MickeyBlog News for July 1, 2019
Another eventful week in the wide world of Disney has come to a close. Let’s quickly bring you up to speed on all the big stories. Here’s the latest edition of MickeyBlog News!
A New Attraction Is Open at Disneyland Resort!
Whenever a new ride debuts at a Disney theme park, it’s a huge deal. Pixar fans, in particular, will be happy to know about Disney California Adventure (DCA) has a new offering.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind finally had its soft opening this week after months of speculation. Park officials had been unusually reluctant to state a target date for this attraction. Guests were a bit surprised when they entered the park on the 28th to discover that it’s now open to the public!
As previously reported, the new Inside Out theme is the highlight here. The brightly colored exterior features life-sized character displays of Joy, Sadness, and Disgust.
The ride itself is a re-themed version of the old Flik’s Flyers, which admittedly isn’t the greatest. However, Joy and Sadness are doing character greetings at DCA, and kids will adore every part of the Inside Out experience. For that matter, so will anyone else who loves the movie…which really should be all of us, right?
New Kiosks for Epcot’s Signature Festival!
While Epcot hosts four different festivals annually, one of them is far more famous than the rest. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival isn’t the oldest – that honor belongs to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – it’s the one that everyone knows. And the park planning committee has big plans for the 2019 edition.
Less than two months from now, Food & Wine 2019 will arrive on August 29th. On that date, a quick stroll around the World Showcase will cause you to notice several new kiosks. The three new ones are The Alps Marketplace, The Appleseed Orchard Marketplace, and Sommerfest.
The downside is that Disney has retired a few old standards. Greece and New Zealand’s kiosks are on sabbatical, at least for this year. Craft Draft, the Festival Wine Center Shop, and Light Lab are also not a part of the 2019 festivities.
The most disappointing announcement for me is that Taste Track’s not going to be around. Whether this place has donuts or grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s usually great. Ah well. One of the best aspects of Food & Wine is that it’s never static. And most of the time that they add something new, the place is terrific.
Speaking of Food & Wine…
While we’re on the subject of the Food & Wine Festival, football fans will discover something phenomenal this year. During every NFL Sunday of the football season, the festival will host a tailgate party!
For $19 per person, guests can attend Tailgate Tasting Hosted by ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Don’t let the title confuse you, though. This event occurs on Sundays, starting on September 8th. It’ll run through November 17th, as the festival closes on November 23rd. That’s 11 NFL Sundays where you can combine your love of football with some eclectic cuisine.
Each week, Disney chefs will base the menu off of the teams playing Monday Night Football the following night. You’ll find the event between the United Kingdom Pavilion and the Canada Pavilion. Football fans are going to want to do this.
Speaking of the World Showcase…
While we’re on the subject of World Showcase cuisine, let me take this opportunity to vent about the perils of writing about Disney parks. One day, you’ll suggest a dozen Walt Disney World restaurants where park visitors can use Mobile Ordering. Later that week, Disney will announce that they’re closing one of the places you suggested.
Yes, just the other day, I recommended that park guests dine at Liberty Inn Tavern at The American Adventure Pavilion. Within 48 hours, Disney confirmed that they’re closing the restaurant for good on July 8th. Oops, my bad. Those of you who want to take my advice have one week to do so. The clock is ticking, my friends!
The replacement restaurant does sound fantastic. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is precisely what it sounds like, a beer and BBQ place. Here’s the official description from the Parks Blog:
“The new location will be a modern barbecue smokehouse, with all the accompanying sights, sounds, smells and flavors you love – including a large smoker preparing fine food every day right on the pavilion’s promenade. There will also be a redesigned patio for you to enjoy, so get ready to grab a brew, some barbecue, and relax inside Epcot.”
I think I’m about to have a new favorite restaurant at Epcot. Tough break, Rose & Crown!
Your Favorite Parade Is Back!
Liberty Inn isn’t the only thing that Disney’s swapping out for something better. The current Disneyland parade, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, will end its limited run on July 17th. This move was always part of the plan for the event, which was temporarily brought back as part of Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday celebration. You have two more weeks to watch it before it leaves again for who knows how long.
Of course, I’ve buried the lede by talking about Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. The real story here is that its absence creates room for another triumphant return. Yes, my friends, your greatest wish has come true!
On August 2nd, the Main Street Electrical Parade comes back to the Happiest Place on Earth! And there was much rejoicing at the news! Folks, this is a big deal, as this particular parade dates back to 1972. It’s the longest-running and most historically significant of all Disney parades AND nighttime events. You’ll want to watch it before it goes on sabbatical again.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Is Coming to the Grand Floridian
Okay, that headline isn’t news. However, what IS big news is that we know the opening date now. On August 6th, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will add its own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The highly anticipated monorail resort location has already started accepting reservations for bookings at the salon.
You’re likely familiar with the experience. Children aged 3 to 12 can get dressed up like a princess or knight. It’s a wonderful and exciting gift for kids, and the Grand Floridian will also sell the Carriage package. This one comes with a themed t-shirt. Also, you can buy a special spirit jersey, one that’s available in adult and children’s sizing.
The earliest days of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will most assuredly sell out. You should make reservations if you plan to attend.
Happy Haunts Have Materialized
August 9th is only a few weeks away, and it’s a much bigger deal than you may know. That date marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Haunted Mansion, one of the most iconic attractions in theme park history.
In the coming days, Disney will ramp up its celebration of all things Haunted Mansion. The Disney Gallery at Disneyland has gotten a jump on this event. They’ve added a new exhibit called Happy Haunts Materialize. It features art from the ride as well as some illustrations inspired by the attraction. You can watch the video above to see some of the best pieces.