WDW Daily News

Foodie news is coming your way! Get ready for the latest and greatest going on at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Some of these are sweet, some are savory, but there’s one thing for certain about them all – they’re delicious.

From the new BBQ classics coming to Paradise Garden Grill to some adorable, sweet treats making their way to multiple resorts at Walt Disney World, this summer there are tons of new tastes to explore.

At Disneyland Resort, guests will find some mouthwatering dishes and sips over at Paradise Garden Grill nestled within Disney California Adventure park. Now, guests can enjoy some BBQ delights added to the menu. The Kansas City-style BBQ Ribs has pork ribs with house-made BBQ sauce, pickles, and onions and the North Carolina-style BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich has creamy coleslaw, crispy jalapeños, pickles, and onions. The St. Louis-style BBQ-Rubbed Chicken is a beer-brined, roasted half chicken with pickles, and onions. All of these options come with a choice of side – the Poblano Mac & Cheese, Chuck Wagon Beans, Potato Salad with Bacon, Creamy Coleslaw, Andouille Sausage, or the Jalapeño-cheddar Cornbread.

For beverages try the Peach Cobbler Cocktail with moonshine, peach schnapps, and peach-cinnamon purée or the Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

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We are thrilled to share that favorite seasonal celebrations will return to the Disneyland Resort this fall with festive offerings for guests of all ages to enjoy!

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will cast its spooky spell Sept. 2 – Oct. 31, 2022. Featuring seasonal décor, Halloween-themed attractions, photo opportunities with favorite Disney characters and villains, plus specialty treats and more, there is something for everyone during this spook-tacular celebration.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit – a delightful family-friendly pumpkin hunt – will return Sept. 9 – Oct. 31, 2022. The Halloween spirit will also extend to Downtown Disney District with colorful pumpkin décor and specialty offerings, plus the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will have Halloween-themed lobby displays, too.

Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park will return Sept. 2 – Nov. 2, 2022, to celebrate the spirit of Día De Los Muertos with live entertainment, delightful foods, hands-on crafts and interactive experiences.

And for fun and festive frights for all ages after park hours, Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party* will be offered as a separate-ticket event at Disney California Adventure Park on 23 select nights starting Sept. 6, through Oct. 31, 2022. And new this year: members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club may purchase tickets to their own Oogie Boogie Bash night on Sept. 10 during D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

Read on for all the eerily exciting details!

Halloween Time at Disneyland Park

Throughout Disneyland Park, Guests may encounter favorite Disney characters in brand-new Halloween looks or wickedly wonderful Disney villains looking to stir up a bit of mischief. Vibrant seasonal décor will transform Main Street, U.S.A., with whimsical pumpkins displays, while ghouls and goblins of all ages will enjoy taking photographs with the iconic giant Mickey Mouse pumpkin.

The Haunted Mansion attraction will undergo its annual seasonal transformation to become Haunted Mansion Holiday, as Jack Skellington wrecks the halls of the mansion with frightfully festive decor inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Expect the sweet sight and smell of the mansion’s annual bespoke gingerbread house, perched perilously on the ballroom table.

Every night from Sept. 2 – Oct. 31, 2022, Guests may enjoy the return of the supernatural showcase “Halloween Screams”, a vibrant projection and light show. On weekend nights, “Halloween Screams” will take to the skies with fireworks that are sure to waken the Halloween spirits.** Guests will even be able to view this seasonal nighttime spectacular from several different locations throughout the park, including Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and in front of “it’s a small world.”

Halloween Time at Disney California Adventure Park

At the entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, Oogie Boogie, from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” will loom over, channeling his magic to create a forever Halloween, transforming favorite attractions with eerie and ethereal details.

In Cars Land, Radiator Springs will become Radiator Screams, where resident “car-acters” will transform their homes with unique Haul-O-Ween twists. Lightning McQueen, Mater, Cruz and Red will be greeting guests in their best “car-stumes.” Guests can also catch a ride on popular Cars Land attractions that rev up with Halloween spirit: Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree opts for a spooky soundtrack to become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters takes Guests on a wicked whirl-a-about to become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.

Over in Avengers Campus, as night falls, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, an exciting and spooky adventure filled with creepy creatures and thrilling drops.

On Buena Vista Street, Mickey Mouse and friends don old-fashioned Halloween styles, poised and ready for photos. Festive Halloween décor will add to the ambiance on Buena Vista Street. When the sun sets, the façade of Carthay Circle Restaurant comes alive with Halloween magic as bats swarm, green energy pulses from within and projections light up the iconic tower structure with mesmerizing moments. And Guests will also want to stop for a photo in front of the 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman holding his jack-o’-lantern head high in the sky!

Plaza de la Familia

Plaza de la Familia returns to Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure Park from Sept. 2 – Nov. 2, 2022. This immersive, limited-time celebration, inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos, features live entertainment, festive foods, crafts and more. Can’t-miss activities include “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” a lively street performance honoring Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family. Guests may also enjoy Mariachi music at Paradise Gardens Bandstand, The World of Coco, an intriguing art installation, a photo opportunity at the iconic Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) photo location and memory wall as well as a meet-and-greet with a hand-animated figure of Miguel from “Coco”.

If Guests visit Disneyland Park during Plaza de la Familia, they can also encounter a vibrant display commemorating the traditions of Día de los Muertos, featuring a musical trio of iconic skeleton figurines, brightly colored flowers and other festive décor that honors the spirit of the season, located in Frontierland.

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

On 23 select nights beginning Sept. 6, through Oct. 31, 2022, the separate-ticket, after-park hours event Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure Park will add to the family friendly fun during Halloween Time. This limited-capacity event offers kids and /guests of all ages the opportunity to enjoy the park’s attractions, unique entertainment, character sightings and more, while dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. In addition to taking in all the spook-tacular sights and trick-or-treating experiences, Guests attending Oogie Boogie Bash will also be able to explore areas inside Disney California Adventure that remain open during the party, including Avengers Campus. Highlights of Oogie Boogie Bash include immersive treat trails, “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show, the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” Villains Grove at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and more. Visit Disneyland.com/OogieBoogieBash for all the details!

On June 28 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), Oogie Boogie Bash tickets go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders, plus members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, may begin to purchase tickets to their own exclusive one-night special event (scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10). Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning June 30 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) at Disneyland.com/OogieBoogieBash.*

We can’t wait for the return of all these favorite fall celebrations at the Disneyland Resort!

*The number of tickets available are limited and valid only for the specific event date and hours. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for a commercial purpose. 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. Disney PhotoPass is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at Disneyland.com/photopass-termsconditions/. Offer and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

** Performances are subject to change or cancellation, including due to weather.

*The number of tickets available are limited and valid only for the specific event date and hours. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for a commercial purpose. 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. Disney PhotoPass is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at Disneyland.com/photopass-termsconditions/. Offer and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.  

** Performances are subject to change or cancellation, including due to weather. 

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Guests can now access a dedicated walkway and entrance to Disney California Adventure Park across the street from Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

To access the park entrance from Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Guests need to cross Disneyland Drive towards the entrance of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The entrance is located next to the security/parking booth at the entrance of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests using this entrance will enter the theme park between Seaside Souvenirs and Corn Dog Castle in Pixar Pier.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Guests may enter or exit the theme park using this entrance by scanning their Resort Room Key (digital or physical) on the day of their valid theme park admission and reservation.

The entrance will be open to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Guests during Park Operating Hours

D23: The Official Disney Fan Clubhas announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa, September 9, 10, and 11. Disney100 kicks off at the biggest Disney fan event in the world celebrating 100 years of wonder as The Walt Disney Company enters its second century. The festivities begin Friday morning, September 9 with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony and a kick-off to Disney100. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will showcase what’s on the horizon from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disney Live Action. On Saturday morning, the Studios will give fans a sneak peek at the latest from Marvel and Lucasfilm. Saturday afternoon, Disney Branded Television will preview their exciting slate. On Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and that afternoon, guests will enjoy a special presentation of Disney Princess – The Concert.

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Fifty years ago, fandom was changed forever when Nostalgia ‘72 took over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont Illinois, creating the first space in the midwest for fans to gather and celebrate comics. Now known as FAN EXPO Chicago, the convention will return for its biggest show yet – bringing an incredible round-up of legendary celebrities, comic creators, voice actors and cosplayers to the Windy City from July 7 to July 10.

To celebrate the golden anniversary, FAN EXPO Chicago has assembled an incredible roster of superstar comic artists and writers, headlined by legends Brian Michael Bendis (writer, creator of “Naomi”), Geoff Johns (writer, creator of “Stargirl”), Joe Quesada (CCO, Marvel Entertainment) Greg Capullo (“Batman”), Marc Silvestri (celebrating 30 years of Image Comics), Kevin Smith (“Daredevil”), Leinil Francis Yu (“X-Men”), Jorge Molina (“Batman”) and dozens of others.

In 1972, Chicago collectibles dealer and local school teacher Nancy Warner made history when she united 2,000 of Chicago’s biggest comic fans in the midwest’s first ever comic and collectibles convention. Beginning as a space by and for comic collectors, and expanding to include exhibits, attractions and celebrities from all walks of fandom, what is now known as FAN EXPO Chicago is gearing up for its biggest year ever – while paying homage to the traditional comic culture that started it all.

