WDW Daily News

By: Disney Destinations

March 27, 2023

We’re continuing to show our appreciation for our planet with special items inspired by Earth Day! While Earth Day, and the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, is on April 22, Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the world around us and its creatures all throughout the month with the help of the talented Disney chefs and mixologists!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney Resort Hotels are bringing the beauty of Earth to the plate with delicious dishes like the Elephant Cupcake at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus, the plant-based Chaat at Sanaa, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Sundae from Tamu Tamu showcasing our very own gorilla – Kejana!

As part of Disney Planet Possible, we’re dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint, supporting conservation efforts, and finding ways for us all to take part in the magic of nature this Earth Month. With so many ways to enjoy Earth Month this year through our tastebuds, be sure to continue that love of our planet all year long. Now, let’s explore this year’s Foodie Guide to Earth Month at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

Creature Comforts (Available March 28 through April 30) 

• Bee Hive Mousse Dome: Honey mousse on top of a brownie base with sugar bees

and white chocolate honeycomb (New) 

Dawa Bar 

• Bahari Breeze: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Blue Curaçao Liquor, sour mix, pineapple juice garnish with pineapple wedge showcasing the ocean. The drink takes its name “bahari” from the Swahili word for “ocean.”

Flame Tree Barbecue (Mobile order available) 

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Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board today announced magical cruise vacations to Southeast Asia for the first time, revealed by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, S. Iswaran.

Under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board agreed to collaborate to homeport a brand-new Disney cruise ship exclusively in Singapore for at least five years beginning in 2025. More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.

“This is a very exciting year for The Walt Disney Company — 2023 marks our 100th anniversary,” D’Amaro said. “As part of this, Disney Cruise Line is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion with new ships and new destinations around the world. We are incredibly excited to make Singapore the home port to our seventh-launched ship, which will sail from here year-round starting in 2025.”

The new ship will feature innovative Disney experiences along with the dazzling entertainment, world-class dining and legendary guest service that set Disney Cruise Line apart. Guests of all ages will find dedicated spaces and activities designed just for them, and families will create unforgettable memories with beloved characters such as Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse, Disney Princesses, Marvel Super Heroes and more.

Disney Cruise Line announced today the inaugural dates and select itineraries for its new island destination in The Bahamas, headlining a season full of new and guest-favorite itineraries around the world in summer 2024. Along with the first sailings to Lighthouse Point, families will be able to choose magical vacations to bucket-list destinations that include the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean.

Bookings open to the public on March 30, 2023. Guests that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:

• Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Monday, March 27, 2023
• Gold Castaway Club Members: Tuesday, March 28, 2023
• Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
• Bookings open to all Guests: Thursday, March 30, 2023

First Sailings to Lighthouse Point

In June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will debut its newest Bahamian destination on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point. Guests sailing aboard the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will discover a vibrant beach retreat designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core.

A seven-night inaugural sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral, Florida, on June 8 will allow guests to be among the first to make a splash in the crystal-clear waters of this new destination at Lighthouse Point. This ultimate Disney Cruise Line island destination itinerary will feature two stops at Lighthouse Point and one day at Castaway Cay. On June 6, a three-night preview cruise on the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale will offer a sneak peek of Lighthouse Point with limited access to some areas.

Following the inaugural voyage, Lighthouse Point will be a featured port of call on select three-, four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean on the Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will vary stops between Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, with five special departures including both Disney Cruise Line island destinations.

New European Destinations

Dreams will come to life for Disney Cruise Line guests in summer 2024 as the Disney Dream returns to premier European destinations in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, British Isles and popular locales in the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland. 

These sailings will feature a number of new ports of call, including Valencia, Spain; Haugesund, Norway; and Hamburg, Germany, along with three Mediterranean destinations that will return for the first time since 2014: Catania, Italy; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Valletta, Malta.

Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome) will range from five to 11 nights, while northern Europe and British Isles sailings will offer itineraries anywhere from three nights to one 12-night voyage that includes the Norwegian fjords, three days in Iceland and an overnight stay in Reykjavik.

