After last week’s torrent of Disney theme park news, this week is pretty quiet by comparison. But don’t let that lead you to believe that nothing has been going on in the world of Disney theme parks and experiences.
Disney fans were busy this week with their many computer screens acquiring tickets to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Plus, we got an exciting update about some of the original characters featured on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (now all we need is that opening date!). Let’s catch up on all of the Disney theme park and cruise line news from the week of March 25.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Tickets Go On Sale
The big “happening” this week was that tickets went on sale for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The biannual expo will once again take place at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 9 through 11, 2024. Over the course of the three-day sale, the vast majority of tickets sold out, with a select number of top-tier Ultimate Preferred tickets still available as of this writing.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is the biggest official gathering of Disney fans of the year, celebrating the past, present, and future of the Walt Disney Company. It’s also the company’s opportunity to share its biggest updates of the year, including what’s new and upcoming at the theme parks. If you want to be among the first to hear about what’s coming to Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond, you’ll want to tune in on Saturday, August 10 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET). That’s when the Disney Experiences Evening Showcase will take place, and it’s typically live streamed!
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE TO D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT
Musical Critters Introduced Ahead of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening
While we wait for Disney to announce the opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, we did get some exciting updates about the original characters featured on the ride. Early on, we got a glimpse at some concept art that depicted a band of musical critters:
This week, we learned more about these critters, including their names and a little bit about them! I love that Disney is really leaning into bringing new, original characters to its theme park attractions with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Guests have also been spotting Imagineers and other Cast Members working on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure actually going on a few test rides this week! With scaffolding coming down and all of these updates coming in, all that remains is the final few touches and an opening date (how many times can I mention wanting an opening date in this article?).
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE TO TIANA’S BAYOU ADVENTURE
Walt Disney World Adds New Buses To Its Fleet
Some big changes are on the way to the Walt Disney World bus system. According to Scott Gustin, a new fleet of 90 buses will begin to appear around the resort, including new designs featuring characters from films like Zootopia and Ratatouille.
The new buses will have added accessibility features, including QUANTUM, a mechanical arm that can raise and lower in order to safely secure a mobility device.
You can keep your eyes peeled for these new buses starting this week in and around Walt Disney World!
CLICK HERE FOR A 10-STEP GUIDE TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.
Disney Treasure is Afloat For the First Time
The next ship coming to Disney Cruise Line is the Disney Treasure, set to embark on its maiden voyage this December! We’ve been learning a lot about the ship in recent months, including unique dining opportunities inspired by Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise. While guests learn about the ship’s features, work has continued to actually build the ship — and it reached a major milestone that was shared this week.
For the first time, the Disney Treasure has gone afloat. This was in order to move the Disney Treasure to a different location for its next phase of construction, and in order to make room for another upcoming ship, the Disney Destiny, at Meyer Werft Shipyard. The Disney Destiny will make her debut in the second half of 2025.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE DISNEY TREASURE
Earth Month Foodie Guide Released
April is Earth Month, and around Walt Disney World, limited-time treats will begin to appear! Earth Day, April 22, is actually Animal Kingdom’s anniversary — a fitting day to open a theme park dedicated to conservation efforts. Each April, these Earth-themed treats make their appearance around the parks, specifically Animal Kingdom, as well as Disney Springs.
If you’re visiting Disney World this April, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for these treats, including the Plant in the Boot Petit Cake, available at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. Disney released a full Foodie Guide for the Earth Month food and beverage items so you know exactly what to look for.
