Most of the rides at Walt Disney World have no height restrictions, but as soon as the ride increases in intensity, so does the height minimum. Knowing the height of the youngest adventurers in your group is crucial to avoid heartbreak. A useful tip: Practice measuring your children before your trip so they’re prepared for the official height checks at the park. Remember, these height restrictions are in place to ensure everyone’s safety and must be adhered to. For those not tall enough yet, the rider switch service allows other party members who meet the height criteria to enjoy the ride.

Height Restrictions at Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates nature through diverse attractions and experiences. Younger visitors will enjoy the Na’vi River Journey in Pandora, while older kids can experience the thrills of Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. The entire group can enjoy learning about African savanna animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris. 

If someone doesn’t meet the height requirements, make use of the rider switch option mentioned earlier, or sign them up to be a Wilderness Explorer, where they can participate in a free series of fun, nature-themed challenges throughout the park.

38 inches or taller

• Kali River Rapids

40 inches or taller

• DINOSAUR 

44 inches or taller

• Avatar Flight of Passage 
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

No minimum

• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Na’vi River Journey
• TriceraTop Spin
• Wildlife Express Train

Height Restrictions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Step onto the glamorous streets of Tinseltown at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where the magic of the movies seamlessly transitions into the immersive worlds of Star Wars and Toy Story. While this park features rides with a range of height requirements, there’s no need to worry if some of your family members fall short of the mark. Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, a lively show where kids can groove along with beloved Disney Jr. characters and tunes. Plus, right outside the theater, they’ll have the chance to meet some of their favorite Disney Jr. pals in person!

32 inches or taller

• Alien Swirling Saucers

38 inches or taller

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Slinky Dog Dash

40 inches or taller

• Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

48 inches or taller

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

No minimum

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Toy Story Mania!

Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Ride Height Requirements

Similar to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, EPCOT explores not just our planet but science, technology, community, and culture. Guests who don’t meet the height requirements for some attractions still have numerous options available. They can also enjoy the Kidcot Fun Stops scattered around the World Showcase. This complimentary offering allows guests to collect activity cards from each country in the showcase, providing a fun way to learn about the different cultures and traditions of each nation.

40 inches or taller

• Mission: SPACE
• Soarin’ Around the World

42 inches or taller

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

No minimum

• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment
• Living with the Land
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Spaceship Earth

Magic Kingdom Park Ride Height Guidelines

Magic Kingdom Park tops the chart with the most attractions free from height restrictions. This makes it a must-visit on your Walt Disney World vacation if you’re traveling with little ones who aren’t quite tall enough for some of the more towering rides. Beyond the attractions, Magic Kingdom offers a daily parade (though entertainment is subject to change) and an array of character meet and greets that are sure to entertain the youngest of visitors.

32 inches or taller

• Tomorrowland Speedway

35 inches or taller

• The Barnstormer

38 inches or taller

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

40 inches or taller

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

44 inches or taller

• Space Mountain

48 inches or taller

• TRON Lightcycle / Run

No minimum

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Haunted Mansion
• “it’s a small world”
• Jungle Cruise
• Liberty Square Riverboat
• Mad Tea Party
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• Walt Disney World Railroad

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Here are the current character dining experiences available at Walt Disney World. Please be aware that the characters featured at these restaurants may change without notice.

Character Dining at Walt Disney World Resorts

1900 Park Fare

Tucked away in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you’ll find a dining experience that celebrates the beauty, power, and magic of a wish. Here, delightful new characters and timeless favorites will greet you, inspiring you and your party to dream big.

• Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Type of foods: American Breakfast and Dinner Buffet
• Characters: Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Princess Tiana
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $34 / $54; dinner – $41 / $66

Chef Mickey’s

Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, join Mickey, Minnie, and the gang, all dressed in their own chef outfits, for a buffet at one of the most popular character dining spots on property.

• Location: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Type of foods: American Breakfast and Dinner Buffet
• Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $34 / $54; dinner – $41 / $66

Cape May Cafe

Start your day with a splash at Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast! This breakfast-only event features a buffet where you can join characters dressed in their nautical best. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of adventure and leave you longing for sandy shores.

• Location: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Type of foods: American Breakfast Buffet
• Characters: Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $30 / $47

‘Ohana

Stitch fans won’t want to miss the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast, the perfect spot to meet the most lovable Experiment 626 this side of the Kármán line, along with his best friend Lilo. Joining this lovable owner and her… uh… “dog” is Mickey Mouse and his loyal pal Pluto.

• Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Type of foods: Family-style Polynesian & American breakfast feast
• Characters: Lilo, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $30 / $49

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Enjoy a dining experience nestled under the enchanting boughs of a magical forest, but stay alert—the Queen might be lurking nearby.

• Location: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Type of foods: American three-course meal
• Characters: The Queen, Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey 
• Price range (child / adult): dinner – $39 / $65

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Discover a haven for artists at heart, complete with a stunning rooftop view. Delight in an à la carte breakfast alongside Mickey and his friends, all wearing attire inspired by their favorite artistic style.

• Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Type of foods: Italian & French a la carte offerings
• Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck
• Price range: (child / adult): breakfast – $30 / $49

Magic Kingdom Park

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Explore three unique dining areas, each designed to immerse you in Belle and Beast’s love story: The Grand Ballroom, The West Wing, and The Rose Gallery. This experience features The Beast as the sole character, who greets dinner guests from a distance rather than visiting each table for photos, offering a different interaction compared to other character meals.

• Location: Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
• Type of foods: American and French three-course meal
• Characters: The Beast
• Price range (child / adult): lunch & dinner – $41 / $70

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Have you ever dreamed of dining inside Cinderella’s Castle? This enchanting restaurant invites you to feast with your favorite Disney Princesses in a truly magical setting. For an extra special experience, book a coveted late-night reservation and enjoy your meal as fireworks light up the sky.

• Location: Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
• Type of foods: American Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Characters: Disney Princesses
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $42 / $69; lunch & dinner – $49 / $84

The Crystal Palace

Just off Main Street, U.S.A., The Crystal Palace offers a beautiful, Victorian greenhouse-like atmosphere where you can celebrate friendship every day with your pals from the Hundred-Acre Wood.

• Location: Main Street, U.S.A at Magic Kingdom Park
• Type of foods: American breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet
• Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $30 / $48; lunch & dinner – $40 / $61

EPCOT

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Take a break from your world travels to dine with some Disney princesses, savoring foods from Norway within a castle fit for royalty.

• Location: EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion
• Type of foods: Family-style Norwegian and American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Characters: Disney Princesses
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $35 / $55; lunch & dinner – $43 / $67

Garden Grill Restaurant

Enjoy a meal of farm-fresh choices that will please the whole family at this revolving restaurant, which offers scenic views overlooking Living With the Land.

• Location: EPCOT’s The Land Pavilion
• Type of foods: Family-style American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Characters: Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $30 / $47; lunch & dinner – $40 / $62

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood & Vine

Hollywood & Vine offers a choice of character dining experiences tailored to different preferences. Breakfast is ideal for the little ones, as they’ll get to hang out with their favorite Disney Junior stars. For lunch and dinner, enjoy a seasonal buffet that varies with the time of year, where you can spend quality time with Minnie and her friends.

• Location: Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Type of foods: American breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet
• Characters: breakfast – Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Goofy / lunch & dinner – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and Goofy
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $30 / $47; lunch & dinner – $40 / $63

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Tusker House Restaurant

Celebrate Donald and his friends’ recent expedition right in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you can savor dishes inspired by African cuisine.

• Location: Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Type of foods: African and American breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Characters: Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy
• Price range (child / adult): breakfast – $30 / $47; lunch & dinner – $40 / $62

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Top Snacks to Try at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park

Imagine entering Magic Kingdom Park, strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., gazing at Cinderella’s Castle, listening to the harmonies of the Dapper Dans in the background, and just then, your stomach starts to rumble. That can really take the magic away from any moment. But don’t just settle for anything! Magic Kingdom Park has so many fun and delicious snacks and treats to choose from.

One of my absolute favorites is located right outside of the Adventureland entrance in a little cart off to the side. They only carry one food item, but it’s so delicious that on busy days, the line can stretch farther than the eye can see. I’m, of course, talking about the spring roll cart. You can almost always bet they will have their famous cheeseburger spring rolls ready to go, but there’s typically another type of spring roll on offer — choices might include pizza, Reuben, buffalo chicken, and many others. Be sure not to miss this stand on your next visit.

Feeling a little more peckish than just a couple of spring rolls can handle? Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square is set to satisfy! This quick service location serves famous Mickey waffles in many different varieties. If you are craving something on the savory side, check out the Mickey Waffle with Sweet-and-Spicy Maple Chicken. If you have a sweet tooth, the Mickey Waffle with Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread and Bananas is a decadent treat, while the Mickey Waffle with Berries and Cream is sure to make anyone happy. Sleepy Hollow is also available for mobile orders, so be sure to utilize it to skip that line.

Looking for a tasty treat to cool you down on a hot Florida day? Head over to Aloha Isle behind The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland. This little spot has some of the best tropical desserts in all the parks. Whether you go with something like the Tropical Serenade or a cup of good old-fashioned pineapple DOLE Whip, you will not walk away disappointed.

Must-Try Treats at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT

It is incredible to be able to explore multiple different countries and their cuisines in the convenience of one park. EPCOT has so much to offer that it is hard to pick only a few snacks to highlight. So, I am going to touch on the snacks that are my absolute must-gets every time I go to the park.

Pizza is a common theme park food, but it can vary in quality. However, the pizza from Pizza al Taglio in the Italy pavilion is among the best you’ll find anywhere, not just in a theme park. That may sound like a bold claim, but it truly is exceptional. The crust is fluffy yet crispy on the outside, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the cheese pull is simply out of this world. They offer margherita and pepperoni options by the slice, and the portions are quite generous. The service window is tucked away towards the back of the pavilion, right next to Via Napoli. With no posted operating hours, if you find it open, be sure to seize the opportunity and enjoy!

As you wander through the World Showcase and enter the Germany pavilion, you’ll be greeted by an overwhelming, sweet aroma that makes you wonder where it’s coming from. That amazing scent is fresh Werther’s caramel wafting from Karamell-Küche. This little shop has plenty of treats to choose from, and all of them are just as delicious as the next. One of the snacks they are most known for is the fresh Werther’s caramel popcorn they make daily. Karamell-Küche also offers delicious and well-themed caramel apples. But my go-to item is the Butter Bar. It’s a buttery shortbread bar generously infused with Werther’s caramel, and I can’t help but do a little happy dance with every bite. No matter which treat you choose, you’re sure to find yourself doing a happy dance of your own!

Snacking at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While Disney’s Hollywood Studios is mostly known for their amazing rides and incredibly themed lands, their snack game is nothing to laugh about. Some of my absolute favorites are located here.

If you find yourself needing a snack while walking down Sunset Boulevard, head towards Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and you’ll find a little cart called Pretzel Palooza. Now, by all means, you can snag a Mickey pretzel if you really want one, but the best pretzels are the ones that are stuffed! Choose between cream cheese and (my personal favorite) cheddar and jalapeño. These stuffed pretzels are so delicious and very filling for under $10. Everyone in your party will be sure to enjoy!

Now we’re heading to a galaxy far, far away on a planet called Batuu for our next must-have snack. The Ronto Wrap can be found at Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and is perfect for when you need something with a little more substance. The sausage has a nice snap to it, and the slaw on top is a perfect complement. If you find yourself craving a Ronto Wrap after 3 PM when this dining location closes, have no fear! You can still enjoy a Ronto Wrap at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo instead. Both of these locations have a mobile order option, so don’t miss out on skipping the line.

Have a hankering for a delicious chocolate chip cookie? Well, you’re in luck because Disney’s Hollywood Studios has one of the best. Located at the Market stand near Toy Story Land, Jack-Jack’s Num Num Cookie is a giant, delectable treat that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Just be sure to grab some napkins— they do not hold back on the chocolate chips!  

Bites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

A day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is always a wild time! Between the immersive rides and the amazing shows, you’ll be sure to feel snackish at some point throughout your day.

One of the simplest yet delicious food items Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers is grilled corn on the cob at the Harambe Fruit Market. You can order it with or without the special African spices sprinkled on top. This snack is perfect for on-the-go use but not too heavy for a long park day.

While exploring the Asia section of the park, you’ll come across a stand called Mr. Kamal’s. They offer a few items that are ideal for sharing or enjoying solo. The chicken dumplings are tasty, but the seasoned fries are truly top-notch. They also serve these with a sriracha mayonnaise dipping sauce that perfectly complements the fries.

One of the best and most unique bites can be found in Pandora – The World of Avatar, right next to Satu’li Canteen. At Pongu Pongu, they serve a snack called the Pongu Lumpia, which I personally adore. This large spring roll is filled with pineapple cream cheese and served warm. It offers a sweet yet slightly savory flavor that might not be for everyone, but I highly recommend giving it a try—you might find yourself pleasantly surprised!

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Now, let’s explore Rider Switch!

How Rider Switch Works at Walt Disney World

Here’s a quick rundown of the Rider Switch program: Part of your group joins the traditional queue while the rest wait with the non-riders. Once the first group exits the attraction, those who are waiting can enter the queue. However, instead of using the standard queue, the second part of the party will enter through the Lightning Lane, making the wait much quicker. This system ensures that everyone in your group gets a fair chance to enjoy the rides they want without feeling left out or rushed.

Arranging Rider Switch at Walt Disney World

If you would like to use Rider Switch, first speak to a Cast Member near the front of the attraction. Many rides now have a dedicated area for discussing Rider Switch, indicated by a sign. If you see this, approach the Cast Members there. If there’s no sign, talk to a Cast Member near the attraction’s entrance, and they will direct you where to go.

Have your Magic Bands, phones, or tickets ready, as the Cast Member will scan the tickets of those waiting back first. This process adds a Rider Switch return to your account, allowing you to scan into the Lightning Lane once the initial group has returned to take over supervision of the non-riding guest. 

Walt Disney World Rider Switch Benefits

If you have small children who don’t want to (or are unable to) ride the big attractions, Rider Switch allows them to enjoy other parts of the park, have a snack, or rest while others in your party ride. Once the first group finishes, the second part of the Rider Switch enters through the Lightning Lane, making a speedy arrival to the front of the line. This efficient system ensures that everyone has an enjoyable time engaging in activities suited to their preferences.

Walt Disney World Attractions Offering Rider Switch

Many of the rides you may use Rider Switch for have a height requirement, but not all. To assist in your planning, I’ve gathered a list that includes the rides offering Rider Switch and their height requirements. 

Magic Kingdom Park

• Tomorrowland Speedway: 32 inches
• The Barnstormer: 35 inches
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: 38 inches
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: 40 inches
• Space Mountain: 44 inches
• TRON Lightcycle / Run*: 48 inches
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure*: 40 inches 

EPCOT

• Mission: SPACE: 40 inches
• Soarin’ Around the World: 40 inches
• Test Track: 40 inches
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind*: 42 inches
• Frozen Ever After: no height requirement 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers: 32 inches
• Slinky Dog Dash: 38 inches
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: 38 inches
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: 40 inches
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: 40 inches
• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: 48 inches
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: 40 inches

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Kali River Rapids: 38 inches
• DINOSAUR: 40 inches
• Avatar Flight of Passage: 44 inches
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain: 44 inches
• Na’vi River Journey: no height requirement 

*All Rider Swap participants for this attraction are required to be in a Virtual Queue boarding group or to have an eligible Lightning Lane Single Pass prior to boarding.

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Personalize a Walt Disney World Birthday Button

If you’re venturing to Walt Disney World for your birthday, there’s a good chance you already know about your most important accessory: the birthday button. When you get to the park, inquire about a button at any guest relations or merchandise location to see if the cast member has any birthday buttons on hand. They may even offer to personalize it for you.

If you want to make your button extra special while visiting Magic Kingdom, ask for it to be left blank. Then, walk on over to the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square and have your button customized there. You may need to wait a few hours while Cast Members work on your birthday accessory, and this customization isn’t free. However, the resulting button features your name beautifully written out, perfectly capturing that birthday magic.

Donning your button, don’t be surprised if Cast Members greet you and wish you a “Happy Birthday” throughout your day. This is especially fun during the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, so be sure to catch a spot up front to soak up the excitement from beloved Disney characters.

Grab a Dining Reservation

To make the most of your day, consider planning a special meal. If you’re spending the full day at your chosen park, there are several great dining options at every location. I have a few birthday favorites that you and your family are sure to love as well.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Liberty Tree Tavern offers a huge meal that basically amounts to Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Be Our Guest Restaurant is also a fantastic option if you’re seeking a magical, movie-inspired dining experience, complete with a visit from The Beast himself.

EPCOT has delicious offerings from around the globe, but Biergarten Restaurant in the World Showcase is one of my favorites. Prepare for a massive German feast with selections such as bratwurst, rotisserie chicken, and pork schnitzel. If the guest of honor is a sushi lover, check out Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya for plates inspired by Japan’s seasons and festivals.

As you’re soaking up the glamour of Tinseltown at Hollywood Studios, make your way to The Hollywood Brown Derby for some delicious food and drinks. For fans of a galaxy far, far away, Oga’s Cantina brings some out-of-this-world cocktail offerings that perfectly mesh with a birthday celebration.

Having a wild time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Head on over to Yak & Yeti Restaurant for a menu with a little something for everyone. I love this place because it’s delicious, and it’s usually easy to snag a seat. You won’t be disappointed!

At select dining locations, you can add a magical touch with a Mickey Mouse Celebration Cake delivered right to your table during your meal. Secure your cake by ordering in advance when you book your table online or through the My Disney Experience app. Prefer to arrange things in person? Simply place your order at the restaurant’s host podium at least four days before your reservation.

Caught in a last-minute bind? Don’t worry! These restaurants often keep a limited stock of cakes ready for those spur-of-the-moment celebrations, available upon request when you arrive.

Secure those Virtual Queues

Be sure you have those alarms set bright and early for 7 AM to nab those virtual queues for some of your favorite rides. Enhance your EPCOT birthday celebration with a spin through time on the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. At Magic Kingdom Park, snagging a ride on TRON Lightcycle / Run will get that birthday off to an incredible start.

Before you sign in to secure a virtual queue spot on the My Disney Experience app, make sure your party is set up to increase your chances of success in the morning. Most of the time, these spots are gone in mere minutes. However, if you miss out on the first opportunity, try again at 1 PM once you’re inside the park. I’ve had great success snagging spots later in the day, even if I didn’t succeed in the morning.

Make it a Special Walt Disney World birthday

Walt Disney World Resort offers some unique experiences to make a birthday extra special, no matter who is celebrating! For instance, if you’re celebrating an adult’s birthday, consider booking a spa treatment at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. There’s nothing like feeling fully pampered before spending a day at the parks.

For little ones dreaming of becoming princes or princesses for the day, consider booking a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here, your child can choose their outfit and receive makeup, sparkles, and all the magical touches that make them feel like royalty, especially on their birthday.

To finish off the day, consider a dessert party reservation with Happily Ever After lighting up the sky. Except on the busiest days, you can often book reservations for these dessert parties for the same evening. This experience costs $92.95 for guests aged 10 and above and $55.39 for kids ages 3 to 9. These parties aren’t held daily, but you can check the calendar ahead of time to confirm availability for your visit and even schedule well in advance.

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What is Lightning Lane? 

Lightning Lane offers you quicker access to top attractions and entertainment experiences through a dedicated queue. Now featuring two options – Single Pass and Multi Pass – this service ensures you spend less time waiting. Keep in mind that both variations of Lightning Lane require a fee. Prices for Lightning Lane Multi Passes vary by date and theme park, whereas Lightning Lane Single Passes vary by date and attraction.

What is the difference between Multi Pass and Single Pass Lightning Lane? 

Single Pass Lightning Lane is fairly straightforward: it allows you to choose up to two Lightning Lane selections per day for highly anticipated attractions such as Guardians of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run.

With Multi Pass, you get even more flexibility by selecting up to three Lightning Lane selections for the day in advance. All your pre-reserved experiences and times will be at the same park. After using a Lightning Lane selection, you can immediately book another one at the same park or a different one if you have park hopper access. For example, after redeeming your Lightning Lane selection for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you could then book The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park for later in the day. Additionally, the Multi Pass Lightning Lane option includes digital downloads of photos and videos from your day through the Disney PhotoPass Service.

How to Book Lightning Lane

Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel and select hotels can plan their Lightning Lane passes up to seven days in advance for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests, like guests with date-based theme park tickets and annual passholders, can plan up to three days ahead.

All of this can be managed right from your fingertips using the My Disney Experience app (Apple or Google Play) or the Walt Disney World website. In one easy transaction, you can buy a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass, or both. Before completing your purchase, you’ll choose your desired experiences and have the option to confirm or adjust the suggested times provided – it’s like having your own personal planner!

Check out this video from the Walt Disney World Resort breaking down this service: 

If you decide this isn’t the right fit for you, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. You can join the standby lines or use the virtual queue for popular rides like Guardians of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run.

Lightning Lane Attractions & Experiences

Magic Kingdom Park

Multi Pass Experiences

Choose up to one experience from this group:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Jungle Cruise
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Space Mountain
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Choose your other two experiences (or all three) from this group:
(Once you redeem a selection on the day of your park visit, you can choose another Multi Pass experience from either group – subject to availability.)

• The Barnstormer
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Haunted Mansion
• “it’s a small world”
• Mad Tea Party
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with Multi Pass)

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• TRON Lightcycle / Run

EPCOT

Multi Pass Experiences

Choose up to one experience from this group:

• Frozen Ever After
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Soarin’ Around the World

Choose your other two experiences (or all three) from this group:
(Once you redeem a selection on the day of your park visit, you can choose another Multi Pass experience from either group – subject to availability.)

• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Spaceship Earth
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with Multi Pass)

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Multi Pass Experiences

Choose up to one experience from this group:

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash

Choose your other two experiences (or all three) from this group:
(Once you redeem a selection on the day of your park visit, you can choose another Multi Pass experience from either group – subject to availability.)

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
• Disney Junior Play & Dance!
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania!

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with Multi Pass)

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Multi Pass Experiences

Choose up to three experiences from this group:
(Once you redeem a selection on the day of your park visit, you can choose another Multi Pass experience – subject to availability.)

• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• Feathered Friends in Flight!
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Naʻvi River Journey

Single Pass Attractions (Not Available with Multi Pass)

• Avatar Flight of Passage

More Changes at Walt Disney World Resort

Alongside these Lightning Lane updates, Walt Disney World Resort is buzzing with new offerings! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens on June 28, followed by the toe-tapping fun of Country Bear Musical Jamboree beginning July 17. Over at EPCOT, don’t miss the “¡Celebración Encanto!” live stage show, running until September 6, and a new permanent installation like the new meet-and-greet area with Mickey Mouse and his pals. Plus, make sure to visit Disney Springs for the breathtaking nighttime drone show, Dreams that Soar, lighting up the sky until September 2!

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¡Celebración Encanto! Premieres at EPCOT: A Must-See Experience

Step into the magic as “¡Celebración Encanto!” makes its grand debut on the newly unveiled CommuniCore Plaza stage at EPCOT. Running until September 6, this 20-minute live stage show features the beloved songs and story from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, presented multiple times daily to guests of all ages.

Echoing the charm of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, two storytellers bring the magical tale of Encanto to life with movie trivia and interactive sing-alongs. Belt out favorites like “The Family Madrigal,” “Surface Pressure,” and “What Else Can I Do?” – lyrics are provided onscreen, so everyone can join in! 

Audience participation is encouraged as select guests are invited onstage to dance and help narrate during “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” explaining the mysterious family member’s backstory. You’ll even pick up some new dance moves to show off during your next Encanto viewing. Get ready for appearances from Mirabel and (yep – we are talking about him) Bruno! After the show, join them for an unforgettable dance party, complete with live instruments for the audience to play alongside the dancing cousins.

EPCOT’s latest addition, ¡Celebración Encanto!, celebrates the magic of Encanto with shows at 9:45 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:25 PM, 2:25 PM, and 3:25 PM.

Explore the New CommuniCore Hall Now Open at EPCOT

The final construction walls at EPCOT’s central area have come down, unveiling the stunning new CommuniCore Hall, a year-round hub for EPCOT’s famous festivals. This addition complements the tranquil World Celebration Gardens located just behind Spaceship Earth, offering guests an indoor space to recharge and get a reprieve from the Florida sun. 

In this new space, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy welcome guests at the Mickey & Friends Meet and Greet. Positioned against a striking mural of EPCOT, it’s the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photo ops and cherished moments with some favorite Disney characters.

This new venue also boasts a quick-service food window offering beloved dishes from previous EPCOT festivals. Here’s a look at the current menu selections:

EPCOT’s Festival Favorites Menu

Cheese-stuffed Arepas – $5.25
With Cilantro-Lime Crema and Cotija

Cheese-stuffed Arepas – $6.50
With Chicken and Avacado

Coconut Tres Leches – $5.00
Vanilla Cake soaked with Oat, Almond, and Coconut Milk topped with Toasted Coconut

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As darkness falls, a fleet of 800 drones illuminates the night as they transform into breathtaking visuals standing 400 feet tall, recreating famous movie moments right before your eyes. Watch in awe as Peter Pan flies to Neverland along with WALL-E and Eve, dancing together among the stars, all brought to life in a spectacular new way.

Each scene is beautifully synced to classic Disney soundtracks, familiar character dialogues, and an original song that together weave a captivating narrative. Highlights include appearances by cherished characters from Toy Story, Coco, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Up, the Star Wars saga, and beyond.

The 10-minute show is the perfect way to cap off your day at Disney Springs, where you can indulge in dining, shopping, and entertainment. With two showtimes each evening at 9:00 PM and 10:45 PM, planning your visit is easy and ensures that everyone has the chance to experience the magic. Prime viewing spots are located on the West Side of Disney Springs—along the waterfront between the Cirque du Soleil Theatre and Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight.

Disney Dreams that Soar is just the beginning of an unforgettable summer at Walt Disney World Resort! The tale of Princess and the Frog continues at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park, opening on June 28. Meanwhile, EPCOT invites you to join the sing-along “¡Celebración Encanto!” from June 10 through September 6, celebrating the music and story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto.

Don’t miss the magic of Disney Dreams that Soar this summer, running from May 24 through September 2 at Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney Springs. Make this nighttime experience part of your visit, and let your imagination soar!

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This attraction picks up Tiana’s tale following the events of the beloved 2009 film, The Princess and the Frog. In this continuation, Tiana’s aspirations evolve far past her beloved eatery, Tiana’s Place, venturing into Tiana’s Foods – a business that has reimagined an old salt mine into an employee-owned cooperative.

This unique location has transformed into the ideal setting for brand expansion, featuring a boutique farm alongside both a working and teaching kitchen. With Tiana’s Foods, she has introduced an array of new products, including the perfect pairing to her famed gumbo: an original collection of hot sauces.

As a gesture of gratitude towards her friends, family, and the community that supported her entrepreneurial endeavors, our favorite chef turned princess is busy organizing a Mardi Gras celebration. But what’s a party without music? As you embark on this new journey to help Tiana secure a band, you will reunite with familiar faces and meet new friends. It promises to be rich with the storytelling Disney is celebrated for, infused with a dash of New Orleans flair.

The good times start rolling at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on June 28, 2024!

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There are countless ways to celebrate Star Wars Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, especially considering how much Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has to offer. With May the 4th right around the corner, we decided to share our favorite ways to commemorate Star Wars Day. Let’s jump to lightspeed and dive into the details!

Celebrate May the 4th like a foodie

A delicious way to celebrate Star Wars Day is through its culinary offerings. Whether grabbing a lightsaber churro on your way to Savi’s Workshop to custom build one of your very own or taking a powerful bite out of a Mossberry Biscuit, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has countless dishes to enjoy in the spirit of May the 4th.

Discover the full range of limited-time Star Wars-themed food and beverage offerings available from May 4 until May 31, and find out where to enjoy them at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Jettison Juice at ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Rosie’s All-American Café: Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon served with a glow cube (Non-alcoholic Beverage)

Mossberry Biscuit at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: Biscuit topped with ube and matcha icing, ube micro sponge cake, sprinkles, and dehydrated blueberries

Princess of Alderaan Shake at Dockside Diner: Salted caramel shake topped with whipped cream, edible glitter, and mini cinnamon rolls (currently available)

Polystarch Puffbread at Milk Stand: Croissants topped with blue and green milk craquelin served with yuzu-passion fruit-coconut dipping sauce

Mustafarian Puff at Rosie’s All-American Cafe: Red cream puff with cookies ‘n cream custard filling topped with chocolate cream cookie crumbs 

Cosmic Rum Punch at Oasis Canteen, Sunshine Day Bar, Tune-In Lounge, and The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Bacardí Superior Rum, pineapple juice, Minute Maid Lemonade, grenadine, and a glow cube

Lightsaber Churro with chocolate sauce at Anaheim Produce, Grand Avenue, Market, and Churro Cart

May the 4th’s culinary celebrations aren’t limited to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can purchase other food items at Disney Springs, like a Stormtrooper Petit Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie. This limited-time offering is a mini cake that features layers of chocolate chiffon, vanilla bean mousse, dark chocolate ganache, and cherries.

If you want to follow this author’s choice, guests can also purchase the Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket, which will be available soon.

Ride the new experiences of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Since the 1989 opening date of its initial iteration, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue has seen its share of updates, even just as recently as this year. The ride experience now spans over 250 randomized storylines where guests encounter characters and worlds from their favorite Star Wars films and Disney+ shows.

Onboard the Starspeeder 1000, riders join C-3PO as he unwillingly pilots them through an out-of-this-world adventure where they cross paths with the likes of Kylo Ren, the Mandalorian, Grogu, Ahsoka Tano, and more while attempting to evade the grasp of Imperial and First Order forces.

The long-standing attraction does an excellent job of bringing the galaxy of Star Wars to Walt Disney World in the span of a single attraction. Given the vast story potential of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, no ride experience is the same, and it stands as a great start to your later adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Batuu Bounty Hunters, and Star Wars: Datapad

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the home away from home for every fan. As guests cross into the remote Black Spire Outpost in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they are seamlessly transported from a movie studio backlot to the planet Batuu. The magic is in the details – including the use of Aurebesh, a writing system from the Star Wars universe, throughout the area. Don’t know Aurebesh? No worries—maps of Batuu include an alphabetic key to help you navigate.

Aspiring Resistance fighters, First Order stormtroopers, and space cowboys alike can purchase essentials from Black Spire Outpost. In addition to custom lightsabers, guests can build their own droids at Droid Depot or adopt a unique critter from Creature Stall.

The most underrated and revolutionary aspect of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is its interactive elements, namely, the Batuu Bounty Hunters game and Star Wars: Datapad in the Play Disney Parks app. Before we go any further, we should mention that you’ll need to be in Hollywood Studios and possess a Magicband+ to enjoy these experiences. Once you’re in the park and have connected your preferred Magicband+ to the app, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in all that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has to offer.

First up, aspiring bounty hunters should head to the Bounty Board in Batuu, where you’ll find details about your targets and the credits you can earn for capturing them. You’ll use the Play Disney Parks app in tandem with your Magicband+ to track down your target. As you navigate through the port, your MagicBand+ will guide you with color-coded signals: red indicates you’re going the wrong way, green signals the right direction, and purple celebrates a successfully found bounty.

Alongside the Batuu Bounty Hunters game, Star Wars: Datapad is one of the most essential tools for creating your own unique and complete Star Wars adventure. Using this, guests have an array of options to earn further credits by helping Black Spire Outpost residents and choosing their preferred side in the long-spanning galactic war. Will you officially support The Resistance or join the ranks of the First Order? Either side you choose will come with its own appropriate missions. Star Wars: Datapad can translate Aurebesh signage, scan and reroute cargo, eavesdrop on secret transmissions, hack droids, and interact with various elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

If you’ve ever wondered what those “credits” you earned during Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run flights were for, here’s your answer! While these credits don’t convert to real-world dollars – it’s more of a points system – you can earn digital rewards like ship schematics and other cool items through various jobs and missions. Honestly, these rewards are a fantastic payoff in themselves.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Star Wars Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, unforgettable adventures await. As you explore the galaxy of possibilities, remember: May the 4th be with you, always!

Are you as excited for May the 4th as we are? Discuss it all with other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Saturday’s panel, “A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” is the presentation that typically captivates the attention of Disney and theme park enthusiasts worldwide. Our master of ceremonies was the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman, Josh D’Amaro, who took the D23 Expo stage to provide additional information on the bright future of the Walt Disney World Resort. Announcements were made regarding opening dates, reimagined experiences, and so much more. Let’s break it down!

Figment Meet & Greet Starts September 10

Beginning tomorrow, September 10, head over to EPCOT’s Imagination! pavilion to visit the loveable purple dragon of Journey Into Imagination With Figment. 

Journey of Water Opening October 16

Get ready to embark on a mesmerizing adventure with water! Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will be open to EPCOT guests on October 16, 2023. Walt Disney World’s newest attraction is based on the 2016 Walt Disney Pictures film, Moana, which shares the story of a young woman destined for leadership in her village and how far she will go to save her people while crossing the high seas. The film’s star will also have a dedicated meet and greet location nearby beginning on the same October date.

World Celebration Opening December

Formerly separated into Future World and the World Showcase, EPCOT now sections off its offerings with four neighborhoods – World Nature, World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Showcase. World Celebration, is slated to open to EPCOT guests this December. 

Luminous The Symphony of Us

EPCOT’s newest nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us, will debut on December 5, 2023, featuring fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects, and music. 

Asha from Wish Receiving an EPCOT Meet & Greet

Walt Disney Pictures upcoming 2023 feature film, Wish, tells the story of Asha and the power of wishes. However, the magic doesn’t end on the big screen! Guests will be able to connect with this shining star at a dedicated EPCOT meet and greet in the future. 

Test Track Being Reimagined

In a continued partnership with Chevrolet, EPCOT’s Test Track will be reimagined once more with inspiration from the original World of Motion.

The Hatbox Ghost Coming to Haunted Mansion in November

Last year’s D23 announcement brought the news of a famous haunt, The Hatbox Ghost. Recently, vibrations have been made at The Haunted Mansion to prepare for this ghost’s arrival, which we now know will be happening in late November. 

Country Bear Jamboree Update

The campy, loveable bears of Country Bear Jamboree that perform daily at Magic Kingdom Park will learn a new set list of classic Disney songs with their country-style twist. Prepare to hear favorites, like The Bare Necessities, in rockabilly, bluegrass, and more beginning in 2024.

Pirates of the Caribbean-Themed Lounge

Prepare to say “Yo ho!” to a new tavern experience at Magic Kingdom Park that is in the early design stages with additional details to make shore in the future. 

Ahsoka and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, a 3D flight simulator that takes guests to a galaxy far, far away, has developed and grown immensely since its opening in 2011. With the tale of the stars expanding to new realms, this attraction has been able to transport guests to new destinations. Coming soon, Ahsoka Tano’s story will be shared at this Disney’s Hollywood Studios ride. 

Zootopia Coming to Tree of Life Theater

Head over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to dive into the world of Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and the other residents of Zootopia in a new show in development for the Tree of Life theater. Additional details are expected to arrive in the future. 

Encanto and Indiana Jones Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is preparing to transport guests to the lush landscape and wondrous stories of the Tropical Americas. Hints of the magical family from Encanto and the daring explorer, Indiana Jones, were dropped. 

This presentation showed that there truly is a boundless future for the Walt Disney World Resort. It will be exciting to watch these new offerings take shape in front of our eyes over the next few years. Follow our social media for the latest updates on these developments as they come to fruition. Discuss it all with 17,000+ other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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Overview

Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Salt & Straw when visiting Disney Springs! We are giving you the full scoop on one of the newest offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort. Grab a spoon, and let’s dig in.

Jump to

• Backstory
• Menu

When it comes to beating the heat, there’s no better method than a creamy, frozen snack served via cup, bowl, or cone. Especially when you find yourself in Orlando, FL, where there are at least a dozen treat shops within a stone’s throw from wherever you are. While it’s hard to go wrong with wherever you choose, one establishment stands out in the ice cream ocean and deserves your attention – Salt and Straw Creamery in Disney Springs. Located in Disney Springs West Side, it can be found just near AMC Theaters, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew. For those who don’t know, it fills in the vacancy left by the Something Silver store and, if I may humbly state, it does so quite nicely.

It has garnered a massive following for a location that’s only been open since April of 2022. It’s not uncommon for a line to be wrapped around the outside of their entrance, which isn’t surprising. Their take on ice cream is interesting, and I’m a big fan of their brand philosophy, but I’m getting ahead of myself. First, let’s get to know their backstory and who they are.

Salt & Straw: Backstory and Mission

Salt & Straw is the epitome of that self-started entrepreneur success story. Back in 2011, cousins Kim and Tyler Malek opened Salt & Straw after being inspired by their hometown, Portland, Oregon’s strong sense of community. Wishing for someplace that represented that feeling, they landed on what I’d say is the best format – an ice cream shop! In the beginning, their business was a small ice cream cart. After prevailing through the rainstorms of their opening Summer, they evolved Salt & Straw to its intended brick-and-mortar format. Over the years thereafter, they flourished into multiple locations across seven cities. 

As “community” is at the heart of their brand, Salt & Straw supports the ones they launch in and is openly inclusive by nature. The conversations go deeper on their site, but some instances are partnerships with social programs. For example, The Women’s Justice Project in Oregon and their consideration of purchasing their supplies locally. In this way, Salt & Straw sets a standard with actions that further the “good” feeling you get while enjoying their delectable treats. 

Salt & Straw: Their Process

Put simply – Salt & Straw is about taking the traditional ice cream flavoring process and improving upon it through their love for the stuff. While other companies lean into the roads of indulgence, Salt & Straw can be considered as the epicurean route. Their menu includes items for those who love the ice cream parlor classics, like their Double Fold Vanilla and Flaked Mint Chocolate Chip, but what allows Salt & Straw to stand out is their experimentation with odder ingredients, like fruits and herbs. If this raises an eyebrow or two for you, you’re not alone. You can, however, rest assured that these pairings not only lend themselves to the ice cream, but also speak of the region and the specific location of that scoop. This creates a whole, more unique culinary experience that you can only get from visiting that store.

When it comes to conceptualizing new flavors and pairings, Tyler Malek is the “compass palette” for Salt & Straw. When he opened the creamery with Kim, he took what he knew of beer-making at that time, partnered up with local brewers, and applied that combined knowledge to their opening-day menu and future products. The influence of this strategy can be seen at many levels within their operation: there’s the culinary aspect. Whenever they want to create a new flavor, Tyler and Kim look to experts on the ingredients they wish to incorporate. They learn how to cultivate each one’s specific flavor traits that let the final product truly shine. As the “farm-to-table” format is the expectation these days, Salt & Straw teams up with local producers for each store’s ingredients. This allows every location to stand out in its own way.

Of course, we wouldn’t talk about their process without addressing the resulting ice cream! In the overall sense, Salt & Straw’s cream has a richer personality due to the exceptional amount of butterfat in their base recipe. For the sake of clarity – to be considered as such, each scoop of “ice cream” must consist of at least 10% butterfat, the naturally occurring fat in milk that results in the treat’s defining texture. With that in mind, each scoop in a cone or cup from any Salt & Straw shop contains 17% butterfat. This provides a texture akin to a “creamy, soft fluff” rather than simply “frozen milk,” which has a pleasing, cloud-like texture, especially as it begins to melt.

The Takeaway

With a menu full of both mainstay and seasonal selections, where does one even start? If, in fact, you are the old-school type who appreciates tradition, I’d suggest their Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons. For this flavor, they teamed with the world’s first selmelier ( which is essentially a “salt sommelier,” if you’re keeping notes), Mark Bitterman, as it’d be an excellent choice in understanding what Salt & Straw is about. Personally, I say don’t be vanilla – go for the experience! So I tried a few of the current flavor samplings and walked away with the best two at that time.

​Salty Donut Guava and Cheese – Florida Exclusive

What makes this item unique to Florida as one of its “exclusive” offerings is its partnering with Miami-based ‘The Salty Donut.’ Picking their favorite flavor from the artisanal donut shop, Guava and Cheese, Salt & Straw began with a cream cheese ice cream base. They then added in Florida guava curd, glazed brioche donuts chunks, and puffed pastry streusel. While its general flavor is simple and sweet, the salty guava in each ice cream scoop rewards its consumer with a dance of warm, citrusy, sweet flavors within the ice cream in a way that transports you to a coastal boardwalk in the Summer. In contrast to its flavor, the texture has a good amount of complexity. The brioche donut and crumbly streusel provide fun, rewarding layers within each chew. Put simply, it’s a metaphorical dessert party that evokes the idea of “cake and ice cream done right.”

Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper – Classic Flavor

If Guava Donut was all about a complex texture over simple, familiar flavors, this is the flip side to that. Starting with the strawberry ice cream base – it’s precisely what comes to mind when you search one out, complete with strawberries. The black pepper is visibly sprinkled across the creamy grooves and adds some spice-play with the balsamic vinegar. The tartness of the vinegar is subtle but still notably present within the sweetness of the ice cream and strawberries, bringing about a coaster of flavors that mingle nicely together. You’d think the flavors would be combative with each other, but they work perfectly together. This over-the-top flavor can be summarized as a childhood favorite enhanced to a grown-up flavor that dares to be different and pushes the concept of what ice cream can truly be.

Being mindful of the prices, I should take a moment to elaborate – I chose a Double Scoop for these flavors, which cost $9.50 plus tax. They also offer Kids’ Scoops for $5.75 plus tax and Single Scoops for $6.95 plus tax. The scoop portions were generous, and a Double Scoop could be considered a snack for two or a dessert for one. Guests can also add sprinkles or some flavor variety with Split Scoops which both cost an additional $0.50 plus tax. Whichever you choose, Salt & Straw is certainly a great option.

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Overview

A portal into the world of TRON has just opened at the Walt Disney World Resort with the arrival of TRON Lightcycle / Run. Users, it’s time to boot up your system and enter the Game Grid.

Jump to

• History
• Details
• Coming Soon

Get ready, gamers! The fastest coaster in any Disney park has just loaded into Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. TRON Lightcycle / Run officially opened to guests on April 4 after successful previews of the attraction to Cast Members and Annual Passholders. This ride has been long-awaited by Disney and TRON fans alike due to its history within both fandoms, and we are here to decode it all for you!

A Brief History of TRON

The cult-classic film, TRON, was released in 1982 and launched this beloved franchise. Since then, this story has expanded to television series, comics, books, video games, and a movie sequel, TRON: Legacy, which was released in 2010. With the continuation of Flynn’s story almost three decades later, this fanship has been shared across generations. A third film, currently titled TRON: Ares, is in the works and will continue to add to the storyline of this digital world.

Guests were first able to enter The Grid in 2016 with TRON Lightcycle Power Run, one of Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day attractions. A year later, it was announced that a similar version of this experience would be offered in the future at the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests have patiently anticipated this cyber thrill, with the COVID-19 pandemic extending the construction timeline and pushing back the opening. 

After its download, TRON Lightcycle / Run is here to delight and excite users visiting Magic Kingdom Park!

TRON Lightcycle / Run

In its stateside iteration, guests are digitized to join Team Blue in a race against Team Orange. Users will hop onto a lightcycle in an attempt to secure Team Blue’s victory by passing through eight Energy Gates.

Walt Disney World Resort has favored virtual queues with its newest attractions, and TRON Lightcycle / Run is no different. There will not be a standby line, but guests will have two opportunities to gain access to the virtual line. At 7:00 AM, guests can utilize the My Disney Experience app from anywhere to register for the virtual queue but must have a reservation for Magic Kingdom. Access will open again at 1:00 PM, but guests must join from inside Magic Kingdom park. 

It’s also helpful to know that Lightning Lane will be available for purchase on a limited, first-come-first-served basis.

Due to this digital realm’s intense nature, guests are required to store their belongings inside lockers before boarding their lightcycle. The lockers are complimentary and accessed via park ticket or MagicBand. This double-sided storage has guests place their personal items inside during the queue process and pick them up upon exiting, removing the possibility of congestion. That’s what they call progress!

The Lightcycle itself has a unique design. Imagine leaning forward as you ride a bike, and you’ll find the same sensation as sitting on the ride vehicle for TRON Lightcycle / Run. A back restraint will securely hold you in your position once you are in place and push the handlebars forward. A test seat is available close to the attraction’s entrance to give guests the opportunity to determine their comfort in this position. A traditional coaster bench seat is available as a separate option. 

While we won’t divulge all the details of the attraction, as we don’t want to spoil it for you, this ride involves launches and drops while taking you through a cool outdoor element (which is even more breathtaking at night). But trust us, this is a game you’ll want to restart again and again.

TRON Lightcycle / Run’s arrival brings additional transformations to Tomorrowland. The former Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. gift shop has been renamed the Tomorrowland Launch Depot, as it now neighbors two coaster attractions. This store holds a mix of nostalgic and futuristic clothing, toys, accessories, and home goods. A significant emphasis has been placed on the TRON Identity Program, which has been deemed “an all-new retail experience” and requires advance reservations. Guests can customize an action figure and identity chip that can be used on various merchandise, like the Identity Discs and Remote Control Lightcycles. What a rad way to remember your trip to the Grid!

A new snack cart, Energy Bytes, brings futuristic food to Tomorrowland. Start your morning with a “byte” of Chocolate Cake Doughnut Holes or sip on Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee for a power-up. Later, level up your lunch with Digital Dumplings that are served with Buffalo Chicken and Beef & Broccoli options. Energy Bytes also has some sweet boosts like Strawberry IceOform, concocted of strawberry ice cream mochi, graham crackers, cheesecake foam, and a Watermelon Refresher with yuzu and ginger.

Coming Soon to the Walt Disney World Resort

The addition of TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom’s lineup is just the first of many when it comes to the Walt Disney World Resort’s new and upcoming offerings. Roundup Rodeo BBQ has recently opened its figurative batwing doors to guests wanting to dine on the rootinest, tootinest food in the wild, wild west – or within Andy’s backyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. EPCOT gains a Moana-inspired walking trail later this year, named Journey of Water, that educates guests on the importance of the water cycle. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will enchant guests with the spirit of New Orleans as we follow Princess Tiana’s journey while searching for a missing ingredient. This adventure is slated to begin in 2024 at Magic Kingdom. 

It’s “end of line” and time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort to check out TRON Lightcycle / Run for yourself! See you on the Grid!

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This year was certainly no different! D’Amaro presented additional information regarding Magic Kingdom Park’s previously announced attractions, including TRON Lightcycle / Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Details surrounding exciting offerings and lands were also released for Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Happily Ever After Returns

As the presentation was kicked off with a performance by Jordan Fischer and Angie Keilhauer singing Happily Ever After, it was only appropriate that this was the initial announcement at this exciting presentation. D’Amaro announced that this song featured in the previous nighttime spectacular of the same name will be incorporated into a new evening entertainment offering at Magic Kingdom Park in 2023.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Earlier in the weekend, the much anticipated Splash Mountain revamp to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure had its scaled model unveiled at the Disney Parks and Experiences Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion. This model notably features a water tower with “Tiana’s Foods Employee Owned Est. 1927” inscribed and a banner over the barn that reads “Tonight Only! – A Celebration of Family and Friends of New Orleans At the Proud Home of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen – Everyone is Welcome.” The foliage has also been updated to match the setting of this New Orleans experience in the bayou. Artwork was released alongside the model, detailing the inspiration for Tiana and Naveen’s next journey.

Additional details were divulged of Princess Tiana’s dedicated attraction regarding its storyline and technical features throughout the experience. The ride occurs immediately after the closing scene in The Princess and the Frog as Princess Tiana throws a party for her friends in New Orleans but is searching for a missing ingredient. The attraction will use a combination of lights and mist to transport guests into Tiana’s world. The original voices of Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, and Louis will return to this attraction with an opening suggested for 2024.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

All eyes have been on the Magic Kingdom Park skyline as TRON Lightcycle / Run has been erected over the last few years. In recent months, this digital adventure has been testing trips to the Grid and preparing for guests to join in the journey. It was announced at this D23 Expo panel that it will open in Spring 2023.

Hatbox Ghost in The Haunted Mansion

For many Haunted Mansion fans, the Hatbox Ghost is a character with longstanding lore. In its opening, he was a character that was part of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. However, his animatronic was removed shortly after due to technical issues with the optical illusion he performs.

Thanks to years of innovation and perseverance, this character returned to the Disneyland Resort in 2015. This Disneyland addition has left many to wonder over the last few years when this ghost will become part of the 999 happy haunts at Walt Disney World Resort’s Haunted Mansion. The wait ends in 2023 as the Hatbox Ghost will be arriving at Magic Kingdom Park’s version of Master Gracey’s home.

New EPCOT Nighttime Spectacular

A new, unnamed nighttime spectacular for EPCOT was announced for 2023. While not many details were revealed, the show is currently in production, according to D’Amaro.

Journey of Water

Earlier in the weekend, a scaled model of Te Fiti was on display within the Disney Parks and Experiences Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion. She will be part of EPCOT’s newest experience, Journey of Water, which is based on the movie Moana and is scheduled to open to guests starting in late 2023. This attraction promises to be a walk-through experience showing the water cycle throughout its various stages.

Figment Meet & Greet

With many changes coming to Epcot in the near future, Imagineers are also taking the time to acknowledge the park’s history and roots. EPCOT’s favorite purple dragon, Figment, is arriving at EPCOT to meet with guests once again starting in 2023.

New Lands Coming to Various Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks

While many details were kept close to the chest, Imagineers showed concept art for new areas that would be coming to Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park as part of their Blue Sky discussion. The area behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would be utilized for Magic Kingdom’s latest park expansion featuring the stories of Disney Villans, Coco, and Encanto. Animal Kingdom Theme Park would transform Dinoland, U.S.A. to immerse guests into the worlds of Zootopia and Moana.

This presentation showed that there truly is a boundless future for the Walt Disney World Resort. It will be exciting to watch these new offerings take shape in front of our eyes over the next few years. Follow our social media for the latest updates on these developments as they come to fruition. Discuss it all with 150,000+ other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

The post Walt Disney World D23 Expo Announcements 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Visit Gertie the Dinosaur

This larger-than-life dino is more than just a great place to grab ice cream. It’s a nod to one of the first popular animated characters in the history of film, Gertie! Originally debuting on February 18, 1914, Gertie the Dinosaur was the first animated film to use animated techniques that would influence the next generation of animators, including Walt Disney. Some of these techniques include animation loops, keyframes, and registration marks. 

When constructing Disney-MGM Studios in the 80’s, Walt Disney Imagineers included an over-sized Gertie in their plans for Echo Lake. Thirty-three years later, she can still be found in this area of the park today!

Get Backstage Passes to Aerosmith’s Concert on Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster

One of the biggest thrills at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This coaster takes guests from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.7 seconds, and they race through Hollywood to make it backstage in time for Aerosmith’s concert. While waiting in line, keep an eye out for any touring posters that may feature you as the headliner. Just don’t forget to keep your head back and smile for the camera as Steven Tyler counts down for your big launch!

Try Blue or Green Milk

Will you go blue or go green? When you’re enjoying Batuu’s legendary frozen beverage, you really can’t go wrong! The Milk Stand in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is serving up Blue and Green Milk to guests daily. Blue Milk has a more fruity taste, while Green Milk has a tropical citrus taste. Guests 21 and older can even add rum or tequila to their Blue or Green Milk for an alcoholic twist!

Find the Original Park Logo

Disney-MGM Studios became Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008, changing the park’s name and logo for the first time in almost two decades. While Disney’s Hollywood Studios is proudly displayed around the park today, there’s still a place where you can find this park’s original logo if you know where to look!

As you make your way toward the Chinese Theater at the park’s hub, pay the cameraman statue on the left a visit. You’ll find a Dedication Plaque for Disney-MGM Studios displayed near the base of the statue. It features the park’s original logo, its opening date, and a quote from Disney CEO at the time, Michael Eisner.

Take A Ride on Slinky Dog Dash

Andy got creative with his Mega Coaster Play Kit, adding his Slinky Dog and making a family-friendly coaster for toys of all ages! Slinky Dog Dash features unique views of Andy’s backyard and quite a few hidden details in plain sight. From nods to important dates and Pixar shorts to remnants of Pixar Place and the name of the smaller company that created Rex and was purchased by Mattel in a leveraged buyout, there’s a lot to take in on this attraction!

