1923 Main Street: Snow Skate Surf and Travel Style

Will Frontierland disappear forever at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom? New details about Tiana's upcoming attraction and restaurant hint at some big changes for the area currently known as Frontierland.

This story, plus construction delays at Disneyland and construction inconveniences at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.

Not So Fast! Mickey’s Toontown Pushes Back Opening Date at Disneyland Park

If you were counting down the days until March 8 for the opening of the all-new Mickey's ToonTown at Disneyland, you'll have to count a little longer. According to Disney, the heavy winter rain storms affecting parts of California have impacted their construction timelines, setting them back. As a result Disney has pushed back reopening date of Mickey’s Toontown to March 19, 2023. 

This will most affect guests who have vacations planned between March 8 and March 19 and who may have been looking forward to visiting.

--

It's Going to be Harder to Get Those Steps at Disney Grand Floridian Resort

As we have reported in the past, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is in the midst of a fairly significant refurbishment project, which will see refreshed rooms and an updated main lobby. It's a big project that's lasting well over a year and will now be affecting the walking path between the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Park. As of February 13 the pathway is closed and won't reopen until "late Spring" (whatever that means).

--

There's a New Storyline Reveal for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and it May Give Some Hints of the Bigger Picture for Magic Kingdom that's Ahead

Everyone knows Tiana loves cooking and the restaurant Tiana’s Palace coming to Disneyland is part of that.

But Walt Disney Imagineering is creating more to the story. It starts in the queue for Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Tiana has transformed an aging salt mine and built a much-loved brand.

The entire project includes a boutique farm and both a working and teaching kitchen. Tiana’s Foods is where Tiana creates all sorts of new products, including a line of original hot sauces.

Tiana wants to thank her family and friends and the entire community their support by throwing a big Mardi Gras party. When it turns out there’s been a bit of a mix–up with the party preparations, Tiana invites us to meet her at Tiana’s Foods to help with the missing ingredient for the party.

There's much more to this story, but reading into it sounds like be could see new Tiana Hot Sauces, a Magic Kingdom Mardi Gras party and Pecos Bill's transforming into Tiana's Kitchen. They may even offer food classes for kids. 

Many people are concerned about what's happening to Frontierland, but when you factor in Beyond Big Thunder Mountain, there may be a much bigger picture about to unfold.

We'll keep you posted as Disney releases more details about what's to come at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024.

--

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.

Shop 1923 Main Street

Feel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.

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

Walt Disney World has a serious problem in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and there's no easy solution. Our take on this, plus the Garden Rocks concert line-up, a lengthy Disney pool closure and top picks for Valentine's goodies at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Do Disney Parks Have a Star Wars Problem?

There's trouble brewing in Galaxy's Edge and it's not coming from the Dark Side. After months of persistent rumors and speculation about the value and experience of Disney's Galactic Starcruiser, Disney has announced that it was forced to cancel several Galactic Starcruiser dates in the summer and fall months due to low occupancy, which could be a troubling sign for the hotel's future. People who had booked were offered half-off to book again on a future date. 

Speculation has been everything from the cost, to the characters involved to the repeatability of the experience. For me, it's also an issue of the guest experience, or rather the pricey and intended immersive experience being ruined by obnoxious and other annoying guests who typically ruin things for others on virtually any Disney attraction. This type of behavior has gotten worse since Covid as the entitled few have been frequently ruining it for all--so much so that Disney has changed its acceptable guest behavior policies and publicized the fact.

No matter what the reason, is there any way to fix the problem? For us, it's not the price alone: it's the experience. If you're paying that kind of money for an immersive experience, the risk of having it jeopardized by someone filming all the time and not taking part, is a no-go. In my opinion, Disney should ban all guests from bringing phones or any kind of devices, except in your room. Anyone acting out of accepted standards should be jettisoned through the airlock. Make this clear up front. 

--

Garden Rocks Concert Lineup for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-up is coming into view for the upcoming EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in March. Garden Rocks features well-known artists performing Friday-Monday and showcases local Orlando talent on Tuesday-Thursday at the America Gardens Theater!

Who's Playing at Garden Rocks Concert Series EPCOT 2023?

