Great news as the “Alligator Capital of the World” Gatorland is busy getting ready to open back up, and have announced that they will once again welcome guests from Saturday October 15. As we reported last week, Gatorland has been closed since before Hurricane Ian caused havoc on it's journey through Florida, causing significant flooding damage to Gatorland. Thankfully, the team at Gatorland have been hard at work getting the park ready to re-open. Plus the re-opening means that the attraction can go ahead with it's very popular ‘Gators, Ghosts & Goblins’ Halloween festivities each weekend day October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30th. This year's highlights include the return of Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum returning bigger and badder than ever! Discover the origins of the world’s most infamous monsters and learn what it takes to hunt the creatures of the night! Learn about legendary creatures like Nessie, Jersey Devil, Chupacabra, Moth Man, and more, at Skunk Ape’s Cryptid Kingdom! Can Bubba save the world from an alien invasion? Find out in our newest haunt zone: Invasion of the Bubba Snatchers! Then grab your Lederhosen for Frank & Stein’s Ooky Kooky Octoberfest featuring live music from Polkageist, Gatorland’s own undead polka band. All this, plus multiple themed areas, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, and a Children’s Halloween Costume Parade with treat bags for all kids who participate! There are also fun shows, specialty vendors, games, candy, and more!

As we predicted, Walt Disney World have followed Disneyland, and has now introduced date-based variable pricing for the Disney Genie+ service. The lowest prices still begin at $15 but will vary up to $22 per person, per day depending on the day. Genie+ can only be purchased on the day of your visit, and Disney recommends checking the My Disney Experience app for the current pricing. Here's the latest from Disney: Disney Genie+ service continues to be very popular among our guests. As we continue to manage the strong demand we are seeing for this service, we are introducing variable pricing for Disney Genie+, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11. At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Genie+ will also vary in price based on the date a guest is visiting. Similar to theme park tickets, throughout the year, prices may be lower on less busy days and higher during peak periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas. For example, now through the end of October, prices will be $15 per Guest, per day on less busy dates, $22 on some of our busier dates, and somewhere in between on other dates (plus tax; prices subject to change beyond October). As a reminder, single-day purchases of Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World Resort are only available directly through the My Disney Experience app on the guest’s date of visit.

Walt Disney World have been happily increasing prices today, what with Genie+, Lightning Lane, and PhotoPass Capture Your Moment, well now it's the turn of Lighsabers and Droids at Hollywood Studios. Prices have now been increased on both custom lightsaber and droid building experiences in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Savi’s Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers Experience, which allows guests to build their own lightsaber, has increased from $219.99 to $249.99. The Droid Depot Experience, which allows guests to make a custom-built astromech droid, has increased from $99 to $119.99.

With Walt Disney World just announcing that Disney Genie+ pricing is moving to a varied, date-based system, we now know that Individual Lightning Lane access will also follow the new pricing structure. The minimum price remain the same, but select attractions will see increases in price on Lightning Lane access depending on the date.

Walt Disney World has announced that the price of the Disney PhotoPass Capture Your Moment private photo session experience has increased. Previously priced at $79, the price of the Disney PhotoPass Capture Your Moment experience has increased to $99.

Over on the west coast, Disneyland has raised the price of their Disney Genie+ service from $20 to $25 per person per day, a $5 increase. Of course, the next question is – as Walt Disney World braces for a busy holiday season, will Disney increase the price of Disney Genie+ here in Orlando? At $15, the Disney World version of Disney Genie+ is now a full $10 cheaper than the Disneyland version, so a price hike will likely happen very soon. Plus, when Genie+ was launched on October 19, 2021, Disney said that Walt Disney World's $15 price point was an introductory rate. With Disneyland's Genie+ now costing $10 more than at Walt Disney World, this seems to be the ideal time for Disney to drop the introductory pricing and increase the price at Walt Disney World, especially with the holidays just around the corner. Disney CEO Bob Chapek has recently commented that 50% of Walt Disney World guests purchase Genie+, and any increase would significantly boost earnings from millions of Guests who purchase Genie+. As of right now, Disney Genie+ remains $15 per person, per day at Walt Disney World, but fr how much longer?

