Disney Parks News Update 09.30.20

It’s time for another Disney Parks News Update.  In this week’s report, we discuss Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to move the State of Florida to Phase 3.  This removes capacity restrictions on theme parks, restaurants and bars throughout Florida.  We also discuss Disney’s announcement that they are laying off 28,000 employees from their theme parks division.

We also report on changes to entertainment at Walt Disney World in the coming weeks.  In addition, there was fireworks testing going on after hours and the ongoing refurbishment at the Polynesian Villages Resort.  Finally, we give you an update on runDisney’s virtual race registrations and report a parade sighting on this week’s Dancing With the Stars.

Please check out this weeks Disney Parks News Update below.

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For those of you that prefer reading, here’s the written version of this week’s Disney Parks News Update.

Disney Parks News Update

Florida moves to Phase 3

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially moved Florida to Phase 3, effectively lifting Covid-19 restrictions on theme parks, restaurants and bars. The state is no longer issuing fines for failure to comply with mask regulations, and is no longer restricting capacity.

Disney released a statement, essentially stating that they will continue to adhere to their reopening plans, and continue to exercise caution and above and beyond safety protocols. As we mentioned last week, Disney has been quietly increasing capacity in its theme parks; however I would not expect any drastic or sudden changes in response to the Governor’s actions.

Disney Lays Off 28,000 Employees

Yesterday, Disney announced upcoming layoffs of 28,000 employees from its theme parks division. While many Disney theme park employees were furloughed following the closure in April due to the Pandemic, this announcement is a major blow to theme park employees both hoping to be brought back to work soon, and those currently working in the parks.

Disney’s official statement cites California’s failure to allow Disneyland to reopen as a major factor; however, the travel industry as a whole has been VERY hard hit this year, and it may take years for it to fully recover.  Sea World, Universal and other Florida theme parks have also been announcing layoffs, just not quite this large.

Our hearts go out to all the employees that will soon learn they are among the 28,000.  This has been such a difficult year for so many, and this giant layoff by one of the worlds largest corporations is certainly an indicator that no one is immune from the pain, not even the happiest places on Earth.

Fireworks Testing

In the “good news” category, there was some after hours testing of Fireworks over at EPCOT a few nights ago.  The testing went on for several hours.  Most likely, this is Disney testing the new nighttime show for EPCOT, Harmonious.  Harmonious was originally scheduled to be added to EPCOT this summer or fall; however, it is more likely that it will be added in the spring.  This new show is supposed to be the biggest and most technical of any of the nighttime Epcot spectaculars, and it is likely that months of testing lie ahead before the show is released to guests.

When fireworks DO return to Disney, I do think EPCOT is a great candidate for the first shows as it is more spread out and will allow for more disbursement of crowds and less congestion. However, fireworks shows like Disney does are very expensive and I highly doubt they will resume until the parks are returned to normal capacity and the hotels are all back open and full of guests.

Magic Kingdom Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom announced a couple attraction closures this week.  The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer island will be closed from October 5 through at least Jan 21 2021 for refurbishment. This may mean that the Rivers of America will be drained during that period, although that is not confirmed.

Polynesian Villages Resort Refurbishment

Last week we discussed that the Polynesian Villages Resort will be closed until next year as it is getting refurbishment. At that time Disney had not released any concept art.

Disney has now released this concept art for the new entrance and Port Cochere for the Polynesian Villages Resort.  Further, Disney stated the resort will reopen in Summer 2021.  The Polynesian’s 50^th anniversary is October 1 2021, and it seems the refurbishment is designed to coincide with that anniversary as well as with Walt Disney World’s 50^th  Anniversary, also October 2021.

The statement released by Disney with the new art stated that the new entrance will feature a bold new facade that will complement the longhouses throughout the resort.  Disney also stated that the gardens and fountains are getting refurbished as well, with new dramatic lighting elements, and new chandeliers, inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and bamboo.  The new outdoor chandeliers will match the existing chandelier in the resort lobby and bridge the two spaces.

Disney World guests can still access the Grand Ceremonial House and its operating retail and dining venues during the refurbishment project.

I think this is preliminary art is a good sign. The Polynesian’s ground entrance has always been a little underwhelming, and it looks like Disney is finally fixing that, and making it more worth of this beautiful resort.

The Grand Floridian Orchestra

After 32 years, Disney has ended the run of the Grand Floridian Orchestra. This six piece orchestra has entertained guests at the Grand Floridian from high above the lobby for years, and is beloved by many.

While the Grand Floridian remained closed to guests when the parks reopened, the Grand Floridian Orchestra was performing several times per day over at Hollywood Studios in the Beauty and the Beast theater as the Disney Society Orchestra.

The Grand Floridian Orchestra announced a few days ago that their final Walt Disney World performance will be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday October 3, 2020.  Disney’s official statement was pretty brief and vague, but seemed to indicate that it was time for a change at the Grand Floridian.

More likely, the cut is budget related, and is a troubling indicator of things to come.  In March, many of the entertainment acts featured throughout EPCOT World Showcase found their contracts canceled.  I am very concerned that we are losing, perhaps permanently, that “extra” entertainment that is part of what makes Disney parks so very special.

Entertainment Coming to Hollywood Studios

However, there is some good news on the entertainment front. At Hollywood Studios, we have some entertainment coming back very soon.  For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing A Long Celebration is returning to Hollywood Studios on October 5, 2020.

Disney has stated that there are no changes to the show, other than minor staging and audience seating to allow for social distancing.

Also coming soon to the animation courtyard is Disney Junior Play and Dance.  These dance parties will feature a DJ playing songs and encouraging kids to dance. Disney Junior stars like Mickey Mouse and Vampirina will appear on stage during the dance party.

Pop Up Motorcades at Hollywood Studios

Pop up motorcades are coming to Hollywood Studios.  These motorcades will allow guests to see their favorite characters safely, and provide photo opportunities. Much like the character cavalcades we’ve been seeing at Magic Kingdom, these themed motorcades will not appear on the daily schedule.  This will discourage crowds from gathering to see a motorcade.  These motorcades will pop up throughout the day.

There are three different motorcades, all featuring custom colorful convertibles, powered by Chevrolet.  Gotta love those sponsorships.  The Mickey and Friends motorcade will feature Minnie, Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale.  The Pixar Pals Motorcade will feature the Incredibles, Woody, Buzz lightyear and others.  The Disney junior stars motorcade will feature Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina.

runDisney Virtual Race Registration Update

Last week we shared runDisney’s announcement that the 2021 Marathon Weekend and 2021 Princess Half Marathon weekend were both transitioning to virtual races, and that registration for the races was opening up for those races for a limited time.

Registration is currently still open for all the virtual races for both weekends, if you are interested.  I don’t know how long registration will remain open, so I wouldn’t wait too long.

If you’re not familiar with a “virtual” race, basically you will run the race on the scheduled date, but you will run it in a location of your choosing, not on Disney property and without the porta-potties and water stations we rely on for major races.  For marathon weekend, prices range from $40-79 for the 5K, $49-$99 for the 10k, $59-$118 for the half, and $65-$120 for the full marathon.  The lower price includes a digital bib, digital race tool kit including mile markers, digital goody bag, virtual playlist. The higher price adds an event tech shirt.

The challenges are also available: Goofy (the half and full completed on consecutive days) is $129 – $275, and Dopey (all four races completed on consecutive days) is $225 – $480.

Pricing for the Princess half marathon weekend is very similar. We are posting a more detailed post about the runDisney virtual races tomorrow.  Please check back to visit that post.

Disney and Dancing with the Stars

Finally, loosely tied to Parks news, it was Disney week on Dancing with the Stars. Host Tyra Banks sported Minnie ears and a Minnie inspired dress throughout the show, and every dance featured Disney songs.

The highlight for me was the inclusion of elements from the Main Street Electrical Parade during the beginning segment of the show.  The “floats” were displayed and the little snail even drove around the dance floor.

I’ve always loved this little parade, and was happy to see the floats and elements still exist.  Hopefully we will all get a chance to see this beloved nighttime parade at a Disney park sometime soon!

Tune in Next Week for More Disney Parks News Updates!

We hope you have enjoyed this week’s Disney Parks News Update.  Please join us next Wednesday for next week’s news!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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