This week it was announced that NEW characters would be debuting at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Springs is getting new dining options later this year, and Universal Studios is offering some great promotions. Keep reading for all the details and more in this week of Theme Park News.
Disney world
There will be a lot of new experiences in the Most Magical Place on Earth this coming year! Let’s break it down by theme parks and Disney Springs.
Magic Kingdom
Tron Inspired Eats
The Tron Lightcycle Run is opening to the public on April 4th. Recently, cast members, DVC and Annual Passholders have had the opportunity to preview the latest and fastest park attraction. Find out all the details on the ride HERE.
Disney doesn’t miss the opportunity of a new thrill ride to introduce related treats to match. A “grab n go” kiosk will open in Tomorrowland to match Tron’s energy. “Energy Bytes” that is! You will have the chance to energize your day “soon” per Disney. “Energy Bytes” will serve guests Breakfast fare, savory bites, sweet treats and “refreshing” beverages themed to the digitalized world of Tron.
Let’s look at some of the menu!
For breakfast order the “Chocolate Donut Holes with Mocha Sauce” and pair it with a Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee also topped with mocha sauce. Too Sweet?
photo credit: Disney Destinations
The savory bites include the “Digital Dumplings” in two forms. You can either get the buffalo chicken and dumplings version, or a beef and broccoli made with broccoli pesto and ginger soy broth. Try a frozen drink like the “Watermelon Refresher” to pair with your futuristic dish.
photo credit: Disney Destinaions
For more sweet stuff order the “Strawberry IceOform” which is a strawberry ice cream based treat with mochi, graham crackers and a little cheesecake foam.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
Tiana Has a Tower
Later this summer we will start to witness the beginnings of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” as her attraction takes shape (formerly Splash Mountain). A Water Tower with Tiana’s Foods Logo will find it’s home at the construction site and be visible to guests in the park. A reminder of what’s to come.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
The theme of the new attraction is set following the film “The Princess and the Frog” as Tiana and her friends get ready to host a BIG Mardi Gras celebration. The projected opening for both Disney World Resort and Disneyland is 2024.
New Character Debut
This fall, Mirabel from Encanto will meet you in the Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom. The area will be transformed with décor “inspired by La Familia Madrigal”.
Photo credit: Disney Destinations
Epcot
A lot has been happening around Epcot the last few years- a lot of construction that is! It’s even come to be known as “wall-cot” due to the maze of barrier walls within what is now World Nature and World Celebration (formerly Future World). Later this year, you find out what Disney’s been constructing.
photo credit: @bizzyrunninganddizn
It’s a Journey of Water
This Fall, “Journey of Water, inspired by Moana” will open (no exact date known yet). This self-guided walk-through attraction will feature the natural cycle of water from sky to ocean and back per Disney.
CommuniCore Brings Focus to the Epcot Legacy
In addition, CommuniCore Hall will open later this year in World Celebration and be the “Center of Festival Programming” per Disney. This building will transform with each festival, house a NEW character greeting location called “Mickey and Friends”, and will generally “Celebrate the legacy of Epcot”.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
New Character Debut
Epcot will also debut Figment as a character meet and greet later this summer. Friends of the small purple dragon will be able to hug the loveable “figment of imagination”.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
New Nighttime Spectacular
Lastly in Epcot, a BRAND-NEW nighttime spectacular will debut later this year following the temporary return of “Epcot Forever” on April 3. The new show is said to “Unite us all through commonalities of the heart” per Disney. It will feature an original score as well as familiar Disney music as it fills World Showcase with fireworks, lasers, and light.
Animal Kingdom
25 Years of Conservation and Education
This theme park opened on April 22,1998 and since has directed $120 million in support of saving wildlife, protecting the planet, and inspiring action through non-profit organizations.
photo credit: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Next month on Earth Day the Animal Kingdom Theme Park will celebrate its 25th anniversary. The milestone will be marked with new eats and treats, merchandise, and “limited time character sightings” per Disney.
New Character Debut
One of the characters that will debut is Moana on Discovery Island as of April 22. It isn’t clear if meeting the Polynesian princess is a “limited time” experience for the 25 anniversary celebrations or permanent, we’ll keep you posted.
Photo Credit: Disney Destinations
Disney Springs
New Restaurants
Summer House on the Lake will open in Disney Springs later this year. This new restaurant will have a breezy beach house feel with a California inspired menu that includes salads, sandwiches and even pizza. Also included in the same space will be “The Cookie Jar” – a dessert focused market serving cookies and pastries.
Photo Credit: Disney Destinations
In addition, Corkcicle will open their first retail location at Disney Springs later this Spring.
Disney Visa Card Holder Discount
Disney World Resort is offering card holder up to 35% off rooms at select resorts this summer. The resorts and discounts are:
- Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside: 35%
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort: 30%
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort- family suites: 30%
The discounts apply to stays:
- May 14- June 24
- July 5- August 9
- August 27- September 7
Universal Orlando Resort Announces a New Promotion
You can now save $650 and up on 5-night hotel and ticket packages at Cabana Bay. The travel window is now through December 14, 2023. Book now before May 3,2023 to get this great deal.
Universal Studios Hollywood offer an LA Based Package
Book a 4-night vacation stay at a Universal Partner Hotel and combine it with park tickets and great tours/experiences in the LA area. The vacation packages are customizable and include but not limited to a 1-day general admission ticket to Universal Hollywood combined with day tours in the LA area.
The Booking window for this deal is now through May 10,2023 for travel now through December 31, 2023
Reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations for details on the latest promotion and for a free no obligation quote for your trip.
This week’s news was short but mighty! The new characters debuting at Walt Disney World Resort are sure to bring joy and amazing photo opportunities. The addition of more dining options at Disney Springs just make it a little more difficult to choose what to try but that isn’t a bad problem, and Universal Studios promotions makes it that much easier to travel for vacation.
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