Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2024 Edition

[chiburple]

In response to the above photo of the installation of the Lady and the Tramp topiary: Never could figure out why Lady and the Tramp is in the Italy Pavilion when the movie is set in Marceline, Missouri.

I feel attacked by this completely logical question. They eat Italian food and I love dogs (Particularly Lady) so thereby they fit

 

[wabbott]

In response to the above photo of the installation of the Lady and the Tramp topiary: Never could figure out why Lady and the Tramp is in the Italy Pavilion when the movie is set in Marceline, Missouri.

Maybe since one of the movie's more memorable scenes takes place at Tony's (Italian) Restaurant?
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Tony's_Restaurant

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Not sure if anyone else on here is a member of the Disney Movie Club. But FYI:

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Disney Movie Club was a cool program for people wanting to build up their Disney physical media collection at steep discounts. Like, you could get 5 blu-rays for just $1 but then you had to commit to buying another 4 at full price within 2 years or so. But when ordering others at full price, any additional movies on that order would be heavily discounted by 40-60% off, so if you knew you wanted to have a collection it was a great deal.

But clearly purchases of physical media are really declining. Even my local Best Buy stores don't carry physical media anymore or are phasing them out...

 

[Smugpugmug]

Disney Movie Club was a cool program for people wanting to build up their Disney physical media collection at steep discounts. Like, you could get 5 blu-rays for just $1 but then you had to commit to buying another 4 at full price within 2 years or so. But when ordering others at full price, any additional movies on that order would be heavily discounted by 40-60% off, so if you knew you wanted to have a collection it was a great deal.

But clearly purchases of physical media are really declining. Even my local Best Buy stores don't carry physical media anymore or are phasing them out...

We're slowing heading towards the mentality of "You'll own nothing and you'll like it" and it really worries me. I try to buy physical when I can but I know I'm an outlier. It's going to get to a point where if a piece of media is not on a streaming service and wasn't released physically, the only way to watch it is by donning a pirate hat.

 

[bryaalre]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1760016790195716146

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1760016790195716146

This might explain my previous post! And gives me hope that physical media will continue, at least for the minority of us who want to own the product outright (and watch the bonus features)

 

[soniam]

We're slowing heading towards the mentality of "You'll own nothing and you'll like it" and it really worries me. I try to buy physical when I can but I know I'm an outlier. It's going to get to a point where if a piece of media is not on a streaming service and wasn't released physically, the only way to watch it is by donning a pirate hat.

We still buy CDs. MP3 audio quality is atrocious. We buy disks too but not for everything. I have really come to detest streaming. I miss Netflix DVDs, where I could actually get older movies. Now I’m nickel and dimed to death to watch stuff. We have to maintain a spreadsheet to keep track of what we want to see and where we can find it The whole experience has become pathetic. Even trying to see stuff in the theater can be a joke. With the recent Pixar re-releases, there were very few if any theaters here showing them. If they did, it was in the afternoon on a weekday. We really wanted to see Soul but never had a chance. Probably will miss out on Luca too. Tenet is supposed to be re-released Friday in 70 and Imax, but it Durant seem to be playing anywhere here. Luckily we saw it in the theater covered in masks and hand sanitizer, but only a normal screen. Sorry for the rant, but Hollywood is ruining the movie experience. They are shooting themselves in the foot.

 

[Smugpugmug]

We still buy CDs. MP3 audio quality is atrocious. We buy disks too but not for everything. I have really come to detest streaming. I miss Netflix DVDs, where I could actually get older movies. Now I’m nickel and dimed to death to watch stuff. We have to maintain a spreadsheet to keep track of what we want to see and where we can find it The whole experience has become pathetic. Even trying to see stuff in the theater can be a joke. With the recent Pixar re-releases, there were very few if any theaters here showing them. If they did, it was in the afternoon on a weekday. We really wanted to see Soul but never had a chance. Probably will miss out on Luca too. Tenet is supposed to be re-released Friday in 70 and Imax, but it Durant seem to be playing anywhere here. Luckily we saw it in the theater covered in masks and hand sanitizer, but only a normal screen. Sorry for the rant, but Hollywood is ruining the movie experience. They are shooting themselves in the foot.

What you're describing is why when streaming services do stuff like this, the rate of pirate hat wearing goes up. I know it's an elephant in the room topic but it's the truth. Look at the Disney+ show Willow for example. It was removed from the service and was not released physically. How are you supposed to watch it?

