Think you’re a Disney expert? If you haven’t been watching the Disney news closely this week, then you might have quite a bit to catch up on to hold on to that “expert” title!

Brand NEW technology has arrived in the parks, some big news has been shared about upcoming restaurants, and other big changes have been made that could impact your next trip. Want to make sure you’re fully up to date on all the latest? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about the latest and greatest Disney news.

1 — MagicBand+ Arrives

First up, in big Disney news, MagicBand+ has officially launched in Disney World. MagicBand+ is basically the next generation of MagicBand devices. It does all the same things you’re used to doing with your regular MagicBand, PLUS it unlocks special “bonus” activities like interactions with the 50th Anniversary statues and interactions with the fireworks.

We made our way around the parks on launch day (and before) to test out some of the features and give you our full thoughts.

Click here for more about our experience using MagicBand+

Want to buy a MagicBand+? You can click here to see every design available in the parks or click here to see what designs you can buy online. If you want to get a DISCOUNT on your MagicBand+, you’ll need to have an upcoming Disney World Resort hotel reservation or be an Annual Passholder. Click here to see how those discounts work.

If you’re curious to see some of the NEW things MagicBand+ unlocks, you can click here for photos of the special Star Wars scavenger hunt available only for MagicBand+ users in Hollywood Studios.

Another special MagicBand+ feature is its ability to interact with the fireworks in the parks. Click here to see how it interacts with the fireworks in Magic Kingdom…

…and see how it interacts with the fireworks in EPCOT by clicking here.

Is a MagicBand+ worth it? Is it something you should buy? Well, we experienced some things that were good, some things that were bad, and some things that were just a bit glitchy when it comes to this new tech.

Sometimes things worked really well. Other times we felt like interacting with the statues or getting other features to work didn’t go quite as well as we expected or hoped. But keep in mind that this technology is new so things could change as time goes on.

Click here to see our full thoughts on MagicBand+: the good, the bad, and the glitchy

2 — The NEW Toy Story Land Store is OPEN

Speaking of new arrivals, a brand NEW store has arrived in Toy Story Land. For quite some time we had been watching the work that was going on in the closed gift shop attached to the Toy Story Mania ride. Now, the store has reopened as the newly rethemed Jessie’s Trading Post.

Inside you’ll find areas with merchandise themed to the various Toy Story characters including Slinky…

…and Buzz!

There’s a whole lot to check out there the next time you’re in Hollywood Studios.

Click here for a full tour inside this new spot

3 — Massive BoardWalk Construction Updates

Over at Disney’s BoardWalk, some big changes are on the way and this week we got some updates. First, BoardWalk Deli is set to replace BoardWalk Bakery this summer, and this week BoardWalk Bakery officially CLOSED to make way for this transformation. You’ll need to head elsewhere for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner needs for now!

This week we also got a FULL LOOK at the menu and prices for the new BoardWalk Deli. 

Sandwiches, soup, and more will fill the menu here. Plus there will be a variety of sweet treats to pick from!

Click here for the full BoardWalk Deli menu

Wondering when BoardWalk Deli could open? Disney has not yet released an official date, but we do know that the Deli is set to open in the late summer of 2022. Thus far, we’ve seen BoardWalk Deli list operating hours starting in mid-August, but of course, things can change.

In terms of other updates, this week we also got some news about the NEW table service restaurant and cake shop coming to the BoardWalk — The Cake Bake Shop.

The Cake Bake Shop posted an image on Twitter featuring Gwendolyn Rogers in front of the old ESPN Club restaurant with a sign indicating the Cake Bake Shop is coming in 2023. This seems to confirm that the new restaurant will take over the ESPN Club location (at least in part).

Click here to see more about The Cake Bake Shop

4 — Moana Attraction Concept Art

This week, Disney also shared some new concept art for the Moana-themed attraction coming to EPCOT!

Imagineer Zach Riddley shared the artwork and noted how art like this could help teach guests about the cycle of water as they’re walking through the attraction.

The Moana attraction is under construction at the moment and we’re keeping a close eye out for updates. Thus far, Disney has not announced an official opening date but we’ll update you when they do!

Click here to see more about what Imagineer Zach Riddley had to say about this concept art and the upcoming attraction

5 — Huge Marvel News

And finally, we end our news wrap-up with some HUGE updates from Marvel. If you’re a fan of superheroes, the next few years are going to be a whole lot of fun for you! During the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel released a new trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and it had the whole internet buzzing! Click here to watch the trailer.

In addition to the Black Panther trailer, Marvel dropped ALL kinds of news about upcoming TV series, shorts, and movies.

From details about Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 to the announcement that there will be 2(!) Avengers movies in 2025 (Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars), there was a LOT to take in.

Click here to catch up on ALL the latest Marvel updates

And that’s it for the big news this week. But, of course, other news was also shared recently. Check out those stories by clicking the links below:

• Don’t make a big mistake in Disney World this fall
• Some major cruise lines have started to CHANGE their COVID-19 testing rules
• A NEW district may be created following the dissolution of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District
• Orlando International Airport is in the TOP 10 list of airport delays

• The Merida meet-and-greet is BACK in Magic Kingdom
• The Walt Disney World Railroad has taken a huge step toward reopening
• A CHANGE has been made to the rule limiting how much merchandise you can buy in Disney World
• The Spirit and Frontier airlines deal has been terminated, and now it looks like the JetBlue and Spirit Airlines merger is going forward

• There are some hotel pool closures that could affect your 2024 trip
• Some airline seats are on sale for as low as $19!
• Fall has ARRIVED in the form of a cupcake at Disney World

And that’s all the latest news for now. Be sure to check back with us for more updates!

Click here to see where you’ll be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Splash Mountain retheme!

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