Disney World Announces Extended Hours in November

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

The Walt Disney World Resort official website has just unveiled its updated operating hours calendar, and the most updated version of the parks calendar reveals an extension of park hours for the earliest part of the month of November.

Disney World has just announced its extended hours for the beginning of November, and we have all the details. Read on to see the extended hours below. The most updated version of the calendar gives the park operating hours for all four theme parks at the Central Florida Disney resort, including Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Park hours are now available through the latter part of the merriest month of the year around the country and around the Disney World Resort–December!

In the most recent update of the Walt Disney World Resort calendar, dates and hours of operation are available through the twenty-third day of December at each of the four Florida theme parks.

But the newest update to the calendar doesn’t read like a run-of-the-mill Disney World calendar, and it includes several changes that have been made to the parks’ operating hours in the month of November 2023, and in most of those changes, the operating hours in one or more Disney theme park at Disney World have been extended by at least one or two hours, meaning there will be more time for magic and memories in November!

You can see the changes to the calendar’s operating hours below. The extended hours for Magic Kingdom are shown with the previous hours included in the parentheses. When making your plans to visit any of the Central Florida Disney theme parks, it’s a good idea to double-check the official calendar on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

The changes are shown by Disney theme park, by date, beginning with Magic Kingdom Park.*

Extended Hours at Magic Kingdom Park 

October 28th: 8 am-11 pm (9 am-10 pm)
November 4th: 8 am-11 pm (9 am-10 pm)
November 5th: 9 am-10 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 6th: 9 am-11 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 7th: 8 am-11 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 8th: 9 am-10 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 9th and 10th: 8 am-6 pm (9 am-6 pm)
November 3rd and 11th: 9 am-12 am (9 am-9 pm)

bridge to adventureland in magic kingdom

Extended Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park

November 10th and 11th: opening at 8:30 a.m., as opposed to the usual opening time of 9:00 a.m.

Extended Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

November 5th through 9th: opening at 8:00 a.m., as opposed to the usual opening time of 9:00 a.m.
November 10th and 11th: open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., as opposed to the usual operating times of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Again, when Guests are planning their visits to the Walt Disney World Resort, it is important to double-check the calendar to confirm operating hours.

*There are no changes noted for the operating hours at EPCOT, as of the time of this publication.

Group of Guests Intentionally Poop on Disney World Attraction, Area Shut Down

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

There may be nothing worse than this experience at Walt Disney World Resort, which caused an entire area to be closed down.

At the heart of the resort is the iconic Magic Kingdom, a place where fairy tales come to life, and guests can meet beloved Disney characters, explore fantastical lands, and enjoy thrilling rides such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. But the magic doesn’t stop there. EPCOT, another of the resort’s theme parks, takes guests on a journey around the world, featuring showcases of different countries, innovative technology, and a celebration of human achievement.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with its immersive animal encounters and adventurous expeditions, offers a unique blend of wildlife conservation and entertainment. Additionally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios provides an opportunity to step into the world of movies, with attractions inspired by popular franchises like Star Wars and Toy Story.

Beyond the theme parks, the resort offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, each providing guests with the highest level of service and a touch of Disney magic. Dining experiences at Walt Disney World are as diverse as they are delicious, with a wide range of restaurants and cuisines to suit every palate. From character dining to fine dining, visitors can savor unique culinary delights.

While Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” that doesn’t mean that every moment inside the Disney parks is exactly what you think it would be.

According to a guest sharing their experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, there was a rather disturbing incident involving a group of young boys that caught the attention of Disney World park visitors and led to a quick response from park officials. The usually family-friendly wave pool turned into a scene of shock when a cluster of boys, who appeared to be teenagers, gathered in the shallow end. What happened next left people in shock and disbelief.

According to witnesses, these boys, in a rather odd and unpleasant display of behavior, decided to pull down their swim trunks and, in what seemed like a planned act, did something unsanitary in the clear water. This event was quite unpleasant, and it ruined the enjoyable atmosphere that Disney works so hard to create in its parks. Visitors quickly left the pool, with many feeling shocked and disgusted.

“I was swimming in the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon when a group of boys gathered in a circle in the shallow end,” the guest said. “They all pulled down their trunks and pooped in the water together like some kind of horrible ceremony. I got out of there as fast as I could and told the nearest cast member, and the whole wave pool was promptly cleared out.”

The Disney Cast members, known for their commitment to making guests happy, responded very professionally. They quickly got in touch with security and park management to handle the situation. The news of this alleged incident spread and the entire wave pool area was cleared to ensure everyone was safe and that the park stayed clean and enjoyable.

This reported incident reminds us of Disney’s strong dedication to keeping the magical experience alive for guests, even when unexpected and unpleasant things happen.

If you have to use the facilities at a Disney park, please use one of the restrooms, which are conveniently located all over the place. If you have trouble finding one, please find your nearest Disney Cast member and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Opening Date Revealed for Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort, Plus Sneak Peek of Great Maple Menu, Pixar-Themed Hotel Rooms and More

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Playful Pixar elements have been coming to life over the past few months at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland Resort, and we’re excited to share that the property will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, 2024, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. Today, we’re giving you a glimpse of rooms inspired by Pixar stories, menu items to look forward to when Great Maple opens soon, plus what you can enjoy on your vacation now!

Favorite Pixar Stories Abound in the New Pixar Place Hotel Lobby

Pixar Place Hotel will evoke the inspiration and humor that goes into every Pixar film, while celebrating the artistic process. Showcasing early sketches to finished design, the art and decor will highlight vibrant Pixar stories, revealing some never-before-seen artwork.

When the lobby is complete, guests will see even more unique art inspired by Pixar films and be greeted by the iconic Pixar Lamp balancing atop its ball, with an imaginative mobile of beloved Pixar characters floating from the bright skylight above. The mobile will depict the beginning stages of Pixar filmmaking, when animators create the characters’ designs with their most basic shapes and colors. The characters we’ll see are at the beginning of their journey, just as the guests who step into the lobby begin their own story at the Disneyland Resort!

First Look at a Reimagined Guest Room Featuring Iconic Pixar Characters 

Now, let’s give you a colorful peek inside one of the guest rooms! From pillows inspired by the Pixar Ball to lighting reminiscent of the Pixar Lamp, there will be whimsical nods to the animation studio throughout these comfortable and contemporary accommodations. Some of the art was even created by Pixar Animation Studios artists expressly for Pixar Place Hotel! The headboards will consist of concept art from a variety of Pixar features, including “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 3” and more that are arranged in order from warm to cool colors, sharing the importance of color to the tone of a scene.

Great Maple Opening Soon, Plus More Snacking Details Revealed

Now, let’s dish! Opening in November, Great Maple restaurant will bring its innovative menu of upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This modern American eatery will serve a robust selection of dishes made from scratch daily including the Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs, Charred Cauliflower Hummus, Maple Pecan-Crusted Salmon, Market Fish, a variety of inspired salads, and my favorite, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Maple Bacon Doughnuts!

A few weeks after the ground-floor flagship eatery opens, more culinary delights also operated by Great Maple will open. A new grab-and-go coffee shop in the lobby called Sketch Pad Café will serve assorted pastries accompanied by a selection of coffee and tea. Plus, an all-new menu will debut at the rooftop pool bar to be named Small Bytes, serving up salads, wraps, assorted cheese plates and more which you can enjoy with signature beverages.

Pixar-Themed Offerings You Can Enjoy Now

If guests are ready to “dive in” to the fun now, families can frolic at the hotel’s new “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad and pool area! Recently opened for guests of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, this rooftop oasis features Pixel Pool, which is lined with relaxing loungers, along with Nemo’s Cove pop-jet splash pad, and the not-to-miss Crush’s Surfin’ Slide, a 186-foot-long waterslide inspired by the coolest sea turtle in the ocean. The adjacent play court and pool bar will open later this fall.

Near the pool, gather with friends on comfy couches surrounding firepits inspired by some of Pixar’s more hotheaded characters, including Jack-Jack from Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and Anger from Pixar’s “Inside Out.”

Back in the lobby, browse through the new gift shop STOR-E — a playful take on the Pixar film name “WALL-E” — featuring Pixar-themed apparel and toys, plus more Disneyland Resort souvenirs and sundries.

Plus, a new and expanded fitness center recently opened, offering treadmills, free weights and more complimentary for hotel guests. Keep an eye out for a mural of Mike and Sulley running on a treadmill, inspired by Pixar’s “Monsters University.”

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is open and welcoming guests during this transformation and offers the added benefits of staying on property at the Disneyland Resort, including a dedicated entrance across the street with direct access to Disney California Adventure Park.*

There’s much more to come, so don’t miss a thing!

*Both Theme Park admission and park reservation for Disney California Adventure Park are required for park entry at this special entrance for Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel guests, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access.

Disney Unveils Commemorative Plaques for Fans Celebrating 50+ Visits

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney is saying thank you to fans in a big way.

The reason that Disney has managed to stay so relevant for the past 100 years is because of the fans who keep supporting the company year after year. Whether it is visiting Disney Parks, watching Disney movies, buying merchandise, or taking a vacation on the Disney Cruise Line, die-hard fans are willing to shell out money in order to support the Disney company as a whole.

Now, Disney is going the extra mile to say “thank you” to some of their most dedicated fans. As a token of their appreciation, Disney is giving dedicated fans a commemorative plaque at one Disney location.

Right now, mega fans of the Disney Cruise Line are getting recognized for their incredible dedication to the cruise line with a commemorative display at Castaway Cay, one of Disney’s premier vacation destinations.

Disney Cruise Line has revealed a unique and memorable tradition to honor their dedicated Guests who have embarked on fifty or more voyages with the cruise line. As a testament to their unwavering loyalty and love for the Disney Cruise Line experience, these esteemed Guests are presented with a prestigious and commemorative plaque on the island.

Disney Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. The island is exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests visiting the area on a Bahamian or Caribbean cruise. There, Guests can relax and enjoy the exciting attractions that Disney provides. Castaway Cay is the perfect location for the new commemorative display that Disney has put up.

This exceptional recognition serves as a heartfelt gesture from Disney Cruise Line, acknowledging the incredible milestones reached by these devoted sailors. The adorned plaque symbolizes the remarkable journeys that have been embarked upon, encapsulating the cherished memories and experiences shared on countless voyages to the captivating shores of Castaway Cay.

Crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, these commemorative plaques are a true manifestation of the strong bond forged between Disney Cruise Line and its most esteemed passengers. Each plaque is thoughtfully designed, featuring an exquisite blend of artistry and elegance. The intricate craftsmanship captures the essence and spirit of the Disney Cruise Line experience, making it a truly remarkable keepsake.

The plaque not only reflects the remarkable commitment of these loyal Guests, but it also serves as a tangible memento, a tangible piece of history that can be proudly displayed as a reminder of the extraordinary adventures and cherished moments shared at Castaway Cay. Its presence evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting the recipients back to the sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and enchanting tropical landscapes that make up the picturesque setting of Castaway Cay.

Disney Announces Blizzard Beach Reopening Date

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park has been closed for refurbishment since the spring. Disney has announced the reopening date for Blizzard Beach and the date Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close for refurbishment.

Everyone’s favorite winter-themed warm water wonderland is ready for another season of magical fun! Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen on November 6 – just in time for another festive holiday season!

Here are some of the most frost-tastic things I’m looking forward to when Blizzard Beach swings open its gates once again:

Snagging the New Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass

Hold on to your mittens because we just launched the NEW Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass! This new pass allows guests to visit Disney Water Parks again and again now through May 24, 2024, for just $79 plus tax. So, make sure you’re stocking up on sunscreen during your holiday shopping.

The seasonal pass has no block out dates and no reservations are required. Plus, free parking awaits all those embarking on an arctic journey to Blizzard Beach!

Indulging in New and Returning Food and Beverage

Get ready to savor new food and beverage options! Specialty churros have made their way to the menu at Arctic Expeditions and there’s no way I’m missing out on these:

  • S’mores Churros – Churro bites topped with graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow whipped cream, chocolate sauce and toasted mini marshmallows
  • Banana Split Churros – Churro bites topped with banana slices, sliced strawberries, pineapple chunks, cookie and brownie pieces, chocolate and caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cherry.

I also plan to save room for the new Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings at Warming Hut. Of course, guests can enjoy all of their returning favorite treats and drinks at Lottawatta Lodge, Polar Pub, Frostbite Freddy’s and more.

Letting the Kids Splash Around in Tike’s Peak

Don’t forget to send photos to your friends and relatives up north as you enjoy the heated water flowing through Tike’s Peak. The “Frozen”-themed hangout features Anna and Elsa in their igloo castle and a wading pool where kids can splash around with Olaf and his Snowgie pals.

Twist and Turn Down Teamboat Springs

Take the whole family on an epic whitewater journey! Up to six riders can float down a mountain on one of the world’s longest raft adventures.

Ski-daddle to the Toboggan Racers

Compete with other guests in a race on mats down an eight-lane slalom-style, 250-foot-long  “toboggan” water slide race that features three exhilarating dips and hills.

Take a Chill-axing Ride on Cross Country Creek

Float on a scenic lazy river passing through mysterious caves and illuminated grottos while dipping your toes into Mount Gushmore’s refreshing (and heated) spring water.

Enjoy the Holidays with a Tropical Twist

Snow boots are not required as you walk through the little white flurries greeting guests at the entrance. Just make sure you schedule time to hang out with Santa relaxing in his tropical best at his favorite vacation destination. And if you’re looking for holiday flavors, Blizzard Beach has those too! Peppermint shakes and cookie decorating are among the limited-time treats adding to the festivities.

As a person who grew up shoveling snow and scraping ice off windshields, I can say there’s nothing better than spending a winter day in the Florida sun with friends and family! So, pick up your Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass now and I’ll see you at the top of Mount Gushmore.

Do note that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for refurbishment beginning November 6. Look for that park to reopen in the spring.