We have reached another end to what has been a busy news week if you follow the Disney theme parks!
From a brand-new fireworks show debuting at EPCOT to an entire year’s worth of events announced at Disneyland Resort, there has been no shortage of exciting updates coming from both coasts. Let’s quickly recap everything you need to know to help you plan your next Disney World or Disneyland vacation!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WHAT’S COMING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD IN DECEMBER
New Fireworks Show Debuts at EPCOT
The most anticipated event this week had to be the debut of EPCOT’s new nighttime show, Luminous The Symphony of Us. The fireworks spectacular had its first public performance on December 5, securing its spot as the new permanent nighttime show in the park. It will run nightly around World Showcase Lagoon like the EPCOT shows that came before it.
Luminous features a blend of original music with fan-favorite Disney songs from classic and recent films. If you’re catching a show soon, you can view the show from any place around the lagoon. I personally cannot wait to see this show in 2024! I’m an IllumiNations girl, but I’ve been anxiously awaiting a nighttime show worthy of replacing the 20-year run that was Reflections of Earth.
World Celebration Gardens Open
December 5 was a big day at EPCOT! In addition to the debut of Luminous, World Celebration Gardens also opened for guests. The gardens can be found right behind Spaceship Earth in the new World Celebrations neighborhood (remember, back in 2021, Future World was split into three new areas: World Nature, World Celebration, and World Discovery). The gardens are home to the statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”
World Celebration Gardens comes alive at night, with special lighting illuminating after dark that interacts with Spaceship Earth’s Points of Light.
Disneyland Announces Full Lineup of 2024 Events
This was a major week if you 1) Love Disneyland and 2) Are a Type-A planner. So, basically, it was a major week if you are me. In a first for Disneyland Resort, the entire schedule for next year’s festivals and special events was unveiled! It has never been this easy to plan a Disneyland vacation this far out in advance!
For context, the 2023 holiday season start date at Disneyland was announced this past August. But now, we have the 2024 holiday season start date NOW, a full year out! Here are a few key highlights:
- Lunar New Year Celebration returns January 23-February 18
- California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 1-April 22
- Star Wars Season of the Force takes place at Disneyland April 5-June 2
- Pixar Fest is back April 26-August 4
- Halloween Time is starting early next year on August 23, running through October 31
- The Holidays begin on November 15
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE 2024 LINEUP OF EVENTS AND FESTIVALS AT DISNEYLAND RESORT
Disneyland After Dark Dates Announced
Rounding out the 2024 calendar at Disneyland Resort is the return of Disneyland After Dark, a series of themed after-hours events that have quickly grown to be fan favorites in recent years. The full lineup of themes and nights was announced this week (what a week for Disneyland planners this has been!), including a brand-new After Dark party, Disney Channel Nite!
This year, there will be four unique events taking place on more evenings than ever before:
- Sweetheart’s Nite: January 23, 25, and 30, as well as February 1, 6, 8, 12, and 14
- Disney Channel Nite: March 5 and 7
- Star Wars Nite: April 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30, as well as May 2, 7, and 9.
- Pride Nite: June 18 and 20
New Restaurant Opens at Disney Springs
There has been so much in the news this week from the Disney theme parks, it feels like a month ago that we got a new restaurant in Disney Springs! But on December 4, eet by Maneet Chauhan opened its doors. This fast-casual restaurant serves Indian street food with dishes like Walking Tacos, Chicken Tikka Naan Pizza, and Tandoori Chicken Poutine.
There is even more to come at Disney Springs, with Summer House on the Lake preparing to open soon as well.
