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.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach: A Frosty Oasis in the Florida Sun

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park offers visitors a whimsical and thrilling escape from the heat. With its unique story, winter wonderland ambiance, and a mix of exhilarating water attractions, Blizzard Beach provides a refreshing and entertaining adventure for all ages.

Blizzard Beach’s imaginative backstory centers around a freak snowstorm that hit the area, creating a mountainous landscape and transforming the area into a winter paradise. The park’s design incorporates elements such as melting snow, ski lifts, and frosty décor to immerse visitors in this charming winter setting.

Blizzard Beach offers a wide variety of water attractions suitable for visitors of all ages and levels of bravery. Here are some of the park’s most popular offerings:

  1. Summit Plummet: This iconic waterslide features one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world, providing an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers.
  2. Teamboat Springs: A family-friendly raft ride that accommodates up to six riders, offering a winding, high-speed adventure through the snow-capped mountain.
  3. Toboggan Racers: A racing slide where guests can race against each other in side-by-side lanes, experiencing a friendly competition.
  4. Melt-Away Bay: The park’s scenic wave pool, where visitors can relax in the gently rolling waves or sunbathe on the sandy shores.
  5. Cross Country Creek: A relaxing lazy river that takes guests on a leisurely journey around the water park, allowing them to enjoy the snowy landscape and lush surroundings.

In addition to its thrilling water attractions, Blizzard Beach offers lessons for skiing and snowboarding on a practice slope designed for beginners. The park’s mini ski resort gives visitors the unique opportunity to learn or practice these winter sports in a Florida water park.

Blizzard Beach provides guests with live entertainment, including dance parties, water games, and opportunities to meet beloved Disney characters who appear in their winter-themed attire. These interactions add a touch of Disney magic and make for memorable moments during your visit.

Visitors to Blizzard Beach have access to amenities like rental lockers, towels, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Dining options include quick-service locations offering a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages. Lottawatta Lodge, the park’s main restaurant, serves up a mix of delicious meals to fuel your day of fun.

For those looking to relax, Blizzard Beach offers plenty of options. The white sandy beaches surrounding the wave pool and lagoon provide excellent spots to soak up the sun or find some shade under an umbrella. The park also offers private Polar Patios, which come with a personal attendant, food delivery, and reserved seating for an elevated VIP experience.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is a frosty oasis that offers a refreshing and entertaining escape from the Florida sun. Whether you’re seeking thrilling water slides, relaxation by the wave pool, or encounters with beloved Disney characters, Blizzard Beach has something for everyone. With its imaginative backstory, thematic design, and a wide range of attractions, Blizzard Beach promises to create cherished memories for visitors of all ages. So, pack your swimwear, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and prepare to chill out at Blizzard Beach during your Walt Disney World vacation.

Disney Reveals New Food Offerings for Jollywood Nights

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host a brand new nighttime party, Disney Jollywood Nights, on ten select evenings from Nov 11-Dec. 20, 2023, this festive season. The separately ticketed event, which takes place 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., invites guests to experience a glamorous evening full of merry mashups, delicious tastes and sips, iconic throwback characters, and a holiday vibe full of glitz and sparkle. Disney has released the foodie guide for items that will be available for purchase during the party.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Grab your best Hollywood glam and appetite because Disney Jollywood Nights is less than a month away from kicking off its first night! This brand-new holiday extravaganza is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on 10 select nights Nov. 11 through Dec. 20 and is filled with plenty of festive fun.

This new nighttime soiree will feature plenty of swanky spots for you to enjoy like the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle over in Commissary Lane. The streets will be filled with Latin holiday tunes, colorful décor, and plenty of eats and sips inspired by Latin holiday traditions for a vibrant and lively party. Or experience Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby as the restaurant transforms into a smooth jazz joint, playing holiday tunes amidst sparkling décor. Here, you can sip craft cocktails and indulge in an exclusive menu of light bites while enjoying the music and ambiance of this classy establishment. You can even drop by the dazzling Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club, a swingin’ soiree in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel. A live band will be bringing the fun with holiday tunes in jukebox style as you sip on fancy cocktails.

While you’re at all of these locations and the others scattered throughout the park, you’ll be able to indulge in tasty delights that will light up your taste buds with holiday spirit (and flavor). From the delicious Holiday Turkey Popover at Fairfax Fare to the lovely Tiramisù Puff at PizzeRizzo, and even sweet sips like the Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa from Dockside Diner, this new event has something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season!

And don’t forget about the thrilling entertainment going on too! Be sure to check out the can’t-miss musical variety show featuring some of your favorites, like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and the seasonal nighttime spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” To make the night even more festive, we’d suggest wearing your holiday best with an old Hollywood flair.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see all the tasty eats and sips coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season. I’m pleased to present to you the official Foodie Guide to the first-ever Disney Jollywood Nights!

Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary

  • Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn: Chicken empanadas served with a side of street corn salad topped with chili peppers, lime, and cotija cheese
  • Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried pork belly, yuca, red pickled onions, and chili pepper-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli
  • Mushroom Taco: Chili-roasted Mixed mushrooms, avocado crema, baby gem lettuce, and garnished with sliced radish (Plant-based Item)
  • Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with beef consommé for dipping
  • Tembleque: Coconut rice pudding with caramel rum sauce and cinnamon
  • Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Spiced chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie base topped with vanilla whipped cream and cocoa powder with a chocolate handle
  • Mangonada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili pepper-lime sauce and chili pepper-lime seasoning on top (Non-alcoholic)
  • Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, coconut, pineapple, and lime
  • Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange

Baseline Taphouse

  • Tuna Ceviche: Marinated ahi tuna, pico de gallo, and avocado cream topped with cilantro
  • Charcuterie Cup: Manchego, chorizo, serrano ham, pickled vegetables, olives, and toasted focaccia bread
  • Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner over Ice

Dockside Diner

  • Spicy Pimento-Kimchi Dip topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips
  • Roasted Eggplant Dip topped with chives and served with warm pita bread (Plant-based Item)
  • Poutine Tots: Potato barrels topped with gravy, brisket, mozzarella curds, and chives
  • Christmas Tree Cookie Stack: Vanilla cookie stack filled with pistachio buttercream, cranberry, and raspberry jam topped with sprinkles and a yellow candy star
  • Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”-inspired dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
  • Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries

Epic Eats

  • Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled vegetables served on a mini funnel cake
  • Brisket Reuben Funnel Cake: Beef brisket and sauerkraut slaw topped with thousand island dressing served on a mini funnel cake
  • S’mores Funnel Cake: Giant roasted marshmallow with chocolate and marshmallow sauce, topped with chocolate curls and cinnamon cereal served on a mini funnel cake
  • Samuel Adams Winter Lager: Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a deep flavor and malty finish

Fairfax Fare

  • Holiday Turkey Popover: Roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy, cranberry chutney, and chives in a house-made popover
  • ‘Just the Sides’ Popover: Macaroni & cheese and savory collard greens with ham topped with cornbread crumbs in a house-made popover
  • PB&J Doughnut: Glazed doughnut with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly dipped in dark chocolate topped with crushed house-made salt and vinegar chips
  • Kermit’s Frozen Banana Bliss: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkle (Non-alcoholic)
  • Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves

Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction

  • Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing (Also available with mint soft-serve)

Market

  • Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles
  • Frozone’s Snowball Macaroons: Coconut macaroons drizzled with blue vanilla frosting and topped with white snowflake sprinkles
  • Spiced Apple Cider: Apple cider and cinnamon with an apple chip garnish (Non-alcoholic)
  • Zero-Proof Apple Cider: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, apple cider, Angostura Bitters, and cinnamon topped with an apple chip and cinnamon rim
  • In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon

PizzeRizzo

  • Meatball and Polenta: Giant meatball with marinara and creamy cheese polenta
  • Olive and Goat Cheese Flatbread: Olive oil-toasted flatbread, creamy goat cheese, rustic olive and tomato spread, balsamic glaze, and lemon watercress
  • Antipasto Flatbread: Fresh mozzarella, salami, peperoni, country ham, olives, peppers, onions, pepperoncini, and marinara
  • Tiramisù Puff: Sweet-and-savory with flavors of espresso, chocolate, and a coffee-infused custard and mascarpone cream
  • Benvolio Pinot Grigio
  • Banfi Chianti Superiore
  • Peroni Nastro Azzuro Lager Draft
  • Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Lager

Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club

  • The 5th Dimension Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, desert pear, agave nectar, and lime juice topped with Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut and garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel
  • Twilight Daiquiri: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, ube, lime juice, and a splash of shimmer
  • Sparkling Pomegranate-Apple Cider: Pomegranate-green tea topped with sparkling apple cider and pomegranate seeds
  • Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut

The Trolley Car Café

  • Ornament Mousse: Dark chocolate-cherry mousse

Outdoor Vending Locations

  • Gingerbread Bites (Plant-based Item)

Bar Locations

  • Zero-Proof Gingerbread Spritzer: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, gingerbread syrup, and club soda garnished with a gingerbread bite
  • Sugar Cookie Martini: Stoli Vanil Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, and DISARONNO Originale Liqueur mixed with milk and sugar in a sprinkle-rimmed glass with a sugar cookie garnish

Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby

  • Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar
  • Crispy Duck Drumettes: Spicy orange glaze, carrots, and kumquats
  • Charcuterie: House-made cured meats and accompaniments, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough
  • Shrimp Cocktail: Classic cocktail sauce, citrus pearls, avocado mousse
  • Derby Slider: Bison and pork belly blend, taleggio cheese sauce, and fig stout jam
  • Tuna Carpaccio: Mezcal pickled vegetables, salsa macha, and avocado crema
  • Pork Belly Bao: Korean BBQ, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
  • Tofu Bao: Seared tofu, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
  • An assortment of classic cocktails, zero-proof and non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer

To experience the festive fun of Jazzy Holidays at The Holiday Brown Derby, you can request to join the walk-up waitlist on the My Disney Experience app. Learn more here!

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

  • Tinseltown Tini: Toast to holiday cheer with this cold brew coffee topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka, a hint of light cream, and a dash of whipped cream with cocoa (Available at the location near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror)
  • Round ‘Em Up Latte: A merry blend of espresso, cookie butter syrup, dulce de leche sauce, and milk topped with fluffy whipped cream, playful animal crackers, and festive sprinkles; available hot or iced (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (Available at the location in Toy Story Land)

Wow! What a tasty line-up coming to this brand-new event. I sure am hungry (and excited). You can purchase tickets to Disney Jollywood Nights here and try all of these delicious items for yourself.

Typhoon Lagoon: A Tropical Oasis of Fun and Adventure

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Within the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park stands as a sun-soaked paradise for visitors of all ages. With its thrilling water attractions, serene tropical ambiance, and a touch of Disney magic, Typhoon Lagoon is a refreshing and exciting escape from the Florida heat.

Typhoon Lagoon’s unique story revolves around a fictional tropical paradise struck by a massive typhoon. The aftermath of the storm left behind a water park filled with thrilling waterslides, serene beaches, and a picturesque lagoon. The park’s thematic design reflects the remnants of the typhoon, with surfboards, boats, and other nautical elements scattered throughout, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery.

Typhoon Lagoon boasts a wide array of water attractions suitable for visitors of all ages and thrill levels. Here are some of the park’s most popular offerings:

  1. Miss Adventure Falls: This family-friendly raft ride takes you on a journey to uncover the treasures of the park’s “Miss Fortune,” a stranded oceanographer.
  2. Crush ‘n’ Gusher: A unique water coaster that propels you uphill and down thrilling twists and turns on a high-speed adventure.
  3. Ketchakiddee Creek: A water play area designed for young children, complete with small slides, fountains, and interactive water features.
  4. Castaway Creek: A relaxing lazy river that winds its way through the park, allowing guests to float leisurely through the tropical landscape.
  5. Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet: The park’s iconic waterslide, which boasts one of the tallest, fastest free-fall body slides in the world.

One of the standout features of Typhoon Lagoon is the park’s unique surfing experience. The massive wave pool, known as Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, creates perfect six-foot waves for visitors to surf or bodyboard. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a first-time wave rider, this attraction provides an unforgettable experience for guests looking to catch some waves.

Typhoon Lagoon offers a variety of live entertainment options, including dance parties, beachside performances, and the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters in their tropical attire. Whether you’re dancing to the rhythm of the island or capturing magical moments with Mickey and friends, these experiences add a touch of Disney enchantment to your day at the water park.

Typhoon Lagoon provides guests with amenities such as rental lockers, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and a convenient gift shop for all your water park essentials. Dining options include a variety of choices, from quick-service locations offering snacks and refreshing beverages to full-service restaurants like Leaning Palms, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a tropical twist.

For those seeking relaxation, Typhoon Lagoon offers plenty of options. The sandy beaches surrounding the wave pool and lagoon are perfect for lounging in the sun or finding a shady spot under a swaying palm tree. You can also rent a private cabana for a VIP experience, complete with personal attendants, a stocked cooler, and reserved seating.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a tropical oasis filled with fun and adventure. Whether you’re seeking thrilling water rides, serene relaxation, or the magic of Disney characters, this water park has something for everyone. With its unique storytelling, thematic design, and a variety of attractions, Typhoon Lagoon is a refreshing and exciting escape that promises cherished memories for visitors of all ages. So, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and make a splash at Typhoon Lagoon during your Walt Disney World vacation.

New EPCOT Map Debuts Featuring Journey of Water Inspired by Moana for Attraction’s Grand Opening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Today, October 16, 2023, is the grand opening of Journey of Water Inspired of Moana, and a new EPCOT map has debuted featuring the latest attraction.

It was added to the My Disney Experience app yesterday evening.

EPCOT Map Featuring Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

Te Fiti is featured on the cover.

The map describes Journey of Water Inspired by Moana with “Stroll along an interactive outdoor trail and explore the wonders of water.”

Art representing the attraction has also been added. A Mickey head, representing a character greeting, has also been added for the Moana meet and greet.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana

The walkthrough serves as an educational experience in addition to acting as an immersive and entertaining adventure, in some ways ringing true to EPCOT Center’s original goal of offering attractions that both inform and entertain.

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana 09012023 6

Guests learn more about the intricacies of the water cycle as it’s illustrated on the initial sign throughout the rest of the attraction. Each part of the water cycle — rain, stream, wetland, spring, land, lake, river, ocean, and sky — serves as a themed section of the attraction, each part containing descriptive signage that explains that aspect’s importance.