🕙 After hours — are they worth it?

When you label something as a “limited-capacity event” at Disney World, it will surely get someone’s attention, right?

Hello, theme park enthusiasts, it’s me Haley, back in your inbox.

The school year is wrapping up here in Central Florida. That means summer family trips to the parks.

I’ve got ideas to consider (like a certain swimming after-hours event) as well as other theme park news.

Walt Disney World

🐻 The bear bonnets are gone

Do the names Bunny, Bubbles and Beulah ring a bell?

They are the Sun Bonnets of the Country Bear Jamboree but when the reimagined show opens this summer, they’ll probably go by a different name based on their new outfits.

Disney shared a first-look photo of the singing bear trio in their new costumes and they are bright and sparkly. Most notably though, no more bonnets.

Disney said the Country Bear Musical Jamboree will pay homage to the Opry-style shows of Nashville. I’m very eager to hear what the girls’ signature song will be.

By the way, I went to Magic Kingdom on its 50th anniversary on Oct. 1, 2021, and I made a point to visit original Disney World attractions, and that included the bears.

It had been a while since I saw a show at Grizzly Hall, so when the attraction reopens this summer, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree will seem fresh to me.

🥽 Go with the glow

Right now, Disney After Hours is happening at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. I’ve talked with a few non-local friends who were interested in this event. I have not done a regular Disney theme park After Hours, so I can’t give my thoughts on the perks and if it’s worth the cost.

I have done Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween (tickets on sale by the way) and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties. I love both, but seeing how much tickets have gone up in price over the past couple of years has stung.

Let me take a moment though to tell you about what is worth considering — after hours at a waterpark.

A group of us did H20 Glow at Typhoon Lagoon in 2022 and we had a great time. It’s less expensive compared to the theme parks and night swimming has an extra layer of fun.

Back then, it was just Saturdays over the summer, but now it’s select nights through the end of August.

H20 Glow After Hours starts this weekend. Click here for more details.

Legoland Florida

‘Brick’ into summer mode

Anytime you put “Lego” and “party” in the same sentence, I want to know more.

Legoland Florida is gearing up for the return of its Summer Brick Party. There’s a stunt show, the LEGO Shark Suit Guy (who wouldn’t want to take a picture with the guy above?), and a special Independence Day fireworks show.

The Winter Haven theme park also has a decent ticket deal going on for the kiddos.

Resorts & hotels

The orange is back in town

“___ was filmed in front of a live studio audience at Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.”

I am a proud Nickelodeon kid. While writing about the new Nickelodeon hotel announcement, the ‘90s Nickelodeon credit ending that appeared after game shows immediately ran through my head.

I’m thinking that I might be able to relive my childhood at the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando. There’s going to be a Snick Lounge with a BIG ORANGE COUCH!

For TMNT fans, you can take your turtle-powered appetites to Mikey’s Pizzeria.

I’ve included more details here. And by the way, there will be slime.

Without fail, Memorial Day weekend truly does kick off the summer travel season. It’s a changing of the guard.

If you head out to the parks, don’t forget to post those photos to our PinIt! page.

News 6 Insider Guide Crystal Moyer pinned this photo below from her EPCOT this past weekend.

As always, feel free to keep me in the loop with what’s new through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.

I’m off next Thursday and Friday, so I’ll most likely catch you in June.