First off, Happy National Polka Dot Day! Due to a hectic week with a sick dog, we are making this week’s roundup short and sweet!
Disney World
A new Almond Ring Cookie at the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT, and it looks delicious!
Beer Marshmallows at EPCOT? Ummmm….
The Festival of the Lion King will return to the Animal Kingdom this summer.
A new baby White Rhino named Kendi was born at the Animal Kingdom and he loves to run and play with bubbles!
Hall Of Presidents is now closed for refurbishments, and of course to add a new Presidents audio!
Disney Worlds new 50th Anniversary Celebration will start in October this year. Disney has already completed one section of their new signage for the Parkway entrance and the progress is moving quickly.
Cast members have been unblocked from Hollywood Studios on select weekends in January.
The first phase of France pavilion expansion is now open
Disney World has posted park hours up to April 10th I didn’t see any extended hours for Easter weekend.
Rare new Spiced Surabat Cider at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
Tomorrowland’s PeopleMover is still set to reopen January 30th, as of right now there doesn’t seem to be anymore delays with reopening.
The Rivers of America continues to be drained and work remains, both boats and Tom Sayer Island remain closed.
Disney’s Train refurbishment appears to be done up to the Tron Ride, construction is at a halt in that area.
Kali River Rapids is closed for refurbishments during these cold months.
Petition to bring back the Magical Express has been filed, seems silly at this point.
New character barriers were put up on the Gran Fiesta Tour at EPCOT to keep guests from exiting the ride in certain areas.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run receives plexyglass barriers.
Pirates of the Caribbean ride finally receives its new flag.
New EPCOT Leave A Legacy Wall is near completion.
California Grill adds to and updates Menus at the Contemporary Resort.
Disneyland
Disneyland moves Star Wars shop to Downtown Disney, formally the Rainforest Café.
The new vaccination site at the Toy Story Parking Lot had to shut down this week for a day or two due to strong winds.
In Other News
Permits filed for general construction for Disney’s Contemporary Resort refurbishment on guest rooms will start April-September 2021.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs will receive a much-needed water slide refurbishment at the Paddock Pool.
The Polynesian Resort refurbishment is still currently taking place until mid-summer. It appears the Monorail platform has been torn down?
Disney Cruise Line will offer 2-day cruises from Vancouver to Seattle.
Disney’s Wonder will set sail this summer with 2-day cruises.
Rapid COVID-19 testing is now available at Orlando International Airport. A negative test is required for all inbound international travel.
Disney gives us a tour of the new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.
Disney Springs experiences more shop closures.
Disney announces bucket list cruises to Antarctica.
The new M&M store is making progress at Disney springs, giving us a glimpse of the cute new Minnie and Mickey Mouse M&MS.
Former Nickelodeon Hotel/Holiday Inn files for bankruptcy despite being located within minutes of Disney World.
COVID-19 delays reopening of Disneyland Paris, again.
Disney nixes bonuses for their top executives.
Wanda Vision was released on Disney+ with 2 new episodes. We did watch these, I thought they were cute. But I’m super grateful they evolving… No spoilers, sorry.
Gideons Bakehouse opens back up with an 11-hour wait at Disney Springs.
Merchandise
New Madame Leota Haunted Mansion Snow Globe is available at Downtown Disney for $54.99.
New Minnie Mouse and Clarabelle Cow Year of the Ox Kate Spade collection is now available.
New Mickey Mouse, Dalmatian, Toy Soldier pajama pants, and boxer brief’s released at Disney World.
New limited release EPCOT Screen Print Posters and Lithographs released on ShopDisney.com
New Disneyland character pairs sweatshirts arrive at Downtown Disney.
ShopDisney.com released their new NuiMos! They are so adorable, go check them out!
