WDW Daily News

Here is the statement from Disney:

With a phased approach to reopening, we have continued to welcome Guests and Cast Members back to our theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs area. While Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park remain closed at this time, pending state and local government approvals, we currently plan to reopen one of the two Disney water parks on March 7, 2021. We may adjust our proposed reopening date, and if that happens, we will let you know what to expect in a future update.

Like the other areas of Walt Disney World Resort, we will welcome back Guests and Cast Members to our water parks in a responsible way, with a plan focused on health and well-being. We will provide more details on our phased reopening plan, including a decision on the specific water park that will be reopening first, at a later time. 

We realize that some Guests with existing tickets and some Annual Passholders are impacted by this update. We are offering options to Guests with an existing Premier Passport, Platinum Plus Pass, Water Parks Annual Pass, Water Parks After 2 Annual Pass or tickets that include the Park Hopper Plus Option or Water Park and Sports Option.

TICKET ADD-ONS
If you have a ticket that includes the Park Hopper Plus Option or Water Park & Sports Option, we are offering options including:

• Keep: You may use your current date-based ticket with the existing add-on options at other experiences available during their visit.
• Modify: Tickets, as well as Disney Resort hotel packages with tickets, may be modified. To discuss the options, please call the Disney Reservation Center.
• Cancel: If you do not want to use your ticket, you also have the option of cancelling the ticket or package. To discuss the options, please call the Disney Reservation Center.

At this time, Guests can purchase new tickets that include the Park Hopper Plus Option or Water Park and Sports Option for admission March 7 and later. We will resume sales of Water Park annual passes and 1-Day Water Park Tickets at a later date. 

WATER PARK TICKETS
We will automatically extend unused, unexpired 1-Day Disney Water Park tickets through Dec. 31, 2021. As an alternative, Guests may instead choose to cancel their ticket. To discuss the options, please call the Disney Reservation Center. Also, if you are unable to visit by Dec. 31, 2021, you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.

WATER PARK ANNUAL PASSES
Water Parks and Water Parks After 2 annual passes will be automatically extended for the period in which both water parks were closed. As an alternative, water park Passholders may instead choose to cancel their pass. To choose this option, please call (407) 939-2732.

The Magic Kingdom Park skyline looks a bit different today now that the crew from Walt Disney Imagineering has reached a major milestone in the development of TRON Lightcycle / Run at Walt Disney World Resort. Here you can see this image of the first piece of canopy being installed in what will become an instant iconic attraction and portal to The Grid here in Tomorrowland.

This is the first of nearly 40 pieces that will create a dramatic “curved wave” canopy, known as the Upload Conduit. Each section is strategically preassembled before installation, including alignment of the steel, welding, grinding, some painting and electrical work. It’s an intricate process and work will continue on this over the coming weeks and months. You can take a closer look at the work that took place this week in this new video:

This canopy will be a massive, awe-inspiring structure flowing organically over guests when they race beneath it aboard a Lightcycle, serving as a digital bridge for their transition into The Grid. As the Lightcycles whiz by, dynamic stripes of lights will follow along the canopy, creating a powerful visual for riders and bystanders alike. And, it will be spectacular at night.

This attraction will be an amazing new addition to the Walt Disney World coaster family.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Halloween Horror Nights have been canceled this year, but this doesn’t mean that Central Florida resorts aren’t cashing in on the season.

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Disney still sees the new “Star Wars” hotel as a priority for the company in the near future, despite the coronavirus pandemic causing delays for other attractions and developments, The Orlando Sentinel reports.

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We recently told you about some of the fall fun coming September 15 – October 31 to Magic Kingdom Park, and today we’re excited to share more details about seasonal entertainment experiences headed your way!

Throughout the day, special Halloween cavalcades will pop up on the parade route and head down Main Street, U.S.A. Guests could come across Mickey Mouse and his pals, all dressed up for the occasion in Boo-tiful Halloween costumes. On select days, they may even encounter a cavalcade of Disney Villains – from Gaston and Maleficent to Queen of Hearts and Jafar – creeping down the path, or a nightmarish procession featuring the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington! 

As another special treat for the Halloween season, we are thrilled (and chilled!) to welcome the iconic Dapper Dans back to Magic Kingdom Park, beginning September 20, performing as their undead alter egos The Cadaver Dans. Guests will be enchanted by a cappella performances from the Cadaver Dans when they emerge from their tombs.

The Halloween spirit is also in the air over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Minnie’s Halloween Dine is set to return to Hollywood & Vine, beginning September 25. A monster feast will be served to Guests’ tables, and favorite Disney friends will make special appearances in the restaurant. Guests can wave and snap photos of Minnie Mouse dressed as a happy witch. Goofy is coming as a spooky cowboy, with Mickey Mouse as a funny vampire, and his best pal, Pluto, gets into the act wearing a cute Halloween collar.

We have an update on some of the festive experiences coming to Walt Disney WorldResort. Building off of their recent experiences of operating in a new environment, they’ve reimagined the holidays which will, of course, apply current health and safety measures while still keeping the joy and magic of the season. And while things are looking a bit different at Walt Disney World and beyond, they can’t wait to celebrate with you.

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Disney knows how much our Guests love the holidays, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, they will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all. 

Guests will be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.  



When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for Guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights. Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. Disney knows these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by Guests and Cast Members alike, but they’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.  



Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.

Shifting gears to Disney Springs, Guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. In the evening, Guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.

Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that the gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, theyre not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.

Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, we’ll celebrate highlights from the EPCOTInternational Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.

Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season. There are plenty more details about this festival to come, so stay tuned.

We’re all looking forward to creating new holiday traditions with our Guests and Cast Members this year, as we introduce unique ways to enjoy the season together. There’s a lot of holiday fun to see and do here at Walt Disney World Resort!

The Force will soon be flowing once again inside Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Beginning Sept. 20, the Gatherers will invite Guests into this mysterious shop in Black Spire Outpost to train them in the ways of constructing a lightsaber.

Savi’s Workshop is packed with unusual parts and whimsical pieces collected from the far reaches of the galaxy. Under the mystical Gatherers’ guidance, Guests construct a one-of-a-kind lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of a kyber crystal. They can build their lightsaber along one of the following themes: 

• Peace and Justice– Utilize salvaged scraps of fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in Republic-era lightsaber designs that honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
• Power and Control– Originally forged by warriors from the dark side, objects used in this lightsaber style are rumored remnants from the Sith home world and abandoned temples.
• Elemental Nature– Craft a lightsaber from special components born from the Force, such as Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones or Rancor teeth.
• Protection and Defense– Incorporate hilt materials bearing mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect a lightsaber’s wielder with the ancient wellspring of the Force.

Those who may have visited the shop in the past will notice the experience will be slightly adjusted. For instance, capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing between guests in accordance with the park’s guidelines during its phased reopening. 

Advanced reservations (highly recommended) for Savi’s Workshop will open Sept. 16 via Disneyworld.com or the My Disney Experience mobile app. Guests can also stop by the shop to check for walk-up availability on the day of their visit. Guests must have a valid Disney Parks Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios prior to making a reservation for Savi’s Workshop.

As part of the phased approach to reopening, Disney is adding more Guest-favorite dining choices this fall at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.            

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s some Halloween fun in store at Hollywood & Vine where Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is set to return Sept. 25. While it may look a little different than the last time you visited, you can get in the spooky spirit during Minnie’s Halloween Dine with a monster feast served to your table where you will be able to wave and snap photos of your favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and their friends. It’s a boo-tastic time filled with Halloween décor and music, scary good food, and more! 

Beginning Sept. 24, Guests can enjoy dining in the enchanted, fairytale setting of Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy a delicious regal banquet with unforgettable main courses ranging from roasted chicken breast and tenderloin of beef to chef’s fish of the day. The princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting Guests, but there will be plenty of delicious fare and fun to be enjoyed in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind restaurant. 

Both of these immersive dining experiences will be available for reservations beginning Sept. 11. 

Additionally, some more snack and quick-service options are reopening soon. Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park will return Sept. 4 and the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens for walk-in quick service for lunch beginning Oct. 8.

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