Another month down in 2020. It’s been a bit of a tumultuous month for Disney news, particularly where California is concerned. The battle to reopen Disneyland continues, but it seems unlikely we’ll see that park reopen anytime soon, as cases around the country and the world increase (Disneyland Paris just shut down again). But in better news, Disney continues preparations for their 50th anniversary next year and Walt Disney World is sharing some really nice discounts for the first 4 months of 2021. And Disney+ is a great distraction, with season 2 of The Mandalorian starting!
Disney News
- The D23 Expo, normally held every other year with the next one due up in 2021, has already been pushed back to 2022.
- New food items and a limited character experience will come to Chef Mickey’s starting on December 16.
- Pixar’s next upcoming film, Soul, will be released directly to Disney+ for free on December 25.
- Mobile ordering has been popular at Disney quick service restaurants, but they are actually using it at several table service restaurants as well. Sanaa and Kona Cafe both offer a “table service to go” option.
- As Disney continues to do live action remakes, they also seem set on making movie versions of popular attractions – and Space Mountain is one that is currently in the works.
- The first of the All-Star resorts, All-Star Movies, will reopen on February 9, 2021.
- Festival of the Arts will be happening in Epcot again, running January 8th-February 22, 2021.
- There are some pretty great discounts available from January 3rd-April 17th for Disney resorts right now – email me today if you’re thinking about a trip and want to see some good rates!
- Disneyland in California will be opening part of California Adventure for dining and shopping as an extension of Downtown Disney.
- Disneyland Paris has shut down again thanks to increasing cases of coronavirus. They are still taking reservations for December 19-January 3 in the hopes that they can open for the holidays, but otherwise they are not looking at reopening again until February 13.
- Disney Springs will be getting a new donut and coffee spot called Everglazed.
- Disney has shared some details about the Epcot Festival of the Holidays happening this year.
- Starting on November 3rd Disney is changing the way they do the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance – instead of being in the park and doing it at 10am, you just need to have a park reservation that day and can try grabbing a spot starting at 7am that morning.
- The Disney Parks blog has shared some holiday treats that will be featured at the theme parks this year, many of which will be available starting November 6!
Disney Rumors
Transportation // There is speculation that the Minnie Van service will be retired for good. Many of the drivers have been let go and people believe that it never really took off in the way that Disney expected.
Resorts // The clown slide at the Boardwalk pool has been removed, and it seems likely that it won’t return (it may be replaced by something else).
Attractions // Two new attractions–Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Jungle Cruise–are likely to get the virtual queue treatment similar to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance per WDWMagic.
Attractions // One of the biggest rumors right now is that TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, both expected to open by October 1st, 2021 for the 50th anniversary, will be pushed back to 2022.
Other Disney blogs
Falon over at Falon Loves Life visited Downtown Disney in California and shares her experience, including how she’s staying safe and how comfortable she felt there.
On the Disney Park Princess, Sara asks “What would ruin your Disney vacation?” and gives suggestions for how to avoid disappointment.
Missing the drinks at Oga’s Cantina? Mindy from This Fairy Tale Life has recipes for a number of Oga’s drinks!
At the Disney Tourist Blog, Tom shares his thoughts on why he thinks Disneyland is unlikely to reopen until 2021 – and why he thinks it may not happen until at least next summer.
This is perfect for the Disney enthusiast! Due to COVID, there are so many unknowns with travel, so it’s great to have all of the helpful info in one place!
Becky! You are THE go-to Disney girl. This is incredibly detailed info – super helpful for the Disney lovers out there!
Thanks for sharing! I love Disney and hope all the parks can open up sooner rather than later!
I’m so excited about the new Pixar movie. I’m fine with it being released to Disney+. I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth from that subscription! Lol.
So glad I went last year before all this. Hoping things will reopen sooner rather than later, and my hearts go out to all the workers who have been affected. Definitely a tumultuous year.