Right now, winter storms are wreaking havoc along the East Coast, causing disruptions and closures in unexpected places. Many major cities have experienced heavy rain, snow, freezing temps, and severe wind gusts this January. Even in sunny Central Florida, the Walt Disney World Resort is not immune to the effects of these weather systems.
The resort, known for its magical experiences and world-class attractions, has taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of its guests and cast members. As a result, one of its premier theme parks has been forced to temporarily suspend operations.
While Central Florida is typically known for its warm climate and sunny skies, the region is not entirely immune to the occasional cold snap. This winter, a series of powerful winter storms have swept across the East Coast, causing temperatures to drop dramatically.
As a result, the Walt Disney World Resort has had to make the difficult decision to close the Blizzard Beach water park temporarily, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its visitors.
Blizzard Beach, located within the enchanting Walt Disney World Resort, is a beloved destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. With its thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, this Disney water park offers a refreshing escape from the Florida heat.
However, Mother Nature has taken its toll, as plummeting temperatures have made it impossible to maintain the park’s operations.
By closing Blizzard Beach, the Resort ensures that guests can continue to enjoy the magic of the other attractions and experiences it has to offer without compromising their safety.
With a plethora of theme parks, including the iconic Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park, and the immersive Animal Kingdom Park, visitors can still indulge in unforgettable adventures while Blizzard Beach receives the necessary hiatus until it can reopen safely.
The closure of Blizzard Beach serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and its impact on even the most well-prepared establishments. Walt Disney World Resort, known for its attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction, prioritizes the safety of its visitors above all else.
The decision to temporarily close Blizzard Beach is a testament to this dedication, ensuring that guests can feel secure and protected during their visit.
As guests eagerly await the reopening of Blizzard Beach, Walt Disney World Resort continues to monitor the weather conditions and work diligently to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Guests are encouraged to check the official Blizzard Beach calendar for updates on the reopening of Blizzard Beach and any additional information pertaining to their visit.
It may be winter according to the calendar, but spring is nearly blooming at Walt Disney World Resort. And nothing says springtime fun like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!
This year’s festival will begin on Feb. 28 and continue through May 27 for ninety days full of beautiful topiaries, inspirational gardens, delicious dishes and rockin’ music celebrating spring. From the tiniest tykes to the young at heart, there’s something for everyone!
Today we’re sharing more details, from new topiaries to acts coming to the Garden Rocks concert series. Let’s dig in!
New Topiaries to Enjoy
Each spring, we look forward to the astounding topiaries our Disney horticulture cast create for the festival.
This year, more than 70 topiaries, featuring a delightful array of Disney characters as well as other figures and whimsical items, will fill the park. As part of the topiary magic, guests can also look forward to seeing everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment, in the newly opened World Celebration Gardens.
Something else we’re excited to share: For the first time, Groot takes root at EPCOT! The flora colossus from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy will appear near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery.
Also new this year, guests can look forward to viewing new topiaries from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish,” including Asha, Valentino and the Wishing Star, at the park’s main entrance. And in Mexico, we’re thrilled to share that Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” will take center stage!
Fresh Garden Rocks Concert Series
It’s time to dance and sing along to guest favorites as the popular Garden Rocks concert series takes to the American Gardens Theatre stage daily during the festival. Featuring local and globally recognized acts, there’s something for everyone.
This year, we’ll welcome new groups, including Modern English, Crowder, Lit, Monsieur Perine, and Fonseca. And for the first time, Raul Acosta & Oro Solido will share the stage with Magic Juan, then return the next day with Luisito Ayala and The Puerto Rican Power Band in a series of unforgettable performances.*
Garden Rocks Dining Packages Open Feb. 6
To guarantee priority seating for your preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages, available at seven fabulous EPCOT restaurants:
For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Feb. 6.
Flavor Abounds at Outdoor Kitchens
It wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without innovative and delicious dishes and drinks to savor! Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for the official Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival as we dish on all the new flavors coming to this year’s event, but in the meantime, we’re thrilled to share that many guest favorites will also return to Outdoor Kitchens located throughout the park.
We can’t wait to dig into Chicken & Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by the National Honey Board! Also returning: the Muffuletta Panini at Magnolia Terrace and the Chocolate Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom.
Inspiration and Play: There’s Something for Everyone
Looking for interactive fun? At this year’s festival, the whole family can enjoy two seasonal scavenger hunts. Throughout the festival, follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail where he’s “buzzing” to collect nectar from all the beautiful gardens with Spike’s Pollination Exploration. And for a limited time, guests can also hop around World Showcase for the Egg-stravaganza Hunt! Twelve beautiful, bunny-inspired eggs will be placed throughout the park; can guests find them all?
Both scavenger hunt maps will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once the journey is complete – whether or not guests find all the items – they can redeem their map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special surprise.**
Also back this year, Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful pollinators – butterflies! This walkthrough butterfly house highlights the lifecycle of butterflies and contains valuable pollinator gardens.
At Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy, guests create lasting memories with the help of unforgettable fragrances. And new this year, guests will be able to bring home some of their favorite fragrances experienced at Blossoms of Fragrance!
Looking for a place to get a little energy out? At Camp Get Out N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF!, families can explore a camp-themed garden where kiddos can jump, play, climb and explore this area created just for them.
So, summon the flower power, because everything will be coming up roses at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival before we know it!
*Entertainment subject to change without notice.
**Redemption valid through May 27 or while supplies last.
Beginning today, Florida residents can purchase a 2-Day Disney Thrills Ticket for just $199 plus tax. Or, choose a 3-day ticket for just $219 plus tax.
The Disney Thrills Ticket is valid for use from January 11 to March 15, 2024 with an advance park reservation. Reservations are limited and subject to availability of reservations allocated to this ticket as determined by Disney, and park capacity.
It’s a new year at Walt Disney World, and 2024 is bringing the magic back full circle with the return of favored Disney experiences that have been missing since the days of COVID-19. With the promised return of the Disney Dining Plan and the exile of the park pass reservation system (for some), the first domino to fall in getting back to the days of old has happened, hopefully acting as a catalyst to that magical park experience from before the pandemic. Welcome back all day Park Hopper; we missed you!
The Disney World Park Hopper is the perfect ticket option for guests who want to make the most of their Walt Disney World Resort visit. With the Park Hopper ticket, you have the freedom to visit multiple parks in one day, allowing you to experience the magic of each unique park.
This ticket gives you access to all four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can start your magic morning exploring the enchanting fairy tales and iconic attractions at Magic Kingdom, then venture to the futuristic world of EPCOT in the afternoon for thrilling rides and international cuisine. In the evening, you can catch a spectacular live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and end your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where you can encounter exotic animals and embark on thrilling adventures.
The best part, you can now do so without a theme park reservation. That means no more checking into Magic Kingdom so that you can park-hop over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Although the theme park reservation system served its purpose in helping Disney maintain crowd levels at the peak of the pandemic, its inclusion has done little to avoid confusion and frustration for those visiting Disney World.
But we digress, back to the all day Park Hopper at Disney World. One of the biggest advantages of the Park Hopper ticket is the flexibility it offers. If you find yourself wanting to spend more time in a particular park, you can easily hop back to that park later in the day. This is especially beneficial during busy times when you may want to avoid overcrowded areas or when you have a dining reservation in a specific park.
To maximize your Park Hopper experience, it’s a good idea to plan your day strategically. Start early and take advantage of the extra magic hours, when one of the parks opens early or stays open late exclusively for Disney Resort hotel guests. This allows you to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
It’s also important to note that the Park Hopper ticket does not include access to the water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. If you wish to visit the water parks, you can consider upgrading to the Park Hopper Plus option, which includes admission to the theme parks and water parks.
As Disney World had allowed park hopping after 2 PM, assuming there was availability at the desired park, this may not seem like good news to some. As park hopping remains a time-honored tradition for many who like to spend their mornings rope-dropping fancy rides at Hollywood Studios, bouncing over to EPCOT for lunch, and finishing their day with “Happily Ever After,” Park Hopper access is a welcome return to what many miss about Walt Disney World.
Although it feels like we’re finally getting back to the Disney World that we all remember and love, it’s important to understand that there are still some limitations, especially for those who have an Annual Pass. Unless the day you’re visiting is considered a “good-to-go” day within the My Disney Experience app, Disney World’s APs will still be held to the rules of old.
This means that if you have a Disney World Annual Pass, you will still be responsible for a park reservation, and you won’t have Park Hopper access until after 2 PM, but only on days that aren’t considered “good-to-go.” Disney World’s website officially holds the following information:
“In 2024, resolve to be more spontaneous with “good-to-go” days for Annual Passholders! As Passholders prepare for their visits next year, we wanted to share more about how good-to-go days will work:
On good-to-go days, Annual Passholders may enter the theme parks without needing a reservation (blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today).
The theme park reservation calendar, Annual Passholder admissions calendar, and My Disney Experience app will show days that are good to go. The first good-to-go days will be added to the calendars starting Jan. 11, 2024.
Good-to-go days will be added periodically and may be released days or weeks in advance.
These are exciting times indeed at Walt Disney World, as your day ticket just unlocked a ton more magic during your next trip. Bringing back nostalgic feelings is a part of Disney; with that, many are celebrating the return of the Park Hopper option by reminiscing the old days. Scott Gustin on X, formerly Twitter, posted a hilarious call back to the old-school Park Hopper commercials, which feature an actual mascot enjoying rides and experiences at Disney World.
With the upcoming return of the Disney Dining Plan and good-to-go days being released starting January 11, 2024, it’s starting to feel like the less complicated version of Park Hopping at Walt Disney World is returning, and that’s good news!
In conclusion, the Disney World Park Hopper ticket is a fantastic option for guests who want to explore multiple parks in one day and make the most of their visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. With its flexibility and variety of experiences, the Park Hopper ticket ensures that you have a truly magical and unforgettable day at Disney World.
Happy New Year! This year, more than ever, we’re bringing your favorite stories to life in fun, innovative ways at our theme parks and resorts, on our cruise ships and through our amazing products and experiences around the world. From Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the launch of the new Disney Treasure cruise ship, to the first-of-its-kind Pixar Place Hotel and other highly anticipated experiences, here are some sensational things to look forward to in 2024:
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort
In 2024, the all-new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
This attraction brings guests into Princess Tiana’s world like never before on a musical journey inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog.”
When the attraction opens, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration. Along the way, they’ll see familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
New Star Tours Attraction Characters, Stories
Star Wars was a favorite topic with Blog readers last year – so, I’m sure many guests are as excited as we are that Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is adding more stories and characters in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Also, from April 5 – June 2, Season of the Force will arrive at Disneyland Park with Hyperspace Mountain and special merchandise, themed food and beverage and more. Plus, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will give a fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park with galactic music sweeping through the spires!
Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort
Pixar Fest is returning to Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, celebrating friendship and beyond with colorful décor, themed entertainment and more. Here’s a sneak peek of an all-new sculpture featuring Pixar pals like Woody and Buzz that you’ll be able to snap a photo in front of at Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park when the celebration begins!
This festival is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring favorite Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will debut at Disney California Adventure Park, and at Disneyland Park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes, including one with Mei Lee and her friends from “Turning Red.”
During the celebration, guests may also encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental” and more.
Pixar-Themed Hotel at Disneyland Resort
Also at Disneyland Resort, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States.
The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure park will offer guest rooms inspired by the artistry of Pixar, new dining from Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more.
“Fantasmic!” Returns to Disneyland Park
On May 24, “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America in Disneyland park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene.
If guests haven’t experienced it, “Fantasmic!” is an emotional extravaganza where fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art pro
CommuniCore Plaza, CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT
At Walt Disney World Resort, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be completed in 2024 as part of the multiyear transformation of EPCOT.
These new spaces extend the EPCOT festivals beyond World Showcase and provide a new home for additional exhibits and entertainment, offering the perfect space to gather with family and friends.
Reimagined “The Little Mermaid” Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In 2024, an all-new theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The reimagined show will feature stunning set pieces, cutting-edge effects and a bold new design aesthetic that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her. More to come in 2024!
All-Day Park Hopping, Dining Plan at Disney World
Beginning Jan. 9, guests at Disney World with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations).
Also, as part of our updates to improve the guest experience at Disney World, Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.
Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World Resort
This year, the Country Bears will debut new songs and a new act that pays homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
The Country Bear Jamboree will still have the same fun and friendly tone guests enjoy and it’ll introduce reinterpreted Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and other styles.
Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk
The Cake Bake Shop, a whimsical table service restaurant and bakery with French flair, will be opening at Disney’s BoardWalk at Disney World in early 2024.
If guests haven’t heard, The Cake Bake Shop has counters lined with beautifully displayed handmade cakes, cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies and cheesecakes. Other locations have become known destinations for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, or for spending time with family and friends.
runDisney Returns to Disneyland Resort, Plus a New Halloween-themed Event
runDisney returns to Disneyland Resort Jan. 11-14 with the sold-out Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, featuring four days of exciting events.
Later in the year, runDisney haunts will make their way to The Happiest Place on Earth for a grim-grinning good time during the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.
Taking place Sept. 5-8, there will be four days of events, including yoga, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenge, all themed to the 2024 Halloween season. Visit runDisney.com for more details.
Disney Treasure
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, will debut in December 2024.
As guests have probably seen, this amazing ship will bring captivating stories from beloved Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and Disney parks adventures to life like never before with new venues and reimagined spaces.
The Disney Treasure sets off on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Dec. 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
Disney Lookout Cay in The Bahamas
This summer, Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind retreat on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay, will open.
As we’ve shared, when guests step foot on this one-of-a-kind island destination, they’ll discover a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.
The vibrant island retreat at Lighthouse Point will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.
Pixar Day at Sea & Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line
In January, two themed Disney Cruise Line sailings are returning – Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea.
For Pixar Day at Sea, Pixar stories will come to life on the Disney Fantasy through a cowboy sing-a-long breakfast with favorite Toy Story characters, Crush’s totally awesome pool party, themed activities and treats, a Pixar Pals dance party on the upper decks, character encounters and a deck show starring the Incredibles.
For Marvel Day at Sea, on the Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale, the largest assembly of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains on land or at sea will gather for Marvel Day at Sea for an action-packed day that’ll unlock the inner superhero in all guests.
Pixar and Marvel Day at Sea offerings are included in the price of a Disney cruise. All of the regular guest favorites, including Broadway-style shows, themed rotational dining, fireworks at sea and spaces and activities for everyone in the family, will still be present on all Disney Cruise Line sailings.
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Beginning in Summer 2024, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will open.
Tucked away in the peaceful woodlands of the Walt Disney World Resort, the refreshed cabins will make a relaxing retreat where guests can enjoy the comforts of home while staying in the great outdoors.
Adventures by Disney in Colombia
In 2024, Adventures by Disney will be taking guests to Colombia, the country and cultures that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film, “Encanto.”
Trips begin in the capital city of Bogota, and guests’ exploration of this beautiful country begins at the Paloquemao Market where they’ll see a bounty of flowers and colorful fruits and vegetables. They’ll also visit a fourth-generation coffee farm in the Coffee Region and learn about harvesting and roasting the beans, as well as brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
In 2024, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is coming to Anaheim, California with a fan experience like none other.
From Aug. 9 to 11, this one-of-a-kind event will have spectacular shows, new venues and multiple days of entertainment and experiences that bring together all the wonderful worlds of Disney.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, the D23 kickoff celebration will take place at Disneyland Resort followed by shopping, exhibits, panels, presentations, and more on Aug. 9 – 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center—the bigger home to marquee shows.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in Spring 2024 and more details will be announced early this year.
