Haven’t been to Disney in a minute? Not all caught up on the latest Disney news? Well there have been some BIG announcements this week you need to know about!

From BIG Food & Wine Festival news for EPCOT to a very important Genie+ change, we’ve got all of the latest information wrapped up in one place just for you. So let’s get started!

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival News

We begin our journey through Disney news at EPCOT with some exciting news about the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!

First, Disney has revealed the FULL list of food booths that will be coming to the Festival this year. There will be a number of returning booths, like the Coastal Eats booth, Brew-Wing at the Odyssey, Hawaiʻi, and Mac & Eats.

But there will also be a brand NEW booth all about…fries!

Click here to see more about the booths that will be available!

Disney also shared a first look at the Eat to the Beat Concert series line-up, and yes, BOYZ II MEN IS BACK.

Disney has also released details about the return of Eat to the Beat dining packages, including some day-of options that will be available.

Check out some of the Eat to the Beat news here!

We also got some exciting details about the cheese crawl that will be returning to the Festival this year, including just how it’ll be UPGRADED!

We can’t wait to learn more about the Festival as its opening date approaches.

Click here to see everything CONFIRMED to return to the Food and Wine Festival!

Genie+ Changes

In terms of Genie+ changes, there have been quite a few made recently. The most important change relates to HOW you buy Genie+.

Previously, some guests (with multi-day tickets and vacation packages) could buy Genie+ as an add-on in advance of their stay. Soon, that’ll go away and ALL guests will have to buy Genie+ on the day of their visit (one day at a time).

Click here to see more about this BIG change

Disney has also REMOVED a Genie+ Lightning Lane from a Hollywood Studios character meet-and-greet location.

And some limited-time Genie+ changes are coming for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which will make the ride available through the standard Genie+ service for a little while.

As always, things with Genie+ are subject to change again, so be sure to check back with us for the latest updates.

Is Genie+ NECESSARY in Disney World? We spill the tea!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind News

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be opening soon in EPCOT, and when it does, it’ll feature a virtual queue. This week we got more info about just how that virtual queue will work.

There will be 2 sign-up times for regular park guests, plus a BONUS third sign-up time for Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villas guests who will be in EPCOT for Extended Evening Hours (on the select nights when that exclusive perk is being offered). (Remember that Extended Evening Hours lets those staying at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and select other hotels to stay in certain Disney parks for extra hours at night on select days.)

Get FULL virtual queue details here!

Early Theme Park Entry EXTENDED and 2023 Bookings!

Love getting the chance to spend more time in the parks with Early Theme Park Entry? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that Early Theme Park Entry (which was initially introduced as a special 50th Anniversary offering) has been extended through 2023!

Early Theme Park Entry allows all Disney World hotel guests to enter any of the 4 theme parks 30 minutes early each day.

Speaking of 2023 — when will those 2023 dates be available for booking?! We have an answer! 2023 tickets, hotels, and packages will become available to book on June 8th! Get those planning books ready — it’s almost time to arrange your 2023 Disney World trip.

Click here to read more about the Early Theme Park Entry extension

Disney+ Ads

When it comes to Disney+, we also got some news about the streaming service this week — specifically when it comes to its ad-supported version, which will be debuting later in 2022.

This week Disney shared a look at what type of ads they will run, and, perhaps more specifically, what type of ads will NOT be allowed on the service. Political ads and alcohol ads will not be accepted, and Disney also won’t take any ads from rival outlets or entertainment studios.

In addition to the type of ads, we learned just how LONG ad time will be. Disney (for now) has committed to just about 4 minutes of advertisements per hour, with no ads for preschoolers who use their child profile.

We’ll be watching for more Disney+ news as other details are revealed about the ad-supported version of the service.

Click here to see concept art and title announced for a NEW Pixar film!

HUGE Reopening News

This week’s news doesn’t end there though! Just recently Disney shared an official reopening date for the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom! Click here to see the full details!

In other exciting news, Disney also shared Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be reopening this year in Disney World and Disneyland!

Looks like the time for a royal makeover will be here soon!

Other News!

In other miscellaneous Disney news, Florida Governor DeSantis has said that the state government will control Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, but many details have yet to be revealed.

This week we also got to see the results of an opinion poll that revealed whether the public prefers Disney or Governor DeSantis. The answer might surprise you!

Also, we wanted to mention that tickets are now on sale for the general public for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Select groups can get a DISCOUNT on the Halloween Party tickets, so be sure to check and see if you qualify!

See how you could WIN a Disney World vacation by going to McDonald’s!

Other news was also shared this week — check out the links below to learn more:

• A Disney executive has said that Encanto could be coming to the parks soon!
• New art walk announced for Disney Springs
• Get an UPDATE on the $5 lawsuit concerning Disney’s Park Pass system
• Florida is now considered the LEAST affordable place to live in the country
• See how Disney is making you stay in Magic Kingdom LONGER

• The Orlando Airport resumes flights with another international airline
• Disney is donating 100% of revenues from their Pride Collection merchandise for a limited time
• There’s a new souvenir tiki mug you can get at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney Cruise Line is resuming trips to Alaska
• See all of the NEW food at Disney World for the summer

• COVID-19 testing updates hit Disney Cruise Line
• Get a FIRST LOOK at the Disney Enchanted Tiki Room Mickey collection
• An Elton John documentary is coming to Disney+
• New menu items are coming to California Grill in Disney World
• Learn about the SECRET holiday celebration going on in Disney World
• ALERT: A massive Orange Bird cupcake exists in Disney World

Stay tuned for more Disney news from us here at DFB!

Click here to see how you can catch a PREVIEW of Lightyear in Disney World!

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What Disney news from this week surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments!

The post Genie+ CHANGES, Food & Wine Festival News, and More Disney News From This Week first appeared on the disney food blog.