This Week at TouringPlans – August 25, 2019

Welcome to your one-stop shop for our news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, and more.

Walt Disney World News of the Week

• We’re here with an update on Grace, the Animal Kingdom’s baby gorilla.
• The bag check area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been modified. See what the new procedures are.
• Here’s everything you need to know about Peter Pan’s Flight.
• What are the best values in dining at Disney Springs? Part One.
• Here are 82 Things to Do in the Magic Kingdom without Going on Rides.
• How much have the WDW table service food prices gone up in ten years?
• New Marvel’s The Externals and Jack Kirby Exhibit open at Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• There’s a treasure trove of merchandise at the Caribbean Beach Resort.
• Disney announced After Hours event dates at the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
• Fred has the August Crowd Calendar update.

Disneyland News of the Week

• Guy takes us on a tour of new foods at Disneyland.

Disney Cruise Line

• Tammy has ten pros and cons of booking a non-Disney Cruise Line port excursion when you’re on a Disney Cruise.

Fun Stuff!

• Angela had a Character Couture makeover. See what happened!
• Derek’s Saturday Six takes a look at all the recent news from Disney and Universal.

Merchandise

• There’s a new lanyard series for guests with park cards.
• This Mary Poppins teapot is cute, but we found a way to get it cheaper.
• Descendants costumes are now available at Walt Disney World.
• Disney Igloo coolers can keep your food cool in the parks.
• Betsey Johnson designer ears and jewelry are now available.
• This is not a drill: Rose. Gold. Crocs.
• Here’s your monthly report on Disney Store merchandise.

Galaxy’s Edge

Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland opened a few months ago and now it’s Disney World’s turn, with the Florida version opening this coming week. We’ve been doing previews this week and will have all the coverage of the opening in our next edition.

• Wonder if the TSA will let your Galaxy’s Edge souvenirs on the plane home? Or if they’ll let your lightsaber on your post-WDW Disney Cruise? We have answers.
• Preview of the Galaxy’s Edge Droid Depot.
• There’s more to see at the Droid Depot store.
• Preview of the Galaxy’s Edge First Order Cargo store.
• Preview of the Galaxy’s Edge Creature Stall store.
• Meet the Loth-Cat!
• Want an IP mash-up? Here are the Pokestops of Galaxy’s Edge.
• Preview of Galaxy’s Edge Toydarian Toymaker shop.
• Preview of the Galaxy’s Edge Resistance Supply shop.
• Preview of the Galaxy’s Edge Jewels of Bith shop.
• Preview of Galaxy’s Edge Black Spire Outfitters shop.
• Here’s how to get Galaxy’s Edge merchandise without visiting Batuu.
• What can you expect for crowds once Galaxy’s Edge opens?
• How to use the Galaxy’s Edge datapad translation feature.
• Here are the flashiest shirts in Galaxy’s Edge.
• There’s new Galaxy’s Edge merchandise for annual passholders.
• We’ve got photos of the creatures of Galaxy’s Edge.

Halloween

The Boo-tiful season is upon us. We had lots of Halloween news last week. Here’s more!

• Here are Halloween treats you can find all day at the Magic Kingdom.
• 2019 Halloween clothing has arrived at Walt Disney World.
• There are loads of Halloween-themed plush toys appearing in the parks.

News From D23!

The D23 Convention is currently happening in Anaheim. There is LOTS of news coming out of this event. Here are some of the key items from Thursday through Saturday. Keep an eye on the TouringPlans blog for more news on Sunday, and we’ll have a full recap next week.

• Epcot is getting a redesign – and a new logo!
• The official name of the new Star Wars hotel has been released.
• The California Adventure Marvel land officially has a name!
• A Moana attraction is coming to Epcot.
• Shopping at the Disney Store at D23.
• Shopping at the Dream Store at D23.
• Shopping at the Mickey’s of Glendale store.
• We have photos from the Star Wars, Avengers, and WDW booths at D23.
• Did our D23 wishes come true?
• TouringPlans readers already have thoughts on the newly announced Moana attraction at Epcot.
• Brian has a video news roundup of info from D23 and beyond.

The Week Ahead

If you’re planning to the visit to the parks soon, here’s what’s going on this week.

• The week ahead at Walt Disney World
• The week ahead at Disneyland
• The week ahead at Universal Orlando
• The week ahead on Disney Cruise Line

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