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.
- Disney Parks announced a new mural masterpiece that will form part of Tiana's Bayou Adventure queue at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024. This meaningful piece of art, the work of New Orleans artist Malaika Favorite, will continue the storyline from "The Princess and the Frog." It will feature a collage of awe-inspiring moments highlighting Tiana's professional journey on two of the building's exterior walls and part of the indoor queue. We can't wait to see it!
- Some pint-sized visitors are now roaming around in Batuu at Disneyland Resort! Recently, Disney Imagineers conducted a 1-day playtest with new droids in training. Hopfully, we get to see these little helpers around Galaxy's Edge more often in the near future!
- We're all toasty inside! Universal Studios Hollywood revealed its upcoming dates for holiday festivities, including Christmas in the Wizarding World and Grinchmas, an annual Who-tacular celebration of the holidays. From Nov. 24, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024, enjoy colorful lights, wacky ornaments, tasty treats and even some light snow. Not to mention the Grinch himself dressed as Santa Claus! This year, you can catch an all-new Who-Bee Doo-Wops musical performance. Whoville’s newest musical group will have you rocking out to jingle bell-ringing holiday classics.
- More details on the upcoming Downtown Disney District expansion were recently released! As part of the Parkside Market addition, the area is welcoming four new innovative eateries in the near future. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of meal options. Some of these include Korean cuisine with a California twist at Seoul Sister and Michelin-caliber chicken sandwiches at GG's Chicken Shop. But that's not all! Get ready to welcome an all-new stage and lawn area in late 2023, specifically created for lively nighttime entertainment.
- Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, Walt Disney World Resort guests who have tickets with Park Hopper benefits or an annual pass will be able to hop between parks at any time of the day during park hours. Soon, guests will no longer have to wait until 2 p.m. after visiting their first park!
- The Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line's sixth vessel, will debut an original Broadway-style musical production when it sets sail in December 2024. "Disney: The Tale of Moana'' will be performed for the very first time at the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Treasure, bringing the oceanic adventures of Moana to the center stage. The show's story will center around Moana's incredible journey to save Motunui after she is chosen to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
- Take a walk on the wild side of flavor and satisfy your ravenous hunger at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Brand-new menu items are popping up at various dining locations throughout the park starting Oct. 11. Savor a wide selection of foods, including breakfast items such as the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich. And enjoy evening delights such as the Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl at Harambe Market. Guests can even try the new Mango Passion Fruit Cheesecake for dessert!
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
