***Official January 2025 Thread***

[MaidMarian444]

We got home on Monday and one of the adults in our group began feeling sick on the way home and today she tested positive for Flu A! So far she is the only one of our 7 person group to fall ill. Stay healthy everyone!

 

[disneydreamer1980]

At Epcot now, cold and crowded but MK on Tuesday was dead. It was crazy,tron and Space mountain were 20 and 15 minute waits. Bit it was freezing cold and raining. Unfortunately that was the night of our fireworks dessert party and it was absolutely miserable. It was too cold to even enjoy the desserts and watching the show was impossible because rain was blowing in our faces the whole time and it was 40 degrees out. Luckily looks like the weathers changing soon, of course it’ll be after we leave lol. Our first week wasn’t too bad weather wise though and we’re still having a blast, but this weathers crazy.

 

[VAtink]

It seems the crowds arrived today! Even though it's freezing and drizzling/misting all morning Epcot has been a bit nuts. Took just over 20 minutes to get through security and into the park about an hour after opening at the IG. Living with the land had a 30 minute wait by 10 (and it was actually about 30, crazy!), the Nemo ride 25. Saw a handful of large South American tour groups here as well. So much for the low crowds from the past few days. The good thing is people don't seem to want to eat outside in the rain so the food booths still have short lines.

With the rain finally stopping tomorrow I'm wondering if the parks will be crazy, hopefully not, but at least we'll finally be dry!

 

[FeliciaB23]

So we are on day 3 of our trip. No way to sugar coat this - the rain, wind, and cold has been miserable! We were able to do a fair amount of rides in MK yesterday but boy this weather sure does suck!

Our treats and seats fireworks dessert party was an absolute bust last night. Shivering from the cold. Tink didn’t fly (as expected, I can only imagine how awful that would have been for the actor). Couldn’t see 90% of the fireworks due to fog/rain, could only hear them and see the glow of the color they were supposed to be. We were planning on going to Luminous tonight but we skipped out early. Let’s hope tomorrow and the next 2 days are sunny, as they claim to be!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to Close Early Through February 6th: Low Demand or Maintenance Needs?

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will close early over the next two weeks, closing at 6pm some days, 4:30pm on one occasion, and having longer operating hours on the weekends. Here’s a look at the attraction’s operating schedule for the next two weeks.

According to the Walt Disney World website, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will operate with reduced hours at the Magic Kingdom over the next two weeks. Here’s a look at the operating hours:

• Jan. 23 | 9am to 6pm
• Jan. 24 | 9am to 10pm
• Jan. 25 | 8am to 11pm
• Jan. 26 | 9am to 11pm
• Jan. 27 | 9am to 6pm
• Jan. 28 | 9am to 6pm
• Jan. 29 | 8am to 6pm
• Jan. 30 | 8am to 4:30pm*
• Jan. 31 | 8am to 11pm
• Feb. 1 | 8am to 11pm
• Feb. 2 | 9am to 11pm
• Feb. 3 | 9am to 6pm
• Feb. 4 | 9am to 9pm
• Feb. 5 | 9am to 6pm
• Feb. 6 | 9am to 6pm

*Magic Kingdom closes early for a Cast Member celebration event

The operating schedule returns to normal starting February 7th, with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure operating park open to park close after the 6th.

Why is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Closing Early?​

Of course, the next question is: why? We’ve reached out to Walt Disney World and will update you should they provide an official reason, but the best guess is that there are seasonal maintenance needs that need to be taken care of. When the attraction was Splash Mountain, it would not be uncommon for Disney to schedule a short refurbishment during the coldest months of the year to perform maintenance on the ride. With colder weather, ridership was down, making it the best time to perform needed maintenance.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure may be trying to buck that trend by doing a sort of soft refurbishment, closing early to give the overnight crew more time to work on the attraction and perform what is surely some needed maintenance.

The other option is that there is just extremely low demand for the attraction given the cold weather. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an indoor/outdoor water ride, and you will likely get wet riding it. Given that temperatures have been in the 30s, 40s, and 50s recently, with “feels like” temperatures below freezing and sometimes in the 20s, there isn’t a lot of demand for a water ride at the moment.

