Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and other theme parks.
- Introducing the new critter musicians in Tiana's Bayou Adventure! On the new ride coming to Disney World in summer 2024 and to Disneyland later in 2024, you'll encounter some critter musicians playing “Gonna Take You There” from "Princess and the Frog." Who are these characters? We'll tell you!
- Byhalia the Beaver helps build musical instruments from materials found in the bayou. This strong-willed percussionist is the heartbeat of the band.
- Rufus the Turtle is an adventurous turtle who is quick to jump into rhythm with his harmonica.
- Apollo the Raccoon can transform abandoned objects into works of musical art, like his squeezebox.
- Gritty the Rabbit is willing to "dig a little deeper" to help others. She plays the washboard (made from a license plate) with a high-energy flair. The overzealous Gritty digs to relieve her nerves.
- Timoléon the Otter is the oldest band member, but he finds inspiration for playing the fiddle by the youngsters in the bayou. He's known for his storytelling.
- Beau the Opossum, with help from her dexterous tail, plucks out the low notes with her upright gourd bass.
- Discover the next world of Universal Epic Universe: How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk! Dive into the details about the world's attractions, live show, character greetings and dining and shopping locations in this eighth-century Viking village inspired by the "How to Train Your Dragon" film franchise. From an epic boat battle to a face-to-snout opportunity with Toothless, this colorful utopia will have something for Vikings and dragon trainers of all ages. For more information, hop over to our Isle of Berk and main Epic Universe guides!
- Gawrsh! Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel introduces a Sensational Springtime Buffet from March 28 through May 12, 2024. Clarabelle makes her first appearance at a Disney character dining restaurant! In addition to the regular breakfast or dinner favorites, the Springtime breakfast, brunch and dinner buffets all include enticing options such as Poached Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Snow Crab Claw Cocktail, Orange Saffron Salmon, a carving station with Prime Rib and much more. New prices apply — Breakfast and Brunch prices are adult: $62; Child: $34 (plus tax and 18 percent gratuity). Dinner is from 4 to 9 p.m. Price is adult: $75; Child: $37 (plus tax and 18 percent gratuity).
- The foodie guide to Season of the Force at Disneyland Resort is out! Besides out-of-this-galaxy treats, keep an eye out for the new must-have novelties, such as the Jabba the Hutt popcorn bucket, the Darth Vader Stainless Steel Tumbler and the Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet bucket. Get more delicious details in our Season of the Force guide. Season of the Force runs April 5 through July 2, 2024.
- Must-have Pixar Fest merch is hitting the shelves at Disneyland Resort. Pixar Fest kicks off April 26 and runs through Aug. 4, 2024. The Pixar Fest collection of apparel, water bottles, tumblers, bags and the Pixar Planet popcorn bucket (driven by a little green alien!) will appear ahead of the celebration (some available now!). You can find merchandise at Little Green Men Store Command in Disneyland Park, Midway Mercantile and Knick’s Knacks in Disney California Adventure Park, World of Disney in Downtown Disney District and STOR-E at Pixar Place Hotel. Read more about Pixar Fest, including the full list of merchandise and more.
- Finally, the West Coast can experience Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Wizarding World ice cream counter officially opened to sell soft-serve ice cream inside Honeydukes on March 29. Looks like we'll need to go on a froggy research taste-test mission so we can add this stop to our Wizard World food and best Universal Studios Hollywood treats posts!
That's it for theme park news this week!
Hoppy planning!
