WDW Daily News

Disneyland Resort will once again transform into The Merriest Place on Earth for the holiday season, Nov. 11, 2022, through Jan. 8, 2023! We cannot wait for the return of so many treasured traditions – from the sparkling holiday décor, to “it’s a small world” Holiday, the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party and all the seasonal food and beverage offerings!

Read on for all the magical details on what Guests can expect around the resort for the upcoming holiday season!

Disney California Adventure Park 

Over in Disney California Adventure Park, holiday décor will shine bright, with a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree on Buena Vista Street and automotive holiday embellishment in Cars Land.

The nighttime spectacular “World of Color – Season of Light” will bring holiday magic by fusing cherished holiday music with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films.  

Through energetic live entertainment, culinary delights and special traditions, Disney Festival of Holidays will highlight a diverse season of celebrations, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Festival marketplaces across the park will serve a hand-crafted menu of delectable foods and beverages. The fan-favorite Sip and Savor Pass* will return, allowing Guests to taste their way through eight food or non-alcoholic beverage selections from participating marketplaces and dining locations. As part of Disney Festival of Holidays, Guests may also enjoy a nightly holiday concert at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park. 

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Earlier this year, Disney moved certain attractions from individual Lightning Lane purchase to the Disney Genie+ service for a period of time through Aug. 7. In order to continue providing Guests with more options while using the service, these attractions will be offered through the Disney Genie+ service beyond Aug. 7:

• Magic Kingdom Park: Space Mountain
• EPCOT: Frozen Ever After; Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

For the full list of experiences offered through Disney Genie+, please encourage Guests to check the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit, as attractions are subject to change.

As a reminder, the purchase of Disney Genie+ service is available in addition to a standby entrance. Disney Genie+ is now only offered for purchase through the My Disney Experience app on the day of visit.

*Disney Genie+ service, attractions and experiences may vary by date, are subject to change or closure, are limited in availability and are not guaranteed and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection.

D23 Expo 2022, presented by Visa, is returning to the Anaheim Convention Center on Sept. 9 through 11, and today we have a first look at some of the new, amazing experiences, displays, presentations and shopping especially for fans of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products!

From the moment D23 Expo 2022 begins, attendees will be able to explore the Disney Parks Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion and step right into the new stories, attractions and adventures Disney Imagineers are bringing to life around the globe. There will be behind-the-scenes glimpses of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the transformation of EPCOT, new Frozen-themed experiences, Disney Cruise Line, live entertainment and more to explore at the pavilion. 

The latest on highly anticipated projects in development around the world will be shared when Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro presents A Boundless Future: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Josh takes the Hall D23 stage Sunday, Sept. 11, at 10:30 a.m. for this presentation filled with see-it-here-first moments and special surprises. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Travel website for coverage on these announcements throughout the event.

Disney Parks fans can enjoy other one-of-a-kind offerings during the event, including special panel presentations that cover everything from the making of the Disney Wish cruise ship to learning about Walt Disney Imagineering’s illusions and special effects in the parks. Check out the lineup of panels: 

Friday, Sept. 10

10:30 a.m. – Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers at Backlot Stage

Saturday, Sept. 10

10 a.m. – A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Walt Disney Imagineering Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab at Walt Disney Archives Stage

12 p.m. – Uncovering Treasures from the Marty Sklar Collection at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

4 p.m. – Dreaming, Designing and Bringing to Life the Disney Wish at Backlot Stage

Sunday, Sept. 11

1 p.m. – Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible at Premiere Stage 

4 p.m. – Disney Parks Through the Decades: A Disney Ambassador Perspective at Walt Disney Archives Stage 

4:15 p.m. – The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed at Hyperion Stage 

D23 Expo attendees will also get first access to DisneyMe, an all-new digital avatar in the Play Disney Parks app. This experience empowers guests to express their Disney style by creating their own unique DisneyMe. To celebrate the launch of DisneyMe as part of Disney Uncharted Adventure on the Disney Wish, guests at D23 Expo will be invited on a quest that can only be completed at the Expo. Attendees will uncover specially designed Disney Wish and D23 Expo digital clothing and accessories for their DisneyMe around the show floor.

Starting in September, D23 Expo guests will need to download the latest Play Disney Parks app to be ready to create their DisneyMe and join the DisneyMe D23 Expo Quest during the convention.

