Typhoon Lagoon Refurb Enhancements

After closing for its annual refurbishment back in December 2016, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon continued to be busy as construction crews worked hard to bring a number of enhancements to some of the water park’s attractions and amenities.

In addition to installing new signs and maps, some of the queues around the water park received new fans; pools and slides were repainted; and more.

Here is additional information regarding the enhancements that Guests will notice around the park:

Surf Pool:

Typhoon Lagoon’s premiere attraction has been completely resurfaced and equipped with new pumps to ensure “totally tubular” waves for Guests while further enhancing the safety of both Cast and Guests.

Castaway Creek:

This year, Castaway Creek  was completely drained, painted and resurfaced. In addition to that, in a continuous effort to improve water safety, two Lifeguard stands have been overhauled.

New DirectOARies (Directions + Boat Oars = DirectOARies):

Similar to signage found at Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon now has additional information for Guests to navigate around the park. By combining creative theming with Guest information, the park will allow Guests to efficiently get around to amenities and attractions.

New in-park maps:

With their fresh and vibrant look, the new in-park maps have been added to the park in an effort to further enhance the Guest experience. No paper or mobile device is needed to navigate around the park.

Brand new park-entry signs:

A brand new park-entry sign has been added to the Main Entrance. Wood-workings were painted and rebuilt as well.

Keelhaul Falls:  In efforts to exceed Guest expectations, shades and fans have been added for the queue line.

Palms Dining:

Palms Dining has been equipped with new fans to cool off Guests as they await or serve food orders. In addition, misters have been added to the mug refill stations.

Self-serve locker rental kiosks:

Typhoon Lagoon’s self-serve locker rental kiosks have been upgraded with new and innovative technology. As a result, the screens will now only be visible within a narrow line of sight.

High N Dry with new amenities:

New amenities have been added to High N Dry rentals to allow Guests to purchase cooled beverages. “Clam-Shell” beds will now be available for rent near the Super Cabana by Crush N Gusher. Each bed features a tucked away beach and drink table.

Crush ‘N’ Gusher:

Opened almost 12 years ago, Crush ‘N’ Gusher has always been a “Daytime Only” attraction. Now, with the addition of new lighting, Crush ‘N’ Gusher will be able to offer Guests a great experience after dark!

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Pirate Adventure Cruises out of Port Orleans Closed!

The Bayou Pirate Adventure Cruise one of four pirate based cruises ran for the last time yesterday. This shutdown only affected the one at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. The following Pirate Cruises are still available.

Disney’s Pirate Adventure
Crossing Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, this pirate cruise treats kids to a reading of “The Legend of Gasparilla”—a real Florida pirate. Departs from the Marina at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise
Buccaneers sail the Ports of the Caribbean waters, as they hear the story of Old Port Royale and its pirate-laden past. Departs from Barefoot Bay Bike Works at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Albatross Treasure Cruise
Kids hear “The Legend of the Albatross” and search for pirate booty across Crescent Lake and Epcot park’s World Showcase Lagoon. Departs from Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

More information on the Pirate Adventure Cruises

Party for the Planet Returns to Animal Kingdom

The upcoming documentary feature from Disneynature hits theaters on April 21, just in time for Earth Day and “Party for the Planet” (a special event that includes multiple activities available to all Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom throughout the day).

Born in China follows the adventures of three animal families: the majestic panda, the savvy golden monkey and the elusive snow leopard. To celebrate the film’s release, several of the activities in Party for the Planet will be themed to Born in China.

Among the special offerings that will be available around the theme park, Guests will find the following:

•”A Leopard’s Journey” activity at Maharajah Jungle Trek;

•”Born in China” activity pack distribution at Maharajah Jungle Trek;

•”Born in China” Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot at select photo locations.

Additionally, Disneynature will make a donation to benefit wild pandas and snow leopards in honor of Guests who see “Born in China” on opening week,  For everyone who sees the film from April 21-27, Disneynature will contribute $0.20 per ticket to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000.

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Test Track to Close for Private Event

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Guests planning on visiting Epcot in the next few days should note that Test Track will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 for a private event.

Approximately 600 Guests will arrive by bus to the Odyssey Parking lot (which is located backstage) at 7 p.m. for this event.

Please, note that while the entire Test Track courtyard area will be closed to regular park Guests, the other two Future World East rides (Universe of Energy and Mission: SPACE) and the Colortopia exhibit will follow their regular operating hours.

Disney to Test Virtual Queues at Waterparks

In an effort to explore the concept of a virtual queue system for park Guests, Disney’s Water Parks will conduct virtual queue testing at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon from March 28 to April 7.

Similar to the system that will be used at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, the virtual queuing systems are designed to enable users to reserve a place in line for an attraction without having to physically wait in the queue, providing an enhanced Guest experience and more time to enjoy additional experiences.

The virtual queue test will include Downhill Double Dipper, Slush Gusher, and Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach and Miss Adventure Falls at Typhoon Lagoon.wdw1212-2

This phase of virtual queue testing will not include Magic Bands, and while this phase of virtual queue testing has some similarities to the concept of FastPass+, it is not bookable prior to park entry and it is not digital.

Mission Space Refurb News

Guests visiting Epcot this summer should expect to find at least one of the park’s thrill rides closed for refurbishment (all of the other major attractions should be operating).

Mission: SPACE will be closed for refurbishment starting from June 5 and is expected to reopen to Guests at the end of July (dates subject to change). Rumors circulating around the web point to the possibility of being able to choose among several different “missions” when the ride reopens. Stay tuned for more information about this project.

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Marketplace Monday Specials for 3/27/17

Disney Springs started celebrating “Marketplace Monday” with a special, limited-time deal every Monday in March.  On March 27, Guests can show the @DisneySprings Twitter account offer on their mobile device to receive discounts at select locations throughout Disney Springs. In addition to that, some shopping and dining locations will offer discounts all week long.

Marketplace Mondays at Disney Springs

On March 27, Guests can show the @DisneySprings Twitter account at these locations for special offers:

•$1 off any sundae at Ghirardelli

•Buy one, get one free Face Painting

•Three select Tsum Tsums for $0.99 each at Once Upon a Toy (while supplies last, limit 10 per style)

Also continuing from previous weeks, the following offers will be valid:

•LiveTrends: Save 15%

•Basin: Save 10%

•Wetzel’s Pretzels: Buy two pretzels, get one free

•Set the Bar and Sublime: Save 15%

•The Savannah Bee Company: Save 15%

•Earl of Sandwich: Free soft drink and chips with purchase of an entree

•Wolfgang Puck Express: Save 20%

•LittleMissMatched: Save 10%

●Weekly Offers at Disney Springs (March 26-April 1)

Here is a list of additional deals and offers that will be available at Disney Springs throughout next week:

•Origins: Through March 26, three piece gift with $45 purchase; receive a four week supply of Modern Friction and Vitazing with $75 purchase

•Zara:Now through April 2, select departments 50% off.

•Melissa: Receive limited edition tote with any Beauty and the Beast purchase

•Superdry: Buy 2 get 1 free on everything through March 31

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