WDW Update: The Muppets Take Hollywood Boulevard!

Sometimes change is good (even at Walt Disney World Resort). When Josh D’Amaro announced a new land at Hollywood Studios themed to Monsters Inc., rumors immediately swirled about where it would go. And now we know.

The new Monsters Inc. Land – including dining, shopping, a whole new theater show, and a suspended ride recreating the door vault scene – will be moving into the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios… where Muppet*Vision 3D is located!

But, fear not Muppets fans, Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The first-ever Disney ride featuring The Muppets teams them up with top music start stars for a rockin’ music festival.

There’s still time to catch a super-stretch limo on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith before The Muppets take over. And regarding Muppet*Vision 3D, Disney notes:

“As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.”

Now, lets see what else is new at the Walt Disney World Resort, which has officially transitioned from scary to merry.

Lightning Lane Change

Less than a  month since its Oct. 30 debut in Orlando, Disney has already made an adjustment to Lane Premier Pass.

Previously only guests at Deluxe resorts could purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass, but beginning today, Nov. 22, 2024, Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available to guests staying at all Disney Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, Moderate, Value Resorts, and other select hotels. Guests staying onsite can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass up to 7 days before the first day of their stay – and for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days).

This is the only update to Lightning Lane Premier Pass, and the pass continues to be offered in very limited quantities.

See more about Lightning Lane Premier pass below.

With Premier, Multi, and Single Pass Lightning Lanes, plus virtual queue, standby, single rider, and DAS, there are a lot of confusing ways to enter an an attraction at Walt Disney World, but our guide helps untangle it all:

Disney Lightning Lanes: Premier, Multi, or Single – What You Need to Know

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts returns Jan. 17, 2025, and runs through Feb. 24, 2025. We absolutely love this festival. 

Event highlights include creative artwork, fun entertainment like the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and creative eats and treats at the food studios.

2025 Disney on Broadway Concert Series Schedule

New performers this year are John Riddle (“Frozen”), Jelani Remy (“The Lion King”), and Rodney Ingram (“Aladdin”).

• Patti Murin (“Frozen”) and John Riddle (“Frozen”)
  
  • January 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, 28

• Caissie Levy (“Frozen”) and Jelani Remy (“The Lion King”)
  
  • January 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29, 30
• Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
  • January 31, February 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11
• Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
  • February 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13
• Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”) and Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”)
  • February 14, 16, 17, 20, 23
• Rodney Ingram (“Aladdin”) and Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”)
  • February 15, 18, 19, 21, 22
• Special Final Performance: Rodney Ingram, Kara Lindsay, Michael James Scott & Kissy Simmons
  • February 24

Enjoy a meal at one of 15 Epcot restaurants and guaranteed priority seating at one of the shows with a Disney on Broadway Dining Package. Booking begins Dec. 19, 2024.

If you’ve never been to EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, find out why it’s one of our favorites:

A Floridian’s Favorite: Why EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts Tops Our List

Christmas Cheer is Here!

Mickey hosted his first party of the 2024 holiday season on Nov. 8, which ushered in an early start to the holiday season.

The separately ticketed after hours Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continues at Magic Kingdom through Dec. 20, but there are are only 3 party dates available: Dec. 15, 17, and 19.

Party tickets range from $179 – $219 + tax per person, depending on the date.

Know Before You Go

• The event takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight
• Official check-in for the event will take place at the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom park beginning at 4 p.m.
• If you plan to arrive earlier than 4 p.m., valid park admission for Magic Kingdom park will be required. A theme park reservation to Magic Kingdom park may also be required depending on your ticket type
• A theme park reservation is not required to enter the park at 4 p.m. or later

This year’s line-up of eats and treats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features more than 30 new items in addition to returning fan favorites. 

Eligible DVC members can also enjoy ‘Very Member Merriment’ on select nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party from 7 p.m. to midnight at A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas in Adventureland. Members can stop by for a festive keepsake and special treat on Dec. 5, 12, and 19.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

Another sign the festive season has arrived is the always-grand gingerbread display in the Grand Floridian.

Festive Disney character art adorns the top of the windows.

And there’s no shortage of Hidden Mickeys in this gingerbread house (and not-so-hidden ones). 

2024 Candlelight Processional

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages opened for booking on Oct. 29. Included are reserved seating for one of the three shows and fifteen eatery options to choose from for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The celebrity narrators for the 2024 Candlelight Processional are:

• 11/29 – 11/30 Josh Gad
• 12/1 – 12/2 Nico Santos
• 12/3-12/5 Chrissy Metz
• 12/6 – 12/7 Whoopi Goldberg
• 12/8 – 12/10 Tituss Burgess
• 12/11 – 12/12 Brendan Fraser
• 12/13 – 12/14 Ralph Macchio
• 12/15 – 12/16 Gary Sinise
• 12/17 – 12/18 Neil Patrick Harris
• 12/19 – 12/21 Pat Sajak
• 12/22 – 12/23 Gloria Estefan
• 12/24 – 12/26 Edward James Olmos
• 12/27 – 12/28 Sterling K Brown
• 12/29 – 12/30 Jodi Benson

Do you see a celebrity that you just can’t miss? Some great names above. 

For more information about this heartwarming event, including its history and Disneyland details, refer to our article:

Disney Candlelight Processional 2024 Narrators, Dates, and History!

The Final Christmas in DinoLand U.S.A

With DinoLand U.S.A. closures set to begin on Jan. 13, 2025, MiceChat reader James Wakefield shared images of the land’s “final Christmas.”

You can find information about which DinoLand U.S.A. attractions are closing here:

DinoLand’s Extinction Near: Big Changes For Walt Disney World

Jingle Cruise Sets Sail

In Magic Kingdom, the seasonal overlay of Jungle Cruise has transformed the jungle adventure into the Jingle Cruise.

“Join the homesick Jungle Cruise skippers as they set out on a holly, jolly journey packed with silly shenanigans. The boathouse and beyond are decked out with merry décor that’s been mailed to the skippers or that they’ve created themselves. They’re even unwrapping a few holiday jokes to help everyone get in the spirit.”

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Is Live & Expensive!

As we mentioned at the top of this update, Lightning Lane Premier Pass went into effect at Disney World on Oct. 30th. The newest expedited entry system allows guests to ride all Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass Lightning Lane attractions once in the theme park they’re visiting that day – without having to select a return time.

While Disneyland guests who purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass can use it in both Disneyland and California Adventure, Walt Disney World guests must choose only one park.

Prices in Florida will range from $129 to $449 per guest per day (plus tax) – depending on the date and which theme park is selected.

For Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, the pricing ranges by park from $159 to $359 per guest.

We did the “Disney math” for California’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass in our latest Disneyland Update, so we wanted to do the same for Florida (all prices are before tax):

If your family of four purchased Lightning Lane Premier Pass on Nov. 2 for Animal Kingdom (the lowest-priced park), the total would be $636 (not including the cost of your theme park tickets). Keep in mind Animal Kingdom only has nine Lightning Lane Multi Pass experiences plus Avatar Flight of Passage as Lightning Lane Single Pass.

If you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass on the same date for Animal Kingdom, it would cost $88 ($22 per person) and Lightning Lane Single Pass for Avatar Flight of Passage ($17 per person) would be $68. A grand total of $156 and a savings of $480.

For Magic Kingdom (the most-expensive park), a family of 4 would pay $1,516 for Premier Pass on Nov. 2. Magic Kingdom has 18 Multi Pass attractions (including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) plus Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tron as Single Pass.

BUT, it’s only $128 ($32 per person) for Lightning Lane Multi Pass on that date. And even if you add Lightning Lane Single Pass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at $13 per person and Tron Lightcycle / Run at $21 per person, the total for Magic Kingdom would be $264 for Lightning Lane Multi Pass and both Single Pass options vs. $1,516 for Premier Pass – a difference of $1,490.

Is it worth that much more money to avoid selecting return times? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Construction Kingdom

Closed for Refurbishment:

• Swiss Family Treehouse in Magic Kingdom
• Test Track in Epcot

Walt Disney World’s “big ticket” projects (namely Tropical Americas in Animal Kingdom, the Cars Expansion and Villains Land in Magic Kingdom, and Monsters Inc. area in Hollywood Studios) are all set to begin next year.

La Princesa de Cristal – Caribbean Plaza in Magic Kingdom Park remains closed as it’s converted to The Pirate Lounge. New concept art for the swashbuckling space was revealed on Nov. 8, 2024, at D23 Brazil.

Thanks to D23 Brazil, we also have a new image of the Moana-themed float for Magic Kingdom’s new Disney Starlight nighttime parade.

This joins the parade images revealed in August at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim.

Last but certainly not least, we’ve learned that a “mysterious spell” will be the reason Disney villains “from every realm” converge in Villains Land at Magic Kingdom. According to Imagineer Michael Hundgen, the land is “inspired by” (but not necessarily inhabited by) The Queen of Hearts, Jafar, Lady Tremaine, Yzma, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Gaston, Mother Gothel, Ursula, Hades, Chernabog, Maleficent, and the Evil Queen.

Check out our guide for details about all the Walt Disney World projects revealed at D23:

UPDATED! New Attractions for Walt Disney World & Shocking Surprises!

The Island Tower Takes Shape

The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will open on Dec. 17, 2024. Sales and bookings began on Oct. 29.

Here’s a look at construction progress on Nov. 1:

Since our last Polynesian update, new details have emerged about the “Moana’s Voyage” splash pad we’ve previously only seen in concept art.

In late October, life-size sculptures of Moana and her canoe were unveiled at the family-friendly splash zone, which will also feature playful sprayers and bubbly fountains.

Moana is cleverly positioned towards the water which goes to Seven Seas Lagoon and on to Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle.

In our last update, we also noticed turtle artwork on the tower’s exterior.

The turtle theme continues on the wayfinder’s boat…

Check our guide for more information about Walt Disney World’s newest DVC villas (and a peek inside):

Take a Look Inside WDW’s New Island Tower at the Polynesian Resort!

The Cake Bake Shop’s Bumpy Boardwalk Debut

By now you’ve probably heard about the rough debut experienced by Cake Bake Shop Bakery and Restaurant, especially in the pricing department.

Before its debut, the new dining location received backlash for being too expensive (even by Disney standards). You may recall Din Tai Fung received similar criticism when it opened its restaurant in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District.

In response to the outcry, Cake Bake Shop lowered some of its prices, with reductions varying from one cent to about $7. Unfortunately, some items actually went up in cost, most likely to compensate for the price reductions. 

We stopped by to check out the menu before the changes:

And returned to compare the revised menu (yes, that’s $22.99 – $24.99 for a single slice of cake!):

The table-service restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, desserts, and cocktails with views of Crescent Lake, while the bakery boasts cakes, cookies, pies, macarons, coffee, croissants, and more. This is the third location for self-proclaimed Disney fan Gwendolyn Rogers’ French-inspired restaurant. In addition to making several “best of” lists, Cake Bake has been featured on television and recognized in “O, The Oprah Magazine” (guests can order Oprah’s ‘O’ List Mint Chocolate Chip Cake for $22.99.)

The dining location also features merchandise including clothes and accessories, kitchenware, stuffed animals, tumblers, decor, and more. 

Inside the bakery, beautiful cases display a variety of decadent desserts.

Which would you be willing to break the piggy bank for?

We opted for the Red Velvet Cake for $22.99. It was delicious, but we don’t think a single slice of cake should be the cost of an entire meal (that same slice of cake is $17 at their Carmel City Center location).

The image below shows the size of the slice compared to a phone. What do you think? Is it worth it? How do you feel about paying $22-$24 for a slice of cake? 

We Have a Cute Alert!

Every Tuesday at 2 p.m., Walt Disney World is offering a peek backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to check in on baby tiger cub, Bakso, and his mom, Sohni.

For the first time ever, Disney is sharing a baby animal’s progress as he gets ready to join the Maharajah Jungle Trek next year. Of course, the only place to see the adorable cub is on the Disney Parks Blog. They’ve got to do something to get that traffic away from the fan sites. 😉

MiceShots

Our thanks again to James Wakefield for capturing these spectacular images of Walt Disney World during the holidays – from day to night.

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Get Away Today’s Black Friday Sale Has Started!

From now until December 4, 2024, get Adults at Kids’ Prices on theme park tickets for both coasts.

California: 

• Disneyland Resort: 3-Day and longer tickets
• Universal Studios Hollywood: All tickets

Florida: 

• Walt Disney World Resort: 3-Day and longer tickets
• Universal Orlando Resort: 2-Day and longer tickets

The Black Friday sale deals can even be used with get Away Today’s layaway plans – hold your vacations for just $200 down. It’s the perfect time to plan a trip over the holidays, or for 2025. 

With the holidays right around the corner, consider giving the gift of unforgettable memories with a theme park vacation!

• Book Discount theme park tickets, hotels, and exclusive packages – HERE

(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals. When you purchase from our travel partner, you not only get great rates and service, you also help support MiceChat. We sincerely thank you for your support!) 

Let’s Hear From You!

There’s no doubt Walt Disney World is extra magical during the holidays, but do the $25 slices of cake and pricey new line-skipping pass have you questioning whether a Disney vacation will break the bank? And do next year’s major construction projects make you merry or mad? Let us know what you think in the comments below!