Phased Reopening Update

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via DisneyLists.com

During the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, Disney has publicly stated that it has been operating around 35% capacity. In the last month, with spring break crowds, the parks have been nearly full, and park reservations have been more and more difficult to come by. We have received many messages from guests who were unprepared and did not have park reservations for their upcoming vacation that was days away. It’s terribly disappointing, but it is avoidable with a little planning.

1 – Check Park Availability First and Check Often!

We cannot stress enough how important it is to make your park reservations as soon as possible (like immediately) after purchasing your tickets. As noted above, we’ve received messages from guests disappointed and upset that they couldn’t get park reservations for their upcoming vacation. Don’t let that happen to you. Before you purchase tickets, check park availability! (Click here to view). You may be surprised at the lack of park reservations for the days you are planning on visiting. For example…

You can make a park reservation under three different categories: Theme Park Tickets, Select Resort Hotels, and Annual Passes. As of writing this article, for both Theme Park Tickets and Select Resort Guests, the next day that park reservations are available for Magic Kingdom is June 19—just under two months away. The next time a Disney’s Hollywood Studios park reservation is July 3! That park has the most demand because of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Generally, Magic Kingdom, then Animal Kingdom fill up next, and usually, EPCOT is the easiest park to get a reservation.

Once you see what parks are available or not available, you can decide the dates you want to visit. Perhaps your dates are flexible. It’s easier to move your dates around if you have not booked a resort or purchased date-specific tickets. With park reservation availability in mind, you can then decide what kind of ticket you should purchase, which leads us to…

2 – Purchasing Tickets – Consider the Park Hopper Option

Under “normal” operations, a Park Hopper Option may not be the best purchase because it adds a lot to the overall cost of tickets. However, you should seriously consider paying for the Park Hopper Option during the phased reopening. That option will allow you to visit other parks after 2:00 pm that you may not be able to get a park reservation. If you can only get park reservations for EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, you could then at least plan to visit the other two parks after 2:00 pm, allowing you to visit all four parks. Do note that if you park hop over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will not be able to join the Virtual Queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Again, you’ll need to check the park availability calendar to see how limited park reservations are and decide if it is needed.

3 – Purchasing Tickets – Annual Passes Still Not Available

Disney has still not resumed sales for annual passes, although current passholders may renew their passes. Many people canceled their passes last August, so passholders have the best availability options for park reservations. Even during the busy holiday season last year, I was able to get same-day or next-day park reservations. The last month during spring break was a different story. Now, as a passholder, park reservations are full for multiple weekends and full for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom during the week. If you are an annual passholder, you, too, will need to plan ahead. Do note that passholders are still limited to only have three park reservations at a time, which makes it even more challenging to get those high-demand park reservations!

4 – Park Hours and Capacity

Recently, park hours and park reservation availability were expanded for the month of June. Rumors are swirling that Disney is about to raise capacity for the summer due to demand. We do expect that capacity will be increased soon as more and more people get vaccinated. When capacity limits are raised, more park reservations will be available. But demand is so high that those spots will fill quickly. When availability was added to June, new park reservation spots filled up within hours. You will need to check the park availability calendar regularly if you are looking for a reservation on a particular day for a specific park.

5 – What to Expect as 2021 Rolls On

Everyone is yearning to “get back to normal,” but of course, no one knows when that will be. As we noted, as more and more people get vaccinated, Disney may alter their modified operations. They recently allowed guests to remove facial coverings while stationary for photos. We noted that capacity limits will likely get raised. But many, many restaurants still remain closed, making dining a challenge, whether it’s getting a Mobile Order spot or a getting a table service reservation. As more people come, wait times have steadily increased, and FastPass+ is still temporarily suspended. Most resorts are still closed, and only four have been given reopening dates. There are a lot of unknowns but a lot to look forward to as well! The Festival of the Lion King is returning in May, the 50thAnniversary Celebration kicks off on October 1, 2021, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open also on October 1. Visiting during 2021 will still have its challenges, but it can still be magical if you plan ahead.

Disney’s Foodie Guide to Mother’s Day

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining

May 9 is the big day to celebrate the Mom in your life. What better way than to celebrate Mom than by visiting Walt Disney World and filling her with all of the tasty food and treats! Disney is serving up yummy cupcakes, desserts, brunches, and specialty sips created for Mother’s Day. 

Walt Disney World Resort

Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Chocolate cake with strawberry ganache filling and white chocolate frosting (available Apr. 30 through June 1)

Tiffins Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Mother’s Day Dessert – Coconut and caramelized pineapple mousse, coconut sorbet, almond crumble, pineapple gel, and cherry sauce (available May 9)

Coral Reef Restaurant, EPCOT

  • Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Tart – Vanilla tart filled with raspberries and chocolate mousse topped with raspberry mousse and wrapped with chocolate rope (available May 9)

Le Cellier Steakhouse, EPCOT

  • Lemon Cream and Berry Charlotte – Lemon and vanilla bean cream with ladyfingers topped with fresh berries (available May 9)

Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs

  • Dipped Strawberry Bouquet – Strawberry dipped in Guayaquil dark chocolate (available May 7-10)

Marketplace Snacks, Disney Springs

  • A Mother’s Day Swirl – A swirl of DOLE Whipstrawberry and chocolate soft-serve with chocolate-dipped strawberry garnish (available May 7-10)

Landscape of Flavors, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (mobile order available)

World Premiere Food Court, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort (mobile order available)

Everything Pop Shopping and Dining, Disney’s Pop Century Resort (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Sweet Blossom Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with marshmallow crème filling topped with strawberry buttercream, white chocolate flower blossoms, and sprinkles (available May 6-9)

Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Mother’s Day Red Velvet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing and cream cheese-buttercream icing garnished with sprinkles and a Mother’s Day chocolate plaque (available May 7-9)

Gasparilla Island Grill, Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Mimosa Miniature Gâteau – Champagne-infused sponge cake with orange-scented mousse topped with white chocolate slipper (available April 23-May 9)

Barefoot Pool Bar, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Tambu Lounge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail – A refreshing blend of vodka and flavors of raspberry and lemon (available May 7-9)

Capt. Cooks, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Mother’s Day Butterfly Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and buttercream icing (available May 7-9)

Pineapple Lanai, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Key Lime Pie Sundae – Lime soft serve, graham cracker crust, blood orange mango jam, and topped with a macaron (available May 7-9)

The Artist Palette, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (mobile order available)

Good’s to Go, Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Vanilla cake with a peach compote, spiced vanilla buttercream peach mousse, and a white chocolate hat (available April 24-May 9)

Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Tres leche cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a chocolate butterfly (available May 6-9)

The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

The Beach Club Marketplace, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

  • Sweeter Than Roses – Creamy raspberry mousse on chocolate hazelnut cake with ruby red raspberry center and chocolate fondant decorations (available May 2-9)
  • Mother’s Day Bouquet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with rich chocolate mousse and decorated with an array of buttercream flowers (available May 2-9)

Join us for Mother’s Day brunch at these Walt Disney World Resort restaurants:

Dining Guide to Disneyland Resort Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are gearing up to open their doors to guests! Guests will have plenty of options for some fantastic food and beverage items.

From a Disney Cast Member;

With the reopening of Disneyland Resort right around the corner, we pulled together a list of all the food and beverage locations that will be open for service on April 30. We want to be sure you know where to find your favorites and learn what’s new on the menus!

Are you craving the Disney classics? Find hand-dipped corn dogs at Little Red Wagon and Award Wieners. The Tropical Hideaway will serve up your DOLE Whip. And of course, CHURROS, CHURROS, CHURROS! Look for fluffernutter, s’mores, strawberry cheesecake, milk & cookies, and the original cinnamon sugar at various churro carts in both parks. We also kept popular items from A Touch of Disney – 1/2 Monte Cristo, Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese, and S’mores Shake at Smokejumpers Grill.

For added convenience and to promote contactless payment, don’t forget to download or update the Disneyland mobile app*, as this is the primary way to order food and beverages at most quick-service dining locations. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

Lamplight Lounge, Café Orleans, and other full-service locations will open with limited seating capacity for guests with confirmed theme park reservations and tickets for the same park on the same date. And exciting news – we are now offering mobile check-in and mobile wait-list at select full-service locations, available on the Disneyland mobile app!

  • Mobile Check-In for Dining Reservations: Maximize your time—and minimize your contact with others—by checking in for dining reservations at select table-service restaurants via the Disneyland mobile app.
  • Join a Mobile Dine Walk-Up List: Don’t have a dining reservation? You now have the opportunity to add your party to the mobile walk-up list at select table-service restaurants (subject to availability)

Visit the Dining: Know Before You Go for more information. Be sure to have the latest version of the app downloaded and installed on your mobile device.

We will plan to reopen dining bookings for select locations on April 22, with limited capacity. You will be able to book your dining reservation 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or with the Disneyland App, subject to availability.

Click on the below links for the first look at all the menus at reopening. See you real soon!

Disneyland Park

Disney California Adventure Park

Note: All menus currently available for A Touch of Disney will be offered through April 19.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Note: Only Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be able to dine at these locations.

*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.

Brisket Mac’n Cheese Recipe from A Touch of Disney at Disney California Adventure Park

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining

Disney Parks has shared another recipe so we can have more Disney magic at home.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Who doesn’t love cheesy, creamy mac ’n cheese? Our Disney chefs fancied up this classic comfort dish by topping with smoked barbecue brisket, pickled red onions, and crispy fried shallots – YUM! We just had to get the recipe to share – it is a crowd-pleaser for sure!

This plate of comfort is currently offered at Smokejumpers Grill during A Touch of Disney and will remain on the menu at the reopening of Disneyland Resort on April 30. Be sure to plan ahead and mobile order through the official Disneyland mobile app for added convenience and to promote contactless payment. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Park
Serves 6

PICKLED RED ONIONS

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup canola oil, for frying

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET

  • 1 pound smoked beef brisket (see Cook’s Note below)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

MAC ‘N CHEESE

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • Coarse salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • Black pepper, to taste

TOPPING

  • 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce

FOR PICKLED RED ONIONS:

  1. Place thinly sliced red onions in mixing bowl. Combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully pour over onions. Cool to room temperature.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FOR FRIED SHALLOTS:

  1. Heat oil in frying pan until it reaches 350°F.
  2. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in small bowl.
  3. Dip shallots in cornstarch mixture and shake off excess coating.
  4. Fry in hot oil for 1 minute, until crispy.
  5. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

FOR SMOKED BRISKET:

  1. Shred or chop smoked beef brisket. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add brisket and cook for 3 minutes, until hot.
  3. Keep warm until ready to serve.

FOR MAC ‘N CHEESE:

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth and light brown in color.
  3. Slowly add milk, whisking to break up any lumps that form. Whisk until milk begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Stir in macaroni. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Keep warm until ready to serve.

TO SERVE:

Scoop mac ‘n cheese onto each plate. Add smoked brisket. Top with drizzle of barbecue sauce, pickled red onions, and fried shallots.

COOK’S NOTE: You can smoke your own brisket at home following directions for your particular smoker or simply pick up sliced smoked brisket from your favorite barbecue restaurant.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe. 

New Snacks and Drinks to Celebrate Earth Month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Keep Mother Earth’s party going all month long with some new refreshing drinks and sweet treats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These new menu items are all inspired by animals and nature and will be available for a limited time to celebrate Earth Month!

Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Sea Turtle Cupcake – Graham cracker cupcake, key lime pie filling, and guava gelée with vanilla buttercream topped with a fruit snack sea turtle (available through April 29)

Restaurantosaurus Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Crave the Wave Cocktail – Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and lemon wheel (available through April 29)

Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Honey Bee Cupcake – Orange cake, honey Bavarian filling, and honey frosting with white chocolate honeycomb (available through April 29)

Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Kiwi Margarita – Kiwi flavoring beverage syrup with lime, sour, and tequila (available through April 29)
dak-earth-month-food-2-8040188

Isle of Java, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Cotton Top Lagoon – Frozen blend of blue raspberry and lemonade topped with a wave of cotton candy (available through April 29)
  • Red Crowned Crane – Frozen Coke and frozen Cherry Coke topped with strawberry cotton candy with or without rum (available through April 29)
  • The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)

Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)
  • Flamingo Cupcake – Strawberry cake filled with strawberry compote, guava frosting, and strawberry crisp pearls topped with a sugar flamingo (available through April 29)
dak-earth-month-food-3-9082059

Thirsty River Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
  • Yeti Sunset – Whiskey, strawberry, and lychee lemonade (available through April 29) 

Dawa Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Lion’s Fury – Jungle Juice and black cherry liqueur–infused bourbon whiskey with a cinnamon whiskey floater and a fiery glow cube (available through April 29)

Nomad Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
  • Mother Earth – Gin and infused tea garnished with mint and lemon peel (available through April 29)

Dino-Bites Snacks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)