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How can we not love Halloween at Disney World? The parks go all out this time of year with amazing fall decorations, along with special snacks and drinks! Fort Wilderness So we headed over to P & J’s Southern Takeout at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to see what kind of spooky concoctions they’ve cooked up! That’s where we discovered the Frightfully Spooky Strawberry Shortcake Push Pop, which looks a little weird, but it’s strawberry shortcake — and the strawberry shortcake here is DELISH — so we had to try it out! Frightfully Spooky Strawberry Shortcake Push Pops This spooky dessert, which costs $4.99, is from bottom to top: chocolate shortcake, macerated strawberries, purple whipped cream, more chocolate shortcake, more macerated strawberries, green whipped cream, and sprinkles on top. Frightfully Spooky Strawberry Shortcake Push Pop This green whipped cream is not super appealing to the eye… The sprinkles are black bats, white ghosts, and orange pumpkins. FREAKY. Frightfully Spooky Strawberry Shortcake Yes, it does look a bit weird, but once you get past all that stuff on top, you’ve got strawberry shortcake (which doesn’t look appetizing…at all). BUT it’s good! It tastes just like P & J’s regular strawberry shortcake, but with chocolate cake (OH, YEAH). Frightfully Spooky Strawberry Shortcake Push Pop This is one of those desserts where looks can be deceiving (and we’ve seen that before with the Box of Bones Eclair). It’s something we would highly recommend because it’s just that yummy. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for more spooky snacks, so stay tuned! The Results Are In! See Which Disney World Treat WON Our Halloween Snack Bracket! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you tried any spooky desserts from Disney World yet? Let us know in the comments! The post What's Black, Green, and Red All Over in Disney World...and Should You EAT It? first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: There’s a Candy Corn SURPRISE in This Halloween Cupcake in Disney World! Your ULTIMATE Guide to the 2020 Halloween Season in Disney World! We Found a FUN Halloween Pop-Up Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! View the full article

The spooky season is upon us, and Magic Kingdom Park is welcoming foolish mortals looking for some happy haunts at Walt Disney World Resort. Check out this new Halloween Hit List for some eerily delightful places in the park to have some frightfully festive fun this season. Looking for even more ghoulish goodness? Here’s what else is happening this month in Magic Kingdom Park: For the first time, guests of all ages can wear Halloween costumes during regular park hours, now through Oct. 31.Special Halloween-themed cavalcades pop up on the park’s parade route throughout the day and head down Main Street, U.S.A. You may spot Mickey Mouse and his pals or Disney Villains. And did you happen to catch a certain Pumpkin King in the video?Also on Main Street, U.S.A., keep an ear out for the Cadaver Dans, who will provide enchanting a cappella performances upon emerging from their tombs!As you saw in the video, festive Halloween-themed merchandise is available at select locations around the park, including a candy-swirl Minnie Mouse headband, apparel inspired by Disney Villains and more.Dig into some more devilishly delicious treats around the park, such as the Hades Nachos at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, or Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake at Liberty Square Market. For even more treats you can find around Walt Disney World Resort theme parks this fall, check out our 2020 fall foodie guide here; for fall-inspired treats at Disney Springs and our Resort hotels, click here.We’re celebrating Halloween all month long here on the Disney Parks Blog, so keep checking back for more fiendishly fun #DisneyMagicMoments! http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/37gmJmq6_xsView the full article

Disney theme parks around the world closed earlier this year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Cinderella Castle Now, several months after those initial closures, most of Disney’s theme parks and several of its resort hotels have reopened, but some hotels, restaurants, and other aspects of the Disney Company — like Disney Cruise Line — remain closed or temporarily suspended. According to Bloomberg, some analysts are now saying that Disney’s earnings “might not return to last year’s levels until 2024.” Disney and other theme park operators have announced some significant layoffs over the last several months. Bloomberg notes that these actions are the result of limited attendance by domestic guests — both due to social distancing requirements and some families’ unwillingness to get on airplanes and travel for their vacations. One theme park consultant said, “People are just not ready to come back yet.” Some guests have noted that the airport and flights may be more of a concern to them than the parks themselves. Disney World Additionally, travel bans prevent many international visitors from making their way to the happiest place on earth, and some theme parks, like Disneyland, remain closed as they wait for government guidelines which would allow them to reopen. Disneyland Gate Bloomberg’s theme park revenue data shows Disney’s revenue on 12/31/19 was $7.4 billion, while the revenue as of 6/30/20 is $983 million. Other analysts have predicted that Disney will have another “lost year” in 2021. ©Bloomberg Mark Zandi, an economist at Moody’s Analytics noted that the “Disney layoffs signal the leisure industry won’t be the same, not anytime soon…It’s going to take two to three years to fully catch up.” In the Orlando/Kissimmee area, about 14% of workers are employed in accommodation and food service, “making it the nation’s second most tourist-dependent city (after Las Vegas), according to data researcher SeoClarity.” Some analysts have noted that the Disney Parks will likely need a vaccine to exist to return to regular operations. Disney World Cast Member As shared by Bloomberg, market researcher STR says that, for hotels in the Orlando and Anaheim areas, revenue per available room in August, which is typically one of the strongest months of the year, was down almost 70% from a year earlier. Hotels that are open appear to be averaging an occupancy rate of under 30%, and some hotel operators are saying things are not looking much better for the holiday season. Beach Club Resort in Disney World Researcher MoffettNathanson LLC says that Disney’s “theme park division could swing from a $4.9 billion pretax profit last year to a $1.5 billion loss in 2020” and that “[e]arnings might not return to last year’s levels until 2024.” Other analysts have noted that international tourist spending may also not return to normal until 2024. Although Disney revealed a number of weeks ago that locals now make up about 50% of park attendance at Disney World, it’s likely that Disney is feeling a financial impact from the loss of international visitors. Disney World But, we have noticed crowds getting gradually larger at the parks, as the Bloomberg article also notes. Park Pass reservations have also been selling out for major holidays. Crowds Near Peter Pan’s Flight Things are constantly changing at Disney. Despite some of the financial concerns, construction is moving forward on certain Disney projects, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is reopening soon, and Disney On Ice is also coming back. We’ll be on the lookout for more Disney news and we’ll let you know as the situation with Disneyland and other aspects of the Disney company develops. Click here to read about the ONE thing you’ll NEED to do before getting on a Disney Cruise Line ship when sailings resume! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you have a trip planned to a Disney theme park this year? Let us know about it in the comments! The post Disney's Earnings May Not Return To Last Year's Levels Until 2024, Analysts Say first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: NEWS: Disney Announces Lay-Offs Will Affect About 6,700 Non-Union Employees in Disney World Details on Disney’s Layoff Announcement, Resources For Cast Members, And How YOU Can Help Here’s How Disney Executives Have Been Responding to the Layoffs View the full article

Although the current global health crisis has affected the travel industry as a whole, the cruise industry has even more impacted than most. Disney Wonder And that doesn’t seem to be something that will change soon — Disney previously confirmed that its cruise operations would be the last of its tourism-based businesses to return. Disney cruises have also been suspended through mid-December. Recently, the CDC extended its No-Sail order, which bans cruises through the end of October. Despite the no-sail order’s end date, cruise lines are remaining cautious. Royal Caribbean recently announced it was suspending sailings through November 30th. Royal Caribbean Statement ©Royal Caribbean Port Canaveral hopes that cruise ships will begin to depart again as early as January, but cruise line itineraries continue to be delayed, and there’s no guarantee the CDC’s No-Sail order will be lifted by then. All cruise lines will also have to take certain safety precautions to resume business. In the meantime, it seems that the cruise industry will continue its “wait-and-see” approach, and we’ll keep you informed of any updates. Take a look at Fall 2021 Sailing Dates for Disney Cruises Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Did you have a Disney Cruise planned for this year? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: Cruise Cancellations Announced for Royal Caribbean Through November 30th first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: New Cruise Line Health Protocols Discussed at Re-Open Florida Task Force Meeting Disney Cruise Line Offers Extension of Future Cruise Credit for Guests Affected by Cancellations News: Disney Cruise Line Is Now Offering Cruise Date Flexibility View the full article

Four-time James Beard semifinalist John Tesar brings his hand-picked, dry-aged cuts to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, at its newest dining experience: Knife & Spoon. View the full article

We’ve been using Mobile Order in Disney World a LOT lately to get all of our favorite snacks in a quick and convenient way. Bread Service To Go! Recently, we’ve also seen Mobile Order expanded to select table service restaurants through the Mobile Order for Table Service To Go feature on the My Disney Experience app. We even got to order bread service to go from Sanaa! Now, a new spot has been added to the growing Mobile Order for Table Service Restaurants list. If you’re in the mood for some Sweet Potato Pancakes or Gnocchi and you’re looking for a spot to grab them quickly and take them back to your hotel room (or, if you’re a local, your home or apartment), then you’ll be happy to know that The Wave…of American Flavors in Disney’s Contemporary Resort is now available on the Mobile Order for Table Service Restaurants feature on My Disney Experience! Screenshot from the My Disney Experience App Under this new feature, you can get some of your favorites from this table service spot and take it back to your room or wherever else you’d like to enjoy them. For breakfast, the menu includes a Continental Breakfast, which features a chocolate muffin, chocolate chip muffin, lemon poppy seed muffin, croissant, cheese danish, and your choice of a hot or cold beverage for $10. Screenshot from the My Disney Experience App You can also order classics like the Floridian Eggs Benedict and the Wave Signature Sweet Potato Pancakes (!!), and several other items. YUM. Sweet Potato Pancakes For lunch, the to-go menu includes the Lump Crab Cakes… Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes …steamed Bao Bun, Signature Burger, Tiki Masala, Salmon, and more. Screenshot from the My Disney Experience App You can also place a to-go order from The Wave for dinner. Available items include many of the same appetizers from the lunch menu, some dinner entrees including Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Seared Gnocchi, and even the Chocolate Flight and Creme Brûlée desserts, among other items. Seared Potato Gnocchi Mobile ordering a dinner to go can be a particularly great option after a busy day in the parks. You can just order it on your way to the Contemporary and take it to your room to enjoy in your pajamas! We’ll keep watching to see if more spots are added to the mobile order for table service restaurants feature, and we’ll let you know what we find! Click here to see what spot in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is also now available on mobile order for table service restaurants! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever eaten at The Wave? Let us know your favorite dish from this spot in the comments! The post NEWS! The Wave...of American Flavors Added to Mobile Order for Table Service Restaurants in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Where To Do THANKSGIVING in Disney World! NEWS! Disney World Just Changed A LOT Of Menus, and We’ve Got The DETAILS! SECRET MENU ALERT: An Exclusive 7-Layer Cake Is Now At A New Disney World Restaurant! View the full article

Disney World feels REALLY different from how it did last year and we’re still getting used to things! Mickey and Minnie We’ve spent the past few months keeping you in the loop on all of the BIG Disney changes that have cropped up in 2020. Now, we’re starting to figure out how we feel about them — and we’ve got some STRONG opinions. From character cavalcades to modified hours, we’re deciding whether we would keep or cut some BIG Disney changes. Plus, we’ll toss in a few tips too! Check it out in the newest DFB Video!  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! Check out our latest video and then comment below: How do you feel about these Disney World changes?The post DFB Video: The BEST and WORST Disney World Changes This Year (And The Ones We WISH They'd Keep!) first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: DFB Video: 9 Things You’re NOT Doing Right at Disney World DFB Video: 8 Tools EVERYONE Needs For Their Disney World Vacation! DFB Video: 8 Things You Need To Be Prepared For In Disney World! View the full article

It’s a positively beautiful day to be headed to Disney World, and by the looks of it, we’re not the only ones who think so. Animal Kingdom Crowds When we prowled up to Animal Kingdom today, we noticed that there were some looooooooong lines stretching back from the park gate. We’ve seen an uptick in crowds as time goes by since the parks reopen, but surely Animal Kingdom isn’t THIS slammed on a Wednesday! Don’t fear! We got to the bottom of it. Cast Members towards the end of the lines were directing entering guests into a line. We weren’t too sure what was going on at first, but a Cast Member shared that a technical difficulty with the entry scanners was the issue. Animal Kingdom Crowds And wowza, did that glitch cause a back-up! Take a look at how many folks were lined up. Anytime a crowd like this pops up, physical distancing can definitely get more tricky. We’ll be checking in to see if this glitch is still an issue later in the day so stay tuned as we report in! Click here to learn more about recent Disney World technical difficulties! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Were you caught in the crowds this morning in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post PHOTOS! Entry Glitch Causes Long Lines and Large Crowds in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: NEW Insta-Worthy Nighttime Magic Shots Are Coming to Disney World Soon! Say Good Morning AND Good Night with These NEW Animal Kingdom Phone Cases! Why Disney World Could Be Very DIFFERENT When It Reopens View the full article

“The Right Stuff,” based on Tom Wolfe’s book of the same name, follows NASA’s Mercury 7 astronauts and their families as these mostly ordinary men become celebrities in their dangerous quest to join Project Mercury. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. It’s good to be bad, especially when that baddie is Maleficent. Maleficent And ANY fan of Maleficent will want to get their hands on the Disney Midnight Masquerade Villains Collection doll and pin set starring this Sleeping Beauty villain! We previously reported that the items in the Disney Midnight Masquerade Villains Collection would be released via Disney MerchPass, and if you want Maleficent, act NOW! Her Merchpass is live on shopDisney. Maleficent Midnight Masquerade Doll ©Disney For the uninitiated, here’s how MerchPass, shopDisney’s system for high-demand items, works. You go to the page for the item you want and select the things you are interested in. You may get picked for one item, both items, or no items. If you ARE picked, keep an eye on your email. One will be sent to you with the items you have been picked to be able to purchase. If you were selected, you just log onto shopDisney during your purchase window and the item will already be in your bag. Kind of like magic! ©shopDisney For the Maleficent Disney Designer Collection Midnight Masquerade series, MerchPass selections are OPEN NOW. Emails will be sent out on October 8th, and purchases can be made October 8th and 9th. Maleficent Midnight Masquerade Doll and Pins ©Disney You can select from the Maleficent Limited Edition Doll, of which just 2,355 are available, or the Maleficent Disney Designer Collection Midnight Masquerade Pin Set, of which just 910 are available. The doll is $129.90; the pins are $29.99. So, don’t SLEEP on this opportunity if you love Maleficent! Check out more Disney villains merch here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you had much luck with shopDisney’s MerchPass? Let us know in the comments! The post This LIMITED EDITION Maleficent Doll and Pin Are on shopDisney's MerchPass NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Disney Villains Midnight Masquerade Doll and Pin Collection To Release Online With MerchPass Lots of NEW Collections Are Taking Over shopDisney This Fall! Check Them Out Here! Disney Teases That VILLAINS are Crashing Their Midnight Masquerade Designer Series! View the full article

Walt Disney World and other Disney theme parks around the world have been officially reopened for some time now, but there’s one part of Disney’s travel portfolio that has no signs of reopening: Disney Cruise Line. ©Disney And previously, Disney has stated that its cruise line would be the “last [part of the business] to come back for us.” As of now, DCL sailings are suspended through mid-December, but what could Disney Cruise Line look like when sailings resume? According to trade organization Cruise Lines International Association, it looks like negative coronavirus tests for all passengers and crew prior to embarkation. ©Disney CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead announced at Seatrade Cruise Virtual that the CLIA Global Board of Directors has voted to approve 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to embarkation, with a requirement for a negative test, as a core element of initial resumption globally. Disney Cruise Line is a member of CLIA. ©Disney Magic This is a MANDATORY measure for all CLIA cruise lines and is effective immediately for the restart of passenger service for vessels capable of carrying 250 or more passengers. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream This measure is particularly timely since the CDC’s no sail order for cruise ships is only extended through the end of October. That means, cruises COULD possibly set sail in a matter of weeks. When cruises do resume, it’s safe to say they’ll probably look a LITTLE different with more health and safety measures. And when Disney Cruise Line announces its first sailing again, we’ll let you know all the deets. Read more about Disney Cruise Line’s payment and cancellation changes here. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post The ONE Thing You'll Need to Do Before Getting on a Disney Cruise Line Ship When Sailings Resume first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Disney Cruise Line’s Updated Refund Policy for Halted Departures! NEWS! The Disney Cruise Line Extends Disney Magic Cancellations Through June 7th! NEWS: Disney Cruise Line Removes Early December Sailings from Its 2020 Itinerary View the full article

We’re BACK for another BEAUTIFUL Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Sunset Boulevard We’re not just here to revel in the glamor of old Hollywood, explore the far-off planet of Batuu, and to play in Andy’s backyard with Woody and Slinky Dog — we’re here to take in ALL of the new sights, sounds, merch, and attraction updates! Hollywood Studios Attractions Updates For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration For what genuinely feels like the first time in FOREVER, A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration has REOPENED in the Echo Lake area of Hollywood Studios! Frozen Show The show kicked off again on October 5th, and we know what you’re asking: What’s different?! The biggest thing is that the theater is only operating at 35% capacity, and there are rows and seats marked as unavailable. Frozen Show Seating Guests are also asked to keep their face masks on and stay seated for the duration of the show. Frozen ShowThere are a few new topical jokes about face masks and social distancing, but the best part — the SNOW! — is still there! Snow! And, of course, all our favorite songs from Frozen and our favs Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff are still there too! Read more about the reopening of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration here! The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, a.k.a. The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends announced they would play their FINAL shows at Walt Disney World at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 3rd. And of course, we checked out one of this group’s last performances after 32 years on that day. Disney Society Orchestra That show has now OFFICIALLY ENDED, and the showtimes for it over at the Theater of the Stars have been removed. Theater of the Stars sign It’s not clear what will replace The Disney Society Orchestra, but Theatre of the Stars is typically the home of Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage. Hollywood Studios Store Updates Keystone Clothiers The Frozen Sing-Along isn’t the only newly reopened spot at Hollywood Studios…Keystone Clothiers, a gift shop located on Hollywood Boulevard is also OPEN once more! Keystone Clothiers What will you find here? We spotted a TON of Star Wars merch and Marvel merch perfect for ALL heroes (and fans of heroes). Marvel Merchandise Keystone Clothiers Of course, there are social distancing markers in place, too! Keystone Clothiers Cashiers It’s nice to see more and more things reopening over a DHS! Everything you need to know about Keystone Clothiers reopening! Hollywood Studios Merchandise Updates Keystone Clothiers Oh, look, we spotted something NEW at Keystone Clothiers: a new Black Panther T-shirt! Black Panther tee This soft gray tee features a stylized comic book drawing of the Avengers hero alongside a speech bubble saying, “The king and protector of Wakanda.” With the recent passing of “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman, this is a sweet (and stylish!) way to honor the icon and one of his signature roles! The king and protector of Wakanda This tee is $36.99. Legends of Hollywood If you want to rep another big cat, we also spotted some animal print Mickey Dooney and Bourke bags! Animal Print Mickey Dooney and Burke bags We spy some leopard print, tiger print, giraffe print, and zebra print. Even though we found this at Hollywood Studios, this would be the PERFECT bag for a day over at Animal Kingdom, don’t ya think? We first spotted this at Animal Kingdom actually, but this collection is available over at Legends of Hollywood too! Check out more of the animal print Mickey Dooney and Bourke collection here! Tower Hotel Gifts If you’re ever been on Tower of Terror, you know you’re always in for surprises over at The Hollywood Tower Hotel! And if you want to relive entering “The Twilight Zone” every morning, there’s a color-changing Tower of Terror mug that’s PERFECT for you! Tower of Terror Color-Changing Mug Pouring warm liquid into this mug gives you a starry surprise that’s less terror-inducing and more joyful! Tower of Terror Color-Changing Mug tag This super fun mug is $14.99 and a MUST have for any Tower of Terror fan. See this mug in action here! Tattooine Traders Star Wars fans basically have EVERY kind of merch available to them, from Baby Yoda backpacks to lightsabers to olive oil??? Skywalker Olive Oil YES, olive oil!! While browsing Tatooine Traders, we spotted a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil straight from Skywalker Vineyard in California. That’s the vineyard owned by George Lucas, by the way! If there’s a Star Wars fan in your life who also happens to be a big fan of fresh crusty bread and olive oil, this $34.99 bottle may be the perfect holiday gift. Read more about the Star Wars olive oil here. AND with that, we feel like we have officially seen it ALL at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! See what’s new over at Magic Kingdom! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite thing to see at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments! The post What's New at Disney's Hollywood Studios: Frozen Sing-Along Reopens, The Coolest Mug Ever, and Star Wars Olive Oil?! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: New Terrifyingly Awesome Tower of Terror Minnie Ears and ALL the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Merchandise! Let Your Travel Buddy Know You Wish They Were Here With This Sweet Disney Pandora Charm! What’s New in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Massive Crowds, RARE Character Sightings, and Twisted Spirit Jerseys! View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve seen some pretty cool Disney Collectible Keys over the years, but the latest one is about to make a lot of Marvel fans very happy — especially those of us who also happen to be partial to a certain superhero played by Scarlett Johansson. ©Marvel That’s right: a Black Widow-themed collectible key is coming to shopDisney later this month, and we have the first look at the design. The key is designed to look just like Black Widow’s uniform — check out that black and red design in the center of the key — with a shiny gold tip, just like the buckle on her suit. It really pulls the whole thing together, doesn’t it? ©Disney The Black Widow key goes on sale at shopDisney starting on October 27th at 7AM PST. This key is part of a bigger Marvel Mania event going on over at shopDisney this month, with a different theme each week. We can’t wait to see what other merch becomes available, but ’til then, we’ll be counting down the days until we can get our hands on this latest key. Check out other Black Widow merch we’ve spotted recently here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you collect Disney keys? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney's Releasing a New Black Widow Collectible Key SOON! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: FIVE New Disney Collectible Keys Are Arriving Online in October — Including a Holiday Ornament! These Nightmare Before Christmas Disney Pet Toys Are SO CUTE We Wish They Were For Humans! BIG Cyber Monday Deals on shopDisney are HERE! View the full article

Over the past few months, we’ve seen the Walt Disney World theme parks as well as many of Disney’s theme parks around the world reopen. ©Disney On Ice Some aspects of the Disney Company, however, have yet to resume, including Disney Cruise Line and Disney On Ice. But, things are about to change for Disney On Ice fans! That’s right! Disney On Ice is BACK! If you’ve been craving a bit of Disney magic and can’t make it to the parks, Disney On Ice can be the perfect solution! The performances are filled with some of your favorite songs and fantastic performers. ©Disney On Ice The Disney On Ice website now shows tickets available for the “Dream Big” show from November 6th-15th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. ©Disney On Ice “Dream Big” features TONS of Disney characters and scenes from Disney movies including Moana, Coco, Frozen, Aladdin, Disney Princesses, and more! ©Disney On Ice The Disney On Ice website details all of the specific health and safety policies that will be implemented. Specifically, it notes that “Based on government orders, public health advisories, and guest wellness protocols developed by Disney On Ice in conjunction with venues, seating capacity will be reduced for upcoming events and tickets will be available for sale in pre-determined “Seating Pods”. Pods will be physically distanced from one another.” ©Disney On Ice Tickets for these “Seating Pods” must be purchased in their entirety and may not be divided. Additionally, all tickets within a pod must be shared by people who have chosen to attend together. Guests will not be allowed to sit in any seat outside of their seating pod. ©Disney On Ice When we checked the website, we noticed “Seating Pods” available for parties of 2 up to parties of 8, and ADA pods for parties of 2, 3, or 4. ©Disney On Ice We took a look at the seating map to get a better idea of what these pods look like. It appears that every other row is entirely skipped, and seating pods are all separated from each other by two seats. ©Disney On Ice The Feld Preferred Presale is currently going on for these tickets. There will also be a Ticketmaster/AAC Insider Presale starting October 8th at 10AM CDT. The tickets will then go on sale to the general public on October 13th at 10AM CDT. ©Disney On Ice The Disney On Ice website also notes the variety of health and safety measures that Disney/Feld Entertainment will be implementing to keep guests safe. ©Disney On Ice First, each venue may have its own additional or unique guidelines, so guests are encouraged to visit the local venue’s policies page to confirm if there are any other rules they must abide by. Temperature checks and/or entry screenings may be required at certain venues. ©Disney On Ice Second, guests are asked to check the temperature of each member of their party before arriving at the arena, and to stay home if they are feeling sick or have a temperature of 100.4° or more. Third, face coverings will be required for all guests ages 2 and older. The face mask must cover the guest’s nose and mouth during the event unless exempted from doing so by law. Face masks can be removed only when actively eating or drinking, as long as guests are socially distanced. Disposable masks will be available if a guest forgets theirs. ©Disney On Ice Fourth, all guests are reminded to maintain social distancing of 6 feet (at least) between themselves and other guests in the venue. Fifth, Disney On Ice will be utilizing “Seating Pod” arrangements, as discussed above, to help maintain social distancing. ©Disney On Ice Sixth, touchless shopping will be implemented, allowing guests to pre-order Disney On Ice merchandise before even arriving at the venue. Guests who pre-order their items can then simply pick up their items upon arrival. If you want to buy something during the show, you can also order it from your seat and pick it up at select locations at the venue. Finally, the website notes that all Disney On Ice character experiences, including guest interactions and meet and greets, will be temporarily suspended during this time. ©Disney On Ice If you’ve been wanting to belt out your favorite tunes and dance in your seat to some fantastic music, this may be just the show you’ve been looking for! We’ll definitely keep an eye out for more news regarding Disney On Ice and see if more show dates are announced for the future. Be sure to come back for all the latest updates. Click here to see what’s new at Disney Springs! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever been to a Disney On Ice show? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney On Ice Is BACK With Lots of New Health and Safety Policies first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Disney BOARD Games So You’ll Never Be BORED Again! 10 Things That Might Start to Make Up for Your Canceled Disney Vacation! Disney Recipe: Make Disney’s Churros at Home with THIS Recipe! View the full article

There are Disney face masks for every occasion! New Halloween face masks appear in Star Trader! LOVE Halloween? There are face masks! LOVE Christmas? Face masks for you! And yesterday, Disney released a TON of new character face masks online, including face masks featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Stitch, Pixar favs, Goofy, Donald Duck, and more! ©Disney And, apparently, some of these new face mask designs are popping up at Walt Disney World! DFB reader happiestkatieonearth spotted the new Navy Mickey Mouse face mask over a Pop Century a few days ago! The mischievous lil’ Mickeys and denim-looking fabric totally remind us of all the ’90s-inspired merch we’ve spotted around Disney World lately! ©happiestkatieonearth Instagram The new mask design is now SOLD OUT at Pop Century, and Katie hasn’t spotted this Navy Mickey Mouse face mask or any of the other new designs round Disney World since, and neither have we. But the second we spot these new face masks around the parks, we’ll be sure to let you know where to find them too! Shop more Disney-inspired face masks here! Want to Learn More About Face Masks in Disney World? Take a Look at Our NEW DFB Face Masks HERE! Everything You NEED to Know About Wearing a Mask in Disney World Which Face Masks Are the MOST Comfortable to Wear ALL DAY at Disney World...And Which Should You Avoid! How is Disney World Enforcing Face Mask Wearing (And Are Guests Following the Rules)? 10 Face Mask Accessories You’re Gonna NEED In Disney World! How Many Face Masks Do I Need to Bring On My Disney World Trip? 8 Ways to ACTUALLY Convince Your 2 Year Old to Wear a Mask in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe What do you think of the new Mickey Mouse face mask? Let us know in the comments! The post One of Disney's New Mickey Face Masks Have POPPED Up at Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: We Spotted Some Seriously Colorful New T-Shirts at Disney World Today! What’s New at Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts — Christmas Decorations, Skyliner Merch, and the Frozen 2 Wave Cupcake! 5 Souvenirs We REALLY Regret Buying in Disney World! View the full article

The phased reopening of Disney World continues, slowly but surely. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Though Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Mini-Golf Course has been open since July, the other mini-golf course in Disney World has been unavailable. Now, though, Disney has announced a reopening date for Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf! Disney just announced that Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf at Blizzard Beach will reopen on November 6th! The reopening may come with safety measures similar to those we’ve seen at the reopened Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf As a note, the reopening of Winter Summerland comes as Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf course will close for the season beginning November 5th. Fantasia Gardens will reopen on January 31st. It’s Yen Sid! We’ll be reporting in to see about potential temperature checks, social distancing, and new cleaning procedures at the course. So, stay tuned to learn all about the reopening of Winter Summerland in early November! Click here to see inside the reopened Fantasia Mini Golf! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be headed to Winter Summerland Mini Golf? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS! Winter Summerland Miniature Golf to Reopen Next Month in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: NEWS: Miniature Golf to Be Unavailable When Disney World Reopens News and PHOTOS: Disney World’s Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf Course Is OPEN! NEWS! Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Has Officially Re-Opened in Disney World! View the full article

We hold a special place in our hearts for Disney Cast Members, and we’re not the only ones. Guest Relations Cast Member Disney Cast Members received some shocking news recently as the company announced that they would be laying off 28,000 CMs from their Parks, Experiences and Products sector. Our hearts are hurting for the affected CMs, so we reached out to our readers to hear some of their favorite Cast Member memories. We’ve long said that Cast Members are the true source of Disney magic. Without them, the parks just won’t feel the same. Practically anyone who’s spent some time in the parks has a fond memory of a Cast Member interaction. As a reminder to CMs of just how much good they’ve done in their jobs, we wanted to share some of these stories. Cast Member at Pizzerizzo We reached out to our readers via Instagram to hear some of their most treasured Cast Member memories, and the results are amazing. We received over 300 responses in a matter of hours. Let’s take a peek at a small piece of the magic CMs have brought over the years. Responses are edited for clarity! Making Special Occasions Even More Special A lot of stories came in that shared times that Cast Members helped to make special occasions even more special — whether it be weddings, family announcements, birthdays, or anything else! Happy 47th Magic Kingdom! One reader shared their recent experience when a super sweet Cast Member helped plus up their wedding celebrations. “The All Star my fiance and I were planning to stay at during our November wedding in Disney won’t be open yet when we go. A Cast Member called to rebook us a new room and when she found out it was for our wedding, she upgraded us to the Gran Destino Tower for no extra charge! I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t thank her enough! She was so incredibly sweet and gave great suggestions! So grateful for all Cast Members! They make the magic!” Gran Destino Tower This soon-to-be-wed wasn’t the only one who felt a little extra magic around the big day. “My wife and I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for our honeymoon in February, just before all of this kicked off. We were surprised with a Mickey Dome Cake in our room one evening, and we got a See You Soon greeting card from a Cast Member at Boma on our final day. There were other countless things throughout our two weeks at Disney, but that made us feel really special and at home!” Mickey Mini Dome Cake Another reader shared a similar surprise from the Cast Members at their resort. “Our honeymoon cruise was canceled due to a hurricane. CMs at Grand Floridian gave us free bride and groom ears and had dessert delivered to our room while we hunkered down for the storm to pass. Such a sweet gesture.” Bride and Groom Mickey Ears Hats Sometimes, CMs even become a big part of a very, very special announcement. “A CM at Main Street Bakery wrote ‘I’m pregnant!’ on my coffee for me to give to my husband. She was so excited for me that she came out to give me a special cupcake so we could celebrate after telling him! I’ll always remember that!” Main Street Bakery One reader shared a time that CMs made them feel just like a princess on their birthday. “It was my birthday and we walked into a store (can’t remember which), and a CM ran up to me and said there was a phone call just for me from someone special. They brought me over to the store phone and it was Goofy and Mickey wishing me a happy birthday! We only ever got to go to Disney once when I was little (I was turning 20 this time) so it made my day so special. It made me feel like a princess! Cast Members are really the magic of Disney!” Temporary MouseGear It can be surprising just how far a CM will go to make a little extra magic for guests, and one reader saw this first hand on their first Disney trip. “When my now-husband and I went to Disneyland for the first time, we stopped to get our first visit buttons and then waited for rope drop. A Cast Member came up to us and asked if it was really our first time visiting. He then asked if we would like to follow him to Frontierland before the park officially opened to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. He let us pick any seat on the ride and even let us ride again once people started making their way over. Before we got off, he gave us three skip the line passes and a pass for Splash Mountain. Thinking about that Cast Member and what he did for us still makes me smile and I love telling people this story because it showcases the Disney magic.” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Coming to the Rescue When Things Go Wrong We’ve also found that Cast Members are pretty much real-life superheroes. They’re pros at coming to the rescue when something bad happens! Baby Care and First Aid Sign in Magic Kingdom One reader reminisced on a time that lost keys turned into a magical experience! “About 20 years ago, I went on Splash Mountain with my uncle and cousins. As we headed out of the park that day, my uncle puts his hand in his pocket and realized he lost his rental car keys. We get a CM at Splash Mountain to pull up our photo and luckily we could see what number log we were in. From there, we went back through the exit to the unloading area. When our log came by, the CM saw the keys. Then he said if we wait a moment he would get us on the next log and we could go on the ride again, no waiting in line! It was magical!” Splash Mountain Did you know CMs have the power to turn a RUINED vacation into a wonderful memory? One reader had it happen to them! “We traveled from Argentina only to find out upon arrival that our travel agency had incorrectly booked us. My family doesn’t speak English so we were all really nervous because we had nowhere to go and our vacations were RUINED. Suddenly, a CM who spoke Spanish stepped out of nowhere. He made some calls and 15/20 minutes later he got us all in a taxi on our way to Saratoga Springs Resort. Everything was fixed. To this day we still remember him. He really did go out of his way and essentially saved our entire vacation.” Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Another reader shared a sweet memory of a time that their tot’s bad fall turned into a fun surprise for the little guy, all thanks to a CM. “My son was 1.5 years old on our first Disney trip. He face-planted and ended up with scratched all over his face and legs. The CM at our resort felt so sorry for his trip not being 100% magical. She asked what our room number was and that night we walked in to find balloons, Rice Krispie treats, and a stuffed animal of Pooh. It was amazing! They went way above and beyond when they didn’t have to.” Pooh Plush That little guy isn’t the only one who had gotten some cheering up from a CM. Little actions from Cast Members can go a long way when something goes wrong! “When my son was about four years old we were rushing our way down Main Street to exit the park before a parade came through. My son tripped and scraped his knee right in front of the bakery. The CM that was standing by the doors checked to see if he was okay and told us to wait a minute. She came back with a cake pop for my son and turned his frown upside down. It was so sweet.” Minnie Mouse Cake Pop Skinned knees aren’t the only thing that can spur a CM to turn into a superhero. One reader shared a story of their daughter getting a big pick-me-up when she was sick. “Years ago, my daughter got sick at Disney World. While we were waiting at first aid, a darling CM brought her a Princess Atta stuffed animal and told my daughter that Mickey heard she was sick and hoped this would make her feel better. We never forget that even nearly 20 years later. CMs are the angels of Disney!” First Aid Center Turning Little Moments Into Big Memories But it doesn’t always take a special occasion or a vacation interruption for Cast Members to create some wonderful memories. In fact, most of the responses received were about times that CMs made a little extra magic for seemingly no reason. CMs out there, you might be surprised just how impactful you’ve been! Main Street Cast Members One reader shared a story of a time that a CM made a long-running family memory, without even trying! “In about 2002, a CM at Animal Kingdom with a beautiful southern drawl asked my then four-year-old sister if she wanted a hand stamp. My sister, a curious Canadian, hadn’t heard an accent so thick before. She replied innocently, “What’s a heaaaand staaaamp?” doing her best to repeat the accent. The CM got a kick out of it and was very sweet to explain what she meant. We still quote it in our family so often.” A Cast Member Provides a Guest with Information at the Gardens Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom We’re not kidding when we say that little things can make for big moments. “My favorite is probably when a female CM at Epcot’s United Kingdom store gifted my then 4-year-old daughter with a new autograph book because she had already filled up her first book. It was such a kind gesture.” Autograph Book And it’s not just kiddos who can benefit from a sweet moment with a Cast Member! “Sometimes it’s the small things that Cast Members do that you remember forever. I never got to go to Disney as a kid. My first time was when I was 20, so I never got to feel like a little princess. On our last trip a Cast Member said, “Your turn next princess,” and I think I was giddier then I had ever been in my whole life. They really make you feel special and like, even as an adult, I’m a princess, too!” Princess Cavalcade One reader shared a sweet moment from a CM WAY back on the opening day of Animal Kingdom! “My entire family went to Animal Kingdom on opening day and had a blast. As we were leaving, a CM was saying goodbye and my then 6-year-old sister happened to notice that they had the same name (Leanne) and told her. Leanne immediately gave my sister her name tag pin and an opening day pin and gave her a hug goodbye. To this day the pins are still hanging in my parents’ kitchen.” Pandora Cast Member Name Tag One CM even made a HUGE impact on this reader when it came to following their dreams! “Back in 2015 my family and I were sailing on the Disney Dream. A Cast Member overheard that I was a stage tech for my high school musicals and that I wanted to go to college for it. That night we got a special letter inviting me to go backstage at the Walt Disney Theatre. It was one of the best and most magical moments in my life and I will never forget it.” ©Disney We got a message from a reader who lauded the way CMs work with special needs kiddos. We have to say, these folks certainly are a gift. “My son is non-verbal. He waited in line to meet many characters during our Halloween trip last year. The CMs in the line and the characters were so amazing. He tried to touch Mickey’s face and Mickey gently squeezed my son’s face with his big gloves and it made him giggle and smile the biggest I’ve ever seen! I cried, it meant so much. It can be tricky making magic with special needs kiddos, but they get it. I’m forever grateful for them and the memories they gave us. Their kind hearts aren’t forgotten.” Mickey and Minnie Is there anyone quite as good at making you feel like a kid again? We don’t think so. Check out this reader’s story. “My boyfriend and I went to Animal Kingdom for the first time when I was 26. I was given a Simba doll on my first birthday that I still have so I brought him along with me. When getting my bag checked, the CM made sure his head was poking out of my bag because “Simba isn’t going to want to miss this.” Later, the CM working at an ice cream stand asked about my Simba doll. I told him why I had him and he gave me my ice cream for free to ‘spread some extra magic.’ It was such a special moment and two CM’s really made sure it stuck with me forever.” Simba Plush As you can clearly see from these stories, the impact that Cast Members have is felt for years to come. Every person on our team can certainly rattle off a TON of wonderful and magical Cast Member memories. Our hearts break when we think about the hard times our beloved Cast Members are facing. So, to all of our readers out there, share a little bit of love with some CM memories in the comments. Disney World Cast Member One of our readers put it best when they said, “Disney Cast Members have made dreams I never even imagined possible for my little girl and our family come true. Their love for their jobs & the magic of Disney is immeasurable and I have seen first-hand countless times just how special the people who inhabit these roles can truly be.” EPCOT Cast Members Wave Hello On Re-Opening Day! If you are a Cast Member in need or are looking to help a Cast Member who has been affected by the decisions at Disney, take a look at our resource document to learn more about what you can do. To all of the CMs who are hurting right now. We love you! Your work and your magic are so, so appreciated. From the special occasions to the big rescues, to the little moments — you are truly where the magic comes from! Our hearts are with you. <3 We’ll be keeping an eye out for any resources available for Cast Members or those who are looking for ways to help out the CMs who have been affected by the lay-offs. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates and to learn you can help. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you have a sweet Cast Member story? Share it in the comments! The post I'm Not Crying, YOU'RE Crying at Our Readers' Favorite Cast Member Experiences first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: These Are the Disney Cast Members We Are Missing the MOST During the Closures! NEWS! Disneyland Has Started Recalling Cast Members from Furlough! NEWS: Disney Announces Lay-Offs Will Affect About 6,700 Non-Union Employees in Disney World View the full article

A few weeks ago, Disney announced that Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa would begin a phased reopening on November 1st. Disney’s Aulani Resort Later, a special deal was announced that allows guests to save up to 35% on their stay at Aulani! Now, we’ve got even more updates about the Resort’s scheduled reopening. According to a information released by Disney, Aulani is still moving forward with its phased reopening, scheduled to begin on November 1st. Disney notes that they are continuing to “prioritize the health and safety of our Cast Members, Guests, and Disney Vacation Club Members,” and that they look forward to “reopening Aulani Resort in a responsible way.” Aulani Reopening Date Disney specifically noted that they are learning from the phased reopening of the other Disney hotels and Disney Vacation Club Resorts, and will be incorporating lessons learned from those experiences into the reopening of Aulani. These plans, however, may continue to change, so guests are encouraged to visit the Aulani “Know Before You Go” page for more updates. ©Disney According to the updates placed on the Aulani website and more information shared by Disney, the following safety measures will be implemented as part of the Resort’s reopening plan: Pre-Arrival Steps for Guests First, all guests planning to visit Aulani should be aware that there are “specific instructions and requirements for all visitors to Hawaii, which may include mandated quarantine or pre-travel testing.” You can see more information about this on the Hawaii Tourism Authority website. As is the case with many of these regulations, the requirements are subject to change, so you’ll definitely want to stay updated about all of the latest travel alerts and restrictions as your vacation approaches. Aulani Resort By entering Aulani, you, as a guest, confirm that you and all persons in your party are not experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 and that you understand and will follow the established health and safety requirements. Much like the policy being implemented in Disney World, face coverings will be required at Aulani for all guests ages 2 and up and Cast Members. Face coverings must be worn at all times around the Resort except when dining or swimming. Plated Breakfast Foods Disney is also strongly recommending that DVC Members and Guests use their Online Check-in service in order to promote social distancing. Housekeeping, Cleanliness, and Sanitization Disney has also provided an update regarding housekeeping and the cleanliness of all guest rooms and other resort areas. Specifically, Disney has stated that every room will be given an enhanced cleaning before guests arrive. Additionally, “extra attention will be given to high traffic areas such as public elevator buttons, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more.” Hand sanitizers will also be located throughout the resort. Hawaiian Sunset from Aulani During a stay at the resort, guest rooms will receive a light cleaning every other day. This “light cleaning” will include: Removal of trash and used towels; Replenishment of towels and amenities; and Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces. If you’d prefer to decline this every-other-day cleaning service, you may do so. DVC Members who are staying at Aulani on points will receive light cleaning service on the fourth and eighth day of their stay, unless service is declined. Hawaiian Mickey The Cast Members working at Aulani will also undergo new training and reinforcement to emphasize Disney’s enhanced health and safety measures. Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures Disney will also be adjusting services within the stores, restaurants, pools, the fitness center, and other public areas at Aulani to allow for physical distancing. These new measures may include reducing capacity and utilizing enhanced cleaning measures. Minnie Limited-contact services will be implemented in shopping and dining locations, and technology will be used to aid in these social distancing efforts. Specifically, Disney has noted that limited contact options including menu QSR codes, cashless payments, and online check-in will help to minimize contact and maintain physical distancing. Temporary Modifications to Amenities According to Disney, during the initial reopening period, some food and beverage offerings, menus, and operating hours may also be adjusted. Additionally, some dining, amenities, activities, and services may be modified, limited in capacity, or unavailable based on the appropriate physical distancing and health guidelines. Some areas may remain temporarily closed or be entirely unavailable. The areas that may be affected include: Aunty’s Beach House Laniwai Spa Painted Sky: HI Style Studio ‘AMA‘AMA Restaurant Makahiki Bounty of the Islands – including character dining KA WA‘A Lū‘au Little Opihi’s beachside kiosk Private Dining Valet service Alamo car rental desk Instructor-led fitness classes Some activities, including ‘Ohana Movie Night, Shaka-A-Shaka Pool Party, Disney Animation, Kakamora Chaos, DVC Member Hour, and guided tours Aulani View Pools and recreation offerings may operate differently when the Resort reopens. It’s also important to note that Aulani is a smoke-free resort and smoking is not permitted on the premises. Cancellation Policies If you end up needing to cancel your trip to Aulani, you’ll want to know about Disney’s updates to their cancellation policies. In an attempt to provide guests with more flexibility, Disney’s cancellation policies have been temporarily updated. Guests with Walt Disney Travel Company packages and Room-Only reservations booked directly through Disney: If you booked a Walt Disney Travel Company package or a Room-Only reservation through Disney for Aulani, you may change or cancel your Aulani Resort reservation up to 24 hours prior to your arrival date for stays through May 20th, 2021 without Disney-imposed cancellation fees. ©Disney If you cancel a “room-only” less than 24 hours before your arrival (including no shows), a cancellation fee will be charged equivalent to the first night’s room rate plus tax. For Walt Disney Travel Company vacation packages, if you cancel less than 24 hours before arrival (including no shows), a $400 cancellation fee will be charged. If you fail to check in to the hotel on your arrival date without timely prior notice, you will be subject to these fees. Olu This temporary change in the cancellation policy applies only applies, however, to stays through May 20th, 2021. Any stays scheduled for after that date will follow the regular cancellation and refund policy, which is the following: “Room-only” Reservations — You must cancel at least 5 days prior to your arrival. For cancellations made 4 days or less before your arrival date (including no shows), a cancellation fee will be charged equivalent to the first night’s room rate plus tax. Failure to check in to the hotel on the scheduled arrival date without timely prior notice of cancellation or change will be subject to fees equivalent to the first night’s hotel rate plus tax. Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation Packages (or if you have booked other components with your room such as flight or car rental) — The required notification timeframe is 30 days or more, with a $400 cancel fee if notice is 29 days or less. To change or cancel your reservation, you can call (866) 443-4763. Mickey and Minnie Musubi It’s important to note, however, that cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers and nonrefundable products, like travel protection plans, will be deducted from refundable amounts for Walt Disney Travel Company packages. Guests will also still be responsible for any cancellation charges associated with third-party supplier policies. ©Disney If you did not book your trip to Aulani through Disney directly, then you should contact your travel professional to discuss any changes or cancellations. Disney Vacation Club Members, should review Disney’s modifications to their policies regarding expiring Points. You can read all about the modified policies here! We’ll keep an eye out for more information regarding this reopening and let you know what we find! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you have a trip scheduled to Aulani for later this year? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Shares More Details About the Phased Reopening of Aulani first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: CUTE ALERT!! The Mickey Shave Ice Loungefly Purse Has Been Spotted at Disney’s Aulani Resort! Adorable NEW Wishables Available Now at Disney’s Aulani Resort! News! Disney’s Aulani Resort Updates Its Health and Safety Procedures View the full article

With the fall and winter seasons approaching in Florida, Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will reopen to guests beginning Nov. 6 at Walt Disney World Resort. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf offers two uniquely themed 18-hole courses, each with their own distinct musical soundtrack. As the name suggests, the first course draws inspiration from the winter season, including snow castles and ice hockey rinks. The second course represents all things summer. Guests navigate surf boards, sand sculptures and even a melted snowman. As Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf reopens next month, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will close for the season on Nov. 5 and reopen on Jan. 31, 2021. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/Cy2QU42ANtkView the full article

California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly held a video news conference today to update the public on the current pandemic numbers in California, as well as introduce a new health equity metric that will be used in the state’s county tier system. Disney California Adventure Park We learned today that Orange County will NOT be moving forward to the next tier, orange or “moderate,” today. According to Orange County health officials, theme parks like Disneyland should be able to reopen in the orange tier, but without the theme park guidelines, they cannot move forward with any reopening plans. Orange County will remain in the red tier, “substantial,” for at least one more week. In order to move to the orange tier, the county will need their adjusted case rate to be between 1-3.9 new daily cases per 100,000, as well as acquire a positivity rate of 2-4.9%. These numbers need to hold steady for two consecutive weeks in order to advance to the next tier. Source: covid19.ca.gov Dr. Ghaly also introduced a third metric today, the health equity metric, that a county must meet in order to advance to the next reopening tier. This new metric looks at the lowest quartile of the Healthy Places Index in order to assure that the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations in a county are also meeting the necessary health metrics. Source: State of California So, for example, if county-wide numbers meet the requirements to move on to the next level tier, but the new health equity metric does not, then that county will be slowed down from advancing to the next tier. This will be another important number to keep an eye on as counties like Orange County to move forward and reopen more businesses. Source: State of California When the presentation moved on to reporter questions, the topic came up of the slowing down and postponing of the release of California’s theme park guidelines, which were set to be released last week, but the following day was postponed as the administration continues to work with industry leaders. Disney California Adventure Park Social Distancing Signs While Dr. Ghaly was answering reporter questions, Brady MacDonald from Orange County Register asked for an update regarding the reopening guidelines. His question was, “How long do you anticipate it’ll take to iron out the guidelines with the industry stakeholders? And second, what are the major sticking points on the theme park reopening guidelines?” Social Distancing Markers Dr. Ghaly responded,“Theme parks continues to be a high priority for the administration and recognizing their role as both part of California life but also employment opportunities for thousands of Californians. As we do with every sector, we don’t take that lightly; we’re working closely with a number of the direct operators of theme parks and also the overall agency or organization representing theme parks, as well as the labor partners that represent the workers. Disney California Adventure Exit Gate Dr. Ghaly continued, “In ensuring that we move forward together in a low-risk and safest way possible, I’m not sure when those conversations wrap up. I will tell you that they will wrap up as soon as we come to really hear the industry and understand some of the concerns and we continue to look at the data and information that we have. So, no promise of a specific date but I will say as soon as possible.” Disneyland ticket booths When addressing what the state is looking at in order to finalize theme park guidelines, Dr. Ghaly responded, “Some of the important issues that we’re looking at are obviously not just how the operations in the theme park go. I think there are so many important, thoughtful people who are working in many of our sectors across California who have been thinking about this with a great deal of passion and energy not just so that they can reopen but also so that they can make sure that staff and patrons alike are in the safest position that they can be.” Roadway at Disneyland Resort Dr. Ghaly concluded his response by saying, “But broader than that, really looking at the impact that the sector of theme parks really has on broader communities, on the surrounding neighborhoods and the workplaces and the industry around, and how this isn’t just about one piece, it’s about the entire community and having dialogue with not just those operators but others who both have a stake in what happens with this guidance but also have a responsibility to reduce the risk for so many people from California who might visit a theme park in the future.” Disney California Adventure Park — Health and Safety Reminders We will continue to closely monitor the situation in California when it comes to theme park guidelines and Orange County’s advancement in the state’s tiered system. Click here to read more about California postponing the release of theme park guidelines. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Did you have travel plans to the Disneyland Resort in 2020 that have been impacted by the closures? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: California Has “No Promise of a Specific Date” for the Release of Theme Park Guidelines first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: News! California’s Orange County Has Been Removed from the State’s COVID-19 Watch List NEWS: Disneyland Reopening Guidelines are “Very Close” as Orange County Remains in Current Tier News: California Governor Says Negotiations With Theme Parks are “Open-Ended” as Orange County Moves to the Next Reopening Tier View the full article

Yes, it’s officially autumn. And yes… it’s also just over 90 degrees in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom today. Fall Decorations in Magic Kingdom So, as you can imagine, we were in search of a nice, cold cup of ice water during our visit! Typically, many counter service locations offer cups of ice water by request. However, in some cases you’ll notice that things have changed… though, the MAIN thing hasn’t: you CAN still get free ice water in the Disney World theme parks. However, we wanted to give you a little heads up on the process for your next visit. We stopped by Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café today to request a glass of ice water… and to say “hello” to Sonny Eclipse, of course, while we were at it! It’s Sonny Eclipse! However, we were informed that, since the location is currently serving guests through Mobile Order only, we were unable to pick up a cup of water there at that moment, as they are trying to limit the number of guests going in and out of Cosmic Ray’s when things get busy. Mobile Order Pick Up Area at Cosmic Ray’s As you may know, Mobile Order — the process which allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food at participating Counter Service restaurants around Disney World using the My Disney Experience app — is offered even more widely around Disney World quick service locations these days in order to reduce contact and promote physical distancing as part of current health and safety measures. Mobile Order Sign at Pecos Bill The cast members at Cosmic Ray’s kindly directed us just a few steps away to Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, where we were happily given two free ice waters (in the cute Mary Blair-inspired cups, no less)! Ice Water at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies We had a similar experience at Pinocchio Village Haus recently, where we were redirected to the nearby Storybook Treats and easily picked up a cup. (Note that, if you ARE utilizing Mobile Order and would like a cup of water to drink with your meal, you can request a cup when you pick up your food.) Now, your mileage may vary depending on location AND time of day. For instance, we were able to receive a cup of ice water recently at Flame Tree Barbecue — a counter service location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom which also offers Mobile Order, but it was late afternoon (as opposed to the busier lunch hour). Flame Tree Barbecue And we were able to confirm that it does indeed depend on the time of day, even in Magic Kingdom. Basically, if a location is busy with Mobile Orders, guests will be redirected to another location for water. But if things are less busy, a cast member will do their best to fill your request for a cup, if they can! But for now, simply be advised that you may need to make an extra stop for ice water during your Disney World theme park day. And with that, it’s “So long” from Magic Kingdom! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dfb_guide_to_wdw_dining_2020_cover_01-01-200x151.jpg With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you used Mobile Order in the theme parks? Please let us know with a comment! The post We've Got An UPDATE on the Magic Kingdom Free Water Front! Here Are The Details. first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: February 28, 2017 News: Mobile Order On the Way to Five Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurants News: Limited Time HOLIDAY EATS at Counter Service Spots in Disney World View the full article

Halloween season is officially upon us and this year Freeform has conjured up a delightful “31 Nights of Halloween” treat for guests visiting Disney Springs this October. Located on the Northwest side of Disney’s Days of Christmas store, guests can check out a fun photo wall and capture the perfect selfie with a spooky scarecrow and jolly jack-o-lanterns. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #DisneySprings and #31NightsofHalloween! When you’re home, be sure to tune in all month long to Freeform as they brew up another year of spine-chilling October programming and lineup of memorable Halloween films. From Oct. 1-31, viewers can celebrate All Hallows’ Eve with haunting movies, including “The Addams Family” (1991), “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” and “Hotel Transylvania.” Films new to the lineup this year include “Hotel Transylvania 2,” “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” and “Ghostbusters” (2016), among others. To learn more about Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” programming click the link below. Freeform.com/31NightsSchedule http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/_8g9z3lrY5cView the full article

Hey, all you Happy Haunts! We’ve got MORE Haunted Mansion merch for you. Memento Mori You didn’t think Halloween was over, did you? A few Christmas ornaments make their way to Disney World and all of a sudden Halloween is kaput?? Guess again! TWO new Haunted Mansion pins have materialized at Memento Mori in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. These aren’t your regular, run-of-the-mill Mansion pins. These are limited release pins and more importantly, they glow-in-the-dark! Both pins feature our favorite hitchhiking ghosts from the attraction and you’ll actually want these guys to follow you home! The first features the bone-chilling skeleton hands hitching for a ride on your Doom Buggy. And, the middle hand wiggles as if it’s gesturing to be picked up! Annual Passholder Haunted Mansion Pin The dark blue ribbon behind the lettering glows-in-the-dark and the purple sleeves match the Haunted Mansion’s famous wallpaper. This pin is exclusive to Annual Passholders and costs $15.99. Hitchhiking Ghost Pin The next pin is ENORMOUS and available to everyone. It features our ghoulish friends living their best afterlife in front of the Haunted Mansion gates. Haunted Mansion Pin The yellow pieces, including the lettering, lamp post, and clothing, glow-in-the-dark. This pin costs $29.99. Also, if you find a big enough space on your fanny pack for this pin, please let us know! We’re curious where you’d put such a giant pin! Hitchhiking Ghost Pin Halloween isn’t over yet, frightful friends! We’re in prime spooky season and will continue to try all the seasonal snacks and seek out more ghostly merch! Have you seen the new Haunted Mansion Dooney & Bourke bags? They’re to die for! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you have any Halloween plans? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney’s New Haunted Mansion Pins are GLOWING (And It Isn’t Your Imagination!) first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Where To Find The Most UNIQUE Shopping in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! We Already Have 999 Disney World Christmas Stockings But There’s Room For 1 More! What’s New at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: it’s a small world Construction Walls, Crazy Forky Fun, New Baby Yoda Stickers, and a Dry Camel View the full article

Although many Disney theme parks and resorts around the world have reopened, other aspects of the Walt Disney Company are not back up and running yet. Cinderella Castle With Disneyland Resort still closed, reduced capacity at Disney’s theme parks, and the suspension of all Disney cruise departures until mid-December, Disney has announced that it will be laying off 28,000 employees. So far, we’ve seen some updates and initial details about how many Cast Members will be laid off in California and in Florida. The situation, however, is still very much developing. Magic Kingdom Cast Members in Costume We’ve seen various statements issued by unions who represent Disney employees in response to the layoffs. We’ve also seen many groups, often organized by Cast Members, doing what they can to support those affected. All of this got us wondering, how exactly are Disney executives handling this situation? Toward the beginning of the pandemic, various Disney executives took some significant pay cuts. In mid-August, however, those temporary pay cuts were lifted. ©The Walt Disney Company While the current layoffs are set to affect “executive, salaried, and hourly roles,” suffice it to say that many of the Disney executives, particularly those whose full salaries have been restored and who are not being laid off, are experiencing a very different situation than those hourly, front-line Cast Members who have recently received word that their time at Disney has come to an abrupt end. Here’s what some Disney executives have had to say about the whole situation: Josh D’Amaro Josh D’Amaro, the current Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, is the individual who issued the initial statements regarding the layoffs, which is appropriate since the layoffs are set to affect the workforce within the Parks, Experiences and Products division of the Disney Company. ©Disney Parks News via Twitter In the statement posted to Twitter, D’Amaro notes that due to “the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on [Disney’s] business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic — exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen — [Disney] has made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing [their] workforce at [their] Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels.” ©Disney In a letter sent to employees, D’Amaro states that he believes “the heart and soul of [Disney’s] business is and always will be people.” He says that they initially hoped the pandemic would be short-lived and that things would return to normal quickly, but that has not been the case, and, as a result, they are now forced to reduce the size of their team “across executive, salaried, and hourly roles.” In his letter, D’Amaro says Disney “worked tirelessly to avoid having to separate anyone from the company…cut expenses, suspended capital projects, furloughed [] cast members while still paying benefits, and modified [their] operations to run as efficiently as possible, however, [they] simply cannot responsibly stay fully staffed while operating at such limited capacity.” D’Amaro notes that the layoffs are “the only feasible option [they] have in light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on [Disney’s] business.” @joshdamaro on Instagram D’Amaro also thanked Cast Members for their “dedication, patience and understanding” and for all that they have done for the company. According to one post on Twitter, D’Amaro was reportedly seen walking around the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in the days following the announcement, speaking with and reportedly apologizing to Cast Members directly about the layoffs. D’ Amaro has truly been the executive we’ve seen and heard from the most on this issue. Bob Iger Bob Iger, the current Executive Chairman of The Walt Disney Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors, has not yet made any direct comment about the layoffs. Despite being fairly active on his Twitter account, Iger has not posted anything since before the layoffs were announced. Bob Iger Iger did, however, make a powerful statement about the developing situation in California surrounding theme park reopening guidelines when he quit California Governor Gavin Newsom’s economic recovery task force. Iger’s departure was announced the same day that Disneyland and other California theme parks asked the state to not finalize theme park reopening guidelines without their input. Disneyland Gate In March of this year, Iger agreed to forgo his entire base salary. It is unclear if, when the temporary pay cuts were lifted, Iger’s salary was restored as well or otherwise affected. In an article concerning the current layoffs, The Orlando Sentinel reports that “Disney did not respond immediately to an Orlando Sentinel request on the status of [Bob Iger or Bob Chapek’s] pay.” Bob Chapek Bob Chapek is the current Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. Chapek is known for being more fiscally-focused. The Wall Street Journal calls Chapek a “number crunching tactician.” Chapek’s tactics of raising ticket prices and reorganizing operations at the parks to save or make a few dollars have been heavily criticized. Bob Chapek in Galaxy’s Edge ©Laughing Place On the issue of the recent layoffs, Chapek has been noticeably quiet. We were unable to find any kind of official statement from Chapek regarding the situation. In March of this year, Chapek agreed to forgo 50% of his salary. It is unclear if, when the temporary pay cuts were lifted, Chapek’s salary was restored as well or otherwise affected. Jim Bowden Recently, Disney has made various WARN Act filings with the State of Florida regarding the number of employees that are set to be laid off in the state. These notices have been issued by Jim Bowden, the current Vice President of Employee Relations for the Disney Company. In the notices, Bowden notes that “[d]ue to the continuing business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, [Disney has] made the very difficult decision to reduce [their] workforce.” Magic Kingdom Jeff Vahle Jeff Vahle is the current president of Walt Disney World Resort. Although Vahle is fairly active on his Instagram, his last post was from two weeks ago, prior to the layoff announcement. We have not yet seen any official statements from Vahle on the current situation. Ken Potrock The current president of Disneyland Resort is Ken Potrock. A few weeks ago, Potrock expressed his displeasure with the lack of guidance from California regarding theme park reopenings, and noted that the lack of guidelines has put Disneyland “in limbo” with the California government. Disney California Adventure According to The Press-Enterprise, in a letter sent by Potrock to employees, Potrock noted, “The fact that our parks and hotels remain closed — at a time when almost every other industry has reopened — only compounds the situation at the Disneyland resort…But the reality is that once we finally do reopen, given the limited guest capacity in our parks and changes to our offerings, our workforce will likely need to look different.” Although Potrock does also appear to be fairly active on Instagram, we’ve yet to see any other statement or post from him regarding the layoffs. Abigail Disney Although she has no position at the Disney Company, Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney’s brother, has made various statements about the layoffs via her Twitter. She has been quite vocal in past years concerning her distaste for how her family’s company is being run. In a fairly lengthy thread, Abigail Disney heavily criticized Disney for the layoffs and noted that she was incredibly sad to hear about them. She also warned that the layoffs will have “serious consequences.” It certainly is interesting to see how quiet several Disney executives have been about the situation as a whole. It appears they may simply be allowing Josh D’Amaro to serve as the face of this issue since it is his division that is being affected. We’ll keep checking for more statements and actions from these Disney executives in response to the layoff announcement, and continue to update this post as we hear more from them. Click here to read our post about the layoffs, resources for Cast Members, and how you can help. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Here's How Disney Executives Have Been Responding to the Layoffs first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Details on Disney’s Layoff Announcement, Resources For Cast Members, And How YOU Can Help NEWS: Disney Announces Lay-Offs Will Affect About 6,700 Non-Union Employees in Disney World NEWS: Florida’s Orange County Mayor Announces Reopening of CARES Applications in Response to Recent Layoffs View the full article

SeaWorld Orlando visitors can see the baby dolphin born at the theme park last week. First-time mother Bree gave birth in the dolphin nursery attraction. View the full article