7 Changes We Saw at Walt Disney World This Week

Our in-parks team is in Walt Disney World theme parks every day recording wait times, trying food, soaking in the atmosphere, and looking for any changes that might impact your vacation. Here’s the changes that stood out to us this week.

Construction Walls Moving Around at EPCOT

In the ongoing age of construction, walls around Spaceship Earth were moved again and Pin Central (now located near Spaceship Earth) was reopened.

Trash Cans Now Back to Normal

During the earlier reopening phase of COVID-19, trash can lids were propped open to prevent people from having to touch the trash can lids to throw away their trash. With new information about transmission rates (or lack thereof) on surfaces, trash can lids are now back to their normal state. I’m personally quite glad about this, as open trash cans attract wasps into the summer months, which is a major annoyance for guests and cast alike.

Sunshine Ranch and Fairfax Fare Have Reopened

A couple locations reopened in Hollywood Studios this week: Sunshine Ranch Pins and Souvenirs and Fairfax Fare, home of all things hot dogs. We ate there so you don’t have to.

New Sand Sculpture at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We spotted a new sand sculpture at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The sculpture is designed for “honoring the talents, cultures, and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”

Festival of the Lion King Returns (Mostly)

A somewhat abbreviated version of Festival of the Lion King has reopened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can see even more photos here.

WandaVision Bus Spotted Around Property

When we were driving around property, we spotted a new-to-us WandaVision wrap bus. Wasn’t that such a great series?

Mask Requirements Eased Outdoors at Theme Parks

Although masks are still required at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando indoors and in attraction queues, this weekend marked a change for open, outdoor areas where masks are now optional for all guests. New signs and announcements have been appearing in the parks to reflect this change.

What do you think of this week’s changes at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!