We have some great news for you today about the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad, Tron Lightcycle Run testing, and lots of little things all over the resort. Plus, we share holiday magic throughout Walt Disney World. Hold on to your hats because this is one wild sleigh ride.
Update December 22: Includes information on the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad and the final merchandise collection for the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Walt Disney World Railroad Returns!
UPDATED (12/23/22): We have GREAT news about the Walt Disney World Railroad, which began testing with cast members yesterday (December 22nd)! The Railroad opened to regular park guests today, Friday the 23rd of December! The Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed since December 2018, that’s a long 4 years! I think just about everyone is excited to see the return of this iconic ride around Magic Kingdom. Some of you may be more excited about the return of the railroad than you are about the new Tron coaster.
Disney had promised a holiday season opening and managed to deliver just in time for Christmas weekend.
Here’s what we’ve learned about the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad. “The familiar whistle of its steam engine will be complemented by exciting new sounds and voices,” the team of Imagineers shared. “A new conductor has assumed the role, carrying on the long tradition of warm welcomes and amusing anecdotes while adding fresh commentary and story to the journey.”
The conductor providing narration of the grand circle tour is a familiar voice of someone who grew up on Main Street, U.S.A. and dreamed of riding the rails. Now they are like an unofficial mayor of the Magic Kingdom. While you enjoy your ride around the park, be on the lookout for some characters along the route!
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Countdown to Splashdown
Splash Mountain will officially close on January 23, 2023 to begin the transformation to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. If you are looking for one last ride, make your park reservations before January 22.
There’s a lot currently known about the new version of this popular water flume ride. The concept art and models look pretty good, but the storyline about going into the bayou in search for ingredients for a party seem a little strained for an adventure ride. But we’ll have to wait and see how that really plays out in the actual attraction.
We have all the info for you on the new ride including the story, concept art, and lots of comments from our readers:
🐸 Tiana’s Bayou Adventure NOW OPEN at Disneyland – Guide & Tips 👑
Tron Light Cycle Run
Tron continues to crawl toward completion. The long-awaited attraction is expected to open in Spring 2023. After what seems to be a never-ending timeline, the opening is slowly approaching. As you can see in the video below, the ride is testing and nearly complete:
When I took this picture of Johnny and his big brother at the end of 2019, I was really concerned that he would be upset he wouldn’t be tall enough to ride when Tron opened. I guess I no longer have to worry about that! If the goal in this long wait was anxious anticipation, the goal has been met. Open! Open! Open!
We are finally seeing Tron Light Cycles testing on a regular basis. And the lighting effects at night are pretty cool to see. The entrance also looks quite different from day to night.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Princess fans visiting Magic Kingdom will be excited about this news… Disney Princesses are returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table on February 28! Cinderella’s Royal Table is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is a pre-paid dining experience. Located in Cinderella’s Castle, this is one of the most coveted dining reservations, even without characters. But we are so glad to see the princesses return!
The Return of World Showcase Adventure with DuckTales
At long last, perhaps the most exciting thing in our house is the start of Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure at Epcot starting December 16! This is replacing Agent P World Showcase Adventure, which closed back in February 2020 (which itself replaced the Kim Possible version). Being that this was one of Johnny’s favorite activities, to the point that he visits old locations to check them out, I can’t wait to show him this new adventure. I know what we will be doing over Winter Break!
Festival of the Arts Merchandise Teaser
The International Festival of the Arts is my favorite festival of the year. Running for just over a month January 13 through February 30, 2023, it’s a festival few get to enjoy. Fittingly, Figment is the official mascot of the Festival of the Arts and there is plenty of Figment merchandise coming your way, including the first Figment Munchling!
Epcot Construction Progress in World Nature
Construction continues over in the new World Nature section behind Spaceship Earth. Progress is moving along nicely; be it on a pared-down scale from the original plans. The Moana water area is visible from behind the walls including what appears to be the entrance and Te Fiti.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Opening Announced
Over at Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo BBQ is making slow progress towards opening. This table service restaurant will feature family-style dining with barbecue-inspired comfort foods. From the images, the resturant will feature rodeo performers Jessie, Trixie, and Bo Peep with her sheep. But you’ll have to wait until Spring 2023 to experience this rootin’ tootin’ good time.
Not in the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room
A new collectible mug is available at Trader Sam’s Grotto and Tiki Terrace at Polynesian Village while supplies last. The new mug features José from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. We like this one a lot… what about you?!
Fore!
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course reopened earlier this month with new Disney touches. Each hole has a Disney-Themed name. The course opened with 14 holes while work is being completed on the last 4.
If it is putting practice you seek, then check out the putting green with an 18-hole putting course.
Park Reservations Woes
If you are lucky enough (should I say broke?) to have an Incredipass, all parks are currently open for reservations through the New Year. In addition, most of the reservations available are Yellow star Bonus reservations. This means they don’t count against your reservation allotment. 
The first park day that doesn’t have full availability is January 2, 2023 which is when we welcome back, more sensibly priced passes. If you aren’t a Passholder, park reservations are much harder to get through the holiday season, with at least one park fully booked each day. Magic Kingdom isn’t available at all between now and January 4, and the second park that is filling quickly with some dates unavailable is Hollywood Studios. 
Have you received your Minnie magnet yet? This new Passholder magnet is currently being mailed, 2 per household.
50th Anniversary Grand Finale Merchandise
If you haven’t been lucky enough to make it to Walt Disney World for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, you have one last shot to be the first to get some anniversary merchandise. The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Grand Finale Merchandise will launch in January. I’m loving the look of this sweatshirt, and cannot wait to get a closer look at those ears!
In addition, the Finale Spirt Jersey with Mickey and Minnie in their Celebration outfits, a castle Loungefly, and Mickey plush have been previewed. There will be more merchandise at the release including a ceramic travel tumbler, mug, and Crocs. 
That was a long wait for the final merchandise line, but like all the others it will likely sell out quickly.
Now… with Christmas just days away… let’s put you in the spirit of the season…
Magic Kingdom Holidays
Magic Kingdom has been in merry mode since before the last pumpkin left Main Street. Even the Mickey and Minnie topiaries at the entrance of the park received a holiday makeover.
Main Street looks picturesque with a glamorous Christmas tree, wreaths, and swags… and it’s all simply stunning at night. Unfortunately, holiday decor also brings epic crowds.
The Jingle Cruise makeover of the jungle Cruise is a holiday favorite, bad jokes and all.
However, if you want to see any Holiday shows or entertainment before Christmas, you must purchase a ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, unfortunately they are all sold out.
You can see all the happenings from this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the article linked below:
Everything is Holly Jolly At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Epcot Festival of the Holidays Epcot is the in the middle of the International Festival of the Holidays. There are some additions and some changes this year. 
Perhaps the most anticipated change is the Holiday music overlay at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. For the holiday season, they’ve added “Holiday Remix” to the attraction title and play a holiday soundtrack on the ride. The ride remains mostly the same. The holiday compilation runs through December 30th, after which it will return to the regular rotation of songs.
The festival’s Holiday Cookie Stroll added three new cookies this year, with a total of 8 in all, not including the free completer cookie. You only need to purchase 5 cookies to qualify for the completer cookie and a Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Disney+ pin. The cookies are rather large, so bring a friend, or a doggie bag, or be prepared for a sugar coma.
Nochebuena Cocina is a new Holiday Kitchen this year serving plant-based options. Passholders can receive 20% off select Holiday Kitchens food and nonalcoholic beverages when using cashless payment. The participating locations are:
- American Holiday Table – The American Adventure Pavilion
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Pavilion
- Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
- The Donut Box Near Test Track – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
- Holiday Hearth Desserts – The Odyssey Pavilion
- Holiday Sweets & Treats – Near Port of Entry
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen – Between France and Morocco Pavilions
- Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Kitchen – Near Port of Entry
- Nochebuena Cocina – Near Port of Entry – NEW!
- Refreshment Outpost – Between China and Germany Pavilions
- Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
- Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion
The Storytellers are perhaps my favorite part of the festival every year. You could spend an entire day just visiting the storytellers, who tell of their countries’ Holiday traditions. 
The traditional Santa we know of has moved from American Adventure to the Odyssey Center this year. It is a nicer display than in years past.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition is a scavenger hunt where you can search for Olaf throughout the World Showcase. The completion prize is a cute clip-on bag, of course, Johnny selected the Olaf one.
The Candlelight Processional at Epcot continues the tradition of nightly shows through December 23, 2022. With three shows nightly, there is plenty of opportunity to watch. There is also the option to purchase dining package reservations in advance, or the day of at select quick service locations.
Animal Kingdom a Holiday Menagerie of Bliss
Animal Kingdom is my favorite park to visit over the holidays with the Puppet Menagerie. I could sit and just watch the interaction with them for a good part of the day. And with little else new to report from Animal Kingdom, I think that’s just what I will do.
See all the Holiday offerings at Animal Kingdom.
Christmas in the Wild: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Winter Wonderland!
Avatar: The Way of Water
Animal Kingdom is celebrating the release of the new Avatar: The Way of Water movie which premiered on December 16. The celebration includes special illuminations on the Tree of Life, Merchandise, and more.
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Hollywood Studios Finally a Nighttime Show Worth Staying For
The wait is finally over, nighttime shows have finally returned to Hollywood Studios! OK, yes, technically the Wonderful World of Animation was running, and even sometimes the Movie Magic would run as well. Maybe it’s just me, but neither of those is worth sticking around for, not quite the spectacular one would expect to see from Disney.
With the return of Fantasmic!, there is finally a reason other than lower crowds to stay until dark at the park. With heavy crowds still lining up to see Fantasmic! shows twice a night, it’s a wonder why there are no other nighttime shows.
Is it time to look for the return of shows at Center Stage again? I would love to see the return of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.
Hollywood Studios Holidays
Speaking of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! not returning, there are other holiday options that have returned to Hollywood Studios. I am a sucker for their decorations, which remind me of my Grandmother’s when I was growing up.
And who doesn’t like snow on Sunset Blvd? Add to that the Tower of Terror holiday projections and you have a nice festive street in the evening.
See all of the Hollywood Studios Holiday offerings in the article below.
Hooray for the Holidays at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!
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Let’s Hear From You
Thanks for joining us for the update today. Are you looking forward to Tron or more excited to see the railroad return? Are you ready to say farewell to Splash Mountain? Were you able to visit Walt Disney World for the holidays this year? Any tips or thoughts?
We’re days away from Christmas, we hope your holiday season is going well and thank you for stopping by MiceChat for your Disney fix!
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