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DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Magic Kingdom Parade Return Date Announced; Lightning Lane for Character Experiences; More Characters Out Around the Parks; Disney Cruise Line Special Themed Cruises & More

If you love Disney World entertainment and characters, you’re going to love this week’s news roundup! We finally have a date for the return of the Magic Kingdom parade and several other entertainment offerings. We also have a bunch of character news including the return of more characters at Epcot and the addition of Lightning Lane for several character experiences. Disney Cruise Line made some announcements about special themed cruises in early 2023. All this and more are below in this week’s news roundup.





 

1 – Disney Announces Return Date of Magic Kingdom Parade and More MK Entertainment

Back in November 2021, Disney announced the return of the popular Festival of Fantasy parade, the return of Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, and announced a new character cavalcade. All we knew was that these experiences were set to open in “early 2022.” Thankfully this week, we got opening dates for all these entertainment offerings at Magic Kingdom. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for details and dates of new and returning entertainment to Magic Kingdom.

Credit: Disney

2 – Disney Adds Select Character Sighting Locations to Disney Genie+

Disney Genie+ offers guests access to the new Lighting Lane (formerly FastPass lane) to over forty attractions throughout the four Walt Disney World theme parks. This week, Disney added four character sightings to the DisneyGenie+ offerings, giving guests more options when making their Disney Genie+ selections. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for information on select character sightings locations added to Disney Genie+.

3 – More Character Greetings Return to EPCOT

We’re so excited for the steady stream of Character greetings coming back to Walt Disney World! This week three characters returned to EPCOT for dedicated “individual time” with guests. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for details on the return on three character greetings at EPCOT.

4 – Disney Cruise Line Introduces Pixar Day at Sea on Disney Fantasy in 2023

Calling all Pixar fans! This week Disney Cruise Line announced an all-new themed cruise that is sure to please Pixar fans! Pixar Day at Sea cruises will debut in 2023 on the Disney Fantasy and will feature special theming, programming, and character experiences. Learn more at the link below!

Click here for information on Pixar Day at Sea coming in early 2023!

 

5 – Disney Cruise Line Announces Return of Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Dream in 2023

In 2019, Chad and I enjoyed a Marvel Day at Sea cruise, and it ranks as our favorite Disney cruise! We had such a fantastic time and have such incredible memories from the cruise. That’s one of the reasons why we’re so excited to learn that the special themed cruise is returning in 2023! Learn more at the link below.

Click here for information on Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line in 2023.

6 – runDisney Medal Reveal: 2022 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Medals

We’re just a few weeks away from the 2022 Princess Half-Marathon weekend, and Disney is already getting us excited for the next race weekend – the 2022 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. This week the medals for the race weekend were revealed. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for the medal reveal for the 2022 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.





 

7 – Walt Disney Archives Founder Dave Smith Honored with Window on Main Street, USA, at Disneyland Park

In 2017, Chad and I had the privilege of meeting Dave Smith, the founder of Walt Disney Archives. It was an amazing experience and his enthusiasm and love of all things Disney was evident. Unfortunately, we were so sad to hear of his passing in February 2019. His contribution to the Walt Disney Company is immeasurable, and earlier this week, Disneyland honored Smith with a window on Main Street USA. Disney Cast Member Kyleigh Johnson shares more below.

The next time you visit Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, look up above the Fortuosity Shop and you may spy a familiar name on a new window: Dave Smith, who founded the Walt Disney Archives in 1970 and served as its chief archivist for decades.

On Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, the window was revealed to a small audience of invited guests including Walt Disney Archives employees and Dave’s family and friends as “When You Wish Upon a Star” was performed live. The inscription reads: “New Century Historical Society, Dave Smith, Town Archivist, Preserving, Protecting & Presenting Our Fond Memories of the Past.”

Credit: Disney

Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, Disneyland Park Vice President Kris Theiler, Archives Director Becky Cline, Disney Ambassadors Mark Everett King Jr. and Nataly Guzman, and Dave’s sister Jean Marana were among the speakers sharing touching words and memories of Dave, who was named a Disney Legend in 2007. Though he passed away at the age of 78 on Feb. 15, 2019, he has left a lasting mark on the legacy of the Archives and the people he met along the way.

“You can imagine this is a special tribute, not only because Disneyland is Walt’s original theme park – but also, it is a place that Dave loved,” Kris said. “The windows here on Main Street, are a longstanding tradition that was started by Walt to recognize those who went above and beyond to support the mission and magic of The Walt Disney Company. And, today, for all those who come to this happy place, these windows tell the stories of extraordinary people – offering living lessons about their roles, their contributions and the legacy they left behind.”

Credit: Disney

In addition to his role as Archives founder, Dave wrote “Disney A to Z,” the oft-cited Disney encyclopedia, as well as countless other titles. His connection to Disney started in 1967, when he began compiling an extensive bibliography on Walt Disney. He spent more than a year researching all Disney publications and productions.

When the Disney family and studio management began attempting to preserve Walt’s papers, awards and memorabilia, it was only natural for them to contact Dave to do a study and provide guidance. Dave was eventually selected as archivist, and in the years since the Archives was established, it has come to be recognized as a model among corporate archives across the country.

“It’s because of Dave’s vision, and his passion and his efforts that the Walt Disney Archives is still going strong today and is bigger than ever,” Becky said. “With new technology that we have today, we are doing things a bit differently… But the core values that Dave instilled in us will always inform our mission – to protect, preserve and share the rich history of The Walt Disney Company and to support the creation of all of the magic yet to be.”

Credit: Disney

“Like our friend Jiminy [Cricket], Dave’s work has helped to guide and shape us into who we are today — and it is evident in our cast, our resort and our amazing company,” Ken said. “There is no greater wish come true than to realize that your contributions have served so many, so well. And as time moves on, Dave’s work will be more important than ever because it provides us with a lasting connection to the past.”

Visit D23.com next week for highlights from the window unveiling ceremony as well as a special presentation, recorded in the Main Street, U.S.A., Opera House, including stories and fond memories celebrating Dave’s legacy. Special guests include D23 Team Member (and former Archivist) Justin Arthur, producer Don Hahn, and Director of the Walt Disney Archives, Becky Cline.

Next time you visit, be sure to keep your eyes up along Main Street, U.S.A., and take a moment to reflect on Dave’s life and legacy.

8 – Disney Live Entertainment will Produce the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony

Thousands of athletes, families and fans in attendance for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, in June, will be treated to a magical Opening Ceremony produced by Disney Live Entertainment.

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Experience Kissimmee and Walt Disney World Resort made the announcement Tuesday during the USA Games’ Head of Delegations Conference at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Disney sports complex, which has hosted numerous major sporting events in its nearly 25-year history, will be one of the sites of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

Credit: Disney

“Hosting the USA Games’ Head of Delegations Conference and being able to announce that Disney Live Entertainment will be producing the Opening Ceremony represents the USA Games’ commitment to ensuring all attending athletes have a life-changing experience when they come down in June,” said Joe Dzaluk, President and CEO of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

Disney’s involvement in the USA Games is part of a two-year collaboration between Disney Live Entertainment and 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, and deepens Disney’s relationship with Special Olympics, which stages multiple state and local events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony, which will take place at Exploria Stadium in Orlando in June, is expected to showcase the legendary entertainment, sprinkled with a little magic, that is synonymous with Disney Live Entertainment.

“There are sure to be magical surprises, rousing dance numbers, audience participation, ‘Shine as One,’” said Tom Vazzana, Creative Director for Disney Live Entertainment.

Special Olympics Florida athletes, brothers Matthew and Ryan Letcher, will be competing at the USA Games, Matthew in Basketball and Ryan in Swimming. They are looking forward to competing in their home state for Team Florida.

“With Kissimmee being such an accessible destination for visitors of all abilities, there is no better place to host this delegation event,” said DT Minich, President/CEO of Experience Kissimmee – the tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida. “We are so excited to welcome athletes, coaches and all Special Olympics representatives to Florida for the USA Games in June.”

To learn more about the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games visit www.2022USAGames.org. Follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

In Case You Missed It…The Rainbow Connection – Beacons of Magic

Watch the full three minute video of The Rainbow Connection – Beacons of Magic at Spaceship Earth!





 

What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort

The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions

Click here for what you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World during the current Covid restrictions.

Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane – New Planning Tools & Paid Access to Lighting Lane

Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane What You Need to Know About These New Services at Disney World.

Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World

Click here for the 50th Anniversary Celebration – Everything You Need to Know About this Historic Celebration.

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 what you need to know about the new La Creperie de Paris restaurant and expanded France pavilion.

Click here for our review of Space 220 at EPCOT and what you need to know about this amazing new restaurant!

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

What’s New & Coming Back to Walt Disney World in 2022!

Click here for the 15 things we’re looking forward to at Walt Disney World in 2022.

January 14-February 21, 2022 – EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Click here for what you need to know (and don’t want to miss) at the 2022 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.

February and March 2022 – New and Returning Entertainment to Magic Kingdom

Click here for details and dates of new and returning entertainment to Magic Kingdom.

March 1, 2022 – Star Wars Hotel

Click here for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser-What We Know So Far About the Upcoming Star Wars Themed Hotel Coming to Disney World

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.

Click here for details on the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the 2022 EPCOT International 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.

Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Wish

Click here for an overview of the next Disney Cruise Line Ship – The Disney Wish – Coming Summer 2022

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 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

Click here for information on Pixar Day at Sea coming in early 2023!

Click here for information on Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line in 2023.

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.



 

 

 

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

After years of multiple Walt Disney World vacations, Cindy and Chad's dream of living in Orlando came true in 2010. After friends and family made them their go-to-people for Walt Disney World advice, Cindy and Chad launched DisneyLists.com in August 2015 to share their knowledge and love of Disney. Chad and Cindy have been Disney World Annual Passholders for years, DVC members, together have raced more than 70 runDisney races, and particularly love cruising on the Disney Cruise Line. Chad and Cindy also regularly represent DisneyLists.com at Walt Disney World media events. While attending these events, they get an insiders view of all the new things that have come to Walt Disney World. These experiences have helped them gain knowledge and expertise they happily pass on to their followers. They still can't believe how lucky they are to have such an amazing opportunity and will continue to share Disney with anyone who will listen!
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