When Spirit of Aloha was demolished at Disney’s Polynesian Resort last year it left a hole in our hearts and Disney’s “dinner and a show” offerings. With its departure, only the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue was left. We love Hoop-Dee-Doo but there was something truly magical about Spirit of Aloha. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a luau?
Get ready to get excited because a brand new Luau experience is coming to Walt Disney World! This time, the festivities are coming to Disney Springs! Morimoto Asia is hosting an all-new luau where you’ll immerse yourself in Asian-Pacific culture during this traditional Hawaiian party.
The food will be and upscale buffet but true to theme: in true Morimoto style, sushi, and poke bowls will abound and there will even be a whole roasted pig! The fun doesn’t stop at the food either! Live performers will delight and dazzle with performances by a live band and hula dancers will. There’s even a strolling ukulele player! For dessert, you’ll enjoy island favorites like pineapple tarts and butter mochi, haupia squares, and Mango parfait! Custom leis will also be available for purchase when you book.
That’s the good news. The bad news? This event will only be around for an extremely limited time. In fact, it’s one say only: Sunday, May 14, 2023, to celebrate Mother’s Day! That means you’ll want to hurry because this event will sell out. The cost is $150 per person and tickets can be purchased in advance here.
Curious about the food? Check out the menu:
POKE BAR:
Traditional ahi poke, Hawaiian sea salt, inamona, chili, green onion
Korean-style tako (octopus) poke, kimchi, gochujang
Pineapple tarts: caramel cream, vanilla tart shells
Mango parfait: mango mousse, raspberries
Passionfruit pops: white chocolate, passion fruit puree, pop sticks, white truffle shells, heavy cream
Butter mochi mini cakes
Celebrate mom in style this year at Morimoto Asia. Food, dancing, entertainment…this event will have it all so that you can give her a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget!
Later this year, Walt Disney World will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. EPCOT is preparing to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World in the fall. However, there are some offerings that have already begun to pop up around the parks and resorts, with much more to come as the year continues.
For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has created unforgettable stories and lifelong memories for generations of families. Some of my favorite memories are tied to visits to Walt Disney World, seeing Disney stories brought to life and getting the chance to experience them in magical ways.
The entire Walt Disney World cast is excited to join in the celebration of Disney100, and you’re invited to be part of the fun! I’m thrilled to share that you can now experience magical, limited-time offerings sprinkled throughout the resort. Here are six great ways to commemorate this momentous milestone, with many more to come.
1 – Say Hi to Mickey and Minnie in Their Platinum Best
As previously shared, EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration later this year at Walt Disney World. Recently opened attractions like the exhilarating family thrill coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the captivating 4D Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure bring even more family fun to the park where the impossible becomes possible. Even more is in store as the park’s multi-year transformation culminates later this year during the Disney100 celebration.
Have you been looking forward to seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their new dazzling platinum outfits? I know I have! You’ll be able to hug and take photos with the duo in their platinum outfits at EPCOT later this year. What a way to celebrate this major milestone and the legacy that their beloved stories represent for our Company. We’ll have more details on when and where you can meet them soon.
2 – Admire Special Spaceship Earth Lighting
I’m excited to announce that the night sky will light up with a dazzling spectacle of colors and lights as Spaceship Earth honors Disney100 with a special display later in 2023. Here’s your first look at what’s sure to be a memorable moment during the celebration.
Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering have been dreaming up new ways to honor this important milestone by turning to their own cherished memories and favorite Disney stories as they create this one-of-a-kind display.
“The Show Lighting Team at Walt Disney Imagineering has been amazed at our guests’ reaction to the nightly shows on Spaceship Earth,” said Jason Read, show lighting designer principal for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’ve helped celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, EPCOT’s 40th and the park’s signature festivals. Now, we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring in the biggest celebration yet, the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.”
“We’re also inspired by many things from the history of the company, its characters, theme parks and shows – even the Disney100 opening logo that plays before our feature films during this anniversary,” Read continued. “You may see homages to everything from the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ television show opening to Mickey balloons that we sell on Main Street, U.S.A.”
3 – Take a Selfie in Front of a Disney100 Backdrop
Whenever I make my way to Walt Disney World, I get a rush of adrenaline thinking about the magic that awaits me. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I saw the Disney100 sign at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park right in front of the entrance. If you’re like me, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to snap a few photos as a way to remember your visit during this very special celebration. This photo op is perfect for the entire family and is a great way to start your day. If you’re not going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t worry. You’ll be able to snap photos with Disney100 backdrops at all four theme parks plus Disney Springs.
4 – Keep an Eye Out for Surprise Character Visits at Disney Resort Hotels
If you’ve ever had the joy of staying in one of our enchanting Disney Resort hotels, you may have seen the magic of various Disney characters stopping by for an impromptu photo opportunity. As the Disney100 celebration ramps up at Walt Disney World, you may run into some of your favorite Disney characters in their platinum best as they pop up at various Disney Resort hotels. You never know when or where they’ll show up next!
5 – Celebrate With New Food and Drinks
The celebration doesn’t stop with character greetings and fun photo ops; you’ll also be able to indulge in some Disney100 treats across the resort. Beginning May 1, guests can enjoy the Disney100 Petite Cake for a limited time at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This mouthwatering dessert has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, all topped with a celebratory Disney100 Medallion macaron.
The Disney Culinary team has been dreaming up all kinds of delicious dishes to commemorate the milestone, and this is just the beginning. I was lucky enough to learn about the inspiration behind this yummy dessert from Chef Amanda.
“The culinary team has the wonderful opportunity to use food for storytelling,” Chef Amanda said. “We get to make special themed treats that bring guests into the story, letting them feel immersed in a tangible and very delicious way.”
“The inspiration of this cake pulls from the rich purple and platinum colors used for the Disney100 celebration,” Chef Amanda shared. “The drapery on the sides of the cake represents the traditional bunting that adorns Main Street, U.S.A. for special occasions. And of course, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the front of the cake because as we all know: ‘It all started with a mouse.’”
6 – Find Your Perfect Disney100 Memento
You may have spotted and already started to collect some of the amazing Disney100 merchandise that’s popping up at Walt Disney World. To help you prepare for what’s to come, a little fairy told me about the new Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket that will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom. This dazzling souvenir is intricately designed, great for the entire family, and my favorite souvenir thus far. Stay tuned for more details on when this beauty will make its debut. For now, you’ll be able to enjoy drinks and popcorn in the new Disney100 refillable cups available now at the Disney Resort hotels and popcorn buckets at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.
You can also check out the wide variety of limited-release merchandise, available across the Walt Disney World Resort. Cherish nostalgic memories with the new 40s-themed Disney100 Decades Collection featuring Disney classics such as “Fantasia,” “The Three Caballeros,” “Pinocchio” and “Dumbo.” While you’re at it, marvel at all the magic with the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection — perfect if you’re looking for even more ways to shine! Or maybe the Disney100 Unified Character Collection is more your style with beloved characters from throughout the history of Disney, including Snow White, Elsa and Simba. My favorite Disney100 pieces so far are the Unified Characters Backpack and the Three Caballeros Ear Headband, but there is even more merchandise debuting soon.
As you can see, the celebration is just getting started at Walt Disney World, and there’s much more to come!
Exciting eats are coming from a galaxy far, far away! As May the 4th draws near, the best treats in the galaxy are landing at Disney Parks with Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort joining in on adventures guests will have to taste to believe.
With can’t-miss novelties like the Acid Spitter Orb Sipper at Disneyland Resort, Star Wars staples like the Lightsaber Churro at Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be ready to conquer all of their out-of-this-world missions!
Beyond May the 4th, Disneyland Resort also celebrates Black Spire Day in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! The space celebrations are truly endless.
It’s time we jump to lightspeed and explore the May the 4th Foodie Guide. Let’s go!
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
(New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad with Seasoned Gwayo Egg: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, fried potato noodles, and soy-marinated soft-boiled egg (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
(New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, and fried potato noodles (Plant-based) (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)
Galactic Grill (Mobile order available)
Darth by Chocolate Parfait (Available May 2 through 6)
(New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)
Kat Saka’s Kettle
(New) Surabat Valley Mix: Sweet kettle corn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
(New) Niamos Mix: Savory sour cream and chive popcorn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
(New) Jellyfruit Muffin: Passion fruit buttermilk muffin with pineapple and blackberry jam (Available starting May 2)
Milk Stand (Available starting May 2; mobile order available)
Tenoo Swirl Crunchies Cereal: Blue milk topped with strawberry and grape candy pebbles
Oga’s Cantina (Available May 2 through August 31)
Five Blossom Bread with Mustard Cream: Warm pretzel knot with a new creamy honey mustard dip
(New) Ginger Lime Tea Lemonade with Soju: Soju, Minute Maid Lemonade, Gold Peak Unsweetened Iced Tea, habanero lime and ginger flavors topped with matcha foam
Ronto Roasters
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)
Beverage Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Galma Garlic Puffs: Puffed cheese chips (Available starting May 2)
Fruit Cart, Churro Cart, and Lemonade Cart in Tomorrowland
(New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)
Downtown Disney District
Marceline’s Confectionery (Mobile order available)
Grogu Candy Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in colored white chocolate with gold sanding sugar for the belt
Hotels of Disneyland Resort
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Hearthstone Lounge (Available May 2 through 31)
(New) Ginger Daiquiri: El Dorado Rum, Sherry, Velvet Falernum, ginger syrup and lime juice, garnished with mint
Grand Californian Hotel Lobby Cart (Available April 28 through May 30)
Star Wars Sugar Cookie
Wookiee Cookie
Pretzel Lightsabers
Falcon Lollipop
Stormtrooper Crisped Rice Treat
Tropical Whoopie Pie
Galaxy Macaron Box
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (SOLD OUT)
If you’ve already purchased tickets to one of the sold-out Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite events, your tastebuds are about to go on a galactic adventure. At Harbour Galley, the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cookies are a sweet treat you simply must try. Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor is serving up a delight fit for royalty – the Galactic Princess Sundae. If you’re a mint fan, the Mossy Mint Churro available at the Frontierland churro cart is for you. For those wanting a more savory addition to your evening, the Harissa Tip-Yip Bowl at Red Rose Taverne or the Corned Shaak Loaded Fries at Hungry Bear Restaurant are the perfect galactic goodies. For those attending, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase both the Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard and the Grogu Sipper beginning May 2, while supplies last!
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Rosie’s All-American Café (Available May 4 through 31; mobile order available)
Jettison Juice: Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon served with a glow cube (Non-alcoholic)
Backlot Express (Available May 4 through 31; mobile order available)
Darth Vader Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with chocolate-peanut butter buttercream, dipped in dark chocolate ganache, edged in chocolate flakes, and topped with a chocolate Darth Vader
Wookiee Cookie: Two oatmeal cookies with vanilla cream filling garnished with a milk chocolate sash on top
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Mobile order available)
Oi-Oi Puff: Raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse (Available May 4 and 5)
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 4)
PizzeRizzo and The Trolley Car Café (Available May 4 and 5; mobile order available at PizzeRizzo)
Dark Side Chocolate Creation: Malted milk chocolate mousse dome with raspberry mousse filling, slivered almonds, and chocolate shortbread cookie
Churro Carts at The Market (Available May 4 and 5) and Grand Avenue and Anaheim Produce (Available May 4 through 31)
Lightsaber Churro served with chocolate sauce
Ronto Roasters
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 4)
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Pineapple Lanai (Available May 4 only)
Millennium Falcon Star Wars Soft-serve Sundae: Galactic gray vanilla soft-serve with mint flavor, chocolate cream cookie crumbles, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate pearl stars, brownie asteroid pieces with stardust sparkles, and a Millennium Falcon white chocolate piece
Disney Springs
The Ganachery
Queen Amidala Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate piñata filled with ruby chocolate and raspberry bark (Available May 1 through 31)
Ahsoka Pop: Plant-based coconut and blueberry swirl pop enrobed in dark chocolate (Available May 1 through 31)
Millennium Falcon Pop: Milk chocolate pop with crisp pearls (Currently available)
Swirls on the Water (Available May 1 through 31)
(New) Loyal Astromech Swirl: DOLE Whip Mango swirled with habanero soft-serve in a red velvet cone with toasted graham cracker crumbs, chocolate rocks, and a BB-8 edible garnish
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
This summer, Disney Cruise Line is celebrating its 25th anniversary. As you might expect, the cruise line will offer special limited-time treats and novelty items for guests to celebrate the occasion.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Disney Cruise Line and, to celebrate, the entire fleet will be welcoming aboard a variety of delicious eats and sips inspired by the shimmering seas. I’m thrilled to share with you a first look at what tasty options you’ll have to sea to believe.
As the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” draws near, the talented pastry chefs and mixologists have been hard at work creating items sure to make a splash, because what better way to celebrate than with flavor?
Let’s jump in and take a peek at all the shimmering sweets, sips, and novelties setting sail this summer from May through September!
First up, we’re exploring the treats that will be available. The 25th Disney Cruise Line Cupcakefeatures a decadent vanilla sponge cake topped with vanilla frosting, 25th chocolate décor, and, of course, shimmering sprinkles. It’s not just beautiful but delicious too! This sweet selection will be available via amenities on the ship.
If you love chocolate and candy, you’re in luck because there’s a special item specifically crafted for the sweet tooths out there at all the sweet shops on each of the ships – the Mickey Chocolate Sphere. This sweet treat showcases a chocolate Mickey Mouse sphere adorned with the 25themblem and is filled – yes, filled – with a variety of candy pieces. Simply crack it open and treat yourself.
At both Cabana’s and Marceline’s Market locations, two of the desserts will be getting a Silver Anniversary at Sea upgrade. The 3 Layer Carrot Cake with lemon frosting will be adding 25thchocolate décor and the Disney Cruise Line Anniversary Chocolate Marquise will feature rich chocolate truffle crème topped with the 25th chocolate décor as well!
Are you a fan of chocolate cookies? I ‘shore’ hope so! At the concierge lounge, the Chocolate Cream Cookie enrobes a chocolate cream cookie with dulce de leche filling into rich dark chocolate and is decorated with the Silver Anniversary at Sea logo as well as the signature shimmering sprinkles. Also in concierge, the Celebration Cupcake tops a tasty red velvet sponge cake with vanilla frosting, shimmering sprinkles, and 25th chocolate décor.
Captain Minnie is also joining in on the anniversary festivities with the Vanilla Crisped Rice Treat offered at all Cove Café locations. This vanilla-flavored crisped rice treat puts Minnie at the helm with special décor for both her and the anniversary.
Last but certainly not least for food, signature desserts throughout the entire fleet will be getting a tasty enhancement. All of these spectacular sweets will be adding a special 25th chocolate piece to their already stunning presentation. At Palo, the classic Chocolate Soufflé with double chocolate sauce, vanilla crèmeanglaise, and vanilla bean gelato will also have a chocolate 25thanniversary piece for you to enjoy!
Do you know what makes a refreshing Coca-Cola event better? When it’s decked out in Disney Cruise Line Silver Anniversary at Sea décor, that’s what! At Preludes and beverage locations on board, you’ll be able to purchase one of these special bottles as a tasty way to celebrate this momentous occasion.
For those over 21, there is an adult beverage you won’t want to miss at certain lounges across the fleet. The signature Jubilee by the Sea cocktail combines 818 Blanco Tequila, Luxardo Maraschino, and fresh lemon juice with a sparkly, silver dusting and a shimmering blue sugar rim. You’ll even get to bring home a special bookmark featuring how to make this tasty cocktail at home.
Additionally, as you’re sipping on your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktail, you may even see the exclusive 25th Anniversary coaster and napkins showcased only during these celebratory sailings.
If you’re looking to take home some of the fun with you, we’ve also got you covered. Available at coffee shops on board, you’ll discover the Specialty Coffee Mug with a unique anniversary design featuring the Disney Cruise Line fleet and even Mickey Mouse himself. These mugs also come with specialty coffee – yum!
The beer drinkers out there can also bring home a special keepsake from their sailing – the 25thAnniversary Beer Mug sketched with the anniversary logo.
And finally, no Disney celebration is complete without a popcorn bucket! For these special adventures, you’ll be able to purchase the Silver Anniversary at Sea Popcorn Bucket showcasing 25 years of Disney Ships, from the very first, the Disney Magic, all the way to the fleet’s newest addition, the Disney Wish!
If you’re sailing with us this summer, I hope you enjoy this exciting anniversary with your family, friends, and loved ones – and that your trip is filled with shimmering delights along the way!
As you can see, the foodie adventures on land and sea are endless with Disney and we’re so happy to share them with you.
Welcome, foolish mortals, to this year’s Disney Parks Halfway to Halloween celebration! Spring has sprung, which means the countdown to spooky season has officially begun and #HalfwaytoHalloween is underway at Disney. This week on Disney Travel News and our Disney Travel Professionals social channels, we’re celebrating all things Halloween with exciting news and content from Disney Parks around the world and a full celebration of the fan-favorite attraction the Haunted Mansion, plus limited-time specialty food and beverage at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
To begin your journey into the boundless realm of the supernatural, be sure to check out the trailer for Walt Disney Studios’ “Haunted Mansion” that premiers in theaters July 28. This comically creepy adventure is inspired by the classic theme park attraction and tells the story of a woman and her son (Rosario Dawson and Chase Dillon) who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts (Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, LaKeith Stanfield and Tiffany Haddish) to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
Whether your Clients are at one of our parks, on a Disney Cruise Line ship or celebrating at home, there will be something for everyone to celebrate Halfway to Halloween this year. Join 999 happy haunts for this spellbinding celebration and follow along all week to see how to join in on the frightful fun.
