Disney World Announces Reopening Dates

Disney World announced dates for post-coronavirus re-opening. 

In no real shock to anyone, Disney World in Orlando, Florida has broken their silence on their reopening. The parks have been closed since mid-March along with most other amusement parks and attractions in the Central Florida area.

News broke today that states Disney World's reopening plan has been approved. The parks will reopen with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th, 2020. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow four days later, opening on July 15th, 2020.

This date follows the news that both Universal Orlando and several other parks across the country have dropped opening dates for what is left of the 2020 summer travel season. What many aren't considering in the light of this announcement, are the restrictions which will be in place. The gates are just not being thrown open to the 'happiest place on earth'.

Disney has stated both employees and guests will be REQUIRED to wear masks in the parks and also undergo a temperature screening prior to admittance.  Considering how openly flaunted these restrictions have been at Disney Springs (which reopened on May 20th), it doesn't bode well for those who are concerned with safety. Will Disney actually enforce this rule? How will it be enforced? Will those openly violating the rules face consequences? There are no details it be found in regards to how this will be handled.

Park capacity will be 'greatly reduced' and they will offer no parades, night time fireworks shows or other events which cause large gatherings of people. This means that we're likely looking at these parks having a 20-30% capacity in effect, if they follow the model used in the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland. I can tell you already, this will lead to a massive rise in complaints (please be kind to Guest Services, they are trying.) The shows are one of the great draws of the parks, and missing these will lead to a changed experience.

The resort will enable cashless transactions by expanding contactless payments. This is not much in the way of news, but the expansion is a bonus. Over my years of experience both working at theme parks and visiting them, cash transactions have become rare. Most people are using cards or the debit system linked to their Magicbands.

Disney has stated they will increase the number of available hand sanitizing stations.  This is good, but I've heard the argument put that this will 'ruin the immersion'. After a quick poll on Twitter we found that is a 'weak at best, stupid at worst' argument. If a hand sanitizing station ruins your vacation, you probably shouldn't be on vacation.

While this is a good step in the right direction, concerns still arise from the logistics involved, some of which we have mentioned. By no means are these even the tip of the iceberg but Disney, along with Florida as a whole, are pushing hard to get the tourists rolling back in and thus boost the flagging economy during what should be the busy summer season.

There has also been no word in regards to the reopening of the numerous Disney Resort Hotels, Resort Pools, or the Disney Water Parks.

Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Image from Park Rumors

GOOD NEWS- Universal is attempting and hopefully planning (at some point) to add in Fantastic Beasts to the current Wizarding World line-up.

This leaves a tricky question- Where can they put it?

Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Cobra's Curse Coming in 2016!

Yep, that's right, yet another coaster announcement out of Central Florida. However, unlike it's sister park,  Busch Gardens Tampa is going a slightly different route with their newest coaster. They've gone a little more family friendly with Cobra's Curse!

This is a great thing that they're doing, as everyone has to start somewhere. The Egyptian archeological dig theming fits in great, as it will be located right alongside Montu. So, while kids might not be big enough for one of the best coasters in the world, they'll still have something pretty special to experience themselves right in the same area of the park.

Cobra's Curse, built by Mack Rides, is the newest addition to the coaster line up will feature some really interesting elements and many of them never seen on a spinning coaster. Ride cars will feature 8 riders per train, each featuring two cars with two rows each. Not only is it a spinning coaster, but it also has a vertical lift hill. Yep, that's right, going straight up an "elevator style lift" which takes riders up to 70ft before they start down their wild ride through the excavation site at speeds up to 40mph. 

What happens over the course of the ride is definitely interesting! During the first segment, riders will experience elements both forwards and backwards as the train will lock in place for those sections of the ride. Then, after the second lift hill (yep, two lift hills!), the ride unlocks and becomes free spinning for the remainder of the nearly four minute long ride.

Really is some new and unique elements to this one. I can't say that I've ever heard of a coaster doing all of this while keeping things in the "family friendly" end of things. Should be a pretty big hit.

Check out the announcement video below:


That's a lot to take in and it looks like Busch Gardens Tampa is adding in a great addition for the younger and less thrill prone folks out there. Heck, even I'm looking forward to giving this one a spin when it opens, never can have too many coaster experiences out there!

Stay tuned for more on Cobra's Curse out of Busch Gardens Tampa and be sure to follow along with us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest!

SeaWorld Orlando- New Clyde and Seamore Show, Sealion High!

 SeaWorld Orlando Announced "Sea Lion High" as New Clyde and Seamore Show, Opening on April 16th.

 While we've known for a while what the general theme of the new Sealion and Otter show at SeaWorld Orlando would be, we've been getting more details along with the opening date of the new show!

 April 16th will see the opening of the newest comedy show featuring SeaWorld's most beloved duo, Clyde and Seamore. The show is billed as featuring Clyde and Seamore in the good days of High School with funny antics and some amazing animal interactions. As always, these shows tend to showcase learning and natural behaviors presented in an easy-to-understand format of a comedy show.

 Personally, I can't wait to see this new version of the Sealion and Otter Show!

Busch Gardens Tampa- Gwazi Closing, Official Announcement

 Gwazi Closing for Good, Says Busch Gardens Tampa.

 Honestly, I'm not even the smallest bit surprised when I woke up to read this news. Gwazi has been a long-standing issue for Busch Gardens Tampa in recent years.

 Now, I could go into detail but I'm sure you've all read my opinions on the matter before, so I won't bore you with a litany of complaints in regards to theme parks not up-keeping their attractions. If you do want to know- Please see "This Link About Gwazi".

 Sunday, February 1st will be the final day and Gwazi will close for good. A sad ending for what was once the pride of Busch Gardens Tampa and an amazing roller coaster. The parks are citing 'budget cuts' which is likely true but at the same time this leads back to the checkered history of maintenance on the wooden coaster as well as an endless series of constant upkeep to maintain a wooden roller coaster in the environment of Central Florida.

 The proof for this lays in the fact Busch Gardens Tampa will not be demolishing the ride anytime soon. While no reason has been given for this, it's likely due to not having anything to fill the space in addition to the cited budget cuts. While the parks may be going through rough times right now, I doubt they have any hope of somehow saving this ride (not with how little they've done to keep it running in recent years). It's simply the final death blow for a coaster which has been unwanted since the Busch Family sold the parks.

 It's a sad day, what was once the show piece of a theme park is falling into a silent wooden shadow.

Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa Surprises Guests with a Soft Open Today!

Image courtesy of BGTfans.com

It looks like the wait is finally coming to end for Busch Gardens Tampa fans. There's been a series of delays for their newest drop tower, but it looks like all the kinks have finally been worked out. It might be National Roller Coaster Day, but that's not stopping the park from doing a soft open for it's latest mad creation, Falcon's Fury.

First GP riders! Image via @mist3rm4tt on Twitter

Guests at the park today have spotted Falcon's Fury taking it's first general public riders on it's death defying plunge. Earlier this week there were reports of increased employee testing going on and it looks like the official full opening won't be too much more of a wait.

So, for all you drop tower adrenaline junkies out there, keep an eye out as it seems you could get lucky and score a ride before the ride officially opens what's likely to be the within the next week or so. Of course, with any soft open, the ride will open and close at random, so you'll have to be quick!

Curious as to what those lucky riders are experiencing? Here's the official POV!

Busch Gardens Tampa- Falcon's Fury Testing with Employees

Busch Gardens Tampa- Falcon's Fury Finally Testing, with Employees!

 Good News for fans of Busch Gardens Tampa and Drop Towers!

 It appears from reports from BGTFans that 'Falcon's Fury' is finally doing some employee testing. While right now the testing appears to only involve senior park members and not the general staff but this could be a good sign that the drop tower may finally have it's issues sorted out.

