DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Free Dining Offer Coming; Test Track Closing Date & Concept Art; Star Tours Changes Now Live & More
We hope you all enjoyed the Easter holiday! Now that we’re into April, Disney is starting to ramp up excitement for summer 2024 offerings! This week, we’ve got more details about new critters in the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and a look at the attraction poster, Star Tours has been updated with new adventures, the closing date of Test Track has been announced, and more!
1 – Test Track Closing Date Announced for Re-Theme! New Concept Art.
Disney has announced that Test Track in EPCOT is closing in June for its reimagining! At D23 last September, Disney announced that Imagineers, along with teams from Chevrolet, are reaching back into history for inspiration from the original World of Motion and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction. Visit the link below for the closing date and new concept art!
Click here for the closing date and new concept art for Test Track!
2 – Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Add New Scenes from Popular Disney+ Shows
Get ready for stellar new Star Tours adventures! The force is strong as new tales and characters from a galaxy far, far away are set to whisk guests on unforgettable journeys. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue now has a new destination and characters from recent Disney+ series – “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.” During the flight, guests may encounter urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, or Din Djarin and Grogu. Guests may also visit the planet Peridea from the “Ahsoka” series. The new storylines add more intergalactic fun to this popular attraction, where guests jump to hyperspace on a thrilling 3D space flight to legendary destinations from the Star Wars saga.
3 – Attraction Poster & Critters Revealed for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening in summer 2024, will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will be goin’ down the bayou with Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans. New details about new critters in the attraction and the attraction poster have been released. Visit the links below for details.
Click here for details on the first round of critters revealed for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Click here for details on more critters and the attraction poster for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
4 – Free Dining Plan Offer Coming for Disney Visa Cardmembers
Beginning April 9, Disney Visa Cardmembers can get a free dining plan for select arrival dates in July, September, and December when they book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day or longer Walt Disney Travel Company Package with Park Hopper option. Full details will be released on April 9. Stay tuned for details!
5 – Disney Cruise Line’s All-New Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Merchandise
Disney Cruise Line’s all-new private island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, will open this summer to guests! Those visiting the island will have the chance to purchase from an all-new Bahamian-inspired merchandise line. Visit the link below for details and photos!
Click here for details on the new merchandise coming to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!
6 – Gin & Tonic Festival is Back at Jaleo at Disney Springs
Spring is in swing, so it’s time for Jaleo Disney Springs to bring back its Gin & Tonic Festival, starting April 15 until April 28. Not only is a Gin & Tonic, with its bright and effervescent flavors, the perfect seasonal cocktail to enjoy on a beautiful spring day, but it also happens to be Spain’s national cocktail.
For two weeks, Jaleo Disney Springs guests can try a curated lineup of cocktails featuring appetizers made with Fords Gin, Cynar, lavender, lemon, and tonic, plus other classics, the Ultimate Gin & Tonic and the Mediterranean. Available tapas pairings to accentuate the flavors of the cocktails include fan favorites like Patatas Bravas, fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and creamy aioli, and Pan con tomate y queso manchego, flavorful toasted slices of crispy bread brushed with fresh tomato and served with Spanish Manchego cheese.
Be sure to make reservations HERE to check it out! See below for full menu details.
Gin & Tonics
- Appetizer: Fords Gin, Cynar, lavender, lemon, tonic 16
- Saints: Tanqueray Gin, ginger, elderflower, aloe vera, tonic 16
- Ultimate: Hendrick’s Gin, juniper, lemon, lime, tonic 18
- El Patriarca: Genever, citrus expressions, tonic 16
- Mediterranean: Gin Mare, sweet and dry vermouth, lemon, lime, thyme, tonic water 16
Tapas
- Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and alioli 14
- Croquetas de pollo: Traditional chicken fritters 14
- Buñuelos de bacalao: fried cod and potato fritters with honey alioli 14
- Pan con tomate y queso manchego: Toasted slices of crispy bread brushed with fresh tomato, served with Manchego cheese 17
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through May 27, 2024 – EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for the 11 things you don’t want to miss at the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!
Click here to view our Instagram Story with photos and video from Opening Day!
Click here to view photos of the Menu Boards with pricing and Disney 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!”
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.
Summer 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here to learn the opening season and more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.
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.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Lines’ summer 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!
Click here for more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” coming to the Disney Treasure.
The Disney Destiny
Click here for all the details on the upcoming Disney Destiny, sailing in 2025.
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
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
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.