Walt Disney World continues its momentum in reopening resorts, restaurants, attractions and entertainment across the Disney theme parks and resorts. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, we’ve welcomed back shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade. With the reopening of the All-Star Resorts, every WDW resort is now open for guests to book a stay. New and returning dining locations become available each week. It’s a full time gig just to keep up. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here is a roundup of what’s new at Walt Disney World and on the horizon for the future.
Disney Character Greetings Return
It’s been so great to see live entertainment returning throughout Disney theme parks, resorts and Cruise Line. Now, beginning as early as April 18th, Disney World guests will no longer need to practice social distancing when interacting with characters! Disney will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line. Very soon, you will once again be able to get warm hugs from Olaf or strike a Princess pose with Cinderella. This also means that you’ll be able to get characters’ autographs again when you meet them! While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.
Minnie Vans Return!
Minnie Vans are COMING BACK to Disney World SOON! Disney-run rideshare service was suspended due to COVID, but will be rolling back into the transportation world this summer. These are a little pricier than Lyft and Uber, but they guarantee two top-of-the-line car seats in every car as well as a Disney employee driver who’s been trained to the nines.
Minnie Vans are a great option for early morning reservations when you can’t chance a late bus or crowded monorail. They’re also fantastic when you’re late for a genie+ reservation! We are excited that they’re coming back! You can order them directly through the Lyft app.
Connections Cafe
Are you excited for the soon-to-be new food spot at EPCOT? Connections Café and Eatery will soon open its doors to hungry patrons. This new location will officially be opening spring 2022. Connections Eatery is a new fast-casual quick-service restaurant. What makes it unique is it gets its inspiration from the delicious cuisines from across the globe. As part of World Celebration, where we embrace coming together and enjoying the magic of possibility, the purpose of Connections Eatery is to show us how food has the power to bring us together if we open our minds (and our stomachs)! Once inside, you can get a glimpse of the chefs in action as you watch desserts get their finishing touches and witness pizza makers work their magic crafting pizza dough.
Imagineer Zach Riddley shared that Connections Café will represent the overall theme of “connection” – connecting with nature, each other, and the kitchen. There will be a lot of light and color in the café with floor-to-ceiling glazing and a giant mural. The gardens and greenery within World Celebration will complement the interiors, allowing guests to harmonize with nature outside. The kitchen will actually be responsible for making a variety of baked goods, which will be available at Connections Eatery. One very important detail we want to share about Connections Café, is that it will be the future home of Starbucks at EPCOT when the location opens this spring! Like other Starbucks locations inside our theme parks, this Starbucks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings.
Disney’s Polynesian Village DVC
Disney has announced some major news concerning the Polynesian Village Resort at WDW. The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, which has been a highlight offering at the resort since it’s opening in ’71, will not be returning and is officially closed. In its place, the Polynesian will be getting a brand new DVC resort expansion which is expected to open late 2024. These new DVC Villas will be coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort located on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon. In addition to the new rooms, additional recreational offerings and dining options will also be added. Check back for our complete story on this, as we have a lot to say about it. I mean LOOK AT THAT! Does that monstrosity belong at our beloved Poly???
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
Yah-hoo, let’s eat! Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet and sing along, as the beloved musical dinner show Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue returns this summer to Walt Disney World Resort! If you’re hankerin’ for a seat at the table, reservations will be available via DisneyWorld.com starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23.
The Pioneer Hall Players and cast members will be welcoming back guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. First debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will once again offer guests a rousing Wild West performance, singing, zany comedy with lots of laughs and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and of course, strawberry shortcake, yum! The menu is sure to make your mouth water and have you hollerin’ for seconds (and thirds!).
Since its opening day almost 50 years ago, this fan-favorite show has continued to surprise and delight guests. Hoop-Dee-Doo will return with a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience the whole family can enjoy – with the hilarious, high-spirited entertainment that it’s been known for all these years. Disney posted the update on TikTok:
Disney Springs
DOLE Whip has a new home at Disney Springs! Swirls on the Water is serving up some DOLE-ightful treats, including a DOLE Whip Flight, Sangria Float, DOLE Whip Nachos and more. This spot offers three different soft-serve swirls, which will presumably change regularly. Presently, there is: Pineapple/Vanilla, Habanero/Lime, Lemon/Blue Cookie Dough. You can also get Habanero Lime Dole Whip Nachos, a 50th Celebration Cone with Lemon/Cookie Dough swirl with EARidescent sprinkles and a Mickey white chocolate topper, and a Dole Whip Flight — the three flavors served in individual cups. Also on the menu: Dole Whip Float topped with rum (natch), a Sangria Float, and a regular Dole Whip Float. By the way, the Aristocrepes bubble waffles were moved over to Marketplace Snacks, so you can still order those bad boys.
Festival of the Lion King
We were so excited to see the return of the Festival of the Lion King show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But, this return did not include the energetic, show stopping Tumble Monkeys. No worries though, the Tumble Monkeys are officially returning to Festival of the Lion King this summer! No specific date but we are SO EXCITED!!!!
2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
We’re still enjoying the Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT. But, get your appetite ready to sip, savor and stroll because the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE returns to Walt Disney World Resort July 14 through Nov. 19. Teams of Disney chefs, mixologists and sommeliers have been testing, tasting and collaborating to create a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Prepare your taste buds to go on an epicurean journey and discover new concepts and menu items at more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT. Returning favorites will include The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE. Some Global Marketplaces will open a few weeks later, as well, to keep the 129-day event spicy.
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare returns this year with internationally recognized artists as well as local bands offering fun tunes on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Keep following the Disney Parks Blog for more details about the lineup of bands and musical artists playing this year’s festival. But that’s not all! Beyond the sips and bites, a full menu of fun offers more ways for everyone in the family to enjoy the festival. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt is back and Emile’s Fromage Montage stamp collection tempts you to try delicious cheeses served in fun ways. Commemorate your visit and bring the culinary magic home with official festival event merchandise, including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.
Welcome Back CRP Cast Members!
It was a somber last day as we watched Cast Members say goodbye and prepare to return home in 2020 during the onset of the pandemic. Finally, the International Cultural Representative Program is returning to Disney World, and that means that EPCOT’s World Showcase will again be full of Cast Members from the countries themselves. Make sure to welcome them back with a big smile and “welcome back” when you see them in the parks! We’ve missed them dearly as they add so much to the Disney experience. We don’t have an official date yet but, we’ll keep you posted.
Well, that was a lot and honestly, there is a LOT more! Make sure you stay in the know by following along with us on Facebook and Instagram. As always, we would love to hear from you. How do you feel about character greetings coming back this spring, who’s at the top of your “must meet” list for your next Disney vacation? Will your family be using the Minnie Vans on your next trip and do you think it’s worth the cost? Mostly, what do you think of the new Polynesian Village DVC? Comment below or you can email us.