Disney News

Category: News

  • Epcot and Hollywood Studios Reopen Today at Disney World

    Epcot and Hollywood Studios Reopen Today at Disney World

    Today, Disney’s Epcot and Hollywood Studios park opened their doors to guests for the first time since they closed on March 15.

    Disney World has been implementing important updates to promote enhanced cleaning, physical distancing and reduced contact.

    Attendance is currently limited and managed via the Disney Parks Pass reservation system, face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) and temperature screenings are required for entry.

    Hollywood Studios is the only one of the four parks to reach its reservation capacity for opening day in Disney’s new park reservation system. As of Thursday morning, it was booked and unavailable for the next eight days. None of the other parks have hit reservation capacity yet for any single day.

    The reopening of Epcot and Hollywood Studios also comes at a busy time for the global entertainment giant: Disneyland Paris in France opened earlier today while Disneyland Hong Kong had to close just shy of a month after reopening because of a surge of Covid-19 cases there.

    Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opened on July 11.

  • Annual Passholders Can Save 30% on Merchandise for a Limited Time at Walt Disney World Resort

    Annual Passholders Can Save 30% on Merchandise for a Limited Time at Walt Disney World Resort

    Passholders can receive 30% off select merchandise purchases at Walt Disney World Resort owned and operated merchandise locations now through August 14, 2020.

    Each Guest must present a valid annual pass card and government-issued photo ID at time of purchase to receive discount.

    Discount is for personal use only and may not be used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise. Locations and operating hours subject to change without notice. Take a look below to see offer terms and exclusions:

    Discount does not apply to Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant locations, including but not limited to: The Disney Store, Disney’s Character Premiere, Disney’s Character Warehouse, Cast Connection and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned and operated by the owners of Walt Disney World Resort.

    Discount is not valid on certain items, including but not limited to previous purchases, ticket media, Disney Gift Cards, Park admissions, arcades, tobacco, alcohol, outdoor vending (e.g. in-Park balloon vendors, glow vendors), Add-a-Dollar (Wildlife Conservation Fund), postage stamps, rentals (e.g. strollers, ECV), personalization, Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day, select print packages and any online purchases from Disney PhotoPass®, Disney Store Online, Artist Sketch Program (original art), live auction artwork, original or consignment art, newspapers/periodicals, DVDs, CDs, sundries, pantry/prepared foods, kitchen products, digital/video/disposable camera, film, consumer electronics, national-branded fragrances, treatments and cosmetics, Lladró, Swarovski® Crystal, Tiffany & Co.® Jewelry, Bvlgari, select collectible originals, select specialized toys, select specialty items, handmade items, special orders, purchase-with-purchase offers, select reusable shopping bags, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/The Pirates League/Savi’s Workshop— Handbuilt Lightsabers/Droid Depot packages, shipping or taxes, or on phone, email, online or mail order purchases.

  • Disney World Announces More Park Pass Reservation Availability for Annual Passholders

    Disney World Announces More Park Pass Reservation Availability for Annual Passholders

    Starting Thursday, July 16, additional Disney Park Pass reservation availability will be offered to Annual Passholders on select dates in July and August at Magic Kingdom park, Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

    The additional Disney Park Pass reservation availability does not reflect an increase in park attendance, which remains limited during this reopening period. 

    Annual Passholders staying at select Disney Resort or other select hotels with valid theme park admission are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their stay(s), and now in addition, all Annual Passholders are eligible to make theme park reservations for up to 3 days at a time on a rolling basis. 

    Once you use a theme park reservation, you can make another reservation for a future date. Take look below for information on extensions, cancellations, and refunds for 2020:

    In June, Disney shared that Annual Passholders can receive a one-month extension to their pass. This additional month will automatically be processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account over the coming weeks. If Passholders prefer, in lieu of the additional one-month extension, Passholders may choose to cancel their annual pass. If Passholders choose this option, their annual pass will remain valid through August 11, 2020 and will be canceled effective August 12, 2020.

    Passholders can select this option now through August 11, 2020 by clicking on their personalized link that will be included in an email. Alternatively, Passholders may call V.I.PASSHOLDER Support at 407-939-7277 for assistance and any individual concerns. Please note that once submitted, selections cannot be changed.

    Also, beginning today, Passholders can receive 30% off select merchandise purchases at Walt Disney World Resort owned and operated merchandise locations now through August 14, 2020.

  • How to Meet Your Favorite Characters During Disney World’s Phased Reopening

    How to Meet Your Favorite Characters During Disney World’s Phased Reopening

    Traditional parades and character greetings are on hiatus to promote physical distancing among guests during Disney World’s phased reopening so Disney has reimagined theme park character experiences in new and different ways.

    From cavalcades down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park to sailings down Discovery River at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and much more, characters from dozens of favorite Disney stories will surprise and delight guests across all four theme parks.

    These are just some of the reimagined experiences guests will discover as the theme parks begin their phased reopening.

    Magic Kingdom Park (reopening July 11, 2020)

    • “The Royal Princess Processional” –Several times daily, favorite Disney princesses travel through the streets of Magic Kingdom. Princess Merida leads the way on her steed Angus, followed closely by a gazebo float and crystal castle carrying Cinderella, Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Rapunzel and others.
    • “Mickey and Friends Cavalcade” – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals pop up throughout the day, inviting everyone to “Get Their Ears On” as they wave to guests along the park’s parade route.
    • Cinderella’s Evil Stepsisters – From time to time, guests in Fantasyland may spot the dastardly Anastasia and Drizella and can interact with them from afar while they’re perched on a balcony of Cinderella Castle.

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (reopening July 11, 2020)

    • “Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!”– Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Launchpad McQuack wave to guests from their party boat as “Donald’s Dino Bash!” moves from DinoLand U.S.A. to Discovery River.
    • “Discovery River Character Cruise” – Throughout the day, guests can see Timon and Rafiki or Pocahontas with Meeko, who will set sail on the parks’ waterways.
    • Discovery Island Drummers – These high-energy percussionists cruise along Discovery River, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic beat.

    EPCOT (reopening July 15, 2020)

    • “Mickey and Friends World Tour” – As guests travel around World Showcase, they may come upon Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Goofy all out sightseeing and waving to their friends.
    • “Frozen Promenade” – Queen Anna and Elsa venture into the unknown around World Showcase, journeying from country to country and waving hello to guests along the way.

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios (reopening July 15, 2020)

    • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – While living their own adventures in a galaxy far, far away, guests are likely to come across some familiar faces as they explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu:
      • Heroes of the Resistance, including Rey, Chewbacca and Vi Moradi, may be spotted on platforms above the garage in Black Spire Station or surveying activity around the spaceport where the Millennium Falcon has landed.
      • A contingent of First Order Stormtroopers join Kylo Ren in patrolling the landing platform at Docking Bay 9 beneath their TIE Echelon assault vehicle.
    • “Pixar Pals Motorcade” – Some of the biggest stars from Pixar Animation Studios’ films arrive on Hollywood Boulevard, from The Incredibles to Toy Story pals and more. They’ll wave to their fans as they head down the avenue accompanied by a celebratory musical score.
    • “Disney Junior Stars Motorcade” – Throughout the day, Disney Junior stars including Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina will cruise down Hollywood Boulevard waving to fans from colorful custom convertibles.
  • Hong Kong Disneyland Closing Again Amid Coronavirus Surge

    Hong Kong Disneyland Closing Again Amid Coronavirus Surge

    Hong Kong Disneyland announced Monday that it is temporarily closing again one month after reopening due to a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

    The new regulations limit gatherings, previously set at 50 people, to no more than four.

    Hong Kong has seen over 100 new local cases this past week, after almost three weeks without a single case.

    Last week, officials said one of the confirmed cases had visited the park and stayed at the resort before being diagnosed.

    The Hong Kong Government said the measures will be in place for at least seven days and will be re-evaluated after a week.

    Hong Kong Disneyland reopened on June 18 and was the second Disney property to reopen after Shanghai Disneyland.

    On Saturday, the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened at Walt Disney World in Central Florida, concerning health experts who urge people not to gather in groups. Guests at the park said that people were wearing masks and social distancing, and videos showed near-empty parks.

    The park will close on July 15, while the resort hotels will remain open with adjusted levels of services and enhanced health and safety measures that reflect the guidance of health and government authorities.

  • Merida’s Horse Gets Spooked by Balloon During Magic Kingdom Reopening

    Merida’s Horse Gets Spooked by Balloon During Magic Kingdom Reopening

    “The Most Magical Place on Earth” finally reopened after being closed for nearly four months, but guests recieved a bit of a scare on opening day after a horse was startled during a parade down Main Street USA.

    The incident happened during The Royal Princess Processional at Magic Kingdom when a child’s balloon got caught on the horse’s legs.

    The incident was caught on camera by a guest at the Magic Kingdom. Take a look at the video below:

    As you can see in the YouTube video, Merida’s horse was spooked by a balloon a child was holding and accidentally let go of, which then got wrapped up in the horse’s legs.

    Merida was able to safely get off the horse and it was then walked off of backstage by cast members.

  • Disney World Face Mask Policy Prohibits Neck Gaiters and Bandanas

    Disney World Face Mask Policy Prohibits Neck Gaiters and Bandanas

    Disney world is finally back open, but with enhanced saftey measures and procedures. Of course face masks are required, but Disney has already put restrictions on what types of coverings are acceptable and neck gaiter and bandanas are not permitted.

    The company announced neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas will not be allowed. Guests are required to wear masks that are “made with at least two layers of breathable material” and must completely cover the nose and mouth.

    Disney World updated the policy to explicitly state that neck gaiters and “open-chin triangle bandanas” are not acceptable face coverings. And as part of existing rules, costume masks are prohibited.

    Guests ages 2 and up as well as cast members are required to wear a face covering when inside of Walt Disney World’s theme parks and Disney Springs property.

    Mandatory face masks is just one of the health and safety measures Disney is implemented at its parks. Other measures include temperature checks, social distancing protocols, increased sanitization and reduced park capacity.

    As of today, Walt Disney World will is already re-welcoming guests into Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On July 15, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will reopen its doors to the public.

  • Splash into Summer with this Giant Minnie Donut Pool Float

    Splash into Summer with this Giant Minnie Donut Pool Float

    This donut really takes the cake! Make a splash this Summer with a giant Minnie donut pool float covered in pink icing and topped with a red bow.

    This fun float will definetly make you the life of the pool party. At 67″ x 57″ it’s big enough for you and maybe even two furry friends in the ears. We spotted it in the Emporium at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It retails for $54.99.

    If the big donut leaves you feeling like you’ve bit off a little more than you can chew, there are these cute little mini versions. At 16″ x 13″ they are the perfect size to hold your preferred poolside drink. They come together as a set and retail for $19.99. Which one will you bring home?

    If you’re thinking about planning a Disney trip make sure you contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly. She’ll help you plan a trip perfectly tailored to your family and it’s FREE when you book with her.

  • New Sweet Summer Merchandise Ablaze with Color at Disney World

    New Sweet Summer Merchandise Ablaze with Color at Disney World

    It’s time to light up your Summer with the new Sweet Summer collection ablaze with color at Disney World! We spotted all this new merchandise at Magic Kingdom’s Emporium.

    I personally love this new Magic Band. It’s bright, tropical, and Mickey looks like he’s on vacation! My favorite land in Magic Kingdom is Adventureland and this version of Cinderella Castle reminds me so much of The Enchanted Tiki Room; where all the birds sing words and the flowers croon.

    Look at all the glorious neon colors! These colors could not be any more perfect for a sizzling Summer at Disney World. The baseball cap features a green plastic visor and retails for $27.99. The yellow fanny-pack is $29.99

    Disney is really bringing back the 80’s this Summer with this sun visor with a hot pink, plastic brim. It retails for $19.99. I think it would look totally tubular with with this women’s short-sleeve crewneck tee. It features Mickey and Minnie having lots of Summer fun, eating dole whips, popsicles, and floating on pink flamingos.

    Let’s not leave the guys out this Summer. This button shirt features, what else but Disney snacks?! What’s Summer without a Dole Whip float and refreshing drinks served in coconuts with Mickey straws? I was tempted to buy this one and talk my boyfriend into wearing it.

    If you’re not wearing Flip Flops are you even IN Florida?! Every Floridian owns at least 5 pairs of these. They feature the same fun pattern as the Mickey Pool Float Ears, and have a Mickey head make out of lemons on the straps. Perfect for a day by your resort pool. The shorts are a thicker fabric, almost like sweatpants. A pair of these definetly came home with me. They even have POCKETS!!

    And here we have a sun-sational rain jacket for those afternoon showers. It has a fun assortment of theme park items on it, including Mickey waffles, Dole Whip float, a tea cup from the Mad Tea Party, a Mickey lollipop, and Cinderella Castle. Pro Tip: If you can wait out the rain, ride lines are usually much shorter when it stops!

    If you’re planning a Disney trip make sure you contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly. When you book with her she can share lots more Pro Tips to make your Disney trip unforgettable.

  • Newest Sweet Summer Spirit Jersey is Neon Tie-Dye Perfection

    Newest Sweet Summer Spirit Jersey is Neon Tie-Dye Perfection

    Disney knows how to make everything a little sweeter, even tie dye and lemons. The newest addition to your Spirit Jersey collection should certainly be this Sweet Summer Neon Tie Dye masterpiece!

    It might be sweltering hot in Florida right now, but this new Spirit Jersey could brighten up any day.

    The bright colors of the tie dyed strips at the bottom of the Spirit Jersey are repeated in the Walt Disney World letters on the back. The dot above the ‘I’ is a Mickey head formed out of three lemon slices. Take a closer look below:

    The front has the classic ‘D’ with the lemon Mickey head inside. Just looking at this Spirit Jersey makes me crave an ice cold lemonade! I can’t wait to add this Spirit Jersey to my collection.

    If your planning a trip to Disney don’t forget to contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly. My services are FREE when you book with me and I can make your next Disney vacation a breeze.