Summer has officially arrived, and if you’re in the northeast like I am, you are definitely feeling it! So let’s distract ourselves from the insanely high temperatures and humidity and focus instead on this week’s roundup of Disney Parks news.
This week’s lineup includes information about summer offerings, Halloween festivities, a new restaurant opening, and more! Spanning the country from Anaheim to Orlando, there’s a lot to catch up on this week if you have an upcoming vacation. So let’s dive in and review the biggest news stories from the Disney Parks for the week of June 17.
Test Track Closes at EPCOT, Making Way For Renovation
This week started with the closure of Test Track at EPCOT. So long, design lab. The now former version of the attraction had its final run on June 16 and will be closed to make way for a new version. The opening timeline of the new version hasn’t been announced at this time – fingers crossed we get an update at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August.
What we know of the new version of Test Track is that the reimagining will once again be in partnership with Chevrolet, the ride’s long-standing corporate sponsor. Fans were also told at Destination D23 that the new version of the ride (Test Track 3.0 as everyone is calling it) would be drawing inspiration from its predecessor, World of Motion. More details to come as we learn more about when Test Track 3.0 could open!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WHAT WE MAY HEAR ABOUT AT D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT.
New Disability Access Service Policy Rolls Out at Disneyland Resort
This week marked the beginning of the new Disability Access Service (DAS) being rolled out at Disneyland Resort. The updated policies previously rolled out at Walt Disney World this past spring.
Guests looking to qualify for DAS under the new guidelines must go through a pre-screening process with a Cast Member where their eligibility for DAS would be determined prior to their vacation. Alternative options for guests who no longer qualify for DAS may be made available. I highly encourage you to read Disney World and Disneyland’s respective websites for more information on the new DAS policies so you’re as up-to-date as possible.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT DISNEYLAND’S SPECIAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS FOR 2024.
Fourth of July Fireworks Announced for Walt Disney World
Independence Day is right around the corner, and Disney World is preparing its annual Fourth of July festivities as a result! The Fourth is a fun holiday to spend in the parks, especially if you love fireworks.
Disney World has announced the return of Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky…a very long name to basically say the Fourth of July fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Those fireworks will take place on July 3 and 4 at 9:20 PM. Over in EPCOT, The Heartbeat of Freedom will follow Luminous The Symphony of Us on July 3 and 4. Luminous begins at 9:00 PM.
In addition, a series of specialty Fourth of July treats will arrive around Disney World. Be on the lookout for a Foodie Guide to arrive on Disney Parks Blog on June 25.
CLICK HERE FOR TIPS ON HOW TO STAY COOL AT WALT DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER.
Halloween Updates Announced For Disneyland Resort
Ok, now forget everything I just said about the Fourth of July…because it’s time to talk about Halloween! Specifically, it’s time to talk about Halloween at Disneyland. We learned a lot of details regarding this year’s Oogie Boogie Bash, like when tickets are going on sale!
Long story short: tickets go on sale next week. Inspire Magic Key holders can purchase a limited amount of pre-sale tickets starting June 25, and all Magic Key holders can purchase a limited amount of pre-sale tickets starting June 26. All guests can purchase tickets on June 27. For all three dates, the digital waiting room will open at 8:45 AM PST, with sales starting at 9:00 AM PST.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will sport new outfits for Halloween this year, and we learned that Mickey’s Trick and Treat will be offered as a daily offering for the first time ever at the Disney Theater in Disney California Adventure.
We also learned new details about Haunted Mansion Holiday! Currently, Haunted Mansion is closed as the exterior is refurbished with a new outdoor queue in the works. We learned this week that the attraction WILL reopen later this year as Haunted Mansion Holiday.
According to theme park journalist Scott Gustin, Haunted Mansion Holiday will open starting on August 23; however, it could open even sooner. Once open, it will operate with only a virtual queue (not Lightning Lane) as work is completed on the exterior queue.
CLICK HERE TO LOOK BACK AT LAST YEAR’S OOGIE BOOGIE BASH OFFERINGS
Din Tai Fung Announces Opening Timeline at Disneyland Resort
This last news update comes from the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort! There has been a lot of work done in and around Downtown Disney to breathe new life into the shopping and dining district, especially when it comes to new restaurants! I recently dined at Céntrico and I’m thrilled to see this new direction Downtown Disney is heading in. Another new restaurant is preparing to join the lineup…Din Tai Fung!
Din Tai Fung is nearing completion, and a soft opening is beginning very soon! Guests will be able to order off of a limited menu during a soft opening period beginning on June 24…that’s this coming Monday! The restaurant will officially open in July.
I’m so excited to check this one out! Din Tai Fung is a globally-recognized restaurant group known for their Xiao Long Bao. Fun fact, the Downtown Disney location will be the only freestanding Din Tai Fung location built from the ground up!
