Every week is a busy week when it comes to Disney news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Walt Disney World and other Disney resorts, here’s WDWNT’s weekly recap of the Disney news from May 4 – 10, 2020 .
If you’ve been following our news coverage throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you’re probably aware that currently all six Disney resorts across the world are closed. This week, it was announced that Shanghai Disneyland will be reopening this month, and hopes of reopening have started to surface for the other resorts too. Here’s our WDWNT Weekly Recap of all the news we’ve brought you this week, along with some extra fun things to keep Disney spirits high through these difficult times. Stay safe, readers!
Walt Disney World
- Walt Disney World has removed their park hours through May 30th and are now only accepting reservations for July 1st and onwards due to the ongoing closure, although it was announced this week that Disney Springs is set to begin a phased reopening (see below)
- Events at the resort are currently unavailable until July, including the popular Disney Villains After Hours
- The resort has released an update regarding the phased reopening of operations, with limited capacity and enhanced safety measures to come
- Guests have been receiving survey emails from Walt Disney World, regarding their post-pandemic reopening preferences
Parks
- In celebration of May the 4th this week, Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro posed inside an empty Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Transport yourself back to the EPCOT Mexico Pavilion, with this incredible at-home performance by Mariachi Cobre
- Take a look at these stunning aerial photos of an empty Future World at EPCOT during the extended park closure, with the construction left at an eerie standstill
- Photos have shown that the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival flower beds have been removed since the parks were closed, although the character topiaries across the park remain
Hotels & Resorts
- Construction has been continuing on “The Cove” Hotel at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin resort
Around Walt Disney World
- It was announced this week that Disney Springs is set to reopen on May 20th at Walt Disney World, under phased restrictions with a limited amount of traders operating. Haagen-Dazs, Wine Bar George and STK have announced they will reopen on May 20th. The Grapefruit Garage at Disney Springs reopened this week despite the closures, presumably for essential workers
- The construction on the new Disney College Program housing, hotels and shops at Flamingo Crossings has been pressing on during the closures
- The newly-remodeled McDonald’s restaurant, located near to Disney’s All-Star Resorts, has been receiving its final touches this week, including outside exercise bikes and themed garden walls
- Take a video tour of a $7.8 million house at the Four Seasons private residences at Golden Oak
Other Walt Disney World News
- The generous free dining plan deal offered to guest with cancelled bookings has been quietly discontinued early
- The Walt Disney World costuming department have donated stocks of fabric and elastic to the Orlando Ballet, to help make nearly 3,000 new face masks
- Phil Holmes, the Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is set to retire in August 2020, after a 49-year long career with Walt Disney World
Disneyland Resort
- The Disneyland Resort is now only accepting new reservations from July 1st onwards, due to the extended closures
- Disneyland Resort President Rebecca Campbell celebrated National Nurse’s Week this week, photographed with the Disney Parks Medical Team
- Construction resumed this week on the Avengers Campus and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, despite the ongoing park closures
- The Dapper Day Exo Summer 2020 has been cancelled, although a make-up event is possible for August if circumstances allow for it
Disneyland Paris
- Disneyland Paris have now cancelled all reservations through July 14th, with new refund and rebooking terms and conditions
- Because of the closure, the grand opening of Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel has had to be delayed, with reservations cancelled for stays through October
- Sing along at home with performers from “The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands” at Disneyland Paris in this special video release
- In a recent cast member FAQ session, Disneyland Paris gave further explanation of crowd size restrictions, expected Disney Village reopening precautions and more
Hong Kong Disneyland
- Hong Kong Disneyland has been preparing for their imminent reopening with the addition of temperature screening tents and social distancing markers
- The “Castle of Magical Dreams” transformation has been continuing at Hong Kong Disneyland throughout the park closure, and the main tower on the castle was illuminated this week
Shanghai Disney Resort
- It was confirmed this week that Shanghai Disneyland will be re-opening after the COVID-19 closures this May 11th. This guest tutorial video was released to explain the advanced reservation, temperature checking and social distancing procedures, along with this press tour video from the VP of Operations. These images were released to demonstrate what can be expected from the new, socially-distanced character interactions
- Guests will be able to step into Spring when they return to Shanghai Disneyland with these special food offerings and exclusive merchandise line
Tokyo Disney Resort
- It was announced this week that the Tokyo Disney Resort Closure is to be extended once more until further notice, following an extension on the Japan State of Emergency through May 31st
- Check out this week’s photo report for Tokyo Disney Resort, featuring a dry AquaSphere, construction on the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, and more
- The Duffy & Friends monorail liner run has been extended through August 31st
Disney Cruise Line & Adventures by Disney
- Adventures by Disney have suspended all their river cruises through July, due to Coronavirus pandemic concerns
- Impressive photos show nearly the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet docked at Port Canaveral, anchored up during the COVID-19 travel shutdown
New Merchandise
- shopDisney was forced to release a statement regarding the “technical issues” which affected the Star Wars May the 4th merchandise release this week, after leaving many guests disappointed. The problems with the site didn’t end there, however, as a possible security breach may have exposed guests’ personal information to other shoppers during the Star Wars Day release
- Treat yourself this summer with these sweet Disney Princess Ice Cream Cone purses from Loungefly
- Gather your foolish mortal friends for this The Haunted Mansion “Call of the Spirits” board game by Funko, which will be materializing later this year
- Follow the second start to the right and get ready for the Peter Pan’s Flight collection, the June release from the “Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction” series
- Join us in saying ‘OOoo’ at this “Toy Story” Pizza Planet Little Green Men mini backpack by Loungefly
- Join the jamboree with these limited-release Country Bear Wishables and blind bags
- Say “yub nub” to this Star Wars and “Empire Strikes Back” 40th anniversary bags by Loungefly and Pop!
- D23 revealed the limited-edition Movie Star Mickey plush for May’s “Year of the Mouse” release on Amazon
- Have fun with friends with this new artist series “Bambi and Forest Friends” Dooney & Bourke collection by Caley Hicks
- A new collection of “A Goofy Movie” merchandise is available in Disney Store Japan
- In pin news, check out this sneak peek of the new, limited-edition pins coming to shopDisney this May
- Celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” with these Starbucks “Been There” series mugs, and new Tervis tumblers
Entertainment and Media
- A recent survey has proved that Baby Yoda has dethroned Darth Vader, becoming the Most Popular Character in the Star Wars universe
- It was revealed that Taika Waititi will be directing and co-writing a new “Star Wars” feature film for theatrical release
- New photos have emerged from the set of the “Avatar” sequel, showing James Cameron directing underwater performers
- A new at-home Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Droid Depot app was launched for May 4th this week
- In a recent interview, the Russo Brothers suggested that the developing live-action “Hercules” remake won’t be a literal reflection of the Disney Animated Original movie
- Disney are reportedly hoping to cast Karen Gillan as the lead in the new “Pirates of the Caribbean” reboot
- “The Lightsaber Book”, a complete guide to the iconic lightsabers in the Star Wars galaxy, is now available for pre-order
- “Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series” will be making its debut on PlayStation VR this summer
- Decorate your space with these limited-edition Maelstrom, Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and France Pavilion EPCOT posters
- An adorable new Baby Yoda “The Child” vinyl is available to pre-order, featuring the theme track from “The Mandalorian”
Disney+
- In celebration of May 4th this week, new Star Wars profile icons are now available on Disney+
- A special recording of Taylor Swift’s “City of Lover” concert will be coming to Disney+ on May 18
- Read our review of “Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars” on this week’s Deep in the Plus
- It was revealed that Temuera Morrison will appear as Boba Fett on season 2 of “The Mandalorian”
- Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed that a “National Treasure” series is in development for Disney+, whilst the production on the third film is still ongoing
- A new horror/comedy series named “Just Beyond” will be coming soon to Disney+, based on the graphic novels by R.L. Stine
- Robert Rodriguez and Peyton Reed have been revealed as directors for season 2 episodes of “The Mandalorian”
- The National Geographic original series “The Right Stuff” will be premiering on Disney+ this fall
The Walt Disney Company
- The Walt Disney Company stocks have been downgraded this week, due to the ongoing concerns over the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parks, movies and more
- A huge $900 million decrease in capital expenditures has been announced by the company, mostly due to the postponed or cancelled projects at the Disney Parks
Other Disney News
- We were saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary musician Little Richard, voice of the Food Rocks Pineapple
- Legendary NFL coach Don Shula has also sadly passed away this week, he was notably also the inspiration for Shula’s Steak House
- The voice actresses behind our favorite Disney Princesses will be hosting an online event to benefit the Give Kids the World organisation this May 16th
- British Airways has offered to re-book flights for a wedding party at no extra cost, after one couple’s Walt Disney World wedding has had to be postponed
- Virgin Atlantic have cut over 3,000 jobs in the UK, and ended operations from Gatwick Airport, which is a major hub for Orlando International Airport
- New “The Mandalorian” Baby Yoda cereal by General Mills will be launching into grocery stores this summer
Fun Stuff from WDWNT
Merchandise
- Show off your Disney Parks Style with these new face masks from WDWNT! With designs celebrating EPCOT, Star Tours, Kilimanjaro Safaris, there’s something for every Disney taste
Editorials & Interviews
- Watch as Drake Bell gave us a personal tour of his Disney-themed home, featuring an Enchanted Tiki Room room, Club 33 memorabilia, and more
- The Road to Tomorrow – The History of Disneyland’s Rocket Rods
Walt Disney World Guides
- Top 3 Locations to Dine with Food Allergies in Walt Disney World Part 8: Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Quick Service
Park History & Throwbacks
- Get “The Disney Look” in this Walt Disney World Cast Member Handbook from 1987
- Remember the Magic with this Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Guide from 1996
Colleen’s Crafting Corner
Our Disney Parks Copycat Recipes
- Pina CoLAVA from Walt Disney World Resort
- The Grey Stuff from Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom
- Signature Grilled Bourbon-Scented Chicken with Cream Sauce from Tokyo Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Restaurant
WDW News Today
Make sure you catch up on the News Today episodes from this week!
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Set to Open on May 20th – News Today 5/8
Shanghai Disneyland Reopening May 11th, 49 Year Walt Disney World Executive Leaving – NewsToday 5/6
Man Arrested for Camping at Disney World on Discovery Island, Latest Closure Updates – NewsToday 5/4
That’s all the Disney news for this past week! Make sure you check back at the end of each week for our weekly recaps!