Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit Returning for Halloween 2023 in EPCOT
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a fun Halloween scavenger hunt, is returning to Walt Disney World this fall! Guests visiting Epcot this Halloween time can celebrate the season with a hunt and potentially win a prize.
This spooktacular scavenger hunt is originally from the Disneyland Resort and made it’s debut at Epcot last year. The maps will be available at multiple merchandise locations around the park for $9.99.
The front of the map shows labeled locations around the park where different pumpkins can be found. On the back of the map are stickers that correspond to those hidden pumpkins. Each pumpkin is themed to a different Disney character.
When you find a pumpkin, place the correct sticker on the front of the map in the location where you found it. Once you complete the scavenger hunt, you can turn in the map and receive a prize!
Last year guests got to choose from three cute small jack-o’-lantern candy buckets. Each features a different character: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Pluto.
Maps and prizes are available while supplies last. There is a limit of 5 game boards per guest. One prize is redeemable per game board.
Have you ever participated in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit?
Ready to plan your fall visit to Disney World? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Food & Drink Items Coming to San Fransokyo Square in Disney California Adventure
San Fransokyo Square is replacing Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure! Today Disney shared a look at the food and drinks coming to the new area.
The local San Fransokyo Square eateries will start to introduce delicious new menu offerings over the summer, starting with Lucky Fortune Cookery on July 19! In the weeks following, even more dining options will join the seaside plaza as the transformation continues through mid-August.
As you explore this exciting neighborhood, you’ll be met with the mouthwatering smells of can’t-miss treats from locations like Aunt Cass Café, Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería, and Rita’s Turbine Blenders. Each of these spots will feature diverse menus with items like the Shrimp Katsu Sandwich or Beef Birria Ramen, and even a Baymax Sipper! And don’t worry – some of your favorites from Lucky Fortune Cookery and Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill will still be available, and with new treats to enjoy too.
Lucky Fortune Cookery (Available starting July 19; mobile order available)
Food Items
Karaage-inspired Crispy Chicken Sandwich with slaw, and Togarashi mayonnaise on a potato bun served with garlic chips (New)
Beef Birria Ramen with consomé, served with house-made birria, soft boiled egg, Monterey Jack, cilantro, roasted corn, onions, and radish (New)
Yaki Udon with mushrooms, sugar snap peas, roasted red peppers, bok choy, and dark soy and hoisin sauces (New) (Plant-based)
Yaki Udon with Karaage-inspired Chicken with mushrooms, sugar snap peas, roasted red peppers, bok choy, and dark soy and hoisin sauces (New)
Baymax Macaron filled with chocolate-hazelnut spread and buttercream (New)
Coming Soon! Rita’s Turbine Blenders (Available starting July 26; mobile order available)
Specialty Beverages
Turbine Twirler with choice of frozen wild cherry, frozen lemon-lime, frozen strawberry, or frozen blue raspberry slushy topped with peach gummy ring (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Rita’s Lemon-Lime Margarita with strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
Rita’s Grand Lemon-Lime Margarita with a splash of liqueur and strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
Rita’s Strawberry Margarita with strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
Rita’s Grand Strawberry Margarita with a splash of liqueur and strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
Coming Soon! Aunt Cass Café (Mobile order available)
Food Items
Curry Beef: Beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions cooked in classic curry topped with rice, pickled ginger, and green onions served in a Boudin sourdough bread bowl (New)
San Fransokyo Clam Chowder: Creamy clam chowder with bacon, potatoes, and a hint of white miso served in a Boudin sourdough bread bowl (New)
Mac & Cheese
Soba Noodle Salad with tofu, cabbage, edamame, carrots, roasted corn, scallions, and cilantro topped with crispy shallots and sesame ginger dressing (New) (Plant-based)
Chilled Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad with tofu, cabbage, edamame, carrots, roasted corn, scallions, and cilantro topped with crispy shallots and sesame ginger dressing
Japanese-style Fluffy Cheesecake (New)
Kids Meals
Turkey Sandwich (Disney Check Meal)
Mac & Cheese
Specialty Beverages
Honey Lemon-Ade: Minute Maid Lemonade Zero Sugar and yuzu purée with passion fruit and strawberry popping spheres (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Peach Soju Citrus Cocktail: Citrus beverage with peach-flavored soju (New)
Firestone Walker Brewing Company, 805
Coming Soon! Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería (Mobile order available)
Food Item
Garlic Pinwheel Chips Mix (New)
Specialty Beverages
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Endless Summer Hard Seltzer: Mandarin Orange & Dragon Fruit (New)
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Moment of Zen: Japanese Rice Lager (New)
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Follow the Sun Blonde Ale
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Windansea Wheat Ale
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Red Trolley Ale
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Boat Shoes Hazy IPA
Karl Strauss Brewing Company Aurora Hoppyalis IPA
What are you looking forward to trying at the new San Fransokyo Square?
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Merida Meet & Greet Moves to a New Location in the Magic Kingdom. When Disney first announced Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal, people were very upset that the Merida meet and greet would be going away.
Yes, we lost Fairytale Garden, for now, but Merida did not go away. This is good news to all the little princes and princesses wishing to meet the fiery redhead Princess Merida from Pixar’s Brave. She is now meeting and greeting guests at the Liberty Square gazebo, and we got a chance to say hello today.
First Look at Food and Drinks Coming to the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Calling All Foodies: Get Ready for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!
The highly anticipated time of year for all food enthusiasts is just around the corner. Yes, you guessed it—the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE! This extraordinary celebration commences on July 27th and continues through November 18th, 2023, offering a delectable journey that celebrates diverse cultures and cuisines from around the world.
Prepare your taste buds for an incredible adventure as you explore nearly 30 Global Marketplaces. That’s right—30! Each marketplace will transport you to different countries, immersing you in a tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and signature delights. This year’s festival introduces exciting new dishes, including the irresistible Dark Chocolate Fondue from The Alps and the mouthwatering Chilaquiles from Flavors of America. Moreover, get ready to discover four brand-new Global Marketplaces—Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubbles & Brine, and Swirled Showcase. And for those seeking a unique culinary experience, make sure to visit Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey. Here, you’ll embark on a flavorful adventure, savoring the culinary creations and madcap mishaps of the brilliant Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his trusty assistant, Beaker, from Muppet Labs!
While indulging in the festival’s gastronomic wonders, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the fan-favorite Emile’s Fromage Montage. This delightful food stroll presents several cheesy goodies from the Global Marketplaces. Grab a Festival Passport, and with each purchase of five designated items, collect stamps along the way. Once you’ve gathered all the stamps, head over to Shimmering Sips for an exclusive redemption prize—an experience not to be missed!
So, food enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. With a plethora of flavors, dishes, and experiences awaiting you, this festival promises to delight your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Southern Pimento Cheese with bread-and-butter pickled vegetables and grilled bread (New) (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese: Assorted Artisanal Cheeses and Accoutrements paired with Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Hartley Apple Brandy, and Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port (New)
Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port (New)
Flight
NEW! Bubbles & Brine (Opening Later This Fall)
Food Items:
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with prosecco cocktail sauce and grilled lemon (New)
Jonah Crab Claw Cocktail with stone-ground mustard sauce (New)
Caviar with traditional accompaniments, champagne cream, and blini (New)
Beverages:
Moët & Chandon Impérial
Veuve Clicquot Rosé
Dom Pérignon
NEW! Swirled Showcase (Opening Later This Fall)
Food Items:
Mickey-shaped Liquid Nitro Cake
Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone
Vanilla
Apple-Cinnamon
Salted Caramel
Cream Soda Float with vanilla soft-serve
Fanta Grape Float with vanilla soft-serve
Beverages:
Frozen Apple Pie (Non-alcoholic)
Cinnamon Apple Cider (Non-alcoholic)
3 Daughters Toasted Coconut Porter
3 Daughters Toasted Coconut Porter Float with vanilla soft-serve
Berry Fizz Fragolino Red Sparkling Wine Float with vanilla soft-serve
Mexico
Food Items:
Tostada de Carnitas: Braised pork on a fried corn tortilla with black beans, avocado mousse, queso fresco, and chives (New)
Taco de Costilla: Slow-braised beef short rib on a corn tortilla with salsa de chile morita, avocado mousse, and spring onions (New)
Pastel Imposible: Layers of traditional Mexican flan and tres leches with guava and cajeta (New)
Beverages:
Mexican Craft Beer
Trouble in Paradise Margarita: Ilegal Mezcal, Combier Watermelon Liqueur, Rosé Wine, Lime Juice, and Agave with a Chili-Lime Powder Rim (New)
Fly Away Margarita: Nocheluna Sotol, Pineapple-Ginger Juice, Chile Ancho Verde Liqueur, and Ambhar Blanco Tequila with a Sweet Dried Chili Salt Rim (NEW)
France
Food Items:
Beignet aux Trois Fromages: Warm beignet filled with three cheese blend
Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot croissant with garlic and parsley
Boeuf Bourguignon, Pommes Dauphine: Braised short ribs in cabernet with puffed potatoes
Crème Brûlée Vanille à la Confiture de Fraises: Vanilla crème brûlée with house-made strawberry jam
Beverages:
Strawberry Rose Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine, orange juice, and Monin Strawberry Rose
Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Blend (New)
Chardonnay (New)
Parisian Cosmo Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Grand Marnier, and cranberry juice (New)
Cavatelli with sweet sausage ragoût and crispy Applewood-smoked bacon (New)
Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake with vanilla cream and strawberry compote (New)
Beverages:
Prosecco
Moscato
Chianti
Italian Sangria (Red or White)
Italian Margarita with tequila and limoncello
Peroni Pilsner
China
Food Items:
Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings with house-made sweet-and-spicy sauce
Crispy Duck Bao Bun with hoisin sauce (New)
Dandan Noodles: Spicy pork with Sichuan sauce, peanut butter, and sesame
Beverages:
Passion Fruit Bubble Tea (Non-alcoholic)
Fiery Dream: Citrus vodka, triple sec, guava nectar, and spicy hot honey syrup
ByeJoe Punch: Chinese BaiJiu spirit, piña colada mix, lychee syrup, and sparkling water
Fireworks: Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, citrus vodka, orange juice, and mango syrup
Brew Hub Lychee Foo Draft Beer
Japan
Food Items:
Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables, and teriyaki sauce
Fire Taiko Roll: Sushi roll with spicy tuna, cucumber, and pickled daikon radish served with spicy sauce (New)
Beef Wa-Gyu Don: Traditional Japanese rice bowl with American wagyu beef over steamed white rice (New)
Beverages:
Sake Passion Cocktail (New)
Moon on the Water Sake (New)
Brew Hub Momo Amber Ale (New)
Funnel Cake
Food Item:
Candied Bacon Funnel Cake: Funnel Cake topped with Vanilla Ice Cream, Candied Bacon, and Maple Syrup Drizzle (New)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
The American Adventure – Nutty Caramel Mocha Cold Brew: A sweet blend of caramel mudslide cold brew, caramel syrup, peanut butter syrup, and chocolate syrup topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce (Spirited version available with Carolans Peanut Butter Irish Cream Liqueur)(New)
Near Canada – Frozen Roseberry: A refreshing blend of frozen lemon and strawberry-rose syrup (Spirited version available with Grey Goose Vodka)(New)
World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Amaretto Iced Tea: A sweet and nutty blend of black iced tea and amaretto syrup (Spirited version available with Citrónge Orange Liqueur)(New)
World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Java Horchata: A sweet blend of espresso and horchata topped with whipped cream and cinnamon (Spirited version available with Grey Goose Vodka and Kahlúa Liqueur) (New)
As the sun goes down, the tunes come out with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare featuring nightly performances from local and renowned musical acts. Check out the full line-up here.
Top 10 Tips to Start Planning your Disney World Vacation
Planning a Disney World vacation can be stressful and overwhelming. Disney trips are a big investment and there are so many details! Here are our top 10 tips to start planning your next Disney World vacation.
A Disney World vacation can be pricey! Before booking anything, you’ll want to decide what your budget is for your trip. It can be easy to get wrapped up in the Disney magic and want to splurge on everything. Deciding on a budget ahead of time will help narrow down your planning options and keep you from going overboard.
Choose a Resort
Next, you’ll want to choose where to stay for your trip. Refer to your budget when choosing your resort. Disney has multiple price levels for their resorts: value, moderate, and deluxe.
Once you decide which level resort you’d like, take a look at the theming, transportation, and other offerings at those resorts. If transportation is important to you, you might want a resort on the monorail line or Skyliner loop. For great swimming, you might want a moderate or deluxe resort as those pools have slides.
All Disney resorts are beautiful and offer a variety of amenities. You can’t go wrong!
Park Tickets
Now it’s time to choose your park tickets! How many days do you want to visit the parks? One day for each theme park or would you like to visit a park on multiple days? Personally, we like to do 2 days at Magic Kingdom.
Then there’s the park hopper option. Do you want to be able to visit multiple parks on the same day? That is an upgrade and extra cost to factor in. Keep in mind that guests have to wait until 2 pm to hop to a different park.
Park hopping can be a great way to see more theme parks in a shorter amount of time but it also takes up time traveling between the parks. Decide what your touring plans will look like to determine if park hopping is the way to go.
Dining Options
Food is an important part of any trip but especially a Disney World vacation! Disney offers hundreds of amazing dining options.
Do you want more table service dining or quick service? Disney has a great variety for both options. Once you know what your group prefers, take a look at the menus online to narrow down where you’d like to eat on your trip.
Disney World is also bringing back the dining plans in 2024. If your family will be dining at the resort a lot throughout your trip, it could be beneficial to add a dining plan to your vacation package.
What’s New?
Disney World is constantly changing, updating, and adding new experiences. Take a look at what might be new at the resort during your trip. New rides, entertainment, and even food could be available while you’re there! Decide what is a must-do that you want to add to your list.
My Disney Experience
Disney’s My Disney Experience app is one you’ll want to get familiar with before your trip! It’s Disney World’s official app and is essential for a successful vacation.
Guests are able to see wait times, mobile order, use Disney Genie and so much more. Take time to navigate the app before your trip so it won’t be confusing when you are actually using it.
Genie+ – Yes or No?
A new service Disney offers is Disney Genie+. It is a paid option that allows Guests to bypass the standby lines for many attractions.
It’s a great service that can save you a lot of time when utilized correctly. Take time to learn about how it works and decide if that’s something you’d like to pay for.
Plan for Weather
It can rain at just about any moment in central Florida. Bring proper clothing and rain gear so you can stay dry! If you are visiting in the summer, plan for hot and humid days! Cooling towels and handheld fans are great for those days.
Have a plan for weather changes so your trip can stay magical.
Set Expectations
Before heading to Walt Disney World make sure you set realistic expectations. The Walt Disney World Resort is huge and no matter how long you stay you won’t be able to see and do it all.
Decide on your must-dos and prioritize those. Are there rides you don’t want to skip or shows you really want to see? Discuss these things before your trip and set the expectations so your trip goes more smoothly.
Use a Travel Agent
Having an experienced travel agent help you plan your Disney vacation can be very beneficial! I can answer all of your questions, make recommendations, and help you navigate all that goes into planning a magical trip. Plus, my services are completely free!
Ready to plan your next Disney World vacation? Contact me for a free quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Painting Being Done on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Construction on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure continues to take shape, a tiara-topped water tower emblazoned with the Tiana’s Foods logo has made its way to Magic Kingdom. Read more here to learn new details about the attraction’s queue and Tiana’s next chapter in her story as she continues to grow her business with Tiana’s Foods.
Now we can see more theming and painting being added to the updated attraction. We got to see construction crews painting the facade of the ride. Also, some trees have been removed from the landing area of the drop.
At a young age, Tiana developed a deep passion for cooking and began to dream of one day owning her own business. Her father, James, taught her that good food brings folks together. One of the most exciting parts of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is that we’re going to see where Tiana’s life has taken her following the success of Tiana’s Palace, a restaurant she had dreamed of owning and worked so hard to make come true.
Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an original, next-chapter story for Tiana. Within the attraction queue, guests will discover that she continues to grow her business with Tiana’s Foods – an employee-owned cooperative. Combining her talents with those of the local community, Tiana has transformed an aging salt mine and built a beloved brand.
The endeavor began when Tiana purchased the salt mine and the area surrounding the large salt dome it operated from. With the help of her mother Eudora, Naveen, Louis, and fellow owners of the cooperative, Tiana revived the old salt mine and the surrounding land, growing a wide array of vegetables, herbs, and spices for her recipes.
This multi-faceted enterprise has turned the aging salt mine into a space that has come alive. Complete with a boutique farm and both a working and teaching kitchen, Tiana’s Foods is where Tiana and her colleagues create all sorts of new products that they are bringing to the world, including a line of original hot sauces.
It features a blue all over pattern of colorful hibiscus flowers and Maui statues, a woven front pocket with Maui and floral embroidery, brown details and gold hardware!
If the Polynesian Resort is your favorite or you just love Tiki stuff, this backpack is a must have for you! Right now you can only get it directly at the resort but we hope to see it soon on shopDisney as well.
New Haunted Mansion Crocs That Will Make You Feel Like You Are Floating On Air!
Attention foolish mortals, put on these new Haunted Mansion Crocs and come with us to regions beyond! We found them at Magic Kingdom for $59.99, you can also order yours online at shopDisney before they disappear.
They feature an all over design with Haunted Mansion icons plus Madame Leota, Caretaker, Bride, Hitchhiking Ghosts and the Black Cat Jibbitz! The soles are pink and blue stripped and feature the Haunted Mansion logo in black.
They are very unique and comfy! A perfect addition to your wardrobe that will make you feel like you are floating on thin air anywhere you go.
New Haunted Mansion Spirit Jersey Spotted At Magic Kingdom!
There are 999 happy haunts at The Haunted Mansion but there’s always room for one more, all you have to do is get this new Haunted Mansion Spirit Jersey we found at Magic Kingdom for $79.99, you can also order yours online at shopDisney!
This light green spirit jersey features the Haunted Mansion logo on the front, with artwork featuring the Hatbox Ghost in a graveyard on the back and “There’s Room For One More” text! What makes this spirit jersey even cooler is that it glows in the dark!
Get yours before it disappears! Is a must have in your wardrobe this spooky season.
New Haunted Mansion Dooney And Bourke Collection Now At Magic Kingdom!
The new Haunted Mansion Dooney And Bourke Collection materialized at Magic Kingdom! You can also get the whole collection online at shopDisney and look frightfully stylish every time you carry one of these bags.
This domed crossbody bag shape remind us of the doom buggy from the Haunted Mansion, which goes perfectly with the all over pattern featuring the Hatbox Ghost, Madame Leota, the Hitchhicking Ghosts, the butler and maid in different picture frames.
If you are looking for a bigger bag to carry all your essential to regions beyond, the tote bag in this collection is perfect for you! It features the same all over pattern in teal, purple and black colors, you will be a foolish mortal to not get this bag.
Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom Closing in August for Possible Hatbox Ghost Addition
Hold onto your ghostly hats! The Haunted Mansion, a beloved attraction at Walt Disney World, is slated for refurbishment in August, potentially hinting at the long-awaited addition of the Hatbox Ghost.
From August 7th to August 9th, guests seeking eerie thrills will find the Haunted Mansion closed for refurbishment. However, fear not, for the spirits will resume their haunting on August 10th, just in time for the enchanting start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on August 11th.
Though not officially confirmed, Disney Fans speculate that this closure paves the way for the installation of the Hatbox Ghost animatronic, generating palpable excitement. This anticipated addition to the Haunted Mansion was initially unveiled at the D23 Expo for 2023, sparking fervent anticipation among fans.
As the Haunted Mansion undergoes its brief refurbishment, whispers of the Hatbox Ghost’s arrival intensify, heightening the anticipation for an enhanced haunting experience. With the refurbishment dates aligning perfectly with the announcement, it seems likely that the Hatbox Ghost will finally materialize within the iconic attraction’s ghoulish halls.
Prepare to be immersed in the macabre atmosphere of the Haunted Mansion once again, as the refurbishment ensures an even spookier and more thrilling encounter with the supernatural. Keep your eyes peeled for any further developments and announcements that might shed light on the imminent arrival of the Hatbox Ghost.
In the meantime, mark your calendars for August 10th when the Haunted Mansion reopens its doors, inviting guests to experience the spectral delights that lie within. This bewitching refurbishment only adds to the excitement surrounding the Haunted Mansion’s enduring legacy, captivating both new visitors and die-hard fans alike.
New Peter Pan Spirit Jersey Landed At Magic Kingdom!
All you need is faith, trust and this Peter Pan Spirit Jersey filled with pixie dust to fly off to Neverland! We found it at Magic Kingdom for $79.99 and immediately fell in love with it.
It features a washed blue color that makes it look like denim, Peter Pan face on the front and our favorite lost boy on the back flying off to Neverland and the Walt Disney’s Peter Pan logo across the back.
The design is simple but nostalgic and filled with magic, definitely a must have if you are into the Disney classics!