MickeyBlog News for April 11th, 2022
This week: Cosmic Rewind gets a date, It’s a Small World gets a projection, and the Disney Wish gets to go home.
We’ve got roller coaster news in the latest MickeyBlog News update!
Cosmic Rewind Is Coming
A few weeks ago, a Disney Vice-President did something rare for the company, at least lately.
Under CEO Bob Chapek’s stewardship, Disney has tightened up all its leaks, preventing stories from reaching the media early.
Photo: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images
Then, this person unexpectedly stated an opening date – well, a weekend – for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
At the time, many dismissed the matter as a communications error, but I’ve said all along that I believed the VP.
Twitter: @GeoffMorrell
Sure enough, that person had it right all along. They just weren’t supposed to say anything yet.
The new EPCOT roller coaster will debut on Memorial Day weekend. Specifically, Cosmic Rewind will open to the public on May 27th, the Friday of the holiday weekend.
At that point, Disney will also reveal the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. So, we’re seven weeks away from the big date.
However, some lucky guests will experience Cosmic Rewind before everyone else.
Disney has confirmed sneak previews for annual passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, theme park employees, and D23 Gold members.
In fact, we should talk about D23 Gold, as those tickets will go on sale this week. Specifically, the booking window opens on April 12th at 1 p.m. EST.
At that point, interested guests will pay $40 (including a $5 processing fee) for tickets to a private Guardians of the Galaxy event. You can read the full details here.
The gist is that you’ll receive a $20 meal coupon at EPCOT as part of your $40 purchase.
Plus, you’ll gain special reserved seating for that night’s Harmonious presentation. This event occurs on May 15th, 12 days before the official opening.
Obviously, the catch is that you’re paying for this one. Unfortunately, Disney hasn’t explained details about the other sneak previews, some of which are likely free.
Image Credit: Disney
Encanto Is Inevitable
Five weeks ago, I discussed something in Disney Rumors. The subject-centered on rumors regarding Encanto.
For those of you somehow unaware of the phenomenon, Encanto debuted in theaters to mediocre box office results.
In fact, Onward actually earned more domestically than Encanto. But then, something shocking happened.
Once Disney+ added Encanto, the film turned into a legitimate global phenomenon. It dominated the top of Nielsen’s streaming movie charts for several months.
Photo: Disney
Seriously, we’re talking about a Titanic-like streak that only recently ended due to the arrival of Turning Red.
Meanwhile, We Don’t Talk about Bruno has turned into the most popular Disney movie song of all time, at least according to music charts.
The last time Disney introduced an animated intellectual property this successful, the parks grew overrun with it. Cast members called the whole thing Frozen Fever.
Well, history is prepared to repeat itself, as Encanto will soon become an unavoidable part of Disney park experiences.
Disney had previously announced the impending presence of the Madrigal family on the modernized version of the Main Street Electrical Parade.
Now, the iconic It’s a Small World façade at It’s a Small World will add elements from Encanto.
Before you Hulk out, please understand that these changes are temporary.
Imagineers will project an Encanto celebration of We Don’t Talk about Bruno against the walls of It’s a Small World for a limited time.
This presentation will run several times a night. So, it’s not something you need to stand in line to watch.
Instead, Disney is doing a fun thing for people spellbound by the Madrigals and their magical house.
Disney Ain’t Going Anywhere
Sometimes, I have to answer questions that just…I mean, wow. Recently, the weirdest one is whether Disney might leave Florida.
The odds of this happening are roughly the same as my holding a winning lottery ticket while simultaneously getting struck by lightning AND a meteor.
Still, some Disney fans take everything at face value and worry about theoreticals and unknowns.
To those folks, I’m happy to alleviate some of your concerns. Disney just confirmed its commitment to Central Florida.
The company has designated 80 acres of land where it will construct affordable housing.
Here’s the video where Disney announces its grand ambitions for the project:
Walt Disney World’s President, Jeff Vahle, stated the following:
“The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”
For cast members, this is legitimately the best news imaginable.
So, Disney deserves a ton of credit here. Hopefully, it will do more of this, particularly at Disneyland Resort.
Photo: Disneyland
Park Miscellany
Friends, the Disney Wish has started its long transatlantic voyage to its permanent home at Port Canaveral, Florida!
Here’s a video about it, complete with 1980s teen movie music!
Yeah, I don’t know who picked the soundtrack for that, but they’ve watched Goonies waaaaaay too many times.
Anyway, this video proves vital in one way. It means that the Disney Wish has passed all its tests! Yes, the mighty vessel is seaworthy and ready to host guests!
Photos credit: Meyer Wert
The other big news this week won’t actually occur until June 17th. On that date, Disney will inexplicably close Narcoossee’s for remodeling.
If you’re unfamiliar with this restaurant, it’s located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Why is this decision maddening? On June 20th, the Grand Floridian reveals its new rooms at Big Pine Key, building nine at the hotel.
That’s a week when the Grand Floridian will approach maximum occupancy, making it THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME to close a restaurant. But it’s my problem. So, I’ll deal with it.
Anyway, Narcoossee’s is receiving renovations and will apparently remain closed for a while.
Given the other recent changes at the Grand Floridian, don’t be surprised if Narcooossee’s returns with new theming. Its sister restaurant, Citricos, just added a Mary Poppins style.
For whatever reason, Disney wants intellectual property sprinkled throughout the Grand Floridian.
If you doubt me, head to the hotel lobby’s second floor to grab a drink at Mizner’s Lounge Enchanted Rose Lounge.
