Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 27 – August 2, 2021
Writer’s Note, News & Views (Combined)
This week’s Walt Disney World Resort Update is stuffed with the dates of leisure choices returning to the parks, the ultimate dates to catch “EPCOT Forever” and “Happily Ever After,” views of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and many “This & That…” that includes every part from the most recent particulars of Destination D23 coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort in November (with tickets happening sale to D23 Gold Members this week), to views round Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and its lately reopened Trader Sam’s venues, and extra. Beyond Walt Disney World, there’s now official information of Disney Cruise Line setting sail from Port Canaveral once more in August, and persevering with with the nautical theme, the christening of “Serendipity” at Give Kids the World Village, the all-inclusive resort that gives no-value want journeys to critically sick kids and their households.
Before I get to all that, my common reminders. While we had just a few days break this week due to one thing lower than a tropical melancholy off the Atlantic Coast of Central Florida, it’s the wet season right here round Walt Disney World Resort, and we’re about to maneuver into the presumably extra-lively a part of tropical storm season, which runs till the tip of November. The message right here is, as at all times, please stay alert as a result of it is a Central Florida’s summer time!
Of course, as has additionally been true for the previous 12 months, Walt Disney World Resort continues to be working in what it calls a “phased reopening.” That continues to imply that not every part operates prefer it did earlier than the worldwide pandemic, and never every part is even open, although the Resort continues to reopen extra venues and leisure. Like different employers across the nation, Disney appears to face some struggles filling roles across the Resort, and that, in flip, retains the tempo of the reopenings lower than what some of us could hope.
Rules and insurance policies evolve across the Resort, so make sure you verify this page of Walt Disney World for the most recent info you want to know earlier than your go to. Increasingly, because the COVID-19 an infection fee is on the rise once more with the unfold of the apparently extra contagious delta variant, some nationwide voices have been calling for reinstating necessary face masking guidelines, significantly in indoor areas. So far Disney has not moved in that route, however please keep in mind that Disney has a historical past of taking a extra cautious measured strategy on the subject of visitor security and has and may make guidelines and insurance policies stricter than the State of Florida imposes (Florida has tended to have extra lax insurance policies than many different states throughout the pandemic, and significantly California). As of publication, and as has been true for a number of weeks, the State of Florida doesn’t allow companies to request proof of vaccination, and Disney honors that by stating: “While we don’t require proof of vaccination, we count on Guests who are usually not totally vaccinated to proceed sporting face coverings in all indoor places and upon coming into and all through all points of interest and transportation.” Guests are nonetheless required to put on face coverings on buses, monorails and on Disney Skyliner.
If you haven’t been vaccinated and you’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, do your self and the remainder of us a favor: get vaccinated. This delta variant is taking a excessive toll among the many unvaccinated, and it might but mutate and threaten these of us which can be vaccinated.
Last Thursday night time, Magic Kingdom added the ultimate fiftieth anniversary celebratory bling to Cinderella Castle forward of the upcoming eighteen month celebration beginning October 1, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” Disney calls the bling “EARidescent magic.” For those who had been nonetheless hoping for a fortress cake just like the twenty fifth anniversary, effectively, possibly you’ll be able to attempt to persuade Disney to try this for the seventy fifth anniversary in 2046.
Those flying into and out of Orlando International Airport will get their first style of Walt Disney World’s fiftieth anniversary EARidescent bling this fall on the terminal “trains” and with immersive photograph alternatives and different decor. Last we reported on Disney World decorations on the terminals, the practice loading areas had been adorned to have a good time the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge again in 2019.
More Entertainment Phases Back To The Parks in August
Following final week’s Disney Parks Blog announcement that the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents will make its return in August, on Wednesday, Disney Parks Blog introduced extra leisure returning subsequent month.
On August 1, the nighttime projection present “Wonderful World of Animation” will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The present takes place on the facade of the Chinese Theater and when it was final proven, it included some fireworks. We count on a number of the pyrotechnics will return based mostly on the images within the announcement, however a lot of the present’s prior run passed off earlier than Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened contained in the Chinese Theater, so it’s doable that operation of the attraction and significantly its queue might restrict the fireworks. The present highlights parts of the greater than 90 years of Disney animation.
On August 8, “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” at Magic Kingdom will return. Guests once more will be capable of be part of host Mike Wazowski and the “monsters of comedy” in Monstropolis within the interactive present the place friends within the viewers are entertained by and work together with dwell monster performances on video screens within the massive theater, trying to generate sufficient laughter to offer the ability wanted to open the exit doorways.
On August 15, “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” returns to Theater of the Stars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Boulevard. The musical present options singers, dancers, and costumed characters performing an abbreviated model of the Disney animated characteristic. Disney has not introduced whether or not the present has been modified for its return, as has been true of “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At that present, the well being and security protocols in place on the time the present returned resulted in some adjustments in choreography conserving the performers aside from each other and eliminating the favored tumble monkey performers and eliminating the aerial efficiency throughout “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”
Finally, on August 21, “Turtle Talk with Crush” will resume performances at The Seas with Nemo and Friends at EPCOT. Like the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, friends within the small theater (and particularly the youthful ones) have a chance to speak dwell with Crush within the “folks tank” through video screens.
The similar announcement additionally made clear that “EPCOT Forever” will finish its restricted-time run on September 28, and that the ultimate alternative to view “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom might be September 29. On October 1, EPCOT will debut the lengthy-anticipated “Harmonious” nighttime spectacular and Magic Kingdom will debut the simply-introduced “Disney Enchantment” fireworks and projection present that can prolong down Main Street U.S.A. for the primary time in Florida.
Give Kids the World Village Christens “Serendipity”
On Thursday, I used to be invited to the “Christening” of the brand new pirate ship (which is a themed, accessible stage) on the pool of Give Kids the World Village. I shared some views of it on our social media (embedded under).
Give Kids the World Village issued the next press launch to mark the day:
Give Kids The World Village simply turned much more magical with the addition of its new Serendipity themed pirate ship stage. Joining loud night breathing bushes, a fascinating fortress and the world’s largest sport of Candy Land, Serendipity is one among many ADA-accessible storybook points of interest that assist unfold happiness and hope on the Village – an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that gives critically sick kids and their households from around the globe with pleasure-stuffed, weeklong want holidays for gratis.
The Serendipity mission was made doable by a $1.5 million grant from the Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation, a nonprofit that helps organizations targeted on training, healthcare, kids and veterans. The grant brings the full quantity donated to Give Kids The World by the Foundation to $5 million. The ship was designed and constructed by a exceptional group of caring companions together with SteamLabs Design Group, Icarus Exhibits Orlando, Electrosonic AV Design and SNA Displays.
“We can not start to thank our fantastic pals on the Don & Lorraine Freeberg Foundation for their reward,” mentioned Give Kids The World President & CEO Pam Landwirth. “Because of their generosity, this wonderful pirate ship will deliver immeasurable pleasure to the valuable kids and households we serve. This is simply the most recent in a sequence of unimaginable items that they’ve given us, serving to to create a Village the place happiness actually conjures up hope.”
Built to face up to the humid subtropical local weather of Central Florida, Serendipity was constructed with a 100% aluminum body and cladding, with a Poly Gem coating to create the look of actual wooden. Spanning greater than 90 toes, the ADA-accessible ship was constructed off-website throughout a 12 months-lengthy, labor-intensive course of, disassembled, after which delivered to the Village for a two-day set up with using a crane. The ship is highlighted by a 16-foot by 9-foot SNA Displays LED display screen; enjoyable photograph op options, together with an animated parrot and an interactive ship’s wheel; and a masthead determine that’s the maritime cousin of the seahorses on Give Kids The World’s accessible Enchanted Carousel. Due to the proximity of the Village to Kissimmee Gateway Airport, the 74-foot masts needed to be permitted by the FAA because of their top.
Located on the Park of Dreams Pool, the state-of-the-artwork, interactive ship will function a surprising centerpiece to the Village’s weekly Once Upon A Village get together that includes pirates, mermaids and princesses. The venue can even host particular occasions, characteristic movie screenings, dive-in motion pictures, sports activities broadcasts, and extra.
Rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator for 15 consecutive years, Give Kids The World Village’s mission is to create pleasure and encourage hope for want households. When want-granting organizations obtain a request from a critically sick baby who needs to go to Central Florida, Give Kids The World fulfills the want. Each baby and his/her household receives an unforgettable weeklong keep at completely no value, together with transportation; lodging in one of many Village’s 166 storybook residential villas; all meals and snacks; nightly leisure; donated theme park tickets; each day items; and priceless interactive experiences on the Village, a spectacular vacation spot of its personal – that includes an array of accessible rides, points of interest and artistic studying experiences. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed greater than 176,000 households from all 50 states and 76 nations.
Give Kids The World Village is positioned at 210 S. Bass Road in Kissimmee, FL. For extra info, go to www.gktw.org or contact [email protected].
The annual Give Kids The World Black & White Gala, its signature fundraising occasion of the 12 months, might be held on the Village for the primary time ever this 12 months. On September 18, 2021, GKTW celebrates 35 years of serving critically sick kids and their households with leisure (which is scheduled to incorporate performances by a number of former solid members from the musical “Hamilton”) and eating at this black-tie optionally available occasion. For extra info and donation alternatives, go to this page of GKTW.org.
Views of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A number of weeks in the past, I requested what sights round Walt Disney World Resort our readers want to see that I have not coated or, at the least, have not coated currently. One reader recommended the “Feathered Friends In Flight!” present that changed “Up! A Great Bird Adventure” on the Anandapur Theatre at Disney’s Animal Kingdom throughout the park’s phased reopening. This previous week, I lastly acquired to see this entertaining and academic present which incorporates the birds and dwell hosts discussing them, however not one of the characters from Up! or the opposite story parts from the earlier fowl exhibits on the theater. Honestly, I loved this greater than the themed-exhibits.
Anandapur Theatre has been working “Feathered Friends In Flight!” throughout the phased reopening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The present contains fairly quite a lot of birds (and occasional different creatures) however no costumed characters or actors.
As has been true of many previous exhibits on this theater, a bald eagle is likely one of the birds that participates.
Macaws seem within the present.
In a second of unplanned comedy, a toucan determined to stay on stage effectively-past the tip of the present I noticed.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
As chances are you’ll think about, the park was fairly crowded on a summer time afternoon. The safari had a posted standby-time between 60 and 75 minutes whereas I used to be within the park, so I selected to not attempt to experience. Over at Gorilla Falls, I did get a fast take a look at the child gorilla born in current weeks, however mama was not displaying it off in a approach I might get a photograph, and, certainly, in response to solid members she had not proven the child off sufficient to keepers that, as of my go to, its gender was not but identified.
While legitimate tickets and Disney Park Pass reservations are required to enter the parks, it’s once more turning into more and more frequent to see friends queued at ticket cubicles at parks. Cast on the cubicles are in a position to help with a number of types of transactions, together with renewing annual passes (although new passes for these with out a legitimate annual move are usually not presently out there), promoting Magic Bands, and extra, along with tickets.
Although queues are not bodily distanced, they will nonetheless be fairly lengthy. During my go to, the standby queue for Expedition Everest ended over exterior Theater of the Wild (the posted time was 45 minutes).
Primeval Whirl, which closed (most likely completely) earlier than the short-term closure of the park is more and more trying badly weathered.
The Animation Experience continues to be supplied at Rafiki’s Planet Watch inside Conservation Station that includes classes on drawing Disney characters based mostly on animals (ask on the verify-in desk which characters are supplied wherein timed periods).
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
This & That…
…This week, Disney offered a primary take a look at the poster for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the primary-of-its-sort “all-immersive” lodge expertise that’s now anticipated to open at Walt Disney World (conveniently close to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in 2022. The poster offers away some clues in regards to the expertise and if you want to be walked by means of the handful of “Easter Eggs” about what’s to come back, head on over to Disney Parks Blog. There has not but been an announcement of when reservations for the distinctive 2 night time/2 day experiences will open or pricing.
…Update: Tickets will go on sale through a digital ready room at 1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific for the D23 Gold Member Event Destination D23 coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort November 19–21, 2021, celebrating 50 years of Walt Disney World Resort and providing sneak peeks of a number of the firm’s upcoming choices. The occasion’s schedule now features a welcome presentation with Disney CEO Bob Chapek; a Disney Parks, Experiences and Products replace from Chairman Josh D’Amaro; a take a look at what’s new and subsequent from Disney+; The Art and Imagery of Walt Disney World that includes Imagineering Art and Photo collections; The Magical Musical World of Encanto with members of the group behind Disney’s sixtieth animated characteristic; Weird Disney World with Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives; How the (Disney) World Began with authors Kevin Kern and Steven Vagnini, and Disney Legend Dick Nunis; Park Stars: Original Characters of Walt Disney World; plus an exhibit curated by Walt Disney Archives that includes 50 years of merchandise, Mickey’s of Glendale (the Imagineering campus retailer’s pop-up store), a movie screening at Disney Springs, and a Disney+ finale get together. Unlike the D23 Expos in Anaheim, Destination D23 ensures all attendees seats in any respect panels and displays (plus a present). General Seating is $249 (plus $7 processing payment); restricted Preferred Seating is $399 (plus $7 processing payment). Only D23 Gold Members could reserve a ticket for themselves and one visitor; D23 Members should log in with their membership to order tickets (and those that are presently Gold Family Members, chances are you’ll transition to the brand new Gold Duo Plan so that every Gold Member on the account should buy a ticket for themselves plus one visitor.) More particulars and, when out there, the ticket buy hyperlink on this page of D23.com, the web site of The Official Disney Fan Club. Some segments of the occasion might be dwell-streamed on D23.com and D23 social media channels.
…Reminder to DVC Members excited by turning into D23 Gold Members, look for your personalised electronic mail from earlier this summer time for a private code for 30% off Gold Membership if bought by July 31.
…Speaking of D23, it is holding The Magical fiftieth Celebration Sweepstakes providing up an opportunity to win a visit for two to Walt Disney World Resort. See its Instagram publish and comply with the hyperlinks there for the principles and alternative to enter. (U.S. D23 Members solely, at the least 18 years outdated.)
…Last week, Disney’s Polynesian Village reopened Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace. As chances are you’ll recall, the lodge has been present process a refurbishment creating reimagined visitor rooms impressed by the Pacific Ocean and its islands, with particulars impressed by the Disney animated movie Moana. The newly reimagined lodge rooms are actually open, and the Polynesian’s monorail station and foremost entry are nonetheless present process reimagination and are usually not but open. Over the weekend, I met up with some pals for a beverage on the Tiki Terrace and a displaying of Magic Kingdom’s “Happily Ever After” fireworks within the distance.
The reimagined porte cochere on the Grand Ceremonial House seems almost full, with the neighboring monorail station nonetheless trying relatively incomplete.
(*27*)
Inside, the foyer stays largely unchanged since its final reimagination a number of years in the past.
On the second stage of the foyer, on the entrance to the presently closed monorail station, there’s an artist’s idea of the finished reimagined entrance of the Grand Ceremonial House.
I noticed indicators with Mickey Ears and a single letter (which differed from signal) across the grounds of Disney’s Polynesian Resort on Sunday, however by no means discovered what they had been for. Anyone know?
The grassy knoll approaching the Disney Vacation Club bungalows gives a pleasant view of Cinderella Castle throughout Seven Seas Lagoon. Several of the bungalows are presently closed for refurbishment.
Also past the bungalows throughout Seven Seas Lagoon, the cover of TRON Lightcycle Run now seems simply to the aspect of Space Mountain.
Sunset is an attractive sight at Seven Seas Lagoon.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto reopened earlier this month.
The small bar is stuffed with artifacts tied to Adventureland and the South Pacific.
It was good to take a fast take a look at the small print once more, however there was fairly a wait for one of many few seats the venue has to supply.
An simpler place to get a seat and a beverage is the now-reopened Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, simply exterior of the Grog Grotto.
While it’s relatively minimally themed with decor, it presents the identical themed menu of drinks and small bites.
The Tiki Terrace does present a barely obstructed view of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, and the soundtrack for “Happily Ever After” performed clearly on the realm’s audio system throughout the present. It additionally gives {a partially} obstructed view of the Electrical Water Pageant when it performs for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
…REMINDER: Masquerade Ball returns to The Edison at Disney Springs Friday, August 20, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Live leisure might be accompanied by trays of handed appetizers, meals stations, and a devoted menu of unique masquerade themed-cocktails. Tickets are $150 per particular person (plus tax and gratuity) and friends should be 21 or older to attend. VIP cubicles and couches are additionally out there for an a further $250 for assured seating and a devoted server. VIP info is on the market by emailing [email protected] or calling (407) 560-8155.
…Speaking of Disney Springs, you might need heard, Disney’s Jungle Cruise based mostly on the theme park attraction and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt opens July 30 in theaters and turns into out there through Premier Access on Disney+ (extra payment past month-to-month subscription). The Disney Springs AMC 24 Dine-In Theater is already adorned for the brand new movie and I had an opportunity courtesy of a good friend that could be a D23 Gold Member to see an early screening final week. Disney requested that we not share spoilers, so I’ll simply share a photograph of a number of the theater’s decor.
The space exterior the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theaters is adorned for the upcoming launch of Disney’s “Jungle Cruise.” Additional photograph alternatives can be found close by in addition to on the different theater entrance close to the Orange Garage escalators. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…Also on the West Side of Disney Springs, as we reported earlier this summer time, Salt & Straw, that has a well-liked location within the Downtown Disney District, will open in 2022 within the house that beforehand had been present process transformation into Ample Hills Creamery which ended its relationship with Disney throughout the resort’s short-term closure.
Construction partitions on the West Side now promoting the long run Salt & Straw location anticipated to open in 2022. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…REMINDER: The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will return Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30, providing an outside pageant that includes limitless meals tastings from the resorts culinary group and wine, beer and different sips from around the globe. Overnight packages and occasion-solely tickets are actually out there at FoodAndWineClassic.com. Overnight packages begin at $580; occasion-solely ticket choices are $165 per particular person (together with tax and repair charges). Reservations are additionally out there within the resort’s new tower, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.
…Finally, past the Resort, Disney Cruise Line introduced this week that it’s going to start Disney Dream three and 4 night time sailings to the Bahamas from close by Port Canaveral beginning August 9. The voyages will embrace a go to to Disney’s personal island, Castaway Cay. Sailings embrace enhanced well being and security measures, character encounters, Broadway-style musicals, and the DCL’s fireworks at sea. More particulars on Disney Parks Blog.
There will not be but information relating to “Disney Fantasy” sailings, however a mannequin of the ship is within the foyer of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…For those who have gotten this far, you will have observed that I emphasised lots of the related dates on this week’s Update in daring sort. Now that the phased opening has progressed to the purpose that operations are beginning to look extra like they did earlier than the pandemic, ought to I return the sections on the finish of the Update with the lists of related occasion dates and different dates of significance? Please let me know within the feedback right here or on MousePlanet social media channels when you discover that helpful. I revised the format of the Update when operations shut down fully again in March 2020, and am contemplating what the subsequent part of the Update ought to appear to be as Resort operations begin accelerating towards The World’s Most Magical Celebration beginning October 1.
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Note: MousePlanet doesn’t edit previous Updates to replicate value will increase; for up-to-date costs, verify the newest Walt Disney World Resort Update.
Summer Florida Resident ticket choices out there by means of September 17 enable Florida residents to go to the parks for $54/day (plus tax) with the $215 (plus tax) 4-day Florida Resident Summer Fun Ticket. The ticket is one park per day and Florida proof of residency is required. Specially priced two and three-day Florida Resident Summer Fun Tickets are additionally out there. All tickets can be utilized both on consecutive or non-consecutive days. Add-ons, like Park Hopper are additionally available. Park reservations are additionally required to go to a park along with a legitimate ticket.
Florida Residents lodge charges for bookings by means of September 4, 2021, can be found on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
For everybody, Walt Disney World Resort Summer Room Offer for Select Disney Resort hotels gives financial savings as much as 25% on rooms for stays most nights by means of September 29, 2021.
Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Packages can now be booked as much as 500 days prematurely on a rolling calendar, and a package deal might be held for only a $200 downpayment with remaining fee due 30 days previous to journey.
Our journey companion Get Away Today is on the market that can assist you ebook rooms and packages, and embrace its complimentary Concierge Services. More particulars are here. With Get Away Today’s complimentary Price Monitoring, any time a particular comes out, it’s going to robotically value verify it for every of its friends. If the brand new particular is best, it’s going to robotically apply the brand new financial savings and let the visitor know. If it isn’t a greater deal, they’ll go away every part as is, and maintain their eyes peeled for future promotions that might save friends extra.
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Only buy Disney theme park tickets instantly from Disney, a licensed vendor, or a journey company like MousePlanet journey companion Get Away Today! As at all times, we remind our readers that Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are hardly ever supplied at deep reductions until you’re a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel advantages. Historically, non-Florida residents have a tendency to learn essentially the most by buying tickets prematurely (and, after all, being aware of the principles related to these tickets). Don’t get scammed! Never purchase tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, corresponding to by means of eBay or Craigslist. Never hire or buy tickets from folks approaching you exterior Disney property stating they’ve remaining days or leftover tickets. This apply is towards the phrases of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and will end in denial of entry. There isn’t any technique to decide if these tickets are legitimate till you attempt to use them to enter the parks.
 
