What’s New this Week with Disney and Universal Studios
Happy New Year! This first week of the year brings big things from your favorite magical vacation destinations in Disney and Universal Studios Theme Park news.
Big new promotions were announced by Disney World Resort (hint- FREE DINING) including a discount on resort stays for the spring/summer reservations. “Runners take your mark” the 2023-24 RunDisney Event schedule was announced including the Disneyland Half Marathon dates.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
In addition, Disney’s California Adventure Park will begin a NEW nighttime spectacular this month in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company and we have a sneak peek. Lastly, Epcot released the Festival of the Arts 2023 food menus.
In Universal Studios news, Universal Orlando Resort has a discount promotion on some resort stays this spring as well. Read on for the full details!
Walt Disney World Resort Announced BIG promotions
On Thursday January 5th, Disney World announced a NEW discount for resort stays this Spring/Summer. Also released was a new dining card promotion for guests staying at Disney World resorts.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Discounts Announced for Spring/Summer Resort Stays
Disney World guests will receive up to 25% off room rates between March 1,2023 and July 10, 2023. A limited number of discounted rooms are available and the amount off is variable depending on dates and the level of resort: value, moderate, or deluxe.
You can find all the details HERE.
Walt Disney World FREE Dining Card Promotion
You can receive up to $750 in free dining at participating food service locations on property between June 25, 2023, and September 14, 2023, when you stay at a Disney World Resort.
Photo Credit: @dizndonohues
The dining card promotion is only available to guests who book a minimum of a 5-night stay and at least a 4-day ticket to the parks. In addition, the card value varies for Value, Moderate and Deluxe level resorts on property.
The full value of your dining card will be sent to your email after checking in and is not contingent on the number of guests on your reservation. Find all the details HERE.
RunDisney Announces the Dates for Their 2023-24 Season
On Wednesday, RunDisney released the dates of their events for the 2023-24 season. This year will include the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend in January of 2024! The Disneyland event will take place January 11-14, 2024. It will include 3 events as well as a challenge.
With the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon, event participants will also have the chance to meet the Coast-to-Coast Challenge in 2024. Full details on that will be released at a later date.
Photo Credit: Disney Destinations
Also available will be the virtual race option, including the summer virtual series for runners who want to participate without traveling to the events. They can still earn those beautiful RunDisney Medals. Mark your calendar for the following dates!
- Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend- November 2-5, 2023
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend- January 3-7, 2024
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend January 11-14, 2024
- Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon Weekend- February 22-25, 2024
- Walt Disney World Springtime Surprise Weekend- April 18-21, 2024
As always, themes for the above races will be released at a later date. I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for us this season! If you have ever considered participating in a RunDisney Event, you can get the best reasons to sign up for one HERE.
Disney’s California Adventure Theme Park Will Have a NEW Nighttime Spectacular
On January 27, 2023, Disney’s California Adventure Park will join the celebration of the 100th anniversary and feature a NEW nighttime spectacular. Disney Live Entertainment will present The World of Color-One at Paradise Bay.
The show featuring dancing fountains, projections and laser lights will honor the legendary storytelling of Walt Disney. This nighttime spectacular focuses on the stories and songs of characters who dared to make a tough decision that effected a positive change.
The World of Color- One will be interactive with MagicBand+. Let’s take a sneak peek at what to expect!
To find more details about NEW events at Disneyland Resort for the 100th anniversary celebration, click HERE.
Epcot Festival of the Arts Food Menus are Available NOW
Disney’s Epcot Festival of the Arts 2023 presented by AT&T starts January 13 and runs through February 20, 2023. This week, the food menus and images were released. For a detailed description of each food studios creations inspired by the arts check out Epcot Festival of The Arts 2023.
Universal Orland Resort Promotions
Universal Endless Summer Resorts and Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Book now at Universal Orland Resort and get a discount on select rooms. Right now, if you book a 2-bedroom suite at Universal Orlando’s Endless Summer Resorts (both Dockside and Surfside) or a Family Suite at Cabana Bay between now and May 25, 2023, you could be eligible for a 20% discount. Reservations require a minimum of a 4-night stay. Book your stay by May 21, 2023.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Resort
Also available at Universal Orlando Resort, 25% off 5-night stays at Cabana Bay or Aventura Resort with a room and ticket package. A minimum 3 Park, 5 Day park to park ticket is required for the discount. This offer is also contingent upon a 2 adult/2child per room reservation and includes dates:
- February 21 – March 30, 2023
- April 16 – May 26, 2023
*Some blackout dates apply
This was a good week in Theme Park News. If you have any questions or comments, leave them below! Don’t hesitate to book your vacation to a Disney destination or Universal Studios Resort to take advantage of these promotions and events. Send me a message today for a free no obligation quote on your next vacation!
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