Walt Disney World Update – Flying, Zooming & Rolling Along

There’s been a flurry of news and activities at Walt Disney World these last few days, so we thought we’d stop by to check things out for you and bring you the latest news. From an awe-inspiring flight of the Thunderbirds, to the opening and reopening of attractions, to a brand new popcorn bucket sure to spark another round of consumer frenzy. Take a look and let us know your thoughts…

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Magic Kingdom Meanderings – Tron, Train, and a Patriotic Flyby

Let’s talk a quick turn through the Magic Kingdom. Before we start, let’s grab some popcorn! An Annual Passholder popcorn bucket was released this week, available at several locations throughout the parks. At Magic Kingdom, you can find it at the City Hall Popcorn Cart.

Speaking of popcorn buckets… one featuring Mr. Toad in his wild ride will be debuting November 1st! Disney recently released a sneak peek: 

Back to MK! Characters are still greeting guests from the Main Street Train Station after their Calvacades. It’s a great way to interact with the characters without having to wait in long lines. I’m sure these will be ending when the train resumes operations.

Main Street Transportation is out and about, taking you down Main Street from Town Square to Cinderella Castle.

Heading over to Tomorrowland, the story continues to be about the TRON Lightcycle  Run construction. The walkways appear to be done and landscaping is already in place. There isn’t too much dirt left to be filled.

The train tracks have been laid going through a tunnel from the Fantasyland Station.

It’s tough to believe based on construction progress, and just how long the coaster has been in production, but we won’t see TRON Lightcycle Run open until spring 2023.

With October comes new price increases. We’ve seen increases in dining, merchandise, and snacks among others. That Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar is going to cost you a little extra on your next trip to the parks.

While enjoying our higher-priced refreshing treat, Main Street Philharmonic Band stopped to play.

Of course, the big reason to be in the park on this particular day was for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover. Taking 2 passes over Cinderella Castle, the Thunderbirds marked the arrival of National Veterans and Military Families Month in November. The first pass sent them right over Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A.

On the second flyover, the Thunderbirds performed their famous delta maneuver.

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Fantasmic! Returns November 3rd

Are the powers of Mickey’s incredible imagination strong enough and bright enough to withstand the evil forces that invade Mickey’s dream? You are about to find out.

After a long two and a half years, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again host the epic nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!

The live performers, music, special effects, and pyrotechnics we all know and love will return… along with a brand new “Heroes” show sequence, starring Elsa, Aladdin, Moana, Pocahontas, and Mulan. They’ve put some TLC into other show elements as well. The lighting, lasers, and sound have all received an upgrade.

Fantasmic! will return on November 3rd with two shows at 8 and 9:30pm. Showtimes change throughout the week; check DisneyWorld.com and plan accordingly!

Fantasmic! Set to Return at WDW with New Show Sequence

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Blizzard Beach Reopens November 13 with Frozen Additions

After over 10 months of closure due to refurbishment [and staffing shortage], Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park will reopen on November 13th, offering arctic adventures and new Frozen fun.

New Frozen features will be part of the kid-sized Tike’s Peak, as statuettes of Olaf and his Snowgie pals bask in the warm wading pool, as well as Anna and Elsa’s igloo castle.  

 

And since the water park is reopening in time for the holidays, expect some special seasonal offerings – including holiday-themed treats, snowfall, festive inner tubes, and a tropically-dressed Santa Claus meet and greet. Don’t forget, the water’s heated around Blizzard Beach – so don’t fear those unpredictable Florida coldfronts (and, yes, we actually get cold weather here from time to time)! 

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EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts Returns in 2023

EPCOT’s most colorful festival is set to return next year, from January 13 through February 20, 2023. Whether you’re a foodie, a creative, an art lover, or a shopper, there’s something for everyone at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts!

In 2023, over 100 Disney and visiting artists will showcase their art around the park. 
Two brand new Food Studios will debut: Moderne, near Test Track, and Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic, located in the Odyssey. The fan-favorite paint-by-number mural, Animation Academy drawing classes, and Figment scavenger hunt will all return. And Disney Broadway Concert Series will once again fill the air each night of the festival – more details on the concert schedule, artist showcases, and festival menus will be released in the coming months. 

Any guesses on what the limited-time Points of Light show will be on Spaceship Earth during the festival? Last year, it was Rainbow Connection performed by the Muppets. (We’d love to see them Bring it back!)

Let’s Hear From You

We’re looking forward to TRON opening at long last… but we’re almost as excited to see The Walt Disney World Railroad return. What about you? How about that spectacular video of the Thunderbirds flying over the Magic Kingdom? Are you on the popcorn bucket crazy-train? Ready for Blizzard Beach to reopen just in time for winter? (yes, that seems like an odd time to open a water park). Let’s hear from you below…

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