What’s New at Disney World in 2015
February 9, 2015
Customizable MagicBands
MagicBands revolutionized the park last year, making park entry, hotel room entry, food/beverage purchases and even Photopass accessible with a tap of a snazzy wristband. hotel room, and more. Now you can customize your MagicBand: Add your name, your favorite character logo and choose your favorite color. You’ll need to customize your MagicBand at least 10 days before your arrival at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort Revamp
Disney’s Polynesian Resort is returning to its original 1971 opening day name – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – and ushering in remodeled amenities for guests throughout, including a new pool area, an onsite spa and 20 new luxury bungalows located on Seven Seas Lagoon for Disney Vacation Club members. Expect a new lobby, a new kid’s activity center and a new tiki-style bar – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – which will be similar to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland.
Two Magic Kingdom Iconic Rides Closed for Refurbishment
Two iconic Magic Kingdom rides will be closes for facelifts, bringing them back to their original, colorful glory. From April 13 to May 8, 2015, the Jungle Cruise will shutter its guided river boat service while the merry international singers of It’s a Small World will take a much needed vacation from March 10 – 15.
Finding Frozen
While the princesses from Disney’s popular “Frozen” have been appearing together on a daily basis at Disney’s new Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland for months, they’ll have their very own ride next year. The Maelstrom, fittingly located in the Norway Pavillion in EPCOT, will be transformed into a ride featuring the icy princess. In the meantime, head over to Hollywood Studios for For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – a musical celebration of all things Frozen, now taking place in the Premiere Theater!
Goodbye Sorcerer Mickey Hat!
The122-foot tall Sorcerer’s Hat, once the icon of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is now being dismantled, piece by piece. As you walk into the park, you’ll now see Disney’s version of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in the distance. The Great Movie Ride, located in the theater, will soon be refurbished, too.
Get your Starbucks fix, STAT
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is welcoming a Starbucks location this month: The Trolley Car Cafe will be the fourth Starbucks within Disney World, with other locations are already open at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Downtown Disney. Meanwhile, a Starbucks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will pop up later in the year.
Downtown Disney Transforms into Disney Springs
Downtown Disney is transforming into the more sophisticated Disney Springs. In 2015, the Landing, the first of four interconnected neighborhoods, will open to guests and three new stellar restaurants – Morimoto Asia, THE BOATHOUSE and STK Orlando – will round out the new dining options. , three restaurants planned for the area, as they come available.