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

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

kind of see the two Universal parks as one big park and can easily spend a day at both.

This is what we've done also! Between the two parks then there's enough. Thinking of it as one park seems right.

 

[wabbott]

And 66 years later its still not finished

https://quotefancy.com/quote/757124...ted-It-will-continue-to-grow-as-long-as-there

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” — Walt Disney

 

[CarolynFH]

Anyone know the guest services email address for wdw?

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
And
guest.services@disneyworld.com

 

[Maleficent_Hades]

Yeah for me AK is a half day park even with the rides and the animal trails. I never do Rafiki's Planet Watch and kind of forget it's even there. I do hang out at Nomad Lounge though since it's awesome. I have an AP so I feel less guilty for only spending an afternoon there but if I was buying a full day ticket I probably wouldn't get one for AK unless I had a park hopper. I kind of see the two Universal parks as one big park and can easily spend a day at both.

AK for me and hubby is also a half day park and usually where we go before heading to the airport in the evening. We've also never done Rafikis planet watch as it doesn't really interest us

 

[LSUmiss]

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
And
guest.services@disneyworld.com

Thank you!

 

[Elijah Abrams]

Dinoland needs a refresh or retheme undoubtedly but AK has SO much expansion space available. I wish they would use some of that so AK can get out of its 25 year reputation as a half day park.

A refresh, I would say, but definitely not a retheme especially to Moana/Zootopia, or AK would end up losing dinosaurs. It’s not like Disney is being iffy about DinoLand, just because Universal Orlando has a better dinosaur-themed area (Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure). Perhaps all of Dino-Rama could be replaced by a revived version of the Excavator coaster?

 

[bookgirl2632]

A refresh, I would say, but definitely not a retheme especially to Moana/Zootopia, or AK would end up losing dinosaurs. It’s not like Disney is being iffy about DinoLand, just because Universal Orlando has a better dinosaur-themed area (Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure). Perhaps all of Dino-Rama could be replaced by a revived version of the Excavator coaster?

Shh! Let others think it’s a half day park. It makes it less crowded for the rest of us that love it.

 

[jade1]

For me, it's also not having a nighttime show. Same reason Universal's parks are half day parks for me. No big draw to stay around after you've done the good rides.

We really like night shows as well.

Universals Cinematic Celebration just ended this spring to supposedly create a new show.

It was very good, since 2018.

So pretty sure another one's on the way.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

We really like night shows as well.

Universals Cinematic Celebration just ended this spring to supposedly create a new show.

It was very good, since 2018.

So pretty sure another one's on the way.

Hope the next one will be better! I wasn't too impressed, but I'm probably just comparing it with Wolrd of Color too much.

I understand UO can't do something big and loud, fireworks, given the location. I'm hoping they will do drones, though, like at DLP. I think those would work really well there!

And yeah, I'm a sucker for night shows. HEA and Fantasmic! are must dos for us every trip. We even made a weekend trip to DL in April just to see Wondrous Jorneys... and we live on the East coast lol.

 

[Brian Noble]

When I watch the updates for Epic Universe construction versus WDW, I’m amazed at how incredibly slow Disney has been.

At least part of that is that one is built in a completely barren field, the other stuff is all being built in (and sometimes surrounded by) a functioning park.

I'm seriously doubting Disney will feel any significant impact. Yes, there will be a rush for some people to experience the new park. But in the end they will be back at Disney.

I think people are also discounting the possibility of EU increasing net tourism to Orlando. So it could be a smashing long term success and Disney could continue drawing just fine.

because they are having money problems.

I know! They only earned $3.2B in the last quarter! However will they survive?

 

[Elijah Abrams]

I know! They only earned $3.2B in the last quarter! However will they survive?

Asset selling, but not ABC nor ESPN. I definitely think most of the purchased Fox assets should be the ones Iger puts up for sale.

 

[Elijah Abrams]

Shh! Let others think it’s a half day park. It makes it less crowded for the rest of us that love it.

Okay. The other half can be a visit to either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[Brian Noble]

Asset selling, but not ABC nor ESPN. I definitely think most of the purchased Fox assets should be the ones Iger puts up for sale.

 

[Elijah Abrams]

Not a joke. My opinion!

EDIT: I got what you said before my first reply to you yesterday. Who’s idea was it to not include a "delete comment" tab on this forum anyway?

 

[Brian Noble]

I’ve lamented that too.

 

[scrappinginontario]

So you’re saying we can expect Dole Whips?

Dole Whip can already be purchased on the Fantasy!

 

[etherealcaitiff]

Why did that flight get cancelled?

Anyway, he really didn’t have to drive 17 hours to Disney World. He and his family should’ve taken the Amtrak train.

It would take longer and be over 2x more expensive. Roundtrip from Newark to Orlando is $265 on American. Rountrip on Amtrak is $583. The posted time for Amtrak is 22.5 hours, and everyone knows that will never be the real time because the trains always have something come up whether it be CSX getting priority on a line and causing a delay, staffing issues, train issues, etc. I'd say a fair estimate would be 26 hours. Even if it did run on time, it's still slower than driving and prohibitively expensive.

 

[Brian Noble]

US passenger rail is so woefully inadequate. The Acela line is about the only one that is remotely civilized. Part of that is the low population density, but it doesn't explain all of it.

 

[cellomom]

Disney Eats: Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2023

by Nicole Cantore, Digital Integration Specialist, Global Food & Beverage

It’s time to trick-or-treat yourself because Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is nearly here! Yep, that’s right. Dust off your cobwebs because the Halloween season is nearly upon us. I, for one, love this time of year and all the sinister sweets and treats lingering around Disney Parks, especially at this fan-favorite event.
On select nights from August 11 through November 1, venture into Magic Kingdom Park (if you dare) for a night of frightful fun, can’t-miss characters, spelltacular entertainment, and, of course, FOOD! This year, the culinary teams have conjured up 30 specialty treats, and nearly all of them are new. Enjoy devilishly delicious delights exclusive to the party, like the Zombie Fingers and Skull Brownie, as well as treats available all day long, like the Apple Fritter Milk Shake and Tombstone Tart. From the sweet to the savory, and everything in between, this year is filled with plenty of must-try treats for Halloween sure to put a spell on you.
If you’re looking for an extra sweet addition to your evening, the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party serves up all-you-care-to-enjoy sweet treats and specialty drinks, as well as private viewing for the nighttime spectacular!
Grab your costume, your sweet tooth, and let the ghoul times roll. Here is the 2023 Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)

• Apple Fritter Milkshake: Salted caramel milkshake topped with green apple whipped cream and an apple fritter (Non-alcoholic) (New)

Cheshire Café

• MMMummy Treat: Flaky pastry filled with chocolate-hazelnut filling and topped with white icing stripes and sugar eyes (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
• Queen of Hearts Slushy: Frozen cherry slushy drizzled with black cherry purée and topped with whipped cream and a crown-shaped chocolate piece (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Witches Cold Brew: French Vanilla Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew topped with pumpkin-spiced foam and Halloween sprinkles (Non-alcoholic) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Terrifyin’ Twice-Spiced Chicken Sandwich: Spicy fried chicken breast dipped in hot honey and topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño poppers, and bacon (New)
• The Snarling Sub: Meatball sub with spicy marinara, pesto and pearl mozzarella “teeth” served on a black roll (new)
• Zombie Fingers: Almond cookie fingers, Key lime pie white chocolate ganache, salted caramel crisp pearls, and sugar eyes (New)
• River Stix Elixir: Kiwi lemonade with luster dust (Non-alcoholic) (New)

The Friar’s Nook (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Pain and Panic Brat: Bratwurst, sweet and spicy onion relish, and sriracha mustard (New)
• Pain and Panic Loaded Tots: Tots topped with sweet and spicy onion relish, sriracha mustard, and crumbled bratwurst (New)
• Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie with spicy ranch drizzle and blue cheese powder (New)

Golden Oak Outpost

• Tombstone Tart: Flaky pastry filled with strawberry-jalapeño jam and topped with sprinkles and sugar spiders (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Loaded Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with marshmallow cream, butterscotch chips, and toffee pieces (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

Liberty Square Market (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)

• Black Velvet Whoopie Pie: Black velvet cookie with buttercream and sprinkles topped with a sugar spider (New)

Main Street Bakery

• Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll: Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll topped with orange frosting and sprinkles (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Minnie-shaped Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin coffee mousse topped with a white chocolate candy corn bow (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Cajun Burger: Cajun-spiced all-beef patty topped with fried green tomato, Cajun Andouille dip, and Creole remoulade served on a black bun (New)
• Bucket of Bones: Bone-in piggy wings fried with fresh jalapeños tossed in Coca-Cola Cherry barbecue sauce (New)
• Candy Corn Milkshake: Sweet corn soft-serve topped with whipped cream and sweet potato corn bread nuggets (Non-alcoholic) (New)

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

• Apple Fritter Sundae: Apple fritters topped with choice of ice cream, whipped cream, and sprinkles (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
• Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich: Cookies topped with sprinkles with choice of ice cream (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)

Sleepy Hollow (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Char Siu Chicken Wings: Whole chicken wings glazed in char siu and topped with chili threads and garlic (New)
• Headless Horseman Cupcake: Yellow cupcake topped with cream cheese buttercream, spicy cheese-flavored snacks, and a chocolate piece (New)
• Cinnamon Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with pumpkin ice cream, drizzled with pumpkin spiced caramel, and topped with butterscotch chips (New)

Storybook Treats (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Hades Cone: DOLE Whip mango and habanero soft-serve topped with blue raspberry shell and chili-lime seasoning (New)

Sunshine Tree Terrace (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Tropical Graveyard: Mango mousse and sour tropical gelatin topped with cookie crumbles, gummy worm, sprinkles, and a tombstone chocolate piece (New)

Churro Cart near Cinderella Castle

• Not-So-Poison Apple Churro: Churro rolled in green apple sugar, topped with SNICKERS bar pieces, and drizzled with caramel sauce (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Jack Pop: Chocolate fudge brownie with marshmallow filling and topped with a Jack chocolate piece (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
• Sally Pop: Yellow pop with raspberry filling topped with a Sally chocolate piece
  (New) (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

Outdoor Vending Cart near The Haunted Mansion (Available Aug. 11 through Nov. 1 during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)

• Skull Brownie: Mexican-spiced chocolate brownie with dulce de leche filling and sugar eyes (New)

There you have it – all the ghoulish goodies coming to Magic Kingdom Park for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and this Halloween season. Prepare to be bewitched with flavor

 

[Douglas Dubh]

US passenger rail is so woefully inadequate. The Acela line is about the only one that is remotely civilized. Part of that is the low population density, but it doesn't explain all of it.

I read once that while passenger rail is more efficient in Europe than America, freight rail is much better in the US than Europe, where freight is often shipped in trucks.