Downtown Disney Announces Delicious New Experiences

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

We have several tantalizing and tasty new updates to share with you from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! This dynamic destination offers something for everyone and will continue to evolve with several exciting new additions. Take a look at what’s new and what’s coming!

Now Open! Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Beignets Expressed

For more than two decades, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has been revered for its warm hospitality, French Quarter flair, bold flavors, and famous, hot beignets! Building on this rich tradition, the iconic restaurant has evolved with a fresh new look, new name and new menu! The location is celebrating its reopening as Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, a modern, casual and fun celebration of the Gulf and Pacific coasts, and Beignets Expressed.

The restaurant’s all-day menu features long-time fan favorites alongside new selections such as Lobster & Crawfish Sliders, Chile-Spiced Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, Gumbo LA-LA filled with succulent seafood, the Grilled Open Faced Lobster BLT Po-Boy and the Reef & Beef, a delectable entrée of grilled shrimp and braised short ribs. This contemporary menu pairs perfectly with a newly expanded wine list from California vintners, and seasonal, seaside-style cocktails.

And let’s not forget the famous beignets! Beignets Expressed is a fast, friendly, and fun counter-service spot, bestowing the much-loved New Orleans confection served classically (fried and topped with heaping mounds of powdered sugar) and the specialty glazed beignets, dipped, drizzled, and sprinkled in infinitely delicious flavors. Signature and seasonal glazed selections include Snickerdoodle, Fruity Crunch and Bananas Foster.

New! Clyde’s Hot Chicken

Have your clients had a chance to taste Clyde’s Hot Chicken yet? It’s a new cart located in the district near the Disneyland Monorail that serves scrumptious Nashville hot chicken on a stick, handmade fresh daily and available in three different heat level seasonings. If guests really want to turn it up a notch, they can try the Hot as Cali with cayenne and habanero spices!  Wowza!

Coming soon: The Alley!

The courtyard next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes is being transformed into an exciting space — The Alley — with interactive games, live music, lounge areas and seats for dining. This summer, your clients can relax, play games and create memories in this fun new spot, and enjoy all the delicious food and beverage offerings from Splitsville.

Shopping is always on the menu in the district! Disney Home and WonderGround Gallery have recently reopened with unique selections of Disney décor. Down the way, guets can pop in to Lovepop for the coolest 3D pop-up cards, and Pelé Soccer for the latest in soccer gear and apparel.

It’s an exciting time as Downtown Disney District continues to be reimagined with new dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, along with long-time favorites throughout the promenade. Future plans for the district also include the addition of 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 oh-so-yummy California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. 

Festive Foodie Guide to the Return of Halfway to the Holidays

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Happy Halfway to the Holidays…well, almost! Summer officially starts next week, which means it’s that time of year to start the countdown to the holidays. From June 13 through 15, celebrate #HalfwaytotheHolidays with us as we give you a taste of the season with announcements, sneak peeks, special treats and of course holiday fun. To prepare for all the festive fun, we’re kicking off with our Halfway to the Holidays Foodie Guide.

One of the best parts of the holidays is the delicious eats and sips you can indulge in. And what Halfway to the Holidays celebration would be complete without some? At Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, even aboard Disney Cruise Line on the high seas, we’re unwrapping some returning favorites and new delights for this limited time.

Let’s take a peek!

Disneyland Resort

Disney California Adventure Park

Cozy Cone Motel 1 (Available June 13 through 15; mobile order available)

  • Egg Nog Slush with Rumchata topped with whipped cream and sprinkles (New)

Pacific Wharf Café (Available June 13 through 15; mobile order available)

  • Mickey Gingerbread

Downtown Disney District

Kayla’s Cake (Available June 13 through 15)  

  • Gingerbread Man Macaron: Gingerbread man printed macaron with gingerbread buttercream (New)

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available June 13 through 15)

  • Brownie Tree Pop: Returning from the annual Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House, a chocolate brownie dipped in white chocolate with rainbow sprinkles
  • Gingersnap Cookie: Returning from the annual Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House, a traditional gingersnap cookie topped with candied ginger

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy

Joyful Sweets and Sweet on You (Available June 12 through 18 aboard the Disney Wish and June 10 through 17 aboard the Disney Fantasy)

  • Happy Santa Cupcake: Celebration cupcake with vanilla frosting and Christmas sprinkles

 Available on Various Disney Cruise Line Ships

Preludes and Buena Vista Theater:

  • Reindeer Sipper: Available on the following sailings:
    • Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
    • Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
    • Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
    • Disney Magic: June 15 through 19

Preludes, Buena Vista Theater, and Luna Libations (Aboard the Disney Wish):

  • Christmas Rotating Tin Popcorn Bucket with butter-flavored popcorn; available on the following sailings:
    • Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
    • Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
    • Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
    • Disney Magic: June 15 through 19

Cove Café and All Specialty Coffee Locations

  • Holiday Stainless Steel Tumbler: Available on the following sailings:
    • Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
    • Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
    • Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
    • Disney Magic: June 15 through 19

From holidays to everyday excitement, there’s no limit to the fun that can be had at Disney Parks and aboard Disney Cruise Line! Keep your eyes peeled next week for more Halfway to the Holidays announcements.

Happy Halfway to the Holidays!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Protesters Swarm the Castle During Heated Cast Member Strike

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

A shocking scene took place at a Disney Park

This past year has been turbulent for the Walt Disney Company. Of the many issues that have crossed Disney CEO Bob Iger’s desk this past year, the ongoing Cast Member strikes have been one of the most significant. At numerous Disney Parks worldwide, employees of the Disney Parks have been fighting for higher wages at their jobs.

Earlier this year, those protests gained major news traction and became a huge story. Protests at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort eventually came to a close when Disney agreed to raise the wages for their theme Park Cast Members.

While it might be a happily ever after for Cast Members in the United States, the battle abroad is far from over.

disneyland paris cast member strike blocks main street

Disneyland Paris is a magical place where millions of visitors come every year to see their favorite Disney characters, ride thrilling attractions, and experience unparalleled entertainment. However, behind the scenes, Disney magic is not always as enchanting for the Park’s employees. Recently, the Disneyland Paris Cast Member strike, which started in February of this year, has been making headlines across the world.

The Disneyland Paris Cast Member Strike was ignited when Disney workers in Paris raised their voices to protest the low salaries they earn for such strenuous work. Protesting Cast Members hope to see better working conditions, more pay, and more job security. They claim that Disney management has been unresponsive to their demands, forcing them to go on strike.

Disneyland Paris D-Light

Guests entering Disneyland Paris today were in for quite a sight when they witnessed a massive crowd of protesters swarm Sleeping Beauty Castle. @DLPReport on Twitter explained;

“Striking Disneyland Paris Cast Members are back in Disneyland Park this afternoon. The protest is expected to continue for the rest of the day.”

Hopefully, an agreement between Disneyland Paris and its Cast Members can come soon. As of now, Disney is offering rescheduling for families whose trips have been affected by the protests.

Man ARRESTED For Child Molestation at Disney Springs

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

When a parent takes their child to a Disney Resort, they expect a certain safety standard that Disney is known to provide. For decades, Disney Parks have been known as wholesome and family-friendly places for Guests of all ages. Many think of it as an escape from everyday life and worries.

Unfortunately, danger does exist even within the Disney bubble. A horrifying scene played out at Disney Springs this past Memorial Day weekend when a Florida man was accused of inappropriately touching children.

Disney Springs Sign

This incident took place at a store within Disney Springs. Disney Springs is a popular entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is known as an exciting hub of entertainment, featuring a wide range of activities such as shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation. Unfortunately, it was also the scene of a crime this past weekend.

The crime took place within the World of Disney store located in the Disney Springs area. According to a report from the victims, a white male with brown hair came up to two children and touched them in an inappropriate way. One child was looking at keychains when the man approached. A victim describes that he was wearing a black shirt with a square print on the back alongside baggy tan pants.

Marketplace

This incident took place on May 30 and May 31, 2023. Since that weekend was Memorial Day weekend, Disney Springs was likely filled with unsuspecting tourists and lots of children on a 3-day weekend break from school.

On May 31, Orange County Deputies arrested Marshal Diehl from St. Cloud, Florida. He was arrested on one count of lascivious molestation. Deputies found Diehl inside the Orage Garage at Disney Springs after the incident in World of Disney. He matched the description and was identified as the assaulter by one of the child victims.

Summer House on the Lake

This story is truly tragic and an unfortunate reminder that evil lives everywhere, even at Disney.

Legendary Disney Imagineer Says Goodbye to His Creation

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The iconic yet controversial attraction Splash Mountain at Disneyland Resort in California has now been shutdown. Legendary Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter was seen bidding farewell to his creation.

Born in 1947, Tony Baxter led the creative and design efforts for many iconic rides we know and love today. Rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, The Indiana Jones Adventure, and Splash Mountain.

Baxter was also the former Senior Vice President of Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering. He became responsible for overseeing the creation of many rides across all the Disney Parks around the globe.

Baxter was first hired at Disneyland Park in 1965 as an ice cream scooper on Main Street, U.S.A., at 17. He slowly climbed the ranks as he worked many different positions throughout Disneyland until he caught the attention of WED Enterprises, where he created the rides mentioned in the first paragraph above.

For the upcoming Splash Mountain redesign, former Imagineer and Disney Legend Baxter will be Creative Adviser to Imagineers. Senior Creative Producer Charita Carter is leading the project. He announced in 2020 when news first broke out about the redesign for Splash Mountain.

In regards to comments he made about the redesign, Baxter had this to say:

The attraction will be one to be proud of. I look forward to being a part of a new adventure in Disney magic and fun.

– Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter

We are thrilled to see Tony Baxter return to assist in redesigning his memorable ride, despite the controversy surrounding Splash Mountain.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will soon open at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and begins construction today at Disneyland California.

Amidst all the chaos and drama surrounding Splash Mountain, though, Tony Baxter went through the line to ride his creation one final time.

Tony Baxter - Disney Imagineer - Splash Mountain