The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival begins on March 1, but a number of character topiaries have already sprung up ahead of next week’s festival kickoff. Today, we spotted Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip ‘N Dale, Goofy, “The Lion King” and “The Muppets” topiaries.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Chip, and Dale Topiaries

Along the walkway to World Showcase from World Celebration, Mickey and Minnie Mouse can be seen on a picnic with their pals Chip ‘N Dale and their dog Pluto.

Disney horticulturalists and Imagineers have hand-crafted these topiary sculptures of the beloved Disney characters ahead of this year’s International Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT. As the longest-running annual festival at EPCOT, guests will have until July 5 to take in their favorite characters in topiary form.

Mickey Mouse can be seen holding a bouquet of yellow and orange flowers. His signature white gloves certainly stand out as he raises his opposite arm to greet guests.

Minnie Mouse’s red bow and dress certainly stand out as she lies in a bed of wildflowers near the picnic basket.

Chip and Dale can be seen wandering within the flowers at the front of this topiary display. Dale’s red nose distinguishes him from Chip as the two take in the flora in front of the wicker picnic basket.

Pluto is perhaps the most excited Disney topiary in this scene, as he seemingly leans down to take a playful dog bow. Pluto’s black ears are perked up and his pinkish tongue sticks out from his mouth, so we think he might be pretty excited for the picnic with his friends.

From the opposite side, Pluto is sporting a wiry black tail that curls straight up.

Goofy Topiary

Goofy stands proud at the entrance to World Showcase. Goofy looks similar to his topiary from last year, but holds a bouquet of flowers rather than the towering 50th Anniversary cake he sported for the 2022 International Flower and Garden Festival.

Goofy’s vest and hat have also been upgraded from last year’s character topiary, now featuring dark reds in place of greens.

The Lion King Topiaries

Rafiki raises Simba to the skies in this iconic reimagining of everyone’s favorite scene from “The Lion King”. Mufasa and Sarabi stand on either side looking proud of their pride. This scene is identical to last year and is even located in the same spot, between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion.

Hakuna Matata! Timon and Pumba can be spotted nearby. Pumba seems to be coming out from the thicker brush, while Timon appears to be mid-explanation as he stands on top of a rock so as not to get lost in the bed of flowers.

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy Topiaries

If it’s not easy being green, you wouldn’t know it from looking at this topiary. Kermit the Frog waves as he rides his bike with baskets of flowers in tow. Miss Piggy waves back nearby as she sits atop a pile of pink and purple suitcases.

The Kermit the Frog topiary looks very similar to previous festivals, but Miss Piggy has gotten major upgrades ahead of the 2023 International Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT.

While “The Muppets” have been featured at the festival for nearly a decade, Miss Piggy has received a bit of an upgrade this year, now sporting her signature pinkish hue ahead of the celebration. Last year, all but her purple gloves were green.

Many character topiaries can be found throughout the park during the festival. So far, we’ve spotted the likes of the Three Caballeros near the Mexico Pavilion, Buzz Lightyear, Bambi, Lady and the Tramp, and more beloved Disney characters. While most topiaries have appeared at previous festivals, new “Encanto” and “The Princess and the Frog” topiaries will appear this year.

The 2023 International Flower and Garden Festival will run from March 1 through July 5 at EPCOT. Let us know if you’ll be getting a closer look at any of these character topiary sculptures as part of this year’s festivities in the comments below.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post More Character Topiaries Arrive for 2023 International Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT appeared first on WDW News Today.

While The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando within the Disney Springs Area first started welcoming guests last December, the hotel has officially held its grand opening ceremony and is ready for guests to come in full force starting this week!

The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando is an Official Walt Disney World Hotel, and features the same amenities at Drury Hotels nationwide along with a free shuttle to all Walt Disney World theme parks as well as early entry to the parks, and they do not charge a resort fee on top of the nightly cost unlike many in the area. The property is also within walking distance of Disney Springs nearby.

Guests at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando enjoy daily complimentary breakfast, the “5:30 Kickback” with evening snacks and cold beverages, Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, scenic views, pool-side and lobby restaurants and bars, a Market Place with a selection of grab and go items including Pizza Hut and Starbucks, 24-hour fitness facility, lobby business center, a resort-style saltwater pool with splash pad, and a game arcade.

“We are pleased to provide our guests the opportunity to visit the Walt Disney World Resort with the exceptional value and customer service that Drury Hotels has provided for 50 years,” said Chuck Drury, President and CEO of Drury Hotels. “Our guests are at the very center of everything we do, and we hope to exceed their expectations with this incredible new hotel in the heart of the Disney Springs Resort Area.” 

The hotel features 604 rooms, including 78 two-room suites for parties up to six. In-room amenities include a 55” smart TV, mini-fridge, microwave, alarm clock with Bluetooth and charging station, executive work spaces, and in-room safe. The hotel also offers 17,000+ square feet of meeting and event space for up to 250 persons.

When the hotel was first announced in 2019, it was set to open in spring 2021, but ended up delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They finally accepted their first guests on December 7, 2022.

Will you stay at the Drury Plaza Inn on your next visit to Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Near Disney Springs Officially Opens at Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.

A number of festival marketplaces have been set up at Disney California Adventure, giving the first glance at some of the unique food and beverage options guests can expect at the 2023 DCA Food & Wine Festival. The celebration runs from March 3 through April 25.

Twelve dedicated food marketplaces will be serving up unique meals, snacks, and beverages as a part of this year’s celebration. We got our first look at some of this year’s food marketplaces as Cast Members prepare for the 2023 Food & Wine Festival to kick off at Disney California Adventure in under two weeks.

Avocado Time

Avocado Time is a marketplace that’s all about delivering fresh, meatless flavors. While we were really excited to try frozen guacamole at the 2022 festival, it doesn’t look like that unique treat will be making its return.

For the 2023 DCA Food & Wine Festival, Avocado Time will be featuring:

• Impossible Nacho Mac and Cheese: Cheddar Mac featuring Impossible ground beef, sour cream, olives, jalapenos, and guacamole – $7
• Impossible Al Pastor Taco featuring Impossible Pork with grilled pineapple and avocado tomatillo sauce – $7.25
• Blackberry-Lavender Lemonade (non-alcoholic): Blackberry Puree and Syrup, Lavender Syrup, Pineapple and Lemon Juices, garnished with a lemon wheel – $6.50

Guests can add a green or purple Grape Glow Cube to the Blackberry-Lavender Lemonade, or any beverage at the festival. The festival keepsake will cost $6.50.

California Craft Brews

California Craft Brews is the food marketplace you’ll want to hang out at if you’re looking to try a round-up of California’s best local breweries.

This year, California Craft Brews will be offering:

Food

• IPA Sausage Dog on a soft pretzel roll with onion pepper jardinière, cheddar cheese sauce, and malt vinegar onion crunch – $7.25

Beers By the Glass

• La Bodega Brewing Company, Buena Suerte Helles Lager, Whittier, CA (4.8% ABV) – $14.25
• Unsung Brewing Co., Buzzman, Light Ale, Anaheim, CA (5.2% ABV) – $14.25
• Harland Brewing Co., Rumbler, Double Dry-Hopped Pale Ale, San Diego CA (5.4% ABV) – $14.25
• Altamont Brewing, Maul Waur IPA, Livermore, CA (6.5% ABV) – $14.25
• Barrelhouse Brewing, Mango IPA, Fruited IPA, Paso Robles, CA (6.2% ABV) – $13
• Delahunt Brewing Co., 1924 Raspberrv Blonde, Blonde Ale, San Clemente, CA (4.8% ABV) – $14.25
• Brewery X, Pineapple Vanilla Milkshake Double IPA, Anaheim, CA (8.3 % ABV) – $13
• Bottle Logic Brewing Co., Aurora Borealis, Green Honeydew and Lime Hard Seltzer. Anaheim CA (8.0% ABV) – $14.25
• Chapman Crafted Beer, Zodiac Series, Hazy IPA, Orange, CA (7.0% ABV) – $13
• Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., The Dopest, Hazy IPA, Inglewood, CA (6.8% ABV) – $14.25
• Golden Road Brewing, Strawberry Cart, Wheat Ale, Los Angeles CA (6.0% ABV) – $13
• Ballast Point Brewing Co., Watermelon Dorado, Double IPA, San Diego, CA (10% ABV) – $14.25
• Russian River Brewing Company, Happy Hops IPA, Santa Rosa, CA (6.5% ABV) – $13

Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo

Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo touts itself as a sports fan’s dream, serving up typical bar foods like sliders and wings alongside a variety of beers.

Among the fare you can look forward to at this festival marketplace, Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo will be serving up Smoked Honey-Habenero Chicken Wings and BBQ Beef Brisket Sliders. Guests can choose to wash either handheld down with a Chipotle-Pineapple Bourbon sour.

The second of two menu boards leaves Food & Wine Festival guests in suspense, covered by an opening soon banner over black and white cow print. Last year, Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo offered similar fare, including Ranch Wings we found to be a bit average and a French Onion Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider that hit it out of the park.

Garlic Kissed

The Garlic Kissed booth offers a variety of dishes that will be sure to scare away any vampires, but these dishes and two very unique beverages might be worth the risk.

This year’s Garlic Kissed menu includes:

• Carbonara Garlic Mac & Cheese with Neuske’s Peppered Bacon – $8.50
• Grilled Top Sirloin with roasted garlic-Gruyère smashed potatoes and black garlic chimichurri – $9
• Raspberry Limoncello-Ade: Limoncello, Grapefruit Liqueur, House-made Mint Syrup, Raspberry Syrup and Lemon Juice, garnished with a White Orchid – $16
• Guava-Lychee Mule: Vodka, Guava Nectar, Ginger and Lychee Syrups, Lemon Juice, topped with Guava and Grapefruit Hard Cider, garnished with a lemon wheel – $17

We had a chance to try out both dishes at last year’s festival, so be sure to catch a closer look at these hearty, garlicky dishes in our full menu review.

Peppers Cali-Ente

It probably isn’t hard to guess what type of fare Peppers Cali-ente will be offering to guests at this year’s festival. This marketplace will, of course, be serving up spicy options with a “California twist.”

Last year, Peppers Cali-ente served up flavors that were bold and refreshing. After reviewing them last year, we’re excited to see the Chile Relleno Empanada and Cantarito-Style Paloma return for the 2023 Food and Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure. Here’s a look at each of the items revealed as part of the 2023 line-up:

• Chile Relleno Empanada with Arbol Pepper Salas and Oaxaca and Cotija Cheeses – $8.50
• Camarones a la Diabla: Spicy Shrimp with California Chile and Cilantro Rice – $8.50
• Cantarito-style Paloma: Reposado Tequila, Habanero-infused Pineapple Juice, Pock Melon Syrup, and Fresca, garnished with a Pineapple Wheel and Chile-Lime Seasoning – $15

If you plan to attend this year’s festivities, be sure to take a look back at our full guide to the 2022 Food & Wine Festival to see what treats, drinks, and special activities might be in store for this year’s festival at Disney California Adventure.

Are you excited to visit the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival? Let us know in the comments below!

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

The post Festival Marketplaces Arrive for 2023 Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure appeared first on WDW News Today.

According to Deadline, Steven Yeun is set to join the cast of Marvel Studio’s upcoming film, “Thunderbolts”. While information about Yeun’s character is still under wraps, it’s reported that the role will be significant, both to the film and as a recurring role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Yeun rose to fame in 2010 playing Glenn Rhee on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” for six years. The actor then spent a period of time as a voice actor, lending his talents in a number of animated projects, including “Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia”, “Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters”, and “Voltron: Legendary Defender”.

He received an Oscar nomination for his performance as Jacob in “Minari” and recently starred in Jordan Peele’s film, “Nope”, as Ricky “Jupe” Park. Currently, Yeun provides the voice of Mark Grayson, the main character in Amazon’s animated series, “Invincible”. Based on Robert Kirkman’s comic book, it is an adult animated series based about a teenager whose father is the most powerful superhero on the planet. Kirkman is also the writer of “The Walking Dead” series.

Scheduled for release on July 26, 2024, “Thunderbolts” is a forthcoming superhero movie that draws inspiration from the Marvel Comics team of the same name. This film will serve as a follow-up to “Black Widow” and “Captain America: New World Order”, marking the thirty-fifth entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the eleventh production of Phase Five.

The cast and creative team behind Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” include Jake Schreier, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), Wyatt Russell (John Walker/US Agent), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava/Ghost), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier), and Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova). Eric Pearson (“Black Widow”) will write.

Are you looking forward to “Thunderbolts”? Let us know in the comments below.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Source: Deadline
Steven Yeun Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

The post Steven Yeun Joins Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts,” Expected to Play Major Role in Marvel Films appeared first on WDW News Today.