This week at Walt Disney World, upcoming projects at Epcot and the Magi Kingdom hit major milestones, we get one final sneak peek at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, plus Disney’s Animal Kingdom extends operating hours for the holidays
Outside Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando offers a free gift for annual passholders, plus Universal Orlando Resort announces the character lineup for an upcoming special event!
1. Awesome Planet sign installed at The Land pavilion
Image: Disney
One project that we haven’t heard a lot about in recent months is Awesome Planet, which was originally scheduled to open sometime this year at Epcot’s The Land pavilion. And though we still don’t have an opening date for this new film, a new sign has been installed where the entrance to this new film-based attraction will eventually go, which is hopefully a sign that we’ll see an opening soon! Here’s the official description of this show:
An on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect.
With spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and space sequences created by none other than Industrial Light & Magic (which provided the cinematic foundation for the Star Wars franchise), “Awesome Planet” will stir Epcot guests and deliver an environmental message that will resonate far beyond its final scenes.
2. Final sneak peek released for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before opening
We’re less than a week away from the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and in celebration of the imminent opening of this new attraction, Disney has shared yet another sneak peek of this attraction that includes a first look at some of the action scenes in this attraction. Check out the video above for our most complete look yet inside this new attraction.
In addition to the sneak peek, Disney has confirmed that FastPass+ will not be available when this attraction opens, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will not be open during morning Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
3. Santa Claus comes to the Magic Kingdom
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, Santa Claus has begun appearing at Town Square Courtyard in the Magic Kingdom from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM daily through Tuesday, Dec. 24th (Christmas Eve).
4. Track installation is now complete for TRON Lightcycle / Run
Disney revealed this week that the final piece of the ride track for the upcoming TRON Lightcycle /Run attraction has been officially installed. You can check out the video above that showcases the Magic Kingdom Cast Members and Imagineers that were on hand for the occasion. In addition, it was announced that guests will be able to experience this attraction in 2021, just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom gets extended hours this holiday season
Image: Disney
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be extending park hours in December and January to hopefully absorb some of the larger holiday crowds during the season. Here are the dates with extended hours:
Opening:
- December 5, 23, 26-30 & :January 2-4, 2020 Park opening an hour earlier at 8:00 AM.
Closing:
- December 22-26: Park closing an hour later at 9:00 PM
- December 27-28: Park closing an hour later at 10:00 PM
- December 29-30: Park closing an hour later at 11:00 PM
- January 1, 3, 2020: Park closing an hour later at 9:00 PM
- January 2, 4, 2020: Park closing an hour later at 10:00 PM
6. Universal Orlando Resort announces characters for first Running Universal 5K and 10K in-park race
Universal Orlando Resort is kicking off its Running Universal series on February 1 and 2, and has announced that this inaugural 5K and 10K will include character appearances by the Minions, Shrek and family, Autobots and Decepticons from Transformers, and Blue from Jurassic World. The characters will appear throughout the race courses, and will be on hand for photos and selfies with racers.
7. Free Christmas ornament now available at SeaWorld Orlando for annual passholders
SeaWorld Orlando is once again offering Pass Member a special gift, beginning this week. Pass Members who stop by the at Shoppes at the Waterfront starting December 1, are able to get a complimentary SeaWorld christmas ornament, before checking out all of the new holiday merchandise, festive offers, and new Christmas trading pin collections.
