BUCKLE UP FOLKS — This week was a BIG one when it comes to Disney news!

Want to save money on your holiday trip to Disney World? We’ve got you covered! Want to know what’s on the menu for Space 220? We’ve got that too. Curious about Candlelight Processional and whether that will return to EPCOT this year? Yup, we’ve got an update on that too. Hold onto them hats and glasses, ’cause we’re going over ALL the Disney news you need to know right here!

1 — Holiday Deals

We’ll start with some ways you could save on your Disney World trips this year! Earlier this week, Disney announced some holiday deals for a variety of different individuals.

This holiday season, Florida residents can save BIG on select Disney World hotels. Annual Passholders are also able to save with some special hotel deals. And holiday hotel deal has been announced for Disney Visa cardmembers as well.

Don’t fall into those groups? Well, you still might be able to save this holiday season, but you’ll have to check your email! Select guests got an email this week with a unique offer code, enabling them to save at select Disney World hotels this holiday season as well.

Most of these deals apply for hotel stays from December 12th through December 24th, and are only available for select Disney World Resort hotels, so be sure to check and see if they work for you!

Click here to see more about all of the current deals and discounts that could help you save money on your trip to Disney World!

2 — Candlelight Processional

Speaking of the holidays, Disney made some announcements about the holiday season a while ago but didn’t mention at that time whether Candlelight Processional would be returning or not. But now, we’ve got an update!

This week, Disney shared that the fan-favorite holiday show is coming back to EPCOT this year! Performances will start on November 26th. All performers will be required to be fully vaccinated. There will also be some changes with the show — for example, Disney is not planning to host choirs from different community groups and schools as part of this year’s performance. But, we have a feeling fans will be very excited to see this show up and running again!

Click here to learn more about the return of Candlelight Processional!

3 — Rise of the Resistance WITHOUT Boarding Groups

Currently, if you want to rise Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you have to try and grab a boarding group, which can be one of the more difficult (and sometimes stressful) things to do during your trip. But, soon that’ll be changing!

Starting September 23rd, Disney is going to PAUSE the use of virtual queues for Rise of the Resistance! That means, starting September 23rd, you’ll be able to ride Rise of the Resistance by simply hopping into the standard, standby queue.

Disney has noted, however, that guests should continue to check the My Disney Experience app for updates as the boarding group system for this ride may return in the future or return from time to time.

How might this change with Rise of the Resistance impact Disney’s upcoming pay-per-ride system (Individual Attraction Selection)? We’re sharing ALL of our thoughts here.

Click here to see more about this change coming to Rise of the Resistance.

4 — Space 220

Are you excited to eat in space?! Then get ready to become even more excited! While we already had the Space 220 opening date, this week we got more details about the out-of-this-world restaurant opening soon at EPCOT.

First up, we got some new concept art recently showing the “space elevator” that will transport guests to the space station where they’ll be dining.

Next, we finally got details about how reservations will work at Space 220 when it opens and WHEN you’ll be able to make those dining reservations.

But, perhaps most importantly this week we got the FULL menus and prices for Space 220! Anyone up for a Galactic Lobster Globe, Blue Moon Cauliflower, or Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake?

Check out the FULL menu to see what food you’ll be able to enjoy when Space 220 opens.

Click here to see the Space 220 menus!

But wait, there’s more! This week we also got to see that the Space 220 signs are up in EPCOT…

…and we also shared some photos that give you a peek INSIDE Space 220!

We can’t wait to check out this brand new spot when it opens in just a few days (on September 20th). Be sure to check back with us for more updates!

Click here for more about Space 220!

5 — Club Cool is BACK and the Creations Shop Opens

This week 2 NEW spots also opened in EPCOT — the Creations Shop and Club Cool!

The Creations Shop is EPCOT’s new flagship store and the replacement for Mouse Gear. The store has a modern design with lots of natural light and vibrant colors.

While shopping at the Creations Shop, you’ll be able to pick up items from the new Light and Color Collection. This EPCOT-themed collection is exclusive to the Creations Shop and has some fun and unique pieces EPCOT fans will totally love!

The collection even includes a new pair of ears that are pretty enough during the day, but they REALLY shine at night! Just be warned — you’ll have to charge them (yes, you’ll have to CHARGE your EARS)!

If you want to skip the checkout lines here, be sure to look into using Mobile Merchandise Checkout if it’s available during your visit.

If you’re in the mood for a snack, you can also now check out the new popcorn spot that recently opened up near the Creations Shop.

