This summer, your clients can explore age-old cities, immerse in vibrant cultures, or soak up the sun on a Mediterranean with Greek Isles cruise with Disney Cruise Line!
With seven to 11-night sailings departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) aboard the Disney Dream, there’s no better time to experience the ancient cultures and breathtaking landscapes of some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations.
Relax along the picturesque beaches of Mykonos or visit local attractions to learn more about this legendary island paradise. Step into history during a visit to Naples and explore the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii. Enjoy panoramic ocean views at Santorini, or wander the region’s shopping districts, museums, and wineries. At Piraeus, take a short trip to Athens and experience the archaeological wonders of one of Greece’s most incredible port cities.
Actor Tom Hanks is being attacked in response to video footage that has surfaced online, purporting to show the actor in less-than-appropriate behavior toward a child.
The internet has been abuzz in recent days with posts about Tom Hanks–one that shows his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame being defaced by vandals. In the video, Hanks’s name inside his star is blacked out by a vandal who then scribbles the word pedophile in place of it as a crowd gathers. The noise is such that cheers are virtually indistinguishable from the jeers of the crowd.
But naysayers point out that this isn’t the first time the two-time Academy Award-winning actor has been accused of such, and the clip of Hanks used in the Instagram is taken completely out of context.
Tom Hanks began his career in Hollywood in the 1980s. As an actor, he has portrayed a variety of characters in a variety of film genres, including comedy, drama, and even horror.
His first major film roles were in Splash (1984) and Big (1988), but perhaps his most memorable roles were in Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Apollo 13 (1995), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Cast Away (2000). More recently, Hanks played the role of Elvis Presley’s manager, Tom Parker, in the film Elvis (2022) and the role of a cranky old man who discovers an unlikely friendship with a new neighbor in A Man Called Otto (2022).
Hanks is also known for his long-standing relationship with The Walt Disney Company, and his most famous acting role with the company is also the one that began that relationship.
Hanks has lent his voice to Sheriff Woody in Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, beginning with the first film in the series, which debuted in 1995. Since then, he has given Woody his trademark voice in Toy Story 2, 3, and 4, as well as in numerous Toy Story shorts, including Toy Story of Terror and Toy Story That Time Forgot, among others.
Hanks also portrayed Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks (2012) opposite actress Emma Thompson. The actor also lent a vocal cameo of himself to an episode of Big City Greens, and more recently, Hanks played the role of the woodcarver Geppetto in Robert Zemeckis’s live-action Pinocchio, which debuted on Disney+ in 2022.
One of Hanks’s parody performances, a clip of which was included in the aforementioned Instagram post, however, has been taken so far out of context that it makes no sense whatsoever, but it has left a deluge of rumors, accusations, and allegations in its wake.
The clip is from a skit Hanks performed during an episode of Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! in 2011. In the sketch comedy bit, the actor and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel satirize the TLC reality television series Toddlers & Tiaras, which aired from 2009 to 2016.
The reality series was criticized for sexualizing children who compete in beauty pageants, as they are expected to wear costumes and participate in performances deemed overly adult in nature, and the parents of the children in various beauty pageants received criticism for allowing–and sometimes demanding–that their children participate in the pageants.
Hanks and Kimmel performed a satire sketch, mocking the show and its adult participants. The actor and host did not, however, endorse pedophilia in any way.
The clip, instead, shows Hanks acting as an overbearing parent obsessed with seeing his fictional daughter win a fictional child pageant called Miss Ultimate Sexy Baby Nevada.
But, as with many things online, the clip was taken from the Kimmel show and “doctored” to look as though it depicts Hanks himself obsessed with a child in a pageant. The misconstrued, out-of-context clip can be seen in the Instagram post below.
The post includes the caption, “Tom Hanks Not Trying to Hide It,” alleging that Hanks is, indeed, a pedophile when the post is clearly pieced together from clips of a more than 12-year-old episode of a sketch for Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!
Sadly, this isn’t the first time social media has attacked Hanks, accusing him of such behavior. There are so many false and accusatory posts on the subject, in fact, that the top debunking website, Snopes.com, has an entire library of content about the topic, all of which has been fact-checked and proven false.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse will have new looks specially designed by acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett whenever they visit Disney Cruise Line’s newest island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. The garments will have a distinct Bahamian flair, inspired by the bright, colorful spirit of Junkanoo, the country’s signature festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades.
Inspired by the beauty of his homeland, Theodore’s creations reflect the culture and colorful hues of island life. His designs are seen on the likes of Miss Universe contestants, celebrities, brides, cover girls, and government officials just to name a few. Soon, Theodore’s latest work will adorn two of our favorite icons: Mickey and Minnie Mouse!
Theodore grew up in Nassau, The Bahamas, surrounded by art and fashion. His mother owned her own sewing factory, and he started making dresses at an early age. Theodore’s designs first hit the runway when he was just 13 years old, in 1998—the very year Disney Cruise Line set sail. He went on to design for Miss Bahamas contestants and Miss Bahamas Universe, and the rest is history.
When Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point opens in June of 2024, Theodore’s work will hit an exciting, new runway—a celebration of Bahamian culture straight from the eyes of the country’s artists. At Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Mickey and Minnie’s looks will be part of a collection of colorful works of art by local creators, which guests will experience throughout the new island destination.
“The beauty of Mickey and Minnie’s looks are that they are literally ‘Junkanoo Fun in the Sun,’” Theodore said. “When you talk about the print, pattern, color, texture of Junkanoo, they’ve got that.”
Raffia, a natural material made from the leaves of Raffia palm trees, is typically used in The Bahamas to decorate accessories and Eleuthera is known for its pineapples. These details can be found in both Mickey and Minnie’s looks!
Theodore will also design special styles for Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale to wear while enjoying the natural beauty of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point! Be sure to stay tuned for the final looks and to follow along with all the details of this exciting retreat debuting in summer 2024.
With the addition of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland official websites, the height requirement has been confirmed.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Height Requirement
Guests will need to be 40″ (102cm) or taller to ride. This is the same as the former Splash Mountain, which Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has taken over. The attraction will use the same ride system as its predecessor, meaning there was no change to the existing requirements.
The Disney Parks Blog has released the full lineup of food and beverages guests can expect to enjoy during the Celebrate Soulfully 2024 festivities during Black History Month at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
These items begin arriving at both resorts starting February 1, 2024.
Celebrate Soulfully 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort
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 Feb. 1 through March 31; mobile order available)
Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Banana cheesecake with vanilla pudding and vanilla wafer crust
Assistant Sous Chef Janell Wright drew inspiration from her Jamaican roots and time living in the U.S., where she developed a fondness for banana pudding. Janell took these classic dessert flavors and infused them into a special cheesecake topped with a Mickey garnish, a special nod to Janell’s dream of working for Disney coming true.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Berry Beignet: Mixed berry compote, house-made Uncle Nearest Whiskey caramel sauce, and powdered sugar served with a pipette of Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Traditional Pound Cake: Homemade vanilla pound cake (Available Feb. 1 through March 31)
This dish is inspired by Proprietor Deborah Davis Pollard’s family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Country Fried Pork Steak with Herbed Gravy: Fried pork loin with herb cream sauce, fried cabbage sautéed with smoked sausage, and roasted marble potato salad (New); Available at the following locations:
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
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Sous Chefs Anthony Watson and Angie Thomas drew inspiration from generations-old family recipes for this collaboration. The result is a celebration of marinated, smothered, and seasoned meat dishes paired with flavorful sides.
Mini Red Velvet Cake: Red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream (New); Available at the following locations:
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Pool Bars, Lounges, and Table-Service Restaurants (Available Feb. 3 through 29)
Southern Citrus Twist: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters (New)
Inspired by the partnership between Leaders Dougie Williams and Hunter Bernreuter, this cocktail features Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey and celebrates heritage, partnerships, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color products.
Magic Kingdom Park
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies (Available Feb. 1 through March 1; mobile order available)
Bananas Foster Shake: Banana milkshake layered with caramelized banana sauce and topped with whipped cream (New)
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Currently available)
Crab-topped Catch of the Day: Roasted pumpkin-smoked gouda grits, braised greens, and brown butter-Meyer lemon emulsion
The Crystal Palace (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, and okra in a traditional gumbo base (New)
Golden Oak Outpost (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with strawberry dipping sauce
Main Street Bakery (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece (New)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Available Feb. 1 through March 1; mobile order available)
Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich: Fried green tomato sandwich with lettuce, bacon, and bacon-pimento spread served with house-made chips (New)
Sweet Potato Pie topped with toasted marshmallow cream and candied pecans
Pinocchio Village Haus (Available Feb. 1 through March 1; mobile order available)
Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a Tiana chocolate piece (New)
Princess Tiana’s passion for cooking is a generational legacy ignited by her father. Assistant Pastry Chef Tianna Roberson has been making this signature recipe since age ten. Inspired by her grandmother’s recipe, this cherished dish defined her childhood. Passed down through generations, it stands as a beloved family tradition.
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Butter Pecan Praline Sundae: Butter pecan ice cream topped with praline sauce, spiced pecans, and whipped cream (New)
The Plaza Restaurant (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and rice in a traditional gumbo base (New)
Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Dino-Bite Snacks (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Peach Cobbler Mini Cake: Vanilla cake, cinnamon-caramel-peach filling, and oat streusel topping served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (New)
Inspired by a recipe featured in What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, the first cookbook by an African American author. Abby Fisher started a business in Alabama where she made and sold pickles and preserves. She eventually dictated her own recipes that would later become What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, published in 1881.
Flame Tree Barbecue (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich: Creole smoked sausage on a roll with piccadilly relish and stewed black-eyed peas
Creole smoked sausage is best credited as the result of pairing the distinct cooking flavors of French and African descendants living in Louisiana during the 18th century. Accompanying our Creole smoked sausage sandwich are black-eyed peas, which are known to be a symbol of prosperity and hope.
Pizzafari (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster jam filling, vanilla buttercream, Joe Gardner half note white chocolate décor, and multicolored crispy pearls
In Disney and Pixar’s Soul, Joe Gardner dreams of becoming a great jazz musician. Joe adorns this cupcake as an homage to jazz’s cultural impact. With historical roots, jazz transformed the music industry and brought success to musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Restaurantosaurus (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster jam filling, vanilla buttercream, Joe Gardner half note white chocolate décor, and multicolored crispy pearls
Tiffins Restaurant
Shrimp and Grits: South African Mealie Pap with roasted corn and goat cheese, peri-peri shrimp, and green tomato-apple chutney (Currently available)
The Ginger Whiskey: A cocktail featuring Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey with notes of ginger and brown sugar (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Uncle Nearest Whiskey is both a Black and women-owned and operated business. Begun in 2017, Uncle Nearest Whiskey has become one of the leading whiskey brands in its industry. The brand’s namesake Is Nathan “Nearest” Green, who is believed to have created the Lincoln County Process, a hallmark of Tennessee whiskey, in which whiskey is filtered through sugar-maple charcoal and then aged in charred oak barrels. Green is credited with teaching this technique to Jack Daniel, who hired Green as the first main distiller for the company and on record in the United States.
Dawa Bar, Restaurantosaurus Lounge, and Thirsty River Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Pineapple Mint Julep
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and seasonings simmered in chicken stock served over rice
Hollywood & Vine (Currently available)
Poulet Mariné Au Four (Baked Marinated Chicken): Baked chicken marinated in assorted spices served with red peppers, green peppers, and onions
Hollywood Scoops (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Mardi Gras Milk Shake: Cinnamon-vanilla milkshake topped with a Mardi Gras king cake doughnut
Woody’s Lunch Box (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart with cinnamon-brown sugar icing, toasted marshmallows, and pecans
EPCOT
The Artist’s Table at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (Currently available through Feb. 19)
Hummingbird Cake: Banana and pecan cake dipped in cream cheese icing with caramel sauce and warm pineapple compote
Coral Reef Restaurant (Currently available through March 31)
Shrimp and Grits: Cajun-grilled shrimp, seared grit cake, andouille hash, and Cajun emulsion
Fife and Drum (Currently available)
Half Note Float: Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy with vanilla ice cream and half note white chocolate
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available Feb. 1 through March 31; mobile order available)
Banana Pudding
Disney Springs
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Charles Woodson Wines’ 2019 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon
The Ganachery (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Cookie Butter Ganache Square: Cookie butter ganache enrobed in dark 65% chocolate (New)
This bite was inspired by Chocolatier Cast Member Destiny Hinds, who loves sharing her cookie butter confections with friends.
Soulfully Pralines: Pecan pralines covered in dark 65% chocolate
Chocolatier Cast Member Sheila Moten drew creative inspiration from Disney and Pixar’s Soul for the Soulfully Pralines.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Griot and Pikliz: Epis-marinated fried pork shoulder, fried green plantain, and pikliz (New)
Culinary Cast Member Daphnee Vilme Dorcelian draws inspiration from griot, a Haitian fried pork dish that’s a cherished favorite at family gatherings. Marinated in a blend called “epis” with Scotch bonnet, bell peppers, and spices, it is served with fried plantains and “pikliz,” a pickled cabbage slaw. This flavorful and slightly spicy dish is a weekend tradition, bringing a taste of home to the United States and earning praise from Daphnee’s kids as one of their favorites.
The Polite Pig (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Pork Belly Diri Kolepwanwa: Sweet and spicy pork belly, diri kolepwanwa (rice and black beans), and onion jalepeño slaw
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
House of Brown 2021 California Red Blend
Vivoli il Gelato (Currently available through March 30)
Black Girl Magic Float: Float with vanilla gelato and Black Girl Magic wine from the McBride Sisters Wine Company
Celebrate Soulfully 2024 at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Troubadour Tavern (Available Feb. 16-18 and 23-25; mobile order available)
Fried Chicken Bowl: Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with four cheese mac ‘n cheese, smoked turkey collard greens, and sweet potato cornbread
Sweet Potato Pie Casserole: Sweet potato-pecan pie (New)
River Belle Terrace (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)
Brunch Platter: Pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuit and gravy, and house slaw
Dinner Platter: BBQ brisket, fried chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and biscuit and gravy
Cafe Orleans (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)
Prix-Fixe Meal with choice of appetizer, deviled eggs, and pickled vegetables, gumbo, or Caesar salad with cornmeal fried fish and turtle cheesecake
Tiana’s Palace
House-filled Beignet featuring lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze
7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice
7 Greens Gumbo: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice (Plant-based)
Beef Po’boy Sandwich: Slow-cooked beef in gravy dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayonnaise on a toasted New Orleans French bread and served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles
Disney California Adventure Park
Lamplight Lounge and Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining (Currently available)
Barrel Aged Smoked: Uncle Nearest 1884 Bourbon, turbinado sugar, Angostura Bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters, and a luxury ice cube (New)
McBride Sisters Sparkling Rosé (New)
Crowns & Hops Pilsner (New)
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman Bar, Hearthstone Lounge, and Storytellers Cafe (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Golden Soul: Uncle Nearest 1884, ginger liqueur, creme de cassis, lime juice, and raspberries
Crowns & Hops 8 Trill Pills
Downtown Disney District
Salt & Straw (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken Ice Cream: In partnership and support of Black-owned business, Ezell’s Famous Chicken out of Washington State, this savory and spicy ice cream is made with fresh croissants, torn into bits, that are then deep-fried with chicken fat until crispy and then churned into salted vanilla ice cream. A touch of cinnamon, a splash of honey, and a shake of secret spices give you a sweet Cajun heat with pleasant pops and crackles
