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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 announcement of HUGE changes revealed for Genie+ and Lightning Lane at Disney World.

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!

Click here for details on the 2024 Festival of the Holidays and more holiday offerings coming to Disney World.





 

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.

Click here for the ten exclusive offerings you don’t want to miss at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

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!

Credit: Disney

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

Click here for details on the 30th anniversary celebration of “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer.

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

Click here for details on the 2024 Festival of the Holidays and more holiday offerings coming to Disney World.





 

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 18 tips and tricks for the best day ever at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Part One.

Click here for 18 tips and tricks for the best day ever at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Part Two.

Click here for the ten exclusive offerings you don’t want to miss at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Click here for a first look at the map and an overview of the different areas of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

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 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 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.

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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