This week at Walt Disney World, Disney’s newest upcharge event sells out completely, an EPCOT favorite unexpectedly shuts down for an unplanned refurbishment plus new details about the upcoming Princess and the Frog ride are revealed!
Outside Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa announce new opening dates for their most-anticipated new roller coasters, and Universal confirms safety measures for Halloween Horror Nights.
1. Living With the Land at EPCOT closes for unexpected refurbishment
Living with the Land unexpectedly closed on Friday, August 20th, and has not reopened since then. There is some speculation that a technical problem is causing the closure, which has caused the unplanned refurbishment, but boats have been seen cycling during this closure, so hopefully this means that this attraction will reopen soon!
2. Disney After Hours Boo Bash now completely sold out
When tickets for the Disney After Hours Boo Bash went on sale earlier this month, excitement was high from fans wanting to attend Disney’s newest Halloween event, and now two months before Halloween it looks like all dates for this event are now sold out. It is currently unknown if Disney will raise capacity again (as they did several months ago) or add additional dates to cope with this truly spectacular demand for this brand new event.
3. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve opening delayed
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve opening has been delayed once again. Though this new hotel was originally supposed to open in September, the new resort is now expected to open in mid-October. This 14-story hotel which is located next to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and will have 149 suites including two presidential suites when it opens. Guests choosing a stay at the hotel will also be able to take advantage of all amenities at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s hotel which includes restaurants, Spa and pools.
4. Club Cool set to reopen soon
The updated Club Cool will be opening very soon, alongside the upcoming Creations shop merchandise store. Imagineer Zach Riddley shared in a recent post some cool new details about this new location, noting that “The Club Cool marquee uses our EPCOT World Bold font and looks amazing in bright Coke red! The façade was inspired by classic green-hued glass Coca-Cola bottles and features the iconic Coca-Cola logo fully integrated into this dynamic design.”
5. New mural celebrating the completion of the Jungle Cruise refresh installed
Disney has announced that the updates to the Jungle Cruise ride that have been ongoing for the last few months are now complete. The changes to this attraction add additional story elements that preserve the spirit of the attraction, and aim to add more humor, wildlife and “skipper heart” to the ride while better reflecting the world we live in today. To celebrate this milestone Walt Disney Imagineers have installed the mural of Alberta Falls above, which signals the end of the enhancement project.
6. New details about upcoming Princess and the Frog revealed
A year after its initial announcement, Disney has finally shared some details and new concept art for the new Princess and the Frog ride that will be replacing Splash Mountain in the coming years. Though we still don’t have a name or a target opening date for this reimagined ride, Disney has confirmed that the ride’s story will take place after the final kiss as Naveen and Louis join Tiana on her latest adventure, hosting a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome – during which some original music inspired by songs from the film will bring guests into the story.
7. Iron Gwazi to open in March 2022 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
After several lengthy delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has finally announced this week that their much anticipated new Iron Gwazi roller coaster will officially be opening early next year in March 2022.
8. SeaWorld Orlando announces February 2022 opening for Ice Breaker
SeaWorld Orlando has confirmed that its long-awaited Ice Breaker roller coaster will also be opening early next year, and is now targeting February of 2022 for its own grand opening.
9. Halloween Horror Nights to use plastic dividers in houses
With less than a week to go before the start of Halloween Horror Nights, it has been confirmed that masks will be mandatory for performers (including scareactors) and clear vinyl sheets will be used too “in key locations” of all haunted houses to allow for safe interactions between guests and performers.
