We are back with our Walt Disney World News & Rumors February 2020. Big announcements have been a little quiet at Walt Disney World so far in 2020. We, therefore, did not feel there was enough happening to do a January update. However, our February 2020 Disney World News & Rumors has all the latest from the resort. This month’s update includes Hollywood Studios FastPass+ changes, Star Tours, Disney’s Riviera Resort & Epcot new attractions and construction.
***NEWSFLASH*** Since we wrote this post further changes have been announced to Hollywood Studios FastPass. Reservations can now be made for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Read our guide for the latest Hollywood Studios FastPass Information.
Big Changes to Hollywood Studios FastPass+
Significant changes are coming to FastPass+ at Hollywood Studios, and the big news is you can now make reservations for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. We expect this to be the first of several changes to booking procedures during 2020 at Hollywood Studios. You can learn all about the changes in our Guide to Hollywood Studios FastPass.
Rise of the Resistance continues to use boarding groups to ride the attraction. Your best chance of obtaining a boarding group is to be inside the park 30 minutes before the park opens and then join the lottery to grab a boarding on My Disney Experience once the park opens.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
No news on FastPass yet for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but it is now just one month until the attraction opens at Hollywood Studios. A new video has been released showing cast members getting trained for the new experience.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is open
Disney’s Riviera Resort opened shortly after our December 2019 Disney World News update. The resort is the 15th Disney Vacation Club property. Reviews of the resort have been positive, but I am not that attracted to staying at the resort. As mentioned in this review, the views of the Caribbean Resort are an untypical poor theme execution by Disney.
Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park
The even more expensive version of After Hours at the Magic Kingdom is back in 2020. Disney Villains After Hours at the Magic Kingdom will run on select dates between February and July.
This hard ticket event includes 3 hours of park entertainment after regular admission, low crowds and short waits, unique entertainment, and select snacks.
New this year, the Villains’ Cursed Caravan will join Maleficent as she moves through the park twice nightly. Expect to see Gaston, Oogie Boogie, Cruella DeVil, Captain Hook, and more as part of the procession. Unfortunately, yet again, there will be no opportunity to meet the characters.
New merchandise has been announced for the parties which look fab. Plus, check out the special food that will be available to purchase.
Star Tours
Star Tours has had an update following the opening of The Rise of Skywalker. New scenes have been included featuring Kef Bir and the Sith Planet of Exegol. We even have a first Star Tours appearance of Lando Calrissian.
In addition, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Hollywood Studios now also includes clips from The Rise of Skywalker.
Mouse Gear now open in Innoventions East
Mouse Gear has been moved temporarily at Epcot for refurbishment. Click here to see photographs of the temporary store.
New character locations at Epcot
Characters have moved again at Epcot. You can now meet Mickey at the Disney and Pixar Short Fim Festival and Minnie near World Showcase Plaza. Check the My Disney Experience App for all the latest locations.
New attractions at Epcot
Perhaps not the most exciting of the upcoming changes to Epcot, but 3 new attractions have opened:
- Awesome Planet in the land pavilion is a short 10-minute film exploring the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of Earth.
- Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 features narration by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along at the France Pavilion. In the evening Impressions de France returns but has been upgraded to 4k.
Epcot’s Regal Eagle Smokehouse Menu
This new restaurant at the American Adventure pavilion is due to open soon. We can’t wait to try it out, not least because we are big muppet fans, and it will feature Sam the American Eagle. Hopefully, it will be more successful than the last muppet themed restaurant, PizzeRizzo at Hollywood Studios.
The food being served at Regal Eagle Smokehouse looks fantastic.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant is a desperately needed additional table service restaurant at Hollywood Studios. The new location is due to open later this year.
Construction has now started and you can check out an early update here.
Big Top Souvenirs at the Magic Kingdom
Big Top Souvenirs at the Magic Kingdom is currently closed. Rumors are the venue has been flooded. Big Top Souvenirs was also closed in December due to a fire. Hopefully, it will not be closed for too long as it is my favorite store in the Magic Kingdom.
Construction update at Epcot
Epcot no longer looks like Epcot!
In fact, once the current construction is finished it will look a very different park. Follow the link to get an up to date view of the ongoing Epcot construction.
However, despite the ongoing work, don’t skip Epcot in 2020. It is still a fantastic park.
We will be back in March with the latest Walt Disney World News & Rumors. If you have missed any of our previous updates, you can find them all here.
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