Universal Orlando Announces More Closures Due to Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene’s impending arrival has prompted Universal Orlando Resort to implement several operational changes for Thursday, September 26th, prioritizing the safety of its guests and staff.
Here are the details:
Due to Hurricane Helene, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Thursday, Sept. 26:
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled.
Universal Volcano Bay is closed.
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times – with Universal Studios closing at 5 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 p.m.
Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 p.m.
Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
We anticipate a full reopening of our resort including Halloween Horror Nights on Friday, Sept. 27.
If you have a Halloween Horror Nights single night dated ticket for Thursday, Sept. 26 it will be automatically honored for a single night use through Sunday, Sept. 29. All other HHN ticket questions can be directed to our Guest Contact Center team by calling 800-711-0080.
Gideon’s Bakehouse Unveils Enchanting ‘Nosfère’ Secret Slice for a Limited Time
Just in time for the spookiest season, Gideon’s Bakehouse is tempting taste buds with a darkly romantic and hauntingly delicious Secret Slice, inspired by the alluring beauty of Nosfère.
Available at both their Disney Springs and East End Market locations, this exclusive creation features a decadent Black Cocoa Cake layered with a delightfully flavorful Strawberry Reduction Buttercream. Its visually stunning “dripping blood” design adds an extra touch of gothic allure, making it the perfect treat for a gloomy, stormy day.
As with all Gideon’s Secret Slices, this one-and-done cake is a limited-time offering, never to be made again. These exclusive treats are typically not on display, reserved for those in the know. To secure a slice, simply share your favorite love ballad at checkout – or, for extra brownie points (or should we say, cookie points?), sing it!
Due to its limited availability, Gideon’s Bakehouse requests a maximum of two slices per person. So, hurry in and indulge in this unique and darkly romantic dessert before it vanishes into the night!
Walt Disney World has made a splash with a recent change to its hotel amenities. After covering up the old H2O+ logos on bottles, Disney has now replaced them entirely with new, Mickey-themed designs.
The switch comes after Pola Orbis Holdings, LLC discontinued the H2O+ brand in 2022. To ensure a seamless transition, Disney purchased the product formulas and continued to produce the popular hair and skincare items.
The new bottles feature a sleek, modern look with Mickey-shaped filigree framing the product names: Sea Salt Body Wash, Sea Marine Conditioner, and Sea Marine Shampoo. The labels are color-coded in yellow, white, and green, respectively.
While the bottles themselves have been replaced, the convenient wall-mounted dispensers remain, allowing housekeeping Cast Members to refill them as needed.
Disney Cruise Line has also followed suit, introducing new H2O+ bottles with the iconic Mickey head icon.
The H2O+ brand has been a staple in Disney resort hotel rooms and Disney Cruise Line staterooms since 2006. In addition to shower products, the line has included soaps and lotions.
So, the next time you stay at a Disney hotel or embark on a Disney Cruise, be sure to check out the new H2O+ bottles. They’re a stylish and refreshing addition to your stay!
Exciting changes are taking shape around Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated Epic Universe, with the development of a new raised traffic circle making headlines. Reporting from clickorlando.com provides updates on construction on this elevated circle, which is a key piece of the Kirkman Road extension project designed to connect Universal’s existing resort campus to its fourth theme park. As Epic Universe moves closer to its 2025 opening, this new infrastructure promises to streamline transportation for guests and workers alike.
The 1.7-mile Kirkman Road extension, which stretches from Carrier Drive through Sand Lake Road to Universal Boulevard, will feature multiple lanes, including an innovative system that dedicates one half of the circle to vehicle traffic and the other half to dedicated bus routes. The existing road and interchanges are being modified to ensure a single interchange at the area of the circle, along with adding dedicated bus lanes between the two-way traffic lanes.
TikTok user streetcraft released an excellent animation that demonstrates how the new interchange and updated road construction will work:
John McReynolds, Universal’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs, spoke about the importance of this project during a recent luncheon with the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighting Ihow the new road will be a “world-class thoroughfare” that will become a regional landmark.
With completion scheduled for the end of 2024, the Kirkman Road extension and raised traffic circle are expected to be fully operational just ahead of the early 2025 opening dates for the Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts.
In addition to the road expansion, Universal is also working on a future SunRail connection to Epic Universe. The Sunshine Corridor Program aims to link Orlando International Airport to the theme park, providing a convenient commuter rail option for both park visitors and the nearly 100,000 workers along International Drive, including those employed at Epic Universe.
The new raised traffic circle, bus lanes, and potential SunRail connection are setting the stage for a seamless guest experience at Universal’s next great destination. As construction progresses, the circle is not just a vital transportation hub but also a signature design element, cementing its role as both a functional and iconic part of Orlando’s ever-evolving landscape.
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Get ready for a double dose of Pixar magic! Disney+ has just revealed the premiere dates for two exciting new series from the animation studio that brought us Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out.
Fans of Inside Out will be thrilled to know that the story continues in Dream Productions. This limited series takes us behind the scenes of the studio where Riley’s dreams are made. Join Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the Core Emotions as they navigate the ups and downs of dream production, from the pressure to create the next big hit to the hilarious mishaps that ensue.
When to watch:Dream Productions premieres on December 11, 2024.
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a kid trying to make the championship team? Win or Lose follows eight different characters as they prepare for the big game.
From the insecure athlete to the overbearing parent, each episode offers a unique and relatable perspective on the pressures of competition.
When to watch:Win or Lose premieres on February 19, 2025.
Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, expressed his excitement for these new series, saying, “We’re excited fans won’t have to wait long for more great content from the world of ‘Inside Out.'” He praised Dream Productions for its humor and insight into the dream-making process, and described Win or Lose as a “major, first-of-its-kind tentpole series” that showcases Pixar’s storytelling at its finest.
Are you ready to dive into the world of Pixar’s latest creations? Get ready for laughter, tears, and plenty of heartwarming moments when Dream Productions and Win or Lose premiere on Disney+.
Central Florida Remains Under Tornado Watch as Hurricane Helene Looms, Disney World on Alert
A tornado watch remains in effect for nearly all of Central Florida, including the Walt Disney World Resort area, through Thursday night as Hurricane Helene intensifies and approaches the Gulf Coast.
The National Weather Service has issued the watch for Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, Sumter, and Marion counties until 8 p.m. Thursday. While the center of Helene is not predicted to directly pass through Central Florida, its massive size means that the region will experience significant impacts.
Heavy rain, potential flooding, gusty winds, and the possibility of tornadoes are the primary concerns for Central Florida as the storm intensifies. The threat of severe weather, including tornadoes embedded in rain bands, is expected to increase on Thursday as Helene nears the Gulf Coast.
Tropical-storm-force winds could extend several hundred miles from the hurricane’s center, with potential wind gusts of up to 60 mph in some areas. Disney World, located in the heart of Central Florida, is likely to experience these conditions.
Guests and residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions. Disney World officials are closely monitoring the situation and may implement operational changes or closures depending on the severity of the weather.
Walt Disney Company Laying Off Hundreds of Corporate Team Members
In a continuation of cost-saving measures, The Walt Disney Company has initiated another wave of layoffs. Approximately 300 employees are affected by these job cuts, which began Tuesday and are expected to continue into the coming days. This latest round of layoffs adds to the growing number of job losses at Disney in recent months.
The recent layoffs at The Walt Disney Company have affected positions across various corporate operations, including legal, HR, finance, and communications. However, divisions such as Parks, ESPN, and Disney Entertainment are not impacted by this round of job cuts.
“We continually evaluate ways to invest in our businesses and more effectively manage our resources and costs to fuel the state-of-the-art creativity and innovation that consumers value and expect from Disney,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. “As part of this ongoing optimization work, we have been reviewing the cost structure for our corporate-level functions and have determined there are ways for them to operate more efficiently.”
The Walt Disney Company has joined other media giants in implementing cost-saving measures through layoffs.Following Paramount Global’s second round of job cuts, Disney initiated its own layoffs on Tuesday, affecting approximately 300 employees.
This latest round of layoffs is part of a broader trend in the media industry as companies grapple with a soft advertising market and the decline of pay-TV. Traditional media companies are facing increasing pressure to cut costs and focus on profitability, particularly in the streaming sector.
In addition to Disney and Paramount, other major media companies like Fox Entertainment and Warner Bros Discovery have also implemented layoffs in recent months. Disney, under the leadership of Bob Iger, has been aggressively cutting costs since his return in late 2022. The company’s first major round of layoffs earlier this year resulted in the elimination of approximately 7,000 jobs.
SeaWorld Orlando is excited to announce the arrival of a rare rescued Pacific walrus calf from the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). The calf, named Ukiaq (pronounced “oo-kee”), which translates to “autumn” in the language of the Iñupiaq people, was found orphaned and abandoned on the beaches of Utqiagvik, Alaska.
After receiving life-saving rehabilitative care from the ASLC and being deemed non-releasable by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Uki arrived at her long-term home at SeaWorld Orlando on September 18. She is currently under the expert care of SeaWorld Orlando’s renowned animal care specialists.
SeaWorld Orlando was chosen as Uki’s new home because of the staff’s experience with walrus care and the overall walrus herd at the park. The specialized care Uki is receiving is part of SeaWorld’s long-standing commitment to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
A Symbol of Hope
Uki’s story is a testament to the importance of global collaboration in marine mammal rescue. From the Utqiagvik community members who first found her, to the tireless efforts of the ASLC team, and now to her new family at SeaWorld Orlando, Uki has been surrounded by people committed to giving her a second chance.
As she grows stronger in her new home, Uki will play an essential role as an ambassador for her species, educating the public on the challenges Pacific walruses face in the wild. Her story, like many other animals rescued by SeaWorld Orlando, emphasizes the park’s ongoing mission to inspire action toward the protection and preservation of marine life.
Disney+ has introduced paid account-sharing options in several regions, including the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe and Asia. This new feature allows subscribers to add additional profiles to their accounts for family members or friends who live outside their household.
Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. can now add an “Extra Member” to their account for an additional fee. This allows them to share their account with one friend or family member who doesn’t live with them. The cost is $6.99 for Disney+ Basic and $9.99 for Disney+ Premium.
However, this option is not available for Disney Bundle subscribers or those billed through a third party. Additionally, Disney+ account holders can transfer eligible profiles to new subscriptions or add them as Extra Members to preserve their settings and watch history. Travelers can still access Disney+ using a one-time passcode.
Disney plans to extend its anti-password sharing measures to Hulu and ESPN+. The company’s updated terms of service state that they may limit or terminate access to their services if password sharing is detected. CEO Bob Iger has indicated that the impact of these measures won’t be felt until 2025. Disney first announced their plans to combat password sharing during their Q3 2023 earnings call.
Will you be adding any “extra members” to your Disney+ subscription?
Spread Holiday Cheer with the Loungefly Winnie the Pooh & Friends Christmas Greetings Light Up Mini Backpack
Get ready for the holidays with a touch of Hundred Acre Wood magic! Loungefly’s adorable Winnie the Pooh & Friends Christmas Greetings Light Up Mini Backpack is now available for pre-order for $80. This festive accessory is the perfect way to add some cheer to your outfit and celebrate the season with your favorite Disney pals.
The front of the mini backpack features a delightful scene depicting Winnie the Pooh’s cozy tree home. Applique details bring Winnie Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger (sporting a festive wreath!) to life. A warm fireplace adds a touch of holiday charm, while twinkling light-up details (powered by a rechargeable battery) add a magical touch.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Turn the backpack around to see Winnie Pooh himself building a whimsical “snowbear” in the wintery woods. This charming design is sure to bring a smile to your face and spread holiday cheer wherever you go.
Made from vegan leather (polyurethane), this mini backpack features all the functionality you expect from Loungefly. It boasts padded, adjustable shoulder straps for comfortable carrying, a spacious zippered main compartment to hold your essentials, and coordinating lining inside.
Pre-order your Winnie the Pooh & Friends Christmas Greetings Light Up Mini Backpack today at Loungefly.com and get ready to celebrate the holidays in style! This adorable accessory is sure to become a treasured part of your Disney collection.
Loungefly’s Tigger Winter Pajamas Mini Backpack: Bounce into the Holidays in Style!
Get ready to spread holiday cheer in the most adorable way with Loungefly’s newest mini backpack! This festive accessory features everyone’s favorite bouncy friend, Tigger, decked out in his winter best.
Priced at $80, the Tigger Winter Pajamas Mini Backpack is available for pre-order now at Loungefly.com. This Loungefly mini backpack is the perfect size to carry your essentials for a day out, whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or spreading Christmas cheer with friends.
The backpack boasts a joyful green plaid design, reminiscent of cozy pajamas perfect for a chilly winter night. But the real star of the show is Tigger himself! An applique of his head peeks out playfully from the bottom, while his padded applique feet stick up on top, as if he’s doing a handstand.
For a touch of extra wintery charm, the front features fuzzy white sherpa material running down the middle. This adds a delightful textural contrast and brings a feeling of warmth to the design. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Flip the backpack around to discover a cute applique print of a button flap and Tigger’s tail, completing the playful pajama look.
It’s crafted from vegan leather (polyurethane) and features adjustable padded shoulder straps for comfortable wear. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a touch of Tigger’s infectious bouncy spirit to your holiday season!
Dress for the Season with the Adorable Winnie the Pooh Stuck in Wreath Glow Crossbody Bag by Loungefly!
Get ready for the holidays with a touch of whimsy! Loungefly’s new Winnie the Pooh Stuck in Wreath Glow Crossbody Bag is the perfect accessory to add some festive cheer to your outfit. This delightful bag, available for pre-order now at Loungefly.com for $70, captures the spirit of the season in a truly adorable way.
The bag itself is a fully sculpted wreath, complete with festive details. In the center, you’ll find a charming applique of Winnie the Pooh, all dressed up for the holidays. He’s clutching his beloved pot of honey, surrounded by playful prints of buzzing bees and colorful lights. And for a touch of extra magic, the lights actually glow in the dark!
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Turn the bag around, and you’ll see a clever detail that brings the whole scene to life. Pooh’s backside peeks out from behind the wreath, attached by a rivet that allows it to swing back and forth playfully, as if he’s truly stuck! This whimsical touch adds a playful element to the design and perfectly captures Winnie the Pooh’s loveable personality.
Whether you’re a longtime Winnie the Pooh fan or simply looking for a unique and festive accessory, the Winnie the Pooh Stuck in Wreath Glow Crossbody Bag is sure to steal your heart. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy and holiday cheer to your outfit, making it a must-have for any Disney or Winnie the Pooh enthusiast. So don’t wait – pre-order yours today and get ready to spread holiday cheer wherever you go!
