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DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Full Menus for Flower & Garden Revealed; Opening Info on New Magic Kingdom Ride; Fan-Fave Character Dining to FINALLY Reopen; Baby Animals at AK & More

As we head into the second half of February, we’ve got some developments and excitement building for upcoming happenings coming to Walt Disney World. Menus were released for the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, we’ve got the opening season announcement for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a popular character dining spot is FINALLY reopening, Disney Water Park news, and more in this week’s news roundup. Catch all the stories below.





 

1 – Menu’s Revealed for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is just under two weeks away! This week, Disney released the full menus for the Outdoor Kitchens! Over sixty new items are available this year. Check out the menus at the link below.

Click here for the menus for the Outdoor Kitchens at the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.

2 – Opening Season Announced for the Upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World

This week, Disney announced the opening season of the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. With Princess Tiana at the helm, this new attraction “digs a little deeper” into her story after the events of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog.” It is Mardi Gras season at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the bayou will light up for a journey full of music, Mama Odie’s magic, and a whole boatful (log-ful?) of new friends, in preparation for a celebration where everyone’s welcome. Learn more about the story of the attraction when the attraction will open at the link below.

Click here to learn the opening season and more for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.

Credit: Disney

3 – Disney Announces Fan-Favorite Dining Option to FINALLY Reopen

One of the last major character dining experiences that has been missing since March 2020 is 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. After a four-year closure, the restaurant is reopening with a newly refurbished dining room. New character experiences were also announced. Catch all the details at the link below.

Click here to learn about the reopening of 1900 Park Fare, including reservation opening dates and new characters to dine with.

4 – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Reopening Date and Blizzard Beach Closing Date Announced

Before the global pandemic, both Disney Water Parks were open during the summer. Each park would take turns closing for refurbishment for a few months over the fall and winter months, but both would be open for the busy summer season. Unfortunately, in 2024, Disney is continuing its post-pandemic plan of having only one water park open at a time. Disney confirmed that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will reopen to guests on March 17, 2024 and that Blizzard Beach will close on that day for a months-long refurbishment. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon has lights and can operate at night, making it the perfect park for the summer months. However, because it has not been open during the summer since the summer of 2019, many disappointed guests have not been able to visit Blizzard Beach for many years. It has been open for such a short period of time and only in the winter. This past winter, it was open from November 6, 2023, to March 17, 2024, a short four-month period, with many days closed because of poor weather. Hopefully, Disney will eventually revert back to both water parks being open in the summer, but we’re not holding our breath.





 

5 – Baby Elephant Debuts on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Savanna

A two-month-old African elephant, Corra, made her debut this week at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, boosting efforts to save this majestic and endangered species. Wide-eyed baby Corra is 312-pounds and stays close to mom Nadirah while exploring her new surroundings at Kilimanjaro Safaris. Born in December at Animal Kingdom and standing a little more than 3 feet tall, Corra joins three generations of female elephants living together on the savanna. Learn more about this adorable elephant at the link below.

Click here to learn about Corra, the baby elephant that debuted on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

6 – Rare Baby Okapi Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Another baby animal has made its debut on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A rare baby Okapi, who was born in October 2023, is now on the Trail for guests to see. Learn more and see photos at the link below.

Click here for more on the rare baby Okapi now on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

7 – Field to Feast Event Benefits Kids in Need

Chad and I attended the 9th Annual Field to Feast at Long & Scott Farms this past week. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank Kids Café, an after-school meal service program that provides food to children in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. The event is put on by Edible Orlando, the Walt Disney World culinary team, Master Sommelier George Miliotes, and farmer Hank Scott of Long & Scott Farms. Top chefs from Walt Disney World Resort offered locally sourced fare paired with stellar wines and beverages at this open-air event. We enjoyed live music, farm tours, a raffle, and more as part of the event. Chad and I really enjoyed the event. Visit the link below to see photos and video from the event.

Click here to see photos and video from the event.

8 – DisneyBand+ Now Available for Purchase on Select Disney Wonder Sailings

Guests sailing onboard the Disney Wonder beginning March 19, 2024, are now invited to purchase DisneyBand+, the newest technology at sea, and enjoy all the ways in which DisneyBand+ can create magic on their cruise! Additionally, DisneyBand+ continues to be available for guests onboard the Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and Disney Magic. Guests on eligible sailings are able to purchase DisneyBand+ online 45-11 days prior to embarkation. Please note that the reservation must also be paid in full in order to be able to purchase.

9 – Update on the Disney Treasure!

This week, Disney Cruise Line gave an update on the upcoming Disney Treasure, the sixth ship coming to the fleet in December 2024. Here is the update:

It’s a new year with new progress being made on the Disney Treasure at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg Germany. Last April, we revealed the Disney Treasure bow artwork. The whimsical design, which features Captain Minnie Mouse in her signature adventure-themed outfit, has now taken shape on the hull of the Disney Treasure. In step with the existing Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure continues a two-decades-long tradition of carrying a unique character-inspired art piece on its bow. Its completion marks an exciting milestone for the Disney Treasure as it begins the next stage of construction. The installation process began when the shipyard team welded a number of pre-cut steel plates to the Disney Treasure’s hull. Once the framework of the design had been secured, the plates were painted by hand to obtain their iconic golden hue and sealed with a special topcoat. The artwork is just one of the many details that will distinguish the Disney Treasure when it sets sail later this year!

Credit: Disney

10 – Celebrate Lunar New Year at Morimoto Asia

Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. To celebrate this important holiday, Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs is introducing limited-time dishes inspired by traditional cuisines and flavors. Specials will run now through Feb. 25. See below for details!

Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Singaporean-style spicy chili sauce and bao buns. An arrangement of Singaporean cuisine.  $17

Flash Fried Whole Branzino, served with sweet and sour sauce and cucumber slaw as well as a choice of white or brown rice. An arrangement of Chinese cuisine,  and Chef Masaharu Morimoto signature dish. $42

“Tang Yuan” black sesame paste filled mochi, with warm coconut broth, orange zest, and strawberries. A traditional Chinese dessert. $12

Two specialty cocktails will also be offered:

Good Fortune: Bulleit rye whiskey, apple brandy, peach liqueur, agave, lemon and ginger bitters, topped with red wine. Garnished with a fortune cookie clip on the side. $19

Jade Empress – Hendrick’s gin, orgeat, Luxardo maraschino, lemon, matcha, and Fee foam. Garnished with matcha salt rim. $18

11 – New Cocktails Debut at Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs

Enzo’s Hideaway, Disney Springs’ speakeasy pouring Prohibition-era cocktails and serving hearty Roman-style dishes, has just added three new cocktails to their robust beverage menu. See details below!

Rum Runner: Plantation 3 Stars, Plantation O.F.T.D., Giffard Banane du Brésil, ChaTraMue, pineapple, mint and lime

The Night Flight: Skyy Infusions Espresso vodka, Caffè Borghetti espresso liqueur, fresh nitro-infused espresso, atomized Smith & Cross rum

NA Getaway: Lyre’s nonalcoholic Italian spritz, cold-pressed watermelon juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice and Fee foam





 

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!

Click here for photos of all the Menu Boards for the 2024 Festival of the Arts with prices and Dining Plan snack designations.

Now Open – Walt the Dream Statue & World Celebration Gardens

Click here for “New! World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT – 4 Reasons Not to Miss It!”

Click here for a first look at photos and details about the new Walt the Dreamer Statue and World Celebration Gardens.

Now Open – ‘Luminous The Symphony of Us’ – New Nighttime Spectacular at EPCOT

Click here for our thoughts and what you need to know about “Luminous the Symphony of Us” not showing 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.

Summer 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

Click here for details on the new “The Little Mermaid” 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 for details on the sailings to the new private island destination and family vacations around the world in summer 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 for “BIG REVEAL – What’s New & Coming to the Disney Treasure – Disney Cruise Line’s 6th Ship Coming in 2024.”

Click here for “The Disney Treasure – An Overview of Disney Cruise Line’s Sixth Ship Coming in 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!

Click here to learn about new port options and an update, including concept art, of Lighthouse Point.

Click here for more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” coming to the Disney Treasure.

The Disney Wish

Click here for an overview of the Disney Wish, including our thoughts and a review of our recent experience.

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

Click here for a full review of the Hey Howdy Breakfast with Woody and Friends to learn more and get tips and tricks for the best dining experience.

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!

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.



 

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

After years of multiple Walt Disney World vacations, Cindy and Chad's dream of living in Orlando came true in 2010. After friends and family made them their go-to-people for Walt Disney World advice, Cindy and Chad launched DisneyLists.com in August 2015 to share their knowledge and love of Disney. Chad and Cindy have been Disney World Annual Passholders for years, DVC members, together have raced more than 70 runDisney races, and particularly love cruising on the Disney Cruise Line. Chad and Cindy also regularly represent DisneyLists.com at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line media events. While attending these events, they get an insiders view of all the new things that have come to Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. These experiences have helped them gain knowledge and expertise they happily pass on to their followers. They still can't believe how lucky they are to have such an amazing opportunity and will continue to share Disney with anyone who will listen!
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