5. Disney's Animal Kingdom announces Earth Day celebrations

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will once again celebrate Earth Day this year, this time with a weeklong celebration from April 18 -24. During this time guests can check out with a couple of offerings throughout the park:

• A special Disney Character Cruise will take to the Discovery River to celebrate the occasion.
• Wilderness Explorer fans can participate in a limited-time activity to earn an Earth Day Nature badge.
• A new sand sculpture celebrating Disneynature's new Polar Bear film will be on display.
• Limited-time food options will be available for purchase including a Honeybee cupcake at Restaurantosaurus and Creature Comforts, and a strawberry-flavored Flamingo Cupcake at Pizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue.
• A limited-edition Earth Day pin will be available for purchase

6. Treasures of Xandar gift shop at the exit of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind revealed

Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley has given fans a sneak peek at the Treasures of Xandar gift shop that will be its own “pavilion” at the exit of the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind attraction. According to Riddley's Instagram post, his store is operated by The Broker, a proud Xandarian, who’s been awarded the contract and brought part of his famous store to EPCOT. Some of the merchandise in this store will pay tribute to Xandar and items acquired throughout the galaxy and others will celebrate The Heroes of Xandar, the Guardians of the Galaxy.

7. EPCOT prepares to welcome cultural representatives back to the World Showcase this summer

Disney’s Disney Cultural Representative program had to be paused in 2020 due to travel restrictions in effect due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but Disney has announced that this program will return in phases later this year, with EPCOT to begin welcoming the first new participants in August.