This week at Walt Disney World, Expedition Everest reopens to guests, more information is released about the DVC project at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, plus select annual passholders get the chance to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind a day early.
Outside Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando teases a new roller coaster project, Universal Orlando Resort gets sued, SeaWorld Orlando brings back a fan-favorite character meet and greet.
1. Expedition Everest reopens from refurbishment
Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has finally reopened after its lengthy refurbishment, welcoming its first guests since January on April 15. No major changes to the attraction have been reported, with the refurbishment addressing technical, behind the scenes maintenance issues. Upon reopening Expedition Everest has officially been added to the $15 per person, per day Disney Genie+ service. This attraction will remain available as a selection for this service through at least August 7.
2. Monsters Inc. Meet and Greet returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Monsters Inc fans will be able to once again meet Sulley at Disney’s Hollywood Studios inside the Walt Disney Presents beginning next week. Times will be available throughout the day for this returning meet and greet.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind passholder and DVC previews scheduled
On Thursday Disney opened a select number of slots for the annual passholder and DVC previews for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which will take place on select dates between May 8-21 before the attraction officially opens on May 27th. All slots were quickly snapped up, with all dates becoming unavailable just over an hour after becoming available. No additional preview windows have been announced, and considering the busy schedule, there may not be any soft openings before the official opening.
4. Salt & Straw ice cream shop to open next week at Disney Springs
Signage has been added to the upcoming Salt & Straw ice cream location at Disney Springs, which is expected to open next week on April 20. This new sweet treat stop will be located on the West Side of Disney Springs and will serve hand-scooped ice cream, milkshakes, and more. The chain plans to offer the first 100 customers who visit their location on opening day a free scoop of ice cream.
5. New details confirmed about DVC expansion at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Permits have been filed that show that the new DVC villas coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be built in an area of the resort that includes the site of the former Spirit of Aloha dinner show building, as had been rumored previously. We also now know that Disney is targeting a 2024 opening date for this project. Details are still sparse about what shape this project will eventually take, but Disney has confirmed that this new expansion will include new dining and recreation experiences.
6. New Breakfast items added to Isla Fresca cart at EPCOT
Guests getting an early start at EPCOT can now find new breakfast items at the Isla Fresca cart from 8:30-10:30 a.m that include: Arepa with Egg and Cheese, Arepa with Chorizo, Egg, and Cheese and for a sweet pick me up Dulce de Leche Cocoa Coffee has also been added.
7. After hours event announced for Disney Cast Members
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle has announced a special after hours event happening this summer just for Cast Members. This new event, called Cast Member EARidescent Evenings will allow Cast Members to visit Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios after the parks close for the day and experience attractions, food, character meetings and more with low waits and special entertainment just for Cast Members. More information about this event will be released later this year.
8. Starbucks Traveler’s Cafe shuts down for good
The Starbucks Traveler’s Café in EPCOT’s World Showcase will shut down on April 17 in advance of the opening of the new Connections Café in the front of the park. No specific date for the opening of Connections Café has been shared just yet but it seems like with the Starbucks closing this new location should be welcoming guests very soon.
9. Zach Riddley shares advance look at Cast Member costumes for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared an advance look at the costumes that our Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Cast Members will be wearing on Instagram. These costumes will help Cast Members assume the role of emissaries of Xandar as members of the Nova Corps, helping Guests along their adventure through the attraction. According to Riddley the style of the costumes pulls from the color and iconography of the Nova Corps and the world of Xandar.
10. SeaWorld teases new roller coaster project on social media
Land has been being cleared on the edge of SeaWorld Orlando near Bayside Stadium and though no official updates have been shared about plans for the space, SeaWorld posted a picture of “palm trees” last week on social media that also shows light blue roller coaster track being moved into the park on the back of a truck. Rumors have been swirling about SeaWorld Orlando adding a “surf coaster” to its lineup, and this would seemingly confirm those, though nothing has been officially announced by the park just yet.
11. Universal sued by themed entertainment company over Epic Universe land
Fourth Watch Acquisitions, a company that specializes in real estate entertainment development is suing Universal and a property development company for $250 million, saying the company wrongfully sold the land to Universal for the Epic Universe project. According to the suit, Fourth Watch Acquisitions had originally planned to build a theme park, hotel, retail space, and dining on the land.
12. SeaWorld brings back meet and greet for Julia from Sesame Street
Daily meet and greets with Sesame Street character Julia have returned to SeaWorld Orlando for Autism Acceptance Month. Julia will meet guests in the Sesame Street Land area of the park for the rest of the month.
