Disney Parks News Roundup! 6/19/2020
Hey all you cool cats and kittens! (I’m sorry, I had to)
I’m trying something new here at the blog based on an Instagram poll (if you don’t follow me yet, check out @missingmickeyblog) - a weekly Disney Parks news roundup! Things are moving quickly in the world of our beloved Magic Kingdoms around the world, and this is your one-stop-shop for all of it!
Disney Park Pass System
Today Disney Parks provided some much anticipated information on the new reservation system, introducing the Disney Park Pass system at Walt Disney World. This will enable the parks to reopen in a safe, guest-focused way while delivering the magic we’ve all come to love (and expect!) from the parks. Here are a few highlights
You’ll need a My Disney Experience account. This is the only way to manage your park reservations.
Each park will have limited reservations available, and, if you have a multi-day ticket, you will need to make a separate reservation for each day you visit the parks.
Park hopping is no longer available. Each guest will be limited to one park per day.
New theme park ticket purchases and hotel reservations will be available beginning June 28th
Watch the video below, or read more about it on the Disney Parks Blog!
Hong Kong Disneyland Reopens!
On Thursday, June 18th, Hong Kong Disneyland reopened to guests! Perhaps the most exciting part of this announcement (and the accompanying videos!) was the almost-complete Castle of Magical Dreams. The new castle “will stand as a shining beacon of courage, hope and possibility, draws inspiration from 13 beloved Disney stories featuring princesses and heroines.”
I had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong Disneyland for the first time last year, and it’s an absolute must-see for any Disney fan. Their fun spin on well-known attractions, along with completely unique ride experiences, is well worth a trip across the ocean!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and H20 Glow Nights Canceled
Due to Disney World’s restrictions on larger parade and “nighttime spectacular” experiences, the resort has decided to cancel the annual Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The event, planned to run for 36 nights in the months leading up to Halloween. The H20 Glow Nights series at Typhoon Lagoon has also been canceled. Disney is working on refunding ticket purchases in the coming weeks.
A Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Announced
Beginning July 15th, a modified version of the annual EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will be available to guests. The festival will run through the Fall, allowing more guests to take part in the festival while the park restricts the number of people allowed inside for the foreseeable future. Read more about the updated experience on the Disney Parks Blog.
Whew! Those are some big announcements! How do you feel about the new park reservation system? Were you planing to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this fall? Will you be traveling to the parks soon, or will you be holding off until a COVID-19 vaccine is available? There’s a great conversation over at Theme Park Insider on that very topic!