Just when we thought it was safe to turn off our notifications for a bit, Disney decided to drop a bunch of *very* exciting character news!
Did seeing all the missed messages from our friends make us a tad bit anxious? Yes. Yes, it did.
BUT, we think you’ll agree that all that anxiety was worth it once we tell you everyone who is returning over the next few months!
Magic Kingdom
June 26 – Mirabel joins a cavalcade
First up, over in the Magic Kingdom, the amazing Mirabel will be making her debut in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade”.
If you don’t recall, that cavalcade already has a bunch of our favorites like Miguel and Nick and Judy, and of course, one of Shannon’s favorites – Moana!
That entire cavalcade is a hoot and a half. It is like a fever dream of all your favorite Disney adventurers, just rolling and dancing their way through the park. It’s seriously fantastic.
July 6 – Minnie is joining Mickey
Minnie Mouse is joining Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater!
They’ll both be looking extra fancy in their 50th Anniversary EARidescent outfits. And just so you know, those outfits are just *chef’s kiss*, so this is definitely going to make for an adorable photo op.
Remember, this is a Genie+ option and while we don’t (in general) think using a Genie+ selection here is a good idea, we anticipate that at least for a while, the Mickey and Minnie combo might increase the demand, meaning longer lines. That could possibly make using a Genie+ selection here slightly more desirable.
TL/DR – if seeing Mickey and Minnie together is the TOP priority for you, using a 2nd or 3rd Genie+ selection here may not be a bad idea. We just recommend you keep an eye on the return times before you snag one.
July 10 – Peter Pan and Snow White
I’m not even going to lie, but I almost missed this tidbit as I was squealing in delight at the other news in Disney’s announcement.
But, hold your horses because Peter Pan and Snow White are headed back to Fantasyland!
Can you believe it?! Guess it’s off to work you go, Peter and Snow!
(Very, very excited to see those 2 familiar faces are coming back!)
Dates TBD – A whole list of others
In addition to giving us the dates for the exciting character news above, Disney also announced that we can expect to see the following characters return sometime in the future:
- Aladdin
- Jasmine
- Merida (honestly really surprised this meet hasn’t already opened!)
- Pooh
- Tigger
- Storybook Circus pals like The Great Goofini in Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Fort Wilderness
July 6 – Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long returns
Get your vocal cords warmed up and your marshmallows ready because the incredibly fun Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long is coming back to Fort Wilderness!
This one is especially exciting for us because we have another camping adventure booked at Fort Wilderness this fall.
And – I have a Chip ‘n Dale dress that I have been looking for a place to wear. AND – I just *really* love singing and marshmallows independently, and the idea of putting the 2 together into one giant group activity is *almost* more than I can handle.
Can’t wait to roll up to the Sing-A-Long in our golfcart this October! Good grief, that is gonna be an epic night.
Hollywood Studios
July 17 – Star Wars Launch Bay reopens
Star Wars Launch Bay is back, baby!
<Insert Star Wars music into your brain right here>
And, not only will you be able to fully tour the space to check out all the cool artifacts, starting July 17 you’ll also be able to once again meet BB-8, Chewbacca, and our personal favorite man in black, Darth Vader. Swoon!
Date TBD – Toy Story Characters
Look for our favorite toys to return to Toy Story Land! Although Disney hasn’t said specifically who it will be, we expect it to be at least Woody and Buzz.
(And, it had better be the REAL Buzz with the plastic face and plastic body and giant plastic feet. IYKYK.)
Animal Kingdom
Date TBD – Donald Duck and Friends
DinoLand U.S.A. gets a lot of hate (which I don’t understand because I love it in all its kitschy awesomeness) but love it or hate it, it is a requirement* that you at least appreciate the joy that is Donald Duck and Friends all decked out to party at “Donald’s Dino Bash”.
*I have been advised to let you know that I can not “require” anything, no matter how strongly I feel about it.
The announcement about Donald and his friends follows on the heels of the recent return of Mickey and his friend over in Adventurers Outpost.
We are just really, really happy to see everyone having so darn many FRIENDS. Love that for them.
That was a lot of fun character news, wasn’t it? Make sure you dust off your autograph book! And, don’t forget, Disney has already made other announcements for things that are returning this summer, including:
- June 23 – Hoop-Dee-Doo returns
- July 3 & 4 – Celebrate America fireworks at Magic Kingdom
- July 4 – special Fourth of July fireworks at Epcot
- July 16 – Full version of Festival of the Lion King
- July 31 – Harmony Barber Shop reopens
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What are you most excited to see return this summer? Let us know in the comments!
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