1923 Main Street: Snow Skate Surf and Travel Style

The Internet is full of Disney travel "experts" sharing Disney summer travel tips, so which tips are actually worth heeding and which are pure hogwash?We Searched the Web to Find the Trends in Disney World Summer Travel Tips, What we Found was Eye Opening We compiled a range of summer travel tips for Walt Disney World to share what we think are actually tips to consider. We are not Orlando locals and we travel to Walt Disney World every summer, usually in August, sometimes in July. We know Orlando summer weather as a tourist. There's a difference here that's often overlooked and that locals don't always understand. This podcast is for the Disney traveler because Disney travelers who spend a week in a hotel when they visit will experience Walt Disney World in a way that locals simply do not. So advice from a local is not the same perspective as advice from a vacationing Disney traveler. It's always important to consider the source for any advice or any perspectives on any subject in life. With that lens in mind, let's look at the most common tips for summer travel at Walt Disney World and discuss which tips are worth considering versus those that are either commons sense for any warm climate or just worth ignoring. By the way, we're not naming names or websites about where these tips originated. There is a lot of crossover, but there are some thoughtful and good pieces of advice from some of them (along with many duds or common sense thinking). We've assessed all tips using the follow scale: (N) No, not a great tip or not specific to Walt Disney World in the summer(Y) Yes, definitely a good tip to consider (O) Obviously, a common sense tip that most likely applies to any hot place (M) Maybe, this isn't a tip we would follow or recommend, but there may be circumstances where it might apply to youThe Best and the World of Walt Disney World Summer Travel TipsPack cooling towels (N) Buy ponchos before you go (N) o Be prepared for rain was a better way to state this (and no, you don't have to carry around a poncho or umbrella) (Y)Stay hydrated. (O)Find the air conditioning (O)Arrive early and stay late (Y and N) Take an afternoon break. (Y)Avoid parks during mid-day heat is a better YPack sunscreen and apply it often (O)Do indoor attractions during the heat of the day (N) Bring a waterproof bag (M)Have a long lunch indoors (M) Pack a portable fan (N)Water Parks (Y)Be flexible with plans (Y)Allow time for entertainment and characters (O)Quick dry shirts and shorts (Y)Two pairs of shoes [or use the dryer if you're in a villa] (Y)Our favorite tips, not often found on these lists:Misting stationsPrepare for afternoon stormsAvoid lugging stuff around. Any of these tips that tell you to bring this or bring that are working against that. You want to be light and nimble in the heat, not bogged down with fans, towels, heavy containers and so on. That will weigh on you: literally.Tips positioned as Disney World summer tips that are really anytime tips Book ADRsPlan all your pictures in the morning (not all pictures are planned)--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Disney's latest update to Genie+ isn't really big news, but it is a welcome enhancement that may signal more things to come. The good and the bad of this update for the Disney traveler, plus Rogers: The Musical top tips and more Disney travel news. Update to Disney Genie+ Service at Walt Disney WorldIn a first baby step towards making Disney Genie+ a little more flexible, you will now have the option to purchase Genie+ for a single-park option or a new multiple-parks option. With this addition prices may be lower at some parks compared to others. Nothing else has changed. What we're all really waiting for is the ability to be able to make Genie+ reservations before the day of your visit. So while this is a welcome change, it is nothing more than a baby step with the hopes of truly bigger news still to come.--How to Increase Your Odds of Seeing ‘Rogers: The Musical’ at Disney California Adventure ParkRogers: The Musical kicks off this week at Disney California Adventure Park and runs until August 31. With that in mind, here is the most important news you need to know as a Disney traveler.Joining the free virtual queue on the Disneyland app is recommendedRogers: The Musical will have several shows daily, Tuesday through Saturday most weeks during its limited-time run. You can gain access to the viewing areas for the show through a virtual queue system available only through the Disneyland app.Each performance day, distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will start at 10:30 a.m. PT for the first two shows of the day and it will reopen at 2:00 p.m. PT for the remaining shows each day.The virtual queue isn't mandatory, but it's highly recommended. If the virtual queue is full, you can check in at the Hyperion Theater before Rogers: The Musical begins to check for any walk-up viewing options.Dining Package for Rogers: The MusicalInstead of going the virtual queue route, you can try to buy a “Rogers: The Musical” Premium Viewing Experience package for $29 per person from the Studio Catering Co. Truck in Hollywood Land. We say try because quantities are limited per performance. The package includes a “Rogers: The Musical” popcorn bucket with kettle corn and choice of bottled beverage, plus access to lounge seating before the show, priority choice of seating in the theater, a souvenir lanyard and access to a unique photo opportunity. --Updates on San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure ParkStarting in mid-July, you'll be able to try some new San Fransokyo food at Lucky Fortune Cookery and the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería. More dining options and new shopping will open through mid-August.Here's more about what you'll be able to see and do in San Fransokyo Square.· Interact with Hiro and Baymax, who will say hello outside the Hamada Bot Shop. · Near the Hamada Bot Shop will be the San Fransokyo Maker’s Market, a store stocked with apparel, homewares and more featuring Baymax and friends. Be sure to look up to the rafters overhead to find the local battlebot champion, Hiro’s Megabot.· Across the way, a vending machine will dispense collectible golden medallions featuring Baymax and other images from San Fransokyo.A look at some of the new San Fransokyo dining options:Aunt Cass Café, the second bakery café operated by Hiro’s loving aunt, will serve soups in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls and other Japanese-inspired cuisine. Watch for the mural of Aunt Cass’ lucky pet cat, Mochi on the storefront.An old fishing net tannery across from the café is being converted to Rita’s Turbine Blenders, a giant drink dispenser offering margaritas and cold drinks. The refreshment stand is owned and named after the repair tech who maintains the floating wind turbine (a giant koi fish) that sits atop the structure.In addition to these locations, there will be new menu items at Cocina Cucamonga and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop as well. --Foodie Guide to Flavors of Florida at Disney SpringsFlavors of Florida take place in Disney Springs from July 1 to August 13 at over 30 locations.Here is the complete menu guide to Flavors of Florida 2023 at Walt Disney World, including our top picks.Amorette’s Patisserie Orange Cream Puff: Choux pastry with orange craquelin filled with orange curd and honey orange gel (New)Orange Bird Dome Cake: Layers of Grand Marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâte de fruit, mandarin orange cream, and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available for pre-orders and cake decorating experience) (New)Strawberry Spritzer: French 75 with strawberry purée in a Flavors of Florida CORKCICLE (New)The BOATHOUSEPan Roasted Golden Tilefish: Citrus escabeche, coconut ginger rice, and cilantro aïoli (New)Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’Key West Shrimp Cocktail: Seasoned shrimp tossed with a mix of avocado, mango, cucumber, and a house-made cocktail sauce accompanied by homemade buttermilk crackers (New)Florida Crush Cocktail: Florida oranges and strawberries muddled with Tito’s H

Walt Disney World is Launching a Brand New Christmas Holiday Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: How Will it Compare to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?We share everything you need to know about both Walt Disney World Christmas Holiday Parties, including which one you should attend if you can only attend one.Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosThe glitz and glamor of a Hollywood holiday comes to life with sparkling décor, sounds of modern beats over classic holiday songs, craft cocktails and decadent holiday food. Disney Jollywood Nights is a brand new, separately ticketed event that will run for only 10 select nights from November 11 - December 20, 2023, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.Disney encourages you to dress in your holiday glam best or festive flair and dance the night away to merry mashups. From unique food and bubbly spirits and cocktails, to selfies with iconic characters Jollywood Nights sounds like a very different ambiance than Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party. Plus, for an extra dose of cheer and a little retro vibe, the party will close each night with the return of the nighttime spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! featuring Prep and Landing.What will Happen at Disney’s Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios? Entertainment areas inspired by different genresWhen you enter the park for Disney Jollywood Nights, a DJ will be playing a mix of holiday tunes. Commissary Lane will come to life with a Latin Street Fair. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy will host a live holiday special at Theater of the Stars with some of their Disney friends. And Hyperion Theater will host a holiday sing-along.In one of the more interesting new experiences, Disney says you can "Encounter glitz and glamor galore at two limited-capacity entertainment experiences - a jazz lounge at The Hollywood Brown Derby and an other-worldly soiree at The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard." Exactly how these will work isn't yet known.Each night will close with Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! A nighttime spectacular in Disney style featuring music, fireworks, special effects and of course state-of-the-art projections.Selfies and unique holidayphoto opportunities throughout the nightPose with friends for holiday-themed Magic Shots and two new Disney PhotoPass experiences throughout the night. Complimentary digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the event are included with the price of the ticket.Meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the rest of the iconic gang in Animation Courtyard on a set with holiday props. Meet favorite throwback friends like Powerline Max and Phineas and Ferb at Echo Lake and strike a pose with Edna Mode and one of her super friends at Pixar Place.Plus, enjoy after-hours access to some of your favorite rides and coasters under the starsRides specifically mentioned include Slinky Dog Dash, Rock N’ Roller Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and more. (Star Wars: Rise of Resistance will use virtual queue during Disney Jollywood Nights.)Indulge in delicious holiday tastes and sips exclusive to the partySpecialty food and drink will be available to buy throughout the party, including Spicy Korean Chicken on a Mini Funnel Cake, sweet delights including a colorful Christmas Tree Cookie Stack inspired by the iconic Echo Lake Christmas Tree and classic cocktails and holiday beverages.Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity holiday event. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can buy tickets starting June 29. Tickets for all guests go on sale July 6. Disney's Jollywood Night Party Dates are:November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29December: 4, 6,16,18, 20The Two Big Questions:1. How will the in-party limited capacity events work?2. What will be happening in Galaxy's Edge?--How Do You Decide Between the Two Disney World Christmas Parties?Classic Disney characters (MK)Modern/contemporary Disney (DHS)Cocktails (DHS)Classic Christmas feeling and ambiance (MK)--The Christmas Holiday Magic is Back in Disney's Magic Kingdom Park as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Returns for 2023On 25 select nights from November 9 - December 22, this separately ticketed event will welcome guests to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Magic Kingdom. Holiday magic includes the Christmas stage show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration”, the sparkling spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the merry must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” You can also look forward to you favorite Magic Kingdom rides and attractions, including Tron Lightcycle / Run, which will use a virtual queue during the event.Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and can be purchased online beginning July 6. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as June 29 on the Walt Disney World website. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2023 Dates are:November 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28,

Top Picks for the Best of Summer Vacation at the Most Magical Place on Earth Yes, there's heat, the rain and the fun of summer at Disney World. But what's true, what's a myth and what should you do to make your summer stay at Walt Disney World a little more fun? Top Picks for What to Do at Disney World in the Summer: · Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park· Horseback Riding at Fort Wilderness· Kali River Rapids· Foot Golf at Golden Oak Golf Course· Outdoor patio dining at The Boathouse· Private Fireworks Cruise Remember, when visiting the parks, travel light and the skip the ponchos (you don't want to be a boil-in-bag). -- Disney Floral and Gifts is Shutting Down As of August 27, 2023, Walt Disney World Resort will closing its floral and gifts operation and transfering it to a new Central Florida third-party vendor. This means you won't be able to add floral, gifts and other in-room hotel amenities to your Disney vacation booking. You can continue to use the Disney service for trips that take place on or before August 26. -- Changes are Coming to Downtown Disney at DisneylandJazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Beignets Expressed are Now OpenRalph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has a new look, a new name and new menu. Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, is described as "a modern, casual and fun celebration of the Gulf and Pacific coasts."The new all-day menu features long-time favorites plus new selections such as Lobster & Crawfish Sliders, Chile-Spiced Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, Gumbo LA-LA filled with succulent seafood, the Grilled Open Faced Lobster BLT Po-Boy and the Reef & Beef, an entrée of grilled shrimp and braised short ribs. The contemporary menu pairs with an expanded California wine list and seasonal seaside-style cocktails. And don't forget the beignets. Beignets Expressed is a counter-service spot serving New Orleans beignets either classically (fried and topped with heaping mounds of powdered sugar) or as specialty glazed beignets, dipped, drizzled, and sprinkled in flavor. Selections include Snickerdoodle, Fruity Crunch and Bananas Foster.New! Clyde’s Hot ChickenClyde’s Hot Chicken is a new food cart located near the Disneyland Monorail station. It serves Nashville hot chicken on a stick, handmade fresh daily and available in three heat levels. If you want the heat, Disney says to try the Hot as Cali with cayenne and habanero spices.Coming soon to Downtown Disney: The Alley! The courtyard next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes is being transformed into a new space — The Alley — with interactive games, live music, lounge areas and seats for dining. It's a spot to relax, play games and enjoy the food and beverage offerings from Splitsville.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

As Disneyland releases full details for its 2023 Halloween celebrations, we discuss which Disney resort is the best when it comes to Halloween. Is Halloween better at Walt Disney World or Disneyland? This story, plus Disney's real-life Soarin' adventure is back.Disneyland Resort Announces Return of Halloween Time and Plaza de la Familia Sept. 1, Plus 2023 Oogie Boogie Bash DatesHalloween Time at Disneyland ResortHalloween Time runs at Disneyland Resort from September 1 through October 31, 2023. Seasonal décor and characters in their Halloween best will appear in both parks, along with the Main Street Pumpkin Festival in Disneyland park and Radiator Screams in Disney California Adventure park.At Disneyland park, Jack Skellington and the crew from The Nightmare Before Christmas will once again appear in the Haunted Mansion. A themed gingerbread house will be displayed in the spooky attraction’s ballroom though Sandy Claws has kept this year’s design a secret. Every night through October 31, the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular will summon supernatural projections, special effects and music on Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America and in front of it’s a small world. Fireworks join in on select nights, usually weekends. As a result, Wondrous Journeys is scheduled to make its final performance of the year on August 31.At Disney California Adventure park, three attractions will undergo seasonal transformations with Halloween spins – and drops. The family-friendly Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Cars Land and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters opt for happily hair-raising soundtracks to become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. For the first time, resident “car-acter” Guido will sport a ghoulish “car-stume” as he welcomes guests to the Casa Della Tires.Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, a scream-worthy adventure to save Groot from creatures running amok in The Collector’s Fortress.From September 8 through November 1, Disney character-themed pumpkins will be hidden around the Downtown Disney District for Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit; with the purchase of a map from participating locations and you can commemorate your search with a collectible keepsake. Downtown Disney District will also feature fall décor, entertainment and special offerings from select locations.Plaza de la Familia and Tributes to Día de los MuertosHonoring the Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the vibrant Plaza de la Familia cultural experience will bring brilliant marigolds, entertainment and family crafts to Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure park from September 1 to November 2. At Paradise Garden Grill, you can feast on menu items inspired by Mexican cuisine.Several times per day, A Musical Celebration of Coco will present a talented company of Folklórico dancers, plus Mariachi singers and musicians, that recount Miguel’s adventure to the Land of the Dead. You can also meet Miguel, dance along to Mariachi music, add remembrance notes to the Memory Wall, and more.Over in Cars Land, Ramone will honor Día de los Muertos at his detailing shop with an “ofrenda” celebrating the town’s good friend, Doc Hudson.Disneyland park will pay tribute to Día de los Muertos with its traditional, vibrant display in Frontierland, adorned with marigolds and banners of papel picado. Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween PartyOogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will take over Disney California Adventure park for more nights than ever before, bringing rare characters, villains and spellbinding experiences on 25 select evenings between September 5 and October 31, 2023. Kids and trick-or-treaters of all ages are invited to wear Halloween costumes for a wickedly fun evening of attractions (some of which have shorter wait times), themed food and beverages, and more. Admission to the after-hours event also includes entrance to Disney California Adventure park three hours before the party begins and unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party.Partygoers can also enjoy special offerings, such as “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show, the “Frightfully Fun Parade” led by the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, and the immersive Villains Grove.Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 29 (no earlier than 9:00 a.m. PT). On June 27 (no earlier than 9:00 a.m. PT), a limited amount of Oogie Boogie Bash tickets go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders at Disneyland.com/OogieBoogieBash. Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash are limited so don't delay if you want to go. Here are all 25 nights of the Oogie Boogie Bash: Tuesday, September 5; Thursday, September 7; Sunday, September 10; Tuesday, September 12; Thursday, September 14; Sunday, September 17; Tuesday, September 19; Thursday, September 21; Sunday, September 24; Tuesday, September 26; Thursday, September 28; Sunday, October 1; Tuesday, October 3; T

There are some exciting new sweet and savoury food options coming to Walt Disney World this summer. We share what to watch for and where to find it. Plus, Disneyland's Pixar Place Hotel is finally getting a full re-theme and there are some great new options coming your way.What's New for Summer Dining at Walt Disney World If you're a Disney traveler who always likes to try the latest and greatest that Disney culinary has to offer, then listen up.Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion at EPCOT has some interesting new dishes to try. New appetizers include the Green Onion and Garlic Canadian Cove Mussels featuring P.E.I Mussels with ramp pistou cream, and broiled ciabatta. The Mushroom Bisque soup combines morel mushrooms, potatoes, and crème fraiche. Finally, there's Jumbo Chilled Shrimp with cocktail sauce and Espelette pepper cream.There are also two plant-based dishes: 1) Fried Cauliflower combined with Tahini espuma, pine nut brittle, and radishes. 2) Canadian Tourtière: a chickpea and mushroom pie with braised endive, snap peas, stone fruit ketchup, and plant-based demi-glace.New entrees include the Prime Steak Tartare “Kibbeh Nayeh” with Bulgar wheat, radish, mint, and garlic aïoli, and the Grilled Scallops with caviar, zucchini fritter, patty pan squash, sweety drop pepper, and a creamy piquillo sauce. Over at the food courts in Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, there's a new Korean-style IMPOSSIBLE Burger. It's topped with a Korean-style barbecue sauce and pickled vegetable slaw. These locations also have a plant-based chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles.At Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the Cuban Burger has ham, pickled pepper relish, provolone, and dijonnaise on a toasted brioche bun. The End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort has a new burger starting June 21 – the Bases Loaded Burger. This one has bacon jam, an onion ring, and beer-cheese sauce on a toasted brioche bun.Also in the food courts at all All-Star Resorts, the Sweet Summertime Favorites is a dessert version of a summertime classic hot dog and french fries. It has chocolated sugar cookies and raspberry dipping sauce.Want more Disney sweet treats? Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is offering two new sundaes. The Mickey Sundae is vanilla-chocolate swirl soft-serve topped with mini brownies, Mickey ears, and chocolate décor. The vanilla soft-serve Minnie Sundae has strawberry sauce, Minnie ears, a bow and chocolate décor.In the Deli at Disney’s BoardWalk you'll find the Strawberry Shortcake Croissant Roll. This is croissant dough with strawberry filling BUT it is only available on weekends.Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian has a Summer Berry Shortcake. It is moist vanilla sponge, blueberry compote, strawberries, and Chantilly. Geyser Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has a new summer Margarita Flight featuring black cherry, spicy pineapple, raspberry, and cucumber melon margaritas.Another new cocktail is at Toledo at Coronado Springs. This is a Smoked Passion Fruit made with Agustín Blázquez Felipe II Solera Reserva Brandy, demerara syrup, passion fruit, smoked cinnamon, and a house-made frozen orange juice cube.Tamu Tamu in Animal Kingdom Park has a new Pineapple Crisp Sundae, which combines a pineapple crisp cake with vanilla ice cream and is topped with pineapple caramel and crispy streusel topping.The Fried Chicken Sandwich is returning to Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom. This is a warm brioche bun with crispy fried chicken breast, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a roasted garlic aïoli. And yes, it comes with fries.Flame Tree Barbecue also has a returning fan-favorite: the Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler.And finally, if you love a good ice cream sandwich, the Dino Dig Ice Cream Sandwich has vanilla ice cream between two house-made sugar cookies with chocolate sprinkles, cookie crumbs, sugar bones, and an cute white chocolate dinosaur. -- Disneyland's Pixar Place Hotel is Finally Becoming Pixar ThemedFinally, the theming of Disney’s renamed Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort is catching up to its name. The hotel’s exterior already has a new look and now the lobby will continue to evolve over the next few months as Pixar imagery is added. By winter, the hotel lobby will feature the classic Pixar Lamp playfully balancing atop its ball.Later this summer, an all-new water play area inspired by Nemo and his friends will open, where Crush the sea turtle goes with the flow atop a 186-foot-long waterslide and Hank can be seen hanging out at the pop-jet splash pad.Later in the year, a family play court will be added to the pool deck with activities inspired by Pixar’s short films. Interactive games and imaginative free play celebrate favorite friends from “La Luna,” “Bao,” “For the

