DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Food & Wine Menus Released; MORE Re-opening Dates; New Resort Benefits; Win a Free WDW Trip; Tons of Food News; Changes to PhilharMagic; Special Resort Offers; Disney Cruise News & More
We’ve got a very long list of news items this week. Menus have been released for the 2021 Food & Wine Festival along with new menu items over at Hollywood Studios, special summer offerings at Disney Springs, and more details on Avengers themed dining on the Disney Wish. We got more re-opening dates for the remaining resorts still closed and more restaurants. Disney announced new resort benefits for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, and we say goodbye to one of our long-running favorite resort perks. Changes are coming to Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Fireworks are back, and so too is in person runDisney races. Disney Cruise Line cruises with passengers for the first time since the pandemic started. Some special resort offers have been released, and there is a new opportunity for 50 families to win a free trip to Disney World. All this and more in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Menus Released for the 2021 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
We love the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and can’t wait to visit when it opens on July 15, 2021. We’re getting ready by pouring over the menus for the Global Marketplaces, and we know we need to come hungry. Catch all the menus with lots of photos at the link below.
2 – New Resort Benefits for 50th Anniversary Celebration at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World resorts offer many benefits for guests. Unfortunately, some of these offerings, such as Extra Magic Hours and Disney’s Magical Express, have recently been canceled. However, new resort benefits are coming just in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration that begins on October 1. Learn more about early entry for resort guests and more at the link below.
3 – More Resort Reopening Dates Announced for Walt Disney World
The end is in sight. Disney has announced that by the end of 2021, all Walt Disney World resorts will reopen for guests. We couldn’t be more excited. The last few hotels to open are Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans, French Quarter and Riverside, and Disney’s All Star Music and All Star Sports resorts. Learn more about the reopenings at the link below.
Click here for details on the latest set of resort reopening dates at Walt Disney World.
Click here for details on the reopening of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
4 – More Restaurant Reopening Dates Announced for Walt Disney World
As Walt Disney World continues to increase capacity, more restaurants are reopening! Learn more at the link below.
Click here for reopening dates of more Walt Disney World restaurants.
5 – Dining Updates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – New Menu Items and More!
Are you heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Then you’ll want to take note of new menu items at Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, Ronto Roasters, and [more]. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the new menu items coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
6 – Disney and Pixar’s ‘Coco’ Coming to ‘Mickey’s PhilharMagic’
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is getting an update! Disney and Pixar’s Coco is being added to the attraction this summer. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the new scenes from ‘Coco’ being added to ‘Mickey’s PhilharMagic.’
7 – New Summer Food and Beverage Offerings at Disney Springs this Summer
EPCOT isn’t the only place to get some fantastic seasonal food and beverage offerings. Now through August 12, you can enjoy the flavors of Florida at Disney Springs. Over thirty restaurants are participating and offering limited-time food and beverage items. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs this summer.
8 – Fireworks Back at Walt Disney World
Fireworks are back at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT! On July 1, ‘Happily Ever After’ and ‘EPCOT Forever’ returned to the parks. It was a rainy night, but guests were delighted to have the fireworks back. Our good friend, JC (@disneyaddicts24), got some fantastic photos for us, and we’re looking forward to sharing more of his images with you. Catch some amazing photos at the link below.
Click here for photos from ‘Happily Ever After’ on July 1!
9 – Disney Confirms Halloween Time Returning to Disneyland Resort
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort returns with frightfully fun experiences for guests of all ages from September 3 through October 31, 2021, with Halloween magic throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Learn about all of the different offerings at the link below.
Click here for details on Halloween Time – Returning to Disneyland Resort.
10 – RunDisney Announces Return of In-Person Racing at Walt Disney World
Time to dust off your running shoes! runDisney has announced the return of in-person races at Walt Disney World this November with the Wine & Dine Half-Marathon weekend. Race weekend dates and themes have been announced for the 2021-2022 race season. Learn more at the link below.
11 – Disney Cruise Line Announces More Details on New Marvel Dining Experience on the Disney Wish
Disney Cruise Line is upping the “ant-e” on immersive family dining with the debut of “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” at Worlds of Marvel restaurant aboard the Disney Wish. Premiering in summer 2022, this all-new cinematic dining adventure will assemble some of Earth’s Mightiest — and tiniest — Super Heroes in a larger-than-life showcase of revolutionary quantum technology and world-class cuisine. Learn more about this and other dining options aboard the Disney Wish at the link below.
Click here for details on the new Marvel dining experience on the Disney Wish.
12 – Flag Retreat Back at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
One of the most special events that takes place at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort is the Flag Retreat. While the ceremony has been on hiatus during the phased reopening, the full ceremony is back! Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Cappy Surette:
Supporting our nation’s military heroes is a tradition that dates back to the founding of The Walt Disney Company. For decades, Disney Parks have recognized our nation’s active-duty military and veterans with stirring daily flag retreat ceremonies. Held at both Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, these popular offerings give Disney the opportunity to offer sincere gratitude to those who serve and defend our nation.
Magic Kingdom Park welcomed back their daily flag retreat July 1, resuming the tradition of selecting an active-duty military member or veteran from among that park’s daily visitors. As shadows grew long in the late afternoon in Town Square, many watched silently as a guest U.S. Air Force veteran joined members of Magic Kingdom’s security team to respectfully lower the flag and carry it in a processional down Main Street, U.S.A. The ceremony included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of “God Bless America” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” accompanied by the Main Street Philharmonic marching band.
“It has been an honor for our security cast to keep our flag flying every day over Magic Kingdom since the park first opened in 1971,” said Army veteran Eileen Underwood, Magic Kingdom’s senior security manager. “We were thrilled to resume our daily flag retreat ceremonies to honor our country and those who serve around the world in defense of our freedoms. It’s a special moment for all our guests that really reaffirms the feeling that this is truly a magical place.”
Disneyland park resumed their Flag Retreat Ceremony when the resort reopened on April 30, and is thrilled to continue thanking veterans for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our country.
Navy veteran Nick Filippone, senior production manager for the main entrance at Disneyland, felt an overwhelming sense of pride regarding this, one of the park’s oldest traditions.
“I was so proud to see our Disneyland security and entertainment teams once again present our beloved flag retreat ceremony in Town Square from the very first day we were able to welcome Guests back,” said Nick. “We have been honored to continue Walt’s patriotic legacy with keeping the American flag flying throughout the park’s closure showing that no matter what else was happening, we could maintain this element of our heritage.”
The flag retreat ceremony occurs daily at both iconic Disney parks, so please check with Guest Services or the Times Guide for event timing and leave a comment below if you have a favorite memory from attending this special moment.
We also invite those interested in learning how to build or enhance their organization’s hiring, training and support of military veterans and spouses to attend the 2021 Veterans Institute Summit presented by Disney Institute on September 13-14, 2021 at Walt Disney World Resort. Registration for this complimentary event is now open.
To the many military heroes who work here, visit our parks and those currently standing watch around the world—we thank you for your service and wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!
13 – Florida Resident Resort Offer for Walt Disney World Resorts
Florida Residents can now take advantage of a new Walt Disney World resort special just for them. Here is the offer from the Walt Disney World website:
Florida Residents can delight in special summer rates on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights, August 8 through September 4, 2021.
For example, stay in a standard room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort for just $149 per night, plus tax.
Book July 7 through September 4, 2021.
Click here for all the details for this offer.
14 – California Resident Discounted Ticket and Resort Offer for Disneyland Resorts
Californians can let their summer adventures begin with a bucket list of fun at the Disneyland Resort, and it starts with a new, limited-time ticket offer for California residents. Whether it’s a road trip or three summer getaway days, guests can book now and save on magical visits to explore new adventures, rediscover favorite attractions and be part of the summer excitement at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. In addition, special vacation values are available now at Disney-themed on-site hotels.
Guests can stay and play a little longer in the heart of the magic by taking advantage of special savings with room offers at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Hotel guests can save up to 25 percent off select rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and up to 20 percent at the Disneyland Hotel, July 5-October 2, 2021.
The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort offer convenient access to both parks, with benefits and magical touches as only Disney can do. Whether it’s the enchanting nostalgia and mid-century modern design of the Disneyland Hotel, relishing the seaside whimsy and beach boardwalk theme of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel or appreciating the Craftsman-style elegance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, staying at any of the resort hotels provides the unmatched Disney experience from arrival to departure.
For more information and to book a Disneyland Resort vacation, visit Disneyland.com or contact a travel professional.
Also, for a limited time, California residents can visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks for as low as $83 per person, per day with this special ticket offer. These three-day, one-park per day tickets start at $249 and eligible guests may purchase a park hopper option for an additional $55. The limited-time tickets are available for purchase starting July 6, 2021, and California residents may redeem their tickets on any three separate days through September 30, 2021, subject to park reservation availability. These special tickets may be purchased at Disneyland.com, through a travel agent, or by calling call (866) 572-7321. Valid admission and park reservation for the same park on same date are required for park entry.
15 – Fan Favorite “Must Do Disney” featuring Stacey Ends
Of all of the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World resort, one somewhat unofficial one stood out to us – watching Stacey and “Must Do Disney.” We loved watching Stacey and getting a look at some of the great things we should do on our vacation. Sadly, after fifteen years, Disney has discontinued the show, and it is no longer running at Disney resorts. Stacey recently confirmed the news on her Instagram account. Will you miss Stacey?
16 – Disney Cruise Line Welcomes Guests on First Test Cruise
Rejoice, Disney Cruise Line fans! For the first time in over fifteen months, Disney Cruise Line has set sail with guests! The lucky Cast Members and guests were aboard the Disney Magic, which set sail from Southampton, England, UK on a special test cruise. Many cruisers took to social media to share their experiences using the hashtag #disneymagicatsea. It’s so exciting to see so many happy cruisers. We can’t wait for the return to cruising on the Disney Cruise Line stateside!
17 – Celebrate Soulfully – Summer Vibes at Disney Springs
This summer, Disney Springs is celebrating Celebrate Soulfully – Summer Vibes. We recently enjoyed a media event showcasing the many lounges of Disney Springs as well as getting a look at a screening of “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for detail on Celebrate Soulfully – Summer Vibes at Disney Springs.
18 – 2022 Dreamers Academy Applications Now Open
Calling all Dreamers! Disney has opened applications for the 2022 Dreamers Academy. Disney Cast Member Annette Gibbs has all the details below.
“All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.’’ – Walt Disney
That sentiment is at the heart of our transformational mentorship program Disney Dreamers Academy, and we are thrilled to announce the ever-popular, outside-the-classroom event is set to return to Walt Disney World Resort March 3-6, 2022!
We’re inviting high school students nationwide to apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com for their opportunity to be one of the 100 students to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World. There, the four magical theme parks will become the vibrant settings where Disney Dreamers will participate in programming designed to inspire young leaders to dream beyond their imaginations and jump-start their life goals.
After the 2020 program was cut short due to the pandemic and transitioned to a successful virtual program series, we are excited to have our Disney Dreamers back here with us in person! And this year we celebrate a milestone event – the 15th year of Disney Dreamers Academy!
Throughout its history, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,300 students with hands-on, immersive career seminars in a wide range of disciplines found at Walt Disney World. Participants learn how to improve their communication, leadership and networking along with other valuable personal and professional development skills.
They also hear from and interact with community and industry leaders, Disney cast members and celebrity guests – past celebrities included singer NE-YO, NBA Legend and business mogul Magic Johnson and star of Disney’s upcoming live-action “Little Mermaid,” Halle Bailey.
Disney Dreamers Academy is focused on challenging young people to relentlessly pursue their dreams through the “Be 100” campaign – to be positive, to be “all in” and to apply lessons from their DDA experience to help make a difference in the lives of others. Graduates of the program have gone on to become entrepreneurs, community leaders, medical professionals, engineers, pilots, journalists and much more.
Do you know a student with big dreams, drive and passion? High schoolers ages 13 to 19 can apply to be part of the 2022 class of Disney Dreamers Academy through Oct. 31, 2021. To apply, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com.
19 – Win a Trip to Walt Disney World! Search is on for Disney Magic Makers!
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products announced the Disney Magic Makers contest, an all-new nationwide search to recognize and reward those who make magic by bringing comfort, support and joy to those around them.
Now through October 1, 2021, any U.S. resident over 18 can nominate a person who inspires them for the Disney Magic Makers contest by visiting www.disneymagicmakers.com and sharing the positive impact they have made. Fifty nominees whose inspirational acts of kindness, compassion, and creativity best exemplify the values of a #DisneyMagicMaker will win a trip to Walt Disney World Resort to join “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” for the 50th anniversary and a one-year subscription to Disney+ if eligible. People can further celebrate their hometown heroes with a public post using #DisneyMagicMakers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok.
“All of us at Disney have been inspired by the countless acts of goodwill by people across the country throughout the pandemic,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks Experiences and Products. “These magic makers and their stories have changed us in ways we never imagined. That’s why we’re so proud to celebrate those who continue to make everyday magic a reality.”
To keep the magic in motion, Disney will donate a total of $400,000 among four non-profits that demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: Make-A-Wish®, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and The Nature Conservancy. These organizations each found unique and innovative ways to continue serving their communities when they needed magic most.
Magic moments come in all shapes and sizes, from simple, sincere acts between neighbors to massive acts of charity, kindness and generosity. What binds these special moments together is the way they raise spirits, inspire communities, and connect people to one another. For more examples of inspiring acts of goodwill from #DisneyMagicMakers, see here.
The search begins now! For more details, visit www.disneymagicmakers.com and follow the conversation on social using #DisneyMagicMakers.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter contest between June 22, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. ET and October 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., who are 18 years of age at time of entry. Nominees must be at least 13 years of age at time of nomination. Limit 5 entries per person. See Official Rules and visit www.DisneyMagicMakers.com for full details on how to enter, eligibility requirements, contest entry periods, prize description and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, Inc., 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521.
20 – Disney on Broadway Will Perform a Benefit Concert for The Actors Fund
Live at The New Am: A Benefit Concert for The Actors Fund, celebrating the reopening of Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre and honoring the remarkable support that The Actors Fund has provided to members of the entertainment industry throughout the pandemic, will treat audiences to the most-beloved hit songs from Disney’s Broadway shows – including “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Circle of Life” and “Let it Go” – as performed by Disney on Broadway stars Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Michael James Scott (Aladdin), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan). The concert plays four performances July 22-24 at 7:30 and July 25 at 2.
“For 16 months, New Yorkers have been eager to start going to the theatre again,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions. “The Lion King and Aladdin return to Broadway in September, but these four concerts allow us to welcome fans back to Broadway even sooner and give us a chance to raise much-needed funds to support the heroic work being done by the remarkable staff at The Actors Fund. We cannot wait to return to the exhilaration of musical theatre. For the first time in forever, we actually can.”
In celebration of this announcement, tonight (July 7 at 8 pm ET), Ashley Brown, Michael James Scott, Kissy Simmons and Josh Strickland will appear on Stars In The House, Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley’s live talk show that has raised more than $1 million to benefit The Actors Fund. Viewers can tune in at StarsInTheHouse.com to watch, donate to The Actors Fund and possibly have their donations read live on air by the special guests.
The Actors Fund has been extraordinarily active during the pandemic, providing more than 16,450 entertainment professionals with grants totaling more than $22 million just since the shutdown last March 2020, a remarkable increase of more than 1000% over its typical grant support prior to the pandemic.
“Over the past 25 years, the casts, crews and staff of Disney Theatrical Productions have been such valued members of The Actors Fund extended family,” said Joseph Benincasa, President and CEO of The Actors Fund. “Their unwavering partnership has helped promote and support our many programs and services that provide vital assistance for our performing arts and entertainment colleagues, who are in need now more than ever. Being part of the reopening celebration of The New Amsterdam Theatre with these special concerts means that even more people will be able to get the help they need.”
Aladdin star Michael James Scott said, “There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how excited and honored I am to get be part of this historic reopening of Broadway and the legendary New Amsterdam Theatre. Bringing this feel-good concert to NYC with some of my closest friends and my DOB family is a dream come true. Did I mention I’m excited?!”
With the health and safety of guests, cast, musicians, and crew a top priority, all guests entering the theatre for Live at the New Am will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Guests under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult.
For more information please visit: disneyonbroadway.com/liveatthenewam/healthandsafety/
The performance schedule is as follows:
Thu 7/22/21 7:30pm
Fri 7/23/21 7:30pm
Sat 7/24/21 7:30pm
Sun 7/25/21 2:00pm
* Assisted listening devices will be available for all performances. The matinee on Sunday, July 25 will feature live closed captioning, available via personal devices.
Ticketing:
- Tickets ranging in price from $79.50 to $99.50 are available now through Ticketmaster.
- A special virtual lottery for $47.50 Balcony tickets is available through BroadwayDirect.
- Registrations are open currently and will close on Monday July 19 @ 10am; winners will start to be notified the same day, and notifications will continue through Tuesday July 20.
- For more information, to purchase tickets or to enter the virtual lottery, please visit https://disneyonbroadway.com/liveatthenewam/
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Summer Resort Reopenings
- July 19 – Polynesian Village Resort
- August 26 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- August 26 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
- September 16 – All-Star Sports Music Resort
- October 14 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – River Side
- October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- December 9 – All-Star Sports Resort
July 15 – November 2021 – The 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for details on the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for menus and tons of photos for the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
August 10 – October 31, 2021 – Disney After Hours Boo Bash
October 1, 2021 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
October 1, 2021 – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure & France Pavilion Expansion Opens
Jungle Cruise – Updated in Phases, while remaining open to guests in 2021
Star Wars Hotel – 2022
EPCOT Reimagined – Now Through 2022 and Beyond
Click here for what we know about the New EPCOT and what’s coming!
New and Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort – Now Open
Click here for details on the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – now open!
Halloween Time is Back This Fall at Disneyland Resort
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure – Now Open
Click here for more on the Avengers Campus! Now open at Disney California Adventure!
Click here for details on food and beverage offerings inside Avengers Campus.
Click here for information on merchandise available inside Avengers Campus.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here for information on bookings for the inaugural season in summer 2022.
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Itineraries in 2022
Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Early 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea in Early 2022
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.