There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Coming To The Carousel Of Progress

All images: Disney

The Carousel of Progress is one of the classic shows at Disney World. The attraction made its debut at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. It was a passion project of Walt Disney's that included a rotating theater and a song written by the Sherman brothers. The show included four scenes: the early 1900s, the 1920s, 1940s, and a futuristic finale. 

It arrived in the Magic Kingdom in 1975, where it included a different song, "The Best Time Of Your Life". Over the years, the scenes have been updated and altered, especially the final scene which is a vision of the future. The last major update was in 1994, when the original song was restored, so Imagineers have decided it's time for a major refresh. But don't worry: John, Sarah, and the rest of the family won't be going anywhere, just experiencing a new timeline.

The show will close on July 6th and reopen sometime in 2027. An entirely new opening scene will be added, based on the 1964 TV special "Disneyland Goes to the World's Fair". It will include an Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney himself. Imagineers have been recreating the room, filling it with props like a prototype Tiki Room bird and a doll from it's a small world.

Imagineers also plan to change the other scenes to reflect newer decades that guests may remember. 

• Act 1 1969 - The family is gathered around the TV to watch the moon landing.
• Act 2 1985 - It's Halloween and Sarah gets the chance to show off the new gadgets that make life easier while John hands out candy. Uncle Orville is still in the bathroom with "no privacy around here!"
• Act 3 1999 - The family is preparing for the new millennium on New Year's Eve and exploring that exciting new thing called the internet. Grandpa is already asleep and Grandma is watching wrestling. 
• Act 4 The Future - As always, this scene explores what the future may look like, with a robotic assistant and inspiration from the original sketches for the show.

It's going to be a long wait to experience this new version of the Carousel of Progress, but it sounds quite exciting. What new scene are you looking forward to most?

The Birdmobile of the Enchanted Tiki Room

The birds of Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room in the Magic Kingdom are quite an exotic bunch. The showgirls on the Birdmobile are white cockatoos named Collette, Suzette, Mimi, Gigi, Fifi, and Josephine. Together with the other performers, they sing "Let's All Sing Like The Birdies Sing."

It's The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness

Disney

Join Imagineers for a trip through the newly refreshed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Imagineers added new lighting and audio, refurbished over 20 figures in the town of Tumbleweed, and added new track and passenger trains for a smoother ride. Are you ready for the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness"?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is now open in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

Christmas Treats At Disney World

All images: Disney

It's that time of year again, and you know what that means... lots of tasty sweets and treats for Christmas. Here are the seasonal delights that can be found in Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and the Resorts. Most are available now until January 4th.

Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary

• Linzer Cookie Mousse Torte: Layers of hazelnut cake, raspberry-blackcurrant mousse, raspberry jam, and sweet snow-dusted linzer cookie 
• Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper

Backlot Express

• Coquito Wreath Cupcake: Coquito custard-filled vanilla cupcake topped with coquito buttercream, chocolate bow, gold crispy pearls, and rainbow sprinkles 
• Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper

Dockside Diner

• Red Velvet Holiday Milk Shake: Red velvet milk shake swirled with chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a holiday tree sugar cookie 

Fairfax Fare

• Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper

Rosie’s All-American Café

• Coquito Wreath Cupcake: Coquito custard-filled vanilla cupcake topped with coquito buttercream, chocolate bow, gold crispy pearls, and rainbow sprinkles 

The Trolley Car Café

• Mickey Gingerbread Cookie: A soft gingerbread cookie with white chocolate Mickey details 

Various popcorn carts

• Gold Musical Rotating Tin

Woody’s Lunch Box 

• Hot Cocoa Lunch Box Tart: Chocolate fudge filling, hot cocoa-marshmallow fondant, and mini marshmallows 

Magic Kingdom

Aloha Isle Refreshments

• Santa Surf Shack Float: Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, coconut soft-serve, and a spiced pineapple tree pop 

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

• Cherry Cordial Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee topped with cherry whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate curls 

Columbia Harbour House 

• Gingerbread Cake: Tree-shaped gingerbread chiffon cake with cream cheese frosting, whipped dulce de leche panna cotta, crispy pearls, and a chocolate piece 

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

• Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper

Liberty Square Market 

• Mickey Whoopie Pie: Chocolate cake sandwiched with marshmallow-mint buttercream 🥬

Pinocchio Village Haus

• Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor 

• Gingerbread Milk Shake: Vanilla ice cream, gingerbread syrup, and ginger snap crumbs topped with whipped cream and a chocolate gingerbread man 

The Plaza Restaurant

• Holiday Beef Pot Roast: Served in a puff pastry crust with mashed potatoes, beer-battered onion rings, and black garlic-truffle aïoli 🎄

• Holiday Turkey Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread crumbles, and cranberry barbecue sauce 🎄

• Pistachio and Cherry Cheesecake with Morello Cherry Compote 🎄

• Holiday Cosmopolitan: Grainger’s Deluxe Organic Vanilla Vodka, Cointreau Liqueur, and cranberry and lime juices garnished with a sugar rim 🎄

Animal Kingdom

Creature Comforts (Available December 1-31)

• Peppermint Ganache Brownie: Fudge brownie topped with peppermint-white chocolate ganache and peppermint pieces 🎄 

Flame Tree Barbecue (Available December 1-31) 

• Cranberry-Cherry Cheesecake Pop: White chocolate cheesecake with cranberry-cherry swirl dipped in dark chocolate with cookie crust 🎄

Restaurantosaurus  

• Frozen Hot Cocoa: Frozen Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s with toasted marshmallow, whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, chocolate dinosaur, and a chocolate rim 🎄 
• Gingerbread Cookie 🎄

• Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie dipped in green sugar with dinosaur-themed chocolate disc 🎄 

Various Outdoor Vending Locations (Available December 1-31) 

• Chocolate Chip Cookie made with M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies Holiday Blend 🎄

• Mickey Cinnamon Roll with Christmas-colored Icing 🎄 

All Star

End Zone, Intermission, and World Premiere Food Courts

• Sausage and Butternut Squash Ragu: Fennel sausage, butternut squash, and kale in a creamy tomato sauce 🎄
• Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread cake, caramel ganache filling, caramel crispy pearls, eggnog pastry cream, and white chocolate 🎄 
• Candy Cane Shake: Choice of vanilla or chocolate peppermint shake with whipped cream, peppermint pieces, and a cherry 🎄🧋

Art of Animation

Landscape of Flavors

• Sausage and Butternut Squash Ragu: Fennel sausage, butternut squash, and kale in a creamy tomato sauce 🎄
• Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread cake, caramel ganache filling, caramel crispy pearls, eggnog pastry cream, and white chocolate 🎄 
• Candy Cane Shake: Choice of vanilla or chocolate peppermint shake with whipped cream, peppermint pieces, and a cherry 🎄🧋

BoardWalk Inn 

BoardWalk Deli 

• Candy Cane Cheesecake Brownie: Peppermint cheesecake, decadent brownie, and dark chocolate ‘sleigh bell’ truffle 
• Snowflake Cinnamon Roll: Fondant icing with sugar snowflake décor 

Carousel Coffee

• Snowflake Cinnamon Roll: Fondant icing with sugar snowflake décor 

Caribbean Beach

Centertown Market

• Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread cake, caramel ganache filling, caramel crispy pearls, eggnog pastry cream, and white chocolate 🎄 

Coronado Springs

Barcelona Lounge 

• Snowflake Cinnamon Roll: Fondant icing with sugar snowflake décor  

Grand Floridian 

Gasparilla Island Grill

• Gingerbread Brownie: Gingerbread-spiced brownie with salted caramel ganache 🎄 
• Let It Snow: Almond-praline mousse, confit apricot, and orange chiffon 

• Stollen Bites 🎄

Old Key West

Good's Food To Go

• Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread cake, caramel ganache filling, caramel crispy pearls, eggnog pastry cream, and white chocolate 🎄 

Polynesian Village 

Capt. Cook’s and Kona Island 

• Festive Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake, peppermint mousse, streusel, and chocolate décor

Pineapple Lanai

• Olu Mel Holiday Float: DOLE Whip Lime with DOLE Pineapple Juice, white chocolate piece, and strawberry popping candy 🧋

Pop Century

Everything POP Shopping and Dining

• Sausage and Butternut Squash Ragu: Fennel sausage, butternut squash, and kale in a creamy tomato sauce 🎄
• Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread cake, caramel ganache filling, caramel crispy pearls, eggnog pastry cream, and white chocolate 🎄 

Port Orleans - Riverside

Riverside Mill Food Court

• Sausage and Butternut Squash Ragu: Fennel sausage, butternut squash, and kale in a creamy tomato sauce 🎄
• Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread cake, caramel ganache filling, caramel crispy pearls, eggnog pastry cream, and white chocolate 🎄 
• Candy Cane Shake: Choice of vanilla or chocolate peppermint shake with whipped cream, peppermint pieces, and a cherry 🎄🧋

Riviera 

Le Petit Café

• Gingerbread Eggnog Entremet: Gingerbread financier, eggnog panna cotta, and raspberry gel 
• Gingerbread Cookie: European-style gingerbread, dark chocolate, and sugar glaze 

Primo Piatto

• Gingerbread Cookie: European-style gingerbread, dark chocolate, and sugar glaze 

Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork 

• Peppermint Igloo: White chocolate igloo filled with white chocolate-peppermint mousse and dark chocolate cake 

Trail’s End

• Snowflake Cinnamon Roll: Fondant icing with sugar snowflake décor

🎄 - New 

🥬 - Plant-based 

Secrets of the Haunted Mansion

Disney

The Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom is filled with all sorts of wonderful details and effects. In this behind-the-scenes video, Imagineers explain a few of their favorite ghoulish delights.

