Welcome back to another theme park week in review. We’ve got lots to cover, so let’s dive right in!
Disneyland has announced more details for the limited time “A Touch of Disney” event coming in March. Is it worth the price of admission? Let us know in the comments.
Meanwhile, Disney World has two changes on COVID-19 restrictions that sort of head in opposite directions. Disney World announced that they would begin enforcing mask wearing while seated in a restaurant unless actively eating. It’s interesting to see Disney World ratcheting up restrictions. They’ve made numerous efforts over the past couple of months to relax restrictions on popular attractions. Just this past week they increased capacity on Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run by loading all seats instead of just loading a single party in each ride vehicle.
There continue to be signs that some highly anticipated new Disney World attractions are getting ready to open. Space 220 is one of the most anticipated new restaurants coming to Disney World in 2021. Though we don’t have an opening date Disney is hiring for key positions at the restaurant. Over in the back lot behind Hollywood Studios the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser continues to take shape. Along with a sneak peek into a guest room, Disney World is now hiring for a hotel services director for Halcyon.
The new nighttime spectaculat at EPCOT continues to march towards completion. Disney Tourist Blog has a great write-up on the timeline and developments of HarmonioUS. The only clear sign of a launch date is that Disney World is selling corporate packages for the 50th anniversary spectacular that feature private viewing for HarmonioUS.
New attractions aren’t the only positive development on the horizon. Folks with trips planned during the spring break period will be happy to see park hours extended in months March through May. With the announced return of Dapper Day at Disney World just around the corner there are even more reasons to make a trip!
And, if you haven’t been back to the parks in a while, Touring Plans has a very detailed breakdown of current procedures at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Parking, monorails and ferry boats have all seen changes you should be aware of.
After something of a quiet week in the parks things seem to have spiked back up this weekend with wait times hitting top 10 numbers over the past month (which considers the busy President’s Day week).
Meanwhile, At Universal…..
If your next Orlando vacation involves a trip to Universal, this 1-day itinerary based on current conditions by Disney Tourist Blog is required reading. Touring Plans has some discounts and benefits to keep on your radar for a Universal Orlando trip. And, there are some pretty crazy discounts for vacation packages. Less than $1400 for a four-night vacation for a family of four is pretty awesome.
And Abroad
In a moment of weirdness, a woman jumped on stage at Shanghai Disneyland and slapped an actor in the face, calling him “An American Pig”.
At Disneyland in California, the Grand Californian (a Disney Vacation Club property) is finally reopening. This property has typically seen sky-high demand. After being closed for many months there’s bound to be a ton of points chasing available reservations. Wrapping up this week is a great story about an overnight stay in the Dream Suite at Disneyland. A really enjoyable read!
