This week at Walt Disney World, more COVID-19 restrictions are dropped, new shows are announced, plus Disney unveils BIG plans for its 50th anniversary celebration!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort reopens an attraction that had previously been shuttered since last August plus the Universal Superstar Parade returns to regular operation!
1. More COVID-19 restrictions dropped for Cast Members
Though we are expecting some COVID-19 Pandemic changes to stick around long-term, Disney has dropped several policies regarding Cast Members this week, including allowing Cast Members who are vaccinated to remove their masks indoors, and dropping the restrictions on handling guests’ property, which means PhotoPass Photographers can once again use guests’ smartphones to take photos.
2. Incredibles theme coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been under refurbishment for several months now and it was confirmed this week that guest rooms are being completely reimagined, now with guest room decor, textiles and art inspired by Pixar’s Incredibles superhero franchise. In addition to the guest room changes, the Contemporary Resort’s world-famous lobby is also getting plussed up with a collection of modern art pieces as well as historical, behind-the-scenes photographs of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in development and under construction.
3. New fireworks show set to hit the Magic Kingdom for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World
This week Disney announced the new “Enchantment” nighttime spectacular which will be coming this fall to the Magic Kingdom for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. This new nightly spectacular will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street USA. You can read more about this exciting new entertainment offering here.
4. Mickey and friends to get a new look for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World
Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale will all be getting sparkling new outfits this fall, custom-made for the 18-month 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World, with multi-toned, EARidescent fabric punctuated with pops of gold. These new looks will debut this fall and will be featured in character Cavalcades, entertainment and more!
5. Disney Kite Tails coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this fall
Disney has announced a new daytime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also set to debut later this year as part of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. Named Disney Kite Tails this fun show will feature various windcatchers and kites “of all shapes and sizes” dancing in the sky, accompanied by some classic Disney tunes.
Guests who check out this show will be able to see favorite Disney characters, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie, come to life as three-dimensional kites, some stretching to 30 feet long. You can see these large kites in the concept art above being pulled along by performers on jet-skis, while smaller windcatchers are held near the audience seating area.
6. Harmonious is ready to debut this fall
Though Disney is getting ready to bring back Epcot Forever next month as part of the return of nighttime spectaculars to the resort, Epcot’s newest high-tech show Harmonious is basically ready to go for its debut at Epcot on October 1, also as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the resort. Disney shared a new photo of the nighttime spectacular in action above, which gives us a real feel for how striking this new spectacular will be when it debuts later this year.
7. Universal’s Superstar Parade returns to Universal Studios Florida
Image: Universal
For the first time since the theme parks reopened in 2020, Universal Studios Florida has resumed its Universal Superstar Parade, which is now being performed regularly at the park, with favorite characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets and more now waving to guests from the parade route.
8. Storm Force Accelatron reopens at Islands of Adventure
Over at Islands of Adventure, the spinning Storm Force Acelerator ride at Marvel Super Hero Island has also reopened this week, after being closed since August 2020, when the park had very low capacity. This ride is now operating daily at the park alongside other Marvel favorites including The Hulk roller coaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
