When Disney World closed and reopened in 2020, there were quite a few changes!
We have watched for months and years as hotels, attractions, and restaurants slowly reopened in the parks and resorts. But after four years, there are still some things missing from Disney World…and we want to know their status!
Frozen Ever After Dessert Party
First up, let’s talk about the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at EPCOT! This dessert party not only came with sweet treats, but also a ride on Frozen Ever After once the fireworks were over. It was a big draw for families with Anna and Elsa fans!
We haven’t seen this dessert party option return to EPCOT since the pandemic, even though you can still check out the fireworks dining packages at select table service restaurants.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and Its Dessert Party
Before the closures, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular was the big nighttime show at Hollywood Studios. And along with the show, this park also had a dessert party!
We’ve definitely been missing the dessert party option in Hollywood Studios, since the only thing similar right now is the Fantasmic dining packages at table service restaurants.
Jedi Training
Another thing missing in Hollywood Studios? The Jedi Training! This show used to take place on the stage next to Star Tours multiple times a day, and you could sign up to have your little one battle Sith Lords and learn the ways of the Force.
It was an incredibly popular offering, and many are still upset that it hasn’t returned! If you want an interactive Star Wars experience right now, you’ll have to go build a lightsaber or a droid in Galaxy’s Edge instead.
Tinker Bell Meet and Greet
There are two meet and greet spaces in Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom — one of them is used for Mickey Mouse, and the other has been sitting unused outside of special events. That’s right, Tinker Bell still hasn’t returned to her meet and greet location!
Almost all of the other characters are back in their pre-pandemic spots, so the fact that Tinker Bell hasn’t returned feels odd. We’ll be interested to see if she comes back or if they replace her with someone else.
Grand Avenue Shops
In the back of Muppets Courtyard, there are two gift shops that have been closed for years now. It’s a Wonderful Shop is a Christmas-themed store that has only been used for the Santa Claus meet and greets since the pandemic.
Across from It’s a Wonderful Shop is the Stage 1 Company Store, which used to be home to Muppets-themed merchandise. We miss having a Muppets store in the park!
Other Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Locations
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reopened in Magic Kingdom a while back, but did you know that there are two other locations in Disney World that remain closed? The boutiques at Disney Springs and the Grand Floridian have both been out of commission since 2020.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservations go FAST in Magic Kingdom, so it’s fairly surprising that the bonus locations haven’t reopened.
Garden View Tea Room
And last but not least, we have to mention the beloved Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian! This location was formerly a place where you could get afternoon tea with scones and pastries, and it was in high demand back in the day.
With 1900 Park Fare reopening in 2024, we’ll be on the lookout to see if this spot returns shortly after. In the past few years, it has been used as an activities space on rainy days, but Disney World needs an elegant tea service again!
Those are some of the things we’re surprised are STILL closed in Disney World! Stay tuned to AllEars for more news and updates on all the things returning to operation.
The Most Exciting Changes Coming to Disney World in 2024!
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Which of these offerings do you miss the most? Let us know in the comments!
Oh where do I start?
From your list the tea has to be my number 1 request. Along with that, it would be wonderful to have the band back at the Grand Floridian – such an air of elegance and sophistication but also FUN! Fun for us “more seasoned” Disney fans – (I still miss Mizner’s atmosphere too – how about use the tea room in the evening for an intimate bar/jazz club…). So much of a Disney vaca for us is the “bubble effect” which was greatly enhanced with the Magical Express experience. It doesn’t need to be free (although that is nice)-charge similar to Mears or even a bit more – nothing like getting off the plane to Disney magic and Disney videos on the bus.
And oh yes -characters and “citizens” everywhere! Pop up bands, pop up skits…
Finally – tables in wonderland. The last few trips after a couple of days of table service bill heart attacks – I have found myself cancelling reservations and sucking it up and going to quick serves more. I save money (and imbibe less) so there’s an upside but it changes some of the vaca feel. And for the cost of the stay… it should be a luxurious experience.
I remember one of the first Disney “lessons” I ran across back in 2005 or so. “Take a $100 bill and flush it down the toilet. If you don’t dive in after it, you’re ready to go!” It is hard to be on a budget at Disney but it can be done. But that budget needs to be more substantial now…
Hugs to all at ALLEARS for making 20 years of trips even more fun and economical with info and tips!
I wonder if WDW management is just being cheap or they can’t hire enough people to work these events. It might be a bit of both
I really miss the convenience of shipping purchases from the parks to your resort. Most of all I miss the International cast Members in Epcot World Showcase 🙁
Let’s add one more thing to bring back. Morocco Epcot world showcase. All the shops and Marrakesh restaurant are shuttered.
I completely agree about the need to reopen the Garden View Tea Room! The Cake Bake Shop is so incredibly slow in opening, and I fear its tea service will not compare to the serene oasis that the Garden View always provided.
Most missed? The Citizens of Hollywood. The Park is just not the same without them.