There’s so much to share in our latest installment of the Walt Disney World Update! The Country Bears are back with a new show, D23 is on the horizon, Halloween and Holiday Time are taking shape, a festival is making its annual return and there’s plenty more where that came from. So, journey with us to Central Florida with us as we delve into all the delightful details!
Reintroducing – The Country Bears! (Musical Jamboree)
The Country Bears are back with a brand-new show at Magic Kingdom Park! Country Bear Musical Jamboree opened on July 17, 2024, entertaining guests with reimagined, toe-tapping Disney tunes featuring bluegrass, Americana, rockabilly, and more! These country crooners owe all their success to Ursus H. Bear, the tycoon responsible for establishing Grizzly Hall. Allow us to reintroduce you to the gang!
Henry – Ursus’s grandson and the master of bear-emonies
Five Bear Rugs – Zeke, Zeb, Ted, Fred, and a bear named Tennessee (On the right is Zeb’s son, Oscar!)
Trixie – A veteran performer who enjoys singing with Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah
Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah – Originally The Sun Bonnets, these triplets now prefer Stetsons
Teddi Barra – Discovered in an ice cream parlor, this bear is The Jewel of the Dakotas
Wendell – Former sports player turned performer, he sings a love song with Teddi
Ernest the Dude – This best-dressed bear never travels anywhere without his 17 wardrobe trunks
Terrence (aka Shaker) – Formerly a famous actor and theater star, this guitar player boasts a signature dance move
Romeo McGrowl – This Miami Serenader is ready to sing rockabilly
Gomer – A classically trained piano player, his favorite composition used to be “Night on Bear Mountain”
Big Al – This legend has been playing the guitar since he was a cub, so music runs through his veins!
You can learn more about the Bears’ backstory and view some cool, new props here!
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As mentioned in previous updates, some of the new tunes include “Try Everything” from “Zootopia,” “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin,” and “Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book.” Speaking of which, some of the voice talents behind the Bears visited Grizzly Hall before opening day. Allison Russell (Teddi Barra), Mac McAnally (Shaker), and Emily Ann (Trixie) got to see their alter egos on stage in a cute video. Check it out below!
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We attended a preview of Country Bear Musical Jamboree; check out our article for more fun and details.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event ~ Expectations
The event schedule for 2024’s D23 event in Anaheim was recently released, promising three days “jam-packed full of Disney magic” on August 10, 11, and 12. This year, Walt Disney World fans are eagerly awaiting news about Magic Kingdom’s Beyond Big Thunder Mountain expansion and Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas expansion. Although we’re all for hopes and dreams, we definitely “hope” to get more solid news for our Florida friends this year!
At D23 Expo 2022, Josh D’Amaro announced some blue sky projects for Disney World, including “Beyond Big Thunder” which would bring “Coco”, “Encanto”, or Disney Villains to Magic Kingdom.
Another project mentioned would bring “Zootopia” and “Moana” to DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom. Then, at Disney World’s Destination D23 in 2023, we learned that “Moana” was out of the picture, and a “Zootopia” show would be created for the Tree of Life (complete with an animatronic).
Bruce Vaughn then shared that the foundation for DinoLand U.S.A. would be the Tropical Americas through the lens of “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones.” This would make sense being that the current DINOSAUR attraction utilizes the exact same ride system and path as the highly popular Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland.
An Instagram post this year seemed to confirm that plans for Animal Kingdom are progressing. Walt Disney Imagineering has already visited the Yucatán Peninsula for inspiration for the Tropical Americas.
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We don’t yet know which IP will get the space beyond Big Thunder Mountain, but we’re hoping to learn more at this year’s D23 event. Here are some of the presentations, panels, and pavilions on the docket for 2024’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim:
- Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase (Saturday, August 10, 2024) – News and updates about projects in development around the world
- Imagineering: Behind the Dreams
- Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks
- Dream Chasing: Four Decades with Walt Disney Imagineering
- The Costuming Artistry Behind Disney Experiences
- Magic After Dark—The Story of Disney’s Nighttime Spectaculars
- 60 Years of Disney Ambassadors – The Stories You’ve Never Heard
- Disneyland Foods – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
- Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – The Return of a Beloved Classic
- Disney Legends Awards Ceremony – Including longtime Imagineer Joe Rohde
- World of Disney: The Product Experience
- Disney Publishing
But what we are REALLY keeping our ears open for is any mention of the 5th park we hear they’ve been working on for Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World $17 BILLION Expansion Approved – New Parks & More!
Check out our comprehensive article for a complete guide to California’s event:
Halloween Happenings
Disney World’s Halloween festivities kick off on August 9 this year and run through October 31, 2024. The spooky celebrations center around the separately ticketed Mickey’s-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party event at Magic Kingdom Park. So much so, Disney World doesn’t even have a Halloween page like Disneyland, but rather a lineup of what to expect at MNSSHP. That said, fans attending Disney World can still enjoy Halloween offerings in the form of decor, food, merchandise, and more.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, with ticket prices ranging from $119 to $199 plus tax. Here is the list of event dates:
AUGUST 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30
SEPTEMBER 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29
OCTOBER 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31
Below, you’ll see the new, neon-colored spiderweb outfits that Mickey and Minnie will be donning this year! What do you think of their getups?
Here’s a rundown of the main festivities included in the party:
- Trick-or-Treating throughout Magic Kingdom Park
- Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
- Attractions with a Halloween twist
- Special menu items
- Event-exclusive merchandise
- Bookable dining
Foodie guide details were recently released, featuring new items and returning favorites, some exclusive to the event, and some available to guests during the day. Here’s a preview of a couple of the offerings.
The Madame Leota Séance Candle is a new item available at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.
The Jack and Sally Pops are returning to Liberty Square Market.
The Minnie Mouse: Hocus Pocus Halloween Dress-up Sipper which debuted at Disneyland last year, will be available to guests of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only.
A foodie guide for Disney World’s Resort Hotels was also released. Here’s a look at one of my favorite items from the menu (comprised of new and returning offerings).
The Ghoulish Beignets will be available at Scat Cat’s Club – Café in Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter from Aug. 9 through Oct. 31.
Check out our recent article for a complete guide to Halloween at Disney World this year, including some new surprises at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:
UPDATED! Halloween Party at Walt Disney World: Your Complete 2024 Guide
EPCOT Food & Wine Prep Underway
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival debuts on August 29 and runs through November 23, 2024. Its opening will mark three months since the last festival (Flower and Garden). Returning favorites include global marketplaces, live music, and scavenger hunts. Disney World recently released the Eat to the Beat concert series lineup. Here’s a look at the schedule of performers coming to the America Gardens Theatre stage.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series Calendar 2024
- Aug. 30-31 – The Fray
- Sept. 1-2 – Sugar Ray
- Sept. 6-7 – Hoobastank
- Sept. 8-9 – Yellowcard (NEW)
- Sept. 13-14 – Tiffany
- Sept. 15-16 – MercyMe
- Sept. 20-21 – Sheila E.
- Sept. 22-23 – The Wanted (NEW)
- Sept. 27 – Luis Figueroa
- Sept. 28-29 – Mau Y Ricky (NEW)
- Sept. 30 – Jesse & Joy (NEW)
- Oct. 4-5 – Aloe Blacc (NEW)
- Oct. 6-7 – Joey Fatone & Friends
- Oct. 11-12 – We The Kings
- Oct. 13-14 – Switchfoot
- Oct. 18-19 – David Archuleta (NEW)
- Oct. 20-21 – Billy Ocean
- Oct. 25-28 – Hanson
- Nov. 1-2 – Haley Reinhart featuring Emily Estefan, Casey Abrams and Janel Parrish (NEW)
- Nov. 3-4 – Boyz II Men
- Nov. 8-9 – Magic! (NEW)
- Nov. 10-11 – Parmalee (NEW)
- Nov. 15-16 – Smash Mouth
- Nov. 17-18 – 98 Degrees
So far, details have emerged about a couple of food and merchandise items fans can expect this year.
In addition, EPCOT’s newly opened CommuniCore Hall will boast fresh festival elements, and Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt will return to World Showcase. On a recent visit to Disney World, we spotted some booths popping up, in preparation for the upcoming event.
The Edison Fundraiser
The Edison at Disney Springs will host a special evening to benefit Give Kids the World Village on Thursday, August 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
During the soiree, guests will try cocktails from local mixologists such as Blake Cain from Mather’s Social Gathering, Letisha Diaz from Prato in Winter Park, and Chelsea Gilpin from The Edison, putting them to a vote. They will also be treated to various food stations, where they can sample gourmet bites.
The night culminates with a silent auction in honor of Give the Kids the World Village, with proceeds going toward the nonprofit organization’s mission to offer cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families. Tickets are limited but can be purchased HERE by guests 21 and over for $85++ per person.
This & That
There’s more folks… there’s always more…
Jump for Jollywood
Disney Jollywood Nights tickets went on sale to the general public on July 10, 2024, after Disney Resort hotel guests had their chance to purchase on July 2, 2024. This year’s holiday soiree offers even more Saturdays – something fans certainly appreciate! Check out the dates below, and if interested in attending, purchase tickets HERE.
- Nov. 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
- Dec. 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21
For more information on Jollywood Nights and upcoming Christmas festivities at Walt Disney World Resort, visit our comprehensive holiday guide:
Smellephants on Parade
A new, snifftastic Scentsy experience arrived in Magic Kingdom Park in May and it’s perfect for any age group. It’s called Smellephants on Parade!
Your journey begins at Storybook Circus, where Timothy Q. Mouse has posted a Casting Call for a “Whiff-sistant.” If you’re up to the task, head towards Big Top Souvenirs to pick up a map and sticker sheet at the ticket booth out front.
Once in hand, embark on a scavenger hunt to find the 8 Smellephant statues, allowing your nose to lead the way.
Each elephant carries a different scent such as popcorn, churro, and cotton candy! Their design gives a hint of what their fragrance is. We found the statues on a recent visit. Needless to say, this is an absolutely adorable excursion!
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Returns
Two shows have just returned to Magic Kingdom after a temporary closure – the “Let the Magic Begin” Welcome Show (which occurs first thing in the morning) and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire.
We were able to catch Mickey and Friends making their triumphant return in Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire in front of Cinderella Castle.
The show features dancing, effects, and music with favorite characters like Tiana and friends from “The Princess and the Frog,”
Rapunzel and Flynn from “Tangled,”
and Anna, Elsa, and Olaf from “Frozen.”
“Descendants: The Rise of Red” Exhibit
The Walt Disney Presents Gallery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is boasting a new “Descendants: The Rise of Red” exhibit in honor of the movie’s recent premiere. Here’s a look at the colorful display featuring original costumes from the movie, designed by Emilio Sosa.
This display pays tribute to the Queen of Hearts, played by Rita Ora.
A sign within the kiosk reads:
Red and Chloe travel back in time with the help of Maddox Hatter’s magical pocket watch. In the past, the pair come face to face with younger versions of familiar heroes and villains, including teenage Cinderella, Ella, and Red’s own mother, the unexpectedly bubbly Bridget.
The next display features Chloe and Red.
A sign within the glass reads:
The rebellious Red has long-lived in the shadow of her mean-spirited mother, Wonderland’s tyrannical Queen of Hearts. Seeking to maker her own name, Red accepts an invitation to attend Auradon Prep. a special school for descendants of fairytale heroes and villains. But, when her ruthless mother declares war on the kingdom of Auradon, Red finds an unlikely ally in her roommate, Chloe, the perfectionist daughter of Cinderella. Together, they travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set the young Queen of Hearts down her villainous path.
Did you catch this show on Disney+? What did you think of it?
Test Track Construction Update
Here’s a look at Test Track amid construction. Not much has changed since our last update. A barrier wall and three cars still reside outside of the attraction.
Lightning Lane Reminder
On July 24, 2024, Lightning Lane changes went into effect at Disney World, to include new names and systems.
Genie+ is now called “Lightning Lane Multi Pass” and Individual Lightning Lane has become “Lightning Lane Single Pass.”
Guests can now schedule Lightning Lanes before their visit!
For more details on how the systems work and a refresh on what it all means, head to our last update, where we covered the topic extensively:
WDW UPDATE: Magic Kingdom Mayhem, a Plethora of Patriotism & Food Fanaticism!
Baby Zebra Birth
Let’s end this update with some sweet news from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In July, the park welcomed four, new Hartmann’s mountain zebra foals to the savannas. Their births are especially notable because these zebras are a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. Can you believe – they join over 5,000 animals at Walt Disney World Resort?!
We hope you enjoyed our trip to Florida, for this rendition of the Walt Disney World Update. Join us again next time for more news and fun from The Most Magical Place on Earth!
*A big thank you to Samantha Davis Friedman for providing some of the photos in this article!
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Let’s Hear From You!
Have you seen the new Country Bears show yet? Are you excited about Halloween and Holiday time at Walt Disney World Resort? What announcements are you hoping for at D23? Will you be attending the Food & Wine Festival? Let us know in the comments!