Also those movies were re released already? Not trying to be snarky, I really didn't know they came out. I saw 0 ads for them.

 

[ellbell]

Not sure if anyone else on here is a member of the Disney Movie Club. But FYI:
View attachment 835551

I was a member and they closed down in Canada last fall. I liked to get pins from there and they also had christmas ornaments that weren't available elsewhere.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I was a member and they closed down in Canada last fall. I liked to get pins from there and they also had christmas ornaments that weren't available elsewhere.

Yeah, I would get the ornaments and pins every year as well! No more, I guess.

Also those movies were re released already? Not trying to be snarky, I really didn't know they came out. I saw 0 ads for them.

I posted about it a few times. I saw ads on the Fandango app, too, and on Disney Movie Insiders and the D23 site. But I guess they had a low marketing budget? When we saw Soul we were the only ones in the theater, but for Turning Red it was actually quite crowded! I was surprised because I didn't think people outside of Disney fan websites had heard.

ETA: you have not yet missed Luca, btw!

 

[BrianL]

Yeah, I would get the ornaments and pins every year as well! No more, I guess.

I posted about it a few times. I saw ads on the Fandango app, too, and on Disney Movie Insiders and the D23 site. But I guess they had a low marketing budget? When we saw Soul we were the only ones in the theater, but for Turning Red it was actually quite crowded! I was surprised because I didn't think people outside of Disney fan websites had heard.

ETA: you have not yet missed Luca, btw!

I saw ads, but I watch a lot of Disney owned TV channels, like Disney Channel, FXX, etc. There were definitely commercials on those.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I saw ads, but I watch a lot of Disney owned TV channels, like Disney Channel, FXX, etc. There were definitely commercials on those.

Okay, so that's something. I suppose there's only so much they may be willing to spend advertising movies that aren't new releases outside of Disney-owned outlets. But I was sad with how empty the theater was for Soul, I think it's such a beautiful movie.

 

[BrianL]

Okay, so that's something. I suppose there's only so much they may be willing to spend advertising movies that aren't new releases outside of Disney-owned outlets. But I was sad with how empty the theater was for Soul, I think it's such a beautiful movie.

Yeah, but it's a bit of a hard call to spend what is more than one month's worth of Disney+ on a movie that can be watched on Disney+. Then again, I am wanting to go to The Phantom Menace re-release so, what do I know?

 

[Smugpugmug]

Yeah, I would get the ornaments and pins every year as well! No more, I guess.

I posted about it a few times. I saw ads on the Fandango app, too, and on Disney Movie Insiders and the D23 site. But I guess they had a low marketing budget? When we saw Soul we were the only ones in the theater, but for Turning Red it was actually quite crowded! I was surprised because I didn't think people outside of Disney fan websites had heard.

ETA: you have not yet missed Luca, btw!

I just watched Luca with my family on Plex. I don't really feel the need to see it in theaters IMO.

I think for the majority of casual audiences, they wouldn't want to spend the money going to see something they can watch for "free" (big air quotes there) on Disney+.

 

[mickey916]

Foodie Guide to Women's History Month
This March, Women’s History Month at Walt Disney World Resort will be bursting with flavors inspired by some of your favorite women characters, like Tiana, Moana, and Minnie Mouse herself, as well as plenty of delights developed by the women and culinary cast members.

March marks the start of Women’s History Month and we’re Celebrating Her Story with a lineup of delicious items all across Walt Disney World Resort! Our talented teams of chefs and mixologists have put their passions to the plate and masterfully created some truly spectacular items for you to enjoy as you honor the women in your life.

From brand-new bites, like the Feathered Friends Mousse Dome inspired by Kevin from the Disney Pixar film “Up” and Beef Bourguignon created by Sous Chef Lauren, to existing items like the Belle Cup of Enchantment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll be filled and feeling appreciative of these inspiring individuals and characters.

I am truly honored to share these incredible items with you as we get ready to kick off Women’s History Month! Let’s take a look at what foodie finds you can enjoy next month in this year’s official Foodie Guide.

EPCOT ​

Connections Eatery (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)

• Lychee Green Tea: Pomegranate-hibiscus green tea with lychee, lime juice, and pomegranate boba pearls (New)
  • Food and Beverage Coordinator Liz has a passion for staying connected with her heritage through different foods. She loves sharing creations with her favorite flavors, especially lychee, which shines as the main flavor in this beverage.

Sunshine Seasons (Available March 1 through 31)

• Moana Milkshake: Orange cream milkshake with whipped cream, seashells, pearls, and a Moana coin (Non-alcoholic Beverage)

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Currently available through May 27)

• Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake
  • The Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake was inspired by Pastry Sous Chef Jess’ love for pastries and memories of assisting her grandmother and mother in the kitchen. After taking a class on creating fruit-based desserts, she knew she wanted to dream up some of her own one day. “I love teaching and showing guests the process of how desserts are made, and my favorite part is the look on their faces when they taste something I’ve created.” – Pastry Sous Chef Jess

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park ​

Creature Comforts (Available March 1 through 31)

• Feathered Friends Mousse Dome: Lavender-white chocolate mousse, orange blossom cake, chocolate coating, chocolate flakes, white chocolate feathers, and buttercream (New)
  • The Feathered Friends Mousse Dome was inspired by the creative mind of Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Kristen, who loves seeing the colorful macaws that swoop into Discovery Island each day, surprising and delighting the guests. Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Kristen shared, “Working for Disney is a daily adventure, filled with the joy of crafting desserts that delight and bring smiles to hundreds of guests.”

Nomad Lounge (Available March 1 through 31)

• Tequila and Pineapple Cocktail: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, pineapple juice, tepache syrup, and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram (New)
  • Casa Dragones Tequila, a woman-founded and led business, is the foundation for the Tequila and Pineapple Cocktail. This cocktail features a pleasantly foamy pineapple juice, allspice, and tepache syrup.
• The Ginger Whiskey: With notes of ginger and brown sugar, this cocktail features Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey, which is a Black and women-owned and operated business.

Tiffins Restaurant (Available March 1 through 31)

• White Chocolate-Orange Crème Brûlée: Blueberry-cardamom curd, amarula ice cream, orange chutney, sellou cookie, ras el hanout candy crunch
  • Pastry Culinary Cast Member Bridget drew inspiration for the White Chocolate-Orange Crème Brûlée from her sister, Kiersten, whom Bridget credits with guiding her through various professional, educational, and personal milestones and achievements.
• The Ginger Whiskey: With notes of ginger and brown sugar, this cocktail features Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey, which is a Black and women-owned and operated business.

Magic Kingdom Park ​

Golden Oak Outpost (Available March 1 through 31)

• Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with strawberry dipping sauce

Main Street Bakery (Available March 1 through 31)

• Minnie Mouse Cupcake: Chocolate chip cupcake with cheesecake filling topped with chocolate buttercream, chocolate “ears,” and a chocolate bow (New)
• Tiana’s Chantilly Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece

The Plaza Restaurant (Available March 1 through 31)

• Tiana’s Chantilly Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece

Sleepy Hollow (Available March 1 through 31)

• Madame Leota Cupcake: Chocolate-cherry cupcake filled with blackberry cream topped with cherry buttercream and a Madame Leota chocolate piece

Disney’s Hollywood Studios ​

Dockside Diner (Available March 1 through May 31; mobile order available)

• Princess of Alderaan Shake: Salted caramel shake topped with whipped cream, edible glitter, and mini cinnamon rolls (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (New)

Fairfax Fare (Available starting March 1; mobile order available)

• Belle Cup of Enchantment: Cranberry and passion fruit-orange-guava juice topped with yellow shimmer and strawberry boba pearls (Non-alcoholic Beverage)

Hollywood Scoops (Available starting March 1)

• Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae: Choice of hand-scooped ice cream topped with red vanilla whipped cream, chocolate syrup, white ‘polka dot’ sprinkles, cookie ears, and a chocolate bow

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park ​

Leaning Palms (Available March 17 through 31; mobile order available)

• Tinga de Pork: Roasted chipotle pork served over two corn tostadas with cilantro-lime slaw and spicy avocado crema finished with cotija cheese
  • Culinary Cast Member Jessica honors her Mexican American heritage with the Tinga de Pork, which she often enjoys with her family during holidays and celebrations.

