This is your last chance to ride Disney’s Splash Mountain

If you are hoping for one last ride on Disney’s classic attraction, Splash Mountain, hurry while you still can! Splash Mountain Retheme Back in June of 2020, Disney announced that a major reimagining of Splash Mountain would happen. This attraction, based on the controversial 1946 film “Song Of the South,” has been a fan favorite […]

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Movie Night Snack: The Grey Stuff – Try This Easy Recipe!

We let the beast out of the bag yesterday that our family movie night will be featuring Disney Cruise Line’s Beauty and the Beast this afternoon. What better snack could there be to have with this presentation than an easy-make version of “The Grey Stuff” from the movie? While you might have tried this at Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant, we have the official Disney easy-to-make version for you to enjoy with your DCL viewing tonight!

Simple At-Home Grey Stuff Recipe Inspired by the  Ultimate “Grey Stuff” at Disney Parks 

Makes 12

Ingredients: 

  • 1 1/2 cups cold whole milk 
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix 
  • 15 chocolate sandwich cookies 
  • 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed 
  • 3 tablespoons instant chocolate pudding mix  
  • 12 scalloped sugar cookies 
  • Edible sugar pearls  

Directions: 

  1. Pour milk into large mixing bowl. Add instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, until firm. 
  2. Place chocolate sandwich cookies in food processor and pulse until puréed.  
  3. Fold puréed cookies into pudding mix. Stir until fully mixed. 
  4. Add whipped topping and instant chocolate pudding.  Stir until fully mixed. 
  5. Place in refrigerator and chill for one hour. 
  6. Spoon grey stuff into piping bag fitted with desired tip. Pipe grey stuff onto cookies. Top with sugar pearls. 

NoteThis recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder, while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby. 

The post Movie Night Snack: The Grey Stuff – Try This Easy Recipe! first appeared on DIS.

Behind-the-Scenes of Making ‘Tangled the Musical’ for Disney Cruise Line

It’s the weekend, and that means that here at the DIS, it is time to shake things up a bit. Do you remember when we watched Tangled, the Musical from Disney Cruise Line a few weeks ago for family movie night? (If not, you can find it here.) Well, I’ve had these videos up my sleeve ever since then, waiting for the perfect opportunity to share them. Disney has shed some light on exactly what goes into creating a musical for Disney Cruise Line and shared with us some videos showing how the spectacular production comes together.

It’s our own mini-documentary today as we take a look inside the costumes, the puppetry, the set design, and so much more for this extraordinary show. If you stick with me until the end, you’ll get a sneak peek and what we will be watching for Sunday’s Disney Movie Night!


Recreating Rapunzel’s World – ‘Tangled: The Musical’

Tangled would have to be one of the most beautiful Disney animated films ever created. The stunning scenery, along with enchanting lighting, draws you into the movie. But how will that art be transferred to a stage show set? Find out from Brad Kaye, the set designer for the production, below.


Rehearsals for ‘Tangled: The Musical’ 

The Tangled film has a never-ending motion to it that gives it a real sense of adventure. This would pose a challenge for the creators behind the musical to keep that motion running while confined to a stationary stage. Have a look at the video below to see how Director Gordon Greenburg, and Choreographer Conner Gallagher, brought the story to the stage.


The Costumes of ‘Tangled: The Musical’ 

It’s no surprise that costuming would play a huge part in the success of this fantastical adventure on stage. From Rapunzel’s signature purple attire to managing a long length of hair that could be managed in real life, there were many aspects to consider. Hear more from Paloma Young, Costume Designer for the show, about how she designed the outfits for Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder in a style to echo the traditional look of the film but also give them a more realistic feel.


Bringing Maximus to Life for ‘Tangled: The Musical’

One thing that sets Disney shows apart from the rest is their incredible use of puppetry. You might have seen it in the Finding Nemo production in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the puppet is an extension of the actor. Jeff Conover talks about the puppetry aspect of Maximus in the next clip below.


Creating the Music for ‘Tangled: The Musical’

Do you remember the whimsical soundtrack that came with the Tangled film? It stuck with me for years and quickly became one of my favorites from any Disney movie. Creators Alan Menken, Glenn Slater, and Tim Williams were tasked with bringing that to the stage, adding new and exciting songs throughout the show to keep guests on their toes. Hear more about that process from the artists themselves.


From all that creativity and work you’ve seen above came the Tangled, the Musical stage show for Disney Cruise Line that is a highlight for many families on board the Disney Magic. If you don’t have time to watch the full show linked above, check out the highlights from the opening here:


What are we watching next? Disney Cruise Line’s Beauty and the Beast!

Later this evening, join us for a quick family movie night where we will watch the abridged version of Disney Cruise Line’s Beauty and the Beast. The presentation is not too long, so it will be perfect to watch with the family if you have younger ones that can’t sit still! Meet us back here later for all the fun!

The post Behind-the-Scenes of Making ‘Tangled the Musical’ for Disney Cruise Line first appeared on DIS.

CONFIRMED: Splash Mountain at Disneyland to Close Forever in May 2023

Rumors first reported on WDWNT.com of Splash Mountain’s closure at Disneyland have been confirmed and the ride will cease operation in May 2023.

splash-mountain-disneyland

The final day of operation for Splash Mountain at Disneyland will be May 6, 2023, with the ride closed to guests on May 7.

Disney confirmed the attraction will close this year to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is slated to open in 2024. The Magic Kingdom version is already closed, and work is underway.

 Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland on Monday, July 17, 1989, in the newly renamed Critter Country. Actor Jim Varney (known popularly as Ernest)  and twelve celebrity children join Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Mickey Mouse in turning on the water pump to create a big splash. It cost approximately $75 million and recycled animal audio animatronics from America Sings.

Check out our complete history of Splash Mountain at Disney Parks around the world for more on the attraction’s development.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

tianas bayou adventure scale model 0218

The attraction takes place after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.” Tiana’s Foods is an employee-owned community food co-op established by Tiana in 1927, following the success of her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace. The co-op is housed inside a salt mine, with growers planting crops along the old Splash Mountain waterway. Guests will ascend through a mill house built into the side of the mountain.

Tiana’s Palace will replace the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square. Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, a shop featuring “The Princess and the Frog” merchandise as well as New Orleans-related items, is already open.

According to the model pictured above, the iconic tree will be removed from atop the ride. Not only that, the boat stuck in the tree that was in the original concept art for Tiana’s attraction is also gone, because it doesn’t fit the new backstory. There are also no thorns, of course, and some extra landscaping makes it look “more” like a Louisiana bayou.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure concept art featuring Louis, Tiana, and animal band

The attraction will follow Tiana venturing into the bayou to find animal friends. She’s hosting a party for the people of New Orleans, but it’s missing a special ingredient. Some of the original cast will be providing their voices to the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Naveen), Michael Leon Wooley (Louis), and Jennifer Lewis (Mama Odie).

Read more details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure:

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

The post CONFIRMED: Splash Mountain at Disneyland to Close Forever in May 2023 appeared first on WDW News Today.

DFB Video: Should YOU Eat at Disney World’s BRAND NEW Restaurant? — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Review

The moment is finally HERE.

A Peek Inside Roundup Rodeo

IS Roundup Rodeo BBQ worth all the hype it’s been receiving leading up to its BIG opening… or have the years of anticipation ended in a fizzle?

Check out our video below: Should YOU Eat at Disney World’s BRAND NEW Restaurant? — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Review

 

By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode!

 

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So check out the video and then let us know: Is Roundup Rodeo BBQ on your must-do list for your next trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post DFB Video: Should YOU Eat at Disney World’s BRAND NEW Restaurant? — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Review first appeared on the disney food blog.

Be Prepared For Big Skyliner Surprises On Your Next Disney World Trip

The Skyliner is probably one of the most exciting forms of Disney transportation.

Walt Disney World Skyliner

It will take you high above the resort and get you from Point A to Point B with some spectacular views! Now that the Skyliner has been in use for several years, we’re seeing some additional updates that you’ll want to review before your next trip.

The Skyliner’s individual gondolas each have their own unique designs. Some are wrapped with images while others are clear. Many guests might feel like they need a wrapped gondola to feel comfortable, but a clear gondola really gives you the chance to see your surroundings! People who are truly afraid of heights may want to request a gondola with a character wrap; otherwise, if you are looking forward to the views, you can request a clear gondola.

Skyliner Gondola views

There are Skyliner stations throughout the parks and Disney resorts. You can hop on and use the gondola system to get where you need to go or simply enjoy the ride! However, if you’re a frequent Disney park visitor, you may be familiar with how hectic Disney’s transportation options can be at the end of the day around park close. The Skyliner is no different! EPCOT in particular can be especially hairy. The Skyliner stop there is at the International Gateway and we frequently see long waits and even closures! Same with attractions, the Skyliner sometimes needs to be temporarily closed, which can cause even more crowd congestion and longer waits for other transportation options to get to where you need to be.

What to Do if the Skyliner Is CLOSED in Disney World

Skyliner in EPCOT

The Skyliner also undergoes routine maintenance, just like Disney World’s rides and attractions. In January of 2023, the Skyliner re-opened after a week-long closure for regular maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. While it most likely won’t close again in the near future, be sure to research ahead of your trip to see if there are any planned closures coming up that may affect your vacation.

The Skyliner station at Hollywood Studios

As is the same on any other form of Disney World transportation, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings! It’s easy to leave things behind, especially if you are rushing to make a dining reservation or Lightning Lane. With how quickly the gondolas circulate, it can be difficult trying to locate any lost items. It also isn’t unusual to hop in and find something left behind, so just be aware of your surroundings.

Inside a Skyliner gondola

The Skyliner is a fun and sometimes convenient option for getting around Disney World, especially if you are staying at a resort with a Skyliner station. Just keep an eye out for the things we’ve mentioned and you’ll have a wonderful time!

The Free Service You’re Not Using in Disney World

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Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

You’ll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today!

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Comment below your favorite Disney World transportation!

The post Be Prepared For Big Skyliner Surprises On Your Next Disney World Trip first appeared on the disney food blog.

How It Started vs. How It’s Going — The Happabore Sampler at Oga’s Cantina

Sometimes Disney World snacks don’t stay the same.

Oga’s Cantina

We’ve started to notice that 50th Anniversary snacks are disappearing from the park and a popular character meal has also undergone some changes recently. But if you wanna see the biggest snack difference we’ve seen so far this year, come with us to Oga’s Cantina!

Oga’s Cantina is located in Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s a highly coveted spot that mostly serves up exotic, Star Wars-themed drinks, as well as a few eats.

Oga’s Cantina is a hard reservation to get!

One of the food options you can grab is the Happabore Sampler. We grabbed it back in 2021 and needless to say this collection of cured and roasted meats, cheese, and pork cracklings looked…interesting. There was even SPAM and string cheese (yes, you read that right) and we were surprised that those were the best parts of the board. The meats on the 2021 version had a burnt flavor and the burrata was just WAY too salty.

It was not super appetizing — it looked more just like some meat, cheese, and vegetables thrown on a plate.

Oga’s Charcuterie

However, we just grabbed this item again recently and it had different ingredients and a different look, but did it taste better?

Happabore Sampler (2023)

It’s looking a little bit more appetizing, but still not super cohesive. While it looks pretty cool with the lighting of the restaurant, it might be a little hard to see exactly what you’re eating.

It definitely looks like it’s from a galaxy far far away!

We didn’t have a lot of time to eat this because the Cast Members try to limit parties to 45 minutes inside the bar. Now there’s a lot on this plate, so let’s break down our thoughts on every bit:

  • Uncooked Chorizo: tastes like chorizo with the feel of a slim Jim/jerky stick.
  • Orange Disk: House-made gelatin guava gummy with a good sour kick — kinda crunchy but could be the sugar and very sticky when you pick it up.
  • Pastrami with Mustard Seeds: A little smokey but tastes like sliced pastrami.
  • Anise Torte with Honey Meringue: Sweet, easily breaks, very good!
  • Prischottoa: Thinly sliced and chewy with good flavor.
  • Goat Cheese Dyed Blue: Tastes sharp — it’s nothing special, just curdy cheese.
  • Bean Mix: Tamarind hummus, pickled veggies in clamshell mushroom — nothing special about this snack.
  • Caveman Blue Cheese: Tastes like a block of Parmesan with dolce on top — very tart, packed with flavor, and garlicky.
  • Bagel Chips: Very good! Crunchy, not stale, and still had good flavor.
  • Goat Cheese Rolled in Chicharrones Dust (Pork Rinds): Tastes like typical goat cheese or cream cheese. The Pork rind dust isn’t bad but doesn’t give much flavor.

Overall, it was a very filling sampler and the presentation was nice. It was a pretty big portion for the price (even by Disney pricing). So it’s definitely improved since our last tasting!

It’s quite filling!

Disneyland also has its own version of this snack that we think looks the best of them all and is made of cured meats, artisan cheeses, rations, and crackers. It seems like Disney World is working on getting its version to look a little closer to Disneyland’s, and we think it’s a GREAT plan. We’ve said Disneyland has the better sampler since 2021, but we’re glad Disney World is making improvements.

Disneyland Happabore Sampler (2021)

This snack will cost you a whopping $21, but if you’re trying a lot of the drinks, it’s important to eat something with them. As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news!

Here are the BEST snacks in Hollywood Studios for 2023!

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Which design do you like the best? Tell us in the comments below!

The post How It Started vs. How It’s Going — The Happabore Sampler at Oga’s Cantina first appeared on the disney food blog.

Bob Gurr Funko POP! Figure Revealed at WonderCon, Coming Soon

All you Matterhorn and Autopia fans out there, keep an eye out online as a new Bob Gurr Funko POP! was revealed today at WonderCon in Anaheim, and it’s coming soon!

Twitter user @FunkoPOPsNews shared the reveal today from the WonderCon floor, showing the Disney Legend and iconic OG Imagineer immortalized in vinyl, complete with signature black, beady eyes.

In the pop, Bob is depicted with white hair, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and khakis while holding a tiki mug. Hawaiian shirts are of course a favorite of the 91 year-old, one of the last remaining Imagineers who worked with Walt Disney himself.

A release date was not given.

Inside Disney Bob Gurr

Gurr is most well known for designing the Autopia cars, the Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Omnimover ride system used in The Haunted Mansion and so much more. His legacy is left in nearly everything that moves, in one way or another, at a Disney park. He was hired by Walt in 1954 to work for WED Enterprises, which later became Walt Disney Imagineering.

Of course, Bob Gurr isn’t the only Disney icon getting the Funko POP! treatment this year. Walt Disney is getting a few Pops of his own, along with plenty of Disney characters for the Disney100 celebration.

Are you excited to bring home a Bob Gurr Funko Pop when it releases in the near future? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

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

The post Bob Gurr Funko POP! Figure Revealed at WonderCon, Coming Soon appeared first on WDW News Today.

Disney Vacation Club Celebrates Longstanding Magic Maker

Brimful of treasured nostalgia, we know Disneyland Resort as the original magic kingdom and the only Disney theme park operated under the supervision of Walt Disney. Home to two Disney Vacation Club Resorts – The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and, soon, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel – this west coast wonder is a […]

RUMOR: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Expected to Return Unchanged Following Extended Refurbishment

In recent months and years, rumors have swirled around the possibility that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster could be rethemed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Controversies surrounding frontman Steven Tyler have fed speculation from fans to even actors in the original ride. But despite these whispers, it seems Aerosmith fans won’t miss a thing.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Rocks On

rock-n-roller-coaster-guitar-0-3293900

Reportedly, cast members of the attraction were told that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will reopen just as it closed, with the rockin’ jams of Aerosmith still serenading riders as they loop, twist, and dash through Los Angeles on their way to the band’s concert.

As allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged against frontman Steven Tyler, rumors have grown of the ride being rethemed to a less problematic musical group, with most people generally floating Queen as the potential replacement. A few weeks ago, one of the original cast members from the coaster’s preshow is claimed a retheme is on its way to the iconic British rock band, before backing off those claims a few days later. Now-prolific stand-up comedian Ken Marino got his start doing small bit roles as many actors in Los Angeles do, including as the sound mixer for Aerosmith in the recording studio preshow of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

This of course ended up with Marino stating he was merely repeating hearsay as fact, as Disney has not made any announcements about the attraction changing during its current multi-month refurbishment. Celebrities have made misplaced “announcements” about theme park ride updates which then don’t pan out, although Queen has been floated multiple times by fans as the most likely replacement for Aerosmith were the boys to be evicted from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Tyler is, of course, featured with the rest of Aerosmith as part of the Walt Disney World attraction Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which opened in 1999. The ride was also a 2002 opening day attraction in Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris but was recently replaced by Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, which utilizes the same track.

Despite occasional rumors, Disney has not removed Aerosmith from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which would involve a near complete retheming of the ride. In 2016, Disney did digitally alter a hand gesture by Tyler that could be considered obscene.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed in February 2023 for a months-long refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen in the summer. Disney did not announce details about the refurbishment, but it would likely only include general maintenance, not any changes to the actual experience. However, this could change following the lawsuit against Tyler. Were Disney to remove Tyler and Aerosmith from the ride, it could potentially extend the refurbishment.

Are you happy to see Aerosmith sticking around at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below!

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

The post RUMOR: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Expected to Return Unchanged Following Extended Refurbishment appeared first on WDW News Today.