MickeyBlog News for May 5th, 2025

Walt Disney World has switched water parks again, and other summer fun is coming soon.

We’ll discuss these things while wishing all you Star Wars fans the happiest May the 4^th in MickeyBlog News.

Typhoon Lagoon Returns

Since 2019, Walt Disney World has flip-flopped its two popular water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Whenever one opens, the other closes, which is a bit odd. When Disney started this pattern, the two parks were wildly popular.

In fact, they were two of the three most visited theme parks in the world in 2019, along with a water park in China.

So, what changed? The answer is obviously the pandemic, which forced Disney to readjust its staff allotments.

Also, fewer tourists were traveling to the parks for a couple of years. Even after revenge travel began, water park demand didn’t increase in kind.

As proof, here’s the 2023 water park attendance report, the most recent data. The top five water parks totaled attendance of 6.8 million.

Just four years before then, that total was 10.9 million tourists. Thus, Disney officials only operated one water park at a time.

That situation will change soon…but not quite yet. On May 1^st, Typhoon Lagoon reopened, and MickeyBlog was there.

As usual, the park has made a few changes during its recent downtime. There’s nothing provocative like a new ride or anything.

Mainly, you’ll find a new batch of terrific merchandise and a couple of operational updates.

Photo: DIsney

The main one might annoy you. There are no longer free refills at Typhoon Lagoon, so you won’t find refillable mugs there now.

But the biggest change hasn’t happened yet. On May 1^st, Blizzard Beach closed when Typhoon Lagoon reopened, which has been business as usual.

What’s different this year is that the water park will reopen soon. When it does, BOTH water parks will remain operational for the first time in six years!

That’s just one of several exciting things happening at Walt Disney World this summer. In fact, let’s quickly discuss a few more.

Welcome to Cool Kid Summer!

We’ve officially reached May, which means that summer is right around the corner at Disney theme parks.

Historically, Memorial Day Weekend signifies the start of the summer theme park campaign.

Cosmic Rewind line

At Walt Disney World, park officials want to make this year epic for…*ahem* no particular reason.

So, the parks will host the first-ever Cool Kid Summer, starting on May 27^th and running through September 1^st.

Photo: Disney

What’s happening at Cool Kid Summer? Well, Disney has promised live DJs and dance parties, plus surprise character greetings.

We just learned about one of these events, as Goofy’s Dance Party is coming to CommuniCore Hall & Plaza at EPCOT.

Photo: Disney

I should alert you that for this to happen, Disney must briefly close CommuniCore Hall & Plaza for a few days, starting on May 12^th.

When the location reopens, it’ll be Goofy’s summer playground!

Meanwhile, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animation Courtyard will host some games and crafting events to entertain kids.

These amenities reflect Disney’s evolving perception of how to entertain kids and provide their parents a bit of a respite.

Along those lines, Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior friends will host a dance party here as well.

These events are happening in addition to the two new shows opening at the park. Speaking of which, Disney has announced Cast Member preview dates.

Photo: Disney

From May 21^st through May 23^rd, Disney workers can watch Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.

Then, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will be available from May 24^th through May 26^th.

Finally, Florida residents should know that there’s a new ticket offer available for this summer.

Disney Miscellany

Photo: Disney

Before we get to summer, we must finish this part of May, and there’s stuff you need to know about the next few days.

For starters, anyone who wants to attend Disney After Hours in May should act FAST. The after-hours events have nearly sold out.

After Hours – Magic Kingdom Fireworks

At the time of publication, only two nights offer any availability, and both of them will probably book soon. It’s now or never.

So far, I’ve focused on Disney World, but plenty is happening at Disneyland Resort, too.

Photo: ESPN

First, the Savannah Bananas will switch coasts during their current tour. The novelty baseball act will appear on May 28^th. It’s gonna be a big deal.

You don’t have to wait to do something fun, though. Right now, you can meet the Red Guardian at Avengers Campus, and you should do that!

Even David Harbour, the actor who plays Red Guardian, took the time to meet his counterpart.

Something else you should know about the campus is that the pathway from Avengers Campus to Radiator Springs has closed.

Photo: Disney

So, you’ll need to take the long way for the next calendar year while Disney finishes doubling the attractions at Avengers Campus.

Speaking of closures, albeit more temporary ones, the legendary Carnation Café just shut down for a quick refurbishment.

Photo: Disney

Don’t worry, though! You should be back ordering Walt’s Chili on May 9^th.

Back at Disney World, EPCOT has revealed new details about GEO-82. Here’s the new menu.

Photo: Disney

I’m a simple man. Bring me a plate of your finest meats and cheeses, and I’m happy.

Speaking of which, nothing will make any of us happier than watching the nightly fireworks presentation from Spaceship Earth’s lounge.

Photo: Disney

GEO-82 will open on June 4^th,  but you can start reserving the fireworks package as of May 6^th, which is Tuesday. It’ll cost $179 per person.

Disney Miscellany Part II

Photo: Disney

You’re hopefully reading this on May 4^th, but if you’re a bit late, you should check MickeyBlog’s recent archives.

Our writers dutifully have covered a few Star Wars events and updates. So, you can catch up with all of it there if you are so inclined.

The other stories this week happen outside the parks. We’ve got photos of the early construction at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Please be aware that Disney has moved the check-in/Guest Services area during the refurbishment.

At the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, celebrity chef Todd English’s bluezoo has updated its menu.

You don’t want to miss what the former Iron Chef America has prepared.

Meanwhile, STK Steakhouse at Disney Springs has added a new dining terrace for those of us who like to people-watch.

Finally and most importantly, Disney just celebrated 45 Years of Wish Granting.

Photo: Disney

The company reflected back on its 45-year partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all the good that has come of it.

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to speak with some of the people working at Make-A-Wish, and their innate kindness blew me away.

Photo: Disney

As Disney fans, nothing should make any of us prouder than the work the company does with Make-A-Wish. It’s inspirational.

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Feature Photo: Disney