New ride, and the possible return of cruises and college program: What Disney has in store for 2021

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Walt Disney Company on Tuesday revealed some big news for Central Florida.

Company leaders announced cruising my resume this year, and a new ride will open at EPCOT in October.

Disney is making plans to bring back more of its employees. About 10,000 furloughed cast members will return to Disneyland in California when it reopens.

READ: Walt Disney World park passes sold out during spring break

In Florida, some have already gotten callbacks, including Corey Clancy.

“I am a full cast member again. I’m completely excited,” Clancy said. “I love it.”

Clancy is a student at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality and Management.

READ: Here’s how Central Florida theme parks are keeping you safe during Spring Break

Disney said, going forward, cast members may have to serve more guests.

CEO Bob Chapek said there are plans to gradually increase from the 35% capacity limit announced back in November.

“We have earned our guests trust by being transparent about our protocols while operating responsibly,” Chapek said.

The company is also eyeing restarting its college program.

READ: World’s first ‘Peppa Pig’ theme park coming to LEGOLAND Florida

Disney stopped the program because of the pandemic.

Leaders said it may come back at the end of the year.

Nearly half of the Rosen College students who would normally work or intern in the industry lost their position last year.

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Disney leaders said cruise ships could set sail again by this fall, but it’s dependent on the pandemic, and cruisers would have to follow current safety guidelines like wearing masks.

Disney’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations kick off Oct. 1, the same day Disney will debut its new ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, the company announced.

Cox Media Group