We say this every week, but it has been a WEEK in Disney World.

From changing park hours to missing animatronics to NEW 50th anniversary statues, this week was packed with unexpected news and changes in the parks. We’re here to fill you in on everything unexpected this week, so let’s go!

Spaceship Earth

This week we noticed that several animatronics were missing from Spaceship Earth, including the caveman and the Roman soldier.

Disney World has postponed their long-term refurbishment plans for Spaceship Earth, so we’re not sure what the plans might be for these animatronics. It’s a bit jarring to see characters suddenly missing!

Learn more about animatronics missing from Spaceship Earth here!

Expedition Everest

We were surprised to learn this week that Disney added Expedition Everest to the refurbishment calendar, with plans to close the Yeti ride for more than 3 months in 2022.

Currently, it looks like Expedition Everest will be closed from January 4th to mid-April of 2022. This is a much lengthier closure than usual for ride maintenance, so we’ll be watching closely for more news about this ride.

Click here to read more about Expedition Everest added to the refurbishment list!

Main Street Confectionery

The construction walls around the Main Street Confectionery came down this week, brightening up Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom! The construction walls had been up since May 25th, so we were excited to be able to see the shop windows again.

We still don’t know when Main Street Confectionery will reopen, but with the walls down, strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. is a little more beautiful.

Check out more photos of Main Street Confectionery here!

50th Anniversary Character Statues

We saw 50th anniversary character statues pop up all over Magic Kingdom this week! We saw Stitch hanging out on the Purple Wall…

…and the Cheshire Cat grinning in a tree near the Mad Tea Party.

In the hub, there are several classic Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie, of course.

We’ll be watching out for more 50th anniversary statues to appear around Magic Kingdom!

Here are photos of ALL the 50th anniversary character statues so far!

50th Anniversary Entrance Sign

Now you’ll be able to spot more 50th anniversary decor on the entrance sign for Disney World!

There are now two new EARidescent 50th logos added to the welcome sign on EPCOT Center Drive.

We can’t wait to celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary once all the new decor is up!

Click here to see more photos of the entrance sign!

Openings

We learned of opening dates for two new locations in EPCOT, including a shoping and a drinking spot.

Creations Shop

Creations Shop will be EPCOT’s new shopping location and a replacement for Mousegear, and Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley shared a sneak peek of one of the five signs for this shop!

Creations Shop will officially open on September 15th, and we can’t wait to go shopping!

You can read more about Creations Shop here!

Club Cool

The new reinvigorated version of Club Cool will reopen on September 15th. Disney has said that the new Club Cool will share Coca-Cola drinks from around the world while celebrating Coca-Cola “in a fresh new way.”

We can’t wait to see what the new, revitalized space will be like, and we’ll know pretty soon!

Here’s more about Club Cool’s opening date!

Face Masks

We noticed quite a big jump in face mask prices in Disney World this week, with a set of two masks now being sold for $19.99. Previously, they were sold for buy one get one free for $9.99 each.

You can still find Disney face masks online for a lot less, so why should anyone pay $20 for two masks?

Here’s why you shouldn’t buy Face Masks in Disney World right now.

And that’s everything we found unexpected in Disney World this week! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news — expected AND unexpected.

Here are 45 Disney World questions you’re too afraid to ask!

Are you surprised by any of the news this week? Tell us in the comments!