Disney Lorcana, Power Rangers Merch, and Epcot's Splashtacular History

Disney Lorcana's "Whispers in the Well" Expansion

• 💡 The latest Disney Lorcana expansion, "Whispers in the Well," features deep cuts like The Black Cauldron and Gargoyles.
• 🧩 The set introduces a new card type called "whispers," which are ghostly versions of characters pulled from a damaged lore book.
• 🚀 A new "boost" mechanic allows players to unlock the whisperers' full abilities.
• ✨ The artwork on the cards is described as stunning, with specific mentions of characters like the Cheshire Cat, Little John, and the Horn King.
• 🎨 Fans are hoping for a dedicated "Art of Lorcana" book to showcase the game's design work.

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Merch Saga

• 💥 Reports suggest Super Sentai, the Japanese series that inspired Power Rangers, may be ending after 50 years due to declining merchandise sales.
• 📈 In contrast, Power Rangers nostalgia is booming in the US, with vintage toys fetching extremely high prices on the resale market.
• 💰 A sealed 1994 Power Morpher can sell for around $50,000, and a signed White Ranger action figure for over $100,000.
• 📺 The franchise had a brief stint with Disney through its acquisition of the Family Channel in the late '90s.
• 🎯 The "Reignition" line of toys, featuring figures with interchangeable helmeted and unhelmeted heads, is a popular new release.
• 🎮 The Power Rangers' enduring appeal is evident with new Fortnite skins and upcoming Lego sets like the Megazord.

Epcot's "Splashtacular" and Power Rangers' Origins

• ⚠️ In 1993, Epcot managers sought a new daytime show to boost attendance, leading to the creation of "Splashtacular."
• 🐉 The show, staged at the Fountain of Nations, was intended to replace a planned "It's Magical" show that was too similar to Disneyland's "Fantasmic."
• 👾 A key element of "Splashtacular" was a giant mechanical "terror-saur" prop, a departure from the dragon Maleficent in "Fantasmic."
• 🚫 The show controversially featured a character resembling Rita Repulsa from Super Sentai without Saban Entertainment's permission, leading to legal threats.
• 📉 "Splashtacular" was a short-lived show, running for only 8 months before being shut down due to safety issues and the legal dispute.
• 🤝 Despite the initial conflict, Power Rangers characters later made daily appearances at Disney parks from 2001 to 2010, though Rita Repulsa was notably absent.