Changes Coming at Disney
Walt Disney World had a big news dump this week, as attraction openings and announcements accelerate around the industry.
What's New
There's a Wild New Ride on The Boardwalk at Cedar Point: With Wild Mouse and a new Grand Pavilion, The Boardwalk is now a well-themed fun and exciting section of Cedar Point - one that welcomes the Cedar Point beach and Lake Erie into the heart of the park with open arms. [With on-ride video… including a ride stop.]
First Look: POV Test Run Video for Zambezi Zinger: Great Coasters International today shared a first look video of a test run on its new Zambezi Zinger coaster, opening soon at Worlds of Fun, near Kansas City.
Walt Disney World to Open New Sushi Restaurant in EPCOT: Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will open this summer on the second floor of the World Showcase pavilion, in the old Tokyo Dining space. The new table service restaurant will feature an open sushi bar and grill, serving small plates and shared dishes along with sushi and teppan items.
Knott's Coaster Delayed as Fiesta Village Sets Return Date: The reimagined Fiesta Village will debut at Knott's Berry Farm on May 26, even though its signature attraction - MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress - will not reopen this summer, the park announced this week.
A New Look and a New Ride Coming to California Park: California's Great America is refreshing one of its lands for the 2023 season. The Santa Clara park's County Fair is becoming NorCal County Fair this year, with a reopening for the land planned for May 26.
Watch Theme Park Insider Thursday, when we will be reviewing Pipeline: The Surf Coaster on its media day at SeaWorld Orlando.
Changes Coming at Walt Disney World
Disney World to Remove More Reservation Requirements: Guests with dated Walt Disney World tickets no longer will have to make the extra step of booking a theme park reservation to use them, starting with visits on January 9, 2024.
Disney Dining Plans Are Returning in 2024: Two dining plans will return as options for guests at on-site Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package for stays starting Jan. 9, 2024 or later. Those packages will open for purchase on May 31.
The End of the 7am Rush at Disney? Walt Disney World also is working on plans to allow guests to buy Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane reservations in advance, eliminating the need for the 7am rush when visiting the parks.
First Quarter Financial Reports
It’s financial reporting season once again, with three theme park companies filing their first quarter reports in the past week. There’s a common theme - Californians don’t like visiting theme parks in the rain. Here is how each company did:
Stay tuned Wednesday afternoon for Disney's quarterly earnings report, which will bring to you on ThemeParkInsider.com.
Trip Reports and Talk
Spring Break in England - Trips to Warwick Castle and London: Russell Meyer wraps his “spring break in England” trip reports with family visits to some non-theme-park attractions, including several popular destinations around London.
Should Shops and Restaurants Refuse Cash? Time for our Vote of the Week.
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Robert Niles, Editor