Pixar has this week released a brand new teaser trailer for their upcoming 2026 movie Hoppers. The story follows Mabel, a young girl whose consciousness is transferred into a robotic beaver, part of a revolutionary experiment to allow humans to communicate with animals. The trailer offers a hilarious glimpse at what could be Pixar’s next big hit.
Check out the trailer and read my first thoughts below.
A Promising Concept with Loads of Potential
Overall, I love the trailer and it’s got me even more excited to watch Hoppers next year! The concept looks brilliant and the potential for Mabel’s animal communication abilities feels immense. Whilst watching the trailer, I really felt some similarities to films like Open Season and The Wild Robot, mainly due to their setting. It will be interesting to see if more biomes and environments are explored in the movie.
Animation That Pops – and Contrasts
The animation too looks excellent, with the fur and hair department doing a great job at making the animals look extremely lifelike. One thing that did really strike me in the trailer was the contrast between the animation style in the human world, versus that of the animal world. In the human world, the characters, particularly Mabel, look like they have taken inspiration from Disney movies like Big Hero 6. In contrast, the animation in the animal world looks more atypical of Pixar movies. It’s great to see Pixar trialling different styles with their upcoming projects.
Image Credit: Pixar
Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Easter Eggs
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pixar trailer without a few Easter Eggs, and speaking of Big Hero 6, could there be an Easter Egg with Mabel? I’ve already mentioned that her artwork and animation look quite similar to what we see in BH6, but interestingly in one scene, we see the name “TANAKA” embroidered onto Mabel’s jacket. In the Disney+ original series, Baymax!, Baymax befriends an elderly lady named Kiko Tanaka – could this be a relation to Mabel? Pixar-to-Disney Easter Eggs are fairly rare to see, but they do exist.
Could Mabel have connections to the Big Hero 6 universe? (Image Credit: Pixar)
One of the more obvious Easter Eggs (if you can even call it that!) in the trailer, is where Mabel describes the mind transfer concept “is like Avatar!”. Typically, Disney and Pixar references to other movies and franchises are much more subtle, so it’s super interesting to see a reference as on the nose as this!
All in all, the teaser trailer is a brilliant, first look at what we can expect to see from Hoppers – charm, humour and no doubt, a beautiful message at the heart of it all.
What do you think of the Hoppers teaser trailer? Let me know in the comments.
Pixar rarely ever gets it wrong when it comes to their movies and TV series, and the same can be said for some of the shorts they’ve published over the years. Believe it or not, there are nearly 50 different Pixar shorts available to watch on Disney+, ranging from movie-related spin-offs like Toy Story’s Small Fry, through to Pixar originals like The Adventures of André & Wally B — which was actually Pixar’s first ever production, all the way back in 1984.
Here are 5 Pixar shorts you need to watch on Disney+:
Piper (2016)
Piper is an Academy Award-winning short that released alongside Finding Dory, back in 2016 and honestly, it’s one of my favourite Pixar shorts ever released. The premise is simple; it follows a baby sandpiper learning to overcome fear and feed herself at the shoreline.
Despite the simple premise, the animation is absolutely breath-taking, with many viewers actually mistaking it for live-action at first glance!
There’s also an Easter egg where Piper appears in the background of one of the final scenes in Finding Dory — it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but a lovely touch for fans paying close attention. (Pixar hasn’t officially confirmed it’s the same sandpiper, but the resemblance is pretty clear!)
Bao (2018)
Bao is a heartwarming story about a lonely Chinese-Canadian mother who gets a second chance at motherhood when one of her handmade dumplings comes to life. Yes, the premise is a little bit quirky that at first you may raise an eyebrow, but by the end you are an emotional wreck.
It’s a real testament to Pixar that they are able to explore topics like love, parenting and letting go, all through a dumpling!
Purl (2019)
Purl is a must watch for anyone who has ever worked in any kind of office environment! It follows a ball of pink yarn (again, stick with it!) who tries to fit in at a toxic, male-dominated corporate office. The tone of Purl is a little edgier than the vast majority of Pixar’s other works, but it does a great job of tackling a number of social issues.
It’s part of Pixar’s SparkShorts initiative – a platform where studio artists can tell more personal, experimental stories – and this one really hits the mark.
Kitbull (2019)
Kitbull is another absolutely fantastic short from Pixar, which is probably more relevant to watch now than ever! Kitbull brings together a fiercely independent stray kitten and an abused pitbull in a story about friendship and healing. As an animal lover, Kitbull really does tug at the heartstrings and I can’t recommend it enough.
