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Disney Parks Ban Smoking & Other Disney News This Week

By Allyson
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Every week I gather the latest news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and other Disney parks to help you keep up with all of the changes. Here is the most recent Disney news for the week of March 25-March 31, 2019:

1. No More Smoking Inside The Parks — & A Few Other Changes

Beginning May 1, smoking will no longer be permitted inside Disney World and Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney. There will be designated smoking areas outside the entrances of the areas mentioned and also at Disney Springs. Smoking areas will continue to be available at Disney Resort hotels. Also starting on May 1, stroller sizes must be no larger than 31” (79 cm) wide and 52” (132 cm) long, and stroller wagons will no longer be permitted. Finally, as of March 28, loose or dry ice, even if it’s in a cooler or cooler bag, is no longer permitted inside the parks. You can keep up to date on property rules by visiting either Disneyland.com/RulesFAQ or DisneyWorld.com/RulesFAQ.

2. A ‘Star Wars’-Themed Event For DVC Members

On April 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Disney Vacation Club members and special guests can participate in the Star Wars: Galactic Gathering at Epcot’s  World ShowPlace pavilion. There will be themed-food and beverages and the chance to meet and take photos with characters. The cost is $225/adult and $210/children, with tax and gratuity included in both prices. Eligible DVC members can book the experience for themselves and as many as five guests, per membership. Click here for more details and to make reservations.

3. Disneyland’s Eggstravaganza Is Returning

The Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt is returning to Disneyland Resort on April 5 and will run through April 21. It takes place across Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure, and the Downtown Disney District. To participate, pick up your map and stickers for $6.99 (plus tax) at Disney Showcase in Disneyland park, Elias & Co. in DCA, or World of Disney at Downtown Disney. Then, all you have to do is search for Disney and Pixar-themed eggs hidden and once found, you’ll place a corresponding sticker on the map to represent that location. Once completed, return your map to one of the merchandise shops previously mentioned for a special prize.

FYI: There is also an Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt at Disney World at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival from April 5-21.

4. More WDW Disney After Hours Dates Added For This Summer

If you’re heading to Disney World this summer, you may want to partake in one of the Disney After Hours events, especially since more dates were recently added, as listed here:

  • Magic Kingdom: May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom:  May 7, 14, and 21; and June 4, 11 and 18
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: May 1, 4, 10, 17, 24, and 31; and June 14, 21, and 28

There are also two special celebration nights coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

May 1: You can celebrate Hollywood Studios’ 30th anniversary with special merchandise, additional character greetings, and more food and beverage offerings to purchase.

May 4: Celebrate May the Fourth by dressing up in your favorite Star Wars gear and meet characters, including, Chewbacca with REY, Darth Vadar, Kylo Ren with CAPTAIN PHASMA, Ewoks, Jawas, and imperial stormtroopers. Of course, there will be special treats available for purchase.

Click here to learn all about Disney After Hours.

5. Rinse Bath & Body Co. Is Coming To Downtown Disney

A new shop is coming to Downtown Disney — Rinse Bath & Body Co. The store will offer handmade soaps, body oils, pucker stick lip balms, beard bars, bath, shower bombs, and more. There will also be exclusive products at the Downtown Disney location, including Rinse’s tub truffles, pure essential oils, diffusers, and the k9 Wash + Spray for pets. You can find Rinse Bath & Body Co. on the west end of the district and it’s slated to open sometime this spring.

6. More Details About Disneyland’s New Parking Structure

The Pixar Pals parking structure, adjacent to Mickey & Friends, coming to Disneyland Resort will have a Pixar theme with characters from films like Coco, Monsters, Inc., and Inside Out. The parking location will have more than 5,000 parking spaces and Disney is hoping to open the structure no later than the end of July. There will even be a new electronic parking system to expedite guest parking. The Toy Story parking lot will also be expanded in the next few months with the addition of 2,000 parking spots. Furthermore, security-screening tents will be added for guests prior to boarding the Toy Story parking lot shuttles to eliminate screening in the esplanade outside the theme parks at peak times.

7. The ABC Commissary Is Now Accepting Dinner Reservations

You can now make dinner reservations (starting at 4 p.m. daily) for bookings beginning on June 2, 2019 at Hollywood Studios’ ABC Commissary. You can make reservations online or by calling 407 WDW-DINE. There are also other new changes coming to the quick-service lunch and fast-casual dinner location, including self-serve beverage stations, Art-Deco-inspired elements and furnishings, and a savory new Pot Roast served over mashed potatoes and root vegetables with beef gravy and onion straws.

8. DCA Is Welcoming ‘Mickey’s PhilharMagic’

The 3D show currently airing in Fantasyland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, will premiere in April at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure. It’s a fun show filled with footage and music from some of your favorite Disney movies, in addition to beloved characters. You’ll definitely want to check it out.

9. The NBA Experience Has An Opening Date

The NBA Experience at Disney Springs will officially open on Aug. 12, 2019, and offers guests the chance to experience what it’s like to be a basketball superstar. Click here for even more details about the NBA Experience and what you can expect regarding the interactive elements.

10. Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon’s Splash Pack Deal

In addition to new food and beverage offerings at both Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon this season, there is a special Splash Pack deal that you might want to purchase. From March 26-May 4, guests can save 20 percent with the Splash Pack that costs $44/person (plus tax). The package includes select food entrees and desserts, a refillable Disney Water Park mug, and a Disney-themed towel (Lilo & Stitch, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, or Mickey Mouse) to take home. You can purchase the bundle at either Typhoon Lagoon’s Singapore Sal’s or Blizzard Beach’s Beach Haus.

11. Disney Springs’ Mac & Cheese Food Truck Is Officially Open

As you can see below, the new Mac & Cheese Food Truck at Disney Springs is officially open for business!

12.  You Can Now Enjoy Brunch At Wine Bar George 

Disney Springs’ Wine Bar George location is now officially serving brunch. The Wine Country Brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can make reservations via OpenTable. Be sure to also check out the menu here, which includes a Dole Whip Froscato Mimosa and a Frozen Dole Whip Froscato!

13. New ‘Star Wars’: Galaxy’s Edge Details

For those heading to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between May 31-June 23, here are some important details you need to know, as revealed by Disneyland’s Vice President Kris Theiler (via BlogMickey.com):

-Those with a no-cost reservation, which is required for anyone visiting during the dates listed above, will only have a “window” of time to explore the land. At this time, it’s unclear how long each guest will be given.

-There will not be a standby line. If you don’t have a reservation, you won’t be able to access the land between May 31-June 23.

That’s it for Disney news from this past week. I’ll continue to collect park updates, so be sure to keep your eyes open for my weekly news post!

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Published by Allyson

Welcome to Magic-Ally Main Street, your go-to Disney guide! Here you'll find all of my favorite Disney things and handy travel tips. For any inquiries, please feel free to contact me directly at allyson.magicallymainstreet@gmail.com.