Dateline: Walt Disney World – July 2, 2022

It’s been a long, long time for updates, but the launching of a new cruise ship and the renewal of the Dark Lord Bob Chapek’s contract are enough for a post. Summer is in full swing at the parks – let’s take a look at all that Walt Disney World news.

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Brightline Station Cancellation:

The Orlando Business Journal reported that Disney canceled any plans to have a Brightline train station at Disney Springs. The station would have connected Orlando International Airport with Walt Disney World. According to Disney Spokesperson Avery Maehrer, “A new route configuration does not support a Disney Springs station.” Rumor has it that Disney did not want to share a line with Universal. 

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Food and Wine Menus Released:

Foodie fans rejoice; the happiest time of the year is almost here. Disney released the menus for Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival. There are plenty of returning surprises, but a couple of noticeable absences, like no lobster items at any booth or the yummy strawberry Dole Whip cone at Shimmering Sips. 

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AP Sales Resumed… But Not So Fast!:

Early Tuesday, it appeared that Annual Passes were back on sale in all categories, not just the Florida resident Pixie Pass. However, when purchasing these passes, a warning popped up that they are unavailable. The computer glitch was fixed, and most Annual Passes still remain unavailable for purchase. 

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Triumphant Returns:

After a couple of weeks of training, Minnie Vans can now officially pick you up on property. At Star Wars Launch Bay, Darth Vader and Chewbacca are welcoming guests at that character meet and greet. Finally, Mirobel from Encanto made her debut at the Adventure Friends Calvacade in Magic Kingdom. If that was not enough, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will welcome younger guests for magical transformation starting on August 25.    

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More Chapek:

Whether you hate him or love him, Bob Chapek will be captaining the Disney ship for a few more years. Disney’s Board of Directors unanimously extended his contract in the Chief  Executive Officer role for three years. Per a statement released by Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board:

“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses—from parks to streaming—not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength. In this important time of growth and transformation, the Board is committed to keeping Disney on the successful path it is on today, and Bob’s leadership is key to achieving that goal. Bob is the right leader at the right time for The Walt Disney Company, and the Board has full confidence in him and his leadership team.”

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Christening the Disney Wish:

Bob Chapek and Josh D’Amaro both attended the christening ceremony for the Disney Wish, the cruise line’s newest ship. Instead of the traditional fairy godmother, Make-a-Wish kids serve as the official godchildren of the vessel. This ship has plenty of new features, like the AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, restraints themed to Frozen and Marvel, a Star Wars immersive lounge, and a highly detailed  Disney’s Oceaneer Club for the kids. 

 

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First Look at World Celebration Details:

Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley shared a few pics of the pavement design for the World Celebration neighborhood in Epcot.

 

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Big Changes for Splash Mountain:

Disney Imagineering has finally realized a few details about the upcoming changes to Splash Mountain. The new attraction will be called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and it will follow Tiana, Nareen, and Louis as they prepare for a Mardi Gras celebration. This attraction is expected to open in late 2024. 

 

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Orange Bird Alert:

In celebrating of Disney Springs’ Festival of Florida Flavors, a new Orange Bird magnet is available for APs. Like the last specialty magnets, you will have to join a virtual queue to get your own magnet. Plus, there is a scavenger hunt throughout Disney Springs with the little orange guy.

 

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Sneaky Updates:

For the first time in forever, the Carousel of Progress family got a few updates to their look in the final Christmas scene. Still, the outdated early 90s tech (laser discs) is still there. Along with that, PeopleMover’s narration also saw a few changes. ORAC-5 takes guests on an overview of all the sights of Tomorrowland. 

 

Walt Disney World certainly had a busy week. Are you happy with the changes to those beloved Tomorrowland attractions? Are you excited to book on the Wish? Let me know in the comments!