DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Huge Changes Began Jan. 9; Magic Kingdom Attraction Closing Date; Festival of the Arts Opens; New Ticket Offer; Details on New Moana Show & More
As we settle into 2024, quite a few things have already changed at Walt Disney World. This week, we saw major policy changes go into effect, the latest EPCOT festival opened, and a new ticket offer for Florida residents was announced. Also, this week, we learned about the closing date for a classic Magic Kingdom attraction that is set for an overhaul refurbishment. Finally, Disney Cruise Line announced new details on their upcoming Moana-themed Broadway-style show coming to the Disney Treasure. Learn more below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Huge Changes Began on January 9 at Walt Disney World
The past week major changes went into effect at Walt Disney World. Learn what those changes are at the link below.
Click here for the huge changes that began at Walt Disney World on January 9.
2 – 2024 Festival of the Arts Opens at EPCOT
The 2024 Festival of the Arts is now open at EPCOT. The festival, which runs through February 19, 2024, celebrates the arts! It’s one of our favorite festivals to visit because of the unique entertainment and food offerings. Learn more about the festival and the 10 things you don’t want to miss at the link below.
Click here for the 10 things you don’t want to miss at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.
3 – Disney Announces Closing Date for Classic Magic Kingdom Attraction
Back in September 2023, Disney announced that Country Bear Jamboree in Magic Kingdom, would be getting a refurbishment and update with all-new songs. This week, Disney announced the closing date for the current version of the attraction. Learn the closing date and when it is expected to reopen at the link below.
Click here for the closing date of Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom.
4 – Disney Cruise Line Announces More Details About Moana-themed Broadway-style Show Aboard the Disney Treasure
This week, Disney Cruise Line revealed more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” which will debut exclusively at the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Treasure in December 2024. With set design and music bursting with elements of Pacific Islands culture which inspires the classic coming-of-age tale, this innovative production will immerse audiences in a transformational adventure across land and sea in the first stage adaptation inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” coming to the Disney Treasure.
5 – New Walt Disney World Ticket Offer for Florida Residents
There is a new 2024 ticket offer for Florida residents now through March 15, 2024, that includes weekends! Catch all the details at the link below.
Click here for details on the new Walt Disney World ticket offer for Florida residents.
6 – Ramen Rumble Returns to Morimoto Asia on January 22
Ramen Rumble, Orlando’s exhilarating culinary competition, is making its return to Disney Springs, as Morimoto Asia hosts the epic battle on January 22. Five of the community’s best and brightest chefs will come together to present a unique style of ramen, made with creative toppings and textures for guests to sample and vote on. Chefs will compete for the championship title of “Ramen Royalty of Central Florida,” plus bragging rights and the coveted “Broth Belt” trophy.
This year’s participating Restaurants and Chefs include Chef Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria, Chef Yoko Takagi of Ramen Takagi, Chef Lewin Lin of Susuru, Chef Sonny Nguyen of Domu and Chef Takeshi Ikeuchi of Morimoto Asia.
7 – Increased AP Discount at Tutto Italia Ristorante This Spring
Tutto Italia Ristorante at EPCOT Walt Disney World has raised its Annual Passholder Discount offering to 20% for a limited time. Through March 31, Annual Passholders will receive 20% off on all regularly priced food and nonalcoholic beverages at the famed dining location. Dip into a hearty meal in a setting reminiscent of an elegant Italian home, including savory lasagna, lightly breaded Veal Chop, signature pasta dishes, classic desserts and more. It’s an Italian culinary journey like no other.
Beginning on April 1, the AP Discount will return to 10% and run until the end of the year, exempting certain holidays, special events and dining packages.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through February 19, 204 – EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Click here for the 10 things you don’t want to miss at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.
Click here for photos and video from our visit to the festival on opening day!
Now Open – Walt the Dream Statue & World Celebration Gardens
Now Open – ‘Luminous The Symphony of Us’ – New Nighttime Spectacular 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 to Walt Disney World
2024 and Beyond
Click here for the 18 changes coming to Disney World in 2024 and beyond that you need to know about.
2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for storyline details of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
2024 – Reimagined ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Itineraries in 2024-2025
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 in the 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 – Early 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
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!
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