This week at Walt Disney World, Disney brings a nighttime show back in a limited capacity, masks are confirmed to be required until the end of the year, plus the government responds to reports about restricting travel to Florida.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort hits capacity and SeaWorld brings back live entertainment!
1. Tree of Life Awakenings returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Though nighttime entertainment is still on pause at Walt Disney World, over the past long weekend Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests were surprised to see the return of the Tree of Life Awakenings show, which features short, projection based displayed on the iconic Tree of Life park icon.
According to Disney’s website, this nighttime show will be back in a limited capacity, playing on days when the park closes at 8:00 PM. Shows will kick off about an hour before park close and will be performed 15 minutes apart.
2. Biden administration responds to reports about closing travel to Florida
Earlier this week reports surfaced about a domestic travel ban in the United States barring travel to and from Florida, and in response a White House spokesperson released the following statement denying that anything was immediately in the works regarding travel to the state of Florida:
“To be clear, there have been no decisions made around additional public health measures for domestic travel safety. The administration is continuing to discuss recommendations across the travel space, but no specific decisions are under consideration”
3. Disney’s Contemporary Resort refurbishment announced
Starting in April 2021, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will begin a refurbishment to reimagine Guest rooms. While some Main Tower rooms will be unavailable during this time, most resort areas and amenities will still be available to enjoy. No official end date has been announced but reportedly this refurbishment is set to last through September 2021.
4. EPCOT Leave a Legacy returns with new look
Though Epcot’s original Leave a Legacy structures were removed over a year ago as part of the park’s main entrance redesign, Disney has brought this feature back outside the park’s main gates, with a new look that will join together form a beautiful mural celebrating this iconic program from Epcot’s past.
5.Mandatory masks and social distancing to last through the end of 2021 at Disney Parks
We may only be two months into the year but Disney CEO Bob Chapek confirmed this week that masks and social distancing policies will still be in effect at Disney parks at least through the end of the year. However, as vaccine rates go up, Chapek has said that capacity increases could come in the near future.
6. Hitchhiking Ghosts appear in new car commercial
Chevrolet has partnered with Walt Disney World to promote the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EUV and have released a fun commercial featuring some familiar ghosts from the Haunted Mansion. You can check it out above.
7. Universal Orlando Resort theme parks hit capacity crowds for Valentine’s Day weekend
It looks like a lot of guests dropped by Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure this weekend, as both parks reached capacity last Saturday and will probably see capacity crowds again today for the holiday.
8. SeaWorld brings back concerts for the Seven Seas Food Festival
Though Universal decided to forego the musical guests for this year’s Mardi Gras festival SeaWorld has announced that musical acts will once again be coming to the Bayside Stadium this week as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival. In an effort to maintain social distancing SeaWorld will be filling every other row of the 4,500-seat Bayside Stadium and will keep three empty seats on either side between separate groups. Here is the concert schedule lineup:
- Chris Janson — Feb. 21
- Luis Enrique — Feb. 27
- Easton Corbin —March 7
- Vanilla Ice — March 13
- Jeremy Camp — March 14
Click the link to have your say on our latest Big Debate which asks the question, Is It Worth Visiting Walt Disney World In 2021?
Our Big Debate Results article which outlines your views on last week’s debate regarding the loss of Extra Magic Hours will be coming soon to our News and Facebook page.