As predicted, it's the end of the line for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the ill-fated Disney immersive experience. The three reasons why this failed, plus magical Steamboat Willie at the new Disneyland Hotel DVC tower and a tempting new menu for Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios.As Predicted, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser is DoneIt was doomed to fail before it ever sailed, which we discussed at length most recently in Episodes 163 and 168We now know the final voyage for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will take place Sept. 28-30, 2023.While Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was one of our most creative projects Disney has ever implemented at Walt Disney World, there were a number of epic fails that have led to its demise.· Bad marketing that pandered to "influencers" and turned off their upscale target guest demographic· An immersive experience that wasn't truly immersive, a ban on mobile devices should have been number one· Guest accommodations that were not of the stature they should have been. This could have been remedied while staying on theme.Disney is currently contacting guests who had booked voyages to sort out how they will manage this in the time remainingAll is not lost, however. We shared several ideas for what we believe are workable solutions for this space. So we will see how things evolve over the coming months.-- Steamboat Willie at the Upcoming Villas at Disneyland HotelClassic Disney animation is at the heart of the theming for the upcoming Disney Vacation Club property at Disneyland Hotel (opening in September).As part of this, the new Palette Pool, Palm Breeze Bar, and themed splash pad will incorporate elements from Steamboat Willie.A large model of the Steamboat Willie boat will be captained by Mickey Mouse as it comes to life with fun water play features. From the boat’s cascading waterfall, misty fog effects rising from the boat’s funnels and the variety of pop jets and fountains, it promises to be an instant classic for your little ones.Thanks to a little Disney magic, after dark the Steamboat Willie splash pad will transform from black and white to vivid colors with the help of some artistic lighting.For us older kids, the artist-palette-shaped pool anchored by rainbow glow of multi-colored lounge areas will be a place to relax and unwind.Drinks and snacks will be available at the Palm Breeze Bar. This outdoor venue will feature modern decor inspired by the imaginative artistry of Disney Legend, Mary Blair (who also worked on it’s a small world and the murals in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Hotel).-- New Seasonal Menu at The Hollywood Brown DerbyHollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently launched a new seasonal menu. Will this help to elevate this Signature Dining to a level that it has never really reached?New starters include the Crab Louie, which features crispy olive bread, citrus blend, fried capers and Louie sauce. There's also Shrimp Cocktail topped with shaved fennel cucumbers and a traditional cocktail sauce.For cheese lovers, the Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad combines shaved onions, Thai basil, gremolata, and a delicious citrus vinaigrette, while the Charcuterie Board features the Chef’s selection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.An Escargot app is accompanied by roasted garlic béchamel and crispy prosciutto and the Roasted Bone Marrow is composed of braised beef, pickled mustard seeds and a fig bread crostini. The entrée menu includes a classic Filet Mignon with glazed carrots, potato pave, horseradish cream and a peppercorn sauce. The Lamb Shank comes with summer vegetables, harissa vinaigrette, and nasturtium chermoula. The new Free-Range Chicken and Dumplings dish features a lemon-ricotta Gnudi, shishito cream, and a gooseberry jus. If pork is your thing, the recently added Grilled Pork comes with a lavender-sage polenta and local corn salsa, complete with a huckleberry barbecue sauce. On the seafood side, the Sustainable Fish dish has a white bean ragout, derby summer vegetables, and roasted tomato emulsion. The Seafood Cioppino brings together shrimp, sea scallops, seasonal fish, mussels, a toasted baguette and aromatic tomato broth. Finally, there's even a classic comfort dish in the Shepherd’s Pie. This combines roasted garlic mashed potatoes, mushrooms, peas, corn, and carrot Romesco and it's plant-based.Disney notes that the Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake are both still on the menu.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the p

A new restaurant is opening at EPCOT, plus we share the top 10 Walt Disney World table service restaurants for Summer 2023 and a look at who's playing at this year's Eat to the Beat music festival at EPCOT.New Restaurant Coming to the Japan Pavilion at EPCOTShiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will be a table-service restaurant offering a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style. It replaces Tokyo Dining and will be located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion.The theme here is to experience Japan's seasonal festivals, so each month will bring a new celebration to the table. From hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September, a cultural representative from Japan will guide guests through each unique festival experience, one bite at a time. The atmosphere also embraces the festivals of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders that Japan offers as well. Each and every visit is designed to create unforgettable memories that capture the spirit of Japan's vibrant seasonal festivities.In addition to a full menu of sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill. Sushi lovers will see sushi being made by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar. The menu is designed to appeal to both sushi newbies and sushi aficionados. Don't like sushi? Don't worry as the grill will also be serving up specialties commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.Welcome to EPCOT, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. We hope everyone is as excited as we are for this new location to open its doors this summer!-- Top 10 Picks for Walt Disney World Dining Summer 2023 Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (EPCOT)This brand-new dining experience is a must-try. Takumi Tei (EPCOT)If you want a fine dining experience, Takumi Tei is a top pick and a great AC relief sheltered from the buzz of the outside world. Narcoossee's (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)Newly reopened, Narcoossee's aims to reclaim its former glory. You make the call. The Boathouse (Disney Springs)A staple for any Disney World vacation, The Boathouse shines during the summer months and you have your choice of indoors or outdoors. Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)Summertime in the Kingdom; what's not to love? If you want a character experience with great food options, this one is hard to beat. Le Cellier (EPCOT)Looking to beat the summer heat? Le Cellier is a perennial classic and a great spot to enjoy an upscale meal. Topolino's Terrace (Disney's Riviera Resort)Whether it's the character breakfast or the fine dinner experience, this is a great summer dining location. California Grill (Disney's Contemporary Resort)Not only is the food excellent here, but the view from the top of the Contemporary is an added bonus--even when a summer storm is rolling in. Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (EPCOT)For a little Italian-style pizza in a courtyard setting, Via Napoli makes a great summertime stop.Grand Floridian Cafe (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)Casual table service dining in an upscale environment, with something for everyone. The perfect pick for summer casual elegance. --2023 Eat to the Beat Concert Series at EPCOTThe Eat to the Beat Concert Series kicks-off on July 27. Here is a first look at the lineup coming to the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT!In addition to the headline acts, local bands will take the stage Tuesday through Thursday. Visit TasteEPCOT.com for more information.July28-29 – Orianthi (NEW)July 30-31 - For King & Country (NEW)August4-5 – Southern Avenue6-7 - Tiffany11-12 – Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart13-14 – The Bacon Brothers (NEW)18-21 – Joey Fatone & Friends25-26 – Ayron Jones (NEW)27-28 – Phillip Phillips (NEW)September1-2 – Baha Men3-4 – MercyMe8-9 – Ray Parker Jr.10-11 - Tobymac15 – Celebrity Latin Talent16 – Celebrity Latin Talent17-18 – Raul Acosta and Oro Solido (NEW)22-23 – Los Amigos Invisibles24-25 - 98°October29 – October 2 – Boyz II Men6-7 – Mark Wills8-9 – Sugar Ray13-14 - Hoobastank15-16 – Air Supply20-21 – Taylor Dayne22-23 – Billy Ocean27-30 - HansonNovember3-4 – We The Kings (NEW)5-6 – Sheila E.10-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy12-13 – 38 SpecialBeginning July 6, you can secure your spot for these performances with an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. Visit TasteEPCOT.com. --Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep th

Disney just announced major changes for Park Pass, Genie+, Lightning Lane, Disney Dining Plan and more for Walt Disney World 2024. We discuss who wins and who loses among Disney travelers at Walt Disney World in 2024 (and even some good news for right now). Plus, this week we cover what it all means for you, including Guardians of the Galaxy movie tie-ins, new Adventures by Disney options and more from Star Wars, Encanto, Soul and beyond.2024 is Going to Be a Good Year at Walt Disney World (for most travelers, but not all)You can start booking 2023 Disney World vacations on May 31, 2023 and there's a lot to look forward to next year. Here's a sneak peek at what to expect:No More Theme Park Reservations!As of January 9, 2024, if you have a date-based ticket, you won't need to make theme park reservations.Annual Passholders will Still Need Park Reservations...but not always.It gets more complicated for Disney World Annual Passholders. Disney plans to offer what they're calling "good-to-go" days with means AP holders won't need park reservations for select days. This will be in addition to the recent update that offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2:00 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. “Good-to-go” days may vary by park, and pass block out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today. Please stay tuned for more details on “good-to-go” days. This is a step in the right direction for local AP holders, but doesn't help you much at all if you are an out-of-state WDW AP holder who books weekly vacations multiple times a year. It looks like those of us in this boat will be stuck with Park Pass for the foreseeable future. The Disney Dining Plan is BackDisney dining plans will be coming back as an option for guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with Disney for stays starting January 9, 2024.Genie+ Bookings Will Be Bookable in AdvanceNo details yet, but Disney has announced they're working on allowing us to make Genie+ and Lightning Lane bookings in advance of the day of. It might now be 60 days out like FastPass, but any advance booking potential is a good thing in our view.Deluxe Resort Room Categories will Be SimplifiedTo make it easier to book Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Rooms, there will be a consistent three categories across all hotels: Resort View, Water View, Theme Park View. Not sure what will be the water view at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge...maybe only two categories there.--‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Coming to Disney ParksWith the release of GOTG Volume 3, there are a few limited-time experiences coming toa Disney parksDisney California Adventure Park For a limited time, Mantis is joining Star-Lord at Avengers Campus for “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” The celestial siblings will get their groove on in front of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, as they recruit those of you with the right skills to join their band of heroes.EPCOTConnections Café is offering Perfect Sovereign Waffle Bites topped with a red berry dipping sauce. You can also try a Guardians of the Galaxy Cookie at the Mission: SPACE Popcorn Cart, next to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.--Adventures by Disney is heading to Colombia for a little Encanto inspirationA New Adventure to Bogota, the Coffee Region, Cocora Valley and Cartagena Highlights of this eight-day, seven-night itinerary in 2024 include: Visiting the capital city of Bogota, with private guided tours of the Paloquemao Market and Historic City Center. Enjoying Colombian coffee and visiting a coffee farm in the Coffee Region to see the process for growing and harvesting coffee beans. The nearby town of Salento is part of the inspiration for the setting of “Encanto,” and the Cocora Valley features the tall, towering wax palms and butterflies depicted in the film. Experiencing a hands-on arepa-making class, a traditional Latin American dish showcased in “Encanto” by Mirabel's mother Julieta. Playing the country’s national sport of tejo, as seen in the movie. Exploring the city of Cartagena, which inspired the film’s colorful architecture and fabrics. Central to “Encanto” is the Afro-Caribbean influence, prominent in this city. Trekking the dry forest near Proyecto Titi, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the cotton-top tamarins, a project supported by the Disney Conservation Fund. It was Colombia’s rich biodiversity that inspired the magical ability of the “Encanto” character Antonio, who has the power to communicate with animals. Snorkeling among the Rosario Islands, a collection of 27 islands home to more than 1,300 species of marine animals, vibrantly colored fish and plants. Each travel party booked on the inaugural 2024 Adventures will receive a signed lithograph of never-before-released artwork from Walt Disney Animation Studios. For a complete itinerary and list

Disney100 is underway at Walt Disney World and there a ton of different ways to join in the celebrations. This story, plus Disney Cruise Line at 25 and we discuss whether Disney is overdoing it with the anniversary celebrations for just about everything.How to Celebrate Disney100 at Walt Disney World Resort But is Disney Becoming Oversaturated with Anniversary Celebrations?As the Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th birthday, they've created a few ways to mark the occasion at Walt Disney WorldSee Mickey and Minnie in their Platinum Best EPCOT is the center of the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World and things will ramp later this year during the Disney100 celebration when the park overhaul is completed. As part of this, Mickey and Minnie will be available for meet and greets in their platinum attire.Admire Special Spaceship Earth Lighting Spaceship Earth has some new lighting effects for Disney100.This will include visuals from the Disney Company history, including character icons, park imagery and the Disney100 logo, all appearing in the Spaceship Earth lighting. Watch for the Wonderful World of Disney TV show opening and the Mickey-shaped balloons sold on Main Street U.S.A.Disney100 Selfies Disney100 selfie backdrops will be in place in all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Surprise Character Visits at Disney Resort Hotels As the Disney100 celebration comes to life, watch for surprise visits from Disney characters at Walt Disney World hotels. They'll be wearing their special platinum outfits.Celebrate With New Food and Drinks As of May 1, Disney100 treats have starting appearing, including the Petite Cake for a limited time at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, all topped with a celebratory Disney100 Medallion macaron.“The inspiration of this cake pulls from the rich purple and platinum colors used for the Disney100 celebration,” Chef Amanda shared. “The drapery on the sides of the cake represents the traditional bunting that adorns Main Street, U.S.A. for special occasions. And of course, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the front of the cake because as we all know: ‘It all started with a mouse.’”This is the first on many Disney100 food items that will appear all over Walt Disney World.Find the Perfect Disney100 Souvenir Disney100 merchandise is already available at Walt Disney World and the Cinderella Premium Bucket is coming back, this time with a Disney100 makeover that will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom. Stay tuned for more on when this one will debut. --New Entertainment Coming to Disney's Hollywood StudiosAs of May 14, The Edna Mode Experience returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of a reimagined Pixar Place. Here you’ll find Edna, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. --Disney Cruise Line Creates Treats and Drinks for its 25th Anniversary Celebration2023 is the 25th anniversary of Disney Cruise Line and to celebrate the entire fleet has special treats and drinks inspired by the Silver Anniversary at Sea. These will be available from May through September.The 25th Disney Cruise Line Cupcake is a vanilla sponge cake topped with vanilla frosting, 25th chocolate décor and shimmering sprinkles. If you love chocolate and candy, the Mickey Chocolate Sphere features the 25th emblem and is filled with a variety of candy pieces. Crack it open and treat yourself.At both Cabana’s and Marceline’s Market locations, two of the desserts will be getting a Silver Anniversary at Sea upgrade. The 3 Layer Carrot Cake with lemon frosting will be adding 25th chocolate décor and the Disney Cruise Line Anniversary Chocolate Marquise will feature rich chocolate truffle crème topped with the 25th chocolate décor as well.At the concierge lounge, the Chocolate Cream Cookie has a dulce de leche filling inside a rich dark chocolate cookie and is decorated with the Silver Anniversary at Sea logo plus the signature shimmering sprinkles. Also in concierge, the Celebration Cupcake tops a red velvet sponge cake with vanilla frosting, shimmering sprinkles and 25th chocolate décor.Captain Minnie is joining the anniversary festivities with the Vanilla Crisped Rice Treat offered at all Cove Café locations. Last but certainly not least, signature desserts throughout the entire fleet will be enhanced with the addition of a special 25th chocolate piece to their already picturesque presentation. At Palo, the classic Chocolate Soufflé with double chocolate sauce, vanilla crème anglaise, and vanilla bean gelato will also have a chocolate 25th anniversary piece.Special bottles of Coca-Cola will be decked out in Disney Cruise Line Silver Anniversary at Sea décor. For the 21+ crown, the signature Jubilee by the Sea cocktail combines 818 Blanco Tequilla, Luxardo Marashino, and fresh lemon juice with a sparkly, silver dusting and a shimmering blue sugar rim. You'll also get a keepsake bookmark showing how to make this co

Disney is converting the Cabins at Fort Wilderness to Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas. What will this mean for DVC Members and Fort Wilderness guests? This story, plus the first look at the the 2023 edition of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (including some insider tips).Fort Wilderness Cabins being re-imagined and converted to DVC Resort OfferingIn an unexpected move, Walt Disney World Resort announced plans to refresh the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and convert them into DVC properties.The proposed plans call for more than 350 new cabins across all 750 acres to replace the existing cabins. The new cabins would use the existing footprint and take advantage of energy-efficient features.There is a lot to unpack in this story. We discuss many questions, including how will Disney manage having a Moderate property as a Deluxe Villa? Will additional amenities be added to keep in line with DVC standards? Will the cabins located close to the Settlement Trading Post remain, or will they be removed and only the cabin neighborhoods be converted? This and more in this episode of the show.Design concepts shared by Disney show what Disney calls "a fresh take on the current cabin experience ... while also paying homage to the resort’s unique culture and heritage through the magic of Disney storytelling." The design has received mixed reviews. The one-bedroom cabins sleep up to six adults, and feature a bathroom, living room, full kitchen and private patio. A select number of cabins are also expected to be dog-friendly. In our view, the design concepts shared by Disney do not fill well in Fort Wilderness. They look more like sheds than cabins and are far too modern for the theming of this property.As with all Disney Vacation Club resorts, the cabins would continue to be open for reservations to all guests, based on availability.The planned cabins are part of a collection of improvement projects underway at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that are designed to enhance the guest experience. Examples include proposed pool and walking trail enhancements as well as new expanded dining experiences at Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern, with more exciting news to come.The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort is projected to open in 2024 and would be the 17th Disney Vacation Club resort. As always, more details will follow and we will share them here at that time. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World from August 11 to November 1Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park on August 11 -- one of its earliest kick-offs yet. MNSSHP features Halloween entertainment, Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more. This is a limited capacity, ticketed nighttime event that starts at 7 p.m. and allows guests to experience potentially shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and drinks and more. When Do Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets Go on Sale?If you have a reservation booked at one of the select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, or Shades of Green, you can buy tickets starting April 27, 2023. Tickets for everyone else will go on sale on May 2. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates are:August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31November: 1Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Ticket Prices and DiscountsTickets for MNSSHP range in price from $109.00 to $199.00 for adults and from $99.00 to $189.00 for kids aged 3-9, depending on the night. It is generally more expensive closer to Halloween. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members and Annual Passholders will get a $10.00 per ticket discount on select nights.Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is an event highlight where Disney villains stride down Main Street, U.S.A. (alongside Disney heroes) and other Disney characters. Disney has hinted at some new faces this year.The Nighttime Fireworks Show is Disney’s Not-So-Spooky SpectacularJack Skellington hosts Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, which features projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and Disney characters.Trick-or-Treat for Bags of Candy and SweetsTrick-or-treat locations are located throughout Magic Kingdom Park and you can load up on name brand candy and chocolate. Disney supplies the bag (but you may want a bigger one if you plan to go all out). The Sanderson Sisters are BackThe Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus are back for an adventure to summon the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion during the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show at Cinderella Castle.During the party, you will have the opportunity to experience attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and TRON Lightcycle / Ru

