In this Weekly Disney Roundup, we’ll be checking out major updates to TRON Lightcycle/Run, removing Splash Mountain from the park map, and progress on building EPCOT.
Here’s a roundup of Disney news for the week of January 22, 2023.
magic kingdom
Meet Ariel back in Fantasyland: Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom will be able to meet Ariel again on the ocean floor of Fantasyland. The reopening marks the first time in three years that character encounters and greetings will take place in Ariel’s Cave.
TRON Lightcycle/Run Cast Members Preview Begins in February: Cast member previews for TRON Lightcycle / Run will take place between February 6th and March 3rd. Registration information will be provided to Cast Members immediately and bookings will open on January 30th. Each Cast Member can bring up to 3 guests to share their experience.
Light Cycle Run Attraction Signage Installation in Tron: Disney posted the following tweet, accompanied by an image of the new TRON Lightcycle/Run sign outside the attraction.
Removed Splash Mountain from some park maps: Splash Mountain has been closed for a few days, but until this morning the interactive WDW map showed a rendering of Splash Mountain (with the attraction’s full title) and the Briar Patch. The Splash Mountain title has now been completely removed from the map. At this time, the Briar Patch is still labeled, and the Blair Bear, Blair Fox, and Blair Rabbit statues are still visible on the map.
TRON features double-sided lockers: For the first time, TRON Lightcycle/Run features a double-sided digital locker system for storing guests’ bags and loose items while they are racing in Lightcycles. These free lockers are located inside the attraction queue and can be accessed using MagicBand, MagicBand+, or ticket media. Guests can easily lock and reopen lockers by simply tapping a band or media on the locker.
Epcot
EPCOT welcomes Te Fiti. The Disney Parks Blog recently posted an update on Te Fiti and the Journey of Water project. The post included some images and a YouTube video of what to expect once the Moana-inspired Journey of Water officially opens.
disney food news
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Disney Springs: A few weeks until Valentine’s Day. Several Disney Springs restaurants have put together romantic menus featuring delicious signature dishes that you and your Valentine can’t resist. Here’s an overview of the delicious options and desserts to share.
Some new restaurants coming to Walt Disney World: In 2023, there will be new dining options throughout Walt Disney World. Whether it’s comfort food, slightly spicy, sweet and savory, or California-inspired menus, these dining spots that arrive quickly have something for everyone. Let’s see what kind of works there are.
Roundup Rodeo opening date and menu released: Get ready for delicious comfort food. The Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to open on March 23, 2023.
Disney’s soulful foodie guide: February’s Black History Month celebrates Black culture through one of Disney’s greatest strengths: delicious food and drink. Both coasts bring soulful food and drink options to parks and resorts that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Disney’s biggest news of the week: TRON cast member previews or the list of new restaurants opening soon?
