New Star Wars Nighttime Spectacular Coming to Hollywood Studios

Photo courtesy of Disney

Disney announced yesterday that several new Star Wars experiences will be coming to Hollywood Studios this spring. From a new stage show and procession to an even more elaborate fireworks display, it sounds like Star Wars fans will have a lot to look forward to. Here's what the Disney Parks Blog had to say.

"The Force will officially awaken at the park April 4, with the debut of the brand new Star Wars stage show, "Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. " The new show will play out iconic moments from the film saga on Center Stage (in front of the Chinese Theater), and will feature appearances from Star Wars characters like Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Darth Maul. 

Also starting April 4, Captain Phasma will begin leading a platoon of First Order stormtroopers on a march from Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage multiple times each day.

And starting this summer, fans won’t want to miss the grand debut of of a new Star Wars fireworks show, "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular." This new nightly show is the next generation of the current Star Wars-inspired fireworks show. The show will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the nearby Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. The show will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. This new show will be the most elaborate fireworks display to take place in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

And don’t forget about the other recent Star Wars additions that have debuted at the park. The Star Tours  - The Adventures Continue attraction now features new characters and planets from the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens film. Star Wars Launch Bay offers families an up-close look at replica props, models, costumes and more from the films, plus the chance to encounter with someone from Rebel Alliance or the Dark Side. And young Padawans can put their bravery to the test at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, which now features the character of the Seventh Sister from the Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels."

It all sounds fairly epic. I can't wait to see the new fireworks because the current ones are already fantastic. What are you most looking forward to?

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Marquee

Disney

A new marquee for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway has appeared on the Chinese Theater in Hollywood Studios. The sign is very neon and a bit over the top.

I can't wait to see what the ride is like when it opens on March 4!

Dancing Baby Groot Sipper at Hollywood Studios

I love this new Dancing Baby Groot sipper from Hollywood Studios. His arms move, so it looks like he's dancing. So adorable! The pot says "I am Groot" on one side and "Guardians of the Galaxy" on the other. The sipper cup comes filled with your choice of fountain drink for $12.75 and is available from the popcorn carts near Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Hollywood Studios

Disney

A new holiday show is coming to Hollywood Studios this year. "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" will be a new nighttime spectacular, featuring projections in the Chinese Theater, special effects, and of course, fireworks, all set to seasonal music.

Disney

The story behind the show is that Santa Claus has gone missing.  And it's up two his two best Prep and Landing elves, Wayne and Lanny, to find him in time for Christmas Eve. Along the way, they'll discover memorable moments from classic Disney Christmas films, such as: Mickey's Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas, Pluto's Christmas Tree, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and many more. And for a really tinsel finale, there will be snow! This special holiday show can be viewed nightly from November 14 to December 31.

Disney

For even more fun, a Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party will also be offered. Featuring multiple food stations with both savory and sweet treats, such as the Santa Mickey cupcake with peppermint bark, a nitrogen dessert station, specialty beverages such as cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks including cocoa, and much more, the party is held in the courtyard of the Great Movie Ride. A special character will be on hand to mingle with guests before they're escorted to the reserved viewing area for the show. Each guest will recieve a pair of 3D HoloSpex to use during the show. They transform any bright point of light into holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments.

Disney

The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is available on select nights. Party pricing is $69 per adult, $39 per child for dates between November 14 and December 17. It goes up to $79 per adult and $45 per child December 18-31. Tickets are available from Disney, but be sure to book early, as they sell out quickly.

A Festive Flurry of Fun at Hollywood Studios

Disney

The holidays have arrived at Hollywood Studios in a "Flurry of Fun". Through January 6, explore festive shows, snow, Christmas decorations, and holly, jolly treats. Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes a canvas for holiday stories of Disney characters. Every night ends with Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a spectacular of music, fireworks, special effects, and projections. And a delightful array of sweet treats can be found throughout the park.

Disney

Festive Popcorn - Caramel corn with nuts, crispy pearls, candy-coated chocolates, and mini sugar cookies available at the BaseLine Tap House and popcorn carts.

Disney

Gingerbread Pop - This Mickey shaped gingerbread cookie on a stick, with chocolate dipped ears can be found at Anaheim Produce, the Chinese Theater Churro Cart, and the Main Entrance Coffee Cart.

Disney

Mini Shortbread Cookies - These adorable cookies, decorated with sugar pieces, are available at Grand Avenue Cart and Hollywood Scoops.

Disney

Large Shortbread Cookie - A big cookie filled with raspberry jam and decorated with frosting from the Trolley Car Cafe.

Disney

Santa Belt Macarons - Five almond Macarons with hazelnut filling that look like Santa can be found at BaseLine Tap House and Oasis Canteen.

Santa Belt Candy Apple - Dipped in lots of chocolate and sporting marshmallow ears, this treat is available at Trolley Car Cafe.

Disney

Olaf Cupcake - A chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting and a cute Olaf that can be found at ABC Commissary and Backlot Express.

Spiced Cold Chocolate - A chocolate verrine with house-made cinnamon marshmallows and chocolate cake from Rosie's All-American Cafe.

Disney

Chocolate Chestnut Cone - A chocolate treat served on a praline leaf offered at Backlot Express.

Chocolate Mousse Present - A chocolate mousse with chocolate ganache from ABC Commissary.

Cranberry Mousse - A dome of chocolate-cranberry mousse available at Trolley Car Cafe.

Caramel Eclair - A pastry filled with Caramel from Dockside Diner.

Disney

Prep and Landing Cupcake - A gingerbread cupcake with cream cheese frosting available at Rosie' s All-American Cafe and Dockside Diner.

Eggnog Panna Cotta - An eggnog dessert with raspberry and chocolate creme found at Catalina Eddie's.

Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Lunch Box Tart - Topped with snowflakes and crispy pearls, this tart is available at Woody's Lunch Box.

The 2022 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Is Here!

All images: Disney

This year's EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival has arrived and it is a long one. Beginning today, July 14, and continuing until November 19, the festival is filled with delightful dining, fantastic music, and of course, a few fun scavenger hunts.

Here are the menus for this year's festival.

The Fry Basket (Near Test Track)

• Adobo Yuca Fries with garlic-cilantro aïoli  🍯 🥖🥕
• Fry Flight 🍯
• Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Fries 🥕
• Barbecued Bacon Fries with smoked aïoli
• Sweet Potato Casserole Fries with candied pecans, toasted marshmallow cream, and caramel whisky

Flavors from Fire (Near Test Track)

• Smoked Corned Beef with crispy potatoes, cheese curds, pickled onions, and beer-cheese fondue 🧀
• Banh Mi Bao with char-grilled Asian skirt steak, chicken liver aïoli, pickled vegetables, and cilantro 🍯
• Rocky Road Chocolate Cake with marshmallows, spiced almonds, and chocolate ganache 🍯
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Coastal Eats (Near Mission: SPACE) 🌻

• Baked Scampi Dip with shrimp, scallops, and baguette 🍯
• Oysters Rockefeller 🍯

Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE) 🌻

• Traditional Macaroni & Cheese with herbed panko 🧀
• Cowboy Macaroni & Cheese with smoked pork belly, brisket burnt ends, pickled peppers, onion straws, and barbecue aïoli 🧀
• Chili-Cheese Macaroni & Cheese with sour cream and cheddar cheese🍯 🥕🧀

Mexico

• Taco al Pastor: Seared pork belly pastor on a corn tortilla with chipotle black beans, pineapple, pickled onions, and chives 🍯🥖
• Tostada de Barbacoa: Barbacoa beef on a fried corn tortilla with chipotle black beans, salsa verde, Mexican crema, queso fresco, and chives 🍯 🥖
• Capirotada de Chocolate: Abuelita chocolate bread pudding served with a chocolate crème anglaise

China

• Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings with house-made sweet-and-spicy sauce
• Mongolian Beef Bao Bun with onion 🍯
• Dandan Noodles: Spicy pork with sichuan sauce, peanut butter, sesame, and green onion 🍯
• Passion Fruit Bubble Tea🧋🍯

India (Near China)

• Crispy Paneer with mango-curry ketchup 🍯🧀
• Potato and Pea Samosa with coriander-lime cream 🍯🥕
• Chicken Tikka Masala with fennel-spiced yogurt and naan bread 🍯
• Mango Lassi🧋

Refreshment Outpost

• Spicy Githeri with white beans, pigeon peas, Ben’s Original Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley, and kachumbari slaw 🥕
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Kenya (Near Refreshment Outpost)

• Kenyan Coffee Barbecued Beef Tenderloin with sweet potato and corn mealie pap and kachumbari slaw 🥖
• Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with citrus-scented couscous

The Alps (Near Germany)

• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with alpine ham, baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette 🧀
• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette 🧀
• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Riesling-poached pears, red wine-braised figs, candied pecans, honey, and cranberry toast 🍯🧀

Germany

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese 🧀
• Roasted Bratwurst in a pretzel roll
• Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce

Spain (Between Italy and Germany)

• Charcuterie with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, Olives, and an Herbed Vinaigrette 🥖
• Paella with Rice, Chorizo, and Shrimp 🥖
• Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika 🥖

Italy

• Gnocchi di Patate: Potato dumplings with four-cheese sauce and roasted cremini mushrooms 🍯
• Gnocchi di Patate: Potato dumplings with vodka sauce, Romano cheese, and crispy bacon 🍯
• Panna Cotta: Orange blossom panna cotta with seasonal berries 🍯

Hops & Barley (American Adventure)

• Chesapeake Crab Slider with tangy coleslaw and Cajun remoulade 🍯
• Hot Beef Sandwich with horseradish cream and pickled vegetables
• Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing

Funnel Cake

• Mini Piña Colada Funnel Cake with piña colada ice cream, whipped cream, toasted coconut, and maraschino cherry drizzled with coconut-rum sauce 🍯

Japan

• Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables, and teriyaki sauce
• Takoyaki: Octopus, green onion, and cabbage bites topped with tonkatsu sauce, bonito flakes, and nori 🍯
• Spicy Salmon Donburi: Spicy salmon with sushi rice, shiso leaf, red tobiko, and rice pearls 🍯

Greece (Near Morocco)

• Spanakopita
• Griddled Cheese with pistachios and honey 🥖
• Lamb Gyro with shaved lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki on warm flatbread 🍯

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

• Grilled Chermoula Chicken or Moroccan-spiced Lamb Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli
• Fried Falafel Pita with tahini sauce 🥕
• Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and Zhoug dips
• Pistachio Cake with cinnamon pastry cream and candied walnuts
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Belgium (Between France and Morocco)

• Beer-braised Beef served with smoked gouda mashed potatoes
• Belgian Waffle with warm chocolate ganache
• Belgian Waffle with berry compote and whipped cream

Brazil (Between France and Morocco)

• Feijoada: Black Beans with crispy pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and Ben’s Original Long Grain White Rice 🍯
• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread 🥖🧀

France

• Beignet aux Trois Fromages: Warm beignet filled with three cheese blend
• Brioche aux Escargots, Sauce Crème à l’ail et Persil: Escargot brioche with creamy garlic and parsley sauce 🍯
• Parmentier de Boeuf Braisé au Cabernet: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes
• Crème Brûlée Vanille à la Confiture de Framboises: Vanilla crème brûlée with house-made raspberry jam 🍯 🥖

Ireland (Near the United Kingdom)

• Fisherman’s Seafood Pie
• Roasted Irish Sausage with colcannon potatoes and onion gravy
• Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Irish cream liqueur custard

Appleseed Orchard (In Canada Far and Wide Theater)

• Apple Crumble Tart
• Frozen Apple Pie🧋
• Cinnamon Apple Cider🧋
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Canada

• Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a pretzel roll 🧀
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with truffle-butter sauce 🥖

Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin (Near Canada)

• Braised Beef Poutine: French fries, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce, cheese curds, and gherkin relish
• Maple cheesecake with whipped maple bourbon cheese and candied pecans

Australia (Near Port of Entry)

• Grilled Sweet-and-Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with pineapple, pepper, onion, and snap peas 🥖
• Roasted Lamb Chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies 🥖
• Lamington: Yellow cake with raspberry filling dipped in chocolate and coconut 🍯

Hawaii (Near Port of Entry)🌻

• Kālua Pork Slider with sweet-and-sour DOLE pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise
• SPAM Musubi Nigiri with sushi rice, teriyaki-glazed SPAM, spicy mayonnaise, eel sauce, and nori 🍯
• Passion Fruit Cheesecake with toasted macadamia nuts 🧀

Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE (Near Port of Entry)

• Guava Mousse on a sugar cookie with coconut-lime whipped cream 🍯 🥕
• CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Earth Eats hosted by IMPOSSIBLE (Near Port of Entry)

• IMPOSSIBLE Burger Slider with wasabi cream and spicy slaw on a sesame seed bun 🥕
• IMPOSSIBLE Meatball with herbed polenta, rustic puttanesca sauce, and basil pesto 🍯 🥕
• Strawberry Freeze featuring Twinings Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea 🥕🧋

The Swanky Saucy Swine (Near Disney Traders)

• Crispy Barbecued Pork Rinds with pimento cheese 🥖 🧀
• Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with green onions and peanuts
• Grilled Pork Shoulder Lettuce Wrap with charred corn salsa, pickled red onion, and cilantro-lime crema 🍯 🥖

The Noodle Exchange (Near Disney Traders)🌻

• Traditional Spicy Vietnamese Beef Pho with shaved beef, mushrooms, and Thai basil 🥖
• Chinese Char Siu Pork Udon with mushrooms, bok choy, and soy pickled egg
• Thai Shrimp and Coconut-Curry Rice Noodles with shiitake mushrooms and Thai basil 🥖
• Tofu Pho with mushrooms and Thai basil 🥖🥕

Brew-Wing 🌻

• Sticky Wings with Peanut Sauce and Grape Gel with Celery and Ranch 🍯
• Garlic-Parmesan Wings with celery and ranch 🥖
• Traditional Buffalo Wings with celery and ranch 🥖
• Sriracha-Lime Wings with celery and ranch 🍯
• Dry-rubbed Jerk-spiced Wings with papaya chili sauce with celery and ranch 🍯
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts with buffalo sauce 🥕

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• The American Adventure – Mocha Madness: A sweet frozen cappuccino blended with chocolate syrup 🧋🍯
• World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Castaway Cold Brew: A creamy combination of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Nitro and sweet cream 🧋🍯
• Near Canada – Arctic Sunrise: A cool citrus treat featuring passion fruit over ice and coconut syrup 🧋🍯
• World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE – Nitro Dreams: A creamy combination of Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Nitro Cold Brew, Irish cream syrup, and half & half topped with cream 🧋🍯

Gluten/Wheat Friendly 🥖

Plant-based 🥕

Beverages🧋

New 🍯

Opens August 15 🌻

Emile's Fromage Montage 🧀

As you're snacking your way around the world, keep an eye out for items from Emile's Fromage Montage 🧀. Collect a stamp for each of the tasty, cheesy dishes from the list in your Festival Passport. Once you've purchased five items, take your passport with five stamps to Shimmering Sips for a special free treat.

An adorable Remy spork will also be available at select Marketplaces.

So, now that you've seen all of the tasty treats available, where will you start your culinary adventure?