Labor Day has come and gone and that means the Walt Disney World Resort starts its new hours for fall. That is not the only change to take place at the Florida resort. Here is a brief look at what has been going on.

UPDATE (Wednesday, 9 September 2020) – Disney has released a statement saying the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” stage show is not going anywhere. In a statement to WDWNT.com they say it “is simply in the process of being refreshed and is expected to return within the next week.”

Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – For years there has been discussions at Disney about retiring the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” stage show in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show, which debuted in January 1992, is a mix of live actors and puppets coupled with lasers and special effects.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic – regardless of the production – how to reopen a live stage show has proved to be problematic. Walt Disney World was no exception. Then there was the dispute between the Actors Equity Association union and Walt Disney World.

Ever since the Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened this past July, virtually all attractions – even the ones still closed – have been prepared with signage, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing markers. All except the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid.”

Now, multiple Disney blogs including WDWNT.com and BlogMickey.com are reporting the show is anticipated to finally close for good. Multiple sites have reported that the sign for the show has been removed from the side of the building.

La Crêperie de Paris (EPCOT) – At then France pavilion at EPCOT, construction on La Crêperie de Paris – as it is now called – is moving along. The crêperie is located near the future Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction. The new crêperie will feature the cuisine of Chef Jérôme Bocuse, the mastermind behind the pavilion’s Chefs de France brasserie and its celebration of gourmet cuisine, Monsieur Paul. With a menu inspired by the Brittany region of France, the new location will offer table service dining as well as a quick-service stop. It will serve both galettes and sweet crepes.

As work continues on this new dining location, the sign with the new name has been unveiled. Currently there still is no announcement of an opening date for La Crêperie de Paris.

Casey’s Corner (Magic Kingdom) – Casey’s Corner is a Disney fan favorite, but it has yet to reopen as part of the park’s phased reopening. Serving hot dogs and corn dog nuggets, Casey’s Corner may be back to serving those famous dogs soon.

Image: Allears.net

According to Allears.net, as they were walking through the entryway that connects Casey’s to the Emporium shop on Main Street U.S.A., they discovered numbered markers have been placed on the floor. “These markers have been placed in other Quick Service restaurants as designated food pick-up stations,” states the blog. Previously this area was used for indoor seating for the quick service restaurant. Currently all the tables and chairs are gone from the area. Allears.net writes that this area could now be used as “a designated waiting area.”

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (Magic Kingdom) – Since the beginning of this year the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (TTA) has had its share of issues. One week prior to the entire resort being shut down due to the pandemic, the TTA went down. Once the Magic Kingdom began its phased reopening in July, the TTA did not reopen.

Shortly after the Tomorrowland attraction was listed as “temporarily unavailable.” Jack Kendell, vlogger at DSNY Newscast reported “it is rumored that the parts may not be readily available” for the refurbishment because they need “to be custom-made.” It could be “an extensive refurbishment that will take a couple of months.” This will be “coupled with an over all maintenance of the track and the system …” 

Originally the work was expected to be completed by October 31, but now it is anticipated the attraction will be down at least through the end of November.

Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom) – When construction started on the Magic Kingdom’s latest attraction TRON Lightcycle Run, the Walt Disney World Railroad was also shut down as it crossed the construction path.

It seems now Disney is taking advantage of shutdown to replace all the track along the train route. “The project has recently made its way to the Fantasyland station,” reports Mike from BlogMickey.com. “The work is visible in the shadow of the TRON Lightcycle Run site.”

Image: WDWMAGIC.com

TRON Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom) – Work has been progressing along at the TRON Lightcycle Run in Tomorrowland. This new attraction, which is expected to be ready for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, has recently completed the enclosure of the main show building. Work is now commencing on the canopy.

Disney Cruise Line – According to a report on the Disney Cruise Line blog, in a recent Board of Trustees Meeting in Texas, Rodger Rees, Galveston Port Director/CEO, discussed how Disney will limit the number of passengers inside the terminal. Typically Disney Cruise Line assigns port arrival times for most passengers. The only exception is Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club members, who can arrive at any time they wish.

However Scott Sanders from the Disney Cruise Line blog believes that port arrival times will now be enforced for every passenger regardless of status. He also has reported that Disney is updating their online check-in process. According to Rees, “Disney Cruise Line is targeting a 70% occupancy level when the Disney Wonder returns to service at the Port of Galveson, hopefully before the end of this year,” reports Sanders. “Although November sailings are un-bookable, the Disney Wonder is slated to sail a 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston on November 20th barring any additional cruise cancellations.”

Also in this meeting it was mentioned instead of using recycled air, Disney is also looking at ways to bring fresh air into the Port Canaveral Terminal.