This week at Walt Disney World, Minnie Vans are set to return in a few weeks, Walt Disney World vacation packages for 2023 are now available (but might be a little more expensive) plus an iconic dining location is set to reopen and the new Finding Nemo show debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom a few days later!
Outside Walt Disney World, A new Halloween Horror Nights house is announced at Universal, SeaWorld brings back free beer for the summer, plus the Minions (almost) officially take over the former Monsters Cafe.
1. Victoria & Alberts set to reopen later this summer with higher prices
High-end restaurant Victoria & Albert’s is set to reopen for the first time since 2020 on July 28, with reservations available starting next week June 20. However, according to AllEars.Net, the price of this experience has risen significantly, with some prix-fixe options costing over $100 more than they did when the restaurant closed two years ago.
2. Minnie Vans returning to full on-property operations June 29
Disney’s Minnie Van Service will resume full on-property operations this summer at Walt Disney World beginning June 29. Though guests will be able to use this relaunched service to get from point to point around the resort, Minnie Vans will not be serving Orlando International Airport as part of the relaunch. Disney has not said whether this service will be re-added in the future but for now, it looks like the Minnie Vans service will only remain an on-property option.
3. Roaming characters return to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
For the first time since reopening in 2020, Blog Mickey reports that characters like Rey and Chewbacca have been spotted roaming around at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge the way they used to before the shutdown. Though characters will still appear on elevated platforms from time to time, they will now be just as likely to be found walking around this area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, interacting with guests face to face.
4. New annual passholder discount now available at D-Luxe Burger
Annual Passholders can enjoy a 20% discount at D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs from now through August 31. This dining location serves classic burgers, fries, milkshakes, treats and more and can be found in the Town Center area of the shopping district. This discount is valid for the passholder and up to three guests, and does not include alcoholic beverages.
5. Drawn to Life discounted tickets now on sale for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, and DVC Members
Disney is offering specially-priced tickets for Drawn to Life for Florida Residents, Disney Vacation Club Members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders this summer. These discounted tickets are available only on select dates and must be purchased through the official Cirque du Soleil ticket portal here.
6. 2023 Walt Disney World vacation bookings are available now
2023 Walt Disney World vacations, including hotel, tickets, and vacation packages are now available for booking on the resort’s official website. As has been the case for the past several years, no dining plan add-ons are available for 2023, and with fewer off-peak days on the calendar, those booking vacations next year may find the cost of their vacation rising just a little bit. You can check the official Walt Disney World vacation website here for more.
7. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The new Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! show is now open (a few days early!) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This reimagined version of the classic Nemo show is now being performed daily at the Theater in the Wild at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM each day.
This newly reimagined show is set in the timeline of the Finding Dory film, incorporating events from the sequel. Fan-favorite songs from “Finding Nemo the Musical” will return in this new version of the show, including “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”You can learn more about the show (and how it differs from the previous version) here.
Reserved seating for this show is now available as part of the $15 per guest, per day Genie+ service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
8. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Eat to the Beat dining packages now available for booking
Dining packages that include guaranteed seating for the Eat to the Beat concerts at this year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival are now available for booking. This year’s concert lineup includes Hanson, Boyz II Men, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Hoobastank and more. Dining packages vary in price by location, and more information is available here. This year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off in just a few weeks on July 14 and runs through November 14.
9. SeaWorld Orlando brings back free beer promotion for the summer
SeaWorld has brought back its free beer promotion for the summer, with guests now able to get one free 7 oz. beer per visit from now until August 4. Guests can grab their free drink at the Waterway Bar which is located near the Infinity Falls attraction. Beer selections will vary by day.
10. Universal Orlando Resort announces Halloween house for Halloween Horror Nights
Universal is gearing up for the Halloween season and has announced a new Halloween house for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, based on the 1978 slasher film. This house joins the Universal Monsters: Legends Collide house, which was announced last month and will feature Wolf Man, Dracula and the Mummy. More houses should be announced in the coming weeks as we’re only a few months from the start of the event on September 2. Tickets are now on sale at the official Halloween Horror Nights website.
11. Minions takeover of former Monsters Cafe begins
After Monsters Cafe closed last month it was widely rumored that this dining location would be re-themed into a new Minions-themed dining location to better fit in with its similarly-themed neighbors. And now that rumor has been seemingly confirmed as Minions have appeared on the construction walls outside of the former dining establishment..
