This week at Walt Disney World, a fan favorite experience for kids is poised to return soon, a new part of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction is revealed, plus Disney’s Animal Kingdom gets ready for its annual Earth Day celebration.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort confirms the end of the pre-show at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, SeaWorld expands its animal rescue efforts, plus tickets go on sale for Halloween Horror Nights!
1. New video shows Walt Disney World Railroad testing
The Walt Disney World Railroad, which has been closed since 2018 due to construction on the Tron attraction, may be getting ready to roll again soon! The official Disney Parks TikTok account has shared a new video of the Walt Disney World railroad testing at Magic Kingdom and though no reopening details were shared, many are hopeful that this attraction may return before the end of the year as work on the exterior of the Tron attraction inches closer to completion. You can watch the TikTok video here.
2. Minnie Vans set to return this summer
Though many thought Disney’s Minnie Van’s transportation service had permanently ended when it was discontinued in 2020, it looks like Disney will be bringing this option back for guests visiting this summer. No exact return date or pricing details have been announced yet.
The return of Minnie Vans also provides guests with direct transportation between Walt Disney World and the Orlando Airport, which could be appealing now that Mickey’s Magical Express has been discontinued.
3. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique potentially set to reopen soon
It looks like Disney’s princess themed salon for kids will be reopening soon as internal casting has begun for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, indicating a reopening may be imminent. The boutique has locations in the Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. No official information has been posted, but this will likely be a very popular experience when it reopens as it has been unavailable for two years.
4. Details announced for Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow Nights After Hours
Last week it was confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon’s H2O Glow Nights would be returning later this year and now it has been announced that this upcharge event will be held at the water park every Saturday night between 8:00PM – 11:00PM from May 28 to August 27. Prices are $75 plus tax for adults or $70 for kids 3-9. Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can enjoy a discounted rate of $59 for adults and $54 for kids 3-9. Tickets go on sale April 1 and more information is available on the official effect website.
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom announces Earth Day celebrations
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will once again celebrate Earth Day this year, this time with a weeklong celebration from April 18 -24. During this time guests can check out with a couple of offerings throughout the park:
- A special Disney Character Cruise will take to the Discovery River to celebrate the occasion.
- Wilderness Explorer fans can participate in a limited-time activity to earn an Earth Day Nature badge.
- A new sand sculpture celebrating Disneynature’s new Polar Bear film will be on display.
- Limited-time food options will be available for purchase including a Honeybee cupcake at Restaurantosaurus and Creature Comforts, and a strawberry-flavored Flamingo Cupcake at Pizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue.
- A limited-edition Earth Day pin will be available for purchase
6. Treasures of Xandar gift shop at the exit of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind revealed
Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley has given fans a sneak peek at the Treasures of Xandar gift shop that will be its own “pavilion” at the exit of the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind attraction. According to Riddley’s Instagram post, his store is operated by The Broker, a proud Xandarian, who’s been awarded the contract and brought part of his famous store to EPCOT. Some of the merchandise in this store will pay tribute to Xandar and items acquired throughout the galaxy and others will celebrate The Heroes of Xandar, the Guardians of the Galaxy.
7. EPCOT prepares to welcome cultural representatives back to the World Showcase this summer
Disney’s Disney Cultural Representative program had to be paused in 2020 due to travel restrictions in effect due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but Disney has announced that this program will return in phases later this year, with EPCOT to begin welcoming the first new participants in August.
8. SeaWorld adds more space for manatees at critical care facility
SeaWorld Orlando announced this week that it will be doubling the size of its Manatee Critical Care space with four pools this week. Currently the facility has 31 manatees in residence but with this expansion they will be able to take in more than 60 in total.
9. New secret songs added to Universal Studios’ Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket attraction
Users who are able to access the secret playlist at the Universal Studios Rip Ride Rocket attraction can now select two new songs by Blink 182, which have now permanently joined the secret playlist. These two songs are “All The Small Things” which has the three-digit code 182 to access it and “What’s My Age Again” which has the three-digit code 183.
10. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure pre-show will not be restored
This week a fan asked Universal Orlando Resort via Twitter if the popular Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure attraction would restore its pre-show experience at any point, and unfortunately the park confirmed that there are no plans right now to reinstate this part of the ride any time soon. The pre-show often bottlenecked guests in a single area, and some believe that is increased wait times, which may be one of the major reasons why this pre-show has been permanently axed.
11. Tickets now on sale for 2022 Halloween Horror Nights event
Single-night tickets are now on sale for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, which kicks off September 2 and runs through Halloween night on October 31st. This year’s event will run for 43 nights, the most in the event’s history. Ticket prices range from $73.99 to $104.99, and select packages are also available. More information on ticket prices and event dates can be found here.
