Summer House on the Lake

The structure has slightly layered sections of the roof to create a dynamic façade with awnings.

We didn’t see any construction crews actively working on this visit, but the roofline of Summer House on the Lake has taken more shape with added steel framework. Scaffolding also surrounds the roofline as construction continues.

The walls surrounding the construction site showcase photos of some of the dishes you might be able to try once the restaurant finally opens. The restaurant will feature a menu of fresh, modern American cuisine, including seafood and steak options. With indoor and outdoor seating, diners will be able to enjoy views of the lake while savoring their meals. The decor will be sleek and contemporary, with touches of natural wood and greenery. Expect a lively atmosphere, with a full bar and specialty cocktails.

Summer House on the Lake was announced in the summer of 2022, taking over the space formerly planned for Beatrix. The new restaurant is a spin-off of the popular Chicago and North Bethesda, MD restaurant Summer House Santa Monica. Both Beatrix and Summer House Santa Monica are owned by Lettuce Entertain You.

The completed exterior will be gray and white, with vine-covered walls and planters. The interior will also be white, with wicker chairs and plants throughout.

Do you think Summer House on the Lake is poised to become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors to Disney Springs? Will you be dining at this new restaurant when it opens this year? Let us know in the comments below!

Other Disney Springs News

A Corkcicle shop opened a few days ago at Disney Springs. The brand is known for selling colorful insulated drinkware and accessories with products ranging between $29.99 and $49.99. Corkcicle’s product line includes insulated tumblers, water bottles, stemless barware, and coolers that are easily portable.

Meanwhile, the UGG store at Disney Springs permanently closed in February. The storefront is located in the covered section of Town Center. UGG originally opened with the Disney Springs expansion in 2016.

Just like the dinosaurs, the National Geographic store at Disney Springs is now extinct and The Dress Shop has moved back into the space within Marketplace Co-Op.

While The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando within the Disney Springs Area first started welcoming guests last December, the hotel officially held its grand opening ceremony in February and is ready for guests to come in full force. The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando is an Official Walt Disney World Hotel. It features the same amenities as Drury Hotels nationwide along with a free shuttle to all Walt Disney World theme parks and early entry to the parks. They do not charge a resort fee on top of the nightly cost unlike many in the area.

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

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Everglazed “Super Hero” Donut — $5.95

Dipped in your choice of yellow or red icing and then topped with rainbow sprinkles and superhero candies atop 4 buttons of buttercream.

It would be copyright infringement for Everglazed to reference Guardians of the Galaxy, so this donut was harmlessly titled the “Super Hero donut.” Just feet away from Everglazed, the outside of AMC Disney Springs has recently been given a Guardians makeover. 

The fluffy donut is dipped in red icing where it is then covered in sprinkles and some retro-comic-style superhero onomatopoeias like “Pow!” and “Boom.”

Upon tasting, this is your run-of-the-mill Everglazed donut.  It is light, fluffy, oversized, and nigh impossible to finish on your own.

While we wouldn’t make a trip to Everglazed just to get this donut, it is a solid choice if you’re there. This donut is only available through May 7.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

“Guardians of the Galaxy” focuses on a group of extraterrestrial criminals on the run who initially team up for just causes when they tangle themselves in a dangerous struggle between Xandar and Kree fanatical Ronan the Accuser. 

“Vol. 3” is the long-awaited conclusion to a trilogy that began with 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.” A relatively unknown team of superheroes to the general public before this film’s release, the franchise is now one of Marvel’s most popular and critically acclaimed, with the first two films grossing a combined $1.64 billion , as well as scoring a 92% and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively.

The Guardians have also made appearances in “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Thor: Love and Thunder” — plus a roughly half feature-length Holiday Special on Disney+. They’ve spawned a series of video games, and are now featured in two Disney Parks attractions: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and Mission: Breakout at Disney California Adventure. 

James Gunn, doubling as writer and director, has repeatedly expressed his profound desire to wrap the trilogy up with the utmost propriety, calling it “the hardest thing I’ve ever done” in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. 

Once I started doing the first “Guardians” movie, I felt drawn to it. I felt called to it, if that makes any sense. So I feel very good [about Vol. 3] because I feel like I did everything that I possibly could to make this trilogy as good as it can possibly be. And I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate that I had all these people around me making it. It’s the biggest blessing of my life.

After the conclusion of his Marvel trilogy, Gunn will be almost exclusively focused on taking the helm over at Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Studios, where he has already been a creative force behind “The Suicide Squad” film and “Peacemaker” series for HBO Max.

This outing is intended to be a bit more emotional, with higher stakes than viewers have previously encountered. The entire cast and crew emphasizes the familial bond they share, and the difficulty it has caused as the time to say farewell arrives. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Karen Gillan expressed the obstacles and the profundity of the film’s finality:

It’s been a rocky road to get here. When it looked like we weren’t going to make the movie without James, it just didn’t feel right at all. You can’t make a Guardians movie without James…There’s a scene towards the end of the film that’s somewhat of an ending-of-an-era scene, and everyone was crying in the scene. When you see it, just know that none of us are actually acting. Like, everyone was very emotional. It did feel like a goodbye. And it felt real.

