Disney World Railroad Tracks Now Complete at Tron Lightcycle Run. News that we have been waiting on for over 3 years has been fulfilled. For months, and years we have ridden the PeopleMover waiting to see this happen. It has been a long time and I can finally report that the Walt Disney World Railroad tracks are completed.
Back in December of 2018, Disney shut down the WDW Railroad in Disney’s Magic Kingdom to make way for a new roller coaster ride called Tron Lightcycle/ Run. In the following years, we saw construction start on the Tron Coaster show building. Then in 2020, we reported that the first tracks had been ripped up.
Tracks had been removed at the Fantasyland station, and furthermore, they were removed and replaced behind Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. Now all of the tracks are back, and for the first time in years, the whole circuit around the Magic Kingdom is completed and fully installed and connected. Plus, while we were checking out Fantasyland station today we got a small glimpse of the Steam locomotive runnings and could hear the whistle clear as day.
Listen to the clamor of the engine, the chug of the wheels, and the call of the whistle as you travel aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad.
Take your seat on 1 of 4 meticulously restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains—originally built between 1916 and 1928—and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour.
It’s a convenient—and nostalgic—way to get around Magic Kingdom park!
Walt’s Lifelong Passion
A noted train enthusiast, Walt Disney built his very first railroad in his backyard. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad, a 1/8-scale train, debuted in 1950 and featured a custom-built, steam-powered locomotive that encircled his property.
Delighted with his miniature backyard railroad, Walt decided to share his love of trains with the whole world. The result was the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, a favorite of Guests since the park opened in 1955.
Disney Cast Members Will Receive Both Main Gate Passes and Disney+ Bundle in 2023
Starting in 2023 Disney Cast Members will receive both Main Gate Passes and the Disney+ Bundle Subscription overturning the decision to only receive one and not both back in 2021.
The Main Gate Pass grants Disney Cast Members the ability to take friends and family to the theme parks for free.
Mysterious Sign shows up at the Entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Signs at Disney World are nothing new. We have seen the larger ones come and go over the years, like the DVC Billboard sign that was just repainted, the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Road Signs we saw pop up prior to opening, or the Tower of Terror Billboard sign that was recently demolished. Sometimes the smaller ones escape our notice.
A Walt Disney World Railroad sign appeared overnight at Disney’s Magic Kingdom entrance. What does this mean and what is the sign for is the question? Is Disney putting up signs, that will hold other signs telling people the park hours? Or is this going to be something for the WDW Railroad itself?
At Epcot, a sign that looks to be the same shape and size and looks to be able to hold a sign itself was noticed also. So realistically, this will probably just let people know the park hours or if a special event is sold out. Either way, it is cool seeing a new Walt Disney World Railroad sign.
Listen to the clamor of the engine, the chug of the wheels and the call of the whistle as you travel aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad.
Take your seat on 1 of 4 meticulously restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains—originally built between 1916 and 1928—and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour.
It’s a convenient—and nostalgic—way to get around Magic Kingdom park!
Find a Station You can board or disembark at any of 3 stations:
Near the entrance to the park on Main Street, U.S.A.
A noted train enthusiast, Walt Disney built his very first railroad in his backyard. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad, a 1/8-scale train, debuted in 1950 and featured a custom-built, steam-powered locomotive that encircled his property.
Delighted with his miniature backyard railroad, Walt decided to share his love of trains with the whole world. The result was the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, a favorite of Guests since the park opened in 1955.
Marvel Studios has pushed back the release dates of “Blade,” “Fantastic Four,” “Deadpool 3” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
Blade, the vampire pic starring Mahershala Ali is currently in search of a new director, following Bassim Tariq’s departure. The production is delayed as the search for a new director continues and development on the script is ongoing. It is now set to open September 6, 2024, having previously been slated for November 3, 2023.
Also, an untitled Marvel pic set for February 14, 2025 has been pushed to November 7, 2025, with another having been removed from the schedule after being set for May 1, 2026.
Among the changes, the as-yet-untitled Deadpool3 film has moved from September 6, 2024 to November 8, 2024, with Fantastic Four bumped from that latter date to February 14, 2025.
Previously set for November 7, 2025, Avengers: Secret Wars, the first of back-to-back movies in the Avengers series, will now debut on May 5, 2026.
Full List of Food Booths Announced for Disney’s Festival of Holidays
The food booths have been announced for Disney’s Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure! Guests can celebrate holiday tastes and spirited libations at this seasonal smorgasbord of multicultural and diverse cuisine—November 11, 2022 to January 8, 2023.
Eat, drink and be merry at the Festive Foods Marketplace in Disney California Adventure park, with a seasonal smorgasbord of multicultural cuisine across nine different kiosks! Visions of Sugar Plums is an all-new added marketplace where you will find delicious sweet and savory bites.
And don’t forget, the Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass is a terrific way to sample your way through a glorious day. The pass provides eight easy tabs you can redeem for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations. In the spirit of giving, share your tabs with a friend!
Nosh your way through holiday favorites that celebrate traditions from around the globe.
A Twist on Tradition Indulge in favorite holiday foods with a twist from this seasonal marketplace.
Brews & Bites Imbibe tasty brews and delight in savory snacks.
Favorite Things Try holiday classics infused with a festive kick.
Grandma’s Recipes Head home for the holidays with time-honored dishes.
Holiday Duets Harmonize with perfectly paired savory foods.
Making Spirits Bright Deliver the perfect toast with heartwarming holiday beverages.
Merry Mashups Savor flavorful cuisine with hearty flair.
Winter Sliderland Sink your teeth into a savory slider.
Visions of Sugarplums Make dreams come true with delicious sweets and savory treats.
Which food booth are you heading to first?
If you’d like to celebrate the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Mickey & Minnie’s New Holiday Costumes for Disneyland Resort
The holidays are returning to the Disneyland Resort from November 11, 2022, through January 8, 2023! This holiday season Mickey & Minnie will have new Holiday Costumes!
Celebrating the season with their snazzy style, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will don their holiday finest and newest fashions in Town Square at Disneyland park! These festive new looks reflect this year’s warm, vintage-inspired holiday celebration. In classic red and green, their holiday attire is being designed in wintry textures and patterns such as velvet, chenille, herringbone and plaid, and accented with gold for a touch of sparkle.
What do you think of Mickey & Minnie’s new holiday costumes?
If you’d like to celebrate the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Angela Lansbury who played Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has passed away today at the age of 96 according to her family.
“The children of Dame Angela Lansbury are sad to announce that their mother died peacefully in her sleep at home in Los Angeles at 1:30 AM today, Tuesday, October 11, 2022, just five days shy of her 97th birthday,” her family said in a statement.
“In addition to her three children, Anthony, Deirdre, and David, she is survived by three grandchildren, Peter, Katherine, and Ian, plus five great-grandchildren and her brother, producer Edgar Lansbury,” the statement adds.
Angela Brigid Lansbury was born on October 16, 1925, in London, England. Angela’s achievements on stage, screen, and television are too numerous to recount but include six Golden Globes and eighteen Primetime Emmy® nominations. She is the recipient of the National Medal of the Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors, and was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994.
A private family ceremony will be held at a date to be determined. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
New Details revealed for the Disneyland Resort Holiday Season
Today, the Disneyland Resort has shared new details on the merry magic that awaits during the holiday season, taking place across the resort from Nov. 11th, 2022, through Jan. 8th, 2023.
During this enchanting time of year, guests of all ages will enjoy their favorite traditions, celebrate diverse cultural festivities, and more.
At the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park, take in the sights and sounds of cherished holidays including Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, starting with a spirited lineup of world-class entertainment!
New this year, Tina and The Sounds of Celebration! will bring her powerhouse vocals and dynamic musicians to perform holiday tunes with an uplifting repertoire of salsa, merengue, cumbia, and rock Latino!
Other fantastic returning acts include the Mariachi Divas, Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company, Phat Cat Swinger and The Mistletoes, and the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party returns!
Be sure to catch the character celebration “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” and the magically merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers performing throughout the day in Disney California Adventure park.
Delight in the treasured traditions of “World of Color – Season of Light” at Disney California Adventure park and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks on select evenings at Disneyland park.
With MagicBand+ coming to Disneyland Resort this fall, you’ll be able to light up your Disneyland Resort holiday experience in an all-new way this year! Wear your MagicBand+ for extra magic and watch it come alive with vibrations and colorful holiday lights during the nighttime spectaculars of “World of Color – Season of Light” and “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks.
Ho-Ho-Hello, Santa! Direct from the North Pole, you may mingle with Mr. Kringle as he visits various locations throughout the Disneyland Resort including Critter Country in Disneyland park, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park and at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort!
Eat, drink and be merry at the Festive Foods Marketplace in Disney California Adventure park, with a seasonal smorgasbord of multicultural cuisine across nine different kiosks! Visions of Sugar Plums is an all-new added marketplace where you will find delicious sweet and savory bites.
And don’t forget, the Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass is a terrific way to sample your way through a glorious day. The pass provides eight easy tabs you can redeem for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations.* In the spirit of giving, share your tabs with a friend!
Seasonal sweets and treats are always on the list throughout the Disneyland Resort, and here’s just a few to tempt your tastebuds! Keep a lookout for the complete holiday foodie guide coming next month on the Disney Parks Blog!
Disney California Adventure Park:
Grizzly Peak Churro Peppermint Churro – Churro coated with crushed candy canes, drizzled with chocolate and vanilla sauce
Lamplight Lounge Peppermint Donuts – Hot cocoa-dusted donuts with toasted marshmallow crème and peppermint-chocolate dipping sauce
Festive Foods Marketplace Merry Mashups Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese – Esquites-style mac & cheese with carnitas, salsa macha, spiced puffed rice, freeze-dried corn and chopped cilantro
Smokejumpers Grill Loaded Latkes -Traditional Latkes loaded with smoked brisket, topped with dairy-free horseradish cream and scallions
Sonoma Terrace Mistletoe Mule – A holiday take on a classic mule cocktail with cranberry juice and agave, garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a Cape cranberry
Disneyland Park:
Red Rose Taverne Holiday Grey Stuff – Traditional Grey Stuff with a holiday twist
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa:
GCH Holiday Cart – Poinsettia Cookie
To commemorate Diwali at the Disneyland Hotel, The Coffee House will feature an Indian chai Archisha Tea on the menu from Oct. 17, 2022 – Jan. 9, 2023. The Blue13 Dance Company will perform near The Coffee House at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily from Oct. 17 – Oct. 24, 2022, before they head to the Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park for the season.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear will be lending a hand with this darling holiday popcorn bucket, available for a limited time at select popcorn carts in Disney California Adventure park, while supplies last.
Celebrating the season with their snazzy style, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals will don their holiday finest and newest fashions in Town Square at Disneyland park! These festive new looks reflect this year’s warm, vintage-inspired holiday celebration. In classic red and green, their holiday attire is designed in wintry textures and patterns such as velvet, chenille, herringbone, and plaid, and accented with gold for a touch of sparkle.
Adorable, cozy, and comfy, spirit jerseys are always a hit for your holiday ensemble, inspired by Mickey and Minnie’s holiday looks! In shops through both parks and the Downtown Disney District, you will be able to find the latest apparel, toys, ornaments, home décor, and collectibles for every person on your list – and a little something for yourself, of course!
Returning this year is Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Tour, where this special guided journey of Disneyland park tells stories of Walt Disney and gives unique facts about how Disneyland celebrates the season, followed by guests setting sail on “it’s a small world” Holiday. The 2.5-hour walking tour ends on Main Street, U.S.A., with a reserved viewing area of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade where guests receive delicious holiday treats and a commemorative pin. For more information, pricing and reservations, visit Disneyland.com.
It’s almost the season of celebrations, a time for togetherness and making holiday memories with your family and friends. We cannot wait to celebrate with you!
Check the latest entertainment details and schedules at Disneyland.com or the Disneyland mobile app. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.
*A Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass will expire on Jan. 8, 2023, and will not be valid at any other event or at any other time. Passes are nonrefundable, subject to restrictions, and not valid for Theme Park admission. Both valid theme park admission and park reservation required for park entry.
Message, data and roaming rates may apply for use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
More Epcot 40th Anniversary merchandise was released at Epcot!
