Everest Is Closing In 2022 For Renovations

Disney has been undergoing lots of upgrades lately, and the next attraction in line for an upgrade involves the Mount Everest-themed roller coaster. The popular “Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain” ride in the Animal Kingdom Disney park is closing from January 4th of this coming year to mid-April for refurbishment. The renovations will be focused on ride control operations, so Disney Guests who love the roller coaster don’t have to worry about any big changes to the attraction or its signature Yeti. The official closure date of the ride is January 4th, and a reopening date obviously cannot be confirmed until repairs have begun and the Disney engineers have some information with which to estimate a proper date.

Several Disney fans, like Scott Gustin, were actually hoping that the repairs would involve updates to the Yeti.

Gustin also expressed his disappointment in the news by sharing one of his old Tweets from 2020, in which he had also referenced Walt Disney World visitors’ hope that the Yeti would be repaired and upgraded.

Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is typically known for its fast-paced roller coaster, high-altitude thrills, and the exquisite details in the Himalayan ski lodge that houses the queue. If you love Expedition Everest and can get to Disney World before January 4th, now may be a good time to visit!

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Disney fans are accustomed to Walt Disney World refurbishments and the ride closures that follow (such as the current changes that are occurring on Splash Mountain), but Everest’s grand scale and the prospect of months without access to the ride will be a challenge for some avid fans of the Animal Kingdom. For a similar experience (albeit a wetter one) Disney visitors might want to head to the Kali River Rapids, or perhaps Space Mountain! Is Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain one of your favorite rides? 

New Original Song ‘You Are the Magic’ Featured in ‘Disney Enchantment’

We’re just over three weeks away from the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” at Walt Disney World on October 1. Also, debuting on October 1 is the new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment.” Disney has released new details about the song that will be featured in the new fireworks show.

“Disney Enchantment,” the brand-new nighttime spectacular coming to Magic Kingdom Park as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” features dazzling fireworks, beloved Disney music and immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. The show takes you on an emotional journey, empowering you to believe in yourself and make your dreams come true.

Philip Lawrence who wrote the original song for “Disney Enchantment” has certainly pursued his dreams and made them come true. Philip got his start as a cast member at Walt Disney World Resort, performing in shows like “Festival of the Lion King” and “Tarzan Rocks!” Through hard work and determination, he went on to find success as a songwriter and music producer, receiving 18 GRAMMY nominations and winning seven GRAMMY Awards for his collaborations with Bruno Mars on songs like “Uptown Funk” and “24K Magic.” Now, Philip has returned to where the magic began for him.

Entitled “You Are the Magic,” the song’s powerful lyrics inspire us for the journey ahead and touch our hearts and minds. And they soar to emotional high points during the climactic moments of “Disney Enchantment,” as we discover we only have to look within to ignite the magic that was inside us all along.

Philip Lawrence not only wrote “You Are the Magic” but also performs the song in “Disney Enchantment” along with actor and singer Kayla Alvarez, another former Walt Disney World cast member. Here’s a look at the recording of this incredible new song, as Philip and Kayla’s vocals come together with the sound of a full orchestra and chorus:

You’ll get to hear the complete version of “You Are the Magic” when “Disney Enchantment” Presented by Pandora Jewelry debuts October 1 at Magic Kingdom Park with the launch of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Trailer Released for “Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call” Virtual Reality Game

“Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call” is a virtual reality game coming to Oculus Quest on September 15, and a trailer is now available. The game is a sequel to last year’s “Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge,” which saw the return of Frank Oz as Yoda.

“In need of assistance, Dok-Ondar (Cory Rouse) hires you to recover an ancient artifact. Navigating new environments like Sardeevem Chasm and the Cavern of the Moons, watch out for pirates and new threats, solving puzzles, and using your droid repair tech tools to get yourself out of tight situations,” reads the official description for the upcoming game.

Based on the lands at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the games let you continue your Black Spire Outpost adventure long after you’ve returned from Batuu.

Groot and Rocket Raccoon to Join Disney Fab 50

The latest reveal for the Disney Fab 50 character statue collection features Rocket Raccoon and Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy.” A new roller coaster based on the film franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, is currently under construction at EPCOT where the statues will be found.

Watch the announcement video below.

Imagineer Zach Riddley announced that the statue is coming to EPCOT this fall for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.

New Villains Wishables Debut at Walt Disney World

A new month brings us a brand new line of Wishables at Walt Disney World! And with the spooky season already in full swing, some of Disney’s most infamous baddies are stealing the spotlight.

This month’s collection is all about the Disney Villains. Like previous releases, the series consists of a mystery bag with one of four characters inside, as well as an open plush.

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And as you may already know, the open Wishable features that ghostly rider of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman. Purchase limits are in effect for these Wishables, with guests restricted to two per item.

Headless Horseman Wishables Plush – $12.99

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Villains Series Wishables Mystery Bag – $12.99

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The mystery bag offers one of a quartet of sinister characters: Hades, Cruella de Vil, Scar, and Maleficent, each in that inimitable Wishables style.

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