Watch the movie trailer for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” below:

Are you excited for this finale with the beloved group of ragtag galactic saviors? Who is your favorite Guardian? Let us know in the comments.

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

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Post-Fire Repairs Continue on “Fantasmic!” Show Stage

When repairs began following the Maleficent dragon fire, scaffolding was erected on the show’s stage on Tom Sawyer Island. Today it appears that the scaffolding has expanded both further back and slightly further forward. By the looks of where the additional scaffolding has been erected, it appears repairs may be prepping to expand in all directions.

Fences have remained near the raft dock to prevent access to the stage at this time. Guests are typically free to access the “Fantasmic!” stage area at any point that the island is open.

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes — Disneyland staples with varying names since 1956 — have continued to be operational as guests circle Tom Sawyer Island. There is no track or special engine on this ride; you, the guest, and your accompanying Cast Member guides make this boat row with paddles and manual labor.

It’s an arduous workout, but a scenic journey for anyone willing to put in the effort.

It’s unknown when “Fantasmic!” will return to Disneyland, and whether the stage will be guest-accessible when it does.

Maleficent Eviscerated by Inferno During “Fantasmic!”

“Fantasmic!,” is a nighttime spectacular which first debuted in Disneyland on May 13, 1992. The show stars Mickey Mouse as he explores the possibilities of his imagination, but the Disney Villains team up in an attempt to create an unstoppable nightmare for him. Featuring characters and music from Disney films including “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” the show incorporates projections on screens of water, pyrotechnics, and both the Sailing Ship Columbia and Mark Twain Riverboat as they sail past guests on the Rivers of America. Similar versions debuted later at Walt Disney World and Tokyo DisneySea.

On the evening of April 22, a possible leak of flammable fluid from the dragon’s structure caused Maleficent to be dramatically set ablaze.

Our onsite reporter caught footage of Maleficent, still burning, as the show came to a premature end for safety. The fire fell from the dragon’s mouth onto Tom Sawyer Island below. The cause was potentially a leak of flammable fluid, seen dripping down from the mouth moments before the fireball effect went off — though Disney stated on Sunday that they are investigating the incident.

Six Disneyland Cast Members were treated for smoke inhalation by Anaheim Fire & Rescue, though luckily, no serious injuries were reported. All guests were escorted far away from the area and large swaths of the park closed early out of an abundance of caution.

“Fantasmic!”

“Fantasmic!,” is a nighttime spectacular which first debuted in Disneyland on May 13, 1992. The show stars Mickey Mouse as he explores the possibilities of his imagination, but the Disney Villains, including Maleficent, team up in an attempt to create an unstoppable nightmare for him. Featuring characters and music from Disney films including “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” the show incorporates projections on screens of water, pyrotechnics, and both the Sailing Ship Columbia and Mark Twain Riverboat as they sail past guests on the Rivers of America.

“Fantasmic!” went into an extended hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and finally resumed performances in late May of 2022. Since then, the nighttime spectacular has performed with minimal incident in Disneyland, though it was unexpectedly shut down for just over two weeks this past January. MagicBand+ interacts with “Fantasmic!,” as the center puck changes colors and flashes in sync with the show.

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, the show, which premiered at the park in 1998, underwent a longer break, returning last November with new scenes inspired by “Mulan,” “Frozen II,” and “Moana”.

A third version existed at Tokyo DisneySea from April 2011 to February 2020, set on the waters of Mediterranean Harbor and featuring more representation from that park’s characters like the Genie. The show closed permanently at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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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Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Only two pieces of 50th-anniversary bunting remain on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom and work continues on the castle’s moat.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• A new collection of “Star Wars” May the 4th merchandise inspired by the iconic Mos Eisley cantina scene has arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 
• A new themed sipper is available at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for May the 4th celebrations. 
• The new Cal Kestis lightsaber hilt is now available at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• A new Sith Wayfinder is available from Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of many new pieces of merchandise for May the 4th.
• New Black Spire Outpost tees are available in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in honor of Black Spire Day (May the 4th, a.k.a. Star Wars Day).
• The Wookiee Cookie and Darth Vader Cupcake have returned to Backlot Express in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for May the 4th.
• The Oi-Oi Puff is back for two days only at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Guests can enjoy the Interstellar Sweet & Crunchy Popcorn at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of May the 4th celebrations.
• Lightsaber churros are available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios again for Star Wars Day 2023.
• The Darth Maul-inspired Dark Side Chocolate Creation is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for another Star Wars Day.
• Nubs, a featured Jedi youngling from the new Disney+ series “Star War: Young Jedi Adventures,” has been spotted as a plush in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Tatooine Traders.

Disney Springs

• Swirls on the Water at Disney Springs is serving up the new “Loyal Astromech Swirl,” a BB-8 DOLE Whip mango and habanero soft-serve swirl, in honor of Star Wars Day (May the 4th).
• The Ganachery is celebrating Star Wars Day with the new Queen Amidala Chocolate Piñata, plus the Ahsoka Pop and Millennium Falcon Pop.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• If you’re visiting Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort today, May 4, make sure to pick up the Millennium Falcon Soft-Serve Sundae from Pineapple Lanai.

New Merchandise

• Three new Disney100 LEGO sets are coming soon, and two are available for pre-order now. 
• A new collection of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” 40th-anniversary merchandise is now available at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Just in time for May the 4th celebrations, new illuminated lightsaber umbrellas have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The new “Star Wars” mugs by Starbucks, as part of their “Been There” series, have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Other Walt Disney World News

• Walt Disney World Cast Members can enjoy additional dining discounts at select locations across Walt Disney World Resort from May 8 to September 30, 2023.

Disneyland Resort

• Guests can grab the light-up Droid Parts popcorn bucket from Kat Saka’s Kettle while supplies last.
• After a public meeting last month, Disneyland Resort has announced more events throughout the summer and fall to pitch their long-term expansion plans to Anaheim residents.
• After a quick reconfiguration to enter the galaxy of Star Wars, Hyperspace Mountain is once again offering Disneyland guests a thrilling method of celebration for Star Wars Month.
• Cast Members are being informed that “Fantasmic!” is suspended at Disneyland through at least the end of May following the catastrophic fire late last month.

WDW News Today

Whack-a-Mouse? Disney Monorails to Fall Under State Inspectors

Attractions to Remain Open Behind World of Color for First Time, Magic Happens Evacuated

WDW After Five – Territory Lounge and Geyser Point

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

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Corkcicle Star Wars “Ahsoka” Sport Canteen — $47.95

Located at The Landing in Disney Springs is the first-ever Corkcicle retail location. Corkcicle is a local brand founded and headquartered in Orlando, Florida that has gained enormous popularity. In honor of Star Wars Day, Corkcicle has release two new tumblers themed after the “Ahsoka” spin-off series coming to Disney+ in August 2023.

This tumbler’s design honors Ahsoka Tano, a character that originated in the animated “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” in 2008. Rosario Dawson plays the live-action version of the character, who we first see in “The Mandalorian” season 2. 

This sport canteen holds 20 oz of liquid and boasts the ability to keep cold drinks cold for 25 hours, and hot drinks hot for 12 hours.

The bottom of the canteen features the Corkcicle logo in vertical white script.

The cap of this canteen has a straw built in, and the bottom features a “stay put” grip to prevent spilling.

Corkcicle Star Wars “Ahsoka” Tumbler — $37.95

This smaller tumbler holds 16 oz of liquid. It claims to keep cold drinks cold for 9 hours and hot drinks hot for 3 hours.

The tumbler is topped with a sliding, shatter-proof clear lid.

The tumbler also features a “stay put” bottom.

May the 4th

May 4 is considered Star Wars Day because “May the 4th” sounds like “May the Force (be with you).” It’s celebrated annually by “Star Wars” fans and now Disney and Lucasfilm. At Disney Parks, a collection of May the 4th merchandise is released each year.

This year’s May the 4th collection was already released on shopDisney, although more items may be available at the parks. A new limited edition Cal Kestis lightsaber hilt and a Dok-Ondar action figure will be available on shopDisney, too.

New Legacy Lightsaber hilts will arrive at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge throughout the month of May.

Check out the full list of May the 4th food and beverage offerings at Walt Disney World Resort.

Ahsoka

“Ahsoka” stars Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano. Ashley Eckstein originated the voice role in the animated “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” in 2008. Eckstein also voiced Ahsoka in “Star Wars Rebels” and, most recently, in “Tales of the Jedi.” Dawson took over the live-action version of the character in “The Mandalorian” season 2. She reprised the role in “The Book of Boba Fett.”

“Ahsoka” will act as a spin-off from “The Mandalorian,” but also follow up on the cliffhanger of “Star Wars Rebels.” At the end of “Rebels,” main character Ezra Bridger sacrificed himself to defeat Grand Admiral Thrawn by jumping into hyperspace with the purrgil (space whales). His friends Sabine Wren and Ahsoka Tano then vowed to find him and departed together at the end of the series.

In “The Mandalorian,” Ahsoka was seen searching for Thrawn on her own. “Ahsoka” will pick up on her and Sabine’s search for Ezra, who was originally voiced by Taylor Gray and will be portrayed in live-action by Eman Esfandi.

The first “Ahsoka” trailer was recently released at Star Wars Celebration, giving the first good look at Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Hera Syndulla and Natasha Liu Bordizzo’s Sabine Wren, both characters who originally appeared in the animated “Star Wars Rebels.”

Sabine was originally voiced by Tiya Sircar in “Star Wars Rebels” and “Forces of Destiny.” Hera was voiced by Vanessa Marshall in “Rebels,” “Forces of Destiny,” an episode of “The Bad Batch,” and the video game Star Wars: Squadrons.

Hera Syndulla was the captain of the “Star Wars Rebels” team. Her droid, Chopper, will also appear in “Ahsoka,” and possibly her young son, Jacen, who only appeared briefly in the final moments of “Star Wars Rebels.”

Hayden Christensen is also set to reprise his role as Darth Vader in “Ahsoka.” When he was part of the Jedi Order and still going by Anakin Skywalker, Vader trained Ahsoka. They last encountered each other in “Star Wars Rebels.”

Another main character from “Star Wars Rebels” recently made his live-action debut in “The Mandalorian.” It hasn’t been confirmed if he will appear in “Ahsoka,” too.

Lucasfilm also announced three new standalone “Star Wars” films and the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. They released the first teaser trailer for “Ahsoka” starring Rosario Dawson as the titular Ahsoka Tano, who first appeared in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and then made her live-action debut in “The Mandalorian.” They also released “The Acolyte” footage exclusively at Star Wars Celebration. “The Acolyte” stars Amandla Stenberg as the titular acolyte and Lee Jung-jae as a Jedi master. Footage from “Rogue One” prequel “Andor” season 2, starring Gabriel Luna, also premiered.

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

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Droid Parts Popcorn Bucket — $24.69

This Droid Parts popcorn bucket is made to look like it was haphazardly assembled from the parts of different droids. A red leg, a distressed white leg, a black body, and a purple droid “head” are all held together by mock duct tape.

Guests who purchase this popcorn bucket can choose from one of the two new popcorn mixes that debuted earlier this week: the Surabat Valley Mix and the Niamois Mix.

This poor droid has seen better days.

The bottom of each droid leg has a wheel so that this popcorn bucket can actually roll around.

Even the interior of this droid parts popcorn bucket is themed, with a bundle of faux cables connecting the lid to the bucket.

Underneath the droid head (or lid) you can see the on/off switch for the light-up feature of this bucket. You can also access the battery compartment with a screwdriver to replace the batteries.

The droid’s optics light up orange.

What do you think of this droid parts popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments.

Star Wars Month at Disneyland

Specialty photo ops, merchandise, and experiences will be available all month at Disneyland Resort. Hyperspace Mountain has returned, transforming Space Mountain into an adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Check out more of our Star Wars Month coverage below.

• Jellyfruit Muffin and Two New Popcorn Flavors at Kat Saka’s Kettle for May the 4th
• New Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures Photo Op Pops Up at Downtown Disney District
• Blue Milk Tenoo Swirl Crunchies Cereal Drink Debuts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Darth by Chocolate Parfait Returns to Galactic Grill
• New Star Wars Month IG-12 Magic Key Holder Magic Shot
• New Light-Up Acid Spitter Orb Sipper

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

The Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is galactic-themed for guests, with four “nites” where visitors can live their own epic “Star Wars” adventure. According to the official description, guests will:  

• Be wowed watching “Star Wars: Celebrate the Nite”  as fireworks illuminate the skies above Disneyland park. This pyrotechnic spectacle is set to the powerful music of “Star Wars” films.
• Prepare for Captain Phasma and her Stormtroopers during the March of the First Order in Tomorrowland, as they search for a Resistance spy.
• You may encounter travelers across the galaxy like Tusken Raiders and Jawas. 
• Get ready to master a lightsaber! Attend the Lightsaber Instructional demonstration, where you will learn to handle a lightsaber through a series of elite moves, sure to bring out your inner Jedi!
• Picture yourself in dynamic photo backdrops featuring some of the galaxy’s favorite heroes and villains, captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers at the party.
• Explore themed snacks such as galactic churros and other out-of-this-world sweets!
• Begin your adventure with pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required.

May the 4th

May 4 is considered Star Wars Day because “May the 4th” sounds like “May the Force (be with you).” It’s celebrated annually by “Star Wars” fans and now Disney and Lucasfilm. At Disney Parks, a collection of May the 4th merchandise is released each year.

This year’s May the 4th collection was already released on shopDisney, although more items may be available at the parks. A new limited edition Cal Kestis lightsaber hilt and a Dok-Ondar action figure will be available on shopDisney, too.

New Legacy Lightsaber hilts will arrive at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge throughout the month of May.

Check out the full list of May the 4th food and beverage offerings at Walt Disney World Resort.

Carrie Fisher will receive a posthumous star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on Star Wars Day this year.

“Star Wars: Visions” volume 2 and “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will premiere on Disney+ on May the 4th.

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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“Lilo & Stitch” Live-Action Remake

The live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” is being produced for Disney+ exclusively and will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who received an Oscar nomination for “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, and produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich. The upcoming remake has no release date but is based on the 2002 Walt Disney Animation Studios film of the same name starring Daveigh Chase and Chris Sanders which follows a young Hawaiian girl who adopts a “dog” from the local pound, completely unaware that it’s a dangerous scientific experiment taking refuge on Earth, hiding from its creator and those who see it as a menace and a criminal.

Last month it was reported that Zach Galifianakis had been cast in the film.

Last year, Disney opened its casting call for this film encouraging submissions from actors of Native Hawaiian/Polynesian/Maori descent.

Maia Kealoha as “Lilo”

Maia Kealoha will make her film debut as “Lilo”, the titular character in “Lilo & Stitch”. As a young Hawaiian actress, Kealoha won the role after Disney’s open call.

While this will be Kealoha’s film debut, she does have experience as the 2023 Mini Miss Konda Coffee winner. Little Miss Kona Coffee is “Kona’s Premier Youth Competition featuring the Youngest of the Hawai’i Island young ladies ages 4-17.” The Mini Miss Kona Coffee division of the competition, which Keahola won, is for girls aged four to six. The Little Miss Kona Coffee website describes the Mini division competition like this:

“There is no doubt that this age group is the most fun! Everything they do is cute and adorable, resulting in less stress for stage and performance concerns. What these girls really want is to wear a little crown. What is important, is to recognize signs of gifts, talents, and interests early in their lives and to encourage them to practice to make as perfect as can be. Testing their attention span and cooperation with new peers can help them to be comfortable on stage with a live audience. Whether it is in a private interview or in front of hundreds of people, they will gain skills and make new friends.”

With no prior acting experience, it will be exciting to see what this young actress can bring to the role!

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Disney released “Lilo & Stitch,” their 42nd animated feature film, in 2002. It was written and directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders (who is also the voice of Stitch). It was the second of three Disney animated features (the others being “Mulan” and “Brother Bear”) produced primarily at the animation studio located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as “Disney-MGM Studios”). “Lilo & Stitch” was nominated for the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The upcoming “Lilo & Stitch” live-action remake currently has no projected release date. It’s set to debut on Disney+.

Disney Adds Another Live-Action Remake

Disney has been on a roll releasing some of their classic films as live-action remakes. Most recently it was announced that Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is set to direct Disney’s live-action hybrid remake of “The Aristocats.” “Pinocchio”, “The Lion King”, “The Jungle Book”, and “Dumbo” have all been remade as well as others.

The live-action remake of the Disney classic “The Little Mermaid” is set to premiere next month, and the trailer for the new film debuted during the 2023 Academy Awards. You can check out the trailer below:

Are you excited to see what this new actress can bring to the role of Lilo? Let us know in the comments.

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

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Caramel Apple-Pecan Hand Pie — $5.99

Drizzled with Vanilla Custard Sauce

The Friar’s Nook is a quick-service dining location inside Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. Inspired by the classic Disney animated film “Robin Hood,” you can find The Friar’s Nook across from the entrance to Seven Dwarves Mine Train. It is worth noting that while this hand pie does show up on the breakfast menu at The Friar’s Nook on the MyDisneyExperience app, it is not available for purchase until after 11 a.m.

This hand pie has a classic crispy filo dough crust that is nice, crispy, and warm. The pie itself tastes very fresh.

The outside is covered in cinnamon sugar which is delicious, but very messy. Our hands were covered in sugar instantly, but it adds a nice cinnamon-sweet touch that is needed. There is a vanilla custard sauce drizzled over the hand pie, and it is not too sweet, but admittedly tastes more like icing than custard. We liked the drizzle a lot. It almost replicates the effect of a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a slice of warm apple pie.

The inside is layered with your typical canned apple pie filling. Surprisingly, what we enjoyed most was the layers of pecans on the inside. They add a nice texture and crunch to round out the bite nicely.

Overall, we would say this hand pie is worth the price. It’s not necessarily something we would come running back for only because of how messy it was, but it’s easy enough to eat while you walk around the park.

It would be better on a cooler day, though.

Check out some other food reviews we have done recently at Walt Disney World:

• REVIEW: Narcoossee’s Reopens With New ‘Land and Sea’ Menu and Refurbished, Modernized Look at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• REVIEW: California Grill Retires 50th Anniversary Offerings, Debuts NEW Prix Fixe Menu with Return of Goat Cheese Ravioli at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• REVIEW: Coffee Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Returns to Gideon’s Bakehouse for April 2023
• REVIEW: Bee Hive Mousse Dome for Earth Day 2023 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• REVIEW: Unearth the New Dino Dig Ice Cream Sandwich at Dino-Bite Snacks in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Is the Caramel Apple-Pecan Hand Pie something you’ll make a point to grab on your next visit to Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.

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

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The Master’s Cupcake — $5.79

Chocolate Cupcake topped with “The Grey Stuff” and Crispy Pearls

Gaston’s Tavern can be found inside Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. If you follow the walkway between Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Pinocchio’s Village Haus, you will pass Be Our Guest Restaurant on your left. If you continue, you can find Gaston’s Tavern to your left as you turn toward Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid.

Gaston’s Tavern is a nod to the tavern in the classic Disney animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” where LeFou and the tavern patrons sing about all of Gaston’s conquests.

The Master’s Cupcake is a chocolate cupcake topped with “The Grey Stuff” and crispy pearls.

After making its return for the first time since before Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration began, The Master’s Cupcake looks a bit different than before. At one point, this item was listed as “The Grey Stuff” cupcake.

It now features a red rose on top, gold and bronze “crispy pearls,” and some shimmery glitter featured on the infamous “Grey Stuff.” The rose featured on top is made of fondant and is just okay. It has a generic cake icing flavor.

This cupcake was quite delicious. It has your typical chocolate cake base, which is very moist and tastes fresh. Then it is topped with a buttercream grey frosting that is not too sweet but is cooler in temperature, which makes it truly delicious. The crispy pearls along the outside don’t have much flavor but are a great crunch and texture contrast to the cool frosting and moist cake.

Overall, we enjoyed this cupcake. The size is okay for the value and feels a little bigger than the original cupcake featured in the past. This is something we would come back for.

Check out some other food reviews we have done recently at Walt Disney World:

• REVIEW: Narcoossee’s Reopens With New ‘Land and Sea’ Menu and Refurbished, Modernized Look at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• REVIEW: California Grill Retires 50th Anniversary Offerings, Debuts NEW Prix Fixe Menu with Return of Goat Cheese Ravioli at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• REVIEW: Coffee Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Returns to Gideon’s Bakehouse for April 2023
• REVIEW: Bee Hive Mousse Dome for Earth Day 2023 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• REVIEW: Unearth the New Dino Dig Ice Cream Sandwich at Dino-Bite Snacks in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Is The Master’s Cupcake something you’ll make a point to grab on your next visit to Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.

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

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“Elee”, The Giant Star Wars Creature

Yesterday, Twitter user @DisneyProject shared this look at concept art from “Elee”:

The concept art by Jerry Rees shows Elee in more detail than we have ever seen her. Elee was initially designed as a large, mechanical creature that could roam Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with as many as six guests seated on her back.

Rees states that Elee was designed to be a relative to the Bantha, a wooly creature we first see in “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” in the deserts of Tatooine.

In response to seeing this detailed concept art, former Walt Disney Imagineer Frank Mezzatesta chimed in:

According to Mezzatesta, while he and his teammates worked on Elee for “like 2 years”, she ultimately was a casualty of budget limitations as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge neared completion. If you scan the QR code next to the concept art in the tweet, you can hear Rees speak hopefully that even though Elee was scrapped, maybe she will eventually appear in the parks. He states, “Galaxy’s Edge is going to be around for a long time”.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge “Elee” Concept Art

“The Art of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” is a coffee-table book by Nerdist managing editor Amy Ratcliffe, who spoke to more than twenty people involved in the land’s creation. This includes Scott Trowbridge of Walt Disney Imagineering, who also provides the book’s foreword. The 256-page book includes more than 300 images, including concept art and descriptions of ideas that made it into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and some that were scrapped.

Margaret Kerrison, Managing Story Editor at Walt Disney Imagineering, and Story Lead for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge had this to say about Elee: “We liked the idea of a big beast lumbering through the land and having a very personal connection with you. So you would go up and pat her muzzle, and she would react to you. We really wanted to make you believe that Elee was a real creature. So you would go on rides. We actually had a path that went around the land. Mostly to the Resistance area and back in front of the garage; it was a circle.”

Rees spoke glowingly of the backstory he created for Elee and his desire to see her be a gentle giant that even small children could walk up to and interact with in Galaxy’s Edge.

In these pieces of concept art, you can see Elee interact with a child guest. Initial designs seemed to allow guests to feel the breath from Elee’s mouth and even have their cotton candy slurped up by the giant beast.

Imagineer Scott Trowbridge had this to say about the reasoning behind why Elee never fully materialized: “Elee was a creature that we designed and did a fair amount of work to figure out how we would bring her to life. lain McCaig did some designs for her. We just fell in love with those designs. We did some models and figured out how we could bring her to life technically, and then ultimately what we realized is, with the kind of population we expect in the land, we won’t really be able to have her feel authentic.”

Elee was one of many initial designs for the land that either got scrapped or essentially ended up behind a “paywall” that guests could only experience if they visited Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

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

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Star Traders

Star Traders is a retail location located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. We stopped in today and noticed a table had been staged and covered with a black tablecloth. A Cast Member confirmed to us that this will be TRON merchandise and that shoppers will only be allowed to come in and shop with a reservation. While that was all that we were able to confirm, it seems like a portion of the store will be closed and reserved for shoppers with a reservation only.

It is possible that in addition to the Star Traders shopping experience, Disney may set up tables under the PeopleMover track nearby or even in the air-conditioned interior of the retired Stitch’s Great Escape attraction, which was recently used for photo ops during 2022’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney is pivoting to the use of these spaces because the Tomorrowland Launch Depot shop won’t be finished in time for the April 4 TRON Lightcycle Run grand opening.

Tomorrowland Launch Depot Opening Delayed

Last month, we found out that the former Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. had been officially renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot. According to Cast Members in Guest Services, the Tomorrowland Launch Depot store opening is expected to be delayed until April 5, missing the projected opening of April 4 when TRON Lightcycle Run officially opens to Walt Disney World guests.

TRON Identity Program

Reservations for the TRON Identity Program are expected to be canceled for opening day, as well. Earlier this month, reservations opened for the new TRON Identity Program, allowing guests the first opportunity to customize and personalize their very own action figure. While the program was set to begin on April 4, in conjunction with the official opening of the attraction, guests with opening day reservations should expect those reservations to be canceled, according to Guest Services.

Guests who had reservations for the opening day of the experience are reportedly being offered a $90 gift certificate for the trouble. Guests that have spoken with Cast Members were also reportedly told that they would have exclusive access to merchandise if they choose to visit TRON Lightcycle / Run on opening day despite the cancelation of the booked experience. At the time of publication, many, but not all, guests with reservations for April 4 have been informed of the cancelation.

While Guest Services confirmed the delayed opening of Tomorrowland Launch Depot and the cancelation of reservations for the TRON Identity Program, the reason for the delayed opening was not immediately shared. Both are currently still scheduled for the following day, April 5.

In what’s described as a 20-minute experience, the guest, referred to in this experience as the “User,” has their face scanned, and is then offered a series of options for team colors, helmets, and body configurations. The “User” also has varying programs, or roles, for their figure — such as Enforcer or Combatant. At the end of the experience, an extra layer of personalization is added, in which six lines of unique dialogue may be recorded. Figures are estimated to be finished about an hour after the guest completes the process.

Considering the intricacy of these features, the action figures are priced higher than a usual store-bought product, at $89.99. Reservations for the experience can be made here.

The walkway next to the newly renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot at Magic Kingdom has opened to all guests, meaning anyone can currently access Energy Bytes, the TRON snack stand. Check out our full review of each of the treats available at the new snack stand.

Only guests with a virtual queue group or individual Lightning Lane for TRON Lightcycle / Run can access the ride until it officially opens to guests on April 4. Check out our full POV of the newest coaster at Walt Disney World below.

Full Coaster POV Video of TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom

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WDWNT Spring Cleaning Auction

While the auction doesn’t officially begin until 12 p.m. eastern time today, you can go now to the auction website to look at the different items Tom will be parting with and even view a demo of how the auction will function when it goes live.

Auction Catalog Highlights

Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” has officially ended, decorations are being taken down, and merchandise is going away. But plenty of 50th Anniversary merchandise items will be part of the WDWNT Spring Cleaning Auction.

Items like this ear headband and iridescent pin were part of a Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Collector’s Box that was 1/2000. Other items from that box included a MagicBand, an Orange Bird snow globe, and even a Vinylmation. Those items will also be part of the auction.

Also up for bid will be this Main Street Electrical Parade 50th Anniversary Elliott plush. Main Street Electrical Parade is a fan-favorite and is rumored to return to Walt Disney World. For a full history and exploration of the Main Street Electrical Parade, check out our interview with nighttime spectacular designer Don Dorsey here.

Another item you can find as part of the auction is this Club 33 Classic Donald Duck plush.

Tom’s collection is littered with limited edition items from Disney Parks. One example is this Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Limited Edition Skywalker Legacy Lightsaber Set. The set had a limited edition size of 3,000, only 800 of which were available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The hilt set comes in a collector’s box and is wrapped in orange cloth and protected with foam packaging.

On the inside of the box is a plaque with information about the set, including the edition number. This one is 1221.

Watch our unboxing of the hilts below, and note that the box plays music when you open it:

Dozens of pins will be available for you to add to your collection as part of the auction, including this Featured Attraction Collection Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Limited Edition Pin. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith went down for a lengthy refurbishment back in February 2023. It is not expected to reopen until at least Summer 2023. 

Another pin that will be available in the WDWNT Spring Cleaning Auction is exclusive to guests who boarded the Halcyon Starcruiser as guests at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has been seeing a notable drop in demand. With a notoriously high price tag, with trips starting at $4,809 for two guests for a standard cabin, which has one queen-size bed and two twin-size bunks. The price increases if you add more guests, with a family of four looking at upwards of $6,000 for a standard cabin.

Pin collectors who would love to own the exclusive pin but aren’t planning to shell out the cash it would take to visit Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser in person can snag the pin today at the WDWNT Spring Cleaning Auction.

To check out the entire catalog of items that will be included in the auction today, visit the WDWNT auction website here.

Join Us Live for the Auction

You can follow along with the auction live by joining us on YouTube:

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

The post Over 300 of Tom’s Personal Disney Parks Items Available in WDWNT Spring Cleaning Auction Today appeared first on WDW News Today.

Rennervations

Jeremy Renner has been recovering from a snow plow accident, but his latest project is hitting the small screen next month.

Behind the big screen, Renner is a construction aficionado. He is heavily invested in the highly creative fabricator culture that exists across the globe and hopes to change lives with these skills and inspire others to do the same.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

The first “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit” cartoon in 95 years was released in 2022 to celebrate the 100 Years of Wonder celebration, and starting in April 2023 you’ll be able to see it on Disney+! But if you just can’t wait, you can watch it below as well:

Peter Pan and Wendy

The new live-action “Peter Pan & Wendy” is also coming to Disney+ in April.