Adventures in Alaska

Cruises to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada, will return on the Disney Wonder from May through September 2024, offering more chances for families to experience the natural splendor and adventure of “The Last Frontier” with five-, seven- and nine-night sailings. Majestic wildlife and stunning scenery in iconic places like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap will blend with Disney’s world-class entertainment, dining and guest service to create a family-friendly vacation that celebrates the spirit of Alaska both on land and on board.

Tropical Escapes to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will travel to sun-kissed islands throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean in summer 2024. All sailings on these Port Canaveral-based ships will feature a visit to Castaway Cay, a picturesque private island oasis in The Bahamas that offers something for everyone in the family, from fun and relaxation to adventurous water activities.

The Disney Wish will feature three- and four-night Bahamian vacations, while the Disney Fantasy will sail to popular ports in the eastern and western Caribbean on seven-night cruises. One five-night Disney Fantasy voyage in July will take families to Nassau with two stops in Castaway Cay, while a special 10-night southern Caribbean sailing will give families another opportunity to visit Lighthouse Point with additional visits to the islands of Antigua, St. Lucia, Dominica, Tortola and Castaway Cay.

Disney PhotoPass Service continuously adds new photo ops, so there’s always something exciting for you to download when you have Memory Maker. Below, check out 10 recent or soon-to-launch experiences offered by Disney PhotoPass Service that Guests can download with Memory Maker.

1. Disney PhotoPass video memories

The newest addition to Memory Maker is access to Disney PhotoPass video memories, which launched yesterday!

With this brand-new offering, Guests can create and share video memories using your Disney PhotoPass photos or their personal photos. They can create and customize these Disney-themed video templates with stickers, music, and text— or, Guests can let us completely create the video memory for them in a matter of moments using the photos from their Disney PhotoPass gallery. This exciting new offering is available exclusively in the My Disney Experience app.

2. Tiny World Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom Park

Photographers offer a number of Tiny World Magic Shots across the theme parks, with our newest launching last week at Magic Kingdom Park! Guests can find this 360-degree photo op next to Cinderella Castle during daylight hours.

3. Indoor photo studio at EPCOT 

Disney PhotoPass Studios are located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Springs, and now EPCOT too! At the Wandering Reindeer in the Norway pavilion at EPCOT, Guests will find our newest studio location. Like all of our studios, it’s staffed by our talented photographers, no reservations are required, everyone is welcome to visit, and the photos captured are included with Memory Maker at no extra cost.

4. Seasonal backdrops at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs

Speaking of photo studios, our location at Disney Springs recently started offering backdrops with themed designs and props that change with each season.

5. Return to dining locations

We know when Guests visit one of our incredible dining locations, their focus is probably on the food. Fair! But we love putting icing on that cake by offering Guests a photo op with a Disney Character. Guests can now find photographers at Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.

6. Attraction photo and video onboard TRON Lightcycle / Run

Let’s talk TRON! TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise opens at Magic Kingdom Park on April 4. Guests can relive their race through this computerized world when they preview an onboard photo and video automatically linked to their My Disney Experience account through one of the following methods:

• Use an eligible mobile device, enable Bluetooth® for the My Disney Experience app* before riding, ensure they’ve logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day, and keep their device out of low power mode. Make sure the mobile device boards your Lightcycle with them and is safely stored in the small Lightcycle compartment to use this method.
• Wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to their account.

Guests can also use the methods above to link and download their photos taken onboard more than a dozen attractions across Walt Disney World Resort – all included with Memory Maker.

7. Prop available soon near TRON Lightcycle / Run

Guests can find numerous Disney PhotoPass props during their visit, but our newest will be available near TRON Lightcycle / Run when it opens April 4!

8. More Classic Magic Shots

Photographers currently offer more than 70 classic Magic Shots. These photos are so unexpected and fun, with Disney Characters and other themed effects applied to photos. We’re constantly adding new Magic Shots, our newest being Bruni, a large assortment for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and a TRON Magic Shot (available starting April 4). More new offerings will be released very soon! Guests can ask each photographer which options they have available to capture at their location.

