1923 Main Street: Snow Skate Surf and Travel Style

There's a lot of hype following the big announcements at this year's Destination D23 Event at Walt Disney World. But what many have missed is that several things have changed since last year's big announcements. So what's real, what can be trusted and what's as clear as mud for the future of Walt Disney World?

The Big News for Disney Parks from Destination D23

We learned as much from what was said as we did from what was not said.

What's Coming to Disney's Magic Kingdom Park

Hatbox Ghost will be back at the Haunted Mansion in November, but not in the way you may think. He will appear "wherever and whenever he pleases," implying that you may or may not see him on the ride and likely not in the same place each time.

Country Bear Jamboree is changing, this time significantly. An all-new show is coming, complete with a whole new act and new songs. The new show will be modeled after the musical revues of Nashville, featuring some of your favorite country bears singing popular Disney hits in a variety of country music styles, including pop country, bluegrass, rockabilly and more. Disney offered a sneak peak by showing the recording session for Bear Necessities, which will be in the new show.

Pirates of the Caribbean is getting new ambiance with the addition of a new tavern near the ride. Remember the Barker Bird who used to chat will guests at the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean? He will be back and living at the new tavern, chatting it up with guests. Big questions are will this be a reimagining of Tortuga Tavern and will they be selling alcohol?

What's Coming to EPCOT

We know that Moana's Journey of Water is opening on October 16 (including a new location for the Moana meet and greet), but we now know that all of World Celebration will open in December. Yes, the walls are finally coming down. 

Bigger news is that Test Track will be undergoing another complete overhaul and update (still with Chevrolet). No dates as to when it will close and for how long, but it is time for a refresh so this is welcome news. Disney promises the new Test Track will include the best elements from the original version along with new updates that point to a future world for vehicles.

World Showcase Lagoon will be getting a new nighttime show entitled Luminous: The Symphony of Us. It will debut on December 5.

What Will the Future Hold for Walt Disney World Parks?

It got interesting here as they teased new information, but in some cases said less than they said last year. Here's what we know.

Beyond Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom still appears to be happening, but they did not mention villains or anything else specifically. It still sounds like a new land with significant size and scale and it will include attractions, restaurants, shows and more.

They did say that Dinoland at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park will be reimagined into a new land themed as the tropical Americas (geographically the space between North and South America). This land will land be Encanto themed, which removes Encanto from Beyond Big Thunder, as was hinted at last year. So Encanto Moves from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom. Plus, an Indiana Jones area is likely coming to Animal Kingdom, potentially where Rafiki's Planet Watch is currently located. 

Finally, It's Tough to be a Bug in the Tree of Life is being reimagined as a Zootopia themed attraction/show.

Disney Cruise Line

The seventh ship will be called the Disney Adventure.

The new island stop in the Bahamas on Eleuthera will be called Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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Media provided by Jamendo

There are big changes coming to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. What will be new and what will stay the same? More importantly, what impact with this construction have for your upcoming Disney vacation?

Is the Disneyland Haunted Mansion following the Lead of the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion?

Starting in early 2024, several additions will be built that add to the story of the classic original Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park.

Exactly what this means in terms of ride closure isn't yet clear, but we do know that most the changes appear to be outside of the ride track itself. Here's what we know right now: changes will include an expanded outdoor queue that is intended to further immerse your wait time with enhanced theming. This is something that the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World implemented many years ago. 

Attention Disney Shoppers: a new Haunted Mansion shop will be added next to the exit area, where currently there are merch carts. Once again, this follows the addition of Memento Mori at Walt Disney World, which was re-imagined from the Yankee Trader shop that was there before. Also, the eerie and stately grounds surrounding the Haunted Mansion will be expanded with a "spirited metamorphosis" to bring the immersive theme to the outdoor space surround the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. 

In true Disney style, there is the backstory to the Disneyland Haunted Mansion. Local legend suggests that the manor known today as the Haunted Mansion was first built by a prosperous sea captain. To this day, mansion staff faithfully maintains the happy haunting grounds. While this story hasn't been leveraged much so far, the new expanded queue for the Haunted Mansion will tie into these stories, including new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota and the one-eyed cat.

Each of the new gardens will feature unique elements ranging from a water fountain and a gazebo to themed statues and landscaping. You'll even see a new greenhouse where the Haunted Mansion groundskeepers grow their plants. The pet cemetery and horse-drawn funeral hearse will continue to reside on the attraction’s grounds.

Since Madame Leota has always been a Haunted Mansion favorite, Disney plans to expand her presence outside the walls of the Haunted Mansion. This carriage house of the mansion, which belongs to Madame Leota, will become the new standalone shop.

Timing for these enhancements has a lot to do with what's happening next door in New Orleans Square with the Tiana updates. So a transitional space will be added in the form of an park setting with spots to relax and enjoy the ambiance of live entertainment under the shade of new and existing trees.

Finally, Disney is taking the opportunity to improve accessibility in these areas during the construction, including a new elevator exit from the Haunted Mansion for guests with disabilities.

Disney promises to share more information in the coming months, with a hint that the objects found in Leota’s garden will be inspired by her incantation. This sounds very similar to how you can interact with many of the items in the queue of the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion. 

We love the murder mystery hidden among the busts in the Haunted Mansion line at the Magic Kingdom. So, can we expect Disney Imagineers to add a similar unique mystery at Disneyland? Only time will tell.

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Survey Results: Are Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs less Desirable without Stormalong Bay?

In a survey of 1923 Main Street Disney Travel Podcast listeners following our last episode, the overwhelming majority of respondents said they would not choose to stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.

71.4 % said no, they would not stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.

28.6% said yes, they would still stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club Resort when Stormalong Bay is closed.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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Media provided by Jamendo

Stormalong Bay is a big reason why many guests choose Disney's Beach Club Resort or Yacht Club Resort. So when the iconic pools is closed for nearly half a year, would you still choose to stay there? This story plus what's on the menu at Tiana's new Disneyland Restaurant.

Would You Stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort if Stormalong Bay Weren't Available?

A Walt Disney World Pool Closure Alert that's Going to Hurt

Stormalong Bay is closing. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for maintenance. 

During this time, the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools will be available, so it won't be a total pool shutdown. However, with the start attraction of the resort closed will this -- and should this -- affect your plans to stay at the resort?

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We Now Know the Menu at Tiana’s Palace, Disneyland Park: Is it worth trying?

The grand opening of Tiana’s Palace over at Disneyland Park is on September 7 and will bring a taste of New Orleans to the park. Located on Orleans Street, Disney is confident this will become an instant hotspot. Let's take a look at the menu to see if we agree.

Gumbo-lovers will have a couple different options to try. The 7 Greens Gumbo is a plant-based option featuring white beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice. Or you can make it the 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage. There's also the House Gumbo which is a New Orleans staple combining braised chicken, andouille sausage, and heirloom rice into a dish we are curious to try.

If you like a little extra spice, the Cajun Spice Half Chicken is one to try. The chicken is brushed with a house-made chicory BBQ sauce and served with baked macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.

For sandwiches, there's the Muffuletta Sandwich has mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone and house-made olive relish on toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread. The Beef Po-boy Sandwich has slow-cooked beef coated with gravy and fully dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise atop a toasted New Orleans French bread. Both are served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles. 

Gulf Shrimp and Grits are on the menu as well. Grilled and tossed in a Creole sauce, the shrimp are paired with cheesy grits to form a classic dish that is famous in New Orleans.

Side dishes include Buttermilk Cornbread, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Red Beans & Heirloom Rice, Coleslaw, Cheesy Grits and plant-based Heirloom Rice.

Kids meals include a Roasted Chicken Drumstick served with a sweet BBQ sauce and heirloom rice, while the Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich is topped with ham and provolone. A classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is on the menu as well. All three come with a Cuties Mandarin Orange and applesauce with choice of DASANI Water or small lowfat milk.

And finally, yes, there is a House-filled Beignet featuring a lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze for the perfect bite.

For coffee lovers, the Joffrey's Coffee Chicory Cold Brew is topped with sweet cream and there's a Ray Firefly Glow Cube* available with the purchase of a beverage in case you want to light it up. This add-on is a nod to the way Evangeline lights up the night sky.

