DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Sale!, Closures Starting in AK; Candlelight Processional Info; LOONG Refurb in MK; New Premium Lightning Lane Pass; Pecos Bill Menu Changes; Show Opening Delayed & More
After several weeks of inactivity on the news front, Disney made some major announcements this week, including some very unpopular news. Disney announced the first round of closures for DinoLand U.S.A., a lot of holiday news, a lengthy refurbishment for a popular ride, and a delayed opening of a highly anticipated show. The most buzzworthy news of the week was the announcement of a new Premium Lightning Lane pass that is only available to Disney Deluxe Resort guests. We also have news about Disney Cruise Line to share. These stories and more are below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Announces First Closures for DinoLand U.S.A & Long Refurbishment for Popular Ride at Magic Kingdom
Disney has made its first closure announcements for DinoLand U.S.A. The area will close in phases, allowing guests to enjoy some sections longer. Get all the details at the link below.
Disney has also announced a lengthy refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The attraction will be closed for at least a year. Find out when at the link below.
2 – Disney Announces Candlelight Processional Narrators & More Details for 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented is back at EPCOT from November 29 – December 30, 2024, including its most beloved tradition, the Candlelight Processional. This week, Disney announced the celebrity narrators and provided booking information for the Candlelight Processional dinner packages. Learn more at the link below!
Click here for details on the Candlelight Processional at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
3 – Early 2025 Sales for Disney World Now Available
Heading to Disney World in early 2025? Take advantage of special savings that could save you money! Learn more about the early 2025 sales at the link below.
Click here to learn more about early 2025 sales for Walt Disney World resorts.
4 – Disney Unveils New Premium Lightning Lane Pass
Currently, the Lightning Lane program at Walt Disney World gives guests two options: the Multi Pass or the Single Pass. This week, Disney announced a premium third option available only to Disney Deluxe Resort guests. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the new Premium Lightning Lane Pass.
5 – New Menu Now at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café in Magic Kingdom
Pecos Bill Tall Take Inn & Café recently debuted a new menu. Learn more about the new options at the link below.
Click here for the foodie guide to the new menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café.
6 – Disney Announces New Holiday Offerings at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
The holiday season is just a few weeks away! This week, Disney announced new offerings that guests can enjoy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Learn more about what you can expect at the link below.
7 – New Details Revealed for Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again roll out the red carpet for Disney Jollywood Nights, a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event that will include more nights and more entertainment this year. On select nights, November 9 through December 21, guests can get holly and jolly for five festive hours from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Disney has released new details about some of the changes and offerings guests can expect this year. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the 2024 Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
8 – Disney Vacation Club Offers New “Membership Magic Beyond” Option
Disney has announced a new membership perk program for Disney Vacation Club members that give exclusive perks to members who enroll in the new program. Learn more at the link below.
9 – Disney Announces Delayed Opening for New Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This week, Disney announced that the new Little Mermaid show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be delayed until next year. The show was supposed to debut this fall. Learn more about the show and when to expect it at the link below.
Click here for more on the upcoming Little Mermaid show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
10 – Holiday-Themed Sip, Savor & Stroll Coming to Disney Springs
“Sip, Savor & Stroll” returns to Disney Springs for a special holiday edition on Nov. 7. Guests will enjoy holiday-themed food and drink pairings as a host leads them through The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s, with various available time slots between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Start at Enzo’s Hideaway for a speakeasy-style, Thanksgiving-inspired bite and beverage, next head to Maria and Enzo’s for winter-themed Sicilian pairing featuring executive chef Ben Dodaro’s handmade pasta, and then end the evening with a toast to a Roaring ’20s with a bite and sip perfect for the New Year. Tickets are $85, with an optional truffle experience upgrade for $60, and can be purchased HERE. Ages 21 and older only.
Here is the evening’s menu:
First Stop: Enzo’s Hideaway
Sip: Spiced Apple Sangria – White wine, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, allspice dram, ginger liqueur, apple butter, white cranberry, lemon juice and fresh apples
Savor: Pumpkin Arancini, with pumpkin seed pesto & pecorino romano (optional black truffle upgrade)
Second Stop: Maria and Enzo’s
Sip: Espresso Martini Coquito – vodka, espresso, Brancamenta, coffee liqueur, rum, cream of coconut and nutmeg
Savor: Handmade Cavatelli Cacio e Pepe, with 24-month parmigiano-reggiano & black pepper (optional white truffle upgrade)
Third Stop: The Edison
Sip: Prohibition Punch – London dry gin, raspberry liqueur, sparkling wine, lemon juice, and fresh raspberries
Savor: Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake (optional black truffle liquid nitrogen gelato upgrade)
11 – Disney Welcomes New Tiger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
At Walt Disney World, a newborn, tiny tiger is a great addition to a declining species. For the first time in seven years, a Sumatran tiger gave birth to a baby boy named Bakso at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Learn more about the tiger below.
Click here for Disney Welcomes New Tiger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
12 – New Disney Treasure Merchandise Collections Coming to Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line will debut three merchandise collections exclusive to the Disney Treasure when it sails in December 2024. Learn more about what guests will find, including photos, at the link below.
13 – Disney Cruise Line Reveals Booking Information & More for Disney Adventure, Sailing in December 2025
When the Disney Adventure sets sail from Singapore on December 15, 2025, guests will be treated to a magical cruise holiday that celebrates Disney’s rich legacy of storytelling, bringing to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. Continuing Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of delivering the most magical and relaxing vacations at sea, the Disney Adventure will also feature many “firsts” for the fleet, including experiences specially created for guests in Asia to enjoy. Learn more about this ship and when you can book at the link below.
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2025!
14 – Brand New Disney Cruise Line Float to Set Sail in the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Disney Cruise Line will debut a brand-new float during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Thursday, November 28. The enchanting float, “Magic Meets the Seas,” will celebrate the continued expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, while delighting Parade viewers with a specially choreographed performance starring beloved Disney characters.
“Disney Cruise Line is excited to continue our partnership with the team at Macy’s to sprinkle some extra pixie dust this holiday season with our brand-new float design” said Denise Case, Director of Entertainment Creative for Disney Live Entertainment. “The magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade provides the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate and bring our special Disney magic to life through our one-of-a-kind entertainment that will fill the streets of New York City with enchantment!”
“Magic Meets the Seas” features the bows of eight Disney Cruise Line ships, with the focal point being the Disney Treasure, which will set sail on its maiden voyage on December 21st. The float embodies the growing fleet, including the five ships currently sailing and the three set to debut this year and next.
During the Parade, the magical float will bring beloved Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel characters to the streets of New York City. Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse will lead the way atop the float and will be joined by Disney pals representing the experiences and spaces onboard the Disney Treasure, including Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Songs from these beloved stories will accompany the magical float, culminating in a confetti-filled finale set to the Disney Treasure’s anthem, “Live the Adventure,” for Parade viewers both in-person and at home to enjoy.
“We’re delighted to have Disney Cruise Line returning for its fourth appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the enchanting ‘Magic Meets the Seas’ float! This year’s design is sure to captivate fans nationwide with its stunning and incredible artistry,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse will be at the helm of this magical float, joined by all our favorite Disney and Pixar characters who will bring the Thanksgiving spirit to life with song and dance along the Parade Route.”
“Magic Meets the Seas” highlights the continued unprecedented growth of Disney Cruise Line, which recently announced that the fleet will expand to 13 ships by 2031.
15 – Disney Treasure Heads to Open Water During Conveyance
The Disney Treasure completed another milestone in late September when it was guided by a tugboat down the Ems River from Meyer Werft shipyard toward open water for the first time. The ship passed waving spectators, who lined the river’s shores to celebrate its departure. The ship will undergo a series of rigorous tests known as sea trials. The captain of the Disney Treasure, Captain Marco, will step onboard to help oversee the trials and ensure the Disney Treasure is ready for its upcoming transatlantic journey.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through October 31, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Click here for the five can’t miss entertainment at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
Click here for the 13 Tips & Tricks for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
Now Through November 23, 2024 – EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Click here for what you need to know about the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
Click here for the menus for the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
Now Open! – 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 Open – CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall
Click here for more on CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall!
Coming to Walt Disney World
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.
Click here for details on the 2024 Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here for details on the Candlelight Processional at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
November 23-December 30 – EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
2025 – Reimagined ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
D23 Horizons Projects Announced for Walt Disney World
Click here to learn more about the Villains’ land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the Cars expansion in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
Click here to learn more about Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the lounges coming to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT!
Click here to learn more about Test Track reopening in 2025.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Now Open – 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 – Sailing November 2025
Click here for an overview of everything coming to the Disney Destiny.
Click here for all the details on the upcoming Disney Destiny, sailing in 2025.
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 1 – Your Own Heroes Journey.”
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 2 – Villains.”
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2025!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
D23 Horizons Announcements
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.