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

Rumors: Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland to Close; Major Refurbishment at Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk

Rumor: Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland to Close in 2016:

After more land was acquired by Disneyland more rumors of expansion are coming out of California. Today, a rumor reported by WDW News Today shows that Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland could be closing in 2016 with a Star Wars Land on the way. Along with the area north of Mickey's Toontown, which currently holds backstage offices that would move to the area of the newly acquired land. 

If the rumors are true, the new Star Wars Land would have entrances at the northern end of Critter Country/Frontierland and next door to "It's a Small World (where the Toontown entrance currently exists). The land would cover the entire north end of the Disneyland Resort property, making it one of 

the largest areas of the park. Along with all other rumors it is expected that this would be announced at next week's D23 EXPO. Tune in as more details and confirmations come out for expansions on both coasts in Disneyland and Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

Major Refurbishment of Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk:

The Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk is expected to close early next year for a lengthy and major refurbishment. The restaurant is expected to close February 1, 2016 and is expected to last through November of 2016. 

No major changes to the theming of the restaurant is expected to take place. Throughout the closure however, the kitchen and dining room are expected to be renovated. This was reported by WDWMagic.