MickeyBlog News for August 5th, 2024
This past week, an old favorite returned, while Disney Cruise Line unveiled the new hotness.
So, we’ve got plenty of joyous news in MickeyBlog News!
THIS IS HALLOWEEN!
Okay, play the music video in the background to set the tone for this update. Folks, this is NOT a drill.
Disney
I don’t care what the calendar says. Halloween has already arrived at Disneyland Resort!
Specifically, Disneyland Park has reopened its most iconic attraction ride overlay, Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Disney
So, we’re good from now through the end of the year, and it’s something of a Christmas miracle.
When Disneyland confirmed that it would close Haunted Mansion for plussing, fans freaked out…and understandably so.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
After all, the beloved attraction turns 55 this week. It’d be a shame to be closed on its birthday again, just as happened in 2020.
Thankfully, Disney avoided that fate by reopening the attraction this past week and well ahead of schedule.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
As a reminder, Disney is currently updating the attraction line queue and adding a store themed to Madame Leota.
Once park officials realized the new projects wouldn’t finish in time, they came up with an exceptional Plan B.
Photo: Disney Store
Haunted Mansion Holiday has opened with a virtual queue system, thereby preventing guests from using most of the line.
That strategy worked brilliantly, but it came with a downside.
Virtual Queue for Haunted Mansion Holiday
The opening day rush for Haunted Mansion Holiday is a known by now.
Sure enough, the wait in the virtual queue reached seven hours at one point! I can’t even pretend to be surprised.
Haunted Mansion Starbucks Tumbler
The entirety of Southern California anxiously awaits this moment each year.
Speaking of which, here’s a first look at some of the goodies you’ll find in the Haunted Mansion Holiday 2024 edition!
And here’s a ride video to entertain you from now until the Oogie Boogie Bash begins.
All about the Disney Destiny
In December 2025, Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) expansion phase culminates with the introduction of the Disney Destiny.
This gigantic cruise ship represents the end of DCL’s planned three-ship growth which turned into four ships due to some clever bargain shopping.
We got some incredible Disney Adventure updates this morning! 👇🏻🛳️🗺️https://t.co/5KWYpMKDcg
— MickeyBlog.com (@MickeyBlog_) June 26, 2024
While the Disney Adventure pretty much fell in DCL’s lap, the Disney Destiny was planned from the start.
Photo: Disney
So, Disney has had the body of five years to decide what should go in this ship.
Not coincidentally, the amenities DCL just revealed are among the best in the history of the cruise industry.
Photo: Disney
I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that. Here, I’ll prove the point by discussing a few.
Do you love The Lion King? Of course. Everyone does! That’s why The Lion King proved so popular on Broadway for decades!
Photo: Disney
Well, on the Disney Destiny, you can watch a Lion King dinner show as a free cruise amenity!
You Want Disney Villains?
Credit: Disney
Let’s say that you’re a bigger fan of the Disney baddies, though. If so, you’re gonna loooove the Disney Destiny.
As Justin Hermes said the other day, Disney has entered its villains era.
Photo: Disney
This cruise ship includes encounters with Oogie Boogie, Maleficent, and Dr. Facilier, among others.
And Cruella de Vil will be represented at a piano bar/lounge.
Photo: Disney
Disney has even added popular anti-heroes like Loki and Captain Jack Sparrow into the mix.
Speaking of wayward Jack, a Pirates of the Caribbean lounge is a permanent part of the Disney Destiny.
Photo: Disney
DCL has also updated the AquaMouse experience for this cruise ship.
Oh, and the magic words are Edna Á La Mode Sweets! That’s right, dahlings, she bakes, too!
Photo: Disney
Overall, the Disney Destiny looks like the finest ship DCL has ever constructed. It’s a luxury vessel designed for families.
You should add this to your Disney bucket list when it debuts in less than 18 months!
Disney Miscellany
We’ve already had one unexpected change with the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass system.
After only a couple of days in operation, Disney switched Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith from Tier One to Tier Two.
We don’t know whether this is permanent, but it would make sense.
There’s a clear pecking order at the top of Hollywood Studios. Very few people would have chosen Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
So, I’d wondered about its initial inclusion, but the changes haven’t taken place every day.
We’re in a kind of trial period, with Hollywood Studios listing four attractions in Tier One on the official site.
The park also recently ended its Single Rider experiment at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
We’ve had no indication it’ll become permanent, but that’s another sign that management is trying to solve the congestion woes here.
Lightning Lane
By the way, if you’re having trouble keeping up with Lightning Lane Multi Pass, we posted a complete guide this week.
At Magic Kingdom, the various stage shows returned this week. So, the construction disruptions proved temporary.
Photo: Disney
Speaking of this park, those of you who want to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party should act fast!
Over the past few days, MickeyBlog has tracked the sellouts of several dates.
Photo: Disney
If you haven’t booked yet, NOW is the time! Speak with a MickeyTravels agent to get hooked up immediately.
Disney Miscellany Part II
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Elsewhere at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will host Extended Evening Hours on some nights this fall.
In more alarming news, Florida is currently operating under a state of emergency due to the impending weather event.
Photo: Disney
So, if you’re in the affected area, please be safe. If you’re planning to visit Florida this week, pay attention to weather updates.
Meanwhile, at Disneyland Resort, we’ve got a few more updates, including the identities of some Oogie Boogie Bash villains.
Photo: Canva
MickeyBlog also posted the full map for next week’s 2024 D23 Expo, which will occur before next week’s MickeyBlog News.
This should be a seminal event in Disney’s theme park history.
MickeyBlog will cover all the stories as the news breaks on Saturday evening. So, stay tuned!
Elsewhere at Disneyland, the beloved Earl of Sandwich has officially opened its pop-up store at Downtown Disney.
And there was much rejoicing in Southern California.
Finally, we’ve got news on Space Mountain’s refurbishment.
Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort
The iconic roller coaster will close tomorrow and remain offline through September 6th.
Okay, that’s everything for now. Happy D23 week, everyone! Let’s all hope Santa Disney fills our stockings with lots of goodies!
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Feature Photo: Disney
