Got a second? Need a little bit of a break from the “real” world? Wondering what’s been happening in the world of Disney this week? Welcome, friend, you’re in just the right spot.

This week we got some really big Disney news — from menu updates to Genie+ changes. So let’s not wait any longer! Here are 5 big Disney news updates you NEED to know about.

Menu Changes, Restaurant Reopenings, and MORE Foodie News

If you’re reading this hungry, you’ve been warned! This week, Disney shared all kinds of food news. First up, Victoria & Albert’s has an official reopening date — July 28th. This swanky spot at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type of dining experiences. Reservations will be opening up soon, but be warned — some major price increases have hit this already expensive restaurant.

Over at EPCOT, your next meal at Garden Grill Restaurant will look a little different as menu changes have hit this spot. Instead of the turkey breast typically served here, be prepared to munch on some Barbecue-Roasted Chicken!

At Hollywood Studios, buffets will be coming back this summer (starting August 28th) to Hollywood & Vine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Also at Hollywood Studios, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is getting some menu changes in late June. The new menu items will include a fried fresh mozzarella dish, a new pork chop, some revamped existing items, and new desserts!

But wait…there’s MORE. Limited-time eats are coming to Disney World this weekend, many in celebration of Father’s Day.

And Disney has made some more major food announcements about new treats and snacks that’ll pop up in Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, EPCOT, and some Disney Resort hotels! From brand new cupcakes to a limited-time ice cream treat celebrating Disney and Pixar’s ‘Lightyear,’ there will be a whole bunch of new items to check out. Click here for the full details.

At Disney’s Old Key West Resort, another food change has been announced. Olivia’s Cafe (a hidden gem at this resort) will be offering brunch every single day starting later this year. It will also feature a NEW menu item — Banana Bread Pudding. Get ready for an epic brunch!

Some food updates, including NEW late-night eats, have also been announced for Disneyland!

So if you’re heading to the West Coast, be sure to check out the new offerings over at Disney’s OG park as well!

An UPDATED Attraction

Food news isn’t the only thing we’ve gotten updates on though! This week, we got some big attraction news. The updated Finding Nemo musical in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has officially opened! The show is now called Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond.

It is a shortened version of the previous show, which tells Nemo’s story from a different perspective. It features updated technology, some returning songs, and (of course) incredibly talented Cast Members.

Come with us to watch the updated show! Click here!

Note that the Finding Nemo musical is also now available on Genie+.

You can reserve your spot for the show and ensure a good seat without too much of a wait.

Click here to see full details about how Genie+ works at this show

A Unique Meet-and-Greet is Back

Also at Animal Kingdom, a unique meet-and-greet has returned EARLY! Mickey and Minnie’s meet-and-greet at Adventurers Outpost is set to reopen on June 19th, but it had a soft opening earlier this week.

This spot is unique for a few reasons. First, it features Mickey and Minnie in a meet-and-greet together — where you meet both characters at the same time! Second, Mickey and Minnie are placed in front of a background themed to Animal Kingdom that’ll have you itching to go on an adventure. And their outfits are also themed to adventurous expeditions.

If you’re looking to meet this dynamic duo, be sure to stop by Adventurers Outpost, and remember that this spot should be available through Genie+ starting June 19th.

Click here for more photos on the meet-and-greet

Disney Discounts

Heading to Disney World and hoping to save a few bucks? Well there are quite a few ways you can do that, and some new discounts were announced this week.

First, if you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder, there’s a special summer deal that is now available which could help you save on your hotel stay! With this deal, you can get some special rates on select Disney World Resort hotel rooms for stays between July 8th and September 8th, so be sure to check it out and see if it could work for your trip plans.

The deal will open up later in June to Florida Residents, so be on the lookout for that. Get full details here.

Disney World Annual Passholders, as well as Florida Residents and Disney Vacation Club members can also get a special discount this summer on a Disney Springs-exclusive experience. From June 10th to October 1st, those select groups of guests can actually get a discount on tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s Disney-themed show, Drawn to Life. If you’ve been looking for a way to make your next Disney trip a bit more unique with a special experience for the family, this could be just the thing!

Also available this summer, Florida Residents and Annual Passholders can SAVE on a stay at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

With this special deal, those eligible could save up to 30% OFF their hotel stay. That’s a good savings that could equal more food, more souvenirs, or just more spending money in your budget in general!

Click here to see our page full of details about all of the deals and discounts available for Disney World

Disney Stock Plummets and More

In terms of other Disney news, we’ve gotten an UPDATE on the contract for Disney’s current CEO, Bob Chapek. According to some sources, it appears likely that Bob Chapek’s contract as CEO of Disney will be renewed. His current contract is set to end in February of 2023.

Also this week, Disney stock values plummeted to a new low for 2022. We had seen stock values dropping earlier in the year, but now values have fallen below $100 per share. Many factors may be at play here, including the general situation with the stock market. You can click here to see more about the stock values, how they’ve changed over the past several months, and more about the stock market.

Of course, other Disney news was also shared this week. Want to make sure you’re fully up-to-date? Check out the stories below:

• Disney delays relocation of thousands of employees to Central Florida
• Get an update on the changes at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and see how demolition is impacting the resort
• Learn about some BIG Disneyland Halloween news!
• Check out an updated look at the Fantasmic! construction in Disney World
• Disney’s ‘Lightyear’ has been banned in some countries because of the film’s same-sex kiss

• Minnie Vans are available again in Disney World weeks EARLY
• See the nighttime look for the TRON coaster in Magic Kingdom
• A limited-time fireworks show is coming back to EPCOT
• Amazon Prime Day dates have been announced
• The CDC has changed COVID-19 testing requirements for international travel

That’s it for this week! Check back with us for more Disney news!

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When will you be heading to Disney next? Tell us in the comments!

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