Experiences Fans Want to See Return Before Disney World's 50th - Inside the Magic

As the world continues to fight against the ongoing pandemic, and as Disney World continues to modify its safety and health protocols, there are still a handful of experiences and amenities that are unavailable and that Disney fans wish to see make a return in the near future — specifically, before the 50th anniversary celebrations kick off on October 1, 2021.

Here are the top experiences Disney fans wish to see return to Walt Disney World before the 50th anniversary.

FastPass+

Related: One Type of FastPass Is Still Offered at Disney World

When Walt Disney World reopened its theme parks to the public back in mid-July 2020, several changes were implemented — one of them being the temporary suspension of FastPass+.

Many were hoping to see FastPass+ return by now; however, that is not the case. In fact, there has been no word on when FastPass+ will return to Disney World, and many actually began to speculate it may be a thing of the past, especially after Disneyland Paris announced free FastPasses would not return to the Disney theme parks in France.

Inside the Magic will continue to update you as we get information regarding FastPass+ at Walt Disney World.

Dining Experiences

Though many dining locations have reopened since the temporary closures last year — including Crystal Palace, Hollywood & Vine, ‘Ohana, and more — there are also several locations that are still unavailable that Guests are hoping make a return very soon.

Hoop-Dee-Doo

Related: Why Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Is A Must-Do On Every Disney Vacation

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a popular dinner show located at Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World. However, as a result of the pandemic, Pioneer Hall has not been able to host Guests and in fall 2020, the cast of Hoop-Dee-Doo, were, unfortunately, laid off.

The good news is that not long ago, we reported Disney may have recalled some of the cast of Hoop-Dee-Doo. This could be an indication that they are getting ready to reopen the dinner show to Guests, though nothing was confirmed at the time. Then, just a few weeks later, Walt Disney World filed a permit for construction at Pioneer Hall, hinting that they may be thinking about bringing the show back.

However, at this time Disney World has not announced a reopening date for Hoop-Dee-Doo, but we know fans wish to see this experience return soon. We will continue to update you as we get information.

Disney Dining Plan

Disney Dining Plans are one of the most popular add-on perks to Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages. In case you aren’t familiar, the Disney Dining Plan allows families to prepay for their sit-down meals, quick service meals, and snacks so they can enjoy their Disney World vacations with less financial stress.

The official description of the Disney Dining Plan reads:

Delight in classic dining options and enjoy a mix of Quick-Service and Table-Service restaurants. You’ll dine at one of each every day (per night of stay), so you can easily plan your meals with the rest of your vacation fun!

However, for the time being, Disney World has temporarily halted the Disney Dining Plan add-on due to the ongoing pandemic. The good news is that just recently, Walt Disney World announced this popular package would be returning later this year and fans are ecstatic!

Though we do not have an exact date, fans are hoping to see the Disney Dining Plan return in time for the 50th anniversary.

Nighttime Spectaculars at Hollywood Studios

Fans were ecstatic when fireworks made their return at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, though some are disappointed to see nothing return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and hope that prior to the 50th, the following will once again be available to Guests.

Fantasmic!

In case you have never seen this nighttime spectacular, the Disney World website describes the show as:

A Legendary Tale

Featuring more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and rousing music, this larger-than-life show is painted on a grand canvas of dancing water and light like nothing you’ve ever seen. Overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises, it will leave your entire family smiling from ear-to-ear.

A Night When Dreams Come True

Fast asleep, Mickey Mouse dreams that he is a mighty sorcerer’s apprentice with the power to control water, color and magic. The Disney Villains—including Maleficent in the form of a towering, 40-foot-tall dragon—turn Mickey’s dream into a nightmare, but don’t underestimate the power of Mickey’s imagination!
The fantastic fantasy includes Disney Characters from some of your favorite animated classics:

Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
The Little Mermaid
Aladdin
The Lion King
Pocahontas
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

In case you have never seen this nighttime spectacular, the Disney World website describes the show as:

As John Williams’ majestic theme fills the air, feel the Force of beloved Star Wars characters, iconic starships and a heroic finale. You’ll be right in the middle of the action during this immersive light show.

State-of-the-art projection effects, dynamic lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics put you right inside scenes from the Star Wars saga—including a new action sequence from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

What better way to celebrate Star Wars than with a show written on the stars!

More Shows

Since the theme parks reopened, a handful of shows have made their return, including Festival of the Lion King, which is currently operating as a slightly modified version and called A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King. 

But, fans wish to see other shows return as well. Here are some of the experiences Guests wish to see return prior to the 50th anniversary later this year.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

The official Walt Disney World website describes this show as:

Watch live as the daring duo dodges deadly traps, battles bad guys, leaps from tall buildings and makes thrilling escapes straight out of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The edge-of-your-seat suspense ends with a dynamite finale!

Along the way, get an inside look at how stunts are done with demonstrations that reveal how to safely throw and take punches, fall from tall buildings, and even wield whips in the midst of complex action sequences.

Voyage of The Little Mermaid

The official Walt Disney World website describes this show as:

Enter a world where the ocean floor is full of fish and Ariel longs to stroll and dance with humans. Sing along with colorful puppets, spirited live performers, wondrous special effects and enchanting film clips.

Sebastian the crab and his hot crustacean band make a splash with “Under the Sea.” Ariel yearns to trade her tail for legs in “Part of Your World.”

When Ursula the Sea Witch grants her wish, Ariel gets more than she bargained for—before discovering her own happily-ever-after at the grand fin-ale.

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

The official Walt Disney World website describes this show as:

The heartwarming tale of Belle and the Beast swirls to life in this lush stage performance. With colorful costumes, gorgeous scenery and the songs you’ve come to love, this sumptuous show will sweep you away—all over again!

Although Walt Disney World is continuing to modify its safety protocols and bring experiences back to the theme parks, there are still several amenities that fans wish to see return in the near future.

What do you want to see return to Disney World before the 50th anniversary kicks off? Let us know in the comments below.

If you want to visit Walt Disney World for the 50th anniversary, be sure to get in touch with an authorized travel planner who will ensure you don’t miss out on anything the theme parks have to offer for this special time!