1923 Main Street: The Disney Travel 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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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“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.

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‘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.

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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.

A Pandora charm set features Rapunzel (the Wish's bow character) and Captain Minnie Mouse.

You'll also find a new pair of Minnie Mouse ear headbands to add to your collection and even a matching Loungefly backpack.

Dooney & Bourke has a tote that's part of the collection, which will be available at retail shops on the Disn...

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon has Reopened, but it's not all good news

The surf’s up once again at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, but that's only part of the story. The tropical-island-inspired water park reopened to guests on January 2, 2022. Unfortunately, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park closed to guests (temporarily at least) on New Year's Day, January 1, 2022. Disney giveth and Disney taketh away.

There's always a lot to do at Typhoon Lagoon, but with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary underway, there are a few more things you should know.

What's New and What's a Must-Do at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in 2022

Create Your Own Custom Dole Whip

The Snack Shack next to Typhoon Tilly’s allows you to sample items from a menu of all-new frozen dessert bar items. You can even mix and match some favorite Dole Whip flavors (including mango, pineapple, lime and raspberry) to build your own custom Disney Dole Whip. Adults can choose to electrify their Dole Whips by adding tequila, coconut rum or dark rum. Plus, there are new Moana-inspired Dole Whip cones as an option to make your Dole Whip into something a little different.

An Old Favorite is Back: Surfing at Typhoon Lagoon

You can learn to surf with professional instructors at the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, America’s largest outdoor wave pool. This is one of our all-time favorite things to do at Walt Disney World and it's a definite must do for anyone who wants to learn to surf and for experienced surfers alike (they will bring the big waves for you).

Crush ‘n’ Gusher: The Disney Water Coaster at Typhoon Lagoon

What do you get when you combine a water slide and roller coaster? A water coaster of course. There are three tropical fruit-themed chutes: Pineapple Plunger, Coconut Crusher or Banana Blaster.

50th Anniversary-Inspired Menu Items

From Walt’s Chili Nachos, which offer a special twist on one of Walt Disney’s favorite meals, to the EARidescent Ice Dream Cone, a birthday cake-flavored soft-serve spectacular, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is home to a variety of delicious anniversary-themed treats.

Castaway Creek, The Typhoon Lagoon Lazy River

If water slides aren't your thing or you just want a little time to slow things down, Castaway Creek offers a "peaceful drift" down a 2,000-foot lazy river, floating past shady grottoes, thundering waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and lush rainforest landscapes.

Don’t ‘Miss’ Out on Miss Adventure Falls

As the story goes, Miss Adventure Falls is owned by Captain Mary Oceaneer – a sea-faring treasure hunter whose haul got caught in the rogue typhoon. This thrilling family-friendly adventure is the newest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon and gives you the opportunity to hunt for Captain Mary’s scattered global treasures during their voyage.

Relax in a Beachcomber Shack, a Private Cabana

If you want to splurge for your own private space, you can relax in an piece of paradise by booking a Beachcomber Shack, a luxury cabana space featuring cushioned seating, secluded shade and exclusive menu.

Beachcomber Shacks include room for up to six guests, and they have amenities such as towels, cushioned chairs, refillable drink mugs, a locker, and a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water. They make an excellent home base for your stay and you get your own personal attendant.

Hurry to Humunga Kowabunga

It's not quite Summet Plummet, but thrill seekers will love the near-vertical drops at Humunga Kowabunga, a downhill flume slide that uses the steep slopes of Mount Mayday.

In other Disney Travel News...

Explore Europe with 2022 Adventures By Disney Danube and Rhine River Cruises

If you've ever dreamed of taking an Adventures by Disney river cruise to see the towns and landscapes of Europe, Disney has announced a special offer.

Adventures by Disney guests can save $500 per person on select 2022 Danube and Rhine River cruises. Departures must be booked before February 28, 2022 and your travel dates must be between June 26 and August 4, 2022. There is limited availability and the offer excludes category E staterooms and Suites.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to cont...

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)

Important Holiday Changes at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has made some temporary adjustments "to help provide a great experience for our guests." From December 19 to January 3, 2022 Disney World resort guests will get Extra Park Time! The early theme park entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be extended from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

Plus, more attractions will be included in Disney Genie+ service and will not be included as an individual Lightning Lane entrance purchase option. Attractions that are now part of Lightning Lane include:

• Magic Kingdom Park: Space Mountain
• EPCOT: Frozen Ever After
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park: Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

From the Enchanting Extras Collection - Tours are Coming Back to Walt Disney World

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom
This five-hour walking tour Explores the history of Magic Kingdom Park, including backstage access to the hidden “Utilidor” service tunnels. You'll also learn hidden secrets of classic attractions and lunch is included. You must be 16 or older for this tour.

Caring for Giants
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park this one-hour tour offers an unforgettable experience to meet some of the park's largest inhabitants. Your guide will provide insights into the inner workings of the African elephant herd including a look a the day-to-day care for these amazing animals. You'll see these gentle giants from a private, backstage viewing area and learn how Disney’s conservation efforts help to preserve wild elephant populations around the world.

Wild Africa Trek
One of our favorites, Wild Africa Trek combines action, adventure and education into a three-hour safari adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Cross a swinging rope bridge near crocodiles and view giraffes, rhinos, hippos and more on foot and in a safari vehicle. The guides are excellent and will share insights about all the animals you see plus details about the park. Recommended.

Up Close with Rhinos

Want to get even closer to nature? This one-hour tour takes you backstage to the second largest land animal in ways few people can. You'll meet the white rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and get insights into their behavior and biology and more.

Savor the Savanna
This one's a little different. It explores the sights, sounds and tastes of Africa on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park’s Savor the Savanna tour. Get samplings of African-inspired cuisine, paired with a selection of regional beer and wine offerings from a great spot overlooking the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Your private guide will share stories about the unique residents who inhabit the reserve and the special animal care provided at the park.

Advance bookings are highly recommended for all tours and valid theme park admission and reservations.

In addition, Disney has let it slip that the Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge may be next, so watch out for news on that one.

Disney Cruise Line Selects Port Everglades as Second Year-round Home Port in Florida

The Broward County Commission and Disney Cruise Line announced a new agreement naming Port Everglades as Disney’s second year-round homeport in Florida. This is a 15-year partnership that provides for one ship to be homeported in Port Everglades year-round starting fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025.

Adding Port Everglades as a second homeport gives Disney a dedicated terminal in a market with direct highway access and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Disney’s original homeport is Port Canaveral, located in Central Florida.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Spring is already in the air at Walt Disney World as the horticulture team is busy creating topiaries, hanging baskets, flower towers and more in preparation for the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. The 2022 edition will run March 2 through July 4. That’s 125 days of festival cuisine, gardens, topiaries and entertainment.

The 2022 edition will feature a new Goofy topiary and a 50th-themed birthday cake. Other favorite Disney Character topiaries will include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Germany pavilion or Lumiere and Cogsworth welcoming you to the expanded France pavilion.

As always, gardeners can enjoy thousands of blooms forming colorful, living panoramas all around and for foodies, fresh flavors are on the menu at the festival’s 18 Outdoor Kitchens plus other food and beverage locations around E...