Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World Resort has made some major changes today due to extreme heat in Orlando.
While Florida is no stranger to intense summer heat, this weekend is expected to be especially brutal. Temperatures are forecast to reach the low to mid-90s, with heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees and a moderate to locally major heat risk across East Central Florida.
For the most part, it’s business as usual across Disney’s theme parks. However, as the Fourth of July crowds continue to grow, Disney has made a minor adjustment to accommodate its cast members and guests alike.
Disney Enforces Immediate Entertainment Change
Today, Disney World made some big changes to its entertainment at Magic Kingdom.
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire – performed multiple times per day on the Cinderella Castle stage – was cut in length by more than half during its 11.15 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. performances.
With both performances hosted during peak sunlight hours, the 20-minute show was slashed to roughly 8.5 minutes to minimize the amount of time cast members spend on stage (and, by default, the amount of time guests stand in a crowded area under the blazing sun).
The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade was also shortened. The mini parade, which features characters such as Bruno from Encanto, Miguel from Coco, and Woody from Toy Story, typically travels from Frontierland, through Liberty Square, and down Main Street, U.S.A.
It’s unclear whether similar changes will be conducted over the rest of the Fourth of July weekend, when additional entertainment is expected to hit Magic Kingdom – including a flyover from U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing at approximately 10:30 a.m., with another flyover taking place over EPCOT not long later. The evening will also bring Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.
Once the holiday weekend wraps up, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire is expected to go on hiatus from July 7 through July 14.
Ongoing Adjustments for Heat at Disney World
This isn’t the first time a Disney park has made changes to adapt to the heat.
Disneyland Paris recently suffered through a heatwave, forcing Disney Stars on Parade to initially scrap all costumed characters except Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Olaf, before later cutting all costumed characters. The park also slashed the number of character meet-and-greets, replacing some outdoor costumed encounters with face characters.
Both Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World were also forced to press pause on outdoor attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and RC Racer. These later reopened when temperatures cooled.
What do you think of the entertainment changes at Magic Kingdom today?
