DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Food & Wine Dates Announced; New Attraction at Magic Kingdom; Special Treats for May the 4th; New Character Outfits & More

This week we finally learned the dates of the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival! We’ve got more details about the Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, a new attraction coming to Magic Kingdom, and more! Catch all the details below.

1 – Dates Announced for the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

This week, Disney announced the dates for the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. In the last few years, the festival has kicked off in July; however, this year, it will return to its pre-pandemic schedule of opening in August. During the festival, guests can indulge in delectable cuisine, purchase festival merchandise, and enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Visit the link below for details!

Click here for the dates of the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!

2 – Smellephants on Parade Arriving at Magic Kingdom Park

A new attraction is coming to Magic Kingdom, and Disney recently released a first look at what’s coming! Learn more about this attraction at the link below.

Click here for details on the new Smellephants on Parade arriving at Magic Kingdom Park!

3 – Disney Reveals Special Treats for May the 4th

May the 4^th is a special holiday for Star Wars fans, and Disney never misses the chance to celebrate. Visit the link below for limited-time treats and beverages that will be available for May the 4^th celebrations.

Click here for details on the upcoming treats for May the 4^th at Disney Parks.

4 – Every New Character Outfit Revealed for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

In June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will debut its newest Bahamian destination on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point. Guests sailing aboard the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will discover a vibrant beach retreat designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core. Our favorite Disney characters will also be debuting all-new looks for the island, and this week, Disney released concept art of all of the character outfits. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for details on every new character outfit revealed for Disney Lookout Cay of Lighthouse Point.

5 – Disney Receives First Michelin Star for Victoria & Albert’s

Victoria & Albert’s, the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, received its first MICHELIN star at a ceremony held in Tampa on April 18, 2024. At the restaurant, guests can discover a lavish setting, flawless service, and a tasting menu showcasing contemporary American cuisine using the finest ingredients from around the globe. A 500-bottle wine list and innovative zero-proof cocktails round out the offerings. Learn more about the award and restaurant at the link below.

Click here to learn about the first Michelin Star award for Victoria & Albert’s.

6 – 5 Types of Wildlife You’ll See at Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

As noted above, Disney Cruise Line’s newest private island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is welcoming guests this June. While on the island, guests will have the opportunity to see unique wildlife. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for details on the five types of wildlife you’ll see at Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

7 – New Weekday Lunch Menu at Morimoto Asia

Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs is revamping their offerings with new signature pan-Asian cuisine options for weekday lunch, available 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Monday through Friday.

Highlights of the new lunch menu include:

• Katsudon – Panko breaded pork skirt, dashi soy, organic egg, scallions and pickled ginger on top of house-polished white rice. $21
• Poke Bowl  – Tuna, salmon, hamachi marinated in soy, sesame, crunchy garlic chili over sushi rice. $24
• Asian Salad – Mesclun and baby iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomato, red onion, orange segment, apple, wonton chips and ginger dressing. $15
  • Options to add protein: chicken for $9, oishii shrimp for $10, bulgogi beef for $10, calamari for $9 or

In addition to the new lunch specials, a selection of hot entrees, dim sum and sushi rolls are also available during the lunch period. Click here for the full menu.

What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort

Now Through May 27, 2024 – EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

Click here for the 11 things you don’t want to miss at the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!

Click here to view our Instagram Story with photos and video from Opening Day!

Click here to view photos of the Menu Boards with pricing and Disney Dining Plan snack designations!

Now Open – Walt the Dream Statue & World Celebration Gardens

Click here for “New! World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT – 4 Reasons Not to Miss It!”

Click here for a first look at photos and details about the new Walt the Dreamer Statue and World Celebration Gardens.

Now Open – ‘Luminous The Symphony of Us’ – New Nighttime Spectacular at EPCOT

Click here for our thoughts and what you need to know about “Luminous the Symphony of Us” not showing at EPCOT.

Now Open – Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – EPCOT

Click here for what you need to know about Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Coming to Walt Disney World

Summer 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Click here to learn the opening season and more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.

Click here for storyline details of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

2024 – Reimagined ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Click here for details on the new “The Little Mermaid” show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line

Itineraries in 2024-2025

Click here for details on the sailings to the new private island destination and family vacations around the world in summer 2024!

Click here to learn more about 2024 Halloween and Holiday Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.

Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2025 Itineraries.

Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Lines’ summer 2025 itineraries.

The Disney Treasure – Sailing December 2024

Click here for “BIG REVEAL – What’s New & Coming to the Disney Treasure – Disney Cruise Line’s 6^th Ship Coming in 2024.”

Click here for “The Disney Treasure – An Overview of Disney Cruise Line’s Sixth Ship Coming in December 2024!”

Click here to learn about the new Haunted Mansion-themed lounge coming to the Disney Treasure!

Click here to learn about the new and exclusive Broadway-style show coming to the Disney Treasure!

Click here to learn about new port options and an update, including concept art, of Lighthouse Point.

Click here for more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” coming to the Disney Treasure.

The Disney Destiny

Click here for all the details on the upcoming Disney Destiny, sailing in 2025.

The Disney Wish

Click here for an overview of the Disney Wish, including our thoughts and a review of our recent experience.

Click here to learn about staterooms and our room review on the Disney Wish.

Click here to learn about upper deck fun and the AquaMouse – the first Disney attraction at sea!

Click here for an overview of family dining on the Disney Wish!

Click here to learn more about stage show entertainment on the Disney Wish!

Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy

TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 1

TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 2

Click here for a full review of the Hey Howdy Breakfast with Woody and Friends to learn more and get tips and tricks for the best dining experience.