The reopening of Walt Disney World continues, and there have been a few announcements surrounding the reopening of several attractions. However, there is still no news on the return of the Disney Dining Plan, FastPass+, Parades, or Fireworks. Here is our May Update on everything returning to Walt Disney World.
Festival of the Lion King is Returning
The return of a proper show! It might be slimmed down and renamed “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King.” However, the Lion King will be returning to the Animal Kingdom this month. An exact opening date hasn’t been provided, but Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, has announced a Mid May opening. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of the reopening of more shows.
The Boardwalk Inn is to reopen.
The reopening of another Walt Disney World Resort has been announced. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn was initially scheduled to reopen in 2020, but the reopening was postponed. However, it has now been revealed that it will reopen on July 2nd, 2021.
In addition, the following resorts are scheduled to reopen during 2021:
- May 30, 2021 – Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- June 6, 2021 – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- July, 2021 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The following resorts still have not had an opening date announced:
- Disney’s All-Stars Music
- Disney’s All-Star Sports
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (excluding Disney Vacation Club
We expect further resorts will open as we approach Walt Disney World’s 50th Birthday. Visit our guide to learn more about Walt Disney World Resorts in 2021.
Club Cool is to reopen
Epcot Renovations continue, and the return of Club Cool is a welcome addition. Guests will soon be able to taste free Coca-Cola samples from around the world, including the infamous Beverly. A summer 2021 date is planned.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
A little bit of classic Disney has returned. The PeopleMover has eventually reopened at the Magic Kingdom. Hurrah!
Character appearances at Epcot’s front entrance
I’m not sure this counts as returning attraction, but characters are now meeting guests at the front entrance of Epcot. The meets are still socially distanced, but you can see Mickey, Pluto & Goofy. The Mickey and Friends World Tour cavalcade has now ended.
Is the end of the cavalcade to make space for the Food and Wine Festival?
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2021
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is scheduled to start on July 15th. Assuming we are allowed into the US, we have a Park Pass and will be there. Visit our guide to learn more about this year’s festival.
Valet parking is returning
Valet parking has started to return to Walt Disney World Resorts. The service will gradually be rolled out over the next few weeks. Check with your resort before you arrive for the latest details.
The Disney College Program is coming back!
Disney World is increasing its capacity, and therefore it needs more cast members. From June, the Disney College Program is coming back. Hopefully, this is a further indication of more of the resort reopening for the summer.
More dining options at Walt Disney World
Hopefully, this is the start of many restaurants reopening at Walt Disney World. Currently, guests are not finding it easy to book dining reservations, and any new capacity will be welcome:
- Tusker House will be operating at the Animal Kingdom from the summer. No menu or date has yet been announced, but it will be a modified character meal.
- Cape May Café will reopen on May 18, 2021, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The restaurant will be open for breakfast and dinner and will be served family-style. However, Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast will not be returning. Reservations open on May 7th.
- Chef Mickey’s will be soon offering dinner in addition to breakfast. Dinner will start on May 18th, and reservations open on May 7th.
More Disney World
Most of these announcements have been made in the last few days. With rumors of more cast members being called back, we expect more attractions will reopen soon. Keep checking Modern Life is Good for the latest information.
To learn more about Walt Disney World visit our 2021 Guide to Walt Disney World.
This Guide is part of our “Road to 2021 at Walt Disney World” series. Check out the rest of the guides for the latest information.
If people can huddle together for food and wine why cant we huddle together for parades and fireworks. and other shows.
Ask Disney!