One Disney Park is already booked solid for a major upcoming holiday.
There is no denying that since 2020, the Disney Parks and Resorts have been completely different. When the Parks reopened in 2020 we saw a lull in Guests as there were very few who were traveling as well as Disney has a very small capacity limit. Since that point in time, we have seen borders reopen and travel become a more “normal” part of life for many. Along with that, we have seen Disney open their capacity more, remove mask mandates, bring back a lot of entertainment, and head towards an operational schedule that reminds us of a pre-pandemic Disney.
Despite how crowded the Parks are, they are all still operating under a reduced capacity. At the moment, Disney will not release what that number is, but it is likely in the higher range as shoulder-to-shoulder crowds are back. Guests must still collect and obtain a Disney Park Pass to enter a theme park, and as we noted, those do not seem to be going anywhere soon as you can currently make Park Passes through to 2024.
We recently noticed that one Disney Park is completely full in a few months. As you can see in our screenshot from the official Disney World website below, there are no more reservations available for Magic Kingdon on the 4th of July this year:
To enter a park, both a park reservation and a valid ticket or pass for the same park on the same date are required. Upon reopening, certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, services, experiences, amenities, and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity, and will be subject to limited availability or even closure, and that park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.
In addition to riding rides such as Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, “it’s a small world”, Space Mountain, and others, Guests can also catch what many refer to as the 3 o’clock parade, Festival of Fantasy, which just recently returned to the Park.
At nighttime, Guests can watch the newly debuted fireworks show, Disney Enchantment, which replaced the now retired, Happily Ever After, for Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
A 22-year-old Canadian man has been arrested on an outstanding warrant for allegedly making a bomb threat at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2019.
Matthew Carney was arrested at the Ogdensburg, New York, Port of Entry, at the United States-Canada border by agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, according to a news release from United States Customs and Border Protection. Border agents confirmed the outstanding warrant for Carney’s arrest out of Florida and transferred him to the Ogdensburg Police Department.
Carney was working as a Cast Member at the Walt Disney World Resort when he allegedly made the bomb threat at the Florida parks. He is currently in the custody of the St. Lawrence Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release reads as follows:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Ogdensburg Port of Entry arrested a 22-year-old male, Canadian citizen who had an outstanding felony warrant out of Florida.
On May 16, CBP officers encountered a passenger vehicle occupied by a Canadian Citizen traveling alone. During the inspection process, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle, Matthew Carney, had an active National Crime Information Center (NCIC) warrant issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, in Florida for issuing a bombthreat to Disney World staff. The warrant stemmed from an incident in 2019, while Carney was employed by Walt Disney World.
“This incident highlights the continued work that CBP does alongside our many law enforcement partners, playing a vital role in maintaining the safety of our communities,” said Ogdensburg Port Director Thomas Trimboli.
In 2019, Carney, age 19 at the time, allegedly told a security guard standing outside Magic Kingdom at Disney World “I have a bomb.” He further told the security guard, “I am going to blow up the castle,” according to a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The security guard took Carney to her manager at Magic Kingdom, and he made another statement to the manager about his desire to “blow up the castle.” In the Sheriff’s Office report, the Security manager said that Carney “had a straight face, was not laughing, and appeared to be serious while making these statements.”
When Carney was searched by an Orange County deputy, he was found to have two cell phones on his person: one that was on and one that was “not operable.”
Charges were officially filed by the State Attorney’s Office more than a year after the alleged bomb threat took place, in August 2020 according to court records online.
Late Tuesday afternoon, an attorney representing Carney filed a motion for him to be released on his own recognizance.
The attorney’s motion states that Carney was participating in Disney’s internship program at the time the alleged incident took place and that he was not arrested during that investigation. The attorney also asserts in her motion that Carney had “no knowledge” of any outstanding warrant for his arrest, that he had no knowledge of the delayed filing of charges by the State Attorney’s Office, and that he has graduated from college since the alleged incident took place.
One of parents’ most cherished memories is the first time their little one visits the barber to shorten their unruly, yet luscious locks. How special it would be to share this moment with her at The Most Magical Place on Earth!
A mainstay of Magic Kingdom Park since opening day, Harmony Barber Shop is opening its doors once again on July 31 for the world’s most magical haircut. Considered by many to be a rite-of-passage, the cherished “My First Haircut” experience is making its return as stylists eagerly await to shower their young friends with magic and extra special pixie dust for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration to commemorate this special milestone. In fact, Guests of all ages are welcome to take a break from the hustle and bustle and let our friendly stylists polish you up for a day at the park.
To ensure service is a cut above the rest, a limited number of reservations for this timeless experience will be bookable in the My Disney Experience app beginning June 28. For those who wish to look sharp at the park, walk-in appointments will be accepted based on availability.
This marks a special moment for Magic Kingdom Park as our final Main Street locale reopens its doors to invite young and old alike to share in the cheer of yesteryear. We look forward to providing families with magical memories in the whimsical nostalgia of a bygone era.
And for inquiring (and eager!) minds, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will also begin reopening its doors for royal transformations later this year at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for all the sparkling details.
Whether it’s the smooth harmonies of the Dapper Dans performing on Main Street, U.S.A., the action-packed thrills of “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” or a warm hug from Anna and Elsa, live entertainment is filling every corner of Walt Disney World Resort these days.
New shows and experiences that debuted at the start of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration continue to dazzle guests. These include two new nighttime spectaculars – “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT – and “Disney KiteTails,” which is performed multiple times throughout the day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. As “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” continues throughout 2022, welcoming back fan-favorite entertainment is one of the many ways Disney is continuing to add even more magic to the guest experience. Keep reading for an overview of new, returning and soon-to-debut entertainment.
‘Fantasmic!’ Set to Dazzle Audiences Again Later This Year
The iconic “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will make its much-anticipated return later in 2022 with a new show sequence featuring Disney characters – Mulan, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Moana – in heroic moments, as well as new technical enhancements. Guests won’t want to miss this spectacle set on a canvas of water where the forces of good and evil battle it out in Mickey’s dream. The extravagant, open-air nighttime musical boasts more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics.
Revisiting the Big Blue World
This summer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” marking the freshly reimagined return of one of its most popular musical entertainment experiences. This fully updated, 25-minute stage show incorporates live performers and puppets, along with many favorite production numbers from the original “Finding Nemo: The Musical.” In addition to a new script, the show features new set pieces with a fresh look, and a new LED video wall designed to visually extend the world created by the physical sets on stage – such as a 32-foot-long sunken submarine and a 15-foot-tall fish tank volcano.
Frontier-Style Fun Family Feast
On June 23, 2022, a classic Walt Disney World dinner show, “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, returns to once again offer rousing performances. Since its opening in 1974, this popular family experience has continued to surprise and delight guests with singing, zany comedy and an unforgettable country feast of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, savory sides, and, of course, strawberry shortcake!
Along with the much-anticipated return of the Pioneer Hall Players and cast members, the show will feature new updates to its script and scenery while staying true to the hilarious, high-spirited family entertainment adored by generations of guests. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged and will be available on DisneyWorld.com starting May 26.
What’s New and Next: Shows, Parades, and Cavalcades
At Magic Kingdom, three exciting experiences recently made their return or debut:
“Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” now winds its way through the park twice daily, offering guests double the chance to see enchanting floats like the fire-breathing Maleficent dragon.
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” features favorite scenes inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and finale with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy in their sparkling 50th Anniversary EARidescent fashions.
“Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” stars nearly 30 favorite Disney and Pixar friends such as Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Miguel from “Coco,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, Pocahontas and more.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Festival of the Lion King” inspires guests with its larger-than-life musical production filled with pageantry and puppetry. And this summer, two popular performances are set to make their much-anticipated return to the show:
Tumble Monkeys, a group of high-flying primates, will soon resume their acrobatic hijinks.
The show’s iconic birds will once again soar above the stage.
Later this year, Magic Kingdom Park will welcome back Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Offered on select dates August through October, this special event haunts the park after normal operating hours (separate admission is required) with a lineup of frightfully fun entertainment:
“Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” showcases floats filled with villains, Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best, and the Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers.
“Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show stars the wicked Sanderson Sisters.
As part of the recent phased return of traditional character greetings across Walt Disney World, guests can now hug Mickey Mouse, share a laugh with Goofy, and get autographs from their favorite Disney princesses. Here are just a few of the available character greeting opportunities:
Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Tiana at Magic Kingdom
Anna, Elsa, Mulan and Jasmine at EPCOT
Minnie Mouse, Sulley and Doc McStuffins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Kevin from Disney and Pixar’s “Up!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pluto, Goofy and Donald Duck at various Disney Resort hotels
It seems like it has been forever, but we may finally be getting close to a TRON: Lightcycle/Run opening date! The roller coaster — which already exists at Shanghai Disney — was announced for Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park all the way back in 2017 at the D23 Expo. Originally, the plan was to have the ride built and operational in time for the start of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, no one could have predicted a global pandemic, so work was put on pause and any mention of a potential opening date was shelved.
Construction has been moving along in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland for a while now, but Guests are still impatiently waiting for Disney to give them an opening date. And that announcement may be coming sooner rather than later. We recently reported that Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom saw the TRON coaster doing test runs, which means that the track is complete or nearly complete. Now, two permits filed by Disney could be ready to add the final touches and details to the highly-anticipated theme park attraction.
Both permits — which can be viewed by clicking here for one and here for two — were filed for the purpose of “fabrication and installation of show set items.” The contractor listed on the permits is Icarus Exhibits, Inc — which seems to be a company that works largely with Disney. According to the company’s LinkedIn page, its slogan is — “If you can dream it, we can build it!” There are also pictures of several Disney Parks attractions and eateries on its site, so this is definitely not the first time they have worked with the House of Mouse.
Here is more information on the TRON Lightcycle Power Run attraction that is at Shanghai Disney — but Disney World’s version looks like an exact replica:
Experience high-speed thrills and chills as the Grid comes alive in a heart-pounding race for survival. Created as a friendly way for “Programs” and “Users” to interact, the Power Run pits team against team in the quintessential quest to capture 8 Energy Gates and triumph over opponents.
Prepare for digitization after entering the portal—this is your access into the energy, lights and excitement of TRON’s high-tech universe. As you leave the real world behind, you’ll proceed to the games as a member of Team Blue, ready to compete against some of the Grid’s most menacing Programs.
Hopefully, these permits are indicative that a TRON Lightcycle/Run opening date is just around the corner!
