This week was a big one for news at Disneyland, with more details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge revealed, including information about how Disney will remove guests who overstay their welcome and a brand new annual pass type that is truly the first of its kind. However, at Walt Disney World, there has been some news too, with
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort reveals a massive new animatronic that will be featured in Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure as well as a new free parking with purchase deal.
1. Unwrapped Disney Skyway Gondolas now flying around Walt Disney World
The Disney Skyway gondola system has been in testing for several months at Walt Disney World, and though the gondolas were all wrapped up in plastic, this week Disney unwrapped 55 stunning Disney-themed gondolas for special test runs. Featuring characters from Star Wars, Marvel, Disney animation and of course Disney parks, these gondolas look amazing, and though there is no firm opening date yet, Disney has said that guests will be able to take a ride sometime this fall. You can check out the video above for a look at some of the exciting designs!
2. Epcot’s space-themed restaurant coming this year
Image: Disney
Back in 2017 during the D23 Expo Disney surprised guests by announcing a new space-themed restaurant that would be constructed in Future World where would have special “windows” that simulate views of the galaxy as diners “travel high above the earth” during their meal. And now we know that construction on this project is moving along speedily as Disney has announced a late 2019 opening for this upcoming restaurant!
3. Tickets now on sale for the NBA Experience
Image: Disney
Tickets are now on sale for the NBA Experience, which will open this summer on August 12, 2019, just before the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A single day admission will cost $34 (plus tax) for adults (ages 10 and older), and $29 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9). Tickets can be purchased on the Walt Disney World website here.
When guests enter the NBA Experience, they will feel as if they’re walking through the players’ tunnel at an NBA or WNBA arena and will then be able to check out a variety of experiences themed to the world of basketball, which you can read more about here.
4. Harmony Barber Shop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can now be booked online
Image: Disney
Disney has expanded its online reservation system to include experiences at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, The Pirates League, or the Harmony Barber Shop, which all previously required a phone reservation to book. Guests can use either the My Disney Experience app or the Disney website to make reservations.
5. Bongos Cuban Cafe to close this August
Image: Disney
It was confirmed this week that Bongo’s Cuban Cafe will officially close its doors this August. This restaurant (which is owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan) is one of the oldest eateries at Disney Springs, as it opened over 20 years ago in 1997.
6. Aladdin MAC preview event happening May 15th
Image: Disney
Disney’s live action Aladdin film debuts later this month, and in celebration of this new film MAC cosmetics will be releasing their new line of cosmetics inspired by this film a day early at Disney Springs. Guests can visit Waterview Park in The Landing on May 15, from noon-10 p.m. to explore the wonders of Agrabah and leave with their own treasure from MAC. Inspired by Disney’s live action “Aladdin,” the new collectible products celebrate Jasmine and everyone’s inner princess. As part of the celebration, Guests will be able to enjoy a few surprises and create a personalized look with a MAC Artist.
7. Universal offers parking reimbursement deal for moviegoers
Universal announced this week that guests who purchase two tickets to a matinee (11 AM – 6 PM) showing at the Universal Cinemark theater can have their parking fee reimbursed. Guests must initially pay the $25 regular parking fee, and can then be reimbursed by showing matinee movie tickets along with your tickets receipt and paid Regular Parking receipt at the Universal Cinemark box office. Matinee prices are currently $9.50 per person, so with two tickets coming in at just under $20 (pre-tax) this is a small savings over the regular parking fee, so it might be worth stopping in to see a movie on your next visit to Universal Orlando Resort if you don’t have an annual pass that includes parking. Note: there are a few restrictions with this deal, as both tickets must be purchased together to qualify for the deal, and this deal will not be valid on special events like Halloween Horror Nights.
8. Universal Gives guests a fresh look at Hagrid animatronic
Universal Orlando Resort shared another preview of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which is opening June 13 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This latest preview shows off an animatronic version of Hagrid himself who will be brought to life as the most advanced and life-like animated figure ever created at Universal.
