Happy June! I just returned from an awesome trip to Disneyland over on the west coast, where I haven’t been in almost 5 years. I got to experience Avengers Campus for the first time, see the new World of Color ONE, and do so many other amazing things – I can’t wait to share about it all with you! But in the meantime, let’s take a look at the latest Disney news that’s been going on.
Disney News
- Looking to visit Disney World in 2024? Packages are now available to book!
- A few other announcements accompanied the release of 2024 packages. One of the biggest ones is that dining plans will be returning for 2024!
- Theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets at Disney World after January 9, 2024. (Reservations will still be required for open tickets like annual passes on most days).
- Disney also shared that they are looking to “simplify the Genie+ experience” for next year, though we don’t have details yet on how that will happen.
- Early theme park entry for all Disney resort guests and extended evening hours for deluxe guests will continue in 2024.
- In other big Disney World news, the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser will be shutting down at the end of September, having been opened only a little over a year ago.
- If you’re thinking about visiting the west coast for Halloween fun, there are lots of things happening over in Disneyland – including this year’s Oogie Boogie Bash and tributes to Dia de Los Muertos.
- A new restaurant is coming to Epcot – the Japan pavilion will welcome Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya later this summer. It will be replacing Tokyo Dining.
- Over in the world of cruising, the Disney Magic ship recently got some updates with an Encanto themed “entertainment experience” and a Soul themed jazz lounge.
- We got a number of new Disney films out this month, and more coming soon. Over in the Marvel realm we saw the release of Guardians of the Galaxy 3, while Disney debuted their live-action Little Mermaid. Coming in June we can look forward to Pixar’s Elemental.
- For Little Mermaid fans, the live-action version of Ariel is available for meet and greets in both Disney World and Disneyland. You’ll also find some specialty food items and new merchandise.
Disney Rumors
Galactic Starcruiser // With the announcement of the Starcruiser closing, one big question people have been asking is “what will Disney do with that building?” And the answer at least for awhile is most likely nothing. I feel confident saying it won’t open as another hotel (at least not without big changes, and Disney won’t want to put the money in that right now). It was designed for a specific purpose and experience, so sadly it will probably stay empty for awhile.
Genie+ // With Disney’s vague statement about “simplifying the experience,” a lot of people are trying to guess what exactly that means. My thoughts? It kinda sounds like they’re just going to go back to Fastpass+ (scheduling your ride times ahead of time) but now you have to pay for it.
Other Disney blogs
Curious about the Disney dining plans and how they work? Rochelle from Polka Dots and Pixie Dust has a great, detailed overview.
George from ImagiNERDing shared a great post with 1971 Vintage Florida Attraction Advertisments!
If you’re interested in Disney history, I recommend checking out the D23 blog – they post lots of interesting articles, including this recent one about Valerie Curry, who had a fascinating career as a Disney cast member.
San Angel Inn needs some more love sometimes, and Jenn at Fairest Run of All gives us this with her review of the Epcot restaurant.
I’m probably the only one, but I’m kinda gonna miss Tokyo Dining. >D I had a lot of good meals there during my Sushi Phase.