This week at Walt Disney World, a free (with admission) trick or treating opportunity is announced for Halloween, several characters get new homes, plus the Disney Skyliner reopens and Star Wars: Galalxy’s Edge removes some of its theming
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal officially announces a new show set to hit Universal Studios Florida in 2020, plus new annual passholder perks are announced!
1. Trick or treating and special character appearances come to Typhoon Lagoon for Halloween
Image:Disney
Cooler, fall temperatures may have finally arrived in Central Florida, but Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is still open and if you are looking for a fun way to spend Halloween at Walt Disney World (and you didn’t get a ticket to the now sold-out Mickey’s Not-so-scary Halloween Party on October 31st), there are some fun special activities happening at the water park on Halloween only:
- Trick or Treating: guests can visit three different treat stops at Typhoon Lagoon on October 31st only to grab some Halloween goodies! Treat stops will be at the park’s front entrance, Singapore Sal’s, and Safe Harbor.
- I-Scream Cone: Available on Halloween only, this special ice cream treat features Orange Dole Whip Soft Serve, a sandwich cookie waffle cone, colorful Halloween sprinkles and a white chocolate surfboard.
- Halloween character greetings: Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are ready to celebrate Halloween near the Clock Tower and will be posing for pictures in Pirate Halloween costumes!
- Halloween craft: guests who visit Typhoon Lagoon on Halloween can decorate their very own mini-pumpkin in a special holiday crafting area.
2. Timon and Rafiki now meeting guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Image: Disney
Though the limited time “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” ended several weeks ago at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can still meet two characters from The Lion King, as Timon and Rafiki are now meeting guests daily in the Character Landing area of the park (which formerly housed a Pocahontas meet and greet).
3. Docking Bay 7 menu removes Star Wars-inspired food names at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Image: Disney
Though we’ve previously lauded how Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge separates itself from the rest of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it looks like some of the ways this land made itself feel like part of a galaxy far, far away may have been a bit too confusing for guests.
Quick service eatery Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo recently updated its menu to feature more straightforward food names, removing all of the Star Wars theming from the menu. So, instead of wondering what Braised Shaak Roast, Smoked Kaadu Ribs or Roasted Endorian Tip-Yip Salad are, guests will now simply order Beef Pot Roast, Smoked Pork Ribs or a Roasted Chicken Salad.
4. Disney Skyliner reopened to all guests
Image: Disney
While Disney has still not released any details about what exactly caused the Disney Skyliner issue last week, they have reopened the Disney Skyliner transport system effective October 14th, just over a week after the incident occurred, in a statement Disney said:
Following a complete review with the manufacturer, we’ve made adjustments to our processes and training, and we are improving how we communicate with guests during their flight with Disney Skyliner. We again offer our deepest apologies to the guests impacted by the malfunction that resulted in extended operating delays on Oct. 5
5. Disney extends holiday hours at several parks
Image: Disney
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom have all extended their hours in November and December, according to the most recent updates to Walt Disney World’s official calendar, with all of these parks now open for an extra hour or two most evenings this holiday season.
These extra hours will be especially crucial for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which may see higher guest levels thanks to the December 5 opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the much-anticipated “E-Ticket” attraction many have been waiting to experience at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
6. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party already sold out for opening date
Image: Disney
Though we’re still in the midst of the Halloween season, the opening night of the Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on November 8th is already sold out. All other dates currently remain available, but if you are wanting to experience this special holiday offering, you’ll want to purchase tickets soon.
7. Bourne-themed show accidentally confirmed by Universal
Image: Universal
After a bit of an accident last week, Universal officially confirmed The Bourne Stuntacular, several days ago. This new live-action stunt show, will debut at Universal Studios Florida next year, and will feature chase scenes, fistfights, death-defying leaps and more with live performers, high-tech props, and a giant LED screen.
The Bourne Stuntacular will be located in the former Terminator 2: 3D attraction building and currently targeting a Spring 2020 debut.
8. Universal announces passholder perks for 2020
Image: Universal
With 2020 just around the bend, Universal has announced some special annual passholder perks for passholders:
- Special entrance: Annual and Seasonal Passholders will be able to enter Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure through an exclusive special UOAP marked entrance from January 4 thorough January 31, 2020, which will be located at the front of both theme parks.
- UOAP Lounge Presented by Coca Cola: This special passholder hangout has been extended through 2020 giving Passholders an exclusive place to stop in, charge electronic devices, and cool off with Coca-Cola beverages available for purchase.
- All-new buttons throughout the year
- Seasonal giveaways
- New UOAP merchandise
