If you’ve been waiting to learn more about Journey of Water, Inspired by MOANA, we finally have a closer look.

We’ve been watching the construction progress on Journey of Water for a while now. We have seen a few details like what the Cast Members’ costumes will look like and the concept art that inspired the attraction. Yesterday, walls came down around the attraction so we could see a few more details. Now, Disney is giving us a much closer look at what we can expect.

Journey of Water, Inspired by MOANA is one element joining several others that will ultimately make up the historical transformation of EPCOT. In the new attraction inspired by Disney’s Moana film, guests will be able to explore what Disney has described as a “lush exploration trail” that allows explorers to “play with magical, living water” through an immersive, self-guided walk-through attraction. Cast Member previews for the walk-through attraction are underway and now, we are getting to see even more of what guests will be able to do in the new attraction.

Disney has shared a video for a first look inside Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests will be able to play and interact with the water as they learn about the water cycle. We can see that guests will be able to activate different water features by waving. We can also expect music to go along with some of the features.

The journey begins soon! This week, @WaltDisneyWorld cast members will be among the first groups of voyagers to experience Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Come with us for a first look inside the newest walk-through attraction at EPCOT! pic.twitter.com/FtNJ4lAqVF

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 29, 2023

There will also be some of our favorite characters from the film in the rock formations throughout the walk, including Moana herself. It even looks like you will need to gather other guests to help activate different parts of the attraction. If getting wet is NOT your thing, don’t be concerned — there is a dry path offered as well.

There is still no word on an official opening date for guests, but we will keep an eye out for one. For more Disney news, be sure to follow us at DFB.

See Photos of The Walls Being Down at Journey of Water Here

Are you excited for this new attraction? Let us know below. 

The post BREAKING: Disney Shares NEW LOOK Inside the Moana Attraction Coming to EPCOT! first appeared on the disney food blog.

If you’re at Disney World or visiting Disney World within the next few days, you’ll want to pay close attention.

As Hurricane Idalia moves closer to the Southeastern coast of Florida, Orlando and its surrounding counties have been instructed to stay weather-aware as Tropical Storm Warnings remain in place. While Disney World has not yet announced park closures, they have released statements on their website ahead of the storm. 

As of 9AM on August 29th, the Disney World website states, “Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”

As for the information provided at Disney World’s hotels, the only statement currently on the website states that guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground remove and stow all outside items by 6PM on Tuesday, August 29th. Fort Wilderness guests are also instructed to call (407) 939-2744 to discuss early departure or alternate vacation options.

As for other resort-only cancellation, Disney states that change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates from August 28th through September 4th, 2023. The website also states, “If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.”

We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney and weather updates as we learn more. Stay safe, and stay aware! 

Click here to view a full list of Disney World’s cancellation policies

Are you at Disney World right now? Let us know in the comments. 

The post NEWS: Disney World Updates Cancelation Fees Ahead of Hurricane Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog.

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you need to keep a close eye on the weather reports.

A storm named Idalia is headed toward Florida and we’ve been sharing regular updates about Disney’s statements on the matter, what you should do if you’re planning a visit, and more. But now we’ve got an important update.

What once was Tropical Storm Idalia has officially become HURRICANE Idalia as of the latest updates on August 29th.

According to the 4AM CT updates from the National Hurricane Center, there is a continued danger of “life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast.” Strong winds are also expected to spread inland across parts of northern Florida.

Here’s a look at the earliest expected arrival time of tropical storm-force winds. It looks like it’ll mainly hit parts of Florida by the afternoon/evening on Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

And here’s a look at the forecast cone for the center of the storm. It does look like it’s mainly expected to hit more northern parts of Florida.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Hurricane Idalia is predicted to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before it hits Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Sentinel reports that NHC senior hurricane specialist Eric Blake has said “Rapid intensification is likely through landfall, and Idalia is forecast to become an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday.”

How will this all impact Central Florida? Well, Central Florida isn’t expected to bear the brunt of the storm, but it can still be affected.

According to the WESH 2 News weather alerts, a tropical storm WARNING has been issued for the 2 counties within which Disney World is located — Orange County and Osceola County. Previously, this was a tropical storm watch but it has been increased to a warning.

A tropical storm watch indicates that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours, but a tropical storm warning indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

The tropical storm warning notes that Hurricane Idalia is expected to “cross the Florida Gulf coast on Wednesday as a major hurricane” and that preparations should be done this morning ahead of local tropical storm conditions that are expected by tonight into Wednesday.

They note that “Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia should reach central Florida later today, with conditions deteriorating further tonight and Wednesday.” They continue, “Based on the current forecast track, Idalia will make its closest pass to east-central Florida late tonight and early Wednesday morning.”

There is a threat of tornadoes that is forecasted to develop this afternoon as well.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The National Weather Service in Melbourne said parts of east Central Florida will see 2-3 inches of rain with some pockets hitting 4-5 inches, but also warning tornadoes could begin to form inland starting this afternoon with the threat continuing into Wednesday.” So strong winds and heavy rain are two things you should be be prepared for.

For more updates on Hurricane Idalia and tips on how to handle the situation, check out our posts below.

Stay tuned for the latest news.

 

The post NEWS: Idalia Officially Strengthens to a Hurricane As It Approaches Florida first appeared on the disney food blog.

Ahead of the next round of Cast Member previews for EPCOT’s newest attraction, Disney Parks on Twitter has shared a new video inside Journey of Water Inspired by “Moana.”

The video was shared this morning to Twitter, announcing that “Cast Members will be among the first groups of voyagers to experience” the attraction.

Take a look at the video below.

The journey begins soon! This week, @WaltDisneyWorld cast members will be among the first groups of voyagers to experience Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Come with us for a first look inside the newest walk-through attraction at EPCOT! pic.twitter.com/FtNJ4lAqVF

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 29, 2023

Are you excited to experience Journey of Water when it opens in World Nature at EPCOT later this year? Let us know in the comments below.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post VIDEO: Walt Disney World Shares Video Inside Journey of Water Inspired by ‘Moana’ Showing Off Dancing Water Effects appeared first on WDW News Today.

Halloween season is in full swing here at Universal Orlando Resort. The scariest time of the year brings a lot of tricks and plenty of treats to Universal Studios Florida, including new popcorn buckets. If you prefer not to be given nightmares from your voice activated Chucky popcorn bucket, a new seasonal bucket is available featuring the Minions.

Trick-or-Treating Minion Popcorn Bucket – $29.99

There have been plenty of seasonal popcorn buckets featuring the Minions, and it’s no surprise a trick-or-treating Minion is the latest addition. Bob has a pumpkin hat and is carrying his little treat pail; he’s ready to collect candy. Or popcorn!

This trick-or-treating Minion popcorn bucket comes with the first fill of popcorn for free and discounted refills after. You can even get discounted refills on the new banana flavored popcorn from the Pop-A-Nana stand in Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida.

The back opens up to store your popcorn, and the strap can be removed for easy cleaning.

Will you be adding this new Minion popcorn bucket to your collection? Or will you be picking up the Chucky popcorn bucket instead?

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.

The post PHOTOS: Trick-or-Treat Minion Popcorn Bucket Now Terrorizing Universal Orlando Resort appeared first on WDW News Today.

The National Hurricane Center has announced that the tropical storm has become Hurricane Idalia on its approach to Florida. Orange County, home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, remains under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Hurricane Idalia is currently forecast to make landfall on Wednesday, August 30. It is not expected to pass directly through Central Florida, but severe weather is still likely to affect the area.

The current advisories from the National Weather Service are below.

WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force winds possible – Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph

• THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph – The wind threat has decreased from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. – PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage. – ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
• POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited – Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. – Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. – A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. – Scattered power and communications outages.

FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts

• THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. – PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
• POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant – Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. – Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Situation is favorable for tornadoes

• THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger damage paths. – PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. – ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.
• POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant – The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. – Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. – Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando continue to monitor the storm. At this time, operations have not been affected.

Walt Disney World is allowing guests to cancel or change plans with no fees or penalties through September 4 as of publication.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post UPDATE: Tropical Storm Becomes Hurricane Idalia Upon Approach to Florida appeared first on WDW News Today.