Walt Disney World Resort Significantly Reduces Park Operation Hours

Walt Disney World Resort is renowned for its four extraordinary theme parks that offer a magical experience to visitors of all ages. These enchanting parks usually open their gates bright and early in the morning, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a day of whimsical adventures. The magic also doesn’t stop when the sun sets, as the theme park hours extend into the late hours of the night, ensuring that visitors maximize their time and create unforgettable memories.

All four parks are open for at least 10 hours a day, ensuring a long day of play for guests visiting. While the standard operating hours of the theme parks provide ample opportunity for exploration, it’s worth noting that there are occasions when these hours may deviate from the norm.

Whether it’s an early theme park entry or extended evening hours, there are plenty of reasons why park hours might change. One such instance is when special events take place within the resort that require theme park ticket holders to leave earlier than normal.

Best snack at Disney World Kernel Kitchen

Tonight, for instance, the parks will be closing their gates earlier than usual to accommodate a special event dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the remarkable efforts of the cast members. This event serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into creating the magical atmosphere that Disney is known for.

By giving the cast members a chance to be celebrated and acknowledged, Disney reinforces its commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for its employees.

It’s important for visitors to be aware that these occasional alterations in park hours are temporary and are done with the intention of ensuring the best experience for everyone involved. While it may mean that a particular day’s theme park hours are slightly shorter than usual, it allows for a meaningful celebration of the incredible individuals who bring the magic to life.

The park’s operating hours for today, January 29, 2024, are as follows:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park

8:30 am to 9:00 pm

EPCOT

9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Magic Kingdom Park

8:00 am to 4:30 pm

big thunder mountain at magic kingdom

Beyond these temporary changes, guests can typically expect the theme parks to provide a delightful escapade from morning to night. Each park offers a unique and captivating atmosphere, brimming with thrilling rides, enchanting shows, and beloved Disney characters. These modified park hours should return to normal as the week continues.

Ultimately, Walt Disney World Resort ensures that there are ample opportunities to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime, regardless of the changed hours. The occasional alteration of park hours for special events only serves to underscore the commitment to excellence and create an atmosphere where both guests and cast members can genuinely feel the magic of the Disney experience.

U.S. State Department Issues New Warning Against Certain Disney Vacations

The U.S. State Department has issued an urgent warning for Americans that will have some guests rescheduling or completely canceling their dream Disney vacations.

Some fans find room in their schedules and their budgets to take Disney vacations more than once a year. Others only enjoy a Disney vacation every few years, and some plan and save for years to be able to take a magical Disney trip for the very first time.

But whether they book a Disney vacation once a month, once a year, or once in a lifetime, discovering that circumstances beyond their control will keep them from enjoying everything they’ve looked forward to in a Disney vacation can be extremely disappointing. It might be the closure of a favorite attraction because of routine scheduled maintenance or the forever closure of a ride experience to make way for a new attraction.

Sometimes, the closure is across an entire Disney theme park resort or a Disney Cruise Line experience in response to an active hurricane in the Atlantic basin. And though Disney works with guests to assist them in rescheduling their dream vacations, finding out that a Disney trip must be postponed or canceled entirely can be very upsetting.

Occasionally, a much more serious–and far less understood–situation can lead to the cancellation of a Disney vacation.

In October 2023, the federal government issued a Level 4 travel warning for Disney Parks guests and other Americans traveling outside the United States. Those affected by the warning included Disney Parks fans traveling to Disney’s international parks, including Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disney Resort.

hong kong disneyland castle of magical dreams

The warning was initially issued by the U.S. State Department on October 19, 2023, in response to escalating tensions across the globe, especially in light of the Hamas-Israel conflict that had begun just 13 days earlier.

Now, a new warning has been issued by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs against travel to another popular Disney vacation destination.

The State Department has just issued a serious warning for Americans traveling to The Bahamas, which affects Disney fans boarding a Disney Cruise Line ship bound for the island country–and more specifically, to Disney’s private island destination, Castaway Cay. Per the advisory, travelers who proceed to The Bahamas despite the situation should practice extreme caution.

Castaway Cay

Per the State Department, the new warning against travel to The Bahamas is in response to violent crimes that have taken place since the beginning of the new year. In the month of January 2024 alone, according to law enforcement, 18 murders involving “gang-on-gang violence” have taken place in The Bahamas, but the risk of other violent crimes is present as well.

The warning from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs reads as follows:

Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crimeThe majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours, including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.

In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street), where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crimes, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.   

The State Department includes helpful tips and travel advice useful for any United States citizen who decide to proceed with travel plans that include The Bahamas:

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:  

As of the time of this publication, Disney Cruise Line has 275 cruise offerings that include travel to The Bahamas.

Because the State Department’s advisory was issued in response to violent crime in the country, it’s not known how long it will remain in place or whether the risk level involved will increase, leading to stronger warnings or travel restrictions. It’s also unclear how many of the 275 Bahamas cruises currently offered by Disney Cruise Line will be affected by this travel warning.

Disney’s Bahamian cruises include stops at Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas that serves as an exclusive port for Disney Cruise Line’s ships and is located approximately 73 miles north of Nassau. Disney Cruise Line’s newest privately-owned island destination, Lighthouse Point, which is slated to open later this summer, is located on the southernmost part of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, approximately 81 miles southeast of Nassau.

As of the time of this post, the State Department’s travel advisory is still in effect for travelers to The Bahamas, but the warning can be updated at any time to include more information, a change in the severity of the threat level in The Bahamas, and other changes, should they arise.

Millionaire Disney Actress Defends Creating GoFundMe For Son’s Baseball Team

In 2010, a new website was launched called GoFundMe. GoFundMe allowed people to start campaigns to help them raise money for various things. Strangers could donate to help people with things like celebrations, medical bills, schooling, and more. In the nearly 15 years since its launch, GoFundMe has helped thousands of people, raising more than $9 billion.

GoFundMe can help those who truly find themselves in a tough financial situation. But one Disney actress is standing up against a ton of backlash for creating one to help her son.

Alyssa Milano, well-known to fans for her role as Phoebe Halliwell in the TV series Charmed, has a 12-year-old son who absolutely loves baseball. He plays on a team that is hoping to take a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, where they will also compete in a tournament. The trip will cost approximately $10,000 — covering uniforms, travel costs, and dues for the rest of the families with boys on the team.

Alyssa Milano Charmed

Many found Milano’s GoFundMe completely tasteless. GoFundMe is considered a place where people who are truly struggling financially can go for help. Milano’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. She is also married to a successful Hollywood talent agent — Dave Bugliari — who is also worth millions of dollars.

My son’s baseball team is raising money for their Cooperstown trip. Any amount would be so greatly appreciated. You can read more about the team and make a donation here:

People were shocked that Milano would ask strangers to donate money, when she could easily cover the cost of the trip herself.

“Imagine being so out of touch that you ask your followers to contribute money to your child’s trip when you have a net worth of 10 million dollars,” one user wrote. “This is gross. Pay for it your own damn self. #AlyssaMilano #gofundme.”

Despite the backlash, Milano defended the GoFundMe, saying that she had already paid for a number of things for the team.

I’m getting media inquiries about whether I have financially contributed to my son’s baseball team.

I’ve paid for uniforms for the entire team and coaches, thrown bday parties and sponsor any kid who can’t afford monthly dues.

The kids also do fundraising themselves—car washes, movie nights, and many other fun things!

Thank you to all who have contributed to the gofundme! You’ve made things easier for these boys and their families.

Milano did receive some support, but received further backlash when she made the comment that she would pay for the entire team if she could.

It’s unreal, right away, just because you’re an actress, people think you have to fund the entire thing. There’s not a damn thing wrong with your doing this. It’s a great example for the kids to see you as Alyssa the Mom, not Alyssa the actress. This world is overrun with/Karens!

Commenters pointed out that she has been on several incredibly successful television shows — Charmed, and Who’s The Boss? — which ran in syndication for years and netted the actress millions.

You absolutely could… I’m not saying you should or need to but to come on here and say you can’t afford this is ridiculous… while not knowing your financials my guess is you make more then enough money in a week to pay for this entire trip… Spare us the you would if you could.

Milano has worked with Disney for decades, making a number of notable appearances. She voiced Angel in the 2001 film, Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure. She also portrayed Scarlett Rosetti in the Disney animated series Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil. Milano has also made appearances in the hit ABC shows, Castle and Grey’s Anatomy.

At the time of publication, Milano’s GoFundMe has surpassed its $10,000 by just over $1,000.

8 Ways to “Celebrate Soulfully” at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is thrilled to “Celebrate Soulfully” during Black History Month in February with vibrant art, soul stirring music, savory soul food and a limited-edition pin, embracing the richness of Black heritage.

Through the talents of wonderful Cast Members and collaborations with a myriad of Black-owned businesses, guests can “Celebrate Soulfully” across the resort throughout the year, but especially during Black History Month. Explore some ways to honor Black culture, heritage and contributions at Walt Disney World Resort this February.

  1. Ring in the Celebration with Michael James Scott as the Honorary Parade Grand Marshal

Broadway performer and Orlando native Michael James Scott, well known for his portrayal of Genie in the hit Broadway musical, “Aladdin,” will be the honorary grand marshal for the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom Park on Feb. 6. His appearance helps kick off our month-long celebration of Black heritage and culture. Guests can catch Michael James Scott along the parade route all the way down to Main Street, U.S.A., around 3 p.m. ET.*

  1. Collect the New Princess Tiana Tiara Pin

With the theme of dreams coming true, and just in time for Black History Month, a new Princess Tiana tiara pin is available at locations around Disney theme parks and soon on shopDisney.com. The limited-release pin was designed by Brittany L. Smith, a senior production designer with Walt Disney Imagineering. The pin is inspired by Brittany’s interpretation of the tiara-topped water tower featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Smith is also a designer for Tiana’s Audio-Animatronics character in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens at Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park this year.

  1. Celebrate the Arts at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Guests can check out the artistic designs of three Black artists participating in EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which is a grand celebration of artistic expression in all forms. The three Black artists are taking part on various days through Feb. 19.

  • Ryan Riller (Feb. 12-19)
  • Yesenia Moises (Feb.13-19)
  • Larissa Marantz (Feb. 14-19)

Also, guests can’t miss the performances by the following Black artists lighting up the stage at America Gardens Theatre during the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series on select nights during the festival:**

  • Steven Taylor (“The Lion King” – Jan. 26, 28 and 29, Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6)
  • Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King” – Jan. 27, 30 and 31, Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8)
  • Bradley Gibson (“The Lion King” – Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 19)
  • Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” – Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19)
  1. Explore Artistic Expressions at Disney Springs Art Walk

Guests can head over to Disney Springs for food, music, shopping– and some colorful artwork by several Black artists. Guests should take a stroll past the Disney Springs Art Walk where they will find murals painted by Black artists such as Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones and Nardstar.

  1. Check out the African Art exhibit in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

A new African art installation is coming to the Pizzafari gate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning February 1. Featured artwork from internationally renowned Nigerian-American artist Victor Ekpuk explores historical narratives and contemporary African diaspora.

  1. Be Inspired by the work of Floyd Norman, Disney’s First Black Animator

Floyd Norman, Disney’s first credited Black animator, helped animate characters Kaa and Shere Khan from “The Jungle Book.” At Conservation Station’s Animation Experience in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests will receive step-by-step guidance on how to illustrate their own version of the popular Disney Animation and Pixar Animation Studios characters that Norman helped to animate as well as others such as Bruce from “Finding Nemo;” Tick-Tock from “Peter Pan;” or Scar from “The Lion King.”

  1. Indulge in “Cooking with Soul” Cuisine

Across Walt Disney World resorts, guests can expect to see “Cooking with Soul” items on restaurant menus. They will find classic comfort food prepared by a diverse group of Walt Disney World chefs.

