A kitchen sink of news 🍨

When I started filling in my newsletter, it became clear there was a healthy amount of food stories — “everything but the kitchen sink.”

Makes me think of the Kitchen Sink Sundae at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Hello, park chums, it’s Haley, author of “In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops.”

One of my favorite times of the year in Central Florida is Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. I always make a point to pick at least one restaurant on the list that’s all about highlighting Central Florida’s robust food scene.

It’s a feel-good time with good food, too, as $1 from every $40 meal and $2 from every $60 meal served will benefit a local nonprofit.

There are over 150 Orlando-area restaurants this year taking part in Magical Dining, including some from the theme parks.

Walt Disney World

What’s on the food & wine menus? 🍝

Disney’s vision for CommuniCore Plaza was that it could provide more space for EPCOT festivals. Starting next Friday, it will be taken over by the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

This year, there are over 40 food booths inspired by flavors from around the world, plus plenty of plant-based options, too.

My go-to is the featured poutine at the Refreshment Port, as it always changes based on the season.

Food & Wine hasn’t had a start date past July since before the pandemic, but there are still plenty of days to feast and catch a concert.

The next Disney World luxury resort 🌊

For Disney fans wanting more Moana, look no further than what’s being built next to Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows looks to be a tropical oasis.

This week, Disney released details on dining options, a Moana-themed pool, and a new viewing area to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Pirates Dinner Adventure

‘Vampirrre’ nights await 🦜

Vampires and pirates are both popular during the fall, and at Orlando’s premier dinner theater, you can be entertained by vampirates.

On select nights starting in September, Pirates Dinner Adventure will host “Vampirates: The Haunting Search for Neptune’s Treasure,” a Halloween-themed, family-friendly dinner.

There’s also an adults-only show right next to Pirates Dinner Adventure at Teatro Martini Orlando. A Vegas-inspired vaudeville cabaret show is hosting its annual Halloween Revue.

For information on both shows, click here.

Universal Orlando

Get your dining’s worth 🍴

You won’t go hungry with a new vacation package deal at Universal Orlando.

For the first time, U.S. and Canadian residents will have the option to purchase a Dining Card Vacation Package that includes a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000.

The cards can be used at one of the many quick-service locations on the property, plus sit-down restaurants as well as dining options at hotels.

The cards are available now for purchase with select travel dates that start in November and run through April. Time will tell if the dining package will exist when Epic Universe opens next year.

Epic Universe

A 5,000-star stay 🤩

When it comes to Universal’s newest hotel, they are literally setting the bar high.

Named after the Greek sun god, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be a stunning showpiece in Epic Universe, with 500 rooms, top-notch dining, a lovely and satisfying swimming pool, and a dedicated entrance to the theme park, something Universal Orlando Resort had been lacking.

The rooftop bar looks to be an absolute must for guests with that kind of theme park view.

That was quite a fill of theme park news for the week.

Feel free to keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.

Keeping with the food theme, if you’re looking to spice up your listening entertainment, give the Florida Foodie podcast a try.