WDW Daily News

Summer will be here before we know it, which means the grand opening of Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is quickly approaching! Today, we’re excited to unveil a first look at some of the Bahamian-inspired merchandise that will be available at this one-of-a kind island retreat.

From Bahamian-inspired Mickey and Minnie plush to apparel with the festive feel of Junkanoo, these collections will give guests a chance to bring home keepsakes that reflect some of the experiences at this vibrant island destination.

Junkanoo-Inspired Collection: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will be filled with the sights and sounds of Junkanoo, a longstanding Bahamian tradition filled with colorful parades. The bright hues and festive patterns of Junkanoo merge with nods to Mickey Mouse himself in this Bahamian-inspired collection including a spirit jersey, designer Loungefly backpack and ear headband. 

Mickey and Minnie Plush: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are debuting designer tropical looks for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which feature a Bahamian twist on Minnie Mouse’s iconic polka dots and conch shell-patterned shorts on Mickey Mouse. These new looks will be available in a luggage-friendly size with these adorable new plush exclusive to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Theodore Elyett Collection: Take home a designer look of your own from the same artist behind Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s looks! Acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett created a uniquely Bahamian clothing line, including this ear headband full of the bright colors, patterns and straw, often seen in local art. Disney Cruise Line will partner with a variety of Bahamian artists at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point throughout the island architecture, décor, and merchandise, and Theodore’s artist spotlight collection will include men’s and women’s apparel.

Guests will find these collections exclusively at Disney Cruise Line’s new island destination, which will open this summer!

Summertime at the Most Magical Place on Earth is going to be extra magical this year! Not only will guests be able to join the party in The Big Easy when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom, but guests will also be able to see a new drone experience at Disney Springs this summer!

At Disney Springs, drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for visitors. “You can fly” takes on a whole new meaning as we showcase Disney stories celebrating the joy of flight with state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create designs in the sky and paired with a “soaring” musical score and memorable movie quotes. After spending a day delighting in shopping, discovering fun activities, and savoring diverse flavors at Disney Springs, guests can turn their eyes to the skies above the West Side with a show amongst the stars. “Disney Dreams That Soar” will run nightly from May 24 through Sept. 2!

March 21, 2024

Summertime at the Most Magical Place on Earth is going to be extra magical this year! Not only will guests be able to join the party in The Big Easy when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom, but guests will also be able to get a sneak peek of “Inside Out 2” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer!

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can get into their feels with Joy herself! She’s headed to Pixar Plaza starting June 10, where she joins other Pixar stars. She’ll be in her new home just in time for Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” which premieres in theaters June 14.

While guests are visiting Pixar Plaza, they can make some other core memories with a cute new space to snap selfies. Of course, Pixar Plaza is home to all kinds of ways to celebrate the incredible stories of Pixar – from character greetings to delicious snacks and sips to merchandise.

And, speaking of merchandise, guests can deck themselves out in new Pixar styles found at Beverly Sunset Boutique. We have a feeling Edna Mode would approve.

March 21, 2024

Summertime at the Most Magical Place on Earth is going to be extra magical this year! Not only will guests be able to join the party in The Big Easy when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom, but guests can also come talk about Bruno at EPCOT this summer!

EPCOTians everywhere know that the park has been undergoing the largest transformation in its history, and each new element that we’ve unveiled has brought us closer and closer to a fully reimagined EPCOT. Remember that gorgeous new fountain and welcoming front entrance? Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure? Creations Shop? The lights on Spaceship Earth? Space 220 Restaurant? Connections Café & Eatery? Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana? Walt the Dreamer? AND MORE?! Yes, EPCOT has seen a lot of cool changes … and starting June 10, we’re ready to debut the finishing touches of this grand transformation with extra summer fun.

Here for a limited time

Everyone will be talking about Bruno from June 10-Sept. 6 because a new summer sing-along featuring the beloved songs and story of “Encanto” is in development now. This new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!” runs several times throughout the day and will not only invite guests and their families to sing along with some of their favorite songs, but they’ll also spot Mirabel and Bruno on the newly opened CommuniCore Plaza stage.

Celebrating the evolution of EPCOT

This adorable, limited time show will take place on CommuniCore Plaza stage, and that will be because the last walls in the center of the park are coming down – that’s right! Beginning June 10, guests will be able to stroll through a fully transformed EPCOT.

While CommuniCore Hall will be home to the iconic EPCOT festivals and other celebrations, it’ll also be a perfect cool indoor space year-round for guests and their families to recharge. And speaking of cool, CommuniCore Hall will be surrounded by serene views and exciting experiences. The coolest mouse around will be ready to give guests a hug once the new character greeting location Mickey & Friends debuts! With its beautiful mural of all things EPCOT past and present, a geometric exterior design inspired by Spaceship Earth, and of course, Mickey Mouse and his pals, guests are sure to have a smile on their face.

If guests love what we’ve already revealed of the World Celebration Gardens, guests will be delighted by even more luscious greenery and relaxing spaces to enjoy out in CommuniCore Plaza and Inspiration Gardens. And that’s not even mentioning the more food and beverages and more entertainment to come … but we’ll have more details for guests soon.

March 21, 2024

Summertime at The Most Magical Place On Earth is going to be extra magical this year! Not only will guests be able to join the party in The Big Easy when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom, but The Lion King 30th anniversary roars into Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer!

There’s no better way to start this announcement than with … NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANTS INGONYAMA BGITHI BABA!!!

That’s right – guests can get ready to roar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park where the celebration for the 30th anniversary of “The Lion King” animated film will prowl throughout the entire park from June 10 through Sept. 6. There is a whole new merchandise collection so guests can see the iconic Disney’s Animal Kingdom stage show, Festival of The Lion King, in style.

Are Guests ready to rustle up some grubs?  There will be special menu items to snack on … and this adorable Pumbaa popcorn bucket to add to their pride! Stay tuned, because Disney Eats will have more to share on delicious treats later.

To fully embrace that “Hakuna Matata” lifestyle, guests can head on over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch where they can once again meet Timon and Rafiki. Figuring out when these furry friends are available for hugs or advice on finding the most delicious bugs is as easy as checking out My Disney Experience. Now that’s a problem-free philosophy to get behind!

And, while guests are at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, they can visit Animation Experience and learn to draw characters from “The Lion King.”

It’s going to be an awesome summer at Walt Disney World – and in addition to this limited-time experience, guests can cool down with H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and kick their feet up during a Disney Resort Hotel stay.

It’s going to be an enchanting summer at Walt Disney World!

March 21, 2024

Mark your calendars! The wilderness is calling!

Tucked away in the wondrous woodlands of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, each spacious one-bedroom cabin villa will offer the comforts of “home” and the joys of staying in the great outdoors. The first loop of cabins will open on July 1, with more loops opening throughout the year.

And if they haven’t heard, there are some showstopping activities guests can enjoy during their stay! Here are some fan-favorites: 

1. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Clap those hands and stomp those feet at one of this beloved Disney dinner show, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

This rootin’ tootin’ dining experience boasts toe-tapping musical performances from the Pioneer Players and a scrumptious all-you-care-to-enjoy feast! We highly recommend bringing an appetite and making reservations in advance.  

Did you know that Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is the longest-running live show at Disney World? This historic experience is a beloved tradition at Fort and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.

2. Tri-Circle D Ranch  

Over 90 horses from all around the Disney World theme parks call Fort Wilderness home!

Tri-Circle-D Ranch has various types of horses, from Cinderella’s elegant ponies to the Headless Horseman’s trusty steed. Everyone can tour parts of the Settlement area barn daily (free of charge), allowing plenty of time for guests to learn more about these beautiful animals from our knowledgeable Cast Members.

Ready to giddy up and go? Take a horseback riding adventure along one of many rustic riding trails, or embark on a carriage ride with the whole family. There is something for animal lovers of all ages. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or via the My Disney Experience app. Pony rides and wagon rides are only available on a walk-in basis. 

3. Outdoor Recreational Activities

There’s no better way to immerse in the wilderness than with one of the many outdoor activities available.

Embark on a paddle adventure to explore the many scenic waterways and streams with kayak and canoe rentals, or reel in some fun and try a hand at bass fishing with a guided catch-and-release outing held year-round for guests of all ages.

Suppose guests are looking for something a little less aquatic. In that case, they can jog through the lush meadows and cypress groves or embrace their inner Robin Hood during the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience. We highly recommend making reservations ahead of time for this family-friendly archery class. 

Beyond these activities, there are also playgrounds, pools, and sports facilities – a little something for everyone to create their own adventure!

4. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along

Looking for s’more fun? Join everyone’s favorite chipmunks, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and a singing cowboy for an evening of country songs, roasted marshmallows, and a Disney movie under the stars at Chip’ n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along. This nightly celebration is a great way to enjoy some fresh air with family after a day of play in the theme parks* – plus it is included for all guests staying at the resort.

Guests can purchase a s’mores kit from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar or bring their own marshmallows and sticks.

The limited-time Season of the Force will land at Disneyland park very soon, April 5 through June 2, 2024!

We previously teased that Season of the Force will feature limited-time offerings, plus new experiences to continue guest’s Star Wars story at Disneyland Resort. Today, we’re sharing more details on what to expect – including a new addition to the backstory of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, along with food, merchandise and more!

New experiences debuting during Season of the Force

On select nights starting April 5 at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be able to take in “Fire of the Rising Moons,” a nighttime experience that debuts a different view of the stunning Disneyland Park fireworks display, with musical accompaniment.

During this special gathering, villagers and visitors alike will come together to celebrate their freedom and to honor the heroes and legends of the galaxy who came before them. As the skies over Batuu light up in bursts of color, imaginations are ignited with the iconic music associated with tales from across the galaxy. It will be a powerful moment guests won’t want to miss!

Including selections from composer John Williams’ Star Wars film scores, “Fire of the Rising Moons” can be experienced from multiple areas in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including the Black Spire Spaceport, the TIE Echelon docking platform, and the speeder garage. Guest’s MagicBand+ will also add to the ceremony’s atmosphere with colorful lights and ambient vibrations.

Also beginning April 5, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will feature new additions inspired by the Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.” Earlier this month, we revealed the planet Peridea as the attraction’s newest destination. During their flight, guests may also receive urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, or Din Djarin and Grogu.

Limited-time Star Wars attraction overlay and more

Whether guests choose the way of the Jedi or pledge their allegiance to the dark side, the many choices of limited-time food and beverages, attractions and more will make Season of the Force a must-visit!

The high-speed Space Mountain overlay, Hyperspace Mountain, will return to Tomorrowland for a limited time through June 2. Guests will once again be able to race through the galaxy, encountering a Star Destroyer and dodging TIE fighters along the way.

Harnessing the power of the Force can really work up an appetite. Guests can fuel up with specialty themed food and beverages available for a limited time, such as the Star Wars sugar cookie. Plus, guests will be able to store rations in new collectible novelties, available for purchase while supplies last. Stay tuned for the full menu – the Disney Eats: Season of the Force Foodie Guide will be released soon!

New this year, aspiring bounty hunters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be able to join the search for Din Djarin, Grogu and more with a holopuck Magic Shot from Disney PhotoPass Service. Returning Star Wars Magic Shots and themed Disney PhotoPass Lenses (included with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service)* create additional opportunities to commemorate guests’ visit to a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars experiences available throughout the year

From out-of-this-world dining at Galactic Grill to thrilling attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disneyland Park is home to Star Wars experiences guests can enjoy all year long.

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests can use MagicBand+ to track down virtual bounties in the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters quest. Vibrations and lights from their band help guide them to their bounty, and the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app** reveals who is hiding in the shadows.

Aspiring builders can construct their own custom Star Wars merchandise at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests can forge their own lightsaber under the guidance of skilled Gatherers. Droid Depot is stocked with parts, chips and more to assemble their own BB-series, C-series or R-series unit. Purchase is required for both experiences, and advanced reservations are highly encouraged.

The Force is calling!

Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both valid Theme Park reservation and admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

*With the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, Disneyland guests can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the Disneyland app as soon as they enter a theme park. Select Disney PhotoPass Lenses are accessible only within designated areas of Disneyland Resort. Some Disney PhotoPass Lenses will remain accessible in the Disneyland app until 5:59 a.m. on the 45th day after the day on which the Disney Genie+ service was used; certain states and localities are excluded. Many Disney PhotoPass Lenses use technology that detects the coordinates of key points on a guest’s face and/or hands and may be used only by guests 18 years of age and older who have consented to use of this technology. Therefore, guests unable to provide such consent, as well as guests under 18 years of age, will have fewer lenses available to use. To access Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an eligible mobile device with the Disneyland app with access to the device’s camera and location is required. Use of Disney PhotoPass Lenses is subject to the Terms and Conditions. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

**Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Play Disney Parks app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

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.