the resort are pros when it comes to serving tasty meals in a stunning dining room setting.
Sanaa
Sanaa is located in the Kidani Village section of the resort. It is a table-service restaurant where you can enjoy authentic African and Indian-inspired food next to windows that look out over the resort’s savanna.
Sanaa
Since Sanaa tends to be out of the way of other resorts and parks (besides Animal Kingdom), it often gets overlooked. But if you can make time for it during your visit, AJ thinks this one could really steal the spotlight as far as your Disney dining adventure is concerned.
Sanaa
If you want to learn more about the Disney World dining scene and read up on our most recent reviews, advice, and recommendations, make sure to check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining on dfbstore.com!
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!
What are you Disney World restaurant OL’ reliables? Let us know in the comments!
Yes, negative things are sometimes a little more manageable because hey, you’re in Disney World, but sometimes life’s struggles still break through that Disney bubble. Not to mention that being in Disney World can create a whole slew of NEW problems that you don’t really experience anywhere else. Since Cast Members are the first line of help for any issues in the parks, that means you could hear them say some pretty undesirable things throughout your trip, and if you do, you may want to turn around and walk the other way.
“Are ya bleeding? …Did it get in your food?”
WE ARE NOT KIDDING, WE HEARD THIS IN DISNEY WORLD! We’ll be honest, we were facing the other way when we heard a Cast Member say this to (we’re assuming) a guest, and after we heard it, we 100% were not about to turn around to find out.
First Aid will have some basic supplies like medicine and bandages
Some of us on the team are definitely squeamish when it comes to blood, but the rest of us just also don’t want to see that on our vacation if we don’t have to. If you hurt yourself and are bleeding in Disney World, it’s time to head to first aid! There’s one located in each park, typically close to the entrance of each park.
Magic Kingdom First Aid Center
If you have trouble finding first aid, or you’re afraid you’ll have trouble getting there, you can ask any nearby Cast Member for assistance. And if you happen to get blood in your food…PLEASE DO NOT EAT IT.
“Head on over to that yellow line!”
Doesn’t seem like too big of a deal, right? Well, in this case, this was said at security where after forgetting to take her umbrella out of her bag, our team member was asked to step over to get her bag inspected…and was faced with the LONGEST bag check line she’d ever seen.
Mini UV Umbrella
Safety is very important in the Disney World parks, and we’re very thankful it’s taken so seriously to keep all guests safe, but our team member was KICKING HERSELF that if she would have just remembered to take out her umbrella, she would have saved TONS of time. So this is your reminder that if you want to get through security fast, take out the following items and hold them in your hands as you walk through:
Umbrellas
Phones, tablets, any electronics (INCLUDING portable chargers!)
Hard glasses cases
Any items that contain metal
Security Line at Transportation and Ticket Center
It’s best to have these items in your hands by the time you’re stepping up to security/stepping off the parking tram so you don’t slow down the line. We know, it’s a little stressful, but it’s worth it to make it through security with no issues!
Code V
We’ve mentioned Code V on more than one occasion, but we feel it’s always important to rehash because it’s truly very unpleasant. Yes, Code V stands for Code Vomit, meaning someone has gotten sick in the area and it needs to be cleaned up.
Custodian Cast Members Making Water Art!
That alone should encourage you to proceed with caution, but this particular story comes from a former Cast Member on our team who had to call a Code V because as she was seating a family for their meal at ‘Ohana, they watched kids at another table get sick. Yeah, not at all fun for anyone involved.
‘Ohana
And this is just your reminder too that we KNOW you’ve spent tons of money on this trip and you don’t want anything to ruin it, but if you or your kid is sick, PLEASE do not bring them into Disney World parks. We know it stinks to have to stay at the hotel room, but everyone in your party will have a miserable day with not everyone feeling 100% AND you’ll be spreading your germs to other guests, and that’s just not very courteous.
Announcing A Ride Closure
Hearing a Cast Member announce that the ride you’re currently waiting in line for is closed is NOT ideal and certainly isn’t something you want to hear, but did you know there’s something SPECIFIC you should be listening for when a Cast Member informs you a ride is down?
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed
Pay very close attention to the wording the Cast Member uses to inform you the ride is down. If you heard them say something like “You are welcome to stay in line and we’ll hopefully be up and running soon,” it’s much more likely that Cast Members are only experiencing a minor difficulty and have hope that the ride will come back up shortly.
Slinky Dog Dash closed
However, if you hear them say something like, “You can stay in line IF YOU WANT but we have NO IDEA how long we will be delayed,” they’re subtly trying to encourage you to get out of line and go experience another attraction because it’s likely going to be a while before the ride opens back up again. Of course, the most obvious sign that an attraction will be down awhile is if they empty the queue, which leaves you no choice but to exit and (hopefully) come back later.
“Your Annual Pass is Blocked Out Today”
This has happened to some of our reporters on their off days, or some of our team who comes in from other areas to visit for vacation. Every Annual Pass tier for Disney World except for the Incredi-Pass (which is the most expensive and the only one available to out-of-state passholders) has blockout dates that prevent passholders from getting into the parks that day.
Annual Passholder Magnet
The less expensive the pass, the more blockout dates your pass has. This means that if you don’t check the calendar and you have any pass that isn’t the Incredi-Pass, it’s possible you could arrive to the park and be told that you’re blocked from entering that day. So if you REALLY want to get into the parks, you’ll have to purchase a day ticket, which is likely the last thing you’d like to do.
Disney World Annual Passholder Entrance
And that’s why we encourage passholders to make their park pass reservations EARLY — days before you’re looking to go — just to be sure you won’t run into this issue! Better to be safe than sorry — trust us, we’ve been there.
Magic Kingdom
We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney World news, tips, and tricks so you know what to expect, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!
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!
What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event may have come to a close, but the magic is far from over! If you missed the event or want to relive the enchantment, we’re thrilled to announce that many of the products showcased at the event are now available online. Dive into the magic of Disney with these must-have items, all now live on DisneyStore.com!
Vinyl collectors, prepare yourselves! The Stacey Aoyama Disney Designer Showcase features exquisite Disney vinyl sets, including Ariel and Ursula from “The Little Mermaid,” Hercules and Hades from “Hercules,” Jasmine and Jafar from “Aladdin,” Snow White and the Evil Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and Briar Rose and Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty.” Each set captures the essence of these beloved characters with stunning detail and is a timeless treasure for Disney collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Midnight Masquerade: Fashionably Late
Unmask the magic of the Midnight Masquerade collection, where elegance and whimsy collide in an extraordinary display. The newest Midnight Masquerade Box Set showcases Disney’s Gaston, Queen of Hearts, Alice, Mother Gothel, Ariel, and Snow White, offering a treasure trove of elegance. These six aren’t the only ones with an invitation in the mail! Collectors will not want to miss the limited-edition Aladdin & Jasmine and Anastasia & Drizella Doll Sets, which are unparalleled gems for any collection.
Showcase your fandom with the Star Wars: Dark Side Artist Series collection. This collection includes the Dark Side Spirit Jersey, a Loungefly Ear Headband, and a Loungefly Mini Backpack for adults, all featuring designs by Disney artist Alex Riegert-Waters, showcasing iconic Star Wars villains. Take command of your Star Wars collection with the Darth Vader Figurine and the Dark Side Matted Print, using art designed by Riegert-Waters. You won’t want to miss adding these items to your collection!
Disney Munchlings Collection
Snuggle up with the Disney Munchlings Baked Treats Remix! This delightful collection includes charming new additions like the Mystery Scented Plush – Baked Treats Remix, featuring Minnie Mouse Cherry Tart, Baymax Tiramisu, and my top pick, the Stitch Frosted Blueberry Loaf, all with delightful scents. Looking for something even cuddlier? Check out the larger Mickey Mouse Steamed Bun Willie Plush for an extra dose of plushy charm!
Mary Poppins 60th Anniversary
Celebrate the magic of Mary Poppins with the 60th Anniversary Loungefly Ear Headband and the Penguin Waiter Plush. Inspired by a jolly holiday, the Loungefly Ear Headband features charming details that evoke the whimsical spirit of the esteemed nanny, while the Penguin Waiter Plush brings a touch of cheer from the classic film. These delightful items are as sweet as a spoonful of sugar!
