As travel and vacations are returning to a more normal appearance, Walt Disney World has been sharing a number of exciting updates and announcements. From resort reopenings, enhanced benefits for resort guests, to the return of favorite Disney events, let’s take a closer look at these exciting updates.
Polynesian Village Resort Reopens
After an extended closure for refurbishment, the Polynesian Village Resort is schedule to reopen on July 19. Guests will return to an enhanced entrance with a new porte cochere showcasing the iconic mid-20th century architecture the Polynesian is famous for. Most importantly, the new Moana-themed guests rooms will make their debut when the resort reopens later this month.
Early Theme Park Entry Benefit for Resort Guests
Beginning on October 1 to coincide with the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World, resort guests will be able to enjoy early park entry. Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of other select hotels will have the first chance to enjoy select attractions at EVERY theme park, EVERY day. This is a little different than the Extra Magic Hour that was offered in the past that only allowed guests access to a specific park of the day. With this new benefit, ALL the parks will open early allowing resort guests to be the first to enjoy the rides and attractions for the day.
Added Benefit for Deluxe Resort Guests
In addition, with the kickoff of the 50th anniversary, guests staying at one of the Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Disney Resort hotels will also be able to enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks. Extended evening hours will begin in early October with specific dates and parks to be shared by Disney at a later time.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Reopened (Don’t Miss this tip!)
The Winter Summerland Miniature Golf has reopened. Now, both courses at this location as well as Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf are available for families to enjoy. (ProTip: Included in every Disney resort vacation package – resort + tickets – are four free rounds of golf at one of this putt putt golf courses. This is a great activity for your family to enjoy either on one of your days off from the parks or maybe on arrival day.)
Disney Family Night Dinner
Disney has just launched new summer offering the entire family will love – Disney Family Night Dinner. This playful, family-style dining bundle includes a take-out shareable meal, sweet treats, and an original card-type game inspired by some favorite Disney friends for Guests to enjoy.
Disney Family Night Dinner is available from 5-10 p.m. through mobile order and at the two resort locations offering this three-course takeaway meal that serves 3-4.
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:
- Roasted Jamaican-style Chicken
- Fried Yucca
- Cilantro Rice
- Seasonal Vegetables
- Caribbean Pull-apart Rolls with Onion Jam and Guava Butter
- Decorate-your-own Mickey and Minnie Cookies
Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
- Garden Salad – Tomato, cucumber, carrots, and a duo of dressings
- Savory Lasagna – Three cheese lasagna with tomato sauce
- Two Mickey-shaped Cheese or Pepperoni Pizzas
- Minnie Cheesecake with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and fresh berries
In-Person runDisney Racing Returns
runDisney races will return to Walt Disney World Resort this fall, kicking off the runDisney 2021-2022 race season! The 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will kick off all the fun. The theme, Wickedly Delicious, celebrates our favorite Disney villains, and the weekend will include a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and Disney Two Course Challenge (both the 10K and the half marathon).
The season will include four events:
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by AfterShokz: November 4-7, 2021
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 5-9, 2022
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 24-27, 2022
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend presented by Otterbox: March 31-April 3, 2022
It is an exciting time to be planning a Walt Disney World vacation! We out to me today to start planning your family’s magical vacation! Click here to get started!