Walt Disney World News Round-up For Friday August 23, 2019

Are you counting down until the jump gates are open to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios? If you are as excited as we are you'll probably be pretty happy to hear that TIME Magazine just named Disneyland's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge one of TIME's 'World's Greatest Places.' Opening date for the East Coast version is a rapidly approaching August 29th.

After Hours Parties are all the rage, and now you can grab your tickets for the latest Disney After Hour Events at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom. These hard ticket events allow guests an extra bit of pixie dust after the gates close and the crowds go home.


Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Named One of TIME's 'World's Greatest Places'


Resort magic happens all across the Walt Disney World property, and some of the most popular live-in cast members are getting brand new digs. Equine residents of the Pony Farm and Tri-Circle-D Ranch are set to receive a beautiful new barn at Disney Ft. Wilderness Resort & Campground. The Draft Horse Barn and Pony Farm are currently inaccessible to guests until the new barn debuts in Spring 2020.

In other hotel news Disney's Riviera Resort just marked a construction milestone with the raising of its iconic "RR" signature monogram sign to the top of the resort's eighth story tower. With 470 light bulbs illuminating the way, this Euro-style hot spot will be difficult to miss.


New Equine Barn Artist Rendering


The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is just a week away! If you're getting ready to head down to this culinary mecca, be sure to stop by the DFB and Four Things You MUST Do Before the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Begins.

Festival guests will delight in New Global Marketplaces, an ESPN Tailgate Tasting and Entertainment Surprises. Check out who just got added to the entertainment roster HERE.

The new Food & Wine Festival Merchandise is awful cute, and if you like to plan your purchased be sure to check out all the great gear we've been seeing! We're especially fond of the stemmed Tervis, and single hand appetizer plate.

• 40% Off The DFB Guide to the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival
• A New Food & Wine Festival PANDORA Charm
• And Taste Your Way Around The World Gear!

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival


In addition to the Epcot's annual event, The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic will hosts its 10th season in 2019. To celebrate a new "a surf party-themed area" called Hang 10 will be serving up new food and beverages for folks to enjoy while listening to the live band.

Over at Disney Springs the culinary delights continue to bring in the crowds. Once again 'The Great Irish Hooley' Music Festival is returning to Raglan Road over Labor Day weekend! Between August 30 and September 2, 2019 the great Irish music will begin mid-day and last into the wee hours of the night.


The Great Irish Hooley At Raglan Road


Finally, this weekend is the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California! This biennial gathering of Disney fans from around the world is where The Walt Disney Company shows off the latest and greatest from all of it's divisions, as well as offers in depth panels of Disney art and history that has come before. This year Disney fans will be able to join in on the fun from home through several official live streams! Check out the Broadcast Schedule at d23.com/d23-expo-2019-livestream


D23 Expo Live


Once again a big thanks goes out to our friends over at the Disney Food Blog for sharing their images with us. That's it for this week, see you real soon!