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Ears the News: June 19, 2021 Edition

 Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway pre-show returns at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is opened again at the ride's pre-show opening to guests on Monday.  The story, "Perfect Picnic" set up the background adventure before the attraction.  The pre-show last for 1.5 minutes. Click here.


Inside Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Fireworks are back at Walt Disney World theme parks 

Starting on July 1, 2021, fireworks will return to Walt Disney World with both 'Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom and 'EPCOT Forever' at EPCOT.  'Happily Ever After' will take place at 9:15PM with EPCOT Forever at park close at 10pm.  There hasn't been any announcements regarding the return of Fantastic or the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular show.

Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, returns July 1 2021
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

What has changed as Disney no longer requires masks to be worn and physical distancing is gone at the Walt Disney World theme parks

Disney has been slow and cautious in its phased approach to reopen.  What can you expect in the next days and weeks?

Crowds are back at Disney's theme park.  No masks and social distancing will make the return feel a little normal since before the pandemic.  Masks are still worn by cast members and some guests.  All physical distancing markers have now been removed.  The signs advising guests to maintain spacing is still found around the theme parks, however, it is not being enforced.

Transportation
On buses, Disney removed all plexiglass dividers and increased its capacity.  Masks are still required.  On monorails, guests are still loaded to specific rows by Cast Members and capacity appears to be around 16 guests per cabin.  Masks are still required on monorails.

Rides
Rides are now operating at very close to maximum capacity.  Guests can now enter queues and rides with no masks. On the Jungle Cruise, there is a barrier between the guests and the Cast Member skipper.  Dividers are still in place at Peter Pan's Flight, it's a small world and Haunted Mansion.

Dining
Mobile Order is still required for quick service but guests will see more tables opened and dining rooms are close to 100% capacity.  Modified menus are still in place and not all locations are open yet.

Even the middle bench is now in use at Jungle Cruise
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Disney confirms reopening date of Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World

Disney confirmed that Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge will be opening on August 26, 2021.  Booking are now being accepted. 

The Disney's BoardWalk Inn opens July 2nd and the Disney's Polynesian Resort is set to open later next month.

The savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

For the first time in 17 months, all Disney theme parks across the world are open


For the first time in 17 months, all of Disney's theme parks across the world are open to guests around the world.  Disneyland Paris opened this week.  

The full message from Josh D'Amaro.

Today is a day to celebrate.

It’s the day we’re reopening Disneyland Paris Resort, and it’s the first time in 17 months that all of our theme parks around the world are open, bringing people together to enjoy happiness, hope and inspiration. Needless to say, we are absolutely thrilled!To our guests and fans … thank you for supporting and standing by us. We’re honored that you’ve stuck with us through a very difficult time, and I’m moved by the imaginative ways you’ve kept the Disney magic alive in your own families and communities during our closures. Seeing you back in our parks and resorts has been amazing.

To our cast members, crew members, Imagineers and employees … thank you for persevering and keeping the faith, from work and from home. You’re the heartbeat of all that we do, and the true source of Disney magic. I love seeing you, and saying hello and catching up.

The last 17 months have challenged us, but they’ve also given us opportunities to make bold decisions and reimagine our business for the future.

We’ve redesigned our operations, putting technology at your fingertips with options like mobile ordering and online hotel check-in … taken a new approach to live entertainment to create surprising magical moments … focused more than ever on creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome … and marveled at our Imagineers’ work to create years’ worth of new experiences. I’m proud of how our teams have used creativity, imagination and technology to do things we’ve always dreamed of, that can only be found at Disney.

Today in Paris, our cast members are happily welcoming guests back, with a new attraction in Walt Disney Studios Park: Cars ROAD TRIP. Next week we’ll open Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. Congratulations to our team, and I can’t wait to visit and walk the parks with you.

The relaunch of Disney Cruise Line is on the horizon, and our resort hotels are continuing to reopen around the world. Adventures by Disney is adding new itineraries and expanding our Private Adventures portfolio. Consumer Products, Games and Publishing has pivoted beautifully to meet the needs of guests and fans worldwide. And we’re celebrating important anniversaries around the globe – 5 years at Shanghai Disney Resort, 15 at Hong Kong Disneyland and soon 50 at Walt Disney World Resort!

As you can see, we have a lot to celebrate today, and we’re incredibly optimistic about our future. The world is beginning to recover and reopen, and while we still have work ahead … we will always rise to the challenges and opportunities that shape our business, and embrace a future full of endless possibilities.

A World Full of Magic, a Future Full of Possibilities

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com




Contact Kingdom Konsultant Today!  

Elisa loves helping others create magical memories with their family and friends. You can email Elisa at elisa@kingdomkonsultant.com. 




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