Disney World turned 50 last Friday, and might we say, 50 looks good on the parks!
We have dreamed of this day for years, it seems, and Disney has been gearing up for the 50th anniversary celebration of the opening of Walt Disney World for quite a while now. It’s hard to believe the day has come!
There’s a palpable excitement at Disney World this morning as Guests take in the sights and sounds of a sprawling Disney theme park celebrating all the magic and memories over the last 50 years that has made Disney World what it is today.
There are also amazing new attractions, restaurants and experiences that have debuted in the past few days or are debuting today!
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opens to Guests today at the France pavilion on the World Showcase at EPCOT. Guests can climb aboard a Remy-themed ride vehicle and take off on a trackless culinary adventure unlike any other.
Also at EPCOT, over at Mission: SPACE, Guests can dine at the all-new Space 220 Restaurant that opened on September 20. You’ll need a reservation to step into the “stellarvator” and journey 220 miles up into the atmosphere where you’ll dine on cosmic renditions of popular dishes, all while taking in the breathtaking views of earth from 220 miles above its surface.
With names like “Starry Calamari” and “Galactic Lobster Globe,” we’re thinking a stop in at Space 220 is in our future!
We said goodbye to Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular, “Happily Ever After”, and we trade up to “Enchantment,” an all-new nighttime spectacular that combines fireworks with Disney’s first-ever projection show to have projections leap off Cinderella Castle and illuminate every inch of Main Street U.S.A.
Walt Disney World said thank you to Guests and Cast Members alike with a new video. Take a look!
When we celebrate together, nothing can be more magical. Thank you to all our guests and cast members for 50 years of magical memories together. #DisneyWorld50pic.twitter.com/B43wECns3w
During its 50th anniversary celebration, Walt Disney World once again demonstrates how food and drinks can be key ingredients for a fun day at The Most Magical Place on Earth. New menu items for the celebration offer nods to the resort’s past while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places. These include theme park classics and some of Walt Disney’s favorite items, along with novel dishes and sips full of color, whimsy and a touch of EARidescent shimmer. Disney has released a look at some of the 150-plus new items available.
From a Disney Cast Member;
The magic is calling all Foodies to the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration – The World’s Most Magical Celebration! Throughout our four theme parks and beyond, Disney chefs and mixologists have created more than 150 sips and bites full of color, whimsy, and a touch of EARidescent shimmer – with even more coming throughout the 18-month celebration beginning Oct. 1.
Walt’s personal recipes, Walt Disney World Resort attractions (past and present), beloved Disney Characters, and nostalgic dishes from 1971 were inspirations for the tasty offerings created for this anniversary celebration.
Walt’s palate was relatively simple – definitely a meat and potatoes guy! Roast lamb, roast beef hash topped with a fried egg, chili, and fried chicken were his favorites, along with lemon, apple, chocolate, and bread pudding desserts. Disney chefs looked to Walt’s recipes from the archives while planning for the 50th anniversary celebration. The result is deliciously reimagined versions of Walt’s favorites. And many of the treats (including the fun EARidescent Sip-a-bration) are infused with EARidescent shimmers to add glimmering touches to the celebratory creations.
I am highlighting just a sampling of the limited-time sips and bites in this Foodie Guide, but we have created a complete online guide for you to view the more than 150 fantastic menu items!
While you are celebrating with us, be sure to share your favorite sips and bites using the hashtag #DisneyWorld50.
Let The World’s Most Magical Celebration begin!
Magic Kingdom Park
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Uncle Orville Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Sundae – Chocolate and vanilla soft-serve, brownie pieces, hot fudge, and whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles served in a “bathtub”
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Squids Revenge Drink – A michelada with a salted rim and garnished with charred octopus and cucumber. Watch out, the giant squid is back!
Casey’s Corner
Pressed Penny Silk Pie – Chocolate tart shell, silky chocolate filling, sweet whipped cream, and a chocolate-pressed penny
50th Celebration Hot Dog – All-beef hot dog topped with strawberry bacon jam, crisp funnel cake pieces, and powdered sugar
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Royal 50th Celebration Flight – Flight of Enchantée Champagne – a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunière (Enchantée Champagne is sold exclusively at the Walt Disney World Resort)
Columbia Harbor House
Happy Haunts Milkshake – Blackberry milkshake topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Mission to Mars – Burger topped with bacon and macaroni & cheese served on a bun dusted with crushed cheese-flavored puffs
The Crystal Palace
Walt’s Favorites on the Buffet – Chicken fried steak, New York strip steak, pork chops, and more!
