DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Candlelight & Finding Nemo Show Futures Revealed; BIG Change to Rise of Resistance; Dessert Parties & Dining Packages are Back; Menus Released for Two New Restaurants; Two Openings at Epcot; “New Normal” Takes Shape & More
There was a flood of announcements from Disney mid-week that brought good news for fans of some of Disney’s biggest entertainment offerings, as well as a very surprising change to Disney’s hardest-to-ride attraction, Rise of Resistance. We finally learned the fate of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot and Finding Nemo the Musical at Animal Kingdom. There was a bunch of food news including the return of dessert parties and dining packages, as well as menus for a couple of highly anticipated new restaurants around property. We’re gearing up for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World with a look back at the most important milestones of each decade along with a look at the present with a deep dive on the new normal in the age of COVID at Disney World with everything you need to know about visiting right now. The transformation of Epcot took another step forward with a couple of cool openings. All this and more are below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Confirms “Finding Nemo – The Musical” Will Return in 2022
Since the parks reopened in July 2020, not all live entertainment shows have been available. In fact, it was just this summer that we saw the return of the Festival of the Lion King (May) and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (August). One show that has not returned is “Finding Nemo – The Musical.” Rumors have been swirling that the show would be closing permanently. Thankfully, those rumors were not true. Early this week, Disney confirmed that an “updated” show would return sometime in 2022. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for more on the return of “Finding Nemo — The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
2 – Virtual Queue Will be “Paused” for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
In a shocking and unexpected announcement late this week, Disney announced that they would be “pausing” the Virtual Queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Beginning on September 23, the attraction will have a traditional stand-by queue where guests can simply get in line and wait for the attraction. Reaction among fans was mixed, with many being perplexed at the announcement. With the imminent launch of Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane Selections, many wonder if the move indicated a launch date for the new services. When Disney Genie+ was announced, Disney had stated that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance would be available by Virtual Queue and/or by guests purchasing a Lighting Lane Individual Selection, allowing guests to pay to skip the line. Cynics are saying Disney’s change to a traditional stand-by queue will push more guests to pay for Lightning Lane to avoid the expected multi-hour wait. Disney has not said how long this “pause” will be or updated how the attraction will operate once Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane are launched. We will provide more information as it is released. Learn more about the change at the link below.
Click here for the announcement on the huge change to Star Wars: Rise of Resistance.
3 – The New Normal – What You Need to Know About Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
With the upcoming 18-month 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World, the resort has turned the page on the “phased reopening” that affected park operations since its reopening in July 2020. While many aspects of visiting Walt Disney World have returned to pre-Covid status, guests should be aware of many altered operations and closures. Interestingly, many modified operations appear to be here to stay. We’ve gathered all you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in this “new normal.” Learn what you need to know at the link below.
4 – Dessert Parties and Dinner Packages Returning to Walt Disney World
Fireworks returned to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT in July 2021, without popular dessert parties or dinner packages. This week Disney announced that dessert parties and dinner packages will be returning in October. This includes an all-new firework viewing experience at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill. Bookings opened this week. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the dessert parties and dining packages returning to Walt Disney World.
5 – Candlelight Processional at EPCOT to Return in 2021
One of the most popular offerings of the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is the Candlelight Processional. Unfortunately, the very popular concert was cancelled in 2020. When Disney announced the holiday offerings in July, there was no mention of whether the show would return. Thankfully, Disney has announced that the processional will return in 2021. Learn more at the link below.
6 – Menus Released for Space 220 – Opening September 20 at EPCOT
A new restaurant is coming to EPCOT! Initially set to open in March 2020, the restaurant will finally open on September 20, 2021. This week, menus have been released and have us super excited to visit the new restaurant. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for menus and reservation details for the new Space 220 restaurant coming to EPCOT.
Editor’s Note: Cindy will be covering the opening of Space 220 on September 20! Click here to follow us on Instagram for live coverage of the opening event! Follow along in our Instagram Story for photos and video from the restaurant!
7 – Menus and Reservations Open for Steakhouse 71 – Opening Soon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Steakhouse 71 is another new restaurant that will open soon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The restaurant replaces The Wave of American Flavors. Bookings for the restaurant opened this week, and we’ve got a look at the menus. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for menus of Steakhouse 71 – opening soon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
8 – Club Cool Returns to EPCOT
In September 2019, Club Cool closed as part of the historic transformation of EPCOT, which is well underway. This week, Club Cool reopened! We were there to check out the new location and new Coca-Cola flavors from around the world. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the all-new Club Cool at EPCOT.
9 – Creations Shop Now Open at EPCOT
Mouse Gear has been replaced by a new flagship shopping location, Creations Shop. The new store opened this week at EPCOT with large crowds and a new exclusive merchandise line. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn about the new flagship shopping location at EPCOT – Creations Shop.
10 – A Walt Disney World Retrospective – We’re Looking Back at the Top Milestones in Each Decade Ahead of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World!
Walt Disney World will celebrate its 50th 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, and 1990s 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.
11 – Celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month at Disney World
Walt Disney World is celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage month! We’ve got all the details, including special offerings, at the link below.
Click here for details on how you can celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month at Walt Disney World.
12 – More 50th Anniversary Decorations and Disney Fab 50 Sculptures Pop up Throughout Walt Disney World
The 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World is now less than two weeks away, and the resort is gearing up with final preparations. Last week we reported that the first of the Disney Fab 50 statues had gone up at Magic Kingdom. The sculptures can now be found at all four theme parks. Also, there is a new 50th birthday cake, along with topiary Mickey and Minnie, in front of Magic Kingdom. New banners are out near Cinderella Castle. Finally, new 50th Anniversary wraps can be found on Disney buses, the monorail, and the Disney Skyliner.
13 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Announces Arrival of Baby White Rhino
There’s another baby white rhino at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn more about the arrival of another baby white Rhino at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
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
- October 14 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – River Side
- October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- December 9 – All-Star Sports Resort
September 20, 2021 – 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
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
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.
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
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
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