Who’s ready for another Disney theme park news update? It seems to have quieted down somewhat from the massive news updates we saw in the last couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean things were radio silent! On the contrary, we saw a couple of big stories break this week, especially coming out of Disneyland Resort!
Looking ahead, there’s lots to see and do around the parks. It’s a runDisney weekend at Walt Disney World, with potential record-breaking heat settling in over the weekend in Orlando. If you’re in the parks now or over the next few days, make sure you’re staying hydrated. I recently published an article on how to stay cool and comfortable at Disney World over the summer, but summer-like temperatures can come at any time! With all of that said, let’s catch up on this week’s news.
DisneylandForward Moves Forward After Vote From Anaheim City Council
This was a big week for the future of Disneyland Resort. In a 7 – 0 unanimous vote in favor, the Anaheim City Council has allowed DisneylandForward to move forward. There will be a second procedural vote on May 7, after which it will take 30 days before it can actually go into effect.
DisneylandForward was first announced three years ago. It builds on previously-adopted plans originally adopted between Disneyland and the city of Anaheim in 1993 and 1994. DisneylandForward allows already-permitted development to shift across Disney properties within those originally-adopted plans. In short, Disneyland would be able to use land permitted for one use under the original agreement for other uses (a parking lot could now be used as theme park space, or a space zone for a hotel could now be used for dining and shopping, as a few examples).
We are still likely years away from seeing the physical results of DisneylandForward being approved. However, this week was a major hurdle to clear, and all signs point to DisneylandForward becoming a reality in the coming months. At the meeting this week, Disneyland President Ken Potrock said that some components of DisneylandForward would happen “immediately,” so we will have to keep our eyes peeled for any announcements.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THIS YEAR’S LINEUP OF FESTIVALS AND SEASONAL EVENTS AT DISNEYLAND RESORT.
Disneyland After Dark Star Wars Nite Begins
The past few weeks have been exciting for Star Wars fans on the West Coast. Season of the Force began at Disneyland Resort on April 5, with limited-time merchandise, food, and drink items available. Another facet of Season of the Force began this week – Disneyland After Dark Star Wars Nite.
Star Wars Nite is the third installment of Disneyland After Dark events for 2024, following Sweethearts Nite and Disney Channel Nite earlier this year. During this after-hours event, guests can participate in rare character meet-and-greets and a special cavalcade and enjoy exclusive food and drink items. Star Wars Nite takes place on April 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30, as well as May 2, 7, and 9. Tickets are still on sale for select dates if you wish to attend!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT SEASON OF THE FORCE AT DISNEYLAND
Create-Your-Own Headbands Coming to Disneyland Resort
This next news story is so fun! I hardly ever chat merchandise news here, but this one was too exciting NOT to share. Disney fans agree that the theme parks in Asia (Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland) have incredible merchandise – better than what we have here in the States! One of those pieces of merchandise, the Create-Your-Own Headbands, is coming to Disneyland Resort directly from Hong Kong.
The customizable headbands will be available soon at The Mad Hatter on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park and at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. At launch, the following characters will be available: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Chip, Dale, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, and the Alien from Toy Story.
No launch date was announced, but the article does reference Pixar Fest as an opportunity to show off your new headband creation. Pixar Fest begins on April 26, so hopefully we see the headbands in those shops in time!
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HOW TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER IN THE THEME PARKS.
Victoria and Albert’s Receives MICHELIN Star Award
This week, MICHELIN announced the newest recipients of the coveted Michelin Star for Florida restaurants at a live ceremony. Among those to receive the esteemed culinary recognition was Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa! In addition, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez received the 2024 Florida Service Award. With this recognition, Victoria & Albert’s has the distinction of being the only restaurant owned by a U.S. theme park to receive a MICHELIN Star, according to Disney.
The MICHELIN Star has been a long-awaited recognition for Victoria & Albert’s, which is the only restaurant in the state of Florida to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award every year since 2000 and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star annually since 2018. Congratulations to the entire team at Victoria & Albert’s on the MICHELIN Star recognition and to Israel Pérez for the Florida Service Award!
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF HARD-TO-GET DINING RESERVATIONS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD.
More Details Unveiled For Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
We’re inching closer and closer to the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The attraction will open this summer at Walt Disney World and later in 2024 at Disneyland Resort. As the ride develops, we’ve learned more and more about the details guests will find throughout their journey. Part of that journey involves the queue, which will play an old-timey radio show featuring classic songs.
One of the songs revealed to be part of the radio show is “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?” made famous in 1947 by Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. In the version heard in the queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the song will be performed by Leah Chase Jr., daughter of Leah Chase, who was the inspiration behind Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog.
While we don’t have an official opening date announcement yet, we received what is likely our biggest hint so far this week. NOLA.com reported that there will be a special media and invited guest preview taking place in mid-June. Historically, the official ride openings happen a few weeks following media previews, so that would put Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at a late June or early July opening. But we’ll have to wait and hear from Disney themselves what the official opening date winds up being!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TIANA’S BAYOU ADVENTURE.
Autopia Cars at Disneyland Will Convert From Gas To Electric
I have an update to share on a story I included in a recent weekly roundup. It was reported by the Los Angeles Times that Disneyland Resort was exploring the possibility of converting the Autopia cars from gas to electric.
This week’s update provides some more specificity! Turns out Disney intends to convert all of the Autopia cars to electric, and they plan on doing so by 2026. Anecdotal, I used to work on Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and would always feel bad for the Cast Members on Autopia who had to breathe in those fumes day in and day out. So this is a very welcome change!
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT DISNEYLAND VACATION.
Mickey and Friends Theater To Close Temporarily in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
There is a somewhat lengthy closure coming up in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Mickey and Friends Theater, where you can stop in and enjoy the animated short “Vacation Fun,” will be closed for refurbishments starting on April 29.
The theater will be closed for nearly the entire month of May and is currently scheduled to reopen on May 25. If you’re in the parks over the next few weeks, be sure to keep this closure in mind.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HOW A 2024 DISNEY WORLD VACATION WILL LOOK DIFFERENT FROM RECENT YEARS.
Two Guided Walking Tours Returning to Disneyland
One of the most underrated experiences you can pay for at a Disney theme park is a guided walking tour. They’re available at both Disney World and at Disneyland at various price points, offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at the parks.
Two popular tours – the Cultivating the Magic Guided Tour and the Disneyland Railroad Guided – will return to Disneyland Park. Reservations for both of these tours will be available starting on April 30, with the first tours being offered starting on May 11.
