The theme park industry is caught in a battle of extremes. In Florida, the state has just mandated that life return to normal. Meanwhile, California is still in the tentative early stages of reopening. Let’s take a look at what Florida’s newest guidance might mean for Walt Disney World, plus an overview from a recent trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and all sorts of news from around the resort. . . . including a possible refund for some passholders.
Florida Insanity?
The state of Florida has thrown caution to the wind, permitting theme parks (and just about everything else) to “return to normal operation” and allow as many guests as they want to pack back into the parks.
Despite Florida’s continuously high positivity and death rates compared to the rest of the world, Governor Ron DeSantis has lifted the remaining coronavirus restrictions set for most businesses; this includes theme parks.
NBC affiliate WESH reports most activities in Florida can now pretend there isn’t a dangerous virus in the state:
Disney has maintained as safe an environment as possible for guests visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes extremely limited capacity and the wearing of masks, but that could all soon change if the governor has his way.
We reached out to a Disney spokesperson to see if they planned to take the governor up on his offer and were told that they were evaluating the Governor’s executive order but would NOT be making any changes to their business plans at this time. They will continue to mandate face coverings as well.
But to add a bit of confusion to the situation, it seems Disney has released more park passes into the online reservation system (prior to the governor’s order), increasing capacity for the coming months. This is evident based on how many days Annual Passholders can now book park passes for all 4 parks; including Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which has consistently been the most difficult to score a reservation for since reopening back in July.
(A lot of those green dates were not available as of a few days ago)
The real question is; how soon will Orlando’s biggest theme parks resume “normal operations” during this extremely abnormal time? We await more information from Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and Legoland on their commitment to guest safety. Florida recorded 2,847 new cases of Coronavirus yesterday alone and the highest rate of infection (per one million residents) in the nation. If the state were its own country, it would have the 12th highest number of cases in the entire world.
EPCOT Observations
And now onto the not-so-grim stuff. This last week, EPCOT resort guests received notification that a fireworks test would happen on the night of Wednesday, September 23rd. It doesn’t make much sense to test fireworks for the temporary EPCOT Forever show— which had us thinking this was likely for the upcoming HarmonioUS.
HarmonioUS is the park’s eventual nightly World Showcase Lagoon fireworks spectacular (following the limited run of EPCOT Forever, which was showing up until the park’s March closure). HarmonioUS was originally planned to debut sometime in 2020 and said to be the largest nightly spectacular ever created for a Disney park.
As with all Disney projects, HarmonioUS experienced delays during the long park closures. Fireworks and nighttime spectaculars aren’t expected to resume any time soon, due to health and safety guidelines. But the coming months will surely see the gradual return of entertainment offerings…
EPCOT park hours were quietly extended to 9PM this weekend (as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios extended to an 8PM closure). This is probably anticipating the weekend crowds, but a 9PM closure is the latest we’ve seen since the parks reopened! Could EPCOT be testing nighttime attendance for the eventual new fireworks spectacular?
For more about HarmonioUS— and all the projects that were supposed to be opening this year, (fair warning, several of these projects have since been canceled or postponed after publication!) take a look at the article below:
Lastly, let’s take a quick trip to the France pavilion. Foodies rejoice! Chefs de France, a popular restaurant with guests, is set to reopen next month. According to WDW’s reservation tool, guests can book the restaurant for October 8th and beyond:
As we know, the France pavilion’s expansion and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction are nearing completion. While Disney has yet to announce an official opening date, the reopening of Chefs de France paves the way to accommodate additional visitors that the new attraction will surely bring! And those extended park hours would allow more time for guests to experience the attraction.
Water Parks Reopening Plan & Passholder Refunds
Since the water parks at Walt Disney World have remained closed since March of this year (that’s a whole year without the two water parks!), qualifying passholders will receive an automatic refund based on their pass type and number of days remaining. If you’re hoping to take a trip to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, you’ll have to wait until March 7th of next year!
Here’s a breakdown of how refunds will occur:
- Platinum Plus Passholders will receive an automatic refund based on the price difference between the price paid for a Platinum Plus Pass and the price of a Platinum Annual Pass prorated by the number of days left on the pass, prior to the water parks reopening.
- Premier Passholders will receive a prorated refund based on the difference between a Walt Disney World Platinum Plus pass compared to the price of a Platinum pass prorated by the number of days left on your pass prior to the water parks reopening (excluding any additional extensions of eligibility, due to the continued closure of Disneyland Resort)
- Qualifying passholders on the monthly payment plan will receive a lump sum refund, while ongoing monthly payment charges will not change.
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Canceled After 32 Years
Some sad news about a band which has been playing at the Grand Floridian since before I was born. The group, which had played in the Grand Floridan lobby, was pulled out of furlough to play at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the Theater of the Stars stage. It appears that the stage will now go dark. But the band isn’t being moved back to the Grand, instead, they are being let go after all those years of service.
More runDisney Races Going Virtual
Following this year’s Wine & Dine half-marathon adjustments, the on-property 2021 runDisney Marathons and Princess Half Marathon are now canceled. Registered participants have the option of canceling for a full refund or participating in a virtual version of the event. Once completing the virtual run from home, registered participants will receive their qualifying medals in the mail, and will have the option to purchase race shirts.
Were you previously signed up for one of these races? We’re curious how many of you will take the virtual race option versus asking for a refund. Let us know below!
Polynesian Refresh
The Polynesian Village Resort will be receiving some major renovations in the coming months, completing next summer— just in time for its 50th anniversary! Disney recently shared new concept art and details, clarifying what’s in store for this beloved resort.
The entryway, lobby and monorail station will receive some of the biggest cosmetic changes. Featuring the iconic mid-20th century architecture, Imagineers have re-designed the arrival experience inspired by the tropical colors, natural textures and geometric patterns found around the resort. The gardens and fountains in this area will also receive enhancements.
Chandeliers will be added to the exterior and interior entry areas, matching the already existing grand chandelier in the lobby.
Despite these clarifications, we’re still left wondering if Moana will eventually make her way to the resort…
Waves of Change – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Reopening Delayed by Moana?
Throughout the resort’s ongoing construction, guests can still access the Great Ceremonial House, shops and dining locations. Keep in mind the monorail will not be operating, but water taxis to and from Magic Kingdom are available.
A Half-Day at Hollywood Studios
Since we haven’t visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a few weeks, I wanted to check things out and see just how difficult it is to secure a Rise of the Resistance boarding group nowadays— even with limited capacity. (Since I avoid visiting theme parks on the weekends, these photos are from a mid-week day visit.)
Currently, Rise of the Resistance boarding groups open at 10AM and 2PM daily. To play it safe, I wanted to make it for the first opening. We rolled up to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 9:30AM. Approaching the parking plaza, we caught a glimpse of what the day might look like…
25 minutes later, we’re parked and walking up to temperature and bag checks. There was a steady flow of people both walking and running up to the front of the park.
Temperature and bag checks were a breeze, with no waits at all. Once we entered through the turnstile (or should I say “tapstile”), we realized just how many people are showing up for Rise boarding groups.
This was a few minutes before the park’s official 10AM opening time:
I secured a safely-distanced spot along the side of Reel Vogue and awaited the boarding group opening.
Right at 10AM, we got in!
This virtual queue system is still like a lottery, even when factoring in the limited capacity and somewhat reduced hours. Boarding groups were fully distributed within seconds of 10AM. At first, I heard cheering down Hollywood Boulevard… followed by groans of frustration from those who weren’t able to achieve a boarding group. While I saw some guests head for the park exit, I overheard and saw many heading to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Honestly, it felt very crowded. While most guests are doing their best in socially distancing themselves outside of areas with ground markers, it still felt too congested… so, I left. (With the intention of returning for our Rise boarding time and maybe another ride or two.)
I’ve been wanting to visit Primo Piatto for breakfast at the Riviera Resort… let’s go!
Once we placed our mobile order and walked into Primo Piatto, it was pretty empty— I assume there are more guests here earlier in the morning!
More pictures of Walt & Lillian on their European adventures adorn the wall:
After a few short minutes, my order was ready. They are currently packing all orders in to-go containers. I went with the Blueberry-Lemon pancakes with Marscapone Cream and Lemon Zest, along with a side of plant-based sausage.
De-lish! These mini pancakes are super fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. The blueberries and mascarpone melt in your mouth.
Checking in on wait times over at Hollywood, it looks rather busy. This was around 11AM:
After breakfast, we decided to wait out returning to the park a bit longer. A comfy seat in Voyageurs’ Lounge and coffee from Le Petit Café is always a great combination.
As we were boarding group 50 for Rise of the Resistance, we left for the park after they started boarding group 40— this was around 1PM. Looking at the parking situation from a Skyliner gondola, less than a quarter of the entire lot is being used. Really puts the park’s overall capacity into perspective!
Dropping back in…
This looks a bit more manageable compared to earlier:
Wait times improved later on in the day, with Runaway Railway, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Slinky Dog Dash consistently taking the lead. (However, Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster was in operation for only an hour or two on this day)
While perusing the shops, we spotted some new Minnie ears…
Metallic Lilac:
Black & White Velvet:
Silver with Rose-Gold Sequin Bow:
Holographic & Purple Stars:
Heading back out into the park, and we received notification our Rise wait was over!
