On November 16, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products shared the company’s new approaches to operations and inclusion in the wake of 2020 via a keynote session of IAAPA Expo Virtual Education Conference. One key note included was that the reimagining of Splash Mountain has been expedited.
As shared by IAAPA.org: “We believe that truly inclusive environment is critical to fostering ideas from all people to help us grow, innovate, and create the best stories possible,” D’Amaro said. More information about Disney’s backstage commitment to inclusivity will be rolling out in the next few months. Guest facing changes, like the reimagining of “Splash Mountain,” have been expedited to ensure that all who visit the company’s parks do feel welcome as well.
This morning, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, took the virtual stage at the IAAPA Expo: Virtual Education Conference, where he shared a behind-the-scenes look at the lessons we’ve learned over the past year, and the ways we’re moving forward into 2021 and beyond. Check out all the details as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.
As Josh shared in his talk, the end of the year is always a time for reflection – and to chart a path for the year to come. While we never could have imagined what this year would hold for our company, we’ve learned so much: how to share that special Disney Parks magic with our fans at home during the closures of our businesses worldwide; how to reimagine our park, resort, and store experiences to meet new challenges; and how, even amid uncertainty, to plan for what we know are better days are ahead.
Now, as we look to the future, there are new and exciting milestones on the horizon. While the pandemic meant putting some projects on pause, we never stopped dreaming up new experiences. And we are looking forward to inviting our guests to see what we’ve been working on.
There are groundbreaking new updates coming to Disney destinations around the world. As Josh shared in his update today, progress is currently being made on several projects across the globe that are pushing the boundaries of innovation and storytelling like never before.
Here’s a special peek at some of the announcements Josh made today:
Video previously recorded
More details were also shared on the next generation of immersive Disney experiences currently in development, including updates on Avengers Campus, the historic transformation of EPCOT and more.
Progress continues to be made toward the completion of Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris. This new land will invite guests to team up with the Avengers and their allies in a fully immersive land.
The Worldwide Engineering Brigade (better known as WEB) building will soon house our newest attraction, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure where guests will be able to board vehicles and help Spider-Man take control of an army of Spider-Bots that have taken over Avengers Campus.
Guests visiting Disneyland Paris will also soon be able to experience Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel – celebrating 80 years of Marvel storytelling in a typical New York setting.
The resort will feature contemporary Art Deco style and include one of the largest publicly viewable collections of Marvel artwork in the world.
At Walt Disney World Resort, work is continuing on the historic, multi-year transformation of EPCOT, including “Harmonious,” Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
“Harmonious” will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created. It’ll feature the hallmarks of a Disney experience, including music and images, reimagined by diverse cultural musicians and artists from around the world.
Work also continues on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – the family-friendly “storytelling coaster” featuring a groundbreaking ride system with vehicles that rotate 360 degrees and can even do a reverse launch!
The Omnicoaster is a first- of-its-kind programmable roller coaster ride system, where guests can be rotated along the ride track in any direction while traveling at high speeds. The Omnicoaster name builds upon the tradition of the Omnimover ride system in which Walt Disney Imagineers are able to turn guests in any direction and focus their attention on a specific scene or element.
And plans are on track to open Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in 2021. Based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film, “Ratatouille,” this family-friendly attraction will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy. During each adventure, you’ll race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles in a thrilling 3D chase. Click here for more.
In a galaxy far, far away, progress continues at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, where guests will live aboard a starship for a 2-day, 2-night experience. Unlike any typical cruise, though, you can become the heroes of your own Star Wars story in a new type of immersive experience that only Disney could create.
Guests will cruise the galaxy in style aboard the Halcyon, known for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. Onboard, you’ll stay in well-appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu and much more. Learn more in our earlier story.
At Shanghai Disney Resort, progress continues on “Zootopia” – where guests will be invited to experience the metropolis of “Zootopia.”
Based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar-winning animated movie, this exciting development will be the park’s eighth themed land and the first-ever “Zootopia”-themed land at any Disney park. It will include a new major attraction that will seamlessly blend Disney storytelling and state-of-the-art technology to bring this fan-favorite movie and its characters to life.
In this aerial photo of the area, you can see just how big the show building will be. Click here for more on “Zootopia.”This is an artist concept and is subject to change.
And at Tokyo Disneyland, new attractions, restaurants, and shops recently opened – marking the largest expansion of the park’s 37-year history.
Also, part of the expansion will be “Fantasy Springs.” This exciting development will be themed to a magical spring inspired by the beloved Disney Animation films “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “Peter Pan.” It’ll include four new attractions, three restaurants and a new Disney-themed hotel situated inside Tokyo DisneySea that will overlook Fantasy Springs.
The ever-so-popular Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction collection on shopDisney has Disney shoppers buzzing with the hard to get merchandise. Now, shopDisney has updated their website to provide a first look at the final series in the collection – Series 12: Nighttime Castle & Fireworks Finale!
As shared on shopDisney: “Coming Soon: Nighttime Castle & Fireworks Finale – Inspired by the beloved event at Disney Parks, the final series in the collection will be available soon. MerchPass entries for Series 12 will open 12/18 at 7AM PT.”
It’s hard to believe we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World next year! If you’re making plans to visit Walt Disney World chances are you already know a Disney Park Pass is required for park entry at one of Disney’s four theme parks. Well, it looks like the official 50th Anniversary date, October 1, 2021, is already at capacity for Magic Kingdom when it comes to Annual Passholders.
As you’ll see in the screen shot below, October 1, 2021 shows for Annual Passholder it is unavailable. The other three parks are still currently open. Theme Park Tickets Guests and Disney Resorts Guests are still showing availability for all four parks on October 1.
Why are Annual Passholders planning to be at Magic Kingdom on October 1, 2021? It’s such an amazing thing to experience huge milestones at the most magical place on earth. Disney will likely offer special celebrations, not to mention the hopes of being able to ride the new TRON coaster currently being constructed in Tomorrowland.
We have Park Passes to Magic Kingdom on October 1, and simply can’t wait to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th! Park guest or regular ticket holder? Be sure to snag your park pass via the Walt Disney World website before they are gone!
Excuse us while we fill your screen with mouthwatering goodness! Disney has released Disney Springs eats and treats for this holiday seasons and yes, we’re drooling! Check out the scrumptious images and details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.
The holidays are here and we’re ready to share some jolly foodie cheer! There’s no denying that some of the best food comes out around the holiday season and that’s no exception at Disney Springs. With everything from quick, sweet bites at your favorite quick-service locations to delicious and indulgent dishes, desserts, and cocktails at our incredible restaurants, there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s taste buds. Ready to plan your culinary adventure? I’ve curated all the flavorful details for you and where to find them below:
Amorette’s Patisserie (All items available through Jan. 2)
Black Forest Parfait – Chocolate mousse with cherry cream and cherry liquor
Holiday Mickey Mousse – White chocolate mousse, dark chocolate with chocolate chiffon cake
Holiday Petit Cake – Almond Chiffon cake, Hazelnut Panna Cotta, Cherry jam, Chocolate pieces, and hazelnut liqueur
Mickey Santa Dome Cake – Large Dome Cake (Ask a Cast Member for available flavors.)
Peppermint Crème Brûlée – Chocolate Peppermint-infused custard with crushed peppermint, meringue and sable cookie
Spiced Yule Log – Red Velvet Chiffon with spiced cheesecake filling, Dark Chocolate Crisp Pearls, garnished with chocolate ganache, poinsettia, and a fondant reindeer
AristoCrepes
Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Cherry fruit filling and ice cream in a waffle (Available Dec. 1-Jan.3)
Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle – Sweet potato waffle and ice cream topped with marshmallow fluff (Available through Dec. 1)
Eggnog Crepe – Eggnog custard in a crepe with pralines (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 3)
Mickey Snow Globe Sipper Cup – Disney Annual Passholder exclusive novelty (Available while supplies last)
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)
Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Warm, house-baked pumpkin bread in a rich custard topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream and finished with a golden spun sugar garnish
City Works Eatery & Pour House
1871 Chili – Angus steak, milk stout, pork, chipotle peppers, sour cream, red onions, served with a cornbread muffin
The Daily Poutine (Available through Jan. 3)
Gobbler Poutine – French fries with shredded turkey, gravy, and cheese curds
Mickey Santa Piñata – Dark chocolate piñata decorated like Mickey Santa filled with marshmallow treats
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (All items available through Dec. 25)
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer – Steamed milk, rich cocoa butter notes from the white chocolate caramel squares, classic caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a touch of sea salt.
Ghirardelli Peppermint Hot Cocoa – Peppermint with the decadence of Ghirardelli chocolate
Häagen-Dazs
Peppermint Bark Ice Cream – Rich white chocolate ice cream blended with crunchy chocolaty peppermint bark and peppermint pieces. (Available in a cone, cup or any handmade dessert through Jan. 15.)
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (All items available through Jan. 3)
Milk and Cookies by the Fireside – Butter cookies and coquito with rum
Child Cookies and Milk – Chocolate chip cookie and milk
C9 Light Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with shrimp, and caviar
Grandma’s Favorite Sliders – Venison sausage sliders, cranberry-bacon jam, and watercress on brioche bun
Papa Noel’s Churrasco – Flank steak with fried sweet plantains and spicy aji amarillo peanut sauce
Jock’s Holiday Nog – Cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, vodka, hazelnut-flavored liqueur, and vanilla
Mistletoe Mule – Vodka, lime, and passion fruit topped with ginger beer
Very Berry Margarita – Tequila, coconut rum, cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, and cranberry juice
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea
Celebrate this holiday season and warm up your heart and cup with Joffrey’s new line of blends including Disney’s Riviera Resort Blend and the 2020 Holiday Blend plus Campfire Mug Gift Set
Mac & Cheese (Disney Food Truck)
Fried Mac and Cheese – Crispy fried cheesy elbow macaroni with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese (Available through Jan. 3)
Marketplace Snacks
Jolly Holiday Float – Cranberry orange juice with vanilla ice cream
Olaf Pilsner Novelty Cup
Outdoor Vending Carts & Kiosks (Available through Jan. 3)
Feliz Navidad – Tequila, crème de cassis, apple juice, and lime juice
Claus-Mo – Vodka and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur mixed with cranberry juice
Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon-flavored liqueur, blue curaçao liqueur mixed with Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice
Florida Yule – Vodka and orange juice topped with ginger beer
Winter Wonderland – Cinnamon whisky and cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur
Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whisky, vodka, and white cranberry juice
Mickey Christmas Tree Novelty Popcorn Bucket (Available while supplies last)
Peppermint Mickey Novelty Bottle Topper (Available while supplies last)
Mickey Jingle Bell Novelty Glow Cube (Available while supplies last)
The Polite Pig
Holiday Feast – Leave your Thanksgiving meal to The Polite Pig and order the Holiday Feast featuring your choice of main course, sides, and dessert. Call (407) 938-7444 to order. (Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour – Hand-crafted special blend of rye, apple cider, sour mix, and bourbon with a sweet cinnamon sugar rim.
Splitsville (All items available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)
Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread – Maple apple butter, smoked gouda, and goat cheese topped with crisp diced apples, grilled chicken, red onion, bacon, and cilantro
Spiced Pear Spritzer – Fresh pear nectar, ginger liqueur, vodka, lemon juice and allspice topped with ginger ale and garnished with star anise
Sprinkles
Pumpkin Cupcake – Pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting rim (Available through Nov. 29)
Double Stuffed Oreo® Cupcake – Oreo® cookie crust, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream filling, vanilla buttercream frosting with Oreo® crumble rim (Available through Nov. 22)
Cannoli Cupcake – Ricotta Pistachio Cake filled and frosted with mascarpone cream, topped with crushed cannoli shells, chopped chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios; finished with truffled chocolate ganache (Available Nov. 23-29)
Christmas Cookie Cupcake – Vanilla cake studded with red and green sprinkles topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with red and green sprinkles and a homemade sugar cookie coated in sprinkles (Available Nov. 27- Jan. 3)
Gingerbread Cupcake – Spiced ginger cake topped with cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake – Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with bittersweet chocolate-peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
Vivoli il Gelato
Tiramisù Push Pop – Tiramisù cream, cocoa powder, and cake soaked in coffee sauce
Cotton Candy Affogato – Choice of gelato paired with espresso, whipped cream, and cotton candy
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (All items available through Dec. 31)
Heirloom Apple Salad – Local burrata, baby kale, pear butter, currants, ver jus
Fall Spiced Sangria – Apples, pears, cinnamon
Wine Bar George
Saganaki On Fire – Made with vlahotiri cheese and metaxa (a Greek spirit), this traditional dish from Greece is set on fire tableside and served with crostini
Hooten Young American Whiskey – Discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – American whiskey with notes of maple, vanilla, ripe apple. and a long smooth finish. Available in the Hoot Cocktail, Wine Bar George Old Fashioned, or however you like to enjoy your whiskey.
I know we’re all anxiously awaiting the upcoming opening of Gideon’s Bakehouse! As a sneak peek, I’m excited to share two of their limited-time cookies that will be available through Dec. 31 when they open soon at Disney Springs:
Santa’s White Christmas Cookie – White Chocolate Chip Cookie filled with notes of Coconut, Sweet Caramel, Vanilla, and Nutty Flavors with freshly ground locally roasted coffee beans throughout. The cookie elves have also added the crunch of coarse sugar, the Gideon’s signature sea salt, and a pinch of Christmas glitter.
Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie – Deep, dark Triple Chocolate Velvet textured cookie filled with Andes Mint and available in its own special packaging.
Looking to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal? A few of our table service restaurants are offering their own unique menus on Thanksgiving Day including: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works Eatery & Pour House, Paddlefish, Paradiso 27, Taste of the Americas, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, Terralina Crafted Italian, The Edison, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made at disneysprings.com or opentable.com.
Remember to allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination when traveling to Disney Springs and be sure to follow @disneysprings on social media for more delicious happenings across property.
