DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Major Changes to Mask Policy; Boo Bash Expands; Food & Wine Details; Big Dining News with More Re-openings & More
Huge news out of Disney this week with the end in sight for COVID-related restrictions. Disney has announced a significant change to its face mask and social distancing policies, and news from Disney Cruise Line suggests we’ve probably seen our final round of cruise suspensions. Elsewhere around the World, we got news of more restaurants reopening, including one of the most popular on property. Demand for the special ticketed event, Boo Bash After Hours, was so strong the event is being expanded. We also got some more news on our favorite event, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Don’t miss the story about a cool new program coming to Disney+ that is going to be a must-see for hard-core Disney World fans. All this and more in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Walt Disney World Announces Major Change to Face Covering and Physical Distancing
On Friday, Walt Disney World announced a significant change to its face-covering policy. Beginning June 15, guests who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a face-covering indoors. While not requiring proof, Disney expects those not fully vaccinated to continue wearing masks indoors. All guests will still be required to wear a mask on Disney buses, the monorail, and the Disney Skyliner. Read the full updated policy at the link below.
2 – Disney Expands ‘Disney After Hours Boo Bash’
Ticket sales for the upcoming Disney After Hours Boo Bash special event went on sale Tuesday for Disney Resort guests. Because the tickets were only available to Disney Resort guests, those wanting to purchase tickets had to call Disney. Disney was overwhelmed with phone calls for several days, and many guests complained of long wait times (over four hours) and dropped calls. The demand for the event was overwhelming. In response, Disney had added five additional event dates that will go on sale on Tuesday, June 15, when booking tickets for the event opens to the general public. Tickets will be available online and by phone. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for more details on ‘Disney After Hours Boo Bash,’ including the new dates.
3 – More Restaurants Opening at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
As Disney Parks continue to increase capacity, Disney has announced additional restaurants will be reopening, including fan-favorite ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Learn which restaurants are opening at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort at the link below.
Click here for details on upcoming restaurant reopenings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
4 – A Few New Details Released on the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – Opening July 15
This week Disney provided just a few more details on the upcoming EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. The festival will offer thirty-two Global Marketplaces, nine of which will open on October 1, 2021. While the Eat to the Beat concert series is not returning, Disney announced that along with Voices of Liberty, Mariachi Cobre, and Jammin’ Chefs, the festival will feature a live-music concert series comprised of local bands from Friday to Monday evenings. Disney Cast Member Jeremy Schoolfield shares more below:
This summer, you can embark on a tasty tour across six continents at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE® at Walt Disney World Resort. This delicious celebration, which kicks off July 15 and runs through Nov. 20, features a full menu of new flavors and sips along with live entertainment, family activities and more. That’s 129 days of fun for the entire family!
Global Marketplaces will serve up a host of international flavors, including fan-favorite dishes from Hawai’i, Australia, Germany, Canada and Greece, as well as new spicy, savory and sweet plates to please your palate. We’ll have more details on specific menu items in an upcoming Foodie Guide, but there are new Global Marketplace concepts coming to Morocco, The American Adventure and throughout the park in July, with even more marketplaces opening in the fall.
CORKCICLE is the presenting sponsor for this year’s festival, and if you visit Shimmering Sips Global Marketplace and four other locations during the event, you’ll discover several sparkling beverage options available for purchase in an exclusive keepsake CORKCICLE premium beverage container.
You can also commemorate your visit and bring the culinary magic home with other official event merchandise created just for the festival, including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.
Popular entertainment is back too, with performances by Voices of Liberty, Mariachi Cobre and Jammin’ Chefs. The festival will also open with America Gardens Bandstand presented by Florida Blue Medicare, a live-music concert series performed Friday through Monday evenings. Local bands from across Central Florida will take to the America Gardens Theatre stage, playing popular songs of yesterday and today.
For families, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak will send kids of all ages on a savory scavenger hunt around the festival. Another way for families to have fun together is by participating in Emile’s Fromage Montage. You’ll find new ways to experience cheese when you purchase five participating dishes from select Global Marketplaces, including a passionfruit cheesecake with toasted macadamia nuts. Collect five stamps and scurry over to Shimmering Sips for a prize!
The festival is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. You can also visit TasteEPCOT.com and keep an eye out for #TasteEPCOT on social channels for more info.
5 – Disney Cruise Line Extends Suspension of Sailing but End is in Sight
Disney Cruise Line has once again extended the suspension of sailings. Thankfully, with a test cruise approved by the CDC, this should be the last suspension. Read the official update below.
As you may have heard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved our application to conduct a simulation cruise aboard the Disney Dream on June 29. This is an important next step toward our gradual and responsible resumption of service in U.S. waters. But we still have work to do, including finalizing our new health and safety protocols, bring crew back onboard and preparing our ships to welcome Guest again. Because of this, it is necessary for us to cancel the following sailings:
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- Disney Dream departures through 8/6/21
- Disney Fantasy departures through 8/28/21
- Disney Wonder departures through 9/19/21
- Disney Magic departures in the U.S. through 11/4/21
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We are offering affected Guests that have paid their reservation in full the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing on or before September 30, 2022, or a full refund. The credit has automatically been added to the Guest’s account and can be applied as a payment option when booking a new reservation online. Guests that have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far.
6 – New Original Show ‘Behind the Attraction’ Coming to Disney+
Love getting a behind-the-scenes look at Disney attractions? Then you’ll want to catch an all-new original show, ‘Behind the Attraction,’ coming to Disney+. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the new original show ‘Behind the Attraction’ coming to Disney+ in July.
7 – Space 220 – New Restaurant Coming to EPCOT – Confirmed to be Opening in Fall 2021
Space 220, a new restaurant coming to EPCOT, was originally scheduled to open in March 2020. The opening was delayed because of the pandemic. This week, the Patina Group confirmed that the restaurant will be opening in fall 2021 and are currently in the process of hiring team members.
8 – Jon Stewart to Host Warrior Games
Comedian, actor, and filmmaker Jon Stewart will be the host for the opening and closing ceremonies during the upcoming 2021 Department of Defense Warrior Games taking place September 12 to 22 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Stewart will mark his fifth time participating in the annual event that celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members and enhances their recovery and rehabilitation by providing them exposure to adaptive sports.
“The Warrior Games is a truly inspiring event that shows just how resilient these warriors are, and how they refuse to let their worst day define who they want to be. Serving as the host of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies is an honor that I cherish, but being able to hear from and spend time with each of them, and their families, is what this is all about, and I’m looking forward to seeing these athletes in action in September,” said Stewart.
Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.
The 2021 Warrior Games will once again be open to the public, welcoming the community and the world to be a part of the excitement and support these heroes.
More information about the 2021 DoD Warrior Games, including any applicable safety and health measures related to COVID-19, will be available closer to the event. Learn more about the Warrior Games at DODWarriorGames.com.
9 – Laniwai Spa Opening Soon at Aulani Resort
Laniwai Spa is reopening soon at Aulani Resort! Disney Cast Member Nikki Moreno shares more below:
Aloha!
One of the most relaxing and rewarding experiences at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is spending time at Laniwai – A Disney Spa. I am so happy to announce that you will soon have the opportunity to visit this tranquil retreat once again when it reopens on June 15.
Just like we have done with other resort experiences, we have made some adjustments to the experience at Laniwai Spa with the health and safety of our cast and guests in mind. Please see the Aulani Resort website for the most up-to-date information on the resort’s health and safety measures.
The Hawaiian word “laniwai” (pronounced lah-nee-vai) means “freshwater heaven.” Starting June 15, you can reserve spa services including new added options such as foot massage, intense hydration facial, anti-aging LED mask, and more!
A visit to the Kula Wai, an outdoor hydrotherapy garden can be reserved with any spa service. The 5,000 square-foot garden retreat includes private vitality pools, a reflexology path, six rain-style showers, whirlpool jet spas and more. I’m feeling more relaxed just thinking about it!
And after a day of pampering, it’s time to prepare for your big night out! To help you get ready, Laniwai’s full-service salon will be available for manicures, pedicures and hair services. The kids – or keiki – can also get ready for an epic adventure with salon services and makeovers exclusive to children ages 3 to 12.
If you enjoy a good workout before or after pampering, be sure to also visit the Mikimiki fitness center which will also reopen for limited hours with limited capacity for all Aulani guests, and has added new equipment to the state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Reservations for Laniwai, A Disney Spa are required and open on June 15. Reservations can be made online at DisneyAulani.com, on the Aulani App, or by calling Laniwai Spa at (808) 674-6300.
10 – New Disney Imagination Campus Curriculum Will Teach Critical Skills and Encourage Career Exploration
Disney Parks is launching a reimagined line of educational experiences for visiting student groups that will harness beloved Disney franchises – Star Wars, Pixar, Frozen, etc., as well as Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment – to supercharge the imaginations of students and inspire their career ambitions.
Disney Imagination Campus, which debuts at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, will involve a collection of interactive workshops, performances and special events touching on a variety of subjects, including performing arts, technology, science, humanities and leadership.
“Our Walt Disney Imagineering partners are renowned for blue sky thinking, masterful storytelling, and creative problem-solving,” said Maryann Smith, Vice President of Sales, Services & Events at Disney Destinations. “We’ve taken these key skills and worked with Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Live Entertainment and other Disney thought leaders to create new educational experiences to challenge students to use their imagination, all within our real-world learning laboratories and performance venues across our theme parks.”
The Disney Imagination Campus curriculum will also leverage a new collaboration with education platform Kahoot! to integrate interactive elements into select Disney Imagination Campus experiences. Kahoot!, which has engaged 5 billion cumulative players since 2013, empowers students to learn through play with its live games, study tools and challenges.
“Kahoot!’s long-standing relationship with Disney is now expanding beyond the classroom, bringing interactive learning experiences to the Disney Parks designed for Disney Imagination Campus students,” said Eilert Hanoa, CEO of Kahoot!. “Whether students are visiting the Disney Parks for a day or participating in workshops, we’ve developed interactive, self-guided challenges that will test their comprehension and retention of key learning objectives during their visit. This is a holistic, groundbreaking, and experiential approach to education.”
In addition to drawing on its decades of experience in the youth education space, Disney collaborated with teachers to develop a uniquely Disney curriculum with a hands-on approach to learning. Based on industry trends, the imagination-powered curriculum emphasizes key performance criteria as well as the critical skills students need to succeed in today’s business world, including leadership, confidence, creative problem-solving and team work.
Carylann Assante, Chief Executive Officer of The Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) and the SYTA Youth Foundation said, “No matter what workshop a student participates in, the Disney Imagination Campus will inspire creativity, promote exploration, expand thinking and leave a lasting impression!”
The curriculum is based on four educational pillars. They are:
- Performing Arts – Students will engage in workshops taught by world-class Disney entertainment professionals and perform on Disney stages for audiences from around the world.
- Art & Humanities – Students will discover the role that artists play in theme park design through the exploration of artistic media and storytelling.
- Science & Technology – Students will explore how science and technology applies to every element of the theme park experience and is used to create Disney magic for guests.
- Leadership & Innovation – Students will engage in hands-on learning that challenges their creative problem-solving and communication skills based on the real-world business experiences of Disney leaders.
Ahead of the January 2022 launch of Disney Imagination Campus workshops, student groups can learn more about the curriculum and register for workshops by visiting https://www.disneycampus.com/. Group tickets for Walt Disney World Resort are currently available for online purchase. Additional information and updates about Disney Imagination Campus is available on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
2021 Taste of EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival – Now Through July 5, 2021
Click here to see photos and video of the Menu Boards with pricing for easy trip planning!
Click here to see photos and video of the different topiaries around EPCOT!
Click here for photos and video of our visit to the Flower and Garden Festival!
Click here to see photos of some of the food we have enjoyed at the 2021 Flower and Garden Festival.
Blizzard Beach – Now Open
Click here to learn more about visiting Blizzard Beach During the Phased Reopening
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Summer Resort Reopenings
- July 2 – BoardWalk Inn
- Late July 2021 – Polynesian Village Resort
July 15 – November 2021 – The 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for details on the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
August 10 – October 31, 2021 – Disney After Hours Boo Bash
October 1, 2021 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
October 1, 2021 – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure & France Pavilion Expansion Opens
Jungle Cruise – Updated in Phases, while remaining open to guests in 2021
Star Wars Hotel – 2022
EPCOT Reimagined – Now Through 2022 and Beyond
Click here for what we know about the New EPCOT and what’s coming!
New and Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort – Now Open
Click here for more details on Disneyland Parks now open and welcoming guests.
Click here for details on the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – now open!
Click here for details on Disneyland Attraction & Entertainment Reopenings
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure – Now Open
Click here for more on the Avengers Campus! Now open at Disney California Adventure!
Click here for details on food and beverage offerings inside Avengers Campus.
Click here for information on merchandise available inside Avengers Campus.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here for information on bookings for the inaugural season in summer 2022.
Itineraries in 2022
Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Early 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea in Early 2022
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.