Week in Review: Walt Disney World Announces Plans for 2023, TRON Soft Opening, and Mickey's Toontown Reopens in Disneyland

 It was a busy week for the Disney theme parks in the US as the beginning of the week kicked off the press event for the opening of TRON: Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. During the event Disney made several announcements about what's to come this year at Walt Disney World.

Starting off on April 22, at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Moana will begin greeting guests along the Discovery River. This fall at Magic Kingdom, Mirabel from "Encanto"will greet guests in the Fairytale Garden, which will be transformed with whimsical decor by La Familia Madrigal. As previously announced at this past summer's D23 Expo, Figment will begin greeting guests at the Imagination Pavilion  later this year and Mickey & Friends will have a new home inside the brand new Communicore Hall at EPCOT!

Communicore Hall Concept Art

Speaking of EPCOT, the Disney 100th Celebration will shine spotlight on the park as this Fall, Journey of Water Inspired by Moana will open. Then later this year, an all new nighttime spectacular highlighting the 100 Years of Wonder will debut. 

Finally, a stunning new restaurant will open at Disney Springs in late 2023 in Summer House on the Lake. The restaurant embodies a breezy, beach house vibe featuring three expansive outdoor patios with a lake view. The California-inspired menu will feature simple, sustainable ingredients from pizza and pasta to fresh salads and sandwiches. 

I know I'm excited for my trip in November.

TRON is set to open in a little over 2 weeks, but starting tomorrow Monday, March 20 the ride will soft open to guests via virtual queue or via purchase of individual lightning lane. The soft opening will be available until April 2. 

Mickey's Toontown Reopens in Disneyland:

Mickey's Toontown is officially open in Disneyland as the reimagined land opened to guests today beginning a new era of ways families and young children can play together. The land was dedicated yesterday by Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock where he was joined by Mickey and the residents of Toontown including for the first time ever Pete is making appearances as he causes mischief around the neighborhood. 

CenToonial Park is the first place guests will see as they enter the land and is anchored by two new interactive play experiences: a beautiful fountain featuring water tables designed for play that invite you to have a sensory experience plus nearby a dreaming tree with sculpted tree roots for children to crawl around and explore. 

Goofy's How To Play Yard incorporates a whimsical sound garden where kids can discover new ways to make wacky noises, as well as an all new, elevated club house. Donald's Duck Pond will help little ones get all their wiggles and make a splash that is surrounded by larger than life spinning water lilies, balance beams and rocking toys. 

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway debuted in the land back on January 27 of this year with the reopening today it is joined by Chip & Dale's Gadget Coaster and the return of Mickey and Minnie's houses as well as Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. 

Two all new dining locations have opened in the land in Cafe Daisy and Good Boy! Grocers Farmers Market. Cafe Daisy serves up playful spins on diner classics - including a plant-based option. At Good Boy! Grocers farmers market stand offers grab-and-go drinks, snacks and novelties.

Finally, located next to Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, EngineEar Souvenirs features a selection of Mickey Mouse and pals toys, apparel, headwear and more to "choo-choo-choose" from including the all new Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway remote control trackless train.

That's all for this week and we will see you all real soon.

- John

I thought I was done, but sometimes plans change and its good to be back!

Sometimes when you think all is lost, and sometimes the answer or what is lost is right in front of you. After over 2 years of not writing one single blog post here on It All Started with a Mouse, I am back. Since my last post, everything has changed including myself. I welcomed 2 wonderful kids most recently our second son was born prematurely at 26 weeks and he is growing stronger everyday. The now 2 year old is taking toddlerhood by storm. I sometimes wonder if he 14 and not 2 but guess what he is a Disney lover just like his parents. He's already been to Disney twice and will be back for a third time later this year.

Back to It All Started with a Mouse, we are back with some changes instead of daily because you know adulthood, parenthood, and life prove they are a lot this will be a weekly blog post now. I will still bring Disney news, trip reports, and more of what I had brought to the blog previously. I also want to bring new stuff to the blog as well including my wife and I have recently set a goal to run a runDisney race next year so maybe share our training plans. The big reason I am back though is I do miss the writing and a dream of mine which was recently discussed with my wife is that I want to write a book one day and with the birth of my 2 children over the last 2 1/2 years and my love of Disney I most recently realized is the type of book I want to write a children's book (possibly a Disney children's book).

I missed this and I kept the Facebook page going as most recently just sharing news, the podcast I have been a part of for the last 7 years, the MouseLife is still going on, and over the last year and a half I have hopped on TikTok, you can find me @MouseLifeJohn on both TikTok and Instagram. So tune in for the first true blog post soon and we will see you real soon and remember It All Started with a Mouse. 

- John