DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: 50th Celebration Details; Saying Goodbye/New Nighttime Spectaculars Debut Live Stream; New California Grill Menu; Big Change to Rise of Resistance; Resort Benefit Coming Early; Space 220 Opens; AK Attraction Demolition; Closures & More!

Chad & Cindy NykampSeptember 26, 2021Last Updated: September 25, 2021

As we head into the week of Walt Disney World’s 50^th Anniversary, we have a packed news roundup. There will be a lot going on for the anniversary and we’ll be covering it all and taking a look back at many of the biggest milestones of what has been a magical ride. We will also be saying goodbye to two nighttime entertainment offerings, and demolition has started on an Animal Kingdom attraction. In food news, Space 220 finally opened, a new California Grill menu was released, and we got word on when our favorite spot for sweets will reopen. There was a big change to Rise of Resistance and some critical information if you want to experience Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. A new resort benefit is actually starting early, and we have a rundown of recent openings and an upcoming closure. All this and a lot more below.

1 – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” Kicks Off This Week!

The wait is almost over and October 1, 2021 is almost here! If you follow us on Instagram, we’ve been counting down the days, and we’re so excited that the 50^th Anniversary of Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World is THIS WEEK!

It’s an exciting time! Take a look below at some recent additions and what’s coming this week:

What’s opening on October 1:

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, EPCOT
La Creperie Restaurant, EPCOT
Harmonious, new nighttime spectacular, EPCOT (soft opening – September 29-30)
Disney Enchantment, new nighttime spectacular, Magic Kingdom
Disney KiteTails, new daytime show, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Food and Beverage Offerings – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”
Beacons of Magic at all Four Theme Parks
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will also be dressed in sparkling new looks, custom-made for this special occasion.

Recently opened offerings at EPCOT:

“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” Offerings Available Now:

Disney Fab 50 Sculptures
50^th Anniversary merchandise
50^thAnniversary popcorn carton and bucket

There will be so much to see and do! We’ll be out covering it all. We didn’t want to miss this historic event, so we’ll be checking in to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort (our favorite) on Monday. We’ll also be taking part in a special media event from September 29-October 1. We’ll be getting a closer look at these offerings and are excited to share what we learn. While we will be adding articles to our website reviewing the new offerings, the best way to catch what’s new is by following us on Instagram. Cindy will be covering the three-day event and adding to our Instagram Story regularly throughout those days, as well as posting on our Instagram page. So follow us on Instagram and enable notifications, so you don’t miss a thing! We hope you follow along! Get ready for a lot of fabulous Disney coverage!

Click here to follow us on Instagram for live coverage of the kickoff “The World’s Most Magical Celebration!”

2 – A Walt Disney World Retrospective – We’re Looking Back at the Top Milestones in Each Decade Ahead of the 50^th Anniversary of Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary on October 1, 2021. So, we’re looking back at each decade ahead of the celebration! Learn about the ten most magical milestones of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s at the links below.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 1970s.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 1980s.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 1990s.

Click here for A Walt Disney World Retrospective: Ten Magical Milestones of the 2000s.

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3 – Now’s the Time to Say Goodbye – Two Nighttime Spectaculars End Their Run This Week – New Shows to be Live Streamed

Both “EPCOT Forever” and “Happily Ever After” are ending their runs at Walt Disney World this week. “Happily Ever After” debuted on May 12, 2017, replacing Wishes after a very long and successful run. Many guests were skeptical about the new show, but it quickly became a beloved fan favorite. When Disney announced that “Disney Enchantment” would be a part of the 50^th-anniversary celebration, many hoped that “Happily Ever After” would return after the 18-month celebration. However, fans were disappointed when Disney announced the show would be retired and will not return. We will undoubtedly miss this show! “Disney Enchantment” will be live-streamed Thursday, September at 10:15 pm (the park closes at 8:00 pm that night). Visit the link below for more details on the live stream. The show will debut to guests on October 1.

EPCOT Forever debuted on October 1, 2019, and will end on September 28. The show was always a temporary show that was to run in between Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and Harmonious. While Harmonious officially debuts on October 1, two shows on September 29 and September 30 have been added to the entertainment calendar for EPCOT. Visit the link below for more details on the live stream. Disney will live stream “Harmonious” on September 29 at 9:00 pm.

