New Details Revealed for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.

From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. Today, we’re sharing details to help guests plan their artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.

Performing Arts Take Center Stage

Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage.

Performing songs from many of our favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire. Here’s the full lineup:

  • Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
  • Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
  • Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
  • Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
  • Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
  • Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *

Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where Guests will find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19

To guarantee priority seating for preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:

  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
  • Biergarten Restaurant
  • Coral Reef Restaurant
  • Garden Grill Restaurant
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room
  • Le Cellier
  • Spice Road Table
  • Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)

For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.

Culinary Arts Spark Sweet and Savory Adventures

More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist – including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor. The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. And don’t miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.

Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for all the details in an upcoming Foodie Guide!

Don’t miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. The handy Festival Passport will show where to make picturesque purchases and receive stamps. Once guests have collected five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.

The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at guests’ leisure – so they can enjoy a new treat every time they visit throughout the festival.

Interactive Experiences Place You in the Middle of the Magic

At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre, learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave a creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.

Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon guests to become part of the painting.

Guests can also create your own works of art with Disney PhotoPass Service, including limited-time Magic Shots created for this colorful celebration.**

Visual Arts and Merch Inspire Awe

One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.

There’s no way that we can celebrate all things imagination without a visit from everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items.

Looking for a convenient way to pay? We love the beauty and convenience of the mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Load it with as little as $15 and wear it on a wrist for quick and easy scanning when purchasing all festival delights.

Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. On this journey throughout World Showcase, guests will help Figment learn all about art. To get started, purchase a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame.

Every time guests find Figment, they add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on the map. Once the journey is complete, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake!***

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be here before we know it!

*Entertainment subject to change without notice.

**Disney PhotoPass service is subject to Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions. Online registration required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

***Redemption valid through Feb. 19 or while supplies last.

Explore New Destinations by Private Jet in 2025 With National Geographic Expeditions

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

National Geographic Expeditions has announced new Private Jet itineraries offering travelers the chance to explore the world in new ways in 2025:

Oceans and Islands of the World by Private Jet, departing April 21-May 15, 2025

On this 25-day itinerary, guests will embark on an extraordinary adventure exploring the oceans and islands of French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and more. Highlights include:

  • Discover stunning coral reefs off the coast of island nations around the world—from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Swim in shimmering lagoons, sail along sparkling bays on catamaran cruises and snorkel in crystalline waters that feature blacktip reef sharks, 500-pound clams and non-stinging jellies.
  • Hike to peaceful mountain temples in Bali, capture images of amazing WWII shipwrecks in Palau and learn about the Aboriginal uses of plants at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
  • Uncover innovative conservation efforts in the Seychelles and dive deeper into the histories of ancient indigenous cultures—like the Māori, the Sinhalese and the Omani—on museum excursions, tours of ancient ruins and more.

Australia & New Zealand by Private Jet, departing May 1-20, 2025

On this 20-day itinerary, guests will experience stunning terrains from New Zealand’s Southern Alps to Tasmania, sacred sites from the bubbling landscape of Rotorua to Uluru and great cities from Queenstown to Sydney. Highlights include:

  • Go flightseeing over the spectacular landscapes of Milford Sound and the Kimberley—and take thrilling boat rides on the Shotover River and through a horizontal waterfall.
  • Meet with indigenous people to learn about their ancient cultures in Rotorua and on a private tour of sacred Uluru.
  • Encounter koalas, kangaroos, emus and more with local wildlife experts—and see Tasmanian devils on a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania.
  • Explore the oldest section of the ancient Daintree Rainforest and spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling amid colorful marine life or observing it from a glass-bottom boat.

For more information about private jet itineraries, please visit the National Geographic Expeditions website.

Disney Reveals Surprise Permanent Closure, Guests Left in Disbelief

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The Walt Disney Company frustrated many guests recently after dropping a surprise closure announcement for a famous attraction in one of its iconic theme parks.

The Disney Animation Building is an attraction located in Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The building serves as a celebration of Disney animation, providing guests with an immersive and educational experience about the art of animation.

Inside the Disney Animation Building, various exhibits, displays, and interactive activities showcase the history and process of Disney animation. Visitors can explore different rooms that highlight the creation of beloved Disney characters and films.

The Animation Courtyard is a space where guests can watch classic Disney animated film clips and enjoy character meet-and-greets. The Sorcerer’s Workshop offers interactive activities like drawing your favorite Disney characters.

Additionally, the Animation Academy allows guests to participate in drawing classes taught by Disney artists, allowing them to learn the art of animation hands-on. You can also have an unforgettable live conversation with Crush from Finding Nemo (2003) at the Turtle Talk with Crush attraction.

The Beast’s Library is a longstanding and beautiful location within the Disney Animation Building. The space is themed after the character Beast from Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast (1991). Guests entering this area step into an enchanting recreation of the library in the Beast castle, as depicted in the movie.

The library has magical effects, including a show that lets you discover your inner Disney character hosted by Lumiere and Cogsworth. Guests can also find displays featuring scenes and characters from Beauty and the Beast. It has been a prominent part of the building, but that is about to change.

Fireplace Beast's Castle

To the shock of everyone, Disney recently unveiled plans to change the Blue Sky Cellar at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park into a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home center. This location has served as a preview center where guests can get a sneak peek at upcoming attractions, shows, and developments within the Disneyland Resort.

Disney Journalist Scott Gustin gave some inside information on the bombshell plans Disneyland has in store. The Disney Imagination Campus currently occupying the Bly Sky Cellar will be moved into the Disney Animation Building, replacing The Beast’s Library.

This means The Beast’s Library is closing permanently to make room for the campus. Guests cannot experience the beautiful and immersive location after December 10, when it closes for good, to start the transition process.

Fans have responded with anger and disbelief over the change. An entire Reddit thread has popped up online with people venting their frustrations over Disney removing something fun to make room for more Disney Vacation Club spaces.

Basically removing something fun so they can move something to make way for touting their timeshares. (I get that DVC isn’t a typical timeshare but it’s a timeshare system nonetheless)

Many Disneyland fans wonder why Disney has chosen to remove this location, and others lament the decision. One user stresses that no announced change to the park to make room for a DVC experience has ever resulted in a good time for guests who aren’t DVC members.

Maybe it’s because I’m not a DVC member, but absolutely none of the announced changes to the parks as a direct result of some added benefit to DVC has been good, what so ever. Utilizing the Innoventions building as a DVC lounge is such a waste of space when that entire area should be re-hauled into some big ticket attraction for all guests to enjoy. And now we’re losing the library just so DVC can move into the Blue Cellar? This is all just pandering to a wealthier subset of clients while detracting from the park experience for the other 99% of guests.

Another was frustrated that Disney seems to be pressuring people to become a Disney Vacation Club member. However, they don’t believe it is worth the money when the quality of the parks seems to be diminishing instead of improving.

They make ridiculous amounts of money on DVC in the long haul, so they’re REALLY pushing to incentivize folks into signing up. But its is only worth it if the parks continue to grow and improve. The opposite is happening. Majority of that promised $60 billion isn’t going into what people imagine it is.

Disney Cruise Line Celebrates Opening of New Cruise Terminal at Port Everglades

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

The magic of Disney Cruise Line has officially arrived at Broward County’s Port Everglades in greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Disney Cruise Line, along with port and community leaders, celebrated the opening of the new dedicated cruise terminal and Disney Cruise Line’s second year-round homeport in Florida.

“The grand opening of our new dedicated terminal is an incredible milestone as we embark on the largest expansion in our cruise line’s history,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. “Now our guests will have even more options to experience the magic of a Disney vacation at sea and can begin creating lifelong memories with their loved ones from the moment they arrive.”

Port Everglades’ ideal location in South Florida offers guests the opportunity to experience beautiful beaches, world-class entertainment, shopping, and dining, as well as family and cultural activities, before or after their cruise. It is also conveniently located near major airports and highways, allowing guests to easily travel to and from the port.

Once guests arrive to the terminal to embark on their voyage, they will “dive” into the world of Disney and Pixar’s film, “Finding Nemo,” with some of their favorite friends from the film displayed on colorful murals. The more than 104,000-square foot terminal was reimagined by Walt Disney Imagineering exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests to provide a seamless embarkation experience.

Port leaders attended the dedication ceremony, including Port Everglades CEO and port director, Jonathan Daniels. He stated that, “Disney Cruise Line is adding a new dimension to the Port Everglades experience. Our staff is looking forward to this new journey with Disney Cruise Line and further diversifying our cruise portfolio to reach a broader audience.”

Broward County Mayor Lamar P. Fisher also attended the grand opening celebration, along with federal, state, and local leaders, and said, “Dream vacations start here in Broward County. The addition of Disney Cruise Line in our community provides travelers with more vacation options at Port Everglades, while boosting our local economy and creating more than 1,100 direct local jobs.”

Disney Cruise Line is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact in port communities. In recognition of Disney’s arrival to Port Everglades, the cruise line announced new community investments in Junior Achievement South Florida and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. The donations will support a variety of initiatives, including programs that inspire career exploration, innovation, and storytelling.

“Being a good steward in the port communities where Disney Cruise Line operates is so important to us. We’re proud to continue to invest in local youth programs that help empower and inspire the next generation of dreamers in Broward County,” Siskie said. Collaboration with these organizations will also provide Disney Cruise Line cast and crew, both on land and at sea, with the opportunity to volunteer as mentors and engage with local students through various educational programs.

“Community partners, like Disney Cruise Line, play a pivotal role in empowering the youth of today, shaping their futures for tomorrow. This support is not just a financial contribution, it’s an investment in the next generation,” said Laurie Sallarulo, president & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA).

Disney Cruise Line’s donation to Junior Achievement of South Florida will support the JA Career Bound and JA Pre-Apprenticeship programs, including a special marine service technician track that educates students about the maritime industry, marine basics and engine fundamentals.

Chris Gentile, Co-CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, added, “The impact of Disney Cruise Line’s commitment reaches the very heart of our mission, which is to empower and uplift the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.” Disney Cruise Line’s donation will help strengthen and support several of the organization’s initiatives, such as the Youth of the Year program.

The Disney Dream will begin sailing from Port Everglades on November 20, 2023, followed by the Disney Magic on May 9, 2024, offering guests the opportunity to sail on a mix of three-, four- and five-night cruises to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

As part of Disney Cruise Line’s expansion, Disney Cruise Line and Broward County previously announced a 15-year agreement that provides for one ship to homeport in Port Everglades year-round beginning this fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025.

Iger Issues PSA To “Prepare Parents” for Content Coming to Disney+ Platform

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

For the millions of families who subscribe to Disney+, the streaming platform is the perfect place to experience wholesome, family-friendly content. Many parents love the security that their children can scroll and view content without the worries of them stumbling upon something that is inappropriate or violent on accident.

However, that reputation is about to change. With the announcement of Disney’s purchase of the Hulu streaming platform, the doors have just been opened, and a flood of new, R-rated content is heading for Disney.

Disney+ and Hulu’s merger has paved the way for an exciting development in the streaming landscape. In an effort to expand its content offerings, The Walt Disney Company has purchased Hulu. Hulu is known for its incredible range of films and shows, including many that are originals of the platform. Many of these shows and movies are more mature, specifically Hulu hits like American Horror Story. This move will undoubtedly bring a new dimension to the streaming experience and cater to a broader audience, but there are also concerns that it will alienate the current audience of the Disney+ platform.

While many fans will be thrilled to experience all of the new content this merger will provide, others may not be thrilled to see Disney+ stray so far from its family-friendly landscape. As the visionary behind this strategic merger, Disney CEO Bob Iger aims to ensure that families are prepared for the upcoming changes. To this end, Iger has issued a public service announcement, urging parents to brace themselves for the arrival of this edgier content. He believes that the forthcoming beta launch of a unified Hulu-Disney+ app in the following month will allow families to gradually adjust to this new facet of the platform, specifically when it comes to implementing parent control settings.

Iger says, “We are basically putting it in beta so that we can prepare parents, largely, to basically implement parental controls, because you’ll be able to access Hulu programming on the same app.” 

However, despite Iger’s efforts to provide a heads-up, concerns have been raised by some parents. They worry about the inadvertent exposure of such content to impressionable young children who may not be ready for it. The integration of this content directly into their existing Disney+ account might catch them off guard.

With the merger of Disney+ and Hulu, viewers can expect a diverse range of content that goes beyond the traditional family-friendly offerings. This expansion will grant subscribers access to an extensive library of R-rated movies and TV shows, providing a balanced blend of entertainment for viewers of all ages.

It is worth noting that the inclusion of this “spicy” content on the Disney+ platform is a logical progression for the company. By consolidating its resources and leveraging the extensive general entertainment content from Hulu, Disney aims to create a unified streaming experience, capturing a greater audience engagement and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

mickey mouse in front of disney plus

As the beta launch approaches, excitement builds among subscribers who eagerly anticipate the transformation of their streaming experience. The merger between Disney+ and Hulu represents a significant milestone in the streaming industry, solidifying Disney’s status as a dominant player in the market.