This week at Walt Disney World, Disney reaffirms measures to keep guests as safe as possible during the Coronavirus outbreak, the Haunted Mansion reopens after an unexpected closure, plus a new scavenger hunt comes to The Seas With Nemo and Friends!
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” for just one week. You’ll hear about all the news from Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando in next week’s update!
1. The Haunted Mansion reopens after unexpected closure
Earlier this week The Haunted Mansion unexpectedly closed after what was reported to be a major technical malfunction. However, as of March 7th, it looks like this attraction has reopened at the Magic Kingdom and is running normally.
2. Mickey and Minnie’s Royal Friendship Faire showtimes reduced
Due to ongoing work on the Cinderella Castle in preparation for its golden transformation, performances of Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire will be reduced beginning this week from 5 per day to 3 per day. Showtimes will be at 5:15 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
3. Walt Disney World affirms additional measures due to Coronavirus
The Chief Medical Officer of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products has released a statement detailing some of the measures that Disney is taking to keep guests as safe as possible during the Coronavirus outbreak with health and safety protocols including:
- Training for Cast Members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
- Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
- Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
- Quick response to spills, trash, and other situations
- End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
- Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues
4. Nothing Can Stop Us Now available on streaming music platforms
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has plenty of amazing moments, but one of the most memorable parts of this attraction is the ultra-catchy song “Nothing Can Stop Us Now”, sung by Mickey and Minnie. And now guests who can’t get enough of this tune can listen to it on their favorite music streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music and more!
5. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will NOT operate during Extra Magic Hours
Image: Disney
Disney confirmed this week that, along with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, brand new attraction Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will also not be operating during Extra Magic Hours. Currently, Disney’s Hollywood Studios only has evening Extra Magic Hours available, which have been historically scheduled for Sunday for two hours after regular park close. It is unclear if this change is being made due to expected maintenance times on this attraction, or if this is another cut due to budget constraints at this park.
6. Mulan sneak peek coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A preview of Disney’s live-action version of Mulan is coming to Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a limited time starting March 20 in advance of the film’s theatrical debut on March 27. In addition, a new sequence featuring Mulan will also be added to the nighttime projection show “Disney Movie Magic,” which returns to the park for a limited run on March 13.
7. Primeval Whirl reopens later this month
Image: Disney
After an unexpected (and unexplained) four month refurbishment in 2019 we expected that we had seen the last of Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, this attraction unexpectedly reopened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom a few times in 2019, and then once more this past President’s Day Weekend. This was especially surprising considering Disney’s official attraction page for this ride was updated last year with a “Temporarily Closed” notice, which is the same status that the long-closed Stitch’s Great Escape had on its attraction page as well, and we’re pretty sure that attraction is not going to be opening back up ever again..
However, it looks like this attraction will once again be open to guests this spring on March 21, 22, 23, 28, and 29. This attraction will not offer FastPass+ during this time, but if you don’t mind waiting in line, you can once again experience this roller coaster!
8. New scavenger hunt activity now available at The Seas With Nemo and Friends
Guests visiting The Seas With Nemo and Friends at Epcot can now take part in a fun free scavenger hunt activity. Guests can grab a booklet on the first floor of the pavilion and then follow a map through the pavilion to solve rhyming puzzles and look for clues to help Dory remember and locate her marine friends!
