DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Guest Transportation Option Returning; Dinner Show Closed Permanently; Mask Update; Summer After Hours Party Returning; Ton of Food Updates; Dole Whip News; EPCOT and DCL Sneak Peeks; DVC Expanding & More
This week in the Disney news roundup we have a number of announcements on the return of pre-pandemic offerings including a fan favorite transportation option and a unique after-hours party this summer. Disney has updated face mask requirements on property and has released details on Earth Week celebration at Animal Kingdom. DVC is expanding, and a opening day entertainment offering will close permanently to make way. In food news, we have a much of new menu offerings and updates around the parks and resorts, and an opening over at Disney Springs that Dole Whip fans are going to be excited about. More details and sneak peeks at changes at Epcot and on Disney Cruise Line. All this and more below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Minnie Van Service to Return This Summer
Disney Parks announced that the Minnie Van Service, which has been unavailable since March 2020, will return sometime this summer. Minnie Van Service is a paid, private transportation option for guests on Walt Disney World property. Pricing has not yet been released. Click the link below for the announcement.
Click here for the announcement of the return of the Minnie Van Service to Walt Disney World.
2 – ICYMI – Mask Update on Skyliner
Walt Disney World has once again updated its face covering policy. Read below for the updated policy, which relaxes face covering use in the Disney Skyliner.
Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on Disney buses and monorails.
We expect the face covering requirement on Disney buses and monorails to be in place as long as the federal face covering policy on public transportation remains in place.
3 – H2O Glow After Hours Returning to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
In 2018, Disney introduced H2O Glow Nights, an after-hours limited capacity event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The event returned in 2019 but was not offered in 2020 or 2021 because of the pandemic. However, this week Disney announced the return of the event this summer. The event is now called H2O Glow After Hours and will take place on Saturday nights this summer. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the H2O Glow After Hours returning to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon this summer.
4 – Space 220 at EPCOT Now Featuring New Menu Items
Space 220 Restaurant, EPCOT’s newest out-of-this-world dining experience, has just added some stellar new dishes to their menu, awaiting guests among the stars.
The new offerings include:
- Short Cake – Matcha Air Cake, Mascarpone Mousse and Strawberries. Available as a Supernova Sweets (dessert) option for three-course prix fixe dinner, or $14 add-on to two-course prix fixe lunch.
- Steak Salad – Marinated Filet Tips, Iceberg Wedges, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Chives, Blue Cheese Crumble and Horseradish Dressing. Available as a Star Course (Entrée) option for lunch only.
- Quinoa Burger – Quinoa-Vegetable Burger, Baby Arugula, Tomato, Yellow Beet Citrus and Mayonnaise. Available as a Star Course (Entrée) option for lunch only.
- Shrimp Cocktail – U 10 Shrimp and Classic Horseradish Cocktail Sauce. Available on the Flight Bites lounge menu.
In addition to brand new items, some favorite dishes have been given upgrades, with new flavors and ingredients:
- Space Glazed Duck Breast – Fried Jasmine Rice, Asparagus, Pineapple and Orange Hoisin Sauce. Available as a Star Course (Entrée) option for dinner only.
- Florida Red Snapper – Pan Seared Red Snapper, Fennel Barigoule and Potato Stew. Available as a Star Course (Entrée) option for dinner only.
- Space Greens – Bibb Lettuce, Compressed Watermelon, Spiced Pecans and Apple Cider Dressing. Available as a Lift-Off (appetizer) option for lunch and dinner.
- Supreme Chicken Breast – Seared Chicken Breast, Polenta Parmesan Cake, Petite Balsamic Lentils and Basil Oil. Available as a Star Course (Entrée) option for lunch and dinner.
Space 220 Restaurant opened last September, taking guests a simulated 220 miles above Earth’s surface to savor a delicious two or three-course prix fixe meal or enjoy bites in a lounge setting.
Full menus for lunch and dinner prix fixe can be viewed here, and the lounge menu can be viewed here. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made via the official Walt Disney World website.
5 – Menu Updates and More at Walt Disney World and Disneyland
There are some other new menu items and updates at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Disney Cast Member Nicole Cantore has all the details below.
As spring gets into full swing, there are a ton of updates happening from coast to coast foodies like you can enjoy. In this edition of Best Bites, you’ll find all the exciting openings, updates, and new treats at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. From the brand-new Swirls on the Water serving up DOLE Whip at Disney Springs to breakfast coming back to Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland Resort, these treats are a must for your next visit.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for all the exciting things coming to both resorts. Take a peek at the latest and greatest in eats and sips. Enjoy!
Let’s kick things off at Walt Disney World Resort with some delicious menu updates at Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Starting March 29, this menu is getting a revamp with delicious dishes including a Cuban Sandwich, Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Burger, Teriyaki Tofu Bowl, and Chicken Southwest Salad. These dishes don’t just look great, they’re packed with delicious flavors and ingredients. Just look at them!
And what meal is complete without a sweet finish. The Wookiee Cookie is back and not one to miss on your next adventure to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars and sweets – what could be better than that? Pick up all of these yummy items from Backlot Express through Mobile Order on your next visit.
You’re going to go wild for these tasty offerings coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Over in Africa, the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery will be serving up a Marinated Pork Flatbread Sandwich featuring marinated pork atop of a cucumber-tomato salad, harissa aïoli, and greens with house-made chips, as well as the Spiced Potato Hand Pies, fried pastries with seasonal vegetables and potatoes – yum!
Calling all Wilderness Explorers! You don’t have to look very far for a culinary adventure because there are some Wilderness Explorer Cupcakes waiting to be discovered across Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. At Pizzafari you’ll find the Flamingo Badge Cupcake, a coconut cupcake with exotic fruit filling, coconut frosting, white chocolate pearls and a white chocolate flamingo badge. Over at Flame Tree Barbecue the Dragonfly Badge Cupcake is a pink lemonade flavor with a strawberry compote filling and topped with lemon frosting and a dragonfly medallion – how tasty! Lastly, the Dinosaur Badge Cupcake can be found at Restaurantosaurus and is a chocolate cake with a cookie cheesecake filling, yes you heard that right, and finished with chocolate frosting and a white chocolate dinosaur badge. All of these treats are available on Mobile Order too! If you’re a fan of coffee, there are even some new caffeinated beverages on the horizon. If you find yourself at Dino-Bite Snacks, be sure to try the Cold Brew Iced Coffee. And for a sweeter take on this beverage, try the Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream Float. Ice cream and coffee sure sounds appealing to me.
Our Resorts at Walt Disney World are also here with some exciting news. At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, the Barcelona Lounge recently began featuring live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can even Build-Your-Own Gin and Tonic as you enjoy the vibes and sweet tunes from a Spanish guitarist. You simply have to come out and try this spot.
At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, you can now get your hands and taste buds on some new beignets and beverages at Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge. This tasty treat includes a trio of Mickey-shaped Beignets served with red pepper jelly, pimento cheese, and green goddess dressing dusted with powdered sugar – delicious! The Oyster Beignet Po’Boy is a Mickey-shaped beignet with fried oysters, lettuce, tomato, Cajun rémoulade, and house-made pickles served with potato chips. Now onto the drinks. The Bebop Bloody Mary combines vodka and spicy bloody Mary mix topped with shrimp, andouille sausage, and celery – a bloody Mary fan’s dream! You can also sip on the Syncopation Shift featuring vodka, rum, mango rum, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice with a glow cube or the Bonfamilles Bourbon Peach Tea with bourbon, peach schnapps, and fresh-brewed sweet tea. And to top off these yummy additions, live entertainment has returned to this lively location on select nights!
Disney’s Old Key West Resort has also joined in on Best Bites with their new change to Shrimp Fritters at both Olivia’s Cafe and Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits. The unique thing about this new update is that it was done to help support sustainable seafood initiatives while keeping the environment in mind! Stop by these locations to try these delicious fritters for yourself.
For our last resorts update, but certainly not the least. You’ve likely been wondering when Victoria & Albert’s would be opening its doors once again at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and I am very pleased to share that this beloved favorite will be coming back later this year. While we don’t have specifics right now, stay tuned for updates to come!
And finally for Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs has a few new openings you’ll definitely want to have on your radar. If you’re a food truck fan, Local Green Orlando has rolled into Disney Springs to bring a combination of plant-based, vegetarian, and pescatarian dishes that are nutritious and delicious, like the Monsta shrimp burger, Bubba Sparxx vegan pulled BBQ sandwich, and the Elote Street Corn.
Now, let’s take a little trip over to the West Coast with updates from Disneyland Resort. If you find yourself kick-starting your day at the park, the Red Rose Taverne has begun serving breakfast once again! Feast upon the Beast Breakfast Burger, an Angus patty, bacon-orange marmalade, egg, and arugula on a toasted bun with a side of potato bites. You can also enjoy the Vegetable Quinoa Breakfast Bowl filled with quinoa, roasted mushrooms and cauliflower, arugula, tomato, potato bites, and spicy lime aïoli. I don’t know about you, but these sound delicious to me. And you can get them on Mobile Order too!
