New Lighting Design Coming to Chinese Theatre

As Walt Disney World gears up for the 50th Anniversary Celebration beginning October 1, 2021, doses of new experiences and details are being released! One of the latest pieces of news is that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is lighting up the iconic Chinese Theatre in a new way. Check out the details as shared by Disney Imagineer, Zach Riddley.

As shared via Zach Riddley’s Instagram: “Check out this first look at the new lighting design our Disney Imagineers will be bringing to the iconic Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The new nighttime appearance features bright gold accents, all-new energy-efficient LED lighting. But the part I am really excited about is the triumphant return of spotlights searching the sky as the theatre welcomes guests to the premiere of the latest Mickey Mouse short at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This is a culmination of years of work by our teams to bring “premiere night, every night” energy to this iconic golden age of Hollywood architecture. I love when our teams are able use their unique skills to enhance the stories within our parks and this definitely showcases what our Imagineers ingenuity.”

What do you think about the new bright gold accents? We’ll be sure to keep you posted as Disney releases more information on the lighting enhancements for Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Walt Disney World Park Hours Through June 5, 2021

Planning your visit to Walt Disney World? You’ll want to keep an eye on your My Disney Experience App for the latest update in park hours. The Walt Disney World website now shows parks hours have been released through June 5! As you plan your vacation to the most magic place on earth, here are the current posted park hours for March 21 – June 5, 2021.

Magic Kingdom:

  • March 15 – 31: 8:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • April 1 – 10: 8:00am to 9:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 9pm)
  • April 11 – 30: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • May 1 – 31: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)
  • June 1 – 5: 9:00am to 6:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 6pm)

EPCOT:

  • March 20 – 31: 11:00am to 11:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 11pm)
  • April 1 – 10: 11:00am to 11:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 11pm)
  • April 11 – 30: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • May 1 – 31: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • June 1 – 5: 11:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • March 20 – 31: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • April 1 – 10: 9:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • April 11 – 30: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • May 1 – 22: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • May 23 – 31: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)
  • June 1 – 5: 9:00am to 7:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 7pm)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

  • March 20 – 31: 8:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • April 1 – 10: 8:00am to 8:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 8pm)
  • April 11 – 30: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • May 1 – 31: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
  • June 1 – 5: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Park Hop: 2pm to 5pm)
pandora _ tree of life _ animal kingdom _ disney fanatic

Union Says Cast Members Deserve the COVID-19 Vaccine Now

Walt Disney World began their phased reopening in the summer of 2020. With the safety precautions and limited capacity, we tend to feel safer at Disney than we do at locations such as the grocery store. On the flip side, Cast Members going to work everyday are in regular contact with the Disney crowds. Now, with the COVID-19 vaccinations rolling out, a Disney Union is speaking out saying they believe Cast Members deserve the vaccination now as essential employees for Orlando’s much needed tourism industry.

As reported by OrlandoSentinel: “Unite Here 362, a local that represents 9,000 Disney World custodians, ride attendants, food service workers and others, is pushing for Gov. Ron DeSantis to make all hospitality workers eligible to get the vaccine. The union held a news conference Friday to make its case.”

“Starting Monday, anyone 40 and older can get the vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center, which is already inoculating people in certain professions, including firefighters, teachers and law enforcement officials, regardless of their ages. Disney World union leaders argued theme park workers need to be added to that list, too. If tourism is essential to Florida’s economy, then tourism workers are essential and deserve to be a priority, said Eric Clinton, who leads 362.”

Walt Disney World Resort Easter Egg Displays

Via DisDining.com

Visiting Walt Disney World over the Easter season? You’re in luck! Disney has announced they will offer Resort Easter Egg Displays at select Walt Disney World Resorts. Check out the line up below as you begin planning your Easter visit!

Resort Easter Egg Displays: Our talented pastry chefs have created eggs-travagantly detailed pieces of sweet edible art that will be on display at various resort locations.

  • Disney’s BoardWalk Resort – Lobby area (available for viewing Mar. 26-April 4)
  • Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa – Lobby area, concierge level, and Grand Floridian Café lobby (available for viewing Mar. 15-April 4)
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – Carriage House (available for viewing Apr. 1-11)
  • Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort – Beach Club lobby, Yacht Club lobby, Ale & Compass Restaurant, The Market at Ale & Compass (available for viewing Mar. 18-Apr. 4)

Disney Cruise Line Reveals New Destinations & Itineraries for Summer 2022

Disney Cruise Line has revealed an exciting line-up of itineraries and destinations for summer 2022! Highlights include new ports in Greece, Portugal, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and Dominica, plus first-ever summer sailings from Miami to the Bahamas. Check out the details as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.

“While we prepare for a return to sea just as soon as the time is right, we continue to look to the future and develop more cruising options for families,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Offering this diverse new line-up of itineraries for the summer of 2022 shows our commitment to taking more guests to more destinations around the world as we plan for additional ships in the years ahead.”

Bookings open to the public March 25, 2021. More details can be found on the Summer 2022 Itineraries page of disneycruise.com.

Explorations in the Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Beyond

In summer 2022, the Disney Magic’s grand tour of Europe begins with sailings through the Greek Isles and Mediterranean before heading to northern Europe for cruises to the Baltic, the British Isles, Iceland and the Norwegian fjords. Five new ports of call in Europe include Chania, Greece; Porto, Portugal; Riga, Latvia; Maloy, Norway; and Nynashamn, Sweden, near Stockholm.

Adventures in Alaska

The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the 2022 summer season to explore the region’s breathtaking natural vistas, glaciers and wildlife. Departing from Vancouver, Canada, most of these seven-night cruises will visit Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Two of the cruises will call on Icy Strait Point in place of Skagway.

First-Ever Summer Cruises from Miami

For the first time ever, you can sail out of Miami during the summer season, enjoying even more opportunities to visit Castaway Cay. Every cruise from Miami in the summer of 2022 features a stop at our private island paradise.

Tropical Vacations from Port Canaveral

Tropical vacations to the Caribbean and Bahamas continue aboard the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral near the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The ship will embark on an assortment of itineraries, including seven-night voyages,a special five-night sailing and an extended nine-night cruise. Each Disney Fantasy voyage features a visit to Castaway Cay.

Even More Magic Aboard the Disney Wish: As previously announced, the Disney Wish is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage in summer 2022. Information on itineraries and bookings for this ship will be released at a later date.