Another change has come to Magic Kingdom, and its timing is pretty interesting.

Tortuga Tavern

We’ve seen LOTS of changes around Disney World lately, from newly-opened restaurants to complete menu overhauls and even closing attractions that will make way for some new updates. But these two important changes we just spotted have Disney fans talking, and we knew you needed to know about it, too! 

During a recent visit to Magic Kingdom, we came across two big changes in Adventureland. For context, lately, there’s been a lot of construction in Adventureland around Caribbean Plaza near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and its former gift shop.

Construction walls in Adventureland

Disney’s popular pirate-themed gift shop closed shortly after construction walls went up in the area (possibly due to construction for a new pirate’s lounge set to debut in Adventureland). Around the same time, a nearby restaurant called Tortuga Tavern also closed.

What things looked at Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar

Tortuga Tavern was a solid stop for seasonal quick-service food, and its availability seemed to depend on the crowd levels in Magic Kingdom. When it was open, the hours of operation were typically shorter compared to some of its neighboring restaurants, like Golden Oak Outpost, Westward Ho Refreshments in Frontierland, and even Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe.

Tortuga Tavern Full Spread

However, when the gift shop merchandise needed to be moved out of the exit to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, we noticed that Tortuga Tavern closed to make way for a temporary new gift shop. This was when we noticed a banner renaming the former Tortuga Tavern space as Tortuga Treasures.

Tortuga Treasures

While the newly revised “shop” may have only been a temporary option, it offered similar pirate-themed merchandise and souvenirs previously sold at Plaza del Sol Caribe.

Lots of stuff from across the street

However, it seems that all has changed once again! We’ve once again noticed a BIG change in this area, and it seems that Disney World may not be completely done with Tortuga Tavern just yet. The banner hung on Tortuga Tavern’s sign has now reverted back into its original form…

Tortuga Tavern is back

…and the merchandise has also been moved back to its former shop area. While the construction walls remain, there seems to be enough room to shop around for all your pirate-y souvenirs.

Merchandise has returned across the walkway

It’s interesting to note that while we’re winding down some of the major fall holidays and getting ready to say goodbye to Halloween soon, Disney World has already been preparing for Christmas. In years past, Tortuga Tavern has joined the lineup of stops for free cookies and beverages during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but we may just have to wait and see at the first party if this location decides to rejoin the festive fun or if this treat stop will be relocated in the park.

Cookie stop at Tortuga Tavern

For now, only time will tell if Tortuga Tavern will reopen seasonally soon and if they’ll offer the same menu they did before their brief closure. Either way, you know we’ll be keeping a close watch over this restaurant and its potential return!

We’re constantly keeping you updated about all the changes and construction happening around Disney World! Be sure to follow along with us at Disney Food Blog for all the latest.

A New CHAMPAGNE BAR Has Opened in Disney World!

How do you feel about the construction in Adventureland for the new pirates lounge? Leave your thoughts on it in the comments below!

The post BREAKING: 2 BIG Changes Hit Adventureland in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.

Start the music…

©TIME

In a MAJOR shakeup in the music and entertainment industries, Disney struck a deal with the Recording Academy of America to air the Grammy Awards for ten years, beginning in 2027. As part of the deal, Disney will broadcast the awards shows on ABC, as well as both its Hulu and Disney+ streaming services.

Disney’s acquisition of the broadcast rights for the Grammys will end an over 50-year relationship between the Recording Academy and CBS/Paramount, who’ve broadcast the music industry spectacle since 1973. According to Deadline, CBS (who last signed a 10-year-deal with the Recording Academy in 2016) had been interested in retaining the rights to the Grammys, but the two sides were unable to come to a new agreement during an exclusive contractual negotiating window, and Disney swooped in.

Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden said, “As The Walt Disney Company combines forces with The Recording Academy to open this exciting new chapter in the history of The Grammys, we do so with pride and gratitude. Live events have never been more important to our culture and industry, and we just acquired one of the crown jewels, adding to our portfolio of world-class programming across all genres.”

©Grammys

Meanwhile, Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO, added, “We are completely thrilled to be bringing The Grammys and other new music programming to the Disney ecosystem. We are grateful to our long-standing partners at CBS and now honored to be joining with Disney, an iconic company where creators have always been at the forefront. This partnership represents another important milestone in the Academy’s transformation and growth, and strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission of uplifting and serving music people around the world.”

During the first year of the deal, Disney/ABC will air the Grammys, The Oscars, and the Super Bowl. CBS will broadcast the show during the final two years of its deal, including the 67th Grammy Awards, which will air on February 2nd.

©Grammys

Disney has won the right to broadcast “music’s biggest night” on ABC and Disney+ and Hulu for a decade beginning in 2027. Stay tuned to DFB for further entertainment industry updates.

Why Hulu Canceled 4 Shows

Are you excited to see the Grammys become part of the Disney family? Let us know in the comments below.

The post NEWS: Disney Announces NEW ABC TV Deal, Ending Long-Running CBS Partnership first appeared on the disney food blog.

Universal announced the four year-round haunted houses that will be available at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas.

Universal Horror Unleashed Haunted Houses

Universal shared a video on social media teasing these haunted houses:

• Universal Monsters
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
• Scarecrow: The Reaping
• Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer

Universal also shared some concept art of the new experience, which is scheduled to open in 2025.

In a darkened warehouse on the edge of Las Vegas, a relentless spectacle of horror is rising – Universal Horror Unleashed. For decades, Universal’s masters of horror have created some of the world’s most frightening films and events.

Experience the nightmare in a year-round, fully immersive, high-quality horror experience that brings your greatest fears to life. Enter the evils of four haunted houses, each with their own terrifying stories: Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping, and The Exorcist: Believer. Surrounding the haunted houses are four fully themed immersive entertainment areas, each with its own unique live horror experiences, plus decadent food and drink offerings in select areas.

Your deepest fears are closer than you think.

Fans can sign up for updates on UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.

The post BREAKING: Universal Horror Unleashed Year-Round Haunted Houses Announced appeared first on WDW News Today.

Can you feel it in the air? Christmas time at Disney World is almost here!

Christmas Time in Magic Kingdom!

There are so many wonderful Christmas decorations to see and experience all around Disney World, and at Magic Kingdom, we’ve got Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights. On top of all the goodness coming back to the party like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, there are a couple of brand-new things coming and we’ve gotta take a look at it all. Let’s dive right in!

Just in case you didn’t know, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs from November 8th through December 20th. As you can imagine, dates are selling out like hotcakes, so if you want to go, you’re gonna need to jump on it!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Let’s start off with the NEW souvenirs that are exclusively coming to the party!

First up, here’s a look at the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Spirit Jersey!

©Disney

Next, have a look at the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Mug!

©Disney

If you want to have a look at the other merch that’s available for the holiday season, check out this link here:

SNEAK PEEK at NEW Lug Bags and MORE Holiday Souvenirs Coming to Disney World

Now, let’s talk about all the NEW treats that are coming to the party!

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

• Gingerbread Milk Shake: Vanilla ice cream, gingerbread syrup, and ginger snap crumbles topped with whipped cream and a chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

The Plaza Restaurant

• Gingerbread Milk Shake: Vanilla ice cream, gingerbread syrup, and ginger snap crumbles topped with whipped cream and a chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
• S’mores Cake: Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, toasted marshmallow mousse, and sugar snowflakes (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)

©Disney

Casey’s Corner

• Holiday Dinner Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog with turkey and gravy, fried onions, and cranberry sauce (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only; foot-long version also available)
• Holiday Dinner Loaded French Fries: French fries with turkey and gravy, fried onions, and cranberry sauce (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Black Currant and Mint Lemonade (New) (Non-alcoholic) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

©Disney

Main Street Snacks

• Festive Pretzel: Jumbo pretzel with chocolate-hazelnut drizzle, caramel sauce, TWIX Cookie Bar Pieces, and festive sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Hot Cocoa Churro: Churro rolled in Hot Cocoa Powder by Joffrey’s Coffee and topped with marshmallows and peppermint candy pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
• Gingerbread Cola: Coca-Cola served with gingerbread syrup (New) (Non-alcoholic) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Popcorn Cart near Cinderella Castle

• Hot Cocoa Churro: Churro rolled in Hot Cocoa Powder by Joffrey’s Coffee and topped with marshmallows and peppermint candy pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)
• Gingerbread Cola: Coca-Cola served with gingerbread syrup (New) (Non-alcoholic) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

©Disney

Golden Oak Outpost

• Holiday Chicken Nugget Platter: Crispy chicken nuggets with sage butter and cranberry barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes and corn (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Festive Beignets: Light and fluffy beignets dusted with blue sugar cookie dust and served with cookie butter icing (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Fried Ice Cream Christmas Tree: Peppermint ice cream rolled in cereal topped with green cookie butter whipped cream and festive sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

©Disney

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café

• Carne Asada Loaded Fries: Seasoned french fries with carne asada, chipotle queso, caramelized onion, avocado salsa verde, and queso fresco (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only until 11 p.m.)
• Salted Caramel Horchata (New) (Non-alcoholic) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only until 11 p.m.)

©Disney

Sleepy Hollow

• Orange Chicken Tenders: Fried chicken tenders with orange-soy glaze, glass noodles, green onions, and crispy garlic (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Szechuan Cauliflower: Spicy breaded cauliflower tossed in szechuan-soy glaze (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Brownie Peppermint Bark with peppermint candy pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starting at 8:30 p.m.)

©Disney

Liberty Square Market

• Brownie Peppermint Bark with peppermint candy pieces (New) (Available during regular park hours only until 8:30 p.m.)

Columbia Harbour House

• Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread chiffon cake with cream cheese frosting, dulce ganache, and a chocolate piece (New) (Available during regular park hours only until 5 p.m.)

©Disney

Pinocchio Village Haus

• Baked Brie Flatbread: Brie-cheese spread, mango chutney, green apples, arugula, almonds, and a honey drizzle (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only until 9:30 p.m.)
• Lasagna Flatbread: Italian sausage, meatballs, five cheese mix, ricotta cheese, and pesto (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only until 9:30 p.m.)
• Black Forest Parfait: Flourless chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and cherry chantilly topped with brandy-cherry compote and chocolate popping candies (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only until 9:30 p.m.)

©Disney

The Friar’s Nook

• Holiday Pot Roast Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog topped with braised pot roast, Swiss fondue, horseradish mustard, and crispy onions (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Sugar Cookie Hand Pie: Sugar cookie dough wrapped in a flaky crust with icing and festive sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Toasted Marshmallow-Panna Cotta Tart with graham cracker ganache macaron (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Eggnog Shake: Eggnog soft-serve with ginger snap crumbles topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)

©Disney

Storybook Treats

• Sugar Plum-Vanilla Soft-serve Sundae: Sugar plum-vanilla soft-serve swirl dipped in celebration cake cone dip topped with marshmallows and almonds (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)

©Disney

Pretzel Cart in Storybook Circus

• Festive Pretzel: Jumbo pretzel with chocolate-hazelnut drizzle, caramel sauce, TWIX Cookie Bar Pieces, and festive sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Hot Cocoa Churro: Churro rolled in Hot Cocoa Powder by Joffrey’s Coffee and topped with marshmallows and peppermint candy pieces (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours)

©Disney

Cheshire Café

• Whoopie Pie: Chocolate cake sandwiched with marshmallow mint buttercream (New) (Plant-based) (Available during regular park hours until 6 p.m.)
• Cherry Cordial Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Cold Brew topped with cherry whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and chocolate curls (New) (Non-alcoholic) (Available during regular park hours until 6 p.m.)

©Disney

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

• Lump of Coal In Your Stocking: Cookies and cream shake topped with whipped cream, cookies and cream crumbles, and a chocolate doughnut hole (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Smoky Chocolate Brownie Sundae: House-baked brownie topped with smoky chocolate soft-serve covered in chocolate cone dip topped with marshmallows and festive sprinkles (New) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Whoopie Pie: Chocolate cake sandwiched with marshmallow mint buttercream (New) (Plant-based) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
• Cherry Cordial Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Cold Brew topped with cherry whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and chocolate curls (New) (Non-alcoholic) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

©Disney

That’s not even all of the holiday treats that are available for the season, so check out this link to see them all:

SMOKY Chocolate Ice Cream and Cookie Butter Beignets?! Disney World Announces 38 NEW Snacks!

Last up, this is also going to be the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom

We’re sure it’s going to be extra magical for the party so be prepared for anything if you’re looking to ride it during the event!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

We are so excited for the holidays at Disney World and can’t wait to check out all the holiday merch and try all the new holiday-themed treats at the Magic Kingdom and the exclusive ones during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Until then, make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news!

EVERYTHING Confirmed for the 2024 Holiday Season in Disney World

DON’T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

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Holidays at Disney World: DFB’s Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.

It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including:

• The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
• How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
• ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
• And, of course, we’ll tell you where to eat!

Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB’s Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT.

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!

• Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

• Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

• Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights

• Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Will you be attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Let us know in the comments!

The post 3 BRAND NEW Changes Are Coming To Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World in 2024! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Disney World is constantly growing and changing these days.

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT

We’re getting several major park expansions in the next few years, as well as some hotel additions. You’ve got to accommodate the growing crowd of people planning their vacations to The Most Magical Place on Earth! And now, another Disney World location has announced a major expansion.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are located in the EPCOT resort area, between the Yacht Club and the BoardWalk. These hotels are owned by Marriott, but they get many of the same perks that Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts get. They’re also popular spots for corporations and large groups to host conferences, due to their large convention center space.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

But now, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin have announced a $275 million transformation featuring a new 120,000 square foot event space expansion. The convention property will have a new ballroom, additional convention space, upgrades to existing space, and renovated guest rooms.

©Marriott

The entire project will take place over the next several years, and will include “modernized upgrades to existing meeting spaces and Swan guest rooms.” There will also be some technology enhancements throughout the property.

Swan & Dolphin

The expansion will bring the Swan and Dolphin’s total meeting space to 469,000 square feet between its three buildings — the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve. Add in the already 2,619 hotel rooms, and that will make this property one of the biggest convention spaces on the East Coast.

“We look forward to delivering such a major transformation for our customers. These enhancements will be a great addition to our iconic and award-winning operation,” said Area General Manager Sean Verney. “It positions our property to remain at the forefront of meeting and convention venues globally.”

Dolphin Lobby

As far as the meeting space expansion goes, it will include a new two-story annex. It will have 41,000 square feet of multi-purpose space and 24,000 square feet of additional pre-function space, all connected to the building’s original convention space. The second floor will have a new ballroom, as well as a foyer.

©Marriott

The entry to the new annex will feature an airy atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows, a grand staircase, and a stunning chandelier. This project should break ground in November with an expected completion date of late summer 2026.

©Marriott

The second major project is an enhancement of the current event space. Ballrooms, carpeting, corridors and breakout spaces at the Walt Disney World Dolphin have recently completed, but work still needs to be done at the Swan. These renovations will be completed in phases but should be done by summer 2025.

Inside the Swan Reserve

And finally, we’ve got the hotel room renovation project! All guest rooms in the Walt Disney World Swan will be remodeled with luxury tile flooring and other new style choices. These room renovations should be completed in late 2024.

©Marriott

So there you have it — all the details on the major updates coming to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin! We can’t wait to check out all the new spaces.

Click Here to See the Best Disney World Hotels for 2025!

Have you ever stayed at the Swan and Dolphin? Tell us in the comments!

The post OPENING TIMELINES Announced for NEW Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Expansion first appeared on the disney food blog.

Disney+ and Marvel Studios announced the streaming date for “Deadpool and Wolverine,” plus shared dates and a first look at their 2025 projects.

‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ Streaming Date

The highest-grossing R-rated film of all time will be available on Disney+ starting on November 12, 2024. Directed by Shawn Levy, it stars Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine, reprising their roles from previous “Deadpool” and “X-Men” films. It’s the first “Deadpool” film incorporated into the MCU and sees the merc with a mouth encounter the Time Variance Authority, which first appeared in “Loki.”

Other Marvel Disney+ Projects

Marvel Animation’s “What If…?” returns for season three with daily episodes beginning on December 22, 2024.

“Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” a new Marvel Animation series, premieres on January 29, 2025.

The highly-anticipated “Daredevil: Born Again” premieres on March 4, 2025. The series is a follow-up to the 2015 Netflix MCU “Daredevil” series, with much of the cast returning, including Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock / Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk / Kingpin. Both last appeared in “Echo” on Disney+.

“Ironheart” premieres on June 24, 2025. It stars Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams / Ironheart, who made her on-screen debut in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

Marvel Animation’s “Eyes of Wakanda” premieres on August 6, 2025. This “Black Panther” spin-off follows Wakandan warriors throughout history.

Marvel Animation’s “Marvel Zombies,” a “What If…?” spin-off, will premiere in time for Halloween in October 2025.

Lastly, Marvel Television’s “Wonder Man” is set to release in December 2025. It stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams / Wonder Man and Ben Kingsley reprising his role as Trevor Slattery from “Iron Man 3” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

Watch the Marvel Studios and Disney+ “Look Ahead” below.

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

The post ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ Disney+ Date, Plus First Look at ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ and More appeared first on WDW News Today.