Happy new year! This week at Walt Disney World, Typhoon Lagoon reopens, we say goodbye to Disney’s Magical Express, plus another delay is rumored for the upcoming TRON roller coaster.
Outside Walt Disney World, Shrek 4-D enters its last week of operation plus Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure enters its final week of operation.
1. Hours extended at Walt Disney World in January
Walt Disney World has been extending hours at many of its theme parks to deal with high crowds, and it looks like some of these extensions will continue later into the month with both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom now closing later on several days this month. You can check out the full calendar here for the latest.
2. TRON Lightcycle/Run possibly delayed
Though Disney has reportedly been targeting a 2022 opening date for TRON/Lightcycle run, this attraction was notably absent from D23’s annual list of Disney moments to look forward to in 2022. Though this isn’t hard confirmation of another delay for this attraction, it definitely isn’t a good sign for those hoping to experience this ride in the near future.
3. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon reopening
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park at Walt Disney World is confirmed to be reopening this week on January 2, 2022. This will be the first time the park has reopened since the initial COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020.
4. Disney’s Blizzard Beach closes for refurbishment
Now that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon has reopened, Disney’s Blizzard Beach has officially closed for its annual refurbishment. This water park will reopen in Spring 2022.
5. Reservations once again available starting this week for Walt Disney World parks
The Walt Disney World resort theme parks have been incredibly busy during the recent holiday period, with reservations “selling out” weeks in advance. However, after the middle of this week, reservations will once again be available for all four theme parks. You can see current availability here.
6. Mears connect replaces Disney’s Magical Express
Now that Disney’s Magical Express has been discontinued permanently, guests can now use the paid-for Mears Connect service, which launched this week. There are two options currently available for people to book with the following prices;
- Standard Service – One way trip and Round trips are being offered. Prices for one way trip are $16 per adult and $13.50 per child (aged 3-9). Prices for the round trip are $32 for adults and $27 per child.
- Express Service – Round trip only are being offered at this time. Prices are $200 for up to 4 passengers. Additional passengers are $55 each. There is no reduced child price for the Express Service.
7. Shrek 4-D set for its final week of operation
Universal confirmed earlier this year that the Shrek 4D attraction and its gift shop will be closing in just a few days on Jan. 10, 2022. No information has been released about a potential replacement.
8. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure no longer available during early admission
From January 3 through February 28, 2022 one of Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s most popular attractions, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will only operate during regular park hours meaning resort guests will not be able to ride it during the early park admission time, one hour prior to park opening.
