One Year Ago Today, Disney Reopens Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
For the first time ever in March 2020, COVID-19 shut down all the Disney Parks throughout the world. However, Disney fans gleefully rejoiced as two theme parks reopened one year ago today.
Reopening Day
Although with restrictions, Guests re-entered the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 11, 2020, with joy, excitement, and tears. Safety guidelines and precautions, such as masks, physical distancing, and routine cleaning, did not hinder the magic for many people.
Since then, many more exciting events have taken place, so let’s recognize how far we’ve come! We’ll talk about rides, resorts, dining, and shows.
Rides
Although a majority of the rides reopened with the parks, there were two major differences. Guests had to adjust to physical distancing and the temporary removal of pre-shows.
Physical distancing required Guests to stand 6-feet apart while in queues. Therefore, lines appeared deceptively long as they wrapped around unexpected places in the theme parks.
Now, reduced physical distancing results in normal length queues. Best of all, using the queues appropriately frees up some other areas of the park previously used for the distanced lines, such as some dining locations.
For example, Peter Pan’s Flight’s physically distanced queue used Columbia Harbor House. Hopefully, this long-awaited quick service location will reopen soon.
Also, pre-shows returned to Walt Disney World rides, and they are beloved portions of attractions. It was a big day here at MickeyBlog when the stretching room returned to The Haunted Mansion.
Photo: DisneyFanatic.com
Currently, the biggest question regarding Walt Disney World rides concerns the future of FastPasses. Stay connected to MickeyBlog to find out if FastPasses will be a charged convenience.
Resorts
When Walt Disney World reopened in July 2020, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort reopened, as well. However, in order to enter them, you either needed a room or dining reservation.
Photo: Disney
Since then, several Disney World Resorts have reopened including, but not limited to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and more! In fact, the future of Walt Disney World Resorts continues to brighten!
Photo: Disney
Yes, Disney World recently announced that all of their resorts will reopen by December 2021. Indeed, everything is getting closer and closer to normal each day at Walt Disney World Resort.
Photo: Disney
Not only that, but many resorts have undergone refurbishment. For example, The Polynesian Village Resort is now Moana-themed and The Incredibles took over The Contemporary Resort.
Dining Locations
When the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopened one year ago, mobile ordering was required at all dining locations. Guests had to use the My Disney Experience app to place their orders at specific dining locations and schedule a time to pick up their food.
Even though mobile ordering is still a recommended and convenient service, some dining locations are evolving toward normal operations. Also, several favorite restaurants have reopened, including Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom and Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
Yes, Guests still anxiously await the reopening of some dining locations, such as Columbia Harbor House. However, as each dining location reopens, it provides hope for those that remain closed.
Shows
Shows are a huge component of Disney magic, and many fans feel the parks are not the same without them. One year ago, shows were not available at Walt Disney World.
Although many people were grateful to walk in the theme parks once again, there was a spark missing without the entertainment. Honestly, it was heart-warming to hear the Dapper Dans sing on their cavalcade.
Throughout the year, more entertainment options have become available to Guests. Recently, two of the most exciting announcements were made by Walt Disney World.
First, A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 8, 2021. The Festival of the Lion King is easily a fan-favorite, so the auditorium was at capacity on opening day!
Second, fireworks spectaculars returned on July 1, 2021. This included Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom!
Photo: Disney
Finally, Walt Disney World felt completely magically once again to many people. There is nothing like live, in-person, spectacular, Disney entertainment!
Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going
Looking back on one year ago, it’s easy to say that we’ve been down a long road; one that none of us wish to return. The words masks, distancing, and quarantine will never be the same to many people.
Photo: Disney
However, the future is hopeful. Walt Disney World’s future includes The World’s Most Magical Celebration, which will likely remind us all of our connectedness, ability to inspire, and potential to impact the future.
Photo: Disney
Friends, life is short. Please, make memories with your family, love one another, and remember that you have the power to make your dreams come true. From all of us at MickeyBlog, welcome back to the magic!
Now, let’s start planning YOUR Walt Disney World vacation! Simply, fill out the form below or send an email to sgrose@mickeytravels.com for a FREE, no-obligation quote! MickeyTravels is a Platinum Earmarked Agency. I will help you with everything as your MickeyTravels agent to ensure your specific needs are met! Plus, I offer rate monitoring to guarantee you are receiving the best deal available from Disney! Also, I work with ALL Disney Destinations, including Good Neighbor Hotels. Best of all, my services are FREE! So, email me at sgrose@mickeytravels.com, call or text me at 304-920-1998, or visit my Facebook page. There, you can stay updated on all-things-Disney. Also, you can stay connected with me for promotions and giveaways! TTFN (ta-ta for now)!
