Splash Mountain Re-Theme DETAILS, Disney Character Dining News, and MORE Updates

Although Thor: Love and Thunder is grabbing headlines right now (as Marvel movies do), there’s still a lot more going on with Disney this week!

Thor: Love and Thunder released this week!

We’ve got updates to share with you, including major food news, BIG character dining news, and more! So here are the five biggest Disney news stories of the week.

MORE Character Dining Returning To Disney World

This week, we learned that three more restaurants in Disney World will bring back character dining! The first to return will be The Crystal Palace: A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends, which will resume character dining in Magic Kingdom on September 20th.

Then, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will return on September 27th. Finally, Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast will return to Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort on October 4th. Start making those reservations now!

FULL LIST of Character Dining Restaurants that Are Back to ‘Normal’ in Disney World

Splash Mountain News

We recently learned more about Splash Mountain’s being re-themed to The Princess and the Frog. The updated attraction will be called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney also shared an opening timeline for the updated attraction.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to make its debut in both Disney World and Disneyland in late 2024.

Opening TIMELINE Announced for Splash Mountain Re-Theme in Disney World and Disneyland!

BIG Changes in Magic Kingdom

A LOT is going on over in Magic Kingdom. First, Minnie has finally joined Mickey at the meet and greet at Town Square Theater. This is the first time guests have been able to meet both characters in their 50th anniversary outfits together in this park.

Over in Tomorrowland, the PeopleMover got a BIG update. The ride now has new narration with dialogue that mentions the upcoming TRON Lightcycle Run attraction.

PeopleMover

Carousel of Progress just got an update, too — in the final “modern” scene at the end, the character’s clothes have FINALLY been updated. John now has darker hair with a red sweater and a green apron that says “My Food Rocks.” His wife, Sarah, got a new gray sweater and blue jeans, along with an updated hairstyle.

Carousel of Progress has some new clothes!

Their son, James, now has a gray quarter-zip pullover shirt with a log on the front. His shoes are now reindeer slippers and his jeans are now a darker wash. Meanwhile, Grandma is now wearing a more neutral-colored dress with a brown sweater.

Patricia now has a sweatshirt that says “Progress Tech” with plaid pajama bottoms and reindeer slippers like the ones James is wearing. Her hair is also done up in a more modern hairstyle. Instead of a white ski boot, she’s now holding up a regular pair of boots.

Grandpa has ditched his sweater vest for a cable-knit sweater and a new pair of slacks. However, he kept his red tie.

These clothing updates are sure to make the final scene in Carousel of Progress more relevant to guests.

UPDATES Come to Carousel of Progress Finale in Disney World

Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Are Now On Sale To General Public

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is returning to Magic Kingdom after a two-year hiatus. Although tickets were previously on sale for select Disney World hotel guests, they are now on sale for everyone.

Ticket prices range from $149 to $199 for adults and from $139 to $189 for children, depending on the date of the party. And remember that Annual Passholders can get a discount on tickets!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Now on Sale for ALL Guests

Food News

In addition to the return of more character dining locations, we’ve also got some other Disney food news to share! The Flavors of Florida event has kicked off in Disney Springs (and we tried four NEW Dole Whip treats that are now available!).

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently added some new menu items — and we had a chance to try them.

We’ve got a bad feeling about this… the Fuzzy Tauntaun is no longer available at Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Why? The Szechuan flowers that are used in the drink have fallen victim to supply issues.

ALERT! The Fuzzy Tauntaun Is No Longer Available at Oga’s Cantina in Disney World!

Although the Fuzzy Tauntaun is a guest favorite, be sure to read about some of our other fave drinks at Oga’s Cantina. Also, you can drop by Kat Saka’s Kettle and grab the Cold Brew Black Caf, which comes in both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version.