What’s Happening at Walt Disney World? Here’s your full September 2021 update from Sam’s Disney Diary!
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration is just days away. The 18-month-long event kicks off October 1, 2021, bringing two new nighttime spectaculars—HarmonioUS at Epcot and Enchantment at Magic Kingdom, the Fab 50 character collection, KiteTails at Animal Kingdom, and more. Be sure to check out our 50th-anniversary preview blog for a detailed look ahead!
Disney Genie and Lightning Lane Debut
One of the biggest announcements this month was the rollout of Disney Genie. This new digital service will be built into the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps, offering guests real-time planning tools and personalized itineraries.
Genie+ (a paid upgrade) replaces FastPass+, giving access to Lightning Lane at select attractions. Individual attraction selections for high-demand rides like Rise of the Resistance are also available. The system officially launches this fall.
Annual Passes Return and Magic Key Debuts
Walt Disney World launched a brand-new Annual Passholder program just in time for the 50th, featuring four tiers—from the Pixie Dust Pass to the Incredipass. Meanwhile, Disneyland introduced Magic Key, its flexible, reservation-based annual pass program.
Halloween Haunts Coast-to-Coast
Halloween is in full swing! At Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion Holiday celebrates its 20th season. Jack Skellington once again turns the classic attraction into a Nightmare Before Christmas crossover, complete with an eerie gingerbread house made from past designs.
At Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark brings a Halloween twist to Mission: Breakout! with Rocket and Groot in a limited-time high-energy overlay.
Space 220 Restaurant Lifts Off at Epcot
Over at Epcot, Space 220 is preparing for launch. Guests will ride a “space elevator” 220 miles above Earth before dining with a cosmic view. Located next to Mission: Space, this immersive restaurant offers out-of-this-world contemporary fare—and quite literally the “height of dining.”
More News from Walt Disney World
- The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail welcomed a new baby gorilla named Ada, meaning “first daughter.”
- Disney released the first Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser commercial, which will open in spring 2022. This two-day immersive experience will introduce guests to a new concept called “StoryLiving” and fully integrate them into the Star Wars universe.
Aulani Turns 10, and Disney Springs Prepares to Drawn to Life
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, celebrated its 10th anniversary with festive outfits for Mickey and friends, Stitch sightings, and tropical treats like shave ice and Dole Whip.
Meanwhile, Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” will reopen at Disney Springs on November 18. Tickets are on sale now. This family-friendly collaboration between Cirque, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Imagineering celebrates 100 years of Disney animation through acrobatics, new characters, and dazzling visuals.
Disney Wish and Disney Uncharted Adventure
Construction continues on the Disney Wish, with the wheelhouse and final bow piece now installed. The ship is set to sail in June 2022.
We also learned about Disney Uncharted Adventure, a new interactive storytelling experience aboard the Wish. Guests will use their spyglass (mobile device) to uncover constellations and help characters like Moana, Tiana, and Nemo restore the fragmented stars. Think treasure hunt meets Pixar meets galactic exploration!
