Disney's Typhoon Lagoon will be glowing on Saturday night's this summer with the return of H2O Glow Nights. This story, plus Easter events, Earth Week at Animal Kingdom and more upcoming happenings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.

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Disney H2O Glow After Hours Returns this Summer to Typhoon Lagoon

A new H20 Glow After Hours is coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The fun-filled after-hours event returns on Memorial Day Weekend.

Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as Shades of Green can purchase tickets to H2O Glow right now, with tickets going on sale to the general public on April 1. There is limited capacity, so if you're interested in going, don't delay.

The after-hours party features vibrant décor, high-energy DJ dance parties, exclusive glow-themed menu offerings and more. Attendees receive a glowing wristband and tasty snacks like popcorn and select ice-cream treats to enjoy throughout the evening.

Disney H20 Glow After Hours takes place between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. every Saturday night from May 28 to August 27, 2022. You get three hours of fun in the water park after the gates close. Guests with tickets for the party can enter Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6:00 p.m. for even more water park fun.

Eggstravaganza at Disneyland Resort

Celebrate the springtime Easter tradition of Eggstravaganza — a special “egg” hunt throughout the Disneyland Resort from March 31 to April 17, 2022.

To take part you buy a game board and stickers for $9.99 (plus tax) at select shops throughout Disneyland Resort. There are three different game boards, depending on where you want to play: one each at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and at Downtown Disney District.

Explore for special hidden eggs painted as Disney characters, then check off your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the themed Eggstravaganza game board.

Whether they choose to hunt for eggs or not, you can return their game board to collect your rewards – one of six collectible eggs! 

Redemption locations include Plaza Point at Disneyland Park, Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, and Disney’s Pin Traders and World of Disney at Downtown Disney District, while supplies last.

New Disney Merchandise Location Coming to Wonders of Xandar pavilion at EPCOT: Treasures of Xandar

New details have been released about the EPCOT's first other-world pavilion, the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, part of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy addition.

Treasures of Xandar will be a merchandise shop operated by “The Broker,” a proud Xandarian who is bringing his locally-famous shop to EPCOT. This out-of-this-galaxy shop will feature treasures acquired during travels across the galaxy, as well as items that pay tribute to the planet Xandar and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Discover the Magic During Earth Week Celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

From April 18-24 you can connect with the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and special offerings at Animal Kingdom Park.
 
Learn more about animal species the Disney Conservation Fund is working to protect. Try your hand at drawing as Disney artists at The Animation Experience guide you step by step to bring your favorite Disney characters to life using real animals for inspiration. Each animal represents some of the amazing stories of conservation work Disney is doing around the world.
 
There is also a limited-time Wilderness Explorer activity that rewards Guests with an Earth Day Nature badge.
 
On Discovery Island, watch for a special Disney Character Cruise on Discovery River. And throughout the park, Disney PhotoPass magic will have new frames featuring Wall-E and Eve from “Wall-E.” A limited-edition Earth Day 2022 trading pin is also available along with other specialty merchandise and custom food and drinks.

New Food and Wine Experiences at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

New limited-time offerings bring a taste of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival to two Disneyland hotels with new seminars, tastings and more.

Education and Tasting Seminars - April 19
Learn from industry experts during an educational tasting seminar at the Grand Californian Craftsman Bar.

Winemaker Reception – April 6
Enjoy an exclusive Winemaker Reception at the Rose Court Garden at the Disneyland Hotel, with tastings of acclaimed wines from Silver Oak and Twomey.

Upcoming Refurbishments at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's Vero Beach Resort

The high Rock Springs Pool and On the Rocks Pool Bar at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be unavailable from January through late March 2023 while the pool undergoes refurbishment.

The lobby at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will undergo a refurbishment from mid-April through late May 2022. During this time, the lobby will remain operational and Cast Members will be present to help direct Guests to the check-in location.

Thank You for Listening to The Disney Travel News Podcast

Thank you for joining us at 1923 Main Street, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed the show. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes and the latest Disney travel news on our Disney podcast each week.

Contact us at 1923 Main Street

We know that you enjoy Disney podcasts and we thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas that we can include in future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Your Source for the Latest Disney Travel News

If you would like to help support the show, please share 1923 Main Street with your friends and on social media. We very much appreciate the support!

Shop Disney

Be sure to visit our online shop for a wide selection of 1923 Main Street merchandise, plus original Disney-inspired t-shirts and more.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

In this episode we share a trip report from Walt Disney World for Spring 2022. Hear what it's like to visit Walt Disney World right now and how is it different using Genie + and Lightning Lane. This story plus the latest Disney travel news.

Listen to the Disney Travel News Podcast

Things are Slowly Returning to "Normal" at Walt Disney World, but it's Not Quite There Yet

Walt Disney World is getting closer to being back to normal in many ways, but it still has a way to go until everything is fully opening and functioning at pre-pandemic levels. Some things may never come back.

Masks are, for the most part, a thing of the past. In fact, we felt like the only guests wearing masks most of the time. We still required a negative Covid test to board a plane home, so we had to be extra careful (although this mandate for Canada is set to expire on April 1, 2022). It's very rare to see a mask on guests at Walt Disney World, except on monorails and buses, where they are still required (although we feel that this mandate won't be here for much longer.

As Walt Disney World continues to emerge from the pandemic, there are still some things that are not back to the way they were (and may never be). For example, there are not boats running from Disney's Contemporary Resort. This is because Disney World lost a large number of boat captains over the pandemic and they are currently trying to hire and train new captains as quickly as possible. On a related note, we were told that the SeaRaycer mini speedboats would not be back. Apparently, the boats sat around for too long over the pandemic and simply got gummed up and required too much service to make the fleet worth keeping. We don't believe they will be replaced based on our discussions with Disney Cast Members.

Is Lightning Lane Better than FastPass+?

In short, no.

Disney's Genie+ and Lightning Lane make visiting the parks at Walt Disney World much more challenging and frustrating versus previous methods of FastPass and FastPass+. We share full details in the episode, along with some tips and tricks for how to make the most of the current Lightning Lane and Individual Lightning Lane.

Disney World Rides and Attractions Continue to Experience Downtime

Consistent with what we had been hearing before this visit, many Disney rides and attractions continue to experience more downtime than was previously "normal" for Walt Disney World. Once again, we believe that this is due to staffing challenges and hopefully this will be remedied once Walt Disney World returns to more robust Cast Member staffing levels.

This was particularly noticeable on things like the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Special Event. When you only have three hours in a park (in this case, Epcot), having Ratatouille down and Spaceship Earth down and Frozen Ever After experiencing issues etc., it's not a good thing. It led to longer lines at the few attractions that were open and overall was a poor experience as a result.

A VIP Tour is a Good Way to Make the Most of the Magic

We did another VIP Tour on this trip and it proved (as always) to be a great way to get on a ton of rides and attractions with virtually no wait time. Yes, VIP Tours are expensive, but if you're looking for a way to beat the challenges put in place by Lightning Lane and other new implementations, a Walt Disney World VIP Tour is still a good way to go.

Thank You for Listening to The Disney Travel News Podcast

Thank you for joining us at 1923 Main Street, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed the show. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes and the latest Disney travel news on our Disney podcast each week.

Contact us at 1923 Main Street

We know that you enjoy Disney podcasts and we thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas that we can include in future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Your Source for the Latest Disney Travel News

If you would like to help support the show, please share 1923 Main Street with your friends and on social media. We very much appreciate the support!

Shop Disney

Be sure to visit our online shop for a wide selection of 1923 Main Street merchandise, plus original Disney-inspired t-shirts and more.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

Some of the most popular and fan favorite entertainment is back at Walt Disney World and there are some brand new soon-to-be favorites as well. We share what's new and what's coming soon to Walt Disney World, plus more Disney Travel News.

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A Look at the Newest Entertainment at Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park has more favorites returning, plus new entertainment filling the streets and the castle stage as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration.

“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” has been newly enhanced and features characters from “Frozen,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more as they join Mickey Mouse and all his friends in a musical extravaganza on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. 

The opening and finale of the show feature a new song and sparkling EARidescent fashions designed exclusively for the 50th. 

The Festival of Fantasy parade is now back – with not one, but two runs each day! Of course the show features the fire-breathing Maleficent dragon – along with just about every major Disney character favorite.

And sharing the same parade route is the recently launched Adventure Friends Cavalcade. It takes over the Magic Kingdom streets several times a day with nearly 30 of your favorite Disney and Pixar friends including Moana, Nick and Judy from “Zootopia” and Miguel from “Coco.”

More Experiences Added to Disney Genie+ Service

Two new experiences are now available in Disney Genie+ :

• Magic Kingdom: Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: See Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams

Connections Café and Eatery Opens This Spring at EPCOT

Connections Café and Eatery recently celebrated a new milestone, with the installation of the first of five marquees. While no opening date has been announced, Disney has said that the restaurant will open at some point this spring giving EPCOT visitors a new fast-casual restaurant and adjoining café. 

It is in the World Celebration neighborhood of EPCOT.

The name Connections Cafe was inspired by the core EPCOT idea of “connecting”– by the common bond we share over food and the gathering of people across cultures.

Update on Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels Program & Safe Access Oahu Program

Starting March 26, 2022, Hawaii's Safe Travels program will end, meaning passengers arriving from within the U.S. will no longer have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-travel negative test result upon arrival to Hawaii in order to avoid quarantine.

However, international passengers still have to follow the travel requirements put in place by the federal government, so testing is still required. If you are traveling from outside the U.S., remember to check before flying.

Also, Honolulu’s Safe Access Oahu program has also ended, and visitors no longer have to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to dine on property.

What hasn't changed: the State of Hawaii still has a face covering mandate for all indoor locations. 
At Disney Aulani Resort, face coverings are required for each Guest age 2 and up, and must be worn in all indoor locations, including Laniwai - A Disney Spa, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Aulani Resort.

New Additions Coming to Walt Disney World Boardwalk

Leisurely strolls on Disney's popular BoardWalk will soon offer something new to experience, with storybook sweet treats and delicious desserts at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a new table service restaurant and bakery that’s coming soon. Scheduled to open in 2023, this restaurant will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the lakeside charm of Disney’s BoardWalk. 

Along with this new sweet spot on the horizon, the BoardWalk Bakery will become a new sandwich shop for Guests to enjoy a bite along the water’s edge, joining other current food and beverage locations like BoardWalk Ice Cream.

Through the doors of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, light and airy touches will reinvigorate the lobby, lounge and guest rooms. Just off the lobby, a new coffee bar with artisanal beverages and quick bites will be available to-go or in newly refreshed seating spaces inside or outdoors.

Thank You for Listening to The Disney Travel News Podcast

Thank you for joining us at 1923 Main Street, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed the show. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes and the latest Disney travel news on our Disney podcast each week.

Contact us at 1923 Main Street

We know that you enjoy Disney podcasts and we thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas that we can include in future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Your Source for the Latest Disney Travel News

If you would like to help support the show, please share 1923 Main Street with your friends and on social media. We very much appreciate the support!

Shop Disney

Be sure to visit our online shop for a wide selection of 1923 Main Street merchandise, plus original Disney-inspired t-shirts and more.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic