We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Monday, June 5, 2023.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• The Pride Mickey cake pop has returned to the Magic Kingdom.
• New Disney100 sippers themed to Mickey and the poison apple have finally arrived at the Magic Kingdom.
• The Pride Cinnamon Roll is also now available for a limited time at the Main Street Bakery.

EPCOT

• A new dessert is heading to Connections Eatery starting tomorrow.
• Work on the Canada Pavilion refurbishment has begun.

New Merchandise

• Don’t miss the new line of Bambi Dooney & Bourke bags on sale today.

Other Walt Disney World Resort News

• A hearing date has been set for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board’s countersuit against Disney in Florida state court.
• Walt Disney World Floral & Gifts will be discontinued and replaced with a third-party vendor.
• A special jingle has been added at tapstiles for Cast Members when they visit Walt Disney World theme parks.

Disneyland Resort

• Guests are being invited to playtest with a Baby Groot animatronic first revealed at D23 Expo.
• D23 is offering some of the parody movie posters used at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway to Magic Key Holders who sign up for the service.
• We found a new Pride MagicBand+ around the parks.
• Construction walls are up as the refurbishment of Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride begins.

Tokyo Disney Resort

• Tokyo Disneyland has revealed the name of its special Baymax splash cavalcade set to roll through the park this summer.

Disneyland Paris

• Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski said there would be no discussion on benefits or wage changes for Cast Members until the already-scheduled negotiations in August.

Hong Kong Disneyland

• We got a special sneak peek at the non-screen face Audio-Animatronic figures coming to Frozen Ever After later this year.

The Walt Disney Company

• When Apple Vision Pro releases next year, Disney+ will be compatible with the headset from day one.
• Disney is offering an Aulani add-on at a discount to guests who book Disney Cruise Line vacations.

WDW News Today

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Legend Passes Away; Disney Limiting Early Entry Benefit at Some Hotels – NewsToday 6/5

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

The post Hearing Date Set for DeSantis-Appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Countersuit Against Disney, Walt Disney World Floral & Gifts Being Discontinued for Third-Party Vendor, & More: Daily Recap (6/5/23) appeared first on WDW News Today.

New scaffolding, construction walls, and scrim has gone up in Canada Pavilion within World Showcase at EPCOT.

Construction Begins in Canada Pavilion

A construction wall has been erected just next to the Trading Post within Canada Pavilion in World Showcase at EPCOT. This wall blocks access to the higher tiers of the pavilion space.

Scaffolding, metal platforms, and scrim tower several floors up the side of Hotel du Canada, preparing a safe space for construction crew to refresh the building’s exterior.

The gardens in Canada are still accessible, as is the entrance to the Le Cellier Steakhouse.

Disney describes Hotel du Canada as follows:

Your journey “north” to the Canada pavilion includes a spectacular tribute to the nation’s natural wonders, such as the majestic Rocky Mountains, a 30-foot waterfall, and beautifully landscaped grounds that are inspired by Victoria’s Butchart Gardens. But you simply can’t miss one of the more striking man-made landmarks in the pavilion: the Hotel du Canada, inspired by the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. The hotel was commissioned by railroad magnate Charles Melville Hays, who was extending his Grand Trunk Pacific Railway west, and envisioned several deluxe hotels along the route. The hotel was impeccably furnished within and boasted a façade that featured Italian marble, Indiana limestone, and a copper roof. One hundred and five years after its grand opening, the Chateau Laurier is still welcoming guests to this day.

The entrance of Le Cellier is a different color scheme as the rest of the structure. Since this has not historically been the case, it is possible the building will be repainted. This has not been officially announced or confirmed, though.

We did not see any crew actively working at the site just yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as there’s any development.

Other Construction Projects in EPCOT

In addition to the refurbishment work being done in Canada Pavilion, several other construction projects are in progress or nearly wrapping up.

World Celebration is currently under construction and when finished, it will serve as primary hub for the entire park. It will feature new nighttime lights, exhibition spaces, music venues and room for food kiosks intended to expand festival opportunities at EPCOT and promote an ethos of community. This will all be split between CommuniCore Hall, a flexible indoor space, and CommuniCore Plaza — an outdoor event space. A new Mickey & Friends character meet-and-greet is also set to debut.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana is also due to complete later this year.

According to Disney, the new space in World Celebration will also feature gardens and a restful seating area:

World Celebration will offer a beautiful hub divided into several different gardens, with a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo. Filled with ample seating and shade, you’ll be invited to connect with one another and the nature around you in this lush new area. Each of these gardens will have their own identities, and they’ll change along with the festivals throughout the year.

A new statue will also be installed in an area known as Dreamers Point, with Walt Disney resting upon some steps and gazing upon the final idea he conceived and began developing before his passing.

What are your theories on the new construction work being done here? We’d love to see your opinions in the comments below.

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

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Hong Kong Disneyland has shared a new look inside Frozen Ever After, the anchor attraction of its upcoming World of Frozen expansion opening this November at the park.

Frozen Ever After Finale Update Previewed

While Frozen Ever After will be virtually identical to the EPCOT version in path and story, the key difference will be the replacement of screen face-based Audio-Animatronic figures with physical faces.

These updated figures were first shown off in February, and we now get a closer look at both the Anna and Elsa versions through this look at the finale scene.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael E Moriarty (@michael.e.moriarty)

Hong Kong Disneyland President Michael Moriarty also shared a reel on his Instagram account of Cast Members beginning their first previews of the ride. Some footage of the updated Anna and Elsa figures, includin in the finale sequence, is included.

These Anna and Elsa Audio-Animatronic figures are expected to be included in the Frozen Ever After clone coming to Walt Disney Studios in Paris, as well as the original Frozen attraction opening in Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea next spring.

The park also shared several images of the queue, much of which is reminiscent of the original at EPCOT.

World of Frozen is the latest expansion at Hong Kong Disneyland. The new land will open in November 2023.

Are you excited for the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below!

World of Frozen

@disneyparks

Tell the guards to open up the gaaate! #WorldofFrozen will open in November 2023 at #HongKongDisneyland #Disney #DisneyParks #Frozen #DisneyCastLife #Imagineering♬ original sound – Disney Parks

We recently got a look at the latest state of construction in World of Frozen. In the video are clips of Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a new roller-coaster, testing without riders.

The Imagineers also walked through the village and showed off the Arendelle castle. The sign for the land invites guests to “Come Celebrate SUMMER SNOW DAY!”

Disney also released new concept art of World of Frozen during sunset.

Three “Frozen”-inspired lands are being developed at Hong Kong Disneyland (World of Frozen), Tokyo DisneySea (Frozen Kingdom), and Walt Disney Studios Park (Kingdom of Arendelle).

Versions of Frozen Ever After are planned for all the lands. The original ride opened in the Norway Pavilion of EPCOT in 2016, replacing Maelstrom. While the EPCOT ride’s animatronics have projected faces, at least the Elsa figure at Hong Kong Disneyland will have a real animatronic face.

Playhouse in the Woods will be the third attraction for World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland. Concept art, Cast Member costumes, and ride vehicle maquettes for the land were displayed at D23 Expo last year. A trio of World of Frozen posters was released earlier this year.

At Tokyo DisneySea, Frozen Kingdom will be part of the Fantasy Springs expansion. It’s set to have the unique Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.

The Kingdom of Arendelle is part of a massive expansion to Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, too.

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

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With Pride Month now upon us, a special Pride Cinnamon Roll is now available, for a limited time at the Magic Kingdom. This proud treat is available at the Main Street Bakery.

Pride Cinnamon Roll – $6.79

This generously sized cinnamon roll is in the shape of Mickey Mouse with Icing in the colors of the Progressive Pride flag — that’s the traditional five colors of the Pride flag plus brown and black to represent black people, indigenous peoples, and people of color.

These decorated cinnamon rolls are typically rather dry, and it definitely needs to be warmed. So, don’t be bashful and ask a Cast Member to warm it up for you.

It definitely takes a nice photo, but if you’re craving a cinnamon roll, then head over to Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland instead.

Will you be trying this Pride Cinnamon Roll? Let us know in the comments below.

Pride Month at Walt Disney World

Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, many treats and merchandise options are being released for a limited time to celebrate. Tons of specialty snacks are specifically coming to Magic Kingdom, listed below. We also have a full guide to Pride Month food and beverage offerings throughout the resort here.

Main Street Bakery (Available June 1 through 30)

• Pride Cinnamon Roll

Pinocchio Village Haus (Available June 1 through 30)

• Pride Mickey Key Lime Tart: Key lime tart with sweet whipped cream topped with a chocolate piece

Sleepy Hollow (Available June 1 through 30)

• Pride Mickey Pop: Confetti cake dipped in white chocolate and striped with the transgender flag colors

Also, a new pride mural just appeared at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World for the advent of Pride Month, among the lavender walls at the entrance to Tomorrowland, near Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.

This display features a colorful rainbow spectrum, with the word “love” inside a large representation of Mickey Mouse ears.

There are four celebratory Pride murals, one at each Walt Disney World park. Keep an eye out for them all!

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

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If you’re a Cast Member hitting the parks on your days off, or visiting from another resort, you might get a special surprise the next time you tap into the front gate at the Walt Disney World theme parks — a special jingle!

Cast Members Get Special Jingle at Tapstiles

@circleoflifechar

Disney Cast Members now get a little surprise when they tap into the parks!! #disneycastlife #disneycast #disneycastmember #disneyparks #disneypark #castmember #mickeymouseclub #mouseketeer #disneyadult @Disney Parks #epcast #disneyworld #waltdisneyworld #twdc #twdcast

♬ original sound – Charlotte

TikTok user @circleoflifechar shared a special look at the updated tapstile sound and lighting.

When a Cast Member taps into the parks, they’re met with the sound of gears turning to ask for their fingerprint, followed by a bar of the Mickey Mouse March with pulsing purple lighting. At the end, the lighting turns solid green, signifying admission to the park.

This of course isn’t the first time special tapstile effects have been added for certain guests. Since November 2021, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders have been treated to a special pixie dust sound effect when visiting the park.

How do you feel about this new tapstile sound effect for Cast Members ? Let us know in the comments below!

Digital Perks for Cast Members

Walt Disney World Cast Members will soon be able to enjoy two new digital extras. They will receive a special Mickey Mouse Club greeting when tapping in at theme park entrances. In addition, they will be able to download new, Cast Member-exclusive MagicMobile pass styles to their digital wallet via the My Disney Experience app.

These new offerings are a way for Disney to show appreciation for its Cast Members and make their experience at the parks feel more magical.

Park Entry Musical Extra

Walt Disney World Cast Members are greeted with a special Disney song when they enter the theme parks. The greeting will play when they tap their MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, Main Entrance Pass or Cast Self Admission linked to their Cast Admission through the My Disney Experience app.

Cast-Exclusive Disney MagicMobile Pass Styles

Cast Members will also have access to four exclusive MagicMobile pass styles. Shown in the image above, the different designs are reminiscent of several iconic or popular Disney themes.

The first design features Disney100 Years of Wonder, the second is inspired by the Cast Member nametag and reads “Cast Life,” the third has an illustration of the iconic “Partners” statue at Magic Kingdom, featuring Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse holding hands, and the fourth showcases imagery from TRON Lightcycle / Run.

How to Access

For Cast Members to access these pass styles, they need to ensure their Cast Admission is linked to their Disney account. Once this is completed, they can visit the feature menu using the hamburger menu icon in the My Disney Experience app. Then, they’ll head to the Disney MagicMobile card to begin setting up a special Disney MagicMobile pass.

Cast Members may choose from a variety of styles then add it to an Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, or to a Google Wallet on an Android device. After finishing this step, the new MagicMobile pass style should appear as an option for tapping into any of the parks at a touchpoint in Walt Disney World.

Cast Members may use the Disney MagicMobile service to enter the theme parks, link their Disney PhotoPass images to their account, check in at virtual queue attractions including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron: Lightcycle / Run, and use Lightning Lane reservations. Cast Members may also charge food and merchandise purchases to a payment card on file at a Disney Resort hotel room if they are opting to stay on-site.

Take a look at our other recent Cast Member related Disney Parks coverage using these links:

• PHOTOS: New Cast Member Nametags Debut at Walt Disney World
• Walt Disney World Cast Member Arrested for Child Pornography, Also Shared Photos & Private Information of Coworkers Online
• Another Parade Canceled as Disneyland Paris Union Held a Cast Member Strike Today on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Disabled ‘Rogers: The Musical’ Cast Member Moved to Tears After Seeing Hyperion Theater Marquee for the First Time

The post VIDEO: Special Tapstile Jingle Added for Cast Members Visiting Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.

We spotted two new platinum and purple sippers to celebrate Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder centennial celebration at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom today.

This shop is in the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland, near Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Disney100 Mickey Mouse Sipper – $33.99

The new Disney100 Mickey Mouse Sipper features the famous mouse sporting a pair of platinum shoes and jacket alongside shiny purple shorts. The shorts have platinum buttons to match.

When purchasing this sipper, a frozen beverage of your choice is included.

Disney100 Poison Apple Sipper – $18.49

The poison apple sipper is shaped as a platinum dripping skull atop a deep purple apple, drawing inspiration from the very first Disney feature-length animated film: 1937’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” It is accompanied by a silver handle and flip-top lid. This sipper also comes with a frozen beverage as part of the purchase price. Big Top Souvenirs was one of the only locations where this sipper was still available for purchase, as of today.

Will you be collecting either of these sippers the next time you visit Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.

Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder

As previously announced, Disney100 will also be celebrated at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, with Mickey and Minnie in their platinum outfits and a platinum Mickey sculpture. A new Spectacle of Light show will debut on Spaceship Earth and, in late 2023, a new nighttime spectacular will premiere to replace “Harmonious.” Journey of Water, CommuniCore Hall, World Celebration Garden, and Dreamers Point are all scheduled to open in late 2023 at EPCOT.

Check out other recent Disney100 news coverage using the links below:

• Crystal Cinderella Castle Disney100 Figure Now Available at Walt Disney World
• New Disney100 Wonderful World of Color Hoodie at Walt Disney World
• Crane Arrives in World Showcase Lagoon for Construction of New Fireworks Show at EPCOT
• New Princess Tea Set Celebrating Disney100 at Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers in Disney Springs

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

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