WDW Daily News

November 17, 2023

Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.

From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. Today, we’re sharing details to help guests plan their artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.

Performing Arts Take Center Stage

Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage.

Performing songs from many of our favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire. Here’s the full lineup:

• Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
• Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
• Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
• Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
• Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
• Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *

Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where Guests will find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19

To guarantee priority seating for preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Biergarten Restaurant
• Coral Reef Restaurant
• Garden Grill Restaurant
• Rose & Crown Dining Room
• Le Cellier
• Spice Road Table
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)

For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.

Culinary Arts Spark Sweet and Savory Adventures

More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist – including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor. The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. And don’t miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.

Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for all the details in an upcoming Foodie Guide!

Don’t miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. The handy Festival Passport will show where to make picturesque purchases and receive stamps. Once guests have collected five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.

The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at guests’ leisure – so they can enjoy a new treat every time they visit throughout the festival.

Interactive Experiences Place You in the Middle of the Magic

At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre, learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave a creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.

Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon guests to become part of the painting.

Guests can also create your own works of art with Disney PhotoPass Service, including limited-time Magic Shots created for this colorful celebration.**

Visual Arts and Merch Inspire Awe

One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.

There’s no way that we can celebrate all things imagination without a visit from everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items.

Looking for a convenient way to pay? We love the beauty and convenience of the mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Load it with as little as $15 and wear it on a wrist for quick and easy scanning when purchasing all festival delights.

Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. On this journey throughout World Showcase, guests will help Figment learn all about art. To get started, purchase a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame.

Every time guests find Figment, they add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on the map. Once the journey is complete, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake!***

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be here before we know it!

*Entertainment subject to change without notice.

**Disney PhotoPass service is subject to Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions. Online registration required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

***Redemption valid through Feb. 19 or while supplies last.

It’s beginning to taste a lot like holidays! Get ready to experience traditions and cuisines from across the globe because the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is almost here. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, this classic and beloved festival will be serving up delights and excitement to get guests in the spirit.

This year, there are over 15 holiday kitchens filled with delicious bites and sips inspired by holiday traditions from around the world. With returning favorites like the Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl from Bavaria Holiday Kitchen and Slow Roasted Turkey from American Holiday Table, and even some new treats, like the Rugalach from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen, guests will be gifted flavor with each and every bite.

If guests are looking to indulge their sweet tooth, they simply must do the Holiday Cookie Stroll, a food stroll featuring decadent and delightful cookies from the Holiday Kitchens. As they treat their elf, they collect stamps in the Festival Passport by purchasing five of these items to redeem a special treat from Holiday Sweets & Treats.

In addition to the food, a staple of the festival is the entertainment. As guests travel throughout the World Showcase, they can take the time to enjoy the holiday storytellers sharing each country’s holiday traditions. Listen to the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa with a lively performance of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season or grab the whole family for some more holiday fun with Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. As the sun goes down, don’t miss Candlelight Processional – a moving retelling of the story of Christmas featuring a celebrity narrator and stirring songs performed by an orchestra and choir.

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Fantasmic! will be returning May 24, 2024 at Disneyland Resort. More details will be shared at a later date.

November 6, 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and that means … holiday goodies! One of the best parts of this season are the tasty delights and this year is no different. The culinary teams at Walt Disney World Resort have been hard at work making sure everyone gets a flavorful present all across property. And with the passion and creativity put to the plate this year, there’s no doubt all of these talented culinary experts are on the nice list.

All throughout the Resort, enter a winter wonderland of flavor with tasty bites and sips that will light up everyone’s taste buds. From the almost too cute to eat (almost) Mickey Winter Hat Dome Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie to holiday festivities like the O’ Ham N’ Cheese Trees at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and even the sweet sip of the returning Gingerbread Martini, guests will be unwrapping delights all holiday season long.

It’s time to get to the Walt Disney World Resort Holidays Foodie Guide!

