Home ยป The 8 BIG Updates From Walt Disney World (and Beyond) This Week (February 22-28, 2021)

The 8 BIG Updates From Walt Disney World (and Beyond) This Week (February 22-28, 2021)

This week at Walt Disney World, we get a behind the scenes look at the development of Harmonious, Disney tightens mask restrictions in time for Spring Break, plus Blizzard Beach gets ready to reopen! 

Outside Walt Disney World, a new Peppa Pig theme park is announced for LEGOLAND Florida resort plus a new limited-time package deal is now available for guests wanting to visit Universal Orlando Resort this spring! 

1. Disney shares a new look at Harmonious barge 

Though we don’t quite have an opening date just yet, Disney has been hard at work installing the barges at the World Showcase Lagoon for their upcoming Harmonious nighttime show at EPCOT. And now a brand new inside look has been revealed that gives guests an inside look at the newly installed icon barge which will be at the center of the show and feature moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and a six-story tall icon ring! You can check out all the behind-the-scenes information in the video above. 

2. Disney tightens mask guidelines for indoor dining

Walt Disney World updated their stated mask guidelines on their website with stricter rules for mask-wearing, which now specifies that face coverings must also be worn while standing, waiting or sitting in dining locations. Previous policy at sit-down restaurants allowed guests to remove their masks as soon as they sit down at a table and then put them back on after they leave. Under this new policy, guests would need to leave their masks on while sitting, ordering, and waiting for food and can only remove them when actively eating or drinking. 

3. Character breakfast returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be bringing back its Disney Junior Play ‘n’ Dine character breakfast (with distanced greetings and photos) beginning March 22 2021. Reservations for this experience can be made now at the Hollywood and Vine website. 

4. Mad Tea Party now closed for refurbishment 

The Magic Kingdom’s the Mad Tea Party is now closed for a short refurbishment, and is scheduled to reopen to guests next week on March 5, 2021.

5. Disney extends park hours for Spring Break 

One of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World has been the Spring Break holidays which kick off in March and last through the month of April. And though capacity caps will still be in place this year, it looks like the resort is still expecting to see big crowds in 2021, with all four parks extending hours beginning in March. For the most up to date information on theme park openings, you can check out the official park calendar here

6. Blizzard Beach to reopen next week 

Blizzard Beach is officially reopening next week on March 7, 2021, just in time for the park’s 25th anniversary. Tickets are now once again on sale for this theme park here on Walt Disney World’s official website. As with other theme parks, masks will be required in common areas, but will not be permitted on slides or in pools. You can read more about the reopening guidelines here

7. New Peppa Pig theme park announced for LEGOLAND Florida Resort 

A new theme park based on the world of popular preschool character Peppa Pig has been announced and will open in Florida next year. The park will be operated by Merlin and will be part of the LEGOLAND Florida resort in Winter Haven, but it will be its own park, requiring separate admission. To visit this new park, guests can purchase individual tickets, annual passes or combo passes that include LEGOLAND Florida admission.

The park will be aimed at young children and will feature rides, live shows, character interactions, themed play areas and water-play areas. Specific attraction details are expected to be announced later this year in anticipation of a 2022 debut. Work has already begun on the new theme park, and is visible from the LEGOLAND Florida parking lot. 

8. Universal Orlando Resort announces new limited time ticket deal

Universal Orlando Resort has announced a new package deal that allows guests to save 40 percent on a 4-day, 4-night hotel and ticket vacation package with prices starting at $1,388, after savings, based on a family of four.

This limited-time offer includes:

  • Four days of fun and park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universalโ€™s Islands of Adventure.
  • Four-night accommodations at Universalโ€™s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Exclusive theme park benefits like Early Park Admission to access the parks an hour before the general public, complimentary transportation throughout the destination and delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the theme parks and Universal CityWalk to their hotel โ€“ and more.

This vacation package must include Sunday through Thursday travel dates and the booking must be completed by April 19, 2021, for travel through June 24, 2021 and must be booked through the official Universal website.