This week at Walt Disney World, massive crowds show up for the holiday weekend, a new character appears at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a limited time, plus Disney tightens masks requirement.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort reaches capacity plus SeaWorld welcomes a new addition!
1. Walt Disney World theme parks extend hours for Columbus Day weekend crowds
This weekend has been very busy at Walt Disney World theme parks, with several attractions at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios seeing multi-hour waits. And in response to these elevated guest levels, park hours have been extended at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on October 11 and 12, with both of these parks now open one hour later.
2. Mask requirements tightened
Face masks continue to be required for admission to Walt Disney World theme parks, but due to additional crowding and some issues with compliance, Disney has once again tightened enforcement for face masks for guests, and have posted signs around the theme parks advising guests that those not wearing masks will be removed from the park.
3. New, limited time character stops by Disney’s Hollywood Studios
For a limited time only Disney Junior character Mira of “Mira, Royal Detective” is making a special guest appearance in the Disney Junior Stars Motorcade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, joining characters Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and more during this daily event.
4. Walt Disney World mini-golf courses set fall and winter schedule
Disney has announced that the Fantasia Gardens mini-golf course will close on November 5, 2020, before the currently closed Winter Summerland reopens on November 6 2020. Both courses at Winter Summerland are currently scheduled to be operating through January 30 2021, and then Fantasia Gardens will once again reopen on January 31 2021.
5. Annual passholders on monthly payment plan must accept pass extension through My Disney Experience
Disney is now sending Passholders who use the monthly payment program an email that requires them to accept their new payment contract terms that include details related to the extension by following these steps:
- Link your Annual Pass to your Disney account in My Disney Experience
- Consent to the use of an electronic signature
- Follow the instructions after providing consent to sign your amendment and finalize your extension
Annual Passholders will need to follow these steps before the deadline on November 1, 2020, or the extension will be canceled.
6. Frozen Ever After gets quick refurbishment next month
Frozen Ever After attraction in EPCOT’s Norway pavilion will be closing for a few days early next month. This closure will begin on November 2 and last through to November 6, reopening to guests on November 7 2020.
7. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure both reach capacity for Columbus Day weekend
Much like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort has been very busy this weekend, with both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure hitting capacity Saturday morning. This is the second time the parks have reached capacity this month, the first time being at the start of the daytime Halloween events at the parks.
8. SeaWorld welcomes new baby dolphin to the parks
Late last month SeaWorld announced that first-time dolphin mom Bree gave birth to a calf at SeaWorld Orlando’s dolphin nursery. When the gender is revealed, SeaWorld has announced that they will will hold a contest to let guests name the new baby dolphin.
