Disney & Universal Theme Park News: New Tea Room, Coaster, Refurbishments & More!

Grand Floridian Tea Room Reimagined

• ☕ The Garden View Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is reopening on March 19th with reservations opening February 19th.
• 🌸 The experience is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, blending classic charm with storybook details, featuring customizable teas with personal tea guides.
• 🍓 The menu includes tea-based cocktails, champagne, a three-tier tower with savory and sweet bites, and a special kids' afternoon tea.
• 💰 The cost is $79 per adult and $49 per child, which is noted as significantly cheaper than The Cake Bake Shop but more expensive than breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table.

Napa Rose Reopening & Dining Updates

• 🍽️ Napa Rose at Disneyland Resort will officially reopen on February 6th, 2026, after a refurbishment, with reservations opening January 27th, 2026.
• 🍷 The restaurant will feature a seasonal prefix menu, an enhanced children's menu, and a chef's counter with personalized courses.
• 🥩 New menu items will highlight seasonal produce and California wine country cuisine, including dishes like American Wagyu and oak-roasted mushrooms.
• 🌳 An outdoor patio with fireplaces and lush greenery will offer upscale California winery vibes.

Universal Orlando's New Thrill Ride & Closures

• 🎢 Universal Orlando is getting a new Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster in 2027, replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
• 💥 The coaster will feature 360° drifting sensations, a 170 ft vertical spike, and will put guests in the driver's seat.
• 🚂 The Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance from February 9th to February 23rd, reopening on February 24th.
• ⚠️ Fire Drill at Universal Orlando will be closed from February 1st to February 7th, likely for minor issue repairs.

Disney California Adventure & New Snacks

• 🏮 Disney California Adventure's Lunar New Year Festival is running through February 22nd, celebrating Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese culture.
• 🍡 Highlights include the strawberry milk tea macaroon, five-spice popcorn chicken, mandarin orange cream puff, jabche noodles, char siu barbecue pork bao, and a beef dip from various festival booths.
• 🍦 Tiger Tails and Pooh marshmallow wands are now available at Goofy's Candy Company in Disney Springs.
• 🚀 The Moonliner macaroon, a rocket-shaped treat with salted caramel buttercream and chocolate ganache, is available at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland for $8.79.
• 🍪 Magic Kingdom's peanut butter cookie has been replaced by a peanut butter and jelly cookie pie, and a new brownie pie with M&M's is also available.

Disney World Construction & Merchandise

• 🏗️ Significant progress is visible at Disney's new hotel, Lakeshore Lodge, with A-frame cabins, pools, a lazy river, and a dock taking shape.
• 👑 Girls Crew has launched a new Disney jewelry collection, including necklaces inspired by Disneyland attractions, Rapunzel, and an Enchanted Rose necklace for Belle fans.
• 🏰 Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom will undergo a makeover starting next week, with work on the moat and painting, expected to be completed later next year.
• 🎭 During the castle refurbishment, 'Let the Magic Begin' will not be shown, 'Mickey's Magical Friendship Fair' will move to an afternoon-only schedule, and 'Happily Ever After' fireworks will have minor adjustments.
• 🦖 DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom will close permanently on February 1st, 2025, to make way for a new Tropical America's land.

Footwear & Bakery Delights

• 👟 Avia Women's Athletic Jumbo Light Runners are recommended as a comfortable and budget-friendly shoe option for Disney World, costing around $30.
• 🍰 The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendelyn Rogers has a new 'Inside Out German Cake' slice, featuring layers of chocolate cake, ganache, and a brown sugar cream with nuts and coconut for $22.