Finally, on the merchandise front you can to take home a piece of Tiana’s Palace with the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set (and it even comes with a House-filled Beignet).

*There's a limit of 10 ice cubes per person, per transaction for the Ray Firefly Glow Cube.
 **There's a limit of two sets per person, per transaction for the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

--
Media provided by Jamendo

Is the Grand Floridian Orchestra returning to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort? This story plus tips for the Tron Virtual Queue, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and our take on the new DVC building at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

Trip Report: Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort

Every August we do a split-stay Disney trip with three nights Disney's Vero Beach Resort (this year in an oceanfront studio villa) and four nights at Walt Disney World (this year in a two-bedroom Villa at the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort).

We had 100% success with room requests on this trip and we share our approach for how to get the exact room you want any Disney hotel.

Trams were still not running in every parking lot at Walt Disney World parks, but the good news is that they're coming back to all parks in September 2023.

In this episode, we share our views on the new Disney Vacation Club tower at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Hear our take on whether this one is a hit or miss for Disney Imagineering.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2023

We have lots of news to share from this year's Halloween party in the Magic Kingdom. Topics we cover in this episode include:

·      The issues with new queuing system to enter Mickey's Not So Scary Holloween Party (and how to avoid them)

·      What's different with how they're handing out candy at trick or treat stations (and whether it's good for you as a guest)

·      What ride wait times were like during the party (and how to maximize your time)

·      And what is still one of the best tips we can offer for anyone attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

General Tips and Experiences

Don't believe that narrative that Disney World parks are empty. It's not true and we share our first-hand experiences to back it up.

Plus, we cover our experiences and tips for Disney's digital bus sign times and one great way for how to use Disney Gift Cards to really optimize your Walt Disney World vacation.

Restaurant Reviews

On this trip, we tried the new Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian and the Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Hear our take on both of these Disney restaurants and whether we recommend them

How the Tron Virtual Queue Really Works 

We tested the virtual queue system for Tron on a regular park day and during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

We share how it worked and when we actually got to ride Tron (so you can plan your day around how long it really takes)

News from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Is the Grand Floridian Orchestra coming back to the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort? 

Hear what we learned about this and whether or not the Grand 1 Yacht will be back. 

We spoke to a Grand Floridian front desk Cast Member to see what they had to say.

And finally, the Grand Floridian lobby aroma has changed. Find out what is smells like now.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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Media provided by Jamendo

The New Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Photo Ops for 2023

Where to find them and where to find some Returning Favorites as Well

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is now scaring things up at Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney PhotoPass photographers have some brand new spooky shots and spots taking place during the event.

New photos include Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, the Lonesome Ghosts, Maleficent and more. 

Plus many of your favorite Magic Shots are also back this year, including the Headless Horseman and Oogie Boogie. 

Where to Find Disney Photo Ops during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

• Multiple locations (Evil Queen's hand and a poison apple) NEW!
• At the entrance to the park and on Main Street, U.S.A.   (TinkerBell in your hand and Halloween Mickey balloons, Donald's nephews in costume, lonesome ghosts)  NEW!
• Town Square near the flag pole (holding a Mickey shaped pumpkin)
• Select spots in front of and near Cinderella Castle (fire pumpkin)
• Near the gardens in front of Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant (pumpkin patch)  NEW!
• Liberty Square near the Hall of Presidents (hitchhiking ghosts, headless horseman)
• In front of the Haunted Mansion (holding a lantern)
• At the castle walls near Pinocchio Village Haus (Maleficent dragon)
• Near the main entrance to Storybook Circus (fun photos, not scary)
• Near the Purple Wall (just past Tomorrowland Terrace)(scary cartoon monsters in costume)

and at many of the party character greetings

Some of the coolest Disney photo opportunities with the spookiest ambiance are those that you get in black and white.

The best BxW shots are on Main Street: Walt Disney's classic dancing skeletons and a very spooky misty ambiance mood shot with bats and large moon. This one would make the perfect portrait.

Favorite shots: bubbling cauldron (near the gardens by Casey's Corner and The Plaza Restaurant)

Favorites New shots: fall TinkerBell in your hand at the park entrance (past the train station)

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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Media provided by Jamendo

Disney Vacation Planning Just Got a Little Easier

Maybe it should have been there from the very start, but after years of having to jump through hoops with Disney World and Disneyland vacation planning, Disney is finally implementing a change that will make trip planning a little easier for guests. This story, plus Disney Aulani news and a Christmas 2023 Disneyland update.

The Big Changes for How You Can Book Your Advanced Dining at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

After many years of frustration that caused guests to jump through hoops and juggle plans around Disney dining, Disney if finally making it much more efficient to book dining reservations. 

The new updates include:

• The Ability to See and Pick from All Available Reservation Slots (not just three): We shouldn't be so excited for something that should have been there all along, but now all available dining reservation slots will show up for your selected dining location and timeframe on the Disneyland website/Disneyland app and on the Walt Disney World website/My Disney Experience app. 
• Reservation Slots Sorted by Meal Period: Reservation availability will be sorted by meal period so you can see which menu is being served during the time of your reservation. This is most important around the transition time periods, for example if you're booking 4:00 p.m. you'll see if they're still serving lunch or starting on the dinner menu.

These updates will roll out in phases across the website and iOS and Android platforms.

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Disney Aulani Refurbishment Update: Ka Maka Pool and Grotto

If you're heading to Disney Aulani Hawaii this October, this is important news. The Ka Maka Pool and Grotto, including Ka Maka whirlpool spa, will be closed from October 9 - 28, 2023 for refurbishment. This is a showpiece pool so it will be missed by guests visiting at this time.

Resort pools and water features that will be open include the Waikolohe Pool and Stream, the two water slides, multiple whirlpool spas, Keiki Cove splash zone, and the Wailana Pool. 

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2023 Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Dates and Details Revealed

The Holidays dates for Disneyland Resort this year will be November 10, 2023, through January 7, 2024. 

Here is what's happening including the celebrations, décor, entertainment and more for this year's Christmas and holiday season.

Cultural Celebrations in Disney California Adventure Park with Disney Festival of Holidays

The Disney Festival of Holidays draws inspiration from a wide range of global holiday celebrations, including Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. 

Enjoy new treats and returning favorite food and beverage items at the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces and get into the spirit of it all with music and dance performances at the Palisades Stage, Sonoma Terrace and for the first time, in the Hollywood Backlot. Plus, you can dance along as Disney and Pixar characters march to the beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers in “Mickey’s Happy Holidays.”

The Sip and Savor Pass is back and offers eight entitlement tabs that can be redeemed for select food and non-alcoholic beverages from several marketplaces and participating dining locations in Disney California Adventure. Each Sip and Savor Pass is valid for the entire of Disney Festival of Holidays and can be shared among friends and family, so your whole group can sample dishes together this season.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is back at the Paradise Gardens Park for its 10th season. This year, you can taste your way through an all-new menu at Paradise Garden Grill. The Three Caballeros will host a joyous street party, featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday best. Additional festivities in this area will include live music and dancing, visits with more Disney characters and special appearances by Mirabel from Encanto.

Festive Décor and Attractions Across Disneyland Resort

Anchored by Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, adorned with icicles and snow-capped turrets as a must see, also be sure to visit the oversize gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you like Christmas trees with uniquely themed ornaments, there will be plenty to see in both parks, Downtown Disney District, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disneyland Hotel. And since it's the Christmas holiday season, you may just see a little Disney magic “snow” falling nightly in select areas of Disneyland park.

And that's not all: ornaments, lights and more will also embellish favorite attractions that get a special holiday overlay. In Disneyland, you'll be serenaded with choruses of jolly tunes on the wintry waterway of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and Jack Skellington redecorates the Haunted Mansion as usual, transforming it into the frightfully festive Haunted Mansion Holiday -- this year with a new haunted gingerbread house. In Disney California Adventure, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, both offer up seasonal spins for the “haul-idays.”

Delight in Seasonal Spectaculars and Holiday Entertainment

For festive photos, watch for Mickey Mouse and friends with all-new holiday outfits in Disneyland park, putting a spin on the classic red and green with midcentury modern-inspired looks. Plus, Santa Claus will be there too and available to pose for jolly photos around Disneyland Resort through December 24.

For merry entertainment, Disneyland Park offers “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” starring characters from Frozen, Toy Story and more. In the evening, watch for the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular, which will light up the night sky with fireworks and sprinklings of snow. 

At Disney California Adventure, World of Color – Season of Light will fill Paradise Bay with the holiday spirit as hundreds of fountains illustrate warm moments from Disney animated films.

Downtown Disney isn't just for holiday shopping, you can also groove to a variety of seasonal live musical performances on select evenings at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will also have live entertainment on select nights.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Tw...

Heading to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in 2023? If yes, you're in luck as this promises the best year ever when it comes to specialty foods. Our complete guide on what to try, plus our take on the recently reopened Trail's End and Crockett's Tavern at Fort Wilderness.

The Must Eat Items at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

This is one of the best years ever for foodies at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

For 2023 Disney culinary has created 30 specialty treats and 27 of them are brand new this year! 

Here is the full menu and our top picks for what you must try.

Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) 

• Apple Fritter Milk Shake: Salted caramel milk shake topped with green apple whipped cream and an apple fritter (Non-alcoholic) (New)

Cheshire Café 

• MMMummy Treat: Flaky pastry filled with chocolate-hazelnut filling and topped with white icing stripes and sugar eyes (New) (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)  > Mike's Pick
• Queen of Hearts Slushy: Frozen cherry slushy drizzled with black cherry purée and topped with whipped cream and a crown-shaped chocolate piece (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Regular park hours and the Party)
• Witches Cold Brew: French Vanilla Joffrey's Coffee Cold Brew topped with pumpkin-spiced foam and Halloween sprinkles (Non-alcoholic) (Regular park hours and the Party)

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Terrifyin' Twice-Spiced Chicken Sandwich: Spicy fried chicken breast dipped in hot honey and topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño poppers, and bacon (New)  > Mike's Pick > Amelia's Pick
• The Snarling Sub: Meatball sub with spicy marinara, pesto and pearl mozzarella "teeth" served on a black roll (new) 
• Zombie Fingers: Almond cookie fingers, Key lime pie white chocolate ganache, salted caramel crisp pearls, and sugar eyes (New)  > Mike's Pick
• River Styx Elixir: Kiwi lemonade with luster dust (Non-alcoholic) (New)

The Friar’s Nook (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Pain and Panic Brat: Bratwurst, sweet and spicy onion relish, and sriracha mustard (New) 
• Pain and Panic Loaded Tots: Tots topped with sweet and spicy onion relish, sriracha mustard, and crumbled bratwurst (New) 
• Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie with spicy ranch drizzle and blue cheese powder (New)

Golden Oak Outpost

• Tombstone Tart: Flaky pastry filled with strawberry-jalapeño jam and topped with sprinkles and sugar spiders (New) (Available regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Loaded Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with marshmallow cream, butterscotch chips, and toffee pieces (New) (Available during Party only) > Amelia's Pick

Liberty Square Market (Available regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)

• Black Velvet Whoopie Pie: with buttercream and sprinkles topped with a sugar spider (New) 

Main Street Bakery

• Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll: Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll topped with orange frosting and sprinkles (Available regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)  > Amelia's Pick
• Minnie-shaped Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin coffee mousse topped with a white chocolate candy corn bow (New) (Available during the Party only)  > Amelia's Pick

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Cajun Burger: Cajun-spiced all-beef patty topped with fried green tomato, Cajun Andouille dip, and Creole remoulade served on a black bun (New)  > Mike's Pick
• Bucket of Bones: Bone-in piggy wings fried with fresh jalapeños tossed in Coca-Cola Cherry barbecue sauce (New)  > Mike's Pick
• Candy Corn Milk Shake: Sweet corn soft-serve topped with whipped cream and sweet potato corn bread nuggets (Non-alcoholic) (New) 

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)

• Apple Fritter Sundae: Apple fritters topped with choice of ice cream, whipped cream, and sprinkles (New)  > Amelia's Pick
• Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich: Cookies topped with sprinkles with choice of ice cream

Sleepy Hollow (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Char Siu Chicken Wings: Whole chicken wings glazed in char siu, topped with chili threads and garlic (New) 
• Headless Horseman Cupcake: Yellow cupcake topped with cream cheese buttercream, spicy cheese-flavored snacks, and a chocolate piece (New) 
• Cinnamon Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with pumpkin ice cream, drizzled with pumpkin spiced caramel, and topped with butterscotch chips (New) 

Storybook Treats (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Hades Cone: DOLE Whip mango and habanero soft-serve topped with blue raspberry shell and chili-lime seasoning (New)  > Mike's Pick

Sunshine Tree Terrace (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Tropical Graveyard: Mango mousse and sour tropical gelatin topped with cookie crumbles, gummy worm, sprinkles, and a tombstone chocolate piece (New)

Churro Cart near Cinderella Castle 

• Not-So-Poison Apple Churro: Churro rolled in green apple sugar, topped with SNICKERS bar pieces, and drizzled with caramel sauce (New) (Available during regular park hours and the Party)  > Amelia's Pick
• Jack Pop: Chocolate fudge brownie with marshmallow filling and topped with a Jack chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
• Sally Pop: Yellow pop with raspberry filling topped with a Sally chocolate piece
   (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

Outdoor Vending Cart near The Haunted Mansion (Available during Halloween Party only)

• Skull Brownie: Mexican-spiced chocolate brownie, dulce de leche filling and sugar eyes (New) 

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Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern Have Reopened at Fort Wilderness and We are Pleased with the Result

The walls at EPCOT have been there for so long that we forget what it was like to wander freely without them. But that will be coming to an end soon. So what will it be like when the walls come down at EPCOT? This story and more Disney travel news.

Here's What Will Happen When the Walls Come Down at EPCOT

EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World and when the walls come down around September 22, here's what you'll find. Was it all worth the wait and inconvenience?

Take a photo with the new platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture in World Celebration, with Spaceship Earth as the backdrop. 

See the new mural at the heart of World Celebration and try to find as many Disney characters as you can (there are, of course, 100 of them). The large mural will be located along the walkway to World Showcase and will feature favorite Disney characters hidden throughout the various neighborhoods of EPCOT. The rest of World Celebration will also be decked out in Disney100 platinum banners and décor.

Meet and greet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum best in the Imagination! pavilion. Also, Spaceship Earth will light up each night with special colors and lights accompanied by the Disney100 anthem, a unique rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star.

The Disney100 celebration will have four limited-time food and beverage locations during both the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays! 

If you collect Disney popcorn buckets, there's a new purple metallic Mickey Balloon Premium Popcorn Bucket available only at EPCOT during Disney100.

All of the Disney100 celebrations will have a limited time run from September 22 to December 31, 2023. 

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New ‘Disney Junior & Friends Playdate’ Event Coming to Disneyland Resort August 18-20

“Disney Junior & Friends Playdate,” is a three-day event celebrating the stories of Disney Junior’s hit series created for preschoolers and their families at Disney California Adventure park on Friday, August 18, and at Downtown Disney on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20.  

August 18 at Disney California Adventure park will feature:

• A Playdate Party Parade featuring Disney Junior characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Elena of Avalor, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Vampirina, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Goofy, Pluto, and Mira, Royal Detective.
• A special “Disney Junior Live! Playdate” stage show with the world-premiere of the new Disney Junior short-form series “Playdate with Winnie the Pooh.”
•  “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party” will offer a hands-on cupcake decorating course inspired by the Disney Junior series. 
• A “Spidey and his Amazing Friends” photo wall be at the Hollywood Backlot

Downtown Disney on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20:

• Disney Junior-themed treats at Marceline’s Confectionary. 
• A “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” photo wall at Downtown Disney.

Throughout the weekend, there will also be scavenger hunt featuring Disney Junior-themed clues around Disney California Adventure park on Friday and Downtown Disney on Saturday and Sunday.

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Filling the Fantasmic Void in Disneyland Park

Jambalaya Jazz has taken their show to a river barge to fill the void left by Fantasmic. Queenie anchors the band for a New Orleans-inspired jazz show to add a little magic to evenings along Rivers of America.  

Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band perform a musical tribute to New Orleans each evening on a themed raft as they float down the Rivers of America. There are three shows nightly starting at 7:35 p.m. Check the Disneyland app for show times and details. 

Disney will also be adding more entertainment soon to New Orleans Square.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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Media provided by Jamendo

It's Time for Our Annual Review of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Foodie Guide

For 2023 there are a total of 32 new food dishes to try and 42 new beverages options to try at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. We share the entire menu including our top picks from what's new and top picks from returning favorites.

As a reminder, Emile's Fromage Montage is back and the locations are noted below. This festival food stroll features several cheese dishes from the Global Marketplaces. Pick up a Festival Passport and collect stamps by buying five of these. Once you have at least five you can head over to Shimmering Sips to get a free bonus prize. Shimmering Sips is located on the way to Canada near the Port of Entry.

India 

Food Items:  

• Curry-spiced Crispy Cheese with mango-curry ketchup (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Potato and Pea Samosa with coriander-lime cream (Plant-based) 
• Chicken Tikka Masala with fennel-spiced yogurt and naan bread

Beverages: 

• Mango Lassi (Non-alcoholic)
• Taj Mahal Premium Lager
• SULA Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine
• SULA Chenin Blanc
• Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Chai Cream Liqueur
• CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Refreshment Outpost

Food Item: 

• Spicy Githeri with white beans, pigeon peas, curried BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice, and kachumbari slaw (Plant-based) 

Beverages: 

• Gulf Stream Brewing Co. Cloud 9 Watermelon Hibiscus Lager (New) 
• Ciderboys Mango Tango Hard Cider (New)
• North Coast Brewing Co. PranQster Golden Ale (New)

Kenya 

Food Items:

• Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Beef with sweet potato-corn mealie pap and kachumbari slaw > Mike's Favorite
• Peri-Peri Skewered Shrimp with citrus-flavored couscous

Beverage: 

• 81Bay Brewing Co. Congo Pilsner

The Alps 

Food Items:

• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with shaved ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Dark Chocolate Fondue with berries, pound cake, and meringues (New) 

Beverages: 

• Stiegl Brewery Key Lime Radler
• Huber Vision Grüner Veltliner
• Frozen Rosé

Germany 

Food Items:

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll with mustard
• Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce

Beverages: 

• Gaffel Kölsch
• Weihenstephaner Festbier
• Schöfferhofer Prickly Pear Hefeweizen
• Selbach-Oster Riesling
• Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling (New) 
• Beer Flight

Spain 

Food Items:

• Charcuterie in a Cup with a selection of imported Spanish meats, cheeses, olives, and an herbed serrano vinaigrette (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Paella with saffron rice, chorizo, and shrimp
• Seafood Salad with shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and smoked paprika

Beverages: 

• Viña Borgia Macabeo White Sangria (New)
• Viña Borgia Rosé Sangria (New)
• Viña Borgia Garnacha Red Sangria (New)
• Sangria Flight (New) 

Flavors of America 

Food Items:

• Italian Hot Beef Sandwich with shaved beef au jus and spicy giardiniera (New)  > Mike's Pick  > Amelia's pick
• Cioppino: Seafood Stew with saffron-infused tomato-fennel broth and crostini (New)
• Chilaquiles: Corn tortilla chips tossed in salsa verde with ranchero chicken, queso fresco, cilantro-lime crema, and a soft-poached egg (New) 
• Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with walnuts and cream cheese icing

Beverages: 

• Rogue Dreamland American Lager
• Goose Island Beer Co. Neon Beer Hug
• Left Hand Brewing Sawtooth Amber Ale
• Beer Flight

Greece 

Food Items:

• Spanakopita
• Griddled Cheese with pistachios and honey (Emile's Fromage Montage)
• Lamb Gyro with shaved lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki on warm flatbread
• Plant-based IMPOSSIBLE Moussaka (Plant-based) (New) 

Beverages: 

• Mylonas Winery Assyrtiko White Wine
• Skouras ‘Zoe’ Rosé
• Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro Dry Red
• Wine Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items:

• Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli 
  • Chermoula Chicken
  • Moroccan-spiced Lamb
• Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce (Plant-based) 
• Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and Zhoug dips (Plant-based)
• Pistachio Cake with cinnamon pastry cream and candied walnuts

Beverages: 

• 3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider
• Keel Farms Raspberry Citrus Hard Cider (New) 
• Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Peach Party Peach & Blackberry Hard Cider (New)
• Fig Cocktail with fig vodka, sparkling wine, and cranberry juice
• Hard Cider Flight
• CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Belgium 

Food Items:

• Beer-braised Beef served with gouda mashed potatoes
• Belgian Waffle with warm chocolate ganache
• Belgian Waffle with berry compote and whipped cream

Beverages: 

• Belgian Chilled Coffee (Non-alcoholic)
• Brasserie D’Achouffe Houblon Chouffe IPA (New)
• Delirium Red Fruit Belgian Ale
• Brewery Van Steenberge Gulden Draak Tripel Ale (New)
• Belgian Chilled Coffee featuring ChocoLat Deluxe Salted Caramel Chocolate Liqueur
• Beer Flight

Brazil 

Food Items:

• Feijoada: Black beans with pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and Long Grain White Rice
• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread (Emile's Fromage Montage)

Beverages: 

• Xingu Brazilian Black Lager
• Frozen C...

If you're looking to try the most bizarre food that's available at Walt Disney World, we share where to find the newest strange culinary offerings. Will you dare to try them? Plus where to find the seven newest Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots at Disneyland.

Where to Find the Most Bizarre Food at Walt Disney World 

A Strange New Culinary Adventure is Coming to EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (July 27 - November 18)

There's a very interesting new adventure that is a must try for us...how about you?

Flavorful Fun is Brew-Wing at Odyssey
If you're an adventurous eater, the Brew-Wing Lab at the EPCOT Odyssey is serving up a flavorful adventure, featuring the culinary creations of Muppet Labs.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his faithful Muppet Labs assistant, Beaker, will welcome you to their test kitchen where they're busy creating scientific snacks and unique drinks. You can sample some of their interesting concoctions including the Unnecessarily Spicy, Yet Extremely Tasty Scotch Bonnet Pepper-Curry Wings, or the Pickle Milkshake. We can't wait to see the rest of the menu...

Four Brand New Global Marketplaces
Food and Wine already has 25 Global Marketplaces and later this fall the culinary team will add four more to commemorate the Disney100 celebration: Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubbles & Brine and Swirled Showcase. We'll share more details and dates once they're announced.

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7 New Disneyland Resort Magic Shot Photo Ops with Disney PhotoPass

Balloons (Top Pick) | Location: Disneyland Resort
This shot features iconic Mickey Mouse Balloons and is captured at many locations throughout Disneyland and it's often available with limited-time theming for various celebrations. Right now, the balloons are themed for the Disney100 celebration. Ask a photographer if they're offering this shot at their location.

Cheshire Cat (Top Pick) | Location: Mad Tea Party, Fantasyland
The Cheshire Cat pops in to your PhotoPass photo over at the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland.  

Huey, Dewey and Louie | Location: Left of the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land
Huey, Dewey and Louie appear playfully in front of you.

Violet’s Force Field (Top Pick) | Location: Bridge to Pixar Pier
Located on the bridge to Pixar Pier, this Magic Shot gets the whole family in the frame – and in Violet’s force field! This will be a great shot if the PhotoPass photographer gets it right.

Porg | Location: Millennium Falcon
Have a cute little porg standing on your arm. A classic "look surprised" PhotoPass shot.

Minnie Mouse | Location: Sleeping Beauty Castle & Partners statue
Animated Minnie Mouse sits next to you with the Partners statue in the background.

Buzz Lightyear and Woody | Location: Bridge to Pixar Pier
A shot for the Toy Story fans, Buzz Lightyear and Woody flying into the frame from above and behind.

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Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

Sharing the podcast with your friends and on social media is also extremely helpful and very much appreciated.

Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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Media provided by Jamendo