New photo session options with Capture Your Moment in Magic Kingdom Park; is it worth it? Plus, the first news about the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival; an update coming for Star Tours; Rogers the Musical is happening; and an update on Tiana's Bayou Adventure.EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Kicks off on July 27The 2023 edition will run from July 27 through November 18. Depending on when you attend, the festival will be different. 25 Global Marketplaces will include returning favorites, plus several new additions that will change as the festival turns from summer to fall.Highlights of the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival include:Emile’s Fromage Montage: Try any five cheese dishes listed in the Festival Passport, collect the stamps and then head to Shimmering Sips to get a free sweet treat unique to the festival.Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: a Ratatouille-inspired adventure where you search for Remy throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces.And just in time for Halloween: take part in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a special pumpkin scavenger hunt running from September 29 through October 31.Eat to the Beat Concerts will be back and we will share line-up details once they're released. Check for more festival news any time at TasteEPCOT.com. --NEW Capture Your Moment Photo Sessions Coming to Magic KingdomCapture Your Moment is a Disney PhotoPass product that offers a 20-minute personalized photo session with a Disney PhotoPass photographer in any Disney World Park you choose. Magic Kingdom photo session locations have included Main Street, U.S.A. and around Cinderella Castle. Now they've added a new Capture Your Moment experience in Fantasyland, starting on May 1.New locations include the back of Cinderella Castle, Prince Charming Regal Carousel, Rapunzel’s tower, Prince Eric’s castle, Storybook Circus, Belle and Maurice’s cottage, outside of Beast’s castle, around Mad Tea Party and more. Entrance to the rides or attractions in any of these locations is not part of the photo service. You are guaranteed one photo location per session, but if you act quickly, it is possible to visit a few locations to take photos within your time slot. Check-in for this experience is at Sir Mickey’s (just behind Cinderella Castle) where a photographer will help you choose a photo prop and the location(s) you want to use. Disney also noted you may even be able to visit a location beyond Fantasyland to capture photos, such as the Haunted Mansion or other spots in Liberty Square. Ask your photographer about available options and how long they'd have to capture photos at these locations.Each Capture Your Moment session is $99.00 and can include a maximum of eight guests. Photos are not included in the price of a session. If you have a Disney PhotoPass entitlement such as Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day, as well as qualifying Annual Passholders with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit, can download the photos taken during Capture Your Moment at no extra cost. You can also opt to purchase photos individually.Bookings for Capture Your Moment in Fantasyland will open on April 24, with sessions offered daily starting May 1. Bookings can be made up to 60 days in advance, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. A limited number of same-day reservations may be available; so check the My Disney Experience app for availability.If you want to do Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique before a Capture Your Moment session in Fantasyland, Disney recommends booking a photo session to begin at least two hours after the start of the boutique time.--‘Rogers: The Musical’ to Premiere June 30 for a Limited Time at Disney California Adventure ParkIn the first episode of “Hawkeye,” viewers saw a Broadway musical featuring the life of Steve Rogers, Captain America. Disney has now officially announced that a real-life one-act musical theater production of “Rogers: The Musical” will hit the stage at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park for a limited-time engagement, starting June 30, 2023. The production features a cast of singers and dancers telling the story of Steve Rogers joined by Peggy Carter, Nick Fury and select members of the Avengers. The musical will take us on a journey from Steve’s humble beginnings during World War II to becoming Captain America, leading the Avengers and beyond. Music will include “Save the City,” from the Disney+ series “Hawkeye”; “Star Spangled Man” from the film “Captain America: The First Avenger”; plus, five new original songs written just for “Rogers: The Musical” at the Disneyland Resort.“Rogers: The Musical” is a 30 minute show that will take place from Tuesday through Saturday most weeks. More details as the date draws closer.--Mama Odie to Make a Big Appearance in Tiana’s Bayou AdventureNew ride renderings released by Disney show Mama Odie joking with guests along the journey after a special display of her magic. The two-hundred-year-old Bayou Fairy Godmother,

The complete guide to Walt Disney World Annual Passes, including real-life costs and break-even points so you can decider whether it's worth it to buy a Disney World Annual Pass. This story plus DisneyBand+ versus MagicBand+ and what's the difference?The Walt Disney World Annual Pass Episode Everything you Want to Know About Annual Passes Before AP Sales Return to Walt Disney WorldNew sales of the Disney Incredi-Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass and Disney Pirate Pass start on April 20. Quantities will be limited and passes may become unavailable at any time.Eligible DVC Members will have the opportunity to purchase the DVC Disney Sorcerer Pass starting April 13 as part of DVC Membership Magic benefits.Passholder benefits: Passholders get access to select Disney PhotoPass benefits (age restrictions apply) and (as of April 18) can visit the parks after 2:00 p.m. without needing a park reservation -- except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates continue to apply for certain passes.This is the first time Walt Disney World annual passes will be available for general purchase since sales of all but the Florida residents pass were suspended in November 2021.Prices for the Walt Disney World Annual Passes are:Incredi-Pass: $1,399Sorcerer Pass: $969Pirate Pass: $749Pixie Dust Pass: $399Add ons: $99 for unlimited PhotoPass downloads; $99 for Water Parks and Sports optionAll passes include free standard theme park parking and discounts on select dining and merchandise.Disney Pixie Dust Pass ($399)- Florida Residents Only - Use it on "most" weekdays, subject to blockout dates, including peak and holiday periods. - You can have a max of three park reservations at a time (unless you have a Disney hotel reservation, then it's length of stay). Disney Pirate Pass ($749)- Florida Residents Only- Use it on "most" days, subject to blockout dates, including peak and holiday periods. - Max of four park reservations at a time (with a Disney hotel reservation, it's for length of stay). Disney Sorcerer Pass ($969)- Florida Residents and eligible DVC Members- Use it on "most" days, subject to blockout dates on select days during select holiday periods - Max of five park reservations at a time (with a Disney hotel reservation, it's for length of stay). Disney Incredi-Pass ($1399)- Open to all guests- No blockout dates- Max of five park reservations at a time (with a Disney hotel reservation, it's for length of stay). Is a Walt Disney World Annual Pass Worth it? Let's Do the MathUsing our real-life example from Spring 2023, the cost of Disney Parks Tickets (Park Hopper Plus) ages 10+ and valid any 8 days was $800.66. Looking at the costs above, that means that if you generally travel to Walt Disney World for approximately 10 days in a year (or more), then the Disney Sorcerer Pass is worth it (if you qualify). If you generally travel to Walt Disney World for approximately 14 days in a year (or more), then the Disney Incredi-Pass is worth it.-- DisneyBand+ Wearable Technology is coming to Disney Cruise Line: Is this Just a DCL-branded MagicBand+?DisneyBand+ is coming to Disney Cruise Line, starting with a preview on select Disney Wish sailings before it officially debuts.With DisneyBand+, you will be able to take advantage of hands-free conveniences for the first time on a Disney cruise. With three Disney Cruise Line-exclusive designs to choose from, DisneyBand+ is a new accessory for a Disney cruise vacation.What Does DisneyBand+ Do?DisneyBand+ will allow you to unlock your stateroom door and charge to your payment card on your stateroom folio. Children aged 3 and up can use their bands (instead of the Oceaneer Club Band) to access kids’ clubs while onboard the ship and at Scuttle’s Cove, Castaway Cay. Onboard photographers around the ship will tap your DisneyBand+ to link photos to your stateroom, making it easier to view and purchase photos during their cruise.DisneyBand+ will also allow you to uncover surprises throughout the cruise, so watch for extra moments of magic. The big question is, isn't this just a MagicBand+ with Disney Cruise Line designs? While we don't know for certain, the answer appears to be yet. In the FAQ, DIsney states: "Your Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort MagicBand+ can be used as a DisneyBand+ during select Disney Cruise Line sailings." Plus, Disney also notes that you can use a DisneyBand+ for Walt Disney World and Disneyland hotels and theme parks.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on

Is Disneyland Paris following Walt Disney World's lead with annual passes? Plus, Disney Cruise Line sets up port in Singapore and Disney World tells you why you should visit this summer. Disneyland Paris is Pausing Annual Pass Sales In a familiar trend at other resorts, Disneyland Paris is now the latest to apparently pause the sale of annual passes. Stories are circulating that an entirely new annual pass sales offering may be coming. At Walt Disney World, Disney continues to defy the odds with no new sales of annual passes. Meanwhile, Annual Pass park entry lanes sit empty; leading us to believe that they are nowhere annual pass sales capacity, but instead are purposely not selling annual passes because guests (like us) continue to pay full rack rate for park admission. Will annual pass sales ever resume at Walt Disney World or is something else coming our way?--Disney Cruise Line to New Cruise Ship to Southeast AsiaDisney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board have agreed to collaborate to have a brand-new Disney cruise ship exclusively port in Singapore for at least five years, starting in 2025. More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.The new ship will feature "innovative Disney experiences" along with the Disney Cruise style of entertainment, dining and more.--Disney has Released its Three Reasons to Be Excited for Walt Disney World this Summer (but these may not be the best reasons)1. Special Discounted Resort Pricing: Limited OfferWalt Disney World is offering summer travel deals with savings up to 25% on stays at select Disney Resort hotels. 2. Exclusive Early Morning Entry and Late Night HoursOne of the best benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is the option to take advantage of 30-minute early entry into the theme parks every day. Guests of Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Deluxe Villas can also enjoy extended evening hours, in select parks, on select nights. 3. Complimentary Overnight Self-Parking at Disney HotelsDisney World recently brought back complimentary overnight self-parking for guests of Disney Resorts hotels. Disney Resort hotel guests also get complimentary standard parking at Walt Disney World theme parks. --Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Disney has a new tour for Disney100, so what do you get and is it worth it? This plus our top picks from what's new in the Easter Foodie Guide 2023 for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.To Celebrate Disney100 at Disneyland Resort, Disney is doing What they Should have Done for Disney World 50Disneyland has launched a new guided tour called “Celebrating Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort” The new guided tour will give you a unique opportunity to meet a Disney animator at Animation Academy and explore Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park as a living story of the past 100 years of Disney magic. Here is what the Celebrating Disney100 tour includes:A guided walk through both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park with an official Disneyland tour guideTours of Buena Vista Street, Animation Academy, Main Street Opera House, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty CastleA unique drawing experience at Animation Academy that features special characters for Disney100A complimentary digital download of your snapshot in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle adorned with dazzling Disney100 celebratory decorationsA Disney100 Celebration treatReserved viewing for the "Magic Happens" Parade, on the day of the tourA specially designed Disney100 commemorative pin-- Walt Disney World Easter Foodie GuideWalt 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 April 1 through 30; mobile order available) Thumper Carrot Cake: Carrot cake with cream cheese icing (New) >Top PickDisney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Mara (Available April 1 through 9; mobile order available) Carrot Cake Cheesecake Tart: Carrot cake, pineapple, and vanilla cheesecake (New) >Top PickDisney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available April 1 through 30; mobile order available) Coconut Sugar Bunny Cupcake: Carrot cake with pineapple filling topped with cream cheese buttercream and coconut sugarDisney’s Beach Club Resort Beach Club Marketplace (Available March 20 through April 9; mobile order available) Carrot Garden Fudge: Chocolate fudge with a vanilla carrot decorated cookie (New)Orange-Vanilla Bunny Tart: Orange vanilla mousse with a chocolate filled vanilla tart and orange marmalade (New) Easter Chocolate Donald Egg and Easter Chocolate Daisy Egg: Chocolate Easter eggs decorated to look like Donald Duck and Daisy Duck (New)Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available April 1 through 30) Carrot Cake Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake with toasted marshmallow, pineapple, and shortcake topped with a specialty carrot cake (New) >Top PickDisney’s BoardWalk BoardWalk Deli and Carousel Coffee (Available April 1 through 9; mobile order available at BoardWalk Deli only) Coconut Macaroon Nest: Coconut macaroon and chocolate eggsChocolate-covered Strawberry ‘Carrots’Italian Easter Sweet Bread: Citrus-scented dough, almond cream, and filled chocolate egg (New) >Top PickDisney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available April 1 through 30; mobile order available) Spring Treat Box: Carrot cake with cream cheese icing, mini brownie, lemon shortbread cookies, and a chocolate-dipped strawberry (New) Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Café (Available through April 9; mobile order available) Spring Bunny Tart: Honey pastry cream topped with lemon curd and strawberry Chantilly cream (New) Spring Coconut Macaroons: Coconut macaroon, dulce de leche macaroon, and chocolate macaroon decorated to look like a bunny tail (New) Peanut Butter Eggs: Peanut butter milk chocolate crunch egg coated in chocolate (New) Hummingbird Cake: Cake with pineapple, banana, and pecans drizzled with caramel icing (New) Five-legged Goat Cookie: Citrus-scented gluten free sugar cookie with an edible image of the Five-legged Goat (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)Steakhouse 71 (Available April 9 only) Brunch: Gather family and friends to enjoy delicious dishes from this special menu including: Floridian Eggs Benedict: Two poached eggs and a crab cake with hollandaise atop toasted English muffins served with breakfast potatoesBacon & Eggs: Maple-lacquered pork belly, smoked cheese grits, and a perfect eggExclusive to Brunch: Hummingbird Bread Pudding featuring pineapple, banana, coconut bread pudding with candied pecans, salted caramel, and cream cheese ice creamDisney’s Coronado Springs Resort Barcelona Lounge Bunny Ear Cupcake: Yellow cupcake flavored with pineapple juice and a pineapple filling topped with buttercream (New) (Available April 1 through 9) Bird of Paradise Refresher: Strawberry, lemonade, passionfruit juice, and passionfruit boba (Available April 1 through May 31)Three Bridges Bar and Grill (Available April 1 through May 31)Botanical Blossom Sangria: Macabeo Wine, K

In our latest Walt Disney World Trip Report for Spring 2023, we ran several real-life Disney travel tests and you may be surprised by what we found. We share our findings on when is Disney Genie+ worth buying and when should you NOT buy it? Is Disney After Hours worth the extra cost? How is mobile food ordering working against guests and are the posted ride wait times at Walt Disney World accurate?Walt Disney World Trip Report Spring 2023 This week we tested a few key things that every Disney World traveler wants to know and we are here to offer our best tips and advice for what works and what doesn't onsite at Walt Disney World. We share our first-hand experience after testing out several options head to head. When to Pay for Genie + and When NOT to Pay for Genie + Do not purchase Genie+ during busy park periods. The tried and true method that's worked for 50 years is still the best strategy today. Why Free Late Night Extra Magic Hours are Better than Paying for Disney After Hours Lower crowds, faster moving around the parks. Far better value. How Mobile Order is Ruining the Guest Experience at Walt Disney World Disney may say that mobile ordering for food is there to enhance the guest experience, the reality in the parks is the exact opposite. If you're not mobile ordering, get to the quick service counter by 11:30 a.m. Wait Times are Lower than Posted On some days the times were half of what was posted.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

It's becoming more apparent that Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser is in trouble. Voyages have been scaled back and the financial media are calling it Disney's first Star Wars blunder. We discuss ways Disney could reimagine Galactic Starcruiser to turn it profitable and make it more accessible to guests. This story plus news about the new Disneyland Hotel DVC villas.Recent Changes to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Signal this Experience is Not SustainableNew dates for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages are now on sale for dates from October through December 2023. So will anything change with how the experience is run? The modified schedule has been reduced to only two voyages per week. Holiday weeks may have three voyages. Disney noted that they have been "learning a lot during our first year of operation and have adjusted voyage dates to meet the needs of our guests." But the fact is that something is wrong with this model and it is likely not financially sustainable unless something changes.It remains to be seen what will happen with this experience in the long-term as the only certainty is that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is not working out as Disney had planned or hoped. Should Disney reimagine this into a dinner theater with no overnight component, or convert the entire Starcruiser into a restaurant/dining experience? We discuss the options in this week's episode of the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923 Main Street. One thing is for sure, Disney is keenly aware that they cannot sustain this experience in its current form and demand for only two sailings per week is not likely profitable, nor what Disney had in mind. The financial media have taken notice and this will not bode well for the company unless some significant changes are made.--The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will open on September 28, 2023 The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will have 344 themed rooms, including duo studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas and grand villas. Each includes modern just-like-home amenities with Disney magic sprinkled throughout. Room themes include The Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty, The Princess and the Frog, Fantasia and more.Booking dates to keep in mind:Wednesday, March 15 - Disney Vacation Club Members can make reservations by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800Thursday, March 16 – Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders can start making reservations by contacting (714) 956-6425Friday, March 17 - Reservations open to everyone online or by contacting (714) 956-6425--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

We just learned a little more about what's coming with the reopening of Mickey's Toontown (and if you love Disney Parks collectibles, this one's for you). This story, plus freebies you'll love at Disney Aulani in Hawaii and how (and where) to celebrate the Oscars at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.Mickey’s Toontown has More to Offer than You May ThinkMickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Resort is set to reopen on March 19, 2023 and there are a few extra surprises that may just steal the show.This week we share a first look at the huge array of tempting snacks and drinks to discover (plus a special new Disney collectible). There are two new food locations: Café Daisy and Good Boy! Grocers. Café Daisy is a brand new eatery where Daisy Duck will be showing off her expert culinary skills with the help of our talented Disney culinary teams. Daisy’s Dressed-up Dog is an all-beef foot-long hot dog, with chili-cheese sauce, mac & cheese, and Parmesan potato crispies with house-made chips. Want a simpler hot dog, The Daisy Dog is an all-beef foot-long hot dog with house-made chips and you get the option of adding chili-cheese sauce. The Cheesy Pizza Flop-Over features mozzarella and provolone with tomato sauce while the Pepperoni Pizza Flop-Over has pepperoni, mozzarella, and provolone with tomato sauce. The Spring Garden Wrap is plant-based and combines romaine and quinoa in a wrap with a creamy lemon dressing and toasted pumpkin seeds served with house-made chips. Your little ones can enjoy the Cheese Please! Pizza (cheese and tomato sauce) or the Pepperoni Please! Pizza (pepperoni, cheese, and tomato sauce). There are also bite-size Minnie’s Mini Corn Dogs and a Mini Mac and Cheesy. Toontown ‘Tater Chips are house-made chips with chili-cheese sauce to add on to any meal. For dessert, Daisy’s Goody-Goody Donuts with cinnamon sugar are an option for a sweet finish to your meal.Let's not forget the new drinks! The Picnic Time Watermelon Lemonade is a refreshing choice with Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade, watermelon premium syrup, and watermelon gummies. If you like coffee, the Specialty Cold Brrr-ew is made with Joffrey's Caramel Mudslide Cold Brew plus sea salt and whipped topping.Over at the Toontown Farmers Market there's Good Boy! Grocers. This is a roadside stand with grab-and-go drinks and treats. You'll find pickles, Mini Babybel snack cheese, Coke drinks, water bottles, Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water, gluten allergy-friendly cookies, fruit bars, and whole fruit.The star of the show here is the Perfect Picnic Basket novelty item. After you pick up your basket, you choose three snack-sized items such as Cuties Mandarin Orange, yogurt smoothie, applesauce, granola bar, gluten allergy-friendly fig bar and more. You also pick between a small DASANI water or Minute Maid Juice Box. And if you want the full experiences, get the Perfect Picnic Blanket to go with their basket.---‘Ohana Summer Fun at Disney’s Aulani Resort in HawaiiSummer holidays aren't that far away so if you are planning a Hawaiian vacation including Disney's Aulani Resort, Disney released a summer holiday resort overview.Here's a look at some of what Aulani offers so you can start planning now.A guided Māka‘ika‘i (tour or sightsee) is a great way to explore Aulani and get lots inside info on the resort. There are several different free tour options:Māka‘ika‘i, the Nature and Wildlife of Aulani Resort: This tour takes you on a walking tour of Aulani with an in-depth look at the perfectly curated balance of manmade structures and natural surroundings. An entertaining guide will also highlight the broad canopy of the Waikolohe Valley, the lush space full of “mischievous waters” between the two towers, and the other beautiful natural spaces that call Aulani home.Māka‘ika‘i, The Art of Aulani Resort: When designing Aulani, Disney Imagineers reached out to local artists to help tell the stories of Hawai‘i throughout the resort. This tour how island inspiration helped bring the resort to life. Along the way, a guide will showcase unique interior design aspects, dramatic storytelling murals and one of the largest collections of contemporary Hawaiian artwork on the islands.The Daily ‘Iwa (aka Aulani’s daily activities schedule) will show available tour times and much more.Forget Hidden Mickeys...Aulani has something much more HawaiianThe Menehune are mischievous, shy and maybe even a little magical beings of Hawai‘i. They are known for their skilled craftsmanship, evidence of which may be found by curious guests throughout Aulani. The small Hidden Menehune are uniquely Aulani.Want to explore furhter? The Menehune Adventure Trail will take you on a high-tech, interactive scavenger hunt for fun surprises. Armed with a special Aulani tablet, you will solve riddles, discover hidden wonders and learn about Hawaiian history and culture along the way. Best of all this is a free adventure and great for kids and adults alike. Learn the ‘ukuleleMusic is a

The closings and openings coming up at Walt Disney World, including one that will upset a lot of guests. This plus EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival top food picks, more Disney After Hours events, new DVC villas and more Disney travel news.Openings and Closings at Walt Disney World Trail's End is Closing at Fort WildernessIt looks like Trail's End has Reached the End of the Trail. For anyone who loved the buffet-style all-you-care-to-enjoy dining experience at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground, you won't have that unlimited dessert bar anymore.Trail's End will be closing in April and converted into a quick service marketplace. No more table service at Trail's End Fort Wilderness.Disney's BoardWalk Inn Club Level Concierge Lounge is ClosingThe Concierge Lounge at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is closing for refurbishment on March 11 until at least the end of April. How this might affect you even if you hadn't booked Club Level there.Narcoossee’s is Reopening at Disney's Grand Floridian on April 1After a seven-month closure, Narcoossee's is reopening with a new design concept of land and sea. Will the new enhancements mean for a better dining experience? We're hoping it will, but the signs are not all positive that Disney has addressed past issues at Narcoossee's. As far as the menu is concerned, it's not entirely new--which is disappointing, as the menu was a big issue.The Bisque is back, but with a new tableside presentation. There are also two new starters: the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni (with brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultanta raisins) and the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. For the main course, Chef Noah’s signature dish is the Blackened Redfish. This is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille. Plant-based dishes include a Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Land-based fare includes a new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potatoes and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.Chefs have kept Narcoossee’s staples like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail.The dessert course kept their trademark Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream. New dessert items include The Berry Pavlova -- artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. And the Pineapple Bavarois (roasted-pineapple house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream). The wine list has been refreshed with pairings for each dish and the bar team has anew cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. Disney is touting a signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime. There are non-alcoholic cocktails as well.--San Fransokyo Square appears at Disney California Adventure Park in Summer 2023Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park is transforming into San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6. It's a fictional mash-up of San Francisco and Tokyo. The story goes that ss the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times, entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and local shops. An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tide pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. When the transformation is completed this summer, you'll find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, plus many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería draws inspiration from its tri-cultural influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.--A New Theme Park and New Dates Added for Disney After Hours EventsEPCOT has been added to Disney After Hours starting on June 1 and the price does include ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages available at carts throughout the park.When Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park reopens this spring, H2O Glow After Hours will be back as of May 20.Disney’s Hollywood Studios is adding more dates for Disney After Hours as well, starting May 3.Tickets are now on sale and the usual discounts for DVC members and annual passholders will apply.---The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Reveal First Look at Guest RoomsThe 12-story Villas at Disneyland® Hotel tower will open this September and Disney released a first look at the room themes.You'll find room themes including The Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty and The Princess and the Frog. The one- and two-bedroom villas feature Fantasia an

From where to find several secret photo opportunities based on Disney's Tangled, to exciting new Disney Weddings and ticketed event additions coming to Disneyland Resort this year, there's a lot to celebrate in this week's Disney travel news.Where to Find the Best Tangled Photo Opportunities at Walt Disney WorldThis week, Disney went about untangling the Tangled PhotoPass opportunities at Walt Disney World. Disney PhotoPass has lots of Tangled-themed photo ops and you may not know them all. So here's where to find them.Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney SpringsGet photos in front of Tangled virtual backdrops. The trick is to let the photographer know that you want the Tangled photos and they'll set it up. Special bonus here: there’s a frying pan prop you can use in your photos to channel your inner Rapunzel. Disney's Animal Kingdom ParkGet Tangled at Animal Kingdom by finding the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed at the bridge leading from the entrance of the park into Discovery Island. There's a Pascal Magic Shot to be had here, so be sure to check with the photographer to get the Tangled magic. Magic Kingdom Park And of course, in Corona inside the Magic Kingdom, the always-alluring lantern prop photo is a classic. This one is located near Rapunzel's tower in the restroom courtyard. It's very popular and a line is pretty much standard fare. -- Cinderella's Carriage is Finally Coming to Disneyland It's hard to believe it took this long but Disneyland Resort is finally launching a Cinderella Horse-Drawn Carriage to offer unique Disney celebrations for couples. Word is that the carriage will launch later this year as part of 100 Years of Wonder. The new Coach will be available for both Theme Park and Resort Hotel ceremonies. Walt Disney World guests have had this option for many years and now Disneyland guests will as well. --Disneyland After Dark Brings Two More Themed “Nites” To Disneyland Resort This SpringDisneyland After Dark is adding two more themed nights: Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite and Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. These nights typically have a three-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and then the private party runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite April 18 & 20, 2023, at Disneyland ParkGrab your flashback fashions for Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite. inspired by the ‘50s and ‘60s, you can relive Disney’s classic past with music and entertainment that pay tribute to the first decade of Disneyland park. Mickey Mouse and his friends will be in retro outfits, along with visits from nostalgic characters. Highlights include:Fantasy in the Sky, a nighttime spectacular, will give a nod to the same-named fireworks display that first lit up the night at Disneyland park in 1957.Retro dance parties around Disneyland park with bands and deejays playing tunes from the era.Treats inspired by the park’s early days, made once again just for this event.Vintage photo backdrops of attractions and posters from yesteryear like Skyway and Autopia, and from old-school Disney films shots by Disney PhotoPass photographers.Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite May 2, 4, 8 & 11, 2023, at Disneyland ParkHighlights include:Watch “Star Wars: Celebrate the Nite” with fireworks illuminating the skies above Disneyland park and big pyrotechnics set to the Star Wars musicCaptain Phasma and her Stormtroopers in the March of the First Order in Tomorrowland.Tuskan Raiders and Jawas will be out and about looking for trouble.Lightsaber Instructional demonstrations, where you can learn to handle a lightsaber through a series of elite moves.Photo backdrops featuring some of the galaxy’s favorite heroes and villains, captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers.Themed snacks, such as intergalactic churros and other out-of-this-world sweets.Check Disneyland.com for ticket info and availability.--Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’ at Disney California Adventure Park You May Find Kang the Conqueror at Disney California Adventure ParkFor a limited time, Kang the Conqueror is moving stealthily throughout the Avengers campus, engaging recruits and looking information. A Drink Vessel Fit for the Quantum RealmThe new “Ooze Cauldron” inspired by a pivotal scene in the new Ant-Man movie is available at Pym Test Kitchen. Act fast though, because it's likely to run out very quickly.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.S

Will Frontierland disappear forever at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom? New details about Tiana's upcoming attraction and restaurant hint at some big changes for the area currently known as Frontierland.This story, plus construction delays at Disneyland and construction inconveniences at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.Not So Fast! Mickey’s Toontown Pushes Back Opening Date at Disneyland ParkIf you were counting down the days until March 8 for the opening of the all-new Mickey's ToonTown at Disneyland, you'll have to count a little longer. According to Disney, the heavy winter rain storms affecting parts of California have impacted their construction timelines, setting them back. As a result Disney has pushed back reopening date of Mickey’s Toontown to March 19, 2023. This will most affect guests who have vacations planned between March 8 and March 19 and who may have been looking forward to visiting.--It's Going to be Harder to Get Those Steps at Disney Grand Floridian ResortAs we have reported in the past, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is in the midst of a fairly significant refurbishment project, which will see refreshed rooms and an updated main lobby. It's a big project that's lasting well over a year and will now be affecting the walking path between the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Park. As of February 13 the pathway is closed and won't reopen until "late Spring" (whatever that means).--There's a New Storyline Reveal for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and it May Give Some Hints of the Bigger Picture for Magic Kingdom that's AheadEveryone knows Tiana loves cooking and the restaurant Tiana’s Palace coming to Disneyland is part of that.But Walt Disney Imagineering is creating more to the story. It starts in the queue for Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Tiana has transformed an aging salt mine and built a much-loved brand.The entire project includes a boutique farm and both a working and teaching kitchen. Tiana’s Foods is where Tiana creates all sorts of new products, including a line of original hot sauces.Tiana wants to thank her family and friends and the entire community their support by throwing a big Mardi Gras party. When it turns out there’s been a bit of a mix–up with the party preparations, Tiana invites us to meet her at Tiana’s Foods to help with the missing ingredient for the party.There's much more to this story, but reading into it sounds like be could see new Tiana Hot Sauces, a Magic Kingdom Mardi Gras party and Pecos Bill's transforming into Tiana's Kitchen. They may even offer food classes for kids. Many people are concerned about what's happening to Frontierland, but when you factor in Beyond Big Thunder Mountain, there may be a much bigger picture about to unfold.We'll keep you posted as Disney releases more details about what's to come at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

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. --Garden Rocks Concert Lineup for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalThe 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 AUGERIMarch 5-6 - DaughtryMarch 10-11 - Tommy DeCarloMarch 12-13 - Smash MouthMarch 17-18 - Mike DelGuidiceMarch 19-20 - Blue Oyster Cult - NEWMarch 24-25 - BerlinMarch 26-27 - The Pointer SistersMarch 31 - Luis Figueroa - NEWApril 1-2 - Piso 21 - NEWApril 3 – TBDApril 7-8 - STARSHIP featuring Mickey ThomasApril 9-10 - Don Felder, formerly of the EaglesApril 16-17 - Switchfoot – NEWApril 21-22 - A Flock of SeagullsApril 23-24 - Jo Dee MessinaApril 28-29 - Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of PlayerApril 30, May 1 - Kool and the GangMay 5-8 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter NooneMay 12-15 - The Orchestra starring former members of ELOMay 19-20 - A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce - NEWMay 21-22 - Casting Crowns - NEWMay 26-27 - Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago - NEWMay 28-29 - Rick SpringfieldJune 2-5 - Plain White T’sJune 9-10 - The SpinnersJune 11-12 - The CommodoresJune 16-17 - Vertical HorizonJune 18-19 - Tony OrlandoJune 23-26 - Simple PlanJune 30, July 1 – Living ColourJuly 2-3 - Wang ChungAs of February 9, you can reserve a spot in the theater with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com.--Pool Closure alert for Disney's Vero Beach ResortThe 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.--Disney Eats Foodie Guide to Lovely Valentine’s Day Delights 2023Walt 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 ResortIntermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortEnd Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports ResortLandscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortCentertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortSpyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortSassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French QuarterRiverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – RiversideEverything POP Sho

Disney has announced a new free entertainment option outside the parks at Walt Disney World. This story, plus what you need to know before riding Tron and a sneak peek at the Roundup Rodeo BBQ coming to Hollywood Studios.Disney has Announced a New Free Family Entertainment Option at Walt Disney WorldThere's a new free entertainment option at Walt Disney World taking place Saturday mornings at Disney Springs. The Disney Springs Kids Club is a brand-new entertainment offering designed for the whole family to enjoy together. It takes place at Waterview Park at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday morning.Unique, family-friendly acts and entertainment will be on-hand to entertain. Wassalou, the Afropop band from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, kicked things off at Disney Springs Kids Club. You can play bongos and maracas or just dance along in the drum circle. Not your style? How about Flight Crew Jump Rope a high-energy dance party featuring fast-paced jump-rope routines acrobatics. And yes, you can join in the fun with this one as well. Finally, DJ KD Queen will take to the stage, hosting games, singalongs and more.--Disney Builds Anticipation with Four Key Things to Know in Advance of Tron Lightcycle Run Opening DayRiding Tron Lightcycle Run isn't going to be just a matter of lining up and getting on the ride. Before you board when the ride opens on April 4 there are four things you need to know:1. A Virtual Queue for Team Blue at TronTRON will use a virtual queue when it opens and a standby queue will not be available.2. Riding Tron through Individual Lightning LaneLooking for an option to pay to play? Tron will offer a paid ILL option, so get ready to reserve your time first thing in the morning.3. New Locker SystemTron will offer digitized lockers to store bags and loose items while you ride. The lockers are free and located within the line. Your locker will pair directly with your MagicBand, MagicBand+ or park ticket so you can easily lock and reopen your locker with a tap. If you don't have any of those, Cast Members will give you a card for your locker. There will also be small pouches in the ride cars, but it sounds like Disney isn't messing around with guests who have extra baggage.4. Disney PhotoPass Tron Ride Photo and Video Not surprisingly there will be an onboard photo and video automatically linked to your My Disney Experience account. It's important to note the following if you want your photo and video:Enable Bluetooth for the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device before riding. Make sure you're logged into the My Disney Experience app and keep the device out of low power mode. Your device will need to ride with you, so keep it secure. The easier option is to wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to a My Disney Experience account.--Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens March 23, 2023We heard about Roundup Rodeo ages ago and now the time for BBQ is almost here. Here's a quick look at the BBQ menu coming your way.You'll start with the Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits served with sweet pepper jelly. Salads:Tomato Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh dill (plant-based)Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad: Romaine and kale mixed with green apples, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries tossed with green goddess dressingWatermelon Salad: Cubed watermelon garnished with freshly torn mint leaves (plant-based)House-smoked meats:Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slow-cooked for hours in our onsite smokehouse Buttercup’s Beef Brisket: Hand-sliced beef brisket, smoked then slow-cooked to juicy perfectionThere’s a Sausage in My Boot: Spiced pork sausage fire-grilled over live oakBBQ Chicken – with Style! Chicken brined for 48 hours, rubbed with our secret backyard BBQ spice and smoked to tender juicinessPlant-based offerings are available upon request:Slow-smoked Cauliflower topped with sweet harissa drizzle and crunchy walnut gremolata Oven-roasted “Bratwurst” that is tender and juicy, sliced to perfectionImpossible “Rib Chop” seasoned with spices, then roasted and glazed with sweet BBQ sauce and skewered on a sugar cane “bone”You can choose four of the following side dishes for your table:The Married Spuds: Loaded potato barrels drizzled with green goddess dressing, cheese sauce, and seasoned BBQ spicesForce Field Fried Pickles: Jumbo fried pickle spears coated with a dill-flavored breadingSlinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese: Spiral pasta in a creamy house-made cheese sauce topped with crumbled cheddar crackers Buckin’ Baked Beans: A traditional BBQ picnic favorite (plant-based)Cowpoke Corn on the Cob: Grilled and seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime juiceMean Old Potato Salad: Homestyle with red-skinned potatoesVeggie Slaw: Crunchy shredded veggie slaw that is a summertime favorite! (plant-based)Campfire-roasted Vegetables: A variety of roasted seasonal veg

Princess Ariel and Princess Belle Have the Most Unique Character SettingsFinally, princesses Belle and Ariel will return to rightful spots in the Enchanted Forest of Fantasyland.These beloved experiences will return on the following dates:Princess Ariel is back at her Grotto as of January 22 andPrincess Belle is back in Maurice's Cottage filled with Enchanted Tales, starting February 19, 2023.Both of these Disney Princess experiences will be part of Disney Genie+ service. ---What's Coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2023The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival runs March 1 through July 5, and this year there are a few new topiaries to check out. These include Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney Encanto. You'll find them near the EPCOT main entrance. In addition, a new Princess Tiana topiary will be at The American Adventure. The Garden Rocks Concert Series is back at the America Gardens Theatre and we will share details about who's playing and when, as soon as it's released.In addition to horticulture and music, there will be more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens in 2023 including a new spot for The Citrus Blossom, which will move to Odyssey. On the merch side, watch for official ‘70’s inspired Orange Bird merchandise, including apparel, headwear, drinkware and more.Spike's Pollen-Nation Exploration is back. This springtime scavenger hunt lets you follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail, where he's busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT. When you find him in each garden on your map, you'll add the corresponding sticker of the plant he's visiting.On the bridge to World Showcase, you can enjoy the sights and scents of spring with Blossoms of Fragrance. Here you'll be surrounded by butterfly topiaries and be invited to follow your nose to six scent stations for a few unforgettable aromas.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

How to Ride TRON Lightcycle Run Before it Opens to the Public on April 4 Disney travelers are anticipating the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run, which is scheduled to officially open on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park.But did you know that before the attraction officially opens there will likely be an opportunity for certain guests to get a ride? Cast members always get this perk (understandably) but Disney has basically said that Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members will also be given an opportunity to throw their hats in the ring for this major perk.We don't know the details yet, but there will likely be a rush to get a spot once details are announced.The story of the ride is that it picks up after the “TRON: Legacy” story where Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, has opened a second gateway into a digital world called the Grid. The first portal to this world was built at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run. So it's fun how Disney has worked to continue the story and didn't just make this a copy of the Shanghai version.As the ride goes, you will be Team Blue against the Grid’s menacing Programs, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. How this all pans out remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Tron Lightcycle Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.---The Positive Changes at Walt Disney World Resort:If you're a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder you'll soon be able to visit the theme parks after 2:00 p.m. without needing a park pass reservation. The only exclusions are Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park and pass blackout dates.You can once again self-park at Walt Disney World hotels at no cost when you are a guest staying there.When you buy Disney Genie+ you'll also get free digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of your purchase.--- The Positive Changes at Disneyland Starting February 4, 2023, if you have a Disneyland theme park ticket with a Magic Key pass or a Park Hopper ticket you can start hopping two hours earlier – starting at 11:00 a.m. Disneyland will offer nearly two-months-worth of $104 park ticket dates throughout 2023, which means more opportunities to enjoy the lowest price one-day, one-park tickets.Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads taken on any Disney PhotoPass attraction during a park visit will be complimentary for ticketed park guests on the Disneyland app starting February 4 and lasting for the Disney 100 celebration.Disneyland Resort will make select Magic Key passes available for new sales from time to time throughout 2023 as pass inventory becomes available. --Tiana’s Palace Coming to Disneyland Park in 2023Just as Tiana transformed an old sugar mill into her dream restaurant in “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney is transforming the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park into a news restaurant called Tiana’s Palace.Tiana’s Palace will feature peach-colored walls and green wrought-iron balconies with elegant fixtures and appointments reminiscent of Tiana’s film life. This should fit nicely into the current vibe of New Orleans Square. The new quick-service restaurant will offer guests an authentic New Orleans menu and expand on the current items served at the location.To make the change, the French Market Restaurant (and Mint Julep Bar) will be closed as of February 17, 2023, and will reopen as Tiana’s Palace (alongside the Mint Julep Bar with its famous mint juleps and Mickey beignets) later in 2023.--- Moonlight Magic is Back 2023 Disney Vacation Club members, mark your calendars: Disney California Adventure - February 1, 2023EPCOT - February 8 and 15, 2023Disney's Hollywood Studios - May 11 and September 13, 2023Disney's Animal Kingdom Park - July 11 and August 2, 2023Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park - May 23 and August 23, 2023 -- Pool Closures at Disney Aulani in Early 2023Aulani's two popular water slide pool areas are closing for refurbishment.The Volcanic Vertical body slide will be unavailable from January 16 – February 3, 2023.The Tubestone Curl tube slide will be unavailable from February 20 to March 10, 2023 and Aulani's other water features will be open during the closures, including Waikolohe Pool and Stream, Ka Maka Pool & Grotto, the multiple whirlpool spas, Keiki Cove splash zone, and Wailana Pool.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your frien

Disney's Updated Offer of Free Dining is a Twist on the Old Way, but there's a CatchYou can now get up to a $750 Disney Dining Promo Card when you book a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort and theme park ticket(s).The offer is valid for arrivals most nights July 1 to July 10, 2023 and August 1 to September 14, 2023. A lower-value Disney Dining Promo Card may also be available when you purchase this package during other select summer arrival dates.After checking in you'll get an email with the amount credited to you via Disney Gift Card. Only good at participating food and beverage locations. You then present the barcode when you're paying and it will be deducted from the credit. You can see remaining balance as well.It's not a blanket $750 dining card. These are the values for July 1 - 10 and August 1 - September 14, 2023:Up to $150 per night at Deluxe Villas and ResortsUp to $100 per night on select Moderate ResortsUp to $50 per night on select Value ResortsFrom June 25 - 30 and July 11 - 31 the values are as follows:Up to $125 per night at Deluxe Villas and ResortsUp to $75 per night on select Moderate ResortsUp to $35 per night on select Value Resorts--Disney Eats Foodie Guide to the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the ArtsThe EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 13 to February 20, 2023 and celebrates the creation and beauty of cuisines, music, and art.Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry)Food Items:Tomato Soup with grilled cheeseTomato Soup with pimento cheese, bacon, and fried green tomato grilled cheese (New) TOP PICKAlmond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)Beverages: Brooklyn Brewery Pulp Art Hazy IPABleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuveé Mousseux with boba pearlsThe Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)Food Items: Deconstructed BLT: Pork belly, soft-poached egg, onion bread pudding, watercress espuma, and tomato jamDeconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, gruyère cream, onion bread pudding, and onion texturesDeconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item) Beverages:Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel (Non-alcoholic)Wicked Weed Brewing Blank Canvas Belgian Blonde WitbierDeco Delights (Near Port of Entry) Food Items:Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffleDecadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousseOrange Mousse with Lemon Cake and Raspberry Meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item) Beverages:3 Daughters Brewing Strawberry Blonde Nitro81Bay Brewing Co. Vanilla PorterPlayalinda Brewing Co. Milk StoutEspresso Martini featuring Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka (New) Neapolitan Beer FlightThe Craftsman’s Courtyard (Near Creations Shop)Food Items:Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace and baby vegetablesCast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with sautéed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbsBeverages:BrewDog Jet Black Heart Nitro Oatmeal Stout (New)Cold Fashion Coffee CocktailRefreshment OutpostFood Items:Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw (Plant-based item) Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip CookieSoft-serve Waffle Cone: DOLE Whip, salted-caramel soft-serve, or swirlBeverages:Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Berries & Cream Sour Berliner (New) TOP PICKLeft Hand Brewing Co. Wook Bait IPA (New)Central 28 Beer Company Wall Art Brown AlePastoral Palate (Germany) Food Items:Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamicWild Boar Cassoulet with duck confit, ham hock, and wild boar sausageBlack Forest Cake: Chocolate Mousse with morello cherries and Chantilly cream (New) Beverages:3 Daughters Brewing Rosé Hard Cider81Bay Brewing Co. Rosé Blonde AleFrozen RoséA Play on Rosé FlightMarietta Old Vine RoséThe Artist’s Table (The American Adventure) Food Items:Three-Meat Meatloaf with “Peas and Carrots”: Green pea pudding, carrot ketchup, shaved carrot salad, and snap peas (New) TOP PICKDuck and Dumplings: Smoked duck breast, ricotta dumplings, petite vegetables, and duck jus (New) Hummingbird Cake: Banana cake with pineapple, coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting with banana sorbet (New) Beverages:Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolates (Non-alcoholic)Boulevard Brewing Co. Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (New)Parish Brewing Co. South Coast Session Amber Ale (New) Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers Belgian Quad (New) Lange Estate Winery Pinot NoirSymphony in Chocolate Flight: Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs paired with sipping chocolatesBeer FlightTangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)Food Items: Carrots Three Ways

What's the Future of Rock'n'Roller Coaster?Is Aerosmith done at Walt Disney World? That's what Disney travelers want to know.With the New Year upon us, we know of a number of new rides and attractions coming our way at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. But there are also several that are closing for good or that have a future that's simply up in air with more questions than answers. Permanently closing or already closed at Disney's Hollywood Studios:Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple, Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular and Voyage of the Little Mermaid.At Disney's Animal Kingdom Park:Kali River Rapids will close on January 9, 2023 for refurbishment (with no estimated completion date) and the demolition of Primeval Whirl will soon be completed.At Disney's Magic Kingdom Park:Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closing for a short refurbishment in January, while Splash Mountain will close on January 23, 2023 for the Tiana ride overhaul. Most of the talk now is focused on Rock'n'Roller Coaster, which is closing for a long refurbishment on February 20, 2023. Disney has said it will be reopening in the summer of 2023. With the Aerosmith agreement now expired (in 2022), will the refurbishment also become a full ride re-theming of Rock'n'Roller Coaster? At Disneyland Paris the ride was re-themed into an Avengers ride. But this probably wouldn't be a Marvel re-theme due to agreements in place between Universal Studios Florida and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So what would be a likely re-theme? Keep it as Rock'n'Roller Coaster and just update the band to a younger and newer artist or group? Or would they do what they have done in so many other cases at Walt Disney World and re-theme the ride into a Disney character property?Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Walt Disney World Railroad is Back...with an All-New VoiceoverThe WDW railroad was an original opening-day attraction in 1971 and it's back with a completely refreshed track and another new surprise...one you may or may not like.Walt Disney Imagineering introduced a new voice to share stories as the train circles Magic Kingdom Park. Disney's release stated that the narration is "a voice our guests can envision and resonate with. Someone who grew up on Main Street, U.S.A., dreaming of the day they’d be on the railroad. They’ve now achieved that dream, and they know everyone and everything at Magic Kingdom … an unofficial mayor of sorts." For us, the jury's still out on whether or not this was a good thing as my initial reaction is that I don't care for the PeopleMover vibe on Walt Disney World Railroad.So what do you think? Is the new voiceover a great addition or an unnecessary distraction?--Chef Mickey’s transitions back to buffet-style dining March 1Starting March 1, 2023 Chef Mickey’s will go back to buffet-style dining, something many fans have been waiting for as they enjoy either breakfast or dinner at this popular character dining location in Disney's Contemporary Resort.-- So What's Ahead for 2023? A Recap of New Rides and More Coming our Way Disneyland Wondrous Journeys and World of Color - One- January 27, 2023 (Two new shows to celebrate Disney 100) Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway- January 27, 2023 Mickey's ToonTown- March 8, 2023 Adventureland Treehouse, Swiss Family Robinson theme- TBA 2023 Magic Happens Parade- Will return on February 24, 2023 Walt Disney World Journey of Water, featuring Moana at EPCOT- TBA late 2023 Hatbox Ghost at the Haunted Mansion- TBA 2023 Tron Lightcycle Run- Spring 2023 Figment Meet and Greet at EPCOT- TBA 2023 Happily Ever After (the reboot)- TBA 2023Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Trip Report: Walt Disney World December 2022The latest from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, including crowd levels along with the good parts and the not-so-good parts. Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth it?Also, an update on EPCOT Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional 2022 edition. Is the dining package worth doing?Our thoughts on this and the current state of Club Level at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and more in our latest Walt Disney World trip report.--Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Will Get Some Updates in 2023The resort has been receiving some grand touches that weave familiar storybook charm into the Victorian elegance of this flagship resort. Guest rooms are currently being updated as we speak with more to come as the beloved Grand Floridian ushers in its 35th year of magic. The ongoing renovation will also include an upcoming refurbishment of the lobby, which will maintain the classic theming guests know and love with some fresh new enhancements.--What’s Cooking at Disney’s BoardWalkThere's a new coffee shop opening soon on the BoardWalk called Carousel Coffee. This new location will be good spot for Joffrey's coffee beverages, tea options, and indulgent pastries.The menu will include a Dark Cherry Mocha Frozen Blended Coffee with Whipped Cream. This iconic cherry flavor is known in seaside getaways and is a staple of coffee shops, delis, and ice cream parlors.There will be seasonal coffees as well, such as a Cinnamon Bun Frozen Blended Coffee with Whipped Cream. The Nitro Cold Brew Coffee is a freshly batched, extra smooth, dark-roasted cold brew coffee infused with nitro. This one aims to capitalize on the popular nitro craze of cold brews.For tea lovers, Carousel Coffee has a Pomegranate-Green Tea Lemonade featuring fresh-squeezed lemon juice blended with pomegranate green tea and a touch of agave. This is naturally sweetened and served over ice. For sweet treats the Crunchy Raspberry Danish is a must-try. This features crispy sugar dough layers with hibiscus fondant and raspberry. Think of a cross between a croissant and muffin. There are plenty of classics as well, like the Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie, Banana Bread, Croissants, Blueberry Muffins, Chocolate Muffins, NJ Crumb Cake and Bagels. And, of course, a Mickey Brownie.Nearby is The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk, which we covered in a recent episode. Not only will there be table-service offerings, but also a quick-service bakery to pick up sweet treats on-the-go.There aren’t just cakes here. The restaurant and bakery will serve cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies, and cheesecakes in addition to the handmade cakes.--Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is Now Ready to PlayJoin Scrooge McDuck, his nephews and friends as they travel EPCOT World Showcase on a quest to find the Seven Plunders of the World —and return them to their rightful owners. For this expedition there are treasures are hidden in each country pavilion:MexicoNorwayChinaGermanyJapanFranceUnited KingdomEach country has three assignments and one finale; so each mission takes 25-30 minutes to complete. You can even replay countries if you want because there are variables in missions (you might not always get the same one). When a country is completed, you'll unlock an achievement in the Disney Play App. Once all countries have been completed, you'll unlock the finale mission, which is playable within the app itself.To play you'll need to create an account for the Play Disney Parks app if you don't already have one.--The Princesses are Coming Back to Cinderella's Royal TableAs of Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Cinderella and her Disney Princess friends will once again be back for character dining at Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and

Genie+ Adds a Minor Improvement Allowing You to Modify Lightning Lane SelectionsTo make it easier to change plans on the fly, you can now modify Lightning Lane selections made with Disney Genie+ without having to cancel and rebook your selection. This should have been included from day one and it's hard to believe it took this long to add, but at least it's there now. To make a change select the three dots on your current Lightning Lane selection from the Tip Board or My Day tab of Disney Genie, and then select “Modify Plan” from the menu that appears.After selecting “Modify Plan,” available Lightning Lane experiences from the same park will appear. You can adjust their arrival window to a different time from whatever is shown as available, or pick a new experience to replace your current Lightning Lane selection.--New Food to Try at Disney’s Animal Kingdom LodgeDisney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has some new dishes on its menus.Starting at Maji Pool Bar there are new poolside snacks with an African twist. Shrimp Bakuli is a shrimp bowl inspired by the open-air food markets in Zanzibar. The bakuli includes chilled poached shrimp, pickled carrots, and Basmati rice with a soy-ginger dressing and berbere aïoli.The Multigrain Tabbouleh is a plant-based bowl with salad, grains, fresh herbs, and grilled vegetables.The Spiced Pork Nachos are topped with spiced pork, beans, herbed crema, and kachumbari. The pork vindaloo is prepared with paprika, garlic, tomato, vinegar, and a house-made spice blend.The Short Rib Grilled Cheese has slow cooked short ribs with a house-made spice blend, tamarind, and red wine until tender. It's on buttery brioche bread with gouda cheese and pickled onions.The Mara also has new items. There's a Marinated Sun-dried Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread with fresh herb ricotta, tomato sauce, four-cheese blend, and arugula. There are three new bowls: The Chermoula-spiced Shrimp Bowl has grilled shrimp, pilau rice, kale slaw, cucumber-tomato salad, and chermoula sour cream. The Oak-grilled Chicken Bowl has marinated chicken thighs, slow-roasted over an oak fire. Rounding out the new additions is the plant-based South African Vegetable Bowl, a perfect balance of curried vegetable stew, pilau rice, kale slaw, dried fruit achar, and avocado-tahini sauce.At Jiko: The Cooking Place there's a new appetizer to try – Sweet Potato-Groundnut Soup. This soup features spiced groundnuts, finger lime, pickled red chilies, and sorrel. Groundnuts are actually peanuts.Finally, to celebrate Avatar: The Way of Water, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a new signature cocktail at Boma: Flavors of Africa, Sanaa, and Victoria Falls Lounge. Way of Water is a blend of African Starr Rum, BACARDÍ Raspberry Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao, and lemonade garnished with a lotus flower and mint.-- Disneyland After Dark Returns in 2023 with New Princess Nite Event and MoreDisneyland After Dark events are returning in 2023 with two limited-time after-hours events including Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite, and the new Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite.Disneyland After Dark begins with a three-hour pre-party from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Disneyland park, then the private party runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., so you can ride some popular attractions after regular park hours. All event guests will get unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party, plus commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite January 31, February 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023 at Disneyland ParkSweethearts’ Nite will take place on seven different “date nights” in Disneyland park:a special themed fireworks show Dance at the Royal Ball hosted by Aladdin and Jasmine near “it’s a small world”Take a moonlit cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat with the sounds of a live jazz ensembleRelax to the sounds of island music from a Polynesian trio at The Tropical HideawayEnjoy deliciously themed menu items available for purchase, created just for the event Capture your moment with photo opportunities with darling Disney couples and spots inspired by romantic scenes from Disney films such as “Lady and the Tramp” and “The Little Mermaid/” Enjoy pre-party admission to Disneyland park starting at 6:00 p.m., no park reservation requiredDisneyland After Dark: Princess Nite March 7 & 9, 2023, at Disneyland ParkThis all-new first-ever event will feature the iconic characters who light the world with kindness, courage and a touch of magic. There will be shimmering décor, special photo opportunities, themed food and beverage offerings, commemorative keepsakes and characters galore.Receive a royal welcome at the Disneyland Train Station featuring Princess Minnie Mouse and Princess Daisy Duck with fanfare trumpeters Enjoy an inspiring concert with Moana, Merida and more accompanied by live singers Dance the night away at the high-energy, candy-themed dance party at Tomorrowland stage with V

Disney Plans to Make a Major Theme Park Investment at Walt Disney World to Respond Universal's Epic Universe It looks like Bob Iger's return may mean that Disney will be seriously upping its game when it comes to theme park enhancements and new builds. Several media outlets have reported an SEC filing by the Walt Disney Company that calls for spending $6.3 billion on capital expenditures in the parks in 2023. That means new builds and infrastructure and it's a huge increase over the spend in the past for building Galaxy's Edge. We may not know Bob Iger's vision just yet, but remember all of those great things we saw at D23 Fan Expo -- like the new Villains land in Magic Kingdom Park? It's beginning to look a lot like some big news may be just around the corner -- Florida Changes Course on Punishing Walt Disney World for Don't Say Gay Stance In a story by the Financial Times, it looks like Florida lawmakers may be looking to reverse their plans to strip Disney of its right to operate a private government around its theme parks. And it appears that Bob Iger may be the reason why, at least in part. Bob Iger made a comment that is seen to have calmed tensions between Disney and the Florida state government. He said: “What I can say [is] the state of Florida has been important to us for a long time and we have been very important to the state of Florida. That is something I’m extremely mindful of and will articulate if I get the chance.” All in all this is good for the Disney traveler, as any negative impacts from the original plan to strip Disney World of its current rights would likely have trickled down to all of us who visit.--A New Scene and New Critters Are Introduced for Tiana’s Bayou AdventureWe now know a little bit more about Tiana's Bayou Adventure including a new scene for the ride and some of the brand-new characters being created for the attraction. The new scene is said to be a "thrilling moment" when you first drop into the bayou and encounter bayou friends both new and familiar.Fireflies will light up the night and invite us all deeper into the bayou. With all of the fuss Disney is making about this we can only assume that it will be a pretty cool new effect.Once the ride gets going we'll meet the full group of critters, including an otter, a rabbit, a racoon, a beaver, a turtle and others. Disney has hinted that they'll all play a bigger role later on in the ride, but they haven't tipped their hand on that just yet.Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort will close on January 23, 2023. The closing date for Splash Mountain at Disneyland has not yet been released.The opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort is still 2024, with no specific dates as it is a bit far off.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2022 is Here and Runs Through December 30In last week's episode we shared the complete Foodie Guide for the 2022 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays (including our top picks), this week we share everything else you need to know for EPCOT Festival of the Holidays...Disney rides are getting into the holiday spirit at EPCOT. Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses is a holiday overlay version of this popular ride, featuring Christmas light displays throughout (and a few other Christmas surprises). While over at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind get ready for an all-new holiday remix with a Guardians twist.The Candlelight Processional is nightly at America Gardens Theatre. It features celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a capella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets, and choirs that include Disney cast members and local community groups.Celebrity narrators making their debut this year include Gloria Estefan, Josh Gad, Simu Liu, Mariska Hargitay, Raúl Esparza and Daymond John. See the full line-up of Candlelight Processional celebrity narrators and performance dates on our previous post.Other Festival of the Holidays highlights include:“JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” is an uplifting performance of music celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa on the World Showcase Plaza Stage, with multiple performances daily.Global holiday traditions come to life in World Showcase with storytellers, musicians and more. Watch for Las Posadas Celebration featuring Mariachi Cobre at the Mexico pavilion, the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in the Canada pavilion, a Hanukkah storyteller on the promenade between Morocco and France and more storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway and UK.Holiday Kitchens offer festive recipes and drinks—from spiced pumpkin punch and cranberry mimosas to slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and pork schnitzel with braised red cabbage. Treats are everywhere, from linzer cookies and maple bûche de noël to chocolate-peppermint donuts.Latin-American heritage is celebrated at the all-new Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen, featuring traditional dishes served during the holiday season. The Holiday Cookie Stroll gives you the opportunity to embark on a sweet adventure. Buy any five cookies from the official Cookie Stroll locations and collect matching stamps in your Festival Passport. Then bring it to Holiday Sweets & Treats and you'll get a specialty cookie.Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is on to search for holiday traditions Olaf has gathered from around the world.You can Christmas shop at EPCOT with unique shopping from around the globe. And finally, no holiday celebration is complete without visiting Santa. Now through Deceber 24, Santa Claus pays a visit to The Odyssey, giving you the opportunity to say hello, pose for a photo and ask for some items from your Christmas wish list.--Lunar New Year Celebration and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival are back in 2023Two festivals return to Disney California Adventure in 2023. The Lunar New Year celebration from January 20 to February 15, 2023, and Disney California Food & Wine Festival from March 3 to April 25, 2023. Lunar New Year, January 20 – February 15, 2023Disney California Adventure will ring in the Lunar New Year with a tribute to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures with a multicultural celebration. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. In Chinese culture, the rabbit has the unique characteristic of waiting for an opportune moment and then leaping into action. The rabbit symbolizes luck. Disney will also be recognizing the Vietnamese zodiac calendar during the Lunar New Year celebration, which marks 2023 as the Year of the Cat.Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be there in their festive attire, plus Mulan and Mushu from Mulan.The centerpiece will be “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” a vibrant performance hosted by Mulan and Mushu, that features dozens of spirited parade performers as they honor family, friendship, and the potential for a fortune-filled new year. For 2023, the procession will be extended throughout all of California Adventure with the parade route from Paradise Gardens through Hollywood Land.The culinary landscape will expand with two new Lunar New Year marketplaces: Bamboo Blessings and Wrapped with Love. They will join the returning marketplaces, including Lucky 8 Lantern, Prosperity Bao & Buns, Red Spice Traders, and Longevity Noodle Co. With the Sip and Savor pass you can taste you way through six food & non-alcoholic drink selections from participating marketplaces and dining locations.World of Color's “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” is the heartwarming nighttime water show that tells the tale of a little lantern’s quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune. Check the Disneyland app for showtimes.More fun includes crafts, Chines

What the New Disney World Ticket Pricing Will Mean for YouBeginning December 8, Walt Disney World will introduce park-specific pricing on 1-day, 1-park tickets. This means you will now have to select a date and theme park before buying your park ticket. When you buy a 1-Day ticket for a specific date and theme park, a theme park reservation will automatically be made for you at the time of purchase. For Disney travelers who buy multi-day Walt Disney World tickets, nothing will change and you will continue to make theme park reservations.With the new park-specific pricing, Magic Kingdom Park will be priced at the highest level as it still the crown jewel and the most-visited theme park in the world. One-day Disney World ticket prices will be as follows: Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $109-$159 (same range as today)Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $124-$179EPCOT: $114-$179Magic Kingdom Park: $124-$189 (Note: The $189 price for the week of Christmas to New Year’s.)Park Hopper Add-on On December 8 there will also be new pricing for Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus add-ons. Annual Passes On December 8, Annual Pass pricing for the Incredi-, Sorcerer and Pirate Annual Passes will increase between $43-100. The Disney Pixie Dust Pass will remain at its current price.The Disney Pixie Dust Pass remains available for purchase, but the other three Annual Passes are still not for sale. All Annual Passes continue to be available for renewal.--Disney Dining: New Same Day Cancellation PolicyYou can now cancel dining reservations up to two hours before your meal without being charged a cancellation fee.Use the My Disney Experience app or DisneyWorld.com and click the cancellation button up to two hours prior to your scheduled time to cancel free of charge. If they don't cancel by then or don't show up, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged a $10 fee per person.Note there are some exclusions. This does NOT apply to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Victoria & Albert’s and Monsieur Paul. Each of these venues has its own dining cancellation policy.--Disney Cruise Line Announces Acquisition of Ship with Plans to Visit New MarketsDisney announced they acquired a partially completed ship that will bring Disney Cruise Line to new global destinations. Disney will work with the Meyer Werft shipbuilding company to complete the cruise ship previously known as the Global Dream in Wismar, Germany. The ship will be renamed with certain features reimagined under the world-renowned expertise of Walt Disney Imagineers and is expected to set sail in 2025. The new ship will be based outside the United States.--Mickey’s Toontown to Reopen at Disneyland Park on March 8, 2023The official reopening date of Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park is March 8, 2023.Highlights include:Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard, including a sound garden where kids will discover new ways to make noise and enjoy an all-new elevated clubhouseinside there will be an interactive candy-making contraption that begins outside of Goofy’s home, as drips of honey fall from a beehive onto a chute that slides the colorful drops around and down into the home. Junior candymakers will help Goofy make the candy.Donald’s Boat will be perched in the duck pond of the Goof homestead. Kids will enjoy making a splash here.Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster is a fun-sized coaster for the town’s tiniest citizens.At Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House you'll still be able to step inside to enjoy a self-guided tour. You may even be able to visit with Mickey and Minnie while they're there. --Festive PhotoPass Fun at Walt Disney World ResortThe holiday atmosphere is in full swing at Walt Disney World and Disney PhotoPass photographers have a ton of holly-jolly props, Magic Shots, and more. Be sure to keep a lookout for where to find them.After dark in front of the Christmas trees at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs.On the bridge leading from Oasis to Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at all World Celebration locations at EPCOT, at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and in Magic Kingdom Park at the entrance, the PhotoPass Studio inside Sir Mickey’s, and on Main Street, U.S.A.These are just a few examples and there will be opportunities at most locations across Walt Disney World.--The New Cake Bake Shop is Coming to Disney’s BoardWalkDisney has confirmed that the Cake Bake Shop is coming to Disney’s BoardWalk in 2023. This will replace the ESPN Club and is a table service restaurant and bakery.--Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2022The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs until December 30 and food is a big part of it. Here's what you will find, including our recommended top picks.Mele Kalikimaka (Near Port of Entry)Food Items: Kālua Pork with Okinawa sweet potatoes and mango saladLomi Lomi Salmon with tomatoes, onions, salmon roe

Disneyland Adventureland Treehouse will Return with a New Look in 2023There are more details about the future of the treehouse in Adventureland at Disneyland park.When it reopens in 2023 the Adventureland Treehouse will be themed after Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson tree house--just as it is in Walt Disney World. This is likely because Disney is working on a remake of the 1960 movie as a new Swiss Family series on Disney+.The renewed treehouse will have new environments created among the branches of the giant tree on the shores of the Jungle River. From the mother’s music den to the young sons’ nature room to the teenage daughter’s astronomer’s loft, everything is created from found objects, natural resources, and pure ingenuity (just like the Disney fairies do). More news to come as it's released--Walt Disney World Pool Closure The Oak Manor leisure pool in Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside was recently closed for a brief refurbishment.Ol’ Man Island and other leisure pools around the resort will remain open and available. The Oak Manor pool will reopen at some point in mid-December.--Festive Foodie Guide to Resorts at Walt Disney WorldAvailable at Various Resorts Apple Tart: Classic apple tart with crunchy streusel and cinnamon glaze (Available Dec. 25 only; mobile order available); Available at: World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies ResortIntermission at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortEnd Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortLandscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortCentertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortSassagoula Floatworks at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French QuarterRiverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – RiversideEverything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century ResortChristmas Feast: Roasted turkey dinner, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, seasonal vegetables, and cranberry relish (Available Dec. 25 only; mobile order available); Available at: World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies ResortIntermission at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortEnd Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortLandscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortCentertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortContempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary ResortSassagoula Floatworks at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French QuarterRiverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – RiversideCapt. Cook's at Disney’s Polynesian Village ResortEverything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century ResortPeppermint Bark: Dark and white chocolate with peppermint (Available Dec. 1 through 31); Available at: World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies ResortIntermission at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortEnd Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortLandscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortCentertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortSassagoula Floatworks at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French QuarterRiverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – RiversideEverything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century ResortWalking in a Plant-based Snowland: Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a flurry of snowflake sprinkles (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available). Available at: World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies ResortIntermission at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortEnd Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortLandscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortCentertown Market and Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortSassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French QuarterRiverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – RiversideEverything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century ResortDisney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort World Premiere Food Court and End Zone Food Court (Available Dec. 1 - 31; mobile order available) All Star Christmas Tree: Gingerbread-spiced macaron Christmas tree with passionfruit ganache, coconut buttercream, and a white chocolate (all) star (New)Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Intermission Food Court (Mobile order available) All Star Christmas Tree: Gingerbread-spiced macaron Christmas tree with passionfruit ganache, coconut buttercream, and a white chocolate (all) star (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31)Gingerbread Sundae: Gingerbread soft-serve in a waffle bowl topped with M&M's chocolate candies, chocolate sauce, and a chocolate gingerbread boy (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31)Candy Cane Latte: Café latte with peppermint and white chocolate (New) (Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31) Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jiko – The Cooking Place (Available Dec. 24 through 31) Holiday Feast: Bone-in ribeye, preserved lemon and almond haricot verts, herb roasted potatoes, roasted radicchio, and tart cherry wine reductionThe Mara (Available Nov. 28 through Dec. 31; mobile order available) Mickey Santa

Foodie Guide to Disney Holiday Gingerbread Treats and Displays 2022If you've ever been to Disneyland or Walt Disney World during the holidays, you know that the sights and smells of Disney gingerbread displays are the true showstopper. So Disney pastry teams have been hard at work bringing gingerbread holiday traditions to life for 2022. Here is everything you need to know about Disney Christmas gingerbread for this holiday season.At Walt Disney WorldAs always there are multiple gingerbread displays to discover at Disney resort hotels. The biggest and most famous of all is the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This life size gingerbread creation features clouds of cinnamon smoke puffing out of its chimney. The gingerbread for this storybook gingerbread house is made from a classic Austrian recipe. The Grand Floridian gingerbread house decked out with white chocolate, candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and 25 hidden Mickeys! On the porches surrounding the house, you’ll find an 85-pound chocolate Santa, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that have all been hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team.This year, for the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, the gingerbread displays feature extra colors and accents inspired by the signature EARidescent look. And of course, in true Disney style, you can even get limited edition pins, mugs, holiday ornaments, and treats! Here's what you can buy at the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House:Freshly baked, homemade Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Chocolate Peppermint BarkHouse-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread HousesNew items include Gingerbread Latte Whoopie Pie and Hot Cocoa BombsThere are assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and a Caramel Pecan Fudge BarThere are also gluten-friendly, plant-based, and no-sugar-added treatsThe Grand Floridian Combo Box features assorted fan favorite treats, including the Chocolate Mickey Ornament, which is exclusive to the Combo BoxShop for Grand Floridian Gingerbread Bakery shirts and more merchandise.At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a Life-sized Baby Gingerbread Giraffe and a Gingerbread Baby Zebra will appear (November 23). Starting December 6, you can even purchase a Gingeraffe Cookie to enjoy! At Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a gingerbread holiday classic has returned. Since 1999, this resort has been home to the life-sized carousel (and it actually turns). This carousel and its horses are created with chocolate, sugar, and fondant along with hand-painted characters and hand-crafted gingerbread shingles and snowflakes decorating the display. What makes this year extra special is that all the horses will celebrate a different Disney princess. Don't worry, there are limited edition pins, mugs, holiday ornaments and treats including:Signature Stollen BreadCandied Pecans (Plant-based)Trio of FudgeChocolate Covered Marshmallow SnowmanCrispy Rice TreatChocolate Mickey Cookie (New) Peppermint BarkGingerbread ShingleChocolate Gingerbread Cookie (Gluten-Friendly)Gingerbread Cookie (Gluten-Friendly)Nearby at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn their classic gingerbread creation returns on November 17. It's a miniature, edible version of the BoardWalk Deli. Treats you can buy here include:Mickey and Minnie Sugar CookiesBoardWalk Mickey Sugar Cookie (New) Giant Gingerbread Mickey Cookie (New) Gluten-Friendly & Plant-based Gingerbread Mickey CookieArtisan Peppermint Marshmallows (New) Carnival Bark (New) Gingerbread Frost CocktailAt Disney’s Contemporary Resort the bakery team is back for its 11th year creating their holiday gingerbread display. It arrives on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. The 50th Anniversary Themed Castle Display is a Mary Blair-inspired castle designed by Walt Disney Imagineers and will feature a brand-new 50thanniversary overlay… and 11 hidden 5-legged goats! Don’t forget to check for the limited-edition pins, mugs, and holiday ornaments to remember the season. Treats at the Contemporary include:50th Anniversary Gingerbread Castle Brick (New)Family Tradition Cookie Box featuring a Coconut Macaron from Chef Jeff’s family, a Sugar Cookie from Chef Kelly’s family, a Butterball from Chef Amber’s family, and a Kitchen Sink Cookie representing all the Cast in the Bakery coming together to bring this display back! (New) Chocolate Peppermint CookieLinzer CookieGluten-friendly 5-Legged Goat Sugar Cookie (New)Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Bar (New)Hot Cocoa Bombs (New) Frozen drinks with optional alcohol floaters: Frozen Coquito with a rum floaterFrozen Hot Chocolate with peppermint schnappsFrozen Apple Cider with a fireball floaterAnd there's more:· At several spots across all resorts there's a new Gingerbread Martini with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Rumchata Cream Liqueur, and gingerbread spice featuring a rim of gingerbread, freshly baked in the Resort Bakery. It’s the perfect blend of sugar, spice, and ever

Blizzard Beach Water Park Reopens November 13 at Walt Disney World (But you Might Not Like Some of the New Additions)Just in time for Winter, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is set to reopen for the holiday season. Following a lengthy refurbishment, Blizzard Beach has a few surprises in store -- most notably that is has been rethemed with elements from Frozen. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Here's what's in store in the new Blizzard Beach.Frozen friends at Tike’s PeakTike’s Peak is the kids' area and it now features Frozen fun for the little ones. Mini slides and attractions, an Anna and Elsa igloo castle, a wading pool area with Olaf and friends, there's Frozen fun for every kid.Blizzard Beach for the Holiday SeasonFeel the holidays there are limited-time food and beverage offerings such as Orange Bird DOLE Whip cone and Peppermint Milkshake. Through December 31, there will be a merry atmosphere with daily snowfall, holiday music, festive inner tubes and even a tropical-dressed Santa.Take the Plunge Down Summit PlummetDid you know that Summit Plummet is the fastest attraction and scariest ride at Walt Disney World? Descend Mount Gushmore in a near-vertical drop on the tallest and fastest freefall body slide in town.New and Old Favorite Food and Drink CreationsNew food at Blizzard Beach includes Cajun Shrimp and Grits, and Watta-Melon Passion Lemonade from Lottawatta Lounge. Returning favorite flavors include seasonal DOLE Whip offerings, a Double Bacon Cheeseburger and the iconic 50th Ice Dream Sand Pail Sundae.Polar Patios are the Way to Go for Upscale Blizzard BeachYou can rent a private patio at Blizzard Beach complete with polar perks like comfortable seating options and refillable drink mugs for a relaxing break from the action.Toboggan Runners, the Race is OnGet in the holiday spirit and zoom down a water slide toboggan style. The course is full of dips, hills and fierce competition as you race against friends and family to see who will win.Family Fun at Teamboat SpringsTeamboat Springs is one of the longest whitewater raft adventures in the world. There are twists and turns, unpredictable rapids and drenching sprays of water as these oversized inner-tube rafts venture down the waterslide.The Ski-riffic Way to the Top of Mount GushmoreTake in the view of the snowy setting and embark on a leisurely journey to the top of Mount Gushmore on the Blizzard Beach chairlift. The chairlift goes to Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher and Teamboat Springs.Runoff RapidsSpeed down Mount Gushmore on three unique slides with twists and turns along the way, ending in a huge splashdown at the bottom. --Colorful Bursts of Flavor and Fun Coming to EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Jan. 13 - Feb. 20, 2023The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts returns January 13, 2023 and runs through February 20, 2023. The festival is a global celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts.16 Food Studios will serve up art-inspired menus appealing to a variety of palates. The creations are not just delicious, but true works of art.And this just in: The EPCOT Festival culinary team is putting finishing touches on two new Food Studios. Moderne, located near Test Track, will feature new avant-garde menu items. The other new Food Studio, Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic, promises to deliver treats and beverages bursting with vibrant colors and flavors. During the festival, more than 100 Disney and visiting artists will showcase their art. You can also learn to draw a Disney character at Animation Academy, and leave yourcreative mark at Expression Section: A Paint by Number Mural. Or help Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase.Each evening, the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series will feature talented entertainers performing Disney songs live at America Gardens Theatre. Full list of entertainers coming soon.-- Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Foodie Guide 2022Walt Disney World Resort Resorts Available at Multiple Resorts Falling for Plant-based: Cupcake with chocolate buttercream and autumn quins (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat-friendly) (New) (Available November 1 - 27; mobile order available): Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports ResortLandscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortEverything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century ResortRiverside Mill and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter Thanksgiving Dinner: Roast turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, vegetables, and cranberry relish (Available November 24 only; mobile order available): Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star

More Restaurants are Reopening at Walt Disney World (including character dining)Three more restaurants will soon reopen at Walt Disney World: Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT.Starting November 1, Tusker House will transition to an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet. For breakfast the menu will include an assortment of pastries (like Zebra Coffee Cake), breakfast classics (like Simba Waffles and Mickey Waffles), and a variety of breakfast meats.For lunch and dinner the menu will include various breads and dips, house specialties like the Spit-roasted Tandoori Chicken and Green Curry Shrimp, plant-based options including the Cauliflower Bunny Chow, and various salads. There are also classics for the kids, including corn dog nuggets and macaroni and cheese. And of course, there are plenty of desserts as wellCharacters will also be back, as Donald Duck and friends will take a break from their safari adventure to celebrate with you. At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Kona Cafe will reopen November 1. The newly refurbished look, feel, and some food will be different. Kona Cafe will feature American cuisine with Asian flare, but you can still watch chefs at work in the onstage sushi kitchen.Breakfast favorites like Tonga Toast and Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes will still be served at breakfast. But also watch for other menu items, like the Big Kahuna Burger and Seafood Pu Pu Platter and a new plant-based dinner offering, the Sautéed Red Quinoa.Finally, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall will reopen its doors on November 4. This is located at the Norway pavilion at EPCOT and features Norwegian cuisine.Want to know how to pronounce Akershus? Listen to hear the proper way to pronounce Akershus (you're probably saying it wrong). Akershus is a county in Norway, which is where the name originates.This is a family-style dining restaurant including traditional Norwegian food including meatballs and the Norwegian version of chicken and dumplings. They also offer classic American-cuisine including mashed potatoes and gravy, grilled salmon, and macaroni & cheese. Desserts include a rice cream with strawberry sauce and a chocolate roulade with lingonberry cream.And yes, the Disney Princesses are back for Storybook Dining. --‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ will be Celebrated at Disneyland's Avengers CampusIn “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the leaders of Wakanda fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must forge a new path for their beloved kingdom. At Disneyland you join the journey.From November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023, you can encounter, learn from and celebrate the arrival of new visiting warriors, taste Wakanda-inspired delicacies, discover props from the film and more in Avengers Campus. Plus you can pose with a special art installation in Downtown Disney.Visit Avengers Campus to witness the introduction of the next warrior taking on the legendary mantle of the Black Panther. At Flavors of Wakanda marketplace in the Hollywood Backlot you can try spiced traditional African dishes and experience the vibrant culture of Wakanda through its food. Wakanda-inspired delicacies include the Peri-Peri Chicken with yellow Jollof rice, the Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade, the Dawa beverage, consisting of vodka, lemonade, honey, ginger beer and butterfly pea tea, and Maafe, a ground peanut stew with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, black-eyed peas and spices, served with naan.At Shawarma Palace and Shawarma Palace Too inside Avengers Campus, try the Wakandan Roasted Pork Wrap, featuring spiced pork with black garlic sauce and chermoula.--Adventures by Disney to Debut Its First-Ever Adriatic Sea Expedition Cruise in 2024In 2024, guests can set sail on Adventures by Disney expedition cruises exploring Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galapagos Islands, as well as an all-new itinerary in the picturesque Adriatic Sea. This famed waterway filled with captivating history, exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views provides the perfect setting for an enchanting adventure. The eight-day, seven-night round-trip sailing from Venice, Italy, will visit seven ports in Croatia and Montenegro before returning to the Floating City. The chartered Adventures by Disney expedition voyage is planned for two sailings in 2024. --Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your fri

