Despite a disappointing theatrical run, Disney’s “Wish” is finding new life on Disney+! The animated film, celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary, debuted on the streaming service on April 3rd and racked up an impressive 13.2 million views in its first five days, according to Variety.
This places “Wish” among the top three most-streamed premieres for Walt Disney Animation Studios on Disney+. While the November theatrical release only managed $31.7 million in its opening window, the strong streaming numbers suggest audiences are finding magic in “Wish” at home.
The film centers around Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) who makes a life-altering wish upon a star, a symbol iconically woven throughout Disney’s history.
First Look: All-new dining experiences are coming to Downtown Disney District
Attention foodies! The Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort is serving up a fresh wave of delicious experiences. This spring, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with three brand new Mexican restaurants bursting with innovative flavors. Plus, Disney has shared exciting news about the arrival of Din Tai Fung, upcoming restaurant concepts, and even more sweet treats on the horizon!
Sneak Peeks of Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita, Celebrating Opening in May
With a vibrant expression of his native food and culture, Mexico’s first Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán is bringing authentic Mexican fare to the Downtown Disney District. His dishes will take guests on a multi-sensory journey to the heart of his homeland of Huitzuco, Mexico, through three distinctive concepts opening in the next few weeks: Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita!
A stunning staircase will lead you to Paseo’s show-stopping dining room and bar area lined with rich woods, tiles, textures, leathers and custom accents that celebrate Mexico’s craftsmanship culture. An extended upper patio will offer exceptional new views of the district!
Chef Gaytán’s connection to his homeland comes to life as he pairs his love of Mexico with French culinary style and technique. Standout Paseo menu items will include colorful ceviches, Mama’s cochinita pibil (roasted marinated pork), lamb barbacoa and the mejillones (mussels) pictured above.
Céntrico, the courtyard bar and restaurant, will be an energetic, central gathering place serving upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails. Its open, airy spaces designed with custom wood elements and lush greenery will welcome you into its outdoor canopy.
Céntrico’s featured dishes will include quesabirrias, chicken enchiladas, tlayuda (a Oaxacan shareable dish reminiscent of a pizza with a perfect crunch) and one of Chef Gaytán’s favorites, Caesar salad.
At Tiendita, you’ll experience Mexican heritage flavors and street-food staples on the go. Through a self-ordering kiosk, menu options will include esquites (roasted corn), fish tacos, ice cream- stuffed chocolate tacos, and breakfast favorites like chorizo breakfast burritos and chilaquiles (marinated tortilla chips with egg). You may even see the expert culinary team at work, adding to the experience!
Chef Gaytán recently led a cooking demonstration at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival giving festival-goers a first look at his tetelas, which are stuffed corn masa triangles that will be on the menu at Paseo. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs through April 22, 2024. Check out the Disney Eats Foodie Guide for a complete list of this year’s marketplaces and menu items!
Din Tai Fung Opening This Summer
Another delicious update! Din Tai Fung, a Michelin-awarded restaurant brand from Taiwan,will open this summer in the district, bringing their signature soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), wontons, noodles, steamed buns, bok choy, pork chop fried rice and other flavorful dishes served family style.
New Steakhouse and BBQ Concepts Coming to Downtown Disney
We’re excited to let you in on more mouth-watering plans we have underway! Two newrestaurant concepts – a steakhouse restaurant and an adjacent barbecue eatery – are in the works for the Downtown Disney District. These will be located on the footprint of the former Tortilla Jo’s. We look forward to sharing more, soon!
Expansion and Reimagination Coming to Marceline’s Confectionery
Something sweet is underway at Marceline’s Confectionery. We’re designing an all-new, expanded and completely reimagined confection experience featuring your favorite treats and fun new tasty offerings! While work on this location will soon be in progress, you can visit Marceline’s cart coming soon to the district to pick up your caramel apples, churro toffee and other handcrafted goodies.
During this transformation of Marceline’s, The Disney Dress Shop has temporarily moved to the WonderGround Gallery location, and select items from WonderGround Gallery may be found in Disney Home.
What are you looking forward to tasting?
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Super Cute Lion King Spirit Jersey Spotted At Magic Kingdom!
Express a worry free philosophy with this Lion King Spirit Jersey we found at Magic Kingdom for $84.99! Perfect to celebrate the Lion King 30th anniversary this year!
It features a red color with Mufasa’s silhouette on the front and Walt Disney World logo in puffy black letters across the back. At the bottom, you will find the silhouettes of Mufasa, Rafiki, Simba, Zazu, Timon and Pumbaa walking across a sunset in the savanna.
We are definitely adding this one to your collection!
New Pascal Earrings by BaubleBar For The Best Style Ever!
Today is a great day to treat yourself with these Pascal Earrings by BaubleBar now available online at the Disney Store for $50! They will add sparkle to any outfit!
These adorable earrings inspired in Rapunzel’s best sidekick, are made of brass with a greentone finish and covered with green cubic zirconia accents. Definitely a must have!
The design of this shirt is giving us all the vintage vibes with the artwork of Mickey Mouse holding different flags from the pavilions found around the World Showcase and the Epcot logo at the bottom. Definitely a must have!
Gorgeous Mickey and Minnie Mouse Summer Dress For A Magical Style!
Get ready for your vacation in style with this must have Mickey and Minnie Mouse Summer Dress! A fresh and casual dress to look fabulous everytime you wear it. You can get it at the Disney Store for $69.99!
The dress is yellow with an all over print of Mickey, Minnie, palm trees, hibiscus flowers and bright suns in orange. It features an empire style waist, pieced skirt and smocked back plus is made out of cotton making it a cool and casual dress for this summer.
New Ahsoka & Grogu Loungefly Collection Available Now!
Sometimes you just need someone to show you the way, this Ahsoka & Grogu Loungefly Collection is perfect for it and celebrates a special connection between two powerful Force users!
The Loungefly backpack features Ahsoka with embroidered details holding Grogu who appears on the front pocket. On the back, Grogu makes an encore appearance with a familiar phrase: “The Force Is Strong With This One” around him.
Two lightsaber zipper charms appear nearby the front pocket, and Ahsoka’s symbol appears on the bag’s side pocket.
Complete the collection with this wallet featuring Ahsoka on the front with Grogu resting above her head. Turn the wallet around to see Grogu with the “Precious Cargo” phrase above his head.
Inside, four slots for holding cards accompany a clear slot for ID. This wallet makes an adorable addition to any outing and is the perfect accessory for masters and padawans alike.
Calling all Universal Orlando Annual Passholders! Get ready to unleash your inner VIP this May, because a wave of exclusive perks is headed your way! Universal Orlando has just announced the return of their Passholder Bonus Benefits, showering you with magical extras from May 1st through May 24th.
While the full details are still under wraps, we do have a general idea of what the benefits will be:
Skip the Lines: The May perks will include a dedicated Passholder entrance; the last round of perks provided an exclusive entrance at Universal Studios Florida from 9am-3pm daily.
Foodie Fun: Expect limited-time menu offerings, potentially with exclusive dining experiences. January saw the limited release of ten menu items just for passholders!
Sweet Savings: We will see another round of exclusive discounts; previous discounts included Hotel savings exclusive to Annual Passholders.
Souvenir Swag: We can certainly expect some pretty sweet passholder exclusive-swag, such as the free Retro Vibes Lanyards that were offered back in January. Info from Universal indicates the Buttons are making a comeback this year for the first time since 2021!
The full details for the May Passholder Bonus Benefits haven’t been announced yet, but this initial announcement has us buzzing with excitement! Keep your eyes peeled to the the Chip and Co. website and social media feeds for the full scoop, and get ready to experience the magic of being a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder this May!
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!
Breakfast at the Grand Reopening of 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
A Grand Return: 1900 Park Fare Reopens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney fans, rejoice! The beloved 1900 Park Fare restaurant is back in all its splendor, welcoming guests starting TODAY at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Get ready for a magical dining experience filled with delicious food, enchanting characters, and a touch of turn-of-the-century charm.
The newly refreshed 1900 Park Fare invites you into a world of Victorian elegance and whimsical delight. The updated decor pays tribute to the era’s golden age, with artwork and playful carousel motifs creating a nostalgic yet luxurious atmosphere. It’s a perfect fit for the Grand Floridian’s timeless style.
Meet Your Favorite Characters!
The magic of 1900 Park Fare extends beyond the incredible dishes. During breakfast and dinner, you’ll have the enchanting opportunity to mingle with beloved Disney characters.
Say hello to Princess Tiana, ready for adventure, and Aladdin looking as princely as ever. Don’t miss the chance to share a smile with Mirabel and the ever-graceful Cinderella!
A Feast for the Senses
1900 Park Fare has always been known for its delectable offerings, and the reopening promises a feast fit for royalty. Start your day with a tempting array of breakfast delights (seen below), including the returning favorite, Strawberry Soup! Savory fans will love the Beef and Potato Hash, while those with a sweet tooth will adore the Cinnamon Pull-apart Bread. The breakfast buffet truly offers something for everyone.
Dinnertime brings a whole new level of culinary excitement. Indulge in Tiana’s Gumbo, savor the delightful Peel-n-Eat Shrimp, or try the Porchetta with Hunter’s Sauce. The extensive menu promises to satisfy every craving. Be sure to check out the full menu here.
Make Your Reservations Now!
Don’t miss your chance to experience the reimagined 1900 Park Fare! Reservations are currently open on the My Disney Experience app and DisneyWorld.com.
A Grand Occasion
The reopening of 1900 Park Fare is another exciting chapter in the Grand Floridian’s transformation. With its beautiful new look, delicious food, and beloved character interactions, this iconic restaurant is ready to create cherished memories for a whole new generation of Disney fans.
First Look at the Frog Musicians Coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Get ready for a vibrant musical celebration as Disney unveils the final group of talented critters bringing Afro-Cuban sounds to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. They join the previously announced Zydeco and Rara bands, showcasing the rich musical diversity of New Orleans.
Adding their unique rhythms and energy, these jazzy musicians complete the symphony of sounds that will immerse guests in a vibrant Mardi Gras atmosphere when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens this summer at Magic Kingdom Park and later this year at Disneyland.
Felipe the Frog – Deep among the cypress trees, you’ll hear band leader Felipe making musical magic on the piano! Felipe is also the proprietor of an exclusive bayou nightclub, where the local fireflies love to dance the night away to a musical recipe of hot rhythms and spicy melodies. He’s an old-school family guy, especially to his “family” in the band.
Mayra the Frog – Have you ever seen a frog play a flower blossom like a trumpet? You will when you meet Mayra; be sure to stick around for one of her toe-tapping solos. Mayra’s the most ambitious of the four frogs and has been practicing her instrument since she was just a tadpole!
Mondo the Frog – Mondo is a natural on the conga drums, which he made as a happy accident when his favorite bottle cap got stuck on his second favorite acorn. From there, the rhythm in Mondo’s soul took over! He’s very copacetic and accepts what comes, a trait as steady and reliable as his drumbeat.
Isabel the Green Tree Frog – Learning from Mondo’s example, Isabel loves getting lost in the music playing her congas. She’s the youngest member of the group, and there’s nothing she loves more than “going with the flow” and getting to play drums all night long!
From Zydeco to Rara to Afro-Cuban jazz, you’ll hear all kinds of musical flavors from critters big and small around the bayou, just like you would walking the streets of the French Quarter in the Crescent City. Of course, not everyone you’ll meet in the attraction is a musician – among others are a couple of amphibious friends who love to sit back, relax and catch up on all the gossip from around the bayou. Gloria and Delores the frogs are best friends who love to observe folks as they float in logs down the bayou. Don’t be surprised if they keep their watchful eyes on you as you float by.
Also, keep an eye out for Lari the armadillo. This mischievous fella, while quiet in demeanor, seems to always show up where you least expect him to. I hear he has a habit of “borrowing” things that aren’t his (although those things eventually make it into the right “paws”).
Speaking of critters big and small, you’ll meet them throughout the attraction, and some really are … big, with an even bigger personality.
Just like Tiana said, we’re getting closer and closer every day with progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I hope you’re looking forward to joining these musicians down in the bayou!
New Beverage from Joffrey’s Coffee Celebrates the 1 year Anniversary of Tron Lightcycle Run
Gear up for a taste of the future! As we celebrate the 1st anniversary of the thrilling TRON Lightcycle / Run, Joffrey’s Coffee is offering a limited-edition beverage to quench your thirst and rev up your excitement. This cool, blue beverage treat is available now at the Joffrey’s Revive Kiosk in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park.
Introducing the Team Blue Lemonade! A next-level specialty lemonade boasting a vibrant blue hue and a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. This electrifying drink combines the classic taste of Minute Maid® Lemonade with a burst of blue raspberry syrup, perfectly capturing the essence of TRON Lightcycle / Run.
For only $4.99, you can sip on this refreshing concoction and experience the magic of TRON Lightcycle / Run in a whole new way. Don’t miss out on this exclusive drink and let the Team Blue Lemonade fuel your adventures in Tomorrowland!
Disney Cast Members Celebrate the Reopening of 1900 Park Fare
1900 Park Fare reopened today at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Guests can once again enjoy dining at this iconic restaurant. Before it reopened, cast members got to see the new refreshed look of the dining spot.
The Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook grouped shared images of Cast Members getting a first look at the refresh.
A new look for the dining room pays homage to the late Victorian period, with art reminiscent of this golden era. Carousel theming is woven throughout the decor, recalling carefree times spent in gardens and fairgrounds enjoying jolly times outdoors.
Guests can still enjoy the sight of Big Bertha, the Grand Floridian’s iconic organ, gracing the main dining room since 1988. Her presence adds to the restaurant’s charming late Victorian atmosphere and complements the playful carousel theme that runs throughout 1900 Park Fare.
1900 Park Fare has been closed since the Walt Disney World Resort closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are so excited the popular spot has reopened and the cast members seem to be just as thrilled as us!
Over the years, 1900 Park Fare has been the backdrop of so many of guests’ favorite vacation memories-will you add a stop here on your next visit?
Ready to make your Disney dreams a reality, but feeling lost in the planning process? Let Destinations To Travel be your magic wand! Our Disney specialists, like myself, will handle everything from booking your perfect package to keeping you updated on any changes. The best part? My services are completely free when you book through us! Contact me today and let’s get started crafting your unforgettable Disney adventure!
