Disney News

As we usher in sweet summertime, it’s a great time to share the latest about what’s new and what’s coming to the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort! More dining, shopping and seasonal fun add up to a summer guests won’t want to miss. Din Tai Fung Opens Soon! Din Tai Fung, a global restaurant company known for the art of Xiao Long Bao and excellence in hospitality, is opening its first-ever standalone restaurant in the Downtown Disney District. The restaurant will be serving guests a limited menu for its soft opening beginning June 24, 2024, while it prepares for its official grand opening in July. The new restaurant will be the only freestanding Din Tai Fung location built from the ground up, infused with architectural and design elements that pay homage to the company’s Taiwanese heritage. The new restaurant’s exterior is a dramatic, contemporary take on a traditional Chinese pavilion rooftop structure. A suspended, beaded installation over the circular central bar greets guests upon entering the restaurant, with traditional style Chinese pendants softly illuminating the space. An expo kitchen will serve as a backdrop, inviting guests to witness the artistry behind the dumpling-making process firsthand. And we can’t wait to try … everything! From their signature soup dumplings that are handcrafted with an 18-fold process, to with their wontons, noodles, steamed buns, bok choy, pork chop fried rice and other flavorful dishes served family style. For reservations, please visit Din Tai Fung’s website. Coming soon for a limited time to celebrate the grand opening, Din Tai Fung will be releasing two new, limited collections of brand apparel and accessories, available for purchase at the Downtown Disney District location while supplies last. To support the Orange County community, Din Tai Fung will be a proud sponsor of the 2024 CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland Resort. The restaurant is donating $50,000 to the annual event taking place July 21, which brings the community together to raise funds for programs, education and research for patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Reservations Now Available for the New Paseo and Céntrico Guests can now visit the newly opened Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita. Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán’s three distinctive menus and settings are influenced by his homeland in the heart of Mexico, combined with his love of French culinary style and techniques. Guests can now make reservations for Paseo and Céntrico on Disneyland.com or through the Disneyland app, and Tiendita offers authentic Mexican street food on-the-go from a self-ordering kiosk. July Brings Bubbles! Bubble fans, there will be even more bubbles to love this summer! The Bubbles Experience at Downtown Disney District presented by Disney Jr.’s Ariel will take place from noon-4 p.m. daily from July 1-31, 2024, with a bubble moment every half hour and a DJ hosting at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn. So fun! Welcome to Downtown Disney, at a New Entrance! When arriving at the west end of the district, guests will now be greeted at an all-new entrance, with a mid-century modern design that blends with the new Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. The area also features an eye-catching new art wall, which is currently displaying a new mural by Nikkolas Smith. Nearby, Nikkolas also designed a sculptural tower at the stage that pays tribute to pioneering Black architects in Southern California during the mid-20th century.  WonderGround Gallery Reopens in Temporary Space   During the transformation of Downtown Disney District, WonderGround Gallery has found a new home near Napolini Pizzeria and Salt & Straw. This boutique is devoted to art, perfect for home or office décor,with distinctive Disney flair. Celebrate Pixar Fest in Downtown Disney District Happening now is Pixar Fest, a celebration of friendship and beyond at Disneyland Resort! The festivities celebrating fans’ favorite Pixar Animation Studios films extend to Downtown Disney District, with colorful decorations throughout the promenade. Guests may shop for limited-time merchandise collections, strike a pose in front of a photo opportunity, make crafts for the Friendship Wall or enjoy Pixar-inspired menu items at select dining locations, now through August 4, 2024. Future plans for the district include Parkside Market, four diverse culinary concepts under one roof brought to life by Levy, as well as a Porto’s Bakery and Café, a two-story location for Earl of Sandwich, and a steakhouse restaurant and barbecue eatery. We can’t wait to share more on all of these terrific additions! ​

Calling all fans of ghoulish gatherings! Prepare, if you dare, for the upcoming spooktacular Halloween season at Disneyland Resort, running Aug. 23 through Oct. 31, 2024 (and through Nov. 2, 2024, for Plaza de la Familia)! Read on for 13 must-see fall favorites, including the return of Haunted Mansion Holiday, the added daytime offering of “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show, on-sale dates and details for Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party and so much more. Haunted Mansion Holiday Reopens with Virtual Queue Foolish mortals will be able to socialize with Sandy Claws again soon, just in time for the fall season! Jack Skellington and the Halloween Town denizens have put a spell on the eerie estate with the merry makeover known as Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” As the attraction’s reimagined queue experience continues to materialize, Haunted Mansion Holiday will be available via virtual queue only when it reopens. Fiendish fans of this trick-filled transformation are clamoring for a glimpse of this year’s all-new ghoulish gingerbread creation that decorates the dining room, and we’re happy to oblige with this little sneak peek. Mickey Mouse and Friends Debut New Fall Looks Don’t miss the chance to pose for a photo at Disneyland Park with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends dressed for the season in new festive attire featuring skeleton inspirations and colorful patchwork patterns. ‘Mickey’s Trick and Treat’ Show Brings Family-Fun Entertainment Available for the first time ever as a daily offering during the season, the interactive “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show encourages younger guests to join in a not-so-spooky sing and dance-along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at the Disney Theater in Disney California Adventure Park. With colorful projections and a lively host dressed as a mad scientist, it’s a happy haunting they’ll not soon forget! 4.‘Halloween Screams’ Returns to Disneyland Park Each night, guests will receive a dreadfully delightful treat in the form of “Halloween Screams,” a nighttime spectacular featuring supernatural projections and other ghostly special effects viewable from in front of “it’s a small world” facade, Rivers of America and along Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park. On select nights, “Halloween Screams” haunts the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle as well, enhancing its seasonal mischief with fireworks. Seasonal Décor Abounds Throughout Disneyland Resort The Main Street Pumpkin Festival returns to Disneyland Park, anchored by the iconic Mickey Pumpkin. When guests stroll through this charming thoroughfare, they’ll be greeted by cleverly carved gorgeous gourds decorating doorways, porches and windows. On Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park, Halloween motifs add to the ambiance, while the rider of an equine apparition, the Headless Horseman, appears to light each night’s darkening skies with his very own jack-o-lantern head! The autumnal theming will also continue in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney District, where guests will find festive touches throughout. Ramble Through Radiator Screams In Disney California Adventure, the rambunctious residents of Cars Land put the nuts and bolts into their Haul-O-Ween outfits and changed Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams with a ghoulish array of décor and the transformation of two family-friendly attractions. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters pump up their soundtracks with a wicked groove and become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark Sparks Screams Each twilight, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, releasing menacing monsters and free-roaming fiends among its wickedly thrilling drops. The Guardians have successfully escaped the Collector’s Fortress, but have accidentally left Groot behind, so Rocket needs some help to distract the creatures that have been released, so he can rescue Groot in this exciting seasonal overlay. Dastardly Delicious Sip & Bites Arrive to Tantalize Tastebuds Guests can treat themselves to delectable, themed treats. Dining locations throughout the Disneyland Resort will serve up new and returning seasonal items for every palate. We’ll reveal all the fall fare closer to the season, but if guests just can’t wait, here’s a little taste of what they can look forward to. Returning for the 2024 season, guests can enjoy the Halloween funnel cake at Stage Door Café in Disneyland Park and the al pastor tacos inspired by “Coco” at Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure Park! New Merchandise Materializes It’s not a frightfully festive fall without the latest Disneyland Resort Halloween merchandise including apparel, accessories, headwear and other spirited garb, which will be available this fall throughout Disneyland Resort. Fashions inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” will be a great fit for this year’s Plaza de la Familia festivities, and guests won’t want to miss Oogie Boogie Bash merchandise which will also be available. Plaza de la Familia Celebrates Día de los Muertos Inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos, Plaza de la Familia brings music, vibrant décor, festive foods and exciting live entertainment to Disney California Adventure Park through Nov. 2, 2024. Guests can’t miss the iconic “Árbol de la Vida” (Tree of Life) photo location and memory wall. And if guests are fans of Plaza de la Familia, they know that the heart of this offering is a musical celebration of Pixar’s “Coco,” which emphasizes the everlasting bonds of family. This year the heartwarming show has a new name and story, along with newly designed costumes. It will be performed several times daily. After the show, snap a selfie with the hand-animated figure of Miguel from “Coco.” Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers Cafe Serve Up Festive Fare If guests love the fall season and dining with favorite Disney characters, they can’t miss Goofy’s Kitchen with a Halloween twist! Goofy and his pals will don their seasonal outfits for a dining experience like no other at Disneyland Hotel. At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Storytellers Cafe will conjure an all-new autumn-inspired breakfast and brunch, complete with seasonal décor and characters debuting new festive looks. Keep an eye out

In just a few weeks, red, white and blue will sparkle brightly as Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment guaranteed to have guests singing about the stars and stripes all the way home!  Here are 10 top ways to celebrate Independence Day at Disney World. Fireworks Over Magic Kingdom Park “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular.   A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for Guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels. This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.  Be inspired by Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute that debuted June 9 at EPCOT.   Reflecting President Bush’s personal commitment to military veterans and ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veteran and Military Families Program, this extraordinary art exhibit brings together more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served in military uniform with honor since 9/11 and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.  