The folks at Disney are always changing and improving guests’ experiences at both the theme parks as well as the Disney Cruise Line. It was important to Walt Disney that his product be ever evolving. This week the news from Disney includes rare Disney Cruise Line itineraries and the newest spaces at a favorite dining and shopping district. Read on for all the details.
Disney Cruise Line
Booking Will Open Soon for Late 2024
Sailing on a Disney cruise is a magical experience for young and mature alike. Recently Disney Cruise Line announced even more extraordinary sailings for Fall and Winter as the booking window opens for late 2024.
The window to book a late 2024 sailing on a Disney Cruise will open to the public on June 26. However, members of the Castaway Club, Golden Oak, Club 33, and DVC will have the chance to book earlier as follows:
- Pearl Castaway Club Members can book as early as June 19
- Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak, and Club 33 members can book as of June 20
- Golden Castaway Club Members can book starting June 21
- Silver Castaway Club Members, DVC, and Adventure Insiders can book as early as June 22
Unique Itineraries Available in the Fall of 2024
The Disney Cruise Line itineraries included in late 2024 are exciting and new! I realize that sounds like the Love Boat, but it’s TRUE!
In late September 2024, The Disney Wonder cruise ship will be sailing out of Vancouver Canada to the Hawaiian Islands. The rare itinerary includes stops at Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and then ending in Oahu.
Alternatively, guests can then board the Disney Wonder in Oahu on a venture to Sydney Australia with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and New Caledonia. Following its disembarkation in Sydney, the Wonder will begin her second season cruising the Australian and New Zealand coasts.
Special Sailings in Late 2024
It was confirmed that both Halloween on the High Seas and Verry Merrytime sailings will return for their respective seasons on Disney Cruise Line itineraries in 2024.
Beginning mid-September through October, Mickey and friends as well as guests will dress in their favorite costumes for a spooktacular good time. These special themed cruises include a deck party, Halloween treats and beverages as well as a “ghostly take over of the ship”.
Halloween on the High Seas is available on select cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean as follows:
- The Disney Wish out of Port Canaveral on select 3–4-night sailings.
- The Disney Fantasy out of Port Canaveral on select 4 nights, as well as 6–7-night sailings.
- The Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale on select 3–5-night sailings.
Guests aboard select Fantasy and Magic Halloween on the High Seas sailings will have the opportunity to stop at Disney’s newest private island, Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas.
The Verry Merrytime Sailing will return mid-November through December 2024 on select sailings not only from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral but Galveston as well. Much like the Halloween themed sailings the Verry Merrytime cruises include characters in their holiday best, dance parties on deck, themed food and beverages, ship wide decor AND a special tree lighting ceremony. This party is offered on select cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas as follows:
- The Disney Wish out of Port Canaveral on select 3–4-night sailings.
- The Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale on select 4–5-night sailings.
- The Disney Fantasy out of Fort Lauderdale on select 4-night, 6–7-night sailings.
- The Disney Magic out of Galveston on select 4–6-night sailings.
We also just learned that the tree lighting ceremony along with the Dance Party with Mickey and friends during the Verry Merrytime Cruises will be newly reimagined beginning the 2023 season on all sailings.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort
Following the closures due to the pandemic, businesses inside the Downtown Disney shopping/dining area at Disneyland Resort have been going through some changes! Changes for the good! Recently, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has gone through a bit of a makeover while other NEW options are popping up to try.
Jazz Kitchen
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has reopened as “Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio” with “Expressed Beignets”. Anyone familiar with the popular New Orleans cuisine hotspot should be happy to know the favorite dishes have remained, but new menu items have joined them such as:
- Lobster and Crawfish Sliders
- Gumbo LaLa
- Grilled Open Face Lobster Po-Boy
photo credit: Disney Destinations
And more…
Also new is an extensive California based wine list and “seaside style” cocktails. The location continues to serve Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast style cuisine.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
Meanwhile, a new counter service area will serve up the VERY popular warm delicious beignets the Jazz Kitchen is known for. You have your choice of classic as well as specialty versions.
Clyde’s Hot Chicken
There’s a brand-new cart with meat on a stick near the Disneyland Monorail! You can now get Nashville Hot Chicken in three levels of heat in Downtown Disney. The hottest available is called “Hot as Cali” with a Cayenne and Habanero based spices.
Shopping
Downtown Disney is first and foremost a shopping and dining district. A few new stores have reopened for guests to patronize. Love Disney décor? You can shop at Disney Home and Wonderground Gallery again.
Coming Soon!
“The Alley” will open in the courtyard by Splitsville Lanes as a space for interactive games, live music, and seats for dining. More dining will join the district when DiN Tai Fung opens. In addition to Chinese fair, the area will get a new Mexican cuisine restaurant owned and operated by Michelin starred chef Carlos Grayton. Lastly, Porto Bakery will serve pastries in Downtown Disney. There’s alot of talk about the California Cuban Cheese Rolls.
Disney is always looking for ways to change and improve the guest experiences across the theme parks to their cruise ships. This week they released news of rare and unique sailing itineraries to come for 2024 and a revitalization of Downtown Disney.
If you are considering a vacation to any Disney destination or Universal property, reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations. They have expert advice and experience planning trips to theme parks and beyond! You can also choose to fill out a free no obligation quote form for your trip.
About the Writer:
Get Magical Travel News Delivered Directly to Your Inbox:
