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

[HokieRaven5]

D23 Beyond the Sea: 20 Years of Finding Nemo
April 2-3rd, 2023
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA

General Member: $75 (+$7 Processing Fee) per ticket
Gold Member: $50 (+$7 Processing Fee) per ticket
Tickets will go on sale Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) in the links provided below.

April 2, 2023: Click here for tickets
April 3, 2023: Click here for tickets

Venture “beyond the sea” with D23 during our undersea celebration of Finding Nemo’s 20th anniversary! Join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at the Aquarium of the Pacific in commemorating some of our favorite fish, both on-screen and off with this exclusive experience. And here’s the good news: You have two opportunities to join the fun—this event is happening two nights in a row, on April 2 and 3, 2023.

Guests may check in starting at 4:45 p.m. at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA, and find their seats in the beautiful Honda Pacific Visions Theater. At 5:30 p.m., guests will be treated to an informative presentation about the real-life fish featured in the film, hosted by the Aquarium of the Pacific animal care team, followed by a special big-screen presentation of Finding Nemo. After the screening concludes, guests will be released into the main halls for private aquarium access so they can explore the Aquarium’s breathtaking indoor exhibits until 9:30 p.m.

Café Scuba and Blue Whale Café Coffee Cart, as well as the Pacific Collections Gift Store, will be open for guests to make purchases after the film’s conclusion.

DETAILS
EVENT INCLUDES:

• After-hours entrance to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s indoor exhibits from 7:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Educational presentation from Aquarium of the Pacific Animal Experts
• Screening of Pixar’s Finding Nemo
• A commemorative keepsake

You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Aquarium of the Pacific and will last until approximately 9:30 p.m. Registration will open approximately 45 minutes before the start of the event, located at the outside entrance to the Honda Pacific Visions Theater. Please do not arrive before 4:30 p.m.
Parking will be available in the structure for an additional $8 per car with a validation from the Aquarium.

 

[HokieRaven5]

1900 Park Fare to Remain Closed for Remodeling at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The restaurant has not reopened since it closed in March 2020 with the rest of Walt Disney World Resort due to COVID-19. When physical distancing measures were still in place, 1900 Park Fare was used as overflow seating for Grand Floridian Café.
Incidentally, chairs from 1900 Park Fare are actually currently being used at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom, while the latter has their usual chairs repaired.

The duration of this refurbishment is unclear, although without any announcements and following the trend of other restaurants on Walt Disney World property, we expect 1900 Park Fare to reopen as a buffet restaurant.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

If people pay it, they will continue to supply it at that price. That's why I refuse to pay for it.

We are here now and NOT paying that!
I’ve really only bought it once and didn’t work well for us. Probably won’t ever buy again.

 

[HokieRaven5]

RUMOR: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon to Reopen in March 2023, Both Water Parks to Remain Open

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

RUMOR: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon to Reopen in March 2023, Both Water Parks to Remain Open

Makes sense they are back into the normal refurb pattern. Blizzard Beach last year was super long since it ran into delays and such since it was doing more than the normal annual.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Finally Fantasmic dining open again…just booked for April!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Finally Fantasmic dining open again…just booked for April!

Thanks for the heads up! I was able to get SciFi for lunch for the day that we will be at HS.

 

[jpeterson]

Finally Fantasmic dining open again…just booked for April!

Now if they would just open up Dessert parties for April...

 

[HokieRaven5]

Cast Member Discounts Announced for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Continuing down the flowchart of discounts, Disney World has announced that Cast Members will be the next affinity group to receive discounts on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience. Disney has previously announced offers to try an entice regular guests to visit, but that hasn’t moved the needle much and Cast Member discounts are the next thing to try.

Cast Member discount rates are roughly 50% off of public rates.

In order to be eligible, the Disney employee or retiree must book and stay in the room. A company-issued ID will be required at check-in and the employee will be required to have the company-issued ID on their person throughout the cruise. The employee can bring up to 3 guests in one cabin. The Cast Member rate is only available for the standard cabin.

The heavily discounted Cast Member rates are available for select voyage dates from March through June.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Construction Walls Removed from Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant & New Theming Details

 

[HokieRaven5]

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Reveal First Look at Guest Rooms
Get ready to experience the magic of Disney storytelling like never before at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, opening at the Disneyland Resort this September.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will blend timeless Walt Disney Animation Studios classics with contemporary designs, delicately curating a celebration of Disney history in the place where it all started—the Disneyland Resort. This will be the fourth tower at the Disneyland Hotel, located just steps from the Downtown Disney District.

From the moment you catch a glimpse of the 12-story tower’s colorful façade, every space will immerse you in discovering the creative storytelling process, bringing some of your favorite Disney stories to life like never before in a variety of themed accommodations.

You can discover the “bare necessities” alongside Baloo and Mowgli in a newly imagined duo studio inspired by “The Jungle Book.”

The dreamy deluxe studios sleep up to four guests and are themed to the tales of “Sleeping Beauty” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

If you’re looking for more space, you and your family can spread out in a one- and two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine guests, respectively. Check out these gorgeous rooms inspired by the vibrant colors of “Fantasia” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

These villas include a washer and dryer, comfortable living area, plus a full-size kitchen equipped with all the cookware you need to bring the flavors of Tiana’s cooking right into your own space!

Fill your vacation with even more enchantment in a multilevel three-bedroom Grand Villa. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the magic and artistry of Disney is sprinkled throughout every space.

The first floor features a full-size kitchen, large dining area, and a double-sided fireplace connecting the living area to a private outdoor balcony. The first floor is also home to the primary suite, inspired by “Bambi.”

And after you’ve explored the countless Disney stories on the first floor of the Grand Villa, you can venture up a spiral staircase to discover the delightful details of the second floor, which features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inspired by “Frozen” and “Moana,” as well as a full washer and dryer.

Reservations for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel can be made beginning on March 15 for Disney Vacation Club Members by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800 and on March 16 for Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders by contacting (714) 956-6425.

Villas are limited in availability, and restrictions apply. Subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Bookings will open to the public on March 17, 2023, subject to availability. You can make your reservation online at Disneyland.com/VillasDisneylandHotel or by contacting (714) 956-6425.

 

[teach22180]

1900 Park Fare to Remain Closed for Remodeling at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The restaurant has not reopened since it closed in March 2020 with the rest of Walt Disney World Resort due to COVID-19. When physical distancing measures were still in place, 1900 Park Fare was used as overflow seating for Grand Floridian Café.
Incidentally, chairs from 1900 Park Fare are actually currently being used at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom, while the latter has their usual chairs repaired.

The duration of this refurbishment is unclear, although without any announcements and following the trend of other restaurants on Walt Disney World property, we expect 1900 Park Fare to reopen as a buffet restaurant.

I'm thinking the tea room is on the same schedule too.

 

[OKW Lover]

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Reveal First Look at Guest Rooms
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will blend timeless Walt Disney Animation Studios classics with contemporary designs, delicately curating a celebration of Disney history in the place where it all started—the Disneyland Resort. This will be the fourth tower at the Disneyland Hotel, located just steps from the Downtown Disney District.

From the moment you catch a glimpse of the 12-story tower’s colorful façade, every space will immerse you in discovering the creative storytelling process, bringing some of your favorite Disney stories to life like never before in a variety of themed accommodations.

You can discover the “bare necessities” alongside Baloo and Mowgli in a newly imagined duo studio inspired by “The Jungle Book.”

The dreamy deluxe studios sleep up to four guests and are themed to the tales of “Sleeping Beauty” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

If you’re looking for more space, you and your family can spread out in a one- and two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine guests, respectively. Check out these gorgeous rooms inspired by the vibrant colors of “Fantasia” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

These villas include a washer and dryer, comfortable living area, plus a full-size kitchen equipped with all the cookware you need to bring the flavors of Tiana’s cooking right into your own space!

Fill your vacation with even more enchantment in a multilevel three-bedroom Grand Villa. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the magic and artistry of Disney is sprinkled throughout every space.

The first floor features a full-size kitchen, large dining area, and a double-sided fireplace connecting the living area to a private outdoor balcony. The first floor is also home to the primary suite, inspired by “Bambi.”

And after you’ve explored the countless Disney stories on the first floor of the Grand Villa, you can venture up a spiral staircase to discover the delightful details of the second floor, which features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inspired by “Frozen” and “Moana,” as well as a full washer and dryer.

Reservations for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel can be made beginning on March 15 for Disney Vacation Club Members by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800 and on March 16 for Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders by contacting (714) 956-6425.

Villas are limited in availability, and restrictions apply. Subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Bookings will open to the public on March 17, 2023, subject to availability. You can make your reservation online at Disneyland.com/VillasDisneylandHotel or by contacting (714) 956-6425.

I don't see on here just when the villas will be open for occupancy. I only see when booking can start.

 

[soniam]

I don't see on here just when the villas will be open for occupancy. I only see when booking can start.

1st paragraph, September

 

[HokieRaven5]

I don't see on here just when the villas will be open for occupancy. I only see when booking can start.

Didn’t copy that first paragraph in from the blog post. It’s September. I edited my post above to include it.

 

[Tigger's ally]

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Reveal First Look at Guest Rooms
Get ready to experience the magic of Disney storytelling like never before at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, opening at the Disneyland Resort this September.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will blend timeless Walt Disney Animation Studios classics with contemporary designs, delicately curating a celebration of Disney history in the place where it all started—the Disneyland Resort. This will be the fourth tower at the Disneyland Hotel, located just steps from the Downtown Disney District.

From the moment you catch a glimpse of the 12-story tower’s colorful façade, every space will immerse you in discovering the creative storytelling process, bringing some of your favorite Disney stories to life like never before in a variety of themed accommodations.

You can discover the “bare necessities” alongside Baloo and Mowgli in a newly imagined duo studio inspired by “The Jungle Book.”

The dreamy deluxe studios sleep up to four guests and are themed to the tales of “Sleeping Beauty” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

If you’re looking for more space, you and your family can spread out in a one- and two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine guests, respectively. Check out these gorgeous rooms inspired by the vibrant colors of “Fantasia” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

These villas include a washer and dryer, comfortable living area, plus a full-size kitchen equipped with all the cookware you need to bring the flavors of Tiana’s cooking right into your own space!

Fill your vacation with even more enchantment in a multilevel three-bedroom Grand Villa. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the magic and artistry of Disney is sprinkled throughout every space.

The first floor features a full-size kitchen, large dining area, and a double-sided fireplace connecting the living area to a private outdoor balcony. The first floor is also home to the primary suite, inspired by “Bambi.”

And after you’ve explored the countless Disney stories on the first floor of the Grand Villa, you can venture up a spiral staircase to discover the delightful details of the second floor, which features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inspired by “Frozen” and “Moana,” as well as a full washer and dryer.

Reservations for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel can be made beginning on March 15 for Disney Vacation Club Members by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800 and on March 16 for Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders by contacting (714) 956-6425.

Villas are limited in availability, and restrictions apply. Subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Bookings will open to the public on March 17, 2023, subject to availability. You can make your reservation online at Disneyland.com/VillasDisneylandHotel or by contacting (714) 956-6425.

That grand villa looks great!

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Reveal First Look at Guest Rooms
Get ready to experience the magic of Disney storytelling like never before at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, opening at the Disneyland Resort this September.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will blend timeless Walt Disney Animation Studios classics with contemporary designs, delicately curating a celebration of Disney history in the place where it all started—the Disneyland Resort. This will be the fourth tower at the Disneyland Hotel, located just steps from the Downtown Disney District.

From the moment you catch a glimpse of the 12-story tower’s colorful façade, every space will immerse you in discovering the creative storytelling process, bringing some of your favorite Disney stories to life like never before in a variety of themed accommodations.

You can discover the “bare necessities” alongside Baloo and Mowgli in a newly imagined duo studio inspired by “The Jungle Book.”

The dreamy deluxe studios sleep up to four guests and are themed to the tales of “Sleeping Beauty” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

If you’re looking for more space, you and your family can spread out in a one- and two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine guests, respectively. Check out these gorgeous rooms inspired by the vibrant colors of “Fantasia” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

These villas include a washer and dryer, comfortable living area, plus a full-size kitchen equipped with all the cookware you need to bring the flavors of Tiana’s cooking right into your own space!

Fill your vacation with even more enchantment in a multilevel three-bedroom Grand Villa. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the magic and artistry of Disney is sprinkled throughout every space.

The first floor features a full-size kitchen, large dining area, and a double-sided fireplace connecting the living area to a private outdoor balcony. The first floor is also home to the primary suite, inspired by “Bambi.”

And after you’ve explored the countless Disney stories on the first floor of the Grand Villa, you can venture up a spiral staircase to discover the delightful details of the second floor, which features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inspired by “Frozen” and “Moana,” as well as a full washer and dryer.

Reservations for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel can be made beginning on March 15 for Disney Vacation Club Members by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800 and on March 16 for Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders by contacting (714) 956-6425.

Villas are limited in availability, and restrictions apply. Subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Bookings will open to the public on March 17, 2023, subject to availability. You can make your reservation online at Disneyland.com/VillasDisneylandHotel or by contacting (714) 956-6425.

FINALLY!

I'm so excited!

 

[HokieRaven5]

RUMOR: Mirabel Meet & Greet Coming to Disney World

Disney World is looking to bring a Mirabel meet and greet to Magic Kingdom. As Disney continues to look toward the future of its theme parks, it will continue to infuse new IP to keep guest experiences relevant. One such plan is to bring Mirabel from Encanto to Magic Kingdom. The plan as it exists currently is to bring Mirabel to the Merida meet and greet across from Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Disney has been trying to get Mirabel into a meet and greet space for some time, even planning on other locations such as the gazebo in Liberty Square. That plan was reportedly scrapped.

Mirabel has been spotted around Walt Disney World recently, but those meet and greets may be unrelated to the Magic Kingdom meet and greet area, which sources say will require some significant modifications to accommodate expected long queues. Work would take place this summer to transform the space for a Mirabel meet and greet debut later this year.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney Treasure Bulbous Bow Delivered to Meyer Werft – February 22, 2023

 

[HokieRaven5]

New vertical construction in the center of EPCOT expands beyond Communicore Hall