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, other theme parks and Disney Cruise Line.
- One of the things we love about Disney cruises is the unlimited amount of food, so it's no surprise that we're super frogcited about the new dining experiences aboard the Disney Treasure, which will set sail in December 2024. First up, menus were revealed for Plaza de Coco, one of the three rotational dining restaurants, and Jumbeaux's Sweets, a specialty dessert parlor inspired by "Zootopia." Then, we also got a sneak peek at the world's first "The Aristocats"-themed lounge, Scat Cat Lounge, complete with Easter eggs from the movie, craft cocktails and live music. Lastly, a new "Guardians of the Galaxy" dinner show, "Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix," will hoppen during one of two distinct nights at the Worlds of Marvel rotational dining restaurant.
- Disney Genie+ service is getting a makeover! Beginning July 24, 2024, Disney World and Disneyland will introduce Lightning Lane Multi Pass (formerly Genie+ service) and Lightning Lane Single Pass (formerly individual Lightning Lane access). While nothing else but the name is changing at Disneyland, several changes are coming to Disney World, including the ability to purchase and select Lightning Lane passes in advance. Hop over to our Disney World Lightning Lane overview guide and Lightning Lane FAQs for more information!
- Ho-ho-ho! We're officially halfway to the holidays, and Disney unwrapped many details about the holiday season — especially at Disney World! We learned the opening dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov. 8), EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 29) and Disney Jollywood Nights (Nov. 9), which we're hoppy to see return for its second year! Other Disney holiday highlights include Oogie Boogie Bash tickets, which are on sale now, and Disney Cruise Line will offer more Very Merrytime sailings this winter.
- Who you gonna call when an ancient ghost threatens to freeze the world? Ghostbusters! Universal announced that the latest film, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," will inspire a haunted house at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood during Halloween Horror Nights this spooky season. Snag your discount Halloween Horror Nights tickets for either Orlando or Hollywood through Undercover Tourist.
- It's ~actually~ here! Tiana's Bayou Adventure officially opens today, June 28, 2024, at Magic Kingdom Park. Join the vibrant Mardi Gras party, hosted by Princess Tiana herself, as you venture down the bayou in search of the final party ingredient — musical critters. The new attraction will temporarily use a virtual queue (currently, no standby line) and will also be available as part of Disney Genie+ service (until July 23) and Lightning Lane Multi Pass (July 24 and later).
- Calling all foodies! Din Tai Fung has soft opened at Downtown Disney District in Disneyland Resort and will officially open July 1, 2024. This new location marks the global company's first freestanding restaurant built from the ground up. Known for its Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung also serves wontons, noodles, steamed buns, bok choy and other family-style dishes.
- Disney Eats revealed foodie guides for the Fourth of July at Disney World and Disneyland, as well as Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs. From red, white and blue treats to sweet and savory summer bites, we frogs will surely indulge in some tasty new eats! For more Fourth of July hoppenings at Disney World, hop over to our guide.
- A reimagined Camp Snoopy officially opened at Knott's Berry Farm. The PEANUTS-themed kids' area now includes the new Snoopy's Tenderpaw Twister Coaster, Sally's Swing-Along, updated dining at Grizzly Lodge and more.
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
