This week at Walt Disney World, physical distancing continues to wind down, relaxation stations are closed across the resort, plus Disney Parks Pass reservations are almost completely sold out for the month of June!
Outside Walt Disney World, A new character meet and greet experience is announced for Universal Studios Florida, plus SeaWorld brings back a fan favorite summer event which includes nighttime fireworks!
1. Relaxation Stations closing around Walt Disney World theme parks
Last week’s big news about the end of outdoor masking mandates at Walt Disney World has made the many relaxation stations around the theme parks redundant as guests can now remove their masks anywhere outdoors. Relaxation Stations near Golden Oak Outpost, inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow, at Tomorrowland Terrace, inside the Star Wars Launch Bay, and at the World Showcase have already closed, and we expect others to be removed in the coming days.
2. Physical distancing in queues being discontinued
In addition, it looks like the physical distancing markers that previously kept parties separate in extended outdoor queues (at popular attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, etc.) have all been removed with guests now able to stand close to one another to keep queue lines compressed.
3. Complimentary MagicBands discontinued for annual passholders
Though complimentary MagicBands had already been discontinued for Walt Disney World resort guests several months ago, it was announced this week in an email to annual passholders that free solid color MagicBands would also be discontinued for Annual Passes purchased and renewed starting on August 16, 2021. Annual Passholders will still get a special discount on MagicBands.
4. Annual pass sales could resume soon
In the same email about the cancelled complimentary MagicBands it was also mentioned that those who newly purchase annual passholders will not be able to get a free MagicBand, which has led some to speculate that Walt Disney World may begin selling annual passes again in the near future. And though nothing has been confirmed, with all four Walt Disney World theme parks increasing capacity, it seems like a good time to make this move.
5. Disney Parks Pass reservations extremely limited in June and for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary
And speaking of raised capacity, though Disney is allowing more guests to visit the parks, Parks Pass availability continues to be VERY limited, with all parks unavailable for the remainder of May, and only Epcot now available on select days in June. Looking further out on the calendar it looks like guests are already making reservations for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, with many parks unavailable on October 1, 2021.
Of course, Parks Pass availability can be replenished at any time so if you’re hoping to visit the theme parks in the near future, make sure you check the availability calendar here.
6. Three Caballeros animatronics return to Gran Fiesta Tour
The finale of the Gran Fiesta Tour animatronic has felt a little flat lately with the normally lively Three Caballeros animatronic figures replaced by stoic cardboard cutouts. However, Walt Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley announced this week via his Instagram that The Three Caballeros audio-animatronics have returned to the Gran Fiesta Tour after a nearly four-month-long absence.
7. New DreamWorks character experience coming soon to Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando Resort announced this week that an all-new, interactive character experience will be coming soon to Universal Studios Florida’s KidsZone: DreamWorks Destination! In this new area, guests can meet, greet and dance along with their favorite DreamWorks characters in an incredibly-themed location that brings the high-energy fun of the franchise’s most popular animated films to life. Signage has already been posted around the park for this new attraction, and it looks very likely that this new attraction will debut in just a few days!
8. SeaWorld brings back summertime event with nighttime fireworks
Seaworld Orlando is bringing back its summertime Electric Ocean event next week, starting on May 28 with more hours of fun featuring new daytime experiences and nighttime favorites. New this year is the limited time Rescue Tails show, which is an educational presentation that teaches guests about SeaWorld’s commitment to animal care and rescue, and will be performed at the Seaport Theater on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during Electric Ocean dates.
In addition SeaWorld will be bringing back Ignite, a firework and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park, and the only nighttime spectacular currently being performed at Central Florida theme parks. Showtime is at 10:00 p.m. during Electric Ocean evenings.
