This week at Walt Disney World, Disney announces the return of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, hugs return to character meet and greets, plus dates are announced for the 2022 edition of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival! 

Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort goes behind the scenes of one of its most iconic attractions, plus casting gets underway for this year's Halloween Horror Nights. 

1. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue to return this summer with small changes 

It was announced this week that Walt Disney World's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dining experience will return to Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground this summer on June 23. The show will be slightly modified with a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the spirit of the show. 

The menu will once again feature a feast full of favorites including fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and strawberry shortcake. 

Reservations for this returning entertainment option will be available at the Walt Disney World website starting May 26.

2. Traditional character interactions with autographs and hugs come back to Disney Parks beginning this month

Character interactions at Disney Parks have been distanced since the theme parks reopened back in 2020, but Disney has announced that more traditional character interactions with hugs, autographs, and high fives will be coming back to theme parks beginning later this month on April 18th. Disney has said that these more traditional character meet and greets will return in phases throughout the spring and early summer.

3. Dates announced for 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 

Disney has announced that the 2022 edition of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will kick off later this summer on  July 14 and will run through November 19, the same length as last year's extended festival.

More than 25 Global Marketplaces will be part of the lineup during this year's festival, including returning favorites like The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats and more. Additional information about this year's festival will be released in the weeks ahead.