Disney Reveals New Storyline for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Splash Mountain has closed at Magic Kingdom, and work is underway to transform the attraction into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney has revealed new storyline details for the upcoming attraction that is set to open in late 2024.

From a Disney Cast Member;

At a young age, Tiana developed a deep passion for cooking, and began to dream of one day owning her own business. Her father, James, taught her that good food brings folks together. One of the most exciting parts of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is that we’re going to see where Tiana’s life has taken her following the success of Tiana’s Palace, a restaurant she had dreamed of owning and worked so hard to make come true.

Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an original, next chapter story for Tiana. Within the attraction queue, guests will discover that she continues to grow her business with Tiana’s Foods – an employee-owned cooperative. Combining her talents with those of the local community, Tiana has transformed an aging salt mine and built a beloved brand.

The endeavor began when Tiana purchased the salt mine and the area surrounding the large salt dome it operated from. With the help of her mother Eudora, Naveen, Louis and fellow owners of the cooperative, Tiana revived the old salt mine and the surrounding land, growing a wide array of vegetables, herbs and spices for her recipes.

This multi-faceted enterprise has turned the aging salt mine into a space that has come alive. Complete with a boutique farm and both a working and teaching kitchen, Tiana’s Foods is where Tiana and her colleagues create all sorts of new products that they are bringing to the world, including a line of original hot sauces.

Tiana wants to give a big thanks to her family and friends and the entire community for all the support they’ve given her by throwing an amazing party during Mardi Gras season. When it turns out there’s been a bit of a mix–up with the party preparations, Tiana invites us to meet her at Tiana’s Foods to help with the missing ingredient for the party.

When we arrive, we may see that Tiana spruced up the company’s facilities with vibrant art from local artists. Food for the party is being prepared and beignets are being loaded into crates for the celebration. All kinds of preparations are underway for the journey into the bayou with Tiana, along with new and familiar friends from the animated film.

Picking up where that story left off, Tiana continues bringing people together with Tiana’s Foods, another treasured meeting place to spend time together and celebrate a diverse community. Tiana is also working with cooperative members to teach gardening and cooking to children of all ages, and inspiring other women to run successful businesses as the brand grows nationwide.

Reedy Creek to be Dissolved Sooner Rather Than Later

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via DisDining.com

Governor Ron DeSantis has been at war with Disney ever since then CEO Bob Chapek spoke out against the Parental Rights in Education Act (dubbed the “don’t say gay bill ” by critics) early last year. Despite warnings from DeSantis against Disney getting involved, Chapek even went so far as to say the company would overturn the law. 

In a retaliatory act, DeSantis made good on his promise that Disney would regret involvement and declared that Disney’s special tax district, Reedy Creek would be dissolved. The date given for the dissolution was originally June 2023, but it looks like it may happen sooner rather than later. 

A bill is currently being written to overturn Disney’s special status and DeSantis says he expects the matter to be addressed in a special session of the legislature next week. 

“We’re not going to have a corporation controlling its own government,” DeSantis said at a news conference in Tallahassee. “That’s going to be reverted to the state. I’d rather it be the local [governments], but I don’t think that they’re prepared for it. So the state is going to have a board to run it.”

This is in line with previous statements from the Governor’s office that stated an intention for state control over Disney property. A spokesperson previously said, “The corporate kingdom has come to an end. Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government, will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes.” It seems that they meant what they said.

In an interview this week, DeSantis reiterated much of what he has been saying all along, saying, “make sure that there are no special legal privileges and that they’re abiding by the same laws. That will be in the bill. And then making sure they’re paying their fair share of taxes and paying the debt.”

DeSantis insists this will not raise taxes on citizens and will not increase costs. Currently Disney pays for all of Reedy Creek’s upkeep and maintenance related costs (such as Fire Services, and its 911 call center). When the new law dissolves the special district, the state will be one responsible for those costs, unless as DeSantis hinted above there are provisions made for Disney to continue paying for these services themselves,  which would likely result in a legal dispute. 

Disney World Releases New Valentine’s Day DOLE Whip Flavor

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

This Valentine’s Day, visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort can fall in love with unique feasts and flavors inspired by the season of sweethearts, including an all-new DOLE whip recipe available for a limited time!

DOLE Whip, the beloved pineapple soft serve enjoyed by Disney Parks Guests since 1976, made its way from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at the Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1984. Since then, all kinds of visitors to the Most Magical Place on Earth have savored the frozen treat in its ever-evolving forms, with the fruit distribution company and Disney joining forces to think up new flavors and unique DOLE Whip delicacies offered exclusively at its theme park locations.

In fact, you can try this new flavor at the Walt Disney World Resort without even having to secure Park admission or reservations! That’s right, the all-new DOLE Whip flavor will debut at Disney Springs according to the latest DisneyEats Foodie Guide for Valentine’s Day themed food at multiple Disney Parks.

Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at in Lake Buena Vista, offers a variety of fun eats, drinks, and experiences to Disney fans free of any admission charge! For example, sometimes the retail area hosts special premieres, character meet-and-greets, or exclusive merchandise releases.

In particular, Disney Park Guests will want to stop at one location to satisfy their sweetheart’s DOLE whip cravings: Swirls on the Water! Located in Disney Springs Marketplace, this “surf-inspired kiosk” recently replaced Aristocrepes and provides Guests a scenic view while enjoying a delicious and creative DOLE Whip delights.

For instance, the Swirls on the Water menu lists “cool floats, ‘soft-surfed’ cups, dessert nachos,” and even a DOLE Whip flight of three flavors! Now, a new recipe will premiere through February 28, 2023 in honor of Valentine’s Day: the Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cone, which includes DOLE Whip strawberry swirled with chocolate soft-serve… Yum!

swirls on teh water valentines day dole whip including a pink soft serve swirl with red win in a cup and chocolate strawberry plus pink swirled cone with a red cone and mickey shaped chocolate cookie

Moreover, they top this sweet treat with a chocolate-covered shortbread cookie and serve it up in a red velvet cone. Plus, for the adventurous adults, couples can partake in the new Rosa Regale DOLE Whip Float, which combines DOLE Whip strawberry with sparkling red wine and a real chocolate-covered strawberry garnish!

Disney Announces 2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Artists & Dates

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

The Garden Rocks Concert Series is one of the popular offerings of the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. Disney has released the 2023 concert schedule, with new and old favorites.

Get ready to rock with the Garden Rocks Concert Series – returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March! This is seriously my favorite thyme of year – there’s nothing like enjoying a violet lemonade and great music on a spring day. Garden Rocks features internationally recognized artists performing Friday-Monday and showcases local Orlando talent on Tuesday-Thursday at the America Gardens Theater!

The series is jam-packed with talent from returning favorites like The Pointer Sisters, Simple Plan, and the Plain White T’s, along with fresh talent like legacy guitarist AJ Croce and GRAMMY award-winning Switchfoot. So many amazing diverse music styles in one festival; it was mint to be! Okay, I promise I’m done with the herb puns! View the full list of announced artists below and keep checking back at FreshEPCOT.com as more acts are revealed!

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

Beginning Feb. 9, guests can secure their spot for these rockin’ performances with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com.

To experience EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Closes Next Month

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World has announced that its popular attraction, Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, will close next month as part of an extended refurbishment, and Guests who love the Disney’s Hollywood Studios thrill ride should take the opportunity to enjoy it while they can.

Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park at the Walt Disney World Resort, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith allows Guests to “race along the darkened freeways of Los Angeles” with the band to their concert after visiting their Hollywood music studio. Of course, passengers living “life in the fast like” get the full star experience, including three thrilling inversions as they “maneuver past traffic jams” to the tune of Aerosmith songs such as “Walk This Way,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Sweet Emotion,” “Back in the Saddle,” and the semi-original “Love in a Roller Coaster,” which the famous band rewrote for the attraction.

Originally, Walt Disney Imagineers designed the concept as part of an ongoing theme for Hollywood Studios to transport Guests into the world of movies and all-star fame. As a result, areas such as the Hollywood Backlot and Animation Courtyard allowed Guests a tour within the cinematic realm of Hollywood backlots and movie magic similar to that of EPCOT’s World Showcase for international destinations.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios tells Guests that the thrill ride includes two rollover loops and one corkscrew, challenging them to “make it to the year’s biggest concert in time.” What’s more, the limousine-style ride vehicle includes a “125-speaker, 24-subwoofer, 32,000-watt audio system,” perfect for jamming along to your favorite Aerosmith tunes in a coaster complement to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s drop ride experience.

However, some Guests worried that soon this jam session with the band would not be possible after Disney added a statement to the webpage for the attraction reading: “Beginning February 20, 2023, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be temporarily closed for refurbishment. This rocktastic attraction will resume its super-stretch limo rides in summer 2023.”  Truly, it seemed possible that in addition to continued maintenance for the ride’s technical aspects, a retheme could be underway to “modernize” the ride’s storyline or update the musical artist.

Indeed, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed a lot since its inception, now offering full immersion into some of the best cinematic universes like Disney Pixar’s with Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, for example. In fact, even Walt Disney Imagineering admits that as Park goals evolve, the theming focus has adapted to include less behind-the-scenes action such as that found in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Super Stretch Limo

In addition, Disney Parks seems to have shifted its focus onto its own intellectual property, utilizing concepts it does not have to license from others, which, combined with the recent controversy surrounding frontman Steven Tyler, could mean curtains for Aerosmith’s run very soon. Even so, as of now, nothing about the statement inherently suggests Disney has plans to retheme the ride… yet.

Guests can ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from now until February 20, 2023.