Wow what a crazy year it has been! Back in March 2020, when COVID first came to light, Cait and I both had separate trips planned the week it closed. Our hearts were broken, and what we thought would be a couple of weeks turned into a few months. When the parks reopened for Passholder Preview, I knew I had to be there. I arrived at Animal Kingdom Lodge and went to Animal Kingdom the next day. When I first stepped back into Disney, it was so amazing I cried, but it was different. There was almost no one there and I walked onto every ride. The Cast Members were amazing, like always. They were doing their best and welcoming everyone home, but everyone had masks on and smiles were covered. I was so happy to be back, but it just wasn’t the same. Since that first trip back we have been a total of 8 times between the two of us. It has been so amazing to watch as things have progressed forward! So today we are going to break down some of the latest updates to make sure you are ‘keeping up with Disney’.
Disney Resorts first began opening with DVC Resorts in June of 2020. Since then they have continued to open several resorts and are almost all the way open, but we still have a few left to go! Recently Disney announced Animal Kingdom Lodge [One of my favorites] will open along with others that were previously closed on the list! We are so excited to have more options for all of you to choose from again, so keep checking with us if there are resorts you want to stay in and we will put you on our list to notify you and get you booked! We are currently still waiting on announcements for Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, and the All Star Music and Sports resorts.
Oh man, dining has been difficult lately. Restaurants are at limited capacity and so many were closed that it is hard to get reservations and it leaves a lot of people with eating only QS (Quick Service) meals. We are thrilled that they are continuing to open them all up! They are quickly adding more openings to the list! The most recent additions include Cape May, Tusker House, and ‘Ohana. Remember that you can make your dining reservations at 60 days out from your trip, which has changed from the 180 days previously. If you don’t get them at your 60 Days, keep checking! People change their plans and reservations are constantly opening up– Even the day before your trip, so DONT give up!
Don’t forget to add character dining to your list! We went to Topolino’s Terrace for a modified character breakfast this past year, and it did NOT disappoint! The food was amazing, the characters were amazing, and it was the perfect start to our day! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy danced and paraded around the restaurant so every guest could enjoy the magic and take pictures from a distance. Disney truly knocked this one out of the park and kept the magic alive even with the modified experience, but we are READY to start hugging and interacting with them again.
Cavalcades have been so amazing! How cute and FUN are these!? I actually hope these are here to stay even after things return to normal! They pop up randomly throughout the day and host several different characters! I feel like I see more with the cavalcades and its a nice break from the hustle and bustle! Listen for the loud music and you can guarantee another one is coming. You don’t want to miss them!
Shows are starting to return! While Frozen Sing-Along Celebration has been back in Hollywood studios for a while, Festival of the Lion King just returned to Animal Kingdom in May! We are intently watching for more shows to pop up and cant wait to see Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo, and of course all of the amazing performers in the Epcot World Showcase! The shows are an essential part to the parks and can’t wait for them to keep coming back!
& THE BIGGEST MOST MAGICAL NEWS YET!!!!
Fireworks are coming to Magic Kingdom July 1st– Just in time to celebrate America. Life is FINALLY getting back to normal. We cannot wait to cry our hearts out on Main Street for our first firework show again! So stay tuned for more info on Hollywood Studios’ Fantasmic show! Also playing through options in my head for what they are going to do with the retired Animal Kingdom Rivers of Light show!? Got any ideas??
Disney announced some exciting things coming to Walt Disney World in honor of their 50th Anniversary starting October 1st, 2021 and lasting 18 months. The new night-time spectacular, Disney Enchantment, comes to Magic Kingdom on October 1st. Disney Enchantment will feature music, lighting, fireworks and will even have projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.
Also opening October 1st will be Harmonious at EPCOT. It is said to be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. Gather around the World Showcase to see the show that will be filled with Disney songs, culture, lighting, fountains, and fireworks. I will say I am most excited for this new nighttime spectacular! Animal Kingdom will also have a new daytime entertainment that will show several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater. Performers will fly windcatchers & kites along with music that is sure to make your Disney heart sing.
So many exciting things coming to Walt Disney World this fall!! I am sure more updates will be coming in the next few weeks. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the latest Disney news and tips!
Discovering The Magic 