Walt Disney World Health and Safety Update

Beginning tomorrow, March 16, face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney Skyliner. Face coverings will also be optional for fully vaccinated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Guests on the transport while traveling to and from the Halcyon starcruiser and Batuu.

At this time, face coverings remain required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on monorails and Disney buses.

Disney Adds Annual Passholder Perk Offering More Savings

Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders are given much more than access to booking reservations to the Disney Parks.

Throughout the year, Disney offers exclusive discounts and perks that are only available to those who hold the Annual Passes.

At this point, the selling of Annual Passes has not returned at Walt Disney World Resort. While the Disney World Annual Pass Incredi-Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass, Disney Pirate Pass, and Disney Pixie Dust passes are all still noted on the website, they are all listed as “unavailable” and have not been available for purchase since November of last year.

disney world annual pass

Current Annual Passholders can still renew their passes online, meaning that they are in a select group when it comes to accessing massive benefits and perks that come with being a passholder.

That’s why, if you are a Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholder, you need to get to shopDisney quick!

Through March 17, Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders can now get 25% off their purchases of $75.00 or more.

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

To take advantage of this perk, you’ll have to link your Disney Annual Pass to your shopDisney account, if you haven’t done so already. From there, just sign into your shopDisney account and place all the items you want to purchase in your bag. Enter the code “WDW25” at checkout and you’re all set! Please keep in mind that select merchandise, including non-Disney branded items, are not eligible for this discount.

shopDisney is the official home of all Disney merchandise. The online store carries just about anything Disney-themed you could imagine, including Park collections, Ears, as well as Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar merchandise, and much more.

disney world partners statue castle

Disney Unveils Height Requirements For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Coaster

Walt Disney World Resort fans are anxiously awaiting the opening of the all-new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster coming soon to EPCOT.

The state-of-the-art roller coaster that rotates 360 degrees and has the first-ever reverse launch on a coaster in Disney history is rumored to be opening on Memorial Day weekend. Disney executive Geoff Morrell may have accidentally leaked the date just a couple of weeks ago when he tweeted out that the coaster would be opening during the weekend. He swiftly deleted the Tweet and changed it to “opening soon.” 

Now, we’ve got new information to pass along about the coaster.

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

Twitter user @DrewDisneyDude recently shared the height requirements for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT will be 42 inches.

As mentioned in the Tweet, the height requirements for similar coasters like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (40 inches), Expedition Everest (44 inches), and Slinky Dog Dash (38 inches) are all in about the same range.

Walt Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley recently shared the first close-up photos of details inside the line queue of the attraction and said this on Instagram:

Recently we revealed our first-look at the bold and colorful design for our load station at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – coming to EPCOT this summer.

One of the ways that we help tell the story is by infusing details into all the various functional items that make up an attraction and this one is no different. And I’m excited to show some close up photos of these details.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Angular designs, striking use of colors, and materials all help tell the story of a Nova Corps facility. The railings, station gates and floor markings (yes, the floor is pretty cool too 😊) are all used to convey the experience in ways that might not be as obvious or apparent, but every detail is a choice that supports our story. And much of Nova Corps designs are inspired by their star symbol and that symbol makes several appearances in the space in striking illuminated graphics.

Seen in these new close-up images of our station gates have a weight and scale to them to help convey the industrial nature of the area. Handrails made from stainless steel give a sturdy and durable feel and show the precision craftsmanship of the Nova Corps.

An attraction of this scale includes many thousands of design details that work together to create mood, place and action – and these are just a few of the many you’ll see here. Thank you to everyone working hard to put our finishing touches on this experience – inside and out.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

‘Encanto’-Inspired Garden Debuts at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

At the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Guests can now step inside a wonderful garden inspired by the magical Madrigal family from “Encanto,” the new Academy Award®-nominated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

A new “Encanto”-inspired garden will let Guests explore a lush tropical jardín inspired by the movie (streaming on Disney+) and its strong female characters like Julieta, Isabela, Luisa and of course, Mirabel. Guests can also stroll around a path inspired by the youngest member of the Madrigal family, Antonio.

The garden, which debuted last week, will be available through May 22, 2022, and is located near La Isla Fresca Outdoor Kitchen between the Morocco and France pavilions in World Showcase. This year, La Isla Fresca features three arepas dishes: arepas topped with melted queso fresco; arepa topped with shrimp, crushed avocado ají and tomato sauce; and an arepa topped with chorizo. Delicioso!

This is just one of the recent additions based on “Encanto” that can be enjoyed at Walt Disney World Resort. As part of Celebrate HER Story in honor of Women’s History Month, Guests can also enjoy delicious specialties and treats inspired by the women of the film at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. 

While visiting EPCOT, Guests can discover two more incredible garden destinations at Mexico pavilion in World Showcase. Extraordinary Orchids offers a breathtakingly beautiful area filled with orquídeas, while the Tropical Rainforest Garden lets Guests discover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and its adaptive species.

For more information on the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival that runs through July 4, click here.

Foodie Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2022

Via Disney Destinations

The Foodie Guide to St. Patrick’s Day is here! We’ve put together all the tasty concoctions coming to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, and the chefs and mixologists from both coasts did not disappoint. From savory dishes to sweet delights, even deliciously crafted cocktails, there is a little bit of everything for everyone.

Walt Disney World Resort

Resorts 

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort  

Intermission Food Court (available March 13 through 19)  

  • St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

World Premiere Food Court (available March 13 through 19)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Mickey: Chocolate Irish crème mousse and chocolate cake with a sugar cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The Drop Off (available March 13 through 19)

  • Good Luck Charm: Vodka and Irish cream liqueur blended with vanilla ice cream topped with fresh whipped cream and cookie ears

Landscape of Flavors (available March 13 through 19)

  • Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available)

Disney’s BoardWalk

AbracadaBAR (available through March 31)

  • Irish Magic Trick: Irish whiskey, Italian liqueur, and bitters (New)

Atlantic City Dance Hall (available through March 31)

  • Shamrock Punch: Apple whisky, vodka, apple sour, lime sour, Granny Smith apple, and Sprite garnished with a glow cube (New)

Bellevue Lounge (available through March 31)

  • Irish Mule Cocktail: Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice garnished with a lime (New)

BoardWalk Bakery (available March 12 through 17) (Mobile Order available)

  • Mint Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ‘n cream mousse topped with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a sugar cookie shamrock
  • Shamrock Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with green holiday decor
  • Cannoli: Traditional Cannoli with green holiday decor
  • Coconut Macaroon: Traditional giant coconut macaroon with green chocolate decor
  • Mickey Brownie: Ganache brownie with green holiday sprinkles

Boardwalk Joe’s (available through March 31)

  • Pot O Lucky Gold: Coconut rum, vodka, lime, pineapple juice, and honey-mango flavors garnished with lime and pineapple (New)

Leaping Horse

  • Fuzzy Leprechaun: Vodka, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, orange juice, and pineapple juice garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry (New)

Trattoria al Forno (available through March 31)

  • Italian Leprechaun: Limoncello, prosecco brut, and elderflower liqueur garnished with mint (New)
  • Mimosa Verdi: Prosecco brut, blue curaçao, fruit liqueur, and pineapple juice (New)

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort  

Centertown Market (available March 13 through 19)  

  • Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and a shamrock chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café (available March 17)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Green cupcake filled with gold crispy pearls topped with buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles, and white chocolate Minnie hat (Mobile Order available)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill (available through March 18)

  • St. Patty’s Day Hat: Caramel Irish cream mousse on a shortbread cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Goods to Go and The Artist’s Palette (available March 17)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Irish dry stout cake with Irish cream liqueur mousse and whiskey caramel finished with vanilla buttercream, gold crisp pearls, and a white chocolate shamrock (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s (available March 17)

  • Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake topped with chocolate and vanilla buttercream, chocolate Mickey ears, and a shamrock (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Everything POP Shopping & Dining (available March 13 through 19)

  • Luck of the Green: Chocolate cupcake filled with marshmallow mint crème topped with vanilla buttercream, shamrock sprinkles, and gold shimmer (Mobile Order available)

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (available March 13 through March 19)

  • Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside

Riverside Mill (available March 13 through March 19)

  • Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate décor (New)

Disney’s Riviera Resort  

Le Petit Café (available March 17)

  • Caramel Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel hazelnut custard filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork (available March 17)

  • Shamrock Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with mint cookies ’n cream (Mobile Order available)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Market at Ale & Compass (available through March 17)

  • Irish Cream Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a Irish cream mousse covered in chocolate ganache and finished with chocolate and vanilla crisp pearls and a chocolate clover (Mobile Order available)

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie (available March 12 through 20)

  • Luck of the Irish Petit Cake: Layers of praline, whiskey-scented vanilla chiffon cake, and Irish cream liqueur pastry cream (New)

City Works Eatery (available through March 17)

  • Irish Nachos: House-made corned beef, hardwood-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, IPA cheese sauce, green onions, and chips
  • Pastrami Reuben: House-made pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, bacon-braised sauerkraut, and marble rye
  • Shepherd’s Pie: Stout-braised ground beef, peas, carrots, onions, shredded cabbage, and potato purée
  • Dark Side of The Moon: Belgian-style witbier and an Irish dry stout
  • Snakebite: Hard apple cider and an Irish dry stout
  • Voodoo: Raspberry ale and an Irish dry stout

D-Luxe Burger (available through March 31)

  • Dubliner Burger: Double stack of signature blend beef patties topped with cheddar, corned beef, lettuce, fried onions, and Irish stout barbecue sauce

The Ganachery (available March 12 through 20)  

  • Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Squares

The Daily Poutine (available through March 31)

  • Irish Poutine: Fries, Irish porter cheddar cheese, stout gravy, onion marmalade, and sliced pork bangers

Raglan Road Irish Pub (available through March 17)

Take part in the festivities of Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival [Insert link here] this year with classics like fresh-caught fish and chips, Shepherd’s to Die for Pie, and the plant-based take on shephard’s pie, This Shepherd Went Vegan, along with delicious drinks including the new So Berry Les.

  • So Berry Les: Local Florida strawberry and Key lime-infused hard seltzer (New)

Vivoli il Gelato

  • Float: Vanilla gelato with an Irish dry stout (available through April 30)
  • Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake: Mint chocolate chip gelato, cookies and cream gelato, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips (available through April 5)

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park

Red Rose Taverne (available March 17 through 30)

  • The Green Stuff: Mint White Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Cake, Mint Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Cookie Crumbs on a Shortbread Cookie (Mobile Order available) (New)

Disney California Adventure Park

 Corn Dog Castle (available March 17) (Mobile Order available)

  • Hot-Link Corn Dog: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
  • Original Corn Dog: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)  
  • Cheddar Cheese Stick: Coated with green corn dog batter and served with mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)

Hollywood Lounge (available March 17)

  • Strawberry Elderflower Whiskey: Strawberry lemonade mixed with ginger syrup, elderflower, and whiskey (Mobile Order available) (New)

Lamplight Lounge and Boardwalk Dining (available March 17 through 20)

  • Watermelon Cooler: Irish Whiskey, Muddled Watermelon, Agave and Lemon Juice (New)

Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman’s Grill (available March 17 through 20) (Mobile Order available) 

  • Leprechaun Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with pot of gold and frosted with vanilla buttercream (New)
  • Leprechaun Mickey-shaped Donut: Vanilla cake donut dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with Leprechaun decor (New)

GCH Holiday Cart (available Mach 17 through 20)

  • St Patrick’s Day Whoopie Pie: Chocolate whoopie pie filled with vanilla buttercream and rolled in shamrock sprinkles (New)
  • Mickey-shaped Leprechaun Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with rolled fondant (New)
  • St Patrick’s Day Double Chocolate Cookie Shot: Available with milk or liqueur (New)
  • St Patrick’s Day Chocolate Cookie Shot: Available with milk or liqueur (New)

Downtown Disney District  

Ballast Point Brewing Co. (available March 17 through 20)

  • The Rueben: Marble rye, thinly sliced corn beef, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese served with chips or fries & pickle spears (New)
  • Hair of the Dog: Bratwurst braised in a porter topped with peppers, onions, beer cheese, and bacon bits on a pretzel bun and served with chips or fries (New)

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (available through March 31)  

  • Reuben Burger: Burger with prime beef, swiss cheese, griddled corned beef, sauerkraut, sliced pickles, and special sauce
  • Lucky Charms Classic Shake: Lucky Charms Shake topped with whipped cream and Lucky Charms (New)

California Churro (available March 17)

  • Pot of Gold Churro: A churro rolled in Key lime pie sugar drizzled with white chocolate sauce over top, dusted with gold and green sprinkles, and served with a side of whipped cream (New)

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (available March 16 through 20)

  • The Emerald Breeze: Vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and orange juice (New)

Salt & Straw (available through March 31) 

  • Pots of Gold & Rainbows: A legendary favorite with hand-sorted luck from the charms, steeping the whole-grain cereal in cream for that bottom-of-the-bowl sweetened milk before stirring in mountains of rainbow marshmallows

Sprinkles (available March 14 through 20)

  • Irish Coffee: Chocolate coffee cake and marshmallow core topped with Irish whiskey-infused green and vanilla buttercream frosting (recommended just for adults due to hint of alcohol)

Uva Bar & Café (available through March 31)

  • Beer Cheese Burger: Corned beef, burger patty, Irish stout beer cheese, pickles, and mustard aïoli on a Brioche bun served with sweet fries

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Wind & Waves Market (available March 16 through 18)

  • Shamrock Whoopie Pies: Vanilla cake with golden citrus crème

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)