This week at Walt Disney World, Disney files permits to tear down Primeval Whirl, new social distancing measures are introduced on the monorail, plus two attractions come back from a lengthy refurbishment! 

Outside Walt Disney World, Universal announces a reopening for Volcano Bay, closes a long-running show, and kicks off its annual Mardi Gras celebration! 

1. Permits filed for Primeval Whirl destruction

Last year Disney announced that Primeval Whirl at Disney's Animal Kingdom would not reopen, and since that time the attraction has sat in the middle of Dinoland USA standing but not operating. But according to a recently-discovered permit, it looks like Disney will finally begin the process of removing this defunct attraction from the park. 

2. New physical distancing measures now in place on the Monorail

Though Disney has ended social distancing measures on several rides throughout the resort, it looks like guests travelling by Monorail to the Magic Kingdom (the EPCOT line remains unavailable), are now being physically separated by physical barriers inside the trains, which are labeled by party number. You can see photos of these new measures in place at Laughing Place

3. New refurbishments announced for Magic Kingdom

Two refurbishments for the Magic Kingdom were announced this week. First up is Mad Tea Party ride, which will close for a little over a week later this month on February 22, before reopening to guests on March 5, 2021. Shortly after that, the Swiss Family Treehouse will close on March 12 for nearly two weeks, before reopening on March 26, 2021. Both of these refurbishments are expected to be for general maintenance, as we don't think any major changes for either of these Magic Kingdom mainstays are in the works right now.