On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia passed through Florida in the middle of the night and into the early morning. Disney remained open because Central Florida didn’t experience hurricane conditions, only those of a tropical storm. Once the storm seemed to calm down at 11 a.m. I decided to go to EPCOT and see what was happening.

As I parked my car in the almost empty parking lot, a strong rainband decided to pass through while I walked toward the entrance of EPCOT. I really felt like I was going to fly away with my umbrella and end up in Magic Kingdom. The gust of wind was powerful, and I started to second guess my decision to come to the park, but I wasn’t alone in this treacherous walk, so that made me feel better. By the time I got to Spaceship Earth, the worst part was over. I want to share everything I saw that day by showing the photos I took throughout my visit.

Wait Times

Here are a few wait times I saw while walking around the park. I noticed the highest wait was 45 minutes from Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, followed by a 40-minute wait for Frozen Ever After. All the other rides were between 5 to 15-minute waits.

Journey of Water Walls Down

Seeing the walls down at the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana was exciting. It looks like the storm didn’t impact any parts of the attraction.

Crowd Check

The crowds at EPCOT were very low, and from what I saw on social media, each park was experiencing low crowds and wait times. This was predictable, obviously, but it was great to witness the park like that.

Character Meet & Greet

The sun came out for about an hour, so Winne the Pooh was out meeting guests by the entrance of Journey into Imagination with Figment.

Hurricane Preparations

Throughout the park, they had umbrellas tied up, and outdoor kiosks like the guest services one were closed and covered. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival booths were still operating, but the ordering area was moved to inside the booths.

The friendship boat that goes between Canada and Morocco in the World Showcase lagoon was not operating due to the storm, of course.

The upside-down waterfall was also turned off in preparation for the storm. It felt so weird passing this area and not seeing it operating.

Photos of the Storm

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Going to Walt Disney World after a hurricane or tropical storm is a different experience but is still fun. The weather isn’t the best, but this is the time to run through puddles and experience low wait times. Of course, if you don’t feel safe driving, then don’t visit the parks. If this was a situation like Hurricane Ian where Disney was closed, then obviously don’t drive onto Disney property because conditions are unsafe if the parks are closed.

In this case, Central Florida didn’t get hit too hard and just experienced a lot of rain and a decent amount of wind, but nothing different than a 3 p.m. thunderstorm that lasted much longer. We got really lucky because I know other places in Florida experienced way worse. If you were in the storm’s path, we hope it wasn’t too horrible and everyone stayed safe.

The post What It’s Like To Visit a Walt Disney World Park After a Hurricane first appeared on DIS.

Hurricane Idalia hit Northern Florida yesterday, causing all-day storms in Central Florida around Walt Disney World. Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm and the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for most of the state. Walt Disney World remained open, but waived their change and cancellation fees through September 5, and offered 50% off hotel stays for Florida residents evacuating and first responders dealing with the storm. Walt Disney World posted a final update regarding the storm on Thursday morning.

Weather Updates & Information

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions.

Last updated on August 31, 2023 at 9:00 AM

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• Travel Flexibility: At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 5, 2023. Guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31, if needed, by visiting the front desk.
• Evacuees & First Responders Support: Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call (407) W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call (407) 828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and mini golf courses were closed on Wednesday but are now open.

Idalia has been downgraded to a tropical storm as it leaves land off the coast of South Carolina.

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

The post Walt Disney World Issues Update About Post-Hurricane Idalia Policies appeared first on WDW News Today.

Do you remember back in July, we took an early look at the first round of Halloween backpacks, bags, and accessories that were coming to Loungefly virtual shelves? Well, now it’s time to take a look through round two as we check out some of the cutest Halloween designs we’ve seen yet. Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Haunted Mansion, and The Nightmare Before Christmas are all represented in this lineup. Let’s take a closer look at what is coming soon to the Loungefly Halloween range:

Minnie Mouse Exclusive Halloween Sequin Mini Backpack, $90

Minnie Mouse Exclusive Halloween Sequin Crossbody Bag, $70

Minnie Mouse Exclusive Halloween Sequin Flap Wallet, $40

Minnie Mouse Exclusive Halloween Sequin Ear Headband, $30

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Nightmare Before Christmas Exclusive Cameo Mini Backpack, $90

Nightmare Before Christmas Exclusive Cameo Zip-Around Wallet, $40

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Stitch Shoppe Nightmare Before Christmas Exclusive Zero Figural Crossbody Bag, $110

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Stitch Shoppe Evil Queen Exclusive Black Glitter Poison Apple Crossbody Bag, $100

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Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Portraits Mini Backpack, $80

Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Portraits Zip-Around Wallet, $40

Haunted Mansion Grandfather Clock Crossbody Bag, $65

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Stitch Exclusive Spooky Stories Halloween Zip-Around Wallet, $40

Stitch Exclusive Spooky Stories Halloween Mini Backpack, $90

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Winnie the Pooh Halloween Costume Plush Cosplay Mini Backpack, $80

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Winnie the Pooh Pumpkin Card Holder, $20

Winnie the Pooh Pumpkin Crossbody Bag, $65

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There are definitely a few items in that bunch that need to be added to any good Loungefly collection! The Stitch backpack and wallet are standouts for me, along with the Winnie the Pooh Pumpkin bag above. Which items in the list above caught your eye?

The post New Halloween Items Coming Soon From Loungefly first appeared on DIS.

A new structure is rising behind construction walls in the Grand Avenue area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Construction walls went up around Muppets Courtyard in June and a wall was knocked down soon after. Now it’s clear this isn’t just a refurbishment or a project to widen the pathway—it looks like Disney is building a new food stand.

Grand Avenue Structure

Grand Avenue is the section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios containing Muppets courtyard and Muppet*Vision 3D, as well as the street of city façades leading to the main Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge entrance.

Right now, the structure is just a black frame, situated at the front of Muppets Courtyard. Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo remain open during this construction, guests just need to walk around the construction walls.

The structure’s frame is just a bit taller than the brick columns and lampposts around the courtyard.

The construction walls surround a section just in front of the restrooms (which also remain open).

The structure’s small size makes a food stand a likely candidate.

There is a small snack stand in the area that sells churros and ice cream products, which moved closer to the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge entrance when this construction began.

What are you hoping to find at this potential new Grand Avenue food stand? Let us know in the comments.

Muppet*Vision 3D

Muppet*Vision 3D opened in 1991 as one of the first representations of the Muppets in Disney Parks, and the only permanent Muppets attraction since then. As production began on Muppet*Vision 3D, there was a tentative agreement for Disney to purchase the Jim Henson Company. However, Henson’s death in 1990 ended that agreement and delayed the attraction.

Directed by Henson, it was one of his and puppeteer Richard Hunt’s final Muppets projects. It was the last time Henson performed as Kermit the Frog, as well as Waldorf and The Swedish Chef, and the last time Hunt performed as Scooter, Statler, Beaker, and Sweetums. Hunt passed away in 1992, after the attraction premiered.

Disney never did acquire the Jim Henson Company in full, but purchased theme park rights to the Muppets, and eventually purchased the property entirely in 2004.

Muppet*Vision 3D has run mostly unchanged for 32 years, even as other Muppet attractions are closed and canceled, and as Disney’s Hollywood Studios changed around it. Until 2016, it was part of Streets of America. The area was then officially known as Muppets Courtyard, before becoming Grand Avenue in 2017.

The post New Grand Avenue Structure Under Construction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on WDW News Today.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the final installment of the franchise, is still in theaters. I got to see the film on opening day and it was an emotional ride. To celebrate, I crammed as much Indiana Jones into my day as the parks could offer.

I started off my day in the land of movies, Hollywood Studios, and home to the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. This attraction originally opened in 1989, and although it’s seen a little change over the years, it’s still as impressive and thrilling as ever.

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Hollywood Studios

The premise sets you as the audience of a live filming crew performing famous stunts from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Stunt actors as the dynamic duo of Indy and Marion, along with the crew, show us how the magic happens through fight choreography and special effects sequenced to the magical John William’s score. There’s no doubt when you leave this show you’ll be itching to run from a giant boulder while humming the theme song.

After the show, I headed over to check out the Indiana Jones: Den of Destiny, which is a pop-up bar themed to the films. The Den is located in what used to be the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost store. Specialty drinks include The Adventuress Margarita, tequila-based with tropical fruit tea, and The Weathered Fedora concocted of bourbon and spices.

I know the pop-up bar is supposed to be all about the drinks, however, the film memorabilia, props, and artifacts steal the show for me. You can find Indy’s iconic hat and whip, the Staff of Ra headpiece from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Holy Grail from The Last Crusade, and the Alien Crystal Skull from The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The Den features props from the new Dial of Destiny movie, including the namesake itself. I geeked out getting to see all these iconic treasures in person, and I hope the Den of Destiny sticks around for all the Indy nerds like myself.

I hope you get a chance to see the new movie soon. I loved seeing all the nods to the franchise and seeing the characters we’ve enjoyed from the past together again. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the movie and your own Indiana Jones experience!

The post Celebrating the Legacy of Indiana Jones at Disney World first appeared on DIS.

If you love Taco Bell, we hope you’re in California.

Sorry, we’ll back up. Taco Bell is a favorite fast-food restaurant of many of our readers, so we keep up with some of their news to share with you all. If you love Baja Blast — one of the chain’s most popular signature items — how would you feel if we told you Baja Blast GELATO now exists?

At one Taco Bell location in Irvine, California, you can get Mtn. Dew Baja Blast Gelato for a limited time starting on August 31st!

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This likely means Taco Bell is just testing this product, and if it does well, it could be expanded to multiple other locations. The treat will be available for two weeks or until supplies last.

Liz Matthews, the Global Chief Food Innovation Officer for Taco Bell said that the company is “so excited to hear how fans enjoy the sweet and creamy indulgence.” First they bring us Mexican pizza, then nacho fries, and now Baja Blast gelato…what could Taco Bell possibly dream up next??

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this new treat if it travels to more locations, so stay tuned to DFB!

This is the BEST fast food in Disney World!

 

What do you think of Baja Blast Gelato? Tell us in the comments!

The post Taco Bell Is Testing a NEW Menu Item! (Trust Us, You’ll Want To See This!) first appeared on the disney food blog.

Moonlight Magic is coming up SOON at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

This exclusive event is for Disney Vacation Club members and gives them the chance to enjoy the parks after the rest of the guests leave for the night. That means fewer crowds, lower wait times, and more exclusive experiences (like characters!) — and registration for the next Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios is open now!

Heads up! Moonlight Magic will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 13th — and general registration opens today! These events include complimentary snacks and drinks, special character interactions, low wait times for popular rides, and more.

This is the last Moonlight Magic event of the year, so if you’re hoping to snag a spot you’d better hurry! Remember, registration is first come first serve. Be sure to act quickly to get the spots on your wish list. This event is FREE, but you must register to attend.

Registration opens on the Disney Vacation Club website at 11AM ET, so set your alarms to make sure you don’t miss your chance. These events fill up quickly based on what we’ve seen in the past. Not only that, but it looks like Disney is planning on using a virtual queue for registration. Keep in mind you’ll want to stay in the queue and not refresh the page until it’s your turn.

Check out the list below for more info about registration.

We’ll be on the lookout for more important dates and news you might need to know about Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest!

Click Here for ALL the Moonlight Magic Registration Dates in Disney World

 

Have you been to Moonlight Magic? Tell us in the comments!

The post HEADS UP! Registration Opens TODAY for an Exclusive Moonlight Magic Event in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.