This week at Walt Disney World, a special summer upcharge returns, more mask policies are rolled back, the Spirit of Aloha is confirmed to never reopen, plus a fan-favorite part of the Festival of the Lion King is set to return.
Outside Walt Disney World, a celebrity seemingly confirms involvement in a Halloween Horror Nights house, plus Universal and SeaWorld Orlando reopen formerly-closed attractions.
1. Disney confirms H2O Glow Nights upcharge event will return to Typhoon Lagoon this year
Image: Disney
Disney H2O Glow Nights will return to the newly-reopened Typhoon Lagoon this summer on select nights. Guests attending this upcharge event can enter Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6:00 PM on event nights, and stay until 11:00 PM, enjoying attractions, special entertainment, food, and more.
In years past event guests have been able to enjoy special character meet and greet opportunities with Toy Story friends as well as participate in a special beach-themed dance party. Exact dates and pricing for this returning event have not been announced yet.
2. New DVC tower announced for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney has announced that it is building new Disney Vacation Club villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which will be set to open in 2024. Though no specifics were shared, Disney said this new addition will include stunning views of the Magic Kingdom as well as new recreation and dining options. More information about this project will hopefully be released in the next few months.
3. Spirit of Aloha will not return to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Image: Disney
Unfortunately because of the aforementioned construction of the new DVC tower, it was confirmed that the performance space that formerly housed the Spirit of Aloha will be demolished and this former dining experience will not return to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This dinner and a show experience closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and never reopened, and unfortunately, now it looks like the Spirit of Aloha is gone for good.
4. Face mask policy rolled back for Disney Skyliner
As mask policies continue to be rolled back at Walt Disney World it was announced this week that face masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney Skyliner. Guests are now only required to wear masks on the monorail system and buses.
5. Swirls on the Water snack kiosk now open at Disney Springs
After permanently closing Aristocrepes last week, the kiosk where this quick service snack spot once was has been rethemed and renamed Swirls on the Water. This new kiosk serves specialty Dole Whip treats that include a 50th anniversary celebration cone, alcoholic floats and “nachos” served with waffle cone “chips”.
6.Tumble Monkeys returning to The Festival of the Lion King this summer
Disney has confirmed via TikTok that the Tumble Monkeys segment of the Festival of the Lion King show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which was cut from the show when it returned last year, will be added back in to the show this summer. No specific date was given but we’d imagine the change will take place in May, right before the summer travel season starts.
7. Victoria and Albert’s to reopen later this year
Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has been closed since March 2020, but it looks like fans of fine dining experiences will be able to visit this unique establishment again soon. Disney has shared that plans are currently coming together to reopen this location, which has the distinction of being the only restaurant on property to win a AAA Five Diamond Award. Although no specific opening date has been announced yet, it has been confirmed that Victoria and Albert’s will reopen before the end of the year.
8. EPCOT World Celebration Guest Relations location closes for refurbishment
The World Celebration Guest Relations location at EPCOT next to Spaceship Earth will be closing temporarily for refurbishment while construction continues in the area. The refurbishment kicks off on March 22, and a reopening is currently projected for late April. Guests at EPCOT who still needing assistance can visit the other Guest Relations locations in the park, which include the former gift shop location at the front of the park and at International Gateway.
9. Poseidon’s Fury at Islands of Adventure reopens
Fan favorite walk through attraction Poseidon’s Fury has reopened at Islands of Adventure after two years of being shuttered due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Fans will be happy to hear that no substantial changes have been made to this attraction during its extended absence, and it is now open during regular park hours every day.
10. SeaWorld Orlando Skytower attraction reopens
Though it has been a fixture of the park since it opened in 1974, SeaWorld Orlando’s SkyTower attraction has been stationary since March 2020. However, this week, the park reopened the iconic attraction for the first time in two years. As was the case in the past, platinum, gold, and silver pass members can ride for free while bronze members, fun card holders, and regular guests will have to pay $5 per person to ride.
11. The Weeknd seemingly confirms Halloween Horror Nights house
Earlier this week the fan-run @HHNightmares Twitter account posted a speculation map with rumored houses for 2022’s edition of the horror event. And though nothing on the map has been officially confirmed by Universal, musical artist The Weeknd seemingly confirmed his involvement with this year’s Halloween Horror Nights by retweeting the map with a few choice emojis. You can check out The Weeknd’s tweet here. Hopefully we’ll get more information directly from Universal itself on what to expect from this year’s event soon!
12. New quiet room now available at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida has added a special quiet room to its First Aid complex that allows those who become overwhelmed to take a break from the park. Both the Universal Creative and Guest Safety and Accessibility Teams worked together to design the room and make it as accessible as possible for guests. As you can see above, the room even has a fun Minions theme.
