Breaking News: Hurricane Helene's Impact on Walt Disney World 11:00 PM EDT, September 25, 2024 Hurricane Helene is now expected to bring catastrophic winds and life-threatening storm surges to Florida, including major impacts on the Walt Disney World area. According to the National Hurricane Center's 11:00 PM EDT update, Helene's center is located at latitude 23.1 North, longitude 86.6 West, moving northward at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The storm is expected to intensify, reaching major Category 4 hurricane status by Thursday evening as it approaches the Florida Big Bend coast. Impacts on Disney World Area: While the current storm track shows the center of Helene aiming for the Gulf Coast, the effects will be felt across Florida, including Walt Disney World. As Helene approaches, guests should expect tropical storm conditions, including heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential tornado activity on Thursday and into Friday. Forecasted Effects: Wind : Sustained winds near the hurricane center are at 85 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 35 miles from the center. Tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 345 miles. The Walt Disney World area could see strong gusts and potential wind damage. Rainfall : Hurricane Helene is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Florida, with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches expected in some areas, potentially leading to flash flooding.  Storm Surge and Flooding : Coastal areas may see storm surges of up to 15-20 feet in the most affected regions. Walt Disney World is expected to experience heavy rainfall and localized flooding. Disney's Closures and Safety Measures: As Helene approaches, Walt Disney World has closed Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on Thursday, September 26th and cancelled the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Thursday as well. Walt Disney World may elect to implement additional severe weather protocols, which could include additional park closures or modifications to operating hours. Guests staying at Disney resorts or planning visits over the next few days are encouraged to monitor official Disney updates closely and follow local authorities' instructions for safety. Stay Tuned: For the latest information on Hurricane Helene's path and its potential impacts on Central Florida, including Walt Disney World, follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and here @PapaBestTravels. Further updates are expected at 1:00 AM CDT and 4:00 AM CDT. Stay safe and stay informed. -Papa

Breaking News Weather Alert: Hurricane Helene Approaching Florida – Potential Impact on Walt Disney World Walt Disney World guests and staff prepare for Hurricane Helene, which is strengthening as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast. Information: Current Status (as of 5PM EDT, Sept 25):  Helene is 460 miles southwest of Tampa, moving north. Timeline:  Helene is expected to hit Florida's Big Bend coast on Thursday evening , bringing tropical storm conditions as early as Thursday morning  to Disney World and southern Florida. Impact on Disney World: Tropical Storm Warnings:  The Orlando area, including Disney, may see tropical storm-force winds on Thursday . Rain & Flooding:   6-12 inches of rain  possible, with localized flooding. Possible Closures:  Disney may continue to adjust park hours or close certain areas for safety. Walt Disney World has already closed Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on Thursday September 26th along with cancelling Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party the same evening. Stay tuned to @PapaBestTravels official updates Guests should monitor weather alerts, have a safety plan, and stay informed as the storm nears. - Calina

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Cancelled Due to Hurricane Helene Disney fans planning to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on Thursday, September 26th, will need to adjust their plans. Due to the forecasted impact of Hurricane Helene, Disney has made the decision to cancel the event for that evening. Disney released the following statement: "We are always looking to deliver a great and enjoyable experience for our guests. Due to forecasted weather and the impact to our outdoor entertainment offerings, we are cancelling Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 26. Guest tickets will be refunded." While the Magic Kingdom was originally scheduled to close at 6 p.m. for the party, Walt Disney World is extending park hours until 8 p.m. for all guests, allowing extra time to enjoy the attractions and experiences. Guests with tickets for the event will receive a refund, and Disney is also providing assistance for rescheduling if you’re hoping to attend the party on a different date. For updates on park hours and future events, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the Disney World website or app. If you're in the area, stay safe and be sure to check for any additional changes due to Hurricane Helene. - Calina

Breaking News: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon to Close Thursday Due to Hurricane Helene Walt Disney World has announced the closure of Typhoon Lagoon on Thursday, September 26, in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. The water park will not operate that day as a safety precaution, with regular park hours currently showing operations resuming Friday, weather permitting. Guests planning visits should stay updated through official channels as weather conditions evolve. Stay safe, and check back for further updates on the impact of Hurricane Helene on Walt Disney World operations! - Calina

Breaking News: Hurricane Helene Update - Now a Category 1 Hurricane that will impact Walt Disney World As of 11:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the National Hurricane Center has officially upgraded Tropical Storm Helene to a Category 1 hurricane. Helene, currently located 85 miles north-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, is moving north-northwest. The storm is expected to intensify further as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, making landfall along Florida’s Big Bend coast by Thursday evening. Impacts on Walt Disney World: With Hurricane Helene gaining strength, Walt Disney World is under heightened alert. While Orlando is not directly in the path of the storm’s eye, significant impacts are expected, including: Strong winds : Tropical-storm-force winds could extend across Central Florida as early as Thursday morning, with gusts potentially reaching damaging levels. Heavy rainfall : Forecasts predict up to 5-10 inches of rain for the region, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding. Tornado Risk : The threat of tornadoes associated with the outer bands of the hurricane will be elevated in the Orlando area through Thursday night. Guests at Walt Disney World are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and be prepared for potential disruptions to operations, as safety measures could be implemented, including closures and ride suspensions. Local authorities and Disney officials urge everyone to follow safety guidelines and prepare for adverse weather conditions. - Calina

Savor the Holidays: A Guide to 2024 Jollywood Nights Delights at Disney's Hollywood Studios The holiday magic is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for another year of Jollywood Nights ! This glitzy event, now in its second year, runs on select nights from November 9 to December 21, 2024, and brings with it not just the sparkle of old Hollywood but an incredible lineup of festive food and drinks that’ll dazzle your taste buds. From sweet treats to savory delights, and cocktails to mocktails, Walt Disney World has truly outdone itself for the 2024 edition of Jollywood Nights . With returning fan favorites and exciting new offerings, this year’s foodie guide promises something for everyone. Let’s dive into the delectable dishes you won’t want to miss! New Holiday Treats You Must Try Agent P Croissant  – The Trolley Car Café: A fun twist on a croissant, this treat is dipped in caramel-chocolate and topped with mint cream, a chocolate hat, and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies. It’s the perfect fusion of flavors with a festive feel! Chorizo Arancini  – Hollywood Brown Derby: New for this year, these crispy risotto balls with parmesan dust and tomato salmorejo sauce will transport you straight to holiday heaven. Taco ‘bout a Holiday Cookie!  – ABC Commissary: This standout cookie is a cranberry cheesecake-filled chocolate cookie, dipped in cranberry-white chocolate, topped with pistachio whipped cream, and adorned with gold pearls and holiday sprinkles. A true holiday showstopper! Returning Fan Favorites Holiday Turkey Popover  – Fairfax Fare: A staple at Jollywood Nights , this savory dish combines roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry chutney, all served in a house-made popover. Christmas Gertie Cookie  – Various Locations: No visit is complete without this iconic sugar cookie shaped like Gertie the Dinosaur, topped with a Santa hat. It’s a fan favorite that screams Disney nostalgia. Standout Drinks to Sip On For those looking to toast the holiday season, the drink offerings at Jollywood Nights  are plentiful and packed with holiday cheer. Mistletoe Martini  – Fairfax Fare: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh cranberries—this drink is as festive as it gets. Warm Spiced Chai Cocktail  – Epic Eats: Cozy up with this comforting blend of chai tea, RumChata, vanilla syrup, and cinnamon. It’s the perfect holiday sip for a chilly evening. Peppermint Schnapps Sipping Chocolate  – Hollywood Brown Derby: A rich and indulgent treat combining Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Peppermint Schnapps with sipping chocolate, making it the ultimate holiday dessert drink. More Can’t-Miss Delights There’s so much more to explore on the Jollywood Nights  menu. Some other highlights include: PB&J Doughnut  – Fairfax Fare: A half-glazed doughnut filled with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly, then dipped in dark chocolate. As a bonus, it comes with salt and vinegar chips for a perfect sweet-and-savory pairing! Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake  – Epic Eats: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled slaw served on a mini funnel cake. A must-try for those who like to mix their sweet and savory. Poutine Potato Bites  – Dockside Diner: If you love poutine, these bites topped with gravy, brisket, mozzarella curds, and chives are sure to hit the spot. How to Join in the Festivities Tickets for Disney Jollywood Nights  are still available now, and with so much food and entertainment on offer, it’s sure to be a magical night. Don’t forget to try some of the event-exclusive treats like the Frozen Espresso Martini (for annual passholders) or the Spiced Pear Martini at the Hollywood Brown Derby. With limited dates and availability remaining, be sure to secure your spot for a night filled with holiday cheer, incredible eats, and festive fun (I will be there December 11th!) Whether you’re there for the gourmet bites, the signature cocktails, or simply to enjoy the magic of Disney during the holidays, Jollywood Nights  is a must-do experience in 2024. Make sure to bring your appetite and your holiday spirit—you’re in for a truly festive night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! - Calina

Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort - Review and BEST-Rated Steakhouse 71, located in the iconic Disney’s Contemporary Resort, holds a nostalgic charm for many visitors. This modern take on the classic steakhouse is named in honor of the year Walt Disney World opened in 1971. On our recent visit, we had to stop by and try this menu. While the experience was good, it did not stand out as one of the best dining options on Disney property. Let’s dive into the details of what we tried. French Onion Soup – BEST-Rated: 3.35 We kicked off our meal with the French Onion Soup, a staple of many restaurants around Walt Disney World (Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom is #1). The cheese topping was wonderfully melted, and the presentation was spot on. The soup itself lacked a crucial balance of flavors. It felt heavy on the onions but needed a little more depth to elevate the dish. Overall, while it wasn’t bad, it left us wanting a bit more in terms of flavor balance. Bacon & Eggs – BEST-Rated: 4.85 Next, we tried one of Steakhouse 71’s most talked-about dishes: the Bacon & Eggs. This dish featured pork belly, eggs, and a perfectly creamy polenta. The flavors were indeed delicious, but with all the hype surrounding this offering, it didn’t quite reach the exceptional level we anticipated. It’s a great dish, but perhaps the expectations set by the buzz surrounding it were a little too high. Still, it’s worth trying, just don’t expect a mind-blowing experience. The Stack Burger – BEST-Rated: 1.90 The disappointment of the meal came with the Stack Burger. As burger enthusiasts, we’ve tried many burgers across Disney property, and unfortunately, this one didn’t make the top 5. It wasn’t bad, but compared to some of the fantastic burgers available at other Disney locations, the Stack Burger fell short. The flavor was somewhat one-dimensional, and we expected more from a signature item at a steakhouse. Onion Rings – BEST-Rated: 6.24 On a brighter note, the Onion Rings were excellent. Crispy, golden, and served with a flavorful dipping sauce, these were a definite highlight of the meal. The balance of crunch and flavor was spot-on, making it a standout item on the menu. If you’re dining at Steakhouse 71, these onion rings are a must-try! Steakhouse 71 – BEST-Rated: 3.77 While Steakhouse 71 offers a pleasant dining atmosphere and some solid menu items, the overall experience didn’t quite blow us away. With many dining options available across the Disney Resort area, there are definitely better places to explore. That being said, Steakhouse 71 is a decent choice if you’re staying or around Disney's Contemporary Resort or Disney's Bay Lake Tower area and looking for a comfortable meal, but it may not be worth going out of your way to visit. - Calina

Breaking News Weather Update 8AM EDT: Tropical Storm Helene to become Hurricane Helene and impact Disney World Operations As of 8AM EDT morning, Tropical Storm Helene is intensifying near the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, rapidly approaching hurricane strength. Currently tracking northwest, Helene is expected to strengthen into a MAJOR hurricane by Thursday as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico and towards Florida. While Disney World has yet to announce any closures, travelers should be aware of potential disruptions in the coming days. Hurricane Helene’s projected path suggests that Central Florida, including Disney World, are expected to experience tropical storm conditions, with heavy rainfall and strong winds as the system moves closer to the Florida Gulf Coast by late Thursday. Guests visiting the park or traveling to the area are urged to stay informed of local advisories and any updates from Disney World regarding potential schedule changes or cancellations. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for parts of Florida, including southern regions of the state, while the Florida Gulf Coast faces a Hurricane Warning. Storm surge, flash flooding, and potential tornadoes remain major concerns, with predicted rainfall totals of up to 15 inches in some areas. Travelers to Disney World should prioritize safety, follow official evacuation routes if necessary, and consider altering travel plans until the storm passes. For the latest updates on Tropical Storm Helene and its impact on travel, stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center and local news outlets. Stay safe, Disney fans! - Calina

Breaking News: Tropical Storm Helene to become Hurricane Helene and impact Disney World Operations As of 8:00 PM EDT on September 24, 2024, Walt Disney World is now under Florida's State of Emergency as Hurricane Helene strengthens. Originally a tropical storm, Helene is expected to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane by Thursday evening, posing a significant threat to the Orlando and Disney World area. The storm could bring heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and potential flooding to Central Florida, including Walt Disney World. Although the park is operating as normal, Disney is expected to continue monitoring Helene’s path. Potential closures or schedule adjustments may follow based on the hurricane’s progress. Guests are urged to stay informed on any further advisories as the storm approaches.Stay safe and keep an eye on the weather for any changes to your Disney plans. - Papa

Breaking News - Tropical Storm Warning issued for Walt Disney World! Update Tropical Storm Helene: Potential Hurricane Helene Strengthening As of the 5:00 PM EDT update from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Helene continues to gain strength near the western tip of Cuba. It is still expected to strengthen into a major hurricane as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, with the potential to become a major hurricane by Thursday. This will bring impacts to Florida, including the Walt Disney World  area. Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Walt Disney World Several hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Walt Disney World  is now in the direct Tropical Storm path, severe weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding will impact travel plans in and around Central Florida. Visitors planning trips to Disney World  in the coming days should closely monitor weather updates and anticipate possible delays or disruptions to flights, transportation, and accommodations. The next advisory is scheduled for 8:00 PM EDT, so travelers should stay informed as the situation develops. - Papa