Every week is a busy week when it comes to Disney news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Walt Disney World and other Disney resorts, here’s WDWNT’s weekly recap of the Disney news from September 21 to September 27, 2020.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• You can tour the Magic Kingdom with us by viewing our photo reports from September 20, September 21, and September 23
• Work continues on the new Magic Kingdom resort boat launch, including a new sign
• Our favorite characters showed off their new Halloween costumes
• Despite being clear, we spotted the plexiglass dividers added to the outdoor portion of the Peter Pan’s Flight queue
• Permits were filed for new graphics at “it’s a small world” and for what may be roof work at Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Magic Kingdom operating hours were extended by one hour September 25 through 27
• The popularity of Character Cavalcades meant that the east Main Street, U.S.A. bypass opened to pedestrians

• Cinderella made a physical distanced appearance outside Princess Fairytale Hall
• Work continues on the TRON Lightcycle / Run canopy installation
• Those with late dining reservations were treated to a nighttime view of the newly painted Cinderella Castle
• We reported that the Magic Kingdom parking toll plaza will receive a new color scheme
• The Rivers of America will be quiet, as Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat are scheduled for refurbishment
• We visited and reviewed Cinderella’s Royal Table after it reopened
• The scrim was removed from City Hall, revealing a fresh coat of paint

• Adventureland updates include the return of Bwana Bob’s and prep work at a spring roll cart
• We documented the ever-increasing crowds and wait times at the park
• Boat service has resumed transporting guests from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the Magic Kingdom
• Magic Kingdom Resort Area guests will soon be using a new dock to board resort boats departing from the theme park

EPCOT

• Check out what’s new around the park with our photo reports from September 22 and September 26
• New signs are being installed at the theme park’s entrance turnstiles
• Check out our photos documenting the demolition of the Electric Umbrella, including the interior area
• We also have a photo update of the France Pavilion Expansion, which is nearing completion
• The Donut Box and Cool Wash are preparing to open for the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2020

• The entrance sign for the upcoming restaurant Space 220 was installed
• On Wednesday, September 23, there was fireworks testing occurring over World Showcase Lagoon, hours after a tech crew was spotted on the water. We were able to photograph and video the testing, which you can check out here!
• Arriving at Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion at EPCOT, The Land Crusher is sure to make your mouth water at the sight of this delicious pulled pork sandwich
• Craving an American favorite that isn’t as heavy as a traditional slice of apple pie? Look no further than the apple tart at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in The American Adventure
• Chefs de France at the France Pavilion in EPCOT will be reopening October 8 and reservations are now being accepted
• Fries topped with crispy shrimp? We review Chengdu Street Fries
• With larger crowds, more seating options were added throughout the United Kingdom Pavilion
• Three popular food spots — Yorkshire County Fish Shop, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, and Sommerfest — have reopened to guests
• Over at the Play! Pavilion, the geometric roof refurbishment is nearly complete
• An updated EPCOT guest survey hints at increased capacity and experiences

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Get caught up with our September 21 and September 24 photo reports
• We documented the long wait times and peak weekday crowds that have come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance vehicles were fitted with plastic dividers to increase ride capacity
• A few days later, dividers were added to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride vehicles
• Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine earned our praises during a recent visit
• Over at “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” we saw activity as the attraction’s queue screens came back to life in preparation for the attraction’s October 5 reopening

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated World Rhino Day announcing upcoming rhino births!
• A baby giraffe was born September 22
• The weekend saw bigger crowds and longer wait times
• Travelers were welcomed back to Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks in Asia
• Additional rock work was added to the upcoming Kilimanjaro Safari goat exhibit

Disney Springs

• Disney Springs is introducing Weekdays at Disney Springs, a new offering featuring 20% discounts on select menu items at 20 Disney Springs dining locations
• Though still under construction, a new sign was added to Gideon’s Bakehouse
• We found Jaleo’s Magical Dining Month deal to be the best at the Walt Disney World Resort
• The popular shopping and dining destination reached capacity September 26

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• We toured the grounds and buildings around the resort as it prepared to reopen after the NBA bubble fencing was removed
• Basin White has reopened at the resort with new social distancing measures
• We were saddened to hear that The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra has been fired effective October 3

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• With Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort not reopening until Summer 2021, work on the resort’s Great Ceremonial House is set to begin next week, on September 28
• Then Disney provided additional information about what the overhaul will bring to the entrance, including releasing concept art
• Permits were filed for electrical work for the upcoming refurbishment
• We reviewed the new Halloween Minnie Cupcake with a Rocky Road filling from Capt. Cook’s

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

• The Artist’s Palette debuted Halloween pumpkin spice whoopie pies and caramel cauldron cupcakes

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• We went a little “batty” when we reviewed the cookies and cream-filled Halloween cupcake at Roaring Form

Other Walt Disney World News

• Park hours for all Walt Disney World theme parks were extended for the weekend of September 25-27, meaning that some parks will be open after dark once again
• In an abundance of caution, runDisney has canceled the upcoming 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
• Walt Disney World Annual Passholders now get 30% off on select purchases on shopDisney through October 11
• The Walt Disney World Resort released a statement regarding Florida’s move into “Phase 3”
• The My Disney Experience App received an update for Apple and Android devices
• We’ve released a Disney Park Pass availability update for Annual Passholders, Disney Resort Guests, and Theme Park Ticket Guests
• Walt Disney World began sending our surveys for guests regarding limited park capacity and virtual queues
• A massive server outage lead to the temporary shutdown of shopDisney, plus Mobile Ordering and Gift Card payments at Walt Disney World
• Despite moving into Phase 3 reopening, face masks will still be required in Orange County
• Park hours have been released through December 12

Disneyland Resort

• Disney hosted a press conference on September 22 giving an update on the parks and resort operations, though no opening date for the resort was announced
• Even though a formal reopening date hasn’t been announced yet, preparations are well underway to get the theme parks ready for guests as social distancing signage was added to Disney California Adventure and the Mickey floral planter has been refreshed at the Disneyland entrance
• Once Disneyland and Disney California Adventure reopen, they’ll be expanding mobile ordering at restaurants to promote contactless payments, plus reduce crowding and wait times during peak dining times
• Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro has stated “It Is Time” to reopen Disneyland theme parks, and warned of the devastating impacts if it doesn’t happen soon
• Disneyland Resort will be opening community COVID-19 testing sites
• Disneyland Resort’s reopening remains stalled, with hotel cancellations now extending through October 10
• With Disneyland Resort still closed, Disney has just released extension guidelines for its top Annual Passholders with Premier Passports, a pass which includes access to resorts on both coasts
• With the heartbreaking passing of Chadwick Boseman this past August, Walt Disney Imagineering has brought a thoughtful tribute of the late actor to the Downtown Disney District in Disneyland Resort
• With plans for even Aulani now announced, Disneyland remains “in limbo” while awaiting reopening plans from state officials

• We captured additional photos of Disneyland preparing to reopen with social distancing markers installed at the turnstiles
• A new commercial puts pressure on Governor Newsom to reopen Disneyland Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland

• We got a first look at the incredible Belle and Beast animatronics on “The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast,” the new E-Ticket attraction, along with images from the rest of the ride
• Watch ALL SIX song variations of “The Happy Ride with Baymax”, a new attraction officially opening in Tokyo Disneyland September 28

• Take a full walking tour of the New Fantasyland expansion that is opening to guests September 28
• Join us for a full tour of Belle’s Village, including all of the new shops, decorations, and upcoming restaurant
• We also have images of Beast’s Castle and the surrounding area
• Or check out the New Fantasyland Forest Theatre, which will feature the new Mickey’s Magical Music World show
• We also were able to visit with Baymax’s new attraction- The Happy Ride with Baymax!
• Take a first look inside La Taverne de Gaston and LeFou’s
• We also got a sneak peek inside the new “The Big Pop” Popcorn Store
• Check out the inside of Minnie’s Style Studio Meet and Greet

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

• The magic is back at Hong Kong Disneyland! After a secondary closure due to COVID-19 spikes in the region, the park will be reopening on September 25, 2020
• In a blow to the resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is now barred from expanding after local authorities declined to renew an agreement with the park to develop a neighboring plot of land
• We got a first look at the stained glass representing the 13 Disney Princesses and Heroines on the Castle of Magical Dreams

Shanghai Disney Resort

• Shanghai Disneyland is reportedly cutting segments of “Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light” to save costs

Aluani, A Disney Resort

• Disney has just announced that Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa will begin its phased reopen on Sunday, November 1

New Merchandise

• We got a sneak preview of the new Sorcerer Mickey Blue Spirit Jersey, Minnie Ears, Face Masks, and more coming to Walt Disney World
• For a limited time, guests are now able to find exclusive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise at Downtown Disney District, shopDisney, and now Disney Springs at Star Wars Trading Post
• The new Baby Yoda “The Child” magnetic shoulder plush has landed at Walt Disney World
• After already showing up on shopDisney and at Disneyland Resort, the pumpkin Mickey ear headband is now available at Walt Disney World!

• Celebrate “The Happiest Place on Earth” with NEW Minnie ears themed to the classic Disneyland marquee sign
• After a sighting at Walt Disney World, the Baby Yoda magnetic shoulder plush has crossed the coast and arrived at Disneyland Resort
• Check out the new Fish & Chips Minnie Mouse Ear headband from the UK Pavilion in EPCOT
• Available at Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland, guests can purchase 40th-anniversary MagicBands, pins, magnets, and t-shirts for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Be among the first to shop the adorable new Fantasyland pin collection, debuting exclusively at the Downtown Disney District in Disneyland Resort
• Dear sweet Leota…Have a ball this Halloween and dress up your couch with a new Madame Leota throw pillow from Walt Disney World
• The Halloween season is in full swing at the Walt Disney World Resort and guests will be screeching with delight to learn they can bring the spirit of The Haunted Mansion home with them through the Madame Leota Crystal Ball
• Be the queen you truly are with the new “Royalty” collection at the UK Pavilion in EPCOT
• Two new spatula sets have arrived at Walt Disney World, and you can pick between Toy Story and Cinderella sidekicks to add to your kitchen drawers
• New Disney Parks Designer Collection “Cupcakes and Cashmere” Minnie ear headband has arrived on shopDisney
• Disney Pins Blog has shared images of new “Hidden Disney” pins available to Cast Members at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

• Another piece from the “Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction” merchandise collection has arrived at Sir Mickey’s in the Magic Kingdom, and this time, it’s the Minnie Mouse plush
• Search for adventure with this new Frozen 2 “Samatha?” Olaf baseball cap from Walt Disney World
• New Mandalorian & The Child PEZ Dispenser Set and t-shirts have arrived at Disneyland Resort
• Ready for takeoff? A new Soarin’-themed luggage tag has arrived at Walt Disney World, so you can carry your favorite attraction with you wherever you travel
• The full lines of Baymax and Mochi, “Minnie’s Style Studio”, “The Enchanted Tale of Beauty & the Beast”, “2020”, and “New Dreams, More Fun!” merchandise have been revealed for Tokyo Disneyland
• New Tokyo-inspired Disney Parks snack pens are released at Walt Disney World
• At Walt Disney World, we spotted new monochrome Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto plush, with each character getting its own color hue

Entertainment and Media

• While people remain socially distant during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Muppets are encouraging fans to reach out and connect online… and they’ve enlisted the help of two important figures from Walt Disney Imagineering to help
• Due to the ongoing closure of movie theaters throughout the nation, Black Widow, whose premiere date had previously pushed to November 6, is now set to debut on May 7, 2021
• Originally going to be released this summer but postponed due to COVID-19, Pixar’s “Soul” will stay with its current theatrical release date of Nov. 20
• Deadline exclusively revealed that Yara Shahidi is set to play Tinkerbell in Disney’s upcoming live-action Peter Pan and Wendy
• Director James Cameron has announced that filming for “Avatar 2” has wrapped

Disney+

• We learned that Samuel L. Jackson will be returning to the role of Nick Fury for an upcoming series

The Walt Disney Company

• Diane Jurgens was hired as the company’s Chief Information Officer
• The Walt Disney Company is facing a lawsuit over Toy Story 4 character Duke Caboom due to its Evel Knievel likeness
• Disney has added “Inclusion” as the fifth key in Cast Member training worldwide

WDW News Today

The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast Opens – NewsToday 9/21

Cinderella Castle Gets New Nighttime Look, Walt Disney World Park Hours Extended – NewsToday 9/23

Magic Kingdom Toll Plaza Getting 50th Anniversary Makeover Starting Next Week – NewsToday 9/25

That’s all the Disney news for this past week folks! Make sure you check back at the end of each week for our weekly recaps!