To start out this week’s update, we have a hot & fresh rumor regarding Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. According to inside sources, Rise of the Resistance will no longer host Virtual Queue access sometime around September 23rd, and will open the standby queue for all to ride. This major operational update would prepare for the introduction of paid Lightning Lane access with Genie+. It’s no surprise, as Rise is arguably the most difficult attraction for the average WDW visitor to experience, let alone the most popular currently on property. 

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

What do you think? What price tag would you put on experiencing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, in addition to your park ticket?

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change


What’s New at EPCOT?

Between gilded statues, a new flagship store, Club Cool returning, and more on the way as part of the park’s biggest transformation… there’s a lot to cover in EPCOT news this week! 

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

As part of Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration, 50 golden character statues are being added to the four parks, and EPCOT just revealed theirs!

Figment, Olaf & Bruni, Rocket Raccoon & Baby Groot, Miguel, Dante, Pua, and Hei Hei are atop EARidescent pedestals positioned among the flora and fauna of Showcase Plaza. (Believe it or not, Figment is the only character that predates the 2010s; there’s just a bit of retro EPCOT left)

Creations Shop

Earlier this week, the park’s new flagship store opened, forever replacing any iteration of MouseGear. Creations Shop celebrates Disney’s legacy of creativity by honoring the nostalgia of EPCOT’s past and the exciting promises for the future. Imagineers installed one-of-a-kind art, unique and meaningful park souvenirs, and contemporary design to bring the story of EPCOT and Disney creativity to life.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

The Creations Shop opened with unique and colorful collections exclusively for EPCOT. The collections are positioned as you enter the store from either side. 

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

The colors found here incorporate the hues of the various EPCOT symbols (and those Future World construction walls we’ve come to know and love!).

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
Too bad this Figment shirt is only available in children’s sizes!

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

The Spaceship Earth collection features highly reflective details of silver, gray, and white. 

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
This mesh jacket is see-through with an Epcot logo on the shoulder.
, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
New mannequins have a variety of skin tones and this one even has a reflective face.

From Minnie Mouse ears to apparel, accessories, and home goods, there is something for everyone.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
This Spaceship Earth tumbler includes the meaning of Epcot, Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow.

This backpack has a strong structure, and seemed to be the hot item on opening day!

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

The exterior walls have signage for the types of merchandise which can be found there.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

Floating walls showcase merchandise throughout.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

Mobile Checkout is available at the Creations Shop. The line to check out opening day was quite long, running through the middle of the store. As a reminder, most items are a purchase limit of two per customer due to supply-chain shortages and delays.  

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
 It was a considerable wait on the opening day of the Creations Shop, even for Mobile Checkout. Just look at what the guests are holding… everyone wanted a backpack (usually multiples).  

MouseGear is no more, and the temporary location is now closed. 

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

Club Cool

At last! Club Cool has reopened right next to the Creations Shop, featuring Coca-Cola merchandise and a tasting opportunity.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change , Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
Even Club Cool has a purchase limit of two.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

Don’t forget to try the Coca-Cola Flavors Around The World featuring seven new flavors and the classic Beverly, the flavor those in the know love to get others to try.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
We’ll never take Beverly for granted ever again…

Candlelight Processional

In festive news, the beloved Candlelight Processional returns November 26th-December 30th for EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays! After being greatly missed last year, this wonderful EPCOT holiday production will once again light up the America Gardens Theatre with a live orchestra, cast choir, and celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story.

EPCOT Christmas Candlelight Processional

Since all show performers will be required to be fully vaccinated, Disney is not planning to host choirs from community groups or schools. Instead, they are expanding their Cast Member choir to fill the stage with voices. Disney is optimistic guest choirs will be able to rejoin the lineup next holiday season.


New & Returning Dessert Parties

Dessert parties are returning to Walt Disney World, and what better occasion than the two all-new nighttime spectaculars debuting at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT on October 1st? Better yet, there are five different options to enjoy treats and fireworks from Magic Kingdom’s new show Disney Enchantment

While there are three parties taking place at Magic Kingdom, the one that caught my eye is the “Ferrytale Fireworks Cruise.” I’m a fan of unique firework viewing areas, and there’s just something about Disney Transportation…

  • Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise, starting September 18th, reservations available now: Climb aboard one of Disney’s most iconic ferryboats for an unforgettable evening on the Seven Seas Lagoon filled with featuring dream-come-true desserts and dazzling water views of the fireworks from Magic Kingdom park. 
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise
Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise takes place on select Wednesday and Saturday nights beginning September 18, 2021. Admission is $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included) and even includes a special takeaway surprise.

There will also be an intimate cocktail party and viewing area from atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which seems to be a good excuse to get dressed up for fine food, shimmering sips, and fantastic fireworks.

  • Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors and Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, starts October 2nd, reservations available beginning September 17th: Atop the Contemporary, partake in an intimate cocktail party taking place in the Sonoma and Napa rooms of California Grill. Small bites, sushi, favorite dishes from the California Grill menu, desserts, and libations from the complimentary bar are included (for guests 21 and over). As Disney Enchantment showtime approaches, guests will step out onto the reserved and private observation deck for some spectacular views.
, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is $129 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

For more Dessert Party and Disney Dining Event information, visit here.


Have You Seen Nemo?

A reimagined Finding Nemo – The Musical will return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2022. Due to the extended closure and upcoming reworking of the show, cast were let go and the previous version of the show canceled. Disney’s Live Entertainment team is still in the early stages of development, and not much else has been shared. But rest assured Nemo-lovers, while the production will feature a new story, favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow” will return. 

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change


Magic Kingdom Meanderings

Sparkling new additions have made their way to Magic Kingdom for the upcoming kickoff of Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary on October 1st.

Firstly, special Cinderella Coach Pumpkin decor has cropped up around the castle hub, appropriately representing the celebratory fall season with golden foliage and details.

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change
I don’t think we’ll ever get tired of looking at Mickey Pumpkins! Well, until Christmas rolls in early November!

Shining character statues have also been added to the castle hub area:

These are just a few that were recently added to Magic Kingdom, we can’t wait to see the rest added as we approach the big day!

The craftsmanship of the “Fab 50” statues is superb, we can’t imagine them only lasting for the 18-month long 50th celebration. We’re not sure where these characters could eventually end up. Perhaps some of the resort hotels, or Disney film studios? Or possibly donated to Children’s Hospitals or Orlando’s Give Kids the World Village? Until then, we’ll take in each sparkling detail around the parks!

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

Happily Ever After is sparkling away soon… we took in one of our last showings before Disney Enchantment rolls in on October 1st. (If you’re visiting soon, plan ahead! Guests were staking out their spot 90+ minutes before showtime.) This show was an instant favorite for many and lasted about four years at Magic Kingdom. Hopefully, it’s not goodbye, but a see ya real soon? Enjoy some fireworks eye candy!

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change


Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration is just around the corner! We’ll be there for all the festivities later this month and October 1st; be sure to follow along with @MiceChat on Instagram!

, Walt Disney World Update: Cool Returns, Golden Friends & Rapid Change

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Chloé Ferreira
Chloé loves ‘90s EPCOT, roller coasters, kitschy dark rides, a good background area music loop, Hot Butterbeer, and all things Halloween. You’ll mostly find her wandering around Orlando’s biggest theme parks snapping pics and sharing tips… or probably talking about The Great Movie Ride.