Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around Universal Orlando, the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, other theme parks and more.
- Oh, honey! She's hooooome! After undergoing sea trials in the Atlantic, The Disney Treasure has finally arrived at her permanent home — Port Canaveral, Florida. On Nov. 19, 2024, Disney Parks Blog will livestream the Disney Treasure christening ceremony. Be sure to tune in! The Disney Treasure will sail on her maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 2024. The Disney Treasure is the second ship in Disney Cruise Line's Triton Class of ships, sister to the Disney Wish and the forthcoming Disney Destiny. We also got to hear a little preview of the Disney Treaure's new horn. The horn will have seven new musical arrangements, including "A Whole New World" from the Disney film, "Aladdin." Additionally, Disney Cruise Line celebrated the launch of Treasure Tomorrow, a new program that will fund and support community-building efforts through career exploration programs and cultural and environmental initiatives for students at every port the Disney Treasure visits throughout its inaugural season. (Pssst ... did you know that Undercover Tourist offers exclusive savings on Disney cruises, including sailings on the Treasure? Plus, as a special Black Friday deal, you can get a FREE in-room decor set AND champagne and a sweet treat included with your booking!)
- We're finally there! Tiana's Bayou Adventure officially opens in Disneyland today, Nov. 15, 2024. This "Princess and the Frog" re-theme comes a year after the closure of Splash Mountain. The new attraction features a new storyline and brand-new audio-animatronics. Critter County, the land surrounding the ride, has also been renamed to Bayou Country. Passholder previews were held on select dates in October and November 2024. Tiana's Bayou Adventure can be accessed via virtual queue — be sure to hop over to this post to learn more. This attraction is nearly identical to Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom which opened on June 28, 2024. Ribbit!
- Also hoppenin' on Nov. 15, 2024, the holiday season returns to Disneyland Resort and runs until Jan. 6, 2025. Disney Parks gave us a sneak peek at Mickey and Minnie's new holiday outfits — just downright adorable! In the evening, be sure to make your way to catch “Boat Snack” – a special pre-show celebrating the release of “Moana 2” in theaters Nov. 27 – before “World of Color - Season of Light.” Check out our guide to the hoppiest holidays at Disneyland for the full list of new and returning entertainment!
- Gawrsh! Goofy and his friends are ready to celebrate the holidays with you. Reservations are now open for Goofy's Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays (breakfast, brunch and dinner). This Disneyland Resort character dining experience is available from Nov. 19, 2024, through Jan. 2, 2025, and features Goofy, Chip 'n' Dale, Minnie Mouse and Pluto! Visit our full guide to Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel for even more info.
- Downtown Disney District is gearing up for new experiences this winter! Starting Dec. 6, 2024, Marvel fans can explore Avengers Reserve, complete with a giant Hulk statue and Spider-Man perched on the building, plus plenty of superhero collectibles. The D-Lander Shop will offer trendy fashion from brands like Kate Spade and Pandora, while Disney Wonderful World of Sweets brings a colorful spot for caramel apples, churro toffee and Werther’s Original Caramel popcorn. Parkside Market, opening later, will combine four eateries under one roof — Vista Parkside Market, Seoul Sister, Sip & Sonder and GG’s Chicken Shop. Porto’s Bakery and Cafe will offer both a bar and table-service dining. Plus, the LEGO Store is getting a refreshed look, just in time for your holiday shopping!
- Speaking of ... Downtown Disney is ready to celebrate the holiday season from Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 6, 2025, with festive decorations, boutique shopping and special holiday menus. Guests can enjoy live music, nightly snowfall from Nov. 29 to Jan. 6 and family activities, including Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, a hidden ornament search available from Nov. 22 to Jan. 1, 2025. Visitors can purchase a map to guide them on the trail and redeem it for a keepsake at select stores.
- Heading over the east coast, Walt Disney World Resort is also gearing up for the holidays! Disney Parks dropped the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide and we're so frogcited! This year's festival will feature 15 Holiday Kitchens including the new Favorites of Festivals Past. Old favorites are also returning such as the Slow-roasted Turkey and Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie. The Holiday Cookie Stroll is back and don't froget to redeem a special treat from Holiday Sweets & Treats after purchasing any five holiday cookies. Olaf's Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt will also return as well as the beloved Candelight Processional. Jump over to our 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays guide for all the details.
- Make way, make way! Moana is getting a fresh look just in time for "Moana 2," hitting theaters on Nov. 27, 2024. Guests can catch her in this new outfit starting Nov. 24, 2024, at Disney California Adventure and EPCOT.
- New interactive shoulder banshees are arriving in Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Nov. 21, 2024! Each of the four new banshees has its own unique colors and patterns, with glow-in-the-dark bioluminescence. A wireless remote lets you control their head, wing and mouth movements and hear authentic sounds. Plus, you can customize their look with accessory packs inspired by "Avatar" clans. These banshees even interact with other banshees they encounter.
- For the first time, Disney brought D23, its biggest fan celebration, to Brazil! While that alone is exciting, what really caught our eye were sneak peeks of two new attractions coming to Walt Disney World. First up, Disney shared updated concept art for the Pirates of the Caribbean lounge, opening in 2025 at Magic Kingdom, hinting at “special surprises” that pirate fans will love. Next was the reveal of a Moana-themed float for the upcoming "Disney Starlight" parade, arriving at Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025, featuring Moana's canoe riding a wave with Pua and HeiHei along for the ride. Stay tuned here for more updates as we get them!
- Congratulations! SeaWorld Orlando has been nominated for USA Today's 10 Best Awards: Best Theme Park Holiday Event. The SeaWorld Christmas celebration is available starting Nov. 16, 2024, through Jan. 6. 2025 on select dates. This year's event includes millions of beautiful Christmas lights, frogtastic entertainment, festive shows and more. Of course, you can save some green when you purchase your tickets with Undercover Tourist. New for this year is a special ticketed event, Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition (now through Dec. 13, 2024) where you can experience SeaWorld Orlando's most thrilling coasters surrounded by twinkling holiday lights. Happy Hour is offered each night of the event — buy any alcoholic beverage and get your second drink or an appetizer for only $5!
- Let the good times roll! Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration returns on Feb. 1, 2025, and reservations are now open for the popular Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience! This package includes a 3-course meal at select locations and a guaranteed spot to ride on a parade float. Dining spots include Finnegan’s Bar and Grill and Lombard’s Seafood Grille at Universal Studios Florida, Confisco Grille at Islands of Adventure and several restaurants in CityWalk. Packages start at $89.99, with a 15% discount for Passholders. Theme park admission is required and reservations can be made on Universal Orlando’s website.
- You know the Frog Fam loves saving you some green — so we've started our Black Friday sale now! From theme park tickets, to vacation packages, to cruises, to hotel stays, you won't want to miss these incredible deals! Plus, we've got some cart codes to help you stack your savings. Hop here to see all of this year's Black Friday deals!
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
