disney travel

Always the Disney fashionistas, Mickey and Minnie are getting new designer clothes for the opening of Lookout Cay later this year. This story, plus Celebrate Soulfully styles and what to pack for your February 2024 Walt Disney World vacation.

Bahamian fashion designer, Theodore Elyett, styles Mickey and Minnie for their Disney Cruise Lookout Cay Debut

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse turned to Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett for their brand new outfits to celebrate the opening of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Not surprisingly, the outfits have a distinct Bahamian flair, inspired by the bright and colorful spirit of Junkanoo, which is a Bahamas festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades.

“The beauty of Mickey and Minnie’s looks are that they are literally ‘Junkanoo Fun in the Sun,’” said Mr. Elyett. “When you talk about the print, pattern, color, texture of Junkanoo, they’ve got that.”

As with just about everything Disney, the details matter. Raffia is a natural material made from the leaves of Raffia palm trees and it's used in The Bahamas to decorate accessories. Eleuthera is known for its pineapples. So if you look close, you'll see that both of these details are found in Mickey and Minnie’s looks. 

It's not just Mickey and Minnie who will receive fresh new styles, Theodore Elyett will also design unique outfits for Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale to wear at Lookout Cay. All of this will debut in the summer of 2024.

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Dress in Style to Celebrate Soulfully at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

Celebrate Soulfully is on in February to celebrate Black History Month at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. There are so many ways that you can get into the spirit when it comes to your vacation and park style for this event.

If you want to take the musical route, you can take a page from Disney's Soul. Another great inspiration is the 1920s jazz era, which make styles from Tiana and Disney's Princess and the Frog a good fit.

If dressing up for Disney Parks is not your style (meaning you're not likely to be seen taking part in Disney Dapper Days), then a graphic t-shirt featuring a sax, piano or other jazz or soul musical instrument is good way to add a touch of soulful theming to your park style. Even concerts t-shirts from your favorite jazz, soul, blues or other musicians would be a perfect fit.

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What to Wear at Walt Disney World in February

Always check the weather using a local Orlando weather station right before your trip to get the most accurate view of the weather you may have. While rain is hard to predict in Orlando, the temperatures are usually a little more reliable (at least as a good guideline).

If you have a Walt Disney World vacation planned for February, here's what to consider when planning your wardrobe. While Florida weather can vary greatly and change on a moment's notice, February tends to lean towards cooler temperatures and cooler evenings.

With the long-term forecast for February 2024 offering up daytime highs from the upper 50sF to the upper 70sF, it will really depend on when your vacation is taking place. Evening temperatures have an even wider range: from upper 30sF to upper 60sF. These wide swings are typical of transition months, but they can cause you fits when deciding exactly what you need to pack.

While you may still get away with shorts and t-shirts during the day, be sure to pack a light jacket, hoodie or sweatshirt for the evening hours. It can get cool at night, so jeans/pants or leggings are also good to bring along. Rain may also impact your stay. It used to be that rain was a rarity for the winter months in Orlando, but that is no longer the case as the global climate and weather patterns continue to change.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Style Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, we that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel Style Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. 

Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at 1923 Main Street.

Please be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Disney's Country Bear Jamboree has a much longer history than many people realize. What's next for the country bears in 2024, plus Disney Imagineering is slowly slipping further away from Walt Disney's approach to park theming.

The Next Chapter in the Long History of Country Bear Jamboree

Country Bear Jamboree will be closing for a complete overhaul on January 27 and will re-open in the summer (no specific month yet) as the all-new Country Bear Musical Jamboree.

As first announced at Destination D23 last summer, the Country Bears will return with a new show that pays tribute to the Opry style shows of Nashville. Disney promises quite a few Easter eggs throughout the show (including a familiar tune), as the bears sing new and reinterpreted Disney songs in different country music genres.

Country Bear Jamboree has a long and interesting history. Walt Disney originally conceived the Country Bears concept in the 1960s to be part of the grandiose Mineral King Ski Resort project in California. This, of course, was never actually built. But the Country Bears idea was revived for Walt Disney World where it became one of the most popular marquee attractions when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971.

Editorial Rant: Current Disney Imagineers Continue to Stray Further from Walt Disney and Closer to Universal

Of interesting note in the Disney news story is that Disney continues to refer to this area -- including Tiana's Bayou Adventure -- as Frontierland. So, unfortunately, Disney Imagineers are ignoring trademark Disney Parks theming and slipping further towards a Universal type of fragmented-not-too-concerned-with-lands approach to design. I have often said that the current group of Imagineers is among the worst in Walt Disney World history, so hopefully at some point the sloppy Imagineering can be cleaned up and returned to earlier Disney standards.

A lazy Imagineer is not a good Imagineer. So Bob Iger, please take a look at the lack of basic creative spark and ingenuity in your current Disney Imagineering Department.

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Disneyland Lunar New Year Foodie Guide

Top Food Picks from the 2024 Lunar New Year Event at Disney California Adventure

From January 23 to February 18, the Lunar New Year Festival will turn Disney California Adventure Park into a vibrant destination with characters, entertainment, festive décor, merchandise and food.

Whereas Walt Disney World and EPCOT basically phoned it in with a very uninspired food offering for the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have knocked it out of the park with one of the best foodie guides we've seen in awhile.

Lunar New Year Festival Marketplaces

Bamboo Blessings (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 18) 

• Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron: Strawberry buttercream with milk tea center (New) 
• Mickey-shaped Hot Dog Bun: Brioche-style Mickey-shaped bun stuffed with hot dog and finished with sesame seeds and scallions
• Taro Vietnamese-style Iced Coffee: Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Co. Vietnamese-style Coffee, cocoa powder, and condensed milk garnished with a taro chocolate sweet cream (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) 
• Lunar New Year Punch: Mango nectar, tangerine and grapefruit juices, and banana and coconut syrups garnished with mango jellies (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) 
• Lunar Punch Cocktail: Coconut rum, mango nectar, tangerine and grapefruit juices, and banana and coconut syrups garnished with a purple orchid (New) 
• Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
• Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)

Longevity Noodle Co. (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 18)

• Shrimp Lo Mein Noodles: Pan-fried noodles, sautéed shrimp garnished with green onions (New) 
• Garlic Noodles: Long noodles tossed in zesty garlic butter with parmesan
• Dragon Cocktail: Dragonberry rum, white rum, lychee nectar, dragon fruit and Chinese five-spice syrups, lime juice, and house-made coriander tea garnished with a dried dragon fruit wheel
• Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts)
• Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)

Lucky 8 Lantern (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 18) 

• Quesabirria Eggroll with guajillo pepper consomé
• Mandarin Orange Mousse Cake: Layers of mandarin mousse with vanilla cake and clementine compote finished with white chocolate crunch balls and a tangerine glaze
• Hibiscus Apple Soju-rita: Blanco tequila, grapefruit liqueur, soju, green apple and hibiscus syrups, house-made hibiscus tea, and lemon juice garnished with a dried apple chip (New) 
• Mango Melon Cocktail: Overproof rum, baijiu, allspice liqueur, mango nectar, rock melon syrup, and lime juice topped with grapefruit soda and garnished with a lime wheel (New) 
• Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts)
• Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)

Prosperity Bao & Buns (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 18) 

• Kung Pao Bao with chicken, toasted peanuts, and scallions (New)
• BBQ Pork Bun with kimchi mayo and garlic chile crunch (New) 
• Brewery X Grapefruit Panda Pool Party Bamboo Rice Lager (New) > Mike's Pick
• Harland Brewing Co. Tangerine Dragon Fruit Hefeweizen (New) 
• Stereo Brewing Co. Jasmine Tea Lager (New) 
• Eagle Rock Brewery Lychee IPA (New) 
• Dragon Beer Flight (New) 
• Tsingtao with Frozen Mango Beer Foam
• Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts)
• Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; no discounts)

Red Dragon Spice Traders (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 18)

• Spicy Fried Rice with tofu and crispy peas (New) 
• Red Spice Fried Chicken Bites: Fried chicken chicharrones in spicy red chile sauce
• Peach Basil Collins: Gin, ginger liqueur, white peach purée, lemon juice, and house-made Thai basil syrup topped with Topo Chico and garnished with a purple pansy (New) 
• Guava Whiskey Cocktail: Whiskey, ginger liqueur, guava nectar, coconut cream, and lime juice garnished with a lime wheel
• Mickey-shaped Macaron Straw Clip (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts)
• Lotus Flower Glow Cube (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)

Wrapped with Love (Available Jan. 23 through Feb. 18)

• Fried Lemongrass Chic...

It may not be the biggest EPCOT festival, nor does it have the best options when it comes to food, but the EPCOT Festival of the Arts does have have nicely crafted artistic dishes worth trying and we share our top picks for what to try at the 2024 edition. Plus, a milestone is reached at Tiana's Bayou Adventure with a fine detail worth discussing.

Top Picks Foodie Guide: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

From January 12 through February 19, the EPCOT Festival of the Arts is back to celebrate arts of all kinds, including the culinary art.

With nearly 18 Food Studios and a big presence from Figment that includes a brand new Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn, you better come hungry. Here are our top picks from what's new.

The Deconstructed Dish

Food Items:  

• Deconstructed BLT: Pork belly, onion bread pudding, watercress espuma, and tomato jam
• Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key Lime Curd, “Key Lime” Mousse, Graham Cracker Cake, and Meringues (The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)

Beverages: 

• Deconstructed Strawberry Mint Julep (Non-alcoholic beverage)
• Wicked Weed Brewing Blank Canvas Belgian Blonde Witbier
• Deconstructed Strawberry Mint Julep with bourbon

Cuisine Classique

Food Items:

• Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace
• Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. mussels with sautéed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs

Beverages:  

• Gulf Stream Brewing Company Sum of All Colors IPA (New) > Mike's Pick
• Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir (New)

Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic

Food Items:

• Blueberry-filled Pastry Tart with purple icing (The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)
• Rainbow Cake with freeze dried SKITTLES bite sized candies
• Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn (Limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last.)

Beverages:

• Grape Smoothie with freeze dried SKITTLES bite sized candies (Non-alcoholic beverage)
• 3 Daughters Brewing Black Cherry Hard Cider
• 3 Daughters Brewing Blood Orange Hard Cider
• 3 Daughters Brewing Passion Fruit Hard Cider
• Rainbow Hard Cider Flight
• 81Bay Brewing Co. Green with Envy Blonde Ale
• 81Bay Brewing Co. Blue Butterfly Lager
• Urban Artifact The Gadget Raspberry & Blackberry Midwest Fruit Tart
• Rainbow Beer Flight

The Craftsman’s Courtyard 

Food Items:

• Grilled Pork Belly with salsa verde, broccoli rabe, pickled peppers, and raclette cheese on grilled sourdough (New) > Mike's Pick
• Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with caramelized onions and mushrooms, blue cheese fondue, and arugula on a grilled French roll (New) > Amelia's Pick

Beverages: 

• BrewDog Jet Black Heart Nitro Oatmeal Stout
• Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail

Refreshment Outpost

Beverages:

• Parish Brewing Co. Blueberry Mochi Berliner Weisse
• The Tank Brewing Co. Street Art Amber
• Brewery Ommegang Neon Rainbows IPA

Pastoral Palate 

Food Items:

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and balsamic glaze
• Black Forest Cake: Chocolate mousse with morello cherries and chantilly cream 

Beverages:

• 3 Daughters Brewing Rosé Hard Cider
• 81Bay Brewing Co. Rosé Blonde Ale
• Frozen Rosé
• A Play on Rosé Flight
• Marietta Old Vine Rosé

The Artist’s Table 

Food Items:

• Duck and Dumplings: Smoked duck breast, ricotta dumplings, baby vegetables, and duck jus
• Hummingbird Cake: Banana and pecan cake dipped in cream cheese icing with caramel sauce and warm pineapple compote

Beverages:

• Wicked Weed Pineapple Daydream IPA (New) > Mike's Pick
• Brew Hub Jazzberry Wheat Jam Ale (New) 
• Lost Coast Brewery Peanut Butter Chocolate Milk Stout (New) 
• Migration Pinot Noir (New) 
• Beer Flight also available

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina 

Food Items:

• Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli 
  • Chermoula Chicken
  • Moroccan-spiced Lamb
• Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and zhoug dips (Plant-based Item)
• Chocolate Cake with pomegranate mousse and pomegranate whipped cream (New) 

Beverages:

• Twinings Chai Tea with Sprite and mint (Non-alcoholic beverage)
• Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Grizzly Pear Hard Cider (New) 
• Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Hard Cider (New) 
• Keel Farms Blueberry Lavender Hard Cider (New) 
• Chai Tea Mint Mimosa: Twinings Chai Tea with Key lime sparkling wine and mint (New) 
• Hard Cider Flight

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina 

Food Items:

• Chorizo and Potato Empanada with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli (The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)
• Passion Fruit-filled Mango Cheesecake with coconut-pineapple cake, dragon fruit gelée, and dragon fruit-strawberry sauce (New) 

Beverages: 

• Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (Non-alcoholic beverage)
• Frozen Piña Colada
• Passion Fruit Daiquiri

Gourmet Landscapes 

Food Items: 

• Verjus-roasted Beets with goat cheese, petite lettuce, blackberry gastrique, and spiced pecans (New) (The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)
• Roasted Bone Marrow with onion marmalade, pickled mushrooms, and petite lettuce
• Wild Mushroom Risotto with truffle shavings and zinfandel reduction (Plant-based Item) 

Beverages: 

• Whole Hog Brewery Raspberry Chéret Double Radler
• Schlumberger Cuvée Klimt Brut
• The Meeker Vineyard Winemaker’s Handprint Merlot
• Frozen Scotch Cocktail: Scotch and herbal tea garnished with a chocolate nail

Refreshment Port 

Food Items:

• Gnocchi Poutine with red wine-braised beef, cheese curds, basil, and burrata
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Beverages:

• Blood Orange Cosmo: Boyd & Blair Potato...

What you want to know when planning your 2024 Walt Disney World vacation. While there may not be a brand new marquee ride or attraction launching at Disney World in 2024, there are still several reimagined rides coming your way, plus some returning old favorites and new onsite Disney accommodations.

What's Ahead for Walt Disney World in 2024

Everything You Need to Know for Planning Your 2024 Disney World Vacation

What's New at Walt Disney World? What's Changing? And what could we see at Walt Disney World in 2024 that hasn't yet been announced?

New Rides and Attractions Coming to Walt Disney World in 2024

Two (sort of) new rides are on the way...and possibly a third

All three are not technically new, but rather they are overhauls of existing rides. 

1. Tiana's Bayou Adventure (previously Splash Mountain)
2. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure (previously Voyage of the Little Mermaid)
3. Still in question (currently Rock'n'Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith)

Some Old Favorites Return to Walt Disney World in 2024

The Disney Dining Plan is back, Disney World park hopping is back, and the Disney World Park Pass reservation system is gone for some guests. 

Genie+ will undergo some sort of change in order to target the disruptive 7:00 a.m. day-of booking procedure.

Beyond that, we can expect further price increases to continue and even more tweaks as Disney tries to address the fixes they made when things weren't broken.

One big question mark is still the long outstanding re-opening of 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.

Two New Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts will Open at Walt Disney World in 2024

The Polyday Inn (as we call it), aka the new Polynesian Village DVC Tower and the DVC Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground are both scheduled to open at some point in 2024.

We expect the DVC cabins at Fort Wilderness to open first, followed by the new tower at the Disney's Polynesian Village Resort later in 2024.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main Street

Please be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

As Walt Disney World announces great new additions for 2024 (including a brand new Little Mermaid attraction) they are also implementing policies that put their most loyal customers at the back of the line. 

Walt Disney World's Uneven Treatment of Annual Passholders is a Problem for Some 

Good-to-Go Days are Great for Local Annual Passholders, but all others are out of luck

A lot of changes are coming our way at Walt Disney World in 2024 and depending on where you fit in Walt Disney World's priority queue, these can be good or bad.

Out of State Disney World Annual Passholders Moved to the Back of the Line

Good-To-Go Days Calendar Coming January 11

In 2024, Disney World will allow local annual passholders periods of spontaneity with so-called “good-to-go” days. While this idea is better than nothing for Orlando locals, it's still pretty shameful. Here's how it will work:

• On good-to-go days, Annual Passholders can enter the theme parks without a Park Pass reservation (specific pass blockout dates will still apply).
• Good-to-Go Days will be listed on Disney World's theme park reservation calendar, Annual Passholder admissions calendar and My Disney Experience app starting January 11, 2024.
• Days will be added randomly at any time throughout the year.

Who Do Good-to-Go Days benefit?

 Good-to-Go Days at Walt Disney World are directly aimed at local Walt Disney World annual passholders. It's not quite the unfettered entry that it should be, but it's better than nothing.

Imagine if Airlines Treated Frequent Flyers the way Disney Treats Annual Passholders?

Who Gets Ignored by Disney World Good-to-Go Days?
 
Good-to-Go Days do nothing for the large number of Walt Disney World Annual Passholders who aren't local: those who are out-of-state or international. These are the Annual Passholders more likely to spend thousands of dollars on every visit, with Disney hotel reservations, dining and so on. This is the group of loyal Disney travelers. This group is getting snubbed by Disney as they get nothing. Disney continues its unfortunate tradition of treating some of its highest value guests the worst.

Since this group almost always uses Walt Disney World Annual Passes as part of a Disney Vacation, they should receive the same treatment as Date-Based Ticket holders, as long as the passholders are staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel or Villa. This needs to change before Disney alienates even more of the guests who contribute most to its parks and resorts revenue.

Park Hopper is Getting Back to Normal

 On the plus side, Disney Annual Passholders and guests with Park Hopper tickets or passes will once again be able to park hop without waiting until a pre-set afternoon time starting January 9, 2024. Annual Passholders can also visit any park without requiring a Park Pass reservation after 2:00 p.m. (except for Magic Kingdom on a Saturday or Sunday).

The Winners in the Theme Park Reservation Debacle

Anyone who buys date-based standard tickets (typically one-time Walt Disney World visitors) won't need to go through the hassle of making theme park reservations. This is great for infrequent travelers, who continue to get the premier treatment by Walt Disney World. Guests including Disney Vacation Club members with Annual Passes get nothing except all the pains of Disney travel implemented with covid.

Dining Plans Return

If you're a fan of the Disney Dining plan you'll once again have the option to buy one of two offerings: the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. These plans are great for convenience, but may or may not be good value depending on your eating habits.

What’s New with Dining Plans

For all the Disney foodies out there, dining reservations are open for booking for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with a Disney dining plan for arrivals in January through early February! Guests can book dining up to 60 days in advance, and as a Disney Resort hotel guest, guests may book dining for their entire length of stay (up to 10 days).

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Princess Ariel is Finally Coming Back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with an All-New Show

After years of wondering if the Ariel's Animation Courtyard Theater would host a new Little Mermaid show, we now know that “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will debut in the fall of 2024. The show is inspired by the original Walt Disney Animation Studios 1989 classic version of The Little Mermaid. 

Only limited details have been released, but so far we know the show will be a complete overhaul, featuring all-new set pieces, current tech effects and a "bold new design" that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her.

This will, of course, be a musical version featuring “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl.” 

Theater construction is ongoing and we look forward to hear more about this refreshed attraction.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main Street

Please be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Disneyland Special Events 2024: Dates and Recommendations for your Vacation

The complete guide to every event happening at Disneyland Resort in 2024. With so much going on, does Disneyland top Walt Disney World when it comes to special events?

Pixar Fest 

Pixar Fest is back at Disneyland from April 26 through August 4, 2024, and covers Disneyland Resort theme parks, all hotels and the Downtown Disney District.

The festival features a new daytime parade called Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! and will debut at Disney California Adventure. At Disneyland park, Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular returns with new scenes. 

Disney Festivals and Limited-Time Celebrations

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (January 23 - February 18): A tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions, this event kicks off the Year of the Dragon with Asian-inspired food and drink, décor and Mushu leading the way in Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.

Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park (February 17 and 24): At the Fantasyland Theatre, the 2024 Celebrate Gospel concerts will be headlined by Marvin Sapp (Feb. 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Feb. 24). Celebrate Gospel is a tribute to Gospel music featuring artists and choirs from across Southern California.

Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure Park (February 22 - 23): Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Anaheim Ducks at Disneyland Resort. This two-day event in Hollywood Land, includes a celebratory cavalcade, fan zone with themed activities and photo opportunities, plus appearances by select current and Ducks players.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 1 - April 22): This popular festival serves up foods and drinks, plus cooking demonstrations and family- friendly entertainment inspired by a wide range of California cultures. Soarin’ Over California also returns for a limited time during the festival.

Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (April 5 - June 2): Season of the Force comes to Disneyland with the Hyperspace Mountain makeover along with themed food and drink, merchandise and more. Launching during the celebration are new adventures for Star Tours. Plus, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will offer a new perspective on Disneyland fireworks with galactic music pumping through the spires.

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort (August 23 - October 31): The Halloween season transforms the resort with fall décor, characters dressed in their Halloween best and attraction makeovers.

Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (August 23 - November 2): The bonds of family and Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos are honored through a cultural experience featuring storytelling and music from Pixar’s Coco.

The Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort (Begins November 15): Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure features seasonal overlays on attractions, holiday spectaculars, festive food and drink and wintry décor throughout the resort.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2024

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party returns to Disney California Adventure in 2024. This event includes treat trails, character sightings and special Halloween entertainment. 

2024 Disneyland After Dark Nights and Dates

Disneyland After Dark runs on select nights from January through June. Disneyland park will host four themed events featuring special entertainment, character encounters along with sweet treats and savory snacks. For 2024, there's even a brand new event called Disney Channel Nite.

All Disneyland After Dark events start with a three-hour pre-party mix-in at Disneyland Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (parties tend to officially start at 9:00 p.m.). Admission also includes commemorative keepsakes such as a souvenir credential and an event guide map, plus unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken throughout the party.

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite, Disneyland Park 

January 23, 25, 30, 
February 1, 6, 8, 12, 14

Sweethearts’ Nite celebrates love on eight different nights and includes:

• A royal cavalcade through Disneyland Park, featuring some of your Disney’s favorite royals, transported by equally regal horses.
• Dance with princesses, princes and Disney characters at the evening’s royal ball.
• Stitch and Angel will host a dance party at the stage in Tomorrowland. 
• Unique photo backdrops will offer an opportunity to step into some iconic scenes of love and friendship, including Lady and the Tramp, Tangled, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, and more.
• Special lighting, projections and Disney love songs will create the perfect atmosphere for romance, friendship and family fun throughout the park.
• Sweet treats and savory items will be available, created especially for Sweethearts’ Nite. New offerings will include a shortbread cookie churro with strawberry cheesecake dipping sauce and the Café Daisy fried heart-shaped ravioli, plus some returning and reimagined favorites like the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Chocolate & Strawberry-stuffed croissant.
• Specialty menu items will also be available at Plaza Inn, Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace and Carnation Café. Reservations are recommended and can be booked online soon.

A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite tickets are pre-sale for Magic Key holders on December 12, 2023 on Disneyland.com. On December 14  tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability.

Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite, Disneyland Park

March 5 and 7, 2024

This is an all-new, nostalgic celebration highlighting themed offerings from favorite Disney Channel shows across various eras of programming. There will be music, memorable characters, high-energy parties, unique photo opportunities and more. Offerings include:

• A “High School Musical” pep rally will take place through the streets of Disneyland Park celebrating songs from the “High School Musical” franchise.
• The “Phineas and Ferb” dance party at the stage in Tomorrowland will be a high-energy dance party, complete with a DJ and appearances by your favorite “Phineas and Ferb” characters.
• “Camp Rock” karaoke will allow you to sing favorite songs, and The Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge will test Disney Channel fans at The Golden Horseshoe.
• “Descendants” at the Rivers of America will invite you to take a cruise on the Sailing Ship Columbia and enjoy music from the “Descendants” trilogy.
• Special photo backdrops representing favorite Disney Channel shows and movies will include “Lizzie McGuire,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Teen Beach Movie” and more.
• Enjoy special themed foods and snacks all evening long. A few items to watch for are the mini banana burritos and tropical banana punch at Red Rose Taverne, plus chili cheese loaded nachos, and s’mores donut skewer from Café Daisy. Specialty dining packages will also be available.

A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite tickets went on pre-sale for Magic Key holders on December 12 on Disneyland.com. On December 14, 2023, tickets go on sale for the general public and are subject to ava...

Most guests think it's all about the parks and resort hotels when it comes to Christmas at Walt Disney World, but Disney Springs can give them all a run for their money (and even top one park as a must-do holiday destination).

Here's why Disney Springs is a top pick for holiday spirit at Walt Disney World (and the fact that it's free for anyone to visit is just a bonus).

The Complete Guide to Disney Springs Christmas 2023

The best things to do at Disney Springs this Christmas holiday season

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (Free)

One of the most underrated traditions at Walt Disney World is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. For 2023 the Christmas Tree Stroll has 19 Disney- decorated trees with themes from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Super Heros. For the first time you can interact with six of the Christmas trees with your DIsneyBand+ (aka MagicBand+). Look for a DisneyBand+ icon to know which trees are active. There's also a Christmas tree map adventure. Get a map of the trees from City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts, Joffrey's Coffee, The LEGO Store or Planet Hollywood. As you see each tree, match a sticker to the location on the map then bring your map to any of these same locations for a special surprise.

Meet Santa at Once Upon a Toy (Free)

You don't have to pay for a Disney Park to meet a Disney Santa. Santa Claus is at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs right up until Christmas Eve, December 24. There is a virtual queue to meet Santa: you cannot just wait in line. Queue spots open daily at 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the My Disney Experience app. You must be at Disney Springs to enter the queue. One person can do it for everyone in your group (up to a max of 10 people)

Photo Memories of a Disney Christmas

Christmas photos are fun memories, especially when they're Disney vacation Christmas photos. The Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Marketplace at Disney Springs has several holiday-themed Disney virtual backdrops perfect for your Christmas card or however else you want to use them. It can be hit and miss with the photographers here, but it's still worth a try.

Disney Snow falling and Holiday Entertainment (Free)

The magic of snow falling on Walt Disney World does just happen in the parks. As sundown nears, head to the the Town Center tree and keep your eyes on the skies for a little holiday magic. Plus, watch for holiday-themed stilt walkers, rollerblading snowflakes, a Santa Sleigh DJ, and more surprises bringing a festive ambiance throughout all of Disney Springs.

Christmas Holidays Means Festive Food and Drink

There are over 60 places at Disney Springs to eat and drink, including Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, which is all spruced up for the holidays. So be sure to grab some cheer while visiting Disney Springs!

Christmas Shopping at Disney Springs

Whether you need a gift someone on your list or something special for yourself, you'll find it all at Disney Springs. You can browse for almost anything here, so leave yourself time if Christmas shopping is on your checklist.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main Street

Please be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Disney After Hours is returning to Walt Disney World in 2024, but is it paid event worth the cost? We share exactly how it works and what you get (and don't get) to help you decide if it's worth the money for you and your family.

Disney After Hours Events Return to Walt Disney World Resort in January 2024

But Whether They're Worth it for You Depends on One Thing

Disney After Hours events coming back to Walt Disney World kicking off on January 10 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, January 11 at Magic Kingdom and February 2 at EPCOT.

These separately ticketed events give you three extra park hours to ride rides, visit attractions, meet characters and snack on a few unlimited free treats. Treats usually include popcorn, Mickey ice cream bars or sandwiches and select drinks (non alcoholic) as specific locations in the park.

Disney positions Disney After Hours as offering shorter wait times to select attractions and character experiences, but it's important to know that that's not always the case. There may be more dates added in 2024, but currently announced dates and prices are as follows.

Disney After Hours Event Dates, Times and Ticket Prices

(Ticket Prices in Brackets are Annual Passholder and DVC discount price)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. 
 
Wednesday, January 10 - $155 ($125)
Wednesday, January 24 - $165 ($135)
Wednesday, February 21 - $175 ($145)
Monday, February 26 - $175 ($145)
Wednesday, March 13 - $165 ($135)
Wednesday, March 20 - $175 ($145)
Wednesday, March 27 - $175 ($145)
Wednesday, April 3 - $175 ($145)
Wednesday, April 10 - $175 ($145)

Magic Kingdom Park: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 11 - $155 ($125)
Monday, January 15 - $165 ($135)
Monday, January 22 - $165 ($135)
Thursday, February 1 - $165 ($135)
Monday, February 5 - $165 ($135)
Monday, February 12 - $175 ($145)
Thursday, February 29 - $175 ($145)
Monday, March 4 - $175 ($145)
Monday, March 18 - $175 ($145)
Monday, April 8 - $175 ($145)

EPCOT: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. 

Friday, February 2 - $149 ($119)
Thursday, February 8 - $149 ($119)
Thursday, February 15 - $159 ($129)
Thursday, March 7 - $159 ($129)
Thursday, March 28 - $159 ($129)
Thursday, April 4 - $159 ($129)

If you have a ticket for an event, you can enter that park starting at 7:00 p.m. 

Of special note for the Magic Kingdom: a standby line is planned for TRON during Disney After Hours, meaning there will be no virtual queue (which could have been a time saver, as it was during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party). For an event of only three hours, this is a significant change. Also, the Enchantment night time show will be added to Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom – meaning on event nights, early arrivals will have the opportunity to see both Happily Ever After and Enchantment.

How to Buy Tickets for Disney After Hours Events 2024

If you have a reservation booked at a Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels or Shades of Green you can buy tickets (one week before the general sale) starting November 7 by calling 407-W-Disney. Tickets can be purchased online by everyone starting November 14.

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Newly Updated Disneyland Adventureland Treehouse Opens on November 10, 2023

The Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson will open on November 10, 2023 in Disneyland Park. Keep reading for new storyline details from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering and a new piece of artwork coming to the treehouse!

Within the updated tree, you'll find the mother’s music den, the sons’ nature room and the daughter’s astronomer’s loft. Located on the ground are the kitchen and dining room, plus the father’s art studio featrues hand-drawn sketches and paintings of each room.

As the story goes, the family created an oasis among the trees inspired by nature and using objects found around them. Next to the stairwell is a waterwheel, powered by a nearby brook. The family uses this and a pulley system to get the water they need into their treehouse. This walk-through attraction should be worth exploring when you visit the park and is likely one of the more overlooked attractions generally.

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Disney Skyliner is Closing for Maintenance in January 2024

January 16-21 

• The line between Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed.
• The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed.

January 16-27 

• The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and International Gateway at EPCOT will be closed.

Bus transportation will be available at all Skyliner Resorts when the Skyliner is not operational.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Shop unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies, yoga leggings, dresses, swimwear and more at the Emporium at 1923 Main Street

Please be sure to follow along on X, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

If you plan to attend the EPCOT Candlelight Processional in 2023 (and you should), you’re in for a treat as Disney has put together one of the best line-ups in recent memory.

Who's New and Who's Back for Christmas 2023

The EPCOT Candlelight Processional is a must-see retelling of the Christmas story featuring a celebrity narrator, a huge choir and a 50-piece orchestra. It also has herald trumpeters and the Voices of Liberty vocalists. For 2023, there are nine new celebrity narrators -- one of the most impressive line-ups in years.

2023 EPCOT Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators:

• Chrissy Metz (NEW): November 24-25
• Luis Fonsi (NEW): November 26-27
• Ann-Margret (NEW): November 28-29
• Simu Liu: November 30-December 2
• John Stamos: December 3-5
• Neil Patrick Harris: December 6-8
• Marlee Matlin: December 9-11
• Brendan Fraser (NEW): December 12-14
• Eva Longoria (NEW): December 15-16
• Joey McIntyre (NEW): December 17-18
• Sterling K. Brown (NEW): December 19-20
• Jordan Fisher (NEW): December 21-23
• Steven Curtis Chapman: December 24-26
• Audra McDonald (NEW): December 27-28
• Lisa Ling: December 29-30

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Open October 17

Booking a dining package is one way to guarantee a seat for the show, but you'll still have to line up well over an hour before showtime if you want a great seat. 

Choose from seven EPCOT restaurants for the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, including: 

• Akershus, 
• Biergarten, 
• Coral Reef, 
• Garden Grill, 
• Le Cellier, 
• Rose & Crown and 
• Spice Road Table. 

Walk-up dining package are also available day of the show at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, but they are very limited and tend to sell out quickly.

If you plan to buy a dining package, there are a few important things that you need to know. We share our best tips in this week’s episode to save you a few unexpected surprises.

Santa is Back at the Odyssey Pavilion

Santa Claus will once again greet guests at the Odyssey pavilion from November 24 through December 24. 

Holiday Kitchens and the Cookie Stroll are also Back

Over 15 Holiday Kitchens will tempt you with dishes that celebrate global holiday cheer. 

The Holiday Cookie Stroll is back. Buy five cookies from any of the cookie stroll locations and get the matching stamp in your festival passport. Once you have five stamps, bring the stamped passport to the Holiday Sweet & Treats Holiday Kitchen and get a free cookie. The stroll runs through December 30.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

The Olaf Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to explore World Showcase. Buy your map and stickers from a festival merchandise kiosk and discover the “tradition” that Olaf found in each pavilion. Whether or not you complete the quest, you can redeem your map at Creations Shop, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special holiday keepsake (valid until December 30). 

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Another pre-pandemic offering that many thought was gone forever has come back to Walt Disney World. But there is one glaring thing still missing, leaving us wondering if and when this beloved experience will ever return.

Bay Lake Resort Boats are Back (but there's a catch)

Some people thought they'd never come back, but we had faith and believed in what Cast Members were telling us. 

As of this week, you can once again travel across Bay Lake between Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground on the classic original blue flag boat route. 

The blue flat route began operating once again on October 1, but there's a bit of a catch. Here's what you need to know: the blue flag boats will only be available to ride beginning at 3:00 p.m. daily.

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The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are Now Open

Disney Vacation Club has officially opened its 16th property, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. This is the fourth tower at the popular hotel.

Each tower at the Disneyland Hotel has a unique name and the new Disney Vacation Club tower is named Discovery (the others are Fantasy, Adventure and Frontier).

There are 344 themed rooms in the 12-floor tower, celebrating the creativity and magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios stories.

In addition to the new Palette Pool, the Palm Breeze Bar will open later this year poolside.

In a bit of a twist compared to pools at some other DVC resorts (like Bay Lake Tower), all Disneyland Hotel guests will be able to enjoy this new area, as well as the other two pool areas and water slides at Disneyland Hotel.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Details are a little fuzzy, but one thing is clear: if Disney doesn't get the guest experience right in all this talk about big expansion plans they risk alienating their existing core group and the 700 million new guests they're targeting.

Disney's Global Parks Expansion Plans Sound Great, But Details are Lacking and there are some Risks 

In the last episode, we discussed the potential future developments for Disneyland and, as if on cue, Bob Iger and Disney executives shared a little more this week about the Disney Company's future park investments around the globe. Here's what we know and what it may mean for you, the Disney traveler.

The Disney Company is working on plans to increase the timing and investments in Parks, Experiences and Products globally. They plan to almost double the spend over the next 10 years to roughly $60 billion, including both American and international parks and Disney Cruise Line (not to mention DVC).

Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro met with Wall Street analysts and investors at Disney World to discuss how they plan to invest in experiences that leverage the ever-growing library of Disney stories.

Which Disney Stories Will Come to Life?

Not unlike Destination D23, this presentation was a lot of talking with little detail. 

Disney does plan to fuel future growth with stories that haven't had a significant presence in parks. We know that Frozen-themed lands are coming to Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort, and that a Zootopia-themed land is coming to Shanghai Disney Resort. But Disney specifically stated it will explore even more characters and franchises, including some they've never done before.

“We have a wealth of untapped stories to bring to life across our business,” said D’Amaro. “Frozen, one of the most successful and popular animated franchises of all time, could have a presence at the Disneyland Resort. Wakanda has yet to be brought to life. The world of Coco is just waiting to be explored. There’s a lot of storytelling opportunity.”

No Shortage of Park Space for Disney to Build

In a shot likely aimed at Universal, Josh D'Amaro said “We stand alone when it comes to scale and while our scale is impressive, we have no shortage of space or regions of the world in which to tell new stories.”

Disney Parks has over 1,000 acres of land for possible future development to expand theme park space across its existing sites – the equivalent of about seven new Disneyland Parks.

Focusing on Converting Disney Fans into Disney Travelers

For every park visitor today there are 10 other Disney consumers who've never visited a park. So DIsney has a plan to convert those 700 million Disney fans to become park guests. That's a lot of people in Disney Parks.

This sounds great if you're a Disney exec, but could prove to be a nightmare for Disney travelers who sometimes have to navigate parks that are already over crowded. How they do this is critical.

“Ultimately what is most important to us is the relationship that we have with every guest,” said D’Amaro. “Guests can spend a day with us at our Parks, a week with us on a Cruise, or the rest of their lives with us through Disney Vacation Club membership.”

What Disney needs to consider is that every guest includes existing loyal Disney travelers. It will be a balancing act to bring in that many more new visitors, without disrupting the experience for everyone (and that includes convoluted tech processes for just about everything).

Having enough hotel space is critical to making this vision work. While they did not mention hotels, they did talk about Disney Vacation Club (DVC). 

The DVC expansion strategy is currently to have a thousand new "keys" (aka DVC rooms) coming on board by the end of 2024. That's a lot of new DVC members. 

• 340 DVC rooms came online with the opening of DVC Disneyland Hotel in September and 
• there will be approximately 360 Fort Wilderness cabins opening in 2024, 
• plus approximately 270 new Polynesian Villas also in 2024.

Having every possible guest become a DVC member is clearly a "key" strategy for Disney.

So what does that mean for the future of Disney travel and the management of crowd levels and an overall enjoyable experience? Only time will tell. For now let's focus on the positive fact that somehow somewhere, there will be a new park or parks at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

There's a lot of hype following the big announcements at this year's Destination D23 Event at Walt Disney World. But what many have missed is that several things have changed since last year's big announcements. So what's real, what can be trusted and what's as clear as mud for the future of Walt Disney World?

The Big News for Disney Parks from Destination D23

We learned as much from what was said as we did from what was not said.

What's Coming to Disney's Magic Kingdom Park

Hatbox Ghost will be back at the Haunted Mansion in November, but not in the way you may think. He will appear "wherever and whenever he pleases," implying that you may or may not see him on the ride and likely not in the same place each time.

Country Bear Jamboree is changing, this time significantly. An all-new show is coming, complete with a whole new act and new songs. The new show will be modeled after the musical revues of Nashville, featuring some of your favorite country bears singing popular Disney hits in a variety of country music styles, including pop country, bluegrass, rockabilly and more. Disney offered a sneak peak by showing the recording session for Bear Necessities, which will be in the new show.

Pirates of the Caribbean is getting new ambiance with the addition of a new tavern near the ride. Remember the Barker Bird who used to chat will guests at the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean? He will be back and living at the new tavern, chatting it up with guests. Big questions are will this be a reimagining of Tortuga Tavern and will they be selling alcohol?

What's Coming to EPCOT

We know that Moana's Journey of Water is opening on October 16 (including a new location for the Moana meet and greet), but we now know that all of World Celebration will open in December. Yes, the walls are finally coming down. 

Bigger news is that Test Track will be undergoing another complete overhaul and update (still with Chevrolet). No dates as to when it will close and for how long, but it is time for a refresh so this is welcome news. Disney promises the new Test Track will include the best elements from the original version along with new updates that point to a future world for vehicles.

World Showcase Lagoon will be getting a new nighttime show entitled Luminous: The Symphony of Us. It will debut on December 5.

What Will the Future Hold for Walt Disney World Parks?

It got interesting here as they teased new information, but in some cases said less than they said last year. Here's what we know.

Beyond Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom still appears to be happening, but they did not mention villains or anything else specifically. It still sounds like a new land with significant size and scale and it will include attractions, restaurants, shows and more.

They did say that Dinoland at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park will be reimagined into a new land themed as the tropical Americas (geographically the space between North and South America). This land will land be Encanto themed, which removes Encanto from Beyond Big Thunder, as was hinted at last year. So Encanto Moves from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom. Plus, an Indiana Jones area is likely coming to Animal Kingdom, potentially where Rafiki's Planet Watch is currently located. 

Finally, It's Tough to be a Bug in the Tree of Life is being reimagined as a Zootopia themed attraction/show.

Disney Cruise Line

The seventh ship will be called the Disney Adventure.

The new island stop in the Bahamas on Eleuthera will be called Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

There are big changes coming to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. What will be new and what will stay the same? More importantly, what impact with this construction have for your upcoming Disney vacation?

Is the Disneyland Haunted Mansion following the Lead of the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion?

Starting in early 2024, several additions will be built that add to the story of the classic original Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park.

Exactly what this means in terms of ride closure isn't yet clear, but we do know that most the changes appear to be outside of the ride track itself. Here's what we know right now: changes will include an expanded outdoor queue that is intended to further immerse your wait time with enhanced theming. This is something that the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World implemented many years ago. 

Attention Disney Shoppers: a new Haunted Mansion shop will be added next to the exit area, where currently there are merch carts. Once again, this follows the addition of Memento Mori at Walt Disney World, which was re-imagined from the Yankee Trader shop that was there before. Also, the eerie and stately grounds surrounding the Haunted Mansion will be expanded with a "spirited metamorphosis" to bring the immersive theme to the outdoor space surround the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. 

In true Disney style, there is the backstory to the Disneyland Haunted Mansion. Local legend suggests that the manor known today as the Haunted Mansion was first built by a prosperous sea captain. To this day, mansion staff faithfully maintains the happy haunting grounds. While this story hasn't been leveraged much so far, the new expanded queue for the Haunted Mansion will tie into these stories, including new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota and the one-eyed cat.

Each of the new gardens will feature unique elements ranging from a water fountain and a gazebo to themed statues and landscaping. You'll even see a new greenhouse where the Haunted Mansion groundskeepers grow their plants. The pet cemetery and horse-drawn funeral hearse will continue to reside on the attraction’s grounds.

Since Madame Leota has always been a Haunted Mansion favorite, Disney plans to expand her presence outside the walls of the Haunted Mansion. This carriage house of the mansion, which belongs to Madame Leota, will become the new standalone shop.

Timing for these enhancements has a lot to do with what's happening next door in New Orleans Square with the Tiana updates. So a transitional space will be added in the form of an park setting with spots to relax and enjoy the ambiance of live entertainment under the shade of new and existing trees.

Finally, Disney is taking the opportunity to improve accessibility in these areas during the construction, including a new elevator exit from the Haunted Mansion for guests with disabilities.

Disney promises to share more information in the coming months, with a hint that the objects found in Leota’s garden will be inspired by her incantation. This sounds very similar to how you can interact with many of the items in the queue of the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion. 

We love the murder mystery hidden among the busts in the Haunted Mansion line at the Magic Kingdom. So, can we expect Disney Imagineers to add a similar unique mystery at Disneyland? Only time will tell.

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Survey Results: Are Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs less Desirable without Stormalong Bay?

In a survey of 1923 Main Street Disney Travel Podcast listeners following our last episode, the overwhelming majority of respondents said they would not choose to stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.

71.4 % said no, they would not stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.

28.6% said yes, they would still stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Stormalong Bay is a big reason why many guests choose Disney's Beach Club Resort or Yacht Club Resort. So when the iconic pools is closed for nearly half a year, would you still choose to stay there? This story plus what's on the menu at Tiana's new Disneyland Restaurant.

Would You Stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort if Stormalong Bay Weren't Available?

A Walt Disney World Pool Closure Alert that's Going to Hurt

Stormalong Bay is closing. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for maintenance. 

During this time, the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools will be available, so it won't be a total pool shutdown. However, with the start attraction of the resort closed will this -- and should this -- affect your plans to stay at the resort?

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We Now Know the Menu at Tiana’s Palace, Disneyland Park: Is it worth trying?

The grand opening of Tiana’s Palace over at Disneyland Park is on September 7 and will bring a taste of New Orleans to the park. Located on Orleans Street, Disney is confident this will become an instant hotspot. Let's take a look at the menu to see if we agree.

Gumbo-lovers will have a couple different options to try. The 7 Greens Gumbo is a plant-based option featuring white beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice. Or you can make it the 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage. There's also the House Gumbo which is a New Orleans staple combining braised chicken, andouille sausage, and heirloom rice into a dish we are curious to try.

If you like a little extra spice, the Cajun Spice Half Chicken is one to try. The chicken is brushed with a house-made chicory BBQ sauce and served with baked macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.

For sandwiches, there's the Muffuletta Sandwich has mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone and house-made olive relish on toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread. The Beef Po-boy Sandwich has slow-cooked beef coated with gravy and fully dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise atop a toasted New Orleans French bread. Both are served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles. 

Gulf Shrimp and Grits are on the menu as well. Grilled and tossed in a Creole sauce, the shrimp are paired with cheesy grits to form a classic dish that is famous in New Orleans.

Side dishes include Buttermilk Cornbread, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Red Beans & Heirloom Rice, Coleslaw, Cheesy Grits and plant-based Heirloom Rice.

Kids meals include a Roasted Chicken Drumstick served with a sweet BBQ sauce and heirloom rice, while the Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich is topped with ham and provolone. A classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is on the menu as well. All three come with a Cuties Mandarin Orange and applesauce with choice of DASANI Water or small lowfat milk.

And finally, yes, there is a House-filled Beignet featuring a lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze for the perfect bite.

For coffee lovers, the Joffrey's Coffee Chicory Cold Brew is topped with sweet cream and there's a Ray Firefly Glow Cube* available with the purchase of a beverage in case you want to light it up. This add-on is a nod to the way Evangeline lights up the night sky.

Finally, on the merchandise front you can to take home a piece of Tiana’s Palace with the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set (and it even comes with a House-filled Beignet).

*There's a limit of 10 ice cubes per person, per transaction for the Ray Firefly Glow Cube.
 **There's a limit of two sets per person, per transaction for the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Disney Vacation Planning Just Got a Little Easier

Maybe it should have been there from the very start, but after years of having to jump through hoops with Disney World and Disneyland vacation planning, Disney is finally implementing a change that will make trip planning a little easier for guests. This story, plus Disney Aulani news and a Christmas 2023 Disneyland update.

The Big Changes for How You Can Book Your Advanced Dining at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

After many years of frustration that caused guests to jump through hoops and juggle plans around Disney dining, Disney if finally making it much more efficient to book dining reservations. 

The new updates include:

• The Ability to See and Pick from All Available Reservation Slots (not just three): We shouldn't be so excited for something that should have been there all along, but now all available dining reservation slots will show up for your selected dining location and timeframe on the Disneyland website/Disneyland app and on the Walt Disney World website/My Disney Experience app. 
• Reservation Slots Sorted by Meal Period: Reservation availability will be sorted by meal period so you can see which menu is being served during the time of your reservation. This is most important around the transition time periods, for example if you're booking 4:00 p.m. you'll see if they're still serving lunch or starting on the dinner menu.

These updates will roll out in phases across the website and iOS and Android platforms.

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Disney Aulani Refurbishment Update: Ka Maka Pool and Grotto

If you're heading to Disney Aulani Hawaii this October, this is important news. The Ka Maka Pool and Grotto, including Ka Maka whirlpool spa, will be closed from October 9 - 28, 2023 for refurbishment. This is a showpiece pool so it will be missed by guests visiting at this time.

Resort pools and water features that will be open include the Waikolohe Pool and Stream, the two water slides, multiple whirlpool spas, Keiki Cove splash zone, and the Wailana Pool. 

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2023 Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Dates and Details Revealed

The Holidays dates for Disneyland Resort this year will be November 10, 2023, through January 7, 2024. 

Here is what's happening including the celebrations, décor, entertainment and more for this year's Christmas and holiday season.

Cultural Celebrations in Disney California Adventure Park with Disney Festival of Holidays

The Disney Festival of Holidays draws inspiration from a wide range of global holiday celebrations, including Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. 

Enjoy new treats and returning favorite food and beverage items at the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces and get into the spirit of it all with music and dance performances at the Palisades Stage, Sonoma Terrace and for the first time, in the Hollywood Backlot. Plus, you can dance along as Disney and Pixar characters march to the beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers in “Mickey’s Happy Holidays.”

The Sip and Savor Pass is back and offers eight entitlement tabs that can be redeemed for select food and non-alcoholic beverages from several marketplaces and participating dining locations in Disney California Adventure. Each Sip and Savor Pass is valid for the entire of Disney Festival of Holidays and can be shared among friends and family, so your whole group can sample dishes together this season.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is back at the Paradise Gardens Park for its 10th season. This year, you can taste your way through an all-new menu at Paradise Garden Grill. The Three Caballeros will host a joyous street party, featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday best. Additional festivities in this area will include live music and dancing, visits with more Disney characters and special appearances by Mirabel from Encanto.

Festive Décor and Attractions Across Disneyland Resort

Anchored by Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, adorned with icicles and snow-capped turrets as a must see, also be sure to visit the oversize gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you like Christmas trees with uniquely themed ornaments, there will be plenty to see in both parks, Downtown Disney District, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disneyland Hotel. And since it's the Christmas holiday season, you may just see a little Disney magic “snow” falling nightly in select areas of Disneyland park.

And that's not all: ornaments, lights and more will also embellish favorite attractions that get a special holiday overlay. In Disneyland, you'll be serenaded with choruses of jolly tunes on the wintry waterway of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and Jack Skellington redecorates the Haunted Mansion as usual, transforming it into the frightfully festive Haunted Mansion Holiday -- this year with a new haunted gingerbread house. In Disney California Adventure, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, both offer up seasonal spins for the “haul-idays.”

Delight in Seasonal Spectaculars and Holiday Entertainment

For festive photos, watch for Mickey Mouse and friends with all-new holiday outfits in Disneyland park, putting a spin on the classic red and green with midcentury modern-inspired looks. Plus, Santa Claus will be there too and available to pose for jolly photos around Disneyland Resort through December 24.

For merry entertainment, Disneyland Park offers “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” starring characters from Frozen, Toy Story and more. In the evening, watch for the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular, which will light up the night sky with fireworks and sprinklings of snow. 

At Disney California Adventure, World of Color – Season of Light will fill Paradise Bay with the holiday spirit as hundreds of fountains illustrate warm moments from Disney animated films.

Downtown Disney isn't just for holiday shopping, you can also groove to a variety of seasonal live musical performances on select evenings at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will also have live entertainment on select nights.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Tw...

The walls at EPCOT have been there for so long that we forget what it was like to wander freely without them. But that will be coming to an end soon. So what will it be like when the walls come down at EPCOT? This story and more Disney travel news.

Here's What Will Happen When the Walls Come Down at EPCOT

EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World and when the walls come down around September 22, here's what you'll find. Was it all worth the wait and inconvenience?

Take a photo with the new platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture in World Celebration, with Spaceship Earth as the backdrop. 

See the new mural at the heart of World Celebration and try to find as many Disney characters as you can (there are, of course, 100 of them). The large mural will be located along the walkway to World Showcase and will feature favorite Disney characters hidden throughout the various neighborhoods of EPCOT. The rest of World Celebration will also be decked out in Disney100 platinum banners and décor.

Meet and greet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum best in the Imagination! pavilion. Also, Spaceship Earth will light up each night with special colors and lights accompanied by the Disney100 anthem, a unique rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star.

The Disney100 celebration will have four limited-time food and beverage locations during both the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! 

If you collect Disney popcorn buckets, there's a new purple metallic Mickey Balloon Premium Popcorn Bucket available only at EPCOT during Disney100.

All of the Disney100 celebrations will have a limited time run from September 22 to December 31, 2023. 

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New ‘Disney Junior & Friends Playdate’ Event Coming to Disneyland Resort August 18-20

“Disney Junior & Friends Playdate,” is a three-day event celebrating the stories of Disney Junior’s hit series created for preschoolers and their families at Disney California Adventure park on Friday, August 18, and at Downtown Disney on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20.  

August 18 at Disney California Adventure park will feature:

• A Playdate Party Parade featuring Disney Junior characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Elena of Avalor, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Vampirina, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Goofy, Pluto, and Mira, Royal Detective.
• A special “Disney Junior Live! Playdate” stage show with the world-premiere of the new Disney Junior short-form series “Playdate with Winnie the Pooh.”
•  “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party” will offer a hands-on cupcake decorating course inspired by the Disney Junior series. 
• A “Spidey and his Amazing Friends” photo wall be at the Hollywood Backlot

Downtown Disney on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20:

• Disney Junior-themed treats at Marceline’s Confectionary. 
• A “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” photo wall at Downtown Disney.

Throughout the weekend, there will also be scavenger hunt featuring Disney Junior-themed clues around Disney California Adventure park on Friday and Downtown Disney on Saturday and Sunday.

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Filling the Fantasmic Void in Disneyland Park

Jambalaya Jazz has taken their show to a river barge to fill the void left by Fantasmic. Queenie anchors the band for a New Orleans-inspired jazz show to add a little magic to evenings along Rivers of America.  

Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band perform a musical tribute to New Orleans each evening on a themed raft as they float down the Rivers of America. There are three shows nightly starting at 7:35 p.m. Check the Disneyland app for show times and details. 

Disney will also be adding more entertainment soon to New Orleans Square.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

It's Time for Our Annual Review of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Foodie Guide

For 2023 there are a total of 32 new food dishes to try and 42 new beverages options to try at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. We share the entire menu including our top picks from what's new and top picks from returning favorites.

As a reminder, Emile's Fromage Montage is back and the locations are noted below. This festival food stroll features several cheese dishes from the Global Marketplaces. Pick up a Festival Passport and collect stamps by buying five of these. Once you have at least five you can head over to Shimmering Sips to get a free bonus prize. Shimmering Sips is located on the way to Canada near the Port of Entry.

India 

Food Items:  

• Curry-spiced Crispy Cheese with mango-curry ketchup (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Potato and Pea Samosa with coriander-lime cream (Plant-based) 
• Chicken Tikka Masala with fennel-spiced yogurt and naan bread

Beverages: 

• Mango Lassi (Non-alcoholic)
• Taj Mahal Premium Lager
• SULA Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine
• SULA Chenin Blanc
• Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Chai Cream Liqueur
• CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Refreshment Outpost

Food Item: 

• Spicy Githeri with white beans, pigeon peas, curried BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice, and kachumbari slaw (Plant-based) 

Beverages: 

• Gulf Stream Brewing Co. Cloud 9 Watermelon Hibiscus Lager (New) 
• Ciderboys Mango Tango Hard Cider (New)
• North Coast Brewing Co. PranQster Golden Ale (New)

Kenya 

Food Items:

• Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Beef with sweet potato-corn mealie pap and kachumbari slaw > Mike's Favorite
• Peri-Peri Skewered Shrimp with citrus-flavored couscous

Beverage: 

• 81Bay Brewing Co. Congo Pilsner

The Alps 

Food Items:

• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with shaved ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Dark Chocolate Fondue with berries, pound cake, and meringues (New) 

Beverages: 

• Stiegl Brewery Key Lime Radler
• Huber Vision Grüner Veltliner
• Frozen Rosé

Germany 

Food Items:

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll with mustard
• Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce

Beverages: 

• Gaffel Kölsch
• Weihenstephaner Festbier
• Schöfferhofer Prickly Pear Hefeweizen
• Selbach-Oster Riesling
• Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling (New) 
• Beer Flight

Spain 

Food Items:

• Charcuterie in a Cup with a selection of imported Spanish meats, cheeses, olives, and an herbed serrano vinaigrette (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Paella with saffron rice, chorizo, and shrimp
• Seafood Salad with shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and smoked paprika

Beverages: 

• Viña Borgia Macabeo White Sangria (New)
• Viña Borgia Rosé Sangria (New)
• Viña Borgia Garnacha Red Sangria (New)
• Sangria Flight (New) 

Flavors of America 

Food Items:

• Italian Hot Beef Sandwich with shaved beef au jus and spicy giardiniera (New)  > Mike's Pick  > Amelia's pick
• Cioppino: Seafood Stew with saffron-infused tomato-fennel broth and crostini (New)
• Chilaquiles: Corn tortilla chips tossed in salsa verde with ranchero chicken, queso fresco, cilantro-lime crema, and a soft-poached egg (New) 
• Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with walnuts and cream cheese icing

Beverages: 

• Rogue Dreamland American Lager
• Goose Island Beer Co. Neon Beer Hug
• Left Hand Brewing Sawtooth Amber Ale
• Beer Flight

Greece 

Food Items:

• Spanakopita
• Griddled Cheese with pistachios and honey (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Lamb Gyro with shaved lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki on warm flatbread
• Plant-based IMPOSSIBLE Moussaka (Plant-based) (New) 

Beverages: 

• Mylonas Winery Assyrtiko White Wine
• Skouras ‘Zoe’ Rosé
• Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro Dry Red
• Wine Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items:

• Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli 
  • Chermoula Chicken
  • Moroccan-spiced Lamb
• Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce (Plant-based) 
• Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and Zhoug dips (Plant-based)
• Pistachio Cake with cinnamon pastry cream and candied walnuts

Beverages: 

• 3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider
• Keel Farms Raspberry Citrus Hard Cider (New) 
• Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Peach Party Peach & Blackberry Hard Cider (New)
• Fig Cocktail with fig vodka, sparkling wine, and cranberry juice
• Hard Cider Flight
• CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Belgium 

Food Items:

• Beer-braised Beef served with gouda mashed potatoes
• Belgian Waffle with warm chocolate ganache
• Belgian Waffle with berry compote and whipped cream

Beverages: 

• Belgian Chilled Coffee (Non-alcoholic)
• Brasserie D’Achouffe Houblon Chouffe IPA (New)
• Delirium Red Fruit Belgian Ale
• Brewery Van Steenberge Gulden Draak Tripel Ale (New)
• Belgian Chilled Coffee featuring ChocoLat Deluxe Salted Caramel Chocolate Liqueur
• Beer Flight

Brazil 

Food Items:

• Feijoada: Black beans with pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and Long Grain White Rice
• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread (Emile's Fromage Montage)

Beverages: 

• Xingu Brazilian Black Lager
• Frozen C...

If you're looking to try the most bizarre food that's available at Walt Disney World, we share where to find the newest strange culinary offerings. Will you dare to try them? Plus where to find the seven newest Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots at Disneyland.

Where to Find the Most Bizarre Food at Walt Disney World 

A Strange New Culinary Adventure is Coming to EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (July 27 - November 18)

There's a very interesting new adventure that is a must try for us...how about you?

Flavorful Fun is Brew-Wing at Odyssey
If you're an adventurous eater, the Brew-Wing Lab at the EPCOT Odyssey is serving up a flavorful adventure, featuring the culinary creations of Muppet Labs.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his faithful Muppet Labs assistant, Beaker, will welcome you to their test kitchen where they're busy creating scientific snacks and unique drinks. You can sample some of their interesting concoctions including the Unnecessarily Spicy, Yet Extremely Tasty Scotch Bonnet Pepper-Curry Wings, or the Pickle Milkshake. We can't wait to see the rest of the menu...

Four Brand New Global Marketplaces
Food and Wine already has 25 Global Marketplaces and later this fall the culinary team will add four more to commemorate the Disney100 celebration: Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubbles & Brine and Swirled Showcase. We'll share more details and dates once they're announced.

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7 New Disneyland Resort Magic Shot Photo Ops with Disney PhotoPass

Balloons (Top Pick) | Location: Disneyland Resort
This shot features iconic Mickey Mouse Balloons and is captured at many locations throughout Disneyland and it's often available with limited-time theming for various celebrations. Right now, the balloons are themed for the Disney100 celebration. Ask a photographer if they're offering this shot at their location.

Cheshire Cat (Top Pick) | Location: Mad Tea Party, Fantasyland
The Cheshire Cat pops in to your PhotoPass photo over at the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland.  

Huey, Dewey and Louie | Location: Left of the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land
Huey, Dewey and Louie appear playfully in front of you.

Violet’s Force Field (Top Pick) | Location: Bridge to Pixar Pier
Located on the bridge to Pixar Pier, this Magic Shot gets the whole family in the frame – and in Violet’s force field! This will be a great shot if the PhotoPass photographer gets it right.

Porg | Location: Millennium Falcon
Have a cute little porg standing on your arm. A classic "look surprised" PhotoPass shot.

Minnie Mouse | Location: Sleeping Beauty Castle & Partners statue
Animated Minnie Mouse sits next to you with the Partners statue in the background.

Buzz Lightyear and Woody | Location: Bridge to Pixar Pier
A shot for the Toy Story fans, Buzz Lightyear and Woody flying into the frame from above and behind.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

The Internet is full of Disney travel "experts" sharing Disney summer travel tips, so which tips are actually worth heeding and which are pure hogwash?

We Searched the Web to Find the Trends in Disney World Summer Travel Tips, What we Found was Eye Opening

We compiled a range of summer travel tips for Walt Disney World to share what we think are actually tips to consider. We are not Orlando locals and we travel to Walt Disney World every summer, usually in August, sometimes in July. We know Orlando summer weather as a tourist. There's a difference here that's often overlooked and that locals don't always understand. 

This podcast is for the Disney traveler because Disney travelers who spend a week in a hotel when they visit will experience Walt Disney World in a way that locals simply do not. So advice from a local is not the same perspective as advice from a vacationing Disney traveler. It's always important to consider the source for any advice or any perspectives on any subject in life.

With that lens in mind, let's look at the most common tips for summer travel at Walt Disney World and discuss which tips are worth considering versus those that are either commons sense for any warm climate or just worth ignoring. 

By the way, we're not naming names or websites about where these tips originated. There is a lot of crossover, but there are some thoughtful and good pieces of advice from some of them (along with many duds or common sense thinking). 

We've assessed all tips using the follow scale: 

• (N) No, not a great tip or not specific to Walt Disney World in the summer
• (Y) Yes, definitely a good tip to consider 
• (O) Obviously, a common sense tip that most likely applies to any hot place 
• (M) Maybe, this isn't a tip we would follow or recommend, but there may be circumstances where it might apply to you

The Best and the World of Walt Disney World Summer Travel Tips

• Pack cooling towels (N) 
• Buy ponchos before you go (N) 
  o   Be prepared for rain was a better way to state this (and no, you don't have to carry around a poncho or umbrella) (Y)
• Stay hydrated. (O)
• Find the air conditioning (O)
• Arrive early and stay late (Y and N) 
• Take an afternoon break. (Y)
  • Avoid parks during mid-day heat is a better Y
• Pack sunscreen and apply it often (O)
• Do indoor attractions during the heat of the day (N) 
• Bring a waterproof bag (M)
• Have a long lunch indoors (M) 
• Pack a portable fan (N)
• Water Parks (Y)
• Be flexible with plans (Y)
• Allow time for entertainment and characters (O)
• Quick dry shirts and shorts (Y)
• Two pairs of shoes [or use the dryer if you're in a villa] (Y)

Our favorite tips, not often found on these lists:

• Misting stations
• Prepare for afternoon storms
• Avoid lugging stuff around. Any of these tips that tell you to bring this or bring that are working against that. You want to be light and nimble in the heat, not bogged down with fans, towels, heavy containers and so on. That will weigh on you: literally.

Tips positioned as Disney World summer tips that are really anytime tips 

• Book ADRs
• Plan all your pictures in the morning (not all pictures are planned)

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Disney's latest update to Genie+ isn't really big news, but it is a welcome enhancement that may signal more things to come. The good and the bad of this update for the Disney traveler, plus Rogers: The Musical top tips and more Disney travel news.

Update to Disney Genie+ Service at Walt Disney World

In a first baby step towards making Disney Genie+ a little more flexible, you will now have the option to purchase Genie+ for a single-park option or a new multiple-parks option. With this addition prices may be lower at some parks compared to others. Nothing else has changed. What we're all really waiting for is the ability to be able to make Genie+ reservations before the day of your visit. So while this is a welcome change, it is nothing more than a baby step with the hopes of truly bigger news still to come.

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How to Increase Your Odds of Seeing ‘Rogers: The Musical’ at Disney California Adventure Park

Rogers: The Musical kicks off this week at Disney California Adventure Park and runs until August 31. With that in mind, here is the most important news you need to know as a Disney traveler.

Joining the free virtual queue on the Disneyland app is recommended

Rogers: The Musical will have several shows daily, Tuesday through Saturday most weeks during its limited-time run. You can gain access to the viewing areas for the show through a virtual queue system available only through the Disneyland app.

Each performance day, distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will start at 10:30 a.m. PT for the first two shows of the day and it will reopen at 2:00 p.m. PT for the remaining shows each day.

The virtual queue isn't mandatory, but it's highly recommended. If the virtual queue is full, you can check in at the Hyperion Theater before Rogers: The Musical begins to check for any walk-up viewing options.

Dining Package for Rogers: The Musical

Instead of going the virtual queue route, you can try to buy a “Rogers: The Musical” Premium Viewing Experience package for $29 per person from the Studio Catering Co. Truck in Hollywood Land. We say try because quantities are limited per performance. The package includes a “Rogers: The Musical” popcorn bucket with kettle corn and choice of bottled beverage, plus access to lounge seating before the show, priority choice of seating in the theater, a souvenir lanyard and access to a unique photo opportunity. 

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Updates on San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park

Starting in mid-July, you'll be able to try some new San Fransokyo food at Lucky Fortune Cookery and the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería. More dining options and new shopping will open through mid-August.

Here's more about what you'll be able to see and do in San Fransokyo Square.

·       Interact with Hiro and Baymax, who will say hello outside the Hamada Bot Shop. 

·       Near the Hamada Bot Shop will be the San Fransokyo Maker’s Market, a store stocked with apparel, homewares and more featuring Baymax and friends. Be sure to look up to the rafters overhead to find the local battlebot champion, Hiro’s Megabot.

·       Across the way, a vending machine will dispense collectible golden medallions featuring Baymax and other images from San Fransokyo.

A look at some of the new San Fransokyo dining options:

Aunt Cass Café, the second bakery café operated by Hiro’s loving aunt, will serve soups in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls and other Japanese-inspired cuisine. Watch for the mural of Aunt Cass’ lucky pet cat, Mochi on the storefront.

An old fishing net tannery across from the café is being converted to Rita’s Turbine Blenders, a giant drink dispenser offering margaritas and cold drinks. The refreshment stand is owned and named after the repair tech who maintains the floating wind turbine (a giant koi fish) that sits atop the structure.

In addition to these locations, there will be new menu items at Cocina Cucamonga and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop as well. 

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Foodie Guide to Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs

Flavors of Florida take place in Disney Springs from July 1 to August 13 at over 30 locations.

Here is the complete menu guide to Flavors of Florida 2023 at Walt Disney World, including our top picks.

Amorette’s Patisserie  

• Orange Cream Puff: Choux pastry with orange craquelin filled with orange curd and honey orange gel (New)
• Orange Bird Dome Cake: Layers of Grand Marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâte de fruit, mandarin orange cream, and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available for pre-orders and cake decorating experience) (New)
• Strawberry Spritzer: French 75 with strawberry purée in a Flavors of Florida CORKCICLE (New)

The BOATHOUSE

• Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish: Citrus escabeche, coconut ginger rice, and cilantro aïoli (New)

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

• Key West Shrimp Cocktail: Seasoned shrimp tossed with a mix of avocado, mango, cucumber, and a house-made cocktail sauce accompanied by homemade buttermilk crackers (New)
• Florida Crush Cocktail: Florida oranges and strawberries muddled with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, then topped with a splash of freshly-squeezed orange juice and agave syrup (New)

Chicken Guy!

• Sunshine Shake: A blend of hand-spun vanilla soft-serve and fresh Florida orange juice garnished with a crown of fresh whipped cream

City Works Eatery & Pour House

• Seared Grouper: Pan-seared grouper melds with citrus chipotle rice, Cuban spiced black bean puree, smoked watermelon pico de gallo, chili oil, and micro cilantro (New)

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

• Orange Cream Float: Mix of Coca-Cola, vanilla ice cream and an orange cream bar presented in a novelty cup you can take home for a memorable treat (New) > Amelia's Pick

D-Luxe Burger

• Lime Garage Burger: Deluxe patty topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly, and fried green tomato served with an avocado, lime, and jalapeño spread
• Orange Bird Milkshake: Vanilla gelato and orange topped with sprinkles

Dockside Margaritas

• Frozen Orange Daiquiri: Siesta Key Silver rum, Cointreau liqueur, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream garnished with an orange wedge (New)

The Edison

• Sunny Disposition: Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine, Florida orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, fruity fraise de bois, and local fruits including navel oranges, Minneola tangelos, Plant City strawberries, and Indian River grapefruit (New) > Mike's Pick

Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria & Enzo’s

• Key West Pink Shrimp Risotto: Fine Italian vialone nano rice, Key West pink shrimp, guanciale, sweet corn, herbs, and pecorino Romano (New)
• Creamsicle Coppa: Vanilla gelato, made in-house, paired with orange sorbet, whipped cream and white chocolate crunchy pearls, recreating a classic childhood favorite dessert (New)

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

• Citrus Dream Do...