Late last week, we were shocked to learn that Disney was making several cuts to their in-park entertainment, including fan favorites like The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History and the Royal Majesty Makers. However, it looks like Disney isn’t quite done yet trimming the budget at Walt Disney World, as we have learned about even more changes taking place at Walt Disney World in the next few weeks that could have an impact on your next visit!
1. Burudika at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to have final performance next month
Image: Disney
It’s hard to think of the Harambe Village area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom without immediately thinking about the sounds of the iconic Burudika Band that performs every afternoon in this area. However, it looks like it may just be the end of the road for this musical group, as reports seem to indicate that Disney has not renewed their contract with these musicians, which means their last day at the park will be October 13, 2019 with their final show happening at 6:30pm on this date. Though Disney has not officially announced Burudika’s departure, their calendar doesn’t show any performances beyond October 13, which all but confirms this sad cut for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
2. PhotoPass photographers disappear from character meet and greets
Image: Disney
Though we first saw Disney’s PhotoPass photographer replacement technology in action at the Magic Kingdom Tinker Bell meet and greet last year, it looks like Disney is doing a massive roll-out of their automated PhotoPass boxes at character meet and greets around Walt Disney World right now so they can save money on PhotoPass staff costs.
These automated PhotoPass boxes are now in place at the Darth Vader meet and greet in Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as the Mickey and Minnie meet and greet in the Magic Kingdom. Though these meet and greets still have character attendants who can take photos on phones, actual PhotoPass photographers are no longer present at these locations and are not expected to return. We don’t know what other character meet and greets could eventually get these PhotoPass boxes, but we’ll let you know as this technology continues to expand around the resort.
3. Primeval Whirl is going seasonal
Image: Disney
Though we have long wondered about this attraction’s status since its unexpected and extended refurbishment that began earlier this year, it looks like it could be a very long time before we are able to experience Primeval Whirl again, as Disney is moving this attraction from temporary closure to seasonal operation, which means that, even when whatever is causing issues at this attraction is eventually fixed, Disney will only open it during peak attendance times.
And while this might sound OK for right now, longtime Disney fans know that when something at Disney moves to seasonal status, it is often an indicator that an attraction will eventually be marked for demolition. Of course, there are some exceptions to this trend, but the move to seasonal status is certainly a troubling development for fans of this attraction, and it will be interesting to see if Primeval Whirl does indeed reopen this winter, during the holiday “busy” season at Walt Disney World.
Image: Jennifer Lynn, Flickr (license)
Like with the closures announced last week Disney has not formally announced any of these cuts, and unfortunately both the PhotoPass changes and the new seasonal status for Primeval Whirl are already in place. However, if you are a fan of Burudika at Disney’s Animal Kingdom you’re going to want to stop by Walt Disney World soon, as this band will only be around for a few more weeks!
