WDW Daily News

Beep beep! This September, parking trams will return to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With this update, trams will once again be available at all Walt Disney World theme parks.

August 23, 2023

We are almost there because the grand opening of Tiana’s Palace over at Disneyland Park is coming soon. On Sept. 7, the doors to this new establishment will be opening to feed hungry guests a little taste of New Orleans inspired by Tiana herself. Nestled on Orleans Street, this soon-to-be hotspot will be serving up can’t-miss classics like gumbo and beignets with a tasty twist. Guests can even use mobile order to get all the new bites on the way.

With flavors and ingredients coming right out of New Orleans, guests won’t need to chat with Dr. Facilier’s “friends on the other side” to know that this new spot is going to be the place to be on their next visit to Disneyland Resort.

Gumbo-lovers are in for a treat because this spot will feature a couple different options to try. The 7 Greens Gumbo is a must-try plant-based option. It features white beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice. Those looking for something a little extra can feast upon the 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage. And of course, we’ve got the House Gumbo. This dish is a New Orleans staple combining braised chicken, andouille sausage, and heirloom rice into a mouthwatering delight that’ll leave guests coming back for more.

For those wanting a little extra spice from down in New Orleans, the Cajun Spice Half Chicken is the dish to try. The chicken is brushed with a house-made chicory BBQ sauce and served with baked macaroni and cheese & coleslaw.

The Muffuletta Sandwich stacks mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone and house-made olive relish on toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread. Another staple, the Beef Po-boy Sandwich features some slow-cooked beef perfectly coated with gravy and fully dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise atop a toasted New Orleans French bread. Both tasty bites are served alongside red beans and rice and house-made pickles.

Tiana is also serving up Gulf Shrimp and Grits! Grilled to perfection and tossed in a Creole sauce, the shrimp are then paired with cheesy grits to form a classic dish that will transport you down the bayou with each bite.

The chefs have put together a lovely array of classic sides, like the Buttermilk Cornbread, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Red Beans & Heirloom Rice, Coleslaw, Cheesy Grits, and plant-based Heirloom Rice.

For the little ones, there are also some kid meals they’ll love. The Roasted Chicken Drumstick is served with a sweet BBQ sauce and heirloom rice, while the Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich is topped with savory ham and provolone. Also, a classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is on the menu for the kids too! All three of these are accompanied by a Cuties Mandarin Orange and applesauce with choice of DASANI Water or small lowfat milk.

Now onto the star of the show … No restaurant inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog” could be complete without beignets, and at Tiana’s Palace, dessert is always first. But these delights aren’t your average beignets. The House-filled Beignet features a delicious lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze for the perfect bite.

A specialty sip is also on the menu. The Joffrey’s Coffee Chicory Cold Brew topped with sweet cream is a must for those coffee lovers out there. The Ray Firefly Glow Cube* is also available with the purchase of a beverage. This adorable addition will light up the drink just like Evangeline lights up the night sky.

Last but certainly not least, those wanting to take home a piece of Tiana’s Palace will love the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set**. And it even comes with a House-filled Beignet.

With exciting new openings like Tiana’s Palace, there’s no limit to the foodie fun to be had at Disney Parks.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability. *Limit 10 per person, per transaction for the Ray Firefly Glow Cube.**Limit two per person, per transaction for the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set)

August 23, 2023

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience, Disney is refreshing their offerings from time to time. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours.

During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools. 

Walt Disney World Resort is gearing up to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month! This year as part of the celebration, which begins Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15, 2023, we will celebrate #TogetherWeAreMagia, with más sabor latino que nunca.

While we’re a month away, we want to highlight some of the exciting things we have in store. Check it out!

Say ‘Hola’ to your favorite amigos

A fantastical member of the Familia Madrigal arrives at Magic Kingdom Park on Sept. 15! Mirabel, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” will begin meeting friends from all over the world in her magical Casita. This character greeting will extend beyond Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month and will be available year-round. So exciting!

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Over the years, families have made countless magical memories together from riding bikes and completing the Castaway Cay 5K, to snorkeling and spending time together on Castaway Family Beach.

In honor of the families who have sailed 50 or more times with Disney Cruise Line, a commemorative display will be added to Disney Castaway Cay this fall. This will recognize the legacy and heart of the Castaway Club, our members. The display will take residence near the island post office with a colorful fence that features the names of these families. Check out the artist rendering! 

Eligible Castaway Club members will have the opportunity to select one of the beautiful icons below to accompany their family’s name on the display. Here’s a sneak peek of the options!

Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s way of recognizing guests who have sailed.

Stay tuned for more on the installation! Details will be coming soon to each eligible family who has already reached this milestone.

August 11, 2023

Halloween is here! Well, at least at Walt Disney World Resort.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts tonight at Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney PhotoPass photographers are brewing up brand new spooky shots during the event, featuring Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, the “Lonesome Ghosts,” Maleficent, and more. Plus, many of your favorite Magic Shots are returning this year, including the Headless Horseman and Oogie Boogie. While that’s exciting, it also offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way to capture them all!

Below, check out where all of these photo ops are materializing during the party.

Most Disney PhotoPass locations around Magic Kingdom Park

NEW!

Entrance to the park and Main Street, U.S.A.

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Town Square near the flag pole

Main Street, U.S.A.

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Select spots in front of and near Cinderella Castle

Near the gardens in front of Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant

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Liberty Square near the Hall of Presidents

In front of the Haunted Mansion

At the castle walls near Pinocchio Village Haus

Near the main entrance to Storybook Circus

Near the Purple Wall (next to Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor)

At many character greetings

And don’t worry – we’ll still be capturing classic iconic shots at many of your favorite locations!

To download and share all Disney PhotoPass photos from the party (including attraction photos!), purchase Memory Maker One Day. To download and share all your photos from the party PLUS those from the rest of your Walt Disney World vacation, Memory Maker is your best option.* As a reminder, Disney Memory Maker is a commissionable add-on.

*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 and park reservations are required for certain photo locations.

The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are returning Nov. 10, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024! We can’t wait for Guests and their loved ones to create special memories and treasured traditions with new and returning holiday offerings around the resort. We’re excited to taste our way through the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces, watch dazzling projections and fireworks illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and snap a photo with Mickey Mouse in his all-new holiday outfit in Disneyland Park!

Here are the details about the celebrations, décor, entertainment and more that will be featured this holiday season.

Experience Cultural Celebrations in Disney California Adventure Park with Disney Festival of Holidays

A distinctly Disney holiday celebration with diverse food, live entertainment and more, Disney Festival of Holidays draws inspiration from multicultural seasonal celebrations and cherished traditions of Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Guests can enjoy some new and returning favorite food and beverage items at the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces and groove to music and dance performances at the Palisades Stage, Sonoma Terrace and for the first time, in the Hollywood Backlot, where Disney Festival of Holidays will also be celebrated. Additionally, get ready to dance along as Disney and Pixar characters march to the beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers in “Mickey’s Happy Holidays.”

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It’s the time we’ve all been waiting for: the opening of the 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE going on now through Nov. 18th at Walt Disney World! Pack a Festival Passport and prep your palettes, because we’re exploring a thrilling lineup of festival merchandise, entertainment and innovative eats (like the Pickle Milkshake!) Guests won’t want to miss.

Can’t-Miss Culinary Creations

Over at our Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey — more on that soon! — Guests will want to snag the all-new non-alcoholic Pickle Milkshake. Only the mayhem of our motley Muppet crew could whip up something so delightfully original! Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey also features two plant-based options, the IMPOSSIBLE Buffalo Chicken Tenders and the Buffalo Brussels Sprouts. Plant-based offerings at other Global Marketplaces include the Falafel Pita at Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina, the IMPOSSIBLE Burger Slider with wasabi cream and spicy Asian slaw at Flavors from Fire and the Guava Cake at Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE.

Did you know that there are more than 25 Global Marketplaces along with four brand new locations? At the four new Global Marketplaces Guests can delight in savory bites at Char & Chop, pair wine with artisanal cheeses at Wine & Wedge, or snack on champagne and seafood at Bubbles & Brine. Plus, satisfy a sweet tooth at Swirled Showcase, featuring soft-serve ice cream and refreshing sips like the Frozen Apple Pie. All four new Global Marketplaces will open Sept 22.

