Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[mdmost]

How about a deal for those of us who have to deal with teenagers? Maybe some free booze for parents?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

How about a deal for those of us who have to deal with teenagers? Maybe some free booze for parents?

I think the dining plan including the alcohol took care of that ...well sorta given the price went up

It did seem like more people enjoyed having that included than when it wasn't.

 

[Smugpugmug]

How about a deal for those of us who have to deal with teenagers? Maybe some free booze for parents?

I would love a package where you get a little bottle of Tito's vodka to take with you for a 2 hour standby wait for Peter Pan's Flight.

 

[HokieRaven5]

I would love a package where you get a little bottle of Tito's vodka to take with you for a 2 hour standby wait for Peter Pan's Flight.

That’s still not enough Tito’s…

 

[Smugpugmug]

That’s still not enough Tito’s…

I'll upgrade to the jumbo package where the vodka comes in a Big Gulp cup then.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

And, saving what I think may be the best for last, the Star Light-Up Plush! Complete your “Wish” collection with your very own wishing Star inspired by the film. When squeezed, this plush glows and transforms from a yellow exterior to a warm fiery orange.

MUST HAVE THE LIGHT-UP PLUSH! Lol

Woohoo! This series is great. Very excited to see it return.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1709615531542892673

I'm excited, too! Behind the Attraction, along with the Imagineering Story--some of the best stuff on Disney Plus for parks fans.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm excited, too! Behind the Attraction, along with the Imagineering Story--some of the best stuff on Disney Plus for parks fans.

I agree and I would say on Disney+ in general.

 

[Brian Noble]

Maybe some free booze for parents?

If you haven't seen Charlie Berens at WDW, it's worth a moment. (Very mildly NSFW)

 

[HokieRaven5]

Moana Meet & Greet to Continue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom After New EPCOT Location Opens

According to the Walt Disney World online calendar, guests will be able to meet Moana at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as well as EPCOT starting October 16th. There was some online speculation that the Animal Kingdom location would close when the location next to Journey of Water opens, but both locations will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney World Passholders: Bonus Reservations Continue Through October 12th

Here’s a look at the upcoming Bonus Reservations available to Passholders:

• October 5 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• October 8 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• October 10 – Magic Kingdom
• October 11 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• October 12 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

 

[Gusey]

Moana Meet & Greet to Continue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom After New EPCOT Location Opens

According to the Walt Disney World online calendar, guests will be able to meet Moana at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as well as EPCOT starting October 16th. There was some online speculation that the Animal Kingdom location would close when the location next to Journey of Water opens, but both locations will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.

Wow, you wait 7 years for a Moana meet and greet and two come along at once

 

[sherlockmiles]

Wow, you wait 7 years for a Moana meet and greet and two come along at once

Boy, she's gonna get awful tired running between animal kingdom and epcot!

 

[rangerxenos]

Wow, you wait 7 years for a Moana meet and greet and two come along at once

Dueling Moanas!

 

[rangerxenos]

 

[Naomeri]

Dueling Moanas!

I kind of hope they have different outfits, like one is regular Moana and the other is Voyager Moana or something

 

[Douglas Dubh]

I kind of hope they have different outfits, like one is regular Moana and the other is Voyager Moana or something

Now you want her to run back and forth between parks and change her clothes?

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney Eats: New Dishes Coming to 3 Popular Disney Resort Hotel Spots on Oct. 11

Foodies, grab your appetites and get ready to eat because three popular spots at Walt Disney World Resort are giving their menus a revamp. Over at our Disney Resort hotels, the culinary teams have been hard at work putting together dishes and beverages that are sure to satisfy. Starting Oct. 11, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Banana Cabana at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be getting new items with a little something for everyone.

I won’t keep you waiting. Let’s jump right in and see “What’s Cooking” with all the new items coming to these three locations next week.

Let’s take a trip on the wild side over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge where you’ll find Geyser Point Bar & Grill nestled pool and lakeside. You don’t have to explore very hard to know that this spot doesn’t disappoint with its dishes. And these new additions are no different. The iconic Bison Burger is always still available to indulge in, but the culinary team has created some additional plates for the lineup, including three new plant-based bites. Not to mention, all of the food offerings are available on mobile order. Are you ready to see them all?

First up, the Crispy ‘Peking’ Ribs. This dish is tossed in a tasty peking sauce with cashews. If wings are more your thing, the Geyser Chicken Wings are now available in two new flavors – Thai Chili or Sriracha Buffalo. But don’t worry, if you love the Teriyaki, it’s still available too!

