This week at Walt Disney World, the resort kicks off its 50th anniversary celebration in grand style, the newest show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom hits some snags (literally!) and the next generation of MagicBand is announced!
Outside Walt Disney World, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular kicks off and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opens a new in-park Chick-fil-a.
1. Walt Disney World 50th anniversary kicks off
Walt Disney World kicked off its 50th anniversary this week, debuting new nighttime spectaculars Harmonious and Enchantment, officially opening Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, Disney KiteTails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the new Points of Light icon illumination at each theme park. You can check out the Magic Kingdom’s rededication ceremony featuring former CEO Bob Iger and current CEO Bob Chapek above, which is followed by a filmed version of the Disney Enchantment show.
2. Disney KiteTails hits a snag
Disney KiteTails is the newest show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and though there was plenty of excitement for this show, it looks like there have been some technical issues with this show, with jetskis tipping over, and some of the oversized kites potentially damaged after hard landings, according to BlogMickey. Because of these issues, Disney KiteTails has been cancelled intermittently, and it is unknown what the future may hold for this production. You can check out a video preview above:
3. New MagicBand+ coming next year
Disney announced MagicBand+ this week, a new wearable wristband that will unlock new interactive experiences that react in real-time in the parks by lighting up, vibrating, and more. Here is Disney’s official list of some of the interactive moments guests can experience with MagicBand+:
- Play like a bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away and find virtual bounties throughout Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Interact with the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection,” the golden sculptures spread throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks.
- Experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as you see your band light up and complement the magic in the skies, including the new “Harmonious” at EPCOT and “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to open next year
Disney has confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open next year. No specific season or opening window was given, but it looks like this attraction will debut during the 18-month 50th anniversary of the resort as many had hoped.
5. Reservations open for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser this month
Disney has announced that the grand opening of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel will take place on March 1, 2022. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience will encompass a 2-night experience and is being billed as the most immersive Star Wars story ever created.
General bookings for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser begin October 28, 2021 for dates starting March 1, 2022. Disney Vacation Club members and Passholders will have access to a special pre-sale window, which will open on October 7 and be available through October 9.
6. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian expansion sneak peek released
The Disney Vacation Club expansion of the The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian will be getting underway next year and Disney has shared the above first look at this new location’s rooms. The expansion will add approximately 200 proposed resort studios, a Disney Vacation Club room type unique to The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. At the same time, existing villas including deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas will be enhanced.
7. SeaWorld Orlando kicks off Halloween Spooktacular
Though SeaWorld Orlando’s first Howl-O-Scream has been in full swing for nearly a month, the theme park has also brought back its kid-friendly Halloween Spooktacular daytime event weekends now 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.
8. Chick-fil-A now open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Florida’s first theme park Chick-fil-a is now open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This new dining location will be open Monday – Saturday and will have extended hours on Howl-O-Scream event nights.
