1923 Main Street: The Disney Travel Podcast Mike Belobradic & Amelia Belobradic: Disney Travel Podcast

Most guests think it's all about the parks and resort hotels when it comes to Christmas at Walt Disney World, but Disney Springs can give them all a run for their money (and even top one park as a must-do holiday destination).
Here's why Disney Springs is a top pick for holiday spirit at Walt Disney World (and the fact that it's free for anyone to visit is just a bonus).
The Complete Guide to Disney Springs Christmas 2023
The best things to do at Disney Springs this Christmas holiday season
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (Free)
One of the most underrated traditions at Walt Disney World is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. For 2023 the Christmas Tree Stroll has 19 Disney- decorated trees with themes from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Super Heros. For the first time you can interact with six of the Christmas trees with your DIsneyBand+ (aka MagicBand+). Look for a DisneyBand+ icon to know which trees are active. There's also a Christmas tree map adventure. Get a map of the trees from City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts, Joffrey's Coffee, The LEGO Store or Planet Hollywood. As you see each tree, match a sticker to the location on the map then bring your map to any of these same locations for a special surprise.
Meet Santa at Once Upon a Toy (Free)
You don't have to pay for a Disney Park to meet a Disney Santa. Santa Claus is at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs right up until Christmas Eve, December 24. There is a virtual queue to meet Santa: you cannot just wait in line. Queue spots open daily at 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the My Disney Experience app. You must be at Disney Springs to enter the queue. One person can do it for everyone in your group (up to a max of 10 people)
Photo Memories of a Disney Christmas
Christmas photos are fun memories, especially when they're Disney vacation Christmas photos. The Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Marketplace at Disney Springs has several holiday-themed Disney virtual backdrops perfect for your Christmas card or however else you want to use them. It can be hit and miss with the photographers here, but it's still worth a try.
Disney Snow falling and Holiday Entertainment (Free)
The magic of snow falling on Walt Disney World does just happen in the parks. As sundown nears, head to the the Town Center tree and keep your eyes on the skies for a little holiday magic. Plus, watch for holiday-themed stilt walkers, rollerblading snowflakes, a Santa Sleigh DJ, and more surprises bringing a festive ambiance throughout all of Disney Springs.
Christmas Holidays Means Festive Food and Drink
There are over 60 places at Disney Springs to eat and drink, including Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, which is all spruced up for the holidays. So be sure to grab some cheer while visiting Disney Springs!
Christmas Shopping at Disney Springs
Whether you need a gift someone on your list or something special for yourself, you'll find it all at Disney Springs. You can browse for almost anything here, so leave yourself time if Christmas shopping is on your checklist.
Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel PodcastThank 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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Despite the sensationalist reporting by several overly dramatic Disney YouTubers claiming that Disney Jollywood Nights was dead (after only one party), the truth is that Disney has turned things around and it's looking good. This story plus a sneak peak at the upcoming EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2024.
New Details Revealed for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024
The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 12 through February 19 and highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts in Disney style. Here's what you can see and do if you plan to be at Walt Disney World for the event.
Performing Arts: Disney on Broadway
Broadway stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is back with three daily shows throughout the festival. 
The full lineup of Disney Broadway stars:

Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *
Showcase Plaza is also home to live performances daily, featuring musicians, painters and acrobats.
DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Go on Sale December 19
If you want priority seating, dining packages are available at eight EPCOT restaurants:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Garden Grill Restaurant
Rose & Crown Dining Room
Le Cellier
Spice Road Table
Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)
Are You a Foodie? Here's What's Happening for the Culinary Arts?
More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT feature tasty food and drink concoctions. For example, the Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES is back at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey and the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate is available as a savory choice. The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine highlights sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. 
 
The EPCOT Festival of the Arts Passport shows exactly where to find everything. Once you collect five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to get a free surprise.
Interactive Experiences at the Festival
Animation Academy has a learn to draw a Disney character classes daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre. You can leave your mark on a large paint-by-numbers mural at Expression Section.
Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing your ones to create chalk masterpieces (while you get a little break). Plus, there are plenty of photo opps all around the festival area.
Visual Arts and Festival Merchandise
If you're into art, then visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring creations to life may be right for you. New and returning favorite artists will be part of this year’s lineup, so visit ArtfulEPCOT.com for the latest news.
If you're a Figment fan, you'll be happy to know that Figment is back as the ambassador and takes center stage on festival merch ranging from household items and décor to clothing and more.
Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt is back. With this fun journey through World Showcase you'll help Figment learn all about art. Buy a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then search for Figment hiding inside art inspi

Our top food and drink picks for what to try at the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, plus first thoughts on Disney's Jollywood Nights as our predictions come true. Can the Jollywood Nights issues be fixed?
Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2023: Top Picks and What's New
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen 
Food Items:

Pork Schnitzel with mushroom sauce, spätzle, and braised red cabbage
Cheese Fondue in a bread bowl with steamed baby vegetables and marble potatoes
Linzer Cookie (Cookie Stroll Item) 

Beverages:

Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider
The Tank Brewing Co. Prost! Festbier
Köstritzer Schwarzbier Bitburger (New) 

Regional Riesling
Glühwein: House-made hot spiced wine
Beer Flight
American Holiday Table
Food Items:

Slow-roasted Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce
Blackened Catfish with Hoppin’ John and comeback sauce
Gingerbread Cookie (Cookie Stroll Item) 

Beverages: 

Crooked Can Brewing Company Bah HOPbug IPA (New) 

3 Daughters Brewing Eggnog White Porter
Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout
Beer Flight
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina 
Food Items:

Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoli (Lamb Kefta or Chermoula Chicken)
Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with hummus, chermoula, and zhoug dips (Plant-based)

Beverages: 

Bold Rock Orchard Frost Hard Cider (New) 

Gulf Stream Brewing Company Holiday Snakebite (New) > Mike's Pick
Woodchuck Winter Chill Hard Cider
Fig Cocktail with fig vodka and white cranberry juice
Hard Cider Flight
L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen
Food Items: 

Pastrami on Rye with house-made pickles and deli mustard
Smoked Salmon Potato Latke
Potato Latkes (Plant-based) 

Rugalach: Pastry filled with raspberry jam, walnuts, and cinnamon (New) 

Black and White Cookie (Plant-based) (Cookie Stroll Item) 

Beverages: 

Brooklyn Brewery Winter IPA
Frozen New York Whiskey Sour featuring Manifest Whiskey and Manischewitz Blackberry Wine
Yukon Holiday Kitchen 
Food Items:

Seared Salmon with butternut squash purée, maple-bourbon glaze, and fennel-arugula salad (New)  > Mike's Pick
Beef Bourguignon with crushed potatoes
Snickerdoodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces (Cookie Stroll Item)

Beverages:

Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic Beverage)
81Bay Brewing Co. Peanut Butter Banana Porter
Playalinda Brewing Co. Maple Cookie Blonde Ale
Collective Arts Coffee Maple Porter
Regional Icewine
Regional Red Wine
Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee with Tap 357 Whisky
Beer Flight
Holiday Sweets & Treats 
Food Items: 
Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candyBeverages:

Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic Beverage)
Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea (Non-alcoholic Beverage)
Breckenridge Brewery Christmas Ale
Brew Hub Sugar Plum Red Ale (New)

Left Hand Brewing Co. Chai Milk Stout (New)

Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with assorted liqueurs (Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur, or Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey)
Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and whipped cream vodka
Beer flight
Refreshment Port 
Food Item:
Turkey Poutine: Sweet potato fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onionsBeverages:

Gingerbread Milk Shake (Non-alcoholic Beverage)
Eggnog (Non-alcoholic Beverage)
Keel Farms Hard Pumpkin Cider (New)

Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine
Gingerbread Milk Shake with Whipped Cream Vodka
Firenog: Eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
NEW! Swirled Showcase 
Food Items:

Mickey-shaped Liquid Nitro Cake
Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone: Vanilla, apple-cinnamon, and salted caramel
Cream Soda Float with vanilla soft-serve
Fanta Grape Float with vanilla soft-serve
Beverages:

Frozen Apple Pie (Non-alcoholic Beverage) > Mike's Pick
Cinnamon Apple Cider (Non-alcoholic Beverage) > Mike's Pick
3 Daughters Brewing Toasted Coconut Porter
3 Daughters Brewing Toasted Coconut Porter Float

The trend continues as guests of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will find a wide range of food and drink options like never before. We share our top picks, plus a sneak peak at the Disney World hotel gingerbread displays, including a brand new one for 2023!
Top Picks for Food and Drink at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2023
Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2023
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back at Magic Kingdom Park from November 9, 2023 through January 1, 2024. 
This year there's an all-new lineup of food and drinks to put you in the Christmas holiday spirit. You can't eat them all, so we highlight our top picks for must-try Christmas Party food and drink.
Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies

Reindeer Chow Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, pretzels, cereal, M&M's, and hot fudge (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours) 

Lump of Coal in your Stocking: Cookies 'n cream milk shake with whipped cream, cookies 'n cream crumbles, and chocolate doughnut hole (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Casey's Corner
Candy Cane Tart: Chocolate tart filled with peppermint ganache and topped with festive merengue (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cool Ship 
Magic Holiday Tree: Coconut, pecans, and M&M's on a graham cracker crust (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

Holiday Pot Roast Melt: Slow-cooked beef on thick toast with cheddar and provolone cheese and beef gravy (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick
Holiday Turkey Burger: Turkey burger topped with traditional stuffing, provolone cheese, and cranberry chutney on a brioche bun (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Christmas Cookie Cake: Christmas cookie cake roll with buttercream and topped with holiday sprinkles (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

The Friar's Nook

Holiday Ham Fried Pie: Flaky pastry with baked ham, candied sweet potatoes, and spiced pecans served with pineapple glaze (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick
Italian Beef Tots: Tots covered in slow-cooked beef, cheese curds, zesty giardiniera, and pot roast gravy (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Peppermint Snowman: Chocolate brownie topped with cookies 'n cream peppermint mousse (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Winter Milk Shake: Creamy coconut milk shake with whipped cream, toasted coconut, cinnamon, and crisp pearls (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Golden Oak Outpost

Orange Gingerbread Shake: Orange cream slushy with gingerbread cookie crumbles and whipped cream, gingerbread spice (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Gingerbread Cake layered with cream cheese frosting and dulce de leche ganache topped with a gingerbread man chocolate piece (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick
Main Street Bakery 

Minnie-shaped Cinnamon Roll: topped with red icing, holiday sprinkles, and a chocolate bow (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours) 

Letter To Santa: Flourless chocolate cake, hot cocoa mousse, and marshmallows topped with chocolate pieces (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

Chicken Tamale served "Christmas-style" with mild red chile and green chile-pumpkin seed sauces, cilantro rice, pinto beans, and queso fresco (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Chocolate Eggnog Reindeer: Chocolate tart topped with eggnog mousse and chocolate antlers (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Orange-Cranberry Pineapple Punch with a hint of "smoke" from the fireplace (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only) > Mike's Pick

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor 
Peppermint Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge and candy cane sprinkles served on a brownie (Mickey’s Ve

Disney After Hours is returning to Walt Disney World in 2024, but is it paid event worth the cost? We share exactly how it works and what you get (and don't get) to help you decide if it's worth the money for you and your family.
Disney After Hours Events Return to Walt Disney World Resort in January 2024
But Whether They're Worth it for You Depends on One Thing
Disney After Hours events coming back to Walt Disney World kicking off on January 10 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, January 11 at Magic Kingdom and February 2 at EPCOT.
These separately ticketed events give you three extra park hours to ride rides, visit attractions, meet characters and snack on a few unlimited free treats. Treats usually include popcorn, Mickey ice cream bars or sandwiches and select drinks (non alcoholic) as specific locations in the park.
Disney positions Disney After Hours as offering shorter wait times to select attractions and character experiences, but it's important to know that that's not always the case. There may be more dates added in 2024, but currently announced dates and prices are as follows.
Disney After Hours Event Dates, Times and Ticket Prices
(Ticket Prices in Brackets are Annual Passholder and DVC discount price)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.  Wednesday, January 10 - $155 ($125)Wednesday, January 24 - $165 ($135)Wednesday, February 21 - $175 ($145)Monday, February 26 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, March 13 - $165 ($135)Wednesday, March 20 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, March 27 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, April 3 - $175 ($145)Wednesday, April 10 - $175 ($145)
Magic Kingdom Park: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 11 - $155 ($125)Monday, January 15 - $165 ($135)Monday, January 22 - $165 ($135)Thursday, February 1 - $165 ($135)Monday, February 5 - $165 ($135)Monday, February 12 - $175 ($145)Thursday, February 29 - $175 ($145)Monday, March 4 - $175 ($145)Monday, March 18 - $175 ($145)Monday, April 8 - $175 ($145)
EPCOT: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. 
Friday, February 2 - $149 ($119)Thursday, February 8 - $149 ($119)Thursday, February 15 - $159 ($129)Thursday, March 7 - $159 ($129)Thursday, March 28 - $159 ($129)Thursday, April 4 - $159 ($129)
If you have a ticket for an event, you can enter that park starting at 7:00 p.m. 
Of special note for the Magic Kingdom: a standby line is planned for TRON during Disney After Hours, meaning there will be no virtual queue (which could have been a time saver, as it was during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party). For an event of only three hours, this is a significant change. Also, the Enchantment night time show will be added to Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom – meaning on event nights, early arrivals will have the opportunity to see both Happily Ever After and Enchantment.
How to Buy Tickets for Disney After Hours Events 2024
If you have a reservation booked at a Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels or Shades of Green you can buy tickets (one week before the general sale) starting November 7 by calling 407-W-Disney. Tickets can be purchased online by everyone starting November 14.
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Newly Updated Disneyland Adventureland Treehouse Opens on November 10, 2023
The Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson will open on November 10, 2023 in Disneyland Park. Keep reading for new storyline details from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering and a new piece of artwork coming to the treehouse!
Within the updated tree, you'll find the mother’s music den, the sons’ nature room and the daughter’s astronomer’s loft. Located on the ground are the kitchen and dining room, plus the father’s art studio featrues hand-drawn sketches and paintings of each room.
As the story goes, the family created an oasis among the trees inspired by nature and using objects found around them. Next to the stairwell is a waterwheel, powered by a nearby brook. The family uses this and a pulley system to get the water they nee

Disney Jollywood Nights is one of the most anticipated special events at Walt Disney World in recent memory. It's also rare for a park event to be billed as an adult affair. What to expect from Disney Jollywood Nights, including top picks for food, entertainment and more.
Foodie Guide to Brand-New Disney Jollywood Nights
Disney Jollywood Nights kicks off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 11 and takes place on 10 nights ending December 20.
This all-new holiday party is an adult-oriented festive event for guests to enjoy, including things like the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle in Commissary Lane. This is a street party with Latin holiday tunes, colorful décor, and plenty of food and drink inspired by Latin holiday traditions. That's just one option. Over at The Hollywood Brown Derby, Jazzy Holidays is the restaurant transformed into a smooth jazz club, playing holiday tunes in a room of festive glitzy decor. You can try craft cocktails or pick something from the party menu of light bites while enjoying the music and ambience of 1920s Hollywood at Christmas. Over at the Tower of Terror there's a Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel. A live band will play holiday tunes in jukebox style as you enjoy a fancy cocktail.
And pretty much everywhere in Hollywood Studios, you'll find unique festive treats to eat and drink. And there's plenty of brand new Christmas festive Hollywood-style entertainment too. Disney is encouraging everyone to dress to the nines with their holiday best in old-style Hollywood flair.
The Complete Guide to Disney Jollywood Night Food and Drink Guide: With Top Picks 
Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary 

Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn: Chicken empanadas served with a side of street corn salad topped with chili peppers, lime, and cotija cheese > Mike's Pick
Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried pork belly, yuca, red pickled onions, and chili pepper-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli > Mike's Pick
Mushroom Taco: Chili-roasted Mixed mushrooms, avocado crema, baby gem lettuce, and garnished with sliced radish (Plant-based Item)

Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with beef consommé dip > Mike's Pick
Tembleque: Coconut rice pudding with caramel-rum sauce and cinnamon > Mike's Pick
Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Spiced chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie base topped with vanilla whipped cream and cocoa powder with a chocolate handle
Mangonada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili pepper-lime sauce and chili pepper-lime seasoning on top (Non-alcoholic)
Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, coconut, pineapple, and lime
Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange
Baseline Taphouse 

Tuna Ceviche: Marinated ahi tuna, pico de gallo, and avocado cream topped with cilantro
Charcuterie Cup: Manchego, chorizo, serrano ham, pickled vegetables, olives and toasted focaccia bread
Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner over Ice
Dockside Diner

Spicy Pimento-Kimchee Dip topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips > Mike's Pick
Roasted Eggplant Dip topped with chives and served with warm pita bread (Plant-based Item) 

Poutine Tots: Potato barrels topped with gravy, brisket, mozzarella curds, and chives
Christmas Tree Cookie Stack: Vanilla cookie stack filled with pistachio buttercream, cranberry, and raspberry jam topped with sprinkles and a yellow candy star
Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”-inspired dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries > Mike's Pick
Epic Eats

Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy