Dateline: Walt Disney World – January 30, 2021
So let’s try this again…with the parks open, I will try to revitalize the weekly updates. Without further ado…
This week we said goodbye to the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (will you miss it?), PeopleMover continues in the testing phase (with crashing results), and the Jungle Cruise undergoes some major changes (without the Rock). Buckle up, it’s been a bumpy week at Walt Disney World.
Goodbye Sorcerers: Well, the not-so-well-known game held its last day of sorcery on Sunday. The word on the street is that the software needed to be updated, and that is the reason for the game’s closure. You might see a reinterpretation of Sorcerers in the future via the Disney Play app. Stay tuned!
Meal Changes: With the lower crowds expected at WDW for February, there will be a few changes to the operation hours of the Lunching Pad and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. These two eateries will only be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This schedule looks to be in place until at least March.
PeopleMover on the Move: If you’re like me, you’ve been missing the PeopleMover. Can you believe it’s been March since this attraction has been in operation? The PeopleMover was scheduled to open the first week of January, and then that was moved to the end of the month. The good news: the attraction has been in a testing phase. However, BlogMickey has reported that some of the cars have been bumping into each other. Is this just a part of the testing, or are there more problems for the PeopleMover? With the opening pushed back to the end of February, the PeopleMover now has the distinction as the attraction with the longest refurbishment in Magic Kingdom history. The previous record was held by Splash Mountain.
Jungle Cruise Changes: In response to Disney’s push to be more inclusive, you will start to see some changes to the Jungle Cruise later this year. The Imagineers are working to update a few scenes, including the addition of a scene with chimpanzees in a sunken Jungle Cruise boat. Looks like the “headhunting” natives might be taking a hike in favor of more humorous and less offensive scenes. No word if Trader Sam will be packing his bags and leaving the attraction or if the popular Poly bar will change its name.
Blizzard Beach Readying for Opening: The water park is expected to open on March 7, and you can start to purchase tickets. It will be $69 plus tax for single-day admission. Masks will be required in all areas outside the pools and slides.
Dónde Está Donald Duck?: If 2021 doesn’t feel like 2020, let’s just take a look at the Gran Fiesta Tour. Poor Donald broke a few weeks back and has been replaced by a sombrero, cactus, and flowers. Well, looks like things just went from bad to worse with the ride. The Three Caballeros’ audio-animatronics have been replaced by 2D cutouts. You can find plenty of pictures of the travesty at AllEars. Apparently, the base is broken and the characters needed to be removed. No word when they will return (if at all) to the attraction. ¡Ay caramba!
Calling All Jazz Fans: In celebration of the new Pixar film, Soul, Epcot will be hosting “The Soul of Jazz” in the American Adventure pavilion. Guests can views artifacts from famous Jazz masters and also learn more about this truly American music genre.
That’s it for this week! Are you excited about the changes to the Jungle Cruise? Do you think the Three Caballeros’ audio-animatronics have might their final curtain call? When will the PeopleMover finally open? Let me know what you think in the comments. Until then, have a great Disney week!
All images @Disney unless noted