Click here for details on the live streams of “Harmonious” and “Disney Enchantment.”

4 – Space220 at Opens at EPCOT!

In an expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion at EPCOT, the new Space 220 Restaurant is a fantastic and unique spaced-themed dining experience that offers guests delicious food and beverage options. After boarding a space elevator for a simulated journey to the Centauri Space Station, guests will enjoy a fantastic panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles above the planet’s surface. We were there at the grand opening event and had a chance to enjoy lunch! We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and can’t wait to go back! Read our full review below!

Click here for our review of Space 220 at EPCOT and what you need to know!

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5 – Virtual Queue Will Begin on October 1 for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

When Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure officially opens on October 1, guests will be required to join the virtual queue in order to experience the attraction. The process is the same that was in place for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance when that attraction used a Virtual Queue.

Here’s how guests will use the virtual queue to experience Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure:

Guests with a valid ticket or pass and theme park reservation who will start their day at EPCOT can access the virtual queue system via the My Disney Experience app and check for an available boarding group starting at 7 am on the day of their park reservation. This can be done before guests arrive at the theme park.
If guests are unable to join the morning virtual queue opportunity, they may check for an available boarding group starting at 1 pm after they have entered the park. Keep in mind, Guests must be at EPCOT to access this second virtual queue opportunity, and access to a boarding group is subject to availability and not guaranteed.

Tips for Getting into the Virtual Queue

By the day prior to their visit, guests should make sure to have done the following:

Have an account in My Disney Experience
Download the My Disney Experience mobile app on their smart device or ensure they have the most updated version of the app before arriving at the park
Link their tickets to their My Disney Experience account
Have a valid Disney Park Pass reservation for EPCOT for the day

Virtual queue is only accessible via the My Disney Experience mobile app.

Please keep in mind, only one guest per traveling party should attempt to enroll in virtual queue. Multiple guests and devices attempting to enroll the same party could complicate securing a boarding group. As a reminder, in order to be eligible for the 1 pm virtual queue enrollment, all guests in a party must already be inside EPCOT.

Guests who need additional help joining the virtual queue for the 1 pm enrollment time should seek out a Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team Cast Member at EPCOT.

6 – New Disney Resort Benefit Will Go Into Effect Early – September 26

Extra Magic Hours were retired in 2020, and a new benefit for Disney Resort guests is going into effect this week. Officially, the program was set to begin on October 1, but we received an email from Disney Destinations letting us know that the benefit will go into effect on September 26. Read more below.

Here is the text from the email we received from Disney Destinations:

We are so excited to welcome you for your upcoming stay!

Soon, Guests who stay in the magic at a Disney Resort hotel can enjoy 30 minutes early entry to any Walt Disney World® Theme Park every day as part of the dazzling Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration.

We’re excited to share that we will be offering a soft opening of this new benefit during your stay. Beginning September 26, you will have the opportunity to enjoy 30 minutes early entry to any Walt Disney World Theme Park. That’s more time for enchantment at Magic Kingdom® Park. More excitement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. More adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. More possibilities at EPCOT®. It’s a great way to jump-start your Disney day, no matter the day!

Once you’ve arrived at the main entrance of your desired theme park, be sure to look for the “Early Entry for Participating Hotels” signage to enter the park.

A Park reservation and valid ticket or pass for the same park on the same date, and valid Resort ID are required.

Click here for more information about Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours for Disney Resort Guests.

7 – Disney Fab 50 Statues Now Out at Walt Disney World Theme Parks

New “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” golden sculptures are spread across the four Walt Disney World theme parks in honor of the 50th-anniversary. Fifty characters are featured in total, including Miguel and Dante from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” at EPCOT; BB-8 and R2-D2 from Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Simba, Timon, and Pumba from “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park; and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse – dedicated to Walt Disney World cast members – at Magic Kingdom Park along with many more. We’ve put together a list of the locations of the statues so you can easily find them! Learn more at the link below.

Click here for a complete list of the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection and where you can find them.

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8 – California Grill Celebrates 50^th Anniversary with Special Limited-Time Menu

California Grill is offering a limited-time menu during the 50^th-anniversary celebration. This week Disney released the menu for the new dining experience. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for details on the new menu at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

9 – Main Street Confectionery Reopens Soon at Magic Kingdom

The Main Street Confectionery has been closed for refurbishment to get ready for the 50^th-anniversary of Walt Disney World. The store will reopen this week! Learn more at the link below.

Click here to learn about the refurbished Main Street Confectionery and all-new treats!

10 – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Transitions to Standby Queue

On Thursday, September 23, the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance virtual queue was paused. Until further notice, you do not need to join the virtual queue to enjoy this attraction. The regular standby queue is now open. Not surprisingly, on September 23, many people flocked to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at opening to ride the attraction. The wait times on Thursday morning ranged from 2-4 hours. Later in the day, it was around 1.5-2 hours long.

Interestingly, on Thursday night at 8:37 pm, the wait time was only forty-five minutes. On Friday, the wait time posted at opening was 105 minutes, with only a 65-minute wait at 5:00 pm. On Saturday around lunch, the wait was again around two hours. We’ll continue to monitor wait times and expect longer waits, especially this week with the crowds descending upon Walt Disney World. At this time, it appears that waiting to ride the attraction later in the day and evening might be the best possible option for guests.

11 – Mickey’s PhilharMagic Closed for Refurbishment October 11-November 11 at Magic Kingdom Park

Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom will undergo a refurbishment from October 11 through November 11. The attraction will reopen on November 12 with several new enhancements, including a digital projection system to provide the highest-quality viewing experience for our Guests. And, as was announced earlier this summer, a new scene from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” featuring the song “Un Poco Loco” will join in on Donald’s musical misadventures. Guests will enjoy this new scene alongside all of the show’s current fan-favorite musical numbers.

12 – Primeval Whirl Now Being Demolished at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Last summer, Disney announced the permanent closure of Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The attraction has sat almost untouched for almost a year and a half. However, that changed this week when Disney began to demolish the attraction. No announcement has been made on the future of this space in DinoLand USA.

13 – Electrical Water Pageant Joins “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”

The beloved Electrical Water Pageant joins in the fun of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” with new celebratory scenes featuring a towering castle, swirling pixie dust and a version of the celebration anthem song, “The Magic is Calling,” bookending the full traditional show as it sails nightly across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Stay tuned for more on the EARidescent updates to the Walt Disney World Resort classic.

14 – Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Update

Disney continues welcoming Guests back to Disney Resort hotels, such as at Disney’s All-Star Resorts, where Disney recently reopened the Music and Movies themes.

At this time, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will remain closed while Disney takes the opportunity to refresh the Sports theme area, and they look forward to sharing a new reopening date for rooms in the Sports theme at a later time.

Guests with upcoming reservations will receive communication via email and to modify their stay, at no additional charge. This modification will have no impact to other vacation experiences that may be booked, such as Theme Park reservations or dining.

As a reminder, Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts opens next month for our Guests, with bookings available beginning October 14 for Riverside and October 28 for French Quarter, subject to availability.

15 – Celebrate ‘Muppets Haunted Mansion’ at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

“Muppets Haunted Mansion” is an all-new show coming to Disney+! Walt Disney World and Disneyland are celebrating. Disney Cast Member Leigh Slaughter shares all the details below:

You may have recently heard that an all-new original Halloween special, “Muppets Haunted Mansion,” will debut exclusively on Disney+ starting Oct. 8. Check out the trailer for this funny and thrilling production featuring all of your favorite Muppets as you’ve never seen them before:

“Muppets Haunted Mansion” takes place on Halloween night, when Gonzo is challenged to spend one very daring night in the most grim grinning place on Earth … the Haunted Mansion. This marks the Muppets’ first-ever Halloween special and features three new original songs, “Rest In Peace,” “Life Hereafter” and “Tie The Knot Tango,” a star-studded Muppets cast, celebrity guest stars and special appearances, and frightful fun for the entire family.

But you don’t have to wait until Oct. 8 to celebrate the fun and excitement of this new special. If you are going to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort before then, make sure to check out these spooky activities:

At Walt Disney World Resort:

Available now at PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll want to try one of four different and delicious eclairs, some of which were inspired by the Muppets stretching portraits featured in “Muppets Haunted Mansion.”

Also at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting on Oct. 1, you can see exclusive content from “Muppets Haunted Mansion” in the pre-show for Muppet*Vision 3D.

Over at Magic Kingdom Park, beginning Oct. 8, look out for a special Magic Shot that the Disney PhotoPass photographer in front of the Haunted Mansion can add to your photo. You might spot a familiar face floating around your photo as Madame Pigota!

At Disneyland Resort:

Currently at the Magic Key Holder event at Disneyland park, Key Holders can find some fun photo opportunities. Starting Oct. 1, there will be additional photo opportunities near the Esplanade. Check out the uniquely themed Honda Ridgeline that is wrapped to resemble the wallpaper designs that were created especially for “Muppets Haunted Mansion.” Honda is the official vehicle of the Disneyland Resort.

Also beginning Oct. 8, you can visit an exhibit with exclusive content from “Muppets Haunted Mansion” inside the Main Street Opera House, near the pre-show area for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

Disney Music Group:

Disney Music Group will feature the songs from “Muppets Haunted Mansion” on their Halloween playlist, starting Oct. 8. Visit disneymusic.co/DisneyHalloweenPL for more information.

And make sure to watch “Muppets Haunted Mansion” starting Oct. 8, and streaming only on Disney+!

For additional information on Disney+, please visit disneyplus.com.

16 – Disney Parks to Celebrate Disney+ Day on November 12

Disney+ is celebrating Disney+ Day on November 12 and Disney Parks will be feature special offerings during the day. Visit the link below for more.

Click here for more details on Disney+ Day on November 12.

17 – Disney Cruise Line Updates Pre-Sailing Testing Requirements

The Disney Cruise Line Know Before You Go has been updated to reflect the following change: The pre-trip COVID-19 test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen and antibody tests are not accepted. Learn more about new health and safety guidelines and requirements for Disney Cruise Line by clicking here.

18 – “EARidescent” Disney Visa Card Design Arrives for Walt Disney World’s 50^th Anniversary

How about some Cinderella Castle bling on your Disney Visa credit card by Chase? If you are a current Disney Visa cardholder, you just need to log in to your account and select the new design. Likewise, if you apply for a new Disney Visa car, you’ll be able to select the design once you are approved.

What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort

The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions

Click here for what you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World during the current Covid restrictions.

New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT

Click here for our review of Space 220 at EPCOT and what you need to know about this amazing new restaurant!

Click here for details on the all-new Club Cool at EPCOT.

Click here to learn about the new flagship shopping location at EPCOT – Creations Shop.

Now Through November 20, 2021 – 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Click here for the seven reasons you don’t want to miss the 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.

Now Through 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 to see our Instagram Story with photos and video from our time at 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

October 1, 2021 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World

Click here for details on “The Most Magical Celebration,” which begins on October 1, 2021, on the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World and runs for 18 months.

October 1, 2021 – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure & France Pavilion Expansion Opens

Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Click here for what you need to know about the new La Creperie de Paris restaurant and expanded France pavilion.

October 1, 2021 – Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Click here for menus of Steakhouse 71 – opening soon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Upcoming Resort Reopenings

October 14 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – River Side
October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Fall 2021 – Disney Genie – New Planning Tools, Paid Access to New Lighting Lane

Click here for the news announcement about Disney Genie.

Click here for your top 16 questions and answers about the new Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane.

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.

Click here for details on the Candlelight Processional returning for the 2021 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.

Spring 2022 – Star Wars Hotel

Click here for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser-What We Know So Far About the Upcoming Star Wars Themed Hotel Coming to Disney World

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.

Fall Season at Disneyland Resort – Now Through October 31

Click here for details on the fall season at Disneyland Resort!

Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort – November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2022

Click here for details on the holiday season at Disneyland Resort.

Click here for all the information on the all-new Disney Merriest Nights at Disneyland Park.

Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line

Return to Cruising

Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line’s return to sailing and the new safety protocols that are in place.

The Disney Wish

Click here for an overview of the next Disney Cruise Line Ship – The Disney Wish – Coming Summer 2022

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.

Chad & Cindy NykampSeptember 26, 2021Last Updated: September 25, 2021