Sit back, we’ve got a whole BUNCH of Disney news updates headed your way!

This week we got to check out some big CHANGES that had been made to a classic Disney World ride, learned about some character dining experiences that will be returning soon, and much more. Are you ready to get all caught up on all the latest? Let’s go!

1 — HUGE Ride Changes

We start with some massive ride changes that took place over in Magic Kingdom. First up, this past week the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover got some NEW narration! On your next ride through, you’ll notice new portions that have been added to the script, a new narrator, and more. Some beloved parts of the old script have remained, but things are sounding pretty different at this ride! Click here to hear some of the NEW narration!

Next up, changes have been made to the finale scene in Carousel of Progress. These changes aren’t quite as dramatic as the new narration for the PeopleMover, but you will find that all of the characters in the last scene have gotten a bit of a costume change. Some even have new hairstyles! Click here for a full breakdown of the changes.

While these next things aren’t changes that have taken place yet, they are big news stories about changes that will be made soon. Recently, Disney shared the NEW name that will be used for the rethemed Splash Mountain ride at both Disneyland and Disney World (once they receive their The Princess and the Frog reimagining. The new name will be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Disney has also shared an opening timeline for the rethemed rides. Looks like we should hopefully be able to take a trip on this reimagined attraction in late 2024!

Click here to learn more about the retheme for Splash Mountain

2 — Big Character Dining News

This week was a big one when it comes to character dining! A limited number of character dining spots have reopened in the parks and resorts, but soon MORE will be available.

Over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe will once again be home to Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast (a character dining experience) starting October 4th, 2022.

In Magic Kingdom, Winnie the Pooh and friends will be returning to The Crystal Palace on September 20th, 2022!

And last, but certainly not least, ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will once again feature Lilo and Stitch as part of the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast starting September 27th, 2022.

Get excited folks! If you’re a fan of character meals, there will be plenty more to choose from in the coming months.

Click here to see what FREE character experience is back in Disney World (it’s one you don’t even need a park ticket for!)

3 — A Limited-Time Festival Has Started in Disney Springs

If you thought festivals were just for EPCOT, you’d be WRONG! Right now, a special festival is going on in Disney Springs. Flavors of Florida brings all kinds of limited time snacks and drinks to the various restaurants all throughout the shopping and dining district.

You can stop by the ever-popular Wine Bar George to grab a Disney souvenir you’ll actually use that comes with DOLE Whip and Whiskey…

…try a watermelon TACO and other DOLE Whip creations…

…stop by Amorette’s Patisserie to get a blood orange eclair…

…grab some creamy lemonade and a very bright donut…

…or even try parking garage burgers(?!) — we promise they’re not as weird as they sound!

Click the links above to see our reviews of those items and just remember that Flavors of Florida won’t last forever, so if you want to try one of these be sure to head to Disney Springs from now through August 14th, 2022. 

4 — Get Your Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets!

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party already went on sale earlier for those staying at Disney World resort hotels, but now everyone can grab their tickets! Be sure to act fast and grab your tickets before they’re gone.

Don’t forget that Annual Passholders can get a DISCOUNT for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Click here to learn more!

Click here for the full list of prices and dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

5 — COVID-19 Updates

Finally, we have some COVID-19 updates. If you’ve been hearing about the BA.5 COVID-19 variant and have wondered what it is and what you should know about it, click here to see our full post on the topic. We’ve broken down what you need to know about the BA.5 variant and Disney World.

If you’ve also been curious about what the COVID-19 testing situation looks like for Disney Cruise Line, we’ve got a full post on that as well.

For more COVID-19 updates, click here

Of course, other Disney news was also shared this week! Click the links below to check them out:

• The NEWLY rethemed Top of the World Lounge — A Villain’s Lair is getting ready to reopen in Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Bay Lake Tower) and we got a first look inside! Click here for full menu details
• Some of Disneyland’s social media accounts were hacked and offensive posts were published on the accounts but later removed
• A Live Beauty and the Beast special is coming to ABC

• McDonald’s has released NEW Marvel Happy Meal toys
• A new Annual Passholder magnet is available, but you’ll need to know just how to get it
• Mickey and Minnie are now meeting together in Magic Kingdom
• Tom Hanks has commented on Disney’s decision to NOT include Tim Allen in the new Lightyear movie
• We got more details about the updated contract for Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek

Stay tuned for more Disney news!

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What Disney news from this week are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!

The post 5 BIG Disney Updates from This Week first appeared on the disney food blog.