Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[Gusey]

Annual TEA report is out:
Magic Kingdom Park topped the list of most visited theme parks in the US in 2022, according to the annual TEA report. Disneyland Park came in second. Interesting note: Universal's Islands of Adventure came in at 3 but was the only park with higher attendance in 2022 vs. 2019.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1669059535493799940

The only Disney parks to be back to 2019 levels is Disneyland Paris park and Walt Disney Studios Park

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668872983081885696

 

[Gusey]

Not sure if this was announced or not, but the next phase of Disney Village's revamp at Disneyland Paris will begin in 2024

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668631114725089284

 

[Smugpugmug]

Annual TEA report is out:
Magic Kingdom Park topped the list of most visited theme parks in the US in 2022, according to the annual TEA report. Disneyland Park came in second. Interesting note: Universal's Islands of Adventure came in at 3 but was the only park with higher attendance in 2022 vs. 2019.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1669059535493799940

The only Disney parks to be back to 2019 levels is Disneyland Paris park and Walt Disney Studios Park

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668872983081885696

It will be really interesting to see how much the tide will shift in 2025 when Epic Universe opens. Not so much for MK but rather for the 3 other Disney parks.

 

[DefnotDLav]

It will be really interesting to see how much the tide will shift in 2025 when Epic Universe opens. Not so much for MK but rather for the 3 other Disney parks.

I'm wondering also how IOA holds up when EU opens.

It will be interesting to see if EU lengthens Universal stays or cannibalizes them.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I'm wondering also how IOA holds up when EU opens.

It will be interesting to see if EU lengthens Universal stays or cannibalizes them.

I think if any park would be impacted, it's USF. I feel like most people will go to Epic Universe and IoA (maybe Volcano Bay too) and skip USF. It's a park I go to WAY less than IoA since there aren't many rides I enjoy. I believe after Epic opens, Universal will focus on "fixing" USF.

 

[DefnotDLav]

I think if any park would be impacted, it's USF. I feel like most people will go to Epic Universe and IoA (maybe Volcano Bay too) and skip USF. It's a park I go to WAY less than IoA since there aren't many rides I enjoy. I believe after Epic opens, Universal will focus on "fixing" USF.

Good point.

Haven't been to either in a while, really only going to USF for HHN.

When we went IOA always took priority.

 

[Gusey]

I think if any park would be impacted, it's USF. I feel like most people will go to Epic Universe and IoA (maybe Volcano Bay too) and skip USF. It's a park I go to WAY less than IoA since there aren't many rides I enjoy. I believe after Epic opens, Universal will focus on "fixing" USF.

I think that's why the next few years we're seeing additions to USF instead of IoA with the new Minion Land and Kids Zone.

I wonder if the end of the Epcot "transformation" will bring guests back to that park, but I feel like Epcot is probably the closest to a "locals" park we have at WDW with all the festivals and plenty of dining locations, so curious if the park reservations going will help Epcot next year? Also, Animal Kingdom definitely needs something now that Pandora had been open for 6 years.

 

[DefnotDLav]

I think that's why the next few years we're seeing additions to USF instead of IoA with the new Minion Land and Kids Zone.

I wonder if the end of the Epcot "transformation" will bring guests back to that park, but I feel like Epcot is probably the closest to a "locals" park we have at WDW with all the festivals and plenty of dining locations, so curious if the park reservations going will help Epcot next year? Also, Animal Kingdom definitely needs something now that Pandora had been open for 6 years.

6 years?! That's hard to believe.

They definitely need a few more rides to really round out that park.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

First Look at 2023 Holiday Merchandise Coming to Disney

We’re officially halfway to the most wonderful time of the year, and nobody is more excited than me for all the fun Disney merchandise coming our way! From children to adults, Disney fans and beyond, there’s something for everyone on your nice list. So, grab your hot cocoa, hang up your holiday stockings and come along with me as we journey through some of the merchandise you’ll find this year on shopDisney and at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

We love the classics at Disney, and I’m so excited to share that our beloved holiday-themed Spirit Jerseys are back this year in an all-new print featuring Disney Mickey and Friends playing in the snow! Pair it with a fun Disney Mickey Mouse Santa Hat Ear Headband that will have you feeling oh so jolly like St. Nick himself. And for the cooler nights, you can cozy up with a holiday hoodie and long sleeve crew neck shirt – both of which feature some of our favorite Disney pals. If you’re looking to stand out at the parks or your local holiday gathering, you’ll need the button-up holiday shirt with subtle Mickey Mouse head silhouettes.

Let your holiday cheer shine through with a crew neck fleece that lets everyone know you’re celebrating. You can also put on the snowman Mickey Mouse Ear Headband and add a touch of snowy fun to Florida, California or whichever sunny destination you may be celebrating at! The best part? We have a version of the crew neck fleece for each coast, so you can show your Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort pride with a holiday twist! And for anyone who loves a good button-up, this will be on your holiday list. The blue woven button-up shirt has an adorable Mickey and Friends all over holiday print and is also extra soft and lightweight, perfect for a holiday in the sun.

Speaking of holidays in the sun, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are two of my favorite places to celebrate the season – not only because I get to hug Mickey Mouse, but because there’s something for everyone! Partner up with your favorite holiday buddy, or dress up the whole family, in matching Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pullover sweaters and get those picture-perfect memories captured. Holiday card, anyone?

If you’ve ever been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Walt Disney World Resort(which by the way, is a holiday must-do), you might recall filling up on one of the best holiday treats: cookies! This Disney Classics Christmas Tote will be essential in your cookie-carrying journey as you skip down Main Street, U.S.A., and enjoy the magical snow flurries. The tote is also perfect for holding all the items you buy during the party. It’s a win-win.

I’m all about comfort, whether I’m shopping online on shopDisney or walking through the Disney Parks, and nothing says comfort quite like Crocs. The Disney Classics Christmas Crocs will be under my tree this year for me and a few of my fellow elves. I especially love the little present boxes on them.

There are so many ways to celebrate the holiday season, and this year we’re excited to unveil our largest Hanukkah collection to date. Some of my personal favorites include the Minnie Mouse Ear Headband and Hanukkah Loungefly Mini Backpack, both of which feature a gorgeous menorah that lights up. You’ll be ready to celebrate the Festival of Lights with these by your side!

That’s all I have for the merchandise preview, but don’t worry, there’s so much MORE coming this holiday season to Disney Parks and shopDisney. For now, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for even more holiday fun this week and follow @disneyparks and @shopDisney to be the first to know when these holiday goods will land.

Happy Holidays!

 

[Smugpugmug]

I think that's why the next few years we're seeing additions to USF instead of IoA with the new Minion Land and Kids Zone.

I wonder if the end of the Epcot "transformation" will bring guests back to that park, but I feel like Epcot is probably the closest to a "locals" park we have at WDW with all the festivals and plenty of dining locations, so curious if the park reservations going will help Epcot next year? Also, Animal Kingdom definitely needs something now that Pandora had been open for 6 years.

Also the contract for the theme park rights to Simpsons is expiring in a few years, so if Universal doesn't renew they'd have to do something new with the space. Pokemon, perhaps? (wishful thinking on my end)

I think Epcot and AK will be hit the hardest by Epic Universe. People who prioritize rides will opt out of visiting those parks and spend more days at EU and IoA. I'm the odd one out where if I had to choose, I would skip HS.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Also the contract for the theme park rights to Simpsons is expiring in a few years, so if Universal doesn't renew they'd have to do something new with the space. Pokemon, perhaps? (wishful thinking on my end)

I think Epcot and AK will be hit the hardest by Epic Universe. People who prioritize rides will opt out of visiting those parks and spend more days at EU and IoA. I'm the odd one out where if I had to choose, I would skip HS.

OMG, definitely do Pokemon!!! If they do that I'll finally like that park regardless of anything else there lol

 

[OKW Lover]

I wonder if the end of the Epcot "transformation" will bring guests back to that park, but I feel like Epcot is probably the closest to a "locals" park we have at WDW with all the festivals and plenty of dining locations, so curious if the park reservations going will help Epcot next year?

I don't think the "transformation" will have any effect. To my mind there isn't really anything new except for that world of water walk though. Five minutes there will probably be more than enough.

Good point about Epcot being a locals park. As a local myself, Epcot is probably the park that I visit most often. Especially with the various festivals.

 

[Maleficent_Hades]

Food & Wine is awesome ! Pro tip: Have a plan. Look at the menus ahead of time and know what you want to try and where it is. Prioritize with must-try and maybe-try items as you may get full, or might even want something again. There is just so much great stuff!

for sure will be planning ahead. this is the last festival i have to go to before i've done them all. doing 2 days at epcot just so i can try as much as possible. the thing i love the most about the festivals is the portions are the perfect size for me and my hubby since we both had gastric sleeve surgery done!!

Menus for festivals at EPCOT have typically been announced the week before the festivals kick off. So the week of July 16-22 would follow that trend.

ugh soooooo far away lol, thanks for the info

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels

Stay in the magic this holiday season —and make delightful Disney memories to last a lifetime. Save on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels:

• Save up to 25% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2 to November 18, 2023, and most nights November 19 to December 9, 2023
• Save up to 30% on stays most nights December 10 to December 25, 2023

Disney+ Subscribers: Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Holiday Season

Prepare for a season of holiday joy when you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Disney+ subscribers can save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays select nights, October 22 to November 2, 2023 and November 26 to December 25, 2023.

Annual Passholders: Save Up to 40% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Holiday Season

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can save on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels during the 2023 holiday season with a new offer launched today.

• Save up to 35% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2 to November 18, 2023, and most nights from November 19 to December 9, 2023
• Save up to 40% on stays most nights December 10 to December 25, 2023

Florida Residents: Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Holiday Season

Florida residents can save on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels during the 2023 holiday season with a new offer available today.

• Save up to 30% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2 to November 18, 2023, and most nights from November 19 to December 9, 2023
• Save up to 35% on stays most nights December 10 to December 25, 2023

 

[Aprilshack]

Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels

Stay in the magic this holiday season —and make delightful Disney memories to last a lifetime. Save on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels:

• Save up to 25% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2 to November 18, 2023, and most nights November 19 to December 9, 2023
• Save up to 30% on stays most nights December 10 to December 25, 2023

Disney+ Subscribers: Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Holiday Season

Prepare for a season of holiday joy when you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Disney+ subscribers can save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays select nights, October 22 to November 2, 2023 and November 26 to December 25, 2023.

Annual Passholders: Save Up to 40% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Holiday Season

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can save on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels during the 2023 holiday season with a new offer launched today.

• Save up to 35% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2 to November 18, 2023, and most nights from November 19 to December 9, 2023
• Save up to 40% on stays most nights December 10 to December 25, 2023

Florida Residents: Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Holiday Season

Florida residents can save on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels during the 2023 holiday season with a new offer available today.

• Save up to 30% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2 to November 18, 2023, and most nights from November 19 to December 9, 2023
• Save up to 35% on stays most nights December 10 to December 25, 2023

Are they struggling for bookings?

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

New 4th of July Treats Arrive at Main Street Confectionery at the Magic Kingdom

While we may not quite be in our Yankee Doodle dandy spirit yet, the confectioners at the Main Street Confectionery are already feeling patriotic, with the new 4th of July treats already on display and available to guests!

The treats are already stacked up at the entrance of the Main Street Confectionery, located of course on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Are they struggling for bookings?

Judging from these discounts, it seems so. They also want their unfavorable guests to book stays with that 40% off.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

The 2024 Walt Disney World Calendar Has Arrived

Even though we’re barely halfway through 2023, the time has come for the 2024 Walt Disney World Calendar to go on sale to guests at the parks.

The 2024 Walt Disney World Calendar is a 16 month calendar as per usual, from September 2023 to December 2024.

It features Mickey on the cover with the four park icons of Walt Disney World below him, and other familiar sights and characters from the parks above and to the sides.

The back shows some of the photos included as part of this year’s calendar, with shots from all four theme parks included such as Town Square at Christmas, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the Disney Skyliner, and Pandora — The World of Avatar.

We found this year’s calendar at Celebrity 5&10 within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but we expect to see this at shops across Walt Disney World soon enough.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

The Boneyard Play Area Reopens Following Refurbishment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Boneyard is open again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom after being closed for a little more than a month.

During the refurbishment, Cast Members tell us that some of the padded flooring was replaced where it was cracked, along with shade tarps and some safety netting.

 

[Sadeesmom]

Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels

Stay in the magic this holiday season —and make delightful Disney memories to last a lifetime. Save on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels:

• Save up to 25% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2 to November 18, 2023, and most nights November 19 to December 9, 2023
• Save up to 30% on stays most nights December 10 to December 25, 2023

I just priced out our October trip - I can switch to this discount and save $1.92, but upgrade from standard view to garden at POFQ! Not the greatest, but why not?