After months of work, the new outdoor covered seating area at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom is complete.
The new seating area features quite a few seats, which should help out the popular restaurant. It also has fans installed for the warmer times of year.
In recent months, Cosmic Ray’s has also gone to a single menu for all bays and opened completely remodeled restrooms.
With the 2017 seasonal return of the Jingle Cruise today at the Magic Kingdom, a limited edition pin was released to mark the occasion.
The pin features the recently-returned rhino from the attraction, with fruitcake stuck to his horn of course.
The pin is $14.99 and has an edition size of just 2000. It is available at the Frontierland Trading Post shop. The usual purchase limits of 2 per guest apply.
It’s been a couple of months since we last saw the precious Sumatran tiger cubs that were recently birthed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Now that the cubs are two months old, Disney has shared an update on the cubs’ growth and habitat. Below we have Jeda (male cub on the left), and Anala (female cub on the right).
The cubs are continuing to develop a strong bond with their mother, Sohni, and are beginning to display their own unique personalities. Jeda is very laid back, as is his father, Malosi. The name Jeda means “pause” in Malay, and is representative of the two parallel stripes on his head that resemble a pause button.
Anala loves to explore and has a more independent spirit. Her name means “fiery, sizzling” in Hindi.
Here is some additional information about the cubs from the Parks Blog:
“The cubs wrestle with each other constantly and love jumping on plants and logs,” said Erin Heavey, an animal care specialist who cares for the tigers. “Jeda in particular loves ripping the bark off the logs and playing with all the pieces that come off. Anala is becoming more adept at sneaking and pouncing and loves hiding behind things (even when she isn’t entirely hidden) and trying to surprise attack Sohni or her brother. This is actually something she gets from Sohni, who loves to “hide and sneak” even though she isn’t always very covert about it.”
It is still too soon for the cubs to make their way to the Maharajah Jungle Trek for the public to see, but the parents are still out on stage in the meantime.
Okay, this one is too cute…
OtterBox and Disney announced today that OtterBox will be the “Official Protective Case” of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort as part of a new multi-year strategic alliance.
Whether Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse is your favorite character, or you just love all things Disney, OtterBox has you covered with its exclusive Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection. (PRNewsfoto/OtterBox)
Whether Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse is your favorite character, or you just love all things Disney, OtterBox has you covered with its exclusive Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection.
This will bring OtterBox cases to several D-Tech locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort and eventually expand OtterBox’s in-park presence, offering guests a way to protect their vacation memories with the No. 1-most trusted mobile case brand.
“The collaboration between OtterBox and Disney allows us to combine the trusted protection of OtterBox with the magic of Disney Parks,” OtterBox CEO Jim Parke said. “Not only can we help protect guests’ precious memories inside the park and beyond, but we can help them express their passion for Disney with cases that represent some of their favorite characters and attractions.”
OtterBox will also collaborate with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media to offer a wide variety of brand new case designs. The first will be a signature series called the Classic Disney Collection, featuring timeless Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs on OtterBox Symmetry Series for iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus.
“This alliance joins two companies that share a commitment to providing high-quality products and experiences,” said Carlos Castro, vice president of Disney Corporate Alliances. “We are thrilled to collaborate with OtterBox and look forward to introducing a variety of new Disney-inspired merchandise for our guests to enjoy.”
Symmetry Series Classic Disney Collection cases are available now for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on otterbox.com and are coming soon to D-Tech retail locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. For more information, visit otterbox.com.
About OtterBox:
OtterBox innovates bold products that deliver confidence and trust in any pursuit. From its humble beginnings with a drybox in a Fort Collins, Colo., garage, OtterBox has honed and leveraged its expertise in manufacturing and design to become the No. 1-selling smartphone case brand in the U.S. and a leader in rugged outdoor lifestyle products.
Tonight! The Map Game is back, we’re ranking every restaurant at the Magic Kingdom, and nothing will likely work because we aren’t using the radio studio…
If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to 105.5 FM or AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside of the Orlando area, the show can be watched via video stream at listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. You can also use WDWNT: The App to watch and chat along. The show also utilizes a live chat and the ability to call-in to interact with the show. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents.
Coming up on this week’s show:
We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9PM ET for another episode of WDW News Tonight!
If you missed last week’s show, you can watch it below:
Deal Details:
Epcot 35th Anniversary List
“That’s All Folks!” Universe of Energy at Epcot Farewell T-Shirt
Save Figment – Journey Into Imagination at Epcot T-Shirt
IPA – Indigenous Pandora Ale – AVATAR Land Inspired Shirt T-Shirt
Magical Forecast T-Shirt
Best Day Ever T-Shirt
There are hundreds more designs in the store than we can share here, so check it out!
Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park when Pixar Pier opens along the southern shore of Paradise Bay, with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise throughout. This new, permanent land in the area that is now Paradise Pier will introduce four new neighborhoods representing beloved Disney·Pixar stories.
PIXAR PIER (ANAHEIM, Calif.) –Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land when Pixar Pier opens for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park, featuring the new Incredicoaster inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles.” This artist concept illustrates the four new neighborhoods that will represent beloved Pixar stories and the newly themed attractions that will be found throughout the permanent land of Pixar Pier. (Disney•Pixar)
The first neighborhood is inspired by Disney·Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and it will open in summer 2018 with the Incredicoaster. Permanently transformed from the attraction that is now California Screamin’, Incredicoaster will invite guests into a mid-century-modern-style loading area where they board vehicles with a distinctive, new look. New character moments, new scenes and special effects, and an exciting musical score will connect the attraction’s story to Pixar’s “The Incredibles 2,” which opens in theaters June 14, 2018. To prepare for this transformation, California Screamin’ will close January 8th, 2018.
PIXAR PIER (ANAHEIM, Calif.) Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land when Pixar Pier opens for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park, including the new Incredicoaster, inspired by DisneyPixars The Incredibles. Pixar Pier also introduces four new neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories. This artist concept captures a scene from one of the neighborhoods inspired by The Incredibles. Here, guests will find the new Incredicoaster featuring a mid-century-modern-style loading area, new character moments and a new look for the ride vehicles. ( DisneyPixar)
Toy Story Mania will anchor the “Toy Story”-inspired neighborhood. A neighborhood inspired by “Inside Out” will be found on the western side of the boardwalk and will welcome a new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.
The fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will have a new look, with each of the 24 gondolas featuring different Pixar characters and the iconic face of Mickey Mouse remaining on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. At the Games of the Boardwalk, which already includes the Bullseye Stallion Stampede game, all of the midway games will be inspired by Pixar characters. New games are expected to include characters from “A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” and “WALL·E.” Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk and Sideshow Shirts will close January 8th to begin this transformation.
Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar will be transformed into a new lounge and grill offering sparkling views of Paradise Bay and the new Pixar Pier. Both locations will close January 8th, with Cove Bar reopening briefly in April before closing again for its permanent transformation. Guests wishing to reserve “World of Color” dining packages after January 7th may consider Carthay Circle Restaurant or Wine Country Trattoria.
The remaining areas of the land that is now Paradise Pier, including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, will become a new land called Paradise Park.
Pixar Pier will open during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, which begins April 13th.
November’s issue of the Disney twenty-three magazine will take readers into the Land of the Dead with its sneak peak for Pixar’s upcoming film, Coco.
This extensive sneak peak will give readers an in-edepth look at the film’s story, which follows Miguel on his quest to become a musician, despite his family’s disapproval.
Next up, readers will get a look at Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, which will premier before Coco in theaters this Thanksgiving. Members of the cast and production team discuss the featurette, and the importance the story places on family and traditions. “A movie like this taps into more than just the holiday spirit—it explores the meaning behind that spirit, the traditions that bring us all together as family. It’s very powerful,” says Josh Gad (voice of Olaf).
Of course the latest issue will cover Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which we can safely assume will be the holiday’s biggest movie release. Director Rian Johnson talks about the next chapter in the Skywalker saga, and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran reveals what she loves about Rose, the character that she portrays in the film.
Disney twenty-three will go behind the scenes of the new Big Hero 6 show on Disney XD, as well as Toy Story Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and Pixar Pier coming to Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort.
Disney twenty-three’s editor has also included a tribute to the late Disney Legend Marty Sklar.
The winter issue of Disney twenty-three also has so much more, including:
- A look back at 23 magical moments from D23 Expo 2017
- The heroic women of Star Wars
- 25 years of The Muppets Christmas Carol with Sir Michael Caine and Brian Henson
- A droid-filled edition of “From the Desk of” with Star Wars Creature and Droid FX CreativeSupervisor, Neal Scanlan
- Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave
The winter issue of Disney twenty-three should be sent out in mid-November. For more on Disney twenty-three magazine and how you can sign up, head to D23.com.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting an annual passholder exclusive preview of their new “Flurry of Fun” beginning tonight, November 5th, 2017.
The preview event takes place 8:30-9:30PM and primarily features the all-new Sunset Seasons Greetings experience. Passholders will also have access to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘ N’ Roller Coaster during this event. Select food & beverage and merchandise locations on Sunset Boulevard will also be available.
A wristband is required to attend and are being distributed at the Annual Passholder entry line to park while supplies last.
This event is likely to happen on additional nights between now and November 9th when the offerings officially debut.
While the “Flurry of Fun” officially kicks off on November 9th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the festive sweets and treats for the season will actually be available throughout the park for you to enjoy starting on November 5th.
To start off the list, there are cookies and gingerbread pops galore, offered at various locations throughout the park. In addition, there’s a “Prep and Landing”-themed gingerbread cupcake dropping in at ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Sweet Spells and The Trolley Car Café.
If you’re looking for that classic cup of hot cocoa to go with those cookies, guests of all ages can enjoy classic hot cocoa with marshmallows at ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner.
Guests over the age of 21 can warm up with a special array of hot chocolate beverages offered at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner and Fairfax Fare, including a hot chocolate martini, Bailey’s Salted Caramel hot chocolate, black cherry bourbon hot chocolate, and a hot chocolate flight where you can sample all three. Other adult beverages available this year include a Peppermint White Russian, a Winterberry Cooler and a Let It Glow drink consisting of vodka and blue-raspberry frozen carbonated beverage with your very own glow cube at various locations around Echo Lake and Sunset Boulevard.
These decadent red velvet whoopie pies are decorated with icing garland, ornament pearls, and holiday sprinkles. You’ll find these tree-shaped desserts at Sweet Spells and Fairfax Fare.
Guests will find an apple cranberry cobbler at Hollywood Scoops and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner; or if you’re looking for a sweet and savory snack, you can find a festive holiday popcorn mix at popcorn carts throughout the park. This popcorn comes with marshmallows, pretzels and M&M’s and is drizzled with chocolate.
Olaf is also the star of several treats to mark the release of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. Find his special cupcake at ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare and Sweet Spells. You’ll also find an Olaf Pop at Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction, an Olaf Sundae at Hollywood Scoops, and Sugar Frosted Fruit Bites at Pretzel Palooza. Also, be on the lookout for an Olaf-themed sipper that comes filled with a fun “Frozen” beverage.
Finally, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is back (be sure to check out our review from last year). Indulge in specialty sweets and sips before you move to a special reserved viewing area to enjoy Disney Movie Magic and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a holiday spectacular hosted by the elves Wayne and Lanny from “Prep and Landing.” Among the desserts offered are candy cane brownies, holiday Mickey and Minnie sugar cookies, warm pumpkin pie spiced bread pudding, and sweet Yule Log (some of this new from last year). In addition, you’ll be given an exclusive ornament to take home with you at the end of the party. This is a premium event with dates available November 9th through December 31st.
The Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starts November 9th, but you can start eating all this goodness come Sunday.
