DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: HUGE Genie+ Changes; Mickey’s Christmas Party & Holiday Details Announced; Tiana Attraction Opens; Food News; Tons of Cruise News & More
This week was a huge news week for Walt Disney World. The week kicked off with Halfway to the Holidays, where we got dates and details for three major holiday events at Disney World and a sneak peek at upcoming merchandise. Then Disney announced significant changes to its Genie+ and Lightning Lane services that are coming in July. The week ended with excitement when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened to guests at Magic Kingdom. Disney is also gearing up for the 4th of July next week, and Disney Cruise Line dropped tons of dining information about the Disney Treasure and a look at the upcoming Disney Adventures that sail from Singapore. Learn about all these stories and more in this week’s Disney news roundup.
1 – HUGE Changes Revealed for Genie+ and Lightning Lane at Disney World
This week’s big news was the announcement that the current Genie+ and Lightning Lane service would get a name change and overhaul beginning July 24. The pay-to-skip-the-line service has been unpopular with guests, and the biggest complaint is the inability to plan ahead; specifically, the service can only be booked the day of at 7 am. Disney has admitted the new service is a blend of the old FastPass+ service and Genie+. We’ve got all the details at the links below, including the significant changes you’ll want to be aware of.
Click here for the six BIG changes with the new Lightning Lane Service Coming Soon to Disney World.
2 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights Dates Announced
Get out your calendar because Disney has released the party dates and details for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These special ticketed events are very popular. Learn about when they are offered and when they go on sale at the link below.
Click here for dates and details for 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights.
3 – 2024 Festival of the Holidays Details & More Holiday Offerings Announced for Disney World
Beyond the special ticketed parties, Walt Disney World offers holiday events such as the 2024 Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT, a holiday menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and impressive gingerbread displays at select resorts. Learn more about what will be offered this holiday season at the link below!
4 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom Now Open
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom is now open. The attraction officially opened to guests on June 28. Initially announced in June 2020, construction began in late January 2023 to transform the former Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Currently, to ride the attraction, you’ll need to join the virtual queue at 7:00 am. If you miss out at 7 am, you can try to join again at 1:00 pm. As expected, the virtual queue filled up in seconds on opening day. Disney has said they don’t expect the attraction to use a virtual queue for too long, so a standby line will be used in the future. They have not given a specific date at this point.
Guests can also purchase Genie+ and attempt to book a Lightning Lane for the attraction. Genie+ selections also sold out very quickly on opening day. Non-resort guests will likely not be able to book a Lightning Lane for Tiana’s for some time. When the attraction becomes part of the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass (see #1), resort guests will also have a much greater chance at booking a selection for the new attraction.
Click here for the news announcement about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opening!
Click here for information on the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Soundtrack, which is now available.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
5 – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith to Open Earlier Than Expected
We previously reported that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith would be reopening on July 27, 2024, and we’ve got some great news! Disney has moved up the reopening date to July 1. The attraction has been closed since early January for maintenance work. No retheming has taken place. We’re excited to be able to ride this attraction again soon!
6 – Disney Releases Flavors of Florida Foodie Guide for 2024
Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs celebrates the culinary flavors that are celebrated in Florida cuisine. This summer, you can enjoy limited-time foods and beverages around Disney Springs at participating restaurants. Get all the details at the link below!
Click here for the 2024 Flavors of Florida Foodie Guide.
7 – Disney Unveils Special Treats for July 4th Week
The 4th of July wouldn’t be the same without special treats to celebrate! If you’re visiting Disney Parks next week, be sure to check out the limited-time treats that will be available. Visit the link below for all the details!
Click here for the special treats available for July 4th week at Disney Parks.
8 – 11 Ways to Celebrate July 4th 2024 at Walt Disney World
Celebrating the 4th of July at Disney World is such a fantastic way to spend the holiday! Learn about the eleven ways to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World.
Click here for eleven ways to celebrate the 4th of July at Walt Disney World.
9 – Menus, New Lounge, New Marvel-themed Dining Experience Coming to the Disney Treasure
The Disney Treasure is Disney Cruise Line’s sixth ship and will set sail this December 2024. This week, we got a look at what dining will be like on the ship. Disney shared a first look at upcoming menus at some of the restaurants on the ship, announced a new Aristocats-themed lounge, and announced a new Marvel-themed dining experience at World of Marvel. Learn about dining on the Disney Treasure at the links below!
Click here for a First Look at Disney Treasure Menus.
Click here for details on “The Aristocats”- Themed Lounge Coming to the Disney Treasure.
Click here for details on the new Marvel-themed Dining Experience Coming to the Disney Treasure.
10 – 10 Exclusive Offerings You Don’t Want to Miss at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest island destination, offers many exclusive offerings you won’t want to miss. Visit the link below to learn about what you’ll want to book a visit to this unique island destination.
11 – 2024 Holiday Merchandise Preview
Disney has released a sneak peek at upcoming 2024 holiday merchandise. It may just help you get through the summer heat. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for a preview of Disney 2024 holiday merchandise!
12 – Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Disney Cruise Line Itineraries Announced
It’s never too early to start planning your next Disney Cruise Line vacation! Itineraries for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 have been announced, and bookings are now open! At the link below, learn about where Disney Cruise Line is sailing during these two seasons.
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 itineraries; now booking!
13 – Disney Cruise Line Reveals More Details About the Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore in 2025
The Disney Adventure will have its homeport in Singapore and debut in 2025. This week, Disney released details on what guests can expect on the ship. Get all the details at the link below.
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
June 28, 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Click here for information on how to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Click here for details on a new, unique PhotoPass ops for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom.
Now Through August 31 (select nights) – Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Click here for details on Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Now Through September 2, 2024 – “Dreams That Soar” at Disney Springs
Click here for more on the new drone show at Disney Springs and why you don’t want to miss it!
Now Through September 6 – 30th Anniversary of “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Now Open – CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall
Click here for more on CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall!
Coming to Walt Disney World
July 17, 2024 – Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Click here for the opening date for Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
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.
August 9-October 31, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Click here for dates and details on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
August 29 – November 23 – EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Click here for dates and details for the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
November 8-Date, Select Nights – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights
Click here for dates and details for 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights.
November 23-December 30 – EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
June 2024 – Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – DCL’s Newest Private Island
Click here for an overview of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and what you need to know.
Click here for the menus for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Itineraries in 2024-2026
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.
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 itineraries; now booking!
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.
Click here for a First Look at Disney Treasure Menus.
Click here for details on “The Aristocats”- Themed Lounge Coming to the Disney Treasure.
Click here for details on the new Marvel-themed Dining Experience Coming to the Disney Treasure.
Disney Destiny
Click here for all the details on the upcoming Disney Destiny, sailing in 2025.
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
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