Disney Week in Review – February 21, 2020

February 20, 2020 Kungaloosh Radio

This week at Walt Disney World: Cinderella Castle goes rose-pink, you will need to reach deeper in your wallet for transportation to the airport, and now is the time to grab a BBQ sandwich at Epcot. Break out the POG juice and let’s take a look back at the week’s news.

Slow Ride While we are still sad about the loss of the Great Movie Ride, there is a reason to get excited at Hollywood Studios (and we are not just talking about Rise of the Resistance). This week, the opening day cast members for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad were the first to experience a ride through the attraction. Of course, being Mouse-employed, there was nothing but glowing reviews. The long-awaited attraction is expected to open on March 4.

More Price Increases The Minnie Van Service from Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral are going to cost you a little bit more money. The airport service has increased its rates from $150 to $155, and the Port Canaveral service will rise from $240 to $249. The hours of operation for the airport services have also been extended from 6 AM to 11:59 PM.

EPCOT Attraction Hours Cut If all the walls were not enough to get you frustrated, there are more reasons to make Epcot a half-day park. Starting on February 23rd, a few attractions and experiences in Epcot will have shortened hours. American Adventure, Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Canada Far and Wide, Impressions de France, Reflections of China, and all KidCot locations will be closing early. Many of these experiences’ operating times will be cut by an hour. In addition to that, American Adventure, Awesome Planet, and Canada Far and Wide are also removed from all Extra Magic Hours.

Cinderella Castle Gets an Update Social media was ablaze this week with news that Cinderella Castle was getting an update for the 50th Anniversary. If you love gold, then you are in for a treat. The Castle makeover should be completed by this summer. Hey, at least it’s not a gaudy castle cake.

Regal Eagle Opens Finally, there is a decent food option at the American Adventure Pavilion. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse served its first guests on Wednesday, and the food looks outstanding. The menu features BBQ dishes like Memphis dry-rub pork ribs, Kansas City smoked chicken, Texas beef brisket sandwiches, and North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt. The best part: mobile ordering is now available for this dining establishment.

New Magnet Alert Disney announced that Passholders can pick up two new complimentary magnets for this year’s Flower and Garden Festival. Starting on March 4, Donald Duck with Spike the Bee magnet will be available to pick up until April 19, while Orange Bird debuts on April 20 and will be available until June 1. You can grab these magnets at the temporary Mouse Gear location.

Baseless Rumor of the Week According to Lucasfilm executive, Paul Southern, the Mandalorian and The Child (Baby Yoda) are rumored to have a meet and greet in the Disney Parks “soon.”