Monthly Archives: March 2023

Mar 7 2023

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in 2023

Great news for fans of water parks and beach parties…returning to Typhoon Lagoon for summer 2023 are Disney H2O Glow After Hours! Here’s everything you need to know about this ultimate summer celebration, courtesy of Disney:

Surf’s up! Guests can look forward to swells of totally tropical fun this year, including the return of the vibrant, late-night party, H2O Glow After Hours, at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, the paradise-themed water park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. 

H2O Glow After Hours lights up starting May 20 on select nights through September 2. The glowing guest-favorite party allows guests to enjoy their favorite attractions under the stars for three hours (8-11pm) after the water park closes to daytime guests, giving everyone easier access to their favorite Typhoon Lagoon thrills.

Other “glow”rious event details include:  

  • Glow lighting effects and décor 
  • High-energy DJ dance parties
  • Surprise character appearances
  • Exclusive adult-only area
  • Complimentary ice cream treats, popcorn and selected beverages 
  • Exclusive glow-themed food and beverage 

Food and beverage items remain one of the main attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and this year there will be several new items. A few gnarly new additions will be fruity new DOLE Whip flavors like watermelon, mango, pineapple, strawberry and raspberry available at Snack Shack; a Pineapple Upside Down Cone at Happy Landings; and a Barbeque Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Flatbread at Leaning Palms. 

Plenty of traditional favorites will be available, too, such as the Moana and Hei Hei Ice Cream Cone and the iconic Sand Pail Sundae as well as savory snacks like Hand Battered Fish Tacos and Fish and Chips. 

Adults can pair their delightful bites with tropical beverage items. Among the new drink offerings are the Kungaloosh Kooler, the Crush ‘N’ Gushed Red and White Sangrias and the Mayday Mojito Flight. 

Guests can also look forward to the return of one of the water park’s signature attractions: The Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. The largest outdoor wave pool in North America, the attraction uses state-of-the-art technology to create controlled waves up to six-feet high. Guests have two surfing options – “open surf’’ for small groups that involve 10 waves or “private surf’’ for groups of up to 25 people.  

Other popular attractions that offer everything from exhilarating slides to “water-ful’’ play spaces include: 

  • Miss Adventure Falls, the fast-paced family raft attraction created, as the story goes, when Captain Mary Oceaneer, sea-faring treasure hunter, got her haul caught in a rogue typhoon, which scattered her treasure across this tropical paradise years ago.  
  • Crush ‘N’ Gusher, a thrilling “water coaster” that features three 400-foot-long tube slides named for the various fruits they once transported. 
  • Castaway Creek, a scenic lazy river that encircles the entire water park, offering gentle passage past shady grottoes, gushing waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and lush rainforest landscapes. 
  • Humunga Kowabunga, offering a choice of three adrenaline-filled body slides set against the steep inclines of Mount Mayday. 

Known for its immersive storytelling, unique water attractions and a variety of family fun offerings, the water park was themed after the fabled tale of a rogue storm and its ensuing tidal wave that wreaked havoc on what once was a pristine waterside paradise. Full of topsy-turvy architecture, storm-strewn nautical gear and a stranded ship impaled upon the summit of Mount Mayday, each intentional detail brings the maritime legend to life.  

Disney H2O Glow After Hours Dates

Select Mondays and most Saturdays from May 20 through September 2, 2023: 

  • May 20 and 27
  • June 3, 10, 17, and 24
  • July 1, 3, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 31
  • August 5, 12, 19, and 26
  • September 2

Disney H2O Glow After Hours Times

8:00pm to 11:00pm (guests with event tickets may arrive early, beginning at 6:00pm)

Disney H2O Glow After Hours Tickets

Admission is $75 for adults (plus tax) and $70 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax). Tickets are now on sale for the limited-capacity event by clicking here. 

Will you be attending Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 6 2023

First Look at Roundup Rodeo BBQ Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Howdy, BBQ fans! Raised in Kansas City, I am a huge barbecue fan, and I couldn’t be more excited to try Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios when it finally opens on March 23, 2023. While I love Polite Pig in Disney Springs and Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT, I’ve been looking forward to this new dining option in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for years. If you too are a BBQ lover, here’s everything you need to know about Roundup Rodeo BBQ courtesy of Disney:

Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard will welcome more toys when Roundup Rodeo BBQ opens in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios March 23. A unique collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, this one-of-a-kind dining experience will be the first “Toy Story” table service restaurant in the world. 

Like all of Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo brings to life the stories, characters and heart from the award-winning Disney Pixar “Toy Story” films. It is a place where guests shrink to the size of a toy and feel like they have stepped into a clever, whimsical world filled with beloved toys. 

Welcome to the Rodeo! 

Andy has created a new rodeo arena for all of his favorite toys, featuring game pieces and iconic “Toy Story” characters, stickers and more. Imagineers worked closely with Disney Pixar Animation Studios to bring the space to life, developing unique designs and artwork that can only be found in the restaurant. “We are thrilled to work with our partners at Disney Pixar Animation Studios to create this unforgettable dining experience that blends great food, storytelling and whimsy,” said Ben van Beusekom, senior artisan specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering. “A visit to this special place is a must for Toy Story fans who have come to love Andy and his toys as much as we do.” 

When guests step into Roundup Rodeo BBQ, they become Andy’s honorary toys. Arriving in the dining room, they enter a scene depicting a toy rodeo in full swing and come face-to-face with life-size figures. Jessie and Trixie take the reins in the first dining space, while Bo Peep and her sheep command center stage in the second.  

Absorbed in the action, guests are fully immersed in Andy’s imagination – and the world he has created.  

Barbecue-Inspired Fare 

Suppers on! Offering the same menu at both lunch and dinner, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will serve favorite barbecue-inspired fare in a family-style setting.   

  • Begin your feast with tender, scratch-made cheddar biscuits accompanied by sweet pepper jelly.  
  • A variety of crisp salads, such as a refreshing tomato, cucumber and pickled red onion salad dressed perfectly in white balsamic vinaigrette, set the scene for the main course.  
  • Guests will enjoy delicious house-smoked meats, including fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs, brisket smoked low-and-slow in house and so much more. A robust plant-based menu is available as well, ensuring a meal for the whole family to enjoy.  
  • And what’s a picnic without sides? Choose from traditional favorites such as potato salad, baked beans or classic slaw, or opt for more adventurous selections like grilled corn-on-the-cob seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend and topped with cotija cheese, or fried pickles.  
  • For a sweet ending, dig into dreamy desserts inspired by everyone’s favorite picnic treat: pie!  
  • An assortment of craft cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages pay homage to classic backyard picnic beverages and the flavors of childhood, perfectly complementing every meal.  

Dining reservations are required to experience Roundup Rodeo BBQ and can be made through the MyDisneyExperience app or by clicking here. Guests need both valid park admission and park reservations for Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the same date to dine.

Will you be trying Roundup Rodeo BBQ during your next visit to Walt Disney World? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 4 2023

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up March 4, 2023

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for March 4, 2023!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney Did You Know

At least 25 different plants, grasses and mosses of various colors, including pink and red begonias, dusty miller, palm fiber, palm seeds, ficus and lichen, are used to create and define facial and other features of festival character topiaries displayed during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The topiary team uses about 200 one-pound boxes of hairpins to attach plants and flowers to the topiaries.

Tip Of The Week

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a perfect choice for doing a split day with one park in the morning and another at night. Spend the morning enjoying popular attractions such as Na’vi River Journey and Kilamanjaro Safaris then, after a mid-day break from the heat; head over to Epcot to tour World Showcase at night.

Walt’s Words

“You can design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

Hope you have a magical weekend!

Mar 3 2023

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2023 in Walt Disney World

If you will be visiting Walt Disney World around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for a fun place to celebrate, look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs. This year’s Mighty Festival runs from Thursday, March 16 through Sunday, March 19, 2023. Raglan Road is one of my favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World for delicious food and lively entertainment for the whole family. If you’re in the area this month and looking for a fantastic celebration, here’s everything you need to know:

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is returning to Disney Springs this month! Don your best green duds and head on over to Disney Springs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style March 16 through March 19, 2023.

Along with a full menu of authentic Irish cuisine like Bangers & Mash and Shepherd’s Pie plus a massive selection of beer and cocktails, Raglan Road will be featuring sensational live entertainment straight from Ireland. Here’s the full line up as well as details on the featured acts you’ll be able to enjoy throughout the festival.

Elevation

Back by popular demand, Elevation is without question the most successful U2 tribute band in the world. With their huge repertoire and unparalleled experience, Elevation is the only band to call when you want to bring the most authentic sights and sounds of U2 to your audience without actually having to bring in U2 themselves. If you think this all sounds too good to be true, seeing is believing.

Clare Sands

Channeling the music of her ancestors, sixth generation fearless fiddler, bilingual singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Clare Sands is a unique force in Irish music. Creating boundary breaking Fearless Folk music inspired by her travels around Ireland and the world, Sands sings for the young and the old, brave and the bold wowing audiences with her ground-breaking traditional style and infinite energy. Enjoy an exhilarating journey of story and song full of heart, humor and hope.

Strings & Things

Hailing from Tipperary and Galway, Strings & Things are a contemporary Irish Trad/ Folk/ Roots crossover band with a large repertoire of Irish songs, airs and traditional pieces presented in a very contemporary arrangement and style. Their unique sound and high stage energy always promises a raucous evening of music and song.  They recently released their third instalment off their highly anticipated Re: Works EP, “Take the Time.”

One For The Foxes

Award-winning instrumentalists Tadhg Ó Meachair (Goitse) from Dublin & Joanna Hyde (The Hydes) from Colarado form an exciting and dynamic transatlantic duo. Through a shared deep-rooted passion for Irish traditional music, they present a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music and song in an energetic and engaging manner creating an eclectic vibe.

Men Of Aran

These two legends of the Irish traditional music world, Colin Farrell (fiddle) and Dave Curley (banjo & vocals) have toured, performed and recorded with numerous traditional Irish music luminaries. They are gifted entertainers and masters of their craft charming Raglan Road audiences with a potent mix of sublime musicianship, electric energy and a tremendous live performance.

Celtic Croí

A fresh and exciting three-piece traditional Irish music ensemble from Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast featuring Hannah McNeill (fiddle, vocals, banjo & mandolin), Blain Curtis (Guitar & Vocals) and Niall McIlroy (Guitar, whistles, flute & Vocals). All highly accomplished musicians with a wealth of musical talent and experience making for a vibrant and exciting live show of music and song.

Gobhán

Dynamic duo from Co. Down, featuring Oliver Havlin (Guitar & Vocals) and Aoife Byrne (Fiddle and Vocals). Winning numerous titles including Ulster Champions and were All Ireland Fleadh finalists. Performing all over Europe and have supported leading Irish artists Sharon Shannon and Paul Brady. They had the honour of being invited to perform for the Prince of Wales and The President of Ireland. They will keep you entertained with a mix of traditional Irish ballads and modern Irish songs.

The Raglan Road Irish Dancers

Plucked from the casts and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, will perform throughout the festival. 

Reservations are encouraged for guests who plan to celebrate at Raglan Road, where they can lift a pint, sip a cocktail, and dine on authentic contemporary Irish cuisine beginning on March 16. On St. Patrick’s Day only, March 17, Raglan Road will open at 11:00am with a $20 cover charge for guests 18 and older; (first-come, first-served—no reservations on this day only); younger patrons may enter free of charge. Please click here to make your reservations today!

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for St. Patrick’s Day? Have you ever been to Raglan Road in Disney Springs? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 2 2023

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries and Gardens

One of the best and brightest parts of the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World is the over 30 million blossoms scattered throughout EPCOT. So, for all of you flower lovers out there with a visit to EPCOT between now and July 5, 2023, here are all of the must-see topiaries and gardens, courtesy of Disney:

Topiaries

Discover spectacular topiaries of beloved animals and Disney characters, cultivated with care by Disney horticulturists. Here are this year’s displays and where you can find them:

  • Encanto, Including Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa – NEW!
    Main Entrance
  • Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Pluto
    Bridge to World Showcase and World Celebration
  • Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep
    World Nature Near The Land Pavilion
  • Goofy
    World Showcase
  • Tiana – NEW!
    The American Adventure Pavilion
  • Buzz Lightyear
    World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE
  • Donald and Daisy
    Community Garden Near Connections Café in World Celebration
  • Figment
    Near Imagination!
  • The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald and Panchito)
    Mexico Pavilion
  • Anna and Elsa
    Norway Pavilion
  • Troll
    Norway Pavilion
  • Dragon
    Japan Pavilion Near Torii Gate
  • Pandas
    China Pavilion
  • Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi)
    Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
  • Pumbaa and Timon
    Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
    Germany Pavilion
  • Lady and the Tramp
    Italy Pavilion
  • Beauty and the Beast
    France Pavilion
  • Lumiere and Cogsworth
    France Pavilion
  • Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
    Between France and Morocco Pavilions
  • Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc
    Between United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions
  • Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger)
    United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden
    United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Bambi and Friends
    Near Imagination! and Refreshment Port
  • Geese
    Canada Pavilion
  • Butterflies
    Main Entrance, Scentsy Garden, Butterfly House and World Showcase

Gardens

Weave through dazzling flowerbeds, stumble upon exotic gardens, learn more about sustainable foods and celebrate the ways we can live in harmony with the natural world.

  • Bamboo Garden – China Pavilion
    Visit this garden to see bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
  • Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy – World Showcase Bridge
    Follow your nose and form lasting memories with the help of fresh, unforgettable fragrances
  • Bold Bromeliads – The Land Pavilion
    Observe a variety of unique and colorful plants that can adapt to a wide range of climates and conditions.
  • Bonsai Collection – Japan Pavilion
    Learn about the art of bonsai, some of the finest living sculptures. Bonsai masters carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art, creating peace and balance with the earth.
  • Bouquet Garden – France Pavilion
    See bountiful blooms perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers.
  • Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth – World Nature Near Imagination!
    View a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. Learn about butterfly lifecycles and maybe even see one emerge from its chrysalis. Closes at dusk.
  • China Zodiac Garden – China Pavilion
    Realize your finer attributes in this garden inspired by the 12 creatures of the Chinese zodiac.
  • The Community Garden – World Celebration – NEW!
    Connect with the earth and each other at this celebration of a diverse and thriving communal garden plot.
  • Connections Conservatory Garden – Connections Eatery
    Settle into this thoughtful garden full of floral inspirations for your indoor spaces.
  • Desert Garden – Mexico Pavilion
    Discover the special adaptations that allow plants in arid climates to adjust to the harshest of growing conditions.
  • English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® – United Kingdom Pavilion
    Unearth the history and art of tea-blending at this elegant English tea garden––featuring plants used in some of Twinings’ finest blends.
  • Family-Friendly Garden Presented by OFF!
    Explore a camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play and climb.
  • Festival Blooms – World Celebration
    Admire thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas.
  • Floating Gardens – World Nature
    Peer upon more than 150 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the bridge to World Showcase.
  • Garden Italiano – Italy Pavilion
    From fresh spaghetti sauce to pizza toppings, this Tuscan kitchen garden features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
  • The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Rosewalk Near Imagination!
    Learn about honeybees’ critical role in the environment, and delight in sweet and savory treats made possible by their hard work.
  • Kokedema Garden – Japan Pavilion
    Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art at this tranquil garden.
  • Miniature Garden – Germany Pavilion
    Appreciate the little things in this showcase of diminutive dwellings nestled in a forest of fine shrubs.
  • Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE
    Imagine life on Earth 65 million years ago with astounding plant life that’s thrived since the age of the dinosaurs.
  • Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
    Explore the works of Shakespeare in this idyllic garden featuring excerpts from some of the bard’s most famous sonnets—and the dazzling flowers that influenced them.
  • Shishi-odoshi – Japan Pavilion – NEW!
    Contemplate the methodical movement and soothing rhythm of this traditional Japanese bamboo water fountain.
  • Spice Garden – Morocco Pavilion
    Discover how Eastern cultures flourished, trading signature spices and herb blends once considered more valuable than gold.
  • Songbird Meadow Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited® – World Discovery Songbirds are an important part of many ecosystems—including the one in your own backyard! Discover simple steps you can take at home to help these feathered friends thrive.
  • Topiary Heritage Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
    Marvel at the varied techniques employed by the Walt Disney World Horticulture team to create the festival’s topiaries.
  • Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico Pavilion
    Uncover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and learn about its highly adaptive species.

Do you spend time checking out the topiaries and gardens during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival? Which one is your favorite? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!