Disney Parks are always changing to keep up with the times, but right now, three attractions are closing for good and two new ones are postponed.
Walt Disney World has reopened to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, with social distancing and other safety measures in place. This means smaller crowds can visit at a time, but still have fun. However, changes are also happening in Disney Parks, including two new attractions being postponed and three more closings for good.
Epcot attractions postponed
While people were looking forward to two new attractions at Epcot, there is some bad news. Before the theme parks closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Epcot was getting a huge update. The front part of the park, Future World, was getting a redesign with new pavilions and attractions.
However, two of the major changes the public was expecting to see haven’t happened yet. This was the completely redesigned and renovated Spaceship Earth and the new Mary Poppins attraction. At first, it was feared the new attractions were not going to happen after all. However, according to Cinema Blend, a Disney spokesperson has since confirmed that for the moment, these two projects have been postponed. Regrettably, no new time frame has yet been given for these attractions.
Attractions closed for good
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has also confirmed that three attractions are now permanently closed. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Primeval Whirl and Rivers of Light have been canceled and are reportedly already being dismantled.
The Magic Kingdom is losing Stitch’s Great Escape, which some believe is the worst attraction at the park. This ride was on a “seasonal” status and would only operate when the Magic Kingdom was at its busiest. When it was first introduced to the park, it replaced the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter in 2004, which was always a controversial ride. Stitch’s Great Escape wasn’t popular with fans from the beginning, so this is likely no big loss.
Primeval Whirl at the Animal Kingdom has also been on a “seasonal” basis, so it is probably not surprising it is closing. The ride has been described as an “off the shelf” roller coaster with a “wild mouse design,” something found at many theme parks all over the world.
However, according to My13 in Orlando, the other cancellation at the Animal Kingdom is bad news. The Rivers of Light was a nighttime spectacular and had many fans, so people will be sad to see it go. That particular attraction was already on hold, as it was difficult to enforce social distancing on the ride, but now the news is Rivers of Light will not return.
Cinderella Castle at #MagicKingdom Park is currently in the process of receiving a royal makeover and the work is nearly complete! Check out this first look! https://t.co/WV1EmjhIIY #DisneyMagicMoments
pic.twitter.com/TC0mlxgCcO
— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) July 9, 2020
The ride didn’t have the major “wow factor” of many of the Disney attractions, but was impressive, due to its use of light and shadow with projected images. This was perfect for any visitors that wanted beauty and a quieter attraction while visiting the park. So far, there is no news of what will replace these two attractions.
However, when it comes to Stitch’s Great Escape, rumors are swirling that a Wreck-It Ralph themed attraction could be a replacement. Fans will have to be patient for a while to find out for sure.
Obviously, with Walt Disney World and the various parks in recovery mode following the long months of closure due to the quarantine, nothing new is likely to happen in a hurry. In fact, it is likely there will be more changes to the parks in the near future.
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