But our journey is just beginning, so let’s keep exploring more festival fun!

A Must-Do Muppet Takeover

Remember that Pickle Milkshake? Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant, Beaker, from Muppet Labs have been hard at work bringing whimsy your way. Their creatively chaotic handiwork is up for taste-testing at Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey! Sample a variety of wings, like the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sticky Wings, or enjoy an array of beers and ciders. And while Guests are there, try the Frozen Fusion featuring Twinings Pomegranate and Raspberry Herbal Tea infused with orange ice cream molecules.

This Muppet makeover to our iconic Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey, a staple for the last several years at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE, is sure to meep expectations. And after a day of snacking and sipping, there’s a selection of other experiences Guests can enjoy on a full stomach.

Fun Festival Merchandise

Pin collectors, Figment fans and Annual Passholders can browse four collections of all-new festival merchandise! Shop the classic Festival Event Logo Collection featuring a Spaceship Earth-inspired Loungefly Backpack and CORKCICLE stemless wine cup, the Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Picnic Collection with contributions by Dooney & Bourke, the home-inspired Disney “Encanto” Collection, or the Figment Annual Passholder Collection. No matter their taste, there’s something for every member of the crew.

Live Music and Local Talent

Our Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare returns with a star-studded lineup of live music! Enjoy local bands and well-known acts from July 27 – Nov. 13, featuring the talent of Funkafied, Phillip Phillips, Boyz II Men, Sugar Ray and so many more.

Guests will have three showtimes each night to catch the performance: 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM. Get to the America Gardens Theatre at the American Adventure Pavilion early to stake out a spot, or guarantee seating with the Eat to the Beat Dining Package. With this package, Festivalgoers can feast on fine dining at one of our participating restaurants before enjoying the show. Take note – this offering is only available Fridays through Mondays. Tuesdays through Thursdays, Guests can jam with our local acts!

Super Scavenger Hunts

Looking for more fun for the whole family? Try one of our two festival-inspired scavenger hunts — or a third to celebrate the upcoming spooky season! Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak takes Guests on a savory scavenger hunt around the World Showcase to find hidden statuettes of Remy; and with Emile’s Fromage Montage, sample tasty cheeses from across the globe while collecting stamps on your Festival Passport. Lastly, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit sends Guests through the park on the lookout for hidden decorative pumpkins themed to Disney characters.

Once Guests have had their fun, each of these scavenger hunts ends with a unique surprise! Check the Festival Passport for details on where to purchase maps or game boards to kick off these adventures — and where to redeem them for a prize. Do take note that Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 31, while the other two experiences are available from July 27 while supplies last.

We can’t wait for another season of foodie adventures and flavorful fun. The festival runs from July 27 to Nov. 18, 2023, and we can’t wait to see everyone there.

Disneyland performances of Fantasmic! are currently paused until Spring 2024. Stay tuned for more updates.

The Disney Dream is about to get even ‘dreamier’ this summer as Disney Cruise Line guests can now participate in a brand-new prismatic pop dance party taking place on the upper decks during select sailings.

Complete with colorful new fun for the whole family and a 90s throwback feel, it will be all feet on deck for Disney Cruise Line guests at Mickey’s Color Spin Dance Party, and we’re excited to reveal more details about this vibrant and energetic celebration perfect for Disney music lovers of all ages.

For starters, it’s not a deck party without appearances from Mickey Mouse (in all-new attire), Minnie Mouse and many of their favorite friends – even Max! – and they are all dressed up and ready to bust a move. Each character is assigned a color, and when the wheel lands on their color – it’s time to party!

This unique deck party is interactive from start to finish. After a sing-along preshow of “Into the Unknown,” each spin on the color wheel will have families singing, dancing and yes, even doing the wave and hand jive to unique renditions of iconic Disney songs with an upbeat techno twist.

Partygoers can dress like their favorite character for the festivities or join the color crew dancers, who will don colorful throwback track suits on stage.

Mickey’s Color Spin Dance Party is coming to select sailings on the Disney Dream beginning with this week on the voyage to the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland.