WDW Daily News

From Disney:

Earlier this week, we shared the exciting news about Disney Genie, a complimentary and convenient new digital service coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this fall. We know you have a lot of questions about how this new service will work. And today, we’re sharing answers to some of your top questions.

Stay tuned for more information and resources in the coming weeks.

What is Disney Genie?

Coming this fall to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Disney Genie is a complimentary and convenient new digital service in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps designed to create your best Disney day. Disney Genie service will maximize your park time, so you can have more fun. It includes a personalized itinerary feature that will quickly and seamlessly map out an entire day. From specific attractions, foodie experiences and entertainment, to general interests like Disney princesses, villains, Pixar, Star Wars, thrill rides and more – just tell Disney Genie what you want to do and it will do the planning for you.

What other new options are you introducing as part of the rollout of Disney Genie?

For even more convenience and flexibility, there are two other options for enjoying our theme parks, through a queue we are introducing called the Lightning Lane entrance that also saves you time in line:

• Disney Genie+ service (available for purchase): For the price of $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort, choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance. You can make one selection at a time, throughout the day – from classics like Haunted Mansion to thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and newer favorites like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (attractions subject to limited availability). This convenient option is the next evolution of the fan-favorite Disney MaxPass service from Disneyland Resort. Disney Genie+ will also include Disney parks-themed audio experiences and photo features to capture your memories – augmented reality lenses for those visiting Walt Disney World Resort and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads from your day if you are visiting Disneyland Resort.
• Individual attraction selections (available for purchase): Schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance – like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). Pricing will vary by date, attraction and park.

When will you launch Disney Genie?

Disney Genie will launch this fall at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. We look forward to sharing more details and exact dates soon.

What is the difference between Disney Genie and Disney Genie+?

Disney Genie is a complimentary digital planning service with personalized itineraries, tips that can help reduce time in lines and other features to help you plan your best Disney day. The Disney Genie+ service is an add-on option available for purchase that will let Guests choose the next available arrival time for the Lightning Lane entrance – one at a time, throughout the day – at a variety of attractions (attractions subject to limited availability). The service also includes photo features and audio experiences. Arrival times for the Lightning Lane entrance will be an hour-long window.

Can all Guests use Disney Genie, or do they have to pay for it?

Disney Genie service is complimentary for all Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort via the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. Additional options to select arrival times for the Lightning Lane entrance will be available for purchase, including the Disney Genie+ service and individual attraction selections, subject to limited availability.

Do Guests need a separate app to access Disney Genie?

No. Disney Genie service is complimentary for all Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort via the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps.

When will Guests be able to add Disney Genie+ to their vacation package/ticket?

Disney Genie itinerary planning service will launch this fall at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. We look forward to sharing more details soon, including when you can begin adding it to your Clients’ vacation package or tickets. After launch, Guests will be able to purchase the Disney Genie+ service ahead of their visit if they wish as a ticket add-on, or on the day of their visit.

What is the Lightning Lane entrance?

The Lightning Lane entrance is a queue we are introducing, available through options Guests can purchase to save time in line. Lightning Lane selections will be made on the same day of your visit and can be used across multiple theme parks, great for those who love the Park Hopper option. Guests may select an arrival time, one at a time, for Lightning Lane entry for a variety of attractions and experiences with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service (attractions subject to limited availability), or schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). Pricing for the individual attraction selections will vary by date, attraction and park. 

Can Guests purchase and choose their attraction selections before their visit? 

Guests will choose selections for the Lightning Lane entrance on the day of their visit. Please visit the Walt Disney World or Disneyland websites for more details about the experience at each park.

What attractions can be booked with Genie+?

Examples include Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. We’ll be sharing more details soon for each resort. Most attractions that previously offered FastPass+ at Walt Disney World and FASTPASS/Disney MaxPass at Disneyland Resort will offer a Lightning Lane entrance available through Disney Genie+.

What attractions can be booked with individual Lightning Lane selections?

Examples include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Radiator Springs Racers. We’ll be sharing more details soon for each resort.

Can Guests purchase Disney Genie+ service for just one day of their multi-day visit?

When purchased with a Guests’ ticket or vacation package ahead of their visit, Disney Genie+ service is purchased for the length of stay (all days of a multi-day visit). When purchased on the day of visit, Guests will purchase Disney Genie+ for a single day.

Do Guests have to purchase Disney Genie+ to have access to attractions?

No. Attractions will continue to have a traditional standby queue, or a virtual queue at certain attractions.

Is there still a no-cost option for expedited access to attractions?

Attractions will have a traditional standby queue, or certain attractions will have a virtual queue. To access the new Lightning Lane entrance, Guests can either purchase Disney Genie+ service for a variety of attractions (subject to limited availability) or purchase and schedule an individual arrival time at up to two highly demanded attractions each day (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). [FastPass, FastPass+ and Disney MaxPass services will be retired.]

Do all Guests need to pay to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers or WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure?

No. Guests can join attractions offering a virtual queue via Disney Genie in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. If Guests are unable to secure a place in the virtual queue, purchase of the Lightning Lane entrance may be an additional option to experience the attraction, subject to limited availability. There is no traditional standby queue for these attractions at this time.

How does this impact Disability Access Service?  

We are also making some enhancements our Disability Access Service (DAS) program, including a new option to enroll in the program pre-arrival and select return times for attractions directly in the app. This option will be available in addition to our existing, in-person DAS program. Visit our Services for Guests with Disabilities page on DisneyWorld.com and Disneyland.com for more details.

What is the price of Disney Genie+ service?

At launch, Disney Genie+ will be priced at $15 per ticket, per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket, per day at Disneyland Resort.

Can Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders or Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders purchase Disney Genie+?

At launch, Passholders at Walt Disney World and Magic Key holders at Disneyland Resort will be able to purchase Disney Genie+ on the day of their visit. As always, we will continue to explore other enhancements as well and of course will appreciate their feedback when we launch the service. 

Will Annual Passholders or Magic Key holders receive discounts on Disney Genie+ service and individual attraction Lightning Lane purchases?

At this time, there are no discounts available for Disney Genie+ or individual attraction Lightning Lane purchases. As always, we will continue to explore new offerings for Annual Passholders and Magic Key holders in the future and value their feedback.

Without the advanced FastPass+ booking window, are there any benefits for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels?

Each day at 7 a.m., Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will have the first opportunity to purchase up to two individual attraction selections for the Lightning Lane entrance (subject to limited availability), before other Guests who will be able to do so upon park opening. Guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels will also have more time in the parks during the 50th anniversary, with new early theme park entry and extended evening hours benefits.

This Walt Disney World Resort edition of Foodie News is jam-packed with exciting news – from the reopening of three of our most popular all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets to the addition of seven more global marketplaces at EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE^®. Check out all the delicious details below!

Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opens today with all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast and dinner. Once again, the cooking stations will be brimming with favorites for breakfast – creamy pap, turkey bobotie, pancakes, waffles, deviled eggs with salmon, and delicious freshly baked items from the Boma bakery.

At dinner, the rotisserie area will offer pork ribs, salmon, African-spiced strip loin, Durban rotisserie chicken, and lamb bobotie. The kid’s station will have pasta and meatballs, mac n’ cheese, and chicken bites. The rotating selection of soups, stews, and chowders are back, as well as tasty salads like berbere chickpea salad and North African cauliflower salad. And yes, Zebra Domes are back!

Beginning Aug. 29, Biergarten Restaurant in the German pavilion at EPCOT will offer a buffet experience for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy their favorite German dishes – pretzel rolls, bratwurst, spätzle, schnitzel, and a variety of desserts, including apple strudel and black forest rolls. Prost!

Inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s, The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park is such an enchanting spot to dine. We are happy to announce starting Sept. 12, their buffet will open for lunch and dinner where Guests can feast on Parker House rolls, create-your-own fresh garden salad, seared pork tenderloin, fire-roasted prime rib, braised beef short ribs, and more.

Guests can enjoy Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan, and Kiangche-style specialties at Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China pavilion at EPCOT. Now open for dinner (Tuesday-Saturday), start with Sichuan Chicken Dumplings, Crispy Duck Bao Buns, or the House Hot & Sour Soup. For entrées, select from many delicious dishes such as Kung Pao Duo, Salt and Pepper Shrimp, Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken, and Kowloon Spare Ribs.

Guests can start their day in the most enchanting way – breakfast is back at Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park starting Aug. 27! Reservations are available beginning Aug. 24.

Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park reopens Aug. 29 and they have delicious new entrées to try while traveling through the park. Did you know “kusafiri” means “to journey” in Swahili?

• Spiced Potato Hand Pies – Vegetables and potatoes wrapped in pastry served with harissa aïoli and coriander chutney
• Marinated Chicken Flatbread Sandwich – Marinated chicken topped with cucumber–tomato salad, tahini sauce, and greens served with house-made chips
• Red Chili Hot Dog – Spicy hot dog topped with cucumber–tomato salad and harissa aïoli served with house-made chips 

Guests can drop anchor and check out the new offerings at Dockside Diner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Opening Aug. 22, this adorable walk-up location has plenty of outdoor seating along Echo Lake.

• Shrimp Salad Roll – Shrimp, arugula, tomatoes, pickled shaved fennel, and sliced radish tossed with rémoulade sauce on a brioche butter bun served with seasoned house-made chips
• Chipotle Chicken Salad Roll – Roasted pulled chicken salad with red onions, celery, tomatoes, and watercress tossed with chipotle aïoli and topped with fried onions on a brioche butter bun served with seasoned house-made chips
• Smoked Fish Dip served with seasoned house-made chips, celery, carrots, jalapeños, and pickles
• Seaside Brownie – Chocolate brownie topped with white chocolate ganache and seaside garnish
• Blue Sea Margarita – Tequila, blue Curaçao, and sweet-and-sour

And exciting news for all festival-goers! In our recent Foodie Guide to the EPCOT^®International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE^®, we indicated we would be opening more global marketplaces on Oct. 1. But the Festival Team decided to open seven marketplaces early – on Aug. 15!

Ireland (Near United Kingdom) 

Food:

• Fisherman’s Seafood Pie
• Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy
• Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard

Beverages:

• Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
• Bunratty Mead Honey Wine
• Guinness Baileys Shake

Spain (Between Italy and Germany)

Food:

• Charcuterie with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette (gluten/wheat friendly)
• Spanish-style Paella with Rice, Chorizo, and Shrimp (gluten/wheat friendly)
• Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

• Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial Lager (new)

• Avaline White Blend (new)
• Faustino VII Rioja Rosado (new)

• Espelt Garnacha
• Wine Flight

The Alps (Near Germany) 

Food:

• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Alpine Ham, Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
• Blueberry and Almond Frangipane Tart with Crème Fraîche  

Beverages:

• Huber Vision Grüner Veltliner, Austria (new)
• Cave De La Côte Rosé Gamay, Romand
• René Favre Dôle, Chamoson
• Frozen Rosé
• Wine Flight

Kenya (Outpost) 

Food:

• Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato & Corn Mealie Pap and Kachumbari Slaw (gluten/wheat friendly)
• Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with Citrus-scented Couscous

Beverages:

• Tusker Lager

India (Near China) – Opening Oct. 1

Food: 

• Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa, and Coriander Pesto Dips

• Korma Chicken with Basmati Rice, Crispy Chickpeas, and Spiced Yogurt Sauce (gluten/wheat friendly)
• Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas, and Ben’s Original Basmati Rice (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based)

Beverages:

• Mango Lassi (non-alcoholic)
• Taj Mahal Premium Lager (new)
• Sula Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine, Nashik (new)
• Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
• Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Chai Cream Liqueur

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

NEW! Lobster Landing (Near Mission: SPACE^®) 

Food: 

• New England Lobster Tail with Lobster Bisque Sauce (new)
• Lobster Chowder with Bacon, Corn, Potatoes, and Oyster Crackers (new)
• Baked Lobster Dip with Old Bay Chips (gluten/wheat friendly; new)

Beverages:

• Coronado Brewing Co. Salty Crew Blonde Ale, San Diego, CA (new)
• Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa (new)
• Sean Minor Chardonnay, California (new)
• Cape Codder: Vodka with Cranberry, Pomegranate, and Lime (new)

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce 

NEW! Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE^®) 

Food: 

• Traditional Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko
• Truffle Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko (new)
• Cowboy Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Pork Belly, Brisket Burnt Ends, Pickled Peppers, and Onion Straws (new)
• Macaroni and Cheese with House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers (plant-based)

Beverages:

• 81Bay Brewing Co. Lemon Hazy IPA, Tampa, FL (new)
• L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Columbia Valley, WA
• Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

Select Dishes featuring Melissa’s Produce

Disney is almost ready to let Disney Genie out of the lamp! Check out this video to learn more!

https://content.bitsontherun.com/players/XfP3bU3v-NzZGuyMh.html

Coming this fall to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Disney Genie is a complimentary and convenient new digital service designed to create the best Disney day for our Guests. Disney has been listening to Guest feedback – they want planning to be easier, they want more flexibility and they want better tools to help make the most of the visit – and that’s exactly what Disney Genie is here to do. They’ve made significant investments in this cool new technology, which guides Guests through our theme parks with tips that can help them reduce time in lines, discover magic around every corner and take the guesswork out of “what’s next.” 

Built right into the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps, Disney Genie service will maximize your park time for our Guests, so they can have more fun. It includes a personalized itinerary feature that will quickly and seamlessly map out an entire day. From specific attractions, foodie experiences and entertainment, to general interests like Disney princesses, villains, Pixar, Star Wars, thrill rides and more – Guests just tell Disney Genie what they want to do and it will do the planning for them. It will be a great complement to the incredible guidance and support you provide as a Travel Professional.

Here are a few more features:

• Get Itinerary Updates from Morning to Night: Disney Genie will continue to update the Guest’s itinerary throughout your day, so they can be more spontaneous and go with the flow.
• Find Favorites at a Glance: Guests can create their very own personal tip board to instantly see their favorites. It will display current AND forecasted future wait times, helping Guests predict when they might experience quicker entry to attractions.
• Enjoy More Flexibility and Fun: Disney Genie brings existing planning features together in one place. Guests can join a virtual queue at certain attractions, make dining and experience reservations, mobile order food at many locations, get help from a virtual assistant and more.

For even more convenience and flexibility, there are two other options for enjoying the theme parks, through a queue they are introducing called the Lightning Lane entrance that also saves Guests time in line: 

• Disney Genie+ service (available for purchase): For the price of $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort, Guests can choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance. Guests can make one selection at a time, throughout the day – from classics like Haunted Mansion to thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and newer favorites like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (attractions subject to limited availability). This convenient option is the next evolution of the fan-favorite Disney MaxPass service from Disneyland Resort. Disney Genie+ will also include Disney parks-themed audio experiences and photo features to capture your memories – augmented reality lenses for those visiting Walt Disney World Resort and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads from your day if you are visiting Disneyland Resort. Disney Genie+ will be eligible for commission on select tickets and more information will be available on the Disney Travel Agents website.
• Individual attraction selections (available for purchase):Guests can schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance – like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). Pricing will vary by date, attraction and park.  

Lightning Lane selections will be made on the same day of the Guest’s visit and can be used across multiple theme parks, great for those who love the Park Hopper option. Attractions continue to offer a traditional standby queue, or a virtual queue at certain attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – to maximize flexibility.

While the FASTPASS, FastPass+ and Disney MaxPass services will be retired, Disney is incredibly excited about the flexibility and choices Disney Genie service provides. Guests can choose from all of the new options, a mix of them or none at all, and continue to have a great experience no matter how Guests decide to plan their best Disney day. 

Disney is also making some enhancements to the Disability Access Service (DAS) program, including new options to enroll in the program pre-arrival and for DAS participants to select arrival windows for attractions directly in the app. These options will be available in addition to our existing, in-person DAS program. Visit our Services for Guests with Disabilities page on DisneyWorld.com and Disneyland.com for more details.

Visit Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort for more details on Disney Genie and stay tuned for updates real soon.

Are you ready for an out-of-this-world dining experience at EPCOT?  Then prepare for liftoff, because Space 220 restaurant at EPCOT is scheduled to begin service in mid-September… another milestone in the transformation of EPCOT underway at Walt Disney World Resort. 

The Space 220 restaurant is located adjacent to the Mission: SPACE attraction, and takes fine dining to a whole new level. The immersive experience begins as Guests check in to the Space 220 Departure Lounge in Future World. From here, Guests will board one of two “Space Elevators” that will transport them to what seems like 220 miles above Earth to Centauri Space Station. As Guests begin their ascent, they’ll look down through a viewport to see EPCOT shrink away; looking up they’ll see the Space Station come into view. 

Once Guests have docked, they’ll head through the Centauri Space Station themed dining area. Inside the dining area, Guests will experience a panoramic view of Earth below, and a variety of work and leisure activities taking place beyond the windows of the Space Station themed restaurant.  

And the views are just part of the experience. Disney Imagineers are excited to have created this experience for Executive Chef Marc Kusche to showcase his culinary wonders. The Space 220 restaurant menu will feature stellar dishes and gourmet recipes, with a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch, and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner. The upscale, contemporary fare will bring new meaning to “the height of dining!” Rounding out the meal will be unique beverages – from fine wine to atmospheric cocktails and more. 

EPCOT is defined by original stories that inspire. The Space 220 restaurant is another big milestone in the ongoing and historic transformation happening now at EPCOT, and will be a part of the celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort 50^th Anniversary. 

Stay tuned for more details about this one-of-a-kind dining experience at EPCOT as we prepare for liftoff in anticipation of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” 

Music is at the heart of any celebration. It can bring the world together across boundaries and borders, and Disney music is recognized no matter where you are in the world. It touches people’s lives through powerful melodies and memorable lyrics that are inspiring and moving in any language. “Harmonious,” the all-new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT, celebrates the music of Disney and its ability to unite us all, bridging cultures and generations to unlock the magic of possibility. 

The soundtrack for “Harmonious” was produced remotely through more than 100 separate recording sessions in nine different countries and five states. In total, nearly 240 musicians, artists, composers, arrangers, cultural consultants, and vocalists contributed to the unique and wholly authentic sound of the show.  

“Harmonious” takes us on a journey through new interpretations of familiar Disney songs, performed in more than a dozen languages by a cast of talented singers from around the world. Some are recognizable names, either in the United States or their home country, while others are rising stars being heard by a global audience for the first time.  

Award-winning Puerto Rican artist Luis Fonsi, responsible for several global hits including “Despacito,” joins Mexican singer-songwriter Joy for a rousing, pan-Latin version of songs from Coco and Saludos Amigos. A fresh and vibrant arrangement of “Dig a Little Deeper” from The Princess and the Frog features vocalist Bryson Camper and legendary Gospel artists Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard, and musical selections from Mulan, The Jungle Book, and Aladdin are highlighted by the vocal talents of Wang Liuqi, Hollie Hammel, Aditya Rao, Gaayatri Kaundinya, Jorgie Shkara, and Sanaa Marahati. 

The Ndlovu Youth Choir from Johannesburg contributes a medley of favorites from The Lion King, performed in both English and Zulu. We also hear a duet with French pop singer Damien Sargue, belting “Out There” from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the music of Disney and Pixar’s Brave gets a Celtic kick from the dueling violins of Grammy and Emmy-nominated violinist Máiréad Nesbitt and platinum-selling electronic artist, violinist, and multi-talented entertainer Lindsey Stirling. 

Here’s a look at some of the amazing work that went on behind the scenes to create the music of “Harmonious.” 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OYjPi2Ly2S0

“Harmonious” opens with an inspiring medley of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana and “Go the Distance” from Hercules, performed by “American Idol” finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey and vocalists Elisha Garrett and Ninet Tayeb. The show builds to a finale that unites everyone around World Showcase and from around the world, as many of the musical artists come together to perform a poignant and powerful song, bringing “Harmonious” to an emotional close.  

Throughout the soundtrack, there’s also a musical motif in the form of the soaring melody of composer Pinar Toprak’s new EPCOT anthem, and all these diverse pieces of music are artfully woven together by arranger Mark Hammond and Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Music Producer and Creative Director Yaron Spiwak. The resulting ensemble is a magnificent cultural symphony unlike anything heard before. 

“Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park and a key milestone in the transformation of EPCOT, is set to open October 1 as part of the celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort 50^th anniversary. Stay tuned for regular updates on “Harmonious” and The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

Boma – Flavors of Africa reopens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on Aug. 20 with all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets at breakfast and dinner. Reservations will be available beginning Aug. 18.

• Breakfast offerings include creamy pap, turkey bobotie, pancakes, waffles, deviled eggs with salmon, and delicious freshly baked items from the Boma bakery. 
• At dinner, the rotisserie area will offer pork ribs, salmon, African-spiced strip loin, Durban rotisserie chicken, and lamb bobotie. The kid’s cooking pod will have pasta and meatballs, mac n’ cheese, and chicken bites. The rotating selection of soups, stews, and chowders are back, as well as tasty salads like berbere chickpea salad and North African cauliflower salad. 
• For dessert, Guests can enjoy delicious Zebra Domes and a variety of other sweet treats.

Bookings, full menus and pricing will be available at DisneyWorld.com.

Twinkling lights, festive décor, and magical celebrations will fill Magic Kingdom Park when “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” begins. The event will take place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 through Dec. 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s holiday celebration coincides with the Walt Disney World 50^thanniversary – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” We can’t wait to unwrap all that festive fun!

Event dates are:

November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30

December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21

We are so excited to let you know that “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will include the nighttime spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the special holiday-themed parade “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”. That’s right, a parade! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be joined by pals from Disney’s “Frozen” and many other favorite Disney characters including the very popular Toy Soldiers. This festive parade will, of course, also feature Santa Claus himself!

Tickets for the festive 4-hour “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will grant admission to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m., giving Guests more time to enjoy some of their favorite Magic Kingdom attractions. They can also take in some of the EARidescent magic that will be part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” from the brand-new fireworks spectacular “Disney Enchantment” to the transformation of Cinderella Castle into a “Beacon of Magic,” all in honor of the 50^thanniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. And, yes! That means Guests could be able to experience two different and unique fireworks shows in one night!

That’s not all that it’s in store. Here are additional details of what Guests can experience during this limited-capacity, separately ticketed event:

• Holiday attraction overlays are also making a comeback! The Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise, and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor will get new jokes perfect for this joyful season.
• After the park closes to day Guests, event Guests can enjoy less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions including favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.
• Sightings of Disney characters throughout the park all dressed in their holiday best.
• While Guests are walking down Main Street, U.S.A. they should be sure to look up to the sky, they might catch some magical snowfall!
• Guests can dance and boogie the night away at themed Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland.
• Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.
• Specialty holiday food and drinks will be also be available for purchase.
• Disney PhotoPass will offer holiday magic shots throughout the night.

Tickets will go on sale Aug. 20, 2021. Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as August 17 (Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November/December nights, and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

With Halloween right around the corner, we’re digging up an eerie early look at our most dreadfully delicious Best Bites of the year!    

Whether it’s frightful favorites like Sea Witch’s Brew or a creepily creative “mummy-approved” cupcake, there’s a cauldron of terrifyingly terrific treats to enjoy this season at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you dare – check out our special guide of scrumptious sweets and treats:   

Resorts 

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Sanaa and Sanaa Lounge 
  • Sea Witch’s Brew – Vodka, raspberry liqueur, blue Curaçao beverage syrup, muddled berries, and edible glitter served in a Collins glass with a blue glow cube (Available 10/24-10/31)
• Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Food Courts 
  • Spooky Apple Spiced Spider Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with apple filling and spiced buttercream caramel drizzle (Available 10/25-10/31)
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Contempo Café 
  • Mini Halloween Cake – Halloween sprinkle cake with candy bar custard and chocolate glaze (Available 10/1-10/31)
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Gasparilla Island Grill 
  • Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes – Rich devil’s food cake with “peanut boo-tter” filling decorated to resemble all three Sanderson Sisters (Available 9/1-11/1)
  • Jack Skellington Pumpkin Pie Pop – Pumpkin pie colossal pop covered in white chocolate decorated as the iconic Pumpkin King (Available 9/1-11/1)
  • Sally’s Stitched Up Whoopie Pie Heart – Vanilla heart-shaped whoopie pie adorned with Sally’s signature patchwork (Available 9/1-11/1)
  • Be-Witching Minnie Mouse Cupcake – Cookies & cream-filled chocolate cupcake enrobed in chocolate ganache and topped with Minnie Mouse chocolate witch hat (Available 9/1-11/1) 
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits and Olivia’s Café
  • Harvest Refresher – Vodka with cranberry juice and muddled oranges (Available 9/26-11/25)
  • Apple Cider Old Fashioned – Bourbon with fresh apple cider, bitters, muddled oranges, and brown sugar cinnamon (Available 9/26-11/25) 
  • Caramel Apple Martini – Vanilla vodka, butterscotch flavor liqueur, and fresh apple cider with a brown sugar cinnamon rim (Available 9/26-11/25)
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Good’s Food to go, Conch Flatts General Store, and Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks
  • Poisoned Delight – Violet white chocolate mousse dome with an apple insert and fresh apple cake covered in a white chocolate glaçage (Available 10/1-10/31)
• Disney’s Riviera Resort – Le Petit Café
  • Milk Chocolate and Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake – Caramel milk chocolate mousse, chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake, roasted white chocolate shell, and graham cracker sable-inspired acorn (Available 9/25-11/27)
  • Milk Chocolate and Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake – Caramel milk chocolate mousse, chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake, dark chocolate glaçage, and graham cracker sable inspired bat (Available 10/24-10/31)
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Geyser Point
  • Blood Orange – Tequila, blood orange, and simple syrup with lime juice (Available 10/3-11/7)
  • Black Magic Margarita –Tequila, blue Curaçao beverage syrup, green apple syrup, grenadine, sour mix, and a glow cube (Available 10/3-11/7)
  • Around the Pumpkin Patch – Tequila, pumpkin spice, lime juice, and sour mix (Available 10/3-11/7)
  • Poison Apple – Tequila, green apple syrup, lime juice, and sour mix with a poison apple glow cube (Available 10/3-11/7)
  • Holiday Drink Flight – Flight with all four holiday drinks featured above (Available 10/3-11/7)
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Roaring Fork
  • Going Batty Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with ganache icing and sugar cookie bat (Available 10/28-10/31)
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort – The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace
  • Mummy Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with a pumpkin mousse filling (Available 10/1-10/31)
  • Tiramisu Grave – Aclassic tiramisù with coffee flavor and a chocolate pretzel skeleton with a marshmallow for a head (Available 10/1-10/31)
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – BoardWalk Bakery
  • Macaroon Pumpkin Pop – Coconut macaroon pumpkin on a stick (Available 10/24-10/31)
  • Candy Corny Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake filled with white chocolate candy corn mousse and topped with baker’s cream (Available 10/24-10/31)
  • Vampire Mickey Brownie – Ganache-covered brownie with Mickey ears and vampire fangs (Available 10/24-10/31)
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – The Artist’s Palette
  • Poisoned Delight – Violet white chocolate mousse dome with an apple insert and fresh apple cake covered in a white chocolate glaçage (Available 10/1-10/31)

Disney Springs

• Amorette’s Patisserie
  • Haunted Mansion Cake – Brownie with diplomat filling with purple and black chiffon cake (Available 9/5-10/31)
• Dockside Margarita
  • Jack O’Lantern – Black rum, rum, white rum, orange-flavored triple sec liqueur, orange juice, lemonade, and a grenadine float (Available 9/5-10/31)
• The Ganachery 
  • Caramel Skulls (Available 9/5-10/31) 
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte Ganache Squares (Available 9/5-10/31)
  • Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow (Available 9/5-10/31)
  • Mickey Mummy Piñata (Available 9/5-10/31)
  • Sister Elixir Cocoa Bomb (Available 10/19-10/31)
• Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
  • Witch’s Flight – Whiskey, white grape juice, lime juice, and sweet and sour with flavors of green apple, orange-tangerine, and blackberry (Available 9/5-10/31)
• Outdoor Kiosks
  • Witch Way – Vodka, blue Curaçao beverage syrup, orange juice, and pineapple juice garnished with a poison apple glow cube (Available 9/5-10/31)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Creature Comforts and Flame Tree Barbecue 
  • Scar Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, and white chocolate flames with an edible icing image of Scar (Available 10/1-11/4) 
• Mahindi, Feeding Ground, Cornivores, and Trek Snacks 
  • Poison Apple Sipper 
• Restaurantosaurus
  • Maleficent Cupcake – Purple velvet cupcake with blood orange curd, vanilla frosting, crisp pearls, and white chocolate flames with Maleficent medallion (Available 10/1-11/4)

Magic Kingdom Park

• Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
  • Prince John Sucker – Tart green apple lemonade slush topped with whipped cream and a ring pop (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Golden Oak Outpost
  • Mocha Chocolate Chip – Frozen mocha topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a sugar acorn (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Main Street Outdoor Vending Carts
  • Maleficent Churro – Churro covered in chocolate cookie crumble drizzled with purple icing topped with green and purple sugar (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Storybook Treats
  • Five Dozen Egg Slush – Frozen custard with brown sugar topped with whipped cream garnished with a cinnamon stick (Available 8/10-10/31)

Magic Kingdom Park – Disney After Hours Boo Bash Exclusive Treats

• Sleepy Hollow
  • Foolish Mortal Funnel Cake – Funnel cake topped with chocolate cookie crumbles, purple vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and M&M’s milk chocolate Ghoul’s Mix (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Golden Oak Outpost
  • Apple Ginger Dale – Frozen apple cider mixed with ginger ale topped with whipped cream and chopped TWIX cookies bars (Available 8/10-10/31)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

• ABC Commissary
  • Caramel Apple Tart – Spiced caramel cheesecake mousse apple served atop a cinnamon apple tart (Available 8/10 – 11/11)
  • Chocolate Mousse – Raspberry dark chocolate mousse, chocolate almond cake, a layer of hazelnut crunch, and whipped chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake (Available 8/10 -11/11)
• Backlot Express and Trolley Car Café
  • Spooky Ghost Cupcake – Fudge-filled chocolate cupcake topped with cookies & cream buttercream, spooky sprinkles, and vanilla meringue ghost (Available 8/10 -10/31)
• Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, PizzeRizzo, and Rosie’s All-American Café 
  • Frozen Apple Cider – Frozen apple cider topped with green apple boba balls (Available 8/10 – 10/31)
  • Alcoholic Frozen Apple Cider with Whiskey – Frozen apple cider with whiskey topped with green apple boba balls (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
  • Misty Whisper – Vanilla vodka, orange-flavored triple sec liqueur, orange-tangerine syrup, and vanilla ice-cream mix (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Fairfax Fare and Catalina Eddie’s
  • Pumpkin Spice Cookie – Pumpkin spice shortbread cookie covered in white chocolate (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Hollywood Scoops 
  • Halloween Shake – Candy corn ice cream shake topped with a vanilla cake donut, whipped cream, spooky sprinkles, and candy corn (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Oasis Canteen, Sunshine Day Bar, Animation Bar  
  • Sweet Poison – Coconut rum, blue Curaçao beverage syrup, rum, and pineapple juice (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Outdoor Carts
  • Halloween Brownie – Chocolate Mickey brownie with fun Halloween sprinkles (Available 8/10-9/30)
  • Halloween Popcorn Mix (Available 8/10-10/31)
• PizzeRizzo
  • Pumpkin Cannoli – Spooky cannoli filled with whipped pumpkin cheesecake (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Rosie’s All-American Café
  • Witch’s Hat Mousse – Whipped blackberry panna cotta sitting on green apple mousse with salted caramel crispy pearls and chocolate shortbread cookie (Available 8/10-10/31)
• The Trolley Car Café
  • Pumpkin Mousse – Milk chocolate chai mousse filled with pumpkin bread set atop a chocolate shortbread cookie and vanilla buttercream (Available 8/10-10/31)
• Woody’s Lunch Box
  • Halloween Lunch Box Tart – Chocolate-hazelnut filled lunch box tart frosted with spooky vanilla icing, Halloween sprinkles, and candy corn (Available 8/10-10/31)

 EPCOT 

• Block & Hans
  • Spiked Frozen Apple Pie with Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine, Minute Maid Apple Juice, and Cinnamon
• Canada Popcorn Cart
  • Spooky Caramel-Apple Cider in a Poison Apple Sipper (Coming Soon!)

As you can see, there are dreadfully delicious delights for everyone! Keep an eye out for the Mickey Mummy Popcorn Bucket coming soon to all four parks and Disney Springs. Also, be sure to check out Disney After Hours Boo Bash, a new event featuring Halloween-themed cavalcades, character sightings, trick or treating throughout the park and more. Disney After Hours Boo Bash will take place on select nights from August 10 through October 31.

And another frightfully fun favorite is materializing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the return of Minnie’s Halloween Dine – beginning Aug. 10 until Nov. 3.  A monster of a feast will be served to each table at Hollywood & Vine with Disney characters and friends making special appearances in costumes for the season!

More thrilling (and chilling) Halloween magic is coming to Disney Parks this year so keep checking back for updates and other “spirited” surprises.  

Do you remember your first pair of Mickey Mouse ears? What about your first Disney character plush? For almost 50 years, Guests from around the world have commemorated their Walt Disney World Resort trips with sentimental souvenirs that serve as timeless reminders of their vacations.

Over the years, carefully curated merchandise collections have been important piece of Walt Disney World history. Today we are giving you the first look at the merchandise collections inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” that begins Oct. 1.  

If Guests are planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation during the 18-month anniversary celebration and are looking to take home a token of the magic, we are excited to share a preview of the new collections debuting this fall across Walt Disney World Resort, with select items available at shopDisney.com.

Pre-Celebration Must-Haves

Available beginning on Aug. 12, this must-have pre-celebration collection features limited-time products, perfect for Disney fans who are visiting Walt Disney World Resort before the official 50^th anniversary festivities begin. Annual Passholders can check out this special long-sleeve T-shirt exclusively for them.

Launching at the start of the celebration, three new collections will appear across Walt Disney World Resort, with select items available on shopDisney.com. Two more 50^thanniversary collections will debut later this fall.  

Celebration Collection

From accessories by Dooney and Bourke and festive headwear to coordinating mommy-and-me ensembles and – fan favorite – a soap dispenser, the Celebration Collection offers a wide-ranging assortment of commemorative merchandise for the whole family, perfect for mixing and matching.

Disney Castle Collection

The iconic Magic Kingdom Park landmark, Cinderella Castle, serves as the inspiration behind this new collection. Favorite items include the collectable ornaments, the castle-themed mug and, of course, the light-up Minnie Mouse ear headband!

Vault Collection

This collection is sure be a favorite among long-time fans. It offers retro-themed designs inspired by items from the Walt Disney Archives. Paying tribute to 50 years of Walt Disney World magic, the collection includes an assortment of opening-day favorites, such as a 2021 rendition of the original Mickey Mouse ear hat, throwback T-shirt styles and vintage-inspired plush toys. And best of all, there’ll be more blasts from that past joining the collection as the celebration continues! 

EARidescent Collection

You may have noticed the new EARidescent décor on Cinderella Castle, and you will soon see more of it around Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the 50^th anniversary. The latest color collection, which will debut in late October, is themed to match the EARidescent celebration and features everything from a mini-backpack by Loungefly and a Spirit Jersey to a set of sparkling Minnie ears.

And there’s more to come! This fall, look for one-of-a-kind retail displays that will incorporate Disney storytelling into the 50^thmerchandise shopping experience. The imaginative displays will pop up at select merchandise locations across Walt Disney World, including World of Disney at Disney Springs. The rendering pictured above was envisioned by our very own merchandise cast members Eric Rachaphoumy and Paul Seus. 

You also won’t want to miss upcoming merchandise news, where we will reveal details about the Luxe Logo Collection, a range of upscale pieces for the Disney collector that will debut in November. Stay tuned for exciting updates about “The World’s Most Magical Celebration!”

Hearts and imaginations will soar as incredible kites and windcatchers dance through the air to the beat of beloved Disney songs during this high-flying performance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Be awed by elaborate, three-dimensional kites of Simba, Zazu, King Louie, Baloo and more as they take flight above the Discovery River Amphitheater—beginning October 1, 2021 during the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort.