TWID: March 22nd-28th

Welcome to another week of ‘This Week in Disney!” This week was chock full of new and exciting things! New ride updates, new disney policy changes, and another quick service is going towards the reservation system. Read all about it and more in this weeks news!

1. DJ and Cruz Ramirez have Arrived at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in Hollywood Studios

DJ and Cruz Ramirez have arrived at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in Hollywood Studios! Once the academy is open, the courtyard outside Sunset Showcase will be a hub of Cars themed special entertainment, photo ops, and more! How exciting does this sound? Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will open on March 31st!

2. Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station Now Open Again

After a much needed refurbishment, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak is back open for the kiddos to play in! This play area was closed from February 11th- March 22nd.

3. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks to Offer “Splash Pack”

Guests at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are now able to purchase a something called a Splash Pack! This pack will include:

Select food and beverages at the park
A refillable water park mug
A Disney-themed towel to keep

The towels are Lilo and Stitch, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Mickey Mouse-themed!

Each Splash Pack is $44 per person, plus tax. This pack is available for purchase from March 26, 2019 to May 4, 2019. These packs can be purchased at select locations inside the water park.

4. New Disney Lego Minifigures

Disney

Okay, how cute are these!! I am not so much into Legos, but I might just go ahead an buy some once these relase! This new Collectible Series is set to be released on May 1st! The new set includes 18 Disney Characters from every era. They are reported to sell for $3.99 USD each starting on May 1st exclusively on the Lego Shop website. Will you be buying one? Let me know which one in the comments!

5. New Posters For “Spider-Man: Far From Home” Movie

Is anyone else super excited for the new Spider-Man movie? I know I am! The new posters are of Spider-Man in his new suit touring various locations in Europe. “Spider-Man: Far From Home” is set to open on July 5th.

6. New Vera Bradley Mickey and Friends Collection

Mickey and Friends Vera Bradley line has launched! This beautiful pattern is featured on the quilted travel bags, wallet, tote bag, and a smaller backpack. You can get these adorable items at the Vera Bradly in Disney Springs!

7. NBA Experience to Open August 12th at Disney Springs

Get ready Basketball fans! The NBA Experience is set to open August 12th at Disney Springs! According to Disney, you’ll get to:

Experience one of the biggest milestones for a basketball player at the NBA Draft with a photo moment that re-creates the atmosphere of the draft stage.
Track and improve their jump shots and passing skills in a replicated NBA Combine challenge, complete with a scouting report that highlights their stats at the end of the session.
Step onto the court and hear the roar of the crowd as they maneuver through a series of timed shots to aim for a high score.
Execute the perfect slam dunk just like NBA superstars, captured by cameras surrounding adjustable baskets.
Test their ball-handling skills with an interactive trainer who will challenge them with a variety of dribbling routines.
Use an oversized slingshot to launch basketballs at hoops of varying heights, making as many shots as possible before the clock runs out in this thrilling timed challenge.
Immerse themselves in the rich legacy and history of NBA and WNBA championship-winning teams.
Access a team locker room that showcases up-to-date statistics and visuals of top NBA and WNBA players.
Test their knowledge of the NBA and WNBA – past and present – during a trivia game with up to 25 participants competing against one another to be champion.
Enjoy two 180-degree cinematic presentations that showcase the in-arena experience moments before the start of the game, as well as special stories from the players’ perspectives.
Take a seat at an interactive multi-screen module to watch replay clips from NBA games, using the tools at their stations to make the right calls.
Play interactive basketball games, from the fan-favorite Pop-A-Shot to modern video games

The NBA Experience was announced back in 2015, and replaces DisneyQuest, which closed its doors on July 3rd, 2017.

8. Points Chart and Resort Map Released for Disney’s Riviera Resort

If you’re looking to book a 2020 Disney Vacation Club vacation at the New Riviera Resort but was wondering how many points it will cost, well, you don’t have to wonder anymore! Disney has released a point sheet on the DVC Explorer Portal. (See photo above)

Disney has also released a map of the resort. Take a look at it below!

9. DVC Member Exclusive Star Wars: Galactic Gathering Taking Place at Epcot

In more DVC news, DVC Members and their guest will be able to attend an exclusive party called Star Wars: Galactic Gathering. This galactic themed party will be at Epcot in the World ShowPlace pavilion and takes place on April 10th from 6pm to 8:30pm. During this event, DVC members will
enjoy Star Wars themed foods and beverages, meet Star Wars characters, pose for photos with Star Wars set pieces and props, and more!

The cost per person is $225 for adults and $210 for children, and separate Theme Park admission is required.

10. “We Lost” Video From “Avengers: Endgame”

Marvel

I’m not crying! It’s just my allergies! Okay, maybe I am crying a little. If this video is making me emotional, I can tell the movie is going to do a number on me. Avengers: Endgame opens April 26th.

11. ShopDisney has Released Disney Easter and Spring Collection

If anyone wants to get me a present, I will take the Stitch in the Bunny outfit please! Disney Store and ShopDisney has upped their Easter game! Check out your local Disney Store or Shopdisney.com to buy these cuties!

12. First Promotional Poster For “Star Wars: Episode IX”

The first poster for “Star Wars: Episode IX” has been leaked online! I can’t wait until a trailer is finally released!

13.“Star Wars: Episode IX” Character Leak Reveals New Characters

Two new characters can be seen in the photo above. Zorii and Jannah. Not much is know about these characters yet, but I’m looking forward to find out more!

14. Disney Parks Removing Park Smoking Areas

Beginning May 1, smoking sections will no longer be present inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland, water parks, and the ESPN Complex. Designated smoking areas will be available outside the entrances of these areas though. There will also still be designated smoking areas at the Disney Resorts.

15. New Stroller Policy

If you have a kid, you know the importance of a stroller. (If you would like to read more about strollers, click here) Disney has just updated their stroller policy. Beginning May 1, guidelines on stroller sizes will be adjusted, requiring them to be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. Many strollers on the market, including many double jogging strollers, fit within these size guidelines. Disney will also begin strictly enforcing their “no wagons” policy. Beginning May 1, stroller wagons will also no longer be permitted. This includes the very popular Keenz stroller. It will no longer be allowed in the parks.

16. No Loose or Dry Ice

As of March 28th, Disney will no longer be allowing guest to bring is ice loose in a bag or dry ice for your cooler. They are now recomeneding ice packs.

17. ABC Commissary Quick Service Now Taking Dining Reservations

Beginning this summer, ABC Commissary will be taking dining reservations for diner. You can book now for dates starting June 2nd via the My Disney Experience App or by calling the Dining Reservation phone line. They seem to be using a similar system that they use at Be Our Guest, which takes reservation for their quick service breakfast and lunch.

19. More Disney After Hours Dates Added

Disney has just announced additional Disney After Hours dates, as well as two special celebration nights coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This is so exciting! Here are the new dates for each park at the Walt Disney World Resort:

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.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, two special celebration nights will be held:

May 1 – Hollywood Studios is turning 30! Come celebrate their anniversary with special merchandise, additional character greetings, and more food & beverage offerings to purchase.

May 4 – May the Fourth Be With You! Guest will be able to celebrate May the Fourth dressed up in your favorite Star Wars costume! Guest will also be able to meet with Chewbacca, Rey, Darth Vadar, Kylo Re, Captain Phasma, Ewoks, Jawas and Imperial Stormtroopers. Plus, specialty treats available for purchase.

All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.

1. DJ and Cruz Ramirez have Arrived at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in Hollywood Studios

2. Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station Now Open Again