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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 April 29-May 5, 2019:
1. Extra, EXTRA Magic Hours At Disney World
Here is some huge news: Extra, Extra Magic Hours were announced for a limited time this fall at Disney World. If you’re planning a trip to the happiest place on earth and staying at a WDW Resort hotel between Aug. 29 (opening day for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and Nov. 2, you better take advantage of the EEMH. Here are all the details about the special hours available at Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom Park:
–Hollywood Studios: Daily from Sept. 1-Nov. 2 from 6-9 a.m. Yes, these hours include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land attractions, and other select other attractions. FYI: on Aug. 29-31, the park will open at 6 a.m. for ALL guests and EEMH do not apply.
–Animal Kingdom: Daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2 from 7-8 a.m. and includes Pandora —The World of Avatar and other attractions across the park.
–Magic Kingdom: Daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2 from 7-8 a.m. featuring favorite attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
As for Epcot, Extra Magic Hours will be available on select days. EEMH is a huge advantage for those visiting Disney World in fall 2019, especially with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. There will most likely be even more visitors than ever. To know you can get in early, especially at Hollywood Studios to access Galaxy’s Edge, and to ride the more popular attractions before crowds take over is major.
2. Toy Story Land’s First Table Service Restaurant
Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios is adding its first table service restaurant called Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The table service restaurant will be set up like Andy has a created a new rodeo arena with his favorite games, toys, and play sets. At this time, there is no set opening date and it’s unclear what the menu will include, though it’s probably safe to assume some kind of barbecue.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant is coming to #ToyStoryLand at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! https://t.co/L2evvWGMZt pic.twitter.com/VSR2EnJLDJ
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) April 30, 2019
3. ‘Star Wars’: Galaxy’s Edge General Reservations Are Closed
On May 2, general reservations opened for those wanting to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019. According to an update posted on the Disney Parks Blog that same day, general reservations are no longer available for Galaxy’s Edge. However, you can still snag a reservation if you book a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel between the dates previously mentioned. Also, beginning June 24, a reservation won’t be needed to enter the land.
4. Hollywood Studios’ New Logo
As you can see below, a brand new logo for Hollywood Studios was revealed during the park’s 30th anniversary on May 1. It includes BB-8, Woody, and Mickey Mouse.
5. New Dining Package At Cinderella’s Royal Table
Reservations are now open for a new Signature Celebration Package at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom that will begin daily in August. It costs $199/adult and $169/child, plus tax and gratuity. The package is only offered during one seating at Cinderella’s Royal Table and reservations are limited. You can book a spot online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Here’s what it includes:
-There will be a personal welcome from Cinderella and Prince Charming, with Cinderella’s Princess friends also visiting your table.
-You’ll receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or specialty beverage. After your meal, a box of Cinderella-inspired confections will be gifted to you.
-When you’re finished eating, you will be escorted to a reserved viewing area for Happily Ever After. Following the projection show, you’ll join the After Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, where there will be Cinderella-themed treats.
6. Important Foodie Guide News
To see all of the villainous treats that will be available for purchase at the Disney Villains After Hours event held at Magic Kingdom on select nights from June 6-Aug. 8, 2019, click here. There are also all kinds of new treats coming to Magic Kingdom in May that will be available for purchase through the end of June 2019. Some of the fun goodies include a Mickey-shaped donut, a Tangled-themed eclair, and even an Aladdin-inspired donut, among many others.
7. Celebrate Animal Kingdom’s New Baby Gorilla
A new baby gorilla named Grace was born at Animal Kingdom. She’s seriously adorable and is being celebrated at the park with exclusive photo opportunities and a specialty cupcake at Tamu Tamu Refreshments.
8. Minnie’s Garden Party At Epcot
For a limited time at Epcot, you can participate in Minnie’s Garden Party at the Odyssey Center and celebrate her love of gardening. During the floral-tastic event, there will be special merchandise available for purchase, complimentary Minnie’s Garden Party Buttons (while supplies last), and a themed-dessert. Better yet, there are several photo opportunities offered, including one where you can pose with frames and props in front of a backdrop of pink polka dots made with real roses. If that isn’t enough, you can also meet Minnie in her new spring look. She’s available for photos between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The party itself runs until 9 p.m. The party ends on May 6, so you better hurry before it’s too late.
9. Learn About Magic Kingdom Treats In New VIP Tour
There’s a new VIP tour at Magic Kingdom — and it sounds delicious. The Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour will take guests behind-the-scenes and allows them to learn how some of the park’s food and beverages are created. Plus, tastings of the most popular menu items will be included, in addition to sampling a new item that’s being developed. Guests will even explore a few of the backstage kitchens and working areas that have never been seen before by visitors. The tour is offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It costs $99 per person plus tax, along with valid park admission. To make a reservation, book online or call 407-WDW-DINE.
10. New ‘Lion King’ Dining Experience
A new Lion King dining experience is coming to Jiko — The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge beginning June 30, 2019. The limited-time prix fixe menu inspired by the beloved film will feature dishes inspired by Simba’s story and will be served during the dinner period at Jiko. The dinner will also feature musicians playing African melodies and songs from the movie’s soundtrack. It costs $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. You can also add a choice of two levels of wine pairings for an additional cost. You can make reservations by calling 407 WDW-DINE or online.
A new, limited-time Lion King Dining Experience is coming to Jiko – The Cooking Place at Walt Disney World Resort! Learn more: https://t.co/mPs3caE4Fy pic.twitter.com/Irlp4nZVwK
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 2, 2019
11. Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew Is Open
Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club was previously announced in early March and now the experience for kids ages 4-12 is open for business. New recruits will receive official pirate names as they join Captain Hook’s crew on a quest for hidden treasure. Captain Hook may even make a special appearance. The experience costs $55 per child, plus tax, and is offered nightly from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Beach Club’s Seaside Retreat. You can make bookings by calling 407-824-KIDS.
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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Featured Image: Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort