This week at Walt Disney World, Disney debuts its new annual pass program, new details are released about some upcoming EPCOT projects set to open before the end of the year, plus we get a new look at the upcoming Disney KiteTails show!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida kicks off its Halloween Horror Nights event and SeaWorld Orlando announces details for its family friendly Halloween Spooktacular!
1. New Annual Pass program announced
Walt Disney World announced this week that they have overhauled their annual pass program, introducing a new tier-based system that comes with new prices, restrictions and more. Here is the basic tier breakdown:
- Disney Incredi-Pass $1299 + tax: This is the only pass available for non-DVC/Florida residents and allows passholders to make up to 5 Parks Pass reservations at a time. This is also the only annual pass with no blockout dates. Monthly payments are also unavailable for this tier for non-Florida residents.
- Disney Sorcerer Pass $899 + tax: This pass allows passholders to make up to 5 Parks Pass reservations at a time and is only available for Disney Vacation Club and Florida residents only.
- Disney Pirate Pass $699 + tax: Florida residents who purchase this pass can make up to 4 Parks Pass reservations at a time.
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass $399 + tax: The lowest tier for Florida residents only, guests can make up to 3 reservations at a time. No weekend dates available.
You can learn more about what the new annual passholder program does (and does not) include, and when guests can purchase these new passes here.
2. Space 220 opening date announced
Disney has announced this week that EPCOT’s long-delayed Space 220 restaurant will officially open on September 20. Space 220’s menu will feature a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch, and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner, created by Executive Chef Marc Kusche. You can get a look inside this new restaurant here.
3. Living With the Land at EPCOT reopens after two week closure
Living with the Land unexpectedly closed on Friday, August 20th, for nearly two weeks, reportedly while a new safety system was installed. But luckily this week the attraction reopened with no changes to the guest experience!
4. New look at Creations Shop coming soon to EPCOT
The updated Club Cool will be opening very soon, alongside the upcoming Creations shop merchandise store and Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared a new sneak peek at Mouse in Motion a new 35-foot hand-painted mural that guests will be able to see on the south end of the Creations Shop.
5. New sneak peek of daytime show Disney KiteTails released
Disney has shared a new sneak peek at the upcoming Disney Kite Tails show coming this fall to Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of the resort’s 50th anniversary celebration. This show will feature Disney animal friends from “The Little Mermaid,” “a bug’s life” and “Finding Nemo.” all dancing along to original arrangements of favorite Disney tunes. Some of the remarkable kites used in this show will be as large as 30 feet in length, are inflated by moving through the air, allowing characters like King Louie or Timon and Pumbaa to soar like never before.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind entering “final phases” of development
Guests looking forward to the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction will be pleased to learn that this upcoming attraction is entering its “final phases” of development according to an Instagram post from Imagineer Zach Ridley. No opening target has been shared yet, but with work nearly completed, perhaps this attraction will be open sometime during Walt Disney World’s 18-month-long 50th anniversary celebration, kicking off next month.
7. Halloween Horror Nights 30 kicks off with sold out event
Halloween Horror Nights 30 started off with a band this weekend, with a completely sold out event on Friday, September 3. However, tickets are still available for every other night of the event from now through October 31, 2021. You can learn more about this year’s event here.
8. SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular returns September 18
Though SeaWorld Orlando’s first Howl-O-Scream will be kicking off next week, the theme park will also be bringing back its kid-friendly Halloween Spooktacular later this month. Kids of all ages can enjoy trick-or-treating during this daytime event as they explore the decorated candy trail and meet all sorts of colorful characters every weekend from September 18 through October 31. Here are some exciting details about this year’s event (which is included with park admission:
- NEW Adventures along the Trick-or-Treat Trail: Find waves of Halloween fun when costumed youngsters trick-or-treat for ghoulish goodies. This year, for the first time in park history, the Trick-or-Treat Trail winds through some of the park’s most iconic spots for a fully immersive SeaWorld adventure. Each candy station on our trick-or-treat trail features an assortment of favorites including Tootsie Rolls®, Smarties® and Airheads®, just to name a few.
- Halloween Dance Party: Children can join a cast of silly characters for a Halloween Dance Party where they participate in line-dancing favorites as music and fun fill the air along the Trick-or-Treat Trail.
- Meet a Mermaid: Meet the friendly Halloween mermaids each event day in this immersive experience along the Trick-or-Treat Trail.
- Halloween Happenings at Sesame Street Land®: Head on over to Sesame Street Land for even more Spooktacular fun! At various times throughout the event, join Count von Count and his furry friends for family-friendly Halloween celebrations that will have everyone dancing and singing!
- Storytime with Big Bird: Gather around Big Bird’s Nest for Storytime with Big Bird, who will be sharing some of his favorite stories at select times throughout the day. See the park schedule for times.
