We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Monday, August 23, 2021.
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- As a part of World Princess Week, Disney released more details about the upcoming “The Princess and the Frog” retime of Splash Mountain coming to both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom.
- While there were theories that the shields on the Adventureland bridge were removed due to cultural sensitivity, it seems they were only missing due to refurbishment and returned looking brighter than ever.
- The Liberty Square Riverboat, the Liberty Belle, closed for a short scheduled refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World announced the attractions that will be available during Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT for Deluxe Resort, Deluxe Villa Resort and other select resort guests, in October.
- Also released today was the list of attractions that will be available at all four theme parks at Walt Disney World as a part of Early Theme Park Entry for resort hotel guests starting October 1.
- Quickly following that announcement, the two November dates for Extended Evening Hours for Magic Kingdom and EPCOT were released.
- As announced on the Disney Parks Blog by L. Steven Taylor, who plays Mufasa on Broadway, Simba from “The Lion King” will officially join the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection this fall.
- Walt Disney World visitors learned today that biometric fingerprint scanning has resumed, starting with Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
EPCOT
- Walt Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley shared some of the inspiration for the exterior queue of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
- With so much left to do at EPCOT before the summer ends, we took you along for a trip report!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- It looks like Banshee “adoption” is temporarily on hold, as the shoulder Banshee toy from the Rookery inside Pandora – The World of Avatar is sold out, leaving only plush versions.
- While it hasn’t been a great few days for audio-animatronics, it certainly didn’t help things when the Shaman of Songs malfunctioned and went down on the Na’vi River Journey.
Other Walt Disney World News
- For those looking to travel to the Walt Disney World Resort area, and you’re traveling through the Orlando International Airport (MCO), free COVID-19 vaccinations are once again available.
- With low housing availability in the greater Orlando area, Disney has reportedly begun talks with Lake Nona real estate developer Tavistock to create an age-restricted community.
Disneyland Resort
- New details about the Disneyland Resort Magic Key Program were revealed, including payment plans, ticket upgrades, and more.
- With the addition of new Magic Key information released, Disney also let guests know that two new Magic Keyholder-exclusive locations will be opening at Disneyland Resort in the coming weeks.
- Also announced, Disney has reached an agreement with the unions to require Cast Members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- It’s getting spooky at Disney California Adventure with the addition of Oogie Boogie to the entrance gates.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Disneyland Resort is going down for refurbishment on September 7.
Disney Cruise Line
- A recent update in Disney Cruise Line’s COVID-19 face mask protocols will now allow guests to take unmasked photos on board the ship.
New Merchandise
- A new limited edition Stitch Crashes Disney plush and MagicBand, themed to Sleeping Beauty, arrived at Walt Disney World.
- Also arriving at Walt Disney World was the new Disney Princess Bad Collection by Stoney Clover Lane.
- More new Halloween merchandise arrived, including a lot of pumpkin Mickey items.
- In Disneyland, a new Maleficent Spirit Jersey arrived sporting her Dragon look in Halloween colors.
- At Clarabelle’s in Disney California Adventure, a new souvenir Mickey Ear Hat bowl made an appearance.
- For Muppet fans everywhere, new Muppet Show and Animal magnets premiered at Walt Disney World.
Entertainment and Media
- The official trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home finally made it’s debut after much fan anticipation!
- For fans of the Star Spangled Man with the Plan, Anthony Mackie was announced as signing on to star in the 4th Captain America film.
Disney+
- Disney+ announces ‘Nautilus’ series Inspired by the movie ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’.
- Cruella’ will begin streaming to all Disney+ subscribers starting Friday, August 27.
The Walt Disney Company
- The Disney Store will be closing more locations in North America, leaving only 25 out of previously 300 left after September 15.
- While it is sad news that Disney Store locations are closing, Target is filling the void with 160 more US locations of their Disney Store Shops.
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!