food IS a theme park
There won’t be any whip-cracking or hat-saving over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios today.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
If you are in Hollywood Studios today, we have some bad news about one of the entertainment options.Â
Disney Cruise Line and many other cruise companies have delayed, suspended, or canceled sailings through the end of 2020 due to the global health crisis.
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream, 2018
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a “no sail order” in March that suspended sailings. The ban was extended then expired on October 31st, 2020. While there is no issued mandate, the CDC stated a warning that sailing is a level 4 “high-risk” and should be avoided. Disney canceled sailings through December 2020 and is once again extending cancelations.
In mid-June Disney World announced that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party would be canceled this year.
Gingerbread Cookie at Epcot’s 2019 Festival of the Holidays
But, uncertainty still remained over Christmastime offerings like Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, and Candlelight Processional.
EPCOT is gearing up for its grand reopening celebration tomorrow — which will also be the official start date of the Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.
Food and Wine Festival
And while we’ve been exploring the park during a special Cast Member preview this week, EPCOT’s World Showcase has felt a little different. Each pavilion is normally staffed by cultural representatives from each of the represented countries, but for now, it could be a long time before all of the cultural ambassadors can return to Disney World.
All Disney World construction projects stopped shorty after the parks closed on March 16th — which seems like such a long time ago!
Cinderella Castle Construction
But now that many of Disney’s resort hotels reopened on June 22nd, and the Disney World parks have opening dates — Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15th — we’ve seen work on several job sites resume!
According to a recent post on Unite Here Local 737’s Facebook page, we now know Disney has started calling even more Cast Members to return to work at Disney World’s theme parks and resorts.
Spaceship Earth
These Cast Members will join the union members Disney called back earlier this month in preparation for the select Disney World Resort hotels that are reopening June 22nd.Â
Just like Star Wars Rival Run Weekend that was scheduled to take place in Disney World, 2020’s Star Wars Celebration has now been canceled.
©Disney
But Lucasfilm wants to make it up to fans who will be disappointed by this news! Keep reading to find out how what options guests who’ve already bought tickets have to choose from in terms of ticket transfers and refunds.
Now that Disney World has announced it plans on reopening Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th along with Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15th, we also know some of the modifications the parks are planning on implementing.
Magic Kingdom Sign
According to Disney’s reopening proposal which took place this morning, Disney World’s theme parks will temporarily suspend its parades, fireworks displays, or character meet-and-greets upon reopening.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
