DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Big Changes Start to Arrive at Epcot, Disney Announces Exciting Changes to Star Tours, Unique Dining Experience Returns to Animal Kingdom, Mobile Order Expanding Again & More
Guests visiting Epcot will begin to see significant changes with the first phases of new construction opening this past week. Disney also announced exciting new changes to Star Tours and Hollywood Studios and the return of a fantastic dining experience at Animal Kingdom. Also in dining news, mobile order is expanding to more locations. All this and more below in this week’s news round up.
1 – New Security Checkpoint Area and Tram Dropoff Now Open at Epcot
The first phase of Epcot’s New Entrance is now complete and open to guests. A new tram loop is now operating. Drop off and pick up are currently running on the same side. Signage is in place to help guests.
There is a newly expanded security area that is located under the monorail ramp. There are dedicated lines for guests without bags, strollers, and wheelchairs. (Click any image to make it larger).
One of the best things about the new setup is that guests arriving by monorail no longer need to pass through Epcot security after exiting the monorail. Since guests have already been screened at the Transportation and Ticket Center (or monorail resort), there is no need for a second screening. This saves guests the time of going through the security lines again.
2 – Exciting Updates Coming to Star Tours-The Adventures Continue
This week the final trailer for Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker was released, and excitement for the final film in the saga is high. This week Disney announced updates coming to Star Tours-The Adventure Continues on December 20, the same day Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker releases. Click the link below for more information.
Click here for details on the changes coming to Star Tours-The Adventure Continues.
3 – More Locations Added to Disney’s Mobile Ordering Service
Disney Mobile Ordering Service is a great and efficient way to skip the line to order your quick service meals while at Walt Disney World. This week Disney announced that more resorts have been added to the locations offering the service. Recent additions include Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Check out the service in the video below.
Click here to learn more about the Disney Mobile Ordering service.
4 – More Dates Added to Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night
Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night is a family-friendly progressive dinner experience that debuted this summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney announced this week that the event will be returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in December. Reservations are now open for bookings beginning on December 4, 2019. Learn more about the experience by clicking the link below.
Read the original announcement of Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night.
5 – Filming Dates for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Parade
Want to be in the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Parade show? This year filming will take place on November 7, 9, and 10. Each year, musical acts, other stage show presentations, and of course the parade itself is pre-recorded. Anyone visiting Magic Kingdom can take part. Just be prepared for very large crowds and a lot of standing and waiting!
6 – Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs Wins Award
Earl of Sandwich announced this week it has been recognized as the winner for Fast Casual in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® Awards for Restaurants, ranking first out of the top 10.
“We are delighted and honored to have been voted the number 1 top Fast Casual restaurant by TripAdvisor travelers,” said Robert Earl, co-founder of Earl of Sandwich. “On behalf of my partner, John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich and myself, I want to thank TripAdvisor travelers for recognizing our commitment to excellence. I also want to thank our amazing EoS team for their hard work and dedication.”
Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich over 250 years ago. In 1762, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, came up with the ingenious idea of putting meat between two slices of bread. Now, more than 250 years later, the current 11th Earl and the rest of the Sandwich family remain passionate about the world’s most popular quick food that carries their name. Joining forces with entrepreneur Robert Earl, the first Earl of Sandwich restaurant opened in Orlando, Florida at Disney Springs in 2004.
7 – McDonald’s near Disney’s All-Star Resort to Close for Remodel
Be aware that the McDonalds near the All-Star Resort will be closing for a remodel this coming week. The restaurant will close on October 30, 2019, and will reopen sometime in 2020.
8 – Fee for Fuel Rod Swap Will Begin at Walt Disney World
Update: After widespread outrage and the filing of a class action lawsuit, Fuel Rod has reversed itself and will not be implementing a $3 charge to swap charging units in Disney parks.
Fuel Rods are a charing device available for purchase throughout Walt Disney World. When your device is low, you can swap the rod for a new one. This swapping is currently free. However, beginning November 1, 2019, you will now be charged $3 to swap out your Fuel Rod charging unit.
What’s New at Walt Disney World!
It’s a very exciting time growth and development at Walt Disney World. In fact, there are so many new things opening, coming and happening, it’s hard to keep track. Here’s a cheat sheet to help keep things straight and make sure you haven’t missed anything.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Now Open
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – Select Dates Now Through November 1
Click here for the 11 Can’t-Miss Experiences at the 2019 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Now Open Through November 23
Click here for our 2019 Epcot Food & Wine Preview
Disney Skyliner – Now Open
Click here for what you need to know about the Disney Skyliner
Epcot Forever – Now Open
Click here to learn more about Epcot Forever.
The Epcot Experience – Now Open
Click here to learn more about the Epcot Experience.
Reimagined Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Now Open
Click here for our review and walkthrough with photos and video.
NBA Experience at Disney Springs – Now Open
Click here for our review and what you need to know about this fun new experience.
Coming Soon to Disney World!
2019 Holiday Season – Begins November 8, 2019
Click here for the top 14 offerings we’re most excited for this holiday season at Disney World
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Opening December 5, 2019
Click here for what we know so far about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Epcot Reimagined – Now Through Fall 2021 for Walt Disney World’s 50thAnniversary
Click here for a complete rundown of what’s coming to the new Epcot including closures.
New Cirque du Soleil Show – April 17, 2020
Click here for everything we know about this new show!
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration – 2021
Click here for our rundown of everything that’s coming for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!
Star Wars Hotel – unknown
Disney Cruise Line’s Lighthouse Point – Disney’s 2nd Island in the Caribbean – unknown
Click here for everything we know about Lighthouse Point!
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