 The ride still has no official opening date, just an estimation, but the park did tell BGTFans “We are ride testing with specific safety and operations team members, but we do not have any updates on when park employees, or the general public, will be able to ride.”. Which we can hope is good news and may allow the park to open the ride before the current estimated "Late Summer 2014". 

 Stay Tuned for more updates!

(Top Image also from BGTFans)

Disney World- Monorail Evacuated *UPDATED*

Image from +WDW News Today 

Monorail Evacuated at Disney World.

 Last night around 6pm, Monorail Gold was evacuated while stranded between the 'Transportation and Ticket Center' and 'Epcot Center', Around the area of Fort Wilderness Lodge.

 Early reports stated this was due to a lightning strike, while the official report doesn't mention that, it does state the monorail system lost power multiple times during the evening. Mostly due to heavy thunderstorms which where moving through the area, it also states that other monorails on the system had to be 'restarted multiple times'. Which suggests either the suspected lightning strike or a power system surge, which stopped the transportation system in it's tracks. While others where able to make it back into their respective stations, Monorail Gold had to be evacuated by Reedy Creek Fire Department.

 Guests where safely removed and bused to their respective locations. No word on the status of Monorail Gold or if the Epcot/TTC line will be up and running this morning.

**UPDATE**
A Disney Spokesperson announced that the monorail lines and fully up and running today for standard operations.

 Info from Orlando Sentinel

Roadside America- Weeki Wachee Returns Clam Shelll Roof

Image from Tampa Bay Times

Weeki Wachee Returns to 'Clam Sell' Roof.

 Time for some news of a classic nostalgia. The Mermaid Theater of Weeki Wachee Springs in Central Florida is undergoing a massive renovation this summer.

 While doing work for a new roof, they discovered the old 'Clam Shell' roof as still intact under the wooden shingles. The state parks division has decided to re-furbish the old roof, rather then just replace the singles, to give the theater it's original look- That of a giant white clam.  This not only is more fitting for the theater but brings back the classic nostalgia of the Florida Roadside Attraction.

 We're always glad to see Weeki Wachee getting publicity, more so when it's for the better of a classic attraction! You Go, Mermaids! We'll be down to check this out possibly later this fall!

Schlitterbahn Fort Lauderdale- One Step Closer!

Schlitterbahn Fort Lauderdale Moves One Step Closer!

  Good news today for waterpark fans, it seems Schlitterbahn's newest water park which is slated for Fort Lauderdale, Florida is one step closer to being a reality.

 While a tentative opening date of 2017, Schlitterbahn has finally received the approval to rent the land which is owned by the FAA. With an agreement for nearly $810,00 per year, the park is getting ready to move forward with their plans for the space. Opening construction is set to cost around $50 million and will begin with the waterpark portion of the companies plans for the space along with the partial demolition of the old Fort Lauderdale Stadium, some of which will be used by the park.

 The city and park have until July 15h to sign the agreement with the FAA. After that, Schlitterbahn will need to put together all their financing and plans per the terms of the lease. Once these items are complete, they believe it will take around two years to complete the project.

 Information from- Sun Sentinal

More Details about Universal Orlando's Hogwarts Express Emerge!

Image via Bay9 News

This past Friday, Universal Orlando finally announced more details about the Hogwarts Express attraction that's part of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion.

The train, which takes guests from the new Diagon Alley/London to Hogsmeade, will feature a different experience in each direction.

Also, important to note here, you WILL need a two park ticket to ride, no exceptions on that one. So, for anyone curious how that would work, there's your answer.

What can you expect during your trip? Once on board, the execs were careful to emphasize repeatedly: It is just like the experience of actually riding a train, albeit a magical one. Guests will be able to look out the windows and see an actual Harry Potter scene play out; and depending on where they're seated on the train, and what angle they're looking out the window, the scene will look different. Visits from your favorite characters during the trip, such as Hagrid on his flying motocycle, or Buckbeak the Hoppogriff, the Knight Bus and even a possible visit by a Dementor on the hunt.

Sound awesome? Well, there's a lot more to expect. Like, just how you get to the famous Platform 9 3/4. VP of Corporate Communications for Universal, Tom Schroder, had this to say about that,"I don't want to give it away, you have to experience it. But you'll see people... Transition through the wall, and you'll transition through the wall as you go to the platform".

You want even more? Well, good thing they spilled the beans further and have said that even the candy trolley, or at least something very similar, will be on board as well!

Now, have a look at the First Look video put out by Universal as well as few still of what's being reported as possible scenes that guests will experience while on their journey aboard the Hogwarts Express!

Legoland Florida- Re-Opening Parts of Cypress Gardens

Image from Attractions Magazine

Legoland Florida Re-Opens Parts of Cypress Gardens.

 Confirmed today by Attractions Magazine's Twitter Feed, Legoland Florida indeed held a ceremony to re-open parks of the old "Cypress Gardens" park.

 For this one day only, the famous "Southern Belles" returned to the park to mark the revival of Florida's first amusement park. With this the "Florida Shaped Pool" has re-opened as well as older parts of the gardens and the Oriental Gardens. It's wonderful to see that Legoland remembers the historical value of this previous attraction and more so that they're preserving part of it for future generations to remember and enjoy!

Busch Gardens Tampa- Falcon's Fury Opening Date

Busch Gardens Tampa- Falcon's Fury Opening Date Announced!

 The opening day for the much anticipated drop tower attraction coming to Busch Gardens Tampa, Falcon's Fury, will open on May 1st, 2014. The ride will open just in time for the beginnings of the summer rush in the Tampa area theme park.  Just to spice things up, Busch Gardens has released a great little video which features some really nice construction footage of the ride.

Rumor Alert- Legoland to return parts of Cypress Gardens?

Image from WorldofStock.com

Legoland Florida- Parts of Cypress Gardens to Return!

 While Legoland Florida hasn't yet confirmed, many fans of one of Florida original theme parks are finally given reason to rejoice. Orlando Sentinel is stating that this Wednesday Legoland will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for reopening more parts of the iconic gardens.

 The Oriental Gardens and the "Florida Pool" which was made famous in the old movie "Easy to Love" will once again be open to the public.

 Rumor has floated around for a while now saying that previous owners of the park had removed the Florida-shaped pool and that the majority of the gardens where in ruins. A little quick searching on Google Maps has proved that false, the pool and it's iconic shape still stand- although not in the best condition in 2012 (when this google maps images seems to  have been taken).

 This new bit of news seems to prove those rumors wrong.  A good portion of the original "Cypress Gardens" area has been closed off to the public for years but it seems Legoland knows that history is important. Allowing more of the original gardens to thrive and be open is a historical treat for all ages. However, there is still no news on the remaining fate of other attractions which once made up "Cypress Gardens".

 More news on Wednesday/Thursday to see if this turns out to be truth!

Disney World raises Ticket Prices

Image from Clint Gamache of ThrillGeek

Disney World raises Ticket Prices.


 Fans and Friends of Disney World have lost their minds in the last few days with the resorts newest ticket price hike.

 This is the second ticket price raise that Disney World has implemented in the last twelve months, unusual for the resort which normally only raises prices once per twelve months.  The last raise in ticket prices happened in June of 2013, just nine months ago.

 The new price, $99 per single day is a $4 increase in price. This has effected all tickets across the price spectrum. However, this increase only effects the "Magic Kingdom" park so far. It's unknown if this raise in prices will soon go resort wide. The other parks- Epcot Center, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are still at the old price of $94 dollar per day.

 This new price increase came as a surprise. It wasn't announced nor did Disney warn their guests as they had done in the past, this new move was done quietly in the night only to be leaked by Orlando Sentinel. The Total Orlando Blog has estimated that in the last decade Disney World's admission fees have easily doubled, they also expect that by 2025 price will be over $153 per day if the current yearly (or twice yearly) increases continue.

 Fan have been speculating wildly as to the reasons behind the price raise. Many believe it has to do with the gross overspending on the "My Magic+" system which the Orlando park has been trying to implement in the form of "MagicBands" in the last year. Others believe that it's do to high levels of over spending involving the "New Fantasyland" project which is suspected to be behind schedule. Like most things involving Disney World, we'll likely never know the real reasons behind them breaking the rule of "one price hike on tickets per year".

Busch Gardens Tampa- Bands, Brews and BBQ Concert Update

 Busch Gardens Tampa- Bands, Brews and BBQ Concert Artists Update.

 Busch Gardens Tampa has announced this coming weekends artists for their "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event, taking place on weekends through March 9th.  This coming weekends concerts look pretty good!

Saturday, February 15th- Earth, Wind and Fire
Sunday, February 16th- Sugar Ray and The Gin Blossoms.

Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

 Inside the New "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" Attraction.

 The Disney Parks Blog has favored fans with a treat over the weekend. A quick and teasing look inside the new attraction coming to Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 2014, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

 Showing off some of the mysterious interior of the attraction as well as the theme work going on, the park is building up the hype for this newest addition to Fantasyland.

 This new ride, themed off "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" replaced the old attraction of "Snow White's Scary Adventures". A family roller coaster, it's the newest mountain range to be added to Disney World.

 We've included another image from the post below! Overall, it's looking pretty awesome but still leaves a LOT of questions about the ride.

All images are from Disney. You can see the full post by visiting- The Disney Parks Blog: All in the Details for more images.

Busch Gardens Tampa- Bands, Brews and BBQ Event

 Busch Gardens Tampa's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Event Line Up.

 Busch Gardens Tampa has posted up next weeks concert artists for their "Bands, Brews and BBQ" special event. Each week the parks are announcing their artists to the public and Busch Gardens has released early this week.




 Concerts for Busch Gardens Tampa:
February 8th, 2014- Jason Derulo
February 9th, 2014- Dickey Betts and The Great Southern
February 9th, 2014- The Marshell Tucker Band 

Seaworld Orlando's Bands, Brews and BBQs Concert Update- Performer stands with Seaworld.

Image from Patrick Gibson's Facebook Page

 Seaworld Orlando's Bands, Brews and BBQs Concert Update- Performer stands with Seaworld.

 One brave musician has stood up to the controversy and media hype of the "Bands, Brews and BBQ's" event happening at Seaworld Orlando.

 Patrick Gibson, a Florida native and country musician has stood up and made people take notice. While many washed-up stars have used their dropping out of Bands, Brews and BBQ's to gain media attention- Patrick is showing his support of Seaworld and making an even bigger name for himself at the same time. Rather than focusing on the negative, here is a native floridan who is showing his support in the most positive way while getting his name and music out to the world.

 Sir, I don't know who you are but I'd like to salute you and shake your hand for standing up. Don't give into the hate your undoubtedly receiving, many stand with you.

Patrick Gibson doesn't have much posted up on Youtube right now but you can see a sample of his music both on his Website- PGCountry.com and down below. 


Patrick Gibson will perform at Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ's" event on March 9th, 2014.

Rumor Alert-Disney World's New Seven Dwarfs may be Running Behind

Rumor Alert- Is the New "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" completion running behind?!

 According to Screamscape rumors, this could be true.

 Some seem to be suggesting that despite effect's the new "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" roller coaster attraction set to open soon at Disney World's Magic Kingdom, may be behind schedule. The 'best guess' date has lately been sometime in February but it seems a new rumor suggests that the time frame for soft opening of the ride could be pushed back in to March-April of 2014.