REVIEW: Hawaii Finally Arrives at the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Alicia
Hawaii decided to show up fashionably late to the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. While the festival started on July 27, the Hawaii marketplace just opened on August 15. Even though we’re almost a month into the festival running, we’re excited Hawaii finally made it, so let’s head over and check out the …
REVIEW: NEW Kitchen Sink Cookie, 5-Legged Goat Tart, Monorail Brownie, and More at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Brit Tuttle
A handful of new sweet and savory treats have arrived at Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and we paid a visit to try them all. New Treats at Contempo Cafe Minnie Cinnamon Roll – $7.79 cinnamon roll dipped in white chocolate with sprinkles and edible bow There is nothing fancy about this Minnie Cinnamon …
$1800 “it’s a small world” Hippo Figurine Made of Salvaged Redwood Available at Disney Springs
Shannen Ace
An $1,800 “it’s a small world” hippo figurine is available at Walt Disney World Resort. The figurine is made out of salvaged ancient redwood trees by Ron and John Daniels of Daniels Wood Land. It’s available at the Art of Disney store in Disney Springs. “it’s a small world” Wooden Hippo Figurine – $1,800 The …
Cozy Cone Motel Sign Under Construction at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure
Justin Giglio
The Cozy Cone Motel, Sally’s roadside motel from “Cars,” is having some refurbishment work done to the entrance sign at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. Let’s take a look. Cozy Cone Under Construction Cars Land is famous for being a section of Disney California Adventure that is plucked right out of the Disney and …
PHOTOS: Building Extended During Disney Vacation Club Tower Construction at Polynesian Village Resort
Shannen Ace
Another wing is being added to the new Disney Vacation Club tower under construction at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The tower is projected to open in late 2024. Disney Vacation Club Tower Construction The newest wing being constructed is the section on the left in the above concept art. It’s on the right in our …
New Star Wars ‘The Mandalorian’ Grogu MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
A new Grogu MagicBand+ is available at Walt Disney World Resort. Grogu, a.k.a. “Baby Yoda” or “The Child,” debuted in “The Mandalorian” on Disney+ in 2019, instantly becoming a favorite “Star Wars” character. The new Grogu MagicBand+ is available at Frontier Trading Post in Magic Kingdom. ‘The Mandalorian’ Grogu MagicBand+ – $44.99 The Grogu MagicBand+ …
PHOTOS: Cherry Picker Relocated to Back of Morocco Pavilion During Construction at EPCOT
Brit Tuttle
The cherry pickers parked in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT have been moved to the back of the site, revealing the standing menu sign for Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina. Morocco Pavilion Refurbishment The boom lift boxes that were utilized for the cherry pickers are still present, though they’re both covered in green scrim …
‘Encanto’ Theming Coming to Disney Skyliner, ‘Coco’ Theming Coming to Walt Disney World Buses
Shannen Ace
The Madrigal family from “Encanto” will soon be featured on some Disney Skyliner gondolas and “Coco” characters will adorn Walt Disney World buses. Most Disney Skyliner gondolas are decorated with decals of various Disney characters that can be seen from the outside but are see-through from the inside. Walt Disney World has been ramping up …
Croissant Doughnuts (‘Cronuts’) Have Returned to EPCOT
Shannen Ace
Croissant Doughnuts, a.k.a. Cronuts, are finally available at EPCOT again. Cronuts at EPCOT Guests can pick up this iconic cinnamon-sugar snack at Connections Café, the park’s Starbucks location in World Celebration. The croissant doughnut has bounced around EPCOT over the years but hasn’t been consistently available for a while. It was once found at Refreshment …
Disney Cruise Line Creating New Display on Castaway Cay Honoring Families Who Have Sailed 50+ Times
Shannen Ace
Disney Cruise Line will be honoring Castaway Club members who have sailed with the cruise line 50 or more times with a new commemorative display on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas. Castaway Club Display Disney Cruise Line is celebrating 25 years of cruising this summer with the Silver Anniversary at Sea. The …
Journey of Water Inspired by ‘Moana’ Logo and More Information Revealed Ahead of ‘Late 2023’ Opening
Shannen Ace
The Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” page on the Walt Disney World website has been updated, revealing more information about the upcoming EPCOT attraction, including that it will have separate wet and dry paths. Disney also released the attraction’s logo. The logo features waves curving around “Journey of Water inspired by Moana.” The website …
Elsa’s Ice Palace, Arendelle Clock Tower, and More Illuminated for World of Frozen Testing at Hong Kong Disneyland
Shannen Ace
Hong Kong Disneyland was testing the lights of the new, upcoming World of Frozen land this week, illuminating Elsa’s ice palace and the rest of Arendelle. World of Frozen Lighting HKDL Fantasy shared photos of the lit-up land visible at a distance from other parts of Hong Kong Disneyland. Elsa’s ice palace on the North …
Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game to be Available at Disneyland Paris on August 18
Shannen Ace
The new Disney Lorcana trading card game will be available at Disneyland Paris on the game’s official release date of August 18, 2023. Disney Lorcana at Disneyland Paris Disney Lorcana: The First Chapter will be available at The Storybook Store starting on August 18 and at World of Disney and Bay Boutique starting on August …
Signed Aerosmith Photo Still Missing, Wall Covered in Dust at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Shannen Ace
Though it has been nearly three months since Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened from a lengthy refurbishment, a signed photo of Aerosmith is still missing from the ride’s exit and the space is still covered in dust. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Dusty Walls The signed photo hung on the wall in …
Give Kids The World Village Offers Chance To Win A Night in the Cinderella Castle Suite To Help Grant Wishes For Critically Ill Children
Katie Francis
Give Kids the World and Walt Disney World have partnered for a new fundraiser to support the village, which hosts critically ill children for free vacations with their families. The fundraiser includes a chance for participants to win the rare privilege of staying a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom. Read the …
Live Bats at Pirates of the Caribbean, CommuniCore Hall Mural Revealed, and More: Daily Recap (8/15/23)
Justin Giglio
We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Walt Disney World Magic …
REVIEW: We Try the $300 Giant Boat of Sushi & Over 25 Items at NEW Shiki-Sai Restaurant in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion
Shannen Ace
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya has already soft-opened, and we visited EPCOT to give a review of the new Japan Pavilion venue. The restaurant officially opens on August 30, and reservations are now available. They are currently accepting walk-ups only. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Shiki-Sai is on the second floor of the Japan Pavilion. Guests dining at night …
Water Jets on Flowers and Clamshells Finally Working in Mickey’s Toontown CenTOONial Park Fountain
Justin Giglio
New elements were added to the CenTOONial Park Fountain last month at Mickey’s Toontown, and now new water jets have been added to the flowers and clamshells in the fountain. CenTOONial Park Fountain Adds Water Jets to Flowers and Clamshells The CenTOONial Park Fountain can be found in its namesake park, offering guests a whimsical …
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Looking to Bypass Disney Lawsuit with Early Judgement
Brit Tuttle
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board has filed a new motion for summary judgement in its state lawsuit against Walt Disney World, hoping to gain a pre-trial win, according to Orlando Business Journal. Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Files Motion for Summary Judgement Against Disney Disney originally filed a federal lawsuit against the Board …
PHOTOS: Torii Gate Bridge Adds More Decor, Aunt Cass Cafe and More Signage Goes Up for San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure
Justin Giglio
San Fransokyo Square is set to open at the end of the month on August 31, and work is progressing on both the Torii Gate Bridge and the rest of the square. Torii Gate Bridge Closer to Final Form Pacific Wharf’s primary entrance bridge is currently closed for installation of the Torii gate towers, as it …
PHOTOS: Another ‘The Last of Us’ Food Booth and More Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zone Theming Installed at Universal Studios Florida
Shannen Ace
Halloween Horror Nights 32 is just two weeks away and themed elements are popping up for scare zones all over Universal Studios Florida. In addition to new scare zone props, we also spotted another food booth inspired by “The Last of Us,” to go along with the game’s haunted house. Let’s take a look at …
After Over a Year of Complaints, Imagineers Finally Install Upgrades to Avengers Assemble: Flight Force at Disneyland Paris
Brit Tuttle
The long awaited show lighting updates have been added to Avengers Assemble: Flight Force in Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park, Disneyland Paris. New On-Ride Lighting Effects added to Avengers Assemble: Flight Force According to DLP Report, the new on-ride effects have been activated. This update was first revealed back in February of this …
Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort Closing For Refurbishment in December 2023
Shannen Ace
The Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort will close for a week in December 2023, likely for regular maintenance. Hogwarts Express Refurbishment The Hogwarts Express will be closed from December 10 through 16, 2023, just before the holiday rush. The ride is both a popular attraction and a convenient transport between Universal Studios Florida and …
BREAKING: Mirabel Meet & Greet Opening Date Announced, Bruno Joining Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom
Brit Tuttle
To celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, which begins on September 15, Walt Disney World has announced that two familiar faces from the animated film “Encanto,” Mirabel and Bruno, will be making appearances at Magic Kingdom. Mirabel Meet & Greet After a March announcement and permit filing in June, followed by ongoing retheming of …
Free ‘Hold On To Your Butts’ Jurassic Park Print Available to Universal Orlando Resort Passholders
Shannen Ace
A new “Jurassic Park” print is available to Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholders during Passholder Appreciation Days, which just kicked off. The print can be picked up at Five & Dime in Universal Studios Florida or the UOAP Lounge in Universal’s Islands of Adventure through August 31. Collectible UOAP ‘Jurassic Park’ Print The print has …
Bats Reportedly Causing Downtime for Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
Live bats that have made their home at Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom have been causing problems for the past few weeks, leading to the ride closing for anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours at a time. Bats in Adventureland Bats aren’t strangers to Adventureland. We took the above video of several …
New Snack-Themed UOAP Merchandise Available for Passholder Appreciation Days 2023
Shannen Ace
Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating their Annual Passholders with Passholder Appreciation Days from August 15 through September 30, 2023. New and exclusive snack-themed UOAP merchandise is now available at Five & Dime in Universal Studios Florida. UOAP Tank – $33 The logo featured on this new merchandise collection spells out “UOAP” (for Universal Orlando Annual …
