DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Storyline for Tiana’s Adventure Revealed; Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu & Opening Date; Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup; TRON Locker System, Virtual Queue; Cruise News & More
Since our last news roundup, Disney has revealed the storyline for the new Tiana ride, unveiled the menu and opening dates for the new table service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land, and released details on how experiencing the TRON rollercoaster will work, including a new locker system. We also got the lineup for the 2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series taking place during the Flower and Garden Festival and a sneak peek at some special Valentine’s Day treats coming to Disney parks. All this and more are below in this week’s Disney news roundup.
1 – New Storyline Details Revealed for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The transformation of Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has begun. This week, Disney released the new storyline for the upcoming attraction set to open in late 2024. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for storyline details of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
2 – Menu and Opening Date Announced for Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
We recently got a peek at the new menu and learned the opening date of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, the new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney also released the menu with photos. The date that reservations will be opening has not yet been announced.
Click here for the opening date and menu for Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
3 – Disney Releases Details on Tron – Virtual Queue, Lightning Lane, and New Locker System
Tron Lightcycle Run is opening on April 4, 2023, at Magic Kingdom. Disney recently released information on the Virtual Queue that will be used, gave details on a new locker system for guests, and Lightning Lane information. Catch all the details at the link below.
Click here for details on how to ride Tron Lightcycle Run.
4 – Garden Rocks Concert Series Details Announced
The Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup has been announced. The series runs during the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. Learn who will be appearing at the link below.
Click here for details on the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
5 – More Characters Out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
More characters are out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can now greet with Mr. and Mrs. Incredible in the Echo Lake area. Also, Edna Mode and Frozone can be seen near the Dedication Statue, although they are only waving to guests and not greeting with guests up close. Finally, Max and Goofy are greeting guests on Grand Avenue throughout the day. Check the My Disney Experience app for times and specific locations.
6 – Foodie Guide to Valentine Treats at Disney Parks
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re visiting Disney Parks this month, you’ll be able to enjoy limited-time food and beverage items. Learn more below.
Click here for more information on Valentine’s treats at Disney Parks.
7 – Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea to Return to Disney Cruise Line in Early 2024
This week Disney Cruise Line announced the return of Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea in early 2024. We love both of these themed cruises and highly recommend them! Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, Returning in Early 2024.
8 – Details on Celebrate Soulfully During Black History Month at Disney World
Walt Disney World is celebrating Black History with Celebrate Soulfully during the month of February. Catch all the details at the link below.
Click here for details on Celebrate Soulfully at Walt Disney World.
9 – New Mobile Order Locations at Disney Springs Added to My Disney Experience App
Two dining locations at Disney Springs have been added to Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience app. Disney Cast Member Emma Martin has all the details below.
Did you know that the convenient features of the My Disney Experience app extend beyond the theme parks? With Mobile Order, Merchandise Mobile Checkout and car locator, using the My Disney Experience app at Disney Springs is one of my favorite insider tips. And beginning today, two additional locations at Disney Springs now offer Mobile Order – B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. and Amorette’s Patisserie!
With Mobile Order you can save time, skip the line and head directly to the pick-up counter at some of your favorite dining locations including B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., Amorette’s Patisserie, D-Luxe Burger, Disney’s Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Company. You can navigate to Mobile Order by selecting the plus sign on the homepage and “Order Food,” or by selecting “Mobile Food Orders” from the menu. Select an arrival window at your restaurant of choice and follow the steps to place your order.
If you know me, you know that I am quite possibly the world’s biggest fan of Merchandise Mobile Checkout. It makes your shopping experience a breeze, and I cannot recommend using it enough! With Merchandise Mobile Checkout you can save time by skipping the checkout line and add items right to your bag as you browse the store. This feature is available in Disney Springs at World of Disney and Super Hero Headquarters. You can access Merchandise Mobile Checkout by selecting the plus sign on the homepage and then “Shop in Store” or in the menu by selecting “Merchandise Mobile Checkout.” Scan your items as you shop and then you’re able to check out and pay right in the app! Important tip: if you have any applicable discounts like Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member, they will be automagically applied for you if you’re signed into your account. After paying, all you have to do is show your QR code to a cast member at a designated exit and you are good to go.
Here at Disney Springs, we have parking garages that offer complimentary parking and smart technology, but sometimes you might forget where you’ve parked after a day of shopping, dining and playing at Disney Springs! Park worry-free and save your parking location with car locator. You can find car locator on the homepage of the My Disney Experience app, or in the menu. Make sure your Location Services are enabled, and once in the tool you can either select “Save Vehicle Location” or you can manually enter your vehicle location. The app will remind you of your parking location when you’re ready to leave!
Be sure to download the My Disney Experience app from the Apple App Store or Google Play!
10 – Earl of Sandwich Returns to Downtown Disney District in Disneyland
Earl of Sandwich, the quick-service dining destination that celebrates the art of the sandwich, has made its return to the Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, opening for business at its new temporary location. The fan-favorite restaurant serves a menu of hand-crafted hot sandwiches, salads, breakfast dishes, baked goods, and more. In addition, guests can enjoy signature sandwiches like The Original 1762®, The Full Montagu® and Cannonballs!™. Plus, making its Earl of Sandwich debut is the new Spicy BBQ Brisket Sandwich, available for a limited time.
The Earl of Sandwich Tavern, a full-service restaurant offering a seated breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information, please visit earlofsandwichusa.com and follow on social media at @earlofsandwich.
11 – Disney Delivers Joy to Children’s Hospitals Across the Globe in 2023
The Walt Disney Company announced today that it will continue to deliver joy to children’s hospitals across the globe in 2023 by expanding access to innovative programs specially designed for children’s hospitals such as mobile movie theaters, complimentary content access, additional character-themed hospital wear, special deliveries, and in-hospital installations for about 750 children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care around the globe. These efforts are part of Disney’s global commitment from 2018 of $100 million to help reimagine the patient experience in children’s hospitals in hopes of delivering joy and comfort to children and their families, as well as the company’s continued collaboration with Starlight Children’s Foundation to bring the positive power of Disney stories to children’s hospitals.
“Teams from across Disney, including our world-renowned Walt Disney Imagineers, worked with a global network of experts to identify unique experiences we could provide to ease the anxiety of a hospital stay for children around the world,” said Jennifer Cohen, executive vice president, corporate social responsibility for The Walt Disney Company. “Delivering joy builds on a legacy that started with Walt Disney himself, who brought animators and characters to visit hospitalized children.”
Mobile Movie Theaters & Complimentary Content Access
This year, Disney is expanding access to its uplifting and engaging content to help ease the fear and anxiety of a hospital stay by broadening its mobile movie theater program, and Disney+ and Disney Movie Moments initiatives globally.
Mobile Movie Theaters
Beginning January 2023, Disney will expand its mobile movie theater program to children’s hospitals around the world. Inspired by the cinema on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Resort in California, mobile movie theaters offer patients and their families places to gather and create memories while in the hospital, where they can enjoy the latest Disney storytelling through complimentary Disney+ access and first run movies through Disney Movie Moments, both provided to child life professionals.
Mobile movie theaters are proven to be versatile and straightforward to implement in hospitals, and, compared to stationary displays or full-scale theaters, they can move across the hospital to provide flexible entertainment and engagement opportunities, or can be stored away to maximize utility and hospitals’ limited space. Disney will deliver the mobile movie theaters to hospitals in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States, as well as throughout China and Europe, in the first half of 2023. They will complement the specially designed Disney interactive murals installed at select hospitals, to draw the patients into the enchanting world of Disney.
Disney+ Access
Building on a successful United States-based pilot program, in 2022 Disney began the global rollout of Disney+ into children’s hospitals in over 30 countries. Now, one year since this expansion kicked off, over 430 children’s hospitals in 17 countries have access to this service. This year, Disney is continuing work toward its 30-country goal, focusing on locations including Greece, Mexico, and Japan next.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with Starlight Children’s Foundation in the U.S. and other wonderful organizations abroad to deliver joy when it’s needed most through beloved Disney stories,” said Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+ and Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Through access to Disney+ in children’s hospitals, we’re seeing the power of storytelling in action, creating a more positive experience for young patients and their families around the world.”
Disney Movie Moments
In the United States, and launching in Australia this year, the Disney Movie Moments Program also brings special screenings of newly released Disney movies to the mobile movie theaters, offering opportunities for families to create happy memories, even in the hospital.
Disney-Themed Starlight Hospital Wear & Deliveries
In collaboration with Starlight Children’s Foundation, Disney brings the positive power of Disney stories, characters, and immersive experiences to children’s hospitals.
Disney-themed Starlight Hospital Wear reimagines the traditional hospital gown with familiar characters and designs from Marvel,Star Wars, Pixar, Frozen, Mickey & Friends, ESPN, and Disney Princesses, providing patients with their choice of fun, comfortable clothing to wear during their hospital stay. This year, Disney will introduce new designs featuring beloved characters, such as Mirabel from Encanto, and will expand the Hospital Wear program outside of the United States for the first time, bringing the program to hospitals in Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and France beginning in March.
Moreover, Disney and Starlight Children’s Foundation deliver packages of toys, books, games, and movies that bring patients moments of delight and comfort in familiar, beloved stories and characters. Early this year, Disney will roll out a new delivery that celebrates Disney stories and memories, honoring those who have welcomed those stories into their lives throughout the last century. In addition, Disney will share 40,000 activity packs of games with children’s hospitals across Europe throughout 2023.
“We’re honored and grateful to have a longstanding relationship with Disney in helping us bring happiness to seriously ill kids and their families. Together for over 20 years, we’ve been transforming the hospital experience through programs that entertain and provide comfort to kids at a time when they need it most,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation.
For more information about Disney’s Children’s Hospital Initiative, please visit joy.disney.com. To learn more about The Walt Disney Company and Starlight Children’s Foundation relationship, visit starlight.org/Disney.
12 – Disney’s Commitment to Conservation Expands with $500,000 Donation to Florida Organizations
Disney recently made a sizeable donation to Florida conservation organizations. Dr. Mark Penning has all the details below.
It’s always a wild day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom filled with surprises around every corner, and today was no different as we announced a $500,000 donation to five local conservation organizations in Central Florida as we continue to help make a happier, healthier planet possible for all.
This most recent donation brings our total given to nonprofit organizations across Florida since the start of the 50th Anniversary celebration to more than $6 million. It is one of the many ways we’re taking action to protect the planet as we remain committed to reducing our environmental footprint, caring for wildlife and their habitats, sharing stories that inspire action and supporting programs that make a world of difference in our community.
We shared the exciting news with our cast members first – many of whom dedicate their own time investing in the wonders of our world through our Disney VoluntEARS program – followed by our grant recipients: Conservation Florida, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Lake Nature Center and Wekiva Wilderness Trust.
With each organization receiving $100,000, these grants will help make a number of projects possible – from expanding land protection initiatives, to ensuring healthy tree canopy coverage in underserved communities, finding solutions to clean drinking water for those in need and funding educational opportunities for youth in our community. Since 1995, Disney has directed more than $120 million and the expertise of our dedicated teams to wildlife conservation efforts like these, resulting in meaningful and measurable impacts.
This is all part of what we call Disney Planet Possible – tangible actions we’re taking as a company to inspire optimism for a brighter, more sustainable future.
I for one could not be more excited about the impact this will have on Central Florida. I’m also so proud of our animal care and conservation cast members who are always champions of change and share the wonders of our world and the “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” (did you catch season two on Disney+ yet?) every day.
We all have the power to make a difference in our communities. Whether volunteering with a local organization or taking action in your own backyard – it all comes together and can lead to big change. Learn more on DisneyPlanetPossible.com and stay tuned for even more stories about our conservation efforts as we near our celebration of Earth Month in April.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
January 13 – February 20, 2023 – EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Click here for the ten reasons you don’t want to miss the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.
Now Open – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Now Through March 31, 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
March 23, 2023 – Opening Date for Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Click here for the opening date and menu for Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
April 3, 2023 – Happily Ever After Returns to Magic Kingdom
Click here about Happily Ever After and its return to Magic Kingdom in 2023.
April 4, 2023 – Tron Lightcycle Run Coming to Magic Kingdom
Click here to learn more about TRON / Lightcycle Run coming to Magic Kingdom in spring 2023.
Click here for details on how to ride Tron Lightcycle Run.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy – Spring 2023
Articles with Cruising Tips and Tricks
Learn more about the Disney Cruise line and our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Getting Ready to Sail!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 1
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 2
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 1
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 2
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 4
TRAVEL LOG: Day 5 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – San Juan, Puerto Rico
TRAVEL LOG: Day 6 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Sea Day
TRAVEL LOG: Day 7-Part 1 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Castaway Cay
TRAVEL LOG: Day 8 of Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Debarkation Day
Instagram Story with Photos and Video of our Cruise
Day 1 – Instagram Story Highlight – Arrival Day
Day 2 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 3 – Instagram Story Highlight – Pixar Day at Sea
Day 4 – Instagram Story Highlight – Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Pirate Night
Day 5 – Instagram Story Highlight – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Day 6 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 7 – Instagram Story Highlight – Castaway Cay
The Disney Wish
Click here to learn more (and watch) the Christening Ceremony Celebration of the Disney Wish!
Click here to learn about staterooms and our room review on the Disney Wish.
Click here to learn about upper deck fun and the AquaMouse – the first Disney attraction at sea!
Click here for an overview of family dining on the Disney Wish!
Click here to learn more about stage show entertainment on the Disney Wish!
Itineraries in 2023 and 2024
Click here for information on Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line in 2023.
Click here for information about Disney Cruise Line’s Summer 2023 Itineraries.
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Fall 2023 Itineraries.
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Early 2024 Itineraries.
Coming to 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.