“While the phrase ‘comic con’ continues to grow in popularity with convention groups throughout the world, it sometimes feels like those groups have left the actual comics in the dust,” said Andrew Moyes, vice president of FAN EXPO HQ. “Fandom culture is more than just blockbuster movies – it’s a deep loyalty to and appreciation of the classics and a celebration of the everlasting impact those comics, characters and creators have had on each of us. At FAN EXPO Chicago, we’re working to take the fan experience to new levels, while also staying true to the root of who we – and our guests – are.”

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Guests will once again be able to travel around Walt Disney World in style with Minnie Vans Connected by Lyft beginning June 29, available on demand right from their smartphone. With special drop-off locations that can only be accessed by Minnie Vans, Guests using this service can reach select Walt Disney World destinations quickly and with a bit of extra pixie dust that only our Disney Cast Members can provide.

Our specially trained Disney Cast Member drivers, many of whom are returning experts from the service’s previous run, are revving up to welcome Guests back onboard this private transportation with a personalized approach that makes traveling around Walt Disney World even more magical. Whether sharing tips for planning their day, installing car seats for little ones (two available per vehicle) or playing fan-favorite music throughout their journey, our Cast Members are ready to provide an exceptional experience tailored to your client’s family of up to six passengers

We’re excited to share new details for the first-ever Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion, taking place at Disney California Adventure Park June 23, 28, and 30, 2022.

That’s right! It’s almost time for the most epic throwback to high school grad night! This separately ticketed Disneyland After Dark event is a reunion party celebrating past and present decades. We invite Guests to remember the fun, reunite with friends and get a little nostalgic. From entertainment experiences to unique cafeteria-inspired foods, park attractions access, usually with shorter wait times, and more, it is an evening of grad nights of yesteryears and today’s “Greatest Hits!”

New details:

Dance and Sing the Decades Away

• Guests can join a high-energy moving pep-rally on the parade route featuring Mickey’s glee club and Goofy’s dance team amped up with music by the All-American College Band
• In Cars Land, enjoy a Route 66 street party throwing back to the 60s, including “Hot-Rod” the DJ spinning classic tunes from the 60s, plus learn the Hully Gully and more with dance instructor “Cam”
• In Hollywood Land, enjoy a graduating class dance party as a DJ plays multiple present-day hit tracks, including top genres, like Hip Hop, Cumbia, Reggae, Punk, Funk and more
• In Pacific Wharf, sing all night long in our totally retro disco karaoke to the greatest disco hits of the 70s & 80s

Capture Special Memories

• Guests will be able to capture photos with characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy, Chip and Dale in their graduation cap and gown outfits, of course
• Picture themselves aboard a school bus on their way to grad night

Savor Nostalgic Flavors

Enjoy unique cafeteria-inspired foods throughout Disney California Adventure Park, including at Award Wieners, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream, Cozy Cone Motel, Pacific Wharf Café, Hollywood Lounge, Pym Test Kitchen, Terran Treats, Schmoozies!, Smokejumpers Grill and more. Mobile order is available at select locations, so Guests won’t want to forget to download the Disneyland app in advance to mobile order many of these limited-time food and beverage offerings during the event!

Here are a few our Guests can look out for!

The OG Hot Dog from Award Wieners in Hollywood Land: Bacon-wrapped all-beef footlong hot dog with grilled onions, mayo, mustard, spicy ketchup and pickled jalapeno relish served on a toasted bun with choice of mandarin oranges or filmstrip fries.

All That and a Berry Cereal shake from Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land: Vanilla ice cream shake with crunchy cereal topped with whipped cream and berry cereal.

The Stupendous Sriracha & Bacon Pizza Slice from Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus: Spicy sriracha pizza with spicy candied bacon and fried eggs, served with kale Caesar salad.

It’s Like a Unicorn Raspberry Cheesecake Ration from Terran Treats in Avengers Campus: Yellow raspberry-flavored spiral churro with cheesecake icing.

Cherry Cone-vertible from Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land: Vanilla soft serve served in a cinnamon bread cone with warm cherries.

Cheeseburger Mac Burger from Smokejumpers Grill in Grizzly Peak: Double burger patties topped with cheeseburger mac, burger sauce, pickles and cheese sauce served with crinkle-cut fries.

Bling Bling Cereal Churro from Goofy’s Churro Cart: Classic churro rolled in chocolate cookie crumbs topped with cereal mix and condensed milk.

Party attire is encouraged for this event, so don’t let Guests forget to show their school spirit! (Please read the Disneyland Resort Attire Guidelines.)

How’s all that for an update of the decades? And don’t forget – also included with Guests’ tickets, they’ll have three additional hours pre-party to mix-in at Disney California Adventure Park!

Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion is only available for three nights – availability is limited. Don’t let Guests miss experiencing grad night once more at Disney California Adventure Park!

Visit Disneyland.com/DisneylandAfterDark for additional details. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price

On June 13, 2022, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” marking the freshly reimagined return of one of its most popular musical entertainment experiences. This fully updated, 25-minute stage show incorporates live performers and puppets, along with many favorite production numbers from the original “Finding Nemo: The Musical.” In addition to a new script, the show features new set pieces with a fresh look, and a new LED video wall designed to visually extend the world created by the physical sets on stage – such as a 32-foot-long sunken submarine and a 15-foot-tall fish tank volcano.

Disney PhotoPass Service is bringing Guests a lens that will help them live their Star Wars story wherever they are – without needing to make the jump to hyperspace.

First, they can use this lens to select their species. Maybe they’re a Zabrak with a crown of horns protruding through their head. Perhaps they’re a Twi’lek or Togruta showing off their very striking features. Or, maybe they’re simply a human. That’s fine too!

Then they can discover who they truly are, because they can choose to unveil their hidden identity as one of the Empire’s Jedi-hunting Inquisitors – just like those seen in the new limited series “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” now streaming only on Disney+. 

I sense a disturbance in the Force.

Now through June 7, Guests can enjoy complimentary access to this lens in the Snapchat app by visiting the Lenses section of the Disney PhotoPass Service Snapchat profile. Whether they’re in the parks or at home, they can use this lens to capture out-of-this-galaxy photos and videos.

Starting June 8, this lens will be available exclusively in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios through the My Disney Experience app with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service.* With their purchase, they’ll unlock many other Disney PhotoPass Lenses, giving them a fun new way to capture the magic of Walt Disney World Resort right from their mobile device.                           

*With the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, Walt Disney World guests can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the My Disney Experience app as soon as they enter the park. Select Disney PhotoPass Lenses are accessible only within designated areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other Disney PhotoPass Lenses will remain accessible in the My Disney Experience app until 5:59 a.m. on the 45^th day after the day on which the Disney Genie+ service was used; certain states and localities are excluded. Many Disney PhotoPass Lenses use technology that detects the coordinates of key points on a guest’s face and/or hands and may be used only by guests 18 years of age and older who have consented to use of this technology. Therefore, guests unable to provide such consent, as well as guests under 18 years of age, will have fewer lenses available to use. To access Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an eligible mobile device with the My Disney Experience app with access to the device’s camera and location is required. A purchase of Disney Genie+ service at Walt Disney World Resort does not include downloads of a guest’s Disney PhotoPass photos or videos that were captured by photographers and onboard attractions. Use of Disney PhotoPass Lenses is subject to the Terms and Conditions. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Beginning today, Disney Parks are celebrating PRIDE Month as part of our commitment to recognize and celebrate the contributions, cultures and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

This year, at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, look for all-new incredible, Pride-themed backdrops celebrating love. Each park photo wall is unique, themed to its surroundings and honors the diversity and pride within the LGBTQIA+ community, like the one above at EPCOT.

For those who want to do something a little different, Disney PhotoPass Service will have photo props like a rainbow umbrella, Magic Shots and colorful photo opportunities throughout Walt Disney World, plus new virtual backdrops at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs.

At Disney Springs, Guests will find new décor and photo opportunities in celebration of Pride Month, as well as a new photo opportunity inspired by Love, Victor – a Hulu Original Series. The final season will debut on June 15 on Hulu and Disney+. Don’t miss the Disney Springs Art Walk, which celebrates the work of both local artists and artists from around the globe and currently features a new piece from Chad Mize, a multimedia artist, designer and muralist.

Locations including T-REX Cafe, Kendra Scott, Kate Spade New York, Coca Cola Store and more will also have exciting offerings throughout the month of June. Learn more here about the latest Pride Month offerings at Disney Springs.  

Of course, no celebration is complete without food! Coming soon, keep an eye out for this month’s Foodie Guide to limited-time food and beverage offerings available throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

In the My Disney Experience app, look for new pass designs for Disney MagicMobile service, now available on eligible iPhones, Apple Watch or Google Pay enabled Android phones. Personalize your pass with a variety of designs in honor of Pride Month.

  

The brand new Disney Pride Collection is available throughout Walt Disney World this month and beyond, with apparel, accessories, pins and more from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. And this month is the perfect time to shop, with profits from the Disney Pride Collection benefiting organizations that support LGBTQIA+ youth and families, including Zebra Coalition, based here in Central Florida.

In an effort to further support the Zebra Coalition in its mission to provide a community where all youth feel safe and empowered, we are donating an additional $100,000 to help expand its housing and counseling services. To learn more about this organization and others, visit TWDCPrideCollection.com.

No matter what our guests are celebrating, an iconic ear hat has been a Disney tradition since the very beginning. This month, we’re introducing new stitching colors options to Share Your Pride. These new personalization options will be available year-round and feature the colors of the pride and transgender flags. Personalization options are available at Curtain Call Collectibles at Magic Kingdom Park, Gateway Gifts at EPCOT and Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories at Disney Springs