Good morning friends!
This was an incredibly exciting week!
HUGS ARE BACK!!!
Starting April 18th, traditional character meet and greets with hugs and autographs will begin to return to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. This will be a phased process, so not all character interactions will return to normal immediately. Expect to see the reopening happen in phases throughout the spring and early summer.
I know this was a big reason many people were choosing to delay their trips, so if you are thinking about a summer trip, let’s get you booked ASAP!
Also announced this week was the return of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue!
This musical dining experience has been a fan favorite since 1974. Reservations will be available starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23.
Disney’s Cultural Representative Program will also be returning this summer! If you’ve spent much time exploring the World Showcase at EPCOT, you know that it’s these cast members who truly make it come to life. Having these cast members back is so exciting!
Dates have also been announced for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. The Festival will begin July 14 and run through November 19th!
Last but not least, on Disney Cruise Line, some protocols on sailings departing from the U.S. will begin to be lifted as well. Protocol updates, among others, include lifting physical distancing across DCL ships and resuming self-service buffets. Face coverings are optional in most places on the ship including Walt Disney Theater. Port Adventures will return to their traditional format where possible. At this time, the Sail Away Celebration, the Pirate’s Night deck party, and up-close character interactions continue to be paused.
