Disney Makes 3 Big Announcements About Special Events at Disney World

Posted on February 22, 2023February 22, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney has announced new dates and new parks for its popular Disney After Hours special events. More dates have been added at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. One of our favorite event, Disney H2O Glow After Hours, is returning to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Finally, for the first time ever, Disney After Hours will be offered at EPCOT this summer.

From a Disney Cast Member;

I’m thrilled to announce that not only have we added additional dates for our Disney After Hours events at Walt Disney World Resort, but we’ve also added a new theme park!

Just in case you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours, these specially ticketed experiences occur after the gates close for the night, extending access to favorite attractions and providing you with more opportunities to have a magical Disney experience. Your event ticket also allows you early entry into the park beginning at 6 p.m. at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and 7 p.m. at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Best of all, the number of tickets for these events is limited, which means lower wait times for some of your favorite attractions.

For the first time in forever, you can experience EPCOT for three glorious hours after the gates close and get access to top attractions, like Frozen Ever After, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This is your chance to explore all four neighborhoods in the park with shorter attraction wait times. Be sure to snap a few photos with your favorite Disney characters and munch on some of your favorite Disney snacks. Delight in ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages—all included in the cost of this ticketed event—available at carts throughout the park.

But that’s not all! Grab your neon swimwear and get ready for some glowing tropical fun! We are excited to announce that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will reopen this spring and along with it, H2O Glow After Hours will be back and ready to “light” up your summer.

With its vibrant decor, a specially themed menu of snacks and treats throughout the park and your favorite watery attractions under the stars, the popular after-hours party is a “must-do” with friends and family this summer. Don’t miss out on what could be the high-“light” of your summer! Move and groove to hot beats during a DJ dance party! H2O Glow is yet another new experience added to our Disney After Hours portfolio.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the most popular Disney After Hours experiences, is adding more dates for you to take control of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, ride through a cartoon adventure in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, play like one of Andy’s favorite toys in Toy Story Land and more.

These fan-favorite experiences are scheduled to kick off May 20 at Typhoon Lagoon and June 1 at EPCOT. They join Magic Kingdom Park, running through March 27, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, currently running with additional dates being added beginning May 3. They offer a different way to experience the Disney magic!

Event tickets for EPCOT, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be purchased by all guests starting March 3, 2023, with prices ranging from $75 to $149 (plus tax). Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing Disney After Hours tickets for EPCOT and Typhoon Lagoon as early as February 28. The advance-purchase window is available to guests at Disney Resort hotels and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Vacation Club members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can also purchase specially priced tickets for select dates.

For a full list of events, dates and times, and to purchase tickets, visit DisneyWorld.com/AfterHours. Entertainment, available attractions and experiences are subject to change.

Here is a look at the pricing and dates for the upcoming After Hours Events:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

EPCOT:

H2O Glow Nights:

Remaining Magic Kingdom dates:

Narcoossee’s to Make Its Grand Return on April 1

Posted on February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

We hope everyone is ready because we’ve got some exciting news to share fresh off the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon. On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will once again welcome guests for culinary delights in its newly reimagined space. This signature dining restaurant with its spectacular panoramic views, is a staple of the resort, with its waterside location, and over the past several months has seen enhanced interior revamp as well as a refreshed menu crafted by Chef Noah Estabrook and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer in a perfect balance of updated classics and new epicurean delights.

The new space incorporates the concept of “land and sea” and that’s exactly what the culinary teams drew inspiration from when developing the new menu. Upon sitting down for a meal, guests will be greeted with a recipe created by Chef Kristine specially for this location – an Artisan Boule of Sourdough made with a perfectly toasty crust and baked daily in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bakery.

As guests enter their first course, they’ll continue to be met with masterfully crafted dishes. For years, the Bisque has been a mainstay on the menu, so flavor connoisseurs will be thrilled to see it return, but now with an enhanced tableside presentation. The culinary team has also created two new starters. First up, the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni accompanied by luscious brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultanta raisins.

Next, the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board is a fresh take on a classic featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. This plate is a true collaboration, with each component representing the style of a different chef on the Narcoossee’s team.

Moving on to the main course of the dining experience, the team has sourced sustainable seafood from both local waters and around the globe, including with Chef Noah’s signature dish, the Blackened Redfish. This meal is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille. What makes this fish a standout is the secret blend of blackened spice which has been passed down from chef to chef of the location, with each culinary mastermind finding their own unique way to feature it on the menu.

Plant-based diners will be delighted with the Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Those looking for land-based fare will savor in the new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potato pave and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.

Of course, chef has kept Narcoossee’s Guest favorites like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring tender filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail on the menu for new and returning guests to indulge in.

The dessert course also features a favorite that has garnered near legendary status over the years amongst diners of Narcoossee’s – Chef Kristine’s incredible Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream.

When developing the new additions to the dessert menu, the pastry team was inspired by bright flavors that really complement the overall experience. The Berry Pavlova, for instance, is artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. The Pineapple Bavarois is truly a work of art with a roasted-pineapple center and house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream. These dishes make for a perfect and sweet finish to a memorable evening.

This waterfront hideaway is the ideal spot to wind down with a fabulous cocktail or zero-proof beverage. The wine list has been refreshed to reflect a diverse portfolio of varietals, with Proprietor Matt Cristi and the sommeliers on his team available to help guests create the perfect pairing for each dish. Our team of mixologists have also thoughtfully curated a new cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. A must-try is the signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime.

The reopening of Narcoossee’s comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at the Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance. Reservations will open for this grand return on March 1, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back starting April 1 to this enhanced experience destined to become a new favorite!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023

Posted on February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

At D23 Expo 2022, we announced to much fanfare that Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park will turn into San Fransokyo from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning “Big Hero 6”!

Those of you who have recently been to the park may have seen that this exciting transformation has already begun. Later this summer, during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, Guests will be able to step into the new area — named San Fransokyo Square — and discover new offerings inspired by Baymax and friends.

Today, we’re excited to tell you more about the Walt Disney Imagineering story behind San Fransokyo Square and some of the fun that awaits.

San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo. As the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times, entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses where Guests will be able to eat and shop.

An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tide pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. Once Guests cross the bridge, they’ll catch a view of the floating wind turbine atop an old fishing net tannery, powering the district from high in the sky. Clues to the area’s storied and charming past can be found in the details throughout San Fransokyo Square.

Outside a converted warehouse at the south end of San Fransokyo, Guests may have the opportunity to encounter Baymax. Today, Pacific Wharf is home to eateries featuring sourdough bread, ice cream sundaes, delicious Mexican fare, Asian dishes and more. Guests will still be able to enjoy all your favorite Pacific Wharf dining locations during this transformation.

When the transformation to San Fransokyo Square is completed this summer, Guests will find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, as well as many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería draws inspiration from its tri-cultural influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.

The San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department is hard at work on this transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Travel News for more details, and we look forward to bringing San Fransokyo Square to life in Disney California Adventure park this summer!

Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit https://disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

“Tangled” Photos at Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

One of the many reasons why we love using Disney PhotoPass Service is because of how well the photographers incorporate Disney stories into our photos. One of our absolute favorite Disney stories is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Tangled.” Thankfully, Disney PhotoPass Service has lots of “Tangled”-themed photo ops at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s always a blast to let our hair down and have Disney PhotoPass photographers help us go live our dream of stepping right into the movie. Plus, they always get our nose right.

So guests don’t have to keep wonderin’ and wonderin’ and wonderin’ where they can take these photos during their next visit to Walt Disney World Resort, check out some of our favorites below.

Go on a towering adventure to Corona, all without leaving Disney Springs! Allow us to explain: At the Disney PhotoPass Studio, guests can take photos in front of Disney-themed virtual backdrops, including a few themed to “Tangled”! Guests just need to let the photographer know this is what they want in their pictures so they can set up the shot. Plus, there’s a frying pan prop they can use in their photos. Who knew, right?

Best…Magic Shot…EVER! Go running and racing (not literally, please) to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed at the bridge leading from the entrance of the park into Discovery Island can capture this Pascal Magic Shot.

At Magic Kingdom Park, this lantern prop is warm and real and bright. Whether guests choose to smile or smolder, they’ll gleam and glow. It’s available daily after dark in Fantasyland, weather permitting.

*With the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, Walt Disney World guests can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the My Disney Experience app as soon as they enter the park. Select Disney PhotoPass Lenses are accessible only within designated areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other Disney PhotoPass Lenses will remain accessible in the My Disney Experience app until 5:59 a.m. on the 45^th day after the day on which the Disney Genie+ service was used; certain states and localities are excluded. Many Disney PhotoPass Lenses use technology that detects the coordinates of key points on a guest’s face and/or hands and may be used only by guests 18 years of age and older who have consented to use of this technology. Therefore, guests unable to provide such consent, as well as guests under 18 years of age, will have fewer lenses available to use. To access Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an eligible mobile device with the My Disney Experience app with access to the device’s camera and location is required. A purchase of Disney Genie+ service at Walt Disney World Resort does not include downloads of a guest’s Disney PhotoPass photos or videos that were captured by photographers and onboard attractions. Use of Disney PhotoPass Lenses is subject to the Terms and Conditions. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

New LEGO Disney Set, UP!

Posted on February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

LEGO’s newest set will feature characters from one of Disney’s sweetest films. This new set is part of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 100th-anniversary celebration and is sure to be a fan favorite. Plus, we’re also getting figures from movies like Toy Story, Moana, and Peter Pan!

We’ve just learned that LEGO will release a new building toy set featuring the house from the movie Up. Up, which came out in May 2009, has die-hard fans that will go absolutely crazy over this new set. Up is the story of Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman who is mourning the loss of his soulmate, Ellie. Carl, who is tired of being unfulfilled by life, decides to make his lifelong dream a reality. He ties thousands of balloons to his house and takes flight toward the South American wilderness. His plans are interrupted when Carl discovers a wilderness explorer named Russell is a stowaway on his vessel. Carl and Russell go on the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, they meet an adorable dog named Dug, and the trio learns powerful lessons about friendship.

Now, Up is getting it’s very own LEGO set! This set includes Carl’s house (adorned with balloons), his yard, and his mailbox. We also get three minifigures: Carl, Russell, and Dug! The minifigures come in their iconic outfits from the film. This set is absolutely adorable and has been one of the most highly requested sets ever.

In addition to the showstopping Up LEGO set, fans also get a new birthday train set. The train set is fairly simple, but it includes some awesome Minifigures. This set, which is a 4+ junior creations set, will feature Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Woody, and Moana. All of the minifigures ride on a train card inspired by their movie.

Fans will be so excited to see these new awesome sets. What other sets would you want to see Disney and LEGO create?