Top Things to Look Forward to in 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Happy New Year! This year, more than ever, we’re bringing your favorite stories to life in fun, innovative ways at our theme parks and resorts, on our cruise ships and through our amazing products and experiences around the world. From Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the launch of the new Disney Treasure cruise ship, to the first-of-its-kind Pixar Place Hotel and other highly anticipated experiences, here are some sensational things to look forward to in 2024:

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

In 2024, the all-new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. 

This attraction brings guests into Princess Tiana’s world like never before on a musical journey inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog.”

When the attraction opens, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration. Along the way, they’ll see familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.

New Star Tours Attraction Characters, Stories

Star Wars was a favorite topic with Blog readers last year – so, I’m sure many guests are as excited as we are that Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is adding more stories and characters in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Also, from April 5 – June 2, Season of the Force will arrive at Disneyland Park with Hyperspace Mountain and special merchandise, themed food and beverage and more. Plus, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will give a fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park with galactic music sweeping through the spires!

Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort

Pixar Fest is returning to Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, celebrating friendship and beyond with colorful décor, themed entertainment and more. Here’s a sneak peek of an all-new sculpture featuring Pixar pals like Woody and Buzz that you’ll be able to snap a photo in front of at Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park when the celebration begins!

This festival is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring favorite Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will debut at Disney California Adventure Park, and at Disneyland Park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes, including one with Mei Lee and her friends from “Turning Red.”

During the celebration, guests may also encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental” and more.

Pixar-Themed Hotel at Disneyland Resort

Also at Disneyland Resort, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States.

The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure park will offer guest rooms inspired by the artistry of Pixar, new dining from Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more.

“Fantasmic!” Returns to Disneyland Park

On May 24, “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America in Disneyland park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene.

If guests haven’t experienced it, “Fantasmic!” is an emotional extravaganza where fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art pro

CommuniCore Plaza, CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT

At Walt Disney World Resort, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be completed in 2024 as part of the multiyear transformation of EPCOT. 

These new spaces extend the EPCOT festivals beyond World Showcase and provide a new home for additional exhibits and entertainment, offering the perfect space to gather with family and friends.

Reimagined “The Little Mermaid” Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In 2024, an all-new theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The reimagined show will feature stunning set pieces, cutting-edge effects and a bold new design aesthetic that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her. More to come in 2024!

All-Day Park Hopping, Dining Plan at Disney World

Beginning Jan. 9, guests at Disney World with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations).

Also, as part of our updates to improve the guest experience at Disney World, Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.

Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World Resort

This year, the Country Bears will debut new songs and a new act that pays homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. 

The Country Bear Jamboree will still have the same fun and friendly tone guests enjoy and it’ll introduce reinterpreted Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and other styles.

Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk

The Cake Bake Shop, a whimsical table service restaurant and bakery with French flair, will be opening at Disney’s BoardWalk at Disney World in early 2024. 

If guests haven’t heard, The Cake Bake Shop has counters lined with beautifully displayed handmade cakes, cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies and cheesecakes. Other locations have become known destinations for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, or for spending time with family and friends.

runDisney Returns to Disneyland Resort, Plus a New Halloween-themed Event

runDisney returns to Disneyland Resort Jan. 11-14 with the sold-out Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, featuring four days of exciting events.

Later in the year, runDisney haunts will make their way to The Happiest Place on Earth for a grim-grinning good time during the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.

Taking place Sept. 5-8, there will be four days of events, including yoga, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenge, all themed to the 2024 Halloween season. Visit runDisney.com for more details.

Disney Treasure

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, will debut in December 2024.

As guests have probably seen, this amazing ship will bring captivating stories from beloved Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and Disney parks adventures to life like never before with new venues and reimagined spaces.

The Disney Treasure sets off on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Dec. 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.

Disney Lookout Cay in The Bahamas

This summer, Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind retreat on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay, will open. 

As we’ve shared, when guests step foot on this one-of-a-kind island destination, they’ll discover a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.

The vibrant island retreat at Lighthouse Point will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.

Pixar Day at Sea & Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line

In January, two themed Disney Cruise Line sailings are returning – Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea.

  • For Pixar Day at Sea, Pixar stories will come to life on the Disney Fantasy through a cowboy sing-a-long breakfast with favorite Toy Story characters, Crush’s totally awesome pool party, themed activities and treats, a Pixar Pals dance party on the upper decks, character encounters and a deck show starring the Incredibles.
  • For Marvel Day at Sea, on the Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale, the largest assembly of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains on land or at sea will gather for Marvel Day at Sea for an action-packed day that’ll unlock the inner superhero in all guests.

Pixar and Marvel Day at Sea offerings are included in the price of a Disney cruise. All of the regular guest favorites, including Broadway-style shows, themed rotational dining, fireworks at sea and spaces and activities for everyone in the family, will still be present on all Disney Cruise Line sailings. 

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Beginning in Summer 2024, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will open.

Tucked away in the peaceful woodlands of the Walt Disney World Resort, the refreshed cabins will make a relaxing retreat where guests can enjoy the comforts of home while staying in the great outdoors.

Adventures by Disney in Colombia

In 2024, Adventures by Disney will be taking  guests to Colombia, the country and cultures that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film, “Encanto.”

Trips begin in the capital city of Bogota, and guests’ exploration of this beautiful country begins at the Paloquemao Market where they’ll see a bounty of flowers and colorful fruits and vegetables. They’ll also visit a fourth-generation coffee farm in the Coffee Region and learn about harvesting and roasting the beans, as well as brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

In 2024, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is coming to Anaheim, California with a fan experience like none other. 

From Aug. 9 to 11, this one-of-a-kind event will have spectacular shows, new venues and multiple days of entertainment and experiences that bring together all the wonderful worlds of Disney.

On Thursday, Aug. 8, the D23 kickoff celebration will take place at Disneyland Resort followed by shopping, exhibits, panels, presentations, and more on Aug. 9 – 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center—the bigger home to marquee shows.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in Spring 2024 and more details will be announced early this year.

Disney Reveals Details of ‘Lion King’ Prequel, ‘Mufasa’

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

One of Disney’s most classic — and successful — films of all time is the 1994 animated film The Lion King. The Lion King told the story of lion cub Simba, who had to go on a journey of self-discovery after his father, Mufasa, is killed by Simba’s evil uncle, Scar. After years of being away from his pride, Simba sees a vision of his father and returns to his family, ready to take over the throne from his vicious uncle.

The Lion King was so successful that Disney made it into a live-action remake, which was released in 2019. And now, we have more Lion King news to share. At this year’s D23 Expo, Disney shared that a new prequel called Mufasa: The Lion King will premiere sometime in 2024.

Barry Jenkins — director of the new movie — gave the audience more details about what the film will be about.

‘Mufasa’ is the origin story of one of the greatest kings in the history of pride lions… Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa — we all know and love — are relaying the story of Mufasa…

What viewers may find most surprising is that Mufasa was not born into royalty. Even though he seems as though leading is in his blood, he was actually orphaned as a cub.

“Mufasa was actually an orphaned cub who had to navigate the world alone, by himself. In telling this story, we get to experience the real journey of how Mufasa found his place in the Circle of Life. It is pretty awesome.”

During the D23 panel, Disney shared an exclusive clip of the film, but it has not been made public yet. In the preview, a young Mufasa is seen hanging precariously onto a log as it is swept away during a flood. Mufasa must then make his way to a new pride and find a new family.

While it was confirmed that Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa will be in the prequel, Jenkins did not mention Mufasa’s brother, Scar. Scar was such a large part of the original Lion King — and the one responsible for Scar’s death — it would seem inevitable that he make an appearance in the prequel.

Jenkins would also not confirm if James Earl Jones would return to voice adult Mufasa.

ALL-NEW Details About ‘Snow White’ Live-Action

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

In May, fans first saw West Side Story (2021) star Rachel Zegler as the Fairest of them All, Snow White. At D23 Expo Friday night, Zegler took the stage with her villainous costar Gal Gadot to share all-new details about the live-action remake of Snow White (2024), produced by Marc Platt and directed by Marc Webb.

In front of the newly-released Snow White logo, Zegler said it was an “honor” to bring the Disney Princess to the “modern age.” She explained it’s a story about “finding a sense of agency so she can be a just ruler and wonderful queen.”

Wonder Woman (2017) star Gadot said playing the Evil Queen was “very different than what I had done before. I am used to playing the other end of where the heart should be.”

Gadot called Evil Queen “so not me,” but said the character is an “iconic villain” and “getting under her skin was so delightful.”

With original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of La La Land (2016) fame and a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, Snow White will premiere in 2024. Andrew Burnap is set to portray the film’s all-new male lead, Jonathan.

First Look at Upcoming ‘Haunted Mansion’ Film Starring Jamie Lee Curtis

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney’s Haunted Mansion (2023) will bring the spooks and scares you know and love from The Haunted Mansion at the Disney Parks to your hometown!

Jamie Lee Curtis stars Madam Leota alongside Jared Leto, confirmed at D23 Expo last night to portray The Hatbox Ghost! D23 attendees got a new-for-the-room only look at a trailer for the film, described by Deadline:

“A car pulls up to a mansion in the depths of night. The mansion, our narrator says, was discovered fully built after a fire in 1788. ‘That’s when things started to get weird,’ he continues, ‘[with] a string of dramatic events, paranormal attacks, yellow fever, explosions. There’s no records, only stories.’ We then follow a character played by Tiffany Haddish and a priest portrayed by Owen Wilson as they explore hidden areas of the darkly historic house with a group of kids, finding, behind a painting, a room that had ‘not been touched in centuries.’ The trailer also introduces us to a tour guide played by Lakeith Stanfield, with further flashes to characters played by Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito and more.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

Cameos from Winona Ryder, Dan Levy, Hasan Minaj, and more were also announced.

Curtis appeared at D23 in a Doombuggy from The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park, silently whisking away director Justin Simien:

Simien shared a photo of his old Cast Member ID from Disneyland, where he loved to ride The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

First Look at Massive Addition Coming to EPCOT With ‘Moana’-Themed Attraction

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Disney just revealed the first look at a stunning addition coming to EPCOT along with the new ‘Moana’-inspired attraction.

Fans eagerly await to enjoy all the improvements and new experiences coming to Disney Parks worldwide. One of the most anticipated attractions is The Journey of Water, an immersive attraction inspired by Moana (2016) that will let Guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

This all-new attraction was announced in 2019 and would be the first attraction themed after Disney’s film Moana. The attraction is currently developing at EPCOT and is already showing significant progress. However, a breathtaking detail was just revealed as part of the coming D23 Expo announcements.

During a special media preview of the upcoming D23 Expo, Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) shared a few images of a breathtaking detail that will accompany this new attraction, a massive, 16-feet-tall Te Fiti model.

The scale model shows the incredible attention to detail that will go into realizing this attraction and talks about the different teams involved in creating this fantastic new addition, including Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios teams. The process of bringing this massive Te Fiti to life involved the exploration of the character’s pose, the color design of her figure, clay model conceptualization, sketching, and photo reference to study ways to represent Te Fiti protecting the water during its journey.

Per Disney’s information on this scale model:

Te Fiti represent life and the balance of nature. She will be seen protecting water as it voyages around the water cycle. 

During this D23 Expo, Disney describes the Moana-inspired attraction as follows:

EPCOT-Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Journey of Water will immerse guests in a lush environment where the story of our global cycle of water is brought to life. As gusts explore the outdoor trail, they will be invited to play and interact with water as it travels from our skies, to our oceans and back again.