Well, there you have it, a roundup of the latest and greatest in food and drinks from coast to coast. I hope you’re excited for what’s new and what’s to come. Happy eating!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)
6 – New ‘Swirls on the Water’ Dole Whip Shop Now Open at Disney Springs
There’s a new way to get Dole Whip at Disney World. Disney Cast Member Nicole Cantore shares the details below.
You can indulge in all the DOLE Whip your heart desires with the brand-new Swirls on the Water. This kiosk will feature delicious flavors as well as signature items like DOLE Whip Lime & Habanero Soft-serve Nachos featuring waffle cone chips topped with DOLE Whip lime and habanero soft-serve, mango boba pearls, Tajin spice, raspberry sauce, and whipped cream, or the 50th Celebration Cone with a DOLE Whip lemon and cookie dough soft serve swirl. You can also try the DOLE Whip Flight featuring all six of the featured swirl flavors and those over 21 can indulge in the Sangria Float featuring DOLE Whip and red wine sangria!
7 – Earth Week Celebration Details Announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
April 22 is Earth Day, and it’s also the anniversary date for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park usually celebrates Earth Week, and this year Disney has announced details on what extra offerings will be available April 18-24. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on Earth Week Celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
8 – Disney Vacation Club to Expand Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney Vacation Club announced proposed plans to develop new Disney Vacation Club villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Disney Vacation Club debuted in 1991 with a flexible, vacation points-based system rather than the traditional fixed-week timeshare model. Today, Disney Vacation Club has more than 250,000 Member families, from all 50 states and approximately 100 countries, who have discovered the joys of membership.
“It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”
Inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Imagineers of today are honoring the past while furthering the resort story with this innovative addition. Projected to open in late 2024, the proposed vacation ownership property would complement the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands.
Situated on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, the proposed property would join the rest of the resort in offering stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. Proposed plans would offer additional rooms, new recreation offerings and dining options. More information and project details will be shared at a later date.
Since 2015, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows has been a favorite resort destination, offering an island paradise in the middle of the magic. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows currently has 380 Disney Vacation Club villas, including the largest Deluxe Studios at any Disney Vacation Club resort at Walt Disney World and unique two-bedroom Bora Bora Bungalows, located over the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon – the first of their kind at Disney.
For more information, visit www.disneyvacationclub.com.
9 – Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Will Not Return to Disney’s Polynesian Villas Resort
With the announcement of the expansion of the Disney Vacation Club offerings at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows came the confirmation that the very popular “Spirit of Aloha” dinner show would not be returning and is permanently closed. The show has been closed since March 2020, and we’re very sad that it will not be returning.
10 – Disney Announces Tumble Monkeys Will Return to ‘The Celebration of the Lion King’ this Summer
Disney Parks announced via TikTok that the Tumble Monkeys will be returning “this summer.” Check out the post below.
@disneyparks It…is….time 🐵 Tumble Monkeys are making their return this Summer #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #AnimalKingdom #FestivalOfTheLionKing #Monkey
11 – Starbucks at EPCOT Moving to New Location
This spring, Connections Café will become the new home of Starbucks at EPCOT. Like other Starbucks locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, this Starbucks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings. To make way for Starbucks to move to its new location in World Celebration, Traveler’s Café in World Showcase will close this spring.
12 – Disney Gives Sneak Peek of New Store Coming to EPCOT
Zach Riddley of Walt Disney Imagineering has given a new look at Treasures of Xandar, a new merchandise location coming to EPCOT at the Guardians of the Galaxy Rewind attraction.
Here is what Zach shares in his post:
Another exciting milestone this morning at the Wonders of Xandar pavilion as we announce and reveal our merchandise location: Treasures of Xandar!
This store is operated by The Broker, a proud Xandarian, who’s been awarded the contract and brought part of his famous store here to EPCOT. Some of the merchandise pays tribute to Xandar and items acquired throughout the galaxy and, of course, some items celebrate The Heroes of Xandar, the Guardians of the Galaxy.
The Broker also shared the following with our WDI team recently: “I am so delighted to bring my wares to the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. As a proud Xandarian, it gives me great pleasure to represent my planet to you Terrans and allow you to bring home a small bit of Xandar from my shop: Treasures of Xandar. I only hope that it brings our two cultures that much closer together.”
Seeing these design elements come into place completes years worth of dreaming and creating by our talented team. And the results are out of this world! We look forward to inviting all of you to the opening this summer as part of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.
13 – New Concept Art for Connections Café Released
Zach Riddley of Walt Disney Imagineering also released new concept art for the upcoming Connections Café, the quick-service restaurant coming to EPCOT.
Here is what Zach shares in his post:
Here is an early concept rendering for Connections Café at EPCOT, as seen from the south side of the new location right across the breezeway from Creations Shop. What I love about this piece is that it beautifully illustrates a few points of “connection” that we designed for our guests in this new space – how the gardens and greenery within World Celebration will complement the interiors, allowing our guests to harmonize with nature outside; how friends and family will gather together around a meal or beverage; and how show kitchens will provide a culinary experience for our guests within. The kitchen you see represented here will actually be responsible for making a variety of baked goods, which will be available at Connections Eatery.
You can just make out how the exterior approach reestablishes the arc of the building, expressing the original concept of a radial grid. Like the adjacent Creations Shop, light and color will play a big part in the interior aesthetic, including the same floor to ceiling glazing and a massive hand-painted mural we’ve previously mentioned within Connections Eatery. One very important detail I want to share about Connections Café, is that it will be the future home of Starbucks at EPCOT when the location opens this spring! Like other Starbucks locations inside our theme parks, this Starbucks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings – but more of those details to come later on.
14 – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Disney Wish First Look
The Disney Wish, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship that will set sail this summer, promises some amazing offerings for families. This week Disney Cruise Line gave a sneak peek at some of the makeover options that will be available at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the ship. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for a first look at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Wish
15 – Three Rhino Siblings Now at Kilimanjaro Safaris
You can now see three rhino siblings on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Disney Cast Member Scott Terrell has all the details below.
One of the most exciting milestones for our team of animal care experts, and personally one of my favorite moments, is introducing an animal to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Four-month-old Logan’s debut on the savanna this week was extra special, as it was the first time rhino siblings Ranger, Mylo and Logan were out together, and guests were able to see this adorable trio in action.
Ranger marked the first white rhino birth at Walt Disney World Resort in five years in October 2020, with Mylo joining the crash (herd) in September 2021. Logan, born in November 2021 and aptly named after her mom Lola and dad Dugan, is the youngest of the three southern white rhinos born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
These successful rhino births are a major achievement for our team and the rhino population in managed care. All three rhinos allow us to learn more about this incredible species, and these learnings can be shared to benefit rhinos worldwide.
It takes a lot of teamwork to bring one rhino to the savanna – let alone three for the first time in the park’s history! As incredible as it is to see three rhino calves roaming around together, what is truly amazing is our Animals, Science and Environment team that helped make it a reality starting more than two years ago. The coordination of our scientists, veterinarians, animal keepers and so many other cast members was crucial to this success story.
So, what does this process include, exactly?
Selection through the Species Survival Plan
The process begins with lots of planning and logistical preparation. Many factors influence the pairing of rhinos through the Species Survival Plan overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the responsible breeding of endangered and threatened species in managed care. The genetic diversity of the rhinos selected is one of the most important factors, and pairing genetically unrelated individuals helps ensure a healthy animal population for generations.
Animal Nutrition
Our team of animal nutritionists monitor the diets of all animals in our care to ensure they receive the nutrients they need. Once the rhinos are paired, their diets can be further adjusted as needed for pregnancy, lactation and growth.
Endocrinology
Before any introductions are made, our team of animal endocrinologists monitor specific hormone patterns that change after ovulation and throughout the rhinos’ pregnancy. This tracking is possible because the rhinos are trained to voluntarily participate in their own care, allowing our team to collect blood samples and feces to monitor hormones related to ovulation and pregnancy. Once the appropriate timing is determined, breeding can begin through a carefully controlled process.
Veterinary Care
Our animal health team works with endocrinologists and animal keepers to monitor the animals throughout their long pregnancies. Quick fact – rhinos have one of the longest gestation periods of any animal! During this approximately 16 to 18 months, the health of the mom and baby are monitored through regular checkups and ultrasounds. Through these ultrasounds, the team was able to watch Logan grow from a ball of cells to the 160 pounds she weighed at birth.
Animal Care and Training
Through training sessions, our animal care experts work with each mom individually to participate in regular checkups throughout her pregnancy. This helps ensure the health of mom and baby.
Once the rhino calf is born, mom and baby will spend months backstage bonding. During this crucial time, the keepers will ensure the calf is nursing and growing. This time also allows keepers to focus on each animal and teach important training behaviors so the baby rhino is set up for success and social life on the savanna. Once the calf is ready, keepers work with the rhino calves to slowly introduce them to the rhino crash and the many other animals on the savanna.
Rhino Conservation
White rhinos are a very social species, and they’re constantly learning from each other. Just as they pass along important behaviors like sparring and wallowing in the mud, with each successful rhino birth our team is able to better understand and share vital information on the many dynamics of rhino fertility. These learning experiences lead to an even higher quality of care for this special species and can be put into practice to help future rhinos born in managed care as well as their counterparts found in their range countries.
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.
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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