11 Things You Did for the Last Time in Disney World Without Realizing It
It seems that Disney World is constantly changing and evolving.
Sometimes Disney makes some questionable choices
We think the phrase goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone?”, right? With so many options for merchandise ever-changing, new lands and attractions being built, and even the addition of new nighttime events those words may have never rang more true. We may not have realized it at the time, but there are quite a few things that we did for the last time in Disney World without even realizing it.
If you’re sitting there scratching your head over what these things could be, well, you’re not alone. It took us a little bit of digging to remember a few things we were once used to as well.
EPCOT
Allow us to help break them down for you so you can reminisce with us since we’re not totally sure any of these will be back anytime soon or at all!
Frozen Ever After
Ah, yes, who could forget more dessert parties! The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party was once upon a time held at EPCOT and was very popular.
Frozen Dessert Party (2020)
This event offered a dessert buffet paired with a reserved viewing area for EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular Epcot Forever. Partygoers were able to top off their evening with an after-hours ride on Frozen Ever After as well.
Party time!
The dessert buffet was sorted with an array of Frozen-themed desserts such as Olaf’s Warm Double-Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake, Wandering Oaken’s Eclairons, and Anna’s Blue Velvet Cupcakes while drinks include “Melted Snow” as well as summertime cocktails for adults.
Star Wars Dessert Parties & Fireworks
A similar offering was held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.
Rice Crispy Bon Bons
Padawans, Jedi Masters, and Sith Lords alike were invited to take part in a Star Wars-themed dessert party so big that it also had its own special fireworks presentation to go with it! A dessert buffet and specialty drinks were served to partygoers inside the Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just after enjoying the Star Wars-themed food and beverages, you were then escorted to a reserved viewing area to watch the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show.
Star Wars Fireworks
You actually could get a two-for-one here because you also got to see the projection show Wonderful World of Animation before the Galactic Spectacular (which HAS returned).
Wonderful World of Animation during After Hours
Finally, a special Star Wars souvenir was presented to everyone in attendance to remember the event!
Eating at Tokyo Dining
This is one we have to bid a fond farewell to! Tokyo Dining is now officially a thing of the past.
Our Spread at Tokyo Dining (2021)
Originally placed next door to Teppan Edo in the Japan pavilion of EPCOT, Tokyo Dining provided another alternate table service meal for lots of us to enjoy without a hibachi option. It initially reopened after the parks were able to welcome us all back and then closed down again in 2022.
Tokyo Dining (2021)
Earlier this year announcements were made that Tokyo Dining would undergo a major refurbishment to transform it into Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya so those that missed those incredible fireworks views while dining only have a short while left to wait.
New Shiki-Sai signs are outside!
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is expected to open in Summer 2023, but we’re guessing that will be “late” summer.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
We can hear the “ahhhhhs” of the main theme now.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid (2022)
Who knew that we would have gone this long without seeing the return of Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? We certainly couldn’t have guessed it. Whatever the reason for its absence, it’s sorely missed. We’re really hoping to see this enclosed stage show return to something that resembled its former life, even if it meant switching up the show a bit.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
It’s strategically placed inside Animation Courtyard among some other offerings that are ideal for even the youngest visitors and provided a place for much-needed shade and air conditioning on those hot summer days. Our money’s on the idea that Ursula still has Ariel’s voice!
Traded Pins With A Cast Member Wearing a Pin Lanyard
While we get this one, it’s really pulled at our nostalgic heartstrings.
Pin Trading board at park reopenings in 2020
While pin trading with Cast Members has returned to the parks, it’s a bit different than it once was. Back before the park closures, Cast Members were allowed to wear lanyards with pins that were available to trade with those that were interested and were proud to display what they had available. Since the reopening and the return of this practice, Disney has only cleared Cast Members to trade with those that wish to exchange pins from pins that are displayed on a pin trading board, which we feel is a bit less personal.
Hopped Wherever and Whenever
This one was nice, and we REALLY hope it makes a triumphant comeback!
BRB, park hopping now
Before the park closures in 2020, those that had park hopper options added to their tickets were able to hop whenever they pleased around the 4 Disney World parks. As of the current standings, that has changed with Disney policy upon reopening of the parks where park hopping is only allowed after 2PM after you’ve scanned into your first visited park for the day. This certainly puts a hard timeline on those looking to complete a 4 park challenge in one day.
Dined With An Imagineer
Yeah, dining with Imagineers used to be a thing! “Dine with an Imagineer” gave you an up-close opportunity to chat with a Disney Imagineer while enjoying a four-course meal in a signature Disney World restaurant.
via Essence — Courtesy of Charita Carter
These opportunities intentionally offered limited seating to ensure that all guests have an intimate opportunity to chat with and learn from a Disney Imagineer. It was offered at three different restaurants when it was running. One was held inside The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios…
Hollywood Brown Derby
…another was held inside Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa…
Citricos
…and the last option was held at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Sanaa
This version offered more insight for those wishing to learn about how the animals around Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge were cared for.
Toured The Disney Trains With Engineers
The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour tour gave you the chance to explore the Disney trains from a unique behind-the-scenes perspective! This 3-hour tour began bright and early before the park opened and took you on a Disney Steam Train ride on the rails to the roundhouse, where the trains are stored and serviced.
Walt Disney World Railroad
Along the way, you could learn from the Disney Steam Train Engineers about how they worked with the trains, and how Walt Disney’s love for these vehicles inspired both Disneyland and Disney World
Dining in Harambe at Night
Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night was offered in a progressive dining event around Disney’s Animal Kingdom park!
Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The evening began with a welcome reception at the Wildlife Express Train Station with light hors d’oeuvres accompanied by music. Then it was time to head over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for more light bites and drinks along with a visit from Timon and Rafiki from The Lion King. The final stop at Harambe Market presented the main dining event in a street party atmosphere.
Timon and Rafiki!
The entire evening featured “sights, sounds, and scrumptious flavors in celebration of The Lion King and the Big Five game animals: the African elephant, the rhinoceros, the Cape buffalo, the leopard, and our host animal, the lion.”
Popping By For Afternoon Tea
If you were looking for that perfect spot for afternoon tea, you didn’t have to look much further than the Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Tea time at the Grand Flo!
Afternoon Tea at the lounge served British-style Afternoon Tea packages daily, which you could enjoy while looking at the beautiful outdoor gardens through the windows.
Sandwich Plate
There was also an option for little girls to dress up for a Perfectly Princess Tea Party in the morning where an adult would accompany them while they were showered with tea, desserts, a visit from a Disney princess, and more.
Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea
While word about offerings returning to the Garden View Tea Room has remained mum, we’ll soon have The Cake Bake Shop opening at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort so we can finally have an option for afternoon tea soon!
Free Round Trip Airport Transportation
This one stunned a lot of us when it wasn’t brought back, and then we were really shocked when it was announced that Magical Express was going to be retired.
Gone but not forgotten
As a perk to Disney World resort guests, complimentary motor coach transportation used to be offered a round trip for everyone in your hotel room to and from the Orlando International Airport directly to your Disney World hotel. This was a pretty popular offering and admittedly a HUGE perk to those that opted to stay on Disney property rather than staying offsite in another hotel or vacation home.
Magical Express is gone
While we were sad to see it go, other transportation services like Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer (which are currently in the process of merging), were able to step into its place however, they only offer trips as a paid option now.
So as you can see things can change at Disney World without notice for everything from food, to dessert parties all the way to entertainment and attractions. If you’re looking to stay updated on Disney news as it happens, be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog!
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