It has been one busy year for Disney! Barely a day goes by lately without a news breaking story or two. Construction continues all throughout the Walt Disney World Resort in the parks and at the resorts. We are still seeing things finally reopen since the pandemic closures in March 2020. There is a lot of news around Disney World (and more) as they prepare for Spring and Summer crowds, as well as the 50th Anniversary celebration on October 1, 2021. It seemed like a good time to put together everything we know that we think you need to know as you plan your Disney vacation.
MagicMobile
The MagicBand, the colorful wristband guests wear at Walt Disney World Resort, makes each visit even simpler and more seamless. Soon, you’ll have a new option: Disney MagicMobile service! Launching in phases starting later this year, Disney MagicMobile service is a convenient and contactless way to access MagicBand features like theme park entry through the power of your iPhone, Apple Watch or other smart device. Guests will be able to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet. Most features will be available by just holding up your smart device near an access point, just like you do with a MagicBand. Disney MagicMobile service will roll out first on Apple devices.
Guests may choose to use Disney MagicMobile service or a MagicBand. You can even use both and alternate between the two for added flexibility. The existing digital room key feature will continue to be available specifically within the My Disney Experience app, which helps guests expedite their arrival by using online check-in service, going directly to their Disney Resort hotel room and using their phone to unlock their door. Disney Resort hotel guests may also still pick up a Key to the World card at their convenience by visiting the front desk.
Cinderella Castle Update
As part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will add to its royal makeover from last year. Walt Disney Imagineering shared a behind-the-scenes look at the Cinderella Castle décor coming to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Some of that décor has made its way onto the Castle recently. Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World Teams installed the first piece of decor that will adorn Cinderella Castle for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” later this year. The Castle’s new decor features a royal blue jewel with gold detailing and shimmering draping. Zach Riddley from Walt Disney Imagineering shared, “I cannot wait to see the castle transform in front of our eyes as our teams add more of the shimmering jewels and ribbons in royal blues and EARidescent golds on the turrets and towers of this beautiful castle.”
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Opening Announced
Get ready for a fresh taste of Paris at EPCOT this fall with a new attraction and restaurant dedicated to Disney and Pixar’s beloved little chef. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open October 1 in honor of the epic Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. The team announced on the Disney Parks Blog. “Based on Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film, ‘Ratatouille,’ the experience will be part of a newly expanded France pavilion inside EPCOT.” The new fanciful pavilion will transport guests to “Paris that feels straight out of the animated film,” the blog post said. “It’s easy to understand why little Remy fell so head-over-heels in love with the ‘city of lights.'” The launch of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure also includes a new restaurant opening, La Crêperie de Paris, that will offer both table and quick-service options. The menu created by celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse will honor traditional French cuisine with items like sweet crepes and savory buckwheat galettes, as well as authentic French hard cider.
Blizzard Beach Reopens
It’s been almost a year since Walt Disney World initially shut down due to the global health crisis, and though the resort’s four theme parks reopened back in July 2020, the two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, remained closed. That all changed earlier this week when Blizzard Beach reopened! Check back for an upcoming post on the new new health and safety procedures, and see what’s new when you finally hit the slides! For now, enjoy the video above in honor of the water park’s reopening! Experience the soothing sounds of Disney’s Blizzard Beach, including gentle waves crashing onto the soft shores of Melt-Away Bay, the simple sounds of cast members putting on the finishing touches and the lulling rapids of Summit Plummet cascading down Mount Gushmore’s tallest peak.
Park Hours Extended For March and April
Disney’s park hours are constantly shifting. Just recently, Disney announced more park hours in May, and they’ve also extended hours throughout March. Now, they’ve extended still more hours in March and April, and we’re here to bring you the latest update.
Magic Kingdom (Previously open 9AM-6PM)
March 28 – 31: 8AM-9PM, April 1 – 3: 8AM-9PM
EPCOT (Previously open 11AM-7PM)
March 28 – 31: 11AM-11PM, April 1 – 3: 11AM-11PM
Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Previously open 10AM – 7PM)
March 22 – 31: 9AM-8PM , April 1 – 3: 9AM-8PM
Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Previously open 9AM-5PM)
March 28 – 31: 8AM-8PM, April 1 – 3: 8AM-8PM
Keep in mind that these park hours may shift even more. We’ll keep you updated if they do or check the Disney World Calendar website. Park hopper hours are also in effect each day after 2PM. Guests must have a park reservation for their first park of the day, but then may park hop to a different park after 2PM.
California Theme Parks Can Reopen April 1st!
Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved theme parks to reopen with 15% capacity as of April 1st. Disneyland released a letter shortly after the news explaining that the resort is eager to reopen and will share more information in the coming weeks. During The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Chapek said the resort is working to reopen and hopes to be up and running by “Late April.” No official date was given and this is just a goal. Disneyland will announce a formal reopening date when they’re ready to do so. Chapek shared that it will take time to not only get the parks ready, but also to get Cast Members back to work. Disney is encouraged by the pent-up demand for their theme park experiences both domestically and internationally. Once we get a reopening date, we will update you on everything you need to know about the new policies that will be required when Disneyland reopens.
Disney Cruise Line Update
At The Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Chapek shared that Disney Cruise Line is hoping to resume sailings this fall. Disney Cruise Line paused sailings almost 1 year ago and currently most cruises are cancelled through May and August, depending on the ship. Yesterday we learned that lawsuits have been filed against Disney Cruise Line alleging that the final cruise of the Disney Fantasy from March 2020 was responsible for the spread of the Coronavirus, which Disney denies. No additional information was shared regarding capacity changes or modifications to the offerings on board, such as the availability of live shows of buffets, when sailings resume. Disney did confirm that work continues on three new ships being added to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Disney College Program
At Disney’s Shareholders Meeting, CEO Bob Chapek had an update on the Disney College Program. The Disney College Program was temporarily suspended with the parks’ closure in March 2020. The fall program was later canceled, as Disney Internships and Programs explained their future was “uncertain.” But now, we have an idea of when the DCP may resume. Chapek stated that while there is no official date for when the Disney College Program can resume, its participants are a “tremendous asset” to the company, and he looks forward to welcoming them back once there are fewer restraints on capacity in the parks. He added that while he can’t promise specifics, he’s hoping the College Program will be back by the end of the year. Disney also stated that it will look into a way to include participants who aged out of the College Program during its suspension.
Upcoming Resort Openings
- Mar. 22nd:: All Star Movies Resort reopens
- May 30th: Beach Club Resort reopens
- June 6th: Wilderness Lodge reopens
- July 19th: Polynesian Village Resort reopens
Final Thoughts
Well, we told you it was a lot of information! Honestly, there is so much more news coming from Disney everyday. Here at Operation Dole Whip, we try to sift through it all and bring you only what we think really affects you and your vacation. Occasionally we throw in some fun information and stories for those of you who are Disney junkies like us. Is there anything you would like to hear or learn more about? Let us know in the comments below or email us on the “Contact Us ” page. You can also follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram.