Walt Disney World is always evolving and changing with the current times. Sometimes this means reimagining an attraction, eliminating services and more. Always however, is the thrill of seeing a new project completed. Below are 5 major changes Disney World has recently announced!
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Disney Art Concept
1. Splash Mountain Being Rethemed To Princess & The Frog (Both Coasts)
Disney dropped some MAJOR news for both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida when they announced (during Summer 2020 that) Splash Mountain will be re-themed. Above is the first look at the brand new concept art for the retheming of a guest favorite. At both locations, Splash Mountain will be reimagined into a Princess and the Frog theme.
On the newly imagined ride guests will be put into the story of Disney’s Princess and the Frog story from after the final kiss, as they prepare for their first performance at Mardi Gras. The backdrop is none other than New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. It will be a musical adventure and will feature some music from the Disney film.
Disney had this to say about the retheming of Splash Mountain, as on Disney Parks Blog:
“The approach to retheming or “plussing” attractions (as Walt Disney referred to it) begins with Imagineers asking the question, how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story? It’s a continuous process that Imagineers are deeply passionate about. And with this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.”
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@DisneyParksBlog
2. Jungle Cruise Attraction Getting A Story Update
Disney Imagineers announced a major update coming to a classic attraction, announced January 2021. At both Disneyland park (Disneyland Resort) and Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World), the Jungle Cruise story will include new adventures. For the first time ever, the skipper role will be included in the attraction itself, as well as your life guide.
3. Disney Confirms Magical Express Service Ends 2022
Disney’s Magical Express, the complimentary service that takes guests from Orlando International airport to their Disney Resort and vice versa, will end when 2021 is over. Starting January 1, 2022 Disney’s Magical Express will be a thing of the past.
Official Disney World Statement:
Vacationers have more options to choose from than ever for transportation, including ride-share services that save time and offer more flexibility to go where they want, when they want. In light of this shift, when Disney Resort hotel bookings open for stays in 2022, we will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation, starting with arrivals Jan. 1, 2022.
We will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021. Additionally, complimentary transportation options – such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner – will continue to be available within Walt Disney World Resort for Disney Resort hotel guests, including to and from all four theme parks.
4. Extra Magic Hours Will Not Return, Early Theme Park Entry Starts 2021
Coming soon is Early Theme Park Entry, which will replace Extra Magic Hours. This change will occur later in 2021, prior to the 50th anniversary celebration. Extra park time for Disney Resort guests is a highlight for many during their trip, enjoying the parks with lower crowds.
Early Theme Park Entry will be for Disney Resort guests (and guests of select other affiliated hotels), consisting of a DAILY 30-minute early entry to ANY Disney theme park. The reason for the change is to better spread out park attendance. Soon Resort guests will be able to visit any park of their choosing a half an hour early, daily.
At this time, valid admission and park reservations are required for park admittance.
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@Brightline
5. Brightline Train Station Coming To Disney Springs
Walt Disney World has made headlines with an agreement to build a train station at Disney Springs with Brightline!
A recent announcement with Brightline include stations being built at Disney Springs and Orlando International airport. This would connect to Brightline stations at West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. As well as the station upcoming at Orlando International airport, which has a completion timeframe in 2022.
Brightline confirmed the new station at Disney Springs will have a ground level lobby, an upper level train platform and passenger facilities.
“Brightline will offer a car-free connection to the millions of visitors from around the state and the world who plan to make Walt Disney World Resort part of their vacation plans,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Our mission has always been to connect our guests to the people and places that matter, and Walt Disney World Resort is a tremendous example of this.”
“We’re excited to work with Brightline as they pursue the potential development of a train station at Walt Disney World Resort, a project that would support our local economy and offer a bold, forward-looking transportation solution for our community and guests,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
Timeline for construction start and end date is unknown at this time for Disney Springs.
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