Restaurant Updates, Genie+ Changes, and More BIG Disney News This Week

Have you been keeping up with all the Disney news this week?

EPCOT is ready for the Flower & Garden Festival

It’s been A WEEK of happenings with the Walt Disney Company. So while we’re deciding everything we’re going to watch on Disney+ in March and staring in wonder at Hong Kong Disneyland’s upcoming Frozen land, we’re going to give you a rundown of the five biggest Disney news stories of the week.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival starts on March 1st, and we’ve started to see some of the food booths popping up at EPCOT. More importantly, though, we now have the full menus for those food booths, and they feature a lot of new items.

We also have the full list of 11 foods that you can choose from for the Garden Graze Food Stroll — you’ll only need five of these to get the prize at the end of the stroll, though! We also finally got a sneak peek at some of the merchandise, including a ton of new Orange Bird items, like a Loungefly Mini Backpack.

MENUS REVEALED for the 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival in Disney World

Genie+ Update Gets A Date

We previously reported on a new change coming to Genie+ in Disney World, which will give all guests free downloads of PhotoPass and attraction photos. Guests will be able to get those free ride photos with Genie+ as of March 20th.

So keep that in mind if you’re visiting Disney World after that date — you’ll get all your ride photos for free!

DATE for New Genie+ Updates Announced for Disney World

Date For Park Pass Reservations Change

Another big change is coming to park pass reservations, at least for Annual Passholders. Disney World previously announced that Annual Passholders would not need a park pass reservations if entering a park after 2PM. Now we know when that change will start: April 18th.

Basically, this means that passholders can visit any park they choose without a park pass reservation after 2PM and if they have park-hopping capabilities, they can park hop without having made a reservation for the first park they visit.

Date Revealed for Important Park Pass Change in Disney World

Restaurant Updates

We’ve been learning a lot more about Roundup Rodeo BBQ, which will open on March 23rd in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, we know what the family-style meal will cost: $45 per adult and $25 per child (ages 3-9). Note that reservations are currently open for this restaurant — because it’s new, you better make them quickly!

We also finally got a reopening date for Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The restaurant has been closed since 2022 for a refurbishment, but will reopen on April 1st. Reservations for the restaurant will become available on March 1st.

The restaurant will feature a new updated menu, which is now available — with prices — on the Disney World website and My Disney Experience app.

Prices Revealed for Updated Menu Coming to Narcoossee’s in Disney World

Disneyland News

A LOT is happening in Disneyland right now. Perhaps the biggest news is that Disney has announced that the fake Broadway show, Rogers: The Musical in the Hawkeye Disney+ series is now getting a REAL show at the Hyperion Theatre in Disney California Adventure for a limited run this summer.

Although Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened in Disneyland in January, the virtual queue for the ride has been discontinued and guests can now access a standby line. The paid Individual Lightning Lane option, though, is still available.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in ToonTown

Disney also unveiled more details about The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, which will be opening this September. Disney Vacation Club Members can start booking rooms beginning on March 15th and Magic Key Holders will be able to book starting March 16th. We also got a first look inside the villas.

Finally, the Big Hero 6 land coming to Disney California Adventure, San Fransokyo Square, will open later this summer. Guests will get to see a new entrance into the area as San Fransokyo Gate Bridge and have a chance to meet Baymax. The Pacific Wharf restaurants will remain open, but Disney has promised that some familiar dishes (like the bread bowls) will remain, while some new foods will also be added.

There will also be a NEW Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.”

BREAKING: Opening Timeline and Details Revealed for NEW ‘Big Hero 6’ Land at Disneyland Resort

Well, that IS a lot of news to take in, but we’ll continue to cover ALL Disney news, so be sure to check back with us here at AllEars often so you don’t miss anything!