DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: HUGE Character Meet & Greet News; Food & Wine Details; Dinner Show Returning; New Epcot Restaurant Menu & More
Wow. A big week for big news! The biggest story of the week is the return of full character meet and greets. Speaking of return to normal, we also got the news that Disney’s most popular dinner show is coming back and this summer will see the return of one of the best things about EPCOT’s World Showcase, the cultural representatives from the host countries. Disney also released 2022 Food & Wine details as well as menus and details for the new EPCOT restaurant opening soon. Don’t miss the new merch! All this and more are below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Hugs and Autographs are Coming Back! Physical Distancing Measures to Be Dropped for Character Greetings at Walt Disney World!
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Finally, it’s time to get some warm hugs from your favorite Disney characters. Disney Parks has announced that physical distancing measures for character greetings will be dropped, and “normal” character interactions will begin soon at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line! Learn more at the link below.
2 – Dates & Details Announced for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
For the third year in a row, the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will run from July to November, giving guests 129 days to enjoy the festival offerings. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will return along with over twenty-five Global Marketplaces. Catch the dates and more details at the link below.
Click here for dates and details of the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
3 – Disney Announces Return of Beloved Dinner Show
One of the things guests of Walt Disney World have missed the most in the last two years is the fantastic dinner shows that have been part of the resort’s tradition. Upon hearing that the Spirit of Aloha dinner show will not be returning, many guests have been wondering about the fate of fan-favorite Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Thankfully we didn’t have to wait long for news. Disney has announced the show’s return, with booking beginning at the end of May. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review this summer.
4 – Menu and Preview of Connections Café and Eatery Opening Soon at EPCOT
We’re getting closer to the opening of the new quick-service restaurant coming to EPCOT. Connections Café and Eatery, which replaces Electric Umbrella, is “opening soon.” This week, Disney released the full menu and gave a preview of some of the items that will be available to guests. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for the menu and preview of items coming to Connections Café and Eatery at EPCOT.
5 – Theme Park Pass Reservations Extremely Limited for April 2022
If you plan to visit Walt Disney World in April 2022, especially for the Easter holiday week. You need to be aware that park reservations are at capacity for most parks except EPCOT. As a result, park reservations for guests with theme park tickets and Disney resort guests have very limited options. Park reservations are also filling up quickly for Disney annual passholders.
The park reservations system is here to stay, as was as limits on park attendance. As soon as you have purchased your park tickets, you need to make your theme park reservations as soon as possible. There is a slight chance Disney will raise capacity limits for these weeks. Still, we have seen multiple holiday periods where parks were completely at capacity, and guests who did not make park reservations early were out of luck. So again, do yourself a favor and make those park reservations as soon as possible!
6 – Cultural Representatives Returning to EPCOT’s World Showcase Late Summer
Disney has announced that the Cultural Representative Program will (finally) return to Walt Disney World in August 2022. However, cast Members from host countries have not been at EPCOT since the park reopened in July 2020. According to Disney International Programs:
The program will return in phases, with participants from select countries whose 2020 program was shortened or canceled now being offered the opportunity to apply. All participants from a 2020 program received an email this morning informing them of their current status and next steps. Learn more at the link in our bio.
We’re looking forward to welcoming back participants from around the world and sharing more updates about Disney International Programs in the future!
We are so excited about the program returning. Not only do Cultural Representatives provide authenticity to the country pavilion, but the additional staff on hand will also help with the staff shortages we’ve seen at Walt Disney World. We’ve seen many of the College Program participants in World Showcase. With the return of the Cultural Representatives, the College Program participants can move to other areas of the park where staff is greatly needed.
7 – New 50th Anniversary Merchandise Coming to Disney World
This spring will see three new product lines unveiled as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration. The new lines will invite guests to commemorate their visit by taking a piece of the magic home. Blending new and nostalgia, the merchandise range will put a fun spin on the latest fashion trends and includes pieces inspired by retro designs and artwork from the 1971 grand opening of Walt Disney World Resort. Learn more at the link below.
8 – New 50th Anniversary Coca-Cola Bottles Now at Walt Disney World!
New 50th Anniversary Coco-Cola bottles are now available at Walt Disney World. Check out our Instagram post below for details.
9 – Sneak Peek at Merchandise Coming to the Disney Wish
The Disney Wish sets sail this July 2022, and, of course, there will be Disney Wish and Disney Cruise Line merchandise for guests to purchase. Disney Cruise Line Cruise Director Ashley Long gives a sneak peek at exclusive merchandise below.
For the past year, we’ve revealed the first-of-their-kind experiences and world-class entertainment coming to the Disney Wish when it sets sail this summer. With the first Disney attraction at sea, immersive restaurants themed to “Frozen” and Marvel, cool kids’ clubs, sophisticated adults-only escapes and so much more, families are sure to make lifelong memories aboard our newest ship.
But what happens when vacation ends? As a cruise director, I’ve seen first-hand how much our guests love to take a piece of the magic home with them, a cherished reminder of their time on board.
That’s why I’m so excited to begin highlighting some of our favorite new product lines and unique Disney Wish merchandise right here on the Disney Parks Blog! From collectibles and toys to apparel and jewelry, we’ll have something for everyone on board. (Or some things … I’ve already got my eye on a few!)
To get us started, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about where you’ll find these special treasures on the ship … and even share a sneak peek or two!
The Disney Wish will feature an elegant retail district that runs between the Grand Hall and the Walt Disney Theatre on deck 3. On either side of this shop-lined promenade, five distinct venues will offer exclusive Disney merchandise and luxury gifts like jewelry, watches and accessories.
One of these shops, Treasures Untold, will be your go-to destination for signature Disney Cruise Line collectibles, including our largest selection of Pandora Jewelry ever, plus limited-time Artist Spotlight collections and guest-favorite Dooney & Bourke handbags. (Check out the new Disney Wish inaugural design on the tote bag!)
In a new location on deck 5, returning Disney cruisers will find a familiar sight: Mickey’s Mainsail, a fleet mainstay filled with Disney Cruise Line-themed souvenirs and gifts, plus even more Disney Wish exclusives — like the special-edition Loungefly mini-backpack and headband above. And on the upper decks, Dory’s Forget-Me-Knots will feature swimwear, water-play gear and fun graphic tees inspired by favorite Disney stories.
Talk about whozits and whatzits galore! This is just a sampling of all the goodies that will be available on board the Disney Wish
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane – New Planning Tools & Paid Access to Lighting Lane
Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Now Through July 4, 2022 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for the menus to the Outdoor Kitchens at the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Click here for photos of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning!
Click here for photos of all of the topiaries at the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!
Click here for photos of the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden merchandise!
New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT
Click here for what’s new and coming to EPCOT as the Historic Transformation Continues.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Now Open – Drawn to Life
Click here for our review of Drawn to Life the new Cirque du Soleil show now open at Disney Springs.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
What’s New & Coming Back to Walt Disney World in 2022!
Click here for the 15 things we’re looking forward to at Walt Disney World in 2022.
May 27, 2022 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Click here for details on the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
July 14-November 19, 2022 – 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for dates and details of the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Click here for — Disney Cruise Line Reveals New Indulgences for Adults Aboard the Disney Wish
Itineraries in 2022
Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line.
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022.
Click here to learn about early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line
Click here for information on Pixar Day at Sea coming in early 2023!
Click here for information on Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line in 2023.
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