WDW Daily News

We hope you’re ready for some foodie news that’ll rock Guests’ taste buds’ world because we’ve got some exciting updates that are coming soon to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From sweets to the savory, there are plenty of new items joining the treats roster at the park, and they are not to be missed.

The foodie adventure is about to begin. Let’s get into this edition of What’s Cooking, shall we?

Whether they’ve been to Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant before or have always wanted to drive into this retro classic, the new menu premiering June 2 is not to be missed. This “theater” is debuting some super tasty offerings including appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Guests can start their meal with the Sci-fi Smoked Wings tossed in a porter barbecue sauce with a house-made pineapple and poppy seed coleslaw or the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, a plant-based blend of spinach, artichoke, red peppers, cauliflower, cashew cheese, and oat milk served with house-made chips.

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The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare is ready to serve up some piping hot tunes at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE starting this July!

This year, we’re following the same recipe as our recent festivals, with internationally recognized artists as well as local bands bringing their sizzling sounds to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Our five-star menu has something for every taste – from house favorites like Baha Men, Tiffany, and Air Supply, to fresh-to-the-festival acts like Hoobastank, Los Amigos Invisibles and Stokley.

Get a taste of the announced artists below:

• July 14-15 – Baha Men
• July 16-18 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
• July 29-30 – Taylor Dayne
• July 31-Aug. 1 – Tiffany
• Aug. 5-8 – Joey Fatone & Friends
• Aug. 12-13 – The Devon Allman Project
• Aug. 14-15 – Christopher Cross
• Aug. 19-20 – Journey former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
• Aug. 21-22 – Air Supply
• Sept. 2-3 – Southern Avenue
• Sept. 4-5 – Kris Allen & David Cook
• Sept. 9-10 – Hoobastank (NEW)
• Sept. 16-17 – Los Amigos Invisibles (NEW)
• Sept. 23-24 – BBMak
• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Stokley (NEW)
• Oct. 2-3 – Sheila E.
• Oct. 7-8 – Mark Wills
• Oct. 9-10 – 38 Special
• Oct. 23-24 – Billy Ocean
• Oct. 28-31 – Hanson
• Nov. 4-7 – Boyz II Men

Beginning May 24, Guests can secure their spot at the show by reserving an Eat to the Beat Dining Package available Friday-Monday. Find out more by visiting TasteEPCOT.com. 

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs July 14 through Nov. 19, giving Guests plenty of time to taste their way around the world with an irresistible selection of gourmet plates and refreshing beverages at more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout the park. That’s nearly 130 days to feast on heartwarming dishes inspired by campfire-cooked summertime favorites at Flavors from Fire, dig into South American cuisine and culture at Brazil, or snack on crispy yucca fries at The Fry Basket.  

Cheese lovers will want to check out Emile’s Fromage Montage, where they can sample a variety of delicious cheeses served in inventive ways. Purchase any five cheese dishes listed in the Festival Passport and collect a stamp for each cheese dish purchased. Once they’ve collected all five stamps, Guests can bring the stamped Festival Passport to Shimmering Sips for a specialty item. 

To experience EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, Guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

It’s almost time for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to launch into EPCOT on May 27, and we can’t wait for the world to experience this intergalactic chase through space and time. Before clients help save the galaxy, there are a few things to know about how to experience this incredible new attraction, which will open with a virtual queue. Clients may also have the opportunity to purchase an individual Lightning Lane entry to the attraction. At this time, there will not be a standby queue option.

How to enter the virtual queue

Beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of their park reservation, clients with a valid ticket or pass and a Disney Park Pass Reservation for EPCOT will be able to check for an available boarding group via the My Disney Experience app* and request access to the virtual queue. This can be done before clients leave their Resort hotel or on the way to the park.

At 1 p.m., there will be another opportunity to join the virtual queue for anyone who wasn’t able to join a boarding group earlier in the day. Keep in mind, you must be inside EPCOT to access this second virtual queue opportunity.

In order to give as many guests as possible the opportunity to save the galaxy, each person can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day during regular park hours. Please note that joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Virtual queue during extended evening hours

Registered guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels will have an additional opportunity to request to join the virtual queue at 6 p.m. on select dates during extended evening theme park hours. Guests with this benefit do not need to be in EPCOT to request to join at that time.

Guests will need valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day to experience extended evening hours — or, guests may experience extended evening hours if they have a ticket or annual pass with the Park Hopper option and first enter the park where they made their reservation.

How to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry

Clients with valid park admission and a park reservation can purchase individual Lightning Lane entry in the My Disney Experience app* via the Disney Genie service on the same day of their visit, subject to availability.

Virtual queue and individual Lightning Lane entry are only accessible via the My Disney Experience app*. If clients have questions or need assistance registering for virtual queue or purchasing an individual Lightning Lane entry, look for one of the Guest Experience Team Cast Members throughout the park, who will be happy to assist.

How to download and share attraction photos

After experiencing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, don’t forget about the attraction photo! There will be two options to automatically link the attraction photo to a My Disney Experience account:

• Enable Bluetooth® on a mobile device for the My Disney Experience app* before riding. Log in to the app sometime earlier that day, and keep the device out of low power mode. Then, just keep the device in a pocket or bag while enjoying the ride.*
• Wear a MagicBand that is linked to a My Disney Experience account.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone to this awesome new family thrill-coaster! As Rocket says, “It’s save the galaxy time – again.”

*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.

DIsney is making an adjustment to how guests purchase Disney Genie+ service at Walt Disney World Resort, which remains popular and in high demand amongst our guests.  

Beginning June 8, Disney Genie+ will only be offered through the My Disney Experience app on the day of visit – we will no longer offer the option to purchase this service pre-arrival as a ticket add-on for dates remaining in 2022 and in 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 guests have already purchased a ticket or package that includes Disney Genie+ service for dates later in 2022, the service will be honored during their visit. Please also note this update is also only happening at Walt Disney World Resort and will not affect Disneyland Resort, as the services vary at each destination.

Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays and packages for visits in 2023 will also open bookings beginning June 8. We look forward to sharing additional details about our 2023 packages and ticket product soon.

We are excited to share that our early theme park entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel guests will continue for visits throughout all of 2023, giving Resort guests the first chance to enjoy select attractions at every theme park, every day (valid admission, park reservation and Resort id required).

One of the neat things about Walt Disney is that all four of its Florida theme parks — and even the resort’s two water parks — are differentiated experiences.

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Imagine this – “Fantasmic!,” Disney’s longest-running nighttime spectacular, is celebrating its 30^th anniversary today! That’s right – on this day thirty years ago – May 13, 1992 – “Fantasmic!” premiered to Guests at Disneyland Park.

“Fantasmic!” is an emotional extravaganza of colorful Disney-animated story scenes, choreographed to an exciting musical score. The waters of the Rivers of America come alive as Mickey Mouse dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and faces dastardly villains, using the power of his imagination to save the day. Along the way, fantastic events and images as seen in stories like “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book,” and more come to life with live performers, character appearances, enhanced special effects and pyrotechnics.

Some updates have been made to “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland Park through the years. An enhanced version of the original “Fantasmic!” presentation premiered in 2009, featuring digital projections and the spectacular 45-foot-tall fire-breathing Maleficent dragon. The show then added even more new magic in 2017, including new scenes and featured songs such as “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World” from the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic, “Aladdin.”

Since its debut in 1992, “Fantasmic!” has performed nearly 11,000 shows at Disneyland Park! And we just can’t wait for this “journey beyond your wildest imagination” to return to the Rivers of America soon, on May 28.

We are thrilled “Fantasmic!” will be joining the other nighttime spectaculars – “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure Park, plus the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular at Disneyland Park – upon its return. Just one more way Guests will be able to “ignite the night” at Disneyland Resort!

Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before visiting.

This summer, Walt Disney World Resort will launch our newest wearable, MagicBand+, followed later this year by the “Hey Disney!” digital voice assistant. Both products will enhance guest visits throughout the 50^th anniversary celebration and beyond.

If you already own a MagicBand, you understand how this technology makes visits to Walt Disney World more convenient with just a tap of your band when entering parks and guest rooms*, making retail and dining purchases*, and creating magic moments with Disney PhotoPass service. MagicBand+ will do all that and more.

Use MagicBand+ to Bring Sculptures to Life

You may have seen the golden character sculptures throughout the four Walt Disney World theme parks during the 50^th anniversary celebration. Soon, you’ll be able to use MagicBand+ to bring the sculptures to life and interact with them on the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” You can also dive deeper into the experience using the Play Disney Parks mobile 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.

MagicBand+ Invites You to Join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” Experience

Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, MagicBand+ invites you to join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” experience, where you’ll use your band to find numerous 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. You can then use the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app – which reveals what’s behind locked doors in Black Spire Outpost – to uncover your virtual bounty**. Once your mission is complete, the local guild master will reward you with galactic credits.

Experience Nighttime Spectaculars in a New Way with MagicBand+

You can also experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as you’ll see your MagicBand+ light up and complement the magic in the skies! It’s a dazzling way to join in the celebration and create unforgettable memories at the theme parks.

These experiences will be available with MagicBand+ and will launch when the new wearable goes on sale this summer. Disney Resort hotel guests and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the option to purchase at a discounted, pre-arrival price. You can still use existing MagicBands and Disney MagicMobile, available on eligible devices, to enjoy other features, such as park entry*. The original MagicBand wearable will continue to be available for purchase as well.

MagicBand+ will be available at Disneyland Resort later this year. Some of the features will vary between Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. We’ll have more to share on that soon.

Magical New Digital Voice Assistant – “Hey Disney!”

There’s a magical new digital voice assistant ready to bring Disney characters and stories to life called “Hey Disney!” Using Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices, 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. Plus, 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 in select Disney Resort hotel guest rooms across Walt Disney World later this year as part of our 50^th anniversary celebration. Access will be offered as an optional, complimentary feature during guest stays. “Hey Disney!” will also be available for purchase for supported Amazon Echo devices via the Amazon Alexa Skills store, inviting Disney fans to make every day at home more magical. 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.

Which experience are you most excited about? Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on new magic coming to Walt Disney World Resort as part of the 50^th anniversary celebration.

*Guests can use MagicBand and MagicBand+ to gain access to Walt Disney World theme parks with valid admission and theme park reservations, enter their Disney Resort hotel room, and charge food and merchandise purchases to the payment card on file at their Disney Resort hotel room during their stay.

**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+.

Disney has released new artwork for Epcot’s transformation Take a look:

Guests don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to indulge in some tasty treats and superb sips celebrating May the 4th! This year, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are joining in on the adventure by serving up items that are out-of-this-world!

From special offerings like the Lightsaber Churros at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the adorable Grogu treats scattered throughout Disneyland Resort, there are plenty of items to try.

Disneyland Resort

To stay in-the-know on all the latest and greatest Star Wars at Disneyland Resort, check out the Disneyland app for the digital food and merchandise guide!

Disneyland Park – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Celebrate Black Spire Day this year at Disneyland Resort, an annual celebration honoring this bustling outpost in Batuu, with tons of eats and treats deliciously crafted by the locals at Black Spire. 

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (available on Mobile Order)

• Ishi Tib-style Pasta with Braised Beef Bantha: Beef pot roast, coconut curry sauce, pasta, and mixed vegetables (New)
• Vintian Mineral Mousse: Banana brûlée-centered dark chocolate mousse, strawberry mousse, vanilla chantilly, chocolate crumble, and cherry garnish

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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning to Magic Kingdom Park this fall during the resort’s 50th Anniversary celebration! This fall, ghosts and ghouls of all ages are invited to don their favorite costumes and celebrate all things haunted during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Taking place on 37 select nights Aug. 12 through Oct. 31, 2022, this special event haunts Magic Kingdom Park after normal park operating hours from 7 p.m. to midnight.

As a part of this limited-capacity event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party attendees will encounter event-exclusive entertainment, notorious Disney villains, frightfully delicious menu items and more! Here’s some of what’s in store:

• The Headless Horseman will ride his ghostly steed down Main Street, U.S.A as a prelude to “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” which features floats filled with Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween best, Disney villains and the Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers.
• During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests can go trick-or-treating for M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and other Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. And new this year, guests will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th Anniversary celebration and Halloween design.

• Join the Sanderson Sisters during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle as they call upon their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion.
• Celebrate the season alongside favorite Disney characters as they take over the park for their favorite party of the year.
• Overlays themed for the occasion will return to several popular Magic Kingdom attractions: Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
• The Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, will host “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” This can’t-miss nighttime extravaganza features projections, special effects and lighting mixed with 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, we’re adding even more fun to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year in the form of event-exclusive step-in photo opportunities. And in addition to the reusable trick-or-treating tote bag, guests will also receive a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary celebration commemorative print.

Tickets will go on sale May 18, 2022 and can be purchased online via the Disney Travel Agents website. Guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as May 12. Tickets range from $109-$199 plus tax. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members may purchase specially priced ticket for select dates.

These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation. The event dates are:

• August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
• September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30
• October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31