EPCOT Monorail Is Reopening This Weekend!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts, Epcot

Scott Gustin, a regular Disney reporter, took to Twitter to share: “NEW: The EPCOT Monorail will officially reopen on Sunday, July 18. The EPCOT Monorail last operated in March 2020 when the parks closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Gustin continues in the Twitter thread: “As part of this change, direct bus service to EPCOT will no longer be available from these hotels (and effective dates):

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – July 25
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort – July 25
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – mid-August

Of course, everything is subject to change – but it sure seems like EPCOT bus service at The Polynesian ending in mid-August means Disney expects to have Polynesian monorail service back online by mid-August.”

Disney Watercraft Captain Sings to Walt Disney World Guests

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

As if the experience of traveling on one of Disney’s boats across the Seven Seas Lagoon isn’t magical enough, now you may have a chance to experience a singing pilot Cast Member! That’s right, Cast Member Mallory is adding an extra dose of pixie dust to those traveling aboard her watercraft.

Walt Disney World Cast and Community took to Facebook to share: “Cast Member Mallory finds herself sailing the Seven Seas Lagoon each day as a watercraft boat captain, making both magic and music for our Guests. Our dreams came true when we got to hear her sing.”

@disneyparks

Our cast members, like Mallory amaze us every day ✨🎶 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #CastMember #Sing #Boat #Summer

♬ original sound – Disney Parks

Disney’s Magical Express Replacement Announced

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

We previously shared the big new that Disney announced the Magical Express service for airport transportation will come to an end beginning January 1, 2022. This complimentary Disney resort guest service will be greatly missed. Shortly after Disney’s announcement, Mears – who operates the Magical Express service – announced they plan to continue offering transportation service in some form. Well, now enters the latest in Disney’s Magical Express replacement… “Mears Connect”.

Mears Connect is coming in January 2022, just in time for the retirement of Disney’s Magical Express. While details are limited, we do know that Mears Transportation’s connection experience will connect guests from the airport to Disney Resort areas. Mears has announced this new transportation will offer “The Same Reliable, Safe, Express Service”. You can begin making your reservations for Mears Connect starting May 2021. Finally, be sure to sign up for their notification emails be clicking here.

New Pluto Character Bus Wrap Arrives

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

There is a new bus wrap featuring Pluto pull into the station. This new style follows along with the Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse bus wraps that are simple but have a pop of character!

Outfitted with yellow, green, and white stripes, the bus wrap matches Pluto well!

On a window on the right side of the bus, Pluto is happy to greet Guests as they enter the vehicle.

When the bus pulls around, the left side showcases Pluto as he stretches across two windows, seemingly running with the bus.

new-pluto-bus-wrap-15

Brightline High Speed Rail Not Scheduled to Connect to Walt Disney World Until, At Earliest, 2026

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via wdwnt.com

The heavily anticipated Brightline high speed rail that would connect the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World is now scheduled to start service as early as mid-2026. The route from Disney property to the airport would cost anywhere from $1.03-$2.1 billion, depending on which exact route is selected.

Florida transportation authorities recently stated that they gave Brightline a deadline of mid-summer 2021 to negotiate an agreement with local and state agencies. This agreement includes securing leases that would involve adding the station at Disney Springs by the end of 2023.

With Disney’s Magical Express transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport ending in 2022, the Brightline rail could help reduce the impact of this loss once service begins. However, the train service still won’t be running for years after that end date.