Disney World’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opens next week to voyagers looking for an adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Ahead of the Starcruiser’s debut, Disney has released exciting new details about the experience, including interesting details about the Halcyon Starcruiser itself and brand-new details about dining options onboard the Starcruiser!
According to a press release from Disney today, the Starcruiser “boasts a robust and imaginative dining program developed especially for this vacation experience.” Menus full of some familiar tastes as well as some “unexpected” flavors, colors, and textures will only add to the experience and work to immerse Guests even more fully into the adventure aboard the Starcruiser.
The Crown of Corellia Dining Room
The Crown of Corellia Dining Room is a supper club aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Disney calls it a “dynamic and welcoming hall” that offers Guests breakfast buffets and lunch buffets during daytime hours.
In the evening, the Crown of Corellia “comes alive” with a table-service menu feature several lavish courses. Disney touts the menu as one that features both “otherworldly and familiar origins.” On the first night of the adventure, Guests will be treated to a live performance from the Twi’lek musician Gaya. Gaya continues to immerse Guests in the experience by moving throughout the dining room as she performs.
Then Gaya performs alongside another musician named Ouannii, creating a show that will have Guests moving and grooving. (As a side note, the lyrics to some of Gaya’s performances may even give Guests more insight about the experience aboard the Starcruiser.)
On the second night of the adventure, Guests will be treated to the “Taste Around the Galaxy” dinner experience. Each course during the dinner represents a different planet. As part of the offering, Guests will enjoy:
Smoking cheeses and bread reminiscent of molten planet Mustafar
Blue shrimp from the dense jungles of Felucia
Beef and seafood native to the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk
The Sublight Lounge
In addition to the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, Guests can also enjoy the Sublight Lounge. The lounge is located just off the ship’s Atrium. It offers Guests an upscale and stylish spot for socializing, offering a selection of ales, wines, and cocktails from different locations around the galaxy far, far, away. The lounge also offers Guests choices of light snacks.
A first look at Food & Drinks aboard the Galactic Starcruiser
Let’s take a look–a first look–at some of the offerings aboard the Halcyon Starcruiser!
Lunch Bento Box Tray featuring a Red fruit Burrata Salad
Lunch Bento Box: Firemelt Cheese Red fruit Dipper
Lunch Bento Box: Blue Bantha Milk Fruit Whip
Dinner Bento Box
Dessert aboard the Galactic Starcruiser
Sublight Lounge drinks
Breakfast Bento Box
Breakfast Bento Box: Spiced-Bobotie Red fruit with Jam
Breakfast Bento Box with Meteor-Egg, made with Sausage and Flat Cake Batter
Breakfast Bento Box with Compressed Fruit
These are just a few of the offerings aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, set to make its maiden voyage on Tuesday, March 1.
There are a number of things that make visiting the Walt Disney World Resort special. Some of those things are obvious, like the fun rides, delicious food, and great character interactions. One other thing that makes Disney a step above is how clean their Parks are. From the hotel grounds to the theme Park garden areas to the restaurants. Walt Disney always prided himself on keeping Disney looking spic and span.
It is no secret that Disney Parks don’t seem to be as well-staffed as they were before the pandemic. However, Disney is continuing to hire more Cast Members since the number of Guests visiting is near pre-pandemic levels. Even though some areas of the Parks may be understaffed, Cast Members still work as hard as they can to keep things looking good for Guests. Unfortunately, some Guests make that very hard for them.
Some Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort recently saw a table that a group decided to leave in an absolutely disgusting state. Not only was trash and food left all over the table, but the ground was littered as well. Now, while some Cast Members will gladly take your trays and empty plates once you are done dining, many consider it highly disrespectful to just leave a giant mess because you figure the Cast Members will clean it up.
WDW YouTuber shared a picture of the gross table and was in complete shock.
Many people were appalled that someone could actually leave the area in such a state. However, others pointed out that, in some countries, Guests will be spoken to if they try to clean up after themselves, as that is the staff’s job.
In other countries I’ve been scolded by workers for cleaning up my mess. They take it as if they don’t do it they could lose their job
Some even said that they would leave the table like that simply because they are not going to clean up after themselves since they are paying so much to get into the Park in the first place.
I do clean up after myself. But…if you are an average family of 4 (based on the number of cups on the table), that family is probably dropping around $600-$800 for that one day. I may let them bus my table…..
While you may feel as though it is okay to let Cast Members clean up your massive mess, please remember that they are people too. They have no control over how much you paid to get into the Park, and they do their best to make sure you have a magical day. Yes, janitorial Cast Members are supposed to clean up after Guests, but leaving a big mess isn’t appreciated by anyone.
The 2022 ECPOT International Flower and Garden Festival is just a few weeks away! It’s our favorite festival and while the flowers and topiaries may be the main event, the food is just as amazing. Disney has released the menus for the Outdoor Kitchens.
Spring is almost here and you know what that means … the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! With flavors in full bloom and dishes waiting to be cultivated from March 2 through July 4, this year’s celebration is not one to be missed.
Once you see the tasty options available, your appetite will be sure to grow. With nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens, there is a perfectly harvested combination of new delights like the BLT Scone atCider House and fan favorites like the Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board back in season. There’s so much to enjoy this year – you and your tastebuds will want to keep coming back for more. And to help, I’ve put this guide together to assist you in making your list of must-have treats!
As you eat your way through the Festival, don’t forget to pick up a Festival Passport to participate in Garden Graze, a returning food stroll featuring five delicious dishes from various Outdoor Kitchens. Get a stamp in your passport after you’ve purchased the items and once you’ve compiled all five, simply make your way to Pineapple Promenade to receive your Festival-exclusive treat.
If you know anything about the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you know that the fresh flavors aren’t the only fun to be had. This celebration is filled with adorable topiaries featuring some of your favorite characters, renowned performers for the Garden Rocks Concert Series, and, of course, exclusive merchandise to bring the fun home with you. The little ones can get in on the fun too with Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration, a scavenger hunt for the whole family!
Now, it’s time to see all the treats our EPCOT chefs have put together for you this year. I hope you enjoy the latest edition of the Foodie Guide!
Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth (Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port)
Food Items:
Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Seared Salmon with farro risotto and micro herbs
Strawberry Mousse with chocolate-crisp pearls
Beverages:
Blood Orange Agua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)
EPCOT Sunshine Griddle (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)
Food Items:
Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsa
Corned Beef Brisket Hash with house-made potato barrels, onions, peppers, cheese curds, and a soft-poached egg with Tabasco hollandaise (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon
Beverages:
Froot Loops Shake (non-alcoholic)
Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, rum and coffee liqueur, and vanilla vodka
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board
Food Items:
Tupelo Honey and Sweet Corn Spoon Bread with jalapeños, bacon, and house-made whipped honey butter (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with whipped honey-ricotta cheese, marinated vegetables, and goat cheese
Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with orange blossom honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses
Beverages:
Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (Limit 2 per guest)
Lemonade Mead
Orange Blossom Honey Wine
Honey-Peach Freeze with Blueberry Vodka
The Citrus Blossom (Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
Crispy Mojo Marinated Pork Belly, with avocado cream, corn salsa, salsa verde, and plantain chips (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (New)
Tuna Tataki Bowl with spicy yuzu glaze, mango, avocado, and pappadam crisp
Springtime Menu (available April 10 through May 21)
Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta (New)
Herb-crusted Spring Lamb with marble potatoes, spring vegetables, and red wine butter sauce
Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream
Summer Solstice Menu (available May 22 through July 4)
Tomato and Cornbread Panzanella with burrata cheese and fresh basil
Barbecue Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
A Whole Lotta Melon: Feta cheesecake with watermelon curd, pickled watermelon rind, watermelon caramel, and compressed watermelon (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beverages (available throughout the Festival):
Raspberry Lemon Verbena Whole-Leaf-Steeped Sparkling Hard Tea
Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring hibiscus gin
Cider House (United Kingdom)
Food Items:
BLT Scone with Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon, sundried tomato, and basil (New)
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with whipped cream
Beverages:
Pink Lemonade Hard Cider
Watermelon Hard Cider
Triple Jam Hard Cider
Pure Brewed Organic Lager
Snakebite: Triple jam hard cider and pure brewed organic lager
Cider Flight
Northern Bloom (Canada)
Food Items:
Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and applewood-smoked bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with garden vegetables
Griddled Maple Pound Cake with warm peach compote and sweet corn gelato
Beverages:
Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic)
Blonde Ale
Blueberry Fruit Beer
Apricot with Maple Syrup Blonde Ale
Maple Popcorn Shake with maple rye whisky
Beer Flight
Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)
Food Items:
Enchilada de Mole Negro: Chipotle chicken in a corn tortilla with mole negro, avocado mousse, crema Mexicana, and queso fresco (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa beef in a corn tortilla with crispy grilled Monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Tostada de Chorizo: Plant-based Chorizo and black beans on a crispy corn tortilla with avocado mousse and queso fresco (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beverages:
Poppy Flower Margarita: Tequila blanco, hibiscus flower tea, cucumber juice, aperitivo, and blackcurrant liqueur with a chile salt rim
Hypnotic Margarita: Tequila blanco, mezcal, rosemary syrup, cognac, and lemon juice
Craft Mexican Lager
Lotus House (China)
Food Items:
Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer (New)
House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
Beverages:
Rose Bubble Milk Tea (non-alcoholic) (New)
Jasmine Draft Beer
Marco Boba: Amaretto, iced coffee, milk, and boba
Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, triple sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
Tang Dynasty: Tequila gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, white boba pearls, and soda water
Primavera Kitchen (Italy)
Food Items:
Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls stuffed with braised beef served with grape tomato salad and balsamic emulsion
Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli with sweet corn, spring vegetables, and cream sauce
Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian doughnut with raspberry sauce and powdered sugar
Beverages:
Pilsner
Pinot Grigio
Chianti
Prosecco
Rosa Regale
Moscato
Italian White Sangria with prosecco
Italian Red Sangria with cabernet sauvignon
Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
Hanami (Japan)
Food Items:
Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and cantaloupe wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, berry sauce, and toasted coconut
Chicken Yakitori: Grilled chicken with scallions, red pepper-shoyu emulsion, and pickled onions
Beef Tataki: Seared sirloin with red shiso sauce, watermelon radish, and sprouts
Beverages:
Yuzu Tilted Tonic Hard Seltzer
Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake
Cucumber Cooler: Sake, vodka, and cucumber garnished with a cucumber slice
Fleur de Lys (France)
Food Items:
Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic (New)
Pan Bagnat Classique: The Niçoise Sandwich with house-made bread, albacore tuna mayonnaise, tomato, black olives, lettuce, and celery (New)
Salade de Lentilles à la Lyonnaise: French Green Lentil Salad with bacon and garlic sausage (New)
Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel
Beverages:
French Wheat Draft Beer
VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
Grand Mimosa Cocktail with orange liqueur, Champagne, and orange juice
La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, orange vodka, and liqueur with white and red cranberry juice
Funnel Cake
Food Item:
Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake topped with strawberry ice cream, cheesecake crumbles, strawberry drizzle, and whipped cream (New)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Minty Melon Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of watermelon-cucumber-mint juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring Watermelon-Basil Vodka)(New)
Near Canada: Strawberry Fields Refresher – A lightly caffeinated blend of strawberry açaí juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring strawberry-lemongrass vodka)(New)
World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Pink Paradise Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of refreshing dragon fruit-lychee juice with strawberries and blueberries (Spirited option available featuring watermelon-basil vodka)(New)
The American Adventure – Wildberry Wonder Refresher: A lightly caffeinated blend of wildberry-hibiscus juice with strawberries and blueberries (New) (Spirited option available featuring tropical rum)
According to experts weighing in on the subject, shareholders have their proverbial carts before their proverbial horses.
There’s been a lot of talk this week about a shareholder coup of sorts that aims to oust Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek from his post amid a growing distaste for changes across a wide assortment of Disney’s offerings. Disney’s theme park fans are especially angered by price increases across the parks for things like annual passes and the removal of once-upon-a-time freebies like Memory Maker (with an Annual Pass purchase) and Fastpasses.
Just how do shareholders plan to overthrow King Chapek?
Disney’s annual shareholder meeting is only a month away, and a proxy vote is on the agenda. Shareholders are planning to vote against Chapek in the election, ousting him from his ivory tower and restoring peace and magic to all the lands of the Disney Parks. There’s just one problem with that. Actually, there are several problems with this.
It’s no secret that many Disney fans do not double as Chapek fans. Chapek has been seated comfortably at the helm of The Walt Disney Company since early 2020, and many fans–especially Disney Parks fans–feel that Chapek’s is an administration of demise, of destruction–an administration that, to some, seeks to undo what it took Walt Disney, his team, the Imagineers, and thousands of others years and years to build.
And they don’t like it.
Now, a growing number of Disney’s fans who are also shareholders in The Walt Disney Company plan to make their voices heard by voting not to keep Chapek on the Board of Directors. That’s problem #1. The vote isn’t about keeping or ousting Chapek as it relates to his role as CEO. Next month’s shareholders’ vote is strictly about the Board of Directors, and it’s not just Chapek on the vote, but all 11 Board members. Removing Chapek from the Board won’t necessarily bring about the change that angry shareholders are seeking. Chapek’s CEO post has no “for sale” sign in the driveway.
Problem #2 becomes evident when you consider that most fans who are shareholders don’t hold the number of those shares necessary to bring about a massive change in the makeup of Disney’s Board. So even if ridding the Board of Chapek would satisfy shareholders, it isn’t probable.
Another Disney exec faced a similar fate in 2004 when 43% of the shareholders used those shares to give a strong voice to the growing unrest over then-CEO Michael Eisner. Incidentally, that 43% was thanks to many of Disney’s large shareholders, including Walt’s nephew Roy and PIXAR’s head Steve Jobs. It wasn’t a large enough vote to boot Eisner from his seat, but Disney read the message from shareholders loud and clear. Eisner was demoted as Chairman of the Board and then resigned as CEO only 12 months later.
And Problem #3 might even be the biggest problem of all. The congregation of Chapek-booters is largely comprised of theme park fans angry about change. They’re also frustrated by long lines at the parks and higher prices for annual passes. But many of Disney’s shareholders are investment giants. They aren’t buying shares for the perk of claiming ownership in the House of Mouse; they’re buying shares anticipating a return–a hefty return. So to those shareholders, word of longer lines in the midst of an increase in ticket prices creates a resounding “cha-ching” in their ears. Why would those shareholders vote to make any big change when it’s all good news for them?
Investment giants know about Genie+ and Lightning Lane too, and they don’t have nearly the problem with those so-called “inflated” costs as individual shareholders might. After all, they stand to gain sizable ROIs because of them.
It’s easy to say that Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ — which opened in 2016 — may be one of the most popular places to eat in Disney Springs. Guests just can’t get enough of the classic Southern dishes like Church Lady Deviled Eggs, Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, Fried Catfish, and Hummingbird Cake. The restaurant is typically always booked 60 days out, and Guests will line up before the doors open in hopes of being able to get a coveted walk-up spot. Homecomin’ was even voted Best Southern Restaurant by Orlando Magazine, so you know its food is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Now, Art Smith has revealed that he will be opening a second restaurant — this time at the Orlando International Airport. Smith shared the news of his newest establishment — which will be called Sunshine Diner — on Facebook, saying:
Very excited to announce our first airport restaurant at Orlando International Airport,it’s taken many years but finally people from all over the world will get to taste us. Opening this summer 2022. Don’t expect anything like our other restaurants it will be unique and part of my dream to revitalize the great American diner. XOArt #SunshineDiner#ChefArtSmith
According to reports, Sunshine Diner is expected to open at Orlando International Airport this summer and will be located in the airport’s brand-new Terminal C, which will not open itself until July.
If you have not yet been able to dine at Homecomin’ in Disney Springs, here is more information on the in-demand eatery from the Walt Disney World website:
Enjoy the welcoming vibe at this down-home kitchen and shine bar! From starters to main plates, the eatery’s cuisine is inspired by Florida agriculture and the recipes of Chef Art’s family table.
Guests 21 and older can sip on creative libations—including signature moonshine craft cocktails—from the adjacent Southern Shine bar.
Join us for a special Southern-style brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Tempt taste buds of all ages with a savory selection of feel-good dishes, including fried chicken and house-made sugar doughnuts, short rib hash and an open-faced biscuit topped with Chef Art’s famous fried chicken, 2 over-easy eggs, pimento cheese and pecan-smoked bacon smothered in sawmill gravy and served with a choice of side.
And what’s brunch without cocktails? Enjoy crafty libations including white peach sangria, mimosas with fresh-squeezed juices and an over-the-top Bloody Mary with all the fixins’. Pinkies up!
Reservations for Homecomin’ can be made up to 60 days in advance for those staying on Disney World property and up to 30 days in advance for all other Guests. You can make a reservation by visiting the Disney World website or checking availability on the My Disney Experience app.
