MickeyBlog News for March 3rd, 2025

In this week’s MickeyBlog News, we’ll talk about the recent park changes at Walt Disney World.

We also have a ton of details about Disneyland. So, we’ve got something for fans on both coasts. Let’s get started!

Walt Disney World Drops Virtual Queues

As referenced last week, Walt Disney World ended its two remaining virtual queues.

We knew that this change would dramatically impact park behavior, and we found out how this week.

Photo: Disney

MickeyBlog’s crack team of reporters visited EPCOT and Magic Kingdom to track the opening day changes.

As a reminder, the two attractions that ended their virtual queues were Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Cosmic Rewind Standby Queue

I discussed day one at both parks, but that’s only part of the story.

We’ve now had several days this week to monitor the altered crowd behavior, and it’s…pretty much what you’d expect.

Cosmic Rewind Standby Line

Since Cosmic Rewind participates in Early Theme Park Entry, that’s where EPCOT guests go each morning.

Cast Members split the line into two sides, one for Rope Drop and the other for Early Theme Park Entry.

Guests staying onsite enjoy a massive competitive advantage in that they enter the standby queue when it’s in the 45-minute range.

By 9:30 a.m., Cosmic Rewind’s average wait time often surpassed 100 minutes.

Ordinarily, I’d remind you that those are Disney’s posted estimates.

This past week, they were also fairly accurate evaluations of the wait for Cosmic Rewind early in the day.

Cosmic Rewind Standby Line

Notably, the crowds slowed down afterward. For the week, Cosmic Rewind averaged a wait of 72 minutes.

So, you were better served by waiting until later in the day to ride unless you used Early Theme Park Entry.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Meanwhile, Tiana was a bit more predictable. Since it’s not the alpha at Magic Kingdom or even second, its impact was negligible.

For the week, the ride averaged a wait of right at one hour, which is a bit higher than Splash Mountain typically was.

I suspect that’s the excitement of the change and expect Tiana to settle in the 45-50-minute range down the line.

The Water Park Changing of the Guard

Humunga Kowabunga Slide

We got some waterpark news this week, and it was a lot.

For starters, we learned that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on May 1^st.

Blizzard Beach

The day before that, Disney’s Blizzard Beach will close for its seasonal refurbishment.

However, April will be an exciting month at Blizzard Beach, as the park celebrates its 30^th anniversary.

Disney

Currently, Walt Disney World doesn’t operate both waterparks simultaneously.

So, there’s a real chance that April signals the last month of operation for Blizzard Beach in 2025.

Photo: planDisney

Given that it’s celebrating this anniversary, Disney wants to commemorate the occasion.

A DJ will play live music near the Polar Pub on April 1^st. Also, Mickey & Minnie Mouse will appear at character greetings.

The duo will wear their rare winter costumes during these photo ops.

Throughout the rest of the month, the live music will remain. Plus, the park will offer limited-time food and beverages.

News from The Happiest Place on Earth

Garlic Kissed

There is a LOT happening at Disneyland Resort right now, and we’re tracking all of it.

Our reporters captured lots of pictures of Disney California Adventure’s Food & Wine Festival.

2025 DCA Food & Wine Festival Sip and Savor Pass

We provided new details on the Sip and Savor Pass, showed you the new DCA guide map, and revealed the festival guide.

One of our favorite parts was meeting Chef Goofy, and we delighted with one of the new menu options.

Pescado Zarandeado – 2025 DCA Food & Wine Festival

Have you heard about the Cluck-A-Doodle Moo? How about Pescado Zarandeado? Or Bao Burgers?

These are just a couple of the novel dishes available, and we provided reveals of several others.

2025 DCA Food & Wine Festival

We didn’t skimp on the alcohol reviews, either. And we gave you a sneak peek at the private Magic Key area, too.

There was a lot more happening at the parks, though. Speaking of Magic Keys, the Inspire and Believe Keys have sold out.

Disneyland also revealed that it will change Lightning Lane Premier Pass sales to align them with Walt Disney World.

Basically, you can book up to one week early now, which is MUCH better.

Indiana Jones Adventure Sign

At Disneyland Park, Indiana Jones Adventure will undergo refurbishment soon.

Next, in news sure to make the locals happen, Soarin’ Over California has returned at Disney California Adventure!

Indiana Jones Adventure Queue

There’s an argument to be made that this opening day attraction at the park should always play here.

Soarin’ Around the World is divine, but Soarin’ Over California just makes sense at DCA.

Disneyland Park

In other park news, the Disneyland Railroad Guided Tour is back up and running.

Also, some of our staff had a chance to play Pixar Putt at Pixar Place Hotel. It’s delightful!

Disney Miscellany

Mickey & Friends Picnic Topiary – 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

This week has primarily centered on festival news plus the park changes.

If you’ve read MickeyBlog, you know that we’ve been all over the upcoming EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

Beach Grub – 2025 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Here’s the full menu if you missed it. And here are some food booth photos.

The festival officially begins on Wednesday, March 5^th. So, if you thought we had a lot of Food & Wine pics, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

Figment Topiary – 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

MickeyBlog’s staff always goes all out in covering these festivals. You definitely want to follow our site and social media this week!

The other park update of note this week is that club-level guests can save 20 percent on VIP Tours this summer.

Photo: Disney / BlueyTV

Finally, I’ve got wonderful news for Bluey fans! The adorable pup has made her debut on Disney Cruise Line!

That’s one of MANY reasons why tourists are flocking to Disney cruises.

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Feature Photo: Disney