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Fan-Favorite Disney Parks Experiences That Have Returned

Credit: Disney

Destination D23 returned to Disney’s Contemporary Resort November 19-21 this year. There has been a lot of new information, especially during the panel led by Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro. He also spent some time looking back at what has returned. Here are the highlights from Becca Goldenberg and Disney Parks Blog:

Destination D23 2021 is wrapping up today! As it comes to a close, let’s take a look at all of the fan-favorite experiences that are back at Disney parks and cruise ships, as celebrated during Josh D’Amaro’s presentation yesterday.

Live Entertainment is Back!

The Dapper Dans

Music is filling every corner of the Parks these days; guests at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are tipping their hats to The Dapper Dans on a grand return and capping off a day of holiday fun with the longstanding tradition of “Candlelight Processional.” Over at EPCOT, World Showcase travelers are jamming out to the majestic percussion of the Taiko drummers of Matsuriza in Japan again.

Stage Shows and Epic Stunt Spectaculars at Walt Disney World are Back!

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

We’re all feeling the love with the reimagined “Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World. Hakuna matata! “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” has also returned to Disney Hollywood Studios, and it’s just as enchanting as ever. We’re even getting the ball rolling with the action-packed “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” returning in Dec.

Castle Shows at International Disney Parks are Back!

'Follow Your Dreams' at Hong Kong Disneyland

Guests are going on magical journeys at our international parks, too! At Hong Kong Disneyland, “Follow Your Dreams” has returned to the castle stage… and can we get a drumroll, please, for the Tokyo Disney Resort Big Band Beat? The holiday cheer is back at Disneyland Paris too, with “Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade.”

Nighttime Spectaculars are Back!

“ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration,” at Shanghai Disney Resort

Around the world, nighttime spectaculars are lighting up the sky again… including “ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration,” at Shanghai Disney Resort. The Electrical Water Pageant is also lighting up the night in celebration of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World Resort.

Food and Beverage Favorites are Back!

Mickey Beignets

We’re serving up fun again with character dining at Chef Mickey’s and even more dining locations.  And bring on the powdered sugar! Beignets are back at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter … along with refillable cups, sweet treats, delicious classic holiday dishes, and festive beverages. The holiday gingerbread houses are also back at the hotel lobbies at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and EPCOT’s American Adventure Rotunda!  

All Ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Back!

Family on a Disney cruise seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Ahoy! The Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy are all sailing again with world-class Disney entertainment and spectacular destinations like the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, Alaska, and more. Say “Ahoy!” to Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie, who are at the helm of all the fun!

Fun Merchandise is Back!

Guests wearing merchandise inspired by the celebrate the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World Resort

With all this magic back, we’re also making sure to not forget the fabulous merchandise, from bow to toe. Pick up some EARidescent shimmer to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, or stop by Disney Springs or Downtown Disney District to grab up some new holiday garb or the latest ear headband.

We couldn’t be happier that all these fantastic experiences are back. How will YOU celebrate the return of all your favorites?

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About Paula K

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.