What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in April

Spring is in full bloom at Walt Disney World! As we wrap up the month of March and head into April, there are a lot of new and noteworthy happenings at the parks and resorts.

April is a great month to visit the parks. It’s warm without the full heat of summer settled in, and crowds are lighter than what you see during peak spring break season in March (which should start to quiet down after the first week of April). If you do have a trip planned for the month of April, there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind as you plan your itineraries!

New Characters and Destinations Added to Star Tours

On April 5, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will receive its latest update at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The simulator attraction will be adding new characters and destinations featured in the Disney+ original series “Ahsoka,” “Andor,” and “The Mandalorian.”

These new additions will join the ride’s previous updates, bringing the total number of possible story variations to over 250! These changes will also debut at Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris starting on April 5.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT DISNEYLAND RESORT’S SEASON-LONG STAR WARS FESTIVAL COMING THIS SPRING.

1900 Park Fare Reopens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

It has been a long time coming, but next month, we’ll finally see the last of the pandemic-era closures come to an end! 1900 Park Fare will reopen on April 10 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It’s the first time since March 2020 that guests will be able to dine at this character buffet experience.

Speaking of characters, there’s a new lineup that guests can meet when dining at 1900 Park Fare. It includes Princess Tiana in a new look from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Aladdin, Mirabel, and Cinderella. Disney recently released a full Foodie Guide to 1900 Park Fare, which includes the restaurant’s famous Strawberry Soup.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HARD-TO-GET RESERVATIONS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD.

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

There’s another runDisney event coming up this April. The Springtime Surprise Weekend will take place from April 18 through 21. The weekend will include a 5K, 10K, and 10 Mile race. Kudos to everyone participating; y’all are the real MVPs.

If you are traveling to the parks during this time and are not participating in the runDisney races, be aware that your morning travels may be impacted. The races start at 5:00 AM, so it should be wrapped up in time for you to head to the parks in the morning. The day of the 10 Miler (April 21) could linger a bit longer, so be aware that your morning commute to the parks might take a little longer. Plan some extra time!

CLICK HERE FOR FOOLPROOF TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR FIRST EVER WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.

Earth Day Treats Appear at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Each April, limited-time treats start to pop up around Disney World to celebrate Earth Day. Most of these food items appear around Animal Kingdom, including cupcakes and other sweet treats.

Earth Day happens to coincide with Animal Kingdom’s anniversary. The theme park opened on April 22, 1998, which means the park will celebrate its 26th birthday this year! Be on the lookout for nature-themed desserts starting to appear in the park throughout the month of April.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT WHICH SEASON IS BEST FOR YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.

Disney After Hours Continue at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT

Disney World launched its After Hours events earlier this year at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These hard-ticketed events are a great way to experience the park after normal operating hours with character meet and greets, shorter wait times for rides, and more.

Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will continue to host After Hour events in April. Magic Kingdom will host its events on select evenings from April 8 through June 27, and EPCOT will host its events on select evenings from April 4 through July 18. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have one After Hours event on April 10, followed by a brief hiatus before resuming its events later in May. Tickets for all three parks are on sale now.

CLICK HERE FOR A 10-STEP GUIDE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.

EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Continues

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival began in late February, but I’m adding it here for good measure. It’s perhaps the biggest offering at Disney World during the spring season, with this year’s Flower and Garden Festival running through May 27.

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival features a colorful display of flowers and character topiaries around the park, along with seasonal food and beverage items across its multiple Outdoor Kitchens.