This week at Walt Disney World, more walls go up at Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios cuts a character, plus the resort braces for massive Spring Break crowds!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort announces a new marketing campaign, plus SeaWorld offers Passholders a new freebie on select dates!
1. Center of Future World now all behind walls
Over the weekend Epcot has walled off the entirety of the center of Future World, from the back of Spaceship Earth to the World Showcase Bridge. As you can see from the map above, guests who visit Epcot once they enter the park will need to take one of two walkways to get around the construction; one on the left which will lead to Test Track and Mission: Space, and the other on the right which will take guests to The Seas With Nemo and Friends as well as The Land and Imagination Pavilions.
2. Disney hikes prices on annual passes
Annual pass prices are on the rise again at Walt Disney World with some big year over year percentage increases going in to effect this week. Here’s the breakdown:
- The Disney Platinum Plus Pass is now $1295, up from $1219, a 6% increase. For Florida Residents, the price is remains $999.
- The Disney Platinum Pass is now $1195, up from $1119, a 7% increase. For Florida Residents, the price remains $899.
- The Gold Pass is now $719, up from $699, a 3% increase (this type of pass is only available to Florida Residents, so there is no additional location-based discount)
- The Silver Pass is now $539 up from $519, a 4% increase (this type of pass is only available to Florida Residents, so there is no additional location-based discount)
- Florida Resident Weekday Select Seasonal pass is now $369, up from $349, a 6% increase.
3. Taste Track and Regal Eagle Smokehouse opening this week
Though quick service restaurant the Electric Umbrella closed this week, Disney has confirmed that the Regal Eagle Smokehouse quick service restaurant at the American Adventure pavilion will be open this week. In addition, the Taste Track kiosk will reopen in Future World this week, serving sandwiches, french fries, and other fast fare.
4. Special Earth Day activities planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
From April 18-22, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will host its annual Earth Day Celebration, which will feature five days full of special entertainment and activities, including the following:
- Wild by Nature Speaker Series: This series will features the park’s animal experts and educators as well as National Geographic photographers and explorers in the Theater in the Wild.
- Tiffin Talks series with Joe Rohde: This upcharge experience will include a four-course meal and discussion on the Imagineer’s research trips. Price has not been revealed for this experience but reservations will be available this week starting on February 18th.
- Film sneak peek: This year’s event will include a look at “Elephant” and “Dolphin Reef,” this year’s Disneynature films coming in april to the Disney+ streaming service.
- New characters: Special Disney characters will be added at the Animation Experience at Conservation Station.
5. Hours extended for Spring Break holidays
Disney is predicting higher than normal crowds in March and April during the Spring Break travel season, and in order to cope with what will likely be huge crowds, Disney has made several changes to their park calendars, extending hours at the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can see specific dates and schedule changes here.
6. Mike Wazowski to no longer meet guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beginning on Sunday, February 23, the Monsters, Inc. character meet and greet at Walt Disney Presents inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios will only feature Sully. as Mike Wazowski’s last day has been confirmed to be Saturday, February 22, 2020.
7. New “Let Yourself Woah” Campaign announced for Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have enlisted the help comedic superstars Kenan Thompson and Arturo Castro in their new brand campaign, “Let Yourself Woah,” designed to showcase the dynamic range of emotions guests experience when visiting these world-renowned theme parks. The new campaign launches this week but you can check out some funny outtakes featuring these famous faces in the video above.
8. SeaWorld Annual Pass magnet now available Fridays only
SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members can now pick up a free exclusive walrus magnet on Fridays only, at Under the Sun Gift Shop at The Waterfront. These magnets are only available while supplies last, so if you want to grab one you’ll have to act fast!