Disney Springs 

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)

• Holiday Sweets Petit Cake: Layers of spice cake, cream cheese icing, and apricot jam with fresh apple compote and Italian buttercream (New) 
• Mickey Winter Hat Dome Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, chai tea mousse, cranberry-cherry pâte de fruit, almond crunch, and brown butter ganache (New) 
• Christmas Tree Cream Puff: Pistachio cream puff (New) 
• Hot Cocoa Crème Brûlée: Hot cocoa crème brûlée with toasted marshmallow cream (New) 
• Gingerbread Cheesecake (New) 
• Cookies and Milk Éclair (New) 
• Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread Cookies (New) 
• Santa Mickey Mousse: White chocolate mousse and dark chocolate mousse with crispy pearls

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 24 through Jan. 1)

• Homecomin’ Holiday Turkey Sandwich: Smoked turkey on toasted artisanal bread, dressed with signature cornbread stuffing and a sweet and sour cranberry aioli served with house-made potato chips

Chicken Guy! (Available Nov. 6 through Dec. 31) 

• Holiday Cookie Shake: Hand-spun vanilla soft-serve, blended with sugar cookies and caramel drizzle topped with marshmallow whipped cream, mini chocolate candy pieces, holiday sprinkles, and a cookie
• Frozen Peppermint Cocoa Shake: Hand-spun vanilla soft-serve, blended with hot cocoa mix, peppermint, and crushed candy cane pieces topped with marshmallow whipped cream, sprinkles, crushed candy cane, mini marshmallows, and chocolate drizzle 

D-Luxe Burger (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 7; mobile order available) 

• Caramel Apple Pie Shake: Vanilla Gelato blended with dark caramel sauce, Granny Smith apple syrup, cinnamon syrup, and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, caramel, and graham cracker crumbs (New)

Dockside Margaritas (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 15) 

• Spiced Cranberry Paloma: Lunazal Reposado Tequila, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and spiced simple syrup

eet by Maneet Chauhan (Available upon opening through Dec. 31) 

• Yule Chai Greeting: Signature spiced chai, whipped cinnamon cream, toasted marshmallow, Christmas sprinkles, and a candy cane

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Available Dec. 1 through 31) 

• Holiday Donuts

Frontera Cocina (Available Nov. 10 through Dec. 31)

• Marzipan Delight: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Marzipan Cordial, tres leches home-made mix, and marzipan crumble rim

The Ganachery 

• Gingerbread Mickey Chocolate Piñata: Milk chocolate piñata with crisp pearls and gingerbread toffee (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Gingerbread-Pecan Toffee: Spiced toffee enrobed with milk chocolate and encrusted with toasted pecans and gingerbread crumbs (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Mickey Chocolate-covered Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced gingerbread cookies enrobed in milk chocolate and dark 65% chocolate (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Chocolate Peppermint Bark: White and dark chocolate with crushed peppermint candy (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise: Milk chocolate shell filled with The Ganachery hot cocoa mix and house-made marshmallows (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)

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From Vacation Club Life: We have some exciting news to share with you! You have come to know us as ResalesDVC, but we’ve changed our name to Vacation Club Life. Same family, new name! Our mission has always been to help families create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. We feel our new name truly captures the spirit of what we do and the incredible customers like you who make it all possible. At Vacation Club Life, it’s not just a product. It’s a lifestyle.  We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone by visiting our new website and joining us on social media. We have some fantastic giveaways and events planned throughout 2024, and we can’t wait to share them with you.  Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new journey. We are grateful to have you as a part of our Vacation Club Life family.   – The Tutas Family

November 3, 2023

We’re just over a month away from the launch of the latest nighttime spectacular from Disney Live Entertainment, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” debuting Dec. 5 at EPCOT. Featuring dazzling fireworks, fountains, lights and music to connect us all through commonalities of the heart, this all-new show shines a light on how each of our unique melodies comes together to form a great symphony – the symphony of us.

