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Ears the News: May 1, 2021 Edition

 Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover reopens at Magic Kingdom

After a whole year, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover finally reopens at Magic Kingdom.  The attraction closed in the first week of March 2020 and the reopening date has been pushed back many times.  New seats have been installed but there was no changes to the show scenes or audio.  

Stitch took a ride earlier this weekend
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Concept art of the new 'Trader Sam's Gift Shop' scene at the Jungle Cruise

Disney shared concept art of the new "Lost and Found" that will replace the former Trader Sam scene at the Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise.  According to the story, "Word on the stream is that Alberta Falls, proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd., has entrusted her longtime friend, Trader Sam, to manage the new Lost & Found location.  But, with Trader Sam being Trader Sam, there's always an opportunity to make some extra money.  After all, all the best rides end with a gift shop, right."   

Concept art of the new 'Trader Sam's Gift Shop' scene at the Jungle Cruise
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


New look for popular Morocco Pavilion social media photo spot

Construction walls have been removed at the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT.  This completes the small project to modify the social media photo spot.  Ready to post some pictures?

Morocco Pavilion reworked chimney
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


Updated CDC mask guidance may soon begin to pave the way for more relaxing of mask use outdoors at Disney World

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has today announced new mask guidance to recommend that fully vaccinated people can be unmasked outdoors if they are walking, running, hiking or biking alone or with members of the household.  The CDC recommends to avoid large-sized gatherings and fully vaccinated people should avoid medium-sized gatherings.  Wearing a mask is still recommended.  Fully vaccinated people can also go mask free when dining outdoors with friends from multiple households.

Updated CDC Guidelines April 27 2021Updated CDC Guidelines April 27 2021
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


Disney MagicMobile launches on Android devices

Disney World's MagicMobile service is now available for Android users.  To use MagicMobile on Android, the device must be Google Pay enabled.  Disney Magic Mobile is convenient and contactless way to access MagicBand features like theme park entry.  Currently, one can enter theme parks (with admission and park reservations), enter parking lots, connect Disney PhotoPass images to your account, gain access to the virtual queue for Star Wars:  Rise of the Resistance and access to Magical Express. Click here for more details on MagicMobile.

MagicMobile on Apple iPhone
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


First look at the Disney Wish as Disney Cruise Line unveils its newest ship

Disney revealed their newest ship, the Disney Wish.  The Disney Wish sets sail in the Summer of 2022.  The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage--a five-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay on June 9, 2022.  

Contact us today to book this beautiful ship with sailings to the Bahamas starting June 5th.  Booking starts May 17th fo select Castaway Club Members.  We offer very GENEROUS onboard credits.

Video courtesy of Disney

AquaMouse

"The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse" animated shorts create the story for AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea coming to the Disney Wish in 2022.  The 2 minute long AquaMouse adventure features show scenes, lighting and special affects in its waterside that sends guests through 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks of the Disney Wish.  The journey begins as tguests are teleported into a magical tunnel into the "Scuba Scramble," a new animated short that plays out through oversized virtual portholes.  Guests will encounter sea creatures, Disney friends and more than 60 water effects.  Guests will blast out of the tunnel and embark on a wild water ride through the upper decks with breathtaking views of the ocean.  The attraction will end with a send off by Mickey and Minnie "The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse" by Emmy-nominated composer Christopher Willis.

Disney Wish virtual tour
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


Star Wars-Hyperspace Lounge

Star Wars:  Hyperspace Lounge is a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship.  This experience will be reserved for adults every evening offering interacting tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by the films.  The venue's interior design is quite similar to Dryden Vos' ship in "Solo:  A Star Wars Story".  While drinking the galactic concoctions, guests will be transported to the iconic locations from the eras of the Republic, Empire and First Order.

Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


Family Dining

Three brand-new family dining concepts will be offered.  

Arendelle:  A Frozen Dining Adventure with it's first "Frozen"-themed theatrical dining experience.

Disney Wish – Family Dining – Arendelle A Frozen Dining Adventure
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Worlds of Marvel:  Guests will play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission

Disney Wish – Family Dining – Worlds of Marvel
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

1923:  Named after the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, is an elegant celebration of the company's legacy that offers tasteful tribute to its Californian heritage

Disney Wish – Family Dining – 1923
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Click here for more information about the Disney Wish.

How to place an early booking for the Disney Wish Summer 2022 itineraries

If you are currently part of the Castaway Club Member, you can be one of the very first to book the new Summer 2022 Disney Wish cruises before they go on sale on May 27, 2021.  All Castaway Club members should sign into their account before booking begins to verify their Castaway Club status.

Contact us today to book this beautiful ship with sailings to the Bahamas starting June 5th.  Booking starts May 17th fo select Castaway Club Members.  We offer very GENEROUS onboard credits.

  • Platinum Castaway Club Members with 25 or More Sailings: Monday, May 17 

  • Platinum Castaway Club Members with 20 or More Sailings: Tuesday, May 18 

  • Platinum Castaway Club Members with 15 or More Sailings: Wednesday, May 19 

  • All Platinum Castaway Club Members: Thursday, May 20 

  • Gold Castaway Club Members: Monday, May 24 

  • Disney Vacation Club Members: Tuesday, May 25 - Call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 starting at 8:00am ET to book with Reservation Points. 

  • Adventure Insiders: Tuesday, May 25 - Call (888) 272-0644 starting at 8:00am ET

  • Silver Castaway Club Members: Wednesday, May 26

  • General Public: Thursday, May 27 - Book online starting at 8:00am ET or contact Kingdom Konsultant Travel to get their GENEROUS Onboard Credits!



Disney Wish – Staterooms – Princess Aurora Royal Suite 1  
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com



If you're looking to go on the very first sailing aboard the Disney Wish on June 9, 2022, should take note of the following;

  • Payment: A non-refundable deposit of 20% must be paid by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day of booking. Final payment for suites and concierge-level staterooms is due 150 days prior to setting sail; final payment for all other stateroom types is due 120 days prior to setting sail.

  • Cancellation Fees: A 50% cancellation fee applies from 44 to 30 days prior to setting sail. A 75% cancellation fee applies from 29 to 15 days prior to setting sail. A 100% cancellation fee applies from 14 days to the date of setting sail.

  • Restrictions: The Castaway Club member must remain on the reservation to be valid. Date changes are not permitted once a booking is made; Guests must cancel and rebook. Booking cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or future cruise credits.


Disneyland reopens to the public for the first time in over a year

Walt Disney's Disneyland Park and California Adventure opened on Friday, April 30, 2021. Disneyland has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Grand California Hotel & Spa reopened on April 29, 2021 with limited capacity.  Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.  

Disneyland Resort will be complying to state requirements and physical distancing.  Guests will have to make a theme park reservation and valid admission.  Only California residents are allowed to visit the DISNEYLAND Resort theme parks.  

Face coverings and temperature screening is required for all guests ages 2 and older.  

Some attractions have been updated.  

1.  Bold colors, 14k gold leaf accents and hand painted details  have been added to the King Arthur Carousel.

Disneyland reopens April 30 2021
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

2.  The Haunted Mansion has a few elements in and around the estate including the original 'April to December' portrait has been added.

Disneyland reopens April 30 2021
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

3.  In Snow White's Enchanted Wish, audio and visual technology has been updated, as well as enhanced story elements through the attraction.  

Disneyland reopens April 30 2021
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Contact Kingdom Konsultant Today!  
Elisa loves helping others create magical memories with their family and friends. You can email Elisa at elisa@kingdomkonsultant.com


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