WDW Daily News

Disneyland After Dark events are returning to the Disneyland Resort in 2023! Love is in the air for the ultimate date night at a royal gathering with two specially themed, limited-time after-park hours events, Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite, and introducing for the very first time, Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite! Magical entertainment, encounters with beloved Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, scrumptious foods and drinks, collectible merchandise and more make these special celebrations guests won’t want to miss!

Disneyland After Dark begins with a three-hour pre-party mix-in from 6 p.m. to  9 p.m. PT at Disneyland park, then the private party begins from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. PT, which also means guests may ride some popular attractions after regular park hours! Additionally, at each of these events, guests will receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party, plus commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map. 

Here are a few of the splendid details:

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite

Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023, at Disneyland Park

Sweethearts’ Nite will take place on seven different “date nights” in Disneyland park – the most ever for a Disneyland After Dark event:

• Gaze up at a special themed fireworks show 
• Dance at the Royal Ball hosted by Aladdin and Jasmine near “it’s a small world”
• Take a moonlit cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat with the sounds of a live jazz ensemble
• Relax and unwind to the sounds of island music from a Polynesian trio drifting through the night air at The Tropical Hideaway
• Delight in many deliciously themed menu items available for purchase, created just for the event 
• Capture your moment with photo opportunities with darling Disney couples and spots inspired by romantic scenes from Disney films such as “Lady and the Tramp” and “The Little Mermaid,” including  unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party
• Enjoy pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required

Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite

March 7 & 9, 2023, at Disneyland Park

Guests are invited to be royally fierce at Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite! This all-new, first-ever event will be a celebration under the stars where adventurous heroines and aspirational hearts unite! Immerse in this empowering night at Disneyland park with iconic characters who light the world with kindness, courage, and a touch of magic. With shimmering décor, special photo opportunities, themed food and beverage offerings, commemorative keepsakes and characters galore, guests will be ready to step into their own adventure of bravery and grace.

• Receive a royal welcome at the Disneyland Train Station featuring Princess Minnie Mouse and Princess Daisy Duck with fanfare trumpeters 
• Enjoy an inspiring musical concert celebrating heartwarming, adventurous heroines including Moana, Merida and more accompanied by live vocalists 
• Raise the royal roof and dance the night away at the high-energy, candy-themed dance party at Tomorrowland stage with Vanellope Von Schweetz
• Revel in Tiana’s Southern hospitality and dance along to jazz music in New Orleans Square
• Savor specialty menu items befitting royalty throughout Disneyland park, available for purchase 
• Picture yourself in photo backdrops inspired by Disney films like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess Diaries” including unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party
• Have a ball with pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required

Tickets will be available on Disneyland.com beginning next week. On Dec. 12, 2022 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), a limited number of tickets for these Disneyland After Dark events go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders. On Dec. 14, 2022 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability.*

*The number of tickets available for each event date are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Tickets must be purchased online and are not available on the day of the event. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date, and no discounts apply. Tickets not required for guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for commercial purposes. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions. Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at Disneyland.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.  Only select attractions, experiences, offerings, and services will be available during the event.  Event,  event elements, and available offerings may be modified and limited in availability, and are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refunds given for any changes or cancellations whether due to inclement weather or otherwise. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is bringing some new flavors and dishes to its menus for guests to enjoy! For those venturing over to the resort, they’ll find some delicious updates coming to multiple locations, including The Mara and Jiko: The Cooking Place. In this edition of What’s Cooking from Disney Eats, we’ll be giving everyone the full run-down of all the new dishes on the way!

Starting out at Maji Pool Bar, this spot will be refreshing its menu starting on Dec. 8 to add poolside snacks with an African twist. First up is the Shrimp Bakuli, which means bowl in Swahili. This dish is inspired by the open-air food markets found in Zanzibar, Chef Sahib Bhatti’s home country, where each evening as the sun sets, the vendors prepare seafood delicacies with the day’s catch. The bakuli includes chilled poached shrimp, pickled carrots, and Basmati rice with a flavorful soy-ginger dressing and berbere aïoli.

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Over the past year, Disney has rolled out a series of helpful updates and enhancements to Disney Genie+ service. They are excited to share this update for both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

To make it easier to change plans on the go, guests are now able to modify Lightning Lane selections made with Disney Genie+ service, without having to cancel and rebook their selection. Guests can now quickly search for and select other available attractions or arrival windows, helping them maximize their time in the theme parks.

Guests may select the three dots icon on their Lightning Lane selection from the Tip Board or My Day tab of Disney Genie service, and then select “Modify Plan” from the menu that appears.

After selecting “Modify Plan,” Lightning Lane experiences available at the park where the selection was originally made will appear. Guests may adjust their arrival window to a different time that is currently available, or may select a new experience to replace their Lightning Lane selection.

By selecting one of these options, the guest will be able to confirm the change. For guests who want to make a change for specific members of their party, they can adjust the party members prior to confirming the change.

In early 2024, Disney Cruise Line is going to be on island time! A variety of fan-favorite tropical locales are in store for guests and their family, including itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

With sailings from two home ports in the Sunshine State as well as voyages from Texas, Louisiana and California, guests can escape the winter blues with a magical vacation at sea from wherever they are in 2024.  

Bookings open to the public on Dec. 15, 2022. Clients that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:

• Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Monday, Dec. 12, 2022
• Gold Castaway Club Members: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
• Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 
• Bookings open to all Guests: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Sun-Drenched Getaways from South Florida

The Disney Dream will begin early 2024 with an assortment of three- and four-night getaways to the Bahamas and five-night vacations to the western Caribbean, all of which will feature classic Disney Cruise Line experiences such as Broadway-style shows, innovative dining, character encounters and fireworks at sea.

All sailings from Florida will include a stop at Castaway Cay, a picturesque private island oasis reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. Located in the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, Castaway Cay provides the ultimate escape with something for everyone in the family, including adventure, relaxation and quality time.

Tropical Vacations from Central Florida

The Disney Wish will kick off 2024 with three- and four-night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Cruise Line’s home port located just one hour from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Cruises aboard the Disney Wish combine enchanting entertainment and numerous Disney Cruise Line firsts, bringing to life Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars stories around every corner of the vessel. 

Also from Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will continue seven-night sailings to the white-sand beaches of the eastern and western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit Tortola and St. Thomas, while western Caribbean itineraries will feature the ports of Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica. Every Disney Fantasy sailing also includes a stop at Castaway Cay, along with several days at sea, giving the family more time to enjoy all the fun and relaxation offered on board.

Caribbean Adventures from Texas and Louisiana

The Disney Magic will have two limited-time engagements in Galveston in early 2024. After ringing in the New Year from the Lonestar State, the ship will embark on Caribbean adventures ranging in length from four to six nights through the end of January. Upon returning for another month-long stint between March and April, the ship will sail cruises ranging from four to seven nights to the western Caribbean during the popular spring break period.

New Orleans will welcome the Disney Magic back for a second consecutive year in February 2024 with four-, five- and seven-night cruises to the Caribbean. The Big Easy is the perfect city to extend a vacation either before or after a cruise to enjoy jazz and jambalaya in the city that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.”  

Mexican Escapes from California

After returning from its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, the Disney Wonder will arrive in San Diego, California in March 2024 for three- to seven-night voyages to Mexico, including the Baja peninsula. Known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and saltwater adventures, families can visit some of Mexico’s most prized destinations, including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, along with stops to the inviting shores of Catalina Island off the California coast.

By: Disney Destinations

For the past 25 years, Disney Cruise Line has made magic at sea by delivering world-class, award-winning cruise vacations full of memories that last a lifetime. And today we have exciting news to share!

Cruise Critic has named Disney Cruise Line the “Best Cruise Line for Families” in the Ocean Category of its 2022 Editor’s Picks. Chosen by the cruise guide’s international team of editors, these awards identify the best in the industry while helping Guests pick the right cruise to fit their needs. 

Disney Cruise Line was applauded for introducing new approaches to family-friendly cruising – including spacious staterooms with segmented bathrooms – along with our exceptional crew members who deliver legendary Disney service to our guests.

Disney Cruise Line has also received top honors from U.S. News & World Report, earning two Gold
Badges that recognize Disney as the “Best Cruise Line for Families” and “Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean” for the ninth year in a row.

To rank cruise lines, U.S. News & World Report considers ship quality, itinerary offerings, reputation among travelers, and results from health assessments conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On behalf of all our cast and crew members, we are honored to be named among the best at sea, and we hope to welcome everyone onboard soon. Learn more about our “Silver Anniversary at Sea” kicking off next year and booking a Disney cruise at DisneyCruise.com.

We’re getting closer to going down the bayou with Tiana and friends as progress continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Since the attraction was announced in 2020, Imagineers have been hard at work designing an immersive experience inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog” and the heart and culture of New Orleans. We’ve shared additional details and some sneak peeks since then at events such as ESSENCE Fest and D23 Expo 2022, demonstrating how our research brought us to New Orleans in an effort to remain authentic to the story’s setting.

Today, we are excited to give guests a first look at a new scene and some of the brand-new characters we’re creating specifically for this attraction. In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, guests will join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans. This new scene is the thrilling moment guests first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.

As guests can see here, fireflies will light up the night and invite them deeper into the bayou … almost like they’re waving everyone forward. What guests can’t tell from this rendering – so they’ll just have to trust us on this one – is that beautiful zydeco music will fill the air. Zydeco is a special blend of rhythm and blues that was born in Louisiana, and when guests hear it, they’ll feel like they’ve truly stepped into Tiana’s world.

Here guests will find Louis, who explains where this amazing music is coming from. Tiana made some new friends out here – a band full of adorable critters, including an otter, a rabbit, a racoon, a beaver, a turtle and others. The band members sing and play instruments made of natural materials they found in the bayou. It feels like they may have a bigger role to play in this story … but we’ll just have to wait and see on that one.

Like so many musical genres, zydeco brings together the sounds and styles of many cultures. We wanted that spirit reflected in this scene (and throughout the attraction) so that all our guests feel welcome to join in the celebration. It’s emblematic of what we’re always striving for with our attractions – bringing people of different backgrounds together through timeless Disney stories. This new musical adventure provides us with a song sheet to write that concept into reality.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a journey inspired by the story and characters from the hit film, picking up where that story left off. In preparation for this new experience and the many exciting updates ahead, Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort will be closed starting Jan. 23, 2023, so we can begin the next phase of this attraction’s development. Additional information about Splash Mountain at Disneyland Resort will be shared at a later date.

Continue following along for all updates relating to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as it makes its way to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T returns to celebrate visual, culinary, and performing arts beginning Jan. 13, and we’re sharing a first look at who will take the stage at the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series! Three times each evening, Guests can witness some of Broadway’s biggest stars perfor  ming songs from more than 25 years of award-winning DISNEY ON BROADWAY stage productions.

Here’s the full lineup of show-stopping performers you’ll see at the festival this year:

• Jan. 13, 15, 16, 19, 20 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) & Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
• Jan. 14, 17, 18, 21, 22 – Arielle Jacobs (“Aladdin”) & Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
• Jan. 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, Feb. 2, 3 – Patti Murin (“Frozen”) & Robert Creighton (“Frozen”)
• Jan. 24, 27, 28, 31, Feb. 1, 4, 5– Mandy Gonzalez (“AIDA”) & L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”)
• Feb. 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19 – Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) & Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
• Feb. 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) & Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”)
• Feb. 20 – Special, extended finale performance featuring Brown, Scott, Simmons & Strickland

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages will be on sale Dec. 13 for theater lovers who want a guaranteed seat for the action. Stay tuned for more details on the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

On a warm summer day in July of 1998, the Disney Magic embarked on its maiden voyage, introducing the world to a new kind of cruise vacation where families are immersed in Disney storytelling, dazzling entertainment and unparalleled hospitality at sea. For 25 years, Disney Cruise Line has been a porthole through which guests experience global destinations and create cherished memories onboard a one-of-a-kind fleet of enchanting ships. 

In 2023, new magic will unfold on the high seas as Disney Cruise Line celebrates its 25^th anniversary, bringing special entertainment, merchandise and celebratory experiences to select summer sailings. Guests are invited to take part in limited-time “Silver Anniversary at Sea” offerings across all five Disney Cruise Line ships from May through September of 2023. 

“For two-and-a-half decades, Disney Cruise Line has built an incredible legacy of creating unforgettable vacation memories for families around the world,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “Of course, at the heart of this anniversary celebration are our dedicated cast and crew members who continuously deliver legendary service and create magic at sea for our guests every day. Whether returning as a member of our Castaway Club or sailing with us for the first time, we are thrilled to invite guests of all ages to be a part of our very special anniversary festivities next summer.”

 Summer Sailings Offer Celebratory Surprises

The “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration will be featured on summer cruises aboard all five Disney Cruise Line ships. Guests will encounter new entertainment, limited-time enhancements, eye-catching decor, whimsical merchandise and other delightful surprises, all imbued with the magical spirit of this once-in-a-lifetime event. 

• Captain Minnie Mouse and Captain Mickey Mouse will don dazzling new ensembles to mark the occasion. Their coordinated looks will feature shimmering, multi-toned fabric and swirling designs reminiscent of ocean waves. The iconic duo will make appearances in their festive attire exclusively aboard “Silver Anniversary at Sea” sailings across the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

• Disney Cruise Line will debut a signature song to serve as the soundtrack of the celebration, tunefully threading nostalgic memories of vacations past with the of anticipation of new family adventures to come. The uplifting new melody will manifest in a variety of ways during summer sailings.
• New family entertainment and activities will culminate in shimmering evening experiences created exclusively for the anniversary celebration.
• Throughout their voyage, guests will discover themed culinary creations, from fanciful desserts to inspired craft cocktails and beyond.
• Guests can commemorate Disney Cruise Line’s “Silver Anniversary at Sea” with the Shimmering Seas Collection, a line of dedicated merchandise featuring a new signature color. Inspired by the magical glow of sunshine reflecting upon turquoise waters, the Shimmering Seas Collection will include an assortment of apparel, accessories, drinkware, keepsakes and more.

Even more magic lies in store for guests aboard sailings that include “Silver Anniversary at Sea” offerings. Additional details about new entertainment, merchandise and other celebratory experiences will be announced at a later date.

Castaway Club Introduces a New Membership Tier

The anniversary of Disney Cruise Line also heralds the unveiling of a brand-new membership tier for Castaway Club, which recognizes returning Disney Cruise Line guests with exclusive rewards and perks.Honoring 25 years of Disney magic at sea, members will now earn the distinction of Pearl status after 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations. As the line’s biggest fans, Pearl members will unlock new at-home and onboard benefits, which will be announced in early 2023.

Enchantment-filled Voyages Sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe and Alaska

Cruises featuring the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration will sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe and Alaska during the summer of 2023.

• Departing from Miami May 24 to Sept. 4, the Disney Magic will visit destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean, including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
• The Disney Wonder will depart on Alaskan voyages from Vancouver, Canada May 15 to Sept. 11 with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and more.
• From May 7 to Sept. 17, the Disney Dream will sail transatlantic and European itineraries, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Greek Isles.
• The Disney Fantasy will set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida May 6 to Sept. 2 to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, each with a day at Castaway Cay.
• Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, will depart on sailings to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay May 1 to Sept. 8 from Port Canaveral.

Alright, explorers– the time has come and we’re celebrating the release of the newest film from Walt Disney Animation Studios: “Strange World!” Check out all the ways guests can get ready to journey to a place where nothing is as it appears…

Learn to Draw (Splat & Legend) at Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure Park:

Guests can now learn to draw their soon-to-be favorite blue, mischievous character, Splat, and trusty three-legged dog, Legend, when they visit Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort! Led by Disney animators, this class at Animation Academy will teach guests how to draw either of these two unique characters from the all-new film “Strange World.” No reservations needed, just check the schedule to learn to draw “Strange World” and other characters at the Disney Animation Building where guests join in the fun when space is available.

Don’t miss learning how to draw these new characters from now until January 8!

Photo-Op in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park

For a limited time in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, guests can discover a dimensional backdrop that gives them the opportunity to step into the mysterious, uncharted land of “Strange World” for a photo with the mischievous blob affectionately known as Splat.

Splat DPI PhotoPass:

Starting today through January 8, guests can take a photo with Splat. Walt Disney World guests will find this PhotoPass offering at the entrance to Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, as well as at Disney Springs.

This offering will also be available on select sailings with Disney Cruise Line today through January 2.

Sneak Peek:

Guests visiting can see a sneak peek at scenes from the film. Sneak peeks are now playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line.

“Strange World” is now playing in theaters across the U.S.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It’s that time of year again when I share what I’m thankful for – Disney Edition.  I wanted to focus on something beyond what we all are most thankful for, such as a healthy and safe family, a good job, etc…

I wanted to write about things that I am thankful for, Disney style. Disney has created so many wonderful memories for my family I thought it would be fun to create a list. After reading my list I would like to hear your thoughts via Twitter.

I am thankful for….

• Walt Disney having the vision to create a place where families could have fun together in a safe environment
• The Walt Disney Co. continuously expanding and improving their parks, resorts, and service
• Being able to travel to Walt Disney World (and occasionally Disneyland) several times a year to get a different experience each time
• Having a wife and kids who love Disney as much as I do
• Having parents (Jacey & Peyton’s Grandparents), who enjoy and appreciate the magic of Disney like we do.
• Minnie Mouse opening up her arms to greet our youngest daughter on a pathway at Animal Kingdom and giving her a HUGE hug, which is something she still remembers to this day
• The look of amazement the first time my daughters stepped foot into Magic Kingdom
• The look of joy the first time my daughters met a Princess
• The look of bewilderment on my face when Belle picked me to play Beast at “Storytime with Belle”
• The ability to have two sets of grandparents who “get” what Disney is about and love to vacation with us
• Being able to help friends and families maximize their time during their Walt Disney World vacations
• Being able to see my daughters reaction when she finally reached the magical 48” height mark
• Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet helping me overcome my fear of heights
• Disney Vacation Club allowing our family to have accommodations that we otherwise might not be able to afford
• The smell of the Pop Century lobby after a 20 hour drive
• The ability to head right to your room without checking in after a 20 hour drive and arriving late in the night. (Thank you Magic Bands)
• Entering my resort room, turning on the TV, and hearing the sounds of Walt Disney World Today Channel, or a “Welcome Donahue’s” message on the TV.
• The times we were able to experience riding in the front of the monorail
• My youngest daughter, Peyton, who has Polycystic Kidney Disease, to be healthy enough to ride most attractions that she wants to
• Being able to “scream like a little girl” on Expedition Everest and fitting right in with everyone else
• Not looking like a fool wearing a crazy Disney hat around the parks
• Having a place where I can make a wish and truly believe it will come true
• Imagineers always wanting to “plus” an attraction
• Being old enough that my daughter, Jacey, had already completed the Disney College Program
• Finally experiencing Disney Cruise Line for the first time after I turned….50!
• Being fortunate enough to start planning another Disney trip right now