WDW Daily News

For the next 129 delicious days, guests can sip, savor, shop and repeat across six continents at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE! The festival kicks off today and continues through Nov. 19, offering new experiences for foodies and fun-loving families.

A passport for the palate, this iconic festival is a magical taste tour – one that whisks guests off on a fun and flavorful journey. It’s a delicious celebration of the best in global food and drink along with live entertainment, family activities and more. This year, our creative Disney culinarily teams have dreamed up unique dishes as nearly one third of the menu offerings are new.

Let’s take a first look… or rather a first bite… at this year’s festival:

At the EPCOT main entrance guests will find a new display featuring Chef Remy welcoming all connoisseurs of fine cuisine.

Then, guests can grab a Festival Passport to use as their handy guide to discover all the new sips and fresh bites available at the more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout the park. These special food and beverage locations celebrate the best in global cuisine.

Debuting this year is The Fry Basket showcasing French fries presented with unique savory and sweet toppings – like the Fry Flight, featuring three different flavors! Or, check out India, a guest-favorite marketplace returning with three brand-new menu items.

For those who like to get an early start enjoying the festival and all that EPCOT has to offer, the Belgium marketplace will open at 8:30 a.m. daily to serve up delicious Belgian Waffles topped with either Warm Chocolate Ganache or Berry Compote and Whipped Cream, as well as Chilled Mocha Coffee.

All other marketplaces – including The Swanky Saucy Swine, Coastal Eats, Hops & Barley, The Alps, Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia, Greece, Brazil and Flavors from Fire to name just a few – will open at 11:00am daily to entice guests with exciting new options and returning fan-favorites. Be sure to check out the full Festival Foodie Guide for photos of many delectable offerings.

Recently, we shared the full lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare. Be sure to check out this incredible list of performances and make plans for which guests want to see. And don’t forget about Eat to the Beat Dining Packages (for Friday through Monday concerts), which include a leisurely meal at a select EPCOT restaurant and guaranteed seating at a performance later that same day. To see the full lineup of artists, performance dates and pricing, and to make a dining package reservation, visit TasteEpcot.com.

It’s time to sip, savor…and shop! Five new merchandise collections offer up fun and whimsical kitchenware, tabletop items, apparel, novelties and unique collectibles featuring favorite Disney characters such as Chef Minnie Mouse, Chef Mickey Mouse, Princess Tiana, Chef Figment and Chef Remy. Merchandise can be found at festival retail locations across EPCOT, with additional pieces debuting throughout the festival. Select items are also available on shopDisney.com.

But that’s not all! There are other ways to have even more fun exploring the festival. If guests are a cheese lover, have them try Emile’s Fromage Montage and take a walk on the tasty side to sample dishes featuring cheese served in inventive ways. Or, kids of all ages can embark on a Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt that’s très magnifique in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak.

Experiences introduced as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration offer even more ways to cultivate fresh memories. Guests can enjoy Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and join Chef Remy on a daring culinary journey as they zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s bustling Paris restaurant. Then, they can end their delectable day by watching “Harmonious” – one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park.

To experience the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, guests will need both a valid park admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Visit TasteEpcot.com for more details

As the Disney Wish sets sail on her maiden voyage in just a few days, we have more exciting news to share: Disney Cruise Line was named the Best Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure!

This year marks the fourth in a row – and sixth time in the past eight years – that Disney Cruise Line sits at the top of this list. To generate its annual rankings, Travel + Leisure asks readers to rate cruise ships on the quality of their service, staterooms, food, entertainment, itineraries and shore excursions.

Cast Members and Crew at Disney Cruise Line are proud to know that our guests continue to love their Disney cruise vacations year after year, and we can’t wait for them to experience the Disney Wish soon!

Infused with more Disney storytelling than ever before, the enchanting ship is filled with one-of-a-kind entertainment and innovative firsts. These include the first Disney attraction at sea, family dining adventures themed to “Frozen” and Marvel, an immersive tour of the Star Warsgalaxy, interactive virtual quests that unlock hidden magic around every corner, original Broadway-style stage productions, signature fireworks at sea, a real-life wonderland for kids, an expanded collection of experiences exclusively for adults, and more.

The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on July 14, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida

Message from DVC to members:

Dear Disney Vacation Club Member,

At Disney Vacation Club^®, we know that flexibility is top of mind when it comes to planning your vacations with us. From accommodation types and length of stay to planning for multiple trips per year, we know you appreciate a variety of options.

With that in mind, our team is pleased to share that you are once again able to borrow your fullallotment of Vacation Points from your next Use Year to this Use Year.

Eligible Members are also able to use their points for Disney Collection exchange experiences such as, Disney Cruise Line, National Geographic Expeditions, Adventures by Disney^® or Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

You can find more information on banking and borrowing Vacation Points at DisneyVacationClub.com.

We can’t wait to welcome you home again during your next vacation!

Sincerely,

Bill Diercksen
Senior Vice President and General Manager
Disney Vacation Club and Aulani

Today we had the awesome opportunity to attend FAN EXPO Chicago (formerly Wizard World). Celebrating its 50th Anniversary July 7-10, FAN EXPO Chicago has so much to offer its fans. Over 4 days, fans of comics, sci fi, horror, anime and gaming get the chance to interact and share their interests with like-minded people from around the country.

Maybe you want to get your photo taken or get an autograph from a celebrity. We saw lines of people waiting to meet the voice actors from Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Kim Possible as well as celebrities like Sean Astin, Ashley Eckstein, Carl Weathers and numerous others. It was fun to watch people in their cosplay waiting to meet their favorites from film, television, and animation. If gaming is your thing, then be sure to stop by the Gaming Zone to play free games or take part in a tournament. In the Family Zone, kids of all ages can participate in drawing demos, slime making and a kids cosplay contest. Feeling like getting some new ink? Be sure to stop by Tattoo Alley. The talented artists from Ink Fusion Empire are on-site to give you an amazing souvenir from FAN EXPO.

I know that one thing I love about FAN EXPO are the cosplayers. From toddlers to teens to adults, there is so much freedom in cosplaying. Some choose to keep it simple while others go all out with their costume creations. Where else on the planet can you walk past 2 different Deadpools, Princess Belle, a stormtrooper, a ghostbuster, and Mario all within 25 feet? It is incredible!! For 2022, FAN EXPO brought back the Cosplay Grand Prix: The Windy City Qualifier.

Novices, journeymen and masters compete for prizes and recognition. Finally, FAN EXPO has shopping, shopping and more shopping. Need a certain comic book? Check! Looking for plushies and cutie pillows? Check! T-shirts and hoodies? Check! Pop culture toys? Check! Accessories for your cosplay? Check! Unique artwork from some of the most talented artists around? Check! FAN EXPO literally has something for everyone when it comes to shopping on the expo floor. If you can’t make it to Chicago, there are Fan Expo events throughout the year in the United States and Canada. FAN EXPO is truly a place for fans to come together to have fun and celebrate their interests.

For guests who have been waiting patiently for that special hug while they feast on delicious eats – they’re in luck! The time has come for even more character dining experiences to make their grand return!

Across Walt Disney World, some guest-favorite restaurants are gearing up to welcome favorite pals back, including Stitch for breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Minnie and her friends for breakfast at Cape May Caféat Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Winnie the Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom Park for both lunch and dinner.

Get ready for some hugs, laughs, and lasting memories because here are the places getting character dining back soon!

Let’s start with a trip to Magic Kingdom Park, where there are some special characters coming back for a friendship celebration nestled within Main Street, U.S.A. On September 20, some friends from the Hundred Acre Wood will be rejoining the celebratory feasting for lunch and dinner at The Crystal Palace: A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends. This greenhouse-inspired beauty is the perfect place to spend a day with some hugs and a feast, with options like Carved Prime Rib, Seasonal Ravioli, and Peel & Eat Shrimp.

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, get ready for some relaxing vibes and breakfast classics at the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch, coming back on September 27! Nothing beats getting some love from everyone’s favorite mischievous friend, Stitch, to start off the day. Get some hugs in, and enjoy tasty treats like the Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Bread and Mickey Waffles and sip on the iconic Lilikoi Juice and the yummy Moana Smoothie.

Over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, find Cape May Café, a New-England inspired spot serving up some tasty eats in an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet! On October 4, the Cape May Café Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast will be making its exciting return. Have some fun with Disney friends and enjoy morning favorites at this feast, including the mouthwatering Salted Caramel “Beach Buns.” And what breakfast is complete without the famous Mickey and Minnie Waffles? Fuel up for the day the right way with these unforgettable characters and dishes.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

We are so excited to take a closer look at the incredible new offerings available onboard the Disney Wish, and today we’re talking about something that everybody knows and loves … exceptional food! 

One of the best ways to create memories with loved ones comes from sharing a meal around a table – and the dining experiences on the Disney Wish are more magical than ever. With three brand new dining concepts – ranging from theatrical entertainment … to cinematic adventure … to sophisticated elegance – mealtimes are the prime time to be immersed in the imaginative worlds of favorite Disney and Marvel stories and Hollywood’s Golden Age.

At Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, families will be treated to dinner and an enchanting show during Disney’s first-ever “Frozen” dining experience. You are among honored guests celebrating the royal engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff, picking up the story right where Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” left off. In addition to captivating theatrical performances, Guests will be visited by friends such as Elsa, Oaken, and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, in a completely new way that is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line.

As Guests dine on extraordinary cuisine infused with Nordic influences, this cozy hall is illuminated by a backdrop of the glittering Aurora Borealis. Throughout the meal, Guests will have the opportunity to join the festivities with tableside crafts, entertaining sing-alongs and a grand finale that’ll have everyone in the audience on their feet.  

Worlds of Marvel is the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where families will play an interactive role in a brand-new, action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around them. Complete with fan-favorite character visits and a few “little” surprises, this is an experience that Guests won’t want to miss. 

At this iconic location, Guests will be surrounded by state-of-the-art Pym Tech and a signature Stark-itecture style as they enjoy a worldly menu inspired by a mix of real and fictional settings, such as African Wakanda, Eastern European Sokovia and the Avengers’ home base of New York City.

And, if Guests are fans of Disney history, animation or any combination of the two, then they will love 1923, an elegant restaurant named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded. As Guests make their way into one of the two dining rooms named in honor of the Disney brothers, they will be greeted by hundreds of drawings, props and sketches that provide an insider’s look at the creation of Disney’s beloved animations, both classic and modern. 

With a sleek, sophisticated decor paired with gold finishing touches, the dining room hints at the grandeur and glamour of Old Hollywood. 1923 offers culinary delights inspired by Disney’s California heritage, showcasing the region’s unique blend of Asian, European and South American cuisine. 

Our newest venues onboard the Disney Wish offer a unique range of cuisines, design and entertainment, and we simply can’t wait for our Guests to try all three!

Listen up, Disney Wish cruisers. It’s time for an adult area round-up!

While the Disney Wish was purpose-designed with families in mind, there are more spaces than ever before for adults to relax and recharge at sea. With unique areas reserved for guests 18 and older, the Disney Wish offers richly themed oases with special touches of magic that are perfect for unwinding and socializing. 

Let’s start with one of our absolute favorite adult spaces onboard the Disney Wish – The Bayou. This swanky retreat is sure to make Guests feel like they’re sipping on a Hurricane right in the heart of New Orleans. Adorned with a canopy of magnolia blossoms and lily pads, as well as vibrant green and gold hues, this Louisiana-inspired lounge is the place to be. Especially in the evenings when jazz is in the air as a live band provides rhythms smooth as a sea breeze. And, y’all don’t forget to try the signature beignets … it’s Tiana’s secret recipe after all!

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, is designed to be a yacht-class spaceship outfitted with sleek, luxurious décor. Sip on a galactic concoction that is truly out of this world as Guests are transported to iconic locations to view famous spaceships and glimpse favorite locales from the eras of the Republic, Empire and First Order. This highly immersive space makes Guests feel like they are actually living in the Star Wars films, especially as the starship jumps through hyperspace.

Located right off of the Grand Hall, Nightingales piano bar continues the ship’s alluring theme of enchantment. Inspired by Cinderella’s lyrical rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale,” this space exudes grace and elegance, with alluring melodies, rose gold accents and a glittering chandelier at its center. Guests won’t want to miss the specialty cocktails in this location or the bubbling champagnes and fine wines that are the perfect overture to a fairytale-inspired evening. 

And, what can be better than a cold beer and a delicious bar-style fare after a day of fun at sea?

Designed in a rustic architectural style, Keg & Compass is a pub that pays homage to seafarers, sailors and maritime adventurers. As Guests sip on a custom craft brew, they can take in the traditional map that spans the entire length of the ceiling – they might even spot some favorite Disney friends up there. Guests can also watch live sports, news and major broadcast events – all from the comfort of this sailor’s lounge.

No matter where Guests choose to spend their time, the Disney Wish offers more spaces for adults to escape, unwind and indulge.

Welcome aboard everyone!

We are absolutely thrilled that the Disney Wish has finally made its grand debut. In honor of the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, we’re starting a brand-new series of posts right here that will give you an exclusive look at our innovative and imaginative ship.

And what better place to start than in the Grand Hall, the enchanting centerpiece of the ship?

This fairytale-inspired space is a tribute to the story of Cinderella and includes a beautiful bronze statue of the beloved princess, stained-glass embellishments in her signature colors and icons from the Disney film classic that guests can discover in unexpected places including the carpeting, metalwork and light fixtures.

So, let’s talk about the literal star of the show — the chandelier! This glittering icon was designed with magical enchantment in mind and is actually a dazzling wishing star that comes to life in wonderous ways throughout the voyage … especially when guests step inside for the first time. Every child coming aboard will receive their own wishing wand, which they will use to make the “First Wish” of their vacation during a special boarding celebration.

This reimagined atrium will even evolve in a completely new way during every sailing, transforming from a classic fairytale gathering space into a thrilling theater through the magic of built-in special effects. The Grand Hall features the first-ever atrium stage on a Disney ship, and hosts dedicated shows and interactive entertainment that puts guests front and center as they play a special role in the magic.

From the grand staircase and the starry, shimmering chandelier above … to the ornate stage, dedicated shows and interactive entertainment … this new venue is the perfect space for wishes to come true. Wish away

By: Disney Destinations

July 1, 2022

Strike up the band because we’ve saved a seat for everyone on this musical journey with Tiana and friends! The name of the new attraction evolving from the reimagining of Splash Mountain was announced today during ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The all-new adventure which will bring guests into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” like never before is coming to Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland park in California in late 2024.

Walt Disney Imagineers have been frequent travelers to Louisiana while conducting extensive research to ensure Tiana’s Bayou Adventure preserves the heart and soul of the city that inspired Princess Tiana’s story. From exploring the French Market and the bayou, to consulting with academics, chefs, musicians and cultural institutions, Imagineers have received inspiration from all over the region and learned from local experts along the way.

This research was explored in detail today at the French Quarter’s historic Preservation Hall during an intimate event held in honor of ESSENCE Fest, happening this weekend in New Orleans. With its own distinct history bringing people together, Preservation Hall was the ideal location to celebrate an attraction where music and community are at the heart of a transformational journey.

The celebration included a panel moderated by Victoria Uwumarogie, senior lifestyle editor at ESSENCE Magazine. Joining me in this discussion were colleagues and friends Charita Carter, executive producer of relevancy activations at Walt Disney Imagineering, Ted Robledo, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Stella Chase, daughter of the late Chef Leah Chase who inspired Tiana’s story. Guests were treated to live art demonstrations provided by emerging talent from YAYA Arts Center, an organization we’ve engaged to commission artwork from alumna Sharika Mahdi. Music from the world-renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band echoed throughout the hall, along with a performance by the voice of Mama Odie and living legend herself, Jenifer Lewis.

Guests are in for a true treat with local flavor when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in late 2024. As Charita Carter shared, “in many ways, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a love letter to New Orleans. Like the musical city that inspired this attraction, Tiana’s second act is about a community working in harmony to achieve something extraordinary. She reminds us of an immutable truth we can all relate to: ‘if you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way.’ And that’s a melody we can all sing along to!”

To be able to join New Orleans in the celebration of Black joy as we bring Tiana’s story to its roots is a full-circle moment I’m so proud to realize. Ted Robledo added that “the joie de vivre that animates this region so brilliantly not only inspired Tiana’s journey, but also our team at Walt Disney Imagineering.” It’s our intention to do that jubilant spirit justice when advancing the storyline of Princess Tiana at our parks.

First announced in 2020, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration 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 as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates

By: Disney Destinations

Back in May, we gave guests a taste of what we’ve been cooking up for this year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare – and today it’s time for the main course! Let’s take a look at the full lineup of acts that will be serving up tunes at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE starting July 14.

This year, Disney Live Entertainment continues to bring new flavors into the mix, giving even more guests a chance to savor the music they love. Fresh acts will take the America Gardens Theatre stage, including local bands Tuesday-Thursday, alongside many of your favorite artists. With genres spanning Rock, Latin, Rap, Pop, Country and more.

• July 14-15 – Baha Men
• July 16-18 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
• July 22-23 – Tonic (NEW)
• July 24-25 – Jeremy Camp (NEW)
• July 29-30 – Taylor Dayne
• July 31-Aug. 1 – Tiffany
• Aug. 5-8 – Joey Fatone & Friends
• Aug. 12-13 – The Devon Allman Project
• Aug. 14-15 – Christopher Cross
• Aug. 19-20 – Journey former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
• Aug. 21-22 – Air Supply
• Aug. 26-27 – Blanco Brown (NEW)
• Aug. 28-29 – 98°
• Sept. 2-3 – Southern Avenue
• Sept. 4-5 – Kris Allen & David Cook
• Sept. 9-10 – Hoobastank (NEW)
• Sept. 11-12 – Jimmie Allen
• Sept. 16-17 – Los Amigos Invisibles (NEW)
• Sept. 18-19 – American Authors
• Sept. 23-24 – BBMAK
• Sept. 25-26 – Postmodern Jukebox
• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Stokley (NEW)
• Oct. 2-3 – Sheila E.
• Oct. 7-8 – Mark Wills
• Oct. 9-10 – 38 Special
• Oct. 14-15 – Robert Randolph Band (NEW)
• Oct. 16-17 – Newsboys (NEW)
• Oct. 21-22 – Ray Parker Jr. (NEW)
• Oct. 23-24 – Billy Ocean
• Oct. 28-31 – Hanson
• Nov. 4-7 – Boyz II Men
• Nov. 11-12 – Kenny G
• Nov. 13-14 – Sugar Ray

Guests can secure a spot at the show by reserving an Eat to the Beat Dining Package available Friday-Monday. Find out more by visiting TasteEPCOT.com.

Keep following us on Instagramand Facebook to find out more about the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival happening during the 50th Anniversary celebration that will run through March 2023.

To experience EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date