A new Disney Visa discount for lightsabers at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the voice of Rod Serling from Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Returns, new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind merchandise — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Walt Disney World

EPCOT

• World Showcase Bridge has gotten some new futuristic-looking light poles.
• Butterfly Landing, the butterfly garden for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden is getting ready for its 2024 opening.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Guests with Disney Visa cards can now use their discount on Savi’s Workshop Handbuilt Lightsabers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• New carpet is being installed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

New Merchandise

• Retro Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind merchandise can be found at EPCOT.

Disneyland Resort

• Construction on the Disneyland Park version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is underway, with tarp and scaffolding up around the structure.
• More pieces of the Astro Orbitor have returned to Disneyland Park after being completely removed for the attraction’s refurbishment.

Disneyland Paris

• In honor of the 10th Anniversary of Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquèe de Rèmy, Disneyland Paris will sell a new Pandora charm.

WDW News Today

• Mark Silverman, the voice actor who played Rod Serling from Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will return for the 30th anniversary of the attraction.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s Voice of Rod Serling Returns for Stage 89

Disney Lorcana: SCG Head Judge Interview, Locations Analysis and More

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

The post New Disney Visa Card Discount at Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge & More: Daily Recap (2/24/24) appeared first on WDW News Today.

Butterfly Landing, the butterfly garden for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden is getting ready for its 2024 opening.

EPCOT Butterfly Garden

Signs are up, and florals are ready to be planted at Butterfly Landing, presented by AdventHealth. Located in World Nature near Imagination!, Butterfly Landing gives guests the chance to enter a butterfly garden and:

“View a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. Learn about butterfly lifecycles and maybe even see one emerge from its chrysalis.”

Walt Disney World

The netted, tent-like enclosure keeps the butterflies contained during the festival. It will be open for the Flower & Garden Festival from February 28 through May 27. It closes each night at dusk.

We spotted small flowers lined up and ready to be added to the inside of the netted area.

Due to the partnership with AdventHealth, the signs around Butterfly Landing share different tips on how to look after your health while enjoying nature. This sign suggests gardening as a good way to improve your health and mood.

Another newly-installed sign emphasizes the importance of getting outside, suggesting taking your lunch break outside or meeting with friends at a park to get some Vitamin D. It also points out that going outside has been shown to improve memory and decrease stress.

The green scrim is still up, as Butterfly Landing is not completely finished.

There have been no changes to the festival booth outside of Butterfly Landing. The booth was the first one to be installed for this year’s festival.

Is Butterfly Landing one of the festival gardens on your list to visit during the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival? Let us know in the comments below.

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More pieces of the Astro Orbitor have returned to Disneyland Park after being completely removed for the attraction’s refurbishment.

The central structure of the ride returned earlier this week with a refreshed paint job in the same colors the attraction was before the refurbishment.

Though the very top portion of the structure and some additional planets have not been reinstalled yet, a small planet on an arm has returned. The attraction is set to reopen in less than a month on March 22.

Moving downward, the golden base cover that was not there on our previous visit has returned. This section is where the arms of the attraction are attached to. The gold plating acts as coverage of the area where the arms extend out.

The section of tarp and scaffolding covers a large planet that was not removed during the refurbishment. It is getting repainted on-site, and the tarp is there to protect it during the painting process.

We’ve not yet seen this planet on the opposite side get covered, though it will likely receive some touchups as well.

Here’s a look at what the attraction looked like at the start of the refurbishment back in November of 2023, before the central structure was removed.

The first iteration of the attraction in Disneyland, called Astro Jets, opened in 1956. It was renamed Tomorrowland Jets in 1964 but remained as such for just two years when the attraction was closed in 1966. It returned in a new form in 1967 under the name Rocket Jets, which closed in 1997. It reopened as Astro Orbitor in 1998.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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Construction on the exterior of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland Park is making progress as crews ready the structure for its lush greenery and foliage.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Additional tarp has gone up around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland Park as the attraction’s crew continues work. The ride is scheduled to open later this year. Though there is no set date, it will likely be sometime after summer 2024, when its Walt Disney World counterpart opens.

Tarp was added to the left side of the millhouse, seen at the bottom left in the above photo. On the Florida version of the attraction, which is a few months ahead on construction, the front of the millhouse was painted green, and a tree was added. It is likely this area will get a similar makeover, as green foliage plays a major part in the overall aesthetic of the finished exterior.

Behind the scaffolding, you can get a good look at the rock work of the mountain. Once red, it is being stripped down to a gray tone, and will soon begin to get covered in lush greenery to fit in with the Louisiana bayou theme of the attraction.

Scaffolding was added around the Tiana’s Foods water tower the week of February 12, signifying that this area may too begin to receive its foliage. At Magic Kingdom, the area below the top of the water tower is nearly completely covered in greenery.

The bottom portion of the water tower has been covered in tarp, as has the rock work surrounding it. A crew member was working in this area during our visit.

The entire front entrance area of the attraction remains covered in scrim, with scaffolding directly behind it.

Earlier this month, Disney revealed the height requirements for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Guests much be 40″ (102 cm) or taller to ride the attraction. This is the same height requirement as Splash Mountain, the former attraction that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has taken the place of.

Holes in the rock work on the ground level that we saw crew workers working inside of earlier this month have been closed off with metal cage wiring, signifying that that stage of the work is completed.

The holes could soon be covered with rock work. In the background, you can see poles used for the scaffolding around the structure.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom soon, you need to be prepared for the HOT MESS that is Frontierland right now!

Frontierland sign

Almost HALF of the attractions in this land are currently closed, and they won’t reopen for several more weeks at least. Let’s check out those closures and all the temporary refurbishments happening in Disney World from February 25th through March 2nd.

Frontierland Closures

Right now, both Splash Mountain and Country Bear Jamobree are CLOSED in Frontierland. Splash Mountain is permanently closed — this ride is being renovated to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The new ride will be themed to The Princess and the Frog.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

We recently learned lots of new information about this ride, including a hint that there will be Splash Mountain Easter Eggs throughout the attraction!

Updated ride vehicles

Country Bear Jamboree is also closed. Disney announced that a NEW show is coming to Country Bear Jamboree, with the bears learning an all-new act.

Learn more about the changes coming to Country Bear Jamboree here!

Both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Jamboree are going to open THIS SUMMER.

The show is closed for now!

If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt…

DFB Exclusive!

…and a Tiana tee as well!

Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch!

You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store.

Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store.

With Country Bear Jamboree and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure closed, that leaves just Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Walt Disney World Railroad open in Frontierland.

But even Tom Sawyer Island isn’t completely open! The Barrel Bridge is still missing from this attraction, and there’s no word on when it might return.

Barrel Bridge

Since so many attractions are closed right now, we’ve seen LONG lines at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Long lines

We’re hoping that the lines will even out a bit once Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens this summer! Those aren’t the only closures in Disney World, however. Check out this list of other temporary closures that might impact your upcoming trip!

Magic Kingdom

Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick service restaurant that’s remained closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open.

Tomorrowland Terrace dining room

Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates.

CONFIRMED: You Can Still Buy Beignets in Magic Kingdom Right Now!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed on January 8th, it won’t reopen until the summer of this year.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Although we don’t have an exact reopening date yet, we know that it’ll be at least a few months before the ride reopens. Last year, when the ride closed around this time (on February 20th, to be exact), it reopened on May 26th.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Well, it’s official — Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in Disney World. We had suspected this was the case for some time (as it hasn’t actually been open for a few years now), but now the permanent closure has been confirmed.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Disney is going to introduce a NEW show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024.

©Disney

It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”

Disney, We’re Begging You to Revamp This Scrapped Project in Hollywood Studios!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids usually closes early in the year for refurbishment since water rides like this tend to be less popular during the winter months when it’s colder than usual. No one wants to get soaked if it’s chilly outside! In 2024, it closed on January 8th.

Kali River Rapids is closed

Disney has announced that Kali River Rapids will be closed through mid-March. Right now, Disney’s calendar shows that this ride should reopen on March 15th, but Disney hasn’t officially confirmed this as the reopening date.

Disney Dropped a Major HINT about the Animal Kingdom Encanto Expansion

EPCOT

Restaurant Marrakesh

Restaurant Marrakesh is still closed in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when it might reopen.

Restaurant Marrakesh

The restaurant is kind of open right now — it’s functioning as a lounge with just a couple of drink options. However, we’re still waiting for the full restaurant to reopen!

The Land Cart

The Land Cart in EPCOT has been closed for a while, but it’s scheduled to reopen on the first day of EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival. The cart will have a few new menu items when it reopens!

There’s a new cart!

We’ll be there to try all the new stuff, so stay tuned to DFB for a full review!

Don’t be blindsided by this EPCOT change!

Disney World Hotels

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare has been closed for a long time, but Disney has finally announced an opening date and BIG changes coming soon!

1900 Park Fare

1900 Park Fare will reopen with NEW dining offerings starting April 10th, 2024. It’s been confirmed that one of the signature menu items here — the Floridian Strawberry Soup — will RETURN! New characters will be available to meet at the restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Aladdin in his Prince Ali look, Mirabel, and Tiana in her new look for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will all be present.

1900 Park Fare

For breakfast and dinner, you’ll be able to enjoy a buffet meal. There will be new menu offerings available that pay homage to the new characters and their stories.

Some Disney Fans Are NOT HAPPY With This 1900 Park Fare Change

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The Fuentes del Morro Pool is the most popular pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The pool is themed to look like a colonial Spanish fortress and has two waterslides (including one that’s over a hundred feet long!), water spray cannons, and a shipwreck play area for the little kiddos.

Fuentes del Morro Pool

Fuentes del Morro is currently closed, and it’ll remain closed through late March of this year, so about another month or so. The closure is for routine maintenance, which we often see at Disney’s hotel pools during the winter months. If you’re staying at Caribbean Beach, are you just out of luck? Don’t worry! You can still visit any of the five leisure pools at this hotel. There’s one leisure pool at each village.

Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Doubloon Lagoon at Port Orleans — French Quarter has a 51-foot long water slide that looks like a sea serpent, a whirlpool spa, and Mardi Gras decorations. The pool closed in January and will stay closed through April 2024.

Doubloon Lagoon Pool

If you’re staying at French Quarter and want to take a swim, head over to Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans — Riverside, which you can easily walk to from French Quarter. Ol’ Man Island is actually a pool complex! The pool area there has waterfalls, a 95-foot waterslide, a whirlpool, and a kiddie pool.

Typhoon Lagoon

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be reopening on March 17th, 2024! 

Typhoon Lagoon

The water park has been closed since November 2023 while Disney worked on some refurbishments and spruced up the place. While the park was closed, visitors could instead go to Blizzard Beach Water Park, which was still open — but that’s about to change too.

Blizzard Beach will be closed as of March 17th, 2024, so March 16th will be your last day to squeeze in a visit if you want!

Learn more about Typhoon Lagoon here!

Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:

• 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
• What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
• 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
• A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
• The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride

We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.

Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World.

Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation

• A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip

• Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip

• Learn About the Disney Park Pass System

• The Ultimate Disney World Packing List

• Everything You Need to Know About Genie+

• Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World

• A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals

• The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!

Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe

Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!

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