Hurricane Ian sets its eye on West Coast and Central Florida

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September 27, 2022

Hurricane Ian sets its eye on West Coast and Central Florida

In the most recent update from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian looks to be heading straight towards the West Coast and Central Florida.

Hurricane Ian continued to rapidly intensify through early Tuesday morning, strengthening into a major Category 3 hurricane as it approached Cuba.

It is expected to move west of the Florida Keys later Tuesday and head for the west coast and central Florida as a major hurricane by Wednesday night.

At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Hurricane Ian was located by NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft, Cuban and Key West radar data near latitude 22.6 North, longitude 83.6 West. Ian is moving toward the north near 12 mph (19 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue
today. A turn toward the north-northeast with a reduction in forwarding speed is forecast tonight and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Ian is expected to emerge over the southeastern The Gulf of Mexico in a couple of hours, pass west of the Florida Keys later today, and approach the west coast of Florida within the hurricane warning area on Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Maximum sustained winds are estimated near 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts. Ian is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Little change in strength is expected while Ian moves over Cuba. Strengthening is expected later this morning after Ian emerges over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Ian is forecast to approach the west coast of Florida as a 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 115 miles (185 km).

If you haven’t been keeping an eye on all of the Hurricane Ian news here is a roundup of the latest:

As always for the most up-to-date coverage visit the National Hurricane Center Website.

Universal Orlando shares update on Hurricane Ian

By

Chip

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September 27, 2022

Universal Orlando shares update on Hurricane Ian

Following the Hurricane Update from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando has also issued a statement for Hurricane Ian which looks to be heading for Central Florida.

Here are the details as of right now. Please note as Hurricane Ian gets closer these will likely change.

As of now our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please follow us here or check our website for updates.

WEATHER ALERT – As of now our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please follow us here on Twitter or check our website for updates. https://t.co/ilZjv4lT2Y pic.twitter.com/QrJj78a3IK
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) September 26, 2022

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations™ Severe Weather Policy
While an incredible vacation awaits at Universal Orlando Resort™, unfortunately, we can’t make guarantees about the weather, but your travel plans can still be stress-free. In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed. If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines.

If you have purchased Universal Orlando products and services through third-party suppliers, travel agents, or tour operators please contact them directly for information regarding their cancellation or change policies and procedures. The policy does not apply to certain special events, dining experiences, or group-related bookings.

We want you to feel safe and will work with you directly to best accommodate your needs. If you have additional questions or need to change or cancel your travel plans, please contact a member of our Guest Contact Center team by calling 877-801-9720.

Terms & Conditions:

If you have purchased Universal Orlando products and services through third-party suppliers, travel agents, or tour operators please contact them directly for information regarding their cancellation or change policies and procedures.
Waiver of penalties for cancellation or change applies to hotel accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets when booked through Universal Orlando including when purchased as part of a Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package.
Please note that this policy does not apply to hotel reservations, whether booked as room only or as part of a vacation package, when made after a Hurricane or Tropical Storm warning has been issued or a state of emergency is declared for either Orlando or your place of residence.
Availability of the same accommodations and room rates cannot be guaranteed for rescheduled vacation dates.
If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines.
The policy does not apply to certain group-related bookings including special events. Guests with group rates must contact their respective meeting/group planner directly for cancellation policy.
Guests calling to cancel or modify bookings must be 18 years of age or older.
If you have purchased a Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations package via travel financing with Uplift you will not be charged interest as a result of a canceled vacation due to a hurricane or tropical storm.

For more information visit the Universal Orlando website.

2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Food Booths Announced

By

Chip

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September 27, 2022

2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Food Booths Announced

Indulge in the flavors of the season with scrumptious bites and merry libations at the 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth––from November 25th through December 30th, 2022!

The Holiday Kitchens have been announced for 2022 with many returning favorites and one all-new food booth, this fan-favorite event is one you won’t want to miss.

A Taste of the Holidays for Everyone!

Take a stroll around the world and sample tasty treats from holiday kitchens celebrating the most magical time of the year.

American Holiday Table – American Adventure Pavilion
Enjoy a seasonal salute—dig into traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking at the American Adventure Pavilion.

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Pavilion
Willkommen—help yourself to heartwarming holiday dishes and refreshing beverages at the Germany Pavilion.

Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
Join in on the festivities when you visit this new location offering cinnamon-glazed nuts and holiday beverages.

The Donut Box – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
Enjoy a classic dessert dressed up in a little holiday cheer when you try one of our seasonally-themed donuts!

Holiday Hearth Desserts – The Odyssey Pavilion
Discover the hearth you’ll call home, with holly jolly desserts, hot cocoa and so much more.

Holiday Sweets & Treats – Near Port of Entry
Rock around the Christmas tree with tasty desserts and festive sips sure to top the “nice” list.

L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen – Between Morocco and France Pavilions
Propose a toast to life—sink your teeth into classic deli noshes with a side of New York flair.

Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico Pavilion
Feliz Navidad—celebrate with mariachi dancing and south-of-the-border fare at the Mexico Pavilion!

Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen – France Pavilion
Feast on très magnifique fare, wine and specialty cocktails from the France Pavilion.

Mele Kalikimaka – Near Port of Entry
Savor the flavor of fabulous, festive food and beverages from the islands of Hawai‘i.

Nochebuena Cocina – Near Port of Entry – NEW!
Delight in a delicious plant-based offering while celebrating the happiest season of the year!

Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China Pavilion
Have yourself a merry little meal—tempt taste buds with popular plates and potables from the China Pavilion!

Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan Pavilion
Please your palate with an array of festive dishes and drinks served at the Japan Pavilion.

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion
Travel to the Morocco Pavilion for delicious kebabs and cocktails.

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy Pavilion
Mangiare—savor a seasonal take on some of the world’s best-loved food and beverages at the Italy Pavilion!

Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion
Jingle your bells with delightful dishes and libations from the Great White North—at the Canada Pavilion.

Additional Locations

Funnel Cake – Between the American Adventure Pavilion
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a new holiday classic: Sweet Potato Casserole Funnel Cake.

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Throughout EPCOT
Salute the season with the usual selection of coffees, plus a tasty holiday-themed treat!

Refreshment Outpost – Between the China and Germany Pavilions
Chow down on this year’s holiday surprise: Peanut Stew with sweet potatoes, mustard greens and roasted peanuts. (Sorry, guess it’s not a surprise now.)

Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Savor the flavor of holiday poutine and toast the season with specials like Coquito Soft-serve, also available with Spiced Rum.

Don’t forget to check out the Holiday Cookie Stroll which will be returning once again to the Festival of the Holidays!

New Disneyland Magic Key Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket

By

Sara

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September 27, 2022

New Disneyland Magic Key Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket

A new Magic Key Mickey Balloon popcorn bucket is available at Disneyland! This new Magic Key exclusive popcorn bucket is so shiny and cute!

The Mickey Balloon popcorn bucket is a shiny metallic hot pink with gold ears. The logo “Magic Key Disneyland Resort” can be seen on the front of the bucket. It also comes with a strap for easy carrying.

This is the second Magic Key exclusive popcorn bucket that has been released at Disneyland. The first one was released in September 2021.

This new popcorn bucket is $18.25 and comes with a fill of popcorn when purchased. You must present a valid Magic Key Pass in order to purchase.

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Will you be adding this adorable popcorn bucket to your collection?

If you’d like to visit Disneyland, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

2 Disney World Rides win Golden Ticket Award

By

Sara

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September 27, 2022

2 Disney World Rides win Golden Ticket Award

Two Walt Disney World rides have won Golden Ticket Awards! The Golden Ticket Awards, presented by Amusement Today, have recognized top experiences across the theme park industry for the last twenty years. This year, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance both won!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind won Best New Attraction Installation, while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance took home Best Dark Ride for the second year in a row. Cast members from both attractions stepped into the limelight to accept the awards on behalf of the company.

“It’s an honor to be awarded Best Dark Ride for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance,” said Jackie Swisher, Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “Through a mix of world-class, innovative technology and only-at-Disney storytelling, I’m proud we help guests live their own Star Wars story every day as members of the Resistance or the First Order all throughout the immersive land of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!”

At EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the latest fun to debut as part of the park’s historic transformation. Kartika Rodriguez, Vice President of EPCOT, said she is delighted that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind won Best New Attraction Installation.

“Opening this attraction in summer of 2022 was a pivotal moment in the overall transformation of EPCOT and the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World, and I am proud to see its excellence recognized,” she said. “From the planet Xandar to our own home planet, Terra, only Disney could tell a story as thrilling and groundbreaking as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.”

And don’t forget – keep your hands, arms, feet and legs inside your vehicle, because it’s about to be an excellent ride!

If you’d like to head to Disney World to experience these thrilling rides, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

Disney Adds Additional $1 Million Donation to 12 Central Florida Nonprofits

By

Sara

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September 27, 2022

Disney Adds Additional $1 Million Donation to 12 Central Florida Nonprofits

The Walt Disney Company has a long history of giving back to local communities and donating to charities. Now, Disney is taking that commitment one step further with an additional $1 million donation to 12 local Central Florida nonprofits! That brings the total to $5.5 million that Disney has contributed to important community causes over the past year alone during The World’s Most Magical Celebration.

Disney also recently reached an incredible milestone with the Disney VoluntEARS program – Disney’s cast members have dedicated more than 158,000 hours of their time to community projects since the start of the 50th Anniversary celebration.

In true Disney fashion, Cast Members commemorated this moment with an EARidescent Celebration, honoring the many people making a big difference in Central Florida.

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At Disney, they’re also finding other creative ways to give back – from earmarking nearly 80 acres of land for affordable housing, inviting aspiring students to Walt Disney World for hands-on learning opportunities with cast members, and giving community members the first chance to visit some of the newest Disney experiences like Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

The Walt Disney Company has a long history of strengthening the communities Disney calls home. In fact, both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort recently announced significant donations to the local community food banks, totaling more than $300,000.

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

Tim Allen’s Santa Returns in The Santa Clauses in first look

By

Kevin Koszola

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September 26, 2022

Tim Allen's Santa Returns in The Santa Clauses in first look

In less than two months, Disney+ subscribers will see the return of Tim Allen as Santa Claus!

Tim Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell will reprise their roles as Santa Claus (Scott Calvin) and Mrs. Claus (Carol) with new cast joining the Disney+ Original Series. Austin Kane and Elizabeth Allen Dick (Fun fact: Elizabeth is also Tim Allen’s real-life daughter) join the cast playing the roles of Cal and Grace, the two children of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The story finds Scott looking to move his North Pole-born children to Chicago so they can learn what the real world is like. Tim Allen says the familial connection with his actual daughter helped him access the emotions of this story.

“As I walked on set for the first time in the full regalia, everybody got very quiet, both adults and kids,” Allen told EW, which shared new images from The Santa Clauses. “When I show up dressed in the full suit and everything else, there’s big smiles on people’s faces. Little kids are quiet. I had totally forgotten that. It does feel like Santa’s in the room.”

In addition to the Calvin family, Kal Penn joins the cast of “The Santa Clauses” playing Simon Choski, a single father, ambitious game inventor and product developer whose visit to the North Pole makes a big impact on the direction of his life. He’s joined by Rupali Redd playing the role of Grace, his angelic daughter with a love for Santa and all things Christmas.

And where would Santa be without his elves? Devin Bright joins the cast as Noel, Santa’s trusted right-hand elf, along with Matilda Lawler as Betty, Santa’s demanding Chief of Staff and job-oriented Elf.

“The Santa Clauses” is set some time after the events of “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” and picks up with Scott Calvin on the brink of his 65^th birthday. Realizing he can’t be Santa forever as he suddenly starts to lose his Santa magic, he sets out to find a suitable replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in a life south of the North Pole.

Allen won a People’s Choice Award for his portrayal of Scott Calvin, Santa Claus’s proxy, complete with expanding waistline, rosy cheeks and snow-white whiskers in the 1994 film “The Santa Clause.”. He went on to play the role in two sequels, both hugely popular movies, 2002’s “The Santa Clause 2” and 2006’s “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.”

The first two episodes of The Santa Clauses premiere Nov. 16 on Disney+.

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

Photo Credit: Entertainment Weekly

Disney replaces Iconic Walt’s Apartment Lamp in Disneyland

By

Sara

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September 26, 2022

Disney replaces Iconic Walt’s Apartment Lamp in Disneyland

Guests who visit Disneyland can see the window of Walt Disney’s personal apartment above the Disneyland Fire Department. A lamp has sat in front of that window for years and Disney has recently replaced the lamp.

The new lamp more closely resembles the original lamp Walt had in the window. The lamp it replaced was not the original lamp.

Disney legend says that when the lamp was on, cast members and guests knew Walt was at the park. Since Walt passed away, the lamp has been left on to symbolize his presence in the park. You can see the original lamp in the photo below:

I had the opportunity to take the Walt in Walt Disney’s Disneyland Footsteps tour in early 2020 and see Walt’s apartment in person. As part of the tour, I was able to get a picture looking out the window onto Main Street U.S.A. This is the lamp that was recently replaced:

The new lamp is a round ball with a floral pattern. It looks a lot closer to the original lamp.

The New Lamp in
Walt’s Apartment. #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/16JeG9oZOl
— 33_Wonderland (@33_Wonderland) September 19, 2022

What do you think of the new lamp?

If you’d like to visit Disneyland to see the lamp in person, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

The Muppets pay tribute to the late Jim Henson on his birthday

By

Kevin Koszola

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September 26, 2022

The Muppets pay tribute to the late Jim Henson on his birthday

Over the weekend, Muppet fans around the world honored the 86th birthday of innovative and inspiring puppeteer, director, and producer Jim Henson.

Even the official social media account for “The Muppets” paid tribute to the creator.

The video shared by the account featured Rowlf, one of the original Muppets built and performed by Henson many years before The Muppet Show revolutionized puppets on TV and film forever, who invited everyone to join in a rendition of Happy Birthday in celebration of the beloved puppet master. The video was captioned, “Today we celebrate our friend Jim Henson, who was born September 24, 1936. Sing along with Rowlf and join all of us Muppets as we wish Jim a very happy birthday!”

Today we celebrate our friend Jim Henson, who was born September 24, 1936. Sing along with Rowlf and join all of us Muppets as we wish Jim a very happy birthday! pic.twitter.com/KZf7MOepL6
— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) September 24, 2022

Born September 24, 1936, Jim spent his early years in Leland, MS and then later moved to Maryland. There, he experimented with a variety of artistic techniques that led him to the newest visual media, television. In 1954, while still in high school, Jim began his television career performing puppets on a local Washington, DC Saturday morning program. The following year, as a freshman at the University of Maryland, he was given his own twice-daily, five-minute show, Sam and Friends, on the local NBC affiliate where, along with fellow student and future wife, Jane Nebel, he introduced many Muppet mainstays – music, irreverent humor, innovative technical tricks, and the world’s most famous frog, Kermit.

Jim’s last project was MuppetVision 3*D, a short multi-media film and interactive attraction, which he directed, and which currently runs at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world." -Jim Henson

Happy birthday, Jim. pic.twitter.com/ECZwDJx1cz
— Fraggle Rock (@FraggleRock) September 24, 2022

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

Safety Netting added to Tron Lightcycle Run Canopy

By

Greg Gately

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September 26, 2022

Safety Netting added to Tron Lightcycle Run Canopy. Recently announced opening time frame of Spring of 2023, construction continues on the newest Disney Roller Coaster. Safety is always Disney’s top priority for guests, and crews have been busy installing safety netting under the outside tracks of Tron Lightcycle/ Run.

We are fine waiting a few extra months now so that we can see exactly what the Disney Construction crews are doing. We can now see some of the safety precautions they are installing with Safety Netting that will protect guests from falling things, like Ears, Hats, glasses, and phones. No clue how guests might retrieve these items if they fall off, but at least the guests on the ground will be safe.

LIMIT: NOT FOUND_

Lean forward into the ultimate race of survival! Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in an epic quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement.

Climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory—so you can survive to race another day.

Scheduled to open in Spring 2023, TRON Lightcycle / Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

From the Big Screen to the Theme Park

In 1982, Disney made filmmaking history with TRON, the first production of its kind to mix live action with computer-generated visuals and backlit animation. This iconic film went on to inspire video games, comic books, an animated series, and the 2010 sequel TRON: Legacy—as well as this new Disney theme park attraction.

Safety Netting added to Tron

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Avatar Re-Release Tops weekend box office with $30 Million

By

Kevin Koszola

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September 26, 2022

The long-awaited sequel to James Cameron’s 2009 Avatar movie will be hitting theaters this year. However, eager movie goers are given a limited-time opportunity to watch the first Avatar in theaters again!

James Cameron’s “Avatar” landed a special theatrical re-release in a new 4K high dynamic range restoration on September 23 to remind audiences of the sprawling epic ahead of its sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” premiering December 16. The 2009 movie was certainly a visually epic experience for theaters when it first came out. In case you never saw the movie or plan to rewatch it, this is a great way to experience the movie in its 4K high dynamic range!

Over the weekend, Avatar added another $30.5 million to its lifetime box office total, with $10 million of that coming from North America and $20.5 million coming from international markets. Avatar is already the highest-grossing film of all time, meaning this is only adding to its record-setting gross.

James Cameron’s first follow-up to his “Avatar,” the highest-grossing film of all time, will open in theaters on December 16. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet. To whet audiences’ appetites, the studio has successfully re-released a 4K version of “Avatar” in theaters.

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

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Disney World shares update on Hurricane Ian

By

Sara

-

September 26, 2022

Disney World shares update on Hurricane Ian

We are currently in hurricane season for the south. As Hurricane Ian moves closer to Florida, Disney World has shared an update.

“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we prepare to make necessary adjustments based on the latest information from the National Weather Service. We continue to put the safety of our Cast Members and Guests first and will share updates as we monitor Hurricane Ian.

Current Updates:

Disney Resort Hotels: 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 since these locations will temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30 due to the weather. We are contacting Guests with current and upcoming reservations.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed).
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.
Reservations for Dining and Other Experiences: Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancelation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
We are currently monitoring weather conditions and will communicate any changes to park operating hours or special events at a later time.

The most up-to-date information about temporary closures and impacts will be available via the My Disney Experience app, DisneyWorld.com/Weather and the Disney Travel website.”

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World during those dates?

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