Disney Park Updates for May 10th, 2021

May 9, 2021 by David Mumpower

Life comes at you fast sometimes, which Disney has proven with some changes at Disney Vacation Club resorts.

I’ll explain what I mean and discuss a date change at a future Walt Disney World resort.

Modified Pandemic Procedures

The other day, I mentioned that Disney has eliminated its temperature checks. As of this past weekend, cast members never get tested.

Starting on May 16^th, park visitors will no longer need a temperature check before entering.

However, that information is already a bit dated. This past weekend, Disney implemented two significant changes to its policies.

Some outdoor cast members no longer wear face shields. Disney has conversed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and determined these aren’t necessary now.

At some DVC resort restaurants, Disney has removed previous signs of temperature test requirements. They’re just gone now as if they never existed. For example, The Wave… of American Flavors had a podium outside the wave-like entrance to the check-in desk. That’s gone now, replaced by a hand sanitizer station.

By this time next week, we might never know that the parks once required temperature checks!

Galactic Starcruiser Delayed

Each year, Disney celebrates May the 4^th as a semi-official holiday for Star Wars fans.

This year, officials revealed this short video of a working lightsaber:

While fans were distracted by the shiny object, park officials snuck in the news that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser won’t open until 2022.

Disney had previously indicated that the project remained on schedule for a 2021 debut despite pandemic-related delays.

Alas, those plans proved optimistic. We’re still not that far away from its opening, though. In fact, Disney is auditioning for performers at the resort.

This week, we also learned that the Star Wars Hotel will feature Signature Services. It’ll include White Glove Concierge as well, establishing that it’s a deluxe resort.

Galactic Starcruiser will come with cruise-like pricing, meaning that you’ll pay for three days and two nights no matter what. It’s a luxury experience, and the amenities will reflect that.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the long-rumored supper club is real and has a name.

You’ll find the next in-demand dining option at the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. The update states:

“The dining room is a bright and welcoming hall that will offer breakfast and lunch to passengers before transitioning each evening into a lavish multi-course menu of both otherworldly and familiar origins.”

Make no mistake. Disney is positioning Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser as the ultimate theme park experience for the next decade.

Disney Miscellany

The most pleasant news this week was the triumphant return of A Celebration of The Festival of the Lion King.

As the name implies, it’s a variation of the standard show attraction, The Festival of the Lion King. You can check out the new version here:

Disney has wisely dialed down the tumbling and interactive crowd experiences in favor of more of a Broadway-style show.

In DVC news, you’ll want to enter the Luca’s Riviera Contest. This DVC giveaway will reward the grand prize winner with a 6-day, 5-night stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort.

When you visit the page, you’ll note that non-DVC members can enter, too. Whichever one you are, you must watch the 90-second video before completing your submission.

Finally, a reader asked for more information about valet parking. Given their arrival date this week, I’m the bearer of bad news.

Here’s the official schedule for the return of valet parking at DVC resorts: