WHEW. Do we have some Disney news for YOU! Reopening dates, Genie+ changes, and previews selling out super fast — this week has been full of all that and MORE when it comes to Disney news.

Heading to Disney World soon? Want to make sure you’re prepared before you step into the Most Magical Place on Earth? Or just curious to know what’s been happening in the world of Disney lately? We’ve got the updates you need right here!

1 — Expedition Everest Updates

First up, we’ve got some exciting news about Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The ride has been closed for MONTHS as it is being refurbished, and there were some signs potentially indicating that the closure would last longer than expected.

But, recently we saw hours listed for Expedition Everest starting on April 16th, indicating that the ride is scheduled to reopen on that date!

That date is also reflected in an important Genie+ CHANGE when it comes to this ride. According to Disney’s website, Expedition Everest will be part of the standard Genie+ service starting April 16th, 2022, until August 7th, 2022.

Normally, Everest is available through Individual Attraction Selection (NOT the standard Genie+ service). But, for a limited time, it will be part of the standard Genie+ service (just like Frozen Ever After, Space Mountain, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway).

Click here to learn more about this Genie+ change!

2 — Guardians of the Galaxy News

Next, we make our way to EPCOT for some news about the park’s upcoming ride — Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!

First, we recently got a look at Cast Member costumes for this attraction!

Then, registration for Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club member previews opened up. But those QUICKLY SOLD OUT! If you weren’t able to snag a preview spot, be sure to make those Park Pass reservations and buy your tickets for EPCOT for the date the ride will open to the general public.

If you were lucky enough to get a spot for the Annual Passholder previews, be sure to check out Disney’s updates regarding Park Passes for those attending the event.

Will Annual Passholders need Park Passes for their Guardians of the Galaxy ride previews? Click here to find out!

3 — Food News

Feeling hungry? Well, there are LOTS of delicious treats to try in Disney World and new snacks coming soon that we learned about this week.

First, Disney has announced that Narcoosee’s (at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) is closing in mid-June and will reopen with an “enhanced table-service experience.”

In Disney Springs, the NEW ice cream spot — Salt & Straw — has officially shared their opening date with us. Click here to learn more!

Over at EPCOT, the Flower & Garden Festival has already brought us something NEW! The Farmer’s Feast booth has CHANGED its menu just in time for spring, and it’s a must-try! See our full review here.

Over in Disney Springs, the create-your-own treats are back in Goofy’s Candy Co.! Get ready to load up those Mickey-shaped rice krispie treats and more with all kinds of sweet toppings!

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we finally got the chance to head over and try the new coffee drink with a ZEBRA DOME on top, and let’s just say that we were in Zebra Dome heaven!

At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Spyglass Grill has reopened! We’ll be sharing our full review of our meal soon, but click here to get a first look at this reopened spot!

Ever wanted to eat a BOOT?! No?? Well, you might after seeing some of the new treats coming to Disney World for Earth Day, including a very familiar-looking boot (made mostly of chocolate, of course!).

And finally, we got an EXCLUSIVE interview with Gwendolyn Rogers, the owner of the Cake Bake Shop, which will be opening a location in Disney’s BoardWalk in the future.

Wonder what some of Rogers’ favorite things are on the menu, her thoughts on decorations for the restaurant, and more? Simply want to learn more about this spot and see why it might be a must-try for you?

Click here to see our FULL exclusive interview!

4 — A Main Street Electrical Parade POPCORN BUCKET?!

Over at Disneyland, we’ve got some exciting news for those who have been yearning for the return of nighttime spectaculars. The Main Street Electrical Parade, Disneyland Forever, and World of Color are set to return to Disneyland soon! When they do, there will be all kinds of goodies in the parks to celebrate, including special churros, popcorn, cookies, and more! Click here to see the FULL list of food that’ll be in Disneyland for the return of these spectaculars.

But that’s not all. Popcorn bucket enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that a Main Street Electrical Parade popcorn bucket and sipper will also be joining the group! We expect these will be verrrry popular, so you’ll want to snatch them up fast.

If you’re hoping to view World of Color when it returns to Disney California Adventure park, just be aware that Disney will be using a virtual queue for the viewing areas. There will be additional viewing areas (first-come, first served) for guests who can’t get a spot in the virtual queue, but the virtual queue is recommended. Click here to see the rules for signing up for this virtual queue.

Finally, in terms of Disneyland news, this week we shared the news that Disneyland won’t use Genie+ for character meet-and-greets. Instead, guests will just have to wait in the traditional stand-by line.

Disney World has utilized Genie+ for some character meet-and-greets so this is a pretty big difference between the parks. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates.

Click here to see more about this Genie+ news

5 — Travel News

And finally, we’ve got a big travel news update. The U.S. mask mandate for planes, trains, and transportation hubs was set to expire on April 18th. But, this week the CDC and TSA announced that the mask mandate for planes and trains (and transportation hubs) in the U.S. has been extended for 15 more days.

During this extended time, the CDC will reportedly be investigating the potential “impact the recent rise of COVID-19 cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare system capacity.” We’ll keep an eye out for more updates on that.

Click here to see more about this mask rule extension

That’s it for the big news! Of course, other Disney news was also shared this week. Check out those updates by clicking the links below:

• Dancing with the Stars will stream on Disney+
• Disney+ has launched a new bundle with National Geographic
• House Republicans have condemned Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s response to the “Don’t Say Gay” Act in an open letter
• Supply issues are now impacting Disney World’s MagicBands
• See when DVC members can register for Moonlight Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• A beloved EPCOT musician is in a new spot
• Flying JetBlue to Disney World might be more difficult this summer, here’s why
• FIRST LOOK at the new terminal coming to Orlando Airport and hear about the new luggage system coming to the airport
• You can now drive a stranger’s car to Disney World?!
• COVID-19 BA.2 Omicron subvariant levels are increasing in wastewater for areas near Disney World

• SHRINKflation: See how companies are making you pay MORE for less
• Disney actor Gilbert Gottfried has passed away
• Some RARE characters popped up in Disney World!
• A permit has hinted at a HUGE Disney World pool expansion
• Hong Kong Disneyland has announced a reopening date!

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When are you planning to travel next? Tell us in the comments!

The post 5 Updates You’ve Got to Know About Before Your Next Disney Trip first appeared on the disney food blog.