Tag Archives: Hollywood Studios

Best Places to Eat, Drink and Be Merry for the 2021 Holiday Season at Disney World

holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

Happy Holidays! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Are you ready to celebrate the season? Disney’s chefs and mixologists have been busy preparing delicious holiday treats for the Walt Disney World Resort. Here are some of the best places to eat, drink and be merry during the 2021 holiday season at Disney World.

holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Restaurantosaurus

  • Open-Faced Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich – Grilled multigrain bread with roasted garlic mayonnaise, cornbread stuffing waffle, sliced smoked turkey breast, herb gravy, cranberry sauce, and a fried sage leaf (available Nov. 25)

Satu’li Canteen

  • Thanksgiving Bowl – Cornbread stuffing, sliced roasted turkey, cranberry boba pearls, gravy, and slaw (available Nov. 25)
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse – Pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate “dirt,” and cranberry boba pearls (available Nov. 25-28)
  • Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse – Peppermint cream cheese mousse, peppermint sauce, peppermint candy pieces, and chocolate “dirt” (available Dec. 1-30)

Tiffins Restaurant

  • Thanksgiving Plate – Turkey roulade, fine-herbs whipped potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, sweet potato pave, wild mushrooms, green bean casserole, cornbread dressing, cranberry gel, and turkey gravy (available Nov. 25)
  • Roasted Squash Soup – Ginger-pear chutney, pickled jalapeño, chai-spiced and candied pistachios (available Nov. 25)
  • Apple Pie Cheesecake – Whipped caramel cheesecake, apple pie compote, white chocolate streusel, and cranberry sauce (available Nov. 25)
  • Horchata Mousse Snow Globe – Golden coffee crémeux, gingerbread sable cookie, coriander chantilly, elderflower meringue, bourbon caramel, and candied pecans (available Dec. 25)
  • Pork T-Bone – Apple-brined pork, sweet potato variations, boniato mash, and ginger-pear butter (available Dec. 25)

Tusker House Restaurant

  • Thanksgiving Dinner – Spit-roasted turkey, turkey gravy, mashed red potatoes, and focaccia bread dressing along with seasonal vegetables, pork loin, flank steak, and an assortment of desserts (available Nov. 25)
holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary

  • Sugar Cookie Snowman – A tasty snowman made of white chocolate sugar cookie mousse, whipped lemon curd, and a holiday sugar cookie (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

ABC Commissary and Catalina Eddie’s

  • Santa’s Belt Cookie – White chocolate-covered chocolate shortbread cookie (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Backlot Express and Trolley Car Café

  • Red Velvet Whoopie Pie – Moist red velvet cake filled with classic cream cheese filling and festive sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and Tune-In Lounge

  • Holiday Bliss – Vanilla vodka, sour apple liqueur, caramel beverage syrup, and vanilla ice-cream mix (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Rosie’s All-American Café, and PizzeRizzo

  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate – Salted caramel beverage syrup and frozen hot chocolate mix topped with marshmallows and chocolate syrup (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Black Cherry Bourbon – Salted caramel beverage syrup, frozen hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, chocolate syrup, and black cherry bourbon (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)
holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

Oasis Canteen, Animation Arch Bar, and Sunshine Day Bar

  • Christmas on the Beach – Coconut rum, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice served with a souvenir glow cube (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Outdoor Carts

  • Holiday Brownie – Chocolate Mickey brownie with holiday sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

PizzeRizzo

  • Butterscotch Caramel Cannoli – Holiday cannoli filled with caramel cheesecake, butterscotch chips, and chocolate flakes (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Rosie’s All-American Café and Trolley Car Cafe

  • Reindeer Mousse – Spiced caramel cheesecake over peanut butter mousse atop a salty pretzel shortbread cookie (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Woody’s Lunch Box

  • Holiday Lunch Box Tart – Apple pie filled tart frosted with cinnamon icing, sugar snowflake, and holiday sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)
holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

Magic Kingdom Park

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

  • Christmas Cookie Sundae – Christmas Cookie soft-serve topped with whipped cream, hot fudge, and holiday sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Dec. 31)
  • Christmas Cookie Milkshake – Christmas cookie milkshake topped with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Dec. 31)

Golden Oak Outpost

  • Gingerbread Almond Cake Pop – Gingerbread almond cake pop dipped in white chocolate (available Nov. 8-Dec. 31)

Main Street Bakery

  • Mickey Cinnamon Roll – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with red and green icing (available Nov. 8-Dec. 31)

Sleepy Hollow

  • Ginger Apple Funnel Cake – Gingerbread funnel cake topped with apple pie filling, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce (available Nov. 8-Dec. 31)
holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie

  • White Chocolate Peppermint Éclair with White Chocolate and Peppermint Mousse (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Santa Mickey Dome Cake (available Nov. 5-Dec. 30)
  • Holiday Mickey Mousse Mini Dome Cake (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Holiday Parfait – Bourbon white chocolate mousse, cranberry cherry panna cotta, maple chocolate ganache, and chocolate chiffon cake (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • NYE Petite Cake (available Dec. 31)

AristoCrêpes

  • Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Bubble waffle filled with scoops of vanilla ice cream, cherries jubilee fillings, and whipped cream (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Santa Hot Crêpe – Sweet crêpe filled with eggnog custard topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream (available Nov. 26- Dec. 30)
holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

D-Luxe Burger

  • Holiday Turkey Burger – Turkey patty, butternut squash risotto cake, bacon-cranberry jam, lettuce, and tomato (available Nov. 5-Dec. 1)
  • “Oh Deer” Cookie Shake – Hazelnut liqueur, vanilla gelato, cinnamon beverage syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon, and sugar dusting with ginger deer garnish (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

Dockside Margaritas

  • Snowman on the Beach Margarita – Silver tequila, key lime juice, crème de coconut, sweet and sour, graham cracker rim, chocolate pearls, and carrot sugar piece (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

The Daily Poutine

  • Gobbler Poutine – Turkey, brown gravy, cranberry chutney, and cheese curds (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

The Ganachery

  • Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise (available Nov.12- Dec. 30)
  • Santa Mickey Piñata (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Gingerbread Ganache Square (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Peppermint Bark (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Chocolate Christmas Cottage (available Dec. 22- Dec. 30)
holiday treats at Disney World
Photo: Disney

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

  • Venison Slider – Sliders with venison sausage patties, arugula, tomato, and cranberry aïoli on house made buns (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Fried Brussel Sprouts – Fried Brussel sprouts with bacon vinaigrette (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Holiday Lights Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with tobiko, and shrimp (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Ham and Brie Flatbread – Shaved ham and brie cheese, pomegranate seeds, granny smith apples, apple vinaigrette, and watercress (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Cookies and Milk – Assorted Christmas cookies and coquito (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Lump of Coal Dessert – Cookies and cream ganache “coal” (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Elf Elixir –Tequila, crème de menthe, and half & half with cookie crumb and holly leaf sugar garnishes (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Claus Mo – Traditional cosmopolitan with a shimmery twist garnished with red and white sugar and a candy cane (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Yule Mule – Gin, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and rosemary simple syrup with a holly leaf sugar garnish (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

Outdoor Carts and Kiosks

  • Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon liqueur, blue curaçao, orange juice, pineapple juice, and Sprite (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whiskey, vanilla vodka, white cranberry juice, grenadine, and Ginger Ale (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
  • Merry Margarita – Tequila, ginger liqueur, cinnamon beverage syrup, white cranberry juice, sweet and sour, and grenadine (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

 (Note: All offerings subject to change.)

Will you be celebrating the 2021 holiday season at Disney World?

Thanks Disney Parks Blog!

Complete List of Iconic Disney World Photos You Need to Take on Vacation

What are some of the most iconic Disney World photos? Wondering which memories you’ll most want to capture? We have some ideas for the best Disney World photos you need to take during your vacation.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the original Walt Disney World theme park. You’ll find so many iconic attractions and photo opportunities throughout the park. As you enter the park, you can stop for a picture in front of the train station. Then, the real magic lies behind there.

As you enter the park, you’ll find Town Square Theater to your right. You can meet Mickey Mouse in his rehearsal room here. This is a great photo opportunity with him and Disney PhotoPass photographers are happy to help you capture the moment.

Of course, you’ll want to capture your family’s first reaction of Cinderella Castle as you walk down Main Street, U.S.A. You can also stop in the hub as soon as you pass under the train station for a great shot of Main Street, U.S.A AND Cinderella Castle behind you.

If you have little ones, you can’t miss the classic photo of their first ride on Dumbo (or in the extra one outside of the exit, just for photos). You’ll also want to capture the afternoon Festival of Fantasy parade in addition to the nighttime spectacular, Happily Ever After.

If you need a photo for your Instagram, don’t miss the Purple Wall at the entrance to Tomorrowland.

EPCOT

Spaceship Earth is the park icon for EPCOT so it’s a great photo spot. When there isn’t construction, you can stop for a picture in front of the fountains and/or with the planters advertising any current festivals. PhotoPass Photographers are often stationed on both sides of Spaceship Earth so you can grab a photo on the way in or out of the park.

A fun photo for kids of all ages is found in the Seas pavilion. At the exit of The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction, you’ll find Bruce’s Shark World with a life size model of Bruce from “Finding Nemo.” You can even climb into his mouth for a fun picture.

Another Instagram-worthy destination is the Bubblegum Wall located at either exit of Spaceship Earth. We’re really hoping they aren’t affected by the planned refurbishment!

There are some amazing photo opportunities throughout the World Showcase. You can find Disney characters, topiaries during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, delicious treats during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival,

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre at the center of the park. You can stop for photos as you enter with this as your background. As you get closer, you can even find some famous handprints from movie stars and even Disney characters.

If you are a Star Wars fan, you can fill your memory card with Disney World photos from Galaxy’s Edge. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the latest addition to Hollywood Studios and has tons of incredible photo opportunities. You can find ships and speeders, the Millennium Falcon, Savi’s Workshop, Droid Depot, Stormtroopers, and more.

Toy Story Land is such a fun and whimsical area. You can stop for a photo in front of a larger than life Woody statue as you enter Andy’s backyard. You’ll also love the popsicle stick wall, green army men, K’nex fencing, larger than life Tinker Toys, and more.

At the end of Sunset Boulevard, you’ll find Tower of Terror. You can stop for pictures down Sunset Boulevard with Tower of Terror behind you. Down Sunset Boulevard, you will also find Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. It offers a fun photo op with the larger than life guitar at the entrance.

Animal Kingdom

The park icon for Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life. Be sure to snap a family picture in front of the Tree of Life as you enter the park. The Tree of Life is full of intricate carvings so check it out as you get closer and from different angles to view the unique animals carved into it.

Over in Pandora, you can often find the Pandora ranger in his Exo-Carrier utility suit outside of Windtraders. You can ask this Pandora Conservation Initiative scientist about the otherworldly landscape around you and his conservation efforts in Pandora.

DiVine is a unique performer in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She blends in very well with the foliage and greenery around her. If you can spot her, she’s a fun and unique photo opportunity. She is usually found near the entrance of the park or on the walkway between Asia and Africa.

Donald’s Dino Bash has taken over DinoLand U.S.A. You can find some Disney friends like Chip and Dale dressed up like dinosaurs or DuckTales characters meeting guests. This colorful area has some fun photo spots you just can’t miss.

Disney Springs

The Disney PhotoPass Studios at Disney Springs is a “must do” for guests with Memory Maker! You can take FREE photos with a PhotoPass photographer in the studio that will automatically be added to your My Disney Experience account. They even have fun backgrounds and signs that you can add to your photo shoot.

