#disneyworld - Disney Castle Dreaming Travel

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Starts Today

The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts today, March 1,2023. This year’s festival will run through July 5, 2023. This year’s Festival features new topiaries, great music and tons of great food.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Three Caballeros Topiaries — Photo: Disney Parks

The 2023 International Flower & Garden Festival features more than 15 outdoor kitchens. There are returning popular favorites like the Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake from the Honey Bee-stro hosted by the National Honey Board and the Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib at Trowel & Trellis hosted by IMPOSSIBLE.

There are nearly 50 brand new dishes blossoming for the first time at this year’s festival. Lots of great dishes that guests will be eager to try, like the Citrus Baked Brie from the Citrus Blossom and the Muffuletta Panini from Magnolia Terrace. For guests that are lucky enough to visit the Festival more than once during it’s 4 month run, be sure to check out the EPCOT Farmer’s Feast. The EPCOT Farmer’s Feast is featuring a seasonal menu that will change as the Festival progresses. How fun is that?

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

Extra Fun for Foodies

A fun activity for foodies attending the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the Garden Graze. The Garden Graze is a kind of scavenger hunt based on food items at various outdoor kitchens around the Festival. There are 11 different tasty treats featured in the Garden Graze. After you purchase on of the treats, you’ll get a stamp in your Garden Graze passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps in your passport, you’ll receive an exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade. I love a scavenger hunt, and one based on food, likely with a food treat as a reward? Sign me up!

Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT Farmers Feast

Food Items:

Early Bloom Menu (Available March 1 through April 8)

- - Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Char-grilled Bison Ribeye with creamy leek fondue, red wine butter sauce, and whipped red wine goat cheese
  - Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip (New)
  - Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin

Springtime Menu (Available April 9 through May 20)

- - Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta
  - Grilled Swordfish with crushed fingerling potatoes, pea and mint purée, grilled asparagus, and lemon beurre Blanc (New)
  - Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream

Summer Solstice Menu (Available May 20 through July 5)

- - Tomato and Red Onion Panzanella with avocado, burrata cheese, and fresh basil
  - Barbecued Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée with corn biscotti (New)

Beverages (Available throughout entire festival):

- - Collective Arts Brewing Blueberry & Elderberry Sparkling Hard Tea (New)
  - Ghost Mary: Translucent Bloody Mary with Boyd & Blair Cucumber Vodka, tomato water, horseradish, celery salt, and a hint of pepper (New)

BRUNCHCOT (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

- - Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsa
  - Lox Benedict on Everything Focaccia with everything-spiced cream cheese, shallots, crispy capers, and hollandaise (New)
  - Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Beverages:

- - Froot Loops Shake (Non-alcoholic)
  - Peach Bellini (New)
  - Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur, and vanilla vodka

The Citrus Blossom (The Odyssey)

Food Items:

- - Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange chile sauce (New)
  - Citrus Baked Brie with preserved lemon marmalade, limoncello-macerated blueberries, and spiced marcona almonds (New)
  - Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon curd, lemon mousse, and toasted meringue (New)

Beverages:

- - Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (Non-alcoholic)
  - UFO Beer Co. Citrus Hazy Wheat Beer
  - 81Bay Brewing Co. Citrus Honey Cream Ale
  - Parish Brewing Co. Drive Thru: Orange Octane Imperial Sour
  - Bella Strada Spritz (New)
  - Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
  - Beer Flight

Novelty:

- - Orange Bird Bundle featuring The Orange Bird Little Golden Book and souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup

Florida Fresh (Near Disney Traders)

Food Items:

- - Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cotija cheese (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Blackened Fish Slider with roasted tomatoes, watercress, and citrus remoulade on brioche (New)
  - Watermelon Salad with blueberries, pickled red onions, balsamic, and feta
  - Florida Strawberry Shortcake (New)

Beverages:

- - Cucumber Watermelon Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
  - Cucumber Watermelon Slushy with gin

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

- - Pineapple Skewer with Tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Tangerine Soft-serve
  - Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and cream soda

Beverages:

- - Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender and Lemon
  - Lexington Brewing Tangerine Cream Ale
  - Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Grand Cherry Hard Cider (New)
  - Southern Tier Brewing Co. Juice Jolt IPA (New)

BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany)

Food Items:

- - Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted gruyère cheese
  - Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries

Beverages:

- - Bitburger Premium Pils
  - Stiegl Brewery Radler Raspberry
  - Flensburger Dunkel
  - Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
  - Beer Flight

Flower & Garden Festival starts today — Photo: Disney Parks

Magnolia Terrace (The American Adventure)

Food Items:

- - Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad (New)
  - Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice
  - Crawfish Pie (New)
  - Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (New)

Beverages:

- - Bayou Cocktail: Bayou Spiced Rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
  - Central 28 Beer Co. Pretty Things Ale (New)
  - Wicked Weed Brewing Day Light American Light Ale
  - Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
  - Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items:

- - Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake (New)

Beverages:

- - Pomegranate Mimosa
  - Keel Farms Strawberry Elderflower Hard Cider
  - Bold Rock Tangerine Hard Cider
  - 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
  - Cider Flight

La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)

Food Items:

- - Braised Oxtail with pigeon pea rice (New)
  - Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice, mango salsa, and coconut-lime sauce
  - Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

- - Tropical Breeze: Minute Maid Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic)
  - Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale
  - Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
  - Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum

Northern Bloom (Canada)

Food Items:

- - Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Beef Tenderloin Tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, and whipped potatoes with garden vegetables
  - Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake (New)

Beverages:

- - Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-alcoholic)
  - Collective Arts Brewing Honey Lager
  - Glutenberg Blonde Ale, Montreal
  - 81Bay Brewing Co. Apricot with Maple Syrup
  - Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky
  - Beer Flight

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food Items:

- - Shrimp Scampi Poutine with cheese curds, lemon-garlic cheese fondue, spinach, and artichokes (New)
  - Soft-serve Waffle Cone: Peanut butter, jelly, or swirl

Beverages:

- - Mighty Swell Purple Magic Spiked Seltzer (New)
  - Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc (New)
  - Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum (New)

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

- - Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

- - Twinings Iced Green Tea with Cranberry and Lime (Non-alcoholic)
  - Parish Brewing Co. Bloom Hazy IPA
  - Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié
  - Twinings Iced Green Tea with cranberry and lime with Hangar 1 Makrut Vodka served in a mason jar

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

- - Chicken and Waffles: Crispy honey-brined chicken and honey sweet corn bread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey (New)
  - Pollinator Flatbread with honey whipped mascarpone, honey caramelized onions, blueberry gastrique, prosciutto, honey whipped goat cheese, arugula, honey vinaigrette, and bee pollen (New)
  - Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses

Beverages:

- - Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with streusel (Non-alcoholic)
  - Nektar New Wave Lemonade Mead
  - Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  - Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with blueberry vodka and streusel

Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

- - Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
  - DOLE Whip (Plant-based)

Beverages:

- - Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)
  - DOLE Whip with Fanta (Non-alcoholic)
  - 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe
  - BrewDog Hazy Jane IPA
  - Urban Artifact Teak Tropical American Fruit Tart
  - Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
  - Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  - DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur
  - Pineapple Beer Flight

The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth

Food Items:

- - Fruit and Cheese Plate: Grapes, strawberries, cheddar, and Mini Babybel Snack Cheese
  - Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based)
  - Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based)
  - Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Sunshine Seasons

Beverage:

- - Strawberry-mango Slushy (Non-alcoholic)

Connections Café & Eatery

Food Item:

- - Orange Bird Liege Waffle (New)

Beverage:

- - Flower Drop Cocktail: St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade (New)

Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)

Food Items:

- - Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

- - Mala Hierba Margarita: Centinela Tequila Reposado, elderflower-chamomile tea, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, and UNA Flower-infused Vodka with a chile salt rim (New)
  - Cristal Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a souvenir cup (New)
  - Craft Mexican Lager

Lotus House (China)

Food Items:

- - Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
  - House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
  - Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings

Beverages:

- - Classic Bubble Milk Tea (Non-alcoholic)
  - Cherry Blossom Pilsner Draft Beer
  - Kung Fu Master: Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
  - Tang Dynasty: Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila Gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, soda water, and white boba pearls
  - Tropical Moon: Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec, passion fruit, soda water and white boba pearls (New)

Primavera Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

- - Caesar con Gamberett: Baby gem lettuce, shrimp, Caesar dressing, and crispy bread crumble (New)
  - Tortelloni Primavera: Spinach tortelloni, sweet butter, pancetta, corn, peas, and fava beans (New)
  - Budino alle Nocciole: Chocolate-hazelnut pudding with cookie crumble (New)

Beverages:

- - Peroni Pilsner
  - Prosecco
  - Moscato
  - Italian Sangria red or white
  - Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila

Hanami (Japan)

Food Items:

- - Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
  - Hanami Sushi: Assorted Nigiri sushi with lemon-cured salmon, soy-marinated tuna, and cured mackerel (New)
  - Creamy Shrimp Udon: Udon soup with shrimp and spring vegetables (New)

Beverages:

- - Sakura Cherry Blossom Pilsner (New)
  - Hakushika Hana Kohaku Plum Sake: Junmai Ginjo blended with Japanese plum (New)
  - Nigori Dragon Fruit Sake Cocktail (New)

Fleur de Lys (France)

Food Items:

- - Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic
  - Daube de Boeuf à la Provençal, Compote de Tomate au Romarin Gnocchi à la Niçoise: Provençal-style braised beef, rosemary tomato, and niçoise gnocchi (New)
  - Tarte Chocolat Mogador: Chocolate tart with Valrhona single origin chocolate brownie, walnuts, and raspberry coulis served warm (New)
  - Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel

Beverages:

- - Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
  - VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
  - Kir àla Poire: French sparkling wine with Monin desert pear (New)
  - La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and white and red cranberry juices

Funnel Cake

- - Banana Split Funnel Cake: Funnel Cake topped with Banana-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Diced Strawberries, and a Maraschino Cherry drizzled with Chocolate Syrup (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Exotic Lemon Tea: A refreshing mix of Frozen Lemon and Iced Tea featuring Exotic Berry notes (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)

Near Canada – Melonade: A tangy blend of Frozen Lemon with a burst of watermelon (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)

World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Orange Cream Cold Brew: A smooth blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of orange and vanilla topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and coconut shavings (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)

The American Adventure – Key Lime Cold Brew: A zesty blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of Key lime and white chocolate topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

What Food Items Are You Looking Forward To?

I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited about some of these offerings. Mom and I always plan at least two EPCOT days during our annual Flower & Garden Festival trips. Some years we’ve even gone back a third time. We go for the Flowers, but the food is a becoming more and more of a draw every year.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Anna & Elsa Topiaries — Photo: Disney Parks

Is there anything you are really looking forward to trying?

It’s not too late to plan a trip for this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival. I’d love to help! Reach out now for a no obligation quote! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.

If you’d like to check out our other posts on this year’s Festival, please click here or here.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use Virtual Queue

We are getting closer to the long awaited opening date for TRON Lightcycle/Run at the Magic Kingdom on April 4, 2023. The closer we get, the more information Disney makes available to us. In our last post about the new attraction (read here), I theorized that TRON Lightcycle/Run would open using a virtual queue. Disney has confirmed this theory. When it opens on April 4, TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue. There will be NO standby lines for TRON Lightcycle/Run initially.

How Will the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue Work?

Disney has been using the virtual queue for all new attractions for the last several years. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure both used virtual queues when they first opened. Both stopped using the virtual queue more than a year ago. Currently, EPCOT’s newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is using a virtual queue. That attraction will have been open for almost ten months by the time TRON Lightcycle/Run opens. Based on the pattern Disney has set with the previous attractions, I suspect Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will stop using the virtual queue sometime in March, if not sooner.

That way, when TRON Lightcycle/Run needs to start using the virtual queue, it will be the only attraction using it. I’m assuming Disney’s system COULD allow more than one attraction to use virtual queues at a time, especially if they are at different parks. But guests might find the booking experience confusing or frustrating. If an attraction doesn’t NEED the virtual queue, why not simplify things and eliminate it?

Why will TRON Lightcycle/Run use a Virtual Queue?

Disney uses a virtual queue when a new attraction opens primarily to maximize their ability to manage crowd flow through the attraction. The virtual queue system enables them to slow boarding groups arrival times if the attraction breaks down (common with new attractions) or if there are any quirks that arise with loading or unloading that they didn’t anticipate.

Using the virtual queue also adds a bit of mystery around a new attraction. There’s no way for the average guest to really know how many guests rode an attraction on a particular day.

A virtual queue also really helps Disney control the standby line flow, especially if the standby areas might get really tight if the lines get super long. For example, the area back by Ratatouille isn’t super big. If that line got too long, it could easily extend way out into the rest of France and cause a lot of congestion. By using a virtual queue, Disney was able to control the length of the length until the “newness” of that attraction wore off enough to keep that standby line down to a manageable length.

I haven’t seen the area for the TRON standby line inside the attraction, but there isn’t much space outside the attraction. The Speedway is RIGHTTHERE. I suspect that Disney will want to the line from extending out into this area if at all possible. Using the virtual queue will help Disney control this.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will be an Individual Lightning Lane Attraction

Guests with park tickets and park reservations for the Magic Kingdom will have the opportunity to purchase an individual Lightning Lane entry (a la carte) for TRON Lightcycle/Run, based on availability. Pricing and availability for the TRON Lightcycle/Run Lightning Lane entry will vary based on the season, demand, crowd levels and demand.

Locker System for TRON Lightcycle/Run

TRON Lightcycle/Run features a new double sided, digitized locker system inside the attraction queue. These lockers will be used to store guests’ bags and loose items while they ride the attraction. These complimentary lockers will pair with the guest’s Magic Band, Magic Band+, or ticket media so that the guest can either lock or reopen their locker easily with a quick tap. Guests without a Magic Band or ticket media (like a card) will be provided with a card to access a locker. All items must be placed either in a locker before guests board their Lightcycle or inside a small compartment located on the attraction vehicle. The small compartment can hold small items like a wallet, glasses or a cell phone.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue. TRON Lockers. — Photo: Disney Parks

Disney PhotoPass and Videos

If you’ve been following for any time at all, you know that I am a BIG fan of PhotoPass. Photos are some of the best souvenirs from your vacations. Photos will outlast the TShirts, the sweatshirts and the snacks. As any new attraction should be, TRON Lightcycle/Run is equipped with some terrific on ride video and photo offerings. (Is anyone else still surprised that there ISN’T a PhotoPass photo on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance???)

If you are wearing a Magic Band or a Magic Band+, your attraction photo and video will automatically be linked to your My Disney Experience account.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue TRON PhotoPass — Photo: Disney Parks

If you don’t have a Magic Band or a Magic Band+, you can still have access to your ride photo and video by using the My Disney Experience app. To use the My Disney Experience app to capture your ride photo and video, follow the steps below.

1. Enable Bluetooth® for the My Disney Experience app before riding.
2. Make sure to be logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day.
3. Keep your device out of low power mode.
4. Make sure your mobile device boards the Lightcycle with you and is safely stored in the small Lightcycle compartment to use this method.

Will You Try the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue?

Will you take your changes and try to get a boarding group for TRON Lightcycle/Run via the virtual queue? Or will you purchase an Individual Lightning Lane via Genie+ if it’s available? Individual Lightning Lane prices for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind peaked at $17-$18 last year during Thanksgiving week and again during Christmas week. How much would you be willing to pay to ride TRON Lightcycle/Run?

If you’d like to plan a trip to check TRON Lightcycle/Run out for yourself and you’d like a no obligation quote, email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124 today!

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

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 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:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

Opening Date Announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run!

It’s been a very long four years, but at last an opening date has been announced for TRON Lightcycle/RUN!

Walt Disney World has finally announced that TRON Lightcycle/Run will open on April 4, 2023. Based on an attraction originally premiered at Shanghai Disneyland, TRON Lightcycle/Run broke ground at WDW’s Magic Kingdom in 2018. The project faced a few delays and setbacks, most notably when all the parks shut down during 2020 due to the pandemic.

Even after the parks reopened, many construction projects, including this one, were slow to restart. Once construction DID restart, things moved at a much slower pace than originally planned. Budgets were trimmed due to the financial losses incurred during the pandemic closures. The reduced crowd capacities in the months following those closures also had an impact.

Throughout the life of the project, we published several posts about TRON Lightcycle/Run. You can find those posts here, here, or here.

Opening Date Announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run : April 4, 2023

Ok. So now we have a date. What should we be expecting? We still don’t have a TON of information, but we do have some. A while back, Walt Disney World installed some ride vehicles in Tomorrowland near Space Mountain. This allowed guests to see the vehicles and try them out.

TRON Lightcycle/Run Opening Date Announced Ride Vehicles — Ride vehicles for TRON Lightcycle/Run Photo: Disney Parks

We’ve also had the chance to see the TRON Lightcycle/Run project throughout its construction from the People Mover. Every visit offered a progression and new sights to see. Checking on the progress of this project has been a fun highlight of each Magic Kingdom visit over the last few years.

TRON Lightcycle Construction, viewed from People Mover Photo: Brooke Hudson

TRON Lightcycle/Run Construction Project from the PeopleMover — TRON Lightcycle/Run Construction Project from the People Mover Photo: Brooke Hudson

More recent visitors have been able to see ride vehicles moving on the tracks during the vehicle testing phases.

Storyline

Disney’s official release didn’t just include the announcement that TRON Lightcycle/Run was finally opening April 4, 2023. The release also included basic storyline of the attraction. Here is the statement from the release:

“The story of TRON Lightcycle / Run picks up after “TRON: Legacy” where Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, has opened a second gateway into a digital world called the Grid. The first portal was built at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run.

When guests enter the queue at Magic Kingdom, they’ll feel as if they’ve been digitized and transported to the Grid for a special Lightcycle race. It’s your Team Blue against the Grid’s menacing Programs, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. The attraction will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.”

TRON Lightcycle/Run Opening Date Announced — TRON Legacy Promotion Photo: Disney Parks

TRON Lightcycle/Run Video

Warning: the video below contains portions of a ride through on the original attraction at Shanghai Disneyland. If you don’t want to know any details about what this attraction will be like, I recommend you do NOT watch the two minute video below.

Spring Breakers Will Be Sure to Enjoy TRON

TRON Lightcycle/Run is opening just in time for April Spring Break crowds. Previews and “soft” openings will likely begin near the end of March so some late March Spring Break crowds will likely also be likely to get a chance to take a ride on TRON Lightcycle/Run.

I suspect this new attraction will be wildly popular. Lines are likely to be very long, right from the opening minute. I’m sure this will also be a Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane attraction. Disney has not yet announced that, however. If TRON Lightcycle/Run DOES turn out to be a Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane attraction, the big question will be how much will it cost?

Since Lightning Lane pricing does seem to be driven both by crowd levels and demand, I suspect this one will fall in line with the higher price attractions. I don’t think it will higher than attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but I suspect it will be in that neighborhood. Again, higher during busier periods of the year, lower during lower crowd volumes. Since spring break is one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, we can expect peak pricing in the Genie+ app for Lightning Lane attractions as well.

Standby vs. Virtual Queue

Another big question: when TRON Lightcycle/Run opens, will it be a standby line or will it use a virtual queue? Personally, my money is on a virtual queue. All the recent new attractions at Walt Disney World have used a virtual queue when they opened, at least at first. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind all opened using virtual queues initially. Currently, the only attraction still using a virtual queue is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

A virtual queue helps Disney to control crowds around the attraction extremely well, keep the lines somewhat contained and adapt should the new attraction face any technical issues. Which, lets face it, all new attractions have at least SOME technical issues. No matter how much they test it, there are BOUND to be some technical issues. At least a few, right?

I could be wrong here, but I’m betting on a virtual queue for at least the first few months. Probably through the end of 2023. I will of course update you as soon as Disney makes any kind of official announcement on this.

Are You Ready to Enter the Grid?

Now that an opening date has finally been announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run, are you excited to ride it? Is this an attraction you’ve been waiting for? Or are you more likely to take a wait and see approach?

I’m very curious about this one. I don’t know if I will like it, but I think I will have to at least TRY and ride it at least once so I can report back to you all! It looks fun, but as I get older, I don’t do as well with the fast thrill rides as I did when I was younger.

We’ll see how manageable the lines are when Mom and I go for our annual trip in May. I can guarantee this is NOT one Mom will want to ride, so her mission will be to explore and take pictures from the ground if I am able to ride. I’m hearing that lockers are mandatory for all riders to lock up their stuff so that nothing can be accidentally dropped from the ride vehicles. Yikes!

We will definitely keep you posted!

If you’re ready to book your next trip to Walt Disney World now that you know TRON Lightcycle/Run will be open, be sure to send me an email. I’d be happy to give you a no obligation quote and to help you plan a terrific trip!

Happy Dreaming!!

Brooke

runDisney Races are BACK at WDW!

Great news today, everyone. runDisney races are back at Walt Disney World. Even more exciting? runDisney in-park races are starting THIS YEAR!

While many runDisney fans have been speculating that an announcement from runDisney would like come soon, most of us assumed that runDisney races would be back NEXT YEAR. Today’s announcement is exciting news for runDisney fans everywhere and indicates a more accelerated return to normalcy for runDisney races at Walt Disney World.

runDisney Races are back in 2021

A big surprise for many runDisney fans, the first race to return to Walt Disney World is the 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is November 4 – 7, 2021.

This year’s theme is Wickedly Delicious, focusing on popular Disney villains. The weekend will feature a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. In addition, the weekend will also offer a Disney Two Course Challenge for those participants that want the challenge of completing both the 10K and the half marathon. I’m a big fan of the 10K/Half Marathon challenges, and am very excited to see this challenge as a part of the Wine & Dine weekend.

runDisney Wine and Dine — Photo: runDisney

The weekend will wrap up with a Post Race Party for participants and their families at EPCOT. The party will feature exclusive after hours access to the park and the International Food and Wine Festival.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to Disney for the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, I recommend taking action QUICKLY. Email me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com and I’d be happy to put together a no obligation quote for you.

Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Registration opens for the general public on July 13, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Club runDisney Gold and Platinum registration opens July 6, 2021 at 10 am EST.

While we haven’t received confirmation yet, we expect that DVC members and Annual Passholders will also have access for early registration. We will update with a specific date and time as soon as we have it.

Pricing

5K $95

10K $135

Half Marathon $215

Two Course Challenge $360

Post Race Party $89

*Note: These are early registration prices. Prices will increase by $10 on August 10, 2021.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Many runDisney fans had high hopes that in park races would be returning to Walt Disney World for January 2022’s Marathon Weekend. I’m so happy to report that Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend has been officially confirmed for January 5 – 9, 2022.

Fans can expect Marathon Weekend to focus on the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. I’m hopeful there will be lots of special entertainment and merchandise celebrating the big 50th!

Marathon Weekend will include a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and a full marathon. Also back is the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, for those participants that want to do the half marathon AND the full marathon (and MUST be Goofy to do so!). And for the REALLY committed (or maybe they need to be committed? Just kidding!) the Dopey Challenge is back. The Dopey Challenge includes the 5K, the 10K, the half marathon AND the full marathon.

runDisney virtual races Goofy Challenge — runDisney Goofy Challenge

We are already seeing a TON of reservations for 2022–so many Disney fans have been eagerly awaiting Disney World’s return to normal. With runDisney races back, we expect Marathon Weekend reservations to pour in. If you’d like a no obligation quote for your runDisney Marathon Weekend, please reach out to brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Registration

Registration opens for the general public on July 27, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Club runDisney Gold and Platinum registration opens July 20, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Pricing

5K $95

10K $135

Half Marathon $195

Marathon $195

Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge $390

Dopey Challenge $600

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2022

It’s no surprise that the race weekend built for Disney princesses from all over the world will return once again to Walt Disney World now that runDisney races are BACK live in the parks. A great entry point for beginner runDisney participants, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is scheduled for February 24 – 27, 2021.

New for 2022: the first morning will feature Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga in front of Cinderella Castle, before the theme park opens. How fun does THAT sound?

The theme for the 2022 Princess Half Marathon Weekend will be courage and kindness. Men are welcome to participate, but the Princess Half Marathon Weekend focuses more fully on women, girls and the female experience. The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend will feature a 5k, a 10k, and a half marathon. The Weekend also features the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (my favorite!) for those participants that want to do both the 10K and the half marathon.

runDisney Princess Half Finish Line — runDisney Princess Half Marathon Finish Line

It’s a great opportunity for a girls’ weekend, a sisters weekend, a mom/daughter weekend. If you’d like help planning your Disney Half Marathon weekend, please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Registration

Registration opens for the general public on August 24, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Club runDisney Gold and Platinum registration opens August 17, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Pricing

Sunrise Yoga $95

5K $95

Enchanted 10K $135

Half Marathon $210

Disney Fairy Tale Challenge $355

Surprise! runDisney has a NEW Race in the Family

All the big runDisney announcements from this morning included a new race in the lineup. runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is scheduled for March 31 – April 3, 2022. Disney has stated that each race season, the fourth weekend will be the Springtime Surprise Weekend. Each year, the race themes and distances will be different.

So essentially, this weekend is replacing the Star Wars race weekend? Perhaps they are planning to rotate several different themes through this particular race weekend, depending on what film or theme park properties they want to promote in a particular year? I guess we will find out.

They tell us that this weekend will be “as much about the smiles as it is about the miles” and beginner racers and veteran racers alike will be welcome.

We have no other information about this event at this time. Hmmm. Very mysterious. Registration will like open in the fall, but we have no dates, distances, prices or themes yet.

Health and Safety

With runDisney races back in our lives, an obvious first question for many is, “What will the health and safety protocols be?”

The answer to this question is evolving. Disney is saying that they will defer to the information they receive from scientists, vendors and sponsors, and will make decisions in the best interest of their guests, vendors, park guests, and cast members as each race weekend approaches.

It is possible that face coverings MAY be required or that other health and safety protocol measures may be in place at race time.

As more information becomes available for each race weekend, I will share it with you.

Virtual Races are Sticking Around

In the not-so-surprising news category, Disney has announced that Virtual Races are NOT going away. Racers from all over the world will still be able to participate in runDisney races from wherever they are, even if they can’t come to the parks to join in the fun.

The in-person runDisney races generate millions of dollars in revenue for Disney, and they have learned from the Covid runDisney experience that they can make even MORE money by opening the races up to a virtual audience. I fully expect Disney to continue offering the virtual races, and to perhaps even expand their virtual offerings as time goes on. They can operate the virtual races with much less overhead and get a lot of fan participation. Races like these build additional fan loyalty, and of course, can lead to additional in park race participation, which adds to to resort revenues overall, in addition to runDisney dollars.

I think the virtual races are brilliant, and since runDisney is not foolish and they want ALL my money, they will continue for every runDisney in park race for the forseeable future.

If you’d like to learn more about Virtual Races (and why I love them), please read runDisney Virtual Races.

Registration Dates for Virtual Races

Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: July 16, 2021 at 10am EST

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: July 30, 2021 at 10 am EST

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend: August 27, 2021 at 10am EST

It’s True. runDisney races are BACK at Walt Disney World.

I’m so excited I can’t hardly stand it. runDisney races are truly exceptional experiences for runners and walkers alike. The race course is filled with themed mile markers, race entertainment, characters and photo opps. Logistically, no one does it better. There are SO MANY portapotties! (Ok, I don’t love the portapotty experience, but when ya gotta go, you are so grateful they are there). I can’t even put into words racing through the theme parks themselves. It’s AMAZING. Fast runners will be in the parks at sunrise (or even before) and that’s a heart stopping, never forget it moment. Slower runners or walkers (like me!) will enter the parks much later and find their paths lined with park goers cheering them on (also a heart stopping never forget it moment.

The adrenaline rush that comes from lining up at the starting line with thousands of other races is amazing for any big race…but for a runDisney race, it’s magnified somehow. The energy just crackles through the air. There are fireworks and Mickey Mouse for goodness sakes! And whenever your energy is flagging, there will be something or someone on the course to boost your spirits and get you going again.

runDisney Marathon Weekend Bling — runDisney It’s All About the Bling photo: Vicki and David Arndt Photography

How about you? Are you excited that runDisney races are back in the Walt Disney World parks? What race or races are YOU registering for?

I may need to partner with a venture capitalist to support my runDisney addiction. {sigh}.

Hope to see you on the runDisney race course!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Disney PhotoPass: What is it and How Does it Work?

Today we are going to talk about Disney PhotoPass, and Disney’s Memory Maker product.

We released a video over on YouTube for today’s topic. Here’s that video:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

If you prefer to read this information, keep reading!

Disney PhotoPass and Disney Memory Maker

One question I get asked a lot from my clients and friends and family is “Should we purchase the Memory Maker?” The short answer? It depends.

Ok, for me, it’s pretty much always YES. BUT, I’m a HUGE photo nerd.

For more NORMAL people, there are several things to consider, and I will get to those in tomorrow’s video. Today we are going to start with the basics: What is Disney PhotoPass and how does it work? In tomorrow’s video (Part 2 in this series), we will focus on the memory maker product, and will answer the question of whether or not to buy.

But first for those of you that DON’T know, let’s start with:

What is Disney PhotoPass?

Disney PhotoPass is a service that Disney added years ago, and I think it’s absolute GENIUS. Basically, they have photographers stationed at numerous locations around each park to take pictures of you and your group.

This completely solves the “Did Mom even GO on that vacation? She’s not in ANY of the pictures” dilemma. For many families, there is always one person that takes all the pictures and they are never in any of the shots. Or, people rotate who takes the pictures, but there are never any pictures of EVERYONE together, because one person always steps out to take the picture. Most people don’t carry around tripods and take the time to set up timed tripod shots on vacation. For some, Selfies have helped to address this problem, but with a Selfie, it’s still really tough to get a group or to include people AND a landmark in the picture.

With PhotoPass, Disney has solved that problem. Basically, the PhotoPass photographer will take your group’s picture, usually with a park icon or landmark in the background, and then they will either scan your magic band (the easiest) or give you a PhotoPass card with a 16-digit number on the back. Note: If you are given a Photopass card, immediately take a picture of the back of the card just in case. If you lose the card, but have the number, you can still locate your pictures.

Not All PhotoPass Photos are Created Equal

A couple of caveats: The skill of the various photopass photographers varies. Some are very experienced, fun to work with, and very talented. Others are more point and click—with varying degrees of success. Therefore I always recommend that you get a LOT of photopass photos taken. Take advantage of the opportunities whenever they present themselves. Odds are, if you take a BUNCH of photopass pictures, you end up with at least a few you really like. Here are a couple examples of PhotoPass pictures that didn’t really work out so well.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In NON COVID times, you could also ask the photographer to take a picture of your group with your phone or camera. This is not an option currently due to Covid related restrictions, but I’m assuming this option will return at some point in the future—but current rules prohibit the photographers from touching your phone or camera.

Disney PhotoPass and Special Moments

If you look on Facebook or the internet, you will see THOUSANDS of PhotoPass pictures that people have posted. There are tons of examples of people using PhotoPass to announce they have a baby on the way, the sex of the baby, that they got engaged or married.

In our case, my husband proposed to me at the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. Because he’s brilliant, he surprised me with the proposal when we went to take a PhotoPass picture, so we have the moment captured forever.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Are they great pictures? No, it was very crowded, and I at first thought he fell (he’d done the marathon the day before and was in a lot of pain), and then there was lots of crying and laughing. But I feel so lucky that I have that moment forever captured by that PhotoPass photographer. And the next day, we found another PhotoPass photographer that was SO excited about our engagement, she spent TONS of time with us (there was no line,I promise) and took a gazillion pictures of the ring, and the two of us. It was really fun.

Disney PhotoPass and Group Attractions

There are normally even photopass photographers at big group attractions (Enchanted Tales with Belle, for example). These attractions aren’t operating right now, but once they return, I’m sure the PhotoPass photographer will return with them.

The PhotoPass photographer takes lots of pictures of the group and they will hand out PhotoPass cards at the end; once you enter the number on your computer, you’ll have access to ALL the pictures they took during that particular event. If your kid had a role in the show, you do NOT want to lose that number! So take a picture of the back of the card, just in case!

Disney PhotoPass and Attraction Photos!

Lots of Disney rides take your picture at some point during the ride, some rides even take video! These pictures and videos are now PhotoPass pictures, and can be attached to your Magic Band or PhotoPass card. The RFID technology in your MagicBand communicates with the reader at the attraction and automatically adds the photos or videos to your account.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Character Dining and PhotoPass?

Character dining can also (sometimes) include PhotoPass. Granted, right now, character dining isn’t happening, but it WILL return eventually, I promise! Some character dining meals offer PhotoPass pictures, but not all of them. Also IF there is a PhotoPass photographer at a character meal, it will usually just be for a picture you take before you enter the restaurant. For example, if you are dining at a Character Meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table, there is usually a Photopass photographer in the lobby with Cinderella waiting to take your picture before you head upstairs for your meal. (Please note that Cinderella’s Royal Table HAS reopened for lunch and dinner, however, Cinderella has NOT yet returned.)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

PhotoPass photographers do not go around with the characters as they visit your table at ANY character meal, so ALWAYS bring your camera to character meals.

Customize your Photos!

After your trip, you will be able to visit the PhotoPass website to view all your pictures. You can add borders and stickers to the photos, and you can make products like Photobooks, calendars and mugs featuring your pictures on the Disney PhotoPass website. One picture can easily turn into 10 or 15 by the time you are done playing with borders, cropping, black and white, etc. Some borders are unique to particular locations, seasons, or events, adding a little extra magic to those photos.

NOTE: Pictures are only available on the PhotoPass site for 30 days (unless you are an Annual Passholder.) Right now, if you are visiting this fall between October 15 and November 30, Disney is extending that 30 days through the end of the year. So you’ll have a little extra time to play with your pictures.

Magic Shots

Lets talk about Magic Shot. Magic Shots are pictures taken by a PhotoPass photographer with a little something extra magical added later. The most common Magic Shots feature TinkerBell standing on the palm of your hand, or a bunch of balloons added to your upstretched arm.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There are a variety of Magic Shots available at different times. During Star Wars Weekend a few years ago, we got Magic Shots with light sabers added. Recently, they added some pirate themed Magic Shots near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

During the Halloween season, you might find Magic Shots with ghosts near the haunted mansion, or Flaming jack o lanterns throughout the Magic Kingdom. During the Winter holiday season, you may find snow or Wooden Soldiers added to your photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Over at Hollywood Studios, we’ve learned there’s a new special magic shot that includes the child (frequently called baby Yoda, although he isn’t in fact Yoda) from the Mandolorian. Here’s a look at this one from Disney Parks and Resorts.

Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot Mandalorian — Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot – The Child, Mandalorian

Special holiday themed magic shots become available November 6.

Disney PhotoPass Photos and the My Disney Experience App

Disney PhotoPass pictures are available in the My Disney Experience app, so you’ll be able to look at them as your trip goes along. Most photos and videos appear in your app within 20 minutes.

Unless you’ve purchased the Memory Maker product, the pictures will have a watermark on them, preventing you from having a sharable, downloadable image without paying for it. If you’ve already purchased Memory Maker, your pictures will appear completely clear and fabulous.

One of the highlights of my last trip was overhearing a young family showing their daughter a picture they had just taken on Main Street. She was AMAZED to see that Tinkerbell had joined them in the picture and she was so dazzled by the magic!

Tips for Getting that “Magic” Shot

Disney changes what Magic Shots are available from time to time, and not all PhotoPass photographers will offer to do them. Your odds are better if there’s no line and if you’re nice and friendly. PhotoPass photographers work very hard, and are on their feet for many hours a day, usually in pretty hot temperatures and sometimes not treated very well by guests. In my experience, if you are nice and there’s not a line, they’re more likely to spend a few extra minutes with you, and that can often result in some Magic Shots. To see what Magic Shots are currently available, visit the albums at the Disney Photo Pass Facebook Page.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Coming Up in the Next Video (And Post!)

In tomorrow’s video, we’ll talk about Memory Maker, and how you can have PhotoPass without Memory Maker, but you can’t have Memory Maker without PhotoPass.

Thank you for watching, and please tune in Monday for the second video (and blog post) in this series, discussing Disney’s Memory Maker product.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Parks News 11.04.20

In this week’s Disney Parks News, we have big changes coming for the virtual queue at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. We also have Disneyland Paris closure news, and Disney’s official statement on the entertainment layoffs we saw last week. For these stories and more, please check out our YouTube video below.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

For those of you that prefer reading to watching, the written version is provided below. Last week’s Disney Parks News can be found here.

Disney Parks News

The Holidays have Arrived at Disney World!

Halloween is over and the Holidays have arrived at Walt Disney World! It’s amazing how quickly Disney makes the transition from Fall and Halloween décor to winter holiday décor.

Here is the full statement from Disney:

“Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.

Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.

While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT.

Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.

Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.

Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so.”

Reactions

I find this statement both disappointing and frustrating. Do I understand that Disney feels they cannot allow most shows to resume due to social distancing requirements? Honestly? Yes and no. They have been able to re-introduce the Frozen Sing Along Celebration successfully, and that’s a show. And many of the theatres in the parks are outdoor venues. It seems that some shows could return, with seating clearly marked and restricted to provide proper social distancing.

Disney Entertainment Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage — Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)

To me, it seems almost convenient to blame the ongoing (and perhaps escalating) Covid-19 crisis as the reason there is almost no entertainment, rather than the more probably budget cuts. Why are the JAMMitors ok to perform in EPCOT on the Mill Stage in Canada, but not the amazing Taiko Matsuriza drummers in Japan?

Disney has also made a very important, very helpful change to the virtual queue situation. Now, guests who hope to ride Rise of the Resistance can request to enter the virtual queue at 7 am from their hotel room (or breakfast or wherever). The only thing that is required is a park reservation for Hollywood Studios that day (which of course requires a ticket).

Why does this change to the required location to join the virtual queue matter? Here’s why: OPTIONS. For example, let’s say you really want to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You have a park reservation for today, and you are planning to visit Hollywood Studios. Let’s say you try, but are unable to join the virtual queue and get a boarding group at 7am. Now, you have some OPTIONS.

- - You can go back to bed. You don’t need to make sure you are in Hollywood Studios by 10am.
  - Based on reservation availability, you could decide to save Hollywood Studios for a different day. In that scenario, you would cancel your Hollywood Studios park reservation. Then, you could book a new park reservation at a different park. (Note: I highly recommend you check park reservation availability before you pull this trigger.)
  - You might decide NOT to visit Hollywood Studios until the afternoon.
    - - Spend the morning playing at the pool
      - Enjoy a round of golf
      - Ride the Skyliner for a while
      - Relax at your resort
      - Visit Disney Springs

The 2 pm virtual queue does still exist. That virtual queue DOES require guests to be physically inside the park to join the queue.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Review — Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)

It is my hope that these changes will loosen up the stranglehold that Rise of the Resistance has been having on visitors for months. With these changes, perhaps more guests will be able to ride. If that happens, theoretically fewer guests will crowd into Hollywood Studios in the hopes of riding that one attraction.

Our Upcoming Disney Vacation

Next week, we will be at Walt Disney World ourselves, and will be able to test out the new system. I will update you on our success (or lack thereof) with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Next week’s Disney Parks News Update will be filmed while we are on site at Walt Disney World. As a result, the video may end up a little on the rough side. However, we will do our best to still get the video posted on Wednesday. Thank you in advance for your patience. We are really looking forward to updating you with our in person, on the ground experiences in the parks.

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.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

If you missed last week’s Disney Parks News, you can find it here.

For those of you that prefer reading your news to watching a video, please read on.

Disney Parks News

Entertainment Cast Layoffs

Our top Disney Parks News story this week is a sad one. We’ve learned that ALMOST ALL of Disney World “Entertainment” Cast Members around the theme parks have received their notice that they will not be returning to work. These layoffs are part of the 28,000 planned layoffs announced last month.

While most of the shows affected have remained dark since the parks reopened, these layoffs eliminate hopes of any of these shows returning to the parks ANY time in the near future. Our hearts go out to ALL the cast losing their jobs during this time. Many of the cast members have been with Disney for many, many years. This news has been devastating for them.

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 10.21.2020

In this week’s Disney Parks News Update, we learn that Disneyland may be forced to stay closed until next summer! We also talk new Disney world discounts for 2021, attraction refurbishments, the value resort that is reopening early next year and much more. Please check out this week’s video below.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

If you missed last week’s news, you can get it here.

For those of you that would rather read your news, please continue on.

Disney Parks News Update 10.21.20

Disneyland

This week’s top story is DISNEYLAND. We’ve all been waiting for months to find out when Disneyland in California would be allowed to reopen. Originally, Disney planned to reopen Disneyland and California Adventure in July, right after Walt Disney World reopened. However, those plans were not approved by Orange County or the State of California, and Disney had to push pause. Ever since, it’s been a waiting game for Disney fans, and a frustrating battle for Disney and Disney cast members that want to get back to work!

Yesterday, the state of California announced (finally) their guidelines for theme park re-openings in their state. The important part for Disney fans? Large theme parks cannot reopen until their home county (Orange County, for Disneyland and California Adventure) are in California’s YELLOW TIER.

Disney Parks News CA Covid Tiers — Table: covid19.ca.gov

To be in the yellow tier, the county must see less than 1 new Covid-19 case per 100,000 residents, and less than 2% positivity rate for tests. Right now, Orange County is in the red tier, reporting between 4 -7 new cases per day per 100,000 residents and a 5-8% positivity rate.

There is a long way to go for Orange county to get from the Red Tier to the Yellow Tier. Dr. Clayton Chau, Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency said, “…I think that we can look forward to a yellow tier by next summer, hopefully. Hopefully.”

Disneyland Monorail (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

What does this mean for Disneyland?

Based on current information, state policies, and recent Covid-19 trends in Orange County, CA, it appears that the soonest we can hope to see Disneyland and California Adventure reopen is sometime NEXT SUMMER (2021). This is obviously devastating news for the thousands of people employed by Disney to work in the two theme parks, as well as in the Disney owned hotels in the Disneyland area. However, there are COUNTLESS other business that are completely dependent on the tourist traffic that Disneyland brings to Anaheim. If Disneyland and California Adventure remain closed through next summer (or later), many of those businesses are doomed to fail. This will no doubt have a huge impact on the Anaheim economy, and by extension, on Orange County and Southern California.

Disneyland Hotel Disney Parks News Disneyland will NOT open in 2020 — Disneyland Hotel (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

Many Southern California officials, including Anaheim mayor Harry Sidhu and Disneyland President Ken Potrock have come out publicly against the new guidelines. I don’t think Disneyland or the other large California theme parks are likely to let these new guidelines go uncontested. I suspect we will be hearing a lot more about this in the coming weeks. For now, unfortunately, it appears impossible for Disneyland to reopen this year.

Walt Disney World

Moving over to Walt Disney World news, let’s talk about attractions.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority

One of my favorite attractions, the PeopleMover (Tomorrowland Transit Authority) over at the Magic Kingdom is definitely NOT going back online this year. The attraction was originally scheduled to be reopening in late October, which then got pushed back to late November. This week, that got pushed back AGAIN to early January. That is as far out as the current refurbishment schedule goes right now, so I suspect this particular attraction will not be open until sometime next spring. BUMMER.

The PeopleMover is a great attraction for many reasons: it absorbs a TON of people every hour as it is a constantly moving loading and unloading attraction. It’s also a TERRIFIC ride to sit and relax and give tired legs and feet a little break. On hot days, it’s also a great place to get some rest out of the sun and moves fast enough that you have a cooling breeze as you ride. Alas, no people mover for us anytime soon. {Sigh}

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Over at Epcot, we’ve been anxiously awaiting news on an opening date for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, along with the expanded France pavilion in World Showcase. Originally planned to open this Summer, Ratatouille’s opening got pushed back along with everything else when the parks closed this Spring. Disney has been completely MUM on when we can expect this attraction to open.

Disney Parks News — Ride Vehicle for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Photo: Disney Parks)

Personally, I suspect Disney will hold off on opening this attraction until sometime next spring, when crowds are more likely to be at normal capacity (we hope) and Disney can get some good publicity (and hopefully guest reservations) in response to opening a new attraction. I’m disappointed, as I’d originally thought they would try to bring the attraction online in time for the holiday crowds, but with the parks still operating at such a big loss, I think it makes sense to hold off until the opening can be celebrated.

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure Gusteau's — Gustaeau’s Sign Installed in France Pavilion (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

You can see progress on the France pavilion expansion from the Skyliner—It’s looking really good. The Gusteau’s sign (from Ratatouille) has been installed. We’ve heard reports that it lights up at night, which is definitely progress. I’ll give you an update on this project with pictures from Epcot when we are there next month.

Tron Lightcycle/Run

It seems that this week’s Disney Parks News Update has more bad news for us. Another “under construction” project we’ve been keeping an eye on is the Tron Lightcycle Coaster in progress at the Magic Kingdom. This GIANT project has already been underway for a couple of years, and was long planned to be ready in time for next year’s big 50^th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.

Disney Tron Construction Update Artist Rendering — Disney Tron Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom: Artist Rendering

Unfortunately, we are now hearing lots of rumors that construction is going to be suspended on this project later this year, and that it is extremely unlikely that this attraction will be ready in time for October 2021 and the big anniversary.

Tron Lightcycle Grid Installed — Tron Lightcycle/Run Grid Installed at Magic Kingdom (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

No official confirmation from Disney; however, if the rumors are true, I have to assume this is financially based decision. I’m not sure it’s a wise decision, as new attractions always bring in big crowds, but I think maybe they were hoping to see Disneyland reopened and increased crowds in Florida before Disney continues investing in this project. Just speculation at this point though. I will keep you posted as I learn more.

Winter/Summerland and Fantasia Mini Golf

In the category of non-theme park attractions, Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf is reopening for a limited time: November 6, 2020 – January 30, 2021. Winter Summerland features 2 18 hole miniature golf courses, each one themed to a season, either Winter or Summer. Adults are $14, Kids are $10.

Winter Summerland is reopening primarily to offset Fantasia Gardens closing for the season (primarily for cleaning and maintenance). Fantasia Gardens closes November 5, 2020 and will reopen January 31, 2021. These fun themed mini golf courses are a popular destination for families to visit on non-theme park days, or even during a break on a theme park day.

Walt Disney World License Plate

Here’s a fun Disney Parks News Update for Florida Residents. For the first time, the Walt Disney World Resort is going to be releasing a license plate in honor of their 50^th anniversary. The best part? Proceeds will go to the Make a Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida. Disney’s been working with Make a Wish for 40 years now, with more than 140,000 Disney inspired wishes granted since 1980. An average of 8,000 wishes are granted at Disney World every year.

Disney hasn’t shown us the design of the license plate just yet; however interested Florida car owners can purchase a presale voucher now for $25+state admin fees by appointment at local County Tax Collections or license plate facilities (DMVs). Online presale for the plates will be available soon!

Friendship Boats

In the good news category, Disney has been testing the Friendship boats over on Crescent lake. These are the boats that provide Disney resort guests in the boardwalk area with water transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. While the Friendship boats have been operating in the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot, shuttling guests across the Lagoon, the boats have not been operating in the resort areas. It looks like that is changing very soon. No word yet on the boats that travel from various resorts to Disney Springs—we’re watching for updates on all the water transportation—and will keep you posted! Water transportation is one of my favorite ways to get around Walt Disney World. So relaxing, and terrific scenery. Can’t wait until ALL Disney transportation is back to normal!

Disney Parks Reservation System

Last week, we discussed that Disney vacation packages are now available for booking through the end of 2021 and into January 2022. A couple of additional details related to this news: The Disney Parks Reservation System is available for reservations well into 2022—So this new system, requiring guests to decide which parks they will visit on each day of their Disney vacation is NOT going away. The system does not yet accommodate park hopping; however packages for 2021 do offer park hopping as an option, so we have to assume this functionality is on the way?

Magic Bands: Are They Being Phased Out?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Also: in 2021, many of the functions currently performed by your magic band (hotel room key, park admission, payment for food and merchandise) will also be able to be performed by your smartphone. As a result, Magic Bands for Disney vacations beginning in January 2021 will no longer be provided to all guests free of charge. Magic Bands will be available for purchase if guests prefer to continue to use their Magic Bands.

I’m not loving this new development. I love the convenience of the magic bands, and we have quite the collection at our house (they make a really nice chain for the Christmas tree!)—and I love choosing new ones for each trip. For our upcoming trip, we upgraded from the “free” solid color magic bands and each picked “special” bands. Aren’t they fun?

The ones we ordered were $10.99 each. There are at least 20 different designs, and they change fairly often. There are also special “limited edition” bands. $10.99 – $24.99 is the current price range for upgraded Magic Bands.

Is Putting EVERYTHING on our Smart Phones the Best Idea?

I don’t really like increasing the dependence and draw on our cell phones. As it is, I already need to carry portable battery packs to charge our phones a couple of times a day when we are in the parks. I’m not super thrilled with needing to use the phones even more. And I’m not convinced that there won’t be glitches that will render guests unable to access their rooms or enter the parks. Makes me nervous. And what about other family members?

Disney World Magic Bands Disney Parks News — Magic Band as Park Ticket (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

A lot of kids don’t have cell phones. Also, I like the Magic Band’s ability to help identify kids if they get lost. I don’t know. Not loving this idea. Anyways, guest that want to continue to use magic bands will be able to purchase them. They just won’t automatically receive the solid color ones for free.

All Star Movies

We have good news this week for those of you that prefer to stay in Disney’s Value Resorts. So far, since Walt Disney World reopened, the only Value Resort that has reopened was Pop Century. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is reopening on November 1, but that’s mostly family suites and more expensive than the regular Value Reorts. Until now, we’d heard nothing about the three All Star resorts. At last, we have confirmation that one of the All Star Resorts, All Star Movies, is reopening on February 9, 2021. This is great news for Spring Breakers. They tend to prefer the cost savings of the All Star Resorts. All Star Movies is now available for booking for dates on or after February 9, 2021.

First Discount of 2021

And there’s more good news. Disney has released it’s first discount for 2021. You can save up to 35% on rooms at select Walt Disney World resorts from January 3 – April 17, 2021. Reservation must be booked before March 15, 2021. The amount of the discount is dependent on which resort you book. Rooms allocated for this offer are limited, and length of stay requirements may apply. If you’d like a free no obligation quote, please drop me an email at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

That’s it for this week’s news. I hope you found it helpful!

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Extra Fun for Foodies

Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

What Food Items Are You Looking Forward To?

Share this:

Like this:

How Will the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue Work?

Why will TRON Lightcycle/Run use a Virtual Queue?

TRON Lightcycle/Run will be an Individual Lightning Lane Attraction

Locker System for TRON Lightcycle/Run

Disney PhotoPass and Videos

Will You Try the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue?

Share this:

Like this:

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?

Share this:

Like this:

Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests Immediately!

Is this a PR Move?

Final Thoughts

Share this:

Like this:

Opening Date Announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run : April 4, 2023

Storyline

TRON Lightcycle/Run Video

Spring Breakers Will Be Sure to Enjoy TRON

Standby vs. Virtual Queue

Are You Ready to Enter the Grid?

Share this:

Like this:

runDisney Races are back in 2021

Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Pricing

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Registration

Pricing

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2022

Registration

Pricing

Surprise! runDisney has a NEW Race in the Family

Health and Safety

Virtual Races are Sticking Around

Registration Dates for Virtual Races

It’s True. runDisney races are BACK at Walt Disney World.

Share this:

Like this:

Disney PhotoPass and Disney Memory Maker

What is Disney PhotoPass?

Not All PhotoPass Photos are Created Equal

Disney PhotoPass and Special Moments

Disney PhotoPass and Group Attractions

Disney PhotoPass and Attraction Photos!

Character Dining and PhotoPass?

Customize your Photos!

Magic Shots

Disney PhotoPass Photos and the My Disney Experience App

Tips for Getting that “Magic” Shot

Coming Up in the Next Video (And Post!)

Share this:

Like this:

Disney Parks News

The Holidays have Arrived at Disney World!

Here is the full statement from Disney:

Reactions

Our Upcoming Disney Vacation

Share this:

Like this:

Disney Parks News

Entertainment Cast Layoffs

Which Parks and Shows were Affected?

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom