Splash Mountain has taken its final bow and with it a piece of Disney history is gone forever. Thousands flocked to the ride yesterday to be among the last to ride the beloved classic. None of them got to be the last though, that honor went to a very special group of people who absolutely deserved it.
It was a late night at Magic Kingdom last night as people flocked to Splash Mountain all day long and well into the night. Disney’s policy is “anyone in line before the ride closes get to ride.” While Cast Members will cut off the line once the park is closed to prevent others from joining the line, they will not make guests who were already in line leave the queue once the park is closed. When Magic Kingdom closed at 11:00 pm last night, the ride still had a 175 minute wait. Once the last guest exited the ride, at nearly 3:00 am (per social media reports), it was time for the laughin’ place to welcome one last group to its briar patch.
The Cast Members who worked the ride got to hop on board and be on the very last logs to take the plunge! After working tirelessly all day to make magic for guests hoping to experience the nostalgia one more time, we can’t think of anyone more deserving to enjoy that last ride before Splash Mountain closed forever. These Cast Members have worked day in and day out to make magic for us, and we are so glad that they got to have their very own special moment.
Walt Disney World Cast Members were the last people to ride Splash Mountain. And the crowd went wild. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/EbsqYlCg7W
They had quite an audience too! Scott Gustin posted a video on Twitter showing crowds of people cheering for the Cast Members as they rounded the bend after that final drop. You can check out the video above, but fair warning: you may want a box of tissues nearby!
The opening date of TRON Lightcycle / Run, the brand new headliner ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, is almost here. We can wait to ride! In preparation for launch, Disney World has released details on how guest will get access to the attraction via a virtual queue or Lightning Lane, PhotoPass, required lockers for belongings and more.
Via a Disney Cast Member;
We are counting down the days to the ultimate race across the Grid when TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise opens at Magic Kingdom Park on April 4.
Before you board your very own Lightcycle and enter this race as the newest members of Team Blue, here are the top 4 things to know:
1 – JOIN TEAM BLUE VIA THE VIRTUAL QUEUE
When TRON Lightcycle / Run opens it will use a virtual queue, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the attraction later in the day and enjoy all that Magic Kingdom Park has to offer while they wait to enter the Grid. Guests with a valid ticket or pass and a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom Park on the same date will have the opportunity to request to join the virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app*. A standby queue will not be available.
Stay tuned to disneyworld.com/virtualqueue for details about when and how guests will be able to request to join the virtual queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run.
2 – INDIVIDUAL LIGHTNING LANE ENTRY
Guests may also have the option to purchase individual – or à la carte – Lightning Lane entry in the My Disney Experience app*. On the day of their visit, Team Blue recruits with a valid admission and a park reservation for Magic Kingdom Park on the same date may visit the Disney Genie Service Tip Board in the app to choose an arrival window and make their purchase before joining the high-speed race against Team Orange. Guests may check the app on the day of their visit for pricing and availability.
3 – NEW LOCKER SYSTEM
New to TRON Lightcycle / Run, a double-sided and digitized locker system will be used to store bags and loose items while you race your Lightcycle. Inside the attraction queue, these complimentary lockers pair directly with your MagicBand, MagicBand+ or ticket media so you can easily lock and reopen your locker with a quick tap. Guests without a MagicBand or other ticket media (such as a card) will be provided with a card to assign their locker. All items must be placed either in a locker before you board your Lightcycle, or in a small compartment located on the attraction vehicle that can hold items such as cellphones, glasses or wallets.
4 – DISNEY PHOTOPASS PHOTO AND VIDEO OFFERINGS
You can relive your race through this dark, computerized world when you preview an onboard photo and video automatically linked to your My Disney Experience account through one of the following methods:
Use your eligible mobile device, enable Bluetooth® for the My Disney Experience app* before riding, ensure you’ve logged into the My Disney Experience app* sometime earlier that day, and keep your device out of low power mode. Make sure your mobile device boards your Lightcycle with you and is safely stored in the small Lightcycle compartment to use this method.
Wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to your My Disney Experience account.
We’ll see you in the Grid, Team Blue recruits. Countdown protocol initiated. End of line.
*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
Throughout the year, Disney Parks honor Black heritage and culture with Celebrate Soulfully, where our cast members bring their cultures to life in our parks through authentic food, music, and experiences.
