MyDisneyExperience: According to WDWNT.com, Disney is testing preview attraction photos in the MDE app. Guests who are selected to participate in the pilot program will see a pop-up in the MyDisneyExperience app informing them they have been selected. The program will show guests photos from attractions that may contain themselves or their party. Guests are then asked to select those they would like to save to their library. Afterward, guests are asked a series of survey questions about the proposed service.
Jungle Cruise attraction: Earlier this month Disney removed Trader Sam from the final scene at the Jungle Cruise attraction. Now, Mike from Blogmickey.com has reported that the mechanics base and rockwork been removed from the scene. In addition, the area has been expanded. Disney is currently updating the storyline to the attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks as part of an effort to “reflect and value the diversity of the world around us.” In addition, Disney has removed the theming along the walls of the attraction’s queue, as well as the pole and the trapped explorers in the rhino scene. The new scene will now include a diverse group of explorers from all walks of life.
Cinderella Castle: Work continues on the transformation of Cinderella Castle in advance of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. Over the past few weeks, decorative bunting was added to the castle turrets. Last week the tops of the turrets received their ribbon embellishments. The final piece will be the 50th medallion, which will have over the castle’s clock face. Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration will begin on 1 October 2021.
Spaceship Earth: As the resort is nearing its 50th anniversary, work continues on EPCOT’s park icon, Spaceship Earth. Announced earlier this year, Spaceship Earth’s “Beacon of Magic” will come in the form of new exterior lighting, which Disney says will be permanent. Imagineers have been working on installing these puck-sized lights between the Alucobond panels on the outside of the attraction. It is estimated that approximately 50 lights have been installed with hundreds more to go. When completed, the lighting will connect with one another and created “stars in the sky.”
Disney Springs: A Disney Cruise Line pop-up shop has appeared in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs. Available only for sale on Disney cruise ships and Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas, includes Disney Cruise Line Wave and Sail Away Minnie Mouse collections, as well as select items from Castaway Cay. There is also a scale model of the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy on display. As an added treat, across from the Marketplace Co-Op, at Dockside Margaritas, guests can order Strawberry Daiquiris and Pina Coladas served in a Disney Cruise Line embarkation glass ($16.75), an onboard exclusive.
Also in Disney Springs news, Beatrix, which had started minimal work on the former site of Bongos Cuban Cafe, has announced a pause in construction due to the pandemic. Initially, blogs erroneously reported that the restaurant, coffeehouse, and grab-and-go market featuring healthy food options, was canceled. However, a spokesperson for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, a Chicago-based restaurant group, stated, “The Beatrix project in Disney Springs has not been canceled. As a result of the pandemic, Disney and Beatrix have agreed to delay the start of construction. During the postponement, rather than leave the site a construction zone, it was also agreed that the property would be returned to green space until the project is restarted. At this time, a definite date to restart had not been determined.”
Walt Disney World Resorts: Last summer Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was scheduled to reopen to guests. Eventually, Disney announced the resort would remain closed through the summer of 2021 as it would undergo an extensive renovation to the Great Ceremonial House and its guest rooms. In August 2020, Disney stated that the updated guest rooms would take their inspiration from the hit Walt Disney Animation film, “Moana.” In March, the Disney Parks Blog shared photos of what the new guest rooms will look like when the resort reopens to guests this summer. Last week, Disney held an “Open Mouse” for all Cast Members of the new “Moana” inspired guest rooms. Cast Member Matt Kowalewski shared even more photos of the new guest rooms.
COVID-19 protocols: Earlier this month, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated its guidance on disinfecting hard surfaces by stating that high-touch surfaces should be cleaned once a day, but “if the space is a high traffic area, or if certain conditions apply,” then additional cleanings may be performed. Even though they recommend regularly washing hands or using hand sanitizer as the most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces, Disney has been removing handwashing stations throughout the resort. According to park managers, confirmed all the handwashing stations will be removed. At this time, the hand sanitizer stations will remain.
Morocco Pavilion: Much to the disappointment of many Disney fans, Disney has modified a popular photo-op at the Morocco Pavilion. On one of the walls, towards the back of the pavilion, is a wall with the back of a chimney. However, the backside of the chimney had a very phallic shape. Since last December, Disney has taken control of the pavilion and has been making changes and one of those was to the chimney. When the scaffolding came down last week, gone was the suggestive wall, and in its place was a small doorway.
Cast Members: In addition to Disney recently relaxing the “Disney Look” dress code, Scott Gustin reported that Disney announced that all Florida-based Cast Members, currently working and furloughed, will receive a complimentary one-night resort stay. Shortly after he tweeted, “To clarify – eligible cast will choose from a list of eligible dates (example July 5-July 31 is available) but I don’t think cast will be requesting a specific resort. And as you might guess, availability is limited and being offered on first come, first serve basis.”
EPCOT: The Pin Traders-Camera Center was scheduled to close today through 6 May. However, the pin trading center is still open. Blogmickey.com reported, “work was temporarily delayed due to poor weather in the Walt Disney World area last night.” The Camera Center is still expected to close, but at this time there is no date. When the center does close, the pins will move over to Gateway Gifts.
