Tag: disney world

Disney Purchases More Land Near Magic Kingdom

More land has been purchased near Magic Kingdom by The Disney Company.

The land was bought last month by Celebration Company, a subsidiary of Disney, according to Orange County records and the 26.3 acres of land sits right next to Reedy Lake.

Disney purchased the land from Lake Reedy Development Group, LLC, the same company it purchased 235 acres of adjacent land from in late December.

Both pieces of property sit just west of Magic Kingdom and northwest of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course.

Just like with that purchase, Disney hasn’t publicly said what it plans to do with the land.

April 2, 2020
BREAKING: Disneyland and Disney World Now Closed Indefinitely Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Disneyland and Walt Disney World had initially planned to close through March in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, but now the U.S. Disney parks have now announced that they will “remain closed until further notice.”

“While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority,” said the Walt Disney Company in a statement.

“As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice.

The Walt Disney Company has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis, we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18.”

Just a little over two weeks ago, Disney and Universal Studios made the decision to close their gates to visitors, just hours after California Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference to address the state’s prevention and containment efforts. Disneyland — alongside casinos, card rooms and theaters — had initially been given an exemption from the guidelines to cancel or postpone gatherings of 250 or more people, though Disney made the announcement shortly after that it would close its parks.

As of now, all Disney parks worldwide remain closed, including its locations in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, and Shanghai. Shanghai Disney Resort as of March 9 partially resumed shopping, dining and other recreational operations, though the main theme park continues to be closed.

March 27, 2020
Baby Zebra Born at Walt Disney World Resort Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic

What’s black and white and cute all over? The newest member of the herd over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The park has just announced the birth of a Hartmann’s zebra foal.

Although Walt Disney World Resort is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Disney’s Animal Care team is continuing to provide top-notch care to thousands of animals.

A Hartmann’s Zebra foal was born early Saturday morning (Mar. 21) to first-time-mom, Heidi… and it’s a girl! Check out the video below to see a few moments of sweet mother-daughter time.

The foal, who has yet to be named, is about 65pounds, and is quite strong – she was standing within 30 minutes of birth. Already very active and curious, this little lady is much like her mother and has very long legs.

Heidi is showing she’s a natural at parenting skills as she stays close to her baby to bond with her and nurse. Bonding is especially important, as a young zebra will imprint on its mother’s scent and memorize the unique markings on its mother’s hind legs to tell her apart from the rest of the herd. In a few weeks, after the pair develop a strong bond, they will be introduced to the Kilimanjaro Safaris savannah.

The foal was born as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and ensures responsible breeding and genetic diversity of thousands of species of animals. Her arrival marks the third zebra birth at Walt Disney World this year.

Hartmann’s mountain zebras are found in sub-Saharan Africa and are a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. To learn more about zebras and other species we are working to protect, visit DisneyAnimals.com

March 27, 2020
Breaking: Disney World Closure Extended into April

As we reported before, Walt Disney World is supposed to re-open on April 1st. We now have that news that the closure may extend to April 9th, 2020.

The Mayor of Orlando, Buddy Dyer, and the Orange County Mayor put out a Stay at Home Order tonight. This means that all residents need to stay at home, and all non-essential businesses will be closed starting Thursday March 26th through April 9th.

There hasn’t been any official word from Disney yet, but when there is we will update you on the details.

Make sure you contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly to plan your next trip when Disney re-opens.

March 24, 2020
California Man Dies of Coronavirus After Visiting Disney World

A 34-year-old man has died in California after testing positive of coronavirus just days ago, and 2 weeks after visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida

In a Facebook post, family members of Jeffrey Ghazarian, said he died Thursday morning at a Pasadena hospital after being hospitalized for several days, according to TMZ.

His family stated he had a history of asthma and frequent bronchitis as a child. He also had beat testicular cancer back in 2016, which made him a higher risk for contracting coronavirus.

According to TMZ, his sister stated, “He suffered a lot and put up a good fight. We will miss our Jeff every day but we are thankful for all the fun happy memories of the times we had together.”

According to his family, Ghazarian flew from Los Angeles to Orlando on March 2 for a work conference. During his time in Orlando, he went to Disney World and Universal theme parks with friends.

TMZ reported that Ghazarian began to develop a cough on March 7 and the next day he coughed up blood.

He returned to Los Angeles International Airport on March 9 and immediately went to the emergency room, where he also had a high fever.

TMZ reports that medical personnel performed a chest x-ray and confirmed that Ghazarian had pneumonia. He was reportedly tested for COVID-19 before he was sent home with antibiotics and fluids and was instructed to self-quarantine while he awaited the results.

He found out he tested positive for coronavirus on March 13, TMZ reported. The next day he was taken to the hospital by ambulance and quickly transferred to the ICU. At which point, doctors discovered that his lungs were 60-70 percent blocked with pneumonia.

Doctors chose to sedate and intubate him in hopes that using a ventilator would help his lungs heal.

Ghazarian passed away Thursday morning.

March 19, 2020
Disneyland and Disney World Donating Excess Food During Temporary Closure

Disney Parks has an ongoing commitment to reducing food waste, and during the temporary closure of Disneyland and Disney World will be donating excess food inventory to Second Harvest Food Bank.

While closely following food safety guidelines, excess inventory of dairy, fruit, vegetables, packaged goods and banquet meals is being donated to Second Harvest Food Bank, whose mission is to end hunger.

Since 2014, the Disneyland Resort has operated a food donation program through which prepared, unserved food from select locations is regularly donated to support those in need within the local community. This program is in addition to the food scraps diversion program, which also supports our environmental efforts in reducing food waste.

Last year, the Disneyland Resort donated over 20,000 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County through the food donation program, and Disney VoluntEARS regularly volunteer there, supporting the mission of ending hunger.

Launched in 1991, Disney Harvest collects excess and unserved food from locations throughout Walt Disney World, delivering it to feeding programs across Central Florida.

What you might not know…the Disney Harvest Program at Walt Disney World Resort collects and distributes more than 823,000 pounds of prepared, unserved food annually and supports Second Harvest’s work serving more than 40 Orlando-area nonprofits. In the last year alone, these donations provided one million meals to people in need.

March 15, 2020
Disney World To Extend Annual Passes Due to Coronavirus Closure

Thursday, Disney World announced it is closing its four theme parks starting Sunday night due to the spread of the coronavirus and they have now decided to extend Annual Passes to make up for the missed time.

The theme park closure will last until the end of March, Disney officials said, leaving many passholders wondering how that would affect their passes.

Disney officials said on its website, “Walt Disney World annual passes will be extended by the number of days the parks are closed, March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020,” as you can see below:

For Disney guests that purchased Disney After Hours, Disney Villains After Hours and Disney Early Morning Magic between the closure dates will receive a refund, officials said. You can find more information on thie roffical website here.

March 13, 2020
BREAKING: Disney World to Shutting Down Due to Coronavirus Outbreak

Disney is closing Walt Disney World, its flagship theme park resort in Orlando, Florida, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The closure announcement comes on the heels of a similar announcement from the park’s California counterpart, Disneyland.

Disney World will close on Sunday, March 15, and stay closed through the end of the month.

Disney Cruise Line will also suspend all new departures beginning on Saturday through the end of the month.

Throughout its nearly 50-year history, Walt Disney World has closed briefly a handful of times from looming hurricanes and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The hotels at Walt Disney World will remain open, as well as retail and dining complexes until further notices.

Those who work domestically for Walt Disney Company who are able to work from home are being asked to do so, including those at The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Direct-to-Consumer, and Parks, Experiences and Products, officials said.

“In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month,” the Walt Disney Company said in a release.

In the same release, the Walt Disney Company also announce that Disneyland Paris will close on Sunday, as well.

March 12, 2020
Disney Parks is ‘Carefully Monitoring’ Coronavirus Outbreak
Walt Disney World and Disneyland currently remain open for business, however; the chief medical officer for Disney Parks has confirmed that officials are “carefully monitoring” the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, commonly known as coronavirus.

Theme park authorities are closely following the viral outbreak and remain in communication with health agencies as COVID-19 becomes a more “widespread concern,” according to Dr. Pamela Hymel, Chief Medical Officer for Disney Parks’ Experiences and Products.

“As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our cast, guests and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance,” Hymel said in a statement shared by Disney Parks Blog. “Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, are welcoming guests as usual and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies.”

Walt Disney World, Disneyland and their parks and resorts around the world have high standards of cleanliness, which assists with illness prevention, and they have health and safety protocols in place, such as:
- Training for cast members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
- Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
- Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
- Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
- End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
- Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues
In addition, onsite health teams and officials at various Disney properties will continue to keep cast members updated with the latest in illness prevention, per guidance from the CDC, Hymel said.

On Monday, the Associated Press reported that face masks will be distributed to both patient and paramedic if a Disney visitor appears symptomatic or a first responder suspects they have the flu, said Tim Stromsnes, president of the local union for firefighters at Disney World.

Moving forward, extra hand sanitizers are also being placed throughout Disney World’s four parks and two dozen-plus hotels, officials said.
March 9, 2020
New Plant-Based Cookie Fries Available at Disney World
In the past few years, Walt Disney World Resort Chefs have been transforming their menus with more plant-based options now you can find the new plant-based cookie fries at the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

The plant-based cookie fries are unique and yummy treat to end your meal with. Similar to biscotti, these chocolate chip cookie sticks come with several plant-based dipping sauces: marshmallow cream, chocolate, and strawberry.

This recipe makes 32 cookie fries and is the perfect serving size for a small gathering of friends or a family dinner. They’re so good, you have to take a look at the recipe below:

INGREDIENTS
- 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup plus one tablespoon plant-based margarine, softened
- 7 tablespoons warm water
- 5 tablespoons liquid egg substitute
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1/2 cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and plant-based margarine in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
2. In small bowl, combine warm water and egg substitute. Add egg substitute and molasses to mixer. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
3. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Place in an 8×8-inch pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Cut into 32 strips that are 1/4-inch wide and 4 inches long. Place 16 strips on each baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until crunchy.
Currently, at Walt Disney World Resort, you can find these items by looking for the new green leaf menu icon during your visit.
March 6, 2020