Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and other theme parks.
- Indulge in a little country twang this summer at Magic Kingdom Park! This year, Grizzly Hall is welcoming a new show even wilder than the West — performed by the beloved Country Bear Musical Jamboree, of course. The new spectacle will feature easter eggs, a familiar song fans may recognize and performances of new, reinterpreted Disney tunes in different subgenres of country music — such as bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, rockabilly and more. Grizzly Hall will close temporarily beginning Jan. 27, 2024, and will reopen to introduce the new musical experience later this summer.
- Disney After Hours events have officially returned to Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2024! As of Jan. 11, 2024, the separately ticketed after-hours access event is taking place on select nights at these two parks — providing special character meet and greets, exclusive live entertainment and short wait times for popular attractions. After Hours events at EPCOT begin in February 2024. How frogciting!
- Embrace creativity in all forms at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. From today, Jan. 12 to Feb. 19, 2024, guests will have the opportunity to channel their inner artist with palate-pleasing dishes, dazzling entertainment and more colorful offerings. Disney recently released this year's foodie guide, which highlights both new and returning delicacies such as the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib and Deconstructed Key Lime Pie. Interactive and performative art-inspired activities, including live chalk drawings and spin art painting lessons, will also be available throughout the park!
- From Jan. 23 through Feb. 18, the Lunar New Year Festival will transform Disney California Adventure Park into a cultural celebration filled with vibrant red and yellow hues, characters, as well as traditional and contemporary entertainment. Most importantly, this annual festival boasts some of the best Asian cuisines the park has to offer — and Disneyland Resort just announced its offerings for this year! In 2024, guests can savor new mouthwatering delights including Fried Lemongrass Chicken Dumplings and Peach Basil Collins, as well as returning favorites such as the Mickey-shaped Hot Dog Bun and Garlic Noodles.
- Disney Cruise Line has teased a first look at the new "Disney The Tale of Moana" show that will be featured on the newest ship, Disney Treasure, which begins sailing in December 2024. Highlights include a massive Te Kā puppet (one of the largest Disney Cruise Line has ever produced), fan-favorite songs along with "Warrior Face" (a deleted song from the movie) and a set design reminiscent of the cultures of the Pacific Islands.
- Looking for an especially memorable souvenir of your time spent in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Well, you’re in luck! Disney PhotoPass service is now offering a magical new photoshoot experience at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World Resort. About 20 minutes long, the personalized "Capture Your Moment" photo package allows visitors to travel around Batuu, posing in front of some of the land’s most breathtaking spots — including the Millennium Falcon, the Black Spire Outpost or the scenic landscapes of the planet. Bookings, which can be made up to 60 days in advance, will open on the Disney World website beginning Jan. 17, 2024.
- It’s the perfect time to hop on some cruise deals Undercover Tourist is currently offering! For a limited time, you can get a free in-room decor set for all Disney Cruise Line bookings made through Undercover Tourist and 50% off your deposit where applicable. If you're looking to cruise with Royal Caribbean, there is a Buy One Guest, Get Second Guest 60% Off deal on select sailings, as well as a Kids Sail Free offer (kids 12 and under sail free on select sailings 3 nights or longer).
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
