This week at Walt Disney World, Spaceship Earth gets a new lighting package update, a classic EPCOT attraction gets some new features, plus some fun limited-time entertainment is announced just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort raises annual pass prices plus a new slide gets ready to open at SeaWorld’s Aquatica and a fun new photo op featuring a famous Universal Monster is now available at Universal Studios Florida!
1. Spaceship Earth gets new lighting sequence for EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
A new lighting sequence set to the song “Colors of the Wind” debuted this week at EPCOT to celebrate the 2022 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Imagineer Zach Riddley said on Instagram that the orchestral variation of this song was chosen for its message of intrinsic value and respect for beauty of nature and living things – with new visual flourishes that evoke the musical scene from the film.
This new visual package will be the first time Spaceship Earth will glimmer in vibrant greens, earth tones and pastels to celebrate the rejuvenation of spring. Guests have until the end of the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (which lasts until early July) to check out this new lighting feature.
2. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser dates now available through the end of the year
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience opened this week on March 1 and if you’re looking to book a trip for the end of the year, dates are now available from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. You can learn more about cost, amenities and more on the official Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser website here.
3. Living with the Land gets plussed up for EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
EPCOT favorite Living with the Land is celebrating this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival with some newly-added special edible flower gardens and topiaries that have been labelled with the festival’s logo for eagle-eyed guests to pick out.
4. EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival guests can get a free Dole Whip after completing a special challenge
Guests visiting the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival this year can take part in The Garden Graze collection hunt, which is returning for 2022! Guests who take part in this challenge can pick up a special passport that they can get stamped five times, after which they can get a free completer treat at the Pineapple Promenade booth: a Pineapple Lime Swirl Dole Whip! This special free treat even comes in a EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival souvenir cup that you can bring home. You can learn more about all of the food offerings at this year’s festival here.
5. New animal exhibit coming to The Seas with Nemo and Friends
The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT is getting a new exhibit in the nursery module in the aquarium area of the attraction. No word has been released about what this new addition might be, but this area is currently roped off while it is prepared for its new resident, so hopefully we’ll find out soon!
6. Longer hours kick off this week at Walt Disney World
With Spring Breaks kicking off aorund the country, Walt Disney World is extending hours at all four of its theme parks beginning this week and lasting through at least March 26. You can check out all of the schedule changes here.
7. New preview video of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This summer, Disney will open Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and to help get guests excited for the opening of this new attraction, Disney has shared a TikTok of the loading area of this upcoming attraction, which you can check out on Twitter here.
The video showcases the ride vehicle, which is being called an “omnicoaster”, similar to the omnimover of the Haunted Mansion which pulls guests along dark rides. But of course, this is designed for a high speed roller coaster instead of a slow moving ride, but it should still make this a very high-capacity attraction, which will hopefully keep wait times down when it opens later this year.
8. Raglan Road announces St. Patrick’s Day celebration, kicking off this weekend
Raglan Road at Disney Springs will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day starting this Friday with special entertainment that will include new menu items, Irish dancing and performances from popular Irish bands who are appearing at the restaurant specifically for the holiday. The celebration will kick off this Friday and last until March 17th. You can get more details on this year’s festivities at the Disney Parks Blog.
9. Universal Orlando Resort raises prices on annual passes
In response to massive crowds and the upcoming Spring Break travel season, Universal Orlando Resort has hiked prices on almost all of its annual passes, including all tiers, Florida Resident passes, and both 2- and 3-park annual passes. Most price hikes are over 10%, with dollar amounts going up by double digits. You can see some of the new prices here and purchase/renew passes at the official Universal Orlando Resort website here.
10. Reef Plunge at Aquatica to open this week
SeaWorld’s Aquatica will open the new Reef Plunge attraction later this week on March 13. This new slide allows guests to twist and turn through a vibrant array of marine life including Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, sardines and more. Annual passholders can preview this attraction early on March 10, from 3 PM to 6 PM.
11. New Wolf-man photo op now available inside Universal Monsters Tribute Store
Guests visiting the Universal Monsters Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida, can now get your picture taken with the Wolfman at a new photo op thanks to some fun new technology. Simply scan a QR code in front of the backdrop, follow the instructions, and you’ll be able to take your own digital photo souvenir featuring an iconic Universal Monster!
