BoardWalk Deli Coming Soon to Walt Disney World

We’ve got some exciting foodie news to share with you! Late this summer, the new BoardWalk Deli will be opening its doors at Disney’s BoardWalk. This location, previously the BoardWalk Bakery, is inspired by the delis of the Northeast region, with a menu that takes guests on a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore.

Delicatessen translates to “all things delicious,” and that’s exactly what visitors will experience. With that, let’s get into what dishes guests can expect at this exciting new spot.

Whether guests are heading out for a day in the parks or planning a cozy breakfast in their room, they can stop by the Deli to select from house-baked bagels with a choice of schmear, a variety of sweet breakfast pastries, or a warm bagel sandwich. Some of these delicious options include an Everything Bagel Sandwich with cage-free eggs, sausage, and cheddar cheese, a Bagel Breakfast Sandwich with cage-free eggs, bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese, or a Plant-based Ciabatta Sandwich with “egg” Florentine, plant-based cheese, tomato jam, and arugula that provides an exciting contrast of flavors. What a way to start their day!

For both lunch and dinner, their taste buds are in for a treat because there are multiple options that will transport them to the Northeast with every bite. They can choose from a variety of cold and hot deli sandwiches served on traditional marble rye, fluffy ciabatta or soft and springy focaccia breads. As with the breakfast bagels, all breads are baked fresh in-house.

The signature Italian Sub is built with layer upon layer of thinly sliced capicola, sopressata, and pepperoni with provolone, arugula, tomato, arugula pesto, and mayonnaise on fresh-baked ciabatta bread. The savory Warm Pastrami Reuben is a classic deli staple, with generous rolls of thin-sliced warm pastrami topped with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye bread.

For a plant-based twist on a classic favorite, the Veggie Crunch Muffaletta is stacked with cured and pickled root vegetables, an olive-giardiniera tapenade and plant-based cheese, served on focaccia. With such bold and tangy flavors, it’s hard to believe this sandwich doesn’t have meat!

Guests can also opt for a Roasted Chicken Sandwich with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and roasted garlic aioli served on ciabatta or the Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup –a classic Guest favorite. Who can resist dunking a classic grilled cheese into a steaming cup of tomato soup?

To round off their meal, guests can add a whole dill pickle, made in-house with the perfect amount of crunch and tanginess. How delicious! All of these mouthwatering sandwiches are served with a side of house-made chips, creamy coleslaw, or soup.

And what meal is complete without a sweet finish? There is no shortage of desserts to try here. The Cannolis are filled to order–yes, you heard that right –in a crispy shell with a creamy blend of mascarpone cheese, ricotta, and shaved dark chocolate, with a hint of lemon zest and a touch of Mickey. The rich and delicate Blueberry Scone is made with crème fraiche and topped with pearl sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Guests can also get some Northeastern classics like the New Jersey Crumbcake, an imposing moist cake with a thick cinnamon-crumb topping, or the iconic New York-style Half-moon Cookietopped with rich chocolate ganache and buttercream.

Pastry-lovers will appreciate the delicate chocolate-dipped Cream Puff, hand-piped with silky custard, and the Raspberry Danish layered with velvet custard, fresh raspberries, and sugar crumble. We’re especially excited about the appearance of the beloved warm and gooey Cinnamon Yummies—a returning Guest favorite. Lastly, there are some tried-and-true classics like rich cookies, decadent Brownie Cheesecake, brownies, the Cookies & Cream Cupcake, and the 50th Anniversary Celebration Cupcake.

In addition to all of these incredible eats, there are also some sips that can be enjoyed. Try the vibrant organic wine spritzes by Ramona in flavors of dry grapefruit, blood orange, and meyer lemon. Guests can also sip on bold and refreshing craft cocktails by Social Hour: Sunkissed Fizz, a bright and juicy vodka fizz that balances notes of ripe fruit and crisp citrus or the Prizefighter, a bold and refreshing Collins built around the classic combo of whiskey and peach.

Stay tuned for more details on other resort enhancements, coming to Disney’s BoardWalk, and enjoy all these treats at the BoardWalk Deli!

Jessie’s Trading Post Now Open in Toy Story Land!

Back in January, Disney shared that the new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be getting a much-needed retail and dining expansion in the near future. Guests would be able to shop at Jessie’s Trading Post and dine at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The news was exciting as there was not too much shopping in the land and the only place to eat was Woody’s Lunch Box. Disney never said when Jessie’s Trading Post or Roundup Rodeo BBQ would be opening, but did say that it would be sometime in 2022.

Well, you can imagine Guest’s shock and excitement when Disney opened Jessie’s Trading Post on Friday, July 22! No official announcement was made, but there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony before Guests were officially let in.

Disney Parks Blog first shared more information on Jessie’s Trading Post:

Hee-haw, attention all honorary toys! After enjoying a rollicking ride through Toy Story Mania!, you will soon be treated to a new experience that is filled to the brim with fun. Andy discovered Jessie’s Trading Post playset tucked away in the attic, and is bringing it downstairs to set up shop—full of the coolest toys and finest souvenirs handpicked by the rootinest, tootinest cowgirl.

It’s so exciting to see the new Toy Story Land area open and Guests enjoying their time there. Here is more info on everything else making its way to Toy Story Land, which will only make you want to spend even more time there!

Also coming in 2022 to Andy’s backyard is the previously announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant! In this unique, fun, family-friendly dining experience, guests will enjoy delicious barbecue fare while surrounded by a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets that Andy has brought together to create his one-of-a-kind rodeo.

Stepping into the lobby and waiting area, guests experience first-hand what it feels like to be one of Andy’s honorary toys, before progressing into two larger dining room spaces where Andy’s rodeo takes place. Here, the rodeo will be in full swing, with western town and train station playsets mixing with surprising, playful details, like some fan-favorite Pixar characters as they’ve never been seen before!

Woody in Toy Story Land

At this time, we don’t know when Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be opening, but, if Jessie’s Trading Post is any example, we may not know until it actually opens! Disney Dining will keep readers updated if and when we have an opening date.

MagicBand+ Launch Date Announced at Walt Disney World

The long-awaited launch of MagicBand+ has been announced! The next-generation MagicBand+ will add new functionality to unlock experiential moments of magic.

It’s time to band together because MagicBand+ is launching July 27 at Walt Disney World Resort!

At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ can do everything a MagicBand can do and more – from entering theme parks with a tap* and connecting your Disney PhotoPass memories, to unlocking your Disney Resort hotel room and more.

But our newest wearable also has great new features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition – plus it pairs to your smartphone using the My Disney Experience app. Once you get your hands on one, you’ll want to do it all – and there’s a lot you can do when MagicBand+ launches!

Before you head out on these exciting new experiences, you’ll want to pick out the perfect MagicBand+ from an incredible lineup of more than 25 designs.

Disney Fab 50 Quest

As part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, you can interact with the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection throughout all four theme parks with the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” Help Tinker Bell bring the sculptures to life across all four Walt Disney World theme parks using virtual pixie dust from Tink.

Jodi Benson, who you may know as the voice of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” recently embarked on the quest and caught up with a few familiar friends – Sebastian and Flounder!

Sebastian and Flounder are just a few characters you may meet!

You can wave your hand to sprinkle virtual pixie dust at each Disney Fab 50 Character sculpture for different reactions! To unlock even more during your quest, use the Play Disney Parks app to collect the sculptures and enter the worlds of your favorite characters through an augmented reality feature.**

Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters

On Batuu, the bounty hunting business is booming. MagicBand+ is your guide to seeking numerous virtual bounties hidden across Black Spire Outpost with the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters experience. Vibrations and lights on MagicBand+ guide you down the right path. When you find your Bounty, you can use the Play Disney Parks app’s augmented reality thermal viewer to reveal who’s hiding in the shadows.** Local guild master Raga Bua will reward you with galactic credits. Do you have what it takes to join the guild?

Nighttime Spectaculars

MagicBand+ brings the magic of Disney nighttime spectaculars closer than ever before during “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT! MagicBand+ complements the magic in the skies, lighting up and vibrating in sync with fireworks, visual effects, and music. Your MagicBand+ will also engage as all four theme park icons transform into Beacons of Magic!

Some of our cast members were among the first to enjoy these experiences in advance of the official launch. Before you embark on these experiences, make sure your MagicBand+ is charged, up to date and paired to your device. We’ve got you covered with easy how-to videos on DisneyWorld.com so you can get right to it.

If you’re planning to get one or even collect some, don’t forget that Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online at special prices before their arrival. Annual Passholder discounts will also be available on MagicBand+ (visit disneyworld.com/pass for more information). All guests can buy MagicBand+ at select stores across Walt Disney World and online at shopDisney, starting at $34.99.

At Walt Disney World, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at the following locations:

    • Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium
    • EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center
    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company
    • Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders
    • Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels

Although features and experiences across Disney Parks will vary, Disneyland Resort guests will be able to get in on the MagicBand+ fun later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting future for MagicBand+ at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts!

*With valid admission and park reservation

**To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand+.

Beast Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction

One of the best parts of dining at Walt Disney World Resort is all of the unique character experiences you can have. At places like Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Guests can see Mickey, Minnie, and their friends in their full-on art phase. If you want to go on safari, head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and experience Donald’s Breakfast Safari at Tusker House. And for one of the most unique character dining experiences, you can head to the Magic Kingdom, where you can dine with the Beast in his castle at Be Our Guest restaurant.

Be Our Guest brings Guests into the heart of the classic film, Beauty and the Beast. They can dine in the West Wing, or even in the enchanting Ballroom, where Belle and Beast danced to a song about a tale as old as time. Dining at Be Our Guest also allows guests to meet the Lord of the Manor, the Beast himself. While he may be an intimidating figure, the Beast recently had an unfortunate wardrobe mishap that may have slightly altered the magic.

Lizy_lizelba recently shared a video on her TikTok showing the beast walking out into the dining room, waving to Guests, bending over, and losing his head. Cast Members quickly came to the rescue to help him get the head back on and escort him from the room. Cast Members try as hard as they can to keep the magic alive, but accidents sometimes happen. Thankfully, the problem was quickly rectified, and the Cast Member was taken backstage, so they could fix any issues the costume may have had.

If you have not had the chance to dine at Be Our Guest yet, here is more information from the Walt Disney World Resort website:

Feast on French-inspired fare in one of our elaborately themed rooms—straight out of the beloved Disney classic!

Be Our Guest Restaurant is an expansive and elegant dining destination located at the foot of Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. Whether you are enjoying lunch or dinner, you will experience an atmosphere made for memories.

Royal Rooms for Loyal Subjects

Be Our Guest offers 3 meticulously imagineered dining areas, each designed to immerse our Guests in the heartwarming mystery and romance of Beauty and the Beast:

The Grand Ballroom – Go for baroque in this magnificent ballroom with its high, domed ceiling, chandeliers and snow-laced Gothic arches.

The West Wing – Dine in the Beast’s mysterious West Wing study—if you dare—and perhaps you’ll even spy his enchanted rose.

The Castle Gallery – Get swept up in the romance of Belle’s private library, and inspired by the larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast dancing.

Each room is unforgettable.

Beauty and the Beast is currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary and on December 16, ABC and Disney will release a live-action/animated special to honor the film on Disney+.

First Look: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE

For the next 129 delicious days, guests can sip, savor, shop and repeat across six continents at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE! The festival kicks off today and continues through Nov. 19, offering new experiences for foodies and fun-loving families.

A passport for the palate, this iconic festival is a magical taste tour – one that whisks guests off on a fun and flavorful journey. It’s a delicious celebration of the best in global food and drink along with live entertainment, family activities and more. This year, our creative Disney culinarily teams have dreamed up unique dishes as nearly one third of the menu offerings are new.

Let’s take a first look… or rather a first bite… at this year’s festival:

At the EPCOT main entrance guests will find a new display featuring Chef Remy welcoming all connoisseurs of fine cuisine.

Then, guests can grab a Festival Passport to use as their handy guide to discover all the new sips and fresh bites available at the more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout the park. These special food and beverage locations celebrate the best in global cuisine.

Debuting this year is The Fry Basket showcasing French fries presented with unique savory and sweet toppings – like the Fry Flight, featuring three different flavors! Or, check out India, a guest-favorite marketplace returning with three brand-new menu items.

For those who like to get an early start enjoying the festival and all that EPCOT has to offer, the Belgium marketplace will open at 8:30 a.m. daily to serve up delicious Belgian Waffles topped with either Warm Chocolate Ganache or Berry Compote and Whipped Cream, as well as Chilled Mocha Coffee.

All other marketplaces – including The Swanky Saucy Swine, Coastal Eats, Hops & Barley, The Alps, Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia, Greece, Brazil and Flavors from Fire to name just a few – will open at 11:00am daily to entice guests with exciting new options and returning fan-favorites. Be sure to check out the full Festival Foodie Guide for photos of many delectable offerings.

Recently, we shared the full lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare. Be sure to check out this incredible list of performances and make plans for which guests want to see. And don’t forget about Eat to the Beat Dining Packages (for Friday through Monday concerts), which include a leisurely meal at a select EPCOT restaurant and guaranteed seating at a performance later that same day. To see the full lineup of artists, performance dates and pricing, and to make a dining package reservation, visit TasteEpcot.com.

It’s time to sip, savor…and shop! Five new merchandise collections offer up fun and whimsical kitchenware, tabletop items, apparel, novelties and unique collectibles featuring favorite Disney characters such as Chef Minnie Mouse, Chef Mickey Mouse, Princess Tiana, Chef Figment and Chef Remy. Merchandise can be found at festival retail locations across EPCOT, with additional pieces debuting throughout the festival. Select items are also available on shopDisney.com.

But that’s not all! There are other ways to have even more fun exploring the festival. If guests are a cheese lover, have them try Emile’s Fromage Montage and take a walk on the tasty side to sample dishes featuring cheese served in inventive ways. Or, kids of all ages can embark on a Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt that’s très magnifique in Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak.

Experiences introduced as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration offer even more ways to cultivate fresh memories. Guests can enjoy Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and join Chef Remy on a daring culinary journey as they zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s bustling Paris restaurant. Then, they can end their delectable day by watching “Harmonious” – one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park.

To experience the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, guests will need both a valid park admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Visit TasteEpcot.com for more details.