It’s been a HUGE WEEK for Disney World news (our heads are still spinning a bit).
Walt Disney World Resort entrance
On top of the announcements that Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival would be coming back with a new twist and the new Disney Park Pass Reservation System is about to launch, Disney has just dropped ALL kinds of details about what will be reopening in the parks!
MOST of your favorite rides, shops, and attractions as well as entirely new entertainment will be opening up in Disney World starting July 11th for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and July 15th for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
But remember — at press time we have confirmed the following important information about the parks reopening:
Whew! OK, now that you’re fully ready to go, let’s dive into what you’ll be able to ride and do in the parks when they reopen!
Haunted Mansion
Reopening Disney World Rides and Attractions
The good news is that most Disney World rides and attractions will be available when the parks reopen! (We’ve missed you, Haunted Mansion!). Click the links below to see the full lists!
By the way, we’re SUPER excited that Spaceship Earth has been officially confirmed as returning to Epcot at the park’s reopening. The ride’s refurbishment has been postponed.
Spaceship Earth Queue
Reopening Disney World Entertainment and Shops
We’ve been grabbing Disney-themed face masks, Minnie Ears, and all sorts of goodies in Disney Springs since the shopping and dining district re-opened. But, Disney World will also be opening multiple stores again in the parks so you can peruse those souvenirs! Click the links below for the full lists!
Memento Mori
NEW Character Entertainment in the Disney World Parks
Magic Kingdom will get five brand spanking new cavalcades that will go along the parade route, including the Royal Princess Processional, Mickey & Friends Cavalcade, Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade, A Goofy Cavalcade, and the Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure Cavalcade!
On top of the vibrant Festival of The Lion King, guests can also watch a new set of Character Cruises that will make their way around the Discovery River in Animal Kingdom throughout the day! The line-up will include the Discovery River Character Cruise, Discovery Island Drummers, Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!, and Mickey & Friends Flotilla.
Festival of the Lion King
While you’re walking around in EPCOT, you can spot the Frozen Promenade, Mickey & Friends World Tour, and Princess Promenade parading through the World Showcase.
Elsa and Anna Topiary
Since Hollywood Studios has a lot of shows that will be suspended during the initial re-opening, new Character Cavalcades can be spotted instead! You can wave to your favorite characters during the Disney Junior Stars Motorcade, Mickey & Friends Motorcade, and Pixar Motorcade (hiya, pals!!).
What Will Character Interaction Be Like When Disney World Reopens?
Since the parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets will not be returning at this time, we’re really excited to see the new Character Cavalcades in the parks.
Kylo Ren
However, Disney will also be featuring multiple characters who will be roaming through different areas. So, you might spot Kylo Ren trying to pull someone towards the Dark Side at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Elsa making some icy magic in EPCOT (anything can happen, folks!).
Musical Groups Returning When Disney World Reopens
Disney World will also have musical performers and entertainers in the parks, too (even though they’ve only given us “just a few” examples).
The Story of Coco told by Mariachi Cobre
Guests can groove along to the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom and the Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors in EPCOT too!
Reopening Restaurants and Festivals in Disney World’s Theme Parks
While Disney World hasn’t confirmed any Disney World theme park restaurants returning just yet, we have a good idea of some that could be returning. Recently, the Union that represents many Disney World food and beverage cast members published on their facebook page the Disney World theme park restaurants for which Cast Members have recently been called back to work.
Popcorn Carts will for sure be open!
Disney has also begun to list many theme park restaurants on their Mobile Dine Check-In maps on the Disney World website. (FYI, Mobile Dine Check-In is a new, contactless way for guests to let Cast Members know when they’ve arrived at a sit-down restaurant in Disney World.)
Mobile Dine Check In Screenshot
While these restaurants are not confirmed to be opening with the parks, it could be a good sign of the locations Disney is prioritizing. We’ll be here reporting all the latest details on Disney World’s theme park restaurants as soon as they’re announced!
Whew! OK, hopefully that brings you up to speed on everything reopening in Disney World’s theme parks on July 11th and July 15th!
We’ll be there, opening day (and hopefully before at Annual Passholder previews!) to share the experience with you LIVE! Stay tuned as we update this post with details as they’re announced. Be sure to FOLLOW OUR NEWSLETTER to get all the details sent straight to your inbox as soon as they’re released!
What Character Cavalcade are you the most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!
From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: General, Disney, disney attractions, Disney Entertainment, Disney merch, Disney merchandise, disney news, disney parks, disney rides, disney shops, disney stores, Disney World, Disney World reopening
