Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • BREAKING: Disney World Announces Reopening Date After Months-Long Coronavirus Closure

    BREAKING: Disney World Announces Reopening Date After Months-Long Coronavirus Closure

    Walt Disney World has announced a phased re-open plan and date for its Florida theme parks.

    Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Park are targeting July 11, 2020 as an opening date. Epcot and Hollywood Studios are targeting July 15, 2020.

    The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force met May 27 to hear the plans put forth by Walt Disney World and SeaWorld.

    The plans were approved by the task force. Now they need approval from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World Resort made the virtual presentation on behalf of Disney. The proposed opening will take place in phases and will require a reservation for park entry to limit park capacity. There will be physical distancing; guests and cast members will be required to wear face masks; and plexiglass at registers and other places where distancing is difficult will be installed.

    Parades and fireworks will temporarily suspended to enable distancing. Character meet and greets as well as playgrounds are also temporarily suspended. Temperature checks will be conducted for both staff and guests.

    There will be more options for mobile food ordering and cashless payment will be encouraged.

  • Walt Disney World Parks Reportedly to Reopen at Only 20-30 Percent Capacity

    Walt Disney World Parks Reportedly to Reopen at Only 20-30 Percent Capacity

    Disney Springs began it’s phased reopening last week, but when Disney World’s theme parks will reopen is still a mystery. Once they do reopen, you can expect substantially lower crowds than you are accustomed to seeing, according to recent reports.

    Disney World could reopen with crowd sizes somewhere between 20 to 30-percent of regular capacity, according to a recent report from WESH.

    Following the coronavirus crisis, Florida has become one of the first states in the nation to reopen its economy. Resorts like Disney World can reopen to the public if they submit a plan to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force and it is approved.

    Disney World has yet to submit a reopening plan to the Task Force. News has since surfaced suggesting Disney will submit the report this week, according to Flordia Governor Ron DeSantis.

    “Disney has given an indication that next week, they will submit their plans, and once they do, then we will schedule that for a full briefing before our Economic Recovery Task Force as well,” he explained. “So at this point, it’s an undefined time or date, but we do look forward to seeing that sometime next week.”

    Disney World – and Disneyland, for that matter – have been closed since March 15th when the company issued the following statement.

  • DIY Kitchen Sink Sundae Recipe Released by Disney Parks

    DIY Kitchen Sink Sundae Recipe Released by Disney Parks

    The Kitchen Sink sundae from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is a Disney classic and now they have released the original recipe for it and how to make it at home!  

    If you’ve never tackled it before, be warned, this over-the-top indulgence includes everything and the kitchen sink – enough for your entire family to share! 

    Take a look at the ingredients and instructions below:

    Kitchen Sink from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
    Serves 4 to 6

    Ingredients: 

    • 1/2 cup warm fudge topping 
    • 1/2 cup warm butterscotch topping
    • 1/2 cup warm peanut butter topping
    • 1 medium banana, sliced in 1/2-inch slices
    • 1 cinnamon spice cupcake (2 ½ x 1 1/4-inch), quartered
    • 1 angel food cupcake (3 x 1 1/2-inch), quartered
    • 2 generous scoops vanilla ice cream
    • 2 generous scoops chocolate ice cream
    • 2 generous scoops strawberry ice cream
    • 1 generous scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream
    • 1 generous scoop coffee ice cream
    • 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup 
    • 1/4 cup marshmallow cream
    • 1/4 cup strawberry topping
    • 1/4 cup pineapple topping 
    • 14-ounce can dairy whipped topping 
    • 1 large brownie (6-inch x 6-inch), quartered  
    • 1 regular-sized candy bar, quartered
    • 4 chocolate cookies with cream filling
    • 1 tablespoon sliced toasted almonds 
    • 1 tablespoon dark and white chocolate shavings
    • 1 tablespoon crushed chocolate cookies with cream filling 
    • 1 tablespoon chopped jellied orange slices, about 2 large slices
    • 1 tablespoon milk chocolate chip morsels
    • 1 tablespoon peanut butter chip morsels
    • 1 tablespoon chocolate sprinkles
    • 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles 
    • 1/2 cup drained maraschino cherries 

    To Serve:

    1. Pour hot fudge, butterscotch, and peanut butter toppings into bottom of large bowl.  
    2. Layer banana slices and cupcake pieces over toppings. Top with all ice creams.  
    3. As quickly as possible, spoon chocolate syrup, marshmallow cream, strawberry, and pineapple toppings over ice cream.
    4. Cover completely with dairy whipped topping. Tuck brownie pieces, candy bar pieces, and cookies in whipped topping.
    5. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, dark and white chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, jellied orange slices, milk chocolate chip morsels, peanut butter morsels, chocolate sprinkles, and rainbow sprinkles. Top with cherries.
  • Disney World to Submit Reopening Plans and Date Next Week

    Disney World to Submit Reopening Plans and Date Next Week

    Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings shared that Disney World be submitting their proposed reopening plan and date next week, in an interview with CNBC.

    “Disney has given an indication that next week, they will submit their plans” Demings said. “At this time it’s an undefined time or date but we do look forward to seeing that sometime next week.”

    Once the plans have been submitted they will schedule a full briefing with the Orange County Task Force, and then Mayor Demings and Governor DeSantis, must sign-off their approval.

    Universal presented their plans to the Orange County Task Force on Thursday, saying they would like to begin reopening in phases starting on June 1st. They said the opening would be gradual and would manage capacity across the entire resort, including within attractions, restaurants, and stores.

    Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has approved Universal Orlando Resort’s reopening plans and has sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis for the final signature.

  • Disney Issues COVID-19 Disclaimer Ahead of Reopening

    Disney Issues COVID-19 Disclaimer Ahead of Reopening

    Ahead of Disney Spring’s reopening on Wednesday, Disney has put out a disclaimer about the coronavirus.

    while Disney has made it clear that “enhanced health and safety measures” will be the utmost importance — guests still assume all the risk. 

    “An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death,” reads a disclaimer on the Disney World website.

    It concludes: “By visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.” 

    On Wednesday, shops will be open at Disney Springs. The next phase will start seven days later when Disney retail shops, such as World of Disney Store, and Disney eateries reopen.

    Among the new safety measures include all guests and employees being required to wear masks. Guests will have their temperatures checked, and plexiglass dividers have been installed at registers.

  • Disney Springs Implements New Safety Measures for Phased Reopening

    Disney Springs Implements New Safety Measures for Phased Reopening

    Disney announced that Disney Springs will be reopening on May 20 with new safety measures and now we have more details on exactly what they will be.

    Based on applicable government requirements, as well as guidance from health authorities such as the CDC and appropriate government agencies, Disney is implementing a number of new health and safety measures and operational changes.

    There is plenty of magic awaiting you at Disney Springs – it just may feel a bit different than before. Here is what you need to know prior to your arrival: 

    • Parking and Entrances: During this initial phase, guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime Garages. All surface lots will be closed. We will also reduce the number of entrances for Disney Springs to four locations: Orange and Lime Garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge and ride share location.
    • Appropriate Face Coverings: All guests 3 years of age and older, along with cast members and third-party operating-participant employees, will be required to wear an appropriate face covering while visiting Disney Springs. This is an important part of protecting both our guests and our cast. Please be sure you have an ample amount of face coverings for yourself and your party before you arrive, as you’ll need to wear them over your nose and mouth at all times (except when sitting at a dining table).
    • Temperature Screenings: Once you arrive at Disney Springs, you and your party will be required to undergo temperature screenings. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance; those who again measure 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party. I encourage you to check temperatures of yourself and your party prior to leaving home, as an extra layer of precaution.  
    • Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures: To maintain appropriate physical distancing throughout Disney Springs during this initial phase, we will limit the number of guests visiting the property, as well as within each location. In addition, ground markings will help promote proper distancing when queuing is necessary. We will also add physical barriers in select places where it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing. 
    • Cleanliness: We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. We will also have hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available, and encourage you to use these frequently.
    • Cashless Transactions: We’re recommending you use cashless payment options whenever possible during your visit to Disney Springs, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, etc. You can also opt for contactless payment options or use cash to purchase a Disney gift card at the Welcome Center and select merchandise locations. 
  • Disney World Given Green Light to Submit Plans to Reopen by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

    Disney World Given Green Light to Submit Plans to Reopen by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

    On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave Disney World the green light to submit their plans for reopening to the state.

    DeSantis said the parks should submit the date they believe they can resume safe operations.

    “They have to provide how they are going to do it, how they’re going to accommodate the guests, how they’re going to protect the staff and then they need to have an endorsement from the local official in their locality,” DeSantis said.

    Disney World and Universal Orlando have both been closed since mid-March.

    Disney plans to reopen Disney Springs next week.

  • Disney Presents Virtual Viewing of ‘Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular’ at Disney World

    Disney Presents Virtual Viewing of ‘Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular’ at Disney World

    As part of the Halfway2Halloween event, Disney Parks is streaming it’s Halloween fireworks from the Magic Kingdom at Disney World tonight and it’s spook-tacular.

    For tonight’s pre-recorded viewing of “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular,” you’ve got the best seat in the house to experience the show’s state-of-the-art projections and dazzling fireworks.  Watch as host Jack Skellington delights with a not so scary-tale that proves anything can happen at Halloween!

    Watch the magic below:

    You’ve got the best seat in the house to experience the show’s state-of-the-art projections and dazzling fireworks.

  • Disney World Now Only Accepting Reservations Beginning in July

    Disney World Now Only Accepting Reservations Beginning in July

    Disney World is now only accepting reservations beginning in July 2020.

    Reservations are currently available for travel dates on July 1 and later, according to Disney’s website.

    Previously, Disney World had stopped accepting reservations before June 1 during the coronavirus closure of the Central Florida theme park.

    Disney has been closed since mid-March and has not announced any plans for reopening theme parks in Central Florida.

    Shanghai Disneyland reopened on Monday. Disney is limiting visitor numbers, requiring masks and checking temperatures at the gate.

    Disney said last week that it will begin a phased reopening of Disney Springs May 20 with enhanced safety measures to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

    Disney’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel gave an update on what people can expect once its other parks, resorts and stores reopen.

    The company is looking into phased reopening at all locations, whether it be a gradual reopening or partial for certain areas.

    Hymel said Disney is working to manage guest density and social distancing with not just restaurants and hotels, but queues and ride vehicles. The measure will likely include guest capacity that matches state and federal guidelines to keep visitors and employees safe.

    Disney is also looking into virtual queues for Disney World and Disneyland with the help of their app.

  • BREAKING: Disney Springs to Begin Phased Reopening May 20 After Coronavirus Closure

    BREAKING: Disney Springs to Begin Phased Reopening May 20 After Coronavirus Closure

    A phased reopening of Disney Springs will begin on May 20 after the shopping destination closed has been closed for more than a month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Following the guidance of government and health officials, a limited number of shopping and dining experiences that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open during this initial phase. The rest of Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed, including theme parks and resort hotels.

    As we continue to monitor conditions, and with the health of guests and Disney cast members at the forefront of our planning, we are making several operational changes. Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both cast members and guests, limited-contact guest services and additional safety training for cast members. 

    We will apply learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries, and we’re also talking to our unions as we prepare for some cast members to return to work.   

    During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity, parking and operating hours. Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this process as responsibly as we can. Additional protocols and procedures may be announced closer to the opening date. Please check DisneySprings.com as we get closer to May 20 for the most current information on operating hours, locations and safety procedures.