This week at Walt Disney World, mask requirements are tightened, holiday entertainment debuts, plus a cute new PhotoPass photo opportunity debuts at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando announce holiday plans, plus Universal announces hotel openings just in time for the holiday season!
1. Holidays come to Walt Disney World
Holiday celebrations officially kicked off at every Walt Disney World theme park except EPCOT, with special entertainment options, photo spots, character cavalcades, and of course appearances by the one and only Santa Claus! You can read more about all of the holiday entertainment at each park here.
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort monorail station closed for refurbishment
As part of the ongoing refurbishment work at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort this hotel’s monorail station has officially closed, and DVC guests staying at this resort will need to find alternate ways to return back to their rooms from the Magic Kingdom. The monorail station is projected to reopen sometime next year along with the rest of the resort.
3. Disney tightens mask restrictions again
Walt Disney World has tightened its mask requirements yet again to try and keep its theme parks as safe as possible by adding announcements and signage confirming that eating and drinking is no longer allowed within attraction queues and guests must wear face covering at all times in attraction queues. Of course, guests can still remove their masks to eat and drink while stationary outside (walking with food and drink is not allowed), while seated inside restaurants, and at designated Relaxation Stations throughout the parks
4. Disney shows off Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind vehicles
Disney provided a first look this week at the ride vehicles that will be used in the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction now under construction at EPCOT. This attraction is very far along in development, with construction on this first-of-its kind roller coaster continuing at the park, potentially in preparation for a 2021 or 2022 debut. You can learn more about these vehicles here.
5. TUMI closes forever at Disney Springs
TUMI, a premium travel store located near the Anthropologie store in the middle of the Town Center area of Disney Springs has closed as of this week. This location formerly carried a range of premium travel, business & lifestyle bags, accessories and luggage and has been in operation at Disney Springs since August 2016.
6. PhotoPass debuts new Magic Shot featuring The Child from The Mandalorian
Visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge can now find a new PhotoPass Magic Shot opportunity featuring a digital version of The Child (AKA “Baby Yoda”) from The Mandalorian.
7. Universal details new holiday offerings including walk-through parade experience
Universal Orlando Resort has announced its plans for the holiday season, which include seasonal character meet and greets, special food offerings, decorations and entertainment in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the first ever holiday Tribute Store, and a reimagined “Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons” which will have guests strolling along a picturesque pathway where they’ll encounter elaborate floats and stunning balloons inspired by everything from iconic holiday staples like reindeers and the Nutcracker, to characters from popular animated films. And it all culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus and the opportunity to take a socially-distanced portrait with the big man himself.
8. Universal Orlando Resort sets opening for two hotels this holiday season
And speaking of the holiday season, Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will reopen on December 1st and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites will officially open on December 15th. These reopenings join Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, which is now accepting reservations beginning December 1st.
9. SeaWorld Orlando details new holiday offerings
SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating the holiday season from November 14 through December 31 with fan favorite entertainment offerings including the Sea of Trees and Winter Wonderland on Ice. In addition, the park has announced the following new entertainment offerings:
- It’s a Wonderful Night: A New Story to Tell : You haven’t experienced the spirit of the season quite like this before. SeaWorld is bringing over 30 of your favorite Christmas carols back to the stage with new clever surprises and lighthearted laughs. Check back soon for details on this reimagining of an old favorite for SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, coming to the Nautilus Theater with limited capacity and physical distancing.
- Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium: All-new for this year, guests can now experience outdoor ice skating! You and your family can skate alongside the water of SeaWorld’s central lagoon throughout the day in our beautiful winter wonderland. Capacity will be limited to promote physical distancing and all guests must wear crew length socks and gloves. Additional charge required which includes rental of ice skates, socks and gloves can also be purchased.
- Hanukkah Celebration This year, SeaWorld will be celebrating more holidays than ever before. For the first year ever, join us as we honor the festival of lights! From December 10 through 18, gather with your friends and family in a socially distant experience to view the traditional lighting of the menorah throughout Hanukkah.
- Kwanzaa Festivities Another new experience for the holidays this year, SeaWorld will celebrate the festivities of Kwanzaa! Taking place December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara.
- Photos with Santa Claus Take a visit to the top of the world to meet the Arctic’s most famous resident, Santa Claus, at SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic for a safe alternative to family photos with everyone’s favorite jolly elf! One party at a time will greet Santa in the expansive family room and have the opportunity to sit (physically distant) in Santa’s sleigh with Santa seated above and behind, separated by a plexiglass partition. *Photo packages available.
- Happy Holidays from Sesame Street Land It’s furry and bright on our favorite street! Join us as we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with our Sesame Street friends as they sing and dance to their favorite holiday songs.
