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

[OKW Lover]

I can’t believe how quickly this tower is getting constructed.

Thinking there is a push to get the outside shell built before the typical summer weather pattern. This project has a long, long way to go.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Letter from the opening Cast of Disney's Animal Kingdom unearthed in buried time capsule

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney Eats: Foodie Guide to May the 4th Galactic Goodies

Exciting eats are coming from a galaxy far, far away! As May the 4th draws near, the best treats in the galaxy are landing at Disney Parks worldwide with Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disneyland Paris all joining in on adventures you’ll have to taste to believe.

With can’t-miss novelties like the Acid Spitter Orb Sipper at Disneyland Resort, Star Wars staples like the Lightsaber Churro at Walt Disney World Resort, and the almost too cute to eat (almost) Grogu Meringue at Disneyland Paris, you’ll be ready to conquer all of your out-of-this-world missions!

Beyond May the 4th, did you know Disneyland Resort also celebrates Black Spire Day in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? The space celebrations are truly endless.

I think it’s time we jump to lightspeed and explore the May the 4th Foodie Guide, don’t you? Let’s go!

Disneyland Resort​

Disneyland Park ​

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo​

• (New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad with Seasoned Gwayo Egg: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, fried potato noodles, and soy-marinated soft-boiled egg (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
• (New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, and fried potato noodles (Plant-based) (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
• (New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)

Galactic Grill (Mobile order available) ​

• Darth by Chocolate Parfait (Available May 2 through 6)
• (New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)

Kat Saka’s Kettle ​

• (New) Surabat Valley Mix: Sweet kettle corn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
• (New) Niamos Mix: Savory sour cream and chive popcorn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
• (New) Jellyfruit Muffin: Passion fruit buttermilk muffin with pineapple and blackberry jam (Available starting May 2)

Milk Stand (Available starting May 2; mobile order available) ​

• Tenoo Swirl Crunchies Cereal: Blue milk topped with strawberry and grape candy pebbles

Oga’s Cantina (Available May 2 through August 31) ​

• Five Blossom Bread with Mustard Cream: Warm pretzel knot with a new creamy honey mustard dip
• (New) Ginger Lime Tea Lemonade with Soju: Soju, Minute Maid Lemonade, Gold Peak Unsweetened Iced Tea, habanero lime and ginger flavors topped with matcha foam

Ronto Roasters​

• (New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)

Beverage Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge​

• Galma Garlic Puffs: Puffed cheese chips (Available starting May 2)

Fruit Cart, Churro Cart, and Lemonade Cart in Tomorrowland ​

• (New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)

Downtown Disney District ​

Marceline’s Confectionery (Mobile order available)​

• Grogu Candy Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in colored white chocolate with gold sanding sugar for the belt

Hotels of Disneyland Resort ​

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa ​

Hearthstone Lounge (Available May 2 through 31) ​

• (New) Ginger Daiquiri: El Dorado Rum, Sherry, Velvet Falernum, ginger syrup and lime juice, garnished with mint

Grand Californian Hotel Lobby Cart (Available April 28 through May 30)​

• Star Wars Sugar Cookie
• Wookiee Cookie
• Pretzel Lightsabers
• Falcon Lollipop
• Stormtrooper Crisped Rice Treat
• Tropical Whoopie Pie
• Galaxy Macaron Box

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (SOLD OUT)

If you’ve already purchased tickets to one of the sold-out Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite events, your taste buds are about to go on a galactic adventure. At Harbour Galley, the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cookies are a sweet treat you simply must try. Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor is serving up a delight fit for royalty – the Galactic Princess Sundae. If you’re a mint fan, the Mossy Mint Churro available at the Frontierland churro cart is for you. For those wanting a more savory addition to your evening, the Harissa Tip-Yip Bowl at Red Rose Taverne or the Corned Shaak Loaded Fries at Hungry Bear Restaurant are the perfect galactic goodies. For those attending, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase both the Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard and the Grogu Sipper beginning May 2, while supplies last!

Walt Disney World Resort​

Disney’s Hollywood Studios ​

ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Rosie’s All-American Café (Available May 4 through 31; mobile order available) ​

• Jettison Juice: Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon served with a glow cube (Non-alcoholic)

Backlot Express (Available May 4 through 31; mobile order available)​

• Darth Vader Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with chocolate-peanut butter buttercream, dipped in dark chocolate ganache, edged in chocolate flakes, and topped with a chocolate Darth Vader
• Wookiee Cookie: Two oatmeal cookies with vanilla cream filling garnished with a milk chocolate sash on top

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Mobile order available) ​

• Oi-Oi Puff: Raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse (Available May 4 and 5)
• (New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 4)

PizzeRizzo and The Trolley Car Café (Available May 4 and 5; mobile order available at PizzeRizzo)​

• Dark Side Chocolate Creation: Malted milk chocolate mousse dome with raspberry mousse filling, slivered almonds, and chocolate shortbread cookie

Churro Carts at The Market (Available May 4 and 5) and Grand Avenue and Anaheim Produce (Available May 4 through 31) ​

• Lightsaber Churro served with chocolate sauce

Ronto Roasters ​

• (New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 4)

Disney Resort Hotels​

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort​

Pineapple Lanai (Available May 4 only) ​

• Millennium Falcon Star Wars Soft-serve Sundae: Galactic gray vanilla soft-serve with mint flavor, chocolate cream cookie crumbles, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate pearl stars, brownie asteroid pieces with stardust sparkles, and a Millennium Falcon white chocolate piece

Disney Springs ​

The Ganachery​

• Queen Amidala Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate piñata filled with ruby chocolate and raspberry bark (Available May 1 through 31)
• Ahsoka Pop: Plant-based coconut and blueberry swirl pop enrobed in dark chocolate (Available May 1 through 31)
• Millennium Falcon Pop: Milk chocolate pop with crisp pearls (Currently available)

Swirls on the Water (Available May 4 through 31) ​

• (New) Loyal Astromech Swirl: DOLE Whip Mango swirled with habanero soft-serve in a red velvet cone with toasted graham cracker crumbs, chocolate rocks, and a BB-8 edible garnish

Disneyland Paris​

Disneyland Park ​

Cool Station (Available starting May 4) ​

• Grogu Meringue with white chocolate icing and macaron (Available while supplies last)

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our social channels and the Disney Parks Blog to stay in-the-know on anything and everything May the 4th. With celebrations like this, there are endless adventures to be had at Disney Parks.

 

[rangerxenos]

Okay, they need to start selling those baby Yoda apples at WDW.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Happy National Pretzel Day!

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1651212028709687304

 

[Brocktoon]

For the gamers out there ... the Jedi: Survivor review embargo dropped today and so far it's getting a ton of amazing reviews! Just an example

IGN JEDI: SURVIVOR REVIEW 9/10

Just a note ... I've read that physical copies releasing this week may still required a HUGE download to play the game, well beyond the typical day one patch size.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Posting this for informational purposes, as I know this is a politically charged issue but just wanted to provide the latest in the RCID situation that Disney has officially filed suit in the matter. I’d appreciate minimal discussion on the matter but figured it was important enough to share:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1651254704922324992

https://twitter.com/x/status/1651255641082560514

Can finally let this situation have its day in court and hopefully find a resolution.

 

[RamblingMad]

Disney is suing the governor. I’m surprised it took this long. I’ll be following it. But I expect it to be a slow drip of updates.

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1651271476337688599

 

[HokieRaven5]

6 Ways to Celebrate Disney100 at Walt Disney World Resort

For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has created unforgettable stories and lifelong memories for generations of families. Some of my favorite memories are tied to visits to Walt Disney World, seeing Disney stories brought to life and getting the chance to experience them in magical ways.

The entire Walt Disney World cast is excited to join in the celebration of Disney100, and you’re invited to be part of the fun! I’m thrilled to share that you can now experience magical, limited-time offerings sprinkled throughout the resort. Here are six great ways to commemorate this momentous milestone, with many more to come.

Say Hi to Mickey and Minnie in Their Platinum Best​

As previously shared, EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration later this year at Walt Disney World. Recently opened attractions like the exhilarating family thrill coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the captivating 4D Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure bring even more family fun to the park where the impossible becomes possible. Even more is in store as the park’s multi-year transformation culminates later this year during the Disney100 celebration.

Have you been looking forward to seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their new dazzling platinum outfits? I know I have! You’ll be able to hug and take photos with the duo in their platinum outfits at EPCOT later this year. What a way to celebrate this major milestone and the legacy that their beloved stories represent for our Company. We’ll have more details on when and where you can meet them soon.

Admire Special Spaceship Earth Lighting​

I’m excited to announce that the night sky will light up with a dazzling spectacle of colors and lights as Spaceship Earth honors Disney100 with a special display later in 2023. Here’s your first look at what’s sure to be a memorable moment during the celebration.

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Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering have been dreaming up new ways to honor this important milestone by turning to their own cherished memories and favorite Disney stories as they create this one-of-a-kind display.

“The Show Lighting Team at Walt Disney Imagineering has been amazed at our guests’ reaction to the nightly shows on Spaceship Earth,” said Jason Read, show lighting designer principal for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’ve helped celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, EPCOT’s 40th and the park’s signature festivals. Now, we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring in the biggest celebration yet, the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.”

“We’re also inspired by many things from the history of the company, its characters, theme parks and shows – even the Disney100 opening logo that plays before our feature films during this anniversary,” Read continued. “You may see homages to everything from the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ television show opening to Mickey balloons that we sell on Main Street, U.S.A.”

Take a Selfie in Front of a Disney100 Backdrop​

Whenever I make my way to Walt Disney World, I get a rush of adrenaline thinking about the magic that awaits me. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I saw the Disney100 sign at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park right in front of the entrance. If you’re like me, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to snap a few photos as a way to remember your visit during this very special celebration. This photo op is perfect for the entire family and is a great way to start your day. If you’re not going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t worry. You’ll be able to snap photos with Disney100 backdrops at all four theme parks plus Disney Springs.

