The Walt Disney Company is reportedly informing their employees and Cast Members that they are now requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. to be fully vaccinated.
Employees have 60 days to get vaccinated if they are not yet. All new hires will need to be fully vaccinated before employment. Disney is communicating with unions regarding union employees.
Those currently working remotely will need to provide proof of vaccination before returning to the workplace. That being said, the work-from-home calendar has been extended.
Certain exemptions do apply, likely for those who are immunocompromised and unable to be vaccinated.
Disney is working on creating a plan for their employees outside of the U.S., which would include those at Disney Parks.
August is going to be another step toward normal again, with more favorites returning. Here are the August, 2021 reopenings.
Entertainment
Wonderful World of Animation – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – reopening August 1: We don’t know when fireworks will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be an end of the night presentation. Wonderful World of Animation is a projection show that takes place on and around the Chinese Theater. You’ll enjoy decades worth of cinema in the 12 minute show. Many past guests have missed it because they were at Fantasmic. You don’t have that excuse right now.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Magic Kingdom – reopening August 8: Humans will soon be able to enter the monster world once again! Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is a live show the relies heavily on audience participation. It’s a lot of fun and sure to put a smile on your face. If you know a good joke you can text it before you enter the theater and it might be part of the show!
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – reopening August 15: A tale as old as time will soon delight young and old alike once again. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is a high quality show that is faithful to the animated film that you know and love. At 25 minutes it’s condensed, but you’ll hear your favorite songs and see your favorite characters. The highlight is arguably the waltz between Belle and the Beast. This is one of the top shows that Walt Disney World fans have wanted to return, on August 15 they will get their wish.
Turtle Talk With Crush – EPCOT – reopening August 21: You’ll soon be able to enjoy a totally tubular time with everyone’s favorite turtle! Crush and the gang will be back entertaining and interacting with guests. Get your questions ready, because Crush wants to answer all of them! He’s been quiet for too long.
Hall of Presidents – Magic Kingdom – date unknown: Whenever a new US President is sworn in, the Hall of Presidents shuts down to install a new animatronic and update the soundtrack. Disney has not given an exact date for when the attraction will open again, but it has been confirmed that it will be sometime in August.
Restaurants
Pizzafari – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – reopening August 2: If you’re in the mood for individual sized pizza, Pizzafari is the place to go. The atmosphere is half the fun, with five themed rooms that you can dine in. Check the hours, because it looks like they will be limited; at least at first. Mobile Ordering is encouraged.
Columbia Harbour House – Magic Kingdom – reopening August 5: Enjoy a taste of New England at this popular quick service restaurant. You can start with Clam Chowder, and then move onto a Lobster Roll. You don’t have to want seafood to dine here. The Lighthouse Sandwich is a popular plant-based option. It’s so popular that when it was removed from the menu several years ago, there were a number of complaints and Disney decided to bring it back. Again, Mobile Ordering is encouraged.
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – reopening August 5: Located in Gran Destino Tower, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood has the feel of a signature restaurant. It’s beautiful inside, and since you’re on the roof you can head outside and enjoy spectacular views. If you aren’t sure what to order, try the Chef’s Signature Dinner for Two. You won’t be disappointed.
Yachtsman Steakhouse – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – reopening August 5: Many people say that the steak served at Yachtsman Steakhouse is the best at Walt Disney World. You can enjoy this signature restaurant again on August 5. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a quick walk from the International Gateway Entrance to EPCOT, so you can easily get away and then head back to the park for EPCOT Forever. There is a dress code at Yachtsman Steakhouse, so make sure you’ve checked it before you make your plans.
Atlantic Dance Hall – Disney’s BoardWalk – reopening August 6: Get ready to dance the night away! There is no food served at Atlantic Dance Hall, but there is a full bar. Videos from yesteryear and more recent are played. Atlantic Dance Hall is strictly for the 21 and up crowd. It may not be open nightly, before the closure it was open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Reopening August 26: All of the Walt Disney World resort hotels will be open by the end of 2021. Next up is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Jambo House. There are some aspects of the property that may not be operating, and all restaurants might not be open. Still, it’s a beautiful property and a wonderful place to stay. Spend some time watching the animals on the savannas. They’ve missed you.
It was announced today via the Pixar Instagram that Joe Gardner will be joining the lineup of Disney Fab 50 statues for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
Soul directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers took to Instagram to announce the newest statue honoring the lead from their film. Joe is seen seated, playing a stream of piano keys. The statue will be showcased at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, alongside Edna Mode who was recently announced as part of the Fab 50 Character Collection at the park as well.
Magic Kingdom is currently scheduled to open at 9:00 AM daily. It will close at 8:30 PM on October 10, 12, and 15. It will close at 9:00 PM on October 11, 13, 14, and 16.
EPCOT
EPCOT is currently scheduled to be open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is scheduled to be open 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Blizzard Beach is scheduled to be open 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
The latest addition to the Disney Fab 50 character statue lineup for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World is Dante from “Coco.” Dante will appear at EPCOT.
The statue was revealed by Cesar Millan, the “Dog Whisperer” of National Geographic.