Beloved Disney World Restaurant Reopening After 4 Year Closure!

Via DisDining.com

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping across the world, and millions of people were forced to stay in their homes. Businesses were forced to shut their doors, including Disney theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida was only closed for about four months. Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, California, on the other hand, was closed for more than a year.

When the theme parks finally reopened, things were very different. The parks had strict capacity limits, masks were required at all times, and there were no buffet-style restaurants or character dining. There were also no character meet and greets. It was a vastly different Disney experience than the one guests had been used to.

Disneyland Masks

It’s been just about four years since the world, as we knew it, changed drastically. However, things at Disney have largely returned to the way they were before the pandemic. The parks seem to be more crowded than ever, character meet and greets are drawing large crowds, and dining is almost completely back to normal.

With one glaring exception.

Disney After Hours Characters

Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was known for one really great character dining experience — 1900 Park Fare. 1900 Park Fare was a character dining experience that was open for breakfast and dinner. Guests enjoying breakfast were able to see characters like Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, Alice, and the Mad Hatter.

1900 Park Fare

Dinner was Cinderella-themed, so guests would be able to interact with Cinderella and Prince Charming. The highlight, though, was definitely Lady Tremaine (Cinderella’s wicked stepmother), and Cinderella’s stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella.

1900 Park Fare has been closed for almost four years, having never reopened after the pandemic. But that will reportedly soon change!

The cast members we spoke to confirmed that 1900 Park Fare will reopen THIS YEAR! The cast members also confirmed that, when the restaurant finally does reopen, it will have the character dining that guests have grown to love.

At this time, we do not have an official opening date. Construction can still be heard happening behind closed doors, but it is exciting to know that the delicious dining spot will be back soon and better than ever!

Save Up to 30% on Select Stays of 5 Nights or Longer This Spring at Aulani Resort

Families can plan a spectacular escape this spring with this special offer at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. The longer Guests stay, the more they save!

Guests can save up to 30% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more nights or 25% on select rooms for stays of 4 nights for travel most nights between April 12 to June 12, 2024. Or save up to 10% on Villas for stays most nights from June 13 to July 31, 2024.

Plus, when Guests book through February 7, stays of 4 or more nights include a $150 Resort credit!

Disney Adds More Nights to Spring 2024 Disney After Hours Events

Disney has added even more Disney After Hours event dates starting in April, giving guests more time to experience their favorite attractions, meet iconic characters, and enjoy complimentary snacks.

Here are the updated dates and prices for Magic Kingdom:

Here are the updated dates and prices for EPCOT:

Here are the updated dates and prices for Hollywood Studios:

Tickets are currently available online for events taking place from January 11 to April 8, 2024.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green looking to purchase tickets early for events from April 22 to June 27, 2024, must call (407) 934-7639 beginning January 24, 2024. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

All other Guests may purchase tickets for events from April 22 to June 27, 2024, online beginning January 31, 2024.

Restaurant to Permanently Close at Walt Disney World

A familiar restaurant along Disney’s BoardWalk will be permanently closing this week.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will close permanently at the end of the day (10:00 pm) on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The restaurant, which has operated in the space since 1996, offered American grille favorites along with popular beers. Disney has not announced a replacement for the space.

Florida Receives Unique Weather Forecast

Typically, Florida’s weather in January is known for its mild temperatures and sunny days. For many tourists, it’s a great time to escape the harsh cold of winter in other parts of the country and enjoy the pleasant climate that the Sunshine State has to offer.

However, for the past couple of weeks, Florida has seen unprecedented cold temperatures alongside aggressive wind and rain. Now, a new forecast has arrived, one that is even more shocking.

In a surprising turn of events, meteorologists in Florida have issued a rather unusual weather forecast – an Iguana Watch.

Florida hurricane specialist, Zack Covey, has alerted residents of South Florida to be prepared for temperatures dropping below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. While this might seem like a typical weather advisory for some, the intriguing aspect of this watch is the expected result – lethargic iguanas falling from trees and other elevated areas.

An Iguana Watch, as named by Covey, is a phenomenon unique to Florida. Due to the cold temperatures, iguanas, which are cold-blooded reptiles, experience a decrease in their body temperature, leading to a state of tranquility and lethargy. This causes them to lose their grip on tree branches, resulting in an unusual sight of falling iguanas throughout the region.

The reason behind this peculiar behavior lies in the biology of these cold-blooded creatures. As the temperatures drop, iguanas are incapable of generating enough body heat to function normally. Consequently, their muscles become stiff, rendering them unable to maintain a strong hold on their perches.

While this might sound alarming, it is important to note that the iguanas are not harmed by this involuntary “plunge” as long as where they land is safe.

If you are planning to visit the region for Walt Disney World Resort or any other activity, it is advisable that you look out for these creatures. The Iguana Watch is an essential precautionary measure by the National Weather Service, aiming to alert residents about this climate-induced phenomenon.

Not only does it help ensure public safety, but it also presents an opportunity for Floridians to witness a natural phenomenon that occurs relatively rarely in other parts of the United States.

For residents and visitors alike, the falling iguanas can create quite a spectacle. It is advisable to exercise caution during an Iguana Watch, particularly when walking or parking beneath trees commonly inhabited by these reptiles. It’s not uncommon for unsuspecting passersby to find themselves in close proximity to a sleepy iguana that has taken a tumble.

As Florida embraces this unique weather forecast, it serves as a reminder of the diverse weather patterns and remarkable wildlife that make the state so fascinating. Whether it’s hurricanes, intense heat, or unexpected drops in temperature, Florida weather never fails to captivate residents and pique the interest of meteorologists and nature enthusiasts across the nation.

Florida inspecting monorails

So, if you happen to be in Florida during an Iguana Watch, keep your eyes peeled for these curious creatures descending from above. It’s not every day that you get to witness such a whimsical event brought upon by the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of this beautiful state’s climate.