1923 Main Street: Snow Skate Surf and Travel Style

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

DOLE Whip Now Has its Own Disney Day of CelebrationFun Facts About Dole WhipDole Whip is a soft-serve dairy free and gluten free frozen dessert created by the Dole Food Company in 1984. Since 2013 it has been fully vegan. It first appeared as an attraction in the Disneyland Enchanted Tiki Room. According to the official Dole website, a 2/3 cup serving of Dole Whip contains 110 calories and 25-27 carbs (depending on the flavor). Remember, the make-at-home Dole Whip recipe that Disney published in 2020 during lockdown is not the real Dole Whip recipe. The real one is made with powder from Dole, plus water and the machine that combines the two into frozen goodness. Dole Whip used to be somewhat exclusive and very much a Disney thing to many people, but that's now changed and you can get official Dole Whip in more and more places outside of Disney Parks -- including our local movie theatre in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.Dole Whip Day is officially July 21, but the Dole Whip flavor extravaganza will continue through July 24. Going forward Disney plans to hold Dole Whip Day on the third Thursday in July – so if you want to plan your WDW vacation around Dole Whip, you now know which dates to book.Walt Disney World Resort Magic Kingdom Park Aloha Isle (Located in Adventureland)Pineapple Float: DOLE pineapple juice served with a choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirl (available with Tiki Sipper for additional cost) Raspberry Swirl Float: DOLE Whip and raspberry swirl served with DOLE pineapple juicePineapple Upside-Down Cake served with choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirlDOLE Whip Cup: Choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirlCoconut Cup: Choice of coconut or coconut and DOLE Whip swirlRaspberry Swirl Cup: DOLE Whip and raspberry swirlStorybook Treats (Located in Fantasyland) Soft-serve Cup: DOLE Whip lime, chocolate, or vanilla soft-serve, or swirl in a cupSnow White Cone: DOLE Whip lemon in a blue cone garnished with a chocolate bird and sugar bowSunshine Tree Terrace (Located in Adventureland; Mobile Order available)DOLE Whip Orange CupOrange Cream Soft-serve Cup: DOLE Whip orange and vanilla soft-serve swirlDOLE Whip Strawberry CupDOLE Whip Float: DOLE Whip or vanilla soft-serve with your choice of Coca-Cola, Barq’s Root Beer, Diet Coke, Fanta Orange, Fanta Strawberry, POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast, or SpriteI Lava You Float: Fanta Strawberry Soda and passion fruit flavor served with DOLE Whip orange and topped with popping candyDisney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Tamu Tamu Scar’s Lair: DOLE Whip and sour appleLion’s Lair: DOLE Whip topped with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and sour appleSimba Sunset: DOLE Whip with strawberryKing’s Cooler: DOLE Whip with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and strawberryDOLE Whip Float: DOLE Whip with DOLE pineapple juice (available with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum) DOLE Whip Cup (available with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum)Trilo-Bites Trilo-Bites Twist: DOLE Whip orange with vanilla soft-serveEPCOT Refreshment Outpost (Available through November 19) DOLE Whip: Watermelon, pineapple, or swirl (New)Disney Springs Swirls on the Water Peach Bellini Float: Peach Bellini topped with DOLE Whip orange (New) Orange Bird Cone: DOLE Whip orange atop an orange cone with sprinklesDOLE Whip Flight: DOLE Whip orange swirled with DOLE Whip watermelon, DOLE Whip lemon swirled with blue butter cookie soft-serve, and DOLE Whip and Vanilla soft-serve swirlDisney Resort Hotels Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Café (Available July 21 through August 20; Mobile Order available) DOLE Whip Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with DOLE Whip mousse and garnished with a cherry (New)Disney’s Old Key West Resort Good’s Foods to Go (Mobile Order available)Key Lime Swirl: DOLE Whip lime and vanilla soft-serve swirl topped with graham cracker crumbsDOLE Whip Key Lime Martini: DOLE Whip lime served with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and garnished with a lime (New) (available July 21 through 24)Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Pineapple Lanai“Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone: DOLE Whip raspberry swirled with DOLE Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar (available July 21 through 24) 50th Celebration DOLE Whip: Your choice of DOLE Whip with a 50th white chocolate medallion, umbrella, and EARidescent glitterPineapple Float: DOLE pineapple juice served with a choice of DOLE Whip, vanilla soft-serve, or swirlDOLE Whip with Rum Floater: DOLE Whip with Parrot Bay Coconut RumBarefoot Pool Bar and Oasis Pool Bar Frozen Margarita with DOLE Whip Lime: Corazón Blanco Tequila blended with DOLE Whip lime and chili-lime seasoningFrosty Pineapple: DOLE Whip with Captain Morgan Private Stock RumTrader Sam's Tiki TerraceSpikey Pineapple: Barbancourt Pango Rhum blended with DOLE WhipDisneyland Resort Disneyland ParkThe Tropical Hideaway (Located in Adventureland; Mobile Order available)DOLE WhipDOLE Whip Float: DOLE pineapple juice topped with DOLE WhipDOLE Whip Swirl Float: DOLE pineapple ju

You've Been Asking for it and Now More Character Dining is Returning to Walt Disney WorldIf you want a hug with your meal, you're in luck as several character-dining experiences are getting ready to bring back Disney characters. Here's what we know about which restaurants are bringing back characters and when they're reopening.Magic Kingdom Park On September 20, 2022, your favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood will be back at The Crystal Palace: A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends. This greenhouse-inspired restaurant is located just off of Main Street U.S.A. near the hub and features dishes like Carved Prime Rib, Seasonal Ravioli, and Peel & Eat Shrimp.Disney’s Polynesian Village ResortThe ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch is a worthwhile breakfast experience and it's scheduled to return on September 27, 2022. According to Disney, you'll be able to once again get some hugs while you feast on dishes like the Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Bread and Mickey Waffles and sip on the iconic Lilikoi Juice and Moana Smoothie.Disney’s Beach Club ResortCape May Café, a New-England inspired dining room, is an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet and it will be back with characters on October 4, 2022 for the Cape May Café Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast. In the past, this one has featured Minnie, Goofy and more friends and is a fun way to start the day. There's lot of great food from which to choose, including Salted Caramel Beach Buns and of course Mickey and Minnie Waffles.-- Zombies 3 is coming soon and Disney is celebrating with a Zom Beatz Bash at Downtown Disney and Disney SpringsDisney loves a good party and this summer's theme is the ZOM-BEATZ BASH. This a dance filled event will feature music from the Disney Channel movies ZOMBIES, ZOMBIES 2 and ZOMBIES 3, with a premiere date of July 15 on Disney+ and August 12 on Disney Channel.ZOM-BEATZ BASH is a 20-minute DJ-hosted stage show event for guests of all ages to try out some zombie dance moves, sing-along to favorite songs or snap a pic at the ZOMBIES 3 photo wall. Parties will take place at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Disneyland: the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. from July 29 – 31 Walt Disney World: evenings at the Disney Springs Marketplace Stage from August 5 – 14 with performances from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.--Thor Love and Thunder at Disneyland and Walt Disney WorldJane Foster at Avengers CampusFor a limited time, Jane Foster will roam the grounds of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park, encountering recruits and occasionally challenging others to test their worthiness with the mythical hammer, Mjolnir.Thor-inspired TreatsThe Ganachery at Disney Springs, Walt Disney World is where you can try Mighty Thor’s Hammer (a Chocolate Mjolnir). This special dessert is available July 1-31 while supplies last (limit two per person).If you are looking for a worthy beverage holder, look no further than Mighty Thor’s Hammer Novelty, available starting July 8 in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park. The hammer opens on top to hold a contour bottle or cup and includes choice of bottled beverage at time of purchase. This offer is while supplies last and there is a limit of two (2) per person, per transaction. No Discounts Apply. This novelty will be sold at Shawarma Palace, Shawarma Palace Too (novelty available via mobile order as well) and at the outdoor vending cart at the entrance to Avengers Campus near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Unboxing the latest Thor merchandise with the stars of ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Even Spider-Bots can join in the celebration with a new Thor Tactical Upgrade, available at WEB Suppliers in Disney California Adventure park. The Spider-Bot armor plating upgrade equips your Spider-Bot with its very own uru-powered Mjolnir and intensifies its high-velocity attacks by summoning the power of thunder.--New Car Finder App So You'll Never Lose Your Car in a Disney Parking LotCar locator is a complimentary feature that uses location technology to find and save Guest's parking details. The feature functions best when you enable Location Services, Bluetooth, and Notifications on their mobile device.The feature will be available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs, Disney Water Parks, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. All guests have to do is open their My Disney Experience app and tap the car locator card on their home screen—or they can use the Feature menu (☰) for access.After that, guests can follow the prompts to enter their parking information. If they choose to enable location permissions on their device, car locator can help fill in the details for them. When guests are ready to leave, they can return to car locator for their parking information.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that y

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to Replace Splash Mountain by Late 2024Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Walt Disney Imagineers have been spending a lot of time in Louisiana conducting research to ensure Tiana’s Bayou Adventure preserves the heart and soul of Tiana's story. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been described as a love letter to New Orleans. The ride will take you on a musical adventure picking up where the film left off. We will see Princess Tiana, Naveen and the jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. The ride will travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the movie as they're brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story. --More Benefits for Guests of Disneyland Resort HotelsNew summer pool parties will take place for 30 minutes daily at all three Disneyland Resort Hotels from July 1 – Aug. 31, 2022. The Disney poolside squad will be on deck to lead games like the water sponge relay and a fun floaty toss, and play high-energy music for dancing the Pluto doggie paddle! Disney characters will stop by the pool to join in the fun.Early Entry: Starting August 8, 2022, Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests will be able to enjoy Early Entry for 30 minutes prior to each park’s opening to enjoy select attractions, dining and shopping.Dining Delivery: Select restaurants in Downtown Disney provide meal delivery services. Scan the QR code right from your in-room TV to access the links to those restaurants’ delivery webpages to place an order that can be delivered right to a Disneyland Resort Hotel lobby.Package Delivery: Starting August 8, 2022 you can have your park purchases delivered to your Disneyland Resort Hotel the next day. Preferred Dine Access will offer Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests the opportunity to have preferred access to a limited number of reservations at select hotel table service restaurants during the dates of their hotel stay. More details coming soon. --Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique returns August 25Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will welcome young guests starting August 25 at both Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort.You can start making reservations in early August only in the My Disney Experience app and Disneyland App, or at DisneyWorld.com and Disneyland.com. Valid admission and park reservations are required for entry into Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland park.--Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course Undergoing Most Extensive Redesign EverAs part of a long-running collaboration with Arnold Palmer Golf Management, Disney is currently redesigning part of the Magnolia course. There will be four holes – No. 14, No. 15, No. 16 and No. 17 – that will be reimagined with innovative layouts and landscaping.Also, the course’s 18 greens will be upgraded to create even more pristine putting surfaces. Plus, holes No. 16 and No. 17 will be connected by a new, wooden cart bridge through the forest and several fairway and greenside bunkers are being installed along with more challenging tee boxes.The new-look Magnolia course will debut later this year.--Foodie Guide to Disney Springs Flavors of FloridaFlavors of Florida at Disney Springs is under way and runs from July 5 through August 14. Over 30 restaurants and shops at Disney Springs are celebrating fresh flavors from the Sunshine State. These locations are serving up a slice of summer with refreshing beverages and delicious dishes, all inspired by Florida. Amorette’s PatisserieBlood Orange Éclair – Éclair filled with triple blood orange mousse, topped with tangy citrus jam and candied blood orange.Blue Citrus Sauvignon Blanc Slushie – Matua sauvignon blanc, Blue Curaçao syrup and lemonade. Served in a Flavors of Florida Corkcicle.The BOATHOUSECoconut Panna Cotta – Coconut panna cotta, layered with mango gelée and topped with tropical fresh fruit, shredded coconut and a crispy coconut shortbread cookie.Chef’s Art Smith’s Homecomin’Southern Fried Hand Pies – A pair of fried pastries filled with moonshine-glazed strawberry compote and served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.Blood Orange Margarita – Dobel Diamanté tequila with fresh-squeezed lime juice and blood orange purée, garnished with a fresh Florida orangeChicken Guy!Florida Sunshine Shake – Hand-spun, vanilla, soft serve ice cream and fresh Florida orange juice, topped with whipped cream and garnished with an orange wheel. (Not available for online orders.)City Works Eatery & Pour House Smokehouse Cuban – Hardwood-smoked pulled pork shoulder, ham, shaved hot link, smoked provolone, Robonaut Red mustard and spicy bread & butter pickles, on a Cuban roll.Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage BarSunshine Orange Chill – St. Augustine vodka, orange juice, topped with Sprite and served in a souvenir Coca-Cola glass.D-Luxe Burger Lime Garage Burger – Deluxe patty, topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is Back for 2022Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back on 24 select nights November 8 - December 22, 2022. This popular ticketed takes place at the Magic Kingdom and features:Mickey and pals on the Cinderella Castle stage for the ultimate Christmas extravaganza – Mickey’s Most Merriest. The show features holiday music with dance performances.Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will light up the sky, along with castle projections, and seasonal songs.Santa Claus will join Mickey Mouse and friends in the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.As in the past, partygoers will get complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at locations throughout Magic Kingdom.Holiday magic will once again transform the Jungle Cruise into the Jingle Cruise. And, as an exclusive treat, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party will all get a special holiday makeover.Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café becomes the coolest place to party when North Pole residents drop by for an intergalactic dance party!You can also dance the night away with favorite Disney characters at the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas on the Rockettower Plaza Stage.Younger partygoers and Disney Junior fans of all ages can head to Storybook Circus during the Disney Junior Jingle Jam as Disney Junior characters take part in a fun-filled dance celebration.In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, part attendees will find three new photo opportunities and will get a special 50th Anniversary holiday-themed commemorative keepsake.Tickets go on sale July 7, 2022 on DisneyWorld.com. Guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels can book in advance on June 30. Tickets range from $149-$199 plus tax. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can get speically priced ticket for select dates.The party does not require an additional theme park ticket or Park Pass reservation. Event dates are:November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22Say Hello to Santa ClausSanta will make special appearances throughout Walt Disney World. Whether cruising down Hollywood Boulevard in his red convertible at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or voyaging across the Discovery River as part of a festive flotilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park you may see Santa just about anywhere. For individual visits with Santa, Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs are where to go. And at EPCOT, Santa Claus will join storytellers from around the world as a part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays beginning November 25, 2022Enjoy Festive Entertainment Across Walt Disney WorldDisney’s Animal Kingdom Park will come alive with the return of a Merry Menagerie of winter animals in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets.“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and songs of the season.At Disney Springs, Town Center will experience a magical snowfall, bringing the spirit of the North Pole to Central Florida.The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins November 25 and features the Candlelight Procession, a heartwarming holiday performance at America Gardens Theatre.Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will blast off to the tune of an awesome holiday single.Disney PhotoPass will have holiday-themed Magic Shots at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, a new PhotoPass Lens and virtual backdrops at the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio.Savor Festive Seasonal FlavorsHoliday Cookie Stroll will return to EPCOT this year, it's a sweet scavenger hunt during Festival of the Holidays. There are also special Holiday Kitchens with festive food from around the world.At Disney Springs, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar becomes Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar and will feature yuletide touches along with festive food and craft cocktails.Immerse Yourself in Delightful Holiday Décor In addition to all the twinkling trees, glittering ornaments, tinsel and wreaths, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will have themed Christmas trees that draw inspiration from beloved characters. And don't forget the visit select resorts for gingerbread houses and more!--Walt Disney World Character NewsMirabel is now part of the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade," as of June 26.Minnie Mouse will join Mickey Mouse in Town Square Theater, Magic Kingdom Park starting July 6. July 6 also marks the return of Chip 'N Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. On July 10, Peter Pan and Snow White will greet guests at Magic Kingdom Park once again.Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Launch Bay returns July 17. You can meet Chewbacca, encounter BB-8 or run-into Darth Vader himself.In the coming months, a visit to Magic Kingdom Park will bring chances to meet Aladdin, Jasmine, Merida, Pooh, Tigger and Storyb