Meet Minnie and Sorcerer Mickey

Strike a pose with the park’s finest, Minnie and Mickey Mouse! The stars of Disney’s Hollywood Studios are ready for their close up at Red Carpet Dreams, and you can join them. Minnie is dressed in her Tinseltown best and red-carpet ready, while Mickey rocks his Sorcerer’s Apprentice costume from his hit Disney film, Fantasia. This memorable character meet and greet is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Drop in to the Hollywood Tower Hotel

If you’re a thrill-seeker, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a must-do at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Did you know this attraction boasts the title of second tallest ride on property? At 199 feet tall, the Tower of Terror is only a half of an inch shorter than Walt Disney World’s tallest attraction, Expedition Everest. 

Since opening in 1994, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has undergone a few updates when it comes to its drop sequences, but the overall theming and storytelling it is known for has remained virtually untouched, standing the test of time almost three decades later. Don’t forget to make time to check in on your next Disney’s Hollywood Studios day!

Have A Meal At The Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to a replica of a famous Hollywood restaurant from the Golden Age, The Hollywood Brown Derby. This signature dining restaurant has been a part of the park since its opening day and is known for its famous menu items like the Cobb Salad. You’ll feel like a celebrity taking a trip back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood when you check this spot off of your must-do list!

Conquer Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, you won’t want to skip one of Walt Disney World’s most technologically advanced attractions to date. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance puts guests right into the adventure of this galaxy far, far away. You find that this attraction features  familiar faces from the Star Wars universe, while you’ll also meet new allies along your journey. 

While it may be one of the longest waits in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this immersive attraction has a longer ride time than most making it worth the wait. It’s guaranteed to be a new park favorite for you and your crew.

Use the Play Disney Parks App

The Play Disney Parks App is a free app available in the App Store and on Google Play. It helps guests get even more out of their Disney parks day thanks to trivia, digital achievements, playlists, interactive experiences and more. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll want to pull up this app while waiting in the queue for both Toy Story Mania and Slinky Dog Dash and while visiting Batuu.

Experience Chewie Mode on the Millennium Falcon

It’s a big deal for Star Wars fans to check piloting the Millennium Falcon off of their bucket list, but have you heard of this hack? While riding Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests can replace the voice of Hondo Ohnaka with Chewbacca for the entire experience! Activating Chewie Mode requires all six willing participants in the vehicle and the help of a Cast Member to unlock it. This is one hack that not every Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run-goer will experience, so ask your Cast Member about Chewie Mode next time you board the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Watch Muppet*Vision 3D

This 3D show is fun for the entire family! Muppet*Vision 3D was one of Jim Henson’s final projects before he passed away in 1990. This area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios had plans for a much larger Muppet footprint, including additional restaurants and attractions like a Muppet version of the Great Movie Ride. Although Jim Henson’s original vision for Muppet Courtyard was shelved after his untimely death, guests can still enjoy the attraction that inspired it all.

While you’re visiting Muppet*Vision 3D, keep an eye out for some extra special details. When you walk into the attraction’s building you’ll see a sign that states the crew will be back soon and the key is under the mat. Find the mat and you’ll see that there really is a key there! While in the lobby waiting for the show to start, take a look around. You’ll spot “a net full of jello” hanging from the ceiling – a visual gag that pays tribute to “Annette Funicello,” one of the original members of the Mickey Mouse Club. A photo of the Muppet version of Jim Henson can also be found in this room.

Have a Meal at ’50s Primetime Cafe

Take a trip back in time to the 1950s at this one-of-a-kind restaurant experience. Enjoy classic American comfort food like meatloaf, pot roast, and fried chicken at your cousin’s. Best part? There’s a television at every table! It’s no wonder that this restaurant has been serving guests ever since Disney-MGM Studios’ opening day. 

You’ll feel like you stepped right into a 1950’s sitcom. You can make your cousins proud and become an official member of the Clean Plate Club, but make sure you save some room for their famous Peanut Butter and Jelly Shake!

Assemble Your Own Droid at Droid Depot

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to a number of Star Wars experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. Building your very own droid is a big one! Build your own BB-Series or R-Series droid from the colorful components that roll by on the conveyor belt in the Droid Depot. When you’re done you’ll have your very own travel companion, ready to take on all of your Batuu adventures with you! 

To secure your spot at the Droid Depot, you’ll have to book a reservation based on availability. Each appointment for this experience is about 20 minutes and will cost $99.

Visit Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight

There’s only one place that guests can give Olaf a warm hug at Walt Disney World resort, and it’s located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Since character hugs are officially back, there’s never been a better time to visit your favorite snowman! Olaf can be found daily at Celebrity Spotlight in Echo Lake, meeting guests from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM. He’s finally doing what frozen things do in summer, and he can’t wait to meet you!

Character Dining with Hollywood & Vine

Hollywood & Vine is a great choice for character dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests can interact with some of their favorite characters while enjoying a meal. At breakfast time, you’ll be joined by Disney Junior stars like Vampirina and Fancy Nancy for Play ‘n Dine, while for lunch and dinner Minnie, Mickey and friends will greet you at Minnie’s Springtime Dine.

Peep the Handprints Outside of the Chinese Theater

Disney-MGM Studios opened with some pretty impressive Hollywood details and the Chinese Theater exterior is one that’s remained virtually unchanged over the past three decades. Did you know the Chinese Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a full-scale replica of the original Grauman’s Chinese Theater found in Hollywood? While the attraction found within the building has changed, the iconic celebrity hand and footprints in the forecourt can still be found right out front. 

When you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios next, make your way to the Chinese Theater forecourt and take a look at some of the stars that left their mark in this movie-themed park over the years! 

Train At Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Step into the Cars universe as a rookie racer getting trained by the best – Lightning McQueen himself! This first-of-its-kind attraction is high octane and gets you up close to all of the racing action. Find Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at the end of Sunset Boulevard near Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster!

Learn About Walt Disney at Walt Disney Presents

In 2001, Walt Disney Presents opened as a part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, in honor of Walt Disney’s 100th birthday. Over two decades later, guests can still learn all about the man that started it all, Walt Disney on this self-guided gallery tour. Walt Disney Presents features rare artifacts, Disney merchandise through the ages, models of the Disney parks, and more. At the end of your tour, stick around for Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, a 15-minute documentary about Walt featuring historic footage, rare audio clips, and Disney family home movies. Walt Disney Presents should be a must-do for any Disney’s Hollywood Studios-goer looking to learn more about the visionary before the Disney name.

Take a Walk Through Andy’s Backyard

Toy Story Land shrinks us down to the size of a toy. This is a land where guests feel like they are truly immersed into the story of Pixar’s first film franchise, Toy Story. If you’re a fan of Disney details, you’ll want to spend a little extra time exploring Andy’s Backyard on your next Disney’s Hollywood Studios day. A number of Pixar Easter Eggs have been worked into this land through dominos, blocks, price tags, and more. You can even find Andy’s dog Buster’s collar tag if you know where to look!

Watch Vacation Fun at the Mickey Shorts Theater

If you’ve never watched the new Mickey Mouse cartoons prior to experiencing Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, watching Vacation Fun at the Mickey Shorts Theater is a must-do. This original animated short film will get you all caught up on the new style of Mickey animation before you board your train on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway! After you exit the theater, you can step right into some of the scenes from the film thanks to life-sized photo spots. You’ll feel like you really visited Potatoland, Yodelburge, and more.

Grab a Drink at Oga’s Cantina

This flagship eatery is the most popular place to grab a drink in all of Batuu. Oga’s Cantina features an extensive menu of galactic concoctions (both with and without alcohol) that will make you feel truly immersed in the Star Wars universe. This experience requires an advanced dining reservation, so plan ahead to lock yours in before your next Disney’s Hollywood Studios day.

Experience Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Oldest Attraction

Did you know that none of the opening day attractions from Disney-MGM Studios are still in operation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today? The attraction that boasts the title of oldest Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction today is Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! While this stunt show did open in 1989, it was still quite a few months after Disney-MGM Studios’ opening day.

Almost thirty-three years later, this action-packed show is still exciting audiences of all ages on their Disney’s Hollywood Studios day. So next time you visit Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, just know that you’re experiencing an important part of this movie-themed park’s history.

Sing Along with Elsa & Anna

Can’t get enough of Frozen? Disney’s Hollywood Studios has got you covered. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration lets guests sing-along to their favorite songs from Frozen with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and the royal historians of Arendelle. This sing-along takes place hourly from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, giving you plenty of opportunities to squeeze it into your ultimate Disney’s Hollywood Studios day!

Disney Visa Cardmember Photo Op

If you’re a Disney Visa Cardmember, this next must do is for you! Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to an exclusive photo opportunity for Disney Visa Cardmembers, and you can find it at Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard. These free photo downloads will be digitally enhanced to show Star Wars characters posing right beside you. Eligible guests bring your Disney Visa Card and post for this special Star Wars photo opportunity! Available daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Hop Aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Nothing can stop us now! Hop right into Mickey & Minnie’s cartoon world on this colorful, family-friendly attraction. Did you know Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway boasts the title of very first ride-through attraction to star Mickey Mouse and his friends? Located inside the iconic Chinese Theater, this attraction features an innovative ride system, groundbreaking technology, and an unforgettable experience for guests. 

Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys! Between the queue, attraction, and exit area of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, hundreds of Hidden Mickeys can be found.

Handcraft Your Own Lightsaber

Have you always dreamed of handcrafting your own Lightsaber? At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this dream can become a reality! Savi’s Workshop at the Black Spire Outpost is where you’ll choose your path to construct your very own Lightsaber. After choosing from one of the four hilt themes and the color of your kyber crystal, you’ll assemble your hilt and connect it to a 31” lightsaber blade, deeming you ready for any galactic adventures in your future! Savi’s Workshop does require a reservation and lightsabers are $219.99.

Watch Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage

There’s no business like show business, and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios you can expect to find some of the best stage shows on property. Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage has been its recent return and it offers five showtimes daily for guests. Did you know this Broadway-style musical debuted on the same day as the animated film it’s inspired by? That’s right! The day that Beauty and the Beast hit theaters, November 22, 1991, this stage show also opened at Disney-MGM Studios.

Experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Another 1989 attraction that can still be experienced at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today is Star Tours! While its location hasn’t changed in decades, the attraction itself got a major upgrade in 2011. Star Tours – The Adventure Continues takes you on one of 700 possible ride experiences, making every trip in the StarSpeeder 1000 an exciting adventure. Guests could end up traveling to locations from any of the nine films in the Star Wars saga, and you never know who will get chosen as the Rebel Spy on your trip!

Keep An Eye Out For Roger Rabbit Details

When Disney-MGM Studios opened in 1989, Roger Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? had a pretty big presence as one of the new park’s focal point characters. Imagineers had planned for an area, Roger Rabbit’s Hollywood, to be located near the end of Sunset Boulevard where we find Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith today. Although this area never came to be, there are still remnants of Roger Rabbit to be found around the park over three decades later. 

Some details include the Roger Rabbit Window above Hollywood & Vine featuring the facade of Detective Eddie Valiant’s office with a Roger Rabbit-shaped hole through the window, Roger Rabbit’s hand and footprints that can still be found in the Chinese Theater forecourt, and a Maroon Studios billboard featuring Baby Herman, Roger Rabbit, and Jessica Rabbit is still overlooking Echo Lake. 

Enjoy the Nighttime Entertainment

Although we’re still waiting for a reopening date for Fantasmic! sometime this year, there’s still Disney’s Hollywood Studios-exclusive nighttime entertainment to experience! First, there’s Disney Movie Magic which begins nightly at 8:40 PM, projecting classic Disney movie moments onto the Chinese Theater under the stars. Immediately after at 9:00 PM is the Wonderful World of Animation. This nightly projection show takes guests on a journey through over 90 years of animation from Disney and Pixar. Make sure to head over to the Chinese Theater in advance to grab a great viewing spot!

Experience the Hollywood Tower Hotel: A Beacon of Magic

During the World’s Most Magical Celebration, all four of Walt Disney World’s park icons become Beacons of Magic after dark. Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ current park icon, the Hollywood Tower, serves as the park’s Beacon of Magic during the 50th anniversary celebration. Each night after dusk guests gather below the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel to watch it glitter with EARidescence. This nightly occurrence is only available during the World’s Most Magical Celebration, so don’t miss your chance to watch this park icon come to life!

Grab A Disney’s Hollywood Studios Map

Before you leave the park at the end of your Disney’s Hollywood Studios day, don’t forget to grab a map. This complimentary souvenir is a great way to look back on your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth, especially if it’s during an important celebration like Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary!

Over three decades later, Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to wow guests of all ages. With its immersive lands, big thrills, and authentic theming it’s no wonder Disney lovers keep coming back for more! Did your Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ must do make our list? Discuss it all with 150,000+ other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

The post 33 Things To Do At Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

For the first time in years, guests can get excited for the return of Walt Disney World’s most spooktacular celebration! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially returning to the Most Magical Place on Earth. This special Halloween event is coming to Magic Kingdom on select nights August 12, 2022 through October 31, 2022 after normal park operating hours, from 7:00 PM to midnight.

Guests can look forward to the return of their favorite Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party moments like trick-or-treating around Magic Kingdom, the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, themed attraction overlays, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, and more. To celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guests will also receive a keepsake 50th anniversary reusable trick-or-treating tote bag and a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary celebration commemorative print!

The announced Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates are:

August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30

September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30

October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Tickets for this special Halloween event go on sale May 18, 2022, with ticket prices ranging from $109-$199. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members are eligible for specially priced tickets for select dates. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary tickets can be purchased online or by calling 407-939-4240.

We’ll continue sharing new details for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party as they materialize, so check back as we get closer to the spooky season! For now, let’s celebrate being Halfway to Halloween this weekend at the Most Magical Place on Earth. From limited time eats and treats to new Disney PhotoPass opportunities and Halloween details at the Disney Parks, we’re sharing everything you can look forward to for Halfway to Halloween this weekend.

No Tricks, Just Eats & Treats

Frankenstein Cake Slices

This three-layer chocolate cake is inspired by Frankenstein. Covered in cookies and cream buttercream and topped with M&M’s, it’s sold by the slice. Grab yours at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs for a limited time through May 1, 2022.

Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes

Three rich devil’s food cake cupcakes with “peanut boo-ter” filling decorated with colorful frosting to resemble each of the Sanderson Sisters. Find the Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes through May 1, 2022 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket

Nightmare Before Christmas fans, get excited! This Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket is available in Magic Kingdom at the Liberty Square Popcorn Cart and other outdoor vending carts for a limited time. Grab yours for Halfway to Halloween through May 1, 2022. (Limited to two buckets per person per transaction while supplies last.)

Lady on the Gravestone 50th Chilling Chamber Pop

This pop features citrus cake crumbs, raspberry buttercream, and blue crisp pearls topped with white chocolate Lady on the Gravestone piece. Find it in Magic Kingdom at Sleepy Hollow through August 13, 2022.

Mickey Mummy Popcorn Bucket

This Mickey Mummy Popcorn Bucket is back at Disney Springs for the Halfway to Halloween weekend! Find it on the West Side of Disney’s Shopping and Dining District at various outdoor vending carts through May 1, 2022. (Limited to two buckets per person per transaction while supplies last.)

Pumpkin Spice Shadow Cakes

Enjoy chocolate-dipped spice cakes with a festive pumpkin buttercream filling. Find this treat through May 1, 2022 at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs.

Sister’s Elixir Hot Cocoa Bomb

We smell chocolate – a dark chocolate cauldron from The Ganachery in Disney Springs! This cauldron is filled with marshmallows and hot cocoa mix, topped with an edible image of the Sanderson Sisters and served with a chocolate broom stirrer. It’s only available this weekend, so grab yours through May 1, 2022.

Valentina Cake

A classic red velvet cake covered in light cookies and cream marshmallow buttercream. Find the Valentina Cake through May 1, 2022 at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs.

Halfway to Halloween Trading Cards

Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs is getting into the spirit of the season this weekend. In addition to the spooky specialty treats, each four and six cookie box will feature one of sixteen exclusive trading cards for Halfway to Halloween through May 1, 2022. There’s even a bonus card featuring Barnabas Mephistophelittle for those waiting in line at Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Spooktacular New PhotoPass Offerings

New Disney PhotoPass Lens

Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a new Disney PhotoPass Lens that’s perfect for Halfway to Halloween! You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to that stormy night long ago when five people boarded an elevator that took them directly to the Twilight Zone. With purchase of Disney Genie+ services, this new Disney PhotoPass Lens can be found on the My Disney Experience app.

Haunted Mansion PhotoPass Update

While flash pictures aren’t allowed on this classic Magic Kingdom attraction, guests will find that an image from it will materialize on the My Disney Experience app after riding it. While this ride photo is nothing new, the update does take advantage of the dead space in the picture. Each Haunted Mansion photo will feature a grim grinning ghost, just in time for Halfway to Halloween.

We’re still a few months away from spooky season at the Most Magical Place on Earth, but knowing what Halloween excitement is in store is half of the fun! We hope you’ll take advantage of these Halfway to Halloween offerings if you find yourself in Orlando this weekend. Discuss it all with 150,000+ other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

The post How to Celebrate Halfway to Halloween at Walt Disney World 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

To get started, you’ll need to purchase a game card from any store that sells them. I purchased mine at Creations, near the front of the park. If you enter by boat or Skyliner, you’ll be able to purchase a game card at World Traveler too. They cost $9.99, and you’ll get a game card with stickers to mark your answers. The stickers are of different plants, and to solve the scavenger hunt, you’ll need to find Spike among the plants and put the appropriate sticker on its place on the board. 

The Festival Passport describes it this way: “Gardeners of all ages can follow Spike on his pollination trail, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT.”

This year, the different stops are labels with descriptions of where Spike is hidden, rather than just a country or attraction name. I’ve structured this post to help you and your family find Spike, but not give you all the answers. Where would bee the fun in that? Instead, you’ll find tips and helpful points to make your scavenger hunt super enjoyable, and even educational! Let’s get to it!

Tropical Rainforest

Perhaps the most tropical of the countries in World Showcase is Mexico. At this pavilion, you’ll find many plants native to a tropical rainforest environment. Hidden deep in the vegetation (beside the accommodations entrance to the Mexico pavilion), you’ll find our friend Spike the Bee with a lovely tropical flower that many people enjoy having in their homes. These are everywhere in home renovation shows!

Garden Italiano

For this one, keep your eyes peeled between China and Italy. Once you get close enough to smell the delicious marinara sauce that Italian eateries are so well known for, you’ll find Spike with a key ingredient. (Hint: It’ll be on the side closest to the water.)

Magnolia Terrace

At the American Adventure pavilion, look closely at the beautiful topiary garden of Chip, Dale, and Pluto with our pal Spike. From the ground up, this is a piece of artwork you won’t want to miss!

Kokedama Garden

You can enjoy all kinds of authentic Japanese treats and sights in the Japanese pavilion, including a tranquil zen garden. Behind this zen garden area, not far from the building, look out for our friend Spike with a flower that grows wild in Japan. 

Spice Garden

In the Morocco area, keep your eyes peeled for our friend in front of the bathrooms, across from Spice Road Table. He’ll be with a plant that always adds color and excitement to any dish. While you’re over here, check out the menu for Spice Road Table. It is a delicious, far under-appreciated restaurant in Epcot. (I personally recommend the tapas and drinks.) If you and your group are looking for something a little different, you’ll love this. 

French Gardens

On your way to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, stop to smell the flowers. You’ll find Spike hanging out with Remy and keeping this traditional romantic flower fragment and beautiful. 

English Tea Garden

As you head to the UK pavilion, consider stopping for a spot of tea or shortbread in the tea shop, and be sure to slow down and say hello to Mary Poppins or Alice. They often hang out where Spike is located. You’ll find him hanging out with a flower that is often known as the tea plant! How fitting!

The Honey Bee-stro

Around the Honey Bee-stro booth, you’ll find Spike hanging out with a flower that really attracts pollinators. When I spotted Spike, he was hanging out with these awesome plants that have brownish-colored leaves right now, but will certainly have those lovely orange blooms before too long.

Bambi’s Butterfly House

Head toward Journey Into Imagination With Figment, and you will soon spot the Bambi Butterfly House. To find Spike, you won’t even need to go inside (but you totally should). Here, you’ll see Spike with a member of the sage family. 

Prehistoric Plants

Near the splash pad outside of Mission: SPACE, you’ll find Spike with a seed plant that was around before dinosaurs even roamed the earth. It appeared during the Permian period, roughly 280 million years ago. (Hint: these plants are commonly confused with palms.)

World Discovery Playground

Not far from the Prehistoric plants, you’ll come across an awesome playground for little kids. Outside of this playground, you’ll find Spike with a plant that has petals that look like a sunset. These are commonly known as blanket flowers, and they are in the sunflower family.  

Donald and Daisy Topiaries

On the bridge that connects World Discovery to the World Showcase, you’ll see a topiary set up with Donald, Daisy, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. There, you will also spot Spike with the perfect flower for these sweet ducks to be hanging around. This is also a wonderful photo stop. As the festival continues, these flowers will become even more mature and beautiful.

After you place all of your stickers on your map, head to one of the redemption stations at Creations, Disney Traders, or World Traveler to pick up your prize. Unfortunately, on the first day of the festival, the prize had not arrived yet. (They were giving out plastic plates from the Holiday Festival scavenger hunt instead.) So, I opted to keep my map and bring it back another day to get the prize. After all, I have until July 5 to do so!

And there you have it! I hope you and your family enjoyed the scavenger hunt. I look forward to these with every festival, and I loved doing this one too. Do you and your family make a point to do the scavenger hunt? We’d love to know! Drop us a comment below about your favorite Spike hiding spot.

Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. Salt & Straw Opened

Salt & Straw’s newest location is right here at Disney Springs! The unique, west-coast based ice-cream shop offers guests a respite from the Florida heat with their enticing tastes and flavor combos. With ice cream like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, Cold Brew Coffee Cashew Praline, and Arbequina Olive Oil, the shop has notoriety for introducing unlikely flavors together for repeated hits. 

You can visit Salt & Straw on the West Side of Disney Springs, near the food trucks and Splitsville Luxury Lanes.

2. More Mask Mandate Updates at Walt Disney World

This week saw a shift in mask mandates and travel policies. After a federal judge in Florida officially struck down the mask mandate, airlines began to follow suit, and Walt Disney World Resort announced that they would no longer be requiring guests to wear masks or face coverings on Disney transportation. Guests were already not required to wear masks indoors or on attractions, but unvaccinated guests continue to be encouraged to wear masks when indoors.  

Look over our guide page for full information on visiting the parks during COVID-19. 

3. “Awesome Mix” Revealed for Guardians of the Galaxy

The newest attraction at Walt Disney World, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will officially open next month at EPCOT. Preparations are well underway for the grand opening, and this week further details were revealed for the ride. Guests will experience the attraction to one of six songs, including “September” and “Disco Inferno,” while they go on their adventure to guard the galaxy (or at least to defend EPCOT). Fans of the Guardians franchise know the importance of a good song, and it seems like this attraction won’t dissapoint!

Read full details of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here.

4. Time to Climb Everest Once Again

After more than four months of being closed for renovations, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is officially opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. One of the most popular attractions at Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest is back to welcoming guests to an unforgettable journey and face the yeti. Since the ride’s reopening, it is now also included in the Genie+ service available to guests (previously, the attraction was available only as an a la carte Lightning Lane option).

For a complete breakdown of Genie+ across the parks, scope out our guide page. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable. Discuss it all with 150,000+ other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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1. Guardians of the Galaxy Launching May 27

Disney has announced new details, including the official launch date of EPCOT’s newest attraction. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will begin taking guests on May 27, 2022. A new promotional video was also released alongside this announcement, revealing more details of the attraction. It looks like the Guardians of the Galaxy are enjoying some well-earned R&R when they’re interrupted by a transmission from Earth – specifically, from EPCOT. A member of Nova Corps yells out: “This is an SOS from Nova Corps … Our outpost on Earth’s EPCOT is in danger!” and later on: “Everything is disappearing!” Rocket and Groot are on it, and a sleepy Star Lord gets swept up in the next adventure for guarding the galaxy. Eson, a powerful Celestial being, is threatening EPCOT and the Guardians of the Galaxy need to come to the rescue! Cast member previews begin April 11.

Read all the details about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here. 

2. Disney to Create Affordable Housing

Disney is planning to build an affordable housing development near Walt Disney World! The company has plans to develop nearly 100 acres of land in southwest Orange County, with the goal of eventually providing 1,300 units for qualifying applicants (including cast members). In recent years, rent and the cost of living in Central Florida has increased at a more aggressive rate than nearly anywhere else in the country, and the need for affordable housing and lifestyle management is sorely felt. While this announcement is still in very early stages (it has yet to pass any regulatory approvals), we are excited to see the parks move in this direction and make these considerations!

3. Vegan Options in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has recently expanded their menus to include options for the animal-loving witches and wizards that visit Hogsmeade Village and peruse wares in Diagon Alley. You can check out the updated menus for Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron and see what looks good to you! The Magic Neep cart (Hogsmeade) also offers a vegan Shepherd’s Pasty Pie – delicious!

Wondering what other vegan delicacies are available at Universal Orlando Resort? Check out our recommendations here. 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

The Seven Seas Food Festival is still going strong at SeaWorld Orlando. Now through May 8, guests can enjoy over 200 food and drink options inspired by dishes from across the seven seas. These selections include more than 75 wine and cocktail choices and 75 craft beers. Access to the event is included with park admission and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays at SeaWorld Orlando. 

Check out the details here. 

5. Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has kicked off their annual Food & Wine Festival. For the next several weeks, guests can enjoy access to the event with park admission. This year, Busch Gardens has introduced more than 20 new dishes to pair with the already established lineup of cocktails and craft beers. Speaking of lineups, the festival includes access to a number of live concerts. This year, notable headliners include acts like Walk the Moon. There’s also a number of cover bands and tribute artists to keep the party going. 

The Food & Wine Festival will be held on Fridays through Sundays and will run until May 22. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

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The long-awaited official launch date for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has finally been revealed. Mark your calendars for May 27. 

It’s been almost five full years since Disney Parks and Resorts made the long-awaited (and fully expected) announcement that Guardians of the Galaxy would be coming to Florida in some fashion. For a while, the rumor (and fear) was that Disney would be importing the same Guardians of the Galaxy overlay to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror that they had done to the attraction in California Adventure. 

Thankfully, that was not meant to be and instead Disney announced that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind would be a brand-new indoor roller coaster, and that it would be homed in what was then Ellen’s Energy Adventure in the Universe of Energy Pavilion. Five years, a new CEO, and a global pandemic later, we are finally on the brink of experiencing this groundbreaking attraction for real. 

Last week, Disney revealed details of the queue for the first time, giving us all a peek into The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue for the first time. Revealing an area called the Galaxarium, the queue features design elements highly similar to other attractions in EPCOT – namely, neon blue lighting, futuristic details, and a space-inspired focus.

This morning, a new promotional video was also released alongside some details of the attraction. It looks like the Guardians of the Galaxy are enjoying some well-earned R&R when they’re interrupted by a transmission from Earth – specifically, from EPCOT. A member of Nova Corps yells out: “This is an SOS from Nova Corps … Our outpost on Earth’s EPCOT is in danger!” and later on: “Everything is disappearing!” Rocket and Groot are on it, and a sleepy Star Lord gets swept up in the next adventure for guarding the galaxy.

The attraction is the latest in a relatively long line of space-themed attractions and additions to the parks in recent years. Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 2019, and last month the inaugural journeys of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser finally took place, immersing families in storied space-themed hotel experiences. Just last year, EPCOT opened Space 220 restaurant to less-than-stellar reviews, and Magic Kingdom is currently constructing a copy of TRON Lightcycle / Run (which exists already at Shanghai Disneyland).

It all goes to show that our preoccupation with space hasn’t gone anywhere, but rather simply changed and evolved as we have over recent decades. The space race has turned from exploratory inquiries to seemingly accepting that space is where we are all headed next. No longer do we have to ask the questions of how space travel is possible, and instead our curiosity has transformed into imagining what life will be like once we get there. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is just one adventurous branch of these imaginings. See you all on May 27!

Are you ready to help save the galaxy? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. Disney Hugs are Back

After more than two full years, Walt Disney World will begin permitting traditional interactions between guests and characters. Starting on April 18, visitors to the Happiest and Most Magical places on earth will once again be able to interact with characters as they did pre-pandemic, free to request autographs, give hugs, or put their arms around each other for a photo op. These traditional character interactions will return to Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and at Aulani hotel in Hawaii. 

Read about the significance of these returns here. 

2. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival 

EPCOT’s premier festival is once again returning to World Showcase. Offering marketplaces where guests can sample international treats and eats, the festival will run for four months, kicking off on July 14 and concluding on November 19. The annual runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend will take place on November 4 and hosts multiple running events over the course of the weekend. 

Sounds like the makings of a great conclusion to summer and start to fall!

3. A Mix of more EPCOT Announcements

A collection of miscellaneous Disney announcements were made this week, so we thought we’d round them up here. EPCOT released the menu for Connections Cafe, their soon-to-be newest eatery and new home to Starbucks. You can review the yummy details here. 

EPCOT also gave us all a peek into The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue for the first time. Revealing an area called the Galaxarium, the queue features design elements highly similar to other attractions in EPCOT – namely, neon blue lighting, futuristic details, and a space-inspired focus. It looks like an official announcement should be released from Disney tomorrow regarding the launch date of this brand-new coaster. 

Keep your eyes peeled for that news!

4. Yee-haw! Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is Back!

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is officially returning to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on June 23! This Southern-inspired family dinner and show has been a favorite since its opening in 1974. Hoop-Dee-Doo is a two-hour experience where families can come together and enjoy unlimited Southern cooking. Guests 21 and up can participate in unlimited draft beer, wine, and sangria as well. 

Guests can make reservations and purchase tickets for this experience here on May 26. 

5. Final Curtain for Mardi Gras 

If you’re interested in enjoying Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort, get movin! The event ends April 24, which means you have just a few more weeks left to enjoy the mouth-watering exclusive food and beverages. The menu includes items like Crab Cake Beignets, Ube Ice Cream in a waffle, and a number of exciting cocktails. After you’ve had your fill of food and festivities, it’s time to find a spot along the parade route to catch some beads. Make sure your feet don’t fail you! 

Our team tried everything on the Mardi Gras menu! Check out our reviews here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

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It’s news that’s already being met with mixed reviews and ambivalence, but let’s face it – that’s also part of the “new normal” that any news has had to mire through over the past two years. While on the surface this seems like a relatively straightforward and maybe even predictable update, the larger significance of these interactions can’t be overlooked. 

Wanna take a minute to see how far we’ve come? 

March 4, 2020 
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Galaxy’s Edge had just opened in August 2019, and summer was beckoning in Orlando. The parks were ramping up, Spring Break guests were here, and summer guests were mentally packing their bags. 

March 12, 2020
Walt Disney World and theme parks around the world announce that they will be closing their parks in the coming days “out of an abundance of caution.” At the time, the parks were anticipated to close for two weeks. Disney parks officially shut their gates several days later. 

July 11, 2020
After nearly four months, phased reopening of Disney parks begins with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. On July 15, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios followed suit. While the parks were technically once again welcoming guests, visitors were returning to a place they knew well in a manner they’d never seen before. The parks were decked out in social distancing markers, updated public health signage, and hand sanitation stations. Guests were required to wear masks at all times, and notably absent were parades, shows, and (you guessed it) character meet and greets. 

It was an unavoidable truth of the situation – things were different, despite the efforts of Disney to provide characters in “new and different ways” for guests. Like many things in recent years, we adjusted quickly, and I think I speak for all of us when I admit we’ve grown accustomed to seeing cavalcades down Main Street, U.S.A or waving at a raft of characters floating down the river at Animal Kingdom. I’ve gotten used to waving at Goofy from afar, under the shade of Spaceship Earth, and it’s easy to admire Rey and Chewbacca as they survey activity in Galaxy’s Edge from rooftops. 

Summer 2021 
Last summer marked a turning point in Disney’s history and trajectory in how they were handling the pandemic. Disney hotels began phased reopenings, and all eyes were laser-focused on the October 1 kick-off of the 50th anniversary celebrations. 

Fall 2021
The parks were able to host more guests as international travel restrictions began to relax, and 50th anniversary elements brought a fresh overlay to the Disney experience overall and Magic Kingdom in particular. Disney began to phase in more of their offerings, including the return of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and – notably for our focus today – a small number of socially-distanced character meet & greets. 

March 2022
The Festival of Fantasy Parade returns to Magic Kingdom – fire breathing Maleficent Dragon and all – for the first time in almost two years. Guests were able to once again gather together and watch this celebration of some of Disney’s most beloved characters and stories. 

March 31, 2022
All of this leads us to today’s announcement, which is that guests will be able to request autographs and physically touch, hug, and directly speak with characters for the first time in over two years. It’s an important milestone in the road to normal, which should be obvious from the fact that it’s one of the last (if not the last?) pre-pandemic practices to return to the parks. 

There aren’t many actions that summarize the essence of human connection more than a hug. For many of us, a hug is personal, comforting, and simply reflexive. But what does all this have to do with Disney World? Honestly, I think Disney Imagineer Daniel Jue said it best in his remarks on Tokyo Disneyland reopening after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster:

“Tokyo Disneyland had to open for the country to begin to heal. After being closed for about a month a month and a half our guests came back in droves. We had people running to hug Mickey and thank him. And you go, this is what we do.”

It’s true, and it’s what makes spaces like Disney World the Most Magical Place on Earth. They are places that defy logic and conquer reason – places where simply hugging a mouse is allegorical to the world returning back to normal. As for us? We just embrace it. 

Who are you ready to hug? Let us – and 150,000+ other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Connections Eatery promises to be a fast-casual quick-service restaurant with choices for everyone. The cafe will offer items from burgers, to salads, to specialty cocktails, so let’s go over some of the things you’ll be able to order soon! Pull up a chair as EPCOT proudly presents: the menu.  

Sandwich Selections:

French Bistro Burger – $12.99
Gourmet beef blend, caramelized onions, bacon, brie, mushrooms, and dijon mayonnaise on a toasted Brioche bun

Southwestern Burger – $12.99
Gourmet beef blend, roasted corn-chipotle salsa, Oaxaca cheese crema, chamoy, and guacamole spread on a toasted bun 

American Classic Burger – $11.99
Gourmet beef blend, lettuce, pickle, tomato, cheddar, and roasted garlic spread on a toasted bun

Banh Mi Burger – $11.99
Miso-marinated gourmet beef blend, pickled vegetables, Sriracha mayonnaise on a soft sub roll 

Hand-breaded Chicken Sandwich – $11.99
House-made pickles, and signature sauce on a toasted Brioche bun 

Mediterranean Burger – $11.99
Gourmet beef blend, shredded lettuce, pickled vegetable and feta relish, and zhoug mayonnaise on house-made doner bread 

Salad Selections:

Nicoise-style Salad – $10.29
Crispy mixed greens topped with potatoes, white and green beans, and olives, drizzled with Dijon vinaigrette 

General Tso Chicken Salad – $11.49
Petite kale blend topped with broccoli slaw, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, warm fried chicken, and crispy wontons with General Tso’s dressing

Pizza Selections:

Meatball Pizza – $10.99
Beef and pork meatballs, San Marzano tomato and basil sauce, and a cheese blend, served with Mediterranean side salad

Curry Spice Pizza (plant-based) – $10.99
Tikka Masala, carrot, potato, peas, tomato, plant-based mozzarella, and lime “yogurt”, served with Mediterranean side salad

Pepperoni Pizza – $10.99
Pepperoni, San Marzano tomato and basil sauce, and a cheese blend, served with Mediterranean side salad  

Five-Cheese Pizza – $10.49
San Marzano tomato and basil sauce and a cheese blend, served with Mediterranean side salad 

The kid’s menu keeps things plain and simple for the perhaps picky eaters in your party. Children can choose from the Grilled Chicken Bao, Chicken Nuggets Basket, Five-Cheese Pizza, or the Cheeseburger for their meal. Prices range from $7.49 – $7.99 for kid’s meals and include a choice of two sides and a small beverage.

Dessert Selections:

Liege Waffle – $5.29
Brioche dough with pearl sugar, strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce

Mango-Coconut Milk Shake – $7.29
Topped with pomegranate molasses drizzle 

Apple Pie Gelato Shake – $7.29
Decadent dessert option with classic sweet palette 

Beverage Selections

Beverage selections at Connections Cafe will feature a number of wines and draft beers for guests 21 and up, along with specialty cocktails such as the Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler. If you and your party are more interested in a mocktail, try out the Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca. 

Specialty Cocktail
Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler – $14.00
Hendrick’s Gin, Cucumber, Cane Sugar, Lemon, Thai Basil, Ginger Bitters

Draft Beers
Yuengling – $8.75
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA _$10.00
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider – $9.25
Bud Light Lager – $8.25

Wine
Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon – $13.00
Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon, California – $11.00
Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay, California – $11.00
Rainstorm Pinot Noir Rosé, Oregon – $11.00

All these options and more will be available to guests as soon as Connections Cafe opens this spring. As we mentioned, be sure to stop by Connections Cafe for your coffee fix as well, as it will become the new home for Starbucks at EPCOT!

What are you most excited to try? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. Halloween Horror Nights Confirmed for 2022

Mark your calendars! Halloween Horror Nights 2022 will return on September 2 and run select nights through October 31. 10 houses, 5 scare zones, and 2 live shows are set to return for a record-breaking 43 nights! It’s never too early to start panicking for the nation’s premier Halloween event: Halloween Horror Nights 2022. This week, merchandise appeared in the Five and Dime at Universal Studios Florida and in the All-Hallows Voodoo Boutique at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. 

Check out everything there is to know about Halloween Horror Nights so far here. 

2. Loews Portofino Bay Harbor Nights Primavera

Harbor Nights is back on April 8, 2022. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel hosts this authentic Italian evening on the Harbor Piazza, this time for springtime! This adult-friendly event features unlimited wine and food tastings, dessert options, and live music. Harbor Nights Primavera starts at 6:30 and concludes at 9:00. It’s something you don’t want to miss and makes for a wonderful date night. If you want to see what it’s all about, read our review here.

Tickets must be purchased ahead of time here. 

3. Wonders of Xandar Pavilion at EPCOT

The merchandise location for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was revealed this week! Treasures of Xandar is coming to the Wonders of Xandar pavilion at EPCOT. A new character called The Broker will operate the store, and as a proud Xandarian, he will offer trinkets and wares that pay tribute to Xandar. The shop will offer merchandise and a few tokens that even celebrate the Guardians of the Galaxy. We’re thrilled to see more design elements come together closer and closer to the new attraction’s launch! 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to open this summer! 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

The Seven Seas Food Festival is still going strong at SeaWorld Orlando. Now through May 8, guests can enjoy over 200 food and drink options inspired by dishes from across the seven seas. These selections include more than 75 wine and cocktail choices and 75 craft beers. Access to the event is included with park admission and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays at SeaWorld Orlando. 

Check out the details here. 

5. Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has kicked off their annual Food & Wine Festival. For the next several weeks, guests can enjoy access to the event with park admission. This year, Busch Gardens has introduced more than 20 new dishes to pair with the already established lineup of cocktails and craft beers. Speaking of lineups, the festival includes access to a number of live concerts. This year, notable headliners include acts like Walk the Moon. There’s also a number of cover bands and tribute artists to keep the party going. 

The Food & Wine Festival will be held on Fridays through Sundays and will run until May 22. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

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1. Universal Orlando Resort Opens First Official Quiet Room

This week, Universal Orlando Resort officially opened their first quiet room. This updated space is available for use by neurodivergent guests and their families as-needed. The quiet room is a small, low-stimulation area that guests can access near the entrance to Universal Studios Florida. 

Read the full details here. 

2. Poseidon’s Fury Open 

After a year and a half of being closed, Poseidon’s Fury reopened to guests on March 14 in Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. We were there for the first archaeological expedition since August 2020, and every element of the attraction seemed sharper and better than ever! As of right now, the attraction seems to be closing before official park hours closure. While there aren’t attraction times listed on the app, Poseidon’s Fury has been closing around 6:30 on many nights. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Poseidon’s Fury. 

3. TRON Officially Running Ride Vehicles 

Goodbye phase one, hello phase two! In Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle / Run has started officially testing ride vehicles! In this testing phase, ride vehicles are undergoing push/pull testing by Disney Imagineers. The attraction has yet to send ride vehicles off at full speed, but we can’t wait to see what this coaster looks like at full throttle! 

We can’t wait to see what this attraction looks like when complete!

4. Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

The Seven Seas Food Festival is still going strong at SeaWorld Orlando. Now through May 8, guests can enjoy over 200 food and drink options inspired by dishes from across the seven seas. These selections include more than 75 wine and cocktail choices and 75 craft beers. Access to the event is included with park admission and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays at SeaWorld Orlando. 

Check out the details here. 

5. Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has kicked off their annual Food & Wine Festival. For the next several weeks, guests can enjoy access to the event with park admission. This year, Busch Gardens has introduced more than 20 new dishes to pair with the already established lineup of cocktails and craft beers. Speaking of lineups, the festival includes access to a number of live concerts. This year, notable headliners include acts like Walk the Moon. There’s also a number of cover bands and tribute artists to keep the party going. 

The Food & Wine Festival will be held on Fridays through Sundays and will run until May 22. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

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1. Iron Gwazi Launches

Iron Gwazi opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this weekend. The coaster boasts impressive qualities, including a 200-ft drop, top speeds of 76 miles an hour, and two inversions. We were lucky enough to go to the VIP party the night before Iron Gwazi officially opened, and we’ve gotta say – the only thing better than Iron Gwazi during the day is Iron Gwazi at night! 

Check out our ride preview here. 

2. Super Nintendo World Opening Soon 

In an interesting announcement this week, Universal revealed that Super Nintendo World will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. This will be the first Super Nintendo World in the United States, despite Universal’s Epic Universe eventually opening here in Orlando. Universal’s Epic Universe is still very much under construction and is expected to open in summer 2025. These plans will include a Super Nintendo World. If the same world at Universal Studios Japan is anything to consider, it will be the most highly immersive space in the theme park world. 

Here’s our complete guide on Universal’s Epic Universe.

3. EPCOT Closes Attraction

The EPCOT Experience in the Odyssey Pavilion will close its doors permanently on March 14. EPCOT is in the process of a heavy remodeling and is sustaining a lot of construction, and The EPCOT Experience was an interactive walkthrough attraction that put all these plans on parade. Although progress slowed down tremendously due to the pandemic, the past 18 months have shown great change at EPCOT in many ways. The France Pavilion expanded to include a new attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and a quick-service restaurant, Le Creperie de Paris. EPCOT also debuted a new nighttime spectacular on October 1 in conjunction with 50th anniversary celebrations. Club Cool got a facelift and Creations Shop replaced MouseGear as the place to get all the best merchandise. 

We can’t wait to see what the next 18 months hold for this park!

4. TRON Lightcycle / Run Is Back on Track

Things are really moving over in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. TRON Lightcycle / Run will start testing ride vehicles soon, according to Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley. The ride vehicles will start at relatively slow speeds and then increase their velocity as testing permits. Guests enjoying the PeopleMover will have a great view of these test runs soon! TRON Lightcycle / Run is the second of its kind. TRON Lightcycle Power Run opened in Shanghai Disneyland nearly six years ago, and plans for bringing a similar attraction to Magic Kingdom were made five years ago. 

What are you most excited about for this attraction?

5. Disney Genie+ adds Festival of Fantasy Parade

This week, the Festival of Fantasy parade returned to Magic Kingdom after two years of being gone. Guests were able to see Peter Pan on his flying pirate ship, Flynn Rider swinging on a float, and of course, the Maleficent dragon. This week, Disney Genie+ added a Festival of Fantasy viewing area to the app, reserving a space for guests who wish to add this feature to their day. 

Is Disney Genie+ worth it? Read our take on it here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

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First up, some general things to consider before registering for one of these events:

1. The price – all of it

There’s no way around this first obstacle. These races are expensive, even for those of us used to paying a premium for destination runs. The Disney 5k races start at around $100 before taxes and registration fees. The half marathons generally start at over $200, and the Challenges (where you sign up for multiple races in a single weekend) will range from $390 – $600. Besides that, you have to consider lodging, travel, park tickets, and training gear. We’ll speak more on lodging later, but travel can easily run you another couple hundred bucks, and a good pair of running shoes can be anywhere from $90 – $200. The money can all add up for sure, but the other thing that will be for sure is that you’re paying for an absolutely unique experience.

2. Distance 

The other investment decision you have to make ahead of your race is in the form of training. In general, consider what your baseline fitness is, what kind of experience you want, and how many hours a week you are willing to invest in your training. As a runner myself, I know that personal expectations on the event are not always the same as expectations you may have of your ability. Make sure you have a good idea of both of those so that you are positioned for success on race day. I’ve asked a range of runners (5:00 – 16:00 minute/mile pace) what their opinions were on this, and they all agreed that if you’re on the slower end of that spectrum, running a Disney 5k or 10k is perfect, but a half or full marathon might be too long of a route to enjoy walking through a sea of people. Everyone I have spoken to says that basically moving that slow takes a great deal of fun out of participating in the “race” and turns the experience into much more of a “parade” feeling. However, as I saw on race day, there are plenty of other people out there that completely disagree with this stance, so if you are committed to running a longer race and don’t mind dedicating 3-7 hours on the course, then enjoy!

3. Get organized

Registrations for these races sell out – sometimes in minutes. It’s important to get organized and committed well ahead of time to make sure you get the race you want with the people you want to enjoy the event with! Races generally start at 5:00 AM ET. Here are the upcoming events and when you can register for them:

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 3 – 6, 2022

Disney Wine & Dine 5k
Disney Wine & Dine 10k
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Two Course Challenge (10k & half) 
General Registration opens March 22, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 
January 5 – 8, 2023

Walt Disney World 5k 
Walt Disney World 10k 
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
Walt Disney World Marathon
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (half and full marathon)
Dopey Challenge ( every race during the weekend) 
General Registration: April 19, 2022, no time posted

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga
Disney Princess 5k
Disney Princess Enchanted 10k
Disney Princess Half Marathon
Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (10k and half marathon) 
General Registration: June 21, 2022 , no time posted

Now, down to the business at hand. Is it all worth it?

runDisney promises that “Every Mile is Magic,” and let me tell you that in that regard, the hype is real. I’ve run a lot of races – countless local races from 5-15k distances, four half marathons, and watched many others. I’ve been to some of the biggest races in the world and was even lucky enough to spectate at the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta in February of 2020. So when it came to my Disney Princess Half Marathon experience, I expected to be impressed and have some fun – but I didn’t expect to be completely enchanted by the experience I had. I don’t want to give too much away here, but every single mile had something to offer the runners, and all of the predictably well-organized things had an extra layer of magic to them. The mile markers weren’t just mile markers. They were testaments to the princesses we grew up idolizing and pretending to be. The water stops weren’t just places you could grab a cup and keep going. They were cheering stations that fueled you through to the next stop. Every element was like that.

If it’s specialty characters you want to see, these events are non-negotiable. I think the Princess Half totaled 17 characters on the course, many of them framed by floats or high-quality sets. Some predictable characters I saw on the course were Snow White, Cinderella, and Jasmine. Some more notable characters I saw during the Princess Half that you wouldn’t normally see in park were: Mushu, Maleficent, Dot, Rajah, and not one, but two Tinkerbells. To be honest, the characters on the course weren’t even the coolest part of the entertainment. As I rounded the corner from the Transportation and Ticket Center and headed into the mile-long stretch around the lake into Magic Kingdom, I ran by three rows of taiko drummers performing this form of traditional Japanese music. It was moments like these – just a handful of moments – that really touched my heart during the event and leads me to write this recommendation at all. Some other moments I’ll never forget? Waving up at Mickey and Minnie as I ran through the welcoming entrance of Magic Kingdom. Running through Cinderella Castle and seeing Main Street, USA all lit up in the darkness. Listening to a gospel choir as I rounded into mile 13 at EPCOT. It was just magic. Now I personally get emotional at the start of every race, so keep that in mind for my review. But the way I see it, the success of runDisney events is just an undeniable testament to the cultural hold this company still has on us, and perhaps on my generation in particular. 

So – if you decide that all this is something you want to participate in, we don’t blame you. As a running enthusiast and a Disney fan, this race exceeded all my expectations. That being said, I do have some tips to leave with you today:

1. Train and try to actually run 

It seems obvious and perhaps a bit condescending, but I promise that being fit and running these races will improve your overall experience. Many participants enjoy walking the entire race, and if that is your style I don’t knock it! My suggestion is just for those who are on the fence. Folks who may be asking themselves: does it actually make a difference? To that question, my answer is yes, particularly for the longer distances. Participants can sometimes get swallowed up in the crowds and miss out on details that others get to see. If you are able to jog a little, or even alternate between walking and jogging, those couple minutes per mile add up a lot over 13 or 26 miles! On the other hand, the experience of walking in a sea of people who are just as thrilled to be there as you are is definitely one that creates friendships, and I know plenty of people who love doing this event after event!

2. Stay near Walt Disney World, even if you’re a local

Staying close to Disney during race weekend takes a huge amount of stress off the logistics of the event, particularly if you are going to go to the parks and have folks in town. If you’re coming in town for the race anyway, then having to pay for your own lodging likely already applies to you. But to all you locals reading this – I am telling you that staying close is worth it. You will take multiple trips out to the parks even if you don’t go after your race (you’ll go out there for the expo and race day at least). Staying nearby saves you some time in the morning when every minute before that very early alarm counts, and provides easy transport to and from the race to your shower. Remember too that staying nearby doesn’t mean you have to stay at a Disney resort. In situations like these, hotel alternatives and other vacation rentals are often your friend.

3. Get there early

The 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon had nearly 13,000 finishers. Runners and spectators were instructed to park at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and then shuttle to EPCOT, and the process was a nightmare. It took me (and this is not hyperbole) a complete and solid hour to get on a bus after parking my car. In fact, the bus situation that particular morning was so bad that officials delayed the start of the race by 15 minutes. Once the race did officially start, it still took almost a full hour (at least 50 minutes) for all the runners to get started, since runners are placed into corrals and each corral has multiple start waves. This process is standard, and helps spread out the crowd more evenly for the rest of the run, but also means that some of the people who get there at 3:00 AM don’t start running until nearly three hours later. It’s important to note that not all of the runDisney races require you park somewhere else and then use a bus to shuttle to the start, so I can’t speak to those. But I can tell you that if you are doing a race that does require this, park your car no later than 3:00 AM, and keep your fingers crossed!

4. Snag character pics

During your race, the lines to get photos with characters really pile up. If you’re a fast runner (at or under 8:00 min/mile for Disney standards), then lines for characters essentially evaporate after about 10k, making it really easy to jog up to the character, smile for a picture, and continue on your way. (Photos are done completely through your bib number and are available for purchase within 48 hours of the event.)

That being said, if you just want to get a picture with a character, show off your selfie game! The characters are all well lit and in great positions for you to get a selfie with them in the background without you having to wait in line. Of course, be respectful of other runners who are waiting in line for their photo opportunity and give everyone their space!

5. Have a post-race plan

After your run, you have a number of options. Of course, these options are determined by your goals for the day and your race experience, but we have some tips here to help give you an idea of what you can plan for. Thing number one: the after-race party. Champagne, beer, and snacks were available (for purchase, of course) after the race. There was also a small tent set up with miscellaneous merchandise left over from the Expo available for you to peruse the items and maybe make a last-minute selection to commemorate your achievements. In my book, this makes it worth it to run with your ID and a card. Many runners run with their phones anyway, so I would just add these items to your armband or phone case if that is your style.

My husband and I personally enjoyed the after party for two full hours. I finished the race a little after 7:00 AM and we got on a bus back to our car around 9:30. This amount of time was highly enjoyable, since crowds were relatively low and we got to watch runners come in and finish their races as the sun rose over EPCOT. The after party is equipped with a robust medical tent, a good deejay, and plenty of photo opportunities.

After the after party, some people go home for the day to shower and catch up on some much-needed sleep. You can also go back to where you’re staying, shower, and then come back out for a day at the parks (this is what we did and it worked out great since we were staying close by). But after my experience, I offer a third option: throw a change of clothes in your car and just stay! As a runner and the mother of a toddler, I have an assortment of towels, wipes, and sunscreen in my car at all times. A quick change of clothes and some toiletries to freshen up can have you ready to go right back to the parks from your car, particularly in the Florida weather that makes you sweat by 10:30 AM anyway.

