WDW Daily News

Walt Disney World Resort has earmarked nearly 80 acres of land to bring a new affordable housing development to life in southwest Orange County, Florida. This initiative has been in the works for quite some time and builds on The Walt Disney Company’s long legacy of bringing positive, lasting change to the communities it calls home—making an important difference locally to address one of the nation’s greatest challenges.

This new development, which is still in the early planning stages and subject to appropriate approvals, is expected to include more than 1,300 units and will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney’s land near its Central Florida theme parks. The development will offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable, located in close proximity to schools and the new and expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex. It will offer a variety of amenities to foster a strong community.

Known for building industry-leading theme parks and resort hotels around the world, Disney will engage the developer to bring that same innovation, expertise, and attention to detail to this initiative. The development will be available for qualifying applicants from the general public, including Disney cast members.

“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”

More details about this initiative will be released at a later date as the Company continues due diligence work with a prominent affordable housing developer. Disney’s initiative will play an important role as leaders in the community—including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings—continue to prioritize finding lasting solutions to affordable housing in Central Florida.

This new initiative in Central Florida will join additional investments Disney is making in affordable housing. Several years ago, Disneyland Resort led an effort to revitalize the Orange County Housing Trust that provides “last mile” funding for affordable housing projects in Anaheim. This made the Buena Esperanza project—a converted studio apartment community for veterans and homeless individuals with mental illness—a reality. In addition to providing them a place to live, the community offers job placement and mental health and wellness support to residents. As a result of Disney’s investment, a second project, Finamore Place, in Anaheim is under construction with an expected completion date of early summer 2022. It will provide more than 100 additional housing units. Disneyland Resort will continue support these and other such worthy endeavors.

Get ready for an intergalactic chase through time and space – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to officially debut May 27 at EPCOT!

Get excited – Xandarians are coming to Earth and building the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at EPCOT, called the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. Guests will learn more about their technology and culture as they move through the pavilion, and discover how our two cultures are similar in so many ways.

But what actually happens aboard this family-thrill coaster? We’ve got a little bit of an idea…

The excitement begins May 27 when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind releases its awesome mixtape of an attraction to the world. This is another big, magical moment in the 18-month Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration currently underway

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE returns to Walt Disney World Resort July 14 through Nov. 19.

Our teams of Disney chefs, mixologists and sommeliers have been testing, tasting and collaborating to create a smorgasbord of culinary delights, taking Guests on an epicurean journey as they discover new concepts and menu items at more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT. Returning favorites will include The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE. Some Global Marketplaces will open a few weeks later during this 129-day event.

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare returns this year with internationally recognized artists as well as local bands offering fun tunes on the America Gardens Theatre stage. We look forward to sharing more details about the lineup of bands and musical artists playing this year’s festival soon.

But that’s not all! Beyond the sips and bites, a full menu of fun offers more ways for everyone in the family to enjoy the festival:

• Embark on a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. Kids of all ages can search for Remy on a savory scavenger hunt around EPCOT. Guests can purchase their map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations to participate.
• Try delicious cheeses served in fun ways as part of Emile’s Fromage Montage – collect stamps in the festival passport after eligible purchases at select Global Marketplaces.
• Guests can commemorate their visit and bring the culinary magic home with official festival event merchandise, including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.
• In addition to the festival, Guests can discover incredible new EPCOT experiences during the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, “Harmonious” and the Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic

As early as April 18, we will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Very soon, Guests will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!

During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.

This exciting milestone continues the recent, powerful momentum of returning entertainment across the Disney parks and resorts. As part of the 50^th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World, we’ve welcomed back shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” And this spring, Disneyland will see the return of several beloved nighttime spectaculars, including “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever,” “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street Electrical Parade,” celebrating its own 50^th anniversary.

If you’ve ever been to Disney World, you’ll know how crucial it is to plan transportation.

Between six parks and 25 resorts on more than 27,000 acres, even a day in which you carefully plan every move and ride can get hard on the feet very quickly.

