DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: New Epcot Restaurant Sneak Peek & Review; 2023 Halloween Party News; Tram Service Update; Popular Pool Closing for Refurb; New Disney Cruise Ship & More
In this week’s Disney news roundup, we have a sneak peek at a brand new restaurant in EPCOT (and it’s a good one), along with updates on the kick-off to fall around Disney World and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. We also have some refurbishment news for one of Disney’s most popular resort pools and changes to theme park tram service. There are new menu items at Contempo Café, a reveal of Disney Cruise Line’s next ship, and more below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – New Table Service Restaurant Opens in the Japan Pavilion – You Don’t Want to Miss it!
This week, Cindy had the opportunity to enjoy a tour and lunch at the Japan Pavilion’s newest restaurant, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. Cindy loved the atmosphere, and the food was outstanding. There is a wide variety of dishes for every taste and budget. We highly recommend this restaurant and can’t wait to go back! Learn more at the link below.
2 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Full Swing
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park brews up “eerie-sistible” delights from entertaining parades and exclusive character photo opportunities to scary-good treats. The special-ticket event is offered on select nights from now through November 1 after normal park hours from 7 p.m. to midnight. Many party nights are sold out, and we expect all party dates to sell out like last year. Click on the links below for more information and our review of this year’s party!
Click here for “Can’t Miss Entertainment at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.”
3 – Fall at Walt Disney World
As we approach summer’s end, Walt Disney World has been celebrating fall for a few weeks now. Fall decorations are up in Magic Kingdom, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is in full swing. While the weather is still frightfully hot, there are a lot of reasons why a visit to Walt Disney World in the fall is a fantastic idea.
Click here for six reasons why fall 2023 is the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World.
4 – Trams Returning to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in September
In late 2021, Disney announced that trams would return to all four theme parks in 2022. However, tram service only returned to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom that year, and many were left wondering when tram service would return to the other two parks. Disney has finally updated guests with the announcement that parking trams will return to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this September. With this update, trams will once again finally be available at all Walt Disney World theme parks.
5 – Encanto Characters Coming to Magic Kingdom in September
Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month will kick off with the magical Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” with Mirabel welcoming guests to her casita starting September 15. Fans will be able to say hola to this enchanting character year-round at the theme park.
Mirabel is not the only member of the Familia Madrigal who can soon be seen at Magic Kingdom. Her uncle Bruno – yes, we are talking about him – will also make his debut on September 15 as part of the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade that makes its way through the park multiple times each day. Bruno will join other characters, including Princess Elena of Avalor, José Carioca from The Three Caballeros, and Miguel from “Coco.”
6 – Refurbishment Update: Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
We have a refurbishment announcement about the most popular pools at Walt Disney World. Read the statement from Disney below:
In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience, we refresh our offerings from time to time. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours.
During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools. This information can be found on the Refurbishments page of the Disney Travel Agents website. As a reminder, you can always reference this page for an up-to-date list of current and upcoming refurbishments.
7 – New Menu Items at Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and The Artist’s Palate at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
In August, new menu items debuted at both Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and The Artist’s Palate at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Learn more at the links below.
Click here for information on the new menu items at Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
8 – Disney Cruise Line to Reveal All-New Disney Treasure on August 30
A new Disney Cruise Line ship is about to be revealed and we are so excited. Learn more from Disney Cruise Line:
Tune in Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. ET for the grand virtual reveal of the Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, during the world premiere of “Unlocking the Disney Treasure: Adventure Awaits Onboard Disney’s Newest Ship”.
This video will debut never-before-released details about the Disney Treasure, showcasing the world-class dining, immersive family entertainment and unique spaces coming to the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Disney Treasure will blend one-of-a-kind offerings with unparalleled hospitality that distinguishes every Disney Cruise line vacation.
Those who have been following along may have already seen several Disney Treasure sneak peeks, including how the ship’s design will be inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration and will feature the theme of adventure.
We’ve also shared details about the ship’s Grand Hall, which is inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace, draws on real-world influences from Asia and Africa and pays homage to the far-off land of Agrabah from Disney’s classic tale, “Aladdin.”
We’ll have so much to share about the Disney Treasure! Stay tuned next week for a closer look at Disney Cruise Line’s sixth ship coming sometime in 2024!
9 – Florida Fresh Floral to Offer Floral & Gift Services Beginning August 27
Did you know that you can order floral arrangements and more for your resort stay at Walt Disney World? Disney Floral & Gift had long been fulfilling orders; however, Disney has now decided to partner with another company to fulfill orders. Starting Sunday, August 27, 2023, Magical Floral and Gifts by Florida Fresh Floral will begin managing the needs of guests and groups for floral arrangements, gift baskets, and balloon bouquets.
Beginning Sunday, August 27, guests may place orders for floral arrangements, gift baskets, and balloon bouquets by calling 1-888-814-8714 or visiting www.magicalfloralandgifts.com. Orders may be placed in advance or on the same day before 12 p.m., and deliveries will be delivered to rooms during Resort delivery hours (9 a.m.-9 p.m.)
10 – The Edison Teams Up with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for September Mixology Series
The Edison at Disney Springs has partnered with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for its September Mixology Series, featuring a selection of special edition craft cocktails and bites, plus a silent auction with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the organization. Learn more below.
The Edison September edition of its Mixology Series will have a charitable tie to it, as the restaurant is partnering with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando to support the care of Central Florida’s animals. The Edison’s team have curated a menu of signature craft cocktails inspired by our furry friends, plus specialty food stations, featuring various elevated bites. Guests can participate in a silent auction, as well, including prizes for restaurants and hotels in and around Disney Springs, Kennedy Space Center tickets, mixology events at The Edison and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Pet Alliance. Tickets can be purchased for $85++ per person, and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 14. The Edison kindly requests that pets stay at home. Guests can upgrade their experience to Platinum Upgrade for $40, which includes a choice between a 1 oz. pour of WhistlePig Old World rye whiskey 12-Year of a 3 oz. pour of 2018 Silver Oak cabernet sauvignon. Pours will be paired with A-5 Wagyu pastrami on house-baked focaccia and dijon-naise. Guests must be ages 21 and older.
See full menu below:
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- Featured Cocktails:
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- Meow-jito: Bacardi rum, rosemary, mint, lemon and soda
- Salty Chihuahua: Patron Silver, blackberry-basil compound syrup, florida orange liqueur, lime, half salt rim
- Best Buds (Zero Proof): Cream of coconut, coconut milk, cinnamon, blueberries and lime
- Palmetto Brewing “Rescue Brew”: Lager
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- Specialty Menu:
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- Hamachi Ceviche Tacos: Yuzu guacamole, tomato and cilantro
- Chicken Caesar Salad Bites: Baby romaine lettuce cups, honey crisp apple and parmesan garlic breadcrumbs
- Kusshi Oyster and Pearls: Salmon caviar and porthole-infused ginger scallion mignonette
- Vegan Chili-Cheese Potato Skins:Impossible chili and vegan cheese sauce
- Deviled 2X Egg: Candied bacon and caviar
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- Specialty Platinum Upgrade:
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- Choice of:
- 1 oz. pour of WHistlePig Old World rye whiskey 12-year
- 3 oz. pour of 2018 Silver Oak cabernet sauvignon
- Paired With:
- A-5 Wagyu pastrami on house-baked focaccia and dijon-naise
- Choice of:
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- Featured Cocktails:
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through November 1, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Click here for “Can’t Miss Entertainment at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.”
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.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
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.