Full Flower & Garden Menus Revealed for the 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot

We’re less than two weeks until the kick-off of the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. This is my absolute favorite festival at EPCOT! This year, we’re so excited about all of the new items available.

Flavor is about to be in full bloom because the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is nearly here! From Feb. 28 through May 27, 2024, EPCOT will be transformed into a flower-filled adventure budding with delicious bites, masterfully-crafted topiaries, can’t-miss entertainment, and exclusive merchandise you won’t want to miss.

This year there are nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens and over 60 – yes, you heard that right – new items to indulge in! That’s a lot of new flavors buzzing around. Within all these new menu items, ‘bee’ sure to try delights for the first time like the Cubanito at Florida Fresh and Peach Galette at EPCOT Farmers Feast. But don’t worry, there are plenty of returning favorites, including none other than the beloved Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade at Pineapple Promenade and the Chicken and Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board.

Once the Festival kicks off, be sure to pick up a Festival Passport and join in on the tasty foodie fun with the return of Garden Graze. To join in on this food stroll, which features 8 tasty bites from the 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.

And for a convenient way to pay as you go, try these specially designed mini festival-themed Disney Gift Cards. Simply load it and wear it on your wrist for quick and easy scanning when you purchase all your festival favorites.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to get my flower, garden, and foodie on. It’s time to get your first look at the 2024 menus for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board  

Food Items:

  • Chicken and Waffles: Crispy chicken and a honey sweet cornbread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey
  • Honey-glazed Cauliflower with honey-roasted carrot purée, wild rice pilaf, spring vegetables, honey-blistered grapes, and sunflower brittle (New) 

Beverages:

  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Streusel (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Copperpoint Brewing Co. Bee’s Squeeze Blonde Ale (New)  
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with blueberry vodka and streusel

Pineapple Promenade 

Food Items:

  • Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
  • DOLE Whip (Plant-based) 

Beverages:

  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • DOLE Whip with Fanta (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe
  • Copperpoint Brewing Co. Tropical Hibiscus Blonde Ale (New) 
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Perni Haze Hazy IPA (New) 
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur
  • Pineapple Beer Flight

Florida Fresh 

Food Items: 

  • Grilled Warm Water Lobster Tail with Key lime butter (New) 
  • Cubanito with mojo-marinated pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and stone ground mustard sauce (New) 
  • Florida Strawberry Shortcake (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)

Beverages: 

  • Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy with Gin

Swirled Showcase 

Food Items: 

  • Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone
    • Vanilla
    • Peanut Butter
    • Grape Jelly
  • Strawberry Basil Sorbet in a waffle cone (New) 
  • Ice Cream Float: Vanilla Soft-serve and Barq’s Red Creme Soda (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Liquid Nitro Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with fresh honey, granulated honey, honey mead blueberry compote Presented by National Honey Board (New) 

Beverages:

  • Vanilla Soft-serve with Cantaloupe Liqueur (New) 
  • Boulevard Brewing Co. Quirk Strawberry Banana Whip Hard Seltzer
  • Strawberry Basil Sorbet with Hard Seltzer

Refreshment Port 

Food Item: 

  • Plant-based Buffalo Chicken Tender Poutine on crispy potato barrels with ranch, and plant-based blue cheese crumbles (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)

Beverages: 

  • Country Boy Brewing Orange Cream Hard Cider (New) 
  • Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc
  • Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum

Northern Bloom 

Food Items:

  • Beef Tenderloin Tips with mushroom bordelaise sauce, whipped potatoes, and garden vegetables
  • Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake

Beverages: 

  • Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Blackberry Wine (New) 
  • Collective Arts Brewing Beyond Reason Micro Pale Ale (New) 
  • Glutenberg Blonde Ale
  • Collective Arts Brewing Grapefruit Lime Sour (New) 
  • Beer Flight

La Isla Fresca 

Food Items:

  • IMPOSSIBLE Jamaican Beef Patty with Spicy Papaya Syrup (New) (Plant-based)
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked with oat, almond, and coconut milks topped with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)  

Beverages:

  • Tropical Slush: Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Mango Wowie Hazy IPA with mango (New)
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
  • Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina 

Food Items:

  • Mediterranean Flatbread with chermoula, roasted vegetables, artichoke, olives, feta cheese
  • Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake

Beverages: 

  • Pomegranate Mimosa
  • Keel Farms Pear Honeysuckle Hard Cider (New) 
  • Woodchuck Imperial Sippin’ Citrus Hard Cider (New) 
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
  • Cider Flight

Magnolia Terrace 

Food Items:

  • Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad
  • Spicy Chicken Gumbo with andouille sausage and long grain & wild rice
  • Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Beverages:

  • Bayou Cocktail: Spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
  • Urban Artifact Capy Snacks Fruit Punch Fruit Ale (New) 
  • Schneider Weisse LoveBeer Weissbier (New) 
  • Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
  • Beer Flight

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market 

Food Items:

  • Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with berry compote

Beverages:

  • Bitburger Premium Pils
  • Stiegl Brewery Raspberry Radler
  • Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
  • Apfelschaumwein: Apple Sparkling Wine and Apple Liqueur
  • Beer Flight

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

  • Seasonal Fruit Parfait with sweet chili sauce and DOLE Whip Mango (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Tangerine Soft-serve
  • Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and Barq’s Red Creme Soda

Beverages: 

  • Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with lavender and lemon
  • Crooked Can Brewing Sorpresa Picante Pale Ale Winter Garden (New) 
  • Woodchuck 802 Barrel-Aged Hard Cider (New) 
  • SweetWater Brewing Co. Fruit Punch IPA (New)

Trowel & Trellis

Food Items:

  • IMPOSSIBLE Farmhouse Meatball with lentil bread, spinach, marinated vegetables, and creamy herb aïoli (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with green onions and peanuts
  • Chocolate Mousse Terrarium with matcha crumble, and chocolate soil (New) 

Beverages:

  • Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea: Twinings Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea, and Simply Limeade (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) 
  • Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea with Gin: Twinings Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea, Simply Limeade, and Conniption Kinship Gin (New) 
  • Surreal Brewing Co. Natural Bridges Kolsch Style Non-Alcoholic Beer (New) 
  • Brew Hub Strawberry Heatwave Berliner (New) 

The Citrus Blossom

Food Items:

  • Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange-chile sauce
  • Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon curd, lemon mousse, and toasted meringue

Beverages:

  • Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a souvenir Orange Bird sipper cup (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Southern Tier Brewing Company Orange Twist Imperial Ale (New) 
  • Left Hand Brewing Lemon Drop Shandy (New)
  • Stone Brewing Tangerine Express Hazy IPA (New) 
  • Key Lime Wine Slush (New) 
  • Beer Flight

BRUNCHCOT 

Food Items:

  • Avocado Toast with marinated tomatoes and plant-based cheese crumbles on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Biscuit and Gravy with IMPOSSIBLE Chicken Fried Steak and IMPOSSIBLE Sausage Gravy (New) 
  • Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Beverages:

  • Froot Loops Shake (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Peach Bellini
  • Coffee Cocktail: Joffrey’s Coffee with milk, vanilla vodka, and Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur

EPCOT Farmers Feast 

Food Items:

Early Bloom Menu (Available Feb. 28 through March 30):

  • Veal Tenderloin with spring pea risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and red wine syrup (New)
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream

Springtime Menu (Available March 31 through April 27):

  • Seared Scallop with tomato risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and tomato beurre blanc (New) 
  • Blueberry Buckle with lemon crème fraîche (New) 

Summer Solstice (Available April 28 through May 27):

  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with corn risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and roasted red pepper sauce (New) 
  • Peach Galette with ginger-vanilla whipped cream (New)

Food Item (Available throughout entire festival):

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cheese (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)

Beverages (Available throughout entire festival):

  • Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin
  • Frozen Lemon Tea Cocktail with Bärenjäger Honey & Bourbon

The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth

Food Items:

  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with cucumbers, olives, and multigrain crackers (New) 
  • Açaí Parfait with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and granola (New) 
  • Strawberry Fruit Bar (Plant-based)

Beverage:

  • Florida Smoothie: Pineapple, orange, and mango (New) 

Connections Eatery

Food Items:

  • Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: Southern-fried chicken sandwich with hot honey and pickles on a brioche bun (New)
  • Orange Bird Liege Waffle

Beverage:

  • Blood Orange Hibiscus Margarita: Teremana Tequila with hibiscus and blood orange syrup, and orange juice (New)

Canada Popcorn Cart

Beverage:

  • Peach Smash: Canadian Club Whiskey with lemon, peach purée, and ginger (New)

United Kingdom Beer Cart

Beverage: 

  • Scottish Thistle: Fords Gin with lemon and blackcurrant-cucumber syrup garnished with cucumber (New)

Jardin de Fiestas 

Food Item:

  • Sope de Chilorio: Guajillo pepper-braised pork on fried corn shells with black beans, shredded cabbage, crema Mexicana, queso fresco, and chives (New) 
  • Tamale de Rajas: Poblano peppers, corn, and cheese in masa topped with poblano cream sauce, crema mexicana, pickled carrots and onions with chives (New)  
  • Flan de Guayaba: Vanilla flan with guava coulis, whipped cream, and fresh fruit (New) 

Beverages:

  • Lychee Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, lychee liqueur, citrus juice, and agave nectar (New) 
  • Floral Margarita: Cherry liqueur, mezcal, hibiscus tea, and lime juice (New) 
  • Craft Mexican Draft Beer

Lotus House

Food Items:

  • Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
  • Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings

Beverages:

  • Mango Bubble Tea (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Brew Hub Honey Jasmine Lager Draft Beer
  • Dragon Dynasty: Baijiu spirit, light rum, dragon fruit syrup, piña colada mix, and soda water (New)
  • Lucky Peach: Peach whiskey, oolong tea, honey, lemon juice, and soda water (New) 
  • Tropical Moon: Vodka, triple sec, passion fruit syrup, soda water, and white boba pearls

Primavera Kitchen 

Food Items:

  • Bocconcini: Mozzarella bocconcini, grape tomatoes, and pesto sauce (New) 
  • Arrabbiata: Pennette pasta, spicy tomato sauce, and buttery shrimp (New) 
  • Quattro Formaggi: Pennette pasta and four-cheese sauce (New) 
  • Chocolate Cannoli: Chocolate-covered cannoli shell with peanut butter-ricotta filling (New)

Beverages:

  • Peroni Pilsner
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Prosecco
  • Italian Sangria (Available in red or white) 
  • Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila

Hanami

Food Items:

  • Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in coconut rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
  • Steam Bun filled with vegetables and plant-based soy meat (New) 
  • Ramen Cup: Ramen salad shaken in a cup with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, and dashi broth with chili oil and yuzu (New) 

Beverages:

  • Watermelon-Strawberry Lemonade (New) 
  • Orange Blossom Brewing Co. Cherry Blossom Green Tea Pilsner (New) 
  • Ichigo Breeze Cocktail: Sake with Strawberry and Watermelon (New) 
  • Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake (New) 

Fleur de Lys 

Food Items:

  • Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with Goat Cheese, Herbs, and Roasted Garlic
  • Parmentier de Canard A L’Orange: Pulled Duck Confit with Orange Sauce and Garlic-Rosemary Mashed Potatoes (New) 
  • Gâteau au Crémeux Citron, Lavende et Thym, Compote de Fruits Rouges: Warm Cake filled with Lemon, Lavender, and Thyme-infused Cream served with Berry Compote (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: Fruity White Beer with Citrus Notes
  • Sparkling Raspberry Cocktail: Sparkling Wine with Raspberry Flavor
  • Jean Bojour Val de Loire: Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley (New) 
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juices

Funnel Cake

  • Funnel Cake with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream, strawberry glaze, and strawberry crunch (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company 

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) 

  • Iced Honey Jasmine Latte: A floral fusion of espresso, honey jasmine syrup, milk, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles (New) (Alcoholic version available with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur) 

Near Canada

  • Citrus Frosted Iced Tea: A tangy blend of frozen lemonade, Minute Maid Lemonade, Iced Tea, and orange-tangerine syrup garnished with a glazed orange peel (New) (Alcoholic version available with Grey Goose Vodka)

Showcase Plaza (Near Disney Traders) 

  • Iced Berry Chai Latte: A berry sweet blend of chai tea, blueberry syrup, and milk topped with whipped cream and cinnamon (New) (Alcoholic version available with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur) 

The American Adventure

  • Tropical Frosted Iced Tea: An exotic blend of frozen lemon, Minute Maid Lemonade, iced tea, and Hawaiian Island Syrup garnished with a glazed orange peel (New) (Alcoholic version available with Grey Goose Vodka)

Wow! What a delicious lineup coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year. I cannot wait to try everything.

New Details Revealed for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

With twice as many event nights this year, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is back with galactic entertainment, novel themed snacks and unique photo opportunities on eight separate nights at Disneyland park! This separately ticketed event will be held on April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 and May 2, 7 and 9, 2024. Read on for all the details, including the dates these tickets go on sale, Magic Key pre-sale opportunities, plus a new “notify me” option that will be available to guests while they’re waiting in the online queue to purchase tickets!

New Things to Look Forward To, Plus Returning Favorites

At Star Wars Nite, guests can get ready to dive into an expanded array of themed foods and experience out-of-this world entertainment offerings with new plot twists and enhanced excitement:

  • Dine on over twenty new, yummy treats available only during Star Wars Nites, including:
    • Street-style Elote Burger at Hungry Bear Restaurant
    • Pork Belly Sisig-inspired Loaded Fries at Red Rose Taverne
    • Pineapple and Ube Crescent Sundae at The Tropical Hideaway
    • Chocolate Funnel Cake at Stage Door Café
    • Crab Fritters at Royal Street Veranda
    • Specialty menu items will also be available at Cafe Orleans, subject to availability. Reservations are recommended and can be booked online soon.
  • Guests in Star Wars-themed costumes* are invited to participate in The Fleet of Fandom cavalcade, where they will join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a march down Main Street, U.S.A., culminating in a group photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, illuminated with galactic projections.
  • Guests can bring their lightsaber and learn how to handle it with skill, concentration, and a clear mind with a quick stop at the Star Wars Nite Lightsaber Instructional at “it’s a small world” mall. Here, guests will be introduced to all-new maneuvers specially crafted for this year’s recruits. All members of the Light Side and/or Dark Side are welcome.
  • Dance along at the Galactic Dance Party with a Master DJ on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Guests can bring their lightsabers and gather at the Millennium Falcon for a Resistance Show of Unity!
  • Guests should be prepared to encounter Captain Phasma and her elite unit of Stormtroopers in
  • Guests can immerse themselves in multiple Star Wars-themed photo opportunities, featuring some new places and faces from across the Star Wars universe!

And, as Disneyland After Dark enthusiasts know, each Star Wars Nite will begin with a pre-party mix-in at Disneyland park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT before the party officially begins. In addition to all the themed fun that comes to life just for the party, guests will have the opportunity to ride some popular attractions after regular park hours (often with less wait times)! Admission also includes souvenir keepsakes such as a Star Wars Nite credential and event guide map, plus unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken throughout the event.**

Tickets On Sale Soon, with Magic Key Pre-Sale Opportunities

Also new for this event, Inspire Magic Key holders will have the first opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets for Star Wars Nite. On Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) Inspire Key holders may purchase from a select amount of pre-sale tickets on Disneyland.com. Then, on Wednesday Feb. 21 and Thursday, Feb. 22, all Magic Key holders will have the opportunity to purchase from a select amount of pre-sale tickets. On Friday, Feb. 23 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.***

New “Notify Me” Option in Queue

For the first time, if guests are waiting in the online queue to purchase Star Wars Nite tickets, they may have the option to be digitally notified when it’s their time to enter the ticket store.

To participate, once in the queue, guests can choose the “notify me” option and enter their email address. They will receive an email letting them know it’s their turn to return to the waiting room in order to enter the ticket store site. From the time their turn begins, they will have ten minutes to use the link to return to the site.****

*Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions.

**Disney PhotoPass® digital photo downloads exclude separately priced Disney PhotoPass® packages and products offered at select locations. Disney PhotoPass® service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass® Terms and Conditions and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.

***The number of tickets available for each event date are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Only select attractions, experiences, offerings, and services will be available during the event. Offer, event, and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice or liability.

****Guests will have 10 minutes to use the link to return to the site from when their turn begins, or they will lose their place in line and will need to re-join the queue at the back of the line. The link will no longer be valid once their turn has ended or after they have used the link to return to the site, whether they purchase tickets or not.  If this happens, guests will need to re-join the queue at the back of the line. Guests should check spam and/or junk folders to ensure the initial email confirmation is sent.

Major Disney Competitor Permanently Shutting Down

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

When it comes to children’s television shows, Disney is often seen at the top of the charts. However, they are not the only studio known for making great kid’s content. They are also not the only studio that has a channel dedicated to content made for younger viewers — just take a look at Nick Jr. And with the rise in streaming, there are more options than ever for parents to choose from when picking shows for their children to watch.

However, it looks like the competition just got a little easier. According to reports, the streaming service Noggin will be permanently shut down later this year. Noggin was one of the primary streaming services where subscribers could enjoy hit Nickelodeon shows like Blues Clues, Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig, Little Bear, Paw Patrol, and more.

Peppa Pig

Noggin is owned by Paramount Global, which recently went through a major round of layoffs. 800 employees are now without a job, and this includes the entire Noggin team. Per The Hollywood Reporter:

The platform is a casualty of a round of layoffs that saw 800 staffers across Paramount lose their jobs. CEO Bob Bakish said the layoffs are part of “streamlining costs” at the conglomerate.

Noggin’s entire staff is among the 800 layoffs. The app will stop taking on new subscribers and will shutter sometime later this year, as first reported by trade publication Kidscreen.

Little Bear

While it was a big competitor of Disney, in terms of children’s content, it was not nearly as big as other streamers. When the closure was announced, Noggin only had about 2.5 million current subscribers.

If you and your family are fans of Noggin, then you’ll be pleased to know that it is not completely going away. While you won’t have a specific streaming app just for your younger kids, you will still be able to access all the children’s shows on Paramount+. Simply login or subscribe to Paramount+ and you’ll be able to select the Nick Jr. banner.

Paramount was not the only massive studio that had a ton of layoffs over the last couple of years. Last year, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that the company would be laying off thousands of employees. This was done in an effort by Iger to cut Disney’s overall budget by $5.5 billion.

In the end, Disney ended up laying off more than 4,000 employees and left 3,000 jobs unfilled. The layoffs primarily affected the studio, but Disney is continuing to hire cast members to work in its theme parks.

‘Beetlejuice 2’ First Look!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

In 1988, Tim Burton’s newest movie came out, and little did he know what a cult classic it would become. That movie was Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice starred Michael Keaton as the titular spirit who is hired by recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara — played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis. Adam and Barbara are intent on driving out the New York City couple that has moved into their house.

Beetlejuice was an immediate hit, making more than $75 million when its budget was just $15 million. The film also won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.

It’s been nearly 40 years since director Tim Burton’s classic hit theaters, but that doesn’t mean it is any less popular. In fact, it is so popular that it has been made into a Broadway musical. And now, we are excitedly awaiting the sequel film, which is currently in production!

Back in November 2023, Burton confirmed that the sequel film was in the works. Now, we not only have a title, but we also have a first look and a release date! It is a great time to be a Beetlejuice fan! Or should we say Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, since that is the name of the new film!

Warner Bros. recently shared an image on X (formerly Twitter). The image showed Beetlejuice holding a long number. You may remember that at the end of the first film, Beetlejuice is given a number when he gets to the afterlife waiting room. However, in this poster, the numbers 9, 06, and 24 are highlighted — giving us the release date!

Dare you to say it again. #Beetlejuice #Beetlejuice – Only in theaters September 6.

In addition to seeing Michael Keaton return as Beetlejuice, more of the original film’s stars are set to come back! Winona Ryder will return as Lydia Deetz and Catherine O’Hara will be back as Delia Deetz. However, it does not look like Alec Baldwin or Geena Davis will be back.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will also star Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid. Monica Bellucci will star as Beetlejuice’s wife. Justin Theroux and Willem Dafoe are also set to star in the film, but their roles are not known at this time.

Beetlejuice movie

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is being directed by Tim Burton. The film was written by Alfred Gough, Seth Grahame-Smith, and David Katzenberg.

Baby Elephant Debuts on Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

A baby elephant named Corra, who was born last December, has made her debut on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Savanna has a brand-new and completely adorable 312-pound resident. Corra, a two-month-old African elephant, made her debut today. Her mother, Nadirah, was also born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom making Corra the first second-generation elephant in Animal Kingdom’s history.

Corra will be surrounded by a few familiar faces on the savanna, since she is joining a herd that includes her aunts Stella and Luna, as well as her grandmother, Donna. Corra’s dad, Mac, also lives here at the park.

Getting to today was two years in the making. It all started with the animal care team and our endocrinologists noticing Nadirah’s new behaviors and maturity, indicating she might be ready to become a mom. After some hopeful introductions and a successful courtship, a match was made with Mac, leading to the magic of a second-generation calf at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Throughout her pregnancy, Nadirah had regular ultrasounds to make sure mom and baby were healthy. The final ultrasound was planned just a few weeks before she gave birth, but unlike ultrasounds you may know from human pregnancies, our veterinarians couldn’t see the entire calf because of Corra’s size and position. Still able to check in on the calf by feeling Nadirah’s belly, veterinarian Dr. Betsy could feel Corra move and even felt a little kick!

Nadirah voluntarily participated in her own care and keepers made sure she was comfortable every step of her pregnancy. That meant getting plenty of healthy and nutritious treats like her favorites, sweet potatoes, carrots and hay during regular checkups and exams.

With the big day in sight, the animal care and endocrinology teams carefully monitored the final stages of Nadirah’s nearly 22-month pregnancy, measuring the calf’s size, weight and mom’s hormones daily. A drop in progesterone levels was a sure sign that Corra’s arrival was close.

From timing maturity levels and coordinating introductions of mom Nadirah and dad Mac, to observing mating behaviors, monitoring hormonal cycles and the big labor and delivery day – the science behind the birth of a baby animal at Disney is facilitated by an orchestra of unsung heroes who quietly work behind the scenes and go to incredible lengths to ensure the genetic diversity and healthy population of endangered species.

In fact, our animal care team has welcomed a range of endangered and threatened species to Walt Disney World in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. These efforts have helped many species in our care including African elephants, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, adorable cotton-top tamarins and the elusive okapi to name just a few.

And there’s one more thing. Wait … maybe two. Yes, that’s right, we are expecting two more baby elephants in 2025!

Seeing extraordinary moments like this is one of the many reasons Kilimanjaro Safaris is so special. Next time you’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be sure to take a safari ride and say hello to this dynamic dynasty. And for the latest updates on the elephant herd and all the animals at Walt Disney World Resort, follow Dr. Mark on Instagram and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page.