This week at Walt Disney World, Test Track gets an early 2020 refurbishment, My Disney Experience gets a big change, Disney’s Animal Kingdom says goodbye to a long-running entertainment option and more!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal “accidentally” announces a new attraction and SeaWorld Orlando is offering free food for annual passholders
1. Disney Skyliner still not open to guests
Image:Disney
A week after the Disney Skyliner suffered an unspecified malfunction, this transportation system is still in testing while the issue that caused this malfunction is investigated. Disney has not provided any updates on when the Skyliner might reopen, but hopefully we’ll know more soon!
2. Test Track closing early next year for brief refurbishment
Image: Disney
Right before the massive closure and overhaul of Spaceship Earth, Test Track will be closing for a brief refurbishment from January 13th, 2020 to February 26, 2020. This closure will ensure that this attraction is in tip-top condition while Spaceship Earth is closed and will have minimal downtime during this period.
3. My Disney Experience becomes preffered method of booking restaurant reservations
Image: Disney
Though dining reservations have been a part of My Disney Experience since the very beginning, guests have always had the option to either book digitally or via phone. However, it looks like Disney will be discontinuing dining reservations via the Disney Reservation Center, which means that digital is now the only option for guests wanting to snag reservations at Walt Disney World’s most popular eateries.
4. Burudika at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has final day
Image: Disney
Earlier this year it was reported that Disney has not renewed their contract with Harambe Village musicians Burudika, which means their last day at the park was October 13, 2019 with their final show happening at 6:30pm on this date.
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings back free dining gift card offer
Image: Disney
Last year Disney announced the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler, which was a special limited-time promotion that allowed guests to try food and beverages around the park, while also reserving a seat for Rivers of Light as well and even get some free money back. And now Disney is bringing back this promotion for 2019, and with even MORE free money.
This year’s promotion costs $50 and includes two digital value cards: one $50 card that can be used at over 40 outdoor food and beverage locations throughout the park, and a bonus $10 card that can be used at quick-service restaurants in the park after 4pm.Though this package is more expensive than last yer’s deal (which was $35), the free money has doubled (last year’s “bonus” card was only $5).
In addition to the free money for dining, guests who book this deal will receive two reserved seats for the second showing of Rivers of Light: We are One, which must be redeemed between December 22, 2019 and January 4, 2020.
Like last year, this experience will only be available during the holiday season from December 22, 2019 through January 4, 2020
Guests can book the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler experience online here.
6. Disney Springs hotel early FastPass+ window extended into 2020
Image: Disney
Back in 2018, Disney made the unexpected move of expanding the extended 60-day FastPass+ booking window to include properties near Disney Springs on Hotel Plaza Boulevard and the surrounding Good Neighbor hotels. Though these hotels are not Disney-owned, they have enjoyed some perks in the past, including Extra Magic Hours and special character experiences, and the addition of the extra FastPass+ booking windows was certainly a welcome new perk for guests staying at these budget-friendly locations. And now it has been revealed that guests staying at these hotels will be able to contine to enjoy this perk for a while, as Disney has officially said this additional booking window will be available to guests staying at these hotels all through 2020.
7. Rumored Bourne-themed show accidentally confirmed by Universal
Though it has been rumored for several years now, Universal Orlando Resort announced (and then retracted) an announcement earlier this week confirming that a new live-action stunt show will debut next spring in the space formerly occupied by Terminator 2:3D entitled The Bourne Stuntacular. Though we’ll have to wait until Universal is actually ready to officially announce this attraction for details, it looks like we won’t be much longer until we can learn more about this upcoming show.
8. SeaWorld Pass Members get free food this month
Image: SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members can now log in to their member account to redeem an offer that allows them to grab three free samples to use now through October 27th on Craft Beer Festival weekends. This special offer is for Pass Members only and cannot be transferred.