Ghosts of the Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion looks especially eerie during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. And, of course, "that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight!" Madame Carlotta and Broom the Butler can often be found in front of the Mansion, regaling guests with ghostly tales.

Haunted Mansion Tombstones

The cemetery at the Haunted Mansion is always an eerie delight, especially at night. I love reading all of the rhyming epitaphs on the tombstones. For example, the bottom stone reads "Rest in Peace Cousin Huet. We all know you didn't do it." The stone on the left says "Here lies a man named Martin. The lights went out on this old Spartan."

Haunted Mansion Art

I love looking at the Halloween windows on Main Street, USA. Every year, there's a different, fun theme. In 2019, each window featured artwork of various characters in oval frames. This Haunted Mansion art of the Hatbox Ghost and Sally Slater, the Tightrope Walker, was my favorite. 

Going Our Way?

It was so fun to see the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party last year.

Halloween Treats At Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

All images: Disney

There are so many delightfully spooky sweets and treats at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party each year, and this year is no exception. There are both returning favorites and new dishes to discover. The following treats will be available until October 31st in the Magic Kingdom.

Main Street Bakery 

• Mickey-shaped Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with graham cracker crust and white chocolate-whipped ganache
• Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll with white icing and Halloween sprinkles

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

• Pumpkin Sundae: Pumpkin gelato with pumpkin-spiced caramel sauce, pumpkin brittle, and Halloween sprinkles 🎃🏴‍☠️

The Plaza Restaurant

• Pumpkin-spiced Coffee Barbecue Pork Sandwich: Coffee-rubbed pork featuring Joffrey’s Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Coffee Seasonal Blend, cold brew barbecue sauce, and a slaw with pumpkin-spiced aïoli on a purple sweet potato bun 🎃🏴‍☠️

• Skull Meatloaf: Caribbean-style glazed meatloaf served with loaded mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables 🎃🏴‍☠️

• Ghostly Delight Sundae: Chocolate ice cream topped with chocolate cookie crumbs, marshmallow cream, almonds, sugar cookies, and sprinkles 🎃🏴‍☠️

• Goblins and Ghoulies: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Disaronno Originale Liqueur, apple cider, and pomegranate juice 🎃🏴‍☠️

Casey’s Corner  

• Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn French Fries: French fries topped with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, jalapeño ranch, and cilantro
• Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, jalapeño ranch, and cilantro
• Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn Mini Corn Dogs: Mini corn dogs topped with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, jalapeño ranch, and cilantro
• Candy Corn Verrine: Layers of salted caramel ganache, marshmallow panna cotta, and whipped cream topped with caramel corn and candy corn 🎃

Aloha Isle Refreshments

• DOLE Whip Mango and Chamoy Float: DOLE Whip Mango, pineapple juice, chamoy, and chili-lime seasoning 

Golden Oak Outpost

• Cajun Crawfish and Sausage BOOtine: Waffle fries topped with Cajun-inspired crawfish, andouille sausage gravy, and cheese curds 🎃

• Beignets from Beyond: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with powdered sugar and chocolate cookie crumbs served with cookies and cream cheese dipping sauce 🎃

• Hot Honey Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with hot honey and a chili-lime rim 🏴‍☠️🧋

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café 

• Buzzard Wings: Whole chicken wings tossed with grilled onions, jalapeños, and lime 🎃
• Grilled Masa Flatbread: Grilled corn cake topped with braised chicken, butternut squash puree, cilantro-pumpkin seed sauce, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco

• Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros rolled in orange sugar and served with pumpkin pie dipping sauce 🎃
• Chocolate-Caramel Tart: Chocolate tart shell filled with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, and caramel cream topped with TWIX cookie bar pieces and a chocolate piece

• Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Mayor Sipper 

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments  

• Creepy Kimchi Corn Dog: Hand-dipped corn dog rolled in malt vinegar and scallion with hades relish and kimchi-mayonnaise dipping sauce 🎃

• Pumpkin-spiced Funnel Cake Sundae: Pumpkin funnel cake topped with pumpkin gelato, whipped cream, pumpkin-spiced caramel, marshmallow pumpkins, and sprinkles 🎃
• Madame Leota Séance Candle: Red velvet cake and cookies and cream mousse 
• Jack Pop: Chocolate fudge brownie with marshmallow filling topped with a chocolate piece
• Sally Pop: Yellow cake with raspberry filling topped with a chocolate piece 

Spring Roll Cart

• Spicy Pork Spring Roll: with pineapple mustard

Liberty Square Market

• Jack Pop: Chocolate fudge brownie with marshmallow filling topped with a chocolate piece
• Sally Pop: Yellow cake with raspberry filling topped with a chocolate piece
• Magic Potion Slushy: Fanta Blue Raspberry slush with yuzu. Changes color from blue to green when you stir 🎃🏴‍☠️🧋

Columbia Harbour House  

• S’mores Cup: Layers of graham cracker crumbs, chocolate ganache, chocolate popping candies, milk chocolate panna cotta, and marshmallow cream 🎃🏴‍☠️

Pinocchio Village Haus  

• Phantasmal Fried Pumpkin Ravioli served with black garlic aïoli 🎃

• Undead Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Strips: Fried chicken strips tossed in garlic-parmesan sauce, parmesan, and parsley 🎃

• Captain Hook Treasure Whoopie Pie: Chocolate whoopie pie with caramel filling and fruit-flavored cereal treasure 🎃
• Scary Ghost Slushy: Blue raspberry slushy with marshmallow foam and a marshmallow ghost 🧋

Be Our Guest Restaurant

• Beef Short Rib with Purple Potatoes braised with red wine, figs, peppers, and a touch of dark chocolate
• Roasted Beef Marrow Bone with pinot noir-beef marmalade, toasted baguette, and pickled mustard seeds
• Poulet Rouge Chicken with butternut squash puree, roasted pumpkin seed sauce, pomegranate
• Pumpkin Crème Caramel with sour cherry jam and pumpkin seed brittle

• Apple Cider Margarita: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, and apple cider 🎃

• Castle Fog: Empress 1908 Gin, Bols Blackberry Liqueur, lemon juice and cane syrup 🎃 

Cinderella’s Royal Table

• Supernatural Shrimp: Poached shrimp in a Bloody Mary sauce garnished with crisp wonton chips 🎃

• Beef én Croute: Braised beef short rib cooked in blood red wine demi-glace, served with roasted seasonal vegetables 🎃

• Chicken Roulade: Chicken stuffed with mousseline and black truffles over fregola pasta with aji amarillo and red pepper sauces 🎃 

• Creepy Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake, spiced oranges, orange curd, and chocolate crumble 🎃

• Pumpkin Margarita: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, Minute Maid Orange Juice, lime juice, and pumpkin spice 🎃

• Violet Specter: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chambord Liqueur, lemon juice, and Sprite 🎃

The Friar’s Nook   

• Haunting Jalapeño Ranch Tots: Tots topped with black bean chili, cheddar cheese sauce, and jalapeño ranch 🎃
• Bowl of Bones: Pork wings fried with jalapeños and tossed in barbecue sauce made with Cherry Coca-Cola
• Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie: Buffalo chicken and mozzarella wrapped in a flaky dough topped with blue cheese crumbles and buffalo-ranch

• Not-So-Poison Apple Doughnuts: Apple cider doughnuts rolled in apple cider sugar and drizzled with caramel sauce 🎃

Storybook Treats

• Ursula Cone: Wild berry soft-serve with candy coral and citrus cotton candy in a black vanilla cone 🎃

Cheshire Café

• Mummy Treat: Flaky pastry with chocolate filling topped with white icing stripes and sugar décor

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café  

• Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken Strips drizzled with Korean barbecue sauce and topped with black sesame seeds, fried garlic, and green onions
• Terrifyin’ Twice-spiced Chicken Sandwich: Fried chicken breast dipped in hot honey and topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño poppers, and baconMinnie Witch Hat: Chocolate cookie topped with peanut butter mousse, milk chocolate ganache, and buttercream
• Not A Poisoned Apple Slushy: Frozen apple cider topped with cinnamon whipped cream and sour gummy candy 🎃🧋

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

• Candy Bowl Sundae: Salted caramel soft-serve topped with chocolate cone dip, SNICKERS bar pieces, TWIX cookie bar pieces, and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies Halloween Blend 🎃
• Cauldron Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee with pumpkin-spiced foam and Halloween sprinkles 🏴‍☠️

The Lunching Pad 

• Jalapeño Popper Dog: All-beef hot dog topped with sriracha cream cheese, crispy onions, bacon, and Hades relish 
• Skull Cake: Banana cake filled with dulce de leche 🎃

• Ghoulish Blue Raspberry Slushy: Fanta Blue Raspberry slushy with black vanilla drizzle 🎃🏴‍☠️🧋

Popcorn Carts Throughout the Park

• Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Gravestone Bucket

🎃 - New 

🏴‍☠️ - Also Available During Regular Park Hours

🧋 - Non-alcoholic