Menus Released for the 2022 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Via DisneyLists.com

It’s no secret that we love food and we really love the International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. Every year we pour over the menus and highlight new food items we want to try and old favorites we don’t want to miss. The 2022 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner and Disney has just released the complete line up of food and drink menus.

From a Disney Cast Member;

The favorite time of year for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike is almost here – the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE! Starting July 14 and running through Nov. 19, this iconic festival serves up flavors from across six continents and unlocks unlimited fun through your tastebuds.

With more than 25 Global Marketplaces, indulge in cuisines from across the globe featuring the culinary mastery of the chefs and mixologists, who yet again do not disappoint. This year, there’s a brand-new marketplace The Fry Basket, featuring a true classic – French fries – as well as new items like the Chesapeake Crab Slider at Hops & Barley. And of course, there are returning favorites, including the can’t-be-missed Pão de Queijo Brazilian cheese bread.

There are tons of experiences for the entire family to enjoy, from jamming out to some classic tunes at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare to Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt throughout the park. To add an extra spin to your snacking, try Emile’s Fromage Montage, a flavorful food stroll featuring some of the tasty cheese dishes that can’t be missed. As you snack on these cheesy goodies, collect stamps by purchasing five of these items to redeem a special prize from Shimmering Sips. Be sure to pick up a Festival Passport to keep track of all your stamps and to see everything you can experience this year.

I don’t know about you, but my appetite is already growing just thinking about all the food coming this year. Without further ado, let’s get to the Foodie Guide to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE!

Earth Eats hosted by IMPOSSIBLE (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

    • IMPOSSIBLE Burger Slider with wasabi cream and spicy slaw on a sesame seed bun (Plant-based)
    • IMPOSSIBLE Meatball with herbed polenta, rustic puttanesca sauce, and basil pesto (New) (Plant-based)

Beverages:

    • Strawberry Freeze featuring Twinings Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea (non-alcoholic) (New)
    • Stephen Vincent Pinot Noir
    • Strawberry Freeze featuring Twinings Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea with Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint Vodka (New)

Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:  

    • Guava Mousse on a sugar cookie with coconut-lime whipped cream (New) (Plant-based)

Beverages:

    • Tropical Mimosa with sparkling wine and Minute Maid passion fruit, orange, and guava juices
    • Key Lime Mimosa with key lime sparkling wine and cranberry juice
    • Blood Orange Mimosa with sparkling wine and blood orange juice
    • Berry Sour Ale Mimosa: Boulevard Brewing Co. berry noir sour ale and sparkling wine (New)
    • Mimosa Flight
    • CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Hawaii (Near Port of Entry; opening Aug. 11)

Food Items: 

    • Kālua Pork Slider with sweet-and-sour DOLE pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise
    • SPAM Musubi Nigiri with sushi rice, teriyaki-glazed SPAM, spicy mayonnaise, eel sauce, and nori (New)
    • 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

Australia (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items: 

    • Grilled Sweet-and-Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with pineapple, pepper, onion, and snap peas (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Roasted Lamb Chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Lamington: Yellow cake with raspberry filling dipped in chocolate and coconut (New)

Beverages: 

    • Coopers Brewery Pacific Pale Ale (New)
    • Yalumba ‘Y’ Viognier (New)
    • Robert Oatley Chardonnay
    • Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Jansz Premium Rosé (New)
    • Wine Flight

Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin (Near Canada)

Food Items: 

    • Braised Beef Poutine: French fries, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce, cheese curds, and gherkin relish
    • Maple cheesecake with whipped maple bourbon cheese and candied pecans

Beverages: 

    • Frozen Mango Martini: Boyd & Blair Vodka with mango nectar and lemon

Canada

Food Items: 

    • Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a pretzel roll (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with truffle-butter sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages: 

    • Collective Arts Audio/Visual Lager
    • Château des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot Estate

Appleseed Orchard (In Canada Far and Wide Theater)

Food Item: 

    • Apple Crumble Tart

Beverages: 

    • Frozen Apple Pie (non-alcoholic)
    • Cinnamon Apple Cider (non-alcoholic)
    • Bold Rock Imperial Apple Hard Cider (New)
    • Original Sin Hard Cider McIntosh
    • Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Saint Chéri Bourbon Barrel Aged Cherry
    • Cider Flight
    • Big Storm Brewing Co. Apple Blonde Ale
    • Playalinda Brewing Caramel Apple Pie Ale (New)
    • 3 Daughters Brewing Apple Pecan Brown Ale
    • Beer Flight
    • Apple Blossom Sky: Apple cider, ginger ale, apple brandy, maple syrup, and mini marshmallows
    • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Ireland (Near the United Kingdom)

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

Brazil (Between France and Morocco)

Food Items: 

    • Feijoada: Black Beans with crispy pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and Ben’s Original Long Grain White Rice (New)
    • Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Emile’s Fromage Montage)

Beverages: 

    • Xingu Brazilian Black Lager
    • Frozen Caipirinha with Cachaça

Belgium (Between France and Morocco)

Food Items: 

    • Beer-braised Beef served with smoked gouda mashed potatoes
    • Belgian Waffle with warm chocolate ganache
    • Belgian Waffle with berry compote and whipped cream

Beverages: 

    • St. Bernardus Witbier
    • Belgian Abbey Ale
    • Delirium Red Fruit Ale
    • Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
    • Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items: 

    • Grilled Chermoula Chicken or Moroccan-spiced Lamb Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli
    • Fried Falafel Pita with tahini sauce (Plant-based)
    • Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and Zhoug dips
    • Pistachio Cake with cinnamon pastry cream and candied walnuts

Beverages: 

    • 3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider
    • Bold Rock Ginger Turmeric Hard Cider
    • Stem Ciders Hibiscus Session Hard Apple Cider (New)
    • Fig Cocktail with white cranberry juice and fig vodka
    • Cider Flight
    • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Greece (Near Morocco)

Food Items: 

    • Spanakopita
    • Griddled Cheese with pistachios and honey (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Lamb Gyro with shaved lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki on warm flatbread (New)

Beverages: 

    • Mylonas Assyrtiko White Wine
    • Zoe Rosé
    • Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro Dry Red
    • Wine Flight

Hops & Barley (American Adventure)

Food Items: 

    • Chesapeake Crab Slider with tangy coleslaw and Cajun remoulade (New)
    • Hot Beef Sandwich with horseradish cream and pickled vegetables
    • Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing

Beverages: 

    • 81 Bay Brewing Co. Strawberry and Lime Wheat Ale
    • Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale (New)
    • Lord Hobo Brewing Boom Sauce DIPA
    • Bold Rock Roast Coffee Hard Cider
    • Longevity Chardonnay
    • Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Beer Flight

Spain (Between Italy and Germany)

Food Items: 

    • Charcuterie with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, Olives, and an Herbed Vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Paella with Rice, Chorizo, and Shrimp (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages: 

    • Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial Lager
    • Kentia Albariño Rías Baixas (New)
    • Faustino VII Rioja Rosado
    • Quinta del ’67 Almansa Garnacha Tintorera (New)
    • Wine Flight

Germany

Food Items: 

    • Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Roasted Bratwurst in a pretzel roll
    • Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce

Beverages: 

    • Gaffel Kölsch
    • Weihenstephaner Lager
    • Schöfferhofer Pineapple Hefeweizen (New)
    • Selbach-Oster Riesling
    • Beer Flight

The Alps (Near Germany)

Food Items: 

    • Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with alpine ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Riesling-poached pears, red wine-braised figs, candied pecans, honey, and cranberry toast (New) (Emile’s Fromage Montage)

Beverages: 

    • Wicked Weed Brewing Uncle Rick’s Pilsner (New)
    • Huber Vision Grüner Veltliner
    • Cave De La Côte Rosé Gamay
    • René Favre Dôle
    • Frozen Rosé
    • Wine Flight

Kenya (Near Refreshment Outpost)

Food Items: 

    • Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Beef Tenderloin with sweet potato and corn mealie pap and kachumbari slaw (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with citrus-scented couscous

Beverage: 

    • 81Bay Brewing Co. Congo Pilsner

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items: 

    • Spicy Githeri with white beans, pigeon peas, Ben’s Original Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley, and kachumbari slaw (Plant-based)

Beverage: 

    • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

India (Near China)

Food Items: 

    • Crispy Paneer with mango-curry ketchup (New) (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Potato and Pea Samosa with coriander-lime cream (New) (Plant-based)
    • Chicken Tikka Masala with fennel-spiced yogurt and naan bread (New)

Beverages: 

    • Mango Lassi (non-alcoholic)
    • Taj Mahal Premium Lager
    • Sula Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine
    • Sula Chenin Blanc
    • Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Chai Cream Liqueur

The Swanky Saucy Swine (Near Disney Traders)

Food Items: 

    • Crispy Barbecued Pork Rinds with pimento cheese (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with green onions and peanuts
    • Grilled Pork Shoulder Lettuce Wrap with charred corn salsa, pickled red onion, and cilantro-lime crema (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages: 

    • Parish Brewing Co. SIPS Cabernet Franc Strawberry (New)
    • Rombauer Zinfandel
    • Bourbon Bloody Mary with Seaside Grown Bloody Mary Mix and Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

The Noodle Exchange (Near Disney Traders; opening Aug. 11)

Food Items: 

    • Traditional Spicy Vietnamese Beef Pho with shaved beef, mushrooms, and Thai basil (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Chinese Char Siu Pork Udon with mushrooms, bok choy, and soy pickled egg
    • Thai Shrimp and Coconut-Curry Rice Noodles with shiitake mushrooms and Thai basil (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Tofu Pho with mushrooms and Thai basil (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based)

Beverages: 

    • Playalinda Brewing Company Yaupon Brothers Green Tea Pale Ale
    • A to Z Riesling

Brew-Wing (Opening Aug. 11)

Food Items: 

    • Sticky Wings with Peanut Sauce and Grape Gel with Celery and Ranch (New)
    • Garlic-Parmesan Wings with celery and ranch (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Traditional Buffalo Wings with celery and ranch (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Sriracha-Lime Wings with celery and ranch (New)
    • Dry-rubbed Jerk-spiced Wings with papaya chili sauce with celery and ranch (New)
    • Crispy Brussels Sprouts with buffalo sauce (Plant-based)

Beverages: 

    • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Pineapple Vibes Blonde Ale
    • 3 Daughters Brewing Watermelon Wheat Ale (New)
    • Central 28 Beer Company Groveland Road Blood Orange IPA (New)
    • Beer Flight
    • Bold Rock Honeycrisp Hard Cide
    • Woodchuck Guava ‘Nother Hard Cider (New)
    • Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Strawberry Lemonade Hard Cider (New)
    • Cider Flight

The Fry Basket (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items: 

    • Adobo Yuca Fries with garlic-cilantro aïoli (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based)
    • Fry Flight (New)
      • Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Fries (Plant-based)
      • Barbecued Bacon Fries with smoked aïoli
    • Sweet Potato Casserole Fries with candied pecans, toasted marshmallow cream, and caramel whisky

Beverages: 

    • Salty Dog Cocktail: Boyd & Blair Vodka with grapefruit juice, ginger, simple syrup, and lime with a salted rim (New)
    • 81Bay Brewing Co. Key Lime Lager (New)

Flavors from Fire (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items: 

    • Smoked Corned Beef with crispy potatoes, cheese curds, pickled onions, and beer-cheese fondue (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Banh Mi Bao with char-grilled Asian skirt steak, chicken liver aïoli, pickled vegetables, and cilantro (New)
    • Rocky Road Chocolate Cake with marshmallows, spiced almonds, and chocolate ganache (New)

Beverages: 

    • Saugatuck Brewing Company Bonfire Beer
    • Four Virtues Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel
    • Swine Brine featuring Jim Beam Bourbon
    • CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Coastal Eats (Near Mission: SPACE; opening Aug. 11)

Food Items: 

    • Baked Scampi Dip with shrimp, scallops, and baguette (New)
    • Oysters Rockefeller (New)

Beverages: 

    • Bell’s Lager of the Lakes Bohemian Pilsner (New)
    • Villa Wolf Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé
    • Sean Minor Chardonnay
    • Cape Codder: Boyd & Blair Vodka with cranberry, pomegranate, and lime

Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE; opening Aug. 11)

Food Items: 

    • Traditional Macaroni & Cheese with herbed panko (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Cowboy Macaroni & Cheese with smoked pork belly, brisket burnt ends, pickled peppers, onion straws, and barbecue aïoli (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
    • Chili-Cheese Macaroni & Cheese with sour cream and cheddar cheese (New) (Plant-based) (Emile’s Fromage Montage)

Beverages: 

    • 81Bay Brewing Co. Lemon Hazy IPA
    • Catena White Clay Sémillon-Chenin (New)
    • Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir (New)

Mexico

Food Items: 

    • Taco al Pastor: Seared pork belly pastor on a corn tortilla with chipotle black beans, pineapple, pickled onions, and chives (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Tostada de Barbacoa: Barbacoa beef on a fried corn tortilla with chipotle black beans, salsa verde, Mexican crema, queso fresco, and chives (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
    • Capirotada de Chocolate: Abuelita chocolate bread pudding served with a chocolate crème anglaise

Beverages: 

    • Mexican Craft Beer
    • Blood Orange Charm Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, blood orange aperitif, blackcurrant-infused vodka, and prosecco served on the rocks with pink peppercorns and sweet-dried-chile salt rim (New)
    • It Takes Two to Mango Margarita: Mezcal Ilegal Joven, mango purée, Nixta Corn Liqueur, rum, and ancho chile lime juice served on the rocks with hibiscus-salt rim (New)

France

Food Items: 

    • Beignet aux Trois Fromages: Warm beignet filled with three cheese blend
    • Brioche aux Escargots, Sauce Crème à l’ail et Persil: Escargot brioche with creamy garlic and parsley sauce (New)
    • Parmentier de Boeuf Braisé au Cabernet: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes
    • Crème Brûlée Vanille à la Confiture de Framboises: Vanilla crème brûlée with house-made raspberry jam (New) (Gluten/ Wheat-Friendly)

Beverages: 

    • Strawberry Rose Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine, orange juice, and Monin Strawberry Rose Syrup
    • Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Bordeaux, Château de Riffaud (New)
    • Chardonnay, Louis de Camponac
    • La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry, and passion fruit juice

Italy

Food Items: 

    • Gnocchi di Patate: Potato dumplings with four-cheese sauce and roasted cremini mushrooms (New)
    • Gnocchi di Patate: Potato dumplings with vodka sauce, Romano cheese, and crispy bacon (New)
    • Panna Cotta: Orange blossom panna cotta with seasonal berries (New)

Beverages: 

    • Prosecco
    • Moscato
    • Italian Sangria
    • Italian Margarita with tequila and limoncello
    • Peroni Pilsner

China

Food Items: 

    • Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings with house-made sweet-and-spicy sauce
    • Mongolian Beef Bao Bun with onion (New)
    • Dandan Noodles: Spicy pork with sichuan sauce, peanut butter, sesame, and green onion (New)

Beverages: 

    • Passion Fruit Bubble Tea (non-alcoholic) (New)
    • Good Fortune Citrus: Triple sec, grapefruit, and white boba
    • ByeJoe Punch: Chinese baijiu spirit, piña colada mix, and lychee
    • Fireworks: Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Smirnoff Vodka, orange, and mango
    • Jasmine Draft Beer

Japan

Food Items: 

    • Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables, and teriyaki sauce
    • Takoyaki: Octopus, green onion, and cabbage bites topped with tonkatsu sauce, bonito flakes, and nori (New)
    • Spicy Salmon Donburi: Spicy salmon with sushi rice, shiso leaf, red tobiko, and rice pearls (New)

Beverages: 

    • Yuzu Lemon Drop: Vodka, yuzu, and lemon
    • Hana Fuji Apple Sake (New)
    • Orange Blossom Brewing Co. Moon Blossom Pilsner (New)

Funnel Cake

Food Items: 

    • Mini Piña Colada Funnel Cake with piña colada ice cream, whipped cream, toasted coconut, and maraschino cherry drizzled with coconut-rum sauce (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

The American Adventure – Mocha Madness: A sweet frozen cappuccino blended with chocolate syrup (non-alcoholic) (Spirited version available with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur) (New)

World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Castaway Cold Brew: A creamy combination of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Nitro and sweet cream (non-alcoholic) (Spirited version available with Grey Goose Vodka and Kahlúa Liqueur) (New)

Near Canada – Arctic Sunrise: A cool citrus treat featuring passion fruit over ice and coconut syrup (non-alcoholic) (Spirited version available with Bacardí Tropical Rum) (New)

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE – Nitro Dreams: A creamy combination of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Nitro Cold Brew, Irish cream syrup, and half & half topped with cream (non-alcoholic) (Spirited version available with Angel’s Envy Bourbon) (New)

Available at Select Marketplaces

  • Remy Spork

At this point, hunger has likely kicked in, but don’t worry – these treats are just around the corner. Get your appetite ready for July 14, I know I am!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

Top of the World Lounge at Contemporary Resort Reopening Soon

Popular among Disney Vacation Club Members, the Top of the World Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is finally reopening in July after being closed since March 2020.

From a Disney Cast Member;

This summer marks the return of one of Disney Vacation Club Members’ favorite places around the neighborhood: the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

On July 11, the lounge will officially reopen to *eligible members, which upon closer inspection, reveals a few new details.

Though long gone by now, it seems our Disney Villains briefly settled in while the lounge was closed, leaving behind a few infamous portraits and accessories.

Our cast embraced this latest chapter in the lounge’s ongoing story by creating a new, Villain-inspired menu of fiendish fare – from “Cherna-Board” of meats and cheeses and herb-roasted “Unfortunate Souls Shrimp” to “Lair-Made Hummus” and “Who’s Afraid of Pork Belly Sliders” – paired with cleverly named cocktails like “The Other Side,” “The Underworld” and “Mirror Mirror Moonshine.”

Like the villains who lounged before you, toast to your travels and relish in rebellious recipes while swapping stories of wicked fun and plotting your next (vacation) escape before capping the evening with a rooftop viewing of the “Disney Enchantment” nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park.

Welcome home to Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair. For the most current information on operating hours and upcoming events exclusive to *eligible Members, please visit DisneyVacationClub.com.

*Ownership interests must be purchased directly from Disney Vacation Club Development, Inc. in order to have access to this offer. These options are part of Membership Extras, which are incidental benefits subject to availability, change or termination. Access to Top of the World Lounge requires a valid photo ID, digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation.

Disney Board Extends Bob Chapek’s Contract For 3 Years

Via DisDining.com

In a move that was expected — but not necessarily popular — The Walt Disney Company’s Board of Directors has voted unanimously to extend Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s contract by 3 years. We had reported earlier that the Board was planning on extending Chapek’s contract at either their meeting this month or at their meeting in September, and we are now learning they chose to jump on it now. Chapek’s contract was set to expire in February 2023, but will now expire in 2026.

The vote was reported by Business Wire, which also shared a statement from Susan Arnold — the chairman of the Board. According to Business Wire

Today, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) Board of Directors unanimously voted to extend Bob Chapek’s contract as Chief Executive Officer for three years.

“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses—from parks to streaming—not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “In this important time of growth and transformation, the Board is committed to keeping Disney on the successful path it is on today, and Bob’s leadership is key to achieving that goal. Bob is the right leader at the right time for The Walt Disney Company, and the Board has full confidence in him and his leadership team.”

Bob Chapek also shared a statement after his contract was renewed, saying:

“Leading this great company is the honor of a lifetime, and I am grateful to the Board for their support,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer. “I started at Disney almost 30 years ago, and today have the privilege of leading one of the world’s greatest, most dynamic companies, bringing joy to millions around the world. I am thrilled to work alongside the incredible storytellers, employees, and Cast Members who make magic every day.”

Bob Chapek

The move to renew Chapek’s contract may come as an unpopular one. Chapek has struggled to be seen in a positive light since he became CEO in 2020 — just one month before the theme parks were forced to shut down because of the pandemic. Chapek has made a number of controversial moves, including consistently raising prices, while many think he is cutting food portions and cleanliness standards. He also allowed the company to engage in a public spat with Marvel star Scarlett Johansson when she sued Disney for breach of contract.

Black Widow

Recently, Chapek spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill — which angered those who supported the bill. Others remained upset with Chapek because they felt he didn’t speak up soon enough — going so far as to call the issue “irrelevant” to the company. And then, in a move that shook Hollywood, Chapek fired Executive Peter Rice — who many saw as a threat to his position as CEO.

Peter Rice

Couple all of those things with the fact that Disney stock has gone dropped more than 40%, and you had a lot of people hoping that the Chapek years were coming to an end. Abigail Disney has spoken out against Chapek numerous times and has said that she wants to join with other shareholders to reduce Chapek’s paycheck, but with this contract renewal, it looks like that fight may be over.

First Look–Disney Wish Celebrates Walt Disney’s Legacy

The Disney Wish will offer some amazing dining venues for guests. Disney Cruise Line has given details on two new dining options on the ship: 1923 and Marceline Market.

From a Disney Cast Member;

When the Disney Wish sets sail on its maiden voyage on July 14, guests from around the world will have a brand-new way to experience the magic of a Disney vacation at sea.

Our newest ship is a celebration of nearly 100 years of enchanting Disney stories. Filled with one-of-a-kind experiences inspired by Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar adventures, the Disney Wish embodies the spirit of forward-thinking innovation and visionary storytelling heralded by Walt Disney himself.

In fact, Imagineers were so inspired by the creative hallmarks of The Walt Disney Company that they decided to celebrate this legacy in the design of two beautiful dining venues: 1923 and Marceline Market.

Today, I’m thrilled to give you a first look at these very special spaces, each a loving tribute to the heritage and history of The Walt Disney Company.

1923

Animation has been at the heart of The Walt Disney Company from the very beginning. When Walt and his brother Roy started the company on Oct. 16, 1923, it was Hollywood’s first cartoon studio … and it was only a matter of time before their animated films revolutionized the entertainment industry.

Named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, 1923 is one of the three main dining venues families will enjoy each night on board the Disney Wish. This elegant restaurant combines classic Hollywood glamour with a dash of Disney whimsy, providing an inside look at the evolution of Disney animation.

Adorning the walls and ornate glass cases around the restaurant are more than 1,000 drawings, props and other tools of the trade showcasing 16 Disney films that embody the ship’s themes of enchantment and wish fulfillment. Many of these stories also hold a significant role in the history and legacy of the company, such as:

    • “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937), the world’s first feature-length animated film ever.
    • “Fantasia” (1940), a boundary-pushing project that introduced Fantasound (the precursor to stereophonic sound).
    • “Cinderella” (1950), which ushered in a new golden age of animated features.
    • “The Little Mermaid” (1989), a generation-defining classic that paved the way for “Beauty and the Beast” (1991), “The Lion King” (1994”) and other animated tales we know and love today.

Even the menu at 1923 pays tribute to the company’s roots in California, with sophisticated dishes inspired by the fusion of cultural flavors found throughout the Golden State. The diverse menu will mirror the region’s unique blend of Asian, European and South American cuisines and a superlative selection of world-famous Napa Valley wines.

Marceline Market

Long before he was a pioneer in the entertainment industry, Walt was a young boy growing up on a farm in Marceline, Missouri. Considered his most formative years, Walt’s time in Marceline inspired many of the stories he would tell later in life. It’s where he developed a love for animals and steam trains, themes that continue to influence Disney films and theme park attractions, and it’s also the inspiration behind Main Street U.S.A. at our parks around the world.

At Marceline Market — the stylish food hall aboard the Disney Wish where guests will enjoy casual, walk-up dining throughout the day — each of the 10 food stalls is themed to a beloved Disney animated story, from classics such as “Alice in Wonderland” (1951) to more recent films like “Zootopia” (2016). This fun design twist presents favorite characters as honorary “shopkeepers,” offering a wide-ranging variety of freshly prepared cuisines for the whole family to enjoy, including American classics, international specialties, comfort foods, seafood, soups and salads, vegetarian and plant-based fare, baked goods, and desserts.

These enchanting new restaurants are just a taste of the incredible experiences and immersive storytelling awaiting guests aboard the Disney Wish. If you want to see more, tune in next Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. EST for the debut and christening of our newest ship right here on the Disney Parks Blog!

Guest Sprays Cheez-Whiz While Riding Big Thunder Mountain

One thing that Walt Disney always prided himself on was keeping Disneyland Park clean. When Disneyland first opened, Walt watched how far Guests would carry their trash before throwing it on the ground. That is how he determined how far apart each trash can in the theme park should be from the next. Walt wanted to not only give people a fun park, but also a beautiful one. He also expected Guests to appreciate the environment they were in and respect it by keeping it clean.

Unfortunately, some people’s manners seem to have gotten worse over the years, and they treat Disney as their own, personal dumping ground. Some Guests also think it’s funny to deface the Parks simply so they can get a laugh. That happened recently at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Guests riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad were shocked and disgusted when a young man actually sprayed a can of Cheez-Whiz off of the side of the train car.

Big Thunder Mountain

The video was posted on TikTok by user Disney Stuff! (@_disney._stuff_) and you can watch it below.

Many users were shocked at the blatant disrespect that the Guest showed to Disney and its property. One user, Sabrina, claimed that she was on the same train as the Guest and Cast Members were waiting for him when the train came to a stop. According to Sabrina, the Cast Members only took the can away from the Guest. Many commented that the Cast Members should have gone a step further and escorted the Guest out of the Park, or even ban him from returning.

It shouldn’t need to be said, but this type of behavior is unacceptable at Disney Parks and is against the rules. The Walt Disney World Resort website states the following under its Rules and Regulations:

Please show common courtesy to fellow Guests and our Cast Members by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior, jumping lines or saving places in lines for others. For your safety and the safety of others, please refrain from running except in designated areas.

Magic Kingdom

If you are caught breaking Disney’s rules, they have the right to ask you to leave the Park. If your behavior is particularly egregious, Disney may even decide to ban you from all the Parks for a certain amount of time. Guests have gone viral for behavior that has gotten them banned for the day, a year, or even for life — which is rare, but not unheard of.