DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Big Changes to Rise Virtual Queue, Disney Making Changes to Iconic Entrances, Sweet New Dining at Disney Springs, Sad Entertainment News, Pumpkin Recipes & More

The past week brought Disney fans some good news, and some sad news as well. Fans of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will find the recent update to the virtual queue process a welcome change. Also, Walt Disney World continues to prepare for the 50^th Anniversary with changes to the entrances that have been met with mixed reviews. Some great food news with details on a new dining option at Disney Springs that has our mouths watering along with some of our favorite pumpkin recipes from around the parks. Sadly, we got disappointing news regarding layoffs hitting park entertainment along with a statement from Walt Disney World. All this and more in this week’s Disney news roundup below.

1 – Disney Announces Welcome Change to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Queue Process

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most ambitious attractions ever created for a Disney park. The thrilling action takes place in massive sets that give guests the feeling of stepping inside a Star Wars film as they elude the clutches of Kylo Ren and the First Order in a mad dash through a Star Destroyer. The attraction has proven to be a huge success, and it is on most guest’s must-do lists. However, gaining access to the attraction has proven difficult. To enjoy this attraction, you must join a virtual queue with the My Disney Experience app. Opportunities for joining the virtual queue have been taking place at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm with a requirement to be in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the time. Spot fill up in seconds.

To alleviate some of the crowding at the park at opening, Disney has announced this week a new change that will allow guests to secure a spot at an earlier time and will not require them to be in the park at the time.

Learn about the updates to the Virtual Queue of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance by clicking here.

2 – Welcome Sign to Receive Update

Walt Disney World resort is continuing to prepare for its 50^th Anniversary next year. Now that the Royal Makeover of Cinderella Castle is complete, crews have begun working on the Magic Kingdom entrance sign to match the new colors. Disney announced this week that the iconic entrance signs to the property would also be receiving an update. Learn more at the link below.

Click here to learn about the welcome sign facelift.

3  – First Look at Everglazed Donuts Coming to Disney Springs

A new donut shop is coming to Disney Springs, and we are so excited. This week Disney released new art renderings giving us a look at what the shop will look like from the outside. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for a first look at Everglazed Donuts coming to Disney Springs.

4 – Update on Entertainment on Walt Disney World

This week news came out that Disney had laid off many entertainment Cast Members. Our hearts go out to all of those affected and who have lost their jobs. Disney has released a statement in response. Here is the response from Disney Cast Member Bettina Buckley:

Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.

Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.

While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT. Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.

Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.

Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience.  We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so.

5 – 5 Disney Parks Pumpkin Recipes

The fall season is in full swing. Disney has reshared some of their favorite pumpkin recipes! Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Thomas Smith:

We’ve harvested an appetizing array of perfect pumpkin recipes to bring a delicious dose of Disney magic to everyone at home.

From “gourd-geous” pancakes that look as good as they taste to a smile-inducing pumpkin soup, these scrumptious treats featuring the season’s favorite flavor are delightful and delectable.  Here are five Disney pumpkin recipes from our archives you can make right now:

Our first inspired recipe is for a stack of mouthwatering Pumpkin Pancakes – slathered with butter and syrup. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Our gluten- and vegan-friendly Pumpkin Soup was described as a warm hug in a bowl – a must try!  Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

These Pumpkin Bars are a special Disney treat with a graham cracker crust. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is a French classic with a nod to the Halloween season that’s actually easy to make. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

And twists of pumpkin delight with pie filling is a delicious hand-held treat for the season. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

6 – Thanksgiving Dinner at Disney Springs

No need to lift a finger for Thanksgiving this year! Maria & Enzo’s, The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Morimoto Asia will take care of everything. We invite you to join us for a delicious holiday meal at one of our restaurants in Disney Springs on Thursday, November 26. Give thanks by gobbling up decadent a la carte items or luxuriating over each course of a prix-fixe menu with family and friends. Reservations are highly recommended.

Experience an authentic rustic Italian twist on Thanksgiving offerings at Maria & Enzo’s or Enzo’s Hideaway for a gourmet meal starring their Roasted Turkey Breast and Pancetta. Stacked high with all of the fixings, enjoy the main course along with a plateful of Polenta Stuffing with mascarpone cream, Cranberry Squash Caponata, and green beans for $37 per adult and $19 per child nine and under at each restaurant just the way Nonna used to make it.

From slow Oven-Roasted Turkey and creamy Mashed Potatoes with Gravy to savory House-made Stuffing, brown sugar honey glazed baby carrots, and fresh Cranberry Chutney, The Edison offers a traditional prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu with all of the classic trimmings. The feeling of a home-cooked meal is guaranteed with these comfort food favorites prepared from scratch. Guests can indulge in these dishes for $35 per person and $19 per child nine and under.

A pan-Asian feast awaits visitors this Thanksgiving with a menu full of inventive cuisine at Morimoto Asia. Including everything from their highly acclaimed carved Peking Duck to bowls of their piping hot signature ramen varieties, guests will be privy to a dining experience like no other against a stunning backdrop of artfully designed 36-foot high ceilings adorned with cascading chandeliers.

For reservations at Maria & Enzo’s, visit: mariaandenzos.com

For reservations at Enzo’s Hideaway, visit: enzoshideawayfla.com

For reservations at The Edison, visit: theedisonfla.com

For reservations at Morimoto Asia, visit: morimotoasiafla.com

7 – Toki Tuesdays at Morimoto Asia

Morimoto Asia presents “Toki Tuesdays!” The intimate evening of authentic Japanese style street food was inspired by the sweet and savory ready-to-eat dishes sold by outdoor vendors along the open air markets of Japan. Hosted by Executive Chef Yuhi Fujinaga, Toki Tuesdays will take place on November 10 and November 17. Limited to only 30 tickets per night, the exclusive and socially distanced dining experience will adhere to the restaurant’s Dine Safe: Commitment to Care protocol with predetermined seating at individual tables and will operate in accordance to all local and state regulations. Held on the second floor of Morimoto Asia from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., guests will be privy to an impressive lineup of menu items and beverages that celebrate the flavors of Japan. Featuring classic recipes with a unique flair, attendees can expect everything from spicy beef miso ramen to seasoned octopus fritters. Tickets are $42 a person and the price will include your first drink. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

 Four stations will feature the following authentic Japanese street food:

• Takoyaki – Octopus fritters with okonomi sauce, bonito, nori, pickled ginger
• Okonomiyaki – Osaka style savory pancake with pork belly, cabbage, Japanese mayo
• Yakitori – Grilled chicken skewers, chicken meat ball skewers
• Ramen – Spicy beef miso ramen, scallions, corn, beansprouts, sesame

8 – Aulani Resort Mobile App Now Available

Guests staying at Disney’s Aulani Resort will soon have a fantastic tool for their upcoming vacation. Disney Cast Member Nikki Moreno shares more below:

On November 1, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, begins our phased reopening, and we look forward to welcoming you and your family back to our vacation paradise. To help you maximize vacation time with your ‘ohana while safely enjoying all that Aulani Resort has to offer, we have launched the Aulani Resort Mobile app.

With app in hand you can explore the magic of Aulani Resort before you arrive including the sprawling Waikolohe Valley pool area. Whether you prefer admiring the view from a quiet romantic infinity-edge pool, floating along a lazy river or splashing down water slides there are plenty of opportunities for family fun.

The convenient features in the Aulani Resort Mobile app will allow you to:

• Plan your day, stay connected and explore all the magic that’s happening during your visit.
• Manage your Aulani Resort reservation details
• Begin the check-in process in advance using our convenient online check-in service
• Search for fun and interactive activities on the “Daily ‘Iwa”
• Find places of interest on the resort map

Be sure to visit our “Know Before You Go” page before your next Aulani Resort vacation. You can locate the new app on your mobile device’s app store by searching for key terms such as: Aulani, Hawaii, Disney, Resort, Vacation, Ko Olina.