The 8 BIG Updates from Walt Disney World (and Beyond) This Week (March 11-17, 2019)

This week at Walt Disney World, price hikes for single- and multi-day tickets take effect, Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues its transformation, plus we get a new look at an attraction opening later this month!

Outside Walt Disney World, Universal shares additional details on its newest roller coaster and SeaWorld Orlando makes a big announcement! 

1. Disney increases single and multi-day ticket prices

Image: Disney

This week Disney raised prices on single-day and multi-day tickets by between 15-30%, depending on season, length of stay, add-on options etc. We have a run down of the various hikes and increases here. And though annual passholders and Florida residents did not see an increase on their ticket prices this time around, we expect that to change in the coming weeks…  

2. New parking lot names and bus stops coming next week to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Later this week on March 19 Disney’s Hollywood Studios will change the names of its various parking lots to feature characters that meet guest  at this park. The new parking sections will be named Jessie, Buzz, Mickey, Minnie, BB-8, and Olaf. In addition to the renaming of the parking areas, there will also be two new bus drop-off loops added at the entrance of the park. 

3.  New Behind-the-scenes look released for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Later this month, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open a new Cars attraction will immerse guests in the world of Cars and bring them face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen. And though we only have a few days to wait until this new attraction opens, Disney has released a new sneak peek at this upcoming show featuring John Ratzenberger, the voice of Mack, which you can watch above. 

Image:Disney 

Earlier this year a new Masai giraffe named Jabari was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and now that this little guy has turned two months old, he has officially joined the giraffe herd at Kilimanjaro Safaris. Named Jabari, which means “brave one” in Swahili, this new addition is described as a bold, curious and courageous calf, and can now be seen with his mother at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

6. Jaleo now open at Disney Springs

Image: Disney

After nearly two years in development and construction, Jaleo, the newest restaurant created by José Andrés, is finally open. This upscale dining location will feature an extensive menu of tapas reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, as well as sangrias and a premier selection of Spanish wines. In addition, a quick service window will be available downstairs at this location, and will serve Spanish sandwiches, or bocatas, both hot and cold, as well as gazpacho and salads to go. 

7. More information revealed about Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure

Image: Universal Orlando Resort

Though some fans were initially disappointed to hear that the former Dragon Challenge attraction was being replaced by a “family-firnedly” ride, it was revealed this week that Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure will still pack plenty of thrills, as Universal has confirmed that this new attraction will have a top speed of 50 MPH, and will also include sections where the ride vehicle will twist, turn, and even move backwards.

And of course, there will be plenty of interesting (and potentially scary!) creatures along the way to thrill guests experiencing this new roller coaster, including centaurs, Cornish Pixies, and the iconic Fluffy the three-headed-dog. Riders will also face obstacles like becoming entangled in the Devil’s Snare during this thrilling new ride as well. Universal has also teased that a new creature that was not featured in the films will be debuting as part of this upcoming attraction as well! We’ve got more on this upcoming new ride (opening this June) here.