6 big things to watch for at Disney World in April 2022

Disney World is still in full Spring Break mode during the month and at this point only one major attraction — Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom — is closed for refurbishment for the month.

The month will focus mainly on Animal Kingdom as it celebrates Earth Week, a new menu at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival and the return of traditional character meetings where you can hug characters and get autographs.

Here’s a closer look at what to watch for in April:

1. New sand sculpture unveiled: On April 2, guests can view a detailed sand sculpture celebrating Disneynature’s “Polar Bear.” The new film will stream only on Disney+ on Earth Day.

2. Drawing special characters: Throughout the month of April at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can learn to draw favorite Disney Characters at The Animation Experience at Conservation Station. There, Disney artists bring favorite characters to life by using animals for inspiration. Guests can try drawing characters like Crush and Squirt, Bruce, Dumbo, Terk, Heimlich, Shere Khan and Simba, whose real-life counterparts represent amazing stories of conservation work around the globe.

3. Hollywood Studios closes early: On April 6, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing at 5 p.m. The park’s hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Disney has not released the reason why the park is closing earlier, it is most likely for some type of special event.

4. Changing menu: On April 10, the EPCOT Farmer’s Feast – Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet changes to a special springtime menu. The springtime menu will last from April 10 through May 21, 2022 and consist of the following:

• Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with Marinated Peppers, Zucchini, Squash, Artichokes, Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze on Grilled Ciabatta
• Herb-crusted Spring Lamb with Marble Potatoes, Spring Vegetables and Red Wine Butter Sauce
• Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream

5. Traditional character greetings return: Starting April 18 character greetings change.So, instead of having to stand in front of a rope or a few feet away from characters, guests will again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from a Princess and get a high five from Goofy. No specific dates or the lineup of when it is happening to which characters has been announced. Not all locations will be available immediately, and this will be reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.

6. Earth Day celebration: A special Earth Day celebration will take place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom from April 18-24 and include:

• Special characters will be sailing around Animal Kingdom on the Discovery Island Character Cruise as it sails around Discovery River. Be on the lookout for more character sightings on Discovery Island.
• Nature-themed challenges invite guests to earn a limited-time Wilderness Explorer Earth Day Nature badge.
• Disney PhotoPass will have Earth Day Celebration Magic Shots and Tiny World Shots.
• Special Earth Day 2022 limited-edition trading pin, a plush inspired by some of the species that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home and other special merchandise will be available.
• Special Earth Week treats will be available, including a selection of limited-time specialty cupcakes: a Honeybee Cake at Restaurantosaurus and Creature Comforts, and a strawberry-flavored Flamingo Cupcake at Pizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue. Specialty beverages include the Sea Turtle, a frozen blend of blue raspberry and lemonade, topped with a wave of cotton candy.