Just a couple of weeks ago, The Walt Disney Company hosted its ultimate fan event — the D23 Expo — in Anaheim, California, just steps from the Disneyland Resort. The Expo celebrated all things Disney and there were a ton of fun events and happenings, including the Disney Legends awards, exclusive merchandise and shopping opportunities, and panels that shared more on everything from first looks at new films and television shows to news about what is happening in Disney Parks around the world.
As in years past, the Disney Parks Panel was one of the most in-demand panels at the Expo. Disney fans always want to be the first to hear about what is coming down the pike at places like Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland.
At this year’s Parks Panel, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a lot of exciting news — including more on Splash Mountain’s transformation into Tiana’s bayou Adventure, the return of Happily Ever After to the Magic Kingdom, and San Fransokyo coming to Disneyland. One of the more unexpected announcements had to do with Disney World’s popular theme park — EPCOT.
D’Amaro shared that a Figment meet and greet would be returning to EPCOT for a limited time in 2023 — although no specific dates have been announced at this time. Fans were shocked and excited to hear that the icon of EPCOT would once again be back at Disney World and greeting Guests. Even the Orlando International Airport was excited to hear the news, and shared the following tweet:
We’ve heard that Figment’s meet & greet will return to EPCOT next year and we just wanted to let you know that our rainbow tunnel is no figment of your imagination either. 😉 🌈 pic.twitter.com/6lnImC41mz
For years, Guests visiting EPCOT could head to the Imagination Pavilion and ride Journey Into Imagination and then meet the purple dragon himself. The Figment meet and greet ended in the early 2000s, but since then, Figment seems to have only grown in popularity. At last year’s International Festival of the Arts, Disney released a Figment popcorn bucket, which sold out in less than two days and had Guests waiting 5 hours to get their hands on one.
Even though D’Amaro said that the Figment meet and greet will only return for a limited time, it is possible that, if the meet and greet proves to be popular, Disney could choose to keep it around for a while. Only time will tell!
We are more than three months into Florida’s hurricane season and, so far, things have been quiet. While there has been some wild weather at the Walt Disney World Parks, the state has had to deal with nothing more than severe storms, and hurricanes have been non-existent. However, things are now changing, and several storms have formed recently, and one of them could be headed right for the Sunshine State.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Nine is making its way through the Caribbean, and it is strengthening. The National Hurricane Center is reporting that Tropical Depression Nine is expected to form into Hurricane Ian — and they expect it to hit Florida as a Category 3 storm. The announcement prompted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to issue a State of Emergency for 24 counties in the state.
Tropical Depression Nine formed in the Caribbean on Friday with a path that could bring it to Florida next week as a major Category 3 hurricane prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in 24 counties.
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations,” he said. “We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”
DeSantis also requested a federal emergency declaration ahead of landfall that would free up funding sources for emergency protective measures. The counties in the order are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and St. Lucie.
Not in the order are Orange, Lake, Seminole or Volusia.
It should be noted that Walt Disney World Resort lies in both Orange and Osceola counties. So, based on what counties are a part of the State of Emergency, it appears that Disney World could be on the outskirts of the worst parts of the storm.
If you are at Disney World when a hurricane hits, Disney has plenty of procedures in place to keep you safe. Outdoor rides — like Test Track, Slinky Dog Dash, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — will shut down until the weather clears up. If things get bad, Disney will shut the Parks down and keep Guests inside their hotels until things are safe, and they can open back up.
This year, October 1 marks the 40th Anniversary of EPCOT. That’s right, 40 years! Since opening in 1982, the park has allowed guests who have passed through its gates to get a glimpse into the future, travel the world while experiencing different cultures, and take their tastebuds on a journey through delicious food festivals. The possibilities have been endless and will continue to be with the exciting plans that lie ahead in the future of this iconic theme park.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, it’s only fitting to have some tasty treats. For select days surrounding the anniversary, various locations will be serving up eats and sips honoring 40 years of fun and flavors. From the EPCOT 40thLiege Waffle at the recently opened Connections Café to the Figment Sponge Cake at Sunshine Seasons, and the Dan Dan Noodles at Nine Dragons Restaurant, there is something for everyone to get a taste of the celebrations.
Let’s take a look at all the goodies coming in this Foodie Guide to the 40th Anniversary of EPCOT!
Connections Café (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)
EPCOT 40th Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar
Chozo de Margarita (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last)
40th Fiesta: Celebrate the colors for the anniversary of EPCOT with this frozen margarita in a “MEXICO 40” souvenir cup
Funnel Cake (Available Oct. 1 and 2)
Celebration Funnel Cake with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and 40th candies
Garden House (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)
Sake Cocktail Flight featuring Samurai, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Sunset, and Violet Sake
La Hacienda de San Angel and San Angel Inn (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last)
Flan: Vanilla custard topped with blueberries, whipped cream, and a “MEXICO 40” white chocolate garnish
Clarified Margarita: Tequila, orange liqueur, lemon, and simple syrup in a “MEXICO 40” souvenir cup with glow cube
Nine Dragons Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)
Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy pork with Sichuan sauce, peanut butter, sesame, shredded cucumber, and green onion
Space 220 Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)
Sunshine Seasons (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3; Mobile order available)
Figment Sponge Cake with honey-lime mousse
Teppan Edo (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)
EPCOT 40th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This version combines sake and butterfly pea flower to create the color reminiscent of the night sky of EPCOT
EPCOT 40th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This version combines sake and butterfly pea flower to create the color reminiscent of the night sky of EPCOT
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
On October 1, 2022, EPCOT will celebrate its 40th Anniversary! A new merchandise collection is coming to celebrate with all sorts of items that we love.
From a Disney Cast Member;
For almost 40 years, EPCOT has been a place where your imagination can take flight into the magical world of possibilities. Guests from around the world have gathered at EPCOT to explore, wonder, and collect keepsakes that are endearing mementos of their time at Walt Disney World Resort.
Whether you’re lounging while wearing your favorite EPCOT hoodie, mixing cake batter in your Food & Wine Festival apron or finding the perfect place to display your next Figment pin, these souvenirs help transport you back to your favorite in-park memories.
Today, we’re giving you a first look at some of the new merchandise inspired by the historic milestone EPCOT will celebrate on Oct. 1. In honor of the 40th anniversary, we’re launching the EPCOT 40th Anniversary Collection at Creations Shop, with select items available at shopDisney.com. The collection will debut on Oct. 1 with additional items arriving throughout the month.
This must-have collection features limited-edition products, including apparel, accessories and trading pins that are perfect for you to share your love of EPCOT with the world.
From a sequined Minnie Mouse headband and an impressive CORKCICLE canteen to a cozy long-sleeved shirt, the new collection is infused with retro and nostalgic designs that offer a wide variety of celebratory merchandise for the entire family.
Credit: DisneyCredit: Disney
Ahead of the holiday season, the EPCOT 40th Anniversary Collection commemorative Spirit Jersey and woven shirt are the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
Eye-catching, energetic, and with a touch of magic, the assortment of apparel is perfect for the whole family. Get ready to dress your little ones in the Figment youth tee and have a groovy photo op in front of Spaceship Earth.
Credit: DisneyCredit: Disney
My favorite items include the multi-colored Loungefly mini-backpack, sleek Citizen watch and stylish fleece hoodie. As you can see, this collection is perfect for EPCOT fans of all ages. Brought to life by a spectrum of color, the retro designs are inspired by the 1980s when the park initially opened, as well as the creative and innovative atmosphere that EPCOT continues to carry into the future.
Paying homage to four decades of celebrating diverse cultures and transformational innovation, the EPCOT 40thAnniversary Collection also includes a Spaceship Earth-themed figurine, Figment crossbody bag by Harveys, a variety of trading pins and a commemorative Alex and Ani charm bracelet, not pictured here. There will also be a limited-edition EPCOT 40th Anniversary Day Of Collection available on Oct. 1, while supplies last.
Happy Anniversary, EPCOT! Stay tuned for more exciting news as we look ahead to the 40th anniversary of EPCOT!
