2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food Booths Announced

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January 2, 2024

2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food Booths Announced

Indulge in a sensory spectacle of culinary creativity at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, taking place from January 12 through February 19, 2024.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant palette of flavors, where each dish is a work of gastronomic artistry.

For both art enthusiasts and food connoisseurs, this festival offers a visual and palatable feast. Step into a realm where culinary creations mirror artistic masterpieces, showcasing the prowess of epicurean experts who craft delectable delights that rival the works of the great masters.

Embark on a gastronomic journey by exploring the diverse offerings at various festival food studios:

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The Artist’s Table (American Adventure Pavilion)
Treat your senses to artistically elevated comfort foods—like dumplings, hummingbird cake and more. Pair your dish with beer or a glass of wine.

Cuisine Classique (Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet) – NEW!
Enjoy carefully crafted classics, like beef Wellington and roasted mussels—as well as a flavorful beer or cocktail.

The Craftsman’s Courtyard (Near Disney Traders)
Indulge your appetite when you order steak or pork belly sandwiches from the grill.

Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with sleek desserts inspired by the art deco era— from the gilded glamour of the roaring 1920’s to the bright pastels of Miami Beach.

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)
Rediscover your favorite dishes fragmented and presented in a playful way—like a BLT and key lime pie.

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico Pavilion)
A fiesta of flavor awaits! Delight in classic Mexican fare—from savory carne asada to chilled lobster with chipotle aïoli.

Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic
Sweeten your day with colorful treats, like rainbow cake or a sugar cookie with a fun twist. You’ll also find a variety of beers and hard ciders.

Goshiki (Japan Pavilion)
Celebrate the Japanese culinary arts with delectable dishes featuring “the 5 colors” of Japanese cuisine. Highlights include sushi donuts, daifuku mochi and sake.

Gourmet Landscapes (Canada)
Savor stunning dishes artfully composed with the finest ingredients that have been farmed and foraged from the land. Enjoy wild mushroom risotto, roasted bone marrow and more.

L’Art de la Cuisine Francaise (France Pavilion)
Discover delicious French treats and baked goods, from savory to sweet—including salmon served hot or cold and warm brie in a bread bowl. Pair your dish with a French wine or frozen martini.

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy Pavilion)
Indulge in Baroque cuisine, prepared with rich color and dramatic flavor. This food studio serves up fried mozzarella, pasta and more.

The Painted Panda (China Pavilion)
Enjoy decorative cuisine inspired by magnificent Chinese art, like General Tso’s chicken shumai or the char siu pork bun. Plus, sip bubble tea, Chinese-inspired cocktails and other refreshing beverages.

Pastoral Palate (Germany Pavilion)
Help yourself to hearty dishes inspired by the rustic settings where Bavarian Folk Art is painted. Indulge in a red wine-braised beef short rib and black forest cake.

Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry)
Delight in mouthwatering masterpieces inspired by the most captivating pop art of the 20th century. Highlights include tomato soup with grilled cheese.

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco Pavilion)
Take your taste buds on a Moroccan adventure as you enjoy delectable dishes like grilled kebabs, stoned-baked Moroccan bread and more. Pair your dish with hard cider or the chai tea mint mimosa.

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between the Morocco & France Pavilions)
Feast on authentic Colombian cuisine inspired by the Disney animated film Encanto—like an empanada with chorizo or mango cheesecake.

Festival-of-the-Arts — (Harrison Cooney, photographer).

Additional Locations
Delight your appetite with mouthwatering morsels, nibbles and noshes from these year-round food stops—each offering special menu items in addition to the regular menu.

Refreshment Port (near Canada): Serving poutine, the Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie and refreshing beverages
Refreshment Outpost: Serving delicious beers from breweries in Louisiana, Florida and New York
Funnel Cake: Serving a specialty funnel cake
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (all 4 in-park locations): Serving a unique art-inspired beverage at each location
Swirled Showcase: Serving soft-serve ice cream in a dish or waffle cone

Check back here on Chip and Company for additional details including full menus for each food studio.

Aerial overview of Epic Universe Shows Harry Potter Land, How to Train your Dragon and More

By

Chris B

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January 2, 2024

Now that is is officially 2024, we can finally say Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is opening next year! Work on the new park has been progressing at an impressive rate, with hotels, attractions, and theming popping up. X user bioreconstruct shared some latest updates which show the icons that will mark the portal entrance to the lands within Epic Universe.

how-to-train-your-dragon-entrance-Epic-Universe — photo credit-bioreconstruct

The entrance to the expected How to Train your Dragon area is adorned with two large statues with impressive detail.

Aerial photo of the hand and magic wand on top of the portal to a Harry Potter related land in Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/NhLWXgFVxt
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 17, 2023

The icon for the entrance to the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an impressive statue of a hand holding a magical wand pointing toward the sky.

Aerial photo of the Dark Universe portal. Recently topped with theming.
At the classic Universal monsters land in Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/2Ku2mm387M
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 17, 2023

The impressive entrance portal to the land that is expected to be the Dark Universe has recently been topped with addtional theming.

Aerial look across Epic Universe. Dec 23, 2023
• Trees at Burning Blade Tavern
• Large Viking figure in rock work chips at Meade Hall
• Scaffolding at Bowser's Fortress
• Concrete partially removed at the park portal half circle
• Frame for lounge at top of in-park resort pic.twitter.com/ov0tDhEmya
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 25, 2023

Zooming out a bit, you can really see how the park is coming together. The large site is separated into the various themed lands that will be contained within Epic Universe, with each land beginning to take on its own personality.

Aerial overview of construction in Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/NlrMJmz7LC
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 25, 2023

We cannot wait to step through the gates of Epic Universe when the park opens in 2025!

Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios Now has a Set Menu After Eliminating Many Sides

By

Chris B

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January 2, 2024

If part of your New Years Resolutions for 2024 includes dining at Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios, we have some news you’ll want to hear. The popular dining spot has recently updated its menu, focusing on a set selection of tasty sides and salads after waving goodbye to some old favorites.

Let’s start with what’s left the roundup. From the “Reach for the Sides” section, a few items have ridden off into the sunset. We bid farewell to “The Married Spuds”, the crunchy “Force Field Fried Pickles”, the homestyle “Mean Old Potato Salad”, and the hearty “Campfire-roasted Vegetables”. It’s a sad goodbye, but don’t hang your hat just yet!

Potato Barrels (plant-based) have trotted onto the scene, with no description listed for what exactly this side will contain. The current list of available sides is:

Potato Barrels (Plant-based)
The Claw! Veggie Slaw (Plant-based)
Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese
Buckin’ Baked Beans (Plant-based)
Cowpoke Corn on the Cob

When it comes to greens, the “Get a Wiggle on your Greens!” lineup has seen a change too. Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad has taken a bow, leaving you with two refreshing options: Rootin’ Tootin Tomato Salad and Wheezy’s Watermelon Salad. So, while the choices might be fewer, they’re still packed with flavor and fun!

So next time you’re at Hollywood Studios and your stomach starts to growl like a grizzly bear, head on over to Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Sure, the menu might be a bit different, but it’s still filled with delicious dishes and a Rootin’ Tootin’ good time. Yeehaw!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Greenery Added to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in the Magic Kingdom

By

Chris B

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January 2, 2024

The grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in the Magic Kingdom is coming later this year. The ride is currently undergoing a complete transformation to allow guests to be transported to the bayou, and we have been following along via updates to the rides exterior. The latest update is the installation of green and flowered trees and bushes that have completely transformed the appearance of the former Splash Mountain.

tiana-bayou-greenery-2 — image credit: bioreconstruct

X user bioreconstruct posted updated photos of the attraction recently, which are striking. The mountain is almost unrecognizable as the new trees and bushes have transformed its appearance.

Sighting of Tiana's Bayou Adventure as guests head West in Frontierland. pic.twitter.com/9du2FTRMtS
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 31, 2023

When Disney announced the closure of Splash Mountain and the transformation of the attraction to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, many were left wondering how the rides appearance would be adapted to fit in with the bayou theme.

Themed Spanish Moss in a tree at Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Real Spanish Moss will probably accumulate over time. pic.twitter.com/euGvUWO9Oa
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 31, 2023

The installation of the tower with tiara was a nice start, and this latest addition really shows how the Imagineers are completely adapting the exterior of the ride.

Current view of Tiana's Bayou Adventure above the fence line. pic.twitter.com/R7ZjM5mQK6
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 31, 2023

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is slated to open later this year, and we cannot wait to venture into the Bayou with Tiana!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Many Disney100 Celebrations still going on in EPCOT

By

Chris B

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January 2, 2024

If you thought the magical Disney100 celebration at EPCOT was over, think again! Even though the party was supposed to wrap up on December 31st, some of that special Disney magic is still sprinkling around the park! Here’s what you can still enjoy!

As of January 1, 2024, many Disney100 celebration items at EPCOT were still being offered, despite the advertised end date of December 31, 2023. These offerings include the beloved Soarin’ Over California, the version of the ride that temporarily took the place of Soarin’ Around the World. Disney brought Soarin’ Over California back for the Disney100 celebration, and have not yet switched the attraction back to Soarin’ Around the World.

An-all-new-Disney-100-Mural-is-now-on-display-at-EPCOT

As you walk around, you’ll still see the beautiful Disney100 banners and decorations, including the large Disney 100 mural that adorns the construction walls near the front of the World Showcase. These items were supposed to be gone by now, but hey, who’s complaining? More time to snap those perfect photos with the sparkling centenary decor!

The Disney100 light show on Spaceship Earth is still dazzling guests with its spectacular lights and music. It’s like the whole globe is celebrating Disney’s100 years of magic! Mickey and Minnie are still decked out in the Disney100 bests at the Meet and Greet in the Imagination Pavilion.

Considering the advertised end date for these items was December 31, 2023, they will certainly be retired soon. If you have not yet had the chance to experience all of the Disney100 celebration items at EPCOT, hurry over to the park before they are gone!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Pixar’s Mama Coco Actress Passes Away at 90

By

Chip

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January 2, 2024

Pixar’s Mama Coco Actress Passes Away at 90

Ana Ofelia Murguía, the esteemed Mexican actor renowned for lending her voice to the character in Disney and Pixar’s 2017 animated film “Coco,” passed away on Sunday, December 31, at the age of 90, as reported by BBC News.

In “Coco,” a heartwarming tale set during Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, Murguía voiced the elderly Mama Coco. The film, celebrated for its representation of Mexican culture and its exploration of profound themes like death within the realm of a children’s movie, earned two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Original Song for “Remember Me.” Murguía’s poignant portrayal of Mama Coco, especially during the emotional climax where she sings the central song “Remember Me” alongside Miguel, left a lasting impact.

Born in Mexico in 1933, Murguía received the Golden Ariel special lifetime achievement award in 2011, a testament to her invaluable contributions to Mexican cinema. Throughout her illustrious career, she secured the Best Supporting Actress title at the Ariel Awards (Mexico’s equivalent of the Oscars) in 1979, 1986, and 1996.

With over 100 acting credits to her name, Murguía began her journey with an appearance on the Mexican telenovela “La Tormenta.” Notable roles in productions like 1994’s “The Queen of the Night,” 1992’s “Mi Querido Tom Mix,” and 1979’s “Life Sentence” solidified her status as a distinguished figure in the world of acting.

Murguía’s last on-screen performance was in a 2018 episode of “José José: El Príncipe de la Canción,” a fictionalized retelling of the life story of the renowned Mexican singer José José. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who admired her artistry and the profound impact she made on Mexican performing arts.

New Walt Disney World Icons Spirit Jersey Now At shopDisney!

By

Ana Leal

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January 1, 2024

New Walt Disney World Icons Spirit Jersey Now At shopDisney!

A magical new Walt Disney World Icons Spirit Jersey has arrived to shopDisney just in time to start the new year dreaming of your next Disney vacation! You can get it online at shopDisney for $79.99.

It features an all over pattern of Disney World themed park icons like Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror and Cinderella Castle on the bottom part of the front and back and sleeves. The top part if white with the retro Mickey Disney World logo and Walt Disney World logo across the back in puffy light blue letters with a golden rim.

The spirit jersey also has golden speckles all around for some extra pixie dust! We love it!

Credit: shopDisney

New Snow White Poison Apple Ear Headband Spotted At Disney Springs!

By

Ana Leal

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January 1, 2024

New Snow White Poison Apple Ear Headband Spotted At Disney Springs!

We were lucky and found the new Snow White Poison Apple Ear Headband at Disney Springs! The popular headband can be yours for $34.99, it will definitely add a wicked touch to your style and collection.

The headband features poison apple ears in red satin with green sparkles, the black sequined bow is adorned with a purple velvet bow with a red gemstone in the middle, the back of the bow also features a gold crown just like the Evil Queen.

You can take a closer look at this headband in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Minnie Mouse And Friends Loungefly Ear Headband Available At Disney Springs!

By

Ana Leal

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January 1, 2024

New Minnie Mouse And Friends Loungefly Ear Headband Available At Disney Springs!

The new Minnie Mouse And Friends Loungefly Ear Headband are filled with magic and nostalgia! They are part of the Mickey & Friends Collection and can be yours for $44.99, you can get your pair online at shopDisney or at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World .

They feature black sequined ears and a white bow with an all over patter of classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto with the Disneyland and Disney World castle icons. A Cinderella Castle silver charm in the middle of the bow adds the final touch on these enchanting ears.

You can get a closer look at this ear headband in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Mickey Mouse Horror Game Coming Now that Steamboat Willie’ Enters Public Domain

By

Marc Valentine

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January 1, 2024

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New Mickey Mouse Horror Game Coming Now that Steamboat Willie’ Enters Public Domain

Nightmare Forge Games is unveiling “Infestation 88”, an upcoming co-op survival horror game designed for 1-4 players. This chilling experience seeks to blend nostalgia with terror, drawing inspiration from the eerie atmosphere of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.

By reimagining the iconic Steamboat Willie, now in the public domain, the game promises to deliver a much darker and scarier rendition. Currently developing for PC, Infestation 88 aims to provide a haunting and suspenseful gaming experience.

Nightmare Forge Games describes the game “In the year 1988, what was thought to be an outbreak of rodents in various locations morphed into something far more sinister.” The online game promises both public and private lobbies along with character customization and scalable enemies. Those interested in the game can add it to their wishlist on Steam.

Copyright law is designed to protect the rights of creators and encourage innovation by granting them exclusive control over their works for a limited period. However, this protection is not indefinite, and copyright does eventually expire. In many jurisdictions, including the United States and the European Union, the standard term for copyright protection is 70 years after the death of the creator.

Once this period elapses, the work enters the public domain, meaning it is no longer subject to copyright restrictions. This allows for broader access, distribution, and use of the creative work by the public without the need for permission or payment to the original copyright holder.

There are variations in copyright durations across countries, but a general trend is that copyright protection does have a finite lifespan. Some works may enter the public domain sooner if the creator explicitly waives their rights or if specific legal conditions are met. The intention behind this eventual expiration is to strike a balance between protecting the interests of creators and ensuring that cultural and intellectual works eventually become part of the common heritage, fostering continued creativity and cultural enrichment.

With Mickey Mouse and Friends firmly entrenched in the cultural landscape, do games like “Infestation 88” push a boundary? We want to hear your thoughts on the upcoming game. Are you excited to see Steamboat Mickey being used across various media moving forward? Leave us a comment and share your opinion.

New Mickey And Friends Loungefly Backpack Spotted At Disney Springs!

By

Ana Leal

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January 1, 2024

New Mickey And Friends Loungefly Backpack Spotted At Disney Springs!

We found a new Mickey And Friends Loungefly Backpack at Disney Springs! A classy design that will add extra magic to your style, you can get it at World of Disney for $78.

The backpack is white with an all over pattern of beloved Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto plus Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty Castle icons! The rest of the bag features black details, adjustable straps and silver hardware.

You can take a closer look at this backpack in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New 2024 Castle And Icons Collections Coming To Disney Parks And shopDisney!

By

Ana Leal

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January 1, 2024

New 2024 Castle And Icons Collections Coming To Disney Parks And shopDisney!

Start the new year with style and tons of magic with the new 2024 Castle And Icons Collections available now at Disney Parks and shopDisney! These new products are inspired in the Walt Disney World and Disneyland icons representing a look into the magic and possibilities of this new year, they will definitely have you dreaming of your next Disney vacation.

Let’s start with the Walt Disney World Zip Hoodie and Disneyland Spirit Jersey showcasing park icons like Tree of Life, Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth and Cinderella Castle for the Disney World version and Sleeping Beauty Castle, Carthay Circle, Matterhorn and more for the Disneyland one.

Brand new Disney Parks Icons Baseball Jerseys are headed to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, inviting you to show off your home park pride in the parks and beyond.

Other items include a navy blue Long Sleeve Tee with the Disney World icons, a Mickey shaped framing the castle and fireworks. There’s also a Woven Shirt, Baseball Cap and light up Disney World Ear headband!

What park outfit is complete without a matching Loungefly Backpack right? Show off your Disneyland or Walt Disney World pride everywhere you go with this perfectly coordinated accessory, great for holding all your park necessities.

Looking for some cozy souvenirs to take home? Look no further than these comfortable Disney Parks Icons Pajamas, perfect for snuggling up with a Disney World Mug of tea or coffee. This cheerful combo will have you dreaming up your next Disney Park adventure in no time.

If your favorite park icon is a castle, then you’re going to love the Disney Castle Collection! The Disney Castle Collection features the original Disney Park castle, Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park, as well as the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. No matter which castle is your favorite, glimmer in the new Disney Castle Spirit Jersey and Ear Headband, featuring bold gold touches and a touch of sparkle fit for any royal.

Add a touch of magic to your style with the Disney Castle Short Sleeve Tee and Ear Headband! Also don’t forget to hydrate with this shimmering Disney World Water Bottle, fit to be refilled repeatedly as you play from park open to close.

Before you say “see ya real soon,” don’t forget to grab a Disney Castle Photo Album so you can display and look back on all your special vacation memories. If you promised your loved ones gifts from The Most Magical Place on Earth or The Happiest Place on Earth, look no further than the new Disney Castle Snow Globe and License Plate Frame. These gifts are sure to bring a bit of magic and wonder to friends and family both near and far.

Happy New Year 2024!

Credit: Disney Parks