Disney News: Pandora & Guardians Now Open, Fantasmic! Returns & More

Our latest Disney news roundup begins with the grand opening of two new attractions, one on each coast.

Pandora – The World of Avatar Now Open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The highly anticipated land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, has officially opened to Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort.

The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora – The World of Avatar transports you to the moon of Pandora, where you can explore floating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests. You can also enjoy unforgettable experiences, like sailing down a mystical river to encounter a Na’vi shaman at Na’vi River Journey, or experiencing what it’s like to soar over Pandora on the back of a mountain banshee at Avatar Flight of Passage.

The land alone is an attraction to explore in itself: during the day, you will find yourself surrounded by a lush and vibrant landscape that boasts interactive Pandoran flora, pouring waterfalls and flowing streams.

And when you visit the land at night, you’re in for a whole new experience, as bioluminescent flora brings the moon of Pandora to life in delightful new ways.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Now Open at Disney California Adventure Park

The rocking new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is now officially open at Disney California Adventure® Park.

This new adventure blasts you straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story for the first time ever, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As you help Rocket bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress, you’ll experience randomized ride experiences complete with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks. Guests never know which adventure they’ll get!

This grand opening also marks the launch of Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure Park! Through Sept. 10, 2017, this limited-time celebration features all-new epic adventures such as Avengers Training Initiative and Heroic Encounter: Black Widow as well as special themed merchandise and food available throughout Hollywood Land. Summer of Heroes will also launch the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! which will invite Guests to join a rock ‘n’ roll bash alongside Star-Lord!

You can Hero Up during Summer of Heroes, now-Sept. 10, 2017 at Disney California Adventure Park!

Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. Please check show guides.

‘Fantasmic!’ Continues Twenty-Five Years of Imagination with Return to Disneyland Park this Summer

Twenty-five years ago, the Rivers of America at Disneyland® Park became the stage for the colorful tableau of Mickey Mouse’s imagination with the opening of the classic nighttime spectacular, “Fantasmic!” When it returns to Disneyland Park this summer, “Fantasmic!” will still be the treasured Disneyland Park experience Guests have loved for 25 years – complete with its original fanfare and theme song – but all taken to brilliant new heights!

Upon its return, “Fantasmic!” will feature new magic, including new mist screens that will combine with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before. The show will also feature new scenes inspired by Disney animated classics such as “Aladdin”; one of the dazzling new scenes finds Aladdin and Jasmine floating over a bed of fog on their flying carpet during “A Whole New World.”

“Fantastmic!” returns this summer on a date to be announced.

Disney Night of Joy 2017 Ticket Price, On Sale Date Update

Disney Night of Joy 2017 will introduce a new ticket structure as this popular event returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World® Resort Sept. 8-9, 2017.

You will be able to buy both concert-only OR theme-park-and-concert-combination tickets for either evening – or also a two-night ticket.

Ticket options include:

Single night concert only tickets will be $45 plus tax in advance
Two-night concert only tickets will be $69 plus tax in advance

Single night concert tickets plus a (1) day at a Walt Disney World theme park add on will be $107 plus tax *

Two-night concert tickets with a (1) day at a Walt Disney World theme park add on will be $131 plus tax **

There also will be premium seating packages available for an extra charge; and groups of 10 or more will be able to get discounted tickets, as with past events.

Tickets will go on sale in early June.

A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.)

Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Zach Williams, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective.
Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett.

* Add-on Theme Park Ticket Option is good for use any one day September 8-30, 2017 at any one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks

**2-day Concert plus 1-day Theme Park Advanced ticket will also include (1) admission to your choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for one use September 8-30, 2017. Individuals must purchase by August 8, 2017 to receive water park ticket. Groups must purchase by August 25, 2017 to receive water park ticket.

New Mickey Mouse Celebration Cakes Coming Soon to Walt Disney World Resort

There’s a magical new way to celebrate special milestones at Walt Disney World® Resort! You can now order a brand-new Mickey Mouse celebration cake at any Walt Disney World Resort owned-and-operated table-service restaurant

Available in decadent chocolate or sweet white chocolate, the Mickey-shaped cakes are sure to be the icing on the cake of your celebration! A special message of “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” is available on the chocolate ears—or leave them blank. Each cake serves 4-6 guests, and costs $35 plus tax and gratuity (where applicable). Advance payment is not required with confirmed restaurant reservations.

Reservations for the new Mickey Mouse celebration cakes are now available. Celebration cakes will be able to be added to a new or existing dining reservation. Ask us for more details. Day-of quantities are limited, so make arrangements prior to dining.

For more information about these great destinations, please visit our Walt Disney World and Disneyland information pages.