Click here to see more about the NEW merchandise we think EPCOT fans will love!

Next up, we move to Club Cool. The revitalized version of Club Cool is now open!

Beverly is back and you can also try a whole bunch of other sodas from around the world while you’re there.

Click here to get a look at EVERY single drink you can get at Club Cool! How is the new Club Cool different than the old one? Click here to see all of our thoughts.

Is Club Cool still free? Click here to find out!

6 — Fireworks Dessert Parties Are Coming BACK

If you love fireworks dessert parties and dining packages, then THIS is the news you’ve been waiting for. This week, Disney announced that 3 new fireworks dessert parties will soon be available at Magic Kingdom! 

The parties themselves will start on October 3rd, but reservations opened up today, September 17th.

Click here to see the 3 parties announced for Magic Kingdom!

If you don’t want to be IN Magic Kingdom, but still want to enjoy a fireworks dining package and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks, you could check out the NEW fireworks dining party announced for the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The “Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks” will start being offered on October 2nd and reservations opened today, September 17th.

Click here to see more about this dining party.

And finally, if you want to enjoy a fireworks dining package for EPCOT’s new fireworks, Harmonious, then you’ll be glad to know that 2 new fireworks dining packages will soon be available in EPCOT!

The packages will start being offered on October 1st and reservations open on September 23rd.

Click here to learn more about the fireworks dining packages announced for EPCOT.

7 — More Restaurant Updates

This week we also got some more restaurant updates (we’re telling you, it was QUITE the week). The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom has been open for some time now, but it has been serving a family-style/a la carte combo meal. Recently, Crystal Palace switched back to being a full buffet! 

The buffet includes seafood bowls with shrimp and crab claws, prime rib, some delicious mashed potatoes, and more.

Click here to read our full review of Crystal Palace and its buffet service!

Also in Magic Kingdom, The Diamond Horseshoe has reopened and is serving up some items you may recognize from another nearby restaurant!

Yes, that is the FAMOUS Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake from Liberty Tree Tavern. At Diamond Horseshoe, you’ll get to enjoy an all-you-can-eat family-style meal featuring that signature dessert as well as pot roast, turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and more.

Read our FULL Diamond Horseshoe review!

Looking to eat at a brand NEW restaurant in Disney World? Well, over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, The Wave…of American Flavors has closed and is being replaced by the NEW Steakhouse 71. This week we got details on Steakhouse 71’s opening date and ALL of the food that will be available when this spot opens.

Steakhouse 71 will also have a lounge with its own menu, so there will be lots of delicious things to try.

Want to see the prices for the food at Steakhouse 71? Click here! This week we also got to see some concept art for this new restaurant — you can check that out by clicking here.

Steakhouse 71 reservations are now available — click here to learn more!

8– A Reimagined Show is Coming to Animal Kingdom

For months, Finding Nemo: The Musical has been closed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Now, we know just what is going on in this spot.

Earlier this week, Disney announced that a reimagined Finding Nemo-themed show will be coming to this spot in Animal Kingdom in 2022! We’re on the lookout for more updates about that.

Click here to learn more about the reimagined show!

9 — Hotel News

This week, we also got some hotel news. Disney’s All-Star Music resort has officially reopened!

For the remainder of the hotel reopening dates, click here.

10 — 50th Anniversary Updates

Finally, we end on some 50th Anniversary updates. Over the past few days, we got to see 50th Anniversary monorail decorations…

…Cinderella pumpkins, combining Halloween and the 50th…

…a 50th anniversary popcorn box…

…50th anniversary statues in EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

…50th anniversary topiaries and a cake(!!) in Magic Kingdom…

…and an exclusive 50th anniversary tiara you’ll have to WAIT to get.

The start of the 50th Anniversary celebrations are just a few weeks away, so stay tuned for more!

In terms of other Disney news from this week, check out some of our stories below!

• Mobile is order coming to more spots in Disney World and Disneyland — now you can mobile order your caramel popcorn at Karamell-Küche!
• Disney College Program applications will open soon
• Disney Cruise Line adds new COVID-19 testing option
• Celebrate Oktoberfest in Disney World without a park ticket
• A new storyline is coming to Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin in Disneyland
• LA County, in California, is implementing a vaccine or COVID-19 testing requirement for various spots, including theme parks
• We dare you not to get CHILLS when you listen to the music from EPCOT’s new fireworks show

And that’s it for us in terms of news from this week. Be sure to check back with us for more updates!