Looking to stay up to date with news from Disney? Look no further! This blog post is here to recap Disney World News, Disneyland News, Disney Aulani News, and Disney Cruise Line News for Summer 2022! If you’ve missed any big news that might help you in preparing for your upcoming trip, you’ll find it here.

June 2022

(WDW) H20 Glow After Hours Event

This extra-ticketed event will take place at Typhoon Lagoon every Saturday through August 27th. With a dance floor, DJ, and special glowing menu items to try, this special event is a great way to have fun and enjoy some of your favorite Typhoon Lagoon attractions with shorter waits!

(WDW) Celebrating Pride Month at Disney

At all four Walt Disney World parks, you’ll find a new Pride-themed backdrop to take photos in front of, as well as fun new virtual backdrops, and Magic Shots at Disney World and Disney Springs.

At Disney Springs, you’ll find new decor and photo opportunities, plus an Art Walk that will celebrate the work of artists locally and around the world. Plus, no Disney celebration is complete without new merch and food opportunities to be found around the parks!

(DL) Celebrating Pride Month at Disneyland

Celebrate Pride month with special Magic Shots at both parks, as well as special food and beverage offerings throughout the resort. And, of course, no Disney celebration is complete without special merch! Even better – all profits from the Disney Pride Collection throughout June will be donated to support LGBTQIA+ youth and families.

(DCL) Updated Pre-Sailing Testing Requirements

All Disney Cruise guests can either do early embarkation testing, testing at the terminal, or register and upload their testing documentation to the Safe Passage website as long as it’s done no later than 24 hours before their sailing.

(DCL) Royal Gathering Pre-Cruise Booking Returns

Formerly known as the Princess Gathering, Guests will be able to pre-book reservations for the Royal Gathering 30 days prior to sailing.

(WDW) Finding Nemo Musical Returns to Animal Kingdom

Beginning June 13th, Finding Nemo: The Musical will once again be open for showings at Animal Kingdom.

(WDW) Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Reopens June 23

The beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue over at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds will be re-opening on June 23rd. With family-style servings, guests will be able to enjoy dinner and a show as well as unlimited fountain drinks and a selection of beer and wine for those over 21.

(WDW) Minnie Vans Return June 29

Minnie Vans are run by Lyft and driven by Disney Cast Members to give you quality service. In addition to special drop-off locations only accessible by Minnie Vans, each van is equipped with two car seats that Cast Members can install for you if you have little ones!

(DL) New Walkway to Disney California Adventures from Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

Guests of the Paradise Pier Hotel now have a dedicated walkway and entrance into California Adventures – right across the street from the hotel. Just cross Disneyland Drive, and head towards the security/parking booth at the entrance of the Grand Californian Hotel and you’ll enter the theme park between Seaside Souvenirs and Corn Dog Castle in Pixar pier.

(DCL) Dress Code Update for Adult-Exclusive Dining

Adult-Exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Ships (Remy, Enchante, the Meridian, the Rose, and Palo) have a new dress code. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended, but dress causal (dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts and blouses) will be permitted. However, t-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire will not be.

(DL) Fall Favorites Announced for Fall 2022

From September 2nd through October 31st, you’ll find fun Halloween decor, attractions, photo opportunities, treats and more! Returning this year to the Disneyland Resort: Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, Oogie Boogie Bash, Jack Skellington taking over the Haunted Mansion, and the Halloween Screams projection and light show over in Disneyland. In California Adventures, you’ll find Radiator Screams, Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, and Mickey and friends in Halloween costumes, and the Plaza de la Familia.

(DCL) Disney Wish Arrives in Port Canaveral

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Germany, the Disney Wish has arrived in it’s new home port – Port Canaveral! This ship is currently set to sail year-round from Port Canaveral, offering three and four night Bahamas cruises beginning July 2022!

(WDW) Narcoossee’s Refurbishment Update

Beginning July 14th and lasting throughout the remainder of the year, Narcoossee’s in the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, will be undergoing a refurbishment and will be closed to guests.

(DL) Holiday Nighttime Spectaculars Announced for Disneyland

As if it wasn’t enough to get confirmation about our Halloween favorites returning, Disney has also announced the return of many of our end of the year holiday favorites! The “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks will return to Disneyland Park, and the “World of Color – Season of Light” show will return to California Adventures.

You’ll also find the 7-foot gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Californian, characters in holiday outfits, plus plenty of holiday-themed treats to enjoy!

(WDW) Holiday Favorites Announced for Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has been announced to return for this year with select dates from November 8th through December 22nd. A few other holiday announcements: “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will receive a fun festive finale, guests will find snowfall at Disney Springs, the Candlelight Processional will return to EPCOT, fun holiday themed Magic Shots will be rolled out, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will trade in their classic hits playlist for a mash up of seasonal songs!

(WDW) Magnolia Golf Course Undergoing Most Extensive Redesign Ever

Four holes on the Magnolia Golf course are currently undergoing redesigns. No dates have been released yet on when this process will be finished.

(WDW & DL) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Return Announced

The long awaited announcement has come – reservations are now available for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland! Doors will officially open on August 25th, but you can go ahead and grab your reservations now! (Or, have your trusted travel agent make those reservations for you!)

(DL) New Benefits at Disneyland Resort Hotels

When you decide to stay at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels (Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel), you’ll now be able to enjoy new (and returning) benefits like: Early Entry, Meal Delivery Services from select Downtown Disney restaurants, package delivery from the parks, and (soon) preferred dining access.

July 2022

(DL) Nemo Submarine Voyage Reopening July 25

The Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction has been closed for refurbishment, but will be reopening on July 25th. If you’re going to be in Disneyland at that time, be sure to make note!

(WDW) Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Coming to Disney Parks in Late 2024

In 2020, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be rethemed with Tiana and the Princess and the Frog movie, and has been silent on that front since. Until now. They’ve given us a name (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure), a general date (late 2024), and a theme. Beginning late 2024, Tiana and friends will be taking us on a musical adventure through the bayou – picking up where the film left off.

Personally, I’ve always believed that The Princess and the Frog was an underrated movie and that Tiana didn’t get enough love so I cannot wait for this new theming!

(DCL) Updated Gratuity Guidelines

If you’re looking to take a Disney Cruise, you’ll want to be aware of the updated guidelines for gratuity that Disney has released. An increase of 0.25 per person/per day brings the total recommended gratuity up to $14.50 per person/per day based on the length of the cruise.

(WDW) More Character Dining to Return

Beginning September 20th, you’ll find Pooh and Friends back for lunch and dinner at The Crystal Palace.

On September 27th, you’ll once again be able to have breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at ‘Ohana at the Polynesian Resort.

And on October 4th, Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is returning to Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort.

(WDW & DL) Where’s My Car? Feature for Disney Parks App

The Disney parking lots are no joke, and there’s nothing worse than ending a long day in the parks by wandering aimlessly looking for your car. (Certainly I’m not the only person who was SURE I would remember, only to have my brain promptly forget said information, right??)

Rolling out this summer at Walt Disney World, and later this year at Disneyland, a new feature in the parks’ respective apps will help you locate your car. You can choose to fill out the information yourself, or enable location permissions for the app and allow it to fill in the details for you. When it comes time to leave, the app will help direct you to your car.

(DCL) Updated Pre-Sailing Testing Requirements for Disney Magic

If you’re departing from a European port on or after July 30th, there are newly updated testing requirements.

Not new, but a good reminder, all guests ages 5 and over must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the CDC) at the time of sailing.

Pre-Trip Testing for Guests Not Fully Vaccinated

If a guest is 4 or younger and not fully vaccinated, they must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by guest) taken no more than 3 days before their sailing. Test must be a Nucleic acid Amplification Test, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen App by midnight prior to embarkation day. A second test will be conducted at the terminal prior to embarkation.

Pre-Trip Testing for Fully Vaccinated Guests

Proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by guest) taken 1 to 2 days before sail date is required. Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen App by midnight prior to embarkation day.

Embarkation Testing

For guests 4 and younger that are not fully vaccinated, and guests that do not upload their test results on the Sail Screen App by midnight prior to embarkation day, testing will be required at the terminal before boarding (and will be charged).

(DL) Nighttime Shows Ending September 1

Both Main Street Electrical Parade and the Disneyland Forever fireworks will be ending their limited time runs on September 1.

(WDW) Food & Wine Festival Begins

Food & Wine is officially here through November 19th! Nearly a third of the menu offerings are new for 2022, and guests can grab their Festival Passports to be guided through the over 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT.

Most of the booths will open at 11:00 am, but the Belgium Marketplace will be opening at 8:30 am to serve Belgian Waffles.

(WDW) Refurbishment Updates for the BoardWalk Deli, Contemporary Bridge, and Balcony Construction at the Grand Floridian

3 new refurbishments for Walt Disney World have been announced.

BoardWalk Bakery is being transformed into BoardWalk Deli with a new menu full of fresh sandwiches, baked bread, and a selection of bakery items. The Bakery should be opening at the end of the summer.

The bridge between the Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower will be closed for refurbishment from July 18 – 20th.

The balconies on the third floor of the main building of the Grand Floridian will be closed beginning July 18th, and work is expected to be completed in mid-August.

(DL) Red Car Trolley Returns

The Red Car Trolley is returning to Disney California Adventure! During this attraction, Guests will be able to enjoy views of Buena Vista Street, Carthay Circle Restaurant, Hollywood Boulevard, and Sunset Boulevard while learning about Walt Disney and his journey.

(WDW) MagicBand + Launching July 27

MagicBand+ is launching at Walt Disney World on July 27th. With these new MagicBands, Guests will be able to interact with the 50th anniversary characters, find virtual bounties hidden throughout the Black Spire Outpost, and enjoy being linked up with the nighttime spectaculars they’re watching.

For Disneyland guests, their own version of the MagicBand+ will be releasing later this year.

(DCL) Holiday Fun for New Fall Itineraries in 2023

Halloween on the High Seas cruises are going to be returning from mid-September through October 2023. Then, from early November through December, Very Merrytime Cruises will help you celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you want to enjoy characters in Halloween costumes and go trick-or-treating at sea, or participate in a special tree-lighting ceremony and see Mr. and Mrs. Claus, bookings for the 2023 sailings will open July 28, 2022.

(DL) New Disneyland Resort Hotel In-Room Celebrations

Looking to celebrate something special during your trip, but don’t want to pack and travel with everything you need to do so? An in-room celebration might be the move for you. Disneyland Resort has three add-ons available: Mickey’s Magical Birthday Celebration, Minnie’s Magical Birthday Celebration, A Pluto Welcome.

(WDW) Upcoming Resort Feature Pool Refurbishments

In January 2024, three Resort Pools will begin routine maintenance until April 2024. Those pools are the Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies Resort, Fuentes del Morro Pool at the Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Doubloon Lagoon pool at the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.

(DCL) The Disney Wish Sets Sail!

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship has officially set sail!

(WDW) Victoria & Albert’s Returns

Victoria & Albert’s refurbishment is officially over, and guests can once again dine at the Grand Floridian Resort restaurant.

(Aulani) ‘AMA’AMA to Reopen This Fall

The signature oceanside restaurant at Aulani is officially reopening this fall. ‘AMA’AMA will feature a new dinner-only menu and some upgrades to things like light fixtures.

August 2022

(DL) Disneyland Resort Announces Return of the Holiday Season

The holiday season will return to Disneyland from November 11th through January 8th. In Disney California Adventure you’ll World of Color – Season of Light, live entertainment that will highlight Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. Festival Marketplaces will return, as well as the Sip and Savor Pass. In Cars Land you’ll find Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Over in Disneyland Park, the iconic 60 foot Christmas tree will return to Main Street, as well as lights on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and Believe … in Holiday Magic fireworks will be returning. and you’ll also find “it’s a small world” and the Haunted Mansion with fun Holiday overlays.

(WDW) Genie+ Updates

The attractions that were supposed to move back to individual lightning lane passes on August 7th have been extended as Genie+ attractions, with no announced end date. These attractions are Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom), Frozen ever After (EPCOT), Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT), Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios), and Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom). For the full list of Genie+ attractions, see the My Disney Experience App.

(WDW) Coronado Springs Pool Update

Beginning August 14th, the Ranchos leisure pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will be closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen in late September.

(DCL) Health and Safety Update for Sailings to Bermuda

Beginning September 18th, all guests with a stop in Bermuda are required by the Government of Bermuda to have an approved Bermuda Travel Authorization before arriving to the cruise embarkation terminal. All passengers 12 years old or older must be fully vaccinated and are required to upload proof at the time of their application. Children ages 11 or younger who are not fully vaccinated are welcome to enter Bermuda with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian, but still need to complete the Travel Authorization.

(WDW) Skyliner Refurbishment Update

The Skyliner will undergo routine maintenance and all lines will be closed from January 22 – 29, 2023.

(DCL) Health and Safety Protocols Update

Beginning August 15, for sailings departing US and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line requires Guests age 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests ages 11 and younger are highly recommended to be fully vaccinated before sailing.

(DL) Magic Key Program Renewals and Updates

Beginning August 16, existing Magic Key Holders will be able to renew their passes if they are in their renewal window. No new Magic Key passes will be available for sale.

(WDW) EPCOT Tours Returning this October

Beginning October 2nd, three of EPCOT’s beloved tours are returning: Behind the Seeds, which is a one hour walking tour inside of the Living with the Land attraction. EPCOT Seas Adventure – Dive Quest allows guests to dive into The Seas tank, if they are SCUBA-certified. And for those that aren’t SCUBA-certified, the EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth tour will allow guests to meet the bottlenose dolphins at The Seas. While tours return October 2nd, reservations will open on August 22nd.

(Aulani) Pool Refurbishment Update

The Wailana Pool will be unavailable September 26 – 30, 2022 in order to undergo routine maintenance.

(WDW) Park Reservation System Updates

Previously, if you wanted to change a park reservation, you would have to cancel your reservation and then re-book. Now, you’ll be able to modify your reservation (including dates, park, and party members) as long as there’s availability, without having to first cancel. You also can make all of your reservations at once – so if you’re an AP and going with non-APs, you won’t need to separately make your reservations.

(DCL) Character Greetings Returning

Up-close character greetings, including autographs, will be returning to all Disney Cruise Line ships by August 29th!

(DL) Cast Compliment Feature on App

Have a cast member that did a great job? You can now use the Disneyland app to give them a compliment. You’ll need to know their first name, hometown (both of which are always on their name tags) and date of the interaction in order to complete the compliment, but then the cast member AND their leader will be alerted to the compliment.

And if you’re at Walt Disney World, this mobile feature is already in existence!

(DCL) Health and Safety Policies Update

Beginning September 23rd for sailings aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder, and beginning November 7th for sailings aboard the Disney Magic, fully vaccinated Guests will no longer be required to participate in COVID-19 testing in order to sail. However, if a Guest is not fully vaccinated, proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-3 days before the sail date is still required. But, there will no longer be a second test at the terminal on embarkation day. Vaccinated guests must submit proof of vaccination to be exempt from testing.

And there you have it! Some of the biggest updates from Disney from June to August 2022. These news updates come out on a quarterly basis, so be on the lookout for the next one in December 2022! In the meantime, be sure to check out the Sample Walt Disney World Vacation Packages blog post and the Sample Packages for a Disneyland Vacation blog post to help you get started planning your next magical escape!