If you haven’t been paying close attention to the latest Disney news, you’ve got a LOT to catch up on!

From restaurant changes and new menu offerings to a Disney version of Amazon Prime (?!) there’s a lot for us to go over. So sit back, grab your favorite drink, and let’s catch up on all the latest Disney news together.

1 — A Disney Version of Amazon Prime

First up, we got a HUGE announcement this week about a new membership program in the works at Disney that is said to be similar to Amazon Prime. Reportedly, the new membership program could give members access to certain discounts or special perks. Perks from third parties (like Disney on Broadway discounts) could also be included.

It would provide a tremendous benefit to Disney as they could use this program to encourage customers to spend more on the parks, resorts, and merchandise by gathering a “trove of information” about their members and providing them with targeted recommendations.

And it doesn’t stop there. Disney is also working on a way to better link its products and services, specifically related to streaming. Reportedly a new retail feature is going to be added to Disney+ (as soon as this year) which would let subscribers scan a QR code that would redirect them to a shopDisney page with merchandise specific to what they’re watching.

It’s just one way your Disney+ experience could be a little more expensive in the future as it could encourage you to spend more on Disney’s merchandise. But it could also give you unique perks as a Disney+ subscriber, including access to exclusive items.

Click here to read more about Disney’s new membership program that is being developed!

2 — Fantasmic! News

We have been waiting SO LONG for Fantasmic! news from Disney World, and this week we finally got a big update. According to Disney, cast rehearsals have finally begun for Fantasmic!

That means we are one step closer to seeing this show open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we CANNOT WAIT!

Click here for the latest updates on Fantasmic!

3 — Snack News

Next, it’s time to hit you with some snack news! September has begun which means new monthly snacks have arrived at a few places and other menu changes are on the way.

First, over at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs, their new monthly dishes have arrived. In September you can enjoy a NEW Peanut Butter Cold Brew Cookie, and yes, it is as incredible as it sounds. This month has also brought with it a new French Toast Nitro Cold Brew Coffee drink, plus there is a new t-shirt design, pin, and some other goodies to pick up. Click here for our FULL review of their monthly offerings.

Over at Magic Kingdom, a new Seven Dwarfs Cone has arrived — the Bashful cone! This one is made with orange and chocolate soft serve. Click here for our full review.

Also at Magic Kingdom, some specialty cocktails will soon be added to the menus at a few restaurants in the park.

Back at Disney Springs (and over at Disneyland), we’ve got a list of the new and returning cupcakes coming to Sprinkles!

Next, if you haven’t already heard, it is officially Pumpkin Spice Latte season at Starbucks! But a new fall drink has been added to their menu too. Should you skip the PSL and grab their new drink instead? We’ve got some thoughts!

And finally, at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs, there’s a new combo for all you college fans that might warrant a special trip to this spot.

That’s it for the snack news for now, but we expect there will be many more snack changes in the upcoming weeks as we get fully into the Halloween season and then over into the Holiday season, so stay tuned!

Click here to see our photos and reviews of ALL the fall and Halloween snacks in Disney World

4 — BIG Restaurant Changes

Moving on from the snacks, we’ve got some big restaurant changes that took place recently. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the buffet is back at Hollywood & Vine.

For a while, this spot has been serving up family-style/prix fixe meals, but now you can fill up your plate at the buffet stations again.

Click here for our full review of the Hollywood & Vine buffet!

Over at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Olivia’s Cafe is now serving brunch every single day! Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, any day, you can grab brunch at this spot!

But be warned, a beloved brunch dish — their popular Chicken and Waffles — has been REMOVED from the menu. Menu offerings can change, but this removal is something to be aware of for now.

See our full review of brunch at Olivia’s Cafe here!

Other menu changes were made this month, which you can see by clicking the link below. We keep track of ALL the menu changes in Disney World, so be sure to keep an eye out for more updates from us on price increases and other adjustments.

Click here to see every single menu change that hit Disney World in August

5 — COVID-19 Rules Are CHANGING

And finally, over at Disney Cruise Line, we’ve got a big COVID-19 update. Disney Cruise Line’s COVID-19 testing policy is CHANGING.

Starting September 23rd (on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Wish, and Wonder) and November 7th (on the Magic), fully vaccinated guests will no longer need to participate in COVID-19 testing in order to sail.

This marks a big change in Disney’s policies but brings it closer in line with some other cruise lines and recent COVID-19 policy changes they’ve made. Of course, things are subject to change again, so check out the latest rules before boarding your ship.

Click here to read about these COVID-19 changes

And that’s it for the big news. But, of course, other news was also shared this week. Click the links below to read more about those stories:

• A new change could make Genie+ easier to use in Disney World
• Check out the full livestream schedule for Disney’s biggest event of the year
• You could save THOUSANDS on a DVC membership for a limited time
• Booking date revealed for 2023 Star Wars Hotel vacations
• Check out the 50th Anniversary Vans collection

• Over 50 (!) Halloween treats are coming to Disneyland
• Ludacris will star in a new Disney+ movie
• Some changes have been made to the Carousel of Progress
• Get a look at the Freeform 31 nights of Halloween movie lineup!
• A NEW Disney Vacation Club lounge is coming to Disneyland

Stay tuned for more Disney news!

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

The post A BIG Fantasmic! Update, a Disney Version of Amazon Prime, and More News You Can’t Miss first appeared on the disney food blog.