WDW Daily News

Get your air guitars ready, because the popular Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March! New this year, internationally recognized artists will bring the groove to the America Gardens Theater stage Friday-Monday, while local Orlando bands step into the spotlight Tuesday-Thursday.

The series features something for everyone – from returning favorites like The Guess Who, Rick Springfield and Simple Plan to Latin hitmakers Melina León and Claudia Leitte, Christian music superstar TobyMac and groovin’ legends Kool & The Gang. 

• March 4-5 – The Guess Who
• March 6-7 – Rick Springfield
• March 11-12 – Melina Leon – NEW to Garden Rocks
• March 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel – NEW
• March 20-21 – Kool & The Gang – NEW to Garden Rocks
• March 25-28 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
• April 1-2 – The Spinners
• April 3-4 – The Pointer Sisters
• April 8-9 – Blue October – NEW to Garden Rocks
• April 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band Boston – NEW
• April 17-18 – Don Felder, Formerly of The Eagles
• April 22-23 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
• April 24-25 – Claudia Leitte – NEW
• April 29-30 – Berlin
• May 1-2 – TobyMac
• May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
• May 8-9 – The Commodores – NEW to Garden Rocks
• May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – NEW
• May 20-21 – A Flock Of Seagulls
• May 22-23 – Collin Raye – NEW
• May 27-28 – Thelma Houston – NEW
• May 29-30 – Little River Band
• June 3-6 – Simple Plan
• June 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
• June 17-20 – Plain White T’s

Beginning Jan. 19, Guests can secure their spot at the show by booking a Garden Rocks Dining Package available Friday-Monday. Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com. Stay tuned for more details about the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival happening during the 18-month long Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration.

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

It’s a good day to be a Disney Foodie! We’ve got some exciting news of upcoming reopenings and updates from Guest-favorite dining locations. This edition of Best Bites has everything Guests need to know about a few delicious eateries at the Walt Disney World Resort that are opening their doors once again, featuring some tasty new dishes and services. Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk, The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will soon be serving up their offerings for patrons to feast upon.

From savory flavors to seafood specialties, even decadent desserts, these restaurants have something for everyone and are back to bring our Guests the joys of food. Discover some of the signature plates from these establishments and check out some new updates to other already opened Disney favorites.

Explore the returning favorites and enhanced creations the talented chefs at these restaurants have created for their highly anticipated reopenings.

The chefs from Flying Fish over at Disney’s BoardWalk are ready to welcome Guests back on Jan. 27 with their signature seafood dishes. Enjoy a taste of luxury with unrivaled flavors, sustainable seafood, and steak offerings.

When it comes to entrées, this restaurant does not disappoint. The Seafood Pearl Pasta consists of all the favorites – shrimp, lobster, scallops, clams, and mussels. For another option from the sea, consider the Plancha-seared Scallops accompanied with savory grits, sweet corn, and Peppadew emulsion. How delicious!

After indulging in dinner, there’s no better way to conclude a trip to Flying Fish than with a sweet finish. For chocolate lovers, the Cocoa Breach accompanied with delicious vanilla custard is the treat for you.

Get ready for a night at the races again starting on Feb. 3 with a nice trip out to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Here Guests will find The Turf Club Bar and Grill, a special spot with a reputation for delicious American flavors in every dish. Begin the evening on a high note right out of the gate with the New York Cider-braised Mussels appetizer flavored with garlic, chorizo, fennel, Fresno chili, and apple cider topped with a grilled baguette.

Moving on to the next course, the Grilled Pork Chop or Braised Lamb Tagliatelle both have a place in the winner’s circle of flavor. And don’t forget to top off the meal with one of the delightful desserts, like the New York Cheesecake. Yum!

Beginning on Feb. 17, venture over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to savor the tastes and flavors of African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine at Jiko – The Cooking Place. As this spot welcomes Guests again, try the Seafood Tagine. Filled with prawns scallops, squid, and Littleneck clams, this dish is a shellfish lover’s dream!

For a sweet finish, the returning Kilimanjaro dessert is not just gorgeous, but delicious too. Decadent dark chocolate mousse, pistachio financier, pink peppercorn meringue, cacao nib crunch, and ras el hanout pineapples – what could be better?

Along with these exciting openings, there is some more news to share about two other locations – Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, both of which will be featuring the return of some of their beloved offerings.

Over at Cape May Café on Feb. 15, embrace the New England vibes as Guests once again feast upon an all-you-care-to-enjoy, buffet breakfast with tasty items like pull-a-part bread with vanilla sauce, beef hash, and an omelet station. And what breakfast is complete without Mickey and Minnie waffles? As the sun goes down, the buffets keep coming with options like cornbread, seasonal harvest salad, seafood boil, and a daily carving station, just to name a few. Guests can also choose to upgrade their meal with snow crab legs or even a whole lobster, both purchased by the pound. It’s best to bring an appetite for these exciting returns because Guests will want a bite of everything!

