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

[BrianL]

The food quality there went really downhill with the menu change (and the removal of the fixings bar, which if I'm being honest is most likely never coming back). It's about as bad as Cosmic Rays now. Disney recently redid the menu for ABC Commissary at HS which used to be really bad but is now pretty solid. I wish MK's quick service places received similar treatment.

Yeah, the food was never that great, but the Fixin's Bar made it worthwhile. Hot Cheese Pump! The orange will cover all sins.

 

[HokieRaven5]

National Geographic Store Closes at Disney Springs, Remaining Merchandise Heavily Discounted
The National Geographic store within the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs is now behind a curtain and closed. The store offered multiple National Geographic-branded items but never performed the way Disney hoped it could. It replaced The Dress Shop, which may be returning with the space now without a tenant.

Around Walt Disney World and Disneyland shopping locations, much of the National Geographic merchandise has been discounted to 50% off, plus any applicable discounts.

 

[Naomeri]

National Geographic Store Closes at Disney Springs, Remaining Merchandise Heavily Discounted
The National Geographic store within the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs is now behind a curtain and closed. The store offered multiple National Geographic-branded items but never performed the way Disney hoped it could. It replaced The Dress Shop, which may be returning with the space now without a tenant.

Around Walt Disney World and Disneyland shopping locations, much of the National Geographic merchandise has been discounted to 50% off, plus any applicable discounts.

I hope the Dress Shop comes back (although my wallet doesn’t )

 

[LSUmiss]

Biloxi casino themed then, I'm not mad at it

Isn’t the Disneyland pirates more Nola themed? I don’t know b/c I have never been. But there is definitely history associated with pirates in Nola with the battle of New Orleans & Jean Lafitte! It can be done!

 

[Chernabob]

Isn’t the Disneyland pirates more Nola themed? I don’t know b/c I have never been. But there is definitely history associated with pirates in Nola with the battle of New Orleans & Jean Lafitte! It can be done!

The ride *itself* isn't really NOLA themed, but it's placement in New Orleans Square adds to that vibe. That section of the park is one of the most stark contrasts between WDW and DL in terms of theming.

 

[princesscinderella]

I thought the writing on the wall for the fixins bar was when they started to charge extra for guac, the last time I ate there was pre-closures in 2019 and I saw a family straight up making a whole meal out of the toppings. Not the first time I saw something like that in there either. I think Covid just gave Disney the excuse they needed to get rid of it imo.

That place badly needs the ABC Commissary treatment though. As it is I prefer to have snacks at MK and only do full meals at Skipper Canteen or LTT. Lunch/dinner on MK days is usually a resort thing for us otherwise.

I agree with food options at MK. I love be Liberty tree and we used to always go there for lunch when you could order off a menu instead of just all you can eat family style. We have done it a few times since the change but it was just so much food and more money. Our new favorite is to hop to Steakhouse 71 for lunch it has amazing options and a better menu than dinner in our opinion and so many things can be made GF which I need.

 

[BrianL]

The ride *itself* isn't really NOLA themed, but it's placement in New Orleans Square adds to that vibe. That section of the park is one of the most stark contrasts between WDW and DL in terms of theming.

The exterior definitely is more NOLA, and you leave through the Blue Bayou out through the Gulf of Mexico. At MK, it's more of a Spanish Fort on one of the islands, which is more Adventureland themed.

 

[kylenne]

Isn’t the Disneyland pirates more Nola themed? I don’t know b/c I have never been. But there is definitely history associated with pirates in Nola with the battle of New Orleans & Jean Lafitte! It can be done!

That was a joke about the casinos being a ripoff more than anything

Pecos Bill is definitely due for a retheme though, for similar reasons to Splash. I would be very surprised if this was just a simple refurb. That song from the Melody Time segment and the folk story it references is just as bad as SotS.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Magical Miles & MORE Return to Disneyland Resort During the 2024 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend!

It’s going to be a memorable race weekend full of magical miles and so much more at the Disneyland Resort as we get ready for the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, taking place January 11-14, 2024! Registered participants can enjoy a variety of experiences - from exciting race courses through both theme parks and iconic Anaheim destinations, to one-of-a-kind coveted Disney finisher medals, themed participant shirts, and more entertainment than we have seen at prior Disneyland Half Marathon Weekendsincluding character appearances in the theme parks and live entertainment along the route. It will be a can’t-miss return of runDisney events to Disneyland Resort.


Guests of all ages can become a part of this incredibly special race weekend at The Happiest Place on Earth. Throughout the weekend, participants can experience fan-favorite events for all skill levels, including the return ofrunDisney Kids Races, as well as a brand-new Yoga offering. As we get closer to registration within the next two weeks, we’re excited to share more details about all that’s in store!

