This past week, Disney stealth-posted previews for its upcoming roller coaster. Meanwhile, a beloved coaster returned after a brief hiatus.
We’ll talk about these things and a welcome international theme park update in the latest MickeyBlog News.
Cosmic Rewind Sneaks on Sale…SOLD!
Sometimes, Disney’s decision-making drives me up a tree. Here’s the latest example.
Last week, park officials announced that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind would host sneak previews throughout May.
Disney promised that the following groups could book these events: cast members, Disney Vacation Club members, annual passholders, and D23 Gold members.
If you’re not a cast member, I have irritating news. You’re already out of luck.
Yes, Disney, in its infinite wisdom, performed largely unannounced sneak preview bookings of the roller coaster.
I’m not even joking. A rumor started one evening that the booking would occur the following morning. Many questioned its accuracy.
After all, Disney usually sends emails with details about such events, just as they had with the D23 Gold sneaks.
Alas, the rumor proved true, as the booking window opened and closed within 75 minutes.
Photo: D23
The lucky few DVC members paying attention that morning scheduled their sneak previews. Soon afterward, the same cycle repeated with annual passholders.
Yup, those sold out within hours as well. As previously discussed, Disney had charged for the D23 Gold event, which includes other amenities.
Well, that one booked almost immediately, too. So, if you don’t have a reservation for Cosmic Rewind right now, you’re probably out of luck.
I will add that Disney could always add more sneak previews later. In fact, as the opening date approaches, park officials might just let people in.
That’s happened several times before. So, if you’re visiting in mid-May, keep your head on a swivel and pay close attention to social media.
You still might get lucky here.
Image Credit: Disney
Who’s Eson?
On the plus side, park officials have revealed more about the Wonders of Xandar pavilion and Cosmic Rewind attraction.
For instance, we now know that the Guardians of the Galaxy will square off against a Celestial during the storytelling roller coaster experience.
If you’ve watched Eternals, you know that Celestials are caretakers of the universe. However, their motives are often difficult to defend.
In fact, Eternals sets up for a sequel wherein the heroes from that film probably battle a Celestial who has called for the judgment of civilization.
Well, the Star-Lord, Gamora, and Groot will apparently beat the Eternals to the punch, so to speak.
This being, Eson the Celestial, has apparently watched Earth for eons and seeks to “to right a wrong in a big way.”
Look, I’m still pretty upset about Super Bowl LI as well, but you don’t see me threatening humanity.
Anyway, I don’t like Eson’s chances, as the rider will work with the Guardians to prevent the Celestial from succeeding with his evil plans.
Photo: Marvel
Marvel.com has posted an update about Eson, who apparently once held the Power Stone.
By the way, the selection of Eson the Searcher fits perfectly. In the comics, he came to Earth, wherein he first observed…the state of Florida. So, yeah.
Meanwhile, Imagineer Zach Riddley has posted images from the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. You can view them on his Instagram feed.
Park Returns and Additions
Three Walt Disney World theme park attractions switched from Lightning Lane to Disney Genie+ a few weeks ago.
At the time, only one park offered multiple Lightning Lane options, and even that one came with an asterisk.
Disney didn’t comment on Expedition Everest, as it was currently undergoing renovations.
Image Credit: Disney
Now, I’m happy to report that one of Disney’s best thrill rides has reopened. Even better, park officials have switched it to Disney Genie+.
So, you can skip the longer lines here via that system rather than having to pay to ride it a single time.
Of course, you can also choose Single Rider for a free, quick hop on the ride.
The other significant Disney return will occur overseas. After a brutal run of misfortune, Hong Kong Disneyland reopens on April 21st!
Photo: Hong Kong Disneyland
This park closed on January 7th in anticipation of returning on January 20th. That estimate was only off by…three months.
Even worse, Hong Kong Disneyland had previously closed and functioned as a COVID-19 treatment site until February of 2021, when it reopened for the first time.
The fact that I’m having to add “the first time” speaks volumes about how much of a struggle it’s been.
This park has turned into a financial lodestone for all involved. So, the latest reopening provides an opportunity to make a much-needed comeback.
A Quick Avengers Update
By the way, while we’re talking about international theme parks, Disneyland Paris has just announced the upcoming change at Walt Disney Studios Park.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will convert into an Avengers Campus attraction known as Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
Leaked images suggest that the current limousine coaster carts will receive a new paint job and modified dimensions.
They’ll take on the colors of Iron Man, complete with an arc reactor in the hood.
American audiences should take note, as this one could come with Disney California Adventure as well.
I don’t think Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get this ride, at least not in the short term. The binding agreement with Universal Studios remains in place.
You can read this article for a more detailed explanation about the odd standoff. Please remember that Disney could always buy its way out, though.
Miscellaneous Park News
The Encanto projection sequence has arrived at It’s a Small World! You can watch a clip here:
Speaking of this ride, the Library of Congress has selected 25 songs to enter its National Recording Registry.
I’d be a LOT more impressed by this feat if one of the other songs weren’t…Livin’ La Vida Loca.
Still, as a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan, I’m thrilled that the registry has archived Hank Aaron’s 715th Career Home Run for preservation.
In other park news, Sulley from Monsters, Inc. will return to his old haunt at Walt Disney Presents Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Yes, he comes back tomorrow, April 18th! Tell him I said hi. By the way, you may recall that Mike Wazowski had previously met guests here.
Disney stopped this before the pandemic, and he won’t be there. So, it’s just our furry friend, Sulley.
Photo: Disney/Erik Neinstedt
Also, the Cozy Cone Pool has reopened at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
I previously ranked it as one of the best pools at Walt Disney World, although I really need to update since that’s four years old.
Photo: Disney
Okay, that’s it for this week. Hope you had a lovely Easter, my friends!
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