There’s also the case of attraction unreliability. I think it’s obvious at this point that the Virtual Queue has been in place long after Disney World wanted to keep it simply because the attraction is unreliable. These early closures could allow Disney to have more time to address whatever reliability concerns the ride is experiencing.

Either way, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will operate with reduced hours through February 6th (so far).

 

[Frank4202]

Had a great trip. Our last was 2020 so a lot had changed. A couple observations....

-The new Disney fries are not good and are McDonalds copycats. I miss the old ones.
-Quick service food is not good. 90% of what we had, would not get again. Portion size is also smaller.
-Buses were great. I dont think we waited more than 10 minutes during our 8 days.
-Multipass and single pass worked great. Easy to use and we got to do almost everything we wanted. Just stinks that it's literally the old system but now paid.
-After exploring the 3 monorail resorts, I think they are vastly overrated. Wilderness Lodge is our new favorite.
-Table service was great.
-First time using park hopper. Would only get again if staying for a few days. Wasn't real necessary for our 8 days and we used it 3 times.

 

[MaidMarian444]

Had a great trip. Our last was 2020 so a lot had changed. A couple observations....

-The new Disney fries are not good and are McDonalds copycats. I miss the old ones.
-Quick service food is not good. 90% of what we had, would not get again. Portion size is also smaller.
-Buses were great. I dont think we waited more than 10 minutes during our 8 days.
-Multipass and single pass worked great. Easy to use and we got to do almost everything we wanted. Just stinks that it's literally the old system but now paid.
-After exploring the 3 monorail resorts, I think they are vastly overrated. Wilderness Lodge is our new favorite.
-Table service was great.
-First time using park hopper. Would only get again if staying for a few days. Wasn't real necessary for our 8 days and we used it 3 times.

Good points! We actually had a couple of good QS meals. The cantina in Mexico and Docking Bay 7 in Galaxy Edge were pretty good. The quick serve in our resort hotel, Beach Club, was pretty awful.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Spaceship Earth Experiencing Extended Downtime, Increased Unreliability This Week at EPCOT

The Spaceship Earth attraction at EPCOT has had a rough few days, experiencing extended downtime and increased unreliability.

The attraction hasn’t operated at all today, January 24th, and it was down for most of the day yesterday as well. According to wait time info from thrill-data, Spaceship Earth didn’t open until 2:30pm on Tuesday, January 21st, and had more than two hours of downtime on January 22nd as well.

Overall, the 42-year-old attraction has had a rough week, but perhaps that’s due to cold temperatures and not necessarily part of a bigger problem – we’ll have to wait and see.

 

[zanzibar138]

Just having some downtime before we fly out for Orlando tomorrow, so managed to get caught up on this thread. Thank you everyone for your tips, it's been so helpful!

With the rain finally stopping tomorrow I'm wondering if the parks will be crazy, hopefully not, but at least we'll finally be dry!

Ooh I hope it's not too crazy! I'll be glad not to get rain, but I'd take the cold for lower crowds lol!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Arribas Tiara Foundry: Exclusive Make-Your-Own Tiara Debuts at Magic Kingdom

Guests visiting Magic Kingdom can now enjoy the Arribas Tiara Foundry, a create-your-own tiara offering on Main Street USA. The experience can be found within the Crystal Arts shop, which is a shop that showcases crystal and glassware items via Disney partner Arribas Brothers. Late last week, a new offering called the Arribas Tiara Foundry debuted on Main Street USA, and we visited recently to take a look!

Arribas Tiara Foundry Make-Your-Own Tiara at Magic Kingdom​

$89​

To find the Tiara Foundry, head to the back of the store near the furnaces. At the back of the shop, there is a counter where Cast Members will be able to help you with the process. When we visited, there was a lack of signage advertising or explaining the process. The process is still rather new, so perhaps the signage is on the way.

There are three styles of tiara to choose from and each style of tiara comes in either rose gold, gold, or silver colors. The stones come in a number of different colors and sizes to allow for plenty of customization.

There are two design stations, complete with a custom board to help guests visualize what the final product will look like.

Once you’re done making your selections, an artisan will hand-place and secure each stone. The process takes a few minutes, and when we visited, guests were encouraged to take some time to explore the shop and come back in 5-10 minutes. Of course, you can also stick around and watch the artisan place your stones if you’d like.

The three styles are (from top to bottom):

• Heart Tiara
• Marquee Tiara
• Your Majesty Tiara

 

[Jasper&Bowie]

Worst travel day ever! So glad I finally made it. My original flight was delayed over 3 hours and then cancelled. The flight they moved us to was also over 3 hours delayed. I was supposed to land at MCO a little after 10 am. Finally landed a little after 5 pm.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Playground Refurbishment Delayed Until Late February

The Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue playground refurbishment that was scheduled to begin today has been delayed until later next month.

The playground refurbishment will now begin on February 24th, with the final day to experience the playground scheduled for February 23rd. The refurbishment will still last into Spring, according to an updated statement from Walt Disney World.

The indoor children’s playground in the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue will close for refurbishment on February 24, 2025 and is expected to reopen in Spring 2025. The attraction will remain open and available during this time.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Friendly reminder....

Vacation photos (and other media) expire 45 days from the date the photo was taken. Don't forget to view, download (with Memory Maker), or purchase photo products (through EZ Prints) before it's too late!

PhotoPass Information

PhotoPass FAQs

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

‘Celebrate Soulfully’ During Black History Month at Disney Parks

Tamron Hall Headlines Magic Kingdom Parade​

We are kicking off Black History Month at Walt Disney World with a little extra glam!

Emmy-winning journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall will lead the way as Grand Marshal in a magical parade at Magic Kingdom Park on February 1.

Guests will be able to see her along the parade route, through the park and down Main Street, U.S.A., around 3 p.m. ET. The parade will also feature popular Disney characters, lively music and dazzling displays.

Savor the Flavor!​

Enjoy savory dishes that celebrate Black culture at Walt Disney World with our limited-time offerings. Check out the bites and delights below you won’t want to miss!

NEW! Blackened Salmon with Plant-based Hot Italian Sausage-Bean Ragoût

• Available from February 1-28
• Various locations across Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

NEW! Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a chocolate piece

• Available from February 1-28
• Various locations across Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Disney Eats: Valentine’s Day Foodie Guide 2025

Walt Disney World Resort ​

Disney Springs ​

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

• Carl and Ellie Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon soaked with Chambord simple syrup, white chocolate mousse, raspberry jam, and white chocolate crispy pearls (New)
• Mini Valentine’s Croquembouche: Chocolate Pâte à Choux, chocolate-hazelnut custard, and chocolate ganache (New)
• Painting the Roses Red Amorette’s Rose: Chocolate biscuit with dark chocolate mousse and raspberry sauce filling (New)

The Ganachery

• Red Velvet Ganache Pop: Ruby ganache layered with cream cheese ganache covered in 65% dark chocolate (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
• Chocolate-covered Cherry Ganache Square: Amarena cherries, vanilla bean, and white chocolate covered in 65% dark chocolate (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
• Mickey Chocolates: Milk chocolate with caramel crispy pearls and dark chocolate with strawberry crisps (New) (Available starting Feb. 1 while supplies last)
• Sweetheart Minnie Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with marshmallow treats and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available Feb. 1 through 16)

Summer House on the Lake (Available Feb. 13 through 19)

• Pizza alla Vodka
• Filet & Crab Cake Duo
• Heart-shaped Desserts from The Cookie Bar

Vivoli il Gelato (Currently available through Feb. 25)

• Love Potion: Float with vanilla gelato, Fanta Strawberry, and whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios ​

Woody’s Lunch Box (Available Feb. 1 through 28; mobile order available)

• Chocolate-covered Strawberry Lunch Box Tart: Chocolate pastry, strawberry jam, chocolate fondant, strawberry crisps, pink curls, and heart sprinkles (New)

Disney Resorts Collection ​

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge ​

The Mara (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

• Valentine Mousse Cake: Amarula mousse and chocolate sponge inspired by the iconic Zebra Domes

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort ​

Pineapple Lanai (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Heart Float: Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red with DOLE Whip Raspberry topped with raspberries and strawberries

