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In just a couple weeks, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – the epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade – will open at Universal Orlando Resort. To get you excited for this “story coaster,” Universal has shared 7 details about the ground-breaking coaster technology and all-new environments you’ll be able to experience on June 13.
Journey Beyond the Grounds of Hogwarts Castle
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
You’ll venture to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and enter ruins that have seemingly been abandoned for centuries behind Hagrid’s hut. The ruins were imagined and brought to life by Universal Creative in collaboration with the Harry Potter films’ Production Designer, Stuart Craig, and Art Director, Alan Gilmore. This is where your Care of Magical Creatures class with Hagrid will begin.
2. All-New Environments and Sets
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort
Inside the ruins, you will see materials from Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class, including dragon eggs on the verge of hatching and a makeshift nursery where he kept his Blast-Ended Skrewts in a terrarium before they outgrew the chamber.
There will also be a pre-show featuring digital projection technology and special effects, where you’ll encounter Arthur Weasley, Hagrid, and his loyal dog, Fang.
But the experience doesn’t stop there! Once you board your motorbike, you’ll plunge deeper into the Forbidden Forest and closer to some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.
Here are some additional thrilling fun facts about the experience that will be brought to life with innovative coaster technology:
3. The most launches of any roller coaster in the world – with 7 total launches
You’ll launch up to 50 miles per hour through the Forbidden Forest, past the ruins and more.
4. The first coaster in the U.S. to feature a free-fall vertical drop – dropping you nearly 17 feet
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Prepare yourself because you’ll be dropping quite a distance.
5. The longest roller coaster in Florida, measuring nearly a mile in length (5,053 feet)
Your adventure into the Forbidden Forest is bound to be an exciting one – so keep your eyes peeled for creatures and mischief around every turn.
6. Enchanted motorbikes will take you on an adventure through the Forbidden Forest – and you can ride the motorcycle like Hagrid or board the adjacent sidecar like Harry Potter
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I think we should start a poll now – do you think you’ll be team motorcycle or team sidecar?
7. The “story coaster” will catapult you 65 feet in the air at a more than 70-degree angle…then drop you backward in one movement
This will be the time to hold on tight and trust Hagrid to get you through your journey.
Before you know it, the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be here. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride.
Share your excitement with #WizardingWorldOrlando on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Plus, don’t forget to comment below about what you are most excited about!
It’s always a great time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, but this fall is looking like an extra special time to visit! With some returning favorite annual events and other exciting new grand openings this year, it’s the perfect time to plan a fall Disney World vacation!
Photo: Disney
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be held at Magic Kingdom Park on 36 select nights between August 16 and November 1. The special ticket event will include a new Halloween-themed nighttime show this year featuring state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks that come together to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night. Other returning favorites include trick or treating throughout the park, Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, attraction overlays, and more.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: This annual celebration of cuisine, music and more at Epcot will take place August 29 through November 23. During this foodie festival, the park will brim with marketplaces, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, specialty merchandise and so much more.
Photo: Disney
The End of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” and the Debut of “Epcot Forever”: “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” has dazzled millions of guests for almost 20 years as Epcot’s nighttime spectacular with fireworks, fountains and lasers paying homage to the joyful story of humanity and the remarkable achievements of our time. The show’s final performance will be September 30, to make way for an all-new, limited-time spectacular, “Epcot Forever,” which will debut on October 1. “Epcot Forever” will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Epcot featuring fireworks, lasers and choreographed special-effect kites accompanied by a stirring collection of songs celebrating the park.
Photo: Disney
NBA Experience at Disney Springs: Basketball will officially be “in season” at Disney World this fall, after NBA Experience holds a championship-worthy grand opening on August 12 at Disney Springs. This re-creation of a modern NBA arena will give you the opportunity to feel what it’s like to be a basketball superstar through 13 unique interactive and hands-on experiences.
Photo: Disney
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will officially open to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29. While visiting the land, you can stop for a drink at Oga’s Cantina or discover rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, among other immersive experiences. The groundbreaking attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will even give you control of the iconic spacecraft as the ship hurtles through space on a smuggling mission.
