This week at Walt Disney World, a LOT of changes come to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, more information is released about Epcot’s upcoming nighttime spectacular, plus a new survey hints at changes coming in the near future.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal confirms an opening year for Super Nintendo Land, plus a BIG rumor about the future of SeaWorld Orlando makes the rounds.
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance changes boarding group window times
Image: Disney
Yet another change has come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as a result of the massive popularity of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Though guests used to have two hours to return to the attraction when a boarding group was called, under the new policy (now in effect), a one hour return window may now given, so guests will need to pay close attention to the notification that they receive from My Disney Experience to ensure they are able to queue with their boarding group. It is also important to monitory the boarding group process so you don’t find yourself park hopping to the Magic Kingdom right before your boarding group is called and then missing your window due to slow transportation.
2. New survey released asking about effectiveness of virtual vs. physical queues
Image: Disney
And speaking of virtual queues, Disney recently sent our a survey asking guests if they prefer virtual queues, FastPass+ and a standby line, or standby only. Though this will likely not impact operations at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disney may be thinking about trying this approach with other upcoming “E Ticket” attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron Lightcycle / Run.
3. FastPass+ comes to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Image: Disney
In yet another update from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, FastPass+ reservations are finally available for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run for guests planning visits on or after February 19. As a result of this addition, FastPass+ tiers at this park are also changing, and will have the following structure:
- Tier 1: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Slinky Dog Dash.
- Tier 2: Toy Story Mania!, Alien Swirling Saucers, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Disney Junior Dance Party!, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, MuppetVision 3D, Fantasmic! and Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage.
4. New concept art released for M & M’s Store at Disney Springs
Disney released concept art showing off the new 10200 sq. ft. M & M’s story that will be coming to Disney Springs later this year. This location will be situated in the former Fit2Run and Curl locations next to Splitsville and across from House of Blues. Unfortunately, the existing location in Florida Mall will be closing very soon to make way for the opening of the new Disney Springs M & M’s store.
5. New preview of Harmonious released
Epcot’s new nighttime spectacular is coming soon, and Disney has released a new sneak peek for guests excited to experience this upcoming show. In this video (which you can watch above) it is revealed that Harmonious will feature a total of 5 “show action” barges that will form a “compass”, with one extra large barge in the center and four surrounding it. The barge featured in the video is 30ft wide by 75ft long and, like the other barges that will be featured in this show, features large screens, as well as equipment for pyrotechnic, light, and water effects.
Though we don’t have an official opening date yet, Disney is already testing certain show elements at the park after hours, including lighting and audio. In addition, Epcot’s World Showcase torches (which are currently out of service) are being refurbished so they will be ready to be lit once again as part of the new Harmonious show, which will debut sometime this spring!
6. New Onward sneak peek coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beginning in just over a week on February 7th, guests who visit Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to see a sneak peek of Pixar’s new film Onward, which is a fantasy story following two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley, who set out on a quest after being given the chance to spend one day with their late father.
7. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge wins a Grammy
Image: Disney
Though Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is already racking up awards for ride innovation and theming, this new land got the special distinction this week of winning a grammy thanks to John Williams, who won the Recording Academy’s 2019 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for the “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite”, which plays around the land.
8. Super Nintendo World confirmed to be coming to Universal’s Epic Universe in 2023
Image: Universal
Though it has been nearly four years since Universal originally announced that Super Nintendo World would be coming to Universal Orlando Resort, there haven’t been many updates on the status of this new land since then. However, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts shared some of the first details about this new land during an earnings call discussing the financial results, saying that this new land would indeed be part of Universal’s Epic Universe when it opens in 2023, confirming long-standing rumors about this land’s placement.
9. SeaWorld rumored to be developing new roller coaster for 2021
Image: SeaWorld
Several days ago, Theme Park website TheCoasterKings posted a new update from SeaWorld Orlando that included a new work permit filed by the park showing demolition work in the pathway between Bayside Stadium and SeaFire Grill, related to a project codenamed “SWO Penguin”.
According to rumors, some are speculating this new project could be a massive new Bolliger and Mabillard wing coaster, which, if true, would give SeaWorld the fifth wing coaster in the United States, and the first in Florida, which would be quite the draw! An unnamed source further states that this new roller coaster will be featured right at the front of the park, with SeaWorld building a whole new entry area around it, continuing its rebrand efforts, which would of course, make a lot of sense.
