The drama in the Disney community never seems to settle down. Yesterday, things at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort got extremely messy when a man was escorted out of the Park by Disney security and Orange County deputies. The man in question is “Disney fan” Christopher Martin, who has remained an enemy of the Walt Disney Company due to the fact that he continues to steal intellectual property from the company.
Christopher and Hannah Martin have been on Disney’s bad side for over a year. It all started when the duo created their merchandise company Sparkling Dreamers. Sparkling Dreamers sells unauthorized homemade Mickey ear headbands that are inspired by Disney characters, which Disney does not approve of. Disney has sent Christopher and Hannah numerous lawsuits over the stolen intellectual property. Christopher first announced that he was being sued on January 28, 2023, but he claims that the legal issues between Sparkling Dreamers and Disney have been happening since December 2021.
Time and time again, Christopher has reiterated that the “Bloggers, TikTokers & more are not telling the correct story.” He truly believes that he is not guilty in this situation, and he feels confident that he will come out of this conflict mostly unscathed.
Were being sued by THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY! We have remained quiet, up til now, but we want our voice to be heard! Bloggers, tiktokers & more are not telling the correct story… its time we clear the air on this all. #lawsuit#suedbydisney
This all changed yesterday when Christopher trespassed onto Walt Disney World property. He was in magic Kingdom when security and police escorted him out of the premises. Christopher took to Facebook where he posted an 18-minute video blog of him being taken off of Disney property and “banned for life.” Disney Parks fans have criticized him for his bizarre behavior during the situation.
Despite the uncomfortable situation that occurred today, Christopher is not giving up. He claims that he is just a fan and will be visiting Disneyland Resort next week. He says that he was banned for “Annual Pass violations,” but it seems pretty clear as to why Disney does not want him on the property.
As of now, the Sparkling Dreamers website is still up and selling its products. His vlog of the event is also still up, and he encourages his fans to “like and share.”
A costumed character at Disney World was visiting with Guests during a scheduled meet-and-greet at Magic Kingdom when she sprang into action, saving the life of a male Guest in the process.
A young man and his friends were visiting Disney World shortly after he returned from a non-combat deployment with the U. S. Armed Forces. The group of friends visited Universal Studios and the Disney World Resort during the multi-day trip. Though they were at visiting two places known for fun, entertainment, and magical memories, the man says on the inside, he was desperately struggling, and no one was the wiser.
“My friends and I decided to go to Disney World and Universal to have some fun as I just got back,” he wrote on the social media platform. “Kinda celebrate coming home, but it was more to just have fun together. However, at this time, no one in my life knew I was extremely suicidal.”
He says he did everything he could to mask his feelings and keep them to himself. But he was in a bad place from a mental and emotional standpoint.
“The thoughts, the anxiety, the depression,” he wrote, “the plans to do it. All of it, and I masked it all as best I could.”
The Guest says that during the entire trip with his friends, he did his best to hide what he was feeling, to hide the thoughts he was having. It was important to him to make sure that everyone else in the group was having a good time. But while on the trip, he came to a point where he just couldn’t mask his feelings anymore.
“I couldn’t shake the depression [and] suicidal thoughts and even the plans to do it,” he said.
On the final day of their Disney World trip, the man and his friends decided to stand in line to see Tinker Bell for a Guest meet-and-greet. By this time, his friends knew he was struggling, and they encouraged him to join them for the experience and have photos made with Tink.
“[They] egged me on to get a picture with her to cheer me up,” he said. “Throughout that day, I believe I had a few teary-eyed moments by myself, and I was visibly depressed. I honestly probably had red puffy eyes, too.”
Though he was struggling, he agreed to say hello to Tinker Bell and pose for photos with her, but he couldn’t have known that his life was about to change, and things were about to start looking up for him.
“I don’t know if Tinker Bell knew I was depressed, or it was something I or a friend said, or [if] she just gives cheek kisses every now and then,” he explained, “but she gave me an unexpected smooch on the cheek, and I proceeded to light up like a Christmas tree. To me, it was just the act of unexpected generosity, kindness, and affection from a complete stranger that made me feel like the lingering gray cloud disappeared, even if it was for a brief passing moment.”
The Guest captioned his photos with Tinker Bell online with these words:
“So I’ve been suffering from depression lately, and I went to Walt Disney World for the first time in my life. Thank you, Tink, you really made me smile the hardest in a long time.”
The week after he returned home from the group trip to Universal Studios and Disney World, the man says he reached out, made a call, and scheduled his first therapy session. Though he thought his magical experience with Tinker Bell only helped temporarily on that very difficult day at Disney World, he discovered that it gave him the motivation and encouragement to take ask for the help he needed. And in the days and months following that encounter with Tink, things began to fall into place, and he began to heal.
“Because of it all, I got the professional help I needed [and] got on meds that help,” he said.
But that’s not all.
“I [also] met my girlfriend (now my wife), got a bunch of pets to love, bought a house, and just overall made a better life of myself,” he said. “My suicidal thoughts, ideations, plans are behind me, although the thoughts do still pop up every now and then. But they’re not as bad as they were.”
For this Guest, the magical encounter with Tinker Bell that October day at Disney World was so much more than just a chance meeting with a beloved Disney character. It was the beginning of a second chance at life.
“I keep this picture on my refrigerator door,” he explained, “and sometimes it brings a smile to me when I need it most. My wife also loves this picture because she knows the story behind it. She also thanks this Tinker Bell for saving my life.”
A greater awareness of the need for mental health care is paramount in getting help to those who need it most. Those who need help should have open access to it–access free of stigmatization and judgment. Suicide need not be a “taboo” topic, especially since a majority of those struggling with suicidal thoughts also suffer from severe depression and battle feelings of loneliness and isolation. Normalizing conversations about suicide, suicidal ideation and thoughts, and depression can open the door where help and healing can begin.
We’re so thankful that this young man found the strength and courage to reach out and get the help he needed.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, there is help. You don’t have to suffer, and you don’t have to do this alone. There is hope at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line). As of July 2022, those searching for help can also dial 988 to be relayed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
“That actress, her brief moment, just in passing, helped me,” he said. “She unknowingly saved my life.”
A Disneyland Resort Guest was caught vandalizing Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disney Resorts all across the world are known for their friendly Cast Members who make magic that last a lifetime. But, unfortunately, some Guests find ways to try and ruin that magic.
The most prominent Disney Resorts include Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Walt Disney World Resort is home to four theme parks– Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom– while Disneyland Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Disneyland Park is the theme park that started it all, and Disney Park is best known for its iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, as well as attractions like “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, and Haunted Mansion.
But, that doesn’t mean that it’s the only Disney Park that draws in a crowd.
Disneyland Paris, located nearly 6,000 miles east, is also home to many of the same attractions, as well as Sleeping Beauty Castle.
In a viral video, one Disneyland Paris Guest was caught vandalizing Sleeping Beauty Castle.
This Disney Guest was not spreading magic throughout the Park, instead choosing to tag the popular tourist location.
The TikTok shows the Guests bringing a paint marker inside the Park and starting to write their tag on the Disney Castle.
Disney tries its best to keep the Parks clean for Guests to enjoy. Vandalizing Disney property is a direct violation of Resort rules and can be grounds for being trespassed.
Disneyland Resort has a list of items on its official website that are prohibited at Disney Parks. So far, paint or paint markers are allowed at Disney Parks after this accident, but Disney may change its policy on what markers are allowed inside the Parks. Guests heading to Disney typically bring markers or paint markers for Disney Characters to sign autograph books, hats, shirts, cups, Mickey Mouse ears, and much more.
Disneyland Cast Members work hard to keep Parks looking clean. As fans, let’s all help keep Disney Parks clean by not vandalizing them.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, foodies! It’s nearly March 17, and we’ve got all the themed items everyone can enjoy for the festivities this year. And trust us, these items will sham-rock everyone’s world!
Both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are joining in on the fun and serving up some charming eats and sips throughout the month of March that will let guests get in the Irish spirit. They will feel like they’ve struck gold once they set your eyes on these items, like the adorably delicious The Nugget at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the new Lucky Leprechaun at Disney’s Coronado Springs, and a green twist on a classic with the Green Stuff at Red Rose Taverne.
Well, it’s time we shamrock and roll and get to the Foodie Guide.
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
St. Patrick’s Day Cake: Irish cream cake with mint ganache, buttercream, fondant rainbow, and chocolate pot of gold (New)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
St. Patrick’s Day Parfait: Layers of green velvet cake, ganache and Irish crème cheesecake topped with sweet cream and white chocolate shamrock décor (New)
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available through March 31)
Mickey Shamrock Milkshake: Mint milkshake with chocolate drizzle, shamrock sprinkles and a specialty vanilla cupcake (New)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and house-made chocolate décor
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available through March 17; mobile order available)
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with gold crisp pearls with green buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles and a white chocolate Minnie Mouse topper
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available March 10 through 17)
Lucky Leprechaun: Whiskey coffee custard, whiskey-soaked cake, and pistachio mousse topped with a dark chocolate shamrock (New)
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Good’s Food to Go (Available through March 17)
Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor
Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Available through March 31)
Riverside Mill Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Le Petit Café (Available March 17 only)
Caramel-Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel-hazelnut custard filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Artist’s Palette (Available through March 17; mobile order available)
Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy (New)
Irish Pork Bangers Poutine: Irish cheddar, onion marmalade, stout gravy, and french fries
D-Luxe Burger (Available through March 31; mobile order available)
Dublin Burger: Two pressed signature blend patties with Irish cheddar, corned beef, shoestring fried onions, Irish stout barbecue, lettuce, and tomato
The Ganachery (Available through March 19)
St. Patrick’s Day Mickey Piñata: Chocolate piñata filled with mint marshmallows enrobed in chocolate, white crisp pearls, and green sprinkles
Milk Chocolate Irish Cream Ganache Square
Dark Chocolate Irish Whiskey Ganache Square
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
Revelers can enjoy Raglan Road’s Signature Brew Flight, whiskey flight, or craft beers, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails of their choice while choosing from the chef’s selection of authentic Irish dishes, including the dry-aged prime short rib and brisket beef OMG Burger, Shepherd’s Pie (beef and lamb version or the popular plant-based option), and fresh-caught fish with chips. The authentic fish & chips also are available to go at the adjacent Cooke’s of Dublin counter.
Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)
Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream
Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)
Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting, and finished with a clover décor (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+)
Swirls on the Water (Available through March 31)
St. Patrick’s Day Cone: Chocolate and mint soft-serve swirled in a black vanilla cone topped with gold sprinkles (New)
Bailey’s Chocolate Float: Frozen hot chocolate with mint soft serve and a Bailey’s Irish Cream float (New)
Vivoli il Gelato (Available through March 31)
Shamrock Shake: Mint chocolate chip gelato and pistachio gelato topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Pistachio Bombolato: Pistachio gelato and chocolate sauce in a warm Italian donut
Mint Cannoli: Sweet cream of ricotta cheese, sugar, mint, and chocolate shavings in a crispy pastry shell
Marshmallow Cereal Cannoli: Ricotta cheese and marshmallow cereal
Marshmallow Cereal Bombolato: Marshmallow cereal and vanilla icing
Marshmallow Cereal Shake: Vanilla gelato and marshmallow cereal topped with a bombolato
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Red Rose Taverne (Available through March 19; mobile order available)
Green Stuff: Mint-white-chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, mint chocolate chips, and chocolate cookie crumbs on a shortbread cookie
Disney California Adventure Park
Hollywood Lounge (Available March 17 through 19; mobile order available)
St Patty’s Cocktail: Irish whiskey, melon liqueur, and sour mix garnished with a cherry (New)
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman Grill (Available March 11 through April 9; mobile order available)
Leprechaun Cupcake
Mickey Mouse-shaped Leprechaun Donut
Hearthstone Lounge (Available March 11 through 19)
Sláinte Agatsa: Tullamore D.E.W., amaretto, crème de mûre, apple, lime and lemon juices, and simple syrup garnished with raspberries and a rosemary sprig (New)
Downtown Disney District
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available through March 31)
O’ Reuben Burger: Prime beef and corned-beef blended patty, beer braised cabbage and onions, diced pickles, Swiss cheese, and whiskey mustard sauce (New)
California Churro (Available through March 19)
Shamrock Churro: Churro rolled in cookies and cream crumbs, drizzled with green mint icing, and sprinkled with gold and green edible glitter (New)
Kayla’s Cake
Pistachio Macarons: Green macaron cookies with Sicilian pistachio white chocolate ganache
Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available March 17 through 19)
Irish Nacho Pizza: Mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, potato, crème fraîche, and green onions (New)
Warm Irish Hug: Irish whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, coffee, and whipped cream with a drizzle of creme de menthe (New)
Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)
Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available March 17 only)
Shamrock Strike: Vodka, rum gin, triple sec, melon liqueur, and Sprite
Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)
Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting and finished with a clover decoration (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+)
Uva Bar & Cafe
Irish Burger of the Month paired with featured Irish Stout Beer: Angus beef patty, sauerkraut, bratwurst, pickles, Swiss cheese, bacon-braised red cabbage, and whole grain honey mustard (New) (Available through March 31)
Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Potato Plate (New) (Available March 17 through 19)
Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available March 13 through 19)
Frozen Chocolate Shamrock: Frozen mint chocolate drink topped with whipped cream and shamrock sprinkles (New)
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
We are ready for yet another fantastic year of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. We are most excited for the Magic Shots that will be available from Disney PhotoPass Service (and the Outdoor Kitchens, of course). Seriously, we can’t get over these amazing shots!
Like Heimlich said in Disney and Pixar’s film, “A Bug’s Life,” “Someday, I will be a beautiful butterfly and then everything will be better.” And well, everything does seem better when posing for this Magic Shot underneath a flurry of butterflies. Fly down to the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam to capture this festival favorite!
Who wouldn’t want to visit Pixie Hollow and hang with Tink and her fairy friend? Now, with this Magic Shot and a little pixie dust, guests might find their way to Pixie Hollow! Just think of the happiest things and fly over to most PhotoPass photographers to uncover this flitterific Magic Shot.
Speaking of flying…when in Magic Kingdom Park, Orange Bird hangs out at Sunshine Tree Terrace and serves up some Dole Whips. But for the festival this year, he’s flying into the frame! guests can visit most Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed in World Celebration locations to capture this Magic Shot. And then maybe go and get a Dole Whip, because…why not?!
After a Dole Whip, guests can go find this fantastic floral photo at the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment. You know how Isabela grows a flower and the town goes wild? Well, we’re going wild over this Magic Shot. Visions of purple, pink, and peonies will fill guests’ heads long after their visit.
Those visions of flowers are filling Spike the Bee’s thoughts too, so watch out Donald Duck! Spike the Bee is the star of the show in this Magic Shot. When he’s not busy pollinating or tormenting Donald Duck, he’ll make sure to pop into guests’ photos anywhere in the World Showcase.
After a day of gazing at flowers, guests might as well pose for a photo with them! Poppy in this floral frame stationed in the Italy pavilion, near the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam, and by the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment. Here, guests will be surrounded by flowers that will last a lifetime.
It is only fitting to wrap this up with our favorite shot of all: the Tiny World Magic Shot. Located near the fountain just beyond the main entrance of the park, guests can capture their entire family from the most magical angle. They get a fun festival border too!
We think Disney PhotoPass Service really rose to the occasion for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year. guests can use the locations noted here as a guide for finding these Magic Shots, but we also recommend asking photographers what Magic Shots are available at their location. We truly hope guests enjoy their time photosynthesizing with Disney PhotoPass Service!
