Theme park fans…how are we doing this week? Have you caught up on sleep? Have you had enough water? The theme park news cycle this week was totally dominated by Universal Orlando Resort. With its third theme park, Epic Universe, set to open in 2025, we got a first look at all of the worlds and some of the rides that will call the park home. But that doesn’t mean the Disney theme parks didn’t have a busy news week, too!
It’s a new month, so there are lots of limited-time and seasonal celebrations taking place at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. The big news item coming out of Disney this week is a newly refurbished and redesigned hotel on the West Coast, so that’s where we’re heading first!
Pixar Place Hotel Opens at Disneyland Resort
Paradise Pier Hotel has officially completed its transformation into Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort. The newly minted hotel had its opening ceremony on January 30. Much of Pixar Place Hotel had already been completed, including new dining options such as Great Maple Modern American Eatery.
Disney also unveiled unique character experiences exclusive to Pixar Pier Hotel. You can spot Joe Gardner from Pixar’s Soul playing piano near the hotel lobby, and Bing Bong from Pixar’s Inside Out will be making appearances for the first time at any Disney property.
Guests who stay at Pixar Place Hotel can expect sleek and modern accommodations with a Pixar twist. The hotel also features its own designated security checkpoint and entrance to Disney California Adventure, which is located across the street from the hotel. When you enter the park, you’ll come out between Corn Dog Castle and Seaside Souvenirs.
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EPCOT Hosts Its First Disney After Hours Event of 2024
Last month, Walt Disney World began its first slate of Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As of February 2, EPCOT has joined the fold as one of the theme parks offering After Hour access.
Disney After Hours are hard-ticketed events, meaning you have to buy separate admission in order to attend. These events take place after a park’s normal operating hours, giving attendees lower wait times for popular rides, unique character meet and greets, and more. This first wave of After Hours nights takes place at EPCOT now through April 4 before a brief hiatus. Additional EPCOT After Hours events will take place from April 25 through July 18.
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Celebrate Soulfully Begins at Disney World and Disneyland
February 1 marked the start of Black History Month, and Disney Parks is taking part in the festivities with Celebrate Soulfully. The month-long commemoration includes an array of limited-time food and beverage items across the parks and resorts. Disney released a Foodie Guide ahead of this month, which outlines when and where guests can try these treats for themselves.
The big ticket item a lot of fans have their eyes on is Tiana’s Famous Beignets, coming to Magic Kingdom! Yes, Magic Kingdom will once again offer beignets after a long hiatus. They are available at Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland. There are tons of other sweet and savory items to check out this month if you happen to be in the parks!
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT DISNEYLAND’S FULL LINEUP OF FESTIVALS AND SEASONAL EVENTS IN 2024.
Magic Happens Returns to Disneyland
If you missed Magic Happens, your wait is finally over. The daytime parade returns to Disneyland Park on February 2.
The parade features many Disney characters from newer films like Moana and Coco while also showcasing classics like The Sword and the Stone and Sleeping Beauty, and, of course, Mickey Mouse himself.
Seriously, if you’re in Disneyland and there’s a performance of Magic Happens, you need to check it out – it’s a really impressive daytime parade. Magic Happens will perform daily along the Disneyland parade route at either 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM, or both. Check Disneyland’s entertainment calendar ahead of your visit for the most up-to-date performance times.
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR 2024 DISNEYLAND VACATION.
New In-Park Offerings From Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings
If your dream wedding involves Disney in any way, shape, or form, you’ve probably looked into Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. This week, they unveiled a trio of new offerings, including a first look at their latest bridal gown collection. On top of that, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings announced a brand-new horse-drawn Cinderella Platinum Coach at Disneyland. You can include the carriage on your special day starting in March 2024.
In addition, there is a NEW wedding location in Disney World. With the completion of World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT, couples can say “I do” with Spaceship Earth as the backdrop.
And, because these types of weddings have to happen late at night or early in the morning outside of the park’s operating hours, Spaceship Earth will be aglow in its Points of Light. World Celebrations Gardens can be booked for ceremonies beginning in January 2025.
