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Disney Dessert Parties – Are they worth the money?

I am a Disney World fireworks junkie, I admit it. Combining desserts WITH Disney fireworks? Sounds like a win to me! This is where Disney Dessert Parties come in. But are they worth it?

For many Disney theme park fans, myself included, Walt Disney World’s nightly fireworks displays can be the highlight of their Disney Day. These amazing displays of pyrotechnics artistically themed and perfectly choreographed to music are beautiful and often emotionally stirring. (And also REALLY expensive and not great for the environment. But that’s a topic for another blog!).

However, finding a great spot to watch the fireworks from can be challenging. Don’t get me wrong–There are LOTS of places to stand (or occasionally, to sit) and watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But a GREAT spot? Where, if you are so inclined, you can capture good pictures or video? Without a child on someone’s shoulders dead center in all your photos? THIS is a nightly challenge! The best spots are often staked out 2-3 hours in advance–and even then, I’ve seen park guests enraged when after two hours of carefully guarding their “spot”, latecomers encroach and crowd into their space. Remember, these shows come at the end of long, very active and often very hot days. I love Disney fireworks shows with all my heart, but standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of sweaty strangers can, at times, be uncomfortable.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spot. Photo: Brooke Hudson

But what options do we have? We all want to watch the fireworks. 60% of us want to photograph or record video of the show. So we suck it up, find a spot as early as we are willing to, and take turns running to the closest Mickey Bar kiosk to get a sugar rush to (hopefully) carry us through.

Disney has an option for you–but it will cost you. Disney offers several different varieties of a Fireworks Dessert Party for some of their shows in some of their parks, depending on the time of year and whether the park is open to regular guests. These Disney Dessert Parties are offered at several price points, but none of them are what we would think of as an “economy” option. Disney Dessert Parties are growing in popularity, and are often sold out. The question is, are Disney Dessert Parties worth the money?

What is a Disney Dessert Party?

Basically, Disney Dessert Parties are a semi private event that you can buy a ticket to for a particular fireworks show at a particular theme park on a particular night. Your Disney Dessert Party ticket includes 45 minutes – 1 hour access to a generous buffet of desserts, cheeses and beverages. Beverages do include an assortment of beer and wine for guests age 21 and over. Your Disney Dessert Party ticket will also include access to a protected viewing area for that evening’s fireworks presentation. This area will ONLY be accessible to Disney Dessert Party guests, and Disney is careful not to oversell these events. This ensures that the Disney Dessert Party protected viewing areas are not crazy crowded. At minimum, your viewing experience will be more comfortable and you’ll have some breathing room.

Disney Dessert Party tickets are a separate purchase from your theme park ticket, but a theme park ticket is required for entry into the park. If you are visiting the park on a one-day ticket during a peak season, your day’s ticket could be as high as $160. If you add on a Disney Dessert Party, you could be adding another $100 – $150 to that day’s ticket costs. It’s important to keep that in mind–this is an additional ticket. You have to have a park ticket to enter the park, and you have to have a paid Disney Dessert Party reservation to attend the Disney Dessert Party and to have access to the protected fireworks viewing area.

In this post, we’ll focus on Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties. We’ll talk about Disney Dessert Party options at the other parks in a future post.

What does a Disney Dessert Party Cost?

Short answer? It depends. Currently, Disney is offering three different Disney Dessert Parties at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park for the Happily Ever After evening fireworks shows.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party

The first Disney Dessert Party option available is the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party Pre-Party. A reservation is required for each member of your party to attend this event, and your card will be charged when you make the reservation.

Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Disney Dessert Parties — Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Photo: Brooke Hudson

You will check in at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where you will be given a wrist band. You will then be directed to the upper area of Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where your party will be taken to a seating area. Your dessert buffet, beverage area and bar area will be located on this upper level. Please note that you may be sharing tables with other groups. You can visit the dessert buffet stations and the various beverage stations in your area as often as you want to, during the time you in your designated dessert party area in the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. About 30 minutes before the fireworks are due to begin, dessert party cast members will circulate through the seating area and let you know that they will begin leading guests to the designated fireworks viewing area for party goers.

Current pricing is $99 per adult (ages 10+) and $59 per child (ages 3-9). Taxes are included. Per the Walt Disney Company, gratuities are not included or necessary

Fireworks Viewing Area

I’ve done a few of these parties over the years. Usually, a cast member will carry a red flashlight and lead a line of dessert party guests from the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant to the designated fireworks viewing area in the Plaza Garden. Depending on how crowded the park is that day, this may happen quickly or it may take a while as you are led through the surrounding crowd to the designated area in the Plaza Garden. For the fireworks viewing, the Plaza Garden is blocked off from the rest of the park guests. Only guests with a paid dessert party admission are allowed into this area for approximately 2 hours before the fireworks and including the show itself. It is a standing area, but it won’t be super crowded.

If you aren’t familiar with the Plaza Garden, it is located to the right after The Plaza Restaurant and the seating area across from the Plaza restaurant. During the day, the Plaza Garden usually features a couple of PhotoPass photographers, as this area offers a lovely view of the castle. This is also the spot where, during the day, you can take the PhotoPass photo where you are photographed from a camera located on the roof of The Plaza Restaurant building.

Plaza Garden Photo Spot Photo: Disney PhotoPass

Plaza Garden Photo Spot Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties Viewing Spot — Plaza Garden Photo Spot and Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties Fireworks Viewing Area. Photo: Disney PhotoPass

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Post-Party

The next Magic Kingdom Dessert Party option is the Post-Party. This party is very similar to the Pre-party described above; however, in this version, you watch the fireworks FIRST, and attend the Dessert Party itself after the fireworks.

You will still check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and get your wristband approximately 45 minutes to one hour before the fireworks. Once you have your wristband, you will be shown to the same fireworks viewing area described above. This area is the viewing area for both the Pre-Party Dessert Party and the Post-Party Dessert Party.

After the fireworks display is over, cast members will lead you back to the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for your Post-Party Dessert Party. Your party will be led by a cast member to the upper level of Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where you will be shown to a seating area. Depending on the size of your party, you may be sharing a table with other guests.

Once you have your seating area, you have the freedom to visit the dessert buffet or any of the beverage stations as often as you’d like until the end of the party, approximately 45 minutes after the end of the fireworks.

Current pricing for the Magic Kingdom Post-Party Dessert Party: $99 per adult (aged 10 and over) and $59 per child ages 3-9. Tax is included. Gratuity is not included and not necessary per the Walt Disney Company.

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties Dessert Buffet — Magic Kingdom Dessert Party: Dessert Buffet. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Seats and Sweets

The final Magic Kingdom Dessert Party option is my personal favorite: Seats and Sweets. This Magic Kingdom Dessert Party allows you to “keep your seats” during fireworks show itself, not just before the show or after the show, like the previous two parties I’ve described.

Disney Dessert Party Seats and Sweets — Magic Kingdom Dessert Party: Seats and Sweets. Our table. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Check in for the Seats and Sweets Dessert Party is similar to the other parties. You check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and receive a wristband. The entrance for this particular party is actually on the Tomorrowland side of the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. Don’t worry if you forget—whichever party you are attending, no matter where you try to check in, the cast members will make sure you get to the right place.

Once you have your wristband for the party, a cast member will show you to your table on the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant patio area. This is your table until the party is over. Yes, you can sit and watch the fireworks in comfort at this Dessert Party.

Seating Magic Kingdom Dessert Party Seats and Sweets — Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party Photo: Brooke Hudson

Once you have your assigned table, you are free to visit the dessert buffet or the various beverage stations as often as you like. There’s no rush to finish your desserts before the show starts though. You don’t have to relocated to watch the show, or scramble to find a good viewing spot. I walked around the patio area quite a bit during our last Seats & Sweets Dessert Party, and I think all the tables offer a good viewing spot!!

Disney Dessert Parties — Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party. Photo: Brooke Hudson

There are cast members working throughout the party, busing the tables to clear away your empty plates or glasses. If you attend this party, I recommend arriving at or before the start time, so you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your desserts and beverages before the fireworks begin.

Current pricing is $114 per adult (ages 10+) and $69 per child (ages 3-9). Taxes are included already. Gratuity is not included and not necessary, per the Walt Disney Company on its website promoting the party. note: this price is about $10 per person less than it was the last time I attended this party. Prices on all three Dessert Party options are subject to change — and they do change—especially during busier seasons.

Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party Fireworks View. Photo: Brooke Hudson

For the most current pricing, please visit Here.

So…Is a Disney Dessert Party Worth the Cost?

It depends. $100- $150 (depending on the season) per person for approximately 1 hour’s worth of food, beverages and entertainment is a lot of money for many of us. If money is no object, I would definitely encourage to book a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party for your traveling group on your next trip. Whether you watch from the reserved standing viewing area in the Plaza Garden or you watch from the comfort of your seats on the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant patio, the fireworks experience is much more enjoyable this way.

For most of us, money is a concern. And if you have a large group or family, this event could cost your group $1,000 or more!! I’ve had people tell me that I’m crazy for spending $100+ for a 15 minute fireworks display that I can watch from all over the park. But I’m not really paying for the fireworks display itself—I’m paying for the comfort before, during and after the fireworks display.

Now, if fireworks aren’t your thing, or if you don’t care one way or the other about watching the show—clearly you are not the target audience for any of these parties. Save your money and get in shorter ride lines during the show.

However, if you are like me and you LOVE Disney fireworks, I recommend you give strong consideration to whether your budget can extend to include a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party for your family or traveling group.

What exactly are you paying for?

Each Magic Kingdom Dessert Party includes the same dessert buffet. I’ve double checked at each party I’ve been to, and the options at the other parties were the same. The dessert buffet will include 8-12 small dessert pastry options. It will also include some cheese and some fruit. Sometimes, there might be a soft serve ice cream machine. At our last party, there was no ice cream, but there was a cookie decorating station and there was someone making fresh dessert crepes while you watched.

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Your Disney Dessert Party ticket also includes unlimited access to the various beverage stations. Coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and water are always included in the beverage options. In addition, there is an assortment of beer and wine available for those guests that are age 21 and over with a valid ID.

The Value Proposition

Let’s do the math: if the average glass of wine on Disney property is $11, and you have two glasses of wine at the party, you would have spent $22 on that wine. Food on Disney property is not economically priced, so if you were to order a dessert at most Disney restaurants, you’d probably spend around $12. So far, we’re at $34. Add in that you can revisit the buffet multiple times and also get a cup of coffee — I think you could round out the food and beverage component at around $40 of comparative value—less if you don’t drink alcohol.

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If your party won’t be drinking alcohol, the beverages will offer much less value for your family. You may find that without alcohol, the Disney Dessert Party ticket may not have enough value for you personally.

Your Disney Dessert Party ticket also includes a seat at a table during the dessert party portion of the party. For the Pre-Party and Post-Party, your ticket also includes access to the Plaza Garden private fireworks viewing area. This area is only open to Dessert Party attendees. Yes, it is a standing area. However, if you weren’t attending the Dessert Party, you’d be standing to watch the show—but for much longer and much more uncomfortably. You are not standing shoulder to shoulder in the Plaza Garden Dessert Party fireworks viewing area. There is usually plenty of space to spread out from your neighbors. It’s a prime viewing location, and the extra breathing room makes for a much more comfortable viewing experience.

If you’re going to the Pre-Party, you are going to be sitting for most of the 45 minutes leading up to the fireworks display. If you are going to the Post-Party, you have a guaranteed spot inside the Plaza Garden viewing area. There is no need to stake out a spot 2 hours before the show. You can access the Plaza Garden as early as 1 hour before the show and as late as 30 minutes before the show. (I wouldn’t personally cut it any closer than that—but I’m sure there are risk takers who would be comfortable arriving a few minutes before the show starts!)

For the Seats and Sweets Dessert Party, you will be sitting for the entirety of your experience. This makes for a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience, in my opinion.

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties — Linda and Brooke at Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweet Dessert Party. Photo: Dessert Party Cast Member

The Bottom Line

Attending a Disney Dessert Party is definitely more of a luxury experience. If you are super budget inclined, a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party may not be for you. However, if you are going to splurge on something during your trip, this is one experience I would strongly consider.

I cannot stress enough how nice it is not to have to stake out a spot to watch the fireworks 1.5 – 2 hours before the show. And of course, if you do arrive early to stake out your spot, you are going to be standing there for a long time. Which, let’s face it—after long day of walking 4-7 miles in the park and standing in various lines—can really put a damper on how much you enjoy the show.

Personally, I think there is a lot of value in being able to sit down and relax for 45+ minutes before the show. Even more value in being able to sit and relax for the hour leading up to the show and to stay seated during the show.

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If the Post-Party is on your menu, there is a lot of value to not having to arrive super early to find your spot. And, as soon as the show is over, you know that you will be able to sit down and enjoy desserts and beverages for 45 minutes to an hour.

How much value you place on these things is an individual decision. If you do want to attend a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party during your trip, make sure you are making your reservations at the earliest possible date. If you are staying on Disney property, that’s 60 days prior to the first night of your reservation, and for the length of your reservation. If you are not staying on property, you’ll be able to book 60 days prior to the date of the party you want to attend.

Final Thoughts on Disney Dessert Parties

I definitely recommend Disney Dessert Parties to my clients, family and friends that can budget for it. I recommend planning your party for near the end of your trip. You’ll appreciate the extra time sitting more later in your trip. Earlier in the trip, when everyone’s legs are still fresh, you won’t benefit as much from the extra sitting time.

Also, do not plan a big lunch or dinner on Dessert Party day. Skip your popcorn, churros, and Mickey Bars on Dessert Party day. If you fill up before the party, you won’t get eat or enjoy your desserts as much.

Another suggestion: if your resort room includes a refrigerator, consider bring ziploc baggies or take out boxes and take some extra dessert pastries back to your resort with you.

What are your thoughts? Are any of the Disney Dessert Parties on your wishlist? Please share your thoughts below.

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent — Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Restaurant Review

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Entrance. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Hollywood Studios has needed more table service dining options for a long time. We were very excited when Disney announced that Toy Story Land was getting its own Western themed table service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in April fully booked, and it remains a popular table service option. This is likely to be a hard to get table service reservation for months, if not years, to come.

Most of the preliminary reviews I read for Roundup Rodeo BBQ were positive if not glowing. We went into this meal primed to love it. We were excited to have a new option for lunch or dinner, and I was thrilled to have secured a dinner reservation for our first planned Hollywood Studio visit of the trip.

The Good

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is themed perfectly to Toy Story Land. It fits right in, and the decor feels very similar to Toy Story Mania or Slinky Dog Dash. The design and decor of the restaurant itself, as well as the exterior waiting area and entrance to the restaurant area, are really well done and very cute. The colors are bright and cheerful, and there is a LOT to look at.

The final design looks a lot like the original concept art Disney gave us when they first announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ was coming. You can check that out Here or Here.

We absolutely loved the theming. If you aren’t aware, the premise of Roundup Rodeo BBQ is that Andy has assembled all his toys in the backyard for a Rodeo. There are audio tracks playing throughout your meal that feature Toy Story characters announcing various Rodeo events or activities. A fun element is that every so often the Green Army Men will announce that Andy is coming, and all cast members in Roundup Rodeo BBQ (and lots of participating restaurant guests) freeze.

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Another good thing we liked about Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the price point. Adults are $45 per person plus tax for all you care to enjoy, and children 9 and under are $25 per person plus tax, again for all you care to enjoy. The food is served family style, and guests are welcome to request more food if they desire. Meals include biscuits with jam, three salads, four meats, dessert and a soft drink, tea, coffee, milk or juice. Specialty beverages are available for an additional cost.

The Bad

You can review the full menu for Roundup Rodeo BBQ Here.

Unfortunately, as happy as we were with the theming and the price point, we were disappointed by the food. Specifically, we really did not like the entree options for this meal. Disney has elected to go with hickory smoked for the entree meats, and hickory smoked is a very strong flavor. I have no doubt that the meats themselves are of high quality; however the hickory smoked flavor overrode the taste of the meats themselves. If you are a fan of hickory smoked, I’m sure you will love these meats.

Roundup rodeo bbq meats — Roundup Rodeo BBQ meat basket. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Here are the meats you get with your meal: (Note there’s a plant based option that you can order instead of the meats—we did not try that option.)

Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items

Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs | Buttercup’s Beef Brisket | There’s a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-grilled Pork Sausage | BBQ Chicken – with Style!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu smoked meats — Photo: Disney Parks

While I normally really enjoy barbecue, I have to admit that the overpowering hickory smoked flavor of these meats was NOT something I liked. Rodeo Roundup BBQ provides three different BBQ sauces for guests to add to their meat selections, and I tried all three. All three sauces were flavorful and tasty on their own, and offer BBQ flavors popular all over the United States. One sauce was sweet (my favorite), one was tangy and the third had more kick.

I was hoping that adding the sauce would temper the overpowering hickory smoke flavor—this was most successful with the chicken, but it still didn’t make this a successful meal for us.

The ribs, in my opinion were inedible. They were very hard, almost a beef jerky texture. The beef brisket was cooked well, but again that hickory smoke flavor was so strong, the brisket was difficult to enjoy. We had suggested to our waiter that he leave the fire grilled pork sausage out of our meat basket, since neither one of us are big fans. Our waiter was insistent that we should try it—he said it was SO good, and that we really needed to try it. So we did. It was good, I’ll agree, but the andouille sausage I’d had the day before at Tucker House was better!

The Ugly

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu sides — Photo: Disney Parks

I’m sorry to say that we found the sides even more disappointing than the meats were. We were told to choose four options from the various side options available. Sides offered include:

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Sides — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Mean Old Potato Salad

The biggest disappointment was the Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. The description on the menu said “Grilled Street Corn”. We weren’t expecting the corn to have so much “stuff” on it. When we asked the waiter, he explained that it was “Mexican Street Corn”. I have had Mexican Street Corn before, but it was nothing like this. I’m sure there are lots of different ways to make the dish, but I’m not sure this preparation is the best choice for such a large and varied audience that includes so many children. I could see a lot of kids refusing to eat this corn. The waiter told us that the corn can be ordered as just buttered grilled corn on the cob—that would likely be more appealing to a wider audience.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. Photo: Brooke Hudson

We ordered the fried dill pickles just to try them — we weren’t expecting to love them, but we wanted to try them. I thought they would be crispy, but they were soft and kind of soggy. We didn’t like them at all, but I can imagine that they would appeal to some people.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Fried Pickles Photo: Brooke Hudson

The campfire roasted vegetables were just ok. We had high hopes for these as we both love roasted vegetables, but they were kind of soggy and not very flavorful.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Campfire Roasted Vegetables. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Final Thoughts on Roundup Rodeo BBQ

We will most likely not be returning to Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a table service meal in the future, unless we hear they make changes to the menu. While we loved the theming, the atmosphere and most of the cast members we talked to, the food just was not enjoyable for us.

roundup rodeo bbq biscuits — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jam. Photo: Brooke Hudson

I loved the biscuit with the sweet pepper jam, and could have cheerfully eaten more of those—they were buttery soft, warm and scrumptious. Another highlight for me was my adult beverage. I tried the Rattler Rum Punch and loved it!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Rum Rattler Punch. Photo: Brooke Hudson

We both got Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie for dessert—that was a perfect sized portion, and all the dessert options looked terrific.

I’m glad we tried it, and we really enjoyed the environment and the theming. I’m also really happy that there is an additional table service restaurant available in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and specifically in Toy Story Land. While I’m sure Roundup Rodeo will appeal to many families—please keep in mind the strong hickory smoke flavor—if your family does not like that flavor, this meal will not be the success it could otherwise be.

You Might Love it!

As I said at the beginning, I really wanted to love Roundup Rodeo BBQ. I’m sad that I didn’t love it—and I’m even more disappointed that I didn’t even like it enough to return. Please keep in mind that these are my opinions, and your mileage may vary. Anecdotally, I did talk to a few other guests during our trip that had also tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and they shared similar thoughts and opinions—but that could absolutely have gone the other way, I’m sure.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu desserts — Photo: Disney Parks

So, here’s the big question: Have you tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ? What did you think? If you haven’t tried it yet, do you plan to? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

One of the highlights of the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Throughout the Festival, internationally recognized musical artists perform every weekend, Friday through Monday. During the week, Tuesdays through Thursdays, locally celebrated Orlando artists perform for EPCOT guests.

To learn more about the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, please read here.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

Garden Rocks Concerts take place each evening at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. The Garden Rocks Concerts run three times each evening throughout the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Concerts begin March 1, 2023 and run through July 5, 2023.

This year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series is filled with familiar returning favorites like the Plain White T’s, Simple Plan, and Kool and the Gang. This year, there are new legends joining the lineup, like legacy guitarist AJ Croce, Grammy award winner Switchfoot and Blue Oyster Cult.

The Garden Rocks Concert Series offers diverse music styles throughout the festival. The current schedule is below:

- - March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
  - March 5-6 – Daughtry
  - March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
  - March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
  - March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
  - March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult – NEW
  - March 24-25 – Berlin
  - March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
  - March 31 – Luis Figueroa – NEW
  - April 1-2 – Piso 21 – NEW
  - April 3 – TBD
  - April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
  - April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
  - April 16-17 – Switchfoot – NEW
  - April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
  - April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
  - April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
  - April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
  - May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
  - May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  - May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce – NEW
  - May 21-22 – Casting Crowns – NEW
  - May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago – NEW
  - May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
  - June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
  - June 9-10 – The Spinners
  - June 11-12 – The Commodores
  - June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
  - June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
  - June 23-26 – Simple Plan
  - June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
  - July 2-3 – Wang Chung

Garden Rocks Dining Packages

The America Gardens Theatre has open, bleacher style seating. The seating for each show is first come, first serve, unless you’ve purchased guaranteed seats via a Garden Rocks Dining Package. The America Gardens Theatre has a maximum capacity of 1800 seats.

For really popular acts, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, the line for seating for Garden Rocks shows can get fairly long. If you want to be sure of getting a seat for your preferred date, a Garden Rocks Dining Package is a good way to go.

When you book a Garden Rocks Dining Package, you pay a fixed price. The price depends on the restaurant you choose. Your fixed price includes an appetizer, an entrée, a dessert or one (1) full buffet or family-style meal (where applicable) and a non alcoholic beverage. Your fixed price also includes one (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Garden Rocks concert for that day.

If your chosen restaurant is Spice Road Table, the fixed price includes two small plates, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage. It also includes one (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Garden Rocks concert for that day.

Participating Restaurants

	Adult (ages 10 and up)	Child (ages 3 to 9)
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Norway Pavilion	$74.00	$48.00
Biergarten Restaurant Germany Pavilion	$60.00	$34.00
Coral Reef Restaurant The Living Seas	$69.00	$27.00
Garden Grill Restaurant The Land Pavilion	$66.00	$43.00
Le Cellier Steakhouse Canada Pavilion	$95.00	$36.00
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue American Adventure Pavilion	$35.00	$20.00
Rose & Crown Dining Room United Kingdom Pavilion	$59.00	$25.00
Spice Road Table Morocco Pavilion	$47.00	$20.00

How Does the Garden Rocks Dining Package Work?

Advance reservations are highly recommended for the participating table service restaurants.

After you’ve dined at your restaurant, you’ll be given a Garden Rocks seating badge. The badge will specify the date and show time you’ve reserved.

For each show, there will be two queues. One for guests with the Garden Rocks Dining Package badges and one for guests without Garden Rocks Dining Package badges.

Guests with Garden Rocks Dining Package badges will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is guaranteed.

Guests who have not reserved a Garden Rocks Dining Package will be seated at the Garden Rocks concert on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is based on availability due to limited capacity.

Keep in mind that to attend the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival or the Garden Rocks Concert Series, both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required. EPCOT admission is not included in the price of the dining package.

I’ve Seen Rick Springfield at Least 20 Times Over the Years….

But never at Disney. At least not yet. Yes, I went to high school in the 80’s.

This year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series has quite the lineup isn’t it? There’s quite a few acts I’d really like to see this year–not just Rick Springfield, I promise.

Herman’s Hermits are playing the weekend Mom and I will be there for our annual Mother/Daughter trip. They’ll be fun to watch for sure. I’m bummed we’ll be missing Rick Springfield and Plain White T’s. I’d love to see The Commodores, Daughtry, Jo Dee Messina, Berlin, or a Flock of Seagulls. Really, there are a LOT of great acts this year.

Who would you want to see?

There’s still time to make reservations for this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival. If you’d like a no obligation quote, please call 630-538-1124 or email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Brooke Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Ears — email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today to start planning your next Disney adventure!

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

It’s almost time! The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival opens March 1, 2023 and will run through July 5, 2023. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is my favorite EPCOT festival. Every spring, my mom and I plan our annual mother daughter Disney trip around the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival — Springtime flowers and fairies at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT is never more beautiful than during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Even during these painful “construction walls” years of growth, EPCOT still sparkles during Flower & Garden. The glorious flowers everywhere and the beautiful topiaries manage to make the construction walls recede somehow—or maybe just make them less noticeable? But EPCOT just looks a little prettier every where during this festival than it does during the rest of the year.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Three Amigos Topiaries — Three Cabelleros Topiaries Photo: Brooke Hudson

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival features gorgeous themed gardens throughout all areas of EPCOT. There are special seating areas in some gardens where you can just sit and enjoy the beauty around you. Planters are every where, filled with flowers and greenery. There are even floating planters with flowers in them. Throughout EPCOT, you will find amazing topiaries themed to your favorite Disney and Pixar characters.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Gardens — Photo: Brooke Hudson

What’s new for this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

This year, there are a couple of NEW things to look forward to. Anything new, quite frankly, is a bit exciting. As much as I love this particular Festival, EPCOT hasn’t really done much in the way of “new” for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in a few years. So I am really excited that there IS some new stuff to look forward to this year.

New Topiaries

This year, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is going to be featuring several new topiaries. First, near the main entrance of the park, we will meet several characters from the beloved Disney movie Encanto. Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, and Antonio are all making their debut as topiaries this year.

Also new this year: Princess Tiana from The Princess and The Frog will grace the American Adventure in World Showcase.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Figment — Figment Topiary Photo: Brooke Hudson

Of course all of our classic favorite topiaries will still be featured all over EPCOT. We will still be able to find Figment, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Anna and Elsa, Lady and the Tramp, and many, many more.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Snow White topiary — Snow White and Dopey Photo: Brooke Hudson

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

One of the highlights for mom and I every year at the Festival is investigating all the new Festival merchandise. Every Festival has its own merchandise line. Mom almost always gets a coffee mug. We always get a pin from each year’s festival for our park backpacks. I almost always end up with a T-shirt or something.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Mug Beets — EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Mug 2022 Photo: Brooke Hudson

Epcot flower & garden festival 2022 mug — EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Mug 2022. Photo: Brooke Hudson

In addition to Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise, the Festival also features Orange Bird 70’s retro themed merchandise. This line has everything from apparel and pins to housewares.

I haven’t seen anything yet for this year’s Festival merchandise. As soon as Disney releases images of this year’s Festival merchandise I will update this post.

Here’s some of the merchandise we found at last year’s Festival:

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Garden Rocks Concert Series

Throughout the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, various musical acts are featured at the America Gardens Theatre. Disney has not yet released the musical act lineup for 2023. I will update this post once Disney releases this year’s information.

Outdoor Kitchens

One thing we all know about Disney is that they are VERY good at making money. Disney learned very early on with the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival that there was LOTS of money to be made from Food Booths installed around World Showcase during the Festival. As a result, Disney started including smaller scale versions of the “Food” portion of the Festival at their other EPCOT Festivals.