Participants will be able to kick things off at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, where they can purchase commemorative Disney race merchandise and running gear from vendors throughout the country who specialize in unique gear, participate in photo opportunities and learn more about the Celebrated Charity. Then they can experience a variety of race events and the return of the Dumbo Double Dare challenge, which combines the Disneyland 10Kand Disneyland Half Marathon. The weekend’s theme, which celebrates classic, mid-century Disneyland nostalgia, features the following characters:


Goofy | Disneyland Yoga
Pluto | Disneyland 5K
Donald & Daisy | Disneyland 10K
Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse | Disneyland Half Marathon
Dumbo | Dumbo Double Dare
Chip ‘n’ Dale | runDisney Kids Races

 

[NJlauren]

Magical Miles & MORE Return to Disneyland Resort During the 2024 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend!

It’s going to be a memorable race weekend full of magical miles and so much more at the Disneyland Resort as we get ready for the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, taking place January 11-14, 2024! Registered participants can enjoy a variety of experiences - from exciting race courses through both theme parks and iconic Anaheim destinations, to one-of-a-kind coveted Disney finisher medals, themed participant shirts, and more entertainment than we have seen at prior Disneyland Half Marathon Weekendsincluding character appearances in the theme parks and live entertainment along the route. It will be a can’t-miss return of runDisney events to Disneyland Resort.


Guests of all ages can become a part of this incredibly special race weekend at The Happiest Place on Earth. Throughout the weekend, participants can experience fan-favorite events for all skill levels, including the return ofrunDisney Kids Races, as well as a brand-new Yoga offering. As we get closer to registration within the next two weeks, we’re excited to share more details about all that’s in store!

Participants will be able to kick things off at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, where they can purchase commemorative Disney race merchandise and running gear from vendors throughout the country who specialize in unique gear, participate in photo opportunities and learn more about the Celebrated Charity. Then they can experience a variety of race events and the return of the Dumbo Double Dare challenge, which combines the Disneyland 10Kand Disneyland Half Marathon. The weekend’s theme, which celebrates classic, mid-century Disneyland nostalgia, features the following characters:


Goofy | Disneyland Yoga
Pluto | Disneyland 5K
Donald & Daisy | Disneyland 10K
Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse | Disneyland Half Marathon
Dumbo | Dumbo Double Dare
Chip ‘n’ Dale | runDisney Kids Races

I hope this is a sign kids races will be back at WDW soon!

 

[1lilspark]

I hope this is a sign kids races will be back at WDW soon!

I’d say kids races will be back with Wine & Dine

 

[Brian Noble]

The Imagineers spent at least 30 minutes touring the location, walking through each room, and taking notes.

That's pretty thin evidence for "oh noes! they are retheming a classic!" as opposed to, say, reconfiguring the dining areas a bit differently to improve guest flow/utilization/whatever, but keeping the current thematic focus.

 

[HokieRaven5]

That's pretty thin evidence for "oh noes! they are retheming a classic!" as opposed to, say, reconfiguring the dining areas a bit differently to improve guest flow/utilization/whatever, but keeping the current thematic focus.

Don’t disagree, just a rumor for now.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Schedule Posted for New Hollywood Studios Character Meet & Greets

 

[kylenne]

That's pretty thin evidence for "oh noes! they are retheming a classic!" as opposed to, say, reconfiguring the dining areas a bit differently to improve guest flow/utilization/whatever, but keeping the current thematic focus.

That’s fair, but the reason I think there’s something more to this is I can’t imagine getting off of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an attraction very heavily marketed as being the culturally sensitive replacement to a racially problematic predecessor, to then pick up my mobile order at a fast food restaurant nearby named for a cartoon with a song about shooting the war paint off Native Americans. I can’t imagine Pecos Bill escaped notice during the audit they did.

 

[BrianL]

That’s fair, but the reason I think there’s something more to this is I can’t imagine getting off of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an attraction very heavily marketed as being the culturally sensitive replacement to a racially problematic predecessor, to then pick up my mobile order at a fast food restaurant nearby named for a cartoon with a song about shooting the war paint off Native Americans. I can’t imagine Pecos Bill escaped notice during the audit they did.

Yeah, but it could also be themed to the Patrick Swayze movie - underrated flick by the way. Honestly, I don't really care if they change the name, what I don't want is for it to become like the Tiana's Place at Disneyland. It just won't fit in at all. They should keep the old-west style - even if it jsut becomes the Coutnry Bear Kitchen or something.

I think an issue with Frontierland is that Disney doesn't have any really good properties for it. They need a good animated movie, something with more verve than Home on the Range - also somewhat underrated. Maybe Big Thunder Mountain could become a breakout hit a la POTC, but it would take the right elements.

 

[mrsap]

Yeah, but it could also be themed to the Patrick Swayze movie - underrated flick by the way.

Dirty Dancing?

 

[BrianL]

Dirty Dancing?

 

[Gusey]

They need a good animated movie, something with more verve than Home on the Range - also somewhat underrated. #

They need to make it a Home on the Range Steakhouse

 

[LSUmiss]

No I know lol!

That was a joke about the casinos being a ripoff more than anything

Pecos Bill is definitely due for a retheme though, for similar reasons to Splash. I would be very surprised if this was just a simple refurb. That song from the Melody Time segment and the folk story it references is just as bad as SotS.