2020 has been unexpected to say the least. While we put the year behind us, it’s interesting to check out some then and now photos of the current construction sites at Walt Disney World. Thanks to @bioreconstruct via Twitter aerial photo comparisons, we can check out what progress has been made on the three most popular Walt Disney World construction sites.
First up, here’s an aerial comparison of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. The first photo below is from January 1, 2020. The second photo below is from December 22, 2020.
Next, here’s an aerial comparison of TRON. The first photo below is from May 31, 2019. The second photo below is from December 22, 2020.
Next, here’s an aerial comparison of EPCOT Future World. The first photo below is from January 1, 2020. The second photo below is from December 22, 2020.
Tron Lightcycle Power Run seems to have made the most progress thus far. Doesn’t look like much progress in the other photos? Keep in mind, much of the construction was put on hold when COVID-19 hit. We’re excited to see the finished products in these areas… hopefully in time for the October 2021 50th Anniversary celebration!
The year 2021 is almost here and Disney has released a new Walt Disney World resort sale that includes a special bonus!
From a Disney Cast Member;
We’re all ready to turn the page on 2020, right? If you’re thinking about how great it would be to take a Walt Disney World Resort vacation next year, I have some excellent news to share.
Today we’re announcing a special new offer available to book beginning January 5, 2021: when you buy a non-discounted four-night/three-day room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights January 8 through September 25, 2021, you’ll get an additional two days of theme park tickets! I wanted to let you know about this great offer now so you have a couple weeks to start planning … and dreaming of all the fun you can have at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Like what, you ask? Well … plenty! You could check out the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which begins January 8 and runs through February 22. We have all sorts of new character experiences throughout the theme parks and Resort hotels. And there are incredible attractions galore, from Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Avatar – Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and so many more. Cinderella Castle even has a royal new makeover at Magic Kingdom Park – perfect for that new family portrait! 2021 will also mark the return of the guest-favorite Park Hopper option, which will be available for purchase as an add-on with this package.
As a reminder, Walt Disney World continues to operate with enhanced health and safety policies so everyone can enjoy the magic responsibly. To manage attendance, guests are required to have valid theme park admission and make a park reservation for each day of their visit through the Disney Park Pass system. Please visit Disneyworld.com/Updates for more information. There are also some other excellent offers available right now for booking into 2021, so there are plenty of options to get your new year started off right. Disney Vacation Club Members, learn about a special Member Offer at Disneyvactionclub.com. Here’s to a great big beautiful 2021!
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is offering the perfect gift option for foodies this holiday season – tickets to one of three food and beverage events hosted by the resort on Jan. 16, Feb. 7, and Feb. 27, 2021.
OnSaturday, Jan. 16 and Feb. 27, the resort will host Food & Wine Classic: A Taste of Swan and Dolphin from 5:30-8:00 p.m., with each event offering 10 food stations from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and more than 50 beverage offerings. Both will feature live entertainment and unlimited food and beverage tastings, including dessert selections from the hotel’s world champion pastry chef, Laurent Branlard.
Highlights include:
Roasted organic pumpkin ravioli gnudi with seared sea scallop, whipped ricotta cheese and pumpkin gremolata (served by Todd English’s bluezoo at the Jan. 16 event)
Surf and Turf featuring roasted linz heritage angus prime strip loin and marinated shrimp with creamed spinach and sauce foyot (served by Shula’s Steak House at the Feb. 27 event).
For the sports-centric foodie, the resort will for the first time host a Big Game Tailgate Watch Party Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:00 p.m. The event will begin 30 minutes prior to kickoff and last through the end of the game. While watching all the action, guests can enjoy seven food stations and unlimited craft beer and wine. Menu highlights include: crispy fried chicken wings with an array of sauces, angus beef sliders, carne asada tacos, Italian sausage sandwich, a selection of desserts and more.
Each event will feature different menu items so attendees will have a distinct experience each time. Guests will enjoy an intimate atmosphere and experience the latest in responsible food delivery safety measures and social distancing procedures to ensure an entertaining, unforgettable, and mouthwatering experience.
Event-only tickets can be purchased online at SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com for $110 per person. Room packages start at $359 and include event access for two adults. To book, call 1-888-828-8850 between 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays; 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Events are limited to those 21 years and older.
Among the protocols implemented for each event are: Temperature checks at the entrance; plexiglass walls for all food service areas; all cast members wearing PPE; socially distanced event space; seating available to accommodate each party at their own table; touchless menus and clearly marked social distancing signage.
The days of receiving complimentary MagicBands as Disney Resort Guests are dwindling quickly. As previously shared, as of January 1, 2021, MagicBands will no longer be complimentary at Disney Resorts.
Disney Resort hotel Guests with an arrival date through December 31, 2020 will receive complimentary MagicBands. Magicbands will no longer be provided on a complimentary basis for new reservations for arrivals at Disney Resort hotels January 1, 2021 and beyond. However, Guests will have the option to purchase MagicBands.
The website also states: “In addition to MagicBands, in 2021, we plan to unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices.”
As we continue to follow along with Walt Disney World’s phased reopening, new reopening dates have been listed for Disney’s All-Star Movies, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
We previously shared the exciting news that All-Star Movies Resort was scheduled to reopen beginning February 9, 2021. It looks like the update now shows that reopening date has been pushed back to March 22.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is listed to reopen to on May 30, 2021. Until May 30, Disney Vacation Club guests can stay at the Beach Club Villas. We’re excited to see Beach Club will reopen to all guests beginning May 30.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is listed to reopen to on June 6, 2021. Until June 6, Disney Vacation Club guests can stay at the Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas.
