Date Announced for Addition of Hatbox Ghost at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

He’s on his way! Hatbox Ghost will be making his way to Walt Disney World this November, and we couldn’t be any more excited than we are right now. Guests to Walt Disney World have waited eagerly for the 1000th happy haunt to make their way to Walt Disney World, and after a year of anticipation and rumors, we finally know that the newest fashion resident will find his way to Disney World in November of this year.

He’s on his way! Hatbox Ghost will be making his way to Walt Disney World this November, and we couldn’t be any more excited than we are right now. Guests to Walt Disney World have waited eagerly for the 1000th happy haunt to make their way to Walt Disney World, and after a year of anticipation and rumors, we finally know that the newest fashion resident will find his way to Disney World in November of this year.

Guests to Disney World who’ve been awaited the arrival of Hatbox Ghost no longer have to guess at when the happy haunt will materalize at the ultra-popular dark ride in Orlando, Florida. D23 just gave us a finite timeframe of November to expect when the awesome animatronic made popular at Disneyland will make his debut at Disney World. Personally, I’m extremely excited for this addition as the Hatbox Ghost, originally created by famed Disney Imagineer Yale Gracey is one of my favorite parts of Haunted Mansion lore. Not only is he getting ready to move permanantly to Florida, Hatbox Ghost has also made a name for himself after being played by Jared Leto in the latest Haunted Mansion reboot that released eariler this summer.

Fans are sure to flock to the mansion once Hatbox Ghost materializes within its walls, so if he’s an immediate must-see for you and your family, you’ll want to hurry and make sure you have a trip booked. The ride is expected to be closed for a couple of days as Imagineers install and test Hatbox Ghost, but we’re certain it won’t be long before he’s ready to scare the pants off of riders at Disney World. We’ll be there and let you know once Hatbox Ghost makes his official debut in November, so stay tuned friends.

Classic Magic Kingdom Attraction Reportedly Suffering From Major Pest Infestation

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via DisDining.com

Even if Walt Disney never set foot in Magic Kingdom, his influence and legacy can be found all over the Disney Park. Attractions and experiences such as the Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tiki Room, Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world,” and Pirates of the Caribbean can all be traced back to Walt Disney’s whimsy, imagination, and vision.

Although we never knew Walt personally, we can make a few assumptions about his vision. For one, we can imagine that his vision didn’t include a single pest infestation inside one of his beloved rides. But, alas, poor Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean is reportedly infested with more than swashbucklers…

According to an Inside the Magic article, an anonymous source claims that “more than 500 bats” are currently roosting inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The source continues, claiming that the pests have allegedly “attacked multiple Disney Cast Members and Guests” alike.

If bats are truly infesting the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, then there’s no way for Walt Disney World Resort to exterminate them, as bats are currently protected in Florida all year round, and no harm can come to them.

Walt Disney World Resort has neither confirmed nor denied these rumors, but we certainly hope they can shed some light on this situation soon. After all, the idea of plunging down a dark ravine into a pirate cave becomes much less appealing if there are hundreds of bats involved.

Remember in Jurassic Park (1993) when Ian Malcolm says, “Yeah, but, John, if The Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists.” Well, he wasn’t wrong about that, and bats aren’t going to be eating anybody either, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pose any danger.

Bats can spread several diseases and viruses, although sources say that the risk of infection is low. If there are hundreds of bats roosting in Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, that risk may become exponentially higher.

That being said, it’s a huge ‘if” seeing as we don’t know for sure whether bats are roosting in the slow-moving dark ride or not. The next time you’re riding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, keep an eye out for bats and Jack Sparrow alike.

Please note that the story being reported on in this article has not been confirmed, nor is it indicative of Disney Dining’s personal views on Walt Disney World’s operations. 

Have You Ever Wanted to Stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite at Disney World?

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Dreams do come true, and if you’re obsessed with Disney World like we are, we probably all have the same to-do on our magical bucket list. Most of us have heard of an almost secret, mystical place in Magic Kingdom that few have seen. It’s a place of enchantment that sits right in the middle of everything Magic Kingdom offers. It’s none other than the legendary Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. If you’re anything like me, every time you pass by the castle at Magic Kingdom, you can’t help but gaze up and envision what it would be like to spend a night immersed in the enchanting Disney magic. While we can get close to living like Disney royalty in one of Disney World’s numerous Resort rooms, the ultimate experience would be to spend a night befitting a prince or princess in the Cinderella Castle Suite.

The most exclusive room at Walt Disney World cannot be purchased. If you’re hoping to spend the night inside Magic Kingdom, pixie dust won’t be enough. Originally designed to be a place for Walt and his family to stay, the space was repurposed in 2006. Although it has served as storage and as the central hub for Disney phone operations for a while, as Disney World was hosting The Year of a Million Dreams in 2007, the space was remodeled as a gorgeous suite fit for any king or queen. Although some were awarded the illustrious prize of staying in Cinderella Castle Suite during that year, the chances of being selected to spend the night in Magic Kingdom remained scarce. Since then, the suite has been used similarly, reserved as a grand prize for giveaways. However, it remains available for Disney VIPs.

Those dreams of sleeping in Cinderella’s bed are no longer just that. Thanks to a partnership with the non-profit organization Give Kids the World, your chance to stay in Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is here! Just let that sink in. While others are fighting crowds to exit the Park after the culmination of Happily Ever After, you and three Guests could be making your way up to the immaculately decorated suite inside the castle, ready to spend the night literally wrapped in all the magic that Disney World has to offer.

If you’re unfamiliar, Give Kids the World is a non-profit Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, dedicated to providing week-long vacations to families with critically ill children. Since 1986, the top-rated charity has provided families the opportunity to get away and enjoy a week full of love, laughs, and unforgettable memories at no cost. 

“Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 187,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries. The Village is made possible by the support of generous donors and community partners, as well as thousands of passionate volunteers – who donate their time and talent making wishes come true.“

Staying true to their missions, Give Kids the World is now teaming up with Walt Disney World to offer one lucky Guest the chance to win a one-night stay in Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom. Running until October 16, Guests can donate to the charity for a chance to win this rare opportunity to experience one of the most sought-after Disney secrets out there. The lucky winner will receive the following per their website:

  • One (1)-night stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite in Magic Kingdom® Park for up to four (4) persons. 
  • Breakfast for up to four (4) persons at Cinderella’s Royal Table<span data-preserver-spaces=”true”>.
  • Two (2)-night resort stay in a standard room at a Deluxe Disney Resort hotel, for up to four (4) persons.
  • Three (3)-day Theme Park Tickets with Park Hopper® Option for three (3) days of fun for up to four (4) persons.
  • $500 Disney Gift Card for the winner.
  • Domestic coach round-trip airfare for (4) persons. 

Guests who are hoping to win this special giveaway have several options for entering, as follows:

$10 = 1 Entry
$30 = 3 Entries
$50 = 5 Entries
$100 = 10 Entries
$250 = 25 Entries
$500 = 50 Entries
$1000 = 100 Entries
$2500 = 250 Entries
$5000 = 500 Entries

Cinderella Castle

The only way to be entered into the drawing to stay at Cinderella Castle Suit is by making a one-time donation to Give Kids the World. Honestly, we can’t think of a better way to spend your money. Not only are you ensuring your chance to spend the night in Disney World’s most exclusive room, but you’re also doing your part to ensure that families who have been through so much can enjoy the magic of Disney with no additional stress. If that’s not a win-win, I don’t know what is! As mentioned, entries for the giveaway ends on October 16 at 11:59 p.m. EST. You can officially enter the Give The World Village Magic Celebration Vacation here!

New Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Photo Ops

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Halloween is here! Well, at least at Walt Disney World Resort.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts tonight at Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney PhotoPass photographers are brewing up brand new spooky shots during the event, featuring Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, the “Lonesome Ghosts,” Maleficent, and more. Plus, many of your favorite Magic Shots are returning this year, including the Headless Horseman and Oogie Boogie. While that’s exciting, it also offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way to capture them all!

Below, check out where all of these photo ops are materializing during the party.

Most Disney PhotoPass locations around Magic Kingdom Park

NEW!

NEW! Most Disney PhotoPass locations around Magic Kingdom Park

Entrance to the park and Main Street, U.S.A.

NEW!

NEW!

Town Square near the flag pole

Main Street, U.S.A.

NEW!

NEW!

Select spots in front of and near Cinderella Castle

Near the gardens in front of Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant

NEW!

Liberty Square near the Hall of Presidents

In front of the Haunted Mansion

At the castle walls near Pinocchio Village Haus

Near the main entrance to Storybook Circus

Near the Purple Wall (next to Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor)

At many character greetings

And don’t worry – we’ll still be capturing classic iconic shots at many of your favorite locations!

To download and share all Disney PhotoPass photos from the party (including attraction photos!), purchase Memory Maker One Day. To download and share all your photos from the party PLUS those from the rest of your Walt Disney World vacation, Memory Maker is your best option.* As a reminder, Disney Memory Maker is a commissionable add-on.

*Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand, or an eligible mobile device with Bluetooth technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app, is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission and park reservations are required for certain photo locations.

The Sunshine Tree Terrace: A Citrus Paradise

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of Adventureland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Sunshine Tree Terrace stands as a delightful oasis for park-goers seeking a refreshing and tangy escape from the Florida sun.

As visitors approach the Sunshine Tree Terrace, they are greeted by a vibrant and inviting facade adorned with cheerful orange and yellow hues, evoking the essence of a sunny citrus grove. The theming pays homage to the classic attraction, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and the joyous spirit of the Sunshine Pavilion that once stood in this location.

The true star of the Sunshine Tree Terrace’s menu is the iconic citrus sensation known as the Orange Bird’s favorite, the Citrus Swirl. This delightful treat features a swirl of creamy vanilla soft-serve ice cream perfectly complemented by a generous serving of tangy orange slush. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a refreshing symphony that tantalizes taste buds and leaves guests craving more.

For those seeking a tropical twist, the Aloha Isle’s famous Dole Whip is also available at the Sunshine Tree Terrace. This creamy pineapple soft-serve is a fan-favorite, offering a taste of the tropics that transports visitors to a far-off island paradise.

Beyond the delectable treats, the Sunshine Tree Terrace provides a relaxing and picturesque outdoor seating area. Guests can bask in the shade of swaying palm trees and soak in the enchanting ambiance of Adventureland. It’s a perfect spot to take a break, enjoy a cold treat, and watch the world go by.

The Sunshine Tree Terrace has become a beloved tradition for many Disney enthusiasts, evoking feelings of nostalgia and happy memories with every visit. The cheerful atmosphere and delightful flavors have captured the hearts of both young and old, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Magic Kingdom.

Moreover, the Sunshine Tree Terrace is also known for its creatively themed souvenir cups and collectibles featuring the adorable Orange Bird, a charming character that has become an endearing symbol of this citrus paradise.

In conclusion, the Sunshine Tree Terrace is a citrus paradise tucked away in the heart of Adventureland. Whether you’re indulging in the zesty Citrus Swirl or savoring the tropical goodness of the Dole Whip, this charming spot promises a refreshing and memorable experience that embodies the magic of Disney and the joy of a sunny day in the tropics. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through Adventureland, don’t forget to stop by the Sunshine Tree Terrace to savor the sweetness of a citrus-filled adventure.