Disney has a Big Problem at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and No Solution

Walt Disney World has a serious problem in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and there's no easy solution. Our take on this, plus the Garden Rocks concert line-up, a lengthy Disney pool closure and top picks for Valentine's goodies at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Do Disney Parks Have a Star Wars Problem?

There's trouble brewing in Galaxy's Edge and it's not coming from the Dark Side. After months of persistent rumors and speculation about the value and experience of Disney's Galactic Starcruiser, Disney has announced that it was forced to cancel several Galactic Starcruiser dates in the summer and fall months due to low occupancy, which could be a troubling sign for the hotel's future. People who had booked were offered half-off to book again on a future date. 

Speculation has been everything from the cost, to the characters involved to the repeatability of the experience. For me, it's also an issue of the guest experience, or rather the pricey and intended immersive experience being ruined by obnoxious and other annoying guests who typically ruin things for others on virtually any Disney attraction. This type of behavior has gotten worse since Covid as the entitled few have been frequently ruining it for all--so much so that Disney has changed its acceptable guest behavior policies and publicized the fact.

No matter what the reason, is there any way to fix the problem? For us, it's not the price alone: it's the experience. If you're paying that kind of money for an immersive experience, the risk of having it jeopardized by someone filming all the time and not taking part, is a no-go. In my opinion, Disney should ban all guests from bringing phones or any kind of devices, except in your room. Anyone acting out of accepted standards should be jettisoned through the airlock. Make this clear up front. 

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Garden Rocks Concert Lineup for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-up is coming into view for the upcoming EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in March. Garden Rocks features well-known artists performing Friday-Monday and showcases local Orlando talent on Tuesday-Thursday at the America Gardens Theater!

Who's Playing at Garden Rocks Concert Series EPCOT 2023?

• March 3-4 - Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
• March 5-6 - Daughtry
• March 10-11 - Tommy DeCarlo
• March 12-13 - Smash Mouth
• March 17-18 - Mike DelGuidice
• March 19-20 - Blue Oyster Cult - NEW
• March 24-25 - Berlin
• March 26-27 - The Pointer Sisters
• March 31 - Luis Figueroa - NEW
• April 1-2 - Piso 21 - NEW
• April 3 – TBD
• April 7-8 - STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
• April 9-10 - Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
• April 16-17 - Switchfoot – NEW
• April 21-22 - A Flock of Seagulls
• April 23-24 - Jo Dee Messina
• April 28-29 - Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
• April 30, May 1 - Kool and the Gang
• May 5-8 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
• May 12-15 - The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
• May 19-20 - A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce - NEW
• May 21-22 - Casting Crowns - NEW
• May 26-27 - Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago - NEW
• May 28-29 - Rick Springfield
• June 2-5 - Plain White T’s
• June 9-10 - The Spinners
• June 11-12 - The Commodores
• June 16-17 - Vertical Horizon
• June 18-19 - Tony Orlando
• June 23-26 - Simple Plan
• June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
• July 2-3 - Wang Chung

As of February 9, you can reserve a spot in the theater with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com.

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Pool Closure alert for Disney's Vero Beach Resort

The feature pool at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and the Pirate’s Plunge Pool Slide will be closed for refurbishment from January 8, 2024 through late March 2024. The Tiger Lily Wet Play Area, Port Holes Miniature Golf and the whirlpool spa will also be closed while the pool is being refurbished.

Refurbishment work will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Disney Eats Foodie Guide to Lovely Valentine’s Day Delights 2023

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are celebrating the Valentine's season with sweet and savory food and drink across virtually all parks, resorts and entertainment areas. The complete Disney Valenatine Foodie Guide, plus our top picks.

Walt Disney World Resort 

Walt Disney World Resorts 

Available at Various Resorts (Available through Feb. 28; mobile order available) 

• My (Plant-based) Sweetheart Chocolate cupcake with a love-ly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based Item) (Wheat/ Gluten Friendly); Available at the following: 
  • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

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 through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 

• Be My Valentine Sweet Treat Bag: Sugar cookies with house-made vanilla and raspberry marshmallows (New) 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 

Boma – Flavors of Africa (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 

• Zebra Domes: The classic Amarula mousse and white chocolate dessert with the addition of a pink stripe

Jiko – The Cooking Place (Available Feb. 13 and 14 only) 

• Wild About Mousse: Madagascan milk chocolate mousse, pistachio sponge, marinated citrus, and candied almonds (New) 

The Mara (Available Feb. 10 through 14; mobile order available) 

• Zebra Mousse Cake: Amarula mousse cake inspired by the flavors of the iconic Zebra Domes (New) 

Sanaa (Available Feb. 13 and 14 only)

• Bananas For Mousse: Banana cake, peanut butter mousse, banana jam, banana cream, candied almonds, and caramel (New) 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 

• Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Chocolate cupcake with hazelnut filling, chocolate hazelnut bu...