Disney World is going through some big changes right now!
There are some big changes coming to Disney World!
Health and safety measures are starting to disappear and restaurants, entertainment options, and resorts are starting to reopen more frequently. Disney recently announced that fireworks would be returning to the parks soon, and that announcement has some huge implications for the future of what’s happening in the parks!
Fireworks Are Coming Back Soon!
Disney World recently announced that fireworks are returning on July 1st, starting with Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Forever at EPCOT. Fireworks haven’t been shown in the parks since March of 2020, so this is a big day for Disney!
Happily Ever After views from Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This change is likely because physical distancing guidelines are being reduced all around the park, so guests are now allowed to stand near each other.
Guests can sit in any row now.
As far as ride vehicles go, more parties are being loaded in them together and plexiglass is starting to be removed. The same goes for theater seating — guests are now being seated closer together.
With these distancing changes, it’s not too shocking that Disney would bring back fireworks. Specific information regarding distancing has no been shared at this time.
Click Here to See How Disney World Ride Queues Are Starting to Look Normal Again!
What Could This Mean?
So what does it mean for Disney World that fireworks are returning? Well, most likely it means that more entertainment options could return soon! Right now many stage shows and live performances are temporarily suspended in the parks, but if fireworks work out, then so could those things.
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is still closed.
First of all, if Happily Ever After can come back, then it makes sense that Magic Kingdom would be able to bring back castle stage shows. It’s the same area, and if you run the show multiple times a day, then there will be even smaller crowds than what you see for fireworks.
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
However, it’s possible we could see other entertainment options return as well, even if it’s just outdoor entertainment at first. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Fantasmic, and Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage are all outdoor shows that might return sooner than indoor options. When mask changes were implemented, they started with outdoor locations. So, we could see this same for shows. Outdoor/open-air spaces will likely be first.
Theater of the Stars, home of Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
But even when it comes to indoor shows, we’ve already seen the return of Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Right now, it’s a modified experience, with new choreography and elements to keep Cast Members and guests safe. Could Disney alter the other shows to fit this mold?
The updated Festival of the Lion King!
As of right now, fireworks are the only entertainment offering returning to the parks. Disney will probably see how things go and then take steps to bring back more entertainment. Disney will likely weigh out cost and demand as well to see when shows and other entertainment offerings will return.
Click Here to See How Festival of the Lion King Has Changed in Disney World!
Disney May Be on the Fast Track to “Normal”
Right now, a lot of different changes are coming all at once. Just in the last month, we’ve seen temperature checks disappear, a reduction in physical distancing, face masks become optional for vaccinated guests, plexiglass getting removed from many locations, and a slow increase in park capacity.
Ground markers have been removed from the Jungle Cruise queue.
Resort and restaurant reopening dates continue to get announced frequently. Crowds have been high and capacity is slowly increasing. Guests may demand more options as COVID-19 changes are reduced around the parks.
Will You Be Eating at ‘Ohana When It Reopens?
Disney World has a very busy season ahead. Right now, we’re in the midst of summer vacation with the 4th of July fast approaching, but soon after that, it’ll be the Halloween/fall season, followed by the big 50th Anniversary. It’s very difficult to find Disney Resort reservations through the end of the year, which is a testament to just how popular the parks will be in the rest of the year.
Cinderella Castle got a 50th Anniversary makeover!
Guests might want or even expect more options as the holidays and the 50th approach. As stated above, Disney will likely weigh out demand and cost to see when they will bring back old offerings and if they should introduce new ones or guests.
The Top Disney World Events You Can’t Miss in 2021! — Click Here
Things are changing all the time. So, stay tuned to DFB for all the updates! Fireworks are definitely going to be a big change, and we’ll be there on the opening night to share all the details with you!
Click Here for the Fireworks Showtimes for July!
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WE REALLY WANT FANTASMIC BACK SND THE QUICK SERVICE DINING PLAN IMMEDIATELY. THE FOOD PLAN HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING. LETS GET MOVING DISNEY
Any hope for a reopening of the Epcot monorail?
I hate to say it, but life was much better at the world a few years before the pandemic. Simpler, easier to enjoy what WDW had to offer and at a much lower price. Ah for the good old days….
Any word on Hoop Dee Doo or Trails End opening at Ft Wilderness?
Barbara, so far nothing from Disney on these.
John, Disney hasn’t announced anything new on the EPCOT Monorail, but we are always on the lookout for information.