WDW Daily News

Guests can add another stop to their trip down to the bayou, because two reimagined retail stores inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog” are coming to Disneyland Resort! 

The reimagined merchandise locations coming to Critter Country in Disneyland park will include Ray’s Berets and Louis’ Critter Club. Their stories will further immerse guests into Princess Tiana’s story, along with the opening of the attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, later this year.

Take a peek at the just released concept art of these stores from Walt Disney Imagineering, below.

The first location, Ray’s Berets (currently The Briar Patch), will be the best place for guests to shop for headwear, apparel, accessories, toys and more with firefly Raymond and his firefly kin in the coziest cabin in Critter Country. Guests will be sure to light up when they see how these bayou bugs have made this home their own! 

Traveling further into the land, guests will come across Louis’ Critter Club (currently the left-hand side of Pooh Corner) where the friends of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure call this local hot spot their home away from home. Louis’ Critter Club is the place to go for apparel, accessories, home decor and more featuring some of guests’ favorite critters and Princess Tiana! 

The treats side of Pooh Corner will remain as a destination for must-have merchandise from Hundred Acre Wood, including beloved sweet treats like Tigger tails. 

To make way for these exciting enhancements to the land, Critter Country will temporarily close beginning May 1, 2024. 

Teams are working hard to bring Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to life, and we’re continuing to invest in the improvement of overall pathways and surrounding areas to help provide a great guest experience when the attraction opens. 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure picking up after the events of the film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome! Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends, and travel through the bayou as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will also feature original music and some familiar tunes from the beloved movie, a sweeping, colorful mural adorning the queue, and so much more! And all of this, of course, is in addition to the already open Tiana’s Palace restaurant and Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets in New Orleans Square.

We look forward to sharing more details about all of these updates in the coming months, and can’t wait to welcome guests to this updated area and attraction later this year – it’s almost time to let the good times roll! 

March 20, 2024

Today, we are thrilled to share the very first details about our next Disney Cruise Line ship! From zero to hero — just like that! — we are embarking on an epic new journey steeped in the lore of our favorite Disney heroes and villains. 

The Disney Destiny, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will have a first-of-its-kind design theme, “Heroes and Villains,” drawing on the legacies of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions.

The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story when developing this new ship, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose. Onboard, guests will encounter heroes and villains alike – including those from beloved Walt Disney Animation stories like “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” – within spaces, experiences and entertainment throughout their voyage. 

Minnie Mouse embodies the spirit of the Disney Destiny in this brand-new filigree artwork for the bow of the ship, continuing a beloved Disney Cruise Line design tradition. Donning a heroic new ensemble – cape and all! – and a valiant pose, she will boldly lead guests on epic cruise vacations.

The Disney Destiny also reached a new construction milestone today with the keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, which is a maritime tradition designed to bestow good luck upon the ship. Delivery for Disney Destiny is scheduled for 2025.

With this ship of destiny beginning to take shape, stay tuned for more details!

Disney Cruise Line will sail to fan-favorite destinations in summer 2025, offering unforgettable family vacations around the world. Itinerary options include tropical getaways to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida, adventures of grandeur in Alaska and, for the first time ever, European sailings to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on board the Disney Fantasy.

Bookings open to the public on March 22, 2024. Clients that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following early booking windows: 

• Pearl Castaway Club Members: Monday, March 18, 2024
• Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
• Gold Castaway Club Members: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
• Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Thursday, March 21, 2024
• Bookings open to all Guests: Friday, March 22, 2024

Disney Fantasy Marks Inaugural Season in Europe

The Disney Fantasy will spend its first summer season in Europe in summer 2025, visiting incredible European destinations from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean from May to late July. Five- to 12-night sailings from Barcelona, Spain and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy will call on picturesque ports of call throughout the Mediterranean, while one special 12-night sailing to the Greek Isles will feature three stops in Greece, two in Italy and the season’s only stop in Valetta, Malta.

From late July to September, the Disney Fantasy will sail from Southampton, United Kingdom to numerous destinations including Spain, Norway and British Isles.

Alaskan Adventures Return

The Disney Wonder will once again embark on adventures to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada, with five-, seven-, eight- and nine-night sailings from May to September. Families will encounter the breathtaking natural beauty of the last frontier, combined with the magic of Disney, on cruises to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with port adventures that offer excursions to Alaska’s majestic glaciers and gold mining relics. 

More Tropical Escapes from Florida

Four Disney Cruise Line ships will homeport in Florida in summer 2025 with three ships out of Port Canaveral and one out of Fort Lauderdale to whisk families away on tropical escapes to The Bahamas and Caribbean, including Disney’s magical island destinations.

The Disney Treasure, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will follow its inaugural season with seven-night itineraries from Port Canaveral to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean sailings will take families to Disney’s private island paradise, Disney Castaway Cay, along with Tortola and St. Thomas. Western Caribbean sailings will bring families to destinations such as Falmouth in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. The week-long voyages will offer at least two days at sea, giving families more time to enjoy the unique spaces, immersive dining and world-class entertainment onboard.

The Disney Magic will homeport in Port Canaveral for the first time since summer 2016, taking guests on four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and both of Disney’s island destinations. One special 10-night southern Caribbean sailing in July will take families to both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations along with Antigua, St. Kitts, San Juan and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Both the Disney Magic and the Disney Dream will take guests to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the one-of-a-kind retreat on the island of Eleuthera, in summer 2025. The vibrant tropical getaway will provide a unique window into the rich culture of The Bahamas merged with Disney’s signature entertainment and service. Select itineraries will include stops at both Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, with six Disney Magic or Disney Dream cruises sailing exclusively to Disney’s island destinations, inviting guests to experience even more magic both onboard and on land.

The Disney Wish will also sail from Port Canaveral, offering three- and four- night sailings to Nassau and the beloved beaches of Disney Castaway Cay. In South Florida, the Disney Dream will sail from Fort Lauderdale on three- to five-night sailings to one or both of Disney’s magical island destinations along with Nassau or Cozumel.

If you are interested in booking or more information please feel free to reach out to any Travel Agent at Wish Upon a Star With Us, who can assist you.

Guests are about to be hopping with excitement (and hunger) once they see what the Disney culinary teams have whipped up for them for Easter this year. The work they’ve done this year is truly egg-cellent and will leave guests and their taste buds more than satisfied.

We’ve got a flavorful combination of returning favorites and new delights this year. Guests can treat themselves once again with the return of the Bunny Cereal Treat from Disneyland Resort or try something brand-new like the Easter Egg Macarons at Disney’s Riviera Resort.

If guests venture over to Walt Disney World Resort, they should be sure to hop on over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort where the incredible pastry teams have created works of art out of chocolate. All four Disney resort hotels have masterfully decorated Easter egg displays that will leave guests blown away (and wanting some chocolate).

Guests should grab their Easter baskets and their appetite because we’ve got all the adorably delicious items they can enjoy this year. Let’s jump right into this year’s Foodie Guide to Easter!

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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!