Trail's End Reaches the End, plus EPCOT Flower Garden Food Top Picks
The closings and openings coming up at Walt Disney World, including one that will upset a lot of guests. This plus EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival top food picks, more Disney After Hours events, new DVC villas and more Disney travel news.
Openings and Closings at Walt Disney World
Openings and Closings at Walt Disney World
Trail's End is Closing at Fort Wilderness
It looks like Trail's End has Reached the End of the Trail. For anyone who loved the buffet-style all-you-care-to-enjoy dining experience at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground, you won't have that unlimited dessert bar anymore.
It looks like Trail's End has Reached the End of the Trail. For anyone who loved the buffet-style all-you-care-to-enjoy dining experience at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground, you won't have that unlimited dessert bar anymore.
Trail's End will be closing in April and converted into a quick service marketplace. No more table service at Trail's End Fort Wilderness.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn Club Level Concierge Lounge is Closing
The Concierge Lounge at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is closing for refurbishment on March 11 until at least the end of April. How this might affect you even if you hadn't booked Club Level there.
Narcoossee’s is Reopening at Disney's Grand Floridian on April 1
After a seven-month closure, Narcoossee's is reopening with a new design concept of land and sea. Will the new enhancements mean for a better dining experience? We're hoping it will, but the signs are not all positive that Disney has addressed past issues at Narcoossee's.
As far as the menu is concerned, it's not entirely new--which is disappointing, as the menu was a big issue.
The Bisque is back, but with a new tableside presentation. There are also two new starters: the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni (with brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultanta raisins) and the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea.
The Bisque is back, but with a new tableside presentation. There are also two new starters: the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni (with brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultanta raisins) and the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea.
For the main course, Chef Noah’s signature dish is the Blackened Redfish. This is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille.
Plant-based dishes include a Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Land-based fare includes a new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potatoes and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.
Chefs have kept Narcoossee’s staples like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail.
The dessert course kept their trademark Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream. New dessert items include The Berry Pavlova -- artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. And the Pineapple Bavarois (roasted-pineapple house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream).
The wine list has been refreshed with pairings for each dish and the bar team has anew cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. Disney is touting a signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime. There are non-alcoholic cocktails as well.
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San Fransokyo Square appears at Disney California Adventure Park in Summer 2023
Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park is transforming into San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6. It's a fictional mash-up of San Francisco and Tokyo. The story goes that ss the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times, entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and local shops.
An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tide pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk.
When the transformation is completed this summer, you'll find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, plus many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería draws inspiration from its tri-cultural influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.
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A New Theme Park and New Dates Added for Disney After Hours Events
EPCOT has been added to Disney After Hours starting on June 1 and the price does include ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages available at carts throughout the park.
When Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park reopens this spring, H2O Glow After Hours will be back as of May 20.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is adding more dates for Disney After Hours as well, starting May 3.
Tickets are now on sale and the usual discounts for DVC members and annual passholders will apply.
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The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Reveal First Look at Guest Rooms
The 12-story Villas at Disneyland® Hotel tower will open this September and Disney released a first look at the room themes.
You'll find room themes including The Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty and The Princess and the Frog.
The one- and two-bedroom villas feature Fantasia and Princess and the Frog themes.
The multilevel three-bedroom Grand Villa is the showstopper. It sleeps up to 12 and has Disney artistry sprinkled throughout the space. The first floor has a full kitchen, large dining area, and a double-sided fireplace connecting the living area to a private outdoor balcony. The first floor is also home to the primary suite, inspired by Bambi.
Walk up the spiral staircase to the second floor, which features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inspired by Frozen and Moana, plus the washer and dryer room.
Disney Vacation Club Members will have early access to cash rental reservations starting March 15, 2023, by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800.
Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders can start booking on the following day, March 16, 2023, by contacting (714) 956-6425.
Bookings open to the public on March 17, 2023, subject to availability.
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No New Annual Pass Sales Yet, but Walt Disney World Annual Passholders Get More Perks
- Starting March 20, 2023, all guests will get access to attraction photos with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service.
- Starting on March 20, 2023, Annual Passholders with a My Disney Experience account and the app will receive access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses and, one Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories. Plus, Passholders will get a new offer where they can create and share short Disney-themed video slideshows with favorite photos from park visits.
- Starting April 18, 2023, Passholders can visit a theme park after 2:00 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today.
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Disney Eats Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2023
It's time for our top picks from the EPCOT Flower and Garden Foodie Guide 2023. The festival runs March 1 to July 5, 2023.
Don't forget to grab a festival passport for returning Garden Graze food stroll. If you buy five of the 11 available treats from various Outdoor Kitchens, you'll get an exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade.
EPCOT Farmers Feast (Near Test Track)
Food Items:
Early Bloom Menu (Available March 1 through April 8)
- Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
- Char-grilled Bison Ribeye with creamy leek fondue, red wine butter sauce, and whipped red wine goat cheese
- Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip (New)
- Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin
Springtime Menu (Available April 9 through May 20)
- Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta
- Grilled Swordfish with crushed fingerling potatoes, pea and mint purée, grilled asparagus, and lemon beurre Blanc (New)
- Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream
Summer Solstice Menu (Available May 20 through July 5)
- Tomato and Red Onion Panzanella with avocado, burrata cheese, and fresh basil
- Barbecued Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
- Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée with corn biscotti (New)
Beverages (Available throughout entire festival):
- Collective Arts Brewing Blueberry & Elderberry Sparkling Hard Tea (New)
- Ghost Mary: Translucent Bloody Mary with Boyd & Blair Cucumber Vodka, tomato water, horseradish, celery salt, and a hint of pepper (New)
BRUNCHCOT (Near Test Track)
Food Items:
- Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsa
- Lox Benedict on Everything Focaccia with everything-spiced cream cheese, shallots, crispy capers, and hollandaise (New)
- Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon
Beverages:
- Froot Loops Shake (Non-alcoholic)
- Peach Bellini (New)
- Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur, and vanilla vodka
The Citrus Blossom (The Odyssey)
Food Items:
- Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange chile sauce (New)
- Citrus Baked Brie with preserved lemon marmalade, limoncello-macerated blueberries, and spiced marcona almonds (New)
- Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon curd, lemon mousse, and toasted meringue (New)
Beverages:
- Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (Non-alcoholic)
- UFO Beer Co. Citrus Hazy Wheat Beer
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Citrus Honey Cream Ale
- Parish Brewing Co. Drive Thru: Orange Octane Imperial Sour
- Bella Strada Spritz (New)
- Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
- Beer Flight
Novelty:
- Orange Bird Bundle featuring The Orange Bird Little Golden Book and souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup
Florida Fresh (Near Disney Traders)
Food Items:
- Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cotija cheese (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- Blackened Fish Slider with roasted tomatoes, watercress, and citrus remoulade on brioche (New)
- Watermelon Salad with blueberries, pickled red onions, balsamic, and feta
- Florida Strawberry Shortcake (New)
Beverages:
- Cucumber Watermelon Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
- Cucumber Watermelon Slushy with gin
Refreshment Outpost
Food Items:
- Pineapple Skewer with Tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- Tangerine Soft-serve
- Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and cream soda
Beverages:
- Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender and Lemon
- Lexington Brewing Tangerine Cream Ale
- Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Grand Cherry Hard Cider (New)
- Southern Tier Brewing Co. Juice Jolt IPA (New)
BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany)
Food Items:
- Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
- Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted gruyère cheese
- Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries
Beverages:
- Bitburger Premium Pils
- Stiegl Brewery Radler Raspberry
- Flensburger Dunkel
- Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
- Beer Flight
Magnolia Terrace (The American Adventure)
Food Items:
- Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad (New)
- Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice
- Crawfish Pie (New)
- Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (New)
Beverages:
- Bayou Cocktail: Bayou Spiced Rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
- Central 28 Beer Co. Pretty Things Ale (New)
- Wicked Weed Brewing Day Light American Light Ale
- Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
- Beer Flight
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)
Food Items:
- Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake (New)
Beverages:
- Pomegranate Mimosa
- Keel Farms Strawberry Elderflower Hard Cider
- Bold Rock Tangerine Hard Cider
- 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
- Cider Flight
La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)
Food Items:
- Braised Oxtail with pigeon pea rice (New)
- Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice, mango salsa, and coconut-lime sauce
- Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Beverages:
- Tropical Breeze: Minute Maid Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic)
- Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
- Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum
Northern Bloom (Canada)
Food Items:
- Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske's Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
- Beef Tenderloin Tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, and whipped potatoes with garden vegetables
- Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake (New)
Beverages:
- Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-alcoholic)
- Collective Arts Brewing Honey Lager
- Glutenberg Blonde Ale, Montreal
- 81Bay Brewing Co. Apricot with Maple Syrup
- Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky
- Beer Flight
Refreshment Port (Near Canada)
Food Items:
- Shrimp Scampi Poutine with cheese curds, lemon-garlic cheese fondue, spinach, and artichokes (New)
- Soft-serve Waffle Cone: Peanut butter, jelly, or swirl
Beverages:
- Mighty Swell Purple Magic Spiked Seltzer (New)
- Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc (New)
- Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum (New)
Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE (Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
- Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
- Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Beverages:
- Twinings Iced Green Tea with Cranberry and Lime (Non-alcoholic)
- Parish Brewing Co. Bloom Hazy IPA
- Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié
- Twinings Iced Green Tea with cranberry and lime with Hangar 1 Makrut Vodka served in a mason jar
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board (Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
- Chicken and Waffles: Crispy honey-brined chicken and honey sweet corn bread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey (New)
- Pollinator Flatbread with honey whipped mascarpone, honey caramelized onions, blueberry gastrique, prosciutto, honey whipped goat cheese, arugula, honey vinaigrette, and bee pollen (New)
- Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses
Beverages:
- Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with streusel (Non-alcoholic)
- Nektar New Wave Lemonade Mead
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine
- Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with blueberry vodka and streusel
Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)
Food Items:
- Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
- DOLE Whip (Plant-based)
Beverages:
- Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)
- DOLE Whip with Fanta (Non-alcoholic)
- 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe
- BrewDog Hazy Jane IPA
- Urban Artifact Teak Tropical American Fruit Tart
- Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
- DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur
- Pineapple Beer Flight
The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth
Food Items:
- Fruit and Cheese Plate: Grapes, strawberries, cheddar, and Mini Babybel Snack Cheese
- Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based)
- Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based)
- Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
Sunshine Seasons
Beverage:
- Strawberry-mango Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
Connections Café & Eatery
Food Item:
- Orange Bird Liege Waffle (New)
Beverage:
- Flower Drop Cocktail: St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade (New)
Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)
Food Items:
- Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
- Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
Beverages:
- Mala Hierba Margarita: Centinela Tequila Reposado, elderflower-chamomile tea, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, and UNA Flower-infused Vodka with a chile salt rim (New)
- Cristal Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a souvenir cup (New)
- Craft Mexican Lager
Lotus House (China)
Food Items:
- Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
- House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
- Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings
Beverages:
- Classic Bubble Milk Tea (Non-alcoholic)
- Cherry Blossom Pilsner Draft Beer
- Kung Fu Master: Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
- Tang Dynasty: Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila Gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, soda water, and white boba pearls
- Tropical Moon: Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec, passion fruit, soda water and white boba pearls (New)
Primavera Kitchen (Italy)
Food Items:
- Caesar con Gamberett: Baby gem lettuce, shrimp, Caesar dressing, and crispy bread crumble (New)
- Tortelloni Primavera: Spinach tortelloni, sweet butter, pancetta, corn, peas, and fava beans (New)
- Budino alle Nocciole: Chocolate-hazelnut pudding with cookie crumble (New)
Beverages:
- Peroni Pilsner
- Prosecco
- Moscato
- Italian Sangria red or white
- Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
Hanami (Japan)
Food Items:
- Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
- Hanami Sushi: Assorted Nigiri sushi with lemon-cured salmon, soy-marinated tuna, and cured mackerel (New)
- Creamy Shrimp Udon: Udon soup with shrimp and spring vegetables (New)
Beverages:
- Sakura Cherry Blossom Pilsner (New)
- Hakushika Hana Kohaku Plum Sake: Junmai Ginjo blended with Japanese plum (New)
- Nigori Dragon Fruit Sake Cocktail (New)
Fleur de Lys (France)
Food Items:
- Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic
- Daube de Boeuf à la Provençal, Compote de Tomate au Romarin Gnocchi à la Niçoise: Provençal-style braised beef, rosemary tomato, and niçoise gnocchi (New)
- Tarte Chocolat Mogador: Chocolate tart with Valrhona single origin chocolate brownie, walnuts, and raspberry coulis served warm (New)
- Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel
Beverages:
- Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
- VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
- Kir àla Poire: French sparkling wine with Monin desert pear (New)
- La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and white and red cranberry juices
Funnel Cake
- Banana Split Funnel Cake: Funnel Cake topped with Banana-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Diced Strawberries, and a Maraschino Cherry drizzled with Chocolate Syrup (New)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Exotic Lemon Tea: A refreshing mix of Frozen Lemon and Iced Tea featuring Exotic Berry notes (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)
Near Canada – Melonade: A tangy blend of Frozen Lemon with a burst of watermelon (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)
World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Orange Cream Cold Brew: A smooth blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of orange and vanilla topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and coconut shavings (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)
The American Adventure – Key Lime Cold Brew: A zesty blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of Key lime and white chocolate topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)
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Host
Mike Belobradic
Mike Belobradic is the creator and co-host of the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com and a longtime expert on Disney travel.