We found a few new pieces at the Creations Shop celebrating 40 years of magic of the most innovating park of Walt Disney World. Take a look at what we found:
We found this red t-shirt from the merchandise collection released back on October 1st, 2022 with the Epcot 40 logo and date of the celebration. So if you missed it the first time, you can still find it at Epcot!
Start your mornings in a magical way with this Epcot 40 mug featuring a geometric design at the bottom that resembles Spaceship Earth, the Epcot 40 logo on one side and Figment with the pavilion icons on the opposite side! Super cute for sure! You can get it at the Creations Shop for $14.99.
Finally, we found this Epcot 40 magnet with the celebration logo and Figment in the background surrounded by the pavilion icons. Get it for $11.99!
If you want to get these pieces head over to the Creations Shop and get yours!
New Food & Drink items coming to Disney World Resort Restaurants
Disney World is rolling out new Food & Drink items at some of your favorite Disney World Resort Restaurants. Guest visiting Walt Disney World can take advantage of some yummy food & drink items just in time for fall.
Let’s dive right in and take a look at some new items at Disney World Resort Restaurants:
Let’s kick things off at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where Enchanted Rose has some new editions. This Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge is expanding its menu with some elegant yet whimsical offerings, including a charcuterie board, artisanal cheese selection, and hummus with tapenade, smoked paprika, and grilled pita bread. There are some stand-outs among these offerings. The Smoked Trout and Crab Dip features salmon roe, chive oil, and sesame seed lavosh combined into a beautiful and tasty dish.
If you like Caviar or have always wanted to try it, this version includes Siberian caviar, an egg yolk spread, crème fraiche, caper berries, and brioche. Lastly, the Seasonal Flatbread is deliciously topped with artichoke, fig, ricotta, roasted garlic, and watercress. Just look at how good these dishes look!
Take a little trip down south to New Orleans through your taste buds at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Here you’ll find Boatwright’s Dining Hall and starting today you’ll get a taste of a refreshing expansion that incorporates more authentic Cajun and Southern flavors into the menu.
For an entrée, the Lowcountry Seafood Boil is a classic filled with shrimp, mussels, and Andouille sausage with corn on the cob and potatoes simmered in a spicy Cajun brother. It’s served with a tasty, toasted baguette to finish it off. The slow-roasted Blackened Prime Rib is perfectly topped with Cajun butter and served with classic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
If all of these flavors have your mouth watering, you will want to be sure to order the Taste of the Bayou, the chef’s all-you-care-to-enjoy platter with hickory-smoked pork ribs, crispy Cajun chicken, smoked sausage, barbecued beef brisket, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, roasted corn with Cajun butter, and seasonal vegetables!
For those who want a plant-based offering, try the Harvest Red Beans and Rice. This dish features red beans simmered with plant-based sausage, peppers, onions, and celery served over rice along with cornbread.
No meal is complete without dessert and this new menu is not to be missed. You can choose between the Southern Cheesecake, a classic vanilla cheesecake with a bourbon-caramel sauce garnished with pecan-praline brittle, the plant-based Peach-Blackberry Cobbler, a classic peach and blackberry cobbler topped with blackberry sorbet, or the Mississippi Mud Crème Brûlée, a milk chocolate crème brûlée with a sablé breton cookie and fresh fruit.
For the little ones, the dessert menu is a boatload of fun with the Row Row Oar Your Boat Sundae and Cookies and Milk featuring two house-made chocolate chip cookies.
Rounding out all of these new offerings is a new cocktail – the Big Easy Whisky Sour. This adult beverage combines Maker’s Mark Bourbon, lemon juice, and pure cane sugar with a float of Fess Parker Big Easy Red Blend.
This resort is also home to the River Roost Lounge. Beginning today, they will be offering a new plant-based dish and a signature libation. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip will be a new plant-based favorite with a creamy dip served with Cajun-dusted cornbread crostini. The French 75, for those over 21, is a fizzy delight made up of Argyle Sparkling Brut, Hendricks Gin, fresh lemon juice, and pure cane sugar.
Just a quick trip over to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, starting today Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge will be introducing a plant-based offering that’s sure to jazz with diners of all diets! The Sassy Sassagoula Sliders don’t just look delicious but taste delicious too. This trio features BBQ jackfruit with slaw and fried pickles, fried green tomatoes with giardiniera and pepper jelly, and lastly a “fish” cake with spicy rémoulade and arugula.
Today also has some new and delicious happenings going on at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The menu is expanding with flavors of the Riviera from French and Italian influences at Bar Riva. The new Burrata Salad is perfect for those cheese lovers, with heirloom tomatoes, fresh pesto, and focaccia bread. If you’re feeling a fish dish, the Salmon with Orzo is the one for you. This plate serves up a perfectly seared salmon with Pomodroccio tapenade and lemon orzo. The Mushroom Arancini will leave you wanting more with risotto, mushroom, cheese, and truffle – yes, truffle – served with a house-made marinara!
Give your meal the proper finish with a dessert that you won’t be able to get enough of. The Molten Chocolate Cake is a new edition that you’ll be thankful you tried. This warm chocolate cake with a molten center is topped with a raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries.
Lastly, the Riviera also has a new signature sweet the Riviera bakery team has been hard at work developing. The Riviera Signature Cookie masterfully bakes together semi-sweet chocolate chips, ground oats, California walnuts, toasted pistachios, dried cherries, and flake sea salt – yes, yes, and yes! You can pick up this soon-to-be classic from Primo Piatto.
At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the Belle Vue Lounge is enhancing its offerings with signature cocktails and zero proofs. The Orange Blossom Manhattan makes its debut at the resort. A holiday fan favorite, this beverage fits nicely within the year-round ambiance of Belle Vue Lounge. If light and refreshing is what you need, stop by to enjoy the Sparkling Hibiscus featuring Sorel Hibiscus Liqueur and sparkling grapefruit. Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy the Agave Garden, a zero-proof offering that features Lyre’s Agave Reserve and passionfruit green tea.
What do you think about these new Food & Drink Options at Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants?
Accio, glam! The Harry Potter Colourpop Collection is here!
Make your makeup looks extra enchanting with this new collection featuring an eyeshadow palette, lipsticks, eyeliners, highlighters and more. You can even show up your house pride since a lot of the pieces are inspired in Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
Get glammed up with 24 magical shades that will help you unlock spellbinding looks! It features ultra pigmented, blendable pressed formula that’s long wearing, applies evenly and feels super velvety.
LIPSTICKS
When in doubt, wear a good lip! These Harry Potter lipsticks are perfect!
Hermione Grander Lipstick: Warm Peachy Nude.
Ron Weasley: Burnt Orange.
Harry Potter: Rich Brick Red.
Luna Lovegood: Sheer Icy Blue.
HIGHLIGHTERS
Swipe on this icy white inspired by a very smart and loyal owl!
Be free with this warm gold hue.
A silver taupe inspired by a good Hippogriff!
HOUSE PRIDE
Where dwell the brave at heart! Show your Gryffindor pride with this must have duo of ink liner and lip bam with a frothy Butterbeer flavor.
These cunning folks use any means to achieve their ends! Show your Slytherin pride with this ink liner and lip balm with a refreshing Peppermint Toad flavor.
Where those of wit and learning will always find their kind! Show your Ravenclaw pride with this ink liner and lip balm with a fresh Sugar Quills flavors.
Where they are just and loyal! Show your Hufflepuff pride with this ink liner and lip balm with a sweet Popping Pixie Wing Dust flavor.
HARRY POTTER COLLECTION SET
You can also get the whole set for a magical makeup look!
Disney Genie+ Variable Pricing Revealed for Walt Disney World
Starting today the Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World will be changing to a Variable Pricing model for guests. Now instead of a flat rate, the prices can go up or down depending on demand. Read on for full details:
At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Genie+ will also vary in price based on the date a guest is visiting. Similar to theme park tickets, throughout the year, prices may be lower on less busy days and higher during peak periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For example, now through the end of October, prices will be $15 per Guest, per day on less busy dates, $22 on some of our busier dates, and somewhere in between on other dates (plus tax; prices are subject to change beyond October).
As a reminder, single-day purchases of Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World Resort are only available directly through the My Disney Experience app on the guest’s date of visit.
What do you think about this new Variable Pricing for Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comment box below.
