This week at Walt Disney World, an extended closure gets longer, a new free dining deal is announced, plus Disney announces a way for annual passholders to get free money this fall just for visiting Epcot!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal finally announces its new park, as well as a few other things as well…
1. Primeval Whirl closure extended again
Over a month ago on June 17, the Walt Disney World Resort released an advisory informing Guests that Primeval Whirl would be closed until further notice due to unspecified technical issues. And though we still don’t know exactly what is happening with this attraction Disney predicted that this attraction could open as soon as July 4, but of course, that never happened, and the attraction remains closed as we enter August. And now Disney has said that this attraction will not open at all this month, and may be available by the end of September at the EARLIEST. And all the while still not saying what is even wrong with this attraction that has caused it to be closed basically all summer.
2. More annual passholder perks and discounts announced for fall
Image: Disney
Though Disney announced a number of perks coming this fall for annual passholders visiting Epcot, a number of additional perks and discounts have been announced, including the following:
- Exclusive character meet and greets: Beginning August 29, Annual Passholders can meet Winnie the Pooh at Christopher Robin’s room in the United Kingdom at Epcot, while over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Passholders can meet Baloo, as well as Tarzan and Jane.
- Free money for dining at Epcot: when Annual Passholders purchase a $100 Disney Gift Card, they’ll also receive a $10 digital bonus to use at select Table-Service restaurants at Epcot, including: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room.This gift card can be purchased at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders, the Bridge Kiosk or Port of Entry.
- Food and Wine festival Freebies: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are eligible to receive a complimentary Chef Minnie magnet (August 29- October 14), and a Chef Remy magnet (October 15-November 23). On the Annual Passholder’s fourth visit to the festival, they can also receive a complimentary Chef Minnie wooden coaster set.
3. New concept art for expanded holiday offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom released
Image: Disney
It was announced earlier this year that Disney’s Animal Kingdom would be expanding its holiday offerings in 2019, and now Disney has released the above concept art to give guests an idea of what to expect. Here’s the accompanying description from Disney:
It all begins when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, finding yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. The village is filled with sparkling white holiday decorations. Colorful, animal-inspired luminaries line the rooftops, and wireframe lanterns in the shape of beautiful birds can be found perched throughout the area.
4. Final Leave a Legacy stones to be removed this week
Image: Disney
The final group of Leave a Legacy stones will be removed from the front entrance of Epcot beginning this week. These last stones are eastern side of Spaceship Earth and once construction walls are removed (likely next week), the first real “phase” of Epcot’s entrance redesign can begin!
5. New Free Dining offer for 2020 now available for returning guests
Image: Disney
Disney’s has begun offering a bounce back offer for guests who visit Walt Disney World in 2019 and are planning a repeat visit next year. This special offer is for Free Dining on select stays in 2020 for guests booking a package that includes at least four nights on property as well as a four-day Park Hopper ticket. This offer is currently available for the following dates:
- May 26, 2020 – June 2, 2020
- June 26, 2020 – September 12, 2020
- December 9, 2020 – December 24, 2020
Guests must book this offer by October 31, 2019.
6. Universal’s Epic Universe officially confirmed, but no details released
Image: Universal
Universal Orlando Resort finally announced its new theme park this week, which will be officially named Universal’s Epic Universe. Universal describes this new park as one that will introduce an “entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment”.
“Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” said Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. “It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”
Image: Universal
Though we were all kind of expecting Universal to at least confirm Nintendo Land for this new park, specific attraction details weren’t shared during the park announcement last week. However, we can see from the concept art above that this park will have dueling roller coasters, multiple indoor rides, and what looks like an outdoor performance stage. You can learn more about this new park here.
