From my DP mailing list today

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What's New at Disney Parks in January and February 2024?

If you're planning a trip to Disney Parks in the first two months of
2024, you're in for a treat. From exciting events and festivals to
extended hours and new attractions, there's something for everyone to
enjoy. Here are some of the highlights of what's new at Disney Parks
in January and February 2024.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

One of the most popular events at Walt Disney World is the Marathon
Weekend, which takes place from January 3 to 7, 2024. This event
features four races of different distances, from 5K to 26.2 miles, as
well as a kids' race and a health and fitness expo. Runners can also
participate in challenges that combine multiple races, such as the
Dopey Challenge, which involves running all four races for a total of
48.6 miles. The Marathon Weekend is a great opportunity to test your
endurance, enjoy the scenery of the parks, and earn some unique
medals. However, be aware that this event also attracts large crowds
and causes road closures, so plan your transportation and park visits
accordingly.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

If you're a fan of art in all its forms, you won't want to miss the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which runs from January 12
to February 19, 2024. This festival celebrates the visual, culinary,
and performing arts, with exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, and
entertainment. You can admire stunning artworks, create your own
masterpieces, sample delicious dishes, watch live performances, and
even meet some of the artists. Some of the highlights of this festival
include the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, the Animation Academy,
and the Paint with a Disney Artist program.

Extended Theme Park Hours

If you want to make the most of your time at Walt Disney World, you'll
be happy to know that three of the four parks have extended their
theme park hours in late January and February 2024. Magic Kingdom,
Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom have all added
an extra hour or two to their operating hours, giving you more time to
enjoy the attractions, shows, and fireworks. You can check the
official calendar for the exact hours of each park, as they may vary
by day and date.

New Attractions and Experiences

In addition to the events and festivals, there are also some new
attractions and experiences to look forward to at Disney Parks in
January and February 2024. Here are some of them:

- Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park will temporarily get a
Lightning Lane option, which allows you to skip the standby line for
an extra fee. This option will be available starting on January 22,
2024, and is part of the Genie+ service, which also includes access to
other attractions with Lightning Lane.

- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT will open in late
January 2024, bringing a thrilling new coaster adventure to the park.
This attraction will feature a rotating ride system, a reverse launch,
and scenes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT will celebrate its first
anniversary on January 30, 2024, with a special event that includes a
commemorative pin, a photo opportunity, and a chance to win a trip to
Paris. To enter the sweepstakes, you need to ride the attraction on
that day and scan the QR code on your ride vehicle.

- Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World will debut in
early February 2024, offering a two-night immersive experience that
transports you to a galaxy far, far away. You'll board a starship,
interact with characters, participate in missions, and visit Star
Wars: Galaxy's Edge as part of your itinerary.