Late last week, we shared some sad news from Walt Disney World. Social media was ablaze after the reported death of a Disney World Guest at the Contemporary Resort. Although early reports suggested that the death may have been attributed to a possible suicide, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has ruled the death accidental and provided further updates on what actually occurred at the Contemporary Resort on the morning of July 26.
The Orange County Medical Examiner identified the fall victim as 39-year-old Jeffery Vanden Boom of Greendale, Wisconsin. Ultimately the medical examiner ruled the death accidental due to blunt force trauma that occurred at the deluxe Resort outside of Magic Kingdom. Although initial reports also suggested that the Guest had fallen from the bridge connecting Bay Lake Tower to The Contemporary Resort, it was noted that the Guest actually fell from their Resort balcony and the incident was accidental in nature.
In a statement to Fox News Digital on Friday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said, “On July 26, 2023, at 5:33 a.m., deputies responded to the Contemporary Resort after a call came in about a man unresponsive on the hotel grounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.”
Fox News explained that Disney had not officially responded to their attempts to comment regarding the death. Ultimately, this isn’t unlike Disney as they often allow the proper authorities to handle and speak about these types of situations at Walt Disney World. The same can be said regarding other simliar occurences that have taken place at Disney World, including an 83-year-old Florida veteran who fainted and later passed away after riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover last September. Although CPR was initiated, Joseph A. Masters would later pass away. His late wife Alice told the Orlando Sentinel, “I tell everybody now that my husband died in his happy place because he loved Disney.”
Regarding the latest death to happen at Walt Disney World, initial reports on social media claimed that the death was an apparent suicide. One Reddit user posted, “I’m pretty sure someone just died at our hotel (Contemporary Resort)… we got a call at 7:30 someone had a medical emergency and not to go on the balconies and then they had people redirecting us. Then we went outside and there’s a tent set up right under a balcony and it’s all taped up.”
This update to our initial story deeply saddens us. Despite the initial assumptions around the death, realizing and understanding that bad things can happen even at Walt Disney World is a hard pill to swallow. We hope that the family and friends of the victim find peace during this difficult time.
Occasionally things do not go according to plan on your Disney World Vacation which many unfortunately discovered last night. While we wish Disney existed in a bubble where nothing bad ever happened, sadly, that’s just not true. Tragedy sometimes strikes and the unexpected can occur, even at the Happiest Place on Earth! Many discovered that last night after Animal Kingdom Lodge guests woke to an unwelcome surprise.
Around 1:00 am, guests, many of whom were asleep in their beds woke to a terribly loud noise as fire alarms went off throughout Jambo House. Through sleep filled hazes, many tried to ignore and go back to bed thinking it was a malfunction or a prank. Then they heard the speakers. A resort wide intercom system told guests that there was a fire reported in the resort and that the resort was being evacuated.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House is a very large resort so evacuation is no small undertaking. With six floors and 972 rooms, the resort was extremely chaotic as everyone tried to get out safely. In the event of an emergency, elevator use is forbidden so guests piled into stairwells to make their way to safety. Once outside, guests huddled in the parking lot in pajamas until the all-clear was given to reenter the resort.
A video by Roadtrip Dave was uploaded to YouTube detailing the evacuation. He reported that the evacuation was successful and no one, at that time, had been reported as injured. He shared his experience and explained that there are more questions than answers currently. He reported that he “smelled something electrical.” Fire trucks arrived on scene quickly and entered the resort to check out the source of the alarm, extinguish any active fire, and evaluate for guest safety. Guests were eventually permitted back inside the hotel. You can see his full account here:
Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, there are two locations that will be opening their doors once again to feed hungry patrons with mouthwatering delights. On July 27, Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern reopen with refreshing new looks and delicious bites Guests are definitely going to want to try.
From sleeping under the stars to exploring the woodland trails, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground reminds us how beautiful it is to experience the magic of the great outdoors together. These new menus at Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern complement the resort’s signature laid-back style and offer the dining flexibility our Guests are looking for, no matter how they plan to enjoy their day at Walt Disney World.
Upon reopening, both dining locations will have a fresh, new look that enhances the resort’s quaint charm and honors its heritage at the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, with warm wooden furnishings, beamed ceilings, and rustic accents.
Now, onto Trail’s End Restaurant. This spot has been reimagined to a quick-service restaurant filled with tasty items to fill our bellies. Whether Guests are looking for family-sized entrees and sides to bring back to their cabin or campsite, or freshly prepared individual-sized entrees to feast on inside the restaurant’s casual seating area, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from.
The refreshed marketplace concept now includes an on-stage pizza station where you can satisfy your appetite with a slice or the entire pie. There will be two new options available. A smokehouse-style pizza topped with house-smoked brisket, sausage, and pepperoni and a delicious roasted vegetable pie. And yes, classic pepperoni and cheese are still available.
In addition to these tasty offerings the Market-style Selections are filled with a variety of items with all the fixin’s to fit your fancy. Before heading back to your campsite, mosey on up to the Hot Grab and Go section where you can pick from the proteins. This area features pecan-smoked whole chicken or brisket, and a rack of pork ribs. And, of course, no trip to Fort Wilderness is complete without fried chicken! Sides will be available by the pound including macaroni & cheese, plant-based cowboy beans, and mashed potatoes.
These aren’t the only bites to be had. Guests can order classics like cheeseburgers, plant-based vegetable burgers, chicken nuggets, and french fries. For some comfort food, the Homestyle Meals feature cornbread, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes with gravy and yaour choice of half a slab of barbecued ribs or two pieces of fried chicken. Guests can also treat themselves to hand-scooped ice cream and specialty coffees, like the Wilderness Latte with flavors of chocolate and hazelnut.
To keep refreshed, there are also a variety of beverages and snacks on the go, like the new Chicken Wrap featuring the new house-made blueberry BBQ sauce or the returning favorite Pioneer Berry Salad.
The true star of the show is the lineup of new and returning sweets to be featured in the market, a house-made bakery. The pastry team dusted off old favorite recipes from years past like the Banana Pudding, Carrot Cake Cupcake, Blueberry Bread Pudding, and the legendary Strawberry Shortcake from Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which will be available in a single serve portion! The plant-based Lemon-Blueberry Trifle is filled with layers of lemon curd, fresh blueberries, and whipped ‘cream.’
Also new, the pastry team has created some brand-new recipes that are sure to please (and become instant favorites) like the Fort Fruity Cookie featuring fruity cereal and white chocolate chips or the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake. Since no camping trip is complete without roasting marshmallows over the campfire, there will be two sweets inspired by those classic flavors – the S’more Cupcake and the S’mores Cookie.
Next, let’s head over to Crockett’s Tavern, which has been refreshed as a lounge with expanded seating, both indoors and outside, to give you a beautiful view of Bay Lake. Conveniently located near Trail’s End Restaurant, this Guest favorite has been enhanced with a collection of elevated lounge-style snacks to accompany the array of new and returning beverages and specialty cocktails.
This reimagined menu was designed by our talented culinary team with new bites and sips paying tribute to the heritage of the resort and its inspiration from the American frontier. But don’t worry, there will still be a ‘to-go’ window for those looking for a libation or mocktail to enjoy before experiencing the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue!
If Guests love trying different flavors, then they’re in luck because new to the menu is A Trio of Sliders. This features a pulled pork slider with BBQ sauce and coleslaw, brisket slider with Carolina BBQ and pickled onions, and a buffalo chicken slider with house-made blue cheese dressing and dill pickles served with seasoned french fries.
The new Chicken Bites are going to satisfy taste buds. Pick a favorite sauce among buffalo, garlic-parmesan, or blueberry BBQ. These bites are also served with celery, house-made ranch, blue cheese, and seasoned french fries. Fun fact – the new blueberry BBQ sauce was developed by Chef Julie Hrywnak and the culinary team. The can’t-miss Charcuterie Board addition features a selection of meats and cheeses with house-made bread and butter pickles, tomato jam, cornbread crostini, and sesame lavash.
Some delicious new plant-based offerings include the Crispy Cauliflower paired with a tasty garlic aïoli. This fan-favorite from the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue plant-based menu is also gluten/wheat friendly! Also be sure to try the plant-based fried green tomato sliders featuring a southern remoulade and citrus greens served with seasoned french fries.
For a sweet finish, the Trailblazin’ Dessert Trio is sure to please. This delightful dish features a s’more with chocolate pudding, graham cracker crumbs, and house-made marshmallow, a strawberry shortcake with strawberries and whipped cream, and a banana pudding with vanilla wafers, whipped cream, and a banana chip.
For those looking for an adult beverage to accompany their meal, Crockett’s Tavern has multiple options to choose from with their heritage cocktail program curated by Guest Experience Managers Hunter Bernreuter and Eric Borgsmiller to pay homage to the resort’s over 50-year history. Inspired by the Fort Wilderness Railroad that once ran throughout the resort, the All Aboard! Moonshine Cocktail Flight is a sampling of our favorite moonshine cocktails featuring the Gullywhumper, Blackberry Lightning, and Spiced Appleberry Shine.
The Bear-y Buckle combines Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, pure cane sugar, lemon juice, bitters, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, and muddled blackberries for a touch a sweetness in this cocktail. The team is pleased to be serving Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, which honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green.
If you’ve ever wanted to try America’s first spirit, Laird’s Applejack Brandy, then the Camper’s Coupe is for you. This sip features Laird’s Applejack Brandy, orange and lemon juices, and a hint of maple syrup.
Those who prefer bright and refreshing flavors will love the Meadows Cup. Settle in and enjoy this twist on a classic cocktail with Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur Cup, Hendrick’s Gin, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, and strawberry.
Any old fashioned fans out there? Our barkeep will be serving up a rotating selection of old fashioned cocktails to wet your whistle. The summer version will be a Clementine Old Fashioned with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters, and cane syrup garnished with a clementine wheel and Luxardo cherry. This sip is a nod to Clementine Beach at the resort.
Tequila fans will be pleased to try two beverages on the menu. A nod to one of the historic camping loops at Fort Wilderness, the Quail Trail Paloma serves up Teremana Blanco Tequila with Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters, grapefruit soda, and a chili-lime rim. And, of course, you’ll still be able to enjoy your porch sippin’ favorite – the Moonshine Margarita with Ole Smoky White Lightnin’ Moonshine, Triple Sec Liqueur, sweet-and-sour mix, and lime juice.
We hope Guests are ready for all these exciting and delicious updates coming to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground! There is no limit to the fun, and tasty, adventures to be had at Disney Parks.
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs is coming to Florida. These popular corn dogs can be found at Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney. The kiosk will open later this year at Disney’s BoardWalk at the BoardWalk to Go kiosk.
Walt Disney World Resort is known for providing cutting-edge, top-of-the-line rides, entertainment, food, and accommodations. The Resort’s innovation in hospitality is one of the reasons that Guests return year after year to spend their valuable vacation time. However, sometimes Disney misses the mark and misjudges what their customer base really wants.
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel may be one of the biggest missteps the Disney Parks have seen in the past few decades. Josh D’Amaro, the Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, has addressed the Galactic Starcruiser’s failings and the impact that its closing will have on the company financially.
Last week, many fans were saddened, but not completely surprised, to hear that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser would be completing its final voyage on September 30, 2023. The much-anticipated hotel was a boutique experience for Guests who wanted a premium, immersive Star Wars adventure. The project is wildly inventive, and it is truly an entirely new experience for fans to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe.
The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser was an intimate experience where a small number of Guests would embark on a two-night voyage aboard the starship Halcyon. During their travels, Guests would get to interact with various characters from the Star Wars universe, take part in lightsaber training, and enjoy various other activities.
Unfortunately, the Starcruiser did not perform as well as Disney had hoped. Most Guests were turned away by the shocking $2,500 per night price point. After less than two years, the Starcruiser will be retiring earlier than hoped.
May 22, 2023, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro did a Q&A at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference. During his interview, D’Amaro addresses the closing of the Starcruiser, which he referred to as “a pretty stunning asset.”
D’Amaro explained that Disney is very proud of how the Starcruiser turned out and is honored that Guests gave it such incredibly high ratings. Unfortunately, the Starcruiser did not perform as well as hoped, which left Disney with no choice but to “sunset” the experience.
D’Amaro goes on to explain how this with financially affect the company saying;
“I will not, I don’t think we’ve talked about this before, but in both Q3 and Q4, as we accelerate depreciation on that Starcruiser, we should expect about $100-$150 million in accelerated depreciation.”
About Starcruiser: "It didn't perform exactly how we wanted it to perform, so we decided to sunset it this September," Josh D'Amaro said on Monday. "In both Q3 and Q4 … we should expect about $100-$150 million in accelerated depreciation." pic.twitter.com/tcfKmUzcaC
While it isn’t totally clear if he means $100-$150 million per quarter or total, that is a large number for Disney to lose. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be a massive asset to loose, and it’s failings may mean we wont see anther experience like it for a while.
