Cool Kid Summer is headed to Walt Disney World from May 27 through September 1, 2025! Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a quick getaway, or just want to enjoy some amazing Florida Resident ticket deals (spoiler alert — they’re really good this year), there’s a lot to love about Disney’s summer plans.
If you’ve been dreaming of long summer days filled with Disney magic, get ready — Cool Kid Summer is headed to Walt Disney World from May 27 through September 1, 2025! Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a quick getaway, or just want to enjoy some amazing Florida Resident ticket deals (spoiler alert — they’re really good this year), there’s a lot to love about Disney’s summer plans.
Here’s what’s in store and how to make the most of it.
Photo: Disney Parks
🏖 Florida Resident Summer Magic Tickets Are Back!
Let’s start with the news Florida locals will be most excited about: The Summer Magic Ticket returns May 6 — and this year’s prices are a steal!
✨ 4-Day Ticket – $60 per day ($240 plus tax) ✨ 3-Day Ticket – $75 per day ($225 plus tax) ✨ 2-Day Ticket – $105 per day ($210 plus tax)
➡ Valid for visits May 18 – September 27, 2025 (with a park reservation).
Seriously, these prices are so good, they almost warrant a move to Florida! (Ok, we all know that’s my master plan anyways, but $60/day??? That’s less than HALF a standard one-day park ticket!!). As always, you’ll want to grab these early because some dates will book up fast, especially weekends and holidays.
🌸 EPCOT: GoofyCore & Summer Fun
Photo: Disney Parks
Starting May 27, CommuniCore Hall is transforming into a Goofy-themed dance and play zone. Expect DJ dance parties, silly games like Loopy Limbo, and lots of family fun.
I think this is an inspired choice by Disney: Goofy is always such a fun character to interact with, and he’s always so much fun to be silly and play with. I think the kids are going to really love this “dance and play zone”. I can’t wait to see all the hijinks!!
If you’re visiting EPCOT before May 27, note that CommuniCore Hall will temporarily close starting May 12 for the makeover — but CommuniCore Plaza and Mickey & Friends meet-and-greet will stay open.
🌼 Flower & Garden Festival tip: Check out Florida Fresh for some bonus Farmer’s Feast treats while you’re there!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch will host hands-on craft activities all about pollinators (perfect for your little nature lovers).
Plus, there’s a special, limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge up for grabs — and a new interactive sing-along show at Discovery Island at day’s end.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for some of Animal Kingdom’s lesser-known animal residents like okapi and tigers during your badge quest!
🎬 Hollywood Studios: Dance Parties & All-New Shows
Photo: Disney Parks
Animation Courtyard will be buzzing with games, crafts, street performers, and surprise character moments.
Little ones can dance the day away with Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior pals at a DJ party.
🖤 Two new stage shows debut May 27: (I am so excited about BOTH of these, I can’t even tell you!)
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (your favorite baddies get the spotlight)
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (a fresh, magical retelling with songs and special effects)
At Storybook Circus, Pluto will be hosting a Big Top Bash dance party, complete with jugglers and stilt walkers.
Photo: Disney Parks
Over in Tomorrowland, dance with Stitch at the Galactic Blast and enjoy a cool new craft inspired by the upcoming Pixar movie “Elio.”
Concept Art: Disney Parks
And later this summer, keep your eyes peeled for the debut of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away — a brand-new nighttime show featuring characters from Encanto, Frozen, Coco, and more.
💦 Bonus Perks for Resort Guests
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort Collection hotel this summer:
✔ Get free water park admission on your check-in day (starting May 21). ✔ Enjoy 30-minute early theme park entry every morning. ✔ Expect extra activities, character visits, and more at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Wilderness Lodge.
Photo: Disney Parks
💰 More Summer Savings to Know About
Disney has rolled out several other deals families can combine with the Florida Resident tickets or room stays:
Kids’ Tickets 50% Off (ages 3-9) on 3-day or longer tickets (May 27–Sept 20).
3-Day, 3-Park Ticket – $89/day for EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Resort Room Deals – Save up to 30% (Aug 1–Oct 11). Disney+ subscribers can snag rooms from $99/night at select resorts (June 29–July 31).
FREE water park visit on your check-in day for all Resort Guests. BOTH Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open all summer, so you get to CHOOSE which water park you want to play in!
Photo: Disney Parks
🏰 Final Thoughts
Between the new shows, extra character moments, and dance parties galore, Cool Kid Summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most fun — and affordable — summers at Disney in a while.
If you’re a Florida Resident or planning a visit this summer, this might be the perfect time to jump in.
✨ Want help planning your summer trip or grabbing those Florida Resident tickets? I’m always happy to help! Contact me today!
Great news! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens June 28 at Magic Kingdom!
It’s been 18 months since long beloved Splash Mountain closed for reimagining. Fan reception was mixed when Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be replaced with an attraction based on The Princess and the Frog. Some fans were thrilled that Princess Tiana was getting her own attraction. Others were very upset that Splash Mountain was going to be changed at all, let alone completely reimagined with a new theme. Still others were happy that the “basic” ride itself wasn’t going to change–Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is still a log ride. It’s still a water ride with a 60′ drop. You will likely still get wet on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Take a look at that drop! Photo: Destinations to Explore
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been in testing and previews for a few weeks now. Reviews from those that have ridden so far have been mixed: I’ve read reviews from people that absolutely loved the new attraction, and I’ve seen other reviews that have been lukewarm or even negative.
Some of the more negative reviews seem to be that the attraction wasn’t changed enough from Splash Mountain while others seem unhappy that it wasn’t still Splash Mountain. A third subset seem to be disappointed that there wasn’t more done with Audio-Animatronics. Disney has been telling us for months that these are the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronic characters they’ve ever created, and the early video they released of one of the Tiana Audio-Animatronics sure was impressive. See our earlier post here to check out that video. I’ve really been looking forward to seeing these new Audio-Animatronics live and in person, so I can certainly understand if some were disappointed if the new Audio-Animatronics don’t live up to the hype.
Jazz Loving Louis Audio-Animatronic Photo: Destinations to Explore
Based on the pictures and videos I’ve seen so far, I’m pretty excited about this reimagining. I loved Splash Mountain, but I wasn’t among those that were upset that it was getting an update. I loved The Princess and the Frog, and I think Princess Tiana was a terrific addition to the Disney Princess roster.
Still image from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: What’s the Queue Like?
The landscaping, pathways and the building exteriors have all been refreshed and revitalized. The main building is now a bright cheery yellow and has a terrific mural on one side.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction Photo: Destinations to Explore
There’s now great signage for the new attraction, both outside the queue and within.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Signage Photo: Destinations to Explore
Main Entrance Photo: Destinations to Explore
Tiana Foods Delivery Truck Photo: Destinations to Explore
Spoilers Ahead: Queue Photos for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
If you don’t want more details about what the queue will include, click away now. If you’d to see the queue theming, check out the gallery below.
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The queue helps to tell the story of what inspires Tiana to go into the Bayou. This attraction picks up a while after the end of the movie, “The Princess and the Frog”. We learn that after the success of Tiana’s restaurant, Tiana’s Palace, Tiana went on to expand her business. Working with the community, Tiana took over an aging salt mine and created Tiana’s Foods. Tiana’s Foods produces seasonings, hot sauces and other foods.
We soon learn that Tiana is hosting a celebration tonight, and everyone is invited! But before the celebration can begin, Tiana needs our help! Somehow, in all the craziness of planning the party, both Tiana and Prince Naveen forgot to book a band! It’s Mardi Gras time, and there are no available musicians! Tiana thinks of her jazz loving alligator friend, Louis. All of us are going to journey into the Bayou to find Louis and see if he can help us find musicians for the party.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: What will we see on the ride? SPOILERS AHEAD
As Tiana leads us into the Bayou, we are again entering spoiler territory. If you want to be surprised by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, click away now. But if you’d like to see some images from the ride itself, please check out the gallery below.
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In a ride experience full of music, we also get to experience some Disney magic as well. The wonderful music we’ll hear throughout the attraction will include a new song, “Special Spice” with vocals from Anika Noni Rose, who was the original voice of Princess Tiana. Mama Odie will shrink us down to an itty bitty size to help us find great Bayou musicians. She’ll also help us get back to normal size so we can experience the joyful Mardi Gras celebration of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen’s celebration.
Audio-Animatronic Characters
As I mentioned above, Disney has been telling us that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will include some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronic figures Imagineers have ever created. Disney also tells us that this new attraction includes “dozens” of Audio-Animatronic figures. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure includes Audio-Animatronic figures of Tiana, Mama Odie and Louis. Disney tells us that Louis is one of the largest and most dynamic Audio-Animatronic figures Disney has ever built!
Louis. Photo: Disney Parks
Tiana. Photo: Disney Parks
Mama Odie. Photo: Destinations to Explore
In addition to these three very familiar characters for fans of The Princess and the Frog, Disney has also created lots of NEW characters, just for this attraction. There are 19 new critters we’ll meet on our Bayou Adventure, each with their own distinctive features and personalities.
Critters. Photo: Destinations to Explore
Critters. Photo: Disney Parks
I don’t include any video ride-throughs on my page because I like to be at least a little bit surprised, and I’d like to preserve that opportunity for my visitors as well. Nevertheless, if you are interested in a video ride-through, you can find them on both youtube and tiktok.
I think the ride looks like a lot of fun from the pictures, and I’m really looking forward to riding it on our family trip in October.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Will Open With Virtual Queue
Disney has told us that when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure initially opens, it will use a virtual queue, just like TRON, Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. However, my impression from the information Disney has released so far is that the virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will most likely not last very long. I think once everything is going smoothly, Disney will drop the virtual queue and revert to a standby queue. I’m hopeful that the virtual queue will be a distant memory by summer’s end.
What about Lightning Lane?
Disney has told us that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will not be an attraction available for separate purchase as a lightning lane attraction. However, it will be part of Genie+, and guests will be able to reserve lightning lane access via Genie+ if they choose to purchase Genie+ for the day. As with any Genie+ attraction, lightning lane access will depend on availability.
Bottom Line: Are You Excited to Ride?
It’s been a year and a half since Splash Mountain closed. Now that we know Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens June 28 at Disney World, are you excited to ride it? Please let us know below!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
Great news today from the Walt Disney World Company! Disney has announced that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open THIS SUMMER 2024! Previously, Disney had promised that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would open “Late 2024”–with most experts predicting an October/November opening day. However, there have been lots of signs that construction has been moving fairly quickly. One of the most exciting recent visual clues that the reimagined attraction might open sooner than expected came last week, when visitors noticed water flowing through visible areas of the attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction has been in progress for just over one year so far. Splash Mountain closed on January 23, 2023 to be reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. You can read more about that closure here.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction/ Photo: Destinations to Explore
From what we’ve learned so far, the basic ride system itself will remain basically the same. This will still be a log ride on water. Guests will ride in a log through the attraction, culminating in a drop near the end of the attraction where guests will most likely get wet. What WILL change is the entire visual look and feel of the attraction. The attraction is being completely re-themed to The Princess and the Frog, featuring Princess Tiana and her friends.
External changes to the attractions that have been visible to guests include the repainted attraction/queue buildings, shown in the photo above. The primary attraction/queue building is now a bright cheerful yellow and features a mural showcasing Tiana’s jazz loving alligator friend, Louis. Other visible external changes include the additional of the Tiana’s Foods Water Tower, topped with Tiana’s crown! There’s also been a lot of changes to the greenery and vegetation on the exterior of the “mountain”.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure/ Photo: Disney Parks
Astonishing Animatronics
Disney has told us that not only will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open this summer 2024, it will include dozens of new animatronic characters! The behind the scenes glimpses we’ve seen so far of these new animatronics shows us that as technology continues to improve, so do these amazing attraction treasures. Take a look at this video featuring Tiana herself.
Her movements look so natural, don’t they? It’s really fun to see her come alive from the concept art to this. I can’t wait to see her embedded in the attraction!
Tiana Animatronic / Photo: Disney Parks
Here’s another really short sneak peek look at an animatronic for this attraction that Disney gave us, but it doesn’t give us anywhere NEAR as good a look. But I think I might be even MORE excited to see this one in action!
Can you guess who this one will be?
Concept Art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Will Open Summer 2024 – What’s the Story?
Many Disney attractions based on a beloved Disney feature film retell the story of the film (in just a few minutes). Think ‘The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure’ for a great example of this. I’m excited that Imagineers are going a different direction with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. For this attraction, the story is picking up AFTER the movie ends!
Concept Art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
While we don’t know exactly what the story is, we DO know that this adventure is taking place in the next chapter of Tiana’s adventures. She’s successfully opened her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace. Now, she’s expanding her business with Tiana’s Foods. Tiana and her friends are throwing a big celebration during the Mardi Gras season. The attraction will be filled with fun music, characters, critters and adventure. I’m so excited that we won’t have to wait too much longer to check it out for ourselves!
Tiana’s Foods Concept Art: Disney Parks
Are YOU Excited to Ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure When it Opens This Summer 2024?
SO….Are you excited? Is this an attraction you’ve been waiting to hear about? Do you love that Disney chose to announce on Fat Tuesday an opening season for an attraction with a Mardi Gras tie-in ? Please comment below if this is an attraction you’re excited to ride!
Our big family trip is this October, so I’m VERY excited for this announcement. I’d previously been worried that the attraction would reopen AFTER our trip, and our family wouldn’t get to experience it. I know that everyone will enjoy this one, and I’m looking forward to the new theming. I loved The Princess and the Frog, and I’m really happy to see Tiana get some love in the parks.
It sounds like the Disneyland version of the attraction is going to open later than the Disney World version, most likely in the fall. I’ll be sure and keep you all posted.
Mom and I will be in the parks later this month for the Disney Princess Half Marathon (also Tiana themed–hmmm, I’m sensing a pattern here!), so I’ll be sure and come back with some construction photo updates for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I’m excited to see what we can see from the outside!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
Believe it or not, it’s Halloween at Walt Disney World! It seems to arrive earlier and earlier every year. This year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties began earlier this week, and the Magic Kingdom is decked out in its finest fall and Halloween decor. This year, Disney’s PhotoPass department has really outdone themselves and there are lots of new special magic shots for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
What is a Magic Photo Shot?
A magic photo shot is a picture taken by a PhotoPass photographer with a little “magic” added to the picture that you won’t see until you look at the photo in your My Disney Experience app. What the magic is depends on which park you are in and where in the park you are. The time of year and any special events also impact what Magic Shots are available.
Here’s an example of a commonly available Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom:
The PhotoPass photographer will ask you to put your hands out in front of you or out to the side. When you see your picture later, you might find a beautiful little fairy with an attitude.
It is important to note, there is no guarantee you will get a Magic Shot. The longer the line for the photographer, the less likely you are to end up with a Magic Shot. If there is one you really want to get, don’t be afraid to ask for it, but be nice. And please, be understanding if the PhotoPass photographer is unable to give you the Magic Shot you are requesting. Depending on the location they are working in, they will only have certain Magic Shots loaded into their software. Also, if the lines are long, or if you’re asking for a shot that is event specific and you are not at the event–the Photopass photographer will not be able to help you.
New Special Magic Photo Shots for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
You may discover a few of these shots available during your Disney vacation this fall, even if you don’t attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. However, the vast majority of the new special magic photo shots I’m telling you about in this post will only be available during the ticketed event. If you’d like more information about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, please read this.
Here are some of my favorite new and classic special Magic Photo Shots available during this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties festivities. I’m also sharing where you’ll be likely to find these special shots available.
Location: Gardens near Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant
New this year! I really want to do this one!
Photo: Disney Photo Pass
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
Main Street U.S.A.
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks..
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
In Front of The Haunted Mansion
Another classic returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
This fun lantern shot is also returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Liberty Square Near the Hall of Presidents
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year–one of my FAVORITES!
Photo: Disney Parks
Castle Walls Near Pinocchio Village Haus
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Near the Purple Wall by Laugh Floor (Monsters, Inc.)
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Select Spots in Front of or Near Cinderella Castle
Classic returning this year. How great are these kids? Really acting their little hearts out!
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Which New Special Magic Photo Shot Do YOU Want??
There are some really fun new Magic Photo shots this year, aren’t there? Several look like fun. And of course, some favorite Magic Photo Shots from the last few years are coming back this year, too.
Hopefully at least a few of your favorite shots will be available during the regular park days this fall, but remember: most of these are special just for the Halloween parties. If you’ve never been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, it is a special ticketed evening event featuring special Halloween themed shows, treats, special merchandise, trick or treating and a really terrific parade. Click here to learn more. It’s not to late to book your trip for this Halloween season. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a no obligation quote!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
I am a Disney World fireworks junkie, I admit it. Combining desserts WITH Disney fireworks? Sounds like a win to me! This is where Disney Dessert Parties come in. But are they worth it?
For many Disney theme park fans, myself included, Walt Disney World’s nightly fireworks displays can be the highlight of their Disney Day. These amazing displays of pyrotechnics artistically themed and perfectly choreographed to music are beautiful and often emotionally stirring. (And also REALLY expensive and not great for the environment. But that’s a topic for another blog!).
However, finding a great spot to watch the fireworks from can be challenging. Don’t get me wrong–There are LOTS of places to stand (or occasionally, to sit) and watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But a GREAT spot? Where, if you are so inclined, you can capture good pictures or video? Without a child on someone’s shoulders dead center in all your photos? THIS is a nightly challenge! The best spots are often staked out 2-3 hours in advance–and even then, I’ve seen park guests enraged when after two hours of carefully guarding their “spot”, latecomers encroach and crowd into their space. Remember, these shows come at the end of long, very active and often very hot days. I love Disney fireworks shows with all my heart, but standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of sweaty strangers can, at times, be uncomfortable.
But what options do we have? We all want to watch the fireworks. 60% of us want to photograph or record video of the show. So we suck it up, find a spot as early as we are willing to, and take turns running to the closest Mickey Bar kiosk to get a sugar rush to (hopefully) carry us through.
Disney has an option for you–but it will cost you. Disney offers several different varieties of a Fireworks Dessert Party for some of their shows in some of their parks, depending on the time of year and whether the park is open to regular guests. These Disney Dessert Parties are offered at several price points, but none of them are what we would think of as an “economy” option. Disney Dessert Parties are growing in popularity, and are often sold out. The question is, are Disney Dessert Parties worth the money?
What is a Disney Dessert Party?
Basically, Disney Dessert Parties are a semi private event that you can buy a ticket to for a particular fireworks show at a particular theme park on a particular night. Your Disney Dessert Party ticket includes 45 minutes – 1 hour access to a generous buffet of desserts, cheeses and beverages. Beverages do include an assortment of beer and wine for guests age 21 and over. Your Disney Dessert Party ticket will also include access to a protected viewing area for that evening’s fireworks presentation. This area will ONLY be accessible to Disney Dessert Party guests, and Disney is careful not to oversell these events. This ensures that the Disney Dessert Party protected viewing areas are not crazy crowded. At minimum, your viewing experience will be more comfortable and you’ll have some breathing room.
Disney Dessert Party tickets are a separate purchase from your theme park ticket, but a theme park ticket is required for entry into the park. If you are visiting the park on a one-day ticket during a peak season, your day’s ticket could be as high as $160. If you add on a Disney Dessert Party, you could be adding another $100 – $150 to that day’s ticket costs. It’s important to keep that in mind–this is an additional ticket. You have to have a park ticket to enter the park, and you have to have a paid Disney Dessert Party reservation to attend the Disney Dessert Party and to have access to the protected fireworks viewing area.
In this post, we’ll focus on Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties. We’ll talk about Disney Dessert Party options at the other parks in a future post.
What does a Disney Dessert Party Cost?
Short answer? It depends. Currently, Disney is offering three different Disney Dessert Parties at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park for the Happily Ever After evening fireworks shows.
The first Disney Dessert Party option available is the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party Pre-Party. A reservation is required for each member of your party to attend this event, and your card will be charged when you make the reservation.
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, Magic Kingdom Dessert Party Check In. Photo: Brooke Hudson
You will check in at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where you will be given a wrist band. You will then be directed to the upper area of Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where your party will be taken to a seating area. Your dessert buffet, beverage area and bar area will be located on this upper level. Please note that you may be sharing tables with other groups. You can visit the dessert buffet stations and the various beverage stations in your area as often as you want to, during the time you in your designated dessert party area in the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. About 30 minutes before the fireworks are due to begin, dessert party cast members will circulate through the seating area and let you know that they will begin leading guests to the designated fireworks viewing area for party goers.
Current pricing is $99 per adult (ages 10+) and $59 per child (ages 3-9). Taxes are included. Per the Walt Disney Company, gratuities are not included or necessary
Fireworks Viewing Area
I’ve done a few of these parties over the years. Usually, a cast member will carry a red flashlight and lead a line of dessert party guests from the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant to the designated fireworks viewing area in the Plaza Garden. Depending on how crowded the park is that day, this may happen quickly or it may take a while as you are led through the surrounding crowd to the designated area in the Plaza Garden. For the fireworks viewing, the Plaza Garden is blocked off from the rest of the park guests. Only guests with a paid dessert party admission are allowed into this area for approximately 2 hours before the fireworks and including the show itself. It is a standing area, but it won’t be super crowded.
If you aren’t familiar with the Plaza Garden, it is located to the right after The Plaza Restaurant and the seating area across from the Plaza restaurant. During the day, the Plaza Garden usually features a couple of PhotoPass photographers, as this area offers a lovely view of the castle. This is also the spot where, during the day, you can take the PhotoPass photo where you are photographed from a camera located on the roof of The Plaza Restaurant building.
Plaza Garden Photo Spot Photo: Disney PhotoPass
Plaza Garden Photo Spot and Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties Fireworks Viewing Area. Photo: Disney PhotoPass
Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Post-Party
The next Magic Kingdom Dessert Party option is the Post-Party. This party is very similar to the Pre-party described above; however, in this version, you watch the fireworks FIRST, and attend the Dessert Party itself after the fireworks.
You will still check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and get your wristband approximately 45 minutes to one hour before the fireworks. Once you have your wristband, you will be shown to the same fireworks viewing area described above. This area is the viewing area for both the Pre-Party Dessert Party and the Post-Party Dessert Party.
After the fireworks display is over, cast members will lead you back to the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for your Post-Party Dessert Party. Your party will be led by a cast member to the upper level of Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where you will be shown to a seating area. Depending on the size of your party, you may be sharing a table with other guests.
Once you have your seating area, you have the freedom to visit the dessert buffet or any of the beverage stations as often as you’d like until the end of the party, approximately 45 minutes after the end of the fireworks.
Current pricing for the Magic Kingdom Post-Party Dessert Party: $99 per adult (aged 10 and over) and $59 per child ages 3-9. Tax is included. Gratuity is not included and not necessary per the Walt Disney Company.
The final Magic Kingdom Dessert Party option is my personal favorite: Seats and Sweets. This Magic Kingdom Dessert Party allows you to “keep your seats” during fireworks show itself, not just before the show or after the show, like the previous two parties I’ve described.
Check in for the Seats and Sweets Dessert Party is similar to the other parties. You check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and receive a wristband. The entrance for this particular party is actually on the Tomorrowland side of the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. Don’t worry if you forget—whichever party you are attending, no matter where you try to check in, the cast members will make sure you get to the right place.
Once you have your wristband for the party, a cast member will show you to your table on the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant patio area. This is your table until the party is over. Yes, you can sit and watch the fireworks in comfort at this Dessert Party.
Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party Photo: Brooke Hudson
Once you have your assigned table, you are free to visit the dessert buffet or the various beverage stations as often as you like. There’s no rush to finish your desserts before the show starts though. You don’t have to relocated to watch the show, or scramble to find a good viewing spot. I walked around the patio area quite a bit during our last Seats & Sweets Dessert Party, and I think all the tables offer a good viewing spot!!
Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party. Photo: Brooke Hudson
There are cast members working throughout the party, busing the tables to clear away your empty plates or glasses. If you attend this party, I recommend arriving at or before the start time, so you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your desserts and beverages before the fireworks begin.
Current pricing is $114 per adult (ages 10+) and $69 per child (ages 3-9). Taxes are included already. Gratuity is not included and not necessary, per the Walt Disney Company on its website promoting the party. note: this price is about $10 per person less than it was the last time I attended this party. Prices on all three Dessert Party options are subject to change — and they do change—especially during busier seasons.
Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party Fireworks View. Photo: Brooke Hudson
It depends. $100- $150 (depending on the season) per person for approximately 1 hour’s worth of food, beverages and entertainment is a lot of money for many of us. If money is no object, I would definitely encourage to book a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party for your traveling group on your next trip. Whether you watch from the reserved standing viewing area in the Plaza Garden or you watch from the comfort of your seats on the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant patio, the fireworks experience is much more enjoyable this way.
For most of us, money is a concern. And if you have a large group or family, this event could cost your group $1,000 or more!! I’ve had people tell me that I’m crazy for spending $100+ for a 15 minute fireworks display that I can watch from all over the park. But I’m not really paying for the fireworks display itself—I’m paying for the comfort before, during and after the fireworks display.
Now, if fireworks aren’t your thing, or if you don’t care one way or the other about watching the show—clearly you are not the target audience for any of these parties. Save your money and get in shorter ride lines during the show.
However, if you are like me and you LOVE Disney fireworks, I recommend you give strong consideration to whether your budget can extend to include a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party for your family or traveling group.
What exactly are you paying for?
Each Magic Kingdom Dessert Party includes the same dessert buffet. I’ve double checked at each party I’ve been to, and the options at the other parties were the same. The dessert buffet will include 8-12 small dessert pastry options. It will also include some cheese and some fruit. Sometimes, there might be a soft serve ice cream machine. At our last party, there was no ice cream, but there was a cookie decorating station and there was someone making fresh dessert crepes while you watched.
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Your Disney Dessert Party ticket also includes unlimited access to the various beverage stations. Coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and water are always included in the beverage options. In addition, there is an assortment of beer and wine available for those guests that are age 21 and over with a valid ID.
The Value Proposition
Let’s do the math: if the average glass of wine on Disney property is $11, and you have two glasses of wine at the party, you would have spent $22 on that wine. Food on Disney property is not economically priced, so if you were to order a dessert at most Disney restaurants, you’d probably spend around $12. So far, we’re at $34. Add in that you can revisit the buffet multiple times and also get a cup of coffee — I think you could round out the food and beverage component at around $40 of comparative value—less if you don’t drink alcohol.
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If your party won’t be drinking alcohol, the beverages will offer much less value for your family. You may find that without alcohol, the Disney Dessert Party ticket may not have enough value for you personally.
Your Disney Dessert Party ticket also includes a seat at a table during the dessert party portion of the party. For the Pre-Party and Post-Party, your ticket also includes access to the Plaza Garden private fireworks viewing area. This area is only open to Dessert Party attendees. Yes, it is a standing area. However, if you weren’t attending the Dessert Party, you’d be standing to watch the show—but for much longer and much more uncomfortably. You are not standing shoulder to shoulder in the Plaza Garden Dessert Party fireworks viewing area. There is usually plenty of space to spread out from your neighbors. It’s a prime viewing location, and the extra breathing room makes for a much more comfortable viewing experience.
If you’re going to the Pre-Party, you are going to be sitting for most of the 45 minutes leading up to the fireworks display. If you are going to the Post-Party, you have a guaranteed spot inside the Plaza Garden viewing area. There is no need to stake out a spot 2 hours before the show. You can access the Plaza Garden as early as 1 hour before the show and as late as 30 minutes before the show. (I wouldn’t personally cut it any closer than that—but I’m sure there are risk takers who would be comfortable arriving a few minutes before the show starts!)
For the Seats and Sweets Dessert Party, you will be sitting for the entirety of your experience. This makes for a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience, in my opinion.
Linda and Brooke at Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweet Dessert Party. Photo: Dessert Party Cast Member
The Bottom Line
Attending a Disney Dessert Party is definitely more of a luxury experience. If you are super budget inclined, a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party may not be for you. However, if you are going to splurge on something during your trip, this is one experience I would strongly consider.
I cannot stress enough how nice it is not to have to stake out a spot to watch the fireworks 1.5 – 2 hours before the show. And of course, if you do arrive early to stake out your spot, you are going to be standing there for a long time. Which, let’s face it—after long day of walking 4-7 miles in the park and standing in various lines—can really put a damper on how much you enjoy the show.
Personally, I think there is a lot of value in being able to sit down and relax for 45+ minutes before the show. Even more value in being able to sit and relax for the hour leading up to the show and to stay seated during the show.
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If the Post-Party is on your menu, there is a lot of value to not having to arrive super early to find your spot. And, as soon as the show is over, you know that you will be able to sit down and enjoy desserts and beverages for 45 minutes to an hour.
How much value you place on these things is an individual decision. If you do want to attend a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party during your trip, make sure you are making your reservations at the earliest possible date. If you are staying on Disney property, that’s 60 days prior to the first night of your reservation, and for the length of your reservation. If you are not staying on property, you’ll be able to book 60 days prior to the date of the party you want to attend.
Final Thoughts on Disney Dessert Parties
I definitely recommend Disney Dessert Parties to my clients, family and friends that can budget for it. I recommend planning your party for near the end of your trip. You’ll appreciate the extra time sitting more later in your trip. Earlier in the trip, when everyone’s legs are still fresh, you won’t benefit as much from the extra sitting time.
Also, do not plan a big lunch or dinner on Dessert Party day. Skip your popcorn, churros, and Mickey Bars on Dessert Party day. If you fill up before the party, you won’t get eat or enjoy your desserts as much.
Another suggestion: if your resort room includes a refrigerator, consider bring ziploc baggies or take out boxes and take some extra dessert pastries back to your resort with you.
What are your thoughts? Are any of the Disney Dessert Parties on your wishlist? Please share your thoughts below.
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
It’s been a very long four years, but at last an opening date has been announced for TRON Lightcycle/RUN!
Walt Disney World has finally announced that TRON Lightcycle/Run will open on April 4, 2023. Based on an attraction originally premiered at Shanghai Disneyland, TRON Lightcycle/Run broke ground at WDW’s Magic Kingdom in 2018. The project faced a few delays and setbacks, most notably when all the parks shut down during 2020 due to the pandemic.
Even after the parks reopened, many construction projects, including this one, were slow to restart. Once construction DID restart, things moved at a much slower pace than originally planned. Budgets were trimmed due to the financial losses incurred during the pandemic closures. The reduced crowd capacities in the months following those closures also had an impact.
Throughout the life of the project, we published several posts about TRON Lightcycle/Run. You can find those posts here, here, or here.
Opening Date Announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run : April 4, 2023
Ok. So now we have a date. What should we be expecting? We still don’t have a TON of information, but we do have some. A while back, Walt Disney World installed some ride vehicles in Tomorrowland near Space Mountain. This allowed guests to see the vehicles and try them out.
Ride vehicles for TRON Lightcycle/Run Photo: Disney Parks
We’ve also had the chance to see the TRON Lightcycle/Run project throughout its construction from the People Mover. Every visit offered a progression and new sights to see. Checking on the progress of this project has been a fun highlight of each Magic Kingdom visit over the last few years.
TRON Lightcycle Construction, viewed from People Mover Photo: Brooke Hudson
TRON Lightcycle/Run Construction Project from the People Mover Photo: Brooke Hudson
More recent visitors have been able to see ride vehicles moving on the tracks during the vehicle testing phases.
Storyline
Disney’s official release didn’t just include the announcement that TRON Lightcycle/Run was finally opening April 4, 2023. The release also included basic storyline of the attraction. Here is the statement from the release:
“The story of TRON Lightcycle / Run picks up after “TRON: Legacy” where Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, has opened a second gateway into a digital world called the Grid. The first portal was built at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
When guests enter the queue at Magic Kingdom, they’ll feel as if they’ve been digitized and transported to the Grid for a special Lightcycle race. It’s your Team Blue against the Grid’s menacing Programs, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. The attraction will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.”
TRON Legacy Promotion Photo: Disney Parks
TRON Lightcycle/Run Video
Warning: the video below contains portions of a ride through on the original attraction at Shanghai Disneyland. If you don’t want to know any details about what this attraction will be like, I recommend you do NOT watch the two minute video below.
Spring Breakers Will Be Sure to Enjoy TRON
TRON Lightcycle/Run is opening just in time for April Spring Break crowds. Previews and “soft” openings will likely begin near the end of March so some late March Spring Break crowds will likely also be likely to get a chance to take a ride on TRON Lightcycle/Run.
I suspect this new attraction will be wildly popular. Lines are likely to be very long, right from the opening minute. I’m sure this will also be a Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane attraction. Disney has not yet announced that, however. If TRON Lightcycle/Run DOES turn out to be a Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane attraction, the big question will be how much will it cost?
Since Lightning Lane pricing does seem to be driven both by crowd levels and demand, I suspect this one will fall in line with the higher price attractions. I don’t think it will higher than attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but I suspect it will be in that neighborhood. Again, higher during busier periods of the year, lower during lower crowd volumes. Since spring break is one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, we can expect peak pricing in the Genie+ app for Lightning Lane attractions as well.
Standby vs. Virtual Queue
Another big question: when TRON Lightcycle/Run opens, will it be a standby line or will it use a virtual queue? Personally, my money is on a virtual queue. All the recent new attractions at Walt Disney World have used a virtual queue when they opened, at least at first. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind all opened using virtual queues initially. Currently, the only attraction still using a virtual queue is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
TRON Lightcycle/Run Concept Art
A virtual queue helps Disney to control crowds around the attraction extremely well, keep the lines somewhat contained and adapt should the new attraction face any technical issues. Which, lets face it, all new attractions have at least SOME technical issues. No matter how much they test it, there are BOUND to be some technical issues. At least a few, right?
I could be wrong here, but I’m betting on a virtual queue for at least the first few months. Probably through the end of 2023. I will of course update you as soon as Disney makes any kind of official announcement on this.
Are You Ready to Enter the Grid?
Now that an opening date has finally been announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run, are you excited to ride it? Is this an attraction you’ve been waiting for? Or are you more likely to take a wait and see approach?
I’m very curious about this one. I don’t know if I will like it, but I think I will have to at least TRY and ride it at least once so I can report back to you all! It looks fun, but as I get older, I don’t do as well with the fast thrill rides as I did when I was younger.
We’ll see how manageable the lines are when Mom and I go for our annual trip in May. I can guarantee this is NOT one Mom will want to ride, so her mission will be to explore and take pictures from the ground if I am able to ride. I’m hearing that lockers are mandatory for all riders to lock up their stuff so that nothing can be accidentally dropped from the ride vehicles. Yikes!
We will definitely keep you posted!
If you’re ready to book your next trip to Walt Disney World now that you know TRON Lightcycle/Run will be open, be sure to send me an email. I’d be happy to give you a no obligation quote and to help you plan a terrific trip!
Happy Dreaming!!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
I have some good news for you today! Walt Disney World has finally announced when character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table. Cinderella’s Royal Table was one of the most popular character dining experiences in Walt Disney World for many years. As you may recall, when the parks reopened after the pandemic closure, character greetings and character meals did NOT return. Cinderella’s Royal Table table service restaurant DID reopen for meal service, but without characters. The restaurant has been open again for more than a year, but until today, there has been no sign of the character dining element returning.
Sleeping Beauties at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Disney Parks
Today, Walt Disney World announced that character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table on February 28, 2023. The first advanced dining reservations for this character meal will open on December 28, 2022.
Disney Princesses Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table
Many Walt Disney World visitors, adults and children alike, love to see Disney Princesses during their vacation. The easiest way (and most economical way) to catch a glimpse of your favorite Princess is to watch the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom. During this parade, you get to see many of the Princesses, along with their beaux.
You can also see Disney Princesses during the finale of Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios each night. Many of the Princesses are featured on water barges that pass in front of audiences near the end of the show.
Select Disney Princesses are also available for traditional Character Greetings. However, the popularity of the Princesses can often mean really long waits to see your Princess.
A Princess themed Character Meal is a great way to combine meal time with Character Greetings, giving your family the chance to take pictures with the characters and sign autographs. Character Dining has been GRADUALLY returning to Walt Disney World over the last few months, but the Princess dining options are few and far between and they’ve been among the last to return.
Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT
Character dining featuring Disney Princesses returned to EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion in early November 2022. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall features Storybook Dining with Disney Princesses, and is a very popular Character Dining experience for Disney Princess fans of all ages.
Dancing Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks
Current pricing for Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is $63 plus tax and gratuity for adults, and $41 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea and fountain beverages are included at this price. Specialty beverages including cocktails, beer, hard cider and a variety of wines are available at an additional cost.
Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks
Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table
Finally, diners wanting to see their favorite Disney Princesses during a meal at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom can do so! Beginning on February 28, 2022, the Disney Princesses will be back, visiting each table for pictures, interaction and photographs. You might even get a visit from your Fairy Godmother!
The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella’s Royal Table (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
There is something so wonderful and magical about Cinderella Castle. I’m willing to admit this is one of my absolute favorite Character Meals, and I’m so happy it’s returning. This is one of the pricier Character Meals, so it’s not something we try to do every trip, but it is a very special experience.
Prior to going upstairs to be seated for dining, guests do have a brief moment for photos with Cinderella in the downstairs area of the restaurant. Cinderella returned early this year, in a distanced capacity. Later, the rules relaxed slightly. Cinderella is NOT one of the Disney Princesses that visits your table during your meal, as she’s busy downstairs greeting her guests.
Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Brooke Hudson
Cinderella’s Royal Table is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is NOT buffet style, like you will find at most Character Meals.
Cinderella’s Royal Table, 2013
Breakfast
Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle is a lovely way to start your day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. If you can get an early reservation, you can even get into the park before it officially opens! One of my absolute FAVORITE things to do in Walt Disney World is to get into one of the parks early, and see it without the massive crowds we’ve all gotten so used to.
Another benefit of choosing breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is that pricing for breakfast is significantly lower than for lunch or dinner. You can have the Character Dining experience inside Cinderella Castle at the best possible price. Keep in mind–Character Meal pricing is generally much higher than you would pay for a regular non-character meal. You are paying “extra” for the atmosphere and for the entertainment of seeing the Characters.
Current pricing for breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $45 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $29 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea, fountain drinks, hot cocoa, juice or milk is included with your meal. Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.
At this time, the lunch and dinner menus and pricing are the same at Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s a bit of a heavier meal, so if you are planning lunch here, I would suggest going very light on breakfast, and planning a lighter dinner as well. Especially during the warmer months, you may find this lunch best followed by a return to your resort for an afternoon nap or swim.
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Current pricing for lunch or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $67 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $39 plus tax and gratuity for children. your meal includes coffee, tea, fountain beverages, hot cocoa, juice, lemonade or milk. Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.
Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of those table service restaurants that you will never get access to if you don’t have a reservation. You MUST make reservations in advance, and this is one of those reservations I would try to get the very minute your 60 day window opens up. This is a hard reservation to get under normal conditions. Now that Character Dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table? I suspect it will be even more difficult than usual!
Photo: Brooke Hudson
Remember: If you get the reservation, you are also required to have both a park ticket and a park reservation for Magic Kingdom for that day. Without those two things, you won’t be able to get into the park at all to use your reservation!
How to get that Reservation
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am a big planner. I’d rather spend time before the trip, making our plans and strategizing, planning ahead than to stand in really long lines during our trip, or not know where we are going to eat and when. Your preferences may be different. BUT if you are someone who wants to checkout Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, this is one reservation you absolutely MUST plan for.
Staying on Property
If you are staying on Disney property, your reservation window opens up 6o days before your first night in a Walt Disney World resort. On that day, you will have the ability to make dining reservations for THAT first day, 60 days out, plus the duration of your stay at that resort, up to ten days. Be ready to book online (or call, if you’d rather) at 7am Eastern time on that 6o days out morning. Work on your reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table first if you really want to dine there. Be prepared to try alternate meal times, even alternate days. Trust me, it is actually easier to rearrange all your park reservations than it is to get this reservation!
Cinderella’s Royal Table Entrance Photo: Brooke Hudson
Staying off Property
Don’t worry if you aren’t staying on Disney property–you still can try making this hard-to-get reservation at 60 days out. The only difference is that you can only make reservations for that one day on the 60th day out. If you were staying on property, you could try for every day of your trip at 60 days. Staying off site, you are going to be trying one day at a time. You can still be successful though! Try breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day you are trying to reserve. If that day doesn’t work, try the next day, and so on. Hopefully you will get lucky!
What if it Works? What if it Doesn’t?
If you succeed, kudos! Feel like a champion, brag to all your Disney loving friends…and work on the rest of your desired reservations! If you aren’t successful, you can try checking every few days to see if anything has opened up. Good windows to try are 45 and 30 days out–if people are cancelling their whole trip, they are likely to do it no later than 30 days out. It never hurts to keep trying. Sometimes people will have booked “extra” reservations that they will later cancel, or sometimes a big party will become a smaller party. You never know what may happen.
If this is a reservation you really want, good luck! I hope you get it!
Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Brooke Hudson
Note: another strategy to consider if you DON’T want to do all the planning and reservations yourself–work with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like me. If you book your Disney Vacation through me, I will help with park and dining reservations for no additional costs to you. I also offer detailed itineraries and personalized trip plans for a nominal fee.
Are you Excited to see Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?
I’m curious if any of you are happy to see Character Dining returning to CRT? Please comment below if this is something you’ve been looking forward to.
Mom and I had a wonderful dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table during our Mother/Daughter trip in May. We got to see Cinderella, but no other Disney Princesses at that time. I probably won’t pull out all the stops to get that reservation again this year, as it’s a little too soon for a return visit.
I might try to see if I can get breakfast–that would be a different menu and a different experience. But most likely, May will be too soon. I bet those reservations will be really tough for the first few months, at least. If not this year, there’s always next year.
What about you? Are you going to try and get that reservation?
We’ve all been waiting for this announcement. Well, maybe not ALL of us. But many Walt Disney World fans HAVE been waiting and wondering and asking, “When will Splash Mountain Close?” Ever since the announcement in 2020 that Splash Mountain would close and be replaced by a Princess and the Frog themed Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, many fans have wondered WHEN? Today, we have our answer. Splash Mountain will close on January 23, 2023.
Splash Mountain PhotoPass Photo Don’t we all have at least a few of these?
If you want to make sure you ride Splash Mountain one more time before it closes, make your reservations NOW. The last day you will be able to ride is January 22, 2023. Then Splash Mountain will close forever. When the attraction at this location opens in late 2024, it will be as a new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening 2024
What do we know about the new attraction?
We don’t know a whole lot yet about the new attraction. Here’s what we DO know. It will still be a water ride. It will still (most likely) be the same basic attraction that Splash Mountain was. It will be completely rethemed. The queue will likely get some new theming elements, but will likely remain materially the same. This refurbishment/retheming project will take 18-24 months to complete. Currently, all the promotional materials indicate the new attraction will open in 2024. I suspect it will open sometime in the fourth quarter of 2024, assuming everything goes as expected during the refurbishment/retheming. Any serious setbacks and this attraction opening will likely move to 2025.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The new version of this water ride is going to be themed to feature the Princess and the Frog. I’m very excited about this. I loved this movie, I thought it was very fun. Tiana is a beautiful princess with a lot of spunk, and I loved many of the other characters in the movie. I love that Disney is bringing more diversity into the parks and trying to include more diversity in the attractions as well. There is still a long way to go, but I’m happy to see Disney investing some time and money in an attraction themed to this movie.
Concept Art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney has not yet released much concept art for this attraction. I think we will see more concept art after Splash Mountain closes. Once he actual project to refurbish and retheme the attraction has begun, Disney will want us to start getting excited about the new attraction.
One piece of concept art I’ve seen so far, above, shows Tiana in hiking clothes, across the water from her jazz loving alligator friend, Louis. From what I’m hearing this attraction will be filled jazz music and the fun of New Orleans and Mardi Gras!
Concept Art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
It sounds like Disney wants to make Tiana’s Bayou Adventure an immersive experience for guest and a tribute to the warmth, the music and the people of Louisiana. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they’re going to do with this attraction.
What about Splash Mountain at Disneyland?
Disney has not yet announced when Splash Mountain at Disneyland will close, but I don’t think it will be far behind its Florida brother. Again, if you want to make sure to get “one last ride” in on Splash Mountain before it is gone for good, make a plan to do that VERY soon.
Are you ready for Splash Mountain to Close?
You’ve had almost three years to prepare yourself. Are you ready for Splash Mountain to close forever? Remember, we’re not losing a great water ride–we will still have that. In fact, the new version MIGHT even be better. It’s always a possibility.
How do you feel? Are you excited about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
And if you want to plan that last minute trip for January to go ride Splash Mountain one more time? Remember, I’m here for you. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a no obligation quote.
Great news! Tomorrowland’s upcoming attraction, TRON Lightcycle/Run, has passed another major milestone on it’s way to completion. This week, Disney took delivery of the ride vehicles themselves.
A long awaited Magic Kingdom attraction, TRON Lightcycle/Run has been a work in progress for YEARS at this point. Originally planned to open in time for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration in October 2021, TRON Lightcycle/Run was understandably delayed by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Disney World shutdown, and subsequent cost cutting measures, supply chain issues and staffing challenges.
If you’d like to review our previous stories about TRON, please visit here or here.
The Look
The big question we all have at this point: what will the TRON Lightcycle/Run Cycles look like? Here’s our first look:
TRON Lightcycle/Run Cycles Photo: Disney Parks
As you can see from looking at the photo above, these are not your typical “coaster” ride vehicles. Rather than sitting into a seat in a car or train like vehicle, riders will ride on a futuristic looking motorcycle-like vehicle. The rider will lean forward to grasp handle bar attachments.
Here’s an image from the concept art showing a TRON Lightcycle/Run rider in motion.
Tron Billboard, visible from Storybook Circus
Cycle Testing
Now that the Cycles have arrived, Disney will begin testing the vehicles on the track for the new attraction. Disney Imagineers have described this phase as “push/pull” testing, where sections of the new seven vehicle trains will be moved slowly along the entire track.
Once the team has determined the track is ready, the trains will begin launching at higher speeds–eventually reaching full speed launches as the ride nears completion.
Watching TRON Lightcycle/Run Testing
One of the things I have enjoyed most about this particular project is how much of it has been visible to park guests throughout construction. TRON Lightcycle/Run is located near the back of Tomorrowland, and the project has been clearly visible from the PeopleMover throughout construction. In addition, as the large canopy has been constructed, it’s been visible from almost everywhere in Tomorrowland.
Here are a couple of pictures we took from the PeopleMover during out October visit.
TRON Lightcycle Construction, viewed from People Mover Photo: Brooke Hudson
TRON Lightcycle Construction, viewed from People Mover Photo: Brooke Hudson
Now, as vehicle testing begins, observant guests will likely have the opportunity to see vehicles moving at varying speeds along the track that is visible beneath the canopy. I can’t wait to see this attraction in it’s latest phase during our upcoming trip in May!
When Will TRON Lightcycle/Run Open?
Short answer? We don’t know. Disney has been keeping even a HINT of an opening date for this attraction under wraps. I think when they had to postpone and miss the big 50th Anniversary opening, they may have gotten a little gunshy about setting guest expectations for an opening date for this attraction.
I’m sure there is a lot of work still to come. After all, I’ve seen no signs of an gift shop construction for this attraction yet, and we KNOW that Disney attractions MUST end at a gift shop whenever possible!! In all seriousness though, I suspect Disney is trying to open this attraction later this year. Magic Kingdom has needed a new “exciting” attraction for a while now. The “new” has gone from New Fantasyland, and while Seven Dwarfs Mine Train remains one of the most popular attractions in the park, it no longer has that shiny new attraction vibe.
Tron Lightcycle/Run Grid Installed at Magic Kingdom (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)
Other signs point to TRON nearing the end of it’s construction cycle (no pun intended) as well. The Walt Disney World Railroad, closed for YEARS now as the track that runs behind Tomorrowland was swallowed up by TRON construction, has begun testing at Magic Kingdom. I’m almost as excited about the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad as I am about the upcoming attraction, TRON Lightcycle/Run.
How are you feeling about TRON’s progress? Are you tired of hearing about it? Ready to ride? Or just ready for a ride around the park on the Railroad?
Happy dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
In this week’s Disney Parks News, we have big changes coming for the virtual queue at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. We also have Disneyland Paris closure news, and Disney’s official statement on the entertainment layoffs we saw last week. For these stories and more, please check out our YouTube video below.
For those of you that prefer reading to watching, the written version is provided below. Last week’s Disney Parks News can be found here.
Disney Parks News
The Holidays have Arrived at Disney World!
Halloween is over and the Holidays have arrived at Walt Disney World! It’s amazing how quickly Disney makes the transition from Fall and Halloween décor to winter holiday décor.
Here is the full statement from Disney:
“Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.
Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.
While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT.
Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.
Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.
Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so.”
Reactions
I find this statement both disappointing and frustrating. Do I understand that Disney feels they cannot allow most shows to resume due to social distancing requirements? Honestly? Yes and no. They have been able to re-introduce the Frozen Sing Along Celebration successfully, and that’s a show. And many of the theatres in the parks are outdoor venues. It seems that some shows could return, with seating clearly marked and restricted to provide proper social distancing.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)
To me, it seems almost convenient to blame the ongoing (and perhaps escalating) Covid-19 crisis as the reason there is almost no entertainment, rather than the more probably budget cuts. Why are the JAMMitors ok to perform in EPCOT on the Mill Stage in Canada, but not the amazing Taiko Matsuriza drummers in Japan?
Disney has also made a very important, very helpful change to the virtual queue situation. Now, guests who hope to ride Rise of the Resistance can request to enter the virtual queue at 7 am from their hotel room (or breakfast or wherever). The only thing that is required is a park reservation for Hollywood Studios that day (which of course requires a ticket).
Why does this change to the required location to join the virtual queue matter? Here’s why: OPTIONS. For example, let’s say you really want to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You have a park reservation for today, and you are planning to visit Hollywood Studios. Let’s say you try, but are unable to join the virtual queue and get a boarding group at 7am. Now, you have some OPTIONS.
You can go back to bed. You don’t need to make sure you are in Hollywood Studios by 10am.
Based on reservation availability, you could decide to save Hollywood Studios for a different day. In that scenario, you would cancel your Hollywood Studios park reservation. Then, you could book a new park reservation at a different park. (Note: I highly recommend you check park reservation availability before you pull this trigger.)
You might decide NOT to visit Hollywood Studios until the afternoon.
Spend the morning playing at the pool
Enjoy a round of golf
Ride the Skyliner for a while
Relax at your resort
Visit Disney Springs
The 2 pm virtual queue does still exist. That virtual queue DOES require guests to be physically inside the park to join the queue.
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
It is my hope that these changes will loosen up the stranglehold that Rise of the Resistance has been having on visitors for months. With these changes, perhaps more guests will be able to ride. If that happens, theoretically fewer guests will crowd into Hollywood Studios in the hopes of riding that one attraction.
Our Upcoming Disney Vacation
Next week, we will be at Walt Disney World ourselves, and will be able to test out the new system. I will update you on our success (or lack thereof) with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Next week’s Disney Parks News Update will be filmed while we are on site at Walt Disney World. As a result, the video may end up a little on the rough side. However, we will do our best to still get the video posted on Wednesday. Thank you in advance for your patience. We are really looking forward to updating you with our in person, on the ground experiences in the parks.
Happy dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com