Walt Disney World had already shared the news that a brand new and exclusive Mickey Mouse Popcorn Bucket for Annual Passholders will be released on October 25th. Well now, we’ve got the all important details for everyone who will be desperately trying to grab one of these new collectibles! Thankfully the exclusive bucket will be available in at least one location in each of the theme parks, PLUS Disney Springs Hopefully this will speed the inevitable long lines out throughout the resort! Passholders will be able to visit the following locations to purchase this exclusive popcorn bucket: City Hall Popcorn Cart at Magic Kingdom Popcorn Cart near the Creations Shop at EPCOT Feeding Ground Popcorn Cart at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hollywood Popcorn cart at Disney’s Hollywood Studios West Side Cart at Disney Springs Walt Disney World have pointed out that their will be limited availability, so you’ll want to get in the line for this early! To purchase one of these new popcorn buckets, Passholders will be required to present a valid Annual Pass as well as a valid photo ID.

Together with the announcement that Fantasmic will return November 3, 2022 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World has teased details about the return of the popular Fantasmic dining packages also! Here’s the little piece of info announced by Disney: And don’t miss out! Beginning Oct. 26, “Fantasmic!” dining packages for select restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available for performances Nov. 30 and beyond. Previously The Fantasmic! Dinner Package Package included a meal reservation plus a Fantasmic! reserved seating pass. The Fantasmic Package was offered at 3 restaurants: Brown Derby, Mama Melrose, and Hollywood & Vine.

Today Walt Disney World announced that the nighttime spectacular Fantastic! is returning to Hollywood Studios on November 3, 2022, It was also teased by Disney that the Fantasmic! dining packages would be returning also, but it looks like we are going to have to wait a little longer, with a return date for the dining packages on November 30. Walt Disney World have now released the details, including the list of venues included in the dining package and prices. Each package includes an entrée with either an appetizer or dessert at full-service restaurants (or a full buffet for buffet restaurants). A non-alcoholic beverage is also included. Dining packages for Fantasmic! will be available at the following venues: 50s Prime Time Cafe – Dinner $51 for adults, $22 for kids Classic American comfort food, ’50s kitsch and a good old-fashioned family gathering take you back to a bygone era. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano –– Dinner $54 for adults, $22 for kids Mangia in the backlot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at this casual but colorful Italian eatery with a California twist. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – Dinner $49 for adults, $22 for kids Do dinner and a show ’50s-style at our drive-in “theater,” featuring all-American cuisine and sci-fi movie clips. The Hollywood Brown Derby – Dinner $73 for adults, $29 for kids Step into the Golden Age of Hollywood at this warm, wood-paneled restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine. Hollywood & Vine Lunch & Dinner – Breakfast: $54 for adults, $36 for kids Lunch & Dinner: $71 for adults, $47 for kids Celebrate breakfast with Disney Junior Stars or enjoy lunch and dinner with Minnie and friends at seasonal dining parties.

Several character meet and greet opportunities will be suspended soon at Walt Disney World! The cutback comes at a time when the resort is currently struggling to find enough Cast Members to staff various positions throughout the resort. Ince re-opening after the enforced closure due to the COVID outbreak, Walt Disney World has been constantly holding auditions for character performers, but it appears the resort still cannot fill all positions, and some cutbacks are coming soon. The cutbacks reported by wdwmagic are due to begin on October 23rd, 2022 at the following locations: Donald & Daisy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Max & Goofy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Minnie at Magic Kingdom Minnie at International Gateway in EPCOT PLUS, several character meet and greets that were previously announced to return soon will not be returning anytime soon. Character meets at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Magic Kingdom, Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios, and Ariel at Magic Kingdom are among those affected.

Walt Disney World has just announced that Fantastic! will return to Hollywood Studios on November 3, 2022, and when the show resumes it will be a new and improved version! Firstly, the nighttime spectacular will be ever so slightly longer than when it last ran in 2020, previously a 26 minute show, Fantasmic will be 29 minutes when it returns in a only a few weeks. Plus, Walt Disney World offered the following details about the show’s return, including some new scenes: Forces of good and evil will once again battle it out in Mickey’s dream as the long-awaited return of Fantasmic! debuts Nov. 3 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The legendary nighttime spectacular invites guests into Mickey’s imagination for a larger-than-life show painted on a grand canvas of dancing water overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises. The elaborate 29-minute nighttime spectacular takes place nightly – a kaleidoscope of entertainment featuring thrilling stunts, dazzling special effects and a rousing score based on classic Disney animated films. Fantasmic! is just one of many new and returning live-entertainment experiences guests can enjoy during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration. “Fantasmic! is a show that will take you on a journey to see so many characters, so many villains and heroes,” says Melanie Gagne, entertainment proprietor for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “It’s one of our biggest shows, and many guests will plan their day or their entire vacation around Fantasmic! The return of Fantasmic! will include the debut of an all-new sequence that will bring to life heroic moments from Disney stories such as “Moana,” “Mulan,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” and “Frozen 2.” “In bringing Fantasmic! back, we have a brand-new scene that we’re calling our Disney Heroes scene,” says Matthew Hamel, show director for Disney Live Entertainment. “We get to see some new characters introduced to Fantasmic!, and we get to show their stories in a new, unique way utilizing a combination of projections, lasers and new lighting.” “Through this entire sequence, we go on a journey with our heroes. We see them faced with a decision, and how hard that can be for them, then watch as they find that strength within themselves to push through in a truly spectacular way,” said Hamel. The new heroes sequence features a high-energy Aladdin chase with stunts never before seen on the “Fantasmic!” stage, a powerful scene with Elsa set to the song “Show Yourself” that is sure to thaw the most frozen of hearts, and stirring moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan. Fun fact: To help choreograph the authentic Chinese martial arts you’ll see in Mulan’s scene, the creative team brought in Mimi Chan – the original muse and model animators used when bringing the character of Mulan to life for the 1998 animated film. Eye-Catching Visuals, Immersive Storytelling The show combines live performers with stunning special effects, colorful pyrotechnic explosions, animation and dancing waters synchronized to the melodies of timeless Disney classics. “It was extremely exciting to take advantage of technological enhancements that didn’t originally exist when the show opened in 1998,” says Katrina Mena Rick, broadcast creative producer for Disney Live Entertainment. “So, we [worked] with other disciplines such as special effects, lighting, lasers and music to ensure that our visual content was as exactly seamless and as beautiful as it could be.” A Journey Beyond Guests’ Wildest Imaginations Audiences are transported into a fantastical adventure with Mickey Mouse where his magic creates dancing waters, shooting comets, animated fountains, swirling stars, balls of fire and other amazing wonders. When Disney villains intrude on Mickey’s fantasy and turn his dreams into nightmares, he uses the powers of good to triumph over evil. “Bringing back Fantasmic! here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios means so much to our guests,” says Mena Rick. “It was a task to not only preserve the legacy of the show but also introduce new characters for the next generation.” Fantasmic! Fast Facts: Fantasmic! originally opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 15, 1998. The show features animation and characters from more than 25 films. The moat surrounding the Fantasmic! island stage contains 1.9 million gallons of water. Maleficent, in dragon form, is the final villain that Mickey Mouse battles, and she stands 40-feet tall. In addition to Maleficent, 10 other villains appear in the show. In the finale, Mickey Mouse and 35 other characters appear on a steamboat inspired by the one seen in “Steamboat Willie,” Located off Sunset Boulevard, the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater seats 6,900 guests with additional standing room for about 3,000 guests. Tips for Guests Fantasmic! is performed nightly at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can enter the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater up to 90 minutes prior to the show’s start. Since it is an outdoor venue, the show is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Showtimes are subject to change. Beginning October 26, dining packages for select restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available for dining beginning November 30, 2022.

Walt Disney World has finally announced a return date for Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! So, will the powers of Mickey’s incredible imagination still be strong enough, and bright enough, to withstand the evil forces that invade Mickey’s dreams? We are about to find out on November 3, 2022. Back and better than ever, the larger-than-life, open-air nighttime musical will boast the live performers, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics you know and love – complete with a brand-new show sequence! Fantasmic will return with an all new hero sequence featuring a high-energy Aladdin chase with stunts never before seen on the “Fantasmic!” stage, a powerful scene with Elsa set to the song “Show Yourself” that is sure to thaw the most frozen of hearts, and stirring moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan. “We know this show means so much to people, and we’ve kept that in mind every step of this journey.” says Disney Live Entertainment Producer, Laurice Marier. “Even beyond the new scene, we’ve taken this time to upgrade the lasers, the lighting, the sound, all to bring this show back even more beautiful than it’s ever been. We’re all really just so excited for guests to see it.” Fun fact: To help choreograph the authentic Chinese martial arts you’ll see in Mulan’s scene, the creative team brought in Mimi Chan – the original muse and model animators used when bringing the character of Mulan to life for the 1998 animated film. Rehearsals for the Hollywood Studios nighttime spectacular have been underway since late August, while testing of the fountains for the show began in September. We can't wait to see the new and improved Fantasmic!

Remember that we were promised a big shiny new and exciting pavilion at EPCOT back in 2019! Well Disney's Play Pavilion should have been open right now, it was actually set to open last year, as a new headliner attraction celebrating Walt Disney Word's 50th Anniversary in 2022. Yet the Pavilion still sits empty as the 50th celebrations come to an end, although lets not mention Tron, another headliner for the 50th that's still under construction! At the announcement for the Play pavilion, Imagineer Zach Riddley said “This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to EPCOT. Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for EPCOT – and another signature element of our transformation.” Sounds awesome, right? So where is this wonderful new attraction... Sounds good, too good to be true it seems, Play Pavilion has since been quietly paused, scaled back, cancelled, or well... nobody seems to actually know, we don't even think that Disney know either, perhaps they have just forgotten about it, well it is hard to see that bright gold pavilion lurking in the corner of EPCOT hidden behind the massive Guardians Of The Galaxy building, housing a brand new shiny ride: that at least Disney delivered on that project! Only weeks ago it seemed all was not lost, as the pavilion was actually listed on the shiny new EPCOT40 commemorative map given out to celebrate EPCOT's 40th Anniversary on October 1! A close inspection at the World Discovery area of the park map revealed a tiny little dot above the former Wonders of Life Pavilion proclaims “Future Home of PLAY!,” But now as it looked like Play might actually still be happening, it seems Disney have killed the project forever! According to WDNT sources inside the compan now indicate that executives have “officially” canceled the project during a recent retreat to Walt Disney World. Reportedly, it was the the main man himself, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Josh D’Amaro, and king of the selfie, who pulled the trigger and killed the project. This seems crazy considering that a lot of the interior had already been installed and completed. Yes, we had already heard that the project had been considerably slimmed down with those originally working on the PLAY! Pavilion having been moved to other projects, but still!! Imagine giving up on a half-built new attraction, what's going on at Disney right now, seriously! Who knows why D'Amaro had killed the project, but honestly nothing surprises us right now with the current Disney management.

Downtown Orlando was vibrant in color, smiles and PRIDE this past weekend as hundreds of Walt Disney World cast members and allies across Central Florida walked together in the annual Come Out With Pride parade in Downtown Orlando. Including Mikey Mouse, they honored the contributions, cultures and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community while raising funds for local organizations who are actively making a difference for this incredible community. This event brings thousands of local LGBTQIA+ members and allies together each year to celebrate the contributions, cultures and experiences of the community while also raising money for incredible organizations making a real difference in Central Florida. “Participating in Orlando’s Come Out With Pride parade is our opportunity as cast members to come together and show Disney’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Michael Teplansky, Disney PRIDE employee resource group leader. “Disney is a place where all are welcome, and it was amazing celebrating the joining of my fellow cast members, family and allies who represent a rich diversity of background"

As fall approaches and slightly colder temperatures begin to arrive in Orlando, it's that time of the year when Orlando's water parks can and do close due to cooler temperatures. For the first time this season, Walt Disney World have announced that due to inclement weather conditions, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be closed on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. The park is currently expected to reopen to Guests on Thursday, October 20, but that is subject to change, it just depends how long the cold front decided to hang about in the Central Florida area.

The much loved Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will return for its 13th year this November, treating guests to a street party festival with unlimited food and beverage tastings at diverse food stations, featuring unlimited culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, and wine, beer and other sips from around the world. The great news is that the FULL MENU has ben revealed for this years event. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic takes place on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, an annual tradition here in Orlando since 2010. The menu lineup includes creative new dishes, returning festival favorites from the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team and a first taste of the resort’s new upscale restaurant Rosa Mexicano, opening in 2023. Rosa Mexicano’s featured menu items will include: Classic guacamole en molcajete with warm tortilla chips and roasted tomato salsa. Pork carnitas de cazuela with habernero-pickled red onions, shaved cabbage, avocado, salsa crudo, tomatillo pico de gallo and corn tortilla chips. Roasted mushroom taco: shitake, cremini, oyster blend, pasilla chile, green apple slaw, sliced avocado, queso fresco, corn tortilla. Chopped cheese alambre taco: certified angus ground beef, bacon, cheese, poblano peppers, tomato, onion, shredded lettuce, ketchup, charred jalapeno mayo, flour tortilla Other new menu highlights from the hotel’s restaurants and Food & Wine Classic themed areas include: Compressed late harvest watermelon with spiced labneh, marinated tomatoes, frisee and marinated feta cheese from Cabana Shu Mein: Shanghai noodle, braised tofu, shiitake mushroom, bamboo, ginkgo nuts, vegan broth from Chinatown “Plate Lunch:” Huli Huli chicken with steamed white rice and macaroni salad from The Pig & The Poke Baked ricotta cheese custard with carrot, radish, tomato and pine nut “gremolata” from Il Mulino Johnstown “barbeque” chipped ham with secret sauce and soft roll from Fountain Returning favorites include: Grilled Mahi Mahi with Tuscan kale, toasted fregola sarda and Spanish caper sauce from the Swan Reserve. Dynamite shrimp with tempura fried crispy seasoned sushi rice, fried shishito pepper and tentsuyu sauce from Todd English’s bluezoo. Hearts of palm ceviche: thinly shaved fresh hearts of palm, citrus, bell pepper, fresh jalapeno pepper, bermuda onion from Hang 10. Roasted Linz heritage black angus beef tenderloin with organic mushrooms, pearl onion and sauce foyot from Shula’s Steak House. Dragon sushi roll from Kimonos. The Swan and Dolphin pastry team will showcase a delectable array of all-new desserts: Banana split tart with nitro vanilla ice cream 66% dark chocolate tart with basil white chocolate cream, candied lemon zest and fried basil leaf White peach-red currant melba with almond cake crumbs and peach meringue drops Pumpkin hazelnut cheesecake with gingered cranberry compote Discover the full menu right here. Set outside among the scenic ambiance of the resort, the event features live music, over 20+ food stations, 100+ beverage selections and immersive themed areas, such as the beer garden and the bubble lounge. Stroll the causeway where you will be tempted with a diverse selection of delectable delights prepared by the resorts award-winning chefs. The talented chefs will be offering unrivaled cuisine to please every palate, and you can meet the star line-up of award-winning chefs including Todd English, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. “This event means so much to us because we get to share our passion for food and beverage with our guests in a tangible, interactive way,” said Luciano Sperduto, the resort’s director of food & beverage. “We couldn’t be more excited to create an even more delicious, energetic and memorable experience this year.” Tickets to this special event are available now, and guests purchasing event tickets can also book a room at a special rate. Visit www.FoodandWineClassic.com for more information and to purchase tickets to the event.

Universal Orlando has confirmed that the greatest party this side of the bayou is returning to Universal Studio's Florida next February! Feet don't fail us now as Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Is returning in February 2023! The fan-favorite event will run from February 4, 2023, through April 16, 2023, and we can't wait. The bright and colourful parade will be back, as will the awesome tribute store, the yummy food, and the big name concerts too! See y'all there. “The parkwide celebration will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with mouthwatering cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond,” Universal promised in a news release. All of the Mardi Gras events are free with park admission. Universal Orlando said more details will be revealed soon about the event.

SeaWorld Orlando have today, October 18, 2022 officially announced their brand new coaster for 2023, and it's name is gonna be PIPELINE! Feel the awesome power of the ocean in a whole new way on Pipeline, the first-of-its-kind surf coaster coming to SeaWorld here in Orlando in Spring 2023. Youll experience the rush of launching 110 feet up and sensing every bank and curve as though you’re really riding the waves, thanks to an inventive harness that keeps you secure while giving you unparalleled freedom of movement. This new surf coaster will be the seventh addition to the Coaster Capital of Orlando, lets hope its seventh heaven for PIPELINE! When it opens Pipeline will reach top speeds of around 60 mph. Each rider will get the “rush of cutting through waves” as they race up to heights of 110 feet in the air along 2,950 feet of track. Pipeline will feature a unique surfboard ride vehicle will give riders an immersive experience when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave. Riders will encounter the rush of hanging loose on a massive wave while in a standing position as the coaster sends them through several gnarly twists and turns with five airtime movements and an innovative 'wave curl' inversion and maximum speed of 60 MPH. With a projected 54" rider height, this first-of-its-kind coaster is ideal for thrill enthusiasts everywhere. The coaster is inspired by the different surfing cultures found around the world, including California and Australia, and the theme will be incorporated not only on the attraction but throughout the entire attraction area. "We are always looking for exciting ways to take thrills to a new level. This first-of-its-kind roller coaster will be the perfect addition to the already incredible lineup of attractions at SeaWorld Orlando,” said Kyle Miller, SeaWorld Orlando park president. “SeaWorld Orlando will be the only place in the world to ride a roller coaster like this and we welcome everyone looking for the chance to experience it.” Construction is well underway within the park of what will be SeaWorld Orlando's seventh coaster. The surf coaster will feature riders in a standing position, and is being manufacturer by Swiss coaster firm B & M, who have built three other coasters at SeaWorld Orlando: Kraken, Mako and Manta. Back in June SeaWorld Orlando first showed pictures of Pipeline's track arriving at the theme park.