Keep checking the Disney Travel website for more details as we approach the Sept. 9 kickoff of D23 Expo 2022. And for more information on tickets, visit D23expo.com. 

From time to time, Disney occasionally refreshes offerings across the Walt Disney World Resort. As part of that work, the following Disney Resort hotel feature pools will be unavailable from approximately January through April 2024 as they undergo routine maintenance:

• Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Doubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Guests staying at these resorts may utilize other resort pools during the downtime. 

We’ve got some exciting foodie news to share with you! Late this summer, the new BoardWalk Deli will be opening its doors at Disney’s BoardWalk. This location, previously the BoardWalk Bakery, is inspired by the delis of the Northeast region, with a menu that takes guests on a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore.

Delicatessen translates to “all things delicious,” and that’s exactly what visitors will experience. With that, let’s get into what dishes guests can expect at this exciting new spot.

Whether guests are heading out for a day in the parks or planning a cozy breakfast in their room, they can stop by the Deli to select from house-baked bagels with a choice of schmear, a variety of sweet breakfast pastries, or a warm bagel sandwich. Some of these delicious options include an Everything Bagel Sandwich with cage-free eggs, sausage, and cheddar cheese, a Bagel Breakfast Sandwich with cage-free eggs, bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese, or a Plant-based Ciabatta Sandwich with “egg” Florentine, plant-based cheese, tomato jam, and arugula that provides an exciting contrast of flavors. What a way to start their day!

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The highly anticipated Disney Wish, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, has officially made its debut! A team of Wish Upon a Star with Us Vacation Planners were onboard for the Maiden Voyage of this incredible new ship, as well as a media preview cruise before the ship officially set sail. After 4 ships and more than 20 years in the cruise industry, Disney has completely re-imagined cruising with the stunning design, unique innovations and amazing experiences on the Disney Wish.

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MagicBand+ is launching July 27 at Walt Disney World Resort!

At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ can do everything a MagicBand can do and more – from entering theme parks with a tap* and connecting guests’ Disney PhotoPass memories, to unlocking Disney Resort hotel rooms and more. 

MagicBand+ also has great new features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition – plus it pairs to a smartphone using the My Disney Experience app. Once MagicBand+ launches, guests can pick the perfect band from more than 25 designs and enjoy several new experiences available at launch.

Disney Fab 50 Quest

As part of the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration, guests can interact with the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection throughout all four theme parks with the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” Help Tinker Bell bring the sculptures to life across all four Walt Disney World theme parks using virtual pixie dust from Tink.

Guests can wave their hand to sprinkle virtual pixie dust at each Disney Fab 50 Character sculpture for different reactions! To unlock even more, use the Play Disney Parks app to collect the sculptures and enter the worlds of favorite characters through an augmented reality feature.**

Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters

On Batuu, the bounty hunting business is booming. MagicBand+ is the guide to seeking numerous virtual bounties hidden across Black Spire Outpost with the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters experience. Vibrations and lights on MagicBand+ guide guests down the right path. When you find your Bounty, use the Play Disney Parks app’s augmented reality thermal viewer to reveal who’s hiding in the shadows.** Local guild master Raga Bua will reward guests with galactic credits.

Nighttime Spectaculars

MagicBand+ brings the magic of Disney nighttime spectaculars closer than ever before during “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT! MagicBand+ complements the magic in the skies, lighting up and vibrating in sync with fireworks, visual effects, and music. Guests’ MagicBand+ will also engage as all four theme park icons transform into Beacons of Magic!

Before Guests embark on these experiences, make sure the MagicBand+ is charged, up to date and paired to a device.

Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online at special prices before their arrival. Annual Passholder discounts will also be available on MagicBand+. All guests can buy MagicBand+ at select stores across Walt Disney World and online at shopDisney, starting at $34.99.

At Walt Disney World, guests can purchase a MagicBand+ at the following locations: 

• Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium  
• EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center  
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders 
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company  
• Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders  
• Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels 

Although features and experiences across Disney Parks will vary, Disneyland Resort guests will be able to get in on the MagicBand+ fun later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting future for MagicBand+ at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts!

*With valid admission and park reservation

**To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand

Take a look at the merchandise for the 2022 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

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