Party at Magic Kingdom Park At Magic Kingdom, guests can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park during extended park hours: July 3, 8 a.m.-midnight; July 4, 8 a.m.-1 a.m.  Heartbeat of Freedom following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT  Sensational patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks showLuminous “The Symphony of Us.” Performances will take place July 3 and 4 at 9 p.m.  Voices of Liberty Harmonies at EPCOT While visiting EPCOT guests will be treated to the sounds of Americana from the legendary a cappella vocal group ‘Voices of Liberty’. The renowned singers will perform patriotic numbers throughout the day in the rotunda of The American Adventure.  Special Photo Opps with Patriotic Disney Pals Get those cameras ready! Some favorite Disney pals – dressed for the occasion in their “Spirit of ’76” attire – will meet guests throughout the day at The American Adventure in EPCOT.  Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Glitters in Red, White and Blue In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Guests can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the park’s recently completed multi-year transformation.   Food That’s Worth a Salute For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return of fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT.   Celebrate at Disney Resort Hotels Select Disney Resort hotels get into the red, white and blue spirit with classic summertime fun, from surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts to Movies Under the Stars and children’s activities. Or guests can just enjoy an afternoon poolside or a leisurely boating excursion on sparkling lakes and waterways.  Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant.   This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights. More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule.  Commemorate the Spirit of America Every Day America is honored year-round at Walt Disney World, with popular attractions that pay tribute to the country’s history.   Stroll Down Main Street  Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street, U.S.A., is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.   Witness the Daily Flag Retreat  Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice.  See History in Liberty Square  Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to an authentic replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in a stirring show tracing the nation’s history inside the Hall of Presidents. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square to neighboring Frontierland is a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.   Experience The American Adventure  The American Adventure located in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.   Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.   ​

The annual TravelAge West WAVE Awards were held on June 13 to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel supplier partners—voted on by travel advisors themselves! These awards have 88 categories that include cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, destination, rail vacation and travel insurance companies. Disney Destinations was honored with three WAVE Awards for Adventures by Disney, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Disneyland Resort, recognizing our destinations as some of the top in the travel industry: Adventures by Disney Best Tour Operator for Multigenerational Travel Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Best Resort for Cultural Immersion, Hawaii Disneyland Resort Favorite Three-Night Destination to Sell ​

Guests can get ready for the “feel everything movie of the year” with special, limited-time offerings across Disney Parks in celebration of “Inside Out 2,” now playing only in theaters! Pixar Animation Studios’ “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as Headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment show up. Disneyland Resort “World of Color – ONE” Presented by PANDORA® Jewelry at Disney California Adventure Park Presents a Water Short in Celebration of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2”  For a limited time, a new water short, “Emotional Rollercoaster,” highlighting Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” is being shown ahead of “World of Color – ONE” presented by PANDORA® Jewelry at Disney California Adventure Park. When the lights dim around Paradise Bay, guests see inside Riley’s head, showing memories of her experiencing Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust on mist screens. Animated projections, majestic fountains synchronized to music, dazzling lasers, and sparkling lighting are combined to introduce the new emotions, Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui, and show how they must learn to live peacefully with the existing core emotions. Anger Makes His Disney Parks Debut Beginning today, Anger from Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” will greet guests in Disney California Adventure Park at the Pixar Pier Band Shell. Kensington Tallman, who voices teenage Riley in the film, recently met up with Anger along with Joy and Sadness. “Inside Out” Drawing Activity at Animation Academy at the Disney California Adventure Park For a limited time, guests can learn how to draw four characters from “Inside Out 2”: Joy, Sadness, Anxiety, and Anger. The activity is offered under the guidance of a talented artist at the Animation Academy at Disney California Adventure Park. Collectible Medallion at Disneyland Resort For a limited time during Pixar Fest, now through August 4, 2024, an “Inside Out 2” collectible medallion will be available at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Medallion Machine in Disney California Adventure Park. Art Gallery at Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort  For a limited time, beginning today, Pixar Place Hotel at the Disneyland Resort will display three maquettes of new Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” characters: Anxiety, Ennui, and Embarrassment, along with panels of artwork from the film on the second floor of the hotel. PhotoPass Lens at Disneyland Resort  Beginning today, Disneyland Resort guests who purchase Disney Genie+ service can access a new experience from Disney PhotoPass Lenses featuring characters from “Inside Out 2” on the Disneyland app. With this lens, guests can get a glimpse inside the Headquarters control center and express their emotions with Joy, Anger, and Sadness. Walt Disney World Resort Meet Joy at Pixar Plaza Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can get into their feels with Joy herself! She has a new home at Pixar Plaza joining other Pixar stars — all captured by Disney PhotoPass Photographers. Photo Op at Pixar Plaza Guests can enjoy new offerings including a themed photo spot. Sneak Peek at Walt Disney Presents Theatre Pssst — guess what? A sneak peek for “Inside Out 2” is now playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Food & Beverage Disneyland Resort Anxiety Straw Clip, available starting today at select locations Sadness Cheesecake: Cotton candy cheesecake with blue mousse and blue memory orbs Available now through June 29 at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta at Disney California Adventure Park Joyful Cheesecake: Yellow pineapple cheesecake with white and blue mousse Available June 30 through August 18 at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta at Disney California Adventure Park Walt Disney World Resort Inside Out 2 Petit Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, peanut butter mousse, and strawberry jam with crushed peanuts and crispy pearls Available now through July 10 at Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs Feeling Kinda Blue-berry Chai Iced Latte: Blueberry chai iced latte with notes of clove, cinnamon, and orange blossom Available now through July 26 at Market (Outdoor cart), Neighborhood Bakery, and Catalina Eddie’s at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Available now through July 14 at Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs Frazzled Float: Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, Sprite, vanilla soft-serve, and chocolate sauce topped with candied orange and chocolate bark Available now through September 6 at Epic Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’ is now playing only in theaters!  ​

We’ve kicked off our special celebration of the 30th anniversary of “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. From now until Sept. 6, fans of the original animated film can enjoy character greetings, themed food and drinks, unique merchandise items and other special “only at Disney” surprises. Here’s a quick look at some anniversary highlights guests have got to experience this summer.    ‘Lion King’ Characters at Animal Kingdom During “The Lion King” 30th anniversary celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can meet favorite characters Timon and Rafiki at Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Guests can take the train to Conservation Station by entering near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris in the park and the My Disney Experience app has details on when both characters are available this summer. At Conservation Station, guests can also learn to draw other favorite characters from “The Lion King” at Animation Experience. New ‘Lion King’ Anniversary Treats There are new, limited time delights featuring characters from the film, including Simba, Rafiki, Timon and Zazu. The big (and adorable) Simba Paw Cookie is a perfect summer treat and can be found at outdoor food carts throughout the park during the celebration. Another themed must-try is the You Follow Old Rafiki Cheesecake! This dessert is a combination of passion fruit mango cheesecake with a coconut-lime crust, vanilla bean chantilly, and a chocolate medallion on top. Rafiki’s Squash Banana shake with squash bananas, baobab fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom is another must try this summer. Guests can find it at Tiffins Restaurant along with the Remember Who You Are “The Lion King” 30th Anniversary Dessert (above, right). The Remember Who You Are at Tiffins Restaurant is Kenyan coffee mousse filled with caramelized bananas, chai chantilly, banana-caramel sauce, chocolate-coffee crumble, chocolate decoration, and a sugar sun. The Simba at Eight Spoon Cafe is a mango-flavored slushy combined with grenadine and topped with two gummy candies. And Timon’s Luau is a unique dessert that pays homage to Timon’s iconic hula from the film. Timon’s Luau – which can be found at Isle of Java in the park – features vanilla chiffon, passion fruit curd, guava jam, vanilla chantilly cream, and an edible tropical flower for the lei and mint for the hula skirt. The Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich will likely be one of guests’ favorites all summer as well. Vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between two blue cake-coated sugar cookies with a chocolate medallion on top. Guests can find this treat at Tamu Tamu refreshments. New ‘Lion King’ Merchandise Guests Will Want, ASAP For the anniversary celebration, in addition to the Pumbaa popcorn bucket, there’s also a special merchandise collection. The new items and gear are perfect for a visit to our iconic “The Festival of the Lion King” show. This special collection includes an amazing sweatshirt for adults with Simba silhouetted against the setting sun and “The Lion King” logo as well as a blue and white tie-dye youth zip hoodie. The colorful “Hakuna Matata” ear headband also celebrates 30 years. Guests will also notice new items include a trendy fanny pack, a youth shirt and short set that features Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon silhouetted on both and an adult yellow sweatshirt featuring favorite characters as well. Guests can find these special items and more during the celebration at Island Mercantile in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  “The Festival of the Lion King,” which is a larger-than-life show based on the classic movie, has even more magic during the anniversary celebration with MagicBand+ this summer. Guests’ MagicBand+ will come to life with dancing lights and haptic vibrations during key moments throughout the show. ​