Since the dawn of social media, videos of parents surprising children with Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line vacations have gone viral. What’s not to love about little ones exploding with joy when they realize they’re headed to the Happiest or Most Magical Places on Earth?
But as long as something is posted online, there is controversy. One family surprised their two daughters with a Disney trip for Christmas of 2022 and were hounded with comments calling their toddler “ungrateful” for not understanding the gift. The little one was confused about receiving a suitcase full of clothes and couldn’t make the connection to a surprise Disney trip. Like any other kid, she wanted toys from Santa!
This week, another family’s magical surprise didn’t go as expected. Amanda (@alt__313) shared this video on TikTok:
“Guess where we’re going?” a family member asked two little girls. “We’re going to Disney World today!”
At first, the two girls looked shocked and delighted at their Disney surprise. But as the reality set in, they began to cry and look for comfort from their family. “Not the reaction I expected,” one voice said.
The little girls explained that they were scared of flying on an airplane. Their loved ones told them they were going to Disney and didn’t have to worry. “We really are?” the older daughter asked.
After a bit of reassurance about the flight, the older girl squealed and jumped with delight. She immediately changed into her Disney vacation shirt.
Commenters expressed sympathy for the girls. “Awwww this is cute and sad? Mostly cute!” said @ava.iolana.
While the little one was still upset at the end of the video, Amanda described the vacation as “magical” in the video’s caption. It sounds like the pair came around and had a wonderful time at the Disney Parks!
Disney has just announced some exciting updates to their Genie+ Service. If you plan to visit the Park anytime soon, you will want to understand the new changes before you go.
Disney’s Genie+ service has been in hot water recently. Last weekend was Presidents day at the Disney Park, and it be came clear to Guests that the Genie+ System was not able to accommodate Parks during busier days. Disney’s Genie+ System sold out on two consecutive days last weekend, which left many fans feeling baffled and disappointed when they were unable to use the lighting lane through the service. Guests in Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT were all effected by Disney Genie Lightning Lane sell-outs.
Today, the Walt Disney Company has announced a new update to the Genie Plus service that will definitely please customers. Starting on March 20, 2023, Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort who purchase Genie+ will receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos. Guests will receive digitals downloads of photos that were taken in the Park on the day of their Genie+ purchase. And the best part? The photo digital downloads will come at no additional charge.
This new feature is definitely a ‘plus’ for Genie+. Guests who purchase Genie+ alongside their regular Disney ticket will be able to receive downloadable photos for more than a dozen attractions. Disney has revealed that “Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest” are definitely on that list. This add-on is a huge win for Guests planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort after March 20.
Some Guests are less than pleased to hear about the new addition for one reason- they already bought the PhotoPass! Frans who have already shelled out money for the PhotoPass and now would like a refund. We will have to wait and see what Disney can do for them. Disney is aware of the concerns and questions about the Genie+ system, and they reiterate, “Please know we will keep listening to you and adapting as we focus on making the guest experience even better for more people who visit us here at The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Other changes to the Genie Plus Service include the new ability to change Genie+ attraction selections in the My Disney Experience app, the ability to automatically make reservations after purchasing a 1-day, 1-Disney Park ticket, and new updates to their dining reservation policy that will make it more lenient to Guests who need to cancel or modify.
These new changed to the Disney Genie+ Service and incredibly exciting to hear. Fans are thrilled to know that the Walt Disney Company is actively listening to their concerns and adapting their services.
On Thursday, February 23, 2023 we shared on social media that a short one-act musical is coming for a limited time this summer to Disney California Adventure Park.
Disneyland will bring a Broadway musical based on Marvel superhero Captain America to the Hyperion Theater this summer for a limited run at Disney California Adventure.
A short 18-second video clip posted to social media by Disney Parks shows a woman in a red hat with a red, white and blue ribbon looking at a “Rogers: The Musical” Playbill before walking into the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure.
“A timeless story of a timeless hero,” Disney Parks posted on Twitter. “A short one-act musical is coming for a limited time this summer to Disney California Adventure Park.”
Disney cryptically teased the upcoming run of “Rogers: The Musical” at the Hyperion during a live performance at the D23 Expo in September at the Anaheim Convention Center.
“Marvel fans may know the fictional musical from the first episode of the Disney+ series ‘Hawkeye,’” according to MousePlanet. “Fans who attended the 2022 D23 Expo were treated to a surprise live performance of ‘Save the City’ during the Marvel Studios panel.”
In the Disney+ show, Hawkeye attends a performance of the Broadway musical about the life of Steve Rogers, the first Captain America.
“In the show, all the Avengers are invited to New York for the premiere of the brand new, show-stopping musical, but only Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, shows up,” according to Marvel.com. “The MIA Avengers don’t know what they’re missing, though, as viewers are treated to a musical number based on The Battle of New York — though a few creative liberties have been taken here and there.”
Disney Live Entertainment is auditioning actors, singers and dancers for a new limited-run Broadway-caliber theatrical production in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure.
The new show will be written by Tony-nominee Hunter Bell with music by Grammy-winner Christopher Lennertz. Bell wrote the book for “Villains Tonight” on the Disney Cruise Line, according to Broadway World. Lennertz served as music director on Disneyland’s new “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks show.
“Frozen: Live at the Hyperion” was the last show to play at the Hyperion before the theater went dark in 2020 during the yearlong pandemic closure of DCA and Disneyland. The theater has stood vacant since the parks returned in 2021.
We’re less than one week from the start of the 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival! Disney has released the menus for the 15 Outdoor Kitchens. Many new items are available, along with fan favorites from years past.
From a Disney Cast Member;
Springtime is in the air, and you know what that means – the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is just around the corner. From March 1 to July 5, 2023, EPCOT will be transformed with flavors, flowers, and fun!
This year, over 15 Outdoor Kitchens are abloom with the freshest flavors and ingredients that are sure to be bursting with flavor. With returning favorites like the Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake from The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board or the Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib at Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE and nearly 50 – yes, 50 – new dishes about to blossom for the first time like the Muffuletta Panini from Magnolia Terrace and the Citrus Baked Brie from The Citrus Blossom, you’ll definitely want to try everything. If you can buzz back multiple times, ‘bee’ sure to check out EPCOT Farmers Feast, which has a seasonal menu that changes as the festival progresses! No two visits are the same as you enjoy the nostalgia of your favorite dishes or discover new treats and eats.
Don’t forget to grab a festival passport to indulge in the returning Garden Graze food stroll featuring 11 tasty treats from various Outdoor Kitchens. Simply get a stamp on your passport after your purchase and once you collect five, you can receive your exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade.
Calling all Orange Bird lovers! This year Disney Munchlings have joined the festival with the limited-edition Citrus-infused Cupcake Orange Bird with Honey Disney Munchling! This adorable plush will be coming soon to EPCOT during the festival and on shopDisney.
I think I’ve had you wait long enough. I’m happy to share with you the delicious Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!
EPCOT Farmers Feast(Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)
Food Items:
Early Bloom Menu (Available March 1 through April 8)
Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Char-grilled Bison Ribeye with creamy leek fondue, red wine butter sauce, and whipped red wine goat cheese
Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip (New)
Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and cream soda
Beverages:
Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender and Lemon
Lexington Brewing Tangerine Cream Ale
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Grand Cherry Hard Cider (New)
Southern Tier Brewing Co. Juice Jolt IPA (New)
BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany)
Food Items:
Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted gruyère cheese
Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries
Beverages:
Bitburger Premium Pils
Stiegl Brewery Radler Raspberry
Flensburger Dunkel
Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
Beer Flight
Magnolia Terrace(The American Adventure)
Food Items:
Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad (New)
Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice
Crawfish Pie (New)
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (New)
Beverages:
Bayou Cocktail: Bayou Spiced Rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
Central 28 Beer Co. Pretty Things Ale (New)
Wicked Weed Brewing Day Light American Light Ale
Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
Beer Flight
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina(Morocco)
Food Items:
Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake (New)
Beverages:
Pomegranate Mimosa
Keel Farms Strawberry Elderflower Hard Cider
Bold Rock Tangerine Hard Cider
3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
Cider Flight
La Isla Fresca(Between Morocco and France)
Food Items:
Braised Oxtail with pigeon pea rice (New)
Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice, mango salsa, and coconut-lime sauce
Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Beverages:
Tropical Breeze: Minute Maid Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic)
Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale
Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum
Northern Bloom(Canada)
Food Items:
Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beef Tenderloin Tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, and whipped potatoes with garden vegetables
Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake (New)
Beverages:
Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-alcoholic)
Collective Arts Brewing Honey Lager
Glutenberg Blonde Ale, Montreal
81Bay Brewing Co. Apricot with Maple Syrup
Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky
Beer Flight
Refreshment Port(Near Canada)
Food Items:
Shrimp Scampi Poutine with cheese curds, lemon-garlic cheese fondue, spinach, and artichokes (New)
Soft-serve Waffle Cone: Peanut butter, jelly, or swirl
Beverages:
Mighty Swell Purple Magic Spiked Seltzer (New)
Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc (New)
Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum (New)
Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE(Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Beverages:
Twinings Iced Green Tea with Cranberry and Lime (Non-alcoholic)
Parish Brewing Co. Bloom Hazy IPA
J. Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié
Twinings Iced Green Tea with cranberry and lime with Hangar 1 Makrut Vodka served in a mason jar
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board(Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
Chicken and Waffles: Crispy honey-brined chicken and honey sweet cornbread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey (New)
Fruit and Cheese Plate: Grapes, strawberries, cheddar, and Mini Babybel Snack Cheese
Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based)
Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based)
Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Sunshine Seasons
Beverage:
Strawberry-mango Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
Connections Café & Eatery
Food Item:
Orange Bird Liege Waffle (New)
Beverage:
Flower Drop Cocktail: St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade (New)
Jardin de Fiestas(Mexico)
Food Items:
Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beverages:
Mala Hierba Margarita: Centinela Tequila Reposado, elderflower-chamomile tea, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, and UNA Flower-infused Vodka with a chile salt rim (New)
Cristal Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a souvenir cup (New)
Craft Mexican Lager
Lotus House(China)
Food Items:
Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings
Beverages:
Classic Bubble Milk Tea (Non-alcoholic)
Cherry Blossom Pilsner Draft Beer
Kung Fu Master: Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
Tang Dynasty: Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila Gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, soda water, and white boba pearls
Tropical Moon: Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec, passion fruit, soda water and white boba pearls (New)
Primavera Kitchen(Italy)
Food Items:
Caesar con Gamberett: Baby gem lettuce, shrimp, Caesar dressing, and crispy bread crumble (New)
Budino alle Nocciole: Chocolate-hazelnut pudding with cookie crumble (New)
Beverages:
Peroni Pilsner
Prosecco
Moscato
Italian Sangria red or white
Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
Hanami (Japan)
Food Items:
Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
Hanami Sushi: Assorted Nigiri sushi with lemon-cured salmon, soy-marinated tuna, and cured mackerel (New)
Creamy Shrimp Udon: Udon soup with shrimp and spring vegetables (New)
Beverages:
Sakura Cherry Blossom Pilsner (New)
Hakushika Hana Kohaku Plum Sake: Junmai Ginjo blended with Japanese plum (New)
Nigori Dragon Fruit Sake Cocktail (New)
Fleur de Lys(France)
Food Items:
Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic
Daube de Boeuf à la Provençal, Compote de Tomate au Romarin Gnocchi à la Niçoise: Provençal-style braised beef, rosemary tomato, and niçoise gnocchi (New)
Tarte Chocolat Mogador: Chocolate tart with Valrhona single origin chocolate brownie, walnuts, and raspberry coulis served warm (New)
Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel
Beverages:
Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
Kir àla Poire: French sparkling wine with Monin desert pear (New)
La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and white and red cranberry juices
Funnel Cake
Banana Split Funnel Cake: Funnel Cake topped with Banana-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Diced Strawberries, and a Maraschino Cherry drizzled with Chocolate Syrup (New)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Exotic Lemon Tea: A refreshing mix of Frozen Lemon and Iced Tea featuring Exotic Berry notes (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka)(New)
Near Canada – Melonade: A tangy blend of Frozen Lemon with a burst of watermelon (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka)(New)
World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Orange Cream Cold Brew: A smooth blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of orange and vanilla topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and coconut shavings (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur)(New)
The American Adventure – Key Lime Cold Brew: A zesty blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of Key lime and white chocolate topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur)(New)
There you have it, all the delicious eats and sips coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year. To keep up with the latest foodie news, take a peek at our Disney EatsTopics Page and Disney Eats on Instagram.
Guests of Walt Disney World Resort had an interesting day yesterday. The massive crowds, ride breakdowns, and smoke-filled air combined were enough to take some of the magic away from Guests. Those visiting Hollywood Studios were met with a particularly disappointing day, especially when it reached nighttime at the Disney Park.
After a long day of wandering through the Parks, many fans look forward to relaxing and watching a nighttime spectacular at the end of their day. This is especially true when the rest of your Park day has been met with long lines and frustrating ride breakdowns. Each Park’s unique evening show is a huge draw to spend the whole day at a certain Park, and for many it is the highlight of their day.
Last night, the crowds at Hollywood Studios gathered on Sunset Boulevard to watch the 8:00 pm showing of Fantasmic!. Some fans of the show wait for an hour or more the secure the best seating for the performance. Certain fans even pay big bucks for the Fantasmic Dining Package to ensure they can see the show from a prime viewing area. When people are paying money and missing out on valuable Park time to secure a good viewing point, they typically expect to see the nighttime show…right?
Unfortunaly, last night that assumption was wrong for this Disney theme Park. Just 30 minutes before the showtime, Guests of Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park revived a push notification in their Disney app. The notification read:
“Important Entertainment Update We would like to apologize that the 8:00 PM presentation of ‘Fantasmic!’ has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
Fans were frustrated with the how last minute the cancellation was, and they were disturbed that Walt Disney World did not offer any explanation. Guests took to Twitter to air out their grievences. One user Tweeted:
Another Twitter user shared their thoughts, agreeing that the Fantasmic! cancellation was just one of the disappointing things to happen in the Parks this week.
It is clear that Walt Disney World Resort had a rough weekend and underperformed in the eyes of many Guests. Even the most loyal Disney fans felt let down by the events of this weekend. We all hope that Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park and the rest of Walt Disney World Resort can get back on their feet and regain control in the four theme parks.