New restaurant coming to EPCOT

The Destination D23 Celebration was in full swing at the Walt Disney World Resort this weekend, and lots of exciting parks news was shared with fans from all over the globe.

One of the exciting announcements made today was that of the name of a new quick-service restaurant at EPCOT. The quick-service eatery will function like other quick-service locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, where Guests can order at a counter or use the My Disney Experience app to place a mobile order from their phones for quicker pick-up at the eatery.

The announcement was made by Disney’s Josh D’Amaro, who currently works as Disney’s top man overseeing its Parks, Products, and Experiences. (Sounds like the most exciting position within The Walt Disney Company to me!)

The all-new Connections Café and Eatery will be located in the World Discovery neighborhood at EPCOT. It’s just one of the many changes coming to Disney World’s second park, which opened on October 1, 1982.

EPCOT was originally divided into two sections: Future World and the World Showcase. After the park’s transformation is complete, EPCOT will feature four distinct areas, each one full of new experiences, attractions, rides, and more magic than ever before. The four sections, or neighborhoods within EPCOT are World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery.

The new neighborhoods were first announced at the 2019 D23 Expo in California, along with the announcement of a new Moana-themed ride that will be located near the front of the park.

Big changes have been taking place all over the park as Disney’s Imagineers re-imagine the retro-futuristic park that also has a focus on cultural cuisine, traditions, and customs. We can’t wait to see all that’s in store for Guests who visit EPCOT in the coming years. We kind of think of it as an “EPCOT 2.0,” and it’s very exciting!

FL Gov. DeSantis signs anti-vax mandates bills into law

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has just signed a quartet of bills that helps to protect employees in the Sunshine State from termination should they refuse the COVID-19 vaccine. The new laws create restrictions on vaccine mandates by employers. He signed the bills into law while standing at a car dealership in Brandon, Florida, citing Florida residents’ “right to earn a living.”

“We’re making sure that people have a right to earn a living,” DeSantis said. “We are respecting people’s individual freedom in this state.”

Governor DeSantis (R) sees the passing of the new laws as a political victory. But even though the laws are now in place, they aren’t quite what DeSantis had originally wanted. He had pushed Florida lawmakers for more protection and received backing from supporters who testified during committee hearings.

DeSantis called a special session during which to pass the bills. That move has been met with criticism from Democrats who call the session “political theater” and feel it was done to boost DeSantis’s efforts toward re-election in 2022. They also feel that DeSantis’s decision to call the special session and pass the bills into law is also an attempt on the part of the Florida governor to prop him up for a possible 2024 Presidential run.

State Representative Michael Grant, the majority leader, gesturing on Tuesday as a proposed amendment is voted down during the special legislative session.

The main part of the four-part law, called HB1B, strikes down vaccine mandates on employees by any local government entity in Florida. Private businesses are not wholly exempt from the reach of the bill, as it requires that even those employers to include exemption status for employees who refuse the vaccine because of religious or medical reasons. Under the new law, employees in Florida who have previously contracted COVID-19 are also exempt from vaccine mandates, as are those employees who agree to, and comply with, routine testing for the virus and also wear personal protective equipment (i.e., masks, face coverings, etc.).

How crowded is Walt Disney World right now?

“No nurse, no firefighter, no police officer, no trucker–no anybody–should lose their job because of these COVID jabs,” DeSantis said just before signing the bills into law this morning, referring to vaccinations as “jabs,” as he has been doing lately.

Disney mandated vaccines for its executive employees toward the end of the summer and then struck a deal with unionized Cast Members who work at the Walt Disney World Resort that would require those hourly workers to be fully vaccinated by October 22 or face the possibility of termination. Because Disney is a private employer–the largest in the Sunshine State, too–the law doesn’t change much for the entertainment giant.

But Florida HB1B does now make it a legal requirement for Disney and other private employers in Florida to allow for push-back from employees who cite religious reasons and/or medical inability to receive the vaccine as their reasons for refusing to have the–as DeSantis calls it–“jab.”

Yes, you can be fired over the COVID vaccine | wfaa.com

The new law was passed with seemingly little consideration for the fact that more than 60,000 Floridians have died from novel coronavirus infections since the pandemic began in early 2020. At this time, nearly 61% of Florida residents are fully vaccinated.

Disney Water Parks, Sports Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort

There’s EARidescent magic to be discovered in every corner of the Walt Disney World Resort during the 50th anniversary celebration. And today, our “Everything 50th” series continues with a look at exciting experiences – now and in the future – at Disney Water Parks, runDisney events and more!

Disney World News: 50th Anniversary Ad, More Mask Changes Coming, Added  Hours - Disney Tourist Blog

Right now, dazzling 50th anniversary celebration decorations and magical touches can be seen throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney teams have created decor that shimmers and sparkles all day and into the night.

There are also new, delicious 50th anniversary menu items at Walt Disney World Resort – many inspired by Walt’s favorite dishes. At Disney’s Water Parks, celebratory treats are available now and in the future at several locations:   

Avalunch at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (Snack Shack at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park when reopened)

  • Loaded Nachos with Walt’s Chili – This classic treat is upgraded for the 50th anniversary celebration and features Walt’s favorite chili atop a bed of house fried tortillas, cheese guacamole, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and jalapeno. 

I.C. Expeditions at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (Happy Landings at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park when reopened)

  • EARidescent Ice Dream Cone – Birthday cake-flavored soft serve ice cream cone served up with EARidescent accents to celebrate 50 years of Walt’s dreams that turned into reality. 

And at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Guests will find a new version of our collectible and refillable mugs featuring a giant 50 for the celebration!  The mug design includes creative art highlighting Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck with Goofy skiing hijinks in the background and can be found at different locations, including Beach Haus , Lotta Wotta Lodge and Cooling Hut. At Typhoon Lagoon, special 50th mugs will be available at Singapore Sal’s and High & Dry.   

From Disney’s Water Parks to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and across the Resort, our legendary Cast Members are the heart of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration and they’re eager to share a little bit of their world during this special time. 

Smiling Cast Members are easy to spot, wearing special nametags with the 50th anniversary castle logo above each cast member’s name, along with gold accents and a touch of pixie dust. 

The magic is also calling all runners to become part of something special at runDisney events during The World’s Most Magical Celebration.

For runDisney 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Jan. 5-9, 2022, participants will run through the magic and stories of Walt Disney World Resort. And they’ll have the opportunity for amazing 50th anniversary celebration views during runs near our breathtaking Beacons of Magic! 

Mickey Mouse and other favorite characters will be wearing their shimmering EARidsecent best during the race weekend as well. Marathon Weekend will feature amazing entertainment and unique commemorative finisher medals glowing with EARidesence.  

Also, during the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration, the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE will have participants running into the magic on Feb. 24-27, 2022. This event will feature events for all skill levels, coveted regal medals inspired by the 50th anniversary celebration, special merchandise, celebratory treats and other surprises. 

EPCOT International Festival of Holidays Menus Revealed!

The merriest time of the year has begun at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort! Bells are ringing, carolers are singing, trees are decorated, and tons of delicious, festive food and drinks will fill the bellies of thousands of Guests. Soon, one of the most popular events will start — International Festival of the Holidays — will start at EPCOT. International Festival of the Holidays will run from November 26 through December 30 and Disney has finally released the menus for all of the Festival booths!

International Festival of Holidays

Mele Kalikimaka (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Kālua Pork with Okinawa Purple Sweet Potatoes and Mango Salad
  • Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomatoes, Onions, Salmon Roe, Yuzu-Mayonnaise, and Yucca Chips (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Haupia: Hawaiian Coconut Pudding with Candied Macadamia Nuts and Coconut

Beverages:

  • Hawaiian Pale Wheat Ale (New Item)
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Melon Breeze with Spiced Rum
Internnational Festival of Holidays

Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen (Near Disney Traders)

Food Items:

  • Cinnamon-glazed Almonds (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; (New Item)
  • Cinnamon-glazed Cashews (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)
  • Cinnamon-glazed Pecans (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)
  • Fire-roasted Chestnuts (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)

Beverages:

  • AMERICAN HERITAGE Gourmet Hot Cocoa (Non-alcoholic; New Item)
  • T.G. Lee Eggnog (nonalcoholic)
  • Sweet Nutty Stout, Orlando (New Item)
  • AMERICAN HERITAGE Gourmet Hot Cocoa with Peanut Butter Whiskey, Whipped Cream, and Candied Nuts (New Item)
  • T.G. Lee Eggnog with Peanut Butter Whiskey (New Item)
International Festival of Holidays

Holiday Sweets & Treats (Near Port of Entry):

Food Items:

  • Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candy (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Exclusive Redemption Cookie (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea (nonalcoholic)
  • Eggnog White Porter
  • Coquito Beer (New Item)
  • S’mores Black Lager (New Item)
  • Hot Cocoa with assorted alcoholic cordials
  • Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and Whipped Cream Vodka
  • Beer Flight
International Festival of Holidays

Holiday Hearth Desserts (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
  • Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie
  • Snowball Cookies
  • Peppermint Bark(Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Mouse Crunch
  • Gingerbread Cookie (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Hot Cocoa (nonalcoholic)
  • Cinnamon Apple Cider (Non-alcoholic; New Item)
  • Cocoa Candy Cane: Hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps
International Festival of Holidays

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food Items:

  • Coquito Soft-Serve Waffle Cone (New Item)
  • Turkey Poutine – French fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions

Beverages:

  • Cranberry Hard Cider (New Item)
  • Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cocktail (New Item)
  • Coquito Soft-serve with Spiced Rum (New Item)
International Festival of Holidays

Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)

Food Items:

  • Seared Scallops with Parsnip Silk, Apple Chutney, and Hazelnut Croquant
  • Beef Bourguignon with Crushed Potatoes
  • Maple Bûche de Noël: Maple mousse and cranberry rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake
  • SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces (Holiday Cookie Stroll; New Item)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Coffee (nonalcoholic)
  • Maple Cinnamon Coffee Beer
  • Maple Cookie Blonde Ale (New Item)
  • Peanut Butter & Banana Porter (New Item)
  • Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Red Wine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Frozen Coffee with Whiskey
  • Beer Flight
International Festival of Holidays

L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between France and Morocco)

Food Items:

  • Pastrami on Rye with House-made Pickles and Deli Mustard
  • Smoked Salmon Potato Latke (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Potato Latkes (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; Plant-based) 
  • Sufganiyot: Mini jelly-filled donuts
  • Black and White Cookie (Plant-based; Holiday Cookie Stroll) 

Beverages:

  • Hanukkah Beer
  • Blue Cosmo Cocktail
International Festival of Holidays

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina

Food Items:

  • Grilled Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli (New Item)
    • Lamb Kefta (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
    • Harissa Chicken (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Fig Tapenade, and Zhoug Dip
  • Almond-spiced Cake with Ginger Mousse, Orange Ganache, and Sesame Tuile (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Lavender Apple Hard Cider (New Item)
    • Ginger Tumeric Hard Cider
    • Spicy Nutmeg Hard Cider
    • Fig Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Fig Vodka, and Cranberry Juice (New Item)
    • Cider Flight
International Festival of Holidays

American Holiday Table

Food Items:

  • Slow-roasted Turkey with BEN’S ORIGINAL Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Cranberry Sauce
  • Holiday Pot Pie with Jackfruit, Mushrooms, Carrots, Peas, Onions, and Puff Pastry (Plant-based)
  • Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake with Cranberry Whipped Cream and Candied Pumpkin Seeds   
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with DOVE Dark Chocolate (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Bright White Ale
  • Eggnog White Porter
  • Peppermint Chocolate Stout
  • Regional White Wine
  • Regional Red Wine
  • Beer Flight
International Festival of Holidays

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)

Food Items:

  • Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce, Spätzle, and Braised Red Cabbage
  • Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl with Steamed Baby Vegetables and Marble Potatoes
  • Linzer Cookie (Holiday Cookie Stroll)

Beverages:

  • Hard Apple Cider
  • German-style Gold Lager (New Item)
  • Doppelbock Beer
  • Regional Riesling
  • Glühwein: House-made hot spiced wine
  • Beer Flight
International Festival of Holidays

Refreshment Outpost:

Food Items:

  • Coconut-Pineapple Cake with DOLE Whip (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Midnight Lager (New Item)
  • Nairobi Coffee Dark Beer (New Item)
International Festival of Holidays

The Donut Box (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items

  • Pumpkin Cake Donut with Pumpkin Spice Icing (New Item)
  • Holiday Donut with Coconut and Crisp Pearls (New Item)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Donut (New Item)
  • Eggnog-Cream-filled Donut with Cinnamon Icing and Crumbled Gingersnap Cookies (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Gingerbread Milkshake (nonalcoholic)
  • Gingerbread Stout (New Item)
  • Gingerbread Milkshake with Whipped Cream Vodka
International Festival of Holidays

Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France)

Food Items:

  • Napoleon de Saumon Fumé en Brioche: Smoked salmon napoleon with layers of smoked salmon, dill mousse, and crème fraîche mousse served in brioche (New Item)
  • Dinde Forestière, Patates Douces Rôties: Turkey with bacon, mushrooms, and onions in a mustard cream sauce served with roasted sweet potatoes (New Item)
  • Bûche de Noël Chocolat Blanc, Framboise: Chocolate Christmas log with chocolate biscuit, white chocolate mousse, raspberry cream, and chocolate fudge coating (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Vanilla vodka, vodka, chocolate milk, and whipped cream
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Rosé Sparkling Wine
  • Cranberry Mimosa: Sparkling wine with orange juice and cranberry syrup
International Festival of Holidays

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

  • Mezzelune Croccanti: Crispy half-moon breaded mozzarella-filled ravioli with pomodoro sauce  (New Item)
  • Ravioli: Shrimp ravioli in scampi sauce with white wine, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley (New Item)
  • Bomboloni alla Cioccolato-Nocciola: Chocolate-filled Italian doughnut with chocolate-hazelnut spread and powdered sugar (New Item)

Beverages:

  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Sparkling Red Wine
  • Moscato
  • Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
  • Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
  • Pilsner
International Festival of Holidays

Lotus Blossom Café (China) Food Items:

  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons

Beverages:

  • Fireworks: Tequila gold, vodka, orange juice, and mango syrup

Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)

Food Items:

  • Chirashi Sushi Tree: Sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, ikura, and yellowtail with vegetables decorated on an artistic bed of rice to celebrate the holidays
  • New Year Celebration Soba: Buckwheat soba noodle in a hot dashi soup with shrimp tempura, fish cake, shiitake mushrooms, and chopped green onion
  • Mont Blanc Tart: Matcha mousse tart with a sweet red bean center sprinkled with konpeito sugar candy

Beverages:

  • Chocolate Banana Boba: Cocoa, Japanese milky drink, banana syrup, and strawberry popping boba pearls (nonalcoholic; New Item)
  • Sparkling Plum Wine (New Item)
  • Chocolate Tokyo Banana: Cocoa, Japanese milky drink, banana syrup, and vodka (New Item)
  • Pomegranate Draft Lager: Rice lager with hints of pomegranate and lemon (New Item)
International Festival of Holidays

Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)

Food Items:

  • Giant Tostada de Chorizo: Chorizo served on a giant tostada with chipotle black bean purée, salsa verde, queso cotija, crema mexicana, and pickled onion
  • Tamal de Barbacoa: Shredded barbacoa beef in a corn masa topped with ranchera salsa, queso cotija, and crema Mexicana (Gluten/Wheat Friendly; New Item)
  • Dulce de Leche Churros sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar

Beverages:

  • Cranberry-Cinnamon Margarita: Apple-cinnamon infused mezcal, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice with a cinnamon-sugar rim (New Item)
  • Horchata Margarita: Tequila blanco, corn whiskey, horchata, and cinnamon horchata rum
  • Mistletoe Cerveza: Lager with blackcurrant liqueur (New Item)
International Festival of Holidays

Funnel Cake

Food Item:

  • Mini Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake:  Pumpkin funnel cake topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles (New Item)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Beverage:

  • Carolers’ Cold Brew – Joffrey’s French Roast Cold Brew with brown butter toffee, Swiss chocolate syrup, and sweet cream topped with whipped cream and TWIX bar pieces (New Item)
International Festival of Holidays

There are a ton of new food and beverage options coming to EPCOT International Festival of Holidays this year, along with some popular dishes making their return. What is also great about this menu is that it indicates which dishes are gluten-free and allergy-friendly, so everyone can enjoy dishes without worrying about allergic reactions.

Disney Dining plan returning?

Via DisDining.com

When, oh when will the dining plan return? Will it ever return?

I mean, it’s not like some crazy perk we dreamed up, right? Once upon a time, Disney did offer a dining plan, did they not? But it was so long ago, that some days it feels like it was a really good idea that we just dreamed up. We even have proof!

According to a Disney Parks Blog post on June 30 of this year, Disney knows we anxiously await the opportunity to welcome back the Disney Dining plan (that we didn’t just dream up one day!):

“Speaking of Disney Resort hotel stays, we know many of you are also wondering when Disney dining plan packages will return. While we’re not quite ready to share an update on timing, we are planning to bring this guest-favorite option back at a later date. We will also continue to reopen more Resort offerings, including restaurants like ‘Ohana (with the noodles!).”

8 Things You'll Love About 'Ohana At Walt Disney World - Disney Dining Information

But perhaps our hopefulness and our pining away for the beloved plan to return is doing some good after all.

As we were planning our next trip to the parks, we noticed something on the Disney World planning website that at least made us hopeful that things are gearing up to bring back the Disney Dining plan sooner rather than later.

As we were making plans, choosing a Resort Hotel, and deciding which tickets to purchase, we noticed the option to “Learn More” about dining changes. Among those listed: “reservations, payments, and dining plans.”

We’re not the only ones who noticed mention of the dining plans. This vacation planner also noticed the elusive Disney Dining plan, seemingly peering out from a different spot on the Disney World planning site. This screenshot shows the words, “Dining Plan,” and even has a tab to click to “Add Dining,” just above the option to reserve a rental car for use during a Disney trip.

dining plan

It’s worth noting that the screenshots were taken by different users at different times, but that both Disney fans had April 2022 on their minds when they were attempting to begin their planning. We aren’t sure whether the second screenshot is the result of an error on the site or something else; at this time, the site doesn’t actually let Guests choose a dining plan to add, but we’re wondering if the plan will be back by the time April rolls around, and hopefully sooner.