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Keep an Eye Out for Surprise Character Visits at Disney Resort Hotels ​

If you’ve ever had the joy of staying in one of our enchanting Disney Resort hotels, you may have seen the magic of various Disney characters stopping by for an impromptu photo opportunity. As the Disney100 celebration ramps up at Walt Disney World, you may run into some of your favorite Disney characters in their platinum best as they pop up at various Disney Resort hotels. You never know when or where they’ll show up next!

Celebrate With New Food and Drinks​

The celebration doesn’t stop with character greetings and fun photo ops; you’ll also be able to indulge in some Disney100 treats across the resort. Beginning May 1, guests can enjoy the Disney100 Petite Cake for a limited time at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This mouthwatering dessert has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, all topped with a celebratory Disney100 Medallion macaron.

The Disney Culinary team has been dreaming up all kinds of delicious dishes to commemorate the milestone, and this is just the beginning. I was lucky enough to learn about the inspiration behind this yummy dessert from Chef Amanda.

“The culinary team has the wonderful opportunity to use food for storytelling,” Chef Amanda said. “We get to make special themed treats that bring guests into the story, letting them feel immersed in a tangible and very delicious way.”

“The inspiration of this cake pulls from the rich purple and platinum colors used for the Disney100 celebration,” Chef Amanda shared. “The drapery on the sides of the cake represents the traditional bunting that adorns Main Street, U.S.A. for special occasions. And of course, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the front of the cake because as we all know: ‘It all started with a mouse.’”

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Find Your Perfect Disney100 Memento ​

You may have spotted and already started to collect some of the amazing Disney100 merchandise that’s popping up at Walt Disney World. To help you prepare for what’s to come, a little fairy told me about the new Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket that will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom. This dazzling souvenir is intricately designed, great for the entire family, and my favorite souvenir thus far. Stay tuned for more details on when this beauty will make its debut. For now, you’ll be able to enjoy drinks and popcorn in the new Disney100 refillable cups available now at the Disney Resort hotels and popcorn buckets at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.

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You can also check out the wide variety of limited-release merchandise, available across the Walt Disney World Resort. Cherish nostalgic memories with the new 40s-themed Disney100 Decades Collection featuring Disney classics such as “Fantasia,” “The Three Caballeros,” “Pinocchio” and “Dumbo.” While you’re at it, marvel at all the magic with the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection — perfect if you’re looking for even more ways to shine! Or maybe the Disney100 Unified Character Collection is more your style with beloved characters from throughout the history of Disney, including Snow White, Elsa and Simba. My favorite Disney100 pieces so far are the Unified Characters Backpack and the Three Caballeros Ear Headband, but there is even more merchandise debuting soon.

 

[Ismo]

I’m actually surprised it got here this quickly, but I’m very interested in following all of this and seeing how this all turns out.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Apparently it’s also Alien Day so here’s a post from Fede Alvarez who is directing the next entry in the Alien Franchise for Disney/20th Century Studios

https://twitter.com/x/status/1651263216624738306

 

[jpeterson]

Disney is suing the governor. I’m surprised it took this long. I’ll be following it. But I expect it to be a slow drip of updates.

Without getting into the politics, I agree that it took a lot longer than expected. But there was no way this didn't end up in the courts one way or another.

 

[Gary Stocker]

Without getting into the politics, I agree that it took a lot longer than expected. But there was no way this didn't end up in the courts one way or another.

I think the bill going through that would have regulated the monorail may have been the straw that broke the camels back.

 

[Brian Noble]

I think the bill going through that would have regulated the monorail may have been the straw that broke the camels back.

Per NYT, it was filed a few minutes after the Board voted to nullify the existing development agreement. I suspect Disney was waiting for material harm to ensure they had standing in the suit.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Hercule Poirot Returns - 20th Century Studios - A Haunting in Venice - Teaser Trailer - In Theaters September 15, 2023

 

[Gary Stocker]

Per NYT, it was filed a few minutes after the Board voted to nullify the existing development agreement. I suspect Disney was waiting for material harm to ensure they had standing in the suit.

Good point. Get your popcorn ready. Should be interesting.

 

[Leight19]

Per NYT, it was filed a few minutes after the Board voted to nullify the existing development agreement. I suspect Disney was waiting for material harm to ensure they had standing in the suit.

I think you hit nail on head. Since reedy creek is an independent body I couldn’t see how Disney had standing. With the dissolution of developer agreement they have the first action beyond rhetoric that had direct impact on Disney so this timing makes sense to me.

 

[Dznefreek]

I can’t believe how quickly this tower is getting constructed.

I was by there Monday.
They are using pre-cast pieces.
Probably from Fin-Rock who did Endless Summer Resort at Universal.
It was 17 months from start to finish