Welcome back to another weekly roundup of the latest big news from the Disney theme parks. This week’s news stories include major updates arriving at Disney World’s Disability Access Service, two nighttime shows beginning performances (one new and one returning!), a new dining location announced at EPCOT, and more.
Once you’ve read this update, get outside and enjoy the weather – we’ve arrived at the official kickoff of the summer season! Where has the time gone? I hope you have a restful Memorial Day Weekend!
Disability Access Service Updates Go Into Effect at Disney World
Earlier this year, Disney announced changes to its Disability Access Service, or DAS. These changes include a new screening process for guests looking to add DAS to their travel party and changes to the criteria to qualify for DAS. These changes officially rolled out at Walt Disney World on May 20. The same changes will arrive at Disneyland Resort on June 18.
Guests looking to add DAS to their travel party must participate in a brief video screening with a Cast Member to determine their eligibility for the service. If approved, DAS can be used for the qualifying guest and up to three (3) additional people at a time. Other services, like a return-to-queue system, are being introduced to accommodate guests with specific physical disabilities.
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Disney Dreams That Soar Drone Show Debuts at Disney Springs
A brand-new nighttime show has debuted at Walt Disney World. Disney Dreams That Soar will perform nightly this summer at Disney Springs after its official launch on May 24.
Disney Dreams That Soar features a cast of 800 drones that take flight to bring classic Disney characters to life. The characters depicted in the show include Dumbo, Figment, Wall-E, Baymax, and more…all ones who fly or have dreamed of flight.
Disney Dreams That Soar performs at 9:00 PM and 10:45 PM through September 2. Be sure to catch it if you have a trip planned this summer.
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Fantasmic! Returns to Disneyland
After an extensive closure, Fantasmic! officially returns to Disneyland on May 24. The show experienced a prolonged hiatus following a fire that broke out during a performance that compromised the Maleficent dragon figure featured in the show’s climax.
As the show reopens, the battle sequence at the end of Fantasmic! will feature Mickey Mouse and Maleficent in her human form—no dragon replacement is in the show at this time. In addition, the Peter Pan battleship sequence has returned, replacing the Pirates of the Caribbean scene that replaced Peter Pan several years ago.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT DISNEYLAND’S LINEUP OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS FOR 2024.
New “Festival Favorites” Quick Service Dining Location Coming to EPCOT
CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will open at EPCOT on June 10, completing the park’s multiyear transformation. The two spaces will include a new character meet-and-greet location, a stage for live performances, and more.
We’ve also learned this week that a new Quick Service dining location will be included called “Festival Favorites.” As the name implies, this foodie destination will feature favorite food and beverage items from EPCOT’s festivals in a permanent, year-round location.
It remains to be seen if the “favorites” included on the menu will be long-standing popular festival items or if the menu will rotate out with each festival. As a reminder, EPCOT’s flagship Food and Wine Festival begins this year on August 29. So, we’ll likely get a look at how Festival Favorites will function this summer without an EPCOT festival in progress.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THIS YEAR’S LINEUP OF EPCOT FESTIVALS.
Reopening Date Announced For Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Good news for roller coaster and Aerosmith enthusiasts! Disney World has finally come out with the reopening date of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The coaster will reopen on July 27 following an extensive multi-month closure.
When the ride reopens, it is expected to be the same as before it closed, indicating that the refurbishment was largely for maintenance and less for any changes that guests will be able to detect visually.
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Military Backstory Details Revealed For Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
We’re a little over one month away from the official opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom! As the ride nears its completion, we’re learning even more about the ride’s backstory, which we now know includes military influences.
Disney revealed story details in a recent Parks Blog post about Tiana’s dad, James, a World War I veteran. Photos of soldiers who served in “the 369th Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I,” provided the inspiration for the animated photos. Guests will be able to spot these drawings in the queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens at Walt Disney World on June 28. The ride will also open at Disneyland Park later in 2024.
