Walt Disney World Archives - On the Go in MCO

TRON Lightcycle / Run – Know Before You Go

The much anticipated TRON Lightcycle / Run will open in less than a month at the Magic Kingdom, but before you race into the Grid, there are a few things to know!

@onthegoinmco
Let’s ride the newest @disneyparks coaster…TRON Lightcycle/Run at the Magic Kingdom! #TRON #tronlightcyclerun #lightcycle #disneyworld #disney #wdw #magickingdom #pov #disneypov #disneyparks #tronlegacy #teamblue
♬ Derezzed (from “TRON: Legacy”) – From “TRON: Legacy”/Score – Daft Punk

TRON Lightcycle / Run – Know Before You Go

The Story Behind the Ride

Disney made filmmaking history when it released TRON in 1982. The movie was the first production to mix live action with computer-generated visuals and backlit animation.

After the film’s release, its iconic visuals and story continued to inspire video games, comic books, animated series, and the 2010 sequel TRON: Legacy.

In 2023, we have the opportunity to join the story again!

Following the “TRON: Legacy” events, we find that Sam Flynn is now opening new gateways into this digital realm at specific locations worldwide!

The first portal he created is at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run, which opened in 2016 with the park, and now Magic Kingdom guests will get their turn through this second gateway on TRON Lightcyle / Run.

Ride Experience

TRON Lightcycle / Run invites riders over 48 inches tall to climb aboard their very own Lightcycle, launching them at almost 60 miles per hour along over 3,000 ft of track to race against the Grid’s most menacing Programs through 8 Energy Gates.

The attraction’s seating is another first-of-its-kind at the Magic Kingdom.

Riders will enter motorcycle-inspired seating with a unique restraint system, similar to Avatar Flight of Passage, for a thrilling race through the digital frontier.

Team Blue racers looking for more accessible seating should let a Cast Member know their racing requirements, as the back row of each attraction train features traditional seating options with a lap bar.

Virtual Queue for Team Blue

TRON Lightcycle / Run uses a virtual queue instead of a traditional standby queue, allowing guests to experience the attraction later in the day and enjoy all that Magic Kingdom Park offers while they wait to enter the Grid.

Guests with a valid ticket or pass and a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom Park on the same date can request to join the virtual queue twice daily via the My Disney Experience.

The daily distribution times are subject to change or cancellation as availability allows, and Park Hopper visitors may not be able to join the virtual queue in a park where they do not have a Disney Park Pass reservation.

For the best chance of successfully obtaining a spot in the Virtual Queue, select one member of your party who must be connected to everyone looking to race on the My Disney Experience App to access the virtual queue to check for an available boarding group for everyone in your party.

If multiple people in your party try to join the virtual queue simultaneously, that may inhibit your ability to join a group.

Individual Lightning Lane

Guests who do not obtain a virtual queue spot may also have the option to purchase individual – or à la carte – Lightning Lane entry using the My Disney Experience app.

On the day of their visit, Team Blue recruits with a valid admission and a park reservation on the same date may visit the Disney Genie Service Tip Board in the My Disney Experience app to choose an arrival window and make their purchase before joining the race against Team Orange.

Lightning Lane entry purchases may vary in price by day, are limited in availability, are subject to change or closure, and are not guaranteed.

@onthegoinmco
Let’s head Back into the Grid to check out the TRON Lightcycle/Run lockers! #tronlightcyclerun #troncoaster #tron #lightcycle #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #magickingdom #wdw #disneyparks #disneytok
♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) – Ellen Once Again

Storing Gear During the Race

New to TRON Lightcycle / Run is a double-sided and digitized locker system to store bags and loose items while you race your Lightcycle.

Inside the attraction queue, these complimentary lockers pair directly with MagicBand, MagicBand+, or ticket media which can easily lock and reopen with a quick tap.

Racers without a MagicBand or other ticket media (such as a card) will need to speak with a Cast Member in the locker area to receive a card to assign their locker.

All items must be placed either in a locker before you board your Lightcycle or in a small compartment located on the attraction vehicle that can hold items such as cellphones, glasses, or wallets.

There are tap points to display locker numbers, and Cast Members are readily available for help in the locker area.

Mid-Race Photos

Team Blue Members can relive their race through this dark, computerized world with an onboard photo and video automatically linked to your My Disney Experience account.

Racers can wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ linked to their My Disney Experience account or an eligible mobile device.

For mobile devices, enable Bluetooth for the My Disney Experience app before riding, ensure you’ve logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day, and keep the device out of low power mode. Also, make sure to bring your mobile device boards your Lightcycle with you and safely store them in the small Lightcycle compartment to use this method.

@onthegoinmco
#TRONHYPE #TRONHYPE #TRONHYPE #troncoaster #tronlightcyclerun #tron #magickingdom #wdw #disneyworld #disney #intothegrid #teamblue
♬ original sound – addalydiaz

See you in the Grid, Team Blue. End of line.

Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots debut at EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Disney PhotoPass has bunches of new and returning Magic Shots that are perfect for capturing the spirit of the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!

“Someday, I will be a beautiful butterfly and then everything will be better.”
Heimlich, A Bug’s Life

Heimlich wasn’t wrong…and now you can find yourself in a flurry of butterflies with this Disney Photopass Magic Shot!

Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

All you need to do is flutter over to the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam to find this magical shot.

“All it takes is faith, trust, and pixie dust.”
Peter Pan

Another new Epcot Flower and Garden Disney PhotoPass shot gives you the chance to spread your wings and fly (I hope you sang that like I did).

Just think of the happiest things and fly to most PhotoPass photographers to uncover this flitterific Magic Shot.

With his beautiful orange feathers,
and beautiful leafy wings,
He’s a fluffy little puffy sight to see
He can turn your frown around,
when you see him looking down,
The Orange Bird up in the Sunshine Tree.
The Orange Bird Song, Robert and Richard Sherman

If you haven’t noticed by now, I am Orange Bird OBSESSED…which means only one thing…

I am going to need to visit most Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed in World Celebration locations to capture this Magic Shot.

And then maybe go and get a Dole Whip…

“Did someone say flowers? Please…don’t clap.”
Isabella, Encanto

This Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot is PERFECT, but it is even better when you can catch the Monorail passing between the two flowering topiaries!

This fantastic floral photo opportunity can be found along the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment.

Well, what are you waiting for? Come on! Let’s get going!
Spike, Let’s Stick Together

Spike the Bee has become an EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival icon, and his fans are buzzing with excitement for this Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot!

Spike the Bee - Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

When he’s not busy pollinating or tormenting Donald Duck, he’ll make sure to pop into your photo anywhere in the World Showcase.

“You can learn a lot of things from the flowers.”
Alice in Wonderland

This EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Magic Shot will be your new profile picture! I’m calling it now!!!

Floral Frame Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

You can find this floral frame stationed in the Italy pavilion, near the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam, and by the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment.

May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.
EPCOT Center Dedication Plaque

EPCOT is truly a tiny world, so it only makes sense that you can find this Tiny World Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot at the park’s entrance plaza.

Tiny World Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

To find out more about Disney PhotoPass and the other Magic Shots you can find around the resort, visit their official website!

Celebrating Women’s History Month at WDW

Women’s History Month at Walt Disney World 2023

Women’s History Month at Walt Disney World is all about celebrating the inspiring female cast members and beloved Disney heroines!

This month the parks will be showcasing achievements, memorable moments, and more as they ‘Celebrate HERstory.”

10 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month at Walt Disney World 2023

1. Explore the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The 2023 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival kicks off today with the debut of several new topiaries.

You can admire and snap photos with topiaries of the fearless Princess Tiana from the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Princess and the Frog” and the courageous Madrigal sisters from the award-winning Disney Animation feature film “Encanto.”

Plus, as part of this year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series, various female performers will take the stage at the America Gardens Theatre, including Berlin and the Pointer Sisters.

2. Get Inspired at Disney Springs Art Walk

At the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression, artists continue to spread creativity and magic through their work.

This month Disney Springs celebrates the talented women whose work is featured, such as Stacey Aoyama, Leah Abucayan, Nani Chacon, and Nneka Jones.

Guests can also experience the newest artist Thao Huyhn French adding her work live this month from March 18 through April 1.

3. Enjoy Live Entertainment at Disney Springs

While you’re at Disney Springs, dance and sing along with live entertainment at three main stages.

Several acts and bands highlight female artists on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, including Ladies of Motown, The Betties, and many more.

Look for these talented performers at Orange Node, Waterview Park, AdventHealth Waterside Stage, and Dockside Margaritas.

4. Make Memories with Disney Magic Shots

Encanto Magic Shot from Disney PhotoPass Service

Jump into some of your favorite Disney stories with amazing Magic Shots from Disney PhotoPass Service!

Returning this year are fantastic designs showcasing Edna Mode, Disney’s “Encanto,” Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” and Magic Shots and props inspired by Disney Legends Harriet Burns, Leota Toombs, and Mary Blair.

5. Strike a Pose with Resort Photo Backdrops

Unique photo-silhouette backdrops are another fun way to celebrate HER.

These photo locations can be found at most of the resort hotels. Find them and take a post-worthy photo to share on your social channels using the hashtag #CelebrateHERStory.

6. Say Hi to Your Favorite Characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Get a chance to meet the heroic Mrs. Incredible, or show off your outfit with the fashionista herself, Edna Mode.

You can find these two at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for action-packed greetings filled with hugs and photos.

7. Treat Yourself to Female Chef-Created Dishes across Walt Disney World

Wishing On Stars, Honey-Thyme Pork Loin, Whiskey Tradition and Pineapple Mule WDW Food Guide Women's History Month 2023

Don’t miss all the beautiful and flavorful dishes female chefs across Walt Disney World created.

Chef Assistant Ashley created the Chocolate ‘Muse’You can #CelebrateHERStory at Walt Disney World Resort during Women’s History Month and beyond!
When Chef Assistant Meg created the Coconut Flan at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, she was inspired by a love of flowers, bright flavors and Surrealism. It’s a piece of edible art!
The Sponge Cake at Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT was created by Chef Assistant Anna and inspired by Marie Curie. As a Polish woman, Anna was inspired by fellow Pole Marie Curie, the renowned physicist and chemist. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first woman to teach at a European university!

Check out the Women’s History Month Foodie Guide for even more delicious dishes to celebrate.

beer flight Women’s History Month at Walt Disney World 2023

8. Savor Crafted Cocktails and Wines Featuring Women-Owned Businesses Across the Resort

The Ginger Whiskey at Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park features Uncle Nearest Whiskey, which is both a Black- and woman-owned and operated business. Started in 2017, Uncle Nearest Whiskey has become one of the nation’s leading whiskey brands and made history as the first and only brand to commemorate an African American, Nathan “Nearest” Green, an emancipated slave who became the first master distiller on record in the United States.

At Disney Springs, City Works Eatery & Pour House has crafted a special beer flight with beers made by women-owned or women-led breweries.

Over at Magic Kingdom Park, you can discover the McBride Sisters Wine at Cinderella’s Royal Table. The McBride Sisters Wine Company is a Black-owned and female-led wine business. Select wines include:

McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé, Hawke’s Bay
McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
McBride Sisters Chardonnay, Central Coast

9. Indulge In Women-Inspired Treats at Disney Springs

Ahsoka Pop Women’s History Month at Walt Disney World 2023

Visit The Ganachery to discover a treat inspired by Ahsoka Tano. The “Ahsoka Pop” is a plant-based coconut and blueberry-swirled ganache, topped with 65% dark chocolate. The inside swirl represents the blue and white striped head tails of Ahsoka Tano. The outside is hand-decorated with the fulcrum symbol.

10. Learn More About the Women of Imagineering

The Play Disney Parks app will feature a special “Women of Imagineering” trivia game highlighting current and former female Disney Imagineers and their incredible contributions to The Walt Disney Company.

I am so excited to celebrate Women’s History Month at Walt Disney World!!!

2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

Get ready to rock with the Garden Rocks Concert Series – returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March!

There’s nothing like ending your day at EPCOT with a concert that, BTW, is included with your theme park admission featuring internationally recognized artists performing Friday-Monday and showcasing local Orlando talent on Tuesday-Thursday at the America Gardens Theater!

The Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup is filled with talent from returning favorites like The Pointer Sisters, Simple Plan, and the Plain White T’s, along with fresh talent like legacy guitarist AJ Croce and GRAMMY award-winning Switchfoot.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020

2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
March 5-6 – Daughtry
March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult – NEW
March 24-25 – Berlin
March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
March 31 – Luis Figueroa – NEW
April 1-2 – Piso 21 – NEW
April 3 – TBD
April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
April 16-17 – Switchfoot – NEW
April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce – NEW
May 21-22 – Casting Crowns – NEW
May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago – NEW
May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
June 9-10 – The Spinners
June 11-12 – The Commodores
June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
June 23-26 – Simple Plan
June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
July 2-3 – Wang Chung

Beginning February 9, guests can secure their spot for these rockin’ performances with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Check out FreshEPCOT.com.

Just a reminder, to experience EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

Celebrate Soulfully at Walt Disney World

Celebrate Soulfully during Black History Month at the Walt Disney World Resort with a variety of experiences to celebrate, educate and honor Black heritage and culture throughout the resort.

With the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T in full swing, you’ll have the chance to meet two of the Black artists featured in this year’s festival lineup.

From February 3-5, Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, founders of CreativeSoul Photography, will be at The American Adventure pavilion to showcase their reimagined visions of classic Disney princesses through dolls, costumes, and photographic prints.

And for the first time ever, a gallery exhibit will feature life-sized dresses and natural hair-styled wigs seen in their photographic prints.

Black Broadway performers will be featured during the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series on various dates between Feb 4 – 19. They include:

L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King)
Kissy Simmons (The Lion King)
Michael James Scott (Aladdin)

The already colorful and diverse Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression will receive two new additions by Black artists, and they will both paint their work live during Black History Month.

Ernest Shaw and Nneka Jones will join the likes of Everett Spruill and David Anthony Geary.

By the end of February, you will be able to celebrate the work of four Black artists on the Art Walk, showcasing the ongoing commitment to diversity and representation at Walt Disney World.

If you visit Disney Springs often, you may be familiar with the smooth sounds of Motown experienced through live entertainment on Monday nights.

Black music will take center stage this February, with Black musicians featured on all three main Disney Springs stages on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park continues to highlight Black culture through a variety of music and art found throughout the park.

Move to the beats of the Congo with the Tam Tam Drummers, let loose with the Caribbean Street party music of Viva Gaia, then take home authentic imported African art, clothing, crafts, instruments, and toys created by African artisans available at Mombasa Marketplace.

At the Conservation Station, uncover the secrets of how Disney’s first Black animator, Floyd Norman, brought favorite characters to life using real-life animals as inspiration

Be sure to stop and take in some of the fun with Magic Shots across the property featuring Princess Tiana in her element at Tiana’s place, selfies with Penny and friends from The Proud Family, and more.

Explore existing, returning, and brand-new Food & Beverage offerings across Walt Disney World for Black History Month.

And new this year, each Food & Beverage location will now highlight the cast inspirations of dishes with photos and storytelling.

Some new items debuting for February include:

Shrimp & Grits featuring spicy shrimp, corn grits with bacon jam, and crispy radish at Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Tiana’s Mardi Gras Shake features a cinnamon vanilla milkshake topped with a Mardi Gras King Cake Doughnut served at Hollywood Scoops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Gumbo with chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and seasonings offered at ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pineapple Mule cocktail with Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint available at Geyser Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Soulful Sunday Dinner at The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa featuring a dinner plate of barbeque chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and house-made cornbread
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Frites featuring Sweet n’ Hot jerk marinated chicken, pineapple salsa, scotch bonnet aioli, and fries are available at The Daily Poutine at Disney Springs.

All these items and more are found in the Disney Eats Foodie Guide.

I hope you enjoy all the ways to “Celebrate Soulfully” at Walt Disney World for Black History Month and throughout the year.

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival brings bright blossoms, seasonally inspired flavors, and lively entertainment for the entire family to Walt Disney World daily from March 1 through July 5, 2023.

The event is one of the longest flower and garden festivals in the United States. The seasonal plantings change throughout the Festival, offering evolving displays of vibrant hues, textures, shapes, and scents.

With so much to experience during the event throughout the park, here are some of my favorite highlights!

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Topiaries

Nearly 100 individual and iconic EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival topiaries crafted by Disney’s amazing horticulture team can be found throughout the park.

While guests to the event will be able to find favorites like Lumiere and Cogsworth topiaries in the France pavilion; Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tick Tock Croc in the United Kingdom Pavilion, and of course, Pumbaa and Timon from The Lion King. Several new additions are making their Festival debut.

Near the EPCOT main entrance, topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa from Disney’s “Encanto” will make a grand appearance to welcome park guests.

In The American Adventure pavilion, Dreams really do come true as a new Princess Tiana topiary joins the pavilion’s lively decor.

And finally, new topiaries of the Seven Dwarfs will accompany Snow White near the Germany pavilion in World Showcase.

Interactive Outdoor Spaces for the Entire Family

Fun for the entire family spills out into every nook and cranny of the park during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, with interactive outdoor spaces around every corner.

Get your nose ready to experience one of my favorite recent additions, Blossoms of Fragrance, Presented by Scentsy, where guests are encouraged to slow down and enjoy the sights and scents of spring. Surrounded by vibrant butterfly topiaries, “guests can follow their noses to six scent stations – floral, fruity, citrus, spice, woods, and fresh – to form lasting memories with the help of unforgettable aromas.”

Little Botanists can also enjoy an assortment of playscapes and trails lined with activities spotlighting eco-friendly fun under the sun.

The perennial favorite Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is returning once again! This affordable scavenger hunt for kids of all ages takes explorers throughout the park looking for their favorite bee, Spike, for a special prize. Purchase a map and stickers at select merchandise locations while supplies last!

Outdoor Kitchens

During the Festival, tasty sips and bites inspired by spring’s bounty are showcased at over 15 Outdoor Kitchens.

Make sure to pick up an Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Passport at either park entrance to find out more about the flavors you can savor and how to participate in the Garden Graze, a food stroll featuring delicious dishes from various Outdoor Kitchens that, once completed, result in a festival-exclusive treat.

I also am excited because the Citrus Blossom, one of my favorite kitchens, has a new location in the Odyssey!

When planning your culinary adventure, please remember that the Festival Outdoor Kitchens are open daily from 11:00 am to park close unless otherwise noted.

Groovy Garden Rocks Concerts

Every night live musical performances rock the America Gardens Theatre.

Included with your theme park admission, these concerts feature internationally and locally recognized artists.

Want to take your concert experience to eleven? The Garden Rocks Dining Package, available for Friday through Monday concerts, includes a leisurely meal at select EPCOT restaurants and guaranteed seating at one of the performances later that same day.

To see pricing, the full lineup of artists, performance dates, and to make a dining package reservation, visit FreshEPCOT.com.

Festival Souvenirs

If you want to commemorate your visit to the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, a variety of event merchandise can be found at retail locations across EPCOT, and select items will also be available on shopDisney.com.

Like the lifecycle of a butterfly, merchandise offerings will change during the event, with new additional pieces debuting throughout the Festival.

Fan favorites are sure to include ‘70’s inspired Orange Bird merchandise, apparel, headwear, drinkware, and much more.

To experience the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests need both a valid park admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

For more details on this year’s Festival, guests can visit FreshEPCOT.com.

Drawn to Life Announces New 2023 Schedule

Drawn to Life, presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, is the gem of Disney Springs, and for 2023 the show’s schedule will include new matinee show times on Sundays.

Guests can enjoy two performances daily, Wednesdays through Sundays, at Disney Springs West Side, with showtimes Wednesday through Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and two Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“Based on feedback from guests, we determined this new schedule will offer great daytime opportunities for travelers and locals to see the show, especially those with children,” said Heather Reilly, Drawn to Life Company Manager.

Tickets for next year’s performances are available for sale now at cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life.

cirque du soleil orlando drawn to life prix fixe — Photo: Walt Disney World

Drawn to Life has been delighting audiences at Disney Springs West Side since its November 2021 premiere with an imaginative blend of timeless Disney magic and remarkable Cirque du Soleil artistry.

The family-friendly show tells the story of the love between a father and a daughter, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 100-year heritage of storytelling.
The show celebrates iconic Disney stories and characters through innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, musical scores, and brand-new animation lovingly created by Disney Animation artists.

And Florida Residents can now also take advantage of new offers!

2023 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns to the Walt Disney World with a global celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts from January 13, 2023, until February 20, 2023.

This year’s daily celebration invites park guests to immerse themselves in the joy of art and to let their creativity shine as they experience a variety of experiences that are included with their theme park admission.

2023 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Highlights

2021 Epcot Festival of the Arts Walt Disney World

Performing Arts

The performing arts take center stage with new and returning artists performing around World Showcase.

Guests can enjoy musical artists Mariachi Cobre, feel the beat of the JAMMitors, watch artists create magic in front of an audience, and listen to the iconic Voices of Liberty.

On the Go in the Parks Disney on Broadway Epcot International Festival of the Arts

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series

Three times each evening, the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series fills the American Gardens Theatre with some of Broadway’s biggest stars performing songs from more than 25 years of award-winning DISNEY ON BROADWAY stage productions.

The full lineup of show-stopping performers includes:

January 13, 15, 16, 19, 20 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) & Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
January 14, 17, 18, 21, 22 – Arielle Jacobs (“Aladdin”) & Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
January 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, Feb. 2, 3 – Patti Murin (“Frozen”) & Robert Creighton (“Frozen”)
January 24, 27, 28, 31, Feb. 1, 4, 5– Mandy Gonzalez (“AIDA”) & L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”)
February 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19 – Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) & Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
February 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) & Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”)
February 20 – Special, extended finale performance featuring Brown, Scott, Simmons & Strickland

If you want to guarantee your seat and enjoy a delicious meal, DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages are available at ArtfulEpcot.com.

Visual Arts

More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will showcase their eye-catching and brilliant works at marketplaces and host signings throughout the World Showcase to celebrate the visual arts.

The lineup features many new faces, including husband and wife photography team Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, and returning favorites such as Dylan Bonner, Fenway Fan, Jerrod Maruyama, Ashley Taylor, and more.
Guests can catch a glimpse of artists at work with a peek inside the Disney Artist Gallery or the WonderGround Gallery.
From Figment to Jiminy Cricket, Chalk Full of Characters features charming chalk drawings in tucked-away corners throughout EPCOT.
An outdoor art wall features stories and characters that reflect EPCOT’s imaginative and innovative spirit at Drawing on Inspiration: Celebrating EPCOT.

Culinary Arts

Every year the Epcot culinary team creates a wide selection of culinary masterpieces that are Instagrammable and delicious!

During the 2023 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, guests will enjoy beautiful bites at 16 Food Studios around the World Showcase Lagoon, with new favorites you will want to visit!

Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic join the lineup this year with an array of vibrant and playful food and beverage items guaranteed to ignite guests’ imaginations.

Also new in 2023, Moderne invites guests to explore an avante-garde menu that promises to inspire and delight. Selections include Angry Crab, a whole, crispy soft-shell crab served with green papaya salad, mango-Sriracha fluid gel, and coconut-lime foam with pomegranate and mango crush pearls – perfect for pairing with a J. Lohr Riesling – in addition to other tempting treats.

The Artist’s Table in the American Adventure pavilion also boasts a new menu of artistically elevated comfort foods, including Duck and Dumplings with smoked duck breast, ricotta dumplings, petite vegetables, and duck jus, with other delicious items to savor as well.

Family Fun

Families experiencing the Epcot International Festival of the Arts can see and create art together through interactive activities.

Guests of all ages can express their creative side by learning to draw a Disney character at the Animation Academy, kids can create their own chalk art masterpieces at Kid’s Chalk Art, leave their creative mark at Expression Section: A Paint by Number Mural, and help Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase with Figment’s Brush with the Masters.

For a unique keepsake and social media moment, guests can “Step into” life-sized versions of some of the most-admired artwork from around the world at special photo locations throughout EPCOT.

Festival Merchandise

The fun and memories do not stop when you leave the park because guests can purchase exclusive EPCOT International Festival of the Arts merchandise featuring beloved Disney characters.

If you are interested in attending the 2023 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, please remember that all guests ages three and older must have a park reservation in addition to valid admission for the same park on the same date.

For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort Park Pass Reservation System, a reservation availability calendar, and Florida Resident hotel and ticket offers, visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/park-reservations/.

Walt Disney World News Roundup – 1/10/2023

The Walt Disney World Resort shared a TON of news over the past few days about attractions, exciting changes for visitors, and special offers!

Let’s dive right in!!!

Prepare to Enter the Grid

On April 4, 2023, guests will enter the Grid and climb aboard their very own lightcycles on TRON Lightcycle / Run, one of the fastest coasters in any Disney park.

As part of Team Blue, guests compete against fierce Team Orange to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates in a dark, computerized world.

Before the attraction officially opens, cast members will be the first to enter the Grid during special previews. And I heard preview opportunities are coming for guests too, including Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members.

D23 Expo 2022 Walt Disney World Announcements — Josh D’Amaro (Chairman; Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) at the D23 Expo

BIG News For Walt Disney World Visitors

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has shared some BIG news for Walt Disney World Visitors that is AMAZING!!!!

Beginning in the next few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates will continue to apply as they do today.

Complimentary self-parking returns for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels beginning this evening, January 10

Beginning in the next few months, guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service will also receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of their purchase at no additional charge.

I’m excited about all of these changes and offers and want you to know that we are committed to listening, adapting, and staying relentlessly focused on making the guest experience at our Disney parks even better.
I believe there’s no other place like Disney and of course, nothing helps our guests connect with Disney like you do. And while it’s easy to celebrate the products we make, the moments we create, and the experiences we provide … I think it’s important that we recognize all of YOU who make it happen.
Thank you for all that you do. Here’s to an amazing 2023! Cheers!
Josh

What’s Next for Walt Disney World Nighttime Spectaculars

Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” returns to Magic Kingdom Park on April 3, featuring all-new projections down Main Street, U.S.A. “Disney Enchantment” will be offered through April 2.

And as we shared at D23 Expo in September, an all-new nighttime spectacular is planned to debut at EPCOT later this year.

But, before the new show launches, “EPCOT Forever” will be back as an interim show over the skies of World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Similar to how it appeared in 2021, “EPCOT Forever” is the perfect offering while the Entertainment team preps the Lagoon, including a phased removal of fireworks platforms following the final “Harmonious” performance on April 2.

A limited-time spectacle of lasers, lighting, special effects, and fireworks, “EPCOT Forever” returns with a collection of songs that offer both a trip down memory lane and a look toward the future.

Walt Disney World 50th World's Most Magical Celebration — Matt Stroshane, photographer

Disney Weekday Magic Ticket

The Disney Weekday Magic Ticket is back!* Beginning today, Floridians will be able to purchase a 2-day ticket for $175 (plus tax) to visit Walt Disney World Resort theme parks Monday through Friday (ticket is valid through April 27, 2023, subject to blockout dates**).

Welcoming guests into new and timeless stories, Florida residents can discover wonder and joy throughout a range of experiences at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, including:

Discover a beautiful land that celebrates the magic of nature, exploring Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The larger-than-life show “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, filled with songs, pageantry, and puppetry, celebrates the classic movie “The Lion King.”
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T – one of my favorite EPCOT festivals – kicks off January 13 and runs through Feb. 20 with show-stopping performances, delicious cuisine, and creative talents and artwork.
Guests can shrink down to the size of Chef Remy for a 4D culinary adventure on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT.
All aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad! The beloved steam train is again welcoming guests on a convenient – and nostalgic – trip around Magic Kingdom Park.
The recent return of the beloved nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features a brand-new show sequence. If you have not yet seen the show’s triumphant return, now is the time to do so!
Guests may zip away on a zany adventure through a cartoon universe crammed with surprises on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

… and even more exciting debuts are on the horizon across Walt Disney World Resort theme parks!

To learn additional details, including information on 3-day and 4-day Disney Weekday Magic Tickets, visit DisneyWorld.com/Resident.

*Disney Magic Weekday Tickets are valid for one theme park per day. Proof of Florida residency is required. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. As a reminder, reservations are required with admission for each day of your visit. Reservations are limited and subject to availability.

**Subject to the following blockout dates: March 13-17, 2023, April 3-7, 2023 and April 10-14, 2023.

Florida Resident Hotel Offer

Florida residents can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels on select dates. If you are looking for a reason to get away, whether it’s a family vacation, a couple’s retreat, or a trip with the friend group, this is your sign to do so! To learn more, visit DisneyWorld.com/FLSave.

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you get access to special perks, such as 30-minute early entry into the theme parks every day (valid theme park admission and theme park reservation required)*** and free transportation, turning joyful moments into treasured memories.

***For early theme park entry, you’ll need valid admission, a park reservation and Resort ID.

Disney Springs Celebrates Health & Wellness

Disney Springs Reopening — Photo: Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Springs wants to be a part of your New Year’s resolutions for a healthier 2023 with Celebrates Health & Wellness, presented by AdventHealth.

The popular event kicks off with the return of Fitness Fridays!

Every Friday morning during the month of January, head to Disney Springs for a yoga class hosted by Fabletics or Lululemon. You can find more details and register online.

They have also partnered with AdventHealth, the Official Health Care Provider of Walt Disney World, to bring you 31 Days of Wellness Tips!

Be sure to follow @DisneySprings on Instagram because they’ll be sharing daily health and wellness tips on their stories.

If you miss a day, don’t worry! You can tap through all the tips in the highlight saved to the page at any time during the month to learn how you can practice wellness at Disney Springs and at home.

Skin products from MAC Cosmetics and a guest at The Art of Shaving Disney Springs

Here’s a hint…a few wellness tips will feature services and treatments around Disney Springs.

Treat yourself (and your skin) at Sephora with the Perk Face & Lip Treatments by HydraFacial.

Restore and rejuvenate at The Art of Shaving with various services, including Premium Shave, Premium Haircut, Premium Head Shave, Scalp Therapy Treatment, Express Facials, and more.

Stop by L’Occitane en Provence for complimentary mini facials and hand massages.

And, put your best face forward at MAC Cosmetics with a complimentary in-store skin artistry service.

Items from Basin and a guest at Fit2Run Disney Springs

Looking to do a little self-care shopping? Basin is your one-stop shop for feel-good essentials. Browse their array of natural bath, body, and hair care items.

If you’re looking to refresh your workout wardrobe, Disney Springs is home to various athletic wear stores, including Lululemon, Under Armour, Fit2Run, and Fabletics.

Beet salad from Jaleo by Jose Andres and Terrralina Nojito from Terralina Crafted Italian Disney Springs

While we all know Disney Springs is known for indulgent, treat-yourself-type menu items, you can also find plenty of better-for-you dining options!

Local Green Orlando Food Truck is a great alternative to fast food, featuring delicious American dishes made with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.

Jaleo by Jose Andres is serving up a specialty dish for the month – their beet salad with pistachios and yogurt is backed with flavor and nutrients!

Several locations are also offering tasty mocktail options. Try the Mellow Mule, Peaceful Paloma, or Strawberry Soothe from City Works Eatery & Pour House, Terrralina Nojito from Terralina Crafted Italian, and Strawberry Lemonade from Paddlefish.

Be sure to check out the Disney Springs website for all the details on wellness offerings at Disney Springs this month. I

Walt Disney World Resort – New in 2023

After a few years of construction at Walt Disney World, several new additions and closures are coming to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

New in 2023: Walt Disney World

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Splash Mountain

In preparation for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort will be closed starting Jan. 23, 2023, so we can begin the next phase of this attraction’s development.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure 2023 2024 Walt Disney World

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will have riders joining Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will debut at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024, and I will be bringing you all updates along the way!

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary

Fans of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations and treats will want to soak in all the fun before March 31, 2023.

Disney’s Enchantment has been illuminating the night sky over Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom for over a year. The spectacular evening will dazzle guests for the last time this Spring.

While we don’t have many details about the show’s replacement, we do know (and are stoked) that the “Happily Ever After” anthem will be returning as part of the updated spectacular.

Harmonious at EPCOT will also be coming to a close at the end of March, and the rumor is that EPCOT Forever will return for a short run.

Disney 100 Years of Wonder

Disney100 will be the largest cross-company global celebration in the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company. It will bring new décor, specialty food and beverages, character experiences, merchandise, and more to parks around the world and beyond.

The celebration will be based at Disneyland, and the fun will begin at the Walt Disney World Resort on April 1, 2023.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

The MUCH anticipated TRON Lightcycle / Run will take riders into the Grid at the Magic Kingdom in 2023!

Lean forward into the ultimate race of survival! Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in an epic quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement.

Climb aboard your Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory—so you can survive to race another day.

Walt Disney World has previously announced that TRON will open in Spring 2023, and I have my fingers crossed for an April 2023 opening since that is my Birthday month!

Woody's Roundup BBQ Disney's Hollywood Studios 2023

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant

Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to welcome guests for delicious barbecue and toy-sized fun in Spring 2023 to welcome guests for delicious grub and toy-sized fun.

Using his imagination, Woody’s Roundup toys, and other playthings, Andy has built a rodeo restaurant for all his pals to enjoy barbecue-inspired comfort foods served family-style, with platters of house-smoked meats, a roundup of sides, and some miniature sweet surprises along the way.

The restaurant will be the world’s first “Toy Story” table service restaurant!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will celebrate its 25th Anniversary on April 22, 2023.

While nothing has been officially announced, we will surely see some commemorative merchandise, art, and treats.

However, I am going to keep my fingers crossed for some big announcements! As soon as I know more, you know that I will be screaming it from the top of Expedition Everest!

Journey of Water

Stroll along a self-guided outdoor trail where you can play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the ocean and back again. Along the way, learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality—just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is scheduled to open in 2023 within World Nature — the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.

Dreamers Point

Get ready to find inspiration inside World Celebration, the EPCOT neighborhood offering experiences to connect us to one another—and to our world, when the lush gardens of Dreamers Point open in late 2023.

Dreamers Point is located behind Spaceship Earth, and will also be home to the newest statue of Walt Disney.

Figment Meet and Greet

Imagination has always been a core theme at EPCOT, and guests will once again be able to meet their favorite Royal Purple Pigment Figment in late 2023.

Hatbox Ghost Arrives at the Haunted Mansion

A fan favorite, the Haunted Mansion, will welcome a new happy haunt as the Hatbox Ghost materializes in 2023.

The new Haunted Mansion movie releases on August 11, 2023, and wouldn’t that be an amazing promotional tie-in???

Disney’s Blizzard Beach is Now Open

Blizzard Beach Reopens November 2022 Frozen — Amy Smith, photographer

It’s a ski-riffic time at Walt Disney World Resort as Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park has reopened with new touches from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Frozen.

The new Frozen features are a part of the kid-sized thrills of Tike’s Peak that’s popular among young guests who will delight in the statuettes of Olaf and his Snowgie pals in the warm wading pool, as well as Anna and Elsa’s igloo castle.

The water park, which features heated water throughout the park, will also have an enhanced holiday atmosphere.

This year there will be limited-time holiday offerings through December 31 that include holiday-themed treats, snowfall, and festive inner tubes. Guests can even meet a tropical-dressed Santa for the ultimate Florida holiday experience.

Popular attractions and features await guests again, everything from slushy and slippery ski jumps to bobsled and toboggan runs to polar play spaces for every family member.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Highlights

Summit Plummet is one of the tallest, fastest freefall body slides around. The heart-pumping attraction plunges guests down Mount Gushmore in a near-vertical drop and rockets them into a darkened tunnel. It’s an attraction made especially for thrill-seekers!
Teamboat Springs is one of the world’s longest group whitewater raft adventures, where up to six riders can take an epic and unpredictable whitewater journey down a mountain.
Toboggan Racers is a unique attraction where guests use a mat to compete in a thrilling race downhill on an eight-lane slalom-style waterslide.
Cross Country Creek is a scenic lazy river that takes guests on an arctic adventure, gliding through mysterious caves and illuminated grottoes and basking in Mount Gushmore’s refreshing spring water throughout polar paradise.
Runoff Rapids offers a choice of three distinctly different inner-tube waterslides, where guests twist and turn down an adrenaline-filled trip down Mount Gushmore.

The food and beverage options will also be a huge draw for guests again. The water park offers several spots where guests can chill out and try mouth-watering culinary creations, such as new Frozen-themed menu items.

Returning popular sweet and savory snacks like the Earidescent Ice Dream Cone, 50th Ice Dream Sand Pail Sundae, and Walt’s Chili Nachos can also be found at various dining locations throughout the water park.

Adults can complement their flavorful bites with chilling new beverage offerings like Orange Slope DOLE Whip Swirl at Warming Hut. There’s also a Red Slope Bloody Mary at Frostbite Freddy’s and a Melt-A-Way Margarita at Polar Pub.

Walt Disney World Holiday Celebrations

The holidays are just around the corner, and the theme parks of Central Florida will be filled with more merriment and festivities than ever before, with new celebrations joining fan-favorite events.

November 2016 at Walt Disney World — Photo: Walt Disney World – Ryan Wendler, photographer

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort will be filled with holiday fun as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns on select nights through December 22, 2022.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event with exclusive entertainment, a jolly parade, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, new Disney PhotoPass opportunities, merchandise, characters, treats, and so much more!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets are limited and can be purchased on the Walt Disney World website, with prices ranging from $149 to $199 per person.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event dates are:

November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29
December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Take part in holiday traditions, sights, sounds, and flavors from around the world during the annual EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays from November 25 through Dec. 30, 2022.

Guests will get wrapped up in the holiday fun experiencing storytellers, musical acts, performers, and “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,” a stirring and uplifting music performance in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa, daily.

Throughout the park, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Kitchens will be serving traditional and inspired recipes, festive drinks, and sweet treats for all to enjoy.

Most EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays performances and activities are included with theme park admission. Valid Admission and Park Pass Reservation for the same Park on the same date are required.

Candlelight Processional

EPCOT will welcome back the iconic “Candlelight Processional” nightly at the America Gardens Theatre.

This moving retelling of the Christmas story features celebrity narrators accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets, and glorious massed choirs comprised of Disney cast members and Central Florida community groups.

This year’s lineup of award-winning actors, singers, and TV personalities features several new celebrity narrators making their debut alongside returning fan-favorite celebrity narrators.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Tinsel Town takes on a new meaning as the holidays arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade, a festive finale to “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” holiday glamour on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and festive touches in Toy Story Land.

Sunset Seasons Greetings is the perfect way to add holiday magic to an evening as guests watch the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel transform into holiday scenes inspired by a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and more.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Holidays are WILD at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with animal-inspired décor including beautiful luminaries on Discovery Island, holiday cheer brought to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by ex-pats from Earth, and specialty treats.

The highlight of any holiday trip to the park is the Merry Menagerie of life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals and musicians interacting with guests exploring Discovery Island.

After dark, watch the Tree of Life awaken as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by holiday-inspired music.

Disney Springs

Shop, sip, and stroll through Disney Springs enjoying specialty food & beverage options, decorations, flurries of snow, and entertainment to ring in the holiday season.

If you are looking for character-inspired cheer, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, located throughout Disney Springs, leads guests on a scavenger hunt to find features festively decorated trees for a special surprise.

At the end of a shopping spree, head over to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar for limited-time holiday-themed sips and snacks to get into the season’s spirit.

Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil 2023 Performance Schedule

Drawn to Life, the dazzling live theatrical production presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney has released its schedule for 2023 and will include new matinee show times on Sundays. Tickets for next year’s performances are available for sale now at cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life.

Beginning January 4, 2023, guests will be able to enjoy Drawn to Life with two performances daily, Wednesdays through Sundays, at Disney Springs. Wednesday through Saturday showtimes will be 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and two Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“Based on feedback from guests, we determined this new schedule will offer great daytime opportunities for travelers and locals to see the show, especially those with children,” said Heather Reilly, Drawn to Life Company Manager.

Drawn to Life has been delighting audiences at Disney Springs West Side since its November 2021 premiere with an imaginative blend of timeless Disney magic and remarkable Cirque du Soleil artistry.

The family-friendly show tells the story of the love between a father and a daughter, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 100-year heritage of storytelling.

The show celebrates iconic Disney stories and characters through innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, musical scores, and brand-new animation lovingly created by Disney Animation artists.

Haven’t had the chance to see the show? Here’s a little background…

Set your imagination in motion and get ready for a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between iconic memory-makers Cirque du Soleil and Disney.

Drawn to Life invites you into an astounding world where the art of Walt Disney Animation is experienced like never before. Gather your whole family for an unforgettable leap into this amazing new show—a live acrobatic journey where the stage is transformed into a giant animation table. The art of classic Disney animation is reinterpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, and eclectic costuming alongside all-new Disney animation and an original score inspired by timeless Disney music. The show is absolutely alive with all the high-flying, mind-blowing exuberance that Cirque du Soleil is famous for.

This love letter to the art of Disney Animation celebrates life in all its motions and emotions. The show tells the story of a determined girl who discovers one last gift left by her animator father: a sequence of unfinished drawings. Guided by a magical pencil and a quirky troupe of imaginative muses, she embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories. We’ll follow her as she leaps into a whimsical world of animation and discovers new possibilities that animate the story of her future.

On the Go in the Parks: October 14-16, 2022

Halloween fun can be found On the Go in the Parks October 14-16, 2022!!! The countdown to the big day is on, but you don’t have to wait to experience spooky spectaculars!

On the Go in the Parks: October 14-16, 2022

Halloween Horror Nights 31 – Universal Studios Florida @ Universal Orlando Resort

October 14, 2022
October 15, 2022
October 16, 2022

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, the world’s premier Halloween event, is now open and will run for a record-breaking 43 select nights through October 31.

This year’s chilling lineup unleashes top names in horror and pop culture alongside a host of original abominations that spawn disturbing twists on Halloween traditions in 10 eerily immersive haunted houses and five scare zones – each filled with hordes of menacing creatures.

And when guests need a break from the scares, they can enjoy two outrageous live shows, sink their teeth into a “killer” menu of uniquely themed food and beverage, shop the latest merchandise in a new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and enjoy Universal Studios Florida’s most exciting attractions.

Want to be On the Go in the Parks at Halloween Horror Nights? Find ticket information here.

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How to find free #HalloweenHorrorNights digital collectibles!!! #hhn #hhn31 #halloweenhorrornightsorlando
♬ Spooky – ROHIB

Collecting Halloween Horror Nights NFTs

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida has debuted a new way for fear fans to show the haunted houses they have survived!

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Returns to Universal Orlando Resort Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Dark Arts in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Daily after sunset in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

The Dark Arts will take over the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure daily until October 31, 2022.

Guests can experience the return of Death Eaters and the breathtaking experience of “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” – a sinister spectacle of state-of-the-art projection mapping, special effects, lighting, and more that brings awe-inspiring moments and creatures from the Harry Potter films to life on the majestic Hogwarts castle.

Guests can also shop new Dark Arts-themed merchandise featuring the Dark Mark during their visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including mugs, hats, lanyards, tees – and even a Death Eater mask.

2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival On the Go in the Parks

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival – EPCOT @ Walt Disney World

Daily during EPCOT Operating Hours

For 129 delicious days, guests can sip, savor and repeat across six continents at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE.

The festival happens daily and continues through November 19, offering new experiences for foodies and families as part of the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” honoring the Walt Disney World Resort 50^th Anniversary.

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is your chance to catch some great concerts at the American Gardens Theater at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm. This weekend’s concerts include:

October 14-15: Robert Randolph Band (NEW)
October 16-17: Newsboys (NEW)

Like a passport for the palate, this iconic festival is a magical taste tour that whisks guests off on a fun and flavorful journey. It’s a delicious celebration of the best in global food and drinks, live entertainment, family activities, and more.

SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular 2022 On the Go in the Parks

Halloween Spooktacular – SeaWorld Orlando

October 15, 2022
October 16, 2022

SeaWorld Orlando is excited to celebrate Halloween with families and children of all ages once again at this year’s Halloween Spooktacular.

Kids will love collecting ghoulish goodies as they explore SeaWorld Orlando’s fun-filled trick-or-treating trail and meet colorful characters along the way. The days will also be full of other immersive and family-friendly activities to get the whole family into the Halloween spirit.

This daytime event takes place every Saturday and Sunday starting September 17 and extends to Friday through Sunday from October 7 through the day of Halloween. SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular is included with park admission.

Howl-O-Scream – SeaWorld Orlando

October 7, 2022
October 8, 2022
October 9, 2022

Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is coming back with vengeance this year at SeaWorld Orlando with all-new houses, scare zones, shows, and bars that will make guests scream in fright.

They can deepen the thrill with a chilling nighttime ride on Mako, Manta, Infinity Falls, or the park’s newest thrill ride, Ice Breaker.

Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando features more haunted houses, scare zones, coasters, and unexpected frights than the Inaugural Fear—making it a can’t-miss experience for haunt fans and thrill-seekers alike.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream runs select nights until October 31.

Busch Gardens Spooktacular – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Daily from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm

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 daily until October 30, 2022, from 12 – 4 p.m. on the Festival Walkway.

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2022 On the Go in the Parks

Howl-O-Scream – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

October 14, 2022
October 15, 2022
October 16, 2022

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 until October 31, 2022.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2022 On the Go in the Parks

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – Magic Kingdom @ Walt Disney World

October 14, 2022 – SOLD OUT
October 16, 2022 – SOLD OUT

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is an after-hours, separately ticketed event at the Magic Kingdom that is full of spirited fun with your favorite Disney Characters.

Throughout the evening, guests can:

Watch 3 sinister sisters bewitch and bedazzle the residents of Magic Kingdom park during the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
Witness Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular—a wickedly wild fireworks display featuring some of your favorite Disney Characters and hosted by Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Boogie down at the Disney Junior Jam at Storybook Circus—featuring some favorite friends from Disney Junior shows. It’s perfect for young partygoers!
See some beloved Disney Characters during Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade.
Collect a bag full of candy as you roam the trick-or-treat trails in search of some of your favorite sweets.
Revel in the extraordinarily enchanting atmosphere of Magic Kingdom park during this limited-capacity event.

If you are a Disney fanatic who loves Halloween, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a must if you are On the Go in the Parks!!!

LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat 2022 — PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort)

Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party

October 15, 2022
October 16, 2022

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 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.