SIX FLAGS DELAYS OPENING OF 2020 SEASON

 BY GABRIELLE

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New York, alongside its Hurricane Harbour waterpark, have delayed opening for the 2020 season.

Six Flags plans to open Great Adventure on May 21, 2020, almost seven weeks later than the original opening date of April 4.  The Hurricane Harbor waterpark is also due to open in mid-May or soon afterwards.

In a press statement, Six Flags said: While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the property, the safety of our guests, team members, and animals is always our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation, and follow the most current guidance from federal, state, and local officials.”

A number of other theme parks have closed across the United States due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Disneyland, Universal Studios Florida Theme Park, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, and many more.

WALT DISNEY WORLD TO TRANSFORM CINDERELLA CASTLE

BY GABRIELLE

The iconic Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park is to under a major transformation in forthcoming months.

To mark the 70th anniversary of when Disney’s animated film ‘Cinderella’ was released, Disney shared a concept image of the new-look Cinderella Castle.

Talking about the transformation, Jason Kirk, vice president of Magic Kingdom, said: “Cinderella first transformed into a princess 70 years ago this week when the animated classic was released, and ever since, her courage and kindness have been inspiring guests and cast members alike.

“We are excited to share that her story has inspired a bold, shimmering and royal makeover of her namesake castle at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort.”

Alterations to the castle will commence in the coming weeks and are expected to continue until the summer.

The shows currently running at Walt Disney World including ‘Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire’ and ‘Happily Ever After’ will continue.

Hong Kong Disneyland is currently making alternations to its Sleeping Beauty Castle, including the installation of Disney Princess-themed towers.

TRON LIGHTCYCLES ON DISPLAY AT TOMORROWLAND, MAGIC KINGDOM WORLD

BY GABRIELLE

Walt Disney World is teasing visitors to Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, Florida, by displaying the park’s highly-awaited TRON Lightcycles.

The TRON Lightcycles are now on display in a new area near Space Mountain in the themed land of Tomorrowland. Guests can sit on the vehicles for selfies and photo opportunities.

The innovative, high-tech, coaster-style attraction is due to open at Magic Kingdom in 2021, to coincide with Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.

The TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction involves riders boarding a train featuring two-wheeled Lightcycles. Guests are taken on an invigorating race through the ‘digital frontier.’

In November 2019, the final piece of the TRON Lightcycle / Run ride was installed at Walt Disney World, which was a major construction milestone for the attraction.

Scott Pratt, Walt Disney Imagineering’s project coordinator, commented: “It finishes a loop of over 3,000 feet of track and over 120 pieces. The guests are going to feel exhilaration and they’re going to come off wanting to ride it over and over again,” Pratt added.

DISNEY REVEALS NAME AND PREMIERE DATE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW AT DISNEY SPRINGS

BY GABRIELLE

Disney, together with Cirque du Soleil, has announced the name and debut date of the new Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs.

The show is named Drawn to Life and will premiere at Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney Springs in April 2020.

Drawn to Life is written and directed by Michael Laprise and Fabrice Becker. The production is put together through a partnership between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Drawn to Life tells the story of a girl named Julie, who embarks on a journey guided by an unfinished animation object which helps Julie imagine new possibilities and animate her future. The production will boast an international cast of more than 65 artists.

Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil said: “For Cirque du Soleil, this is a beautiful way of celebrating Disney’s legacy in the art of animation.

“This new and exciting production is most certainly the best way to highlight the privileged relationship we have with our colleagues at Walt Disney World and our joint commitment to continually bring audiences new experiences that surpass their expectations,” said Lamarre.

Joshua D’Amaro, president of Walt Disney World Resort, commented: “In creating this show, we’ve brought to life an extraordinary new entertainment experience for the whole family.

“It blends all the heart, humour and joy of Disney storytelling with new acrobatic performances and effects never before seen in a Cirque du Soleil production.”

Previews of Drawn to Life will take place on March 20, 2020 and the production will officially premiere on April 17, 2020.

WALT DISNEY WORLD SHARES DETAILS OF NEW ‘STORYTELLING COASTER’ RIDE

BY GABRIELLE

During D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, California, Walt Disney World revealed details about the Guardian of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a ‘storytelling coaster’ that is part of the biggest transformation of any Disney theme park.

The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Unwind will be located at World Discovery. The story will start in the planetarium exhibition known as the ‘Galaxarium,’ where visitors can marvel at the formation of Marvel’s fictional planet, Xandar, as well as the Earth’s galaxy.

The Guardians of the Galaxy then arrive and take guests on a Cosmic Rewind journey. The family-friendly coaster will feature a pioneering OmniCoaster ride system by Walt Disney Imagineering, in which the vehicles rotate 360 degrees. The attraction will also feature the first reverse launch on a Disney rollercoaster.

As guests ride in the individual vehicles, their eyes are directed to the immersive story taking place around them.

The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to launch at Walt Disney World Resort in 2021, to coincide with the theme park’s 50th anniversary.