Disney Announces Glow Dates and Reveals a New Store

EPCOT just revealed the name of its newest store, one that probably won’t open for a couple of months. Meanwhile, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon confirmed dates for its triumphant return. 

Here’s what we know about each topic, plus some Disneyland Paris stuff that gives me hope.

Behold the Treasures of Xandar

Okay, Treasures of Xandar sounds like an old Nintendo 64 game, and I know it. 

Still, EPCOT fans should get used to this name, as it signals the park’s future.

We’re mere months away from the debut of the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, the first interplanetary pavilion at EPCOT. 

Construction has entered the final phase, with people in hard hats working on the building’s exterior. 

Here’s what the place looked like in 2018:

Here’s a video of people walking through Future World East:

Yes, Disney has finally moved some of the barriers blocking the previous walking paths toward the front of EPCOT. 

I won’t lie and say it’s much better now, as the barriers remain in genuinely strange places.

Still, as of this week, you can walk around the former Future World area in a way that feels vaguely familiar. I call that forward progress. 

Of course, part of the reason those barriers exist is because of the Xandar construction. 

Disney has built an entirely new ride building for Guardians of the Galaxy. And we’re finally getting close to the finish line!

Yesterday, Disney removed some of the stuff blocking the sign at an upcoming store. Then, Imagineer Zach Riddley posted this update.

Yes, that’s the shiny new store sign for Treasures of Xandar. It’ll be the place where you buy all the Guardians of the Galaxy merchandise. 

We’re apparently close enough to the shop’s opening that Disney is ready to reveal the name. 

Although that remains unconfirmed, this update fits the previously suggested timeline of a Memorial Day Weekend opening for the roller coaster.

I presume that Treasures of Xandar will work like Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, only with Thanos merchandise instead of Kylo Ren gear.

We’ll know for sure in a matter of weeks. 

A Good Time at Typhoon Lagoon

I recently mentioned that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is ready to bring back an old favorite.

Park officials confirmed the return of H20 Glow After Hours, the late-night ticketed event at the water park. 

On Wednesday, Disney confirmed the dates for this event, and it’s pretty much every Saturday this summer.

You’ll have your choice of H20 Glow After Hours on every Saturday night from May 28^th through August 27^th. 

Typhoon Lagoon will host the ticketed party from 8 p.m. through 11 p.m. on these Saturdays.

Tickets will go on sale in a few days. Guests with Disney resort reservations (like DVC bookings!) can purchase tickets starting March 29^th.

Everyone else can buy a ticket on April 1^st. The Parks Blog mentions that these events sell out quickly, which is correct.

So, you should be ready to book on either March 29^th or April 1^st, depending on whether you hold a current hotel reservation. If you don’t, you might want to book one now. 

By the way, the glowing wristbands will return for the 2022 version of H20 Glow After Hours. Disney has also promised some “new elements,” although it doesn’t hint at what those are.

Still, I think we can all agree that it’s lovely to have after-hours events back on the schedule this summer at Walt Disney World!

About Disneyland Paris

I don’t cover international Disney parks much because I realize that even the most diehard DVC fans won’t make such trips often.

Lately, I generally stick to the pandemic stuff that might hint at what will happen at American parks.

On that note, two things have happened at Disneyland Paris that have my full attention.

On April 1^st, the French parks will drop the requirement for social distancing during character greetings. 

Starting next week, our European friends can go back to hugging Mickey and Minnie Mouse whenever they want. 

Similarly, character dining will return at Disneyland Paris on March 31^st. 

I recognize that we already have some of it at Walt Disney World. However, some haven’t returned yet. 

Even the currently open character meals honor social distancing requirements. 

In reading the tea leaves, I suspect that Disney’s American parks will follow Disneyland Paris’ lead soon, barring something unforeseen. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve really missed the character meals at ‘Ohana and Cape May Café. Breakfast just doesn’t feel the same without them. 

Hopefully, we’ll get them back soon.