Pin collectors, get ready to elevate your collection with the Disney Pins: Joy on the Screen collection! This exquisite, limited-edition range celebrates the magic of beloved characters with unparalleled artistry and detail. The collection features a sketch series highlighting the artistic journey of characters such as Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, Ariel, and Simba. It includes a dedicated series with an Animation Desk Pin Set that brings to life timeless films such as ”Cinderella,” ”Sleeping Beauty,” and “Dumbo” and a Multiplane Camera Slider Pin featuring Snow White. Further enriching the collection is a movie ticket series that honors some favorites like “Alice in Wonderland,”“A Goofy Movie,” and “Fantasia 2000.” Adding a touch of romance, the jumbo pin set features beloved couples like Ariel and Eric, Belle and the Beast, and Aladdin and Jasmine. Lastly, don’t miss the deluxe Disney Animation and Imagineering Jumbo Pin, where Sorcerer Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell present a collection of artists’ sketches, along with three animation model sheets and two castle layouts that honor the talented Disney Legends behind them.
The Haunted Mansion 55th Anniversary
Happy haunts have been materializing for 55 years at The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort, and what better way to celebrate than with some hauntingly delightful items. Adorn your shelf with this Madame Leota Replica. For those who prefer to carry a touch of magic with them, the Raven Magnetic Shoulder Plush will have you grim and grinning.
A Walk in Disneyland & Parks Logo Play
Immerse yourself in the magic of Disneyland Park with the A Walk in Disneyland collection, featuring the elegant Disneyland Dress for Women, the charming Disneyland Teacup Set, and the stylish Disneyland Icons Woven Shirt for Adults, all crafted by Ashley Eckstein and Ashley Taylor. For a more casual, streetwear look, check out the Parks Logo Play collection, including the D23 Varsity Jacket and Baseball Cap. Both collections celebrate the Park’s spirit with nostalgic flair and modern style.
All these magical items are now available online and at the Disneyland Resort, so visit DisneyStore.com/D23Event2024 to shop and bring home the magic of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event!
New photos and concept art of the Disney Vacation Club Islands Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows were revealed at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
Islands Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is known for its tropical theme and beautiful waterfront views, and the new tower continues that vibe with some fresh, exciting features. The photos include guests in the lobby of the Polynesian’s Great Ceremonial House and on a bungalow balcony. The three renderings in the middle of this display are from the new Island Tower.
The above photo shows a family enjoying the living area of an Island Tower room. The image is similar to previously released concept art and was probably taken in a model room since construction isn’t complete on the tower. The room includes an L-shaped couch below a Murphy bed. The artwork on the wall depicts animals in the ocean and sky. A swirl on the sun and the shape of the green hills is reminiscent of “Moana.” Disney added the IP to other Polynesian rooms a few years ago and said it would provide some inspiration for the tower.
This next piece of new concept art depicts a restaurant. Large green fish sculptures hang from the ceiling. There are bench seats and chairs around light brown tables. Large windows look outside. This may be the restaurant under construction on the first floor of the Island Tower.
This concept art was released with the announcement of the Island Tower’s name. It depicts the tower’s lobby.
The most interesting image is a first look at a new “Moana”-inspired splash pad. A life-size sculpture depicts Moana on her boat, holding her oar and sail. The floor of the splash pad is different shades of blue and fountains shoot water into the air.
Another piece on display depicts a section of the tower’s exterior, which we’ve also seen in previous concept art.
Another group of photos includes one of guests with Mickey waffles in their Island Tower suite. The same artwork hangs above a full-length couch. The kitchen includes a stovetop, oven, toaster, and microwave. The furniture is light-colored.
We’ve seen this concept art before, too. It depicts a two-bedroom penthouse villa, a brand-new DVC accommodation. These villas are themed after “the calming balance between water and the islands” and will sleep up to eight guests. They include a patio overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon.
the last piece shows an outdoor seating area — probably another part of the tower’s restaurant. Columns feature Polynesian-inspired designs. A wall around the outside has wavy designs on top, making the seats on the other side look like they are in the ocean.
