This week at Walt Disney World, EPCOT gets ready to soft open its newest attraction with previews in the coming weeks, new information is released about the upcoming 50th anniversary nighttime spectaculars, plus mask mandates return to Disney’s theme parks.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort adds Express service to one of its newest attractions, no masks at Universal and SeaWorld, plus new details are revealed about the new theme park opening in central Florida in 2022!
1. Previews coming next month for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Walt Disney World may be waiting until its 50th anniversary to officially debut the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction at EPCOT, but it looks like Cast Members and potentially annual passholders as well will be able to get a sneak peek at this attraction soon, as Disney has announced that previews for this new ride will start later this month. No details have been made immediately available, but we’ll share them when they are.
2. Masks are now required at Walt Disney World for all guests in indoor spaces
In response to rising COVID-19 cases in the state of Florida Disney has changed its official mask policy, now stating that masks must now be worn by guests and Cast Members indoors regardless of vaccination status. This aligns with the recommendations from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Schedules for Disney Enchantment and Harmonious Released
We are exactly two months away from the debut of new nighttime spectaculars Disney Enchantment and Harmonious at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, respectively, and now Disney has updated their official times guide with schedule information about when guests can expect to catch these new shows. When they debut, on October 1 Disney Enchantment will have a 9:00 PM showtime, and EPCOT’s Harmonious will have a 9:45 showtime. Several days later on October 5, Disney Enchantment will move to an earlier 8:00 PM time. You can check out Disney’s official times guide here for more.
4. New Harmonious sneak peek released
And speaking of Harmonious at EPCOT, Disney has shared some additional information about what guests can expect from this blockbuster new nighttime spectacular when it opens this fall in a new sneak peek video focused on the familiar characters guests will see in this show. Check it out above:
5. Pizzafari reopening this week at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Popular quick service eatery Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is reopening this week for the first time since March 2020, on August 2, 2021. When it reopens this location will serve the usual pizza entrees, as well as sandwhiches and new plant-based options as well.
6. Cast Members required to be vaccinated at Walt Disney World
Disney informed Cast Members earlier this week that they are now requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. to be fully vaccinated to continue working with the company. Employees have 60 days to get vaccinated if they are not yet, and all new hires will need to be fully vaccinated before they can begin working.
7. No mask mandates at Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando or LEGOLAND Florida
Though Walt Disney World announced earlier this week that they would be mandating masks for guests in indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status, it looks like no other Orlando-area theme parks will be implementing mask mandates at this time, despite record COVID-19 cases in the state over the weekend.
8. Express Pass service now available for The Bourne Stuntacular at Universal Studios Orlando
The Bourne Stuntacular show at Universal Studios Florida opened last year, and after only a few months in operation, has added Express pass service this week.
9.Attractions announced for Peppa Pig Theme Park
Several new rides have been confirmed for the upcoming Peppa Pig Theme Park this week, including Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, which will have riders boarding Daddy Pig’s red car and exploring a new short cut; Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, where rider can enjoy a view from up top; Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride; Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure; Mr. Bull’s High Striker and Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour and George’s Tricycle Trail.
A limited amount of annual passes and vacation packages are now on sale for visits starting April 1, though no grand opening date has been officially confirmed just yet. You can learn more at the official Peppa Pig Theme Park website here.