Making our way back to Galaxy’s Edge, we observed empty and fuller pockets within the park.
With the exception of Mickey Shorts Theater, there isn’t much happening within the Theater District area. This is mostly a pathway for getting to Star Tours and Grand Avenue.
Grand Avenue entrance for Galaxy’s Edge is a happenin’ place:
Guests congesting the entrance to Rise of the Resistance continues to be a problem:
All checked in for our boarding group, ready to officially join the resistance!
Once inside, the queue was a quick walk-through:
Earlier in the day, I had seen reports of a Rise ride vehicle testing with a clear vinyl or plexiglass barrier to ultimately accommodate 2 parties per vehicle. By the afternoon, they may have removed it from circulation, but this is something we may see in the near future. (I’ll feel bad for whoever is assigned to sit in that second row)
After our unsuccessful rendezvous with General Organa, I overheard some guests who tried for the 2PM boarding group opening. It seems additional boarding groups didn’t open up at all, or there were possibly very few distributed. Even with limited park capacity, it’s impossible for every park guest to ride Rise of the Resistance. Of course, this varies day to day based on the attraction’s operation, but I can see why Disney wants to increase capacity with vehicle dividers. Would you rather have less of a chance to ride, with an unobstructed experience… or dividers added and double the chance to ride?
We ventured into the Marketplace to see if The Child “ragdoll” was back at the Toydarian Toymaker stall…
Since they’re limiting one party per shop stall, there was a good 10-minute wait to enter the marketplace:
Finally, it was our turn! I just love the Toydarian Toymaker stall – so many cute details.
Can we buy these?
The Child, I spy! While there is plenty of other merchandise featuring the little creature, this handmade style of plush is exclusive to Galaxy’s Edge:
I mean, how can you resist that face? They run for $22.99 – but don’t forget there’s a 30% annual passholder discount now through October 29th!
Back in Batuu, the crowds weren’t looking too bad:
The queue for Smugglers Run wraps around the Millennium Falcon, posting a 70-minute wait:
Leaving Batuu…
Time for a snack! Ever since WDW’s Fall Foodie guide dropped, the cannoli connoisseur in me needed to stop by PizzeRizzo…
For this! Pumpkin Cheesecake with Hazelnut Praline Crunch in a crispy Cannoli shell.
This one is definitely not an *authentic* Italian cannoli, but it still does the trick (or treat?). The shell was fresh and crunchy, with the ends dipped in chocolate to hold the sweet praline crunch. The filling is a lovely balance of cream cheese and pumpkin flavor. I’ll definitely enjoy this one again before the season’s over!
Enjoy your cannoli, pizza or salad in a [cheesy] banquet hall setting, complete with disco ball and a playlist packed with Whitney Houston, Wham! and *NSYNC… only at PizzeRizzo.
Before heading out, we waited out Mickey & Minnie’s Runway Railway for a quick ride. The posted wait was 60 minutes, we waited about 40.
One thing to note: a newly added audio announcement can be heard as you head into one of the preshow theaters, explaining that you are now stepping into the Mickey Mouse cartoon, rather than watching it. Since guests are to walk through without watching the actual preshow, this announcement helps bridge the story and temporarily weird transition of real-life to the cartoon world.
This attraction is super cute and fun, it’s a great family-friendly AND Mickey Mouse addition to the park. It’s proven to be a crowd favorite as well. But over time I’m feeling more and more nostalgic for the Great Movie Ride. Am I the only one? I do like this little tribute in Runaway Railway:
“Nothing can stop us now!”
Before heading out, we briefly strolled down Sunset – lots of guests traveling to and from Tower of Terror, as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was shut down again at this point:
The neon sign for Legends of Hollywood has yet to be finished, still covered in scrim:
While the crowds have died down from the morning craziness, we decided to call it a day. We didn’t venture into Toy Story Land today, but we’ll be back!
Time To Make New Magic
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Let’s Hear From You
What are your thoughts on a Ratatouille opening . . . do you think it will happen soon? Do you long for the day when fireworks and spectaculars return? The HarmonioUS tests encourage us that the show hasn’t been canceled as some fear. And finally, even if the state allows Disney to return to full capacity, what is the maximum number of guests in the parks you’d be comfortable with (50% capacity, 75%, more) let us know how Florida’s decision makes you more or less likely to visit.
Thanks for joining along this week. That’s a wrap!
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