Best New Food to Try This Summer at Disneyland and Walt Disney WorldDisneyland ResortParadise Garden Grill, California Adventure, has new BBQ dishes including Kansas City-style BBQ Ribs (BBQ sauce, pickles, and onions), North Carolina-style BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich (creamy coleslaw, crispy jalapeños, pickles, onions), St. Louis-style BBQ-Rubbed Chicken (beer-brined, roasted half chicken, pickles, and onions. All come with a choice of Poblano Mac & Cheese, Chuck Wagon Beans, Potato Salad with Bacon, Creamy Coleslaw, Andouille Sausage, or Jalapeño-cheddar Cornbread.There's also a Peach Cobbler Cocktail with moonshine, peach schnapps, and peach-cinnamon purée.The Family Picnic Platter is BBQ half chicken, pulled pork, ribs, andouille sausage, poblano mac & cheese, chuck wagon beans, potato salad with bacon, creamy coleslaw, jalapeño-cheddar cornbread, pickles, and onions. Topped off with cherry cheesecake. Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland park will feature a new Late Night Menu. Plant-based Bonsoir Chili Cheese Poutine includes a hearty plant-based chili, shredded “cheese” and seasoned waffle fries. Our Classic Poutine has slow-cooked beef, gravy, cheese curds and spiced, pickled red onions on waffle fries. The Firelight Fries has tangy spiced chicken and pepperoncini ranch sauce on ranch-seasoned waffle fries. This Late Night Menu is available from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. At Disneyland park Harbour Galley there's the Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl with choice of clam chowder, steak gumbo, or the plant-based vegetable gumbo. The new Harbour Muffuletta Salad has cured meats and cheese on mixed lettuce with olive tapenade, giardiniera, pepperoncini and Italian dressing with sliced sourdough. The Pelican Punch is a chilled blend of pineapple, coconut, and lime.Royal Street Veranda New Orleans Square has the Hoppin’ John IMPOSSIBLE Royal Wrap with seasoned plant-based meat, rice, black-eyed peas, “cheddar,” lettuce, and Cajun dressing in a spinach tortilla. The Street Steak Salad is chilled steak on mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, candied pecans, and fried onions with a horseradish dressing. For a sweet tooth, the Blueberry Fritters with blue sugar and lemon curd dipping sauce is for you.Walt Disney World At Disney Springs, Swirls on the Water is the Buzz Lightyear Star Commander Cone, a purple cheesecake soft-serve adorned with chocolate wings and space sprinkles. Also there is a DOLE Whip Float featuring Rosa Regale Sparkling Red Wine, DOLE Whip strawberry, and a fresh strawberry slice. At Magic Kingdom Park, the new Zurg Freeze can be found at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies.EPCOT has a Barbecued-roasted Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce as well as a Southern-style Spoon Bread at Garden Grill. At Sunshine Seasons enjoy a Roast Beef Sandwich with chilled roast beef, chimichurri aïoli, cheddar, arugula, and red onion on a flour-topped kaiser roll served with potato chips. For a plant-based option, try the Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich featuring roasted red pepper, red onion, tomato, arugula, hummus, and balsamic vinaigrette on herbed focaccia. And rounding up the new additions is the Spicy Fish Taco, with fire-roasted corn salsa, creamy jalapeño Piri Piri sauce, and radish served with plantain chips.Coral Reef Restaurant has also seen some enhanced items recently. Start off your meal with new appetizers like the Trio of Seasonal Dips with fresh vegetable crudité and crisps or the New England Clam Chowder. While enjoying the incredible, underwater views, guests can feast upon entrée additions like the Orange-glazed Sustainable Salmon served with vegetable stir-fry and shiitake sticky rice. If this doesn’t quite float your boat, consider the Cajun Chicken Pasta filled with pulled Cajun-spiced chicken, parmesan cream sauce, roasted mushrooms, peas, peppers, and onions.Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is bringing back their buffet on August 28. Meet favorite Disney Junior pals for breakfast and Minnie and her friends for lunch and dinner. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is debuting new menu items including Fried Fresh Mozzarella with marinara sauce, ricotta salata, and lemon oil, while the Grilled Bone-in Pork Chop is accompanied by creamy polenta, roasted tomatoes, mustard vincotto, and charred broccolini. At the World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, you’ll find the Box Office Cupcake, a yellow cupcake filled with caramel and topped with marshmallow buttercream and a peanut-pretzel-popcorn brittle. Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort has the Rock and Roll Cupcake, another yellow cupcake but this one is filled with peanut butter buttercream and topped with banana panna cotta and candied bacon. The End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports is serving up the MVP Cupcake. This yellow cupcake is stuffed with apple pie filling and topped with a buttercream baseball and caramel popcorn-peanut crunch. At Everythi

When is Victoria & Albert’s Reopening at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort?Victoria & Albert's at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is reopening on Thursday, July 28, 2022 and you can make reservations starting June 20. The reopening has "enhanced flavors" and a newly reimagined Victorian-style dining room complete with murals & wall coverings that showcase timeless elegance and subtle inspiration of a whimsical garden.If you want to up your experience even further, the private Queen Victoria’s Room or the upscale Chef’s Table (with a front-row seat to the chefs at work) are other options. The world-class wine collection has over 500 options in the wine cellar and is perfectly paired with the dishes by V&A sommeliers. There are also delicious non-alcoholic cocktails that can be paired as well. Dishes on the tasting menu are continually evolving. When it reopens, you will be able to sample dishes such as Colorado Lamb with pickled blueberry and violet mustard, and line-caught turbot with fennel fondue, and Pernod beurre blanc. If the finest of beef is your thing, you can experience the Wagyu A-5 Miyazaki with sauce romesco and potato rösti. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the Spectrum of Chocolate, an ombré featuring specialty sourced chocolates with accents of buttermilk, Grand Mariner, and vanilla.A reminder about Victoria & Albert’s dress code. This is an upscale and intimate dining experience and the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World. Guests are required to dress accordingly for the upscale experience with semi-formal to formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegance and opulence. There is also a minimum age limit of 10.--What's on the Menu when Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Reopens on June 23, 2022The long-running classic Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be reopening its doors on Thursday, June 23, 2022 with an updated version of this fan favorite musical extravaganza accompanied by a family-style feast. The show takes place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, inside Pioneer Hall. The Pioneer Hall Players are ready to dance and sing as they do best.The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has historically had some of the best comfort food at Walt Disney World. It’s all-you-care-to-enjoy feast with bottomless fountain drinks and for those over 21, red and white sangria, draft beer, and wine are included.The Hoop Salad is a simple but satisfying starter with the signature “hoop” vinaigrette topped with sharp white cheddar, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The House-made Cornbread with delicious honey butter is legendary. There's also some very tasty Creamy Coleslaw before the main course arrives at your table. For the main course there's Pecan-smoked BBQ Pork Ribs with BBQ sauce. The other main plate is the one, the only – the Legendary Fried Chicken – and it tastes just like how it sounds … legendary. And what about those side dishes? Hoop-Dee-Doo brings its A-game with its side dishes. The Cornbread-crusted Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food and the Home-style Mashed Potatoes go perfectly with the fried chicken and pork ribs. Rounding out the sides is the classic Cowboy Beans, because let's face it, you can’t have BBQ without beans.For the grand finale, the longtime favorite ‘Ma’s Famous Strawberry Shortcake topped with whipped cream and strawberries. This is a staple at Pioneer Hall and the perfect way to finish up your foodie evening.In addition to the bottomless beverages, there are a few new adult drinks options for an added cost. The Giddy-Up cocktail is the barkeep’s blend of vodka, lemonade, and freshly brewed iced tea. You can also choose from a variety of local craft beers including Tampa Bay Brewing Elephant Foot IPA, Cigar City Jai Alai IPA, Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale, Orange Blossom Pilsner, Central 28 UnderDuck Lager, and 3 Daughters Brewing Blonde Ale.--Minnie Vans Return on June 29Starting June 29, Minnie Vans will be back in service at Walt Disney World. Your can order one from your mobile device. Minnie Vans have access to special drop-off locations that can only they can access, so a little extra pixie dust for your dollars.--Moana-inspired Photo Ops Around Walt Disney World ResortThere are new photo opportunities inspired by Moana being offered by Disney PhotoPass Service around Walt Disney World Resort.At Disney’s Animal Kingdom you can snap a Magic Shot with Hei Hei by visiting the photographer located closest to the Tree of Life on Discovery Island. In Magic Kingdom Park, the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Sir Mickey's in Fantasyland is where you can capture a variety of photos with Hei Hei and another one of Moana’s friends. For a Pua Magic Shot visit the photographer stationed near the entrance to Adventureland from Main Street, U.S.A. to capture a photo with this precious pig. At the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio there are some new Moana-themed backdrops. Tip: PhotoPass photographers can conjure Maui’s Fish Hook for you to hold in their photo.Finally,

Tips for Summer Vacation at Walt Disney World (Hint, it's not the heat you have to worry about)More people seem to be planning summer vacations to Walt Disney World this year, including many who have never before visited during the summer months. Here's what you need to know and what to watch for:It's not so much the heat (which can be intense), but it's the rain. You would do well to make plans and reservations accordingly. Be careful about how much outdoor activity you plan between the hours of approximately 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. It's also hurricane season at this time of year and they're predicting a higher-than-average number of named storms this year. So it's more important than ever to keep that in mind.--How to Share Your Pride at Walt Disney World in June 2022Disney Parks are celebrating PRIDE Month in June as part of their commitment to recognize and celebrate the contributions, cultures and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. This year all four Walt Disney World theme parks have Pride-themed backdrops for your social feeds. Each park photo wall is unique, themed to its surroundings and honors the diversity and pride within the LGBTQIA+ community.Disney PhotoPass has props like a rainbow umbrella, Magic Shots and colorful photo opps throughout Walt Disney World, plus new virtual backdrops at the PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs.At Disney Springs, you will find new décor and photo opportunities in celebration of Pride Month.Locations including T-REX Cafe, Kendra Scott, Kate Spade New York, Coca Cola Store and more will also have exciting offerings throughout the month of June. Learn more here about the latest Pride Month offerings at Disney Springs. --The Pride Guide to Disney Food at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in JuneDisneyland Resort Disneyland Park Available at Alien Pizza Planet, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Pacific Wharf Cafe, Cappuccino Cart, and Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (Available June 10 through 30; Mobile Order available at select locations) Pride Cookie: Mickey-shaped shortbread cookie dipped in white chocolate (New)Plaza Inn (Available June 10 through 30) Pride Cake: Rainbow sponge cake filled with white chocolate mousse, buttercream icing, and rainbow sprinklesDisney California Adventure ParkGhirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (Available through June 30)Celebration Sundae made with Ghirardelli's signature handmade hot fudge and served in a delicious rainbow waffle bowlParadise Garden Grill (Available June 10 through 30) Pride Cake: Rainbow sponge cake filled with white chocolate mousse, buttercream icing, and rainbow sprinklesDisney’s Grand Californian Hotel & SpaCraftsman Grill (Available June 10 through July 4; Mobile Order available) Pride Donut: Vanilla cake donut with rainbow sprinkles and heart hand of chocolate (New) Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart (Available June 10 through July 4)Pride Sugar Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie dipped in white chocolate and rolled in rainbow sprinkles with heart hand chocolate decoration (New)Pride Pretzel Rods: Pretzel Rods dipped in white chocolate, topped with rainbow sprinkles (New)Pride Crisped Rice Treat: Fruit-flavored crisped rice treat striped with white chocolate and topped with heart hand chocolate decoration (New)Pride Cookie Shot with choice of milk, low fat milk, strawberry or chocolate milk or alcohol including Baileys Irish Cream, Grand Marnier, Captain Morgan Rum, Jameson Whiskey, or Rumchata (New)Downtown Disney District Sprinkles Cupcakes (Available June 13 through 26)Pride Sprinkle Cupcake: Birthday cake-flavored cupcake filled with nonpareils, topped with strawberry frosting, and finished with a nonpareil rimRainbow Layer Cake: Festive cake features six colorful layers of vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting and carousel sprinklesSplitsville Luxury Lanes (Available through June 30) Rainbow Tataki: Sashimi-style salmon, tuna, and steamed shrimp served with seaweed salad, avocado, kimchi ponzu, tataki sauce, scallions, and sesame seeds Offerings Throughout Disneyland Resort (Available while supplies last; Mobile Order available at select locations) Pride Parade Castle Tumble (New)Coming Soon! Scented Pride Cake Straw Clip (New)Walt Disney World ResortMagic Kingdom Park Cheshire Café (Available through June 30)Pride Key Lime Tart: Key lime tart with sweet whipped cream topped with chocolate piece (New)Outdoor Vending Throughout the Park (Available through June 30)Mickey Pride Cake Pop: Confetti cake dipped in dark chocolate (New)Mickey Pride Cake Pop: Confetti cake dipped in white chocolate (New)EPCOT Connections Café (Available through June 30)Pride Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar (New) Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Available through June 30)Pride Cake: Almond frangipane cake layered with chocolateDisney’s Hollywood StudiosAvailable at ABC Commissary and Backlot Express (Available through June 30)Pride Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake, rainbow sprinkles and berry marmalade filling, top

What's Making People Sick at Walt Disney World?An unintended side effect is disrupting the experience for a number of riders on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot. Reports are that Disney is taking steps to address the motion sickness problems occurring with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Listen to this week's episode for more on what's happening and what you need to know before you ride. Foodie Guide to H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon LagoonOur top picks for both new and returning frozen treats and hot bites.Happy LandingsNeon Party Bathtub Sundae: Birthday cake and vanilla swirled soft serve, confetti cake, white chocolate neon ducks, whipped cream, and a glow cube served in a souvenir bathtubH2O Glow Cone: Birthday cake-flavored soft-serve with unicorn sprinklesFred’s Dive BarFred’s Purple Siren: Kettle One Orange Vodka mixed with desert pear syrup, pineapple juice, raspberry puree, and topped with a glow cubeGalactic Lemonade: Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao, and Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade with juices of lemon and pomegranate topped with Sprite® and a glow cubeHigh ‘n DryMoonlight Mudslide: A blend of Kahlua, Vodka and Irish Cream mixed with chocolate cream base garnished with a cookie rim and topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and a glow cubeElysian Dust IPA: Swirled with Space DustLeaning PalmsAlohilohi Tuna Poke Bowl: Ponzu marinated sashimi tuna, lemon sushi rice, seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, edamame, avocado, wasabi peas, and spicy mayonnaiseGrilled Orange Chicken Skewers: Orange ginger-glazed chicken skewers with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and pineapple served with roasted rainbow carrots and neon sushi riceManGLOW (Mango) Barbeque Chicken and Waffles: Mango barbecue chicken wings and rainbow mickey waffles with purple cabbage slaw, mango chutney, and Sriracha honey butterElectric Impossible™ Burger: Impossible™ burger served on a neon bun with Sriracha aioli, tomatoes, rainbow carrot slaw, and mango chutney (Plant-based offering) Disco Colada: Piña colada mixed with disco colors, garnished with a pink sugar rim, and topped with blue raspberry whipped cream and a glow cube (non-alcoholic)Electric Flash Lemonade: Tropical flavored blue raspberry lemonade topped with popping candy and a glow cube (non-alcoholic)H2O Cake Shake: Purple vanilla milkshake topped with a chocolate dipped Italian crème Bundt cake, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles (non-alcoholic)Let's Go Slurpin'Galactic Lemonade: Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao, and Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade with juices of lemon and pomegranate topped with Sprite® and a glow cubeLowtide Lou’sGlow Mein Noodle Salad: Jerk marinated chicken, rainbow lo mein noodles, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, green onions, sesame seeds, and a hard-boiled eggRainbow Salted Mickey Pretzel with party cheeseNeon Churros with electric icingBlack Cherry Colada: Piña Colada mixed with Bacardi Superior Rum topped with black cherry puree, whipped cream, and garnished with a cherrySnack ShackDOLE Whip Bathtub Sundae: DOLE Whip Watermelon and Pineapple floating in strawberry soda with coconut whipped cream, boba pearls, and a glow cube served in a souvenir bathtubDOLE Whip Watermelon: Available in a cup, cone, or swirled with DOLE Whip Pineapple(We Don’t Talk About) The Bruno Cone: DOLE Whip Lime cloaked with Bruno's candy vision served in a dipped waffle cone and a chocolate rat along his backPineapple ManGLOW Mai Tai: DOLE Whip Mango and Lime swirled with a mai tai and Meyer’s Original Dark Rum served in a whole pineappleSurf Doggies Sahlen’s ChicaGLOW Foot Long Hot Dog: Sahlen’s pork and beef foot long hot dog with Chicago style toppingsSahlen’s Glow Dog Glow: Sahlen’s Grilled for You™ Smokehouse Pork and Beef Hot Dog covered in party cheese on a tie-dye bunRainbow Salted Mickey Pretzel with party cheeseTropicalamity CartGlow Mein Noodle Salad: Jerk marinated chicken, rainbow lo mein noodles, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, green onions, sesame seeds, and a hard-boiled eggSahlen’s Glow Dog Glow: Sahlen’s Grilled for You™ Smokehouse Pork and Beef Hot Dog covered in party cheese on a tie-dye bunRainbow Salted Mickey Pretzel with party cheeseNeon Churros with electric icingBlack Cherry Colada: Piña Colada mixed with Bacardi Superior Rum topped with black cherry puree, whipped cream, and garnished with a cherryTyphoon Tilly’sGlow Mein Noodle Salad: Jerk marinated chicken, rainbow lo mein noodles, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, green onions, sesame seeds, and a hard-boiled eggAlohilohi Tuna Poke Bowl: Ponzu marinated sashimi tuna, lemon sushi rice, seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, edamame, avocado, wasabi peas, and spicy mayonnaiseWatermelon Poke Bowl: Ponzu marinated watermelon, lemon sushi rice, seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, edamame, avocado, wasabi peas, and spicy mayo (Plant-based offering) Unicorn Churro Bites: Cinnamon sugar churro bites covered in electric icing and unicorn sprinklesEncanto Lemonade: Gu

Newest Disney Disney Food and Treats Hitting Walt Disney World this SummerMagic Kingdom ParkTony’s Town Square Restaurant: New appetizers - Tony’s Garlic Bread or the Toy Box Tomato Salad. New entrées - Oven-roasted Shrimp Scampi, Butcher’s Steak, Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Sausage, and Penne with Chicken al Forno. New desserts - Tiramisù Cannoli, Italian Strawberry Shortcake, Tony’s Spumoni Tart, or Mandarincello CustardEPCOTSunshine Seasons has new pizza rolls! Two versions: Cheese Pizza Roll and Pepperoni Pizza Roll.Disney Springs Marketplace Snacks has new Mickey and Friends Mickey-Shaped Bubble Waffle Sundaes. Mickey Waffle Sundae featuring vanilla soft-serve, hot fudge, cookie crumbles, and white chocolate crisp pearls. Minnie Waffle Sundae with vanilla soft-serve, strawberry topping, sliced strawberries, and white chocolate crisp pearls.Donald's Waffle Sundae made with vanilla soft-serve, lemon curd, and blueberries. Goofy’s Peanut Waffle Sundae has vanilla and chocolate soft-serve with hot fudge, peanuts, sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, M&M’s Minis, and a cherry on top.Pluto’s Waffle Sundae has chocolate soft-serve, chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter sauce, and milk chocolate crisp pearls. Disney Resort HotelsPlant-based Mickey-shaped Frittata featuring tomato, spinach, onions, and “mozzarella” served with potatoes and mixed fruit.The IMPOSSIBLE Burger serves up an IMPOSSIBLE patty topped with Carolina-style barbecued jackfruit, pickled slaw, and “cheddar” served with french fries. These two items available through June 7 at the Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has the return of fan favorites to Grand Floridian Cafe. The Reuben is back for brunch, accompanied by coleslaw and steak fries. Chicken and Waffles with hand-breaded chicken breast and malted waffle with a sriracha-honey drizzle is also backFor dinner, the Café Meatloaf is a house-made turkey meatloaf with smashed red bliss potatoes, broccolini, and mushroom gravy, while the Shrimp and Grits feature jumbo shrimp with chorizo and fennel perfectly paired with a deliciously creamy, mascarpone cheese grits. The Caramelized Onion Soup Gratin makes a comeback for brunch and dinner.Gasparilla Island Grill has The Cheshire Cat Wildberry Mousse with swirls of wildberry mousse, berry compote, and cake crumbles topped with a white chocolate Cheshire Cat. If you love Orange Bird, the Orange Bird Cake Pop is a must-try! This is a yellow cake pop swirled with citrus-scented buttercream to look like this iconic character. If you like ice cream, the Brownie Crispy Cone is an ice cream cone filled with caramel-swirled brownie topped with a crisped rice treat, white chocolate drizzle, and sprinkles.Are you a Key Lime fan? Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West Resort has a Key Lime Pie Swirl - a DOLE Whip lime and vanilla soft-serve swirl topped with graham cracker crumbs.Harmony Barber Shop Reopening this Summer in the Magic KingdomHarmony Barber Shop is reopening on July 31. While any haircut is pretty cool here, the “My First Haircut” experience is making its return as stylists prepare to shower young guests with magic and extra special pixie dust for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration to commemorate the first haircut milestone. A limited number of reservations for this timeless experience will be bookable in the My Disney Experience app as of June 28. Walk-in appointments for haircuts will be accepted based on availability.On a related note, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will also be reopening later this year at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Dates are still to be announced.Disney Genie+ Service is Still Trying to Find its WayFor Walt Disney World, starting June 8, Disney Genie+ will only be offered for purchase through the My Disney Experience app on the day of visit – no more advance purchase options for 2022 and 2023. This means that, moving forward, whether guests have an Annual Pass, multi- or single-day ticket, they will now purchase Disney Genie+ on the day of their visit via the My Disney Experience app, one day at a time, subject to availability.If you already a tickets or a Disney Genie+ purchase for dates 2022, that won't change (and you can still add one in advance up until June 8). You can start booking 2023 vacations as of June 8 as well.Disney also announced that early theme park entry Disney Resort hotel guests will continue for visits throughout all of 2023.California Gril

Aunty’s Beach House at Disney Aulani will Reopen on May 25Aunty's Beach House at Aulani will reopen May 25 giving keiki (kids) aged 5-12 access to the fun and adventure once again. Plus, there's something new: Aunty's Beach house will offer evening activities for the whole family for the very first time.Aunty's Beach House is designed as a typical hale (or house) where kids might visit their "aunty." The beach house is a Hawaiian kids club where the focus is on holiday fun. Each of the six rooms is dedicated to different activities - from a movie room to computer lab, arts and crafts studio to a game room.Parents can reserve a playtime in Aunty’s Beach House between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily for secured and supervised children’s programming. During these hours, parents choose 1.5 hours of playtime for complimentary themed activities on "Uncle's Side" of the house or 2 hours on "Aunty's Side" of the house for premium activities. This is typically a hot ticket and reservations are required.Complimentary activities include interactive games and arts and crafts based on the theme of the day. Premium activities include Surf’s Up, A Surfin’, Fishin’ and Dancin’ Party with Disney friends. Children will learn about the ocean, catch a wave on carpet surfboards with Max and get the scoop on fishing Hawai‘i waters with Goofy.NEW! Now the whole family can get in on the fun with "after hours" activities from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. when Aunty's Beach House turns into an evening entertainment venue. Families can choose from an assortment of complimentary and premium activities where they can learn to play the ‘ukulele, get together for a lesson in animation, or make lasting memories with photo opportunities in front of surfing scenes and other colorful backdrops.These activities used to take place in the community hall, but it sounds like they've now made them paid activities and moved them to Aunty's Beach House.Aunty's Beach House will reopen with new operations, safety and health protocols in place. Among them: face covering requirements, capacity limits, physical distancing, spacing between craft benches and play areas and temperature checks.Reservations for Aunty's Beach House can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (808) 674-6943 from 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Programs are subject to change.--“Tale of the Lion King” Debuts May 28 at Disneyland ParkStarting May 28, 2022, Disneyland Park will welcome “Tale of the Lion King” to its new home at the Fantasyland Theatre, where this original-story theatre adaptation of “The Lion King” will be staged in an all-new presentation. At the heart of the production is a traveling troupe known as The Storytellers of the Pride Lands who weave the tale of how a cub becomes a king through dialogue, song, dance and percussion. From the scenic and costume designs to the new original music arrangements and choreography, “Tale of the Lion King” honors and is inspired by the cultural roots of this timeless story.Also on May 28, Troubadour Tavern will reopen with new menu items inspired by the show.--‘Fantasmic!’ is now 30 and is Returning to Disneyland Park on May 28If you have never seen “Fantasmic!” this is definitely a must-do (at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, although we prefer the Disneyland version). Fantasmic is an emotional extravaganza of colorful Disney-animated story scenes, choreographed to an exciting musical score. At Disneyland, the waters of the Rivers of America come alive as Mickey Mouse dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and faces several villains, using the power of his imagination to save the day. Along the way, fantastic events and images appear from stories including “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book.” Fantasmic features live performers, character appearances, enhanced special effects and pyrotechnics.--A Sneak Peek at Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish Inaugural Merchandise WIth the Disney Wish setting sail this summer, Disney is teasing a little more with a preview of some of the merch that you can take home with you from the exclusive Disney Wish merchandise collection. Inspired by the Grand Hall on the ship, the first release of merch reflects the enchantment of the Disney Wish with details that include rhinestones and rich fabrication.There is something for everyone, from T-shirts, blouses and long sleeve shirts to pullovers and accessories. A Pandora charm set features Rapunzel (the Wish's bow character) and Captain Minnie Mouse. You'll also find a new pair of Minnie Mouse ear headbands to add to your collection and even a matching Loungefly backpack.Dooney & Bourke has a tote that's part of the collection, which will be available at retail shops on the Disney Wish.--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

The Tech Transformation of Your Disney VacationIt's Official: MagicBand+ Launching this Summer and ‘Hey Disney!’ Later this Year at Walt Disney World ResortWhat can you do with all this new tech?Use MagicBand+ to Bring Sculptures to LifeYou can use MagicBand+ to bring the 50th Anniversary golden sculptures to life and interact with them on the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” You can also get a deeper experience by using the Play Disney Parks app to keep track of which sculptures you’ve found. The more you find, the more features you can unlock with digital achievements and an augmented reality feature that will give you a glimpse into your favorite characters’ worlds.Join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” Experience with MagicBand+In Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, MagicBand+ will allow you to join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” experience, where you’ll use your band to find virtual bounties hidden throughout Black Spire Outpost. MagicBand+ will be your guide, vibrating and lighting up to show if you’re on the right path. Then, the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app will reveal what’s behind locked doors in Black Spire Outpost so you can uncover your virtual bounty**. Once your mission is complete, the local guild master will reward you with galactic credits. What do these credits do? We'll find out.Experience Nighttime Spectaculars in a New Way with MagicBand+MagicBand+ will also have a glow-with-the-show feature so you can experience nighttime shows in a new way on your wrist.All of these experiences will be available when MagicBand+ goes on sale this summer. Disney World Resort hotel guests and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the option to purchase bands at a discounted, pre-arrival price. Existing MagicBands will still be available for purchase and will continue to work as it does currently.MagicBand+ will be available at Disneyland Resort later this year. Some of the features will vary between Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. More on that as the news comes in.“Hey Disney!” is Coming to Walt Disney WorldWe now know that “Hey Disney!” is coming to Walt Disney World, but we still don't know exactly when. According to Disney: "Hey Disney uses Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices where you’ll be able to ask all the useful questions – weather forecasts, set timers and alarms, etc. – and get answers from more than 25 popular characters including Mickey Mouse, Olaf, Rocket and Groot, Princess Tiana and many more." When you stay at select Disney Resort hotels, you can use “Hey Disney!” to learn helpful information about your vacation, order room amenities and more. Wondering when the next bus to EPCOT leaves or need to request more towels for your room? Just ask the Disney Magical Companion, a new character who will interact with you via “Hey Disney!”‘Hey Disney!’ will begin rolling out the Mickey ears devices in select Disney Resort hotel guest rooms across Walt Disney World at some point in 2022 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Access will be offered as an optional, complimentary feature during your stay. Yes, You Can Have Hey Disney at Home!“Hey Disney!” will also be available for purchase for supported Amazon Echo devices via the Amazon Alexa Skills store, so you can bring the magic of Disney home with you. In the future, MagicBand+ will work with “Hey Disney!” by pairing with supported Amazon Echo devices to enhance some “Hey Disney!” experiences. More details will be released soon.Note: To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand+. -- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is opening with virtual queue and individual Lightning Lane selectionWhen Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens in EPCOT on May 27, you will be able to access the through virtual queue and individual Lightning Lane. There will be no standby line-up option.You will need to use the My Disney Experience app to join the virtual queue or buy an individual Lightning Lane spot. The virtual queue is limited to one use per day for Cosmic Rewind.-- There are Some New Details about What's Behind those Walls at Epcot World Celebration is the new hub area, divided into different gardens with a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo. The area is filled with lots of seating and shaded areas in a lush, nature theme. Each of the gardens will have their own theme and they’ll change with the festivals throughout the year. At night, when the lighting takes over, the gardens will immerse you in a special nighttime experience that will evolve through the seasons.The garden areas surround CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, where EPCOT's international festivals will find a home base. CommuniCore Plaza will host musical performances of all sizes. CommuniCore Hall will be a flexible exhibition and gallery s

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World Resort This FallIt's back: the full version of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will take place on 37 select nights from August 12 through October 31, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.Here’s some of what’s in store for this limited-capacity event in 2022:Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is back, including the Headless Horseman will once again ride down Main Street, U.S.A.Trick-or-treating is back, so you can load up on M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and more Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. And new for the 50th Anniversary, you will also get a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th and Halloween design.The Sanderson Sisters will lead a “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.Favorite and rare Disney characters will take over the park for their favorite party of the year.Overlays themed for the occasion are back at many popular Magic Kingdom attractions: Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.Jack Skellington, will host “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” This can’t-miss nighttime show features projections, special effects, lighting, fireworks, music and Disney characters.Discover sweet and savory menu items inspired by fall flavors and the Halloween season.NEW! In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, there will be event-exclusive step-in photo opportunities. Plus, you'll also get a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary commemorative print.Tickets will go on sale May 18, 2022. If you have a reservation at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can book as early as May 12. Tickets range from $109-$199 plus tax. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members will get specially-priced tickets for select dates.Note: You do not require an additional day theme park ticket or a Disney Park Pass theme park reservation. The event dates are:August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31--Disney Cruise Line Has New Halloween ExperiencesThis September and October Disney Cruise Line will have Halloween-themed cruises with special entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor and limited-time food and beverage items. These voyages will also debut an all-new character meet and greet opportunity. All Disney characters on board will be in Halloween costumes but Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow will debut brand new looks as they dress up as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus.For its first season of Halloween cruises this fall, the Disney Wish will also introduce a unique twist on a Halloween on the High Seas hallmark.The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween is the signature magical Pumpkin Tree towering over the atrium lobby, each with sprouting Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights. On the Disney Wish, guests will witness the debut of an all-new tree in the Cinderella-inspired Grand Hall.Featuring lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, legend has it that this enchanted tree (named Boo) grew beautiful gourds with the help of a wishing star. The best pumpkin of them all was destined to grant a very special wish … and that moment came when a carriage was needed to send a fair maiden to a royal soiree. In a flash of bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, that perfect pumpkin became the coach that carried Cinderella to the prince’s ball!Other Halloween experiences will include Mickey's Mouse-querade Party, a costume party for families and Disney characters; villainous takeovers in the adult-exclusive areas; Halloween-themed movies on Funnel Vision; and even a ghostly take on ship announcements.Halloween on the High Seas voyages will be offered aboard select sailings in September and October. Departing from ports in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, San Diego and New York City, each cruise will travel to destinations including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico. --Halfway to Halloween Announcements from Disneyland ResortDisneyland Resort is also getting in on the Halfway to Halloween fun. Here's what we know so far. It's confirmed that Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, will officially return for the 2022 Halloween season. It's a separately ticketed, limited-capacity, after-hours event at Disney California Adventure Park and will be back for select nights this fall.We'll share exact dates and ticket information as soon as they're released.-- More Disneyland News UpdatesHotels of the Disneyland Resort News Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is finally being reimagined based on the artistry of Pixar. It will feature favorite Pixar worlds and characters through carefully curated artwork, and décor that reveals the creative journey of the artists who helped bring these stories to life.Guests will be welcomed into whimsical cha

Claim Your Own Unique Place on Cinderella Castle as it transforms with Disney PhotoPass PhotosDisney PhotoPass Service is introducing a unique new offer called “Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories.” It will let you transform Cinderella Castle with your PhotoPass photos using augmented reality technology, brought to life through Disney’s collaboration with Snap.Here's how it works:Step 1: Claim Your Place on Cinderella CastleWhile in Magic Kingdom park, go to Cinderella Castle and open the My Disney Experience app to see available areas where you can pin a photo. Then select an available area on Cinderella Castle.Step 2: Select Your Disney PhotoPass PhotoChoose one of your eligible photos (to be eligible, the photo must be taken by a Disney PhotoPass photographer in a picturesque theme park location). Or, use an iconic Disney photo for your memory.Step 3: Explore Memories and Share Your OwnSee the memories of family, friends and other park Guests. You can also download your memory and share it, too! There's a one-time fee of $9.99 per memory and includes the download of your memory photo.Here's what you get for $9.99:A spot on Cinderella Castle to digitally pin a photo, which will be waiting for you (and all guests) to view during visits to Magic Kingdom Park throughout the 50th celebration and beyond (for at least three years).A video of your PhotoPass photos photos flying from the castle for downloading and sharing.The ability to download a high-resolution version of the pinned photo from your Disney PhotoPass gallery (a $16.95 value) both in its original form and a version with a special border that includes your first name. If you’re a Disney cast member, Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club Member, or Club 33 Member you’ll get a personalized border fora your affiliation.Over time, new sections of the castle will be released, so they'll be new spots to pin your memories. --Final Playlist and a Villain are Revealed for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOTNot surprisingly when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind launches on May 27 it will have its own playlist to power your journey.Disney Imagineers came up with a list of more than 100 potential songs for the Starjumpers’ onboard sound system. How did they narrow it down to six? The team rode the attraction over and over again testing how various tracks fit with the spirit and the movement of the coaster. They finally settled on the following six songs in their original classic versions:“September”“Disco Inferno”“Conga”“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”“I Ran”“One Way or Another”You won’t know which track you're going to hear until you blast off. Plus we now know that the theme of the ride is to help stop Eson, the Celestial villain who is trying to complete an evil plan. --Connections Café & Eatery is Now Open at EPCOTConnections Café & Eatery is open and ready to serve in the World Celebration neighborhood.The restaurant’s design includes nods to Walt Disney’s original plans for EPCOT. There are two experiences – an eatery on one side serving lunch and dinner menus, and a café and pastry shop on the other open all day long. When walking past Spaceship Earth on the way into the park, Connections Café and Eatery is on the left. Floor-to-ceiling windows give a full view of the open space featuring modern décor and tempting smells of pastries baking, fresh coffee brewing and burgers on the grill. Since World Celebration is located in the center of the park, Connections Café & Eatery offers some great views as well.A colorful mural called “Global Gathering” covers one wall and reflects the heart of the restaurant – people from around the world gathering around food. It’s one of the biggest murals Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created. Take note how the scenes blend seamlessly from sunrise to sunset.You can also see chefs at work in three show kitchens. Watch them grilling, sautéing and baking everything from burgers to pizzas and sprinkling pixie dust on fun desserts from milkshakes to waffles.Whether it's coffee or tea, you'll find it here showcasing how various cultures enjoy their favorite drinks.As always at WDW, don’t forget to look down. There are three original floor inlays inspired by Walt’s 1966 “Florida Project” site plans, where EPCOT was to serve as the “center” of Walt Disney World. These details honor Walt's original dream of EPCOT. --‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!’ Opening Summer 2022 at Animal Kingdom ParkThe Nemo show is getting an update: “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” – opens this summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.The fully updated, 25-minute show incorporates live performers and puppets, along with many of the favorite songs from the original “Finding Nemo: The Musical.”In addition to a new script, the show features new set pieces and a new LED video wall designed to visually extend the world created by the physical sets on stage. We aren’t talking small set pieces either. Watch f

Will there Be a Walt Disney World Halloween Party in 2022? Will there be a Halloween Party this year? This is what's on the minds of Disney travelers right now. The debate rages on among Disney travelers as they debate whether or not Walt Disney World will hold a Halloween event of any kind in 2022.--Expedition Everest has now Reopened and is temporarily available through Genie+Expedition Everest has now reopened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, with one change: Expedition Everest has been added to Genie+ service through August 7, 2022. During this time, Lightning Lane entry will not be available as an individual, a la carte purchase.--Foodie Guide to Earth Day 2022 at Disney ParksWalt Disney World Resort and Disneyland are celebrating Earth Day and Earth Week by serving up a ton of limited-edition treats inspired by the world around us. Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme ParkPizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue (available on Mobile Order through April 28) Flamingo Cupcake: Strawberry cake filled with strawberry compote and crowned with guava frosting, strawberry crisp pearls, and white-chocolate wingsDawa Bar Lion’s Fury: Jungle juice, Red Stag Bourbon, Fireball Whiskey Floater, and a fiery glow cube (available through April 28)Tiger Tail Pale Ale: Celebrating Florida’s tiger swallowtail butterfly, this pale ale features notes of passionfruit, strawberry, and grapefruit (available through April 28) Dino Diner (available through April 28) Sea Turtle: Frozen blue raspberry and frozen lemonade with a wave of blue cotton candy on topIsle of Java (available through April 28) Red Crowned Cane: Frozen Coke with frozen cherry and a crown of cotton candyRestaurantosaurus Lounge Crave the Wave: vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and a lemon wheel (available through April 28)Tiger Tail Pale Ale: Celebrating Florida’s tiger swallowtail butterfly, this pale ale features notes of passionfruit, strawberry, and grapefruit (available through April 28)Creature Comforts and Restaurantosaurrus (available on Mobile Order through April 28) Honey Bee Cupcake: Orange cake, honey cream filling, honey frosting, white choc honeycombTerra Treats (available through April 28) Loggerhead: Sprite and Granny Smith apple syrup over ice with a gummy worm, sugar lime rim, and souvenir glow cube (non-alcoholic)Satu'li Canteen (available on Mobile Order through April 28) Kiwi Margarita: Kiwi Monin syrup with lime juice, sour mix, and Tcorazon Tequila BlancoThirsty River Bar Yeti Sunset: Jack Daniels, strawberry monin, and lychee lemonade (available through April 28) Tiger Tail Pale Ale: Celebrating Florida’s tiger swallowtail butterfly, this pale ale features notes of passionfruit, strawberry, and grapefruit (available through April 28)Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Mara (available on April 22) Plant (Based) in Boot: Chocolate Spice Cake with Coconut Ganache in a Chocolate Boot (Plant-based) (New) Disney’s BoardWalk Inn BoardWalk Bakery (available on Mobile Order from April 18 through 22) Garden Cupcake: Lemon cupcake with a lemon curd filling topped with vanilla buttercream and white chocolate ladybug (New)Disneyland Resort Disneyland ParkRiver Belle Terrace (available April 21 through 25) Corn on a Cob Succotash: “Butter"-poached corn, edamame purée, chili oil (Plant-based) (New) Plant-based Chili & Cornbread Skillet: Chili beans, corn cake, “sour cream,” and green onions (Plant-based) (New) Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & SpaGCH Craftsman Grill (available on Mobile Order through April 30) Earth Day Hot Dog: featuring plant-based sausage, sauteed spinach, mushrooms, and onions topped with green goddess dressing, edible flowers, and served with fruit (Plant-based) (New)--World of Color to Return with a Virtual Queue on April 22 at Disney California Adventure ParkDisney is adding a virtual queue option to help you see World of Color. The virtual queue is accessible through the Disneyland mobile app. As of April 22, distribution times for virtual queue enrolment will begin at noon every day. After you reserve a virtual spot, you will be notified through the Disneyland app approx. 45 mins before the show to enter your designated World of Color viewing area (Blue or Red). --Foodie Guide to Nighttime Spectaculars at Disneyland Resort: The Magic ReturnsNighttime spectaculars are coming back to Disneyland so we shouldn't be surprised that there are some tasty eats and drinks to celebrate.Across both parks, Guests can enjoy delicious treats and eye-catching novelties to celebrate these spectaculars. From the Parade Macaron at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to the Light-up Elliott Dragon Premium Bucket, these items are the foodie embodiment of these incredible entertainment must-sees.Disneyland Park Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Dreyer’s (available on Mobile Order)Uni-cone: Banana, cherry, and pistachio ice cream in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone with fantasy sprinklesHub Churro CartBlueberry Looks Good on You: Blu

Narcoossee's to Undergo a Refurbishment this Summer Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be unavailable as of June 18, 2022 as the restaurant undergoes refurbishment. Disney says they expect the location will re-open later in 2022 with an enhanced dining experience. --Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular Returns to Disneyland Park April 22Disneyland Resort is getting ready to “ignite the night” once again with the return of three nighttime spectaculars.It's all happening on Earth Day, April 22, 2022, when World of Color at Disney California Adventure Park and Main Street Electrical Parade and Disneyland Forever at Disneyland Park will make their long-awaited returns.“Disneyland Forever” originally debuted in 2015 for the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration and now promises a few new surprises for its "street to sky" return.As we mentioned in past news reports, when Disneyland Forever returns on April 22, it will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). During the week “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will present a high-energy, projections-only show from Monday through Thursday until late spring (no specific date has been announced). At that time, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will then run nightly in the summer.--Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is Offering Discounts for Fall TravelThis fall, Aulani resort on Oahu is offering a chance to save on select rooms for stays of 5 or more nights, with travel from August 23 through November 18 and November 26 through December 22, 2022.In true Disney style, the more you play, the less you pay:You can save up to 30% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more consecutive nightsYou can save up to 25% on select rooms for stays of 4 consecutive nights If you book before May 4, 2022, your stay of 4 or more nights will include a $150 Resort credit.--Foodie Guide to Delicious Easter Goodies at Disney ParksIt’s time to hop on over to Disney Parks because Easter is here and with that, tons of treats are waiting to fill up your Easter baskets.There are returning classics and adorable treats to enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. As always, Disney's Easter goodies are works of art in addition to being pretty great tasting. And, to make this year even more special and festive, the popular hand-crafted Easter egg displays are back and sprinkled across at least three Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Walt Disney World Resort Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Beach Club Resort Lobby (available through April 17)Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (available through April 20 on the 4th floor)Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby (available through April 18) Available at Multiple Resorts April 10 through 23 Coconut Sugar Bunny Cupcake: Carrot cake cupcake filled with pineapple topped with cream cheese buttercream and a coconut sugar bunny (available on Mobile Order) (New) Available at the following: Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortCentertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Sassagoula Floatworks at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Riverside Mill at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Everything Pop at Disney’s Pop Century Resort Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 23) Spring Into Easter: Strawberry mousse with blueberry compote and lemon curd on vanilla cake (New)Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Mara (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 17) Raspberry Fields: Pistachio financier, raspberry gelée, lemon curd, and a white chocolate glaçage (New)Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Belle Vue Lounge (available through April 30) Cotton Tails Daiquiri: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Chambord liqueur, pure cane syrup, lime juice, and raspberry garnished with an orange peel (New)BoardWalk Bakery (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 17) Chocolate-covered Strawberry ‘Carrots’: Strawberries dipped in orange-colored white chocolate and striped to resemble carrots (New) Easter Moon Pie: Sugar cookies with marshmallow filing, dipped in semisweet chocolate and decorated with holiday décor (New) Coconut Macaroon Nest: Traditional giant coconut macaroon with pastel chocolate and sprinkles and crunch candy Easter eggs (New) Cannoli: Traditional cannoli with pastel holiday décorMickey Brownie: Ganache brownies with holiday sprinklesBoardWalk Joe’s (available through April 30) Easter Basket: Empress Gin, Bols Crème de Banana liqueur, grenadine, and pineapple smoothie garnished with a candied marshmallow (New) Leaping Horse (available through April 30) The Easter Hunt: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Midori Liqueur, and piña colada garnished with maraschino cherries and a candied marshmallow (New) Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Spyglass Grill This location will be opening its doo

