Category News

Jul 5 2024

First Look at Disney Dreams That Soar Drone Show at Disney Springs

For years Disney has been experimenting with drones and occasionally offers limited run shows at Disney Springs. This summer Disney has dusted off their highflyers and has once again created a new nighttime spectacular for guests to enjoy. From now through September 2, head on over to Disney Springs to catch this delightful combination of lights and music. Here are the details courtesy of Disney:

“Disney Dreams That Soar presented by AT&T,” the newest nighttime entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort, recently made its debut in the skies above Disney Springs. Running from now to September 2, this innovative drone show combines technology and storytelling to offer a larger-than-life viewing experience for the summer.  

The new, limited-time show uses 800 cutting-edge drones choreographed to create over 30 characters in the night sky from beloved Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movies. Set to an original soundtrack and memorable quotes, figures soar to heights of up to 400 feet to create a visually stunning experience for audiences of all ages. With scenes like a 213-foot Death Star amid a galactic battle to an appearance from Tinker Bell spreading pixie dust, this expansive character collection offers something for every Disney fan.

“We put a lot of thought into making sure that no matter how old you are, or how much of a fan you are, you’re likely to see a character that you love,” said Disney Live Entertainment Executive Creative Director Tom Vazzana. “This is an elaborate, one-of-a-kind show of scale and technology where guests will be wowed by the emotion of seeing these treasured stories appear in the sky, at sizes larger than beloved icons like Spaceship Earth and Cinderella Castle.” 

The show lights up the sky above Disney Springs for just under 10 minutes nightly, providing guests with an enchanting conclusion to a day filled with shopping and other activities. Guests wearing MagicBand+ can also enjoy interacting with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” as the accessories light up, vibrate and sync with the spectacle that’s unfolding in the night sky. 

“Creativity and innovation are part of everything we do at Disney Springs, from the incredible places to dine to the mix of shopping options,” said Disney Springs Vice President Matt Simon. “This is what makes ‘Disney Dreams That Soar’ a great fit for Disney Springs, and the perfect ending to remember your day.” 

Showtimes for “Disney Dreamers That Soar’’ are at 9:00pm and 10:45pm nightly throughout the summer. The entrance to the waterfront viewing areas is located behind the House of Blues in the West Side at Disney Springs. Viewing areas for “Disney Dreams That Soar” are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an outdoor show and subject to cancellation in case of inclement weather including thunderstorms or high winds. Showtimes are subject to change.

Heading to Walt Disney World?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World soon, please be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:

Have you seen a drone show at Disney Springs?
Do you prefer drones or fireworks? Please leave a comment below!

Jul 2 2024

Delicious Fourth of July Treats at Walt Disney World

Are you heading to Walt Disney World to celebrate Independence Day this year? If so, there will plenty of delicious food to enjoy while you’re there. Check out some of the festive treats being served up throughout the resort in honor of the Fourth of July, courtesy of Disney:

Magic Kingdom  

Liberty Square Market (Available June 30 through July 6)  

Red, White, and Blue Slushy: Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Fanta Cherry layered with whipped cream and topped with popping candies

Sleepy Hollow (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)  

Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, and festive sprinkles 

EPCOT  

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available June 30 through July 7; mobile order available)  

Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich with house-made pickles, coleslaw, and an onion ring on a brioche roll  

Disney’s Hollywood Studios  

PizzeRizzo (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)  

Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with apple pie filling, topped with salted caramel buttercream and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey ears  

Woody’s Lunch Box (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)  

4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling topped with vanilla fondant and star sprinkles 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom  

Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available July 1 through 5; mobile order available)  

Fourth of July Cupcake: Strawberry cake with blueberry compote, red, white, and blue vanilla icing, white chocolate Mickey-shaped decoration and gold star sprinkles 

Disney Springs  

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available now through July 8; mobile order available)  

Fourth of July Minnie Mouse Dome: White chocolate and strawberry mousse with vanilla chiffon cake and glaçage  

The Ganachery (Available now through July 7)  

Stars and Stripes Minnie Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with popping candy-chocolate bark 

Disney Resorts Hotels  

Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available) 

Fourth of July Cheesecake: Strawberry bavarois, lemon cheesecake, and blueberry chiffon cheesecake  

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)  

Red, White, and Brownie: Red velvet-brown butter brownie with cream cheese icing, graham streusel, and caramel. Available at the following locations:  

  • 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 
  • Spyglass Grill 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 at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter 

Heading to Walt Disney World?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World soon, please be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:

Will you be celebrating 4th of July in Walt Disney World?
Which treat will you be trying? Please leave a comment below!

Jul 1 2024

Celebrating Independence Day 2024 in Walt Disney World

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July this year? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Here’s the current lineup courtesy of Disney:

Patriotic hues of red, white and blue will sparkle as Walt Disney World Resort in Florida celebrates Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment.  

Here are several ways guests can celebrate the stars and stripes this Independence Day at Walt Disney World.  

Fireworks over Magic Kingdom

“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular. A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels. This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m. 

Be Inspired by Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT

Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute that debuted June 9, 2024, at EPCOT. Reflecting President Bush’s personal commitment to military veterans and ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veteran and Military Families Program, this extraordinary art exhibit brings together more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served in military uniform with honor since 9/11 and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office. 

Party Throughout Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom guests can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park. 

Heartbeat of Freedom Following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT

Patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks show “Luminous The Symphony of Us” on July 4 at 9 p.m. 

Voices of Liberty Harmonies at EPCOT

While visiting EPCOT, guests will be treated to the sounds of Americana as the legendary a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty performs patriotic numbers in the rotunda of The American Adventure. Performances will take place throughout the day. 

Special Photo Opportunities with Patriotic Disney Pals

Favorite Disney pals will be dressed for the occasion in their “Spirit of ’76” attire and meet with guests throughout the day at The American Adventure at EPCOT.  

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Glitters in Red, White, and Blue

In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Guests can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the park’s recently completed multi-year transformation.  

Food That’s Worth a Salute

For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT. More details to be announced in the July 4th Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog being released June 25.  

Gear Up with Disney Americana Collection

Resort guests can celebrate in style with a special collection of merchandise featuring red, white and blue colors and patriotic Mickey Mouse. The Disney Americana Collection includes a Loungefly Mini Backpack and Ear Headband along with a variety of tees. Guests can discover these treasures for a limited time at World of Disney at Disney Springs, Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations Shop at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and online at DisneyStore.com.  

Celebrate at Disney Resort Hotels

Select Disney Resort hotels get into the spirit with classic summertime fun, from surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts to Movies Under the Stars and children’s activities. Or just enjoy an afternoon poolside or a leisurely boating excursion on sparkling lakes and waterways.  

Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights. More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule. 

Stroll Down Main Street, U.S.A.

Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street U.S.A. is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.  

Witness the Flag Retreat

Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice. 

Liberty Square Tree

See History in Liberty Square

Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to a replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in the Hall of Presidents, a stirring show tracing the nation’s history. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square through neighboring Frontierland reflects a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.  

Experience The American Adventure

The American Adventure in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression all the way up to today, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.  

Heading to Walt Disney World?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:

Have you celebrated the 4th of July in Walt Disney World?
Are you going this year? Please leave a comment!

Mar 18 2023

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up March 18, 2023

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for March 18, 2023!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Disney Did You Know

During the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival more than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are planted; 250,000 of those are annual blossoms installed for the festival.

Tip Of The Week

A great way to prepare young children who might not be familiar with some of the older Disney characters is by watching Disney movies and reading books featuring those characters in advance.

Walt’s Words

Walt Disney

“Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows.”

Hope you have a magical weekend!

Mar 17 2023

First Look at Energy Bytes Snack Kiosk Coming to Magic Kingdom

With the opening of TRON Lightcycle/Run right around the corner, here’s some exciting news for the Disney foodies out there…a brand-new snack kiosk – Energy Bytes is also on the horizon. Disney recently shared the menu for Energy Bytes which will also be located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. While I will continue to satisfy my hunger pains and 10-year-old palate at nearby Lunching Pad with my favorite standard-issue Disney Hot Dog and Coca-Cola Slushy, for all of you adventurous eaters out there, Energy Bytes should be a refreshing new dining option with a futuristic twist.

If you’re in Magic Kingdom early in the day and looking for breakfast on your way to the virtual que for TRON Lightcycle/Run, Energy Bytes will be offering Chocolate Cake Doughnut Holes topped with Mocha sauce. And, if you need a little caffeine to get going plus even more of a chocolate fix, why not wash those doughnut holes down with a Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee also topped with Mocha sauce?

If sweets aren’t your thing, how about some dumplings? Energy Bytes will feature two different types of savory “Digital Dumplings.”

First up, there’s the Buffalo Chicken Digital Dumplings which combine chicken dumplings, blue cheese powder, and cayenne pepper broth.

Or, if you prefer beef, there’s the Beef & Broccoli Digital Dumplings which feature beef dumplings, broccoli pesto, and ginger-soy broth.

And to wrap up your snack, try the Strawberry IceOform which includes strawberry ice cream mochi, graham crackers, and cheesecake foam for dessert.

For beverages, Energy Bytes will offer the typical sodas and bottled waters plus a frozen Watermelon Refresher made with yuzu and ginger, perfect for those hot, sunny Florida days!

What do you think of the Energy Bytes menu? Anything you’re excited to sample? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!