Photo: Disney
Disney Skyliner Transportation: A new mode of transportation will be available to guests at Walt Disney World this fall when Disney Skyliner, a state-of-the-art gondola system, begins gliding across the sky. Disney Skyliner will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort (planned to open in mid-December).
Photo: Disney
Rivers of Light: We Are One: Animal Kingdom will debut a new version of their nighttime spectacular, Rivers of Light, this summer. “Rivers of Light: We Are One” includes dramatic new imagery and familiar animal characters from Disneynature films along with a colorful tapestry of unforgettable moments from Disney animation.
Photo: Disney
Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is opening the new 15-story Gran Destino tower this summer, adding more than 500 guest rooms (including suites and concierge-level services) and crowned by a rooftop restaurant. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has also opened a new waterfront dining and retail shopping area.
10 Year Anniversary of runDisney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: The 2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will celebrate ten years of running magic when the event takes place October 31 through November 3. This year’s weekend includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids’ races. During the 2019 Disney Fall Feast 5K, you can run, jog or walk your way around Epcot for the first time. Plus, at the November 3 post-race party, you can enjoy after-hours access to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing at Disney World this fall?
Are you ready to book your Disney World vacation? Contact Siera today at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or a free, no obligation quote. Plus, receive help with dining, FastPasses, discounts, and more!
Disney food is some of the most iconic food out there, from Mickey bars and churros to corn dogs and bread bowls. There’s so much to choose from, and you might need some help picking out those must-have snacks, so you can find the top 12 Disneyland snacks that you just can’t miss below.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
DISNEYLAND CHURROS – CARTS AND KIOSKS
From seasonal flavors to the classic cinnamon sugar churro, these yummy, crunchy sticks are some of the best in town! You can find them at various carts and kiosks located throughout the park.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
MICKEY PRETZEL, MICKEY BAR, POPCORN, TURKEY LEG, AND MORE – CARTS AND KIOSKS
You can never go wrong with a Mickey pretzel, a turkey leg, or even a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar – all found at various carts and kiosks throughout the park. Or if popcorn is more your style, then you can find various popcorn carts throughout the park along with the CUTEST souvenir popcorn buckets to take home with you! And did I mention that all of our Disney Parks popcorn is vegan? How cool is that!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
TIGGER TAILS, CANDY APPLES, AND MORE – HUNNY SPOT AND CANDY PALACE
Our Disneyland Candy Makers are always creating new sweets and treats like Tigger Tail marshmallow wands, candy apples, chocolate-covered pineapple slices, and their famous English Toffee. Check out Hunny Spot in Critter Country or the Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A. to grab some for yourself!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
DOLE WHIP – TIKI JUICE BAR AND THE TROPICAL HIDEAWAY
One of our most popular offerings, Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-serve is the perfect treat for a warm day in the park. You can find this soft-serve snack at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland, served in a cup or in a float with Dole Pineapple Juice. In addition, we also serve a few unique soft-serve flavors at The Tropical Hideaway near Jungle Cruise including pineapple and orange swirl, pineapple and raspberry swirl, or even a Loaded Whip served with pineapple and orange swirl, fruit, and crystallized hibiscus.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
SKEWERS AND JUNGLE JULEP – BENGAL BARBECUE
Also located in Adventureland is Bengal Barbecue, where you can find a savory array of delicious Jungle Skewers. Chow down on chicken, beef, and pork skewers as well as a bacon-wrapped asparagus skewer and a vegetarian skewer with roasted seasonal vegetables. Pair your skewer with a refreshing Jungle Julep slush with pineapple, orange, grape, and lemon juices and you’ve got yourself a snack fit for a Jungle Cruise Skipper!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
MICKEY-SHAPED BEIGNETS AND MINT JULEP – MINT JULEP BAR
If you’re looking for a Mickey-shaped snack that’s both SUPER delicious and SUPER photogenic, then the Mint Julep Bar is the place to be! Located in the heart of New Orleans Square, right next door to the French Market, this quick-service window serves up freshly-baked Mickey-shaped beignets dusted with a heaping helping of powdered sugar. Sometimes you might even find a seasonal beignet flavor like butterscotch or peppermint! And of course, you can’t take a trip to the Mint Julep Bar without trying the Mint Julep – a refreshing non-alcoholic mint drink with just a hint of lime that has been one of the park’s most popular drinks for many years.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
MATTERHORN MACAROON – JOLLY HOLIDAY BAKERY CAFE
Inspired by the snow-capped mountain that towers above the park, the Matterhorn Macaroon can be found at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe right off the end of Main Street, U.S.A. This yummy coconut cookie is one of my personal favorite snacks, and it also makes for an adorable pic when held up in front the Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
CHEDDAR GARLIC BAGEL TWIST AND BOYSEN APPLE FREEZE – MAURICE’S TREATS
Another personal favorite of mine is the Cheddar Garlic Bagel Twist – a freshly-baked baguette-style snack that can be found at Maurice’s Treats, a small cart located across from the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland. You can also grab a Boysen Apple Freeze here for a refreshing slush treat!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
THE GREY STUFF – RED ROSE TAVERNE
Try the Grey Stuff, it’s delicious! Located in Fantasyland, Red Rose Taverne offers casual fare with a French flair. It’s here where you can actually try the Grey Stuff from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The Grey Stuff Gâteau is offered during lunch and dinner, and consists of white chocolate mousse with red velvet cake and a raspberry center.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
POMMES FRITES AND MONTE CRISTO – CAFÉ ORLÉANS
Cafe Orleans is always a must for my trips to Disneyland Resort! This New Orleans Square table service eatery serves up a variety of French Quarter-inspired dishes, including the popular Pommes Frites and Monte Cristo. The Pommes Frites are a great way to start your meal off and come with traditional french fried potatoes tossed in Parmesan, garlic, and parsley served with Cajun Spice Rémoulade. And for your entrée, you just HAVE to try the Monte Cristo Sandwich – sliced ham, turkey, and Swiss fried in a light, fluffy batter, dusted with powdered sugar and served with berry purée. You can also try a Three-Cheese Monte Cristo (my personal fav) with Swiss, mozzarella, and double crème brie. And if you’re wanting to get your fix of a Mint Julep and Mickey Beignet, you can find them on the menu here as well!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
MICKEY WAFFLES, FRIED PICKLES, AND MORE – CARNATION CAFÉ
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and located in the center of Main Street, U.S.A., Carnation Café has a wide variety of classic American dishes with something for everyone. For breakfast, this is the place to order the popular Mickey waffle! This large Mickey-shaped waffle comes topped with your choice apples or strawberries and served with hickory-smoked bacon or sausage links. And for lunch and dinner, you can dine on some crunchy Fried Pickles (dill pickle spears dipped in Parmesan and panko, fried golden brown, and served with a house-made sauce), Baked Potato Soup, or even Walt’s Chili – a hearty chili topped with cheese, sour cream, and fresh tomatoes that was one of Walt Disney’s favorite dishes.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
FRIED CHICKEN, CHARACTER BREAKFAST, AND DINING PACKAGES WITH SPECIAL PARADE VIEWING – PLAZA INN
You haven’t had fried chicken until you’ve had the fried chicken at Plaza Inn. These hearty pieces of chicken are fried to a crisp and served up with savory helpings of mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and seasonal vegetables. In addition, if you’re looking for a dining fun dining experience to enhance your day at the park, this restaurant offers a lively character breakfast as well as special dining packages where you can enjoy special reserved viewing for the daily parade.
For more information on all of our fabulous food and beverage offerings throughout the park and to make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website or call 714 781-DINE (714 781-3463). Happy snacking!
Get ready to celebrate the circle of life with a new limited-time prix fixe dining experience inspired by “The Lion King!” Starting June 30, 2019, join us as we toast to the popular film at Jiko – The Cooking Place.
Located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko transports you to the heart of Africa with its vibrant spices, crackling wood-burning ovens, and a delicious blend of traditional African wines and cuisine, making it the perfect place for this special celebration. Starting June 30, you’ll be able to partake in an exclusive three-course menu crafted as a one-of-a-kind culinary celebration of Simba’s story. As the dinner progresses, wildly talented musicians will join in on the fun with vibrant African melodies as well as live performances of the award-winning movie soundtrack.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The menu will feature dishes inspired by The Circle of Life: Nants’ Ingonyama, a story celebrating Simba’s journey through life. Each dish follows our lion prince as he grows up, highlighting each stage of his life through unique flavors and spices. You’ll start your meal off with the “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” starter – a dish featuring Young Cedar Creek clam malata, potatoes, pomegranate, and a bone marrow finish. This dish symbolizes the playfulness of Simba’s joyous childhood and his desire to one day become king.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Moving on to the main event: Be Prepared. Choose from two entrées: Bone-In Ribeye with hibiscus, nettles, and fregula or Lobster Sosatie with red shrimp, squid, mussels, and fragrant rice. These dishes are inspired by the eerie elephant boneyard and Simba’s courage to persevere through trials and tribulations.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
And the third course, Hakuna Matata, celebrates balance as Simba grows up and learns what is truly needed to successfully lead the Pride lands. This dessert features caramelized orange, chocolate choux, and playful foliage.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Finally, finish off the evening with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and reflect on your journey with a selection of friandeses and teas to cap off your meal.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
This limited-time prix fixe menu will be available during the dinner period at Jiko – The Cooking Place starting June 30 in addition to Jiko’s regular menu. Pricing is $65 per person, tax and gratuity not included, with the option to add your choice of two levels of wine pairings at an additional cost. For more information and to book reservations, call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463) or visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.
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
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
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
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
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 Rosters, Milk Stand and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (menu items are subject to availability).
Since the gates first opened, Universal Studios has been known as the theme park destination where you can “Ride the Movies!” You may be familiar with many of the iconic films Universal has brought to life, but there are probably a few Universal Pictures and Dreamworks characters you didn’t realize you could meet at Universal Orlando Resort.
DreamWorks Trolls
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Who’s ready to boogie with Trolls? Get together for a family photo with Branch, Poppy and the newest member, Guy Diamond! Plus, you can see them star in our nighttime lagoon show Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration.
Location:
Meet and Greet: KidZone in Universal Studios
Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration: Viewing area is located at Central Park in Universal Studios
Universal Pictures TheSecret Life of Pets
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
You can check out Secret Life of Pets daily in Universal’s Superstar Parade. At select times throughout the day, you can even get up close and talk with the pets as they pull the parade float out in the Character Party Zone across from Mel’s Drive-In.
There is also Secret Life of Pets merch you can get from t-shirts to stuffed animals!
Location:
Universal’s Superstar Parade: Throughout the streets of Universal Studios
Character Party Zone: Select times throughout the day across from Mel’s Drive-In in Universal Studios
Merchandise: Universal Studios Stores in Universal Studios and CityWalk
DreamWorks Madagascar
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
You can meet your favorite characters from Madagascar, including the Penguins, Alex the Lion and King Julien. Plus, you can see them and the rest of the Madagascar crew every winter in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
Location:
The Penguins: Hollywood Blvd. near the Garden of Allah in Universal Studios
Alex the Lion and King Julien: Port of Entry in Islands of Adventure
DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Get ready to show off your kung fu moves with Po from Kung Fu Panda. You can also pick up fun merchandise in the Universal Studios Stores.
Location: Port of Entry in Islands of Adventure
DreamWorks Puss in Boots
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
You know we’ve got Shrek 4-D as an ogre-the-top attraction, but did you know you could meet Shrek and Donkey’s swashbuckling friend Puss in Boots? Even better is Puss in Boots does meet and greets with his companion Kitty Softpaws!
Location: Port of Entry in Islands of Adventure and Production Central outside of Shrek 4-D in Universal Studios
Make sure to check The Official Universal Orlando Resort App or your park map for meet and greet times and locations the day-of your visit. And don’t forget to share your pictures on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #ReadyforUniversal.
Food bowls have become the newest sensation at Disney parks and resorts across the country. With so many yummy options, including tons of build-your-own bowls, there’s something for everyone. They have everything from breakfast and dinner bowls to sweet and savory choices. But remember, Disney’s chefs are always looking to enhance our dining experiences with new menus and new dishes throughout the year, so these bowls are all subject to change – and you never know what new bowls at Disney might show up!
Power Bowl – sautéed chicken, kale, and broccoli stir-fried in tataki sauce served over roasted sweet potatoes topped with avocado and sesame seeds
Sweet n’ Spicy Chicken Bowl – tempura-battered chicken, broccoli, and peppers (red and green) tossed in spicy Thai chili sauce served over sushi rice
Taco Bowl – seasoned ground beef, black bean corn salsa, spicy taco-seasoned sauce, and white rice topped with shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, cheddar jack cheese, and sour cream served in a crunchy tortilla shell
Spicy Veggie Bowl – broccoli, kale, and crisp mixed vegetables stir-fried in spicy kimchi tataki sauce and topped with avocado and green onions served over sushi rice
Spicy Veggie Bowl with Protein (Disneyland Resort only) – choice of grilled salmon, sautéed shrimp, or tofu with broccoli, kale, and crisp mixed vegetables stir-fried in spicy kimchi tataki sauce and topped with avocado and green onions served over sushi rice
Poke Bowl (Disneyland Resort only) – choice of salmon, ahi tuna, or tofu with pickled radish and avocado over bamboo rice blend topped with spicy mayo, sesame seeds, and scallions
Burrito Bowl – choice of brisket barbacoa, chicken tinga, pork sofrito, grilled tri-tip steak, or black beans and rice served with salsa verde, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, queso fresco, cilantro, jalapeño, and corn tortilla strips served over your choice of rice or lettuce
Build-Your-Own Bowl – choice of fresh ahi tuna, cooked shrimp, Yakiniku beef, fresh salmon, or grilled chicken served with your choice of rice, grains, vegetables, and sauces
Create-Your-Own Bowl – choice of braised adobo beef or pulled pork with choice of base: fragrant rice, black beans, or pinto beans; with toppings made fresh in-house
Plant-based Bowl – plant-based crumbles and cheddar shreds with toppings made fresh in-house
Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl – choice of wood-grilled chicken, chili-garlic shrimp, beef, or chili-spiced fried tofu; choice of base: rice, black beans, red and sweet potato hash, noodles, or hearty salad; topped with your choice of sauce: charred green onion vinaigrette, black bean vinaigrette, or creamy herb dressing (The options available for the Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl allow for 48 different bowl combinations)
Made-to-Order Breakfast Island Bowl – choice of bacon, chorizo, or plant-based breakfast sausage; choice of scrambled, poached, or tofu scramble; choice of sauce: salsa verde or pico de gallo served with home fries
Made-to-Order Dinner Island Bowl – choice of sliced rotisserie beef, pork shoulder, jerk chicken thighs, vegan chipotle seitan; choice of base: greens, red beans, and rice base; choice of sauce: chimichurri, garlic ranch, and spicy pink sauce
Shrimp Teriyaki Bowl – stir-fried shrimp, Napa cabbage, snap peas, red peppers, carrots, onions, edamame, shiitake mushrooms, and broccoli tossed in a house-made teriyaki sauce over brown rice
Teriyaki Vegetable Bowl – stir-fried Napa cabbage, snap peas, red peppers, carrots, onions, edamame, shiitake mushrooms, and broccoli tossed in a house-made teriyaki sauce over brown rice topped with crushed cashews
7-Layer Rice Bowl – choice of grilled chicken, pulled pork, or vegan chili served with cilantro rice, black beans, fire-roasted corn medley, pico de gallo, and sour cream topped with cheddar served with warm tortillas
Create-Your-Own Rice Bowl – choice of salmon, shrimp, pulled pork, or tofu; choice of base: white, brown, or dirty rice; choice of beans: red or black; choice of sauce: pico de gallo or BBQ glaze
The TODAY Cafe is coming to Universal Orlando Resort this spring with a grand opening date of May 16! Inspired by NBC’s long-running morning show, the new cafe will make you feel as though you have stepped onto the TODAY set with unique theming and specialty items.
TODAY Cafe will be located at Universal Studios Florida, just inside the iconic arches and across the street from the Universal Studios Store – a prime location to grab breakfast, lunch or a snack before or after enjoying the theme parks for the day.
Our creative and culinary teams teamed up with TODAY to create one-of-a-kind experiences…
The Dining Experience
The venue is designed to look and feel like Studio 1A in New York City where TODAY broadcasts daily. Vibrant orange awnings and large floor-to-ceiling windows will line the outside of the cafe, as well as outdoor seating meant to look like the TODAY plaza.
Inside, you will be able to step into the stage lighting and TODAY’s vibrant orange theming with a modern and sleek design. Plus, as you sit down and enjoy your cup of coffee and a bite to eat, you can catch up on top headlines from TODAY’s live broadcast.
Eat & Drink
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
The TODAY Cafe will offer a specialty TODAY Cafe Blend, made exclusively for the venue, featuring locally-roasted private label coffee. You’ll be able to sip handcrafted cappuccinos, espresso, lattes, cold brew and more while chowing down on pastries, made fresh on-site daily, for the perfect breakfast and afternoon pick-me-up.
You will also be able to enjoy unique and healthy options including avocado toast and an organic acai bowl, as well as sandwiches and salads. One of the standout features of the TODAY Cafe menu will be seasonal dishes inspired by a TODAY personality.
Al’s Avocado Toast
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
The first seasonal dish is Al’s Avocado Toast, inspired by the one and only Al Roker! This dish features smashed avocados, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, roasted red onions, tomato aioli, toasted farmhouse white, served with bread & butter pickles.
Mulberry Street Italian Sandwich
Porchetta, spicy capicola, coppa, provolone, arugula, roasted tomato, basil aioli, on a crusty baguette
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Porchetta, spicy capicola, coppa, provolone cheese, roasted tomato, arugula, basil aioli on a baguette
And, inspired by the fourth hour of TODAY, there will be wine and beer on tap, as well as a delicious cheese platter for two.
Check out some of the tasty menu items and let us know in the comments which dish you want to try first when the TODAY Cafe opens. Don’t forget to share with #ReadyForUniversal on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The highlight of any Walt Disney World Resort vacation is always the four spectacular theme parks, but there is so much more to see and do outside of the theme parks. Whether you have some extra time on a travel day or are taking a break from the parks to rest during your vacation, there are lots of things to keep you busy at Disney World without a park ticket.
Here are 13 things to do at Disney World without a park ticket:
Disney Springs: Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney) is one of the most popular things to do at Disney World that doesn’t require theme park admission. It offers shopping, restaurants, bowling, a movie theater, food truck park, and so much more.
Disney’s Boardwalk: Disney’s Boardwalk offers restaurants, a bakery, pizza window, shops, old fashioned carnival games, surrey bikes, and more. ESPN Club is a great place to catch a game or the whole family can enjoy a leisurely ride along Crescent Lake, if you rent a surrey bike.
Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Did you know that you can go horseback riding at Disney World? You can! There are both pony rides for little ones and trail rides for those who may just be young at heart. You can also visit Cinderella’s Ponies or enjoy a carriage ride around the property.
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: You can roast marshmallows and sing campfire songs with everyone’s favorite chipmunks most evenings at Fort Wilderness. You are welcome to bring your own s’mores supplies or they are available for purchase, too. Don’t forget your camera and autograph book for this unique experience.
Watch Fireworks from a Resort: You can see Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular, Happily Ever After, from any of the monorail resorts. You are welcome to visit these resorts, even if you are not staying there. You can make a dining reservation to coincide with a view from select restaurants or head out by the water to enjoy the view. You can also see Epcot’s IllumiNations from Disney’s Boardwalk and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts.
Beaches and Cream: Treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. You can choose to dine in the restaurant (reservations recommended) with the exclusive Kitchen Sink or order at the to-go counter and eat at one of the outdoor tables.
Electrical Water Pageant: This parade of floating lights has sailed across the Seven Seas Lagoon since Magic Kingdom Park first opened in 1971. You can view the Electrical Water Pageant from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or even outside of Magic Kingdom Park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Animal Kingdom Lodge is quite an incredible resort. You can view some of your favorite animals on the savanna from the resort like giraffe, cattle, and zebra. There are also unique activities available including cultinary tours, face painting, cookie decorating, and more. My friend Leah has a great review here.
Ride the monorail: There are three different monorail routes at Disney World which cover over 14 miles. You can ride the resort monorail between the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. There are some wonderful shopping and dining locations along this route.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Art of Animation has some of the best theming of any resort. You can enjoy free drawing classes here or take time to explore the four sections of the resort with large statues featuring characters from “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
Movie Under the Stars: A great way to end you day at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is with a movie under the stars. All Disney hotels offer this free activity, either by the pool or elsewhere on their grounds. The schedule changes monthly so be sure to check with the front desk or the recreation sign by the pool for the current movie showing during your vacation.
Miniature Golf: Disney World has two miniature golf courses on property- Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. You can find Fantasia Gardens at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel while Winter Summerland is at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. The cost is $14 for ages 10+ or $12 for children ages 3-9.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside: You can enjoy a 25 minute horse-drawn carriage ride from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside for $55 plus tax. Each carriage can accommodate up to four adults or two adults and three children. Advance reservations are recommended and available up to 180 days in advance.
What are your favorite things to see and do at Disney World without a park ticket?
Now through April 19, stay tuned to the Universal Orlando blog as we give you a first-ever look at some of the creatures you’ll encounter…including one that’s never been seen in the films. A new creature will be revealed each day at 11 a.m. EDT to prepare you for the incredible things you may see during your trip into the Forbidden Forest as part of Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures Class.
Devil’s Snare
While Devil’s Snare isn’t a creature, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention this perilous plant from the wizarding world – often strangling people who touch it with its dexterous vines. Devil’s Snare flourishes in damp, dark environments and it has a strong dislike of light and fire – remember that for your journey!
Speaking of your journey, Devil’s Snare is one of the many challenges you’ll face on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. You may even find yourself entangled in a thicket of this dangerous plant but remember to remain calm! If you don’t, you may end up entangled in hundreds of its vines…
And a fun fact about Devil’s Snare, it made its first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when the brave Hermione told her friends how to defeat this dangerous force.
Our fourth creature is a majestic being not to be confused with a horse or human.
Cornish Pixies
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Cornish pixies are electric blue tricksters who love to create mischief – often at the expense of others. These mischievous creatures fly, and have also been known to seize unwary humans by the ears and deposit them at the tops of tall trees and buildings – poor Neville Longbottom…
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
In Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll see these troublesome creatures wreaking havoc on an infamous blue car… and in places you may not expect. They’re about 13 inches tall and you’ll find more than 20 pixies throughout your adventure. Happy hunting!
Fun Facts:
According to Pottermore, Cornish pixies can produce a high-pitched jabbering that’s only comprehensible to other pixies
Cornish pixies made their first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets during Gilderoy Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class
Fluffy, the Three-Headed Dog
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Fluffy is a giant three-headed dog that’s known for being the trusted guard dog of the Sorcerer’s Stone. And, as many of you know, Fluffy has a weakness – he falls asleep to the sound of music.
In Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll confront this gigantic, beloved creature deep in the Forbidden Forest. Proceed with caution – he’s a guard dog first and foremost. And in this new adventure, Fluffy weighs 8,000 Ibs., which is roughly as big as two standard Muggle cars.
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Fun Facts:
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Fluffy belongs to Hagrid, who adopted him from a “Greek chappie” he met in a pub
Experts on Pottermore say Fluffy was inspired by Cerberus – the dog that in Greek mythology guarded the gates of the Underworld – and, just like Fluffy, he fell asleep to the sound of music
Fluffy made his first and only appearance in the film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone