Latest News from Disney Destinations & Universal Resorts
February 11, 2022
Welcome to 2022!
Well, here we are, February 2022. January rolled in slowly and sort of felt like an extension of 2021. So, now that’s it is February…it’s finally feeling like a new year. I’m sure most of you know, a lot has changed at Disney Parks and Universal Resorts over the last year! It’s been a Wild Ride to say the least. Like a hold on to your seats, rollercoaster ride. With that being said, I think a 2021 re-cap is 110% necessary. So, without further ado, let’s countdown the BIGGEST park news of 2021 and what’s up & coming in 2022.
1. Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Celebration! Unless you’ve been living Under the Sea (and even then), you must have heard about this BIG event! Walt Disney World Resort turned 50…and enchantingly fabulous on October 1st. With new Beacons of Light on the 4 park icons, not to mention, Cinderella Castle getting a gorgeous makeover, the theme parks are decked out in their absolute finest. Even some of the characters have new earidescent outfits. Walt Disney World has some new additions: 50 Golden Character Statues! Thinking of visiting this year or next? Don’t worry, you can still celebrate WDW’s 50th until April 2023! Now, that’s a Party!
Get your Vacation Quote: https://forms.gle/eGdFkyuJwoH3eXcq9
2. Disney Genie is out of the Bottle! Disney Genie+ with Lightning Lane is available for purchase at $15 per person/per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per day at Disneyland Resort. You can add this to your tickets or vacation packages. Also available for purchase: Individual (ala carte) Attractions using Lightning Lane. This includes the attractions not included with Disney Genie+. Cost varies per attraction/per date and is per person. FYI: Lightning Lanes are lines that will have very little to no wait for attractions!
3. Facial coverings are still required for guests 2 and up at ALL indoor locations: attractions, queues, shops, restaurants & transportation at Disney Parks and Universal Resorts.
4. Magical Express had ended. Guests may now book transportation to/from MCO airport and a Disney Resort Hotel for a fee. Options include Sunshine Flyer and Mears Connect, both offering shuttle service. Other options include Ace Transportation for private transportation and Uber/Lyft services.
5. Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line in 2022 & 2023!! Disney Wish has postponed its maiden voyages until mid-July. Booking NOW! Fill out my form for your free quote: https://forms.gle/4kZREmfSLnVubaFP9
6. ALL WDW RESORT HOTELS have OPEN except All Star Sports Resort, which opens March 31st. More normalcy…I’m here for it. Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are welcoming Guests again. Look for Mardi Gras happenings & food/drinks at both resorts! Many resorts also underwent refurbishments, and the new rooms look amazing: Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Saratoga Springs, All-Star Music & Movies, and Port Orleans Riverside! All Universal Orlando Resorts are OPEN.
7. PERK: 30-minute early theme park entry for all Disney World Resort guests at all theme parks. A new perk: Disney Deluxe Resort Hotel Guests get extra evening hours on select days at select parks. Currently, Epcot is open late on Mondays and Magic Kingdom is open late on Wednesdays. This also includes Shades of Green, Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels.
8. The new, expanded France Pavilion at Epcot is OPEN including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure which is Stand-by Line or is available for Individual Lightning Lane Purchase! Be sure to try out the Le Creperie for delicious crepes! (Quick Service and Sit-Down Dining). Bon Appetit. Be sure to try the other new restaurants that opened at WDW: Space 220 at Epcot (most coveted new reservation) and Steakhouse 71 at Contemporary Resort!
9. What’s coming in 2022!! Festival of Fantasy Parade returns March 9. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will debut Summer 2022. Tron is expected to open late 2022. MagicBand+ will hit shelves soon. Amazon and Disney partnered up to create the immersive, interactive & informative “Hey Disney” for Echo devices. These will be in WDW resort hotel rooms later this year. runDisney is Back…in person & virtual!
10. WDW Annual Passes Sales are paused for the moment: Here’s what was being offered:
Disney Pixie Dust Pass $399 plus tax (FL Res only), Disney Pirate Pass $699 (FL Res only), Disney Sorcerer Pass $899 (FL Res or DVC member), & Disney Incredi-Pass $1299. Add-on Options: Water Park & Sport $99 and Photopass $99. Prices do not include tax. Do you know Annual Passholders get DISCOUNTS galore: Rooms, Dining, Merchandise and more!
11. Epcot’s Festival of the ARTS is happening now thru February 21, 2022.
Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival is right around the corner (and so is Springtime)! Mark your calendars for March 2 thru July 4, 2022.
12. Star Wars Rise of the Resistance is now using a traditional STANDBY LINE. This attraction is also available for Individual Lightning Lane Purchase. PRO TIP: This is 100% worth the price! Book this one asap (7 am!)…in the Disney Genie tip board on your MDE app.
13. Disneyland has announced fan-favorite After Dark has returned for 2022: Sweethearts Nite, Villains Nite and Star Wars Nite!!
14. First Voyages on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Begin March 1, 2022; General Booking is now open for March thru September 2022. Fill out my form for a free quote: https://forms.gle/FWMks7psPv8f1Qaq9
15. Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating MARDI GRAS now thru April 24th! Beads, Confetti, Parades, Food, Drinks, Concerts, and more! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
16. Disneyland’s new annual passholder program has changed to the MAGIC KEY program. 4 Options: Dream Key, Believe Key, Enchant Key and Imagine Key (So. CA residents only).
17. Vaccination News for Disney Cruise Lines & Adventures by Disney16.
Disney Cruise Line Guests Ages 5 and Older Must Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19
For Adventures by Disney, all Guests must provide proof of being full vaccinated before joining any trip.
18. MORE Character Sightings at WDW, slightly modified: (masks indoors, no autographs/hugs, socially distanced, individualized meet & greet, themed setting/photo op)
19. Universal Orlando Resort announced a new theme park will be opening by summer 2025! Epic Universe will include Super Nintendo Land and rumored How to Train Your Dragon, Fantastic Beasts, Universal Monsters & more.
20. Universal Orlando’s NEW thrilling rollercoaster debuted last summer in the Jurassic Park Land…Velocicoaster! Fast, scary and awesome…this is a must do for any coaster fan!
Have Questions? Want to know a little more? Send me an email or message.
🥀Enchantingly Yours,
Angie Baycura
Enchanted Nook 