What’s better than charcuterie? Charcuterie in flatbread form. The Charcuterie Flatbread is topped with salami, brisket, chorizo, bacon, and smoked gouda beer cheese. YUM! The new Turkey BLT Sandwich is not your average BLT. It combines house-smoked black pepper turkey, candied bacon, and avocado puree for the perfect blend of flavors in every bite.

As I mentioned, there are three – yes, three – new plant-based offerings that simply cannot be missed. The Macaroni and ‘Cheese’ Bites are “cheesy” bites of goodness paired with tomato and peppers. This is one starter you’ll definitely want to order. The Vegetable Burger with ‘Cheese’ is a fantastic plant-based option. It’s topped with a spicy slaw, pepper jack ‘cheese’, lettuce, and tomato. Lastly, we’ve got the Multigrain Salad with Tofu. This delicious new addition combines mixed greens, wild rice, bell peppers, and sesame vinaigrette. It’s also available with chicken, steak, or salmon if you’d like.

In addition to all these bites, there’s also a new sip joining the menu. The Pineapple Mule is returning from its temporary run during Black History Month, and now will be featured as a permanent offering at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. It brings together Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Ginger Bitters, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint for a refreshing and delicious beverage. Guest Experience Managers Mauro Santiago Marcos and Megan Reinhardt crafted this cocktail centered around Uncle Nearest Whiskey which pays homage to the first known Black master distiller, Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green. In addition to Geyser Point Bar & Grill, the Pineapple Mule will be added to over 40 Disney Resort hotel bars and lounges.

Get ready to bask in the good vibes and good flavors at Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago. This open-air spot found at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a fan favorite, and for good reason. In a few short days, this location will be adding quite a few mouthwatering delights to its flavorful selections. And, in case you didn’t know, all the food is available via mobile order too.

First up, we’ve got the Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns. This bite is paired with lime mayo, sweet-and-spicy gochujang sauce, ‘kimchi’ pickles, and radish. Another new starter is the Tamarind Soy-glazed Pork Ribs with scallions, pickled fresno chili, and cilantro. Whether you’re a ceviche fan or looking to try it, the Ceviche Classico is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. It deliciously features kona kampachi, sweet potato, cancha, red onion, chile, and leche de tigre. Yes, yes, and yes!

For a refreshing salad, the Villa del Lago Wedge Salad is a must. It combines baby iceberg lettuce, chorizo, bleu cheese, and marinated tomatoes topped with avocado dressing. You can also get it with grilled shrimp or grilled chicken if you’d like some added protein.

It’s time for the entrées! Few things are better than tacos and the new Pork Carnitas Tacos are no different. These are served with a trio of sauces – chipotle-pineapple salsa, tomatillo salsa verde, and salsa borracha – along with cotija cheese and pickled vegetables served with black beans and rice. That’s what I call a taco. The Chicken Mole Poblano is another must-try with a sweet corn-Oaxacan cheese tamale, – yes, you heard that right – rich mole poblano sauce, and radish.

If you’re in the mood to fulfill that burger fix (we’ve all been there), the Three Bridges Signature Burger is just the plate for you. This is not your average burger. This one is topped with a bacon marmalade, sun-dried tomato jam, smoked gouda queso, crispy vegetables, and arugula served with smoked paprika fries. Yes, please!

Last up for new main dishes is the Plancha-seared Mahi Mahi and Shrimp. Seafood fans will love this new item. It’s expertly paired with basmati rice, bok choy, Thai red coconut-curry sauce, and mint.

Attention plant-based diners! Some of your favorite plant-based bites like the Guacamole, Roasted Corn Dip, and ‘Poke’ Bowl, which is now available with tofu, aren’t going anywhere, so no need to fret.

What meal is complete without a sweet treat? The Warm Churros are still on the menu, but now featuring three dipping sauces: tequila caramel, spiced chocolate, and mango-chamoy. My mouth is already watering for this one! Another sweet delight is the Coconut Flan with passionfruit sauce, mango, and hibiscus. You may have seen this dish previously on the menu for Women’s History Month, and now it has made Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago its permanent home.

Before we head over to our next location, we have to take a look at three new beverages on the way. The Cold Brew Old Fashioned will satisfy cold brew and old-fashioned fans alike. It combines SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur, Joffrey’s Mexican Femenino Cold Brew, and Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters. For some red wine with a twist, the Tinto de Verano serves up red wine, Combier Creme de Mure, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, and Sprite. This refreshing cocktail is traditionally served in the summer months in Spain. And for a tropical beverage that’s non-alcoholic, the Tropical Coconut Cooler is a refreshing blend of coconut, orange, pineapple, and lime juices with a salt rim.

Now, it’s time to relax and feast because we’re heading over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where Banana Cabana has got some new bites joining the menu. Pair one of this location’s deliciously refreshing beverages with a savory bite like the new Banana Cabana Burger. This dish features Caribbean barbecue, tomatillo-jalapeño cream cheese, and pineapple salsa with plantain crunch served with french fries.

Do you love yourself some wings? If so, you’re in luck because the Grilled Wings now feature two new sauce flavors – Rum Barbecue and Guava Buffalo. But don’t worry, the tasty Jamaican Jerk is still there too. These three options are designed by the talented culinary team to be an island-style of mild (Rum Barbecue), medium (Guava Buffalo), and hot (Jamaican Jerk). No matter your sauce of choice, your wings will be joined by carrots and a tasty cilantro-lime crema.

For those of you who love seafood, there are two new items you should try poolside – the Seafood Fritters served with a passion fruit aïoli and the Coconut Shrimp served with citrus-chili sauce and french fries. How delicious! The island vibes are even better on Fridays and Saturdays when Banana Cabana features a live steel drum band.

I don’t know about you, but I am now very hungry! Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory, the foodie adventures are endless at Disney Parks.

 

[helloconnie]

Disney Eats: New Dishes Coming to 3 Popular Disney Resort Hotel Spots on Oct. 11

Foodies, grab your appetites and get ready to eat because three popular spots at Walt Disney World Resort are giving their menus a revamp. Over at our Disney Resort hotels, the culinary teams have been hard at work putting together dishes and beverages that are sure to satisfy. Starting Oct. 11, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Banana Cabana at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be getting new items with a little something for everyone.

I won’t keep you waiting. Let’s jump right in and see “What’s Cooking” with all the new items coming to these three locations next week.

Let’s take a trip on the wild side over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge where you’ll find Geyser Point Bar & Grill nestled pool and lakeside. You don’t have to explore very hard to know that this spot doesn’t disappoint with its dishes. And these new additions are no different. The iconic Bison Burger is always still available to indulge in, but the culinary team has created some additional plates for the lineup, including three new plant-based bites. Not to mention, all of the food offerings are available on mobile order. Are you ready to see them all?

First up, the Crispy ‘Peking’ Ribs. This dish is tossed in a tasty peking sauce with cashews. If wings are more your thing, the Geyser Chicken Wings are now available in two new flavors – Thai Chili or Sriracha Buffalo. But don’t worry, if you love the Teriyaki, it’s still available too!

What’s better than charcuterie? Charcuterie in flatbread form. The Charcuterie Flatbread is topped with salami, brisket, chorizo, bacon, and smoked gouda beer cheese. YUM! The new Turkey BLT Sandwich is not your average BLT. It combines house-smoked black pepper turkey, candied bacon, and avocado puree for the perfect blend of flavors in every bite.

As I mentioned, there are three – yes, three – new plant-based offerings that simply cannot be missed. The Macaroni and ‘Cheese’ Bites are “cheesy” bites of goodness paired with tomato and peppers. This is one starter you’ll definitely want to order. The Vegetable Burger with ‘Cheese’ is a fantastic plant-based option. It’s topped with a spicy slaw, pepper jack ‘cheese’, lettuce, and tomato. Lastly, we’ve got the Multigrain Salad with Tofu. This delicious new addition combines mixed greens, wild rice, bell peppers, and sesame vinaigrette. It’s also available with chicken, steak, or salmon if you’d like.

In addition to all these bites, there’s also a new sip joining the menu. The Pineapple Mule is returning from its temporary run during Black History Month, and now will be featured as a permanent offering at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. It brings together Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Ginger Bitters, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint for a refreshing and delicious beverage. Guest Experience Managers Mauro Santiago Marcos and Megan Reinhardt crafted this cocktail centered around Uncle Nearest Whiskey which pays homage to the first known Black master distiller, Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green. In addition to Geyser Point Bar & Grill, the Pineapple Mule will be added to over 40 Disney Resort hotel bars and lounges.

Get ready to bask in the good vibes and good flavors at Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago. This open-air spot found at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a fan favorite, and for good reason. In a few short days, this location will be adding quite a few mouthwatering delights to its flavorful selections. And, in case you didn’t know, all the food is available via mobile order too.

First up, we’ve got the Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns. This bite is paired with lime mayo, sweet-and-spicy gochujang sauce, ‘kimchi’ pickles, and radish. Another new starter is the Tamarind Soy-glazed Pork Ribs with scallions, pickled fresno chili, and cilantro. Whether you’re a ceviche fan or looking to try it, the Ceviche Classico is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. It deliciously features kona kampachi, sweet potato, cancha, red onion, chile, and leche de tigre. Yes, yes, and yes!

For a refreshing salad, the Villa del Lago Wedge Salad is a must. It combines baby iceberg lettuce, chorizo, bleu cheese, and marinated tomatoes topped with avocado dressing. You can also get it with grilled shrimp or grilled chicken if you’d like some added protein.

It’s time for the entrées! Few things are better than tacos and the new Pork Carnitas Tacos are no different. These are served with a trio of sauces – chipotle-pineapple salsa, tomatillo salsa verde, and salsa borracha – along with cotija cheese and pickled vegetables served with black beans and rice. That’s what I call a taco. The Chicken Mole Poblano is another must-try with a sweet corn-Oaxacan cheese tamale, – yes, you heard that right – rich mole poblano sauce, and radish.

If you’re in the mood to fulfill that burger fix (we’ve all been there), the Three Bridges Signature Burger is just the plate for you. This is not your average burger. This one is topped with a bacon marmalade, sun-dried tomato jam, smoked gouda queso, crispy vegetables, and arugula served with smoked paprika fries. Yes, please!

Last up for new main dishes is the Plancha-seared Mahi Mahi and Shrimp. Seafood fans will love this new item. It’s expertly paired with basmati rice, bok choy, Thai red coconut-curry sauce, and mint.

Attention plant-based diners! Some of your favorite plant-based bites like the Guacamole, Roasted Corn Dip, and ‘Poke’ Bowl, which is now available with tofu, aren’t going anywhere, so no need to fret.

What meal is complete without a sweet treat? The Warm Churros are still on the menu, but now featuring three dipping sauces: tequila caramel, spiced chocolate, and mango-chamoy. My mouth is already watering for this one! Another sweet delight is the Coconut Flan with passionfruit sauce, mango, and hibiscus. You may have seen this dish previously on the menu for Women’s History Month, and now it has made Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago its permanent home.

Before we head over to our next location, we have to take a look at three new beverages on the way. The Cold Brew Old Fashioned will satisfy cold brew and old-fashioned fans alike. It combines SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur, Joffrey’s Mexican Femenino Cold Brew, and Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters. For some red wine with a twist, the Tinto de Verano serves up red wine, Combier Creme de Mure, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, and Sprite. This refreshing cocktail is traditionally served in the summer months in Spain. And for a tropical beverage that’s non-alcoholic, the Tropical Coconut Cooler is a refreshing blend of coconut, orange, pineapple, and lime juices with a salt rim.

Now, it’s time to relax and feast because we’re heading over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where Banana Cabana has got some new bites joining the menu. Pair one of this location’s deliciously refreshing beverages with a savory bite like the new Banana Cabana Burger. This dish features Caribbean barbecue, tomatillo-jalapeño cream cheese, and pineapple salsa with plantain crunch served with french fries.

Do you love yourself some wings? If so, you’re in luck because the Grilled Wings now feature two new sauce flavors – Rum Barbecue and Guava Buffalo. But don’t worry, the tasty Jamaican Jerk is still there too. These three options are designed by the talented culinary team to be an island-style of mild (Rum Barbecue), medium (Guava Buffalo), and hot (Jamaican Jerk). No matter your sauce of choice, your wings will be joined by carrots and a tasty cilantro-lime crema.

For those of you who love seafood, there are two new items you should try poolside – the Seafood Fritters served with a passion fruit aïoli and the Coconut Shrimp served with citrus-chili sauce and french fries. How delicious! The island vibes are even better on Fridays and Saturdays when Banana Cabana features a live steel drum band.

I don’t know about you, but I am now very hungry! Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory, the foodie adventures are endless at Disney Parks.

I need to move to Orlando just to eat all the food that gets posted here.

 

[HokieRaven5]

New Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators to Headline 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Beginning Nov. 24

The time for fa-la-la-la-la is just around the corner! To celebrate, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth at Walt Disney World Resort brings the joyful season to life with magical traditions, jubilant entertainment, delicious dishes and sparkling merchandise.

Grab a mug of hot cocoa and let’s take a look at all that’s coming!

NEW Celebrity Narrators Join EPCOT Candlelight Processional Alongside Returning Favorites​

Long a guest favorite, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story by a narrator and a massive choir, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the incredible Voices of Liberty. This spectacular event returns this year with more new celebrity narrators than ever before! Nine new voices join the ranks of captivating storytellers who share the universal message of this heartwarming story.

To plan your visit, here’s the full list of this year’s celebrity narrators:

• Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25
• Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27
• Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29
• Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
• John Stamos: Dec. 3-5
• Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8
• Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11
• Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
• Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16 [AWAITING FINAL; PLEASE CONFIRM WITH BROOKE]
• Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
• Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
• Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
• Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
• Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
• Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Open Oct. 17​

Want to ensure your seat for the performance? There’s no better way than to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Choose from seven distinctive eateries, offering everything from character dining at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to signature dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. With breakfast, lunch and dinner options, there’s something for everyone. For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com.

Santa Returns to the Odyssey Pavilion​

I hope you’re ready to make your list – and check it twice! Santa Claus himself will visit with guests at the Odyssey pavilion from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. Don your festive best for the perfect photo op and make sure you’ve been nice! But that’s not all, because …

Storytellers From Around the World Share Tales and Traditions​

… World Showcase comes alive with magical legends and lore as storytellers from around the globe captivate listeners with myriad tales. Celebrate the season with laughter in the Norway pavilion as a mischievous Barn Santa makes an appearance; observe the wonder of a Chinese Lion Dancer commemorating the Lunar New Year; join a fascinating journey to learn more about Hanukkah festivities around the world; and rediscover the magic of special moments as Pere Noel shares the delightful words of a child’s letter. As you stroll the park, don’t miss the beautiful and diverse décor throughout World Showcase – and beyond.

Even More Joy​

To fill your cup up even more, sing along with the exuberant voices of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season in World Showcase Plaza. With uplifting Gospel and R&B songs celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, the biggest challenge you’ll have will be standing still! And as a bonus, enjoy a sparkling boat tour through Living with the Land in World Nature, where the greenhouses will be decked out with twinkling holiday light displays.

Tantalizing Holiday Kitchens and a Decadent Cookie Stroll Highlight Seasonal Flavors​

What’s a holiday without feasting? If tucking into delicious goodies is your favorite way to celebrate, then you’ve come to the right place. More than 15 Holiday Kitchens will entice your palate with treasured dishes that celebrate a panoply of global holiday cheer. While we can promise you that there will be plenty of returning favorites like Slow Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce, there are also scrumptious surprises in store. Keep an eye out for all the jolly details coming soon in the Disney Eats Foodie Guide.

Remember to save room for the delectable Holiday Cookie Stroll! There’s nothing better than exploring the sights and sounds of the festival with a sweet treat in hand. My family loves to try them all, and I know you will, too. Purchase five cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations and collect the matching stamp for each cookie to add to your festival passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring the stamped passport to the Holiday Sweet & Treats Holiday Kitchen and receive a specialty cookie. Since you can complete the stroll at your leisure through December 30, it’s the perfect activity to enjoy with family and friends every time you visit the festival.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt​

Do you want to join a snowman? Set off on an adventure with Olaf for his Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt, a fun way to explore World Showcase. Just purchase your map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations and seek out the “tradition” that Olaf has found in each pavilion. Whether or not you complete the quest, you can redeem your map at Creations Shop, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special festival holiday keepsake.*

Festival Merchandise to Remember Magical Moments​

Finding the perfect keepsake – or holiday present – is half the fun when visiting EPCOT, and a sparkling new collection has something for everyone on your list (including you).

Snuggle up in the Festival of the Holidays Spirit Jersey featuring soft, faux shearling and glimmering gold touches.

The Festival of the Holidays Cookie Stroll Cookie Jar is the perfect place to stash those holiday-inspired sweets.

Whether you’re drinking warm apple cider or taking a peppermint mocha to go, you’ll sip in style with the Festival of the Holidays Mug and CORKCICLE Tumbler, both sporting this year’s signature motif of World Showcase icons.

Find these and many more treasures throughout the park in locations such as Creations Shop in World Celebration.

Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

From celebrating beloved and familiar traditions to learning about new ones, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is the perfect way to embrace the cheer and good will of the season. Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for more details now through the beginning of the festival.

 

[fatmanatee]

New Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators to Headline 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Beginning Nov. 24

The time for fa-la-la-la-la is just around the corner! To celebrate, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth at Walt Disney World Resort brings the joyful season to life with magical traditions, jubilant entertainment, delicious dishes and sparkling merchandise.

