MickeyBlog News for July 11th, 2022
This week, we learned that character dining is returning at some of our favorite spots.
We also realized that villains have taken over the top of the world. Plus, we got some refurb updates about some popular attractions.
We’ve got a classic tale of good vs. evil in the latest MickeyBlog News!
I’m Hugging Lilo Immediately
Over the past few weeks, Disney theme parks have gradually seeded attractions with returning character interactions.
Rather than bring back everything all at once, the various parks have methodically restored characters to their former homes.
For example, Minnie Mouse just joined her fella, Mickey, at Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom.
Mickey had gone it alone at Main Street, U.S.A. since his return. Now he’s reunited, and it feels so good.
That’s just the first two steps, though. The progressive addition of characters has happened at such a modest pace you might not have even noticed.
Still, I’m confident that you’ve noticed one continued trouble spot, the lack of character dining experiences.
Sure, Disney brought back a few almost immediately after Walt Disney World reopened. Some of the best ones haven’t come back, though.
Well, I’m happy – honestly, ecstatic – to report that the tide is about to turn.
Three of the most noteworthy absentee character meals will return this fall!
Specifically, The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom and Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort have scheduled dates of September 20th and October 4th.
Crystal Palace will offer character dining at lunch and dinner while Cape May Café brings back Minnie Mouse and friends for breakfast!
Most importantly to my family, ‘Ohana restores character dining on September 27th.
So, my wife can start having birthdays again after taking off the last three in protest. Seriously, she’s done ‘Ohana for breakfast and Chef Mickey’s for dinner on her birthday several times.
So, Disney has just announced the return dates for A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch, and Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast.
At this point, the most notable remaining absentee is Akershus. Virtually everything else is back!
A Villains Lair Bar?
Technically, today is the big day at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
After an absence of more than two years, the former Top of the World Lounge reopens…but there’s a small problem.
Apparently, while everyone else was stuck inside during the pandemic, a bunch of Disney Villains got bored and decided to wreak some havoc.
So, they moved into a new place, which just so happens to be the lounge at the top of Bay Lake Tower.
Park officials weren’t about to tell the Evil Queen and Cruella that they had to go. Instead, Disney just went with it.
Now, when you visit the observation deck at Bay Lake Tower, you’ll feel compelled to visit the lounge.
Welcome to Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair!
This bar looks a lot like the last place, only with more gothic theming. Pictures of your favorite (most feared?) Disney Villains populate the walls.
Some new digital displays show highlights of said villains in action. They’re not to be trifled with.
As for the menu, it’ll remind you of Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.
The foods and drinks here all have clever names that are ghoulish in nature. However, the style remains the same.
Top of the World Lounge still sells a bunch of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alone with some shareables that aren’t quite entrees.
You will find a few flatbreads when you’re really hungry, but it’s not the place to go for a full meal.
Disney figures you’ll visit after dark, well after you’ve had dinner.
The view remains the same, though, and that’s what matters at Top of the World Lounge.
Our friends, Josh and Jenna at Resorttv1, have already visited A Villains Lair and posted this video:
Disney Park Updates
Let’s start with a couple of August closures that may sound like bad news but really aren’t.
Haunted Mansion at Disneyland will close on August 15th for refurbishment…and you should know what that means!
Yes, the spookiest theme park ride at the Happiest Place on Earth is getting ready for Haunted Mansion Holiday!
That’s not the only attraction shutting down on August 15th. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will also close for improvements. We know fewer details about it, though.
By the way, while we’re talking about Disney California Adventure, you should know that Mighty Thor is greeting guests for a short time.
No, that’s not the Thor you know. It’s Jane Foster with her Thor look and rebuilt Mjolnir!
This appearance won’t last long, and you definitely don’t want to miss it!
Meanwhile, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will also shut down for renovations on August 22nd.
Again, the explanation here involves the holidays! The Frozen show is bringing back its yuletide finale for 2022.
So, Disney will refurbish the attraction while prepping it for the extra scene.
More Disney Updates
In different holiday news, I hope you haven’t waited too long on your Halloween plans.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party has already sold out all its dates at Disney California Adventure!
How is that possible? We’re barely a week past July 4th! That’s not even the only place it’s happened.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom has already sold out its allotment of Halloween Night tickets!
If you’re like me and waited too late to buy, you’re in a world of hurt!
Finally, I have a note for Disney Cruise Line users. Disney has increased the suggested gratuity for its cast members.
The current suggested guideline is $14.50 per person per day. For two people spending five days/four nights on a cruise, it’s $145.
As always, tipping is a personal thing, but that’s the suggested amount.