Masters Cupcake Brings โThe Grey Stuffโ Back to Gastonโs Tavern. The manliest of manly places, Gaston’s Tavern serves up satisfying snacks, including warm cinnamon rolls. Enjoy refreshing beverages like LeFou’s Brewโthe restaurant’s signature non-alcoholic drink.
Some of our favorite treats have been returning to menus around Disney World in the past few months since the 50th Anniversary has ended. One of our favorites is the Grey Stuff Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
The Grey Stuff Cupcake – Chocolate Cupcake topped with “The Grey Stuff” and crispy Pearls for $5.79 This rich, smooth-tasting cupcake flavor was only available at Be Our Guest for the past 18 months, but has returned recently to Gaston’s.
Do you have a personal favorite cupcake around Disney World?
Jennifer Garner will be Returning to Play Elektra in Upcoming Deadpool 3
Jennifer Garner is set to reprise her iconic superhero role after almost two decades. The talented actress will return as Elektra in the highly anticipated Deadpool 3, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The film, currently being filmed in London, now falls under the umbrella of Disney and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The star-studded cast includes Ryan Reynolds and the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.
While neither Disney nor Garner’s representatives have officially commented on the news, fans are buzzing with excitement. Garner first portrayed the deadly assassin Elektra in the 2003 film Daredevil, alongside her former husband Ben Affleck. She later reprised the character in her standalone film released in 2005.
Merida Meet & Greet Moves Locations in the Magic Kingdom
Yesterday marked the end of an era as Merida bid farewell to Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom. The beloved location closed its doors to undergo a magical transformation into the new meet-and-greet spot for Mirabel from Encanto.
But fear not, fans of Merida! You can now find her enchanting presence at the Enchanted Glade Gazebo in Liberty Square. Make sure to catch her during her scheduled meet and greet times, which are as follows:
9 am
10:05 am
11:10 am
12:15 pm
2:05 pm
and 3:10 pm.
As for Mirabel, she will soon join the enchantment in Fairytale Garden, where guests can meet her amidst whimsical dรฉcor inspired by La Familia Madrigal. This delightful experience is set to debut later this fall, offering a magical encounter with the spirited character from Encanto.
Mirabel Replacing Merida at Fairytale Garden in the Magic Kingdom
Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studiosโ hit film โEncantoโ will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical dรฉcor inspired by La Familia Madrigal.
Disney has submitted a permit application to transform the Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom into a designated area for meeting and greeting Mirabel.
We hope to have more updates on the Mirabel Meet & Greet soon, so stay tuned to Chip and Company!
Emileโs Fromage Montage Menu Items, Tower of Terror Frozen In Fear Beverage, Pickle Corn Dogs are Coming to Disney World this Fall, The Super Mario Bros. Coming to Peacock in August and more.
Best Spots to Escape the Heat at Disney World The summer weather is here and that means itโs getting hot and humid in Florida! If youโre at Disney World youโll want to know where to escape the heat. Take a look at the best spots in each park to get away from the hot and humid weather!
Emileโs Fromage Montage Menu Items & Locations Announced Calling all cheese enthusiasts and foodies! Get ready for a mouthwatering experience asย EPCOTโs International Food & Wine Festivalย presents Emileโs Fromage Montage, a delightful culinary journey dedicated to all things cheese. Disney has unveiled an exciting lineup of menu items and their respective locations as preparations for the festival ramp up, allowing guests to embark on a delectable adventure.
Fall Issue of D23 Magazine to Highlight Disney100 In celebration of the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, the upcoming Fall 2023 issue ofย Disney Twenty-threeย will take fans on a trip down memory lane in honor of the companyโs centennial this October.
New Experiences and Fun Merchandise Coming to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is returning to Walt Disney World in a few weeks! From July 27 to November 18, guests can take a culinary tour across six continents at this celebration of cuisine from around the world. From delectable Global Marketplaces and fresh new merch to nightly live entertainment, thereโs so much for guests of all ages to enjoy.
Emileโs Fromage Montage Menu Items, Tower of Terror Frozen In Fear Beverage, Pickle Corn Dogs are Coming to Disney World this Fall, The Super Mario Bros. Coming to Peacock in August
The Disneyland Duck Races started in 2008 among the Cast Members at ‘it’s a small world’. In 2011 all Cast Members were invited to participate. Proceeds from entry fees are donated to the My Day Counts nonprofit organization that offers life and work training to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year the races took place on Friday, July 7, before the park opened to guests. Hundreds of ducks were decorated too look like all different characters from Spider-Man, Maleficent, Madame Leota, Kermit the Frog and even Donald Trump.
Cast Members won awards in different categories. Categories ranged from โMost Like Donald Duckโ to โLeast Sea-Worthy.โ There were also “Most Disney Themed”, “Most Creative”, and “Superhero” categories.
Refurbishment Underway for Soarinโ Around the World at Disney California Adventure
Soarin’ Around the World in Disney California Adventure is now closed for a brief refurbishment. The attraction closed on July 5 and will be closed until July 14.
The attraction was replaced with the original version of the ride, Soarin’ Over California during the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.
More about Soarin’ Around the World
Strap in and prepare for lift off! Thrill as youโre raised high into the air in front of an 80-foot projection dome for a virtual tour around the world. Incredible IMAX digital projection and spectacular aerial footage simulate the graceful motion of flight.
Ride the Sky Your journey begins as the clouds part above the majestic Swiss Alps, revealing a familiar sight to Disneyland fans. Next, youโll visit polar bears in icy Greenland, swoop past sailboats on Australiaโs iconic Sydney Harbour and weave between elephants marching toward Mount Kilimanjaro.
Glide above marvels like the Great Wall of China, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal in India. Cruise over Monument Valley, Fijiโs Lau Island and thundering Iguazu Falls in South America. Gaze down at the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles like a jewel in the night, surrounded by the lights of Paris.
An Uplifting Musical Score Academy Award-winning composer Jerry Goldsmith wrote the unforgettable score for the original version of this attraction, Soarin’ Over California, which first took flight in 2001.
When the attraction was updated in 2016 to feature locations around the globe, composer Bruce Broughton affectionately adapted the beloved musical themes and infused each note with all-new sounds, regional instruments and international influences.
With stirring sights and sounds, this must-see attraction will leave your heart soaring!
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? 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.
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland Resort with these Mickey Treats
The Tokyo Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 40th anniversary with some new Mickey Mouse shaped treats! Disney Eats shared all about these tasty treats on Instagram.
The Mickey Macaron can be purchased with an adorable matching souvenir case at Huey, Dewey and Louieโs Good Time Cafe in Tokyo Disneyland or Sebastianโs Calypso Kitchen in Tokyo DisneySea!
The Mickey Long Bread is perfect for an in-park snack or to take the fun home with you! Grab yours at Sweetheart Cafe in Tokyo Disneyland or Mamma Biscottiโs Bakery in Tokyo DisneySea.
โDisney Christmasโ will return to Tokyo Disney Resort from November 8 to December 25, 2023. The celebration returned for the first time in 3 years in 2022.
The World Bazaar transforms into a Christmastime full of fantasy
โDisney Christmas Storiesโ parade
Sandy Claws transforms the Haunted Mansion into a โHoliday Nightmare.โ
โDisney Christmas Greetingโ on the waters of Mediterranean Harbor
โChristmastime with Youโ at the Hangar Stage
โStarbright Christmasโ fireworks show
Tokyo Disney has replaced its FastPass system with a free line skipping service! Itโs the first Disney park to reintroduce a free option since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Tokyo Disney Resort 40th Anniversary Priority Pass will be available this summer for a limited time. Guests will not need to pay to use the Priority Pass. The following attractions will be available with this pass:
Tokyo Disneyland
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyearโs Astro Blasters
Bigย Thunder Mountain
Poohโs Hunny Hunt
Haunted Mansion
Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek
Tokyo DisneySea
Aquatopia
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Turtle Talk
Nemo & Friends SeaRider
The Magic Lamp Theater
Raging Spirits
Guests will be able to select eligible experiences using the Tokyo Disney Resort App. Guests will be able to enter the attraction from a designated entrance at a specified time and enjoy their selected experience with a reduced wait time! The specific release date for the Priority Pass hasnโt been announced yet. Stay tuned for more info!
Ready to plan your next Disney vacation? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Guests attending the EPCOT Food & Wine festival can once again this year can finally fulfill their BeverTails fix
BeaverTails, the beloved Canadian pastry company, is making a highly anticipated return to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Known for their mouthwatering pastries and unique toppings, BeaverTails are returning to the EPCOT at Food & Wine festival after being removed from the Canada pavilion 15 years ago. This delightful announcement has left visitors eagerly anticipating their chance to savor these delectable treats once again. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting development and explore what makes BeaverTails such a beloved addition to the festival.
Known for their iconic hand-stretched pastries, shaped like the tail of a beaver, BeaverTails offer a delightful culinary experience that combines familiar flavors with a touch of whimsy. For those unfamiliar with this culinary delight, the pastries are fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy yet doughy texture that’s perfect for soaking up a variety of delicious toppings.
One of the reasons why BeaverTails have gained such popularity is the wide range of toppings and flavors available. From classic favorites like cinnamon and sugar to creative combinations like HAZEL AMOUR or BANANARAMA, visitors can indulge in a multitude of tempting options. It appears the Food & Wine offerings will be limited to the Cinnamon-Sugar Beaver Tail.
Guests can grab a BeaverTail (or two, or three) at the Refreshment Port near the Canada pavilion. Here is the entire Refreshment Port menu:
Food
Festival Item: Cinnamon-Sugar Beaver Tail (NEW)
Regular Menu Item: Traditional Poutine French Fries with Beef Gravy and Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Crumbles (Disney Dining Plan item)
Regular Menu Item: Chicken Breast Nuggets served with French Fries
Festival Item: Braised Beef Poutine: French Fries with Braised Beef, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Crumbles and Gherkin Relish
Beverages
Regular Menu Item: Bud Light Lager Draft
Regular Menu Item: Boulevard Brewing Co. Quirk Pineapple Orange Whip Hard Seltzer, Kansas City, MO (NEW)
Regular Menu Item: (Fountain) Soft Drinks โ Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, Fanta Orange and Tea
Regular Menu Item: Dasani Bottled Water
Festival Item: Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Peach, St. Petersburg, FL
CORKCICLE Stemless Flute
For many visitors, BeaverTails hold a special place in their hearts, as they evoke memories of past trips to EPCOT. The return of this beloved treat brings a sense of joy and nostalgia, as attendees reminisce about indulging in these delectable pastries while strolling through the festival grounds. BeaverTails have become a tradition for many families and individuals, and their presence at the festival adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
About the 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Embark on a culinary adventure spanning six continents and beyond at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Indulge in a tantalizing array of delectable delicacies that will transport your taste buds to various corners of the world. This festival is a celebration of diverse cultures, cuisines, and the art of innovative cooking, presented by renowned chefs from across the globe. A total of 24 booths will provide an amazing array of Food, Snacks, and Beverages from around the world for guests to choose from. This is one festival that should not be missed!
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 who specializes 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!
6 Food Booths will experience delayed openings at the Delayed Openings of 6 Food Booths at the 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
As a year-round Disney local, I have become accustomed to not having every booth at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival open from the very beginning of the festival. Conveniently, this provides an additional excuse for going back to the festival on a regular basis. With a multitude of other booths and experiences to enjoy, visitors will still have an abundance of opportunities to savor delicious food and beverages from around the world.
One thing we can be certain of is that the delay does not diminish the overall experience of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Guests who attend the beginning of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival this year will have a total of 18 booths to choose from, with 6 additional booths slated for a delayed opening.
The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival has always been a haven for food lovers, offering a wide array of international cuisines, innovative dishes, and tantalizing flavors. The festival is renowned for its numerous food booths, each showcasing unique culinary experiences.
The following two booths are slated to opening on August 15, nearly 3 weeks after the start of the festival:
Hawaii โ Available August 15, 2023
Food
Kฤlua Pork Slider with Sweet-and-Sour DOLEยฎ Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
SPAMยฎ Sushi with Sushi Rice, Teriyaki-Glazed SPAM, Spicy Mayonnaise, Eel Sauce and Nori
Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (Emileโs Fromage Montage item)
Beverages
Kona Brewing Co. Hanalei Island IPA, Kailua-Kona, HI
Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
AULANI Sunrise: Vodka, DOLE Pineapple Juice and Grenadine
The Noodle Exchange โ Available August 15, 2023
Savor the flavors of the Far East served up in delicious noodle dishes.
Food
Ramen with Shaved Beef, Shiitake Mushrooms, Pickled Carrots and Dakion Radish, Shaved Peppers and a Soy Egg in Citrus-Sesame Broth
Impossible Pork Udon with Shiitake Mushrooms, Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radish, Baby Bok Choy and a Soy Egg in Savory Chicken Broth
Thai Shrimp with Rice Noodles, Shiitake Mushrooms and Basil in Coconut-Curry Broth
Ramen with Tofu, Shiitake Mushrooms, Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radish, Shaved Peppers and Baby Bok Choy in Citrus-Sesame Broth (plant-based item)
Beverages
Parish Brewing Strawberry Mochi Berliner Weisse, Broussard, LA (NEW)
Pacific Rim Old Vines Riesling, Washington
*Select dishes feature Melissaโs Produce.
The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is getting four new global marketplaces to celebrate Disney100, which will open later this Fall.
Later this fall, four new global marketplaces will debut: Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubbles & Brine and Swirled Showcase. More details about these four new marketplaces are coming soon!
The news of delayed openings for six food booths at the 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival may come as a disappointment to some eager festival-goers. While the delay may affect the initial plans of some visitors, it also presents an opportunity to embrace the spirit of culinary exploration and try new dishes from the vast selection of other food booths available.
With its international flair and culinary delights, the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is sure to provide a memorable experience for all food enthusiasts. So, let’s savor the moment and embark on a gastronomic journey like no other!
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 who specializes 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!
Disneyland President Ken Potrock Celebrates 3 Years at the Happiest Place on Earth
Ken Potrock is celebrating 3 years of being the president of the Disneyland Resort! He accepted the role right after the Covid-19 pandemic started. Yesterday, he shared his thoughts on Instagram.
I never envisioned myself as president of @disneyland – often called the best job in The Walt Disney Company. Since its opening in 1955, the resort has thrived in the @city_of_anaheim and become a beacon of hope to so many.
Then the pandemic happened.
When I accepted the role, the entire resort was closed – no guests on our property and only a few Cast Members on site.
It was an extremely challenging time.
Three years later, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.
As we prepare to celebrate our 68th anniversary later this month, our resort has not only fully reopened – with more than 34,000 Cast Members working (the most in our history)
– but we’ve also recruited superheroes for Avengers Campus, launched new nighttime spectaculars and reimagined Mickey’s Toontown.
It’s all part of an incredible team effort – one I refer to as our Legendary Comeback!
My deepest appreciation and thanks to our wonderful Cast Members for your resiliency, enthusiasm and dedication to Walt’s dream of creating a magical place, a place where all are welcomed.
And to our incredible guests and community partners, thanks for your loyalty and for coming along for this spectacular ride.
There’s much more excitement to come and I’m honored to be on this journey with you all.โ
Ken Potrock a 26-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company and its Parks, Experiences and Products segment. He has led high brand affinity businesses where consumer loyalty and insights were instrumental to growth and expansion, including Disney Vacation Club, the companyโs innovative and fast-growing vacation ownership program, Disney Cruise Line, Golden Oak, a luxury residential community in Walt Disney World Resort, and Adventures by Disney, the company’s award-winning guided group travel business.
In 2015, Potrock led the expansion and reimagining of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. He was named โFather of the Yearโ by the American Diabetes Association in 2018.
As president of Disneyland Resort, Ken Potrock is responsible for all facets of the business, including oversight of two theme parks โ Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, three resort hotels and the Downtown Disney District.
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Master Sommelier George Miliotes Took to the Stage to Kick Off Disney Springs Flavors of Florida Live Demonstrations
The Disney Springs Flavors of Florida live demonstrations have begun! Yesterday, master sommelier George Miliotes took the stage for a live demonstration.
Master Sommelier George Miliotes and Executive Chef Will Davison of Wine Bar George took the stage for a live demonstration yesterday morning, featuring their Dicuru Burrata. Guests got a behind the scenes peak at the culinary process, and enjoyed a sampling of the dish.
That was just one of at least six culinary demonstrations that are taking place during Disney Springs Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE. Guests can enjoy this event now through August 13, 2023.
Disney Springs Flavors of Florida
This summer, join us at Waterview Park for a new culinary series! Learn from the experts at popular Disney Springs dining locationsโand get a taste of their fresh, Florida fare.
Snap pics with Florida-inspired backdrops around Disney Springs. And visit Disney PhotoPass Studio, where you can strike a pose with playful props while a photographer captures the moment for you. Be sure to ask about a special Orange Bird Magic Shot.
There are over 30 dining locations offering tasty eats and drinks just for this event!
Are you ready to plan your summer Disney trip? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Exclusive Tower of Terror Frozen In Fear Beverage Now Available in Hollywood Studios
Ready to enter the 5th dimension of taste? The new Frozen in Fear beverage is available now at the Joffrey’s Coffee kiosk outside of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This bone-chilling combination of frozen lemon, wild grape, and Minute Maidยฎ Lemonade is an exclusive offering and will be available for a limited time. It’ll give your tastebuds a reason to “drop in” over and over again!
“Enter a dimension of time, space and TASTE ๐ with Frozen In Fear! An exclusive offering at our kiosk outside of the exit of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terrorโข attraction, this bone-chilling combination of frozen lemon, wild grape, and Minute Maidยฎ Lemonade will give your tastebuds a reason to “drop in” time and time again.”
This drink is the perfect beverage for a hot Disney day! Will you be trying one on your next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Step uneasily inside the infamous Hollywood Tower Hotel and find a dusty lobby frozen in time. Even the subdued hotel staff seems strangely out of another era.
Suddenly a television set springs to life and Rod Serling welcomes you on a journey into the Twilight Zone. He reveals that on a gloomy Halloween night in 1939, some hotel patrons were riding the elevator when a violent storm struck the buildingโฆ and they were never seen again. The hotel closed down and has stood empty ever since.
Going Up?
Enter the rickety, elevator-style lift, strap yourself in and prepare to discover what lies beyond the darkest corner of your imagination.
Shriek in terror as youโre suddenly propelled up and down the abandoned shaftโunexpectedly dropping and risingโas you hear the sound of cables snapping and metal clanging overhead.
Will you make it back to the real worldโฆ or will you become a permanent resident of the Twilight Zone?
Based on the Television Series This attraction is based on the popular television series which originally aired from 1959 to 1964. Created, hosted and written by Rod Serling, the award-winning showโwith its imaginative storylines and unexpected twist endingsโwas wildly successful.
The Twilight Zoneยฎ is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc.
Ready to plan your next Disney World trip? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I would love to help you plan a magical vacation!
