ALL OF OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE, IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE THEM.
- WALT DISNEY
DO WHAT YOU DO SO WELL THAT THEY WILL WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN AND BRING THEIR FRIENDS.
- WALT DISNEY
Disney isn't a hobby. It's a lifestyle.
YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO WISH UPON A STAR
DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Halloween Party Eats & Treats Revealed; Special Haunted Mansion Themed Food; Food & Wine Opens; Trails End Reopens; Disney 100 Celebration Details & More
09/11/2023

It was an exciting week of Disney news. The 2023 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival opened, and we got our first look at all the fantastic treats at the 2023 Halloween party. Over at the Haunted Mansion, there’s an update on a very cool change coming to the attraction and some frighteningly delicious Haunted Mansion-themed treats to celebrate the release of the new movie. The new Trails End is open, and we have a full rundown of the menu. We also have new details on the Disney 100 Celebration. All this and more are below in this week’s Disney news roundup.


1 – Food & Wine Festival Opens at EPCOT

The 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival opened this week. We attended a preview to get a look at the all-new Brew-Wing Odyssey Global Marketplace and get a peek at some of the merchandise. We were also there on opening day and have photos of all the menu boards with pricing for easy planning. Visit the links below for all the details! The popular festival runs through November 18, 2023.

Click here for “What’s New at the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!”

2 – Disney Unveils Haunted Mansion Treats & Update on Hatbox Ghost Coming to Magic Kingdom

Disney has long been promising the addition of the Hatbox Ghost to the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom. This week we got an update on when that might happen, along with a look at some limited-time treats to celebrate the release of the new movie, “Haunted Mansion.” Learn more at the link below.

Click here to learn more about the new Haunted Mansion-inspired treats and the update on the Hatbox Ghost coming to Magic Kingdom.

Credit: Disney

3 – Disney Reveals Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Food Offerings

It’s hard to believe, but the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is less than two weeks away. Disney has revealed the food and beverage items that will be available at the party. Most of the items are exclusive to the party, but a few will be available at Magic Kingdom during normal operation hours. Visit the link below for the details.

Click here for the line-up of special food and beverage items coming to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

4 – Disney Releases Dates & Details on Disney100 Celebration at Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. Disneyland has been celebrating since January of this year. This week Disney announced the dates of the celebration that is coming to EPCOT in September. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for dates and details on the Disney100 Celebration coming to EPCOT.

5 – Trail’s End Restaurant & Crockett’s Tavern Reopen with New Menu and Refurbished Eating Area

In mid-April, Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground closed for refurbishment. The popular all-you-care-to-eat table service restaurant is now a market-style quick-service restaurant. This week the restaurant and the adjoining Crockett’s Tavern reopened with new menus and an updated look. P & J’s Southern Takeout, the previous quick-service restaurant, is now closed. As we noted in April, we are sad that Trail’s End is no longer a table service restaurant. It was a favorite dining location of ours for many years. We have a camping trip planned in August at Fort Wilderness and will be checking out the new format. Look for a review next month.

Click here for a look at the new menu and refurbished eating area at Trail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern.

6 – Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Deck Party on the Disney Dream

Deck parties on Disney Cruise Line are a lot of fun, especially for children. This summer, a new deck party will debut on the Disney Dream. Learn more below.

Click here for more details on the new deck party coming to the Disney Dream.

7 – Pony Born at Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort

In early July, a Shetland pony was born at the Tri-Circle Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Check out our Instagram post below with details and photos.

8 – Apply to Become a 2024 planDisney Panelist

Do your friends go to you for Disney advice because you know so much about Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Line? If yes, you may want to consider applying to become a 2024 planDisney panelist. Disney Cast Member Lisa Mendillo has all the details below:

Yes, it is time for the 2024 planDisney Search! The time when we at planDisney begin the Search for the new planDisney panelists from guests just like you! This year’s Search will open at Noon ET on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, and close promptly at Noon ET on August 7, 2023. Through our process we look for guests who enjoy sharing their Disney vacation planning knowledge and excellent tips with others. A master Disney vacation planner if you will. Does this sound like you? If so, then apply to be a 2024 planDisney Panelist and join our adventure.

What is planDisney?

planDisney is a diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable guests who share their insights on planDisney.com to help other guests maximize their Disney vacations. Panelists are chosen for their ability to efficiently answer guests’ questions in one of four specialties: Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, or Disney Vacation Club. And we even have specialists that answer in four languages: English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. “I like to think of planDisney as an online representation of the diverse people and families who come to Disney Destinations worldwide through its Panelists,” explains planDisney Panelist Prince. “Each day we research and share our experiences to make sure folks find the answers they’re looking for before they embark on their Disney adventures!”

How do I become a 2024 planDisney panelist?

The Search for new panelists is an application process that consists of three rounds: a series of short answer questions, a brief video submission, and a virtual interview. You can begin your application adventure on August 1st at Noon ET. Whether this is your first time applying or your sixteenth, be sure to visit planDisneySearch.com for more information and eligibility requirements.

What makes a great panelist?

There are many contributing factors to what makes a panelist, but what we are truly searching for are individuals who are determined to share their knowledge, experience, and passion for helping other guests plan the most magical vacations possible. “My favorite part of being a planDisney Panelist is getting to share my Disney experiences with guests in the same way I share my tips with my family and friends,” says Keri. “I love when I discover a fun tip or new experience on my own vacation and have a question that directly relates to that experience.” A great panelist also has excellent communication skills and can provide clear and insightful answers in a heartfelt and meaningful way.

What is it like to be a panelist?

Being a member of planDisney is a rewarding experience in that our panelists are able to help other guests plan their Disney dream vacation. It requires dedicated time each week to answer questions and may often involve research on the panelists’ part. Their work is done from home via their own device, and they must meet a weekly quota.

“Although my most important role as a planDisney Panelist is being a guide for guests planning their Disney vacations, I also love being a part of a team of people who I consider dear friends,” explains LeAndra. “Also, every week I expect to put in hours of answering guests’ questions, but it feels a lot more like a good time than hard work. Going on and on about my happy place while helping others make the most out of their time there? It’s a dream!”

Does all of this sound like you? If so, we look forward to hearing from you for the 2024 planDisney Search! While you wait for applications to open, we encourage you to slip on your Mickey Mouse slippers and study up on what planDisney is all about and what it takes to be a panelist:

Best of luck to all those applying. Just remember to mark your calendar! Search starts Noon ET on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, and closes promptly at Noon ET on August 7, 2023. Our best advice…relax and just be yourself!

planDisney panelists are independent contractors, not Disney cast members, and receive a reward trip to one Disney Destination for themselves and up to three other family members and/or theme park tickets for their participation on planDisney.

What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort

Now Through November 18 – EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Click here for “What’s New at the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!”

Click here for the full menu lineup for this year’s Food & Wine Festival.

Click here for photos of all of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning! 

Coming Soon to Walt Disney World

New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line

This content was originally published here.







Disney History
What's to Come to Disney
Disneyland News