WDW Daily News

With “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” premiering in theaters on Oct. 18, 2019, there are quite a few ways to get into the Maleficent spirit at the Disneyland® Resort. Here’s what you can look forward to experiencing:

Disney’s “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” Sneak Peek – Guests can catch a sneak peek of the live-action adventure at Disney California Adventure® Park. For a limited time starting Sept. 27, 2019, the sneak peek experience will be presented in the evenings at the Sunset Showcase Theater, following daily performances of “Mickey’s PhilharMagic.” Check out this new, exclusive clip:

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” picks up several years after “Maleficent,” exploring the complex relationship between the horned fairy and her goddaughter, Aurora, especially as they struggle to protect their home from a formidable new foe in Queen Ingrtih. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” swoops into theaters on Oct. 18.

Photo Wall – Guests can strike a pose and spread their wings like Maleficent. These new walls will be popping up soon around the Downtown Disney® District and Disney California Adventure Park.

Merchandise – Guests can sport their wicked side with tees and other accessories inspired by the notorious villain. These items will be available starting Sept. 30 at Elias & Co in Disney California Adventure Park, Emporium at Disneyland Park and World of Disney at Downtown Disney District.

If that’s not enough, here are a few other Maleficent experiences at the Disneyland Resort: 

Villains Dance Party – Guests can head over to Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland Park for a pulsating, spooky-fun time.  

Character Encounters – Guests can spot the devious Maleficent swarming around Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park.  

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – Guests can explore the winding passageways inside Sleeping Beauty Castle where the epic tale of Princess Aurora is told through immersive displays, spell-binding sounds and stunning special effects. 

“Fantasmic!” – Guests can enjoy this iconic nighttime spectacular on select nights at Disneyland Park! Dazzling special effects transform the Rivers of America into a stage for the colorful tableau of Mickey Mouse’s imagination. 

Specialty Eats – Guests can bite into the Maleficent Churro to satisfy their sweet cravings. These churros are covered with chocolate cookie crumbles blended with colored sugar with a marshmallow dipping sauce on the side. These tasty treats are available at the churro carts near Town Square and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Or,  you can try the Maleficent Apple (available Oct. 18-31), coated in chocolate and decorated with candies, colored sugar, and colored chocolate. They can find these apples at Candy Palace and Hunny Spot at Disneyland Park; Trolley Treats and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Disney California Adventure Park; and Marceline’s Confectionery at the Downtown Disney District. 

Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort celebrates the beginning of fall with fun, spook-tacular festivities for guests to experience. Whether it’s the eerily transformed attractions guests desire or fang-tastic treats they crave, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Guests can sink their teeth into some of these amazing experiences this Halloween season:

Brave the Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters after Dark

The Guardians of the Galaxy are continuing their mission by searching for Groot in the Collector’s Fortress at Disney California Adventure® Park! You can save him by teaming up with Rocket to lure the monsters away and make the escape! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark now through Oct. 31.

Keep eyes peeled for Disney villains

You can join some favorite villains throughout the parks as they stalk on by! They may even pose for a selfie, if Guests dare to disturb.

Get mesmerized watching “Halloween Screams” 

For the first time in nearly a decade, all Guests can enjoy a version of the spooky supernatural projection and special effects show at Disneyland Park. They can see Jack Skellington and some favorite Disney villains as they light up the night with favorite Halloween songs. On weekend nights, “Halloween Screams” will be enhanced with jaw-dropping fireworks.

Collect special Haunted Mansion Holiday digital achievements with the Play Disney Parks app* 

From the Halloween through the Holiday seasons, you can enjoy collecting special seasonal digital achievements around the resort when they engage with the Play Disney Parks app. Each month guests use the app and ride Haunted Mansion Holiday from now through early January 2020, they will unlock a special achievement themed to “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Plus, beginning in December, Guests who collect all four achievements (Jack Skellington now through Sept. 30, Scary Teddy from Oct. 1-31, Zero from Nov. 1-30 and Sally from Dec. 1-Jan. 6) will be able to pick up a complimentary Haunted Mansion Holiday button (while supplies last). Details and information on where to pick up this button will be announced just before they become available in December.**

Venture into the depths with Disney’s Happiest Haunts Tour 

From now through Oct. 31, guests can enjoy a Halloween adventure unlike any other throughout the Disneyland Resort. Guests can prove that they’re braver than their friends as they go on a guided journey that takes them through spooky tales and riveting realms through both parks! This premium, reservation-only experience is $99 plus tax for Guests 3 years and older. Separate theme park admission is required for all Disneyland Resort Tours, and is not included in the tour price. Please call (714) 781-TOUR (8687) to book.

Feast on all the foodie festivities

After a day of fun, guests can indulge in deliciously decadent drinks and dishes. For a stylish and tasty treat, they can visit Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge and try the Poison Apple-Tini filled with apple whiskey, apple pucker schnapps and cranberry juice.*** It is absolutely sinful! For a non-alcoholic refreshment, they can try the Green Apple Spell Lemonade from Smokejumpers Grill with sour green apple syrup, cherry pearls and raspberry sauce. Guests can snap photos with our Vampire Mickey Sourdough Bread from Mortimer’s Market and Spider Silk Macaron Sandwich at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream! 

Drape on hauntingly beautiful outfits and accessories

Guests can wear the fabulous spirit jersey from day to night! It’s themed to the Halloween occasion with orange and black, perfect for matching with friends. Halloween would be nothing without Minnie ear headbands. They can find ghoulish goodies at various locations including, Elias & Co. and Gone Hollywood at Disney California Adventure park, Port Royal Curios and Curiosities at Disneylandpark and World of Disney at Downtown Disney® District.

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Separate theme park admission required.

**Button offer will be subject to restrictions and cancellation without notice.

***Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol; valid photo ID required.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, we’re celebrating new attractions and lands that make a visit to the park even more extraordinary, with immersive experiences for Guests of all ages.

As we prepare to step into the wacky world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon short next year in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, we’re excited to share that there’s even more zany adventures coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this spring.

Joining the park’s theater district will be a reimagined venue, the Mickey Shorts Theater. What will it feature? You’ll just have to stay tooned to find out!

By: Disney DestinationsSeptember 26, 2019

In early 2021, Disney Cruise Line will return to New Orleans for a limited-time engagement with sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, including visits to Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. A lineup of popular itineraries will continue across the Disney fleet with cruises to tropical destinations from Texas, California and Florida.  More info>>

Return to New Orleans

Back by popular demand, the Disney Wonder will return to the bayou from late January through February 2021 with a series of magical voyages. A pair of four- and five-night cruises to the Western Caribbean kick off the season from New Orleans. The five-night voyage includes a visit to Progreso, Mexico, a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line on the Yucatan Peninsula. This quaint town is filled with treasures for families to explore together, from ancient Mayan ruins to hidden swimming holes filled with crystal-clear water.

Three seven-night sailings to the Bahamas with a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, plus a 14-night Panama Canal cruise, round out the departures from the Crescent City in early 2021.

Guests sailing from New Orleans will experience the flavors and flair of the Big Easy both onboard the Disney Wonder and ashore. The sounds and sights of New Orleans come to life at Tiana’s Place restaurant, where families are transported to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz and street party celebrations with live music and other surprises inspired by the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Before or after their cruise, your Clients can savor the city’s distinct cuisine, visit family-friendly museums and parks, and take in the sounds of world-renowned live jazz music. 

Popular Itineraries from Texas and California

The Disney Wonder will also return to the popular home ports of Galveston and San Diego in early 2021. Guests sailing from Texas can enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Western Caribbean on a series of four- and six-night cruises to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. One seven-night departure will feature stops at Key West, Nassau and Disney Castaway Cay.

Following the season in New Orleans, the Disney Wonder heads to the West Coast for a variety of sailings to Baja and the Mexican Riviera departing from San Diego. Families can hunt for gold aboard a pirate ship in Cabo San Lucas, embark on an off-road adventure in Ensenada or sunbathe on glittering sand beaches on cruises ranging from three to seven nights.

Bahamian and Caribbean Getaways from Florida

Disney Cruise Line will have three ships sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida in early 2021, and every cruise includes a day at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. This award-winning destination, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests, is the ultimate escape for everyone in the family.

• From Miami, the Disney Magic will sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises.
• From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
• From Port Canaveral, the Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises.

Platinum, Gold or Silver Castaway Club members, can take advantage of the opportunity to book early 2021 itineraries before they go on sale to the general public on Oct. 3, 2019.  You can book either online or by phone during the designated booking window:

• Sept. 30, 2019: Platinum Members
• Oct. 1, 2019: Platinum and Gold Members
• Oct. 2, 2019: Platinum, Gold and Silver Members
• Oct. 3, 2019: all Guests

Exciting news for our foodie fans! We’re thrilled to announce that ALL of our major quick and table service restaurants will soon be serving up plant-based options at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort – along with a new plant-based menu icon coming to Disney dining. Guests will now be able to choose from hundreds of sweet and savory creations, including many brand-new dishes destined to become fan favorites!

We’re always looking for ways to bring more flavor, innovation, and creativity to the Disney dining experience – and Guest feedback is first on the menu when we evolve our menus and develop new dishes. Our Guests have embraced our plant-based offerings at our parks around the globe, inspiring us to expand our menu and introduce a new menu icon, a green leaf, that will make it easier than ever for guests to find these creations during their visit.

These fun and flavorful options are made from plant-based ingredients like vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes – and are made without animal meat, dairy, eggs or honey. From comfort-food classics to exciting new dishes for the adventurer in all of us, everyone will find something to delight their tastebuds.

On October 1 at quick service locations and October 3 at table service locations, Walt Disney World Resort will launch the plant-based menu icon and introduce new options at our theme parks and resort hotels. If your Clients are craving tasty plant-powered snacks and treats during their visit, they can explore more than 400 craveable dishes!

• Steamed Asian Dumplings from Le Cellier at Epcot® – These plant-based meat dumplings are served with bok choy, Chinese long beans, red peppers and radish in a delicious and fragrant Asian broth.
• Shiriki Noodle Salad from Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom® Park – This refreshing salad is made with noodles, edamame beans, mushrooms, green mango and cucumber, tossed with a sweet chili sauce.
• Felucian Garden Spread from Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland® Park at the Disneyland Resort) – Made with plant-based “kefta,” herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish and pita, this is the perfect bite for a visit to a galaxy far, far away.
• Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl from Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – This taste of Pandora features crispy tofu, seasoned with chili-spice and topped with a crunchy vegetable slaw, boba balls and a choice of base and sauce. 
• Plant-Based Cashew Cheescake from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Just one of many scrumptious plant-based desserts available at Walt Disney World Resort.

We can’t wait for guests to discover hundreds of delectable plant-based options at our parks and resort hotels. Whether they’re visiting Magic Kingdom Park, tasting your way across the globe at Epcot’s World Showcase, or grabbing a bite in a galaxy far, far away, they’re sure to find a plant-powered dish to enjoy.

Don’t worry, Disneyland fans – the menu icon and many new plant-based options are coming in spring 2020, so Guests won’t have to wait long to savor exciting new flavors. And across the world, we’re serving up delicious plant-based cuisine, including Risotto-style Spelt with Mushrooms at Disneyland Paris, Pan-fried Vegetables with Plant-based Dumplings at Hong Kong Disneyland, or Caramel Mix Nuts Banana Cake at Shanghai Disney Resort. When sailing the high seas with Disney Cruise Line there are bites to find, from a Plant-Based Chili Dog and Plant-Based Eggs to Chocolate Truffle Cake.  

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Save these dates – March 4-June 1, 2020 – because you will want to see and experience every beautiful bloom, whimsical topiary and tasty treat being planned for the 27^th Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival!

The beloved 90-day spring extravaganza at Epcot will sprout in a big way for its 27^th year with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors designed to delight everyone in the family. From the creative dishes and libations offered at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens to the fan-favorite artists who’ll perform during the Garden Rocks Concert Series, bouquets of spring fun will welcome Guests around every corner of the park.

This longest-running Epcot festival is known for its themed topiaries, and the Epcot horticulture team already has begun plans to introduce a brand-new Remy topiary – the centerpiece of a new Ratatouille Garden at the France pavilion! This delicious new garden will be planted with veggies used in a ratatouille recipe. We love Remy, and we can’t wait! Guests also will find favorite returning character topiaries including Snow White, Elsa and Anna, Belle and Beast, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Miss Piggy and Kermit.

As festival-goers explore the Outdoor Kitchens, they’ll discover raised-bed or in-ground gardens of herbs and produce and discover how to grow their own healthful foods. Thousands of bedding plants in every color of the rainbow will decorate the landscape around Future World and World Showcase, and dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” will offer colorful backdrops for spring selfies. Festive mini-gardens will be set afloat like floral pontoons on the Future World east and west lakes. 

Children will love burning off energy with siblings and friends at the festival’s Play Garden and Family Play Zone. Guests of all ages will flock to The Goodness Garden Butterfly House presented by GoGoSqueeZ. And the popular “How To” garden will return with clever tips for home gardeners. 

All this floral fun began in 1994 as a 38-day celebration of Disney-style gardens and topiaries. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival now flourishes as a 90-day celebration of spring with something for every generation. Stay tuned  for updates and more details. The festival, including all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.  

“Epcot® Forever,” an all-new nighttime spectacular that takes Guests on a journey through the years and into the future, opens Oct. 1, 2019, as part of the transformation of Epcot. The show will bring World Showcase Lagoon to life with a spark of imagination that quickly grows into an epic spectacle of fireworks, lighting, lasers, special effects kites, and an incredible musical score.

In the words of Disney Parks Live Entertainment show director Alan Bruun, “Music is the soul of the show, because music has been the soul of Epcot ever since it began.”

From “Magic Journeys” and “Tomorrow’s Child” to “Listen to the Land” and “One Little Spark,” “Epcot Forever” features classic Epcot themes produced in fresh new arrangements. The music was recorded by the legendary London Symphony Orchestra at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, with vocals performed by a talented choir of singers from across Central Florida.

Here’s a look behind the scenes at how the music for “Epcot Forever” came together.

The Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is putting the finishing touches on the show to get ready for opening night, with everyone from audio engineers to special effects designers working around the clock to get everything just right.

Stay tuned for more on the making of “Epcot Forever,” as the show prepares to make its grand debut on October 1.

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It’s officially autumn, which means that pumpkin spice season is finally here! From fall decorations to the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, there are so many ways to celebrate fall across Walt Disney World® Resort. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park is no exception, offering three limited-time desserts that Disney food lovers can enjoy through Nov. 23, 2019. And with warm weather and less wait times at  favorite Typhoon Lagoon attractions – now is the perfect time for you to visit.

1. Pumpkin Milkshake

Pumpkin spice fans will love the all-new Pumpkin Milkshake at Leaning Palms. Topped with whipped cream and colorful fall sprinkles, this milkshake makes for the perfect seasonal dessert. 

2. Pumpkin Cream Churros

A delicious twist on a classic Disney snack, the new Pumpkin Cream Churro is rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with pumpkin cream. Coming soon to Typhoon Lagoon, you can try the Pumpkin Cream Churro at Lowtide Lou’s.

3. Pumpkin Sundae

Ice cream is not just for summer, especially when you’re in Florida! The Pumpkin Sundae at Happy Landings Ice Cream features vanilla soft-serve ice cream and is topped with your choice of caramel or hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, fall sprinkles and a pumpkin spice cake.

By: Disney DestinationsSeptember 23, 2019

In an event of galactic proportions, the Disney family of television networks (ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and ESPN) will offer easter eggs, vacation giveaways and sneak peeks into the newest land to come to both Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort –Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

From morning to night, we will be feeling the Force this week on ABC’s daytime and syndication lineup to ABC News’ “Nightline” with appearances by BB-8, First Order Storm Troopers, and a Sith Trooper. On “Good Morning America” (Thursday, Sept. 26) don’t miss an exclusive sneak peek into the highly-anticipated attraction Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – opening December 5 at Walt Disney World Resort and January 17, 2020 at Disneyland Resort. The following shows will be participating (all times are Eastern):

• TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
  • “Live with Kelly and Ryan” (check your local listings)
• THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
  • “Good Morning America” (7 a.m.)
  • “The View” (11 a.m.)
  • “Tamron Hall” (check your local listings)
  • “Strahan, Sara & Keke” (1 p.m.)
  • “Nightline” (check your local listings)

ABC’s primetime series will pay tribute to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during fall premiere week and beyond.  Viewers will be treated to easter eggs, on-air mentions and surprises from the Star Wars universe, beginning tomorrow night (Tuesday, Sept. 24) with the award-winning comedy “black-ish,” and ending next Monday (Sept. 30) with “Dancing with the Stars.” The following shows will be participating (all times are Eastern):

• TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
  • “black-ish” (9:30 p.m.)
• WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25
  • “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m.)
  • “Modern Family” (9 p.m.)
• FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
  • “American Housewife” (8 p.m.)
• SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
  • “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (7 p.m.)
  • “The Rookie,” (10 p.m.)
• MONDAY, SEPT. 30
  • “Dancing with the Stars” (8 p.m.)

Freeform is set to air a two-hour primetime special, “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Adventure Awaits” (Sunday, Sept. 29). Host Neil Patrick Harris will take viewers on an exploration of the epic new lands and how they brought the planet of Batuu to life. With celebrity guests including Kaley Cuoco, Keegan-Michael Key, Jay Leno, Sarah Hyland, Miles Brown and more, Walt Disney Imagineers, Lucasfilm Executives, and Disney Cast Members share how they helped create the largest single-themed land expansion in Disney Parks history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

• SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
  • “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Adventure Awaits” (8 p.m.)

ESPN’s “SportsCenter” will air a feature showcasing “College GameDay” commentators experiencing the land during a recent visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

• SATURDAY, SEPT. 28
  • “SportsCenter” (10 a.m.)

Disney Channel will air a segment featuring Miranda May (“Bunk’d”) and Sean Giambrone (“Kim Possible”) trying Blue Milk, building their very own droids, and taking control of the fastest ship in the galaxy on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney Junior will air a segment featuring a Star Wars fan family meeting Chewbacca, building custom droids, and flying the Millennium Falcon as they experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for the first time.

Fall is a favorite times of year to visit the Walt Disney World® Resort. There’s simply so much fun to be had right now. Here are just a few recommendations to help them make the most of your visit this fall:

Indulge in spooky thrills at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is already delighting Guests with the “treat” of a new fireworks show this year – “Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular.” Other must-sees at the event are the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show and “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” which features Disney characters in new Halloween costumes – and the spectral bride from the Haunted Mansion.

Indulge the taste buds at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – Where else but at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can you sample mouthwatering international fare at more than 30 Global Marketplaces, watch live culinary demonstrations, and learn tips and tricks from celebrity chefs? Eat to the Beat concerts also keep the fun going in the evening, bringing the sounds of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists to the America Gardens Theatre, three times nightly. 

Catch “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot one last time – While you are at Epcot for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, be sure to to stay for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The show will take its final bow on Sept. 30, in order to make way for the park’s new nighttime show, “Epcot Forever.”

Make out-of-this-world memories at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – You can now become part of their own Star Wars story at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, where they can try galactic food and beverages, craft their own lightsabers, build droids and even help fly the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. (Also, now through September 30, Guests can interact with an exclusive Snapchat filter that’ll put them inside a realistic hologram – available in certain U.S. regions only – start theirr transmission from the planet of Batuu today).

Dive into a Disney water park – Now is the perfect time to cool off in the Cross Country Creek lazy river at Disney’s Blizzard Beach® Water Park  or jump the waves in the Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park.

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