The movie is directed by David Lowery and written by Lowery and Toby Halbrooks. The film is produced by Walt Disney Pictures and serves as an adaptation of the 1954 animated film “Peter Pan,” which was based on J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play “Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” Alexander Molony stars as Peter, with Ever Anderson as Wendy and Yara Shahidi, Jim Gaffigan, Alan Tudyk, Molly Parker, and Jude Law in supporting roles. The film is produced by Jim Whitaker and Joe Roth.

You can check out the trailer here:

The Mandalorian

Of course new episodes of the smash hit “The Mandalorian” will continue to debut on Wednesdays throughout the month of April as well. The season 3 finale will air on April 19, 2023.

Complete List of Shows and Movies Coming to Disney+ in April 2023

The complete list of shows and movies coming to Disney+ in April 2023 is listed below:

• The Ghost and Molly McGee (Season 2, 5 episodes)
• Spring Shorts-Tacular with the Ghost and Molly McGee
• The Mandalorian – Season 3, Episodes 6, 7, & 8
• The Crossover
• Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks Showdown (Season 1)
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• The Owl House (Season 3)
• Rennervations
• Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet (Season 11)
• Kiff (Season 1, 5 episodes)
• Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Season 1, 5 episodes)
• It’s All Right!
• Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
• Raven’s Home – Season 6
• Big City Greens (Season 3, 4 episodes)
• Hamster & Gretel (Season 1, 4 episodes)
• PJ Masks: Power Heroes (Season 1, 7 episodes)
• Secrets of the Elephants
• Matildas: The World at Our Feet
• Dino Ranch (Season 2, 5 episodes)
• Going Fur Gold (Season 1)
• Saturdays (Season 1, 5 episodes)
• Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
• Peter Pan And Wendy

What April 2023 Disney + addition are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments.

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

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Walt Disney World

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• A new park map including Roundup Rodeo BBQ has debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 
• Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a new table-service restaurant in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is finally open. Let’s take a tour of the themed restaurant.
• No discounts are currently available to diners at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in “Toy Story” Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• We noticed today that decorations for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” have been removed at Celebrity 5 & 10 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Just shy of four years after it was announced, Roundup Rodeo BBQ has opened in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Join us for a review!

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• Character-designed Easter eggs and sculptures have hopped into Disney’s Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World.
• Last week Disney Vacation Club announced a member voyage aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and it has now sold out.

Other Walt Disney World News

• After their “Rally for a Raise” last week, Walt Disney World Cast Members finally won negotiations for a pay raise.
• Following today’s news that Walt Disney World Cast Members won negotiations for a wage increase, Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle released a statement.

Disneyland Resort

• Tomorrow, March 24, Walt Disney Records is releasing “Music from Mickey’s Toontown”, a brand new album with songs from the newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park.
• The fan-favorite resident of Runnamuck Park, Chuuby, has arrived at the reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown as a magnetic shoulder plush.
• A new straw clip featuring Mickey Mouse dressed for the Disney100 Celebration is available at Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure Park.

Disneyland Paris

• For the next five years, car company Avis will be the official car rental company of Disneyland Paris.

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Cruise Line has announced their summer 2024 itineraries, which include the first sailings to Lighthouse Point, a new private Disney destination on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas.

WDW News Today

Magic Happens Parade Offends Guests with Moana, Mickey’s Toontown Returns at Disneyland – Disneyland News Today 3/23

March Madness 2023 – What is the Single BEST Food Item at Walt Disney World Resort? – WDW News Tonight Episode 243

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

The post Walt Disney World Cast Members Win Negotiations For Wage Increase, Disney Cruise Line Announces Summer 2024 Itineraries, Roundup Rodeo BBQ Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and More: Daily Recap (3/23/23) appeared first on WDW News Today.

The initial offer invited Disney Vacation Club members to save 30% on a special Disney Vacation Club member voyage from August 19 to August 21, 2023. Registration began on March 21, 2023. The waitlist has also been cut off due to high demand.

Recently, Disney announced that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser would be cutting down to two voyages per week starting this October. This change came after a month of very low occupancy. The Galactic Starcruiser debuted a year ago in March 2022 and in the beginning, they were consistently filling voyages. Lately, they’ve reached a point where there were only enough guests to fill one dinner service. Because of this, low occupancy voyages were being cancelled and Disney began offering discounts to Disney Vacation Club Members and Cast Members.

The hefty price tag for the Galactic Starcruiser could also be another reason why occupancy has been low. For the three-day, two-night voyage, prices start at $4,809 for two guests for a standard cabin, which has one queen-size bed and two twin-size bunk beds. The price increases with each additional guest. For example, a family of four would be looking at a cost of more than $6,000 for a standard cabin. There are larger suites available at an even higher price point.

Have you ever been on a Galactic Starcruiser voyage? Let us know in the comments below.

On the fence about booking a voyage? Check out our Complete Guide to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

For more coverage and reviews on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, click the links below:

• VIDEO: Tom’s Honest Third Review of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
• Disney Addresses Reduced Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Voyages, Calendar Released Through End of 2023
• BREAKING: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Cutting Down to Two ‘Voyages’ Per Week This Fall

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

The post UPDATE: Disney Vacation Club Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Member-Exclusive Voyage Now Sold Out appeared first on WDW News Today.