Why the Latest Update to Disney Genie+ isn't the One We Really Need

1923 Main Street: Disney Travel Style Podcast

Disney's latest update to Genie+ isn't really big news, but it is a welcome enhancement that may signal more things to come. The good and the bad of this update for the Disney traveler, plus Rogers: The Musical top tips and more Disney travel news.

Update to Disney Genie+ Service at Walt Disney World

In a first baby step towards making Disney Genie+ a little more flexible, you will now have the option to purchase Genie+ for a single-park option or a new multiple-parks option. With this addition prices may be lower at some parks compared to others. Nothing else has changed. What we're all really waiting for is the ability to be able to make Genie+ reservations before the day of your visit. So while this is a welcome change, it is nothing more than a baby step with the hopes of truly bigger news still to come.

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How to Increase Your Odds of Seeing ‘Rogers: The Musical’ at Disney California Adventure Park

Rogers: The Musical kicks off this week at Disney California Adventure Park and runs until August 31. With that in mind, here is the most important news you need to know as a Disney traveler.

Joining the free virtual queue on the Disneyland app is recommended

Rogers: The Musical will have several shows daily, Tuesday through Saturday most weeks during its limited-time run. You can gain access to the viewing areas for the show through a virtual queue system available only through the Disneyland app.

Each performance day, distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will start at 10:30 a.m. PT for the first two shows of the day and it will reopen at 2:00 p.m. PT for the remaining shows each day.

The virtual queue isn't mandatory, but it's highly recommended. If the virtual queue is full, you can check in at the Hyperion Theater before Rogers: The Musical begins to check for any walk-up viewing options.

Dining Package for Rogers: The Musical

Instead of going the virtual queue route, you can try to buy a “Rogers: The Musical” Premium Viewing Experience package for $29 per person from the Studio Catering Co. Truck in Hollywood Land. We say try because quantities are limited per performance. The package includes a “Rogers: The Musical” popcorn bucket with kettle corn and choice of bottled beverage, plus access to lounge seating before the show, priority choice of seating in the theater, a souvenir lanyard and access to a unique photo opportunity.

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Updates on San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park

Starting in mid-July, you'll be able to try some new San Fransokyo food at Lucky Fortune Cookery and the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería. More dining options and new shopping will open through mid-August.

Here's more about what you'll be able to see and do in San Fransokyo Square.

· Interact with Hiro and Baymax, who will say hello outside the Hamada Bot Shop.

· Near the Hamada Bot Shop will be the San Fransokyo Maker’s Market, a store stocked with apparel, homewares and more featuring Baymax and friends. Be sure to look up to the rafters overhead to find the local battlebot champion, Hiro’s Megabot.

· Across the way, a vending machine will dispense collectible golden medallions featuring Baymax and other images from San Fransokyo.

A look at some of the new San Fransokyo dining options:

Aunt Cass Café, the second bakery café operated by Hiro’s loving aunt, will serve soups in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls and other Japanese-inspired cuisine. Watch for the mural of Aunt Cass’ lucky pet cat, Mochi on the storefront.

An old fishing net tannery across from the café is being converted to Rita’s Turbine Blenders, a giant drink dispenser offering margaritas and cold drinks. The refreshment stand is owned and named after the repair tech who maintains the floating wind turbine (a giant koi fish) that sits atop the structure.

In addition to these locations, there will be new menu items at Cocina Cucamonga and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop as well.

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Foodie Guide to Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs

Flavors of Florida take place in Disney Springs from July 1 to August 13 at over 30 locations.

Here is the complete menu guide to Flavors of Florida 2023 at Walt Disney World, including our top picks.

Amorette’s Patisserie

• Orange Cream Puff: Choux pastry with orange craquelin filled with orange curd and honey orange gel (New)
• Orange Bird Dome Cake: Layers of Grand Marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâte de fruit, mandarin orange cream, and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available for pre-orders and cake decorating experience) (New)
• Strawberry Spritzer: French 75 with strawberry purée in a Flavors of Florida CORKCICLE (New)

The BOATHOUSE

• Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish: Citrus escabeche, coconut ginger rice, and cilantro aïoli (New)

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

• Key West Shrimp Cocktail: Seasoned shrimp tossed with a mix of avocado, mango, cucumber, and a house-made cocktail sauce accompanied by homemade buttermilk crackers (New)
• Florida Crush Cocktail: Florida oranges and strawberries muddled with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, then topped with a splash of freshly-squeezed orange juice and agave syrup (New)

Chicken Guy!

• Sunshine Shake: A blend of hand-spun vanilla soft-serve and fresh Florida orange juice garnished with a crown of fresh whipped cream

City Works Eatery & Pour House

• Seared Grouper: Pan-seared grouper melds with citrus chipotle rice, Cuban spiced black bean puree, smoked watermelon pico de gallo, chili oil, and micro cilantro (New)

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

• Orange Cream Float: Mix of Coca-Cola, vanilla ice cream and an orange cream bar presented in a novelty cup you can take home for a memorable treat (New) > Amelia's Pick

D-Luxe Burger

• Lime Garage Burger: Deluxe patty topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly, and fried green tomato served with an avocado, lime, and jalapeño spread
• Orange Bird Milkshake: Vanilla gelato and orange topped with sprinkles

Dockside Margaritas

• Frozen Orange Daiquiri: Siesta Key Silver rum, Cointreau liqueur, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream garnished with an orange wedge (New)

The Edison

• Sunny Disposition: Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine, Florida orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, fruity fraise de bois, and local fruits including navel oranges, Minneola tangelos, Plant City strawberries, and Indian River grapefruit (New) > Mike's Pick

Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria & Enzo’s

• Key West Pink Shrimp Risotto: Fine Italian vialone nano rice, Key West pink shrimp, guanciale, sweet corn, herbs, and pecorino Romano (New)
• Creamsicle Coppa: Vanilla gelato, made in-house, paired with orange sorbet, whipped cream and white chocolate crunchy pearls, recreating a classic childhood favorite dessert (New)

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

• Citrus Dream Do...