Disney News

Author: Vikki

  • CDC Approves Disney Cruise Line for Test Sailing in June

    CDC Approves Disney Cruise Line for Test Sailing in June

    Disney Cruise Line says it’s been granted CDC approval to conduct test cruises.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the cruise line’s request to conduct a two-night simulation cruise on June 29 on the Disney Dream departing from Port Canaveral.

    “We’re very excited and ready to welcome back the iconic Disney ships to their home at Port Canaveral,” Port CEO Captain John Murray said.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is suing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the no-sail order. The CDC is set to let cruises sail again if 98% of the crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated and ships take other measures to limit the risk of transmitting the virus.

    DeSantis and industry leaders argued this spring that with widespread testing and vaccines becoming more available, the danger is now no worse than air and train travel, which are open. Cruising has resumed with restrictions and protocols in much of the world with the industry leaders saying there have been no new outbreaks tied to their ships.

  • Disney CEO Predicts Full Capacity at Disney World by End of Year and No Mask’s by this Summer

    Disney CEO Predicts Full Capacity at Disney World by End of Year and No Mask’s by this Summer

    Disney CEO Bob Chapek, participated in a virtual Q&A session at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference and predicted that Disney World could be at full capacity by the end of the year.

    Chapek said his team anticipates “low double-digit growth” as the company follows federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus operating guidelines.”

    Since reopening in Florida last July, the company has slowly expanded the daily number of people allowed to access its Florida parks. Disney hasn’t released any attendance numbers, however.

    He also hinted its parks’ mask mandates could be lifted by the summer, saying not having to wear masks would be a “bigger catalyst for growth in attendance” and “make for an even more pleasant experience,” Chapek shared durring the company’s second-quarter earnings call early this month.

    Disney World in Orlando, Florida, a state with fewer COVID-19 restrictions, has been operating at a lower-than-usual capacity since July 2020.

    Disneyland in Anaheim, California, reopened on April 30 after a 13-month closure. For now, the park and neighboring Disney California Adventure are restricted to operating at 25% capacity under state health rules, but the state of California is aiming to fully reopen June 15.

    Parks were forced shut a year ago March and devastated financially. Disney took a $6.9 billon hit in parks last fiscal year

  • Bookings Now Open for the Disney Wish’s Maiden Voyage

    Bookings Now Open for the Disney Wish’s Maiden Voyage

    Starting today, you can book the family vacation of a lifetime and be part of Disney Cruise Line history during the Disney Wish’s inaugural season next summer.

    On June 9, 2022, the Disney Wish will set sail from Port Canaveral for a special five-night voyage, featuring two days at sea and stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. From there, the ship will embark on three- and four-night itineraries to these stunning tropical destinations.

    In Nassau, your family will enjoy breathtaking beaches and fun activities like swimming, snorkeling, shopping and more. At Castaway Cay, you’ll discover a pristine island brimming with special Disney touches that is completely outfitted for family fun and relaxation. Reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, this island oasis is home to clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches and the signature lush landscapes of the Bahamas. Take a closer look at the video below:

    While the ports of call are sure to be a big draw, just wait until you see the ship! In case you missed any of the details about all the enchantment that awaits on board, check out the video below for a quick look at the Disney Wish.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • First Look: Guide Map for Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure

    First Look: Guide Map for Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure

    Avengers Campus is set to open June 4, 2021 at the Disneyland Resort and they are now giving us a first look at the guide map for the new land.

    The entirely new land is dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of Super Heroes.

    As you can see, there are three entrances into the new 6-acre land where you can join the action with the Avengers and their allies, like Iron Man, Black Panther, Black Widow and more; sling webs on the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature Spider-Man; taste-test inventive food and drinks and become part of a bigger universe.

    At this fully immersive land inside Disney California Adventure park, you will be invited to team up with the Avengers and their allies and live out your Super Hero dreams. Avengers Campus is comprised of several heroic locations, each hosted by a different Avenger to share their unique powers, technology and knowledge with recruits.

    Kids and guests of all ages will find their powers as they train alongside some favorite Super Heroes, with a chance to live out their own heroic story.

    You can now also plot out your Avengers Campus visit on your mobile phone or desktop! Check out the map on Disneyland.com and the official Disneyland mobile app.

  • Disney World Resorts Offering Discounts to Teachers and First Responders this Summer

    Disney World Resorts Offering Discounts to Teachers and First Responders this Summer

    Disney World is honoring the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic by offering discounts to teachers and first responders who stay at a resort this summer.

    The special offer applies to six of the resorts at Disney Springs and lasts until July 14. According to the Disney Springs Hotels website, the offer is based on availability so space may be limited. 

    First responders and teachers can choose to stay at B Resort and Spa, DoubleTree Suites, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palance and Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn and Wyndham Garden.

    Discounted rates start from as low as $79 a night to $160 a night.

    The discounts apply to Preschool, Daycare, Kindergarten and grade school teachers, as well as college professors. First responders must be police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, doctors and nurses.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • Disneyland Can Return to Full Capacity After California Ends Restrictions June 15

    Disneyland Can Return to Full Capacity After California Ends Restrictions June 15

    Disneyland has announced that temperature screenings beginning June 15, after California announced they will be Removing Capacity and Physical Distancing Requirements.

    The first and biggest change is the removal of all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements, regardless of setting. That means bars, restaurants, concert venues, grocery stores and everything in between can open at full capacity — if they so choose.

    Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test won’t be necessary to do practically anything. However, the state is planning to keep some recommendations — and one requirement — on “mega events” in place:

    • At outdoor live events with more than 10,000 people, California will recommend venues have a verification of vaccination/negative test in place. Those who aren’t vaccinated or who don’t show a negative test result can still enter if they wear a mask. This is a recommendation from the state, not a requirement.
    • Indoor venues with 5,000 or more people should implement a similar verification. However, at these indoor events, non-vaccinated people who don’t show a negative COVID-19 test result shouldn’t enter, the state says. This is a requirement, not a recommendation.

    When it comes to masking, California is planning to fully align with CDC guidance come June 15.

    All of California’s restrictions on travel outside the state will be lifted. Any travel restrictions down the line will be in alignment with the CDC, Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said on a call with reporters Friday.

    California is also not considering creating a vaccine passport at this time, Ghaly said.

  • Disney World Teams Up With Snapchat for New Augmented Reality Filters

    Disney World Teams Up With Snapchat for New Augmented Reality Filters

    Disney Parks and Snap announced Thursday that they’re teaming up to bring augmented reality to the Walt Disney World.

    It all starts with new ways to meet up with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at the resort, with Snapchat Lenses starring your favorite duo.

    Mickey and Minnie will be right beside you in Snapchat with their playful expressions and gestures. They can even give you a hug! Take a closer look at the video below:

    There will be even more to discover in the My Disney Experience app this fall – including special Disney PhotoPass Lenses you can use right from the app, powered by Snap’s camera technology. You’ll be able to take selfies with your favorite Disney characters, experience unique Walt Disney World moments, and even make some magic of your very own with augmented reality!

  • New Disney World Cast Member Name Tags Coming for 50th Anniversary

    New Disney World Cast Member Name Tags Coming for 50th Anniversary

    Disney World’s 18-month long 50th anniversary celebration kicks off October 1st and cast members are getting new name tags to celebrate.

    “Cast members have been the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort for nearly 50 years. To honor their contribution to the magic, cast members will receive a new nametag this fall, with a touch of ‘EARidescence,’ in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort,” Disney said in a post.

    Take a closer look at the reveal below:

    A team of graphic artists and costume designers spent more than a year developing the new nametag, testing a number of colors and printing techniques before completing the final design. The new nametags feature several special details:

    • An exclusive color wash, inspired by the sparkling new 50th anniversary looks for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, was developed and applied with an innovative printing technique and glaze to give each nametag a pearlescent shimmer.
    • Holographic gold foil with sparkling color-shift elements is individually applied to each nametag, bringing additional shine to the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary logo.
    • Royal blue lettering matching the turrets of Cinderella Castle brings a regal pop of color to the nametag, ensuring each cast member name and hometown is a focal point against the glistening background.

    All of these elements will combine to produce a distinct shine across each nametag, reflecting the EARidescent décor that will be on display across Walt Disney World Resort for the duration of the celebration.

    The new EARidescent nametags will debut later this year, in time for the Oct 1 start of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

  • Disney World Drops Outdoor Mask Requirement

    Disney World Drops Outdoor Mask Requirement

    Face coverings for guests at Walt Disney World Resort will no longer be required when outdoors beginning on Saturday.

    “Starting May 15, face coverings for guests will be optional in outdoor common areas at Walt Disney World Resort,” Disney said in a statement. “With the exception that guests must wear face coverings from the entrances at all attractions, theaters or transportation and throughout those experiences.”

    Based on these updates, guests are still expected to bring a face covering with them for their visit.  Social distancing guidelines still apply.

    If a guest is stationary while eating food or drinking a beverage, the guest is allowed to be maskless.

    When it comes to temperature checks to allow visitors to enter, all three major parks, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, either have already eliminated them or are planning to do so soon.

    Disney announced on its website that it would be phasing out on-site temperature screenings for cast members starting May 8 and for guests on May 16.

  • New Rainbow Mickey Ears Adding An Extra Flash of Colors to Disney Parks

    New Rainbow Mickey Ears Adding An Extra Flash of Colors to Disney Parks

    Disney Parks is releasing these new Rainbow Mickey ears and they will be really adding some color to the parks!

    The latest Mickey Mouse ear hat features a classic look. This souvenir topper features rainbow striped ears and a Mickey patch to make you beam with pride!

    The new ears are now available for pre-order, take a look below:

    Mickey Mouse Ear Hat for Adults – Rainbow Disney Collection – Pre-Order – $19.99

    “We will continue to provide authentic products and experiences and create storytelling moments that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year. Stay tuned; more Pride products will roll out globally at various locations and retailers in June and all year long as we continue to celebrate the community,” Disney Parks said in a post.

    In celebration of Pride Month 2021 and the company’s Pride collection, The Walt Disney Company is giving funds as part of our ongoing commitment to organizations around the world that support LGBTQ+ communities. Guests can learn more on RainbowDisneyCollection.com.