06/19/2020
Good News/Bad News Update on seasonal events at Walt Disney World Resort
By: Disney Destinations June 18, 2020
As we prepare for the reopening of our theme parks next month, weâre taking a measured and deliberate approach to our planning that applies appropriate new health and safety measures. We continue to follow guidance from government and health officials for responsibly operating our theme parks, so we can make the right adjustments to our offerings, including our upcoming fall events.
One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, weâre pleased to share that not only have we cooked up a creative, modified festival experience, it will also be our longest festival yet â giving you plenty of time to enjoy âA Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!â
This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. And, if youâve ever imagined a world where the floral fun of Flower & Garden is sprinkled in with the global goodies of Food & Wine, hereâs your chance â guests will be able to see our newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remyâs Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns. And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins.
We know the popular musical acts during the âEat to the Beat Concert Seriesâ often pack the house and, in an effort to accommodate proper physical distancing, we will not be able to host these concerts this year. There will be plenty of music to enjoy at America Gardens Theatre with local EPCOT entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre, the JAMMitors and more. These fan favorites will spread out their performances throughout the day, giving audiences more options to enjoy them.
While assessing another fall special event, Mickeyâs Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks â stage shows, parades and fireworks â are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this yearâs Mickeyâs Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Additionally, Disney H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disneyâs Typhoon Lagoon, will not take place for the remainder of 2020. Guests who have already bought tickets to these events will be assisted with refunds over the coming weeks.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, this may spark questions about Mickeyâs Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the Candlelight Processional. We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials. As always, our goal is to explore every option and look at ways in which we can still host events and festivals full of Disney magic, while still operating responsibly with the health and safety of our guests and cast members in mind.
