This week at Walt Disney World, Disney announced an end date for IllumiNations, the first details about the Beauty and the Beast lounge are revealed, plus a fun new detail is revealed about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida announces another house for Halloween Horror Nights, a new character comes to Busch Gardens Tampa, and a new restaurant is announced for Universal CityWalk
1. IllumiNations to end September 30 before Epcot Forever debuts October 1st
Image: Disney
Though it was previously announced that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth was set to end its 20-year run this fall, we now know that this iconic Disney nighttime spectacular will officially close on September 30 2019. And then directly after the end of this show, Epcot Forever will debut on October 1st, 2019, Here’s the official description of this new show:
Epcot Forever is a celebration of what Epcot has been and what Epcot is going to become. Music is the star of the show, and we use songs going back to the very beginnings of Epcot to music in the park today – from attractions, spectaculars and other shows – and put them into a fireworks spectacular on the lagoon every night. Guests are going to hear music they know and love but in a whole new way.
2. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to have special Coke bottles
Image: Disney
Though some wondered if soft drinks from this universe would be sold inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney confirmed this week that they would be selling Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite and Dasani bottled water in specially-designed bottles that will fit in with the Star Wars theme. You can check out the design of these bottles above, and as you might expect guests will only be able to find these designs this on Batuu.
3. New Ticket Center now open in Disney Springs
Image: Disney
Guests visiting the Town Center neighborhood at Disney Springs can now visit the Disney Ticket Center, near the Welcome Center and Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza. At this new location guests can purchase Disney theme park tickets, make upgrades and pick up will call tickets Purchase or renew Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passes Purchase Military Salute tickets and upgrades Make Disney Springs restaurant reservations
4. New plant-based foods guide now available at the Magic Kingdom
Image: Disney
5. Beauty and the Beast lounge confirmed to be coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Image: Disney
Earlier this year it was announced that Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort was going to be closed during a refurbishment that would see the location not only updated, but also expanded into what was previously the Commander Porter’s gift shop. And though Disney didn’t say anything specific about this refurbishment at the time, rumors swirled about the location being transformed into a character-based bar inspired by the 2017 live action Beauty and the Beast film. And while it took a few weeks, Disney has finally confirmed this rumor, and shared some of the first details about what this re-imagined lounge area will look like when it opens later this year.
When this re-imagined location opens this fall, it will feature four unique spaces inspired by the live action Beauty and the Beast film. The lounge’s signature bar will glow from the light of a gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. In another room, guests will find a space that recalls the iconic library from the film, with classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. Another character-inspired space inside this expanded lounge will be the garden room, which will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. Finally an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.
6. Aladdin movie preview coming to Walt Disney Presents next week
Now that Dumbo has safely landed in theaters, Disney is moving on to promoting its next live action adaptation: Aladdin. Beginning April 19, a sneak peek of this upcoming film will be presented as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.This film releases on May 24th, after which we’d guess this preview will fly away on a magic carpet to make way for the third Disney live action adaptation coming this year, The Lion King, which releases this summer.
7. New Toy Story character dining experience coming for one weekend only to the Contemporary Resort
Image: Disney
For a limited time this summer during Independence Day weekend (from July 4-6), Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be hosting a special Toy Story character dining experience for one weekend only. Woody’s Roundup BBQ will take place from 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM at the Fantasia Ballroom, which will be specially decorated to look like a western-themed playset inspired by the Toy Story films. Once inside, guests can meet Woody, Jessie, Bullseye and Buzz Lightyear as well as play games, make crafts and of course enjoy a special barbecue-themed all-you-can-eat buffet. There will also be a live DJ providing musical entertainment and a balloon artist on hand as well creating amazing animals and shapes for young guests.
Prices for this dining event are $149 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $99 for children (ages 3 to 9). In addition to dinner and entertainment, guests attending Woody’s Roundup BBQ will also be able to enjoy dessert and a reserved outdoor viewing area of the special Fourth of July fireworks spectacular from Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
8. Guest Experience Team coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Image: Disney
- Booking, modifying, and recovering FastPass+ selections
- Navigating the My Disney Experience app
- Deactivating and reactivating MagicBands
- Sunset Boulevard – Near Tower of Terror FastPass+ kiosk
- Pixar Place – Near the entrance to Toy Story Land
- Echo Lake – Near the entrance to Path of the Jedi
- Center Stage – Near the Movie Cameraman Statue
9. Nightingales: Blood Pit announced as second house for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights
Image: Universal Orlando Resort
After announcing the Stranger Things 2 house a few weeks ago, Universal has announced the second Halloween Horror Nights house, which features an original concept that transports guests back to Ancient Rome where a ruthless emperor reigns and gladiatorial games are put on for bloody entertainment all while the fan-favorite Nightingales, a grisly race of flesh eating creatures, stalk their victims.
10. New Bigfire restaruant coming to Universal CityWalk
Image: Universal Orlando Resort
This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will open a new restaurant named Bigfire – a full-service restaurant that draws modern inspiration from the nostalgia of cooking over open flames during memorable family vacations. The restaurant will be located between VIVO Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on the edge of the lagoon – offering incredible views of Universal CityWalk. The Menu will include a signature bison burger, coffee, chili and cocoa rubbed top sirloin, delectable freshwater trout, mouth-watering smoked salads and more.
11. Sesame Street Character Julia now appearing at Busch Gardens Tampa
Image: Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited to welcome Sesame Street’s Julia to the Safari of Fun. Julia is an autistic four-year-old girl from Sesame Street who enjoys playing with her friends Elmo and Abby Cadabby.
