This week in theme park news…
The Walt Disney Company released exciting details about the NEW nighttime spectacular “Wondrous Journeys” that will start at Disneyland Park beginning in January. The Walt Disney World Resort has ALL the princesses returning for the character dining experience at Cinderella Castle in February and more dining news from Chef Mickey’s.
There was also an exciting announcement about the Magic Kingdom Railway reopening. Lastly, Disney Cruise Line is offering a BIG deal to cruisers booking for this upcoming year!
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Cause For Celebration at Disneyland Park in Disney Theme Park News
The Walt Disney Company is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2023. The place where all the action is happening will be Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. The original Disney theme park will have MANY new events happening throughout the year in honor of the celebration.
Photo: Disney Destinations
A NEW nighttime spectacular, Wondrous Journeys, will begin January 27 with “state-of-the-art projections” and fireworks. The backdrop or “canvas” as described by Disney will not only be Main Street USA and Sleeping Beauty Castle but will also include the façade of “It’s a Small World” and Rivers of America.
Per Disney Destinations, “Throughout Wondrous Journeys, guests will embark on an adventure filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart as we celebrate the dreamers at Disney Animation who have shared their imagination and talents with the world for one hundred years.”
The show is said to include “music, characters and special moments” celebrating 100 years of Disney Animation with moments of heart and heroism that will bring all the emotions familiar with Disney films and stories.
The Princesses return to Cinderella Castle
Beginning February 28, 2023, all the princesses will be back for character dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table!
Photo: Disney Destinations
Since the reopening following the closures in 2020, Cinderella has been the only princess at this prix fixe character dining experience and guests could only wave to her from a distance. That is about to change soon! Cinderella’s Royal Table will welcome all of Cindy’s friends back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Best yet, you can hug them all as they visit your table while you dine!
Dining reservations are required for all guests regardless of age. Resort guests can make reservations 60 days out from your vacation start date. If you have any questions or would like to book a vacation package that includes this very popular experience, send a message below!
Disney Theme Park News from Chef Mickey’s
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
On March 1,2023, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will return to an “all you care to enjoy” buffet! Since the reopening this character dining experience favorite has been a “family style” dining experience for breakfast and dinner. Soon you and your family will once again be able to enjoy buffet dining while meeting Mickey and his friends in their best chef attire.
Magic Kingdom Railway Will Open This Season
On Thursday, Disney Destinations announced that the Magic Kingdom Railway will open to guests again this holiday season! Guests in the park have been watching test runs of the trains this past week with eager anticipation. Thursday, Cast Members were the first to board and experience the NEW and exciting updates to this iconic, opening day attraction.
photo: Disney Destinations
The Magic Kingdom Railway represents Walt Disney’s love of trains. The attraction closed in December of 2018 due to the construction of the Tron Light Cycle rollercoaster attraction in Tomorrowland. Disney Park executives took the opportunity to reimagine the attraction while still maintaining that familiar and nostalgic experience.
What’s New?
- New voice over narration and conductor that will delight guests with their familiar voice
- New track layout however the train will still travel in a loop around Magic Kingdom
- Same familiar whistle but with added new sounds and voices
- Possible character sightings during your journey around the tracks
It’s so exciting to know that the Disney Park favorite will once again roll through the Magic Kingdom Park transporting guests from one land to another with all of it’s magic!
You Can Save 50% off your deposit on a Disney Cruise This Year!
photo: @dizndonohues
Disney Cruise Line announced this week that guests who book by February 17, 2023, on select cruises sailing between June 19, 2023- May 31, 2024, can save 50% off their required deposit at the time of booking. If you are considering a Disney Cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, or Mexico, you can save now by booking early!
Disney Theme Park News- Scheduled closures
This week it was announced that the Lava Pool Waterslide would be closed for maintenance on January 3, 2023, for one day. Only the slide itself will close briefly and the pool will remain open for guests of the resort.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
This has been a BIG week of news specifically from Disney Parks and Destinations! It will be exciting to get back to some very popular favorites as well as to experience all that is new to the theme parks this coming year. Don’t forget to take advantage of that cruise deal SOON!
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