In the Disney Parks Blog earlier today, Walt Disney World provided key information regarding its attractions and entertainment during the phased re-opening of its theme parks.
Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will open on July 1th and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open on July 15th.
In the blog post, Disney states that most attractions will be available at each park. While Disney does not provide an exhaustive list, they do provide the names of key attractions in each park that will be open.
Magic Kingdom
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Expedition Everest
- Flight of Passage
Epcot
- Soarin’
- Frozen Ever After
- Test Track
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
As I’ve mentioned, this is not an exhaustive or extensive list. Based on the wording of the blog post, many if not all of each parks could be open. I believe that nearly all of the attractions of each park will be open and Disney only managed to mention the major attractions in order to alleviate fears of attending guests that these attractions might not be open.
It is also important to note that the refurbishment of Spaceship Earth has been postponed, or as Disney states “paused” during this phased re-opening.
If you’re worried about seeing characters, Disney addressed this….
Just as you may have seen recently at Disney Springs, our characters will appear in new and different ways that bring a smile to your face while also being mindful of physical distancing. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland you might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as you traverse the Castillo del Morro on your way to Pirates of the Caribbean. You could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
Disney added that guests will also be returning several musical groups to the parks. When we return home to the theme parks we can look forward to seeing Main Street Philharmonic at Magic Kingdom Park, plus the Mariachi Cobre and everyone’s favorite funky drumming crew the JAMMitors at EPCOT, plus many more.
While we won’t be seeing parades, in the traditional sense, and there won’t be any character Meet and Greets, it is good to see that we will still will be able to see the characters that make trips to Walt Disney World special each time. I’m also glad to see some live entertainment returning, even if it is at a distance.
Disney News Today 