Giant Holes Cut into Facade as Work Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney rethemed water log ride will be finished sometime in 2024. In the meantime, work continues to bring the new attraction to life at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Work is being done to remove grass, and cut some of the mountains down, turning it into a salt dome. While that work is being done it appears crews are adding reinforcement to the landing of the drop.
New holes have been cut into the attraction’s lower portion, and crews are seen adding cut steal beams. With work being done at a rapid pace now, we should see some major changes coming to the old Splash Mountain over the next few weeks.
Now open in Downtown Disney! Earl of Sandwich and Earl of Sandwich Tavern
Foodies are flocking tothe Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort as Earl of Sandwich and Earl of Sandwich Tavern have officially opened. Earl of Sandwich is a fan favorite of the area, making its return to the district in a new, temporary location serving its signature hot sandwiches, salads, bakery items and breakfast dishes. Earl of Sandwich Tavern is a new table service concept, making its official debut.
“We are thrilled to be back, serving ‘the World’s Famous Hot Sandwich’ to our loyal fanbase visiting from across the globe,” said Robert Earl, CEO of Earl Enterprises. “The Downtown Disney District has previously been a home for our restaurant family and we are happy to return, this time introducing Earl of Sandwich Tavern to our devoted customers for a full-service dining experience. Now, both guests looking to take their time or grab and go can enjoy our fresh sandwiches, salads and other specialty menu items.”
Earl of Sandwich Tavern is a sit-down dining experience, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a full indoor bar, serving signature cocktails, wine and beer. The Tavern features al fresco dining on the patio. Guests can start the day with breakfast dishes like Croissant French Toast, Breakfast Slam, Avocado Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Eggs Benedict and Western Omelet. Signature sandwiches include a gourmet Grilled Cheese, B.E.L.T Sandwich, Turkey Club, Turkey Bacon Panini Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Chimichurri Steak Sandwich, Mac-N-Cheese Burger and Down Town Burger. Comforting tavern entrees include Sesame Ginger Salmon, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Fish Tacos, Fish & Chips, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, and Slow Roasted Chicken.
At Earl of Sandwich, the quick service dining destination, the heart of the menu is the World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich®, a variety of signature hot sandwiches made by hand and made to order using fresh, high-quality ingredients and served on artisan bread. It is sent through a special oven, baked to perfection and served hot. It is then finished with toppings and produce, all prepared fresh daily. Incredibly quick, the sandwiches only take four minutes from order to finish, making for a fast and tasty dining experience. Earl of Sandwich doesn’t just serve sandwiches, it also offers handcrafted wraps, fresh green salads, artisan soups, and freshly baked dessert treats made in‐house daily. The quick-service restaurant has a large outdoor patio with umbrellas for shade.
For more information, please visit earlofsandwichusa.com and follow on social media at @earlofsandwich.
First Look at Disney’s Hercules at the Papermill Playhouse
The Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey just released stunning images from the latest production of Disney’s Hercules starring Bradley Gibson in the title role. Hercules will officially open on March 1 after beginning its performances on February 16. The show also stars Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton) as Phil, Isabelle McCalla (Aladdin, The Prom) as Meg, and Tony winner Shuler Hensley (The Music Man, Oklahoma!) as Hades.
The stage adaptation features music by EGOT composer Alan Menken (Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast) with lyrics by Tony winner David Zippel (City of Angels, Mulan) and book by Ton winner Robert Horn (Tootsie). The score features songs from the film, including the Oscar-nominated “Go the Distance,” in addition to “Zero to Hero” and “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love),” along with new songs written for the stage.
Paper Mill Playhouse released a sneak peek of the musical adaptation of the animated film via their Instagram. Limited tickets are still on sale for the musical via the website. Disney’s Hercules runs through March 19, 2023.
TAKE A THRILLING NEW JOURNEY TO NEVERLAND WITH“PETER PAN & WENDY,” STREAMING APRIL 28, 2023,EXCLUSIVELY ON DISNEY+
“Peter Pan & Wendy,” a live-action reimagining of the J.M. Barrie novel and the 1953 animated classic, will begin streaming on April 28, 2023, exclusively on Disney+.
Check out the teaser trailer and all-new poster for the original movie directed by David Lowery (“The Green Knight,” “Pete’s Dragon”), and get ready to experience the timeless adventure featuring beloved characters like never before.
“Peter Pan & Wendy” introduces Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, who meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Neverland. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.
The film stars Jude Law (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), Alexander Molony (“The Reluctant Landlord”), Ever Anderson (“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”), Yara Shahidi (“Grown-ish”), Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering (“A Discovery of Witches”), Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker (“House of Cards”), Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), and Jim Gaffigan (“The Jim Gaffigan Show”). “Peter Pan and Wendy” is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks (“The Green Knight”) based on the novel by J. M. Barrie and the animated film “Peter Pan.” The producer is Jim Whitaker (“Pete’s Dragon”), with Adam Borba (“A Wrinkle in Time”), Thomas M. Hammel (“Thor: Ragnarok”), and Toby Halbrooks serving as executive producers.
Director/co-writer David Lowery says, “In making ‘Peter Pan & Wendy,’ we set out to craft a film that honors both the original J.M. Barrie text and Walt Disney’s animated adaptation; we wanted to invigorate our retelling with emotional sincerity, an open heart, and a grand yearning for adventure. Hundreds of incredible artists spent many years bringing this film to the screen; I’m excited for audiences to see their work, to go on this ride, and to rediscover an evergreen tale from a new perspective.
First Look at the NEW Food and Drink Items Coming to Disney World to Celebrate Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month to celebrate Disney is sharing with us some new culinary creations by talented women chefs, mixologists, and pastry chefs at Walt Disney World!
Throughout the entire year there are plenty of ways to enjoy flavors expertly crafted across Disney Parks – the bites are truly endless! This year, for Women’s History Month, I’ve put together all the tasty ways you can “Celebrate HER story” at Walt Disney World Resort with dishes inspired by some of your favorite women characters, like the How Far I’ll Go Haupia Pie inspired by Moana, and whipped up by some of the women and culinary masterminds at Disney Parks, like the Tropical Paradise Cheesecake created by Chef Assistant Yaneth at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the Coconut Flan developed by Chef Assistant Meg at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
Let’s take a peek at the NEW Food & Drink items and learn about some of the women behind the dishes who brought these can’t-miss creations to life.
Disney’s All-Star Movies, Disney’s All-Star Music, and Disney’s All-Star Sports
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Chocolate ‘Muse’ Cake: Chocolate mousse with orange-ginger panna cotta, sugar cookie, chocolate glaze, and black currant whipped cream (New)
Chef Assistant Ashley’s flavors in this treat represent a balance of strength (orange-ginger), boldness (black currant), and beauty (chocolate)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Mara (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available) and Boma: Flavors of Africa(Available March 1 through 31)
South African Vegetable Bowl: Sweet potato stew, tomato and sunflower butter, and pilau rice topped with dates, apricot achar, and a creamy avocado-tahini (Plant-based)
Chef Khuloud was inspired by African flavors and her Syrian roots
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available March 1 through 31; available March 1 through 31)
How Far I’ll Go Haupia Pie: Rich chocolate coconut pie with a layer of coconut haupia custard topped with sweet cream and macadamia nuts (New)
Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass (Available through March 30; mobile order available)
Tiana Praline Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with pecan-praline filling, vanilla buttercream, and chocolate décor
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market (Available starting March 1; mobile order available)
Tropical Paradise Cheesecake: Classic cheesecake topped with passionfruit coulis, mousse, popping boba pearls, and white chocolate (New)
Chef Assistant Yaneth was inspired by the flavors of a tropical paradise, the Caribbean
Tea Time Salad: Endive and arugula salad with Earl Grey vinaigrette, strawberries, and lavender-fennel pollen-infused goat cheese (New)
Chef Chelsea was inspired by the flavors commonly found at afternoon tea with a unique twist.
Coconut Flan with passion fruit sauce, fresh passionfruit, and mango with a hibiscus tuille and edible flowers (New)
Chef Assistant Meg was inspired by a love of flowers, bright flavors, and Surrealism – a piece of edible art.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (Available March 1 through 31; available March 1 through 31)
Gingerbread Latte Whoopie Pie: Gingerbread whoopie pie filled with latte cream
Inspired by the gingerbread through the partnership between Proprietor Debbie and Pastry Chef Kristine
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available starting March 1) and Riverside Mill Food Court (Available March 1 through 31)
Wishing On Stars: Mango mousse with coconut-lime gelée, coconut glaze, and décor fit for a princess (Mobile order available)
Available at Various Resorts
Honey-Thyme Pork Loin with Roasted Garden Vegetables: Tender pork loin with roasted garden vegetables, edible flowers, and honey-thyme reduction (New) Available at the following March 1 through 31 (Mobile order available):
World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Chef Becky drew inspiration from the blooming vegetables and ingredients of the springtime
Available at Various Lounges and Table-service Restaurants at Disney Resort Hotels(Available through March 31)
Whiskey Tradition: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, pineapple juice, almond, agave, and angostura bitters
Features Uncle Nearest Whiskey, which is both a Black-owned and Women-owned business
Available at Various Pool Bars and Table-service Restaurants (Available through March 30)
Pineapple Mule: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Ginger Bitters, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint
Features Uncle Nearest Whiskey, which is both a Black-owned and Women-owned business
Her Hops Beer Flight featuring beers from all women-led or owned breweries, including Robonaut Red Ale from Playalinda Brewing Co., You’re My Boy, Blue! from Brew Bus Brewing, Hakuna Matata from D9 Brewing Company, and Duke’s Cold Nose from Bold City Brewery
The Ganachery (Available March 1 through 31)
Ahsoka Pop: Plant-based coconut and blueberry ganache enrobed in dark chocolate
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available March 1 through 31)
Nona’s Homestyle Meatballs: Hand-crafted Italian meatballs, Sunday gravy, basil pesto, home-made lemon ricotta, grilled focaccia, and grated pecorino Romano
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. in The Landing (Available March 1 through 31)
Disney Encanto Familia Madrigal Blend: Special blend featuring Mirabel Madrigal herself
Exclusive Disney Princess Ripples
The Polite Pig (Available March 1 through 31)
Grandma’s Beef Tips & Gravy: Pillowy bed of white rice with a creamy, smoked mushroom twist dressed in a savory, hearty, and herby tenderloin beef gravy. It is accompanied by sous vide carrots in a rosemary chicken broth and then lightly grilled with the house maple glaze with a gentle kick of spice
Disney has added new Grogu PhotoPass lenses at Walt Disney World and Disneyland through March 6
Fans of the Mandalorian Rejoice, a new season is upon us and Disney is celebrating in style with new PhotoPass lenses!
The two new lenses, which are available in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (via the MyDisneyExperience app at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland App) or anywhere via Snapchat, feature Grogu, the adorable ward of Mando colloquially known as ‘Baby Yoda’.
Get ready for season 3 of @themandalorian with #DisneyPhotoPassLenses! This is the way… to snap a selfie with Grogu. 🤳💫 Available through Mar. 6 in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — in the My Disney Experience app & Disneyland app — and access it from anywhere on our Snapchat page! pic.twitter.com/eUjDtkyGc0
The lenses are only available through March 6, so be sure to check them out before they are gone!
Ready to book your next magical vacation and try out these new PhotoPass lenses for yourself? As an agent with Destinations To Travel, I can help with that! My expert planning services are included at no additional charge when you book your Disney vacation package through me. Contact me so we can begin planning today!
Weave through dazzling flowerbeds, stumble upon exotic gardens, learn more about sustainable foods, and celebrate the ways we can live in harmony with the natural world.
Here is the full list of Global Gardens at the 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival:
Bamboo Garden – China Pavilion Visit this garden to see bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy – World Showcase Bridge Follow your nose and form lasting memories with the help of fresh, unforgettable fragrances.
Bold Bromeliads – The Land Pavilion Observe a variety of unique and colorful plants that can adapt to a wide range of climates and conditions.
Bonsai Collection – Japan Pavilion Learn about the art of bonsai, some of the finest living sculptures. Bonsai masters carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art, creating peace and balance with the earth.
Bouquet Garden – France Pavilion See bountiful blooms perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers.
Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth – World Nature Near Imagination! View a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. Learn about butterfly lifecycles and maybe even see one emerge from its chrysalis. Closes at dusk.
China Zodiac Garden – China Pavilion Realize your finer attributes in this garden inspired by the 12 creatures of the Chinese zodiac.
The Community Garden – World Celebration – NEW! Connect with the earth and each other at this celebration of a diverse and thriving communal garden plot.
Connections Conservatory Garden – Connections Eatery Settle into this thoughtful garden full of floral inspirations for your indoor spaces.
Desert Garden – Mexico Pavilion Discover the special adaptations that allow plants in arid climates to adjust to the harshest of growing conditions.
English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® – United Kingdom Pavilion Unearth the history and art of tea-blending at this elegant English tea garden––featuring plants used in some of Twinings’ finest blends.
Family-Friendly Garden Presented by OFF! Explore a camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play and climb.
Festival Blooms – World Celebration Admire thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas.
Floating Gardens – World Nature Peer upon more than 150 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the bridge to World Showcase.
Garden Italiano – Italy Pavilion From fresh spaghetti sauce to pizza toppings, this Tuscan kitchen garden features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Rosewalk Near Imagination! Learn about honeybees’ critical role in the environment, and delight in sweet and savory treats made possible by their hard work.
Kokedema Garden – Japan Pavilion Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art at this tranquil garden.
Miniature Garden – Germany Pavilion Appreciate the little things in this showcase of diminutive dwellings nestled in a forest of fine shrubs.
Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE Imagine life on Earth 65 million years ago with astounding plant life that’s thrived since the age of the dinosaurs.
Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion Explore the works of Shakespeare in this idyllic garden featuring excerpts from some of the bard’s most famous sonnets—and the dazzling flowers that influenced them.
Shishi-odoshi – Japan Pavilion – NEW! Contemplate the methodical movement and soothing rhythm of this traditional Japanese bamboo water fountain.
Spice Garden – Morocco Pavilion Discover how Eastern cultures flourished, trading signature spices and herb blends once considered more valuable than gold.
Songbird Meadow Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited® – World Discovery Songbirds are an important part of many ecosystems—including the one in your own backyard! Discover simple steps you can take at home to help these feathered friends thrive.
Topiary Heritage Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion Marvel at the varied techniques employed by the Walt Disney World Horticulture team to create the festival’s topiaries.
Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico Pavilion Uncover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and learn about its highly adaptive species.
Don’t forget to check out the Foods, Merchandise, and More at this year’s Flower & Garden Festival!
Serengeti Flyer Officially Opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest ride, Serengeti Flyer, is now open to all guests. The park’s latest attraction, which opened today, is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, providing riders with breathtaking views of the park’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain.
Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher, reaching speeds of 68 mph, a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak, and the pulse-pounding thrill of multiple negative-G moments. The park’s new thrill features the capability to adjust the ride’s intensity level, giving guests the opportunity for a milder or wilder experience. Serengeti Flyer allows 40 guests to experience the ride at once, seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas.
Serengeti Flyer is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind.
With each swing, riders will soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth.
Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak.
Guests are seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas, allowing for 40 guests to experience the ride at once.
Serengeti Flyer features a 48” height requirement, allowing for younger thrill seekers to experience the rush of Serengeti Flyer.
“Thrills are in full swing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with yet another exciting record-setting ride for our guests to enjoy,” said Neal Thurman, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “As the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, Serengeti Flyer joins a world-class portfolio of attractions, offering breathtaking views of the park and a one-of-a-kind experience for all our guests.”
Serengeti Flyer Officially Opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Annual Passes and Fun Cards Offer the Best Way to Play
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, all options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits like free parking, in-park discounts and monthly rewards starting as low as $15.
Additionally, those interested in paying for a day and playing all year can take advantage of the current buy-one-get-one Fun Card offer. For a limited time, guests purchasing a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card for FREE.
Guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.comto purchase tickets and learn more about the Annual Pass program’s benefits and monthly rewards
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe Reopens After Refurbishment. A few weeks ago when we entered Liberty Square in Disney’s Magic Kingdom we strolled into the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe and found you could not walk through the whole shop. it was divided by a wall cutting off the center of the store. Now we know why since it has reopened all the way.
Disney has refurbished the flooring in the center section of Shoppe. The whole store is now open again for guests to enjoy getting an early start on the Holiday season where guests can enjoy getting personalized ornaments, or stockings at Disney’s Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe – Celebrate Christmas any time of year at this Liberty Square shop—discover Disney ornaments, stockings, and goodies galore!
All Splash Mountain Signs are Now Gone from the Magic Kingdom. Tiana’s bayou Adventure is not expected to open anytime soon, it is projected to be late in 2024. That is not stopping Disney from moving really fast removing the past attractions signs. Out of sight, out of mind.
Southern Dome Salt Company has taken over the old Splash Mountain and has removed almost every sign that use to be up. From the outside, it now looks like you can only see one reference to the old Splash Mountian attraction. The one above the Lightning Lane entrance.
All other signs have been removed. From the old sign that used to say “This Way to Splash Mountian” which sat above a 3d Br’er Rabbit, to the two marquee signs at the front of the attraction, and the barn door signage is now all gone.
Included with the removal, the larger-than-life Br’er Rabbit, Bear, and Fox is gone now.
First announced in 2020, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome.
Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
All Splash Mountain Signs are Now Gone from the Magic Kingdom
Disney News Highlights: Reedy Creek is No More, First Look at Merchandise and Topiaries for Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival, Spaceship Earth New Light Show, plus new Marathon Winner sets a record.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Sign Installed Ahead of Opening Roundup Rodeo BBQ Sign Installed Ahead of Opening. The entrance to what could be the most fun eatery opened at Disney World in a long time, probably since Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom in 2012, is about to open in under a month and is taking shape. Roundup Rodeo BBQ is located in Toy Story land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
First Look at the Merchandise for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Disney has given us a first look at the merchandise for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! The merchandise collections for the Flower & Garden Festival will feature bold new designs. In fact, a little Orange Bird told me that a new ‘70s-inspired collection will help spread sunshine to guests of all ages!
5 Must-Do Restaurants for First-Timers at Disney WorldWalt Disney World Resort is renowned for having some of the very best restaurants around, making choosing where to dine a daunting task, especially for first-timers! So, which dining locations should you choose if you or someone in your traveling party happen to be brand new to Disney? Here are 5 of the best Disney World restaurants for first-timers!
Longest Serving Cast Member Disney Legend Burny Mattinson passes away at age 87 Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, who worked as an animator, director, producer, and story artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios during an unprecedented 70-year career, passed away Monday, February 27, at Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California, following a short illness. He was 87 years old.
