This week at Walt Disney World, temperature checks are phased out, A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus the new After Hours Boo Bash is announced for Halloween!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal opens the single rider line, VelociCoaster opens to guests during a soft opening, plus SeaWorld brings back a fan favorite festival next week!
1. Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King debuts
Over the weekend Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” which is a modified version of the fan favorite show that includes all your favorite songs and performances, with the exception of the flying bird and the tumblemonkeys sequences, which have been cut in this version. Showtimes are now scheduled through the summer, and you can check out the full times list at the official Walt Disney World website here.
2. After Hours Boo Bash announced for this Halloween season
Disney has announced the limited time “After Hours Boo Bash” at the Magic Kingdom, which is a new special-ticket event, that will run select nights August 10-October 31.Like previous Halloween events, Disney After Hours Boo Bash will feature special decor at Magic Kingdom, special performances from the Cadaver Dans, attractions, themed food offerings, trick-or-treat candy stops, and special character appearances throughout the park, which will include cavalcades and villain appearances like Dr. Facilier and Captain Barbosa who will be “lurking about”. Guests of all ages will also be able to dress up for the festivities by wearing costumes during this limited time evening event.
3. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser delayed to 2022
Though it was initially slated to open later this year, the grand opening of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel “experience” has been officially delayed to 2022. Though this may be a little bit of a bummer, with Disney still keeping to health and safety guidelines like distancing, masking etc., this move is one that unfortunately does make sense. You can read more about what to expect from this new experience (as well as the realistic lightsaber that will be a part of it) here.
4. Temperature checks phased for Walt Disney World theme park visitors
Walt Disney World Resort has announced that it will be phasing out the use of temperature checks at all of its theme parks as well as Disney Springs beginning this week, with mandatory temperature checks for Cast Members ending on May 8th and then for guests on May 16th. This new move is in line with CDC guidance, which has noted that temperature checks are largely unnecessary when other precautions are being taken
5. New reopening dates announced for trio of Walt Disney World restaurants
Disney has announced the return of several fan-favorite restaurants just in time for summer, including a few that will include modified character offerings. Here are the dates:
- Chef Mickey’s – Dinner service (May 16, 2021)
- Cape May Café (May 18, 2021)
- Tusker House (Summer 2021)
You can learn more about these reopenings here.
6. AdventHealth becomes official healthcare provider for Walt Disney World
AdventHealth announced this week that it will become the Official Health Care Provider at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Official Virtual Health Care Provider at Walt Disney World Resort and will also be building an emergency room located at Flamingo Crossings Town Center. You can learn more about this new “World of Wellness” in the video above.
7. Regular day guests can now ride Jurassic World: VelociCoaster during soft openings
Now that Universal Orlando Resort Team Members and Annual Passholders have been able to have their exclusive previews of the brand new Jurassic World: VelociCoaster attraction at Islands of Adventure, it looks like Universal is now letting regular day guests in on the preview fun, and has now begun technical rehearsals (or “soft openings”) at the park.
During these soft openings, the ride will run intermittently throughout the day, with no advance warning or notification, if at all. Guests who want to try and get a sneak peek at this attraction before its June 10th opening can hang out in the Jurassic Park area of Islands of Adventure to keep an eye on the entrance, and can also monitor the official Universal Orlando Resort app for updates during this soft opening period.
8. Single rider lines now available at Universal Orlando
In addition to getting rid of temperature checks (like at Walt Disney World), Universal Orlando Resort has also reduced social distancing measures, is now seating all rows/seats on attractions, and has also brought back the single rider line at the park!
9. Viva La Musica returns to SeaWorld next week
SeaWorld Orlando’s Viva La Músic Latin-inspired festival is returning later this month on Saturdays and Sundays May 13-23. During this event guests will be able to dance to red-hot local entertainment featuring salsa, bachata, reggaetón, and more with plenty of open spaces for guests to groove and move and enjoy fresh & festive food & beverage selections.