Next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort starting Jan. 31, the Ale & Compass Restaurant is back with some returning breakfast options and exciting, new lunch offerings. Start off by indulging in one of the delicious à la carte entrées, like Blueberry Bacon Pancakes. And don’t forget to enhance breakfast with a tasty buffet filled with dazzling additions to the entrée, including pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, and house-made cheddar biscuits with country gravy. What a perfect start to a Disney day. 

Starting January 20, Guests can begin booking reservations to ensure they get their taste of these fantastic locations. 

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

The newest attraction at EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, had its delicious debut just in time for The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! Since the attraction opened on Oct. 1, 2021, scores of EPCOT Guests have joined Remy in a visit to Gusteau’s bustling kitchen using the virtual queue, which we introduced as part of the exciting launch.

Now, Guests may experience this incredible attraction using a standby queue instead of a virtual queue beginning January 10, 2022. With this change, we will end the use of virtual queue for now for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase access to a Lightning Lane queue at this attraction. 

Virtual queues continue to be helpful with the launch of popular attractions and the debut of new experiences and offerings, so we may use it again from time to time for select attractions in the future.  

Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary Disney Genie service, helping Guests create their best Disney day. Built right into the My Disney Experience app, Disney Genie does the planning for our Guests—with a personalized itinerary feature and all of their favorites displayed instantly with real-time tips and predictions. Guests may also purchase next available Lightning Lane entry at select attractions with Disney Genie + service or by purchasing access to Lightning Lane entry at select individual foradded flexibility.*

*Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances that are Disney Genie+ and individual purchases are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, are not guaranteed and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection.

Running from Jan. 14 through Feb. 21, 2022 – right in the midst of the eighteen month-long Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary Celebration – the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will showcase visual, culinary and performing arts from across the globe. This year, the chefs and mixologists have crafted items that aren’t just delicious, but truly works of art.

Get a glimpse of the 15 Food Studios featuring some returning favorites and soon-to-be hits taking the foodie stage for the first time, like the brand-new The Craftsman’s Courtyard. For some added fun, be sure to pick up a Festival Passport to try out the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a returning food stroll featuring some true culinary masterpieces. As Guests travel throughout the Festival, they can collect stamps by purchasing five of these decadent dishes to redeem a special prize from Deco Delights to enjoy.

And now for the pièce de résistance – the Foodie Guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

Read more

The last two years have been filled with dizzying changes at the Walt Disney World theme parks. While some of the changes were of the pandemic protocol variety, others were genuinely exciting new offerings in and around the parks.

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Put them in, coach! Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will welcome Guests back beginning March 31, 2022.

Guests can begin booking their stays.

This exciting announcement means that all Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be operating by the spring for the first time since 2020.

With The Walt Disney World Resort 50^th Anniversary celebration well underway and the holidays just around the corner, it’s an exciting time to visit. For Guests with a love of animals, adventure and the outdoors – and those seeking to discover how Walt Disney’s vision, innovation and creativity brought Magic Kingdom Park to life – things are about to get a lot more exciting with the return of some of our fan-favorite tours from our Enchanting Extras Collection!

Guests who want to get even closer to the magic of nature and Disney now can book a number of tours as we continue our phased approach to bring back these world-class offerings and experiences. Looking for the perfect holiday gift idea you won’t soon lose or forget? Putting together a bucket list for the new year and looking to add some excitement? Making a resolution to spend more time outdoors? Then try one of the following tours available for booking now and returning beginning February 6, 2022:

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom

Unlock the fascinating history of Magic Kingdom Park, where fantasy reigns, and gain backstage access to legendary hidden areas on this five-hour walking tour! Access the underground “Utilidor” service tunnels, learn hidden secrets of classic attractions, enjoy a delicious lunch and so much more on this backstage tour of the most iconic theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Caring for Giants

Delve into the wondrous world of the largest inhabitants of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during this 60-minute tour for an experience Guests will never forget. Meet with a knowledgeable guide who will provide insight into the inner workings of our African elephant herd and share a glimpse into the day-to-day care for these amazing animals. Learn how Disney’s conservation efforts are dedicated to the preservation of wild elephant populations around the world as Guests observe these gentle giants from a private, backstage viewing area! 

Wild Africa Trek

Perhaps my personal favorite, Wild Africa Trek combines action, adventure and education into a three-hour exhilarating safari adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where nature is truly alive with magic. Cross a swinging rope bridge near crocodiles and view towering giraffes, powerful rhinos and hippos as Guests ride across the open savanna in a rugged safari vehicle. Along the journey, a knowledgeable guide will share insights about the majestic animals you’re viewing as well as details about the park’s dedication to animal conservation around the world.

Up Close with Rhinos

Want to get even closer to nature? This 60-minute tour takes Guests backstage to meet our planet’s second-largest land animal in ways few people can. As each guide introduce Guests to the white rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, they’ll offer fascinating insights into the species’ behavior and biology, and discuss the challenges that threaten populations in the wild.

Savor the Savanna

Is all of this excitement making you hungry? Then explore the sights, sounds – and TASTES – of Africa on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park’s Savor the Savanna tour. Indulge in a sampling of African-inspired cuisine, paired with a selection of regional beer and wine offerings, as Guests gaze out across the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. And listen as a private guide shares tales of the unique residents who inhabit the reserve and the special animal care provided at the park. 

Walt Disney World Resort is sure to be even more magical as we welcome back these fan favorites in 2022 and continue The World’s Most Magical Celebration in honor of the Walt Disney World Resort 50^th anniversary! 

Advance bookings are highly recommended for all tours. Experiences located at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park require valid theme park admission and reservations.

Stay tuned for more updates on future tour offerings from the Enchanting Extras Collection, including Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The official start of winter is still a few days away, but spring is already in the air because our horticulture team at Walt Disney World Resort is busy producing topiaries, hanging baskets, flower towers and more in preparation for the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This popular and fragrant festival springs to life March 2 and runs through July 4. That’s 125 days to enjoy fresh cuisine, colorful gardens, playful topiaries and vibrant entertainment.

Since the festival is taking place during the Walt Disney World Resort 50^th Anniversary celebration, a new main entrance topiary display will feature Goofy and a 50^th-themed birthday cake. Other favorite Disney Character topiaries will include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Germany pavilion or Lumiere and Cogsworth welcoming Guests to the recently expanded France pavilion.

Gardeners will marvel at thousands of blooms forming colorful, living panoramas all around EPCOT, and the entire family can experience the Health Full Trail presented by AdventHealth along the Imagination walkway to learn tips for staying well.

Fresh flavors are on the menu at the festival’s 18 Outdoor Kitchens as well as other food and beverage locations around EPCOT, offering a fresh selection of springtime fruits, vegetables, desserts and more.

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will return in 2022, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre. More details about the musicians playing at EPCOT during the festival will be released soon.

Guests will also find blooming keepsakes including vibrant apparel, drinkware, accessories and more with new merchandise collections launching just in time for the event.

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

Guess what, Disneyland fans?! Disneyland After Dark events are returning to the Disneyland Resort in 2022! We’re thrilled to bring back Sweethearts’ Nite, Villains Nite and Star Wars Nite, offering more nights than ever before of each of these awesome limited-time, after-hours events!

For Guests who might need a refresher, Disneyland After Dark events take place after regular park hours and feature unique themes, fun festivities, special nighttime entertainment, access to most attractions* with reduced wait times and so much more! Guests will experience special offerings that are not typically available during a regular park visit.

With each separately ticketed Disneyland After Dark event, Guests get four hours of non-stop fun after the parks close to day Guests. Plus, they’ll get even more time to play during the three-hour pre-party mix-in at the same park as the event takes place in, which is included with each ticket!

Additionally, at each of these events, Guests receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos** taken during the party, plus commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map, so they’ll have lots of fun ways to remember their Disneyland After Dark experience!

Here are the details for each of the upcoming themed nights:

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite

Feb. 1, 3, 8, 10 and 14, 2022, at Disneyland Park

(Tickets on sale on Disneyland.com, beginning Dec. 9, 2021, no earlier than noon PT)

Sweethearts’ Nite will be hosted at Disneyland Park on five separate evenings in Feb. 2022. There’s sure to be heartfelt fun for everyone as Valentine’s Day is celebrated during Sweethearts’ Nite. Here’s some of what Guests can expect:

• A special themed fireworks show
• Projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.
• A jazz ensemble aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, plus other live entertainment, including a Royal Ball and a dance party with a DJ
• Spot the most darling Disney couples, and take selfies with your favorites
• Fun photo opportunities featuring romantic scenes from iconic Disney films
• Lovely décor, along with food and beverage offerings around the park
• Plus, early admission to Disneyland park starting at 5 p.m., no theme park reservation required

 Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite

March 8 and 10, 2022, at Disney California Adventure Park

(Tickets on sale on Disneyland.com, beginning Jan. 11, 2022)

At Villains Nite, Guests will get to party with some of Disney’s most mischievous misfits at Disney California Adventure Park. These wonderfully wicked events will take place on two separate evenings in March 2022, and include:

• The Cauldron, a cunningly-crafted cabaret featuring a cast of villainous virtuosos showing off their talents through song and dance
• Ursula’s Seaside Sing-a-long, where you can find your voice and sing along
• The Underworld Dance Party, which allows you to bust a move at a dastardly DJ dance party in the Hollywood Backlot
• Special photo backdrops, featuring scenes inspired by some favorite villains
• Some of Disney’s famously nefarious fiends – or their henchmen – at special locations around the park
• Delightfully decadent food and beverage offerings
• Early admission to Disney California Adventure park beginning at 5 p.m., no theme park reservation required

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite 

May 3, 4 and 27, 2022, at Disneyland Park

(Tickets on sale on Disneyland.com, beginning Jan. 11, 2022)

Star Wars Nite will be the ultimate Star Wars extravaganza, packed with galactic fun on three separate nights at Disneyland Park in May 2022. Highlights of Star Wars Nite include:

• An amazing pyrotechnical spectacle that will illuminate the skies with a Star Wars-themed fireworks show
• March of the First Order, featuring Captain Phasma and her elite unit of Stormtroopers
• A Galactic dance party
• Sightings of various Star Wars characters throughout the evening  
• Star Wars-themed attractions, usually with shorter wait times
• Star Wars-themed eats and treats, merchandise, photo opportunities, and more
• Plus, early admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required

For Guests that previously purchased a ticket for the 2020 Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite or  Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite events, they can exchange their 2020 event ticket(s) to one of the nights of the new event of the same theme (e.g., exchange 2020 Villains Nite ticket for ticket to Villains Nite on March 8 or 10, 2022, or exchange 2020 Star Wars Nite ticket for ticket to Star Wars Nite on May 3 or 4, 2022, respectively) anytime from today through Jan. 8, 2022. An exchange for a 2020 Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite ticket for a ticket to the May 27, 2022, Star Wars Nite can be made, but with an additional fee equal to the difference in price of the 2020 and 2022 tickets. Visit Disneyland.com/ExtrasUpdates for more information. Simply call Guest Information Ticket Sales at (714) 300-7807 by Jan. 8, 2022, to make that exchange. Disneyland After Dark tickets purchased in 2020 will not be valid for admission to any event and must be exchanged to participate in an event.

If Guests do not wish to exchange their 2020 Disneyland After Dark event ticket to the new event dates or they missed the exchange window, they may call (714) 300-7807 for their options.

Visit Disneyland.com/DisneylandAfterDark for additional details for these upcoming Disneyland After Dark events. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. A limited quantity of tickets for each event will be available, so be sure to snag tickets as soon as they go on sale! 

*Certain attractions, experiences, and offerings will not be available during the events. Please check the event’s webpage for updated information. Available experiences, attractions, and offerings may be modified and limited in availability, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. No refunds given for any changes or cancellations whether due to inclement weather or otherwise.

 **Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at Disneyland.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.

The number of tickets available for each event are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Tickets must be purchased online and are not available on the day of the event. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date, and no discounts apply. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for commercial use. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions. Offer, event and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

Visit http://disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort, including the latest updates on required face coverings.

The new year is fast approaching, and with it comes an inspiring way to celebrate the best of the visual, culinary and performing arts, all in one destination. The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kicks off Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 21, 2022. The festival is extra magical since it’s taking place during The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

The popular DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns, with three shows each evening headlined by Broadway stars performing beloved songs from more than 25 years of award-winning stage productions. Beginning Dec. 14, Guests can visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to find out more about DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages that pair with this memorable concert series.

Speaking of dining, Guests will discover a delicious variety of art-inspired menus at 15 Food Studios throughout World Showcase. Deco Delights and The Craftman’s Courtyard will debut at the festival, featuring artfully presented cuisine and beverages as visually appealing as they are delicious. Keep an eye out for a complete foodie guide in early 2022!

Guests can also join the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – a fun food stroll highlighting five sweet and savory offerings listed in the Festival Passport. Once Guests have purchased and received a stamp for all five items, they’ll earn a delectable Artist Palette Cookie.

Visual art comes to life in a variety of ways at the festival, too. More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will showcase their dazzling works throughout EPCOT. Guests can spot artists at work from the Disney Artist Gallery and the WonderGround Gallery, accompanied by pieces from ACME Archives, Thomas Kinkade Studios, Wyland Galleries and POP Gallery.

Figment also lends an artistic touch to this year’s festival merchandise collection which includes apparel, accessories, trading and so much more.

Guests of all ages can watch imaginative chalk artists create masterpieces at Chalk Art Galleries, or improve their own artistic skills by learning how to draw a Disney Character at Animation Academy. Children can create their own chalk masterpieces at Kid’s Chalk Art and families can leave their artistic stamp on a larger-than-life mural at Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural. Around World Showcase, Guests can step into renowned paintings from centuries past in stunning Artful Photo Ops. 

When it’s time to recharge their creative energy, Guests can sit back and watch Visual Art in Performance, as an artist paints favorite Disney Characters in a matter of minutes.

To experience EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Check back here for other festival highlights in early 2022.