Big news for EPCOT fans! Disney just announced GEO-82, an all-new, adults-only lounge coming to EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth later this year. Yes, you read that right—this elegant new lounge will be inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere, offering modern cocktails, globally inspired small plates, and stunning views of World Celebration gardens and World Showcase Lagoon.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes GEO-82 a must-visit addition to Walt Disney World!
GEO-82: The Ultimate EPCOT Lounge Experience
GEO-82 will be reservation-only and exclusively for guests 21 and older. This sleek, stylish space will be the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring EPCOT. Imagine sipping on an innovative cocktail, sampling global flavors, and soaking in breathtaking park views—all from within one of Disney’s most famous icons.
Image: Disney Parks
A Lounge Inspired by Spaceship Earth
The design of this adults-only lounge, GEO-82, is a love letter to EPCOT’s legendary architecture. Inside, guests will be surrounded by futuristic geometric shapes, intricate patterns, and warm metallic tones—all echoing the look and feel of Spaceship Earth itself. Disney promises an elegant and intimate atmosphere, making this the ultimate hidden gem for adults visiting EPCOT.
Cocktails & Small Plates With a Global Twist
While Disney hasn’t released the full menu yet, they tell us that GEO-82 will feature globally inspired small plates and creative cocktails. Given EPCOT’s reputation for world-class dining, expectations are high—and I can’t wait to see what delicious drinks and bites make the final cut. (And if you can read the menu, thank the Phoenicians! 😉)
Concept Art: Disney Parks
More Lounges Coming to Walt Disney World!
GEO-82 isn’t the only new lounge opening this year. Disney has also teased a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern coming to Magic Kingdom Park later in 2025. While GEO-82 will be an adults-only retreat, this upcoming pirate-themed spot promises fun beverages for the whole family—so keep an eye out for more details soon!
In addition, there’s a brand new DVC (Disney Vacation Club) Members Lounge opening at Magic Kingdom this week. McKim’s Mile House is located in Frontierland, and offers DVC members and their guests a quiet place to relax and recharge.
Photo: Disney Parks
Adults-only Lounge Coming to EPCOT
Let’s talk about the somewhat controversial elephant in the room. I bet there are at least some of you that saw that the new lounge will be “adults-only” and were unhappy about that. After all, Disney is a family destination. I think many people would tell you that Disney is “for the kids”. And to a certain extent, yes, Disney’s primary target audience is children (and their parents and grandparents with the money to FUND their children’s Disney love). However, as a “Disney Adult”, I have to express firmly that Disney is NOT just for children. Disney has spent billions over the years to successfully appeal not just to children, but to teens, adults and seniors as well. There is entertainment, attractions and food and beverages that appeal to all ages–not just children.
A toast at dinner in France. Photo: Linda Harkness
EPCOT is more “grown-up” friendly than the other parks
The truth is, EPCOT is the one park that IS a little more adult friendly. The Food & Wine Festival is NOT targeting children, I promise you. EPCOT was the first Disney theme park to serve alcohol. In fact, EPCOT has long been criticized for not being focused enough on children. With only three “attractions” in World Showcase, many feel that EPCOT can be boring for young children. While this hasn’t been my family’s experience, I can certainly understand why some might feel that way. Regardless, children are currently welcomed everywhere in the theme parks at Walt Disney World.
I really like the idea of one place where adults can go to have some cocktails and maybe some snacks at Disney without children. Just for an hour or two. As much as I love Disney and get a genuine charge out of watching children all over the parks having fun–sometimes, it’s really nice just to sit and have a drink and relax–without children around. And of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World, I think it makes sense to put the first adults-only lounge at EPCOT.
My FAVORITE Alcoholic Beverage in ALL of WDW…The Grand Marnier Orange Slushy in France. Photo: Brooke Hudson
But it’s NEW!
I understand that this is a new thing, and that you might think, “everyone should get to enjoy it”. But I don’t really think that’s a big deal, personally. There is plenty of stuff all over Disney that everyone gets to enjoy. Will the kids really care that they’re not invited into this new lounge? No. The kids would be BORED in the new lounge. It won’t have fun, colorful things to climb on. It won’t be kid friendly, and it won’t be themed to entertaining children. They’d MUCH rather go to the Space 220 Lounge and watch astronauts walking in space than sit in a relatively quiet, elegant (and hopefully) classy lounge.
Space 220. (Photo Disney Parks)
Most likely the people that will be frustrated that GEO-82 is an adults-only lounge are the people traveling with their children that want to go to the lounge. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t get everything we want. But those people can still visit the new lounge–as long as they have someone to watch their children while they do.
But what if Disney builds MORE Adults-only Lounges?
What if they do? Would that really be so terrible? I’ve definitely heard some parents voice concerns about people drinking too much around World Showcase, and not wanting to expose their children to drunk adults behaving badly. (I don’t want to be exposed to them either, so I’m with you on that). But would it be so bad if there were a few adults-only spots on property that separated the drinking adults from the families with young children? I’m not sure I see an issue, honestly. I mean, sure, I’d rather have some new attractions or shows. But I wouldn’t mind an adults-only lounge in each theme park if they were to happen.
When Can You Visit GEO-82?
Disney has yet to announce an official opening date or when reservations will become available, but stay tuned! I’ll share updates as soon as Disney releases more details.
What do you think about this elegant new EPCOT lounge? Are you excited to sip cocktails inside Spaceship Earth? Are you disappointed that the new lounge will be adults-only? Let me know in the comments!
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote today!
It’s hard to believe, but 2024 is almost over and 2025 is on its way. One of the best things to look forward to in the new year is the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Festival time is always the BEST time to visit EPCOT, and the International Festival of the Arts is one of the best (and shortest!) festivals of the year.
The 2025 International Festival of the Arts will run from January 17 to February 24, 2025. EPCOT packs a lot of content in its annual International Festival of the Arts. Full of music, color, food and activity, the International Festival of the Arts is a feast for the senses.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Photo: DIsney Parks
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series features Disney on Broadway stars performing favorite songs from both films and broadway shows. Attend one of the shows in the concert series to see hits from shows like Aladdin, Newsies, Mary Poppins, Frozen, The Lion King, Tarzan and more!
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is held at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. There are three shows per night: 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. Seats are first come, first serve.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Schedule:
Patti Murin (Frozen) & John Riddle (Frozen): January 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27 & 28
Caissie Levy (Frozen) & Jelani Remy (The Lion King): January 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29 & 30
Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) & Josh Strickland (Tarzan): January 31, February 2, 3, 6, 8, 10 & 11
Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) & Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King): February 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 & 13
Michael James Scott (Aladdin) & Kissy Simmons (The Lion King): February 14, 16, 17, 20, 23 & 24
Rodney Ingram (Aladdin) & Kara Lindsay (Newsies): February 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 & 24
Disney on Broadway Concert Series— Photo: Disney Parks
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series will be a major highlight of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Year after year, this series has proven very popular. One of the best ways to guarantee a seat at your preferred show for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series is a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package. If you want to attend a Disney on Broadway Concert Series show, you need to wait in line, and there is no guarantee you will get a seat for the show. However, if you purchase a Dining Package, you ARE guaranteed a seat for the show.
Dining Packages and Prices
Choose a restaurant from a variety of participating EPCOT table service restaurants that offer Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages. Here’s what your meal will include:
At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
At Other Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or one full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
Plus, you’ll get one (1) guaranteed seat per person to one DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert on the same day.
Advance Dining Reservations are HIGHLY recommended!
The prices in the table below do NOT include tax or gratuity.
Didn’t make Advanced Dining Reservations and hoping to do a Same Day Dining Package for Disney on Broadway Concert Series? You may be able to purchase a same-day dining package, which allows you to:
Enjoy guaranteed seats to a DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert later that day.
To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue. Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates.
Of course, if you aren’t able to book a Dining package and if you aren’t able to get a seat for the show, all is not lost: you can still hear and see the show from the walkways throughout the American Adventure Pavilion. It’s not as comfortable as sitting, but when desperate times call for desperate measures, it is an option.
New Artful Experiences for 2025
30 Years of Disney on Broadway— Concept Art: Disney Parks
Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway
2025’s International Festival of the Arts will feature a new exhibit in EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall. 30 Years of Disney on Broadway will allow guests to experience the magic of Broadway in a walkthrough exhibit that celebrates three decades of Disney on Broadway. The exhibit will feature props and costumes from favorite Disney Broadway musicals. Also featured will be behind the scenes glimpses of how classic Disney animated films “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”.
Opening Bites Food Studio
Outside CommuniCore Hall at CommuniCore Plaza, the new menu will pay homage to foods and drinks on foods made famous on stage. Guests should keep their eyes open for the upcoming Festival of the Arts Foodie Guide to this and other Foodie Studios around EPCOT during the Festival.
New Artful Photo Ops
Throughout each International Festival of the Arts, guests can take advantage of Artful Photo Ops. These Artful Photo Ops allow guests to step onto the canvas and become “part” of the art. There are several returning favorites this year, including Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-August Renoir, Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. There is also a brand new Artful Photo Op inviting guests to voyage alongside our favorite seafarer featuring Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana.” Each location will have Disney PhotoPass Photographers available to capture your artistic moment.
Artful Photo Op— Photo: Disney Parks
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Features to Enjoy
Scavenger Hunt: Figment’s Brush with the Masters
Each EPCOT Festival features a Scavenger Hunt. We’ve done several different version of these and really enjoy them. For the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, the Scavenger Hunt features Figment learning about art, and is a World Showcase focused Scavenger Hunt.
To participate in the Scavenger Hunt, you’ll purchase your map and stickers for $9.99 (plus tax) at one of three locations:
Creations Shop
World Traveler
Port of Entry
Once you have your map and stickers, you’ll explore World Showcase and search for Figment in each World Showcase pavilion. You’ll look for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works—a clue will be a Figment themed picture frame. When you find Figment, you’ll place the corresponding sticker on the pavilion on your map.
When you’ve located Figment at each Pavilion around World Showcase, and placed stickers on each Pavilion on your map, you’ll return to one of the three shops above to show your completed map and win a small prize (while supplies last).
The Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to find new details in places you’ve explored many times before. Some years, they’ve been really challenging, and some years, they’ve been fairly easy. Either way, we’ve always enjoyed doing an EPCOT Scavenger Hunt. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend one for a first time visitor, but for someone who has visited EPCOT many times, they’re a fun way to add a new dimension to your visit.
Paint by Numbers Mural
One really fun component of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be the giant Paint by Numbers Mural. This mural is for YOU, the guest. It’s painted by guests, throughout the course of the Festival. To participate, you’ll pick up a brush, a paint color and a number at the Expression Section Booth. Then, you’ll go to the massive mural and paint a few squares that correspond with your color.
EPCOT Paint by Numbers Mural—Photo: Disney Parks
The Expression Section Booth is located on the walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase. The Booth is open every day between 11 am and 5 pm. Note: This experience is subject to change without notice, and is subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
Kids Chalk Art
Children are invited to express their creativity using chalk on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza. The kids create their masterpieces on the walkway, and everyone walking by gets to enjoy their artistry! This kid friendly activity is available every day between 11 am and 5 pm. This experience is subject to change without notice.
Kids Chalk Art— Photo: Disney Parks
Animation Academy
I’m really looking forward to checking this one out, myself. Every day, throughout the Festival, you’ll have a chance to learn how to draw a Disney character from a Disney animator! The sessions are held twice a day, at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm, in the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. Sessions are subject to change without notice. Featured artists include:
Luke Consolo
Matthew Dewater
Justin Dring
Will Gay
Hannah Loflin
Alex Maher
Michael Montgomery
Sarah Schmidt
Lon Smart
Draw a Disney Character! — Photo: Disney Parks
Artists and Art Displays
All around EPCOT, you’ll find art displays and artists, showcasing their work. At World Showcase Plaza, you’ll be able to watch artists create Disney characters in minutes (Thursdays through Sundays throughout the Festival). Also at World Showcase Plaza, you’ll be able to hear musical artists performing daily. Throughout World Showcase, you’ll find chalk drawings of your favorite Disney characters. On the bridge to World Showcase Plaza, you’ll see Chalk Artists at work and be able to see galleries of their creative designs.
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
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Photo: Disney Parks
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Food Studios
As with most EPCOT Festivals, the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will feature food kiosks, called “Food Studios” for this Festival, featuring special food and beverages only available during the Festival. Some regular restaurants around the park will also feature some special “Festival” only menu items.
Artistic Food— Photo: Disney Parks
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine
This year’s Festival will feature a fun game for the “foodies” among us. Your Festival Passport will feature seven tasty and vibrant specialty dishes for you to track down. Locate each of these items and track your progress by getting a stamp for your passport after you purchase the items.
Colorful Cuisine— Photo: Disney Parks
Once you’ve enjoyed at least five of the seven dishes—and collected the corresponding stamps—you’ll bring your stamped Festival Passport to the Deco Delights Food Studio and receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie.
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Festival Merchandise
We can always count on Disney to help us find ways to spend our money, can’t we? EPCOT Festival Merchandise is a TERRIFIC example of Disney marketers working their creative brains to the bone to give us new ways to spend our money. Every Festival means new, Festival specific merchandise. And for some of the longer Festivals, the merchandise may even change during the Festival! The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will definitely feature lots of special only-available-at-the-festival-merchandise. Disney has only released pictures of a few items so far, but I’m sure there will be lots more. We all know they won’t want to leave ANY money on the table if they possibly can come up with a way to get you to spend it!
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
International Festival of the Arts Loungefly. Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
The Final Brushstroke
The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will run from January 17 through February 24, 2025. It will be filled with colorful artwork, lively music, tasty and artistic food, fun activities for both adults and kids and will overall be a very special time to visit EPCOT. Are you planning to visit EPCOT for this year’s International Festival of the Arts?
I’m very excited that this year, the Princess Half Marathon Weekend is during the last weekend of the Festival, so I’ll be able to attend the Festival during Race Weekend this year. Last year, I just missed it—I arrived 2 days after the Festival ended. It worked out great last year, because my mom was with me and the Flower and Garden Festival started early and we were able to check that out right at the end of our trip.
EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival— Photo: Disney PhotoPass
This year, Mom and I are doing a separate trip for Flower and Garden (that Festival is the subject of our next blog!) As I’m sure you can tell, I’m a bit of a junkie for EPCOT Festivals. The Flower and Garden Festival is my favorite but I’m super excited to check out the International Festival of the Arts in a few weeks.
What about you? Do you have a favorite EPCOT Festival? Do you ever plan your trips to coincide with a particular Festival? Please comment below. I’d love to know how EPCOT Festivals impact your planning!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
It’s time for another Festival update for EPCOT. The next big Festival at EPCOT will be the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. The 2024 International Festival of the Arts will begin January 12 and run until February 19. EPCOT’s shortest Festival of the year, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts packs a lot of punch in a short period of time!
Photo: Disney Parks
We’ve talked before about the amazing Festivals held throughout the year at EPCOT. At this point, there are only a few weeks out of the entire year where there ISN’T a Festival of some kind going on!! My personal favorite, the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival starts in early spring and now runs through mid-summer. Almost immediately after Flower & Garden, the International Food & Wine Festival begins and runs through November each year. The Food & Wine Festival is a VERY popular Festival (and rightly so!) and has been getting longer every year. Just a few days after the end of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins. The 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays ends on December 30, 2023.
What is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts highlights the visual, culinary, and performing arts in the over-the-top way that we’ve all come to expect from Walt Disney World.
EPCOT becomes drenched in colors, and the honorary mascot of the Festival is always our imagination inspiration leader, Figment (one of my very favorite characters!).
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
One of the highlights every year of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the annual Disney on Broadway Concert Series. This Concert Series features a bevy of stars from various Disney shows on Broadway.
Photo: Disney Parks
During the Festival, there will be three shows per day at the American Gardens Theater featuring your favorite hits from Disney’s many Broadway shows. Daily showtimes are: 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm.
This year, “for the first time in forever”, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will feature two stars from a VERY popular ICY Disney Broadway show on stage together.
Caissie Levy and Patti Murin from Disney’s FROZEN on Broadway Photo: Disney Parks
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Lineup:
Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *
*Entertainment is subject to change without notice.
Disney on Broadway Dining Packages
If you plan to attend one of the Disney on Broadway Concert Series Shows, you will need to plan on lining up well before show time if you’d like a seat in the American Gardens Theater for the show. Many of the stars performing this year are VERY popular, and will likely draw larger than usual crowds–which will mean lining up earlier and standing in line longer.
One way to avoid the long lines for these shows is to purchase one of the Disney on Broadway Dining Packages. These packages go on sale December 19, 2023. This year, there are eight EPCOT restaurants participating in the Disney on Broadway Dining Packages.
With your Disney on Broadway Dining Package, you are guaranteed seating for the show in your package! Here’s what else is included:
For Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage
For all other participating restaurants: An appetizer, entrée and dessert—or one full buffet/family-style meal (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage
Here are the participating restaurants, along with the pricing for their Disney on Broadway Dining Package. Note: Pricing does NOT include tax or gratuity.
Advance reservations are highly recommended for the Disney on Broadway Dining Packages–especially this year, with so many popular stars performing. Reservations can be made starting December 19, 2023.
Same Day Reservations
Planning a last minute visit for the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts? You MAY be able to score a same day Disney on Broadway Dining Package. Depending Ion availability, you can purchase a same day package:
Enjoy guaranteed seats to a DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert later that day
To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue on the day you wish to attend a Disney on Broadway show. Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates.
Food Studios
A hallmark of almost every EPCOT Festival are the special “available-during-the-festival-only” food booths. These food booths (called “studios” for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts) are always themed for each Festival. There are more than 15 Food Studios for the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
Photo: Disney Parks
The EPCOT chefs add an artistic twist to the offerings at the Food Studios at the International Festival of the Arts. There are tempting new dishes and drinks to savor this year.
Figment’s Inspiration Station Photo: Disney Parks
The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. And don’t miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.
Pastoral Palate Photo: Disney Parks
Another culinary highlight of the Festival is the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. You also have the option to complete A Journey to Savor. There are seven available options, but it only takes five out of seven treats to receive a extra special food item.
Photo: Disney Parks
The handy Festival Passport will show where to make picturesque purchases and receive stamps. Once guests have collected five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at your leisure – you can try a new treat every time you visit throughout the Festival.
Bring out Your Inner Artist
There are lots of opportunities for you to let your inner artist come out to play. Every day at the American Gardens Theater at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm, you can attend the Animation Academy and learn how to draw a Disney character from some of the best animators available.
Photo: Disney Parks
Every day on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, the youngest members of your travel group can create their very on chalk masterpieces at Kid’s Chalk Art.
Photo: Disney Parks
Have you ever wanted to paint a mural? You’ll get your chance at Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural. You’ll join with other artists to leave a creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.
Photo: Disney Parks
And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, there are life-size tableaus invite you to become part of the painting.
Photo: Disney Parks
PhotoPass Magic Shots
There are also limited edition special Magic Shots through PhotoPass, only available at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
PhotoPass Magic Shots Photo: Disney PhotoPass
Visual Galleries
One of the highlights of every EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the myriad of artist galleries throughout EPCOT. You will have the opportunity to view beautiful artwork and meet the artists as you tour the galleries. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.
Photo: Disney Parks
Festival Merchandise
And, of course, what would any Festival be without limited edition Festival specific merchandise. The 2024 International Festival of the Arts will be no exception. Check out just a few selections of the merchandise available at the upcoming Festival.
2024 International Festival of the Arts Merchandise Photo: Disney Parks
The best thing about the Festival merchandise for the International Festival of the Arts? FIGMENT! Since Figment is the official Ambassador for the Festival, he is usually front and center on most Festival merchandise.
Shopping and Snacking Made Easy
A great way to make snacking around the world OR shopping around the world is the Disney gift card on a wrist band.
Photo: Disney Parks
These great little wristband gift cards are also a great way to give your kids their souvenir budget or snack money in a contained, manageable way.
Will Your Inner Artist be Visiting the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?
This Festival looks and sounds pretty terrific, doesn’t it? Are you ready to plan your trip? Does the thought of being able to paint a mural or learn to draw a Disney character have you wanting to grab the first available flight in late January? Please comment below!
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S.: Did you know the Disney Dining Plan is finally back and available for 2024 Disney vacations? Contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information or to book your 2024 trip now!
The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts today, March 1,2023. This year’s festival will run through July 5, 2023. This year’s Festival features new topiaries, great music and tons of great food.
Photo: Disney Parks
The 2023 International Flower & Garden Festival features more than 15 outdoor kitchens. There are returning popular favorites like the Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake from the Honey Bee-stro hosted by the National Honey Board and the Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib at Trowel & Trellis hosted by IMPOSSIBLE.
There are nearly 50 brand new dishes blossoming for the first time at this year’s festival. Lots of great dishes that guests will be eager to try, like the Citrus Baked Brie from the Citrus Blossom and the Muffuletta Panini from Magnolia Terrace. For guests that are lucky enough to visit the Festival more than once during it’s 4 month run, be sure to check out the EPCOT Farmer’s Feast. The EPCOT Farmer’s Feast is featuring a seasonal menu that will change as the Festival progresses. How fun is that?
Springtime flowers and fairies at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival
Extra Fun for Foodies
A fun activity for foodies attending the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the Garden Graze. The Garden Graze is a kind of scavenger hunt based on food items at various outdoor kitchens around the Festival. There are 11 different tasty treats featured in the Garden Graze. After you purchase on of the treats, you’ll get a stamp in your Garden Graze passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps in your passport, you’ll receive an exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade. I love a scavenger hunt, and one based on food, likely with a food treat as a reward? Sign me up!
Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
EPCOT Farmers Feast
Food Items:
Early Bloom Menu (Available March 1 through April 8)
Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Char-grilled Bison Ribeye with creamy leek fondue, red wine butter sauce, and whipped red wine goat cheese
Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip (New)
Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and cream soda
Beverages:
Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender and Lemon
Lexington Brewing Tangerine Cream Ale
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Grand Cherry Hard Cider (New)
Southern Tier Brewing Co. Juice Jolt IPA (New)
BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany)
Food Items:
Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted gruyère cheese
Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries
Beverages:
Bitburger Premium Pils
Stiegl Brewery Radler Raspberry
Flensburger Dunkel
Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks
Magnolia Terrace(The American Adventure)
Food Items:
Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad (New)
Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice
Crawfish Pie (New)
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (New)
Beverages:
Bayou Cocktail: Bayou Spiced Rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
Central 28 Beer Co. Pretty Things Ale (New)
Wicked Weed Brewing Day Light American Light Ale
Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina(Morocco)
Food Items:
Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake (New)
Beverages:
Pomegranate Mimosa
Keel Farms Strawberry Elderflower Hard Cider
Bold Rock Tangerine Hard Cider
3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
Cider Flight
La Isla Fresca(Between Morocco and France)
Food Items:
Braised Oxtail with pigeon pea rice (New)
Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice, mango salsa, and coconut-lime sauce
Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Beverages:
Tropical Breeze: Minute Maid Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic)
Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale
Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum
Northern Bloom(Canada)
Food Items:
Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beef Tenderloin Tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, and whipped potatoes with garden vegetables
Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake (New)
Beverages:
Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-alcoholic)
Collective Arts Brewing Honey Lager
Glutenberg Blonde Ale, Montreal
81Bay Brewing Co. Apricot with Maple Syrup
Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky
Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks
Refreshment Port(Near Canada)
Food Items:
Shrimp Scampi Poutine with cheese curds, lemon-garlic cheese fondue, spinach, and artichokes (New)
Soft-serve Waffle Cone: Peanut butter, jelly, or swirl
Beverages:
Mighty Swell Purple Magic Spiked Seltzer (New)
Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc (New)
Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum (New)
Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE(Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Beverages:
Twinings Iced Green Tea with Cranberry and Lime (Non-alcoholic)
Parish Brewing Co. Bloom Hazy IPA
Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié
Twinings Iced Green Tea with cranberry and lime with Hangar 1 Makrut Vodka served in a mason jar
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board(Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
Chicken and Waffles: Crispy honey-brined chicken and honey sweet corn bread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey (New)
Fruit and Cheese Plate: Grapes, strawberries, cheddar, and Mini Babybel Snack Cheese
Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based)
Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based)
Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Sunshine Seasons
Beverage:
Strawberry-mango Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
Connections Café & Eatery
Food Item:
Orange Bird Liege Waffle (New)
Beverage:
Flower Drop Cocktail: St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade (New)
Photo: Disney Parks
Jardin de Fiestas(Mexico)
Food Items:
Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beverages:
Mala Hierba Margarita: Centinela Tequila Reposado, elderflower-chamomile tea, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, and UNA Flower-infused Vodka with a chile salt rim (New)
Cristal Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a souvenir cup (New)
Craft Mexican Lager
Lotus House(China)
Food Items:
Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings
Beverages:
Classic Bubble Milk Tea (Non-alcoholic)
Cherry Blossom Pilsner Draft Beer
Kung Fu Master: Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
Tang Dynasty: Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila Gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, soda water, and white boba pearls
Tropical Moon: Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec, passion fruit, soda water and white boba pearls (New)
Primavera Kitchen(Italy)
Food Items:
Caesar con Gamberett: Baby gem lettuce, shrimp, Caesar dressing, and crispy bread crumble (New)
Budino alle Nocciole: Chocolate-hazelnut pudding with cookie crumble (New)
Beverages:
Peroni Pilsner
Prosecco
Moscato
Italian Sangria red or white
Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
Hanami (Japan)
Food Items:
Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
Hanami Sushi: Assorted Nigiri sushi with lemon-cured salmon, soy-marinated tuna, and cured mackerel (New)
Creamy Shrimp Udon: Udon soup with shrimp and spring vegetables (New)
Beverages:
Sakura Cherry Blossom Pilsner (New)
Hakushika Hana Kohaku Plum Sake: Junmai Ginjo blended with Japanese plum (New)
Nigori Dragon Fruit Sake Cocktail (New)
Fleur de Lys(France)
Food Items:
Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic
Daube de Boeuf à la Provençal, Compote de Tomate au Romarin Gnocchi à la Niçoise: Provençal-style braised beef, rosemary tomato, and niçoise gnocchi (New)
Tarte Chocolat Mogador: Chocolate tart with Valrhona single origin chocolate brownie, walnuts, and raspberry coulis served warm (New)
Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel
Beverages:
Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
Kir àla Poire: French sparkling wine with Monin desert pear (New)
La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and white and red cranberry juices
Photo: Disney Parks
Funnel Cake
Banana Split Funnel Cake: Funnel Cake topped with Banana-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Diced Strawberries, and a Maraschino Cherry drizzled with Chocolate Syrup (New)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Exotic Lemon Tea: A refreshing mix of Frozen Lemon and Iced Tea featuring Exotic Berry notes (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka)(New)
Near Canada – Melonade: A tangy blend of Frozen Lemon with a burst of watermelon (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka)(New)
World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Orange Cream Cold Brew: A smooth blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of orange and vanilla topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and coconut shavings (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur)(New)
The American Adventure – Key Lime Cold Brew: A zesty blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of Key lime and white chocolate topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur)(New)
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
What Food Items Are You Looking Forward To?
I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited about some of these offerings. Mom and I always plan at least two EPCOT days during our annual Flower & Garden Festival trips. Some years we’ve even gone back a third time. We go for the Flowers, but the food is a becoming more and more of a draw every year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Is there anything you are really looking forward to trying?
It’s not too late to plan a trip for this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival. I’d love to help! Reach out now for a no obligation quote! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.
Brooke Hudson Disney Vacation Planner
If you’d like to check out our other posts on this year’s Festival, please click here or here.
La Creperie de Paris is one of the newest additions to EPCOT’s table service restaurant offerings. Located in the “new” section of EPCOT’s France pavilion, La Creperie de Paris offers guests both a quick service option and a table service option.
La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Counter Service
Crepes A Emporter by La Creperie de Paris is a quick service window connected to La Creperie de Paris. At this quick service window, you’ll be able to enjoy both savory galettes and sweet crepes, as well as soft serve ice cream and ciders and wines.
The line for the quick service Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
We observed fairly long lines for this quick service window every time we were in the vicinity. It’s definitely a tasty and popular option, and worth the visit to this “back of France” area. The new Ratatouille attraction is located back in this area of the France pavilion, and that is the main reason most guests flock to this area. (Note: There are also new bathrooms back in this area–I like knowing where all the non-restaurant bathrooms are located!).
There is not much seating anywhere in this area, and crepes are not the easiest thing to eat while standing; however, if you are wanting something a little different to eat or for dessert, the offerings here are quite tasty.
My nephew Vinnie absolutely LOVED the dessert crepes here, and visited this quick service window several times during our October trip.
Quick Service Menu: Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris
Galettes (Savory Crepes)
Cream of Brie Cheese Galette $9.95
Ratatouille Galette (Tomatoes, Zucchini and Eggplant) $8.95
Overall, we found this quick service location to be good option. Every crepe we tried was tasty, and we thought it was positive that there were a couple vegetarian options here.
Our favorite crepe overall was definitely the Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Crepe. This crepe was so tasty! It’s very rich, though, so you’ll want to make sure you have some water or an alternative beverage. (If you can get a scoop of vanilla ice cream for your crepe, that helps a LOT with the richness AND adds a lovely cold element on a hot day. We discovered that wonderful combination at the table service restaurant, though.)
Photo: Brooke Hudson
I am not kidding when I tell you there really isn’t anywhere in this area to sit and enjoy your crepe. That is the only real negative I have about this quick service location. Much of the area back here is absorbed by the Ratatouille queue; there are a few planters with ledges where people frequently sit…but it’s not nearly enough room for everyone waiting in line at any given time. There are a few tables on one side, and a few high top tables with no seating where you can at least set your food and drink down, but you can’t sit. There is not a lot of shade in this area, either, so on a hot day, you would probably not want to stand around in the sun to enjoy your crepe and your drink. But if you can stake out a shady spot and some seating, this quick service location is a definite winner for us.
Table Service: La Creperie de Paris
I much prefer eating at table service restaurants at Disney to quick service, I must confess. I like knowing we will be able to sit down, in air conditioning, and be able to get a decent rest while we enjoy our meal. After trying out the quick service window for Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris during our October family trip, I knew I wanted to check out the table service option for our spring Flower & Garden trip.
La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
I made all our dining reservations at the same time, 60 days out from our trip. Fortunately, I was able to get every reservation I wanted with little difficulty. For the purposes of this review, I have gone online several times to check availability, and while I can rarely find same day reservations, I can usually find something a few days out. Weekdays are easier than weekends, of course, but I suspect with a little planning ahead, you should be able to secure a reservation for La Creperie de Paris.
Decor
This restaurant has a pretty modern feel to it. It’s all beiges and whites, and fairly clean and simple feeling. I think they were going for a French Bistro feel here, and my mom, who has been to several French Bistros in her travels, says this effort is successful. We got a table right in the windows, so that was fun for us. Avid people watchers, we loved the opportunity to people watch both inside and outside the restaurant.
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Bonus: One thing we really liked at La Creperie de Paris was that we got real menus! Disney is still using the online menus at most table service restaurants where you scan a QR code with your phone and look at the menu on your phone. I miss real menus! La Creperie de Paris uses their paper menus as your placemat, and I like it!
Service
Service was very good here. We both felt the absence of the international program for EPCOT though. We’ve always loved that the EPCOT restaurants were primarily staffed with team members from the country the restaurant was themed to. That program was paused when Walt Disney World closed in 2020 due to Covid, and it has restarted only very recently. As a result, there are very few international cast members back in EPCOT at this time. While each of the service team members we met was terrific, I missed being able to talk to and learn from the international cast members in the restaurants.
The service was a bit TOO good, in fact. We felt a little rushed. We hadn’t finished our salads when our savory crepes arrived, and our dessert crepes arrived before we had finished our savory crepes. However, on the positive side, my water glass was pretty constantly refilled — It was a hot day and I was very thirsty.
We were celebrating my mom’s birthday, and our server brought out some VERY tasty french vanilla ice cream for her birthday. Mom suggested we add the ice cream to our hazelnut chocolate dessert crepes and WOW was that amazing! We both decided this was our favorite way to enjoy the hazelnut chocolate crepes by far!
Table Service Menu: La Creperie de Paris
Appetizer or Side Dish
Soupe du Jour (Soup of the Day) $6.75
Salad Maison (Mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and vinegarette) $6.75
Prix Fixe Menu * (My recommendation for this restaurant)
Choice of Soup of the Day or Salade Maison; choice of one Galette with a glass of Hard Cider, Soda or Juice; Choice of one Dessert Crepe $34.95
Add a Shot to Any Crepe (Grand Marnier, Rhum or Calvados) $7.00
Cidres (French Hard Ciders)
Brut $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)
Demi Sec $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)
Doux $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)
Rose $40.00 (Bottle) $7.50 (Glass)
Vins (French Wines)
Chardonnay $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)
Carbernet Sauvignon $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)
Merlot $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)
Rose de Provence $69.50 (Bottle) $14.95 (Glass)
Divers (Miscellaneous)
Biere Kronenbourg (Beer) $9.50
Champagne Malard $17.55
Mimosa $12.00
French Martini $15.75
Sodas, Jus (Imported Soft Drinks)
Evian $7.50
Perrier $8.50
Jus de Pomme (Apple Juice) $5.00
Limonade (French Sparkling Limonade) $5.75
Orangina (French Orange Soda) $6.25
Hot Beverages
Espresso $4.75
Cappuccino $5.25
The (Tea) $4.50
Cafe (Coffee) $4.25
Our Thoughts
We liked our La Creperie de Paris lunch very much. I highly recommend the Prix Fixe Menu, which includes soup or salad, a savory buckwheat galette, a dessert crepe and a glass of hard cider, soda or juice for $34.95. Both of us felt this was a good value, especially for a Disney table service restaurant. Definitely choose the cider to maximize your investment. Note: There is also kids Prix Fixe Menu for $14.00 that includes a savory galette and a dessert crepe.
At this time, La Creperie de Paris does not accept any discounts. No DVC discount, no passholder discounts, etc. This is pretty common for newer restaurants when they first open. Most likely this table service restaurant will offer discounts at some point in the future, but while it is still new and very popular, discounts are unlikely to materialize.
Overall, we both our enjoyed our meals. The salads were fresh and light, and the perfect size for an appetizer. The weak link for both of us were the savory buckwheat galettes. They were good, don’t get me wrong, but they were not great. We both felt the flavor of the buckwheat crepe itself was a bit boring. Mom and I also each felt our galettes were too dry and needed more sauce.
We enjoyed the environment, it was relaxing and comfortable. The host seated us almost immediately after we checked in, and we had a great seat in the front windows. Each of us enjoyed our hard ciders; mom had the Brut, which is dry and really liked it. I tried the Doux, which was sweeter. I would definitely order this again. The highlight of the meal for both of us was the dessert crepes. We each had the Hazelnut Chocolate Spread dessert crepes, and we’d eaten about a third of our crepes when the server brought my mom’s “birthday” ice cream. We both agreed that while the crepes was VERY good with whipped cream, the ice cream took it to a whole other level. It became OUTSTANDING.
La Creperie de Paris Dessert Crepe (Photo: Linda Harkness)Mom and her dessert crepe with her “Birthday” ice cream!
I would definitely recommend you check out this table service restaurant. Our meal was filling but not too heavy, and we felt recharged and ready to head back out into the 90+ degree heat of the afternoon, very satisfied with our meal.
Have you tried La Creperie de Paris or Crepes A Emporter by La Creperie de Paris for yourself yet? If so, what did you think? Please comment below, I’d love to read your thoughts!
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
In this week’s Disney Parks News, we have hundreds more cast members getting news of their layoffs. We have Disney’s first shot in the theme parks vs. the State of California battle. We have holiday festival news for EPCOT, including a new Olaf adventure for guests. For these stories and more, please watch this week’s YouTube video below.
If you missed last week’s Disney Parks News, you can find it here.
For those of you that prefer reading your news to watching a video, please read on.
Disney Parks News
Entertainment Cast Layoffs
Our top Disney Parks News story this week is a sad one. We’ve learned that ALMOST ALL of Disney World “Entertainment” Cast Members around the theme parks have received their notice that they will not be returning to work. These layoffs are part of the 28,000 planned layoffs announced last month.
While most of the shows affected have remained dark since the parks reopened, these layoffs eliminate hopes of any of these shows returning to the parks ANY time in the near future. Our hearts go out to ALL the cast losing their jobs during this time. Many of the cast members have been with Disney for many, many years. This news has been devastating for them.
Festival of the Lion King (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
I find these entertainment layoffs particularly heartbreaking because it is the talented performers in the shows and the street actors that really add so much magic to Walt Disney World.
Citizens of Hollywood Entertaining the Crowd (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Which Parks and Shows were Affected?
Here’s a quick list all the entertainment that was hit by this round of layoffs (so far):
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom lost the Citizens of Main Street and the entire cast and crew of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios was the hardest hit, losing the Citizens of Hollywood, the entire cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast–live on stage, the entire cast and crew of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, the entire cast and crew of the Jedi Training Academy, the Green Army Men, and the entire cast and crew of the Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
You guys, this makes me want to cry!
Animal Kingdom
Over at Animal Kingdom, we lose the entire casts and crews of two of the most amazing shows on Disney property: Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical.
Finding Nemo – The Musical (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
The cast members that drive the Pandora utility suit were also laid off.
EPCOT
EPCOT had already quietly laid off MOST of the World Showcase entertainment in the spring (and this continues to be a troubling decision), however they added some members of Voices of Liberty to the casualty list in this round of layoffs.
Resorts
Finally, the entire cast and crew of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has been laid off. You may also remember from previous news reports that the Grand Floridian Orchestra was also let go a few weeks ago.
Potential Impact of these Layoffs
Again, most of these cast members have been off since the parks closed in April. Nonetheless, I had high hopes that steps were being taken to bring at least some of this entertainment back on line in the coming weeks. These losses are heartbreaking.
Of course, this doesn’t have to mean that these layoffs will be permanent or that these shows will remain dark forever. Nonetheless, it certainly implies that these shows will remain dark for the foreseeable future. And these talented performers are likely to seek work elsewhere. The performers may not even be available when (if???) Disney decides to reintroduce entertainment.
Streetmosphere Actors in Permanent Danger?
I’m most worried about the Streetmosphere actors. The Green Army Men, the Citizens of Main Street and the Citizens of Hollywood. These actors add SO much to the guest experience. Unfortunately, I can envision Disney just never bringing them back at all. This would be a HUGE loss to all of us.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ amazing Streetmosphere players (Citizens of Hollywood) (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
I really get the feeling that the current management structure of the Parks undervalues the Entertainment element of the Disney Parks experience. But really, it is the talent of the entertainers that elevates the Disney Parks above other theme parks.
Citizens of Hollywood in Action (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
The Streetmosphere actors, interacting with guests in character; putting on quick little shows in the street; entertaining guests as they wait in line, or stand in the hot sun? These actors are an INTEGRAL part of the Disney magic.
The wonderful shows that offer guests not just high quality entertainment, but usually magical uplifting messaging as well? Again, part of what makes Disney theme parks stand out.
Finding Nemo – The Musical (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
I understand that with COVID-19 restrictions, the stage shows and Streetmosphere interactions cannot happen right now. But I continue to hope that Disney will work vigorously to return these things to us when things begin to return to normalcy.
My Nephew Vinny and a Green Army Man (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
On our Disney trips, at the end of every day, we talk about the day and document the highlights. I cannot tell you how many times those highlight moments have been because of a Disney Streetmosphere player or scene.
What Message are Fans Sending Disney?
It is the entertainment that makes Disney tickets worth their price. I sincerely hope that Disney doesn’t get the wrong message from guests continuing to visit the parks right now, even though the offerings are a fraction of what they normally are. Fans are eager to return to Disney, yes. It’s been a really tough year for so many of us, and we are anxious to escape our current reality, and a trip to Disney fulfills that for many.
However, while we may be satisfied with Disney offering “partial” value right now, given the circumstances, I have a hard time believing that even Disney’s most die hard fan base (myself included) will continue to accept high ticket prices for a FRACTION of the experience. If entertainment does not return, I’m concerned that many guests will choose to visit their local Six Flags, rather than invest in a trip to Disney. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but what guests are willing to accept in the short term given this unique situation is unlikely to be acceptable for the long term. I’m really curious as to what you all think. Please let me know in the comments below.
Disney vs. California: Shot Fired?
Last week, we talked about California’s release of their guidelines for large theme parks to reopen in their state. We also discussed that these new guidelines will make it virtually impossible for Disneyland and California Adventure to reopen this year. In fact, it is likely to be next SUMMER before the strict guidelines can be met, and Disneyland and California Adventure could reopen.
We said at the time that we didn’t expect Disney to take this situation quietly, and already the first shot is fired!
Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street in Disney’s California Adventure (Photo: Disney Parks)
Disney has announced that Downtown Disney is expanding in November to include Buena Vista Street. For those of you not aware, Buena Vista Street is INSIDE Disney’s California Adventure theme park.
But…HOW??
Guests that haven’t visited the California theme parks may not understand how this will work. In Florida, Disney has TONS of land, and all the theme parks and Disney Springs are very spread out. In California, the Disneyland/California Adventure/Downtown Disney footprint is MUCH smaller, with everything really close together.
Downtown Disney is basically an area that is on one side of the two theme parks, filled with restaurants and shops, with access to the main pathway that leads to both theme parks. In the middle, there are entrances for each theme park on this path, across from each other, and totally accessible from Downtown Disney. This makes it really easy for guests to pop out of one theme park, have drinks or a meal in Downtown Disney, and then pop back into the OTHER theme park for evening entertainment, for example.
Downtown Disney has been open for a couple of months, enabling guests (primarily local guests) to shop and dine. In Disney’s first effort to combat the stringent guidelines established by the State of California, Disney is opening Buena Vista Street in California Adventure to Downtown Disney, and calling it an “expansion” of Downtown Disney.
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts
All the shops and restaurants on Buena Vista Street will be open for Downtown Disney guests to visit and enjoy. No theme park ticket will be necessary as the theme park itself is not opening, just the shops and restaurants on Buena Vista Street. I think this is a clever way to get some of the theme park back up and running and some of those cast members back to work without actually opening the theme park.
Buena Vista Street: What is Opening?
The following shops and restaurants are reopening:
Elias and Co.
Julius Katz & Sons
Kingswell Camera Shop
Trolley Treats
Fiddle, Fifer & Practical Café
Carthay Circle Lounge
Smoke Jumpers Grill
Disney has not shared whether they are making any modifications to Buena Vista Street to accommodate its addition to Downtown Disney, or how the areas outside of Buena Vista Street inside California Adventure will be inaccessible by guests, but I’m confident they will get it all worked out by November 1.
I can’t wait to see what Disney does next!
Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
EPCOT and the Holidays (Photo: Disney Parks)
The holiday season returns to EPCOT on November 27 this year with the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Presented by AdventHealth). This holiday “Taste of EPCOT” Festival will run through December 30. This festival will include global, seasonal cuisine at the Holiday Kitchens, located throughout World Showcase. In addition, there will be three Holiday Kitchens located inside the World ShowPlace Events Pavililon. Some of the seasonal selections you will find include slow roasted turkey from the American Holiday Table, pork schnitzel at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen and Beef Bourguignon from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen.
Holiday Entertainment
During this EPCOT holiday festival, guests will also be treated to holiday character cavalcades traveling through World Showcase. Anna and Elsa are touring in the Frozen Holiday Promenade, while Mickey and friends are traveling in Mickey & Friends Holiday World Tour. Santa Claus will also be making his first appearance in an EPCOT character cavalcade this year—he’ll be taking a horse drawn tour around World Showcase, calling out holiday wishes to everyone.
Holiday Music
The holiday season will not be without musical celebrations. The America Gardens Theatre will feature holiday carols sung by the Voices of Liberty. In Mexico, the Mariachi Cobre will bring to life Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday customs through music and dance. In Canada, the JAMMitors will perform on the Mill Stage. (I don’t think the JAMMitors are Canadian, but I’m happy they will be so easy to find!)
Holiday Cookie Stroll
2020 EPCOT Holiday Cookie Stroll Cookie Jar (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)
The Holiday Cookie Stroll returns to EPCOT again this year, with a complimentary cookie as a reward for completing the stroll. The options to Stroll include cookies from five different locations throughout the park. You can also pickup an adorable cookie jar to collect all your cookies, available at the Holiday Markets all throughout World Showcase, while Supplies last.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Frozen Ever After (Photo: Disney Parks)
New this year is Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition”. This fun for the whole family adventure is a festive trek around World Showcase. Guests can purchase the expedition map at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway. Once you have the map, you’ll look for hidden Olafs all throughout the World Showcase Pavilions. After you’ve found them all, you’ll receive a “gift worth melting for” (while supplies last).
Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Sticking with EPCOT news, EPCOT has certainly learned that FESTIVALS are the key to their success. EPCOT is now home to FOUR festivals, and each one’s “Season” is getting longer every year (it appears). In addition, EPCOT seems to have embraced the power (and perhaps profitability) of food and beverage in these festivals, as they all now seem to include the “Taste of” phrase in the festival name. And these Festival names were already fairly long to begin with. But that’s ok, we love them anyway, right?
Collaborative Paint by Numbers Mural (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)
EPCOT’s first festival after the holidays will be the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, beginning January 8, 2021. While I’m partial to the International Flower and Garden Festival, many fans claim the Festival of the Arts to be EPCOTS best Festival of the year. This year the Fesitval will run through February 22. We’ll enjoy:
More than 15 Food “studios” serving “culinary art” around World Showcase.
A ton of diverse work of Disney and other artists on display in marketplaces all around World Showcase Lagoon.
Special Photo locations where guests can “step into the scene”.
A paint by number mural for EVERYONE to participate in that serves as a collaborative art project.
Watch as visiting artists create magic.
Favorite EPCOT musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors.
Artful scavenger hunt to search for FIGMENT around World Showcase.
Festival exclusive merchandise.
Watch talented artists in action! (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)
I love that with each Festival, the pop up food stands and stores get different names, themed to the event. For the Holiday Festival, the food stations are “Holiday Kitchens” and for the Arts Festival, they are food “Studios”. So fun!
Walt Disney World Entrances Get a Makeover!
We’ve talked before about Disney’s efforts to “spruce” things up around Walt Disney World in time for their big 50th Anniversary next October. There are lots of construction projects going on, designed to improve the guest experience. Over the spring and summer, Cinderella Castle got a makeover, and the castle is looking really spectacular these days.
Concept Art – Disney Parks
This week, Disney World started work on the entrances that greet guests as they arrive on Disney property. These signs are archways that go over the road, and feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse on either side.
Windshield Photo of Walt Disney World Entrance (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
For most Disney fans, these signs are the true beginning of vacation. I have countless “through the windshield” or “out the window” pictures of these signs. These signs have started to fade over the last few years and look a little worn and tired.
Another BEFORE Picture (Every makeover needs a BEFORE, right?) (Photo: Linda Harkness)
At last, these wonderful signs are getting a makeover. This refresh shouldn’t take long, and guests visiting for the holiday season should see the Walt Disney World entrance signs in all their new glory. I’m hoping at least one will be finished or nearly so when we visit mid-November. If so, we’ll be sure to get pictures for you guys! To hold us all over until then, here’s a look at the concept art Disney released for the new look.
Here’s the AFTER (theoretically, at least!) Concept Art: Disney Parks and Resorts
As someone devoted to Cinderella Castle (some would say unhealthily so…for example, my husband😉) I am disappointed to lose the Castle from the entrance sign. However, I think the new look is really terrific and updated.
That’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News!
What are your thoughts on this week’s stories? Are you excited to see at least one street opening in Disney’s California Adventure theme park? What is YOUR favorite EPCOT Festival? Are you as worried as I am about the entertainment cast member layoffs? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Happy dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
We have breaking news this morning. At last, Disney has opened up reservations for next fall. Disney fall 2021 vacation packages are now available.
Winter Icicle Castle (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
As you may already be aware, next October will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. There are many refurbishment projects currently underway, intended to spruce up the parks and resorts for Disney’s big 50th Anniversary. We are all hopeful that by next fall, many of the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 will be lifted, and we’ll all be able to fully enjoy the complete Disney experience.
Spaceship Earth (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)
Many guests have been waiting for Disney fall 2021 vacation packages to book their 2021 Disney vacations because they want to be on Disney property during the celebration. There are also thousands of Disney fans (my family included!) that had to cancel their 2020 vacation plans due to the impact of Covid-19. These fans have been anxiously waiting for Disney to open up fall 2021 vacation packages.
Enjoy Animal Kingdom at Night (Photo: Disney Parks)
Disney Fall 2021 Vacation Packages Available NOW
Today is the day. Vacation packages and resort reservations are now available from September 27, 2021 through December 31, 2021. If you are interested in booking your Disney fall 2021 vacation, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Photo: Disney Parks)
If you think you might want to visit Disney next fall, I highly encourage you to book sooner rather than later! Disney is going to be applying the full court marketing press, and doing their best to make sure that EVERYONE wants to be at Disney World next fall.
I was at Disney for the 45th Anniversary and it was PACKED! Hotels were at full capacity for most of that fall, and dining reservations were super tough to get. It’s better to lock in your plan early–even if you may need to make changes later.
Work with a Travel Agent
One of the (many!) benefits of working with an authorized Disney vacation planner is that we have direct access into the Disney systems. We often have access to unpublished or limited discounts not available to the general public. If you book your vacation through an authorized Disney vacation planner, and Disney releases a discount later that would save you money, we can go in to their system and apply that discount to your package. (As long as final payment has not been made.)
Linda and Brooke with Mickey and Minnie at Animal Kingdom
Working with a Disney vacation planner does not cost you ANYTHING. We are paid by Disney. But by working with me, you have my expertise, Disney love, and hundreds of amazing vacations on your team. This can be a challenging time to navigate planning a Disney vacation. Let me help make it magical!
Have a wonderful week!
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
P.S. Did you get this week’s Disney Parks News Update? Check it out here.
In this week’s Disney Parks News Update, we have GUNS confiscated on Disney property, refurbishment updates, LOTS of food news, scary clowns and more! Please watch this week’s Disney Parks News Update video below.
EPCOT currently looks a little bit like a construction zone, as EPCOT Future World is in the midst of a major overhaul. There are a number of projects in progress around EPCOT’s Entrance and throughout Future World. Among these projects is the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, scheduled to open sometime next year. We are happy to report that construction appears to be moving ahead on all these projects. We don’t have completion dates or opening dates for any of the work going on, but we are hopeful that Disney is on track with their plans to have this work complete in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary next October.
Frozen Ever After
Frozen Ever After (Photo: Disney Parks)
A VERY popular attraction, Frozen Ever After, is closing for refurbishment in a couple of weeks. Don’t worry—it’s only for a few days. The attraction will be closed from November 2 – 6, 2020. This is likely just for cleaning and general maintenance; this is not enough time for Disney to do any major overhauls. Not to mention, this is still a fairly new attraction. It really shouldn’t need any major refurbishment yet.
We’ll be in the park the following week, and will let you know how the attraction looks when it reopens!
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation Resort (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is reopening at long last on November 1, 2020. If you aren’t familiar with the Art of Animation resort, it is a very popular Value Resort, and one of our favorites. Check out our blog post about this resort here.
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During the shutdown, Art of Animation got some minor refurbishments, including new flooring and updates in the lobby area. The rooms themselves got minor updates to furnishings and room details.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Art of Animation, it is located on the Skyliner line, and it’s a worthwhile stop to check it out. All the themed icons from Cars, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and the Little Mermaid make terrific backdrops and props for unique family pictures.
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The Big Blue Pool, Art of Animation’s largest pool, did not get it’s refurbishment done during the closure, however. As a result, the Big Blue Pool will be closed for refurbishment from January 1, 2021 through early April 2021.
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts
Guests are encouraged to use the Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little mermaid area) or the Cozy cone Pool (in the Cars area) during the closure. The Schoolyard Sprayground play area is NOT being affected by the closure.
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts
Guests staying at Art of Animation during this time should expect to see or hear construction during their stay; however, construction does not occur between dusk and 9 am, so your rest time should not be impacted.
If you have a reservation during this time and are concerned about this refurbishment, please reach out to your travel agent (or me!).
Boardwalk Inn: Luna Pool
A highlight for me personally in this week’s Disney Parks News Update is about the CLOWN over at the Luna Pool at the Boardwalk Inn.
The pool at the Boardwalk Inn, the Luna Pool is currently being refurbished while the Boardwalk Inn is closed. The pool area at the Boardwalk Inn is themed to the turn of the 20th century Coney island. The area has a sort of “Circus-y/Old timey amusement park” vibe.
Boardwalk Inn Luna Pool Area (Photo: Disney Parks)
The centerpiece of the pool area has always been a giant clown face. The mouth of the clown is a waterslide. I’m not a giant fan of clowns to begin with but this clown? Totally creeps me out. In fact, I’ve avoided booking there for my family because of the creepy clown.
Boardwalk Inn Luna Pool (Photo: Disney Parks)
I mean, look at that thing. Don’t you think it’s a little creepy? (OR A LOT CREEPY???!!!)
Here’s the big news: locals have reported that the giant clown head has been REMOVED as part of the Luna Pool refurbishment!!! It has been seen being taken away from the pool area (although no one actually saw it dismantled, thrown in the trash or burned in a ceremonial cleansing so we do not know for sure it is not coming back). The area where the clowns head WAS is still covered with tarps, but work is continuing.
Dare we hope that the clown is gone for good? Could the Imagineers have something new and creative for that area that doesn’t terrorize small children (or ME)??? I do not know, unfortunately. We will definitely scope out the pool area when we visit next month; hopefully we will be able to give you a more definitive update then. But for now? I’m happily booking a reservation for my mom and I at Boardwalk for May, assuming the clown will be GONE.
Food News
We have lots of FOOD NEWS in this week’s Disney Parks News Update!
ABC Commissary
Over at Hollywood Studios, the ABC Commissary has reopened with a brand new menu. Some old favorites are still there, but the menu has had a major overhaul. Tacos and curry rice bowls have taken center stage. New items include Pork carnitas tacos, Shrimp tacos, curry rice bowl with shrimp and a plant based curry rice bowl with tofu. Two new chicken sandwiches also join the lineup. Kids can choose from a Pork taco, grilled cheese sandwich, a turkey sandwich or their old favorite, uncrustables.
ABC Commissary (Photo: Disney Parks)
Minnie’s Halloween Dine
Also at Hollywood Studios, we have a new menu for Minnie’s Halloween Dine over at Hollywood and Vine.
Photo: Disney Parks
This meal does feature character appearances. The characters will parade through the dining area and wave and let you take pictures. However, they won’t be stopping at your table for individual pictures as you are probably used to from character meals pre Covid.
This is a fixed price, three course meal, featuring a salad, entrée and dessert.
Photo: Disney Parks
Entrée choices include prime rib, roasted turkey breast, macaroni and cheese with shrimp, Salmon, Pork osso bucco and plant based pan seared king trumpet mushrooms.
Photo: Disney Parks
Desserts include your choice of apple blueberry pie, banana crème pie, chocolate smores pie, vanilla crème brulee and a plant based cherry lemon pie.
Photo: Disney Parks
Cocktails, wine and beer are available for an additional price. Beer starts at $7.50, Wine by the glass starts at $10, and cocktails start at $13.
In the past I have NOT enjoyed Hollywood & Vine, however, I have to admit this sounds pretty good. We may have to check this out for ourselves!
Chef Mickey’s
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts
Next up in Food news: Chef Mickey’s Character Dining is coming back! One of the most popular character meals on property, Chef Mickey’s will soon be visited by Chef Mickey himself (and a few of his friends!).
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts
Starting on December 16, 2020, Mickey and Minnie and their friends will be back at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It’s not quite the same—this is NOT a buffet at the moment, and the characters will not be coming to your table. However, the characters will “pop up” at surprise intervals and parade through the dining rooms, waving at guests for pictures. Reservations for Chef mickey’s character dining open up October 17.
Photo: Disney Parks
Its important to note that Chef Mickey’s IS currently open. Right now, it’s an all you care to eat family feast WITHOUT characters. Pricing for adults is $25 and kids are $14 (plus tax). However, once the characters return, pricing will jump to $42 for adults and $27 for kids (plus tax).
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts
In addition to the characters joining diners, there are three new entrees being added to the menu. Mickey’s celebration pancakes, a loaded potato cheese casserole with smoked bacon crumbles and chives and finally, Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast—which looks and sounds like a heart attack on a plate.
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts
It will probably taste AMAZING though. If you plan to check out this very popular character dining experience, reservations are HIGHLY recommended (really, required).
Updated Mask Warnings
New mask warning signs appeared throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks last week. These signs more specifically state that guests must wear their masks properly, at all times, and further state that guests who do not wear their masks will be asked to leave the parks.
In addition to the new signs located throughout the parks, Disney has added an audio announcement about the mask policy that plays in the parks several times each day. Finally, they’ve added the message to the My Disney Experience phone app. Disney is very serious that guests understand this policy.
I know there has been some confusion on this: Florida was recently moved to Phase 3, which means the Florida state government is no longer requiring masks in all public places, and the state has rescinded the fines for not wearing a mask. HOWEVER, it is important to recognize that each business has the right to establish and follow their own protocols, based on what they believe is safest for their guests or customers.
Disney is SERIOUS about their Mask Policy
Completely separate from what the state dictates, Disney has their OWN policies. Disney has determined, based on their research and advice from scientific advisors and guidelines from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that masks help prevent the spread of Covid-19 (and other airborne spread diseases). Disney is requiring all guests over the age of 2 to wear masks at all times while in the theme parks, and while in public areas of Disney resorts.
Photo: Disney Parks
I understand this is a hot button topic for some people. Bottom line: If you aren’t willing to wear a mask during your Disney visit, do not visit Disney.
If you don’t wear a mask, you will not be permitted entry to the theme parks. If you remove your mask (other than while dining), you will be asked to leave the theme park. It’s very simple. If your aren’t comfortable wearing a mask during your Disney theme park visit, do not visit Disney until masks are no longer required. Hopefully, sometime next year. Disney has a very good refund policy right now, due to the challenges raised by Covid-19, and I am confident they will work with you to cancel or reschedule your trip.
Walt Disney World Theme Parks Capacity
In last week’s Disney Parks News Update, we talked about capacity at the theme parks. We expressed our belief that Disney has been quietly increasing capacity at the theme parks. This belief is based on anecdotal and observational evidence. The theme parks are feeling more crowded. We are seeing much longer lines for attractions. It’s getting more difficult to social distance in main traffic areas throughout the parks. Park reservations are fully booked up, and then Disney releases more availability for certain days, especially weekends. In general, it just “feels” like the parks are getting more crowded every week.
Bob Chapek, Disney CEO
However, Bob Chapek, Disney’s CEO told CNBC this week that Walt Disney World theme parks are still capped at 25% capacity. He also stated that the parks will remain capped at 25% capacity until the CDC guidelines change.
We have to assume that Bob Chapek knows what he’s talking about. He’s the boss of all the bosses, and while he’s not in the trenches admitting guests into the park, we figure he’s heavily involved with the decisions related to capacity. Especially as those decisions will affect the overall profitability of the theme parks dramatically, right?
We’re NOT at 25% Capacity?
So what could explain the discrepancy between what we (and many others who have visited over the last few weeks) are feeling and what Bob Chapek tells us must be true?
1) It’s likely that when the parks first opened, they were not any where near 25% capacity. Perhaps they opened at 5 or 10% and hovered there for a while. We saw lots of pictures and comments that the parks were like ghost towns, and all the attractions were walk-ons during the first couple of months. That has certainly changed. So perhaps what we are seeing now is truly 25% capacity?
2) Another factor in longer lines could be staffing related. If Disney is staffing fewer cast members on attractions, perhaps some “lanes” are closed in attractions? This could slow down the movement of guests through those rides, resulting in longer lines and more congestion?
I’m not sure. It sure seems like the crowds we are seeing, especially in Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom, are higher than 25% capacity. But we don’t work at the parks, and Disney is fairly tightlipped about what they consider FULL capacity to be. So the short answer right now? We don’t know. We will update you next month with our perspective when we are actually there ourselves.
Assault Weapons at Disney World?
Our final story this week is a troubling one. We have learned, courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel as well as several other news outlets, that a Disney guest brought an AR-15 rifle and 9 mm handgun with him on his Disney vacation!
The guest, a 43 year old man from Palm Beach Gardens, checked into the Polynesian Villages Resort over Labor Day Weekend. When the guns were discovered in his luggage, Disney contacted the local sheriff. The man had a concealed weapons permit, and therefore was not arrested.
However, Disney does not allow weapons of any kind on property, so Disney confiscated and held the man’s arsenal for him until the end of his vacation. He stated he brought the weapons because he was worried about his family’s safety during the social justice protests in the Orlando area last month.
Personally, I think if you are worried enough about the safety of your family that you need to bring an assault rifle, a hand gun and more than 100 rounds of ammunition with you to DISNEY WORLD where there are THOUSANDS of unarmed adults and children, perhaps you should postpone your vacation until a time when it feels safer for you to visit.
Again, Disney is being extremely flexible with cancellations, refunds and rescheduling. I would never want anyone to feel unsafe, but we can’t have assault rifles and other deadly weapons making their way onto Disney property.
To be clear: Disney does not allow guests to bring weapons of any kind onto its property. If you have issues with this policy, please contact Disney directly.
Disney Parks News Update: Final Thoughts
That’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News Update. It’s good to see that in some ways, things at the parks are starting to look a little more normal. However, it is a sign of the times that we are seeing stronger mask warnings from Disney, and that we had a story this week that included the word “assault rifle”. I’m hopeful that we will have more stories about things getting back to normal as time goes on.
Thank you for reading!
Happy dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
It’s time for another Disney Parks News Update. In this week’s report, we discuss Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to move the State of Florida to Phase 3. This removes capacity restrictions on theme parks, restaurants and bars throughout Florida. We also discuss Disney’s announcement that they are laying off 28,000 employees from their theme parks division.
We also report on changes to entertainment at Walt Disney World in the coming weeks. In addition, there was fireworks testing going on after hours and the ongoing refurbishment at the Polynesian Villages Resort. Finally, we give you an update on runDisney’s virtual race registrations and report a parade sighting on this week’s Dancing With the Stars.
Please check out this weeks Disney Parks News Update below.
For those of you that prefer reading, here’s the written version of this week’s Disney Parks News Update.
Disney Parks News Update
Florida moves to Phase 3
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially moved Florida to Phase 3, effectively lifting Covid-19 restrictions on theme parks, restaurants and bars. The state is no longer issuing fines for failure to comply with mask regulations, and is no longer restricting capacity.
Disney released a statement, essentially stating that they will continue to adhere to their reopening plans, and continue to exercise caution and above and beyond safety protocols. As we mentioned last week, Disney has been quietly increasing capacity in its theme parks; however I would not expect any drastic or sudden changes in response to the Governor’s actions.
Disney Lays Off 28,000 Employees
Yesterday, Disney announced upcoming layoffs of 28,000 employees from its theme parks division. While many Disney theme park employees were furloughed following the closure in April due to the Pandemic, this announcement is a major blow to theme park employees both hoping to be brought back to work soon, and those currently working in the parks.
Disney’s official statement cites California’s failure to allow Disneyland to reopen as a major factor; however, the travel industry as a whole has been VERY hard hit this year, and it may take years for it to fully recover. Sea World, Universal and other Florida theme parks have also been announcing layoffs, just not quite this large.
Our hearts go out to all the employees that will soon learn they are among the 28,000. This has been such a difficult year for so many, and this giant layoff by one of the worlds largest corporations is certainly an indicator that no one is immune from the pain, not even the happiest places on Earth.
Fireworks Testing
In the “good news” category, there was some after hours testing of Fireworks over at EPCOT a few nights ago. The testing went on for several hours. Most likely, this is Disney testing the new nighttime show for EPCOT, Harmonious. Harmonious was originally scheduled to be added to EPCOT this summer or fall; however, it is more likely that it will be added in the spring. This new show is supposed to be the biggest and most technical of any of the nighttime Epcot spectaculars, and it is likely that months of testing lie ahead before the show is released to guests.
When fireworks DO return to Disney, I do think EPCOT is a great candidate for the first shows as it is more spread out and will allow for more disbursement of crowds and less congestion. However, fireworks shows like Disney does are very expensive and I highly doubt they will resume until the parks are returned to normal capacity and the hotels are all back open and full of guests.
Magic Kingdom Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom announced a couple attraction closures this week. The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer island will be closed from October 5 through at least Jan 21 2021 for refurbishment. This may mean that the Rivers of America will be drained during that period, although that is not confirmed.
Liberty Square Riverboat (Photo: Disney Parks)
Polynesian Villages Resort Refurbishment
Last week we discussed that the Polynesian Villages Resort will be closed until next year as it is getting refurbishment. At that time Disney had not released any concept art.
Disney has now released this concept art for the new entrance and Port Cochere for the Polynesian Villages Resort. Further, Disney stated the resort will reopen in Summer 2021. The Polynesian’s 50th anniversary is October 1 2021, and it seems the refurbishment is designed to coincide with that anniversary as well as with Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, also October 2021.
Concept Art: Polynesian Villages Resort (Concept Art: Disney Parks and Resorts)
The statement released by Disney with the new art stated that the new entrance will feature a bold new facade that will complement the longhouses throughout the resort. Disney also stated that the gardens and fountains are getting refurbished as well, with new dramatic lighting elements, and new chandeliers, inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and bamboo. The new outdoor chandeliers will match the existing chandelier in the resort lobby and bridge the two spaces.
Disney World guests can still access the Grand Ceremonial House and its operating retail and dining venues during the refurbishment project.
I think this is preliminary art is a good sign. The Polynesian’s ground entrance has always been a little underwhelming, and it looks like Disney is finally fixing that, and making it more worth of this beautiful resort.
The Grand Floridian Orchestra
After 32 years, Disney has ended the run of the Grand Floridian Orchestra. This six piece orchestra has entertained guests at the Grand Floridian from high above the lobby for years, and is beloved by many.
Grand Floridian Orchestra (Photo: Disney Parks)
While the Grand Floridian remained closed to guests when the parks reopened, the Grand Floridian Orchestra was performing several times per day over at Hollywood Studios in the Beauty and the Beast theater as the Disney Society Orchestra.
The Grand Floridian Orchestra announced a few days ago that their final Walt Disney World performance will be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday October 3, 2020. Disney’s official statement was pretty brief and vague, but seemed to indicate that it was time for a change at the Grand Floridian.
Grand Floridian Orchestra (Photo: Disney Parks)
More likely, the cut is budget related, and is a troubling indicator of things to come. In March, many of the entertainment acts featured throughout EPCOT World Showcase found their contracts canceled. I am very concerned that we are losing, perhaps permanently, that “extra” entertainment that is part of what makes Disney parks so very special.
Entertainment Coming to Hollywood Studios
However, there is some good news on the entertainment front. At Hollywood Studios, we have some entertainment coming back very soon. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing A Long Celebration is returning to Hollywood Studios on October 5, 2020.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration (Photo: Disney Parks)
Disney has stated that there are no changes to the show, other than minor staging and audience seating to allow for social distancing.
Also coming soon to the animation courtyard is Disney Junior Play and Dance. These dance parties will feature a DJ playing songs and encouraging kids to dance. Disney Junior stars like Mickey Mouse and Vampirina will appear on stage during the dance party.
Pop Up Motorcades at Hollywood Studios
Pop up motorcades are coming to Hollywood Studios. These motorcades will allow guests to see their favorite characters safely, and provide photo opportunities. Much like the character cavalcades we’ve been seeing at Magic Kingdom, these themed motorcades will not appear on the daily schedule. This will discourage crowds from gathering to see a motorcade. These motorcades will pop up throughout the day.
Pixar Pals Character Motorcade (Photo: Disney Parks)
There are three different motorcades, all featuring custom colorful convertibles, powered by Chevrolet. Gotta love those sponsorships. The Mickey and Friends motorcade will feature Minnie, Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale. The Pixar Pals Motorcade will feature the Incredibles, Woody, Buzz lightyear and others. The Disney junior stars motorcade will feature Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina.
Disney Junior Character Motorcade (Photo: Disney Parks)
runDisney Virtual Race Registration Update
Last week we shared runDisney’s announcement that the 2021 Marathon Weekend and 2021 Princess Half Marathon weekend were both transitioning to virtual races, and that registration for the races was opening up for those races for a limited time.
Registration is currently still open for all the virtual races for both weekends, if you are interested. I don’t know how long registration will remain open, so I wouldn’t wait too long.
If you’re not familiar with a “virtual” race, basically you will run the race on the scheduled date, but you will run it in a location of your choosing, not on Disney property and without the porta-potties and water stations we rely on for major races. For marathon weekend, prices range from $40-79 for the 5K, $49-$99 for the 10k, $59-$118 for the half, and $65-$120 for the full marathon. The lower price includes a digital bib, digital race tool kit including mile markers, digital goody bag, virtual playlist. The higher price adds an event tech shirt.
The challenges are also available: Goofy (the half and full completed on consecutive days) is $129 – $275, and Dopey (all four races completed on consecutive days) is $225 – $480.
Pricing for the Princess half marathon weekend is very similar. We are posting a more detailed post about the runDisney virtual races tomorrow. Please check back to visit that post.
Disney and Dancing with the Stars
Finally, loosely tied to Parks news, it was Disney week on Dancing with the Stars. Host Tyra Banks sported Minnie ears and a Minnie inspired dress throughout the show, and every dance featured Disney songs.
Disney Week on Dancing with the Stars. Host Tyra Banks (Screenshot: Hulu)
The highlight for me was the inclusion of elements from the Main Street Electrical Parade during the beginning segment of the show. The “floats” were displayed and the little snail even drove around the dance floor.
The Main Street Electrical Parade Visits Disney Week on Dancing with the Stars (Screenshot: Hulu)
I’ve always loved this little parade, and was happy to see the floats and elements still exist. Hopefully we will all get a chance to see this beloved nighttime parade at a Disney park sometime soon!
Tune in Next Week for More Disney Parks News Updates!
We hope you have enjoyed this week’s Disney Parks News Update. Please join us next Wednesday for next week’s news!
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
P.S. Looking for last week’s Disney Parks News Updates? Please visit our YouTube video here.
Disney World parks have now been reopened for two weeks. How it’s going seems to depend a lot on who you talk to. Now that the dust has settled a little bit on the reopening, we wanted to update you on a few announcements Disney has made since the parks reopened. Disney has announced Disney attraction closures, both temporary and permanent. There are also several highly anticipated upcoming attractions that have been put on the back burner, modified or cancelled altogether.
Resort Opening Changes
Disney has decided NOT to reopen Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn until further notice. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resorts will both remain closed until further notice. In addition, the three All Star value resorts and Pop Century resorts remain closed at this time.
Disney has pushed back the reopening of both Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Here is the new schedule of the resorts that are scheduled to reopen this year.
July 29:Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
August 24: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
September 21: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
October 4: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
October 14: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
November 1: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
It is important to remember that all these dates are still subject to change. Disney continues to evaluate the health situation and what is happening in the state of Florida.
Spaceship Earth Refurbishment
Previously, Disney had planned to close Spaceship Earth in May 2020 for a two to three year refurbishment. Read about that here.
When the parks reopened, fans were happy to see that Spaceship Earth reopened, right along with the rest of EPCOT attractions. Shortly after reopening, Disney announced that plans to refurbish/reimagine Spaceship Earth had been paused indefinitely.
Spaceship Earth (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)
At this time, no additional information has been released. If you’ve ridden Spaceship Earth anytime over the last year or two, you’ve probably noticed that it needs refurbishment. Some areas of the ride, and many of the ride vehicles look worn.
Why the pause? In short: Money. Disney lost more than $1 billion during the first month the parks were closed, and when the next quarter’s results are released, that loss will no doubt be mind boggling large. As a result, it is likely that Disney will be scaling back on planned projects, or even canceling projects to control spending until the parks start to recover financially. This, unfortunately, is likely to take YEARS.
We suspect that Spaceship Earth will close at some point either in 2021 or 2022 for a few months for cleaning and refurbishment, but it is doubtful that the substantial refurbishment originally planned will happen at all. This is not official, this is just our opinion. On the upside, if you are planning to visit the parks over the next 18 months, most likely Spaceship Earth will be open.
Mary Poppins Attraction
For as long as Disney has been building attractions, there have been rumors that a Mary Poppins themed attraction would be built. For many, the very brief Mary Poppins scene in the now-gone Great Movie Ride was a favorite scene. When Mary Poppins Returns was released in 2018, a resurgence of interest in Mary Poppins was born. When Disney announced that at long last, a Mary Poppins themed attraction was going to land in the UK Pavilion at EPCOT, many fans were THRILLED. While very few details were ever released about the planned attraction, it was officially announced. The attraction was included in the presentation at the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. The attraction has now been removed from that presentation.
Disney officially announced that the planned Mary Poppins attraction has been “postponed”. In this case, it is likely that the attraction will never materialize. It doesn’t appear that the attraction had gotten very far down the imagineering road, and given the financial losses Disney sustained this year? It doesn’t look good for our girl Mary. Hopefully, we are wrong, and we will eventually see this attraction move ahead. It is unlikely to happen for several years, however, and we suspect other properties will be higher priorities by then.
Disney Attraction Closures
Along with announcing postponements, Disney also announced some attraction closures. For the most part, these were not surprising.
Stitch’s Great Escape
Disney has permanently closed Stitch’s Great Escape. This controversial ride was (in our opinion) a ham fisted overlay of the failed scary attraction, Alien Adventure. After many guest complained, Alien Adventure was closed and a new “story” was created to make the attraction less scary and more funny, using the same basic attraction features. Stitch was stuck into the “story”, assumably to attract younger children and families to try the new version of the attraction.
The attraction was never very popular. In our opinion, it didn’t really work. The story was neither fun nor funny, and including Stitch didn’t really make much sense. The ride wasn’t as scary, it was more gross—and while that can be both fun and funny, in this case…it really wasn’t.
For the last couple of years, Stitch’s Great Escape has been closed more than it’s been opening. The attraction has opened a few times a year when crowds are particularly high to try and give people another attraction to visit. Disney’s decision to permanently close the attraction and no longer use it for overflow suggests it wasn’t really working in that capacity either. We suspect even the most loyal Stitch fan will not be sorry to see this attraction go.
We hope this space will be used for a really terrific Tomorrowland attraction at some point in the future. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to happen any time in the next 2-5 years.
Primeval Whirl
Primeval Whirl is another not-very-popular attraction that is now officially closed, per Disney’s recent announcement. Located in Dinoland at Animal Kingdom, Primeval Whirl is part of the “carnival” section of Dinoland. It’s very much an “off the shelf” attraction, similar to basic attractions you’d find at an actual carnival or very basic theme park. It certainly lacked any “Disney Magic”.
Much like Stitch’s Great Escape, Primeval Whirl has been mostly closed for the last couple of years. Disney opened Primeval Whirl occasionally, when crowds were especially high. We doubt there is a plan to replace Primeval Whirl. Likely, Disney just decided to close it permanently to reduce training and operating costs for a rarely used, unpopular attraction.
Rivers of Light
The announcement that Animal Kingdom’s nighttime show, Rivers of Light, would NOT be returning permanently was a surprise and a disappointment. Part of the Animal Kingdom expansion when Disney decided the park needed to be a full day “experience”, Rivers of Light was a unique nighttime show unlike anything else on Disney property.
Disney built a gorgeous waterside theater near the Finding Nemo the Musical theater to house Rivers of Light when it was designed. Because of the animals, nighttime entertainment at Animal Kingdom cannot include fireworks, explosions or loud pyrotechnics like we are used to seeing at most Disney nighttime shows.
Animal Kingdom’s Rivers of Light (Photo:Disney Parks)
Rivers of Light uses hauntingly beautiful music, stained glass floats, dancing waters and water projections to entertain. It’s a slower, quieter show, but very beautiful to look at and a nice way to unwind at the end of a busy day.
We are disappointed that Disney will not be bringing the show back, but we hope those beautiful floats and that theater will be used for SOMETHING in the future. Again, due to financial constraints, it is unlikely we will see anything for a few years. (SIGH).
Projects in Process
There are quite a few projects in process around Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, we don’t know the current status on most of these projects. We are assuming work is progressing, but we’ve had no announcements.
For example, the Ratatouille themed attraction originally slated to open in “Summer 2020” has not opened. The signs outside the attraction building that used to say “Summer 2020” have been removed. The attraction was in fairly good shape prior to the parks closing in March. We would have thought the attraction would be opening perhaps late summer or early fall at the latest, based on construction delays caused by Covid-19. However, Disney has not made any announcements or been talking about this attraction at all. We suspect that with the parks opened with limited capacity and the health crisis still looming, Disney has decided to save this attraction for when the parks are welcoming more guests, and they can generate positive buzz for the attraction. Just speculation on our part, but we think they may want a bigger “good news” announcement than they would likely get right now.
Space 220 Concept Art, Disney Parks
Similarly, Space 220 is a new table service restaurant, originally planned to open late 2019 and pushed back to Summer 2020. There has been no news on this restaurant for months, so we suspect it will not open this year. We hope to be wrong as we are very anxious to check this one out. Unfortunately, we doubt we are wrong.
Big Coming Attractions
The Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and the Tron Lightcycle coaster ride are both projects scheduled for completion sometime in 2021. We’ve had no information on these, but hopefully they are still on track.
Tron Billboard, visible from Storybook Circus
We’ve also had no significant updates on the reconfiguring of EPCOT’s main entrance and future world. This is another project not expected to finish until sometime next year. This is a project that we think will be scaled WAY back from the original plans. It will be interesting to see what happens with this fairly massive project over the next 12 months.
Disney Attraction Closures: What About the PARKS???
The big question, of course, is will Walt Disney World close the parks again. We just don’t know the answer to that one. It is possible, especially considering how fast new cases are emerging in Florida every day. While we are confident that Disney will do everything in its power to keep from closing down, they also don’t want to jeopardize public health, their image or their bottom line. There are a lot of things that could (and should) factor into a decision to close the parks again. Hopefully, it will not become necessary. We will keep you posted as we learn more in the days ahead!
Are you upset or worried by any of the closures or postponements mentioned above? Please like this post and comment below.