That’s it!

I hope this information has helped answer some questions and cement some race strategies for all you running enthusiasts out there. I truly can’t emphasize how incredible this event was, and really encourage everyone interested in things like this to take a chance sometime and participate! runDisney races have been held since 1994 and have expanded internationally over the past two decades with no end in sight. My personal interest in them is sure to span decades as well. Speaking of which…

Anyone out there registered to run the Tower of Terror 10 Miler next month? See you at the start.

What do you think of the runDisney events? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off springtime in Orlando. From now through July 4, guests can enjoy topiary displays, outdoor kitchens, and live entertainment. Exclusive merchandise is, of course, readily available in conjunction with the festivities and a number of new, mouth-watering dishes are featured in outdoor kitchen across World Showcase.  Don’t forget that you can grab a Festival Passport to participate in the Garden Graze. This culinary tour will lead you to taste five dishes. Collect stamps in your passport while you’re on the scavenger hunt, and then go to Pineapple Promenade to get your festival-exclusive (and yummy) prize. 

Check out the details of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival here. 

2. Spaceship Earth’s New Show

Spaceship Earth has debuted a new light show for EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. The show is set to “Colors of the Wind,” the central ballad in Pocahontas, and features earth tones and pastels to celebrate the spring season here in Orlando. The show lasts just a few minutes, but is well worth viewing in the evenings on your way out of the park. If you miss a presentation, don’t worry! The show will play every few minutes and will alternate with Beacons of Magic. 

Be sure to view the new show while you’re at EPCOT! 

3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Revealed 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is finally set to open this year, likely before summertime. Originally set to open in 2021, the opening date has yet to be officially established, but with each passing day more and more seems to be completed at the attraction. The load station was recently revealed, and the future Wonders of Xandar pavilion is looking strong. It seems like guests can help Star Lord and Gamora in just a few weeks!

Here are all the details from the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind announcement. 

 4. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures are up early again! 

Beginning March 2 and established through at least April 17, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has returned to Early Park Admission! The rest of The Wizarding World will continue to be part of Early Park Admission at whichever park EPA is offered. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster will still be included in EPA as well.

Stay up to date on all the latest closures, EPA inclusions, and updates on our Snapshot page. 

5. Iron Gwazi opens this week! 

Following the opening of Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando last month, Iron Gwazi will open this week at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. In the spirit of pandemic timelines, the opening date for this rollercoaster was delayed several times before being officially announced for March 11. Here’s our article on the opening, which includes a history of the attraction and what to expect.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out our ride preview video here!

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks. Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Flower & Garden Festival, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Hagrid’s Return to Early Park Admission: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (February 27 – March 5, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

The star of the show this week was the first insider look at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser; the newest, most immersive, and most expensive experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Staying aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a two-night experience that offers complete and total commitment to bringing guests into the Star Wars universe. Original characters, lightsaber battles, and unique food items are all included in this first-of-a-kind experience. The photos are nothing short of amazing, but beg the question – is it worth all the hype? Only time will tell! 

In the meantime, check out the photos and details here.  

2. Festival of Fantasy Showtimes

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the beloved Festival of Fantasy parade will return on March 9, and this week, showtimes were released in the MyDisneyExperience app! The parade will run daily at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm and will feature characters from beloved films such as Tangled, Peter Pan, The Princess and the Frog, and others. The star of the parade is the Maleficent Dragon, a float that breathes fire nearly 30 feet in the air and takes on the parade route despite being 35 feet long. 

The Festival of Fantasy runs at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. 

3. International Flower & Garden Festival Updates

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off on March 2 and runs through July 4. Through this festival, guests can experience beautiful topiaries, unique food items, and exclusive merchandise. This week, the full menu was released for the first time, and adorable merchandise was also revealed. The Garden Graze scavenger hunt is also set to return, taking visitors on a tasty tour around the World Showcase.

Check out the details, including menu items, in our article here and a sneak peek at the merchandise here. 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival Celebrates Mardi Gras

SeaWorld Orlando is known for having festivals almost year-round. One of the biggest festivals of the year is the Seven Seas Food Festival. This event is included with park admission, and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays between February 4 and May 8, 2022. This week, Mardi Gras is taking place at the festival and includes special features such as a pop-up parade in Wild Arctic Plaza, live Cajun and jazz music, a Bourbon-street inspired block party, and a number of Gulf Coast inspired food selections!

Check out our guide page here for everything you need to know about experiencing the 2022 Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando.

5. Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort 

Speaking of Mardi Gras, the party is still going strong at Universal Studios Florida, but as we head into March (how did that happen already?), the countdown to the end of the festivities is unfortunately already upon us. The Mardi Gras festivities include a stellar parade, live concerts, and good food in addition to the unique experience of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store and the newly popped-up Universal Monsters: A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night store built into Sahara Traders while Revenge of the Mummy is down for maintenance. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

The post Star Wars Hotel, Festival of Fantasy, and Seven Seas Food Festival: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (February 20 – 27, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and the Lightning Lane reservation system are a trinity of sorts – and as such, has left guests confused and unsure as to the best way to go about utilizing the service for their trip. Before reviewing this particular article, we recommend going to our guide page to get a handle on the basics of Disney Genie, although we will certainly walk you through the process here as well.

What is Disney Genie?

As soon as you access the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, you may notice a new service being offered to you from the home page called Disney Genie. This new service at Walt Disney World Resort is complimentary to all Disney guests, with some additional components that may be purchased at a set rate. There is so much to do and see at Walt Disney World Resort, and many guests oftentimes feel a bit overwhelmed with all the available experiences such as dining options, entertainment showings, and various theme park attractions. Whether visiting for one day or one week, guests want to ensure they maximize their Disney vacation, have the best experience possible, and leave no magical gem unturned. But where to even begin? This is where Disney Genie can come in to assist. This service creates your best Disney day after asking you several questions regarding your Disney likes and interests. After collecting your responses, the service will create a recommended itinerary just for YOU. Disney Genie is entirely complimentary and is automatically part of the My Disney Experience app.

Should I use Disney Genie?

It depends. Disney Genie will map out the day for you and even provide updates from park open to park close. So if you’re someone who doesn’t like making decisions on the spot, this could be a great service for you. For example, let’s say one of your selected must-do attractions now has a low wait time. Disney Genie will notify you of this and potentially recommend you experience the attraction now based on its forecasts of how the wait time will be for the remainder of the day. You’ll also receive dining recommendations and reminders of available mobile order options when it comes time for lunch or dinner. As your day progresses, you’ll receive new suggestions and announcements tailored to your interests so you and your family are having the best Disney day, all day.

Disney Genie will also show you an itinerary that includes all the components of your Disney vacation, such as resort accommodations and dining reservations. If you need a reminder on what you have planned next throughout the day or week, Disney Genie is available to guide you. Of course, you don’t have to follow the recommendations made by Disney Genie, so you can allow the app to guide parts of your day without impacting others.

Where does the “+” come in?

Disney Genie+ is a bit different from the complimentary services of Disney Genie. While you will receive all the benefits of Disney Genie, adding Disney Genie+ to your day unlocks a new component called Lightening Lane (LL), a service that provides expedited entries to many theme park attractions. For $15 per ticket/person, plus tax, per day, you and your travel party may book Lightening Lane experiences throughout the entire day. You begin by selecting your first attraction’s time slot based on availability. The time slot will tell you when to return to the attraction to access the Lightening Lane queue (i.e. return any time between 12:00pm and 1:00pm). Return time slots will always span one hour. Before your Lightening Lane return time arrives, you are free to enjoy any other area of the theme park you are in. Disney Genie will remind you when it is time to proceed to your Lightening Lane reservation.

How many Lightening Lane reservations may I make?

You are able to select Lightening Lane experiences throughout your entire Disney day, based on availability. With that said, it is best you choose to add-on Lightening Lane/Disney Genie+ to your tickets as soon as the park opens so you are able to optimize its value by spanning an entire theme park operating day. Hotel guests can often take advantage of this service earlier than daytime ticket holders. Essentially, this is how it works: each attraction will start the day with a number of LL slots available. The sooner guests fill those time slots, the sooner they are booked and become unavailable to other guests. That’s why we recommend you prioritize your must-dos, even if that means booking a time frame that seems inconvenient for you and your party.

You can select a future LL time slot every two hours after your initial selection. Once you’ve redeemed your initial selection (or the return time window has passed), you can use the app to check your itinerary and/or refer to the Tip Board to learn when you may choose your next Lightening Lane selection and what is currently available. While in most cases you will be allowed one Lightening Lane selection at a time, it is possible to hold overlapping selections depending on when your return time windows are.

For example, let’s say at 9:30 am you select a Lightening Lane for Space Mountain at 3:00pm. In this scenario, if you check the Tip Board on your Disney Genie+ page, you will notice you’ll be able to make your second selection at 11:30 am (as opposed to having to wait to experience Space Mountain first). That means at 11:30, you might book a LL for Haunted Mansion at 11:35. Circumstances such as this will allow you the opportunity to experience several Lightening Lane queues throughout the day. With that said, you may only use Lightening Lane for an attraction once a day, so in our scenario if you were hoping to re-ride Space Mountain in the same day, you would need to experience the stand-by queue for one of those times.

Does the $15 price allow me to choose ANY attraction?

While there are more than 40 experiences across 4 theme parks eligible for Lightening Lane (included in Disney Genie+), there are several attractions that require an additional fee to unlock Lightening Lane time slots. Those attractions are currently:

• Magic Kingdom Park: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; Space Mountain
• EPCOT: Frozen Ever After; Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway; Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Avatar Flight of Passage

Depending on the day you visit, the additional Lightening Lane price associated with these popular attractions may vary from $7 to $15 per person, per attraction.

Do I need to add Disney Genie+ in order to experience the a-la-carte Lightening Lane?

Not necessarily. You are able to purchase individual Lightening Lane selections, including the previously listed highly-demanded attractions, without committing to Disney Genie+. An individual Lightening Lane price can vary based on the attraction and day, ranging from anywhere between $7 and $15. You may purchase up to 2 individual Lightening Lanes per day, with or without Disney Genie+.

If you choose to add Disney Genie+ to your ticket, you may do so as long as you have active tickets confirmed on your My Disney Experience app. It is also best to verify your travel party within My Disney Experience is up to date so you may accurately and efficiently make and share plans with one another. Sometimes, this can be a particularly confusing process. We recommend going to a Guest Experience tent in the park and allowing a cast member to guide you on how to add guests to your party.

What else comes with purchasing Disney Genie+

In addition to being able to select Lightening Lane experiences throughout the day, Disney Genie+ also allows you to capture photos from your mobile device using Disney PhotoPass lenses. There is a special collection of lenses, featuring beloved Disney characters and icons, that will provide that touch of Disney magic to your photos. Some lenses unlock depending on where you are in the theme parks. In the meantime, some lenses will remain available up until 5:59am Eastern Time on the 45th day after using Disney Genie+ (some states and localities are excluded). Disney Genie+ also allows you to listen to audio tales, which highlights amazing fun facts and behind-the-scene insights during your visit.

So…Is Disney Genie+ worth it?

After learning all there is to experience with Disney Genie+, the answer is….

probably.

Here are the cons:

As a whole, Disney is becoming decidedly more cumbersome and difficult to navigate. This adds to that truth in many ways. If you’re just looking for a relaxed day in the park, then Disney Genie+ isn’t a wrinkle I’d add to your experience. It can be a frustrating interface to use, and the app requires guests to spend even more time on their phones than usual.

Here are the pros:

Even if used inefficiently, Disney Genie+ will save you time during the day. If you determine you and your loved ones are pressed for time to experience the wide range of offerings in each theme park, adding Disney Genie+ to your day can be a fantastic decision to help guarantee you being able to experience the attractions you hope to see. If you are someone who prefers to construct plans and map out the day’s agenda, Disney Genie+ and Lightening Lane will also provide great peace of mind in confirming those time windows for must-do attractions, though it should be noted that using the interface requires a bit of flexibility and “go with the flow” attitude that not everyone possesses.

We hope this helps you decide if Disney Genie+ is the right call for you and your party! Although we all bemoan the retirement of the beloved FastPass system, we can assure you that the joy and satisfaction of bypassing the standby queue for a delightful experience with your family feels the same, even when you have to pay extra for it.

Have your own Disney Genie tips and strategies? Share them with thousands of other vacation planners in our OI Community Facebook group. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando experiences.

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1. Mask Mandates Changing

With all the recent changes in mask mandates across the parks, we figured we would update you here with the current policies for each park! 

Walt Disney World Resort mask mandate: Masks optional in most indoor and outdoor locations for fully vaccinated guests. Masks are required for unvaccinated guests in queues and indoor attractions. Masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status, while using Disney transportation. No proof of vaccination is required. 

Universal Orlando Resort mask mandate: Masks are optional in indoor and outdoor locations for fully vaccinated guests. Masks are encouraged while indoors for unvaccinated guests. No proof of vaccination is required. 

SeaWorld Orlando mask mandate: Guests are recommended to wear masks while indoors. No proof of vaccination is required. 

2. SeaWorld Ice Breaker officially opens 

On Friday, February 18, Ice Breaker opened to the public at SeaWorld Orlando. SeaWorld’s first launch coaster is here to the delight of guests, providing lots of airtime and thrill to all on board. We were lucky enough to preview Ice Breaker a couple weeks ago. You can check that out here! Over at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Iron Gwazi officially opens to the public next month on March 11. 

Want to know more about Ice Breaker? Here’s our complete guide! You can purchase tickets to SeaWorld here.

3. Mardi Gras Updates

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is still in full swing! Going until April 24, this annual event features live concerts, a world-class parade, and tons and tons of food. You can check out all the details of new food in our video here, complete Mardi Gras details in our guide, or scope out the food review in our blog. 

You can also check out our video on mistakes to avoid at Mardi Gras here! 

4. Disney Neighborhoods 

The Walt Disney World company announced that they are planning to build neighborhoods across America. Storyliving by Disney are master-planned communities that will feature “distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities, and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.” The first location of these neighborhoods will be in Rancho Mirage, California, and plans are to break ground later this year. While the details of these residences isn’t yet confirmed, we do know that some neighborhoods will be specifically designated for residents 55 and older. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

The post Mask Mandate Updates, Ice Breaker Opens, and Disney’s Designing Neighborhoods: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (Feb 13 – 19, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Please note: service animals are welcome inside all theme parks and resorts!

Walt Disney World

Hotels & Resorts

Requirements: Up-to-date animal vaccinations; leashed at all times; self clean-up
Additional Nightly Charge: $50 – $75

The number of Walt Disney World Resorts and hotels can be a touch overwhelming for visitors to sift through when deciding where to stay or what amenities they need. Guests with dogs no longer have to worry! When greeted, you and your dog will receive something called Pluto’s Welcome Kit, a small kit filled with dog-related essentials like puppy pads, a mat, bowls, ID tags, and potty bags. You’ll also receive a map of walking routes for you and your canine.

Disney’s pet-friendly resorts also have relief areas for your furry pal and complimentary potty bags to use for cleaning up after your pet. You can experience designated dog-friendly floors, plenty of walking routes, and amazing views at the following resorts:

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Charges $75 per night for pet-friendly rooms)
• Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Only two dogs are allowed per room, so pet-owners who wish to bring more pets can expect an additional room charge.

Daily Dog Care

Requirements: Up-to-date animal vaccinations; well-behaved
Daily Price Range: $30 – $299

Disney offers a magical experience for pet owners who wish to spend the day at the theme park with Best Friends Pet Care, a pet boarding and kennel service located in the Disney Springs Resort Area.

Best Friends Pet Care has everything: air-conditioning space for your pet to cool off, 10,000 square feet of outdoor play space, and a massive dog park. Not only is this facility huge, it’s also staffed with 75 trained and seasoned pet experts who love animals and care deeply for their well-being. The facility opens one hour before the Disney theme parks and closes one hour after the last closing time, so there’s plenty of time to pick up your furry family member for the night.

Overnight stays are available and can be booked for several days. Nightly accommodations include four different packages:

• The VIP Luxury Suites include two potty walks, two playgroups, access to a television, webcam feed, bedtime story, and a bath (after three days).
• The Vacation Villas have plenty of space, one potty walk, playtime with others, television, and a treat.
• The Indoor/Outdoor Suites include potty walks and a quaint area to play with their toys.
• Indoor Suites have the same potty walks and quaint space as the indoor/outdoor suites, without access to the outdoors – perfect for a quick, one-night stay!

Day-care options are also available with similar amenities as the overnight packages, and with easy drop-off and pick-up times. For an additional cost, pet owners may want to take advantage of the grooming services that Best Friends Pet Care offers while your dog is in their care. These grooming services include shampooing, hair trimming, flea treatment, and nail filing.

Reservations are not required, but capacity is reached quickly – and may not even be available during peak seasons. Reserve a spot for your puppy to make the most of your vacation and ensure your pet has the best time while you explore all the Disney theme parks.

Universal Orlando

Hotels & Resorts

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved; leashed at all times
Additional One-Time Charge: $100 – $150, depending on the duration of stay

Pets are allowed at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. These resorts charge an extra one-time fee for pets, require them to be leashed at all times, and require the pets to be current on all vaccinations. These resorts also ask that your pets are well-behaved and not left unattended in hotel rooms.

Daily Dog Care

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved
Additional Charge: Dependent on the facility

In the past, Universal has run a dog kennel and boarding area for guests to let their pets rest while they enjoyed the park. Unfortunately, this kennel has been closed since 2021 without any indication of reopening.

However, there are still third-party options in the area. Guests can even make a reservation with Disney’s Best Friend Pet Care, which sits only 20 minutes away from Universal. Alternatively, there are several kennel and dog-sitting services in the area like Universal Dog Care Orlando, which is a family-style dog-care center that runs on compassion and is located less than two miles away from Universal.

SeaWorld Orlando

Hotels & Resorts

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved; self clean-up
Additional Charge: $0 – $30

Of the many SeaWorld Resorts, two of them are pet-friendly and one even has no fees or deposits for a pet-friendly room.

DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld has many amenities, including two massive swimming pools, food service, and pet-friendly rooms. At this resort, pets can be no more than 70 pounds and medium-sized. DoubleTree charges a $30 non-refundable fee for their pet-friendly rooms, but this price is certainly worth the beautiful walkways and views that the resort comes with. While reservations are not mandatory, you may want to call ahead and reserve a pet-friendly room as they tend to go quickly during peak season.

La Quinta Inn and Suites in Orlando is an ideal location for SeaWorld goers as it has no deposits or fees for bringing your pet! In a similar fashion to other Orlando resorts and attractions, a current vaccination record for your canine may be required, as well as cleaning up after them and maintaining their good behavior. Call ahead to reserve a pet-friendly room!

Daily Dog Care

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved
Additional Charge: $10 – $15 per day

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the premier locations for animal care, so it’s no surprise that this park has a pet kennel just outside their main entrance. With 31 kennels ranging from small to extra-large, this facility charges a relatively small fee and is run by team members who adore animals.

Guests are responsible for bringing food and coming during the day to take their pets out for walks at the designated pet-relief area right next to the facility. Guests are also responsible for cleaning up after their dog in this relief area and may be asked to prove their current veterinary record before being boarded.

Keep in mind that this facility closes thirty minutes after the park closing time. Reservations are unavailable and kennels are rented until capacity is reached.

For many, dogs are an integral part of the family vacation. We hope this information has helped you include your pet in your future vacations and theme park adventures.

How about an unforgettable vacay with your furry family member? Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

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So what’s the secret? Breakfast at Primo Piatto at Disney’s Riviera Resort. We love doing this experience before a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so that is how I’ll be giving out instructions today. But the concept (taking the Skyliner for breakfast before your day) can also be done from EPCOT, or from any of the following Walt Disney World Resort Hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Board the Skyliner

After you arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head to the Skyliner Station. You’ll see it to the right of security before you even get into the park. Take the ramp to the station. Since you’re doing this in the morning, there’s a good chance there will be little to no wait to board.

Your first Skyliner leg will take you to the Skyliner station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. From the platform here, get in the EPCOT line. Depending on how busy the wait is, you may be hanging out with some other folks during your ride.

Order Your Food Using the Disney App

While in the air on your second leg of your journey, open your My Disney Experience app and look to order food from Riviera’s quick service restaurant: Primo Piatto. From there, make your selections.

Primo Piatto has some unique and delicious choices. My personal favorite is the Cinnamon Crumble “French Toast” Bread Pudding. Disney World has so many options for bread pudding, and I am absolutely in love with most of them. This particular dish has a really great cinnamon and sugar taste to it. If you were a fan of cinnamon sugar toast in your childhood, this would totally be your jam. It comes with a side of vanilla custard to pour on top of the rest of the delicious confection. I recommend creating a hash pattern with a knife on top of the bread pudding and then pouring the custard on top. That way, the custard gets all into the crevices of the bread pudding and makes it extra delicious.

My husband loves the Croque Madame sandwich. This is the companion to Primo Piatto’s Croque Monsieur that they serve for lunch and dinner. The Croque Monsieur is possibly the best ham and cheese sandwich you will ever have. A bechamel sauce is slathered between two thick slices of bread and paired with ham and cheese. The whole thing is toasted and challenging to eat without a fork and knife. The Croque Madame is the same sandwich, but with an egg on top. If you’re a big fan of runny eggs in your breakfast meals, you’ll love this one.

Primo Piatto also has great options for kids. Like most Disney kids, our son likes Mickey waffles, which are (of course) on the menu here. We pair it with fruit and a Danimals smoothie. He loves those little Danimals so much, we have to keep it in the bag until partway through breakfast!

Head to Breakfast

After you’ve made your breakfast choices on the app, make sure you don’t miss your stop! The first stop on the second leg of the Skyliner is the Riviera Resort, and after you make your selections, you’ll probably be nearly there! So get off at this first stop.

When you get off the Skyliner, you’ll walk down a long ramp that takes you to the resort. Walk under the arch with the beautiful mosaic murals on each side. Be sure you grab a couple of pictures too! While you’re pausing for photos, notify that you have arrived for your food via your app. That way, you won’t need to wait as long before you and your family eat.

Primo Piatto is on the other side of the pool you will see as you walk in. There’s a sign over the doors to help ensure you’re in the right place. Go right after opening the doors, and a cast member will direct you to their mobile pick-up area. After gathering your food from the counter, sit down and enjoy!

The Riviera is one of my favorite resorts, and the ambiance is outstanding. While you enjoy your meal, listen to the music playing. These are Disney classics playing in French and Italian. Can you make out the famous tunes?

Time to Go to the Park

Once your family has finished enjoying your meal, head on back to the Skyliner. You’ll walk through the archway as you did before, but before the long ramp, turn left and take the path to the EPCOT loading area; it’s just on the side. You may need to wait a little longer to board, but we’ve never waited for longer than 5 or 10 minutes. Once on your Skyliner, you’ll be flying back to the Skyliner Station and Caribbean Beach. Once there, disembark and head to the Hollywood Studios line. Hopefully, your wait time will be short because many guests are already at the park.

Once you get to Hollywood Studios, head to security and on through to the entry. And that’s it! Enjoy your day at Hollywood Studios, knowing that you started your day with a quick flight and breakfast!

Where do you enjoy a Walt Disney World breakfast? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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I spent many years traveling to the Disney parks as a vegan. In that time, I learned that the best treats and snacks were also the ones that just happened to be vegan. In mid-2019, Disney World did a massive overhaul to include plant-based options on all menus. This inclusion certainly takes care of meals, and while this menu renovation did bring some new snacks too, I have found that the best vegan Disney snacks are the ones that were that way to begin with. So, like Universal, Disney World has many choices for vegans during mealtime, but they also have you covered when it comes to snacking.

1. Popcorn

The very first item on this list is a favorite of nearly every Disney fan. That’s right: popcorn! Disney popcorn is vegan and safe for anyone trying to avoid dairy or other animal products. Not only that, but it is a rather inexpensive snack. I recommend buying a popcorn bucket at the beginning of your trip if you’re a popcorn fan. The standard buckets will come in at around $15.00, and it comes full of popcorn. Premium popcorn bucket prices will range from $18.00 – $25.00, and regardless of which bucket you go with, refills are only $2.00. You can use the buckets across all four parks throughout your entire stay and get the buckets at most popcorn kiosks. For example, at Magic Kingdom, there is a popcorn stand immediately as you enter the park on your left side. There are also several kiosks around the park, including just off the hub in front of the castle.

2. Mickey Pretzels

As long as you’re cool with not having cheese with your pretzel, the Mickey soft pretzels across Disney property are also vegan. They’re a delightful little snack, and, I won’t lie, they’ve been a meal for me a time or two. At the Magic Kingdom, in front of the castle, you can find a Mickey Pretzel stand just across the hub from the popcorn stand, or in Liberty Square. Like the popcorn, the pretzels are available throughout the four theme parks. At EPCOT, you’ll find a pretzel stand right across the walkway from a popcorn stand near The Land pavilion. At Animal Kingdom, head on over to Flame Tree BBQ and go to the nearby cart. There, you’ll find your Mickey pretzels.

3. Blue and Green Milk

Are you headed to a galaxy far, far away? If you’re traveling to Batuu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and want a bit of a funky drink, try the blue or green milk at the milk stand. Even though the beverages are called “milk,” these intergalactic options are completely vegan, using coconut or rice milk as a base. These drinks are thicker than regular milk and are little closer to smoothie texture. To me, the blue one tastes a bit like the melted bomb pop from an ice cream truck. The green one has a fruity floral taste. My three-year-old son likes both, but he goes nuts for the blue milk in particular. Both versions come in alcoholic versions for guests 21 and older. The blue milk comes with a rum floater and the green milk uses vodka. I’d say the blue milk wins in this version as well. Pro tip: order ahead using mobile order on the My Disney Experience app to spend less time waiting in line and more time sipping your blue milk.

4. Dole Whip

This Disney Classic is also vegan, and so are many of the newer flavors they have brought out. It’s a delightful pineapple soft serve that feels like ice cream but refreshes like fruit. To create a Dole Whip float, you can also add pineapple juice to your Dole Whip. You can find this treat in many places around Disney property, including Aloha Isle, the Polynesian Resort, and the African Outpost in EPCOT. And for what it’s worth, Dole Whip goes a long way to cutting that piercing Florida heat on a hot day. 

5. Erin McKenna Bakery

If you make your way to Disney Springs during your trip (which I would highly recommend), you will find an incredible vegan stop at Erin McKenna Bakery. This gem is a vegan and gluten-free paradise. Located not far from the Boathouse, this bakery has cookies, muffins, cupcakes, and dessert bread. Everything here is vegan and also delicious. They also sell a variety of merchandise, including baking mixes and other swag if you fall in love.

6. Gideon’s Cold Brew

While we’re at Disney Springs, I couldn’t end out this list without mentioning another favorite of mine: Gideon’s cold brew. There are several flavors, and though they are all vegan and all delicious, the peanut butter is my absolute favorite. It’s creamy and rich with just the perfect amount of flavor. The coffees are made with oat milk, making this lactose intolerant kid extremely happy. Pro-tip: make sure you give it several good stirs to get that cocoa powder mixed throughout the coffee. I’m sorry to say that no desserts at Gideons are vegan, but this coffee may just make up for it. Consider stopping at the bakery to grab a sweet treat to enjoy with your coffee.

So whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or traveling with someone lactose intolerant, I think you’ll love all of these treats and snacks throughout Disney property. So the next time you head on over to Disney World, I hope you’ll give some of these go-to favorites a try.

What’s your go-to Walt Disney World snack? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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5. On An Attraction

Those on-ride photos are for making memories, right? If you’re proposing to your Disney person, an on-ride proposal could be perfect for you! If this seems too risky, right outside of the attraction of choice is a great alternative. Whether you’re a fan of the classics like Haunted Mansion or a thrill-seeker who loves conquering those Magic Kingdom mountains, a proposal by a meaningful attraction is the way to a Disney lover’s heart! It will also make that attraction so much more special to revisit again and again throughout the years.

4. World Showcase

If you’re interested in something more intimate or picturesque, World Showcase in EPCOT may be the proposal destination for you. With eleven pavilions to choose from, you can’t go wrong selecting a proposal spot that speaks to you! The gardens in Canada and France are both stunning and Morocco has quiet alleyways that make for a more private proposal spot. You’ll be able visit the pavilion where you popped the question for years to come!

3. Romantic Restaurants

Walt Disney World resort features so many unique and romantic dining experiences across property. One of the best romantic restaurant proposal spots is California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. With views of the castle from the top of the resort, you can’t beat a dining experience like that! If your goal is a dinner at Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest can make for a fairytale proposal. The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the top dining spot in the park, and would be a memorable proposal spot. EPCOT features quite a few romantic restaurant options, but Le Cellier is a top contender for ambiance. If a restaurant on property is special to you, it’s the perfect place to pop the question!

2. During Fireworks

There’s no better way to end a Disney day than with a fireworks spectacular, and if your significant other is a big fan of these nighttime shows this may be the perfect way to propose! Your fireworks proposal doesn’t have to be on Main Street either. You can get creative with dinner at a nearby romantic restaurant overlooking the beautiful view! With new nighttime shows like Enchantment and Harmonious, you can create a special memory with these limited-time offerings that you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

1. Park Icons

While Cinderella Castle may be the first destination that comes to mind for a Walt Disney World proposal, there are plenty of other iconic proposal spots in each park. Start your Grand and Miraculous future together with a proposal near Spaceship Earth. If you’re a couple that’s all about adventure, a Tree of Life or Pandora – World of Avatar proposal may be the perfect location for you. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, your proposal can fit right into whatever story you want to be a part of – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, the Tower of Terror, and more!

Pro tip: Capture Your Moment

Did you know Walt Disney World offers 20-minute private photo sessions with a Disney PhotoPass photographer? These Capture Your Moment photo sessions are now available at all four parks and are perfect for documenting your Disney proposal! Your photographer will take you to some of the most picturesque spots in the park to capture shots you can’t normally get with Disney PhotoPass. If you had a proposal elsewhere on property, this private session is a great way to capture your excitement as a newly engaged couple before heading home from vacation. Booking your session is as easy as making a reservation through the My Disney Experience app!

A proposal at Walt Disney World is a memorable way to pop the question for Disney lovers. It makes your happy place that much happier! If a magical proposal destination is something you’ve always imagined, we hope this list inspired you. Did you have a Walt Disney World proposal? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. Key Experiences Return to Disney World 

After nearly two years of unavailability, some key experiences are starting to return to Walt Disney World Resort. The Keys to the Kingdom tour is the most prominent on this list, with tours becoming available as early as February 6. This legendary tour gives guests the insider opportunity to see Magic Kingdom park in a new and unique way. The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure is also returning. In this two-hour Segway tour, guests are given the opportunity to learn about Disney and the property while surrounded by more natural elements than the theme parks (all while riding the fun Segways, of course). 

These tours return to the most magical place on Earth this Sunday. Check out the details here. 

2. Harbor Nights Romantico 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Need a date night? Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has you covered. Harbor Nights is an event that has all the makings of a perfect first or 50th date. Waterfront dining, unlimited wine and food, and live music is the perfect set up for a night out. Throw in the fact that all of this takes place on the beautiful Harbor Piazza at the hotel, and you’ve got yourself a great experience. Harbor Nights took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we were able to attend the first one back in October. Read that review here to see what it’s all about. 

Sound good to you? We thought so. Grab your Harbor Nights tickets here. 

3. Louder, Spicier, and Wilder – Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Mardi Gras officially kicked off this weekend. With a seemingly endless array of food and drink options, the party is on at Universal Studios Florida. Food options range from Shrimp Gumbo to Ube Ice Cream and everything in between. Of course, a number of specialty cocktails and draft beers are also on menus across the park. We covered the opening of the Tribute Store, and sampled all of the food this weekend. Watch us try EVERYTHING on YouTube! 

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida will run from February 5 to April 24, 2022. 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival 

SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival kicked off this weekend! The event features 24 marketplaces and 26 live concerts across several weeks of festivities. Celebrating tastes and cuisines across the seven seas, the event welcomes over 200 chef and mixologist curated dishes. While the festival is very much a festival, it is (in general) a decidedly family-friendly affair, with plenty to do to entertain little ones while parents enjoy the food and drinks offered throughout the park. Guests can enjoy the Seven Seas Food Festival from February 4– May 8, 2022.

Don’t wanna miss out? We don’t blame you. Get your SeaWorld tickets here and enjoy!

5. Toothsome Milkshake Foundry opens in Philly 

Last weekend, we braved the elements and traveled 1,000 miles to get milkshakes in the show. Toothsome Milkshake Foundry opened in Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, and we were there for the opening. While the menu is decidedly more limited than what we are used to here in Orlando, the Foundry offers a kind of “greatest hits” menu for guests with a fierce sweet tooth while they cheer on the 76ers or Flyers. We can’t help but wonder – where else could a Toothsome pop up? 

Check out our journey and food review here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew

While Starbucks and Dunkin may be the kings of the iced coffee game outside of Walt Disney World Resort, Joffrey’s has it on lock in Disney World. You can find Joffrey’s stands throughout all of the parks, and at every location, you will find wonderfully creative drinks and seasonal treats throughout the year. Some options that are year-round include one of our favorite delightful cold brews. Dubbed the Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew, you can order this one with vanilla, caramel, Irish cream, or hazelnut syrup. Coffee attendants will also ask you if you want cream, which I think also makes a delightful addition to the drink. Typically, I will order this with vanilla, but I have tried the other flavors as well. Although I am normally a lover of all things caramel, I find that the vanilla is the best flavor with the Shakin Jamaican.

If you’re on the hunt for Joffrey’s locations, you’re not alone. Disney parks feature both Starbucks options and Joffreys, so sometimes alliances can be torn. At the Magic Kingdom, you will find the Joffrey’s stand in Tomorrowland by Space Mountain. There’s also a stand in the Transportation and Ticket Center, between the Ferry and the Monorail.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has two locations. You can catch an afternoon pick-me-up outside of the Tower of Terror. You’ll also see one outside the Pixar Place. This is one of my favorite locations because it is right by a great place to relax on a bench.

One park that has a number of Joffrey’s options is EPCOT. If you’re feeling pretty tired after roaming around the world, Joffrey’s has you covered! You’ll find kiosks outside of the World Showcase near the Disney Traders shop, one in the American Adventure, a stand outside of Test Track, and one between the United Kingdom and Canada.

At the Animal Kingdom, you’ll find a Joffrey’s just outside the entrance of the park. You’ll also find one in the Asia area of the park near Kali River Rapids.

Gideon’s Cold Brew

If you have a pretty intense sweet tooth (like me), you will absolutely love the cold brew options at Gideon’s. The Original Peanut Butter Cold Brew one is my favorite of the options they keep around all year. Gideon’s tops the beverage with a dusting of chocolate, so make sure to shake and stir your drink really well before taking that first refreshing sip. Gideon’s also offers specials throughout the year, and while those are great, I have found that this option tastes even better than those.

Another thing I should mention here: many coffee places can be inconsistent when it comes to the flavoring of their drinks. That is not the case with Gideon’s. Every single time I have gotten The Original Peanut Butter Cold Brew, it has tested exactly the same, and it is just so nice to know that that is always the case.

Almond Cold Brew

At Disney’s Riviera Resort, you’ll find Le Petit Café right outside the lobby. You will find several cold brew options here, but the Almond Cold Brew is my favorite. This is a cold brew coffee with their house-made honey-almond whip cream. It sounds simple, but as that whip melts down into the coffee, this concoction becomes something special. Sweet without being too sweet, the Almond Cold Brew makes a special trip to Disney’s Riviera Resort worth it.

Black Spire Brew

Oga’s Cantina is one of the newest watering holes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll need to travel to a galaxy far, far away to get there, but it’s worth the trip. This is one of the harder-to-get reservations on Disney property, but if you and your party can be flexible, try scoring one of these reservations last minute or talk to a cast member about walk in availability (which does occasionally happen, particularly if you’re in a smaller party). That’s where I’ve had the most success at booking hard-to-get reservations. On top of the immersive atmosphere, Oga’s has incredible intergalactic drinks that you can’t find anywhere else on property. The Black Spire Brew is under the “Concoctions without Alcohol” part of the menu. The menu says this one has Cold Brew Joffrey’s Coffee, Falernum, Honey, Passion Fruit, and Citrus. That’s right: coffee and juice. I know it sounds strange, but it was delightful. It’s sweet without being too much, but definitely still has a nice smooth coffee taste to it. As I was finishing this new coffee favorite, I realized it’s served with crunchy crushed ice. If you know, you know. Next time your adventures take you through Black Spire Outpost, give this one a spin!

What’s your favorite coffee spot? Discuss it with 150,000+ other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. Seven Seas Food Festival Menus and Concert Lineup Revealed 

SeaWorld Orlando is known for having festivals almost year-round. One of the biggest festivals of the year is the Seven Seas Food Festival. This event is included with park admission, and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays between February 4 and May 8, 2022. This week, delicious menus were revealed alongside concert lineups for the live entertainment portion of the festival. Headliners include such acts as Everclear and Flo Rida. 

Check out our guide page here for everything you need to know about experiencing the 2022 Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando.

2. Ice Breaker Preview

Orlando’s newest roller coaster broke the ice this week at SeaWorld Orlando and we got the chance to ride it! Ice Breaker has been in the works for several years now, and the opening day has been moved several times, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the details of the attraction and the journey it has taken in our article, here. 

Check out our SeaWorld Facebook community for details on our first time on Ice Breaker!

3. Tribute Store x2

This week, a new Tribute Store opened up in Universal Studios Florida near the currently-closed Revenge of the Mummy. “Mummy,” as it’s affectionately shortened to by theme-park lovers, will be closed for part of the year in a refurbishment. Universal Monsters: A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night is the all-new, limited-time store inside the revamped Sahara Traders. In true Tribute Store form, the venue offers a beautiful and immersive experience for guests to browse for merchandise, snag a couple of pictures with movie production props, and – of course- put in $6 for a wax figurine before heading back out to the park. 

In terms of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, a facade came up this week reflecting the theme: float factory warehouse. You can check out pictures of the facade here. We’ll give you the full details next week! Be sure to keep an eye out on our Facebook page for the live stream and a first look inside. 

Read about the first-ever Universal Monsters Tribute Store and all it offers here.  

4. Updates on Epic Universe! 

According to Comcast executives on an earnings call earlier this week, progress on Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort has resumed, and executives are positive about the evolution of the park. The highly-anticipated theme park will include a Super Nintendo World section, and construction officially started at in 2019 but became delayed at the start of the pandemic.

Read our guide page on Epic Universe for all the details. 

5. Toothsome Opens in Philly

The city of brotherly love extended its rich history to include the newest installation of the Toothsome Milkshake line. The Toothsome Milkshake Foundry opened up in the Wells Fargo Center, home to the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers. This Toothsome is the first of the franchise to be outside a theme park setting, which is interesting considering the restaurant chain is a Universal Parks & Resorts original concept. 

Dive into our article here for the delicious details. 

6. New Walt Disney World Entertainment Announced 

The Most Magical Place on Earth just got a lot more magical! A new cavalcade and a new Cinderella Castle stage show will debut in February. The cavalcade, called Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, will feature more characters than any other at a Walt Disney World park. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire castle show will feature original music and beloved characters from Disney films such as Tangled and The Princess and the Frog. Finally, in March, the Festival of Fantasy Parade will return – with the Maleficent Dragon! This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that a full-scale parade will be featured in a Walt Disney World park. 

Read our article here for full details 

7. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind beginning to come together

The first full-size Nova Corps ship is coming to life at EPCOT. This week, Disney Imagineers installed the 51-ft tall Nova Corps Starblaster ship that will mark the entrance to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The roller coaster is expected to open sometime this summer, and is one of the largest, fastest indoor coasters in the world. 

Follow our Disney Facebook community for the latest updates on all Disney news!

The post ALL THINGS NEW! Disney Entertainment Revealed, Toothsome Grand Opening, and Monsters Tribute Store Shocks: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 24 – 30, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

There were three big takeaways from the morning announcements: 

• NEW! February 11, Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade will debut at Magic Kingdom
• NEW! February 25, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Castle show will debut at Magic Kingdom 
• March 9, Festival of Fantasy Parade returns to Magic Kingdom 

February 11 – Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade debuts at Magic Kingdom

Coming up first on the list of announcements is the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. Cavalcades have become a staple in Disney World entertainment over the past year, and guests enjoy the fact that this entertainment format provides all the joy of a parade and seeing loved characters without necessarily demanding the full attention and planning that viewing a parade might entail. This cavalcade brings together nearly 30 of the most-loved characters from Disney and Pixar productions, including Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book, Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and even Miguel from Coco in his Magic Kingdom live character debut. 

February 25 – Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Castle Stage Show debuts at Magic Kingdom 

In an updated version of “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,” “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will debut at Cinderella Castle at the end of February. The new show will feature new segments, an original song (“Where the Magic Feels Like Home”), and be overlaid with 50th anniversary flair. Scenes and songs from Frozen, Tangled, and The Princess and the Frog will be heavily featured. A new opening and grand finale featuring the king himself – Mickey Mouse – will be sure to put some sparkle into your day.

March 9- Festival of Fantasy Parade returns to Magic Kingdom 

Did we save the best for last? In perhaps the biggest news of the afternoon, the first Disney World parade back since the COVID-19 pandemic is officially on the calendar. The Festival of Fantasy Parade will return to Magic Kingdom in all its glory on March 9, the eighth anniversary of when the parade first debuted, and after nearly two full years of being on hiatus. The parade features characters from beloved films such as Tangled, Peter Pan, The Princess and the Frog, and others. The star of the show is the Maleficent Dragon, a float that breathes fire nearly 30 feet in the air and takes on the parade route despite being 35 feet long. 

Which element are you most excited about seeing? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post New Walt Disney World Entertainment Announced: Parades, New Cavalcades, and Stage Show Revealed Today! appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Get On Rides and Shop for Merchandise During Showtimes

There are plenty of shows at many of the theme parks in Orlando, and you’re unlikely to see all of them in one day. Because of this, you can use those showtimes to get into a much smaller line in the area around those stadiums. For example, many SeaWorld Orlando guests will experience shorter lines in the attractions around Shamu Stadium (like Sesame Street and Wild Arctic) while the show is in progress.

Those visiting the famous Hogsmeade portion of Universal’s Islands of Adventure may benefit from hopping in line at Flight of the Hippogriff or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey while the Triwizard Spirit Rally & Frog Choir is happening. This short show happens multiple times a day, pulling some of the crowds away from the rollercoasters and easing wait times.

Finally, Magic Kingdom goers may find that many of the usual shows are on hiatus for now. However, guests can benefit from getting some shopping or dining done in Main Street, U.S.A. during several of the small shows that happen daily. These shows include the Casey’s Corner Pianist, The Dapper Dans, or the many cavalcades that happen throughout the day. When the shows let out, you’ll notice the crowds disperse and go back into the rhythm of the park, but at least you’ve gotten in some rides or some good shopping in before the crowds descend and the lines grow a little longer.

Plan Out Your Showtimes

Speaking of showtimes, planning out which shows you’re most interested in can be a huge help in navigating the park without making trips backward because you’ve missed something. Many of the stadiums or show sites might be far away from each other, and guests are encouraged to get to the stadiums 30 minutes before showtime to get the seating of their choosing. Planning out where you’ll be at what time can make getting to your show stadiums and seats much easier, and reduce a lot of the stress of finding a good seat. This might mean keeping an eye on your watch and deciding which attractions are worth taking time for, but planning your showtimes will make getting to stadiums less stressful. Many locals will also mention that the first and last shows of the day are the most crowded, so it’s much better to plan for middle-of-the-day expeditions to nearby stadiums to help avoid large crowds.

Check The Weather App

Florida can be a bit finicky when it comes to rain and storm season. Here in Orlando, it can rain for a few minutes and clear right up — or it may rain all afternoon. Checking the radar can assist in letting you know exactly what to expect in the days ahead. An overcast day, without rain, is perfect for visiting the theme parks — especially in Florida summers. Check your weather app just to be sure you won’t be rained out, and don’t forget your umbrella. You can also review our page on weather in Florida throughout the year to better prepare for what to expect during your vacation.

While rain can be a pest, it doesn’t have to cancel your plans! In fact, plenty of locals spend rainy or overcast days strolling through the theme parks for fun. SeaWorld, for example, has plenty of exhibits and animals to look at and observe that are entirely inside. Universal and Disney also have plenty of shops, indoor attractions, and exhibits that won’t be affected by the weather. Be sure to bring a disposable poncho (which can be purchased from a nearby Wal-Mart or Target for less than three dollars) and an extra pair or two of socks in sealed ziplock bags. There’s nothing worse than walking around for hours in soaking wet socks!

You can check out our weather page for SeaWorld Orlando here to help plan your vacation perfectly and learn how to best experience theme parks without the rain getting in the way.

Download Park Apps & Maps Beforehand

Many theme park restaurants now have an online ordering system via their phone app, which can make ordering lunch a little easier for guests. In fact, many of the restaurants in-park actually require mobile ordering and no longer have in-person ordering. It can actually set back your day and waste time to finagle with the park apps only when you need them. This can leave you confused, irritated, and needing help from an employee anyway. Instead, having park apps, virtual maps, and restaurant information downloaded to your phone before your visit can make your day much smoother. Not only will you be prepared for mealtime and adventure, but you’ll also save a ton of time in restaurants. Take a look at the park maps at home — or in your hotel room — the day before you even head into the park to get a feel for the area and what you’ll be seeing right as you walk in. This preparation can be a life-saver!

Check Closing Times

As summer and peak seasons come to a close, many of the theme parks will begin closing earlier and earlier. Additionally, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have staggered closing times, which means Universal closes about an hour before Islands of Adventure. During the peak busy seasons, the Disney parks usually also have a staggered closing time, with Animal Kingdom typically closing the earliest. Taking this into account can help you maximize your time and ticket money since you can use your multi-day or multi-park tickets to hop on over to another park as the first closes. Remember to get a great deal on Orlando theme park tickets here.

We hope these tips from locals make your day a little easier, more fun, and exciting for you and the whole family.

Which tips can you use from this list to make your next visit awesome? Connect with Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to let us know and get all the latest news, tips, and information on all the theme parks and attractions in Orlando.

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Below, we’ve provided a brief breakdown on the current ways for you to rediscover Disney fandom and a link to each option. As things begin to return to normal (as normal as things get nowadays, anyway), some guest-favorite park tours and exclusive experiences have returned to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. These include an in-depth look at Walt Disney World’s most iconic theme park as well as a couple of excursions across Walt Disney World’s property that you normally wouldn’t think of. While these experiences aren’t your typical theme park fare, these enhancements to your visit could still reinvigorate that Mouse House fandom that we all hold dear. On that note, let’s get into the details about each one.

Magic Kingdom

Keys to the Kingdom

Location: Town Square in Main Street, USA
Price: $114.00 plus tax per guest 16 years of age or older

This is for the true Disney enthusiasts. During the 5-hour walking tour, guests are granted a behind-the-scenes look at Magic Kingdom. While the tour guide provides secrets, tidbits, and trivia to the park’s classic attractions via earpiece, guests are treated to the infamous “utilidors” that lie beneath the property. Guests will also be given some insight towards Walt Disney’s vision for Magic Kingdom and his thought process during its conception and development — you may even come across a Hidden Mickey or two! Cell phones and cameras aren’t allowed while you’re on the tour and (although it should go without saying these days) valid theme park admission and same day park reservations are required in addition to the tour bookings. However, lunch and a commemorative keepsake to take home are included along with bragging rights for acquiring this unique perspective of Walt Disney World’s mainstay park.

If you were to ask me what the best tour for any Disney World fan is, this would be it. It’s perfect for Magic Kingdom veterans or for someone visiting the park for their first time. The Keys to the Kingdom tour returns on February 6, 2022. Looking ahead, availability looks to be between one to three time slots daily. This could vary depending on the size of your party, so we’d suggest to book this offering sooner rather than later as the time you’d prefer may sell out due to the tour’s popularity.

Disney hotels: Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Port Orleans

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

Location: The Bike Barn at The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort
Price: $90.00 plus tax per guest 16 years of age or older

 This two-hour Segway X2 tour allows guests to cruise the Fort Wilderness property as they stop at the Wilderness Lodge, the Tri-Circle D Ranch stables, and glassy Bay Lake.  Guests are entertained and informed with facts and anecdotes via headset as their tour guide brings them along the property’s nature trail. If you aren’t familiar with operating Segways, don’t fret — guests are provided approximately 30 minutes of instruction and practice time in navigating their all-terrain vehicle on a training course before the tour embarks. There are some things to know before booking, including minimum and maximum weight restrictions and a mild dress code due to the nature of the tour, which you can read up on here.

You’ll also want to make a note that the Segway tours will currently only depart Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:30 A.M. This may make booking the right day a little strenuous, especially given availabilty limitations. However, with the proper planning, it’s certainly a considerable choice for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Location: Port Orleans — River Side and Fort Wilderness
Price: $55.00 – $75.00 plus tax 16 years of age or older

We’re including this because sometimes it’s all about adding in just a little extra magic to your trip. Sure, it isn’t a tour of any sort, but being whisked away on a horse-drawn carriage is an excellent way to add some extra flare to anyone’s day. The rides last about 25 minutes, with carriages fitting up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 small kids). This is a perfect idea for anyone wanting to spark up a little romance or fitting for those who just need a quick get-away from the parks. Personally, I’m a sucker for the Port Orleans theme, but either is great since Fort Wilderness also has its own place in my heart.

Fort Wilderness began their carriage rides on January 7th, 2022 and Port Orleans Riverside will commence theirs on February 4th, 2022. Finally, you may be delighted to know that you don’t need park admission for the carriage rides nor the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. Taking part in these options is as simple as booking them.

Have you done any of these experiences? What’s your favorite one? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Exclusive Tours Return to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. A New Tribute Store…of Sorts

Construction walls and signage appeared next to Sahara Traders at Revenge of the Mummy. It looks like a Universal Monsters store: “A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night” is coming soon to this location! Revenge of the Mummy is currently undergoing an extended closure for maintenance and refurbishment and is expected to open in late summer of this year. 

Check out all the pictures of the facade here. 

2. Hogwarts Express Closure

The Hogwarts Express, a guest favorite for park to park transportation, unexpectedly closed last week. The train carries guests to and from Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida and keeps visitors immersed in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Traveling in each direction offers a different experience  to keep guests entertained. The train is once again up and operational after several days of closure for maintenance.

Follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates! 

3. Mardi Gras Updates 

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is just around the corner, and preparations are well underway. In Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, All Hallows Voodoo Boutique opened up and is fully stocked with the first wave of Mardi Gras 2022 merchandise. Shirts, candles, socks, hats, tumblers, and – of course – beads are all available for purchase. At Universal Studios Florida, food tents and minor decorations began popping up around the park as well. Lastly, Universal released the parade float rider sign-up option for annual passholders.

Check out our event guide for complete details and insider information on Mardi Gras 2022. 

4. Iron Gwazi Opening March 11, 2022

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced that Iron Gwazi will officially open on March 11, 2022. The opening date of this roller coaster has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, being pushed back several times. But it looks like this is the date! This announcement comes just a few weeks after one that Ice Breaker will be opening at SeaWorld Orlando next month after a similar journey. We can’t wait to see what these coasters are like! 

Read the full details of Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker opening, and snag a deal on tickets here!

5. Roundup for the Roundup!

As a fitting bookend to this week’s roundup, two new additions are joining Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The previously announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant is set to open sometime this year, adding to the immersion of Toy Story Land. To support the growing popularity of this section of the park, a brand-new merchandise location, Jessie’s Trading Post, will also be installed soon.

Check out our insider’s guide to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks. 

The post A New Tribute Store, Mardi Gras Updates, and Iron Gwazi Officially Opening: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 17 – 23, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

10. Avatar Flight of Passage (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park)

While this attraction only opened less than 5 years ago (in May 2017), it has become a clear contender for being considered “sacred” at Walt Disney World. Based on the 2009 award-winning film Avatar, this attraction provides guests with the sensation of being transported to the fictional world of Pandora and immersed in breathtaking sights, sounds, smells, and energies. It unlocks nearly every human sense and awakens countless emotions as you “fly” on top of a banshee (the mythical creature from the film) to explore the beautiful and vibrant planet. This attraction is by far one of Disney Imagineering’s greatest accomplishments, as it integrates cutting-edge technology to make one believe they are truly flying in a far-away place. Regardless of how many times you experience this attraction, you are guaranteed to feel a great sense of calm, peace, and tranquility as the melodies accompanying this thrilling adventure provide you with an opportunity to connect with the attraction spiritually and emotionally. This is a very rare feat for a theme park attraction to achieve, and that is why it deserves a spot on the sacred attractions list.

9. MuppetVision 3D (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has undergone some of the most elaborate and intense changes over the years, including a complete re-branding and name change. However, an attraction that has stood the test of time and continues to delight guests from around the world is MuppetVision 3D. Close to being one of the park’s original attractions (MuppetVision 3D opened in 1991), the film still embraces those 1990’s vibes while enticing guests to continue to fall in love with the show and its hilarious puns over and over again. This has become a must-see attraction as Jim Henson’s beloved Muppet characters come to life to delight guests of all ages with theatrical entertainment and a “glorious 3-hour finale” (ok…maybe just a minute and a half finale).

8. Living with the Land (EPCOT)

Living with the Land lives in The Land pavilion in EPCOT’s World Nature section and has become a guest-favorite since opening with the park in 1982. While the attraction is simple and does not feature adrenaline-rushing thrills, there is an immediate love and connection built amongst the guests who embark on this slow-moving boat journey. Guests learn about the many ways our planet grows and sustains agriculture, and even get to see that for themselves as they move along the structure. An automated narrator explains the processes in place to grow such elaborate vegetation, and even reveals how much of the produce grown is consumed in the restaurants at EPCOT. It is a wonderful attraction that celebrates life, growth, and sustainability for our amazing planet Earth. EPCOT is a park centered around nature, diversity, and education, and guests who visit have now made it a point to experience this iconic attraction.

7. Soarin’ (EPCOT)

Soarin’ is another Disney attraction that is so unique in design, it has easily become one the most sacred attractions at Walt Disney World. Originally built as an attraction for Disney California Adventure, Soarin’ was made to provide guests with the feeling of flying over landmark regions in the state of California. At the time of the attraction’s creation, it was rather difficult for Imagineering to figure out how to bring this idea to life. Technology was not where it needed to be in order to successfully build Soarin’. Instead of giving up on the idea, however, Mark Sumner (Disney Imagineer) thought of a one-of-a-kind perspective by building a working model that showcased 3 rows of vehicles moving in the style of a canopy. The rows would move up towards the gigantic screen so riders could feel the immersion of where they were “flying” towards and proceed to move synchronously with the music and flight direction. This method worked, and Soarin’ inevitably proceeded to far outpace current trends in theme park attraction designs. As a result, the attraction quickly became one of the most pivotal experiences for guests visiting Walt Disney World, as it offered something never seen before. In 2016, the ride expanded a little and now “flies” guests over landmarks all around the globe. And while technology has now passed Soarin’, the attraction has become a benchmark in Disney’s incredible ability to evoke human emotion while mid-flight, making it all the more reason to be considered sacred.

6. Spaceship Earth (EPCOT)

Over the years, the Disney theme parks have become known for their symbolic icons, typically located in the center of each park’s layout. EPCOT’s icon has been designated as an enormous geometric sphere with over 11,000 isosceles triangles making up the body of the structure. This massive icon welcomes guests as soon as they enter the park and can be seen from nearly all areas of EPCOT. Inside the sphere lives an attraction called Spaceship Earth. While it may be on a rollercoaster track, the attraction is a slow-moving journey that educates riders on when communication amongst the human race began and how it has evolved over the years. This “history lesson” has become a sacred experience for all Disney guests, as Spaceship Earth celebrates one of the pillars EPCOT represents: community. It is also one of the only Disney icons to purposely include a ride-through attraction as opposed to simply being a walkway or theatre entertainment. For all these reasons, Spaceship Earth has an outstanding legacy that promotes a positive and uplifting message regarding hope and the future while celebrating the commonalities that bridge together society’s differences.

5. “it’s a small world” (Magic Kingdom Park)

Introduced through the 1964 World’s Fair, “it’s a small world” has become a sacred attraction and beloved classic at Disney parks throughout the world. In this slow-moving boat journey, guests are taken through several scenes depicting small children celebrating their culture and heritage. Similar to Spaceship Earth, the attraction promotes diversity and highlights what makes us all similar to one another despite our differences in location and background. Even though the attraction’s age is clearly seen with it’s more simplistic design and basic animatronic movements, the message living within this experience is what makes it sacred and untouchable in the eyes of Disney fans. It is quite rare to experience something Walt Disney himself had a hand in creating, and this was one of his most proud accomplishments in life. Riders truly feel Walt’s legacy while riding this attraction and singing along to one of the most globally recognizable songs in existence.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom Park)

Pirates of the Caribbean was an attraction well ahead of its time when first introduced to guests. The original concept design of the attraction intended for it to be a walk-through wax museum where guests would use their own imagination to immerse themselves in the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. Walt felt something was missing in this original design and felt strongly that if the company proceeded to open the attraction as a museum, it would not live on to be enjoyed for generations. In the interest of creating a ride for the ages, he made a risky financial decision by postponing the attraction’s opening and instructing his Imagineering team to “try again.” Using inspiration from “it’s a small world,” the team decided to create a water boat-ride experience with pirate-like animatronics flamboyantly moving around various scenes to progress the story. The attraction took nearly nine years to complete as technology was rushing to catch up in order to bring more life to the animatronics, but the project was eventually complete. It opened to immediate success as guests were able to experience an attraction unlike any other in its time. Over the years, Pirates of the Caribbean branched out to become a mega franchise including several blockbuster films. Guests now make it a point to experience this attraction and celebrate its rich history when enjoying Magic Kingdom Park.

3. The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Now considered to be the icon for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror has become an absolute pillar for the park’s purpose: celebrating everything Hollywood never was and always will be at the same. Snuggled at the end of Sunset Boulevard (one of the park’s sections) guests are immediately taken aback with this 199-foot building as they proceed to walk down the 1940s Hollywood inspired street. The attraction itself consists of a drop-ride experience, and while that seems like a simple concept, Tower of Terror earns “sacred” classification thanks to the phenomenal theming Disney Imagineering put into it. They designed, built, and decorated an abandoned 1930s themed hotel for the sake of an attraction, further proving how Disney stands out from its competitors time and time again. Guests sometimes would rather walk through the attraction’s surrounding areas instead of experiencing the ride due to how incredible the queue’s design is. The queue consists of a robust hotel entrance that takes you inside an untouched yet dusty hotel lobby. Once inside, you notice numerous artifacts and antiques to make you feel as if the hotel is still stuck in the year 1939. Disney Imagineers have gone as far as finding actual antiques (including chairs from Portugal dating back to the 18th century) to decorate the lobby. These details have made this attraction a landmark for Disney, where guests continuously voice their opposition to ever changing its design as the park continues to evolve. Tower of Terror may be a bit frightening for some guests in part of its spooky story-telling, but everyone collectively enjoys the astonishing work that went into building this attraction and structure for the theme park.

2. The Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom Park)

One element that was in Disneyland design plans from day one was the presence of a haunted house. The struggle Walt Disney and his team had with the haunted house was fighting over the answers as to how scary the attraction should actually be and how run-down the house should look (so as not to detract from the clean and pristine design of the rest of the park). The debate raged on for years, and the Disney Imagineers eventually built a beautiful mansion that would never give off the impression of being dilapidated and forgotten, but would still give off the vibes of a ghost’s tale. Walt famously once said, “We’ll take care of the outside and let the ghosts take care of the inside.” Once inside the mansion, guests are met with cobwebs and old creaky hallways to enhance that haunted energy. But how do you get realistic-looking ghosts to appear when technology is (once again) not on your side? The answer comes in one of the biggest accomplishments in theme park history: the usage of the Pepper’s Ghost illusion in the iconic ballroom dance scene. Ghosts appear, disappear, and reappear again as they continue to waltz across the dance floor and enjoy food and drink at the large banquet table. How is this possible? Underneath the ride vehicles is a room of multiple animatronics. As they move below you, light reflects off of them and through a clear window to present their reflection to the riders. When the light turns off, the reflections disappear until turned on again. Simple workarounds such as these are what make The Haunted Mansion a superior attraction and one that delights guests to this day.

1. Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom Park)

The Carousel of Progress was one of Walt Disney’s first major breakthroughs when promoting his theme park business. The attraction first premiered at the World’s Fair in 1964 and celebrates the progress of America since the 1900’s, a personal fascination of Walt Disney. Guests sit in a rotating theatre and are taken to different rooms where animatronic figures making up members of a fictional average American family talk about all the latest technologies and advances they’ve been able to experience within their respective decade. The attraction ends in a “modern-day yet futuristic” room where the family comes together to celebrate what society has accomplished while eagerly pondering what’s to come next. The attraction was moved from the World’s Fair to live in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, and has become a landmark in Walt Disney World since its grand 1971 opening. Similar to “it’s a small world,” guests feel a deep connection to Walt Disney and all he left behind as this attraction was one of his biggest feats in the 1964 World’s Fair.

Which of these attractions is your favorite? Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post The Top Ten Most Sacred Attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2022 Concert Lineup Announced 

This week, Universal Orlando Resort announced several big pieces of news regarding Mardi Gras 2022. Among these big announcements? The concert lineup, the parade schedule, and the Mardi Gras seasonal offerings at the hotels. Some of our favorite take-aways from the announcements? Big names like Diana Ross, Seal, and Khalid are headlining the concerts, and you know we have to try the 32-oz Laissez les bon temps rouler Hurricane at Cabana Bay Beach Resort! 

Check out our Mardi Gras guide here. 

2. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts Kicks Off

On Friday, January 14, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts kicked off. Guests waited in huge lines for the Figment popcorn bucket and other specialty food items that the event is known for. The beautiful weather set a perfect backdrop for our day covering some of the most unique and delicious snacks and treats available at the festival. The festival is in full swing now and will run to February 21, 2022. 

Check out our guide page on EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts here. 

3. 2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series Revealed

During EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, this concert series adds an extra element of fun to the springtime festivities. Each day during the festival, guests can sing along and dance to live performances at the America Gardens Theatre at the American Adventure Pavilion. The shows are usually a half-hour long and occur multiple times each evening. 

Read our article to see the official lineup and more festival details.

4. The Minions Construct Walls around Shrek 4-D

If you’ve been on the internet this week, you’ll know that Shrek 4-D had its final showing on January 9. Unsurprisingly, on the morning of January 10, just mere hours after the last showing of Shrek 4-D, construction walls were placed around the old attraction. What was surprising is that the walls depict cartoon versions of some very familiar and decidedly popular animated characters – the Minions. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is just across from this location, so it makes sense in some ways for another Minions-themed attraction to establish a sort of Minion alleyway near the entrance of Universal Studios Florida.  

While it’s obvious that the Minions are up next, there’s no official word yet on the details of the attraction. We’ll keep you posted on what’s to come.

That’s it for this week’s news! Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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For starters, the general good news to come out of 2021 was the return of the parks to (mostly) normal pacing.  At Walt Disney World Resort, all eyes were on the 50th anniversary celebrations. Two new nighttime spectaculars, “Disney Enchantment” at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and “Harmonious” at EPCOT both received mixed reviews, but Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the expansion of EPCOT’s France Pavilion in general was received warmly by guests and critics alike. In fact, EPCOT seemed to get the most meaningful attention of any park, with two new stores (Club Cool and Creations Shop) opening to guests in addition to the debut of Space 220 Restaurant. Disney Genie+ was also officially installed as a replacement of the beloved FastPass reservation system. 

At Universal Orlando Resort, Jurassic World VelociCoaster opened to the public in June and has welcomed many excited guests since then. The projection-mapping shows at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure came back in the summer and even hosted the season-specific Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle show during the fall. Halloween Horror Nights returned to celebrate 30 years of fears in September after having to drastically cut back the event in 2020, absolutely delivering with a record number of nights and houses. Earl the Squirrel made his live character debut during the tail-end of the holiday season at Universal Studios Florida, complementing the emergence of Mistletoe Pines Village in CityWalk and his room in the 2021 Holiday Tribute Store. 

So, what does 2022 have in store for guests? We’ve created a comprehensive list here that identifies the attractions and events you’ll want to mark your calendar for. We even get into what to expect for 2023 — and beyond!

As an accompanying piece, check out our article here for a detailed run-down of our suggestions on the best and worst times to visit the theme parks in 2022 and 2023. With so much to consider in your vacation planning, picking the ideal time to visit can make a huge difference in your vacation experience! 

Everything coming to Orlando’s theme parks in 2022 and beyond

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in early 2022:

Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom – returned March 9
This parade celebrates guest-favorite characters and elements from the Fantasyland portion of Magic Kingdom. The world-class floats and entertainers are sure to deliver magic at every turn through the parade route. 

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Fair – debuted February 25
This stage show at Cinderella Castle will return with a new opening and finale featuring the Fab Five in their 50th Anniversary EARidescent gear. 

January 2022

• 14 – Festival of the Arts at EPCOT (goes through February 21)
• 22-24 – Kids’ Weekends at SeaWorld Orlando 
• 29 – Elmo’s Birthday Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through February 3)

February 2022 

• 4 – Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through May 8) 
• 5 – Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida kicks off (goes through April 24) 
• 18 – Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando debuts – Orlando’s newest roller coaster!
• 24 – Peppa Pig Theme Park Grand Opening 
• 25 – Mardi Gras at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through March 6)

March 2022

• 1- Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser officially opens 
• 2 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (goes through July 4)
• 11 – Iron Gwazi Opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 
• 17 – 20 – St. Patricks Day at SeaWorld Orlando 

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in summer 2022:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT – Launching May 27
Do you have what it takes to help the Guardians of the Galaxy and save the universe? Find out this summer in Disney’s first-ever reverse-launch coaster. This coaster promises to be one of the world’s longest enclosed tracks. 

April 2022

• 29 – Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando (until May 8)

May 2022

• 14 – Viva la Musica at SeaWorld Orlando (on weekends until May 22)
• 27 – Electric Ocean at SeaWorld Orlando (goes until September 5) 
• 27 – Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (goes until August 7)

July 2022

• 1-4 Fourth of July Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando

August 2022

• 5 – Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day  (goes through September 5) 

Late summer 2022:

• Revenge of the Mummy scheduled to re-open after maintenance closure 

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in fall and winter 2022

Fall 2022: 

• Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida 
  The premier Halloween event in Orlando. This separately-ticketed experience is perfect for adults who love the Halloween season. Daytime admission not required or included.

September 2022:

• 9 – Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Separately-ticketed event on select nights through Halloween) 
• 10 – SeaWorld Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando (on weekends through October 31) 

Winter 2022:

• Although dates and details have yet to be announced, both Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have holiday offerings

November 2022:

• 5 & 6 – Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends at SeaWorld Orlando 
• 11 – SeaWorld Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through December 31)
• 13 – Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (goes through January 3, 2023)

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in early 2022 sometime in 2022:

Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One of the most impressive nighttime shows in the entire Disney Resort, Fantasmic! promises to return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year. Fall into Mickey’s dream and see characters you know and love in this beautiful waterfront space. 

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond
Nemo and his friends come to life on stage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Through the artistry of puppets, lighting, and music, guests can experience a familiar story in a brand-new way. 

Salt & Straw Opening at Disney Springs 
The new ice cream parlor will bring its unique and diverse menu to Disney Springs in 2022. 

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in 2023 or Beyond:

Splash Mountain Retheming
No official word yet on when Splash Mountain will receive “The Princess and the Frog” makeover announced in 2020. The attraction will follow the newly-made Princess Tiana and Louis the alligator on a journey. No doubt that whenever the changes are made, guests can expect to see an experience guided by music and adventure. 

TRON Lightcycle Run
Taking the technology found only in Shanghai Disneyland, Tron Lightcycle Run gives guests the opportunity to hop on a Lightcycle and become part of TRON’s universe in this impressive roller coaster.

EPCOT’s New Main Entrance
Still under construction, EPCOT’s main plaza is undergoing a major facelift. In the near future, the space will present with more greenery to complement the already completed fountain. The Leave a Legacy photos have been moved to a new, more colorful display for guests to enjoy.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
This brand-new walkthrough attraction in EPCOT will allow guests to interact with the element in a beautiful space. Guests will be educated on the water cycle in a way that will make you feel like a voyager!

PLAY! Pavilion
This new play area is currently in development at EPCOT’s World Discovery (on the site of the former Wonders of Life location) and will offer an immersive game space for guests to interact with their favorite Disney and Pixar characters. For example, guests can help Edna Mode with style issues, or enjoy a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, and Louie.

Special Events Pavilion
EPCOT is busy installing a new pavilion to provide a beautiful space for the live events during the park’s many annual festivals. The stage is designed to have three levels of viewing, so guests can enjoy live shows from many vantages and viewpoints.

Mary Poppins Attraction
Sadly, this project seems to have been delayed indefinitely. Originally designed to be installed in the United Kingdom pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, the Mary Poppins attraction would take guests through some of the most recognizable spaces in the iconic film.

Beatrix Opening at Disney Springs
Another addition to Disney Springs, this eatery will focus on healthier and greener food options. Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners will enjoy dropping in for a meal or for a simple to-go coffee and bakery item. If it’s more your scene for something stronger, Beatrix has that for you as well! The shop will offer beer, wine, and cocktails. 

Universal’s Epic Universe and Super Nintendo World
Delayed until 2025, Universal’s Epic Universe and Super Nintendo World have certainly faced significant delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if the corresponding lands in Universal Studios Japan are any indication, this park will be well worth the wait! 

What are you most looking forward to in 2022 and 2023?  Let us – and 150,000+ of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Everything Coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in 2022 and Beyond appeared first on Orlando Informer.

A few things to consider as you review our suggestions — the primary element we measured when making these recommendations was anticipated crowd level. However, other things to keep in mind are the fact that busier times mean (generally) more attentive and higher staffed experiences, and that closing times and experience availability in the off-seasons might also be affected by lower crowd levels, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when employees and resources have to be doled out with particular care and attention. But all signs point to things getting back to normal. For example, Universal Orlando Resort is welcoming back concerts during their Mardi Gras festivities, and SeaWorld Orlando has events going on throughout the year.

It’s also important to note that for many, there’s really never a bad time to go to the parks. With Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld all accessible year-round, there is always something to do. Another way to make your trip to Orlando more efficient (if it’s in your budget), is staying at an official resort hotel. We sincerely recommend taking advantage of these resorts for the amenities alone — the premier Universal Orlando Resort hotels offer complimentary Express Passes to guests, and all levels of their resorts offer Early Park Admission to guests. The official hotels at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort offer a number of transportation options, making access to their parks quick and easy.

One last thing to consider before we dive into the details at hand: reservations and pandemic protocols. It’s no fun to think about, but these stipulations are important to consider in planning your trip and what to expect from your visit. Walt Disney World Resort still requires guests to make reservations ahead of their visit (with reservations already going into 2023), and reservations definitely fill up and hit capacity at certain parks certain times of the year. Currently, masks are required in attraction queues and on all attractions themselves (even outdoor ones) at both Walt Disney World and at Universal Orlando Resort. SeaWorld Orlando recommends guests wear masks when indoors.

Holidays for 2022 and 2023:

• Although not a holiday, an overarching event in Orlando for the next fourteen months is the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration. Although Magic Kingdom is the park actually celebrating its golden anniversary, commemorative festivities, specialty merchandise, and food offerings can be found throughout the resort and all four theme parks. 
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 17, 2022 and January 16, 2023
• Presidents’ Day: February 21, 2022 and February 20, 2023
• Easter: April 17, 2022 and April 9, 2023 
• Labor Day: September 5, 2022 and September 4, 2023
• Columbus Day: October 10, 2022 and October 9, 2023
• Veterans Day: November 11 every year 

We list out these dates because any extended weekend or holiday will draw crowds to the parks. Locals take advantage of the extra day and regional visitors have extra wiggle room to make the visit and make it worth it. 

runDisney Events in 2022 and 2023:

runDisney events have a significant impact on the dynamics of Orlando tourism. These increasingly popular events are famous for selling out in hours, and avid runners flock to the event weekends and frequently bring along an entourage to enjoy the festivities and make a trip out of it. While you won’t necessarily notice huge increases in park attendance (particularly at the non-Disney parks), general highway traffic, routes, and hotel prices might be impacted on these weekends and are worth noting.

2022 runDisney events:

• February 24-27: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
• March 31 – April 3: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
• November 3-6: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

2023 runDisney events:

• January 4-8: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
• February 23-26: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
• April 13-16: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

Best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in Spring 2022 and 2023

Best times to go: 

• January 10-14 and the end of January 
• First half of February 
• First few days of March

Here’s why: The springtime is probably our favorite season to go to the parks for several reasons. For one thing, the weather is hard to beat. Orlando rarely gets uncomfortably cold, but the cooler days that emerge in January and pepper into March are the perfect temperature to enjoy your day at the park without sweating for hours on end. Crowds are generally low because the springtime follows the busy holiday season, but there are some special events (most notably, Mardi Gras) to entice visitors. 

Worst times to go: 

• January 15 – 18 
• The back half of February
• March 5 – end of April

Here’s why: As we stated earlier, as a rule, any extended weekend will result in a spike in park attendance. In February, visits partially increase because a great deal of visitors to the Orlando area are from Louisiana, a state which gets school breaks for Mardi Gras. After that, the rush is from Spring Breakers starting to arrive, and the busy season looms just around the corner! 

Best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in Summer 2022 and 2023

Best times to go: 

• Weekdays in the second half of April through mid-May
• First two weeks of June
• The second half of August

Here’s why: While the summer has a notorious reputation for being jam-packed and crowded, there are pockets of time that guests will likely not have this experience. Unfortunately, these times are most easily accessible for locals. Weekdays in late April through mid-May are usually light traffic. Things ramp up and get steady for a while in the heat of the summer, but by the end of August (when school is back in session) the parks thin out again. 

Worst times to go: 

• Second half of June
• All of July
• The first half of August

Here’s why: Unfortunately, no matter how you slice it — summers in Central Florida can be rough. Essentially, we would block off weekends in May and every day through the first half of August if crowds and heat are not a tolerable part of your theme-park experience. One thing to keep in mind for Summer 2022 is the scheduled opening of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at EPCOT. This cutting-edge coaster is sure to draw crowds to the park, so keep that in mind as you make your travels. The summer is also a great time to do a number of things in Central Florida that aren’t theme-park related, from airboat tours and glass-bottom boat excursions to world-class shopping or exploring trails in a number of state and community parks.  

Best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in Fall and Winter 2022 and 2023

Best times to go: 

• Weekdays in November (except for Thanksgiving week)
• Weekdays in December that don’t fall on a holiday week

Here’s why: A lot of families save their trips for the holidays. With so many groups relying on collective time off together with the rest of their members, the holidays tend to be incredibly busy (in some cases, even surpassing the hustle and bustle of the summertime). That being said, if your circumstances are such that you can make it during a weekday during the holiday season, the beautiful decor, special shows, and delectable treats make going at that time completely worth it, in our opinion. 

Worst times to go: 

• Thanksgiving week
• The week of Christmas through the New Year

Here’s why: Holidays attract visitors, it’s just that simple. Many groups decide that their trip to an Orlando theme park is their holiday gift to one another, and it’s hard to blame them. Being in some of the most magical and immersive places you can think of, with those you love, during the holiday season, is just about as idyllic as you can get! Just remember that the high traffic of going to the parks on or around holidays means that all those employees can’t be doing the same with their families!  

We know better than anyone that sometimes, vacations plan themselves and you aren’t able to have complete control over when you go. Regardless, we hope that this information will serve you well on your exciting Orlando vacation. Be sure to check out our Crowd Calendar for information on projected crowd levels at Universal Orlando Resort. 

When are you visiting Orlando in 2022 and 2023?  Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post The Best and Worst Times to go to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in 2022 and 2023 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Donut worry, fans. I got your backs in this!

The Food

Donuts: $4.75 – $5.75
Sandwiches: $9 – $13
Fries: $6 – $12

Everglazed offers a total of sixteen different donut types. You can purchase one of the eight “classic” flavors, such as the Strawberry Iced with Sprinkles or Classic Glazed, that are traditional to the donut-making craft. If you want something more unique, try one of “The Funky Bunch” — a series of donuts which are unique to Everglazed, like the Maple Double Bacon or perhaps the Peanut Butter Explosion. This list doesn’t include any of their seasonal offerings (like the 50th Anniversary donut currently offered). Although donuts are what draw you into the shop, Everglazed also has a variety of savory sandwiches to devour that are sure to be a hit. They offer two different kinds of burgers, “The Funky Chicken Sandwich,” and the already-viral, ooey-gooey “Griddled Cheeeeeese.” Each of these comes standard with a griddled sweet bun, but guests can always add a little sweetness to their savory sandwich by substituting the buns with (what else?) a glazed donut for an extra dollar.

In the spirit of knowing that the world loves waffle fries, anyone looking to make their sandwiches into a meal will feel right at home here. There are three different kinds of this delicious side to choose from. You can keep it simple with their “perfectly seasoned” base form of salted and crisped to perfection or opt for “Spicy,” in which case the waffle fries are sprinkled with Buffalo seasoning, drizzled with spicy mayo, and topped with scallions to bring in a few extra elements. For those that “want it all” in their lives, the “Loaded Fries” come fixed with the traditional baked potato toppings of bacon, scallions, and sour cream with an addition of tomatoes, queso, and chili, all of which will surely level the dish up a few notches.

The Coffee

Regular coffee and Cold Brew: $4.50 – $6.50
Specialty coffees: $6.95
Toppers: $10 – $11
Flavors: $.50 each
Cold foam: $.75

Nothing pairs with donuts like coffee, and Everglazed embraces this fact with open arms. They offer 3 different brew types: The conventional, freshly roasted Hot Drip-Drip, the refreshing Cold Brew, and the rich and full Nitro. Diving into Everglazed’s coffee rabbit hole, you’ll find some fun, specialty flavors such as their Nitro and Iced flavors: Reese’s, Double Chocolate and Purple Reign iced Chai tea and the menu’s six “classic cold-brew” items: the Cold Standard, Peppermint Mocha, Vanilla Hazelnut, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Mocha, and Cinnamon Bun. On the other hand, you’ll receive no judgement for playing it safe with the traditional coffeeshop flavored syrups: white chocolate, salted caramel, cinnamon bun, vanilla, hazelnut, or peppermint and maybe a cold foam. Either way, there’s something for everyone’s bean brew preference here.

As if acknowledging the natural bond between the two, Everglazed’s Toppers combine five specialty beverages with their perfect doughnut pairing as a cup topper you can nibble from. Guests can choose from the Super Chocolate Topper, the Donut Shop Special, the Peanut Butter Topper, the Cloud 9 Caramel Topper, or the (vegan) Purple Topper. This makes for a sweet experience that caters itself to an easy on-the-go format as the donut sits atop the lid of you favorite 24 ounce beverage. It is worth making note that the only Topper that isn’t a coffee pairing is the Purple Topper. Instead, this item pairs the Purple Glazed Ube Donut with the Purple Reign Iced Chai Tea to provide Everglazed’s guests a completely vegan offering.

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew – The Verdict

Guided by the alluring smell of fresh-brewed coffee and daily-baked donuts, I stepped into Everglazed and surveyed the menu. Given its diversity, I sampled one of each of their more popular items: The Super Chocolate Topper, the Funky Chicken, and their Spicy Fries. Beginning on the savory side, the Funky Chicken is a fried chicken sandwich that’s topped with bread and butter pickles and a ranch slaw, then dressed with barbecue sauce and spicy mayo. The chicken was delicious and juicy and its breading held a pleasant crunch despite how much sauce and slaw it contended with. The sweetness of the barbecue sauce and the spicy mayo were the front flavors, with the bread and butter pickles rounding them out to complement the chicken’s taste perfectly. In my opinion, the ranch coleslaw was more of a background player that brought in some extra texture, but without any of the sides, the sandwich as a whole wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable. With that said, $11 is a high price for just a sandwich — even given its larger size — and I couldn’t justify fully recommending it without the inclusion of a side or beverage.

We’ll shift to sides now and focus on the star of the show for me — the Spicy Fries. The generous serving makes them shareable for two, and the move to make them waffle fries was an excellent choice. Their crispy texture was sturdy and constant while I enjoyed their flavor pairing of Spicy Mayo and buffalo seasoning. Their heat is a lingering one that’s definitely present while not overbearing, and blends wonderfully with the taste of each waffle. They fries are topped with chives that appear to solely benefit the dish’s aesthetics and texture, but actually elevate the flavor as another necessary backend component of every bite. I walked away knowing I’d return for another round of those fries, and I’ll be dreaming about them until that day arrives.

The dulcet duo of the Double Chocolate Nitro Brew coffee and the Brooklyn Blackout donut make up our visit’s sweet treat — the Super Chocolate Topper. I should take a moment and mention that you’ll need utensils to eat the donut. It’s unexpectedly dense and loaded with toppings of chocolate chips, chocolate glaze, chocolate frosting, and chocolate wafers. With that in mind, its density isn’t a deal-breaker. The texture held even after being on top of a wet beverage. The flavor was wonderful and, although it falls just short of being shareable, it’s decently sized. As a combination with its nitro brew partner, the two are the perfect couple. Pinpointing to the coffee specifically, the nitro brew has a pleasant, creamy texture, and while I prefer my coffee a little more on the forefront in taste, there’s an even balance of mocha to coffee in the mix. Given the price, I’d say this isn’t a bad value either.

I’ll leave you with a Pagnotti Pro Tip — The Brooklyn Blackout and Spicy Fries are a surprisingly rewarding pair. On a whim, I combined the two and found they’re a sleeper hit. The combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors danced wonderfully with the buffalo heat and my taste buds. Don’t you dare judge it until you try it!

Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. The Ice Has Broken 

After delays, SeaWorld Orlando officially announced that their newest roller coaster, Ice Breaker, will open on February 18, 2022. Located near Orca Encounter, this attraction promises to have the steepest vertical drop in Florida. 

Read about the details of the attraction here.

2. Shrek 4-D No More

January 9, 2022, was the last day guests can ride Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios Florida. The attraction has officially closed on January 10, 2022, after years of welcoming guests to the funny, family-friendly theatre show. Shrek 4-D and Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe will close, but Donkey will remain in his window to dish out digs to passing guests. 

Check out the closing announcement here. 

3. The Mummy is Sealed in his Tomb

On January 7, Revenge of the Mummy closed for an extended period for refurbishment and maintenance. A classic guest favorite, Revenge of the Mummy marked the milestone of welcoming 100 million riders last month. Guests can hope to return to the ride and see if Brendan ever got his cup of coffee in late summer 2022. 

Stay up to date on the ride closures and park updates on our Snapshot page.

4. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure on Standby

Beginning January 10, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion at EPCOT will no longer utilize the virtual queue system it has employed since its grand opening on October 1, 2021. The attraction will offer Lightning Lane queue access through the My Disney Experience Mobile App and a traditional standby queue. 

Read details of using the Disney Genie+ feature on our page, here. 

5. 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Exclusive Food and Beverages Revealed

Food and beverage menus were revealed one week ahead of the start of the 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This annual festival celebrates the visual, performing, and culinary arts across the world. The 2022 lineup offers a number of new booths and dishes, from the adorable Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket (filled with rainbow popcorn) to pan-seared scallops with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brown butter cauliflower purée, and lime foam.  

Read everything on the menus here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post New Coasters, Ride Closures, and Festival Food Revealed: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 1 – 9) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Near Port of Entry:

Pop Eats!

Here, guests can collect the coveted Figment Popcorn Bucket with rainbow popcorn and munch on a slice of cake that harkens back to the distinctive style of modernist artist Piet Mondrian. 

Food:

• Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
• NEW! Tomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese 
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate
• Pop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut filling
• NEW! Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn

Drink:

• Hazy IPA
• Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

The Deconstructed Dish 

As the name would suggest, this station features deconstructed dishes to sample and enjoy!

Food:

• Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, and tomato jam
• NEW! Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures 
• NEW! Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues 

Drink:

• NEW! (Non-alcoholic) Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel
• Brown Ale

Deco Delights

Deco Delights introduces some color to your food palette with their bold, mid-century inspired dessert plates. The drink selections are equally distinct and unique! 

Food:

• NEW! Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffle 
• NEW! Decadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousse 
• NEW! Orange Mousse with lemon cake and raspberry meringues 

Drink:

• Strawberry Blonde Nitro
• Vanilla Porter
• Milk Stout
• Neapolitan Beer Flight

Near Disney Traders:

NEW! The Craftsman’s Courtyard

Want something on the lighter side, or have someone in your party on the mediterranean diet? Swing by The Craftsman’s Courtyard for some refreshing dishes and beverages. 

Food:

• NEW! Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with Sautéed Tomatoes, Garlic, and Fresh Herbs 
• NEW! Cast Iron-seared Steelhead Trout with parsley salad, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and lemon aïoli 

Drink:

• Wheat Beer
• Chardonnay
• Rosé
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Wine Flight

Refreshment Outpost

Refreshment Outpost offers a simple but memorable menu. Drop by for a vegan hot dog, jumbo chocolate chip cookie, or a refreshing beer. 

Food:

• Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw 
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Drink:

• Blue Raspberry Blonde Ale
• Nairobi Coffee Dark Beer
• Brown Ale

World Showcase 

Pastoral Palate, Germany

Food:

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
• NEW! Wild Boar Cassoulet with duck confit, ham hock, and wild boar sausage 
• Opera Cake: Almond joconde, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache

Drink:

• Rosé Hard Cider
• Rosé Blonde Ale
• Frozen Rosé
• A Play on Rosé Flight
• Old Vine Rosé

The Artist’s Table, America

Food:

• Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelle, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace and baby vegetables
• Pan-seared Scallops with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brown butter cauliflower purée, and lime foam 
• Pistachio Cake with cherry mousse and morello cherries

Drink:

• Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolate (non-alcoholic)
• White Ale
• Amber Ale
• Brown Ale
• Pinot Noir
• Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Cream liqueurs paired with Sipping Chocolates
• Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina, Morocco 

Food:

• NEW! Plant-based – Carrots Three Ways: Berbere-spiced grilled carrots, pickled carrots, and carrot ginger purée
• NEW! House-made Crispy Almond Phyllo Pockets with white chocolate pomegranate and milk chocolate orange 

Drink:

• Chai Tea Mint Mimosa: Twinings of London Chai Tea with Key lime sparkling wine and mint
• Sangria Hard Cider
• Chai Hard Cider
• Berry Hard Cider
• Cider Flight

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina, Between Morocco & France

Food:

• NEW! House-made Chorizo and Potato Empanada with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli 
• NEW! (Gluten-friendly) Spicy Ajiaco Soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn, and crème fraîche 
• (Gluten-friendly) Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam

Drink:

• Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (non-alcoholic)
• Frozen Piña Colada
• Passion Fruit Daiquiri

Refreshment Port, Near Canada

Food:

• NEW! Gnocchi Poutine with red wine-braised beef, cheese curds, basil, and burrata 
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Drink:

• NEW! Blood Orange Cosmo: Vodka with blood orange, cranberry, and lime 
• Hard Cider

Gourmet Landscapes, Canada

Food:

• NEW! Plant-based – Blood Orange-braised Beet Carpaccio with mustard vinaigrette, pickled clamshell mushrooms, golden beets, and crostini 
• NEW! Roasted Bone Marrow with onion marmalade, pickled mushrooms, mache lettuce, and bone marrow snow 
• Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings, and Zinfandel Reduction

Drink:

• German Lager
• Cuvée Sparkling Wine
• Merlot
• Frozen Rusty Nail Cocktail

The Donut Box

Food:

• NEW! Vanilla Donut with strawberry sugar, strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, and strawberry gele 
• NEW! Inside Out Donut: Vanilla donut with Bavarian cream 
• NEW! Chocolate-dipped Donut with black and gold sugar sprinkles and chocolate buttercream

Drink:

• Rosé
• Cold Fashion Coffee Cocktail

L’Art de la Cuisine Française, France

Food:

• Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm creamy brie in a house-made bread bowl
• Croissant à la Truffe Noire d’Hiver: Black winter truffle croissant served warm
• NEW! Mousseline de Bisque de Homard Froide, Brioche Feuilletée à l’Aneth: Chilled lobster bisque mousse served with dill brioche   
• Moelleux aux Noisettes et Chocolats Valrhona: Molten chocolate and hazelnut cake with pure origin Valrhona chocolates

Drink:

• Frozen French Martini: Vodka, black raspberry liqueur, pineapple, orange, and grape juice with lemon-lime foam
• French Rosé Sparkling Wine
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sparkling Chardonnay

El Artista Hambriento, Mexico

Food:

• NEW! Huarache Verde: Cilantro huarache with cochinita pibil, fresh pineapple, and pickled onion 
• NEW! Carne Asada: Seared beef tenderloin, grilled queso fresco, refried beans, scallion, and ranchera salsa 
• Gluten-friendly – Taco de Chocolate: Chocolate candy shell filled with Mexican chocolate mousse with a touch of chile topped with seasonal fruit 

Drink:

• Mexican Craft Beer: Crafted with citrus notes and made with Mexican Caribbean seawater
• The Lily: Blanco tequila, violet essence Infusion, rose petal liqueur, cranberry, and lime juice
• Smoky Raspberry: Blanco tequila, rosemary-infused mezcal, ginger cordial, lime juice, and rosemary aroma

Goshiki, Japan

Food:

• NEW! Chicken Kushiage: Breaded and fried chicken with yum yum sauce and vegetables 
• Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed over a decorated plate of wasabi aïoli, sriracha, and eel sauce

Drink:

• Winter Ale
• Sake in a traditional personalized wooden cup
• NEW! Niseko Flurry: Sake, rum, white cranberry juice, blue curaçao, and lime juice 

The Painted Panda, China

Food:

• General Tso’s Chicken Shumai
• Char Siu Pork Bun

Drink:

• “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic milk tea with black and white boba (non-alcoholic)
• Jasmine Draft Beer
• Eastern Dynasty: Vodka, light rum, strawberry syrup, piña colada mix, soda water, and magic boba pearls
• Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, triple sec, mango syrup, orange juice, and soda water
• Sea Butterfly: Butterfly pea flower-infused cocktail with vodka, light rum, lychee syrup, magic boba pearls

L’Arte di Mangiare, Italy

Food:

• NEW! Arancini: Fried risotto balls stuffed with braised-beef and served with pomodoro sauce 
• NEW! Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and creamy Parmesan sauce 
• NEW! Bomboloni: Chocolate-hazelnut Italian doughnut with powdered sugar 

Drink:

• Peroni Pilsner
• Pinot Grigio
• Chianti
• Prosecco
• Red Sparkling Wine
• Moscato
• Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
• Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
• Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
• Amaretto Bellini: Amaretto, White Peach Purée, and Prosecco
• Bergamotto: Rosolio Liqueur, Prosecco, and Olive

Funnel Cake

• NEW! Cherry Blossom Funnel Cake: Chocolate chip funnel cake topped with cherry ice cream, rainbow whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a maraschino cherry 

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Mocha Masterpiece Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and chocolate puffs
• World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Cinnamon Swirl Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and cinnamon squares
• The American Adventure – Rainbow Dreams Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold crew topped with whipped cream and colorful marshmallow crunch
• Canada – Colorful Canvas Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and fruity cereal

What dish are you most looking forward to trying? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook, and be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food and Beverage Menus REVEALED appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Outdoor Kitchens

EPCOT festivals are known for their unique menus and exciting outdoor kitchens, and Flower & Garden Festival is no exception. Guests can taste and sip their way around the park, stopping at a number of outdoor kitchens along the way. Each booth offers menu items featuring the season’s freshest flavors that are sure to put a spring in your step.

Here’s what’s on the menus for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Don’t forget that you can grab a Festival Passport to participate in the Garden Graze. This culinary tour will lead you to taste five dishes. Collect stamps in your passport while you’re on the scavenger hunt, and then go to Pineapple Promenade to get your festival-exclusive (and yummy) prize. 

1. Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth (Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port)

Food:

• Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
• Seared Salmon with farro risotto and micro herbs
• Strawberry Mousse with chocolate-crisp pearls

Drink:

• Blood Orange Agua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
• Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)

2. EPCOT Sunshine Griddle (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food:

• 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
• Corned Beef Brisket Hash with house-made potato barrels, onions, peppers, cheese curds, and a soft-poached egg with Tabasco hollandaise (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Drink:

• Froot Loops Shake (non-alcoholic)
• Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, rum and coffee liqueur, and vanilla vodka

3. The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board

Food:

• Tupelo Honey and Sweet Corn Spoon Bread with jalapeños, bacon, and house-made whipped honey butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with whipped honey-ricotta cheese, marinated vegetables, and goat cheese
• Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with orange blossom honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses

Drink:

• Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)
• Lemonade Mead
• Orange Blossom Honey Wine
• Honey-Peach Freeze with Blueberry Vodka

4. The Citrus Blossom (Near Port of Entry)

Food:

• NEW! Crispy Mojo Marinated Pork Belly, with avocado cream, corn salsa, salsa verde, and plantain chips (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) 
• Tuna Tataki Bowl with spicy yuzu glaze, mango, avocado, and pappadam crisp
• NEW! Grapefruit Tart: Grapefruit curd, lychee jam, ginger mousse, and yuzu cream 

Drink:

• Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)
• Key Lime Hibiscus Ale
• Orange Peel Ale
• Citrus Honey Cream Ale
• Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
• Beer Flight

5. Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food:

• House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers Poutine (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Drink:

• Salted Cucumber Apple Hard Cider
• Lavender Martini: Vodka with lavender and lemon

6. Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)

Food:

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

Drink:

• Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
• DOLE Whip with Fanta (non-alcoholic)
• Tropical Hefe Wheat Ale
• Fresh Pressed Mango, Pineapple, and Guava Wheat Ale
• Hazy Pebbles Fruity Hazy Milkshake
• Violet Lemonade Ale
• Sparkling Pineapple Wine
• DOLE Whip topped with mango cream liqueur
• Pineapple Beer Flight

7. Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible (Near Disney Traders)

Food:

• Grilled Baby Vegetables with hummus cream and red pepper coulis (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
• Impossible Sausage and Kale Soup (Plant-based)
• Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise (Plant-based)  
• NEW! Chocolate Cake with whipped cassis mousse, raspberry gelato, and fresh raspberries (Plant-based)

Drink:

• Twinings Energizing Matcha Cranberry & Lime Green Tea (non-alcoholic)   
• Bloom Hazy IPA
• Twinings Energizing Matcha Cranberry & Lime Green Tea with lime vodka served in a mason jar

8. Refreshment Outpost

Food:

• Pineapple Skewer with tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based)
• Tangerine soft-serve

Drink:

• Tangerine Cream Ale
• Blueberry Lemonade Hard Cider
• Organic Blonde Ale with passion fruit

9. Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany)

Food:

• Potato Pancakes with house-made applesauce (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

Drink:

• Hugo Lager
• Premium Pilsner
• Raspberry Radler
• Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
• Beer Flight

10. Magnolia Terrace (American Adventure)

Food:

• Southern Seafood Boil: Shrimp, mussels, crawfish, potatoes, corn, and Andouille sausage
• NEW! Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice 
• Grilled Oysters with Cajun butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• House-made Boudin Bites featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice
• Pecan Praline (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Drink:

• Bayou Cocktail: Spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and Minute Maid orange juice
• Orange Coriander Wheat Ale
• American Light Ale
• Double IPA
• Beer Flight

11. Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food:

• NEW! Mediterranean Flatbread with za’atar, artichokes, olives, mozzarella, and feta cheese 
• Vanilla, Rose Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta

Drink:

• Pomegranate Mimosa
• Ginger and Elderberry Ale
• Pomegranate Hard Cider
• Blackberry Mint Mead
• Flight

12. La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)

Food:

• Arepas topped with melted queso fresco (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• Arepa topped with shrimp, crushed avocado ají, and tomato sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• NEW! Arepa topped with chorizo 
• NEW! Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Drink:

• NEW! Tropical Breeze: Lemonade, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup (non-alcoholic)
• Coconut Key Lime Ale
• Tropical Perception White Sangria
• NEW! Tropical Breeze with rum 

13. EPCOT Farmers Feast (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food:

Early Bloom Menu (available March 2 through April 9)

• NEW! Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with chive oil and crispy leeks  (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• NEW! Char-grilled Bison Ribe-Eye with creamy leek fondue, roasted carnival cauliflower, Romanesco and port wine-goat cheese butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• NEW! Goat Cheese Creamsicle Pop: Goat cheese Crémeux, orange cream, olive oil cake, cranberry sauce, and praline 

Springtime Menu (available April 10 through May 21)

• NEW! Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta 
• Herb-crusted Spring Lamb with marble potatoes, spring vegetables, and red wine butter sauce
• Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream

Summer Solstice Menu (available May 22 through July 4)

• Tomato and Cornbread Panzanella with burrata cheese and fresh basil
• Barbecue Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• NEW! A Whole Lotta Melon: Feta cheesecake with watermelon curd, pickled watermelon rind, watermelon caramel, and compressed watermelon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Drink: (available throughout the Festival):

• Raspberry Lemon Verbena Whole-Leaf-Steeped Sparkling Hard Tea
• Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring hibiscus gin

14. Cider House (United Kingdom)

Food:

• NEW! BLT Scone with Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon, sundried tomato, and basil 
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with whipped cream

Drink:

• Pink Lemonade Hard Cider
• Watermelon Hard Cider
• Triple Jam Hard Cider
• Pure Brewed Organic Lager
• Snakebite: Triple jam hard cider and pure brewed organic lager
• Cider Flight

15. Northern Bloom (Canada)

Food:

• Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and applewood-smoked bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with garden vegetables
• Griddled Maple Pound Cake with warm peach compote and sweet corn gelato

Drink:

• Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic)
• Blonde Ale
• Blueberry Fruit Beer
• Apricot with Maple Syrup Blonde Ale
• Maple Popcorn Shake with maple rye whisky
• Beer Flight

16. Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)

Food:

• NEW! Enchilada de Mole Negro: Chipotle chicken in a corn tortilla with mole negro, avocado mousse, crema Mexicana, and queso fresco (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• NEW! Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa beef in a corn tortilla with crispy grilled Monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
• NEW! Tostada de Chorizo: Plant-based Chorizo and black beans on a crispy corn tortilla with avocado mousse and queso fresco (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Drink:

• Poppy Flower Margarita: Tequila blanco, hibiscus flower tea, cucumber juice, aperitivo, and blackcurrant liqueur with a chile salt rim
• Hypnotic Margarita: Tequila blanco, mezcal, rosemary syrup, cognac, and lemon juice
• Craft Mexican Lager

17. Lotus House (China)

Food:

• NEW! Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer 
• House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons

Drink:

• NEW! Rose Bubble Milk Tea (non-alcoholic) 
• Jasmine Draft Beer
• Marco Boba: Amaretto, iced coffee, milk, and boba
• Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, triple sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
• Tang Dynasty: Tequila gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, white boba pearls, and soda water

18. Primavera Kitchen (Italy)

Food:

• Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls stuffed with braised beef served with grape tomato salad and balsamic emulsion
• Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli with sweet corn, spring vegetables, and cream sauce
• Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian doughnut with raspberry sauce and powdered sugar

Drink:

• Pilsner                                                                                    
• Pinot Grigio                                                                           
• Chianti
• Prosecco                                                                                
• Rosa Regale
• Moscato                                                         
• Italian White Sangria with prosecco
• Italian Red Sangria with cabernet sauvignon
• Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila

19. Hanami (Japan)

Food:

• Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and cantaloupe wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, berry sauce, and toasted coconut
• Chicken Yakitori: Grilled chicken with scallions, red pepper-shoyu emulsion, and pickled onions
• Beef Tataki: Seared sirloin with red shiso sauce, watermelon radish, and sprouts

Drink:                                                                

• Yuzu Tilted Tonic Hard Seltzer
• Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake
• Cucumber Cooler: Sake, vodka, and cucumber garnished with a cucumber slice 

20. Fleur de Lys (France)

Food:

• NEW! Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic 
• NEW! Pan Bagnat Classique: The Niçoise Sandwich with house-made bread, albacore tuna mayonnaise, tomato, black olives, lettuce, and celery
• NEW! Salade de Lentilles à la Lyonnaise: French Green Lentil Salad with bacon and garlic sausage 
• Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel

Drink:

• French Wheat Draft Beer
• VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
• Grand Mimosa Cocktail with orange liqueur, Champagne, and orange juice
• La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, orange vodka, and liqueur with white and red cranberry juice       

Funnel Cake

Food Item:

• NEW! Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake topped with strawberry ice cream, cheesecake crumbles, strawberry drizzle, and whipped cream 

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – NEW! Minty Melon Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of watermelon-cucumber-mint juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring Watermelon-Basil Vodka)

Near Canada: Strawberry Fields Refresher – NEW! A lightly caffeinated blend of strawberry açaí juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring strawberry-lemongrass vodka)

World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – NEW! Pink Paradise Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of refreshing dragon fruit-lychee juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring watermelon-basil vodka)

The American Adventure –  NEW! Wildberry Wonder Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of wildberry-hibiscus juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring tropical rum)

Pro Tip: Grab a festival passport as you enter EPCOT for the day. These free booklets offer information on all outdoor kitchens for the festival, including menus, locations, dietary information, and more. Festival passports also make for a great souvenir, allowing you to mark off experiences as you try them throughout the festival!

Topiaries & Global Gardens

One aspect of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival that sets it apart from the others is its colorful topiaries. EPCOT is in full bloom in spring thanks to these works of art cultivated by Disney horticulturists. While most festival topiaries remain the same from year to year, it’s always fun to hunt for their changing locations or any new additions to the lineup. 

If colorful gardens are more of your jam, look no further than Flower & Garden Festival! EPCOT offers an array of Global Gardens around the park for guests to enjoy. Some festival favorites in the past have been the butterfly garden, the tea garden, and the floating gardens. We can’t wait to see which gardens will be on display this year!

Pro Tip: Don’t rush past these floral finds around the park. Many of the Global Gardens feature fun, interactive experiences or extra bits of information that you don’t want to miss out on!

Garden Rocks Concert Series

This concert series adds an extra element of fun to this springtime festival. Each day during EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests can groove to live performances at the America Gardens Theatre at the American Adventure Pavilion. These shows are usually thirty minutes long and happen multiple times each evening. Here’s the official lineup for 2022:

• March 4-5 – The Guess Who
• March 6-7 – Rick Springfield
• March 11-12 – Melina Leon
• March 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel
• March 20-21 – Kool & The Gang
• March 25-28 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
• April 1-2 – The Spinners
• April 3-4 – The Pointer Sisters
• April 8-9 – Blue October
• April 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band Boston
• April 17-18 – Don Felder, Formerly of The Eagles
• April 22-23 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
• April 24-25 – Claudia Leitte
• April 29-30 – Berlin
• May 1-2 – TobyMac
• May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
• May 8-9 – The Commodores
• May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett
• May 20-21 – A Flock Of Seagulls
• May 22-23 – Collin Raye
• May 27-28 – Thelma Houston
• May 29-30 – Little River Band
• June 3-6 – Simple Plan
• June 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
• June 17-20 – Plain White T’s

Pro Tip: If you want to guarantee a seat at a Garden Rocks Concert, reserve a dining package for that day. A Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Package includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert for lunch or dinner at one of EPCOT’s included restaurants and a guaranteed seat for each guest at one of the concert events held on that same day.

Fun For All Ages

One of the best things about the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is that it offers something for everyone in your group to enjoy! For kids, there’s a springtime scavenger hunt, Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration. If there’s a foodie in your party, they can complete the Garden Graze – try five specially-noted menu items and receive a special festival-exclusive treat. Those who love to shop can graze their share of fresh, seasonal festival merchandise around the park, too. It’s easy to find something for each member of your party at EPCOT this spring!

Pro Tip: Make budgeting at the festival even easier with a Disney Gift Card. Simply load up your Disney Gift Card with funds for dining at the outdoor kitchens and shopping festival merchandise, and when you’re out of funds you can refill it again or stop spending for the day! The gift cards created for the festival even feature a wristlet keychain, making it easy to access them as you make your way around EPCOT.

As you can see, exciting things are blooming at EPCOT this spring! We hope you enjoyed this quick guide to EPCOT’s annual springtime festival.  If you’re visiting Walt Disney World from March 2, 2022 until July 4, 2022, make sure to plan a day for EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2022. What are you most looking forward to? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Details of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Revealed appeared first on Orlando Informer.