• March 3-4 - Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
• March 5-6 - Daughtry
• March 10-11 - Tommy DeCarlo
• March 12-13 - Smash Mouth
• March 17-18 - Mike DelGuidice
• March 19-20 - Blue Oyster Cult - NEW
• March 24-25 - Berlin
• March 26-27 - The Pointer Sisters
• March 31 - Luis Figueroa - NEW
• April 1-2 - Piso 21 - NEW
• April 3 – TBD
• April 7-8 - STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
• April 9-10 - Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
• April 16-17 - Switchfoot – NEW
• April 21-22 - A Flock of Seagulls
• April 23-24 - Jo Dee Messina
• April 28-29 - Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
• April 30, May 1 - Kool and the Gang
• May 5-8 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
• May 12-15 - The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
• May 19-20 - A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce - NEW
• May 21-22 - Casting Crowns - NEW
• May 26-27 - Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago - NEW
• May 28-29 - Rick Springfield
• June 2-5 - Plain White T’s
• June 9-10 - The Spinners
• June 11-12 - The Commodores
• June 16-17 - Vertical Horizon
• June 18-19 - Tony Orlando
• June 23-26 - Simple Plan
• June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
• July 2-3 - Wang Chung

As of February 9, you can reserve a spot in the theater with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Find out more by visiting FreshEPCOT.com.

--

Pool Closure alert for Disney's Vero Beach Resort

The feature pool at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and the Pirate’s Plunge Pool Slide will be closed for refurbishment from January 8, 2024 through late March 2024. The Tiger Lily Wet Play Area, Port Holes Miniature Golf and the whirlpool spa will also be closed while the pool is being refurbished.

Refurbishment work will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

--

Disney Eats Foodie Guide to Lovely Valentine’s Day Delights 2023

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are celebrating the Valentine's season with sweet and savory food and drink across virtually all parks, resorts and entertainment areas. The complete Disney Valenatine Foodie Guide, plus our top picks.

Walt Disney World Resort 

Walt Disney World Resorts 

Available at Various Resorts (Available through Feb. 28; mobile order available) 

• My (Plant-based) Sweetheart Chocolate cupcake with a love-ly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based Item) (Wheat/ Gluten Friendly); Available at the following: 
  • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort 

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 

• Be My Valentine Sweet Treat Bag: Sugar cookies with house-made vanilla and raspberry marshmallows (New) 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 

Boma – Flavors of Africa (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 

• Zebra Domes: The classic Amarula mousse and white chocolate dessert with the addition of a pink stripe

Jiko – The Cooking Place (Available Feb. 13 and 14 only) 

• Wild About Mousse: Madagascan milk chocolate mousse, pistachio sponge, marinated citrus, and candied almonds (New) 

The Mara (Available Feb. 10 through 14; mobile order available) 

• Zebra Mousse Cake: Amarula mousse cake inspired by the flavors of the iconic Zebra Domes (New) 

Sanaa (Available Feb. 13 and 14 only)

• Bananas For Mousse: Banana cake, peanut butter mousse, banana jam, banana cream, candied almonds, and caramel (New) 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 

• Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Chocolate cupcake with hazelnut filling, chocolate hazelnut bu...

Disney has announced a new free entertainment option outside the parks at Walt Disney World. This story, plus what you need to know before riding Tron and a sneak peek at the Roundup Rodeo BBQ coming to Hollywood Studios.

Disney has Announced a New Free Family Entertainment Option at Walt Disney World

There's a new free entertainment option at Walt Disney World taking place Saturday mornings at Disney Springs. The Disney Springs Kids Club is a brand-new entertainment offering designed for the whole family to enjoy together. It takes place at Waterview Park at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday morning.

Unique, family-friendly acts and entertainment will be on-hand to entertain. Wassalou, the Afropop band from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, kicked things off at Disney Springs Kids Club. You can play bongos and maracas or just dance along in the drum circle. Not your style? How about Flight Crew Jump Rope a high-energy dance party featuring fast-paced jump-rope routines acrobatics. And yes, you can join in the fun with this one as well. Finally, DJ KD Queen will take to the stage, hosting games, singalongs and more.

--

Disney Builds Anticipation with Four Key Things to Know in Advance of Tron Lightcycle Run Opening Day

Riding Tron Lightcycle Run isn't going to be just a matter of lining up and getting on the ride. Before you board when the ride opens on April 4 there are four things you need to know:

1. A Virtual Queue for Team Blue at Tron

TRON will use a virtual queue when it opens and a standby queue will not be available.

2. Riding Tron through Individual Lightning Lane

Looking for an option to pay to play? Tron will offer a paid ILL option, so get ready to reserve your time first thing in the morning.

3. New Locker System

Tron will offer digitized lockers to store bags and loose items while you ride. The lockers are free and located within the line. Your locker will pair directly with your MagicBand, MagicBand+ or park ticket so you can easily lock and reopen your locker with a tap. If you don't have any of those, Cast Members will give you a card for your locker. There will also be small pouches in the ride cars, but it sounds like Disney isn't messing around with guests who have extra baggage.

4. Disney PhotoPass Tron Ride Photo and Video 

Not surprisingly there will be an onboard photo and video automatically linked to your My Disney Experience account. It's important to note the following if you want your photo and video:

• Enable Bluetooth for the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device before riding. Make sure you're logged into the My Disney Experience app and keep the device out of low power mode. Your device will need to ride with you, so keep it secure. 
• The easier option is to wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to a My Disney Experience account.

--

Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens March 23, 2023

We heard about Roundup Rodeo ages ago and now the time for BBQ is almost here. Here's a quick look at the BBQ menu coming your way.

You'll start with the Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits served with sweet pepper jelly. 

Salads:

• Tomato Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh dill (plant-based)
• Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad: Romaine and kale mixed with green apples, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries tossed with green goddess dressing
• Watermelon Salad: Cubed watermelon garnished with freshly torn mint leaves (plant-based)

House-smoked meats:

• Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slow-cooked for hours in our onsite smokehouse 
• Buttercup’s Beef Brisket: Hand-sliced beef brisket, smoked then slow-cooked to juicy perfection
• There’s a Sausage in My Boot: Spiced pork sausage fire-grilled over live oak
• BBQ Chicken – with Style! Chicken brined for 48 hours, rubbed with our secret backyard BBQ spice and smoked to tender juiciness

Plant-based offerings are available upon request:

• Slow-smoked Cauliflower topped with sweet harissa drizzle and crunchy walnut gremolata 
• Oven-roasted “Bratwurst” that is tender and juicy, sliced to perfection
• Impossible “Rib Chop” seasoned with spices, then roasted and glazed with sweet BBQ sauce and skewered on a sugar cane “bone”

You can choose four of the following side dishes for your table:

• The Married Spuds: Loaded potato barrels drizzled with green goddess dressing, cheese sauce, and seasoned BBQ spices
• Force Field Fried Pickles: Jumbo fried pickle spears coated with a dill-flavored breading
• Slinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese: Spiral pasta in a creamy house-made cheese sauce topped with crumbled cheddar crackers 
• Buckin’ Baked Beans: A traditional BBQ picnic favorite (plant-based)
• Cowpoke Corn on the Cob: Grilled and seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime juice
• Mean Old Potato Salad: Homestyle with red-skinned potatoes
• Veggie Slaw: Crunchy shredded veggie slaw that is a summertime favorite! (plant-based)
• Campfire-roasted Vegetables: A variety of roasted seasonal vegetables (plant-based)

For dessert, choose "perfectly portioned" chuckwagon desserts:

• Cupcake à la Forky: A classic chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate ganache center topped with velvety graham cracker buttercream and a sugar cookie
• Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake: An iconic creamy dessert that balances the tanginess of the cheesecake with the natural sweetness of blueberries and lemon
• Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie: Graham cracker crust and chocolate mousse with chantilly cream
• Goat’s Apple Pie: Tart apples and warm pie spices balance perfectly with the creamy sweet filling under a crumble crust
• Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie: Silky sweet peaches and tart strawberries together (plant-based)

An assortment of craft cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

Adult Craft Cocktails:

• Snake Eye Margarita: A summertime BBQ classic with watermelon, smoke, and a bit of spice! 
• Rum Punch: Rum punch with passion fruit and pineapple finished with a smoky spiced garnish
• Chocolate with a Grown-up Twist: A blend of chocolate rum, horchata liqueur, cocoa, and flavors of toasted marshmallow
• Frozen Peanut Butter & Jelly: A fun frozen twist on the classic peanut butter & jelly featuring peanut butter whiskey 
• Whiskey Lemonade: Strawberry lemonade with Tennessee whiskey and Italian bitter aperitif
• The Rodeo Mule: A classic “patio sipper,” this mule mixes vodka with fresh juices and ginger beer

A selection of beer, hard cider, and wines by the glass are available.

Nonalcoholic offerings:

• Molly’s Frozen Iced Tea

Princess Ariel and Princess Belle Have the Most Unique Character Settings

Finally, princesses Belle and Ariel will return to rightful spots in the Enchanted Forest of Fantasyland.

These beloved experiences will return on the following dates:

• Princess Ariel is back at her Grotto as of January 22 and
• Princess Belle is back in Maurice's Cottage filled with Enchanted Tales, starting February 19, 2023.

Both of these Disney Princess experiences will be part of Disney Genie+ service. 

---

What's Coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2023

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival runs March 1 through July 5, and this year there are a few new topiaries to check out. These include Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney Encanto. You'll find them near the EPCOT main entrance. In addition, a new Princess Tiana topiary will be at The American Adventure. 

The Garden Rocks Concert Series is back at the America Gardens Theatre and we will share details about who's playing and when, as soon as it's released.

In addition to horticulture and music, there will be more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens in 2023 including a new spot for The Citrus Blossom, which will move to Odyssey. 

On the merch side, watch for official ‘70’s inspired Orange Bird merchandise, including apparel, headwear, drinkware and more.

Spike's Pollen-Nation Exploration is back. This springtime scavenger hunt lets you follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail, where he's busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT. When you find him in each garden on your map, you'll add the corresponding sticker of the plant he's visiting.

On the bridge to World Showcase, you can enjoy the sights and scents of spring with Blossoms of Fragrance. Here you'll be surrounded by butterfly topiaries and be invited to follow your nose to six scent stations for a few unforgettable aromas.

--

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.

Shop 1923 Main Street

Feel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.

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

How to Ride TRON Lightcycle Run Before it Opens to the Public on April 4 

Disney travelers are anticipating the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run, which is scheduled to officially open on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park.

But did you know that before the attraction officially opens there will likely be an opportunity for certain guests to get a ride? Cast members always get this perk (understandably) but Disney has basically said that Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members will also be given an opportunity to throw their hats in the ring for this major perk.

We don't know the details yet, but there will likely be a rush to get a spot once details are announced.

The story of the ride is that it picks up after the “TRON: Legacy” story where Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, has opened a second gateway into a digital world called the Grid. The first portal to this world was built at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run. So it's fun how Disney has worked to continue the story and didn't just make this a copy of the Shanghai version.

As the ride goes, you will be Team Blue against the Grid’s menacing Programs, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. How this all pans out remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Tron Lightcycle Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

---

The Positive Changes at Walt Disney World Resort:

1. If you're a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder you'll soon be able to visit the theme parks after 2:00 p.m. without needing a park pass reservation. The only exclusions are Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park and pass blackout dates.
2. You can once again self-park at Walt Disney World hotels at no cost when you are a guest staying there.
3. When you buy Disney Genie+ you'll also get free digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of your purchase.

---

The Positive Changes at Disneyland 

1. Starting February 4, 2023, if you have a Disneyland theme park ticket with a Magic Key pass or a Park Hopper ticket you can start hopping two hours earlier – starting at 11:00 a.m. 
2. Disneyland will offer nearly two-months-worth of $104 park ticket dates throughout 2023, which means more opportunities to enjoy the lowest price one-day, one-park tickets.
3. Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads taken on any Disney PhotoPass attraction during a park visit will be complimentary for ticketed park guests on the Disneyland app starting February 4 and lasting for the Disney 100 celebration.
4. Disneyland Resort will make select Magic Key passes available for new sales from time to time throughout 2023 as pass inventory becomes available. 

--

Tiana’s Palace Coming to Disneyland Park in 2023

Just as Tiana transformed an old sugar mill into her dream restaurant in “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney is transforming the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park into a news restaurant called Tiana’s Palace.

Tiana’s Palace will feature peach-colored walls and green wrought-iron balconies with elegant fixtures and appointments reminiscent of Tiana’s film life. This should fit nicely into the current vibe of New Orleans Square. The new quick-service restaurant will offer guests an authentic New Orleans menu and expand on the current items served at the location.

To make the change, the French Market Restaurant (and Mint Julep Bar) will be closed as of February 17, 2023, and will reopen as Tiana’s Palace (alongside the Mint Julep Bar with its famous mint juleps and Mickey beignets) later in 2023.

---

Moonlight Magic is Back 2023

Disney Vacation Club members, mark your calendars:

Disney California Adventure - February 1, 2023

EPCOT - February 8 and 15, 2023

Disney's Hollywood Studios - May 11 and September 13, 2023

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park - July 11 and August 2, 2023

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park - May 23 and August 23, 2023

--

Pool Closures at Disney Aulani in Early 2023

Aulani's two popular water slide pool areas are closing for refurbishment.

• The Volcanic Vertical body slide will be unavailable from January 16 – February 3, 2023.
• The Tubestone Curl tube slide will be unavailable from February 20 to March 10, 2023 and 

Aulani's other water features will be open during the closures, including Waikolohe Pool and Stream, Ka Maka Pool & Grotto, the multiple whirlpool spas, Keiki Cove splash zone, and Wailana Pool.

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.

Shop 1923 Main Street

Feel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.

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

Disney's Updated Offer of Free Dining is a Twist on the Old Way, but there's a Catch

You can now get up to a $750 Disney Dining Promo Card when you book a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort and theme park ticket(s).

The offer is valid for arrivals most nights July 1 to July 10, 2023 and August 1 to September 14, 2023. A lower-value Disney Dining Promo Card may also be available when you purchase this package during other select summer arrival dates.

After checking in you'll get an email with the amount credited to you via Disney Gift Card. Only good at participating food and beverage locations. You then present the barcode when you're paying and it will be deducted from the credit. You can see remaining balance as well.

It's not a blanket $750 dining card. These are the values for July 1 - 10 and August 1 - September 14, 2023:

• Up to $150 per night at Deluxe Villas and Resorts
• Up to $100 per night on select Moderate Resorts
• Up to $50 per night on select Value Resorts

From June 25 - 30 and July 11 - 31 the values are as follows:

• Up to $125 per night at Deluxe Villas and Resorts
• Up to $75 per night on select Moderate Resorts
• Up to $35 per night on select Value Resorts

--

Disney Eats Foodie Guide to the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 13 to February 20, 2023 and celebrates the creation and beauty of cuisines, music, and art.

Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

• Tomato Soup with grilled cheese
• Tomato Soup with pimento cheese, bacon, and fried green tomato grilled cheese (New) TOP PICK
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)

Beverages: 

• Brooklyn Brewery Pulp Art Hazy IPA
• Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuveé Mousseux with boba pearls

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:  

• Deconstructed BLT: Pork belly, soft-poached egg, onion bread pudding, watercress espuma, and tomato jam
• Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, gruyère cream, onion bread pudding, and onion textures
• Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item) 

Beverages:

• Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel (Non-alcoholic)
• Wicked Weed Brewing Blank Canvas Belgian Blonde Witbier

Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry) 

Food Items:

• Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffle
• Decadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousse
• Orange Mousse with Lemon Cake and Raspberry Meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item) 

Beverages:

• 3 Daughters Brewing Strawberry Blonde Nitro
• 81Bay Brewing Co. Vanilla Porter
• Playalinda Brewing Co. Milk Stout
• Espresso Martini featuring Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka (New) 
• Neapolitan Beer Flight

The Craftsman’s Courtyard (Near Creations Shop)

Food Items:

• Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace and baby vegetables
• Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with sautéed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs

Beverages:

• BrewDog Jet Black Heart Nitro Oatmeal Stout (New)
• Cold Fashion Coffee Cocktail

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

• Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw (Plant-based item) 
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Soft-serve Waffle Cone: DOLE Whip, salted-caramel soft-serve, or swirl

Beverages:

• Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Berries & Cream Sour Berliner (New) TOP PICK
• Left Hand Brewing Co. Wook Bait IPA (New)
• Central 28 Beer Company Wall Art Brown Ale

Pastoral Palate (Germany) 

Food Items:

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
• Wild Boar Cassoulet with duck confit, ham hock, and wild boar sausage
• Black Forest Cake: Chocolate Mousse with morello cherries and Chantilly cream (New) 

Beverages:

• 3 Daughters Brewing Rosé Hard Cider
• 81Bay Brewing Co. Rosé Blonde Ale
• Frozen Rosé
• A Play on Rosé Flight
• Marietta Old Vine Rosé

The Artist’s Table (The American Adventure) 

Food Items:

• Three-Meat Meatloaf with “Peas and Carrots”: Green pea pudding, carrot ketchup, shaved carrot salad, and snap peas (New) TOP PICK
• Duck and Dumplings: Smoked duck breast, ricotta dumplings, petite vegetables, and duck jus (New) 
• Hummingbird Cake: Banana cake with pineapple, coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting with banana sorbet (New) 

Beverages:

• Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolates (Non-alcoholic)
• Boulevard Brewing Co. Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (New)
• Parish Brewing Co. South Coast Session Amber Ale (New) 
• Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers Belgian Quad (New) 
• Lange Estate Winery Pinot Noir
• Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs paired with sipping chocolates
• Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items: 

• Carrots Three Ways: Chermoula-spiced grilled carrots, pickled carrots, and carrot ginger purée (Plant-based item) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) 
• House-made Crispy Almond Phyllo Pockets with white chocolate pomegranate and milk chocolate orange

Beverages: 

• Chai Tea Mint Sparkler featuring Twinings Chai Tea with Sprite (Non-alcoholic)
• Stem Ciders Flockstar Hard Cider
• Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Mule de Pomme: Pomegranate, ginger, and lime hard cider
• 3 Daughters Brewing Chai Hard Cider
• Chai Tea Mint Mimosa featuring Twinings Chai Tea with Key lime sparkling wine and mint
• Cider Flight

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between Morocco & France) 

Food Items:

• Chorizo and Potato Empanada with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item) 
• Spicy Ajiaco Soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn, and crème fra...

What's the Future of Rock'n'Roller Coaster?

Is Aerosmith done at Walt Disney World? That's what Disney travelers want to know.

With the New Year upon us, we know of a number of new rides and attractions coming our way at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

But there are also several that are closing for good or that have a future that's simply up in air with more questions than answers.

Permanently closing or already closed at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

• Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple, 
• Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular and 
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom Park:

• Kali River Rapids will close on January 9, 2023 for refurbishment (with no estimated completion date) and 
• the demolition of Primeval Whirl will soon be completed.

At Disney's Magic Kingdom Park:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closing for a short refurbishment in January, 
• while Splash Mountain will close on January 23, 2023 for the Tiana ride overhaul. 

Most of the talk now is focused on Rock'n'Roller Coaster, which is closing for a long refurbishment on February 20, 2023. Disney has said it will be reopening in the summer of 2023.

With the Aerosmith agreement now expired (in 2022), will the refurbishment also become a full ride re-theming of Rock'n'Roller Coaster? 

At Disneyland Paris the ride was re-themed into an Avengers ride. But this probably wouldn't be a Marvel re-theme due to agreements in place between Universal Studios Florida and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

So what would be a likely re-theme? Keep it as Rock'n'Roller Coaster and just update the band to a younger and newer artist or group? Or would they do what they have done in so many other cases at Walt Disney World and re-theme the ride into a Disney character property?

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.

Shop 1923 Main Street

Feel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.

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

Walt Disney World Railroad is Back...with an All-New Voiceover

The WDW railroad was an original opening-day attraction in 1971 and it's back with a completely refreshed track and another new surprise...one you may or may not like.

Walt Disney Imagineering introduced a new voice to share stories as the train circles Magic Kingdom Park. 

Disney's release stated that the narration is "a voice our guests can envision and resonate with. Someone who grew up on Main Street, U.S.A., dreaming of the day they’d be on the railroad. They’ve now achieved that dream, and they know everyone and everything at Magic Kingdom … an unofficial mayor of sorts." For us, the jury's still out on whether or not this was a good thing as my initial reaction is that I don't care for the PeopleMover vibe on Walt Disney World Railroad.

So what do you think? Is the new voiceover a great addition or an unnecessary distraction?

--

Chef Mickey’s transitions back to buffet-style dining March 1

Starting March 1, 2023 Chef Mickey’s will go back to buffet-style dining, something many fans have been waiting for as they enjoy either breakfast or dinner at this popular character dining location in Disney's Contemporary Resort.

--

So What's Ahead for 2023? A Recap of New Rides and More Coming our Way

Disneyland

Wondrous Journeys and World of Color - One

- January 27, 2023 (Two new shows to celebrate Disney 100)

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

- January 27, 2023

Mickey's ToonTown

- March 8, 2023

Adventureland Treehouse, Swiss Family Robinson theme

- TBA 2023

Magic Happens Parade

- Will return on February 24, 2023

Walt Disney World

Journey of Water, featuring Moana at EPCOT

- TBA late 2023

Hatbox Ghost at the Haunted Mansion

- TBA 2023

Tron Lightcycle Run

- Spring 2023

Figment Meet and Greet at EPCOT

- TBA 2023

Happily Ever After (the reboot)

- TBA 2023

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.

Shop 1923 Main Street

Feel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.

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

Trip Report: Walt Disney World December 2022

The latest from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, including crowd levels along with the good parts and the not-so-good parts. Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth it?

Also, an update on EPCOT Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional 2022 edition. Is the dining package worth doing?

Our thoughts on this and the current state of Club Level at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and more in our latest Walt Disney World trip report.

--

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Will Get Some Updates in 2023

The resort has been receiving some grand touches that weave familiar storybook charm into the Victorian elegance of this flagship resort. Guest rooms are currently being updated as we speak with more to come as the beloved Grand Floridian ushers in its 35th year of magic. The ongoing renovation will also include an upcoming refurbishment of the lobby, which will maintain the classic theming guests know and love with some fresh new enhancements.

--

What’s Cooking at Disney’s BoardWalk

There's a new coffee shop opening soon on the BoardWalk called Carousel Coffee. This new location will be good spot for Joffrey's coffee beverages, tea options, and indulgent pastries.

The menu will include a Dark Cherry Mocha Frozen Blended Coffee with Whipped Cream. This iconic cherry flavor is known in seaside getaways and is a staple of coffee shops, delis, and ice cream parlors.

There will be seasonal coffees as well, such as a Cinnamon Bun Frozen Blended Coffee with Whipped Cream. 

The Nitro Cold Brew Coffee is a freshly batched, extra smooth, dark-roasted cold brew coffee infused with nitro. This one aims to capitalize on the popular nitro craze of cold brews.

For tea lovers, Carousel Coffee has a Pomegranate-Green Tea Lemonade featuring fresh-squeezed lemon juice blended with pomegranate green tea and a touch of agave. This is naturally sweetened and served over ice.

For sweet treats the Crunchy Raspberry Danish is a must-try. This features crispy sugar dough layers with hibiscus fondant and raspberry. Think of a cross between a croissant and muffin. There are plenty of classics as well, like the Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie, Banana Bread, Croissants, Blueberry Muffins, Chocolate Muffins, NJ Crumb Cake and Bagels. And, of course, a Mickey Brownie.

Nearby is The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk, which we covered in a recent episode.  Not only will there be table-service offerings, but also a quick-service bakery to pick up sweet treats on-the-go.

There aren’t just cakes here. The restaurant and bakery will serve cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies, and cheesecakes in addition to the handmade cakes.

--

Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is Now Ready to Play

Join Scrooge McDuck, his nephews and friends as they travel EPCOT World Showcase on a quest to find the Seven Plunders of the World —and return them to their rightful owners. For this expedition there are treasures are hidden in each country pavilion:

• Mexico
• Norway
• China
• Germany
• Japan
• France
• United Kingdom

Each country has three assignments and one finale; so each mission takes 25-30 minutes to complete. You can even replay countries if you want because there are variables in missions (you might not always get the same one). When a country is completed, you'll unlock an achievement in the Disney Play App. Once all countries have been completed, you'll unlock the finale mission, which is playable within the app itself.

To play you'll need to create an account for the Play Disney Parks app if you don't already have one.

--

The Princesses are Coming Back to Cinderella's Royal Table

As of Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Cinderella and her Disney Princess friends will once again be back for character dining at Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.

--

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.

Shop 1923 Main Street

Feel free to visit our 1923 Main Street® Disney merchandise shop where we have hundreds of unique and original Disney-inspired t-shirts, leggings, clothing, mugs, phone cases and much more. You'll find everything from 1923 Main Street logo merchandise to custom created authentic Disney-inspired originals, including lots of great patterns for leggings and other items.

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

Genie+ Adds a Minor Improvement Allowing You to Modify Lightning Lane Selections

To make it easier to change plans on the fly, you can now modify Lightning Lane selections made with Disney Genie+ without having to cancel and rebook your selection.  This should have been included from day one and it's hard to believe it took this long to add, but at least it's there now. 

To make a change select the three dots on your current Lightning Lane selection from the Tip Board or My Day tab of Disney Genie, and then select “Modify Plan” from the menu that appears.

After selecting “Modify Plan,” available Lightning Lane experiences from the same park will appear. You can adjust their arrival window to a different time from whatever is shown as available, or pick a new experience to replace your current Lightning Lane selection.

--

New Food to Try at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has some new dishes on its menus.

Starting at Maji Pool Bar there are new poolside snacks with an African twist. Shrimp Bakuli is a shrimp bowl inspired by the open-air food markets in Zanzibar. The bakuli includes chilled poached shrimp, pickled carrots, and Basmati rice with a soy-ginger dressing and berbere aïoli.

The Multigrain Tabbouleh is a plant-based bowl with salad, grains, fresh herbs, and grilled vegetables.

The Spiced Pork Nachos are topped with spiced pork, beans, herbed crema, and kachumbari. The pork vindaloo is prepared with paprika, garlic, tomato, vinegar, and a house-made spice blend.

The Short Rib Grilled Cheese has slow cooked short ribs with a house-made spice blend, tamarind, and red wine until tender. It's on buttery brioche bread with gouda cheese and pickled onions.

The Mara also has new items. There's a Marinated Sun-dried Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread with fresh herb ricotta, tomato sauce, four-cheese blend, and arugula.

There are three new bowls: The Chermoula-spiced Shrimp Bowl has grilled shrimp, pilau rice, kale slaw, cucumber-tomato salad, and chermoula sour cream. The Oak-grilled Chicken Bowl has marinated chicken thighs, slow-roasted over an oak fire.

Rounding out the new additions is the plant-based South African Vegetable Bowl, a perfect balance of curried vegetable stew, pilau rice, kale slaw, dried fruit achar, and avocado-tahini sauce.

At Jiko: The Cooking Place there's a new appetizer to try – Sweet Potato-Groundnut Soup. This soup features spiced groundnuts, finger lime, pickled red chilies, and sorrel. Groundnuts are actually peanuts.

Finally, to celebrate Avatar: The Way of Water, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a new signature cocktail at Boma: Flavors of Africa, Sanaa, and Victoria Falls Lounge. Way of Water is a blend of African Starr Rum, BACARDÍ Raspberry Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao, and lemonade garnished with a lotus flower and mint.

--

Disneyland After Dark Returns in 2023 with New Princess Nite Event and More

Disneyland After Dark events are returning in 2023 with two limited-time after-hours events including Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite, and the new Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite.

Disneyland After Dark begins with a three-hour pre-party from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Disneyland park, then the private party runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., so you can ride some popular attractions after regular park hours. All event guests will get unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party, plus commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map. 

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite
January 31, February 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023 at Disneyland Park

Sweethearts’ Nite will take place on seven different “date nights” in Disneyland park:

• a special themed fireworks show 
• Dance at the Royal Ball hosted by Aladdin and Jasmine near “it’s a small world”
• Take a moonlit cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat with the sounds of a live jazz ensemble
• Relax to the sounds of island music from a Polynesian trio at The Tropical Hideaway
• Enjoy deliciously themed menu items available for purchase, created just for the event 
• Capture your moment with photo opportunities with darling Disney couples and spots inspired by romantic scenes from Disney films such as “Lady and the Tramp” and “The Little Mermaid/” 
• Enjoy pre-party admission to Disneyland park starting at 6:00 p.m., no park reservation required

Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite
March 7 & 9, 2023, at Disneyland Park

This all-new first-ever event will feature the iconic characters who light the world with kindness, courage and a touch of magic. There will be shimmering décor, special photo opportunities, themed food and beverage offerings, commemorative keepsakes and characters galore.

• Receive a royal welcome at the Disneyland Train Station featuring Princess Minnie Mouse and Princess Daisy Duck with fanfare trumpeters 
• Enjoy an inspiring concert with Moana, Merida and more accompanied by live singers 
• Dance the night away at the high-energy, candy-themed dance party at Tomorrowland stage with Vanellope Von Schweetz
• Experience Tiana’s Southern hospitality and dance to jazz music in New Orleans Square
• Enjoy specialty menu items throughout Disneyland park, available for purchase 
• Picture yourself in photo backdrops inspired by Disney films like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess Diaries” including unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party
• Pre-party admission to Disneyland park starting at 6:00 p.m., no theme park reservation required

Tickets are limited and available on Disneyland.com. 

--

Disney Cruise Line will Return to Tropical Destinations in Early 2024

In early 2024, Disney Cruise Line is going back to the islands with itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Getaways from South Florida

• The Disney Dream will begin 2024 with an assortment of three- and four-night getaways to the Bahamas and five-night vacations to the western Caribbean.
• All sailings from Florida will include a stop at Castaway Cay.

Sailings from Central Florida 

• The Disney Wish will kick off 2024 with three- and four-night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Cruise Line’s home port located an hour from Walt Disney World Resort. 
• Also from Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will continue seven-night sailings. Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit Tortola and St. Thomas, while western Caribbean itineraries will feature the ports of Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica. Every Disney Fantasy sailing includes a stop at Castaway Cay, along with several days at sea.

Caribbean Adventures from Texas and Louisiana

• The Disney Magic will have two limited-time engagements in Galveston in early 2024. The ship will embark on Caribbean adventures ranging from four to six nights through the end of January. 
• New Orleans will welcome the Disney Mag...