The all-new Busch Gardens Spooktacular invites guests to step into a whimsical world full of enchantment with Kandy, a witch-in-training!
A costume parade, storytime, and trick or treating are some of the activities guests will find in this immersive Halloween experience that is included with admission to the park.
Busch Gardens Spooktacular will be casting magical spells from September 10 to October 30, 2022, from 12 – 4 p.m. on the Festival Walkway.
Busch Gardens Spooktacular 2022
Kandy’s World
Join Kandy as she shares her journey into becoming a real witch. Hear first-hand the stories of this witch-in-training, including how much she loves candy and even how she accidentally turned her friends into frogs.
Trick-Or-Treating
The all-new Busch Gardens Spooktacular is the place to be for trick or treating.
All guests who purchase a reusable bag from the park will be part of the super sweet fun.
Spooktacular Costume Parade
A colorful parade of costumes will bring the Spooktacular Costume Parade to life.
On this one-of-a-kind catwalk, every kid gets their time to shine! Children 13 and younger are welcome to dress up in costumes.
All costumes are subject to the normal dress code for the park.
In addition, face painting is not permitted on any guests unless it is done by park artists.
Guests 14 and older are not permitted to wear costumes, masks, or hoods to the event.
Storytime
Situated next to Kandy’s picture-perfect pumpkin patch, guests will be immersed in the popular story “Room on the Broom,” where everybody has a place and belongs.
You can find out more about Busch Gardens Spooktacular and purchase park tickets online.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream returns in full force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows, and more.
Unspeakable horror lives in every dark corner, including on Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding thrill rides. Howl-O-Scream is bringing fear to the next level, and once you’re in, there’s nothing to fear but everything.
Howl-O-Scream 2022 is a separately-ticketed night event that takes place on select evenings from September 9 to October 31, 2022.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2022
Haunted Houses
Dark minds have been brewing new ways to terrify those brave enough to enter our sinister haunted houses with new unsuspecting scares.
Stranglewood Estate
Every town has its share of ghost stories—and this one is no different. Once a lively home filled with laughter and lavish parties is now filled with darkness and the spirit of evil. Welcome to the Stranglewood Estate.
Death Water Bayou: Blood Moon – The Final Phase
The werewolves are clawing their way back in, and the blood moon is in its final phase. Beware all who enter the inescapable fate of the Death Water Bayou.
The Residence: Home for the Holidays
Merriment turns murderous at this suburban family home. Christmas arrives earlier than ever this year at The Residence, and all-new horrors are eager to be unwrapped. Holidays are best when spent with loved ones, but there’s no guarantee you’ll survive this silent night.
The Forgotten
Victims will be drawn into a hidden world beyond the rubble and rocks of an unsuspecting quarry, where dark secrets lurk in the shadows. Will those who enter return to the world of the living, or are they destined to become the newest minion of the Forgotten army?
Witch of the Woods
Something wicked this way haunts…an ominous legend summons you with her inescapable curse. Curiosity has brought many travelers into this dark forest, but only bone-chilling stories & dying screams make their way out.
Scare Zones & Unpredictable Hordes
The scares are everywhere as new terrors lurk in every corner of the park. Experience screams & frights at any moment as you make your way through several scare zones. Plus, with roaming hordes, the horror awaits at every twist and turn.
NEW! Ravens Mill
Within the walls of the cornfield lies a horrific nightmare you cannot awaken. The scarecrows of Raven’s Mill are ready for you…
NEW! Beyond the Veil
Along the Nairobi Path lies the depths of a dark forest. Beware of the fairies and orcs as you stroll through this organic forest.
The Junkyard
You’ll find more than spare parts as you rummage through this surly scrap site. Will you make it out in one piece or be devoured by the haunted rubble?
In the Shadows
Eerie legends and cryptid creatures passed down through centuries of ghost stories have gathered in the woods, turning wary skeptics into doomed believers.
Skeleton Crew
Rising from their watery grave, shipwrecked pirates seek to plunder the world of the living, taking all lost souls as their bounty.
The Shortcut
Cutting through the cemetery may seem easy, except when the corpses rise from the ground only to drag you back into their graves with them.
Voodoo
Driven out of the bayou by ravenous werewolves, the witch doctors now practice their dark magic on you as they pursue their twisted revenge through ancient curses.
Hidden Scare Zone & Roaming Hordes
Beware of the hidden zone and roaming hordes…just when you think you know what’s coming, untold horrors lurk in the darkness awaiting your arrival.
Sinister Shows
Don’t miss our spirited productions that are said to be “worth dying for.”
At the raunchy monster dance party, Fiends will return to its outdoor venue for more devilish antics from Dr. Freakenstein and his gang of ghouls.
Plus, all-new event entertainment comes to life during this year’s event.
50/50: Choose Your Fate
No matter your choice— he wins, and you lose. Join the game show host as he decides your fate and experience the fright of a lifetime.
Fiends
These captivating creatures of the night will infect you with dance fever and keep your pulse pounding with their raucous dance party.
The Rolling Bones
The live performance of this skeleton band lights up Dragon Fire Grill with epic covers of classic rock anthems.
Cirque X-Scream
Cirque X-Scream features exhilarating acts and stunts, including trampoline tricks and aerial performances.
Pulse-Pounding Attractions
With exhilarating coasters and thrilling attractions, guests can take on their favorite rides in the dark in between the frights and scares of Howl-O-Scream.
Bring your fears to new heights on Iron Gwazi & SheiKra, then let the adrenaline rush as you launch into the shadows of Cheetah Hunt & Tigris.
NEW! Iron Gwazi
Experience North America’s tallest and the world’s fast and steepest hybrid coaster.
Crash Test Clowns
Buckle up for an extra bumpy ride where the road rage from your fellow travelers includes a monstrous appetite for human brains.
SheiKra
200 feet from the sky, 90° straight down – ride this extreme roller coaster if you dare.
Cheetah Hunt
Race through Busch Gardens on this thrilling triple-launch roller coaster.
Tigris
Catapult through an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward & backward motion.
Cobras Curse
Come face-to-fang on this immersive, one-of-a-kind spinning roller coaster.
Falcons Fury
Drop 300 feet face-down on this freestanding drop tower.
Kumba
Experience the roar of the legendary steel coaster, Kumba.
Montu
Challenge yourself to seven intense inversions on this award-winning coaster.
Scorpion
Twist and turn with a 360° vertical loop and 50 miles per hour speeds.
SandSerpent
Zip, zoom & climb through the air on this “wild-mouse” style coaster.
For more information and to purchase Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream tickets, visit the official website.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience.
This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. No costumes are allowed.
New 2023 voyage dates for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will soon be available at Walt Disney World Resort. Beginning Sept. 1, 2022, guests may book two-night vacation experiences aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser for voyage dates through the end of September 2023.
Making its debut earlier this year at Walt Disney World Resort, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser introduced a first-of-its-kind immersive experience going beyond anything Disney has created before and continues to receive stellar reviews from guests of all ages. Guests become the heroes of their own Star Wars stories during a two-night adventure aboard the Halcyon starcruiser, a vessel known for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. Passengers relax in well-appointed cabins, enjoy exquisite dining and out-of-this-world entertainment, experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in new ways, and explore the ship in search of hidden secrets and new opportunities.
Throughout the voyage, guests’ choices determine their personal stories as they interact with characters, crew, and other passengers, becoming part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga. They may be asked to keep a secret, deliver a covert message, take part in a high-stakes heist, defend the ship, hide an ally … the possibilities are seemingly endless. Guests’ decisions affect how these tales unfold, intertwining with those of other passengers and well-known characters such as Chewbacca and Rey as momentum builds on an action-packed adventure that may determine the galaxy’s fate.
David Roark, photographer
From Walt Disney World to a Galaxy Far, Far Away Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser debuted during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” honoring the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, adding to the abundance of new experiences across the resort during this historic milestone.
The adventure begins when guests arrive at the Halcyon starcruiser terminal near Disney’s Hollywood Studios and check-in for their two-night experience.
Guests enter a Launch Pod to begin their Star Wars Through viewports. They see their world fall away as they jump to hyperspace and draw closer to the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser.
When the Launch Pod docks and the airlock open, guests step into the ship’s main deck Atrium to begin their journey through a galaxy far, far away.
Matt Stroshane, photographer
An Experience Going Beyond Anything Disney Has Created Before Star Wars infuses every moment onboard the Halcyon starcruiser, where each detail of the experience is meticulously crafted to create a compelling, complete, all-consuming story.
The immersive experience features thrilling onboard activities, such as:
Learning the ancient ways of the lightsaber and facing off against a training remote, where guests may discover their own connection with the Force just as Luke Skywalker once did.
Visiting the starcruiser’s Bridge to learn about its systems and how to operate them, including weapons and shields – skills that may come in handy during a journey through this adventure-filled galaxy.
Playing holo-sabacc in the ship’s Sublight Lounge, where guests can try their luck against other passengers in this game of skill, strategy, and chance.
Passenger cabins feature a viewport out to space that continuously changes throughout the journey. Other special touches include sleeping berths reminiscent of those seen on other famous Star Wars ships, such as the Millennium Falcon.
Guests can explore the starcruiser and perhaps discover hidden spaces perfect for uncovering secrets or holding clandestine meetings.
Matt Stroshane, photographer
Dynamic, Interactive Storytelling Unfolds in Real Time A visit on the Halcyon starcruiser invites guests into a two-night, interactive story that interweaves with crew members, other passengers, droids, and familiar Star Wars characters such as Rey, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren. As they choose alliances and chart their own courses, guests may encounter the starcruiser’s strong and charismatic captain, a plucky mechanic, or a charming scoundrel with an ulterior motive, among others.
Characters may engage with guests throughout the voyage, from simply asking about their homeworlds to inviting them to protect valuable information or participate in a mission.
Passengers can deepen their engagement with characters and storylines by using the Play Disney Parks mobile app on their smart devices.* Through the Star Wars: Datapad inside the app, guests can access a plethora of functions.
Kent Phillips photographer
Dining Is Part of the Show Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser boasts a robust and imaginative dining program developed especially for this experience. Passengers discover menus full of familiar tastes but unexpected colors and textures, deepening the immersion of their galactic voyage.
Guests find refreshments each day in an enticing supper club known as the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. This dynamic and welcoming hall offers breakfast and lunch buffets during the day and then comes alive each night of the voyage with a lavish multi-course, table-service menu of both otherworldly and familiar origins.
The first night’s dinner features a live performance from Gaya, the Twi’lek musical superstar who captivates her audience as she moves throughout the room singing her biggest hits. (Passengers may find listening to Gaya’s performance brings insight into more of the goings-on around the ship.)
The second night offers the “Taste Around the Galaxy” dinner experience, where each course hails from a different planet.
The Sublight Lounge, located just off the ship’s Atrium, offers a stylish locale for passengers to socialize and enjoy casual refreshments, including an assortment of ales, wines, and signature cocktails from across the galaxy, along with light snacks.
David Roark, photographer
Merchandise Enhances Immersive Play Onboard the Starcruiser An extensive merchandise collection for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser enhances this role-play vacation experience, inviting guests to further immerse themselves in a galaxy far, far away. The Chandrila Collection boutique offers a wide assortment of premium garments, and accessories guests can purchase and wear during their voyage.
Passengers can dress the part in robes, tunics, and other authentic fashion apparel evoking Star Wars characters such as Padme Amidala, Leia Organa, and Alderaanian officials, among others.
Headwear helps guests transform into an alien species, with Twi’lek “lekku” head tails or the striped, horned montrals of a Togruta.
Other merchandise options include a remote-control SK droid, a light-up Halcyon starcruiser model, the Legacy Lightsaber Training Hilt, and Legacy Reflective Shield, and the commemorative Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser items.
Matt Stroshane, photographer
New Stories Come to Life in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Storylines from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser continues to play out when guests travel to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on the second day of their voyage.
Passengers board a special transport shuttle for their planetside excursion to Batuu, traveling to Docking Bay 3 in Black Spire Outpost.
Starcruiser passengers can participate in new missions throughout the land based on characters they’ve met onboard the starcruiser. Guests’ actions while on Batuu may have ramifications when they return to the Halcyon starcruiser, helping determine how their stories play out.
As part of their secret missions, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser guests receive one-time entry to the land’s two signature attractions – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Lunch at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (or other select locations) is included.
Guests on a voyage can also request reservations at Oga’s Cantina, Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, and Droid Depot. (Food, beverages and merchandise at these locations are not included in a Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser)
Matt Stroshane, photographer
Visit the official website for more information on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
DISCLOSURE: I received tickets to Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures in exchange for this post. All opinions and overuse of exclamation points are my own.
Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures is coming to the Amway Center from September 2 – 4, 2022, taking audiences on a jam-packed adventure with unexpected hijinks, surprises, and up-close character interactions with new and classic tales.
Hit the road to adventure when Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates into your hometown! Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations. Travel with Moana to the sun soaked Motunui, and set off on a safari to the Pride Lands with Simba. Discover a whole new world as you’re swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade. Play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky. Join us for a fun-filled getaway, jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and magic at every turn at Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures.
Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures
Performances
Friday, September 2 // 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 3 // 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 4 // 1 p.m., 5 p.m.
Please note that Amway Center doors open one hour prior to show time.
Tickets
Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now!
Here are some important things to know:
Any child who has reached their 2nd birthday needs a ticket.
All dates, act(s), and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling, and facility fee charges.
For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit AmwayCenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office).
The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street, and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.
Special Discount
On the Go in MCO readers can save 20% off on select seats when you use code MOM22 online at www.DisneyOnIce.com.
Offer valid on select price levels and performances.
Offer valid only on the following performances: Friday, September 2 at 7:30pm; Saturday, September 3 at 7pm; Sunday, September 4 at 5pm.
No double discounts.
Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.
Tickets are subject to market supply and demand.
Offer expires 9/1/22.
I cannot wait to see Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, buy crazy snowcones, and have an amazing afternoon with my family!!!
Meliá Orlando Celebration is celebrating its 11th Anniversary as the first U.S. hotel of Spain-based Meliá Hotels and Resorts with special festivities for the entire month of September, including a Vintage 50s Party from September 2 to 4, a Peace & Love 60s Party from September 9 to 11, a Disco 70s Party from September 16-18 and a Neon 80s Party from September 23-25.
Weekend festivities for each themed weekend will include:
Friday — themed DJ Night with living statues
Saturday — themed characters guest interaction, classic car exhibition from each era, music quiz, live rock concert, and themed inflatables in the pool
Sunday – Family movie night
An official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® hotel, Meliá Orlando Celebration, is celebrating its renewed commitment to guests in some new, exciting ways, including:
Wellness and fitness, with Peloton Exercise Suites and exclusive Stay Well By Delos™ Suites featuring guided mediation from world-renowned interactive medicine and wellness pioneer Dr. Deepak Chopra, sunrise simulator, vitamin C infusing shower, and mood-enhancing aromatherapy to provide a holistic wellness experience from start to finish.
Health and well-being, as the first U.S. hotel, to offer the Surface UV Light robot technology cleaning in all rooms and public areas.
Next Level Gastronomy, with the September 2022 opening of The Wilson, a brand-new two-floor restaurant owned and operated by In Good Company Hospitality (IGC), a New York-based restaurant group overseeing several venues across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The trendy new restaurant will focus on a “where the coast meets the curb” approach to its menu with freshly seasoned ingredients from local farms and purveyors that will highlight modern and playful interpretations of New American classics complemented by signature cocktails, award-winning wines, and craft beer. The Wilson is inspired by the fabled relationship between a fisherman and his beloved bulldog, celebrating true camaraderie.
Social interaction, which many people have longed for in the last two years, with weekly parties and rock concerts
Pet-Friendly perks, with an on-property dog park and dog menu at The Wilson Restaurant.
“We are so excited to welcome our guests and our friends and neighbors in Central Florida to come and be part of our celebration,” said Antonio Baez, Sr. Operations Director of U.S. Hotels for Melia Hotels & Resorts. “We have reinvented ourselves to be an entertainment and gastronomic venue which happens to have some rooms. It’s what our guests have been asking for and we are ready to deliver.”
Since its opening in September 2011, Meliá Orlando Celebration has grown into one of the most popular hotels in the greater Orlando area. The 289-room property offers old-world charm with new-world design and contemporary comfort. Beyond the hotel, quaint stores are just a short stroll away, allowing guests a break from the theme-park crowds, but not the excitement. The hotel is located just five miles from all the Disney parks and within close proximity to other major attractions, including Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando.
Meliá Orlando Celebration is located at 225 Celebration PI, Celebration, FL 34747.
For more information and reservations, visit www.melia.com or call 407-964-7000, Toll-Free Direct: 1-866-404-6662.
Howl-O-Scream is coming back with vengeance this year at SeaWorld Orlando as the park just revealed a bigger and more terrifying line-up for 2022, featuring all-new houses, scare zones, shows, and bars that will make guests scream in fright. When night falls, things take an ominous turn as a cast of creepy characters emerge from the depths and lure guests into worlds of horror.
Guests must evade angry haunts as they rampage through scare zones or seek shelter indoors, only to find they have entered a house of horrors.
They can deepen the thrill with a chilling nighttime ride on Mako, Manta, Infinity Falls, or the park’s newest thrill ride, Ice Breaker.
Guests can quench their thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar or feel the monstrous electricity of a live show.
Howl-O-Scream 2022 features more haunted houses, more scare zones, more coasters, and more unexpected frights than the Inaugural Fear—making it a can’t-miss experience for haunt fans and thrill-seekers alike.
Guests at Howl-O-Scream will be immersed in terror as they hear every bloodcurdling shriek and feel every spine-tingling terror upon entering any of the houses at this year’s haunt.
They may encounter Scratch, a siren with a thirst for blood as they race to escape her clutches in the All-New “Blood Beckoning,” or they may find themselves a permanent part of a ship crew, driven mad by cursed treasure in the All-New “Siren of the Seas,” Re-imagined houses “Captain’s Revenge—Drowned in Darkness” and “Dead Vines-Root of all Evil,” will frighten even the most daring and fan-favorite returning house, “Beneath the Ice” will chill guests to the bone.
More Spine-Chilling Scare Zones:
Nowhere is safe from horror at Howl-O-Scream 2022. Guests must make their way through immersive scare zones that will test the limits of their bravery.
They can try to run from icy, subhuman walkers in an Arctic wasteland, wander through a sea of restless souls or find themselves captive by the voodoo of the backwater bayous. A terrifying number of All-New Scare Zones join Howl-O-Scream 2022 as“Terrors of the Deep,”“Sea of Fear,”“Cut Throat Cove,” and “Captive Cargo” join the re-imagined “Frozen Terror” and returning “Deadly Ambush” and“Witchcraft Bayou.”
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
More Sinister Shows:
The Howl-O-Scream experience would not be complete without SeaWorld’s darkly entertaining, high-energy shows like the haunting “Siren’s Song”.
Guests can hear a famed explorer’s tales of tracking sirens in the All-New “Lurking in the Depths” or be mesmerized watching a pulse-pounding musical performance starring the one and only Jack the Ripper in the award-winning “Monster Stomp.”
More Bewitching Bars:
While there is no true escape from the terror, this year’s haunt features several themed interactive bar experiences that may not provide a respite from guests’ fears but are sure to quench their thirsts for adventure.
Each bewitching bar features specialty creepy cocktails for thirsty thrill-seekers. Guests can check out the All-New “Allura’s on the Rocks,” but be careful not to look directly at the host, who can turn people to stone with one glance. Guests may notice her recent victims nearby. Others may prefer to hear the tales of the mythical monsters at “Longshoremen’s Tavern,” grab a frosty cold one at“Tormented,” answer the call at “Siren’s Last Call,” or pick their poison at “Poison Grotto.”
Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. Howl-O-Scream 2022 is a separately-ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed.
D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa will kick off Friday, September 9, with a fantastic spectacle that includes the Disney Legends Awards ceremony and an early look at Disney 100 Years of Wonder—an extraordinary celebration 100 years in the making.
The opening ceremony will occur at 10:30 a.m. in Hall D23 inside the Anaheim Convention Center.
“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.”
The incredible opening event, which will be streamed as part of D23 Expo [LIVE], will feature musical performances, special guests, and surprises for the audience, including a special performance by cast members from Disney On Broadway’s productions of Aladdin and The Lion King, and The North American Tour of Frozen.
The Disney Legends Award is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Disney legacy, and this year’s honorees include Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Emmy® Award winner Tamron Hall will host, bringing her signature warmth and humor to the fan-favorite ceremony.
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 35-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. The awards ceremony is just one of the many spectacular events fans can enjoy during the three-day D23 Expo.
The D23 Expo 2022 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically)
Anthony Anderson grew up in Los Angeles. While pursuing his acting career, he continued his education by attending the High School for the Performing Arts, where he earned first place in the NAACP’s ACT-SO Awards. His performance, along with a dedication to his craft, earned him an arts scholarship to Howard University. Anthony has appeared in more than 20 films, and his performance on Law & Order earned him four consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. He starred in and executive produced ABC’s Emmy-nominated sitcom black-ish, winning seven NAACP Image Awards and earning seven Emmy and three Golden Globe® nominations for his role as Andre “Dre” Johnson in the series. He also executive produced and appeared in the black-ish spinoff series grown-ish and mixed-ish. His recent credits include ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’(2019), host of ABC’s game show To Tell the Truth (2016–), and Detective Kevin Bernard in Law & Order. In 2020 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Kristen Bell is an award-winning actor, author, and producer, who landed her first role with Disney by lending her voice to Hiromi in the Studio Ghibli classic The Cat Returns, for the U.S. DVD release in 2005. Her voice-acting expertise would soon come in handy once again, for the two highest-grossing animated features of all time, Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019). Anna, the optimistic, comical, fearless princess (who became Queen) of Arendelle, was a spot-on role for the seasoned actor, whose singing talents and personality effortlessly shines through her performance of the character. Kristen reprised the role in Frozen Fever (2015), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), and Once Upon a Snowman (2020), along with numerous video games, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Kristen also voiced Priscilla the sloth in 2016’s Oscar®-winning Zootopia and in the upcoming Disney+ series Zootopia+. She has also starred in several Disney live-action films, such as When in Rome (2010) and You Again (2010), TV specials such as Lady Gaga & The Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular (2013) and Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and myriad series from 20th Century Fox, including The Simpsons and Family Guy.
Chadwick Boseman was fueled by purpose and sought to fulfill that through writing, directing, acting, and activism. His breakout performance came playing Jackie Robinson in 42, followed by his next role as James Brown in Get On Up. He then starred in the title role of Marshall, which followed a young Thurgood Marshall. Boseman joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the African Super Hero Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War before bringing the character to the forefront of his own solo film, Black Panther, which received critical acclaim, broke global box office records, and had a social and cultural impact felt globally. The film received seven Academy Award® nominations, including Marvel’s first-ever Best Picture nomination. Boseman won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture alongside the film’s ensemble. In 2019, Boseman starred in 21 Bridges. In 2020, he appeared in Da 5 Bloods, directed by Academy Award winner Spike Lee. In Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, his captivating performance as “Levee” garnered an Academy Award nomination, and he won the NAACP Image Award and the Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards, among numerous others. On television, he most recently received an Emmy nomination for his work in the Disney+ animated series What If…?
Rob’t Coltrin joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1990 in the Show Set Design group and over time progressed through multiple disciplines—including show design, concept design, and art direction—before landing in his final role as an executive creative director. Early in his career he had a hand in the creation of several attractions that have delighted Disney fans for decades, such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. More recently, he was a major creative force behind some of our most ambitious projects, including Radiator Springs Racers, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and recent expansions at Tokyo Disney Resort. In addition to his boundless creative talents, Rob’t is also well known for his passion to elevate the work of fellow Imagineers and help further their careers. Even following his retirement in 2019, he continues to keep in touch with and inspire many of his friends and colleagues at Imagineering.
Patrick Dempsey is a two-time Golden Globe® nominee and SAG Award® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series. Early in his career he appeared in 1980s nostalgia films such as Touchstone’s Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and has since become a Hollywood star with numerous iconic television and film roles. Other Disney credits include an appearance on The Magical World of Disney as Kellin Taylor in A Fighting Choice (1986), the Hollywood Pictures film Run (1991), Touchstone’s Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Brother Bear 2 (2006) as the voice of Kenai, Enchanted (2007), and the upcoming Disney+ film Disenchanted (2022). He is perhaps best known to fans as Dr. Derek Shepherd in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, a role he portrayed for 11 seasons. Grey’s Anatomy won the 2007 Golden Globe for Best Television Series–Drama as well as the 2007 SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. In addition to acting, Patrick is an avid racing enthusiast, participating in sports car events and produced the film The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019). In 2008, with the intention of giving back to the community where he grew up and where his mother first received cancer treatment, Patrick founded the Dempsey Center to help make life better for people managing the impact of cancer.
Robert Price “Bob” Foster began his Disney career in 1956, joining the Walt Disney Productions legal department. He later served as a member of the Park Operations Committee for Disneyland and was promoted to Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel in 1958. Two years later, he was named Assistant Secretary, Walt Disney Productions, and Resident Counsel for Disneyland. In 1963, Walt and Roy O. Disney selected Bob to head the land search for their top-secret “Florida Project.” Bob took extraordinary measures to ensure that the identity of Walt Disney Productions remained classified while initiating and executing the property research and acquisition effort. He acquired 43 square miles of land for what would eventually become the Walt Disney World Resort. Bob was later named Vice President (Legal), Secretary, and General Counsel for the Walt Disney World Co. and in 1970 was promoted to President of the Buena Vista Land Company. In this role, Bob was responsible for overseeing development of the resort community of Lake Buena Vista. In 1974, Bob retired from Walt Disney Productions as Vice President, Real Estate.
Josh Gad is a Tony Award®-winning actor and singer who has warmed the hearts of countless viewers around the globe as Olaf, the loveable snowman from the 2013 box office hit Frozen and its popular follow-up, Frozen 2 (2019). To audiences’ delight, Gad has reprised the role numerous times, each time sharing more of the sun-loving character’s endearing personality and vivacious songs. Olaf has appeared in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO® Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), At Home with Olaf (2020), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and Olaf Presents (2021). Gad’s memorable performances in Frozen and Frozen 2 earned him two Annie Awards for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production. In 2017, Gad starred as LeFou, the memorable and iconic sidekick to Gaston, in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, and in 2020, he portrayed Mulch Diggums in Artemis Fowl. Some of his other notable Disney credits include Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), The Disney Family Singalong (2020), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), Modern Family (2011), and Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (2020). Gad’s Broadway talent is also showcased as both a creator and star of the Emmy-nominated 20th Television Animation musical series, Central Park (2020–).
Jonathan Groff has made memorable performances in theater, film, and television since his award-winning breakout performance in Broadway’s Spring Awakening (2006). Popular with Disney fans the world over, Jonathan voiced the character of Kristoff in both Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019)—the top two highest-grossing animated films of all time—as well as in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and numerous video games, consumer products, and theme park experiences. He also appeared as Jesse St. James on the Emmy- and Golden Globe-award-winning television series Glee. Additional notable Disney television credits include The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic and Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2. Groff originated the role of King George III in the Pulitzer Prize-winning production of Hamilton on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for his performance, and was part of the featured cast immortalized in the Emmy-winning Disney+ Original release of the hit show. Groff also received an individual Emmy nomination for his performance in the filmed production.
Don Hahn joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1976 in the Art Props Morgue. His animation career took off when he worked as an inbetweener on Pete’s Dragon (1977), and later as assistant director on The Fox and the Hound (1981). He was Production Manager of The Black Cauldron (1985) and TheGreat Mouse Detective (1986), then turned to producing on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and The Lion King (1994). His other credits include TheHunchback of Notre Dame (1996), TheEmperor’s New Groove (2000), Maleficent (2014), and the live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017). He executive produced the Disneynature films Earth (2009), Oceans (2010), African Cats (2011), and Chimpanzee (2012). Don is also the author of several Disney Editions books, including The Alchemy of Animation, Before Ever After, and Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century. As director, Don has helmed such acclaimed documentaries as Waking Sleeping Beauty (2010) and Howard (2020). His most recent Disney credits include hosting the documentary Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives (2020).
Doris Hardoon joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1979 as a junior designer, then quickly rose through the ranks to lead designer, art director, and producer on a variety of groundbreaking projects around the globe. Included were EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney entertainment centers nationwide. She additionally served as executive art director, producer, and creative portfolio lead for projects including Hong Kong Disneyland, the proposed-but-never-built WESTCOT Center in Anaheim, and the unbuilt DisneySea in Long Beach. Doris left the Company in 2000 to pursue other innovative projects but returned in 2009 to help conceive, design, and build Shanghai Disney Resort. In her role as executive director and producer, Doris provided overall creative direction to her design and production teams, while establishing culturally relevant, “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese” elements in all aspects of her assignments. Doris is the 2022 recipient of the THEA Buzz Price Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements Award.
Idina Menzel is an accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, who rose to fame on the Broadway stage. Winning a Tony Award in 2004 for her legendary performance as Elphaba in Wicked, she famously went on to voice Queen Elsa in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen (2013) and reprised the role in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) and Frozen 2 (2019), along with numerous animated shorts, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Idina’s performance of the Oscar- and Grammy®-winning song “Let It Go” became an international phenomenon, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and helped launch Frozen and Frozen 2 on their way to becoming the two highest-grossing animated movies of all time. Idina also appeared as Nancy Tremaine in Enchanted (2007) and is soon to reprise the role in the Disney+ sequel, Disenchanted. As a songwriter, Idina’s original song “Dream Girl” (from 2021’s Cinderella) made it to the Academy Awards’ Best Original Song short list. Some of her notable Disney TV credits include Lisa King in ABC Studios’ Private Practice (2009), Disneyland 60: The Wonderful World of Disney (2015), Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II (2020), as well as the recurring role of Shelby Corcoran in Glee for 20th Century Television.
Chris Montan joined The Walt Disney Company in 1984, and within three years was named vice president of music for motion pictures and television. In 1997, Variety named him “musical supervisor of the decade” after he oversaw such classic and best-selling film soundtracks as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pretty Woman, Sister Act, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Hercules. Chris was named President of Walt Disney Music in 1999 and was responsible for overseeing music for Disney and Pixar animated feature films, Disney Theatrical stage productions, and Disney Parks and Resorts, worldwide. He served as executive music producer for all of the Studios’ animated features during his tenure, working closely in the story development process as well as helping to select musical talent. His work has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, winning Best Original Cast Recording for Aida and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for Frozen, with additional films receiving 45 musical Academy Award nominations and 16 Academy Awards in the Best Original Song and Best Original Score categories.
Ellen Pompeo leads the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, Grey’s Anatomy. As one of television’s most beloved actresses, Ellen’s turn in the title role continues to help elevate the series as ABC’s highest-rated drama and earned the actress a Golden Globe nomination in 2007. Audiences remain glued to screens week after week watching Dr. Meredith Grey and her colleagues face relatable and emotional hardships. In real life, Ellen similarly confronts adversity and works for positive change both on and off the screen. Whether it is encouraging women to pursue their dream careers—medical or otherwise—or advocating for normalizing gender and racial equality in the workplace, the actress has inspired generations. Some of Ellen’s other notable credits include Moonlight Mile (2002), Old School (2003), and Daredevil (2003). Next up, Ellen will star in and executive produce an eight-episode Hulu Original limited series currently titled Untitled Orphan Project through her production banner Calamity Jane, which she launched in 2011.
Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the groundbreaking ABC comedy series black-ish. The Emmy-winning show ran for eight seasons, during which she also served as a producer and director. For her role as Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, Tracee was nominated five times for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and won the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020 NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In addition, Tracee was honored and acknowledged at the 2016 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, receiving the Fierce and Fearless award. Her other Disney television credits include roles on grown-ish and mixed-ish—the latter of which she was both co-creator and executive producer—The Premise, and Private Practice. Tracee is the founder and CEO of PATTERN, a haircare brand that launched in 2019.
Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.
Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the ticket price to D23 Expo 2022.
Including this year’s honorees, a total of 304 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Robin Roberts, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Ming-Na Wen, Betty White, and Robin Williams, among many others. Beginning with the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, thousands of Disney fans have been able to enjoy the Disney Legends Awards ceremony in person.
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ make their return to D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, showcasing the ultimate streaming lineup of live and on-demand content.
During the three-day Ultimate Fan Event, presented by Visa, attendees can enjoy immersive experiences, talent appearances, and photo opportunities at The Disney Bundle Pavilion, along with live demos of the latest features on Disney+, special perks for Disney+ subscribers across the show floor, and much more.
This year, the global celebration of Disney+ Day returns on Thursday, September 8, leading into D23 Expo from Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11.
To continue the festivities, attendees can look forward to news, first looks, and talent appearances from upcoming Disney+ Originals as part of the highly anticipated Hall D23 showcases, including the Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Disney Live Action presentation on Friday, September 9, and the Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Disney Branded Television presentations on Saturday, September 10.
Throughout the weekend, Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo will be able to unlock special giveaways or promotions at Offer Spots on the show floor when they present their Disney+ subscriber pass, which can be picked up at D23 Expo starting on Thursday, September 8.
In honor of Dancing with the Stars’ new home, Disney+ invites guests to step back into the ballroom for a special celebration on the Backlot Stage on Sunday, September 11. Co-hosts Tyra Banks and Alfonso Ribeiro will be joined by a panel of executive producers and judges to share their favorite memories from the show and reveal new details about Season 31, premiering Monday, September 19 on Disney+.
The Disney Bundle Pavilion On the show floor, The Disney Bundle Pavilion will showcase the unprecedented collection of entertainment and sports content offered across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with special programming and experiences.
Disney+ will exhibit two unique installations for fans to experience. A lenticular installation offers guests an opportunity to look for their reflection among the moving images, while a Disney+ holographic display will surprise guests with beamed-in appearances by their favorite characters.
Hulu invites guests to “Check in to Their Obsessions” as they walk through the iconic Hulu green vessel and are transported to a world filled with all their Hulu favorites, offering something for every type of viewer— whether they’re a pop culture aficionado or reality TV buff, or if their watch list is filled with adult animation or critically-acclaimed dramas. They will be able to join the Belchers for a Bob’s Burgers family photo opportunity and put themselves in the hot seat of a confessional from their favorite reality TV shows as they navigate a variety of immersive experiences.
ESPN+ offers fans a backstage pass that will give them a close-up look at some of the most iconic memorabilia in sports, including the College Football Playoff trophy, the UFC Championship belt, an El Clásico game ball, and more. Then, fans can complete their VIP fan experience by snapping a photo sitting behind a sports news desk.
The Disney Bundle Pavilion Stage Programming Additionally, The Disney Bundle Pavilion stage will host three full days of panels, trivia, activities, fan-favorite screenings, and more, highlighting the diverse offering of shows, movies, and sports from Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
Highlights of the tentative schedule are as follows, with times subject to change (all times PT):
Friday, September 9 11:35 a.m. – Pixar’s Onward Story Presentation by Story Supervisor Kelsey Mann 12:00 p.m. – To the Edge of the Unknown from National Geographic with Jimmy Chin and Alex Honnold 12:35 p.m. – Sketch with an Animator: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Eric Goldberg 1:55 p.m. – The History of Cars: Road Trip from the Original Film to New Series Cars on the Road with Creative Director Jay Ward 3:50 p.m. – Across the Bundle Spotlights: Hispanic Voices Panel 6:25 p.m. – Hulu Dance Party
Saturday, September 10 12:10 p.m. – A Conversation with Frozen Filmmakers with Academy Award® Winners Chris Buck (Director) and Peter Del Vecho (Producer) 1:10 p.m. – Sketch with an Animator: Solar Opposites’ Lindsay Carrozza 3:50 p.m. – Across the Bundle Spotlights: Made by Her Panel 4:50 p.m. – Meet the Muppets: The Muppets Mayhem Conversation Hosted by Tahj Mowry 6:25 p.m. – Hulu Dance Party
Sunday, September 11 10:00 a.m. – A Conversation with Encanto Filmmakers with Academy Award Winners Jared Bush (Director/Writer), Clark Spencer (Producer), and Yvett Merino (Producer) 3:50 p.m. – Across the Bundle Spotlights: Black History Always Panel 6:25 p.m. – Hulu Dance Party
Stage Presentations featuring Disney+ Content Continuing the Disney+ Day celebration, fans will be treated to exclusive first looks at some of the new movies, series, specials, and shorts coming to Disney+ in 2023 and beyond during the following panels, including the newly announced Dancing with the Stars 31st Season Celebration on September 11:
Friday, September 9 10:45 a.m. – The Simpsons! (Premiere Stage) 3:30 p.m. – Studio Showcase, Day 1: Celebrate the Magic of Disney and Pixar (Hall D23) 5:45 p.m. – National Geographic and Disney+ Special Screening: Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory (Hyperion Stage)
Saturday, September 10 10:00 a.m. – Studio Showcase, Day 2: Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios (Hall D23) 3:30 p.m. – Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza! (Hall D23) 5:45 p.m. – National Geographic and Disney+ Special Screening: Limitless with Chris Hemsworth (Hyperion Stage) 6:00 p.m. – The Santa Clauses: Conversation with Cast and Creators (Premiere Stage) 6:00 p.m. – Sneak Peek at Zootopia+ from Walt Disney Animation Studios (Backlot Stage)
Sunday, September 11 10:00 a.m. – Disney Original Documentary’s Sneak Peek of Mickey: The Story of a Mouse (Backlot Stage) 10:30 a.m. – The Cast and Creators of the Disney+ Series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Premiere Stage) 6:00 p.m. – Dancing with the Stars’ 31st Season Celebration (Backlot Stage)
Disney+ Innovation Lounge Presented by IMAX® Enhanced The Disney+ Innovation Lounge, Presented by IMAX Enhanced, will feature innovations from partners and products in a dedicated space to learn and explore the streaming service’s future. Fans can stop by the lounge to see demos of new Disney+ product features and get an inside look at how IMAX comes to life on Disney+ with IMAX Enhanced.
In the Disney+ Innovation Lounge, Disney+ subscribers and D23 Gold Members will receive a Disney+ Collectible Card pack featuring custom illustrations celebrating some of the most popular current and upcoming Disney+ movies and shows.
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
EPCOT truly offers something for everyone, from immersive attractions to flavorful festivals and interactive pavilions that spark your curiosity and enable you to experience cultures and cuisine from around the world.
And with the park transforming before our eyes – and preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary on October 1st – it’s an exciting time to experience EPCOT!
And now, there are three more reasons to visit as fan-favorite Enchanting Extras Collection are returning to EPCOT beginning October 2, adding to and completing the previously announced lineup of highly popular tours returning to Walt Disney World Resort.
These personalized experiences offer an exciting look at the magic of possibilities and give you the unique ability to experience EPCOT by land and sea!
Experience The Land:
If you like the Living with the Land attraction at EPCOT or have an interest in gardening and natural sciences, then you’ll love Behind the Seeds!
This one-hour walking tour gives you an up-close and personal view of amazing plants, insects, and fish throughout four state-of-the-art greenhouses.
Take in the sights and smells of unusual crops from around the world as you explore the future of agriculture.
Your knowledgeable guide will help you discover some of the latest plant-growing techniques in use at The Land, including hydroponics, and provide ideas you can try at home in your own garden!
Experience The Seas:
The Seas with Nemo & Friends is home to more than 2,000 sea creatures representing over 90 aquatic species, including sea turtles, angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays, and sharks.
With the return of EPCOT Seas Adventures – DiveQuest, guests once again can dive right into this 5.7-million-gallon saltwater environment and immerse themselves in the sea life surrounding the coral reef.
This experience offers SCUBA-certified guests guaranteed calm seas, unlimited visibility, no current, and incredible marine life.
If you aren’t SCUBA-certified or prefer to stay on your “sea legs,” don’t worry; there is a tour for you, too!
With the return of EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth, guests can meet the bottlenose dolphins at The Seas to learn about their complex undersea behavior and talk with the experts who work with them every day.
These guest-favorite tours return beginning Oct. 2 and are on sale beginning August 22 on DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app.
Due to the popularity of these tours, advance bookings are highly recommended.
Please note the Behind the Seeds experience requires a valid theme park admission and reservation.
For a complete list of the Enchanting Extras Collection across Walt Disney World Resort, click here.
Are you looking for a unique place to host your child’s next birthday party? ICON Park has you covered with a brand-new children’s birthday party package. All you need to do is send out the invitations and sit back and enjoy while ICON Park handles the rest.
For each guest, ICON Park’s birthday party package includes:
Ride on The Wheel
One slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza from Brick & Fire
One soft drink
$20 In The Game arcade credits
Group photo with unlimited digital downloads
Get your little one’s special day started off on a high note with a ride on The Wheel. In your private, air-conditioned capsule, you can play your own playlist full of your child’s favorite tunes.
After getting the best view of the City Beautiful, party guests can each enjoy a refreshing soda and a slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza from The Wheelhouse Market’s Brick & Fire Pizza.
Level up the party with a trip to In The Game ICON Park. All party guests will receive $20 in arcade credits to play the latest arcade games, compete for prizes and set new records.
No special day would be complete without a group photo. One memorable group photo is included with the birthday party package and can be downloaded as many times as you’d like.
The ICON Park birthday party package was designed for children ages three to 17 and their adult chaperones. Cost is $35 plus tax and offers up to 60 percent savings. The package is only available to groups of 10 or more people, and the party typically lasts up to 90 minutes, depending on the number of attendees.
Birthday party reservations must be made at least two business days in advance. To book a party, call 407-601-7907, email Groups@ICONParkOrlando.com or click here.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is returning for its 17th year with 102 restaurants offering three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus for $40 from August 26 to October 2, 2022.
This year’s roster is larger than ever, with 16 restaurants new to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, including six restaurants recently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.
In addition to providing Orlando restaurant goers with delicious meals, the annual dining program supports area restaurants and donates one dollar from every meal served to a local nonprofit organization.
“Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining celebrates our destination’s award-winning culinary scene by bringing more than 100 of Orlando’s best restaurants together to offer prix-fixe menus for dinners to explore new restaurants,” said Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando. “The program continues to be a source of support for our local businesses and provides funds for charities right here in our community. This year, one dollar from every meal will benefit The Able Trust, providing valuable funds to an organization making an impact on the critical workforce issue right here in our community.”
Menus are now live at OrlandoMagicalDining.com, along with the opportunity to book reservations and explore hotel offers as part of Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights.
Dining for a Good Cause
Each year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining selects nonprofit organizations impacting the Orlando community to serve as charity beneficiaries. This year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining charity committee focused on identifying organizations supporting the Central Florida workforce. One dollar from every meal will benefit The Able Trust, an organization helping to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
To ensure this donation has a widespread impact throughout the community, Visit Orlando will also award a $2,000 donation to one local nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts that also supports workforce development.
New and Award-Winning Restaurants for 2022
The newest additions to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining include 7593 Chophouse, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine (four locations in Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, Winter Garden, and Winter Park), BoVine Steakhouse, Cedar’s Restaurant, HAVEN, La Boucherie, The Hampton Social, The Monroe, The Wilson, Turci Pasta and Wa Sushi.
Additionally, six restaurants were recently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, including Four Flamingos, A Richard Blaise Florida Kitchen (a new addition to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining), Kabooki Sushi (Milk District location), Maxine’s on Shine, The Ravenous Pig, The Strand Food & Drink and Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen (also a new addition).
Magical Nights Staycation Hotel Deals
Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights is back this year and encourages diners to turn their night on the town into an affordable, end-of-the-summer Orlando staycation. After enjoying a three-course meal at one of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining restaurants, enjoy an overnight stay at one of the destination’s amenity-filled hotels and resorts, providing special savings for locals and Florida residents. Additional hotel deals will be added in the coming weeks. Find offers here and book early to secure preferred dates.
Improved Website Tools
OrlandoMagicalDining.com is a one-stop shop to see the complete list of participating restaurants, review restaurant menus (including options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets) and book reservations directly.
To help narrow down selections, the website has new filters for restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide or the “Near Me” option to find the restaurants in proximity. Additional filters include outdoor seating, cuisine type, and neighborhoods. For more information, go to OrlandoMagicalDining.com.
Halloween at LEGOLAND Florida will be filled with even more monstrous this fall when Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party begins in September!
Families will be screaming in excitement as they enjoy more candy, more LEGO characters, and more spell-binding surprises than ever, with 12 nights of Halloween fun – each Saturday and Sunday, from September 24 through October 30.
This Halloween spectacular will bewitch families with amazing NEW experiences, live shows, spooky LEGO decorations, and Monster mischief around every corner – all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.
LEGOLAND Florida Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party
NEW! Monster Mania IRL and in 4-D!
Monsters are taking over LEGOLAND Florida Resort! Enjoy a host of thrilling meet and greets with never-before-seen LEGO Monster characters, including Zombie Cheerleader, Plant Monster, and Tiger Woman. Then, catch these ghoulish characters on the big screen in the ALL-NEW, hauntingly hilarious 4D movie “The Great Monster Chase,” complete with some sneaky special effects.
NEW! Eerily Awesome Entertainment & Attractions
BRAND-NEW live shows will cast that BOO-tastic Halloween spirit! Lord Vampyre will have all the little skeletons grooving at his V.I.M. (Very Important Monsters) Dance Party in Fun Town.
An UnbeLEAFable musical mystery takes the LEGOCity Stage when a strange plant grows out of control.
The jack-o lantern trio, Jammin’ Jacks, are also back with an all-new chorus of monster melodies.
Step aboard the Disco Dragon Coaster and get ready to jive with a groovy monster jam and party lights.
For LEGOLAND Florida Resort guests, the Monster Party howls on with a Pirate Pool Party at Pirate Island Hotel and special entertainment at the Beach Retreat on select nights.
More Candy, More Fun!
WINTER HAVEN, FL — Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. (PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort)
Brick-or-Treat throughout the streets of LEGOLAND, Florida! Wander across the park to collect more candy than ever before!
Beware the Curse of the Pharaoh as you creep through the Graveyard of Ghouls to the new Desert Desserts candy station on the way to the costume parade in MINILAND USA.
Inclusive Family Experiences
Creating inclusive experiences for families during their visit is a resort priority, no matter the season.
As a Certified Autism Center, LEGOLAND Florida is designing Brick-or-Treat specific sensory guides for families and will offer alternative treats available through Guest Services. Team members will also be equipped with Halloween-specific information related to autism sensitivity and awareness.
Dastardly Fireworks in Pirates Cove
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Edward Linsmier
Pirates Cove is under siege! In the cover of darkness, witness 3D LEGO brick-bursting fireworks come to life with ghoulish delight and hear the tale of Captain Dreadbeard!
This lakeside spectacle is the sweetest way to end the Monster Party on all event nights!
Ghoulish Goodies & Sweets
The Monsters are in the kitchen whipping up some spookily delectable, limited-time goodies for Brick-or-Treat!
Nothing says fall like a Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life Shake or the Great Monster Cake. Pick up some Wacky Witch’s BBQ Wings for a spooky, savory treat.
Enjoy the ghoulishly green Brick Blast Coca-Cola Freestyle flavor exclusive to LEGOLAND parks, a recipe that fits perfectly into any Halloween celebration.
And be sure to grab an order of Rockin’ Frankenstein’s electric purple apple fries with crushed candy and peanut butter dip, a new twist on a LEGOLAND classic.
Brick-or-Treat is one of many exciting events included with LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park general admission and select Annual Passes, starting at less than $11/month with a small down payment.
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant will host the 10th annual Great Irish Hooley boutique music festival Labor Day weekend, September 2 through September 5.
The Great Irish Hooley is one of my FAVORITE events at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant because it is filled with amazing Irish bands performing traditional Irish tunes, Celt grass, folk, and blues.
This mix of music will have you dancing between bites!
This year’s Great Irish Hooley features a first-rate lineup of luminaries from the traditional Irish music world, including:
Téada – This leading Irish traditional band will headline the Hooley lineup. Dubbed “invigorating” by the Washington Post, the band just released their sixth album. Don’t miss them!
One for the Foxes – An exciting new transatlantic trio merging backgrounds in Irish and American folk music for an eclectic vibe.
Celtic Croí (Heart) – Talented trio from Dublin, Belfast, and Glasgow pump up the Hooley volume.
Gobhán – Dynamic duo from County Down, Ireland, playing guitar, fiddle, and vocals.
When you hear the word “Hooley,” you know to expect a good time!
It’s a Gaelic term for a lively party with music, entertainment, and fun for everyone in the family.
When the spirit moves you, be ready to kick up your Hooley heels -the talented Raglan Road Irish Dancers will lead guests through a lively Ceili. The Ceili step dances, dating back to the Celts and Druids who inhabited Ireland in the 1500s, are usually the main event of local celebrations in Irish and Celtic communities.
It all begins Friday afternoon, Sept. 2, and continues through late-night Monday, Labor Day. Celtic face painting is complimentary, and the pub will feature new whiskeys and a special Hooley brew, the De Fesht, that brings an Oktoberfest-like spirit to the late-summer festivities.
The best part is that there’s no cover charge to join the Raglan Road fun featuring top Irish bands with high-voltage entertainment!!!
In addition to the pub’s All-Day Menu, the delicious Rollicking Raglan Brunch will be served throughout the weekend, including Labor Day Monday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Reservations are recommended; call 407/938-0300. Check out raglanroad.com, and plan to join us for the Great Irish Hooley!
The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) presents the Orlando Boat Show, a three-day event August 12-14, 2022, at the Orange County Convention Center, North Hall B.
With boating growing in popularity, the highly anticipated show features 22 of Central Florida’s top boat dealers representing over 80 manufacturers with approximately 400 boats on display.
The Orlando Boat show features a wide variety of boats, including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, freshwater fishing boats, jet boats, pontoon boats, and surf boats to fit any lifestyle and occasion.
“The Orlando Boat Show is designed for new and avid boaters to explore the latest in boating trends, vessels, water activities, and fishing,” said Jeff Husby, president of Regal & Nautique of Orlando and the president of MIACF. “We are committed to raising the professionalism of the boating industry in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.”
Shopping for a new boat? Attendees can take advantage of exclusive incentives during the show from dealers and manufacturers, such as extended warranties, service packages, waived dockage, enhanced electronics, and accessory packages.
Events and Seminars
Guests can enjoy fishing and boating seminar speakers, plus fan-favorite Twiggy, the waterskiing squirrel, and Roxie Show.
Additional activation areas include:
The Trout Pond for kids 12 and younger to catch a fish
Virtual saltwater fishing simulator to experience the excitement of competition to catch a bull dolphin
The Fishing Zone is devoted to all types of fishing gear, including fresh water and saltwater rod and reels, fresh water and saltwater lures, clothing for a great day on the water, and all types of fishing gear and accessories.
The Queen of the Show is the 2023 HCB 53′ Sueños, a large center console yacht with a sophisticated design to perfectly balance speed, ride, comfort, and all of the luxury of “dream” yacht needs.
The bow area is dual purpose with seating to accommodate guests on the forward-facing lounger or around bow seats and table that convert to a large sun pad for lazy days catching rays or remove the cushions for a fully functional fishing platform.
The luxuriously functional cabin with a queen-sized berth, storage galore, galley kitchen, and separate head/shower compartment is the perfect place for air-conditioned comfort on hot days and longer trips with overnight stays.
An automotive-inspired helm station allows the captain to be fully aware of the surroundings while staying in tune with the endless functionality on-board, including charts and navigation, Sea Keeper®, ample stereo system, the quad engine package, and more.
The Fall 2022 issue of Disney twenty-three magazine, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, is filled with treats for movie and theme park fans!
After Hocus Pocus arrived in theaters in the summer of 1993, the film developed a massive following, and in the ensuing years, its stars would sometimes hint to eager fans that a sequel was a possibility.
That possibility has become a reality with Hocus Pocus 2 debuting on Disney+ on September 30, and no one is more excited than the film’s original trio of spirited sorceresses: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.
“Kathy, especially, acted as the keeper of the Black Flame Candle, forgive my pun,” Midler says when speaking exclusively to Disney twenty-three. “She was adamant about what the fans would and wouldn’t accept, and we sort of followed her lead.”
The stars and creative team break down the magic in store for viewers this fall, and the spellbinding cover was created exclusively for the publication.
The magic of Pinocchio has enchanted audiences since the animated film’s debut in 1940. Director Robert Zemeckis and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Keegan-Michael Key discuss creating the dazzling, new live-action imagining of the film, which also stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto and arrives September 8 on Disney+.
Diego Luna talks about reprising his role as Cassian Andor from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the new Disney+ series Andor.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law star Tatiana Maslany reveals what it took to get green for her hilarious new Marvel Studios series coming to Disney+.
And Larry the Cable Guy takes readers on a cross-country trip, unveiling the freewheeling adventures in store for Mater and Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) in Pixar’s new series for Disney+, Cars on the Road.
Plus, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor-like stamina is put to the test in the new Disney+ series from National Geographic, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, which explores human endurance and longevity.
And the unofficial “Queen of Disney+”—Yvette Nicole Brown—takes us on a ride through her Disney favorites in a story shot by our photo editor, Derek Lee, at Disneyland Park for Disney twenty-three.
The issue also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking film TRON with stars Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner and the original film’s writer-director, Steven Lisberger.
Also, in the Fall 2022 issue of Disney twenty-three:
The sky-high journey of Walt Disney’s private plane, which will be on display and an exhibit presented by Amazon this September at D23 Expo in Anaheim, California
Four decades of EPCOT—from Walt’s initial vision to the astounding achievement it is today
A sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ documentary Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, which chronicles the adventures of one of the world’s most recognizable icons.
Regular features include By the Numbers, D Society, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives.
Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of August.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive offers and discounts; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com.
