Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun!

[shelbel95]

First Disney World Playground Reopens Following COVID-19 Closures with No Physical Distancing, 70% Capacity

This is awesome... I wonder if the Casey splash area will start up again soon, too.

 

[shelbel95]

I don't think I've ever actually noticed the playgrounds (I'm terrible, lmao)- are these usually hot spots? Like is this a big or small deal?

When our kids were younger, the playgrounds were a big deal for us. Now that they are 8 and 10, it probably won't be as much as a draw for our family, but it'll be nice spot for families with younger kids to be able to take a break to run around and play.

Edit to add: and, I like that it's one more thing that's now open to help spread out guests.

 

[HokieRaven5]

I don't think I've ever actually noticed the playgrounds (I'm terrible, lmao)- are these usually hot spots? Like is this a big or small deal?

The one by splash mountain that’s kind of hidden is good for when you have smaller kids that can’t get on.

 

[sabrecmc]

I think the playgrounds reopening is a very good sign, especially because they opened the indoors one first. My daughter loved that when she was little, and I liked it because it was in the A/C and I could sit and just watch her play. We often hung out there way past when we could have ridden Dumbo just because she was having fun.

Now, give me back my topping bars, Disney! Oh, and Typhoon Lagoon!

 

[Shelby Schroepfer]

I don't think I've ever actually noticed the playgrounds (I'm terrible, lmao)- are these usually hot spots? Like is this a big or small deal?

its been pretty big for us! there are a few in the parks that we utilized a lot, as well as the splash pads so hopefully this is working towards those.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

I don't think I've ever actually noticed the playgrounds (I'm terrible, lmao)- are these usually hot spots? Like is this a big or small deal?

It was a big deal for me when my son was younger... since I started doing our trips just the two of us (single mom) those playgrounds were the one place I could be like 'okay go let loose' and recover/die on the bench.

But yeah, I also second the sentiment it's just great to see more open to spread folks out! Since our trip is only about two weeks away I don't have high hopes for much else opening in time but would loveeeee to see some longer hours so here's hoping!

 

[BrianL]

The one thing that I find disappointing about the revised scene is that it appears as if it's static. Am I just missing it in the video or did they eliminate the AA elements in the scene?

The movement of the rhino and the guy at the bottom who's going to "get the point in the end" is really what sells that scene! Sad if they just turned it into a static "sculpture."

I just saw that the scene now has animated characters and sound effects. They just hadn't turned them on right away. Looks cool!

 

[OhThePain]

But no mention of eat to the beat just local bands.

Definitely disappointing for a lot of people, I totally get it! I’m sure you’d rather see the original artists than local bands...but the way I’m looking at it, is as long as it’s good music, and live bands, I’d be happy!!! And you never know, they could always throw a couple celebrities in here or there! I guess we’ll have to just wait-and-see!

It does say that the festival will open with the American Gardens Bandstand. Between that and the few slipups we've seen from artists posting dates on their sites, I am going to take it as by the end of the festival EttB will be back, in the more traditional way we are used to. They probably couldn't fill the whole F&W with more famous ($$$) acts, plus with restrictions and mandates in place they may not have been 100% ready to pack the theater.

 

[mrsap]

Third new scene installed at the Jungle Cruise - 'Boats and Baits - AND BITES'

 

[Shelby Schroepfer]

ugh some of the NEW F&W booths sound bomb. This will be the first time in 6 years I will not be there for F&W. We are instead going in January and I worry it'll be "boring" with no festival. I think we will JUST miss Festival of the Arts. I don't even know what Epcot is like without a festival lol.

 

[mrsap]

I just saw that the scene now has animated characters and sound effects. They just hadn't turned them on right away. Looks cool!

Here’s a new video from today:

SKIPPER FELIX GETS ANIMATED

 

[mrsap]

Safety Netting Installed as TRON Lightcycle Run Construction Powers Forward at Magic Kingdom

 

[rangerxenos]

Guys, it’s my birthday, let’s do an extra dance for some Port Orleans or nighttime spectacular news soon!

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[mrsap]

For collectors...

General Mills Announces a New “Mischievous” Loki Charms Cereal

“General Mills has announced a new “Loki Charms” limited edition cereal. General Mills will be selling the 3500 limited-edition cereal boxes via MischievouslyDelicious.com on Wednesday, June 9th. Presale will begin at 9 AM EST/6 AM PST, with the store formally opening at 11 AM EST/8 AM PST.”

 

[mrsap]

Crews Begin Cutting into Main Street Confectionery Facade at Magic Kingdom

 

[merdie]

I don't think I've ever actually noticed the playgrounds (I'm terrible, lmao)- are these usually hot spots? Like is this a big or small deal?

This one can get quite busy, and my kids loved it in there. It’s such a nice spot to let kids run around and adults get air conditioning.

 

[yorkieteacher]

I don't think I've ever actually noticed the playgrounds (I'm terrible, lmao)- are these usually hot spots? Like is this a big or small deal?

Its a big deal when small kiddos are restless waiting in line, or hanging around for rider swap- we utilized this, the Winnie the pooh play area, and the little play area under Splash Mtn. when doing rider swap there or at Big Thunder, the Boneyard when rider swapping Everest or Dinosaur, so I've been hoping they all open back up. Plus maybe the arcades for older kids at the resorts when it's raining and we need downtime from the parks.

 

[jessiegirl1982]

Literally never knew this existed... I think I only ever used a FP for Dumbo, and skipped it entirely the last trip or 2.

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

Just sharing that there is an updated policy on the boards for COVID-related discussions from the admins here. I know @mrsap has been working hard to keep this thread on track already, but thought we all might want to be aware.

But what will anyone talk about now?

 

[Spaceguy55]

Definitely disappointing for a lot of people, I totally get it! I’m sure you’d rather see the original artists than local bands...but the way I’m looking at it, is as long as it’s good music, and live bands, I’d be happy!!! And you never know, they could always throw a couple celebrities in here or there! I guess we’ll have to just wait-and-see!

It's going to take awhile for these original bands to end up back at Epcot. Normally they are touring and just make Epcot part of their tour dates, but since covid almost all of the traveling touring bands don't have enough stops to make a tour so they are not ready to go on the road yet. That may change and some could show up later in the F&W dates..maybe sooner for some.....