This is something new, a weekly round-up, it’s true. Slightly busy, or even confused? Don’t worry, I’ve summarized this week’s Disney news for you!
Park News
Disney’s Blizzard Beach to Reopen Nov. 13
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach is finally reopening on November 13! And with that opening comes Frozen-inspired updates and holiday treats. Specifically, Tike’s Peak, an area for kids, will now feature Anna and Elsa’s igloo castle and Olaf and his Snowgie pals. (This sounds like my kids will love it.) There will also be holiday treats and offerings through December 31, including an Orange Bird DOLE Whip cone, a Peppermint Milkshake, daily snowfall (!), holiday music, and even a tropical Santa.
It’s Time for EPCOT FARTS.
- EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts, the first EPCOT festival of each year, will run from January 13 to February 20, 2023. This festival celebrates the visual, culinary, and performing arts across the park, and is, in my opinion, one of the best festivals. Two new “Food Studios” (read: food booths) will be featured this year: Moderne, near Test Track, and Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic.
The Return of Mr. Toad (Kind of ).
- Starting today (November 1) a Mr. Toad popcorn bucket will be available at the Magic Kingdom. There will be a limit of one mobile order a day for two buckets per person, while supplies last (let’s not forget the mania induced by the Figment bucket just a few months ago…). Guests who purchase the popcorn bucket will have exclusive access to buy a Mr. Toad Dome Cake at Big Top Snacks. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs News.
- The new land–err, port–at Tokyo DisneySea, will feature three immersive worlds: Frozen Kingdom, Rapunzel’s Forest, and Peter Pan’s Never Land. Frozen Kingdom will feature waterfalls and Elsa’s snow-covered palace, Rapnuzel’s Forest will feature Rapunzel’s tower and a boathouse restaurant, and Peter Pan’s Never Land will feature a pirate ship and Pixie Hollow. A new hotel, the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel is also being built nearby. Fantasy Springs is set to open in spring 2024.
Shanghai Disneyland Closes Due to COVID-19, Again.
- This is not the first time this has happened, and it may happen again due to China’s strict lockdown policies. According to The Daily Beast, the park abruptly shut down, forcing guests who were celebrating Halloween to flee for the gates–and some were even trapped inside. At this time, it is unclear when it will reopen.
In Case You Missed It:
I talked about my experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with toddlers–was it worth it?
Here is my full review and guide to scoring a reservation at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Fantasmic! is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week! Learn how to watch it, and how to secure a reserved spot for one of the shows.
Did I Mention?
Worried about park passes, advanced dining reservations, and virtual queues? Don’t be. My wife and I co-authored The New Parents’ Guide to Walt Disney World, so you can navigate the Walt Disney World Resort in the post-pandemic era like a pro.
See you real soon!