This week at Walt Disney World, attendance continues to grow, even as food portion sizes get smaller, the first metrics for Disney Genie+ are released, plus Primeval Whirl’s demolition finally concludes.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort kicks off its holiday offerings with a tour of the holiday Tribute Store and the all-new Mistletoe Pines Village at Universal CityWalk.
1. Attendance continues to rise at Walt Disney World
Disney released its financial results earlier this week and as part of the report it was confirmed that attendance at Walt Disney World continues to grow in 2021, with Disney CFO Christine McCarthy saying that guest levels are up double digits compared to the last quarter, and that guest spending is up 30% when compared with 2019.
2. Food portions shrink as Disney looks to make additional profits
Also during Disney’s financial results discussion, it was revealed that the resort is looking to boost profits by cutting food portions in the park, a move that would be “good for some people’s waistlines” according to CFO Christine McCarthy.
3. Disney Kicks off Disney Very Merriest After Hours
This week Walt Disney World kicked off its new Very Merriest After Hours event, which includes character appearances, a Christmastime parade (the first for Walt Disney World after reopening) and a brand new show. You can learn more about this event here, and purchase tickets here. Several nights are already sold out so if you are planning to attend, you’ll want to purchase tickets as soon as possible.
4. First Genie+ usage metrics released for Walt Disney World
Though the Genie+ skip-the-line upgrade has only been available for a few weeks, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said recently that the service has been moderately popular thus far with nearly a third of park guests are purchasing Genie+ service, adding that “The majority of Genie and Genie+ users said it improved their overall park experience.”
This is the first official comment on sales for Disney Genie+ since the service launched last month, and while we don’t expect to see hard figures relating to Genie+ sales (or the a la carte Lightning Lane service) anytime in the near future, it looks like Disney’s upcharge paid FastPass+ replacement is off to a running start at the theme parks.
5. Primeval Whirl demolition completed
The Primeval Whirl roller coaster, which has not operated since 2019, has now been fully demolished at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with only a blue fence now surrounding the former attraction site. No plans have been announced as for the future of this area of the park, so we’re expecting this fence to stay up for a long time while Disney decides what to do with this former attraction space.
6. New Coco scene debuts inside PhilharMagic
PhilharMagic has reopened after a brief refurbishment that has brought both an upgraded projector system and a brand new Coco scene to this attraction. This new scene features an all-new score from film composer Germaine Franco as well as characters singing along to “Un Poco Loco” from the movie.
7. Universal opens Holiday Tribute Store
Universal Studios Florida has once again re-themed Its Tribute Store, this time with rooms inspired by its holiday offerings. This year’s shop features areas inspired by Santa’s Workshop, the Grinch’s Lair and the holiday festivities at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Check it out above!
8. New Mistletoe Pines Village Christmas village now open at Universal CityWalk
If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit outside the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, the new Mistletoe Pines Village is now open at Universal CityWalk. This new area features photo ops, holiday inspired food and beverage options, and of course plenty fo Christmas merchandise to help you check of your holiday list this Christmas season.
