Disney World Confirms Permanent Closure of Nighttime Spectacular and Two Attractions

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

There’s so much changing right now at Disney World it’s hard to keep up. In addition to all the changes to park operations and offerings during the phased reopening, we’ve also seen changes to multiple construction projects timelines, project postponements, and even project cancellations. Today, we can add the permanent closure of two attractions and one of the nighttime spectaculars to the list.

Earlier today, Disney management confirmed in an internal memo to cast members that two attractions, Stitch’s Great Escape and Primeval Whirl, which did not reopen with the parks. Would in fact be closing permanently.

Stitch’s Great Escape comes as no surprise. The attractions has been operating seasonally since 2016 and was rarely open. Recently, it has served as the location of character meet and greet. The most surprising part of this announcement was that the attraction was technically still on the list of attractions open seasonally.

Likewise, Primeval Whirl has also been listed as a seasonal attraction and is rarely open. Primeval Whirl has been plagued in recent years with maintenance and operational issues. The attraction always had a line due to a very slow loading process, but overall had mixed reviews, so this closure isn’t shocking.

What will likely be surprising for many guests is the permanent shuttering of Rivers of Light, the nighttime spectacular at Animal Kingdom. Rivers of Light was technically the most complicated and expensive nighttime spectacular shows ever produced by Disney.

From the memo:

“As you know, when Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park reopened to our Guests, several experiences, attractions and shows did not reopen with the park for a variety of reasons. While we look forward to adjusting our operation as we continue to learn and grow in our new environment, Primeval Whirl and Rivers of light: We Are One will not reopen.”

“Over at Magic Kingdom, Stitch’s Great Escape – which has not operated for some time – is permanently closed. Guests can currently see stitch at the Rockettower Plaza Stage throughout the day.

We do not have any creative updates to share for these areas at the moment.”

New Limited Edition “WALL-E” Earth Day and “Dumbo” Mother’s Day MagicBands Finally Arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Now that Walt Disney World’s theme parks are finally reopening to guests, now available is the merchandise that was created for events that were supposed to happen during the shutdown.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a display of the limited edition MagicBands that are finally on sale.

Included were the Mulan “Strong Chi” and Father’s Day 2020 MagicBands…

And the Knowsmore Graduation MagicBand, are a pair of MagicBands for Earth Day and Mother’s Day!

Earth Day 2020’s MagicBand features a robot with a very eco-friendly directive, EVE! The top of the box features the robot with the fateful plant that would change her existance.

Meanwhile, one of the most tender scenes in Disney animation history appears on the Mother’s Day 2020 MagicBand.

The MagicBands retail for $34.99 each and can be found at Discovery Trading Company.

Walt Disney World Resort 2020 Theme Park Ticket Sales and Disney Resort Hotel Bookings Resume

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

In just a few more days, we’ll begin welcoming the first guests back to the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, starting July 11 with Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and followed July 15 by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’re continuing to prepare for these openings in a measured and deliberate way, implementing health and safety measures with cast members and guests in mind.

As you may recall, earlier we had temporarily paused 2020 ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel bookings so we could focus on helping existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders plan their visits with the new Disney Park Pass theme park reservation system. We are glad to share that beginning tomorrow, July 9, we will resume ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel bookings for 2020. Guests will soon be able to purchase new tickets and plan future visits throughout this year with the Disney Park Pass system, which we are using to help manage attendance during this reopening period. 

For those looking to make their plans right away, please note that tickets and Disney Resort hotel bookings may be released at different times throughout the day tomorrow. In addition, we will use virtual waiting rooms as needed to manage the high volume of guests looking to plan their visits.

All guests with valid admission are required to make a reservation in advance for each park entry, so be sure to check the park reservation availability calendar before purchasing any new tickets and then go directly to DisneyWorld.com/DisneyParkPass after your purchase to make your park reservations. Reservations are limited and subject to availability. Please note that, during this phased reopening, some tickets, ticket options and Disney Resort hotels are unavailable, but there are still a variety of options to choose from.

Though the experience may be different than the last time you visited, there is so much to look forward to, with many favorite attractions and dozens of entertainment offerings, including special new character cavalcades and the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

If you’re planning a visit for this year, we recommend checking out our “Know Before You Go” page at DisneyWorld.com/Updates, where you’ll find tips and information like how to make park reservations after purchasing your tickets.

Disney Releases Details on Characters in the Disney World Parks

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

We are so close to the reopening of Walt Disney World after a nearly four-month closure. Disney has shared with us information on what we can expect to see and interact with characters when the parks reopen this week.

1 – New Character Magic

Part of the magic of a Walt Disney World Resort theme park visit is seeing beloved Disney characters. With traditional parades and character greetings on hiatus to promote physical distancing among guests, theme park character experiences have been reimagined in new and different ways. From cavalcades down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park to sailings down Discovery River at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and much more, characters from dozens of favorite Disney stories will surprise and delight guests across all four theme parks. These are just some of the reimagined experiences guests will discover as the theme parks begin their phased reopening.

2 – Magic Kingdom (reopening July 11)

  • “The Royal Princess Processional” – Several times daily, favorite Disney princesses travel through the streets of Magic Kingdom. Princess Merida leads the way on her steed Angus, followed closely by a gazebo float and crystal castle carrying Cinderella, Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Rapunzel and others.
  • “Mickey and Friends Cavalcade” – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals pop up throughout the day, inviting everyone to “Get Their Ears On” as they wave to guests along the park’s parade route.
  • Cinderella’s Evil Stepsisters – From time to time, guests in Fantasyland may spot the dastardly Anastasia and Drizella and can interact with them from afar while they’re perched on a balcony of Cinderella Castle.
  • Goofy Cavalcade – Goofy will star in “A Goofy Cavalcade!” when Magic Kingdom Park reopens July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort.

3 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom (reopening July 11)

  • “Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!” – Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Launchpad McQuack wave to guests from their party boat as “Donald’s Dino Bash!” moves from DinoLand U.S.A. to Discovery River.
  • “Discovery River Character Cruise” – Throughout the day, guests can see Timon and Rafiki or Pocahontas with Meeko, who will set sail on the parks’ waterways.
  • Discovery Island Drummers – These high-energy percussionists cruise along Discovery River, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic beat.

4 – EPCOT (reopening July 15)

  • “Mickey and Friends World Tour” – As guests travel around World Showcase, they may come upon Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Goofy all out sightseeing and waving to their friends.
  • “Frozen Promenade” – Queen Anna and Elsa venture into the unknown around World Showcase, journeying from country to country and waving hello to guests along the way.

5 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios (reopening July 15)

  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – While living their own adventures in a galaxy far, far away, guests are likely to come across some familiar faces as they explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu:
    • Heroes of the Resistance, including Rey, Chewbacca and Vi Moradi, may be spotted on platforms above the garage in Black Spire Station or surveying activity around the spaceport where the Millennium Falcon has landed.
    • A contingent of First Order Stormtroopers join Kylo Ren in patrolling the landing platform at Docking Bay 9 beneath their TIE Echelon assault vehicle.
  • “Pixar Pals Motorcade” – Some of the biggest stars from Pixar Animation Studios’ films arrive on Hollywood Boulevard, from The Incredibles to Toy Story pals and more. They’ll wave to their fans as they head down the avenue accompanied by a celebratory musical score.
  • “Disney Junior Stars Motorcade” – Throughout the day, Disney Junior stars including Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina will cruise down Hollywood Boulevard waving to fans from colorful custom convertibles.

Walt Disney World Cast Members Prepare To Welcome Guests Home!

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

In just 5 days Walt Disney World begins their phased reopening! Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopen on July 11. EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopen on July 15. We simply can’t wait! And it look like from this video, the Disney Cast Members are just as excited! Check out the video and details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

“With just eight days until we reopen our first theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, tens of thousands of cast members have been straightening up our nametags (and grabbing our face coverings!) as we begin to return to work. As we count down to the phased reopening of our theme parks, we’re looking forward to welcoming our fellow cast members home to begin training in preparation for reopening. 

And this week, that special moment finally arrived for a group of our theme park cast members as they put on their nametags, reunited with their work locations and fellow cast, and began their first days of training to learn new health and safety protocols. With the return of every cast member, and at the conclusion of every training session, you can feel how passionate and ready the team is as we get one step closer to the first theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort welcoming guests home.

Many of us are returning to places that look and feel a little different, and collectively, we’re dedicating thousands of hours to health and safety training because we know that it will take all of us working together to responsibly create the magic once again.”

Though our world may look a little different as we return to familiar and cherished places, we’re eager to open the gates and navigate this new world together with health and safety top of mind. Take a look at some of the first special moments as cast returned to their favorite parks and began prepping to welcome guests home with a smile in their eyes.