Walt Disney World Resort Update

– Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the holidays 2020-style. Staff Writer Alan Dalinka shares his first looks at and thoughts about Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom since the parks reopened during the pandemic.

– With cooler weather, lots of Views around EPCOT for the first time since its phased reopening, news of layoffs in Live Entertainment, a change to Rise of the Resistance virtual queues, and lots of merchandise photos (incl. Christmas).

– More Taste of EPCOT Festivals coming up: Holidays (Nov 27-Dec 30) & Arts (Jan 8 to Feb 22); New Disney Resort Hotel Discounts Available in 2021; New Colors; New Views; Lots of This & That including new beers, new Adventures by Disney & More

– A Passholder pop-up shop is now open at EPCOT, and Passholder merchandise discounts Resort-wide, in Disney Stores and shopDisney.com have been extended to October 29. Jibe with us tomorrow, LIVE!

– Cinderella Castle was lit in Lakers purple and gold to celebrate the NBA Finals Champs. Winter Summerland mini-golf will reopen November 6; Fantasia Gardens will close November 5. We share some new views along World Drive too.

– Thousands of Disney Cast Members are being laid off as of December 4, as the pandemic takes more of an economic toll. We explore LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick or Treat this week, and invite you to join for more Fun at home on our LIVE! stream.

– Entertainment changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in October. Be sure to join Fun at Home Show #26 tomorrow celebrating six months of weekly MousePlanet LIVE streams with a chance to win a new book!

– Possibly more news later today (watch our social media and MousePlanet LIVE!); TRON construction milestone; Mobile Dine options expand; Disney Springs gets Batuu products and new dining discounts; Disney Animals & Kingdom on Disney+ on Fri

– Holidays Season celebrations scaled back in the time of COVID-19, with no Dream Lights, Very Merry Christmas Party or Candlelight Processional. More Fall entertainment and dining details and Florida Resident Discounts announced.

– Labor Day crowds meet Walt Disney World’s capacity limit | This and That | Walt Disney World Resort $100 Booking Bonus | Join us Wednesday for MousePlanet LIVE!