This week at Walt Disney World, handwashing stations begin disappearing from Walt Disney World, another animatronic is removed from the Jungle Cruise, new “Disney Look” standards are implemented for Cast Members and Disney partners with SeaWorld for an exciting new initiative!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal brings back a fan favorite photo op, and SeaWorld extends the Seven Seas Food Festival!
1. New “Disney Look” guidelines now in effect
Disney has relaxed its “Disney Look” Cast Member appearance guidelines this week, Cast Members may now have visible tattoos on their body (but not head, face or neck) that are not offensive, and can also wear jewelry, and non-natural nail colors (single color or French manicure style only). Cast Members are also now allowed to wear any costume they want, regardless of gender. For more on these changes, click here.
2. Hand washing stations being removed around Walt Disney World
When Walt Disney World and Disney Springs reopened last year one of the big changes that was immediately implemented was the addition of standalone hand washing stations in highly trafficked areas, making hand hygiene easy for guests visiting the parks. However, as COVID-19 levels decrease around the US, it looks like Disney has been removing these hand washing stations around both the theme parks and Disney Springs.
3. More changes happening at the Jungle Cruise
Last week the “Trader Sam” animatronic was removed from one of the final scenes of the Jungle Cruise attraction and this week the animatronic people that are trying to escape from an angry rhino via pole have also been removed from the attraction. The Jungle Cruise remains open at this time, just without these two animatronics. No closing dates have been announced for the refurbishment of this attraction.
4. Pin Traders and Camera Center gift shops to close for refurbishment
Two of EPCOT’s gift shops, the Pin Traders and Camera Center store will be closing for refurbishment from this Monday April 19 2021, until early May. During the work, Pin Trading merchandise will move to Gateway Gifts directly opposite, and PhotoPass will move to the Stroller rental area near to Gateway Gifts.
5. Disney and SeaWorld partner to save coral reefs in Florida
Disney has announced that they have joining forces with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, NOAA Fisheries, and SeaWorld, to establish the Florida Coral Rescue Center in Orlando, the largest facility of its kind in the U.S. to help protect coral rapid spread of stony coral tissue loss disease, which has put 22 coral species at risk of extinction.
6. Additional Parks Pass reservations now available for summer
Disney has recently replenished Parks Pass availability for most of its theme parks for this summer, as many parks had previously been sold out, especially during the month of June. However, it looks like Disney has replenished availability for summer dates, with most theme parks now showing as available for dates in June, July and August. So if you are planning to visit the parks this summer, but haven’t made reservations yet, make sure you check out what’s available now here.
7. Jurassic Park Photo Op returns
The Jurassic Park T-Rex photo-op has returned to Islands of Adventure and has been moved next to Thunder Falls Terrace, after moving from its former spot near the Burger Digs restaurant.
8. SeaWorld adds Cinco de Mayo to Seven Seas Food Festival
SeaWorld is currently in the middle of its Seven Seas Food Festival and it looks like they will be keeping the fun going through the Cinco de Mayo holiday, and will be featuring special food and entertainment celebrating this holiday from April 30 through May 9 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) as well as on May 5 (Wednesday).
