DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: 50th Anniversary Ends and the Changes Start; Long Time Fireworks Favorite Returns; New Table Service Opens; New Attraction Officially Debuts; Special April Food & Drink Revealed & More

Chad & Cindy NykampApril 2, 2023Last Updated: April 26, 2023

It’s a big week at Disney World and beyond. The Disney World 50^th Celebration has officially ended and changes are already happening around the parks. Disney World’s next headliner attraction is officially opening this week along with the return of two fan favorite nighttime spectaculars. Hollywood Studios has a new table service restaurant (that is awesome), and Disney Cruise Line dropped a ton of news. All this and more below in this week’s news roundup.

1 – 50^th Anniversary Celebration Comes to an End – What’s Next?

After 18 months, the 50^th Anniversary Celebration at Walt Disney World has official come to an end. So what’s next? Following the 50^th Anniversary Celebration, Disney will begin transitioning to the global celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of the founding of the Disney company. As part of the transition, Disney will begin removing the 50^th Anniversary embellishments from Cinderella Castle. However, the delightful Beacons of Magic at Spaceship Earth, short light and music shows that play throughout the evening, will continue. Also, while Disney did not indicate for how long, they did confirm that the Disney Fab 50 character statues throughout the parks will be sticking around a bit longer.

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2 – Roundup Rodeo BBQ Now Open in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard is now welcoming more toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land. Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world.

For a full review, food photos, and everything you need to know about Roundup Rodeo BBQ, click here.

3 – TRON Lightcycle / Run Officially Opens This Tuesday, April 4

This week marks the official opening of a new attraction that seemed like it would never be finished. After years of construction, TRON Lightcycle / Run will finally officially open to guests on Tuesday, April 4. Many guests have already experienced the attraction during previews and soft openings. The overwhelming consensus is that while the ride is short, it is thrilling and a must-do addition to the Magic Kingdom.

Guests climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music, and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other. A virtual queue will be in place when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens and guests will also have the option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. Learn more at the link below.

For our full review, what you need to know, and some ride-cam footage, click here.

4 – Happily Ever After and EPCOT Forever Return to Walt Disney World This Week

Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks show will fully immerse guests in heartfelt Disney stories as brand-new projections extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.

“EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. The show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history by featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music. A new fireworks show will debut at EPCOT later this year as part of the Disney 100 celebration.

5 – Disney Reveals Special Eats and Drinks or Earth Month

In April, Walt Disney World is celebrating Earth Month with limited-time food and beverage items at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World resorts. We can’t wait to try them all.

For a full lineup of the special eats and drinks and photos, of course, click here.

6 – Narcoossee’s Reopens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has reopened, welcoming guests to an exciting new dining experience. This signature-dining restaurant – renowned for its panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon – will introduce a new interior along with a refreshed menu offering a perfect balance of updated classics and new culinary delights. Guests can look forward to the return of house specialties such as lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and tasty plant-based options.

Click here for more information, including photos of the new menu items.

7 – Disney Cruise Line Reveals Mickey and Minnie’s New Look for “Silver Anniversary at Sea” Sailings This Summer

This week Disney Cruise Line revealed Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse’s official new ensembles for the “Silver Anniversary at Sea,” a special celebration of Disney Cruise Line’s 25th anniversary taking place this summer. Complete with dazzling, multi-toned fabric and nautical gold accents, their coordinated looks showcase the celebration’s signature color, Shimmering Seas. Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie will make appearances in their festive attire exclusively aboard “Silver Anniversary at Sea” sailings across the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

For a full update on the details of Disney Cruise Line’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration, click here.

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8 – Disney Cruise Line Announces Inaugural Sailings to New Private Island and Other Summer 2024 Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line announced the inaugural dates and select itineraries for its new island destination in The Bahamas, headlining a season full of new and guest-favorite itineraries around the world in the summer of 2024. Along with the first sailings to Lighthouse Point, families will be able to choose magical vacations to bucket-list destinations that include the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean.

Click here for full details on the new private island.

Click here for full details on the new cruise itineraries.

9 – Disney Cruise Line’s Next Ship – Disney Treasure – Reaches Milestone

Disney Cruise Line reached a significant milestone in the construction of its next ship, the Disney Treasure, with the keel laying ceremony at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, a time-honored maritime tradition, a newly minted coin was placed under the keel of the ship for good fortune. The commemorative coin used in the ceremony featured an etching of Captain Minnie Mouse donning a new look that embodies the ship’s adventure motif. The theme of adventure, inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration, will pave the way for captivating onboard experiences that immerse guests in some of the company’s most legendary stories. The Disney Treasure is scheduled for delivery in 2024. It’s the second of three new ships planned through 2025. The Wish class ships are powered by liquefied natural gas and feature 1,254 guest staterooms. We are so excited for the Disney Treasure!

10 – Promenade at Sunset Walk Near Walt Disney World Adds More Dining, Entertainment, and Retail

Promenade at Sunset Walk, Central Florida’s premiere dining, entertainment and shopping district has expanded once again, adding even more options for dining, entertainment and retail, plus a curated schedule of ongoing programming and events. New tenants include Fat Tuesday, BR77 Brazilian Steakhouse, SoFresh, Cowboy Chicken, Naples Soap Company and Escapology.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these new tenants to our lineup of top-tier restaurants, entertainment experiences and shopping venues,” Ray Stines, Vice President of Entertainment and Marketing at Promenade Sunset Walk said. “Our ultimate goal is to elevate guests’ experiences through new partnerships, making Promenade at Sunset Walk a one-stop entertainment and dining destination. The debut of these new and exciting venues is great, and we are excited for the future of the property.”

Fat Tuesday, known for its lively atmosphere and festive celebrations, serves up a variety of premium frozen cocktails with unique and delicious flavors like the famous 190 Octane® and Electric Lemonade. With its specialty frozen cocktails and good vibes, Fat Tuesday is set to be a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Bringing the tradition and flavor of Brazil to Promenade, BR77 Brazilian Steakhouse offers a delicious all-you-can-eat dining experience, using the finest ingredients sourced from Brazil and the U.S. Featuring prime meats, signature cocktails and a vibrant ambiance, guests can choose from up to fourteen different cuts of meat served at the grill station on large skewers, including Brazilian favorites like Picanha, beef ribs, filet mignon and more, plus seasonal salads and additional hot plates. Additional menu items include traditional house made desserts and cocktails.

Looking for healthier options? SoFresh has it all with its “fast-casual fresh” cuisine, from signature hot bowls like the Sriracha Veggie and Teriyaki Stir Fry bowls, to unique wraps and quesadillas like the Tulum Quesadilla made with grass-fed steak. Additional items include fresh smoothies, cold-pressed juices and gluten and dairy-free baked goods. Dishes are filled with delicious superfoods and sustainably sourced ingredients — all served in a lively, welcoming setting, celebrating a fresh-dining lifestyle.

Calling all chicken lovers! Cowboy Chicken, the casual dining destination, specializes in wood-fired rotisserie chicken and homestyle sides in a casual, Western-themed atmosphere. Signature dishes include quarter, half and whole chickens, slow-roasted over locally-sourced Oak wood and seasoned in Cowboy Chicken’s secret dry rub, accompanied by a variety of homemade sauces for dipping. Additional menu items include savory, handmade side dishes and beverages.

Guests can prioritize self-care at Naples Soap Company, a retail destination best known for their high-quality skin and hair care products that are made with natural and organic ingredients. Founded in Naples, Florida in 2009, this company offers premium products that are formulated to stimulate the senses, soothe the skin and pamper the soul. Best sellers include creamy body butters, exfoliating sea salt scrubs, eco-friendly shampoo bars, luxury bath bombs and cleansing natural soaps. Shoppers are encouraged to experience these products with hands-on, in-store demonstrations.

For those looking for a high adrenaline experience, Escapology offers exciting and immersive experiences, where players are locked inside a highly-themed room for 60 minutes, needing to crack codes, solve challenging puzzles and find hidden clues to escape. Rooms available for booking include thrilling murder mystery experiences like Murder on the Orient Express, as players must solve the mystery, discover the killer and stop the train before it’s too late. More family-friendly options include the Scooby Doo and and the Spooky Castle Adventure, where guests decipher clues to unveil the monster and ghosts terrorizing the town.

Promenade at Sunset Walk also hosts recurring events throughout the week, including Fired-Up Fridays, The Street Market, Show Car Saturday Nights and more.

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.