Category: Other

This week, it’s been all about the return of Pumpkin Spice Latte. While normally I’d think it was a bit too soon, this year….it’s fine….it brings a lot of happiness to people, and that’s what we need more of. Happiness. So, go get your Pumpkin Spice Latte, if that’s what you’re into. After this year, you deserve it!

This week, see where you can get unique Star Wars content, find out what Josh D’Amaro has to say about reopening the theme parks, and more.

In Case You Missed It – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors

I’ve been to Walt Disney World now, in the heat, wearing a mask. It may be hot and uncomfortable at times, but whatever you do, don’t be like this guy.

Good news! Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the state supports the Central Florida theme parks adding capacity.

They are just waiting for the ok! Disneyland Resort is ready to reopen its theme parks as soon as California guidelines allow it according to Josh D’Amaro. Hear more from Josh on the Dow Report.

This was not the “theme park” news we were expecting this week. But, Star Wars Kids has some new videos themed around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This also wasn’t the news that was expected that the world of Batuu awaits your Sim with The Sims 4 Star Wars Journey to Batuu Game Pack which will be available on September 8!

We’ve got a first look of the upcoming Disney film, Raya and the Last Dragon.

ABC has released their fall schedule and it’s pretty heavy on unscripted stuff….which makes sense….pandemic.

The post In Case You Missed It: News and Rumors – Week of August 28, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In Case You Missed It

For the first time, guests of all ages can wear Halloween costumes during regular park hours

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2020) – Magic Kingdom Park is dressing for fall – and looking forward to everyone else joining in the fun! From Sept. 15 to Oct. 31, 2020, guests of all ages can for the first time wear their Halloween costumes during regular operating hours as the iconic theme park at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the spooky season.*

Here are some other ways guests can experience fall and Halloween from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31 at Magic Kingdom:

• As they walk down Main Street, U.S.A., guests will see glowing pumpkin wreaths that inspire the Halloween spirit.
• A Halloween-themed cavalcade will travel down Main Street, U.S.A. featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and pals dressed in Halloween costumes. Guests may also spot Chip ‘n’ Dale in costume in Frontierland, and other Disney characters dressed for Halloween riding the horse-drawn trolley along Main Street, U.S.A.
• Festive Halloween-themed merchandise will be available in select locations around the park. Featured items include a new spirit jersey, Loungefly backpack and candy-swirl Minnie Mouse headband, along with a selection of apparel inspired by Disney Villains and more.
• The park will celebrate the season with special food and drinks, including the famous pumpkin-spiced waffle sundae.
• Themed photo opportunities from Disney PhotoPass will be available at select locations throughout the park.

Each of the Walt Disney World theme parks will welcome fall with popular specialty treats, such as Halloween cupcakes at EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, along with frozen apple cider at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As temperatures cool in Central Florida, fall is a spectacular time to visit the parks:

• The Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival offers more than 20 global marketplaces featuring culinary delights to sip and savor.
• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can travel to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, enter the cartoon world of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, or play with their favorite toys in Toy Story Land.
• Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar, venture to the “top of the world” aboard Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, or have a wild adventure on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

More details about fall activities at Walt Disney World will be announced soon. For more information on The Most Magical Place on Earth, visit WDWNews.com and DisneyParksBlog.com.

###

*All guests must wear an appropriate face covering while visiting the park. Guests younger than 14 years of age are permitted to wear a costume mask in addition to their approved face covering. For more information on approved face coverings at Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com/updates.

View on wdwnews.com.

The post Festive Fun Awaits Guests This Fall in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort appeared first on Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

From our friends at dpep.disney.com
Filed Under: Parks and Experiences, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney World Resort

SHANGHAI (August 27, 2020) – This autumn, kiss the heat of the summer goodbye and welcome in a cooler season, which offers fewer crowds, unbelievable offerings, and an amazing assortment of celebrations that perfectly showcase why autumn is one of the best times of year to explore the magic of Shanghai Disney Resort! With a whole month of Duffy and Friends experiences, as well as hauntingly fun Halloween festivities, an autumn harvest market, Thanksgiving family feasts and more, there’s so much to see and do this season at Shanghai Disney Resort. Luckily for guests, autumn also ushers in a variety of incredible promotions and offers, including National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival staycation opportunities as well as special ticket bundles, giving guests more ways than ever before to celebrate outdoors at Shanghai Disney Resort with friends and family!

Highlight #1: Celebrate Duffy Month with the Arrival of ‘Olu Mel!
Throughout September, guests are invited to enjoy all things cute, cuddly, and heartwarming as “A Month with Duffy and Friends” comes to Shanghai Disney Resort – and what better way to kick off this special celebration than with the arrival of Duffy’s new friend, ‘Olu Mel! This kindhearted, ukulele-playing turtle from Hawaii will greet guests for the first time at Shanghai Disneyland at a special Mickey Avenue welcome ceremony on September 1, 2020.

From September 1 through September 30, 2020, the new Duffy and Friends Celebrate Together show will bring the group’s stories of friendship and adventure to life on Mickey Avenue, while a fun new social wall, featuring Duffy and his friends enjoying an autumn picnic, will also serve as an idyllic photo backdrop for guests. Duffy and Friends fans looking to create unique memories with their favorite plush will also be able to create their own Duffy stories by posing their Duffy and Friends merchandise in a variety of cute, miniature settings dotted around Mickey Avenue.

Those looking for a tasty Duffy and Friends-themed treat can look forward to an exclusive assortment of delicious food and beverage items across the park. The Royal Banquet Hall in the Enchanted Storybook Castle proudly presents a new Duffy-themed set menu featuring multi-course offerings and the chance to see Duffy and Friends in person! Guests are also invited to enjoy a relaxing Duffy and Friends afternoon tea at Mickey & Pals Market Café, as well as a variety of Duffy-themed confections, including coffee-flavored Duffy the Disney Bear ice cream, fudge cakes, and ice cream waffle cones that are available throughout the resort.

The resort’s two hotels will also serve as the perfect place to rest and relax during a multi-day Duffy-themed visit. In celebration of Duffy Month, the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is introducing a special staycation package, inviting guests to experience special moments with Duffy and Friends. Available from today through September 24, 2020 via the Shanghai Disney Resort Official WeChat account and Shanghai Disney Resort Fliggy Flagship Store, this special package gives guests the chance to enjoy a memorable stay, complete with Duffy-themed room amenities and overlays, hotel breakfast, two tickets for admission to Shanghai Disneyland, and more!

Highlight #2: Dress Up and Discover Authentic Halloween Surprises Around Every Corner
Halloween is one of the biggest events in the Shanghai Disney Resort calendar, and from October 5 through November 1, 2020, the resort will transform into a spooky and mysterious expanse where guests of all ages can plunge into the fun of Halloween. As a highlight of the season, guests can dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating fun around Shanghai Disney Resort, immersing themselves in this happy holiday tradition. The guest-favorite Donald’s Halloween Treat Cavalcade will delight in the evenings, as Donald and Daisy Duck lead the way along the parade route in their Halloween costumes, joined by Mickey Mouse and the gang, Disney Villains, and spooky dancers. Guests can also get down with Jack Skellington and Sally from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” at the “This Is Halloween” Dance Party. Also this autumn guests can sing along with Miguel as the popular Coco-themed area returns to Adventure Isle from October 12 through November 8, 2020.

An exciting assortment of Halloween-themed merchandise and food and beverage offerings will also debut at a variety of locations throughout the resort to add to the hauntingly fun atmosphere. Whether guests are craving spook-tacular Halloween treats, or shopping for resort-exclusive Halloween merchandise, surprises are hiding around every corner during a visit to the resort this season.

For guests seeking immersive parties on Halloween weekend itself, Shanghai Disney Resort is a one of a kind destination, and following on from the enormous success of last year’s Halloween Day Spectacular, this year the party is extending to two whole days of fun. The Halloween Days of Spook-tacular on October 30 and 31 will feature numerous Disney characters, and DJs found across Shanghai Disneyland. Both days of the Spook-tacular will conclude with the Kiss Goodnight Firework Show, filled with thrilling music, spooky projections and fantastic fireworks!

Highlight #3: A Golden Season Full of Holidays and Family-friendly Activities
Autumn is the season of harvest, and this year, for the first time, guests will be able to experience the joy of the harvest at the Disneytown Harvest Festival Market. Featuring a new Foodie Feast, Farmers Market and Folk Art Fairy, this new Disneytown Market allows guests to explore a range of exclusive experiences every weekend and during holidays from September 12 through October 8. Of course no harvest would be complete without a hearty selection of family meals, which is why, this autumn, Shanghai Disney Resort is also offering mouth-watering Mid-Autumn Festival and Thanksgiving family feasts.

Autumn is also a perfect time for the entire family to go outdoors and spend time in nature with the natural beauty of changing colors all around. The nature adventure in Wishing Star Park, which made its debut this past summer, will return by popular demand in autumn. As part of their training, young adventurers will learn more about the natural world during three new engaging exploration trips. Children who participate in all three trips will even have the opportunity to see Mickey Mouse himself, and celebrate their achievements together!

To make the most of their autumn visit, from September 1 through September 24, 2020, guests can purchase a Happy Gathering – Bundle of Three Weekday Package on the Shanghai Disney Resort Official Website and App, which includes three standard One-Day park tickets for admission to Shanghai Disneyland on a pre-selected date from September 2 through September 25, 2020. Guests can also purchase the Enjoy Flavors – Bundle of Three Weekend Package through the Shanghai Disney Resort Official WeChat account to receive a snack combo voucher as well as a specialty beverage voucher, which can be used at various food and beverage locations within the park.

With so much seasonal excitement and more on the way, a Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass is the perfect choice for guests wanting to enjoy multiple visits while saving big, with special discounts on dining, merchandise, hotel stays and in Disneytown. Guests looking to purchase an Annual Pass should note that due to high demand of the Silver Annual Pass, and in order to enhance the guest experience, the sale of the Shanghai Disneyland Silver Annual Pass is currently unavailable. However, renewal is still available for Annual Passes that are currently within their 60-day renewal window.

The post Autumn Arrives at Shanghai Disney Resort with Festivals, Celebrations and New Duffy Month Surprises appeared first on Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

From our friends at dpep.disney.com
Filed Under: Parks and Experiences, Shanghai Disney Resort, Walt Disney Imagineering

Right now many of us are preferring to stick outdoors as much as possible when out in public. We’ve discussed the best outdoor activities in each of the parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Now get your appetite ready as we help you discover the best outdoor dining at each of the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Best Outdoor Dining at Magic Kingdom

The trouble with Magic Kingdom is there is not a lot of outdoor dining. This can be a blessing in the heat of summer, normally, but right now it would be nice to have a variety of places with outdoor dining. Only one table service restaurant has outdoor seating, and that’s Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. This Italian restaurant, with a “Lady and the Tramp” theme is cute, but there are plenty of Disney restaurants with a better menu. Still, the outdoor seating, overlooking Main Street U.S.A. is quite unique.

For counter service with outdoor seating at Magic Kingdom there are a few more options, though not a robust selection. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is a popular spot for a casual bite in Frontierland. The interior has fun details, but you can find a good amount of tables outside, overlooking Frontierland. Pinocchio Village Haus is enjoyed by Disney fans for its classic Fantasyland feel – it hasn’t changed much since the 1970’s. A courtyard outside the main entrance offers views of Fantasyland and Cinderella Castle. Of course, the largest counter service restaurant at Magic Kingdom, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, wouldn’t be complete without its own outdoor seating area.

Best Outdoor Dining at EPCOT

Naturally the best dining, and practically the only dining, at EPCOT right now, is in World Showcase. Two signature dining locations offer outdoor seating. At the United Kingdom Pavilion enjoy garden dining at the Rose and Crown Dining Room. Just ask if there is outdoor seating available, as it is limited.  Around the bend at the Morocco Pavilion is Spice Road Table which has a large outdoor dining area that overlooks World Showcase Lagoon.

There’s quite a few counter service options at EPCOT that offer great outdoor seating. My personal favorite is Katsura Grill at the Japan Pavilion. I love the food, and the outdoor dining is peaceful and quiet in the midst of a Zen garden. New on the scene is Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure Pavilion. Enjoy outdoor seating with a view of a genuine meat smoker, and grab a cocktail from the walk-up outdoor bar. Finally, La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion offers the largest outdoor space of all, overlooking World Showcase Lagoon.

Also worth noting is that many (but not all) of the food booths for the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, continuing through this fall, are outdoors.

Best Outdoor Dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

None of the table service restaurants have outdoor dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, unfortunately. The close exception would be  The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, which is not a full restaurant, but does offer some highlights from the Brown Derby menu, hand-crafted cocktails, and a great outdoor atmosphere.

A whole slew of counter service restaurants have outdoor dining in this park. PizzeRizzo has outdoor seating both upstairs and downstairs. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge has outdoor dining that is somehow peaceful even though you’re at a galactic destination. Rosie’s All-American Cafe slings out American casual fare and offers nothing but outdoor seating, overlooking bustling Sunset Boulevard.

Best Outdoor Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Leave it to the park themed around the natural world to have some of the best outdoor dining. Unfortunately, not all of it is available right now (I’m looking at you Harambe Market). None of the signature dining restaurants have outdoor dining, however, Nomad Lounge has one of the best outdoor areas in all of Walt Disney World and offers some great food prepared in the same kitchen at Tiffins.

My favorite outdoor dining is Flame Tree Barbecue which only offers outdoor seating, but it is shaded and winds around gardens and a water feature. It is lovely when the weather cools down a little. Restaurantosaurus at Dinoland USA and Satu’li Canteen at Pandora – World of Avatar each have outdoor seating options, though the atmosphere at both leaves a little to be desired.

What are your favorite outdoor dining spots at Walt Disney World? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments.

The post The Best Outdoor Dining at Walt Disney World’s Theme Parks appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Dos and Don’ts, In the Parks, Trip Planning, disney counter service restaurants, disney dining, disney outdoor dining

The number one question I’ve been getting lately from Disney fans is, “Do you think Disney is going to decorate/celebrate Halloween?” Especially since the Halloween merchandise has begun to appear on shelves. Of course, I didn’t know 100%, but strongly suspected that Halloween would be taking center stage, this fall at the resort. And turns out, my thoughts were correct!

From September 15 to October 31 the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. will be dressed in fall décor! But that’s not all! The characters will be getting in on the fun with Halloween-themed cavalcades! Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and more will be wearing their favorite Halloween costumes. You’ll also find Chip ‘n’ Dale, in costume over in Frontierland. Finally, be on the lookout for other Disney characters dressed up and riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.

Oh and guess what? For the first time ever, Guests of all ages will be able to wear costumes TO THE PARK! Keep in mind, you will only be able to do this from September 15 through October 31. As an important reminder, costume masks are not permitted for adults; only children younger than 14 years old are permitted to wear costume masks. In addition, all guests are required to wear approved face coverings during their visit.

Also, make sure to stop for Disney PhotoPass Photographers who will be available throughout the park for themed photo ops.

Of course, it’s not a holiday at Walt Disney World without treats and this year is no exception! Not only will the Magic Kingdom be getting in on the fun, but all four theme parks will have great offerings! Here’s what you can grab and where:

Magic Kingdom

• Mickey Cinnamon Roll (Available at Main Street Bakery) – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with orange and white icing
• Cinnamon Donuts (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty container
• Hades Nachos (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Black bean nacho chips with “fiery” buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeño
• Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake (Available at Liberty Square Market) – Citrus cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream flowers, and a chocolate axe

• Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae (Available at Sleepy Hollow) –Pumpkin spice-flavored waffled topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles
• Poor Unfortunate Souls Float (Available at Storybook Treats) – Cream cheese soft-serve, black raspberry syrup, and Coke
• Pumpkin Spice Milkshake (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow straw
• Pumpkin Spice Soft-Serve Sundae (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Served as a sundae topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles

• Mickey Monster Mash Burger (Available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café) – Burger with Meunster cheese, potato barrels, bacon, and sriracha aïoli
• Headless Horseman Rides Again (Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace) – Strawberry DOLE Whip with Fanta Strawberry and a Headless Horseman Novelty Straw
• Not So Poison Apple Cupcake (Available at Pinocchio Village House) – A spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch buttercream themed after a poison apple
• Orange and Black Sugar Churros (Available at Various Churro Carts and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café)
• Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)

• Jack Skellington Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants and Outdoor Vending Locations)
• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
• Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
• Hitchhiking Ghost Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart)

• Hitchhiking Ghost Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)
• Madame Leota Sipper (Available at Sleepy Hollow)

EPCOT

• Halloween Cupcake (Available on Halloween Day Only at Sunshine Seasons) – Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake with buttercream and a Mickey Pumpkin garnish
• Nemo & Squirt’s Noggin Concoction (Available on Halloween Day Only at Coral Reef Restaurant) – Chocolate brownie stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie topped with white chocolate-covered pretzels and a Mickey Pumpkin Garnish
• Halloween Sugar Cookie (Available on Halloween Day Only at Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill) – Sugar cookie topped with Halloween Sprinkles
• Liquid Nitro Cake Pop (Available on Halloween Day Only at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace in World Showplace for EPCOT Taste of International Food & Wine Festival) – Liquid nitro chocolate cake pop with Halloween sprinkles
• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available Canada Popcorn Cart and Fife & Drum)
• Green Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Eats at EPCOT Experience and Mission Space Popcorn Cart)
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at all EPCOT Popcorn Locations)
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Scar Cupcake (Available at Creature Comforts, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus) – Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible icing image
• Spooky Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Flame Tree Barbecue and Isle of Java) – Sprite with Monin Apple Syrup poured over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a gummy worm, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and a sugar lime rim
• Rotten Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Alcoholic) (Available Flame Tree Barbecue) – Angry Orchard and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and gummy worms
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Tamu Tamu, Trek Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, TriloBites, and Outdoor Vending Ice Cream Carts)
• Purple Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Poison Candied Apple (Available at Trolley Car Café) – Apple and caramel mousse covered in red glaze with a crunchy candy base
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli (Available at PizzeRizzo) – Pumpkin cheesecake mixed with a hazelnut praline crunch in a cannoli shell
• Pumpkin Tiramisu (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café) – Layers of cream mascarpone and spiced pumpkin cake
• Box of Bones Chocolate Éclair (Available at Backlot Express) – Chocolate éclair with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate bones

• Frozen Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
• Frozen Apple Cider with Crown Royal Regal Apple (Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
• Orange Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Anahiem Produce, Hollywood Popcorn, and Animation Popcorn)
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Anaheim Produce)

The post Fall Festivities are Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort for 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Halloween, News, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom