March 2023 – Page 12 – A Walk With The Mouse

Foodie Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2023

Posted on March 11, 2023March 11, 2023 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, foodies! It’s nearly March 17, and we’ve got all the themed items everyone can enjoy for the festivities this year. And trust us, these items will sham-rock everyone’s world!

Both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are joining in on the fun and serving up some charming eats and sips throughout the month of March that will let guests get in the Irish spirit. They will feel like they’ve struck gold once they set your eyes on these items, like the adorably delicious The Nugget at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the new Lucky Leprechaun at Disney’s Coronado Springs, and a green twist on a classic with the Green Stuff at Red Rose Taverne.

Well, it’s time we shamrock and roll and get to the Foodie Guide.

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

St. Patrick’s Day Cake: Irish cream cake with mint ganache, buttercream, fondant rainbow, and chocolate pot of gold (New)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

St. Patrick’s Day Parfait: Layers of green velvet cake, ganache and Irish crème cheesecake topped with sweet cream and white chocolate shamrock décor (New)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available through March 31)

Mickey Shamrock Milkshake: Mint milkshake with chocolate drizzle, shamrock sprinkles and a specialty vanilla cupcake (New)

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and house-made chocolate décor

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with gold crisp pearls with green buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles and a white chocolate Minnie Mouse topper

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available March 10 through 17)

Lucky Leprechaun: Whiskey coffee custard, whiskey-soaked cake, and pistachio mousse topped with a dark chocolate shamrock (New)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Good’s Food to Go (Available through March 17)

Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy (New)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor

Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Available through March 31)

Mickey Shamrock Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet, chocolate-mint ganache, milkshake pipette, and shamrock décor (New)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Riverside Mill Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café (Available March 17 only)

Caramel-Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel-hazelnut custard filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The Artist’s Palette (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy (New)

Backstretch Pool Bar (Available through March 17)

Lucky Irish Cone: Cake cone, vanilla soft-serve, chocolate sandwich cookies, and gold sprinkles (New)

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

The Nugget: Vanilla bean mousse, Irish stout cake, and salted caramel ganache (New)

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available through March 31; mobile order available)

My Lucky (Plant-based) Clover Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based); Available at the following:
- World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

EPCOT

Sunshine Seasons (Available March 17 only)

St. Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee Tart: Chocolate coffee tart topped with mint mousse, Irish coffee crémeux, and shamrock garnish (New)

Rose & Crown

Fish and Chips: Rose & Crown’s Signature Dish: Beer-battered and served with tartar sauce
Shepherd’s Pie: Ground beef, seasonal vegetables, English peas, and mashed potatoes with Irish cheddar
Leaping Leprechaun: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Don Q Cristal Rum, SVEDKA Vodka, melon liqueur, and sweet-and-sour topped with Sprite

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available March 10 through 18)

St. Patrick’s Day Petit Cake: Whiskey-soaked spiced chiffon cake with layers of Irish cream mousse, caramel banana mousse, and candied walnuts (New)
St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate-covered Strawberries

City Works Eatery & Pour House (Available through March 17)

Irish Loaded Fries: House-made corned beef, hardwood-smoked bacon, Guinness braised onions, IPA cheese sauce, green onions, and waffle fries
Pastrami Reuben: House-made pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and bacon-braised sauerkraut on marble rye
Irish Bangers & Mash: Grilled Louisiana hot link, smoked cheddar and horseradish potato purée, caramelized cabbage, and Guinness onion gravy
Irish Mule: Jameson Irish Whiskey, lime juice, bitters, and ginger beer
Dark Side of The Moon: Blue Moon and Guinness
Snakebite: Angry Orchard Crisp Apple and Guinness
Voodoo: Reubaus and Guinness

The Daily Poutine (Available through March 31)

Irish Pork Bangers Poutine: Irish cheddar, onion marmalade, stout gravy, and french fries

D-Luxe Burger (Available through March 31; mobile order available)

Dublin Burger: Two pressed signature blend patties with Irish cheddar, corned beef, shoestring fried onions, Irish stout barbecue, lettuce, and tomato

The Ganachery (Available through March 19)

St. Patrick’s Day Mickey Piñata: Chocolate piñata filled with mint marshmallows enrobed in chocolate, white crisp pearls, and green sprinkles
Milk Chocolate Irish Cream Ganache Square
Dark Chocolate Irish Whiskey Ganache Square

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

Revelers can enjoy Raglan Road’s Signature Brew Flight, whiskey flight, or craft beers, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails of their choice while choosing from the chef’s selection of authentic Irish dishes, including the dry-aged prime short rib and brisket beef OMG Burger, Shepherd’s Pie (beef and lamb version or the popular plant-based option), and fresh-caught fish with chips. The authentic fish & chips also are available to go at the adjacent Cooke’s of Dublin counter.

Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)

Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream

Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)

Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting, and finished with a clover décor (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+)

Swirls on the Water (Available through March 31)

St. Patrick’s Day Cone: Chocolate and mint soft-serve swirled in a black vanilla cone topped with gold sprinkles (New)
Bailey’s Chocolate Float: Frozen hot chocolate with mint soft serve and a Bailey’s Irish Cream float (New)

Vivoli il Gelato (Available through March 31)

Shamrock Shake: Mint chocolate chip gelato and pistachio gelato topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Pistachio Bombolato: Pistachio gelato and chocolate sauce in a warm Italian donut
Mint Cannoli: Sweet cream of ricotta cheese, sugar, mint, and chocolate shavings in a crispy pastry shell
Marshmallow Cereal Cannoli: Ricotta cheese and marshmallow cereal
Marshmallow Cereal Bombolato: Marshmallow cereal and vanilla icing
Marshmallow Cereal Shake: Vanilla gelato and marshmallow cereal topped with a bombolato

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park

Red Rose Taverne (Available through March 19; mobile order available)

Green Stuff: Mint-white-chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, mint chocolate chips, and chocolate cookie crumbs on a shortbread cookie

Disney California Adventure Park

Hollywood Lounge (Available March 17 through 19; mobile order available)

St Patty’s Cocktail: Irish whiskey, melon liqueur, and sour mix garnished with a cherry (New)

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill (Available March 11 through April 9; mobile order available)

Leprechaun Cupcake
Mickey Mouse-shaped Leprechaun Donut

Hearthstone Lounge (Available March 11 through 19)

Sláinte Agatsa: Tullamore D.E.W., amaretto, crème de mûre, apple, lime and lemon juices, and simple syrup garnished with raspberries and a rosemary sprig (New)

Downtown Disney District

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available through March 31)

O’ Reuben Burger: Prime beef and corned-beef blended patty, beer braised cabbage and onions, diced pickles, Swiss cheese, and whiskey mustard sauce (New)

California Churro (Available through March 19)

Shamrock Churro: Churro rolled in cookies and cream crumbs, drizzled with green mint icing, and sprinkled with gold and green edible glitter (New)

Kayla’s Cake

Pistachio Macarons: Green macaron cookies with Sicilian pistachio white chocolate ganache

Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available March 17 through 19)

Irish Nacho Pizza: Mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, potato, crème fraîche, and green onions (New)
Warm Irish Hug: Irish whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, coffee, and whipped cream with a drizzle of creme de menthe (New)

Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)

Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available March 17 only)

Shamrock Strike: Vodka, rum gin, triple sec, melon liqueur, and Sprite

Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)

Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting and finished with a clover decoration (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+)

Uva Bar & Cafe

Irish Burger of the Month paired with featured Irish Stout Beer: Angus beef patty, sauerkraut, bratwurst, pickles, Swiss cheese, bacon-braised red cabbage, and whole grain honey mustard (New) (Available through March 31)
Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Potato Plate (New) (Available March 17 through 19)

Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available March 13 through 19)

Frozen Chocolate Shamrock: Frozen mint chocolate drink topped with whipped cream and shamrock sprinkles (New)

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

PHOTOsynthesize With These EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Magic Shots

Posted on March 11, 2023March 11, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

We are ready for yet another fantastic year of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. We are most excited for the Magic Shots that will be available from Disney PhotoPass Service (and the Outdoor Kitchens, of course). Seriously, we can’t get over these amazing shots!

Like Heimlich said in Disney and Pixar’s film, “A Bug’s Life,” “Someday, I will be a beautiful butterfly and then everything will be better.” And well, everything does seem better when posing for this Magic Shot underneath a flurry of butterflies. Fly down to the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam to capture this festival favorite!

Who wouldn’t want to visit Pixie Hollow and hang with Tink and her fairy friend? Now, with this Magic Shot and a little pixie dust, guests might find their way to Pixie Hollow! Just think of the happiest things and fly over to most PhotoPass photographers to uncover this flitterific Magic Shot.

Speaking of flying…when in Magic Kingdom Park, Orange Bird hangs out at Sunshine Tree Terrace and serves up some Dole Whips. But for the festival this year, he’s flying into the frame! guests can visit most Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed in World Celebration locations to capture this Magic Shot. And then maybe go and get a Dole Whip, because…why not?!

After a Dole Whip, guests can go find this fantastic floral photo at the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment. You know how Isabela grows a flower and the town goes wild? Well, we’re going wild over this Magic Shot. Visions of purple, pink, and peonies will fill guests’ heads long after their visit.

Those visions of flowers are filling Spike the Bee’s thoughts too, so watch out Donald Duck! Spike the Bee is the star of the show in this Magic Shot. When he’s not busy pollinating or tormenting Donald Duck, he’ll make sure to pop into guests’ photos anywhere in the World Showcase.

After a day of gazing at flowers, guests might as well pose for a photo with them! Poppy in this floral frame stationed in the Italy pavilion, near the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam, and by the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment. Here, guests will be surrounded by flowers that will last a lifetime.

It is only fitting to wrap this up with our favorite shot of all: the Tiny World Magic Shot. Located near the fountain just beyond the main entrance of the park, guests can capture their entire family from the most magical angle. They get a fun festival border too!

We think Disney PhotoPass Service really rose to the occasion for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year. guests can use the locations noted here as a guide for finding these Magic Shots, but we also recommend asking photographers what Magic Shots are available at their location. We truly hope guests enjoy their time photosynthesizing with Disney PhotoPass Service!

New Disney Cruise Line Island Destination at Lighthouse Point in The Bahamas to Welcome Guests in Summer 2024

Posted on March 11, 2023March 11, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Today, we announced that Disney Cruise Line will welcome guests to a one-of-a-kind island destination at Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, for the first time during its opening season in summer 2024!

Created in close collaboration with local artists and advisors, the vibrant island retreat at Lighthouse Point will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.

Keep reading to discover all the latest details about this relaxing beach escape designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core.

Uniquely Designed, Sustainably Developed

When guests arrive to Lighthouse Point, they’ll be greeted by distinctive, sweeping architecture in bright, saturated hues — a bold style inspired by nature and created in partnership with local artists.

The curvilinear buildings will at first appear as Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline. Upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas and the pageantry and history of Junkanoo parades. Throughout the destination, references to playful folklore characters will evoke the warmth and charm of the local culture.

Respect for the environment is at the heart of the design. At least 90 percent of the destination’s electricity needs will be met by an onsite solar array, the pier was designed to avoid the need for dredging and elevated walkways will help limit impact on the landscape.

Visitors to Lighthouse Point will have the opportunity to be surrounded by the wonders of nature and get a glimpse into the efforts taking place to conserve wildlife and their unique island habitats.

Fun and Relaxation for Everyone

At Lighthouse Point, families will enjoy a day of fun in the sun as they relax on pristine beaches, embark on active adventures and discover the magic of Bahamian storytelling alongside favorite Disney characters. Much like Disney’s cruise ships and private island of Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point will offer activities and areas for every age group.

Families can relax and play along white sandy beaches and turquoise waters at the expansive family beach on the east side of the island, which will be centrally located near market-style dining, recreation and other amenities.

A Bahamian art and culture pavilion featuring special programs and local artists will provide visitors to Lighthouse Point opportunities to learn and celebrate the traditions and natural beauty of The Bahamas.

A brightly-colored, interactive family water play area will include two slides, water drums, fountains and more, along with a dedicated space for toddlers.

North of the family area will be an adult-exclusive beach — a glorious stretch of sun-drenched serenity complete with a dedicated dining area for convenient access to food and drinks throughout the day, plus six private cabanas available by reservation.

Children ages 3 to 12 will splash and play at a themed kids’ club under the care of highly-trained Disney Cruise Line counselors. It will include a splash pad inspired by favorite undersea creatures from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid,” plenty of shade and a dedicated dining area.

Set away from the activity of the main family area, a peaceful beach along the south-western shore will be lined with 20 premium family cabanas available to rent, including four double cabanas that accommodate larger groups and offer massage services.

Additional recreational activities will be available for kids and kids-at-heart, including a covered gaming pavilion; a volleyball court and gaga ball pit; watercraft and bicycle rentals; nature trails for hiking and biking; and more. And a collection of new Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators will take guests beyond Lighthouse Point to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera.

Disney’s new island destination is being thoughtfully designed to provide a hassle-free experience for families, including complimentary beach essentials (towels, chairs and umbrellas and lunch) and convenient tram transportation.

Lighthouse Point will open for guests on select sailings in summer 2024. Stay tuned for more details about inaugural itineraries, signature entertainment, dining, retail and excursions and more.

Disney Character Blinded, Gives Emergency Signal

Posted on March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney Characters deal with a lot when it comes to meet and greets. Many Guests feel the need to have a “perfect” meet and greet with a happy encounter, lots of photos, and memories to remember their moment.

Walt Disney World Resort sees thousands of Guests daily. With this amount of Guests, you can easily see why wait times grow to astronomical levels during character meet and greets, especially for beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy, and Pluto.

Walt Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Being the most magical place, Guests expect to feel the Disney magic all around them. Disney Cast Members help Guests feel the charm by assisting them with issues, making attractions run smoothly, and helping characters get from one location to the other.

Walt Disney World Resort is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each theme park includes iconic attractions for Guests of all ages and sizes to enjoy.

From the Fab 5 to Disney Princesses to your favorite Disney Pixar characters, there are probably certain characters that you always look forward to meeting, no matter your age.

In a recent Reddit thread, one user identified themselves as a former Disney Cast Member, who used to be friends with Goofy. This Cast Member shared that they were swarmed by children during this interaction and, unfortunately, was “completely blinded” during the experience.

“I was playing Goofy inside a restaurant and I got swarmed Aliens-style by a hoard of <10 kids. Unfortunately while I was playing around with them the inner hood below the mask slipped over my eyes and I was completely blinded. We had assistants around whom we could signal for help by flapping our arms, but the kids had made it a game of attaching themselves Tarzan-like to both my arms and to raise them I would have had to lift 3-4 kids per arm (dangerous even if I’d been strong enough to do that).

I found myself blind and completely rooted to the spot, unable to ask for help and with nobody realizing that I was in trouble. I spent like a solid 10-15 minutes in that sort of limbo reflecting on the life decisions that had taken me there until the assistant came over and whispered “set is over dude” and I finally managed to signal something was wrong.”

This former Cast Member was blinded by the hood inside the Goofy mask with a large group of children surrounding them. The Cast Member was signaling for help by swinging their arms, but the issue was that the children were on their arms holding them down.

Character meet and greets are a special moment for Guests to be up and personal with fan-favorite characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and many more. While most Disney Characters do not talk, they still have Cast Members who can understand what they are saying.

Outside of character meet and greets, you can enjoy plenty of Disney Park attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Manson, “it’s a small world,” Soarin’ Around the World, Spaceship Earth, Guardians of the Galaxy Comic Rewind, Star Wars Galaxy Edge, It’s Tough to be a Bug!, Dinosaur, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and many more.

Disney Character Assaulted, Guest Removed From Park

Posted on March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Goofy, your favorite Disney princesses, Pixar pals, and many more are spotted in the Disney Parks.

Disney Character meet and greets are supposed to be fun, exciting, and an upclose encounter with our favorite characters.

Home to four immersive theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort Guests can enjoy the magic of Magic Kingdom, the culture of EPCOT, the stars of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the nature of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney World also has two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. Seeing thousands of Disney World Guests every day, this traffic can lead to all kinds of interactions.

Former Cast Members tend to talk about their years at Disney, meaning the good, bad, and the ugly. Disney World Cast Members do their best to keep Disney clean, safe, and exciting for Guests to enjoy. Recently, a former Cast Member shared a story where they were shocked to see assault come forward in a disturbing fashion.

The Cast Member shared that the Disney Character was assaulted and the Guest was forced to be removed from the Disney Park. In this Reddit Thread, we can see the story unfold.

“I was one of the performers for Nick Wilde from Zootopia a few years ago, And if you’re not aware; a large number of people in the furry community find him highly attractive.

You can just imagine the number of people in that community who flirted with me and/or Judy and whispered some pretty sexual things to us. I think I also had a guy grab Nick’s tie like in that flirty way, we had to get him escorted out of the park.

The moral of the story is: don’t be inappropriate with the characters, we are real people underneath and the are legitimate consequences for that kind of behavior.”

Guests from time to time may need reminding that inappropriate behavior toward Characters or Cast Members while inside Disney Parks can cause them to be removed from the Park, or even banned from Walt Disney World Resort depending on the severity of the instance.