DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Roller Coaster Opening Date Announced; Animal Kingdom Entertainment Updates; Food News; Earth Month & More
One really big announcement this week that we’ve been waiting (not so) patiently for. There are also entertainment updates, food news, and more below in this week’s Disney news roundup.
1 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Opening Date Announced!
Guests visiting EPCOT at Walt Disney World better get ready to crank up the mixtape and blast through an awesome intergalactic chase through time and space in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! This thrilling new family-friendly coaster matches the “grandosity” and fun of the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, featuring those lovable cosmic misfits – Rocket, Groot, Drax, Gamora and Star-Lord. The attraction is another major milestone in the ongoing transformation of EPCOT and debuts as part of the Walt Disney World 50thAnniversary celebration. Visit the link below for all the details.
Click here for the opening date of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coming to EPCOT.
2 – Entertainment Update at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A lot of exciting entertainment updates are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Disney has given updates on Disney’s KiteTails. Mickey and Minnie will be returning to Adventurers Outpost. An updated Finding Nemo the Musical is coming soon. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for the entertainment news for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
3 – Disney+ Subscriber Discount for Summer 2022 at Walt Disney
Disney+ subscribers can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for the first time! Bookings are now available for visits between July 8 through September 30, 2022. Click here for all the details on how you can take advantage of this offer.
4 – Menu at Sanaa Gets an Update
Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is getting a menu update. Click the link below for all the details!
Click here for the menu updates at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
5 – Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to Close for Refurbishment
Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be unavailable beginning June 18, 2022, as the location undergoes refurbishment. Disney expects the location to re-open later this year with an enhanced dining experience. To provide additional dining options for our Guests, Citricos will be available seven days a week beginning June 26.
6 – Disney Parks Commit to Protecting the Planet
Disney has always had a serious commitment to conservation. During Earth Month, Disney is sharing their plan to protect the planet. Disney Cast Member Dr. Mark Penning has all the details below.
For nearly a century, we at Disney have found inspiration in the wonders of the world we share, and have taken action to support a healthier planet for people and wildlife around the globe. That includes reducing our environmental footprint, caring for wildlife and their habitats, and creating stories that inspire action. We call these collective efforts, Disney Planet Possible — tangible actions we’re taking to put possibility into practice and inspire optimism for a brighter, more sustainable future.
We’ll be celebrating the spirit of Disney Planet Possible throughout the month of April, highlighting our commitments and actions while also sharing stories of how others are making a difference too. And we invite you to join us.
Picture What’s Possible
Throughout Earth Month, help us picture what’s possible by sharing images of what gives you hope for our planet’s future with the hashtag #DisneyPlanetPossible
Learn about our Commitments to Environmental Sustainability, Conservation and Explore Inspirational Stories
Sustainability: In December 2020, we announced ambitious 2030 Environmental Goals focused on achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for our direct operations, reducing waste, building more sustainably, and developing packaging and products that lessen our environmental footprint. And since then, we’ve been making progress- here are some highlights:
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- Announced two new solar facilities in collaboration with local utility providers expected to come online near Walt Disney World Resort in 2023. These facilities – along with existing solar sources – will power up to 40% of the resort’s annual electricity needs.
- Installed solar arrays at Castaway Cay and Hong Kong Disneyland.
- Diverted 61% of total Company operational waste from landfills.
- Launched plastic-free packaging for a line of classic dolls.
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Conservation: Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has invested more than $120 million to help protect more than 1,000 species, support community heroes, and provided millions of nature experiences to kids around the world. Through Disney Conservation Team Wildlife, Disney cast members continue to lead the charge for biodiversity protection in Disney’s own backyard and beyond, including efforts to provide habitat for monarch butterflies in California and purple martin birds in Florida; safeguard sea turtles outside of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort; and restore coral reefs at Disney’s Castaway Cay in The Bahamas.
Inspirational Stories: This Earth Month, Disney’s streaming services and TV networks are using the power of storytelling to inspire connection with our planet and all who call it home. Disney+ will take viewers on a journey around the world in our Earth Month collection, exploring the diversity of our planet with the release of Disneynature’s “Polar Bear,” National Geographic’s “Explorer: The Last Tepui,” and National Geographic’s “The Biggest Little Farm: The Return.” Additionally, ABC News will air “Hidden Climate Heroes,” an Earth Day Special highlighting the people and organizations making an impact in their communities through climate change solutions. In addition, National Geographic’s Earth Month campaign will spotlight key stories around the theme of “Explore and Restore,” with content being available at natgeo.com throughout April.
And all month long, our Disney Parks around the world will share fun, memorable experiences that celebrate the wonder of nature and offer adventures for all ages to enjoy.
We’re excited about what we’re doing as a company in these critical areas and we remain committed to making a difference, not just during Earth Month but year-round. And we look forward to hearing about all the things that give you hope during Earth Month, as your stories remind us of how much more we can achieve when we work together to make a happier, healthier planet possible for all.
Visit DisneyPlanetPossible.com to learn more.
7 – Disney Announces Two New Solar Arrays to Power Walt Disney World
Disney has announced they are adding two new solar arrays that will power Walt Disney World. Disney Cast Member Dr. Mark Penning shares more below.
Picture what’s possible when 40 percent of the energy supplied to The Most Magical Place on Earth is generated by the sun.
Building on today’s exciting launch of Disney Planet Possible and just in time to celebrate Earth Month, Walt Disney World Resort’s available solar energy resources will more than double with two new solar arrays constructed by two prominent Solar Development companies. As the most recent examples of Disney’s commitment to taking action to change our planet’s story, these new arrays will reduce our carbon footprint and help power even more magic in our theme parks, resorts and beyond!
The two new 75 MW (megawatt) arrays will be located in Gilchrist County and Polk County on over 1,000 total acres, enabling us to harness the sun’s power without depending on sunny skies in solely one area. With this expansion, Disney will become one of the largest commercial consumers of solar in the state. More importantly, it will join the numerous steps we are taking to deliver on our 2030 goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
Both arrays are expected to be online by early 2023. Continuing our longstanding history of protecting the planet, combined they will introduce nearly a half million solar panels capable of producing over 375,000 MWh (megawatt hours) of carbon-free solar energy in their first full year of operation. This is the equivalent of removing 29,500 automobiles from the roads every year!
I look forward to sharing more information with you about our newest solar energy initiatives as we picture what’s possible when we continue our work together toward building a brighter, more sustainable future so that people, plants and animals all have a thriving place to call home.
8 – runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Rounds Out 2021-2022 Race Season
The last race weekend of the 2021-2022 runDisney race season took place last weekend. Disney Cast Member Sarah Harris has the highlights below.
It was a nostalgic four-day race weekend filled with fan-favorite events and new memories made during the 2022 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow. Runners understood the assignment, coming out in their most thematic attire for the final Walt Disney World race weekend of the 2021-2022 runDisney race season. The inaugural event weekend featured four events including runDisney Springtime Surprise Sunrise Yoga, three endurance runs and a multi-race challenge for those who completed all the races.
Kicking off the weekend’s festivities, participants headed to Magic Kingdom Park early in the morning for the return of runDisney Sunrise Yoga. What better way to prepare for a weekend of endurance events than by finding your balance in front of Cinderella Castle?
Runners were ‘yeti’ for it during the first race of the weekend, the 2022 Expedition Everest 5K. Returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, runners showed off their ‘peak’ performance with a nighttime event featuring a course running through the wild theme park.
It was an appetizing second course for runners during the 2022 Race for the Taste 10K. Featuring a feast of magical early morning miles, participants found the recipe for success to finish strong on a “Ratatouille”-inspired course weaving through EPCOT and the surrounding resort area.
For the final event of the weekend, runners were transported into another dimension during The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler. Running amidst the glitz and the glimmer of Hollywood … and The World’s Most Magical Celebration, participants ‘bellhopped’ to it and discovered what lies beyond the fifth dimension as they received a warm welcome back to the finish line. Speaking of celebrations, two New Jersey runners took to the course and swept both the men’s and women’s divisions. Stephen Rathbun of Springfield, N.J., was the race’s overall winner, while Victoria Sadowski of Randolph, N.J., was the first woman to cross the finish line during the race that took runners through Walt Disney World Resort.
The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend closes out the final race weekend in the 2021-2022 race season. A big congratulations to all the weekend’s runners! Don’t miss out on more runDisney fun this summer with the recently announced summer Virtual Series celebrating “Frozen.” Save the date as general registration opens on April 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. ET. Start making plans for our next race season with other events and registration dates available here.
9 – Disney Parks Earmarks 80 Acres for Affordable Housing
Walt Disney World Resort will earmark nearly 80 acres of land to bring a new affordable housing development to life in southwest Orange County, Florida. This initiative has been in the works for quite some time and builds on The Walt Disney Company’s long legacy of bringing positive, lasting change to the communities it calls home – making an important difference locally to address one of the nation’s greatest challenges.
This new development, which is still in the early planning stages and subject to appropriate approvals, is expected to include more than 1,300 units and will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney’s land near its Central Florida theme parks. The development will offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable, located in close proximity to schools and the new and expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex. It will offer a variety of amenities to foster a strong community.
Known for building industry-leading theme parks and resort hotels around the world, Disney will engage the developer to bring that same innovation, expertise and attention to detail to this initiative. The development will be available for qualifying applicants from the general public, including Disney cast members.
“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”
More details about this initiative will be released at a later date as the company continues due diligence work with a prominent affordable housing developer. Disney’s initiative will play an important role as leaders in the community – including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings – continue to prioritize finding lasting solutions to affordable housing in Central Florida.
This new initiative in Central Florida will join additional investments Disney is making in affordable housing. Several years ago, Disneyland Resort led an effort to revitalize the Orange County Housing Trust that provides “last mile” funding for affordable housing projects in Anaheim. This made the Buena Esperanza project — a converted studio apartment community for veterans and homeless individuals with mental illness — a reality. In addition to providing them a place to live, the community offers job placement and mental health and wellness support to residents. As a result of Disney’s investment a second project, Finamore Place, in Anaheim is under construction with an expected completion date of early summer 2022. It will provide over 100 additional housing units. Disneyland Resort will continue to show support for these and other such worthy endeavors.
These initiatives are among the many ways Disney is strengthening its communities, including hundreds of millions of dollars provided in philanthropic donations to local nonprofits, the Disney VoluntEARS program, contributions to local food banks, and more. Walt Disney World Resort also recently donated $3 million to important causes in the community, including organizations on the front lines of the affordable housing issue.
For additional details about Disney’s community initiatives in Central Florida, please visit DisneyWorldGivesBack.com.
10 – Coming Soon – Mickey & Friends: An Extra Big Adventure from CAMP
CAMP, the Family Experience Company, will open its Magic Door to its newest themed experience: “Mickey & Friends x CAMP: An Extra Big Adventure” on May 28th at the 5th Avenue flagship store located at 110 5th Avenue in New York City. Disney Cast Member Tyler Slater has all the details below.
Are you ready to go behind the Magic Door and climb, slide, bounce and dance with Mickey & Friends? CAMP, a Family Experience Company, has collaborated with Disney to create its newest larger-than-life themed experience opening in New York City on May 28th!
“Mickey & Friends: An Extra Big Adventure” is the first of several Disney-themed experiences that CAMP will launch in 2022 at the 5th Avenue flagship store located at 110th Ave, and will travel to other CAMP locations later this year and beyond. CAMP creates immersive retail experiences that inspire and engage families through a unique combination of play, product and programming. Guided by a CAMP counselor, families will embark on a narrative-driven adventure with plenty of Disney and CAMP magic, including interactive entertainment and numerous photo opportunities!
“We are excited to bring a splash of Disney magic to our CAMP families, with an extraordinary adventure right in their own backyard,” says Ben Kaufman, CAMP’s Co-Founder and CEO. “There is no icon or group of characters in history that transcends generations and connects families and friends more than Mickey Mouse. Collaborating on this project with the team at Disney has been a dream come true.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 15th and fans can sign up here to learn more and receive alerts about this magical adventure coming to CAMP. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and Disney Vacation Club members can purchase exclusive pre-sale tickets starting today! Check your individual Membership pages for booking details.
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
Now Through July 4, 2022 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for the menus to the Outdoor Kitchens at the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Click here for photos of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning!
Click here for photos of all of the topiaries at the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!
Click here for photos of the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden merchandise!
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.
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.
May 27, 2022 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Click here for details on the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
July 14-November 19, 2022 – 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for dates and details of the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Click here for — Disney Cruise Line Reveals New Indulgences for Adults Aboard 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.