Disney Park Reopening Updates: Cancellations, Food & Wine Expansion, and Park Pass System

Major Disney Park Announcements

• ❌ Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled for 2020 due to social distancing challenges with parades, fireworks, and trick-or-treating.
• ❌ H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon are also canceled for the year, with refunds being issued.

Epcot's Food & Wine Festival Expansion

• 🍔 The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be expanded and begin on July 15th, continuing through the fall.
• 🌸 It will incorporate elements from the Flower & Garden Festival, including remaining topiaries, merchandise, and the Remy scavenger hunt.
• 🎤 The Eat to the Beat concert series is canceled due to social distancing concerns and potential insurance issues for performers.

Florida's COVID-19 Situation and Park Reopening Concerns

• 📈 Florida is experiencing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, leading Orange County to re-mandate masks in public places.
• ⚠️ There are concerns that a significant rise in cases could lead Disney to postpone or cancel park reopenings.
• 🛡️ Despite concerns, the parks are expected to be safer than average public places in Florida due to mandatory masks and enhanced cleaning protocols.

New Park Pass Reservation System

• 🎟️ A park reservation system will be implemented, requiring one park per day with no park hopping during the initial opening period.
• 📅 Reservations open on June 22nd for Disney Resort guests, June 26th for Annual Passholders, and June 28th for ticket holders.
• 🏨 Access to resort hotels will require a reservation, and inter-resort transportation may be limited.

Changes to MagicBands and Resort Access

• 💳 Complimentary MagicBands will be discontinued starting January 1, 2021; resort guests will have the option to purchase them at a discount.
• 📱 This change reflects Disney's financial situation and the increasing prevalence of smartphones for park access.
• 🔒 Access to Disney resorts will be restricted to guests with reservations, impacting resort hopping for shopping or dining.