9. Fairytale photos at Enchanted Tales with Belle

Enchanted Tales with Belle recently reopened at Magic Kingdom Park. And it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we share photographers are now capturing memories in the library as Guests relive a tale as old as time. This is one of the nearly 40 locations where you can find Disney PhotoPass Service ready to capture their encounter at character experiences.

10. Transformation photos at Magic Kingdom Park’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

While a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice helps a princess or knight undergo a royal transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park, a photographer will be there to capture it. Tip: Visit the Royal Portrait Studio nearby in Sir Mickey’s where a photographer can capture more photos of the child’s transformation.

Note, Guests can save when they purchase Memory Maker at least three days prior to their vacation.**

*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 PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand, or an eligible mobile device with Bluetooth technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app, is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

Attention Users: We have a surprise from the Grid. Between March 20 – April 2, Guests may have the early opportunity to launch into the Grid on TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise during regular park hours in a limited soft open before the attraction officially opens on April 4.

When TRON Lightcycle / Run is available during the soft open, Guests will need to use the My Disney Experience app to enter the attraction. A standby queue will not be available. Each Guest can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day during the soft open. Guests may also access the attraction by purchasing an individual Lightning Lane entry.

Guests must have valid admission and a theme park reservation to join the virtual queue. During the soft open, there may be 2 daily opportunities to request to join the virtual queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run:

• 7:00 AM (Guests do not need to be in the park when they join, but must have a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom Park)
• 1:00 PM (Guests must be in Magic Kingdom Park to join the virtual queue at this time)

Access to this attraction is not guaranteed during the soft open.

We have exciting news! Construction on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure continues to take shape, and later this summer, a tiara-topped water tower emblazoned with the Tiana’s Foods logo will make its way to Magic Kingdom. 

Disney Parks guests will get to experience Princess Tiana’s story like never before following the attraction’s debut at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024, and what a party it will be! The story will pick up where the film left off as guests join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure down the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film. 

The team of Imagineers recently traveled to New Orleans to capture the true essence of the Mardi Gras celebration, the energy, the colors, the rhythms of the music, all that and more to infuse into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to create lots of memorable fun for guests! 

What’s your favorite Disney Thrill? Whether it’s giving a beloved character a big hug, showing off the perfect pair of Minnie ears or giggling your way through an exciting adventure with your entire family, everyone can enjoy all kinds of thrills at Walt Disney World Resort.

Today, we’re excited to share all the new experiences coming to Walt Disney World over the next few months!

Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation & Conservation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

We can’t wait to celebrate 25 years of magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom next month on Earth Day! Since it opened on April 22, 1998, this one-of-a-kind theme park has offered awe-inspiring animal encounters, thrilling attractions and larger-than-life musical stage shows. Since 1995, with support from The Walt Disney Company and guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $120 million to support nonprofit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. Additionally, the Disney Conservation team leads best-in-class scientific programs to conserve wildlife in Disney’s backyard and beyond, connects people to build a network for nature, and cares for the planet through everyday actions.

In April, there will be new ways to join in the celebration for Earth Day and this milestone, including new sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise and limited-time character sightings in the park. There will be more surprises on April 22, when the park officially turns 25. Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for more details coming soon.

Summer House on the Lake Opens Later This Year at Disney Springs

A stunning new restaurant will open at Disney Springs in late 2023. Summer House on the Lake embodies a breezy, beach house vibe that will pair perfectly with the sweeping views of Lake Buena Vista.

Guests will be able to enjoy a California-inspired menu featuring simple, sustainable ingredients – from pizza and pasta to fresh salads and sandwiches. Plus, Guests can savor the restaurant’s exclusive Summer House Rosé along with a selection of wine, beer, handcrafted cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Just imagine sipping a favorite drink on one of three expansive outdoor patios with a lake view. Those of us with a sweet tooth will be delighted to hear about The Cookie Jar, a dessert-focused market within this space serving up freshly baked cookies and house-made pastries.