It feels like forever since Blizzard Beach water park at Walt Disney World has been open, and while it was looking like we might have a long wait into 2023, we finally have some news that it may be re-opening much sooner. Initially it was thought we were having to wait until 2023 to visit Blizzard Beach, but last week it was rumoured that Blizzard Beach. would be re-opening on October 30 this year. This was based on the fact that Disney's Typhoon Lagoon didn't have any scheduled hours of operation past October 30, and it was expected that Typhoon Lagoon would close for its annual maintenance at that point, which is why the rumours that Blizzard Beach would reopen on October 30 was widely reported. However, now on the Walt Disney World calendar, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to open until Saturday November 5, so it appears that the reopening of Blizzard Beach has been pushed back to Sunday November 6, at the very earliest. Screamscape reporting that according to sources the reopening date for Blizzard Beach is going to be pushed back a week or two in order to finish up a few projects and repair the damage that was caused by Hurricane Ian. When Blizzard Beach does re-open, it will be interesting to see if the speculating that improvements have been made to one of the water play areas, Tike's Peak, including the addition of characters including Olaf. Plus it's believed that the rumored plan to add a raft conveyor for the three Red Slope’s Runoff Rapids slides at the back of the park has been completed. We can only wait and see if the popular Blizzard Beach does actually re-open in November. Walt Disney World's water parks have been impacted ever since the COVID closure in 2020, with only one water park operating at a time since reopening. Disney's Blizzard Beach reopened on March 7th 2021, after a near year-long closure due to the pandemic. Blizzard Beach then closed on January 3rd 2022, with Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park reopening after a near two-year closure due to the pandemic.

The 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE returns to Walt Disney World Resort, February 23 - 26, 2023. It’s a magical race weekend that's been 15 years in the making as the 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE returns to Walt Disney World Resort February 23 - 26, 2023. Each race weekend event takes inspiration from the Disney Princesses, so get ready to trade your glass slippers for running shoes as we share with you a first look at the finisher medals for this year’s event: Disney Princess 5K It’s a whole new running world with Jasmine on a 3.1-mile course around Walt Disney World Resort during the Disney Princess 5K, perfect for the entire family to enjoy. Disney Princess Enchanted 10K Be our guest and put your endurance to the test! Celebrate the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K with Belle on a magical 6.2-mile course. Disney Princess Half Marathon Calling all voyagers! See just how far you can go during the 15th anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon, celebrating Moana, by taking on 13.1 miles to earn this finishers medal. Disney Fairy Tale Challenge Make it to the finish line before the clock strikes midnight to earn this finisher medal during the 10th anniversary Disney Fairy Tale Challenge, celebrating Cinderella! The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend bling doesn’t stop there! Commemorate your accomplishments in the most charming way with all-new race weekend Pandora Jewelry charms. Registered participants can save time at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo by ordering your charms along with a selection of other event weekend merchandise in advance via your runDisney account. From the families we’re born into to the families we choose, and everything in between, this race weekend leads by example as we celebrate both our athletes and the people who lift them up! Interested in joining in the race weekend anniversary fun? Spaces remain for you to bring the magic home and run on a course of your choosing during the Virtual 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE. From 3.1 to 19.3 miles, explore one-of-a-kind race options for an enchanting at-home runDisney adventure!

Walt Disney World are inviting guests to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Aladdin at a Crislu Jewelry Showcase this October in the Magic Kingdom. The showcase will feature jewelry inspired by the classic animated film, designed by Crislu’s Creative Director, Amireh Parstabar. Amireh will be appearing at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom park to showcase these alongside other fun pieces that will delight fans with Crislu's renowned workmanship, delicate detail and a touch of Disney fun. Guests will also receive a Gift with Purchase––Crislu solitaire brilliant stud earrings––while supplies last, so make sure you visit this beautiful showcase. The Crislu Jewelry Showcase will take place at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort on: October 22, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm October 23, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Save the date! A Rebecca Hook Jewelry Trunk Show is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next weekend, October 15th, 2022. Come discover Rebecca Hook’s Disney themed designs and her own personally inspired creations at this trunk show event. Rebecca’s distinctive designs are strong in form yet delicate in nature, speaking to the romantic spirit in every woman, each of her pieces is crafted by lost-wax casting and finished with cubic zirconia or other choice stones. The Rebecca Hook Jewelry Trunk Show will take place at Legends of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, from open to close. About Rebecca Hook From the wrought-iron balconies of Charleston to the vibrant corals of the Bahamas to the dogwood blossoms of Kentucky, Rebecca Hook draws from the colors and textures of her travels and experience to inspire her collections. Growing up around her parents’ jewelry business in Florida, she learned firsthand the intricacies of jewelry design and manufacturing. After earning an International Business degree from the College of Charleston, Rebecca followed her passion for jewelry design to Portland, Oregon, where she honed her artistry at the American Jewelers Institute. Today, Rebecca lives in Kentucky with her husband and 3 children.

For a limited time, Thomas Kinkade Studios will be back in Disney Springs for a showcase at Art of Disney, featuring some special artists. You can meet three Thomas Kinkade artists on select days at Art of Disney, including Legacy Artist Dirk Wunderlich, Jenna McMullins, and Joseph Yakovetic. They will also be signing art pieces, and a Thomas Kinkade representative will be showcasing an assortment of art. Thomas Kinkade Studios is known for telling Disney stories through “narrative panoramas,” and they take inspiration from Disney Archives materials such as art, sketches, and historic documents. Legacy Artist Dirk Wunderlich, artist Jenna McMullins and artist Joseph Yakovetic will be appearing to meet Guests and sign art pieces. A Thomas Kinkade Representative will also be on hand to showcase the special assortment of art available at the event. Thomas Kinkade captured the timeless magic of classic Disney stories and their captivating characters through the style of “narrative panoramas." Each painting tells the entire story of a Disney film in one image, taking inspiration from art, sketches and other historic documents from the Disney Archives. Event Details: Meet the artists from Thomas Kinkade Studios at The Art of Disney at Disney Springs from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, and see their artwork displayed from open to close on the following dates, October 6 to 9, and November 10 to 20, 2022. About the Artists Artist Jenna McMullins Jenna McMullins began her art career in 2017 after graduating with a degree in Design and Illustration. She has designed work for small businesses across the US, and just recently began making officially licensed prints for Lucasfilm Ltd. Her passion for Star Wars and Disney has driven her growth as an artist and continues to inspire her work. Jenna was introduced to Thomas Kinkade’s work in college, and that became her new inspiration, and her dream company to create for. One of her favorite uses of her artistic abilities is to raise money for charities through the sales of her prints. Artist Joseph Yakovetic Joe has a long history of rich experience as a contributor to the creative content of The Walt Disney Company—from costume and set design to caricaturing and pumpkin carving. In 2006, Joe began a new career as a featured artist for the Disney Galleries. Due to placing shadows and hidden images in his paintings of Disney films and attractions, he was dubbed “The Painter of Shadows,” by Guests. These pieces are highly prized Disney collectibles throughout the world. Joe represents The Walt Disney Company as a sketch artist, performing live sketches of Disney characters for groups all over the world.

Ever since opening in the early days of the Disney Springs transformation, we have loved Vivoli il Gelato, a traditional Italian gelato shop that can trace its beginnings back to 1929, in Florence, Italy. If you've never stopped by this little gem, then now is the perfect time as they have added some delicious new items to the menu. First up is a delicious treat perfect for chocolate fans, its a chocolate hazelnut, and chocolate chip creamy gelato in one delicious offering! This sundae combo is smothered with sweet chocolate sauce, delicious chocolate shavings and a generous amount of whipped cream, all served in a crispy waffle cup. Next up is, not one, but three spooky floats, and if you love floats these Halloween inspired drinks are amazing! Featuring The Jack o Lantern, The Monster and the Vampire, these new and yummy Halloween drinks are perfect for celebrating Halloween in Orlando. The Monster Shake, is a mint chocolate chip shake, while the Vampire Float is made with vanilla gelato, sprite, and topped with whipped cream and strawberry sauce. The Jack O Lantern Float features vanilla gelato with orange Fanta and whipped cream. Next up is something very unique, it's a sweet and tangy Breakfast Sangria Float! This indulgent and delicious concoctions from Vivoli il Gelato, is definitely a new twist on a breakfast drink! The new Breakfast Sangria has Mimosa flavors and comes as a 21+ float! Lime and orange sorbetto are topped with sparkly prosseco and refreshing Fresca, with the result being an effervescent citrus-y float bursting with flavor and fun You really should check out Vivoli il Gelato website now for more info on this delicious gelato shop.