How have the Disney parks changed?

svt153 · 9 May 21, 05:13 PM

We are hoping to be in Florida in July with our 16 year old daughter. Although we've been to Florida every year (apart from last year!), we haven't done disney since approximately 2014. Our daughter is desperate to go back to the Disney Parks this year (covid dependent obviously!). However, with it being such a long time, what's changed? Are there still parades? What about fireworks? Is Fantasmic still running? And what about other shows? We don't like big rides, but enjoy the smaller rides but she says she just wants to go for the Disney experience. Don't want to go if we're going to be disappointed.

Shooby doo · 9 May 21, 07:51 PM

Unfortunately no-one can answer your question really because at the moment none of that is going on due to restrictions. For instance no MK parades but they have moving cavalcades (these could be here to stay & replacing actual parades), eventually there will be a new night time show at Epcot. Currently no fireworks anywhere. Park wise very little has changed at Disney as a lot has been put back due to Covid but mainly Galaxy's Edge & Toy Story land.

SD

svt153 · 9 May 21, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by Shooby doo

Unfortunately no-one can answer your question really because at the moment none of that is going on due to restrictions. For instance no MK parades but they have moving cavalcades (these could be here to stay & replacing actual parades), eventually there will be a new night time show at Epcot. Currently no fireworks anywhere. Park wise very little has changed at Disney as a lot has been put back due to Covid but mainly Galaxy's Edge & Toy Story land.

SD

Ah yes. I guess I assumed that because the parks were open then everything was operating as normal.

So I suppose that the only thing really operating currently is the rides. I will just keep my eye out for updates.

Thanks 😊

Nimbus · 10 May 21, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by svt153

We are hoping to be in Florida in July with our 16 year old daughter. Although we've been to Florida every year (apart from last year!), we haven't done disney since approximately 2014. Our daughter is desperate to go back to the Disney Parks this year (covid dependent obviously!). However, with it being such a long time, what's changed? Are there still parades? What about fireworks? Is Fantasmic still running? And what about other shows? We don't like big rides, but enjoy the smaller rides but she says she just wants to go for the Disney experience. Don't want to go if we're going to be disappointed.

For a list of what new rides and attractions have been added or removed since 2014, have a look at the DIBB's Theme Park Timeline:

https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/timeline.php

You can filter on each park or WDW as a whole. You'll see that many things have changed since 2014, with additions like Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land, etc.

Regarding changes due to COVID restrictions, the fireworks, parades, character meet'n'greets and most live shows are currently not running.

They've replaced the big main parade at MK with several, smaller calvacades throughout the day so as not to attract as many people into Main Street and the Hub at the same time. Most of the live action shows are not running although they are restarting a few of these - the Lion King show being one of them. Shows where you are sat watching a big movie screen (eg. Philharmagic and Muppets 3D) are running.

As the restrictions are relaxed you can expect to see more shows and probably the fireworks and character meets coming back. We don't know when this will happen though.

Rides-wise, I think all the rides are running, although sometimes with social distancing measures in place.

Kidd McFluff · 10 May 21, 05:51 PM

Definitely into 'how long is a piece of string' territory here. There are loads of great changes to the parks since 2014. Pandora is a must visit in Animal Kingdom and Flight of Passage is a pretty gentle but thrilling ride. Navi River is also great if you like a slow and pretty vibe. In Hollywood Studios you will find the new Star Wars Zone (Galaxies Edge) with Rise of the Resistance to ride (not scary) and loads of cool displays etc. Toy Story Land is also new at Hollywood Studios since your last visit with the new Slinky Dog Dash kids rollercoaster that is fun but again not scary at all.
I'm not entirely sure what's new at Epcot since 2014 but there seems to be loads of articles online about the plans for Epcot over the next few years. New entrance design is now completed and there are a few new food offerings.

Magic Kingdom doesn't seem to have many changes planned. Tron rollercoaster perhaps?

Parades and fireworks are coming back slowly but surely and the CM's are doing everything they can to keep the magic alive.

It'll not be the same as last time but it'll still be wonderful.