The Villains are TAKING OVER! “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is Coming to Hollywood Studios!
FINALLY! Disney has given us an opening date for the new show we’ve been hearing about for months! Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After opens May 27!! I’m so excited about this announcement!
Move over heroes, because the VILLAINS are FINALLY getting their moment in the spotlight! Let me tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about this wickedly amazing new experience!
When & Where Can You See It?
Mark those calendars, villain lovers! “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” will officially cast its spell over Hollywood Studios starting May 27, 2025! (I’m not so secretly hoping we might have early previews when Mom and I visit in early May. Not likely, but you never know!)
The show will be performed at the Sunset Showcase (former home of Lightning McQueen Racing Academy), which is getting a COMPLETE transformation with a brand-new stage featuring cutting-edge technology and comfortable theater seating. (As someone who has stood through many a Disney show, I’m super excited about the seating part!)
Best of all? There will be MULTIPLE showtimes throughout the day, giving you plenty of chances to experience this villainous spectacle!
Concept Art: Disney Parks
What’s It All About?
This isn’t your typical Disney show, my friends! In “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” the villains we love to hate (or is it hate to love?) are breaking through the Magic Mirror’s glass and stepping into OUR world!
The premise is absolutely BRILLIANT – these infamous baddies are gathering to figure out once and for all who has been the MOST misunderstood villain of them all. Who’s had the roughest time? Who’s been treated most unfairly? They’ll each be making their case in what’s described as an “immersive musical stage show” filled with “theatrical magic, witty humor, and plenty of mischievous charm.”
But here’s the BEST part – WE (the audience) get to decide who has been treated the most unfairly! 💜💚
Side note: have any of you seen SIX: The Musical? I’m wondering if it could have inspired this idea. (If you haven’t seen it, it’s a musical retelling of the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII. They all tell their stories under the premise of convincing the audience who had it the worst. So compelling and so much fun!)
Which Villains Will Be There?
Disney has confirmed that three iconic villains will be the main stars of the show:
Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)
Captain Hook (Peter Pan)
Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
Concept Art: Disney Parks
But that’s not all! The show description hints that other infamous evildoers might try to break through the glass and join in on the fun! I’m personally hoping for Ursula, Jafar, and maybe even Hades to make an appearance!
What Makes This Show Special?
According to Disney, a dedicated team has spent nearly TWO YEARS developing the cutting-edge stage design for this show, which will include “thrilling effects for the audience.” The Disney Parks Blog used the word “immersive” which has me thinking this won’t be your typical sit-and-watch show!
I’m imagining spectacular lighting, amazing special effects, and probably some surprises that make us feel like we’re truly part of the villains’ world. And let’s not forget the MUSIC! Disney villain songs are some of the absolute BEST, so I’m expecting some incredible musical moments.
My Prediction: This Will Be HUGE!
I’ve seen a lot of Disney shows come and go over the years, but something tells me this one is going to be EXTRA special. Here’s why:
Disney villains have a MASSIVE fan following (just check out any Disney merchandise store – villain merch is always a top seller!)
This is happening at the same time as “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” debuts at Hollywood Studios, giving the park TWO brand new shows just in time for summer!
The interactive element of choosing the “most unfairly treated” villain adds a unique twist that will make this show different every time.
The fact that Disney invested two years in developing the stage technology suggests this isn’t just a simple production.
Concept Art: Disney Parks
The Villainous Bottom Line
If you’re heading to Disney World this summer and want to catch this villainous spectacle, here are my top tips:
Book Your Hollywood Studios Day After May 27: This show opens the same day as “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” so Hollywood Studios will be THE park to visit this summer!
Check the My Disney Experience App: Once the show opens, check the app for showtimes and don’t forget to add it to your Genie+ selections if available.
Try for the First Show of the Day: First shows tend to be less crowded, especially if they conflict with popular parade times.
Wear Your Villain Merch: Show support for your favorite villain! Who knows, you might even get some special attention from the cast!
Plan Your Other Hollywood Studios Attractions Accordingly: With two new shows opening, you’ll want to carefully plan your day to fit everything in.
I don’t know about you, but I’m already planning a special trip JUST to see this show! I can’t wait to hear Cruella, Hook, and Maleficent tell their sides of the story and try to convince us all that they’re the most misunderstood.
Who’s your favorite Disney villain? Let me know in the comments which baddie you’ll be voting for as the most unfairly treated!
Villainous wishes and wicked magical dust!
P.S. Need help planning your summer Disney vacation to include these new shows? That’s what I’m here for! Send me a message and let’s make sure you don’t miss any of the villainous fun!
GET READY TO GLOW! H2O After Hours Returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon This Summer!
I’m really happy to report that H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is BACK this summer. I’m a big fan of Disney After Hours events in general, but H2O Glow After Hours is one of my favorites.
H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be lighting up select summer nights from May 23rd through September 13th, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share all the glowing details with you! (yes, I’m cheesy. I admit it!). Enjoy all of the water park FUN without the searing SUN. (Told you I was cheesy.)
H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Photo: Disney Parks
Tickets On Sale April 4
Listen up, my Disney planning pals! Tickets go on sale April 4! If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (and if you’re not, we should talk about that!), you can snag your tickets starting April 1st. General public tickets will be available beginning April 4th. Last year, several nights of H2O Glow After Hours did sell out, so if this fits into your summer plans, I HIGHLY recommend buying your tickets SOON. (Email me and I can take care of this for you.)
And here’s the BEST NEWS for families – kids’ tickets are only $42.50 this year, which is HALF the adult price of $85! Plus, my fellow Annual Passholders and DVC members get even more savings! If you are a Typhoon Lagoon (or water parks in general), this is seriously one of the best values at Disney right now!
Why You’ll LOVE H2O Glow After Hours💙
Let me tell you why this event is a non-negotiable part of our summer Disney trips:
Partysaurus Rex from Toy Story will be your host for the evening, along with some of his friends! All the kids I saw went CRAZY for these character interactions last year!
The wait times are SO much shorter compared to daytime hours. We rode Humunga Kowabunga three times in a row last summer – that NEVER happens during regular hours!
You’ll avoid that intense Florida summer heat while still enjoying all the splashy fun! AND extra benefit: you’ll avoid all those killer UV rays that are so strong during the day!
FREE SNACKS! Yes, you read that right – complimentary Mickey bars, popcorn, and select beverages are included with your ticket! I admit it, Disney. You had me at “free Mickey bar”. It works EVERY TIME.
Photo: Disney Parks
New Delicious Treats!
This year they’re adding even MORE yummy treats! So far, we’ve learned there will be new Chicken and Mickey-shaped Waffle Sliders at Leaning Palms. Also, I’m hearing there’s a Glow-versized Loaded Baked Potato at Typhoon Tilly’s that sounds incredible! I’ll update you all with the full menu as soon as Disney shares it.
Dance the Night Away!
Who DOESN’T love a Disney Dance Party?? The combination of pulsating music, dazzling lights, and Disney characters makes for the most magical atmosphere at the H2O Glow After Hours DJ Dancing Parties. You might even get to dance with Partysaurus Rex!
H2O Glow After Hours Dance Party! Photo: Disney Parks
The GLOWING Bottom Line
If you’re planning a summer Disney trip and your budget allows for it, I HIGHLY recommend adding H2O Glow After Hours to your itinerary. It’s one of the more reasonably priced After Hours events (that’s kind of relative, I realize). It’s also the perfect way to cool off after a hot park day, and the nighttime vibes make it feel like a completely different experience from a regular water park visit!
Have you experienced H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon before? Are you adding it to your wish list for this summer? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear about your plans or answer any questions!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
P.S. – If you’re more interested in visiting Walt Disney World’s water parks during the day, click here to learn about all the fun heading your way this summer!
SPLASHY NEWS! Typhoon Lagoon AND Blizzard Beach will BOTH be open this summer!
Disney is really going ALL-IN on the water parks this year! Both Disney Water Parks will be open from May 21 through September 7 this year. For the first time since 2019 in fact, ALL SIX Walt Disney World parks will be open at the same time! Yes, you read that right – both Blizzard Beach AND Typhoon Lagoon water parks will be open all summer!
Photo: Disney Parks
The Coolest Summer Ever Just Got Better!
I don’t know about you, but my family has been counting down the days until summer vacation, and this announcement just made our planning SO much more exciting! With the tropical paradise of Typhoon Lagoon AND the winter wonderland of Blizzard Beach both available, we’ll definitely need to add an extra water park day to our itinerary! Since 2019, every time Typhoon Lagoon opened for its “season”, that meant Blizzard Beach was closed. When it was time for Blizzard Beach to open, Typhoon Lagoon would close.
Blizzard Beach. Photo: Disney Parks
Both water parks are TONS of fun, but they each have different strengths. As a fan of BOTH parks, I prefer to have a choice between the two. If I’m in a “spend all day in the lazy river” kind of mood, or really want to embrace the “Florida” of it all, I want to go to Typhoon Lagoon. If I’m more in a daring, adventurous mood, or really want the WINTER theming, I’m probably going to lean more towards Blizzard Beach. For YEARS, Disney has made that choice for me. There was no choice, basically. If you wanted to visit a Disney water park, you had one choice–whichever park was actually open during your visit.
Photo: Disney Parks
But THIS year, Disney is giving us back our choices. This summer, BOTH Disney water parks will be open for the whole season.
Quick note: Blizzard Beach (which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month) will need a little “refresh” time and will temporarily close from May 1-20 before reopening for the summer season.
FREE Water Park Access for Resort Guests!
Disney already brought the water parks to our attention when they announced late last year that ALL Disney guests staying on property in 2025 would get FREE water park admission on their arrival day! I love this perk, and think it’s a great way for guests that have never experienced a Disney water park to check them out. It was always hard to justify the water park ticket price if you weren’t planning on spending a whole day at the water park, and it was always a little tough to trade off a theme park day for a water park day–especially when you were planning ahead and not completely sure of the weather.
Photo: Disney Parks
But now, you can visit a Disney water park on the day you arrive for most of the day (if you arrive early) or just a few hours (if you arrive a little later) and it doesn’t cost you ANYTHING extra. Which is NOT something I find myself saying very often about Disney!
This is such a fantastic way to kick off your vacation, especially if you arrive early in the day and want to make the most of your first day before hitting the theme parks tomorrow! It also makes that “your room is not ready until 4 pm (or sometimes later!)” challenge SO much less impactful. You can drop your luggage at Bell Services, grab your “water park go bag” and go have FUN at the water park. (and let’s face it: this aspect of customer DISsatisfaction with check-in was a big motivator in Disney deciding to offer this new perk this year!).
Nighttime Water Park Fun at H2O Glow!
For my night owls who want to splash under the stars, H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon is BACK from May 23 through September 13 on select nights! We absolutely LOVED this event last year – think reduced wait times, complimentary snacks, and Toy Story character encounters amid glowing, colorful lights!
H2O Glow at Typhoon Lagoon. Photo: Disney Parks
For all my runDisney friends participating in this year’s Springtime Surprise there is a H2O Glow night during race weekend! What better way to wind down AND celebrate your race than to pay in the water at Typhoon Lagoon? It wasn’t warm enough to enjoy an event like this during the Princess Half Marathon weekend this year, but I’m so envious of all of you racing in Springtime Surprise that can enjoy this event!
The best part? Kids’ tickets are just $42.50 this year (half the adult price of $85)! Plus, my fellow Annual Passholders and DVC members, you’ll get additional special savings too!
Tickets went on sale TODAY (April 4)! Note: This event did sell out several nights last summer, so if this is something you and your family or friends want to enjoy, buy those tickets SOON. (I’m happy to help, just send me an email.)
Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow! Photo: Disney Parks
Tips to Maximize your Splashy Fun on Arrival Day!
When planning to include visiting a Disney water park on your arrival day, there are a few things I recommend to make sure you get the most enjoyment out of this great FREE perk.
Blizzard Beach Summit Plummet. Photo: Disney Parks
Review Your Travel Party – and Make Updates If Needed
Make sure that everyone in your travel party is listed on your reservation. This FREE water park visit on arrival day is ONLY available to registered resort guests, so make sure you didn’t leave anyone off the reservation!
Double Check the Water Park Calendar(s) and Hours Check the park calendar and operating hours before your check-in day so you can plan your water park visit. And remember, if you’re visiting this summer, BOTH Disney World water parks will be open, so you’ll need to decide WHICH park you want to visit.
Also, this water park benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, whichever is open. If both parks are open, you get to choose.
Photo: Disney Parks
Check the Weather Forecast
Even Disney can’t control Mother Nature. (Are you surprised?!? I was!) Depending on the weather, it IS possible that the water parks will close in inclement weather. Be sure to check the weather before heading off to visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.
Please keep in mind:
Full-day closures will be reflected on the park calendar at least one day in advance.
Temporary, day-of closures may occur—sometimes with very little advance notice. Those will not be reflected on the park calendar. Hint: Disney does NOT like lightning. The park will likely stay open if it rains. But bring on the lightning? You’re probably heading back to your resort!
Pack a Small “GO” Bag for the Water Park
I always recommend my clients have a water park (or pool) GO bag ready when they travel to Disney–especially in the summer. That’s even MORE important in 2025 since you can visit a water park for FREE on your arrival day. You’ll be heading to the water park before your Resort room will be ready (in most cases), so you won’t want to have to dig through your suitcase to find your bathing suits and sunscreen. Both water parks have changing areas with showers, so you can put on your swimsuits once you arrive at the water park.
When packing a water park (or pool) GO bag, you may want to include:
Swimsuits
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Flip-flops or water shoes
A change of clothing
Be sure to follow the water park dress code policy—and leave prohibited items at home.
Other things to know:
Complimentary life jackets are available in the water park for all water park Guests—so you can leave yours at home.
Disney Resort hotel Guests can enjoy complimentary towel rentals from Singapore Sal’s and High ‘N Dry Rentals. Be sure to use your Key to the World card, MagicBand, MagicBand+ or Disney MagicMobile service to receive this benefit.
The Splash-tastic Bottom Line
If you’re planning a summer Disney trip, I highly recommend adding at least one water park day to your itinerary. Especially if you live in the northern half of the United States, Canada or most of Europe–that Florida summer heat and humidity can be really challenging! And of course, nothing is more fun on a glorious summer day than floating on a lazy river, zipping down Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach or catching a wave in Typhoon Lagoon’s surf pool! And if you can make that water park visit FREE because you are staying on Disney property and arriving early enough in the day to spend most of the day at a water park?? BONUS!!!
Blizzard Beach Wave Pool. Photo: Disney Parks
Have you been to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach? Which is your family’s favorite? Why do you love your favorite water park? Does anyone else remember River Country? Please comment below, I’m very curious about which water parks everyone prefers and why!
Until next time, keep making magical memories!
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote today!
Wow! Disney World’s Summer 2025 Is Going to Be SPECTACULAR for Kids!
Posted on March 27, 2025
Hello, my Disney-obsessed friends! I’m here with an exciting update featuring lots of Disney summer magic for kids that’s coming for Summer 2025 at Walt Disney World. If you’ve been on the fence about planning a summer Disney World family trip this year, this post might just push you over the edge. Trust me – Summer 2025 at Walt Disney World is shaping up to be THE ultimate kid-focused vacation!
“Cool Kid Summer” Is Coming! 🌞✨
Disney is officially dubbing this the “Cool Kid Summer” and for good reason! From May 27 through September 1, they’re rolling out SO many special experiences designed specifically for families with little ones.
Image: Disney Parks
Kid Zones That Will Blow Their Tiny Minds!
Picture this: you’re in Magic Kingdom and the little ones are getting a teensy bit cranky from the heat. Solution? Head to the NEW kid zones in Storybook Circus or hang with STITCH in Tomorrowland! (I can already imagine how excited kids will be – Stitch is such a fan favorite!)
And after the Flower & Garden Festival wraps up at EPCOT, Goofy is taking over CommuniCore Hall for what they’re calling “the ultimate game party and play space.” I don’t know exactly what that means yet, but anything involving Goofy is bound to be lots of fun and perfect for keeping energetic kids entertained!
Early Morning Character Magic!
OK, this tip alone is worth its weight in gold: If you’re staying on property (which I ALWAYS recommend), Disney is rolling out EARLY CHARACTER MEET-AND-GREETS during Early Theme Park Entry! Normally, Characters don’t come out until the park opens, at the earliest. Your kids will get a 30 minute head start over everyone NOT staying on Disney property!
This is HUGE! Meet your favorites with significantly shorter lines before the main crowds arrive. This is the stuff Disney dreams are made of!
Where to Stay for Maximum Kid Fun
If you’ve been debating which resort to book, I’ve got insider intel! Four specific resorts are getting EXTRA special “Cool Kid” treatment this summer:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
These four will have additional kid-focused activities, INCLUDING scheduled character visits! As someone who has struggled with the “when will characters show up at our resort?” question, having set times is a game-changer for planning your day around pool breaks!
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)
FREE Water Park Day?! Yes, Please!
This isn’t new for 2025, but it’s worth repeating because I still meet Disney fans who don’t know about it – ALL Disney Resort hotel guests get FREE admission to a Disney water park on their check-in day!
Pro tip from your bestie Brooke: Book an early flight, drop your bags with bell services, and head straight to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach! I did this last year with friends, and it was the PERFECT way to ease into vacation mode.
Photo: Disney Parks
The Shows! The PARADE!
Two brand-new shows are dropping on May 27:
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: If you know any Disney Princess fans, this is a MUST-DO! All-new sets and visuals for this classic that will have everyone singing “Under the Sea” for days! We’ve been waiting for a LONG time for this show, I’m so happy we finally have a DATE. (Dare I hope that we’ll have early previews when Mom and I visit at the beginning of May?)
Concept Art: Disney Parks
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After: For kids who are into the darker side of Disney (and deep down, I think we all suspect that every kid has a LITTLE villain in them), this interactive show lets the audience decide which villain has been treated most unfairly. So creative!
Concept Art: Disney Parks
But the BIGGEST news? Disney Starlight, the new NIGHTTIME PARADE coming to Magic Kingdom later this summer! It’s been nearly 10 YEARS since Disney World had a nighttime parade, y’all! Characters from “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen” and more will be lighting up Main Street, U.S.A.! Check out this post for more detailed information Disney Starlight.
Concept Art: Disney Parks
Tips to Make the Most of Disney Summer Magic for Kids!
The parks have longer hours in summer, so plan for a mid-day break to avoid meltdowns (both kid and adult varieties).
Download the My Disney Experience app NOW if you haven’t already – that’s how your water park ticket will be loaded.
Pack cooling towels, portable fans, and plenty of sunscreen. Florida summer heat and humidity is no joke!
Make dining reservations ASAP! With all these new offerings, restaurants will book up even faster than usual.
Photo: Disney Parks
Disney Summer Magic for Kids
So, is your credit card burning a hole in your pocket yet? This summer at Disney World is going to be MAGICAL, and I can’t wait to hear about YOUR family’s adventures! If you have any questions, or would like help planning an amazing Disney summer vacation, email me today!
If you haven’t already seen our post about all the fantastic special offers Disney released for Summer 2025, click here.
What are you most excited about for your kids at Disney this summer? Please comment below!
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote today!
P.S. Who’s your favorite Disney character? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll try to share some special tips for meeting them this summer!
Big news for EPCOT fans! Disney just announced GEO-82, an all-new, adults-only lounge coming to EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth later this year. Yes, you read that right—this elegant new lounge will be inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere, offering modern cocktails, globally inspired small plates, and stunning views of World Celebration gardens and World Showcase Lagoon.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes GEO-82 a must-visit addition to Walt Disney World!
GEO-82: The Ultimate EPCOT Lounge Experience
GEO-82 will be reservation-only and exclusively for guests 21 and older. This sleek, stylish space will be the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring EPCOT. Imagine sipping on an innovative cocktail, sampling global flavors, and soaking in breathtaking park views—all from within one of Disney’s most famous icons.
Image: Disney Parks
A Lounge Inspired by Spaceship Earth
The design of this adults-only lounge, GEO-82, is a love letter to EPCOT’s legendary architecture. Inside, guests will be surrounded by futuristic geometric shapes, intricate patterns, and warm metallic tones—all echoing the look and feel of Spaceship Earth itself. Disney promises an elegant and intimate atmosphere, making this the ultimate hidden gem for adults visiting EPCOT.
Cocktails & Small Plates With a Global Twist
While Disney hasn’t released the full menu yet, they tell us that GEO-82 will feature globally inspired small plates and creative cocktails. Given EPCOT’s reputation for world-class dining, expectations are high—and I can’t wait to see what delicious drinks and bites make the final cut. (And if you can read the menu, thank the Phoenicians! 😉)
Concept Art: Disney Parks
More Lounges Coming to Walt Disney World!
GEO-82 isn’t the only new lounge opening this year. Disney has also teased a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern coming to Magic Kingdom Park later in 2025. While GEO-82 will be an adults-only retreat, this upcoming pirate-themed spot promises fun beverages for the whole family—so keep an eye out for more details soon!
In addition, there’s a brand new DVC (Disney Vacation Club) Members Lounge opening at Magic Kingdom this week. McKim’s Mile House is located in Frontierland, and offers DVC members and their guests a quiet place to relax and recharge.
Photo: Disney Parks
Adults-only Lounge Coming to EPCOT
Let’s talk about the somewhat controversial elephant in the room. I bet there are at least some of you that saw that the new lounge will be “adults-only” and were unhappy about that. After all, Disney is a family destination. I think many people would tell you that Disney is “for the kids”. And to a certain extent, yes, Disney’s primary target audience is children (and their parents and grandparents with the money to FUND their children’s Disney love). However, as a “Disney Adult”, I have to express firmly that Disney is NOT just for children. Disney has spent billions over the years to successfully appeal not just to children, but to teens, adults and seniors as well. There is entertainment, attractions and food and beverages that appeal to all ages–not just children.
A toast at dinner in France. Photo: Linda Harkness
EPCOT is more “grown-up” friendly than the other parks
The truth is, EPCOT is the one park that IS a little more adult friendly. The Food & Wine Festival is NOT targeting children, I promise you. EPCOT was the first Disney theme park to serve alcohol. In fact, EPCOT has long been criticized for not being focused enough on children. With only three “attractions” in World Showcase, many feel that EPCOT can be boring for young children. While this hasn’t been my family’s experience, I can certainly understand why some might feel that way. Regardless, children are currently welcomed everywhere in the theme parks at Walt Disney World.
I really like the idea of one place where adults can go to have some cocktails and maybe some snacks at Disney without children. Just for an hour or two. As much as I love Disney and get a genuine charge out of watching children all over the parks having fun–sometimes, it’s really nice just to sit and have a drink and relax–without children around. And of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World, I think it makes sense to put the first adults-only lounge at EPCOT.
My FAVORITE Alcoholic Beverage in ALL of WDW…The Grand Marnier Orange Slushy in France. Photo: Brooke Hudson
But it’s NEW!
I understand that this is a new thing, and that you might think, “everyone should get to enjoy it”. But I don’t really think that’s a big deal, personally. There is plenty of stuff all over Disney that everyone gets to enjoy. Will the kids really care that they’re not invited into this new lounge? No. The kids would be BORED in the new lounge. It won’t have fun, colorful things to climb on. It won’t be kid friendly, and it won’t be themed to entertaining children. They’d MUCH rather go to the Space 220 Lounge and watch astronauts walking in space than sit in a relatively quiet, elegant (and hopefully) classy lounge.
Space 220. (Photo Disney Parks)
Most likely the people that will be frustrated that GEO-82 is an adults-only lounge are the people traveling with their children that want to go to the lounge. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t get everything we want. But those people can still visit the new lounge–as long as they have someone to watch their children while they do.
But what if Disney builds MORE Adults-only Lounges?
What if they do? Would that really be so terrible? I’ve definitely heard some parents voice concerns about people drinking too much around World Showcase, and not wanting to expose their children to drunk adults behaving badly. (I don’t want to be exposed to them either, so I’m with you on that). But would it be so bad if there were a few adults-only spots on property that separated the drinking adults from the families with young children? I’m not sure I see an issue, honestly. I mean, sure, I’d rather have some new attractions or shows. But I wouldn’t mind an adults-only lounge in each theme park if they were to happen.
When Can You Visit GEO-82?
Disney has yet to announce an official opening date or when reservations will become available, but stay tuned! I’ll share updates as soon as Disney releases more details.
What do you think about this elegant new EPCOT lounge? Are you excited to sip cocktails inside Spaceship Earth? Are you disappointed that the new lounge will be adults-only? Let me know in the comments!
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote today!
Mando and Grogu Are Coming to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run!
Big news, Star Wars fans! If you’ve ever dreamed of flying the Millennium Falcon with Mando and Grogu, get ready—because that dream is about to become a reality! Disney just announced a brand-new mission coming to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, launching on May 22, 2026. And because the planers at Disney are not fools, this adventure is set to debut the same day as the highly anticipated Mandalorian movie!
Image: Disney Parks
A New Mission Awaits!
Given the EXTREME popularity of The Mandalorian, I think we all suspected Disney would find SOME way to bring Mando and Grogu into the theme park experience. On our last trip, we had an exciting moment where we very briefly saw Mando walking in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The souvenir game has been VERY strong since The Mandalorian first gained attention, so this expansion into Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run feels very natural somehow.
Photo: Disney Parks
This exciting update was officially revealed during The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, where The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau joined Disney Imagineers Leslie Evans and Asa Kalama to give us a sneak peek at what’s coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Favreau explained that Disney’s ability to tell stories across multiple formats makes this kind of expansion possible:
“We’re already taking Mando and Grogu from the TV screen to the movie screen, and at the same time, Dave Filoni and I are working with Asa to bring this story to the Disney parks, too.”
So what does that mean for us? Well, Hondo Ohnaka is reworking your mission, and let’s just say things are getting a little more…Mandalorian! While Disney is keeping many details under wraps (for now), expect to see familiar and beloved locations aboard the Falcon—including Cloud City!
Mandalorian and Smuggler’s Run. Photo: Disney Parks
I don’t always love rides that are mostly virtual reality–I tend towards motion sickness, so I can’t even think about doing them without Dramamine, and even then, I sometimes struggle. BUT one BIG advantage of rides that feature VR is that they are easily updatable. Think about Star Tours…every couple of years, that attraction gets a few new scenes added and a few older ones disappear. It helps keep the ride fresh–even for those that ride their favorite attractions over and over. (Of course, my favorite attraction is The Haunted Mansion, which almost NEVER changes at Walt Disney World…so clearly change is not a necessity for enjoyment…)
But sometimes, when I think about beloved attractions that are no longer with us {sigh} The Great Movie Ride {sigh}…I wonder if those could have had longer lives if there’d been some way for Disney to update them without MAJOR investments and attraction downtime. I guess we’ll never know for sure, but I do think it bodes well for rides like Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Tours that they CAN be updated without having lengthy ride shutdowns. Of course, there’s an investment in creating the new scenes–but I suspect the costs associated with creating a new Virtual Reality scene are more easily sold to the Powers that Be than designing and installing a whole new physical set piece or making significant changes to a ride system.
Image: D23
Tied to the Movie, But Not a Retelling
One important note—this isn’t a direct retelling of The Mandalorian movie. Instead, it’s something happening just off-camera from the events in the film. So, while you won’t be “playing out” the movie plot, you’ll be on an adventure directly connected to the larger story.
Photo: Disney Parks
Imagineers actually filmed scenes for the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction on the movie set, meaning we can expect an authentic and immersive experience that fits seamlessly into the Star Wars timeline.
Droids, Anzellans, and More!
The Star Wars magic doesn’t stop there! If you’ve visited Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, you might have noticed some playful BDX droids wandering around. Well, good news—these little guys are making their way to Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris!
And that’s not all—these droids are also appearing in the upcoming Mandalorian movie. I love this so much: something that started in with Imagineers and in the theme park growing up into the movies (Remember Pirates of the Caribbean, anyone?!?) Seriously, though, these little guys are so cute, I can’t wait to see them in the park!
BDX Droid on the move. Photo: Disney Parks
Oh, and remember the adorably cranky Anzellans (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, anyone?) who specialize in droid repairs? They’re coming to the parks too! Just try not to upset them.
May 22, 2026—Mark Your Calendars!
With The Mandalorian movie and the new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run mission launching on the same day, May 22, 2026 is shaping up to be a Star Wars mega-event! Dare we hope for more Star Wars happenings that weekend a la the old “Star Wars Weekends”? Fingers crossed!
Will you be jumping to lightspeed with Mando and Grogu? I know I’ll be lining up for this one when it gets the update next year! Let me know in the comments—what are you most excited about?
And as always… May the Force be with you!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
P.S. We’re updating our name very soon: Turns out the Big D doesn’t love me incorporating their name into my Company Name. Our new name is WDW Magical Castles Travel. We have a new logo and a new web address…but this one will continue to work and all the content will be the same. Here’s our new logo, what do you think?
It’s hard to believe, but 2024 is almost over and 2025 is on its way. One of the best things to look forward to in the new year is the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Festival time is always the BEST time to visit EPCOT, and the International Festival of the Arts is one of the best (and shortest!) festivals of the year.
The 2025 International Festival of the Arts will run from January 17 to February 24, 2025. EPCOT packs a lot of content in its annual International Festival of the Arts. Full of music, color, food and activity, the International Festival of the Arts is a feast for the senses.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
Photo: DIsney Parks
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series features Disney on Broadway stars performing favorite songs from both films and broadway shows. Attend one of the shows in the concert series to see hits from shows like Aladdin, Newsies, Mary Poppins, Frozen, The Lion King, Tarzan and more!
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is held at the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. There are three shows per night: 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. Seats are first come, first serve.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Schedule:
Patti Murin (Frozen) & John Riddle (Frozen): January 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27 & 28
Caissie Levy (Frozen) & Jelani Remy (The Lion King): January 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29 & 30
Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) & Josh Strickland (Tarzan): January 31, February 2, 3, 6, 8, 10 & 11
Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) & Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King): February 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12 & 13
Michael James Scott (Aladdin) & Kissy Simmons (The Lion King): February 14, 16, 17, 20, 23 & 24
Rodney Ingram (Aladdin) & Kara Lindsay (Newsies): February 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 & 24
Disney on Broadway Concert Series— Photo: Disney Parks
Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series will be a major highlight of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Year after year, this series has proven very popular. One of the best ways to guarantee a seat at your preferred show for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series is a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package. If you want to attend a Disney on Broadway Concert Series show, you need to wait in line, and there is no guarantee you will get a seat for the show. However, if you purchase a Dining Package, you ARE guaranteed a seat for the show.
Dining Packages and Prices
Choose a restaurant from a variety of participating EPCOT table service restaurants that offer Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages. Here’s what your meal will include:
At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
At Other Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or one full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older)
Plus, you’ll get one (1) guaranteed seat per person to one DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert on the same day.
Advance Dining Reservations are HIGHLY recommended!
The prices in the table below do NOT include tax or gratuity.
Didn’t make Advanced Dining Reservations and hoping to do a Same Day Dining Package for Disney on Broadway Concert Series? You may be able to purchase a same-day dining package, which allows you to:
Enjoy guaranteed seats to a DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert later that day.
To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue. Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates.
Of course, if you aren’t able to book a Dining package and if you aren’t able to get a seat for the show, all is not lost: you can still hear and see the show from the walkways throughout the American Adventure Pavilion. It’s not as comfortable as sitting, but when desperate times call for desperate measures, it is an option.
New Artful Experiences for 2025
30 Years of Disney on Broadway— Concept Art: Disney Parks
Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway
2025’s International Festival of the Arts will feature a new exhibit in EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall. 30 Years of Disney on Broadway will allow guests to experience the magic of Broadway in a walkthrough exhibit that celebrates three decades of Disney on Broadway. The exhibit will feature props and costumes from favorite Disney Broadway musicals. Also featured will be behind the scenes glimpses of how classic Disney animated films “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”.
Opening Bites Food Studio
Outside CommuniCore Hall at CommuniCore Plaza, the new menu will pay homage to foods and drinks on foods made famous on stage. Guests should keep their eyes open for the upcoming Festival of the Arts Foodie Guide to this and other Foodie Studios around EPCOT during the Festival.
New Artful Photo Ops
Throughout each International Festival of the Arts, guests can take advantage of Artful Photo Ops. These Artful Photo Ops allow guests to step onto the canvas and become “part” of the art. There are several returning favorites this year, including Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-August Renoir, Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. There is also a brand new Artful Photo Op inviting guests to voyage alongside our favorite seafarer featuring Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana.” Each location will have Disney PhotoPass Photographers available to capture your artistic moment.
Artful Photo Op— Photo: Disney Parks
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Features to Enjoy
Scavenger Hunt: Figment’s Brush with the Masters
Each EPCOT Festival features a Scavenger Hunt. We’ve done several different version of these and really enjoy them. For the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, the Scavenger Hunt features Figment learning about art, and is a World Showcase focused Scavenger Hunt.
To participate in the Scavenger Hunt, you’ll purchase your map and stickers for $9.99 (plus tax) at one of three locations:
Creations Shop
World Traveler
Port of Entry
Once you have your map and stickers, you’ll explore World Showcase and search for Figment in each World Showcase pavilion. You’ll look for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works—a clue will be a Figment themed picture frame. When you find Figment, you’ll place the corresponding sticker on the pavilion on your map.
When you’ve located Figment at each Pavilion around World Showcase, and placed stickers on each Pavilion on your map, you’ll return to one of the three shops above to show your completed map and win a small prize (while supplies last).
The Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to find new details in places you’ve explored many times before. Some years, they’ve been really challenging, and some years, they’ve been fairly easy. Either way, we’ve always enjoyed doing an EPCOT Scavenger Hunt. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend one for a first time visitor, but for someone who has visited EPCOT many times, they’re a fun way to add a new dimension to your visit.
Paint by Numbers Mural
One really fun component of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be the giant Paint by Numbers Mural. This mural is for YOU, the guest. It’s painted by guests, throughout the course of the Festival. To participate, you’ll pick up a brush, a paint color and a number at the Expression Section Booth. Then, you’ll go to the massive mural and paint a few squares that correspond with your color.
EPCOT Paint by Numbers Mural—Photo: Disney Parks
The Expression Section Booth is located on the walkway between the Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase. The Booth is open every day between 11 am and 5 pm. Note: This experience is subject to change without notice, and is subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
Kids Chalk Art
Children are invited to express their creativity using chalk on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza. The kids create their masterpieces on the walkway, and everyone walking by gets to enjoy their artistry! This kid friendly activity is available every day between 11 am and 5 pm. This experience is subject to change without notice.
Kids Chalk Art— Photo: Disney Parks
Animation Academy
I’m really looking forward to checking this one out, myself. Every day, throughout the Festival, you’ll have a chance to learn how to draw a Disney character from a Disney animator! The sessions are held twice a day, at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm, in the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. Sessions are subject to change without notice. Featured artists include:
Luke Consolo
Matthew Dewater
Justin Dring
Will Gay
Hannah Loflin
Alex Maher
Michael Montgomery
Sarah Schmidt
Lon Smart
Draw a Disney Character! — Photo: Disney Parks
Artists and Art Displays
All around EPCOT, you’ll find art displays and artists, showcasing their work. At World Showcase Plaza, you’ll be able to watch artists create Disney characters in minutes (Thursdays through Sundays throughout the Festival). Also at World Showcase Plaza, you’ll be able to hear musical artists performing daily. Throughout World Showcase, you’ll find chalk drawings of your favorite Disney characters. On the bridge to World Showcase Plaza, you’ll see Chalk Artists at work and be able to see galleries of their creative designs.
Photo: Disney Parks
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Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Food Studios
As with most EPCOT Festivals, the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will feature food kiosks, called “Food Studios” for this Festival, featuring special food and beverages only available during the Festival. Some regular restaurants around the park will also feature some special “Festival” only menu items.
Artistic Food— Photo: Disney Parks
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine
This year’s Festival will feature a fun game for the “foodies” among us. Your Festival Passport will feature seven tasty and vibrant specialty dishes for you to track down. Locate each of these items and track your progress by getting a stamp for your passport after you purchase the items.
Colorful Cuisine— Photo: Disney Parks
Once you’ve enjoyed at least five of the seven dishes—and collected the corresponding stamps—you’ll bring your stamped Festival Passport to the Deco Delights Food Studio and receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie.
2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Festival Merchandise
We can always count on Disney to help us find ways to spend our money, can’t we? EPCOT Festival Merchandise is a TERRIFIC example of Disney marketers working their creative brains to the bone to give us new ways to spend our money. Every Festival means new, Festival specific merchandise. And for some of the longer Festivals, the merchandise may even change during the Festival! The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will definitely feature lots of special only-available-at-the-festival-merchandise. Disney has only released pictures of a few items so far, but I’m sure there will be lots more. We all know they won’t want to leave ANY money on the table if they possibly can come up with a way to get you to spend it!
Photo: Disney Parks
International Festival of the Arts Loungefly. Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
The Final Brushstroke
The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will run from January 17 through February 24, 2025. It will be filled with colorful artwork, lively music, tasty and artistic food, fun activities for both adults and kids and will overall be a very special time to visit EPCOT. Are you planning to visit EPCOT for this year’s International Festival of the Arts?
I’m very excited that this year, the Princess Half Marathon Weekend is during the last weekend of the Festival, so I’ll be able to attend the Festival during Race Weekend this year. Last year, I just missed it—I arrived 2 days after the Festival ended. It worked out great last year, because my mom was with me and the Flower and Garden Festival started early and we were able to check that out right at the end of our trip.
EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival— Photo: Disney PhotoPass
This year, Mom and I are doing a separate trip for Flower and Garden (that Festival is the subject of our next blog!) As I’m sure you can tell, I’m a bit of a junkie for EPCOT Festivals. The Flower and Garden Festival is my favorite but I’m super excited to check out the International Festival of the Arts in a few weeks.
What about you? Do you have a favorite EPCOT Festival? Do you ever plan your trips to coincide with a particular Festival? Please comment below. I’d love to know how EPCOT Festivals impact your planning!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
One of the earliest planning decisions you need to make is choosing where to stay on your Disney vacation. There are many facets to this decision: staying on Disney property or staying off Disney property? If staying off property, do you want to stay at a hotel or rent a house (Air B&B)? If staying on property, do you want to stay at a Value Resort, a Moderate Resort or a Deluxe Resort? Do you want to stay at the Swan, Dolphin or Swan Reserve? Another option to consider: You could rent points and stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort.
Photo: Destinations in Florida
Advantages of Staying on Disney Property
Once you’ve decided WHEN you want to go to Disney, your next big decision is WHERE to stay. Choosing where to stay on your Disney vacation is a HUGE decision. Where you stay will have a big impact on your vacation budget, whether you need to rent a car, how much time you spend at the parks, how early you need to get up in the morning–You’d be surprised what an impact where you decide to stay will have on your overall vacation experience.
Some of the advantages of staying on Disney property include:
Proximity to the Disney World theme parks.
Free parking at the resort and at each theme park.
Free Disney transportation within Walt Disney World.
Monorail at EPCOT Photo: Linda Harkness
You don’t need to rent a car, unless you want to.
Early park entry: Disney resort guests can enter 30 minutes before official open time every day at every theme park.
Extra evening hours: Disney resort guests can stay 2 hours after park close at select theme parks 2 nights per week.
Advance dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance of your stay for the entirety of your vacation–up to 10 days.
Great Disney gift shops at each Disney resort.
All Disney resorts offer lots of family friendly activities every day. There are craft activities, movie nights, s’mores, character visits, and more!
Restaurants and food courts: All Disney resorts feature some dining options. Value Resorts feature food courts with counter service meals, while Moderate and Deluxe resorts usually feature both counter service and table service meal options.
Resort Mug with Free Refills for the duration of your stay. All Disney resorts offer refillable mugs for purchase. These mugs can be refilled at no additional charge at beverage stations at several locations around your resort. Note: you cannot get refills in these mugs at the theme parks–but you can get free water throughout each theme park, and the refillable mugs work great for that, too.
Room service: some Disney resorts offer room service options.
Old Key West Pool Photo: Brooke Hudson
Intangible Advantages of Staying on Disney Property
There are additional, less tangible advantages to staying on Disney property as well. There’s nothing like being in the Disney bubble for your entire vacation. Even the highway signs on Disney property are themed! Each resort has it’s own theme, and you can count on Disney to carry the theme throughout your resort. And you gain time by staying on Disney property. You don’t have to get up as early, or get back to your resort as late if you’re staying on Disney property. You’re avoiding Orlando traffic, which can be pretty challenging.
Disney resorts are SO CLEAN. We’ve been visiting Walt Disney World for more than 50 years, and we’ve stayed at MANY different Disney resorts. We’ve never had an issue with a room not being clean, or with the resort public areas being clean. I’m not saying there are never exceptions to this–but they are exceptions. Disney has very high standards, and cast members are held to those standards.
When evaluating whether to stay on or off Disney property, you need to consider those “intangibles” in addition to the more tangible advantages. If budget is the most important thing to you when you are planning, you can definitely save money by staying off Disney property. But you may not save as much as you think.
Magic Kingdom Ferry: Free to Disney Resort Guests Photo: Brooke Hudson
Things to Consider if Staying Off Disney Property
There are a lot of great hotels located off Disney property, in every possible budget. And Central Florida offers a TON of vacation rental homes and condos. Again, in almost every possible budget. Every time we plan a longer Disney trip, we always consider staying at a vacation rental home–especially for our big family trips. There are twelve of us–and the inventory of vacation homes with 5 or more bedrooms is plentiful.
For our most recent trip, we very strongly considered it. But ultimately, we decided the advantages of staying on Disney property outweighed the cost savings of staying at a vacation rental. But everyone’s priorities are different and you have to consider what is important to you when making this decision.
Considerations
You HAVE to have your own transportation if you stay off property. If you’re driving to Disney, this is no big deal. However, if you’re flying, you will need to rent a car.
You will need to pay to park at the theme parks. Currently, parking at each theme park is $30 per vehicle, per day.
Magic Kingdom Gate
Travel time to and from Disney World. Depending on where you are staying, you may need to allow as much as one hour for travel time to the theme parks. Traffic in the Orlando area can be brutal. I live in Chicago, so Orlando traffic is no big deal for me–but generally, most Orlando visitors and residents complain a lot about the traffic in Orlando.
If you have read any of my previous blogs, you know I’m a big proponent at getting to the parks EARLY. The crowds are lightest first thing in the morning, so if you want to avoid long lines, your best bet is to arrive at the parks before opening. This means getting up earlier to allow time to drive to Disney, to park and to walk in from the parking lot.
Keep in mind that at the end of the night, you’ll have more of a drive back to your hotel or vacation rental.
You can make Advance Dining Reservations for meals on Disney property 60 days before your trip, but only one day at a time. (When you stay on Disney property, you can still make your reservations 60 days out, but you can book all your reservations for up to 10 days).
You won’t have access to Early Park Access (30 minutes per park per day if you’re staying on property).
You won’t have access to Extra Evening Hours (2 hours after park close at select parks 2 nights per week for Disney resort guests).
Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort Photo: Linda Harkness
The Bottom Line
Choosing where to stay on your Disney vacation is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your Disney vacation. Deciding whether to stay on Disney property or off Disney property will have a major impact on both your budget and your overall vacation experience.
Photo: Disney Parks
If you are working with a tight budget, the most economical options are off Disney property. However, it’s important to consider the costs of renting a car, parking at the theme parks, and the time-cost of driving to and from Disney.
In our next blog, we’ll discuss the different types of Disney resorts to choose from.
Where do you like to stay when you visit Disney? Are there any Disney resorts or any off property resorts that you’re wanting to visit? Please share below!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
P.S: The name of this blog is going to be changing soon. Our new name will be Magical Castles Travel or WDW Castle Dreaming Travel.
Did you have Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster on your bingo card? I sure didn’t! I’m always happy to see Disney adding more Muppets to the parks—but I have to be honest—Rock-n-Roller Coaster was NOT an attraction that I looked at and thought “Muppets”. But here we are! Disney announced earlier this week that the Muppets are “moving right along” to Rock-n-Roller Coaster.
Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Fans of Disney’s Hollywood Studios have long speculated that Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith would be overhauled. While Aerosmith is beloved by many, fans speculated that Disney would choose a new band to partner with for this attraction to help appeal to a younger demographic. Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith was closed earlier this year for several months for maintenance and refurbishment. Since this was a longer closure than usual, many fans wondered if it would reopen featuring a different artist. When it reopened, however, there were no substantial changes to the attraction. And, of course, Aerosmith is still the featured artist.
When Disney announced at last year’s D23 event that they were adding a Monsters Inc. area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I immediately started worrying for Muppets 3D Vision. The Grand Avenue area of the park, where Muppets 3D Vision is located, doesn’t really have much else over there. It’s at the south end of the park, and it seems like a logical area for a new attraction or “land”. The Muppets themed gift shop never reopened after Covid. I was really worried that if Muppets 3D Vision closed, that would be the end of the Muppets at Disney theme parks.
Muppets 3D Vision. Photo: Disney Parks
I LOVE Muppets 3D Vision. It’s a very cute show, inspired by The Muppet Show, and features lots of fun hijinks from many of our favorite Muppets. The pre-show is cute, and the props throughout the pre-show area are detailed and fun. I’m always noticing something new when in the Muppets 3D Vision preshow area. I’m also a big fan of any attraction that is air-conditioned and allows guests to sit down for more than 10 minutes without waiting in really long lines first. Funny and entertaining for all ages? BONUS!!
Outside Muppets 3D Vision is the Miss Piggy fountain. This is a popular photo spot, and another really fun tribute to the Muppets with lots of detail.
Miss Piggy Fountain. Photo: Brooke Hudson
On our most recent trip, we even got to meet Kermit the Frog in this area! I suspect the Miss Piggy fountain will also disappear when this area is taken over by Monsters. However, I’m hoping (maybe delusional…) that they will move the fountain to the Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster courtyard, or somewhere in that general neighborhood.
Photo:Disney PhotoPass
While I completely understand that this area is a very logical place to add the new Monsters Inc. area, I am very disappointed to see Muppet 3D Vision closing to make way.
Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster
As I mentioned above, the Muppets had never occurred to me as a possible replacement for Aerosmith at the Rock-n-Roller Coaster. However, now that Disney has announced it, it does make a weird kind of sense to me. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the house band for the Muppet Show, have always been somewhat chaotic, and I think that fits right in with the Rock-n-Roller Coaster vibe. The only concept art Disney has released so far for the Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster is the graphic at the top of this post. That graphic features Dr. Teeth, Animal, Janice, Floyd Pepper, Zoot and Lips—all the members of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. The concept art also features Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog. The concept art also shows them all riding in a psychedelic limo. I hope this means that the cars will all be painted with a psychedelic scheme, to match the Van that Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem travel around in.
I suspect the ride itself will not change much. I’m guessing Disney will repaint the cars, and of course replace the Aerosmith scene with a scene involving the Muppets. Some changes to the artwork and the queue area and BOOM, Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster is up and running.
Rock-n-Roller Coaster Queue. Photo: Brooke Hudson
Almost like doing a holiday overlay of the attraction like they do to make the Jungle Cruise into the Jingle Cruise for Christmas—I think this could be a pretty fast transformation.
The Rock-n-Roller Coaster is one of only a few “thrill” rides at Disney World, and is very popular. I suspect they will not want the ride to be down for very long if they can possibly avoid it. But who knows? Maybe they will overhaul the entire attraction and dramatically change everything up. I doubt it, but you never know!
In the announcement, Disney says the Muppets will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars” for a rockin’ music festival. Now it’s possible that Disney thinks Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem are among music’s biggest stars, but somehow I don’t think so. So we may see some engagement with other musical celebrities—who knows? When The Muppet Show originally aired in the 70’s, they were able to get some pretty big stars of the time on the show. But the world has changed pretty dramatically since then, and the Muppets are not as popular as they were back then. I have a feeling we’re more likely to see some Disney channel stars or someone trying for a comeback than we are to see Beyoncé or Ariana Grande.
Disney also shares that Sunset Boulevard will offer “plenty” of Muppets themed merchandise. I’m guessing at minimum, the shop at the end of the attraction will be rethemed to match Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster. Perhaps the other shops on Sunset will feature more Muppets merch? There’s been a serious lack of Muppets merchandise in the parks in recent years, so I’m cautiously optimistic that this will get better when the Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster opens.
Monsters, Inc.
New attractions are always welcome—especially if it means some expansion to the park. Take a look at the concept art for the Monsters, Inc. area below:
Monsters Inc. area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Concept Art.
In this concept art, it looks like the Monsters, Inc. building is pushing back on the south side of the park, or actually expanding into a new area, enlarging the footprint of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I don’t know for sure, but that’s how it appears to me.
Disney promises that this new Monsters, Inc. themed area will include a Monsters, Inc. themed roller coaster, as well as dining, shopping and a new theater show. Humans will be able to enter the world of Monsters, and at long last, we’ll be able to be a part of the scene in Monsters, Inc. that looked like a ride design when we first watched the movie: the door vault scene. Disney tells us the coaster will be a suspended ride that will recreate the door vault.
I think this land will be a welcome addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and I’m only surprised it has taken so long to get to this stage. I honestly expected Monsters, Inc. to show up in Disney’s Hollywood Studios 15 years ago! Disney’s Hollywood Studios will certainly benefit from another thrilling attraction and a good show that absorbs large crowds is a terrific plan! More dining and shopping is always welcome, so the only downside to this whole plan? Losing Muppets 3D Vision.
The Bottom Line
Retheming Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith to the Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster feels like a consolation prize. I suspect the powers that be are trying to assuage fans that will mourn the loss of Muppets 3D Vision with this retheming. And on some level, I understand that it’s time for change. As much as I love the Muppets and absolutely adore Muppets 3D Vision—you can almost always see the show with a max 15 minute wait. This is not a “hot” attraction anymore. If it was, I suspect it wouldn’t be on the chopping block, regardless of its location.
Fortunately, the Muppets are an important property and they do have marketable value (and they do help to sell merchandise…). I’m guessing the rethemed Muppets Rock-n-Roller Coaster is Disney’s “great idea” to keep the Muppets in the parks without spending a lot of money. There’s the side benefit of updating the original Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, which also feels a bit outdated. Two birds, one stone.
I’m not sure these are the right decisions, but then no one at Disney asked me, hahahaha. I guess we’ll all see when the dust settles. I’m hoping there’s a Muppet loving Imagineer brainstorming new ways to use the Muppets in the parks. (If so, please let me know where to send the donuts!)
I AM excited about the new Monsters, Inc. land. I am always happy to see new attractions at any theme park, and nobody does immersive lands like Disney does. I’m hopeful that Monsters, Inc. will be wonderful and worth the long wait. I suspect this area won’t open until 2028–MAYBE 2027? I’ll keep you posted when I know more.
In the meantime, Disney has not announced closing dates for either Muppets 3D Vision OR Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. So we all still have time to get rides in on those attractions. My guess is that both attractions will go down in 2025. I’m guessing after the summer? But one or both could go down much sooner. As soon as Disney announces official dates, I’ll post an update. There’s still plenty of time to plan your 2025 visit to Walt Disney World. If you’d like to get started, please email brooke@DisneyCastleDreaming.com.
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
If you love Disney fireworks like I do, trust me, you want to know about Disney Fireworks Cruises. These exceptional experiences offer some of the best fireworks views around AND you get to avoid the crowds!
I am a Disney fireworks junkie, I admit it. Over the last 20 years, I have seen ever incarnation of Disney fireworks at all of the Florida Disney World parks, from regular shows to limited runs to holiday spectaculars. I LOVE Disney fireworks. If my fellow travelers would allow, we would watch Disney fireworks from SOMEWHERE every night of our Disney vacations.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Where to watch the show from is just as important as which show on what night. And I have watched from every location I could. In front of the castle, behind the castle. The rooftop at Bay Lake Tower, the catwalk at the Contemporary Resort. The porch at Narcoossee’s. The Beach at the Polynesian.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks from Bay Lake Tower Photo: Brooke Hudson
We’ve watched EPCOT fireworks from every country around the World Showcase and have watched from the spot between Port of Entry and Mexico or Canada. I’ve even watched from parking lots and the Skyliner.
Illuminations Reflections of Earth, Wedding Dessert Party Photo: Vicki and David Arndt
Until last night, I would have told you that the very best fireworks viewing to be had was from Disney fireworks dessert parties. We hosted a fireworks dessert party in the UK after our wedding and it was AMAZING—and offered a wonderful view of the fireworks. We’ve become big fans of the Seats and Sweets Fireworks Dessert Party over at the Magic Kingdom (Click Here to read my blog post about fireworks dessert parties.) While I would still highly recommend Disney fireworks dessert parties, the Disney fireworks cruise is has climbed to the top of the list for me. This is the BEST way to view Disney fireworks—and to have a terrific overall experience as well.
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Disney Fireworks Cruises – The Basics
First off, let me caution you: this is not an economical experience. However, it is also not an exceptionally overpriced extravagant experience. The current price for a Disney Fireworks Cruise is $449 + tax, and you can include up to 10 people on your cruise. This is a private, chartered cruise, and includes the services of a captain. The cruise also includes snacks, as well as pop, juice and water. If you shared the cost over all 10 people, each person would pay less than $60, and that would include the tip for the captain!
Disney Fireworks Cruise Oct 2024 Captain Kayleigh
You are also allowed to bring your own treats and/or alcoholic beverages if you wish.
Disney Fireworks Cruise Family Time Photo: Brooke Hudson
Children under 12 must wear a life jacket—provided by the marina team. Your cruise can also include a birthday or anniversary banner (provided by the Marina team) at no additional charge and may also include balloons for no additional charge if the winds are not too high.
Happy Birthday Banner Disney Pontoon Boats Photo: Deidra Ocampo
EPCOT Fireworks Cruises
EPCOT fireworks, currently “Luminous, a Symphony of Us”, are always at 9 pm. EPCOT fireworks cruises board at the Yacht Club Marina, located near the lighthouse at the Yacht Club on Crescent Lake. Each night, up to five pontoon boats may be chartered for the fireworks cruise. Your group (again, up to a maximum of 10 people) will board your boat at approximately 7:45 pm, with your captain setting sail at 8pm.
Crescent Lake Boat Tour – Swan & Dolphin Photo: Brooke Hudson
Your boat will tour Crescent Lake for approximately 35-40 minutes, traveling past the Swan and Dolphin to Disney’s Hollywood Studios before heading into EPCOT to tie up with the other fireworks cruise boats, just inside the park, between the UK and France.
Crescent Lake Boat Tour Photo: Brooke Hudson
Your group will float happily in this perfect location to watch the entire Luminous show. Once the show is over, the boats will separate and gradually return to their home dock. The entire experience lasts about an hour and a half.
Disney Fireworks Cruise, Boats Tied Together Before Show Starts Photo: Brooke HudsonDisney EPCOT Fireworks Cruise Photo: Brooke HudsonDisney Fireworks Cruises Pontoon Boats Photo: Brooke Hudson
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruises
Magic Kingdom fireworks start at different times, depending on sunset and/or holiday parties or special events. So the Magic Kingdom fireworks cruises are not quite as consistently scheduled as the EPCOT fireworks cruises are. The experience is quite similar though. Your experience will last approximately an hour and a half, and your boat will depart approximately one hour before the fireworks are scheduled. Your cruise will board at the Marina at the Contemporary Resort. Your boat captain will tour Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon with your party, making sure that your party has a great view of the fireworks, once they are ready to begin.
Disney Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise Boats Photo: Brooke Hudson
The main difference between the two experiences is that the Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise boats do not tie up together like the EPCOT fireworks cruise boats do. The Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise boats continue cruising throughout the fireworks show, albeit at a much slower pace. After the fireworks are over, the captain will return your boat to the Marina.
Note: Some Magic Kingdom fireworks cruises will launch from the Marina at the Grand Floridian resort. Please confirm your launch location when reserving your cruise.
How to Book a Disney Fireworks Cruise
Booking a Disney Fireworks Cruise is relatively easy; however, you cannot book your cruise until 60 days before the date of your cruise. You can book a Disney Fireworks Cruise through the My Disney Experience app, through this link, or by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (407) 939-7529. Alternatively, if you are working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like myself, your planner may also reserve your cruise for you.
The cost of your cruise is $449 + tax (and a tip for your captain!).
Disney Fireworks Cruise Family Photo Octo 2024
Rent a Pontoon Boat
Did you know that you can rent a pontoon boat during the day for up to 10 passengers during your Disney vacation? Rentals are available at the Yacht Club Marina, the Contemporary Resort Marina and the Grand Floridian Marina. You can rent the boat as long as you have a valid driver’s license, state ID or Military ID and are over 18 years old.
Things to keep in mind:
Cost $49 + tax for 3o minutes
Children under 12 years old must wear a complimentary life jacket
Reservations are not required
Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis
These boat rentals do NOT include a captain; YOU will be responsible for driving the boat.
Smoking is not allowed on board any Disney boat or watercraft
Only Resort guests or guests with Resort dining reservations will be permitted to park in the Resort parking areas
Final Thoughts
One thing to keep in mind. Once you have done a Disney Fireworks Cruise, you will have a hard time ever going back to standing shoulder to shoulder with 25,000 of your closest friends to watch Disney fireworks in a theme park! My mom and I were joking the other evening that we have been completely spoiled now–between the Seats & Sweets Fireworks Dessert Parties we’ve attended and now this amazing Disney Fireworks Cruise, regular old fireworks standing out in the Magic Kingdom or at EPCOT just isn’t going to feel as good as it used to!
We all had such a wonderful time on our Disney EPCOT Fireworks Cruise!
What do YOU think? Would you like to try a Disney Fireworks Cruise sometime? Comment below.
I have a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise on my Wishlist now. I’m going to see if I can collect a few friends next trip to split the cost with me…
