This week was a big one in the theme park world, if you can tell by the headline. We’ve got a lot to discuss, from a fire near Cinderella Castle to upcoming Mickey Mouse’s house parties. (But don’t worry — there’s definitely some fun news, too!)
Read on for the latest happenings from Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and follow us on TikTok for your daily dose of Disney realness.
Fire at Magic Kingdom
Figment once said, “one little spark” and, well, it looks like we got it! On Tuesday night, a small fire broke out at Magic Kingdom, and Cast Members sprang into action to protect guests and each other.
The Cinderella castle area was quickly evacuated as Cast Members used fire extinguishers to promptly put out the fire, which had erupted in a mulched area near the castle.
Soon after, the Reedy Creek Fire Department arrived on the scene and saw a tree ablaze, according to the Orlando Sentinel. We’re happy to share that nobody was seriously injured, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Read more on Disney Food Blog here.
Flower & Garden Fest Returns
From a tree on fire to topiaries in bloom, we’re switching gears — and changing parks. In happy news this week, Disney announced the official dates for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival returning in 2022. This has got to be our favorite event at EPCOT.
Not only is it incredibly photogenic (the bright florals make every area of the park the perfect backdrop for any outfit pic!), but it also offers fresh and fabulous food.
Mark your calendars because Flower & Garden Fest returns March 2 and runs through July 4, 2022. So be sure to spring over to EPCOT next year to see the thousands of colorful blooms adorning the park.
Party at Mickey’s
It seems unbelievable, but it’s totally true. For a limited time next year, you can celebrate a birthday (or any other special occasion) in Mickey Mouse’s house in Toontown at Disneyland!
Party at Mickey’s! Up to 10 guests can take a group photo with Mickey Mouse and receive complimentary Disney PhotoPass downloads of digital event photos, decorate cupcakes provided by Disney, and participate in hands-on crafts and games perfect for little ones (and adults, too!).
Plus, at the end of the party, get quicker entry to Gadget’s Go Coaster. Best of all? Disney will plan the entire party for you. All you have to do is foot the $350 bill and show up.
This experience takes place from January 19, 2022, to March 6, 2022, just before Toontown closes for its upcoming reimagining. Visit the official Disneyland website for more information on booking this experience. Oh, and if you book a party at Mickey’s house, can we be invited?!
Discounts are Back for SoCal Residents
Disneyland locals, it’s time to plan another trip to the happiest place on earth — and save some money while doing it! This week, Disneyland announced that the SoCal resident ticket offer is back in early 2022, allowing you the opportunity to visit the theme parks on weekdays for as little as $67 per day.
That’s wildly cheap compared to the typical cost of a theme park ticket; your wallet will thank you.
Southern California resident tickets are valid on weekdays from January 3, 2022, through May 26, 2022, so Disney fans who purchase can make a theme park reservation and experience the following fun:
- The final few days of the holiday season at Disneyland Resort, which runs through January 12, 2022
- Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year celebration, running from January 21-February 13, 2022
- The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, running from March 4-April 26,2022
And so much more, as described in this blog post!
Tickets are on sale now, so click here to purchase and make your theme park reservations ASAP.
Tours Return to Walt Disney World in 2022
Finally, we have to share this amazing update on Walt Disney World tours! Pre-pandemic, Disney offered several paid tours and experiences for guests all around the theme parks.
While VIP tours have been back for some time, others have stayed on pause — and we’ve missed these vacation luxuries for months. But now, we’re at the keyboard ready to book because some of our favorite tours are making a comeback!
As reported by AllEars, Disney is resuming several guest-favorite tours in 2022, including the following:
- Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom
- Caring for Giants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Up Close with Rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Savor the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Hopefully, other tours will return to Disney World soon, but for now, we’re excited that you can experience some of the best vacation add-ons that Disney has to offer. Each tour does come at an additional cost, and admission to the theme park is not included, but if you’re looking to add some extra magic to your trip, we recommend them.
If you can only pick one, go with the Wild Africa Trek. It’s unlike any experience at Animal Kingdom! Take a look at the video below for a sneak peek.
For more information on elevating your Disney vacation, please read our full luxury guide to Walt Disney World here.
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