PHOTOS – What’s New at Walt Disney World This Week

Things are always changing at Walt Disney World. Even little changes can impact your Disney vacation. Our team is in the parks every day and we’ve noticed a few changes over the past few days at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Cinderella Castle from Main Street – April 14, 2021

At Magic Kingdom, the special makeover of Cinderella Castle in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World continues. New this week are embellishments that resemble gems and jewels. The deep blue and purples hues with an ear-idescent touch look regal set against the gold.

Bejeweled Cinderella Castle with 50th Anniversary Embellishments – April 14, 2021

Over at Animal Kingdom this week a new sand sculpture to celebrate National Geographic’s Secret of the Whales takes over a spot in Discovery Island where a Raya and the Last Dragon sand sculpture debuted last month. Also over in Africa the extended queue of Kilimanjaro Safaris has taken over a favorite sitting area next to Dawa Bar. Benches in this area are removed. We have to wonder what will happen to managing the extended queue whenever Festival of the Lion King finally comes back to us.

Secrets of the Whales Sand Sculpture at Animal Kingdom – April 13, 2021

Kilimanjaro Safaris Extended Queue Takes Over Sitting Area Near Dawa Bar – April 13, 2021

Yesterday was a rough day at Hollywood Studios. Wait times across the park increased as Rise of the Resistance had a very poor day of operation. This led to extended queues for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror filing next to each other. Tower of Terror’s extended queue sometimes leads into the walkway to the Fantasmic! theater. The character banners in this area have been refreshed and brightened up after taking a beating from the Florida sun.