Disney Genie+ will now cost you more at Walt Disney World and Disneyland ResortTo manage demand for Disney Genie+, Disney is has switched to a variable pricing model, but in our opinion the price still is not high enough to curb demand.At Disneyland Resort, Disney Genie+ now costs $25 per day when purchased in advance as an add-on with a new ticket or vacation packages. Single-day purchases through the Disneyland app will start at $25 per day, and may vary by date, based on demand. WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure at Disney’s California Adventure Park is now part of Disney Genie+.At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Genie+ will also vary in price based on the date you're visiting. Prices may be lower on less busy days and higher during peak periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Prices are expected to range between $15 and $22 per day.--Some Great New Food is Now Available at Walt Disney World Resort HotelsDisney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Enchanted Rose has some great new editions. These include a charcuterie board, artisanal cheese selection, and hummus with tapenade, smoked paprika, and grilled pita bread. The Smoked Trout and Crab Dip features salmon roe, chive oil, and sesame seed lavosh combined into an elegant tasty dish. If you like caviar, this includes Siberian caviar, an egg yolk spread, crème fraiche, caper berries and brioche. Lastly, the Seasonal Flatbread is topped with artichoke, fig, ricotta, roasted garlic and watercress. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Boatwright’s Dining Hall has expanded to include more authentic Cajun and Southern flavors to the menu. The Lowcountry Seafood Boil is a classic filled with shrimp, mussels, and Andouille sausage with corn on the cob and potatoes simmered in a spicy Cajun brother (it comes with a toasted baguette). The slow-roasted Blackened Prime Rib is topped with Cajun butter and served with classic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.The Taste of the Bayou is an all-you-care-to-enjoy platter with hickory-smoked pork ribs, crispy Cajun chicken, smoked sausage, barbecued beef brisket, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, roasted corn with Cajun butter, and seasonal vegetables.For a plant-based offering, try the Harvest Red Beans and Rice. This features red beans simmered with plant-based sausage, peppers, onions, and celery served over rice along with cornbread.For dessert you can choose between the Southern Cheesecake (a classic vanilla cheesecake with a bourbon-caramel sauce garnished with pecan-praline brittle), the plant-based Peach-Blackberry Cobbler (a classic peach and blackberry cobbler topped with blackberry sorbet), or the Mississippi Mud Crème Brûlée (a milk chocolate crème brûlée with a sablé breton cookie and fresh fruit).For the little ones, try the Row Row Oar Your Boat Sundae and Cookies and Milk featuring two house-made chocolate chip cookies.Rounding out all of these new offerings is a new cocktail – the Big Easy Whisky Sour. This drink combines Maker’s Mark Bourbon, lemon juice, and pure cane sugar with a float of Fess Parker Big Easy Red Blend. At the River Roost Lounge they have a new plant-based dish and a signature drink. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy new dip served with Cajun-dusted cornbread crostini. The French 75 is a fizzy cocktail made with Argyle Sparkling Brut, Hendricks Gin, fresh lemon juice and pure cane sugar. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter The Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge has a plant-based Sassy Sassagoula Sliders dish. This trio features BBQ jack fruit with slaw and fried pickles, fried green tomatoes with giardiniera and pepper jelly, and a ‘fish’ cake with spicy rémoulade and arugula.Disney’s Riviera Resort Bar Riva has a new Burrata Salad with heirloom tomatoes, fresh pesto and focaccia bread. The Salmon with Orzo is a seared salmon with Pomodroccio tapenade and lemon orzo. The Mushroom Arancini features risotto, mushrooms, cheese, and truffles with a house-made marinara.For dessert, the Molten Chocolate Cake is a new edition. It's a warm chocolate cake with a molten center, topped with a raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries.The Riviera also has a new signature sweet. The Riviera Signature Cookie bakes together semi-sweet chocolate chips, ground oats, California walnuts, toasted pistachios, dried cherries and flake sea salt. You'll this one at Primo Piatto. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn The Belle Vue Lounge has new signature cocktails and mocktails. The Orange Blossom Manhattan has made its debut at the resort. A holiday fan favorite, this beverage fits nicely within the year-round ambiance of Belle Vue Lounge. The Sparkling Hibiscus features Sorel Hibiscus Liqueur and sparkling grapefruit. The Agave Garden is a mocktail featuring Lyre’s Agave Reserve and passion fruit green tea. --Fantasmic! is Coming Back to Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on November 3, 2022Disney has announced the return of Fantasmic! to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as of November 3, 2022. A

Disney100 Celebration Begins on January 27, 2023The Disney100 anniversary celebration will officially kick off on January 27, 2023 at Disneyland Resort with special limited-time offerings taking place for all of 2023.Starting January 27, Disneyland will get new platinum-infused décor across the resort, including new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, along with special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more. Sleeping Beauty Castle will be adorned with platinum banners and bunting, accented by an array of polished gems featuring Flora, Fauna and Merryweather -- who will illuminate the castle with shimmering pixie dust. Two water fountains will grace either side of the castle moat, while a wishing star will sparkle from the tower above.World of Color – One at Disney California Adventure Park is a new version that will celebrate the storytelling legacy of Walt Disney. It will tell a new story of how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. The show will feature a new song: Start a Wave. Disneyland Park will feature Wondrous Journeys, a new nighttime spectacular. It will have nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film so far. It will continue to build on the park’s projection effects, turning Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of it’s a small world and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas that brings characters to life. On select nights, Wondrous Journeys will go even bigger with the addition of fireworks above Disneyland. This show will also feature a new song: It’s Wondrous.Even though Mickey’s Toontown isn't opening until spring 2023, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction will open early to kick off Disney100 on January 27. xxDisney PhotoPass Lenses Now Available at Disneyland along with more features in the Disneyland AppDisney Genie+ now includes Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the Disneyland app – some of which are unique to Disneyland Resort. The app also offers the car locator, mobile checkout, cast compliments and more xxAulani's Signature Dining Experience, ‘AMA‘AMA, Returns with a New, Locally-inspired MenuFriday October 14 is the reopening date for ‘AMA‘AMA, the signature restaurant at Disney Aulani.The newly reimagined fine-dining experience offers a four-course, prix fixe dinner menu that pays homage to the spirit of Hawai‘i, with unique flavors, quality ingredients and locally sourced fish and produce.xxNew Disney Destination Gatherings Helps Groups Reclaim Lost Time, Experiences TogetherDisney has pulled together a collection of Disney experiences specifically designed for groups – from family reunions and weddings to school trips and conventions – under a whole new brand called Disney Destination Gatherings.Disney Destination Gatherings brings together three different group-travel experiences specifically to meet the needs of those who plan meetings, social events, weddings and student-group travel:Disney Meetings & EventsWith a meticulous approach to every need, Disney professionals bring the Disney difference to conferences, association meetings, incentive programs, social events and corporate meetings at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, and aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & HoneymoonsFor three decades, engagements, weddings, honeymoons, and vow renewals have come to life in magical ways thanks to the pixie dust that Disney brings to each celebratory event held at Walt Disney World Resort; Disneyland Resort; Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa; or aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.Disney Imagination CampusWorkshops offered at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts include immersive hands-on learning so students from elementary through high school and college can build their skill sets and prepare for life’s adventures.With Disney Destination Gatherings, Disney aims to bring people together with unforgettable experiences. Whether a group gathers at a Disney theme park, resort, or aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney will help to create shared memories and meaningful moments together. xxWalt Disney World Refurbishment Update: Disney's Caribbean Beach ResortSome of the resort rooms in the Trinidad area of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort will be receiving a brand-new look and feel. These new rooms, which will include subtle nods to fan-favorite characters from under the sea, will accommodate more guests and feature updated finishings that can’t be found anywhere else at the resort.Refurbishment work began on October 3 and will reopen at some point in 2023.xxThank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to

Disney After Hours Events Return in January at Walt Disney World Resort!Disney After Hours events will return to Walt Disney World starting in January 2023, with the kick off on January 4, 2023 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 9 at Magic Kingdom Park. Disney After Hours are separately ticketed events that give you access to the park for three extra hours after regular park closing. You get free ice cream, popcorn and select beverages with your tickets. Tickets are limited for these events, which theoretically means lower wait times for attractions. But in our experience, this is not always the case -- so don't bank on that. "Limited" is a vague descriptor and we have routinely seen wait times of 30 to 45 minutes for popular rides. So that's a big chunk of your three hours.With Disney After Hours tickets, you can enter the park as early as 7:00 p.m., which gives you a little extra bang for your buck. You won't get the free snacks until the event begins at park closing, but at least you can get in a little earlier if you like.Disney After Hours event tickets for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be purchased by starting October 7, 2022. Prices range from $129 to $159 (plus tax). Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing Disney After Hours tickets as early as October 4. The advance-purchase window is available to Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Vacation Club members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can also purchase specially priced tickets for select dates.Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are scheduled for select nights from January 4 through April 19, 2023. Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom Park are scheduled for select nights, January 9 through March 27, 2023. For the full list of events, dates and times, and to purchase tickets, visit the Disney After Hours page of DisneyWorld.com. --EPCOT ‘Candlelight Processional’ Celebrity NarratorsThe popular, festive and very moving “Candlelight Processional” is returning to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starting November 25, 2022. This tradition has been a part of the holiday season at Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971. If you have never been and you love the holiday season, it's something worth considering. You will experience a heart warming retelling of the traditional Christmas story featuring celebrity narrators, the Voices of Liberty acapella ensemble, and a 50-piece live orchestra with large choirs.The 2022 line-up of celebrity narrators features new and returning favorites, including actors from some of your favorite movies, TV shows, world-renowned singers, and other talented artists. Here is the list of narrators for the 2022 Candlelight Processional at EPCOT:11/25 – 11/26: Simu Liu11/27 – 11/29: Edward James Olmos11/30 – 12/1: Raul Esparza (NEW)12/2 – 12/3: Whoopi Goldberg12/4 – 12/6: Isabella Rossellini12/7 – 12/9: Daymond John12/10 – 12/12: Josh Gad (NEW)12/13 – 12/14: Gloria Estefan (NEW)12/15 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris12/19 – 12/20: Mariska Hargitay (NEW)12/21 – 12/23: Cal Ripken Jr.12/24 – 12/26: Marie Osmond12/27 – 12/28: Courtney Vance12/29 – 12/30: Angela BassettSeating is free, but you can secure a spot at the show by booking a “Candlelight Processional” Dining Package (similar to Fantasmic). Packages went on sale on October 6, 2022 and you can get full details by visiting EPCOTholidays.com. --Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

EPCOT Turns 40 on October 1, 2022EPCOT wasn't always a park that was slated for success. A quick look back at the creation of Disney's first park not modelled after a Magic Kingdom.--EPCOT 40th Anniversary Merchandise RevealedThe new EPCOT 40th Anniversary Collection is available for purchase as of October 1, 2022, with additional items arriving throughout the month. The collection features retro and nostalgic designs that offer a wide variety of merchandise for the entire family. Initial reactions among fans have been mixed. This commemorative merchandise will be available at Creations Shop in EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Select items will also be available on shopDisney.com.--Foodie Guide to EPCOT 40th Anniversary CelebrationsFrom the very beginning, EPCOT has always had a food component through World Showcase.So it's only fitting that there's a foodie guide to accompany EPCOT 40th Anniversary Celebrations (including our top picks).Connections Café (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3) EPCOT 40th Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar > Amelia's PickChozo de Margarita (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last) 40th Fiesta: Frozen margarita in a “MEXICO 40” souvenir cupFunnel Cake (Available Oct. 1 and 2) Celebration Funnel Cake with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and 40th candies > Amelia's PickGarden House (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3) Sake Cocktail Flight featuring Samurai, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Sunset, and Violet Sake > Mike's PickLa Hacienda de San Angel and San Angel Inn (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last)Flan: Vanilla custard topped with blueberries, whipped cream, and a “MEXICO 40” white chocolate garnishClarified Margarita: Tequila, orange liqueur, lemon, simple syrup,“MEXICO 40” cup & glow cubeNine Dragons Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3) Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy pork, Sichuan sauce, peanut butter, sesame, cucumber, and green onion Space 220 Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3) Crema Catalana: Vanilla cream custard, lemon snow, citrus segments, and spicy ginger crumble > Mike's PickSunshine Seasons (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3; Mobile order available)Figment Sponge Cake with honey-lime mousseTeppan Edo (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3) EPCOT 40th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This version combines sake and butterfly pea flower to recreate the night sky of EPCOTTokyo Dining (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3) EPCOT 40th Kaisen Chirashi Don: Celebration sushi bowlEPCOT 40th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This combines sake and butterfly pea flower to create a color reminiscent of the EPCOT night sky--MagicBand+ Coming to Disneyland Resort this FallWhile MagicBand+ offers very little in terms of innovative new experiences, Disney fans have still been snapping them up to try them out at Walt Disney World.With MagicBand+ launching soon at Disneyland, will there be anything different or better in terms of features and experiences? The answer is, unfortunately, no. Here's what you can expect once MagicBand+ launches at Disneyland.At launch, you'll be able to connect your MagicBand+ to theme park tickets or a Magic Key pass in the Disneyland and use it for Lightning Lane entrances. Disney PhotoPass photographers will also accept a tap of your band to link photos to your Disney account. All pretty basic and standard MagicBand functionality.MagicBand+ will also offer its glow-with-the-show capability at Disneyland. Again, nothing special.The Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters interactive quest has vibrations and lights from MagicBand+. This feature has, in our opinion, ruined the landscape of Galaxy's Edge by inserting very non-immersive screens throughout the land. Plus, users have encountered problems with this activity, particularly in terms of rapidly draining the MagicBand+ battery (rendering it useless as far as completing the mission).Should you buy a MagicBand+ at Disneyland? The basic functionality of a MagicBand is good, but the enhancements are nothing special at all and not worth it in our opinion.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much mor

Christmas or Halloween? Which is a Better Time to Visit Walt Disney WorldIn Episode 143 of the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923 Main Street we discuss which of these two popular holiday periods is the best time to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort.--Foodie Guide to Halloween Bites From the Resorts of Walt Disney WorldDisney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports ResortWorld Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available October 1 through 31; Mobile order available) My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)Mickey Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake and spiced chocolate cake with buttercream and chocolate décor (New)Disney’s Art of Animation ResortLandscape of Flavors (Available October 1 through 31; Mobile order available)Spellbound Chicken Adobo Nachos: Blue corn tortilla chips with chicken adobo, toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted corn, black beans, and a zesty pumpkin cheese sauce finished with lime crema and a ghostly pepper salsa (New) (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)The Whoopie Monster: Spiced apple whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream and caramel (New)Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Mara (Available October 1 through 31; Mobile order available)Pumpkin Mickey Tart: Pumpkin cheesecake mousse, chocolate ganache and chocolate décor (New) Boma – Flavors of Africa, Victoria Falls Lounge, and Sanaa (Available October 1 through 31) Doom-ela South African Margarita: Our Margarita featuring Patron Silver Tequila with a South African Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon floater (New)Disney’s Beach Club Resort Beach Club Marketplace (Available October 1 through 31; Mobile order available) Mummy Cookies ‘n Scream Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookies n’ cream mousse, chocolate cake, and whipped cream (New)Poison Apple Trifle: Layers of caramel crunch, apple mousse, caramel mousse, and vanilla cake with buttercream and fondant décor (New) Mickey Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie: Pumpkin spice sugar cookie with royal icing décor (New) Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available October 1 through 31) Butter Pecan Pumpkin Shake: Butter pecan ice cream with pumpkin flavoring, caramel, chocolate sauces and a vanilla cupcake with a Mickey pumpkin and sprinkle décor (New) (non-alcoholic)Disney’s BoardWalk BoardWalk Deli (Available October 1 through 31; Mobile order available)Boo Brownie: Mickey-shaped brownie topped with ganache and whipped cream ghosts (New) Creepy Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with blood orange curd filling, vanilla mascarpone cream, chocolate cookies crumbs, and sugar pumpkins (New) Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available October 1 through 31; Mobile order available)My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)Topsy Turvy Chocolate & Cherries: Chocolate cake, salted caramel mousse and a tart cherry filling (New)Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Café (Available October 1 through 31; Mobile order available) Madame Leota Dark Chocolate Cake: Devil’s Food mini cake filled with dark chocolate ganache topped with chocolate glaze and marshmallow webs (New) Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Barcelona Lounge (Available through November 30) Caramel Pumpkin Pie Cold Brew: Joffrey's Cold Brew Coffee with caramel and pumpkin pie flavors topped with cinnamon whipped cream (New) (non-alcoholic) Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available October 1 through 31) Pumpkin Mickey Tart: Pumpkin cheesecake mousse, chocolate ganache, chocolate décor (New)Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gasparilla Island Grill (Available through October 31; Mobile order available) Jack O ’Lantern Mickey Cake Pop: Jumbo pumpkin-spiced yellow cake pop enrobed in orange-colored white chocolate (New) Black Flame Candle: Candy corn-colored vanilla sponge cake candle with caramel buttercream and white chocolate ganache (New)Bewitching Minnie Mousse Cupcake: Cookies ‘n cream-filled chocolate cupcake and ganacheHocus Pocus 'Amuck' Cakes: Chocolate Devils Food cupcakes filled with peanut “boo”tter mousseDisney’s Old Key West Resort Good’s Food to Go (Available October 1 through 31)Mummy Mickey Blondie: Caramel blondie with caramel buttercreamDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort Capt. Cook’s and Kona Island (Available October 1 - 31; Mobile order available at Capt. Cook’s only)Tamatoa: Chocolate chiffon cake with Hawaiian Chantilly filling and shiny sprinkles (New)Pineapple Lanai (Available October 1 through 31) Not-So-Scary Pumpkin Soft-serve: Pumpkin spice flavored soft-serve and coconut haupia with caramel drizzle, graham cracker crumbs, and a white chocolate Mickey-sh

Everything New for Disney Parks and Resorts from D23 Expo 2022 So What's Next for Disney Parks?You won't believe what's coming behind Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World This is Disney's Blue Sky sneak peak of what's coming down the road for Disney Parks. This portion of the D23 Expo had the biggest cheer of anything announced in 2022.First though, Josh D'Amaro announced what's happening with Dinoland at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. It has been languishing and looks forgotten so the announcement of a big transformation coming was welcome. Zootopia and Moana will share the space currently occupied by Dinoland. But the biggest news of all... Disney Villains are Finally Getting a Place to Call their OwnMagic Kingdom will feature new frontiers and it's all hiding on the other side of BTM. The little town of Santa Cecilia will come to life as Coco gets a Magic Kingdom presence. And if you do want to talk about Bruno, you're in luck because you may be able to walk right into the Madrigal's casita. But all is not fun and flowers in this new land...as what if the Disney villains took up residence there as well...beyond Big Thunder Mountain.This was presented as conceptual and would likely be 10 years down the road, but Disney would not share it in this way if it weren't going to happen. Big news for Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom. -- There's More Coming to Walt Disney WorldA new nighttime show for EPCOT will debut in late 2023 to kick-off the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. Moana's Journey of Water and the rest of the World Celebration area at EPCOT will open in late 2023. So we'll have to bear with those construction walls for another year it seems.Figment is returning in a brand new form for a meet and greet at EPCOT. That will be in place by the end of 2023. In Magic Kingdom, the perennial favorite Hatbox Ghost will materialize once again in the Haunted Mansion. And we now know that Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom will debut in Spring 2023. We were hoping it would be sooner, but apparently they are working on finishing touches right now. No specific date, just "spring." Finally, in 2023, a new version of Happily Ever After will return as part of a new Magic Kingdom nighttime show. This received a good amount of applause. What's New and Coming to Disneyland Resort The DVC Villas at Disneyland Hotel will be called the Villas at Disneyland Hotel. How creative. On October 16, 2023 Disney 100 kicks-off and it promises to be the biggest celebration ever for Disney. Under the theme of a Boundless Future the following announcements were made: The Mandalorian and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) will be onsite starting in Mid November 2022 at Disneyland Galaxy's Edge Over at the Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park, Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, noted "we're just getting started." A new giant Hulk will be at Avengers Campus in California "next week." Plus, they're bringing the Multiverse to Avengers Campus. Disney is expanding the campus to include a new attraction. In the new attraction you will battle alongside all the Avengers against all the foes from anywhere. You will fight King Thanos. This is a new Thanos -- a Thanos who won. And the Avengers are not too happy about that and you have to help them. More news to come. Also new to Disney California Adventure, they are reimagining Pacific Wharf into San Fransokyo from Big Hero Six. You'll be able to meet Baymax there. Finally, they are reimagining Paradise Pier Hotel, as it will become Pixar Place Hotel. It will feature a Finding Nemo splash pad and more characters. All in all, Disney promises that the hotel will feel completely new. Over at Downtown Disney more than a dozen new or reimagined locations are in the works. More announcements coming over the next year. But the big news locally is a that SoCal favorite bakery Porto's is coming to Downtown Disney. RunDisney at Disneyland is coming back in 2024. More details coming soon. It's been awhile for Run Disney as the last one took place in 2017. Mickey's ToonTown Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway are coming along. It was good to hear that it will be a slightly different version of Runaway Railway than the WDW edition, to fit into the Disneyland ToonTown story. It's all opening in 2023. Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open in late 2024 in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The story for the ride is that it picks up where the film (Princess and the Frog) left off. In the new story, Princess Tiana is an entrepreneur and community leader in the year 1927. She is hosting a party for the community and we need to help Tiana to find a special ingredient that she's missing. Disney promises that the latest tech is being implemented to really enhance the outside of the whole area at night. Mist will be used like a painter's canvas. "True bayou magic." The attraction is to be a love letter to New Orleans. Guests should feel the story is authentic to the city. Another great piec

There's a New DVC Lounge Coming to DisneylandDisney Vacation Club announced the first Member Lounge coming to Disneyland Resort in California and it is expected to open in the first half of 2023. The lounge will be located in Tomorrowland and be called “Disney Vacation Club Star View Station.” Located on the second floor of the Star Wars: Launch Bay building, the space-themed lounge will be home to a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Member Services team, plus lots of casual seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, device-charging stations and more.Similar to the DVC lounge at EPCOT, the Disneyland lounge will be available to eligible Disney Vacation Club Members with valid park tickets and reservations to Disneyland Park, space permitting. -- Is Disney Really Launching a Membership Program Like Amazon PrimeDisney is reportedly planning to launch a new membership program loosely modeled after Amazon Prime that would offer discounts and perks for combining streaming services, theme park visits, resort hotel stays, merchandise purchases and more.The Wall Street Journal reported on this, so there is some sense of reality behind it. The idea is that Disney would use the membership program to make it more attractive for guests and customers to increase spending on all its products and services. For Disney, it would give more consumer data as to your spending habits and more.So would this mean the retirement of programs like D23? How would DVC and Annual Pass perks stack up against this? --Foodie Guide to Halloween Sweets and Treats at Disneyland ResortHalloween season is on now at Disneyland Resort! This year, there are a ton of great new treats and bites to tempt your taste buds and your wallets. Here is the complete list of every Disney Halloween treat at every location, plus our top picks for the must-try items.Disneyland Park Alien Pizza Planet (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)Supernova Pizza Special: Spicy blush sauce, Italian sausage, classic and crispy cupped pepperoni, mozzarella, pepper jack, red pepper flakes, and Fresno chilesVampire Alien Macaron filled with blackberry buttercream and lemon curd Carnation Café (Available August 31 through November 10) Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Hand-breaded fried chicken breast tossed in spicy chili sauce with pepper jack and mustard slaw on a brioche bun > Amelia PickFrench Market Restaurant (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)Halloween Cake: Purple-colored vanilla sponge, raspberry mousse, fresh raspberries, and candied cocoa nibs (New) > Mike PickGalactic Grill (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)Octoberfest-inspired Burger: Angus beef patty, bratwurst, grilled peppers and onions, sauerkraut, and house-made mustard cheese on a pretzel bun (New) Darth by Chocolate: Layers of chocolate pudding, red velvet sponge, chocolate mousse, and crushed chocolate creme-filled cookiesBlood Orange Slush with a swirl of raspberry sauce (Non-alcoholic) > Amelia PickGibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available) Rocky Road Halloween Sundae: Rocky road waffle bowl, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream topped with sprinkles (New) > Amelia PickJolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)Pumpkin Cheesecake: Classic pumpkin cheesecake decorated with a chocolate spider web and spiced Chantilly (New) > Mike PickMickey Bat Cookie: Citrus shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a vampire Mickey face Market House (Available September 2 through November 10)Mickey Bat Cookie: Citrus shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a vampire Mickey faceMint Julep Bar (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available.Pumpkin-spiced Mickey-shaped Beignets rolled in pumpkin-spiced sugarPlaza Inn Monster Halloween Cake: Devil's Food cake, colorful white chocolate mousse and buttercream (Available September 2 through November 10) Classic Pumpkin Pie: Classic pumpkin pie with spiced Chantilly (Available September 2 through November 30)Red Rose Taverne (Mobile order available)Grave Stuff: Traditional grey stuff topped with chocolate tombstone and Halloween sprinkles (New) (Available September 2 through October 31) Mickey Bat Cookie: Citrus shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a vampire Mickey face (Available September 2 through November 10)Pumpkin Cold Brew: Cold brew flavored with pumpkin, vanilla, and spices topped with whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available September 2 through November 10)Refreshment Corner (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)Spicy Firefly Chips: Spicy corn chips topped with chili, cheese, and jalapeños (New) > Mike PickStage Door Café (Available September 2 through November 10) Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake: Pumpkin spice-dusted funnel cake with spiced caramel drizzle, toffee

Walt Disney World Park Pass Reservation System gets an ImprovementOne of the biggest pains of the Disney World Park Pass system -- other than the fact that it still exists at all -- has been fixed. You can now modify a park reservation, including date, park and party members (subject to availability), rather than having to cancel and re-book.You can also book theme park reservations with different admission types – so whether you’re an Annual Passholder, date-based ticket holder or visiting with a Cast Member, you can all make your reservations at one time. The question still remains though: for nearly 50 years we got along just fine without Park Pass. It came into effect during the Walt Disney World reopening stages of covid to limit and monitor crowd sizes. But that need has now passed. So why is Park Pass still here? It's an annoyance and yet another thing requiring advance booking for no good reason at all.--New Details about Moana's attraction at EPCOT: Journey of WaterIf you're wondering what's behind those unsightly construction walls at EPCOT, here's the scoop.Journey of Water is an upcoming Moana attraction that will allow you to explore and engage with water as it travels from sky to ocean and back again: the natural cycle of water. Fans Disney's Moana will see familiar shapes and characters carved into the rocks and waterways throughout Journey of Water. A great example of this is Moana herself, who will be positioned proudly – celebrating water’s arrival at the ocean.So while we would still prefer the often rumored fourth mountain Moana attraction in Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, Journey of Water at least gives Moana a small nod at EPCOT.--Traditional Character Greetings Return Onboard at Disney Cruise LineTraditional character greetings, up-close character greetings, including autographs, are now resuming across the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet.--New Dates for Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser SailingsNew on sale dates have been released for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. See below for the booking cadence for voyages through September 2023:August 25: Club 33 and Golden OakAugust 26: Invited Star Wars affinity groupsAugust 30: Disney Vacation Club MembersAugust 31: Annual PassholdersSeptember 1: Open to the general public--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Trip Report Disney's Vero Beach and Walt Disney World - August 2022 Disney's Vero Beach Resort Still one of the best hidden gems among Disney resort properties in Florida. The property and Cast Members here are warm and welcoming. Beach changes, campfire, local dining and activities (Ay Jalisco, Squid Lips, Round Island, Sebastian Inlet), room review Walt Disney World Resort BLT issues, Halloween Party rough start but good finish, EPCOT construction, moderate crowds, Whispering Canyon drops, GF Cafe okay but slight drop perhaps, Wicked Wind Down Top of the World Villains Lair, Genie+ and Lightning Lane, MagicBand+ -- Disney Skyliner will be closed for routine maintenance Jan. 22-29, 2023. -- Three Popular Tours are Returning to EPCOT in October 2022 EPCOT celebrates its 40th anniversary on October 1, 2022 and these tours will be back as of October 2, 2022Behind the Seeds is a one-hour walking tour that gives you an up-close and personal view of plants, insects and fish throughout EPCOT's four state-of-the-art greenhouses.With EPCOT Seas Adventures – DiveQuest, you'll once again be able to dive into the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank and immerse yourself into the sea life surrounding the coral reef. This experience offers SCUBA-certified guests guaranteed calm seas, unlimited visibility, no rip currents and great marine life.With the return of EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth, you can meet bottlenose dolphins at The Seas and learn about their undersea behavior from the experts who work with them every day.All three tours return on October 2 and are on sale now at DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app. Advance bookings are highly recommended. Please note the Behind the Seeds experience requires a valid theme park admission and reservation.-- Disney Aulani Pool Refurbishment The Wailana Pool at Disney Aulani will be unavailable from September 26 – 30, 2022.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Should Walt Disney World Have a Scary Halloween Party? 100 episodes ago -- all the way back in episode 38 -- we talked about what we would do if we were in charge of Walt Disney World. One of the things we'd both love to see is a fifth park that has a villains theme. Disney Villains need a place to call their own. A villains park -- including our Maleficent-themed coaster called Villified -- would be the ideal location for a truly scary Disney-inspired Halloween party. So what would that be like and would you like to see Disney get a bit edgier with Halloween? -- Early Entry and Package Delivery are Now Available at DisneylandEveryone staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel can now take advantage of both Early Entry to the parks and Package Delivery to your room. Overnight Guests at The Happiest Place on Earth can experience these perks and more, including:Proximity and direct Theme Park accessHotel activities like learning to draw Disney charactersDirect-to-Room ServiceDining Delivery to a Disneyland Resort Hotel lobby from select restaurants in the Downtown Disney DistrictAnd coming soon, Preferred Dine Access to a limited number of reservations at select hotel table service restaurants during the dates of their hotel stay-- Disney World Hotel Pool Closure UpdatePool upgrades are ongoing at Walt Disney World and the latest one began on Sunday, August 14. The Ranchos leisure pool at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is now closed for routine refurbishment. The pool is expected to reopen in late September, so bear that in mind if you plan to stay there anytime soon.During the refurbishment, the Dig Site Feature Pool and the Casitas and Cabanas leisure pools will remain open and available to guests.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Foodie Guide: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and More This year Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park is filled with plenty of eats and treats to get you in the Halloween spirit. The Disney culinary teams have conjured up some frightfully fun delights and these are our top picks for the 2022 edition of MNSSHP. So if filling your Halloween bag with candy in Magic Kingdom Park isn't enough for you, here's what you can look forward to. Plus some of these are available outside of the Halloween Party. Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies Not-So-Poison Apple Pie Milk Shake: Apple pie milk shake with green apple whipped cream, sour apple marshmallow straw, cinnamon donuts, and a poison apple straw (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Sweet Candy Corn Soft-serve Swirl Cone: Sweet corn and vanilla soft-serve swirl topped with candy corn chocolate bow (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)Casey’s Corner Pain and Panic Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog, sweet and spicy onion relish, and sriracha mustard topped with spicy cheese-flavored snacks (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) Winifred’s Elixir of Youth: Black tea slushy with kiwi foam and Winifred chocolate piece (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)Cheshire Café Binx Pastry Tail: Cat tail drizzled with dark chocolate and topped with Binx chocolate piece (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) Cold Witches Brew Coffee: French vanilla cold brew with pumpkin spiced foam topped with Halloween sprinkles (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café Bayou Burger: All-beef patty, jalapeño pimento cheese, crispy andouille sausage, and garlic pickles (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) The Friar’s Nook Hades Hot Dog: Spicy beef and pork hot dog, Hades’ relish, and pickles served with house-made violet mustard (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only) Un Poco Loco Tots: Chorizo sausage, green onion, and Hades’ cheese sauce (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Golden Oak Outpost Spellbinding Fried Pie: Buffalo chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese wrapped in flaky dough topped with a candy eye and jalapeño ranch aïoli (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Ice Cream Cart near Haunted Mansion Chilling Chamber Pop: Chocolate crumbs, cherry buttercream, and dark chocolate pearls topped with Tightrope Walker chocolate piece (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Monster Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: Monster cookies filled with vanilla ice cream (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Liberty Square MarketMonster Cookie: Sugar cookie with candy eyes and Halloween-themed sprinkles (New) (Available during regular park hours only) Main Street Bakery Oh, My Gourd Cupcake: Pumpkin spice cupcake with cinnamon cream cheese icing finished with dark chocolate ears (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café Sweet Almond Corn Cake: Almond vanilla cake dipped in white, orange, and yellow chocolate topped with candy corn (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Popcorn Cart near Cinderella Castle Mexican Spiced Hot “COCO” Brownie: Spice chocolate brownie with dark chocolate ganache topped with Miguel chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Grave Digger Milk Shake: Coconut and matcha blended soft-serve topped with whipped cream, Grave Digger shovel, and chocolate gravestone (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Worms and Dirt Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie crumbs, gummy worms, and Billy chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Chilling Chamber Pop: Chocolate crumbs, cherry buttercream, and dark chocolate pearls topped with Tightrope Walker chocolate piece (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)Snack Cart near Cinderella Castle M&M’s Peanut Butter Churro: Churro rolled in peanut dust with peanut sauce, chocolate sauce, and M&M’s Peanut Butter (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) Sunshine Tree Terrace Jack-O-Lantern Float: Citrus swirl with Fanta Orange, brown sugar whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)-- Some Good News for Genie+ UsersEarlier this year, Disney moved five attractions from individual Lightning Lane purchase to the Disney Genie+ servi

A Sneak Peek at the New Menu at Disney's BoardWalk Deli (Opening Soon!) Opening later this summer (it's already August, so we're not sure when it will be), the BoardWalk Deli is the reimagined version of the former BoardWalk Bakery. Here's a sneak peek of some of the new deli offerings coming to the BoardWalk Deli with inspiration coming from New York and the Jersey Shore. Everything will be baked in house. For breakfast there's everything from a bagel with eggs, sausage and cheddar to a plant-based ciabatta breakfast sandwich. For lunch and dinner there are hot and cold deli sandwiches, a classic pastrami reuben and a signature Italian sub. Or go for a roast chicken sandwich or grilled cheese with tomato soup. For dessert, there are cannolis, scones, crumbcake and much more. -- New Offerings at Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort As always, there is an impressive array of multiple courses, now including dishes like Glacier 51 Toothfish with charred mushroom and sambal, Heirloom Tomatoes with gazpacho and 100 Year Balsamico, and Carrot Tikka Masala with cilantro and puri bread. For a sweet, the Spectrum of Chocolate is back and now features four specialty sourced chocolates and a tableside presentation of sabayon with notes of Madagascar vanilla bean, Champagne, and Grand Marnier. Finally, a new zero-proof cocktail pairing will be available as a regular offering for anyone wanting to experience unique non-alcoholic beverages crafted to complement each course. One new offering is the Guajillo Spice, which is smoked tableside to highlight the rich flavors of roasted guajillo chilis, charred jalapeños, and black peppercorn, as well as a touch of caramelized sweetness from turbinado sugar and fresh lime. The newly renovated interior has crystal chandeliers, custom murals and new wall coverings that modernize what has always been a lavish location. There are still three dining options, including the main Dining Room serves a tasting menu that highlights seasonal flavors. The Queen Victoria Room offers a menu created by the chef de cuisine just for you in a setting "fit for royalty," and includes tableside presentations. The Chef’s Table is the premium one-of-a-kind experience where the culinary team creates a custom tasting menu. If you want to interact with the chefs, this is the one for you. -- Ama Ama Reopening at Disney Aulani, Hawaii Over at Disney Aulani, Ama Ama will be reopening this fall with a new dinner-only dining experience. The restaurant has been reimagined and we will share more details about the menu when it's released. -- Upcoming Walt Disney World Pool Closures From approximately January through April 2024 routine maintenance will be happening at the following Walt Disney World Resort hotel pools (meaning these pools will be closed, so plan accordingly):Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies ResortFuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach ResortDoubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

MagicBand+ is HereIs it worth the hype and money? You can now get a brand new Disney MagicBand+ for your Walt Disney World vacation. Is it worth getting? Do you plan to get one? Is it worth the upgrade from MagicBand 2? Maybe, but we think Disney really dropped the ball here. MagicBand+ has questionable value. What Disney really should have done was release a Disney smart watch. We predict that a Disney MagicBand Watch will be the next (and a better) version of this tech -- especially if it works along with Hey Disney.In the meantime, here are the minor benefits of a Disney MagicBand+ MagicBand+ does everything your old MagicBand does:Unlock the door of your Walt Disney World Resort hotel roomEnter any of the Disney World theme parks and water parksRedeem Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane reservationsCharge items, including food/beverages and merchandise, to your resort room (only if staying onsite)Redeem Disney Dining Plan creditsLink PhotoPass images to your accountHow is MagicBand+ different than a regular MagicBand?MagicBand+ costs more than a MagicBandMagicBand+ has some limited park interactionsMagicBand+ has to be charged frequently How to set-up a new MagicBand+ and link it to your Disney account Press the button on the back MagicBand+ to turn it on and tap the band to your phone.Open (or set-up) the My Disney Experience app.Follow the app instructions to link the MagicBand+ to your Disney account, assign it to a guest and pair it to your mobile device. App will show the band charge level and software status.Link your park tickets, reservations and more as required.How to manage multiple MagicBands from one Disney accountIn the MDE app go to MagicBands and More.View your managed guests.Adjust everyone's MagicBand+ settings and options.How to Customize your MagicBand+Find "MagicBands and More" and select “Customize Your MagicBand+”.Check that your MagicBand+ is fully charged and the software is up to date.Pick a custom light up theme.Change the vibration and motion recognition settings to what you want.-- The Red Trolley Car is Back on the Rails at Disney California Adventure Park It's the small things and the tiny details that hold some of the best Disney magic for those who care about Walt Disney and park history.This summer, you can ride the trolley and enjoy views of Buena Vista Street, Carthay Circle Restaurant, Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard while learning about Walt Disney's journey as he arrived in Hollywood. If you like Walt stories and fun facts, you will love this one. Here's a fun fact, number 623 on the trolley stands for June 1923 when Walt first came to California. Number 717 stands for July 17, which was the opening day of Disneyland.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Shop 1923 Main StreetFeel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo