Disney Gossip: Baymax will Fly over Sleeping Beauty Castle for New Disneyland Fireworks Spectacular
In January Disneyland will debut a new fireworks spectacular! The rumor going around is that Baymax will fly over Sleeping Beauty Castle for the new show. The new nighttime show is coming to the park in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.
The new show, Wondrous Journeys, will debut on January 27, 2023.
Reddit user OFUTLAC posted a photo that appears to show a Baymax figure outside of Sleeping Beauty Castle. They spotted Baymax when they were riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. You can see the image here.
Wondrous Journeys will be replacing the Disneyland Forever fireworks show. Disneyland Forever has been performed off and on since 2015.
Disney describes Wondrous Journeys as a “nighttime spectacular that will ignite the wonder in all of us. It will feature nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film to date, taking us on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling, and heart. It will continue to build upon the park’s state-of-the-art projection effects, turning Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas that brings characters to life all around you. On select nights, Wondrous Journeys will go even bigger with the addition of sparkling fireworks in the sky above Disneyland.”
Are you looking forward to this new nighttime spectacular? What character would you like to see fly over Sleeping Beauty Castle?
If you’d like to visit Disneyland during the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Mickey Mouse Wood Cutting Board To Add To Your Kitchen!
How adorable is this Mickey Mouse wood cutting board you can use as a charcuterie board for your special occasions? It even comes with a spreader knife you can customize! This cute set is created by CornerCraftsShop on Etsy with a starting price of $41.49, you can order yours here.
The Mickey Mouse icon is formed by beloved Disney characters and the spreader knife can have your name on it! There are four different sizes to choose from so you can pick the one that works best for you. This is also a super cute gift idea for any Disney fan!
Robert Downey Jr. Takes Offense to Quentin Tarantino’s Insults to Superhero Movie Stars
Even though Iron Man’s tenure as part of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes might be over, that doesn’t mean Robert Downey Jr. has stopped defending the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In a recent Deadline interview, Robert Downey Jr. offered a response to Tarantino’s criticism of the superhero movie genre:
“I think our opinions on these matters say a lot about us. I think that we are in a time and place that I unwittingly contributed to, where IP has taken precedence over principle and personality. But it’s a double-edged sword. A piece of IP is only as good as the human talent you get to represent it, and you can have some great IP even if it’s coming from an auteur or a national treasure of a writer-director, and if you don’t have the right kind of artist playing that role, you’ll never know how good it could have been.”
“I think that creatively it is a waste of time to be at war with ourselves. I think this is a time when everything is so much more fragmented now that I think you have this kind of bifurcation,” he adds. “I go, ‘You know what? Let’s just get over it. We’re all a community. There’s enough room for everything,’ and thank God for Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water. That’s all I have to say. We need the big stuff to make room for films like Armageddon Time.”
What do you think of Robert Downey Jr.’s reaction to Quentin Tarantino’s comments? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Disney Cast Member Nametag Coaster To Add To Your Home!
Remember your magical time working at the most magical place on Earth with this Cast Member nametag coaster created by BDIProducts on Etsy! You can order yours here and customize it with the name and location you want.
You can also select the logo like your favorite Disney park, Disney store, radio Disney or Disney Cruise Line! This is a great addition to your kitchen or a great little gift to surprise the Disney fan in your life.
Gary Sinise Snowball Express Returns to Walt Disney World for 2022
The Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express returns to Walt Disney World! The Foundation sent families of fallen military service members to celebrate the holidays at Disney World.
The Snowball Express took flew about 2,000 family members from across the country to Orlando. They got to enjoy a 5-day vacation at Disney World. The Gary Sinise Foundation partners with American Airlines so the families don’t have to pay anything for this vacation.
Enjoy highlights from days 1 & 2 of #SnowballExpress2022 as families of fallen military heroes arrived at Walt Disney World! @GarySiniseFound is so honored to uplift these families with our annual holiday trip by helping them during what is often the most difficult time of year. pic.twitter.com/1KJvX1WYlu
“Enjoy highlights from days 1 & 2 of #SnowballExpress2022 as families of fallen military heroes arrived at Walt Disney World!
@GarySiniseFound is so honored to uplift these families with our annual holiday trip by helping them during what is often the most difficult time of year.”
This is the first time since the pandemic that this event has been able to happen.
Part of the event is a Remembrance Garden. American flags are set up around a room with the names of fallen military members where families can come and leave mementos and reflect on their loved ones. The families were also able to the ‘Walk of Gratitude’ at Magic Kingdom where families were able to write a personal message to their fallen heroes.
This is a wonderful experience for families of fallen service members to have a therapeutic retreat, enjoy some Disney magic, and be with peers who can support them.
Disney Announces Restoration and Recreation of the Interior of Walt Disney’s Plane to Its 1960s Design
The Palm Springs Air Museum opened a new exhibit to accompany Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I airplane.
The Palm Springs Air Museum, in conjunction with Phoenix Air, will restore and recreate the interior of the Gulfstream I to resemble what it looked like when Walt flew it in the 1960s. Museum Vice Chairman Fred Bell said, “We are so thrilled to partner with the Walt Disney Archives on this amazing restoration project. The Palm Springs Air Museum has restored over 60 aircraft in its 26-year history.
The restoration and recreation of Walt Disney’s plane is anticipated to take approximately two years.
Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I plane journeyed from D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim, California, to Palm Springs, California, in September. The aircraft, which is on a long-term loan from the Archives, is now displayed alongside the Palm Springs Air Museum collection. This new exhibit highlights the history of the plane, showcasing its significance to The Walt Disney Company’s history and its relevance to the Palm Springs area.
In 1963, Walt acquired the iconic Gulfstream. The interior of the plane, initially designed with creative input from Walt and his wife, Lillian, seated up to 15 passengers and included a galley kitchen, two restrooms, two couches, a desk, and nods to the mouse who started it all, including matchbooks and stationery adorned with a silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Mickey’s initials were eventually included in the tail number of the plane, too, as N234MM, in 1967. Throughout its 28 years of service to The Walt Disney Company, the plane flew 20,000 hours and transported an estimated 83,000 passengers before it was decommissioned.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a living history museum that contains more than 75 vintage airframes, including those from the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk. The museum is also home to airframes from across the spectrum of military aviation: World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. The planes are housed inside 91,000 square feet of open hangars and on the tarmac at a 10-acre facility. To learn more, visit PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org for visitor information.
Walt Disney World Engagement Ring Holder Ornament To Add A Fairytale Touch To Your Tree!
Thinking of proposing to your loved one this season? Surprise them by popping the question with this Walt Disney World engagement ring holder ornament that serves as a ring box when you propose and then as a reminder of your happily ever after as an ornament in your tree!
The ornament open up to reveal a plastic ring that can be replaced with the real ring and the quote “Will you marry me?” inside. Outside the sphere is royal blue with Cinderella castle on top and the Walt Disney World plaque in silver. This is definitely a super cute addition to your proposal plans.
A Disneyland version is also available at shopDisney, so if you prefer the west coast park, you can order yours online for $44.99.
Take a closer look at this stunning ornament in our Instagram post:
The Edison in Disney Springs has unveiled a series of winter holiday cocktails and mocktails. Edison’s expert team of mixologists has been as hard at work as Santa’s elves. They have come up with some fun festive seasonal drinks you will want to put on your wish list.
“The holidays are a very special time for guests at Walt Disney World Resort, and Patina Restaurant Group’s Disney Springs locations are thrilled to be able to offer a full lineup of seasonal cocktails and mocktails with classic winter flavors to help visitors of all ages get into the festive spirit.” – Head of Marketing for Patina Restaurant Group Kyle Collins
The Edison is designed to resemble an abandoned 1920s power plant. This multi-level venue has a great atmosphere with a steam-punk vibe. Seating areas include lounge-like tufted sofas as well as traditional table seating. There are 7 distinct dining and bar areas as well as waterfront seating with gorgeous views. Warmly lit brick wall backdrops and antique lighting, not to mention live entertainment in the form of aerialists, live music, and more.
Edisons New Holiday Beverages
This holiday season The Edison announces four specialty holiday beverages.
The Under the Mistletoe cocktail was festively presented and packed quite a punch. The cranberry, lemon juice, and cranberry all played nicely together.
The Coquito de Edison was smooth and creamy. This was my first time trying coquito and the flavors of this drink reminded me of a good coffee drink. It was delicious.
The Cup O Cheer is a mocktail that all ages can enjoy. The apple, cranberry, cinnamon, and lemon all made for a very wintery-tasting drink. All the flavors that make you think of winter are in there and it just goes excellent together.
Did I mention that The Edison is decked out for the holidays also?
Morimoto Asia, Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s are also in on the fun. Check out their specialty beverages as well.
Morimoto Asia
Jingletini ($17)
Tito’s Vodka, Midori, Licor 43 Horchata, peppermint schnapps, and glitter
Gingerbread Manhattan ($18)
Gingerbread cookie infused knob creek, Lazzarini amaretto, Carpano Antica, new England spiced cranberry and orange bitters
Enzo’s Hideaway
White Christmas Bourbon Smash ($20)
Jim Beam Black bourbon, rosemary simple syrup, lime juice, with a splash of seltzer
The Merry Melon ($20)
Absolut Vodka, midori and lemon-lime soda
Cranberry Limoncello Spritzer ($20)
Limoncello, White Cranberry Juice, and prosecco
Blood Orange Negroni ($16)
Blood Orange Malfy Gin, Italicus, and Antica
Sazerac ($19)
Knob creek rye, Courvoisier, bitters, sugar cube, absinthe, and a lemon peel
Maria & Enzo’s
Disney Springs is a wonderful place to be during the holidays and The Edison is the perfect place to sit and unwind whether you’re looking for a hot meal or a fun holiday cocktail.
What holiday beverage do you want to try? let us know in the comments below.
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Enchanting Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs 85th Anniversary Merchandise At Epcot!
The original Disney princess is celebrating 85 years of enchantment with this new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 85th anniversary merchandise collection available at the Germany pavilion in Epcot! Some of these pieces are also available online at shopDisney so you can order your favorite ones now!
We found several t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring Snow White, the seven dwarfs, Grumpy and the Evil Queen. They are all super cute! We loved the seven dwarfs hoodie, a must have for sure.
This soft plush features Snow White with embroidered features and glittering skirt on one side, while the Evil Queen offers a poisoned apple on the reverse. The plush comes inside an apple with self stick fabric closure.
If you had just one bag, you just might want to carry this stylish Snow White “Just One Bite” round bag with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It’s a unique style that every fan must have!
SNOW WHITE TUMBLER
This tumbler features adorable Snow White surrounded by flowers artwork plus a red lid and straw.
Christine McCarthy Early Favorite to Replace Bob Iger as Disney’s CEO
The Walt Disney Companies Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy is the early favorite to replace Bob Iger as CEO in the coming months. She is on the short list of contenders for the CEO position when Iger vacates the spot in 2 years’ time.
According to Deadline “Christine has always been a force to be reckoned with, but you have to put her on a list of top five possibilities after the last few weeks,” a Disney insider said of the now-prominent CFO. If McCarthy was handed the keys to the Magic Kingdom in the next 23 months, the exec would occupy a historic position as the first female CEO in Disney’s soon-to-be more than 100-year existence.
CORPORATE – Disney/ABC Television Group. (DISNEY/ABC/ Heidi Gutman)
Christine M. McCarthy is Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Walt Disney Company and oversees the Company’s worldwide finance organization, which includes brand and franchise management, corporate alliances and partnerships, corporate real estate, corporate strategy and business development, enterprise controllership, enterprise technology, financial planning and analysis, global product and labor standards, investor relations, risk management, tax, and treasury.
Bob Iger will continue to hold the position of CEO until the end of 2024.
New Food and Drink Options Coming to Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be rolling out some new Food and Drink options in Walt Disney World. Also starting on December 16th fans of Avatar will want to drop by and check out a new drink coming to celebrate the release of the movie in theaters.
Let’s dive right in and take a look:
Starting out at Maji Pool Bar, this spot will be refreshing its menu starting on Dec. 8 to add poolside snacks with an African twist. First up is the Shrimp Bakuli, which means bowl in Swahili. This dish is inspired by the open-air food markets found in Zanzibar, Chef Sahib Bhatti’s home country, where each evening as the sun sets, the vendors prepare seafood delicacies with the day’s catch. The bakuli includes chilled poached shrimp, pickled carrots, and Basmati rice with a flavorful soy-ginger dressing and berbere aïoli.
For plant-based diners, the chefs have also created a new offering just for you – the Multigrain Tabbouleh. This bowl is a vibrant salad with protein-rich grains, fresh herbs, and grilled vegetables. How delicious!
For those with a less adventurous palate, the team has developed two more traditional offerings with African flair. The Spiced Pork Nachos are topped with spiced pork, beans, herbed crema, and kachumbari. The “spiced pork” used is pork vindaloo, originally from Goa but based on a Portuguese dish “carne de vinha d’alhos.” This tender pork is prepared with flavors of paprika, garlic, tomato, vinegar, and a house-made spice blend.
Another mouth-watering option available is the Short Rib Grilled Cheese. The short ribs are slow-cooked with a house-made spice blend, tamarind, and red wine until tender. The buttery brioche bread is topped with short ribs, gouda cheese, and pickled onion and pressed to order.
The Mara will also be adding a few items to the menu starting on Dec. 8. For those who are looking to keep their safari on the tamer side, there is the Marinated Sun-dried Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herb ricotta, tomato sauce, four-cheese blend, and arugula.
For those looking to walk on the wild side, the chefs have created three new bowls that are sure to please. The Chermoula-spiced Shrimp Bowl is a must-try with grilled shrimp, pilau rice, kale slaw, cucumber-tomato salad, and chermoula sour cream. Pilau rice is similar to rice pilaf, and this version is simmered with The Mara’s unique spice blend and utilized as the base for all three bowls. Also available is the Oak-grilled Chicken Bowl made with marinated chicken thighs, slow-roasted over the oak-fired spit.
Rounding out the new additions at The Mara is the plant-based, and very tasty, South African Vegetable Bowl, a perfect balance of flavors! Chef Wendy Welcovitz and Sous Chef Khuloud Abu Samra drew inspiration from South African cuisine to thoughtfully craft each component: curried vegetable stew, pilau rice, kale slaw, dried fruit achar, and avocado-tahini sauce.
Of course, no trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is complete without experiencing the vibrant flavors simmering at Jiko: The Cooking Place and this winter is no exception. You can always enjoy fan favorites like the Oak-grilled Filet Mignon or Braaied Wild Boar Tenderloin, but there is a new appetizer to try – Sweet Potato-Groundnut Soup. This soup features spiced groundnuts, finger lime, pickled red chilies, and sorrel. Now, you may be asking “what is a groundnut?” Popular in modern African cuisine, you know this ingredient as a peanut, the name is used in reference to how these legumes grow … in the ground!
Last, but certainly not least, to celebrate the premiere of “Avatar: The Way of Water” on Dec. 16, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be introducing a signature beverage for those over 21 to “sivako!” Available at Boma: Flavors of Africa, Sanaa, and Victoria Falls Lounge, Way of Water is a shimmering blend of African Starr Rum, BACARDÍ Raspberry Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao, and lemonade garnished with a glowing lotus flower and mint.
So what do you think about these new food and drink options coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Merry Menagerie Cupcake is a Gingerbread LOVERS Dream
The Christmas season is a great time to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We enjoy the festive spirit of Dinoland USA, and it’s delightful to watch Santa Claus cruise along Discovery River. But the treats, such as the Merry Menagerie Cupcake, are also a highlight for visiting Animal Kingdom this holiday season!
The Menagerie Cupcake is comprised of gingerbread cake, cream cheese filling, and frosting. It has a polar bear figure made of white chocolate on top along with decorative sugar snowflakes.
The Merry Menagerie Cupcake can be found at Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It costs $5.99 plus tax.
Overall, we loved the decorative design and taste of this cupcake. It’s delicious! This dessert is one of our favorite treats currently available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The frosting and decorative pieces compliment each other for taste. Also, the cupcake is moist and has a wonderful cream cheese filling.
We recommend trying this during your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
