WDW Daily News

With summer break just around the corner, Walt Disney World Resort guests can get ready to have a “glowing’’ good time when Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon starting May 25.

Guests can look forward to magical late-night parties throughout the summer, giving them an opportunity to enjoy the tropical Disney water park with shorter wait times. The 2024 H2O Glow After Hours season offers more event nights than ever before, with 18 select evenings from May 25 to Aug. 31, 2024.

This after-hours party turns the water park into a beach bash extravaganza, creating an energetic atmosphere with waves and pulsating beats. Guests can immerse themselves in radiant lighting effects, vibrant decor and high-energy DJ dance parties with some of their favorite Disney characters, like Goofy. New this year, cabanas will be available to rent online for groups looking for a private, reserved area during the event.  

Party festivities include: 

• Complimentary ice cream treats, popcorn and soda 
• Complimentary towel rental 
• Surprise character appearances 
• Exclusive glow-themed food and beverage items 

Tickets for this event go on sale March 22. Pre-sale will be available to Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests March 19. Guests who have already booked a Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation during the dates of this event will receive an email telling them to contact their travel professional to purchase tickets during the pre-sale.

This year, there are exciting Disney improvements and perks for things like making and viewing dining reservations, mobile ordering and more. Here’s what’s new:  

Discover Dining Reservation Availability More Easily

Guests can now see all available reservation time slots at a restaurant for the entire day on DisneyWorld.com, Disneyland.com, and the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. Reservations are sorted by breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, so guests can easily choose a time based on the menu they’d like to enjoy.

COMING SOON! Search for Dining Availability for Multiple Days

Soon, guests will also be able to see dining availability for MULTIPLE days at a time! With a single search, guests can view available dining reservations for any given restaurant for up to 10 days at a time. It will make scheduling dining reservations for an entire vacation much easier!

Pro tips:

• At Walt Disney World, guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel can make reservations 60 days prior to arrival for their entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay). This can help guests enjoy streamlined vacation planning by making all their reservations on the same day rather than checking availability day after day.
• Guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort have preferred access to a limited number of reservations to dine at select Disneyland Resort hotel table-service restaurants during their stay. Guests should make sure to link their Disneyland Resort hotel confirmation to their Disneyland.com account to be eligible for the benefit!

If plans change at the last minute, don’t fret. With an update we made last year, guests can change or cancel up to two hours before a scheduled reservation at most Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort locations. Keep in mind, some locations may vary, so check guests should check the restaurant’s dining policy ahead of their visit.

Find Quick and Nearby Foods with Mobile Order

If a guest prefers quick-service locations, recent mobile order updates make it even easier to find and order food whenever hunger strikes.

Guests can sort the list to see which mobile order locations are close by and offer the earliest available pickup times in the app. If they’re walking around Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they can easily order from nearby locations like Rosie’s All-American Café!

There’s much to be excited about at Disney Parks right now – especially when it comes to food! As we continue to focus on simplifying your experience, we have made additional updates to the My Disney Experience and Disneyland app navigation menus that make the services and features guests need during their visit – like ordering food and making a dining reservation – easier to find and access. If guests are feeling hungry, they can head to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps, so they can plan their dream dining experience.* Already have the app? Make sure it’s up-to-date for the latest features.

*Apple, the Apple logo, are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. Separate terms and conditions apply. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.

It’s no secret that the Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, will bring stories from favorite Disney Parks attractions to life like never before when it sets sail later this year. From The Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, many of the ship’s venues will be based on Disney Parks attractions, all tying into the Disney Treasure’s overarching theme of adventure. The same beloved Disney Parks attractions will also inspire a brand new Disney Cruise Line merchandise line!

Coming in late 2024 with the launch of the Disney Treasure, the Sea Trinkets collection will invite future guests to take a bit of Disney Parks magic home with them, offering an array of artifacts worthy of any adventurer. 

Keep reading for a preview of the collection!

Each unique piece of this porcelain coaster set will be decorated with graphic artwork inspired by Disney Treasure venues, including Haunted Mansion Parlor, Skipper Society Lounge and Periscope Pub. The set will be encased by a three-dimensional, barnacle-encrusted box that will evoke the mysterious lore of Disney Parks.

Beware of this eye-catching barware! Displayed inside a beautiful sea-worn box with a sculpted adventurers’ compass, this set will include three essential mixologist accessories. Each piece will draw on iconic Disney Parks attractions and onboard Disney Treasure venues, including a bottle opener that will portray the eerie doorknocker from The Haunted Mansion.

Themed to Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the Disney Treasure’s own Periscope Pub, this steampunk-esque ceramic planter depicts a heart-quickening face-off between the giant squid and the Nautilus. Future guests will be able bring this gilded conversation piece into their home to serve as a capsule for Disney Cruise Line memories.

Those who sail on the Disney Treasure will discover this unique décor piece that will be reminiscent of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea theming of Periscope Pub. A whimsical addition to any home, the design will feature giant squid tentacles wrapped around a vintage scuba helmet.

This gold-hued jewelry set will come nestled within a carved treasure chest and will include a nautical key-shaped necklace and a curiously mismatched set of symbolic earrings. The distinct logo belonging to the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) will be delicately incorporated into the necklace pendant.

What’s S.E.A. you ask? As the legend goes, the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) is a group of scientists, engineers, mariners and artists who endeavor to explore the unknown world and discover unique objects along the way. This stunning set is a tribute to their adventures and connection to Disney Parks attractions. 

This beautifully bound notebook, embossed with a mythological creature of the deep, will serve as the perfect travel journal for future Disney Treasure guests. Ready to be filled with tales of cruising adventures and treasured memories, its empty pages will await new discoveries and capture the spirit of Disney Parks and S.E.A. 

The Sea Trinkets collection will be available for purchase at select merchandise locations onboard the Disney Treasure.

March 12, 2024

Hello, travelers! Follow along for exclusive updates as we await the grand opening of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind tropical retreat on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera, opens this summer. This beautiful destination will offer a window into the rich culture, warm hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty of The Bahamas.

Today, we’re excited to share first-look photos of construction progress, which give a glimpse of the inspiration and stunning architecture of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Cabanas

The vibrant colors and patterns designed by a Bahamian artist dotting the beautiful shores of Disney Lookout Cay? Those are the Mabrika Cove Cabanas, which will be available for families to relax and play along the white sand and turquoise Bahamian waters.

Among the first sights guests will see when approaching Disney Lookout Cay, the colorful cabanas will set a tone for the vibrant and beautiful architecture throughout the island destination.

True-True Too BBQ

Walt Disney Imagineering designed the architecture throughout Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point to resemble a series of colorful, oversized seashells scattered along the coastline. From these beautiful decks under the shade of a shell-inspired pavilion, guests will enjoy some tasty lunch from True-True Too BBQ while taking in the beautiful views of the ocean and sand dunes.

Can you spot some nature-inspired art under the pavilion? That is just a peek of the art that will fill these beautiful spaces, all drawn from the coral, seashells, fish, and flowers that inform the architecture and also inspire Eleuthera’s local artists.

Tram Stop

Another early sight of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is one of our tram stops. This space will soon be filled with the bright colors that will light up the destination, inspired by the warmth of Bahamian art and culture. Expect hair braiding, merchandise, and lots of fun.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we count down the days to June!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will have new looks specially designed by acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett whenever they visit Disney Cruise Line’s newest island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. The garments will have a distinct Bahamian flair, inspired by the bright, colorful spirit of Junkanoo, the country’s signature festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades.

Over the years, Disney has been working hard to keep their Star Wars experiences in Disney Parks evolving alongside that expanding galaxy far, far away. That is also part of what makes Star Tours: The Adventures Continue so special. So now, starting April 5, 2024, at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort  , Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be taking guests on some all-new adventures. These new additions will feature characters and locations from some of guests favorite Disney+ new series – “Ahsoka”, “Andor”, and “The Mandalorian”.

With these additions, guests will now have an opportunity to experience one of more than 250 storyline variations aboard the attraction, including a visit to the planet Peridea from the Ahsoka series.

Urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu may soon be part of guests next Starspeeder flight. These iconic characters will continue to add to the galaxy of stories aboard Disney’s first Star Warsattraction.

Also starting April 5, Season of the Force will arrive at Disneyland park for a limited time through June 2, 2024, with Hyperspace Mountain, themed food and beverage, merchandise and more. Debuting during the celebration, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park on select nights, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.

March 1, 2024

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, has it all – white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and some favorite Disney friends! Starting this weekend, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their favorite pals will debut all-new beach wear that celebrates the fun, colorful and natural environment of this tropical oasis – with some Disney Cruise Line flair, of course!

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to enjoy a day with their friends while donning new swim wear that celebrates the iconic colors of Disney Cruise Line. Guests might notice the waves on Mickey’s hat, while the small print details on his shirt pay tribute to the first time he appeared on water as Steamboat Willie. Minnie, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine in her rainbow dress, adorned with sunglasses (complete with her signature bow) and a ship’s wheel on her ribbon belt.

Daisy Duck and Donald Duck are the quintessential beachgoers – while Daisy is hoping to enjoy a relaxing day sunbathing on the beach, Donald Duck is ready to snorkel and find all of his underwater friends (he even has some creatures hopping a ride on his floaties!). Daisy is fashionable, as always, in her lounge wrap dress, sunhat and fanciful accessories complete with nautical nods.

Goofy is ready to play anything from beach volleyball, racket ball, fishing or just riding around the island with this colorful T-shirt, shorts, vest and sun hat. Pluto is having fun celebrating all the other animals on the island, as well as those guests can find on the ship! In fact, guests may recognize his fish collar design outside their stateroom.

While Goofy might be ready for a sun-soaked activity, Chip and Dale are ready for an adventure of their own! This iconic duo used materials they found around Castaway Cay to make their very own homemade pirate costumes, fashioning floaties into sashes and beach towels into pirate hats. They are still wearing swim trunks and floatie vests, however, because you never know where adventure will take you!

Those planning a visit to Castaway Cay on an upcoming Disney cruise should be on the lookout for these brand-new looks!

February 29, 2024

Luck is in the air because St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and that means treats! The holiday may be on March 17, but starting as early as the beginning of the month the culinary teams at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are taking guests on a flavorful trip over the rainbow with plenty of delights they definitely are going to want to try.

This year, we’ve got a delicious lineup of new delights, including the beautifully delicious End of the Rainbow Crème Brûlée at Amorette’s Patisserie, as well as returning favorites like the almost too cute to eat (emphasis on the almost) St. Patrick’s Day Donut from GCH Craftsman Grill.

Let’s jump right in and get to all of the tasty bites coming to Disney Parks this St. Patrick’s Day in the official Foodie Guide for 2024.

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By: Disney Destinations

Welcome to the official ship’s log for the Disney Treasure! Follow along for an exclusive look into the complex ship building process as we document all the important milestones of the Disney Treasure’s journey. The Disney Treasure’s story began with the start of construction in January of 2023 and has continued to evolve ever since. Return here for the latest developments in the Disney Treasure’s progress as the world patiently waits for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship to officially set sail in 2024. The adventure is just beginning!

A new sculpture, bound for the Haunted Mansion Parlor onboard the Disney Treasure, is being crafted at a dedicated Walt Disney Imagineering workshop at Walt Disney World Resort. Who inspired this mysterious bust? The sculpture was modeled in the image of the famed Disney Legend, Rolly Crump. And the fact that today is Rolly’s birthday makes this Ship’s Log reveal all the more special as the world remembers him and his many contributions to Disney Parks.

Nicknamed “Rolly” by Walt Disney himself, ­ during the early days of the company and played an integral role in designing the original Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort. Six decades later, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will unlock the next chapter of the Haunted Mansion saga for Disney Cruise Line guests. The venue will be imbued with Crump’s unique brand of humor and is a proud continuation of his legacy, celebrating the weird and the fantastical.

Part of Rolly’s larger creative concept for a “Museum of the Weird” in the Haunted Mansion, his original vision included a character that appeared to be melting like a candle. It was only fitting for the design for Rolly’s memorial bust to stem from his own ideas, which led to the sculpted drips on the side of his face and a memorial plaque that reads, “BROTHER ROLAND- FOREVER REVERED FOR EMBRACING THE WEIRD.” When the Disney Treasure sets sail, Rolly Crump’s statue will have a place of honor within the Haunted Mansion Parlor. 

One of the best parts about the spring at Walt Disney World Resort is the incredible delights our culinary teams whip up, especially for holidays like Easter. This year is no different because, once again, select Disney Resort Hotels will be transformed with dazzling Easter egg displays and delicious treats alike.

These spectacular displays are hand-painted and designed by the talented pastry chefs who put months of dedication and talent into bringing these creations to life. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are all joining in on the egg-travaganza with offerings for guests to enjoy.

And the fun doesn’t stop there; there are also plenty of tasty treats on the way that will leave guests and their taste buds hoppy – we mean happy! Guests are in luck because we’ve got a first look at some of the bites coming to the Grand Cottage at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on March 3.

Let’s kick things off with a trip over to the Seven Seas Lagoon, where the pastry team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been hard a work creating Easter egg displays for guests. This can’t-miss tradition is a staple of the Easter season at the resort and showcases the artistry and talent of these cast members. Each has a unique theme and story that the culinary cast member brings to life with their own creative touch. We’ve put together some favorite eggs from years past so guests can get an idea of what they can experience this year! But there are plenty of new ones coming inspired by cherished characters, stories, and treats, like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Disney Animation’s “Beauty and the Beast,” and Disney snacks. With so many new creations, it’s worth a revisit if guests have seen them before.

But that’s not all for the resort. The team has also been whipping up some delicious items for guests to indulge in this spring. The Grand Cottage is back for the third year to bring to guests a plethora of festive (and adorable) treats they won’t want to miss from March 3 through April 1.

• Bunny Pop Flower Pot: Chocolate flower pot filled with jelly beans and three chocolate bunny pops (New)
• Fruity Cereal Mickey Pop: Mickey-shaped fruity cereal crisped treat
• The Easter Treat Box: Dark chocolate filled bunny, carrot blondie pop, marshmallow pop, carrot cake chocolate bark, confetti pop, and meringue nests
• Easter Marshmallow Pop: Three large marshmallows dipped in a yellow chocolate coating topped with Easter quins
• Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup: Layers of chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, and cookies ‘n cream pieces with springtime décor (Plant-based)
• The Grand Egg: White chocolate egg filled with jelly beans sprayed in spring colors

The Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup and Fruity Cereal  will both also be available over at Gasparilla Island Grill from March 3 through April 1.

Also nestled over at Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will once again be home to its fair share of mind-blowing egg displays. The team here has brought their creativity to the egg to create works of art that will leave guests amazed (and craving some chocolate). Once guests set their eyes on this year’s lineup, they won’t believe that these hand-painted displays are real. Here’s a glimpse of some of last year’s talented creations to give guests an idea of what to expect when this year’s eggs are on full display starting March 3. Much like at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the displays here also will be filled with brand-new eggs inspired by characters from stories, like “Elemental” and “Hercules.”

Last, but certainly not least, we’re heading to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort where these waterside resorts are once again bringing in some truly egg-cellent displays to life this year. The pastry teams at the resort are joining in on the fun and have been working on creating their own detailed eggs for guests to dazzle in this spring.

This year, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will take a journey on the water side with a brand-new Moana-inspired display. See some of the beloved characters and scenes from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film brought to life in egg form. Guests can catch this new creation starting March 3 in the lobby of the resort. Last year, the team crafted a “Finding Nemo”-inspired display that made quite the splash!

Right next door at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a display inspired by none other than the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which can be found just around the corner from the resort. The team has meticulously crafted miniature versions of some of the iconic topiaries available at the festival, bringing a floral touch to the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Guests can get a peek at what’s coming here as this creation premiered last year and is coming back again starting March 3.

There is plenty to see (and taste) this spring at Walt Disney World Resort. The adventures are truly endless at Disney Parks!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

February 16, 2024

Flavor is about to be in full bloom because the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is nearly here! From Feb. 28 through May 27, 2024, EPCOT will be transformed into a flower-filled adventure budding with delicious bites, masterfully-crafted topiaries, can’t-miss entertainment, and exclusive merchandise your guests won’t want to miss.

This year there are nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens and over 60 new items to indulge in! That’s a lot of new flavors buzzing around. Within all these new menu items, guests should ‘bee’ sure to try delights for the first time like the Cubanito at Florida Fresh and Peach Galette at EPCOT Farmers Feast. But don’t worry, there are plenty of returning favorites, including none other than the beloved Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade at Pineapple Promenade and the Chicken and Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board.

Once the Festival kicks off, guests should be sure to pick up a Festival Passport and join in on the tasty foodie fun with the return of Garden Graze. To join in on this food stroll, which features 8 tasty bites from the Outdoor Kitchens, guests can simply get a stamp on their passport after they purchase and once they collect five, they can receive their exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade.

And for a convenient way to pay as they go, guests can try these specially designed mini festival-themed Disney Gift Cards. Guests can simply load it and wear it on their wrist for quick and easy scanning when they purchase all their festival favorites.

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