This week at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets another Star Wars addition, Epcot announces their concert lineup for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, plus a Magic Kingdom favorite gets a quick refurbishment in 2020!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort sets plans for New Years Eve, plus the local government agrees to help fund a big project related to Universal’s Epic Universe.
1. New Starbucks location coming to Epcot soon
It has been several months since the closing of the FountainView Starbucks at Epcot, but coffee lovers can soon get their fix once again at this park as a temporary Starbucks at Epcot to be named Traveler’s Café will open soon at this park, sometime before the end of the year. This new location will be serving guests daily near the current Refreshment Port location.
2. Tron ride vehicle photo op now available at Tomorrowland
Guests who visit Tomorrowland can now check out a pair of Lightcycles in front of a special backdrop inspired by the upcoming TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction which will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.
3. New boarding group policy now in effect at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
For the past few weeks guests who have gotten in line hours before Disney’s Hollywood Studios officially opened have been able to join boarding groups (and even experience attractions) long before the park’s posted opening time, as Cast Members were letting guests in early to prevent a mob scene at the front of the park. However, Disney has changed this policy, implementing the following changes:
- Boarding groups will only be available starting at official park opening. Even if you arrive early, you will not be able to join a boarding group until the park is officially open.
- Disney will open the park gates early to prevent crowding at the entrance, but attractions will not be available until the park officially opens, and guests will be corralled into holding areas near the center of the park.
4. Star Tours gets new destinations and character to tie in to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
By now we’re used to periodic new locations added to Star Tours to celebrate film releases, but it looks like Disney went all out for the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, adding two new locations and a new character! We’ve got more on this new update here.
5. Short refurbishment for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad announced
It was announced this week that Magic Kingdom favorite Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closing for a short refurbishment from May 4 to May 21, 2020. The attraction is expected to reopen on May 22, 2020.
6. Garden Rocks concert series lineup announced
The Epcot International Flower and Garden festival begins in just a few months on March 4 and runs through June 1, and will include the following entertainment as part of the Garden Rocks Concert Series:
- March 4-5 – NEW! Peabo Bryson
- March 13-16 – Simple Plan
- March 17-19 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
- March 20-23 – NEW to Garden Rocks! Mark Wills
- March 24-26 – The Spinners
- March 27-28 – Sister Hazel
- March 29-30 – The Pointer Sisters
- March 31-April 2 – Former Journey lead vocalist Steve Augeri
- April 3-4 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
- April 5-6 – Exposé
- April 7-9 – Berlin
- April 19-20 – Rick Springfield
- April 24-27 – Plain White T’s
- April 28-30 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
- May 1-2 – NEW! Don McLean
- May 5-7 – NEW! Ambrosia with Peter Beckett
- May 8-9 – NEW! Thelma Houston
- May 10-11 – NEW to Garden Rocks! The Allman Betts Band
- May 12-14 – Air Supply
- May 15-18 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
- May 19-21 – NEW to Garden Rocks! Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot
- May 24-25 – NEW! Daughtry
- May 26-28 – Marshall Tucker Band
- May 31-June 1 – Survivor
7. Orange County approves new road deal for Universal’s Epic Universe
Image: Universal
Anyone who has ever driven to Universal Orlando Resort has probably experienced Kirkman Road, which is one of the main arteries into the current resort. And late Tuesday evening the Orange County Board of Commissioners voted on a $305 million dollar Kirkman road expansion project that extends the road nearly two miles and will provide transportation to Universal’s Epic Universe’s eventual home.
After hours of public debate Universal Orlando Resort was finally granted $125 million in tax money to build the road around 11:00 PM. Many objected to Universal getting even more taxpayer money to support its new project, but Universal promised to pay back the local government through increased tax revenue and of course additional jobs for locals.
8. New Year’s Eve celebrations available at Universal Orlando Resort
Guests who find themselves at Universal Orlando Resort on New Year’s Eve can take part in the following limited-time celebrations:
- Experience theme park thrills and NYE fun at Universal Studios Florida, with party zones at the Music Plaza Stage and Central Park areas of the park. Guests can enjoy music, character appearances, party favors, and pyrotechnics. Access to Universal Studios’ New Year’s Eve festivities is included with theme park admission.
- Enjoy the chic celebration of EVE at Universal CityWalk, the ultimate New Year’s celebration for guests 21 and up. Guests will find gourmet cuisine, access to five CityWalk clubs with live entertainment, and more.
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Universal Orlando’s hotels, as each one is offering their own festivities. Guests can enjoy a “Party on the Piazza” at Loews Portofino Bay hotel, rock their way into 2020 at Hard Rock Hotel, and more.
