Typhoon Lagoon to Reopen
After nearly two years of mystery, we finally have confirmation about a water park’s return.
Also, another pinhead threatened violence against cast members, and I’ve got some Magical Express updates for you as well.
Here’s what you need to know.
Typhoon Lagoon Reopening on January 2nd
As widely speculated last week, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will finally reopen next week.
The 32-year-old water park closed in March of 2020 along with the rest of Walt Disney World. As of now, it’s the most prominent remaining piece that has yet to return.
The timing proved frustrating, as rumors had persisted of significant enhancements coming to the water park.
Any chance of that happening in the short term ended due to the pandemic, which devastated Disney financially.
Instead, we’re back to the usual Disney behavior of closing one water park for refurbishment each winter while leaving the other open.
In this case, Disney must reopen Typhoon Lagoon to update Disney’s Blizzard Beach.
On the plus side, Typhoon Lagoon should look fresh and new after 22 months of downtime.
Also, Disney has promised customizable Dole Whips. So, you can let your mind wander there. I’m gonna look like a mad scientist with mine.
Disney will add other new menus items as well. After all, the other parts of Walt Disney World have received unique 50th-anniversary menu items.
Typhoon Lagoon will get some as well. The attention-grabbing one is the EARidescent Ice Dream Cone at Happy Landings.
In terms of rides, you should expect a full complement on January 2nd. Yes, that includes Miss Adventure Falls!
Notably, the surf program is back as well if you’ve missed classes and private lessons during the pandemic.
Finally, you need to know the bus route updates here, which…aren’t great. Disney expects you to take a bus to Disney Springs.
From there, you’ll switch to a Typhoon Lagoon bus. No, there’s not a direct route from any of the DVC resorts.
Along those lines, since Blizzard Beach is closing, those bus routes will end after New Year’s Day.
Another Crazy Disney Story
MiceChat broke a story on Wednesday that had Disneyland fans quite upset.
According to their site, an upset person entered the Golden Horseshoe and started making physical threats to cast members.
At least one report indicated that the individual was wielding a dangerous weapon (not a gun).
However, Disneyland officials later confirmed that the person wasn’t armed or wielding any sort of weapon.
Cast members misunderstood what the person was threatening and/or had in their hands.
MiceChat’s article describes the would-be assailant as “belligerent” and noted that park officials closed the restaurant afterward.
The Golden Horseshoe closed early and directed customers to the nearby Stage Door for Quick Service options instead.
Disney has stated that none of the customers was ever in danger, and it sounds like the cast members were fine as well.
They received some threats and possibly some harsh language, but that was thankfully all that happened.
This is when I once again ask everyone to be extra nice to cast members. They’re facing far too much of this nonsense lately.
Magical Express Updates
The Orlando International Airport (MCO) has recently developed a sense of humor. As the end of Magical Express approaches, MCO’s Twitter feed posted this:
Also, airport officials some aspects of the impending changes that could impact your trip.
While Magical Express will stop taking guests to Walt Disney World starting on New Year’s Day, it’ll continue to transport us to MCO through January 10th.
Those of you taking longer holiday vacations are on your own after January 10th.
For its part, Mears Connect has posted signage at the airport to remind guests of its opening. This service begins on January 1st.
As a reminder, the Mears Connect website went live a while ago. You can find pricing information here.
I previously mentioned The Sunshine Flyer as a possibility. Its pricing is similar to what Mears Connect lists. However, you can avoid Mears that way.
I know that many DVC members have had bad experiences over the years.
However, please remember that A) the grass isn’t always greener and B) The Sunshine Flyer doesn’t open until February 1st.
Happy New Year, my friends!
Start planning your 2022 Disney vacation TODAY! Book your next Disney vacation visit by browsing our current DVC Confirmed Reservation Specials, or use our DVC availability tool to see if the dates for your vacation are available. From there, you can start the booking process and one of our team members will reach out to assist!
