Disney Aulani is finally reopening Aunty's Beach House, plus more fan favorites are coming back at Disneyland. These stories plus a sneak peek at the limited edition inaugural merchandise from the Disney Wish.

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Aunty’s Beach House at Disney Aulani will Reopen on May 25

Aunty's Beach House at Aulani will reopen May 25 giving keiki (kids) aged 5-12 access to the fun and adventure once again. Plus, there's something new: Aunty's Beach house will offer evening activities for  the whole family for the very first time.

Aunty's Beach House is designed as a typical hale (or house) where kids might visit their "aunty." The beach house is a Hawaiian kids club where the focus is on holiday fun. Each of the six rooms is dedicated to different activities - from a movie room to computer lab, arts and crafts studio to a game room.

Parents can reserve a playtime in Aunty’s Beach House between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily for secured and supervised children’s programming. During these hours, parents choose 1.5 hours of playtime for complimentary themed activities on "Uncle's Side" of the house or 2 hours on "Aunty's Side" of the house for premium activities. This is typically a hot ticket and reservations are required.

Complimentary activities include interactive games and arts and crafts based on the theme of the day. Premium activities include Surf’s Up, A Surfin’, Fishin’ and Dancin’ Party with Disney friends. Children will learn about the ocean, catch a wave on carpet surfboards with Max and get the scoop  on fishing Hawai‘i waters with Goofy.

NEW! Now the whole family can get in on the fun with "after hours" activities from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00  p.m. when Aunty's Beach House turns into an evening entertainment venue. Families can choose from an assortment of complimentary and premium activities where they can learn to play the ‘ukulele, get together for a lesson in animation, or make lasting memories with photo opportunities in front of surfing scenes and other colorful backdrops.

These activities used to take place in the community hall, but it sounds like they've now made them paid activities and moved them to Aunty's Beach House.

Aunty's Beach House will reopen with new operations, safety and health protocols in place. Among them: face covering requirements, capacity limits, physical distancing, spacing between craft benches and play areas and temperature checks.

Reservations for Aunty's Beach House can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (808) 674-6943 from 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Programs are subject to change.

“Tale of the Lion King” Debuts May 28 at Disneyland Park

Starting May 28, 2022, Disneyland Park will welcome “Tale of the Lion King” to its new home at the Fantasyland Theatre, where this original-story theatre adaptation of “The Lion King” will be staged in an all-new presentation. At the heart of the production is a traveling troupe known as The Storytellers of the Pride Lands who weave the tale of how a cub becomes a king through dialogue, song, dance and percussion. From the scenic and costume designs to the new original music arrangements and choreography, “Tale of the Lion King” honors and is inspired by the cultural roots of this timeless story.

Also on May 28, Troubadour Tavern will reopen with new menu items inspired by the show.

‘Fantasmic!’ is turning 30 and is returning to Disneyland Park on May 28

If you have never seen “Fantasmic!” this is definitely a must-do (at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, although we prefer the Disneyland version). Fantasmic is an emotional extravaganza of colorful Disney-animated story scenes, choreographed to an exciting musical score. At Disneyland, the waters of the Rivers of America come alive as Mickey Mouse dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and faces several villains, using the power of his imagination to save the day. Along the way, fantastic events and images appear from stories including “Fantasia,” “The Jungle Book.” Fantasmic features live performers, character appearances, enhanced special effects and pyrotechnics.

A Sneak Peek at Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish Inaugural Merchandise 

WIth the Disney Wish setting sail this summer, Disney is teasing a little more with a preview of some of the merch that you can take home with you from the exclusive Disney Wish merchandise collection.

Inspired by the Grand Hall on the ship, the first release of merch reflects the enchantment of the Disney Wish with details that include rhinestones and rich fabrication.

There is something for everyone, from T-shirts, blouses and long sleeve shirts to pullovers and accessories. 
 
A Pandora charm set features Rapunzel (the Wish's bow character) and Captain Minnie Mouse. 
 
You'll also find a new pair of Minnie Mouse ear headbands to add to your collection and even a matching Loungefly backpack.

Dooney & Bourke has a tote that's part of the collection, which will be available at retail shops on the Disney Wish.

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

This summer Disney will launch MagicBand+ and Hey Disney at Disney Parks and Resort hotels. How will the latest Disney travel tech enhance and improve your next Disney vacation?

Listen to the Latest Disney Travel News Podcast

The Tech Transformation of Your Disney Vacation

MagicBand+ is Launching Summer 2022 and ‘Hey Disney!’ Later this Year at Walt Disney World Resort

MagicBand+ will Bring the Disney 50th Anniversary Sculptures to Life

Soon you can use MagicBand+ to bring the 50th Anniversary golden sculptures to life at Walt Disney World Parks and interact with them on the new “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” Plus, you can use the Play Disney Parks app to keep track of which sculptures you’ve found to unlock with digital achievements and an augmented reality (AR) feature that will give you a glimpse into each character's world.

Love Star Wars? Join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” Experience with MagicBand+

In Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, strap on your MagicBand+ to join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” experience. In this AR adventure, you can use your MagicBand to find virtual bounties hidden throughout Black Spire Outpost. MagicBand+ will be your guide, vibrating and lighting up to show if you’re on the right path. Then, the AR thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app will reveal what’s behind secret doors in Black Spire Outpost so you can actually (virtually) see your bounty. When your mission is complete, the local guild master will reward you with galactic credits. We  don't know exactly what these credits will do, but it will be fun to find out.

Experience Nighttime Spectaculars in a New Way with MagicBand+

Remember Glow With The Show? MagicBand+ will also have this feature so you can experience nighttime shows in a new way -- right on your wrist.

All of these experiences (and hopefully more) will be available when MagicBand+ goes on sale at some point this summer. Disney World Resort hotel guests and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the option to purchase bands at a discounted, pre-arrival price. 

Existing versions of MagicBands (the non-plus style) will still be available for purchase and will continue to work as they do currently.

MagicBand+ will be available at Disneyland Resort later this year. Some of the features will vary between Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. More on that as the news comes in.

“Hey Disney!” is Coming to Walt Disney World

We now know that “Hey Disney!” is coming to Walt Disney World, but we still don't know exactly when.

According to Disney: "Hey Disney uses Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices where you’ll be able to ask all the useful questions – weather forecasts, set timers and alarms, etc. – and get answers from more than 25 popular characters including Mickey Mouse, Olaf, Rocket and Groot, Princess Tiana and many more." 

When you stay at select Disney Resort hotels, you can use “Hey Disney!” to learn helpful information about your vacation, order room amenities and more. Wondering when the next bus to EPCOT leaves or need to request more towels for your room? Just ask the Disney Magical Companion, a new character who will interact with you via “Hey Disney!”

‘Hey Disney!’ will begin rolling out the Mickey ears devices in select Disney Resort hotel guest rooms across Walt Disney World at some point in 2022 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Access will be offered as an optional, complimentary feature during your stay. 

Yes, You Can Have Hey Disney at Home!

“Hey Disney!” will also be available for purchase for supported Amazon Echo devices via the Amazon Alexa Skills store, so you can bring the magic of Disney home with you.

What can you do with all this new tech?

In the future, MagicBand+ will work with “Hey Disney!” by pairing with supported Amazon Echo devices to enhance some “Hey Disney!” experiences. More details will be released soon.

Note: To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand+.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is opening with virtual queue and individual Lightning Lane selection

When Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens in EPCOT on May 27, you will be able to access the through virtual queue and individual Lightning Lane. There will be no standby line-up option.

You will need to use the My Disney Experience app to join the virtual queue or buy an individual Lightning Lane spot. The virtual queue is limited to one use per day for Cosmic Rewind.

New Details about What We'll See When Those Walls Come Down at EPCOT
 
World Celebration is the new hub area (currently hidden behind the walls). It is divided into different gardens with a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo. The area is filled with lots of seating and shaded areas in a lush, nature theme. Each of the gardens will have their own theme and they’ll change with the festivals throughout the year.
 
At night, when the lighting takes over, the gardens will immerse you in a special nighttime experience that will evolve through the seasons.

The garden areas surround CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, where EPCOT's international festivals will find a home base. CommuniCore Plaza will host musical performances of all sizes. 

CommuniCore Hall will be a flexible exhibition and gallery space, offering a wide variety of experiences that highlight art, live music, food – complete with a demonstration kitchen. Next to CommuniCore Hall will be a new Mickey & Friends location where you can meet favorite Disney characters.

This new area, was inspired by the original EPCOT aesthetic that can be seen throughout the park’s transformation, including the timeless triangular geometry most prominently featured in Spaceship Earth. Even the CommuniCore name reaches back to the origins of EPCOT while also emphasizing the park’s central idea of community.

New Star Wars Experiences at Disneyland Resort
 
In Tomorrowland, Hyperspace Mountain is back for a limited time through July 4.
 
Captain Phasma and her Stormtroopers have returned for a limited time to patrol Tomorrowland, seeking out Resistance sympathizers and reinforcing the will of the First Order. Plus, watch out for new visitors walking the lands.

For a limited time, Tomorrowland showcases special photo spots including a replica of the palace throne from “The Book of Boba Fett.” You can also recreate the moment in season two of “The Mandalorian,” when Grogu connected with the Force at the ancient Jedi temple on Tython.

Throughout the May and June, new galactic food and drink can be found at Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland and throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Some of the new items will include:

• New Bubo Wamba Family Farms Cup (Milk Stand, Galaxy’s Edge)
• Blue Milk: Mon Cala Swirl (Milk Stand, Galaxy’s Edge)
• Parfait of Mustafar (Galactic Grill, Tomorrowland)
• Ishi Tib-style Pasta with Braised Beef Banthak (Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, Galaxy’s Edge)
• Sullust Garlic Chips (Jat Kaa’s Coolers, Galaxy’s Edge)

Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios several New Star Wars Photo Ops are now available

The training droid Magic Shot is popular, plus Select Image Scanners in Batuu can offer you a lightsaber to use in the photo – including a replica of Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber that’s available after sunset across from Oga’s Cantina. 
 
On the outer reaches of Batuu near Droid Depot, you might see Boba Fett’s ship overhead. 

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

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is back in full forces for 2022, including a few extras that have never been offered before. We share everything you need to know for this all-new Disney World Halloween party. Plus Disney Cruise Line Halloween, Disneyland Halloween Boo Bash and all the latest Disney travel news.

Listen to the Latest Disney Travel News Podcast

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World Resort This Fall

It's back: the full version of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will take place on 37 select nights from August 12 through October 31, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.

It's not the same old Disney Halloween party, as you're in for a few extra surprises this year. Here’s some of what’s in store for you at this limited-capacity event in 2022:

• Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is back, including the Headless Horseman will once again ride down Main Street, U.S.A.
• Trick-or-treating is also back, so you can load up on all your favortie brand name candy, including M&M’s, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and more Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park.
  
• And new for the 50th Anniversary, you will also get a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th and Halloween design.
  
• The Sanderson Sisters will lead a “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.
• Favorite and rare Disney characters will take over the park for their favorite party of the year.
• Overlays themed for the occasion are back at many popular Magic Kingdom attractions: Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
• Jack Skellington, will host “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” This can’t-miss nighttime show features projections, special effects, lighting, fireworks, music and Disney characters.
• Discover sweet and savory menu items inspired by fall flavors and the Halloween season.
• Also new, in honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, there will be event-exclusive step-in photo opportunities. Plus, you'll also get a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary commemorative print.
  

Tickets will go on sale May 18, 2022. If you have a reservation at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can book as early as May 12. Ticket prices range from $109-$199 plus tax, depending on which date you choose. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members will get specially-priced tickets for select dates.

Note: You do not require an additional day theme park ticket or a Disney Park Pass theme park reservation. The event dates are:

• August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
• September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30
• October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Disney Cruise Line Has New Halloween Experiences

This September and October Disney Cruise Line will have Halloween-themed cruises with special entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor and limited-time food and beverage items. These voyages will also debut an all-new character meet and greet opportunity.

All Disney characters on board will be in Halloween costumes but Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow will debut brand new looks as they dress up as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus.

For its first season of Halloween cruises this fall, the Disney Wish will also introduce a unique twist on a Halloween on the High Seas hallmark.

The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween is the signature magical Pumpkin Tree towering over the atrium lobby, each with sprouting Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights.

On the Disney Wish, guests will witness the debut of an all-new tree in the Cinderella-inspired Grand Hall. Featuring lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, legend has it that this enchanted tree (named Boo) grew beautiful gourds with the help of a wishing star. The best pumpkin of them all was destined to grant a very special wish … and that moment came when a carriage was needed to send a fair maiden to a royal soiree. In a flash of bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, that perfect pumpkin became the coach that carried Cinderella to the prince’s ball!

Other Halloween experiences will include Mickey's Mouse-querade Party, a costume party for families and Disney characters; villainous takeovers in the adult-exclusive areas; Halloween-themed movies on Funnel Vision; and even a ghostly take on ship announcements.

Halloween on the High Seas voyages will be offered aboard select sailings in September and October. Departing from ports in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, San Diego and New York City, each cruise will travel to destinations including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico. 

Halfway to Halloween Announcements from Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort is also getting in on the Halfway to Halloween fun. Here's what we know so far.
 
It's confirmed that Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, will officially return for the 2022 Halloween season. It's a separately ticketed, limited-capacity, after-hours event at Disney California Adventure Park and will be back for select nights this fall.

We'll share exact dates and ticket information as soon as they're released.
 
More Disneyland News Updates

Hotels of the Disneyland Resort News 

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is finally being reimagined based on the artistry of Pixar. It will feature favorite Pixar worlds and characters through carefully curated artwork, and décor that reveals the creative journey of the artists who helped bring these stories to life.

Guests will be welcomed into whimsical character moments, like the iconic, playful Pixar Lamp balancing atop its ball in the lobby. More news on this will be coming soon. 

What we do know now is that a new walkway is currently under construction that will soon give Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Guests a convenient entrance to Disney California Adventure Park.

Plus, we now know that the long-awaited “Hey Disney!” – a new kind of voice assistant that works alongside Alexa on Amazon Echo devices in Disneyland Resort hotel rooms that can make your stay more convenient, engaging, and enjoyable – will debut later this year.

Later this summer, if you stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel you can look forward to sending select theme park purchases back to your resort hotel.

And finally, early entry access is coming back for guests staying at one of our Disneyland Resort hotels beginning later this summer.

Downtown Disney News

The latest transformation of Downtown Disney is under way in the west end and will bring more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Drawing inspiration from Southern California mid-century modern architecture, the west-end area will be a beautiful blend of vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region, and will include an open lawn for relaxation and future events, and an even broader and diverse collection of dining and shopping.

The world-renowned restaurant Din Tai Fung will join the district to offer guests their soup dumplings hand crafted right on site. This family-run restaurant will bring flavorful Chinese cuisine to Downtown Disney, where Guests can enjoy dishes served family style in a creative space off of our new lawn pavilion.
 
Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytan will bring his Mexican cuisine to Paseo and Centrico in the locations currently occupied by Catal & Uva Bar. The restaurant and central courtyard bar and dining area will offer a multi-sensory journey to the heart of Chef Gaytan’s homeland.
 
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen is evolving to reflect vibrant California energy and a fresh approach to the menu, while staying true to the heart of New Orleans.

And finally, Earl of Sandwich will also pop into the district in a special sandwich walk-up location, offering the classic fare that you know and love (but only for a limited time starting later this year).

Mickey’s Toontown News

Disney has officially broken ground on the update and transformation coming to Disneyland Toontown.  

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