Mar 16 2023

Here’s What Is Coming to Walt Disney World in 2023

Do you have a Walt Disney World vacation coming up in 2023? If so, there’s so many new experiences and returning favorites to enjoy during your trip this year. Here’s what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2023, courtesy of Disney!

In 2023, Walt Disney World Resort is the place to embrace thrills of all kinds. Exciting new experiences set to debut this year include one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park, a new restaurant to savor, the continued transformation of EPCOT, returning nighttime spectaculars filling night skies throughout the resort and so much more.

Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary Continues Through March 31

It’s your last chance to experience a party fifty years in the making as the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration will conclude March 31, 2023. Make plans to visit now to see Mickey Mouse and his pals in their EARidescent finery one last time and enjoy all the special sights, tastes and merchandise that mark this momentous event.

New and Returning Character Greetings – All Year

New and returning character experiences are sure to thrill guests of all ages. Beginning April 22, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – just in time for the park’s 25^th anniversary. Fans of Figment will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning late summer. Mickey Mouse and friends will also have a new home at Communicore Hall opening later this year as part of the EPCOT transformation. And, at Magic Kingdom Park this fall, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal. These new experiences follow the return of several Magic Kingdom character experiences including Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel in her underwater grotto and the return of character dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – March 23

Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard is preparing to welcome more toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening March 23 in Toy Story Land. Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world. A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring more toy-sized, tasty fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For more information, please click here!

Nighttime Spectaculars Brighten Skies and Warm Hearts at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT – April 3

Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks show will fully immerse guests in heartfelt Disney stories as brand-new projections extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.

“EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.

The Grid Awaits on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise – April 4

Beginning April 4, guests can climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other. A virtual queue will be in place when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens and guests will also have the option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. For more information, please click here!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25^th Anniversary – April 22

2023 marks a special milestone as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates its 25^th anniversary. With the return of entertainment such as “Festival of the Lion King” and ”Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!,” there has never been a better time to explore this one-of-a-kind park. It is the place to encounter wild animals, take in high-speed thrills and even journey to a world beyond belief, Pandora – The World of Avatar. Make plans now to visit this special place that celebrates the magic of nature.

EPCOT Transformation Continues – Late 2023

This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens. This fun interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.

Fall will also see completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature different gardens that change with the seasons. It will also be home to the new Communicore Plaza and the new Communicore Hall, the latter offering a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. It is also where guests will discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”

Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. A dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.

Disney100 Celebration – Late 2023

Later this year, Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100^th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. Look for more details to come, as EPCOT prepares to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World.

More Disney Dining Options – Throughout the Year

On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will welcome guests to an exciting new dining experience. This signature-dining restaurant – renowned for its panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon – will introduce a new interior along with a refreshed menu offering a perfect balance of updated classics and new culinary delights. Guests can look forward to the return of house specialties such as lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and tasty plant-based options. For more details, please click here!

Later this year, more dining delights will debut, including Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs and The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World in 2023? What are you most looking forward to enjoying? 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!

Jul 26 2021

Fairfax Fare In Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you are visiting Walt Disney World soon and planning to spend some time hanging out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’re bound to be looking for something tasty to eat. Head on down Sunset Boulevard and check out some of the delicious options being served up at Fairfax Fare (preferably AFTER you’ve ridden Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror)!

According to Disney:

Hot diggity dog! Fairfax Fare, located in Sunset Boulevard, has some over-the-top hot dogs, including a plant-based “hot dog” salad! (You have to try – it is fab!) Be sure to grab a refreshing beer, cocktail, or fountain drink to go along with your dog!

Select Menu Items

Truffle Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Hot Dog – All-beef quarter-pound hot dog topped with savory truffle macaroni & cheese and crispy applewood bacon drizzled with mustard aïoli on a brioche butter bun served with pickled vegetables

Pretzel Dog – All-beef quarter-pound hot dog topped with apple-braised sauerkraut and onions, and drizzled with mustard aïoli on pretzel bread served with pickled vegetables

California BLTA Dog – All-beef quarter-pound hot dog topped with lettuce, tomato, avocado, applewood bacon, crushed ranch tortilla chips, and house-made black pepper mayonnaise on a brioche butter bun served with pickled vegetables

Chicago-style “Hot Dog” Salad – Romaine blend, plant-based bratwurst, sliced sport peppers, tomatoes, onions, house-made dill pickle, sweet relish, mustard, and poppy-celery seed brioche croutons tossed in neon green relish vinaigrette (plant-based)

Other options at Fairfax Fare include a traditional hot dog, parmesan chips, pickled vegetables, a sandwich cookie dessert, and assorted hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There is not a dedicated children’s menu at this location, so sharing is a good option for guests with smaller appetites.

Mobile ordering is available, and highly recommended as this location can get very busy most of the day. Fairfax Fare’s hours vary and is generally open for lunch and early dinner from about 11am to approximately 4pm each day. Prices range from $10 to $12 for hot dogs, $4 to $5 for side items and desserts, and $4 to $13 for beverages.

Which hot dog will you be having at Fairfax Fare?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jul 23 2021

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge New Must Try Menu Items At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you are visiting Walt Disney World soon and planning to spend some time exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Disney recently announced several new must try items that have been added to the menus at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and Ronto Roasters.

If you haven’t dined at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo before, according to Disney:

At this restaurant housed in a working hangar bay, choose from a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients from across the galaxy—all of it delicious, but none of it familiar. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has docked a food freighter loaded with fresh supplies and he’s ready to satisfy the appetites of visitors and locals alike with an array of exotic offerings. His planet-hopping travels allow him to prepare fare with unusual flavors that delight customers.

New Menu Items

Batuuan Beef & Crispy Topato Stir Fry – Smoky braised beef glazed in tamarind sauce served with stir-fried vegetables, crispy herb yucca, pickled onions, and cilantro

Roasted Endorian Chicken Salad – Marinated chicken, mixed greens, grapes, tomato, cucumber, shaved onion, and radish in a lemon-pomegranate vinaigrette with spiced yogurt drizzle

Pirjanad Hot Chicken Tip Yip – Crispy chicken glazed in a spicy chipotle sauce served with white rice, relish of sweet corn, shishito peppers, jicama, plantains, and cilantro

Peka Tuna Poke – Raw tuna tossed in a spicy Sriracha dressing served with green papaya salad, pickled mushrooms, fresh herbs, and crispy garlic

Outpost Puff – Chocolate pastry filled guajillo chocolate mousse and green milk sauce finished with Thai tea panna cotta, spiced pineapple, and confectionary debris

Other options at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo include plant-based selections, children’s meals, and assorted alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Mobile ordering is available, and highly recommended as this location can get very busy most of the day and night. Docking Bay’s hours vary and is generally open for lunch and dinner each day. Prices range from $13 to $20 for entrees, $7 for dessert, $8 to $10 for children’s meals, and $3 to $15 for beverages.

If you haven’t tried Ronto Roasters, according to Disney:

As you wander the market, follow the intoxicating scent of grilled meat wafting through the air. Ronto Roasters is a favorite stop for crews prepping for their next mission.

Inside, spot the hanging podracer engine heating up a spit of meats. A pitmaster droid turns the mechanical spit, grilling a large side of ronto—a massive beast native to the planet Tatooine.

New Menu Items

Kyryll Pork Rinds – Pork rinds seasoned in a savory blend of ancho chili, cheddar, smoke, and cinnamon.

Zuchii Wrap – Grilled zucchini, smokey chickpea-onion slaw, creamy garlic-tahini sauce, and fresh cilantro wrapped in pita bread (plant-based)

Triple Suns Breakfast Wrap – Plant-based egg, smoky chickpea-onion slaw, and roasted tomato sauce wrapped in pita bread (plant-based)

Andoan Fruit with Muja Sauce – Sticks of jicama, cucumber, pineapple, melon, and dragon fruit doused in a tamarind sauce and dusted with peppercorn ash (plant-based)

Other options at Ronto Roasters include limited breakfast selections plus assorted alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There is not a dedicated children’s menu at this location, so sharing is a good option for guests with smaller appetites. Mobile ordering is available, and highly recommended as this location can get very busy most of the day. Ronto Roasters’ hours vary and is generally open for breakfast and lunch each day. Prices range from $8 to $13 for entrees and $4 to $15 for beverages.

Will you be trying the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge menu items?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jul 16 2021

First Look At A Magical 2021 Holiday Season At Walt Disney World

If you are looking for some place to get away and spend the holidays this year, look no further than Walt Disney World. Recently Disney shared a first look at what is in store for guests to Walt Disney World this holiday season. According to Disney:

Beginning November 12, festive entertainment, whimsical décor, seasonal food and drinks, special merchandise and more will all be a part of the 2021 holiday season across Walt Disney World Resort. Here is a first look at the merrymaking to come this year as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the resort’s 50^th anniversary.

Magic Kingdom Park

Main Street, U.S.A., will be decked for the holidays with seasonal décor.
In the evening, special holiday projections will appear most nights on Cinderella Castle, alternating periodically throughout the night with the castle’s transformation into a Beacon of Magic as part of the park’s 50^thanniversary celebration.*
“Disney Very Merriest After Hours,” a new specially ticketed event, begins November 8 and continues on select nights through the holiday season. The four-hour experience with feature “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” Disney characters throughout the park, holiday music and décor, treats included and much more. The event will be open to a limited number of guests after regular park operating hours, with lower wait times on more than 20 available attractions. Tickets will go on sale in August, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Disney Resort hotels.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Hollywood Holiday Tower will twinkle anew at the end of Sunset Boulevard during Sunset Seasons Greetings. Projection effects will magically transform the park icon into snowy Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” This holiday show will also alternate with the tower’s nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic.
“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will feature a festive finale starring Olaf.
Santa Claus will bring some North Pole cheer to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard.
Minnie Mouse will host a meal at Hollywood & Vine, joined by her pals in their holiday finest – and Santa, too!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

The park’s centerpiece – The Tree of Life – becomes another Beacon of Magic most nights during the 50^thanniversary celebration. During the holiday season, there will be even more magic inspired by nature as the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings also takes place most nights.
Disney characters will set sail down Discovery River, accompanied by joyful songs of the season.

Disney Springs

The Walt Disney World shopping, dining and entertainment district will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises.
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will feature elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees, including some inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
A magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers at surprise locations.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will become Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Springs is the perfect place for guests to make their holiday shopping lists and check them twice, with a wide array of Disney holiday merchandise, including ornaments, matching family pajamas, Spirit Jerseys and more.

Disney Resort Hotels

Iconic trees and other seasonal touches will turn Disney Resort hotels into holiday hideaways.
Select resorts will feature intricate gingerbread displays perfect for holiday photographs … and inspiration for holiday treats.
Select resorts will offer holiday menus at restaurants, as well as other specialty food and drinks.

EPCOT

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return November 26 – December 30 and will feature Holiday Kitchens around World Showcase, performances by Voices of Liberty, a Cookie Stroll and more.

Disney World Enthusiast

Helpful information, tips and tricks for planning a magical Walt Disney World vacation!