Another week has gone by and, as usual, more BIG Disney news has been shared!
Magic Kingdom
From changes made to distancing signage to Jungle Cruise ride updates and important info for those hoping to go to Disneyland soon, we’re breaking down all of this week’s big stories right here!
What Capacity, Virtual Queues, and More Will Look Like in the Future
We already knew that capacity had been quietly increasing in Disney World, but during a recent conference Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek, noted that the parks “will see low double-digit increases in attendance in the next several months.”
Walking into Hollywood Studios
When could the parks reach full capacity again? Chapek said it depends on the park, but hinted that Disney World would likely reach full capacity by the end of the year. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for any significant updates on crowd levels in the parks as the situation changes so we can share them with you!
Click here to see more of Chapek’s statements about capacity.
What about virtual queues, mobile order, and other features we’ve been using quite a bit over the last few months? Well, Chapek’s recent statements seem to indicate that these features may be sticking around for a while.
Mobile Order Sign
Recently, Chapek stated that these features are “likely to impact their [Disney’s] prospects going into the future,” and that virtual queues, specifically, are a “guest experience lever.” Sounds like you’ll probably be continuing to use your phone a lot in the parks (at least for now) for all these digital features, so be sure to bring those chargers!
Click here to see more about Chapek’s statements on Mobile Order and more.
Jungle Cruise News
The Jungle Cruise is undergoing some re-theming in both Disneyland and Disney World at the moment. The changes will bring a new storyline to the ride, new scenes, new characters, and more.
Jungle Cruise
The Disney World version has remained open while these changes are made, but Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise has been closed. Wondering when all of these changes at this classic attraction will be done? Disney recently shared that Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise will reopen on July 16th!
Jungle Cruise is Closed in Disneyland
Over in Disney World, the changes coming to the Jungle Cruise are expected to be completed by this summer.
Click here to see more about the timelines shared for the completion of all the changes coming to the Jungle Cruise!
This week we also got a peek at the NEW Trader Sam scene coming to both rides. We even got a peek at part of this scene in person in Disney World.
Here’s a closer look!
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates on the Jungle Cruise and let you know what we find!
Click here to get a look at the new Trader Sam scene in Disney World!
Changes with Relaxation Stations, Social Distancing, and More in Disney World
A few weeks ago, Disney World announced their new mask policy (where masks are no longer required outdoors in common areas, with some exceptions) and they shared that social distancing would gradually be reduced in many guest areas.
As a result of those new policies, we’ve seen some things changing in the parks and resorts.
Pizzafari Closure
For example, Star Wars Launch Bay is now available for guests to walk through, but it is no longer a relaxation station (meaning guests can still check out some of the exhibits, but they’ll have to keep their masks on).
Click here to see more about the changes we’ve been seeing.
We’ve also seen some changes being made when it comes to mask and safety signage.
Social Distancing Sign
Some social distancing markers are being removed, the “6-feet” requirements are being covered up on some distancing signs, select signs now remind guests to wear their masks indoors, and more things are looking different throughout Disney World.
Distancing Markers Removed on the Ferry to Magic Kingdom
We expect more changes will continue to be made as capacity continues to increase, distancing continues to gradually be reduced, and potentially new rules are put in place. Throughout any future trips to Disney World be sure to keep an eye out for any safety signage that may be near you to ensure that you’re following the updated policies at all times.
Click here to see what you need to know about Disney World’s current mask and safety signage.
Save BIG on Disney Merchandise
Been eyeing some Disney ears or a new mug? Want to stock up on some Disney items ahead of your trip AND get them at a DISCOUNT? Well, this is your time to shop! Right now, shopDisney is running one of their BIGGEST sales of the year — the Twice Upon a Year Sale.
©Disney
With this special offer, you can get up to 40% off accessories, clothing, and more online. From what we saw, there are over 800(!!!!) items on sale. Now is a great time to snag Disney presents for the family, grab items on sale to give to your kiddos during your upcoming Disney trip, or just get some cool things you’ve been waiting to buy. But, it won’t last forever, so be sure to take advantage of the sale before it ends!
Click here to learn more about this special sale and some of the items you can get at a discount!!
BIG Disneyland and Avengers Campus News
And finally, we end our main news round-up with some HUGE Disneyland news.
First, Disneyland’s theme parks have only been open for California residents to enjoy for the time being, but starting in mid-June, out-of-state guests will be able to visit the Disneyland theme parks once again!
Time to Start Planning Those Trips!
Recently, Disneyland also announced that they will be ending temperature checks in June. And late last week we got new details about California’s plans to fully reopen on June 15th and what that will mean for theme parks like Disneyland.
Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” is Truly a Classic
Want more time to spend in Disneyland’s theme parks? Your wish has been granted! Starting in July, Disneyland will be increasing park hours.
This past week, Blue Bayou Restaurant also reopened in Disneyland with alcohol, giving guests another spot to get some classic Disneyland eats (hello Monte Cristo) and some adult beverages too!
Seating
Our full review of our experience there (and ALL the food we got) will be coming out soon so stay tuned for that!!
Click here to see more about California’s plans to fully reopen in June.
Okay, and now we move onto Avengers Campus news! Over the past week, Disney shared that a virtual queue will be used for the new WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure that will be opening with the land.
©Disney
We also got a first look at the map for this new land and a closer look at all the food we’ll be able to enjoy here (we are READY to eat).
Wondering what the new Shawarma Palace Too will look like? We got a first look at that spot this past week.
Shawarma Palace Too
If you won’t be able to make it over to Avengers Campus in person for the opening, don’t worry! The heroes have you covered! You can actually watch the grand opening of this new land from home (dressed in all your best Avengers gear, of course).
And finally, this week we also got a look at the full menu and prices for breakfast over at PYM Test Kitchen.
©Disney
We can’t wait to check out all of these new things when the land opens in just a few days in Disney California Adventure Park!
Click here to see more about what is coming to Avengers Campus!
Of course, a whole bunch of other Disney news was shared this week too. Here’s a peek at some of them:
- Love collecting Disney ears? Some new ones released this past week!
- You could win FREE Star Wars souvenirs
- Food delivery service will be coming soon to Orlando International Airport
- See what Disney World employees wish you knew
- A new Marriott hotel will be opening soon near Disney World
Loki Ears
- You could win a FREE 4 day trip to Disney World!
- A new menu has arrived at the Farmers Feast booth for EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival
- Winnie the Pooh is getting a musical stage adaptation
- New food items have arrived at Lotus Blossom Cafe in EPCOT’s China pavilion
- Watermelon Dole Whip is BACK and you can even get a watermelon taco full of Dole Whip!
Watermelon Dole Whip Slice
- There’s a NEW gelato burger in Disney Springs
- A BIG change has been made to the iconic Beaches & Cream Soda Shop milkshakes
- Bookings for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, are officially open for all guests
- The Jungle Cruise movie has a NEW trailer
- A new popcorn mix has arrived in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- New Cruella-inspired treats are coming soon to Disney World
That’s a lot of milkshake!
And that’s our news round-up for this week! If you’re looking for more Disney food news and tips, check out our video below about the BEST Disney World counter service restaurants in 2021!
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Disney more capacity will get a lot more crowds through the parks . Disney will making a lot of money through out the summer . Safe you have to trust people that are coming from other states and resident’s . Vaccinated who is and not this is not safe . If Disney let’s you decide they are off the hook if you get sick .
He needs to visit the parks. Until they have more cast members they shouldn’t increase capacity. It was disgusting in the ladies rooms yesterday. Mobile order is awful. Ask the people waiting yesterday for lost orders wrong orders canceled orders that weren’t. Please stop mobile order only give us options Disney.
Virtual Ques are a disaster and do nothing to reduce line wait times. Long wait times are part of the Disney guest management program and show just how little the current park management values the park guest. The bottom line is that a park quest has no control over their park day and they can no longer plan their day. Even WDW park hours have been reduced as of August 1st of 2021. No parks are are even open after 9pm which means there will be no fireworks in any parks, no extra magic hours for guests staying on site, no fast passes, no parades and no entertainment. Also, there are no annual passes and the cost of park day tickets are not refundable … and this is just not acceptable. The 50th anniversary of Disney World is going to be a disaster as guest capacity is increased. I have been to WDW over 100 times and I may never go again under the current park management programs.