Much like a beautiful piece of music, “Luminous The Symphony of Us” is made up of a series of movements, each representing life experiences that we have in common, showing us that we’re more alike than we are different. Punctuating these movements are two original songs written just for the spectacular, as well as new arrangements of carefully selected Disney songs we all know and love.  

At the start of the show, World Showcase comes to life as we hear voices from each pavilion welcoming us to this great gathering. With the tap of a conductor’s baton, our first movement begins with the original song, “Heartbeat Symphony.” Nothing says EPCOT nighttime spectacular like a sweeping ballad, and this one comes right out of the gate.

Check out this behind-the-scenes look at some of the music recording sessions for “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” including a sneak preview of “Heartbeat Symphony.”

With the stage set, our symphony takes us to the tender love of parenthood, highlighting childhood moments where each of our journeys began and featuring a stirring, multilingual arrangement of “You’ll Be in My Heart.” The symphony then transitions to “Proud Corazón” as we find our voice in a movement dedicated to the bonds of family. Friendship follows, with classic songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Friend Like Me” taking us back to the days of recess and friendship bracelets.

Set to a sweeping arrangement of “So Close,” a personal favorite hidden gem from Disney’s “Enchanted,” the romance movement celebrates the moments when we find someone with whom our melody blends.

Inevitably in life we experience the quiet loneliness of loss, but as “When She Loved Me” and “Remember Me” bring us “Into the Unknown,” the echoes of those around us remind us that we’re never truly alone. As we come out of the darkness, the music crescendos to “I See the Light” from “Tangled,” launching us into our finale – and our second original song, entitled “Beating of our Hearts” – where we all come together as one and find our place in the great symphony of life. 

Music plays a critical role in telling this tale. That’s why the team at Disney Live Entertainment is so excited to work with Pinar Toprak once again on the show’s incredible score. Guests may know Pinar from her work on film soundtracks or heard her EPCOT anthem at night by Spaceship Earth. Among the choir of voices lending their vocal talents to the score are singer/songwriter Sheléa and the multi-talented Katharine McPhee.

We hope this first look makes everyone as excited as we are to share this new symphony together when it debuts Dec. 5 – part of the grand finale as we near the completion of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT.

November 3, 2023

Today, we’re excited to give a closer look at some of the exciting venues that will be found at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Disney Lookout Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind retreat on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. As soon as guests step foot on this breathtaking island destination when it debuts in summer 2024, they will discover a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.

Let’s start with a first look at the arrival point, Mabrika Cove.

“Mabrika” means “welcome” in Taino, the language of the Lucayans, who are considered the indigenous people of The Bahamas. While the language is no longer used, a few words remain – one of them being “Mabrika,” At this colorful arrival point, guests will immediately experience the warmth of Bahamian culture.

This next space is guaranteed to be the most festive on the island! The Goombay Cultural Center will embody the essence of “Junkanoo,” a Bahamian festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades that will come to life in many ways across Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Goombay is one of the traditional music styles of The Bahamas, involving singing, dancing and drumming. The brilliantly colored cultural pavilion and its Junkanoo-inspired arch will invite guests to embrace the traditions of The Bahamas, along with the sights, sounds and spirit of the country’s signature festival.

There will be plenty of family entertainment in store at Triton’s Trumpet Stage. And fun fact: The gazebo name is inspired by one of the stunning natural wonders found among the Bahamian beaches – a large, spiraled seashell commonly called “Triton’s Trumpet.” 

Of course, we must mention the shopping opportunities! Treasures of Eleuthera will be the retail shop featuring locally made gifts and artisan crafts. The shops will spotlight Bahamian artists through an array of unique items that families will be able to bring home with them as a special keepsake.

Serenity Bay will be a relaxing retreat exclusively for adults 18 years of age and older. Guests who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line before might recognize Serenity Bay as a must-visit location on Disney Castaway Cay! At Disney Lookout Cay, Serenity Bay will feature a tranquil beach experience with a dining area and private cabanas available for reservation.

