Exciting character and entertainment news has been confirmed for Walt Disney World. Some guests who have been visiting the parks in Orlando since they reopened in July 2020 have encountered what has been described as a “Disney-lite” experience. Much of the world-class entertainment that Disney Parks around the world are known for has mostly been missing, though they are slowly returning.
While some forms of entertainment have existed in the parks, they mainly consisted of cavalcades, motorcades, and surprise sightings — those experiences will continue to be offered around the resort. However, they will now be joined by more traditional Disney entertainment, beginning soon.
As part of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, which began Oct. 1, more live entertainment options returned to some of the parks. Most notably, Magic Kingdom saw the return of the ragtime piano players at Casey’s Corner and the welcome show at the Cinderella Castle stage, “Let the Magic Begin.” At EPCOT, guests were able to experience a few returning entertainment acts around the World Showcase, like the Taiko drummers of Matsuriza in Japan, musical group Alberta Bound in Canada, and comedian Sergio in Italy. And of course, there are the new nighttime spectaculars in these two parks as well.
Animal Kingdom hasn’t seen as much entertainment return yet (with the notable exception of Disney KiteTails and a modified Festival of the Lion King show), but starting next week, musicians will begin to return to the streets of Harambe and the Asia section of the park. Kora Tinga Tinga and Chakranadi are coming back to those sections, respectively, and early November will see the return of the Tam Tam Drummers in Harambe as well.
As for Hollywood Studios, that park has mostly been neglected when it comes to entertainment options. However, that will change soon. Starting Nov. 7, Hollywood Studios’ nighttime show, “Disney Movie Magic,” will begin again and will include an all-new segment featuring Disney’s live-action “Mulan.” And on Dec. 19, “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” will make its triumphant return, with all of the action-packed excitement guests have come to expect.
The parks aren’t the only places entertainment offerings are returning, either. A few of the hotel locations will see their performers return, including at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, where comedian Yeehaw Bob is set to begin performing again Oct. 14. Additionally, performers are scheduled to start entertaining along the waterfront at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort sometime in the near future, though no exact date has been released as of this writing.
Finally, what is probably the most exciting return of Disney entertainment has also been announced — select character meet-n-greets will be coming back. While physical interactions between guests and characters are still going to be off the table (as of this writing), characters will be meeting guests again in their home locations. Mickey Mouse, dressed in his 50th anniversary attire, will begin meeting again in Town Square Theater, and certain princesses will return to Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom. Over at Hollywood Studios, Disney Junior stars will return to the Animation Courtyard, and Minnie Mouse will once again be able to be interacted with at Red Carpet Dreams. These meet-n-greet experiences are scheduled to begin in early November.
Disney Theme Park Ticket & Travel Deals
It’s time to give the family something to look forward to. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you plan a future theme park vacation. There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including 25% off select rooms at Walt Disney World & Disneyland, ticket deals to Disney and Universal theme parks, and special vacation package deals: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
Let’s Hear From You
See anything that entices you back? Are there still entertainment options missing that keep you from wanting to visit? Although characters won’t be hugging guests again any time soon, are you happy to see the meet-and-greets return? We’d love to know!
Lots More…
Join us for lots of fun coverage from Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary: New rides, shows, spectaculars, food, merchandise, news and more…
You must be logged in to post a comment.