MickeyBlog News for February 26th, 2024
This week, runDisney revealed its themes, the boats returned at Frontierland, holiday crowds formed everywhere, and a festival approached.
We’ve got several intriguing stories in this week’s MickeyBlog News.
runDisney Details Revealed
Photo: Disney
In recent years, the soaring popularity of runDisney has forced park officials to adopt a new approach.
Historically, Disney would reveal race details in a single press release. In fact, runDisney often discussed multiple races at once.
Nowadays, Disney doles out the information in short, controlled bursts.
Photo: Disney
We just learned the latest information, and it involves the Halloween event.
Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend 2024 will start on October 31st and end on November 3rd.
We already knew the dates. What Disney hadn’t told us yet was the theme. And you’re gonna love them.
Photo: Disney
For starters, the 5K event includes a Muppets tie-in with artwork proudly displaying the Swedish Chef running, something I didn’t know he could do.
Meanwhile, the 10K will continue Disney’s 2024 (unofficial) celebration of The Princess and the Frog by offering a Tiana theme.
Photo: Disney
Then, we have the Half-Marathon, which Remy from Ratatouille will host!
When I think about running, three Michelin Star-caliber chefs don’t spring to mind, but I quite like this cheeky take on exercise.
You can even earn a Chef Mickey medal if you’re a dedicated runner and/or high achiever!
A Crowded Week
I haven’t calculated wait times at Walt Disney World this week, but I’m expecting them to be higher than usual.
Our park reporters noted a lot of crowds throughout the week, not just on President’s Day.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, Monday holiday behavior historically means that people fly out on Tuesday or Wednesday.
MickeyBlog tracked Genie+ sellouts on multiple dates, and we posted images of post-holiday crowds.
Those pictures come from after the holiday had ended. Presidents Day itself got pretty wild.
For this reason, some of the other ticket holders, ones with annual passes and non-date-based tickets faced some issues.
Thankfully, the parks have calmed down some. We’ll get a surge next for the reason we’ll discuss in the next suggestion.
Then, the crowds should diminish until Spring Breakers swarm the parks later in March. Still, the trend here merits your attention.
After a comically slow July 4th, Walt Disney World has claimed massive crowds every holiday since then.
Flower & Garden Prep Nearly Complete
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
On February 28th, the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will open to the public.
MickeyBlog’s staff is already well underway with its prep, and our crack team of reporters have gotten you plenty of information!
They found this delightful picnic setup at Living with the Land. It’s so wholesome my heart hurts.
Of course, you’re probably more concerned about the food booths.
Well, the Outdoor Kitchens are pretty much ready to open.
Similarly, you cannot help but notice the topiaries already in place as you explore the park.
Our reporters posted these pictures of The Lion King and Donald Duck. They’ll remind you why you love this festival so much.
At night, you won’t want to miss Lumiere, the candlestick who lights up the dark.
Butterfly Garden
Also, one of my personal favorites is nearly ready. Disney has posted the signage for the butterfly landing.
We’re less than 72 hours away from the opening of EPCOT’s oldest festival, and the excitement level has reached a fever pitch!
Will Tiana Open Before June?
New Signs at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom
I have mentioned twice recently that Disney has progressed with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Park officials recently indicated that the attraction will open this summer, but it seems like it could be ready much sooner if Disney wanted.
I say this because we already captured pictures of Disney testing the log flumes.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom
Now, our reporters have taken pictures and recorded video of the new ride carts.
Honestly, they look a lot like the old ones, only with some thematic touches connected to The Princess and the Frog.
The bigger story is that everything outside looks like it’s close to ready.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom
I’m speculating rather than reporting here, but I believe this attraction could open by Memorial Day.
Of course, I’ve based that opinion entirely on the exterior views. The interior Audio-Animatronics could be nowhere near ready.
Still, I’m starting to get my hopes up, and I suspect you are as well.
Disney Miscellany
Photo: NBA Experience
We’ve got several other stories to cover, some of which raise more questions than answers.
For instance, Disney has filed a permit to perform some demolition at the former NBA Experience/DisneyQuest building.
We have no idea how extensive the demo will be, but this is prime real estate that Disney should be using.
Image Credit: Disney
For a while, Disney was operating an augmented reality Star Wars experience here. Nobody’s quite sure what Disney has planned next.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, our reporters got a look at the new Ice Cold Hydraulics stand.
There’s a seating area here that should be great for people-watching in and around the Muppets Courtyard, too.
At Magic Kingdom, Disney has modified its Happily Ever After showtimes.
You’ll definitely need to know about this one. Otherwise, you’ll be showing up for the fireworks at the wrong time.
At EPCOT, somebody must have been watching The Martian or For All Mankind.
I say this because the courtyard surrounding Mission: SPACE has restored Mars. And you’ll never visit a planetarium where Mars looks this good!
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll find a new photo op that hides a secret!
Photo: Disney
The close-up shows you and your friends, but when you pull back, you’ll witness the Tree of Life and other park highlights! Well done, Disney.
Beyond the parks, you’ll wonder what day it is at some of the resorts. They’re already selling Easter merchandise!
At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the beloved Easter egg display will return one week from today on March 3rd!
Vineyard Vines
Meanwhile, at Disney Springs, the signage is up for the Vineyard Vines that’s coming soon.
Finally, I’d strongly encourage you to read this story of how Disney makes magic for sick children.
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Feature Photo: Disney
