This week at Walt Disney World, Disney announces they are bringing back at least one stage show this summer, hours get extended, plus rumors fly about Walt Disney World’s annual passholder program in the wake of Disneyland’s annual pass program cancellation.
Outside Walt Disney World, SeaWorld brings back the Preschool Pass for young children, plus Universal is expecting BIG crowd levels this year for Spring Break.
1. Festival of the Lion King returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has confirmed that they will be bringing back Festival of the Lion King in a modified format with adjustments to the show on stage and backstage, including updates to choreography to allow for appropriate physical distancing. No specific opening date has been given for this reopening, with Disney only confirming that it will happen this summer.
2. All Walt Disney World theme parks extending hours in February
Though crowds have been much lower these past few weeks, Disney has been increasing their hours of operation in February, with all parks either opening earlier or closing later than was previously scheduled. You can check out Walt Disney World’s official calendar here for the most up-to-date operating hours.
3. Small part of expanded France pavilion now open
Earlier this week EPCOT welcomed the first guests into the new expanded France pavilion, which will eventually be home to the upcoming Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This area is mostly just a walkway at the moment, but new restrooms are available for guests to use. Guests can also get a closer look at the entrance sign for this upcoming attraction, which now sports a “Coming 2021” banner.
4. Hall of Presidents now closed for refurbishment
As of January 20, 2021 the Hall of Presidents is officially closed for refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t announced anything yet, it can be assumed that President Biden will be added to the attraction (in audio-animatronic form) sometime later this year.
5. Crossroads shopping plaza to be demolished
Image: Disney
Though not technically a part of Walt Disney World, the Crossroads shopping district has become a mainstay for guests staying on property or near Dsiney Springs. However, it looks like this shopping center won’t be around much longer as the State of Florida has reached a $198 million agreement to acquire this area, which will then be torn down to make room for a new I-4 ramp connecting to Walt Disney World.
As a result of this deal being finalized, all 25 businesses housed at the retail center will have until August 2021 to close and vacate, with work on the new roadway likely starting work in 2022.
6. Annual passes may not be available again at Walt Disney World until 2022
Last week Disneyland announced they were ending their annual passholder program, and naturally many have wondered if Walt Disney World could be considering a similar option, as their annual passes are also not available right now. And according to a report in the Orlando Sentinel, while Disney is not considering cancelling Walt Disney World’s annual pass program, it could be months, possibly early 2022, before new passes go on sale again as Disney is still enforcing capacity limits during the pandemic and because of strong demand for Disney World’s 50th celebration later this year.
7. SeaWorld announces return of Preschool Pass
SeaWorld has announced that it is bringing back its annual Preschool Pass, which allows kids 5 or younger to visit the theme park every day for a full year for free. Advance registration must be completed online by February 3, 2021 and first visit ticket redemption must occur by February 28, 2021. This special pass is only for Florida Residents and does not include free parking.
8. Report: Universal expecting big crowds for Spring Break
According to a report by Orlando Weekly, Universal employees have been told told that their TM passes will be blacked out from March 13 until April 10th as the resort is expecting big crowds at the resort during this period for the Spring Break holidays. As of right now capacity limits are still being enforced, but no announcement has been made about whether or not more guests will be let in during the Spring Break holidays to help deal with the large crowds.
