Disney News Updates: December 2018

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Behind-The-Scenes

I think it is safe to safe that between now and Galaxy’s Edge opening, we will continue to get sneak peeks and teasers of what the new land in Hollywood Studios has in store. Opening in summer 2019 in Disneyland and late fall 2019 in Walt Disney World, this land is arguably the most anticipated addition to the parks yet. 

During the Christmas Parade broadcast, Disney shared a new video showing in more detail what the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will look like. 

NBA Experience Update

The NBA Experience will open in Disney Springs, summer 2019. It will allow guests to step into their childhood fantasies and live their dreams. Some of the features will be: 

• A replicated NBA Combine challenge to track and improve your jump shot and passing skills
• Hear the crowd cheer as you step onto the court and maneuver through timed shots
• Recreate the NBA Draft with a photo op that replicated the draft stage
• Cameras placed around adjustable baskets so you can execute the perfect slam dunk
• An oversized slingshot that launches basketballs to hoops placed at varying heights
• And so much more! 

To learn more about the NBA Experience, check out all of the current information Disney has released on the new attraction. 

The Tropical Hideaway has opened!

The Tropical Hideaway has finally opened in Disneyland. It was announced to arrive by the end of 2018 and it has finally opened. Located in Adventureland, it is between the Enchanted Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise. The restaurant plays off the Enchanted Tiki Room theming and even includes Rosita! One of the Tiki Room residents. 

The food here is tropical themed, clearly, and features items like new Dole Whip flavors, steamed bao buns, ramen, and even sweet lumpia. 

Storybook Dining at Artist Point is Now Open!

It was announced over the summer that Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge would be going a renovation. While the renovation itself wasn’t a major overhaul, the menu and theme definitely were. Artist Point has been transformed into the enchanted forest from Snow White!

You can now meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even the Evil Queen. The new character experience also updated the menu to a new set up. The entire table will share appetizers such as Hunter’s Pie, Winter Squash Bisque, and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. Each guest can then choose from a selection of entrees such as royal prime rib, Brother’s Grimm roasted chicken, butter-poached snapper, and more! Desserts are also family style and you receive a sponge cake with buttercream icing, white chocolate-apple mousse with a sour center, and even a gooseberry pie. 

It is important to know the menu is said to be seasonal, so be sure to review the menu before you go.

While the change to Artist Point was met with mixed feelings by some who wanted a signature restaurant to stay away from a character experience, so far the newly updated dining experience has been met with great reviews. The character interactions and food seem to be a welcomed update from those who have dined there previously. Even if you are sad to see Artist Point change, I still suggest giving the updated restaurant a chance. 

runDisney Race Calendar is out for 2019-2010!

If running a Disney race event is on your bucket list, make sure you write down these dates, including when general registration opens. Don’t forget, if you have an annual pass, you get early access to sign up!

If you can’t make it there in person, you can still participate at home. Disney offers a Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon and a runDisney Virtual Series. 

Global Avengers Initiative Update

“There was an idea…” those words bring chills to any Marvel fans spine. Besides the iconic line itself leading into the original Avengers: Infinity War trailer, it also describes the new Avengers Initiative to set up Earth’s Mightiest Heros around the world. 

Beginning in March 2019, the first of these expansions is set to open. Hong Kong Disneyland will join Ant-Man and the Wasp to fight Arnim Zola and his Hyrda Swarm-bots in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!

Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris will both add encounters with heroes, such as learning the mystic arts of Doctor Strange or the gravity-defying feats of Spider-Man. You will also have a chance to try the latest in Pym Technology with Ant-Man and Wasp and be wowed by Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Captain America, and more join forces. 

Who’s ready to assemble?