As we head into the new year, there are several attractions at Walt Disney World that still have not reopened following the pandemic shutdown. While we are excited to welcome back several announced shows, dining experiences, and even the parking trams, we can’t help but think about several attractions that we hope will be reopening in 2022.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Enchanted Tales with Belle was an interactive character experience within Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. You would enter Belle and Maurice’s cottage and Maurice’s workshop where you were greeted by an enchanted mirror. There you would hear the story of how Belle and Beast met. Following your interaction with the mirror, you would head into another room where you come face to face with the one and only Enchanted Wardrobe. Enchanted Wardrobe would help choose participants to act out the story of how Belle and Beast met so that the story could be performed for Belle herself. It was an enchanting experience for all. However, there has been no word of when this experience may return. With modified character meet and greets, we hope that a modified version of this experience returns soon. Perhaps decreasing the capacity of the experience would allow for a safe experience for guests.
Voyage of The Little Mermaid
Voyage of the Little Mermaid was a spectacular show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios retelling the story of The Little Mermaid live, with Ariel, Flounder, and all their underwater (and land) friends. The story was retold with memorable songs and colorful puppets. This show was indoors, however other indoor shows like For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-a-Long Celebration have reopened since the pandemic closing, so it is unknown why this particular show has yet to be reopened. There have been rumors of permanent closure, but nothing has been confirmed by Disney. Perhaps we may see a revamped version come to life much like what is planned with Finding Nemo The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, the fact that nearly all shows within the parks either reopened or had their reopening announced, leads me to be discouraged about what the fate of this show could be.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was a favorite, especially among young children. Guests could previously visit this experience at either Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs. At the boutique, children ages 3-12 would receive the princess treatment. With multiple packages to choose from, children could choose from having their hair, make-up, and/or nails done by their very own Fairy Godmother. They could even finish the experience with their very own princess costume. With the close contact between Fairy Godmothers and children, it is understandable that this experience hasn’t reopened. Hopefully, Disney will find a safe way to bring this experience back in 2022.
Jedi Training: Trial of the Temple
Jedi Training occurred at Disney’s Hollywood Studios allowed children aged 4-12 to train like Jedi and learn to wield a lightsaber and be one with the Force. Once trained, these young Padawans would test their skills against Star Wars villains. This experience, if offered at a decreased capacity could be completed safely with social distancing however, no mention of the experience’s return has been made.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was a silly, high-spirited musical dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It has been one of the longest-running stage shows and has always been a favorite among guests. Who doesn’t love zany antics and all-you-care-to-eat barbecue ribs and fried chicken? Not to mention unlimited draft beer, wine, and sangria for guests over 21. There have been rumors of the show’s return for months but nothing official has been announced. We are hopeful this Wild West musical will return in 2022.
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is more than just an attraction. It is the second water part at Walt Disney World set in the aftermath of a typhoon. You can find ships and fishing gear all around, including the remnants of Miss Tilly, the ship that sits atop Mount Mayday. While Blizzard Beach has reopened following the pandemic closure, Typhoon Lagoon still has not had any announcements made regarding its reopening. Since closing in early 2020, the water park has sat vacant and in apparent disarray. There may be hope for its eventual reopening, however, as Disney may have filed construction permits for the park.
Honorable Mention: The Walt Disney World Railroad
While we know that the Walt Disney World Railroad will return, we are still being kept in the dark about when this beloved ride with reopen. We know it will likely reopen following the completion of Tron Lightcycle Run, but Disney has not given us any indication of when that will occur. Destination D23 concluded with no opening date announcements for Tron Lightcycle Run. We hope that we will see both Tron Lightcycle Run and The Railroad open in 2022, but could we be waiting until 2023? Only time and Disney will tell.
Which attraction are you most hoping to see return?
