New EPCOT Map Debuts Featuring Journey of Water Inspired by Moana for Attraction’s Grand Opening

Today, October 16, 2023, is the grand opening of Journey of Water Inspired of Moana, and a new EPCOT map has debuted featuring the latest attraction.

It was added to the My Disney Experience app yesterday evening.

EPCOT Map Featuring Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

Te Fiti is featured on the cover.

The map describes Journey of Water Inspired by Moana with “Stroll along an interactive outdoor trail and explore the wonders of water.”

Art representing the attraction has also been added. A Mickey head, representing a character greeting, has also been added for the Moana meet and greet.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

The walkthrough serves as an educational experience in addition to acting as an immersive and entertaining adventure, in some ways ringing true to EPCOT Center’s original goal of offering attractions that both inform and entertain.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana 09012023 6

Guests learn more about the intricacies of the water cycle as it’s illustrated on the initial sign throughout the rest of the attraction. Each part of the water cycle — rain, stream, wetland, spring, land, lake, river, ocean, and sky — serves as a themed section of the attraction, each part containing descriptive signage that explains that aspect’s importance.

Disney Raises Prices on Memory Maker at Walt Disney World

Memory Maker is a popular Disney PhotoPass product that many guests purchase to get access to unlimited downloads of the photos that are taken by PhotoPass photographers during trips to Walt Disney World. After several years at the same price, Disney has raised prices on the product.

Disney has raised prices for its Disney PhotoPass Memory Maker, a very popular product that allows guests to get unlimited downloads of photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers at over one hundred locations. The price increases are as follows:

Memory Maker (Advance Purchase) is now $185, up from $169.

Memory Maker (During and Post-Vacation) is now $210, up from $199.

Memory Maker One Day is now $75, up from $69.

Even with the price increase, we still think Memory Maker is a good buy, especially if you take advantage and have a lot of photos taken during your vacation.

Dockside Diner: A Delightful Waterfront Dining Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, the Dockside Diner offers visitors a charming and convenient dining experience with a picturesque waterfront setting. This delightful quick-service restaurant is a hidden gem that combines the allure of Hollywood’s golden age with the magic of Disney storytelling.

The Dockside Diner’s design and ambiance capture the spirit of an Art Deco seaside cafe from the early 20th century. The restaurant’s maritime-inspired decor, vibrant colors, and outdoor seating provide a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal diner, with a vintage touch that transports diners to another era.

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Dockside Diner serves up a delectable menu filled with American comfort food favorites. From juicy hot dogs to indulgent macaroni and cheese, guests can enjoy classic dishes that are sure to satisfy your appetite.

The standout offerings at Dockside Diner are its specialty hot dogs. With options like the “Pretzel Dog” featuring an all-beef hot dog, crispy bacon, and spicy mustard, or the “Macaroni & Cheese Truffle Dog” with creamy truffle macaroni and cheese, the Dockside Diner offers a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of the handcrafted milkshakes available at the Dockside Diner. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to specialty options like the “Strawberry Banana Split Milkshake,” these cool treats are perfect for quenching your thirst and indulging your sweet tooth.

The Dockside Diner’s prime location along Echo Lake provides a charming waterfront view that enhances your dining experience. Whether you choose to dine under the shade of an umbrella or bask in the Florida sun, the tranquil setting adds to the charm of the restaurant.

The Dockside Diner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a hidden gem that offers a quick-service dining experience with a delightful waterfront view. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food, a lover of specialty hot dogs, or simply seeking a relaxing meal along the water, the Dockside Diner promises a convenient and enjoyable dining experience at Disney. It’s a place where you can take a break from your Hollywood Studios adventure, savor classic dishes with a twist, and enjoy the serene atmosphere by the water’s edge. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal or a picturesque spot to recharge, the Dockside Diner is a delightful dining destination worth exploring during your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Four New Dining Options Revealed for New Parkside Market, Plus More Coming to Downtown Disney District

More delightful and delicious things are coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! As we previously shared, we have so much for guests to enjoy now and even more distinctive dining and entertainment settings coming in the future. We’re committed to bringing fresh, new, innovative experiences to make every visit special. So, let’s take a look at the latest, including plans for the new Parkside Market, plus a new stage and lawn, and more!

Announcing Plans for Parkside Market!

We are thrilled to share about more innovative food and drink offerings coming to Downtown Disney in the future! Plans are underway for Parkside Market, a new, curated collection of diverse culinary concepts brought to life by Levy, with all four offerings under one roof as part of the expansion on the west end. 

Din Tai Fung at Downtown Disney District
Din Tai Fung

Seoul Sister is a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks.

Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, is a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. Guests in the district can expect to enjoy Sip & Sonder’s signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.

GG’s Chicken Shop, from Boka Restaurant Group, was founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen. Affectionately named after Wolen’s mother Geri, the shop will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides.The first brick-and-mortar GG’s Chicken Shop opened earlier this year in Chicago and this new location in Downtown Disney District will be its first on the West Coast.

second story bar will be an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free elixirs.

Later this year, Downtown Disney will open a new stage and lawn for special events, activities, musical entertainment and more on the west end of the district. In this brand-new area, guests will also be able to see a soaring new sculptural tower designed by Nikkolas Smith. This new tower will pay tribute to the sublime work of pioneering architects of color in Southern California during the mid-20th century with unique geometric patterns in the sculpture, evoking the famed mid-century buildings they created. We look forward to this beautiful new outdoor space!

Future plans for the district will also bring Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus masterful Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and the popular California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries to come from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. 

Guests will want to visit again and again, as it’s always an exciting time to eat, shop and explore in Downtown Disney District. 

Numerous New Food Items Coming Soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is getting some great new food and beverage items for guests to enjoy. There are a lot of new things coming!

Grab your appetite and take a walk on the wild side of flavor because Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is introducing quite a few new menu items to various dining locations throughout the park starting Oct. 11. The talented culinary teams have put their creativity to the test and put together a combination of dishes that will delight your taste buds with each and every bite.

From new breakfast items like the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich to dinner delights like the Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl, and even a snack (or two) from Tamu Tamu, there’s something for everyone to indulge in. Once you see all these items, you’ll be roaring with excitement (and hunger).

I won’t keep you waiting anymore. Let’s see “what’s cooking” over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park starting Oct. 11!

We’re kicking things off over at Harambe Market, an open-air quick-service location that’s filled with African-inspired fare. This location is bursting with excitement, flavor, and fun – and the newest additions to the menu are no different. Starting this week, hungry visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of new rice bowls – the Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl, Chicken Rice Bowl, and Shrimp Rice Bowl. Each dish features jollof rice with kachumbari tomato salad and tzatziki sauce and you can choose between chermoula-marinated chicken, peri peri-marinated shrimp, or both to top it off. There’s also a new kid’s version available – the Shrimp and Rice Bowl with peri peri-marinated shrimp, white rice, and a Cuties Mandarin Orange.

That’s not all. The new Beef and Lamb Kofta Pita is a must-try. It combines house-made beef and lamb kofta with a deliciously refreshing tzatziki sauce, chermoula, and house-made chips that you won’t be able to get enough of. If you’re interested in a plant-based option, the chefs have also created the IMPOSSIBLE Kofta Pita. This plant-based bite showcases IMPOSSIBLE kofta accompanied by a plant-based aïoli, chermoula, and house-made chips.

Salad fans will be more than pleased with the latest dish to join the menu. The Harambe Salad with Chicken perfectly combines chermoula-marinated chicken with quinoa, grilled corn, black-eyed peas, and crispy chickpeas topped with a tasty chermoula-herbed vinaigrette. You can also get this salad topped with shrimp if you prefer.

And don’t worry dessert lovers. The brand-new Mango Passion Fruit Cheesecake is refreshing, delicious, and beautiful. What could be better than mango and passion fruit in cheesecake form?

Are you ready to kickstart your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? If you weren’t sure, you will want to once you see this new bite. The salty-sweet combination has been taken to the next level with the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich. It’s filled with sausage, guava paste, egg, and cheese. If guava isn’t your thing, you can get this breakfast sandwich without it, so don’t worry. I don’t know about you, but this one is making my mouth water already. This new item will be available for breakfast at Drinkwallah, Pongu Pongu, Trek Snacks, and select outdoor vending carts.

Also serving up some new breakfast items and new snack bites is Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery. Whether looking for those early morning treats or midday cravings fix, the latest items here are going to impress. First up, joining the menu for breakfast is the Egg and Bacon Croissant Sandwich with Tomato Pepper Relish. This item features a croissant with a cheese omelet, crispy bacon, and tomato-pepper relish served with potato barrels. Also for breakfast is the Breakfast Totchos with Eggs, Bacon, and Cheese. It combines potato barrels, scrambled eggs, nacho cheese sauce, cheese curds, and crumbled bacon. I personally will be bringing my appetite for breakfast on my next outing to try everything.

But that’s not all for Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery – there are two more dishes on the way. The plant-based IMPOSSIBLE Gatsby fills a pita pocket with plant-based picadillo, tomato-pepper relish, and crispy potato sticks and tops it off with a plant-based aïoli. The Harissa Chicken brings together harissa chicken salad with vegetables and an avocado spread rolled in a spinach tortilla. Both items are served with house-made potato chips too!

In addition to the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich (which sounds incredible), Pongu Pongu will also have another item joining the menu. This fan-favorite spot nestled within Pandora – The World of Avatar serves up Na’vi-inspired refreshments and bites, like the Night Blossom. Starting Oct. 11, it will add a decadent new Cinnamon Roll. What a perfect sweet pairing to go with one of its tasty refreshments.

Barbecue lovers, are you (and your taste buds) ready for some exciting new bites? I sure hope so because Flame Tree Barbecue also has some additions on the way. The IMPOSSIBLE Burnt Ends are a can’t-miss plant-based dish whether you eat plant-based all the time or simply want to try something new. It’s paired with french fries and coleslaw on the side. If you fancy yourself a french fry fan, then I have the plate for you – the French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese. Need I say more?

We’re not done yet! Pizzafari is joining in on the menu updates. Here, you’ll find yet another plant-based item coming on Oct. 11. Add the Plant-based Italian Sausage to your list of things to try on your next Disney’s Animal Kingdom outing. This new offering is served alongside a side salad with Italian dressing. If you’re looking for another side option to pair with any of the tasty items already on the menu at this location, the Antipasto Side Salad will soon be available to complete your meal.

Last, but certainly not least, we’re trekking back over to Africa for one of my personal favorite snack spots at the park – Tamu Tamu Refreshments. Found in the heart of Harambe Village, those with a sweet tooth will rejoice at the options here. Joining the already delicious menu are four new snacks. First up, the DOLE Whip Orange Soda Float with strawberry syrup on top. Few things are as refreshing as pineapple, strawberry, and orange. Did you know you can also get the classic DOLE Whip Float at Tamu Tamu Refreshments already? This treat features DOLE Whip with DOLE pineapple juice for pineapple perfection. For those over the age of 21, you can enjoy the DOLE Whip Float with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum currently or the DOLE Whip Hard Cider Float featuring DOLE Whip and ACE Pineapple Craft Cider starting Oct. 11.

Wow! The culinary teams have clearly been working hard creating these incredible new delights for us to enjoy. No matter where you are, the foodie adventures are endless at Disney Parks! I can’t wait to see you all out there on Oct. 11 to try these can’t-miss eats and sips.