Uniquely, it’s animated in 2D – which is rare for Pixar. With the recently announced Gatto (a new Pixar film set in the world of Luca) also using 2D animation, Kitbull is a great taste of what’s to come.
Luxo Jr. (1986)
Of course, I can’t recommend Pixar shorts without mentioning Luxo Jr., starring the studio’s very own mascot. The short follows a curious baby lamp playing with a ball under the watchful eye of its parent.
It may only be 2 minutes long, but Luxo Jr. is emotionally rich and hugely significant — it’s considered a massive breakthrough in computer animation. It was also the first CGI film ever nominated for an Academy Award, making it a must-watch for animation fans and Disney historians alike.
Final thoughts
While Pixar’s incredible feature films get most of the spotlight, their shorts are equally powerful, offering compact, creative storytelling packed with emotion and artistry. Whether you’ve only seen a few or you’re deep-diving into the full library, these five are a great place to start.
What’s your favourite Pixar short? Let me know in the comments!
July is officially here, and Disney+ is rolling out a fresh wave of exciting new content to keep you entertained. This month features the premiere of the highly anticipated Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, a unique new series of Disneyland Resort P.O.V. Walkthroughs, and multiple seasons of the popular Project Runway. Here’s a look at everything coming to Disney+ this July.
Tuesday, July 1
Critter Fixers: Country Vets (S6, 12 episodes)
Lost Treasures of Egypt (S5, 10 episodes)
Ironheart (Premiere, episodes 4-6)
Wednesday, July 2
Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (S6, 8 episodes)
ZOMBIES (Sing-Along Version)
ZOMBIES 2 (Sing-Along Version)
ZOMBIES 3 (Sing-Along Version)
Sunday, July 6
Investigation Shark Attack (S1, 6 episodes)
Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator (S1, 2 episodes)
Sharks of the North
Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory
Super Shark Highway (S1, 6 episodes)
Wednesday, July 9
Ancient Aliens: Origins (S1, 12 episodes)
People and Places: Shorts (Premiere):
The Academy
Camp Alec
I Scream, You Scream
Sophie and the Baron
Thursday, July 10
Summer Baking Championship
Suspicious Minds (Premiere)
Friday, July 11
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story
Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires (Premiere)
Thursday, July 17
America’s Funniest Home Videos (S13-15, 67 episodes)
Pixar surprised fans on social media yesterday with a major announcement: a new film set in the world of Luca, plus new images and concept art for their upcoming projects.
New Pixar Movie Gatto Announced!
Image Credit: Pixar
Slated to arrive in cinemas in 2027, Gatto comes from Luca director Enrico Casarosa and returns to Italy, whilst following a black cat named Nero. Pixar’s post states that Nero is “Indebted to a feline mob boss, he finds himself forced to forge an unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose…”.
I’m thrilled we’re heading back to the world of Luca! I’ve always felt the film flew under the radar due to its pandemic release, but I also like the fact that Gatto is a completely new original story, set in the world of Luca, rather than a direct sequel. I wonder if Nero will cross paths with Machiavelli, Giulia’s dads cat?
The image released alongside of the announcement shows the main character Nero exploring the streets of what looks to be Venice. At first glance, the image looks like concept art — but it’s actually the final animation style of the entire movie! This is super refreshing to see and credit to Pixar for trying something new.
The whole concept of a main cat protagonist in an animated movie is especially interesting, given that earlier this year the animated movie Flow won the Academy Award, as well as countless other awards. It may just be a coincidence, but those animated movie cat lovers out there are in for a treat!
New Image From Hoppers
Image Credit: Pixar
Pixar also released a brand new image from Hoppers, an upcoming Pixar film scheduled for release in March 2026. The image shows two joyful-looking beaver-like creatures, one wearing a crown and holding a stick. Whilst we don’t know a great deal about Hoppers just yet, the Pixar website states that the basic premise is that ‘scientists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals!’.
Of course, the new image doesn’t reveal much in terms of plot, but I must say, the animation looks fantastic. Just look at how fluffy the beavers’ fur is!
New Concept Art Image From Toy Story 5
Image Credit: Pixar
Toy Story 5 is also set for a 2026 release, and Pixar has released a concept art image. The image depicts Buzz, Jessie and Bullseye facing off with a tablet, which again coincides with what we know about the premise of Toy Story 5: ‘it’s Toy meets Tech’. Again, the image doesn’t really give us anything more than what we already know, but it’s another sign that we’re edging ever closer to seeing Woody, Buzz and the gang back together!
Which upcoming Pixar film are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments.
Earlier this year, I stayed at Disneyland Paris’s Hotel Cheyenne and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Hotel Cheyenne is a perfect blend of Disney theming, fun and affordability (in Disney terms that is!). I’ve broken this review down into four sections, the hotel itself, the room, the location and price.
Checking in to Hotel Cheyenne, you are immediately greeted with a fantastic Wild West themed lobby, complete with cast members all wearing authentic cowboy attire. The check in process was smooth and despite not being able to check in to our room right away, we were able to store our luggage securely to collect after our first busy day in the park.
The grand lobby of Hotel Cheyenne, setting the immersive Wild West tone from the moment you step inside!
The theming of Hotel Cheyenne is truly fantastic. Focusing on the Wild West theme, it leans into Toy Story to really provide that added Disney touch. There are numerous Toy Story posters, displays and statues located all around the hotel. There are a few areas where the theming could be a little more polished, but as a whole, I think it masters immersion very well.
Toy Story theming galore – found this classic poster brightening up the hotel halls!
Cheyenne is undoubtedly less classy than the likes of Hotel Marvel or the Disneyland Hotel, but it definitely focuses on the fun elements which are much more suited to younger children (or big kids like myself!).
The hotel itself is huge and actually more like a holiday village, rather than a standard hotel. Capitalising on that Western theme, there are numerous buildings that house their rooms, all aptly named to the theme, with the likes of Jesse James and Billy The Kid. All buildings are accessible and have ramps and elevators for those who need them, but the hotel grounds are pretty large so bear that in mind! It is probably a 10-minute walk from one side of the hotel to the other.
Dining
Hotel Cheyenne is home to the Chuck Wagon Café, an all you can eat tex-mex buffet. We didn’t eat here during our stay, however we did have a nosy around and looked at the food on offer, which mainly comprised chillis, barbecued meats and a few Asian dishes. As a vegetarian, there were some plant-based options, however not quite enough to justify the price tag (check out my top 5 plant-based meal options at DLP here). The restaurant’s theming perfectly complemented that of the rest of the hotel, designed to evoke a bustling wagon station.
Walking through Hotel Cheyenne’s main street feels like stepping straight into a classic Western movie after dark.
There is also a Starbucks at the hotel, located next to the General Store, however according to the Disneyland Paris website (as of June 2025), this is currently closed for renovation. I’m not really sure why it’s undergoing refurbishment – it looked great when we visited in January! But don’t worry too much, if you need your coffee fix, there is a Starbucks in the Disney Village which you will pass if you walk to the parks in the morning.
Shopping
As with all Disney hotels, there is a small shop onsite at Cheyenne which is aptly named the General Store. The selection on offer is fairly basic and pretty consistent with what you will see at some of the other hotel stores; mugs, pins, plushies, snacks. There were a few things we did see in the General Store which we didn’t actually see in any of the other shops, however, I don’t believe these were exclusives, more likely a matter of fluctuating stock.
We did utilise the Shopping Carry Service available at Disneyland Paris which worked an absolute treat; we purchased a few things in one of the parks that were too bulky to carry around all day so we sent them to our hotel and then collected them later that day from the General Store. We’ve used this before at various hotels and it is always a simple process that I’d highly recommend.
Things to do
There is a fair bit to do at Hotel Cheyenne to keep both children and adults entertained. For children, there is a very small ‘indoor play area’ located in the hotel lobby, which, in all honesty, is absolutely tiny and every time we walked past was consistently very busy with lobby traffic. There are some much more impressive outdoor fort style play areas for children scattered around the hotel grounds which provide countless fun, as well as the possibility to go for a pony ride – this was unsurprisingly closed when we visited in temperatures hovering above zero degrees!
The daily Cheyenne Gazette and our trusty MagicPasses – essential reading (and access!) for every stay.
For adults, Cheyenne is home to the Red Garter Saloon, a bar located along from the Chuck Wagon Café and the General Store. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and we popped in here for a brief drink one evening and we loved it. There’s a really nice vibe to the bar and there are even Western style drinks available on the menu like the Runaway Train (raspberry vodka, curacao, raspberry nectar and fresh lemon juice) and the Wild West Bandit (whiskey, peach liqueur, raspberry purée, passion fruit nectar and tonic water). We did visit in the evening but it wasn’t too busy and made for a cosy atmosphere.
Character Experiences
Whilst we didn’t do any character meet and greets at Hotel Cheyenne during our time there, it is possible to meet both Woody and Jessie at the hotel. These characters are generally considered exclusive to Hotel Cheyenne, so make sure you do not miss them if you want photos and autographs. During our visit, we were advised that you can meet Jessie or Woody at the entrance of the Red Garter Saloon between 8:15am to 11am.
NOTE: You don’t need to stay at Hotel Cheyenne to meet Woody and Jessie, or to visit the hotel for that matter. You can simply visit the hotel by walking from the Disney Village.
The Rooms
We stayed in a ‘Woody’s Roundup’ standard room and honestly, it was great! As with most Disney holidays, you never really spend too much time in the room itself as you are out at the theme park all day, but Cheyenne’s standard rooms are more than sufficient. The theming of the rooms is great; there are Toy Story pictures hung upon the walls, Woody lampshades, cow print pillows and even a horse shoe mirror! The theming works wonderfully and creates the perfect atmosphere to rest your head after a long day in the parks. I was a big fan.
Ready for a good night’s sleep after a long day of adventures – loving the subtle cow print touches!
There are tea and coffee making facilities in the room and complimentary bottles of water too. Unfortunately, these are not replaced with the maid service, however if you have a water bottle you want filling, I had no problem getting this topped up at the Red Garter Saloon by staff. It’s worth noting too, there is no mini-fridge in the room which isn’t the end of the world, however it would come in handy if you were preparing lunch or snacks to take into the parks.
There is a television in the room which has the standard international news channels available, as well as a few local French channels too. There is an on demand Disney TV where you can watch a handful of Disney documentaries, as well as a music channel where you can watch Disney hits in a video compilation; albeit this kept cutting out when we tried to watch it for some reason. The on demand stuff is pretty half-baked if I’m honest and I really think Disney are missing a trick by not installing Disney+ into every room, or at least giving users the option to sign into their accounts.
Even the TV screen gets in on the Wild West action, alongside our much-needed morning coffee fix!
The bathroom is fairly spacious and comes with a bath shower. Overall, the bathroom is fairly basic and doesn’t quite live up to the impressive theming of the bedroom. The shower curtain is a yellowish brown and is adorned with horseshows which on the surface looks quite cool but can actually look a bit dingy at first glance. Of course, this is just a minor gripe about the theming, the bathroom itself was absolutely fine, in fact the shower pressure was actually quite good!
Even the toiletries at Hotel Cheyenne are ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!
The Location
Located roughly a 20-minute walk from the Disneyland Parks and only a 10-minute walk to the Disney Village, Hotel Cheyenne offers the perfect balance of being close to the action whilst feeling out of the way. The walk to the village and parks is very nice, you essentially follow the river along to the lake at the Disney Village, before walking past the Marvel Hotel and then reaching the village.
If you don’t want to walk however, there is a regular shuttle bus which takes guests to and from the hotel to the parks. We never used this service as for us, on a cold winters morning, a brisk walk was the perfect start to the day. Plus, by the time you’ve waited for the bus and everybody is onboard, you will probably arrive at the park at a similar time anyway!
One thing worth mentioning about the location too is its proximity to Hotel Santa Fe. Santa Fe is the Cars themed hotel and sits directly opposite Hotel Cheyenne, on the other side of the river. There are a few bridges that do actually connect the two hotels, so it is possible to visit this hotel if you want to check it out. We did this and had a bit of a nosy round and in doing so, we found that there is actually a fuel station located a brief walk from Santa Fe. There is a shop here and they do sell snacks, drinks (no alcohol) and food, however the prices were just as expensive as those in the Disney complex. It’s handy for essentials that Disney may not stock, mind you.
The Price
We stayed during January, so managed to secure a good price on our hotel package and park tickets. In fact, Hotel Cheyenne was actually the cheapest Disney hotel available (bar Davy Crockett Ranch) to book for us at the time and this is something I’ve seen previously when looking at prices. This is despite Hotel Cheyenne being a 3 star hotel and Santa Fe being 2 star. It seems like these two both interchange as being the most affordable onsite hotels.
That being said, as with most things, prices can fluctuate very easily! Having looked at the DLP website and compared a few of the hotels for their cheapest nights in July of 2025, Cheyenne actually came in at more expensive than both Santa Fe and Sequoia Lodge (£218 versus £205 and £213 respectively, based on 3 days, 2 nights). It’s worth bearing in mind that price doesn’t always represent hotel quality class when it comes to Disney hotels, or all hotels for that matter.
Ultimately, if I were paying £218 a night to stay at Cheyenne in the summer (including park tickets), I would consider that fair value. There isn’t a huge amount to separate these three hotels; it’s more a case of personal preference.
The Final Verdict
Disneyland Paris’s Hotel Cheyenne is a fantastic, affordable option available for guests who want to stay on a Disney property and enjoy the perks that they have to offer. Personally, I’m of the opinion that if you have the budget to stay onsite, it’s well worth it to take advantage of the magic hours and fully immerse yourself in the theming; and this is what Cheyenne does brilliantly. With a mix of things to do, fun and vibrant rooms and a handy location, I can definitely recommend a stay at Hotel Cheyenne!
Have you ever stayed at Hotel Cheyenne, or is it on your Disneyland Paris wish list? Let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
June is absolutely stacked with a ton of exciting new content coming to Disney+! This month brings the return of Phineas and Ferb, Marvel’s long-awaited Ironheart, and Season 4 of the critically acclaimed series, The Bear. Here’s a look at everything coming to Disney+ this June.
Wednesday, June 4
Nine Perfect Strangers (Season 2, New Episodes)
Pupstruction (S2, 6 episodes)
Friday, June 6
Phineas and Ferb (Season 5 Premiere, New Episodes)
Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)
Not Her First Rodeo (Series Premiere, All Episodes)
Saturday, June 7
Savannah Bananas vs. The Party Animals
Sunday, June 8
Ocean with David Attenborough
Tuesday, June 10
Call Her Alex (Series Premiere, All Episodes)
Wednesday, June 11
Nine Perfect Strangers (Season 2, New Episodes)
Snow White (2025) – Check out my review of Snow White here.
Friday, June 13
Atsuko Okatsuka: Father
Monday, June 16
Underdogs (Series Premiere, All Episodes)
Tuesday, June 17
SALLY (2025)
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends (Season 4 Premiere, New Episodes)
Wednesday, June 18
Nine Perfect Strangers (Season 2, New Episodes)
Friday, June 20
Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical
Tuesday, June 24
Marvel Television’s Ironheart (Series Premiere, New Episodes)
Wednesday, June 25
Nine Perfect Strangers (Season 2, New Episodes)
The Bear (Season 4 Premiere, All Episodes)
Saturday, June 28
Savannah Bananas vs. The Firefighters
Monday, June 30
The Actor (2025)
What are you most looking forward to watching on Disney+ this June? Let me know in the comments.
Disney has announced plans to lay off several hundred people across the world, according to a report this week from Deadline. But what’s driving the decision?
Which areas are most impacted?
The layoffs are hitting several core creative and support functions. Specifically, the article states that workers in:
Film departments
Television departments
Finance departments (including corporate finance)
Marketing departments for both film and television units
Casting and development
To me, these specific areas clearly point to a strategic trimming – not just cost-cutting, but a deeper reshaping of Disney’s creative and financial DNA. Disney states no teams will be entirely closed, implying a strategic scaling back, not a complete elimination of departments.
Time for change: As Disney announces global layoffs in 2025, even the most iconic symbols of the company remind us that no era lasts forever.
Reasons behind the cuts
The article highlights 3 main reasons for the layoffs:
Industry Transformation & Shift to Streaming: This is the overarching reason given by Disney for the layoffs. The Deadline article highlights that viewers are moving “away from cable TV subscriptions in favour of streaming platforms.”
Continuation of Cost-Saving Initiative: These layoffs aren’t a new, isolated event. They follow the major layoffs announced in 2023, part of CEO Bob Iger’s ambitious plan to save $5.5 billion.
Efficiency While Fueling Creativity: Disney claims these cuts are about “efficiently managing our businesses while fuelling the state-of-the-art creativity and innovation.”
What can we take from this?
Interestingly, these layoffs are happening shortly after Disney reported “stronger than expected earnings in May,” with revenue up 7% due to Disney+ subscriber growth. It’s striking – and a little disheartening – to see layoffs follow strong streaming growth. Clearly, subscriber numbers aren’t the only metric that matters anymore; profitability is taking the wheel.
From a film perspective, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag for Disney of late: Snow White significantly underperformed, while the live action remake of Lilo & Stitch has broken numerous box office records.
These layoffs aren’t unusual for Disney, they appear to be part of Bob Iger’s plan to reshape Disney. These layoffs are also planned for employees across the globe, showing it’s a global realignment, not just a domestic focus.
These layoffs may be framed as strategy, but they’re also a reminder that even in times of growth, creative workers are rarely safe in corporate restructuring – especially when Wall Street’s approval seems to matter more than storytelling.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by the changes at Disney? Or do you have thoughts on how the entertainment industry is evolving? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Every week, I round up some of the best Disney related deals to be found online. From a new Disney+ perks programme, to discounted Disneyland California tickets, here are some of this week’s best deals (for the roundup of last week’s deals, check them out here).
Disney+ Launches Always-On Perks Programme, Hulu Joins This Summer!
