#DisneyParksUpdates - Disney Castle Dreaming Travel

NEW Extra EXTRA Magic Hours Coming to Walt Disney World

If you’ve ever stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you probably know about Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are just one of the benefits of staying on Disney property. EMH are a HUGE advantage for guests who want to minimize their time waiting in lines. With regular Extra Magic Hours, there are certain days each week when Disney resort guests can enter the EMH park one hour earlier than all other guests. Alternatively, EMH may mean staying up to three hours later than all non-resort guests at the EMH park.

This fall, Disney is taking Extra Magic Hours to a whole new level with Extra EXTRA Magic Hours!

Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours — Photo: Disney Parks

DAILY Extra Magic Hours

Beginning August 29, 2019 and running through November 2, 2019, Disney will begin offering DAILY Extra Extra Magic Hours. Extra Extra Magic Hours (EEMH) will be offered in three of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Magic Kingdom for resort guests. Just like with regular Extra Magic Hours, not all attractions are open during Extra Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours and Extra Extra Magic Hours feature the same attractions–favorite rides in both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

Disney's Magic Kingdom Disney vacation planning Disney trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours — It’s a beautiful day to be at the Magic Kingdom! Let’s pretend the crowds will be this light ALL DAY! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Animal Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Animal Kingdom. Pandora – The World of Avatar attractions ARE included. Also included are other attractions throughout Animal Kingdom. (The same attractions currently open during regular Extra Magic Hours).

Disney's Animal Kingdom Extra Extra Magic Hours — Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Hollywood Studios: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 6 am to 9 am (That’s THREE HOURS PEOPLE!!!). The EEMH WILL include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity. NOTE: From August 29 – 31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 am to ALL guests, not just resort guests. The Extra Extra Magic Hours for Hollywood Studios for Resort Guests will begin September 1.

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run Extra Extra Magic Hours — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Wait, What About Epcot?

Epcot absorbs crowds better than any of the other three theme parks. In addition, Extra Magic Hours are not as necessary or popular at Epcot as they are at the other three parks. Also, at Epcot, Future World opens at 9 am (usually) and then World Showcase opens at 11 am. Morning Extra Magic Hours may frustrate Epcot visitors that wanted to visit World Showcase during EMH but World Showcase is not part of morning EMH.

Epcot will continue to have regular Extra Magic Hours on select days, just like it does now. Epcot will NOT be getting Extra Extra Magic Hours. Note: Of course this policy COULD change later in the summer, but I don’t expect it to.

Also, keep in mind that the popular Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be running during this time, and that’s the big attraction at Epcot in the fall. Opening at 7 am wouldn’t be very beneficial as I don’t think they want to open all those wine and food kiosks that early! 😉

Disney Epcot Extra Extra Magic Hours — Epcot! (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Why?

Disney has introduced these new Extra Extra Magic Hours in anticipation of record crowd levels this fall. With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios coming August 29, interest in a Walt Disney World vacation has never been higher! Disney is anticipating very high guest demand for its most popular attractions throughout Walt Disney World, but most especially at Hollywood Studios, for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney is trying to ensure the satisfaction of resort guests by guaranteeing them more opportunities to access the parks with smaller crowds, before the parks open to the public each day. Theoretically, if guests are early risers and willing to be up and at the parks early in the morning, they are more likely to be able to visit more of the attractions they’ll want to visit.

This policy also helps add more value to staying on Disney property. Disney is always looking for ways to get more guests to stay on Disney property and these new Extra Extra Magic Hours are a great step in that direction. All those extra available hours EVERY DAY add a lot of value to your theme park tickets!

The Fine Print

Extra Extra Magic Hours require a valid theme park admission and hotel ID. Note: If you are using your Magic Bands as your room keys and your theme park tickets, your Magic Band will serve as both theme park admission and hotel ID.

If you do NOT have the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option on your tickets, you will be spending the day in whichever park you choose for Extra Extra Magic Hours. In other words, if you DON’T have Park Hopper, and start your day at 6 am at Hollywood Studios, you will be in Hollywood Studios for the entire day (unless you leave the park and go back to your resort, of course). You will NOT be able to visit a different park after Extra Extra Magic Hours are over.

If you DO Have Park Hopper, you can “hop” to any other park you choose throughout the day, regardless of where you go for Extra Extra Magic Hours.

All Attractions are NOT Part of Extra Extra Magic

Not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours. Park hours and participating attractions for Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours are subject to change without notice. All participating attractions and experiences are subject to capacity limitations and cancellation.

Fast Passes are NOT available during Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours.

Will Extra Extra Magic Hours Be Extended After November 2?

I don’t know. This is the first time Disney has offered DAILY extended hours for resort guests. Obviously, this will significantly impact Disney’s daily operating costs–a lot will depend on how successful this program is during its initial offering. Guest response and feedback will also significantly impact whether Disney either extends Extra Extra Magic Hours, or ever offers it again during busy periods.

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Extra Extra Magic Hours — Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Is there anything better than visiting your favorite attractions with lighter crowds and shorter lines? (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)

If it has a major impact on guest satisfaction and crowd flow AND they see profits from people staying longer in the parks and spending more money, I think its very likely that we could see something like this again in the future.

Until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is actually open, and we see the way Disney manages crowds in and around that new “Land”, it’s difficult to anticipate WHAT will happen from a crowd flow capacity in ALL the parks, once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally open.

What do YOU think?

What do you think of this new policy? As someone who almost always stays on property, I’m pretty excited! We are early risers on vacation, and always take advantage of EMH. However, we often park hop later in the day if the “chosen” park gets too crowded. It will be interesting to see what happens when three parks are the “chosen” park, won’t it?

Please like this post and comment below. Does this new Extra Extra Magic Hours policy have you planning a visit for this fall to take advantage? I can help! brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

P.S. There is still time to book reservations for YOUR fall vacation to Disney World. You can check out the amazing new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and take advantage of all these extra park hours through Extra Extra Magic Hours. Contact me today to get started: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

P.P.S If you don’t want to wait for fall, there are still some great promotions running for Summer Vacations. Check out these posts for more information:

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

FREE Quick Service Meals on YOUR Summer Vacation?

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information

Are you ready? It’s officially less than a month until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31! Guests planning to visit Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019, hoping to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will need a reservation. Read on to get Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation information.

Disneyland Resort Guests

The easiest way to guarantee a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation is to stay at a Disneyland resort hotel. If you have a reservation at any of the three Disneyland resort hotels (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel) during the “reservations required” window of May 31 – June 23, you will automatically receive a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during your visit.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Grand Californian — Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa (Photo: Disney Parks)

In fact, you should have already received your designated reservation confirmation if you have a reservation at a Disneyland resort hotel during May 31-June 23, 2019. Your designated reservation confirmation shows your scheduled date and time window for your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge visit. If you have not yet received your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation confirmation, please call 888-854-3104.

If you DON’T yet have a reservation at a Disneyland resort, and would like to guarantee a reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it’s not too late! You can still book a stay at one of the three Disneyland hotels for any night(s) between May 31 and June 23, 2019. If you do, you’ll receive a designated reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for each registered guest in your party. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information. I would love to help you visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Disneyland Visitors

Guests planning to visit Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019 that wish to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will need to make a reservation for their visit.

There is no cost for the reservation. Theme park admission to Disneyland is required to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Reservations will open on May 2, 2019 at 10 am Pacific Time. Disney is releasing “how to book” information at 8 am Pacific Time on May 2. I will post an update here as soon as “how-to” reservation information is available.

Disney put together this quick “Know Before You Go” video.

What You Will Need To Make a Reservation

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Reservation Information — Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information (Photo: Disney Parks)

While we don’t have exact “how to make a reservation” specifics yet, we do know a few things that you’ll need before you make your reservation.

1. Make sure you have your Disney ID account set up at Disneyland.com. If you don’t have one, set it up NOW so you are ready to go when the reservation window opens.
  1. If you already have an ID for Walt Disney World’s My Disney Experience, you will be able to login at Disneyland.com with that ID. Double check to make sure!
  2. You will be making your reservation using your DisneyID, so it’s critical that you know what it is and that it works.
2. Be prepared and ready to go at 10 am Pacific Time on May 2. Disney is anticipating the reservation “windows” filling up fast.
  1. Make a list of a few different dates that will work for you. If your first choice isn’t available, you don’t want to have to scramble for the calendar to figure out your second (or third) choices.
  2. Once you have confirmed your reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you will NOT be able to change it.
  3. You can make ONLY ONE reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge per email address (Disney ID at Disneyland.com).
  4. You’ll be able to add up to five additional guests to your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.
3. You will only be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ONCE during your visit with your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation. You’ll only be able to make one reservation for the entirety of the period of May 31 – June 23 with your DisneyID email. After the reservations required period ends, you will theoretically be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge every day, assuming new rules aren’t released, and crowd volumes don’t restrict admittance to the Land.

Visiting Later in the Year

What if you are NOT visiting Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019? If you ARE planning to visit later this year, and want to be sure you’ll get access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, what should you do?

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

At this time, Disney states that no reservations are required to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after June 23, 2019. However, they are also saying that access to the land will be limited, and guests will not be guaranteed access. Admittance may be restricted, based on crowd volumes.

What if you plan to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios after it opens August 29, 201? Disney says no reservations required for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Florida. Of course that will be subject to change after Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening weeks.

It is possible that Disney may elect to extend the reservation window into future periods. It is also possible that Disney may use a Fast Pass/Max Pass type reservation to “schedule” access to the Land. Finally, it may just be a free for all. In that scenario, I suspect after a certain number of guests are admitted, no additional guests will be admitted until some guests exit the Land. We just don’t know yet.

Don’t Forget: May 2, 10 am PST Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Window Opens

I will keep you posted as soon as I know more. In the meantime, make sure you have your Disneyland DisneyID set up at Disneyland.com. Be ready to go tomorrow (May 2) morning if you intend to make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservations for May 31 – June 23, 2019.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

P.S. If you’d like to review our most recent articles about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, please check out these posts:

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise Coming Soon to Disney Parks

Update from the Dark Side: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Coca-Cola

HUGE NEWS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING May 31st and August 29th!!!!

Disney Theme Parks Rule Changes

Last week, Disney announced the most significant Disney Parks rule changes that they’ve made in several years. The new rules are effective May 1, 2019. The new rules effect the US theme parks (Walt Disney World and Disneyland/California Adventure) only. When the announcement was made, the internet went a little crazy.

You may have already heard about these changes—many news outlets have reported on them. I wanted to post about them here for those who haven’t heard or want more information. I also want the information here on my site for my travel clients that want a quick reference.

No Smoking Inside Any US Disney Parks

Effective May 1, 2019, no smoking will be allowed inside any US Disney theme parks. This includes Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland and California Adventure in California. Also included in the smoking ban are both water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) and ESPN Wide World of Sports in Florida and Downtown Disney in California. Disney has been gradually working up to this smoking ban, in response to consumer health concerns for many years.

A few years ago, Disney made headlines when they banned smoking in most park areas, limiting smokers to a few specific “smoking” areas in each park. Initial response to that rule change was similar to the response to this one—lots of drama and hand wringing and threatening to not visit Disney parks any more. Eventually, however, the vehemence of the response died down, and people seemed to adapt to the new rules.

I think it helps that many states have also passed laws prohibiting smoking in public areas. People have become more used to these kinds of rules. In addition, more people are choosing NOT to smoke these days as they learn more about the health risks. The high cost/rising cost of cigarettes has also contributed to many people choosing NOT to smoke.

After May 1, smokers will have to exit the theme park and go to a designated smoking area outside the park to smoke. As with the previous rule change, Disney will most like ramp up enforcement of this new rule over time. However, don’t buy into the popular speculation that Disney will not enforce this new rule. They absolutely WILL enforce it. Disney states this rule change is in response to consumer health and safety concerns, and secondarily in response to guest demand. Personally, I believe there is also a financial consideration for Disney, as there almost always is.

Potential Financial Considerations

If you’ve ever spent time in the approved smoking areas, or even wandered through them, you may have noticed that for every responsible smoker that disposes of their cigarette butts properly in the provided disposal units, there are two that put their butts out in the landscaping or on the ground. In the areas with buildings immediately nearby, the smoke discolors the building materials over time.

Disney will save money on janitorial/clean up in those areas and they will protect their scenery, and reduce the need to clean and or repair those areas.

With the increased number of adults and children around the world suffering from asthma, severe allergies and lung disease related challenges, I think the smoking ban does make sense from a public health perspective. I know that those who chose to smoke vehemently disagree on this issue. I respect their right to their opinions and feelings on the issue; however I personally feel this is one of those times when the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Few, of course, is relative, in this case, as there are many people who choose to smoke. However the scientific evidence of the risks to both the smokers themselves and the risks of those around them impacted by secondary smoke cannot be refuted.

As the parks become more crowded, it becomes increasingly difficult to protect guests from secondary smoke. The smoking areas are becoming more crowded, and the number of people “cutting through” smoking areas has also been increasing in response to crowds.

Bottom line: the rule change is coming May 1. Disney is not going to reverse this decision. They recognize this may cost them some visitors; however, they seem willing to accept that. Smokers will need to exit the parks to smoke after May 1, and then re-enter the parks after their smoke breaks.

Vaping Banned in US Disney Theme Parks

Many smokers have turned to vaping as an alternative. However, vaping will not be an acceptable “workaround” solution at US Disney theme parks after May 1, 2019.

E-cigarettes and vape pens are being banned inside all US Disney theme parks, right along with smoking, and will have all the same restrictions that the smoking ban has. Vapers will have to exit the theme parks to vape, just like smokers will have to exit the theme parks to smoke.

Again, there has been some speculation that Disney may not enforce this rule—don’t buy into that. They absolutely WILL. Florida has also recently passed a law banning e-cigarettes and vape pens in public areas, so Disney cast members can also reference state law, as well as Disney Parks rules when enforcing the new rules, at least in Florida.

No Loose Ice or Dry Ice Allowed in Disney Theme Parks (US)

Disney has always allowed guests to bring in their own food and beverages. This is something that makes them stand out from many other theme parks. This new ban on loose ice and dry ice in US Disney theme parks does not change this rule; however, you will have to use reusable ice packs to keep your food and/or beverages cold.

There are a couple of reasons for the “Ice Ban”. People used to bring in very small personal coolers. Over time, the coolers have been getting larger and larger. As crowds levels increase, the larger coolers become difficult to maneuver in the crowds. In addition, there have been increasing numbers of people that dump out their ice onto the ground to lighten their cooler load. This has resulted in piles of ice and later puddles around tables and in pathways and high traffic areas, causing safety and maintenance concerns.

Finally, from a security perspective, it’s easier, faster and safer to look through a cooler with reusable ice packs than one filled with loose ice.

Stroller Wagons and Extra Large Strollers Banned at US Disney Theme Parks

In response to growing crowd congestion at the theme parks, Disney’s rule change regarding strollers is aimed at the ever growing stroller as small vehicle market. Over the last few years, strollers have been getting bigger and bigger. The popularity of stroller “wagons” has increased among park visitors.

The super max strollers have significantly contributed to the crowd congestion levels, and with crowds expected to increase with the upcoming opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland (May 31) and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (August 29), Disney has taken aggressive action to reduce the impact of extra large strollers and stroller wagons on crowd movements.

Effective May 1, 2019, stroller wagons, including the popular Keenz wagons, will no longer be allowed inside US Disney theme parks. Guests will be stopped at the gates and asked to either return the wagons to their vehicles, or to check them at the gates.

Also effective May 1, 2019, stroller dimensions will be restricted to widths of 31 inches and lengths of 52 inches. Similar to the wagons, guests with larger strollers will not be permitted to bring them into the parks. Guests will be asked to either return the strollers to their resorts or vehicles or to check them.

Disney bus transportation already restricts strollers that are not collapsible.

Disney will continue to rent strollers inside the parks. If you plan to bring your stroller from home, or to rent one from a third party vendor, measure your stroller so you don’t get stuck having to check it at the gate.

Crowds, Crowds, Crowds

Basically, all these changes come down to the same thing we have been talking about for a while. Crowd levels have been increasing for the last few years, and there are rarely slow periods any more.

Once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens, crowd levels are likely to skyrocket. The level of interest in this new “land” is unprecedented. In addition, the fan base for the Star Wars franchise is arguably one of the largest fan bases in the world.

At their core, I think all of these changes have at least an element of crowd congestion improvement involved. Removing designated smoking areas inside the parks frees up more traffic space. Disallowing extra large strollers and stroller wagons reduces crowd congestion. Eliminating loose ice and dry ice will speed up and streamline security line congestion, and may also have a side effect of encouraging smaller coolers.

How to you feel about these changes? Overall, I support anything that may help with congestion, as I believe park congestion is going to continue to get worse. As a result, ticket prices will continue to climb. I like to see Disney taking measures to improve congestion that don’t necessary stem from price increases (although they did THAT a couple of weeks ago, too!)

What are your thoughts about these Disney theme parks rule changes? Please comment below!

If you’d like to review the current Disney theme park rules and regulations, click here.

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Parks News Updates: Kevin from UP! Spotted at Animal Kingdom! and more…

Hello Everyone! Lots of Disney Parks News Updates to share with you today!! Some of these updates I’ve already shared in Instagram stories or Facebook lives on the DisneyCastleDreaming page, but I know a lot of you don’t check those places…and for those of you that did catch any of those stories, I had promised to post some of the pictures and videos I mentioned.

AND I’ve got a couple of additional updates to give you as well! We will start in California, and then move on to Florida today.

Disney Parks News Updates: Disneyland/California Adventure

The Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at Disney California Adventure

Disneyland After Dark Heroes Assemble California Adventure Marvel Superheroes — Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at California Adventure

As I have discussed before, I’m a fan of the Disney After Dark events. Yes, they are a separate ticketed event BUT Disney limits the number of tickets they sell, and usually lines are fairly short for attractions that are open, and there are some fun extras included.

Disneyland has announced a new Disneyland After Dark event. It’s called Heroes Assemble at California Adventure. Tickets are already on sale for Annual Passholders, and they go on sale on Thursday, February 21st for the general public. Tickets are $109; children under 2 do not need a ticket.

So far, only two dates have been announced, and based on the dates, it looks like this is a tie in with the release of the Avengers: Endgame movie coming out in May. This event is being held on April 30 or May 1. Event hours are 9 pm to 1 am. It’s not clear yet if your ticket will grant you access to California Adventure earlier than 9 pm on the night of the event, as is usually the case for Disney After Dark events in Florida.

For this event, Disney is encouraging you to come dressed as your favorite super hero; however, they are also reminding everyone to check the rules regarding costumes and accessories. To review the rules, click here for Disneyland Park Rules, and here to view the costume guidelines for special events.

Celebrating 80 years of comic art, Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at California Adventure promises to feature encounters with superheroes, “rockin’ dance party” and heroic show moments. There’s also a fun scavenger hunt planned where you and your friends will have to hunt to find artifacts to help save mankind!

You can also expect lots of great photo opportunities, special event only merchandise and themed food and beverage offerings. Your ticket will entitle you to free downloads of all Photopass pictures taken of you that evening, so make sure to take LOTS!

The Soundsational Parade is BACK!

I mentioned this a while back, but the very popular Soundsational Parade is back at Disneyland Park as part of the Mickey and Minnie Celebration, Get Your Ears On!

Downtown Disney

In Downtown Disney news this week, Disney has announced a new ticketed event/attraction coming soon to Downtown Disney called Pop Up! Disney.

They haven’t given us a whole lot of information yet, but it sounds like this will be sort of an exhibit, sort of an adventure in Photo Opps. It’s going into the space near the Monorail Station where the ESPN Zone used to be. They’re describing it as a bunch of themed rooms, all dedicated to 90 years of Mickey and Minnie. I will let you know more as soon as I actually know more! Disney did release this artist’s rendering of one of the themed rooms/Photo opportunities, see what you think:

Disney Parks News Updates: Walt Disney World

Epcot

A few pieces of news from Epcot this week. First from Mexico, beloved Mariachi Cobre is expanding their repertoire and adding a new show featuring the story of Pixar’s Coco. (If you haven’t seen Coco yet, go watch it now. I’ll wait. Seriously, it’s on Netflix, and you can rent it on Amazon or Vudu or YouTube. Go watch it. It’s about family and dreams and there is so much love and joy…it’s really lovely.)

Ok, now that you’re back 😉, beginning March 6, Mariachi Cobre will be joined by a pair of Folklorico dancers to tell the journey of Miguel Rivera. They are also joined by a puppet of Miguel.

Disney Epcot Coco Miguel Mariachi Cobre — Miguel from Pixar’s Coco

Ralph and Vanellope are coming to Epcot!

You may have seen Ralph and Vanellope briefly in November when they popped up at Hollywood Studios to promote Ralph Breaks the Internet when it came out…but they are moving into a new (potentially) long term location at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot.

Disney Epcot Ralph and Vanellope Character Greeting — Ralph and Vanellope from Ralph Breaks the Internet

Here’s what’s happened: The Imagination Institute has been conducting a new experiment to open portals into other dimensions….and they’ve opened a portal into the Internet. This has allowed Ralph and Vanellope to come visit us at Image Works at the Imagination Pavilion!

I’m pretty happy about this. This pavilion has been largely ignored for a long time, so it’s exciting to see it get something new. I’m also really happy that Figment will have some fun company!

In somewhat related news, you will soon be able to take Ralph and Vanellope home with you on DVD with the release of the Blu Ray of Ralph Breaks the Internet on February 26.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival starts in just 2 weeks! Can you believe it??

Disney Epcot Flower and Garden Festival — Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Cogswell

I can’t!! As you probably know if you have been following me for any length of time F&G is one of my FAVORITE times of the year, and my absolutely favorite time to visit Epcot. One of the fun elements of F&G every year has been their Garden Rocks Concert Series. Garden Rocks concerts are held at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion, and are included in your Epcot admission.

Artists are usually nostalgic favorites from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, like Night Ranger, Tony Orlando, Berlin, Herman’s Hermits, Dennis DeYoung and Rick Springfield, among others. New this year: Air Supply, Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri, Wang Chung, The Smithereens, A Flock of Seagulls, Christopher Cross, Sister Sledge….the list goes on and on. Click here for the full list of performers, and the dates they will be performing during the Festival.

What’s new THIS year is that instead of Garden Rocks Concerts only happening on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the concerts are now going to be held EVERY NIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL! 7 nights a week!

Animal Kingdom

Kevin from UP! at Animal Kingdom

In one of my favorite stories of the week, Kevin, our favorite colorful bird friend from Pixar’s UP! has been seen wandering around Animal Kingdom’s Discovery island area. So far, it doesn’t look like there are any plans to set up an official character greeting area for Kevin–so his visit may be temporary–we’re not sure yet. For now it appears that he’s exploring and interacting with guests, along with his Wilderness Explorer guides.

Coincidentally, Disney is releasing a new Kevin plush toy in Animal Kingdom gift shops this month, so keep your eyes open for him. Look how cute he is! You KNOW that if you meet Kevin in the Park, you are going to HAVE to take one of these home, so be careful! 😉

The Lion King, 25th Anniversary

As you or may not know, this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Lion King animated movie’s original release. As The Lion King has always been a big part of the Animal Kingdom story, I’m sure you are not going to be surprised that Disney is ramping things up a little bit for the 25th Anniversary of the Lion King.

Disney Animal Kingdom Hakuna Matata Dance Party — Live musicians help guests let their inner animal loose on the dance floor during “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Hakuna Matata dance parties are already taking place daily at Discovery Island. These feature animal inspired popular songs from the Lion King performed in a World Beat style. Timon, Rafiki, Baloo, Korda, Meeks and Terk stop by too! (Kinda feels like all the animated movies with animal characters got together and decided who could participate in this, doesn’t it?)

Disney has said they are releasing new fun photo spots themed to the Lion King. They also say we should watch for a 3D scene that looks like it leapt right out of the film. If I had to guess, I’d bet this 3D scene will be outside the main entrance, as Animal Kingdom is usually very good at preseving its theming and I can’t really picture a three dimensional cartoon scene plopped down in the middle of the park. But who knows? I could be wrong. I guess we’ll have to wait to see where they put it when it shows up.

Disney Animal Kingdom Tree of Life Awakenings — Animal Kingdom Tree of Life Awakenings

Coming this summer, also in celebration of the Lion King’s 25th Anniversary, a special new story for the Tree of Life Awakenings projection show. The new story will depict moments from Simba’s journey in an “artistic style”, which I’m interpreting to mean NOT the art from the original film. The new story will also feature music inspired by the score of the Lion King–rather than from the movie itself.

And in another shocking coincidence, Disney’s new “Live Action” version of the Lion King is being released this summer. Have you seen the teaser trailer yet? If not, here it is:

What do you think? I suspect it will be very good, but I’m not sure how much “LIVE ACTION” it is…I’m thinking a lot of it has to be CGI, right? It looks good though, at least what we’ve seen so far, and I love the Lion King, so I’m in. I’d love to hear what you think, so post in the comments below.

Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

We are starting to get a tiny bit more information about the new show at Hollywood Studios that is coming this spring. It’s definitely a SHOW, which wasn’t 100% clear originally, and it sounds like it will allow for some audience interaction with Lightning McQueen. Check out the video below that Disney released:

I think it sounds like fun, and a welcome addition to Hollywood Studios, which still struggles a bit with all the things that closed in the last two years to make ways for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the new Minnie/Mickey ride that will replace the Great Movie Ride. Toy Story Land is terrific, but there’s still a fairly big gap at Hollywood Studios, so I think this will definitely help, and it pairs nicely with the other Pixar attractions and character greetings at Hollywood Studios. Now if we could only get our own Cars Land…

Disney Springs

In our final news story this week, Disney Springs welcomes a new store, The Art Corner. Located near The Art of Disney store, not far from Goofy’s Candy Company, this new pop up store sounds like a lot of fun!

It seems to offer several different opportunities to get one of a kind, handcrafted souvenirs–in some cases, even handcrafted by YOU.

Walt Disney World Disney Springs The Art Corner — Disney Springs’ The Art Corner

Disney is calling this a Pop Up store, which makes me think this is most likely a temporary offering…but if it’s popular, it could stick around! The Art Corner features works and hands on activities that were popular at the recent Epcot International Festival of the Arts. For example, pictured above is the ancient art of Suminigashi, also known as artistic marbling, used to custom make silk items.

The store also features:

Coffee and Canvas—Coffee themed paintings

- Caricatures, both the new digital sketch version and the classic watercolor style. (I LOVE caricatures! I think they are a terrific souvenir, especially if you have kids–a really fun way to track how their interests change over the years, as usually the artist will incorporate the child’s interests into the work.)
- Name Works, hand drawn names personalized with your choice of illustrations

Ron Jon Surf Shop Coming Soon to Disney Springs

Coming later this year to Disney Springs, a Ron Jon Surf Shop. The famed Surf Shop is moving into a 10,000 square foot space located near the Polite Pig. I don’t have dates yet, but will update you when I do.

Well that’s all I have for Disney Parks News Updates this week. IWhich of this week’s news stories are you most interested in? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

P.S. In case you missed it, Disney released the teaser trailer for Frozen II last week. Click here to check it out.

Happy Dreaming !

Brooke

DAILY Extra Magic Hours

Wait, What About Epcot?

Why?

The Fine Print

All Attractions are NOT Part of Extra Extra Magic

Will Extra Extra Magic Hours Be Extended After November 2?

What do YOU think?

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Disneyland Resort Guests

Disneyland Visitors

What You Will Need To Make a Reservation

Visiting Later in the Year

Don’t Forget: May 2, 10 am PST Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Window Opens

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No Smoking Inside Any US Disney Parks

Potential Financial Considerations

Vaping Banned in US Disney Theme Parks

No Loose Ice or Dry Ice Allowed in Disney Theme Parks (US)

Stroller Wagons and Extra Large Strollers Banned at US Disney Theme Parks

Crowds, Crowds, Crowds

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Disney Parks News Updates: Disneyland/California Adventure

The Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble at Disney California Adventure

The Soundsational Parade is BACK!

Downtown Disney

Disney Parks News Updates: Walt Disney World

Epcot

Ralph and Vanellope are coming to Epcot!

Garden Rocks Concert Series

Animal Kingdom

Kevin from UP! at Animal Kingdom

The Lion King, 25th Anniversary

Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Disney Springs

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