Relaxation, breathtaking nature, cultural celebrations, and Disney entertainment for all? We’re excited for guests to experience all that Disney Lookout Cay has to offer when this island destination debuts in summer 2024! There is so much more in store for this incredible Bahamian retreat, so keep following along for all the details. 

Return to the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando in 2024! We’re giving away a 3-night resort stay in 2024 to one lucky winner who books a 2023 Universal vacation with us. As a Platinum U-Preferred Agency with Universal, we have helped thousands of families experience amazing adventures with Universal Parks and Resorts. To say “thank you” to our amazing clients, we are giving away a 3-night stay at a Universal Orlando resort so you can experience the magic all over again in 2024! All you need to do is book a 2023 Universal vacation package or multi-day ticket with us, and you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway! If you’ve already booked a 2023 Universal vacation with us, you can still enter – see below for details:

If you’ve already booked a 2023 Universal vacation with us, you can still enter – just post a comment on our official Facebook post for the giveaway with your favorite memory from your trip or a picture from your vacation. Visit Our Official Facebook Page. Contest Details: All guests who book a Universal vacation package or multi-day ticket between October 30-December 31, 2023 for travel in 2023 will be automatically entered into the contest. Guests who booked a 2023 Universal vacation with Wish Upon a Star with Us prior to the start of the giveaway can be entered by commenting on the official Facebook post. Winner will be randomly selected and contacted directly by January 9, 2024. Prize: a 3-night resort stay at one of the Universal Orlando onsite hotels. Resort to be selected by Wish Upon a Star with Us. Blackout dates apply; tickets not included.

If you are interested in booking a Universal Orlando Vacation please feel free to reach out to any of the agents at Wish Upon a Star With Us.

Ghouls and ghosts! We’re calling on you, wherever you dwell, as we heard your sympathetic vibrations and are excited to share that some frightfully fun news has materialized. Get ready to mark calendars as we are dying to share event and registration dates for the runDisney 2024-25 race season, including an all-new event coming to the Disneyland Resort in September 2024!

What’s this? What’s this? Why that’s the sound of happy runDisney haunts making their way to The Happiest Place on Earth for a grim grinning good time during the 2024 Disneyland® Halloween Half Marathon Weekend. Taking place September 5-8, 2024, the DisneylandResort will be conjuring up high spirits with four days of events, including yoga, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenge, all themed to the 2024 Halloween season. Stay tuned to runDisney.com for more details about the frightfully fun weekend to come.

The wickedly wonderful news doesn’t stop there! Don’t miss out on one of our other bewitching events coming to the 2024-25 runDisney race season, which includes four onsite events at Walt Disney World® Resort and two at Disneyland Resort. From exciting races through Disney parks to virtual events you can run almost anywhere, a runDisney experience is anything but ordinary. Join us at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort for unique events through the Disney parks featuring on-course entertainment, beloved characters, and Disney magic at every mile. Or try one of our runDisney virtual events, perfect for training for your next runDisney race or to get a taste of the magic wherever you run.

We can’t wait for you to come out and socialize with us next year. Start marking your calendar and be sure to check back to runDisney.com for more event news and updates.

 Have yourself a (very) merry Christmas because the holiday extravaganza is on its way back to Magic Kingdom Park! That’s right, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is bringing the festive fun from Nov. 9, 2023 through Jan. 1, 2024. This beloved party is filled with holiday excitement sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season.

Back this year is the dazzling nighttime extravaganza – Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show and the beloved Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, not to mention all the exciting character greetings to be had throughout the park. And what evening at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be complete without all the cookies and cocoa guests can handle?

But the treats don’t stop there. This year is filled with nearly an all-new lineup of goodies to put you in a winter wonderland. With sweet treats like the Peppermint Snowman or savory delights like the Holiday Turkey Burger, guests will be getting all the flavors on their wish list this year, and then some!

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? It’s time to unwrap this year’s Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

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