Theme park news: Fire at Hagrid’s / Epcot pass changes / Animal Kingdom show

A small backstage fire forced Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Orlando to close Tuesday.

According to reports from Spectrum News 13 and WKMG, the fire was extinguished quickly. Guests were safely escorted away from the ride and no injuries were reported.

“We are working to reopen the ride as soon as possible,” an unnamed Universal spokesperson told media outlets. The ride was not operating on Wednesday.

The multi-launch coaster debuted in June 2019. Before Universal’s months-long shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ride struggled to remain operational on a regular basis.

‘Epcot After 4’ passes will become ‘Epcot After 2’ thanks to reduced hours

Locals with Disney World’s “Epcot After 4” annual passes will get to enter the park at 2 p.m. when its hours are reduced next month, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The passes — available only to Florida residents — allow them to take advantage of Epcot’s food festivals and dining options without committing to more expensive ticket options.

Despite being in the middle of the International Food & Wine Festival, Disney is cutting hours at its theme parks, likely due to low crowds seen since the resort reopened in July. Epcot will close two hours earlier at 7 p.m. starting Sept. 8, so now these passholders will be able to enter two hours earlier to make up for the reduced hours.

Animal Kingdom docuseries coming to Disney+

A new documentary series focused on Disney World’s Animal Kingdom will debut on Disney+ on Sept. 25.

Called “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” the series will be a part of the National Geographic section on the streaming platform. It will be narrated by Josh Gad of “Frozen” fame.

“Filmed over the span of five months, the eight-part docu-series introduces viewers to some of our most intriguing animals and incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as custom-built GoPro enclosures, 18-foot cranes and underwater camera systems to highlight the magic found in every corner of the kingdom and the dedication and expertise of our amazing cast members who keep things running day and night,” wrote Mark Penning, Disney Parks’ vice president of animals, science and environment, on the official Disney Parks Blog.

The series will also explore the Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas pavilion at Epcot, where Disney houses dolphins and other aquatic life.

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