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Celebrate the springtime tradition of Eggstravaganza — a special “egg” hunt throughout the Disneyland Resort from March 31 to April 17, 2022.

Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort during this time can hop on over to pick up their game board and stickers for $9.99* (plus tax) at select merchandise locations throughout the Disneyland Resort. There are three different game boards, depending on where Guests decide to play: one each at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and at Downtown Disney District.

Then, let the hunt begin! Guests will have an eggscellent time eggsploring for hidden “eggs” painted as Disney characters. They may spot a Donald Duck egg on a window ledge or a Goofy egg in the nook of a doorway in areas around the Resort. Guests can check off their discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the themed Eggstravaganza game board.

Whether they choose to hunt for eggs or not, Guests can return their game board to collect an eggsceptional surprise – one of six collectible eggs! Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s prizes!

Redemption locations include Plaza Point at Disneyland Park, Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, and Disney’s Pin Traders and World of Disney at Downtown Disney District, while supplies last.

Valid admission and park reservation for the same date and the same park are required for park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Visit disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before your visit, including the latest information on face coverings.

*Purchasing limits will apply, and game boards are available while supplies last. Limit of 6 game boards per person. One surprise per game board. Game board redemption is valid through April 30, 2022. The experience is subject to restrictions and may change or be canceled without notice.

Just in time for the summer season, a new H20 Glow After Hours is coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The luminous after-hours event returns to the tropical oasis Memorial Day Weekend, with new elements that are sure to “glow-up” your Walt Disney World vacation this summer.

Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can purchase tickets to H2O Glow After Hours beginning March 29, with tickets on sale for the general public April 1. The popular nighttime experience has limited capacity, so be sure to secure tickets soon!

The after-hours party will offer unique, vibrant décor, high-energy DJ dance parties, exclusive glow-themed menu offerings and so much more. Imagine Guests’ favorite watery attractions glowing under the stars, with shorter wait times and more time to enjoy. Whether shooting down Crush N’ Gusher, making a splash in the Surf Pool, or showing off groovy moves on the dance floor, Guests will experience this storm-strewn paradise in a whole new light. Attendees even receive a glowing wristband and tasty snacks like popcorn and select ice-cream treats to enjoy throughout the evening!

Disney H20 Glow After Hourstakes place between 8-11 p.m. every Saturday night from May 28 to Aug. 27, giving Guests three glowing hours in the water park after gates close. Guests with tickets for the exclusive party can even enter Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6 p.m.

As we look forward to this summer’s opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, more details have been revealed about the park’s first other-world pavilion, the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. 

Treasures of Xandar will be a merchandise location operated by “The Broker,” a proud Xandarian who is bringing his locally-famous shop to EPCOT. This out-of-this-galaxy shop will feature treasures acquired during travels across the galaxy, as well as items that pay tribute to the planet Xandar and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Guests can come join the fun of our annual Earth Day Celebration! The park spends not just the day but an entire week honoring our planet and how we can all come together to create a healthier home for people and wildlife. From April 18-24, Guests can connect with the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and special offerings.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom delivers an Earth Day Celebration like no other. Share in the spirit of wildlife conservation and learn more about animal species the Disney Conservation Fund is working to protect. At Conservation Station, Guests can try their hand at drawing as Disney artists at The Animation Experience guide you step by step to bring your favorite Disney characters to life using real animals for inspiration. Each animal represents some of the amazing stories of conservation work Disney is doing around the world.

There is also a limited-time Wilderness Explorer activity that rewards Guests with an Earth Day Nature badge.

On Discovery Island, Guests can spot a special Disney Character Cruise on Discovery River. And throughout the park, find Disney PhotoPass magic that frames you with Wall-E and Eve from Disney and Pixar’s animated feature “Wall-E.” A limited-edition Earth Day 2022 trading pin is also available to commemorate the celebration, as well as specialty merchandise and custom food and beverages.

Stay tuned for more details about Earth Day offerings coming to Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Vacation Club announced proposed plans to develop new Disney Vacation Club villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

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