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Returns Summer 2022Get ready to welcome back another old favorite as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue returns this summer to Walt Disney World. Reservations will be available starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23.The Pioneer Hall Players lead the way on this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. First debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo is a rousing Wild West performance, featuring singing, old style comedy with lots of fun (including audience participation). The food is also great, featuring fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and even strawberry shortcake for dessert.This show is the longest running performance at Walt Disney World. When it returns, Hoop-Dee-Doo will have a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience that it’s been known for all these years.-- Olaf Will be Pleased, as Hugs are Back across the Disney travel universeAs early as April 18, Disney will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. What does this mean? You will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and more friends, and get an autograph from your favorite Disney Princess (or villain). To manage expectations, Disney notes that not all locations will be available immediately for character interaction, but they are planning to reopen in phases throughout the spring and early summer of 2022.--Late-Breaking News:Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Roller Coaster Debuts on May 27In an early gift of summer, Disney announced that the Cosmic Rewind coaster at EPCOT will officially debut on May 27, 2022. While the coaster itself promises to have elements of Crush's Coaster from Disneyland Paris, there is also a pre-show. As the story goes, Xandarians are coming to Earth and building the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at EPCOT, called the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. Guests will learn more about their technology and culture as they move through the pavilion, and discover how our two cultures are similar in so many ways.We will report more details as they emerge in future episodes. So stay tuned to 1923 Main Street as the news comes in.--2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Begins July 14The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is returning to Walt Disney World Resort this summer, from July 14 through November 19, 2022.It will be back with everything that you know and love about the festival and we will share full details on the event as it draws nearer. But if you plan to attend, you now know the dates!--Connections Café and Eatery Opening SoonConnections Café and Eatery will soon open its doors at EPCOT. This new dining experience embraces cultures from around the world and will bring them to life in true EPCOT fashion. Here is a preview of the menu for this highly anticipated restaurant. It's a casual quick-service restaurant with a global culinary feel.If you love burgers, there's the French Bistro Burger with caramelized onions, bacon and brie, or the Southwestern Burger featuring a roasted chipotle-corn salsa and guacamole spread. That's not all, you can also enjoy the Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi Burger or the Greek-inspired Mediterranean Burger.For a lighter option, there are salads inspired by French and Chinese cuisines. The Niçoise-style Salad is packed with potatoes, white and green beans and olives drizzled with a delicious Dijon vinaigrette. For an Asian flare, the General Tso Chicken Salad features ingredients like broccoli slaw, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges and crispy wontons.There are four types of pizza as well, including a classic Meatball Pizza and a plant-based Curry Spice Pizza topped with carrots, potato, peas and lime “yogurt.”And for the little ones there's a Grilled Chicken Bao or classics like the Chicken Nuggets Basket or Cheeseburger.Connections Eatery will also have a dessert-style dish: the Liege Waffle. This treat is made with brioche yeast dough stuffed with pearl sugar and finished with tasty toppings.For the milkshake lover, there are two options: A Mango-Coconut Milk Shake topped off with a pomegranate molasses drizzle, and the delectable Apple Pie Gelato Shake.Both adults and kids can enjoy specialty beverages at Connections Eatery. The Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca is alcohol-free. For adults there are multiple wines and draft beers available, along with the Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler, a specialty cocktail filled with freshness and flavor.As a reminder, Connections Café is the future home of Starbucks at EPCOT.--Exclusive Merchandise and Enchanting Memories Await Aboard the Disney WishThe Disney Wish will feature an elegant retail district that runs between the Grand Hall and the Walt Disney Theatre on deck 3. On either side of this shop-lined promenade, five distinct outlets

Disney H2O Glow After Hours Returns this Summer to Typhoon LagoonA new H20 Glow After Hours is coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The fun-filled after-hours event returns on Memorial Day Weekend.Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as Shades of Green can purchase tickets to H2O Glow right now, with tickets going on sale to the general public on April 1. There is limited capacity, so if you're interested in going, don't delay.The after-hours party features vibrant décor, high-energy DJ dance parties, exclusive glow-themed menu offerings and more. Attendees receive a glowing wristband and tasty snacks like popcorn and select ice-cream treats to enjoy throughout the evening.Disney H20 Glow After Hours takes place between 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. every Saturday night from May 28 to August 27, giving Guests three glowing hours in the water park after gates close. Guests with tickets for the exclusive party can even enter Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6 p.m.-- Eggstravaganza at Disneyland ResortCelebrate the springtime Easter tradition of Eggstravaganza — a special “egg” hunt throughout the Disneyland Resort from March 31 to April 17, 2022.To take part you buy a game board and stickers for $9.99* (plus tax) at select shops throughout Disneyland Resort. There are three different game boards, depending on where you want to play: one each at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and at Downtown Disney District.Explore for special hidden “eggs” painted as Disney characters, then check off your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the themed Eggstravaganza game board.Whether they choose to hunt for eggs or not, you can return their game board to collect your rewards – one of six collectible eggs! Redemption locations include Plaza Point at Disneyland Park, Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, and Disney’s Pin Traders and World of Disney at Downtown Disney District, while supplies last. --New Merchandise Location, Treasures of Xandar, Coming to Wonders of Xandar pavilion at EPCOTNew details have been released about the EPCOT's first other-world pavilion, the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, part of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy addition. Treasures of Xandar will be a merchandise shop operated by “The Broker,” a proud Xandarian who is bringing his locally-famous shop to EPCOT. This out-of-this-galaxy shop will feature treasures acquired during travels across the galaxy, as well as items that pay tribute to the planet Xandar and the Guardians of the Galaxy.--Discover the Magic of Our Planet During Earth Week Celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ParkFrom April 18-24 you can connect with the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and special offerings at Animal Kingdom Park. Learn more about animal species the Disney Conservation Fund is working to protect. Try your hand at drawing as Disney artists at The Animation Experience guide you step by step to bring your favorite Disney characters to life using real animals for inspiration. Each animal represents some of the amazing stories of conservation work Disney is doing around the world. There is also a limited-time Wilderness Explorer activity that rewards Guests with an Earth Day Nature badge. On Discovery Island, watch for a special Disney Character Cruise on Discovery River. And throughout the park, Disney PhotoPass magic will have new frames featuring Wall-E and Eve from “Wall-E.” A limited-edition Earth Day 2022 trading pin is also available along with other specialty merchandise and custom food and drinks. --New Bookable Experiences at the Hotels of the Disneyland ResortNew limited-time offerings bring a taste of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival to two Disneyland hotels with new seminars, tastings and more.Education and Tasting Seminars - April 19Learn from industry experts during an educational tasting seminar at the Grand Californian Craftsman Bar.Winemaker Reception – April 6Enjoy an exclusive Winemaker Reception at the Rose Court Garden at the Disneyland Hotel, with tastings of acclaimed wines from Silver Oak and Twomey.--Upcoming Refurbishments at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's Vero Beach ResortThe high Rock Springs Pool and On the Rocks Pool Bar at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be unavailable from January through late March 2023 while the pool undergoes refurbishment. The lobby at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will undergo a refurbishment from mid-April through late May 2022. During this time, the lobby will remain operational and Cast Members will be present to help direct Guests to the check-in location.--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 choos

What's it Like to Visit Walt Disney World Right Now?Walt Disney World is pretty much back to normal in many ways. Masks are a thing of the past. In fact, we felt like the only guests wearing masks at all. We still required a negative Covid test to board a plane home, so we had to be extra careful (although this mandate for Canada is set to expire on April 1, 2022). It's very rare to see a mask on guests at Walt Disney World, except on monorails and buses, where they are still required (although we feel that this mandate won't be here for much longer.As Walt Disney World continues to emerge from the pandemic, there are still some things that are catching up. For example, there are not boats running from Disney's Contemporary Resort. This is because Disney World lost a large number of boat captains over the pandemic and they are currently trying to hire and train new captains as quickly as possible. On a related note, we were told that the SeaRaycer mini speedboats would not be back. Apparently, the boats sat around for too long over the pandemic and simply got gummed up and required too much service to make the fleet worth keeping. We don't believe they will be replaced based on our discussions with Disney Cast Members.Is Lightning Lane Better than FastPass+?In short, no.Disney's Genie + and Lightning Lane make visiting the parks at Walt Disney World much more challenging and frustrating versus previous methods of FastPass and FastPass+. We share full details in the episode, along with some tips and tricks for how to make the most of the current Lightning Lane and Individual Lightning Lane.Disney World Rides and Attractions Continue to Experience DowntimeConsistent with what we had been hearing before this visit, many Disney rides and attractions continue to experience more downtime than was previously "normal" for Walt Disney World. Once again, we believe that this is due to staffing challenges and hopefully this will be remedied once Walt Disney World returns to more robust Cast Member staffing levels. This was particularly noticeable on things like the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Special Event. When you only have three hours in a park (in this case, Epcot), having Ratatouille down and Spaceship Earth down and Frozen Ever After experiencing issues etc., it's not a good thing. It led to longer lines at the few attractions that were open and overall was a poor experience as a result.In other Disney Travel News...Connections Café Will Be the New Home of Starbucks at EPCOTThis spring, Connections Café will become the new home of Starbucks at EPCOT. Like other Starbucks locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, this Starbucks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings.To make way for Starbucks to move to its new location in World Celebration, Traveler’s Café in World Showcase will close this spring. Facemask Requirement Dropped for Disney SkylinerAs of March 16, face coverings are now optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney Skyliner. Face coverings will also be optional for fully vaccinated guests on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.At this time, face coverings remain required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on monorails and Disney buses.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

A Look at the Newest Entertainment at Magic Kingdom ParkMagic Kingdom Park has more favorites returning, plus new entertainment filling the streets and the castle stage as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration.“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” is newly enhanced that features characters from “Frozen,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more as they join Mickey Mouse and all his friends in a musical extravaganza on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. The opening and finale of the show feature a new song and sparkling EARidescent fashions designed exclusively for the 50th. The Festival of Fantasy parade is now back – with not one, but two runs each day! Of course the show features the fire-breathing Maleficent dragon – along with just about every major Disney character favorite.And sharing the same parade route is the recently launched Adventure Friends Cavalcade. It takes over the Magic Kingdom streets several times a day with nearly 30 of your favorite Disney and Pixar friends including Moana, Nick and Judy from “Zootopia” and Miguel from “Coco.”--More Experiences Added to Disney Genie+ ServiceTwo new experiences are now available in Disney Genie+ :Magic Kingdom: Disney Festival of Fantasy ParadeDisney’s Hollywood Studios: See Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams--Connections Café and Eatery Opens This Spring at EPCOTConnections Café and Eatery recently celebrated a new milestone, with the installation of the first of five marquees. While no date has been announced, the restaurant will open at some point this spring giving EPCOT visitors a new fast-casual restaurant and adjoining café. It is in the World Celebration neighborhood of EPCOT.The name Connections Cafe was inspired by the core EPCOT idea of “connecting”– by the common bond we share over food and the gathering of people across cultures.-- Update on Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels Program & Safe Access Oahu ProgramStarting March 26, 2022, Hawaii's Safe Travels program will end, meaning passengers arriving from within the U.S. will no longer have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-travel negative test result upon arrival to Hawaii in order to avoid quarantine. However, international passengers still have to follow the travel requirements put in place by the federal government, so testing is still required. If you are traveling from outside the U.S., remember to check before flying.Also, Honolulu’s Safe Access Oahu program has also ended, and visitors no longer have to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to dine on property.What hasn't changed: the State of Hawaii still has a face covering mandate for all indoor locations. At Disney Aulani Resort, face coverings are required for each Guest age 2 and up, and must be worn in all indoor locations, including Laniwai - A Disney Spa, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Aulani Resort.--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

Don’t Miss The Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival: March 11-17St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and the annual Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is back this year from March 11-17 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. Enjoy the very best of Irish talent, a variety of beers and cocktails, classic Irish fare and more. This festival is a can’t-miss experience! Irish Fare & BrewsNew on the menu this year is a locally crafted seltzer, called “So Berry Les.” The name is a special tribute to John Cooke’s (co-owner of Raglan Road Pub and Cooke’s of Dublin) father Les, who found himself in the Guinness Book of World Records for setting a strawberry-buying record in 1977. So Berry Les was crafted in collaboration with Crooked Can Brewing Co. in Winter Garden, Florida, and is a light and refreshing hard seltzer infused with local Florida strawberry and Key Lime juice. There are also several Irish beer flights and, of course, the classic Guinness.Live EntertainmentRaglan Road is flying in some top talent from Ireland including Jig Jam; the Lisa Canny Band; and Emerald Shore. Of course, the fan-favorite Raglan Road Irish Dancers will also be performing throughout the festival.If you really want to get into the spirit, there will also be a face painter, plus giveaways, merchandise at the shop and more. Note: On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, Raglan Road will open at 10 a.m., seating guests on a first-come, first-served basis, with a $20 cover charge for guests 18 and older. For those planning to celebrate during the other festival dates from March 11-16, reservations are encouraged.--In Honor of Women's History Month: 'Celebrate HER Story' at Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World Resort is celebrating Women’s History Month with “Celebrate HER Story” where they put the spotlight on cherished Disney character heroines and female Cast Members who are making positive impacts. Special Selfie Backdrops across Walt Disney World Resort: Unique photo-silhouette backdrops showcase strong female Disney characters. You'll find them across the property – from Disney Springs to more than 20 Disney Resort hotels. Find them, snap a selfie with your favorite heroine, and share on social media using the tag #CelebrateHERStory.At Disney Springs on Friday and Saturday nights a female DJ will lead a Disney sing-along for families on the AdventHealth Waterside Stage. The playlist will feature songs by some of Disney’s most beloved female characters. Plus various female performers will be featured most nights throughout March.At Magic Kingdom Park special sweet offerings will pay tribute to female Disney Imagineers whose work has greatly influenced and impacted Walt Disney World Resort:At Liberty Square Market it's the Madame Leota Cupcake inspired by Leota Toombs: Chocolate-cherry cake filled with black cherry-lime cream finished with blackberry buttercreamAt Friar’s Nook, “it’s a small world” Cupcake inspired by Mary Blair: Lemon funfetti cake, blue raspberry buttercream, and vanilla-lemon buttercreamAnd, on food carts on Main Street, U.S.A., you will find the Cinderella Castle Mosaic Cupcake inspired by Dorothea Redmond: Champagne-flavored cake filled with fresh raspberry champagne compote, finished with gold champagne buttercream, mosaic tile sprinkles and chocolate garnishAt two Disney Resort hotels you'll find specialties inspired by the women of “Encanto.”At Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, discover:Chorizo Arepas: Cheese arepas topped with chorizo, red pepper and onion-egg scramble, arugula, and sliced avocadoMirabel Cupcake: Cinnamon cupcake filled with custard and topped with coconut buttercream, toasted coconut, and Mirabel-inspired fondant garnishesAlso at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, you can enjoy:Luisa Push-Up Cake Pop: Layers of vanilla cake and tres leches pastry cream topped with a doughnut hole ‘boulder’Encanto Cholado: Crushed ice topped with sliced fresh fruit, sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconutAt Disney Springs: Select locations will showcase signature food and drinks.Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will showcase inspired dishes created by female chefs:Nona’s Home-Style Meatballs presented by Sous Chef Lori Tiritilli: Italian meatballs with Sunday gravy, basil pesto, and scratch-made lemon ricotta, grilled focaccia crostini, grated pecorino cheeseCarne Frita con Tostones presented by Sous Chef Natalie Floyd: Crispy pork shoulder tostones, pickled onions, citrus aioliTempt your sweet tooth by heading over to Amorette’s Patisserie to enjoy:“The Passion of My Life” Dessert presented by Pastry Chef Yoly Lazo Colon: Pineapple, mango and toasted coconut mousse, coconut chiffon cake, white chocolate crisp pearls and infused passion fruit glacageOr, visit The Ganachery to discover a treat inspired by a fierce female Padawan:Lady Tano Pop, a concept by Chocolatier Katie Dodge presented by Chef Chocolatier Amanda Lauder: Plant-based coconut and blueberry swirled gan

Disneyland Resort announced return dates for its nighttime shows plus a few new surprisesOn April 22, 2022, the Main Street Electrical Parade and Disneyland Forever fireworks will return to Disneyland Park and World of Color will return to Disney California Adventure Park. Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland park on May 28, 2022.The Main Street Electrical Parade will be celebrating its 50th anniversary and to honor this milestone the Disney team is adding an all-new enchanted grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness.Inspired by both the original design of Main Street Electrical Parade” floats and the art style on “it’s a small world,” the new grand finale brings to life more than a dozen Disney Animation and Pixar stories. These stories will be interpreted in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-magnetic music with unique representations of beloved characters as animated dolls.Stories will include Encanto, The Jungle Book, Raya and the Last Dragon, Aladdin, Coco, Mulan, Brave, The Princess and the Frog and more. When Disneyland Forever returns on April 22 it will only run weekends (Friday through Sunday). Mickey’s Mix Magic will present its projections-only show during the week (Monday through Thursday) until late spring. Disneyland Forever fireworks will then run nightly in the summer. World of Color and Fantasmic! will return to their regular schedule when they reopen. Foodie Guide to the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Blooming March 2The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs from March 2 through July 4.Here is the complete list from nearly 20 outdoor kitchens, plus our top pick from what EPCOT chefs have put together for you in 2022.Amelia's must-try picks are noted with an asterisk *Mike's must-try picks are noted with a dagger †Flavor Full Kitchen (Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port) Food Items:Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze) Seared Verlasso Salmon with farro risotto and micro herbsStrawberry Mousse with Chocolate crisp pearlsBeverages:Blood Orange Agua Fresca (non-alcoholic)Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)*EPCOT Sunshine Griddle (Near Test Track) Food Items:Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsaCorned Beef Brisket Hash with house-made potato barrels, onions, peppers, cheese curds, and a soft-poached egg with Tabasco hollandaise (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) †Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon*Beverages:Froot Loops Shake (non-alcoholic)Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, rum and coffee liqueur, and vanilla vodkaThe Honey Bee-stro Food Items:Tupelo Honey and Sweet Corn Spoon Bread with jalapeños, bacon, and house-made whipped honey butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) *Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with whipped honey-ricotta cheese, marinated vegetables, and goat cheeseLocal Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with orange blossom honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kissesBeverages:Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)Lemonade MeadOrange Blossom Honey WineHoney-Peach Freeze with Blueberry VodkaThe Citrus Blossom (Near Port of Entry)Food Items:NEW! Crispy Mojo Marinated Pork Belly, Avocado Cream, Corn Salsa, Salsa Verde, and Plantain Chips (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Tuna Tataki Bowl with spicy yuzu glaze, mango, avocado, and pappadam crispNEW! Grapefruit Tart: Grapefruit curd, lychee jam, ginger mousse, and yuzu creamBeverages:Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)Key Lime Hibiscus AleOrange Peel AleCitrus Honey Cream AleOrange Sunshine Wine SlushyBeer FlightRefreshment Port (Near Canada)Food Items: House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers Poutine (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Beverages: Salted Cucumber Apple Hard CiderLavender Martini: Vodka with lavender and lemonPineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)*Food Items:Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chipsDOLE Whip (Plant-based) Beverages:Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)DOLE Whip with Fanta (non-alcoholic)Tropical Hefe Wheat AleFresh Pressed Mango, Pineapple, and Guava Wheat AleHazy Pebbles Fruity Hazy MilkshakeViolet Lemonade AleSparkling Pineapple WineDOLE Whip topped with mango cream liqueurPineapple Beer FlightTrowel & Trellis (Near Disney Traders)Food Items:Grilled Baby Vegetables with hummus cream and red pepper coulis (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze) Impossible Sausage and Kale Soup (Plant-based)Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise (Plant-based) †NEW! Chocolate Cake with whipped cassis

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Tells a New StoryStar Wars: Galactic Starcruiser takes its maiden voyage on March 1 at Walt Disney World and more details have been revealed about how this new immersive experience will interact with other Star Wars experiences in Galaxy’s Edge.The Starcruiser Halcyon -- now fully restored to its former glory -- will follow its maiden voyage to the first port it ever visited, which was Batuu. In the Star Wars timeline, your voyage on the Galactic Starcruiser takes place between the events of Star Wars Last Jedi and Star Wars Rise of Skywalker. Do you join the First Order? the Resistance? Are you a scoundrel? You get to pick your experience to some degree. Plus, you'll see Rey and Kylo Ren meet up in a period between those two films. What will happen in that encounter and how will affect the Star Wars universe? On top of it all, there's a Halcyon Legacy comic bool series if you want to learn more about the ship in this time period.The Transformation of Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park Begins SoonMickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park will soon begin its transformation into a whole new world of sights, sounds, and sensations including some all-new experiences, more play and interactivity for guests. The focus will remain on families and young children, but it's something that any Disney fan will love. Mickey’s Toontown will be closed as of March 9, 2022, and will reopen in early 2023, along with the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. So if you want to experience the current iteration, do it by March 8When Mickey’s Toontown reopens in 2023, it will still be home to Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House! And other attractions will be reimagined in new ways, including Gadget’s Go Coaster, Goofy’s House and Donald’s Boat.Disney Wish: The Full Slate of EntertainmentSetting sail this July, here's an entertainment rundown for Disney Cruise Line's Newest ship.Inside Out: Joyful SweetsThe shop will offer nearly 40 flavors of gelato and ice cream, with daily handcrafted gelato specials in combinations like peanut butter pretzel and white chocolate raspberry. Whipped cream, fruit compotes and sauces will be freshly made in-house to complement a wide selection of tasty toppings.Signature treats inspired by the film will include colorful cupcakes that evoke the five emotions — Joy (lemon), Sadness (blueberry), Disgust (pistachio), Anger (red velvet) and Fear (bubble gum) — and chocolate Memory Orbs filled with sweet candy remembrances. Specialty macarons and cake pops will join the assortment of handcrafted truffles, designer cookies, indulgent brownies and vibrant candy offerings. Olaf’s Royal PicnicHere you can join your favorite “Frozen” friends for a summertime picnic in Arendelle during a premium entertainment experience specially designed for families with children ages 3 to 12. At Olaf’s Royal Picnic, guests will interact with Olaf, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff like never before and delight in live musical performances of beloved songs like “Let It Go,” “Fixer Upper” and “In Summer.”Under the expert direction of Baroness Dagmar Birgir — a lively lady-in-waiting to Queen Anna — castle staff will serve up summer treats and picnic fare for the whole family to enjoy. The hall will be decked out in summer style with a canopy flowers and festive decor. Children will receive an assortment of gifts and keepsakes, including a reversible troll plush, themed picnic blanket and custom Nordic-style mandolin, which they’ll need for a special “Reindeer Are Better Than People” strum-and-sing-along with Kristoff. Plus Disney promises more surprises.Once you book your Disney Wish cruise be sure to reserve Olaf's Royal Picnic before sailing. There is an added fee. Immersive Storytelling and Interactive ShowsGrand HallThe fairytale castle-inspired Grand Hall will evolve from a gathering space into an enchanting theater through the magic of built-in special effects and the first-ever atrium stage on a Disney ship.A royal greeting will await you as you enter the glittering Grand Hall for the first time. Every child will receive their very own wishing wand upon embarkation, which they will use to make the “First Wish” of their vacation during a special boarding celebration.During the sailing, you can attend a royal gathering as Disney Princesses descend into the Grand Hall to meet and greet guests.The Grand Hall stage will conceal a host of Disney friends during “Who’s Behind the Curtain?”, a playful game show where you'll answer questions to reveal the identity of hidden characters.On the final night of every sailing, you'll will return to the Grand Hall to raise wands with Fairy Godmother to ignite a farewell show featuring favorite characters, special effects and lively performances.LunaThis brand-new entertainment hub — with a two-story LED screen wall, stage and bar — will offer a variety of live shows designed for families to laugh, sing and compete together

Capture Your Moment is Coming Soon to all Walt Disney World Theme ParksDisney PhotoPass Service is introducing more fun new offerings with the expansion of the Capture Your Moment feature. Capture Your Moment is a 20-minute private photo session that was very popular at the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom, where it was first launched. Now Capture Your Moment is expanding to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.EPCOT – Starting February 24 Epcot joins the fun for whatever you're celebrating: a surprise proposal, first visit to Walt Disney World, a graduation, anniversary or a family portrait memory. Photos sessions take place in World Showcase and you can choose from one of the following pavilions for your shoot: Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan or Morocco.Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Starting March 21 Photo shoots at Hollywood Studios offer some pretty unique options, including the spooky ambiance of the Hollywood Tower Hotel or a more playful setting with Gertie -- Echo Lake’s resident dinosaur. Other options include the Chinese Theatre’s façade area (Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway), or the colorful neon signs and art deco architecture of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard if you want to capture that old time Hollywood retro vibe. So how much does it cost? Capture Your Moment sessions are $79 and can include up to eight people in your party. Prints and digital downloads are not included, but, if you've purchased a Disney PhotoPass product (Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day), or if you are a qualifying Walt Disney World Annual Passholder with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit, then you can download the photos at no extra cost.Find all the details on Capture Your Moment at DisneyWorld.com--The 2022 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Starts March 4As we shared in past newscasts, Disneyland's Food and Wine Festival will take place at Disney California Adventure from March 4 through April 26, 2022.If you're thinking of visiting during this time, here's what we know so far for Disney travelers.Many of California’s communities and regions are highlighted in the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival’s smorgasbord of dishes. A dozen Festival Marketplaces will serve small bites and drinks, and dining locations across Disney California Adventure park – including Pym Tasting Lab and Terran Treats at Avengers Campus – will also feature special festival menu items. As always, the Sip and Savor Pass will be available for purchase and will include eight coupons redeemable for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating locations.The Hollywood Backlot in Hollywood Land will be home to an wide range entertainment and presentations for all ages. The all-new animated series, “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” which recently debuted on Disney Junior, is the inspiration behind a new, limited-time festival experience for junior chefs at the Hollywood Backlot Stage. During “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party,” kids ages 3 through 11 will have the opportunity to express their creativity through hands-on cupcake decorating. Take note that space is limited, and participant sign-ups begin 45 minutes before each show time.At the Hollywood Backlot, you may also find Chef Goofy or dance with Chip ‘n’ Dale as they provide the rhythm using pots and pans.On Saturdays and Sundays there will be culinary demonstration at the Hollywood Backlot Stage. A diverse lineup of Disney and visiting chefs will prepare their favorite dishes and share insider tips for making mouth watering meals at home. So if you like to try out Disney recipes, this is a must-do.Signature events will be offered for an additional fee, including Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions and special wine, beer and mixology seminars at Sonoma Terrace. Learn more at Disneyland.com/FoodandWineOf course, watch for Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival merchandise.Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will also take part with select restaurants offering special menu items and events for a limited time.And to top it all off, Soarin’ Over California will return to Disney California Adventure park for a limited time during the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. That starts on March 4.--Disney Trams are Coming BackAnd if you have hated having to walk to park gates from your car, you'll be happy to know that trams are making their way back to Disney parking lots. --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.

Five Ways to Get in the Spirit of Mardi Gras at Disney’s Port Orleans ResortsMardi Gras kicking off on March 1 and Disney's Port Orleans Resorts are ready to celebrate with five ways:1. Listen to jazz music at Scat Cat’s Club – LoungeNew Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. Watch for groups of live musicians entertaining guests at the Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Plus, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks – like the brand-new Bebop Bloody Mary and the Oyster Beignet Po Boy!2. Eat beignets at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French QuarterBeignets have played a part in Mardi Gras celebrations for centuries. You can find the Walt Disney World version of these delicious doughnuts at Scat Cat’s Club – Cafe.3. Create your own Mardi Gras bicycle paradeGather your group to create your own parade by renting bikes at both of Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts. Be sure to wear purple, green and gold to really get in the spirit!4. Sample savory southern cooking at Boatwright’s Dining HallLooking for the Louisiana bayou dining experience? Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside offers everything from Mardi Gras Fritters to their famous Boatwright’s Jambalaya.5. Enjoy the scenery along the Sassagoula RiverBoth of Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts are located along the scenic Sassagoula River. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the river bank, with views of magnolias, picturesque Spanish moss, natural wildlife and more. Or, you can also enjoy a boat ride down the Sassagoula River on your way to Disney Springs.--Disney Cruise Line Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19 May Qualify to Be Considered as "90-Day-Recovered"Disney Cruise Line updated their policies for Guests who have recently recovered from COVID-19.In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the virus. If you have tested positive for Covid within 11-90 days of your sail date, you may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered.” With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, you would not be required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Disembarkation phases of their voyage. --Disney Wish Inaugural sailing delayed until Mid-JulyThis week Disney announced that the shipyard has notified Disney Cruise Line that they need more time to finish the ship due to the pandemic and specifically the Omicron variant hitting Germany at a critical point in the process.Disney Cruise Line has delayed the maiden voyage by a few weeks, which will affect sailings through mid-July. Disney Cruise Line will be sending an email to guests on these sailings to share this news and inform them of options. -- Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests Can Step Into Fun New Fitness Classes at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & SpaThere's a new way to burn a few calories on your Disneyland vacation. Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is launching new fitness activities for guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotels.Many of the fitness classes take place in one-of-a-kind settings that can’t be found anywhere else, such as inside Disney California Adventure Park before it opens for guests -- a very unique Disney experience.Take a yoga class with scenic views of Disney California Adventure, or relax during guided meditation, focus on stretching, get in gear at a boot camp in the park, test yourself on an obstacle challenge at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, or find yourself on a paddleboard in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel's Fountain Pool!There are more than a dozen fitness classes, 30 to 45 minutes in length, offered through Tenaya Stone Spa and the fitness center at Disney’s Grand California Hotel, and they're tailored to a many skill levels:Aqua Yoga: Practice yoga on a paddleboard while floating in the Fountain Pool. Awakening Yoga: Wake up with Disney by enjoying a yoga session overlooking Disney California Adventure from the hotel’s rooftop deck. Designed for all levels.Boot Camp in Disney California Adventure Park: This high-intensity boot camp will have you on the move traveling from land to land before the park opens, with push-ups, squats and sit-ups, at a pace of 12-minute per mile jogging around the park. This class takes place before the park opens.Disney Ears Yoga: Disney ears and a yoga session. This will be popular.Fascia Release: This class incorporates a fascia roller to help relieve muscle tightness and soreness.Obstacle Challenge in Disney California Adventure Park: At the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail attraction, can conquer obstacles like crawling, jumping, climbing and running, and test your balance and strength. This class takes place before the park opens.Power Walking Workout in Disney California Adventure Park: Start the day with an energetic walk and active stretching throughout Disney California Adventure before the park opens. This class maintains a 15- to 18-minute per mile pace, for

More entertainment coming to Magic Kingdom Park for the 50th Anniversary CelebrationOn February 11 the new “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” kicks off with nearly 30 Disney and Pixar characters, including Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more. It will also include the Magic Kingdom debut of Miguel from “Coco.” The fan favorite “Festival of Fantasy” parade returns to Magic Kingdom Park starting March 9 – the anniversary of the debut of the parade in 2014. It will have two shows daily.“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will make its debut on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage February 25. The show has been updated for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary and will incorporate favorite scenes from “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and a new finale with Mickey Mouse and all his friends in their sparkling, EARidescent fashions. It will happen multiple times a day and will include a new original song entitled “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.”“Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” and “Fantasmic!” will return later this year.Character Sightings added to Disney Genie+You will now find select Character Sightings as new selections for Lightning Lane entry with the purchase of Disney Genie+:See Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom ParkSee Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom ParkSee Mickey at Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom Park See Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosDisney Cruise Line Introduces Pixar Day at Sea on Select Disney Fantasy Sailings in 2023Disney Cruise Line has an all-new Pixar Day at Sea on special sailings of the Disney Fantasy in early 2023.The day-long celebration features one-of-a-kind experiences on select seven-night voyages. It will bring to life Pixar tales from “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Incredibles,” “Finding Nemo” and more. Themed dining, character encounters, dance parties and a stage show await families on this fun-filled day at sea that caps off with a deck party of incredible proportions.A Pixar film festival, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities will also be available as part of the new celebration. Other details and highlights include: Character EncountersFrom morning until night, you can dance, play and interact with your favorite Pixar pals, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep from “Toy Story”; Mike, Sulley and Boo from “Monsters, Inc.”; Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out”; Dug and Russell from “Up”; and everyone’s favorite supers – Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from “The Incredibles.”Immersive EntertainmentA new nighttime show will call on Disney Cruise Line Guests to help the Incredibles save the day.A first-of-its-kind theatrical experience will bring to life the beloved story of Miguel and his family from “Coco” through live music and puppetry.Families will be able to join their favorite characters for a dance party bash. Dining Filled with CharacterA new, interactive character dining experience hosted by Sheriff Woody, Jesse and Bullseye will kick-off the day with sing-a-longs, cowboy serenades and all the country breakfast fixins.A Pixar-themed dinner will have dishes inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios’ California locale.Immerse yourself in undersea magic while dining in Animator’s Palate with visits from some of your favorite “Finding Nemo” friends, including interactive conversations with Crush.Pixar Day at Sea will happen on nine select Disney Fantasy cruises from January through March 2023. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Will Showcase Blooms, Tunes, Scents and Flavors Beginning March 2Are you ready for spring? The horticulture and festival teams at Walt Disney World Resort are hard at work preparing for the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This year’s festival runs March 2 to July 4 – a total of 125 days.Disney Character topiaries offer a perfect backdrop for springtime photos with family and friends. A new main entrance display will feature Goofy with a birthday cake celebrating the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary.Horticulture teams are creating new topiaries of the Seven Dwarfs to accompany Snow White near the Germany pavilion in World Showcase. And returning this year are Lumiere and Cogsworth topiaries in the France pavilion as well as Pumbaa and Timon topiaries near Imagination!On the bridge to World Showcase, you can enjoy the sights and scents of spring at a new fragrant garden presented by Scentsy. Surrounded by butterfly topiaries, you can follow your noses to six scent stations—floral, fruity, citrus, spice, woods and fresh—to form lasting memories of unforgettable aromas.The Health Full Trail presented by AdventHealth offers a fun way for families to play and learn how to sta

And Disneyland is Hosting a Super Bowl Party as Well!Lunar New Year Celebration is Back at Disney California Adventure Park, Now Through Feb. 13, 2022Ring in the Year of the Tiger during the Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure Park.This event runs through February 13, 2022. It's a tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures with a touch of Disney magic, featuring Asian-inspired food and drinks, vibrant décor, keepsake merchandise and exciting entertainment!This year, “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” introduces a new float that Mulan and Mushu arrive upon, accompanied by traditional Chinese drummers with powerful rhythms and performers bringing cultural artistry and dance to life. The Paradise Garden Bandstand has daily live performances featuring traditional musical instruments, along with Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese folk dancers. Keep an eye out for Disney characters at the Paradise Gardens Gazebo, where you may see Tigger, Mulan and Mushu, Mickey and Minnie, and the Three Little Pigs – all dressed in their festive best.Raya, from Disney's “Raya and the Last Dragon,” is making her official debut at the Disneyland during the Lunar New Year celebration. Raya is greeting new friends under a forest canopy deep in the heart of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. You can also stroll beneath strings of ornamental lanterns at the Lucky Wishes Wall to share your own wishes of hope, health and happiness for the Year of the Tiger. Plus, enjoy complimentary arts and crafts, such as coloring a “Dragon’s Pearl” and Chinese calligraphy with local artisans.Of course, special Lunar New Year merch is available while supplies last, including an adorable Mickey Mouse plush, Spirit Jersey, tees and tumbler.And to go along with that, festive Lunar New Year Marketplaces offer a wide array of Asian-inspired dishes with a Disney twist. Here's the Foodie Guide to Lunar New Year 2022 at DisneylandIf you want to dine, then you may want to consider buying a Sip and Savor Pass, which gives you six coupons, redeemable for select food and non-alcoholic drinks at participating Lunar New Year Marketplace kiosks and dining locations.Longevity Noodle Co. (available Jan. 21 through Feb. 13; Sip and Savor Pass available)Food Items:Garlic Noodles: Long noodles tossed in a zesty garlic butter with Parmesan cheese*Spicy Pork Dandan Noodles: Pan-fried noodles with ground pork and spicy tri-chile sauceBeverages:Salted Pistachio Cold Brew featuring Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. French Bistro Blend CoffeePale Ale with mandarin and bergamot zestNovelty: Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Sip and Savor Pass not accepted)Lucky 8 Lantern (available Jan. 21 through Feb. 13; Sip and Savor Pass available)Food Items:Shrimp Fried Rice with garlic bacon edamame*Beef Bulgogi Short Rib on rice with green onion saladBeverages:Peach Yuja-Ade: Peach syrup, yuja, dragonfruit, lemon, and butterfly pea flower teaSoju Peach Yuja-Ade: Soju, peach syrup, yuja, dragonfruit, lemon, and butterfly pea flower teaLagerNovelty: Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Sip and Savor Pass not accepted)Prosperity Bao & Buns (available Jan. 21 through Feb. 13; Sip and Savor Pass available)Food Items:*Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao: Pickled red onions and jalapeñoMickey Chinese Hot Dog Bun: Brioche-style Mickey-shaped buns stuffed with hot dog and finished with sesame seeds and scallionsBeverages:Prosperous Tiger: Vodka, cream of coconut, bitters, triple sec, mandarin purée, vanilla beanLychee Celebration: Gin, prosecco, lychee purée, lychee syrup, grapefruit juice, and yujaBamboo LagerNovelty: Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Sip and Savor Pass not accepted)Red Dragon Spice Traders (available Jan. 21 through Feb. 13; Sip and Savor Pass available)Food Items: *Spicy Three-Cup Chicken served on a bed of jasmine riceImpossible™ Lion’s Head Meatballs: Mini plant-based pork meatballs served with cabbage and Shaoxing wine reductionMickey Purple Sweet Potato Macaron: Red macaron filled with purple sweet potato buttercream and crème fraîche centerBeverages:Dancing Firecracker: Pineapple juice, guava purée, spicy honey syrup, hibiscus syrup, and lime juiceJasmine Tea LagerNovelty: Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Sip and Savor Pass not accepted)Seasonal Cart (available Jan. 21 through Feb. 13; Sip and Savor Pass available)Food Items:Mango-Pineapple PieBeverages:Mulan Sipper with assorted Coca-Cola bottled beverage or DASANI bottled waterSeasonal Cart in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (available Jan. 21 through Feb. 13)Food Item:Brown Sugar Steam Bun: Brown sugar steam bun topped with blue cream cheese icing (New)Beverages:White Hot Chocolate: Blue white chocolate topped with toasted marshmallow whipped cream and purple sugar (non-alcoholic) (New)Warm Apple Cider Cocktail: Hot apple cider, spices, and cinnamon whiskey garnished with a cinnamon stick and a caramel rim (New)Studio Catering Truck (available Jan. 10 through Mar. 01)Food Item:Hoisin Pork Sliders: Marinated pulled pork on Hawaiian rolls with apple slaw

The All-New Grand Floridian Spa Opens January 26 at Walt Disney World The Grand Floridian Spa has been refreshed while keeping in style with Victorian theme of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Inside the newly reimagined spa you'll find a tranquil Floridian garden with serene lighting and calming music. The ideal way to take a break and recharge from the high energy magic of the world outside the spa doors.There is a wide range of treatments and massages from which to choose. For example, you can experience The Grand Massage or Massage for Two. Both incorporate botanical lotions and other elements to designed to release tension and fatigue and replenish the mind, body and spirit. Or, why not destress with Nature’s Renewal Hydrating Treatment, which combines a full body exfoliation with a hydrating botanical massage.A full range of salon services are also available including haircuts, styling and The Grand Manicure and Pedicure Treatments. The Grand Floridian Spa’s nail treatments provide the ultimate pampering experience with exfoliation, mask, massage and choice of nail lacquer. Plus, you can visit the relaxation lounge before or after their treatments.Advance reservations are recommended and can be made online for dates starting January 26, 2022.--Garden Rocks Concert Series Returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalThe popular Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March! New this year, top name artists will take the stage at the America Gardens Theater from Friday through Monday, while local Orlando bands and musicians will step into the spotlight Tuesday through Thursday.The Complete 2022 Garden Rocks! Concert Line-up At EPCOTMarch 4-5 – The Guess WhoMarch 6-7 – Rick SpringfieldMarch 11-12 – Melina Leon – NEW to Garden RocksMarch 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel – NEWMarch 20-21 – Kool & The Gang – NEW to Garden RocksMarch 25-28 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELOApril 1-2 – The SpinnersApril 3-4 – The Pointer SistersApril 8-9 – Blue October – NEW to Garden RocksApril 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band Boston – NEWApril 17-18 – Don Felder, Formerly of The EaglesApril 22-23 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey ThomasApril 24-25 – Claudia Leitte – NEWApril 29-30 – BerlinMay 1-2 – TobyMacMay 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & TearsMay 8-9 – The Commodores – NEW to Garden RocksMay 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – NEWMay 20-21 – A Flock Of SeagullsMay 22-23 – Collin Raye – NEWMay 27-28 – Thelma Houston – NEWMay 29-30 – Little River BandJune 3-6 – Simple PlanJune 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter NooneJune 17-20 – Plain White T’sYou can reserve your spot at a show by booking a Garden Rocks Dining Package available Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com. --More Walt Disney World Restaurant Reopenings are Coming Your Way!Here's the latest news of upcoming reopenings and updates at Walt Disney World restaurants. January 27: The chefs from Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk will welcome back guests with their signature seafood dishes. Of course, they also have steak offerings.Favorite entrées include The Seafood Pearl Pasta which includes shrimp, lobster, scallops, clams, and mussels. Or, seafood lovers may prefer the Plancha-seared Scallops accompanied with savory grits, sweet corn, and Peppadew emulsion.For dessert, Flying Fish has a few great offerings, including a chocolate-lover favorite: the Cocoa Breach accompanied with delicious vanilla custard.January 31: the Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney's Yacht Club Resort is back with some favorite breakfast options and new lunch offerings. Why not start with some Blueberry Bacon Pancakes.February 3: The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort will once again be off to the races. It has a well-earned reputation for offering delicious American flavors in every dish. A classic appetizer here is the New York Cider-braised Mussels with garlic, chorizo, fennel, Fresno chili, and apple cider topped with a grilled baguette.Good picks for a main course include the Grilled Pork Chop or Braised Lamb Tagliatelle. And for cheesecake fans, there's a great New York Cheesecake on the menu.February 15: Cape May Café offers a little New England vibe where you can again feast on an all-you-care-to-enjoy, buffet breakfast with tasty items like pull-a-part bread with vanilla sauce, beef hash, and an omelet station. And what breakfast is complete without Mickey and Minnie waffles? The buffet continues at dinner with options like cornbread, seasonal harvest salad, seafood boil, and a daily carving station, just to name a few. You can also upgrade with snow crab legs or even a whole lobster, both purchased by the pound. February 17: Jiko – The Cooking Place reopens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge featuring the tastes and flavors of African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Worth a try is the Seafood Tag

Disney Springs Health and Wellness Celebration in JanuaryDisney Springs is embracing 2022 with a focus on health and wellness, including complimentary group fitness classes on select Wednesdays and Fridays in January. Each class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will take place in Town Center near Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories. Wellness Wednesday Events Schedule:January 12 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon January 19 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under ArmourJanuary 26 – Orlando Power Yoga presented by FableticsFitness Friday Events:January 21 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemonJanuary 28 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under ArmourRegistration is required for all events and space is limited. To register, visit the Fitness and Wellness page under the Experiences tab on DisneySprings.com. Eat Healthy at Disney SpringsIt’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet. Disney Springs has plenty of great food, and that includes healthier option menu items.Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – Focus on diners with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and those with allergies (especially kids) who can't find good food. Everything here is vegan, gluten-free and promises to be delicious.Frontera Cocina – The Taqueria Ensalada features Arcadian lettuce, poblano rajas, carrot, radish, avocado, tortilla strips, Cotija cheese and an avocado-lime vinaigrette-grilled chicken breast or the Mojo garlic grilled shrimp can also be added.Planet Hollywood – The Hollywood Bowl is a standout salad that features Romaine lettuce, house-roasted turkey breast, hard-boiled egg, avocado, Roma tomato, and cucumber. It comes with bacon, swiss cheese and croutons, but you can omit those if you’re aiming for a lower calorie meal. While the recommended dressing is Thousand Island, feel free to swap in a balsamic vinaigrette if desired.The Polite Pig – The Polite Caesar and Cobb Salads (without bacon) are satisfying bets, while the Chicken Salad Wrap is great for those who want a handheld option. There are even healthy choices for little ones including the Roast Smoked Turkey Breast and Grilled Skinless Chicken Breast.Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – This Shepherd Went Vegan is a plant-based Shepherd’s Pie, and the Raglan Risotto is a vegetarian dish that spotlights wild mushrooms, glazed baby vegetables, tarragon and shaved parmesan. Raglan Road is also celebrated by those with gluten sensitivities as many of their popular menu items are gluten-free.Yesake – The Tofu Power Bowl is a hearty mix of organic tofu, avocado, spinach, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, tempura crunch and wasabi ponzu. Best of all? Guests can modify it to your liking.These are just a few of the healthier items you can find at Disney Springs. But remember to ask your server for recommendations and d forget you can always ask for a dish to be modified. Foodie Guide 2022 Epcot International Festival of the ArtsRunning from January 14 through February 21, 2022 the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will showcase visual, culinary and performing arts from across the globe. Here's the long awaited Foodie Guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!Pop Eats! (Near Port of Entry)Food Items:Tomato Soup with Grilled CheeseTomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese (New)Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolatePop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut fillingFigment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn (New)Beverages:Hazy IPATomato Soup Can Bloody MaryThe Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)Food Items: Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, tomato jamDeconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures (New)Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Green) (New)Beverages:Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel (non-alcoholic) (New)Brown AleDeco Delights (Near Port of Entry) Food Items:Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffle (New)Decadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousse (New) Orange Mousse with lemon cake and raspberry meringues (New)Beverages:Strawberry Blonde NitroVanilla PorterMilk StoutNeapolitan Beer FlightThe Craftsman’s Courtyard (near Disney Traders) (New)Food Items:Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with Sautéed Tomatoes, Garlic, and Fresh Herbs (New)Cast Iron-seared Steelhead Trout with parsley salad, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and lemon aïoli (New)Beverages:Wheat BeerChardonnayRoséCabernet SauvignonWine FlightRefreshment OutpostFood Items:Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw (Plant-based)Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip CookieBe

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon has Reopened, but it's not all good newsThe surf’s up once again at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, but that's only part of the story. The tropical-island-inspired water park reopened to guests on January 2, 2022. Unfortunately, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park closed to guests (temporarily at least) on New Year's Day, January 1, 2022. Disney giveth and Disney taketh away.There's always a lot to do at Typhoon Lagoon, but with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary underway, there are a few more things you should know.What's New and What's a Must-Do at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in 2022Create Your Own Custom Dole Whip The Snack Shack next to Typhoon Tilly’s allows you to sample items from a menu of all-new frozen dessert bar items. You can even mix and match some favorite Dole Whip flavors (including mango, pineapple, lime and raspberry) to build your own custom Disney Dole Whip. Adults can choose to electrify their Dole Whips by adding tequila, coconut rum or dark rum. Plus, there are new Moana-inspired Dole Whip cones as an option to make your Dole Whip into something a little different.An Old Favorite is Back: Surfing at Typhoon LagoonYou can learn to surf with professional instructors at the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, America’s largest outdoor wave pool. This is one of our all-time favorite things to do at Walt Disney World and it's a definite must do for anyone who wants to learn to surf and for experienced surfers alike (they will bring the big waves for you).Crush ‘n’ Gusher: The Disney Water Coaster at Typhoon LagoonWhat do you get when you combine a water slide and roller coaster? A water coaster of course. There are three tropical fruit-themed chutes: Pineapple Plunger, Coconut Crusher or Banana Blaster.50th Anniversary-Inspired Menu ItemsFrom Walt’s Chili Nachos, which offer a special twist on one of Walt Disney’s favorite meals, to the EARidescent Ice Dream Cone, a birthday cake-flavored soft-serve spectacular, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is home to a variety of delicious anniversary-themed treats.Castaway Creek, The Typhoon Lagoon Lazy RiverIf water slides aren't your thing or you just want a little time to slow things down, Castaway Creek offers a "peaceful drift" down a 2,000-foot lazy river, floating past shady grottoes, thundering waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and lush rainforest landscapes.Don’t ‘Miss’ Out on Miss Adventure FallsAs the story goes, Miss Adventure Falls is owned by Captain Mary Oceaneer – a sea-faring treasure hunter whose haul got caught in the rogue typhoon. This thrilling family-friendly adventure is the newest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon and gives you the opportunity to hunt for Captain Mary’s scattered global treasures during their voyage.Relax in a Beachcomber Shack, a Private CabanaIf you want to splurge for your own private space, you can relax in an piece of paradise by booking a Beachcomber Shack, a luxury cabana space featuring cushioned seating, secluded shade and exclusive menu.Beachcomber Shacks include room for up to six guests, and they have amenities such as towels, cushioned chairs, refillable drink mugs, a locker, and a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water. They make an excellent home base for your stay and you get your own personal attendant.Hurry to Humunga KowabungaIt's not quite Summet Plummet, but thrill seekers will love the near-vertical drops at Humunga Kowabunga, a downhill flume slide that uses the steep slopes of Mount Mayday.In other Disney Travel News...Explore Europe with 2022 Adventures By Disney Danube and Rhine River CruisesIf you've ever dreamed of taking an Adventures by Disney river cruise to see the towns and landscapes of Europe, Disney has announced a special offer.Adventures by Disney guests can save $500 per person on select 2022 Danube and Rhine River cruises. Departures must be booked before February 28, 2022 and your travel dates must be between June 26 and August 4, 2022. There is limited availability and the offer excludes category E staterooms and Suites. 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

The Sunshine Flyer is Ready to Replace Disney's Magical ExpressEver since Disney announced it would be ending its popular Magical Express service in January 2022, Disney travelers have been wondering: So what now?This week, Transportation Management Services (TMS) announced The Sunshine Flyer as a new service that would transport guests from MCO to Walt Disney World resort hotels. The Sunshine Flyer offers a themed experience that is based on old-fashioned railway passenger cars and vintage stream train engines. A Design and Themed Experience that Walt Disney Would LoveThe service aims to take the stress of airport transportation for Disney guests in Orlando and help to kickstart the magic of a family vacation from the moment they board the bus at the airport. Some key facts about The Sunshine Flyer:The exteriors of the buses are designed to look like old-fashioned locomotives or passenger cars (and there are several different designs)Staff will be dressed as 1920s rail conductors and engineersThe buses will have entertainment throughout the tripTicket pre-sales are now available and service begins on February 1, 2022There is also a charitable component to the launch of The Sunshine Flyer in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary:For the first 50 days of service, 50% of Sunshine Flyer ticket sales will be donated to Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida.Make-A-Wish children and their families will receive complimentary service from the Sunshine Flyer for their Disney wishes indefinitelyThe Sunshine Flyer’s buses are late model, premium motorcoaches. From the classic railway-inspired bus designs to staff dressed as 1920s rail conductors and engineers, the motorcoaches effectively serve as time-machines, offering a glimpse into 1920s rail travel.According to Frank Sherman, CEO of TMS: “Everyone knows the magic of Disney once they’re inside the park gates. But through The Sunshine Flyer, we’re able to give guests the chance to start their vacation from the minute they step off the plane and turn what used to be a procedural drive into the beginning of an adventure to remember.” With 25 years of experience as a large events transportation company working with world-class events such as the FIFA World Cup, NBA Finals and various PGA TOUR Tournaments, TMS is primed to offer a streamlined and well-executed service through The Sunshine Flyer. What's inside The Sunshine Flyer buses?There will be entertainment on the busesComplete with a bathroomYou can attach your child car seat to the three-point harness on seatsFor wheelchairs request an ADA bus when bookingUSB chargers and three-point seatbelts for the comfort and safety of all guests And yes, the buses will serve all Disney resort hotels How to Make a Reservation for The Sunshine FlyerYou will book tickets online and receive a QR code that you will scan once you arrive at Orlando International Airport. Presumably this will be around the luggage carousel area. The goal is to ensure smooth timing and departures to the Resorts. No luggage handling option at launch, but they hope to add it at some future time. Located in the Main Terminal Building of Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Terminal B, Level 1, in the Ground Transportation area What You Want to KnowWill buses depart WDW four hours before flight? Unclear. "Your bus is scheduled based on your specific flights. We monitor both inbound and outbound flights to make sure your trip is scheduled properly. We will email/text you a more exact departure window the day before your scheduled trips." How long will it take to get to your hotel? According to Sunshine Flyer: "We are using a dynamic routing software that customizes each day’s transfers based on specific riders. We can set the parameters to how long the ride is or how many stops the bus makes. 65 minutes is the longest anyone will be on a bus once it leaves to the final destination."“By combining our storied expertise in mass transportation management with a creative, themed experience, we have the unique opportunity to offer an experience that’s both stress-free and engaging,” added Sherman. “Disney guests deserve a trip to remember, right from the start. Whether they’re young or old, travelling in a group or solo, we hope The Sunshine Flyer sparks the imagination and excitement of all of our guests from the moment they step on the bus.”In celebration of Disney’s 50th anniversary, the Sunshine Flyer will donate 50% of all revenue from the first 50,000 passengers during the first 50 days of business to Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida. As a part of the Sunshine Flyer’s commitment to giving back, all Make-A-Wish children and their families will receive complimentary service from the Sunshine Flyer for their Disney wishes indefinitely.Tickets for The Sunshine Flyer must be booked at least four days ahead of arrival. Tickets are $17.00 per adult, $12.50 per child each way. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.sunshinefl

Important Holiday Changes at Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World has made some temporary adjustments "to help provide a great experience for our guests." From December 19 to January 3, 2022 Disney World resort guests will get Extra Park Time! The early theme park entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be extended from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.Plus, more attractions will be included in Disney Genie+ service and will not be included as an individual Lightning Lane entrance purchase option. Attractions that are now part of Lightning Lane include:Magic Kingdom Park: Space MountainEPCOT: Frozen Ever AfterDisney’s Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway RailwayDisney’s Animal Kingdom Park: Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden MountainFrom the Enchanting Extras Collection - Tours are Coming Back to Walt Disney WorldDisney’s Keys to the Kingdom This five-hour walking tour Explores the history of Magic Kingdom Park, including backstage access to the hidden “Utilidor” service tunnels. You'll also learn hidden secrets of classic attractions and lunch is included. You must be 16 or older for this tour.Caring for Giants At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park this one-hour tour offers an unforgettable experience to meet some of the park's largest inhabitants. Your guide will provide insights into the inner workings of the African elephant herd including a look a the day-to-day care for these amazing animals. You'll see these gentle giants from a private, backstage viewing area and learn how Disney’s conservation efforts help to preserve wild elephant populations around the world. Wild Africa Trek One of our favorites, Wild Africa Trek combines action, adventure and education into a three-hour safari adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Cross a swinging rope bridge near crocodiles and view giraffes, rhinos, hippos and more on foot and in a safari vehicle. The guides are excellent and will share insights about all the animals you see plus details about the park. Recommended. Up Close with RhinosWant to get even closer to nature? This one-hour tour takes you backstage to the second largest land animal in ways few people can. You'll meet the white rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and get insights into their behavior and biology and more.Savor the Savanna This one's a little different. It explores the sights, sounds and tastes of Africa on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park’s Savor the Savanna tour. Get samplings of African-inspired cuisine, paired with a selection of regional beer and wine offerings from a great spot overlooking the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Your private guide will share stories about the unique residents who inhabit the reserve and the special animal care provided at the park. Advance bookings are highly recommended for all tours and valid theme park admission and reservations.In addition, Disney has let it slip that the Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge may be next, so watch out for news on that one. Disney Cruise Line Selects Port Everglades as Second Year-round Home Port in FloridaThe Broward County Commission and Disney Cruise Line announced a new agreement naming Port Everglades as Disney’s second year-round homeport in Florida. This is a 15-year partnership that provides for one ship to be homeported in Port Everglades year-round starting fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025.Adding Port Everglades as a second homeport gives Disney a dedicated terminal in a market with direct highway access and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Disney’s original homeport is Port Canaveral, located in Central Florida. Epcot Flower and Garden FestivalSpring is already in the air at Walt Disney World as the horticulture team is busy creating topiaries, hanging baskets, flower towers and more in preparation for the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. The 2022 edition will run March 2 through July 4. That’s 125 days of festival cuisine, gardens, topiaries and entertainment.The 2022 edition will feature a new Goofy topiary and a 50th-themed birthday cake. Other favorite Disney Character topiaries will include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Germany pavilion or Lumiere and Cogsworth welcoming you to the expanded France pavilion.As always, gardeners can enjoy thousands of blooms forming colorful, living panoramas all around and for foodies, fresh flavors are on the menu at the festival’s 18 Outdoor Kitchens plus other food and beverage locations around EPCOT.The Garden Rocks Concert Series will return in 2022 at the America Gardens Theatre. This list of which musicians will be playing has yet to be released.To visit the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival you'll need valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. New Shops and Photo Opps at Downtown DisneyPelé SoccerSoccer fans will enjoy the stadium-themed store with a wide assortment of soccer gear fro