WDW Daily News

EPCOT has always been a special place where the world comes together to celebrate human achievement. Nothing has embodied this spirit more over the years than the park’s lineup of original nighttime spectaculars. 

Although Disney has not yet determined when their next spectacular will debut, our Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment teams are hard at work building on that legacy with “Harmonious.” Early in the plans for the transformation of EPCOT, we recognized the power and potential this new show has to tell a story of global connection and celebration. This grand, original spectacular is a tribute to the power of story and song that unite us, leveraging music and visuals from across Disney and artists around the world.

“Harmonious” is a global effort, truly embracing the magic of possibility. In recent weeks, Disney Live Entertainment technical designers across the country have been programming various elements of the show, from media and fountains to lighting and pyrotechnics, working in a completely virtual environment. The music producers at Walt Disney Imagineering have been remotely directing recording sessions with an incredibly diverse array of musical artists, performing in studios around the world.

Once complete, “Harmonious” will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars we’ve ever produced. Disney Imagineers are busy setting the stage of this innovative toolkit, preparing each of the show’s five floating platforms to take its place on World Showcase Lagoon. Positioned like a compass, these platforms house the primary show equipment for “Harmonious,” and on the recently-placed center platform stands an iconic six-story-tall central ring structure, supporting a high-density water curtain, moving lights, fountains and more.

While the show is still in the early stages of development with more finishing details to come, we’re excited to share some recent progress.

We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.

Disney just released a sneak peek video in advance of some exciting news being shared tomorrow about Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Here’s a link to view the video so you can see for yourself.

Soon there will be a whole new way to experience Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. 

Continuing the legacy Walt Disney started with “Bambi,” animals have been an integral part of Disney storytelling and continue to inspire the development of new, beloved characters. The Animation Experience at Conservation Station offers guests the chance to learn to draw Disney characters inspired by the animals they may also see in the park. 

And beginning February 22, learn to draw new characters from “Raya and the Last Dragon,” including Raya’s faithful companion Tuk Tuk.

Part-pill bug, part-pug, part-high speed off-road vehicle and all adorable, Tuk Tuk has been Raya’s best friend since she could hold him in the palm of her hand. As part of the experience, Guests will see a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration for Tuk Tuk shared by Kelly Marie Tran (voice of Raya) and Awkwafina (voice of Sisu). 

Also, at Discovery Island Stage, artists will be working on a 40-ton sand sculpture celebrating the new film. The display will feature Raya, Tuk Tuk, Sisu the last dragon and the Ongi, all set in the fantasy world of Kumandra. It takes a team of two talented artists over 24 hours to build and carve the display made entirely from sand. Guests will have the opportunity to watch the artisans at work February 19 through 21 and the carving will remain on display at Disney’s Animal Kingdomfor a limited time through the end of March.

Experience the fantastical world of Kumandra in these two brand new offerings coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and take a look at the latest trailer for “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

https://www.youtube.com/embed/1VIZ89FEjYI

Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon will be released simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access March 5. Additional Fee Required.

In 2022, two epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line with limited engagements of Marvel Day at Sea (Disney Magic) and Star Wars Day at Sea (Disney Fantasy). 

A SeaMail will be sent today to Travel Professionals with Guests on the sail dates below to inform them about the return of Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea. 

Marvel Day at Sea – Disney Magic

Guests can combine the excitement of a Disney cruise to the Caribbean and Bahamas with the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series for an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe on the following special 5-night Disney Magic sailings out of Miami, Florida:

Star Wars Day at Sea – Disney Fantasy

Guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a day at sea on the following 7-night Disney Fantasysailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away:

 
SAMPLE GUEST COMMUNICATIONS YOUR CLIENTS MAY RECEIVE FROM DISNEY

Star Wars Day at Sea

Dear [Guest name],

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Disney Fantasy and want to share some exciting information about Star Wars Day at Sea that will be taking place during your cruise.

Guests on your sailing are invited to experience the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a day-long celebration. This fun-filled day at sea will include encounters with the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, and unique food and beverage offerings. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their own stellar costumes to join in this day-long celebration. Additional details about this event are available on DisneyCruise.com.

Again, we look forward to sailing with you and hope you have a magical cruise.

Sincerely,
The Cast and Crew
Disney Cruise Line

Marvel Day at Sea

Dear [Guest name],

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Disney Magic and want to share some exciting information about Marvel Day at Sea that will be taking place during your cruise.

Guests on your sailing are invited to experience the epic adventures of the legendary super heroes from the Marvel Universe during an unforgettable day at sea. Marvel Day at Sea promises the largest collection of Marvel super heroes and villains assembled on a cruise ship. This day-long celebration will feature entertainment for the whole family including super hero sightings, Marvel-themed activities and unique food and beverage offerings. Additional details about this event are available on DisneyCruise.com.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many around the globe, including the theme park industry.

Full Story

Here is some information on the following planned refurbishments:

• From January 2022 through April 2022, the Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village will be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village may enjoy the Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.Please note Guests with reservations during this time period will receive communication directing them to contact their Travel Professional if they need assistance with their reservation.
• Starting in April 2021, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will begin a refurbishment to reimagine Guest rooms. While some Main Tower rooms will be unavailable during the refurbishment, most resort areas and amenities will still be available for Guests to enjoy.
• Starting in February 2021, the Stormalong Bay waterslide will be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Stormalong Bay and the other 3 pools at Disney’s Beach Club Resortand Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will remain open.

In a letter that commemorates the 20^th anniversary of Disney California Adventure Park today, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced directly to cast members that a new offering is headed to the resort, soon. A copy of that letter is below.

We look forward to sharing more details about this all-new, limited-time ticketed experience, planned to begin in mid-March, soon!

Dear Cast Members,

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we welcomed our first Guests to Disney California Adventure Park. While I’m relatively new to the Disneyland Resort, I was so excited to visit Disney California Adventure that first year and have enjoyed seeing the park evolve over the last two decades and the role it has played in creating a multi-day destination for our Guests. From the ongoing expansions and enhancements focused on bringing more Disney storytelling to the park, including Cars Land, to our upcoming mission to suit up the next generation of Super Heroes at Avengers Campus, we continue to add new and vibrant experiences for Guests to enjoy.

I’m pleased to report that Avengers Campus is making incredible progress. From the futuristic architecture, theatrical lighting, unique audio, creative food, beautiful costuming and innovative merchandise, the land will be an immersive experience that we know our Guests are going to love. And while we aren’t ready to reveal Avengers Campus to the world just yet, I am excited about another very special opportunity we have at Disney California Adventure Park that speaks to our top priorities: getting more Cast Members back to work and engaging with our Guests in different and relevant ways.   

Currently planned to begin mid-March, we will debut an all-new, limited-time ticketed experience, focused on our world-famous food and beverage offerings from around the resort, the latest merchandise and unique, carefully crafted entertainment experiences…all to be offered multiple days a week. With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place, Guests once again will get to step into a magical Disney environment — an environment that will provide memorable and fun experiences our Guests are craving.

Teams across the resort are currently developing this distinctly Disney experience, so there are many more details to come, but I wanted you ­– our Cast Members ­­– to hear this news first. Stay tuned for the official announcement coming soon.

What I’m most thrilled about is that this initiative — along with the recent reopening of our outdoor dining on Buena Vista Street — enables us to bring about 1,000 Cast Members back to work. While that is clearly not all we want to accomplish, it’s a start. Teams are working as we speak to start recalling identified Cast in the coming weeks.

This past year has presented extraordinary challenges, but that has not curtailed in any way our ability to move forward with a spirit of optimism. Thanks to each and every one of you for your contributions to making the Disneyland Resort a place where dreamers around the world are always welcome. Stay safe and stay well.

Sincerely,
Ken
Disneyland Resort President

Leave A Legacy is returning to EPCOT! With the transformation of the EPCOT main entrance area, the original Legacy sculpture has been removed, but Leave A Legacy lives on in a beautiful new setting just outside the park – in a bright new color, too!



These newly designed panels are the first of many that will be installed outside the EPCOT touch points, featuring vibrant hues from the park’s new color palette. Along with the fresh look for Leave A Legacy, the beautiful fountain and gleaming pylons further illustrate the park’s transformation and the magic of possibility.

To search for a tile at the new location, guests can use their smart device to scan the QR code at the Leave a Legacy display. This opens up the tile finder search feature, which can provide the coordinates for a tile’s location. Guests can also visit the EPCOT guest Relations team for assistance.



These new panels will continue to celebrate the spirit of optimism.

For nearly 50 years, Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park have embarked on a relaxing half-mile journey around the picturesque waters of the Rivers of America, sailing aboard an iconic grand streamer riverboat with stunning views of both Frontierland and Liberty Square. But after many years of helping Guests make memories, the Liberty Belle riverboat recently took her own very unique journey, sailing through open water.   

Last October, Cast Members drained the waters of the Rivers of America, sending the Liberty Belle to dry dock behind Magic Kingdom Park in order to replace her underwater track.  In preparing for her return, teams worked together overnight to sail her through Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, around Disney’s Contemporary Resort and crossing in front of Magic Kingdom Park.  They then towed her by hand through a narrow water channel before underwater divers reconnected her to the newly refurbished track and brought her home. Once docked back in Liberty Square, Cast Members put on the finishing touches before opening to guests this morning.

In the Liberty Belle’s absence, more than 100 cast members contributed their specialized crafts and skill during the four-month scheduled refurbishment. Anchored by the planned track replacement for the vessel, Cast Members took advantage of the Rivers of America being drained to also make some enhancements including updated rockwork, landscaping and adding fresh paint to the surrounding areas.

A project of this scale truly took a Kingdom to ensure its success, and today Guests and Cast Members can once again sail the waters of the Rivers of America aboard this historic 47-foot authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler.

Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park this year should be sure to head on over to Liberty Square to enjoy this classic attraction. 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and our chefs and candy makers from around the world have been busy creating fun and delicious offerings to celebrate this season of love.  

We have everything from adorable sweets Guests can grab on the go to romantic prix fixe meals with extra special touches to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We could not limit all this goodness of edible love to just one day so many of these offerings are available over multiple days. Check out all we have to offer. 

Happy Valentine’s Day – SWAK!