The intense summer heat may still be prevalent here in Central Florida, yet one of the key signs of the Fall season is upon us. The Halloween Horror Nights Medallion has been added to the entrance arch at Universal Studios Florida!
This years medallion features a blue and pink spray-paint color scheme, which is in line with the 90’s styled merch we have seen for this years event. The paint scheme is also consistent with the Duality of Fear scare zone that will be located just past the park entrance.
The medallion is flagged by banners for the four IP houses featured this year: Insidious, Universal Monsters, Ghostbusters, and A Quiet Place. Halloween Horror Nights kicks off this week, with the first-ever Premium Scream event slated for Thursday, August 29th and the inaugural Halloween Horror Night for 2024 taking place on Friday, August 30th.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is Set to Reopen to Guests in November
Walt Disney World has announced that its popular water park, Blizzard Beach, will reopen to guests on November 4th, 2024. The park’s operating hours will be from 10 am to 5 pm.
This reopening comes just as Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World’s other water park, closes for its annual refurbishment. Typhoon Lagoon’s last day of operation will be November 3rd, ensuring that guests will still have a water park option to enjoy during their visit.
Blizzard Beach has been closed for refurbishment since early 2023 and fans are eagerly awaiting its return. The park is known for its unique ski resort theme and thrilling water slides, such as Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world.
With the reopening of Blizzard Beach, guests will once again be able to experience the fun and excitement of this beloved water park. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or a relaxing day by the pool, Blizzard Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.
Oogie Boogie Bash and Other Halloween Decorations Out Now in California Adventure
It’s not Halloween yet, but Disney California Adventure is getting into the spirit! Oogie Boogie Bash and other Halloween decorations have arrived around the park.
Oogie Boogie is back to haunt Disney California Adventure! The iconic villain is perched above the “California” sign at the park entrance, with bats flying around his extended arms. Inside the park, guests can find another image of Oogie Boogie laughing inside the yellow back of a full moon.
All down Buena Vista Street purple banners now adorn the light poles and shops. Black bats decorate the street as well.
At the end of Buena Vista Street sits the Headless Horseman statue. At night the horse’s eye light up and smoke comes out of his nose. It’s a very eerie sight!
And we can’t forget the iconic building at the end of Buena Vista Street. Carthay Circle is also decked out for the season. The marquee now features bats and jack-o-lanterns along with the words “All Hallows’ Eve Celebration”. Be sure to look up too! Black bats are pouring out of the top of the tower!
Radiator Springs is all decked out for Halloween! Spooky faces made from tires and traffic cones hang between the telephone poles, creating a unique “Haul-O-Ween” atmosphere.
The Fillmore’s Taste-in sign has been given a spooky makeover with the addition of rusted ghosts.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is getting a spooky twist! The ride is now Mater’s Graveyard Jam-boo-ree, complete with giant bat wings on the Tow Mater sign. Right next to the ride’s entrance you can get your picture with a tractor dressed as a mummy.
Nearby, car-themed gravestones have been erected, and two skeletal car figures stand guard against a fence.
The Leaning Tower of Tires outside Luigi’s Casa Della Tires has been given a spooky makeover with orange accents. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is now Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul O Ween for Halloween. Guido is dressed as Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant, Igor.
Flo’s V8 Cafe has been decorated with chain spider webs and Spanish moss. Out front, guests can climb into a spider car for a photo op.
Over at the Cozy Cone Motel, the orange cones have received a Halloween makeover! They now sport spooky jack-o-lantern faces.
A wooden billboard in Cars Land has been changed for the Halloween season as well! One side shows a Frankenstein car with the phrase “Trunk or Treat”, while the other side says “Get Your Hex on Route 66” with a car that looks spelled.
Don’t forget to stop by House of Body Art where Ramone is celebrating Dia de los Muertos. A car out in front of the shop is decorated for the Day of the Dead and tires are planters for marigolds.
As you explore Cars Land, be on the look out for some movie posters! Some pretty well-known Halloween films have been adapted to the Cars world. You’ll see movies like Hocus Spokus and Haulin’ Mansion.
At the end of the road near the entrance to Radiator Springs Racers, the Fire Dept. has been decorated as well! The Stanley statue now wears a witches hat, the garage doors of the building have orange cones for teeth, and the windows look like eyes. At night, those windows even light up to make the building look alive!
Dreaming of a Halloween getaway at Disneyland? Let me help you plan a spooktacular trip. As a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free. Contact me today to start planning your dream vacation.
Jared Leto, Academy Award-winning actor, recently shared a thrilling experience at Walt Disney World on his TikTok and Instagram. The actor hopped aboard one of the iconic Light Cycles and took on the high-speed adventure of TRON Lightcycle Run.
In the shared clip, Leto expressed his desire to experience the front row of TRON Lightcycle / Run. His wish was granted, and he found himself in the most thrilling seat. The photo above captures his excitement as he prepares for the adrenaline-pumping ride.
“TRON: Ares,” the highly anticipated third installment in the TRON franchise, is set for release on October 10, 2025. The film will feature the iconic music of Nine Inch Nails, adding an electrifying soundtrack to the futuristic world. Jeff Bridges will reprise his role as Kevin Flynn, joining Jared Leto on the screen. Both actors made a memorable appearance at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in early August, generating excitement for the upcoming film.
Mickey and Friends Halloween Candy Corn Disneyland Spirit Jersey: A Must-Have for Disney Fans
If you’re looking for a way to show your love for Disney and Halloween all at once, then the Mickey and Friends Halloween Candy Corn Disneyland Spirit Jersey is the perfect item for you. This comfortable and stylish jersey is sure to get you into the spooky spirit.
The jersey features a bright orange and yellow design inspired by candy corn. On the back, you’ll find Mickey Mouse and his friends all dressed up for Halloween. The “Disneyland Resort” logo is also featured in puff ink lettering across the shoulders.
The Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween Candy Corn Spirit Jersey is the perfect way to add a touch of Disney magic to your Halloween costume. It’s also a great way to keep warm on chilly Halloween nights.
Sail the Seven Seas with this Sparkling Pirates of the Caribbean Light-Up Sword Bubble Wand!
If you’re looking for a fun and unique souvenir from your trip to Magic Kingdom, look no further than the Pirates of the Caribbean Light-Up Sword Bubble Wand. This whimsical item is sure to delight pirate fans of all ages.
Priced at $35, this enchanting item is available at Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazar in Magic Kingdom.
The wand features a silver sword with a gold hilt adorned with a pirate skull wearing a red bandana and black pirate hat. The hat proudly displays the words “Pirates of the Caribbean” in white. A touch of pirate flair is added with a gold piece hanging from the brim, partially covering the bandana.
One of the most exciting features of this wand is its light-up function. Simply flip the switch located on the backside of the handle to illuminate the sword, creating a dazzling display that’s perfect for nighttime adventures.
In addition to its light-up feature, the wand also doubles as a bubble blower. A silver round bubble container is attached to the bottom, allowing you to create a magical bubble show wherever you go.
The Pirates of the Caribbean Light-Up Sword Bubble Wand is a fantastic souvenir for anyone who loves pirates, Disney, or simply wants to add a touch of magic to their day. So, grab your sword, blow some bubbles, and set sail on an unforgettable adventure!
Last Call for Thrills! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Announces Final Rides on Legendary Scorpion Roller Coaster
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is calling all coaster enthusiasts for one last hurrah! The park is inviting guests to take a final ride on the iconic Scorpion roller coaster before it takes its final run on Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd, 2024.
Scorpion holds a special place in the hearts of Busch Gardens fans. Debuting in 1980, it quickly became a favorite for its unique design, offering a thrilling experience unlike any other. In fact, Scorpion is the last stationary coaster of its kind in the world, making this your last chance to experience a true legend.
While parkgoers will be sad to say goodbye, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited about what this closure means for the future. Exciting new attractions are on the horizon, with details to be revealed soon.
Don’t miss your chance to ride a piece of coaster history! Head over to BuschGardensTampa.com to purchase tickets and secure your spot for a final ride on the Scorpion before it stings its way into coaster lore forever.
The 1999 version of the Music Loop has been installed
A nostalgic piece of EPCOT history has quietly ended with the removal of the original 1982 music loop from the Imagination! Pavilion. For over 40 years, this music played in the pavilion’s restrooms, offering a direct link to the park’s early days. The loop has now been replaced by the 1999 version, marking a significant shift in the pavilion’s ambiance.
Since its opening on October 1, 1982, the Imagination! Pavilion has seen numerous changes, most notably in its flagship attraction, Journey Into Imagination. Despite updates and re-imaginings, the original music had remained a constant—until now. This change is part of broader updates across EPCOT, including new music loops for the park entrance and World Celebration, as well as fluctuating music in The Land Pavilion.
Rumors persist about potential updates to Journey Into Imagination with Figment, with many fans clamoring for a restoration of the ride theme and storyline to the original. Disney has not yet released any details on any planned updates to the attraction. Considering the large Figment following among Disney fans, one would expect an update to the attraction to be included in the announcements at D23 if one where planned.
Exciting changes are underway at Magic Kingdom as construction crews have expanded the walls around the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, signaling the start of work on the highly anticipated Pirates Tavern. Set to open in 2025, this new lounge is expected to be located at the former Pirates League makeover experience, which has remained closed since 2020.
Over the past few weeks, guests noticed that construction walls had taken over parts of the gift shop, but now these barriers have started to encroach upon the attraction’s queue, including the Lightning Lane. Despite this, the ride itself remains unaffected, with the queue rerouted to accommodate the ongoing work. The construction zone also includes a charming outdoor courtyard, which may play a role in the final design of the tavern.
While Disney has yet to officially confirm that the Pirates Tavern will occupy this specific location, the presence of these construction walls is a promising sign that the project is moving forward. The tavern was first announced at Destination D23 in 2023 and was confirmed as an active project earlier this month at D23. Described as a rambunctious watering hole, this tavern will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, from seasoned buccaneers to aspiring swashbucklers.
The newly released artwork for the tavern teases a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub, with “X marks the spot” being the rallying cry for this immersive experience. The Pirates Tavern is part of a broader expansion that also includes a new lounge at EPCOT inspired by Spaceship Earth, both set to open in 2025. As the construction progresses, fans of Pirates of the Caribbean can look forward to raising a toast to the pirate life in this lively new venue.
Fans of the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom will be thrilled to learn that The Duke has made his long-awaited return to the iconic graveyard scene. After being absent for nearly a year, the animatronic figure of The Duke is once again seated at his eerie table in front of an array of tombstones. With his ghostly blue appearance, top hat, and candelabra firmly in hand, The Duke is a welcome sight for those who have missed his haunting presence.
For the past year, The Duke’s table has been notably empty, with his usual companion, the Duchess, also missing from the attraction. While The Duke has returned, the Duchess remains absent, leaving some to wonder when—or if—she will make her return to the Mansion.
The return of The Duke follows other notable updates to the Haunted Mansion in recent months. In November 2023, the Hatbox Ghost made his long-anticipated debut in the Endless Hallway scene, adding another layer of eerie charm to the attraction. Earlier this year, the Floating Candelabra in the Endless Hallway was also mysteriously missing for nearly five months, leaving fans speculating about the ongoing changes within the Mansion until it eventually re-appeared this past June.
Construction is continuing at a deliberate pace at The Cake Bake Shop
Construction of The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk has taken a significant step forward with the filing of a new permit for its kitchen installation. This recent development suggests that the long-anticipated dining destination is moving closer to its grand opening. The permit has been assigned to Johnson Lancaster and Associates, a renowned food service contractor with expertise in designing, constructing, and renovating commercial kitchens.
Originally announced in 2022, The Cake Bake Shop was expected to open in 2023. However, as construction of the restaurant progressed slowly, the opening date was pushed to 2024. The new restaurant is transforming the space formerly occupied by the ESPN Club, and the recent kitchen permit filing signals that work is actively continuing.
With the kitchen buildout now underway, guests may soon have the opportunity to enjoy this unique culinary experience at Disney’s BoardWalk, which will reportedly feature exquisite dining, delicious Afternoon Tea, delectable desserts, marvelous champagne, and fanciful cocktails. If progress continues at this pace, The Cake Bake Shop could finally open its doors later this year, adding another delightful dining option to the Walt Disney World Resort.
