Disney World has announced that it will start dropping temperature checks this weekend.
The company has announced on its website that it’ll be phasing out on-site temperature screenings for cast members starting May 8 and for guests on May 16.
“Since reopening, we have considered guidance from public health authorities, government agencies, and our own team of health and safety experts as we assess and update health and safety measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19,” Disney said in a statement.
“We will continue to follow the guidance of health and safety leaders going forward and most importantly encourage people to get vaccinated,” it said.
Tickets still need to be bought in advance via the reservation system and face coverings are required for cast members and all guests aged 2 years old and over.
Social distancing must still be observed and parades and fireworks have been put on hold indefinitely in a bid to keep guests safely apart.
Capacity has also been cut, with numbers further limited in restaurants and in queues to prevent overcrowding.
Despite this, guests can still dine in at their favorite restaurants and enjoy the rides, though character meet-and-greets have been replaced by socially distanced character processions.
Disneyland is preparing to reopen for the first time in a year and to mark the occasion, Disneyland lit up Sleeping Beauty’s castle as a symbol of hope and a show of gratitude to fans.
In addition to the emotion-evoking illumination, there were a few notable appearances: Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort “… shared messages of optimism and gratitude to the cast members of the Disneyland Resort.”
Also, Justin Rapp and Rafa Barron, took part in a livestream of the relighting as you can see below:
“As cast members, we know the enormous effort it has taken to get back to this point and why returning to this happy place is so special for all of us,” Barron said, as Rapp called the feat “uplifting.”
“Tonight, taking in the majesty of Sleeping Beauty Castle, we recognize its significance of the symbols of the hopes and dreams of so many,” Rapp added.
The park reopens Friday, April 30 to guests who already have tickets and reservations, with plenty of COVID-19 protocols in place to keep everyone safe.
Today, Disney Cruise Line reached a significant construction milestone marked by the traditional keel laying ceremony of the Disney Wish, the first of three new ships in the line’s fleet expansion. Also announced today, the magic of Captain Minnie Mouse will come to life for the first time through whimsical artwork on the bow of the Disney Wish, a hallmark of Disney Cruise Line vessels.
“As we look to the future with anticipation and excitement for continuing our legacy of creating magical vacations for families across the globe, we are thrilled to reach this significant milestone in the ship building process and to unveil Captain Minnie as the beloved character on the bow of the Disney Wish,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line.
Keel laying takes place when the first block, or section of a ship, is lowered into the building dock, and a newly minted coin is placed under the keel for good fortune. The coin created for the Disney Wish features Captain Minnie, who made her debut aboard Disney Cruise Line ships in 2019 as part of a collection of initiatives aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the cruise industry. Take a look at the video below:
“In maritime tradition, keel laying is the ceremonial beginning of the ship’s life,” said Philip Gennotte, portfolio project management executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Germany, who placed the coin at the ceremony. “Today marked a momentous occasion for the Disney Wish, and I could not be more proud of our Imagineers, the cast and crew at Disney Cruise Line and the team at Meyer Werft, the shipyard in Germany, who are bringing this enchanting ship to life.”
As previously announced, the Disney Wish is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage in summer 2022. Information on itineraries and bookings for the ship will be released at a later date.
The Disney Wish will showcase the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver. The ship will be powered by liquified natural gas, or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
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!
A big change has come to the face mask policy at Disney World as guests will now be allowed to remove their masks when taking an outdoor photo.
Beginning April 8, guests will be allowed to remove their masks temporarily while taking outdoor photos; however, you’ll need to remain stationary and be sure to keep an “appropriate” physical distance while snapping shots.
“You may temporarily remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking an outdoor photo, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing during this time,” according to Disney’s website.
Previously guests would have to keep their masks on while taking photos at the parks. All guests ages 2 and up are still required to wear face masks during their visit.
Since reopening last summer with new health and safety measures, Disney has periodically updated its face mask policy. Earlier this year, Disney updated the policy to say that even visitors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine would still be required to wear a face mask. The change comes as vaccine rollout continues in the United States.
As we previously reported, a new family-friendly Disney hotel based on the Disney·Pixar “Toy Story” films is coming to Tokyo Disney Resort and today they have released some new concept art and finally revealed the name.
Tokyo Disney Resort has announced that its new Toy Story-themed hotel will be called ‘Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel.’
With 595 guest rooms and 11 floors, the hotel’s exterior, entrance, lobby and other areas will bring to life the world of toys based on the Academy Award-winning Disney and Pixar “Toy Story” films.
From the hotel exterior to the spacious gardens, guests will enjoy a world where everything looks like it’s made of toys. The guest rooms are inspired by Andy’s bedroom, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their friends, with colorful furniture and other immersive features inspired by the world of “Toy Story.” The hotel will also include dining and shopping.
This will be the fifth Disney hotel to open in Japan but the first “moderate type” Disney hotel in the country, offering guests a new option between “deluxe type” and “value type” hotels.
The hotel is situated directly in front of Bayside Station on the Disney Resort Line, providing guests easy access to both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Parks. Can’t wait to check this one out!
Disney on Tuesday unveiled the design of the new specialty license plate that Florida registered car-owners can pre-order.
Inspired by the color scheme of Cinderella Castle, this magical plate is currently available for presale and will also help make even more dreams true, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida and their work granting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Interested drivers can purchase a presale voucher now for $25 plus applicable state administration fees exclusively through their local County Tax Collector’s Office, license plate agencies (DMVs) across the State of Florida, or online through the Orange County Tax Collector’s Office at https://www.octaxcol.com/specialty-license-plate-vouchers/.
Disney has a longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish, dating back to 1980, and since then, more than 140,000 Disney-inspired wishes have been granted, including thousands taking place at Walt Disney World Resort. This license plate is a unique opportunity to commemorate 50 years of Central Florida magic.
For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort specialty license plate, visit www.flhsmv.gov, and learn more about The World’s Most Magical Celebration at www.DisneyWorld.com/50.
As of April, you may be able to finally return to Southern California’s theme parks, but a new rule may tamp down on the fun — no screaming allowed.
In a new plan to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors at Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags and Knott’s Berry Farm will be asked not to shout or scream while on rollercoasters and limit singing and loud breathing while enjoying the park.
“Face covering usage and/or modifications to seat loading patterns will be required on amusement park rides to mitigate the effects of shouting,” the California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA), a trade group that represents theme parks statewide wrote in its responsible reopening plan.
“Additionally, on rides, guests generally face in one direction.”
Both Los Angeles and Orange counties moved into the red tier of the state’s reopening blueprint Monday, which allows for theme parks to reopen beginning April 1. Under the guidelines, they will be allowed to reopen at 15% capacity, but with in-state visitors only.
Guidelines also include physical distancing from groups of different households; ride seating will group families/household units together and not mix with other guests.
The new Disney x Scentsy collection includes a Pua – Scentsy Buddy, that comes with a new Moana inspired Scent Pak, and a new Scentsy Bar!
Each Pua – Scentsy Buddy (12″ tall) comes preselected with a Scent Pak in Moana: Spirit of Motunui, the new fragrance designed exclusively for Sentsy Disney Moana products. And this scent is a fitting tribute to the movie. Take a look at the purchasing options below:
Pua – Scentsy Buddy with a Moana: Spirit of Motunui – Scent Pak, $35
Moana: Spirit of Motunui – Scent Pak, $7.50
Moana: Spirit of Motunui – Scentsy Bar, $6.50
Moana: Spirit of Motunui — Watery melon, pineapple and plumeria depict a lush island paradise rich with tradition.
Pua – Scentsy Buddy is SOLD OUT as well as the Moana: Spirit of Motunui Scent Pak, but you can still get the Moana: Spirit of Motunui Scentsy Bar while waiting for a restock.
Walt Disney World is sold out of tickets to all four parks next week, according to the theme park’s website.
There are available spots for some of the parks starting March 20, but the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are booked for the rest of the month.
Park Pass reservations are unavailable for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios for both theme park guests and Disney resort guests until at least March 20.
Although Disney is a popular destination this spring break, the park is still operating at a limited capacity and enhancing cleaning and safety measures. Guests are still required to wear masks and remain socially distant.
As for the West Coast, California health officials announced last week that beginning April 1, theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, may be eligible to reopen at a reduced capacity.
Soon after the announcement, the Walt Disney Company said that California residents can expect Disneyland and California Adventure to open very soon.
“We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighborhood businesses and our entire community,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a statement. “With responsible Disney safety protocols already implemented around the world, we can’t wait to welcome our guests back and look forward to sharing an opening date soon.”
As we previously reported, a new, limited-capacity ticketed experience is coming to Disney California Adventure park beginning March 18, where you can experience some of the sights, sounds and flavors of the Disneyland Resort with A Touch of Disney!
A Touch of Disney offers some of the world-famous food and beverages from around the resort, plus a chance to see Disney characters, shop for the latest Disney merchandise and pose at unique photo locations.
A selection of iconic food and beverage items from both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will be available for you to enjoy, from churros and the world-famous DOLE Whip to the classic Monte Cristo Sandwich usually found in New Orleans Square. Many items will be served snack-sized, so you can delight in a variety of bites and sips from mid-day through the evening. These guest-favorites will be available at locations around the park, including Smokejumpers Grill, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Award Wieners, Cocina Cucamonga to name a few, and six seasonal and creatively themed marketplaces.
Select retail locations also will be open, selling the latest apparel, accessories and souvenirs, including the new, adorable Disney NuiMOs. Pop in and out of the shops along Buena Vista Street or head to Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Pixar Pier for a selection of treats, including themed candy apples.
While you explore the park, capture photos at iconic locations and discover new photo-worthy spots – some that are available only if you attend A Touch of Disney. You might catch a wave from Mickey Mouse and see some of his pals in unexpected settings. Mater and Lightning McQueen may be seen in Cars Land, or Joy and Sadness at Pixar Pier. To help set the stage for A Touch of Disney, a new, specially curated soundtrack of reimagined Disney songs will be broadcast throughout the park, along with updates and reminders about many can’t-miss experiences. Attractions remain closed for now.
Here’s what you need to know*:
Dates: Beginning Mar. 18; offered Thursdays – Mondays from noon to 8 p.m.
Pricing: The introductory $75 ticket includes admission, parking for the experience at Mickey & Friends parking structure, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the day of the experience, and a $25 A Touch of Disney dining card valid towards the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol). Ticket prices are subject to change.
Tickets:A Touch of Disney tickets will be available on Disneyland.com beginning March 4, for select days from March 18 through April 5, 2021. Tickets for this experience will then be released for dates on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at Disneyland.com for a specific date (subject to availability).
Dining: Table reservations for Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining will be made available beginning March 11. Table reservations do not provide admission to A Touch of Disney and dining at those locations requires A Touch of Disney ticket that is valid on the same day as the table reservation. Reservations are recommended, and additional details are coming soon.
Downtown Disney District will remain open seven days a week with unique dining and shopping that includes Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Naples Ristorante e Bar, World of Disney and Star Wars Trading Post, which recently opened in a new location. Buena Vista Street will remain open as an extension of the Downtown Disney District through March 14, and will be closed beginning March 15. Beginning March 18, Buena Vista Street will become part of A Touch of Disney.
With the health and safety of everyone in mind, A Touch of Disney will operate with limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
