We have some sweet news! The Main Street Confectionery hosted by Mars Wrigley is reopening on Sept. 29 at Magic Kingdom Park, just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!
With new interactive opportunities to customize your confections and a fresh new look throughout, the Main Street Confectionery is your go-to spot for delicious treats. It’s also where you can see confectionery magic being made by hand.
When you step into this charming, turn-of-the-century sweet shop, one of the first new things you’ll see is the colorful candy wall, which includes 38 varieties of M&M’S and SKITTLES! If you’re in the mood for something savory and sweet, you can now personalize your popcorn experience with multiple combinations. Select from four popcorn flavors – caramel, rainbow fruit, buttery, cheddar – and then top it all off with a selection of M&M’S or SKITTLES candies or perhaps even with some chocolate drizzle for an extra sweet treat!
You can even get a front row spot at the candy kitchen area to watch cast members make and decorate your favorite goodies like the character-inspired candy apples and Mickey crisped rice cereal treats being made and decorated. There are more than 30 new items you won’t find anywhere else!
Some of my favorites are the new fudge varieties, like the Peanut Butter Fudge – featuring creamy peanut butter fudge topped with M&M’S Peanut Butter Candies and drizzled with chocolate. Yum!
Of course, this signature Magic Kingdom shop will offer limited-time treats for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” These four new sweets will be available starting on Oct. 1.
Now you can design your very own theme park in a fun new mobile game! Join Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and other classic Disney & Pixar characters this fall in the latest Disney Parks-inspired, Match-3 mobile puzzle game, Disney Wonderful Worlds.
Players can wipe and match colorful gameboards to win prizes and unlock Disney & Pixar attractions from around the globe to place in your park. Level up by completing fun and challenging puzzles while earning exclusive decorations and landmarks to personalize your unique park. Grant wishes for your Disney park guests in exciting missions. Watch your park come to life from morning to night with the Mid-Day Parade and Evening Fireworks Show!
Take a closer look below:
You still have time to pre-register since Disney Wonderful Worlds has hit its 100% pre-registration goal! All players have unlocked the Limited Rose Gold Minnie statue! It’s not too late to sign up! If you sign up before October, you will receive a variety of exciting gifts including your very own Minnie Statue! Pre-register today at www.disneywonderfulworlds.com and help us get to 150% before launch!
Disney Wonderful Worlds is a free-to-play mobile game with in-app purchases coming soon in Fall 2021 on the App Store and Google Play.
Last year, Disney Parks announced Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida – will be completely reimagined and inspired by the fan favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog,” and now they are releasing new details.
Disney recently revealed a new piece of concept art and story details for the planned ride revamp, teasing a new journey set to unfold after the film’s final kiss scene. Along the ride, guests will follow Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose in the film) while she plots a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration with Naveen (Bruno Campos) and Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley) in tow.
The new “The Princess and the Frog”-themed ride will conclude with “the ultimate Mardi Gras party.” “Because if Tiana is throwing a party, it is the ultimate Mardi Gras party,” said Charita Carter, a senior creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, who is leading the team on the project. Carter shared new details on the attraction in a video Disney released as you can see below:
“Original music inspired by songs from the film will bring guests into the story,” Disney states, and riders will follow the princess as they “encounter old friends and make new ones along the way,” preparing for the city’s famous spring celebration.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, ABC News and Disney Parks have teamed up to present a spectacular television event, “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World.”
This special, hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, will take you on a journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida.
The show will also feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout the special, you’ll see exclusive interviews with iconic actors, actresses and athletes, Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Imagineers and executives past and present who have all played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Check out what’s in store and be sure to mark your calendars!
This EARidescent special event will take viewers through Walt Disney World’s humble beginnings in the swamplands of Florida and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. Through an expansive look into the past, present and future of the vacation destination, footage never before seen on television will give fans a glimpse into the journey to bring Walt’s vision to life and a look at plans for the future. The special will also spotlight some of Walt Disney World’s most memorable pop-culture moments, from the many sitcoms that filmed episodes in the theme parks to the conception of the ubiquitous “I’m going to Disney World!” campaign. Plus, viewers will get a heartwarming look at how Disney and Make-A-Wish foundation have worked together for over 40 years to make kids’ Disney dreams come true.
Celebrities including Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Marsai Martin, Gary Sinise, Melissa Joan Hart and Candace Cameron Bure; NFL athletes Tom Brady, Phil Simms and Doug Williams, and creative forces Kevin Feige, Pete Docter and James Cameron; Walt Disney World Imagineers including Bob Weis, Mark Kohl and Ann Morrow Johnson; and Disney executives past and present including Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and Michael Eisner, will all share their favorite memories of Walt Disney World.
“The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” airs Friday, Oct. 1 8-10 p.m. ET on ABC. It can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu, and later in the month on Disney+. Share in the comments what you are most excited to see!
Get ready to make your experience during Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park extra special with the addition of a dining or dessert package.
The ghost hosts of this not-so-scary spectacular are inviting you to join in the festivities with a supernaturally scrumptious meal or dreadfully delightful dessert buffet, followed by reserved viewing for the Frightfully Fun Parade!
As a reminder – Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is a separate-ticket, after park hours event on select nights beginning Sept. 9 through October 31. If you haven’t purchased your Oogie Boogie Bash tickets, be sure to do so now before they’re gone! Take a look at the details below:
Wine Country Trattoria Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining
With Wine Country Trattoria Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining, dine on a delicious three-course meal (starter, entrée, and dessert) at Wine Country Trattoria prior to the parade and then head over to a reserved standing viewing area to witness the magic and mayhem of the Frightfully Fun Parade during Oogie Boogie Bash party nights.**
Wine Country Trattoria Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining is available for lunch and dinner on party dates during the mix-in party time. The children’s meal includes an Oogie Boogie Popcorn Bucket (also available for adults for an additional charge). Reservations for dining at the restaurant can be made for Wine Country Trattoria on any date of the Oogie Boogie Bash subject to availability. Upon arrival, let the host know you want to upgrade to this dining experience, which is subject to availability, and must be made in person. Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are required for this dining package, and will need to be shown for verification at the location.
Sonoma Terrace Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party
Sweeten your night at the Sonoma Terrace Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party with some terrifyingly terrific Halloween treats along with reserved viewing for Frightfully Fun Parade.** With this package, feast on an impressive selection of hauntingly scrumptious desserts and beverages.
Sonoma Terrace Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party is available twice per night, beginning at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. during party nights. Children ages 2 and under may attend free of charge, provided they are seated on the lap of an adult. Advance reservations are recommended and can be booked online up to 60 days prior to your visit at Disneyland.com/Dining. Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are required for booking, and will need to be shown for verification when arriving at the location.
Dining reservations for Sonoma Terrace Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party package will be available beginning August 11.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is in full swing at Walt Disney World and Disney has released a delicious new pair of Minnie ears from the Apple Orchard Collection.
This set of Minnie Mouse ears look like an apple crate and the bow has red apples and green polka dots on it.
The ears have an embroidered headband that says “EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2021”.
These new Apple Orchard Minnie Ears are exclusive to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Guest at Disney World will once again be required to wear face masks as precaution against the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus.
The new policy will be effective beginning Friday at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. It includes a requirement for masks “in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all attractions,” the company says.
Face coverings in outdoor common areas remain optional, Disney says.
The policy says “Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.”
The change comes weeks after Disney lifted a similar mandate and follows a change in guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this week. The CDC called on even fully vaccinated people to wear masks indoors if they live in places with “substantial” or “high” coronavirus transmission.
Since about the start of the month, both Florida and California have seen increases in coronavirus infections, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Disney theme parks closed in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in the U.S., but Disney World reopened last July with social distancing and mask requirements. California’s Disneyland was reopened earlier this year, on April 30.
Disney Cruise Line has revealed more details on the immersive Marvel-themed dining concept called “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” coming to the Worlds of Marvel restaurant aboard the Disney Wish.
Premiering in summer 2022, this all-new cinematic dining adventure will assemble some of Earth’s Mightiest — and tiniest — Super Heroes in a larger-than-life showcase of revolutionary quantum technology and world-class cuisine.
Check out the video below to see it for yourself, then read on to learn more about this incredible experience coming to Disney’s newest ship in summer 2022.
“’Avengers: Quantum Encounter’ is Disney Cruise Line’s most ambitious dining experience ever,” said Danny Handke, senior creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re doing something that’s never been done before in a restaurant, developing an exclusive Avengers adventure that will immerse our guests in the action through sophisticated technology and innovative storytelling. It’s the perfect complement to the incredible menu of story-driven dining aboard the Disney Wish.”
Guests aboard the Disney Wish will also enjoy Marceline Market and Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods, two new quick-and-casual dining options for relaxed meals throughout the day.
‘Avengers: Quantum Encounter’ at Worlds of Marvel
Worlds of Marvel is the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where guests will play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around them, complete with a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Cinematic Dining
“Avengers: Quantum Encounter” will follow Ant-Man and The Wasp as they embark on their first public speaking engagement on behalf of the Avengers. Anxious to impress, they are hosting a special presentation of the most powerful Super Hero technologies, such as Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s arc reactor and Ant-Man’s Pym Particles, giving guests an up-close look at holographic models, field reports and iconic scenes from Marvel movies displayed on the screens surrounding the room.
The highlight of this special event is a hands-on demonstration of the latest and greatest Pym Tech, the Quantum Core, which uses cutting-edge — and highly unstable — technology to shrink and grow targets at the push of a button. A few “misfires” result in hilarious Ant-Man-style hijinks, but the real trouble begins when an unexpected villain shows up with a fearsome army in tow, eager to get their hands on this powerful quantum technology. Ant-Man and The Wasp will need all the help they can get to save the day, calling on Captain America, Captain Marvel and the brave diners of the Disney Wish for back-up.
Quantum Core Technology
Every table at Worlds of Marvel will feature an interactive Quantum Core, “a brand-new device that can cause objects to shrink and grow remotely.” Guests will assist Ant-Man and The Wasp as they attempt some small-scale trials, perhaps shrinking oversized luggage for easy stateroom storage.
When enough of the Quantum Cores are activated at the same time, the entire venue will become supercharged as energy pulses through the power channels in the walls and ceiling. Outfitted with state-of-the-art Pym Tech and decked out in signature Stark-itecture style, the design of Worlds of Marvel will offer surprises in all shapes and sizes, from a distinctly Marvel hexagonal motif to the various “Easter eggs” and unknown details embedded in the show.
Globally Inspired Menus
True to its name, Worlds of Marvel will take families on a flavorful tour of the real and fictional settings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with dishes inspired by legendary locales like African Wakanda, Eastern European Sokovia and the Avengers’ home base of New York City. Though menus are still in development, guests can expect to find a diverse array of globally influenced items and playful nods to the worlds and characters they know and love from Marvel Studios films.
Magic Kingdom Park welcomed back their daily flag retreat July 1, resuming the tradition of selecting an active-duty military member or veteran from among that park’s daily visitors.
In the late afternoon in Town Square, many watched silently as a guest U.S. Air Force veteran joined members of Magic Kingdom’s security team to respectfully lower the flag and carry it in a processional down Main Street, U.S.A.
The ceremony included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of “God Bless America” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” accompanied by the Main Street Philharmonic marching band.
“It has been an honor for our security cast to keep our flag flying every day over Magic Kingdom since the park first opened in 1971,” said Army veteran Eileen Underwood, Magic Kingdom’s senior security manager. “We were thrilled to resume our daily flag retreat ceremonies to honor our country and those who serve around the world in defense of our freedoms. It’s a special moment for all our guests that really reaffirms the feeling that this is truly a magical place.”
Disneyland park resumed their Flag Retreat Ceremony when the resort reopened on April 30, and is thrilled to continue thanking veterans for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our country.
The Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show, which returned July 1 for the first time since the COVID pandemic began, has modified their “Happy Ever After” fireworks greeting to be more inclusive.
Instead of the longstanding “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” greeting, shows are now prefaced with one that swaps the gender specificity, subbing in “Dreamers of all ages.”
The change was first inttoduced at a Wednesday preview of the Orlando, Florida theme park’s “Happily Ever After” fireworks display. But the switch apparently extends throughout the Disney empire and is used in more than fireworks displays, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Tokyo Disneyland.
The announcement received mixed reactions on social media. One Twitter user wrote, “I HATE THAT. BRING IT BACK NOW!!!”
However, others welcomed the change. Another tweeted, “I love “Dreamers of all ages” because it really makes that super snuggly and more magical. It’s so heartwarming.”
In April, Disney announced they would be working towards “including everyone.”
“Inclusion is essential to our culture and leads us forward as we continue to realize our rich legacy of engaging storytelling, exceptional service, and Disney magic,” they wrote.
“We’re bringing the spirit of the Inclusion Key to life across our business. We’re reimagining our attractions to be more inclusive.”
As word of the change circulated on social media, knee-jerk reactions condemning the move surfaced from those who apparently feel the embrace of diversity and inclusion has gone too far.
There has been no official confirmation of the fireworks announcement or other changes by Disney. However, a spokesperson for Tokyo Disneyland’s licensee, Oriental Land Company, acknowledged the changes that company has implemented that are similar. In Japan, gender specificity is changed to “everyone.”
