9 Changes You May Have Missed At Walt Disney World (May 2023)

Friday, May 26, 2023 - 01:50

This month at Walt Disney World, an effect which was temporarily removed from the Festival of Fantasy parade has now returned, Disney completes the removal of 50th-anniversary decorations, a new photo op is available for guests, patriotic Minnie ears are back and sadly a special touch is removed from the recently opened Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

1. New Moana photo op comes to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Guests now have the opportunity to get a photo with the wooden oar inspired by Moana which is located in a planter at the entrance to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The oar is complete with an etching of a heart as well as Maui's fish hook.

2. Return of American Flag Minnie Mouse Ears At Disney's Animal Kingdom

Discovery Trading Center, Disney — Image: Disney

The patriotic American Flag Minnie Mouse ears that were sold last year have returned to Discovery Trading Company at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This heavily sequined Minnie ears are currently priced at $34.99.

3. Giant Pencils Removed From Roundup Rodeo BBQ

One of the lovely touches when Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in March was the giant pencils that certain guests were given at the end of their meals to sign their receipts.

The restaurant has made the decision to retire these fun pencils due to a number of them being stolen by guests. This is really disappointing and shows how the actions of a minority of people can ruin things for everyone.

4. Maleficent breathes fire again during the Festival of Fantasy parade

Following the incident on April 22 at Disneyland Park when the Maleficent dragon caught fire during Fantasmic! As a precaution, Walt Disney World announced that they were temporarily suspending the fire effects of the Maleficent dragon float in the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom.

On May 17, we heard the news that the fire-breathing effect of the Maleficent dragon in the Festival of Fantasy Parade float at Magic Kingdom has now returned.

Interestingly, there were no changes to the version of Fantasmic! that plays nightly at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as this show has a different type of dragon from its Disneyland counterpart, and the fire effects are not achieved the same way.

Amanda KondolojyView Profile

Managing editor of Theme Park Tourist and dark ride enthusiast. Amanda is a lifelong theme parks fan who lives just outside Orlando. When she’s not booking FastPass+ reservations, standing in a queue or eating the latest specialty cupcake, you can find her watching a Marvel movie, reading a book (probably by Neil Gaiman) or singing along to showtunes in her car. Contact: [email protected]