This week at Walt Disney World, Epcot begins construction on a long-awaited project, a Magic Kingdom favorite reopens, plus Disney adjusts its hours for two of its parks.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort opens a new restaurant and a guest favorite perk returns to SeaWorld.
1.Construction on Leave a Legacy removal now underway
Image: Disney
Construction walls went up around the Leave a Legacy monuments this weekend as work continues on the new Epcot entrance design. This new entryway won’t be finished until next year, but the monument removal will be done in phases over the next few months. You can read more about the changes coming to the front of the park here.
2. Tomorrowland Speedway now open following refurbishment
Image: Disney
The Tomorrowland Speedway at the Magic Kingdom has reopened over the weekend following a lengthy closure that saw the track slightly rerouted to make way for the addition of the upcoming Tron coaster, which has just recently gone vertical at the Magic Kingdom. The ride experience is basically the same, with only a few turns affected by the changed route.
3. Toy Story 4 preview coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next week
Beginning May 24, Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host an advance look at Toy Story 4. You can check out a preview of the preview in the video clip above.
4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom adjust summer operating hours
Image: Disney
Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently adjusted its summer operating hours, with some days seeing an earlier start and others a later evening. Here is the full list of changes:
- June 2-3, 7-11, 21-25: Park now opens at 8 a.m.
- June 3, 7-10, 12-16, 19-27, 30; July 3-6: Park now closes at 10 p.m.
- June 2: Park now closes at 11 p.m.
- July 3-4: Park now opens at 8 a.m.
- June 2-3, 5-7, 10, 12-13, 17-22, 24-27: Park Now closes at 11 p.m.
- July 2-3: Park now closes at 12 a.m.
- July 4: Park now closes at 1 a.m.
5. Takumi-Tei announced for Japan pavilion at Epcot
Image: Disney
It was confirmed last year that a new signature dining experience will be coming soon to Epcot’s Japan pavilion, and now we know that this new location will be named Takumi-Tei, which means house of the artisan.Operated by Mitsukoshi, which also runs the pavilion’s other restaurants and retail areas, the restaurant will draw inspiration from nature.
The menu will include Wagyu Beef and a multi-course tasting menu with traditional tea service. Drinks will include signature cocktails, premium sake and a wine and craft beer menu.
Construction on this new location is almost complete, and guests should be able to make reservations at this dining location this summer.
6. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge quick service menu revealed
Image: Disney
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, the main eatery in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, offering quick service food and drink during lunch and dinner has released its full menu just ahead of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. This menu will of course debut first on the west coast, but will be identical to the one that hits Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29th.
- Smoked Kaadu Ribs – sticky pork ribs served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw
- Fried Endorian Tip-yip – crispy chicken served with roasted vegetable potato mash and herb gravy
- Yobshrimp Noodle Salad – chilled shrimp served with marinated noodles and vegetables
- Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad – marinated chicken served with mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and green curry ranch
- Felucian Garden Spread (lunch only) – plant-based “kefta” served with herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish, and pita
- Braised Shaak Roast (dinner only) – beef pot roast served with cavatelli pasta, wilted kale, and mushrooms
- Ithorian Garden Loaf (dinner only) – plant-based “meatloaf” served with roasted vegetable potato mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce
- Oi-oi Puff – raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse
- Batuu-bon – chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard
7. TODAY Cafe now open at Universal Studios Florida
Image: Universal
This week Universal opened the brand new TODAY cafe. Designed to look and feel like Studio 1A in New York City where TODAY broadcasts daily, the new TODAY Cafe serves grab and go meals, snacks and coffee. Guests can sit inside and watch a live TODAY broadcast or sit outside in a specially designed area meant to recall the TODAY plaza in New York City.
This new dining location replaced the former Beverly Hills Boulangerie quick service stop at the front of Universal Studios Florida, and across from the Universal Studios Store.
8. Free beer returns to SeaWorld Orlando next week
Image: SeaWorld
Free beer is returning for the summer at SeaWorld Orlando and will be available at the park from Saturday, May 25 through September 2, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to one hour before park close. Complimentary beer will be available to guests 21 years of age and older. Guests can visit The Patio Bar next to Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen and receive one complimentary 14-ounce domestic beer per day
