DISNEY NEWS ROUNUP: New Character Dining Menu; New Feature to Make Dining Easier; New Details on Changes to Star Tours; Special Themed Cruises Returning & More
As we get closer to the busy spring season at Walt Disney World, Disney has announced a very exciting new feature that will make dining reservations easier to find, released 1900 Park Fare’s new menu, announced a change coming to Star Tours, and more. Catch all the details below!
1 – 1900 Park Fare Restaurant Menu Announced, Reservations Open
1900 Park Fare is reopening after being closed for over four years. New characters and a new menu will be offered when the restaurant reopens in April. Reservations for the restaurant are now open. Learn more at the link below.
2 – Disney Announces New Featuring to Make Dining Easier
Making advanced dining reservations at Disney Parks is an important part of planning for your Walt Disney World vacation. Unfortunately, though, it can be difficult to find open reservations during your vacation because you have to click on so many different date and time options to find open slots. Thankfully, a new featuring that is coming soon, will make it much easier to find those open reservations. Learn more at the link below.
3 – Changes Coming to Star Tours – New Details Revealed
Coming soon, at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris, the attraction Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will introduce a new destination and characters from recent Disney+ series – “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.” During their flight, guests may encounter urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor or Din Djarin and Grogu. Guests may also visit the planet, Peridea, from the “Ahsoka” series. Learn more at the link below.
4 – Marvel Day at Sea Returning in 2025
Marvel Day at Sea is returning to the Disney Dream in 2025! Setting sail January through early March from Fort Lauderdale, this spectacular day at sea combines the fun and relaxation of a Disney cruise vacation with a thrilling extravaganza with fan-favorite Marvel Characters!
Guests are invited to experience the epic adventures of the legendary super heroes from the Marvel Universe during an unforgettable day at sea. Marvel Day at Sea promises the largest collection of Marvel super heroes and villains assembled on a cruise ship. This day-long celebration will feature entertainment for the whole family including super hero sightings, Marvel-themed activities and unique food and beverage offerings.
Marvel Day at Sea will be offered on five-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
- Departing Jan. 27, Feb. 10, Feb. 24 and March 10, 2025, the Bahamian Caribbean itinerary includes Nassau, Bahamas, Grand Cayman and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
- Departing Feb. 1, Feb. 15; March 1 and March 15, 2025, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Castaway Cay.
5 – Sip, Savor & Stroll Event Coming to Disney Springs
Patina Restaurant Group is excited to debut its “Sip, Savor & Stroll” event on Thursday, March 21, featuring food and drink pairings at three of its Disney Springs restaurants: The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s. Guests are invited to drink, dine and dash during one of the available time slots, as they are escorted from restaurant to restaurant, tasting signature menu items. From Roaring ‘20s inspired pairings to fine Sicilian style eats at Maria & Enzo’s outdoor patio, guests will be set for an exceptional evening.
Here is the menu:
First Stop: The Edison
- Sip: Sunny Disposition Porthole – St. Augustine cane vodka, Lillet Blanc, Giffard Crème de Fraise des Bois, local Florida produce, displayed in The Edison’s signature porthole infuser
- Savor: The Edison’s sourdough grilled cheese, lemon-basil tomato soup shooter
Second Stop: Enzo’s Hideaway
- Sip: Enzoni – Ford’s gin, muddled grapes, Campari, lemon juice, simple syrup
- Savor: Saffron arancini, fior di latte mozzarella, citrus roasted garlic aioli
Third Stop: Maria & Enzo’s Hideaway
- Sip: Blood Orange Mule – Skyy blood orange vodka, Solerno blood orange liqueur, Fever-Tree blood orange ginger beer, lime juice
- Savor: Cannoli, sweet ricotta filling, candied orange, amarena cherry
Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased HERE. Ages 21 and older only.
6 – Disney Merchandise: Spark Joy in the Everyday with 2024 Products and Toys from Disney Consumer Products
We were recently invited by Disney to check out some of the 2024 products and toys from Disney Consumer Products. We’ve always enjoyed Disney products in our home, so we were eager to check them out! Learn more about our time and the products at the link below.
Click here to learn more about the 2024 products and toys from Disney Consumer Products.
7 – Disney Cruise Line Increases Support of Junior Junkanoo to Inspire Students and Preserve Bahamian Tradition
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) joined the community of Eleuthera in Governor’s Harbor on Saturday to celebrate and support this year’s Junior Junkanoo competition. DCL recently increased its funding of Junior Junkanoo Eleuthera by 50%, totaling $75,000, to fund costumes, materials, cash prizes for each participating school and travel costs for the winning Eleuthera team to compete at the national level.
Leading up to the competition, DCL hosted a virtual workshop for students across Eleuthera, connecting them with the Disney entertainment team and acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett. DCL recently announced that Elyett designed new Bahamian-inspired outfits for Mickey and Minnie Mouse and their friends to wear at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, DCL’s new island destination opening this summer on Eleuthera.
“DCL’s investment is about more than costumes and competition. We want to help preserve this important cultural expression and inspire young people to ensure the Junkanoo tradition continues for years to come,” said Joey Gaskins Jr., regional public affairs director, DCL. “Through connecting students participating in Junior Junkanoo with Disney’s entertainment professionals and Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett, we hope to inspire young Bahamians and show them how their talents can lead to careers in creative industries.”
“For nearly 30 years, I have been living my dream of working in the global fashion industry,” said Elyett. “I hope that sharing my experiences and the path that led me here, encourages the students to think beyond designing a costume and lean into those skills to envision their future in a big way.”
During the competition, as the students performed along Queen’s Highway, the Disney team had the opportunity to see the final costumes and experience the parade while the students proudly performed for their community.
“Disney’s work in the community of Eleuthera is exemplary. The DCL team is focused on inspiring young Bahamians and providing the resources they need to believe in themselves, sharpen their creative skills and follow in the footsteps of the Junkanoos who have come before them,” said Hon. Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture. “We’re excited to welcome Disney to our community, and we appreciate their leadership in youth development.”
“As a teacher in Eleuthera, DCL’s support of Junior Junkanoo is tremendous. With this additional funding, we’ve been able to expand the impact of Junior Junkanoo across our community, and our students took their performances to the next level – proudly showcasing what makes their culture special,” said Melinda Pelecanos, a teacher at Tarpum Bay Primary.
Walt Disney Imagineers drew inspiration from Junkanoo to develop Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The destination will offer guests from around the world new ways to enjoy authentically Bahamian experiences and explore Eleuthera and its natural wonders. When guests visit this special destination, they’ll be immersed in the rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking beauty of The Bahamas. Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will create sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians, protect the natural beauty of the site, celebrate the Bahamian culture, and help strengthen the community in Eleuthera.
Disney’s support of Junior Junkanoo is part of the Disney Future Storytellers program – The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to empower the next generation of storytellers and innovators. As DCL’s presence in The Bahamas expands, Disney is committed to creating lasting, positive impact in The Bahamas and investing in programs supporting local youth.
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!”
Now Open – ‘Luminous The Symphony of Us’ – New Nighttime Spectacular 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
Now Open – Tron Lightcycle Run – Magic Kingdom
Click here for our review and what you need to know about TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Click here for everything you need to know about the story behind TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Click here for the first look at TRON Lightcycle / Run merchandise.
Coming to Walt Disney World
2024 and Beyond
Click here for the 18 changes coming to Disney World in 2024 and beyond that you need to know about.
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
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Itineraries in 2024-2025
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2024 Itineraries.
Click here for details on Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, Coming in the Spring of 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.
The Disney Treasure – Sailing 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 for more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” coming to the Disney Treasure.
The Disney Wish
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 – Early 2024
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
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.