To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
It has been another busy week for Disney news!
Magic Kingdom
From a BIG update on parking lot trams, to news about former Disney CEO Bob Iger, and restaurant reopening information — we’ve got quite a bit to cover. Ready to dive in and check out all of the Disney news you might have missed from this week? Let’s begin!
1 — Parking Trams Are Coming BACK
Though restaurants, hotels, and rides have reopened, many Disney fans have long been awaiting the return of one big thing…parking lot trams.
These trams have been unavailable since Disney World reopened, meaning guests have had to make the (sometimes quite long) trek to and from their cars and the front of the park by foot. Well, soon that’ll be changing!
The Trams Are Coming BACK
Disney recently announced that parking lot trams will be coming BACK to Magic Kingdom later this month, and will be returning to the other parks throughout 2022! (And the crowd rejoiced!). Stay tuned for more updates on this!
Click here to see more about the return of parking lot trams!
2 — COVID-19 Omicron Variant
Over the last few days, we’ve heard quite a bit about the new Omicron COVID-19 variant and it has started to impact a number of things. First, the U.S. is restricting travel from select countries due to the COVID-19 variant.
The WHO has also recommended that select individuals postpone their travel due to the Omicron variant.
Airport Crowds
As the situation with this new variant continues to change and develop, we’ll be working to provide you with the biggest updates.
- Click here to see the full list of current travel restrictions and border closures due to Omicron.
- Travel mask mandates will be extended in the U.S. — click here to learn more
- Click here to see what you need to know about the Omicron COVID-19 variant and Disney World
Be Sure to Stay Updated on All the Latest Travel Rules and Restrictions
Recently, we also noted that Orange County, Florida (where much of Disney World is located) is now in the “substantial” category when it comes to COVID-19 community transmission. The county had previously been at a lower level of transmission, but it seems the situation has changed.
Click here to see more updates about COVID-19 and travel to Disney World and Disneyland.
3 — More Reopenings
While many things have reopened in Disney World, some are still closed. But, very soon a few more spots will be available for guests to enjoy again! In mid-December Story Book Character Dining will be reopening at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. When it reopens it will feature an updated menu.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point
Also in mid-December, Boatwright’s Dining Hall will be reopening at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The menu will look a bit different when this spot reopens as it appears to have gotten some price increases, new additions, and other changes.
Mardi Gras Fritters
We can’t wait to try out these restaurants once they open. Reservations for both are now available, so be sure to reserve your spot.
Click here to see more about the return of Story Book Dining!
4 — Bob Iger’s Replacement Has Been Named
©Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images
While that’s something that has been in the works for a while, this week we learned some NEW information — who will be Bob Iger’s replacement.
©Disney
Iger will be replaced by Susan Arnold, who most recently served as independent Lead Director and has been on the Walt Disney Company board for 14 years.
Click here to learn more about the individual who will replace Bob Iger.
5 — Other Restaurant Changes
This week we also got news about more restaurant changes. For those who are hoping to get a few photos with the characters during a character meal, we’ve seen that the character dining photo policy has changed in Disney World at one restaurant at least. Previously, guests had to remain seated when taking photos with the characters at Tusker House, but during a recent visit, guests were allowed to actually stand up and get a bit closer to (though still distanced from) the characters.
Mickey posing for a picture with a guest at Tusker House
Also, if you’re looking to eat at one of Disney World’s newest spots, Space 220, things have changed a bit. Previously, guests could join a walk-up list to eat at the Space 220 lounge, but now the Space 220 Lounge is taking reservations and it appears reservations will be required for the lounge space from now on.
Inside Space 220
Of course, all of these things are subject to change again in the future, so be sure to check and see what the process is like during your visit.
Click here to see the 5 BEST things to do in Disney World in December.
6 — Two Disneyland Festivals Are Coming Back!
If you’re a big fan of festivals in the parks, then you’ll be thrilled to know that 2 popular Disneyland festivals will be returning in 2022. Recently, Disney announced the dates for the return of the Lunar New Year Festival at Disney California Adventure Park.
Lunar New Year 2020
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will also be returning and we’ve got the dates and other information for those festivities.
California Food and Wine Festival entertainment stage
We’ll be on the lookout for more details about both of these festivals, so stay tuned!
Click here to see more about the return of the Food & Wine Festival to Disneyland Resort!
Other news was shared this week too. Check out the stories below for more:
- A new gold popcorn bucket has arrived in Disney World!
- Check out photos & videos from our time at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
- See photos & videos from the return of the Candlelight Processional in EPCOT
- Here’s when you’ll be able to get the famous candy canes in Disneyland
- Frozen chocolate-covered bananas are back in Disney World
Pure perfection
- You’ll be able to watch the Christmas parade in Magic Kingdom during the DAY soon — click here to learn more!
- Check out everything coming to Disney+ in December
- Face masks are no longer required in U.S. Disney stores
- 2 popular Disneyland rides will temporarily close soon
- A classic Disneyland ride could reopen soon, following a flooding incident
- A legendary cheesy dish is BACK in Disney World
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
- You might want to avoid Magic Kingdom on one day in February 2022
- You can now SKIP the long checkout lines at a popular Disney World store, and you’ll be able to skip the lines at more stores in Disney World and Disneyland soon
- Disney World now has its own holiday — Walt Disney World Day!
- More fireworks dessert party dates have been added for Disney World
- See why chicken tenders might be harder to find soon
- Get a peek inside a new restaurant from celebrity chef Richard Blais that is near Disney World
That’s it for us this week. Be sure to check back with us for more Disney news!
