Category: WDWNT

The popular Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread House Popcorn Bucket is now in stock at Magic Kingdom. Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread House Popcorn Bucket – $29.95The bucket debuted for the 2024 holiday season at Disneyland in November before coming exclusively to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on December 5. On December 12, it became available at some of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels that have gingerbread displays, including the Grand Floridian, Beach Club, and Contemporary resorts. It sold out there in two days.Now that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has ended for the season, the remaining Gingerbread House Popcorn Buckets are now being sold at the two carts in the Hub. The sign still has the party logo.It’s shaped like a gingerbread house decorated with “frosting” and “candies.” Gingerbread versions of Mickey, Minnie, Chip, and Dale can be spotted. For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.The post Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread House Popcorn Bucket In Stock at Magic Kingdom appeared first on WDW News Today.

The Alioramus animatronic has returned to DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the ride (and DinoLand, U.S.A.) faces its final era.Alioramus Returns to DINOSAURA closing date has not been announced, but Disney did confirm that DINOSAUR will be open through all of 2025 before closing permanently for the Tropical Americas expansion. The Alioramus was removed in October without explanation, leading some to wonder Disney was retiring it early rather than invest in repairs. The animatronic has returned with improved articulation. Before the removal, it was struggling to lift its head. It can now complete its full motion. Watch our video of DINOSAUR from December 21, 2024 to see the Alioramus in action. DinoLand, U.S.A. Closing PermanentlyWhile DINOSAUR is safe for 2025, the phased closure of DinoLand, U.S.A. begins in January. On January 12, 2025, TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will close permanently. Closing dates for The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites have not been announced at the time of publication.DinoLand, U.S.A. will be replaced by the Tropical Americas, including the town of Pueblo Esperanza, which will be home to the first Encanto-themed attraction.DINOSAUR will be transformed into an Indiana Jones ride. It shares the same ride system as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, but the ride will not be an exact copy. Instead, it will introduce

The Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom was originally slated to reopen on December 20 following a month-long refurbishment. However, with no word, it failed to open to guests, and now a new reopening date has been added.Swiss Family Treehouse Reopening DelayedNow, on December 21, Disney has quietly updated the operating hours calendar to reflect a new reopening date of December 23. A reason for the three day delay is unknown. The notice still reads “December 20” but hours are listed for Monday, December 23. The Swiss Family Treehouse is a self-guided walkthrough attraction on Tom Sawyer Island in Adventureland. It’s based on “Swiss Family Robinson” (1960), which in turn is based on the novel “The Swiss Family Robinson,” published in 1812 by author Johann David Wyss. The treehouse is meant to be the one built by the Robinson family during their time stranded on a desert island. It’s filled with the characters’ belongings and 19th century artifacts. To explore the entire treehouse, guests will climb 116 stairs.Watch our video of the Swiss Family Treehouse from 2016 below.For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.The post Disney Quietly Delays Reopening of Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom After Failure to Meet Original Date appeared first on WDW News Today.

More Play in the Park merchandise has arrived at Disney World, showtimes were announced for daytime Christmas entertainment at Magic Kingdom, and guests can now purchase VIP Tours merchandise — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, December 20, 2024.Walt Disney WorldMagic KingdomWalt Disney World has submitted their updated plans for the transformation of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI).Walt Disney World has released the showtimes for two entertainment offerings normally exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that will be offered during Christmas Week 2024: “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”The Swiss Family Treehouse closed on November 18, 2024, for a planned 1-month-long refurbishment, but it is still closed despite Disney’s expected reopening date of December 20.Join Bryce for the latest photo report from Magic Kingdom.Disney’s Hollywood StudiosJoin Bryce for the latest photo report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Walt Disney World Resort HotelsThe holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort and Christmas decorations have arrived at the new DVC Island Tower.New MerchandiseEven more “Play in the Park” merchandise has arrived at Walt Disney World, including a new balloon pillow, rain jacket, Crocs, and more.Walt

Howdy! The weather is starting to get chilly again, unfortunately. I spent the morning in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there was Tower of Terror art available for purchase, Grogu and The Mandalorian were out meeting guests, and I even park-hopped to Magic Kingdom. Good Morning from Hollywood StudiosI usually choose the wrong line to enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios, today is no different. It was only about ten minutes until I got inside. The Oscar truck has returned after a lengthy refurbishment. Holiday Decor in Hollywood StudiosI am an absolute fan of the Hollywood Studios holiday decor. Santa Gertie, the pups, the elves, and the deer are my mid-century modern holiday dream. If I could live in this world permanently I would in a heartbeat.Muppets CourtyardMuppets Courtyard has turned into a place of contemplation. The news that the Muppets will be leaving for Monstropolis has hit every Disney fan a little hard, but there is hope that Muppet Vision 3D will return one day in some capacity. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more updates. Galaxy’s EdgeThe Mandalorian and Grogu were out visiting guests in Batuu this morning. I also noticed that the coordinators in Galaxy’s Edge have new coordinator pins that fit the land much better than the typical pin you see

Universal Orlando Resort has new digital signs pointing from the security area to different parking garage sections.New Universal Parking Garage SignsThe signs hang above the walkways leading to the resort’s two parking garages. They have oval-shaped silver bases with the Universal Orlando Resort globe logo at the bottom.The screens display the icons, colors, and names of the three sections for that respective garage. The sign pictured above points to the blue “Jaws” section, yellow “King Kong” section, and red “Jurassic Park” section.Before, the signs were rectangles but displayed the same icons, colors, and names. The switch to digital means the signs will be more visible at night and Universal can easily make changes if need be, including adding additional information.The “Jaws,” “King Kong,” and “Jurassic Park” sections are also now listed in a different order, likely to better reflect their positions in the garage. On the “Jurassic Park” part of the sign, ride share and pick-up/drop-off are also listed.The other three parking garage sections are purple Spider-Man, red Cat in the Hat, and green E.T. They’re listed in the same order as before.The signs have digital screens on their reverse sides, too, which advertise different park offerings. This one said displayed a picture of the

Walt Disney World now has exclusive VIP Tours merchandise for sale, including a Minnie ear headband, Loungefly backpack, and more.Walt Disney World VIP Tours MerchandiseSource: @philanderc85 on InstagramVIP Tour Guide Philander (@philanderc85 on Instagram) shared photos of the new VIP Tours merchandise, which has been in the works for two years. On the day of their VIP Tour, guests can purchase merchandise that features the iconic plaid pattern worn by VIP Tour Guides. Purchases are limited to one item per guest on tour, while supplies last. No discounts are available.Pin Set – $160The set includes four pins, each featuring the VIP Tours logo at the top with red jewels lining the edge. Each pin also showcases a character in front of each of the four park icons: Tinker Bell flying in front of Cinderella Castle, Sorcerer Mickey in front of Tower of Terror, Simba lying in front of the Tree of Life, and Figment sitting in front of Spaceship Earth. The set also includes a metal Disney VIP Tours charm to hang from your lanyard. The box features a window in a plaid lid to display the pins.Loungefly Backpack – $105The Loungefly backpack is mostly black pleather with a debossed Mickey icon all-over pattern. The front pocket is plaid with a VIP Tours plaque

Universal Volcano Bay will close once again on December 21 and 22 due to “inclement weather” in the Central Florida area.Universal Volcano Bay ClosedUniversal Orlando Resort shared the update on Twitter (X): Weather Update Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels.— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) December 20, 2024The waterpark has closed numerous times this season due to lower temperatures in the Central Florida area. Most recently, it was closed for one day on December 12.According to Weather.com, Orlando Florida is expected to have a high of 62°F and a low of 44°F on December 21. There is also a 3% chance of precipitation. December 22 is expected to be a little warmer at 68°F, but the area water parks usually operate in temperatures over 70°F. Will this weather report affect your trip to Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments!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 Universal Volcano Bay Closed for the Weekend Due to Cold Weather appeared first on WDW News Today.

Howdy! It’s another day in the Magic Kingdom, but with all the fog you could barely see it! I found lots of fun merchandise, saw a lot of construction and refurbishment work, and of course, rode the Monorail a few times.Foggy StartThis morning, the fog was certainly aggressive. The ferryboats didn’t open at their normal time because of the fog. My morning was brightened by Jason Diffendal’s shining face waving from the newly opened Island Tower.Entry – Passholder EntranceI like this picture because the sky is completely blank as if it were edited, but it is just that foggy.The Passholder entrance is sometimes hit or miss. Sometimes this is a way more efficient line because in theory, Passholders should know they have a reservation before entry so there’s a less likely chance of getting stuck behind someone with an issue with their ticket or reservation.I am curious to see if Walt Disney World will get the more modern tapstiles that Disneyland recently installed at their entrance.Good Morning from Magic KingdomYou could barely see Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A., but the weather was very nice otherwise. The crowds were light at Magic Kingdom this morning, which is pretty normal for a party night.Tonight, Magic Kingdom is hosting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, so the park closes to day guests at 6 p.m. Many

J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan, revealed in a new interview that the park is exploring the use of parking lots for theme park expansion within the next decade.Universal Studios Japan Exploring Expansion OptionsUniversal Studios Japan recently opened its latest expansion, Donkey Kong Country, on December 11, 2024. This marked the latest addition to Super Nintendo World, which first opened at the park before being added to Universal Studios Hollywood and to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025. This new area expanded the total footprint of Super Nintendo World by 1.7 times.Even with that new addition, the park and Bonnier are already looking to the next big thing for the park, with an investment plan in place for future expansions.It is possible to add new attractions within the park through projects like relocating parking. We have a long-term investment plan looking 5 to 7 years ahead and will continue to roll out large-scale projects.J.L. Bonnier in an interview with Nikkei.comWhen asked about expanding the park and new developments in the works, Bonnier remained tight-lipped on specific plans, stating that only “We are focusing on growing the existing park.”It is worth noting that as of late, the park is very overcrowded, mostly because Universal Studios Japan is the only major Japanese theme park that still sells annual passes; Tokyo Disney Resort retired their annual pass program in 2020.