Tag: disney world

At least 226 nuisance alligators have been captured and removed from from Walt Disney World by wildlife trappers since a toddler was killed by an alligator at a Disney resort nearly five years ago, according to state records.

Two year-old Lane Graves, was making sand castles near the water’s edge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort about 8:30 p.m. on June 14, 2016 when an alligator bit the boy’s head and dragged him into the water, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s final investigative report on the incident.

State-contracted wildlife trappers removed an average of 23 alligators from Disney property, Over the eight years prior to the child’s death according to records from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“In keeping with our strong commitment to safety, we continue to reinforce procedures related to reporting sightings and interactions with wildlife, and work closely with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove or relocate certain wildlife from our property in accordance with state regulations,” a Walt Disney World spokesperson said.

The removal of nuisance alligators does not have a significant impact on Florida’s population of about 1.3 million alligators, according to FWC.

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.

Disney World is looking to hire for a wide variety of jobs.

While Disney World in Florida reopened several months ago, it’s still operating at limited capacity which meant that not every employee was brought back. Now, as the park prepares for a capacity increase and the reopening of more resort hotels, Disney World is now hiring for Attractions, Custodial, Merchandise, and Quick Service Foods departments.

Over a year ago, when the pandemic first struck, Disney World had to temporarily close its doors. This unprecedented move forced the company to furlough or lay off a significant number of employees.

Disney now has a public posting for new part time cast members. These new roles are for areas in attractions, custodial, merchandise, quick service foods and lifeguards. There are also full time positions available for house-keeping. Each of these part-time roles, while different in their own ways, require some of the same basic qualifications.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to use cleaning chemicals and supplies.
• Must give at least three days of full availability, including nights and holidays.

The news of these expanded job postings for Disney World comes just several days before Disneyland in California is set to reopen after more than a year of being closed.

Families planning their next visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth are in for a real treat. That’s especially true for families with tweens. With roller coasters and thrill attractions of all kinds and so much more, tweens can explore new and classic experiences, soak up the sun and indulge in some tasty tastes.

From the must-have family photo in front of Cinderella Castle with its new royal colors to character dining experiences with picture-perfect views, there is always something to do.

Here are 10 ways for tweens and families to spring into summer while vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort this year:

1. Splash into Fun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – This wintry-themed water park is celebrating the best summer ever in splashy style. It’s a great place to enjoy family fun together with big thrills for the kids and places for parents to relax.
2. Discover Paradise at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – The tropical oasis along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon is now accepting bookings for late July 2021. The reimagined guest rooms will surround guests with details, patterns and textures inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
3. The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Blooms Through July 5 – The event combines the freshest flowers and flavors from around the world, featuring fun for the whole family from garden-inspired cuisine to lifelike character topiaries and new Orange Bird merchandise to complement any selfie. Guests who miss this festival have no reason to worry. On July 15, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will kick off and run through Nov. 20, offering plenty of family-friendly fun (more details will be announced at a later date).
4. Check Out the Royal Makeover of Cinderella Castle – The treasured icon at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park now features bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting its royal status. It makes a great photo backdrop with family and friends.
5. Celebrate the Magic of Nature – Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, an immersive land featuring massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and unbelievable experiences including Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. And from April 18 to 24, the park will connect guests with the magic of nature through Earth Week activities designed to educate, entertain and inspire the whole family.
6. Find Disney Characters in New Places –From cavalcades to caravans to flotillas and even special “pop-up” appearances, guests of all ages can discover favorite friends at all four theme parks and occasional special surprise appearances at Disney Resort hotels.
7. Step into an Adventure – At Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can step through a movie screen and into the cartoon world of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway They can also embark on an adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive, award-winning land featuring two thrilling attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
8. Here for the Food – Foodie options are limitless at Walt Disney World, whether sitting for a family meal or snacking between attractions. Guests can enjoy a family-style meal at Chef Mickey’s with Mickey Mouse and his pals at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or visit Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort for a fun character dining experience during Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends and a beautiful view of Walt Disney World. EPCOT is another great place to grab a quick bite … or two … or three! The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival offers more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens where guests can sample tastes and sips as diverse as Avocado Toast and a Maple Popcorn Shake. Top off the experience with classic Disney Parks snacks – buttery popcorn and the classic Mickey Ice Cream Bar are Walt Disney World theme park favorites.
9. Stroll, Dine and Shop for the Perfect Gift at Disney Springs – Guests visiting this shopping, dining and entertainment destination have plenty of new options to satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Disney Style is the latest fashion-forward merchandise spot with a twist. Here, fashionistas find a curated assortment of trendy apparel and accessories inspired by beloved Disney characters and attractions. Tweens looking for a sweet treat can grab a handcrafted, photo-worthy donut at the newly opened Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.
10. Relax Outdoors – Central Florida weather is traditionally gorgeous this time of year, and Walt Disney World offers special ways to enjoy outdoor recreation, including miniature golf, fishing expeditions, horseback riding and more.

Families can add extra theme park magic to their upcoming visit to Walt Disney World Resort. Whether planning a celebration or a vacation, guests that book a non-discounted four-night/three-day room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights now through Sept. 25, 2021, will receive an additional two days added to their theme park tickets.