The 11 BIG Updates from Walt Disney World (And Beyond) This Week (April 8-14, 2019)

Sunday, April 14, 2019 - 06:06

This week at Walt Disney World, Disney announced an end date for IllumiNations, the first details about the Beauty and the Beast lounge are revealed, plus a fun new detail is revealed about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida announces another house for Halloween Horror Nights, a new character comes to Busch Gardens Tampa, and a new restaurant is announced for Universal CityWalk

1. IllumiNations to end September 30 before Epcot Forever debuts October 1st

Image: Disney

Though it was previously announced that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth was set to end its 20-year run this fall, we now know that this iconic Disney nighttime spectacular will officially close on September 30 2019. And then directly after the end of this show, Epcot Forever will debut on October 1st, 2019, Here's the official description of this new show:

Epcot Forever is a celebration of what Epcot has been and what Epcot is going to become. Music is the star of the show, and we use songs going back to the very beginnings of Epcot to music in the park today – from attractions, spectaculars and other shows – and put them into a fireworks spectacular on the lagoon every night. Guests are going to hear music they know and love but in a whole new way.

2. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to have special Coke bottles

Image: Disney

Though some wondered if soft drinks from this universe would be sold inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Disney confirmed this week that they would be selling Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite and Dasani bottled water in specially-designed bottles that will fit in with the Star Wars theme. You can check out the design of these bottles above, and as you might expect guests will only be able to find these designs this on Batuu.

3. New Ticket Center now open in Disney Springs

Image: Disney

Guests visiting the Town Center neighborhood at Disney Springs can now visit the Disney Ticket Center, near the Welcome Center and Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza. At this new location guests can purchase Disney theme park tickets, make upgrades and pick up will call tickets Purchase or renew Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passes Purchase Military Salute tickets and upgrades Make Disney Springs restaurant reservations

4. New plant-based foods guide now available at the Magic Kingdom

Image: Disney

Beginning this week, a new Plant Based Cuisine Guide is available at the Magic Kingdom for guests looking for plant-based food and beverage options in the park. This new tool helps Guests easily identify items free from animal meat and common animal products that many vegetarians avoid, including milk, eggs, and honey.

Amanda KondolojyView Profile

Managing editor of Theme Park Tourist and dark ride enthusiast. Amanda is a lifelong theme parks fan who lives just outside Orlando. When she’s not booking FastPass+ reservations, standing in a queue or eating the latest specialty cupcake, you can find her watching a Marvel movie, reading a book (probably by Neil Gaiman) or singing along to showtunes in her car. Contact: [email protected]