It’s been a minute (as they say) and a lot has happened at the Disney Parks. They are relaxing a current safety rule, introducing new transportation, we’ll see extended hours for the next two months and so much more. We are back with all the latest Disney World news updates and ready to blow your mind with everything happening at Disney! What are we waiting for?
Face mask update
Throughout the pandemic Disney has been updating it’s safety guidelines as needed. Well, Disney has just announced a huge change in the mask policy. Previously, guests were required to wear face coverings at all times unless actively eating or drinking while stationary. Disney has updated this policy to allow guests to temporarily remove their masks to take pictures while outdoors. A statement on Disney’s website reflects that this change will take place beginning April 8th. Keep in mind that you must be standing still while taking these photos, and you must maintain appropriate physical distancing from those around you. You are also unable to remove your face covering to take pictures indoors. Here is the updated policy by Disney:
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2021
The dates for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival have been announced! If you like to visit during the most popular EPCOT festival, you’ll be happy to know that it’s running longer than ever before. Food & Wine will open July 15th and run through November 20th, right up until the holiday festival begins. This is good news for those who want to enjoy this festival on their summer and fall trips. No other details have been released, this is more of a “save the date” announcement. We will keep you updated with more info as it is announced. You can read more about the festival on Disney Parks Blog.
MagicMobile begins
The new mobile park entry option is now available on Apple devices with others still to come. This allows you to enter Disney World parks using your mobile phone. Guests may still use a MagicBand or a park ticket card to enter the parks. Disney provided all the information and a video tutorial on Disney Parks Blog to help you set it up on your Apple phone or watch. There is also a new feature in the My Disney Experience app that allows you to automatically link your Disney PhotoPass attraction photos and videos to your profile through your smartphone. The My Disney Experience app also enables Disney Resort hotel guests to unlock their room door using our current digital room key feature. You may use Disney MagicMobile service, a MagicBand or a card interchangeably for added flexibility. Guests can also pick up a Key to the World card at their convenience at the front desk. For added ease, you may also store multiple passes on a single device, a great option for families.
New transportation to replace Magical Express
As we reported last month, Disney’s Magical Express service is being discontinued in 2022. The shuttle currently provides free transportation for Disney resort guests between the Orlando International Airport and Disney property. Mears released a statement indicating that they would continue to provide transportation services even after the Magical Express is gone. They have officially introduced Mears Connect! The service will debut in January 2022 when Disney’s Magical Express services conclude.
According to Mears, this new service will be “the same reliable, safe, express service” we’ve come to expect from the Magical Express. Mears operates the Magical Express, so we’re anticipating that Mears Connect will function pretty similarly to the current service. You’ll be able to make your reservation starting in May 2021! We do not have pricing information yet, but we will update once it is released. If you’re not interested in this new service, you will be able to travel from the Orlando International Airport to Disney property on the Brightline train, although it could be delayed until 2026.
EPCOT’s new Flagship store
Major changes are happening throughout EPCOT as the park’s transformation continues. From the new main entrance fountain and lighting to the brand-new rides and restaurants, as well as a new fireworks show! Disney recently announced that a new shop is on the way. The new Creations Shop is going to be the park’s flagship merchandise location and will replace Mouse Gears. This is a huge store and the design is inspired by none other than Mickey Mouse! You’ll see him featured in a large mural on one of the walls and in smaller touches throughout the space. All of the artwork featured is completely unique to the space and intended to showcase “the global, contemporary icon that Mickey has become for generations around the world.”
Like the rest of the transformation, this store will combine vision and tradition to bring together the past and future. That tradition includes a new and improved Club Cool reopening next door! Guests will be able to experience the joy of tricking their family and friends into drinking Beverly once again! Disney shared that this revitalized Club Cool will “celebrate Coca-Cola in a fresh new way, while keeping the fan-favorite experience that invites you to explore tasty drinks from around the world.” Both shops will open this summer in EPCOT’s World Celebration area. This is one of the reimagined lands that will result from this transformation.
Park hours extended
Spring Break has ended, but the crowds at Walt Disney World have not. Park pass reservations for April are mostly gone and June is starting to fill up. It isn’t uncommon for Disney to increase park hours during busier times. Well, guess what? Park hours have been extended for nearly every day through June! They are getting close to pre-closure hours. Later nights are returning too, so if you have an upcoming trip make sure to check the updated calendar here.
Magic Kingdom
April 25 – June 26: 8AM-9PM
EPCOT
April 25 – May 8: 11AM-10PM, May 9 – June 26: 11AM-9PM
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
April 25 – June 26: 9AM-8PM , June 19: 9AM-7PM
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
April 25 – May 1: 8AM-8PM, May 2 – June 26: 8AM-7PM
Blizzard Beach Water Park
April 25 – June 26: 11AM-6PM
Disneyland resort reopening news
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about our friends over on the West Coast. After being closed for over a year due to the pandemic, the Disneyland Resort theme parks will finally reopen on Friday, April 30 to California residents! The magic is officially returning to the happiest place on earth and there’s so much to look forward to. In addition to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure reopening, California residents also have the opening of Avengers Campus on June 4, 2021.
Diversity & inclusion policies for Cast Members
If you have worked for Disney, talked with a Cast Member or taken a backstage tour, you may be familiar with The Four Keys: Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. They’re taught to every Cast Member who works in the parks, and are the guiding principles behind Disney’s approach to guest service. These Four Keys are meant to be a blueprint for the decisions Cast Members make, directing their interactions with others. And now, Disney is officially unveiling a fifth key– Inclusion. This new key “represents the company’s commitment to cultural transformation.”
Josh D’ Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, shared what the parks are doing to make sure everyone feels welcome and included, specifically Cast Members. “Our new approach provides greater flexibility with respect to forms of personal expression surrounding gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices; and allowing appropriate visible tattoos,” he said.
Walt Disney said that the Disney parks would never be finished and that they’d have to adapt along with the rest of the world. As we see here, that’s what the company seems to be trying to do. It’s nice to see how serious Disney is taking diversity and inclusivity. Cast Members are the magic and they deserve to feel respected and welcomed, especially when it comes to personal expression. Stay tuned to ODW for future updates. We’ll keep you posted on all the Disney news and more. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Feel free to leave us a comment below. We love connecting with you!
Upcoming Events
Mar. 3rd- July 5th: Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival
May 30th: Beach Club Resort reopens
June 6th: Wilderness Lodge reopens
July 15th- November 20th: Food & Wine Festival at Epcot
Oct. 1st, 2021: Disney World’s official 50th Anniversary begins