This week at Walt Disney World, Disney prepares to debut its updated Finding Nemo Show, yet another character meet and greet is set to reopen for the first time since 2020, a popular eatery is set to close for a refurbishment of undisclosed length, plus a special event from 2021 is confirmed to be returning early in 2022!
Outside Walt Disney World, SeaWorld confirms its 7th roller coaster, Universal Orlando Resort hikes prices on annual passholders, plus this summer’s Tribute Store is now open!
1. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! to open June 13
Fans of the Finding Nemo musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom won’t have to wait much longer to experience the re-imagined version of this show, which will be opening next week on June 13. This updated show is 25 minutes long and is set in the timeline of the Finding Dory sequel but still includes fan-favorite songs from Finding Nemo the Musical, including “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.” This new show will also be available as part of the $15 per guest, per day Genie+ service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when it opens next week. You can check out a video preview of this updated show above, which includes some of the new special effects that will be in the show.
2. Mickey and Minnie character meet and greet reopening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom June 19
Just a few days after the opening of the new Nemo show, guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be able to check out another returning experience. The Mickey and Minnie meet greet experience at the Adventurer’s Outpost, which hasn’t been available since 2020 is set to reopen on June 19. Like other similar experiences, this meet and greet will be included with the Disney Genie+ service when it re-launches in just a few more days.
3. Disney Imagineering shares a behind-the-scenes look at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Disney Imagineering has uploaded a behind-the-scenes video this week that looks at the creation of the Wonders of Xandar pavilion as part of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. Imagineers Alex Wright, Bette Lombardi, Kelsey Roberts, and Evan Miga feature in the video that goes behind some of the design and storytelling elements that can be found at this attraction. Check it out above!
4. Princess and the Frog attraction reportedly set to open in 2024
Though an official announcement from Disney won’t be made until July, Princess and the Frog actress Anika Noni Rose recently revealed that the attraction based on the film will be opening sometime in 2024. It was not specified if this would be the version at Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but when the official announcement comes next month, we should learn more about this upcoming attraction, including when the Splash Mountain attraction will close forever to make way for this new ride.
5. TriceraTop Spin to close for short refurbishment next week
Disney’s Animal Kingdom spinner TriceraTop Spin will be closed for a short refurbishment beginning next week on June 13 before reopening just a few days later on June 18. Considering the abbreviated length, this refurbishment is likely for scheduled maintenance on the attraction.
6. Disney+ Day returning for second year in September for 2022
Disney has announced that it will be bringing back its Disney+ day event later this year on September 8, 2022. Last year’s event (which was held in November) allowed Disney+ subscribers visiting the Disney theme parks to enjoy a few special perks including early entry at all theme parks, special character meet and greets, PhotoPass opportunities and more. No details about this year’s event have been shared just yet, but hopefully we will learn more soon since this year’s event is happening earlier than it did in 2021.
7. Disney Enchantment performance times roll back to 9:00 on August 8
Though the Disney Enchantment fireworks show performance times have been at 9:20 PM this summer, it looks like this will be changing in early August as the long days of summer draw to a close. Beginning August 8, guests will be able to catch this show at 9:00 PM once again, likely until the Halloween season kicks off just a few weeks later.
8. Kona Cafe closing for refurbishment of undetermined length
Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be closing for a refurbishment beginning later this summer on August 15. No details have been released on how long this popular eatery will be closed, but it seems likely that it will be closed at least through September 1, if not longer. It is unknown what (if anything) will change during this refurbishment at this popular dining location, but hopefully, more information will be released soon.
9. SeaWorld Orlando confirms 2023 opening date for new Surf roller coaster
SeaWorld has been teasing its new roller coaster project for several months now, but now the park has officially announced its 7th roller coaster on social media, confirming that it is indeed a “surf” coaster and that it will be opening next year. More information should be released in the coming months about this thrilling new ride but for now, you can check out a video preview featuring some exciting concept art and simulated ride video on Twitter here.
10. Universal Orlando Resort raises annual pass prices
Universal Orlando Resort has hiked prices on annual passes for both Florida residents and out-of-state guests. Seasonal, Power, Preferred, and Premiere passes have all seen price increases from between $25-$40, depending on pass type. You can see more about the resort’s current pricing here.
11. Summer blockbuster movie Tribute Store now open at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios has opened their summer Tribute Store which will have a retro summer blockbusters theme. Inside, guests will find rooms based on ET, Jaws, and Back to the Future, each housing plenty of merchandise based on their respective films. There will also be plenty of 90’s-inspired throwbacks featuring the original logo of Universal Studios Florida and what looks like a fun photo op that resembles the old Kongfrontation attraction. You can check out a video walkthrough of this new store above.
