Why the Latest Update to Disney Genie+ isn't the One We Really Need
Disney's latest update to Genie+ isn't really big news, but it is a welcome enhancement that may signal more things to come. The good and the bad of this update for the Disney traveler, plus Rogers: The Musical top tips and more Disney travel news.
Update to Disney Genie+ Service at Walt Disney World
Update to Disney Genie+ Service at Walt Disney World
In a first baby step towards making Disney Genie+ a little more flexible, you will now have the option to purchase Genie+ for a single-park option or a new multiple-parks option. With this addition prices may be lower at some parks compared to others. Nothing else has changed. What we're all really waiting for is the ability to be able to make Genie+ reservations before the day of your visit. So while this is a welcome change, it is nothing more than a baby step with the hopes of truly bigger news still to come.
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How to Increase Your Odds of Seeing ‘Rogers: The Musical’ at Disney California Adventure Park
Rogers: The Musical kicks off this week at Disney California Adventure Park and runs until August 31. With that in mind, here is the most important news you need to know as a Disney traveler.
Joining the free virtual queue on the Disneyland app is recommended
Rogers: The Musical will have several shows daily, Tuesday through Saturday most weeks during its limited-time run. You can gain access to the viewing areas for the show through a virtual queue system available only through the Disneyland app.
Each performance day, distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will start at 10:30 a.m. PT for the first two shows of the day and it will reopen at 2:00 p.m. PT for the remaining shows each day.
The virtual queue isn't mandatory, but it's highly recommended. If the virtual queue is full, you can check in at the Hyperion Theater before Rogers: The Musical begins to check for any walk-up viewing options.
Dining Package for Rogers: The Musical
Instead of going the virtual queue route, you can try to buy a “Rogers: The Musical” Premium Viewing Experience package for $29 per person from the Studio Catering Co. Truck in Hollywood Land. We say try because quantities are limited per performance. The package includes a “Rogers: The Musical” popcorn bucket with kettle corn and choice of bottled beverage, plus access to lounge seating before the show, priority choice of seating in the theater, a souvenir lanyard and access to a unique photo opportunity.
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Updates on San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park
Starting in mid-July, you'll be able to try some new San Fransokyo food at Lucky Fortune Cookery and the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería. More dining options and new shopping will open through mid-August.
Here's more about what you'll be able to see and do in San Fransokyo Square.
· Interact with Hiro and Baymax, who will say hello outside the Hamada Bot Shop.
· Near the Hamada Bot Shop will be the San Fransokyo Maker’s Market, a store stocked with apparel, homewares and more featuring Baymax and friends. Be sure to look up to the rafters overhead to find the local battlebot champion, Hiro’s Megabot.
· Across the way, a vending machine will dispense collectible golden medallions featuring Baymax and other images from San Fransokyo.
A look at some of the new San Fransokyo dining options:
Aunt Cass Café, the second bakery café operated by Hiro’s loving aunt, will serve soups in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls and other Japanese-inspired cuisine. Watch for the mural of Aunt Cass’ lucky pet cat, Mochi on the storefront.
An old fishing net tannery across from the café is being converted to Rita’s Turbine Blenders, a giant drink dispenser offering margaritas and cold drinks. The refreshment stand is owned and named after the repair tech who maintains the floating wind turbine (a giant koi fish) that sits atop the structure.
In addition to these locations, there will be new menu items at Cocina Cucamonga and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop as well.
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Foodie Guide to Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs
Flavors of Florida take place in Disney Springs from July 1 to August 13 at over 30 locations.
Here is the complete menu guide to Flavors of Florida 2023 at Walt Disney World, including our top picks.
Amorette’s Patisserie
- Orange Cream Puff: Choux pastry with orange craquelin filled with orange curd and honey orange gel (New)
- Orange Bird Dome Cake: Layers of Grand Marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâte de fruit, mandarin orange cream, and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available for pre-orders and cake decorating experience) (New)
- Strawberry Spritzer: French 75 with strawberry purée in a Flavors of Florida CORKCICLE (New)
The BOATHOUSE
- Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish: Citrus escabeche, coconut ginger rice, and cilantro aïoli (New)
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
- Key West Shrimp Cocktail: Seasoned shrimp tossed with a mix of avocado, mango, cucumber, and a house-made cocktail sauce accompanied by homemade buttermilk crackers (New)
- Florida Crush Cocktail: Florida oranges and strawberries muddled with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, then topped with a splash of freshly-squeezed orange juice and agave syrup (New)
Chicken Guy!
- Sunshine Shake: A blend of hand-spun vanilla soft-serve and fresh Florida orange juice garnished with a crown of fresh whipped cream
City Works Eatery & Pour House
- Seared Grouper: Pan-seared grouper melds with citrus chipotle rice, Cuban spiced black bean puree, smoked watermelon pico de gallo, chili oil, and micro cilantro (New)
Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar
- Orange Cream Float: Mix of Coca-Cola, vanilla ice cream and an orange cream bar presented in a novelty cup you can take home for a memorable treat (New) > Amelia's Pick
D-Luxe Burger
- Lime Garage Burger: Deluxe patty topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly, and fried green tomato served with an avocado, lime, and jalapeño spread
- Orange Bird Milkshake: Vanilla gelato and orange topped with sprinkles
Dockside Margaritas
- Frozen Orange Daiquiri: Siesta Key Silver rum, Cointreau liqueur, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream garnished with an orange wedge (New)
The Edison
- Sunny Disposition: Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine, Florida orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, fruity fraise de bois, and local fruits including navel oranges, Minneola tangelos, Plant City strawberries, and Indian River grapefruit (New) > Mike's Pick
Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria & Enzo’s
- Key West Pink Shrimp Risotto: Fine Italian vialone nano rice, Key West pink shrimp, guanciale, sweet corn, herbs, and pecorino Romano (New)
- Creamsicle Coppa: Vanilla gelato, made in-house, paired with orange sorbet, whipped cream and white chocolate crunchy pearls, recreating a classic childhood favorite dessert (New)
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
- Citrus Dream Donut: Orange-glazed confection with white buttercream, citrus-flavored icing, an orange-flavored candy, and fresh mint
- Orange Lemonade with Sweet Cold Foam: Blend of lemonade and orange juice cold foam
Frontera Cocina
- Orange Shrimp Cocktail: Assortment of Florida pink shrimp, hibiscus-citrus avocado salsa, jicama, cucumber, red onions, cilantro, and lime served with tortilla chips
- Agave Maria: Tromba Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur (New)
The Ganachery
- Honey Lavender Square: Ganache square flavored with honey and lavender and covered in dark chocolate (New)
- Key Lime Pop: White chocolate with key lime juice and fresh lime zest covered with dark chocolate
Gideon’s Bakehouse
- Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie: Vanilla bean cookie dough infused with Florida Key lime juice and blanketed with premium chocolate chips and special Key lime pie crumbs (New)
- Orange Mocha Nitro Cold Brew: Dessert coffee made with locally roasted beans, maple syrup, rich dark chocolate, and delicious Florida oranges (New)
House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
- Florida Sunshine Mango Lager: New seasonal lager on draft from the Winter Garden-based brewery Crooked Can (New)
- Local Florida Mahi Tacos: Tacos served on a flour tortilla, filled with pickled onion and coleslaw, and topped with cilantro crema and fresh cilantro (New)
Jaleo by José Andrés
- Ensalada de Sandía y Tomate: Salad made with compressed Florida watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, PX reduction, goat cheese, pistachios, and sherry dressing (New)
- Vieras crudas a los cítricos: Thinly sliced scallops dressed with Florida citrus dressing (New)
- Gambas Gabardina: Beer-battered Florida Atlantic white shrimp with caper mayonnaise (New)
- Pato con Melocotónes y Naranjas: Seared duck breast with sweet peaches and a Valencia orange glaze (New)
- Jamón Serrano con Melón: 24-month cured serrano ham with summer melon and sherry dressing (New)
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
- Florida Shrimp Tacos: Florida jerk marinated gulf shrimp, watermelon, avocado, pico de gallo, and jalapeño served on a corn tortilla with a lime
- Jock’s Citrus Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail with a Florida summer twist
- Florida Mule: Florida Cane “Orlando Orange” Vodka, ginger beer, orange juice, and simple syrup
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Buzzin’ Honey Latte: A buzzing combo of espresso, milk, honey, and vanilla syrup topped with cold foam and a special character (New)
Morimoto Asia
- Cedar Key Clams “Chow Fun”: Cantonese dish with fresh Cedar Key clams, flat rice noodles, garlic chives, and Chinese black bean sauce (New)
- “Banh Gan” Orange Blossom Crème Caramel: Vietnamese crème caramel reimagined with orange segments, sweet cream, and candied zest (New) > Amelia's Pick
- Orenji Dreamsicle: Cocktail that blends the flavors of Florida and Japan, made with Absolut Vanilia and citrus-infused Haku vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, orgeat, and Calpico (New)
Paddlefish
- Key Lime Pie: Graham cracker crust and torched meringue
Pizza Ponte
- Pizza Diavola: Salame Calabrese and chili with local Orlando petal honey (New) > Mike's Pick
The Polite Pig
- Key West Pink Shrimp Ceviche: Shrimp, smoked melon, shishito peppers, and local tomato vinaigrette with a drizzle of hot honey (New)
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
- Sunshine State of Mind: Sweet orange pudding with whipped cream and an orange butterscotch sauce (New)
- The Florida Split: Florida P1 Vodka, Florida local J.F. Haden’s Mango Liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and orange and mango juice (New)
Rainforest Cafe
- Malibu Combo: Jerk seasoned mahi mahi topped with red onion and pineapple salsa served alongside Caribbean coconut shrimp with a coconut rum sauce and Caribbean rice (New)
- Sailfish Brewing Sunrise City IPA: West coast-style IPA brewed with Columbus, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops, featuring a smooth finish and notes of bitter citrus (New)
Salt & Straw
- Exquisito Guanabana Stracciatella: Tropical guanabana sherbet swirled with ribbons of dark chocolate Stracciatella with a floral undertone (New)
The Spice and Tea Exchange
- Florida Sunshine Tea: Blend of floral and citrus flavors (New) (Available hot or iced)
Splitsville Dining Room
- Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette: Spring mix greens, strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, tomato, parsley, red onions, and feta cheese tossed in strawberry vinaigrette
- Key Lime Pie Martini: Florida’s dessert in a glass rimmed with graham cracker crumbs (New)
STK Orlando
- Cuban Sandwich: Pulled pork, ham, and cheese with pickles and mustard (New)
- Conch Fritters: Conch fritters with a spicy remoulade sauce and lime wedges (New)
- Key Lime Bar topped with meringue, lime zest, and toasted coconut (New)
Sunshine Churros
- Orange County Creamsicle: Churro rolled in orange sugar topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of orange and white toppings (New) > Amelia's Pick
Swirls on the Water
- Orange Bird Sundae: DOLE Whip Orange in a vanilla waffle bowl with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and an Orange Bird chocolate decoration (New)
Terralina Crafted Italian
- Almare Spritz (New)
- Classico: Classic Italian spritz flavors of bitter orange, rhubarb, and subtle herbal notes
- Hugo: Refreshing and bright with elderflower, lemon, and mint
- Rosa: Notes of grapefruit, bitter herbs, and flowers
T-REX
- Blackened Tuna: Tuna seared rare served over cilantro-lime rice with a side of mango, avocado, and heirloom cherry tomato salad (New)
- Oyster City Mangrove Pale Ale: Classic pale ale with a malty body and mild hops fermented in mangos for a tropical, fruit-forward flavor
Vivoli il Gelato
- Strawberry Shortcake Bombolato: Cake batter gelato, strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries inside a warm Italian doughnut (New)
- Orange Blossom Honey Cannoli: Creamy blend of ricotta and orange blossom honey served in a crispy Italian pastry shell (New) > Mike's Pick
Wine Bar George— A Restaurant & Bar
- Dicuru Burrata: Dicuru burrata paired with tomatoes from The Villages Grown, Belle Glade corn, and Olde Hearth sourdough bread featuring ingredients sourced from Florida (New)
- Frozen Old Fashioned: Frozen old fashioned made with DOLE Whip Orange and George Dickel 8-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey
YeSake Florida
- Fresh Poke Bowl: Fluffy rice, grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, carrots, cucumber, avocado, mandarin oranges, and tempura crunch topped with a savory roasted sesame sauce (New)
- Florida Sunset: A tropical blend of Ozeki Sake, Nigori Sake, Monin Banana, and peach syrups and DOLE Pineapple Juice (New)
Outdoor Bars Throughout Disney Springs
- Blood Orange Gin and Tonic: St. Augustine Gin, Tippler’s Orange, blood orange, and tonic water garnished with an orange wedge
- Key Lime Margarita: Patrón Silver tequila, Grand Marnier liqueur, Key lime juice, and vanilla garnished with a half graham cracker rim (New)
Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast
Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.
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Contact 1923 Main Street
Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.
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Thank you for listening and have a magical day!
Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic
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Creators and Guests
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.
