This week at Walt Disney World, Disney enacts a new parks pass cancellation policy, an amenity that hasn’t been available in over a year makes a return to Disney hotels and Epcot cancels a character cavalcade!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort begins removing social distancing markers, plus technical rehearsals for the VelociCoaster begin!
1. Disney cancelling Park Pass reservations for guests without admission
As we head into what is expected to be a VERY busy summer travel season, Walt Disney World is implementing a new policy regarding theme park pass reservations, which are still required for entry. Under the new policy, Walt Disney World will be automatically cancelling Park Pass reservations not connected to theme park tickets, which should help free up reservations for those with tickets.
2. Valet parking returns to Walt Disney World hotels
Valet parking is making a return to Walt Disney World Resorts for the first time since last year’s reopening with guest staying at the Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and the Grand Floridian now able to take advantage of this returning amenity, and other moderate and deluxe resorts adding valet back to their options later this month.
3. New backstory for updated “Trader Sam” scene inside the Jungle Cruise released
Over the past few weeks, several scenes from the Jungle Cruise have been removed while Disney prepared for the reimagining of this attraction to debut later this year, and now we have some more information about a new scene revolving around the Trader Sam character, who was removed a few weeks ago. Here’s an official description from the Disney Parks Blog:
Word on the stream is that Alberta Falls, proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd., has entrusted her longtime friend, Trader Sam, to manage the new Lost & Found location. But, with Trader Sam being Trader Sam, there’s always an opportunity to make some extra money. After all, all the best rides end with a gift shop, right?
4. New Morocco Relaxation Station now open
Epcot’s Relaxation Station (where guests can sit mask free) is on the move, with the United Kingdom Relaxation Station that formerly used the outdoor seating area for Yorkshire County Fish Shop has been closed to make way for more diners at the restaurant. Guests are now able to use a new relaxation station that has been set up in the Morocco pavilion, with the back area of the pavilion now set up with socially distanced tables and chairs where guests can remove masks.
5. MyMagic Mobile launches for Android devices
The MagicMobile service is now available for Android users after debuting on Apple devices last month. To use MagicMobile on Android, the device must be Google Pay enabled. Guests can use this new feature to enter the theme parks, check in for reservations, link PhotoPass reservations and more. In order to use Magic Mobile, guests will need to set up their pass in the My Disney Experience App (along with all passes for guests whose accounts they manage), and then add their pass(es) to their Apple Wallet. You can check out instructions for setting it up here.
6. Mickey and Friends moving to the front of Epcot for character meet and greets
Ever since Epcot reopened last year, guests have been able to catch Mickey and Friends as part of a special World Showcase cavalcade where they would wave to guests from a slow-moving vehicle. However, it looks like this limited time event is being discontinued after this weekend, with characters like Mickey, Pluto and Goofy moving to socially distanced meet and greet areas at the front of the theme park.
7. Jurassic World: VelociCoaster technical rehearsals begin
Anticipation is high for the grand opening of Jurassic World: VelociCoaster on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure, and this week official technical rehearsals for the grand opening began, with Universal Team Members able to test out the ride. Annual Passholders who registered in advance will also be able to ride the attraction in the coming days. So far, there has been no news about walkup availability for this new ride, but we’ll let you know if that changes!
8. Social distancing markers and audio disclaimers disappear from Universal Orlando Resort
As perhaps a reflection of things starting to “get back to normal” at Universal Orlando Resort, many of the outdoor physical distancing markers have been removed in heavily trafficked areas, perhaps reflecting new guidance from the Florida Department of Health that states that three (rather than six) feet of social distance is appropriate in outdoor settings. In addition, audio warnings about “unprecedented times” have also been removed from the park’s entrance, with only music now playing.
