A Jersey City journalist is recovering after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run that ended in a violent multi-car crash and a string of charges against the driver, authorities said. According to police and witness accounts, the collision occurred in Jersey City when a vehicle struck a pedestrian and left the scene. The victim, a local journalist, was thrown to the ground and suffered injuries that required medical treatment. Instead of stopping, the driver, a resident in Bayonne New Jersey, Laura Castaneda, allegedly fled the area at a high rate of speed. Witnesses told investigators that the vehicle was seen traveling at what they believed to be more than 90 miles per hour along West Side Avenue, heading in the direction of Bayonne. Within seconds, the driver reportedly lost control and crashed into three parked vehicles, totaling all three as well as the vehicle they were driving. Emergency responders arrived on scene to find significant damage to the parked cars and debri...
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park to Close May 1, 2025, for Seasonal Refurbishment; Walt Disney World Rolls Out Exciting 2025 Offers
Walt Disney World Resort has announced that Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park in Orlando, FL will close on May 1, 2025, as part of its annual operational cycle, with Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park reopening on the same day. This closure aligns with Disney’s long-standing practice of alternating its two water parks for seasonal refurbishments to ensure optimal guest experiences. Meanwhile, Disney is enticing visitors with a slate of special offers for 2025, aimed at making magical vacations more accessible.
Why Is Blizzard Beach Closing?
The closure of Blizzard Beach is a routine part of Walt Disney World’s water park operations. Disney typically operates only one of its two water parks—Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon—at a time, allowing for annual maintenance, upgrades, and refurbishments during the off-season. According to sources, Blizzard Beach will undergo its seasonal refurbishment starting May 1, 2025, while Typhoon Lagoon reopens to guests after its own extended closure for similar updates. This staggered schedule ensures that at least one water park remains available year-round, weather permitting, while maintaining high standards of safety and theming.
The decision also reflects practical considerations for Florida’s climate. While Central Florida’s warm weather supports year-round water park operations, cooler temperatures in early spring and late fall can impact attendance, making these periods ideal for maintenance. Disney’s strategy allows Blizzard Beach to receive enhancements—potentially including updates to attractions like Summit Plummet or Tike’s Peak—before it reopens later in the year, possibly in November 2025, based on historical patterns.
Disney has not indicated any permanent closures or significant changes to Blizzard Beach’s theming, unlike recent announcements regarding other park areas, such as DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Instead, this closure is a standard operational move to keep the park in top condition for guests seeking frosty thrills in a tropical state.
Special Offers for 2025 at Walt Disney World
To keep the magic alive across its four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and its water parks, Walt Disney World is offering a variety of promotional deals for 2025. These offers, designed to attract families, Florida residents, and budget-conscious travelers, include discounts on tickets, dining, and hotel stays. Here’s a look at the highlights:
3-Day, 3-Park Ticket Deal
Starting at $89 per day ($267 total, plus tax), this ticket allows guests to visit EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (one park per day) from April 6 through September 22, 2025. Notably, this offer excludes Magic Kingdom, making it ideal for guests eager to explore Disney’s other immersive worlds.
Free Dining Plan Offer
Back by popular demand, Disney is offering a free dining plan for guests booking a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) package that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and a Park Hopper ticket. This deal is valid for select dates from June 29 through December 22, 2025, providing significant savings on meals at Disney’s diverse dining locations, from quick-service eateries to character dining experiences.
Disney Resort Hotel Discounts
Guests can save up to 30% on select Disney Resort hotel rooms for stays of five or more nights from August 1 through October 11, 2025. For shorter stays, savings of up to 25% are available at Moderate or Value resorts. Florida residents can also enjoy up to 30% off rooms at select Disney Resorts for stays from May 1 to July 31, 2025, and up to 35% off for late summer and early fall stays. These offers include perks like Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation.
Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket
Florida residents can purchase a 4-day Discover Disney Ticket for $60 per day ($240 total, plus tax) or a 3-day ticket for $75 per day ($225 total, plus tax). Valid from January 13 to May 23, 2025, these tickets require advance park reservations and offer add-on options like Park Hopper or Water Park and Sports for added flexibility.
Free Water Park Admission for Resort Guests
A standout perk for 2025, guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will receive free admission to either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon on their check-in day, subject to availability. This benefit, automatically loaded onto guests’ My Disney Experience accounts, enhances the value of a Disney Resort stay and encourages early park visits.
Kids’ Special Ticket Offer (Disneyland Resort)
While focused on Walt Disney World, it’s worth noting that Disneyland Resort in California is offering a kids’ ticket for as little as $50 (ages 3-9) for visits from January 7 to March 20, 2025, signaling Disney’s broader push to make theme park visits family-friendly.
What’s Next for Disney Guests?
While Blizzard Beach’s closure may disappoint some water park enthusiasts, the reopening of Typhoon Lagoon on May 1, 2025, ensures that guests can still enjoy water-based fun at Walt Disney World. Both water parks will be open simultaneously from May 21 through September 7, 2025, a rare occurrence that Disney is highlighting as a summer treat for visitors.
Beyond water parks, Disney is gearing up for a transformative year. New attractions, such as the reimagined Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT and the Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom (replacing DinoLand U.S.A.), are set to debut, while Magic Kingdom prepares for Villains Land and Cars-themed expansions. These changes, coupled with the competitive pressure from Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe opening on May 22, 2025, underscore Disney’s commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction.
For guests planning a 2025 visit, Disney’s special offers provide ample opportunities to save while enjoying the magic. Whether it’s dining with Mickey, speeding through Space Mountain, or splashing down at Typhoon Lagoon, Walt Disney World is poised to deliver unforgettable memories. To explore these deals, visit DisneyWorld.com or contact a trusted travel planner like Mouse Fan Travel.
Note: All offers are subject to availability, and terms may apply. Check Disney’s official website for full details and reservation requirements.