1923 Main Street: Disney Travel Style Podcast

Claim Your Own Unique Place on Cinderella Castle as it transforms with Disney PhotoPass Photos

Disney PhotoPass Service is introducing a unique new offer called “Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories.” It will let you transform Cinderella Castle with your PhotoPass photos using augmented reality technology, brought to life through Disney’s collaboration with Snap.

Here's how it works:

Step 1: Claim Your Place on Cinderella Castle
While in Magic Kingdom park, go to Cinderella Castle and open the My Disney Experience app to see available areas where you can pin a photo. Then select an available area on Cinderella Castle.

Step 2: Select Your Disney PhotoPass Photo
Choose one of your eligible photos (to be eligible, the photo must be taken by a Disney PhotoPass photographer in a picturesque theme park location). Or, use an iconic Disney photo for your memory.

Step 3: Explore Memories and Share Your Own
See the memories of family, friends and other park Guests. You can also download your memory and share it, too!
There's a one-time fee of $9.99 per memory and includes the download of your memory photo.

Here's what you get for $9.99:

• A spot on Cinderella Castle to digitally pin a photo, which will be waiting for you (and all guests) to view during visits to Magic Kingdom Park throughout the 50th celebration and beyond (for at least three years).
• A video of your PhotoPass photos photos flying from the castle for downloading and sharing.
• The ability to download a high-resolution version of the pinned photo from your Disney PhotoPass gallery (a $16.95 value) both in its original form and a version with a special border that includes your first name. If you’re a Disney cast member, Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club Member, or Club 33 Member you’ll get a personalized border fora your affiliation.

Over time, new sections of the castle will be released, so they'll be new spots to pin your memories.

--

Final Playlist and a Villain are Revealed for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT

Not surprisingly when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind launches on May 27 it will have its own playlist to power your journey.

Disney Imagineers came up with a list of more than 100 potential songs for the Starjumpers’ onboard sound system. How did they narrow it down to six? The team rode the attraction over and over again testing how various tracks fit with the spirit and the movement of the coaster. They finally settled on the following six songs in their original classic versions:

• “September”
• “Disco Inferno”
• “Conga”
• “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
• “I Ran”
• “One Way or Another”

You won’t know which track you're going to hear until you blast off. Plus we now know that the theme of the ride is to help stop Eson, the Celestial villain who is trying to complete an evil plan.

--

Connections Café & Eatery is Now Open at EPCOT

Connections Café & Eatery is open and ready to serve in the World Celebration neighborhood.

The restaurant’s design includes nods to Walt Disney’s original plans for EPCOT. There are two experiences – an eatery on one side serving lunch and dinner menus, and a café and pastry shop on the other open all day long.

When walking past Spaceship Earth on the way into the park, Connections Café and Eatery is on the left. Floor-to-ceiling windows give a full view of the open space featuring modern décor and tempting smells of pastries baking, fresh coffee brewing and burgers on the grill. Since World Celebration is located in the center of the park, Connections Café & Eatery offers some great views as well.

A colorful mural called “Global Gathering” covers one wall and reflects the heart of the restaurant – people from around the world gathering around food. It’s one of the biggest murals Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created. Take note how the scenes blend seamlessly from sunrise to sunset.

You can also see chefs at work in three show kitchens. Watch them grilling, sautéing and baking everything from burgers to pizzas and sprinkling pixie dust on fun desserts from milkshakes to waffles.

Whether it's coffee or tea, you'll find it here showcasing how various cultures enjoy their favorite drinks.

As always at WDW, don’t forget to look down. There are three original floor inlays inspired by Walt’s 1966 “Florida Project” site plans, where EPCOT was to serve as the “center” of Walt Disney World. These details honor Walt's original dream of EPCOT.

--

‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond!’ Opening Summer 2022 at Animal Kingdom Pa...

Aunty’s Beach House at Disney Aulani will Reopen on May 25

Aunty's Beach House at Aulani will reopen May 25 giving keiki (kids) aged 5-12 access to the fun and adventure once again. Plus, there's something new: Aunty's Beach house will offer evening activities for the whole family for the very first time.

Aunty's Beach House is designed as a typical hale (or house) where kids might visit their "aunty." The beach house is a Hawaiian kids club where the focus is on holiday fun. Each of the six rooms is dedicated to different activities - from a movie room to computer lab, arts and crafts studio to a game room.

Parents can reserve a playtime in Aunty’s Beach House between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily for secured and supervised children’s programming. During these hours, parents choose 1.5 hours of playtime for complimentary themed activities on "Uncle's Side" of the house or 2 hours on "Aunty's Side" of the house for premium activities. This is typically a hot ticket and reservations are required.

Complimentary activities include interactive games and arts and crafts based on the theme of the day. Premium activities include Surf’s Up, A Surfin’, Fishin’ and Dancin’ Party with Disney friends. Children will learn about the ocean, catch a wave on carpet surfboards with Max and get the scoop on fishing Hawai‘i waters with Goofy.

NEW! Now the whole family can get in on the fun with "after hours" activities from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. when Aunty's Beach House turns into an evening entertainment venue. Families can choose from an assortment of complimentary and premium activities where they can learn to play the ‘ukulele, get together for a lesson in animation, or make lasting memories with photo opportunities in front of surfing scenes and other colorful backdrops.

These activities used to take place in the community hall, but it sounds like they've now made them paid activities and moved them to Aunty's Beach House.

Aunty's Beach House will reopen with new operations, safety and health protocols in place. Among them: face covering requirements, capacity limits, physical distancing, spacing between craft benches and play areas and temperature checks.

Reservations for Aunty's Beach House can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (808) 674-6943 from 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Programs are subject to change.

--

“Tale of the Lion King” Debuts May 28 at Disneyland Park

Starting May 28, 2022, Disneyland Park will welcome “Tale of the Lion King” to its new home at the Fantasyland Theatre, where this original-story theatre adaptation of “The Lion King” will be staged in an all-new presentation. At the heart of the production is a traveling troupe known as The Storytellers of the Pride Lands who weave the tale of how a cub becomes a king through dialogue, song, dance and percussion. From the scenic and costume designs to the new original music arrangements and choreography, “Tale of the Lion King” honors and is inspired by the cultural roots of this timeless story.

Also on May 28, Troubadour Tavern will reopen with new menu items inspired by the show.

--

‘Fantasmic!’ is now 30 and is Returning to Disneyland Park on May 28

If you have never seen “Fantasmic!” this is definitely a must-do (at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, although we prefer the Disneyland version). Fantasmic is an emotional extravaganza of colorful Disney-animated story scenes, choreographed to an exciting musical score. At Disneyland, the waters of the Rivers of America come alive as Mickey Mouse dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and faces several villains, using the power of his imagination to save the day. Along the way, fantastic events and images appear from stories including “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book.” Fantasmic features live performers, character appearances, enhanced special effects and pyrotechnics.

--

A Sneak Peek at Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish Inaugural Merchandise

WIth the Disney Wish setting sail this summer, Disney is teasing a little more with a preview of some of the merch that you can take home with you from the exclusive Disney Wish merchandise collection.

Inspired by the Grand Hall on the ship, the first release of merch reflects the enchantment of the Disney Wish with details that include rhinestones and rich fabrication.

There is something for everyone, from T-shirts, blouses and long sleeve shirts to pullovers and accessories.

Is a Third Park featuring Arendelle, Zootopia or Corona Coming to Disneyland, California?

Disney Springs Health and Wellness Celebration in January

Disney Springs is embracing 2022 with a focus on health and wellness, including complimentary group fitness classes on select Wednesdays and Fridays in January. Each class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will take place in Town Center near Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories.

Wellness Wednesday Events Schedule:

• January 12 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
• January 19 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour
• January 26 – Orlando Power Yoga presented by Fabletics

Fitness Friday Events:

• January 21 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
• January 28 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour

Registration is required for all events and space is limited. To register, visit the Fitness and Wellness page under the Experiences tab on DisneySprings.com.

Eat Healthy at Disney Springs

It’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet. Disney Springs has plenty of great food, and that includes healthier option menu items.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – Focus on diners with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and those with allergies (especially kids) who can't find good food. Everything here is vegan, gluten-free and promises to be delicious.

Frontera Cocina – The Taqueria Ensalada features Arcadian lettuce, poblano rajas, carrot, radish, avocado, tortilla strips, Cotija cheese and an avocado-lime vinaigrette-grilled chicken breast or the Mojo garlic grilled shrimp can also be added.

Planet Hollywood – The Hollywood Bowl is a standout salad that features Romaine lettuce, house-roasted turkey breast, hard-boiled egg, avocado, Roma tomato, and cucumber. It comes with bacon, swiss cheese and croutons, but you can omit those if you’re aiming for a lower calorie meal. While the recommended dressing is Thousand Island, feel free to swap in a balsamic vinaigrette if desired.

The Polite Pig – The Polite Caesar and Cobb Salads (without bacon) are satisfying bets, while the Chicken Salad Wrap is great for those who want a handheld option. There are even healthy choices for little ones including the Roast Smoked Turkey Breast and Grilled Skinless Chicken Breast.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – This Shepherd Went Vegan is a plant-based Shepherd’s Pie, and the Raglan Risotto is a vegetarian dish that spotlights wild mushrooms, glazed baby vegetables, tarragon and shaved parmesan. Raglan Road is also celebrated by those with gluten sensitivities as many of their popular menu items are gluten-free.

Yesake – The Tofu Power Bowl is a hearty mix of organic tofu, avocado, spinach, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, tempura crunch and wasabi ponzu. Best of all? Guests can modify it to your liking.

These are just a few of the healthier items you can find at Disney Springs. But remember to ask your server for recommendations and d forget you can always ask for a dish to be modified.

Foodie Guide 2022 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Running from January 14 through February 21, 2022 the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will showcase visual, culinary and performing arts from across the globe.

Here's the long awaited Foodie Guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

Pop Eats! (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

• Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
• Tomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese (New)
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate
• Pop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut filling
• Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn (New)

Beverages:

• Hazy IPA
• Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

• Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, tomato jam
• Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures (New)
• Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – Green) (New)

Beverages: