All Cavalcades Removed from EPCOT’s Entertainment Line Up

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Walt Disney World is preparing for its first-ever “World Princess Week” beginning Monday, August 23 with special princess-themed treats throughout the Disney Park and Resorts. We previously shared the news that a new Tiana-themed playground is coming to EPCOT. Before Princess Week kicks off, however, Disney has removed the last of their EPCOT cavalcades, the “Princess Promenade”. The “Princess Promenade” cavalcade (video here) was a carriage filled with favorite Disney Princesses such as Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White that would move slowly through EPCOT’s World Showcase with Princesses smiling and waving at Park Guests. Does this mean we’ll no longer see Disney Princesses at EPCOT? Thankfully, no! You will still have your chance to spot several Princesses throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase.

EPCOT has already removed the “Frozen Promenade” cavalcade (video here) where Guests could see the popular Frozen sisters, Elsa and Anna. The “Mickey and Friends World Tour” cavalcade has also ended where Guests spotted Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto throughout the World Showcase. So, what’s next for these characters? EPCOT is moving them into socially distanced locations.

Queen Elsa and Anna from Frozen have already been greeting Guests in their home Pavilion, Norway, with socially distanced barriers. While you can’t hug or ask for autographs at the moment, you can still snap a photo with the Princesses not too far behind you. Snow White has been spotted once again in the Germany Pavilion near her wishing well. Even Jasmine has made an appearance in the Morocco Pavilion. It looks like Disney’s removal of the Princess Promenade is to allow the Princesses to return to their countries for socially distanced greetings.

Currently, the Walt Disney World Resort website lists the following entertainment options for EPCOT:

  • JAMMin’ Chefs (Canada Mill Stage): This funky drumming crew breaks it down as they drum up fun in the kitchen using pots, pans and other unlikely instruments.
  • Mariachi Cobre (America Gardens Theatre): Enjoy an exuberant performance of world-famous, traditional folk music.
  • Voices of Liberty (America Gardens Theatre): Get swept away by inspiring vocal performances celebrating America’s spirit and beauty.
  • America Gardens Bandstand: The 2021 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival opens with America Gardens Bandstand presented by Florida Blue Medicare, a live music concert series Friday through Monday evenings. Watch as local bands from across Central Florida take to the stage at America Gardens Theatre, playing popular songs of yesterday and today.

While we’re all about seeing the Princesses, don’t forget to be on the lookout for other Disney characters that may make appearances in and around Future World, such as the sweet Winnie the Pooh trying to catch butterflies near the Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction.

Character cavalcade opportunities are still currently available at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, keep an eye and ear out at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as characters take boat rides throughout the Park’s waterways.

Disney Fans Dislike the New Disney Genie

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Via DisneyTips.com

It has been a long FIVE days since Disney announced the new Disney Genie making its way to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this fall. While we haven’t heard many complaints about the complimentary Disney Genie app, we have heard many (MANY!) complaints about Disney replacing the former complimentary FastPass program with new paid Disney Genie+ and the Lightning Lane. We’re hearing it’s complicated, it makes no sense… and most of all, it’s more money to be spent at a Disney Park. Well, if you’re feeling disappointed in Disney’s decision to roll out the Disney Genie and added upcharge for the former free FastPass, you aren’t alone. In fact, fans have spoken and there is an overwhelming dislike when it comes to the new Disney Genie rollout.

In the Disney Parks YouTube video reveal you’ll see in the screenshot below, the massive number of dislikes Disney’s post received compared to likes. OUCH.

And the YouTube video isn’t the only spot where Guests are obviously not happy about the change. Just check out any one of Disney’s social media networks to see a large number of comments and angry faces about the Disney Genie. For example, the Facebook angry face takes over Disney Parks Blog Facebook post as shown in the screenshot below:

With the reveal of the Disney Genie, we also learned more news that seemed to disappoint the Disney fan world. EPCOT’s newest attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, will be a virtual queue only OR you’ll be able to pay to ride. Just like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, there will be no standby line for these two attractions. But you can pay to ride if you don’t get a virtual queue in time.

The big question is what are you willing to pay to better your Disney experience? Would you pay one set fee for multiple individual attraction selections such as Haunted Mansion (Disney Genie+)? Or how about a one-time fee per person for a more popular individual attraction selection such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park (Lightning Lane entrance)?

Disney Reveals Details on Upcoming Transformation of Splash Mountain

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Last year, Disney announced the reimagining of the classic attraction, Splash Mountain with a Princess and the Frog theme. Since then we haven’t heard much of anything on the project. In celebration of World Princess Week, Disney has released new concept art and details on the soon to be updated Splash Mountain.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Last year, we announced that Imagineers are developing an all-new attraction coming to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort inspired by the fan-favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog.” With the kick off of World Princess Week, celebrating the characteristics these Disney heroes inspire in fans all around the world, we are thrilled to share the latest developments in this exciting new chapter for Tiana and her friends!

Tiana is an ambitious and resilient woman, who proves that success comes through a connection to her family and community and has learned to never lose sight of what’s really important – giving back to others through great food and inspiring them to achieve their full potential.

As seen in this latest rendering of the attraction, the story will take place after the final kiss as Naveen and Louis join Tiana on her latest adventure, hosting a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome – during which some original music inspired by songs from the film will bring guests into the story. Tiana is leading the way and fans will be able to encounter old friends and make new ones along the way as well!

We recently gathered at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans — founder Leah Chase was one of the inspirations for Princess Tiana — to talk about Tiana’s impact over the past decade and the creative process behind the upcoming attraction, including the next-level technology Imagineers are employing to bring it to life. Generations of the Chase family welcomed us while Chef Dook cooked up some of their famous gumbo. We sat down with Leah’s daughter, Stella Chase Reese who shared that “The two coming together, music and food, brings joy and happiness to all” and isn’t that the truth?

Watch Kenneth Moton, National Correspondent for ABC News as he joins Stella Chase Reese, Owner of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant and daughter of Leah Chase; Carmen Smith, Creative Executive, Vice President, Inclusive Strategies for Walt Disney Imagineering; Charita Carter, Senior Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering; and Marlon West, VFX Supervisor for Walt Disney Animation Studios to hear more:

Imagineers often do in-depth research to help inspire their work. In this case, that involved digging deep into the culture of New Orleans to tell a story that’s as authentic to the region as it is to the characters’ stories. From the food, music, art and architecture to the diversity of its people and their traditions, there is much from which to draw inspiration. The team has done virtual research trips through Zoom and this was their first of many in-person research trips to come and get the story right.

Tying to Leah Chase’s love of art, one of the early sources of inspiration has come from Sharika Mahdi — a visual artist, art educator, and alumna of the renowned YAYA (Young Aspirations Young Artists) Arts Center located in New Orleans — who was commissioned to create a series of four original paintings to inspire Imagineers, one of which was revealed today.

To celebrate all of these developments, our love and appreciation for New Orleans, and our commitment to arts education, Disney announced a $50,000 donation to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), a regional, pre-professional arts training center that offers students intensive instruction in culinary arts, dance, media arts, classical instrumental music, jazz instrumental music, classical vocal music, drama, musical theatre, theatre design, visual arts and creative writing.

Disney Announces Attraction Lineup for Early Theme Park Entry & Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Announced earlier this year, one of the new benefits of staying at a Walt Disney Resort will be a new 30-minute early entry. Extra Magic Hours have been retired and will not return. This new benefit allows guests to enter any theme park, ahead of non-resort guests to get a jump on the day. Another benefit, available only to guests of Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts, gives guests extended evening hours in the parks. Disney has announced the attractions that will be open during the Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Early Theme Park Entry

Starting October 1, 2021, as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy more fun with 30-minute early entry to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day. It’ll be a great way to get a jump start on your Disney day, no matter the day!

Valid theme park admission, park reservation, and Resort ID are required.

Participating HotelsEarly theme park entry is a benefit for registered Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels, which include:

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World® Resort
  • Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
  • Waldorf Astoria Orlando
  • B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
  • Holiday Inn Orlando
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
  • Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando

What’s Available at the Theme Parks

During the early entry period, select attractions, merchandise, and food and beverage locations will be operating.

In addition, the following attractions are planned* to operate:

Magic Kingdom Park

  •     “it’s a small world”
  •     Astro Orbiter
  •     Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  •     Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  •     Mad Tea Party
  •     Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  •     Peter Pan’s Flight
  •     Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  •     Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  •     Space Mountain
  •     The Barnstormer
  •     The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  •     Tomorrowland Speedway
  •     Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  •     Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
  •     Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Epcot

  •     Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
  •     Frozen Ever After
  •     Mission: SPACE
  •     Soarin’ Around the World
  •     Spaceship Earth
  •     Test Track
  •     The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  •     Alien Swirling Saucers
  •     Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  •     Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  •     Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  •     Slinky Dog Dash
  •     Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  •     The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™
  •     Toy Story Mania!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  •     Avatar Flight of Passage
  •     DINOSAUR
  •     Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
  •     It’s Tough to be a Bug!
  •     Na’vi River Journey
  •     TriceraTop Spin

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational. To learn about any unplanned closures or long-term refurbishments, please view details about the attraction on our website or mobile app.

What You Need to Know

  • Be aware that a valid theme park admission ticket and park reservation are required.
  • Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Early Theme Park Entry benefit.
  • Not all Walt Disney World attractions are available during Early Theme Park Entry. Early Theme Park Entry schedule and available attractions are subject to change without notice.
  • Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and cancellation.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

With the kickoff of the 50th anniversary, enjoy extended evening hours on select evenings in select theme parks when you stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels. This exciting benefit begins in October 2021—so you can celebrate the spectacular 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!

Participating HotelsExtended evening theme park hours is a benefit for registered Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, which include:Disney Deluxe Resorts

  •     Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  •     Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  •     Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  •     Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  •     Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  •     Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  •     Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  •     Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

  •     Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  •     Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  •     Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  •     Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  •     Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  •     Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  •     Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  •     Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  •     Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  •     Disney’s Riviera Resort
  •     Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  •     The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other Select Hotels

  •     Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  •     Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  •     Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  •     Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®

What’s Available at the Theme Parks

During the extended evening theme park hours, select merchandise and food and beverage locations will be available.

In addition, the following attractions are planned* to operate:

Magic Kingdom Park

  • “it’s a small world”
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Space Mountain
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • The Barnstormer
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Epcot

  • Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
  • Mission: SPACE
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Test Track
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends

*Please note that attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational. To learn about any unplanned closures or long-term refurbishments, please view details about the attraction on our website or mobile app.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Schedule

The chart below show the available Extended Evening Theme Park Hours schedule at the time of publication.

DateTheme ParkExtended Hours
Monday, October 4Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 6Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, October 11Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 13Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, October 18Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 20Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, October 25Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, October 27Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monday, November 1Epcot10:00 PM to midnight
Wednesday, November 3Magic Kingdom9:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure To Use Virtual Queue

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Alongside the announcement that FastPass+ would be replaced with the paid Genie+ this fall, we have learned that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will use a virtual queue similar to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

In addition to the regular, complimentary virtual queue system, access to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be available as a Lightning Lane individual attraction purchase.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be opening on October 1 at EPCOT for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.