Happy Friday! Here’s our roundup of all the Disney news and announcements from the week.
Starting on the west coast at Disneyland we saw quite a few announcements this week. First was Disneyland After Dark’s two new themed “Nites” – Throwback Nite and Star Wars Nite. These special ticketed events give you a chance to stay in the parks after the gates close for the general public. These After Dark events are a great way to see the parks, with much smaller crowds than you would on a regular day.
Each of the themed events begin with a mix-in from 6:00pm – 9:00pm where you’ll be able to enjoy the park for a few hours before it closes for the days guests. Then at 9:00 the magic begins! The gates close and you get to party with some different Disney characters, get access to special photo opportunities, as well as specialty food and merchandise items. You’ll also get unlimited digital downloads on any Disney PhotPass photos taken during the party, and some amazing keepsakes to remember the experience.
Over at California Adventure, we saw a couple of new updates. We got our first look at San Fransokyo Square which will be opening this summer. Themed after Big Hero 6, this reimagined area will feature multicultural restaurants and small businesses where you’ll be able to eat and shop. Some favorites – like soup in delightfully freshly baked bread bowls – will still be available once the transformation is complete as well as some new Asian-inspired selections. An all new Cerveceria will make it’s debut as well as a dedicated meet and greet area where you’ll be able to meet everyone’s favorite personal healthcare companion – Baymax!
Also coming this summer to California Adventure – Rogers the Musical! You may have seen it on the Hawkeye show on Disney+, now get ready to see it on the stage at the Hyperion Theater. This short one-act musical will only be around for a limited time. Make your plans to check it out this summer at Disney California Adventure Park.
We also got our first look at the brand new fourth tower coming to the Disneyland Hotel. The Disneyland Hotel is already our favorite Disney property to stay at and the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel look absolutely spectacular. Check out our full post on the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel here.
At Walt Disney World, exciting things are happening! Starting on March 20, 2023, Disney Genie+ will now include PhotoPass attraction photos. Also starting on March 20, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders with a My Disney Experience account will have access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses and some additional photo extras within the app.
Beginning on April 18, 2023, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit a theme park after 2 p.m. without having to make an advance park reservation! This is huge news as park reservations have been required for everyone since 2020. It’s just one small step to bringing the Disney World experience back to normal. No word yet if this same advantage will be coming to Magic Keyholders at Disneyland.
This week we got a look at some of the delectable food offering coming to Epcot during this years International Flower & Garden Festival March 1 – July 5, 2023. More than 15 Outdoor Kitchens will be serving up some of the freshest dishes throughout the festivities. This crispy honey-brined chicken and corn bread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey drizzle sounds amazing. Check out the full Disney Foodie Guide here.
Disneyland isn’t the only park with After Hours Events. Walt Disney World has been hosting After Hours events with such great success that they have added another theme park to the mix. Walt Disney World’s After Hours Events are available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Typhoon Lagoon! Event tickets go on sale March 3, 2023, with prices ranging from $75 – $149 (plus tax).
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