Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2024 Edition

[ddluvsdisney]

Yeah I was gonna say, I remember it ending either the weekend of Memorial Day or the weekend after, depending on how it fell before Covid.

Yes it was like March to early June.

 

[MouseEarsMom33]

I hate that I’m going to miss Flower & Garden this year. I’m so used to it being there when we take our annual trip. Maybe Food & Wine will be moved up.

Me too.

 

[PolyRob]

Is it too much to hope for us out of state AP holders that they might start mailing magnets again?

They're probably not going to ship them out. The goal of AP magnets is to get people to go to the less crowded parks like Epcot and AK.

I bet this is to promote Journey of Water in Epcot to coincide with F&G.

 

[PolyRob]

Maybe AK just feel muggy because of all the foliage?

I agree with this! All the foliage just keeps the humidity high and it feels like a rainforest

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Went to see Soul at our local movie theater last night. It's a special engagement in which the three pandemic-era Pixar movies are getting their limelight in theaters.

Turns out, Soul is a really beautiful movie! The first time we saw it on D+ we thought it was fine, maybe a little slow. But I think we must not have been paying enough attention or in the right state of mind because it's actually so moving! So, pleasantly surprised. Will go see Turning Red and Luca when they're in theaters in the coming months.

 

[jade1]

I agree with this! All the foliage just keeps the humidity high and it feels like a rainforest

Ah.....sounds good right about now.

 

[mickey916]

Exterior Refurbishment of Polynesian Village Resort begins
As Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort prepares to welcome a brand new Disney Vacation Club tower later this year, the existing resort will undergo an exterior refresh, including a repainting over the coming months. The work is expected to wrap up later this year before the DVC tower opens to the public.

While visiting Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we noticed that work has begun on the Niue building near the Great Ceremonial House lobby. Workers could be seen repainting the exterior and installing refreshed theming on the side of the building. Here’s a look around!

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[mickey916]

Bill filed to repeal Florida tourism oversight district and reinstate Reedy Creek
After passing through a local committee, SB1650 has been filed in the Florida Senate, aiming to repeal the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The bill was introduced by Florida Senator Linda Stewart.

The bill, which you can read in its entirety below, aims to revive, reenact, and readopt the Reedy Creek Improvement District as the local governing structure around the Walt Disney World Resort. The bill would end the offices and terms of the current Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors.

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sb1650-repeal-cftod-bill

 

[mickey916]

List of 25 Themed Global Gardens Coming to Flower & Garden Festival
As part of the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests will be able to enjoy 25 Global Gardens, including some all-new gardens around the theme park. These themed gardens range from the smallest set of plants to sprawling displays that will be sure to impress! Here’s a list of all of the Global Gardens that will be on display throughout the 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival.

2024 Global Gardens | EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival​

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.

• The Community Garden – World Celebration
  Connect with the earth and each other at this celebration of a diverse and thriving communal garden plot.
• Festival Blooms – World Celebration
  Admire thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas.
• Connections Conservatory Garden – World Celebration Near Connections Eatery
  Settle into this thoughtful garden full of floral inspirations for your indoor spaces.
• 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.
• Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF! – World Discovery
  Bring the entire family to explore this camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play and climb.
• 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.
• Floating Gardens – World Nature
  Peer upon more than 170 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the bridge to World Showcase.
• Bold Bromeliads – World Nature in The Land Pavilion
  Observe a variety of unique and colorful plants that can adapt to a wide range of climates and conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy – World Showcase Bridge
  Follow your nose and form lasting memories with the help of fresh, unforgettable fragrances.
• Extraordinary Orchids – World Showcase – Mexico Pavilion
  Set eyes on spectacular plants blooming in radiant color.
• Desert Garden – World Showcase – Mexico Pavilion
  Discover the special adaptations that allow plants in arid climates to adjust to the harshest of growing conditions.
• Bamboo Garden – World Showcase – China Pavilion
  Visit this garden to see bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
• China Penjing Garden – World Showcase – China Pavilion – NEW!
  Discover ancient Chinese art that recreates miniature landscapes.
• Gnome Garden – World Showcase – Germany Pavilion – NEW!
  Discover topiary versions of magical garden gnomes, originating from German folk tales.
• Miniature Garden – World Showcase – Germany Pavilion
  Appreciate the little things in this showcase of diminutive dwellings nestled in a forest of fine shrubs.
• Garden Italiano – World Showcase – 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.
• Bonsai Collection – World Showcase – 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.
• Kokedema Garden – World Showcase – Japan Pavilion
  Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art at this tranquil garden.
• Shishi Odoshi – World Showcase – Japan Pavilion
  Contemplate the methodical movement and soothing rhythm of this traditional Japanese bamboo water fountain.
• Spice Garden – World Showcase – Morocco Pavilion
  Discover how Eastern cultures flourished, trading signature spices and herb blends once considered more valuable than gold.
• Bouquet Garden – World Showcase – France Pavilion
  See bountiful blooms perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers.
• English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® – World Showcase – 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.
• Shakespeare Garden – World Showcase – 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.

 

[mickey916]

Blizzard Beach Closed Next 4 Days due to Cold Temps

 

[mickey916]

Foodie Guide to Valentine's Day 2024
Love (and flavor) is in the air because Valentine’s Day is nearly here. To celebrate this love-inducing celebration on Feb. 14, the culinary teams and mixologists have put their passion to the plate and created some truly decadent delights and sips for you to indulge in.

All you need is love, and your appetite, because both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have brought out the love fest, or should we say treat fest! This year, there are plenty of favorites returning, like the Zebra Mousse Cake from The Mara and the Strawberry–Red Velvet Whoopie Pie from The Trolley Car Cafe, as well as lovely new additions worthy of your Valentine, including the Valentine’s Day Sundae from Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream and the Puppy Love Chocolate Piñata at The Ganachery. You’ll soon be on cloud nine, one bite at a time.

I think it’s time we start to feel the love tonight and give your taste buds some tasty attention. I’m delighted to share with you this year’s Foodie Guide to Valentine’s Day!

Walt Disney World Resort​

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Feb. 1 through 17; mobile order available)

• Chocolate-covered Strawberries
• Strawberry Cheesecake

The Ganachery

• Puppy Love Chocolate Piñata filled with hazelnut truffle treats and crisp pearls (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 15)
• Mickey Chocolate Bites: Milk chocolate with caramel crisp pearls, solid 65% dark chocolate custom blend, and solid milk chocolate (New) (Currently available through Feb. 29)
• Champagne-Strawberry Ganache Square: Strawberry ganache blended with champagne enrobed in dark 65% chocolate (Available Feb. 1 through 18)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 17)

• Berry Lovely: Bacardí Dragonberry Rum with orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, watermelon syrup, and splash of soda garnished with a strawberry (New)

Vivoli il Gelato (Currently available through Feb. 29)

• Love Potion: Vanilla gelato, Fanta Strawberry, and whipped cream
• Cupid’s Bombashake: Strawberry cheesecake shake topped with a cheesecake-filled Bomboloni

Outdoor Vending at West Side – Landing (Available Feb. 1 through 17)

• Beautiful Rose: Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau liqueur, rose syrup, lime juice, lemon juice, and red cranberry juice garnished with a lime wedge (New)

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Mara (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

• Zebra Mousse Cake: Amarula mousse and chocolate sponge inspired by the iconic Zebra Domes

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

• Cupid’s Mousse: Devil’s food cake, vanilla bean mousse, and cherry compote (New)

Disney’s BoardWalk

BoardWalk Deli (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

• Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie: Rich brownie topped with strawberry cheesecake garnished with chocolate whipped cream, pink crisp pearls, and pink chocolate hearts

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café (Available Feb. 4 through 29; mobile order available)

• Sweet Heart Cookie: Sugar cookie with heart sprinkles topped with cream cheese buttercream, red velvet cake pieces and heart, and a drizzle of dark chocolate (New)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

• Raspberry Macaron Heart: Macaron filled with raspberry cream and a passion fruit curd (New)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only)

• Love Letter Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with strawberry pastry cream, white chocolate mousse, and buttercream flowers

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Kona Island (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Stitch and Angel Date Night Cupcakes: Vanilla cupcakes with fillings inspired by classic pairings: chocolate and peanut butter mousse filling and peanut butter mousse and jelly filling

Pineapple Lanai (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Valentine Float: DOLE Whip Raspberry with Rosa Regale Sparkling Red topped with raspberries and strawberries

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Trois Macarons: Raspberry ganache, strawberry jam, and milk chocolate ganache

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

• Love Bug Marshmallow: Strawberry marshmallow with a ganache center on a graham cracker cookie

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

• My (Plant-based) Sweetheart Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a love-ly swirl of vanilla buttercream and heart 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
  • 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

Magic Kingdom Park

Sunshine Tree Terrace (Currently available; mobile order available)

• I Lava You Float: Fanta Strawberry and passion fruit flavor served with DOLE Whip Orange and topped with popping candy (Plant-based)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Hollywood Brown Derby (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Red Velvet-White Chocolate Mousse atop a chocolate cookie

The Trolley Car Café (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Strawberry-Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream

EPCOT

Connections Café (Available Feb. 14 only)

• Valentine’s Day Baumkuchen with chocolate and strawberry layers (New)

Connections Eatery (Available Feb. 9 through 14; mobile order available)

• Valentine’s Day Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate garnish (New)

Le Cellier Steakhouse (Available Feb. 14 only)

• Profiterole: Raspberry cheesecake profiterole (New)

Disneyland Resort​

Disney California Adventure Park

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available Feb. 9 through 14; mobile order available)

• Ice Cream Mickey Ear Hat Bowl with Valentine’s Day Sundae: Chocolate and strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, chocolate-dipped strawberry, and seasonal sprinkles in a waffle cup (New)
• Valentine’s Day Sundae: Chocolate and strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, chocolate-dipped strawberry, and seasonal sprinkles in a waffle cup

Lamplight Lounge and Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining (Available Feb. 14 only)

• The Flame: Bacardi Raspberry Rum, peach schnapps, mango purée, raspberry purée, lime juice, Sprite, and Firewater Bitters with a chile-lime rim
• Sour Blackberry Vodka lemonade: Absolut Citron Vodka, Angostura Bitters, blackberries, lemonade, agave nectar, and lemon juice
• The Love That Lasts a Lifetime: Bacardi Raspberry Rum, St. George Raspberry Liqueur, orgeat syrup, raspberry purée, pineapple juice, and Sprite
• A Toast to Love Flight: Three miniature cocktails featuring a spicy cocktail, a bitter cocktail, and a sweet cocktail

Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Grand Californian Great Hall Cart (Available Jan. 26 through Feb. 18)

• Valentine’s Day Linzer Cookie
• Mickey-shaped Valentine’s Day Cookie
• Valentine’s Day Strawberries
• Valentine’s Day Assorted Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot with Milk
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot with Liqueur
• Red Velvet Cookie Shot with Milk
• Red Velvet Cookie Shot with Liqueur

GCH Craftsman Grill (Available Jan. 26 through Feb. 18)

• Valentine’s Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with buttercream icing and chocolate ganache
• Valentine’s Donut: White chocolate or chocolate coated donut with candy pearls

Hearthstone Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

• Pink Lady: Sipsmith Gin, Applejack, lemon juice, Liquid Alchemist Grenadine, Fee Foam, Luxardo Cherries

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite (SOLD OUT)

For those of you attending the sold-out Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite events, you’ll want to bring your appetite because there are plenty of beautiful bites to try! With one look, you and your stomach will fall in love with these delicious options like the Chocolate Strawberry Sundae at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor or the Burning Love Beignets at Hungry Bear Restaurant. For a bit of a savory moment, indulge in dishes like the Fried Heart-shaped Ravioli at Café Daisy or the Amordita Tacos for Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. And if that’s not enough, for a sweet finish, treat yourself to the Me & U-Bae Beignets from Mint Julep Bar. For those looking for an extra exciting (and tasty) evening, there’s multiple dining packages you can choose from at locations like Plaza Inn, Carnation Cafe, River Belle Terrace, and Cafe Orleans. Reservations are recommended but you can also check day-of for any walk-up availability. Learn more about them here.

Downtown Disney District

Ballast Point Brewing Co. (Available Feb. 14 only)

• Raspberry Panna Cotta: Vanilla bean panna cotta topped with raspberry compote and mint garnish

Beignets Expressed (Currently available through Feb. 19)

• Strawberry Shortcake Glazed Beignets: Strawberry icing dusted with strawberry sugar served with vanilla bean creme anglaise

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

• Mocha Tamarind Chile CRAZYSHAKE: Chocolate-frosted rim with crushed, puffed-chocolate cereal topped with fried churros, chocolate fudge pop, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle

Kayla’s Cake (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Valentine’s Day Gift Box featuring rose champagne, raspberry cream, Belgian dark chocolate, red velvet, salted caramel, and pistachio raspberry macarons

Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available Jan. 26 through Feb. 29)

• Tiramisu for Two: Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, and cocoa garnished with a cocoa heart
• Scarlett Heart Martini: Rum, peach schnapps, vodka, and cranberry juice with a sugar rim and garnished with a strawberry

Salt & Straw (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

• The Chocolatiers Series featuring Fran’s Chocolates Almond Gold Bar, Cloudforest’s Cocoa Hazelnut Magic Sauce, Dandelion’s Chocolate Nibs & Frangipane, Compartés’ Cake Batter Chocolate Fudge, and Exquisito Chocolate’s Passion Fruit Truffles

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available Feb. 13 through 15)

• Valentine’s Day Package for Two: Enjoy one hour of bowling with shoe rentals for two, one bottle of house wine, two entrees with the choice of Surf & Turf or Chicken Parmesan, and one dessert (Reservations Required)
• Surf & Turf: 8 oz sirloin steak and six blackened shrimp served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli
• Chicken Parmesan: Linguini pasta with two fried chicken parmesan cutlets topped with marinara sauce and a blanket of shredded mozzarella accompanied with two slices of garlic bread

Tortilla Jo’s (Available Jan. 26 through Feb. 29)

• Tacos Enamorados: Three tacos filled with New York steak, white Mexican shrimp, queso chihuahua, avocado, pico de gallo, and salsa enamoradita
• Cupid’s Corazon Margarita for Two: Tequila, pomegranate liqueur, organic margarita mix, and cranberry juice garnished with sugar rim, marshmallows, candy hearts, and a cherry

Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available Jan. 29 through March 3)

• Strawberry Funnel Cake Bitz: Original Bitz topped with powdered sugar and drizzled with strawberry sauce

Novelty Available Across the Disneyland Resort

• Polka Dot Valentine Mickey-shaped Balloon Bucket: (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply); Available at the following locations:
  • At Disney California Adventure park: Popcorn near Carthay Circle Restaurant, Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield, Popcorn at Pixar Pier
  • At Disneyland park: Popcorn near Central Plaza, Popcorn at small world Promenade, Popcorn near Fantasyland Theatre, Popcorn near Star Trader, Popcorn near Mark Twain Riverboat, Popcorn near Haunted Mansion

Available at Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including Marceline’s Confectionery, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Pooh Corner (Available Jan. 19 through Feb. 14)

• Minnie Strawberry Cheesecake Apple: Granny smith apple dipped in caramel with two Minnie Marshmallow ears, enrobed in strawberry-flavored, pink-colored white chocolate, and red-colored white chocolate drizzle with a graham cracker and strawberry crisp mix, white polka-dotted, pink-colored white chocolate bow, and topped with Valentine’s sprinkles (New)
• Mickey Valentine’s Apple: Granny smith apple dipped in caramel with two Mickey marshmallow ears, enrobed in white chocolate, and red sanding sugar embellished with two white M&M’s (New)
• Conversation Heart Cereal Treat: Heart shaped cereal treat dipped in colored white chocolate with colored sanding sugar and white chocolate words (New)
• White Chocolate Dipped Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry dipped in white chocolate and drizzled in pink-colored white chocolate (New)
• Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled with pink-colored white chocolate and white chocolate (New)
• Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Wand: Three marshmallows on a stick dipped in caramel and dark chocolate and drizzled in pink-colored and red-colored white chocolate
• Strawberry Mickey Cake Pop: Flat chocolate cake pop with Mickey marshmallow ears and dipped in strawberry-flavored, pink-colored white chocolate and drizzled with red-colored white chocolate
• Pink Bow Minnie Cake Pop: Round chocolate cake pop enrobed in milk chocolate and adorned with a white polka-dotted pink-white chocolate bow
• Pink Minnie Apple: Granny smith apple dipped in caramel with two Minnie marshmallow ears, enrobed in milk chocolate, pink sanding sugar dress, and white M&M’s and a white polka-dotted, pink-white chocolate bow.
• Pink Minnie Cereal Treat: Cereal treat dipped in milk chocolate with pink sanding sugar, white M&M’s chocolate candies, and a white polka-dotted, pink-white chocolate bow

Is that hunger or love I feel? Either way, I will definitely be trying these tasty treats for this year. I hope you and your loved ones have a very happy Valentine’s Day!

There’s no limit to the foodie adventures you can have at Disney Parks. Take a look at the Disney Eats topics page and be sure to follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on anything and everything food and beverage.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

 

[mdmost]

Some fun details coming out about Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Topping the list, HK Disneyland-like animatronics for Tiana.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1747706727535870021

To save you from having to go on Twitter:
New details for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from
@NOLAnews who recently got a tour of the attraction at Walt Disney World:
• The barn in the queue will house the main offices for Tiana’s Foods
• Speakers in the queue will broadcast an “old-timey radio show” with songs performed by New Orleans musicians
• The load station features cranes hoisting “Tiana’s Foods” crates
• The piece of concept art below, featuring ‘the critters,’ will take place when we first drop into the indoor section of the attraction
• Several Tiana Animatronics will “address guests directly” as we look for the missing ingredient
• Ted Robledo hinted at nods to Splash Mountain
• The Audio-Animatronics will use the same technology as Frozen Ever After at Hong Kong Disneyland
• The lead-up to the 50-foot drop will feature “magic” — “I’ll just say it’s got a lot to do with magic. It’s a magical moment that happens down there.”

 

[Shughart]

Just interesting to see it shortened to 90 days where it usually goes to Early July.

We planned our vow renewal and honeymoon around F&G and now we'll miss it it has for 3 years ended in early July. I'm gutted.

 

[Gusey]

Join us as we stop by to congratulate Lanny Smoot, the Disney Research Fellow and Imagineer behind mind-blowing special effects like making Madame Leota float inside the Haunted Mansion and our state-of-the art Star Wars lightsabers, is being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame! Lanny is the first Disney Imagineer to receive this prestigious recognition and only the second individual from The Walt Disney Company to be inducted — the first being Walt Disney, honored posthumously for the multiplane camera.

Also a look at the Holotile

 

[mickey916]

Adventure Friends Cavalcade Moves to the Morning
The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade is now being performed in the late morning hours at Magic Kingdom after previously being scheduled in the evenings only last year. The move to two late-morning showtimes resulted in the suspension of the noon Festival of Fantasy Parade showtime. Going forward, the Festival of Fantasy Parade will only be performed once per day at 3pm.

The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade originally debuted back in February 2022 as a sort of mega-cavalcade. While still considered a cavalcade and not a full-blown parade, the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade is the only COVID-era cavalcade to make it to 2024, and a shift in the showtimes should allow more guests to enjoy the offering.

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Over the past nearly two years, new characters have been added to the cavalcade such as Mirabel, Raya, and Bruno!

 

[mickey916]

Valentine Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket Coming Soon
For those Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket collectors you are going to LOVE this new Valentine’s Day Popcorn bucket coming soon to Disney!

Announced yesterday with all of the Valentine’s Day Treats coming to Disneyland was this super cute Pink with Polka-Dots Mickey & Minnie Ballon Popcorn Bucket.

Here are the details:

• Polka Dot Valentine Mickey-shaped Balloon Bucket: (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply); Available at the following locations:
  • At Disney California Adventure Park: Popcorn near Carthay Circle Restaurant, Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield, Popcorn at Pixar Pier
  • At Disneyland park: Popcorn near the Central Plaza, Popcorn at small world Promenade, Popcorn near Fantasyland Theatre, Popcorn near Star Trader, Popcorn near Mark Twain Riverboat, Popcorn near Haunted Mansion

There is no word if the Polka Dot Valentine Mickey Balloon Bucket will be coming to Walt Disney World. However past experiences would lead me to believe it will.

 

[mickey916]

Save up to 30% at Aulani This Spring
Guests looking to get away and experience Disney’s Aulani Resort this spring, and even early summer, can save on stays of 5 nights or longer! Take a look at the savings available.

Families can plan a spectacular escape this spring with this special offer at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. The longer Guests stay, the more they save!

Guests can save up to 30% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more nights or 25% on select rooms for stays of 4 nights for travel most nights between April 12 to June 12, 2024. Or save up to 10% on Villas for stays most nights from June 13 to July 31, 2024.

Length of Stay	Room or Villa	Villa Only
5 or More Consecutive Nights	For stays most nights April 12 to June 12, 2024 (with checkout no later than June 13, 2024)Save up to 30% on VillasSave up to 25% on Rooms	For stays most nights June 13 to July 31, 2024 (with checkout no later than August 1, 2024)Save up to 10% on Villas
4 Consecutive Nights	For stays most nights April 12 to June 12, 2024 (with checkout no later than June 13, 2024)Save up to 25% on VillasSave up to 20% on Rooms	For stays most nights June 13 to July 31, 2024 (with checkout no later than August 1, 2024)Save up to 10% on Villas

Plus, when Guests book through February 7, stays of 4 or more nights include a $150 Resort credit to use at select locations at Aulani Resort!

Details

• Book from January 17, 2024 through February 7, 2024 by 11:59 PM Eastern Time to be eligible to receive the early-booking resort credit.
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• Hotel travel must be completed by June 13, 2024. Villa travel must be completed by August 1, 2024.
• Not valid on suites and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, or on previously booked rooms or Villas.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

They are working on the hot dog stand at the Boardwalk this morning.

 

[mickey916]

They are working on the hot dog stand at the Boardwalk this morning.

I was just googling that this morning to see if it may be open by April.

 

[wabbott]

https://deadline.com/2024/01/wizards-of-waverly-place-revival-disney-selena-gomez-1235795858/

Selena Gomez & David Henrie Reunite For ‘Wizards Of Waverly Place’ Sequel Pilot For Disney Channel; Cast Set

By Rosy Cordero - Associate Editor, TV
January 18, 2024 9:00am PST

Selena Gomez and David Henrie Getty/Everett

EXCLUSIVE: One of Disney’s signature comedies, Wizards of Waverly Place, is getting a sequel. Disney Branded Television has ordered a pilot for the follow-up, which is executive produced by original stars Selena Gomez and her small screen sibling David Henrie. Gomez will guest star in the pilot for Disney Channel as the character that helped launch her career, Alex Russo, with David Henrie reprising the role of Justin Russo as a series regular. He is joined by new cast members Janice LeAnn Brown (Disney’s Just Roll with It), Alkaio Thiele (Call Me Kat) and Mimi Gianopulos (American Princess).

The revival pilot comes from writers and executive producers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas who are behind another Disney Channel comedy spinoff, Raven’s Home. It picks up after a mysterious incident at WizTech, where an adult Justin Russo has left his wizard powers behind, opting for a normal, human life with his wife and two sons. But he gets a surprise when a powerful young wizard in need of training shows up at his door… and Justin must embrace his past to ensure the future of the Wizard World.

David Henrie and Selena Gomez in ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Eric McCandless / © DISNEY / courtesy everett collection
The powerful young wizard Billie, whom Justin takes under his wing, will be portrayed by series lead Brown. Thiele will play Roman Russo, Justin’s oldest son; Gianopulos will play Justin’s wife, Giada.

In addition to Gomez, Henrie, Elinoff and Thomas, Gary Marsh (Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red) and Andy Fickman (Race to Witch Mountain) will also EP, with Fickman directing.

Marsh was the former longtime top Disney Channels creative executive who was the driving force behind Wizards of Waverly Place and was instrumental in getting Gomez on the network after she was discovered during an open casting call in Dallas.

Created by Todd J. Greenwald, the original series, which ran from 2007-2012, followed the Russo family, where three siblings navigated the challenges of adolescence while mastering their magical abilities. The cast also included Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise, all of whom (minus Henrie), reunited for the TV special The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex in 2013.

The pilot order caps years of online chatter about a potential Wizards Of Waverly Place revival or reboot. It also fits into Disney Branded Television’s strategy of beefing up Disney Channel’s lineup of multi-camera sitcoms.

Gomez is currently in the Disney family as a star and executive producer of the hit Hulu/20th TV television comedy series Only Murders In the Building. She is repped by Lighthouse Management + Media, WME and JSSK. Henrie is repped by Untitled. Brown is repped by Eris Talent Agency and MB Talent & Entertainment Management. Thiele is repped by DDO Artists Agency. Gianopulos is repped by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Nellie Andreeva contributed to this report.