The LEGO Store has some incredible creations surrounding the store. You can often find Cinderella, Snow White, BB-8, and even the Loch Ness monster in the lagoon. There’s also a life size lego creation of Woody & Buzz at the entrance which makes a great photo opportunity.

If you’re planning to pin trade, be sure to stop by Pin Traders. There’s some fun statues of Disney characters for your pictures. Plus, you can trade with the cast members and/or pin board.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, take some pictures of your resort, the pool, and even the room. You may also want to snap a photo of fun transportation methods like the monorail, Skyliner, or ferry.

If you participate in any of the resort activities like the afternoon pool party or Movie Under the Stars, be sure to capture those memories, too.

Experiences

There are some experiences that you’ll want to remember, as well. You can find many of these throughout the parks and resorts.

  • Walt Disney World “welcome” sign as you enter property
  • Meeting Characters
  • Pin Trading
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
  • Favorite Meals
  • Disney Parks Snacks like the Dolp Whip, Mickey pretzel, cupcakes, and more

If you choose to purchase Memory Maker, Disney PhotoPass Photographers can help you capture some of these iconic Disney World photos throughout your visit. You’ll receive digital downloads of your photos and even videos in your My Disney Experience account.

You can even download our favorite Disney World photos spot checklist for your next visit here:

Sneak Peek of Disney World’s Phased Reopening Plus Tips for Your Visit

sneak peek at Disney World's phased reopening

Walt Disney World Resort began its phased re-opening on July 11, 2020. I had the opportunity to spend eight days in the theme parks and at Disney’s Pop Century Resort at the end of July and would love to share my experience during Disney World’s phased reopening this summer.

Overall, I had a magical time in the parks and at my hotel. We were able to see a number of Disney characters, experience all of the attractions we wanted to (many multiple times) thanks to short lines, and even enjoy a character dining experience. The Disney magic is still alive and well and waiting to welcome you back at the Walt Disney World Resort. I even discussed my experience during Disney World’s phased reopening on The Budget Mouse podcast. Be sure to listen for all the details!

Safety Protocols

ways Disney World is keeping you safe during Disney World's phased reopening

Disney is taking guest (and cast member) safety very seriously.

All guests make pass a temperature screening to enter the theme parks and wear a face covering throughout their visit. Face masks are only able to be removed while actively eating or drinking AND stationary. You are no longer able to stroll the parks with a drink in hand without your face covering.

DisneyStore.com

Social distancing is being practiced everywhere, from the resort lobby to attraction queues and even Disney transportation. Disney buses now accommodate five to six families with barriers installed and select seats marked as unavailable. Dividers have been installed in the monorail, as well. There are ground markers at every attraction queue to keep at least (and sometime more) six feet between parties. At certain points of the queue where guests would be on one side of you or the other, plexiglass barriers have been installed.

They have added hand sanitizer machines throughout the parks and resorts. It is readily available and encouraged both before and after experiencing attractions.

I personally felt very safe traveling during Disney World’s phased reopening with my three year old and eight year old due to all of these safety precautions.

Disney Characters

Disney Characters at Disney World's phased reopening

One thing that many guests seem to be very concerned about (and understandably so) is characters. Disney is not allowing guests to hug characters right now, but we still found plenty of opportunities to see and even interact with them.

All four parks are offering character cavalcades that actually feel like a short, mini parade. You can find Mickey and friends at all four parks and a variety of other characters throughout the parks. Guests can even personally interact with many of these characters. For example, Anastasia and Drizella are often standing on Cinderella Castle with microphones to talk to guests. We also found Buzz Lightyear, Joy from Inside Out, Gaston, Winnie the Pooh, and Alice in Wonderland among others. You can stop for a picture and even talk to these characters.

Disney is currently offering two character dining experiences. You can enjoy breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort or lunch or dinner at Garden Grill at Epcot. These are also the only opportunity to take a picture with the characters with your mask on. The characters just have to keep their distance.

Five Tips for Visiting During Disney World’s Phased Reopening

  1. Take Advantage of Mobile Order Whenever Possible: This single tip will save you so much time during your visit. Mobile order is available at the resort food courts and (open) quick service locations in the theme parks. You can order your meals in your My Disney Experience app and simply arrive to pick up your food when it is ready.
  2. Prepare for Bag Check: Bag check has changed, but for the better! It is so much faster and easier now! However, you can be prepared by removing any large metal objects from your bag like an umbrella or sunglass case as you prepare to enter the park.
  3. Pack Multiple Masks: You’ll probably get hot and sweaty throughout the day so if you have an extra mask in your park bag, you can change it out for a fresh mask. Masks are also available for purchase throughout the theme parks and hotels.
  4. Set Expectations in Advance: You can find a list of which attractions and dining experiences are currently open. Be sure to look this over so you aren’t disappointed with the attractions or even dining experiences are currently available.
  5. Practice Wearing Masks at Home with Kids: Your kids may not have had to wear a mask very much at home, if at all. I would recommend practicing with them at home so that they have an idea of what to expect. They can also start getting used to the mask so it won’t be as bothersome during your visit.
Free Gift when you book a 2020 Disney World Vacation Package

We’d love to help you plan a magical and memorable Disney World vacation this year. Plus, we have a special offer when you book your 2020 Disney World vacation package with us! When you book a minimum three night stay with a three day ticket, you’ll receive a 2020 Walt Disney World Resort photo album ($24.99 value)!

Will you be visiting during Disney World’s phased reopening this year? Don’t miss answers to our most FAQ about Disney World’s phased reopening, too!

PS- Don’t forget to sign up to receive a FREE Disney World coloring book here!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We may make a small commission from purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting our small business!

Treats for 2019 Holidays at Hollywood Studios Available Through January 5, 2020

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney

The 2019 holidays at Hollywood Studios are in full swing this year with tons of decorations, special shows, and of course, the FOOD! I’m in full holiday mode and ready for sweets and treats galore! Each year, the goodies that Disney’s chefs come up with just keep getting better and better, and this year’s array is no exception. 

Photo: Disney

To start off, if you’re planning on watching the incredible Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! holiday spectacular fireworks, then you’ll definitely want to try the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party to heighten your festive experience. This party lets you indulge in a variety of delectable desserts before watching the evening spectacular from a reserved viewing area.

Now, onto my list of eats and treats available throughout the park. These items will all be available through January 5, 2020. So be sure to come on out and try them for yourself! 

Photo: Disney

Holiday Blondie (Available at Backlot Express) – Blondie made with orange peel, dried cranberries, and slivered almonds topped with white chocolate ganache

Photo: Disney

Elsa’s Magical Macarons (Available at Market and BaseLine Tap House) – White and blue macaron shells with white chocolate and gingerbread ganaches

Photo: Disney

Chestnut Pinecone (Available at Backlot Express and Trolley Car Café) – Chestnut mousse on top of a milk chocolate sweetened crepes with powdered sugar snow

Photo: Disney

Mickey’s Santa Hat Chocolate Mousse (Available at ABC Commissary) – Vanilla shortbread topped with chocolate cake, dark chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ears, and a large white crispy pearl

Photo: Disney

Festive Holiday Wreath (Available at ABC Commissary) – Cookie with mint marshmallow topped with white and green icing and a chocolate candy cane

Photo: Disney

Cinnamon-Apple Lunch Box Tart (Available at Woody’s Lunch Box) – Lunch Box Tart with cinnamon apple pie filling topped with red cinnamon fondant

Photo: Disney

Gingerbread Cookies (Available at BaseLine Tap House, Market, and Dockside Diner) – Soft gingerbread dough topped with maple fondant and chocolate crispy pearls 

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Gingerbread Cupcake (Available at Trolley Car Café) – Gingerbread cupcake with maple Bavarian filling, cream cheese buttercream, red and green sprinkles, and a white chocolate Wayne and Lanny

Photo: Disney

Olaf’s Chocolate Marshmallow Verrine (Available at Fairfax Fare) – Layers of chocolate cake, cream, chocolate fudge, mini marshmallows, and white chocolate crispy pearls topped with a white chocolate topper featuring Olaf

Goofy’s Hot, Not Hot, Chocolate Verrine (Available at Backlot Express and Rosie’s All-American Café) – Layers of chocolate cake, cinnamon chocolate cream, vanilla cream, cinnamon marshmallow, and milk chocolate crispy pearls topped with a chocolate topper featuring Goofy

Strawberry Mint Verrine (Available at PizzeRizzo and ABC Commissary) – Layers of vanilla sponge cake, strawberry compote, mint cream, vanilla cream, and strawberry and white chocolate crispy pearls 

Caramel Apple Verrine (Available at Catalina Eddies’s) – Layers of chocolate panna cotta, caramel apples, caramel cream, dark chocolate and salted caramel crispy pearls, apple cream, caramel sauce, and dark chocolate shavings topped with a chocolate topper featuring Mickey and Minnie

Photo: Disney

Mickey Light-Up Tree Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at various popcorn carts throughout the park)

Pajama Alien Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at various popcorn carts throughout the park)

Photo: Disney

Santa Alien Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Neighborhood Bakery)

Holiday Festive Popcorn (Available at various outdoor vending carts throughout the park) – Sweet and salty mix of caramel popcorn, red and green candy-coated chocolates, white chocolate drizzle, and crushed candy canes

Photo: Disney

Northern Lights Slushy (Available at The Market) – Blue raspberry frozen slushy with cotton candy

Olaf’s Snow Flurry Slushy (Available at The Market) – Vanilla orange frozen slushy with whipped cream 

Holiday Mule (Available at Oasis Canteen, Sunshine Day Bar, and Animation Bar) – Vodka, limoncello, cranberry juice, and ginger beer

Frostbite Cocktail (Available at Oasis Canteen, Sunshine Day Bar, and Animation Bar) – Vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and sweet-and-sour

Photo: Disney

Winterberry Margarita (Available at Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, ABC Commissary, and Rosie’s All-American Café) – Silver tequila, triple sec, sweet-and-sour, cranberry juice, and wildberry syrup

Photo: Disney

Hot Cocoa Flight (Available at Fairfax Fare, Dockside Diner, and Woody’s Lunchbox) – Flight of three hot chocolates with vanilla vodka, black cherry bourbon, and Irish cream liqueur

If you’re spending the 2019 holidays at Hollywood Studios, be sure to also make time to stop by the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and check out the incredible gingerbread displays throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Add a Sweet Ending to Your Day with the 2019 Jingle Bell Jingle Bam Dessert Party

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney

Your favorite elves are returning once again this holiday season for the popular holiday nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition to fun holiday decorations and offerings throughout the park, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” is a fabulously festive fireworks spectacular that occurs every night from November 8, 2019, to January 5, 2020. And with the return of this popular show comes the return of the amazing 2019 Jingle Bell Jingle BAM Dessert Party! If you’re looking to add a sweet ending to your fun-filled day in the park, this festive holiday dining experience is the way to go. 

Photo: Disney

First, head over to Echo Lake to enjoy an array of holiday-themed snacks, decadent desserts, beer, wine, and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. On the menu this year are items including warm cheese fondue with pretzel bread, roasted onion dip with kettle chips, winter-spiced trail mix, Yule log cake, caramel apple verrine, and more. There will also be festive holiday cookies and assorted beverages such as a gingerbread martini and hot chocolate. And while you take part in the festivities, Chip and Dale will available for character greetings! 

Photo: Disney

Before the show, you’ll be escorted to a reserved viewing area to enjoy Wonderful World of Animation – a beautiful projection show that takes you on a journey through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation – followed by “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” a Santa-sized spectacular jam-packed with holiday music, fireworks, special effects, and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.

Photo: Disney

Reservations are now open for the 2019 Jingle Bell Jingle BAM Dessert Party for bookings starting on November 8, 2019. This festive dining experience will occur nightly November 8, 2019 –January 5, 2020. The event will start 1.5 hours prior to each night’s showtime. Event times are subject to change without notice and vary throughout the season.

Reservations for the 2019 Jingle Bell Jingle Bam Dessert Party can be made online at the Walt Disney World Resort Website or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407 939-3463). 

Traveling after the holidays? There are some wonderful dessert parties to be enjoyed year-round! Learn more about all of the delicious dessert parties here.

Top 10 Things to Do in Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars fans of all ages will love visiting the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, the “long forgotten planet on the edge of the galaxy, between the Unknown Regions and Wild Space.” There are two new attractions, shopping, dining, and more experiences waiting for you in this new land so we wanted to share ten things to do in Galaxy’s Edge to help you prepare for your visit.

Pilot the Millenium Falcon: The headline attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. You can actually pilot the iconic spaceship as you take on a mission from Hondo Ohnaka. Other necessary jobs on the mission include engineer and gunner.

Tip: Take advantage of the single rider line, if you are able to be split up from the rest of your party to enjoy the experience at a significantly reduced wait time.

Build a Light Saber at Savi’s Workshop: You can build a custom lightsaber and then bring it to life with a kyber crystal at Savi’s Workshop. You can choose from one of four themes- peace and justice; power and control; elemental nature; or protection and defense. These are not inexpensive souvenirs though at $199.99 plus tax each.

Tip: There are less expensive build your own lightsaber options at Tatooine Traders, the gift shop located at the exit of Star Tours, that is perfect for younger fans.

blue and green milk in Galaxy's Edge

Try the Blue or Green Milk: Stop by the Milk Stand to try the blue milk and/or green milk. They are both plant based blends of coconut and rice milks. The blue milk is sweeter while the green milk is a little more flowery or citrusy. They are a little different if you are used to dairy milk, but each had a refreshingly unique flavor. Both the blue and green milks are also available with alcohol.

Tip: These are available as a snack credit on the dining plan and also now available through mobile order so you can save time waiting in line to order one.

droid depot

Build a Droid at Droid Depot: Droid Depot offers you the chance to purchase and build your own remote controlled R-series and/or BB- series droid that will interact throughout the land. You’ll get to choose the four components required for your droid and then have the chance to assemble your droid and bring it to life. There are a variety of colors and designs you can choose from. Please note that Disney does only allow one guest to accompany the builder during the experience.

Tip: Special backpacks are available for purchase which are a great way to carry your droid throughout the land where it interacts as well as to transport your droid home, especially if you are flying and need to safely carry it through the airport.

Oga's Cantina
Oga’s Cantina

Grab a Drink at Oga’s Cantina: You can find a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic creations at Oga’s Cantina, one of the galaxy’s most infamous watering holes. Although the food items are quite limited, there is an extensive list of beverages to choose from. While you visit the cantina, you’ll also enjoy musical entertainment courtesy of DJ R-3X, which some of you may remember as a former pilot from the Star Tours attraction. Please note that Disney does limit each party to only a 45 minute experience in the cantina.

Tip: Although guests of all ages are welcome in Oga’s, the majority of the location is standing room only which may make it difficult to enjoy if you are traveling with little ones that will need to be held as strollers are not allowed inside.

Stop for Photo Opportunities: You have the opportunity to travel to another planet on the outer rim when you visit Batuu so don’t miss numerous photo opportunities throughout the land. You will find ships, fighters, speeders, droids, the infamous Falcon, and so much more that make for awesome photo opportunities which is sure to make all of your friends jealous of your travels.

Star Wars Characters: You never know who you’ll find from the Star Wars saga during your time Batuu while you’re exploring the land. We’ve seen Rey, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and stormtroopers. The characters roam throughout the land which offer more unpredictable and surprise interactions in addition to unique photos from the traditional character meet and greets.

Tip: If you do want a longer or more personal interaction or just posed photos, be sure to stop by Star Wars Launch Bay to find BB-8, Kylo Ren, and Chewbacca.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Menu

Eat at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is the primary quick service dining location in Galaxy’s Edge. The menu does have some unique offerings including ribs, pot roast, fried chicken, and more in addition to two specialty, non-alcoholic beverages, moof juice and sour sarlacc. The spacious hangar also offers an outdoor seating area. We have a comprehensive list of the food and beverage options in Galaxy’s Edge here.

Tip: Take advantage of Disney’s mobile order service to bypass the long lines!

Pick up Souvenirs at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities: You can find a wide variety of iconic Star Wars souvenirs in the Den of Antiquities. As the largest merchandise location in Batuu, you won’t want to miss this hidden den. You’ll find kyber crystals, light sabers, ancient tools, and other treasures that are sure to delight Star Wars fans of all ages.

Drink a Coca Cola beverage: Coca Cola designed specialty bottles just for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Parks. You can pick up a thermal detonator inspired bottle of Coca Cola, Diet Coke, or Sprite throughout the land.

Tip: These are more expensive than the other bottles in the parks at $6 or just one snack credit on the dining plan!

We also recommend downloading the Play Disney Parks mobile app before your visit so you can enjoy additional interactive experiences throughout the land including translating languages from across the galaxy, interacting with droids, and discovering precious cargo.

Bonus: The second new attraction in Galaxy’s Edge, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, is scheduled to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Thursday, December 5, 2019. This will be one of Disney’s most technologically advanced attractions yet as you join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order.

Please remember that reservations are accepted and strongly recommended for Oga’s Cantina, Droid Depot, and Savi’s Workshop up to 180 days in advance. However, walk ups may be welcome to enjoy these experiences, as well.

What are you most excited to see and do in Galaxy’s Edge?

Are you thinking about a Disney World vacation and ready to experience Galaxy’s Edge? Call Siera today at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote! She will help you plan a magical and memorable visit while ensuring that you receive the best deal possible. Plus, as an authorized Disney vacation planner, her services are completely free!

Five Places to Eat at Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney

Are you ready to eat your way through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort? That day is coming fast, fellow travelers, because it opens on August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! When you visit Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu, you’ll be greeted with a variety of food and beverage options, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them!

Oga’s Cantina

If you’re thirsty for a taste of adventure, then Oga’s Cantina might be just the thing to quench your thirst! This notorious watering hole serves as the hangout spot for all of the locals as well as smugglers, bounty hunters, and the groovy droid, DJ R-3X! Here you’ll find a variety of specialty beverages with and without alcohol. For the fully-grown Jedi and bounty hunters out there, the specialty beverages with alcohol are served throughout the day. There’s even a few morning specialties like the Bloody Rancor made with vodka, chile liqueur, spicy Bloody Mary mix, and a rancor bone cookie.

The afternoon and evening specialties include options like the Outer Rim featuring silver tequila, açai liqueur, lime juice, pure cane sugar, black salt, and exotic fruit purée. There’s also the Yub Nub made with pineapple rum, spiced rum, citrus juices, and passion fruit as well as my personal favorite, the Fuzzy Tauntaun. This fun drink comes with peach vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice with tangerine, pure cane sugar, and “buzz button tingling” foam. 

Photo: Disney

Younglings and travelers of all ages can also enjoy an array of family-friendly concoctions like the Blue Bantha. Offered all day, this beverage features blue milk served chilled and topped with a bantha-inspired vanilla-butter sugar cookie. During the afternoon and evening, sip on concoctions like the Hyperdrive (Punch It!) with Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, white cranberry juice, black cherry purée, and Sprite or the Jabba Juice featuring Simply Orange with pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and blueberry popping pearls.

Photo: Disney

You can also try a new provision with alcohol (exclusive to Walt Disney World Resort): the Rodian Ration. This comes with vodka, sour apple liqueur, Sprite, and green apple popping pearls. Of course, there’s also a version without alcohol called Oga’s Obsession with Odwalla Lemonade, cotton candy flavor, and blue popping pearls. For snacking, you can order Batuu Bits – a trail mix featuring different seasonal crunchies and crispies that pair perfectly with any of the drinks on the menu!

Photo: Disney

Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo

Step into a working hangar bay where you’ll find that Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has docked his food freighter, “Tugg’s Grub: A Traveling Diner for Diners Traveling,” right on the roof. He’s serving up a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients from across the galaxy. Sit down in the spacious hangar (or grab a table in the rustic outdoor seating area) and chow down on eats like the Felucian Garden Spread (plant-based “kefta” with herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish, and pita) or the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad with chilled shrimp, marinated noodles, and seasonal vegetables. To drink, sip on specialty beverages without alcohol like the Moof Juice with Simply Fruit Punch, Simply Orange with pineapple, and chipotle-pineapple. For a specialty beverage with alcohol (exclusive to Walt Disney World Resort) – try the Takodana Quencher with dragon berry rum, blue curaçao, Simply Orange with pineapple, and kiwi. 

And to satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in the Batuu-bon featuring chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard or the Oi-oi Puff – a raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse. 

Photo: Disney

Milk Stand

Stop by the Milk Stand to try Batuu’s legendary blue and green treats. Both the Blue Milk and the Green Milk feature a plant-based blend of coconut and rice milks and can even be ordered with alcohol (exclusive to Walt Disney World Resort). Sip on a Blue Milk Cooler with rum or a Green Milk Cooler with tequila! And don’t forget to order your Bubo Wumba Family Farms souvenir drink vessel.

Photo: Disney

Ronto Roasters

Roasted to perfection by our pitmaster droid 8D-JB, the Ronto Wraps are a great grab-and-go bite served at Ronto Roasters. They come with roasted pork, grilled sausage, peppercorn sauce, and tangy slaw wrapped in pita. You can also take a bite out of some Nuna Turkey Jerky, offered in sweet and spicy flavors. 

Photo: Disney

To quench your thirst, you can try the non-alcoholic Tatooine Sunset with Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, Odwalla Lemonade, melon, and blueberry. Or you can enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort exclusive specialty beverages with alcohol: Trandoshan Ale (a spiced wheat ale) or the Coruscant Cooler featuring Kentucky bourbon, cherry liqueur, fortified wine, cranberry, and lime juice.

Photo: Disney

Kat Saka’s Kettle

Pop into this eclectic food stall (run by grain merchant Kat Saka) in the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace for a unique taste of Batuu. The Outpost Mix is a combination of sweet and savory popcorn and is the perfect snack for the traveler on the go!

Photo: Disney

Get your spaceships ready, because you’ll be able to travel to Batuu in just one month! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort opens August 29, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you want to take a look at the full menus for all of the locations, check out my Foodie Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or visit any of the pages linked above! For more information, to purchase tickets, and to book reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Complete Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Food and Beverage Offerings

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney

With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on the horizon, Disney’s creative teams have been hard at work crafting the innovative food and beverage offerings that guests will experience when they visit the Black Spire Outpost. The Disney Parks Blog recently shared all of the menus in a Guide to the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge food and beverage offerings for these highly-anticipated lands coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this year.

Located on the never-before-seen planet of Batuu, the Black Spire Outpost (which is the name of the village in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) serves as a remote trading port for smugglers, traders, and adventurers traveling the Outer Rim and Wild Space. A once busy crossroads on the galaxy’s edge now surpassed by the rise of hyperspace travel, the infamous village is a thriving port for those traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. The outpost also serves as a home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, as well as a safe haven for those avoiding the reach of the First Order.

Photo: Disney

In the Star Wars galaxy, due to the remote nature of the planet, Batuu has a deep history of “farm to table” style whole foods with cooking traditions that have been passed down generation to generation, influencing the dishes found in the outpost. Each dish tells a story of the local culture, drawing inspiration from unique spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques. 

Weary travelers can take refuge in Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or even grab a specialty cocktail in the outpost’s favorite watering hole, Oga’s Cantina. They can also grab a quick bite (or some Blue Milk!) at one of the stands located in the Black Spire Outpost.  

Photo: Disney

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

A multi-purpose transport shuttle docked on top of a large hangar will beckon guests into Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, a designated location for traveling food shuttles. Docked in the hangar is Tugg’s Grub, a “traveling diner for diners traveling” run by Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs. In high-demand for his cooking skills, he moves from site to site in a modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede Transport that can be transformed into a mobile kitchen and restaurant. His travels across the galaxy allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients which he uses to make new and unusual dishes inspired by his time on Takodana.  

Photo: Disney

Entrées:

  • Smoked Kaadu Ribs – sticky pork ribs served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw
    Fried Endorian Tip-yip – crispy chicken served with roasted vegetable potato mash and herb gravy
  • Yobshrimp Noodle Salad – chilled shrimp served with marinated noodles and vegetables
    Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad – marinated chicken served with mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and green curry ranch
  • Felucian Garden Spread (lunch only) – plant-based “kefta” served with herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish, and pita
  • Braised Shaak Roast (dinner only) – beef pot roast served with cavatelli pasta, wilted kale, and mushrooms
  • Ithorian Garden Loaf (dinner only) – plant-based “meatloaf” served with roasted vegetable potato mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce

Desserts:

  • Oi-oi Puff – raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse
  • Batuu-bon – chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard
Photo: Disney

Kids’ Meals:

All Meals include choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water

  • Yobshrimp Noodle Salad (Disney Check) – chilled shrimp served with noodles, vegetables and sweet orange dressing
  • A Taste of Takodana (Disney Check) – black bean hummus served with edible soil with nuts, chilled dipping vegetables, and multi-grain crisps
  • Fried Endorian Tip-yip – crispy chicken served with macaroni & cheese and seasonal vegetables
Photo: Disney

Specialty Beverages without Alcohol:

  • Moof Juice – Simply Fruit Punch and Simply Orange with chipotle-pineapple
  • Phattro – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, Odwalla Lemonade, and desert pear
  • Batuubucha Tea – Suja Pineapple Passionfruit Kombucha
Photo: Disney

Oga’s Cantina

Run by the boss of the Black Spire Outpost underworld, Oga Garra, Oga’s Cantina is an establishment that attracts some of the most interesting and disreputable characters in the galaxy. Very little is known about Oga herself. She’s not usually at the Cantina, preferring to collect payments remotely, and most of the locals have never laid eyes on her before. Her patrons come from across the galaxy to sample the famous concoctions offered here. These beverages are created with unique ingredients using “otherworldly” methods. In addition, Oga regularly procures unique shipments of beers, cider, and wines. While partaking in these thirst-quenching concoctions, guests can enjoy the musical stylings of DJ R-3X (also known as REX), the former Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid we first met in Star Tours. He’s reinvented himself as the cantina’s resident DJ and is quirky and talkative as ever, just trying to do his best on the job.

Photo: Disney

Concoctions with Alcohol

Featuring a wide range of classic and unique spirits found throughout the galaxy with a mixture of tastes and flavors to liven your taste buds.

Morning Specialties

  • Spiran Caf – Peru Alto Mayo Organic Joffrey’s Coffee, orange marmalade, rum, vanilla whipped cream, and citrus zest
  • Bloody Rancor – vodka, chile liqueur, spicy Bloody Mary mix, and rancor bone

Afternoon and Evening Specialties

  • Fuzzy Tauntaun – peach vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice with tangerine, pure cane sugar, and “buzzz” foam
  • Jedi Mind Trick – grapefruit and rose vodka, falernum, blue curaçao, white grape juice, lime juice, and grapefruit bitters
  • The Outer Rim – silver tequila, açaí liqueur, lime juice, pure cane sugar, black salt, and exotic fruit purée
  • T-16 Skyhopper – vodka, melon liqueur, kiwi, and half & half
  • Dagobah Slug Slinger – reposado tequila, blue curaçao, citrus juices, ginger, herbs, and bitters
  • Jet Juice – bourbon, chile liqueur, açaí liqueur, white grape juice, and lemon juice
  • Yub Nub – pineapple rum, spiced rum, citrus juices, and passion fruit
  • Bespin Fizz – rum, yuzu purée, pomegranate juice, white cranberry juice, and cloud swirl

Concoctions without Alcohol

Showcasing a combination of beverages found throughout the galaxy which yield vibrant colors along with sweet, tangy, or savory taste and fruity or spicy flavors.

Morning Specialties:

  • Black Spire Brew – Cold Brew Joffrey’s Coffee, honey, falernum, passion fruit, and citrus
  • Moogan Tea – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, chocolate milk, vanilla, and cinnamon
  • Tarine Tea – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, peach, huckleberry, and mint
  • Blue Bantha – Blue Milk served chilled with bantha-inspired vanilla-butter sugar cookie

Afternoon and Evening Specialties:

  • Cliff Dweller – citrus juices, coconut, hibiscus-grenadine, and Seagram’s Ginger Ale
  • Hyperdrive (Punch It!) – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, white cranberry juice, black cherry purée, and Sprite
  • Jabba Juice – Simply Orangewith pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and blueberry popping pearls
  • Blue Bantha – Blue Milk served chilled with bantha-inspired vanilla-butter sugar cookie
  • Blurrgfire – lemonade, pomegranate juice, and habanero-lime
  • Carbon Freeze – Powerade Lemon Lime, wild strawberry, blueberry, and green apple popping pears

Provision

  • Oga’s Obsession – lemonade, cotton candy flavor, and blueberry popping pearls with a bursting dried fruit mixture

Beers on Tap

  • Gold Squadron Lager
  • White Wampa Ale
  • Gamorrean Ale
  • Bad Motivator IPA

Cider on Tap

  • Spice Runner Hard Cider

Wine on Tap

  • Toniray
  • Imperial Guard
Photo: Disney

Black Spire Outpost Market

Ronto Roasters sits as the centerpiece of the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace, drawing in passersby with a large podracing engine that’s firing up a barbecue pit. Hungry customers who queue up to order will encounter a former settler droid, 8D-JB, carefully turning the spit of meats. Elsewhere in the marketplace is Kat Saka’s Kettle, which offers Outpost Mix (a unique popcorn snack with a colorful blend of sweet and spicy flavors), and a Milk Stand serving up two local favorites: Blue Milk and Green Milk served as a frozen beverage.

Photo: Disney

Ronto Roasters Menu:

Food

  • Ronto Wrap – roasted pork and grilled sausage with peppercorn sauce and tangy slaw wrapped in pita
  • Nuna Turkey Jerky – choice of sweet or spicy

Specialty Beverages

  • Tatooine Sunset – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, Odwalla Lemonade, melon, and blueberry
  • Sour Sarlacc – Minute Maid Limeade, raspberry, and spicy mango
  • Meiloorun Juice – pineapple, Simply Lemonade with blueberry, white cranberry juice, lemon juice, and desert pear

Milk Stand Menu:

Serving a frozen plant-based blend of coconut and rice milks

  • Blue Milk
  • Green Milk
  • Bubo Wamba Family Farms Novelty Drink Vessel
Photo: Disney

Kat Saka’s Kettle Menu:

  • Outpost Popcorn Mix – colorful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, popped in coconut oil
  • MSE-6 Series Repair Droid Souvenir Popcorn Vessel
  • Specialty Bottled Beverages – Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Dasani

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens May 31 at the Disneyland Resort and August 29 at the Walt Disney World Resort. Meal periods and menu items may vary from coast to coast. 

At the Disneyland Resort, reservations will be required to enter the land until June 24, at which time reservations will no longer be required. In addition, at the Disneyland Resort, mobile ordering will be available through the Disneyland app for Ronto RostersMilk Stand and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (menu items are subject to availability). 

Complete Guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Celebration

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary will take place May 1, 2019, and is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and the new, exciting future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the park continues to evolve into a thrilling destination where you can let your adventure begin. 

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Here’s a taste of how guests can celebrate the milestone anniversary at the park on May 1:

  • View a Star Studded Celebration – A Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Star-Studded Celebration cavalcade starring Mickey and friends will step off at 10 a.m. and will head down Hollywood Blvd.
  • Pick Up a Commemorative 30th Anniversary Guide Map & Button – Guests entering the park can grab a special 30th anniversary commemorative guide map and button.
  • Grab Exclusive 30th Anniversary Merchandise – Special 30th anniversary merchandise will be unveiled on May 1, including a new adult T-shirt, baseball cap, Tervis 24-oz tumbler, MagicBand, ornament and much more. Annual passholders can also shop for some items exclusively created for them. Merchandise can be found starting at 8 a.m. in Grand Park, while supplies last. (Please note: Merchandise will go on sale at 8 a.m., Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens at 9 a.m.)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
  • Taste Special Food & Beverage Items – A slew of special anniversary food & beverage items will be available throughout the park, including Kylo Ren Cupcakes, Incredibles Macarons, Tres Leches Verrine and many more. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog next week for an official foodie guide!
  • Stay For the Debut of “Wonderful World of Animation – The park’s new nighttime projection show will light up the park for its official debut on May 1. Watch in wonder as the façade of the Chinese Theatre is magically transformed – displaying this stirring tribute to animation. Behold spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, family, adventure, romance andfriendship. Each theme is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films—like “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Incredibles,” “Coco” and many more. The show will debut at 9:05 p.m. ET, just prior to the park’s “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show.

Want to make the absolute most of the 30th anniversary fun? Grab tickets now for a special Disney After Hours Event Night that has been added to the schedule for May 1. Attendees can experience little to no-wait on park favorites, including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Toy Story Land attractions and more. Additionally, this special anniversary edition of Disney After Hours will feature some beloved Disney characters ready to greet guests in the Chinese Theatre Courtyard, at Star Wars Launch Bay and more. There will also be a special encore performance of “Wonderful World of Animation” taking place exclusively for event attendees. 

Will you head out to Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Celebration on May 1? Tell us in the comments section below!

Disney After Hours Events Now Available at Three Parks

From the Disney Parks Blog:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney After Hours events have been a huge hit with Walt Disney World Resort visitors. As a result of the success of Disney After Hours, more event nights are now set for Magic Kingdom Park, and for the first time ever, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will join in on the fun!

Disney After Hours events are an opportunity to experience the magic of a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings! You can even enter the park early – at 7 p.m. on your event night – before Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and select beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission.

Here’s what to expect at each park:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Magic Kingdom Park
Enjoy classic favorite attractions from Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain as well as newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, plus many more. Event nights will run on: Dec. 3, 10, 2018; and Jan. 7, 17, 24 and 28, 2019; Feb. 7, 14, and 28, 2019; and March 7, 2019.

Tickets are currently available for Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park at DisneyWorld.com/DisneyAfterHours.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Imagine having little-to-no wait for newly opened Toy Story Land attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and other attractions will also be available. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night. Event nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Enjoy the best Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer at night, including heart-tugging Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases. Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019.

Tickets for Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are now on-sale through the Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-939-7795.

All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.