Video: A Look Back at Walt Disney World Reopenings in 2021
So many experiences returned to Walt Disney World in 2021. Here’s a look back at some of the most popular venues guests can now enjoy at the Vacation Kingdom.
Walt Disney World continues to bring more entertainment, dining options and hotels online.
It’s hard to believe but for the first half of 2021 we didn’t have fireworks at Magic Kingdom or at Epcot. I am thrilled to have them back, plus they are new shows!
Here’s a fun look back at some of my favorite things that returned in 2021.
2022 promises even more magic as we anticipate new attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at Epcot, Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. Stay tuned for even more updates throughout the year.
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To get started on your Walt Disney World vacation, contact me today.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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First Look: 3 New Spectaculars Coming to Walt Disney World
Disney World announced 3 new spectaculars starting October 1, 2021 plus new character cavalcade.
Beginning Oct. 1, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s a first look at just some of the 50th anniversary events coming to Orlando.
“Disney Enchantment” coming to Magic Kingdom
A new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” will help kick off the 50th anniversary festivities when it debuts Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom Park. Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this new nighttime show is designed to inspire everyone to believe in the magic, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.
Epcot ‘s Harmonious nighttime spectacular
Joining “Disney Enchantment” on Oct. 1 will be “Harmonious” at EPCOT, the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park.
This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide.
It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the stories and songs that unite us, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways.
“Harmonious” will invite Guests to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.
“Disney KiteTails” coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
There’s also new daytime entertainment stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Check out this artist rendering of “Disney KiteTails” which will come alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater beginning Oct. 1.
Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long.
These colorful creations will dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be the hosts for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and they’ll be decked out in sparkling new EARidescent fashions for the 50th anniversary.
As you can see in the photo above, their best pals want to get in on the shimmer, too, as Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be sporting their own custom-made EARidescent looks beginning Oct. 1.
Guests will get a chance to see them when they travel through Magic Kingdom Park several times daily in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.”
Looks like Disney may stick with the Character Cavalcades rather than the parades. Personally, I like how they just spontaneously appear, it adds to the excitement.
Want to be part of the celebration? I’ll help you navigate all the big changes coming to Walt Disney World plus keep you posted as new details become available.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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"Fireworks View Rooms" Go On Sale at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Fireworks View rooms on sale now at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
While Disney World has not yet announced the return of fireworks, you may notice that “Fireworks View” rooms have gone on sale starting early summer 2021 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.
I first reported on this in my post on April 9th. As of today, Fireworks View rooms have sold out through mid-July. I’ve booked a few for clients who were willing to roll the dice on the return of Magic Kingdom fireworks. I hope they do!
What’s interesting is that Fireworks View rooms cost quite a bit more than other room categories at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at about $700 per night (with tax).
That’s comparable to Standard View rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Garden Wing rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Fireworks View rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge go on sale in early summer.
Courtyard View rooms at Wilderness Lodge were, at one time, the most expensive rooms at the hotel. But today they are about $150 less per night than Fireworks View rooms.
A little history….Fireworks View rooms were once considered Standard View, the most economical room category at Wilderness Lodge.
View from a Nature, Fireworks View room at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort | Walt Disney World
A few years ago, hotel management began optimizing the nightly rates for each room at Wilderness Lodge based on view.
Managers discovered that some rooms on the north side had a distant view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. I would hardly call it a view because the rooms are pretty far away. You can’t even hear the music or see entire fireworks show.
Nature, Fireworks View at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Photo Credit: yourfistvisit.net
These new Fireworks View rooms suddenly became more valuable and rates were dramatically increased. Actually, they are now among the most expensive rooms at Wilderness Lodge.
A similar thing happened at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort when the least desirable rooms were given a Pirate theme. Now they are the most expensive rooms at the hotel. It doesn’t mean they are worth it, though.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why would anyone pay more money for a Fireworks View room when there are no Magic Kingdom fireworks? That’s a good question!
In the absence of fireworks, wouldn’t that make this former Standard View room…well, Standard View again? And why is Disney charging so much more money for a view of nothing? Even more than Courtyard View?
This makes we wonder if fireworks are coming back in July. Probably not, but how else can Disney World justify charging more money?
I of course asked those questions when speaking with Disney agents on the phone. They agreed that something seems strange here.
But they gave me the official line that there have been no announcements as to when fireworks will be returning. I expected that answer, of course.
I can’t see why Disney would wait announce the return of fireworks, so I’m guessing this is just a room category that is available to book when all the other rooms have sold out at the hotel.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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Easy vacation packages for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World