There are so many exciting projects coming down the pipeline at the Walt Disney Company, and fans are finally getting a taste of when we can expect to see these projects come to fruition!
During today’s Quarterly Earnings Call, Bob Iger, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, revealed the thrilling opening dates of some major future projects coming to the Disney Parks. These dates reveal when we can expect new lands, attractions, cruise ships, resorts, entertainment, and other exciting offerings.
The Walt Disney Company is known for its creative and innovative projects, and it seems that there is no shortage of excitement on the horizon. The anticipation has been building, and finally, Bob Iger gave us a glimpse into the timeline of some major upcoming projects that will undoubtedly leave fans eager for their arrival.
With Disney Parks being renowned for their immersive experiences, it’s no wonder that enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the addition of new lands, accommodations, and attractions. The announcement shed light on when these magical expansions will be unveiled, giving fans a glimpse into what lies ahead. From enchanting new worlds to thrilling attractions, the Disney Parks are set to deliver unforgettable experiences to visitors of all ages.
But it’s not just about the parks themselves. Disney’s dedication to providing exceptional entertainment also extends to its cruise line, resorts, and other offerings. Fans will be delighted to hear that these areas will not be left behind in terms of innovation and excitement. The revealed timeline provided insights into when we can expect new cruise ships, resort enhancements, and captivating entertainment experiences that will surely leave guests spellbound.
Wondering when you can experience Disney’s upcoming efforts? A helpful graphic was shared during the call that outlines many significant opening times for new attractions and offerings coming from now until 2026. The announcements span from the opening of Disneyland Resort’s Adventureland Treehouse on November 10, 2023, to the reveal of the third Wish-class ship with the Disney cruise line that will debut in the fiscal year of 2026.
It’s evident that the Walt Disney Company is committed to pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity. By giving us a glimpse into the future, Bob Iger has successfully tantalized fans with the promise of magical adventures that await. The countdown has begun, and it won’t be long before we can embark on extraordinary journeys and embrace the magic that Disney is known and loved for.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for a future filled with wonder and enchantment. Disney wants to remind all fans that these dates are tentative to change as things evolve. More specific dates will be outlined as the projects near completion.
There’s nothing like visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season! If you’re looking for an exclusive holiday treat, you’re in luck! There are so many fantastic options at Disney Springs, Disney Resort hotels, and the parks!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and you know what that means … holiday goodies! One of the best parts of this season are the tasty delights and this year is no different. The culinary teams at Walt Disney World Resort have been hard at work making sure everyone gets a flavorful present all across property. And with the passion and creativity put to the plate this year, there’s no doubt all of these talented culinary experts are on the nice list.
No matter where you venture at the Resort, you’ll enter a winter wonderland of flavor with tasty bites and sips that will light up your taste buds. From the almost too cute to eat (almost) Mickey Winter Hat Dome Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie to holiday festivities like the O’ Ham N’ Cheese Trees at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and even the sweet sip of the returning Gingerbread Martini, you will be unwrapping delights all holiday season long.
For those heading over to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year, take a peek at all the bites and sips available at Magic Kingdom Park, both during the day and exclusive to the event in the Foodie Guide. And for an added touch of sweetness, be sure to check out the gingerbread displays at various Disney Resort Hotels and EPCOT.
Do you hear that? I think it’s jingle bells, and that means it’s time to get to the Walt Disney World Resort Holidays Foodie Guide!
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)
Holiday Sweets Petit Cake: Layers of spice cake, cream cheese icing, and apricot jam with fresh apple compote and Italian buttercream (New)
Mickey Winter Hat Dome Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, chai tea mousse, cranberry-cherry pâte de fruit, almond crunch, and brown butter ganache (New)
Christmas Tree Cream Puff: Pistachio cream puff (New)
Hot Cocoa Crème Brûlée: Hot cocoa crème brûlée with toasted marshmallow cream (New)
Gingerbread Cheesecake (New)
Cookies and Milk Éclair (New)
Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread Cookies (New)
Santa Mickey Mousse: White chocolate mousse and dark chocolate mousse with crispy pearls
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 24 through Jan. 1)
Homecomin’ Holiday Turkey Sandwich: Smoked turkey on toasted artisanal bread, dressed with signature cornbread stuffing and a sweet and sour cranberry aioli served with house-made potato chips
Chicken Guy! (Available Nov. 6 through Dec. 31)
Holiday Cookie Shake: Hand-spun vanilla soft-serve, blended with sugar cookies and caramel drizzle topped with marshmallow whipped cream, mini chocolate candy pieces, holiday sprinkles, and a cookie
Frozen Peppermint Cocoa Shake: Hand-spun vanilla soft-serve, blended with hot cocoa mix, peppermint, and crushed candy cane pieces topped with marshmallow whipped cream, sprinkles, crushed candy cane, mini marshmallows, and chocolate drizzle
D-Luxe Burger (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 7; mobile order available)
Caramel Apple Pie Shake: Vanilla Gelato blended with dark caramel sauce, Granny Smith apple syrup, cinnamon syrup, and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, caramel, and graham cracker crumbs (New)
Dockside Margaritas (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 15)
eet by Maneet Chauhan (Available upon opening through Dec. 31)
Yule Chai Greeting: Signature spiced chai, whipped cinnamon cream, toasted marshmallow, Christmas sprinkles, and a candy cane
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Available Dec. 1 through 31)
Holiday Donuts
Frontera Cocina (Available Nov. 10 through Dec. 31)
Marzipan Delight: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Marzipan Cordial, tres leches home-made mix, and marzipan crumble rim
The Ganachery
Gingerbread Mickey Chocolate Piñata: Milk chocolate piñata with crisp pearls and gingerbread toffee (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Gingerbread-Pecan Toffee: Spiced toffee enrobed with milk chocolate and encrusted with toasted pecans and gingerbread crumbs (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Mickey Chocolate-covered Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced gingerbread cookies enrobed in milk chocolate and dark 65% chocolate (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Chocolate Peppermint Bark: White and dark chocolate with crushed peppermint candy (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise: Milk chocolate shell filled with The Ganachery hot cocoa mix and house-made marshmallows (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Gideon’s Bakehouse (Available Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
Kris Kringle Cookie: White chocolate coffee bean cookie with coconut, caramel, and vanilla bean notes topped with coarse sugar crystals and edible glitter
Cookie Vom Krampus: Chocolate cookie with mint
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Jock’s Famous Pigs in the Blanket: Debreziner sausage, puff pastry, and cranberry mustard sauce (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 30)
O’ Ham N’ Cheese Trees: Puff pastry, Pitt ham, cheddar cheese, garlic herb butter, and sugar plum jam (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 30)
Cranberry Barbeque Meatballs: All-beef meatball, cranberry barbecue sauce, orange goat cheese, granny smith apple, spiced walnuts, orange supremes, and crispy basil (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 30)
Naughty or Nice Deviled Eggs: Crispy Ham and Sweet Honey Glazed (Nice) or Spicy Honey Glazed (Naughty)
Here We Come A-Croquetting: Turkey croquettes, sweet potato purée, bacon-cranberry jam, turkey gravy, and herbed gremolata (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Post-flight “Milk” and Cookies with Coquito: Bourbon-eggnog snowflake cookie, gingerbread reindeer cookie filled with dulce de leche, chocolate-peppermint Christmas tree cookie and coquito with Bacardí Rum (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Hot Chocolate Grail Flight: Spiced Caramel with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Cookies ‘n Cream with white chocolate and Stoli Vanil Vodka, Peppermint with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Bols Crème de Menthe White Liqueur (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 13)
Eternal Snowfall: St. Augustine Cane Vodka, St. Augustine Gin, Tippler’s Orange Liqueur, Siesta Key Silver Rum, chipotle pineapple syrup, and sour mix topped with a float of Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur and garnished with a snowflake sugar piece and lemon wheel (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Jock’s Holiday Martini: Frangelico Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, hazelnut syrup, and half and half sprinkled with cinnamon and garnished with star anise (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 13)
Merry Margarita: Lunazul Reposado Tequila, Domain de Canton Ginger Liqueur, lime and pear juices, cinnamon syrup, and hibiscus syrup garnished with a holiday sugar piece and lime wedge (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 13)
Holiday Cherry Cocktail: Stoli Vanil Vodka, Heering Cherry Liqueur, simple syrup, and red cranberry juice with edible glitter and garnished with a cherry (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 13)
Ginger Mule: Frangelico Liqueur and Stoli Vanil Vodka topped with Fever-Tree Ginger Beer and garnished with a cinnamon stick and cranberries (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 13)
Marketplace Snacks (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Olaf Waffle Sundae: Bubble waffle filled with vanilla soft-serve, peppermint sauce, candy snowflakes, a chocolate edible image, and chocolate sticks
Morimoto Asia (Available through Dec. 31)
Yokai: Morimoto Knob Creek Bourbon, Monin Caramel Apple Butter Syrup, Chambord, and prosecco
Kyuri and Spicy: Cucumber-Infused Espolon Blanco Tequila, jalapeño, ginger liqueur, Ancho Reyes, John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum Liqueur, lime, and agave
Toji Moon: Absolut Mandarin Vodka, sake, Monin Habanero-Lime Syrup, lemongrass, yuzu, and celery bitters
After Midnight: Courvoisier VS Cognac, Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, ginger, orgeat, grapefruit, lemon, cinnamon syrup, and black walnut bitters
Forever Young: Aviation Gin, Aperol, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, blood orange liqueur, and mole bitters
Maker Mark Flight: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, Maker’s Mark 46, Morimoto Maker’s Mark Private Select
Paddlefish (Available Dec. 25 only)
Santa’s Seafood Boil: Key West pink shrimp, Cedar Key little neck clams, Prince Edward Island mussels, corn bread, red potatoes, and sweet corn
Planet Hollywood(Available Nov. 6 through Dec. 26)
Frosty the Snowman Shake: Mint chocolate chip ice cream with red and green Christmas candies, sprinkles, and holiday mints topped with homemade whipped cream and a marshmallow snowman pop
The Polite Pig (Available Nov. 15 through Dec. 11)
Holiday Spice Old Fashioned: Michter’s American Whiskey US Kentucky Straight Rye, holiday spice syrup, and bitters garnished with a cinnamon stick and an orange twist (Available Nov. 1 through Jan. 6)
Mistletoe: Stoli Vodka, rosemary syrup, Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water with a rosemary sprig and sugared cranberries garnish (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 6)
Swirls on the Water (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
Christmas Tree Sundae: Pistachio soft-serve in a waffle cone bowl with whipped cream, sprinkles, and candy Christmas lights (New)
Frozen Hot Chocolate Float with Salted Caramel (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (Alcoholic version also available with Knob’s Creek)
Terralina Crafted Italian (Available Dec. 25 only)
Christmas Day Special: Grilled lamb chops with creamed spinach and artichokes, wild mushroom and parmesan risotto cake, mint, and basil sauce topped and crispy leeks
Poinsettia: Cranberry mimosa with sugar dusted cranberries
Vivoli il Gelato
Italian Hot Chocolate: House-made from scratch made with dark coca, dark chocolate bar, milk, and sugar topped with whipped cream or marshmallows (Available Nov. 10 through Feb. 1)
Candied Yam Cannoli: Sweet cream of yams and ricotta topped with pecans (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
Santa’s Crew: Elf Mint Chocolate Chip Shake, Reindeer Chocolate Shake, and Abominable Snowman (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 6)
Santa Waffle: Freshly-baked waffle topped with strawberries, bananas, whipped cream, and chocolate chips (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 6)
YeSake (Available Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Milk Boba Tea: Chocolate and peppermint tea latte made with boba pearls and whipped cream
Outdoor Bar Locations (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 13)
Holiday Rum Punch: Bols Blackberry Brandy, Bols Crème de Banana Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, orange tangerine syrup, and orange juice garnished with an orange wedge (New)
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2; mobile order available)
Mickey Santa Hat Tart: Vanilla tart with pistachio cake, chai mousse, and caramel ganache
Jambo House Lobby Pop-up Shop (Available Nov. 22 through Dec. 31)
Gingeraffe Cookie: Sugar cookie, gingerbread cookie, white chocolate, M&M’S chocolate candies, and a holiday wreath (New)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)
Deer Holly Day Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate ganache and topped with a peanut butter-cream cheese buttercream
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (Available Nov. 26 through Dec. 31)
Holiday Shake: Cookie butter milkshake with caramel drizzle and holiday sprinkles topped with a Christmas tree cupcake
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Deli (Mobile order available)
Frosted Croissant Roll: Rolled croissant dough filled with a hot chocolate-marshmallow filling (New) (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2)
Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 26)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market (Mobile order available)
Snowman Blondie: Chocolate chip and peppermint blondie topped with brown butter-chocolate mousse, vanilla bean whipped cream, and white chocolate (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2)
Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 26)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Holiday Cranberry Frangipane Cake: Almond frangipane with cranberry-cherry gel, white chocolate mousse, and salted honey whip (New)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Present Peppermint Brownie Pop: Brownie filled with house-made peppermint patty enrobed in white chocolate (New)
Snowman Choux: Pâte à choux filled with spiced mousse and chocolate Bavarian cream
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available through Jan. 2; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only)
‘Olu Mel Holiday Float: DOLE Whip lime float with pineapple juice, ‘Olu Mel White chocolate piece, and strawberry popping candy
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7)
Jingle Jammer: Cranberry, pineapple, cinnamon, falernum, and a splash of fresh lime juice (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Mele Kaliki Mai Tai: Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardí Superior Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liqueur, cranberry juice, orgeat, and cinnamon with a splash of fresh lime juice and a cinnamon stick
Tropical Snowstorm: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, coconut cream with cinnamon, orgeat, and falernum topped with cinnamon and nutmeg
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and Riverside Mill Food Court (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 26; mobile order available)
Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles
Scat Cat’s Club – Café at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Hot Cocoa Beignets: Trio of Mickey-shaped beignets with a dusting of hot cocoa powder, fudge drizzle, snowflake sprinkles, and a pipette of chocolate milk (New) (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 31)
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Le Petit Café (Available Nov. 26 through Jan. 2)
Chocolate-Peppermint Santa Hat: Dark chocolate mousse, white chocolate-peppermint mousse, and a mint marshmallow
Gingerbread Cookie: European-style gingerbread, dark chocolate, and sugar glaze
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (Mobile order available)
Peppermint Igloo: White chocolate igloo filled with white chocolate-peppermint mousse and dark chocolate cake (New) (Available Nov. 15 through Dec. 30)
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Food Courts (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 31; mobile order available)
Walking in a Plant-based Snow Land: Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a flurry of snowflake sprinkles (Plant-based); Available at the following locations:
World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Available at Various Table-Service Restaurants(Available through Jan. 7)
Gingerbread Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, RumChata Liqueur, and gingerbread spice featuring a rim of homemade gingerbread from the bakery teams
Available at Select Deluxe & Specialty Resort Locations (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 1)
Holiday Fruitcake Mule: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. apple blossom bitters, cranberry juice, and rosemary topped with ginger beer (New)
Holiday Fruitcake Old-Fashioned: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. apple blossom bitters, cranberry, lemon, and rosemary (New)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
Holiday Minnie Bundt Cake: Spice cake rolled in cinnamon-sugar with apple pie filling topped with spiced maple buttercream and salted caramel icing
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
Backlot Express (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkles
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
Hollywood Scoops (Available through Jan. 1)
Candy Cane Milkshake: Chocolate cake doughnut, mint doughnut icing, and candy cane sprinkles
PizzeRizzo (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with red and green sugar, white chocolate, marshmallow, dark chocolate top hat, raspberry-chocolate twigs, orange sprinkle, and chocolate-covered cocoa nibs
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
Rosie’s All-American Café (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
Santa Mickey Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with mocha fudge and topped with red almond buttercream, white chocolate, and dark chocolate Mickey ears
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
The Trolley Car Café (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1)
Mickey Gingerbread Cookie
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkle
Woody’s Lunch Box (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 31; mobile order available)
Hot Chocolate Lunch Box Tart: Chocolate fudge filling, hot chocolate-marshmallow fondant, and mini marshmallows
Dockside Diner and Outdoor Vending Carts Near Grand Avenue, the Tip Board, and the Main Entrance(Available through Jan. 1)
Holiday Mickey Brownie: Mickey-shaped chocolate brownie with holiday sprinkles
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Creature Comforts (Available Dec. 22 through 31)
Mickey Holiday Mousse Dome: Amaretto-chocolate mousse, cherry-cranberry coulis, orange-chocolate cake, white chocolate glaçage, and chocolate Mickey ears
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available Dec. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
Merry Menagerie Cupcake: Gingerbread cupcake with cream cheese filling and frosting
Satu’li Canteen (Available Dec. 22 through 31; mobile order)
A new nighttime spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” is debuting at EPCOT on December 5! Disney has shared more details about what to expect with the new show!
We’re just over a month away from the launch of the latest nighttime spectacular from Disney Live Entertainment, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” debuting Dec. 5 at EPCOT. Featuring dazzling fireworks, fountains, lights and music to connect us all through commonalities of the heart, this all-new show shines a light on how each of our unique melodies comes together to form a great symphony – the symphony of us.
Much like a beautiful piece of music, “Luminous The Symphony of Us” is made up of a series of movements, each representing life experiences that we have in common, showing us that we’re more alike than we are different. Punctuating these movements are two original songs written just for the spectacular, as well as new arrangements of carefully selected Disney songs we all know and love.
At the start of the show, World Showcase comes to life as we hear voices from each pavilion welcoming us to this great gathering. With the tap of a conductor’s baton, our first movement begins with the original song, “Heartbeat Symphony.” For me, nothing says EPCOT nighttime spectacular like a sweeping ballad, and this one comes for you right out of the gate.
Check out this behind-the-scenes look at some of the music recording sessions for “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” including a sneak preview of “Heartbeat Symphony.”
With the stage set, our symphony takes us to the tender love of parenthood, highlighting childhood moments where each of our journeys began and featuring a stirring, multilingual arrangement of “You’ll Be in My Heart.” The symphony then transitions to “Proud Corazón” as we find our voice in a movement dedicated to the bonds of family. Friendship follows, with classic songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Friend Like Me” taking us back to the days of recess and friendship bracelets.
Set to a sweeping arrangement of “So Close,” a personal favorite hidden gem from Disney’s “Enchanted,” the romance movement celebrates the moments when we find someone with whom our melody blends.
Inevitably in life, we experience the quiet loneliness of loss, but as “When She Loved Me” and “Remember Me” bring us “Into the Unknown,” the echoes of those around us remind us that we’re never truly alone. As we come out of the darkness, the music crescendos to “I See the Light” from “Tangled,” launching us into our finale – and our second original song, entitled “Beating of our Hearts” – where we all come together as one and find our place in the great symphony of life.
As you can probably tell, music plays a critical role in telling this tale. That’s why the team at Disney Live Entertainment is so excited to work with Pinar Toprak once again on the show’s incredible score. You may know Pinar from her work on film soundtracks or heard her EPCOT anthem at night by Spaceship Earth. Among the choir of voices lending their vocal talents to the score are singer/songwriter Sheléa and the multi-talented Katharine McPhee.
As someone whose Disney career began in World Showcase, it’s hard to express how much the EPCOT nighttime spectaculars mean to me. I hope this first look makes you as excited as I am to share this new symphony together when it debuts Dec. 5– part of the grand finale as we near the completion of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT.
The number one rule at any Disney theme park (or any public place) is always to watch your children. Kids are known to be accident-prone, and this problem can cause chaos for unsuspecting Disney character performers. One unsupervised child recently put himself and Toy Story‘s Woody in danger at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Excitement turned to chaos as the unaware Woody character performer waved to the crowd. Toy Story‘s famous sheriff soon found himself desperately trying not to trip as a child clung to his waist, ending with a near miss and a kid on the ground, eyes filled with tears.
Let’s set the scene a little bit. Toy Story Land, located within Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is a popular themed area that transports visitors into the world of Pixar’s Toy Story film franchise.
As you step into this land, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve been shrunken down to the size of toys, surrounded by oversized toys and scenery. It’s also a place where the beloved characters from the movies come to life.
Standout attractions in Toy Story Land include Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and the endearing Toy Story Mania. This 4D shooting game ride allows you to test your skills at various carnival games, making it a hit with competitive guests.
While the experiences in Toy Story Land are nothing short of magical, it’s worth noting that the popularity of these attractions can lead to crowded walkways, especially during peak visiting hours. The compact space can become quite narrow when large crowds gather.
Iconic characters like Woody, Jessie, and Buzz sometimes appear on these popular walking paths as they move to greet guests at their specific locations. While the drumming green army men cavalcade can easily navigate these crowded areas, it is another story for characters like Woody.
Recently, Woody narrowly avoided a fall when an unattended child suddenly rushed him on his route through Toy Story Land. Let’s be blunt. Sheriff Woody does not have the best peripheral vision, and a small child can easily elude his eyes if he isn’t expecting them.
With no parents in sight, the kid raced into Woody’s path and latched shockingly onto the performer. Shocked by the sudden situation, Woody did his best to maintain his balance, but the child took the fall in the chaos.
Impressively, Woody avoided directly injuring or stepping on the child while evading a dangerous fall. However, the boy was shaken up and beginning to cry by the end of the video.
Furthermore, a random bystander and character attendant seem to be the only ones who respond quickly to the situation. By the end of the footage shared by user All Things Disney on TikTok, no parent or guardian ever entered the chaos. The caption of the video questions whether parents have learned to watch their children at Disney World.
Disney character performers go through training to handle many situations, but they are still at the mercy of attendants and responsible guests for a lot of interactions. This is why it is important to always watch your kids around them. Accidents do happen. However, incidents such as this can be avoided if people are mindful and respectful.
Here’s hoping the unsupervised child wasn’t injured or traumatized by the incident. Furthermore, we have confidence that the boy’s parents will be more aware in the future to avoid another Disney World character accident. Thankfully, this one seems to have ended relatively fine, all things considered.
All views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Disney Dining’s personal views on Disney Parks operations.
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here at Walt Disney World. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off on November 9 and runs through December 22 on select nights. Guests visiting the party can expect a great selection of exclusive food and beverage items for purchase!
Have yourself a (very) merry Christmas because the holiday extravaganza is on its way back to Magic Kingdom Park! That’s right, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is bringing the festive fun from Nov. 9, 2023 through Dec. 22, 2023. This beloved party is filled with holiday excitement sure to put you in the spirit of the season.
Back this year is the dazzling nighttime extravaganza – Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show and the beloved Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, not to mention all the exciting character greetings to be had throughout the park. And what evening at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be complete without all the cookies and cocoa you can handle.
But the treats don’t stop there. This year is filled with nearly an all-new lineup of goodies to put you in a winter wonderland. With sweet treats like the Peppermint Snowman or savory delights like the Holiday Turkey Burger, you’ll be getting all the flavors on your wish list this year, and then some!
What do you say? Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? It’s time to unwrap this year’s Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Reindeer Chow Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, pretzels, cereal, M&M’S chocolate candies, and hot fudge (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Lump of Coal in your Stocking: Cookies ‘n cream milk shake topped with whipped cream, cookies ‘n cream crumbles, and a chocolate doughnut hole (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Casey’s Corner
Candy Cane Tart: Chocolate tart filled with peppermint ganache and topped with festive meringue (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cool Ship
Magic Holiday Tree: Coconut, pecans, and M&M’S chocolate candies on a graham cracker crust (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Holiday Pot Roast Melt: Slow-cooked beef on thick toast with cheddar and provolone cheese and beef gravy (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Holiday Turkey Burger: Turkey burger topped with traditional stuffing, provolone cheese, and cranberry chutney on a brioche bun (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Christmas Cookie Cake: Christmas cookie cake roll with buttercream and topped with holiday sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
The Friar’s Nook
Holiday Ham Fried Pie: Flaky pastry filled with baked ham, candied sweet potatoes, and spiced pecans served with pineapple glaze (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Italian Beef Tots: Tots covered in slow-cooked beef, cheese curds, zesty giardiniera, and pot roast gravy (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Peppermint Snowman: Chocolate brownie topped with cookies ‘n cream peppermint mousse (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Winter Milk Shake: Creamy coconut milk shake topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut, cinnamon, and crisp pearls (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Golden Oak Outpost
Orange Gingerbread Shake: Orange cream slushy layered with gingerbread cookie crumbles and topped with whipped cream, gingerbread spice (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Gingerbread Cake layered with cream cheese frosting and dulce de leche ganache topped with a gingerbread man chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Main Street Bakery
Minnie-shaped Cinnamon Roll: Cinnamon roll topped with red icing, holiday sprinkles, and a chocolate bow (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Letter To Santa: Flourless chocolate cake, hot cocoa mousse, and marshmallows topped with chocolate pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Chicken Tamale served “Christmas-style” with mild red chile and green chile-pumpkin seed sauces, cilantro rice, pinto beans, and queso fresco (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Chocolate Eggnog Reindeer: Chocolate tart topped with eggnog mousse and chocolate antlers (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Orange-Cranberry Pineapple Punch with a hint of “smoke” from the fireplace (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Peppermint Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and candy cane sprinkles served on a brownie (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Holiday Waffle Sundae: House-made red velvet waffle topped with M&M’S chocolate candies, peppermint ice cream, and hot fudge (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Milk and Cookies for Santa: Brown sugar cookie cake topped with chocolate chip cookie dough mousse, milk mousse, and chocolate chip cookies (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Storybook Treats
Sugar Plum Sundae: Sugar plum soft-serve atop sugar cookie crumbs and topped with whipped cream, crisp pearls, and cotton candy (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Santa’s Belt Buckle: Pistachio mousse with a dark chocolate truffle center and a chocolate buckle (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cranberry Citrus Float with Orange-Vanilla Soft-serve Twist: Orange-vanilla soft-serve twist with Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and fruity boba pearls (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Outdoor Vending Locations Near Cinderella Castle
Red Velvet Wreath: Doughnut topped with buttercream and holiday sprinkles (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Hot Cocoa Churro: Churro rolled in hot cocoa powder and topped with marshmallows and peppermint candy pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
Don’t miss out on the festive Disney PhotoPass fun during the party with event-exclusive photo ops all around Magic Kingdom Park, including many holly-jolly Magic Shots worthy of a Christmas card! If you want to download all your photos and videos from the party and the rest of your vacation, be sure to check out Memory Maker.
What an exciting (and tasty) holiday season we have ahead of us. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
