Most guests think it's all about the parks and resort hotels when it comes to Christmas at Walt Disney World, but Disney Springs can give them all a run for their money (and even top one park as a must-do holiday destination). Here's why Disney Springs is a top pick for holiday spirit at Walt Disney World (and the fact that it's free for anyone to visit is just a bonus). The Complete Guide to Disney Springs Christmas 2023The best things to do at Disney Springs this Christmas holiday seasonDisney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (Free)One of the most underrated traditions at Walt Disney World is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. For 2023 the Christmas Tree Stroll has 19 Disney- decorated trees with themes from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Super Heros. For the first time you can interact with six of the Christmas trees with your DIsneyBand+ (aka MagicBand+). Look for a DisneyBand+ icon to know which trees are active. There's also a Christmas tree map adventure. Get a map of the trees from City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts, Joffrey's Coffee, The LEGO Store or Planet Hollywood. As you see each tree, match a sticker to the location on the map then bring your map to any of these same locations for a special surprise.Meet Santa at Once Upon a Toy (Free)You don't have to pay for a Disney Park to meet a Disney Santa. Santa Claus is at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs right up until Christmas Eve, December 24. There is a virtual queue to meet Santa: you cannot just wait in line. Queue spots open daily at 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the My Disney Experience app. You must be at Disney Springs to enter the queue. One person can do it for everyone in your group (up to a max of 10 people)Photo Memories of a Disney ChristmasChristmas photos are fun memories, especially when they're Disney vacation Christmas photos. The Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Marketplace at Disney Springs has several holiday-themed Disney virtual backdrops perfect for your Christmas card or however else you want to use them. It can be hit and miss with the photographers here, but it's still worth a try. Disney Snow falling and Holiday Entertainment (Free)The magic of snow falling on Walt Disney World does just happen in the parks. As sundown nears, head to the the Town Center tree and keep your eyes on the skies for a little holiday magic. Plus, watch for holiday-themed stilt walkers, rollerblading snowflakes, a Santa Sleigh DJ, and more surprises bringing a festive ambiance throughout all of Disney Springs.Christmas Holidays Means Festive Food and DrinkThere are over 60 places at Disney Springs to eat and drink, including Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, which is all spruced up for the holidays. So be sure to grab some cheer while visiting Disney Springs!Christmas Shopping at Disney SpringsWhether you need a gift someone on your list or something special for yourself, you'll find it all at Disney Springs. You can browse for almost anything here, so leave yourself time if Christmas shopping is on your checklist.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main StreetPlease be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Despite the sensationalist reporting by several overly dramatic Disney YouTubers claiming that Disney Jollywood Nights was dead (after only one party), the truth is that Disney has turned things around and it's looking good. This story plus a sneak peak at the upcoming EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2024.New Details Revealed for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 12 through February 19 and highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts in Disney style. Here's what you can see and do if you plan to be at Walt Disney World for the event.Performing Arts: Disney on BroadwayBroadway stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is back with three daily shows throughout the festival. The full lineup of Disney Broadway stars: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23 Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24 Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6 Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8 Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19 Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 * Showcase Plaza is also home to live performances daily, featuring musicians, painters and acrobats.DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Go on Sale December 19If you want priority seating, dining packages are available at eight EPCOT restaurants: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Biergarten Restaurant Coral Reef Restaurant Garden Grill Restaurant Rose & Crown Dining Room Le Cellier Spice Road Table Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only) Are You a Foodie? Here's What's Happening for the Culinary Arts?More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT feature tasty food and drink concoctions. For example, the Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES is back at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey and the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate is available as a savory choice. The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine highlights sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow.  The EPCOT Festival of the Arts Passport shows exactly where to find everything. Once you collect five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to get a free surprise.Interactive Experiences at the FestivalAnimation Academy has a learn to draw a Disney character classes daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre. You can leave your mark on a large paint-by-numbers mural at Expression Section.Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing your ones to create chalk masterpieces (while you get a little break). Plus, there are plenty of photo opps all around the festival area.Visual Arts and Festival MerchandiseIf you're into art, then visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring creations to life may be right for you. New and returning favorite artists will be part of this year’s lineup, so visit ArtfulEPCOT.com for the latest news.If you're a Figment fan, you'll be happy to know that Figment is back as the ambassador and takes center stage on festival merch ranging from household items and décor to clothing and more.Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt is back. With this fun journey through World Showcase you'll help Figment learn all about art. Buy a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion (hint: just look for the Figment-themed picture frames).Every time you find Figment, add the corresponding sticker to your map. Once you've completed the journey, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for a special artful keepsake. --Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main StreetPlease be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Our top food and drink picks for what to try at the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, plus first thoughts on Disney's Jollywood Nights as our predictions come true. Can the Jollywood Nights issues be fixed?Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2023: Top Picks and What's NewBavaria Holiday Kitchen Food Items: Pork Schnitzel with mushroom sauce, spätzle, and braised red cabbage Cheese Fondue in a bread bowl with steamed baby vegetables and marble potatoes Linzer Cookie (Cookie Stroll Item)  Beverages: Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider The Tank Brewing Co. Prost! Festbier Köstritzer Schwarzbier Bitburger (New)  Regional Riesling Glühwein: House-made hot spiced wine Beer Flight American Holiday TableFood Items: Slow-roasted Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce Blackened Catfish with Hoppin’ John and comeback sauce Gingerbread Cookie (Cookie Stroll Item)  Beverages:  Crooked Can Brewing Company Bah HOPbug IPA (New)  3 Daughters Brewing Eggnog White Porter Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout Beer Flight Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina Food Items: Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli (Lamb Kefta or Chermoula Chicken) Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and zhoug dips (Plant-based) Beverages:  Bold Rock Orchard Frost Hard Cider (New)  Gulf Stream Brewing Company Holiday Snakebite (New) > Mike's Pick Woodchuck Winter Chill Hard Cider Fig Cocktail with fig vodka and white cranberry juice Hard Cider Flight L’Chaim! Holiday KitchenFood Items:  Pastrami on Rye with house-made pickles and deli mustard Smoked Salmon Potato Latke Potato Latkes (Plant-based)  Rugalach: Pastry filled with raspberry jam, walnuts, and cinnamon (New)  Black and White Cookie (Plant-based) (Cookie Stroll Item)  Beverages:  Brooklyn Brewery Winter IPA Frozen New York Whiskey Sour featuring Manifest Whiskey and Manischewitz Blackberry Wine Yukon Holiday Kitchen Food Items: Seared Salmon with butternut squash purée, maple-bourbon glaze, and fennel-arugula salad (New)  > Mike's Pick Beef Bourguignon with crushed potatoes Snickerdoodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces (Cookie Stroll Item) Beverages: Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic Beverage) 81Bay Brewing Co. Peanut Butter Banana Porter Playalinda Brewing Co. Maple Cookie Blonde Ale Collective Arts Coffee Maple Porter Regional Icewine Regional Red Wine Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky Beer Flight Holiday Sweets & Treats Food Items: Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candyBeverages: Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic Beverage) Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea (Non-alcoholic Beverage) Breckenridge Brewery Christmas Ale Brew Hub Sugar Plum Red Ale (New) Left Hand Brewing Co. Chai Milk Stout (New) Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with assorted liqueurs (Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur, or Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey) Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and whipped cream vodka Beer flight Refreshment Port Food Item:Turkey Poutine: Sweet potato fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onionsBeverages: Gingerbread Milk Shake (Non-alcoholic Beverage) Eggnog (Non-alcoholic Beverage) Keel Farms Hard Pumpkin Cider (New) Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine Gingerbread Milk Shake with Whipped Cream Vodka Firenog: Eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky NEW! Swirled Showcase Food Items: Mickey-shaped Liquid Nitro Cake Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone: Vanilla, apple-cinnamon, and salted caramel Cream Soda Float with vanilla soft-serve Fanta Grape Float with vanilla soft-serve Beverages: Frozen Apple Pie (Non-alcoholic Beverage) > Mike's Pick Cinnamon Apple Cider (Non-alcoholic Beverage) > Mike's Pick 3 Daughters Brewing Toasted Coconut Porter 3 Daughters Brewing Toasted Coconut Porter Float with salted caramel soft-serve Berry Fizz Fragolino Red Sparkling Wine Float with vanilla soft-serve NEW! Bubbles & Brine  Food Items: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with prosecco cocktail sauce and grilled lemon Jonah Crab Claw Cocktail with stone-ground mustard sauce Beverages:   Moët & Chandon Impérial Veuve Clicquot Rosé Dom Pérignon NEW! Wine & WedgeFood Items:  Assorted Artisanal Cheeses and Accompaniments Boursin Fig & Balsamic Soufflé with fig tapenade Southern Pimento Cheese with bread-and-butter pickled vegetables and grilled bread Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese: Assorted artisanal cheeses and accompaniments paired with Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Hartley Apple Brandy, and Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port > Mike's Pick Beverages:   Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Hartley Apple Brandy Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port Flight NEW! Char & Chop Food Items:  Roasted Porchetta with lemon-parsley salsa verde and shaved fennel salad Grilled IMPOSSIBLE Spicy Sausage with herbed polenta, puttanesca sauce & ricotta > Mike's Pick Meat Assorti: Trio of shaved meats with baby arugula, pickled mustard seeds, truffle oil, and grilled ciabatta Beverages:  Krombacher Pilsner North Coast Laguna Baja Vienna Lager Motorworks Brewing Midnight Espresso Coffee Porter GoGi ‘Birdie’ Pinot Noir Bloody Mary with Seaside Grown Bloody Mary Mix and Kurvball Barbecue Whiskey Beer Flight Refreshment OutpostFood Items: Peanut stew with sweet potatoes, mustard greens, and roasted peanuts (Plant-based) DOLE Whip Raspberry Beverages:  Ciderboys Caramel Apple Hard Cider (New)  81Bay Brewing Co. Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Ale (New)  Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Gingerbread White Stout (New)  Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cocktail featuring Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka (New)  Nochebuena Cocina Food Items: Tamale with chorizo, plant-based cotija cheese and spicy red chile sauce (Plant-based)  Pernil: Mojo pork with tostones and ketchup-mayonnaise Spiced Chocolate Cookie (Cookie Stroll Item)  Beverage: Ponche Navideño: Mexican Christmas punch with apples, pears, guava, oranges, dried hibiscus, brown sugar, tamarind, cinnamon sticks, and clove (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) > Mike's Pick 81Bay Brewing Co. Horchata Beer Holiday Hearth Desserts Food Items:  Mint Chocolate Mousse Wreath (New) > Mike's Pick Apple Caramel Crumb Cake (New) Chocolate-covered Toffee Brittle (New) Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie Mouse Crunch made with M&M’S chocolate candies Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie (Cookie Stroll Item)  Beverages: Hot Cocoa by Joffrey's Coffee (Non-alcoholic Beverage) Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate with TWIX cookie bar pieces and whipped cream (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (New) Wicked Weed Brewing Jack Frost IPA (New) BrewDog It’s a Beaut Stout (New) Wicked Weed Brewing Milk & Cookies Imperial Milk Stout Peppermint Cocoa: Hot cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with peppermint schnapps Beer Flight Le Marché de Noël Holiday KitchenFood Items: Crème de Saumon Fumé en Brioche à l’Aneth, Concombre: Cream of smoked salmon in house-made dill brioche bread with cucumber (New) Rôti de Jambon Sauce Moutarde à l’Ancienne, Patate Douce Rôties: Roasted ham with mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, mustard sauce, and roasted sweet potatoes Bûche de Noël au Pain D’Épices, Ganache Chocolat au Lait et Noisettes: Gingerbread Christmas log with milk chocolate and hazelnut ganache (New) > Mike's Pick Beverages: Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka, chocolate milk, whipped cream Le Joyeux de Noël: Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, cold brew coffee, sea salt caramel toffee, and peppermint (New) > Mike's Pick Blood Orange Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine, orange juice, and blood orange (New)  Tuscany Holiday Kitchen Food Items: Montanara: Fried house-made pizza dough with pomodoro sauce, parmesan, and fresh basil (New) > Mike's Pick Farfalle Salmone Affumicato: Farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and cream sauce (New) Torta Caprese: Flourless chocolate torta with chocolate sauce and vanilla cream (New) Dolce Pizza: Fried house-made pizza dough with sugar and cinnamon (New) > Mike's Pick Beverages:   Prosecco Moscato Chianti Italian Sangria (Red or White)  Italian Margarita with tequila and limoncello Peroni Pilsner Shanghai Holiday Kitchen Food Items: Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce Beef and Noodle Soup Bowl with slow-braised beef shank, green onion, and house-made chili oil Vegetable Spring Rolls with citrus sauce Beverages:  Bubble Tea: Classic milk tea with black and white boba pearls Brew Hub Year of the Dragon - Dragon Fruit Lager Butterfly Lantern: butterfly pea blossom gin, vodka, prickly pear, lychee, soda water, boba (New) Kung Fu Master with vodka, triple sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water The Lucky Mo with citrus vodka, peach schnapps, piña colada mix, orange juice, and soda water Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen Food Items: Sushi Tree: Sushi roll with krab meat and cream cheese topped with Aonori seaweed, Ikura salmon roe, and spicy mayonnaise New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat soba noodles in a hot dashi soup with yuzu, shrimp tempura, and chopped green onion Sweet Potato Mochi Cake: Gooey sweet potato mochi cake with purple sweet potato cream, strawberry, black sugary syrup, and sesame seeds (New) Beverages: Ichigo Milk Boba: Cranberry and yuzu cream drink featuring Japanese calpico soft drink and popping strawberry boba pearls (Non-alcoholic Beverage) Japanese Christmas Punch: Shōchū, plum wine, cranberry, and lemon Choya Sparkling Plum Wine (New) Sapporo Premium Beer Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen Food Items: Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Giant tostada with chipotle black bean purée, ground chorizo, salsa verde, queso cotija, crema Mexicana, and pickled onions (New) > Mike's Pick Tamale de Barbacoa: Shredded barbacoa beef in a corn masa topped with mole negro, queso cotija, crema Mexicana, and pickled onions (New) > Mike's Pick Dulce de Leche Churro sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar

The trend continues as guests of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will find a wide range of food and drink options like never before. We share our top picks, plus a sneak peak at the Disney World hotel gingerbread displays, including a brand new one for 2023!Top Picks for Food and Drink at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2023Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2023Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back at Magic Kingdom Park from November 9, 2023 through January 1, 2024. This year there's an all-new lineup of food and drinks to put you in the Christmas holiday spirit. You can't eat them all, so we highlight our top picks for must-try Christmas Party food and drink.Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies Reindeer Chow Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, pretzels, cereal, M&M's, and hot fudge (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)  Lump of Coal in your Stocking: Cookies 'n cream milk shake with whipped cream, cookies 'n cream crumbles, and chocolate doughnut hole (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Casey's CornerCandy Cane Tart: Chocolate tart filled with peppermint ganache and topped with festive merengue (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Cool Ship Magic Holiday Tree: Coconut, pecans, and M&M's on a graham cracker crust (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Holiday Pot Roast Melt: Slow-cooked beef on thick toast with cheddar and provolone cheese and beef gravy (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick Holiday Turkey Burger: Turkey burger topped with traditional stuffing, provolone cheese, and cranberry chutney on a brioche bun (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Christmas Cookie Cake: Christmas cookie cake roll with buttercream and topped with holiday sprinkles (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) The Friar's Nook Holiday Ham Fried Pie: Flaky pastry with baked ham, candied sweet potatoes, and spiced pecans served with pineapple glaze (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick Italian Beef Tots: Tots covered in slow-cooked beef, cheese curds, zesty giardiniera, and pot roast gravy (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Peppermint Snowman: Chocolate brownie topped with cookies 'n cream peppermint mousse (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Winter Milk Shake: Creamy coconut milk shake with whipped cream, toasted coconut, cinnamon, and crisp pearls (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Golden Oak Outpost Orange Gingerbread Shake: Orange cream slushy with gingerbread cookie crumbles and whipped cream, gingerbread spice (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Gingerbread Cake layered with cream cheese frosting and dulce de leche ganache topped with a gingerbread man chocolate piece (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick Main Street Bakery  Minnie-shaped Cinnamon Roll: topped with red icing, holiday sprinkles, and a chocolate bow (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)  Letter To Santa: Flourless chocolate cake, hot cocoa mousse, and marshmallows topped with chocolate pieces (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe Chicken Tamale served "Christmas-style" with mild red chile and green chile-pumpkin seed sauces, cilantro rice, pinto beans, and queso fresco (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Chocolate Eggnog Reindeer: Chocolate tart topped with eggnog mousse and chocolate antlers (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Orange-Cranberry Pineapple Punch with a hint of "smoke" from the fireplace (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Peppermint Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge and candy cane sprinkles served on a brownie (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours) Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Holiday Waffle Sundae: House-made red velvet waffle topped with M&M's, peppermint ice cream, and hot fudge (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Milk and Cookies for Santa: Brown sugar cookie cake with chocolate chip cookie dough mousse, milk mousse, and chocolate chip cookies (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Storybook TreatsSugar Plum Sundae: Sugar plum soft-serve atop sugar cookie crumbs and topped with whipped cream, crisp pearls, and cotton candy (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Sunshine Tree Terrace Santa's Belt Buckle: Pistachio mousse with a dark chocolate truffle center and a chocolate buckle (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) Cranberry Citrus Float with Orange-Vanilla Soft-serve Twist: with Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and fruity boba pearls (Non-alcoholic) (New) (MVMCP and regular park hours)  Outdoor Vending Locations Near Cinderella Castle  Red Velvet Wreath: Doughnut topped with buttercream and holiday sprinkles (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours) Hot Cocoa Churro: Churro rolled in hot cocoa powder and topped with marshmallows and peppermint candy pieces (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)  -- Gingerbread Displays at Walt Disney World 2023 Back for its 24th year is the Disney’s Grand Floridian life-sized Gingerbread House, from November 8, 2023 to January 1, 2024.Grand Floridian Gingerbread Menu Freshly baked Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Gingersnap Cookies House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the cookies n’ cream Christmas Tree, exclusive to this box Plant-based, no sugar added, and gluten-friendly options Yacht Club Resort Gingerbread New this year is the Lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This creation was made from the actual blueprints from the lighthouse located outside the resort along Crescent Lake. Treats sold at the Holiday Pop Up Shop include the new Lighthouse Fudge, which is a nod to this new offering.Beach Club Resort Gingerbread At Disney’s Beach Club Resort the classic Holiday Carousel gingerbread display is back. It been at the resort for 22 years. This year's gingerbread offering is inspired by Ducktales, with the horses themed after Donald Duck and his nephews, Huey, Duey, and Louie. There are 22 hidden Mickeys in the display.Beach Club Gingerbread Menu Signature Stollen Bread Lighthouse Fudge Mickey Snowman Pop Crispy Rice Treat Peppermint Bark Gingerbread Shingle Hot Chocolate Flight Hot Chocolate Disney’s BoardWalk InnAt Disney’s BoardWalk Inn from November 17 to December 27 there's a mini version of favorite spots found on the BoardWalk. BoardWalk Gingerbread Menu Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookies Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie Christmas Tree Pop Peppermint Bark Gingerbread Shingles Gluten/ Wheat-Friendly and Plant-based Gingerbread Shingles Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge  In the Jambo House lobby from November 22 to December 31, the tradition continues with a life-size baby gingerbread giraffe and baby zebra. The giraffe stands nearly 7 feet tall. Here you can buy treats including a Gingeraffe Cookie, Hot Cocoa Flight, and beer, wine, and cocktails.Disney’s Contemporary Resort The Contemporary gingerbread display is back for its 12th year. It is on the fourth floor (same floor as the shops and Chef Mickey's) from November 10 to January 6, 2024. This year’s version is Mary Blair-inspired with a 100th Celebration-themed castle display. It stands over 17 feet tall. If you like to search for Hidden Mickeys, then here be sure to search for the 12 hidden five-legged goats.Contemporary Gingerbread Menu Gingerbread Castle Brick Paint Your Own Cookie Bo Hot Chocolate Caramel Fudge Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Pistachio Linzer Cookie 5-Legged Goat Cookie Gluten/Wheat Friendly Gingerbread Cookie Gingerbread Latte Cupcake Christmas Tree Butter Cookie Frozen Hot Chocolate (Also available with Peppermint Schnapps)  Frozen Apple Cider (Also available with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky floater) Finally, there's one gingerbread display of note at The American Adventure in EPCOT. From November 24 to December 30, this display recreates classic American monuments with gingerbread versions of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, The American Adventure building with Regal Eagle Smokehouse and even a Festival Marketplace. There are six Hidden Mickeys here. --Foodie Guide to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort 2023Disneyland is kicking off its holiday festivities from November 10, 2023 through Januar 7, 2024 and they're not letting Walt Disney World steal the show when it comes to festive food and drinks. The complete Disneyland Christmas Holiday foodie guide, including our top picks from what's new.Disneyland Park  Alien Pizza Planet (Nov. 10 through Jan. 9; mobile order available)Santa Alien Macaron: macaron filled with marshmallow cream and chocolate ganacheBengal Barbecue (Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)  Jingle Julep: Frozen white-hot chocolate, cookie butter drizzle, cocoa-dusted, finished with a pretzel rodBlue Bayou Restaurant (Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)Classic Christmas Chocolate Decadence Tart: Dark chocolate coffee custard with a chocolate cookie crust, and holiday decorations (New)  Galactic Grill (Nov. 10 through Jan. 9; mobile order available)   Hyperdrive Holiday Chicken Sandwich: Fried chicken sandwich with cranberry-orange marmalade BBQ sauce, provolone, onion rings, and arugula on a toasted brioche bun (New) Orange Cranberry Parfait: Orange-cranberry cake with cream cheese icing topped with an orange cream-filled cream puff, dried cranberries, and holiday sprinkles Galactic Holiday Punch: Sprite and pomegranate, cranberry, and orange juices garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds, cranberries, orange slic

Disney After Hours is returning to Walt Disney World in 2024, but is it paid event worth the cost? We share exactly how it works and what you get (and don't get) to help you decide if it's worth the money for you and your family.Disney After Hours Events Return to Walt Disney World Resort in January 2024But Whether They're Worth it for You Depends on One ThingDisney After Hours events coming back to Walt Disney World kicking off on January 10 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, January 11 at Magic Kingdom and February 2 at EPCOT.These separately ticketed events give you three extra park hours to ride rides, visit attractions, meet characters and snack on a few unlimited free treats. Treats usually include popcorn, Mickey ice cream bars or sandwiches and select drinks (non alcoholic) as specific locations in the park.Disney positions Disney After Hours as offering shorter wait times to select attractions and character experiences, but it's important to know that that's not always the case. There may be more dates added in 2024, but currently announced dates and prices are as follows.Disney After Hours Event Dates, Times and Ticket Prices(Ticket Prices in Brackets are Annual Passholder and DVC discount price)Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.  Wednesday, January 10 - $155 ($125)Wednesday, January 24 - $165 ($135)Wednesday, February 21 - $175 ($145)Monday, February 26 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, March 13 - $165 ($135)Wednesday, March 20 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, March 27 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, April 3 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, April 10 - $175 ($145)Magic Kingdom Park: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.Thursday, January 11 - $155 ($125)Monday, January 15 - $165 ($135)Monday, January 22 - $165 ($135)Thursday, February 1 - $165 ($135)Monday, February 5 - $165 ($135)Monday, February 12 - $175 ($145)Thursday, February 29 - $175 ($145)Monday, March 4 - $175 ($145)Monday, March 18 - $175 ($145)Monday, April 8 - $175 ($145)EPCOT: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday, February 2 - $149 ($119)Thursday, February 8 - $149 ($119)Thursday, February 15 - $159 ($129)Thursday, March 7 - $159 ($129)Thursday, March 28 - $159 ($129)Thursday, April 4 - $159 ($129)If you have a ticket for an event, you can enter that park starting at 7:00 p.m. Of special note for the Magic Kingdom: a standby line is planned for TRON during Disney After Hours, meaning there will be no virtual queue (which could have been a time saver, as it was during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party). For an event of only three hours, this is a significant change. Also, the Enchantment night time show will be added to Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom – meaning on event nights, early arrivals will have the opportunity to see both Happily Ever After and Enchantment.How to Buy Tickets for Disney After Hours Events 2024If you have a reservation booked at a Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels or Shades of Green you can buy tickets (one week before the general sale) starting November 7 by calling 407-W-Disney. Tickets can be purchased online by everyone starting November 14.--Newly Updated Disneyland Adventureland Treehouse Opens on November 10, 2023The Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson will open on November 10, 2023 in Disneyland Park. Keep reading for new storyline details from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering and a new piece of artwork coming to the treehouse!Within the updated tree, you'll find the mother’s music den, the sons’ nature room and the daughter’s astronomer’s loft. Located on the ground are the kitchen and dining room, plus the father’s art studio featrues hand-drawn sketches and paintings of each room.As the story goes, the family created an oasis among the trees inspired by nature and using objects found around them. Next to the stairwell is a waterwheel, powered by a nearby brook. The family uses this and a pulley system to get the water they need into their treehouse. This walk-through attraction should be worth exploring when you visit the park and is likely one of the more overlooked attractions generally.--Disney Skyliner is Closing for Maintenance in January 2024January 16-21  The line between Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed. The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed. January 16-27 The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and International Gateway at EPCOT will be closed.Bus transportation will be available at all Skyliner Resorts when the Skyliner is not operational.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main StreetPlease be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Disney Jollywood Nights is one of the most anticipated special events at Walt Disney World in recent memory. It's also rare for a park event to be billed as an adult affair. What to expect from Disney Jollywood Nights, including top picks for food, entertainment and more.Foodie Guide to Brand-New Disney Jollywood NightsDisney Jollywood Nights kicks off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 11 and takes place on 10 nights ending December 20.This all-new holiday party is an adult-oriented festive event for guests to enjoy, including things like the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle in Commissary Lane. This is a street party with Latin holiday tunes, colorful décor, and plenty of food and drink inspired by Latin holiday traditions. That's just one option. Over at The Hollywood Brown Derby, Jazzy Holidays is the restaurant transformed into a smooth jazz club, playing holiday tunes in a room of festive glitzy decor. You can try craft cocktails or pick something from the party menu of light bites while enjoying the music and ambience of 1920s Hollywood at Christmas. Over at the Tower of Terror there's a Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel. A live band will play holiday tunes in jukebox style as you enjoy a fancy cocktail.And pretty much everywhere in Hollywood Studios, you'll find unique festive treats to eat and drink. And there's plenty of brand new Christmas festive Hollywood-style entertainment too. Disney is encouraging everyone to dress to the nines with their holiday best in old-style Hollywood flair.The Complete Guide to Disney Jollywood Night Food and Drink Guide: With Top Picks Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary  Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn: Chicken empanadas served with a side of street corn salad topped with chili peppers, lime, and cotija cheese > Mike's Pick Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried pork belly, yuca, red pickled onions, and chili pepper-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli > Mike's Pick Mushroom Taco: Chili-roasted Mixed mushrooms, avocado crema, baby gem lettuce, and garnished with sliced radish (Plant-based Item) Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with beef consommé dip > Mike's Pick Tembleque: Coconut rice pudding with caramel-rum sauce and cinnamon > Mike's Pick Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Spiced chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie base topped with vanilla whipped cream and cocoa powder with a chocolate handle Mangonada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili pepper-lime sauce and chili pepper-lime seasoning on top (Non-alcoholic) Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, coconut, pineapple, and lime Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange Baseline Taphouse  Tuna Ceviche: Marinated ahi tuna, pico de gallo, and avocado cream topped with cilantro Charcuterie Cup: Manchego, chorizo, serrano ham, pickled vegetables, olives and toasted focaccia bread Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner over Ice Dockside Diner Spicy Pimento-Kimchee Dip topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips > Mike's Pick Roasted Eggplant Dip topped with chives and served with warm pita bread (Plant-based Item)  Poutine Tots: Potato barrels topped with gravy, brisket, mozzarella curds, and chives Christmas Tree Cookie Stack: Vanilla cookie stack filled with pistachio buttercream, cranberry, and raspberry jam topped with sprinkles and a yellow candy star Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”-inspired dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries > Mike's Pick Epic Eats Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled vegetables served on a mini funnel cake > Mike's Pick Brisket Reuben Funnel Cake: Beef brisket and sauerkraut slaw topped with thousand island dressing served on a mini funnel cake S'mores Funnel Cake: Giant roasted marshmallow with chocolate and marshmallow sauce, topped with chocolate curls and cinnamon cereal served on a mini funnel cake Samuel Adams Winter Lager: Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a deep flavor and malty finish Fairfax Fare  Holiday Turkey Popover: Roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy, cranberry chutney, and chives in a house-made popover 'Just the Sides' Popover: Macaroni & cheese and savory collard greens with ham topped with cornbread crumbs in a house-made popover PB&J Doughnut: Glazed doughnut with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly dipped in dark chocolate topped with crushed house-made salt and vinegar chips Kermit's Frozen Banana Bliss: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkle (Non-alcoholic) > Mike's Pick Mistletoe Martini: Tito's Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves > Mike's Pick Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing (Also available with mint soft-serve) Market  Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls with jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles Frozone's Snowball Macaroons: Coconut macaroons drizzled with blue vanilla frosting and topped white snowflake sprinkles Spiced Apple Cider: Apple cider and cinnamon with an apple chip garnish (Non-alcoholic) Zero-Proof Apple Cider: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, apple cider, Angostura Bitters, and cinnamon topped with an apple chip and cinnamon rim In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon PizzeRizzo Meatball and Polenta: Giant meatball with marinara and creamy cheese polenta Olive and Goat Cheese Flatbread: Olive oil-toasted flatbread, creamy goat cheese, rustic olive and tomato spread, balsamic glaze, and lemon watercress Antipasto Flatbread: Fresh mozzarella, salami, peperoni, country ham, olives, peppers, onions, pepperoncini, and marinara Tiramisù Puff: Sweet-and-savory with flavors of espresso, chocolate, and a coffee-infused custard and mascarpone cream Benvolio Pinot Grigio Banfi Chianti Superiore Peroni Nastro Azzuro Lager Draft Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Lager Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club  The 5th Dimension Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, desert pear, agave nectar, and lime juice topped with Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut and garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel Twilight Daiquiri: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, ube, lime juice, and a splash of shimmer Sparkling Pomegranate-Apple Cider: Pomegranate-green tea topped with sparkling apple cider and pomegranate seeds Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut The Trolley Car Café  Ornament Mousse: Dark chocolate-cherry mousseOutdoor Vending Locations Gingerbread Bites (Plant-based Item) Bar Locations  Zero-Proof Gingerbread Spritzer: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, gingerbread syrup, and club soda garnished with a gingerbread bite > Mike's Pick              Sugar Cookie Martini: Stoli Vanil Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, and DISARONNO Originale Liqueur mixed with milk and sugar in a sprinkle-rimmed glass with a sugar cookie garnish Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby  Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar Crispy Duck Drumettes: Spicy orange glaze, carrots, and kumquats Charcuterie: House-made cured meats, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough Shrimp Cocktail: Classic cocktail sauce, citrus pearls, avocado mousse Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby  Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar Crispy Duck Drumettes: Spicy orange glaze, carrots, and kumquats Charcuterie: House-made cured meats and accompaniments, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough Shrimp Cocktail: Classic cocktail sauce, citrus pearls, avocado mousse Derby Slider: Bison and pork belly blend, taleggio cheese sauce, and fig stout jam Tuna Carpaccio: Mezcal pickled vegetables, salsa macha, and avocado crema Pork Belly Bao: Korean BBQ, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette Tofu Bao: Seared tofu, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette An assortment of classic cocktails, zero-proof and non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer To experience the festive fun of Jazzy Holidays at The Holiday Brown Derby, you can request to join the walk-up waitlist on the My Disney Experience app.Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company  Tinseltown Tini: Toast to holiday cheer with this cold brew coffee topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka, a hint of light cream, and a dash of whipped cream with cocoa (Available at the location near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror)  > Mike's Pick Round ‘Em Up Latte: A merry blend of espresso, cookie butter syrup, dulce de leche sauce, and milk topped with fluffy whipped cream, playful animal crackers, and festive sprinkles; available hot or iced (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (Available at the location in Toy Story Land)  It's Not Just All About Eating and Drinking: There's Entertainment Too!Two brand new shows will be part of this brand new party. Disney Holidays in Hollywood at Theater of the Stars is a star-studded variety show in the grand tradition of Tinseltown holiday specials. Special guests include Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Tiana, Belle, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. There will be singers, dancers, live jazz musicians and holiday vignettes.The second show is quite different as “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along.” This one takes place in The Hyperion Theater where Jack Skellington takes us on a different kind of Christmas holiday journey. Sing along to songs from the movie and see what surprises unfold. M

Park Hopping is finally getting back to normal starting in January 2024, but the discrimination against annual passholders continues. Is this a good move by Disney or will a backlash lead to change as the Disney company continues to penalize its most loyal guest.Park Hopping, Park Passes and more in 2024 at Walt Disney WorldStarting on January 9, 2024, if you have Park Hopper on your Disney World park tickets or Annual Pass you will once again be able to park hop whenever you like without waiting until after 2:00 p.m.  On days when theme park reservations are required for Annual Passholders and certain non-dated tickets, Passholders and guests will be able to take advantage of the updates to Park Hopper access after visiting their first park. For example, if a Passholder has a reservation at EPCOT and enters the park at 9 a.m. for a quick ride or two, they can then head to another park right after.What Disney is calling “Good-to-go days” will also begin in January (date TBA). These are days when Annual Passholders can visit a Disney World park without needing a theme park reservation (blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today). The negative is that Disney continues to discriminate against Annual Passholders who are spending money or DVC points to stay onsite at a Disney World hotel. They should be lifting Park Pass booking requirements for anyone who is staying onsite no matter what kind of ticket they have. This is certainly not making things simpler or easier for Disney's most loyal guests.--Disneyland's Downtown Disney is Getting New Food Offerings and MoreParkside Market is a new, curated collection of diverse culinary concepts with four new offerings under one roof. It's all part of the expansion on the west end of Downtown Disney. Seoul Sister is a fast-casual eatery serving Korean food based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks. Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. and soon you can enjoy their signature lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.GG’s Chicken Shop was founded by James Beard Award winners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen who will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic sides. The Downtown Disney location will be their first on the West Coast.second story bar will be an al fresco spot featuring signature craft cocktails and mocktails using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free drinks.Also coming to Downtown Disney's west end is a new stage and lawn for special events, activities, musical entertainment and more. Future plans will also bring Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gayta at Paseo and Centrico. California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries to come from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. --Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main StreetPlease be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

If you plan to attend the EPCOT Candlelight Processional in 2023 (and you should), you’re in for a treat as Disney has put together one of the best line-ups in recent memory.Who's New and Who's Back for Christmas 2023 The EPCOT Candlelight Processional is a must-see retelling of the Christmas story featuring a celebrity narrator, a huge choir and a 50-piece orchestra. It also has herald trumpeters and the Voices of Liberty vocalists. For 2023, there are nine new celebrity narrators -- one of the most impressive line-ups in years.2023 EPCOT Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators: Chrissy Metz (NEW): November 24-25 Luis Fonsi (NEW): November 26-27 Ann-Margret (NEW): November 28-29 Simu Liu: November 30-December 2 John Stamos: December 3-5 Neil Patrick Harris: December 6-8 Marlee Matlin: December 9-11 Brendan Fraser (NEW): December 12-14 Eva Longoria (NEW): December 15-16 Joey McIntyre (NEW): December 17-18 Sterling K. Brown (NEW): December 19-20 Jordan Fisher (NEW): December 21-23 Steven Curtis Chapman: December 24-26 Audra McDonald (NEW): December 27-28 Lisa Ling: December 29-30 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Open October 17Booking a dining package is one way to guarantee a seat for the show, but you'll still have to line up well over an hour before showtime if you want a great seat. Choose from seven EPCOT restaurants for the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, including:  Akershus,  Biergarten,  Coral Reef,  Garden Grill,  Le Cellier,  Rose & Crown and  Spice Road Table.  Walk-up dining package are also available day of the show at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, but they are very limited and tend to sell out quickly.If you plan to buy a dining package, there are a few important things that you need to know. We share our best tips in this week’s episode to save you a few unexpected surprises.Santa is Back at the Odyssey PavilionSanta Claus will once again greet guests at the Odyssey pavilion from November 24 through December 24. Holiday Kitchens and the Cookie Stroll are also BackOver 15 Holiday Kitchens will tempt you with dishes that celebrate global holiday cheer. The Holiday Cookie Stroll is back. Buy five cookies from any of the cookie stroll locations and get the matching stamp in your festival passport. Once you have five stamps, bring the stamped passport to the Holiday Sweet & Treats Holiday Kitchen and get a free cookie. The stroll runs through December 30.Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger HuntThe Olaf Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to explore World Showcase. Buy your map and stickers from a festival merchandise kiosk and discover the “tradition” that Olaf found in each pavilion. Whether or not you complete the quest, you can redeem your map at Creations Shop, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special holiday keepsake (valid until December 30). Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Another pre-pandemic offering that many thought was gone forever has come back to Walt Disney World. But there is one glaring thing still missing, leaving us wondering if and when this beloved experience will ever return. Bay Lake Resort Boats are Back (but there's a catch) Some people thought they'd never come back, but we had faith and believed in what Cast Members were telling us.  As of this week, you can once again travel across Bay Lake between Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground on the classic original blue flag boat route.  The blue flat route began operating once again on October 1, but there's a bit of a catch. Here's what you need to know: the blue flag boats will only be available to ride beginning at 3:00 p.m. daily. --The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are Now OpenDisney Vacation Club has officially opened its 16th property, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. This is the fourth tower at the popular hotel.Each tower at the Disneyland Hotel has a unique name and the new Disney Vacation Club tower is named Discovery (the others are Fantasy, Adventure and Frontier).There are 344 themed rooms in the 12-floor tower, celebrating the creativity and magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios stories.In addition to the new Palette Pool, the Palm Breeze Bar will open later this year poolside.In a bit of a twist compared to pools at some other DVC resorts (like Bay Lake Tower), all Disneyland Hotel guests will be able to enjoy this new area, as well as the other two pool areas and water slides at Disneyland Hotel.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Details are a little fuzzy, but one thing is clear: if Disney doesn't get the guest experience right in all this talk about big expansion plans they risk alienating their existing core group and the 700 million new guests they're targeting.Disney's Global Parks Expansion Plans Sound Great, But Details are Lacking and there are some Risks In the last episode, we discussed the potential future developments for Disneyland and, as if on cue, Bob Iger and Disney executives shared a little more this week about the Disney Company's future park investments around the globe. Here's what we know and what it may mean for you, the Disney traveler.The Disney Company is working on plans to increase the timing and investments in Parks, Experiences and Products globally. They plan to almost double the spend over the next 10 years to roughly $60 billion, including both American and international parks and Disney Cruise Line (not to mention DVC).Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro met with Wall Street analysts and investors at Disney World to discuss how they plan to invest in experiences that leverage the ever-growing library of Disney stories.Which Disney Stories Will Come to Life?Not unlike Destination D23, this presentation was a lot of talking with little detail. Disney does plan to fuel future growth with stories that haven't had a significant presence in parks. We know that Frozen-themed lands are coming to Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort, and that a Zootopia-themed land is coming to Shanghai Disney Resort. But Disney specifically stated it will explore even more characters and franchises, including some they've never done before.“We have a wealth of untapped stories to bring to life across our business,” said D’Amaro. “Frozen, one of the most successful and popular animated franchises of all time, could have a presence at the Disneyland Resort. Wakanda has yet to be brought to life. The world of Coco is just waiting to be explored. There’s a lot of storytelling opportunity.”No Shortage of Park Space for Disney to BuildIn a shot likely aimed at Universal, Josh D'Amaro said “We stand alone when it comes to scale and while our scale is impressive, we have no shortage of space or regions of the world in which to tell new stories.”Disney Parks has over 1,000 acres of land for possible future development to expand theme park space across its existing sites – the equivalent of about seven new Disneyland Parks.Focusing on Converting Disney Fans into Disney TravelersFor every park visitor today there are 10 other Disney consumers who've never visited a park. So DIsney has a plan to convert those 700 million Disney fans to become park guests. That's a lot of people in Disney Parks.This sounds great if you're a Disney exec, but could prove to be a nightmare for Disney travelers who sometimes have to navigate parks that are already over crowded. How they do this is critical.“Ultimately what is most important to us is the relationship that we have with every guest,” said D’Amaro. “Guests can spend a day with us at our Parks, a week with us on a Cruise, or the rest of their lives with us through Disney Vacation Club membership.”What Disney needs to consider is that every guest includes existing loyal Disney travelers. It will be a balancing act to bring in that many more new visitors, without disrupting the experience for everyone (and that includes convoluted tech processes for just about everything).Having enough hotel space is critical to making this vision work. While they did not mention hotels, they did talk about Disney Vacation Club (DVC). The DVC expansion strategy is currently to have a thousand new "keys" (aka DVC rooms) coming on board by the end of 2024. That's a lot of new DVC members.  340 DVC rooms came online with the opening of DVC Disneyland Hotel in September and  there will be approximately 360 Fort Wilderness cabins opening in 2024,  plus approximately 270 new Polynesian Villas also in 2024. Having every possible guest become a DVC member is clearly a "key" strategy for Disney.So what does that mean for the future of Disney travel and the management of crowd levels and an overall enjoyable experience? Only time will tell. For now let's focus on the positive fact that somehow somewhere, there will be a new park or parks at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Is a Third Park featuring Arendelle, Zootopia or Corona Coming to Disneyland, California? With all the Blue Sky discussion about the potential new lands at Walt Disney World, Disneyland has been quietly moving ahead with plans to add a third park to Disneyland Resort. As reported by several California media outlets recently, the much-discussed major expansion for Disneyland seems to be one step closer to reality. The city of Anaheim released a major 17,000-page environmental assessment report for the Disneyland Forward project, and while there are a number of issues noted, all signs point to this project moving forward. Exactly when this might happen isn't clear just yet, but talks of the Peoplemover and Skyway making return appearances are part of the discussion. The land would be built on what is currently a parking lot east of Disneyland, along with surrounding areas. It would also including walking bridges over Harbor Boulevard and Disneyland Drive, to allow guest to move around easier. -- Disneyland Park Just Upped its Game When it Comes to Park Food River Belle Terrace, Cafe Orleans, and Carnation Café are all serving up new dishes, as well as some non-alcoholic and alcoholic specialty drinks.  River Belle Terrace Located near Tarzan's Treehouse in the heart of Frontierland, River Belle Terrace has great riverfront views and features Southern-inspired cuisine. Here's what's new for food and drinkFood Items:  Warm Bacon & Spinach Salad: Bacon vinaigrette, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and cheese curds (New) (brunch only) American Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, apple wood smoked bacon, breakfast sausage, house fries, and a biscuit (New) (brunch only) Signature Pancakes: Pumpkin-spiced pancakes for the fall season (New) (brunch only) Roasted Summer Squash: Heirloom tomato sauce, heritage grains succotash, greens, and tofu (New) (brunch and dinner) Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Chicken, carrots, celery, and onion (New) (dinner only) Pork Chop: Buttery mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and bourbon-apple sauce (New) (dinner only)  Blackened Sustainable Fish with tartar sauce and pickled vegetables served with house fries (New) (dinner only)  BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends Pasta: Pappardelle pasta, caramelized onions, and wild mushroom (New) (dinner only)  Chocolate Chip Cookie (New) (Available for dinner only) Plant-based Ice Cream (New) (Seasonal topping available on request) (dinner only)  Drinks:  Mississippi Mud Pie: Sprite, chocolate fudge syrup, and cream topped with whipped cream and crumbled chocolate cream cookies (Non-alcoholic) (New)  Wildberry Mule: Tito's Handmade Vodka, blackberry purée, lime, and ginger syrup and blackberries (New)  Nielson Wines Chardonnay (New) Meiomi Wines Pinot Noir (New) Modelo Especial Mexican Lager (New) Smog City Brewing’s Sabre-Toothed Squirrel Hoppy American Amber Ale (New) Cafe Orleans in New Orleans SquareWith French Quarter flair. Cafe Orleans has long been a Disneyland favorite. Here's what new on the drinks menu.Drinks:  Bayou Punch: Minute Maid Lemonade Zero Sugar, orange juice, strawberry purée, blueberry syrup, and an alligator-shaped gummy (Non-alcoholic) (New)  House Hurricane: Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur, Bacardi Superior Rum, orange juice, strawberry purée, sweet and sour mix, simple syrup, and orange garnish (New)  McBride Sisters Chardonnay (New) Mirassou Wines Pinot Noir (New) Karl Strauss Brewing Company Follow the Sun Blonde Ale (New) Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Hazy Little Thing IPA (New) Carnation Café An American comfort food spot on Main Street, U.S.A., Here's what you'll now find at Carnation Café. Food Items:  Veggie Skillet: Three-cheese eggs, breakfast potatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and spinach topped with cheese and fresh tomato garnish (New) (until November 9)  Walt's Chili-Cheese Omelet: Cheese omelet topped with chili, cheese, and chives served with breakfast potatoes (New) (until November 9, breakfast only) Brownie with Chocolate Sauce (Plant-based)  Drinks:  Orange Creamsicle: Sprite, candied orange syrup and cream topped with a candied orange slice (Non-alcoholic) (New)  Lavender Mimosa: Chandon California Sparkling Wine and lavender syrup (New) (breakfast only) Orange Juice Mimosa: Chandon California Sparkling Wine and orange juice (New) (breakfast only) Bloody Mary: Tito's Homemade Vodka and Cutwater Bloody Mary Mix with a bacon and celery garnish (New) (breakfast only) Peach Pie Margarita: Patron Tequila Silver, peach purée, sweet and sour mix, lime juice, and lime garnish (New)  Chandon California Sparkling Wine (New) (breakfast only) Fess Parker Winery Chardonnay (New) Silver Palm Wines Cabernet Sauvignon (New) Michelob ULTRA Light Lager (New) Golden Road Brewing Ride On 10 Hop Hazy IPA (New) Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

There's a lot of hype following the big announcements at this year's Destination D23 Event at Walt Disney World. But what many have missed is that several things have changed since last year's big announcements. So what's real, what can be trusted and what's as clear as mud for the future of Walt Disney World?The Big News for Disney Parks from Destination D23 We learned as much from what was said as we did from what was not said. What's Coming to Disney's Magic Kingdom Park Hatbox Ghost will be back at the Haunted Mansion in November, but not in the way you may think. He will appear "wherever and whenever he pleases," implying that you may or may not see him on the ride and likely not in the same place each time. Country Bear Jamboree is changing, this time significantly. An all-new show is coming, complete with a whole new act and new songs. The new show will be modeled after the musical revues of Nashville, featuring some of your favorite country bears singing popular Disney hits in a variety of country music styles, including pop country, bluegrass, rockabilly and more. Disney offered a sneak peak by showing the recording session for Bear Necessities, which will be in the new show. Pirates of the Caribbean is getting new ambiance with the addition of a new tavern near the ride. Remember the Barker Bird who used to chat will guests at the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean? He will be back and living at the new tavern, chatting it up with guests. Big questions are will this be a reimagining of Tortuga Tavern and will they be selling alcohol? What's Coming to EPCOT We know that Moana's Journey of Water is opening on October 16 (including a new location for the Moana meet and greet), but we now know that all of World Celebration will open in December. Yes, the walls are finally coming down.  Bigger news is that Test Track will be undergoing another complete overhaul and update (still with Chevrolet). No dates as to when it will close and for how long, but it is time for a refresh so this is welcome news. Disney promises the new Test Track will include the best elements from the original version along with new updates that point to a future world for vehicles. World Showcase Lagoon will be getting a new nighttime show entitled Luminous: The Symphony of Us. It will debut on December 5. What Will the Future Hold for Walt Disney World Parks? It got interesting here as they teased new information, but in some cases said less than they said last year. Here's what we know. Beyond Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom still appears to be happening, but they did not mention villains or anything else specifically. It still sounds like a new land with significant size and scale and it will include attractions, restaurants, shows and more. They did say that Dinoland at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park will be reimagined into a new land themed as the tropical Americas (geographically the space between North and South America). This land will land be Encanto themed, which removes Encanto from Beyond Big Thunder, as was hinted at last year. So Encanto Moves from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom. Plus, an Indiana Jones area is likely coming to Animal Kingdom, potentially where Rafiki's Planet Watch is currently located.  Finally, It's Tough to be a Bug in the Tree of Life is being reimagined as a Zootopia themed attraction/show. Disney Cruise Line The seventh ship will be called the Disney Adventure. The new island stop in the Bahamas on Eleuthera will be called Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

There are big changes coming to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. What will be new and what will stay the same? More importantly, what impact with this construction have for your upcoming Disney vacation? Is the Disneyland Haunted Mansion following the Lead of the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion?Starting in early 2024, several additions will be built that add to the story of the classic original Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park.Exactly what this means in terms of ride closure isn't yet clear, but we do know that most the changes appear to be outside of the ride track itself. Here's what we know right now: changes will include an expanded outdoor queue that is intended to further immerse your wait time with enhanced theming. This is something that the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World implemented many years ago. Attention Disney Shoppers: a new Haunted Mansion shop will be added next to the exit area, where currently there are merch carts. Once again, this follows the addition of Memento Mori at Walt Disney World, which was re-imagined from the Yankee Trader shop that was there before. Also, the eerie and stately grounds surrounding the Haunted Mansion will be expanded with a "spirited metamorphosis" to bring the immersive theme to the outdoor space surround the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. In true Disney style, there is the backstory to the Disneyland Haunted Mansion. Local legend suggests that the manor known today as the Haunted Mansion was first built by a prosperous sea captain. To this day, mansion staff faithfully maintains the happy haunting grounds. While this story hasn't been leveraged much so far, the new expanded queue for the Haunted Mansion will tie into these stories, including new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota and the one-eyed cat.Each of the new gardens will feature unique elements ranging from a water fountain and a gazebo to themed statues and landscaping. You'll even see a new greenhouse where the Haunted Mansion groundskeepers grow their plants. The pet cemetery and horse-drawn funeral hearse will continue to reside on the attraction’s grounds.Since Madame Leota has always been a Haunted Mansion favorite, Disney plans to expand her presence outside the walls of the Haunted Mansion. This carriage house of the mansion, which belongs to Madame Leota, will become the new standalone shop.Timing for these enhancements has a lot to do with what's happening next door in New Orleans Square with the Tiana updates. So a transitional space will be added in the form of an park setting with spots to relax and enjoy the ambiance of live entertainment under the shade of new and existing trees.Finally, Disney is taking the opportunity to improve accessibility in these areas during the construction, including a new elevator exit from the Haunted Mansion for guests with disabilities.Disney promises to share more information in the coming months, with a hint that the objects found in Leota’s garden will be inspired by her incantation. This sounds very similar to how you can interact with many of the items in the queue of the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion. We love the murder mystery hidden among the busts in the Haunted Mansion line at the Magic Kingdom. So, can we expect Disney Imagineers to add a similar unique mystery at Disneyland? Only time will tell.--Survey Results: Are Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs less Desirable without Stormalong Bay?In a survey of 1923 Main Street Disney Travel Podcast listeners following our last episode, the overwhelming majority of respondents said they would not choose to stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.71.4 % said no, they would not stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.28.6% said yes, they would still stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Stormalong Bay is a big reason why many guests choose Disney's Beach Club Resort or Yacht Club Resort. So when the iconic pools is closed for nearly half a year, would you still choose to stay there? This story plus what's on the menu at Tiana's new Disneyland Restaurant.Would You Stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort if Stormalong Bay Weren't Available? A Walt Disney World Pool Closure Alert that's Going to HurtStormalong Bay is closing. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for maintenance. During this time, the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools will be available, so it won't be a total pool shutdown. However, with the start attraction of the resort closed will this -- and should this -- affect your plans to stay at the resort?--We Now Know the Menu at Tiana’s Palace, Disneyland Park: Is it worth trying?The grand opening of Tiana’s Palace over at Disneyland Park is on September 7 and will bring a taste of New Orleans to the park. Located on Orleans Street, Disney is confident this will become an instant hotspot. Let's take a look at the menu to see if we agree.Gumbo-lovers will have a couple different options to try. The 7 Greens Gumbo is a plant-based option featuring white beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice. Or you can make it the 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage. There's also the House Gumbo which is a New Orleans staple combining braised chicken, andouille sausage, and heirloom rice into a dish we are curious to try.If you like a little extra spice, the Cajun Spice Half Chicken is one to try. The chicken is brushed with a house-made chicory BBQ sauce and served with baked macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.For sandwiches, there's the Muffuletta Sandwich has mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone and house-made olive relish on toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread. The Beef Po-boy Sandwich has slow-cooked beef coated with gravy and fully dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise atop a toasted New Orleans French bread. Both are served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles.  Gulf Shrimp and Grits are on the menu as well. Grilled and tossed in a Creole sauce, the shrimp are paired with cheesy grits to form a classic dish that is famous in New Orleans. Side dishes include Buttermilk Cornbread, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Red Beans & Heirloom Rice, Coleslaw, Cheesy Grits and plant-based Heirloom Rice. Kids meals include a Roasted Chicken Drumstick served with a sweet BBQ sauce and heirloom rice, while the Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich is topped with ham and provolone. A classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is on the menu as well. All three come with a Cuties Mandarin Orange and applesauce with choice of DASANI Water or small lowfat milk. And finally, yes, there is a House-filled Beignet featuring a lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze for the perfect bite. For coffee lovers, the Joffrey's Coffee Chicory Cold Brew is topped with sweet cream and there's a Ray Firefly Glow Cube* available with the purchase of a beverage in case you want to light it up. This add-on is a nod to the way Evangeline lights up the night sky.Finally, on the merchandise front you can to take home a piece of Tiana’s Palace with the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set (and it even comes with a House-filled Beignet).*There's a limit of 10 ice cubes per person, per transaction for the Ray Firefly Glow Cube. **There's a limit of two sets per person, per transaction for the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Is the Grand Floridian Orchestra returning to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort? This story plus tips for the Tron Virtual Queue, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and our take on the new DVC building at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.Trip Report: Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort Every August we do a split-stay Disney trip with three nights Disney's Vero Beach Resort (this year in an oceanfront studio villa) and four nights at Walt Disney World (this year in a two-bedroom Villa at the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort). We had 100% success with room requests on this trip and we share our approach for how to get the exact room you want any Disney hotel. Trams were still not running in every parking lot at Walt Disney World parks, but the good news is that they're coming back to all parks in September 2023. In this episode, we share our views on the new Disney Vacation Club tower at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Hear our take on whether this one is a hit or miss for Disney Imagineering. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2023 We have lots of news to share from this year's Halloween party in the Magic Kingdom. Topics we cover in this episode include: ·      The issues with new queuing system to enter Mickey's Not So Scary Holloween Party (and how to avoid them)·      What's different with how they're handing out candy at trick or treat stations (and whether it's good for you as a guest)·      What ride wait times were like during the party (and how to maximize your time)·      And what is still one of the best tips we can offer for anyone attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. General Tips and Experiences Don't believe that narrative that Disney World parks are empty. It's not true and we share our first-hand experiences to back it up. Plus, we cover our experiences and tips for Disney's digital bus sign times and one great way for how to use Disney Gift Cards to really optimize your Walt Disney World vacation. Restaurant Reviews On this trip, we tried the new Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian and the Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Hear our take on both of these Disney restaurants and whether we recommend them How the Tron Virtual Queue Really Works  We tested the virtual queue system for Tron on a regular park day and during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. We share how it worked and when we actually got to ride Tron (so you can plan your day around how long it really takes) News from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Is the Grand Floridian Orchestra coming back to the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort?  Hear what we learned about this and whether or not the Grand 1 Yacht will be back.  We spoke to a Grand Floridian front desk Cast Member to see what they had to say. And finally, the Grand Floridian lobby aroma has changed. Find out what is smells like now.Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

The New Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Photo Ops for 2023Where to find them and where to find some Returning Favorites as WellMickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is now scaring things up at Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney PhotoPass photographers have some brand new spooky shots and spots taking place during the event.New photos include Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, the Lonesome Ghosts, Maleficent and more. Plus many of your favorite Magic Shots are also back this year, including the Headless Horseman and Oogie Boogie. Where to Find Disney Photo Ops during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Multiple locations (Evil Queen's hand and a poison apple) NEW! At the entrance to the park and on Main Street, U.S.A.   (TinkerBell in your hand and Halloween Mickey balloons, Donald's nephews in costume, lonesome ghosts)  NEW! Town Square near the flag pole (holding a Mickey shaped pumpkin) Select spots in front of and near Cinderella Castle (fire pumpkin) Near the gardens in front of Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant (pumpkin patch)  NEW! Liberty Square near the Hall of Presidents (hitchhiking ghosts, headless horseman) In front of the Haunted Mansion (holding a lantern) At the castle walls near Pinocchio Village Haus (Maleficent dragon) Near the main entrance to Storybook Circus (fun photos, not scary) Near the Purple Wall (just past Tomorrowland Terrace)(scary cartoon monsters in costume) and at many of the party character greetings Some of the coolest Disney photo opportunities with the spookiest ambiance are those that you get in black and white. The best BxW shots are on Main Street: Walt Disney's classic dancing skeletons and a very spooky misty ambiance mood shot with bats and large moon. This one would make the perfect portrait. Favorite shots: bubbling cauldron (near the gardens by Casey's Corner and The Plaza Restaurant) Favorites New shots: fall TinkerBell in your hand at the park entrance (past the train station)Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Disney Vacation Planning Just Got a Little EasierMaybe it should have been there from the very start, but after years of having to jump through hoops with Disney World and Disneyland vacation planning, Disney is finally implementing a change that will make trip planning a little easier for guests. This story, plus Disney Aulani news and a Christmas 2023 Disneyland update.The Big Changes for How You Can Book Your Advanced Dining at Disneyland and Walt Disney WorldAfter many years of frustration that caused guests to jump through hoops and juggle plans around Disney dining, Disney if finally making it much more efficient to book dining reservations. The new updates include: The Ability to See and Pick from All Available Reservation Slots (not just three): We shouldn't be so excited for something that should have been there all along, but now all available dining reservation slots will show up for your selected dining location and timeframe on the Disneyland website/Disneyland app and on the Walt Disney World website/My Disney Experience app.  Reservation Slots Sorted by Meal Period: Reservation availability will be sorted by meal period so you can see which menu is being served during the time of your reservation. This is most important around the transition time periods, for example if you're booking 4:00 p.m. you'll see if they're still serving lunch or starting on the dinner menu. These updates will roll out in phases across the website and iOS and Android platforms.--Disney Aulani Refurbishment Update: Ka Maka Pool and GrottoIf you're heading to Disney Aulani Hawaii this October, this is important news. The Ka Maka Pool and Grotto, including Ka Maka whirlpool spa, will be closed from October 9 - 28, 2023 for refurbishment. This is a showpiece pool so it will be missed by guests visiting at this time.Resort pools and water features that will be open include the Waikolohe Pool and Stream, the two water slides, multiple whirlpool spas, Keiki Cove splash zone, and the Wailana Pool. --2023 Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Dates and Details RevealedThe Holidays dates for Disneyland Resort this year will be November 10, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Here is what's happening including the celebrations, décor, entertainment and more for this year's Christmas and holiday season.Cultural Celebrations in Disney California Adventure Park with Disney Festival of HolidaysThe Disney Festival of Holidays draws inspiration from a wide range of global holiday celebrations, including Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Enjoy new treats and returning favorite food and beverage items at the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces and get into the spirit of it all with music and dance performances at the Palisades Stage, Sonoma Terrace and for the first time, in the Hollywood Backlot. Plus, you can dance along as Disney and Pixar characters march to the beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers in “Mickey’s Happy Holidays.”The Sip and Savor Pass is back and offers eight entitlement tabs that can be redeemed for select food and non-alcoholic beverages from several marketplaces and participating dining locations in Disney California Adventure. Each Sip and Savor Pass is valid for the entire of Disney Festival of Holidays and can be shared among friends and family, so your whole group can sample dishes together this season.Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is back at the Paradise Gardens Park for its 10th season. This year, you can taste your way through an all-new menu at Paradise Garden Grill. The Three Caballeros will host a joyous street party, featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday best. Additional festivities in this area will include live music and dancing, visits with more Disney characters and special appearances by Mirabel from Encanto. Festive Décor and Attractions Across Disneyland ResortAnchored by Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, adorned with icicles and snow-capped turrets as a must see, also be sure to visit the oversize gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you like Christmas trees with uniquely themed ornaments, there will be plenty to see in both parks, Downtown Disney District, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disneyland Hotel. And since it's the Christmas holiday season, you may just see a little Disney magic “snow” falling nightly in select areas of Disneyland park.And that's not all: ornaments, lights and more will also embellish favorite attractions that get a special holiday overlay. In Disneyland, you'll be serenaded with choruses of jolly tunes on the wintry waterway of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and Jack Skellington redecorates the Haunted Mansion as usual, transforming it into the frightfully festive Haunted Mansion Holiday -- this year with a new haunted gingerbread house. In Disney California Adventure, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, both offer up seasonal spins for the “haul-idays.”Delight in Seasonal Spectaculars and Holiday EntertainmentFor festive photos, watch for Mickey Mouse and friends with all-new holiday outfits in Disneyland park, putting a spin on the classic red and green with midcentury modern-inspired looks. Plus, Santa Claus will be there too and available to pose for jolly photos around Disneyland Resort through December 24.For merry entertainment, Disneyland Park offers “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” starring characters from Frozen, Toy Story and more. In the evening, watch for the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular, which will light up the night sky with fireworks and sprinklings of snow. At Disney California Adventure, World of Color – Season of Light will fill Paradise Bay with the holiday spirit as hundreds of fountains illustrate warm moments from Disney animated films.Downtown Disney isn't just for holiday shopping, you can also groove to a variety of seasonal live musical performances on select evenings at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will also have live entertainment on select nights.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

Heading to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in 2023? If yes, you're in luck as this promises the best year ever when it comes to specialty foods. Our complete guide on what to try, plus our take on the recently reopened Trail's End and Crockett's Tavern at Fort Wilderness.The Must Eat Items at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party This is one of the best years ever for foodies at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween PartyFor 2023 Disney culinary has created 30 specialty treats and 27 of them are brand new this year! Here is the full menu and our top picks for what you must try.Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) Apple Fritter Milk Shake: Salted caramel milk shake topped with green apple whipped cream and an apple fritter (Non-alcoholic) (New) Cheshire Café  MMMummy Treat: Flaky pastry filled with chocolate-hazelnut filling and topped with white icing stripes and sugar eyes (New) (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)  > Mike's Pick Queen of Hearts Slushy: Frozen cherry slushy drizzled with black cherry purée and topped with whipped cream and a crown-shaped chocolate piece (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Regular park hours and the Party) Witches Cold Brew: French Vanilla Joffrey's Coffee Cold Brew topped with pumpkin-spiced foam and Halloween sprinkles (Non-alcoholic) (Regular park hours and the Party) Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only) Terrifyin' Twice-Spiced Chicken Sandwich: Spicy fried chicken breast dipped in hot honey and topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño poppers, and bacon (New)  > Mike's Pick > Amelia's Pick The Snarling Sub: Meatball sub with spicy marinara, pesto and pearl mozzarella "teeth" served on a black roll (new)  Zombie Fingers: Almond cookie fingers, Key lime pie white chocolate ganache, salted caramel crisp pearls, and sugar eyes (New)  > Mike's Pick River Styx Elixir: Kiwi lemonade with luster dust (Non-alcoholic) (New) The Friar’s Nook (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only) Pain and Panic Brat: Bratwurst, sweet and spicy onion relish, and sriracha mustard (New)  Pain and Panic Loaded Tots: Tots topped with sweet and spicy onion relish, sriracha mustard, and crumbled bratwurst (New)  Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie with spicy ranch drizzle and blue cheese powder (New) Golden Oak Outpost Tombstone Tart: Flaky pastry filled with strawberry-jalapeño jam and topped with sprinkles and sugar spiders (New) (Available regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) Loaded Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with marshmallow cream, butterscotch chips, and toffee pieces (New) (Available during Party only) > Amelia's Pick Liberty Square Market (Available regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)Black Velvet Whoopie Pie: with buttercream and sprinkles topped with a sugar spider (New)  Main Street Bakery Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll: Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll topped with orange frosting and sprinkles (Available regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)  > Amelia's Pick Minnie-shaped Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin coffee mousse topped with a white chocolate candy corn bow (New) (Available during the Party only)  > Amelia's Pick Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only) Cajun Burger: Cajun-spiced all-beef patty topped with fried green tomato, Cajun Andouille dip, and Creole remoulade served on a black bun (New)  > Mike's Pick Bucket of Bones: Bone-in piggy wings fried with fresh jalapeños tossed in Coca-Cola Cherry barbecue sauce (New)  > Mike's Pick Candy Corn Milk Shake: Sweet corn soft-serve topped with whipped cream and sweet potato corn bread nuggets (Non-alcoholic) (New)  Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) Apple Fritter Sundae: Apple fritters topped with choice of ice cream, whipped cream, and sprinkles (New)  > Amelia's Pick Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich: Cookies topped with sprinkles with choice of ice cream Sleepy Hollow (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only) Char Siu Chicken Wings: Whole chicken wings glazed in char siu, topped with chili threads and garlic (New)  Headless Horseman Cupcake: Yellow cupcake topped with cream cheese buttercream, spicy cheese-flavored snacks, and a chocolate piece (New)  Cinnamon Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with pumpkin ice cream, drizzled with pumpkin spiced caramel, and topped with butterscotch chips (New)  Storybook Treats (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Hades Cone: DOLE Whip mango and habanero soft-serve topped with blue raspberry shell and chili-lime seasoning (New)  > Mike's Pick Sunshine Tree Terrace (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)Tropical Graveyard: Mango mousse and sour tropical gelatin topped with cookie crumbles, gummy worm, sprinkles, and a tombstone chocolate piece (New) Churro Cart near Cinderella Castle  Not-So-Poison Apple Churro: Churro rolled in green apple sugar, topped with SNICKERS bar pieces, and drizzled with caramel sauce (New) (Available during regular park hours and the Party)  > Amelia's Pick Jack Pop: Chocolate fudge brownie with marshmallow filling and topped with a Jack chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only) Sally Pop: Yellow pop with raspberry filling topped with a Sally chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only) Outdoor Vending Cart near The Haunted Mansion (Available during Halloween Party only)Skull Brownie: Mexican-spiced chocolate brownie, dulce de leche filling and sugar eyes (New)  -- Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern Have Reopened at Fort Wilderness and We are Pleased with the ResultTrail’s End at Fort Wilderness is now open as a quick-service restaurant that, at first look, appears to be a better update than many were expecting.The marketplace concept now includes an on-stage pizza station where you can satisfy your appetite with a slice or the entire pie (remember those make your own pizza days back in the day?). New pizza options include a smokehouse-style pizza topped with house-smoked brisket, sausage, and pepperoni and a roasted vegetable pie. The classic pepperoni and cheese pizzas are still available.The Hot Grab and Go section features pecan-smoked whole chicken or brisket, and a rack of pork ribs. Fort Wilderness' iconic fried chicken is still on the menu as well. Sides are available by the pound including macaroni & cheese, plant-based cowboy beans, and mashed potatoes.Other offerings include cheeseburgers, plant-based vegetable burgers, chicken nuggets, and french fries. Homestyle Meals feature cornbread, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes with gravy and your choice of half a slab of barbecued ribs or two pieces of fried chicken. Rounding it all out is hand-scooped ice cream and specialty coffees, like the Wilderness Latte of chocolate and hazelnut.Light fresh offerings to grab and go include a new Chicken Wrap featuring a new house-made blueberry BBQ sauce or the returning favorite Pioneer Berry Salad.On the sweet side, new items and returning favorites are house-made. The pastry team dusted off old favorite recipes from years past like the Banana Pudding, Carrot Cake Cupcake, Blueberry Bread Pudding, and the popular Strawberry Shortcake from Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which will be available in a single serve portion. The plant-based Lemon-Blueberry Trifle is filled with layers of lemon curd, fresh blueberries, and whipped 'cream.'Also new, the pastry team has brand-new recipes like the Fort Fruity Cookie featuring fruity cereal and white chocolate chips or the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake. There are also two sweets inspired by the classic campfire favorite: a S'more Cupcake and a S'mores Cookie.Crockett’s Tavern has also been refreshed as a lounge with expanded seating, both indoors and out. Here you'll find elevated lounge-style snacks to accompany the new and returning beverages and specialty cocktails.This new menu pays tribute to the heritage of Fort Wilderness and takes "its inspiration from the American frontier." The menu has A Trio of Sliders (a pulled pork slider with BBQ sauce and coleslaw, a brisket slider with Carolina BBQ and pickled onions, and a buffalo chicken slider with house-made blue cheese dressing and dill pickles) and is served with seasoned french fries.For the new Chicken Bites you can pick a favorite sauce including buffalo, garlic-parmesan, or blueberry BBQ. These bites are served with celery, house-made ranch, blue cheese, and seasoned french fries. The Charcuterie Board option has a selection of meats and cheeses with house-made bread and butter pickles, tomato jam, cornbread crostini, and sesame lavash.New plant-based offerings include Crispy Cauliflower paired with a tasty garlic aïoli. This fan-favorite from the Hoop-Dee-Doo is also gluten/wheat friendly. You can also try the plant-based fried green tomato sliders featuring a southern remoulade and citrus greens served with seasoned fries.The Trailblazin' Dessert Trio features a s’more with chocolate pudding, graham cracker crumbs, and house-made marshmallow, a strawberry shortcake with strawberries and whipped cream, and a banana pudding with vanilla wafers, whipped cream, and a banana chip.Adult beverages pay homage to the resort's 50+ year history. Inspired by the Fort Wilderness Railroad that once ran throughout the resort, the All Aboard! Moonshine Cocktail Flight is a sampling of three moonshine cocktails: the Gullywhumper, Blackberry Lightning, and Spiced Appleberry Shine.The Bear-y Buckle combines Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, pure cane sugar, lemon juice, bitters, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, and muddled blackberries for a touch a sweetnes

The walls at EPCOT have been there for so long that we forget what it was like to wander freely without them. But that will be coming to an end soon. So what will it be like when the walls come down at EPCOT? This story and more Disney travel news.Here's What Will Happen When the Walls Come Down at EPCOTEPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World and when the walls come down around September 22, here's what you'll find. Was it all worth the wait and inconvenience?Take a photo with the new platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture in World Celebration, with Spaceship Earth as the backdrop. See the new mural at the heart of World Celebration and try to find as many Disney characters as you can (there are, of course, 100 of them). The large mural will be located along the walkway to World Showcase and will feature favorite Disney characters hidden throughout the various neighborhoods of EPCOT. The rest of World Celebration will also be decked out in Disney100 platinum banners and décor.Meet and greet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum best in the Imagination! pavilion. Also, Spaceship Earth will light up each night with special colors and lights accompanied by the Disney100 anthem, a unique rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star. The Disney100 celebration will have four limited-time food and beverage locations during both the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! If you collect Disney popcorn buckets, there's a new purple metallic Mickey Balloon Premium Popcorn Bucket available only at EPCOT during Disney100.All of the Disney100 celebrations will have a limited time run from September 22 to December 31, 2023. --New ‘Disney Junior & Friends Playdate’ Event Coming to Disneyland Resort August 18-20“Disney Junior & Friends Playdate,” is a three-day event celebrating the stories of Disney Junior’s hit series created for preschoolers and their families at Disney California Adventure park on Friday, August 18, and at Downtown Disney on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20.  August 18 at Disney California Adventure park will feature: A Playdate Party Parade featuring Disney Junior characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Elena of Avalor, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Vampirina, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Goofy, Pluto, and Mira, Royal Detective. A special “Disney Junior Live! Playdate” stage show with the world-premiere of the new Disney Junior short-form series “Playdate with Winnie the Pooh.”  “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party” will offer a hands-on cupcake decorating course inspired by the Disney Junior series.  A “Spidey and his Amazing Friends” photo wall be at the Hollywood Backlot Downtown Disney on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20: Disney Junior-themed treats at Marceline’s Confectionary.  A “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” photo wall at Downtown Disney. Throughout the weekend, there will also be scavenger hunt featuring Disney Junior-themed clues around Disney California Adventure park on Friday and Downtown Disney on Saturday and Sunday.--Filling the Fantasmic Void in Disneyland ParkJambalaya Jazz has taken their show to a river barge to fill the void left by Fantasmic. Queenie anchors the band for a New Orleans-inspired jazz show to add a little magic to evenings along Rivers of America.  Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band perform a musical tribute to New Orleans each evening on a themed raft as they float down the Rivers of America. There are three shows nightly starting at 7:35 p.m. Check the Disneyland app for show times and details. Disney will also be adding more entertainment soon to New Orleans Square.--Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.Contact 1923 Main StreetThank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.Thank you for listening and have a magical day!Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic--Media provided by Jamendo

It's Time for Our Annual Review of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Foodie GuideFor 2023 there are a total of 32 new food dishes to try and 42 new beverages options to try at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. We share the entire menu including our top picks from what's new and top picks from returning favorites.As a reminder, Emile's Fromage Montage is back and the locations are noted below. This festival food stroll features several cheese dishes from the Global Marketplaces. Pick up a Festival Passport and collect stamps by buying five of these. Once you have at least five you can head over to Shimmering Sips to get a free bonus prize. Shimmering Sips is located on the way to Canada near the Port of Entry.India Food Items:   Curry-spiced Crispy Cheese with mango-curry ketchup (Emile's Fromage Montage) Potato and Pea Samosa with coriander-lime cream (Plant-based)  Chicken Tikka Masala with fennel-spiced yogurt and naan bread Beverages:  Mango Lassi (Non-alcoholic) Taj Mahal Premium Lager SULA Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine SULA Chenin Blanc Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Chai Cream Liqueur CORKCICLE Stemless Flute Refreshment OutpostFood Item: Spicy Githeri with white beans, pigeon peas, curried BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice, and kachumbari slaw (Plant-based)  Beverages:  Gulf Stream Brewing Co. Cloud 9 Watermelon Hibiscus Lager (New)  Ciderboys Mango Tango Hard Cider (New) North Coast Brewing Co. PranQster Golden Ale (New) Kenya Food Items: Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Beef with sweet potato-corn mealie pap and kachumbari slaw > Mike's Favorite Peri-Peri Skewered Shrimp with citrus-flavored couscous Beverage: 81Bay Brewing Co. Congo PilsnerThe Alps Food Items: Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with shaved ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile's Fromage Montage) Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile's Fromage Montage) Dark Chocolate Fondue with berries, pound cake, and meringues (New)  Beverages:  Stiegl Brewery Key Lime Radler Huber Vision Grüner Veltliner Frozen Rosé Germany Food Items: Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese (Emile's Fromage Montage) Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll with mustard Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce Beverages:  Gaffel Kölsch Weihenstephaner Festbier Schöfferhofer Prickly Pear Hefeweizen Selbach-Oster Riesling Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling (New)  Beer Flight Spain Food Items: Charcuterie in a Cup with a selection of imported Spanish meats, cheeses, olives, and an herbed serrano vinaigrette (Emile's Fromage Montage) Paella with saffron rice, chorizo, and shrimp Seafood Salad with shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and smoked paprika Beverages:  Viña Borgia Macabeo White Sangria (New) Viña Borgia Rosé Sangria (New) Viña Borgia Garnacha Red Sangria (New) Sangria Flight (New)  Flavors of America Food Items: Italian Hot Beef Sandwich with shaved beef au jus and spicy giardiniera (New)  > Mike's Pick  > Amelia's pick Cioppino: Seafood Stew with saffron-infused tomato-fennel broth and crostini (New) Chilaquiles: Corn tortilla chips tossed in salsa verde with ranchero chicken, queso fresco, cilantro-lime crema, and a soft-poached egg (New)  Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with walnuts and cream cheese icing Beverages:  Rogue Dreamland American Lager Goose Island Beer Co. Neon Beer Hug Left Hand Brewing Sawtooth Amber Ale Beer Flight Greece Food Items: Spanakopita Griddled Cheese with pistachios and honey (Emile's Fromage Montage) Lamb Gyro with shaved lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki on warm flatbread Plant-based IMPOSSIBLE Moussaka (Plant-based) (New)  Beverages:  Mylonas Winery Assyrtiko White Wine Skouras ‘Zoe’ Rosé Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro Dry Red Wine Flight Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)Food Items: Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli  Chermoula Chicken Moroccan-spiced Lamb Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce (Plant-based)  Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and Zhoug dips (Plant-based) Pistachio Cake with cinnamon pastry cream and candied walnuts Beverages:  3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider Keel Farms Raspberry Citrus Hard Cider (New)  Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Peach Party Peach & Blackberry Hard Cider (New) Fig Cocktail with fig vodka, sparkling wine, and cranberry juice Hard Cider Flight CORKCICLE Stemless Flute Belgium Food Items: Beer-braised Beef served with gouda mashed potatoes Belgian Waffle with warm chocolate ganache Belgian Waffle with berry compote and whipped cream Beverages:  Belgian Chilled Coffee (Non-alcoholic) Brasserie D’Achouffe Houblon Chouffe IPA (New) Delirium Red Fruit Belgian Ale Brewery Van Steenberge Gulden Draak Tripel Ale (New) Belgian Chilled Coffee featuring ChocoLat Deluxe Salted Caramel Chocolate Liqueur Beer Flight Brazil Food Items: Feijoada: Black beans with pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and Long Grain White Rice Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread (Emile's Fromage Montage) Beverages:  Xingu Brazilian Black Lager Frozen Caipirinha with cachaça Ireland Food Items: Fisherman’s Seafood Pie Roasted Irish Sausage with colcannon potatoes and onion gravy Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Irish cream liqueur custard Beverages:  Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale Bunratty Mead Honey Wine Guinness Baileys Coffee Shake Canada Food Items: Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a pretzel roll (Emile's Fromage Montage) Canadian Filet Mignon served with mushrooms, Boursin Black Truffle & Sea Salt mashed potatoes and a Boursin Black Truffle & Sea Salt whipped butter Beverages:  Collective Arts Brewing Audio/Visual Lager Château des Charmes Cabernet Sauvignon Refreshment Port Food Items: Braised Beef Poutine: French fries with braised beef, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese sauce, cheese curds, crumbled Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs, and gherkin relish Cinnamon-Sugar Beaver Tail (New) > Amelia's pick Beverages:  Boulevard Brewing Co. Quirk Pineapple Orange Whip Hard Seltzer Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Peach Australia Food Items: Sweet-and-Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with pepper, onion, snap peas, and sweet chili sauce Roasted Lamb Chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies Lamington: Yellow cake with raspberry filling with chocolate and coconut Beverages: Yalumba ‘The Y Series’ Viognier Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLEFood Item:Guava Cake with whipped cream and coconut (Plant-based)  Beverages: Tropical Mimosa with sparkling wine and Minute Maid Passion Fruit, orange, and guava juices Berry Mimosa with berry fizz sparkling wine and white cranberry juice (New)  Blood Orange Mimosa with sparkling wine and blood orange juice Beer Mimosa: Boulevard Brewing Co. Berry Noir Sour Ale and sparkling wine Mimosa Flight Coastal Eats Food Items: Lump Crab Cake with Cajun-spiced vinegar slaw Oysters Rockefeller Beverages:  Wildly Brut Cuvée (New)  Cape Codder: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with cranberry, pomegranate, and lime Flavors from Fire Food Items: The IMPOSSIBLE Burger Slider with wasabi cream and spicy Asian slaw on a sesame seed bun (Plant-based)  Smoked Corned Beef with house-made potato chips, cheese curds, pickled onions, and beer-cheese fondue (Emile's Fromage Montage) Chimichurri Marinated Skirt Steak Taco with crushed avocado, grilled corn salsa, pickled red onions, queso fresco, and cilantro-lime cream (New) > Mike's Pick Spiced Chocolate Tart with BBQ potato chip crust, salted whisky-caramel, and smoked sea salt (New) > Mike's Pick Beverages:  Saugatuck Brewing Company Bonfire Beer Four Virtues Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel Swine Brine featuring Jim Beam Bourbon The Fry Basket Food Items: Adobo Yuca Fries with garlic-cilantro aïoli (Plant-based)  Fry Flight  Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Fries (Plant-based) BBQ Bacon Fries with smoked aïoli Sweet Potato Casserole Fries with candied pecans, toasted marshmallow cream, and maple bourbon glaze Pickle Fries with dill ranch (New) > Mike's pick Beverages:  Salty Dog Cocktail: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with grapefruit juice, ginger, simple syrup, and lime with a salted rim Stone Brewing Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager (New)  Brew-Wing Lab at the OdysseyFood Items: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sticky Wings Garlic-Parmesan Wings Orange-Cardamom Wings (New)  Traditional Buffalo Wings with celery and ranch IMPOSSIBLE Buffalo Chicken Tenders with plant-based blue cheese, plant-based ranch, and celery (New) (Plant-based)  Unnecessarily Spicy, Yet Extremely Tasty Scotch Bonnet Pepper-Curry Wings with cool cucumber yogurt (New) > Mike's Pick Buffalo Brussels Sprouts with plant-based blue cheese and plant-based ranch (Plant-based)  Beverages:  Frozen Fusion: Twinings Pomegranate and Raspberry Herbal Tea fused with orange ice cream molecules (Non-alcoholic) (New) Pickle Milkshake (Non-alcoholic) (New) > Mike's Pick Sun King Brewing Caipirinha Lager (New)  Brew Hub French Connection IPA (New) 3 Daughters Brewing Old Fashion Porter (New) Beer Flight Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Tropicolada Hard Cider (New) Bold Rock Peach Berry Hard Cider (New) 3 Daughters Brewing Raspberry Lemonade Hard Cider (New) Cider Flight Connections Cafe and Connections EateryFood Item:Remy Liege Waffle: Cream cheese Liege waffle with cream cheese icing, graham cracker crumbs, and a Remy chocolate garnish > Amelia's Favorite Beverage: Yucatan Sunset Margarita: Teremana Blanco Tequila, passion fruit syrup, Bols Triple Sec 30 proof Liqueur with lime and orange juicesHawaii (Opening August 15) Food Items: Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet-and-Sour DOLE Pineapple Chutney and spicy mayonnaise SPAM Sushi with sushi rice, Teriyaki-glazed SPAM, spicy mayonnaise, eel sauce, and nori Passion Fruit Cheesecake with toasted macadamia nuts (Emile's Fromage Montage) Beverages: Kona Brewing Co. Hanalei Island IPA Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine AULANI Sunrise: Vodka, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and grenadine The Noodle Exchange (Opening Aug