Full List of Reopening Attractions & Entertainment at Disney World
After yesterday’s big announcements by Walt Disney World’s of the Disney Park Pass reservation system for entry and WDW AP refunds, extensions & previews, we’re getting more details about the modified experience that can be expected when Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios reopen in July.
Today’s update concerns rides, shows, and entertainment. Most attractions will be available at each park–for example, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will offer popular attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (which was only open for a couple weeks before the parks closed) and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (which previously required an infamous boarding pass dash).
At Magic Kingdom, classics such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean are waiting to welcome guests with thrilling adventures for the whole family. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the magic of nature awaits with Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and Avatar Flight of Passage.
Epcot’s iconic Spaceship Earth attraction will also continue to be available in its current state while its previously-planned reimagining is paused. Other popular attractions like Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After, and Test Track will operate as normal.
Obviously, this is just a partial list that Walt Disney World has highlighted in its announcement. Below are the full lists for each park, via the official Walt Disney World Parks & Tickets Know Before You Go page…
Magic Kingdom
When Magic Kingdom park reopens on July 11, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
- “it’s a small world”
- Astro Orbiter
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- The Barnstormer
- The Hall of Presidents
- The Haunted Mansion
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Entertainment
- Main Street Philharmonic
- Character Cavalcades along the parade route:
- The Royal Princess Processional
- Mickey & Friends Cavalcade
- Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade
- A Goofy Cavalcade
- Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure
Shops
- Arribas Brothers
- Baby Care
- Big Al’s
- Box Office Gifts
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Photos
- Crystal Arts
- Emporium
- Fantasy Faire
- Hundred Acre Goods
- Island Supply by Sunglass Hut
- Main Street Confectionery
- Memento Mori
- Mickey’s Star Traders
- Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
- Rubio Arts
- Sir Mickey’s
- Splashdown Photos
- Strollers & Wheelchairs
- The Chapeau
- Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
- TTC Cart / Wheelchairs
- Uptown Jewelers & Cinema
- Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Animal Kingdom
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park reopens on July 11, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
- Affection Section
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Discovery Island Trails
- Expedition Everest
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Na’vi River Journey
- The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
- The Oasis Exhibits
- TriceraTop Spin
- Wilderness Explorers
- Wildlife Express
Entertainment
- Character Cruises with Disney friends appearing in boats around Discovery River:
- Discovery River Character Cruise
- Discovery Island Drummers
- Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!
- Mickey & Friends Flotilla
Shops
- Africa Hub Cart
- African Heritage Wood Carving
- Baby Care
- Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
- Discovery Trading Company
- Garden Gate Gifts & Strollers
- Kilimanjaro Safari Cart
- Mandala Gifts
- Mombasa Marketplace
- Out Of The Wild
- Serka Zong Bazaar
- The Dino Institute Shop
- Windtraders
Epcot
When EPCOT reopens on July 15, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
- Awesome Planet
- Canada Far and Wide
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- Friendship Lagoon Boats
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Impressions de France
- Journey Into Imagination with Figment
- Kidcot (modified)
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- Reflections of China
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
- The American Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience
Entertainment
- America Gardens Theatre Presents…
- JAMMitors
- Mariachi Cobre
- Character Cavalcades throughout the day, featuring Disney friends traveling around World Showcase promenade:
- Frozen Promenade
- Mickey & Friends World Tour
- Princess Promenade
Shops
- African Heritage
- Arribas Brothers
- Art of Disney
- Baby Care
- Canada Cart
- China Kiosk
- Disney Traders
- Galerie Des Halles
- Gateway Gifts
- Glas Und Porcellan
- ImageWorks
- Karamell Kuche
- La Bottega Italiana
- Mexico Indoor Plaza
- Mission: SPACE Cargo
- Mitsukoshi
- Mouse Gear Temporary Location
- Pin Traders – Camera Center
- Port of Entry
- Puffin’s Roost
- Sea Base Alpha Gift Shop
- Strollers & Wheelchairs
- Tea Caddy
- Test Track Simporium
- Wood Carver
- World Traveler
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens on July 15, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.
Attractions
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
- Toy Story Mania!
- Vacation Fun (at Mickey Shorts Theater)
- Walt Disney Presents
Entertainment
- Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with favorite Disney friends on Hollywood Boulevard:
- Disney Junior Stars Motorcade
- Mickey & Friends Motorcade
- Pixar Motorcade
Shops
- Celebrity 5 & 10
- Crossroads of the World
- Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- Droid Depot Experience
- Droid Depot Store
- In Character
- Legends of Hollywood
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Mickey’s Of Hollywood
- Movieland Memorabilia
- Once Upon A Time
- Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind
- Rock Around The Shop
- Rubio Arts
- Strollers & Wheelchairs
- Tatooine Traders
- The Market
- Tower Hotel Gifts
- Toy Story Mania Shop
What is NOT Opening
- Magic Kingdom — Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor & Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Animal Kingdom — Finding Nemo — The Musical, Festival of the Lion King, and Primeval Whirl (if you count that)
- Epcot — Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (IMPRESSIONS DE FRANCE ALLLL DAY!)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Frozen Sing-Along, Star Wars Launch Bay, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Savi’s Workshop
With the fewest rides (but lots of headliners) and most shows, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was already imbalanced. It’s definitely the park hit hardest by the modified operations. (More on that in the commentary below.)
You might notice a bunch of character cavalcades listed above. Despite parades, nighttime spectaculars, meet & greets, character dining, and other experiences being temporarily paused when the parks initially reopen due to physical distancing limitations, we have some news on what it means that characters will still be in the parks to “entertain and delight” guests.
Previously, in our Character Dining Cancelled at Walt Disney World post, we assumed this meant more “smile & wave” cavalcades and impromptu greetings from balconies and other distanced locations. The latest update from Walt Disney World more or less confirms this, with some additional info describing what’s on the bullet-point list above…
If you’re hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck!
Just as you may have seen recently at Disney Springs with Stormtroopers “enforcing” modified rules, characters will appear in new and different ways that are mindful of physical distancing.
These will include special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom parade route, characters sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, processions along the World Showcase promenade in Epcot, and motorcades down the boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Suffice to say, different areas of the park will come to life with impromptu performances throughout the day.
Looking beyond the Disney characters, several musical groups and entertainment acts will also return.
You can look forward to seeing Main Street Philharmonic at Magic Kingdom Park, plus the Mariachi Cobre and everyone’s favorite funky drumming crew the JAMMitors at EPCOT, just to name a few.
Of course, several other entertainment acts were cut just prior to the parks closing, and presumably will not return.
Prior to the parks closing, several groups had their final day of performances: British Revolution, the popular music group that performed in the United Kingdom pavilion; Sergio, the mime and juggler in the Italy pavilion; and Matsuriza, the taiko drummers in the Japan pavilion.
Overall, nothing earth-shattering here–mostly just confirmation of what we already knew about attractions and entertainment that will be offered once Walt Disney World’s theme parks reopen. The one promising tidbit is the cavalcades, which could enough to scratch the “parade itch” for some guests.
Nevertheless, this is obviously significantly less entertainment than pre-closure. Cynically, we also question to what degree some of this is “necessary” and what’s a thinly-veiled cutback.
How does Walt Disney World justify showing the enclosed and indoor MuppetVision 3D, but not using the outdoor and open-air venues for Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular? While the equity performers are part of unions and thus may be the reason Disney is not proceeding with these shows, it’d be great to see these colossal amphitheaters used for alternative entertainment.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios was already very top-heavy (see our DHS: Walt Disney World’s Best Rides & Most Frustrating Park post from right before the closure), and the non-operational shows definitely won’t help with that. If Disney doesn’t use the venues in DHS, they might end up with crowd issues in that specific park–even with significantly reduced attendance.
On the one hand, every aspect our daily lives has temporarily changed, so it’s unreasonable to expect the same Walt Disney World as before. Some compromises are in order, and guests returning this year need to understand that they’re experiencing a modified and diluted experience. That’s just reality, and no amount of complaining will change it.
On the other hand, if Walt Disney World wants to attract tourists back to the theme parks, something has to give. Either in the form of aggressive discounts, quality alternative entertainment, or other special enhancements that help guests justify visiting. Right now, it’s a really tough sell to anyone who isn’t a local, Disney Vacation Club member, or diehard fan.
Perhaps Walt Disney World is fine with that. Reopening vacation package sales for 2021 before the remainder of this year almost suggests that Disney is viewing the rest of this year as something of a lost cause or de facto soft opening for locals and extremely motivated visitors.
Nevertheless, it’s a risky approach. Word of mouth, reviews, and social media feedback from the remainder of this year will reverberate and influence bookings for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. We remain optimistic that there’s upside to visiting this year (my expectation of empty parks is a strong personal pull) and hope as more time passes, Walt Disney World is able to roll out plans to improve and enhance the guest experience.
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 about Walt Disney World’s entertainment plan? Any thoughts on how they can compensate for the lack of parades, fireworks, nighttime spectaculars, meet & greets, and more? Will you be attempting to visit Walt Disney World this summer or fall, or are you waiting until 2021 when things (presumably) start getting back to normal? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? 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!
I do hope that Savis workshop reopens eventually. I was planning on going probably October of next year(It was going to be October of this year until COVId 19 broke out) and Savis and Build a Droid were going to be two big souvenirs from my trip!
Does anyone have an idea if Savis will open by our trip at the end of September. I know this seems silly and not a “to go or not to go” attraction but we are going for my sons 21st
birthday and that’s his one request to go to Savis and get a saber. We’ve been going to DisneyWorld once or twice a year his whole life. We are kinda diehards
The cast member I spoke with yesterday said there were no plans as to when they would open shared with them at this point.
And I don’t think it’s silly… I’m a middle aged man who is 99% likely to postpone my first trip in four years, since it was supposed to be the highlight (and on my birthday as well)!
Why pay thousands of dollars to not get to do what you want most?
Thank you for specifically listing what would be closed. We’ve got a trip re-scheduled for January 2021 (re-scheduled twice already) which will be our kids’ first. We are hopeful and expect to see more things added to the “open” list between now an then.
The difference between Muppet Vision 3D and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is the role of singing. Singing and shouting have been shown to significantly increase the risk of transmission. Hence why France will be showing IMPRESSIONS and not their new SING-A-LONG. Think of how many attractions where the audience is encouraged to sing along…
To this point, I’m not really sure how the Tiki Room can stay open…
We have a trip planned for right after Thanksgiving. We chose that time of year because we have never been to Disney when it’s decked out for Christmas. I know the Halloween Party has already been cancelled, so I am waiting to see about the Christmas Party (that’s not necessarily a deal breaker, we were on the fence already due to the cost). We are renting DVC points (already paid half), and we have already purchased our park tickets. As of now, we are taking a wait and see stance on the trip. I desperately want to go to Disney, but it’s not a trip we take very often because it’s so expensive for our family to go. It’s hard to justify a huge expense with a less than magical experience; but if the alternative means that we lose the money that we’ve already spent, then we’ll have to weigh our options. I totally understand that Disney is having to make some tough decisions right now, but it is still disappointing when you’ve been planning you’re dream vacation for months. 156 days to go, so we’ll see what happens…
Hi
I had to reply to you because this sounds exactly like my family except we are going the week before thanksgiving. I feel your pain on this one. I almost cancelled a few weeks ago but I think I’m going to hold off on making my decision to see what happens with the parks reopening. Maybe some things will change as the weeks go on I’m hoping. We always get the dining plan because we look forward to one sit down meal everyday and the dining plan being cancelled is a real bummer. Good luck and hopefully your family enjoys even if it’s not quite the magical vacation!
If you get to experience “just” the parks decorated for Christmas then your trip will be worth it. I highly recommend visiting different resorts to see their trees which vary widely! The Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Contemporary Resort are our favorites at Christmas time. We haven’t stayed in any of them in quite some time but it is easy to hop on the monorail or take a boat over to the Wilderness Lodge. (While you are in the Wilderness Lodge area there is a new horse “barn” and you might get to see beautiful, tiny Lily the newest white pony! Magic Kingdom is gorgeous at Christmas and the castle show is spectacular. I hope you get to go and have a joyous vacation!
Wow, I somehow missed this announcement in all the flurry of info, and I am really jazzed about this. I expected a closure of far more indoor attractions and shows. Tiki Room, here I come!!!!!
Will the Canadian group, SUROIT be performing at the Mill Stage, Canada in Epcot? They were scheduled to perform in September.
We have had a vacation booked for close to a year now for Dec 26, 2020- Jan 2, 2021
Do you feel things will be reopening more to a more “normal” level by then? Or should we scrap it for a year. This was to be our first stay on Disney at a resort, (we chose Boardwalk Inn). first park hopper tickets and first Disney Dining Plan experience. We have done Disney twice before and stayed in a rental house, made our own meals, etc.
4 “kids” ages 24, 20, 18, 16 were to be turned loose and meet up for dinner and extra magic hours each evening.
Seems like all the perks of “doing Disney right” this time are gone and not worth the trip.
I live an hour away from Disney World and we are taking a wait and see attitude about going in the next six months or so. It’s really hard to tell what will happen and changes occur rapidly (for example, just saw Disneyland is delaying their reopening!). I don’t think any Disney trip is going to be the same as those we enjoyed prior to Covid-19 (getting sick of the term “new normal”) but there will be different experiences and focuses/foci during future trips.
The only one I couldn’t justify is HWS. That is too many cuts to justify the park price IMO. If I didn’t have kids, I’d make a reservation for the 3 other parks in November or early to mid December for the cooler weather (with masks on esp which I’m ok with if cooler temps) and enjoy the low crowds!
Hey Tom,
I work in professional theatre for a living – the cut of Equity actors certainly saves money but, in an effort to keep actors safe until a vaccine is available, Actor’s Equity generally not allowing Equity actor contracts currently. It’s been incredibly controversial. I wouldn’t place all the blame on Disney for the closure of the Equity heavy shows. Yet. (Equity refusing to adapt to the current situation is also why Disneyland Paris can post their shows on YouTube when Disneyland/WDW haven’t been able to post anything.)
Simple reduction of a crazy complicated situation but that’s the basic idea. Now, when Equity allows their actors to work again and Disney still doesn’t reopen these productions, that’s a different story…
We are booked in a DVC room at Wilderness Lodge in August. But, we need park tickets. When will we be able to purchase tickets and register to visit the parks?
According to Disney, “later this summer”
We had a room only reservation for January. Yesterday (June 24), our travel agent was able to add tickets to the package. So the short answer is NOW. Then, you can make your park reservations right away. (I made ours.)
Thanks Tom, following your very useful info from the UK.
Wanting to go Apr 2021. Held off booking this Feb as was waiting for the anticipated launch of the free dining plan. I can book packages through UK travel operators now for travel Apr 2021 but have concerns. Loss of extra magic hours, character dining not big issues but loss of character interactions, shows and parades are. I have read info re extra cavalcade etc so fairly happy with this- we have to accept new normals. . Concern is if things deteriorate again would Disney be as favourable with cancelling/rescheduling as there would be no certainty regarding a mismatch between the experience we booked (things are so fluid) and what would be actually provided. What do you think? Scared of leaving it too long and then getting no park access
How is Festival of The Lion King open and Indiana Jones is closed. After attending both many times I believe Indiana Jones holds more people, is outdoors, and the way the seating is set up to me would work much better with distance requirements. This doesn’t make much sense.
Actually according to the Disney page, sad to say Festival of the Lion King isn’t on there list anymore
I think we will wait until they have the parades and character meet and greets. I didn’t even realize how important these things were until they were taken away. Makes me even more bummed out I didn’t just push through being tired to meet Olaf the last time we were there. I said, “It’s okay, we can see him next time”.