Like most weeks in Disney World, this one was filled with some surprising and unexpected news.

This week brought us the expected opening of Creations Shop in EPCOT and lots more 50th anniversary decorations throughout the parks, but there was still quite a bit of unexpected news from Disney! Let’s take a look at all the unexpected things in Disney World this week.

From restaurant announcements to a major ride change, we have a lot to discuss.

Restaurants

Steakhouse 71

This week brought us both the opening date of Steakhouse 71 and the release of the menu and pricing. We knew the menu would be on its way soo. But, we were actually surprised by the prices, which are fairly reasonable by Disney World standards!

Steakhouse 71 is a family-friendly restaurant located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort that will open on October 1st, and reservations are open now!

Read more about Steakhoues 71’s menu and pricing here!

Space 220

We already knew Space 220 would open on September 20th, but we learned more about the immersive space restaurant’s menus and pricing this week.

Space 220 will feature a prix fixe menu with lots of space-inspired dishes. Prices range from $55 per adult for lunch to $79 per adult for dinner, with kids at a flat rate of $29 for lunch and dinner. We don’t really know what we were expecting, but we thought the menu would be more spacey. 🪐

Check out the menu for Space 220 here!

Rise of the Resistance

We learned this week that Disney will be pausing virtual queues for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Starting September 23rd, Disney will pause the use of the virtual queue system for Rise, meaning there will no longer be Boarding Groups.

Guests in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to enter the traditional Standby Line for Rise of the Resistance as of September 23rd, and Boarding Groups will no longer be required to ride, at least until (or unless) Disney unpauses this change.

Learn more about Rise of the Resistance’s virtual queue pausing here!

New Popcorn Stand

A new popcorn stand popped up in EPCOT this week! Located not too far from the new Creations Shop, you can now get delicious Disney popcorn at this new spot.

This week brought us the remodeled Club Cool as well, and now you can get a delicious soda AND some Disney popcorn in EPCOT.

See more photos of EPCOT’s new popcorn stand here!

Candlelight Processional

Disney announced that EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional will return this holiday season! This event involves a celebrity narrator telling the story of Christmas alongside a choir of Disney Cast Members, and it was canceled last year.

This year, the Candlelight Processional will return to EPCOT as part of the International Festival of the Holidays from November 26th through December 30th.

Learn more about EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional here! 

Fireworks Dining Packages

Fireworks dining packages will be returning to three different locations in Disney World!

EPCOT

Fireworks dining will return to two EPCOT locations, including the Rose & Crown patio and the Spice Road Table outdoor dining room. You’ll be served a multi-course meal while enjoying the new EPCOT fireworks show, Harmonious.

Rose & Crown will serve a prix fixe meal, while Spice Road Table will serve two small plates of your choice, a dessert platter, and unlimited drinks.

Read more about EPCOT’s Fireworks packages here!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests can attend a Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors and Fireworks at California Grill’s Sonoma and Napa Rooms for $129!

This dining event will grant guests an amazing view of the new Disney Enchantment fireworks at Magic Kingdom from the 15th floor of the Contemporary.

Learn more about the Contemporary’s fireworks dining package here!

Magic Kingdom

And at Magic Kingdom, there will be THREE new fireworks dessert parties, including the Disney Enchantment Dessert Party, Disney Enchantment Sweets and Treats, and Disney Enchantment After Party.

Each of these dessert packages provides priority fireworks viewing, with different perks for each package, so make sure to read about all three before deciding which one to choose!

Read more about the Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties here!

Finding Nemo: The Musical

And finally, we learned this week that Finding Nemo: The Musical, which was performed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, would be reimagined! The show has not reopened since Disney World closed in March of 2020, and now it will reopen as a reimagined show in 2022.

According to Disney, it will still star the same Finding Nemo characters with a new story and some of the same favorite songs from the original show.

Read more about the reimagined Finding Nemo: The Musical here!

Was any of this week’s news unexpected to you? Tell us in the comments!