Walt Disney World Drops New Exclusive Magnet for Annual Passholders

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

There are many benefits to becoming an Annual Passholder at Walt Disney World! Discounts, constant park access, and a freebie here or there are all reasons why many Disney fans take the plunge and purchase Annual Passes.

Multiple times a year, Walt Disney World, sometimes in conjunction with popular festival offerings at EPCOT, will provide their beloved Annual Passholders with the opportunity to secure free magnets.

These magnets often feature lovable and memorable characters from Disney’s expansive catalog. They are highly sought after and have become a sort of subculture in themselves.

In recent years, Disney World Annual Passholder magnets have featured Mickey Mouse, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and Orange Bird!

Since it’s been a few months since magnets have drawn the AP crowd back to EPCOT, where Disney World often distributes free gifts, it makes sense that a new magnet would be on the way soon. Well, the wait is over as today, Disney World gave guests a look at who’s coming! 

Per Walt Disney World:

hei hei annual passholder magnet

“Passholders—head to EPCOT from January 29 to February 23, 2024, to pick up the newest Annual Passholder magnet featuring Hei Hei from the Disney film, Moana. This Annual Passholder-exclusive item will be available at Creations Shop from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM—while supplies last.”

Important Information

  • To enter EPCOT, you will need valid admission and a theme park reservation for EPCOT on the same date (or you may visit EPCOT after 2:00 PM or on a good-to-go day without a theme park reservation). Theme park reservations are limited and are subject to availability. Blockout dates apply.
  • Each Passholder must be present and show their valid Annual Pass card, linked MagicBand, MagicBand+ or Disney MagicMobile pass, as well as a government-issued photo ID, to receive a magnet. Learn how to link your pass to your Disney account.
  • Limit one magnet per Passholder.
  • Available while supplies last.
  • Not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged magnets.

All offerings, operating hours and locations are subject to availability and change or cancellation without notice.

hei hei lounge waffle annual passholder magnet Walt disney world

In addition to the magnet, Annual Passholders can also enjoy a Hei Hei Liege Waffle at Connections Cafe in EPCOT.

“Savor a tasty treat inspired by a popular character from the Disney film Moana (2016).

From January 29 to February 23, 2024, delight in a liege waffle made with brioche dough, topped with pearl sugar, and a Hei Hei chocolate garnish—available for purchase at Connections Café in EPCOT.

Are you a Disney Annual Passholder looking to add some extra magic to your visit? Well, get ready to be excited because Walt Disney World has just unveiled its new Annual Passholder Magnet! This exclusive Hei Hei collectible is a must-have for any Disney fan, and it’s the perfect way to show off your Passholder pride.

Disney Cast Member Narrowly Escapes Kidnapping Attempt at Parking Lot Near EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

A Disney World cast member narrowly escaped a perpetrator who attempted to kidnap her as she walked to her vehicle following the end of her shift at EPCOT.

Cast members at Disney Parks have some of the most important jobs in all of The Walt Disney Company. No, they don’t have a corner office in Burbank, California, and they don’t fulfill the roles of Disney’s CEO, CFO, or CCO. They are, however, responsible for making the magic real and tangible for guests of all ages who visit the Disney theme parks.

And at a company like Disney, making magic is probably the most important job there is.

disney castle pixie dust tinkerbell

Despite cast members’ focus on doing things to keep the magic alive for guests, there are still some guests who seem focused on being difficult and unruly, just for the sake of being . . . well, difficult and unruly. For some guests, it’s not enough to merely break the rules at Disney’s parks–they have to include belittling and disrespecting cast members in their repertoire.

And sometimes, things get even worse for cast members.

On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office officially released a report detailing an incident that occurred on the evening of July 3, 2023, between a Disney World cast member and a would-be kidnapper in a parking lot near EPCOT. Though some news outlets briefly reported on the incident in July, the official police report was not released to the public until this week.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

According to the report, a female cast member who worked at EPCOT had just finished her shift and was walking to her vehicle, which was parked in a parking lot reserved for cast members only. But on the way to her car, an unknown man leaned out of the driver’s side window of a vehicle parked nearby.

According to investigators, the man grabbed the female cast member around her waist and pulled her into the window of his vehicle. The woman began screaming and then “elbowed him in the head” until he finally let her go. But the terrifying incident didn’t stop there.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office report states that after the man let go of the female cast member, he reportedly said to her, “It’s ok; just come to me, princess.”

parking lot

Despite the perpetrator’s statement to the cast member, he then sped off in his vehicle toward the exit of the parking lot as the cast member ran to her vehicle, according to detectives working on the case. After the incident, the woman contacted law enforcement officials, telling them that the man was driving a dark-colored sedan. She was unable, however, to see the license plate on the vehicle and could not give officers any information about the vehicle’s plates.

The incident took place just outside the range of Disney’s surveillance cameras, but security footage in the parking lot shows the sedan speeding through the lot just after 9:00 p.m. local time.

The cast member described the perpetrator as a bald male, possibly in his 40s or 50s. His identity is unknown at this time. More details and information about this case will be shared as it becomes available.

Disney Adds More Nights to Spring 2024 Disney After Hours Events

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Disney has added even more Disney After Hours event dates starting in April, giving guests more time to experience their favorite attractions, meet iconic characters, and enjoy complimentary snacks.

Here are the updated dates and prices for Magic Kingdom:

Here are the updated dates and prices for EPCOT:

Here are the updated dates and prices for Hollywood Studios:

Tickets are currently available online for events taking place from January 11 to April 8, 2024.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green looking to purchase tickets early for events from April 22 to June 27, 2024, must call (407) 934-7639 beginning January 24, 2024. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

All other Guests may purchase tickets for events from April 22 to June 27, 2024, online beginning January 31, 2024.

NEW World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Via DisneyLists.com

Since 2019, EPCOT has been undergoing a historical transformation; thankfully, it is almost complete. On December 5, 2023, World Celebration Gardens, including the sure-to-be popular Dreamers Point, opened to guests. The new area is a gorgeous spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the views of Spaceship Earth.

World Celebration Gardens

In the middle of EPCOT, you’ll now find World Celebration Gardens. This area features beautiful greenspaces for guests to explore. In the center, there is a large planter based on the five rings of the iconic EPCOT logo.

The gardens feature ample seating and shade. Guests are invited to connect with one another and the nature around them in this lush new area. When we visited, we found lots of different kinds of seating areas. From tables and chairs, benches, and Adirondack-type chairs. This area will be a fantastic spot to take a rest or eat a meal.

The area also includes many different charging stations where guests can charge their devices while sitting there.

Dreamer’s Point

Found within World Celebration Gardens is Dreamers Point, where guests can visit the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue. The statue shows Walt later in his life when he was dreaming up the initial concepts for the park and the overall Florida Project. His relaxed and reflective demeanor was important to the design of this statue, a nod to the pure optimism he felt for the future and the magic of possibility that was the basis for the dream he never saw come to life.

Below, you can see the entire area. Guests can sit on either side of Walt for a special photo. So far, we’ve seen a Disney PhotoPass photographer posted there regularly.

As you can see from the photos, guests will need to step up to sit next to Walt. One criticism we’ve heard is that guests who cannot transfer from a mobility device will have trouble getting close to Walt. However, as seen below, there is a spot to the left of Walt where a wheelchair could be backed in for a photo.

We’ve visited both during the day and at night. Do note that the lightning is quite blinding in the evening, and you’ll need to be extra careful stepping down after your photo.

Overall, we’re very pleased with the statue. We’ve seen some really tender moments from guests. We’ve seen children hug Walt and some adults getting a bit teary. Like Roy Disney’s statue with Minnie at Magic Kingdom, the ability to sit next to Walt and have some interaction makes the experience more meaningful.

New Character Greeting Spaces

Also, in the new gardens are a few new character greeting spaces. We’ve seen Pluto and Daisy greeting guests. Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times.

Communicore Plaza

The last section still yet to be completed is Communicore Plaza, which was also supposed to open in December 2023. However, Disney pushed back the opening until sometime in 2024. Communicore Hall will be a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Communicore Plaza will be the new home for festivals. See the concept art below for an idea of what it will be like inside.

World Celebration Gardens is a fantastic new addition to EPCOT. The beautiful gardens offer guests a great place to rest and meet. Guests will also not want to miss the Walt the Dreamer statue. Be sure to check out the gardens on your next visit to EPCOT.

Full List of Food and Beverages Coming to Walt Disney World for Valentine’s Day 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

The Disney Parks Blog has released the full guide of food and beverages coming to Walt Disney World Resort for Valentine’s Day 2024.

Valentine’s Day 2024 at Walt Disney World

Disney Springs 

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Feb. 1 through 17; mobile order available) 

  • Chocolate-covered Strawberries
  • Strawberry Cheesecake

The Ganachery 

  • Puppy Love Chocolate Piñata filled with hazelnut truffle treats and crisp pearls (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 15)
  • Mickey Chocolate Bites: Milk chocolate with caramel crisp pearls, solid 65% dark chocolate custom blend, and solid milk chocolate (New) (Currently available through Feb. 29) 
  • Champagne-Strawberry Ganache Square: Strawberry ganache blended with champagne enrobed in dark 65% chocolate (Available Feb. 1 through 18)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 17) 

  • Berry Lovely: Bacardí Dragonberry Rum with orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, watermelon syrup, and splash of soda garnished with a strawberry (New) 

Vivoli il Gelato (Currently available through Feb. 29)

  • Love Potion: Vanilla gelato, Fanta Strawberry, and whipped cream
  • Cupid’s Bombashake: Strawberry cheesecake shake topped with a cheesecake-filled Bomboloni

Outdoor Vending at West Side – Landing (Available Feb. 1 through 17)

  • Beautiful Rose: Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau liqueur, rose syrup, lime juice, lemon juice, and red cranberry juice garnished with a lime wedge (New) 
Valentine's Day 2024 offerings from Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels 

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE 

The Mara (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available) 

  • Zebra Mousse Cake: Amarula mousse and chocolate sponge inspired by the iconic Zebra Domes

DISNEY’S BEACH CLUB RESORT AND DISNEY’S YACHT CLUB RESORT

Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available) 

  • Cupid’s Mousse: Devil’s food cake, vanilla bean mousse, and cherry compote (New) 

DISNEY’S BOARDWALK 

BoardWalk Deli (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie: Rich brownie topped with strawberry cheesecake garnished with chocolate whipped cream, pink crisp pearls, and pink chocolate hearts 

DISNEY’S CONTEMPORARY RESORT 

Contempo Café (Available Feb. 4 through 29; mobile order available) 

  • Sweet Heart Cookie: Sugar cookie with heart sprinkles topped with cream cheese buttercream, red velvet cake pieces and heart, and a drizzle of dark chocolate (New) 
More Valentine's Day 2024 offerings from Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA 

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Raspberry Macaron Heart: Macaron filled with raspberry cream and a passion fruit curd (New) 

DISNEY’S OLD KEY WEST RESORT AND DISNEY’S SARATOGA SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only)

  • Love Letter Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with strawberry pastry cream, white chocolate mousse, and buttercream flowers 

DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT 

Kona Island (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

  • Stitch and Angel Date Night Cupcakes: Vanilla cupcakes with fillings inspired by classic pairings: chocolate and peanut butter mousse filling and peanut butter mousse and jelly filling

Pineapple Lanai (Available Feb. 1 through 14) 

  • Valentine Float: DOLE Whip Raspberry with Rosa Regale Sparkling Red topped with raspberries and strawberries
Trois Macarons from Disney's Riviera Resort

DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT 

Le Petit Café (Available Feb. 1 through 14) 

  • Trois Macarons: Raspberry ganache, strawberry jam, and milk chocolate ganache
The Love Bug Marshmallow from Disney's Wilderness Lodge and the My Sweetheart Cupcake from various Disney resort hotel quick-service restaurants

DISNEY’S WILDERNESS LODGE 

Roaring Fork (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available) 

  • Love Bug Marshmallow: Strawberry marshmallow with a ganache center on a graham cracker cookie 

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available) 

  • My (Plant-based) Sweetheart Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a love-ly swirl of vanilla buttercream and heart sprinkles (Plant-based); Available at the following locations:
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort 
    • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Magic Kingdom

Sunshine Tree Terrace (Currently available; mobile order available) 

  • I Lava You Float: Fanta Strawberry and passion fruit flavor served with DOLE Whip Orange and topped with popping candy (Plant-based)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

The Hollywood Brown Derby (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

  • Red Velvet-White Chocolate Mousse atop a chocolate cookie

The Trolley Car Café (Available Feb. 1 through 14) 

  • Strawberry-Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream 

EPCOT 

Connections Café (Available Feb. 14 only)

  • Valentine’s Day Baumkuchen with chocolate and strawberry layers (New) 

Connections Eatery (Available Feb. 9 through 14; mobile order available)  

  • Valentine’s Day Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate garnish (New) 

Le Cellier Steakhouse (Available Feb. 14 only) 

  • Profiterole: Raspberry cheesecake profiterole (New)