Over the last few days, Disney’s “Minnie” vans have been spotted here and there around the Walt Disney World Resort, but only a few times, which has us wondering: is Disney’s Minnie Mouse-themed rideshare service gearing up for a triumphant return?
The service first became available to Guests at Disney World in 2017 at select Disney World Resort Hotel locations. Its availability grew to encompass the entire Walt Disney World Resort property and also offered transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
For between $20 and $50, Guests could reserve a Minnie van via the Lyft app, powered by a partnership between Disney and Lyft exclusively for this service. Some Guests found it incredibly convenient, and many families with children enjoyed the perk of each van coming with two child seats. Others balked at the cost, opting for traditional Walt Disney World transportation instead.
The future of the Disney World Minnie Van service has been questionable at best ever since nearly 30,000 Cast Members were laid off in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic crisis.
Cast Members were initially furloughed in April 2020, after Walt Disney World closed to Guests in March. During that time, Disney continued to pay premiums for Cast Members’ health insurance benefits, but as time went on, Disney World execs were faced with the very difficult prospect of laying off Cast Members, and at the time, no one knew when the parks would reopen.
The decision was indeed a difficult one for everyone involved, especially for Josh D’Amaro, then-President of the Walt Disney World Resort, whose heart for the Cast Members affected could be heard in his announcement to them:
“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic–exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen–we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits.
Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.”
Cast Members and Disney fans of all ages were elated to receive the news that the Walt Disney World Resort would begin a phased reopening. But when that reopening began on July 11, 2020, the Minnie vans were nowhere to be seen, and as time went on, Guests wondered if the paid rideshare service would return or if it would be shelved forever.
This week’s isolated sightings of the cheery red vans with white polka dots has our interested piqued at the least, and has us hopeful for their return at best, but at this time, Disney remains tight-lipped about the program, so for now, we’re left to wonder whether Cast Members are simply using the vehicles for convenience while working and performing duties around the Disney World property areas, or if things are moving toward a re-igniting of the service.
The Food & Wine Classic is a tradition for many at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels. The 2021 Fall Edition took place on October 29 and 30, and I was invited to attend the second evening. The weather was perfect, and there was a party atmosphere.
Don’t confuse the Food & Wine Classic with the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT. They have nothing to do with each other. The Food & Wine Classic is kind of a showcase that shows off some of the best from the restaurants that are located at the Swan & Dolphin. You pay one price, and all of your food and beverages are included. It is for the 21 and up crowd.
I attended the Spring Edition of the Food & Wine Classic last April. It was a much smaller version of the Fall Classic. In the Spring there were plenty of COVID protocols, but things have relaxed greatly since. Most of the Food & Wine Classic is held outdoors, and there was still plenty of hand sanitizer around. There were precautions being taken, and everything felt safe.
The longest lines that I noticed all evening were for the Shula’s Steakhouse booths. There were two of them, both serving Roasted Linz Heritage Black Angus Beef Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Carrots. Many people say that Shula’s has the best steak in the state of Florida, and having two booths made it possible for more people to get a taste. Other popular booths included Todd English, Picabu, The Fountain, and the Swan & Dolphin Pastry Booths. Amare had a booth as well. This restaurant has not yet opened, it will be located inside the new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. Even when there were lines they moved quickly. The portions were small on purpose so that Guests could try more items.
Wine is also an important part of this annual event. There were unique vintages from several popular regions. There were several American wines from California, Oregon, and Washington. International regions included France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Australia. There was also sake from Japan. Some of the booths had people on hand to talk about the selections. Inside the Swan there was a room referred to as Bubbles, which had sparkling wines and champagne.
While not in the name, there were also plenty of craft beer selections. Most of these were found in the area that was called the Beer Garden for the night. There were also some food booths in the Beer Garden which paired well with beer, such as soft pretzels or sloppy joes.
There was also live entertainment. The American Sirens performed in Bubbles. Adam Duss sang in the Beer Garden. The highlight was Epic Live! They are a dance party cover band, and they performed well known songs from the 70’s and 80’s. By the end of the evening a good part of the crowd was dancing and singing along.
If you are thinking about attending a future Food & Wine Classic, you might want to book a Stay and Play Package. You’ll receive tickets for the event, plus a room at the Swan or Dolphin so that you’ll be close to where everything is happening. Packages sell out fast, so once the information on the next Food & Wine Classic is available you’ll want to book sooner rather than later.
The staff at the Food & Wine Classic deserves a special shoutout. I did not encounter one person working who wasn’t helpful. They all seemed to be having a great time, and they worked efficiently to make sure that everyone was served in a timely manner. Well done. I had a great time, and I’d like to thank all those who were involved for an incredible evening.
Separate theme park admission and reservation are required to enjoy the parks. In line with guidance from the CDC, Walt Disney World Resort has implemented health safety policies across the resort. For the latest details, please visit http://disneytraveltradeinfo.com/wdw.
Stay in the Magic
At a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, Guests can experience the same legendary detail, service and storytelling found in the theme parks. They’ll discover enchantment around every corner.
Plus, they’ll be surrounded by The World’s Most Magical Celebration!
Highlights include:
Get Around with Ease Complimentary transportation options make it easy—and fun—to get around Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can zip about on the world-famous monorail, glide across the sky on Disney Skyliner and cruise along serene waterways aboard a water taxi. Some Disney Resort hotels are even within walking distance of select theme parks.
Magic Around Every Corner Guests can be immersed in fantastical worlds both real and imaged—including some favorite Disney and Pixar tales. Whether they’re taking in views of an African savanna, swimming alongside Nemo and friends or savoring the flavors of the Polynesian Isles, they’ll find fun and surprising Disney touches in every detail.
The fun is seemingly endless at a Disney Resort hotel, where Guests can enjoy themed pools with waterslides, poolside activities and delicious dining experiences. They may even spot some familiar Disney friends palling around. Activities and amenities vary by Disney Resort hotel.
More Time in the Parks
Disney Resort hotel Guests get extra time to play every day:
Early Theme Park Entry
As part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry—available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks.
Early theme park entry gives Guests a head start in the parks, so they’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And, they can enjoy this benefit on each day of their stay—in any park, subject to capacity.
For early theme park entry, Guests will need valid admission, a park reservation and Key to the World Card, MagicBand or Magic Mobile.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours—experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights.
Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—they’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so they can maximize their time in the parks during the World’s Most Magical Celebration!
For extended evening hours, Guests will need a valid Key to the World Card, MagicBand or Magic Mobile, valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day. (Or a ticket or annual pass with the Park Hopper option, provided Guests entered the park where they made their reservation earlier in the day.)
The holiday magic doesn’t stop at the theme parks and Disney Springs! While visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season, you’ll be able to find fantastic limited-time food and beverages that celebrate the holiday season.
Intermission Food Court, World Premier Food Court, and Intermission Food Court
Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 25 and Dec. 25)
Thanksgiving Dinner – Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry relish with choice of apple or pumpkin tart (available Nov. 25)
Playful Penguin Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake, cream cheese buttercream, peppermint sprinkles, and a sugared playful penguin (available Dec. 19-Jan. 1)
Christmas Dinner – Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry relish with choice of apple or pumpkin tart (available Dec. 25)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Landscapes of Flavor and Everything POP Shopping & Dining
Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 7-27)
Apple Tart (available Nov. 7-27)
Playful Penguin Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake, cream cheese buttercream, peppermint sprinkles, and a sugared playful penguin (available Dec. 19-Jan. 1)
Spiked Coffee Milkshake (available Nov. 1-30)
Cranberry Margarita (available Nov.1-30)
Spiked Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate (available Dec.1-31)
Credit: Disney
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa
Chocolate Peppermint Ornament – Ghanaian dark chocolate mousse and peppermint crunch chocolate biscuit with pomegranate and raspberries (available Dec. 19-25)
Roast Rib Eye – Roast rib eye with jus lie, Tunisian mashed potatoes, green beans with apricot-cranberry butter, and mushroom conserva (available Dec. 25)
Thanksgiving Sage & Thyme Oven-Roasted Turkey – Cornbread and sausage stuffing, sour cream-mashed Yukon gold potatoes, green beans and rainbow carrots with herb butter, cranberry citrus compote, pan gravy, and Parker House Rolls (available Nov. 25)
Apple Crostata – Vanilla bean gelato, candied pecans, and caramel sauce (available Nov. 25)
Mickey Eggs-in-a-Basket – Egg-filled butter brioche and classic pastrami hash with choice of ham, bacon, or sausage (available Dec. 19-31)
Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin cheesecake resting on a spiced chiffon cake topped with cassis mousse and a pumpkin seed-ginger crumble with caramel sauce (available Nov. 27)
Gasparilla Island Grill
Pumpkin Pie Cake Pop – Pumpkin spice jumbo cake pop enrobed in white chocolate to resemble an autumn pumpkin (available Nov. 1-Dec. 1)
Fall Flavors Cupcake – Cinnamon-spiced cupcake with apple filling topped with a sugar pumpkin and maple buttercream in festive fall colors (available Nov. 1-Dec. 1)
Happy Holidays Cake Pop – Triple chocolate cake pop enrobed in white chocolate with festive winter décor (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake filled with cookies and cream mousse and topped with ganache-dipped buttercream with cookie ears and chocolate a holiday bow (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
Red Velvet Wreath Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with cream cheese mousse and topped with a vanilla buttercream wreath and a chocolate bow (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
S’more Cookie – Graham chocolate chip cookie piled with toasted marshmallows and M&M’S (available Dec. -Jan. 1)
Narcoossee’s
Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake – Pumpkin cake filled with white chocolate cream cheese mousse with brown sugar glaze and orange marmalade sauce (available Nov. 27)
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Good’s Food to Go
Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin Cheesecake, bourbon panna cotta, and spiced pecans (available Nov. 7-27)
Peppermint Bark – Dark and white chocolate with peppermint pieces (available Dec.1-Jan. 1)
Stroke of Midnight Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with white chocolate Champagne filling, chocolate-covered pop rocks, and white chocolate clock (available Dec. 29-Jan3)
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Le Petit Café
Mickey Gingerbread Cookies – Gingerbread cookie duo baked in chocolate and glazed with sugar (available Nov. 21-Jan. 1)
Peppermint Mousse – Dark chocolate and peppermint white chocolate mousse (available Nov. 28-Jan. 1)
Primo Piatto
Eggnog Cheesecake – Eggnog cheesecake with cherry compote and vanilla whipped panna cotta (available Nov. 28-Jan. 1)
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl (available through Nov. 27)
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
Pumpkin Mousse – Pumpkin cheesecake, hazelnut chocolate sponge, pistachio crumble and cherry compote (available through Nov. 27)
Black Heritage Turkey – Sous vide turkey breast, turkey leg roulade, sourdough stuffing torchon, sweet potato casserole with spiced marshmallows, potato purée, roasted gravy, cranberry marmalade, haricot vert amandine, and roasted rainbow carrots (available Nov. 25)
Reindeer Food – Cubes of gingerbread, chocolate stripped pretzels, holiday granola, and candies (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
Spiced Moose Cookie (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
Peppermint Bark (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Martinis Around the World Flight (available Dec. 5-Jan. 8; also available as separate drinks)
Key Lime Pie – Lime juice, simple syrup, and rum with green sugar rim
Poinsettia – Brut Champagne and cranberry
Italian Manhattan – Bourbon, vermouth, bitters, grenadine, and cranberry with maraschino cherries
Caribbean Cream – Rum, cinnamon cream liqueur, and cream with nutmeg and green sugar rim
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
Ale & Compass Restaurant
Pumpkin Tart – Pumpkin tart with chantilly cream with a cherry cranberry sauce (available Nov. 25)
The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace
Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin-flavored New York-style cheesecake with caramel sauce, whipped cream, chocolate leaves, and cranberry-flavored sugar crystals (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Holiday Red and Green Creme-filled Sandwich Cookie Bonbons – Mousse-filled on a cookie base sprayed with colorful chocolate (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Holiday Mickey Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake filled with vanilla mousse topped with holiday décor and chocolate Mickey ears (available Dec.1-31)
The Market at Ale & Compass, Beach Club Marketplace, and Disney’s Beach Club Lobby
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – A bag of three chocolate crinkle cookies with a dusting of sweet snow (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Trio of Fudge – White chocolate peppermint fudge, white chocolate-gingerbread fudge, and dark chocolate-hot cocoa fudge (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Plant-Based and Gluten-Friendly Brownie – Chocolate brownies with chocolate ganache (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Signature Stollen Bread – German bread created with nuts, spices, and fruit coated with a mountain of vanilla powdered sugar (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Mickey Gingerbread – Our traditional sugar-glazed Mickey gingerbread with chocolate backing (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Mickey and Minnie Crispy Rice Treats (Sold Separately) – Crispy rice treats decorated with red chocolate, sanding sugar, snowflakes, and chocolate garnishes (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Peppermint Bark – Dark and white chocolate with peppermint pieces (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Chocolate Snow Globe – Dark chocolate snow globe with the 50th Anniversary print (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Snowmen – Chocolate-covered marshmallows decorated to look like adorable snowmen on festive red and white straw (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Chocolate Creme-filled Sandwich Cookie Pops – White chocolate-covered creme-filled sandwich cookie pops themed to The Little Mermaid (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
In addition to all the sweet holiday treats, our Disney pastry chefs have been busy creating gingerbread masterpieces to get us all in the holiday spirit! Check out all the locations to see these edible marvels!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby
This stunning life-size storybook gingerbread house with “cinnamon clouds” puffing from the chimney is beautifully decorated with white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, and sugar poinsettias. Treats for sale include house-made Gingerbread Houses and Gingerbread Ornaments. (Nov. 10-Jan. 1)
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
This life-size spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The Little Mermaid is the theme with hand-painted holiday characters, handcrafted gingerbread shingles, and fondant snowflakes. And don’t forget to pop over to the Yacht Club lobby and see the adorable holiday village with a miniature train. (Nov.1-Jan. 2)
EPCOT – The American Adventure Rotunda
The American Adventure Gingerbread Display – The EPCOT pastry chefs have recreated the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in miniature edible versions along with The American Adventure building and an EPCOT Festival Holiday Kitchen. (Nov. 26-Dec. 30)
This is a great article from DisDining.com about bullying and its effects.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, making this the perfect time for a viral video from 2019 to resurface and finally get the response it deserves. The video in question was recorded and posted online by @mcgui, whose real name is Guilherme Kaue Castanheira Alves. He’s a Brazilian social media star and singer with nearly 8 million followers to his, um, credit. He was 21 years old when he took the video.
He has reportedly risen to fame by creating and stirring controversy, seemingly just for the sake of controversy and shock value.
It’s repulsive.
And the optimism within me wants to believe that there are some things that are strictly off-limits when it comes to teasing, poking fun, and pointing out. However, this particular social media “personality” sees no boundaries when it comes to being hateful toward other humans and causing pain for them, even those who are very young, defenseless, and dealing with really big-time stuff in their tiny little lives.
No one deserves to be bullied. Ever.
But especially not children. For any reason.
@mcgui was aboard the monorail at Disney World when he apparently spotted a young girl who was dressed up as Boo from Monsters, Inc. The young Disney fan is the focal point of the video and is clearly wearing a wig styled like Boo’s hair. It appears that under her wig, she has lost her hair, presumably from treatments for cancer or other serious illness.
In the video, @mcgui whistles at her to get her attention (rude), and the child looks over at the camera before becoming visibly uncomfortable and adjusting her wig, then looking back and forth from the camera to the window to her right.
Then @mcgui utters the words, “It looks like a horror movie.”
I’ve included the video so that our readers can see how truly heartless this man’s actions were. Bullying is real. And bullying causes real pain.
Let’s recap: Social media “star” hones in on a young child–and one who’s clearly been fighting for her life up to that point–then whistles at her and proceeds to bully her and make fun of her publicly–and then posts the video for millions to see.
Disgusting.
Since the video has resurfaced, Disney fans of all ages have shown up in droves to show their support for the little girl and to take a stand against bullying. Disney should be a safe space for people of all ages, but especially for children.
A man named Justin Wren saw the video and was also disgusted by it. You may have heard of him before; he’s an MMA fighter who goes by the name of “The Big Pygmy.” Wren came across the video and took it upon himself to raise awareness about @mcgui’s behavior and about standing up for those being bullied.
Wren is the founder of FightfortheForgotten.org and the “Heroes in Waiting” anti-bullying initiative. After seeing the viral video of @mcgui singling out the young girl and bullying her, he took to social media to stand up for her and against the behavior of the one he calls “a coward.”
On Wren’s Instagram account, he talks about the video and then calls out @mcgui for his actions, telling him not to “ruin his apology with an excuse.” You can read it here:
“This is what bullying a child with cancer at [Disney World] looks like. For me, this was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking to watch. Please stay with me… Why am I posting it? It’s National #bullying prevention month. Hopefully, this will encourage anyone who ever finds themselves as a bystander to do the right thing. I’ll put in the comments the most powerful thing you can do if you ever find yourself in this situation in real life.
This man in the goofy hat is an internet “celebrity” from Brazil. He has 7.8 million followers. He has become “famous” after creating controversy after controversy in Brazilian media, some of which, were also at amusement parks.
In the video, he whistles to get her attention, zooms in, and says, “It looks like a horror movie.” She is obviously wearing a wig, she is visibly uncomfortable. It’s disgusting to make fun of a child while your goonies laugh with you, but it’s in a whole other stratosphere to make fun of a child going thru the biggest fight of their life… And post it on the internet to millions.
I’ve spent time as an official volunteer at @childrenscolo hospital. I’ve been bedside before & after surgery of a girl this age with bone cancer. I’ve pushed children in their wheelchairs. I’ve organized visits from MMA and UFC world champions to go room to room to encourage these little warriors that are more brave than anyone who’s ever stepped foot in the cage.”
