So, it’s been a minute, but I’m back with the latest weekly round up of Disney World news. Let’s get right to it, shall we?
Parks News
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts today—March 1—and lasts through July 5, 2023! The full menu was finally revealed, and we finally have a look at the new Encanto-inspired topiaries, which welcome you into the park. I will be at EPCOT NEXT WEEK to explore the festival—stay tuned for my full review!
EPCOT After Hours Are Back. Disney announced new dates for After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Typhoon Lagoon. This is a big deal because it’s been a long time since After Hours events have been held at EPCOT. These events require a separate ticket and allow guests to enjoy the park after it closes with lower crowds. Tickets for the various parks go on sale on March 3, 2023, with prices ranging from $75 to $149. There are discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.
The Mandalorian & Grogu made a surprise appearance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today! This is no doubt to advertise that Season 3 of The Mandalorian just dropped on Disney+. It remains to be seen if they will become permanent character experiences. Oh, and this is the way.
Annual Passholders and Park Passes. Starting April 18, Annual passholders will no longer need a park pass to enter a theme park after 2PM—except for Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays. So, on weekends to enter the Magic Kingdom you will either need (1) a Magic Kingdom park pass or (2) a park pass to another Disney World park before entering after 2PM. As confusing as this is, it’s a step in the right direction.
Narcoosee’s Reopens! The upscale restaurant with water views, which is at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, reopens after a long refurbishment on April 1.
Rodeo Round Up BBQ. Reservations can now be made on the MyDisneyExperience app. (Assuming any are any left to grab!) As a reminder, the restaurant, located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, opens on March 23.
Enchanted Tales with Belle, a walkthrough attraction that tells the story of Beauty and the Beast, has finally reopened at the Magic Kingdom. This character experience can be found in Fantasyland between Cinderella Castle and Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Passholder and DVC Previews for Tron are happening throughout March. It was a bit of a race to snag one, as it always is, and I somehow managed to grab one for a day during my trip. Stay tuned for my full review of the ride experience.
In Case You Missed It
My guide to Disney’s BoardWalk Resort—with tips for parents.
My guide and full review of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.
Is Topolino’s Terrace the best character dining experience at Disney World? My thoughts.
How to navigate the monorail, boat transportation, and the Disney Skyliner like a Disney pro.
Looking Forward
I will be exploring the Flower & Garden festival and riding Tron very soon! Be on the lookout for more reviews and tips for your next Disney World trip.
See ya real soon!
