This week at Walt Disney World, Disney files permits to tear down Primeval Whirl, new social distancing measures are introduced on the monorail, plus two attractions come back from a lengthy refurbishment!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal announces a reopening for Volcano Bay, closes a long-running show, and kicks off its annual Mardi Gras celebration!
1. Permits filed for Primeval Whirl destruction
Last year Disney announced that Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom would not reopen, and since that time the attraction has sat in the middle of Dinoland USA standing but not operating. But according to a recently-discovered permit, it looks like Disney will finally begin the process of removing this defunct attraction from the park.
2. New physical distancing measures now in place on the Monorail
Though Disney has ended social distancing measures on several rides throughout the resort, it looks like guests travelling by Monorail to the Magic Kingdom (the EPCOT line remains unavailable), are now being physically separated by physical barriers inside the trains, which are labeled by party number. You can see photos of these new measures in place at Laughing Place
3. New refurbishments announced for Magic Kingdom
Two refurbishments for the Magic Kingdom were announced this week. First up is Mad Tea Party ride, which will close for a little over a week later this month on February 22, before reopening to guests on March 5, 2021. Shortly after that, the Swiss Family Treehouse will close on March 12 for nearly two weeks, before reopening on March 26, 2021. Both of these refurbishments are expected to be for general maintenance, as we don’t think any major changes for either of these Magic Kingdom mainstays are in the works right now.
4. New merchandise discount available
Walt Disney World has announced that both Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can now receive 30% off select merchandise purchases at Walt Disney World Resort owned and operated merchandise locations in the theme parks and at Disney Springs from now through March 2, 2021. Guests can also use this discount at some of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts merchandise booths as well.
5. Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer’s Island reopen
After a four month refurbishment the Liberty Square Riverboat attraction as well as some portions of Tom Sawyer’s Island reopened this week at the Magic Kingdom following a complete track replacement in the Rivers of America. Disney recently shared a behind the scenes video that shows how the giant three-story boat was moved from its maintenance area behind the Magic kingdom back to its on-stage dock, which you can check out here.
6. Disney Springs Hotels offering deep discounts this spring
Disney Springs Resort area hotels are offering deep discounts on hotel stays from now through June 18, 2021 with rates as low as $76 per night. Guests wanting to take advantage of these low rates can book a stay now through March 28, 2021. You can learn more about these deals at the official Disney Springs hotel page here.
7.A Day in the Park With Barney permanently closed at Universal Studios Florida
Universal confirmed this week that A Day in the Park with Barney has closed permanently. Though this attraction did open for a little while last summer after Universal’s July reopening, the show shut down on August 9, 2020 due to low crowds and will not reopen.
8. Volcano Bay reopening later this month
Universal announced that this Volcano Bay will begin welcoming guests again in just a few weeks on Saturday, February 27. Right now it is unknown if Volcano Bay will be returning to a full everyday operating schedule, or opening on a limited day basis, like it did last fall before closing. You can check out Universal’s official calendar here for more updates on this as they become available.
9. Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off at Universal Studios Florida
Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval kicked off this weekend at Universal Studios Florida! This year’s scaled down event eschews parades and concerts for a renewed focus on authentic cuisine inspired by the most iconic Carnaval festivities across the globe. This first-ever, dynamic celebration of flavor and entertainment will take place daily at Universal Studios Florida from now through Sunday, March 28. You can learn more about this event here.
