WDW Daily News

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year and with it comes the return of Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. This special event runs Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2019, inviting you to discover holiday cheer throughout Epcot and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions. Seasonal fun includes sweet and savory treats at Holiday Kitchens throughout the park and special entertainment such as the Guest-favorite Candlelight Processional.

Held in the America Gardens Theatre, the Candlelight Processional is a cherished part of the Walt Disney World® holiday season, combining the talents of a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story in a spectacular and heartwarming performance!

Here’s the line-up of celebrity narrators* confirmed to-date, and stay tuned for updates as additional narrators are announced:

• Neil Patrick Harris – 12/2-12/5
• Whoopi Goldberg – 12/6-12/7
• Gary Sinise – 12/13-12/15
• Pat Sajak – 12/16-12/18
• Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/22-12/24
• Edward James Olmos – 12/25-12/26

The Candlelight Processional is performed three times per night (5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.), and guaranteed seating is available by booking a breakfast, lunch or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages will begin on July 3, 2019.

Following the show, you can shop “around the world” to find the perfect holiday gift with a variety fragrances, specialty handbags, ornaments, toys, dolls, jewelry and stocking stuffers available at merchandise locations across Future World and World Showcase. And you can also catch the new, limited-time nighttime spectacular, Epcot Forever, debuting at Epcot this October.

Please note Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members  will be able to enjoy a 1-day exclusive early booking window on July 2, 2019. Annual Passholders reservations can be booked via 407-WDW-DINE while Disney Vacation Club Members can be booked through Disney Vacation Club Member Services at 800-800-9800.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Theme park admission is required.

Check our the amazing details the Disney Imagineers it into the ground in these Photos of Creature Footprints at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Do you know which creature/character made each one?

At more than 14 acres, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the largest single-themed land in Disney Parks history, packed with immersive storytelling that allows guests to live their own Star Wars adventures. With so much to take in at Disneyland Park,* here are 10 “must-do” experiences for guests inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:

Fly the “Fastest Hunk of Junk in the Galaxy” in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

The Millennium Falcon is a Star Wars icon, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge makes dreams come true for guests who’ve wished to step aboard the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” In Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, they strap into the Falcon cockpit and take the controls as pilots, gunners or flight engineers on a mission to deliver smuggled goods while avoiding any … unnecessary entanglements.

Stroll the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace

Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to a bustling marketplace, full of vendors showcasing wares from across the galaxy. Guests can pick up authentic Batuuan attire with a stop at Black Spire Outfitters, start a collection of rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, or peek into the cages in the Creature Stall. The marketplace’s twisting pathway is just waiting to be explored, with something new to see seemingly around every turn.

Take a Swig of Blue Milk

Ever since Luke Skywalker sat down for a family meal in “Star Wars: A New Hope,” Star Wars fans have had this burning question: What does Blue Milk taste like? Now at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they finally have their answer. The Milk Stand in the Black Spire Outpost marketplace offers both Blue and Green Milk, delicious frozen blends with dashes of fruity accents.

Grab a Bite to Go at Ronto Roasters

Whether it’s the large podracing engine hanging overhead, the former smelter droid turning a spit of meats or just the savory smells wafting by, Ronto Roasters is sure to grab guests’ attention. This marketplace stall offers mouth-watering Ronto Wraps and sweet-or-spicy Nuna Turkey Jerky, as well as a selection of specialty beverages.

Craft a Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop**

Constructing a lightsaber is a rite of passage in the life of a Jedi, as this elegant weapon from a more civilized age is attuned to its wielder through the Force. Guests in Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers feel the presence of the Force as they craft their own lightsabers, customizing them with various hilts, décor and the all-important kyber crystals.

Build a Droid Inside the Droid Depot**

Droids can be some of the most loyal companions in the entire Star Wars galaxy, and now guests have the chance to build and customize their own astromech friends at the Droid Depot. Patrons pick pieces and parts off a conveyor belt to construct one of two core models (R-series or BB-series), which can then interact with elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Drop By for a Drink at Oga’s Cantina***

The heartbeat of Black Spire Outpost, Oga’s Cantina is a place where even the blaster-bolt scorches on the walls tell a story. Guests can gather to share their own tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels and listen to spirited musical entertainment from DJ R-3X, the former droid pilot from Star Tours. Whether sidling up to the cantina’s counter or sliding into one of the establishment’s back booths, this is the best place to catch up on local gossip, make a new friend or form a new alliance.

Hack Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with the Play Disney Parks Mobile App****

When accessed inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Play Disney Parks app transforms guests’ mobile devices into their very own Star Wars: Datapad. They can then scan the contents hidden inside containers, translate languages, and tune into communications happening throughout the land. Guests can also use this tool to hack into droids and door panels (what the locals call “slicing”) to unlock additional stories.

Support the Resistance or the First Order to Gain Outpost Control

Using the Play Disney Parks mobile app,*** guests can play together in a game called “Outpost Control” that takes place across the land. Guests can choose to support either the Resistance or the First Order by hacking the blinking light panels next to doorways throughout Black Spire Outpost. The faction that controls the majority of these panels first wins the game and demonstrates their allegiance to their side’s cause. The conflict plays out multiple times throughout the day.

Be on the Lookout for Kylo Ren, Rey and Other Star Wars Characters

Guests should keep their eyes open as they explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, because they may encounter heroes of the Resistance or agents of the First Order. Supreme Leader Kylo Ren lands at Black Spire Outpost and gathers Stormtroopers to help him hunt for Resistance fighter Rey. Guests may also encounter Millennium Falcon co-pilot Chewbacca or Resistance spy Vi Moradi.

Earlier this year, we announced an all-new dining adventure coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park select nights beginning July 24, 2019.  Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night is a family-friendly progressive dining experience drawing inspiration from the many facets of African cultures. In addition to celebrating the beloved story of “The Lion King,” this experience honors some of the most majestic and endangered African animals through delicious flavors, fun activities, live music, and appreciation for animal conservation.

We’re excited to share that one of these fun activities is a Kilimanjaro Safaris Virtual Realty experience. After enjoying a welcome reception at the train station in Harambe, you will hop on the train and journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here they’ll have the opportunity to try out a virtual reality 360-degree safari experience like they’ve never seen before, one that is only available exclusively during Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night! “Join our Pride” and get up close and personal with the sights and sounds of Pride Rock, coming face-to-face with our amazing host, the African lions. 

In addition to virtual reality, Guests will be able to indulge on a culinary expedition of food and beverages throughout the entire experience. When they begin their journey at the Harambe Train Station, you will enjoy a welcome reception featuring meat pies, Durban chips and dip, and a hand-selected array of meats and cheeses as well as Harambellini, a specialty beverage featuring sparkling South African wine blended with a bright burst of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. And for the kiddos, they can nibble on cheese, fruit, and Tofaa (chocolate caramel-dipped green apples). 

During the welcome reception, you will receive a boarding pass that allows them to hop on the train and head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where fun activities (including the VR experience and character greetings with familiar friends Timon and Rafiki) and more bites and refreshments await them. They can snack on spiced crisp plaintains, South African oat and coconut bars, and Sundowner Safari Mix with spiced nuts and dried fruit. Kids can enjoy seasonal fruit and Trail Mix Bites with granola, chocolate chips, raisins, and honey. For the adults, the specialty beverages featured here are the Chief’s Shandy (Tusker beer blended with lemonade), and Wanjohi’s Dawa, a refreshing blend of tequila, pineapple, mango, and Ancho chile. 

To conclude the evening, you will hop back on the train to head back to their final destination: Harambe Market. Here they’ll partake in a delicious dinner while enjoying upbeat music from African musicians, a dance party, and captivating storytelling. On the menu is an array of hearty dishes and yummy desserts inspired by the five featured African animals. Around the marketplace, they’ll find stations representing each of the animals and a selection of additional offerings in the courtyard.

The African Lion Station

• Char-Grilled Steak with Herb-Infused Mealie, Chakalaka, and a Red Wine Sauce
• Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes, Kool Slaai, and Mango Sambal
• Chicken Tenders (Kid’s Option)

The Cape Buffalo Station

• Shrimp Curry with Sustainable Shrimp, Cape Malay Green Coconut Curry, and Fragrant Basmati Rice
• Grilled Sweet Corn with Farmer’s Cheese, Chili-Lime Spice, and Citrus Aioli
• Barbecued Ribs (Kid’s Option)
• Macaroni and Cheese (Kid’s Option)

The Rhinoceros Station

• Vegetable Curry with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables served over Basmati Rice
• Vegetarian Potato and Pea Samosa, Pickled Vegetables, and Tamarind Dipping Sauce
• Barbecued Ribs (Kid’s Option)
• Macaroni and Cheese (Kid’s Option)

The African Elephant Station

• Smoked Honey-glazed Pork Belly with White Bean Purée, Caramelized Apple-Bacon Chutney, and Curry-Apple Gastrique

The Leopard Station

• Sustainable Fish with Coriander-Fennel Slaw and Dhania Chutney
• Grilled Lamb with Goat Cheese Polenta and Roasted Garlic Sauce
• Mini Corn Dog (Kid’s Option)

Harambe Market Courtyard Station

• Petite Greens, Local Tomatoes, Cucumber, Sweety Drop Peppers, Citrus, and Citrus Vinaigrette
• Boerie Roll with South African Farmers’ Style Sausage, Peppadews, and Pickled Vegetables
• African Spiced Popcorn

Dessert Station

• Honey-Caramel Candy Bar with Crispy Pearls
• Animal-inspired Cupcakes
• Lions S’mores Pop with Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbs

Specialty Beverages

• Talking Monkey – Coffee Liqueur, Banana Liqueur, and Espresso-infused Snow Leopard Vodka
• Marketplace Sangria – Blend of African Wine and Rooibos Tea finished with a Citrus and Mint Infusion
• Safari Sunset – Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Orange, and Guava Juices blended with Rum
• Assorted African-inspired Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)
• Assorted African Beer and Wine (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)

Menus and options are subject to change, but at each station, you will learn a little bit about each of the Big Five animals. Children are invited to choose their favorite Big Five animal charm and learn more about them while creating their very own bracelet or necklace. 

Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night begins on July 24, 2019 on select nights from 6-9 p.m. for a limited time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Pricing is $125 plus tax for adults and $99 plus tax for children ages 3-9 and separate park admission is required. To make reservations for you please call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463) or visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

It’s time to make new memories and hop aboard Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind in Disney California Adventure® Park. Pixar Pier’s latest attraction is a whimsical, family-friendly delight!

Inspired by the hit Disney and Pixar film “Inside Out,” Emotional Whirlwind takes you on a sense-ational spin while aboard one of eight Memory Movers. Help Riley’s Emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear—sort through memories being collected.

Check out the video below!

Emotional Whirlwind is located in the Inside Out Headquarters neighborhood of Pixar Pier, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary! The reimagined land shares the stories and characters of Pixar films with exciting attractions, themed neighborhoods and fun eateries.

Deciding to take your kids to a Disney park for the first time can be as daunting as it is exciting. There’s so much to do and explore at the parks, it’s easy to get stressed and overwhelmed on how to do it all in one trip. The trick is to figure out what would make the vacation the most magical for your child. From characters to attractions and dining, there’s something every kiddo will love at Disney. Whether you’re a Disney pro and taking your kids for the first time or a newbie yourself, you’re going to want to do a little preplanning before heading to the parks. We’ve rounded up our best tips and tricks to ensure you and your kids have the best first visit to Disney.

Full Story

If you didn’t think summer at the Disneyland® Resort could get any better, you may want to sit down for this. An all-time fan favorite, a “spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination” is coming back to Disneyland Park for a limited-time encore engagement! That’s right, the Main Street Electrical Parade, along with its half-million sparkling lights and “electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds” will once again create magical summer memories for Guests of all ages.

This limited-time encore engagement is set to begin on Aug. 2 with nightly performances through Sept. 30, 2019.

Disneyland Resort is the destination to visit this summer! You can explore new adventures along Pixar Pier and enjoy spectacular entertainment like “Tale of the Lion King” in Disney California Adventure park. Admire the beautifully refurbished Sleeping Beauty Castle and experience a whole new land – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park.

Disney has released the Menus for the 2019 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – Global Marketplaces. Take a look and see which Marketplaces are a must stop on your trip around the world.

An Amazing Culinary Adventure

Pack your appetite for a mouthwatering tour of international flavors and domestic delicacies!

Discover the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, a cornucopia of cultures, cuisines and innovative cooking techniques from chefs worldwide. This food aficionado’s paradise is replete with delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits and other beverages sure to satisfy every palate—from over 30 individual marketplaces.

Event Details

• Throughout Epcot
• August 29 to November 23, 2019
• Open daily from 11:00 AM to park close
• Epcot admission is required
• Marketplace food and beverage samples require a separate purchase
• Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older with a valid form of identification
• Availability for some marketplace offerings may be limited
• Marketplaces subject to closure at any time
• All menu items are subject to change without notice

Active Eats

Please your palate with these healthy, action-packed bites for pure taste bud bliss!

Food:

• Loaded Macaroni & Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar and Leeks (KA)
• Spice-crusted Verlasso® Salmon with UNCLE BEN’S® Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley, Crushed Avocado and Sherry Vinegar (GF)
• Fruit and Nut Energy Snack: House-made mixture of Apricots, Almonds, Pecans, Coconut, Puffed Rice and Chocolate Chips (V) (GF) (KA)

Beverages:

• M.I.A. Beer Company HRD WTR Key Lime Hard Sparkling Water, Doral, FL
• L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Columbia Valley, WA
• Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

Africa

Delve into a delectable menu inspired by countries abundant with history, mystery and cultural diversity.

Food:

• Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato and Corn Mealie Pap and Kachumbari Slaw
• Spicy Kenyan Vegan Githeri with White Beans, Pigeon Peas, Curry Rice Pilaf and Kachumbari Slaw (V)
• Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with Citrus-scented Couscous

Beverages:

• Tusker Lager
• Cederberg Chenin Blanc, South Africa
• Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Western Cape
• Groot Constantia Pinotage, Constantia
• Wine Flight also available

The Alps

Explore the delicious tastes of these Swiss-inspired dishes!

Food:

• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes, Cornichons and Baguette (V) (KA)
• Venison Stew with Crushed Potatoes
• Blueberry and Almond Frangipane Tart with Crème Fraîche Cream and Blue Diamond® Almonds (V) (KA)

Beverages:

• Domaine CARREL et Fils Eugène Jongieux Blanc
• Cave De La Côte Rosé Gamay, Romand
• René Favre Dôle, Chamoson
• Frozen Rosé
• Wine Flight also available

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce.

Appleseed Orchard – NEW!

Celebrate autumn with sweet and savory apple dishes paired with ciders, beers and wines.

Food:

• Charcuterie and Cheese Plate featuring Burton’s Maplewood Farm Applejack Brandy Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
• Caramel-Apple Popcorn (KA)

Beverages:

• Frozen Apple Pie (non-alcoholic) (KA)
• M.I.A. Beer Company Apple Trappe Belgian-Style Tripel Ale, Doral, FL
• Playalinda Brewing Co. Apple Pie Beer, Titusville, FL
• Sea Dog Brewing Co. Green Apple Ale, Clearwater, FL
• Ciderboys Lemon Cello Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
• Collective Arts Brewing Cherry Apple Hard Cider, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Woodchuck Hard Cider Spiced Apple, Middlebury, VT
• Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique, Seneca Lake
• Conundrum Red Blend, California
• Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley
• tenshən Rhône Style White Blend, Central Coast
• Lang & Reed Wine Company Cabernet Franc, North Coast
• Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, Napa Valley
• Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
• Apple Blossom Sky: Fanta® Apple, Ginger Beer, Floodwall Apple Brandy, Burton’s Maplewood Farm Applejack Brandy Barrel Aged Syrup and Mini Marshmallows
• Beer Flight also available
• Cider Flight also available
• Wine Flights also available

Australia

Explore an exotic array of food and drink options from the Land Down Under.

Food:

• Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion and Snap Peas (GF)
• Roasted Lamb Chop with Sweet Potato Purée, Bush Berry Pea Salad and Pistachio-Pomegranate Gremolata (GF)
• Deconstructed Pavlova with Pastry Cream, Citrus-macerated Berries and Lemon Myrtle Meringue (KA) (GF) (V)

Beverage:

• Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale
• Hope Estate “Wollombi Brook” Semillon, Hunter Valley
• Franklin Tate Estates Chardonnay, Margaret River
• 3 Rings Shiraz, Barossa Valley
• Wine Flight also available

Select dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce.

Belgium

Indulge in dessert-like waffles, savory treats and thirst-quenchers with a kick—courtesy of the Kingdom of Belgium!

Food:

• Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
• Golden Malted® Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream (V) (KA)
• Golden Malted® Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream (V) (KA)

Beverages:

• Leffe Blonde Belgian Pale
• St. Bernardus Witbier
• Delirium Red Fruit Beer
• Stella Artois Hard Cider
• Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
• Beer Flight also available

Brazil

Dig into South American cuisine and culture with the Land of the Palms’ finest fare.

Food:

• Moqueca: Brazilian Seafood Stew featuring Scallops, Shrimp and White Fish with Coconut-lime Sauce and Steamed Rice
• Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato and Onions (GF)
• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (GF) (V) (KA)

Beverages:

• M.I.A. Beer Company Barbossa Black Beer, Doral, FL
• Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde, Portugal
• Quinta do Crasto Douro Tinto, Portugal
• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Brewer’s Collection

Wet your whistle with a glass or flight of Europe’s best brews—from Pilsners to wheat beers.

Beverages:

• Weihenstephaner Festbier Lager, Freising
• Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Naturtrüb
• Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer
• Beer Flight also available

Read more

We’re excited to share that a new fast-casual barbecue restaurant featuring craft brews on tap will debut at The American Adventure pavilion in Epcot® later this year. 

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will take the place of Liberty Inn, which will close July 8 to make way for this mouth-watering experience in World Showcase. 

The new location will be a modern barbecue smokehouse, with all the accompanying sights, sounds, smells and flavors you will love – including a large smoker preparing fine food every day right on the pavilion’s promenade. There will also be a redesigned patio for you to enjoy.

Many more details to come, so stay tuned for updates on what is sure to be a new favorite spot to find some tasty and tangy bites at Epcot!