It’s been a busy week at the Walt Disney World resort. Peak Spring Break is over, but the crowds are still rolling in. The parks have been packed (at the limited capacity) and it’s a reminder of how things used to be. To deal with those crowds, there have been a few operational updates to how things are done around WDW. We’ll explain what’s going on. Plus, we’ll take a trip to Epcot for the Taste of the International Flower and Garden Festival, and end with a trip to Magic Kingdom for an update on Cinderella Castle’s new look for WDW’s 50th Anniversary. Grab your mouse ears, and let’s head out!
Updates Around the (Disney) World
Walt Disney World’s mask policy has been the strictest of all the local theme parks. Essentially, masks are to be worn at all times. The exception to that rule has been that while stationary and actively eating or drinking, masks may temporarily be taken off. But in all other cases, masks are supposed to always be worn, even for taking a picture. But that’s been changed with the recently updated mask policy to allow guests to briefly remove masks for photos:
Families have faced backlash for posting pictures unmasked in the parks before, when the guidelines were very strict about always wearing a mask. With national guidelines now relaxing for mask usage outdoors, I think the updated policy is a nice change to get some smiling faces pictures once again in and around the parks.
Contemporary Resort Refurbishment
The Contemporary Resort is undergoing refurbishment, starting with the main building. While there hasn’t been an official announcement, the rooms are rumored to be receiving a transformation featuring The Incredibles. I can’t wait to see the finished look . . . but please let them leave the kitschy Mary Blair murals untouched!!
If the Contemporary Resort is themed to The Incredibles, it will be the second deluxe resort to receive a Disney movie-themed update. Polynesian Village was the first Deluxe resort to receive a new movie theme – to Moana. You can read more about that here:
Waves of Change – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Reopening Delayed by Moana?
Parks are Reaching Reduced Capacity
You may remember that in October, Disney quietly increased capacity from 25 to 35%. The increase was announced after the fact. We are now seeing parks at capacity on a regular basis, especially on the weekends. Park hours have also been increased into the summer. This is a change over the past year when hours decreased after the holiday period of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Could another park capacity increase be on the way, or has it already? They sure feel busy.
Disney Cruise Line Merchandise
Disney Springs Marketplace Coop is home to the pop-up shop featuring Disney Cruise Line. While you are not yet able to set sail on a DCL ship, you can get ready for the high seas with some new fashions.
Collections for the whole family featuring Castaway Cay.
A mother/daughter Dress Shop Dress is perfect to set sail on your next adventure.
There is even a Disney Cruise Line Rainbow collection.
They’ve got to sell all that merchandise somewhere, right?!
A Quick Trip Through Epcot
As we enter Epcot, the Fantasia mushrooms are here to welcome you.
We’re a few weeks into the Taste of the International Flower and Garden Festival and the topiaries and flowers are in full bloom. The flower beds are filled with vibrant colors and lush greens.
The wildflowers outside the Butterfly Gardens are being visited intermittently by Joy and Winnie the Pooh.
Inside the butterfly garden, you’ll find oodles of fluttering friends.
A look across the reflection pond towards the Imagination and Land pavilions. The flower tapestry garden has almost filled in completely. This year, the floating gardens feature greenery and makes the flowers in the background pop.
A trip to Epcot isn’t complete without a stop at a festival food booth or two. Today we stopped for a taste of Italy and Japan.
Epcot Updates
New construction walls have been placed under and around Spaceship Earth. Additionally, Pin Traders has closed as the entire side is now blocked off.
In the Mexico Pavillion, with continued problems with the animatronics on the Gran Fiesta Tour, Donald, Pancito, and Jose have been cardboard cutouts for a few months now. It certainly isn’t the grand finale it once was. But, perhaps they are preparing for that eventual rumored Coco retheme.
The Harmonious (nighttime show replacing Illuminations) structures are now in place in the World Showcase Lagoon. While Harmonious looks to be an amazing night show, it certainly changes the look and views of the World Showcase during the day. I’m saving my opinions until they get the fountains up and running, but so far I’m not impressed. I miss the view and concept of seeing all the countries around the World Showcase Lagoon with the focal point of the American Adventure.
It sort of looks like they are drilling for oil in the World Showcase lagoon. Huge, industrial, and not well integrated into the theme of the area as other spectaculars have been. But we need to keep an open mind, perhaps they’ll surprise us.
The Return of the People Mover & TRON Construction
The People Mover has not been in operation since the park reopened last July. People Mover fans gave a sigh of relief when it returned to operations this past weekend. We took a quick trip around the track and got a good look at the construction on Tron.
Cinderella Castle Glitters Gold
The Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary makeover is coming along elegantly. The bunting looks complete, as are the ribbons around the spires. It’s a very regal transformation.
The moat is still drained as they continue to work on the castle. When complete, the castle will illuminate the park with a sparkle of pixie dust. Sounds delightful! Though, I’m intensely curious about what that entails.
While the decorations may not be complete yet, Cinderella’s Castle looks beautiful so far.
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(Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel Packages)
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Let’s Hear From You
Well, it’s time to head out for this week.
What do you think of the newly relaxed mask policy for outdoor photos? Are you excited about the addition of Disney theming into the Deluxe Resorts? What do you think of the Cinderella Castle make-over? Not enough, Just right, or too much?
See ya real soon!