When will the Festival of Fantasy Parade return to Magic Kingdom? What is going on with the Star Wars Hotel? How is construction going with the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster?

You’ve got questions — we’ve got answers! This week was a pretty big one when it comes to Disney news and now we’re sharing all of the updates you need to know in ONE place!

1 — BIG Entertainment News

Ready for the return of parades, and the arrival of an updated stage show and new cavalcade in Magic Kingdom? Well then this is your lucky week because we’ve got some BIG entertainment news to share!

First, we got details on the DATE on which the Festival of Fantasy Parade will return to Magic Kingdom.

We also got a sneak peek at the returning fire-breathing Maleficent dragon float and more details about the parade’s return!

Click here for more details about Maleficent’s return!

Next, we got the opening DATE for Magic Kingdom’s brand new Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!

The cavalcade will feature nearly 30 characters, including the debut of Miguel in Magic Kingdom!

Click here to see exciting new details about this cavalcade.

Magic Kingdom will also soon see the return of a beloved secret entertainment offering — the Frontierland Hoedown!

And finally the opening DATE for Disney World’s updated castle show — Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire — was also revealed this week!

The show will be much like the classic one fans know and love, but it will have some updates and some 50th twists!

Click here to see when the stage show will debut in Magic Kingdom!

2 — Important Star Wars Hotel Updates (and Fireworks?!)

This week was a big one for the Star Wars Hotel (Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser). The experience is set to open in March and it looks like Disney is really getting things ready.

First up we saw that the Star Wars Hotel has been added to bus signage in Disney Springs!

We also got a peek at the Cast Member costumes for those who will be working at the Starcruiser.

A new Star Wars Hotel road sign also popped up in Disney World!

Then, Disney shared a full itinerary for some guests staying at the Star Wars Hotel, and we got to take a peek at just what a trip aboard the Galactic Starcruiser will involve. First up, we got to hear about a “FIREWORKS” show that guests on board will get to see?!

Yes, you read that right. A “fireworks” show while out in “space.”

Click here to read more about the “fireworks” you might see while on the Starcruiser!

We also got to see a MAP of the hotel, which can give you a better idea of just where things will be located.

If you’re wondering just what the Star Wars hotel will look like in terms of its structure, be sure to check out our screenshots of these maps!

Click here to see the Starcruiser map!

And we got to see a FULL schedule for the guests staying on the ship, which had details on everything from dinner to a Sabacc Tournament and Porg Detection Drill.

It looks like there will be a number of different things for guests to do while on board, from games to dining.

Click here to see the full schedule for a trip on the Starcruiser!

3 — Flower & Garden Festival News

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will be here before you know it! While we’ve already seen the full list of food booths that will be available at the Festival, and a list of the Garden Rocks Concert performers, this week we got even MORE news about the Festival’s offerings.

First up, we got a look at some of the NEW things that will be joining the Festival this year, including a new fragrant garden from Scentsy!

We also got a full list of the topiaries and Global Gardens that will be available for guests to enjoy. We’ll be on the lookout for more Flower & Garden Festival news and we’ll be sure to share that with you!

Click here to see more about the Flower & Garden Festival!

4 — Character & Genie+ Updates

This week was also a big one for characters! A few beloved character meet-and-greets have returned to EPCOT. For starters, fans can now once again say “hello” to Vanellope and Joy in EPCOT in their themed photo spots in EPCOT.

Donald is also back meeting guests near the Mexico pavilion!

Kevin also began greeting guests again in Animal Kingdom.

Then, a little later in the week, 4 character meet-and-greets actually became available through Disney Genie+ (the paid FastPass+ replacement service).

You can now make a Lightning Lane selection to meet Mickey, Tiana (and a visiting princess), and Cinderella (and a visiting princess) in Magic Kingdom; or use a Lightning Lane selection to skip the standby line when meeting Olaf in Hollywood Studios.

Click here to see more about this Genie+ update!

5 — Park Pass Updates

Planning a future Disney World trip? Then you know you’ll need to book those Park Pass reservations. Previously, we had seen Park Passes available through 2023. Now, Park Pass reservations are available through early 2024!

This could signal that the Park Pass system will be sticking around for quite some time, but things are always subject to change. If you’re heading to Disney World soon, our advice is to get those Park Passes as soon as you can. You can cancel and make new ones in the future if you have to, but it’s better to have them ready to go rather than wait and run the risk that dates start to fill up!

Click here to learn more about Park Passes!

6 —  BONUS! Lunar New Year

Late last week we got to enjoy the start of the Lunar New Year festival at Disney California Adventure park. We shared all kinds of details from our day at the festival, including photos of how guests can now meet Raya!

We also shared full reviews of the booths at the festival, which you can check out here. Wondering what we think are the BEST items at the FEST? Click here to find out!

During our time there, we also shared a full look at the entertainment you can find at the Festival, and all of the Lunar New Year festival merchandise. The Festival will be available through February 13th, so be sure to check it out before it’s gone!

Click here to see ALL of our reviews of the booths at the Lunar New Year festival!

And that’s it for our BIG news items from the week. Of course, other news was also shared this week. Click the links below to check out those stories:

• The Disney CEO more than doubled his salary this year — here’s why
• Get a sneak peek at Disney’s first Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction collection!
• We found some extravagant Minnie ears in one particular spot!
• See how you can reserve a time to go through security at the Orlando Airport!
• Disney is celebrating National Polka Dot Day with new interactive experiences

• See why it might be harder to fly to Disney World for spring break
• A Disneyland attraction will temporarily close soon
• Magic Key Holders are getting their own Club 33-type hangout space in Disneyland; and more Magic Key offerings have been announced for their celebration month
• In the parks this week, we saw new 50th Anniversary vintage-style park map Crocs, a retro-inspired spirit jersey, and a 50th Anniversary HARVEYS bag that was very popular!
• Medals were revealed for the 2022 Springtime Surprise weekend
• The Disney College Program is hiring for 2022-2023

• A GIANT new addition has arrived at the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster
• See where and how to get free N95 masks in the United States
• Some Disney World restaurants are getting limited-time menus to celebrate Valentine’s Day
• One of Disney World’s fanciest spas has reopened
• New Valentine’s Day ears are coming soon to the Disney parks!
• An opening timeline has been announced for Universal’s Epic Universe

We’ll be on the lookout for more Disney news as this week begins! Be sure to check back with us for all the latest updates.

Click here to learn about the Pixar Day at Sea coming to Disney Cruise Line next year!

What piece of news from this week are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!