During the month of February, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort join together to honor and experience Black culture through cuisines, one bite and sip at a time – with many offerings inspired and created by our diverse Disney cast members. Both coasts bring these delicious flavors and traditions to the plate and glass for people of all ages and backgrounds to join in on the soulful celebration. No detail is too small when it comes to our Celebrate Soulfully cuisine!
At Disneyland Resort, enjoy new can’t-miss chef inspirations such as the Shrimp & Grits from Café Orleans and the Peach Cobbler Donut from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. Over on the East Coast, Walt Disney World Resort is bringing back popular dishes from last February’s Cooking With Soul feature and highlighting new food and beverage creations infused with Walt Disney World cast stories and heritage carried by Black-owned distillers. This February, Guests can try dishes returning with a twist such as the Peach Cobbler Whiskey Cake at Tiffins Restaurant or brand-new Soulful Sunday Dinners at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. While visiting, Guests can keep an eye out for other soulful offerings across property to continue celebrating soulfully throughout the year.
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available Feb. 1 through 28; mobile order available)
Peach Cobbler Donut: Vanilla-dipped donut filled with peach compote, topped with a cinnamon sugar puff (New)
River Belle Terrace (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Southern BBQ Platter: Brisket, fried chicken, burnt ends pork belly, mashed potatoes, baked beans, slaw, and a house-baked biscuit (New)
Troubadour Tavern
Fried Chicken Bowl: Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with four-cheese mac ‘n cheese, smoked turkey collard greens, and sweet potato cornbread (Available Feb.18 and Feb. 25 only; mobile order available)(New)
Red Velvet Bundt Cake with chocolate mousse, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate chips (Available Feb.18 and Feb. 25 only; mobile order available) (New)
Fantasyland Popcorn Cart and Troubadour Tavern
Simba Popcorn Bucket (mobile order available)
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Hearthstone Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Baked Andouille Mac & Cheese: Pasta with white cheese sauce, chopped herbs and Andouille sausage (New)
Apricot Manhattan: Uncle Nearest 1884 Whiskey, Giffards Abricot du Roussillon, and Amaro Nonino garnished with maraschino cherries (New)
Spiced Fizz: Hanson of Sonoma Habanero Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice and raspberry syrup garnished with raspberries and a Lime wedge (New)
Downtown Disney District
College Boy Cheesesteaks (Available Feb. 9 – Mar. 5)
Black-owned food truck College Boy Cheesesteaks will serve up Philly Cheesesteaks from local Philadelphians
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Peach Pie Old Fashioned: Whiskey, peach liquor, bitters, and brown sugar garnished with a peach slice
Wings ’N Waffles(Available Feb. 9 – Mar. 5)
Black-owned food truck Wings ‘n Waffles will serve up delicious sandwiches, plates, and more
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Gumbo: Chicken, Andouille sausage, okra, and seasonings simmered in chicken stock served over rice (New)
Dockside Diner (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
South African Hot Dog: South African boerie topped with sweet and spicy chakalaka relish on a brioche bun served with house-made chips (New)
Hollywood Scoops (Available Feb. 1 through Mar. 31)
Tiana Mardi Gras Milkshake: Cinnamon vanilla milkshake topped with a Mardi Gras king cake doughnut (New)
Hollywood & Vine
Poulet Mariné Au Four (Baked Marinated Chicken): Baked chicken marinated in assorted spices served with red and green peppers and onions. This dish was created by our cast members at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to celebrate Haitian Flag Day and is now featured on the Hollywood & Vine buffet for guests to enjoy!
Woody’s Lunch Box (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart with cinnamon-brown sugar icing, toasted marshmallows, and pecans (New)
50’s Prime Time Cafe
Shrimp & Grits: Creole-seasoned shrimp with peppers and onions served over cheese grits
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Flame Tree Barbecue(Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich: Smoked Andouille sausage on a roll with piccadilly relish and stewed black-eyed peas (New)
Soul Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster filling, vanilla marshmallow buttercream, Joe Gardner white chocolate medallion, edible paper music notes, and multi color crispy pearls
Nomad Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
The Ginger Whiskey: A cocktail featuring Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey with notes of ginger and brown sugar (New)
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Soul Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster filling, vanilla marshmallow buttercream, Joe Gardner white chocolate medallion, edible paper music notes, and multi color crispy pearls
Tiffins Restaurant
Spiced Shrimp & Grits: Spicy shrimp & corn grits with bacon jam and crispy radish
Peach Cobbler Whiskey Cake: Peach cobbler cake, honey vanilla bean ice cream, and brown butter whiskey caramel (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
The Ginger Whiskey: A cocktail featuring Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey with notes of ginger and brown sugar (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Tusker House
Braised Collard Greens with smoked bacon (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage
Harira Soup
Dawa Bar, Restarauntosaurus Lounge, and Thirsty River Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Mint Julep: Pineapple mint julep
EPCOT
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
Tiana Banana Pudding
Coral Reef Restaurant
Shrimp & Grits: Sautéed shrimp, cheddar grits, local corn succotash, andouille sausage, and Creole spice emulsion
Fife & Drum
Half Note Float: Layered Fanta Wild Cherry, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy with vanilla ice cream and Half Note White Chocolate
Magic Kingdom Park
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Select wines from McBride Sisters Wine Company (a Black-owned and female-led wine company), including:
McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé, Hawke’s Bay
McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
McBride Sisters Chardonnay, Central Coast
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
Kungaloosh! African-inspired chocolate cake with caramelized bananas and cashew-caramel ice cream topped with coffee dust
Golden Haze Margarita: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters, lime, and agave.
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Soul Petit Cake: Chocolate chiffon cake, dark chocolate mousse, raspberry pate de fruit, raspberry mousse, and white chocolate crispy pearls
B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Chicken Jambalaya Dog: Chicken jambalaya dog with smoked sausage, roasted corn, lemon caper aïoli, and Tuscan roll (New)
Dockside Margaritas and Outdoor Bars (available Feb. 1 through 28)
Royal Sunset: Empress 1908 Gin, grapefruit juice, cane sugar, and cherries
House of Blues (available Feb. 1 through Mar. 1)
Celebrate Soulfully Specials: Featuring two beers (pilsner and IPA) from Green Bench Brewing, Florida’s only Black-owned brewery and chardonnay from Brown Estates, Napa Valley’s first Black-owned estate winery
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Chicken on the Egg: Buttermilk fried chicken, deviled eggs, and hot honey sauce
Fried Sweet Potato Pie: Sweet potato-filled pastry, spiced cinnamon sugar, maple bourbon sauce, and roasted pecan crumble
Poutine (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Poutine with sweet ‘n’ hot jerk marinated chicken, pineapple salsa, scotch bonnet aïoli, and fries (New)
The Ganachery (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Soulful Pralines: Pecan pralines enrobed in our custom dark chocolate “jazzed” up with some chocolate musical instruments and decor featuring Joe from Disney and Pixar’s animated film Soul
Local Green Orlando Food Truck
Delicious vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian menu items made with love and soul including the Monsta Shrimp Burger, Rappers Delight Salmon Philly, and more
For a limited time during the month of February, visit the Local Green Orlando Food Truck near the entrance to Orange Garage
The Polite Pig (available Jan. 31 through Feb. 28)
The Soulfully Chef Special: Fried pork belly, beef empanadas, and pikliz
Vivoli Il Gelato(available Jan. 16 through Feb. 28)
Candied Yam Cannoli: A crispy Italian shell filled with a sweet cream of ricotta cheese and candied yams topped with pecans
Carver’s Peanut Butter Explosion: Peanut butter milkshake with a chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and a chocolate peanut butter cake on top
Walt Disney World Resorts
Available at Various Resorts (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Southern Fried Chicken Bowl: Fried chicken thighs, candied sweet potatoes, rice, smoked collards, mac and cheese, and a corn muffin(New) Available at the following:
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
Everything POP at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Banana cheesecake with vanilla pudding, vanilla wafer crust, and a brûléed banana (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Sanaa Spiced Shrimp: Benne seed-spiced shrimp, creamy pap, stewed okra, boerewors, and charred corn kachumbari (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Four cheese baked macaroni and cheese (New)
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort}
Barcelona Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Whiskey Tart: Orange-cardamom infused cake, dark chocolate mousse, and diplomat cream infused with Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey with a candied orange garnish (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Comeback Chocolate Cake: Slice of German-style chocolate cake with a salty pecan-coconut topping (New)
Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge (Available beginning Feb. 1)
Berry Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet with fresh mixed berry compote, house-made Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey caramel sauce, mint, and powdered sugar (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Riverside Mill Food Court (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Comeback Chocolate Cake: Slice of German-style chocolate cake with a salty pecan-coconut topping (New)
Various Signature Restaurants and Lounges Across Resorts Including:
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Cítricos, Jiko-The Cooking Place, and Yachtsman Steakhouse (Available Feb. 1 through Mar. 30)
Golden Cocktail: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey, pineapple juice, almond, agave, and aromatic bitters (New)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Artist’s Palette (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Soulful Sunday Dinner: A traditional soul food dinner of barbeque chicken with collard greens, black eye peas, and house-made cornbread (available Sundays in Feb.)(New)
Traditional Pound Cake: A slice of classic vanilla pound cake (New)
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace (Available Feb. 1 through Mar. 30)
Tiana Praline Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with pecan praline filling, vanilla buttercream, and chocolate décor (New)
Various Pool Bars and Table Service Locations Across Resorts Including Geyser Point, Banana Cabana, Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Olivia’s Café, Turf Club Bar & Lounge, Outer Rim, Hurricane Hanna’s, Boma – Flavors of Africa, Oasis Pool Bar, and many more! (Available Feb 1. through Mar. 30)
Pineapple Mule: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. ginger bitters, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Disney has made a big claim about Tron: Lightcycle/Run! Magic Kingdom’s long awaited roller coaster will finally open on April 4, 2023. When it does, it will break a record! No, not “longest build of all time” (though, after nearly five years of construction, we are pretty sure it might have that record too). According to Disney, “Tron: Lightcycle/Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.”
That’s exciting news considering Disney, while a pioneer in most areas, has always been a bit lacking in the thrill ride department. Much of this has been by design: Disney has traditionally been a place for the whole family to love. More and more, though, people have been lamenting the lack of adrenaline pumping attractions. Disney has heard and answered. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster in Hollywood studios tops out at 57 mph. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened last year as EPCOT’S very first roller coaster (with a top speed of just under 60 mph) and Tron: Lightcycle/Run promises to be even faster!
That means Magic Kingdom’s version is likely going to be faster than Shanghai’s version. Tron: Lightcycle Power Run in Shanghai tops at 60 mph just like Cosmic Rewind. Disney’s hint leads us to believe that while the rides may be mostly identical, they won’t be completely the same (and that Magic Kingdom’s version may actually be more thrilling)!
Currently the fastest ride at the Walt Disney World Resort is Test Track at EPCOT which tops out at 65 mph (although it does not sustain this speed long) and while we don’t think Tron will go quite that fast, it will be interesting to see the stats and compare sustained speeds once Magic Kingdom’s coaster finally makes its debut!
Disney’s 50th Anniversary celebration is coming to an end, and with it, many of the special limited-time events are ending as well. The celebration officially ends on March 31, 2023, and when it does, the special menu to commemorate the event at California Grill will end with it.
Beginning April 1, 2023, the Contemporary Resort’s signature restaurant will debut an all-new menu. While this isn’t particularly shocking (menus change at Walt Disney World all the time), the format is, and some guests aren’t happy about it. According to Disney, the new menu will consist of “contemporary, market-inspired cuisine.” We aren’t quite sure yet what that entails as Disney has yet to release the details of the new menu, but the photos they’ve shared look amazing!
Disney has stated that the new menu at California Grill will be prix fixe. The menu will include a three-course meal for one price with alá cart options no longer offered. The 50th-anniversary menu was also prix fixe, so this change isn’t technically new, but many expected the restaurant to return to alá carte dining once the limited-time menu was done.
The new format has led to many airing their frustrations online.
Some expressed confusion at the format:
While others just wanted the option to order sushi (we can’t blame them that spicy kazan roll is delicious):
This user straight up doesn’t want that price fix (and brings up an excellent point…that brunch was outstanding):
While this pricing structure was always present at family-style dining experiences like Garden Grill and Liberty Tree Tavern, prix fixe is a direction many other restaurants at Disney World are going in, particularly their fine dining establishments. Recently we reported that Monsieur Paul would also be adopting this format. Keep in mind this new pricing structure does not mean the restaurant will become family-style. You’ll still have options on the menu, which is nice. You’ll simply pay one price and choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert from the menu options.
