TouringPlans Travel Beat 5-11-2024

At Travel Beat we have all the “other” news from the last week or so—the stuff that wasn’t big enough to stop the presses for. What did the newsroom bring us this week? Bullets are just ahead if you’re in a hurry, and more details follow below. Don’t forget to check out the Headline News Recap, in case there was something you missed!

• Halloween on the High Seas Returns
• Disneyland Forward Receives Final Approval
• Food Court Refurbishment at All-Star Movies
• Fantasy Springs Media Previews Begin
• Fantasmic Dining Packages Return to Disneyland
• Port Canaveral to Get A New Cruise Terminal
• Baby Addax Calf Born at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Headline News Recap

Can you guess which story inspired this week’s cover image? Leave your guesses in the comments!

Halloween on the High Seas Returns

This week marked Disney’s “Halfway to Halloween”, with announcements about Halloween celebrations across the Parks and Experiences segment. This includes Disney Cruise Line, where Halloween on the High Seas sailings will be returning this fall. Guests on these themed cruises can expect a themed Mickey’s Mouse-querade party, themed drinks and treats, and all-new costumes for the gang.

Disneyland Forward Receives Final Approval

It feels like we’ve been hearing about nods and smiles and preliminary approvals for Disneyland Forward for a long time … probably because there’s so much growth and development (Disney has committed almost $2 billion) riding on the agreement. What’s different about this approval? Well, it’s the final hurdle. Disney’s updated land use plans are approved, and Disney can start filing permits now.

Food Court Refurbishment at All-Star Movies

If you’re staying at All-Star Movies in July, expect limited service at the World Premiere Food Court. Only mobile order will be available, and the menu will be limited, from July 1 through July 31, 2024. Guests may also visit the food courts at All-Star Music and All-Star Sports as usual during this time.

Fantasy Springs Media Previews Begin

Fantasy Springs officially opens on June 6 at Tokyo DisneySea, but construction is complete and media previews have begun. If you’re plugged in to Disney social media, you’ll undoubtedly have seen some of your favorite personalities enjoying time in the new land. Disney also released new art and images as part of their guide to the land and unlike everything we’ve previously seen, these are not stamped “Artist Concept Only”. Enjoy the gallery below!

Fantasmic Dining Packages Return to Disneyland

Fantasmic will return at Disneyland later this month … and so will the Fantasmic Dining Packages! Guests can reserve a table at the Blue Bayou restaurant, and have reserved seating for a viewing of the show to go along with it. Fantasmic! doesn’t return until May 24, but you can book dining packages at Blue Bayou now. According to Disney, additional dining package opportunities will be available in the future.

Port Canaveral to Get A New Cruise Terminal

Port Canaveral has announced plans to build a new cruise terminal, expected to be operational by summer 2026. The terminal will include a 3,000 vehicle multi-story parking garage, and is expected to be used by multiple lines depending on schedule and operational needs.

Baby Addax Calf Born at Animal Kingdom Lodge

We love the babies here at Travel Beat, and “just in time for Mother’s Day” (wonder how that happened) baby addax Julien has joined the herd at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Addax are a species of antelope, known for their curly horns.

Julien is just over two months old, and is especially celebrated as there are less than 100 addax left in the wild and just over 180 in managed care and breeding programs at organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. If you’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or visiting one of its excellent restaurants for dinner, you’ll be able to see Julien on the savanna. Expect to find him hanging out with mom Juniper, dad Allen, and the rest of the herd.

Headline News Recap

Halloween news abounds this week! In particular, party news on both coasts.

• 2024 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates and Ticket Info
• 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party Guide (at Disney California Adventure)

The seasonal announcements came with some seasonally appropriate details of the Haunted Mansion Parlor, which we updated into the article: Haunted Mansion Bar Coming to the Disney Treasure

Last but not least, cash reservations for the new Disney Vacation Club Tower at the Polynesian will become available in early June. New Island Tower Rooms at the Polynesian Opening in December 2024

That’s it for this week’s Travel Beat. What news are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!