This week at Walt Disney World, Epcot debuts a new nighttime spectacular, the Magic Kingdom gets rid of the Muppets, plus the Disney Skyliner malfunctions and strands guests for HOURS just days after it debuts!
Programming note: Though we normally devote some time to Orlando-area parks outside Lake Buena Vista, there has been so much going on at Walt Disney World over the past seven days that we decided to forgo the “beyond” this week. You’ll hear about all the news from Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando in next week’s update!
1. Disney Skyliner halts operation after unspecified malfunction
Image:Disney
Though it has only been open just over a week, guests who were on the Skyliner gondola transportation system late Saturday evening were stranded for several hours after an unspecified malfunction. Though they did not provide any details, Walt Disney World released an official statement saying that the Skyliner was having technical difficulties and was experiencing “unexpected downtime” and would be closed Sunday, and potentially longer while the issue that caused this malfunction is investigated.
2. The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History takes final bow at Magic Kingdom
Image: Disney
=The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History has been a fixture of Liberty Square since it debuted back in 2016, and has been a fan favorite for guests, who lined up every day across from the Hall of Presidents at the Heritage House building to see these beloved characters act out some of the most iconic moments in American history. However, despite its popularity, this show had its final performance on October 5, and is not expected to return.
3. Enchanted Rose now open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Image: Disney
Disney opened the Enchanted Rose lounge, which is a Beauty and the Beast-inspired space that features four unique spaces inspired by the 2017 live action Beauty and the Beast film. The lounge’s signature bar glows from the light of a gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. In another room, guests will find a space that recalls the iconic library from the film, with classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. Another character-inspired space inside this expanded lounge will be the garden room, which will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. Finally an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.
4. Festive Halloween Discounts now available at Enzo’s Hideaway and The Edision
Image: Disney
Disney Springs watering hole Enzo’s Hideaway is offering a special deal that invites guests to dress as their favorite prohibition-era character on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 to receive a 25-percent discount on gourmet tunnel bar dishes and libations.
And during this same weekend at The Edison, guests can arrive in their Halloween attire between 10:00 PM. and 2:00 AM tol receive a 25-percent discount on food offerings and beverages all night long while this location celebrates the season with a Halloween costume contest.
5. Disney shares sneak peek at holiday offerings inside Pandora – The World of Avatar
Earlier this year Disney confirmed that Pandora- The world of Avatar would be getting decked out for the holidays for the first time ever, and have shared the above video (which also includes first-looks at other holiday preperations around the park) that shows off the kitschy holiday décor at Pongu Pongu that combines vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.
6. Early Morning Magic returns to the Magic Kingdom this November
Early Morning Magic will return to the Magic Kingdom this November, with this upcharge experience now able to be booked for select dates through April 2020. This upcharge experience allows guests to enter the Magic Kingdom before rope drop to have breakfast and experience Fantasyland before the park opens, with attractions like Princess Fairytale Hall, “it’s a small world”, Mad Tea Party, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh available for guests to experience, along with a buffet breakfast at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, where cheese and cured meats, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, pancakes and more will be served.
7. Epcot Forever debuts
Image: Disney
Earlier this year Disney announced a limited-time nighttime spectacular, called “Epcot Forever,” which is meant to showcase the best of Epcot while celebrating its unique history, all with classic music and advanced pyrotechnics. And after IllumiNations finished its historic 20 year run earlier this week (relive the final finale here), Disney was ready to debut this amazing show this week (which you can watch here). You can read our thoughts about this show here.
