Home » The 8 BIG Updates From Walt Disney World (and Beyond) This Week (December 6-12, 2021)

The 8 BIG Updates From Walt Disney World (and Beyond) This Week (December 6-12, 2021)

Disney'S Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain

​This week at Walt Disney World, several refurbishments are confirmed for early 2022, fireworks return for New Year’s Eve, plus a fan favorite show is set to return in just a few days! 

Outside Walt Disney World, a holiday favorite begins meeting guests at the park, plus Revenge of the Mummy hits a huge milestone. 

1. New Year’s Eve fireworks returning to EPCOT this year

It has been confirmed that EPCOT will also hold its first New Year’s fireworks spectacular since 2019, with a special “New Year’s Countdown Fireworks” happening just before midnight on New Year’s Eve this year. 

2. Fantasy in the Sky returns to the Magic Kingdom

New Year’s Eve fireworks will also be returning to Magic Kingdom this year, with the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show set to be performed at 11:50 PM on both December 30th and 31st to help guests ring in the new year. Disney Enchantment will be performed at 6:30 PM on both days as well.

3. Cast Member previews for Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular taking place next week

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! will officially reopen to guests on December 19, 2021, but before it does Cast Members can get an advance look at this reopening show on December 16 and 17. Disney has also released a special look behind the scenes of this returning show on TikTok, which you can check out here

4. Mickey’s Very Merriest After Hours now sold out for the rest of the year

 

Despite having ticket prices far exceeding any After Hours event thus far, it looks like Mickey’s Very Merriest After Hours event has been a very popular offering at the Magic Kingdom, with all remaining nights for this event now completely sold out. 

5. Refurbishment scheduled for Big Thunder Mountain railroad in February

 A short refurbishment is now on the schedule for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is scheduled to be closed February 14 to February 18, with a planned reopening to guests on February 19, 2022.

6. Splash Mountain to close for a month-long refurbishment in January

Splash Mountain will also be closed early next year from January 10 through February 10, with a reopening to guests planned for February 11 2022. No major changes to this attraction are expected during this refurbishment. 

7. New Earl the Squirrel meet and greet now available at Universal Studios Florida

Fan-favorite holiday mascot Earl the Squirrel has quickly become a fixture at Universal Orlando Resort and now guests who can’t get enough of this festive character can meet him every day during Universal’s Christmas celebration near the holiday tribute store. 

8. Revenge of the Mummy hits milestone 

Revenge of the Mummy hit an epic milestone this week, hitting 100 Million riders total. This attraction will be closing for maintenance starting January 7, 2022, with a reopening later this summer.