2022 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Entertainment Offerings Announced

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September 27, 2022

2022 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Entertainment Offerings Announced

The holidays are returning to Walt Disney World on November. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 25. The festival will offer merry décor and entertainment from around the world for guests of all ages!

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season

Experience the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa with the uplifting Gospel, R&B and holiday songs of the JOYFUL! ensemble.

Performances begin at 2:40 PM, 3:45 PM, 4:50 PM and 6:10 PM daily at World Showcase Plaza.

Storytellers

Throughout the holidays, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season.

Las Posadas Celebration – Mexico Pavilion

¡Feliz Navidad! Join the fun and pageantry of Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas and the music of Mariachi Cobre.Performance Details:

Sundays through Thursdays
11:05 AM, 12:05 PM, 1:05 PM, 3:05 PM, 4:10 PM and 5:15 PM
25-minute performances

A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa – Norway Pavilion

Celebrate the season with laughter as a mischievous Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller.Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:35 AM, 12:35 PM, 1:35 PM, 2:35PM, 4:35PM, 5:35 PM, 6:35 PM and 7:10 PM
15-minute performances

Chinese Lion Dancer – China Pavilion

Catch a glimpse of this colorful performance that brings good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New Year.Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
Noon, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
15-minute performances

La Befana – Italy Pavilion

Come hear the tale of La Befana, the kind-hearted witch who visits sleeping young children on the Eve of the Epiphany.Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:35 PM, 4:20 PM, 5:05 PM and 5:45 PM
15-minute performances

Santa Claus – The Odyssey Pavilion

Get ready for Christmas with Santa Claus now through December 24. Whether you know him as St. Nick, Père Noël or Father Christmas, a visit with jolly Santa Claus brings good cheer to the season.Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM
60-minute performances

Daruma Storyteller – Japan Pavilion

Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year!Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:20 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:40 PM, 3:20 PM, 4:20 PM, 5:05 PM, 5:50 PM and 6:35 PM
15-minute performances

Hanukkah Storyteller – Between Morocco and France Pavilions

Guests will discover an entertaining celebration of Hanukkah along World Showcase promenade, where a storyteller recounts traveling abroad to explore the diverse music and traditions of Hanukkah around the world. Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:45 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
15-minute performances

Père Noël – France Pavilion

Visit with Père Noël and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child.Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:10 PM, 12:50 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:30 PM and 5:15 PM
15-minute performances

Father Christmas – United Kingdom Pavilion

Join Father Christmas as he rings in the season, sharing the traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer.Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
15-minute performances

Canadian Holiday Voyageurs – Canada Pavilion

Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North with the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.Performance Details:

Sundays through Saturdays
11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:25 PM, 4:30 PM and 6:35 PM
20-minute performances

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Enjoy an array of sweet treats during the Holiday Cookie Stroll!

Purchase 5 cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations featured in your Festival Passport—and be sure to collect a matching stamp for each cookie purchased. Once you’ve collected 5 stamps, bring the stamped Passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats to receive a specialty treat!

This activity is fun for all ages and can be completed at your leisure between now and December 30, 2022.

Menu Items and Locations:

Nochebuena Cocina: Alfajores – Vanilla Shortbread Cookie with Dulce de Leche and Coconut
Yukon Holiday Kitchen: SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS® Bar pieces
L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen: Black and White Cookie (plant-based)
American Holiday Table: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen: Linzer Cookie
Holiday Hearth Desserts: Gingerbread Cookie
Sunshine Seasons: M&M’s® Sugar Cookie
Connections Café: Sugar Cookie

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Go on a festive quest throughout World Showcase hunting for holiday traditions that Olaf has gathered––and lost––along the way! Simply purchase your map and stickers from select Festival merchandise locations—including Creations Shop, Port of Entry and World Traveler at International Gateway.

Using the stickers on your map, mark the “tradition” Olaf has found in each pavilion. Whether you complete the expedition or not, you may bring your map to Creations or World Traveler at International Gateway to redeem your map for a special holiday keepsake! Redemption valid through December 31, 2022, or while supplies last.

Price: $9.99 plus tax

Also returning this holiday season is the Candlelight Processional. Hear the stirring story of Christmas presented by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by an orchestra and massed choir—nightly from November 25 to December 30.

Candlelight Narrators

Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas, recounting the biblical tale of a savior born in Bethlehem. Woven into the production are stirring songs of hope and joy performed by the orchestra and massed choir.

2022 Celebrity Narrators

You can see this show nightly at 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM or 8:30 PM at the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT.

2022 Schedule

Make a date to watch the following celebrities lend their voices to the Candlelight Processional:

Simu Liu
November 25 and 26, 2022
Edward James Olmos
November 27 through 29, 2022
Raul Esparza
November 30 and December 1, 2022
Whoopi Goldberg
December 2 and December 3, 2022
Isabella Rossellini
December 4 through December 6, 2022
Daymond John
December 7 and December 9, 2022
Josh Gad
December 10 through December 12, 2022
Gloria Estefan
December 13 and December 14, 2022
Neil Patrick Harris
December 15 through December 18, 2022
Mariska Hargitay
December 19 and December 20, 2022
Cal Ripken Jr.
December 21 through December 23, 2022
Marie Osmond
December 24 through December 26, 2022
Courtney Vance
December 27 and December 28, 2022
Angela Bassett
December 29 and December 30, 2022

What are you most looking forward to experiencing this holiday season at Epcot?

If you’d like to plan your holiday Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan your next magical vacation!

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Runtime Revealed

By

Kevin Koszola

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September 27, 2022

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Runtime Revealed

A recent report suggests that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could be the second-longest film in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A new listing on the website for Cineplex theaters puts the Ryan Coogler follow-up at two hours and 41 minutes long, a runtime that would make the sequel the longest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe outside of the Avengers franchise.

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livanalli.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres in theaters on November 11, 2022.

Come back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Disney World Hotels, Tickets, and Transportation Updates for Hurricane Ian

By

Sara

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September 27, 2022

Disney World Hotels, Tickets, and Transportation Updates for Hurricane Ian

Walt Disney World has provided guests with an update in regards to hotels, tickets, and transportation during Hurricane Ian.

Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks

Walt Disney World will temporarily close our theme parks on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29:

Magic Kingdom Park
EPCOT
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.)
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
Fantasia Gardens
Fairways Miniature Golf

Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a validity window impacted by closure due to Hurricane Ian will be automatically extended to allow use of the remaining unused ticket days through September 30, 2023. In order to enter a park, both a park reservation and valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

For the safety of our Guests and Cast Members, all Guests including our Disney Vacation Club Members must check in to our resorts on Sept. 28, by 3 p.m. Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Check in will not be accepted on Thurs Sept 29.

Guests that are checked in by 3 p.m. Wednesday will be asked to shelter in place at their resort for the duration of the storm, this includes any resort-to-resort transfers
Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.
Dining options for Guests staying in our Resort hotels will vary, and in some cases may be very limited. Where available, restaurants will accept walk-ups only; Guests will not need dining reservations.
Characters will not be available in character dining locations on Wednesday and Thursday
The Grand Floridian Spa will close at noon Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30 due to the weather. We are contacting Guests with current and upcoming reservations.

Dining, Enchanting Extras, and Special Events

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom has been cancelled for Thursday, Sept. 29.

Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have been cancelled Sept. 28 through Sept. 30 in light of the temporary closure of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically cancelled and refunded.

Transportation

Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating Tuesday night after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close.
Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be available to Walt Disney World resort Guests with existing breakfast reservations.

Other Walt Disney World Experiences

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages departing Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 29 have been cancelled due to the potential impact on the Guest experience. Guests with reservations for these dates are asked to please call (407) 939-5209 for help with modifying their plans.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. We anticipate Disney Springs will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 29, and will provide updates as we continue to track the storm.

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney will be cancelled on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday Sept 29.

Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.

If you are at Walt Disney World Resort during Hurricane Ian, stay safe!

New Green Mickey Mouse Starbucks Tumbler At Walt Disney World!

By

Ana Leal

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September 27, 2022

We found the new Green Mickey Mouse Starbucks Tumbler at Disney Springs!

The tumbler is very similar to the Starbucks tumblers Disney released for the 50th anniversary celebration in pink and blue. The design on this one is more classic with a pop of color that makes it a super fun option.

We love to see that Mickey Mouse is the star on this one! On one side it features the Walt Disney World logo with our favorite mouse and on the opposite side the Starbucks logo.

It features an all over geometric design in green that looks gorgeous in person. We found it at World of Disney in Disney Springs for $49.99. You can take a better look at this Green Mickey Mouse Starbucks Tumbler in the video on our instagram post:

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Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell’s Upcoming Christmas Movie Confirmed for November Release

By

Kevin Koszola

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September 27, 2022

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell's Upcoming Christmas Movie Confirmed for November Release

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell will be co-stars in a new Christmas movie this holiday season.

Several posters for the upcoming film were released online.

Spirited is a modern musical rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol featuring music by Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land and The Greatest Showman‘s Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Spirited will be led by Ryan Reynolds as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with Will Ferrell on board as Present aka the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Octavia Spencer, whose role has not yet been revealed. The rest of the cast includes the likes of Sunita Mani as Past, Aimee Carrero as Nora, Marlow Barkley as Wren, Jen Tullock as Wendy, P.J. Byrne as Mr. Alteli, and Joe Tippett.

Spirited will be released in both theaters and on Apple TV+. The film will premiere in theaters November 11th and hit Apple’s streaming service a week later on November 18th.

Come back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

Photo Credit: Apple TV+

Marvel’s Deadpool 3 Release Date Revealed with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

By

Kevin Koszola

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September 27, 2022

Marvel's Deadpool 3 Release Date Revealed with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

It’s finally happening! Ryan Reynolds has shared the announcement date for his upcoming Deadpool 3 film. Furthermore, he surprised his social media followers by revealing Hugh Jackman is returning as Wolverine for the film!

You can watch his announcement in the video below. Ryan Reynolds confirms a September 6th, 2024 release date for Deadpool’s third solo film.

Hard keeping my mouth sewn shut about this one. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/OdV7JmAkEu
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) September 27, 2022

A few months ago, leading actor and producer Ryan Reynolds shared a few updates regarding the future film. First, he confirms Blind Al actress Leslie Uggams is coming back for third Deadpool movie. Next, The Merc With The Mouth himself announced how Marvel Studios’ Deadpool 3 has found a director! Shawn Levy will reteam with Ryan Reynolds again after Free Guy by working as the director of the third installment of Deadpool. Kevin Feige did confirm the movie will have an R rating.

Due to Marvel’s well-known security protocols regarding future projects, Ryan Reynolds couldn’t really comment on the story’s progression, but it is amazing to hear Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is in the movie.

Deadpool 3 will release in theaters on September 6th, 2024.

Come back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Hurricane Warning Issued for Central Florida as Ian Approaches

By

Sara

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September 27, 2022

Hurricane Warning Issued for Central Florida as Ian Approaches

A hurricane warning has been issued for Central Florida as Hurricane Ian approaches. As of this evening, Hurricane Ian is a Category 3 storm. It is currently in the Gulf of Mexico.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Sumter County, and Osceola County.

Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for: Volusia County, Flagler County, Brevard County, and Marion County.

Hurricane Warnings have been issued for Polk, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

“A turn toward the north-northeast with a reduction in forward speed is forecast tonight and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Ian is expected to move over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico today, pass west of the Florida Keys later tonight, and approach the west coast of Florida within the hurricane warning area on Wednesday and Wednesday night. Maximum sustained winds remain near 120 mph with higher gusts. Ian is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Re-strengthening is expected later today through Wednesday. Ian is forecast to approach the west coast of Florida as an extremely dangerous major hurricane,” the National Hurricane Center said.

Disney World and Universal Orlando have also announced parks will be closed tomorrow.

New 50th Anniversary Tower of Terror Funko Pop

By

Greg Gately

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September 27, 2022

New 50th Anniversary Tower of Terror Funko Pop. Recently we have noticed Disney has not used the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror when describing any merchandise that has to do with the Tower. Instead, everything is called the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and this trend continues with the newest Funko.

Celebrate 50 years of magic at the Walt Disney World Resort by commemorating one of its most thrilling theme park attractions! The Pop! Town Tower of Terror with Mickey transports you to a moment frozen in time. Dressed as a Hollywood Tower Hotel bellhop, Pop! Mickey points the way to elevated fun should you choose to drop in. Who will take the ride of a lifetime in your Disney Parks collection?

The new Funko Pop comes with Hotel and a Gold Bellhop Mickey Mouse. We found it today at World of Disney in Disney Springs for $39.99

Tower of Terror Funko Pop

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Goofy DVC Billboard Now Complete

By

Greg Gately

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September 27, 2022

Goofy DVC Billboard Now Complete. The iconic Goofy driving a van with Pluto on the back sign that sits on the corner of Backstage Lane and E. Buena Vista Drive close to Epcot and Disney Springs has a new coat of paint and looks great.

Goofy and Pluto Disney Vacation Club Van survived the scare a few months ago when Disney was in the middle of sign-a-geddon. Disney took an inopportune time to decide to put up scaffolding and start this project. Fans were worried because a few days prior the Tower of Terror billboard was demolished, and word got out that the Entrance sign that is off RT535 was going to come down also.

The new paint job features the van being blue now instead of the red van that stood for years. Goofy and Pluto both look clean and new, and the luggage still sits on top of the vehicle. With the words “Stay Magical Year After Year”.

Goofy DVC Billboard

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Center Street Construction Project almost complete in the Magic Kingdom

By

Greg Gately

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September 27, 2022

Center Street Construction Project almost complete in the Magic Kingdom. in case you did not know, the small street right off Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom, is called Center Street. This is the home to the real entrance to the Pandora Store and Uptown Jewelers. This is where the Mickey Balloons and the cast members who sell them come in and out. It is also home to the sounds of the Dance Studio and is one of the best quiet spots to relax during the day.

That is when it is open. Right now Center Street is being refurbished. With all the bricks removed, Disney construction crews flatted the ground, replaced some of the curbings, and fixed some of the drainage issues.

Now it looks like the construction is almost done. With new concrete being laid down, and bricks being reinstalled. All this work is happening while the park is closed at night time so each morning when we walk in there is more and more work finished. With the bricks being laid down again, it should be finished very shortly.

Center Street Construction Project

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LEGOLAND Florida Closing Due to Hurricane Ian

By

Chip

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September 27, 2022

2011.07.06_LEGOLANDAAA_.jpg — POLK COUNTY, FL October 7, 2011 -- The public gets the first glimpse during AAA preview days at LEGOLAND® Florida, Central Florida's newest theme park. Opening October 15, 2011 just outside Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida will provide interactive entertainment for families with children ages 2-12 . (PHOTO/LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Chip Litherland).

LEGOLAND Florida Closing Due to Hurricane Ian

It has just been announced that LEGOLAND Florida will be closing on Wednesday, September 28th through Thursday, September 29th due to Hurricane Ian.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjA_YBHu3ru/

Wednesday’s + Thursday’s closure includes LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park, LEGOLAND® Water Park, and Peppa Pig Theme Park. During this time our hotels will remain open to guests with existing reservations.

Any tickets dated for Wed., Sept. 28 through this Sun., Oct. 2 will be automatically extended through Dec. 31, 2022. Vacation stays for this closure period will be able to be rebooked without penalty once our call center reopens.

To learn more about our hurricane policy, visit www.legoland.com/hurricane.

LEGOLAND Florida joins the list of Central Florida Theme Parks closing due to Hurricane Ian.

Walt Disney World Closing on Wednesday due to Hurricane Ian

By

Chip

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September 27, 2022

It has just been announced that given the latest projections for Hurricane Ian, Walt Disney World Theme Parks, and Waterpark will be closing on Wednesday, September 28th through Thursday, September 29th.

Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28th. We anticipate Disney Springs will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 29, and we will provide updates as we continue to track the storm.

We are monitoring weather conditions so we can make timely decisions for the safety of our Cast and Guests, including when it’s safe for the Cast to return to Walt Disney World to prepare for the reopening.

Related – Disney Springs prepares for Hurricane Ian

Walt Disney World Closing on Wednesday due to Hurricane Ian

Within the past hour, all central Orlando Area theme parks and airports announced they would be closed for the next couple of days due to Hurricane Ian.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages departing Tuesday, Sept. 27, and Thursday, Sept. 29 have also been canceled due to Hurricane Ian.

Here is the latest on Hurricane Ian from the National Hurricane Center.

At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the center of Hurricane Ian was located at latitude 23.5 North, longitude 83.3 West. Ian is moving toward the north near 10 mph (17 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue today. A turn toward the north-northeast with a reduction in forward speed is forecast tonight and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Ian is expected to move over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico today, pass west of the Florida Keys later tonight, and approach the west coast of Florida within the hurricane warning area on Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Ian is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Re-strengthening is expected
later today through Wednesday. Ian is forecast to approach the west coast of Florida as an extremely dangerous major hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from
the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).