DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Guardians Queue Update; Popular Transportation Option Returning; Revamped Finding Nemo Show; New Menu Items at Hollywood Studios; Special Discount Announced; Character Meets Return to AK & More
Since our last news roundup, new openings and re-openings have dominated Disney news. There is also a bunch of food news, discounts and more below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Virtual Queue and Individual Lightning Lane Availability Update
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open, and guests are raving about the experience! It has quickly risen to the top of our favorite attractions at Walt Disney World! Because the experience is so fantastic, the attraction is on the must-do lists of many who visit the park. There are currently two ways to experience the attraction.
Since there is no standby queue for Cosmic Rewind, guests need to use the My Disney Experience app to request to join the Virtual Queue and receive a boarding group. You’ll need valid admission and a park reservation for that day! The Virtual Queue becomes available at 7:00 am each morning, and you can be anywhere to join in. You’ll want to join as soon as possible since, as expected, the queue will fill up in just seconds at the 7:00 am slot. If you miss out, you’ll have another chance to join at 1:00 pm, although at that time, you’ll need to physically be in EPCOT to join the Virtual Queue. We’ve seen that the queue does not fill up as quickly at 1:00 pm as it does in the morning, so if you don’t get it in the morning, don’t despair! Just try at 1:00 pm, and you should have a really good shot at getting in.
Another option for guests is to purchase Individual Lightning Lane access to this attraction. So far, we’ve seen pricing for this attraction at $17 per person. Resort guests can make their purchase at 7:00 am, while non-resort guests have to wait until park opens. Most days, Lightning Lane access sells out even before non-resort guests can have the option to purchase. So, if you’re planning on buying the Individual Lightning Lane and you are not a Disney resort guest, be prepared that you may not be able to pay for this one. We suggest guests always try for the Virtual Queue first (it’s free!) and then decide if they want to pay for access with the Lighting Lane.
2 – “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” Debuts June 13
The big blue world beckons once again as “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” prepares to debut on June 13 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme. The freshly reimagined return of this popular entertainment experience invites guests to discover the undersea world that charmed audiences around the world in the Disney and Pixar smash-hit film “Finding Nemo” as it comes to life on stage. We had a chance to see a sneak peek show this past Saturday, and we loved it! Our full review is coming soon. Click here to see photos and video from the show from our Instagram account.
Showtimes are now available for the show and include two morning shows and four in the afternoon. Performances will be at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.
Lightning Lane access will be available for guests who purchase Disney Genie+. Learn more about the updated show at the link below.
Click here for the announcement of the opening date of “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!”
3 – New Menu Items at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
There are new menu items for guests to try the next time they visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Learn about the new menu offerings at the link below.
Click here for new menu items at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
4 – Adventurers Outpost at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Reopen June 19
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has not yet seen the return of up-close character greetings, even though guests have been able to hug and greet their favorite characters at many locations around Walt Disney World since mid-April 2022. The characters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, except for Kevin on Discovery Island, have continued to be seen on flotillas on the Discovery River throughout the day. Thankfully, this is about to change with the reopening of the Adventurers Outpost on June 19. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for more on the reopening of Adventurers Outpost at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
5 – Minnie Van Service Returning Soon to Walt Disney World
Disney Minnie Van Service Connected by Lyft returns June 29, 2022, to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Minnie Van Service is a convenient and personalized transportation option with quick, point-to-point mobility around Walt Disney World, at prices that vary by route. Guests can book by opening the Lyft mobile app and selecting a Minnie Van vehicle. Guests can also use the app to request an Accessible Minnie Van, as needed, and each Minnie Van comes equipped with two complimentary car seats for little travelers. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn more about Disney Minnie Van Service returning to Walt Disney World.
6 – H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon
There’s no other water park quite like Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Guests can enjoy the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster and ride the surf at the largest wave pool, chill out on a family raft ride, a sandy beach, or a lazy float around a creek. And no place is cooler for preschoolers than Ketchakiddee Creek. One of our favorite events is back (and updated) Saturday evenings this summer, and we were there to check it out. We had an absolute blast and can’t recommend it enough! Learn more about the event and get our review at the link below.
Click here for our review and why you don’t want to miss H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon.
7 – Menu Revealed for Returning Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Dinner Show
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Dinner show returns in just a few weeks to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort. This week Disney revealed the menu. Catch all the details at the link below.
Click here for the menu of Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Dinner Show.
8 – Disney Announces Re-Opening Date for Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s top signature dining experience is returning soon to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The restaurant is reopening on July 28, with reservations opening soon. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on Victoria & Albert’s return at Disney Grand Floridian Resort.
9 – Florida Resident, Annual Passholder, and DVC Special Ticket Offer for Drawn to Life
Drawn to Life is the new Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs. It’s a great family-friendly option for guests to enjoy. There is a special ticket offer if you are a Florida resident, annual passholder, or Disney Vacation Club member. Disney Cast Member Emma Martin has all the details below:
Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney has been delighting guests at Disney Springs since opening this past November. In a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration, Drawn to Life combines timeless Disney magic with the remarkable performances that Cirque du Soleil is famous for.
And now for a limited time, Florida Residents, Disney Vacation Club Members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can enjoy a special ticket offer. Offer is only valid for performances of Drawn to Life from June 10, 2022 to October 1, 2022 and is subject to blockout dates: 7/1-7/5, 9/2-9/5 and 9/10/22. Tickets may be purchased online from Cirque du Soleil or at the box office at Disney Springs.
This family-friendly show tells the story of the love between a father and a daughter, while drawing inspiration from Disney’s 100-year heritage of animation. It brings iconic Disney stories and characters to life through the innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, musical scores and brand-new animation lovingly created by Disney Animation artists. When I saw the show for the first time, I was so captivated by the immense talent of the Cirque du Soleil artists and performers! The vibrant Cirque du Soleil acts along with just the right amount of Disney magic make for the perfect combination.
For full details, visit here.
We’ll see you at the theater!
10 – Disney Cruise Line Takes Delivery of the Disney Wish
The inaugural cruise of the Disney Wish is getting closer, and the ship hit a significant milestone this past week. Disney Cast Member Evily Giannopoulos Peros has all the details below.
During a traditional maritime ceremony held today in Bremerhaven, Germany, Disney Cruise Line took delivery of our newest ship, the Disney Wish!
Delivery is the final milestone in the ship’s construction journey, which began more than two years ago at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany and was made possible through thousands of shipyard workers and the creative vision of Disney Imagineers.
Disney Cruise Line President Thomas Mazloum and Meyer Werft Managing Director Jan Meyer signed the official documents transferring ownership of the Disney Wish from the shipbuilder to Disney.
Numerous Meyer Weft and Disney Cruise Line executives came together to witness the lowering of the Meyer Werft flag and raising of the Disney Cruise Line flag on the ship.
Disney Cruise Line presented Meyer Werft with an elegant Cinderella statuette commemorating the beautiful life-sized bronze statue that welcomes guests in the ship’s Grand Hall. A pillar of The Walt Disney Company’s legacy, Cinderella’s story is the epitome of magic transforming wishes into dreams and dreams into reality.
Following the ceremony, Captain Marco Nogara took the helm of the Disney Wish for the transatlantic voyage from Bremerhaven to her home in Port Canaveral, Florida.
The Disney Wish, the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, introduces a brand-new, distinctly Disney design concept unlike anything at sea. The motif of enchantment — found at the heart of so many beloved Disney stories — is the architectural and thematic foundation of the ship’s design, weaving imagination, emotion and adventure into the very fabric of the vessel’s unique personality. The ship features new spaces and experiences infused with more Disney storytelling than ever, bringing to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars adventures like never before.
The Disney Wish sets sail on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral on July 14. For more information, visit disneycruise.com.
11 – Special Olympic Athletes Star in Magical Parade Ahead of USA Games
On June 3, Several Special Olympics USA Games athletes experienced the “I’m Going to Disney World” treatment ahead of the 2022 Games as they starred front and center in a magical parade at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort after appearing in a TV commercial airing on ESPN and on social media earlier in the week.
Disney brought a new spin to the popular “I’m Going to Disney World” Super Bowl campaign as the Special Olympics USA Games athletes served as the honorary grand marshals in a celebratory parade in Magic Kingdom. The colorful parade featured the athletes surrounded by popular Disney characters, confetti and magical entertainment and served as the final leg of the official Special Olympics USA Games Law Enforcement Torch Run that began in Chicago and ended Friday at Exploria Stadium in downtown Orlando. The festive scene was reminiscent of past Disney sports championship celebrations that regularly feature some of the biggest names in sports history.
The parade created yet another magical moment among many for the Special Olympics USA Games athletes leading up to the start of the USA Games. The athletes smiled and waved as they traveled down Main Street U.S.A. surrounded by their favorite Disney characters as fans cheered them on from the crowd.
Earlier in the week, several of the Special Olympics USA Games athletes were featured in a national commercial by ESPN and Walt Disney World Resort where they brought the “I’m Going to Disney World” style to ESPN viewers and social media users nationwide. The heart-warming video features the simple tagline “I’m Going” as well as footage of several Special Olympic USA Games athletes including golfer Amy Bockerstette, football player Ryan Gronowski, softball player Rafael “Tripp” Trinidad and swimmer Yoli Shields. The featured athletes are seen playing their sports before shouting “I’m Going to Disney World” in the spot.
The super-sized celebration of the Special Olympics USA Games adds to Walt Disney World Resort’s long history of supporting the Special Olympics, which has staged various events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex year after year. The 2022 Games will be primarily staged at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort as well as other Central Florida sites. This year’s competitions include basketball, cheerleading, volleyball and soccer among other sports.
12 – Darius Rucker to Take Center Stage at DoD Warrior Games Opening Ceremony
Chart-topping, multi-Platinum selling country artist Darius Rucker is set to headline the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games in August. Hosted by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, the Warrior Games will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida from August 19-28.
The three-time Grammy award winner will be performing at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, August 19 at the Stadium within the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Fans will get the chance to hear hit songs from Darius’ time with Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as classics from his time as a solo artist like “Wagon Wheel.”
The Warrior Games, first held in 2010, celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill and injured active-duty and veteran military service members from the U.S. and allied nations. Hundreds of elite athletes will compete in adaptive sporting events including wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball among others.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has hosted the 2016 Invictus Games as well as other professional and youth sports events and was donated for use to serve as a Warrior Games venue. This 220-acre award-winning facility features multiple indoor and outdoor competition sites and combines the spirit of sports with Disney magic, making it the perfect host venue for this year’s events.
The Warrior Games serve to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports. Military Paralympic-style adaptive sports programs help wounded service members and veterans build strength and endurance and draw inspiration from their teammates. Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.
13 – Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto
For the first time, Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, the #1 Animated feature of all time, and Disney Animation’s Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award®, BAFTA®, and Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Animated Feature, as they come to life like never before. This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more when it visits their hometown.
Audiences will see Anna, Elsa, Mirabel, and the Madrigal family live, as well as fan favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and many more.
Narrating the captivating story of Frozen is Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer. Astounding ice-skating transports families to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristoff and Sven take fans along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer.
After a very Frozen adventure, audiences will journey to a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia where they will meet the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a magical casita in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto.
Mirabel tells the tale of her amazing family and her journey to save the casita, her enchanted family home, alongside her sisters: Isabela, whose perfection radiates with her ability to make plants grow and flowers bloom with every step, and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she uses to help her village move buildings and reroute rivers.
For the first time live, fans can witness Tia Pepa, who can control the weather with her emotions; her husband Felix; their daughter Dolores, with her gift to hear; and Bruno, the mysterious and misunderstood Madrigal family member whose visions foretold the future.
In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. YOU are the magic!
Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets, to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the public on June 14. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane – New Planning Tools & Paid Access to Lighting Lane
Now Open – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Click here for Disney World 50th Anniversary Merchandise – What’s New & What You Need to Know
Now Through August 28, 2022, on Select Nights – Disney H2O Glow After Hours
Click here for our review of H2O Glow After Hours and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!
Now Through July 4, 2022 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for the menus to the Outdoor Kitchens at the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Click here for photos of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning!
Click here for photos of all of the topiaries at the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!
Click here for photos of the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden merchandise!
New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT
Click here for what’s new and coming to EPCOT as the Historic Transformation Continues.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Now Open – Drawn to Life
Click here for our review of Drawn to Life the new Cirque du Soleil show now open at Disney Springs.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
July 14-November 19, 2022 – 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for dates and details of the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
August 12-October 31, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
Click here for details on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party returning in 2022.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Click here for — Disney Cruise Line Reveals New Indulgences for Adults Aboard the Disney Wish
Itineraries in 2022 and 2023
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022.
Click here to learn about early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line
Click here for information on Pixar Day at Sea coming in early 2023!
Click here for information on Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line in 2023.
Click here for information about Disney Cruise Line’s Summer 2023 Itineraries.
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.