Disney Debuts Early Morning Ticket for Magic Kingdom

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. 

Here are this week’s theme park highlights:

• Similar to the evening after-hours ticket introduced a few weeks ago, Disney will be offering a morning version at Magic Kingdom. Disney Early Morning Magic is a separately ticketed event that will allow a limited number of guests into the park for breakfast and certain rides from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. on select dates starting April 26. Breakfast will be served at Pinocchio Village Haus. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan's Flight and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh will be the only rides open at that time. Disney Early Morning Magic will not be held on the same days as morning Extra Magic Hours in Magic Kingdom. The cost is $69 for adults and $59 for children.
• As we reported earlier in the week, the debut of "Rivers of Light," the new nighttime entertainment show at Disney's Animal Kingdom, has been delayed. No new opening date has been revealed, but Disney will share an update in mid- to late May. Other after-dark attractions, including the nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris and lighting effects for the Tree of Life, were also delayed.
• For you foodies, the Disney Parks Blog revealed some of the menu options for Tiffins, the signature restaurant coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom this summer. There will be spiced lamb chop, beef short rib, blackened cod and even vegetable curry for vegetarians. Additionally, its Nomad Lounge will offer a half dozen small bites, hand-crafted cocktails, and indoor and covered outdoor seating.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened this week, and the park has been hoppin' busy. Advance online tickets were sold out Thursday, and VIP and Front of Line passes were sold out Saturday and Sunday.
• LEGOLAND Florida announced it is partnering with Autism Speaks to make the park more sensory-friendly, which will include "a large panel of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities in a quiet space," according to the LEGOLAND Florida Blog.
• While roller coaster Gwazi is gone from Busch Gardens, some of it lives on. Refinished planks are now being used as fence at Manatee Rehabilitation in SeaWorld Orlando.
• For you shopping fanatics, Alex and Ani are bringing Star Wars-themed bracelets to Disney Parks starting April 18.
• Director Jon Favreau surprised fans at a Disneyland screening of his new film, "The Jungle Book." The film opens April 15.
• Last but not least, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which is celebrating 10 years this month at Disney Springs, will soon be moving from World of Disney to Once Upon a Toy. Three cast members who were part of the opening team remain at this Disney World must-do for princesses-in-training.

That’s it for the theme park news this week. Have a great weekend!

Hoppy planning!

If you’re thinking about a trip to Disney World, make sure to check out the other news, tips and information we post to the blog throughout the week. If you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend you start with our Orlando Planning Guide.