11 Popular Things That STILL Haven’t Returned to Disney World

A lot at Disney World is starting to go back to “normal”, with relaxed social distancing measures and mask mandates.

Markers are being removed from extended outdoor queues.

There are still quite a few things that we’re still missing, though! Here’s a list of some popular things at Disney World that we’re hoping to see come back soon.

1. FastPass+

FastPass+ is a free tool that guests use to skip the line at some of their favorite attractions. It’s an awesome way to get on to popular rides with little to no wait!

Peter Pan’s Flight FastPass+ Entrance

FastPass+ has been missing since Disney World closed, and we haven’t heard any word of its returning soon.

2. Annual Passs

Disney has not been selling new Annual Passes since the initial closure, though guests with existing passes CAN renew them!

New Annual Passholder merchandise!

Disney hasn’t said yet if or when they are planning on bringing back Annual Passes for Disney World, after discontinuing the program altogether for Disneyland.

Click here to read the VERY limited exceptions to when new Annual Passes can be sold

3. Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! is a popular nighttime show that was performed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s been gone since Disney World closed, and we’re really missing it!! It’s a HUGE production with music, fight scenes, a boat parade, a DRAGON, and a lot more, so it makes sense to suspend the show until more guests can sit in the theater to watch.

©Disney

However, some fireworks shows are returning in July, and we’ve seen distancing measures begin to be relaxed. While Fantastmic! still hasn’t received a reopening date, we’re continuing to keep an eye out for its return.

4. Some Restaurants and Hotels

Many restaurants have reopened in Disney World, but there are still a few that we’re waiting to see open their doors! One popular spot that fans particularly want to see reopen is Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom.

Casey’s Corner

Additionally, we’ve still got a handful of hotels that still have not reopened, including All Star Music, All Star Sport, and both Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter.

5. Dining Plan

Speaking of restaurants, Disney still hasn’t released any details on when the Dining Plans will be available again. The Disney Dining Plan is a way that guests can pre-pay for meals and snacks by purchasing a plan that includes a certain number of snacks, counter-service, and sit-down service meals.

The Disney Dining Plan Snack Symbol © Disney

Last year, Disney cancelled all Dining Plan reservations through September 26th, 2021, and they have yet to announce if or when the popular program will return.

6. Parades

Disney replaced their usual parades with cavalcades, which are like mini-parades that usually include one or two floats and a few characters. While we appreciate that we can still see our favorite characters marching through the Magic Kingdom, we really do miss the full-on parades.

Festival of Fantasy Parade

We think when the parades do come back (hopefully soon!!) we’ll be amazed all over again at the huge floats and amazing dancers.

Click Here to See Which Cavalcades Will Be at the Boo Bash This Year!

7. Character Meet and Greets

When Disney reopened, the characters did come back to the parks — just in a more physically distanced way. You can see a lot of characters around the parks, but the meet and greets where you can go up to them and take a photo with them have not yet returned.

Piglet, Pooh, and Tigger from afar

For now, we’ll enjoy waving to our friends from a distance, but we’re longing for the day when we can hug them again!!

8. Some Transportation

We’ve got a lot of the normal Disney transportation back — the Skyliner, buses, and the Resort Monorail line are all operating. But there are a few transport things we’d love to see return! For one thing, the parking lot trams have yet to return, and on a hot day when you have to park towards the back of a crowded parking lot, you’ll see why they are very much missed.

Trams are not operating today 🙁

The EPCOT Monorail lines are also still not running. Another, newer transport option that hasn’t returned yet are the Minnie Vans, a ride service that operated like Uber and Lyft.

Minnie Van

But the good news is that you CAN use Uber and Lyft in the parks, and most of the time they can drop you off right at the park entrance! These services are usually cheaper than renting a car, and it’s nice to have more freedom and not have to wait for a bus.

9. Halloween and Christmas Parties

We know that Boo Bash is coming to Magic Kingdom, but Disney still hasn’t said whether Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be back next year or if Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be back in full force this year.

Mickey at his Halloween party!

We have high hopes for Boo Bash this year, and we’ll keep you updated on more news for both these parties!

10. Attraction Pre-Shows

A lot of attractions have pre-shows before you ride them, which are usually back stories that make the attraction more of an immersive, entertaining experience! Most pre-shows were cancelled when Disney reopened, likely to allow for more social distancing of guests.

Rise of the Resistance Pre-Show

But good news for this one: we’re seeing some pre-shows come back already! Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Dinosaur are among the attractions that have their pre-shows running now, and we’re keeping our eyes peeled for more to return in the near future (c’mon, stretching room!).

11. Stage Shows

Besides all the rides, snacks, and shops, Disney also has some amazing shows. We love The Festival of the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, just to name a few favorites!

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

While many stage shows haven’t returned yet, the Festival of the Lion King is back in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Click here to read about a reopened Festival of the Lion King

More and more things are returning to normal at Disney World, so stay tuned with AllEars for the latest updates and info!

Click Here to See What Disney World’s Latest Mask Update Looks Like!

What are you hoping to see back in the parks? Let us know in the comments!

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3 Replies to “11 Popular Things That STILL Haven’t Returned to Disney World”

  1. I’d like to see the characters meeting, greeting, and hugging guests again. When that happens, you know Disney is back in full.

  2. Harmony Barbershop! Hopefully it comes back soon. We are going to be in WDW in late September and we hope to get first haircuts for the triplets there.