Corkcicle Opening First-Ever Retail Location at Disney Springs

Just announced today, Corkcicle is coming to Disney Springs! A local Orlando business, Corkcicle creates innovative, obsession-worthy, high-performing insulated drinkware, coolers and accessories in a variety of gorgeous colors that elevate every sip and bring delight to everyday moments. This kiosk will be Corkcicle’s first-ever retail location and will open later this spring.

Tiara-topped Water Tower Coming Soon to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom

Construction on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure continues to take shape, and later this summer, a tiara-topped water tower emblazoned with the Tiana’s Foods logo will make its way to Magic Kingdom. Read more here to learn new details about the attraction’s queue and Tiana’s next chapter in her story as she continues to grow her business with Tiana’s Foods.

Disney Parks guests will get to experience Princess Tiana’s story like never before following the attraction’s debut at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024, and what a party it will be!  The story will pick up where the film left off as guests join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure down the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome.  Along the way, Guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film. Lots of memorable fun in store!

TRON Lightcycle / Run Launches April 4, 2023

You may have heard that one of the fastest coasters at any Disney park is launching soon in Magic Kingdom. Starting April 4, Guests will be able to race across the Grid in TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. As members of Team Blue, this will be the chance to board a high-speed Lightcycle and compete against a fierce group of Programs known as Team Orange

Merchandise fans can gear up for the Grid with racing-inspired apparel, collectible pins, must-have toys and light-up accessories inspired by the TRON films and the attraction itself.

If you’ve been to EPCOT recently, you’ve likely seen the amazing progress happening around World Celebration and World Nature as part of the park’s multi-year transformation. Well, get ready because it will all be completed later this year!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will debut this fall in World Nature. This self-guided exploration trail will take you through the natural water cycle – from the skies to oceans and all the way back again. Just like Moana, Guests are encouraged to become a protector and friend to our natural resources.

When CommuniCore Hall opens in World Celebration later this year, it will be the center of festival programming throughout the park. In new renderings released today, Guests can see this will be home to a new character greeting location called Mickey & Friends. Guests will be able to meet Mickey Mouse and some of his best pals in this colorful space.

CommuniCore Hall will also be the home of a dynamic exhibition space that will transform with each festival throughout the year, as Guests can see here in one possibility imagined for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Playing with light, shapes and reflections, the architecture of this building was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to celebrate the legacy of EPCOT and the original CommuniCore buildings.

Commemorating Disney100 at Walt Disney World 

EPCOT will host the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World Resort to commemorate this monumental milestone later this year. As well as all the new attractions and experiences I’ve mentioned, there will be even more magic.

As we honor the legacy of Disney storytelling and unforgettable characters that have entertained and inspired people of all ages for a century, now is the time to relive those beloved Disney memories and delight in making new memories with friends and family in our theme parks. Enjoy all-new experiences as we celebrate this momentous anniversary and the culmination of the EPCOT transformation – from meeting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum attire to snapping a selfie with a platinum sculpture of the one who started it all and watching Spaceship Earth illuminate the evenings with a special lighting design.

Let’s start with one of the most magical moments: meeting Disney favorites face to face. We recently saw the return of fan-favorite character experiences including Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel’s Grotto and Pete’s Silly Sideshow at Magic Kingdom Park. New friends will make their debut soon.

Just in time for the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island for the first time, starting April 22.

Later this summer, Guests will get the chance to hug long-time EPCOT icon Figment at the Imagination! pavilion.

And this fall, Mirabel from the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film “Encanto” will greet Guests in the Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom, which will be transformed with whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal.

March 9, 2023

Both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are joining in on the fun and serving up some charming eats and sips throughout the month of March that will let guests get in the Irish spirit. They will feel like they’ve struck gold once they set your eyes on these items, like the adorably delicious The Nugget at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the new Lucky Leprechaun at Disney’s Coronado Springs, and a green twist on a classic with the Green Stuff at Red Rose Taverne.

Well, it’s time we shamrock and roll and get to the Foodie Guide.

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