This Week in Disney News…
Big news broke last week from Disney about changes and additions being made across the Disney parks, resorts, and cruise line just in time for planning your 2024 vacation. Below is highlights of all the new changes and additions by Disney Destinations.
Huge News about Disney Genie+
Guests at the Disney Theme Parks can now “modify” their lightning lane selections through Disney Genie+. Instead of having to cancel then rebook a new lightning lane, it is now possible to use the 3-dot symbol to the right of your lightning lane selection in the app and choose “modify” to make changes to your reservation.
This is a big and exciting new change to the system! It will make choosing those lightning lane reservations faster and easier. If you need to know more about Disney Genie+ and how to use it, you can find it in A Simple Way to Explain Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Purchases.
Pixar Day at Sea
New next month, starting January 7, 2023, The Disney Fantasy Cruises will host “Pixar Day at Sea” on 9 7-night cruises. Guests on these cruises will enjoy a full day celebration with many of the beloved characters from our favorite Pixar movies including Toy Story, Up, Monsters Inc, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and more.
The Pixar Day at Sea will feature a brand-new Nighttime Spectacular, as well as character interactions, character meals, treats, a pool party as well as a dance party. See below for some of the special events happening on board:
- Interactive Breakfast with the Toy Story Friends
- Crush’s Totally Awesome Pool Party
- Deck Party- Celebrate the Supers with the characters of The Incredibles
- Character Encounters with friends from Toy Story, Incredibles, Inside Out, Remy and Miguel (Coco)
- Onboard special announcements made by Doug and his friends from the movie UP
In addition, specialty treats will be available on board the day of the celebration including the Joyful Lemon Cupcake, Toy Story Letter Blocks filled with mixed candy and a Sheriff Rice Krispy Treat.
It’s not too late to book a cruise today for this exciting new adventure with our friends from Pixar.
Disney Cruise Line bookings for early 2024
Disney Cruise line is opening bookings for Bahamian, Eastern and Western Caribbean and Mexican sailings in early 2024 on December 15, 2022. Platinum Castaway Club members, Golden Oak members, and Club 33 members can book as early as December 12, 2022. Gold Castaway Club members can book beginning December 13 and DVC members, Adventure Insiders, and Silver Castaway Club members can book starting December 14, 2022.
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Disney home ports in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and California make easy sailing to these tropical destinations and offer several different cruise options. In addition, all cruises sailing out of Florida stop at Disney’s private Island Castaway Cay.
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
You have your choice of 3-, 4-, and 5-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream and Disney cruises offer fantastic entertainment such as Broadway quality shows. The Disney Fantasy offers 7-night cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Guests spend more time at sea helping to increase that relaxing atmosphere.
The Disney Wish offers 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral. The first of its kind, the Wish brings to life stories and characters from Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and Frozen for adults and kids alike.
Beginning in 2024, The Disney Wonder will offer 3-to-7-night cruises to Mexico with stops at the Catalina Islands. Visit places including the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta.
Contact us today for more details and for fee quotes on your next cruise vacation.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is Adding More Delicious Choices to Their Menus
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Available now at most Animal Kingdom Lodge dining locations you can find new food menu items. Chefs at The Mara in Kidani Village, The Maji Pool and Jiko: The Cooking Place in Jambo House have incorporated dishes inspired by their home countries in Africa to bring you amazing, delicious dishes to try.
The Maji Pool
At the Maji Pool at Jambo House, you can now get a Shrimp Bakuli (“bowl” in Swahili). You can also try the spiced Pork Nachos put together with pork seasoned with paprika, garlic, tomato, vinegar, and a house made spice. Lastly, try a Short Rib Grilled Cheese that includes house made spice rubbed ribs on buttery brioche with gouda and pickled onion.
For plant-based eater, the Maji pool now has a Multigrain Tabbouleh. This is described as a “vibrant salad with protein rich grains, fresh herbs and grilled vegetables”. That sounds GREAT!
The Mara
The Mara at Kidani Village has added a marinated sun-dried tomato and ricotta flatbread. You can also enjoy a Chermoula-Spiced Shrimp Bowl or an Oak Grilled Chicken Bowl. For the plant eaters, Chef Wendy Welcoviz has added the South African Vegetable Bowl with curried vegetable stew, pilau rice, kale slaw, dried fruit achar and avocado tahini sauce.
Jiko: The Cooking Place
At Jiko: The Cooking Place inside Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can get a perfect new appetizer by ordering the Sweet Potato Groundnut Soup. This new addition to the menu is a delicious dish. I tried it myself recently. It’s described as spiced groundnuts (like peanuts), finger lime, pickled red chilis and sorrel. It’s surprisingly light but rich in flavor!
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
A Nod to Avatar: The Way of Water
In honor of Avatar: The Way of Water and it’s release in theaters December 16, Animal Kingdom Lodge has introduced a new cocktail available at Boma, Victoria Falls Lounge, and Sanaa. This alcoholic drink has African Star Rum, Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Bol’s Blue Curacao, with a lemonade and mint garnish. It has one of those famous Disney glow cubes too. This one in the form of a Lotus flower.
Disneyland Will Bring Back “Disneyland After Dark” for 2023
This winter, Disneyland will host “after dark” events on 9 select dates. This specialty ticketed event at Disneyland Park will have 2 theme options this year. These limited time events include a 3-hour pre party mix-up prior to park closing time then a private party from 9pm to 1 am in the theme park. Below are the details given on the 2 themed events offered.
Disneyland After Dark Sweethearts Nite
- Dates: January 30, February 2,5,7,9,14, and 16
- Unlimited photo downloads from the event
- Royal Ball- dance the night away
- Special Fireworks event
- Moonlight Cruise on Mark Twain Riverboat
- Specialty Treats
- Photo opportunities with characters and special themed backdrops
Disneyland After Dark Princess Nite
- Dates: March 7th and 9th
- Celebrate heroism and empowerment
- Special photo opportunities
- Specialty food selections
- Dance all night at the Tomorrowland “Candy themed” stage with Vanellope Von Sweetz
- Inspiring musical concerts
- Dance with Tiana at New Orleans Square to the sweet sounds of Jazz Music
Are You Ready to Book Your Next Disney Vacation?
This is just a week of the latest changes and additions announced by Disney recently. Are you looking to take advantage of some of the amazing offerings when you take your next trip? Contact Diznvacations.com for more information and a free quote to add magic when planning your next vacation. Comment below with any thoughts or questions you would like to add.
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