Disney+ has just rolled out its new always-on Perks programme, offering subscribers rewards ranging from sweepstakes to discounts. Hulu will join the fun from June 2, 2025, with weekly benefits all summer long. These programmes are designed to give fans everything from access to unique experiences and sweepstakes to everyday savings and special discounts.
Highlights of Disney+ Perks at Launch (US):
A chance to win tickets to the Freakier Friday world premiere.
An opportunity to win a four-night cruise on the Disney Destiny, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship.
A six-month free DashPass membership from DoorDash (for new members).
Enjoy 20% off on adidas.com and in the adidas app.
Receive 15% off purchases at Funko.com and Loungefly.com.
Plus, take advantage of special summer savings at Walt Disney World Resort! Get rates starting from $99 per night at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort when you stay two nights or longer at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels.
Unlock Hulu Perks This Summer (US):
Beginning June 2, Hulu subscribers can look forward to new weekly offers including:
Chances to win tickets to popular events like Lollapalooza and Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Opportunities to win passes to Comic-Con® in San Diego.
Sweepstakes for exclusive items inspired by Hulu favourites such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building.
Unfortunately, at launch, these perks are exclusive to the United States. Fingers crossed they roll out across the globe sooner rather than later! For those of you in the States, you can check out these exciting new benefits here.
FREE Dining & Drinks for your 2026 Walt Disney World Trip
Planning a 2026 holiday to Walt Disney World in Florida? You could snag FREE Disney Dining & Drinks when you book a Hotel & Ticket package for selected dates between January and December 2026.
This amazing deal also includes 14 days of Disney Magic Tickets for the price of just 7 days, giving you more time to explore all the parks! Plus, if you book by July 1st, 2025, you can save up to £300 on your total holiday cost.
Free dining and drinks on 2026 Walt Disney World holidays!
Depending on your Disney Resort hotel, your free dining could range from quick-service meals to a full Disney Dining Plan, saving you hundreds of pounds (up to £1,119 per adult for a two-week stay!). Children aged 3-9 also get a free dining plan if an adult buys one.
Booking direct with Disney also offers perks like low deposits (from £50pp) and flexible payments, as well as those valuable magic hours!
Learn more about the promotion and book your trip to Walt Disney World here.
Disneyland Anniversary Ticket Offer – Visit for as Low as $100 Per Day!
For those of you planning a summer visit to Disneyland in California, this is a deal you won’t want to miss! For a limited time, you can visit the Disneyland Resort for as low as $100 per day with a special 4-day, 1-park per day ticket (totalling $400). Prefer a shorter trip? Grab a 3-day ticket for as low as $120 per day ($360 total).
These specially priced tickets are valid for visits between May 16 through August 14, 2025. This offer perfectly coincides with the exciting Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, so you can immerse yourself in all the new entertainment and decorations!
Just a heads-up: These tickets are subject to theme park reservation availability, so be sure to check your preferred dates before purchasing. You can also add Park Hopper and Lightning Lane Multi Pass upgrades for additional fees.
Check out this special anniversary ticket offer and book your magical trip to Disneyland Resort here.
Amazon Disney deal round up
As usual, there are tons of Disney-related deals available over on Amazon, from big savings on Disney LEGO sets to a Stitch slush maker that looks perfect for summer, I’ve picked out some of the highlights below. Note, as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases – this really helps to grow my blog!
Funko have launched their summer sale, with discounts available across both Funko products and Loungefly, ranging from savings of between 10% up to 50%. The summer sale is active on both the US Funko site, as well as Funko Europe. From Bitty Pop 4 packs as low as £3, to some really funky full-size Stitch Pops, there are plenty of deals available across Disney, Star Wars and Marvel.
FREE Lady & the Tramp 70th Anniversary Key with Disney Store UK Orders over £30
To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Lady & the Tramp, shoppers who spend over £30 on Disney Store UK can receive a free special anniversary key with their order. The free gift should automatically apply to all baskets over £30, however if it doesn’t show, use the code KEY at checkout. This freebie aligns nicely with some of the sale items the Disney Store are currently running, including 25% off on Toy Story action figures, plus a fresh new range of Lilo & Stitch merchandise.
This offer runs until June 9th (or whilst stocks last). Check out the full details here.
Up to 50% off at the US Disney Store + FREE shipping on orders over $85
Over on the US Disney Store, Disney’s ‘Twice upon a year sale’ is now live, with a number of items available at big discounts. The website states that shoppers can get up 50% off certain items, but I’ve seen some products available with discounts as big as 75%! Some of my personal favourite picks are the Ahsoka Tano mask for kids ($7.98 down from $44.99), an awesome Home Alone mug ($4.98 down from $19.99) and some rather stylish Cinderella platform Crocs ($59.98 down from $99.99)
Shoppers can also get free shipping on orders over $85 using the code SHIPMAGIC at checkout.
Huge savings on Star Wars Young Jedi bundle (save £182!)
For young Star Wars fans based in the UK, retailer The Entertainer currently have an amazing offer available on a bundle of Star Wars Young Jedi toys. The bundle, retailing at £247.97, is currently priced at £65 and contains 7 Young Jedi products, from playsets to lightsabers. Be quick though, their website currently states that they have low stock of this bundle!
Two giants of entertainment and sport – Disney and Formula 1 – announced a surprising new collaboration last week, set to hit the track in 2026. As someone who adores both, I’ve spent the past week thinking: what exactly can we expect from this partnership?
What Can We Expect to See in Formula 1?
When I first heard the news, my mind immediately jumped to Cadillac, the new American constructor joining the Formula 1 grid in 2026. Sponsorships are a pivotal way F1 teams fund their car development, and with Cadillac being an American team, a major Disney sponsorship seemed like a logical fit.
However, upon reading the press release, it’s clear the collaboration is between the overarching Formula 1 brand and Disney, rather than with an individual team. The release states that fans can “look forward to seeing Mickey & Friends in F1 through experiences, content, and merchandise around the globe.” This sounds much more like Formula 1’s recent collaboration with the LEGO Group, which has given us everything from merchandise to a hilarious mini-race featuring drivers in full-scale LEGO replica cars.
There are a whole host of exciting opportunities within Formula 1. We could see interactive zones at Grand Prix circuits, Disney-themed pre and post-race shows or entertainment, and, of course, character appearances. Don’t be surprised if Disney-themed race car liveries feature at races, whether across all teams or just individual ones. The Mickey and Friends themed livery showcased in the announcement photos actually looks super eye-catching, and I truly hope we see more of this in the future!
The Cars franchise will no doubt embed itself into Formula 1 somehow. Could we see Lightning McQueen racing the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen? This could be similar to the LEGO mini-race we saw at Miami this year. While the press release specifically frames this as a Mickey and Friends collaboration, there are a few drivers on the current grid who are openly Cars fans. Because of that, I fully expect the collaboration to extend beyond the initial announcement.
From a digital perspective, we can expect Disney-themed F1 game content. With F1 25 just released, we might see Disney liveries and even themed tracks as early as next year. F1 x Disney mobile app integration also seems plausible, especially with F1’s ongoing push to target younger fans.
What can we expect to see in the world of Disney?
As with any Disney partnership, there’s one thing we can always expect: merchandise! Similar to the LEGO and Formula 1 partnership, we’ll likely see items specifically celebrating this unique pairing. Given LEGO produced Formula 1 race car replicas, expect something similar with Disney – perhaps toy sets featuring Mickey and his friends driving F1 cars?
One category of merchandise I’m certain we’ll see plenty of is apparel. F1 thrives on clothing collaborations — I was gutted to miss out on the Peanuts range last year! It’s an easy win for cross-brand tie-ins, so expect plenty of F1 x Disney clothing available at both the parks and the Grand Prix events.
One of the areas I’m most intrigued to see Formula 1 influence at Disney is, of course, the theme park rides. While there’s no mention of rides in the press release, I can definitely envision F1-themed attractions popping up in Disney theme parks in the near future. EPCOT’s Test Track would be an ideal candidate for an F1-inspired redesign – imagine guests designing their own F1 car before taking it for a spin on the circuit. Interestingly, Test Track is currently being “reimagined” – could this align perfectly with the new collaboration?
Beyond potential new rides, I can certainly see Disney and Formula 1 coming together with promotional content at the Disney theme parks. This is especially plausible given the geographical proximity of several F1 tracks to Disney resorts. The Miami International Autodrome is approximately 350 km from Walt Disney World in Orlando, the Suzuka Circuit is around 400 km from Tokyo Disneyland, and the Shanghai International Circuit is just 30 km from Shanghai Disneyland. Imagine F1 drivers visiting Disneyland Parks for a day of challenges or a special event, creating unique content for both brands!
One final key point involves Formula 1 broadcasting. Interestingly, ESPN (a Disney-owned company) holds the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States. We’ve previously seen innovative Toy Story-themed NFL coverage featured on Disney+, broadcast via ESPN. I fully expect similar animated broadcasts to appear for Disney+ subscribers, and I really hope they won’t be limited to certain regions.
Overall, the Disney and Formula 1 collaboration holds exciting possibilities for fans of both brands. Personally, I’m all for it, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!
Earlier this year, I visited Disneyland Paris, and as I found myself with a little too much time to think while waiting for Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, a spark of an idea hit me: I started tracking my actual wait times for each ride and comparing them to the estimated wait times posted by Disney.
I recorded the data across 26 rides in both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. My stopwatch started the second I entered the queue and stopped when I reached the ride boarding point. Here’s what I found.
Curious about the numbers behind the magic? Here’s the complete dataset of wait times I collected, showing how often Disney’s estimates hit the mark – or missed it.
Overall Performance
Out of the 26 rides:
10 rides (38.5%) had an actual wait time shorter than Disney’s estimate
16 rides (61.5%) had actual wait times longer than estimated
So, if you’re wondering whether to trust those posted wait times, the short answer is: expect to wait a little longer than advertised, especially on the more popular rides.
The “Short Wait” Sweet Spot
Disney tends to be more accurate (or conservative) with rides that have low estimated wait times (under 15 minutes). Examples:
Flying Carpets Over Agrabah: Est. 5:00, Actual 00:16
Disneyland Railroad: Est. 10:00, Actual 03:17
It’s a Small World: Est. 5:00, Actual 03:18
That said, not all short wait rides are spot-on:
Phantom Manor: Est. 5:00 → Actual 05:18
Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin: Est. 5:00 → Actual 05:45
Still, these slight overruns feel minor, and in some cases, the wait felt even shorter than the timer suggested because of how quickly the line moved.
RC Racer: So thrilling, I forgot to time it. Whoops!
The Mid-to-Long Wait Struggle
Rides with estimated waits of 15+ minutes tend to be underestimated more often:
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Est. 15:00 → Actual 22:40
Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure: Est. 35:00 → Actual 41:35
Tower of Terror: Est. 40:00 → Actual 47:19
Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop: Est. 30:00 → Actual 50:37
These longer waits can definitely disrupt carefully planned itineraries—especially when they run over by 10 to 20 minutes or more.
Shortest vs Longest Actual Wait Times
Shortest Wait: Flying Carpets Over Agrabah — just 16 seconds vs. a 5-minute estimate.
Longest Wait: Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop — 50 minutes 37 seconds, exceeding the estimate by over 20 minutes.
That 16-second queue was a rare and glorious “walk-on” moment. The 50-minute wait, though? Not so much.
Disneyland Park vs. Walt Disney Studios Park
Disneyland Park
Walt Disney Studios Park
Total Rides Tracked
16
10
% Rides Under Estimate
43.75% (7 rides)
30% (3 rides)
% Rides Over Estimate
56.25% (9 rides)
70% (7 rides)
Average Estimated Wait
14 min 41 sec
25 min 30 sec
Average Actual Wait
15 min 8 sec
27 min 8 sec
Average Over (Actual – Est)
27 seconds
1 minute 38 seconds
Longest Actual Wait
Orbitron (32 min 27 sec)
Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop (50 min 37 sec)
Shortest Actual Wait
Disneyland Railroad (3 min 17 sec)
Flying Carpets Over Agrabah (16 sec)
Biggest % Over
Pirates of the Caribbean (233%)
Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop (68.7%)
Biggest % Under
Disneyland Railroad (-67.2%)
Flying Carpets Over Agrabah (-94.7%)
Notable “Guest Wins”
Peter Pan’s Flight (-46.4%)
Crush’s Coaster (-36.7%)
Key Takeaways:
Walt Disney Studios Park estimates are less accurate, with more frequent and larger overruns.
Disneyland Park is closer to a 50/50 split between over and under — a more balanced experience.
Studios Park has higher average wait times overall due to housing more high-demand thrill rides.
Proof that even the most accurate estimates still involve a whole lot of ‘hurry up and wait.
So… What Does All of This Mean?
At the end of the day, Disney’s posted wait times are just that – estimates. They can be fairly accurate, wildly optimistic, or occasionally a delightful surprise.
If the ride says under 15 minutes, you’ll often get on quickly – maybe even faster than expected. But for anything over 20–30 minutes, it’s safer to mentally prepare for a longer wait than what the board says.
And sometimes, it just comes down to timing and luck.
For instance, when we rode Flying Carpets Over Agrabah, we walked straight onto the ride — no queue whatsoever. On Cars Quatre Roues Rallye, we missed the previous group by one person and had to wait a whole cycle. It wouldn’t have took our wait time below the estimated wait time, but it definitely would have shaved off a few minutes!
Have you noticed rides taking way longer than estimated? Or had a walk-on surprise? Drop your stories in the comments – I’d love to hear how your wait times compared!
Steamboat Charlie 