A Returning Buffet, Changes to a Classic Ride, and MORE Disney News You Missed

Now that the summer travel season is over and the Halloween season has arrived, things have been pretty quiet with Disney news.

That isn’t to say that we didn’t have any big news this week, though — and in case you missed anything, we’re going to give you a full rundown of the biggest news stories.

Buffet Service Returns to Hollywood & Vine

Over at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, buffet service has officially returned. The character dining location has been offering family-style meals since reopening in 2020, but guests can now serve themselves from a buffet with a variety of food offerings.

Right now, guests can enjoy the Minnie’s Halloween Dine experience at Hollywood & Vine and meet characters dressed in their Halloween costumes.

Minnie’s Halloween Dine BUFFET Is BACK at Hollywood & Vine in Disney World

Disney College Program Applications Are Open

If you or someone you know is a college student looking for a Disney experience, applications for the 2022-2023 Disney College Program are now open. The program is an internship and educational experience through which students can get college credit.

Applicants must meet specific criteria for applying, so be sure to check out the program for all the details.

Disney College Program Applications Now OPEN for Fall 2022 through Spring 2023

Disney Executive Reveals How Disney Genie Helps Control Guests

Disney Genie is certainly controversial among Disney World and Disneyland guests, but it doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon. The service consists of a free service that helps guests plan their day as well as a paid service (Genie+) that allows guests to access Lightning Lanes for rides (and skip the standby lines).

Recently, we learned more about how Genie works, particularly how it helps control guest movement in the parks. Genie uses GPS to track activity, and it sends that data to certain operations centers in the parks. Those centers will then use that data to “direct traffic using the app by notifying visitors where the shortest lines are and offering food and merchandise promotions to cajole them to other areas.”

Space Mountain Lightning Lane in Disney World

Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Division commented, “If I’m seeing too much activity on the west side, I’m able to spread where I direct people to the east side […]. Our attractions will be load-balanced better, and lines will be shorter, and what that means is the experience will be better.”

Disney Executive Reveals HOW Genie Controls What You Do

Changes Made To Carousel of Progress

One of Disney World’s most classic rides, the Carousel of Progress has seen some changes recently, but it’s mostly things that only hardcore fans of the attraction might pick up on. The Valentine’s Day scene shows that Father’s jacket looks a lot more vibrant than it did previously. Some things were also moved around the room, and flowers were added to the table next to him. There is also a new Valentine’s Day decoration over the kitchen window — it’s red and pink cut-out hearts.

In the 4th of July scene, we noticed some changes in the bathroom (where Uncle Orville is taking his bath). Some of the props were switched out in the room, and Uncle Orville finally got some fresh towels. In the Halloween scene, there are also a few new props and decorations.

Only True Experts Will Notice the CHANGES Made to the Carousel of Progress in Disney World

Halloween Has Arrived in Disneyland

Although we saw some Halloween decorations arrive in Disneyland last week, one of the most iconic pieces of decor arrived this week. The giant Mickey pumpkin is on Main Street, U.S.A., now to greet guests!

Disneyland’s Magic Key Holders also now have access to grab an exclusive mug: the Silly Symphony Skeleton Dance Travel Mug. The mug can be found at 8 Disneyland locations and 8 Disney California Adventure locations (check out those locations here). Magic Key Holders will need to show their Magic Key Pass to purchase it.