Registration Open for Universal Studios Hollywood Pass Members Lights-On ‘Stranger Things 4’ Haunted House Walkthrough
Shannen Ace
Universal Studios Hollywood Annual Pass Members can currently RSVP for an exclusive lights-on walkthrough of the “Stranger Things 4” haunted house. The walkthrough is available at select times on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 (2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm & 5-6pm) and Tuesday, September 19, 2023 (2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm & 5-6pm). Spaces are limited. Advance reservation required. Restrictions …
New Light-Up Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Glass Pumpkin by Arribas Brothers at Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
A new light-up Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party glass pumpkin is available at Crystal Arts, the Arribas Brothers location in Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicked off on August 11 and takes place on select nights through November 1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Glass Pumpkin – $125 The piece resembles a pumpkin with an intricate …
REVIEW: The Noodle Exchange Opens with Revamped Shaved Beef Dish and More for the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Alicia
While most booths for the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival opened July 27, a few stragglers opened on August 15 — including The Noodle Exchange! Several dishes that we enjoyed last year have returned to the marketplace, along with a new take on the shaved beef dish. Menu for The Noodle Exchange at …
New 5-Legged Goat Fruit Tart, Incredibles Cupcake, Updated Grilled Cheese, and More Coming to Contempo Café
Shannen Ace
Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will debut new menu items tomorrow, Wednesday, August 16. Most will be available year-round, but they will also have a seasonal sugar cookie that rotates throughout the year. Contempo Café Breakfast For breakfast, Contempo Café will offer the new Breakfast Flatbread and Minnie Cinnamon Roll dipped in white chocolate. …
FIRST LOOK at CommuniCore Hall Mural Featuring EPCOT Easter Eggs Like Figment, Dream Mobile, Horizons Robot Butler, and More
Shannen Ace
During a Cast Member event, Disney revealed a mural that will be inside CommuniCore Hall when it opens at EPCOT later this year. CommuniCore Hall, named for the defunct CommuniCore Pavilions that were at EPCOT on opening day, will have a gallery space, as well as a demo kitchen, mixology bar, and Mickey & Friends …
Reservations Now Open for Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT
Shannen Ace
Reservations are now open for Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, a new restaurant coming to the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT. The restaurant has soft-opened, but its grand opening is officially August 30, 2023. We will be visiting for a review later today. Reservations are available on the Walt Disney World website for August 28 onwards. Shiki-Sai will …
First Look at Disney Treasure Coming on August 30
Shannen Ace
Disney Parks Blog will air a first-look video at the Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s next ship, on Wednesday, August 30. Disney Treasure First Look “Unlocking the Disney Treasure: Adventure Awaits Onboard Disney’s Newest Ship” will premiere on the Disney Parks Blog on Wednesday, August 30 at 11:00 a.m. ET. The video “will debut never-before-released …
Full Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Menu With Prices Revealed Ahead of EPCOT Opening
Shannen Ace
The full Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya menu has been released ahead of the new EPCOT restaurant’s official opening on August 30. The restaurant has actually already soft opened and we will have a review soon. At Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, guests will experience seasonal favorites of Japan. With each month comes a different celebration, from “hanging tanzaku to celebrate …
New Princess Belle Sipper Coming to Disneyland Resort Tomorrow
Brit Tuttle
A new Princess Belle Sipper has been announced for Disneyland Resort, and will waltz its way into Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure starting August 15. Princess Belle Sipper The sipper is a tall yellow plastic cup, and features a translucent yellow straw that wraps around the entirety of the cup. Art printed on the …
DeSantis Urges Disney to Drop Lawsuit Against Him, More Cast Member Previews for Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Announced, & More: Daily Recap (8/14/23)
Dylan Kennedy Grey
We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Monday, August 14, 2023. Walt Disney World Magic …
Universal Teases Digital Release for Classic Islands of Adventure Soundtrack
Jonathan Doughty
When Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened to the public in 1999, a soundtrack featuring music from throughout the park also debuted. Despite its popularity, there has never been a digital release, and this album does not currently exist on Spotify or Apple Music. Is that about to change? Strong Islands of Adventure Soundtrack Hints from …
Fort Wilderness Resort Restaurants Replace Wooden Furniture and Metal Picnic Tables with NEW Composite Furniture
Brit Tuttle
New composite exterior seating has been added to the porch area of Crockett’s Tavern at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, replacing the former wooden furniture and metal picnic tables that were previously located there. New Composite Furniture at Fort Wilderness Restaurants Previously, this porch area had wooden rocking chairs and metal picnic tables for …
New Tinker Bell Light-Up Lantern Flies into Magic Kingdom
Brit Tuttle
The new Tinker Bell Light-Up Lantern we spotted in Disneyland Park last month has finally made its way to Walt Disney World. We found it at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom. Tinker Bell Light-Up Lantern – $24.99 This light-up lantern includes a figure of Tinker Bell inside, just like a scene in the 1953 …