Fall family fun is brewing throughout Walt Disney World. This year, there are so many ways to celebrate fall and Halloween with new flavors, sights, and experiences, plus the return of fan-favorite events.
1 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has returned and has kicked off a fall full of fun at Walt Disney World. The special ticket event is offered at Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from August 12 to October 31 after normal park hours from 7 p.m. to midnight. Guests can dress in their happiest or most-haunted Halloween costumes to get in the spirit of the season! Guests can trick-or-treat their way through the park and indulge in delicious sweets like SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and M&M’s.
Frightfully fun entertainment abounds in “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show featuring the Sanderson Sisters, and “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” nighttime extravaganza hosted by Jack Skellington, featuring fireworks, projections, iconic Disney characters and more.
New for 2022, partygoers awaiting “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” can ‘Stand Out’ and dance their way onto Main Street U.S.A., with a majorly awesome 90’s crew led by Max Goof cosplaying as Powerline – his favorite pop superstar!
Also new this year, guests can join Zombies and Cheerleaders at the ZOM-BEATZ BASH! as they BAMM out to music inspired by the ZOMBIES original movies on Disney Channel.
Several classic Magic Kingdom attractions offer a Halloween-themed overlay, including Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
The most wicked snacks of the season with specially themed fall and Halloween treats are available to savor throughout the park. Click here for the Foodie Guide to fall and event-exclusive items.
Guests can even bring home the memories with an event-exclusive, step-in photo experience, plus a reusable trick-or-treat bag and commemorative print that all guests will receive to round out the special Halloween offerings.
2 – Immersive Fall-Festive Décor at Magic Kingdom Park
What’s Halloween without some Disney magic? Summer transforms to the spooky season with festive fall decor at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can stroll down Main Street, U.S.A where pumpkins and scarecrows are seemingly everywhere and where Disney characters are dressed in their Halloween best. Shops are festooned with fall foliage and garlands, and there are plenty of tricks and pumpkin-spiced treats making the season feel even more magical at this Walt Disney World Theme Park. Guests can enjoy festive fall decor through October 31 and other autumn-themed offerings at select locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
3 – Enjoy Global Flavors at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE
Now through November. 19, guests can sip, savor and repeat across six continents at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE. The festival offers new experiences for foodies and families alike as part of the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” honoring the Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary.
More than twenty-five festival food and wine marketplaces located throughout EPCOT celebrate the best in global food and drink.
This year, the creative Disney culinary teams have dreamed up unique dishes as nearly one third of the menu offerings are new.
Guests can enjoy live musical performances at the America Gardens Theatre as part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare. Internationally recognized artists perform Friday through Monday and local bands rock the house Tuesday through Thursday.
New this year! From September 29-October 31 (or while supplies last), special Halloween fun for the whole family is available in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. With the purchase of a map and stickers, guests can search around EPCOT for hidden decorative pumpkins themed to Disney characters. Whether they search for the pumpkins or not, guests can return their maps to redemption locations in the park to receive a festival keepsake.
4 – Race into Fall with the Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend
The 2022-23 runDisney race season kicks off November 3-6 with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by Shokz. The popular race weekend features a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, as well as the Disney Two Course Challenge (10K and half marathon) and Post-Race Party. While the races on property are sold out, you can still participate in the Virtual runs, click here for more details.
Guests can experience the blend of music, stories, and culinary delights found during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration.
The weekend features a Coco-themed 5K, a Raya and the Last Dragon-themed 10K and a half marathon celebrating the music and magic of Soul.
Guests can also experience the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, including the opportunity to buy merchandise and gadgets for runners.
Olympic track and field champion and reality TV star Sanya Richards-Ross will be among the thousands of competitors at this year’s race weekend.
The magical weekend will be capped off with a unique Post-Race Party at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Half Marathon and Challenge registration includes entry to this after-hours event. Friends and family can purchase Post-Race Party tickets to join in the celebration with their favorite runners.
The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is the first of four race weekends during the 2022-23 runDisney season. Next is the 30th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 4-8), the 15th anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 23-26), and the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 13-16).
