MickeyBlog News for August 26th, 2024
This week, Disneyland Resort preps for Halloween while Walt Disney World’s oldest resort readies its new expansion tower.
We’ve got plenty of exciting Disney updates for you in the latest edition of MickeyBlog News!
Disney Finishes the Tower
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Entrance
When Walt Disney World prepared to open in 1971, park officials wanted reporters to speak in glowing terms.
So, Disney hosted the media at what it considered the crown jewel of the Orlando campus, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Beach
In the 53 years that followed, the Polynesian has remained the heart and soul of Walt Disney World.
I’m upfront about the fact that I consider it the ultimate in Disney vacation locations, and I say that as someone who has tried nearly all of them.
Photo: Disney
The “problem” is that the Polynesian grew too popular over the years, with guests always wanting to stay at Disney’s most immersive hotel.
In short, Disney faced a problem with too much demand but not enough supply. Thus, management decided to expand the resort.
Aloha Wreath
On December 17th, 2024, the Island Tower will open at the Polynesian.
This expansion tower will instantly add 268 more rooms of inventory to the Polynesian.
Niue Building at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Meanwhile, fans will choose between the classic hotel rooms that have delighted us for generations and the hot new thing.
Disney has clearly tried to tip the scale toward the hot new thing, as park officials just announced some of the upcoming amenities.
Credit: Disney
At the Island Tower, Moana will be the star, as the early design images have shown her appearing everywhere.
Now, we have something more tangible, as the hotel will host Moana’s Voyage Splash Area and Cove Pool.
Photo: Disney
This area is exactly what it sounds like: a watery playground for the generation of kids who have grown up watching Moana.
The illustrations show Moana’s boat as a permanent structure that kids can jump onboard in between swims in the adjoining pool.
More Island Tower Amenities
Let’s be honest. Disney had all of us at “Moana Play Area,” but management hasn’t stopped there.
The Island Tower will feature several other luxurious amenities, including an impeccable new restaurant.
Photo: Disney
Tourists already recognize the Polynesian as offering some of the best dining options at Walt Disney World.
Now, ‘Ohana and Kona Café have some new competition, though.
Photo: Disney
At Wailulu Bar & Grill, guests will choose whether they want to eat at the restaurant or the bar, but here’s my pro tip. Pick the latter!
I say this because the bar area comes with a view of Cinderella Castle across the water!
Photo: Disney
Imagineers have designed the windows behind the bar to highlight the splendor of Seven Seas Lagoon.
There, across the water, you’ll gaze upon the iconic landmark of Magic Kingdom.
Palm Golf Course located near the Polynesian Resort
Disney has found a way to take the same views that reporters and celebrities loved in 1971 and augment them in 2024 and beyond.
You’ll find all-day dining here, allowing you to choose the best time to eat, drink, and relish the dazzling view.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Lava Pool
Disney also confirmed that the Island Tower will host its own workout area, Cove Pool and Fitness Center.
The Cove Pool will join the hotel lobby as the two central hangout spots at the Island Tower, but the Fitness Center will make sure you don’t skip Leg Day.
Work Continues at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
We’re less than four months away from the opening of the Island Tower. So, you can expect sneak previews relatively soon!
Finally, you should speak to a MickeyTravels agent about booking a stay at the new expansion tower!
Palm Golf Course
That way, 50 years from now, you can tell everyone that you were among the first to stay here, just like those lucky guests in 1971!
Halloween Season Arrives at Disneyland
Photo: Disney
The surprise opening of Haunted Mansion Holiday in late July didn’t commemorate the official beginning of Halloween season.
Disneyland fans know that this date doesn’t arrive until the start of Oogie Boogie Bash, which doesn’t happen until…tonight.
Photo: Disney
So, Disneyland Resort is ready to switch to the spooky season, and the signs are everywhere.
Over the past several days, we’ve snagged pictures of many Halloween decorations at the resort.
Photo: Disney
We also tracked many of the preparations underway for the event, which we’ll recap for you over the next several days.
Disney has gone all-out this year, and some of the new Halloween costumes are absolutely adorable. Have you seen this one?
Then, we have the return of arguably the most popular character greeting during the Halloween season. Yes, Jack Skellington is back!
Disneyland’s Halloween Calvacade has also made its triumphant return. You’ll definitely want to catch this one.
Of course, what fun would any of this be without snacks, decorations and merchandise? We Disney fans have needs!
Thankfully, Disneyland has hooked us up with this spectacular Witch’s Cauldron at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Mickey Jack-O’-Lantern Sipper
Folks, that thing is 100 percent edible! Eat your heart out, Beaches & Cream Kitchen Sink!
Finally, we have this Halloween sipper that takes me back to the theme park visits of my youth.
Mickey Jack-O’-Lantern Sipper
Orange and grape drinks used to come in orange- and grape-shaped containers. I love when Disney embraces the classics.
Disney Miscellany
We’ve got several other stories to cover quickly, starting with exciting news at EPCOT.
CommuniCore Hall has temporarily closed, which hints that the promised seasonal décor change is underway!
How will the place look when it reopens? I can’t wait to find out.
At Disneyland Park, management confirmed that Peter Pan’s Flight will alter some scenes to mirror the recent Magic Kingdom updates.
By the way, you can officially book your 2025 Disneyland Resort vacation now, and there are MANY reasons why you should.
Meanwhile, one of the most popular things in Anaheim has transitioned to Disney’s BoardWalk.
Folks, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs has recently opened after several agonizing months of teasing! Go. There. Now!
While you’re visiting places, head over to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, where a stylish new mural adorns the wall of the hotel lobby.
At Magic Kingdom, you should pay a bit more attention as you roam through Adventureland. Disney has added a surprise here.
Finally, I must warn you that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets are going fast.
This week alone, we tracked the sellouts on several different party dates.
If you intend to attend this year, you should speak to a MickeyTravels agent immediately!
By next week’s news update, there’s a real chance all remaining tickets are gone.
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Feature: Disney
