Alright time travelers! We have exciting news to share. After much speculation and rumors, Walt Disney World has officially announced that yes, the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction will reopen to park guests. They are placing the planned refurbishment on hold!
“Time travelers, take note that the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction at EPCOT will also continue to be available in its current state while we pause on its planned refurbishment”
The attraction was scheduled to close for refurbishment on May 26th. Many park guests were bummed that due to the park closures from the virus, they wouldn’t have that one last chance to ride the attraction as is.
As Walt Disney World prepares for phased reopening, they have just released more insight as to what guests can look forward to experiencing in the parks! Check out the news below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.
As we look forward to the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in July, we’re excited to share a few details about the attractions and entertainment guests will be able to experience when they return. Though these may look a little different than in the past, there will be plenty of magic for everyone to enjoy when Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park open on July 11, and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios open on July 15.
Most attractions will be available at each park – for example, live your adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. At Magic Kingdom Park, classics such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean are waiting to welcome guests with thrilling adventures for the whole family. Time travelers, take note that the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction at EPCOT will also continue to be available in its current state while we pause on its planned refurbishment, along with other favorite attractions like Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After and Test Track presented by Chevrolet. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the magic of nature awaits with Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Avatar Flight of Passage.
If you’re hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck! Just as you may have seen recently at Disney Springs, our characters will appear in new and different ways that bring a smile to your face while also being mindful of physical distancing. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland you might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as you traverse the Castillo del Morro on your way to Pirates of the Caribbean. You could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
Looking beyond our beloved characters, several musical groups will also return. You can look forward to seeing Main Street Philharmonic at Magic Kingdom Park, plus the Mariachi Cobre and everyone’s favorite funky drumming crew the JAMMitors at EPCOT, just to name a few.
Read here for details on how to make a theme park reservation; and also check out important “Know Before You Go” information at DisneyWorld.com/Updates. We hope to see you back at the parks, making special memories in new ways.
Alright, Disney fans! Disney has updated their website to share a full list of attractions, entertainment and shops you can expect to find open in each of their four theme parks. We’ll kick off the list with Magic Kingdom, followed by Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, then Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We can’t wait to experience all our favorites once again!
Magic Kingdom Park
When Magic Kingdom park reopens on July 11, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
“it’s a small world”
Astro Orbiter
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Country Bear Jamboree
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
Mad Tea Party
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Barnstormer
The Hall of Presidents
The Haunted Mansion
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Entertainment:
Main Street Philharmonic
Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing along the parade route—which will include:
The Royal Princess Processional
Mickey & Friends Cavalcade
Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade
A Goofy Cavalcade
Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure
Shops:
Arribas Brothers
Baby Care
Big Al’s
Box Office Gifts
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Photos
Crystal Arts
Emporium
Fantasy Faire
Hundred Acre Goods
Island Supply by Sunglass Hut
Main Street Confectionery
Memento Mori
Mickey’s Star Traders
Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
Rubio Arts
Sir Mickey’s
Splashdown Photos
Strollers & Wheelchairs
The Chapeau
Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
TTC Cart / Wheelchairs
Uptown Jewelers & Cinema
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park reopens on July 11, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
Affection Section
Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Discovery Island Trails
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Festival of the Lion King (the day after Disney released this list, they quietly removed Festival of the Lion King.)
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Na’vi River Journey
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
The Oasis Exhibits
TriceraTop Spin
Wilderness Explorers
Wildlife Express
Entertainment
Character Cruises throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing in boats around Discovery River—including the following:
Discovery River Character Cruise
Discovery Island Drummers
Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!
Mickey & Friends Flotilla
Shops
Africa Hub Cart
African Heritage Wood Carving
Baby Care
Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
Discovery Trading Company
Garden Gate Gifts & Strollers
Kilimanjaro Safari Cart
Mandala Gifts
Mombasa Marketplace
Out Of The Wild
Serka Zong Bazaar
The Dino Institute Shop
Windtraders
EPCOT
When EPCOT reopens on July 15, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
Awesome Planet
Canada Far and Wide
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Friendship Lagoon Boats
Frozen Ever After
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Impressions de France
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Kidcot (modified)
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE
Reflections of China
Soarin’ Around the World
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
The American Adventure
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Turtle Talk with Crush (the day after Disney released this list, they quietly removed Turtle Talk with Crush.)
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience
Entertainment
America Gardens Theatre Presents… featuring popular EPCOT performers such as:
JAMMitors
Mariachi Cobre
Character Cavalcades throughout the day, featuring favorite Disney friends traveling around World Showcase promenade—including:
Frozen Promenade
Mickey & Friends World Tour
Princess Promenade
Shops
African Heritage
Arribas Brothers
Art of Disney
Baby Care
Canada Cart
China Kiosk
Disney Traders
Galerie Des Halles
Gateway Gifts
Glas Und Porcellan
ImageWorks
Karamell Kuche
La Bottega Italiana
Mexico Indoor Plaza
Mission: SPACE Cargo
Mitsukoshi
Mouse Gear Temporary Location
Pin Traders – Camera Center
Port of Entry
Puffin’s Roost
Sea Base Alpha Gift Shop
Strollers & Wheelchairs
Tea Caddy
Test Track Simporium
Wood Carver
World Traveler
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens on July 15, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
Alien Swirling Saucers
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Muppet*Vision 3D
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
Toy Story Mania!
Vacation Fun (at Mickey Shorts Theater)
Walt Disney Presents
Entertainment
Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with favorite Disney friends appearing along Hollywood Boulevard—including:
We previously shared the suspension of departures for the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Now, Disney Cruise Line has offered a new “Cruise Date Flexibility” option you may want to check out!
In fall 2019, the Disney Magic sails to Bermuda, Bahamas and Canada from New York, followed by Bahamian and Caribbean voyages from Miami. Aboard the Disney Magic, guests can experience new spaces and experiences, including dining at Rapunzel’s Royal Table. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
For any cruises booked by August 31, 2020 for sailings through March 2021, you can rest assured knowing you can change your sail date up to 15 days prior to departure.
Today, having peace of mind in your travel plans is more important than ever. This temporary modification to our standard booking policy allows your family to adjust your sail date should you need to.
Please note:
This offer is for new bookings made by August 31, 2020 and existing bookings (within the departure date window)
Applicable to cruises departing through March 31, 2021
Guests can change their sail date up to 15 days prior, for any cruise commencing prior to April 1, 2022
Book Your Cruise: To take advantage of this special offer, call (888) 325-3815 or contact your travel agent. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Important Details:
Guests who have booked before August 31, 2020 have the ability to change their sail date up to 15 days prior to embarkation.
Guests scheduled to sail on or before March 31, 2021 may take advantage of this offer.
Guests who wish to change their sail date must move to a future sailing that commences prior to April 1, 2022. Standard prevailing rates will apply.
Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this offer.
Should you cancel your new sail date, any cancellation fees applicable to the original sail date will be deferred and applied as a minimum cancellation fee to the future sailing.
Standard air cancellation fees apply for Guests who booked flights through Disney Cruise Line.
As we prepare for the Walt Disney World parks to reopen in Florida, we have a little twist in plans, particularly for guests visiting from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. If you come visit Florida or several other states listed below, you will be under a 14-day quarantine when you return home or visit the Tri-state area.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, announced New York, Connecticut and New Jersey will require visitors from states including Florida with high infection rates to quarantine for 14 days. “We now have to make sure the rates continue to drop,” Cuomo said. “We also have to make sure the virus doesn’t come on a plane again.”
Cuomo announced what was called a “travel advisory” at a briefing jointly via video feeds with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, both fellow Democrats. The states’ health departments will provide details of how the rule will work, Murphy said.
Visitors from states over a set infection rate will have to quarantine, Cuomo said. As of Wednesday, states over the threshold were Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas.
Returning to the Tri-State area after a visit to Walt Disney World? You’ll need to plan for a 14-day quarantine!