Friar’s Nook
The Toad Burger – Brat burger served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and American cheese
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
Veranda Fried Rice – Spicy chili-garlic shrimp served over pork fried rice with eggs and peas (from the original Verandah Restaurant menu)
Outdoor Kiosks
Dumbo Churros – Churros rolled in peanut dust and served with chocolate dipping sauce in a Dumbo-themed churro bag
Royal 50th Churro – Churros rolled in strawberry sugar, drizzled with marshmallow cream, and shimmer sprinkles served with chocolate dipping sauce
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
The Banana Boom – Traditional banana split topped with popping candy and a candied shooting star
Plaza Restaurant
Cheers to 50 Years! – Chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownies, cupcakes, cookie crumbles, pretzel rods, and hot fudge topped with whipped cream, EARidescent sugar, and a Mickey pretzel drizzled with caramel and chocolate icing (serves 4-6)
Storybook Treats
Heigh-Ho Sundae! – Chocolate soft-serve, hot fudge, graham cracker pieces, chocolate gems, and whipped cream
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Five Alarm Wings – Wings tossed in a sweet-and-spicy heat served with ranch dressing for dipping
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Drinkwallah
Hand-dipped 50th Celebration Mickey Premium Bar – Our classic Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar dipped in blue raspberry-flavored coating with celebration sprinkles and a little bit of pixie dust
Restaurantosaurus
Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili – Crispy fries topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
Walt’s Favorite Chili on Foot-long Hot Dog – A foot-long hot dog served on a warm bun topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
Tiffins
50th Celebration Chocolate Gâteaux – Almond praline, white chocolate crémeux, ganache, and chocolate-South African cream liqueur sauce
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Trolley Car Café
Glimmer and Shimmer Pineapple Mousse – Golden pineapple mousse on a toasted coconut crisp with caramel cream and matcha sponge cake
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Filet Mignon with Walt’s Hash topped with an egg (just the way Walt liked it!)
The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Oasis Canteen, Sunshine Day Bar, Animation Bar
Shimmer over the Moon – Apple pie moonshine, amaretto, falernum, pineapple juice, and club soda served with a souvenir glow cube
ABC Commissary
Chocolate Mousse – Raspberry-dark chocolate mousse, chocolate-almond cake, and a layer of hazelnut crunch and whipped chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake
EPCOT
Coral Reef Restaurant
Key Lime Tart with toasted meringue, EARidescent shimmer, sprinkles, and chocolate garnish
The EPCOT Experience
EARidescent Croissant Doughnut – Croissant doughnut with blue icing and sprinkles
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Chocolate Mousse Bar – Dark chocolate mousse, caramel cookie pieces, milk chocolate shell, and chocolate shortbread cookie
Sunshine Seasons
Mini Chocolate Bundt Cake – Mini chocolate Bundt cake with chocolate ganache, sprinkles, and icing dusted with EARidescent shimmer and chocolate 50th anniversary garnish
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie
50th Celebration Petit Cake – Vanilla chiffon cake with celebration blue mousse, blueberry jam, and lemon curd
The Ganachery
50th Celebration Chocolate Bundle:
50th Celebration Ganache Chocolate Bar – Milk chocolate combined with caramel and crispies for a playful crunch
50th Celebration Ganache Square – Celebration cake ganache mixed with sprinkles, enrobed in 65% dark chocolate, and decorated with a shimmering castle design
Frontera Cocina
Chocolate Pigñata – Chocolate shell filled with cajeta mousse, tender cake (infused with whiskey & vanilla), crumble of chipotle bacon, candied orange, and Maria cookies. Yes, there’s a mallet to break your piñata! Serves two.
The BOATHOUSE
Sweet Nostalgia Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Pineapple upside-down cake with caramel glazed with Chantilly cream
Terralina Crafted Italian,
Whimsical White Chocolate Mousse –White chocolate mousse with salted caramel and cotton candy
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill,
Caramel Banana Chocolate Sphere – Dark chocolate sphere, vanilla pudding, banana caramel compote, gold dust, and chocolate pearls
Resorts
The Mara, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Chocolate Mousse with a cardamom financier
Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
50th Anniversary Peanut Butter-Banana Pie – Sweet tart shell filled with peanut butter mousse and banana sauce topped with chocolate glaze and chocolate décor
Toledo–Tapas, Steak, and Seafood, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Braised Lamb Shank with olive oil-potato purée, rosemary-roasted garlic gravy, huckleberry jam, and English peas
P&J’s Southern Takeout, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds
Chicken Dinner Cupcake Trio
Fried chicken-apple fritter, apple pie moonshine filling, and vanilla buttercream
Peas and carrots-strawberry moonshine custard, white chocolate frosting, and M&M’S Mini “peas
Mock mashed potato-SNICKERS mousse cupcake, caramel buttercream, and STARBURST “butter”
Grand Floridan Café, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa
50th Anniversary Vintage Minnie’s Brown Betty Profiterole – Crunchy-topped cream puff filled with one of Walt’s favorite flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and Chantilly cream
Olivia’s Cafe, Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Spam-Cheddar Biscuits with white gravy and drizzled with honey
Capt. Cook’s, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
50th Celebration Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with DOLE Whip pineapple center, tropical fruit salsa, and pineapple macaron
Le Petit Café, Disney’s Riviera Resort
50th Celebration Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake, cake-flavored mousse, and caramel-buttercream icing garnished with crisp pearls, 50th anniversary sprinkles, and a whimsical gold Mickey
Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Petit Stump Cake – Chocolate cake with birthday cake buttercream filling surrounded by chocolate “bark” fondant topped with 50th anniversary chocolate coin
The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
50th Celebration Tart – Birthday cake mousse dome on top of a milk chocolate mousse-filled vanilla tart shell with mini chocolate crisp pearls, buttercream, fondant, and chocolate décor
Available at select table-service restaurants, lounges, and pool bars throughout our four Theme Parks and Resorts
EARidescent Sip-a-bration (Non-Alcoholic Beverage) – Minute Maid Premium Lemonade and fruity strawberry punch served in a souvenir 50th Celebration Cup with a surprise Character and a little bit of magic!
Magical Beacon Cocktail – Gin, blue curaçao, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, orgeat (almond) syrup, lemon, hibiscus grenadine, and a souvenir glow cube
Our classic Nestle Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar has a festive new wrapper showcasing Mickey in his EARidescent finest!
As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” (aka Disney World’s 50th anniversary), the California Grill is bringing in a new menu for a special dining experience! The favorites recommended on the Disney Parks Blog are the California Grill Sushi Classics Trio, the House-Made Artisanal-Style Duck á la Orange Pizza, and The Oak-Fired Filet of Beef. The first meal listed in those three favorites includes a Blue Crab California Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Spicy Kazan Roll. The Fireball Sauce (featuring bay scallops, avocado, and mango) tops off the trio!
The next highlight, the House-Made Artisanal-Style Duck á la Orange Pizza, has duck prosciutto and confit, orange-black mission fig jam, pickled shallots, aged blue cheese, and arugula. It’s actually an homage to the classic duck dish from Top of the World, the original restaurant that preceded the California Grill in the ’70’s.
The Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Black Truffle-Brown Butter Château Potatoes, Golden Raisins Vinaigrette, Cauliflower, and Black Garlic Butter reportedly “has layers of incredible flavors” that would make for an unforgettable dinner. The roasted tomato butter is a cherry on top, but the Château Potatoes also stand out (understandable, since they come wearing “freshly shaved” black winter truffles).
For “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, this Grill is also serving a new dessert! The EARidescent Grand Marnier Soufflé comes with macerated Florida citrus and Creamsicle Ice Cream. We think those lavender sugar doughnuts on the menu (shown below) will also be worth a try, and there’s several other dessert menu items that sound magical! Having a dessert party to celebrate Disney’s anniversary sounds like the perfect way to commemorate the moment.
This limited-time menu will be available on October 3rd, but you can make reservations as early as September 23rd, and it’s all part of Disney’s big 50th anniversary festivities (which start on October 1st)!
We previously shared the exciting news that Disney’s All Star Music Resort has officially reopened as of September 16, 2021. Cast Members are thrilled to be back and we too are happy to have another Value Resort option available! All Star Music is the second reopening of All-Star Resorts, as All Star Movies has been open for some time amidst the COVID pandemic. While Disney previously announced all Walt Disney World Resorts would be open before the end of 2021, it looks like there is a slight change in plans with a new announcement that the reopening for Disney’s All Star Sport Resort has been put on hold.
Previously, All Star Sports Resort had a scheduled date posted by Disney to reopen on December 9, 2021. Unfortunately, this date has been removed from the Walt Disney World website. While this Walt Disney World Resort reopening may be on hold, Disney does still have Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort noted as scheduled to reopen on October 14, 2021, with Disney’s Port Orleans Frech Quarter Resort scheduled to reopen on October 28, 2021. All-Star Sports definitely won’t be reopening on December 9, 2021, and we’re unsure if it will reopen before the end of the year.
As reported by InsideTheMagic: Per an official announcement from Disney about the Disney Resort Hotel: “We’re excited to continue welcoming Guests back to our Disney Resort hotels, such as at Disney’s All-Star Resorts, where we recently reopened the Music and Movies themes. At this time, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will remain closed while we take the opportunity to refresh the Sports theme area, and we look forward to sharing a new reopening date for rooms in the Sports theme at a later time. Guests with upcoming reservations will receive communication via email and will be instructed to reach out to their Travel Professional to modify their stay, at no additional charge. This modification will have no impact to other vacation experiences that may be booked, such as Theme Park reservations or dining. As a reminder, we’re excited to reopen Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts next month for our Guests, with bookings available beginning Oct. 14 for Riverside and Oct. 28 for French Quarter, subject to availability.“
Be on the lookout for Disney Value Resort stays at Disney’s All-Star Music and Disney’s All-Star Movies Resorts. Plus, two other Value Resorts, including Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Pop Century Resort are currently open. Our hope is that Disney is able to complete the refreshing of the All-Star Sports soon enough so Disney fans will once again be able to enjoy this favorite area of Disney’s All Star Resort!
Walt Disney World is celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month! Catch all the details below on how you can join in on the celebration.
From a Disney Cast Member;
I’m very proud to be a Hispanic/Latinx cast member at Walt Disney World Resort and that’s one of the reasons why I’m always excited to share the different events and opportunities we have to celebrate our cultures with all of you. As part of Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month we are happy to announce the multiple ways you can celebrate across Walt Disney World Resort through food, music, and more! Because, after all, “Together We Are Magia!”
As you may have heard, Miguel and Dante from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” are a part of the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” – golden sculptures coming to all four parks as part of the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration – and you can see these two amigos in EPCOT.
Here are more ways you can celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month throughout the Walt Disney World Resort:
THEME PARKS
Head over to the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT and stop by the Mexico Folk Art Gallery. Don’t forget to enjoy something delicioso to eat and drink. The pavilion’s world-famous San Angel Inn restaurant will showcase San Pascual Award-winning chef, Federico A. Lopez and his menu representing regional Mexican foods from Oct. 1 – Dec 31.
You can also take in a performance from Mariachi Cobre who’ve added songs from “Coco” to their show at the America Gardens Theater.
If you visit during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival that runs through Nov. 20, try the Chimichurri-up Offense at Flavors from Fire Hosted by The NFL on ESPN or the Crispy Pig Ear Salad at The Swanky Saucy Swine. From Oct. 1 – 4, you can see the band Latin Ambition do a special performance at The American Gardens Theater.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to try the brand new Colombian Hot Dog at Fairfax Fare Counter, or at Magic Kingdom Park, see Princess Elena in the cavalcade in “A Royal Princess Processional”.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the signature restaurant Tiffins offers food items inspired by Imagineers’ travels to Oaxaca, Mexico, including Sweet Corn Soup and Charred Octopus. For something to eat on the go, stop by The Smiling Crocodile and grab some Street Corn Tacos, which pay homage to the tacos found in the markets and thoroughfares of Mexico City. To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Nomad Lounge for their delicious churros!
RESORTS
Guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel can end the night with la familia watching Movies Under the Stars. The resorts will show several movies inspired by Latin culture and Hispanic and Latinx talent – featuring “Elena and the Secret of Avalor,” “Coco,” and more!
Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort will also be serving up Latin-inspired food, including Pork Tacos with marinated mango and a Warm Manchego cheese dip at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort’s Three Bridges – Villa de Lago, Pork Ropa Vieja at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Shrimp Tacos at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
DISNEY SPRINGS
Disney Springs is also celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month with entertainment, food, and plenty of shopping. Throughout the month, enjoy lively performances by La Calle, a Latin Pop band featuring a high-energy interactive-style show that seamlessly blends music and dance. You’ll also hear Nicholas Marks – known as the “Jimi Hendrix” of Flamenco music – blending American Pop music with the rich and fiery Spanish Flamenco beat and rhythm.
If food is the way to your corazón, Disney Springs is proud to feature three Hispanic and Latinx culinary Cast Members who have created their own unique dishes inspired by their personal heritage: Alex Cabrera’s Tres Leches at Amorette’s Patisserie, Jose Rodriguez’s Tripleta Burger at D-Luxe Burger and Oscar Prieto’s Tostones at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.
Featured visiting food truck, Cilantro Urban Eatery celebrates Latin Street Food offering infused Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, Mexican and American cuisine including burritos, rice bowls, urban tacos, salads, and quesadillas. These offerings join guest favorites Jaleo by José Andrés and Frontera Cocina by Rick Bayless, available year-round at Disney Springs.
While you’re shopping this month, you might discover something special that celebrates the diversity and artistry of the Hispanic and Latinx community. An artist spotlight series features a focus on Hispanic and Latinx producers, directors, and animators working on Walt Disney Animation Studios upcoming film “Encanto” at The Art of Disney. You’ll also find crystal and porcelain giftware from Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, soccer gear from Pelé Soccer, hand-rolled Cuban cigars from Sosa Cigars, and jewelry handcrafted by Spanish artists at UNOde50.
Celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month at Walt Disney World Resort reminds us that “Together We Are Magia,” and we can’t wait to share all of the magic with all of you!
