Inside Tokyo Disneyland’s Massive $461 Milllion Space Mountain Overhaul

If you’ve visited Tokyo Disneyland recently, you may have noticed a giant, construction-walled void where a legendary landmark once stood. The original Space Mountain, a cornerstone of the park since its 1983 opening, is officially a memory—but what’s coming in its place is nothing short of a galactic revolution.

The Oriental Land Company (OLC) has officially upped the ante, confirming a staggering ¥70.5 billion (~$461 million) investment for a ground-up rebuild of the attraction and its surrounding plaza.

A Total Transformation (2024–2027)

Unlike typical theme park renovations that swap out track or add digital screens, OLC opted for the "total replacement" strategy:

Complete Demolition: Following its permanent closure on July 31, 2024, the original show building was entirely dismantled to make way for a brand-new structure.

Next-Gen Coaster: While it remains an indoor roller coaster, the "Space Mountain (2027)" project will feature enhanced performance, cutting-edge special effects, and a more emotional storyline that connects guests to Planet Earth.

The "Earthrise" Rumor: While OLC still officially lists the project by its year, internal rumors and trademarks suggest the new title may be "Space Mountain Earthrise".

The Tomorrowland Plaza: Harmony with Nature

The $461 million price tag isn’t just for the ride. A massive new Tomorrowland Plaza is being constructed to replace the previous concrete expanse.

Day & Night Atmosphere: By day, the plaza will be a lush space where "humans and nature are in harmony". By night, it will transform into a "spectacular world of light and soundscapes".

Modern Aesthetic: Concept art reveals a sleek, curved silhouette for the new mountain, drawing design inspiration from the futuristic, organic lines seen in Shanghai Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

Bonus Content: Sugar Rush is Coming!

The Space Mountain rebuild is the centerpiece of a wider Tomorrowland revitalisation. In Spring 2027, a brand-new Wreck-It Ralph interactive shooting attraction will debut, replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.

The Mission: Guests will team up with Ralph and Vanellope to save the Sugar Rush video game from "Sugar Bugs" created by King Candy.

Investment: This project represents an additional ¥29.5 billion (~$193 million), bringing the total Tomorrowland investment to over $650 million.

Are you planning a trip for the 2027 grand opening? You can stay updated on construction progress and official opening dates through the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website at: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl.html

Disney Is Building A Brand-New, State-Of-The-Art Theme Park In The United Arab Emirates

When people associate the word Disney with a location, the first places to come to mind are usually adorned with palm trees and endless sunshine. Although Disney has expanded its ventures from the U.S. to include both Europe and Asia, the company isn't finished with its global expansion. No, what may come as a surprise to fans of the popular franchise is that a new theme park, the seventh of Disney's resorts, will be making its way to the Middle East. Partnering with development company Miral (which will build, fund, and operate the park), The Walt Disney Company is setting sights on its newest park location on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates.

The island is already a large hub in the world of entertainment, playing host to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (featuring the world's fastest rollercoaster), Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, and the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit, making it an easy choice for Disney's new theme park location. According to Disney CEO Bob Iger in a press release, "This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity. It will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways."

While specific details about the park and its designs and attractions are still under wraps, early reports suggest that the Abu Dhabi location will differ from Disney's traditional resorts by incorporating advanced technologies and a distinct regional flair. However, the park will still maintain the storytelling magic and illusions that have defined Disney for nearly a century. 

What to know about Disney's Abu Dhabi location

In keeping on theme with Disney magic, Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, detailed that the park will be "showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture (but also) a modern castle unlike anything we've ever created." According to a press release put out by Disney, aside from unique, technologically advanced rides and incredible designs, upon completion, the park will also "offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic cultural essence of Abu Dhabi."

The UAE is already a leading tourist destination (as well as a top destination for digital nomads), with its airports seeing one billion passengers pass through between 2015 and 2024. This played a large part in Disney's decision to expand its endeavors to this location, as D'armaro mentioned in a Q&A at the MoffettNathanson Conference that Abu Dhabi sits within a four-hour flight of nearly one-third of the world's population. Yas Island being less than 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi and an hour from Dubai, also makes its location a top choice.

D'Amaro also stated that "this is a crossroads for the world essentially ... The numbers were clear. This is a part of the world we wanted to be operating in." On top of all that, the Abu Dhabi Transport Company recently announced its plans for Abu Dhabi Tram Line 4, which would connect travelers from the airport straight to Yas Island, making access to the parks even easier. In an interview with CNBC, Iger discussed the anticipated timeline for the project. "We're not pinning down a date yet," he said. "It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop, and approximately five years to build, but we're not making any commitments right now." 

https://www.explore.com/author/madisonscrivano/

Out Of Nowhere, Disney Brings Back A Classic Frontierland Favorite

For a while now, it’s felt like Frontierland was slowly being chipped away, piece by piece.

Between the closure of beloved attractions and the rise of new IP-driven experiences, many longtime Disney World fans had come to terms with the idea that the “wild west” theming we grew up with might be on its way out for good.

But then—without warning—something changed.

Two years after quietly disappearing, a classic piece of Frontierland has returned.

Frontierland has long held a special place in the hearts of Disney fans. It’s home to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the now-reimagined Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the recently updated Country Bear Jamboree. But in recent years, the land has undergone a noticeable shift.

Splash Mountain closed in early 2023, and the beloved Shootin’ Arcade officially shut its doors in June 2024. Even Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café has faced rumors of change. The Shootin’ Arcade was replaced by McKim’s Mile House—a modern Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge with sleek finishes and comfy seating, but no trace of saloon-style theming or the wood-paneled nostalgia that used to define the space.

For fans of Frontierland’s rustic charm, all these changes started to feel like a slow farewell. So when the iconic Frontierland sign went missing in the summer of 2023, it wasn’t surprising—but it was disappointing.

This week, something unexpected happened: that very same Frontierland sign—once thought to be permanently gone—was spotted back at Magic Kingdom.

The sign now hangs above the DVC kiosk outside McKim’s Mile House, right in the heart of Frontierland. And while it’s been given a bit of a facelift, it hasn’t lost its spirit. The wood is no longer weathered or rusted, but the design remains true to its roots: two planks of wood, fastened together with metallic details, with the word “Frontierland” carved and painted in its classic red lettering.

There’s no flashy announcement. No blog post. Just a quiet return of a familiar icon—and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.

To someone unfamiliar with Magic Kingdom’s layout or the emotional connections fans form with the parks, this might seem like a small change. But it’s more than that. This sign represents a certain kind of Disney magic that’s rooted in storytelling, atmosphere, and detail.

It wasn’t just a marker. It was a welcome mat to another world—a place where you could suspend disbelief and find yourself transported to the American frontier, complete with outlaws, gold miners, and dusty saloons. Its disappearance left a gap, not just visually, but thematically.

It also comes on the heels of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America closing, which doesn’t seem like an accident.

One of the reasons this sign’s return is so meaningful is that it runs counter to the narrative that Frontierland is fading away. With the Shootin’ Arcade gone, the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replacing Splash Mountain, and Country Bear Jamboree having undergone a musical revamp, many believed the land would be gradually rethemed or absorbed into something else, and it is to a point.

That being said, it seems Disney is at least acknowledging the importance of Frontierland’s identity. They didn’t have to bring it back—but they did. And that decision means something.

Social media lit up the moment fans noticed the sign had returned. On Reddit, posts filled with excitement and nostalgia began popping up immediately. One user said, “It’s just a sign, but honestly, it brings the whole land back together again.” Another joked, “Frontierland isn’t dead after all!”

It’s a reminder that the Disney Parks experience is built just as much on small, thoughtful details as it is on big attractions. Guests notice when those details disappear—and they celebrate when they come back.

In a park that’s always evolving, the return of this sign feels like a rare moment where tradition wins out over transformation.

The big question now is: what does this mean for the future of Frontierland?

Is this simply a cosmetic nod to the past before more change arrives? Or could it be a quiet sign (no pun intended) that Disney is listening to its fans and recognizing the emotional weight these legacy areas carry?

It’s too early to say for sure, but the timing is interesting. With the recent rollout of new shows and experiences across other lands—including the Disney Starlight nighttime parade and upcoming D23 announcements—it wouldn’t be surprising if Disney is reassessing how it approaches its older lands.

As the large Magic Kingdom expansion comes true, Frontierland may play a pivotal role in bridging the old with the new, and perhaps, that means the land still has a place in the theme park after all.

https://insidethemagic.net/author/andrew/

Disney Unveils Park Changes To Bring Back The Magic

The Walt Disney Co. is making several changes at its domestic theme parks, including some easier reservations, in order to improve the public perception of its business.

Among the changes: it will cease charging for overnight self-parking at its Walt Disney World resorts; Walt Disney World annual passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation (except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom) and individuals buying its Genie+ service will receive digital downloads of their ride photos taken in the park on the day of their purchase for no additional charge.

Like many companies, Disney struggled during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its theme parks were shut down for some time, with the closures causing delays in the construction of various projects. Concurrently, former CEO Bob Chapek received a lot of criticism for increased prices and other moves that the company made, including the end of the Magical Express bus service from the airport in Orlando, Florida to Walt Disney World resorts, the implementation of the Genie planning and ride reservation system and its theme park reservation system.

Disney theme park loyalists have not shied away from their criticism of the moves that have occurred over the past two years, with some even bemoaning on social media that “the magic is gone.”

One big recent change is the return of Bob Iger to the Burbank, California-based company. Iger replaced Chapek as CEO in November and just a few weeks later was seen visiting the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks in Anaheim, California with Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.

Disney is now making known that it is listening to its visitors. On Tuesday the company made a flurry of announcements that were largely met with great fanfare by theme park goers.

Disney had started charging for overnight self-parking at its resorts at Disney World in 2018. It went back to offering complimentary overnight parking as of Tuesday evening. Disney resort guests continue to receive complimentary standard parking at Disney World theme parks.

“This is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and we’re happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable,” the company said in a statement on its Disney Parks blog.

The company did not give specific dates for the annual passholder or Genie+ changes, only to say that they will start in the next few months.

“Please know we will keep listening to you and adapting as we focus on making the guest experience even better for more people who visit us,” the company said.

Disney also made some other announcements that theme park goers have been anxiously waiting for, including the return of its “Happily Ever After” nighttime show at Magic Kingdom on April 3 and an official opening date of April 4 for its TRON Lightcycle/Run roller coaster at the same park.

Changes are also afoot at Disneyland. They include allowing people who buy a Magic Key pass or a Park Hopper ticket the ability to switch between its Disneyland and California Adventure parks two hours earlier, at 11 a.m. Pacific Time, beginning on Feb. 4. It’s also adding more dates for people to buy its $104 one-day, one-park tickets and giving complimentary digital photo downloads for any PhotoPass available ride for all ticketed park guests on the Disneyland app starting Feb. 4, for the length of its Disney100 celebration.

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN

Why Are Disney And DeSantis Feuding In Florida?

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a bill to dissolve a private government controlled by Disney that provides municipal-like services for its 27,000 acres (nearly 11,000 hectares) in the Sunshine State.

The new law is largely seen as retribution for Disney’s criticism of a new state law that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay,” which bars instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

The entertainment giant has not commented publicly on the proposal to dissolve its government, which has been in operation for 55 years.

WHAT DOES THE LAW DO?

The bill, which the Legislature passed on Thursday and DeSantis signed into law on Friday, would eliminate the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known, as well as a handful of other similar districts by June 2023.

The measure does allow for the districts to be reestablished, leaving an avenue for Disney and lawmakers to renegotiate their deal between now and June 2023.

“By doing it this early, we have until next June or July to this put together, so we’re actually giving ourselves more time to be thoughtful,” said Republican Senate President Wilton Simpson. “I don’t know how the end will come, but I know that this is a very worthy process that we’re taking and I think whatever comes out of it will be better than what we have today.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Although details are far from clear, the proposal could have huge tax implications for Disney. Democratic state lawmakers who oppose the bill also have warned that it could result in homeowners getting hit with big tax bills if they have to absorb costs the company used to pay.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, whose county is partially home to Disney World, said it would be “catastrophic for our budget” if the county had to assume the costs for public safety at the theme park resort. Reedy Creek currently reimburses the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for public safety costs.

“If that district goes away, and they no longer pay for those public safety costs, and it then has to fall to the county’s other budgets, that is a net sum loss to the rest of the taxpayers of Orange County,” Demings said.

WHY DOES DISNEY HAVE ITS OWN GOVERNMENT IN FLORIDA?

The company sold the idea to Florida lawmakers in 1967 as part of its plans to build an expansive East Coast theme park that would include a futuristic city.

The city never materialized, but Walt Disney World nevertheless became an entertainment juggernaut in Orlando, while still retaining governmental powers that have allowed it to decide what and how to build and to issue bonds and provide services such as zoning, fire protection and utilities.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known, has been allowed to build its own roads, run its own wastewater treatment plants, operate its own fire department, set its own building codes and inspect Disney buildings for safety.

The district had $169 million in revenues and $178 million in expenditures in the current budget year.

Disney is a major political player in Florida, as well as the rest of the country. The Walt Disney Co. and its affiliates made more than $20 million in political contributions to both Republicans and Democrats in the 2020 campaign cycle, the most recent year for which figures are available, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks such spending.

That same year, Disney-related entities funneled $10.5 million to the America First Action committee, which supports Republican former President Donald Trump. Disney also contributed $1.2 million to support President Joe Biden’s campaign.

In response to the gender instruction law, Disney announced it was suspending political donations in the state and would support organizations that oppose it.

WHY ELIMINATE THE GOVERNMENT NOW?

DeSantis has railed against Disney after the company’s public opposition to the gender instruction law.

This week, as lawmakers were returning to the Capitol for a special legislative session focused on congressional redistricting, DeSantis issued a proclamation allowing them to also take up legislation eliminating the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

For the governor, the attack on Disney is his latest salvo in a culture war waged over policies involving race, gender and the coronavirus, battles that have made him one of the most popular GOP politicians in the country and a likely 2024 presidential candidate.

“If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy” the governor wrote in a fundraising email. “As Governor, I was elected to put the people of Florida first, and I will not allow a woke corporation based in California to run our state.”

Republican Rep. Randy Fine, sponsor of the bill to scrap the district, said it is time for a change.

“You kick the hornet’s nest, things come up. And I will say this: You got me on one thing — this bill does target one company. It targets the Walt Disney Co.,” Fine said. “You want to know why? Because they are the only company in the state that has ever been granted the right to govern themselves.”

Disney Finds Itself In Balancing Act With Walkout Threat

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — With some workers across the U.S. threatening a walkout Tuesday, The Walt Disney Co. finds itself in a balancing act between the expectations of a diverse workforce and demands from an increasingly polarized, politicized marketplace.

On the one side are LGBTQ advocates and Disney employees calling for a walkout in protest of CEO Bob Chapek’s slow response in publicly criticizing Florida legislation that opponents dubbed as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The legislation awaiting the governor’s signature bars instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

On the other are politicians like Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who accuse the entertainment conglomerate of bending to cancel culture after a Disney decision to temporarily suspend political contributions in the state. According to Disney’s conservative critics, the company should be in the business of making profits, not pushing an agenda.

It was unclear how many employees would walk out or what might happen to those who do. Union leaders for the tens of thousands of unionized workers at Disney theme parks in Florida and California said they saw no momentum among their members for a walkout, and advised them not to do so because it would defy contractual obligations. Organizers said they expected some participation from production, marketing, IT and other non-unionized jobs.

Evan Power, the Republican Party chairman in Leon County, said he believes a strident minority of Disney employees are pushing the issue and DeSantis has more to gain by taking the side of parents who want more control over education and “sexual conversations” in early grades at school. DeSantis is viewed as a likely Republican presidential candidate in 2024.

“I think it pays dividends with parents across the state of Florida regardless of political divisions,” Power said.

Romualdas Dulskis, a Teamsters official in Orlando whose local represents costumed characters who portray Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Stich at Walt Disney world, plus bus drivers and other Disney workers, his union did not support the walkout.

“That’s just not the way we are going to go about this,” he said.

Union leaders said contracts prohibits work stoppages or disruptions.

“I don’t want to downplay anyone’s efforts, if someone feels what they are doing is the right way to make an impact,” said Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here! Local 362, which represents custodians, housekeepers and other Disney World theme park workers. “We aren’t part of that. It would violate our contract if members of our union participated, though we are concerned about the issue, of course.”

One of the organizers of the walkout, a New York-based employee, said they were expecting participation by workers with the “privilege” to be able to protest to stand up for those who can’t, the employee said. The worker spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of being targeted online and because organizers didn’t want a single organizer taking the spotlight.

Workers participating in the walkout plan to meet up with each other at locations in Orlando, New York City, Anaheim and Burbank, California, where the company is headquartered.

“Queer employees have been pushing for years to make this company better -- it shouldn’t have taken all this for us to get the attention of people up the food chain. Our voices mattered before all this,” organizers tweeted Tuesday.

A Disney spokesman didn’t respond to an email seeking comment. Disney employed 190,000 workers as of last October, with roughly three-quarters working in its theme parks division.

Disney, whose movies and properties shaped generations of children around the world, has spoken out several times in recent years about contentious social and political situations.

It was one of a slew of U.S. companies that in January 2021 said it would suspend political donations to lawmakers who voted against certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. It also spoke out early against a 2016 anti-gay bill in Georgia, threatening to pull its business from the state, which has become a favorite of movie and TV studios. The bill was vetoed by Georgia’s then-governor.

And the company has not been immune to changing societal expectations. It has said it would revamp the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain rides at its theme parks to remove racist and sexist elements and put short warnings in front of some of its classic movies on its streaming service, Disney+, alerting viewers to “outdated cultural depictions.”

This time, Chapek, who became CEO in 2020, has drawn fire for speaking out about the gender identity bill only after it passed the Florida Legislature.

Republican lawmakers pushing the Florida legislation had argued that parents, not teachers, should be the ones talking to their children about gender issues during their early formative years.

The legislation attracted scrutiny from Biden, who called it “hateful,” as well as other Democrats who argue it demonizes LGBTQ people. It has been sent to DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.

Chapek apologized earlier this month for not coming out more forcefully and publicly against the bill, saying Disney officials had been working behind the scenes to stop it. Chapek also announced a pause to all political donations in Florida and more support for advocacy groups fighting similar legislation in other states. Chapek reiterated those points during a company-wide discussion with employees on Monday.

Disney has long been influential in Florida politics, tending to be conservative and supporting Republicans who have been in control of Tallahassee, the state capital, for two decades, but also being more open on social issues, said Patricia Campos-Medina, co-director of the Worker Institute at Cornell University. “That’s why people felt surprised that they wanted to stay quiet on this issue,” she said.

Organizers of the walkout maintain that withholding political contributions isn’t enough.

On a website calling for the walkout, the group says that until the legislation is repealed, Disney leaders need to stop investments in Florida, including the relocation of 2,000 mostly professional jobs from its California headquarters to Orlando. They also say Disney needs to develop an LGBTQ brand similar to the Onyx Collective, an initiative aimed at developing content by and for people of color.

Power, the GOP official in Tallahassee, said he’s confident that Disney and Florida Republicans will get past this flashpoint and restore their relationship, eventually.

“It’s good that we’re pushing back, because the purpose of a publicly traded company is not to push an agenda,” Power said. “The people at Disney know they need to work with the Legislature and the governor, and they’ll come back around.”

Disney Resort To Require Negative COVID-19 Test For Entry, Reduces Park Capacity

Since 2020, the entirety of the Disney Parks and Resorts have looked and felt incredibly different. Guests have had to adapt and adjust to all of the different protocols, rules, and regulations at the Parks in order to keep not only themselves safe but other Guests and Cast Members as well. Now, one Disney Resort has just beefed up its policies regarding the virus.

It was just announced that Shanghai Disney Resort will be changing its guidelines and policies when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic and Guest safety in a very drastic way.

See the full statement from the official Shanghai Disney Resort website below:

In order to follow Shanghai’s pandemic control and prevention requirements and ensure the safety and health of our guests and Cast Members, we will further enhance Shanghai Disney Resort’s onsite pandemic control and prevention measures. All measures will be effective immediately unless otherwise indicated and include but are not limited to the following:

– Shanghai Disneyland will operate with controlled capacity.

– The majority of Shanghai Disneyland’s attractions and shows will operate at reduced capacity. The theatre shows will be temporarily suspended.

– All guests will be required to present a China government ID card or valid travel document, a green Health QR Code, a green Telecommunication Data-Based Travel Itinerary Card (Travel Itinerary Card), scan the Shanghai QR Code for contact tracing, and a Shanghai Disneyland Reservation QR Code upon entering Shanghai Disneyland.

– Effective Sunday, March 13, 2022, guests will also be required to present proof of a negative Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) taken within 24 hours prior to entering Shanghai Disney Resort.

– All guests will be required to wear masks during their entire visit to the resort, including both indoors and outdoors, except when dining, and strictly follow social distancing requirements.

– All Cast Members will be required to undergo regular NAT testing.

– The frequency of sanitization and disinfection throughout the resort will be further strengthened.

Shanghai Disney Resort including Shanghai Disneyland, the two themed hotels, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park continue to operate at this time. However, we understand that some guests may wish to change their travel plans. Guests who have purchased the dated products or services can contact their original purchase channel for related enquiries, or contact the Shanghai Disney Resort Reservation Center on: 400-180-0000 (Chinese Mainland) or +86-21-3158-0000 (Other Countries/Regions) for all enquiries.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

As you can see, Guests will now have to show a negative COVID-19 test to enter the Disney Park as well as wear masks at all times while inside. Park capacity is also being reduced and numerous indoor shows will be going on an indefinite hiatus. The Park also recently made changes to its pricing structure which we covered here.

While all of these rules may be cumbersome, it is important that Disney keep the safety of its Guests a top priority as COVID-19 continues to spread in the area.

At Shanghai Disneyland, Guests can meet Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, and CookieAnn. The newest addition to the crew is LinaBell, a fox who has already gained immense popularity. The Park is located in Pudong, China, Shanghai Disneyland features seven lands, which include: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, and Toy Story Land.

Nestled behind Enchanted Storybook Castle, Fantasyland is home to a number of popular Disney attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. In 2019, it was announced that Shanghai Disneyland will be the first Disney Park in the world that will welcome a Zootopia themed land in the form of the City of Zootopia located inside Fantasyland.

Source: https://insidethemagic.net/

Disney CEO Says Attendance Caps At Parks Being Raised

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney’s top executive says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to ease up mask-wearing requirements for fully vaccinated people is “very big news for us.”

During an earnings call on Thursday, Disney CEO Bob Chapek hinted that there could be a change to the mandatory mask requirement at Disney parks in the near future after the CDC said people could stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

“Particularly, if anybody’s been in Florida in the middle of summer with a mask on. That could be quite daunting,” Chapek said. “So we think that’s going to make for an even more pleasant experience.”

Chapek said the parks had already started raising the number of people allowed in, as least in Florida, based on relaxed restrictions coming from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office. He didn’t say how many more people were being allowed in the parks compared to the previous restriction of a little more than a third of a park’s capacity.

“So I think you’re going to see an immediate increase in the number of folks that we’re able to admit into our parks through our reservation systems that we recently implemented,” Chapek said.

The CDC guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools and other venues — even removing the need for social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated.

Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels Recognizes Educators And First Responders, Welcoming Them Back With Special Rates

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels in Walt Disney World® Resort is happy to recognize educators and first responders by offering them special hotel rates to enjoy all the magic they may have missed in the last year. This past year, educators have found ways to keep connection and creativity alive in any arena they were presented, while first responders have worked tirelessly to keep people safe and healthy. To honor their hard work the Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels which include B RESORT & SPA, DOUBLE TREE SUITES BY HILTON, HILTON ORLANDO BUENA VISTA PALACE, HILTON ORLANDO LAKE BUENA VISTA, HOLIDAY INNand WYNDHAM GARDEN INN LAKE BUENA VISTA, are giving them an exclusive offer starting at $79 per night.

To keep the magic going, the Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels are in close proximity to the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Disney Springs®. Situated in Walt Disney World Resort, all six hotels are within easy walking distance to Disney Springs®, which now features more than 150 retail, dining and entertainment establishments. This includes exceptional dining options -- ranging from casual fare to extraordinary restaurants by renowned James Beard Award-winning chefs – as well as outstanding shopping, unique attractions, and numerous choices to enjoy outdoor entertainment. Among the new offerings at Disney Springs® are Gideon’s Bake House, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brews, M&M’s Store, Rustic Cuff, and Fit 2 Run is back in a new location. Additional can’t miss locations include, The LEGO Store, World of Disney store and Star WarsÔ Galactic Outpost.

For educators and first responders ready to start planning their magical family vacation, they can book now through July 10, 2021, for travel between now and July 14, 2021. These special rates include Bus Shuttle to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks; a “Passport to Savings” booklet which features discounts and specials from Disney Springs® merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining; and advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® golf courses.

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, visit here. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. Resort fees, taxes, gratuities and daily parking, if applicable, are not included in above rates. This room rate offer is not valid with any other offer or promotion, or on existing reservations, or for groups.

Discover exciting new offerings as well as the classic favorites at a Walt Disney World® Resort. For a quick glimpse at what you’ll enjoy at the Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, or EPCOT® visit here.

Theme Park Highlights:

Magic Kingdom® Park – Enjoy whimsical Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with some favorite Disney friends appearing along the parade route. Explore your favorite thrilling family attractions including the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Pirates of the Caribbean and “It’s a Small World”.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® -- Bring the entire family and hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway! When you burst into this cartoon world, Mouse Rules apply! Then, you can live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The fun doesn’t stop there! Get ready to PLAY BIG in Toy Story Land with Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar where you can fly on the back of banshee, hike amid floating mountains or take a mystical boat into a bioluminescent rainforest! You will explore a lush African savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris and have a quacking good time with Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Launchhpad McQuack on Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!

EPCOT® -- Stop and smell the flowers at the Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, now through July 5, 2021. This annual family favorite includes gorgeous topiaries of Disney characters, 20 stunning garden areas throughout the park, more than 20 outdoor kitchens featuring specialty cuisine and libations, live music daily and more. Enjoy a hang-gliding adventure across the globe, or board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle!

*Room rates are based on availability and do not include applicable taxes and fees. Some blackout dates may apply and availability may be limited. Daily parking fee, (if applicable), and gratuities are not included. This offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, reservations, or for groups.

Disneyland Reopening Marks California’s COVID-19 Turnaround

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Disneyland swung open its gates to cheering visitors donning sequined Minnie Mouse ears and snapping selfies Friday, marking a dramatic turnaround in a state so overwhelmed with coronavirus cases just four months ago that patients were being treated in outdoor tents.

California’s world-famous theme park, which reopened after an unprecedented 13-month closure, is admitting only state residents and operating under a limited capacity for now.

Once inside, guests decked in Disney gear waved excitedly at employees tidying up the park’s hallmark Main Street, which was lined with hand sanitizing stations and signs reminding people to wear face coverings.
After spending the year mostly teaching her third-grade class from a tent in her backyard, Libby Birmingham was thrilled to be there. The 38-year-old, who attended the park regularly before the pandemic
with an annual pass, took the day off work to make the trip down from Pasadena with friends.

“Disneyland is like my happiest place, to be totally honest,” she said. “It’s one of those places that I can always enjoy, and it lets me be the kid — not always be in charge of the kids.”

The reopening highlights a big shift for the nation’s most populous state from just months ago when COVID-19 cases were surging, hospitals were running out of ICU beds, and hundreds of people died from the virus each day.

Now, California boasts the country’s lowest rate of confirmed coronavirus infections and more than half of the population eligible for vaccination has received at least one dose. Children have been returning to in-person classes, shops and restaurants are expanding business, and Gov. Gavin Newsom set June 15 as a target date to further reopen the economy, albeit with some health-related restrictions.

“It has such a symbolic nature to really quantifying that we’re finally rolling out of COVID,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of state tourism promoter Visit California.

Theme parks were among the last California businesses allowed to reopen, in contrast to states with fewer restrictions such as Florida, where Disney World’s Magic Kingdom resort has been up and running, though at lower-than-usual capacity, since July. Another major U.S. amusement park, Ohio’s Cedar Point, opened last summer and will do so again for the upcoming season — only this time, it won’t require masks on rides.

At Disneyland, visitors must wear masks and can remove them to eat only in designated areas. Hugs and handshakes with characters are off limits, and parades and fireworks shows have been shelved to limit crowding.

On Friday, an updated Snow White ride drew throngs of visitors who were methodically spaced out in a winding outdoor line to prevent congestion indoors. Other areas of the park had fewer people. In a section devoted to Star Wars, there was ample space for children to run freely, and visitors waved from a distance to Rey, who flashed a smile and waved from a platform overlooking the park.

Outside a popular boat ride, Allison Sanger and her 4-year-old daughter, Emily, stopped by a cordoned-off patio to chat with a parasol-twirling Mary Poppins and Bert. The 28-year-old said she was glad her daughter could get close enough to see the characters and snap photos even with the new rules.

“We honestly have so many memories here,” she said. “We missed our memories and our magic.”

There was even a marriage proposal.

Zach Bolger, 35, said he met his girlfriend, Mackenzie Brown, 26, some three years ago at Disneyland trading collectible pins. The couple returned to the park Friday, and Bolger pulled out a ring box near Snow White’s wishing well. Brown cried tears of joy.

While California continues to “strongly discourage” anyone from visiting the state as tourists, the travel industry is banking on pent-up demand from its own nearly 40 million residents for a comeback. An advertising campaign encourages Californians to travel within the state, mirroring a pitch made after 9/11.

In a state with so many people shut in for so long, even in-state tourism could be a huge boost. Disney’s California parks have long had a loyal local fan base while its Florida locations rely more heavily on international tourists, said Carissa Baker, assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Disneyland is a major economic engine in California, drawing nearly 19 million in attendance the year before the coronavirus struck, according to the Themed Entertainment Association. It and other such attractions were shuttered in March 2020 as Newsom imposed the nation’s first statewide shutdown order.

For now, the park and neighboring Disney California Adventure are restricted to operating at 25% capacity under state health rules. Disney is only taking reservations from state residents, though California also allows fully vaccinated out-of-state visitors to attend theme parks.

The reopening was also welcomed by park employees eager to get back to work and owners of hotels and shops in the surrounding city of Anaheim. The city’s convention center saw more than 300 cancellations since the pandemic and so far has rebooked a quarter of them, said Jay Burress, president of Visit Anaheim.

At an early morning flag ceremony, Disney chief executive Bob Chapek thanked the park’s employees, many who greeted each other with fist-bumps and bright-eyes, though their smiles were concealed by constellation face masks. He asked them to “bring the magic back” for visitors who were kept away during the 412-day closure.

“We’re not just another theme park,” Chapek said. “We’re something special, and we’re something special because of all of you, because you bring magic to the world.”

Parades, Close-Ups With Mickey Out As Disney World Reopens

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Forget about up-close “meet-and-greet” sessions with Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck when Walt Disney World parks reopen. There will be no firework shows or parades — those would draw too many people together — and both visitors and employees will be getting temperature checks when they enter.

Despite a huge surge of Floridians testing positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks, two of Disney World’s four parks are reopening Saturday. When they do, visitors to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” will find new rules in place.

Everyone has to wear a mask and maintain social distance. No hopping between parks is allowed, for the time being, and visitors will need reservations to enter.

Disney employees won’t be allowed to take photos of visitors in front of Cinderella’s Castle since it involves touching the tourists’ cameras. There will be no live shows since the reopening has caused a labor dispute between Disney World and its actors and singers.

“That is a very different Disney World than the one you worked at back in March, and that is because of the need for safety,” Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here! Local 362, told his members in a recent Facebook discussion.

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen Saturday. Disney World’s other two parks, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will welcome back guests four days later. All of the parks closed in mid-March in an effort to stop the virus’s spread. Disney World’s crosstown rivals, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, also closed in March but have been back open for several weeks after instituting similar rules to protect employees and customers from the virus.

Also this month, the NBA and MLS are restarting their seasons at Disney World, which has a massive sports complex featuring multiple playing arenas.

Disney has been opening back up its parks around the globe for the past two months. In May, the company opened Disney Springs, a complex of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in Lake Buena Vista. Only Disneyland in California delayed its plans to reopen in mid-July, saying it was awaiting guidelines from the state.

The union that represents Disney World actors and singers wishes the Florida resort would do the same until workers can be tested on a regular basis. Florida and other Sunbelt states have seen recent surges in coronavirus cases, and unlike other Disney workers, the singers and actors can’t wear face masks when they perform.

On Thursday, Actors’ Equity Association filed a labor grievance against Disney World, saying their members faced retaliation for demanding the coronavirus tests. The actors and singers initially were called back to work, but that invitation was rescinded last week after the union made public their concerns about the lack of testing, according to Actors’ Equity Association.

For the parks to reopen, “the epidemic must be under control with contact tracing ... and that is not the case in Florida,” said Brandon Lorenz, a spokesman for Actors’ Equity Association. “We don’t believe the workplace plan is safe. It has risks not just for the workers but for the guests.”

Full Coverage: Virus Outbreak

In a statement, Disney on Thursday said, “We are exercising our right to open without Equity performers.”

Other union leaders are confident in the new safety measures. Clinton, whose members are custodians, housekeepers and park greeters, said a visit to Disney World is now safer than going to the grocery store.

“Will I be safe at work? The short answer to that is, ‘Yes,’” Clinton told his members.

Firefighters and paramedics for Disney World’s private government are expecting to see more heat-related calls from visitors due to the mandatory mask-wearing.

“With the masks and summer in Florida, that’s going to be interesting,” said Tim Stromsnes, an official with the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters, Local 2117. “A lot of people aren’t used to our heat and humidity.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said earlier this week that he believe Disney is well-prepared for the reopening.

“I have no doubt it is going to be a safe environment,” DeSantis said. “I am really impressed with what Universal has done and I have looked at Disney’s plan and it is very, very thorough.”

Disney spokeswoman Andrea M. Finger said in a statement Wednesday that the company is “moving forward carefully and methodically.” She said seven unions representing thousands of staff have signed agreements to return to work.

Because of the limits on attendance, new ticket sales and hotel reservations are temporarily on hold so people already with tickets and reservations get first dibs. Even some who already had reservations ran into problems. Shortly after the shutdown, Disney fan Lloyd Stevens and his partner, Andy Rogow, booked a room at the budget Pop Century Resort for next week. But when they called recently to confirm, they were told the only availability was in a much more expensive resort.

“We had to cancel everything,” Stevens said. “I was hoping to get there in midweek and have it not crowded. But with cases rising anyway, I guess we’re kind of glad it didn’t work out.”

Disney World workers have been at the parks already for several weeks, going over hygiene protocols to stop the spread of the virus, sanitizing handrails and consoles and reviewing other changes such as new break rooms that now only accommodate four people at at time.

In addition to a thermometer, workers were given three face masks and a plastic face shield, equipment that made it difficult for some of them to recognize their colleagues without checking their name tags, said Hollywood Studios worker Scott Dudas.

In a Facebook discussion with colleagues, Dudas said he was reassured by the face shields, which can be used when a worker needs to get in close contact with guests, such as making sure children are the proper height for rides.

“I think from a safety aspect, everyone should be on board to feel comfortable with everything in place,” Dudas said. “I feel super safe.”

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Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP.

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Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.

Walt Disney World Presenting Plans For Reopening Parks, Now Targeted For July 11. #Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Walt Disney World is presenting its plans for reopening after being shuttered along with Florida’s other theme parks since mid-March because of the new coronavirus.

Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando will present their proposals for phased reopenings before an Orange County task force on Wednesday, said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. If Demings signs off on them, the plans will be sent to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval.

With 77,000 workers, Disney World is central Florida’s biggest employer.

Last week, Disney World allowed third-party businesses at its Disney Springs dining and shopping complex to open with new restrictions.

All workers and visitors older than 2 at Disney Springs must wear masks, temperatures are checked at entrances to keep out anyone with a temperature 100.4 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) or higher and a limited number of people are admitted to allow social distancing at the high-end outdoor shopping area with restaurants, movie theaters, a bowling alley and a Cirque du Soleil theater.

Crosstown rival, Universal Orlando, presented its reopening proposal last week to county officials, saying it was aiming to reopen June 5. Officials approved those plans and sent them to the governor. Universal also has opened up its dining and entertainment complex with restrictions similar to Disney Springs.

Earlier this month, Shanghai Disneyland became the first of Disney’s theme park resorts to reopen, with severe limits on the number of visitors allowed in, mandatory masks and temperature checks.

Shanghai Disneyland Reopens With Anti-Virus Controls

SHANGHAI (AP) — Visitors in face masks streamed into Shanghai Disneyland as the theme park reopened Monday in a high-profile step toward reviving tourism that was shut down by the coronavirus pandemic.

The House of Mouse’s experience in Shanghai, the first of its parks to reopen, foreshadows hurdles global entertainment industries might face. Disney is limiting visitor numbers, requiring masks and checking for the virus’s telltale fever.

China, where the pandemic began in December, was the first country to reopen factories and other businesses after declaring the disease under control in March even as infections rise and controls are tightened in some other countries.

“We hope that today’s reopening serves as a beacon of light across the globe, providing hope and inspiration to everyone,” the president of Shanghai Disney Resort, Joe Schott, told reporters.

Tourism has been hit especially hard by controls imposed worldwide that shut down airline and cruise ship travel, theme parks and cinemas. Disney blamed a 91% plunge in its latest quarter profit on $1.4 billion in virus-related costs.

Shanghai Disneyland and Disney’s park in Hong Kong closed on Jan. 25 as China isolated cities with 60 million people to try to contain the outbreak. Tokyo Disneyland closed the following month and parks in the United States and Europe in March.

Disney is opening Shanghai cautiously as it evaluates reopening other parks around the world. Parks are a crucial revenue driver for Disney. Parks, experiences and product division accounts for around 30% to 35% of total revenue.

What the company learns in Shanghai could become a guide, executives said in a conference call to discuss earnings last week.

Typical capacity in the Shanghai park is 80,000 visitors a day, but the government has cut that to about 30%, or 24,000 a day, said CEO Bob Chapek.

“We’re going to actually open up far below that just to have our training wheels on with our new procedures and processes to make sure we don’t have any lines backing up, either as guests enter into the park or as they wade through the park,” Chapek said. “So we’re going to approach that very, very slowly, but after a few weeks we’ll actually be up to what the government’s guideline is.”

Disney hasn’t said when their four theme parks and nearly two dozen resorts at Disney World will reopen. However, next week it will begin to allow some third-party shops and restaurants in Disney Worlds entertainment district, Disney Springs, to reopen. Workers and guests will be required to wear face masks. Per state rules, indoor capacity will be limited to 25% and dining tables outside must be more than six feet apart.

In China, the government allowed shops and offices to reopen but is keeping cinemas, bars, karaoke parlors and other businesses closed.

Authorities are trying to revive China’s tourism market by offering free admission to scenic spots and discount vouchers to consumers. But there is no indication when travel curbs that have cut off the flow of free-spending Chinese tourists to Thailand and other neighboring Asian countries might be lifted.

China’s own industry might benefit while those travel curbs limit Chinese tourists to spending in their own country, Taohai Lin of Fitch Solutions said in an email. However, Lin said their spending power could be hurt if weakness in global demand for Chinese exports leads to job losses.

Disney guests, some wearing Mickey Mouse ears, and children in Little Mermaid, Mulan, Minnie Mouse and Snow White costumes were checked Monday for fever at the park gate and then walked down nearly empty lanes as employees waved to them. The company’s signature tune, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” played over loudspeakers.

“It really felt like a princess’s homecoming, especially when the staff lined up after the ticket check and said, ‘Welcome home!’,” said visitor Dilys Ding of Shanghai.

“It feels like so many fewer people than normal. You don’t need to line up,” said Ding, 26. “You can play all the entertainment items at least once. That’s very good.”

Decals on sidewalks and at lines for attractions show visitors where to stand to leave space between themselves. The company said rides will be limited to one group of visitors per car to keep strangers apart.

“We don’t want people too close — front, back or side,” said Andrew Bolstein, the park’s senior vice president for operations.

The company said its plans were based on the experience of Disneytown, an adjacent shopping and entertainment facility that reopened earlier in the 1,000-acre (400-hectare) Shanghai Disney Resort.

Advance reservations are required and visitors are assigned times to enter. The company said earlier guest numbers will be limited to one-third of the usual daily level of 80,000 at the start and will gradually increase.

“Excited about the opening of the gate!” people in the first group of guests shouted as they entered the park at 9:30 a.m.

Shanghai Disneyland, which opened in 2016, is a joint venture between Walt Disney Co. and a company owned by the Shanghai city government.

Disney has a 43% stake in the Shanghai Disney Resort, which includes the theme park, two hotels and Disneytown. The resort said earlier it attracted about 12 million guests last year and a total of 66 million since it opened.

Disney, headquartered in Burbank, California, said some outlets in Disney Springs, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex attached to the Disney World theme park in Florida, will reopen this month. The company has yet to to set a date for reopening Disney World or its other parks worldwide.

Visitors to Shanghai Disney are required to show government-issued identification and use a smartphone app issued by the Shanghai city government that tracks their health and contacts with anyone who might have been exposed to he virus.

That allows the company to “understand and regulate the flow of traffic,” said Bolstein.

Activities including children’s play areas and indoor theater shows are closed in line with government restrictions, Bolstein said.

“We hope to bring them back some time soon,” he said.

By SAM McNEIL

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AP researcher Si Chen, AP Business Writer Mae Anderson in New York and Michael Schneider in Orlando, Florida, contributed to this report.

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Walt Disney Co.: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/

Air Gondolas Join Disney World’s Transit System

Gondolas move to various locations at Walt Disney World on the Disney Skyliner aerial tram, Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Disney Skyliner gondolas opening to visitors on Sunday are the latest addition to one of the largest private transportation systems in the U.S. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Walt Disney World on Friday introduced its newest way to get around the Florida resort: an aerial cable car system that whisks visitors from hotels to theme parks three stories above the ground while going 11 mph (18 kph).

The Disney Skyliner cable cars opening to visitors on Sunday are the latest addition to one of the largest private transportation systems in the U.S. The almost 300 enclosed cable cars join 423 buses, 61 mini-vans (appropriately named Minnie Vans), 30 parking lot trams, 29 watercraft and 12 monorail trains.

In any given 24 hours, 350,000 people — the population of a medium-size city — can be on Disney World property, which is the physical size of San Francisco. Disney transportation workers need to move them efficiently from parks to hotels to Disney World’s shopping and restaurant districts with as little friction as possible.

“There are a lot of benefits to being in the air,” said Alison Armor, vice president of transportation at Disney World. “People are off the roadways. They’re moving very smoothly and very seamlessly.”

In a given year, Disney World visitors take 100 million rides on its entire transit system, said Thomas Mazloum, a Disney senior vice president.

With the Skyliner air gondolas, visitors get neon-colored cars painted with the images of almost two dozen Disney characters taking them on the three lines to five stations where they can access nine resorts and two parks. Disney World has four theme parks and more than two dozen resorts.

No more than 10 people are allowed in each cable car. A car will arrive every 10 seconds, allowing the cabins to handle about 3,000 people an hour.

By MIKE SCHNEIDER