DisWorldGuide

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing a significant transformation. Dinoland U.S.A., an area known for its dinosaur-themed attractions, will soon close to make way for a new and exciting land, Tropical Americas. This change marks an important milestone in the park’s development and promises to bring new experiences and attractions to visitors.

Dinoland U.S.A. has been a part of Animal Kingdom since the park’s opening in 1998. The area has been home to a variety of attractions, including DINOSAUR, TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinorama. These attractions have been loved by many, but Disney announced earlier this fall that it is time for a renewal to keep the park relevant and exciting for future generations.

The first phase of the closure of Dinoland U.S.A. will begin on January 13, 2025. The last day for guests to experience TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will be January 12, 2025. After this, walls will go up, and work will begin to transform the area into Tropical Americas.

Although many of the attractions in the Dino-Rama area will close, some attractions will remain open during a transition period. DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will still be available to visitors until later in 2025.

Tropical Americas will be inspired by the culture, wildlife, and environment of Central and South America. One of the most exciting additions to this new area will be Disney’s first attraction based on the movie “Encanto.” This magical experience will invite guests into the heart of the Madrigal family’s casita, where they will participate in a celebration of Antonio receiving his special gift: the ability to communicate with animals.

Additionally, a new Indiana Jones attraction will replace DINOSAUR. This new attraction will take guests on an archaeological journey through a newly discovered Mayan temple, led by Indiana Jones himself.

Construction for the new attractions will begin shortly after the initial closures. The entire Tropical Americas area, which will be named Pueblo Esperanza, is scheduled to open in 2027.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the most iconic attractions in Magic Kingdom, is preparing for a major upgrade that will close the attraction for over a year. This exciting roller coaster, which has delighted visitors since its opening in 1980, will close its doors on January 6, 2025, and is expected to reopen in 2026 with a new version and new magical elements.

The attraction, designed by Imagineer Tony Baxter, takes guests on a wild ride through an abandoned gold mining town in the American Southwest. Inspired by the red rock formations of Bryce Canyon, Utah, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is known for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling turns. The story behind the attraction tells of a small town that experienced a gold rush but was abandoned after a series of mysterious events, including earthquakes and floods. The train, now running without a driver, gives guests the feeling of being on a wild ride through the abandoned mines. Guests start their journey in Frontierland, where they are greeted by an authentic mining town atmosphere. The train then takes them on a three-minute ride through narrow tunnels, steep drops, and sharp turns, all while experiencing the sights and sounds of an abandoned mine.

For many visitors, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is an indispensable part of the Magic Kingdom experience. Although the closure will surely be disappointing for many, it is an exciting opportunity to see what Disney Imagineers have planned for the future. With the promise of new magical elements and improvements, the reopening in 2026 will undoubtedly bring a lot of exciting new features to this classic attraction.

In addition to the upgrade of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Magic Kingdom is undergoing a significant expansion with the introduction of two new themed lands: Cars Land and Villains Land. Cars Land, inspired by the Pixar film “Cars,” will bring Lightning McQueen and his friends to a new part of Frontierland. This area will include two new attractions, one of which will be an exciting rally ride through the mountains, and another aimed at younger guests. Villains Land, which will be located next to Cars Land, will be dedicated to Disney’s most notorious villains and will offer new attractions, dining, and shops.

These expansions, which are part of the larger “Beyond Big Thunder” project, may be related to the upgrade of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. By closing and upgrading this iconic attraction now, Disney can ensure that the entire area around Frontierland becomes a cohesive and updated experience for guests when the new themed lands open.

Lightning Lane MultiPass and SinglePass replaced Genie+ in the summer of 2024. Now, Disney is taking it a step further with the introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, launching on October 30, 2024.

Lightning Lane was introduced as a replacement for the former FastPass system. FastPass was first launched in 1999 as a free service that allowed guests to reserve times for popular attractions, thereby avoiding the longer standby queues. In 2014, the system was upgraded to FastPass+, which included more digital features and the ability to reserve times in advance via the My Disney Experience app. In 2021, FastPass+ was replaced by Lightning Lane, a paid service integrated into Disney Genie+. This was then replaced by MultiPass and SinglePass for Lightning Lane in the summer of 2024.

The new Lightning Lane Premier Pass offers guests even more benefits, but at a considerable price. With the Premier Pass, guests can gain entry to every available Lightning Lane attraction in a park for one day. This provides flexibility that many will likely appreciate, as they do not need to choose specific arrival times for the attractions. Additionally, the Premier Pass includes unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos from the day, as well as access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses.

However, there is a significant caveat, and that is the price. The Premier Pass can be purchased via Disney’s app up to seven days before the park visit, with prices ranging from $129 to $449 per person per day, depending on the date and demand. To purchase the pass, everyone in the party must have a valid park ticket for the same date. This is intended to make it easy for guests to plan and maximize their time in the park.

It is important to note that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will initially only be available to guests staying at select Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and some other selected hotels.

In addition to the Premier Pass, Disney also offers other Lightning Lane passes:

Lightning Lane Multi Pass
This pass allows guests to plan and reserve up to three Lightning Lane experiences in advance. Once they have used the first one, they can make a new reservation, depending on availability. The Multi Pass can be used in multiple parks if your ticket includes ParkHopper.

Lightning Lane Single Pass
This pass gives guests access to one Lightning Lane attraction and typically applies only to the most popular attractions. Guests can purchase up to two Single Passes per day, depending on availability.

The initial reactions to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass have been mixed. Some guests will likely appreciate the increased flexibility and additional benefits that the pass provides, especially for those who want to maximize their time in the park without having to plan every single stop. However, many will probably find the price too high, making it significantly less accessible for most visitors.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the most impressive and innovative attractions at Walt Disney World. This attraction, located in Epcot, officially opened on May 27, 2022.

When Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in 2022, it replaced Ellen’s Energy Adventure, which was part of the Universe of Energy pavilion. Ellen’s Energy Adventure closed its doors on August 13, 2017, and construction of the new attraction began shortly after. The construction of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was a significant investment for Disney, with an estimated cost of around 500 million dollars. This includes both the construction of the attraction itself and the upgrade of the surrounding area.

The attraction is based on the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. It is located in the World Discovery section of Epcot and is the first attraction at Walt Disney World to include characters from the Marvel universe. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an indoor roller coaster and one of the largest fully enclosed roller coasters in the world. It also has the unique feature of being the first Disney attraction with a reverse launch. The cars on the roller coaster rotate 360 degrees, providing guests with a dynamic experience where they can focus on the action around them.

Guests start their adventure in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-like exhibition that shows the similarities and differences between Xandar and Earth’s galaxies. Here, you can learn about Xandar’s technology and culture. But things take a dramatic turn when guests are called in to help the Guardians of the Galaxy with an urgent mission. They join Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Star-Lord on an exciting chase through space to save the galaxy. The attraction also includes a number of music tracks that play an important role in the experience. These include well-known hits like “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears.

The construction of the attraction was a massive operation, including the use of 960 truckloads of concrete for the foundation. The roller coaster itself is manufactured by the Dutch company Vekoma and uses LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) launch technology to provide a smooth and powerful start. The attraction is designed to be an immersive experience from start to finish. When guests enter the queue area, they are greeted by a futuristic and detailed setting, where interactive elements and impressive visual effects help build the excitement before the ride begins.

When guests finally board the vehicles, they are taken on a journey through time and space. The aforementioned reverse launch provides an unexpected and thrilling start to the ride, and the rotating cars ensure that guests always have the best view of the action unfolding around them. The story told during the ride is both engaging and action-packed, with many references to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies that fans will appreciate. The music is also carefully selected to match the pace and mood of the ride, adding an extra dimension to the experience.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind represents a new era for Epcot. The attraction combines advanced technology with an engaging story and an exciting theme, making it a must-see for everyone visiting the park.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind full ride POV – “One Way or Another” by Blondie (youtube.com)

As Hurricane Milton approaches the west coast of Florida, the weather forecast has prompted Disney World to announce the closure of its parks.

On October 9th, all parks and Disney Springs closed starting at 1 p.m., and they are expected to remain closed at least through October 10th.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is canceled for October 10th. Disney says tickets for the event will be refunded.

Walt Disney World Transportation, including buses, the Disney Skyliner, and the Walt Disney World Monorail, will cease operations while the parks are closed. Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be available for Walt Disney World Resort guests.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also be closed during this period. Disney’s Blizzard Beach remains closed for planned refurbishment.

Disney World states that they will not enforce cancellation fees for dining and other reservations until further notice. If you prepaid for something that is now canceled, Disney says you will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days.

The hurricane is currently a category 4 but is expected to make landfall as a category 3 on Wednesday evening. The hurricane’s path is likely to cross just south of the Orlando and Disney World areas.

If you are currently staying at a Disney World resort, know that the buildings are constructed to withstand the strongest hurricanes, and the staff is trained in safety for these situations, so be sure to follow their instructions. We have stayed at Disney World hotels during hurricanes, and we know that Disney always prioritizes safety while ensuring you are comfortable and have access to what you need!

Disney World has recently announced a significant change to its Disability Access Service (DAS), extending the service duration from 120 to 240 days. This change, which recently came into effect, aims to provide better flexibility and accessibility for guests who rely on DAS.

Disney World’s Disability Access Service (DAS) is a service designed to assist guests with disabilities that make it difficult to wait in long lines. The service allows these guests to receive a return time for attractions, enabling them to enjoy the park without having to stand in a physical queue for extended periods.

Earlier this year, in May 2024, several changes were also introduced to the DAS system. Among the most significant changes were the requirement for pre-registration via video chat and the focus of DAS primarily on guests with cognitive or developmental challenges, such as autism.

The latest change, which doubles the duration of DAS from 120 to 240 days, is particularly beneficial for guests who visit the park frequently, plan longer stays, or hold annual passes. This provides them with more time and flexibility to plan and enjoy their visit without needing to renew the service as often.

Read more about the Disability Access Service HERE, or on Disney World’s official website.

As we approach the end of 2024, there’s a lot of exciting things happening at Walt Disney World. From special events to seasonal celebrations, here’s an overview of what you can expect in the last three months of the year.

October

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party continues through October, with the final party on October 31st. This popular event includes special parades, fireworks, and the opportunity to dress up and collect candy around the park.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival also runs throughout October, ending on November 12th. This festival offers culinary experiences from around the world, chef demonstrations, and concerts.

November

In November, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts in Magic Kingdom. This festive event takes place on select evenings from November 9th to December 22nd. Guests can enjoy Christmas parades, special fireworks shows, and meet Disney characters in holiday costumes.

Disney Jollywood Nights takes place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select evenings from November 11th to December 20th. Disney promises a glamorous evening with entertainment, special dining experiences, and unique photo opportunities.

December

December is a magical time at Walt Disney World with holiday decorations and special events throughout the park. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 24th and runs until December 30th. The festival celebrates holidays from around the world with special food booths, concerts, and the Candlelight Processional.

Disney After Hours continues in Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights throughout December. This event allows guests to enjoy the parks with shorter lines and special experiences after the park officially closes.

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon will be open until November 3, 2024, before closing for maintenance. Blizzard Beach reopens on November 4, 2024, and will remain open through the winter.

Christmas and New Year

Around Christmas time, Magic Kingdom will host Frozen Holiday Surprise in front of Cinderella Castle, featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the cute Snowgies. This show can be seen during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Animal Kingdom will have Merry Menagerie, a collection of handcrafted animal figures and interactive experiences. Hollywood Studios will have a holiday projection on the Hollywood Tower Hotel and festive decor in Toy Story Land.

New Year’s Eve is celebrated with spectacular fireworks shows in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, where Epcot also hosts a big New Year’s party.

The last three months of 2024 at Walt Disney World are filled with magic, festivities, and new experiences. Whether you’re there for Halloween, Christmas, or just to enjoy the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now preparing for a new and hopefully exciting change. The attraction “Lightning McQueen Racing Academy” will soon close its doors to make way for a new and exciting Villains show.

“Lightning McQueen Racing Academy” opened in 2019 and has since been a favorite among fans of Disney and Pixar’s Cars universe. The show, located in the Sunset Showcase area behind Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, has given visitors a unique opportunity to experience a high-octane performance with Lightning McQueen and other well-known characters like Mater and Cruz Ramirez.

Disney has announced that the last performance of “Lightning McQueen Racing Academy” will take place on October 7, 2024. After this date, work will begin to transform the area into a new Villains show, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025. The new show will feature appearances from some of Disney’s most notorious villains, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent.

Although “Lightning McQueen Racing Academy” is closing, fans of the Cars universe need not despair. Disney plans to include characters from the Cars films in a new expansion of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom, which will feature two new attractions.

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Starting September 9, 2024, visitors to Magic Kingdom will be able to experience Tron Lightcycle/Run in a new way. Disney has announced that the popular attraction will transition from using a virtual queue system to a traditional standby queue.

Tron is a futuristic roller coaster based on the Tron movies, especially “Tron: Legacy.” It is an almost identical copy of Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction takes guests on an exciting ride through a digital world, where they ride “lightcycles” in a high-speed race against other programs. Guests sit on motorcycle-like seats, reaching speeds of nearly 100 km/h, with a series of twists and turns that mimic the video game world from the movies.

Tron, which opened last year, has so far used a virtual queue system where guests had to secure a spot via the Disney app at specific times. This system has been part of Disney’s strategy to manage large crowds and reduce wait times. However, starting September 9, guests will be able to join a regular queue to experience the futuristic roller coaster.

Although the virtual queue is disappearing, the Lightning Lane Single Pass will still be available for those who wish to pay to skip the line entirely.

Walt Disney World recently announced that Blizzard Beach will reopen on November 4, 2024, while Typhoon Lagoon will close for its annual maintenance.

Blizzard Beach, one of the two water parks at Walt Disney World Resort, has been closed for maintenance since March 2024. It is now confirmed that the park will reopen on November 4, 2024. At the same time, Typhoon Lagoon, the other water park at the resort, will close for its annual maintenance starting the same day.

Before the pandemic, it was common for both water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, to be open simultaneously during the busiest periods, especially in the summer. This allowed guests to choose between two unique water park experiences. However, after the pandemic, Disney changed this practice. Since 2020, the two parks have operated on a rotational basis, with only one park open at a time while the other is closed for maintenance.

This change was first implemented in response to the reduced visitor numbers after the pandemic. In March 2021, Blizzard Beach was the first water park to reopen after the pandemic, and it remained open until January 2022, when it closed and Typhoon Lagoon reopened. This rotation has continued since then, and it currently appears that Disney has no plans to return to having both parks open simultaneously.

Blizzard Beach, known for its winter-themed attractions, will be open during the cooler months. The park first opened in 1995 and has since been a favorite among visitors due to its exciting water slides and unique theme.

Typhoon Lagoon, which opened in 1989, is known for its tropical theme and the iconic wave pool that produces some of the largest man-made waves in the world. The park also features a variety of exciting attractions, including Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a water roller coaster.