Disney’s Riviera Resort ​

La Petit Café (Available Feb. 1 through 14)

• Trois Macarons: Raspberry ganache, strawberry jam, and milk chocolate ganache

Various Quick-Service Restaurants ​

• Raspberry Macaron Heart: Macaron filled with raspberry cream and passion fruit curd; available at the following:
  • Carousel Coffee and BoardWalk Deli at Disney’s BoardWalk
  • Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Magic Kingdom Park ​

Sunshine Tree Terrace (Available Feb. 1 through 14; mobile order available)

• I Lava You Float: Fanta Strawberry and passion fruit flavor served with DOLE Whip Orange and topped with popping candy (Non-alcoholic)

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Super Bowl LIX Champion to Celebrate at Disney World with Magic Kingdom Parade on February 10

The tradition continues. Disney has confirmed that the Super Bowl LIX champions will make their way to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on Monday, February 10, 2025, for the iconic post-game celebration.

Super Bowl LIX will feature a rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with kickoff at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl victory, a feat never before accomplished in NFL history. The Eagles, under head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts, are seeking their second Super Bowl title, having previously won in 2017. This matchup is a repeat of Super Bowl LVII, where the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Eagles 38-35.

As has been the case for decades, a key player from the winning team—likely the Super Bowl MVP—will take part in the famous "I'm going to Disney World!" moment shortly after the game ends. The next day, the celebration will move to Florida, with the champion arriving at Magic Kingdom to parade down Main Street, U.S.A.

The event typically draws large crowds, with fans lining Main Street to cheer on the newly crowned champion. While Disney has not yet announced an exact time for the parade, it is traditionally held in the early afternoon.

This long-standing tradition dates back to Super Bowl XXI in 1987, when Phil Simms of the New York Giants first delivered the now-famous line. Since then, numerous Super Bowl MVPs and key players have made their way to Disney Parks for this special celebration.

If you are visiting Magic Kingdom on February 10, plan for potential crowds along Main Street, U.S.A., and keep an eye on Disney's official channels for event details.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts Headed to Magic Kingdom for Celebration Parade

Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts will be going to Walt Disney World to celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles beating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl 59.

This is the second time a Philadelphia Eagles player has said “I’m Going to Disney World” after winning the Super Bowl.

Here are the details of his visit, which will include a celebration parade at Magic Kingdom at 2:30pm on Monday, February 10th.

Get ready, because Hurts is about to be the star of a fantastic day filled with thrilling attractions, spectacular entertainment, and magical moments with our popular Disney characters. And it all leads up to a festive parade down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, complete with colorful floats and thousands of cheering fans and guests!

During the big game Sunday night, Hurts shined bright, leading his team to victory against the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts, who was named the game’s MVP, completed 17 of 22 of his passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Most notably, he set a new Super Bowl record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback with 72 yards on the ground. It was an Eagles domination from start to finish and one that is worthy of a magical celebration.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Well, we are about halfway through February!

I believe all of our January travelers should now be finished with their WDW vacations.

If anyone had trip recaps or other questions or information to share, I'll still keep popping in here throughout the rest of the month!

 

[Simba's Mom]

And for those of you DVC members who want to plan for next January, you may be reaching your 11 month window. I've got another week or so until I can book. I figure next year can't be any worse weather-wise than this year was. As DH says, I can handle cold or wind or rain, but any combination of those 3 creates a big problem for me. This year the weather was so miserable for me when I went that I didn't even do the FotArts paint-by-number, my favorite thing at the festival. But I gritted my teeth and got my first ride on Tiana's Bayou Adventure and loved it!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Disney World Announces End of Virtual Queues at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind & Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Walt Disney World will soon end the Virtual Queue systems at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom. Starting February 25th, Walt Disney World will end the Virtual Queue systems and open up a traditional standby line at both attractions.

With the end of the 6:30am wake-up calls to try for a Virtual Queue, guests will be able to work each of the attractions into their day at the parks as they see fit. The standby queue will give guests more options moving forward, and it will allow for more flexibility within your day.

Speaking of options, there will be no change to the optional skip-the-line offerings for each attraction. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will remain part of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass offering, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will remain a Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction.