What a huge week this was for Disney Parks! Not only has Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened, but we also got some major announcements for the future of how guests navigate the parks as well.
It was also a big week for Disney Cruise Line as we learned more exciting details about some of their upcoming ships! Let’s recap the week’s biggest stories and how they will impact your upcoming travels.
Genie+ To Be Replaced at Disney World and Disneyland
The biggest news of the week came as a bit of a surprise to Disney theme park fans. Disney had announced plans to simplify the Genie+ experience last year, and we sort of assumed they would roll out in-advance Lightning Lane bookings at any time. What we DIDN’T expect was a complete overhaul of Genie+, so much so that the name is being retired and a new system is being introduced.
Perhaps “complete overhaul” is being a little dramatic – much of the functionality of Genie+ (and the price tag) is staying put. However, as of July 24, Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane will be retired and replaced by Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, respectively.
The TL;DR on this one is that guests will be able to book their Lightning Lane reservations in advance under this new system – seven days prior to arrival for Disney World hotel guests and three days before their first park day for everyone else.
Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane are changing at Disneyland Resort, too, but by name only. Once the new names are adopted (also on July 24), the function will remain the same with no in-advance purchase and reservation options available.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE NEW LIGHTNING LANE SYSTEM THAT WILL REPLACE GENIE+
Holiday Seasonal Events Announced at Walt Disney World
It may only be the start of summer, but my mind has completely transitioned to the holidays. I typically get nostalgic for the holidays around this time of year anyway (I’m just not a summer person!), but it doesn’t hurt that Disney also gets into the holiday spirit in late June.
This week included the first wave of announcements for holiday offerings in celebration of Halfway to the Holidays, including news that included this year’s dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights! That’s right, Jollywood Nights will be back this year!
Tickets for both after hours parties go on sale July 2 for Disney World resort hotel guests. Tickets for all other guests go on sale July 10.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY AFTER HOURS PARTIES
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Officially Opens at Walt Disney World
At long last, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has officially opened at Walt Disney World as of today, June 28!
If you have a trip coming up and want to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you will have two ways of doing so. The first is via Virtual Queue, which you can join at 7:00 AM or 1:00 PM. The second is via Genie+ (soon to be Lightning Lane Multi Pass) since Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is already included as part of your purchase – no Individual Lightning Lane (soon to be Lightning Lane Single Pass) purchase is required.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TIANA’S BAYOU ADVENTURE.
New Dining Details Unveiled From Disney Treasure
Let’s shift our focus now to Disney Cruise Line, which had its own series of announcements and updates this week! Foodies will love to hear about the latest from the Disney Treasure, which embarks on its maiden voyage this December.
The Disney Treasure will feature a lineup of new restaurants and lounges, including the newly announced Scat Cat Lounge, inspired by The Aristocats.
Disney also unveiled multiple menu items that will be available for purchase at Plaza de Coco, Scat Cat Lounge, and Jumbeaux’s Sweets.
Finally, Disney revealed new details from the Treasure’s Worlds of Marvel restaurant. This dining experience will be themed to Guardians of the Galaxy in what they’re calling Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix.
Be sure to follow along as more details emerge from the Disney Treasure in the months leading up to its maiden voyage!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE DISNEY TREASURE
Disney Cruise Line Unveils New Details About the Disney Adventure
There are three new ships in the works for Disney Cruise Line, including the Disney Adventure, DCL’s first ship to home port in Asia! The Disney Adventure will set sail sometime in 2025, and we learned some new details about the ship this week.
We learned that its initial sailings will include three- and four-night itineraries, entirely comprised of days at sea. We also got a first look at stateroom renderings as well as the names of the themed areas guests will find around the ship.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WHAT’S COMING TO DISNEY CRUISE LINE IN 2024 AND 2025.
Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets Go On Sale
Halloween fans, this next update is for you! Oogie Boogie Bash tickets went on sale this week at Disneyland Resort, and things seem to have gone as smoothly as possible! In fact, Oogie Boogie Bash is notorious for frantic ticket launches, with last year’s launch being delayed because of technical difficulties. This year seemed like a total 180-degree flip, which is great to see!
Oogie Boogie Bash will take place at Disney California Adventure on select nights from August 25 through October 31.
CLICK HERE TO LOOK BACK ON LAST YEAR’S OOGIE BOOGIE BASH AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE.
Din Tai Fung Opening Date Announced at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort has a brand-new restaurant with a grand opening taking place next week! Din Tai Fung, the world-famous restaurant chain known for its Xiao Long Bao, will officially open this Monday, July 1, in the Downtown Disney District.
If you’ve been in Downtown Disney these past couple of weeks, you may have noticed Din Tai Fung already welcoming guests. They have been in a soft opening with a limited menu available, but as of July 1, they’ll be in full swing!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT.
Space Mountain to Close in Disneyland For Brief Refurbishment
Our last news update is a quick but nevertheless important update if you’re going to visit Disneyland Resort this summer. Space Mountain will close temporarily for refurbishment starting on August 5. No reopening date was announced, but it is estimated that the ride will remain closed for about a month. According to theme park journalist Scott Gustin, work will be done to update the lighting and flooring throughout the ride.
This is noteworthy in that several headliner attractions will be closed in Disneyland Park in August, including Haunted Mansion, the Disneyland Railroad, all of Critter Country, and now Space Mountain. Add to the list that Disneyland’s version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will likely still be under construction in August. Keep that in mind if you’re traveling to Anaheim for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event from August 9 through 11.
