Category: States

Harry Potter™: The Exhibition Opens in Philadelphia

Where are my Harry Potter fans?? You have to check this out! There’s a brand new Harry Potter exhibit in Philadelphia that just opened at the Franklin Institute, a science museum! It runs through Sept 18, 2022.

I haven’t made it to this one yet, but went to one of the touring Harry Potter exhibits years ago where they had costumes and scenes from the movies and that was awesome. I’m sure with the advance in technology now, they can have even cooler stuff. I can’t wait to go!

Here’s what their website says about it:

This groundbreaking exhibition will celebrate the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World using best-in-class immersive design and technology. From the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle to the antics of its mischievous yet brilliant students; from daring duels to dragons and Dark Arts; from glittering Gringotts™ to the magnificent Ministry of Magic – the exhibition will bring magic to life, connect visitors with the larger global community of fans of the Wizarding World, and reveal the artistry and craftsmanship behind the blockbuster films.

Visitors will get an up-close look at authentic props and original costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts™ films as they engage with innovative, awe-inspiring, and magical environments and installations in this: the most comprehensive touring exhibition ever presented about the Wizarding World.

For more details and to buy tickets, go to their site:

Disneyland Toontown Closing Date Announced

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Last November, Disney announced that the entire Toontown area in Disneyland, California will be renovated to “feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy play spaces for everyone to unplug”. Yesterday, they finally gave the specific date when it’ll be closing for this renovation work – March 9, 2022.

It will reopen approximately Spring 2023, no exact date yet on the reopening. However, it will reopen with the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride, like the one at Disney World.

If you want more details on what the new Toontown will be like, check out this article from Disney Parks Blog:

So, if you want to visit Toontown one last time in its current state, go before March 9th!

Theme park masks are optional again

Mickey mask

Universal Orlando, Disney World Orlando, and Disneyland California just announced that masks will no longer be required in indoor attractions and settings for vaccinated guests. This is in effect already at Universal Orlando and starts Feb 17, 2022 for both Disney parks. They will still be required on transportation, such as shuttles, buses, monorails, and the Skyliner.

Here’s the text snippet from the Disney World site:

Beginning February 17, 2022, face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings will still be required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.

UPDATE: As of March 15, 2022, masks are optional for vaccinated guests on the Skyliner also.

Here’s the snippet from the Disneyland site:

Beginning February 17, 2022, face coverings are required for unvaccinated Guests (ages 2 and older) in all indoor locations, including throughout indoor attractions and indoor queues. Face coverings are required for all Guests, regardless of vaccination status, in certain indoor settings including Disney shuttles and in health settings, such as in First Aid. Face coverings are optional for Guests in outdoor areas.

Here’s the snippet from the Universal Orlando site:

Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests. For guests who have not been vaccinated, face coverings are encouraged while indoors.

For the full details on this and other current restrictions, refer to the following pages from the parks:

As of this writing, Universal Hollywood and other parks have not announced any changes to their mask requirements, but be sure to check the website for each park before you go.

You could be in a Smithsonian exhibit!

The National Museum of American History is working on a future project, and they’re looking for images that capture your experiences as guests at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. They want all kinds of photos – candid or posed, all ages and abilities, doing all kinds of activities around the parks. Find that funny ride photo!

If you submit a photo and/or story of yourself, you might appear in the museum! Here’s how:

Please send your photo/s to NMAH-DisneyStories@si.edu with a few sentences about the photo and your Disney Park story. Don’t forget to include your name and the best way to get in touch with you!

Check this article from the museum for more specifics.

Disneyland Grad Nite Returns

Disneyland Grad Nite
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Grad Nite festivities will be back at California Adventure park in Disneyland Resort in California! On select nights in May and June 2022, Class of 2022 high school graduates, can celebrate with access to rides, foods, photo ops, and more with other graduates in this after hours party.

Dates for the 2022 parties are:

May 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 31

June 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 17

Registration is now open. There are 3 ticket options ranging from just access to the party to access to both parks during the day as well.

Grad Nite is a very popular tradition for many California high schools. You may want to plan around these dates if you’re not participating.

For more details about this event, visit the Disneyland Grad Nite page.

Celebrate Mardi Gras at Disney World Port Orleans Resort

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Feb. 2, 2022 is the 30th anniversary of the Port Orleans Resort – Riverside resort at Disney World. Since it is modeled after the beauty and charm of New Orleans, what better way to celebrate the anniversary than with Mardi Gras festivities. That’s only a month away anyway.

There will be tons of activities, entertainment, and food and beverages, of course. Anyone can participate. You don’t have to be a guest staying at that resort. Check out this article from Disney Parks for more details.

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Honor Black History Month at Disney Parks

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This February, in celebration of black culture and heritage, Disney World and Disneyland California invite you to Celebrate Soulfully through music, food, art and more.

There will be many performances, exhibits, treats, and, of course, merchandise at the parks and resorts on both coasts. For a listing of these events, check out this Disney Parks article.

Valentine’s Day Celebrations at Disney World

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My last post talked about the Valentine’s Day Celebration at Disneyland California. Well, it looks like Disney World and the international Disney parks will have their own celebrations too!

Check out this article from Disney Parks for the detailed listing of all treats & events.

If you’re celebrating, I hope this gives you some good ideas. A Disney day or a Disney inspired day would definitely be a good way to celebrate! 😀

Read my Valentine’s Day Offerings at Disneyland post for info on the events there.

Valentine’s Day offerings at Disneyland California

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With Valentine’s Day approaching soon, Disneyland has several new offerings to help you celebrate. There will be many specialty treats at the restaurants in Downtown Disney and the Disneyland resorts. Also, there will be plenty of gift ideas at the numerous stores.

If you really want to go all out, book a stay at one of the Disneyland resorts. There’s currently an offer to save up to 25% off select rooms for visits now through April 7, 2022, when booked by March 17, 2022.

For more details on the many offerings, check out this Celebrating Valentine’s Day article.

Read my Valentine’s Day Celebration at Disney World post for info on the events there.

Super Bowl Events at Disneyland California

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ESPN and Disneyland are teaming up for tons of Super Bowl related events from February 9 – February 13, 2022.

There will be fan experiences in California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney with games and giveaways. ESPN will have broadcasts from inside the park those few days, so viewers at home can catch some of those too. I imagine some ESPN personalities and perhaps some football notables will be there as well, though no guarantee on that.

If you’re a football fan, or if you’re not, plan accordingly. More details are listed in this ESPN Touches Down at Disneyland article by Disney Parks Blog.