ICYMI—This Week in Disney News December 16-23

Tropical Hideaway Opens at Disneyland

After months of waiting, Disneyland’s Tropical Hideaway opened on December 21 and seems to be an instant hit. Along with serving a variety of Dole Whip treats, steamed bao buns, and pineapple lumpia, Tropical Hideaway is the perfect place to hang out with your family or interact with Rosita the cockatoo, who’s about to head off on an unknown adventure. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, the location is filled with Easter Eggs and nods to Aladdin’s Oasis, SEA, and more. However, there has been one bit of controversy surrounding the originally-named Twisted Ambush. The treat, which features Pineapple and Orange Swirl, Exotic Fruit, Crystallized Hibiscus, and Pocky sticks, was quickly and quietly retitled the Loaded Whip soon after the venue’s debut.

First Look at Aladdin

“One jump ahead of the hitmen, one hit ahead of the flock,” EW guides us fans around the block with their new First Look at Disney’s live-action Aladdin. From interviews with the cast and crew to exclusive production photos, Disney fans were in for a real treat this week. While Disney did release a trailer earlier this year, this is the first time fans got a look at Will Smith’s Genie and Naomi Scott’s Jasmine.

Tim Burton @ the Neon Museum Exhibit

It’s been over a decade since Tim Burton has staged an exhibit of his artwork domestically, but that will change in October of 2019. Partnering with the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Burton will display new original works as well as previously featured art. The Exhibit will be displayed in several areas through the Museum and will be open October 2019 through February 2020.

Oprah Publicly Campaigns for Black Panther at Academy Screening

While the Oscars are still over a month away and nominations have not been revealed, Oprah Winfrey shared her support for the film at a special screening. The Marvel movie proved to be a juggernaut and broke and global box office records during its February 2018 release. Since then, Disney and Marvel have submitted the film for nomination consideration in several categories. With Oprah publicly backing the film, will the masses of Academy members follow?

A Disney Festivus for the Rest of Us

Years ago, NBC sitcom, Seinfeld aired an episode with a storyline revolving around Festivus — a made-up holiday observed on December 23. While this episode has nothing to do with Disney, we liked it so much we put our own Disney twist on the holiday. Check out our fourth Annual Festivus celebration where we air our grievances, admire Disney’s feats of strength, and celebrate a few Festivus miracles.

Disney Offers Vacation Specials

Nothing is more magical than a Disney vacation and to ring in the new year, Disney is offering a special 4-Park Magic Ticket deal. Starting at $87 per day, guests can enjoy one Walt Disney World Park each day with this money saving offer. Step into the gorgeous world of Avatar and visit Pandora at Animal Kingdom, or zip around Toy Story Land on Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios. 2019 also promises to bring new celebrations to Magic Kingdom, and plenty of festival fun to Epcot. For those saving money for a voyage aboard Disney Cruise Line, now is the best time to book their trip. Guests booking cruises of 4-nights or longer can pay half of the required deposit now and the remainder later.