DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Extra Hours Attractions Lineup; La Creperie Menu Released; Details Released for Splash Mountain Re-Theme; 50th Anniversary Television Special; Disney Cruise News & More
Following a week that included the most universally negative reaction to a Disney announcement that we’ve ever seen, the news this week didn’t do much to help sooth angry fans. Disney announced the attraction lineup for early entry and extended hours for someresort guests, and also revealed new artwork and details for the retheming of Splash Mountain. Both of these announcements fired up the outrage machine for different reasons. On the positive side, we got the menu for the new food location in France, and the announcement of a 50th Anniversary television special we can’t wait to see. Disney Cruise Line is sailing again and also release some news. Work on the Jungle Cruise is complete, and we got more information on the return of Club Cool to Epcot. All this and more in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Releases La Crêperie de Paris Menu – Coming Soon to the France Pavilion at EPCOT
A new restaurant is coming to the France pavilion, and we’re so excited. La Crêperie de Paris, which is set to open on October 1, will offer both table- and quick-service options and features sweet crepes, savory buckwheat galettes (naturally gluten-friendly), and authentic French hard cider. Catch the full menu at the link below.
Click here for the menus for La Crêperie de Paris coming to the France Pavilion at EPCOT.
2 – Disney Announces Attraction Line Up for New Resort Benefits – Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours
Earlier this summer, Disney announced new benefits for guests staying at a Disney resort during the 18-month, 50th-anniversary celebration. Extra Magic Hours have been retired. Two new benefits were introduced: Early Theme Park Entry for all resort guests and Extended Evening Hours for guests staying at select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts. This week Disney revealed which attractions would be open during those times. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for information on Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
3 – New Television Special ‘The Most Magical Story on Earth’
A new television special will air on October 1. “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” will tell the story of the history of Walt Disney World. Learn more about the show and how you can watch it at the link below.
Click here for more details on the new television special to air on October 1.
4 – Disney Reveals New Concept Art for Reimagined Splash Mountain
Last summer, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would undergo a reimagining with a Princess and the Frog theme. Since then, very few details have emerged about the project. This week Disney gave fans new information about the story of the ride and released new concept art. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for concept art and new story details for the upcoming changes to Splash Mountain.
5 – The Jungle Cruise Updates Now Complete at Magic Kingdom Park
Over the last few months, Imagineers have been updating scenes at the World-Famous Jungle Cruise! The attraction has remained open while work was done. This week, work was finished, and the attraction is fully updated with new scenes and new humor!
6 – Disney Cruise Line Welcomes Guests on Board
Earlier this month, Disney Cruise Line welcomed guests aboard the Disney Dream for the first time since the cruise line shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Disney shared the story of guests returning to the Disney Dream. Learn more below.
Click here for more on the return of the Disney Cruise Line to the Sea in August 2021.
7 – Disney Cruise Line Reveals New Details on AquaMouse, First Disney Attraction at Sea
The Disney Wish is set to debut with so many new and exciting offerings. One of those is the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, AquaMouse. This week. Disney Cruise Line released new story details, and it’s got us so excited. Visit the link below for all the details.
Click here for new story details on AquaMouse on the Disney Wish.
8 – Disney Cruise Line Updates Vaccine Requirements for Fall Cruises
With new requirements coming out of the Bahamas, the Disney Cruise Line has updated its vaccine requirements for cruises sailing to the Bahamas from September 3 until November 1, 2021.
Here is the statement from the Disney Cruise Line website:
Sailings to The Bahamas September 3, 2021 until November 1, 2021
For sailings to the Bahamas beginning September 3, 2021 until November 1, 2021, The Bahamas will require that all passengers ages 12 and older be fully vaccinated in order for a ship to be allowed entry into any of its cruise ports, including private islands like Disney Castaway Cay. To comply with this new requirement, all Guests ages 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to board the ship. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers people to be fully vaccinated 14 days after the final dose has been administered. Guests must provide proof of vaccination by uploading their vaccination card to the Safe Passage by Inspire website no later than 24 hours before their sailing. Guests who choose not to provide proof of vaccination to meet the requirements of The Bahamas will not be permitted to board the ship.
Guests under the age of 12 must still provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date by uploading their test results to the Safe Passage by Inspire website. They will also be required to undergo a second PCR COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal prior to boarding.
Guests on a sailing to The Bahamas (including Disney Castaway Cay) departing from September 3, 2021 to prior to November 1, 2021 may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting our reservations team at (866) 325-6685 or (407) 566-7797 by September 3, 2021. Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining additional details and next steps.
9 – Cool Club Update
This week, Zach Riddley, Creative Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, gave an update on the return of Club Cool at EPCOT. Check out his Instagram post below:
Club Cool is nearly BACK at EPCOT, and in that process of becoming, I’m proud to share a sneak peek at the new façade and marquee from the park this morning! This new portal features some fun touches that tie to EPCOT and Coca-Cola’s design legacy. The Club Cool marquee uses our EPCOT World Bold font and looks amazing in bright Coke red! The façade was inspired by classic green-hued glass Coca-Cola bottles and features the iconic Coca-Cola logo fully integrated into this dynamic design. When complete, this will be a can’t-miss destination.
Coca-Cola has been a part of the Disney Parks story since 1955 when ice cold Coca-Cola was served at Disneyland! In 1998 the first iteration of Club Cool, Ice Station Cool, opened its doors here at EPCOT. Since then, we’ve continued to reimagine this location and it has truly become a part of the EPCOT experience. Club Cool tells the uniquely EPCOT story about flavors of the world connecting people globally – where Guests can taste test popular Coca-Cola flavors from different countries including the beloved Beverly, which we can confirm WILL have a spot on the soda fountain upon reopening! 🤩
The team is busy putting final touches on this special space with some brand-new magic as part of the historic EPCOT transformation! We’re keeping details under wraps for just a bit longer as we approach the opening of Club Cool and our Creations Shop very soon.
10 – Gorillas Reveal Name of Newest Family Member at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Last month, a baby gorilla was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this week, Disney released the name of the newest member of the gorilla family. Disney Cast Member Scott Turrell has the details below:
The arrival of baby animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park continues to bring joy to our guests and animal care team, proving that nature holds the truest magic of all. Just last month, we celebrated the birth of a healthy western lowland gorilla to parents Azizi and Gino.
Over the last couple of weeks, guests have been captivated to see Azizi and her baby bonding onstage at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail presented by OFF! Repellents. Azizi’s favorite place to rest with the baby is right next to the glass, where lucky guests are sometimes able to get an up-close view of the pair together. Azizi’s son Cory is very curious about his new sibling and likes to visit with his mom and the baby.
I am thrilled to share with you the name of our newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom family. But instead of just telling you what it is, I’ll let our family troop of gorillas handle the big reveal in their own special way. Check out the video below to watch Cory, Lilly and the rest of the troop unveil the baby’s name, and keep reading to learn the meaning behind the choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9k-UyMFSTA&feature=emb_logo
And there you have it, her name is Ada (AH-duh)! The name comes from the Igbo people in Nigeria and can be translated to mean “first daughter.” After giving birth to two sons, it was fitting to name Azizi’s first daughter, Ada.
To make this exciting announcement possible, our animal care team formed letters using rice cereal for the gorillas to unwrap. The reveal activity was designed to stimulate the troop’s problem-solving skills and encourage them to interact with their environment.
Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can join us in celebrating Ada’s arrival by visiting Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail presented by OFF! Repellents. They may even catch a glimpse of Azizi and Ada as mother and daughter continue to nurse and bond.
For more information about gorillas, visit DisneyAnimals.com.
11 – New Lovepop and Pele Soccer Coming to Downtown Disney District
Two new stores are coming to the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. Disney Cast Member Valarie Lee has all the details below.
Exciting plans are in the works to bring two new specialty retailers – Lovepop and Pelé Soccer – to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! These are two great stores that guests love to visit at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, and here is what you can expect when these locations make their way to Downtown Disney District in the coming months!
Lovepop
Give a surprise that really pops! You’ll be wowed by Lovepop’s array of eye-catching, incredible 3D pop-up cards and gifts that take paper art to new heights!
Created by two ship designers, Lovepop combines engineering and modern technology with the ancient art form of kirigami, a variation of origami that intricately cuts paper rather than folding. These beautiful laser-cut designs add oomph to any occasion from birthdays to anniversaries, graduations and weddings, holidays, “just because” and beyond. Lovepop even has a collection of Disney cards and gifts!
From beautiful cards and stationery to intricate paper flowers and decorations, Lovepop has just what you need to share love with the special people in your life.
Pelé Soccer
Step inside the stadium-themed store and score an amazing assortment of soccer gear from renowned global sports brands at this specialty shop named after Pelé, the legendary Brazilian superstar who was one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
This will be the ultimate soccer destination, where players and fans alike can choose from a vast selection of official club and national team jerseys from around the world, sports apparel, cleats, balls and accessories for men, women and children. You can even have jerseys customized with a name and number for an additional fee.
These two unique retailers are just more exciting examples of Downtown Disney District’s dynamic offerings for our guests. Other specialty shopping experiences include The Disney Dress Shop, Disney Home, Sugarboo & Co., Curl Surf and California Sole, along with many others!
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through November 20, 2021 – 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for photos of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning.
Click here for full menus and lots of photos of items available.
Click here for our Instagram Story with photos of food and beverage items, merchandise, and more.
August 10 – October 31, 2021 – Disney After Hours Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom
Click here for our review and the 14 things you need to know about “Disney After Hours Boo Bash.”
Click here for details on where to find Halloween treats at Walt Disney World this fall.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Upcoming Resort Reopenings
- September 16 – All-Star Sports Music Resort
- October 14 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – River Side
- October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- December 9 – All-Star Sports Resort
Mid-September – Space 220 New Restaurant Opening in EPCOT
Click here for information on the new Space 220 restaurant coming to EPCOT.
October 1, 2021 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
October 1, 2021 – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure & France Pavilion Expansion Opens
Fall 2021 – Disney Genie – New Planning Tools, Paid Access to New Lighting Lane
Click here for the news announcement about Disney Genie.
November 8 – December 30, 2021 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for details on the 2021 holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.
Click here for details on the new “Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours” at Magic Kingdom.
Spring 2022 – Star Wars Hotel
Now Through 2022 and Beyond – EPCOT Reimagined
Click here for what we know about the New EPCOT and what’s coming!
New and Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort – Now Open
Click here for details on the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – now open!
Halloween Time is Back This Fall at Disneyland Resort
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure – Now Open
Click here for more on the Avengers Campus! Now open at Disney California Adventure!
Click here for details on food and beverage offerings inside Avengers Campus.
Click here for information on merchandise available inside Avengers Campus.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Return to Cruising
The Disney Wish
Click here for information on bookings for the inaugural season in summer 2022.
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Itineraries in 2022
Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Early 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea in Early 2022
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.