This week at Walt Disney World, after hours fireworks testing kicks off at the Magic Kingdom, the Disney Parks pass system is officially here to stay, plus Disney ends physical distancing and spaced out seating at shows.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal ends mask requirements and opens a new Tribute Store, plus SeaWorld Orlando opens a new coffee location with some very special miniatures inside!
1. The Magic Kingdom begins testing nighttime fireworks
Though physical distancing and outdoor mask wearing are winding down at Walt Disney World, one post-Pandemic change many guests are waiting on is the return of nighttime spectaculars at the parks. And while after-hours testing has been going on at Epcot for several weeks now, the Magic Kingdom began testing fireworks over the weekend, which may indicate the return of nighttime shows in the near future!
2. Reimagined Jungle Cruise to debut later this summer at the Magic Kingdom
It has been announced that the Magic Kingdom version of the Jungle Cruise will debut its refreshed look later this summer. In addition, it looks like visitors won’t have to worry about downtime for this attraction as Disney has confirmed this ride will continue to stay open while new scenes are added and updated.
3. Shows at Walt Disney World now seating every row
Though Disney is still only running a few of its shows right now, it looks like with the majority of physical distancing policies being discontinued at Walt Disney World, Disney is ending its spaced out seating policies as well. Guests who visit shows like Country Bear Jamboree, the Carousel of Progress and more will find that they will be loaded in every row, with no space in between parties as necessary.
4. Disney Parks Pass reservation system sticking around
One of the biggest changes to the Disney Parks experience since reopening has been the implementation of the Disney Park Pass theme park reservation system to manage capacity. And though it has been speculated for some time, Bob Chapek confirmed at a recent conference that this would remain in place for the foreseeable future, with Disney adding more availability as capacity increases. You can read more about Chapek’s vision for the future of Disney parks here.
5. New virtual pin event announced
Though much of Walt Disney World’s park operations have returned to their pre-pandemic state, it looks like Disney will be staying virtual for their annual pin collector’s event this year, announcing that their Heroes vs. Villains Pin event will be held virtually later this year on December 4, 2021. Additional information, including pin designs, activities, registration and more will be announced in the weeks to come.
6. First commercial for Walt Disney World 50th anniversary event released
Disney has unveiled its first commercial for the upcoming 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, which kicks off in just a few months on October 1 2021. The commercial features the ‘Beacons of Magic’ that will transform each of the Disney World theme park icons after dark. You can check it out above!
7. Universal Orlando Resort drops indoor mask requirement
Universal is completely phasing out its mask policy as they have confirmed that wearing a mask indoors at the park will be optional for guests who are fully vaccinated. Guests who are not fully vaccinated are asked to continue wearing a mask indoors, but Universal is not requiring guests to provide proof of vaccination.
8. Jurassic World Tribute Store now open
Universal Orlando Resort has opened its latest Tribute Store in celebration of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster opening next month! In this new shop guests explore four immersive environments themed to the Jurassic World films including the Control Room, the Raptor Paddock, and a lab. Plus you can gear up with an array of exciting new merchandise and apparel and sample some fun Jurassic World-inspired treats! Check out a full walkthrough of the store above.
9. Coaster Coffee Co. now open at SeaWorld Orlando
Guests can start their day at SeaWorld Orlando at the brand-new Coaster Coffee Co. cafe, which serves Starbucks crafted hot and iced favorites in addition to a selection of bakery treats. This new space also includes amazing working scale roller-coaster modes of Mako and Kraken that guests can see up close! You can check out the full menu for this new location here.
