TSA Announces Mask Mandate on Planes Will Not Be Enforced Following Court Ruling

Yesterday a federal judge in Florida ruled the nationwide mask mandate for airports, planes and other public transportation is unlawful.

Shortly after Monday’s ruling was handed down, the Transportation Security Administration said it will no longer enforce the mandate.

The CDC had recently extended the mask mandate covering air travel and other public transportation to May 3rd.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled Monday that the mandate exceeded the statutory authority of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which issued the order. Mizelle’s ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed in July by the nonprofit Health Freedom Defense Fund.

Even though the TSA has stated that they won’t be enforcing the mask mandate, it still is not known whether the Biden administration will appeal the ruling.

Ever since the parks have re-opened following their closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney has repeatedly followed the TSA guidelines with regard to its transportation operations. Walt Disney World no longer requires masks to be worn inside its buildings but still requires masks to be worn when aboard any enclosed transportation, including the monorail system and busses. Even the recently opened Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios requires masks to be worn when onboard.

While it remains to be seen what implication this latest ruling will have any action Disney will take in response, it is anticipated that Disney will probably be ending its mask mandate while guests are on Disney transportation. Disney has not hinted as to what they plan on doing at this time.

Disneyland Resort Unveils New Grand Finale in the ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’

As you probably recall, it was previously announced that the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will be returning to Disneyland, and“World of Color” will be back for guests to enjoy at Disney California Adventure park beginning this Friday, April 22!

It’s hard to believe that the “Main Street Electrical Parade” is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Many generations of guests have been delighting in this guest-favorite spectacular for five decades.  It’s return should be a magical homecoming!  The enchantment will continue for a whole new generation of dreamers.

The “Main Street Electrical Parade” will return with an all-new, enchanted grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness, honoring the parade’s milestone anniversary.

Inspired by both the original design of classic “Main Street Electrical Parade” floats and Disney Legend Mary Blair’s iconic art style on “it’s a small world,” the new grand finale brings together more than a dozen Disney Animation and Pixar stories. These stories are interpreted in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sound, with unique representations of beloved characters as animated dolls.

Disney created a short video with two of the show directors Jordan Peterson and Robin Trowbridge that talks about the new finale and gives us an exciting first look at the “Main Street Electrical Parade.”

I know that I’m excited for the parade’s return.  I can’t wait to see it again when I’m back visiting Disneyland in September.

Walt Disney World Announces Opening date for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ Rollercoaster

This morning Walt Disney World announced that the Memorial Day weekend will have opening date for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster.

The new $450 million Guardians of the Galaxy-themed rollercoaster will officially have its opening on Friday, May 27th.

The Memorial Day weekend opening does not come as a surprise to many ever since a high-ranking Disney executive let the cat out of the bag via social media following a test ride last month.

Disney also released a video that will be the commercial spot for the attraction.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ was initially scheduled to open in Spring of 2021, before the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. The project was delayed due to the COVID-19 shutdown and subsequent cost-control measures that Disney imposed.  The rollercoaster will serve as Disney’s headline attraction to market for the summer and remainder of 2022.

Following the announcement, Disney has updated the attraction’s webpage to include more details and a countdown clock.

Disney has also confirmed that there will be Cast Member previews ahead of the May 27 opening of EPCOT’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.’

Cast-exclusive previews will begin in April, followed by Cast Member previews with friends and family in May.

It is expected that media previews are expected during a multi-day event in the first week of May and should be quickly followed by Club 33 members.

Disney has started emailing notices of advance previews for select groups including Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

With this email Disney has confirmed that ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ previews will be held for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

It is important to note that today’s email does not provide specific dates for the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ passholder previews but says to “be on the lookout for a registration email soon.”

So, if you’re an annual passholder or a DVC Member…stay tuned!

 

All Walt Disney World Resorts Are Finally Open

Minnie, Mickey and Goofy joined Disney cast members at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort at Walt Disney World to commemorate the Disney Resort hotel’s March 31 re-opening.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is the final resort to re-open at Walt Disney World during the phased re-opening.

This marks the first time since March of 2020 that all of Walt Disney World’s Resort hotels are open to guests.

Disney Announces Return of Pre-Pandemic “Huggable” Meet and Greets

Recently Disney announced that character meet and greets will return to pre-pandemic conditions beginning on April 18th.

Not all locations will be available immediately. The removal of physical distancing at character meet and greets will be coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise line, and Aulani throughout the spring and summer.

Currently, most of Walt Disney World’s character meet and greet locations have returned, but physical distancing currently remains in effect with characters located behind a barrier and guests unable to make any direct contact.

At Walt Disney World character meet and greets have been physically distance ever since the parks re-opened from the COVID-19 closure in mid-2020.

Walt Disney World Announces Dates for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Yesterday Walt Disney World announced the dates for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World.

This year’s festival will begin on July 14 and will run through November 19.  This is the same length as last year’s festival.

According to Disney there will be more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT. Returning will include favorites like The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE.

Even though Disney has not released many details, it is known that the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt will be returning along with Emile’s Fromage Montage.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue to Return June 23

Yah-hoo, let’s eat!

One of my favorites at Walt Disney World is about to return. The beloved musical dinner show Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be returning this summer. Reservations will be available starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23.

The Pioneer Hall Players and cast members will be welcoming back guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will again be offering guests a rousing Wild West performance, singing, zany comedy with lots of laughs and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and strawberry shortcake.

In the announcement Disney mentioned that the show is being updated but didn’t specify as to what the changes are.

Since its opening day almost 50 years ago, this fan-favorite show has continued to surprise and delight our guests, and as Disney grows we look for new ways to elevate and enhance our classic experiences. Hoop-Dee-Doo will return with a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience the whole family can enjoy – with the hilarious, high-spirited entertainment that it’s been known for all these years.

New Muppet Series Staring The Electric Mayhem Band Coming to Disney+

There’s some exciting news for Muppet fans!  Yesterday Disney announced that an all-new series called “The Muppets Mayhem” will be coming to Disney+. The Disney Branded Television series is being produced by ABC Signature and The Muppets Studio.  The show follows The Electric Mayhem Band as it records its first-ever album. Lilly Singh (“A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” “Dollface”) will play the lead human role of “Nora,” a junior music executive tasked with managing and wrangling the band.

The Electric Mayhem Band first debuted on “The Muppet Show” in the 1970’s and has been an important part of The Muppets ever since.

The band consists of Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone and Lips on Trumpet.

From David Lightbody, executive producer and senior vice president of Disney Live Entertainment and The Muppet Studio –

We are so excited to bring the story of The Electric Mayhem Band to the front and center of this new series. They’ve been entertaining audiences since ‘The Muppet Show,’ which debuted 45 years ago, so it’s wonderful that these characters are finally getting to play lead rather than supporting roles.

The series was developed by Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta and Jeff Yorkes based on characters created by Jim Henson. It is written by Adam F. Goldberg (“The Goldbergs”), Bill Barretta (“The Muppets,” “Muppets Haunted Mansion”) and Jeff Yorkes, and the executive producers are Goldberg, Barretta, Michael Bostick and Kris Eber.  Yorkes is a co-executive producer. David Lightbody and I from The Muppets Studio are also executive producers.

Disney has not said when “The Muppets Mayhem” will stream on Disney+, but I’m sure that I’m not alone when I say that this is good news and hope that this creates a little excitement for the Muppets again at Disney.

Disney+ Plans on Launching Ad-Supported Plan in Late 2022

In an announcement made today, Disney+ said that it will launch an ad-supported subscription plan in the United States later this year, with plans to expand internationally in 2023.

Disney didn’t mention a specific launch date or any pricing in the announcement.

According to Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution –

Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers.  More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.

It has become very popular to add cheaper options with ads among subscription services. Last year HBO Max introduced a $10 per month plan that shaved $5 off the ad-free price, though it must be noted that in addition to adding commercials, the cheaper plan also is limited to HD content (and not 4K). Peacock on the other hand takes a more varied approach, offering a smaller selection of content with ads is completely free, with a $4.99 per month tier that offers the full library with ads, along with a $9.99 per month level that allows customers to download titles to watch offline and gets rid of (most, but not all) of the commercials.

Rita Ferro, President, Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution added –

Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there’s a growing demand for more streaming inventory.  Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. I can’t wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.

What are your thoughts on this new version of the popular Disney+ service? Personally, I think I’ll stay with the ad-free version…at least for now.

State Farm and Disney Parks and Resorts Agree to Multi-Year Partnership

Today State Farm and The Walt Disney Company announced a new multi-year relationship covering the Disney Parks and Resorts and Disney Advertising Sales businesses.

Starting this year, State Farm will sponsor the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort, Good Neighbor Month celebrations in September, and the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

State Farm will also be sponsoring two venues located at Walt Disney World Resort, State Farm Waterview Park at Disney Springs and State Farm Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

In a statement from Rand Harbert, chief agency, sales & marketing officer at State Farm –

State Farm is honored to team up with Disney on exciting new experiences and opportunities that are only made possible with a good neighbor and a little magic. Both brands strive to help people realize their dreams. Together, we’ll work to do good and spread joy in communities across the country.

State Farm will also be the presenting sponsor of the popular “Five Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend” segment of the weekly D23 Inside Disney podcast and the presenting sponsor of the upcoming Disney Parks planDisney Podcast and.