Grab a mug of hot cocoa and let’s take a look at all that’s coming!

NEW Celebrity Narrators Join EPCOT Candlelight Processional Alongside Returning Favorites​

Long a guest favorite, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story by a narrator and a massive choir, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the incredible Voices of Liberty. This spectacular event returns this year with more new celebrity narrators than ever before! Nine new voices join the ranks of captivating storytellers who share the universal message of this heartwarming story.

To plan your visit, here’s the full list of this year’s celebrity narrators:

• Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25
• Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27
• Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29
• Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
• John Stamos: Dec. 3-5
• Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8
• Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11
• Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
• Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16 [AWAITING FINAL; PLEASE CONFIRM WITH BROOKE]
• Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
• Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
• Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
• Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
• Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
• Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Open Oct. 17​

Want to ensure your seat for the performance? There’s no better way than to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Choose from seven distinctive eateries, offering everything from character dining at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to signature dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. With breakfast, lunch and dinner options, there’s something for everyone. For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com.

Santa Returns to the Odyssey Pavilion​

I hope you’re ready to make your list – and check it twice! Santa Claus himself will visit with guests at the Odyssey pavilion from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. Don your festive best for the perfect photo op and make sure you’ve been nice! But that’s not all, because …

Storytellers From Around the World Share Tales and Traditions​

… World Showcase comes alive with magical legends and lore as storytellers from around the globe captivate listeners with myriad tales. Celebrate the season with laughter in the Norway pavilion as a mischievous Barn Santa makes an appearance; observe the wonder of a Chinese Lion Dancer commemorating the Lunar New Year; join a fascinating journey to learn more about Hanukkah festivities around the world; and rediscover the magic of special moments as Pere Noel shares the delightful words of a child’s letter. As you stroll the park, don’t miss the beautiful and diverse décor throughout World Showcase – and beyond.

Even More Joy​

To fill your cup up even more, sing along with the exuberant voices of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season in World Showcase Plaza. With uplifting Gospel and R&B songs celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, the biggest challenge you’ll have will be standing still! And as a bonus, enjoy a sparkling boat tour through Living with the Land in World Nature, where the greenhouses will be decked out with twinkling holiday light displays.

Tantalizing Holiday Kitchens and a Decadent Cookie Stroll Highlight Seasonal Flavors​

What’s a holiday without feasting? If tucking into delicious goodies is your favorite way to celebrate, then you’ve come to the right place. More than 15 Holiday Kitchens will entice your palate with treasured dishes that celebrate a panoply of global holiday cheer. While we can promise you that there will be plenty of returning favorites like Slow Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce, there are also scrumptious surprises in store. Keep an eye out for all the jolly details coming soon in the Disney Eats Foodie Guide.

Remember to save room for the delectable Holiday Cookie Stroll! There’s nothing better than exploring the sights and sounds of the festival with a sweet treat in hand. My family loves to try them all, and I know you will, too. Purchase five cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations and collect the matching stamp for each cookie to add to your festival passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring the stamped passport to the Holiday Sweet & Treats Holiday Kitchen and receive a specialty cookie. Since you can complete the stroll at your leisure through December 30, it’s the perfect activity to enjoy with family and friends every time you visit the festival.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt​

Do you want to join a snowman? Set off on an adventure with Olaf for his Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt, a fun way to explore World Showcase. Just purchase your map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations and seek out the “tradition” that Olaf has found in each pavilion. Whether or not you complete the quest, you can redeem your map at Creations Shop, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special festival holiday keepsake.*

Festival Merchandise to Remember Magical Moments​

Finding the perfect keepsake – or holiday present – is half the fun when visiting EPCOT, and a sparkling new collection has something for everyone on your list (including you).

Snuggle up in the Festival of the Holidays Spirit Jersey featuring soft, faux shearling and glimmering gold touches.

The Festival of the Holidays Cookie Stroll Cookie Jar is the perfect place to stash those holiday-inspired sweets.

Whether you’re drinking warm apple cider or taking a peppermint mocha to go, you’ll sip in style with the Festival of the Holidays Mug and CORKCICLE Tumbler, both sporting this year’s signature motif of World Showcase icons.

Find these and many more treasures throughout the park in locations such as Creations Shop in World Celebration.

Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

From celebrating beloved and familiar traditions to learning about new ones, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is the perfect way to embrace the cheer and good will of the season. Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for more details now through the beginning of the festival.

I uhhhh.... hope they're able to confirm with Brooke?