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5. Beauty and the Beast lounge confirmed to be coming to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Image: Disney

Earlier this year it was announced that Mizner's Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort was going to be closed during a refurbishment that would see the location not only updated, but also expanded into what was previously the Commander Porter's gift shop. And though Disney didn't say anything specific about this refurbishment at the time, rumors swirled about the location being transformed into a character-based bar inspired by the 2017 live action Beauty and the Beast film. And while it took a few weeks, Disney has finally confirmed this rumor, and shared some of the first details about what this re-imagined lounge area will look like when it opens later this year. 

When this re-imagined location opens this fall, it will feature four unique spaces inspired by the live action Beauty and the Beast film. The lounge's signature bar will glow from the light of a gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. In another room, guests will find a space that recalls the iconic library from the film, with classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. Another character-inspired space inside this expanded lounge will be the garden room, which will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. Finally an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.

6. Aladdin movie preview coming to Walt Disney Presents next week

Now that Dumbo has safely landed in theaters, Disney is moving on to promoting its next live action adaptation: Aladdin. Beginning April 19, a sneak peek of this upcoming film will be presented as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.This film releases on May 24th, after which we'd guess this preview will fly away on a magic carpet to make way for the third Disney live action adaptation coming this year, The Lion King, which releases this summer. 

7. New Toy Story character dining experience coming for one weekend only to the Contemporary Resort

Buzz Lightyear and Woody at Pixar Place

Image: Disney

For a limited time this summer during Independence Day weekend (from July 4-6), Disney's Contemporary Resort will be hosting a special Toy Story character dining experience for one weekend only. Woody’s Roundup BBQ will take place from 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM at the Fantasia Ballroom, which will be specially decorated to look like a western-themed playset inspired by the Toy Story films. Once inside, guests can meet Woody, Jessie, Bullseye and Buzz Lightyear as well as play games, make crafts and of course enjoy a special barbecue-themed all-you-can-eat buffet. There will also be a live DJ providing musical entertainment and a balloon artist on hand as well creating amazing animals and shapes for young guests. 

Prices for this dining event are $149 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $99 for children (ages 3 to 9). In addition to dinner and entertainment, guests attending Woody's Roundup BBQ will also be able to enjoy dessert and a reserved outdoor viewing area of the special Fourth of July fireworks spectacular from Disney's Contemporary Resort

8. Guest Experience Team coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Image: Disney

Now that the Guest Experience Team has been permanently installed at the Magic Kingdom, Disney is now expanding this new amenity to Disney's Hollywood Studios beginning April 14. From this date forward the Guest Experience Team will help Guests make the most of their day by proactively assisting them while in the park with:
  • Booking, modifying, and recovering FastPass+ selections
  • Navigating the My Disney Experience app
  • Deactivating and reactivating MagicBands
And, just as Cast Members throughout the park already do, the Guest Experience Team will also provide recommendations, help Guests view attraction wait times, and also help guests navigate the park. 
 
In an effort to establish themselves before the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge this summer,
the Guest Experience Team will be set up daily following locations during normal park hours, and will be wearing their standard blue shirts:
  • Sunset Boulevard – Near Tower of Terror FastPass+ kiosk
  • Pixar Place – Near the entrance to Toy Story Land
  • Echo Lake – Near the entrance to Path of the Jedi
  • Center Stage – Near the Movie Cameraman Statue
 
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