DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Big Change to Face Mask Policy; New Magic Kingdom Entertainment; More Characters Return; Disney Wish Details Revealed & More
Since our last news roundup, Disney has made a big change to its face mask policy at Disney World and Disneyland. Disney has also introduced new entertainment at Magic Kingdom along with more and more characters returning to the parks. Disney Cruise Line revealed a bunch more information about its upcoming addition the Disney Wish, and if you think it would be awesome to live at Disney World you don’t want to miss the last story. Details are below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Makes Big Update to Face Covering Policy
Walt Disney World and Disneyland have face-covering policies that went into effect on February 17, 2022. The policy covers where and when guests are still required to wear face coverings. Learn all the details at the link below.
Click here for the latest policy regarding face coverings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
2 – All-New “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade” Debuts at Magic Kingdom
Character cavalcades have been the primary way guests have seen and interacted with their favorite Disney characters since the parks reopened in July 2020. Even with the announcement that the Festival of Fantasy parade is coming back, and with some characters offering “individual time” with guests, Disney has confirmed that cavalcades will continue to be part of park entertainment into the future. A new cavalcade recently debuted at Magic Kingdom and features “the most characters of any cavalcade to date,” including Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” Miguel from “Coco,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and so many more! It’s a fun cavalcade with a ton of characters! Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes!
3 – Kevin Has Returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
More and more characters have returned to Disney parks where guests can enjoy “individual time” with the characters. One character that has recently returned is Kevin, the lovable bird from Disney Pixar’s Up, to Discovery Island. She’s not roaming around like she did before and has a permanent greeting spot where guests can snap a photo from a distance. It’s so great to have her back!
4 – Mickey Mouse Returns to Red Carpet Dreams & Motorcade Ends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Mickey Mouse has returned to Red Carpet Dreams in Commissary Lane at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While he is returning, this meet and greet or “character sighting” will be modified. Mickey greets guests from a distance, and no autographs are available at this time. You can also greet Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams separately (they do not appear together). The “Mickey and Friends Motorcade” is no longer running at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, chip ‘n’ Dale, Goofy, Max, Donald, and Daisy can still be seen throughout the park at different pop-up locations.
5 – Disney Wish Family Entertainment Updates & More
The Disney Wish is the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining the Disney Magic (maiden voyage in 1998), the Disney Wonder (maiden voyage in 1999), the Disney Dream (maiden voyage in 2011), and the Disney Fantasy (maiden voyage in 2012). While the ship was scheduled to have its maiden voyage in June 2022, Disney recently announced the ship’s inaugural sailing has been pushed back to July. However, even with the delay, the ship had a big milestone earlier this month when it hit the water for the first time. And finally, we also have more details on some pretty amazing offerings from indulging in “Inside Out”-inspired treats to going on a picnic with “Frozen” friends to immersive shows featuring Disney Princesses, villains, and heroes, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship has been expertly designed to deliver endless fun for the whole family. Learn more at the links below.
Click here for details on the Disney Wish on the Water for the First Time.
Click here for details on the Delayed Inaugural Sailing of the Disney Wish.
Click here for new details on the sweet shop and Family fun on the Disney Wish.
6 – Disney Launches New Business to Develop Residential Communities
As more and more fans look for new ways to make Disney a bigger part of their lives, the company today announced plans to introduce Storyliving by Disney, vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with the company’s special brand of magic. These master-planned communities are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests and write the next exciting chapter in their lives—all while enjoying the attention to detail, unique amenities and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.
The first Storyliving by Disney community will be built in Rancho Mirage, in California’s Coachella Valley—a location where Walt Disney himself owned a home and would spend leisure time with his family. Additional locations in the U.S. are under exploration for future development.
“For nearly 100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of people all around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “As we prepare to enter our second century, we are developing new and exciting ways to bring the magic of Disney to people wherever they are, expanding storytelling to storyliving. We can’t wait to welcome residents to these beautiful and unique Disney communities where they can live their lives to the fullest.”
At each location, including some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+, Disney Cast Members trained in the company’s legendary guest service will operate the community association. Through a club membership, Disney will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming; entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes; philanthropic endeavors; seminars and much more.
Disney Imagineers will play a key role in developing the creative concept for the communities, working in conjunction with respected developers and homebuilders.
“Disney Imagineers are exploring the richness of each local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities,” said Michael Hundgen, executive producer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Distinctively designed indoor and outdoor spaces will offer residents new opportunities to explore, engage and create the next incredible chapter of their story.”
Announcing Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community
Where better to plant the first stake in the ground for a Storyliving by Disney community than an area that once felt the footsteps of Walt Disney himself. Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, will be built in the heart of the Greater Palm Springs area. The brilliant mountain- ringed valley was once a rejuvenating retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney. Architecture and amenities of this Storyliving by Disney community will reflect the history and present-day inspiration of the rich valley culture.
Cotino is being developed in collaboration with DMB Development, which is highly regarded for its development of large-scale planned communities in the U.S. According to Brent Herrington, the company’s CEO, “Cotino represents the creativity and operational excellence of Disney combined with the extensive community development expertise of DMB Development. We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept.”
Cotino will welcome homeowners of all ages and will include at least one section expressly for 55+ residents. Home buyers will have a range of home types to choose from, including estates, single family homes and condominiums.
Per the Specific Plan approval for the development, the community is expected to surround an approximately 24-acre grand oasis featuring clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology, enabling crystalline lagoons of any size to be built sustainably, with low water consumption and using a minimum amount of additives and energy. A voluntary club membership will offer access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney programming, entertainment and activities throughout the year.
Cotino also has Specific Plan approval for a vibrant mixed-use district featuring a range of shopping, dining and entertainment, a beachfront hotel, and a professionally managed beach park with recreational water activities that can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane – New Planning Tools & Paid Access to Lighting Lane
Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT
Click here for what’s new and coming to EPCOT as the Historic Transformation Continues.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Now Open – Drawn to Life
Click here for our review of Drawn to Life the new Cirque du Soleil show now open at Disney Springs.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
What’s New & Coming Back to Walt Disney World in 2022!
Click here for the 15 things we’re looking forward to at Walt Disney World in 2022.
January 14-February 21, 2022 – EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Click here for what you need to know (and don’t want to miss) at the 2022 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.
February and March 2022 – New and Returning Entertainment to Magic Kingdom
Click here for details and dates of new and returning entertainment to Magic Kingdom.
March 1, 2022 – Star Wars Hotel
March 2-July 4, 2022 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for dates and details for the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
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 Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022.
Click here to learn about early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line
Click here for information on Pixar Day at Sea coming in early 2023!
Click here for information on Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line in 2023.
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