For the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, these food booths are called Outdoor Kitchens. This year’s Festival will include more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens. Each Outdoor Kitchen will have a different theme and will feature 1-3 food items and 1-2 beverages according to the theme.

We don’t yet have much information about the 2023 Outdoor Kitchens. The only one we know so far is The Citrus Blossom, which will be located at The Odyssey.

Epcot flower & garden festival citrus blossom — The Citrus Blossom Outdoor Kitchen Photo: Disney Parks

As soon as more information is released, I will update this post.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a springtime Scavenger Hunt that adds a fun layer to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Mom & I did this last spring and really enjoyed it.

In 2022, the cost was $9.99. For $9.99, you got a Scavenger Hunt board and a sheet of stickers. As you worked your way around the Festival, you looked for Spike in various gardens located all over the Festival. When you found him, you placed the sticker for the flower he’s with on that Garden on your board. When your board was completely filled out, you turned it in at a Festival gift shop for a prize. It was educational, fun and encouraged us to pay more attention to the different gardens as we moved around the Festival.

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I highly recommend playing. We plan to play again this year!

Blossoms of Fragrance

On the bridge from the “Construction Zone” 🙂 to World Showcase, you will pass through the Blossoms of Fragrance Exhibit area.

This exhibit area offers some great photo opportunities. Blossoms of Fragrance is presented by Scentsy. Guests will be surrounded by butterfly topiaries. There are six different scent stations for guests to explore. Each aroma will inspire memories and enhance your experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say it enough. I love visiting EPCOT during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival every year. EPCOT is so beautiful. It’s just an explosion of colors. There are flowers everywhere, and it’s just something that fills me with joy every time.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries — Flower & Garden Festival Mickey & Minnie Topiaries

This year, Mom and I are going from May 3 – May 10. Not quite in the middle of the Festival, but close. That is another thing to consider when planning a visit to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. The Festival itself changes throughout the growing season. The gardeners update plants and flowers as the season goes on. In a perfect world, I’d visit (at least) monthly throughout the Festival to see the evolution of the florals. But for now, we try to visit mid-Festival. It’s close to Mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day, and about a month before my birthday, so we use our trip as a celebration for all of that stuff.

Will you attend the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

What do you think? Will this be the year you visit for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival? If you’d like a no obligation quote, email now brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests!

I have more good news to share today! Walt Disney World has announced that they are removing the nightly parking fees at Walt Disney World Resorts for overnight guests. This is the first bit of FINANCIAL good news I’ve been able to share for a while about our beloved Walt Disney World. Could this be an early result of Bob Iger’s return? I don’t know, but it definitely makes me happy!

Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests Immediately!

If you don’t drive at Walt Disney World, you may not have felt this pain. Starting in 2018, Disney resort guests were charged between $15 and $25 per night per vehicle to park at their resort. Only Disney Vacation Club guests were exempt from these charges. As I’m sure you can imagine, these costs added up quickly for guests. If you drove to Walt Disney World or chose to rent a vehicle for your Florida vacation, you felt this pain.

These fees have been an enormous source of guest frustration over the last several years. Parking fees have also served as a STRONG example in media conversations about Disney “nickel and diming” guests on top of ever increasing park ticket prices.

Walt Disney World Resort guests already get free parking at the theme parks–this has not changed. However, making the decision whether to rent a car or whether to fly or drive is a little easier when you don’t have to add in the cost of parking at your resort every night!

Is this a PR Move?

So of course, a big question is WHY is free parking returning for Disney resort guests? Is it just a big public relations move? Absolutely!! It is for SURE an effort to improve the public perception of the Walt Disney Company. Disney’s reputation, especially with the fanbase has taken a lot of hits in the past couple of years. Free parking is a pretty minor move, but it will get some press. It will also make a lot of Disney fans and travelers happy. Or at least, happier.

Free parking returns for Disney resort guests — Photo: Brooke Hudson

What is giving this news more mileage for me personally is that Disney is sacrificing revenue. We haven’t seen Disney do this in a long time. For the last I don’t even KNOW how many years, we have seen a trend of Disney making an awful lot of decisions that are VERY bottom line focused. We have seen LOTS of decisions that seem to put guest experience and guest relations at a much lower premium than the company used to value.

The reality is, a Walt Disney World has always been expensive. But the value over the years has decreased. It is still VERY valuable, and hour for hour, you still get a TON of value from a Walt Disney World vacation. But for those of us that have been visiting Walt Disney World for many years, it’s challenging to see the guest experience degrade somewhat while the pricing of everything has increased so significantly.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know if free parking returning for resort guests is a sign of things to come or just a token PR gesture — but it IS meaningful. It HAS impact on Disney travelers, especially those that drive to Walt Disney World. And it will, very slightly, reduce how much money Disney will make from the resorts each day. Or maybe it won’t. Because if the guest doesn’t have to spend $25 to park his car, maybe he will spend it on a T-shirt instead.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Parks News 10.28.20

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.

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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.

Disney Parks News Festival of the Lion King Cast and Crew Laid Off — 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.

Disney Parks News Citizens of Hollywood Laid Off — 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.

Disney Parks News Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Cast and Crew Laid Off — 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.

Disney Parks News Finding Nemo the Musical Cast and Crew Laid Off — 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.

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.

Disney Parks News Streetmosphere Actors Laid Off — 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.

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.

Disney Parks News Streetmosphere Actors layoffs — 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!

Disney Parks News Downtown Disney Expansion — 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.

Disney Parks News Disneyland California Adventure Map — Map: disneyland.com

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.

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

Disney Parks News Taste of EPCOT International Holiday Festival — 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

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

EPCOT Frozen Ever After — 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?

Disney Parks News EPCOT International Festival of the Arts MURAL — 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.

Disney Parks News International Festival of the Arts — 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 50^th 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.

Cinderella Castle is Getting a Makeover — 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.

WDW Entrance Sign — 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.

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.

Disney Parks news WDW Entrances Get a Makeover — 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

Disney Parks News Update 09.30.20

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.

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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.

Disney Epcot Updates Epcot 2020 Nighttime Show — Epcot Nighttime Show, Harmonious, Concept Art, Artist’s Rendering (Source: Disney Parks)

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.

Magic Kingdom Liberty Square Riverboat — 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 50^th 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 50^th Anniversary, also October 2021.

Polynesian Villages Resort Refurbishment — 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.

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.

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.

Frozen Sing a Long Celebration — 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.

Disney Parks News Updates Pop Up Motorcade Incredibles — 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 Parks Updates Pop Up Motorcade 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 Parks News Updates Dancing with the Stars Tyra Banks — 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.

Disney Parks News Updates Dancing with the Stars Main Street Electrical Parade — 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

P.S. Looking for last week’s Disney Parks News Updates? Please visit our YouTube video here.

Disney World Reopening July 11, 2020

Great news today, everyone! Walt Disney World has presented their plan for reopening the parks in Florida to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for approval. Pending that approval as well as state approval, Disney World is reopening July 11, 2020.

Disney World is NOT opening all at once, however. Like everything else, Disney World is going to reopen in phases.

Disney World’s Phased Reopening Approach

Initially, the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open on July 11, 2020. A few days later, July 15, 2020, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will open.

Disney World Reopening July 11, 2020 — Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Disney is very focused on managing this reopening very carefully and more importantly, very responsibly. They’re going to significantly limit attendance and guest density throughout the parks, once they reopen.

A Very Different Theme Park Experience

It’s important that we adjust our expectations to a new theme park experience. Covid-19 unfortunately has not been eradicated, nor do we (yet) have a vaccine. So it is very important that we continue to be careful and prioritize our health and safety. Social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing face masks are going to continue to be very important–at least for the foreseeable future.

Disney World Reopening July 11 — Cinderella Castle from Bay Lake Tower at Night (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Some of Disney’s trademark experiences that draw large crowds are NOT returning to normal operations until further notice. This means there will be no fireworks, parades, or nighttime spectaculars. This also means that experiences that are considered “high touch” experiences are also not returning at this time. This includes “makeover” experiences (think Bibbidi Bobbidi Doo), character meet and greets, water play areas and playgrounds.

To summarize, while the parks ARE reopening, the following experiences are NOT reopening during these early phases.

- - Parades
  - Character Meet and Greets
  - Fireworks and Nighttime Spectaculars
  - Makeover Experiences
  - Water Play Areas
  - Playgrounds

Animal Kingdom Mickey and Minnie vacation planning top reasons to visit Disney trip planning tips — Linda & Brooke with Mickey & Minnie at Animal Kingdom (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Disney has not specifically mentioned popular stage shows that also draw crowds, like the Indiana Jones Stunt Show or Beauty and the Beast. I suspect those will either be limited or cancelled as well. It’s possible Disney is holding off decisions on these types of attractions until they get closer to opening the parks. I also think they may do limited seating to accommodate social distancing. Similar to ideas that have been floated for reopening movie theaters, Disney could close alternate rows, and suggest distance between families or groups. At this point we just don’t know.

Reservations for Park Entry

During this phased reopening of Disney World, Disney is going to require guest to make advance reservations to enter the park. This is how they intend to limit attendance at each park. They have not specifically stated how many guests will be allowed to enter each park once they are reopen; I suspect this is so they can test a variety of crowds as they see how things go. Initially, Shanghai Disney reopened with a capacity of 24,000 versus their normal capacity of 80,000.

While we don’t have official numbers, the Magic Kingdom has a max capacity of 100,000 people. (Personally, I find it pretty unpleasant any where NEAR that crowd level but different strokes for different folks!) I’m expecting that Disney will limit attendance at MK to 30,000 OR LESS during this first phase of reopening. Keep in mind, there are also THOUSANDS of cast members to support guests at the same time.

How to Make Reservations

Disney has not shared exactly HOW we are going to be able to make reservations for park entry. They HAVE indicated that guests with existing tickets and annual passholders will be able to make reservations for park entrance before the system will be opened up for new ticket sales.

Disney has temporarily halted new ticket sales and new resort reservations until they work through the existing and rescheduled reservations. Note: Disney Vacation Club members are the exception to this: they can still make resort reservations. Disney has indicated that they will be reaching out to existing ticket holders and annual passholders “soon” to discuss the process for making park reservations with them. The official statement says “more details about this new reservation system will be available soon”.

What Resorts are Reopening and When?

Disney has announced that Disney Vacation Club resorts in Orlando and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground are opening to guests June 22, 2020. In addition, Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina are opening to guests beginning June 15, 2020. These resorts are reopening with new safety and cleanliness protocols in place. In addition, plans to support social distancing and enhanced cleaning measures are in place, according to Disney.

Old Key West Resort (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

At this time, Disney has not announced when additional resorts will be opening. My prediction is that they will roll out additional resorts as they gradually increase attendance thresholds at the parks. I’m sure there will be a lot of training for cast members at each resort as they prepare for reopening.

Will I Have to Wear a Mask?

Disney is putting various measures in place to protect health and safety of both guests and cast members as Disney World prepares to reopen July 11, 2020.

All guests over the age of three and all cast members will be required to wear face coverings inside the theme parks and in public areas of the resorts. On the upside, Disney is selling really cute face masks (of course!) at shopDisney.com now for pre-order. Check them out below. I mean, if you have to wear one, they might as well be adorable, right?

Disney has really cute face masks for sale — Disney themed face masks? Let’s go! Click the picture above.

shopDisney.com new Star Wars themed face masks — Star Wars themed face masks! Click the image above!

Toy Story themed face masks at shopdisney.com. Please click the picture above!

In addition, both guests and cast members will be required to undergo temperature checks prior to entering a theme park. Disney already has the temperature check system in place for guests entering Disney Springs.

Disney is also recommending cashless transactions whenever possible, encouraging guests to plan on using their magic bands or credit cards to minimize the handling or exchange of (potentially bacteria carrying) cash.

High traffic areas will get additional cleaning and disinfection procedures with higher frequency than other areas. Disney has also stated that procedures will be reviewed and updated frequently as we all get used to the new normal.

What Does it All Mean?

So, the good news: Disney World is reopening July 11, 2020. The not-as-good news is that things are going to be different. But let’s face it. There are a LOT of things in our lives that are going to be different going forward. Perhaps permanently different.

Disney has stated that the phased opening at Shanghai Disneyland has been going very well, and that they are encouraged by the guest response there. Let’s hope guests in Orlando will be as cooperative and understanding.

Disney continues to work with the CDC and other health officials to implement best practices for reopening. I suspect this will be an evolving situation as time goes on, and we all have a chance to see the impact that reopening has on our citizenry. Hopefully, we are going to continue the number of new cases shrink as life gradually returns to normal. However, it is important to recognize that public safety is critical, and should we see a surge in new cases, it is entirely possible that Disney will have to close again.

We’re All in This Together

It is vital that any guests intending to visit the parks in the next couple of months (and perhaps longer still) are prepared to wear masks, practice social distancing, wash their hands frequently and get their temperatures checked.

It is also important that guests weigh their desire to visit the parks against the potential risks to their own health, and the health of others. Finally, it is critical to understand that some experiences will NOT be happening for the first few weeks and months the parks are open. If those changes are going to make you unhappy, or cause you to question the expense, I recommend you reschedule your trip for later in the year or even to next year.

We must all work together to help this phased reopening of Disney and the rest of our country be successful. We must be respectful of the new safety protocols in place for the protection of EVERYONE. Wearing a mask in the Florida heat this summer may not be fun, but it may also help to save lives. I, for one, think that’s a small price to prevent other people getting sick, or even worse.

What We Don’t Know

There’s still a lot we DON’T know, and I expect information will become available in the weeks to come. I know I still have questions about dining and transportation. Are you wondering about Fast Passes and the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance? I’d like to know about shows and the stretching room at the Haunted Mansion. I bet you are wondering about the new Space 220 restaurant at EPCOT and all the other construction projects in progress.

Lots of questions, and very few answers. I’m excited Disney is opening, and I’m anxious to see what’s to come!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner — Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. ShopDisney.com is having a great summer sale right now. If you’re jonesing for a little Disney magic, check it out!

Full disclosure: I am a shopDisney.com affiliate.  If you visit shopDisney.com using one of my links, and your purchase results in a purchase, I will earn a small commission.  This does NOT cost you anything.  Thank you!

Spaceship Earth is Closing For Refurbishments

We’ve been expecting this for a long time. Spaceship Earth was last updated in 2007, when new scenes and props were added to the attraction and Dame Judi Dench recorded a new narration. The 2007 refurbishment was the result of a six month closure of the attraction. This new refurbishment is going to be much more significant. Disney has announced that Spaceship Earth is closing for refurbishments on May 26, 2020.

Disney has not given us a firm timeline for this refurbishment; however, they have indicated a window of 18 – 30 months. I feel pretty comfortable predicting that this Spaceship Earth refurbishment will take at least 2 years.

Spaceship Earth Reimagining

Disney is calling this latest refurbishment of Spaceship Earth a “reimagining”. They are also telling us that it is going to be the most extensive refurbishment of the attraction since it opened in October 1982. The details, however, are sparse.

At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney announced the planned reimagining of Spaceship Earth. At that announcement, Disney shared that the new version of Spaceship Earth would focus on the journey of humanity through the ages. We were told that some scenes will be updated with new Disney magic, while some new scenes will be added.

It looks like the new iteration of this attraction will include new narration, telling a new story. The limited information we have indicates that light will be an important part of the new story. We will learn how light plays a role in our shared human journey, and what is possible when we all come together.

Disney has released this concept art for the updated Egypt scene in the attraction. This is a scene that is currently part of the attraction, but it is being updated and transformed to show the power of light.

Spaceship Earth Closing for Refurbishments — Spaceship Earth Reimagining: Egypt (Concept Art: Disney Parks)

The Bad News: Spaceship Earth is Closing

There’s no getting around it. Major attraction refurbishments are a bummer. Spaceship Earth is going to close for a long time–at least 18 months, according to Disney.

Spaceship Earth is a popular dark ride, with ride vehicles constantly moving. It’s an attraction that absorbs a LOT of people per hour, and the line moves fairly quickly, when there is a line. Often, the lines are very short. Again, because the attraction is constantly moving and so many guests can be riding the attraction at once. It’s a nice break from the Florida heat, and is a fairly long attraction, so your feet and legs get a nice break.

The attraction also provides a unique souvenir: the little game at the end of the attraction results in an image that you can email to yourself (or others) featuring animation and your face(s).

Spaceship Earth being closed for such a long time is definitely bad news. However, there are some good things about this closure, too.

Disney Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Vacation Planning Disney Travel Agent — Photo: Brooke Hudson

The Good News

The most obvious good news is that Spaceship Earth is getting a necessary refurbishment. This attraction has needed an update for many years now. Some of the scenes are looking tired and worn and many of the vehicles have shown signs of wear for years. In addition, Disney has done so much with technology in the years since the last refurbishment, I’m excited to see what they integrate into Spaceship Earth. I’m looking forward to updated scenes, a new story and new narration. We may even get new vehicles (not confirmed).

October 2022 will be the 40th Anniversary of Epcot. I’m hopeful that the new iteration of Spaceship Earth will be open by then, if not sooner. I suspect the Imagineers are very cognizant of that anniversary date, and would really like to have the attraction completed and to be a cornerstone of that celebration.

More Good News

This is not necessarily directly related, but I have a theory. I suspect the opening of the new Ratatouille themed attraction in the France pavilion will dovetail pretty closely with the closure of Spaceship Earth for refurbishments. As I mentioned above, Spaceship Earth currently absorbs a LOT of people each hour. When it closes, those people will join the queues for other attractions, potentially making lines longer all over Epcot. However, there is a new attraction opening “this summer” that will potentially be able to absorb a lot of those people. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a new dark ride that will feature trackless vehicles.

Spaceship Earth is Closing for Refurbishments — Ride Vehicle for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has not given us a firm opening date for this attraction yet; however, I believe that it will closely coincide with the closing of Spaceship Earth. While I doubt that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will move as many people through it per hour as Spaceship Earth does, a new attraction in the park will definitely help offset the loss of Spaceship Earth.

Currently, there is so much construction happening in the front of the park, the more Disney can move people through to World Showcase, the better. Getting Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ready to open has to be a pretty big priority for them right now, I believe.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think Spaceship Earth closing for refurbishment is a good thing. I think the ride needs updating and an infusion of new technology. I am disappointed that I won’t get to ride it one last time before it closes, though. I’m worried about the impact of this attraction closing on the lines and crowds in the park. I’m hopeful that new attractions and activities in other areas of the park will help offset the closing of Spaceship Earth.

What do you think about this announcement? Are you excited about the changes to Spaceship Earth or do you wish they’d just leave it alone? Please let me know in the comments below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: EPCOT’s Newest Restaurant

Today we have exciting news from Epcot. There’s a brand new restaurant open at Epcot. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue has opened at Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is named after Sam the Eagle of the The Muppets. Epcot’s newest quick service restaurant is themed to a barbecue cook-off, featuring competitors from across America.

New restaurant open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse — Restaurant Logo, Disney Parks

Perhaps best of all? Mobile Ordering IS an option for the Regal Eagle Smokehouse through your My Disney Experience app, helping to minimize your time spent in LINE.

Liberty Inn Closed June 2019

For years, the food at the American Adventure pavilion was an embarrassment! It always amazed me how bad the food was at the American pavilion. It was such basic theme park food. Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and [watery] pulled pork sandwiches. None of these items stood out, and all were disappointing (especially the pulled pork!). There was no theming to speak of, in my opinion. It just felt like a big fast food restaurant.

There is so much great food in the United States; the abysmal food at Liberty Inn aggravated me for years. It made me sad that visitors from all over the world could come to Disney and think THIS represented America. But that’s all old news, thank goodness. The Liberty Inn closed in June 2019 to make way for a new quick service restaurant. Finally, we have our new restaurant: The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue hosted by Coca-Cola.

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse

At long last, the American Adventure pavilion has an American themed restaurant to be proud of. I think the choice to include the Muppets in the theming for this restaurant is genius. It’s subtle, but it iso great to see the Muppets in Epcot! Sam the Eagle is atop the logo and featured on the menu. We see other Muppet characters in sketches around the restaurant. The Muppet presence isn’t super overt, and of course, as a big Muppets fan, I wish there were more of it. However, these days ANY sign of the Muppets at Walt Disney World is a good thing, as far as I’m concerned.

The theming throughout the interior space is sprinkled with classic Americana. It’s got a little bit of a retro feel. The walls feature lots of brick and tile. There is red, white and blue bunting on the ceiling, and even the condiment station features Americana decor. There’s a tin ceiling, and there are lots of copper pots and old timey accessories throughout. The tables are flanked by backless benches, and the indoor seating area feels very large, bright and open. The overall look is really sharp.

Outdoors, the large seating area is all classic picnic tables with umbrellas to help protect guests from the Florida sun. There’s also a large classic smoker on display in the outdoor seating area. I’m not sure if this is just for show, or if we may see it in use during busy periods.

Barbecue Flavors From Across the United States

I think the Regal Eagle Smokehouse’s approach to “American” by using barbecue flavors found in different parts of the country is really smart. Since summer cook-offs are such a big part of festivals throughout the country, I thought choosing to theme the restaurant as “Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off” was also a terrific idea!

Entrees are themed to Texas, South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina. Meats are smoked for 14 hours, and the quality of the meats and sides are very high, especially for a theme park quick service restaurant.

Menu Options

There are a lot of options on this quick service menu! There are a variety of sandwiches and platters. All sandwiches and platters include a side.

The American Platter is $18.99, and I suspect it will be VERY popular, especially for first time visitors. It includes three choices from the meat options, one side of your choice and a piece of garlic toast. The meat options include Sliced Texas Beef Brisket, Kansas City Smoked Half Chicken, Memphis Dry-Rub Port Ribs, North Carolina Chopped Smoked Port Butt, and South Carolina Smoked Sausage. The brisket and smoked sausage are available as sandwiches, and the other three meat options are available as single meat platters. There is also a BBQ Burger, which is a burger topped with pulled BBQ pork and an onion ring. A Power Greens Salad is on the menu, and includes chilled pulled chicken and fresh citrus. For those that prefer plant based sandwiches, there is a BBQ Jackfruit Burger. This is a plant based burger topped with BBQ Jackfruit.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse, The American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT (Photo: Disney Parks)

Side options include House Made Pickles, French Fries, Beer-Battered Onion Rings, Creamy Coleslaw, Macaroni and Cheese, Garlic Toast, and Baked Beans with Burnt Ends.

For dessert, you can choose from the Fresh Watermelon Cup (But WHY? Just kidding!), the S’mores Brownie and Banana Pudding. The banana pudding even has vanilla wafer cookies in it. So classic!

The kids menu features a cheeseburger, chicken salad, BBQ chicken leg and BBQ rib platter as options. Most of these come with one or two sides, and a choice of Chocolate Milk, Apple Juice or small fountain beverage.

Beverages

Inside you’ll find the traditional quick service restaurant Coca-Cola fountain beverage station, featuring the same Coca-Cola beverage options you find all over the parks. But at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, you’ll also find Iced Unsweetened Tea, Sweet Tea and a few varieties of flavored iced teas that I think are a nice inclusion.

The menu inside also features a variety of American draft beers and ciders, wine and some specialty cocktails. There are more beverage options at the outdoor bar as well. (Read on for more about the outdoor bar!).

Meat Lovers Paradise

While there is a plant based option on the menu, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse is primarily for those of us that eat meat. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you will be happier at one of the other pavilions around World Showcase. If, however, you are a meat lover, you will most likely find at least one item on this menu that you’ll love.

The other thing that makes me happy is that the entrees are not drenched in sauces. Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers a variety of sauces on the side at the condiment bar, and you can add as much or as little sauce to your meats as you want to. I think this will appeal to a wide range of customers.

Sauces

The condiment bar features a variety of bbq sauces for you to try with your entree. There are four sauces, plus ketchup on the condiment bar. Sauce options include:

- - Mustard Guild “Old Glory” Sweet Mustard Sauce
  - Blue Ridge Vinegar League
  - Blue Ribbon Brisket Sauce
  - Sizzlin’ Pit Dry Rub Coalition Classic Smokehouse Sauce

Options for Those With Allergies

There are options available for those with gluten or wheat allergies, egg allergies, milk allergies, peanut or tree nut allergies, and soy allergies. To review the complete menu, along with the allergy related options, please visit here.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Outdoor Bar

One of the highlights of the new outdoor area at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse is the new outdoor bar. Many of the beverages offered at the outdoor bar can also be found inside the restaurant; however, I suspect the outdoor bar will satisfy a lot of patrons that aren’t interested in a meal.

The menu features a variety of American draft beers and ciders. There is also a selection of California wines on the menu, as well as a few “specialty cocktails”. Specialty cocktails include a Frozen Mint Julep, a Tennessee Lemonade (featuring Jack Daniels), a Texas Mule, a Frozen Strawberry Daquiri and a Moonshine Sour. There are two non alcoholic options on the outdoor bar menu as well: Berry Sparkler and Frozen Iced Tea Lemonade. Prices range from $4.50 (non alcoholic specialty beverages) to $14.00 (specialty cocktails). While anyone who knows me well knows I’m am very partial to the Grand Marnier slushie available at the Champagne Kiosk in the France pavilion, I am eager to try the Tennessee Lemonade at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse!

At Last, Good American Food at the American Adventure Pavilion

I am happy to report that at long last, we have good food available at the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT. Of course, if you prefer table service, or eat good old American barbecue fairly frequently, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse might not be high on your list. Also, I suspect it won’t be a preferred stop for vegans or vegetarians.

However, if you want a good quality quick service option, you can’t go wrong with the Regal Eagle Smokehouse. The food is flavorful and the environment is fun and well themed. And hey, there are some Muppets touches. Good pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and old fashioned banana pudding? Count me in!

Muppets Sam the Eagle — Sam the Eagle, The Muppets (Photo: Disney Parks)

What do you think? Are you going to check out the Regal Eagle Smokehouse? Please comment below. If you’ve already had a chance to try it, please share your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

P.S. There are lots of updates coming to EPCOT this year and next. Have you heard about EPCOT’s space themed restaurant coming later this year? Check out this post to learn more.

What is a Disney Dessert Party?

What does a Disney Dessert Party Cost?

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party

Fireworks Viewing Area

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Post-Party

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Seats and Sweets

So…Is a Disney Dessert Party Worth the Cost?

What exactly are you paying for?

The Value Proposition

The Bottom Line

Final Thoughts on Disney Dessert Parties

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The Good

The Bad

Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items

The Ugly

Mean Old Potato Salad

The Married Spuds

The Claw! Veggie Slaw

Force Field Fried Pickles

Campfire-roasted Vegetables

Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese

Buckin’ Baked Beans

Cowpoke Corn on the Cob

Final Thoughts on Roundup Rodeo BBQ

You Might Love it!

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Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

Garden Rocks Dining Packages

Participating Restaurants

How Does the Garden Rocks Dining Package Work?

I’ve Seen Rick Springfield at Least 20 Times Over the Years….

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What’s new for this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

New Topiaries

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Garden Rocks Concert Series

Outdoor Kitchens

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration

Blossoms of Fragrance

Final Thoughts

Will you attend the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

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Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests Immediately!

Is this a PR Move?

Final Thoughts

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Disney Parks News

Entertainment Cast Layoffs

Which Parks and Shows were Affected?

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

EPCOT

Resorts

Potential Impact of these Layoffs

Streetmosphere Actors in Permanent Danger?

What Message are Fans Sending Disney?

Disney vs. California: Shot Fired?

But…HOW??

Buena Vista Street: What is Opening?

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Holiday Entertainment

Holiday Music

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Walt Disney World Entrances Get a Makeover!

That’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News!

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Disney Parks News Update

Florida moves to Phase 3

Disney Lays Off 28,000 Employees

Fireworks Testing