DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: New Nighttime Spectacular at EPCOT; New Area Opens at EPCOT, Other Projects Delayed; Very Merrytime Christmas Cruises Set Sail & More
This week brought a long-awaited new nighttime spectacular to EPCOT. The walls are also (finally) down behind Spaceship Earth, with the opening of the new World Celebration Gardens, where guests can hang out and see the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue. There was a quiet announcement about the last two projects still to come at EPCOT, and we’re back from our Very Merrytime cruise on the Disney Dream with tons of cruise advice for you. All this and more in this week’s news roundup below.
1 – UPDATE! Disney Quietly Delays Opening of Final Projects Yet to Open at EPCOT.
This week, Disney quietly announced the delay in the opening of CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, the final two projects in the transformation of EPCOT. In September, Disney had stated these would open at the end of December 2023. However, in a press release this week, Disney has stated these two “will make their debut in 2024.” This is not a surprise to those who have visited EPCOT this fall. It was clear by the progress of construction that December 2023 was a lofty goal. We will provide updates on when in 2024 these last two projects will open.
The transformation of EPCOT was announced in 2019 and was originally supposed to mostly be finished in 2021. However, the pandemic caused major delays, and some plans had to be scrapped, like the Play! Pavilion, the reimagining of Spaceship Earth, and a Mary Poppins attraction in the UK pavilion in World Showcase. With the final two projects (CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza) opening in 2024, the transformation will have taken five years to complete and without the project mentioned above. Disney has become known for moving at a glacial pace when finishing new projects. Let’s hope the announced reimaging of DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom won’t take as long, but it probably will.
2 – “Luminous the Symphony of Us” Debuts at EPCOT
Guests visiting EPCOT can now enjoy a brand new nighttime spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” which shines a light on the shared experiences that connect people across the globe. With a dazzling display of fireworks, fountains, and lights, the show features two original songs plus new arrangements of iconic Disney hits that enliven the story. We were there on opening night. Learn about what we thought of the show at the link below.
Click here for our review of “Luminous the Story of Us” and what you need to know.
3 – “Walt the Dreamer” Statue and World Celebration Gardens Open at EPCOT
On December 4, 2023, Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient Cast Members were among the first to see the all-new “Walt the Dreamer” statue that debuted as a focal point of the stunning World Celebration Gardens. In a memorable dedication moment, EPCOT Vice President Kartika Rodriguez was joined by the Walt Disney World Ambassadors, Imagineer Scott Mallwitz and the Voices of Liberty to celebrate the original dreamer, Walt Disney. Guests can now explore the gardens.
Click here for a first look at the “Walt Disney Dreamer” statue at EPCOT.
4 – Very Merrytime Cruises – Our Review and Tips and Tricks for the Best Very Merrytime Cruise on Disney Cruise Line!
We’re back from our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream and had a fantastic time. We love cruising on Disney Cruise Line and think they are a fantastic way to experience Disney magic without the craziness of the parks. Learn all about our cruise and get tons of cruise tips and tricks by reading our articles below.
Follow Along on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 1 – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 2 – Packing for a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 1-Part 1 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL DAY: Day 1-Part 2 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 2-Port Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 3-Castaway Cay & Pirate Night – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 4-Sea Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVE LOG: Day 5-Debarkation – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
Our Review & 13 Tips & Tricks for the Best Very Merrytime Cruise on Disney Cruise Line!
5 – Disney Cruise Line Prepares 900 Meals for Local Students During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a challenging time for children who rely on receiving their meals from school. To help ensure Brevard County students receive the food they need over the winter break, Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members volunteered at The Children’s Hunger Project while the Disney Wish was docked at Port Canaveral, Florida. The team assembled 900 pre-packaged meals, which will be delivered to students this month. Disney Cruise Line has supported The Children’s Hunger Project for many years as part of its commitment to invest in programs that support local youth and create lasting, positive impact in its port communities.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Open – Walt the Dream Statue & World Celebration Gardens
Now Open – ‘Luminous The Symphony of Us’ – New Nighttime Spectacular at EPCOT
Now Through December 31, 2023 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for an overview of the holiday offerings at Walt Disney World in 2023 – What You Don’t Want to Miss!
Click here for the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Details and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!
Click here to view the full menus for the Holiday Kitchens at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
Click here for 6 fantastic ways to celebrate the holidays at Disney Springs.
Click here for 5 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Blizzard Beach!
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Gingerbread Displays and Treats at Disney Resorts.
Click here for new details on the new Jollywood Nights coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Now Through December 31, 2023 – Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT
Click here for dates and details on the Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT.
Now Open – Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – EPCOT
Click here for what you need to know about Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Now Open – Tron Lightcycle Run – Magic Kingdom
Click here for our review and what you need to know about TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Click here for everything you need to know about the story behind TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Click here for the first look at TRON Lightcycle / Run merchandise.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Late 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for storyline details of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream
Learn about Very Merrytime Cruises and learn cruise tips and advice in our travel logs below!
Follow us on Instagram, where we continue to share more about our cruise!
Follow Along on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 1 – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 2 – Packing for a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 1-Part 1 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL DAY: Day 1-Part 2 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 2-Port Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 3-Castaway Cay & Pirate Night – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVEL LOG: Day 4-Sea Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
TRAVE LOG: Day 5-Debarkation – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!
Our Review & 13 Tips & Tricks for the Best Very Merrytime Cruise on Disney Cruise Line!
Itineraries in 2023-2025
Click here to learn more about 2023 offerings on Very Merrytime Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2024 Itineraries.
Click here for details on Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, Coming Spring of 2024
Click here to learn more about 2024 Halloween and Holiday Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2025 Itineraries.
The Disney Treasure – Sailing December 2024
Click here to learn about the new Haunted Mansion-themed lounge coming to the Disney Treasure!
Click here to learn about the new and exclusive Broadway-style show coming to the Disney Treasure!
The Disney Wish
Click here to learn about staterooms and our room review on the Disney Wish.
Click here to learn about upper deck fun and the AquaMouse – the first Disney attraction at sea!
Click here for an overview of family dining on the Disney Wish!
Click here to learn more about stage show entertainment on the Disney Wish!
Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy – Spring 2024
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 1
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 2
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