In this edition of the Weekly Disney Round-Up: we get a ton of updates from the D23 Expo, Universal claims that it is catching up with Disney Parks, plus Disney’s Foodie Guide to Halloween has been released.
This is your Disney news round-up for the week of September 10, 2022.
D23 Highlights
Happily Ever After Will Return to the Magic Kingdom: Josh D’Amaro announced that Disney will bring back the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular at the Magic Kingdom in 2023. Disney didn’t announce a specific timeline for the return of the show, but it seems logical that it would happen after the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration concludes.
The Mandalorian Will Meet Guests at Disneyland in 2022: John Favreau announced that The Mandalorian walk around will appear at Disneyland starting in mid-November.
Figment Meet and Greets Will Happen Once Again at EPCOT: A new Figment character interaction, possibly a meet and greet, will debut near the Imagination Pavilion by the end of 2023.
Journey of Water Opening Date: EPCOT will open the new Journey of Water Inspired by Moana in late 2023.
Harmonious to be Replaced in 2023: Disney is developing an all-new nighttime spectacular for EPCOT in honor of Disney’s 100th Anniversary. The show is in development for debut later in 2023 on World Showcase Lagoon, which will apparently replace or significantly enhance the current Harmonious show.
Disney Cruise Line Names 6th Ship in Fleet: During the D23 Expo in Anaheim, executive Josh D’Amaro made several announcements regarding the Disney Cruise Line. The Disney Cruise Line’s sixth ship will include a new design concept, and the name of the ship will be the Disney Treasure.
Two Possible Replacements For Dinoland USA Identified: Disney Imagineers are considering options for the redevelopment of Dinoland USA which might include incorporating Moana or Zootopia.
Expansion Behind Big Thunder Mountain In the Works: Imagineers are exploring several ideas for an expansion generally referred to as Beyond Thunder Mountain. One idea could include bringing in the locations and characters from the movie Encanto, while another could focus on Villains.
Other Disney News
Disney KiteTails Ending This Year: No more KiteTails at Animal Kingdom! In breaking news, we have learned that the KiteTails show in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will end on September 30.
Disney Releases Annual Foodie Guide to Halloween: No Tricks, just Treats! Theme Parks and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World are ready to welcome ghoulish guests with an assortment of delectable Halloween goodies available during the month of October.
Some of the Exclusive D23 Expo Merchandise Now Available on shopDisney: For the first time ever, select products that were available for purchase at D23 Expo earlier this month, were simultaneously available for purchase and pre-sale on shopDisney. Products are perfect for Disney fans of all ages, spanning six incredible and unique collections.
Comcast CEO- Universal “Gaining Shares” on Disney Parks: According to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, he believes that in terms of market share, Universal theme parks are catching up to Disney. Roberts made this claim at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference 2022.
Biggest Disney news this week: Universal’s claim it is gaining on Disney, or a possible Magic Kingdom expansion?