Change — love it or hate it, Disney World is FULL of change these days, and more change is on the way.

There have already been changes when it comes to mask rules and select hotel check-outs. And the future will feature ride changes, hotel changes, and more. This week has been one full of changes — either announcements of changes that have already been made or ones that will soon take place. What changes should you be prepared for? Read on!

1 — Minnie Vans are coming BACK

First up in terms of news this week, we have the upcoming return of a special Disney World offering. You read that headline right folks — Minnie Vans are coming BACK! Recently, Disney shared that Minnie Vans will be returning to Disney World this summer.

Disney hasn’t shared many other details yet, but we’re on the lookout for more info and will let you know what we find.

Click here to see more about the return of Minnie Vans!

2 — EPCOT Updates

Next up, we’ve got a whole bunch of EPCOT updates. First, we got a FIRST LOOK at the Guardians of the Galaxy gift shop coming to EPCOT. You know the drill folks, you’ve GOT to exit through a gift shop or you haven’t had the true Disney experience. 😂

EPCOT has also gotten a brand NEW park map with some BIG updates!

Speaking of changes, there have some BIG menu changes over at one of EPCOT’s newest restaurants — Space 220! From a new quinoa burger to shrimp cocktail — there are quite a few new items to explore here. We’ve tried a bunch of them and shared our thoughts with you! Click here to see our review!

Finally (in terms of EPCOT news), during the past few days we also learned that the new EPCOT restaurant (Connections Cafe & Eatery) will have a Starbucks inside.

We can’t wait to see what Connections Cafe & Eatery will look like once it’s all done. We’re looking for all construction updates, so stay tuned for more news!

Click here to learn more about Connections Cafe!

3 — Shanghai Disneyland Closes & More Omicron Updates

In international news, Shanghai Disneyland closed starting March 21st, 2021, due to the situation with COVID-19. No reopening date has been set yet.

The situation with COVID-19 in the United States and throughout the world continues to change. Lately, we’ve shared a more comprehensive look at a new Omicron subvariant called “stealth” Omicron or BA.2.

It is believed that this subvariant will become dominant in the United States soon. While we really haven’t seen Disney’s rules be altered due to this subvariant, things are subject to change.

Click here to see what you need to know about the stealth BA.2 omicron subvariant

4 — More things are or will soon be back to “normal”

All around Disney World, things are returning back to “normal” in different ways — some bigger, and some smaller. First, H2O Glow nights are coming back — dates and ticket sales information was revealed earlier this week, so be sure to mark those calendars!

Disney Vacation Club members can also get in on some nighttime fun with the EXCLUSIVE Moonlight Magic events. We attended the first Moonlight Magic event that returned this year and got to grab special snacks, enjoy some entertainment, and more. Click here to see our FULL review of our time there!

Over in Magic Kingdom, we’ve seen the Dapper Dans performing back on Main Street, U.S.A. They even continued performing after a trolley they were on got DERAILED!

Another COVID-19 change is also quietly going back to normal. In this case, it’s all about…the plexiglass! At a number of locations (but not all of them) we’ve started to notice that the plexiglass barriers that were previously in place have been removed.

And finally, over at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, things are a little bit more lively now when you order the signature Kitchen Sink dessert! If you order it or someone else does, you might even get the chance to shout “A WHOLE CAN?!” This is a time-honored Beaches & Cream tradition and refers to the fact that the Kitchen Sink has a WHOLE can of whipped cream on it.

Yes, A WHOLE CAN!

Click here to see a video of the antics!

5 — Earth Day celebrations

You thought Valentine’s Day, Spring, Easter, and St. Patrick’s Day was enough?! Well now it’s time to throw another celebration into the mix! In mid-April, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be celebrating Earth Day for an entire WEEK!

The celebrations will include special characters to draw at the Animation Experience, unique PhotoPass shots, limited-time snacks, and more! It’s sure to be a wild time no matter how to decide to celebrate!

Click here to see the limited-time activities and more coming to Animal Kingdom!

And that’s it for that news. But (of course) other news was shared this week. Click the links below to learn more about these stories:

• There is key lime pie DOLE whip
• We have an update about airport train coming to Orlando’s airport. Click here to see everything we know about the train so far
• Disney CEO Bob Chapek has addressed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill again and promised further action. Also, supportive LGBTQIA+ statements were shared by Disney ahead of some planned employee walkouts. Click here to see photos & videos of the walkouts.
• A same-sex kiss has been put back into ‘Lightyear’ after criticism of Disney’s response to the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

• The way you check out of your Disney World hotel could be changing
• A new Disney collaboration could change the way weather is handled in the parks
• You’ve never seen beignets like THIS before in Disney World!
• Chocolate easter egg displays are back in Disney World
• Disney has made a statement following a marching band performance that has drawn heavy criticism

• Former Disney CEO Bob Iger shares his views on the news, media, and opinion
• Apparently T-Mobile + Disney = Metaverse?!
• What the menu and pricing could look like when The Cake Bake Shop opens in Disney World
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is coming to the Disney Wish cruise ship
• The price per point has increased at select Disney Vacation Club Resorts
• The Cultural Representative Program is returning to Disney World

That’s it for now! Stay tuned for more Disney news!

Click here to learn about the big transformation coming to Disneyland Paris!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

---

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023.

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Are you planning to visit Disney World soon? Tell us in the comments!