As of Monday, October 7, 2024, Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 5 and is projected to make a direct hit across Tampa, Orlando, and most of Florida later this week.
Evacuation orders have already been given to several areas near Tampa. Orlando and Tampa airports have announced closures. Some attractions have announced closures and changes to cancellation policies. Of course, more changes will likely be made as it gets closer. Check with your specific transportation, lodging, cruise, and attraction source.
For the latest information on the following locations, please visit these sites:
If you have a trip to Florida planned through the upcoming weekend, it will most likely be affected. Please modify your travel plans or check for changes if you still have to travel. Work with your travel sources or your travel agent.
Of course, it is more important for everyone to stay safe. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for everyone in the path of the storm. Be careful!
Due to the impending landfall of Hurricane Helene in Florida on Thursday, September 26, 2024, some attractions have announced several closures already. Of course, more changes may be made as it gets closer.
Update Thursday September 26, 2024
Tampa International Airport suspended all commercial and cargo operations beginning at 2 a.m. Thursday ahead of Hurricane Helene, with the Airport remaining closed to the public until it can assess any damage after the storm.
Walt Disney World has announced the following changes for Sept 26th:
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is cancelled. Guest tickets will be refunded.
The Magic Kingdom Park will close at 8pm. The other parks will operate within their usual hours as of now.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed.
Disney has stated that they are “closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”
Universal Orlando has announced the following closures for Sept 26th:
Volcano Bay will be closed.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled.
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times – with Universal Studios closing at 5 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 p.m.
Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 p.m.
Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
If you have a Halloween Horror Nights single night dated ticket or Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass for Thursday, Sept. 26 it will be automatically honored for a single night use through Sunday, Sept. 29.
The SeaWorld family of parks has announced the following changes for Sept 26th:
SeaWorld Orlando will close at 2pm.
Busch Gardens Tampa will be closed.
Adventure Island will be closed.
Aquatica Orlando will be closed. All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through September 30, 2024 and requires no action to be taken.
Orlando International Airport is currently operating as usual, but check your airlines’ flight status for flight changes from the airlines.
For the latest information, check the MCO site and your airline’s site.
If you have an upcoming cruise, check with your specific cruise line’s site for any changes to your cruise.
Port Canaveral has made the following statement:
Because of the effects of Hurricane Helene, we are anticipating cruise vessels scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral on Friday, Sept. 27 will be delayed. These delays will likely impact guest embarkation times for outbound sailings. All cruise guests planning to sail from Port Canaveral on Friday, Sept. 27 or Saturday, Sept. 28 are advised to contact their cruise lines to confirm their embarkation and ship’s departure time.
If you have a trip planned through the upcoming weekend, some components of your trip may be affected. Please check for changes before traveling and work with the vendors or your travel agent. Of course, it is more important for everyone to stay safe. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for everyone in the path of the storm. Be careful!
Disney Cruise Line has announced that their newest ship, the Disney Destiny, will set sail on November 20, 2025!
The Disney Destiny will sail 4-night and 5-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Every sailing will contain a port day at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay or its newest private destination Lookout Cay. Some sailings have port stops at both locations! This will be DCL’s seventh ship and will be a sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure ships.
In a departure from the other ships, the theming will be based on Heroes and Villains and will feature a very different style and color scheme. The Grand Hall takes inspiration from Black Panther for the Vibranium chandelier and armor metalwork and will feature T’Challa as the main statue. Marvel theming will be prominent in other areas of the ship as well, such as Spiderman being the stern character.
Restaurants, lounges, and staterooms will be inspired by other heroes and villains, such as The Lion King (new dinner show restaurant), Marvel, Dr Strange, Cruella de Vil, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, Haunted Mansion, Iron Man, and more.
The stage shows will be Disney Seas the Adventure, Frozen – A Musical Spectacular, and unique to the Disney Destiny ship, a new show based on Disney Hercules! This spectacular mythical journey of good vs evil remains true to the film’s essence, yet will present a fresh, modern take for a live theatre audience with pop and gospel musical influences.
The first set of Inaugural Sailings from November 2025 through May 2026 are on sale now! Bookings have started for Castaway Club members and will start for everyone on September 12, 2024.
Sept 6 – Pearl Castaway Club
Sept 9 – Platinum Castaway Club & Golden Oak
Sept 10 – Gold Castaway Club
Sept 11 – DVC & Adventure Insiders
Sept 11 – Silver Castaway Club
Sept 12 – General (1st timers)
To view the list of Disney Destiny’s sailing dates, visit the Disney Cruise Line site.
The buttons to book will be enabled once the booking window opens for you. Make sure to log into your DCL account so that it picks up your Castaway Club level to enable your booking on the correct date.
Note: The Maiden Voyage has special restrictions. The 20% deposit is not refundable if you cancel and you have to pay the balance 120 days before the sail date for suites and concierge staterooms and 90 days for all other staterooms. You cannot use any other discounts, offers, or future cruise credits. No date or lead passenger changes either. So, make sure you’re definitely able to do the cruise before you book that first one. All other sailings follow the regular DCL cancellation/change policies.
If you are a Disney, Pixar and Marvel fan, this is the ship for you. We can’t wait to check out this unique ship! I’m sure the inaugural sailings and especially the maiden voyage will book up very quickly. The best time to book a cruise for the lowest rate will be when the sailing is first released. If you want to chat more about Disney cruises or are interested in booking a cruise, contact me ASAP.
Breaking News! Disney just announced that the Tron ride at the Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World will stop using the Virtual Queue after September 8, 2024! Starting September 9th, you can ride it by walking up anytime in the Standby line, or by buying the Lightning Lane Single Pass for it. It is not included in the Multi-Pass selections.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will start tomorrow, July 29th, and run through November 23, 2024, this year. This is one of our favorite Disney World events!
Take a taste tour around the world at appetizing marketplaces featuring authentic global cuisine and beverages. This is foodie heaven with delicious 2 dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits, and other beverages sure to satisfy every palate.
For a full list of the numerous marketplace menus, check out the festival page below:
Hear live musical performances from renowned artists and fresh, local talent at the Eat to the Beat concert series with performances nightly starting at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM at the America Gardens Theatre.
Participate in the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak or Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunts. Commemorate your trip with special photo ops. And of course, there will be plenty of merch if you want to do some souvenir shopping.
Don’t skip EPCOT on your next Disney World trip!
Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about this festival or planning a Disney trip in general. We love going to Disney World during these festivals!
Universal Epic Universe finally introduced details of the last exciting world in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™
Encounter fantastic beasts as you explore wizarding Paris in the 1920s, then take the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry in the 1990s for new thrills with Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™
Travel by Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic™ where Dolores Umbridge™ is about to stand trial. Board a lift and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as you journey deep into the Ministry’s many departments. Thrilling adventure, fantastic beasts, and unexplored mystery await in this exciting new ride.
Le Cirque Arcanus
In an attempt to bring Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory, ringmaster Skender has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase which contains fantastic beasts from around the globe. It’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue the creatures in this spectacular theatrical show of live performers, amazing puppetry, dazzling special effects and more.
Wand Magic in Wizarding Paris
Sharpen your spell-casting skills with amazing new interactive wand experiences. Immerse yourself in the magic with interactive wands that enable you to cast spells and interact with fantastic beasts and enchanted objects throughout wizarding Paris.
Shop inCosme Acajor Baguettes Magique™
Find some of the finest wands in the world, designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor. Acajor’s unique approach to wandlore, couture influence, and utilization of distinct wand cores results in an outcome that is not a wand, but a work of art.
Café L’air De La Sirène™
Dine inside or outside as you enjoy French baked goods, sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts. You can quench your thirst with Butterbeer™ along with a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks including beer, cocktails and French wines.
Are you excited for this world? We can finally go in the Ministry of Magic! I can’t wait!
* Photos are current artist renderings courtesy of Universal Studios.
The image above shows an overview of Universal Epic Universe along with the other worlds that make up the park. More details will be revealed about each in the coming months. Stay tuned!
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, explore international wizarding communities from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry via floo network.
In Dark Universe, explore a world of myth and mystery, from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.
Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Dark Universe.
At Super Nintendo World™ you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.
Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Super Nintendo World.
In How to Train Your Dragon, take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of Berk. Take part in wild boat battles, feast like a Viking, and more.
Celestial Park is the central hub area of Epic Universe, with lush tree-lined walkways, dancing fountains, restaurants, shops, and more.
Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Celestial Park.
Contact me if you want to chat about planning or booking your next trip to Universal or any other destination. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.
Today, July 24, 2024, the Disney World Genie+ service will be renamed to Lightning Lane, with a few major changes. I’ve created a guide with all of the details you need to know.
Disney World is bringing back Jollywood Nights, the after-hours holiday party that started last year in Hollywood Studios!
You can dance the night away with live bands, see festive stage shows, and cap the night off with the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. In addition, enjoy lower wait times for your favorite attractions, meet beloved characters dressed in their holiday finest, enjoy unique entertainment, and feast on new holiday treats.
This event will take place on select nights from November 9 to December 21, 2024.
Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can purchase tickets starting today, July 2, 2024, for event dates during their stay. If you’re not staying at a Disney Resort, you can buy tickets starting July 10, 2024.
This is a separate party from the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that I talked about yesterday, but tickets to both events are on sale at the same time.
2024 Event Dates
November 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 December 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21
This special event takes place from 7:30pm to 12:30am but ticket holders can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 6pm on the date of their ticket. No theme park reservation is needed to enter after 6pm. Come dressed to impressed.
Ticket prices start at $159. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket, valid for all event nights.
NEW! Gather for a dazzling skating spectacular on Hollywood Boulevard, set to your favorite holiday tunes. Take in the grace and skill of international champion skaters in an awe-inspiring twist on the traditional ice show.
Join Jack Skellington at Hyperion Theater for a dreamlike adventure inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Sing along with the Pumpkin King to songs from the film as you follow 2 friends on a larger-than-life journey.
Don’t miss Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as they host a star-studded holiday music and dancing extravaganza in the Theater of the Stars, with appearances from Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and more, accompanied by a talented cast of singers, dancers, and jazz musicians.
Experience Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, a lively holiday street fair in the Courtyard with colorful décor and spirited musicians performing Latin holiday tunes, as well as appearances from José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros.
Gather around Echo Lake for a 1990s-2000s throwback bash where you may spot Phineas, Ferb, and Max Goof as Powerline. Plus, Baloo and King Louie from Talespin will join the fun in 2024!
Celebrate in Pixar Plaza at a dance party with the incomparable Edna Mode.
After all that excitement, join a Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club, a swingin’ celebration in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Purchase your cocktails and unwind in style while a live band swoons and croons holiday tunes.
Cap off the night with Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a nighttime spectacular of fireworks, lasers, lights, music, and projectionsofholiday moments from favorite Disney films against the iconic Chinese Theater.
Pose for pics all night since PhotoPass digital photos and videos from the event are included with your ticket! Be on the lookout for magic shots and specialty image captures.
Commemorate your exciting evening with Disney Jollywood Nights themed apparel, accessories, collectibles, and more.
For an extra indulgence, reserve Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. On event evenings, guests can sip craft cocktails and enjoy an event-exclusive menu of light bites while a pianist plays smooth holiday tunes at The Hollywood Brown Derby. This restaurant fills up very quickly so reserve this ASAP if you’re interested.
As always, feel free to contact me if you want me to book these events for your next Disney trip.
As crazy as it seems, we’re halfway to Christmas already! This year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park in Disney World will take place on select nights from November 8, 2024 to December 20, 2024. It goes from 7pm – midnight ET, though you can get into the park after 4pm with the party ticket. No park reservations are necessary for the party.
Delight in the amazingly festive Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show!
Gather to watch Disney Characters give a yuletide nod to the season during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Head over to Cinderella Castle for a yuletide stage show, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration!
Join Elsa, Anna, and friends for a Frozen Holiday Surprise as the Cinderella Castle is turned into a frozen wonderland.
Get the perfect pictureand Magic Shots with Disney pals dressed in their Christmas best!
Make your night extra sweet when you explore the park searching for cookies and cocoa, plus many other holiday treats and merch.
Dance the night away at several dance parties with your favorite characters.
Take in the elaborate decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life!
Delight your taste buds with delicious holiday sips and bites.
Bring home festive finds to remember this seasonal celebration with unique festival merchandise.
Enjoy lower crowds on rides and shows, some with holiday overlays and decor.
Meet Santa!
For an extra indulgence, enjoy a sweet treats buffet and priority viewing for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks with a Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace or with a Plaza Garden viewing. Tickets for this additional add-on will go on sale in September.
Tickets range from $169 – $219. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket on select nights before Dec 5th.
Tickets are limited and will go on sale July 2, 2024 if you’re staying at a select Disney resort during your party day and July 10, 2024 if you’re not.
This is a very popular event and certain days will sell out fast. If this is a must-do and you’re limited to certain days, you may want to buy your tickets as soon as you can.
If you’re not going to the party and you only have one Magic Kingdom day, you may want to go to a different park on a party day since Magic Kingdom will close early to non-party guests. If you do have multiple Magic Kingdom days, then you may actually want to go to Magic Kingdom on a party day since crowds may be lower from other non-party-goers avoiding a short day there.
We’ve been to this party in the past and it was really fun. Please contact me if you want to chat more about this or to help book your party tickets.
Disney announced new Disney World Resort savings offers for Fall through the 2024 Holiday Season. On sale now. Lock in your next vacation now with just a $200 deposit!
Even if you already have a trip booked, you may be able to get one of these offers applied to it if your booking fits the criteria.
Save up to 30% on rooms for stays most nights from November 24 to December 25, 2024.
Enjoy other savings for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 6 to November 21, 2024.
Plus, get FREE Park Hopper benefits when you take advantage of this offer and upgrade to a Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package that includes nondiscounted 4-day (or longer) date-based theme park tickets! With Park Hopper benefits, you can visit multiple theme parks each day of your ticket.
Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms
Florida residents can save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for 1 – 14 night stays most nights from Oct 6 – Nov 21, 2024 and Nov 24 – Dec 25, 2024.
Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.
Annual Passholders: Save Up to 40% on Rooms
For 1 – 14 night stays from Oct 6 – Nov 21, 2024 and Nov 24 – Dec 25, 2024, annual passholders can save 10% – 40% depending on the resort.
Proof of Annual Pass required at check-in.
This is a good time to book a trip while these offers are going on. Lock in a deal with just a $200 deposit for packages with rooms and tickets or the first night rate for room-only bookings before they sell out.
The number of rooms allocated for any of these offers is limited and excludes certain room types. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
Please contact me to check if your desired resort has availability for any offers.
Adventures By Anne 