Disney Springs ​

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available March 1 through 31)

• Mardi Gras Petit Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, cinnamon cream cheese mousse, bourbon-caramel mousse, and salted praline crunch (New)
  • Inspired by Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Riley’s home state of Louisiana, the Mardi Gras Petit Cake is a special nod to the festive Mardi Gras parades and food she enjoyed as a child. The cake is topped with an image of Tiana and Charlotte to honor the close female friendships that Riley had throughout her childhood.

City Works Eatery & Pour House (Available March 1 through 31)

• Her Hops Flight featuring women owned or led breweries
  • Playalinda Brewing Co. Robonaut Red Ale
  • Brew Bus Brewing You’re My Boy, Blue!
  • Bold City Brewery Duke’s Cold Nose
  • 3 Daughters Brewing A Wake Coffee Blonde

D-Luxe Burger (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)

• Bánh Mì Burger with D-Luxe special blend patty, hoisin pork belly, jalapeño jam, Napa cabbage slaw, and cilantro with house-made bun (New)
  • Culinary Cast Member Therry took inspiration for this fusion burger from the Bánh Mì, a sandwich originating from Vietnam with meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.

Frontera Cocina (Available March 1 through 31)

• Frida Margarita: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, rose petal liqueur, lemon juice, and pomegranate cordial served with a rose petal popcorn salt rim
  • The Frida Margarita is named after Frida Khalo, a renowned Mexican Painter known for her unique and colorful self-portraits. She became a prominent figure in art history, particularly for her surrealist and symbolic works. The Frida Margarita is also made with Casa Dragones Tequila, which is a premium tequila brand and founded by Bertha Gonzalez Nieves. She is known for being the first woman to be certified as a Maestra Tequilera or Master Tequilera. Bertha Gonzales Nieves has played a significant role in promoting Mexican Tequila on the global stage.

The Polite Pig (Available March 1 through 31)

• Blackened and Smoked Mahi Mahi Salad: A bed of sweet purple lettuce and tangy arugula, roasted macadamia nuts, grilled sweet peppers, and mandarin oranges dressed with a lemongrass and dill vinaigrette topped with a seasoned and spiced, blackened,smoked Mahi Mahi filet
  • “As spring begins to stretch across Central Florida, the fishing poles are awoken and dusted off. While my uncle led fishing trips, my aunt would teach me gardening tricks and help build my confidence around the kitchen. Sharing joy and delight as we whipped up refreshing lunches and dinners with the ingredients we grew together in the backyard, and lucky enough my uncle’s fishing trip rewards as well. Thinking back on the merriment of spring break spent with my aunt, I felt a spark of encouragement and inspiration for this dish. Using some staples from my memories such as oranges, sweet peppers, lemongrass, I created this crisp and refreshing salad.” – Chef Hannah Campbell

Vivoli il Gelato (Available March 1 through 31)

• Gran Crema Cafe (Affogato): Your choice of gelato served with a shot of espresso
  • Silvana, the head gelato maker since 1988, has brought the Gran Crema Cafe (Affogato) to Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs.

Disney Resort Hotels ​

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort ​

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)

• Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Banana cheesecake with vanilla pudding and vanilla wafer crust
  • Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Janell drew inspiration from her Jamaican roots and time living in the U.S., where she developed a fondness for banana pudding. Janell took these classic dessert flavors and infused them into a special cheesecake topped with a Mickey garnish, a special nod to Janell’s dream of working for Disney coming true.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge ​

Boma – Flavors of Africa and The Mara

• South African Vegetable Bowl: Curried vegetable stew, pilau rice, kale slaw, dried fruit achar, and avocado-tahini sauce (Plant-based)
  • To celebrate her heritage, Sous Chef Khuloud took inspiration from South African flavors and her Syrian roots and infused them into this plant-based dish.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort ​

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (Available March 1 through 31)

• Tea Time Salad: Endive and arugula salad with strawberries, lavender-fennel pollen-infused goat cheese, and an Earl Grey vinaigrette
  • The Tea Time Salad was inspired by the flavors commonly found at an afternoon tea, enhanced with Sous Chef Chelsea’s own unique twist.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort ​

The Artist’s Palette (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)

• Cauliflower Bisque: Creamy cauliflower bisque, harissa, and roasted pistachio gremolata (New)
  • This bisque is inspired by a recipe Sous Chef Lauren learned from her mother. In this version, you get a creamy and slightly spicy flavor from harissa, and the pistachio gremolata gives texture and freshness reminiscent of dipping homemade garlic bread into the soup.
• Beef Bourguignon: Slow-braised beef and vegetables in a rich red wine jus served over creamy mashed potatoes (New)
  • The dish is inspired by a recipe from Sous Chef Lauren’s grandmother. “Beef Bourguignon is my tribute to my Granny, who showed me how you can take simple ingredients and create something delicious that feels like home, even if it isn’t something you might have had as a child.” – Sous Chef Lauren
• Traditional Pound Cake: Homemade vanilla pound cake
  • Inspired by Proprietor Deborah’s family recipe, which has been passed down from generation to generation.

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available) ​

• Salmon and Orzo Special: Tarragon-honey mustard glaze, vegetable orzo salad, red pepper coulis, and pickled mustard seeds (New); Available at the following locations:
  • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Inspired by Sous Chef Fallon’s love for food, family, and seeing people smile when sharing a meal. Becoming a mom has influenced Chef Fallon’s approach to food, and she strives to provide her kids with healthier options while teaching them the importance of food for nourishment.

Happy Women’s History Month! I can’t wait to try all of these delicious and inspirational items this March.

 

[starlite_]

We're slowing heading towards the mentality of "You'll own nothing and you'll like it" and it really worries me. I try to buy physical when I can but I know I'm an outlier. It's going to get to a point where if a piece of media is not on a streaming service and wasn't released physically, the only way to watch it is by donning a pirate hat.

Another point that no one has mentioned is space. Would I love to have blu rays of like 100+ movies? Yeah! Do I have the space for it? No.

 

[wabbott]

Ashley Carter
https://twitter.com/AshleyLCarter1
@AshleyLCarter1

Checking out some of the topiaries that are already on display for the upcoming EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

 

[wabbott]

https://wdwnt.com/2024/02/soarin-over-california-end-date-epcot-announced/

Soarin’ Over California at EPCOT End Date Announced​

Shannen Ace
February 21, 2024

Soarin’ Over California, which returned to EPCOT for a limited time during the 100 Years of Wonder celebration, will go away this month and Soarin’ Around the World will return.

According to the Walt Disney World website, February 27 will be the last day to ride Soarin’ Over California. Soarin’ Around the World will be back on February 28.

The original version of the attraction was just known as Soarin’. It opened with Disney California Adventure on February 8, 2001. It then came to EPCOT in 2005, taking over the space in The Land Pavilion previously occupied by Food Rocks. The original Soarin’ was dubbed Soarin’ Over California when it closed in both parks in 2016 and Soarin’ Around the World, featuring international destinations, opened.

Soarin’ Over California has since returned to Disney California Adventure for multiple limited-time runs, but this was the first time it returned to Walt Disney World. A Disney100 medallion was added to the Soarin’ sign for the return.

Though 100th anniversary celebrations were set to end on December 31, the California version of Soarin’ and other Disney100 elements stuck around at EPCOT. Guests can still meet Mickey and Minnie in their Disney100 outfits.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

https://wdwnt.com/2024/02/soarin-over-california-end-date-epcot-announced/

Soarin’ Over California at EPCOT End Date Announced​

Shannen Ace
February 21, 2024

Soarin’ Over California, which returned to EPCOT for a limited time during the 100 Years of Wonder celebration, will go away this month and Soarin’ Around the World will return.

According to the Walt Disney World website, February 27 will be the last day to ride Soarin’ Over California. Soarin’ Around the World will be back on February 28.

The original version of the attraction was just known as Soarin’. It opened with Disney California Adventure on February 8, 2001. It then came to EPCOT in 2005, taking over the space in The Land Pavilion previously occupied by Food Rocks. The original Soarin’ was dubbed Soarin’ Over California when it closed in both parks in 2016 and Soarin’ Around the World, featuring international destinations, opened.

Soarin’ Over California has since returned to Disney California Adventure for multiple limited-time runs, but this was the first time it returned to Walt Disney World. A Disney100 medallion was added to the Soarin’ sign for the return.

Though 100th anniversary celebrations were set to end on December 31, the California version of Soarin’ and other Disney100 elements stuck around at EPCOT. Guests can still meet Mickey and Minnie in their Disney100 outfits.

Darn, we get in on the 28th. We'll just miss it!