Disney Parks Podcast Show #866-Disney New For The Week Of April 14, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about New Details for Lion King Ride Coming to Disneyland Paris, New details about Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby Renovation, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

1. • 🦁 A Lion King-themed water ride is coming to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris in 2026, featuring:

     • Iconic scenes and songs from the 1994 film

     • A 52-foot drop and 120-foot Pride Rock

     • Cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics and special effects

   • 🦁 The ride is part of a new Lion King land with themed dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets(construction starts Fall 2025)

   • ❄️ Disney Adventure World will also feature:

     • World of Frozen and Adventure Way

     • New “Up” spinning carousel and Rapunzel Tangled Spin

     • Grand opening in 2026

   • 🎬 A new park entrance opens May 15, 2025, themed to Hollywood, with new dining, shopping, and entertainment in World Premiere Plaza

   • 🌳 The expansion will double the park’s size, reimagining 90% of Walt Disney Studios Park, including:

     • Over 1,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs

     • New themed areas like Toy Story Garden

   • 🏨 Disney Sequoia Lodge will be fully refurbished in 2026 with forest-themed Disney touches

   • 🏕️ Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows are getting character upgrades (like Donald Duck themes), bookable starting June 12, 2025

   • 🛍️ Disney Village gets a major update:

     • New shops: Disney Glamour, Disney Style, Deco by Disney (open April 19)

     • New Disney Wonders store in late 2025

     • Dining upgrades: Petite Rosalie, new McDonald’s, Casa Giulia Italian Restaurant (2026), and a revamped Sports Bar & Lounge

   • 🎆 New shows and festivals:

     • Tales of Magic nighttime spectacular launched in 2024

     • Disney Music Festival (April 19 – Sept 7, 2025) with 12 musical experiences across all lands

   • 🏨 Grand Floridian Resort is completing a multi-year renovation:

     • Refreshed lobby, staircase, and front desk

     • New Victorian-inspired furnishings and carpeting

     • A new birdcage-style lobby bar with woodwork, stained glass, and murals

   • ⚓ Starting December 2025, the Disney Fantasy cruise ship will debut:

     • New 2-story Fantasy Tower Suite inside the funnel (sleeps 8, 2,030 sq ft)

     • New venues: Ramone’s Cantina, refreshed Senses Spa, Hercules-themed Concierge Lounge, and new Edge tween club

   • 📺 Disney+ subscribers can book summer 2025 hotel discounts:

     • Rooms start at $99/night for stays June 29 – July 31, 2025

     • Valid at select Disney Resort hotels with proof of active subscription

   • 👕 Walt Disney World revealed new Custodial cast member costumes:

     • Modern blue-and-white design with practical features

     • Part of a broader wardrobe refresh initiative

   • 🐰 For Easter 2025:

     • Meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom (through April 20)

     • Chocolate egg displays at top resorts

     • EPCOT Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt returns

     • Special Easter merchandise and extended park hours

   • 😈 New stage show “Unfairly Ever After” opens May 27 at Hollywood Studios:

     • Stars Cruella, Maleficent, and Captain Hook

     • Interactive audience voting and a Magic Mirror narrator

     • Dozens of virtual villains via LED screen technology

   • 🤖 Star Wars BDX droids debut later this year at Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World:

     • More expressive, lifelike droids like Grek

     • Free-roaming with gestures, light effects, and show integration

   • 🥩 Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina replaces Shula’s Steakhouse at Dolphin Hotel in mid-2025:

     • Elevated dining with premium beef & seafood

     • 10th Bourbon Steak location and 3rd in Florida

A lot of exciting new offerings and events across Disney locations!

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