Things You Did for the Last Time at Disney World in 2020

2020 was a challenging year for Walt Disney World and for the world at large.

With the parks closing due to a pandemic, the beginning of the EPCOT transformation, new attractions opening, and a lot of new health and safety precautions, things certainly started to look different. But what will we never be able to do again that we did for the last time in 2020?

We’re breaking down all the Disney World things we did for the last time in 2020!

Rode Primeval Whirl

This poor little coaster in DinoLand U.S.A. didn’t even get a proper send-off; it just sorta…closed. Primeval Whirl had been a seasonal attraction for a while, only opening when the parks were busy until Disney officially closed it in July of 2020.

Later that month, we saw that the ride vehicles had been removed, and then in December, a Disney fan spotted the ride vehicles being relocated. It’s not completely clear what will become of the space that used to hold this ride, but Moana and Zootopia-themed lands have been teased to replace DinoLand U.S.A. Nothing has been confirmed yet, so only time will tell!

Watched Rivers of Light: We Are One

Another closure that was announced in July 2020 was the end of Animal Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular, Rivers of Light.

The show officially opened in 2017 and did not feature any fireworks (for the safety of the park’s animals). It went through a revision in 2019, adding scenes and a score from Disney movies. We’re disappointed that the show is gone, and Disney has still not replaced the nighttime show.

Took Pictures With the Old Castle

If you’ve been following AllEars or visited Disney World recently, you’ll likely recall that Cinderella Castle, the icon of Magic Kingdom, got a royal makeover in 2020! The new paint job was announced in February and began shortly before the parks closed due to COVID-19.

While we got a few glimpses before the parks reopened, we finally got to see this makeover in July 2020. And to go along with the new look of the castle, Disney started sprucing up the signs around the resort — it still seems like everything is getting a touch-up these days!

This is what Cinderella Castle looks like after the full paint job.

There were 50th anniversary decorations on the castle, but were removed after the celebrations ended on March 31st, 2023.

Dined at Electric Umbrella

As part of EPCOT’s multi-year transformation, 2020 saw the closure of a very nostalgic restaurant — Electric Umbrella. This closure was announced in advance, but the date was pretty unsure, until the restaurant finally shut its doors in February of 2020 

This was a big Quick Service staple in Future World, and for a while, the other main choice was Sunshine Seasons. Now, though, Connections Cafe and Eatery has opened which offers plenty of delicious Quick Service eats! We mourn the loss of Electric Umbrella, but we’re excited about the future of EPCOT.

Shopped at the Old Mouse Gear

In early January 2020, we saw EPCOT’s Mouse Gear close its doors…but then quickly reopen them in a different location.

Old Mouse Gear

It was originally expected that the store would eventually reopen with a new design, but it actually turned into a new shop called Creations Shop.

Although it occupies the same space, it has a totally different and modern vibe inside now!

Watched Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

This show premiered in 2016, and we lovingly dubbed it the “Star Wars Fashion Show”. The five-minute performance allowed guests to see a variety of their favorite characters from around the galaxy, including several that aren’t often spotted in the parks!

Without an official announcement, the show closed in February of 2020. Even though we’ll miss seeing some of these characters, we’re glad that the stage has been moved to give us a perfect view of the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway marquee! 

Met Disney Friends at EPCOT’s Character Spot

As part of EPCOT’s transformation the Character Spot, which was home to meet-and-greets with several Disney characters, had to close. The characters moved around a bit, getting new meeting locations in various spots around the park.

As part of the EPCOT Transformation, CommuniCore Hall will open with a brand new meet and greet area called Mickey & Friends. Hopefully, this will act as a new Character Spot that fits in with EPCOT’s big transformation!

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Which of these things do you miss the most? Let us know in the comments!