The Best of 2021
There is no way around it: 2021 was a challenge. And while it may not have churned up quite the level of panic that 2020 did, it still wasn’t the return to normalcy we all had hoped was coming. In spite of that fact, there were still some undeniable glimmers of magic along the way, and Disney was a big part of that sparkle. The 50th Anniversary festivities combined with the arrival of new shows, movies and events made Disney one of the sources of consistent positive (and some negative) news. For many of us, it was just the silver lining needed to push through the year.
In honor of wrapping up another year and looking ahead to 2022, here is our pick for the highlights of 2021 from around all corners of Disney.
January 2021
With shut downs, lockdowns and mask-ups raging all around us, January felt a bit bleak. Amidst some of the darker news, however, it was during January of 2021 that park hopping returned to Walt Disney World. Though announced in November, WDW park guests were finally able to once again jump to another park as of January 1, 2021. Though modified to start at 2:00pm as a way to continue monitoring park attendance for the purpose of public safety, the return of park hopping felt like a big hop toward the WDW experience we had been missing and a little bit of the magic returning.
Meanwhile, our minds didn’t even know that they were about to be blown! On January 15th, 2021, WandaVision premiered on Disney+. Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reprising their respective roles as Wanda Maximoff and the Vision from the Marvel Universe, WandaVision did what few short, straight-to-stream series before had done. Do you remember watching the first episode and thinking, “What is actually happening right now?” Yeah, so does everyone else! This truly epic short-run series brought all the action of a Marvel movie, but with more plot twists and a surprisingly intense production quality. Perhaps most notable moments of the series was the intro to possibly THE BEST character reveal of 2021: Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness.
February 2021
While Walt Disney World began it phased reopening back in the Summer of 2020, Disney parks in CA remained closed into 2021, but that didn’t stop the recognition of a big milestone for one of our favorite destinations. February 8, 2021 marked the 20th Anniversary for Disney’s California Adventure. While the fanfare that usually accompanies a Disney park’s milestone birthday was not allowed, Disney fandom did not forget to share memories of the constantly evolving park across the Esplanade from the OG.
Birthday celebrations notwithstanding, a Leisure Mouse personal moment of joy occurred on February 19, when the original Muppet Show was released on Disney+. This nostalgic throwback to the 70s was just the bright light needed in the darkness of winter. Not only was the series released to stream, but all 5 seasons were included, which was the first time season 4 and 5 have ever been released to a home viewing medium. Thus began a new tradition in the Leisure Mouse household…setting aside time every Monday night to sit and enjoy the puppet menagerie that is the Muppet Show. #MuppetMonday
March
Though it was incredibly sad that Disney’s California Adventure was closed for its birthday, DCA would shortly thereafter be the site of much needed good news for Disney West. While Disneyland and DCA remained closed, Disney announced “Touch of Disney”, a new ticketed event that allowed guests to walk Buena Vista street once more. Though rides were not operating, starting on March 18th, guests were able to wander inside DCA and shop and/or dine at a few select spots. While it wasn’t the full experience by any measure, it allowed folks on the West Coast to return “home” for the first time in a year. That conjures up all the feels.
April
Following theme, arguably one of the brightest spots in 2021 happened on April 30th, when Disneyland and California Adventure officially reopened their gates to the public after a closure of more than a year. Though not the same park it was in March of 2020, with plexiglass divides in ride cues, social distancing markers, limited entertainment and complete lack of parades or hugs from characters, Disney fans couldn’t help but to get excited that the original Main Street USA was once again bustling with activity.
May
With all the parks open, magic seemed to shift to entertainment. After the success of WandaVision earlier in the year, many were waiting with baited dog breath for the release of the live-action prequel to Disney’s classic 101 Dalmatians: Cruella. Premiering on May 28th in theatres and streaming to Disney+ through Premiere Access, Cruella followed the life of the eccentric villain from birth and starred big Hollywood names such as Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. While many (including this writer) were skeptical of what was to come, the film received positive feedback. The picture was smart, interesting and full…and we do mean FULL…of fashion. Just the late Spring kick in the pants we all needed.
June
As if Disney’s California Adventure hadn’t done enough to boost our spirits in 2021, the long awaited Avengers Campus opened to “Stark-struck” (get it?!) fans on June 4th. While Leisure Mouse has yet to experience the lot in person, Disney fans have been raving about this new area of DCA. Even though it was only open to CA residents on day one, with a new ride, flying SpiderMan animatronics, stages to see all your favorite Marvel super heroes and villains, and place to eat giant food, how could the grand opening not be exciting?
And we wouldn’t be true to highlighting the happiest parts of 2021 without mentioning the joy that was the release of Luca. On June 18th, we were all introduced to the lovable Luca Paguro, the mischievous Alberto, the daring Giulia and the rest of the inhabitants of the fictional Italian town of Portorosso. The film seemed to announce summer with its rich, colorful palette and genuinely charming seaside storyline. Though released straight-to-stream on Disney+, it seemed to capture all our hearts as any Disney theatrical great of the past.
July
What better way to make Disney fans happy than to bring back fireworks?! And in July no less! After more than a year without nighttime spectacular events at WDW, “Happily Ever After” returned to Cinderella’s castle on July 1st. Though this memory may bring up some mixed emotions for true fans (since the show was permanently cancelled as of September 29th) anyone who loves Disney was likely in tears with the fireworks returning to the skies of WDW. Emotionally and pyrotechnically, this was a perfect way to kick off July!
August
Some of the August highlights might have missed the general public as “bright spots” in the year, but they still made the Leisure Mouse list. First, Disneyland fans had reason to cheer with the announcement of the new annual passholder program, Magic Key. This tiered system was set up similar to its passholder predecessor (with some changes). There were some that baulked at the price and offerings (likely due to the changes) but for many this was a boost for Disneyland and DCA’s most devout fans and locals, as well as a community-wide boost in morale for the hopes of the WDW Annual Passholder program being brought back to life.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, one of the most exciting announcements of the year came down the pipeline. Though Disneyland took the lead with the reopening of buffet style restaurants in the post-pandemic (or mid-pandemic) world, Walt Disney World announced that Boma – Flavors of Africa would be the first buffet-style restaurant to reopen in the Florida parks. Before you start turning your nose up at the news of a buffet reopening, Boma, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House, is not just any buffet. It is THE buffet. If you don’t generally care for a buffet-style meal, you’ve clearly never been to Boma. Trust us. This was very good news indeed.
September
September was full of so many announcements about the upcoming 50th Anniversary and all the new rides, restaurants and fireworks shows. So much so that it was hard to remember what actually happened in September and what was just announced! Have no fear. Plenty happened in September. Remember in August when Disneyland lovers got the opportunity to be passholders again? Well, on September 8th, the same opportunity came for Walt Disney World fans with a newly revamped Annual Pass system.
You thought WDW was finished there? Nope! Over at EPCOT, another old favorite returned. Club Cool, the sweet spot where guests can try Coke products from around the world, reopened on September 15th, and it wasn’t alone. On the same day, Creations, EPCOT’s new flagship retail shop (and the former Mouse Gear) opened its doors on the same day. Less than a week later, the out-of-this-world new EPCOT restaurant where you dine miles above the Earth, Space 220, opened to the public on September 20th. Not only was this all good and exciting news, but it gave EPCOT some attention that it truly deserves.
October
We probably don’t need to lay out all the amazing things that happened in October. October 1st marked Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, and Disney made it a BIG celebration. Throughout the month there were surprises, announcements and prime time television specials. To name a few of our favorite highlights from October: Disney Enchantment, EPCOT HarmonioUS, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Beacons of Magic, and the Fab 50 Character Collection statues scattered around the 4 parks. Happiness overload!
November
Leisure Mouse was particularly excited about November, as it was the first time back at WDW in a very long time. If that wasn’t enough to be excited about, Disney released one of the most beautiful and entertaining movies it has created in a long, long time. Released on November 24th, Encanto whisks you away to Colombia and a magical town with a magical family and a very special character, Mirabel. This film is a treat to the ears, eyes and soul, and definitely a highlight to the entire year.
December
The holiday season is nothing short of magical at the Disney parks across the globe, and this year saw the return of holiday favorites that we had all been missing. The big highlights from December were the return of EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, complete with Candlelight Processional. Perhaps even more exciting was the return of Holidays Parades at the Magic Kingdom, including dancing reindeer, toy soldiers and SNOAP! It was a perfect way to cap off the year and celebrate the joys of the season…assuming you don’t mind doing it with thousands of others with the same idea.
All in all, there was a lot to be thankful for in 2021. No, things are not “back to normal” like many of us hoped. They may not ever really be. There will likely still be some bumps in the road. However, Disney and Disney fans alike found ways to find joy throughout the year in 2021, and we are looking forward to all the fun and exciting times to come in 2022.
