Disney World News & Rumors: Donut Dining, Park Pass Changes & Hall of Presidents Redo?
We’re back with another Walt Disney World news & rumor roundup! In this post, we’ll share the latest on reopening, Park Pass reservations, a potential Hall of Presidents redo in Magic Kingdom, new dining at Disney Springs, modifications made for the NBA at the resorts, and more!
Let’s start with the news from Disney Springs. Just a couple weeks ago came the huge news that Gideon’s Bakehouse–literally the best cookies we’ve ever had–would be opening in The Landing across from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. Now, we have another dining option coming soon to the Walt Disney World shopping and dining district, joining Beatrix (did you forget about that?) and Ample Hills Creamery (hopefully–assuming they emerge out of bankruptcy reorganization).
Disney Springs has announced (via their official Twitter account) the opening of the all-new restaurant concept: Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew. As the name suggests, this dining spot will serve donuts and cold brew coffee. Aside from a likely location–replacing the creepy Pop Gallery, that’s all we know. Everglazed does have a website and social media accounts, but they’re all totally devoid of information.)
Next, the latest on Disney Park Pass availability. If you’ve been stalking the Disney Park Pass Availability Calendar like us, you’ve probably noticed that daily inventory has fluctuated. Notably, some previously fully-booked parks becoming available for certain dates, particularly for resort guests.
The bad news for Annual Passholders is that all but two dates in July are totally booked. The good news is that the system in use is dynamic like FastPass+ or Advance Dining Reservations. This means that more inventory can be released or reallocated.
Right now, there are three separate buckets for Disney Park Pass: resort guests, theme ticket-holders, and Annual Passholders. Of those, the only one that is even remotely low on inventory is (unsurprisingly) Annual Passholders. The dynamic system is significant because it means that Walt Disney World can reallocate unfilled resort guest or ticket-holder capacity to Annual Passholders.
Doing so at the last minute would certainly make sense. It gives Walt Disney World’s more lucrative on-site guests priority (and makes them far less likely to ever be ‘shut out’ of the parks), while also placating Annual Passholders. As locals and Annual Passholders will be integral to Walt Disney World during the next couple of years due to plummeting tourist numbers, it’s imperative that Disney doesn’t alienate its most diehard fans (anymore than they’ve already done the last few weeks).
Speaking of reopening, Cast Members returned to work last week to begin training in preparation for reopening. In celebration, Walt Disney World released the above video of Cast Members preparing for reopening with health and safety as a focus.
We have very mixed emotions about the reopening, especially as juxtaposed against the local news. With that said, there’s something heartwarming about the video, and you can feel the excitement and energy as Cast Members don their costumes and are reunited with their work locations and fellow cast, and began their first days of training to learn new health and safety protocols.
Next, a fun one. The NBA has shared a look at the installation of practice courts in the convention center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Having recently attended an event in these rooms, it’s wild to think that they’re being converted into NBA courts.
I’m really excited to see how this plays out. Not just because I’m eager for more live sports, but because I find the logistics of this fascinating, and am intrigued by how Disney will attempt to leverage the synergy of the NBA at Walt Disney World to its full advantage.
The NBA and Major League Soccer coming to the ESPN Wide World of Sports are probably more lucrative and important for the Walt Disney Company than guests returning to the parks. A lot of Disney fans are still complaining about the MLS and NBA, but these leagues are unquestionably doing more to help Walt Disney World get back on its feet than they are hurting.
Finally, an intriguing tidbit. Disney is rumored to be in negotiations with Lin Manuel Miranda and Weird Al Yankovic to write and direct a new Hall of Presidents theater show that would be non partisan and more timeless, per WDW Pro on the WDWMagic forums.
We cannot speak to the veracity of this particular rumor–there is a lot of wishful thinking going on concerning Liberty Square and Hamilton right now. While it’s the first time we’ve heard an iteration of this with Weird Al attached, it’s not the first time we’ve heard credible rumors involving Liberty Square and Lin Manuel Miranda. Moreover, this makes sense and passes a cursory smell test.
Over the weekend, we commented on our List of the 10 Top Most Distinctly Patriotic Attractions at Walt Disney World that it might be a good idea for Disney to rework the structure of the show whenever the next change in presidents occurs. The speaking role of the sitting president was introduced with President Clinton in 1993, and has been controversial and polarizing ever since.
We personally love Hall of Presidents–it’s a moving tribute to the presidency and how that office has shaped (and been shaped by) America since the nation’s founding. However, it’s clear that in this hyper-partisan era many people simply cannot separate the office from its current occupant. This is nothing new–it has been true for each the last four presidents–and is unlikely to change.
Additionally, many people want escapism out of Walt Disney World, making Hall of Presidents a non-starter for them irrespective of their political persuasions. Beyond that, there has been a chorus of (apolitical) complaints for decades that Hall of Presidents is overly long, boring, and dry.
Even though it is now seasonal, Walt Disney World already did an exemplary job of edutainment in Liberty Square with the Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History (one of our favorite additions of the last decade). This clever show did an exemplary job of incorporating actual lessons from American history with the trademark quick wit of the Muppets.
It’s tough to gauge the likelihood of this Hall of Presidents rumor coming to fruition. It makes a lot of sense, but the timing is both good and bad. Walt Disney World faces a long and challenging recovery over the next few years, and budget cuts are inevitable during that time. We’re almost certain to see some previously-announced projects abandoned, making the green-lighting of unannounced projects less likely.
On the other hand, Hamilton hype is at a fever pitch. If Imagineering can accomplish this change on a modest budget, it’d unquestionably generate immediate return on investment while also eliminating the attraction’s controversy. Two birds with one stone. However, if Walt Disney World is going to make this change, it would be savvy to announce it before the next election (like, now) before the outcome is known to avoid the appearance of partisan motivations.
Also over the weekend, we saw Hamilton for the first time on Disney Plus. Honestly, I was prepared for disappointment. We tried for about a year (to no avail) to score tickets to Hamilton at the Pantages, and have heard nothing but rave reviews from friends and family who have seen it. It’s rare for something so highly-hyped and anticipated to actually live up to that, but wow did Hamilton ever.
Not that you need our recommendation to see the cultural phenomenon, but we’ll nonetheless offer it. Hamilton is everything that everyone raves about it being: powerful, catchy, incisive, energetic, endlessly smart, thought-provoking, and addictively good. It’s basically Schoolhouse Rock for adults. If you haven’t yet watched due to preconceived notions (or were simply holding out for an endorsement from a blogger with zero expertise in musical theater), I’d strongly recommend watching. Hamilton is a transcendent and historical piece of pop culture that people will be talking about for decades.
Ultimately, the question with regard to Hall of Presidents is not whether Hamilton is good, but if/how Lin Manuel Miranda and Weird Al Yankovic could use their collective talents to transform the attraction into something engaging, timeless, and non-controversial. I truly have no idea there, but after seeing what Lin Manuel Miranda did with Moana and Mary Poppins Returns (and what Weird Al has done with many things), I’m inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. Given Disney’s recent success doing something similar with the Muppets’ Liberty Square show, I’m also inclined to give Imagineering the benefit of the doubt on this. Here’s hoping this comes to fruition, and ends up being something special that all guests will enjoy!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of these Walt Disney World news and rumors? Excited for Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, or were you a big fan of the creepy doll paintings at Pop Gallery? What about the NBA taking up residence at Coronado Springs Resort? Intrigued by the rumor of Lin Manuel Miranda and Weird Al Yankovic helping to overhaul Hall of Presidents? Would you welcome something in the vein of Hamilton, or do you prefer the classic Hall of Presidents? Think it’ll actually happen, or is the timing not right? Do you agree or disagree with our thoughts and commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Where in this universe can you sit and be introduced to all of the Presidents of the United States? Entertaining? Yes, to those of us who love the history of our country. I took my children and now my grandchildren for something uniquely educational an intrinsically American.
Retheming the Hall of Presidents after Hamilton would destroy the feel and atmosphere of Liberty Square. The area should maintain a quiet, reserved, dignified atmosphere. The land is supposed to immerse you in the look and feel of that time period. Nothing contemporary should be in that land, either in the land itself or the attractions. I didn’t like the inclusion of muppets for that very reason. The whole point of these lands at Disney was to try and give the visitor the most authentic immersion possible. If you are going to have modern presidents in the hall, have them presented in as dignified and realistic way as possible. Leave it as it is. Quit trying to update the park with contemporary things or you will destroy the themes and whole purpose of these lands.
Not like the Muppets?!?!?!
Siri: insert map to Colonial Williamsburg.
I totally agree – nicely said. (though I have to admit I did enjoy the Muppets and my children loved that addition!)
Great point. Keep the area quiet and solemn. It’s about history.
I will honestly be sad to see Hall of Presidents go, if that is the route that WDW decides to go. I have always enjoyed the historical aspects of Liberty Square and thought it was a nice tribute to our common American History. Plus, it is nice to have something to “educate” children while they are still having fun. My son loves history, so on his first visit, it was a really big deal to go see. It could be re-written and updated, but I don’t think it should completely leave or be replaced by a Broadway musical.
“Hamilton is everything that everyone raves about it being…”
We were fortunate enough to see it on Broadway during our last family trip up to NYC a couple years back before the world fell apart in 2020. I went into the show not wanting to love it because of a) the hassle of getting the tickets b) the cost of procuring said tickets, and c) the insane amount of hype. That being said, it was mind blowing. It was one of the rare occurrences where I thought the experience exceeded the hype.
I also use an informal Hamilton barometer to gauge when I think Disney is ripping me off (i.e. comparing the cost and quality of that experience to say a hard ticketed event at the parks). Cheers!
Lin-Manuel and Weird Al are actually really good friends (they were with each other when they found out they were getting stars on the walk of fame!) so I would LOVE to see them collaborate on an update to the Hall of Presidents!
I didn’t know this until doing background for the article to help determine whether the rumor passed my ‘smell test.’ I had no idea they even knew one another, let alone were good friends!
Plus, Weird Al wrote the Hamilton Polka.
I would sure love to know how the current Hall of Presidents show is considered “polarizing”. Really over this hyper-politicized environment we find ourselves in today, so much so, that the mere act of the current president mentioning our great land or the promise of the American future, is considered intolerable. As for complaints of it being long and boring, that’s a direct reflection on how each generation’s attention span is shortening.
My family loves the show, finding it non-partisan, a great tribute to our national history, and respectful of the dignity of the US Presidency.
Very sad that even the Hall of Presidents will fall victim to the prevailing attitudes of today. Very sad, indeed.
I completely agree!!!
People have been booing the current president’s speech since at least President GWB. And like Tom said it doesn’t matter who it is, Democratic or Republican, guests don’t know how to act. The last time I saw the attraction it was when President Obama giving the speech and one jerk loudly booed at every given opportunity. He was drowned out by applause but the whole thing was ugly. Personally I wrote this attraction off in the past couple of years rather than sit through the current one but not everyone takes that stance and there have been incidents, a couple well publicized. The disruptions will only get worse in the current hyper partisan environment. It’s time to give it a rest and bring something new to the table, and I would feel that way even if the current WH occupant were different. At best it’s a nap in the AC for most people anyway.
@Candace… very disappointing to hear people behave that way. It must depend on the individual audience. We’ve been to Magic Kingdom more than a dozen times since July 2018, and visited the Hall nearly every trip. Not once did anyone boo, at least not that I could hear, but there was plenty of applause at the end.
I have no doubt there are idiots who cause a disturbance. That is so disrespectful, to both the office represented AND the audience. No matter how much I may dislike the speaking President, it’s not in my DNA to disrupt the show for others. You don’t have to like the person inhabiting the office, but the office itself still deserves dignity and respect.
In 2015, a guy sitting near us said “great, I have to listen to that n-word on my vacation,” when Animatronic Obama spoke. My husband got up and told a CM, who escorted the guy and his family out of the attraction. We haven’t gone back, because I don’t want to listen to people say ignorant and hateful things on my vacation. I am all for re-theming if it denies people the opportunity to act like that.
My family has always loved the Hall of Presidents. Glad to see kids hearing some history, its seems not revelant to the young group because they are no longer taught real history in school, most of the kids have never heard of most of the Presidents. I say don’t change it, we have never found it controversial, if someone feels that strongly about it they can skip the show. We skip shows we arent that fond of, like Beauty and the Beast its been there forever, but we realize some people haven’t seen it ( even though the movie is so old its becoming irrelevant) everything doesn’t have to be a hyped up show.
If adults choose to skip it, their kids aren’t learning that history.
Also, people don’t simply skip it. Aside from a brief period post-9/11 when the country was fairly united in patriotism, the current/recent presidents have been met with both cheers and boos for a while now. I can understand why Disney would want to avoid that.
Tom, it’s indeed sad that people are so disrespectful. I would never boo the (mechanical) speaker, even if it’s a President I didn’t vote for. If it must be so, then I’m OK with deleting the speech by whoever happens to be the current present. But for goodness sake, let the words of our great historical leaders like Abraham Lincoln remain in the show. Their immortal words are a crucial part of our national history.
As-is, the show is a beautiful production, and makes me proud to be an American every time I watch it… which is just about every visit to the MK.
I know this is not going to be a very popular view about the Hall of Presidents or splash mountain. So here goes. These experiences were not meant to be racist or demeaning to anyone. They are meant to be seen from a child’s eye. Whimsical and a joyful experience for everyone. I as well as every other guest I have been on Splash with no matter race or religion have left laughing with HUGE smiles. It is going to be sad that it is going to be changed. As well as the Hall of Presidents.
I hate Splash Mountain, personally. The mechanics of the ride are fun but the story is just kind of gross. I never found it whimsical or joyful, just cringey. I don’t have any warm fuzzy associations with it.
R. Miller I agree!! What a shame to get rid of these rides!! Making new rides or attractions are great but leave these Iconic rides alone !! Disney World has plenty of land for new rides! Most people loved Splash Mountain so let’s go with the majority!!
I really encourage you and everyone else who feels this way to listen to the You Must Remember This podcast, it’s a thoroughly researched and entertaining show about old timey Hollywood history and she did a 6 part series on Song of the South last year that also went into the ride. Laying it out like that really explains why it needs changing.
+1 for You Must Remember This. It was really excellent; well worth the time.
I watched Hamilton for the first time this weekend as well – really enjoyed it! I would be excited to see what could come about when Imagineering, Weird Al and Miranda get together. I like the idea of maintaining something that teaches US History, but in an updated way. I think Disney has a unique opportunity to create something poignant and entertaining right now as people seem to be looking at our history with a new set of eyes.
I’m so upset with the handling of AP park reservation system. I am local and have resort reservation in December. I have booked park reservations For that time frame but now cannot go to parks unless I cancel my December park reservations. Seems very unfair. Probably going to cancel resort reservation. Very sad.
This is obviously my personal opinion, but I’m hoping that Disney leaves Hall of Presidents alone. The show is great and hits the high points of our history. (Trust me, I’m a history teacher!!!)
If the Hall of Presidents should be changed, it should be changed in the seventh year of a sitting President. Otherwise, it will always be seen as political.
The Trump animatronic looks like Hilary.
Even if Hall of Presidents were changed in the seventh year, that will be viewed as political by some because the candidates are set at that point.
I don’t think there’s going to be any less controversial time than the present. The incumbent president already got his AA and speech, and his challenger doesn’t exactly have a passionate fanbase that’ll care if he’s “denied” an AA.
Moreover, Hamilton hype is at a fever pitch, so it won’t “feel” like this is being done for ulterior political purposes–the synergy and marketing motivations are pretty obvious.
The font and colors on the Everglazed logo (specifically the bottom orange text that says “Donuts & Cold Brew) look suspiciously similar to Dunkin Donuts. I would put good money on this being an “upscale” spinoff
I thought it was a Dunkin Donuts add on the page until I read further!
I saw the same similarity! Wouldn’t surprise me, especially trying it out in potentially lucrative markets like the WDW bubble.
I had a similar experience with Hamilton. I was able to see it in NYC a couple of years ago after a friend scored some tickets via the lottery system. My husband and I saw it again in London last year, and we watched on Disney+ Friday morning. We’ll watch it many more times. I didn’t think it could possibly be as good as the hype, but I think it’s the best thing ever and Lin-Manuel Miranda should write all the musicals. If only my history teachers could have made the story this interesting.
So funny I read donuts and cold brew and that’s an awful combination! I thought for a second it was beer. Lol
Maybe it is! Cold brew coffee is simply an assumption on my part, but we know how WDW loves those alcohol sales! 😉
OMG YES. Washington on the jug, Fillmore ripping up a washboard, Trump jamming on the accordion, all while Coolidge spits some mad rhymes???
I’m just hoping that the Van Buren Boys finally make their long-awaited theme park debut.
Tom,
I cannot agree with you more. We were lucky enough to see the show in NYC last year. I had reservations about the show as so many people couldn’t stop raving about it. I, too, was ready for disappointment. Well, this show was outstanding in every way. tI sure did live up to the hype.
Glad you enjoyed it as well.
It seems to me that the Hall of Presidents main purpose, in its time, was to impress guests with the realism of Disney’s audio animatronic technology, while tying into the emotional connection so many fans had to Mr. Lincoln at the World’s Fair. Neither of those factors have remained relevant as the technology has aged and few modern guests are likely to have even heard the stories about the Mr. Lincoln exhibit. A Hamilton-style show would certainly better engage modern audiences, and, hopefully, expand inclusive programming in WDW. I’m all for it.
Totally agree.
While Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln remains a solid, engaging, and historically-important attraction at Disneyland, I don’t think Hall of Presidents has held up as well. That’s even with two substantive updates/upgrades (beyond the two new AAs) to Hall of Presidents in the last decade or so.
The HOP rumor is a real bummer for me. As someone who will likely never have an opportunity to meet a President of any party I always find it an extraordinary experience to sit in the theater and watch this show. Could just be because I am a person who loves to learn about history, but I enjoy sharing the experience with my kids no matter who is in office.
I grew up on the West Coast, going to Disneyland, and I loved Great Moments. I moved to Florida as an adult and I always kind of felt sorry for HOP being so boring and lifeless after seeing Mr. Lincoln.
There’s a lot going on in here, but its pretty much all good news for a Monday morning. I was never before interested in the Hall of Presidents, and even less so currently, so seeing a change like that would be enticing in the current climate. With a witty rewrite they might even be able to use the current assets without a huge investment, but we will see. Still, glad you finally got to watch–and enjoy–Hamilton, though!
Donuts hardly seem like bad news, and I’m fascinated with how they will get those practice courts stable on convention center carpeting. That stuff is notoriously slippery even for regular shoes…they must have some sort of anchors.
I’m most interested in the ticket inventory though, and I am starting to get worried that they won’t release any new tickets for sale in time for my trip at the end of July. We booked for three days but only had one ticket carried over…it would be exceptionally disappointing if we can only go to a park for one day!
“With a witty rewrite they might even be able to use the current assets without a huge investment, but we will see.”
I really wonder what this looks like in practice. I’m guessing they would remove most of the Audio Animatronics, which also avoids the issue of updating and adding a new one each time a new president is elected. That alone would save maintenance and future update costs.
This could be a case of an investment today saving a ton of money over the course of the next decade or two, and drawing more guests in the process. Win-win.
Passholder cancels trips!
I think Disney needs to attack healthier food options. Coffee and donuts don’t make that list.
In addition, I think with the rise in COVID-19 in Florida, it is irresponsible for Disney to re-open next week for a non-essential business and put the lives of cast members and others at risk to attempt to meet the thrills of others.
It’s not a rare occurrence when COVID-19 stikes home – the ‘not me’ gamble.
“I think Disney needs to attack healthier food options.”
Beatrix is exactly this, though.
I think there are a lot of ways to be critical of Disney, but their efforts to expand healthy eating options are quite commendable. And this is in spite of the reality that most people do not care–or simply want to eat indulgent treats while on vacation.