text: DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Food & Wine Dates Announced; Disneyland Eyes Expansion; MagicMobile Launches; Jungle Cruise Refurb Plan; April Best Bites & More – DisneyLists.com
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  DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Food & Wine Dates Announced; Disneyland Eyes Expansion; MagicMobile Launches; Jungle Cruise Refurb Plan; April Best Bites & More
  Chad & Cindy NykampApril 4, 2021Last Updated: April 9, 2021
  Lots of news out of Disney this week with the release of the dates for the 2021 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and news that Disneyland is proposing a multiyear expansion project that will bring many new experiences including a new park. A brand new alternative to MagicBands launched for users of Apple devices, and new technology is being tested at Magic Kingdom that could replace finger scanners. There's lots of refurbishment news including details on how the updates to the Jungle Cruise will take place. Don't miss the special April food offerings. All this and more below in this week's news roundup.
  1 – Dates Announced for the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
  Looking forward to the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? This year you'll have even more time to fit in a visit. The festival will run from July 15-November 20, 2021. Learn more about what you can expect at this year's festival at the link below.
  Click here to learn more about the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
  2 – Disney MagicMobile Option Launches on Apple Devices
  In March, Disney announced a new alternative to MagicBands called Disney MagicMobile. The service is now available for guests with Apple devices. Learn more about the service and how to set it up at the link below.
  Click here for more information on the Disney MagicMobile service now available on Apple devices.
  3 – Jungle Cruise Begins Phased Reimagining – Will Not Close to Guests
  Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley announced that beginning April 3, work would begin on the Jungle Cruise. The Jungle Cruise will remain open to guests while Disney updates certain scenes in the Jungle Cruise using a phased approach over several months. Learn more about what's changing at the attraction at the link below.
  4 – Disneyland Resort Announces Multiyear Expansion Planning Effort
  Disneyland Resort has "filed an application with the city of Anaheim to begin the process of updating our existing development approvals to start to lay the groundwork for future development and expansion in the decades to follow." Learn more at the link below.
  Click here to learn more about Disneyland Resort's multiyear public planning effort.
  5 – April Best Bites at Disney Parks
  A new month is here, and so are some amazing limited-time food and beverage items at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Learn more about what is available, where you can find them, and for how long, at the link below.
  Click here for details on limited-time food and beverage items available in April at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
  6 – Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Reopening Pushed Back Again
  The refurbishment of the very popular PeopleMover has been extended again through May 1, 2021. The attraction has been closed since the first week of March 2020 and has not reopened since. The reopening date has been pushed back many times since the refurbishment began. Most recently, the ride was expected to reopen on April 4.
  7 – Main Street Confectionery Now Under Refurbishment
  Main Street Confectionery is now closed for refurbishment. Learn about the new look and where you can find treats while it is closed at the link below.
  Click here to learn about Main Street Confectionery's new look and refurbishment.
  8 – Facial Recognition Testing Now at Magic Kingdom Entrance
  At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney is always looking for innovative and convenient ways to improve our Guests' experience—especially as we navigate the impact of COVID-19.
  With the future in mind and the shift in focus to more touchless experiences, Disney is conducting a limited 30-day test using facial recognition technology (length of test subject to change) for park admission. Participation in this test is optional.
  9 – Celebrate Earth Week at Disney's Animal Kingdom
  While Disney theme parks celebrate all living things every day, during the upcoming Earth Week Celebration there's an added opportunity for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests to connect with the magic of nature through engaging activities designed to educate and inspire the whole family. From April 18 to 24, Disney's Animal Kingdom will host limited-time experiences including unique Disney character appearances, fun learning opportunities, specialty merchandise, themed food and beverage, a new Wilderness Explorer activity and more. Learn more at the link below.
  Click here for more information on Disney's Animal Kingdom's Earth Week celebrations.
  10 – Celebrating Earth Month with Disney: Taking Better Care of the World We Share
  April is Earth Month, and Disney is highlighting their work with conservation efforts. Disney Cast Member Dr. Mark Penning has the details below.
  Stay tuned to our social channels, including Disney's Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook, @DrMarkAtDisney on Instagram, and Disney Conservation Fund on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, to join in on all the fun and find out how you too can not only learn more about sustainability and conservation but also make a meaningful difference in your communities.
  11 – Design Revealed for First-Ever Walt Disney World Resort License Plate with 100% of Proceeds Benefiting Make-A-Wish