DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Flower and Garden Dates & Details Announced; Splash Mountain Refurbishment Dates; Back Stage Tours Returning; Park Hours Extended; New Year’s Eve Info; runDisney Race Calendar Released; Tons of Disneyland News & More
As we come into the thick of the holiday season, a whole lot is happing right now. We have details on some special holiday and New Year’s Eve offerings, as well as information on extended hours at the parks. Disney also announced dates and details for the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, and runDisney released the full 2022-2023 race schedule. Heads up on Splash Mountain refurbishment! Disney also announced the return of a number of fan-favorite behind-the-scenes tours. Finally, we have an announcement about a new homeport for Disney Cruise Line and a laundry list of news out of Disneyland.
1 – Dates and Details Announced for the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
The Flower and Garden Festival is our favorite of the four annual festivals hosted at EPCOT. The park always looks so beautiful, and the concerts, food booths, and other activities make it the perfect time of year to visit. This week Disney announced the dates for the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, along with a bunch of details on what we can expect.
Click here for dates and details for the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
2 – Disney Announces Return of Select Fan-Favorite Tours at Walt Disney World in 2022
Behind the scenes tours are a fantastic way to enjoy some extra magic during your vacation. They have been unavailable since the parks reopened in July 2020. This week Disney announced the return of some fan-favorite tours returning in early 2022. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on select tours returning to Walt Disney World in 2022.
3 – runDisney Releases 2023 Race Calendar
If you’ve followed us for a while, you know how much we love runDisney events. Combined, we’ve completed over 70 runDisney races and challenges. They are simply the best run, most magical events around. So we were thrilled when in-person racing returned to Walt Disney World, and we’re excited to see what runDisney has in store for 2022-2023.
Click here for full 2022-2023 race season details.
If you plan to participate in a runDisney event or think about stepping up to the challenge, be sure to follow our Marathon Weekend Survival series over the next few weeks on our homepage, Facebook, and our newsletter. Part one of the series is available now by clicking here.
4 – Christmas Week Park Extended Hours at Theme Parks at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World recently extended theme park hours for Christmas week as large crowds of guests are expected at the resort. Below are the latest updates.
- EPCOT will be open until 1:00 am on New Year’s Eve.
- Magic Kingdom will now close at 10:00 pm on December 26-29 and January 1, 2022.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom will now be open from 8:00 am-8:00 pm on December 26-January 1, 2022.
- No changes have been made to operating hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date hours.
5 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Return to Magic Kingdom and Special Countdown at EPCOT
As many fans guessed, New Year’s Eve fireworks will return to Magic Kingdom this year after being absent last year. On both December 30 and 31, the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show will be performed at 11:50 pm. In addition, “Disney Enchantment” will be performed at 6:30 pm on both days as well.
Over at EPCOT, rather than including a special ending to Harmonious (as they did with Illuminations), the park will have a special countdown firework show called “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” at 11:54 pm. Harmonious, EPCOT’s new nighttime show will also occur at 6:30 pm on December 31.
6 – Slash Mountain at Walt Disney World Closing for Refurbishment in Early 2022
Be aware that Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World will be closed for a short refurbishment from January 10-February 10, 2022. It is set to reopen on February 11, 2022. This closure is for routine maintenance. This is not the closure for the upcoming transformation into a Princess and the Frog-themed version. Disney has not made any further announcements on a timeline for when the upcoming retheme will occur. We will keep you updated with any information on when Disney will close the attraction for the retheme.
7 – Disney Cruise Line Announces 2nd Year-Round Home Port in Florida
In Ft. Lauderdale, Port Everglades will be Disney Cruise Line’s second year-round homeport. The family-favorite cruise line is bringing its magic to Broward County’s cruise port under a 15-year partnership. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the new year-round homeport for Disney Cruise Line in Florida.
8 – More Disneyland Entertainment Returning in 2022
The Disneyland Resort is celebrating 2022 with thrills, magic, fun, and adventure. In spring 2022, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” will light up Disneyland Park for the iconic parade’s 50th anniversary year, and guests will be treated to the return of three nighttime spectaculars in addition to festivals and other happenings. Catch all the details below.
Click here for details on entertainment, fireworks, and festivals returning to Disneyland in 2022.
9 – Disneyland After Dark Returns for Winter and Spring 2022 Events
The popular Disneyland After Dark events are returning in 2022! Disney Cast Member Kelsey Lynch has all the details below.
Guess what, Disneyland fans?! Disneyland After Dark events are returning to the Disneyland Resort in 2022! We’re thrilled to bring back Sweethearts’ Nite, Villains Nite and Star Wars Nite, offering more nights than ever before of each of these awesome limited-time, after-hours events!
For anyone who might need a refresher, Disneyland After Dark events take place after regular park hours and feature unique themes, fun festivities, special nighttime entertainment, access to most attractions* with reduced wait times and so much more! You’ll experience special offerings that are not typically available during a regular park visit.
With each separately ticketed Disneyland After Dark event, you get four hours of non-stop fun after the parks close to day guests. Plus, you’ll get even more time to play during the three-hour pre-party mix-in at the same park as the event takes place in, which is included with each ticket!
Additionally, at each of these events, you’ll receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos** taken during the party, plus commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map, so you’ll have lots of fun ways to remember your Disneyland After Dark experience!
Here are the details for each of the upcoming themed nights:
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite
Feb. 1, 3, 8, 10 and 14, 2022, at Disneyland Park
(Tickets on sale on Disneyland.com, beginning Dec. 9, 2021, no earlier than noon PT)
Sweethearts’ Nite will be hosted at Disneyland park on five separate evenings in Feb. 2022. There’s sure to be heartfelt fun for everyone as Valentine’s Day is celebrated during Sweethearts’ Nite. Here’s some of what you can expect:
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- A special themed fireworks show
- Projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.
- A jazz ensemble aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, plus other live entertainment, including a Royal Ball and a dance party with a DJ
- Spot the most darling Disney couples, and take selfies with your favorites
- Fun photo opportunities featuring romantic scenes from iconic Disney films
- Lovely décor, along with food and beverage offerings around the park
- Plus, early admission to Disneyland park starting at 5 p.m., no theme park reservation required
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Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite
March 8 and 10, 2022, at Disney California Adventure Park
(Tickets on sale on Disneyland.com, beginning Jan. 11, 2022)
At Villains Nite, you’ll get to party with some of Disney’s most mischievous misfits at Disney California Adventure park. These wonderfully wicked events will take place on two separate evenings in March 2022, and include:
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- The Cauldron, a cunningly-crafted cabaret featuring a cast of villainous virtuosos showing off their talents through song and dance
- Ursula’s Seaside Sing-a-long, where you can find your voice and sing along
- The Underworld Dance Party, which allows you to bust a move at a dastardly DJ dance party in the Hollywood Backlot
- Special photo backdrops, featuring scenes inspired by some favorite villains
- Some of Disney’s famously nefarious fiends – or their henchmen – at special locations around the park
- Delightfully decadent food and beverage offerings
- Early admission to Disney California Adventure park beginning at 5 p.m., no theme park reservation required
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Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
May 3, 4 and 27, 2022, at Disneyland Park
(Tickets on sale on Disneyland.com, beginning Jan. 11, 2022)
Star Wars Nite will be the ultimate Star Wars extravaganza, packed with galactic fun on three separate nights at Disneyland park in May 2022. Highlights of Star Wars Nite include:
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- An amazing pyrotechnical spectacle that will illuminate the skies with a Star Wars-themed fireworks show
- March of the First Order, featuring Captain Phasma and her elite unit of Stormtroopers
- A Galactic dance party
- Sightings of various Star Wars characters throughout the evening
- Star Wars-themed attractions, usually with shorter wait times
- Star Wars-themed eats and treats, merchandise, photo opportunities, and more
- Plus, early admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required
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If you previously purchased a ticket for the 2020 Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite or Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite events, you can exchange your 2020 event ticket(s) to one of the nights of the new event of the same theme (e.g., exchange 2020 Villains Nite ticket for ticket to Villains Nite on March 8 or 10, 2022, or exchange 2020 Star Wars Nite ticket for ticket to Star Wars Nite on May 3 or 4, 2022, respectively) anytime from today through Jan. 8, 2022. An exchange for a 2020 Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite ticket for a ticket to the May 27, 2022, Star Wars Nite can be made, but with an additional fee equal to the difference in price of the 2020 and 2022 tickets. Visit Disneyland.com/ExtrasUpdates for more information. Simply call Guest Information Ticket Sales at (714) 300-7807 by Jan. 8, 2022, to make that exchange. Disneyland After Dark tickets purchased in 2020 will not be valid for admission to any event and must be exchanged to participate in an event.
If you do not wish to exchange your 2020 Disneyland After Dark event ticket to the new event dates or you missed the exchange window, you may call (714) 300-7807 for your options.
Visit Disneyland.com/DisneylandAfterDark for additional details for these upcoming Disneyland After Dark events. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. A limited quantity of tickets for each event will be available, so be sure to snag tickets as soon as they go on sale!
*Certain attractions, experiences, and offerings will not be available during the events. Please check the event’s webpage for updated information. Available experiences, attractions, and offerings may be modified and limited in availability, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. No refunds given for any changes or cancellations whether due to inclement weather or otherwise.
**Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at Disneyland.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.
The number of tickets available for each event are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Tickets must be purchased online and are not available on the day of the event. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date, and no discounts apply. Tickets not required for guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for commercial use. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions. Offer, event and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort, including the latest updates on required face coverings.
10 – Disneyland Resort Offers Southern California Residents 3-Day, Weekday Ticket Prices for a Limited Time with Visits Beginning January 3, 2022
To ring in the New Year with many jubilant celebrations coming in 2022, the Disneyland Resort is introducing a special weekday ticket offer just for Southern California residents. On sale now for visits beginning January 3, 2022, eligible guests may experience the magic of Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park for as little as $67 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day weekday ticket, subject to park reservations.
From winter into spring, it’s an ideal time to visit the Happiest Place on Earth to enjoy spectacular entertainment day and night, experience the return of some favorite festivals, wave to beloved Disney characters, rediscover classic attractions, and thrill rides, and embark on exciting new adventures. In addition to this ticket offer, the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are offering special rates on standard and premium rooms for a limited time.
Southern California Resident Limited-Time Weekday Ticket Offer
For a limited time, Southern California residents may select from these specially priced ticket options* and save on select multi-day weekday tickets:
- 3-day, 1 park per day weekday ticket for $199
- 3-day Park Hopper weekday ticket for $259
- 3-day, 1 park per day weekday ticket with Disney Genie+ service for $259
- 3-day, Park Hopper weekday ticket with Disney Genie+ service for $319
These three-day tickets are available for purchase now with redemption on weekdays from January 3 through May 26, 2022. They can be used on a consecutive three-day visit or three separate days throughout the offer period, with Saturdays and Sundays blocked out.
To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and valid ticket for the same park on the same date are required. Park reservations are subject to availability.
Save Up to 25 Percent on Select Stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Those who wish to stay and play a little longer in the heart of the magic can enjoy special savings with room offers at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.*** Hotel guests can save up to 25 percent off select rooms, most Sunday through Thursday nights, based upon availability from January 3 – April 7, 2022. Guests may save 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and at the Disneyland Hotel, and 10 percent on standard and premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. These room offers may be reserved now through March 17, 2022. To learn more, guests may visit www.disneyland.com.
The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort offer easy, convenient access to both parks (subject to valid park admission and park reservations), with benefits and magical touches that only a Disneyland hotel can provide. Whether it’s reveling in the classic Disney charm of the Disneyland Hotel, the beach boardwalk theme of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, or being immersed in the Craftsman-style elegance of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, staying at any of the resort hotels provides a uniquely Disney experience.
For more information and to book a Disneyland Resort vacation, visit www.disneyland.com or contact your travel professional.
*Offer valid for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599; proof of eligible residency, including valid government-issued photo ID, is required for purchase and admission. Tickets expire 5/26/2022 and are not valid before 1/3/2022. Valid only on weekdays, and subject to blockout dates of every Saturday and Sunday ( 1/8, 1/9, 1/15, 1/16, 1/22, 1/23, 1/29, 1/30, 2/5, 2/6, 2/12, 2/13, 2/19, 2/20, 2/26, 2/27, 3/5, 3/6, 3/12, 3/13, 3/19, 3/20, 3/26, 3/27, 4/2, 4/3, 4/9, 4/10, 4/16, 4/17, 4/23, 4/24, 4/30, 5/1, 5/7, 5/8, 5/14, 5/15, 5/21, and 5/22) Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. May purchase up to 5 tickets per eligible person per day with valid ID. Tickets are nonrefundable, may not be sold or transferred for commercial use and exclude activities/events separately priced. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. Sales may be paused from time to time or terminated at any time.
To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Theme park reservations are limited, and subject to availability. A hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access. Certain parks, attractions, restaurants, experiences and offerings may be modified or unavailable, limited in capacity, and subject to limited availability or even closure. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.
**Subject to availability. Park admission and park reservation not included with the cost of such events. Must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol and to participate in some events; valid photo ID required. Subject to restrictions, change and cancellation without notice.
***Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for most Sunday through Thursday nights from 1/3/22 through 4/7/22. Book through 3/17/22; travel must be completed by 4/8/22. Premium room types included in offer are Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and only Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Family suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. Separate theme park admission and theme park reservation for same date and same park required to enter a theme park, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access.
Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort including updates on wearing face coverings.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane – New Planning Tools & Paid Access to Lighting Lane
Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Click here for our thoughts and review of Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom.
Now – December 30, 2021 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for what you need to know about the 2021 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!
Click here for menus for the 2021 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Holiday Kitchens!
Click here for Holiday Offerings at Disney Springs You Don’t Want to Miss.
Click here for the Holiday Foodie Guide for the Parks and Disney Springs at Disney World.
Click here for the Holiday Foodie Guide for Walt Disney World resorts.
New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT
Click here for what’s new and coming to EPCOT as the Historic Transformation Continues.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Click here for details on the all-new Club Cool at EPCOT.
Click here to learn about the new flagship shopping location at EPCOT – Creations Shop.
Now Open – Drawn to Life
Click here for our review of Drawn to Life the new Cirque du Soleil show now open at Disney Springs.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
January 14-February 21, 2022 – EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Click here for details about the 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
March 1, 2022 – Star Wars Hotel
March 2-July 4, 2022 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for dates and details for the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
New and Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure – Now Open
Click here for more on the Avengers Campus! Now open at Disney California Adventure!
Click here for details on food and beverage offerings inside Avengers Campus.
Click here for information on merchandise available inside Avengers Campus.
Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort – November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2022
Click here for details on the holiday season at Disneyland Resort.
Click here for all the information on the all-new Disney Merriest Nights at Disneyland Park.
Click here for a look at Mickey and Minnie’s new fashions and merchandise coming to Disneyland for the holiday season.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here for information on bookings for the inaugural season in summer 2022.
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Itineraries in 2022
Click here to learn about Early 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea in Early 2022
Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022
Click here to learn about early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.