Mini Red Velvet Cake: Red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream (New);

Available at:  

  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece (New)

Available at:

  • Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

Shrimp and Grits: Roasted corn and goat cheese, peri-peri shrimp, and green tomato-apple chutney(Currently Available)

Available at:

  • Tiffins Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Griot and Pikliz: Epis-marinated fried pork shoulder, fried green plantain, and pikliz (New)  

 Available at:

  • Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Check out the Foodie Guide for the full list of Cooking with Soul items found across Walt Disney World.

  1. Make Magical Memories with Ariel, Tiana and Asha

Throughout February and beyond guests can interact with a variety of popular and diverse characters such as Tiana at Magic Kingdom, Ariel from the live-action story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Asha at EPCOT.

With every beat, every flavor and every smile, guests are sure to enjoy “Celebrating Soulfully” at Walt Disney World Resort!

Major Airline Ends Its Partnership With Disney World After More Than 10 Years

A major commercial airline announced this week that it has parted ways with The Walt Disney Company, ending a partnership that has been in place for more than ten years.

In 2013, The Walt Disney Company announced a partnership between Disney Parks and WestJet Airlines. As part of the agreement between the parties, two themed Boeing 737-800 airliners would be painted to reflect Disney-inspired theming, with the first of the two aircraft beginning service on December 3.

Now that Disney and WestJet have parted ways, the Disney-themed airliners are headed for retirement. Both airliners will remain in service, but they will no longer feature their former magical theming, as the external parts of the airliners will be restored to reflect WestJet’s standard livery.

Per the Canadian-based passenger carrier, WestJet Airlines and Disney Parks ended their partnership in December when their agreement expired, referring to the parting of ways as a “natural transition.”

“In this case,” WestJet explained in a statement, “the co-branded liveries will be updated following a natural transition in our contract agreements with Disney Parks & Resorts.”

On December 2, 2013, WestJet and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts took off on an exciting adventure. The commercial airline and the Mouse House joined forces. The result was a gorgeous custom-painted Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft inspired by Disney’s Fantasia films and Sorcerer Mickey.

disney westjet magic plane

As part of the celebration, WestJet Airlines hosted an event at the hangar in Calgary, Alberta, where the Mickey plane was being held. A magical unveiling was held with “WestJetters,” Disney team members, and media representatives in attendance. Even Mickey Mouse showed up to celebrate the new Disney-inspired airliner.

Dubbed the Magic Plane, the Boeing aircraft took its inaugural flight, which departed Calgary, Alberta, Canada, en route to the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida on December 3, 2013, after which it began flying throughout WestJet’s domestic and international network.

“We are very proud of our work with Disney and everything we’ve done together over the years to enrich the lives of our guests,” said then-President of WestJet Airlines, Gregg Saretsky, at the time of the debut. “With the Magic Plane, we are soaring to new heights, offering guests of all ages the chance to share the skies with one of the world’s most beloved and iconic figures.”

disney westjet magic plane

When the Magic Plane first debuted, the headrests on passenger seats featured decals that resembled pixie dust, and guests received cookies in the shape of Disney characters on all flights.

Two years later, WestJet would add another airliner to its tiny magical fleet.

In October 2015, Disney and WestJet debuted a second Disney-themed plane inspired by Disney’s Frozen (2013). The new plane was painted in Fort Worth, Texas, by teams comprised of painters from Canada, the United States, and Germany.

Before team members began the arduous task of bringing Anna, Elsa, and Olaf to life on the Boeing 737-800, they watched the blockbuster film inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen (1844) to get them in the spirit and to familiarize themselves with the characters and the story of Frozen.

It took crews 21 days of 12-hour rotations by crew members who worked 24 hours a day to complete the transformation of the Boeing 737-800. More than 20 different colors of paint were used in the project. When the job was finished, crews had used more than 170 gallons of paint. Sparkles were then added to some of the sections of the aircraft to add a shimmery shine to the plane anytime it moved.

Inside the WestJet Disney Frozen plane, more than 50 separate overhead bin doors featured a unique Frozen-themed decal, and passenger seat headrests featured the same cold-to-warm theming painted on the external part of the fuselage. More than 36 different paint colors were used.

WestJet Airlines will still partner with Disney through WestJet Vacations and offer its passengers the option to purchase Walt Disney World theme park tickets on its official website.