DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Halloween Party Eats & Treats Revealed; Special Haunted Mansion Themed Food; Food & Wine Opens; Trails End Reopens; Disney 100 Celebration Details & More
It was an exciting week of Disney news. The 2023 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival opened, and we got our first look at all the fantastic treats at the 2023 Halloween party. Over at the Haunted Mansion, there’s an update on a very cool change coming to the attraction and some frighteningly delicious Haunted Mansion-themed treats to celebrate the release of the new movie. The new Trails End is open, and we have a full rundown of the menu. We also have new details on the Disney 100 Celebration. All this and more are below in this week’s Disney news roundup.
1 – Food & Wine Festival Opens at EPCOT
The 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival opened this week. We attended a preview to get a look at the all-new Brew-Wing Odyssey Global Marketplace and get a peek at some of the merchandise. We were also there on opening day and have photos of all the menu boards with pricing for easy planning. Visit the links below for all the details! The popular festival runs through November 18, 2023.
2 – Disney Unveils Haunted Mansion Treats & Update on Hatbox Ghost Coming to Magic Kingdom
Disney has long been promising the addition of the Hatbox Ghost to the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom. This week we got an update on when that might happen, along with a look at some limited-time treats to celebrate the release of the new movie, “Haunted Mansion.” Learn more at the link below.
3 – Disney Reveals Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Food Offerings
It’s hard to believe, but the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is less than two weeks away. Disney has revealed the food and beverage items that will be available at the party. Most of the items are exclusive to the party, but a few will be available at Magic Kingdom during normal operation hours. Visit the link below for the details.
4 – Disney Releases Dates & Details on Disney100 Celebration at Walt Disney World
The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. Disneyland has been celebrating since January of this year. This week Disney announced the dates of the celebration that is coming to EPCOT in September. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for dates and details on the Disney100 Celebration coming to EPCOT.
5 – Trail’s End Restaurant & Crockett’s Tavern Reopen with New Menu and Refurbished Eating Area
In mid-April, Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground closed for refurbishment. The popular all-you-care-to-eat table service restaurant is now a market-style quick-service restaurant. This week the restaurant and the adjoining Crockett’s Tavern reopened with new menus and an updated look. P & J’s Southern Takeout, the previous quick-service restaurant, is now closed. As we noted in April, we are sad that Trail’s End is no longer a table service restaurant. It was a favorite dining location of ours for many years. We have a camping trip planned in August at Fort Wilderness and will be checking out the new format. Look for a review next month.
6 – Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Deck Party on the Disney Dream
Deck parties on Disney Cruise Line are a lot of fun, especially for children. This summer, a new deck party will debut on the Disney Dream. Learn more below.
Click here for more details on the new deck party coming to the Disney Dream.
7 – Pony Born at Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort
In early July, a Shetland pony was born at the Tri-Circle Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Check out our Instagram post below with details and photos.
8 – Apply to Become a 2024 planDisney Panelist
Do your friends go to you for Disney advice because you know so much about Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Line? If yes, you may want to consider applying to become a 2024 planDisney panelist. Disney Cast Member Lisa Mendillo has all the details below:
Yes, it is time for the 2024 planDisney Search! The time when we at planDisney begin the Search for the new planDisney panelists from guests just like you! This year’s Search will open at Noon ET on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, and close promptly at Noon ET on August 7, 2023. Through our process we look for guests who enjoy sharing their Disney vacation planning knowledge and excellent tips with others. A master Disney vacation planner if you will. Does this sound like you? If so, then apply to be a 2024 planDisney Panelist and join our adventure.
What is planDisney?
planDisney is a diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable guests who share their insights on planDisney.com to help other guests maximize their Disney vacations. Panelists are chosen for their ability to efficiently answer guests’ questions in one of four specialties: Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, or Disney Vacation Club. And we even have specialists that answer in four languages: English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. “I like to think of planDisney as an online representation of the diverse people and families who come to Disney Destinations worldwide through its Panelists,” explains planDisney Panelist Prince. “Each day we research and share our experiences to make sure folks find the answers they’re looking for before they embark on their Disney adventures!”
How do I become a 2024 planDisney panelist?
The Search for new panelists is an application process that consists of three rounds: a series of short answer questions, a brief video submission, and a virtual interview. You can begin your application adventure on August 1st at Noon ET. Whether this is your first time applying or your sixteenth, be sure to visit planDisneySearch.com for more information and eligibility requirements.
What makes a great panelist?
There are many contributing factors to what makes a panelist, but what we are truly searching for are individuals who are determined to share their knowledge, experience, and passion for helping other guests plan the most magical vacations possible. “My favorite part of being a planDisney Panelist is getting to share my Disney experiences with guests in the same way I share my tips with my family and friends,” says Keri. “I love when I discover a fun tip or new experience on my own vacation and have a question that directly relates to that experience.” A great panelist also has excellent communication skills and can provide clear and insightful answers in a heartfelt and meaningful way.
What is it like to be a panelist?
Being a member of planDisney is a rewarding experience in that our panelists are able to help other guests plan their Disney dream vacation. It requires dedicated time each week to answer questions and may often involve research on the panelists’ part. Their work is done from home via their own device, and they must meet a weekly quota.
“Although my most important role as a planDisney Panelist is being a guide for guests planning their Disney vacations, I also love being a part of a team of people who I consider dear friends,” explains LeAndra. “Also, every week I expect to put in hours of answering guests’ questions, but it feels a lot more like a good time than hard work. Going on and on about my happy place while helping others make the most out of their time there? It’s a dream!”
Does all of this sound like you? If so, we look forward to hearing from you for the 2024 planDisney Search! While you wait for applications to open, we encourage you to slip on your Mickey Mouse slippers and study up on what planDisney is all about and what it takes to be a panelist:
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- Visit the About planDisney page to learn more about the program
- Meet the current panelists on the Meet the Panel page
- Stay tuned to @planDisneypanel on Instagram as the current panelists share what it’s like to be a planDisney panelist and give insights on the Search process
- Check out last year’s special episode of the planDisney Podcast where panelists share their personal application stories and tips for applying
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Best of luck to all those applying. Just remember to mark your calendar! Search starts Noon ET on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, and closes promptly at Noon ET on August 7, 2023. Our best advice…relax and just be yourself!
planDisney panelists are independent contractors, not Disney cast members, and receive a reward trip to one Disney Destination for themselves and up to three other family members and/or theme park tickets for their participation on planDisney.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through November 18 – EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Click here for the full menu lineup for this year’s Food & Wine Festival.
Click here for photos of all of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning!
Click here to view our Instagram Story with photos of our time in Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey.
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.
Now Open – Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Click here for our Instagram Story highlight showing the interior of Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Click here to see the menu items at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Click here to learn about the story behind Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Now Open – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
August 11 – November 1, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
September 22 – December 31, 2023 – Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT
Click here for dates and details on the Disney100 Celebration coming to EPCOT.
2023 Holiday Season
Click here to learn more about the new hard-ticket holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Late 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for storyline details of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here to learn more (and watch) the Christening Ceremony Celebration of 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 – Spring 2024
Articles with Cruising Tips and Tricks
Learn more about the Disney Cruise line and our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Getting Ready to Sail!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 1
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 2
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
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 4
TRAVEL LOG: Day 5 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – San Juan, Puerto Rico
TRAVEL LOG: Day 6 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Sea Day
TRAVEL LOG: Day 7-Part 1 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Castaway Cay
TRAVEL LOG: Day 8 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Debarkation Day
Instagram Story with Photos and Video of Our Cruise
Day 1 – Instagram Story Highlight – Arrival Day
Day 2 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 3 – Instagram Story Highlight – Pixar Day at Sea
Day 4 – Instagram Story Highlight – Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Pirate Night
Day 5 – Instagram Story Highlight – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Day 6 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 7 – Instagram Story Highlight – Castaway Cay
Itineraries in 2023 and 2024
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Fall 2023 Itineraries.
Click here to learn more about 2023 offerings on Very Merrytime Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Early 2024 Itineraries.
Click here for details on Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, Coming Spring of 2024
Click here to learn more about 2024 Halloween and Holiday Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Coming to Disney Cruise Line
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.