WDW Daily News

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has always been home to some of our Guest’s favorite entertainment experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. With so much to do and see, our Guests won’t want to miss a thing – and today, we have some updates to share about entertainment at the park.

First up, let’s look to the sky as some of our favorite Disney characters take flight in “Disney KiteTails.” Since its debut as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, this show has been delighting Guests with a vibrant celebration of music, color and kites – some as large as 30 feet long – depicting Simba, Baloo and more! Just in time for summer fun, we’re shifting the focus of the show so guests will be able to experience “Disney KiteTails” from anywhere around the Discovery River Lagoon, with shorter and more frequent performances throughout the day.  

Between “Disney KiteTails” performances, Discovery River will come alive with our Character Flotillas! Setting sail in succession, these high-energy boats will fill the waters throughout the park with music, EARidescent 50^th anniversary moments and characters including Mickey and friends, Timon, Rafiki and Pocahontas several times each day. 

Speaking of Guest favorites, a certain group of high-flying primates will be making their return to “Festival of the Lion King.” Not only will the delightful Tumble Monkeys be back to their acrobatic hijinks this summer, but the show’s iconic birds will once again soar above the stage.

That’s not the only excitement on the horizon. Guests visiting the park will soon be able to share a high-five with Mickey & Minnie at Adventurers Outpost and take in the newly updated “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond” – both opening in the coming months as we continue to add even more magic to The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

It’s time to hop on over to Disney Parks because Easter will soon be upon us and with that, tons of treats to fill up the Easter basket with adorable snacks and delicious sips.

This tasty eggs-travaganza is packed with returning classics and adorable treats to enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. These dazzling delights aren’t just for the tastebuds to enjoy, but for the eyes too! To make this year even more festive, the gorgeous hand-crafted Easter egg displays are back and sprinkled across Walt Disney World Resort hotels and are a must-see.

Walt Disney World Resort

Available at Multiple Resorts April 10 through 23 

• Coconut Sugar Bunny Cupcake: Carrot cake cupcake filled with pineapple topped with cream cheese buttercream and a coconut sugar bunny (available on Mobile Order) (New) Available at the following:
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Sassagoula Floatworks at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Riverside Mill at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Everything Pop at Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

 World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 23) 

• Spring Into Easter: Strawberry mousse with blueberry compote and lemon curd on vanilla cake (New)

Ever since we announced that the Disneyland Resort is bringing back its nighttime spectaculars, we’ve been awaiting April 22, when the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will return to Disneyland Park, and “World of Color” will return to Disney California Adventure Park. As we all look forward to celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” check out the new merchandise, coming soon to Disneyland Resort and shopDisney, and a dining package that will light up the world!

The “Main Street Electrical Parade” all-over print t-shirt with glow ink and “Main Street Electrical Parade” leggings will completely immerse Guests in this fan-favorite offering. They incorporate a fresh take on the original designs of the parade floats, so when sporting these, the glowing lights of the floats may not be the only things turning heads!

With a celebration as exciting as this one, Guests will have to wear the perfect pair of ears, right? The “Main Street Electrical Parade” ear headband and split seam tee will make Guests feel like they’re part of the show, whether they’re in the park or at home.

Guests will want to have their hands free to clap along to the music that will accompany the new grand finale sequence, so this “Main Street Electrical Parade” mini backpack by Loungefly is perfect for holding all the park essentials.

This “Main Street Electrical Parade” dress features classic Pete’s dragon Elliott and is perfectly complemented by a sash that salutes the 50^th anniversary of this timeless classic.

At Plaza Inn in Disneyland Park, Guests can savor a scrumptious lunch with a dining package that comes with a meal, beverage, dessert, and entrance to a reserved viewing area for the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” which will include an exciting new finale for which everyone will want a stellar seat. Experiencing the thousands of sparkling lights and musical sounds as the floats go by will be even sweeter after enjoying some world-famous Plaza Inn fried chicken, house made mac and cheese, Mickey-shaped sweet honey corn bread, and a decadent berry cheesecake. Reservations for the “Main Street Electrical Parade” dining package will open no earlier than April 14.

This electrifying new merchandise is coming soon to Disneyland Resort and shopDisney.

There’s even more excitement on the way soon, including a nighttime spectacular foodie guide. With just about two weeks to go, get ready to “ignite the night” once again!

*Dining packages and entertainment offerings are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both a theme park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date for each person ages 3 and older are required for park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and are not guaranteed. A dining package is nonrefundable, may not be exchanged or sold, and does not include theme park admission. 

Walt Disney World Resort has earmarked nearly 80 acres of land to bring a new affordable housing development to life in southwest Orange County, Florida. This initiative has been in the works for quite some time and builds on The Walt Disney Company’s long legacy of bringing positive, lasting change to the communities it calls home—making an important difference locally to address one of the nation’s greatest challenges.

This new development, which is still in the early planning stages and subject to appropriate approvals, is expected to include more than 1,300 units and will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney’s land near its Central Florida theme parks. The development will offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable, located in close proximity to schools and the new and expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex. It will offer a variety of amenities to foster a strong community.

Known for building industry-leading theme parks and resort hotels around the world, Disney will engage the developer to bring that same innovation, expertise, and attention to detail to this initiative. The development will be available for qualifying applicants from the general public, including Disney cast members.

“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”

More details about this initiative will be released at a later date as the Company continues due diligence work with a prominent affordable housing developer. Disney’s initiative will play an important role as leaders in the community—including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings—continue to prioritize finding lasting solutions to affordable housing in Central Florida.

This new initiative in Central Florida will join additional investments Disney is making in affordable housing. Several years ago, Disneyland Resort led an effort to revitalize the Orange County Housing Trust that provides “last mile” funding for affordable housing projects in Anaheim. This made the Buena Esperanza project—a converted studio apartment community for veterans and homeless individuals with mental illness—a reality. In addition to providing them a place to live, the community offers job placement and mental health and wellness support to residents. As a result of Disney’s investment, a second project, Finamore Place, in Anaheim is under construction with an expected completion date of early summer 2022. It will provide more than 100 additional housing units. Disneyland Resort will continue support these and other such worthy endeavors.

Get ready for an intergalactic chase through time and space – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to officially debut May 27 at EPCOT!

Get excited – Xandarians are coming to Earth and building the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at EPCOT, called the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. Guests will learn more about their technology and culture as they move through the pavilion, and discover how our two cultures are similar in so many ways.

But what actually happens aboard this family-thrill coaster? We’ve got a little bit of an idea…

The excitement begins May 27 when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind releases its awesome mixtape of an attraction to the world. This is another big, magical moment in the 18-month Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration currently underway

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE returns to Walt Disney World Resort July 14 through Nov. 19.

Our teams of Disney chefs, mixologists and sommeliers have been testing, tasting and collaborating to create a smorgasbord of culinary delights, taking Guests on an epicurean journey as they discover new concepts and menu items at more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT. Returning favorites will include The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE. Some Global Marketplaces will open a few weeks later during this 129-day event.

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare returns this year with internationally recognized artists as well as local bands offering fun tunes on the America Gardens Theatre stage. We look forward to sharing more details about the lineup of bands and musical artists playing this year’s festival soon.

But that’s not all! Beyond the sips and bites, a full menu of fun offers more ways for everyone in the family to enjoy the festival:

• Embark on a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. Kids of all ages can search for Remy on a savory scavenger hunt around EPCOT. Guests can purchase their map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations to participate.
• Try delicious cheeses served in fun ways as part of Emile’s Fromage Montage – collect stamps in the festival passport after eligible purchases at select Global Marketplaces.
• Guests can commemorate their visit and bring the culinary magic home with official festival event merchandise, including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.
• In addition to the festival, Guests can discover incredible new EPCOT experiences during the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, “Harmonious” and the Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic

As early as April 18, we will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Very soon, Guests will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!

During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.

This exciting milestone continues the recent, powerful momentum of returning entertainment across the Disney parks and resorts. As part of the 50^th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World, we’ve welcomed back shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” And this spring, Disneyland will see the return of several beloved nighttime spectaculars, including “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever,” “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street Electrical Parade,” celebrating its own 50^th anniversary.

If you’ve ever been to Disney World, you’ll know how crucial it is to plan transportation.

Between six parks and 25 resorts on more than 27,000 acres, even a day in which you carefully plan every move and ride can get hard on the feet very quickly.

Full Story

Celebrate the springtime tradition of Eggstravaganza — a special “egg” hunt throughout the Disneyland Resort from March 31 to April 17, 2022.

Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort during this time can hop on over to pick up their game board and stickers for $9.99* (plus tax) at select merchandise locations throughout the Disneyland Resort. There are three different game boards, depending on where Guests decide to play: one each at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and at Downtown Disney District.

Then, let the hunt begin! Guests will have an eggscellent time eggsploring for hidden “eggs” painted as Disney characters. They may spot a Donald Duck egg on a window ledge or a Goofy egg in the nook of a doorway in areas around the Resort. Guests can check off their discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the themed Eggstravaganza game board.

Whether they choose to hunt for eggs or not, Guests can return their game board to collect an eggsceptional surprise – one of six collectible eggs! Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s prizes!

Redemption locations include Plaza Point at Disneyland Park, Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, and Disney’s Pin Traders and World of Disney at Downtown Disney District, while supplies last.

Valid admission and park reservation for the same date and the same park are required for park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Visit disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before your visit, including the latest information on face coverings.

*Purchasing limits will apply, and game boards are available while supplies last. Limit of 6 game boards per person. One surprise per game board. Game board redemption is valid through April 30, 2022. The experience is subject to restrictions and may change or be canceled without notice.

Just in time for the summer season, a new H20 Glow After Hours is coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The luminous after-hours event returns to the tropical oasis Memorial Day Weekend, with new elements that are sure to “glow-up” your Walt Disney World vacation this summer.

Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can purchase tickets to H2O Glow After Hours beginning March 29, with tickets on sale for the general public April 1. The popular nighttime experience has limited capacity, so be sure to secure tickets soon!

The after-hours party will offer unique, vibrant décor, high-energy DJ dance parties, exclusive glow-themed menu offerings and so much more. Imagine Guests’ favorite watery attractions glowing under the stars, with shorter wait times and more time to enjoy. Whether shooting down Crush N’ Gusher, making a splash in the Surf Pool, or showing off groovy moves on the dance floor, Guests will experience this storm-strewn paradise in a whole new light. Attendees even receive a glowing wristband and tasty snacks like popcorn and select ice-cream treats to enjoy throughout the evening!

Disney H20 Glow After Hourstakes place between 8-11 p.m. every Saturday night from May 28 to Aug. 27, giving Guests three glowing hours in the water park after gates close. Guests with tickets for the exclusive party can even enter Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6 p.m.