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Can you believe Food and Wine time is just around the corner?? While the 2020 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will run from July 15th through the Fall (the longest running festival EVER), you can see the FULL booth menus and more now! Food and Wine Festival Sign Click here to see the full booth menus for this year’s festival! Oh, and make sure to check out the individual pages from our Main Menu Page to see the food photos from each booth! Who’s hungry?? (We are!) Let’s get snacking and sipping through the 2020 offerings! Since the Food and Wine Festival will be a combination with Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, it will be an event like we have never seen before! Now, you can experience at Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival in exciting new ways we are MORE than ready to explore! NEW A Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Booths and Menu Items You can spot the Marketplace Food Booths throughout Epcot with new food, returning favorites, and some Disney magic! Since there are 20 booths this year, a lot of our favorite spots and eats will be making their way back into the 2020 festival! CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE 2020 Food and Wine Festival MENUS! We’re always game to start planning our next Disney vacation. And, we can’t WAIT to plan our visit to the Food and Wine Festival this year! Stay tuned for MORE INFO! Will you be going to the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: When Disney World Reopens THESE Are at the Top of Our Must-Do List What’s New at Epcot: The Return of Gourmet Flavored Popcorn and the NEW Art of Disney Store! 11 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Recipes You Can Totally Make At Home! View the full article

#DisneyMagicMoments: NBA Stars Brook & Robin Lopez Share Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Memories View the full article

We’ve been all over Walt Disney World today checking out what’s new for the reopening! Emporium Adult Apparel We spotted something real cute while perusing the Emporium in Magic Kingdom. Honestly, it’s the perfect purchase to prepare us for those notorious Disney World summer thunderstorms. Chance of showers? No problem! You’ll be nice and dry with this NEW Disney Parks Rain Jacket! The bright and cheerful raincoat costs $54.99. Disney Parks Raincoat Let’s take a closer look and see what we can find! The jacket is patterned with Mickey Premium Bars, tropical drinks with Mickey crazy straws, and frozen treats. Wait a sec…is that the Fantasia Flamingo?? We think so! Up-Close Look at Disney Parks Jacket Can’t make it to Disney World soon? Well, great news! The rain jacket is available online at shopDisney! Just add this cutie to your collection of Tiki Room and Park Food jackets we found earlier! Want to see more new merch? Check out this Star Wars collection we spotted online! Will you be picking up the new Disney Parks Raincoat? Let us know what you think! Related posts: It’s LEAP DAY and a New Tee Hopped into Disney World to Help Us Celebrate! Where To Find The Most UNIQUE Shopping in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! 5 Souvenirs We REALLY Regret Buying in Disney World! View the full article

We had a few of our team members arrive at Magic Kingdom this morning to attend the special Annual Passholder preview that’s happening today! Magic Kingdom And just about all of us took a different method of transportation to get here! See what our team experienced driving their own cars to Disney World today as well as riding the monorail and using the Disney World buses to get to the gates of Magic Kingdom! We also checked out the ferryboats on our way out of the park today too! Driving and Parking at Disney World We arrived bright and early this morning — as did A LOT of folks! There was quite the crowd waiting for Magic Kingdom to let cars through. The toll plazas opened a little after 7:45AM and began slowly letting a few cars in. This part of the arrival process took a good deal of patience, so make sure your vehicle is fully-equipped with some Hamilton tunes to rock out to! Magic Kingdom AP preview entrance crowds More lanes began opening, and more cars slowly started to move. Every now and then, we’d be stopped for a few minutes before we started rolling again which gave us ample time to snap a pic of the parking rates sign. Parking Rates Sign Disney World is also encouraging guests to use contactless payment options whenever possible. This sign informed guests to have their cashless forms of payment handy. Cashless Payment Once we paid and passed through the toll plaza, it was still a bit of a wait. Cars were being directed to park in every other spot so that guests could social distance while exiting their vehicles. Parking at the TTC Once we finally had our parking spot, we had to walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center because parking lot trams are not currently in service. We were able to pass through the temperature screening and bag check at the Ticket and Transportation Center so we could skip this step once we arrived at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Temperature Screening at TTC And once we made it through both checkpoints, the next step was choosing how to get to Magic Kingdom. Available options include ferry boat, monorail, or bus. You check out what our experience driving and parking at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this morning as well by clicking here! Riding the Bus From Ticket and Transportation Center For us, buses seemed to be operating the fastest this morning, even with significantly reduced capacities and other new protocols. Physical distancing markers have been placed on the ground at the bus station while Cast Members wearing bright orange vests direct guests to the next available bus. Disney Bus Each bus is now divided into six zones and each party is assigned to a group of seats. If your group is bigger than what one zone can accommodate, your group will get two zones. Learn more about the health and safety modifications Disney has made to its buses here! Zone Seating Some zones are also marked off as “unavailable.” Marked Out Seating Note — bus service will resume from the resorts to the theme parks once they are officially open to the public, but for now buses are only running to and from the TTC and Magic Kingdom and to and from the resorts and Disney Springs. Riding the Monorail From the Ticket and Transporation Center The lines for the monorail looked lengthy this morning. Markers have been placed on the ground in spread-out intervals and our team members who rode the monorail today said it looked worse than was. It actually wasn’t that bad of a wait. Monorail Lines In the loading area, railings are taped off in yellow indicating guests should not lean or stand to close them. Click here to learn more about the modifications Disney World has made to its monorail system! Monorail Line Monorail cars are now split with physical distancing barriers. For the initial phased of Disney World’s reopening, the monorail will only run to Magic Kingdom and not EPCOT. Monorail And in no time at all, we arrived at Magic Kingdom! Magic Kingdom After we enjoy our Endless Yum at Starbucks, rode Splash Mountain a few more times, and witnessed the bizarre paint-by-number castle, we took the ferryboat for their return journey home to see what it was like! Riding the Ferryboat From Magic Kingdom Luckily, a ferryboat was waiting at the dock and we were able to board it immediately. If there isn’t a ferryboat, guests need to wait at social distancing markers until one arrives. Ferryboat Once we climbed aboard we noticed little green dots have been placed throughout the boat. This indicates where parties should stand while the vessel is in motion. Ferryboat Benches have been marked as unavailable. Ferryboat Meanwhile, both levels of the ferryboat were open to guests, even though our ferryboat was relatively empty when we left towards the end of the day. Ferryboat Once we arrived at the TTC, we saw social distancing numbered markers have also been placed on this side. Ferryboat After our boat ride, we walked to our cars to go home and take a long, hot bath! Luckily we got to accomplish just about everything we set out to do today, except one of our favorite attractions was still closed — find out which one here! Need the scoop on refillable popcorn buckets at Disney World? Click here! Did do attend the Annual Passholder preview today? Tell us what your experience getting to the parks was like in the comments below! Related posts: Disney World’s Parking Trams Will Be Unavailable When Theme Parks Reopen This Weekend NEWS: Registration For Disney World’s Annual Passholder Previews Is NOW LIVE! Transportation Update! Here’s When Disney World’s Skyliner, Monorail, and Select Resort Boats Should Resume! View the full article

Brook and Robin Lopez are big Disney fans – and not just because the twin brothers and professional basketball players each stand seven feet tall. These star athletes love everything Disney, and they’ve missed visiting Walt Disney World Resort just like everyone else during the theme parks’ temporary closure. Before they traveled to Walt Disney World Resort to join their teammates, we asked Brook and Robin to share some of their favorite Disney memories and let us know what they’re most excited to experience on their next trip into the parks. Keep checking back with us here at the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments like this one! View the full article

We’re back at Walt Disney World and taking note of all the new sights, sounds, and tastes! Starbucks It’s not a day at Disney without stopping into Starbucks for a little morning magic! We slipped into Creature Comforts at Animal Kingdom to get a feel for the new ordering procedures and, of course, try out a new drink on the menu! As far as ordering, guests are told to line up by standing on the social distancing markers placed on the ground. Once we ordered, we were told to stand on these green dots to keep our distance from other groups. Creature Comforts Social Distance Markers Our drink choice was a no-brainer! We just had to try the NEW Dark Cocoa Cold Brew. A cold and rich drink that was the perfect complement to a hot Florida day! Cocoa Cold Brew The cold brew is lightly sweetened with mocha sauce and cocoa powder, and is topped with almondmilk cold foam. Add this to the list of our favorite cold brew concoctions! Cocoa Cold Brew Not visiting Disney any time soon? No problemo! You can get the drink at any Starbucks! As always, we’ll keep you updated with more drinks as they come out! Heading Disney World soon? Check out the new mobile ordering process for quick-service spots! Are you swinging by Starbucks for the new cold brew? Let us know if you think this drink looks delicious! Related posts: You’ve GOT to See the NEW Tumbler at Disney Starbucks Locations! Review! Fall in Love with the NEW Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew in Disney World Holiday Starbucks Drinks Jingle Their Way into Disney World and Disneyland! View the full article

We’ve been walking around all day today at the Magic Kingdom during Annual Passholder previews checking out wait times, spotting social distancing measures, and of course, riding some rides! Magic Kingdom And while there are plenty of rides and attractions officially open at The Most Magical Place on Earth, one of our FAVORITE rides was sadly down! While strolling through Tomorrowland and saying hi to Stitch, we noticed that the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover remained closed today! Peoplemover Though we spotted social distancing markers for a queue on the ground, a sign in front of the ride stated that “The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is not operating at this time. Please visit other Tomorrowland attractions.” Closed PeopleMover We were surprised to see the PeopleMover shut down since it WAS on the list of attractions expected to open with the Magic Kingdom. However, if you remember before the theme parks closed a few months back, the PeopleMover was unexpectedly closed for several days in mid-March. Closed PeopleMover Whether or not the PeopleMover will reopen when the parks officially open their doors on July 11th is yet to be seen. It should be noted that today was an Annual Passholder preview, and anything could change in the coming days. But if the PeopleMover is still closed (or if it FINALLY reopens), you know we’ll fill you in! Follow along with us LIVE from the Magic Kingdom here. Is the PeopleMover on your list of must-ride attractions at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Mission Control, We’ve Just Found the CUTEST Tomorrowland Collection in Disney World! One of Our Favorite Tommorrowland Attractions Is Closed For the Fifth Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Disney Shares an Update on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot International Festival of the Holidays View the full article

We’ve been exploring Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week during Cast Member and Annual Passholder previews before the theme parks reopen to the general public on July 11th, so that you’ll know what to expect for your first time back! Splash Mountain So far, we’ve talked about rider switch, refillable popcorn buckets, and a bunch of other important stuff you’ll want to know before you go! And while you probably know by now face masks must be worn at all times while visiting Disney World, you might be wondering if you have to wear them on water rides. When Universal Studios opened last month, we were instructed we could remove our masks once we were seated on Jurassic Park River Adventure (one of the theme park’s water rides) — if we wanted to. However, this has NOT been our experience at Disney World. So far, we’ve been on Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom (multiple times) and Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and we’ve worn our face masks each and every time. Splash Mountain Cast Members did not tell us we could remove our face masks on EITHER ride, so we kept them on the entire time. And yes, we did get a little wet on Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids, though most of the water features have been turned off or turned down. Kali River Rapids Luckily, our masks dried off quickly in the Florida sun, but if you think having a soggy face mask might be uncomfortable for you, make sure you bring a dry mask as a back-up. In fact, with all the sweating we’re doing right now, changing into a fresh mask mid-day isn’t such a bad idea! Splash Mountain For now, it’s pretty safe to assume unless you’re given explicit verbal permission by a Cast Member that you can remove your face covering on a ride, you must keep it on. Splash Mountain If you haven’t been following along with our live coverage from Animal Kingdom today or our first day back at Magic Kingdom since mid-March, make sure you click here! And for some helpful advice about wearing a face mask at Disney World all day, make sure you read these tips and tricks we’ve picked up along the way. Did Disney just create a new way to make new water rides? Click here to find out! Which water ride is your favorite at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Updated! Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews! NEWS: Registration For Disney World’s Annual Passholder Previews Is NOW LIVE! What’s UP With Disney World Annual Passholder Previews?! View the full article

Walt Disney World is reopening this week and we’ve been scoping out all the new health and safety procedures during a few park previews. Mobile Order Pick Up Area Disney has increased sanitation frequency to all high-touch areas like handrails and attraction vehicles. These changes beg the question: “Are topping bars still available for guests?” We stopped by Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe in Magic Kingdom to find out! First, we popped into Cosmic Ray’s to try out the updated Mobile Ordering process. We ordered outside the building then headed to the designated pick-up station once our food was prepared. We found that packaged condiments like ketchup and mayo were out and guests could grab them at their free will. Condiments The topping bar that is usually loaded up with cheeseburger goodies like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and other condiments — was closed. You can still customize your order with anything you want through Mobile Order though! Cosmic Ray Burger with Our Chosen Toppings Then, today we headed to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe to load up on their famous nachos. The ordering process was similar to Cosmic Ray’s. There was even a sign outside that allowed us to scan a QR code and order online. Mobile Order Sign The nacho topping bar usually has a ton of taco toppings like salsa, guac, sour cream, and veggies. The topping bar here was also closed. Closed Topping Bar at Pecos Bill Again, guests have the option to add extras to your meal through the app! Our tomatoes came out a little wonky for some nachos, but our guess is that Disney is still working out all the kinks. Nachos at Pecos Bill We’ve now learned that topping bars at two of Magic Kingdom’s restaurants are unavailable to guests. We will keep our eyes peeled for more updates about buffets and topping bars as we seek them out. Be sure to follow along with us and we’ll continue to keep you informed. Want to see the other changes guests are experiencing at Disney World? Check the new way to experience characters in the parks! Are you heading to Disney World soon? Let us know where you’ll be eating first! Related posts: FINALLY. Corn Dog Nuggs WITH CHEESE Are On The Regular Menu in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! Find Out Where! DFB Video: 10 NEW Ways To Use Your Smartphone in Disney World! The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! View the full article

A lot has changed in Disney World this year — even pin trading! Pin Traders Pin trading is a pastime that many consider a staple of Disney fandom. Disney pins have been around for a while, but in 2000 pin trading started up officially in the Disney parks! To celebrate the 20th anniversary of pin trading, there was supposed to be a trading event this August 22nd and 23rd. Now, due to the global health crisis, the 2020 Pin Trading Event will be held online! In line with guidance from government and health officials, Disney World has opted to conduct the 2020 Pin Trading Event as a virtual online event at a to-be-announced date and time. Guests will get the chance to discover and purchase the special collection of pins created for the event AND connect with other pin traders. Screen Door Pin Board Keep in mind that these plans could still change going forward. Keep an eye on DFB for all the latest updates about this online event and how YOU can participate! Curious what pin trading looks like in a reopened Disney World? Click here! Will you be attending the online pin trading event? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: We Found a BUNCH of New Holiday Pins Featuring Our Fave Disney Snacks and MORE! We Spotted ANOTHER Pair of Pin Trading Minnie Ears in Disney Springs Today! What’s New in Epcot — a Birthday Cake Muffin, 2020 Merch, and a TON of Construction! View the full article

Cinderella Castle was still receiving her royal beauty treatment today at Magic Kingdom’s Annual Passholder preview. Cinderella Castle Refurbishment But while there was no mistaking the construction crews were working hard to get her fully transformed from afar, we noticed something subtle was happening as soon as we got a little CLOSER! Cinderella Castle has gone from a steely gray castle with light blue spires to a bright pink castle with vibrant cobalt blue peaks! Meanwhile, all of her architectural elements have been recently blinged out in gold paint! Disney’s really accentuated all of her best features and she looks about a million bucks, we gotta say! Paint-By-Number Castle But check out the way the Disney painters were working today — if you look close enough, you can actually make out hand-painted NUMBERS on each of the bricks! This sight reminded us of those paint-by-number sets we used to paint as kids! Paint-By-Number Castle Each number corresponds to a different shade of gray paint! That’s how Disney’s artists know which shade of gray to use for which brick! We always wondered how they achieved such a realistic look to the castle — and now we know! Paint-By-Number Castle We just had to share this little moment in time with you since we’re not expecting these numbers will be around for very long before they get painted over! That way, next time you get to see Magic Kingdom’s icon, you’ll have this wonderful memory of when Cinderella Castle was one BIG paint-by-number painting! Is rider switch still available at Disney World? Click here to find out! Do you think Cinderella Castle will be finished by this weekend? Tell us your predictions in the comments below! Related posts: PHOTOS! Here’s Disney World’s PINK CASTLE for the First Time!!! You’ve GOTTA See How Construction Is Progressing on Cinderella Castle in Disney World! The Major Cinderella Castle Refurbishment Has Started in Disney World! View the full article

#DisneyCastLife SPECIAL EDITION: A Welcome Back Message to Tokyo Disney Resort Cast View the full article

The Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland! — welcomed guests for the very first time on July 17, 1955. Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle So that means the Resort is celebrating 65 Years of MAGIC this year! In order to mark the occasion, a new line of 65th Anniversary merchandise has made its debut at the newly reopened (as of TODAY) World of Disney in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District! Yesterday, our friend Heather Sievers (you can find her @diningindisney) was able to check out the line as she attended a Cast Member preview for the reopening of Downtown Disney as an invited guest. So we are glad to be able to share this look at the celebratory collection with you! Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Mickey Mouse, of course, is all dressed up for the special occasion! Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise And if you’d like to gear up as well, there is plenty of anniversary clothing available… from shirts to socks to skirts! Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise And, YES, of course we spied a Spirit Jersey celebrating the Happiest Place on Earth! Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise And my personal favorite accessory to go with anything… Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise EARS to you, Mickey!! Take your pick from a Mickey Ear Hat or Minnie Ears... Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise … or just get both! Other goodies include a frame with glitter accents for that perfect Disneyland photo moment you captured. Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Additional merchandise includes a puzzle, magnets, keychains, and more! Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise And, as you can see in this cheerful ornament, Disneyland really is the Happiest Place on Earth as far as Mickey and Minnie are concerned! Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise Can you ever leave World of Disney without a MUG?? ‘Cuz I can’t… and this one with the signature Disneyland “D” making up the handle is definitely one for the ever-growing collection! Disneyland 65th Anniversary Merchandise You can check out even more of the merchandise here. But if you can’t make it to Downtown Disney, you can still snag some of this Disneyland anniversary merch! Visit Disney’s event website on July 14th at 10AM PT to grab your favorite items! Plus, guests will have the option to have the order shipped or pick it up in the newly re-opened Downtown Disney between July 23rd-July 27th. Check out even more of the Disneyland 65th Anniversary merchandise here! And that’s not all from Disneyland Resort today… we’ll be back to show you around the newly reopened Downtown Disney District which is welcoming guests again once more. You can see everything that’s opening today in the District here, and you can catch up on all the latest regarding the reopening of Disney destinations around the globe by visiting any of the links below. Which 65th Anniversary item is your favorite? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Eggstravaganza 2019 Kicks Off on April 5th in Disneyland Resort What’s New at Disneyland Resort: Construction, Merchandise, and Stroller Measuring! What’s New at Disneyland Resort: Star Wars Merch, a Fresh Take on the Mint Julep, and Cali Returns! View the full article

Walt Disney World is in the beginning stages of reopening this week and we’ve been running around the theme parks checking out all the new updates and info. Magic Kingdom We’ve seen select pre-shows be eliminated from line queues and high-touch areas like Dumbo’s Play Area be closed to guests. Many guests were curious about how the Rider Switch process will work under all the new health and safety protocols. When Universal Orlando reopened, we reported that the theme park was still using the Rider Swap service. We were interested to see if Disney World would be following suit. While touring Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, we discovered that the Rider Switch is BACK. Plus, the process is the same as it was prior to Disney World’s closure. Dinosaur Entrance If you’re not familiar with Rider Swap, it’s where one person waits in line, and the other stays outside with a guest who isn’t able or doesn’t want to ride the attraction. Guests will visit a Cast Member at the attraction where they will scan your MagicBands. The first person will ride the attraction and once finished, swap with the second person. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train The second person will enter through an expedited entrance and skip most of the line. The separate queue is generally the designated FastPass line. The FastPass line was open at Disney World today, but only for Rider Switch guests. We checked with Cast Members at Expedition Everest and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to confirm that Rider Switch is still operating normally across both theme parks. Expedition Everest Rider Swap Entrance We’ve learned a ton about the new processes in Disney World and we’ll continue to discover more as we stake out the parks. We’ve got more updates coming your way so keep following along with us! Want to know what it’s like to order and eat at a newly reopened Disney World? Check out the new quick-service process here! Will you be using the Rider Switch service at Disney World? Let us know below! Related posts: Ticket Discounts on Disney Theme Parks, Water Parks, and Special Events! See How Much You Can SAVE! NEWS! After Hours Events Extended Through May 2020 in Disney World! DFB Video: 16 Things That Are Still Free in Disney World View the full article

With the recent reopening of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, we’re sharing a special edition episode of our #DisneyCastLife series from Tokyo Disney Resort. Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassador Ayumi kicks off our latest show with a quick message from Tokyo Disneyland before we share special welcome back messages to cast members once again making magic for guests. For more #DisneyCastLife stories, follow the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Ambassador teams on Instagram at @WDW.Ambassador and @Disneylandambassador. And be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments. RELATED STORIES: #DisneyCastLife: Cast Members Making Magic In New Ways With Additional Health, Safety TrainingNew #DisneyCastLife Features Cast Members Making Disney Magic#DisneyCastLife: Cast Members Prepare to Welcome Back Guests at Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resorts, Disney Store Locations Reopening and MoreSPECIAL EDITION: New #DisneyCastLife Features Cast Member Magic at Hong Kong DisneylandNew #DisneyCastLife: Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro Shares Special Message, Cast Members Create Magic at Disney Springs and MoreSPECIAL EDITION: #DisneyCastLife Features Cast Members Making Magic at Shanghai Disney Resort#DisneyCastLife: New Episode Highlights Cast Member Magic Around the World#DisneyCastLife: Disney Ambassadors Highlight Cast Member Magic Around the WorldDisney Ambassadors Highlight Cast Member Magic in New Episode of #DisneyCastLife #DisneyCastLife: Disney Ambassadors Share Cast Member Magic in New Video SeriesView the full article

It looks like Milwaukee Bucks player and Disney superfan Robin Lopez’s Fairy Godmother has come THROUGH! NBA Experience Earlier, the professional athelete lamented on Twitter about not being allowed inside the theme parks while the NBA finished their 2019-2020 season at Disney World. Even though the players are being housed on-property, they’re being kept apart from the general public for the entirety of their stay. But according to USA Today, the NBA teams are now being given the opportunity to enjoy the theme parks once the crowds have left for the day! While it seems like only select attractions will be available, the NBA has made arrangements with Disney to provide after-hours access to the NBA players including rides like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios, and Test Track at Epcot! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster The NBA teams were informed of this latest development in a memo that was delivered to them last night. The letter stated, “Players will have the first opportunity to select experiences on a first come first serve basis and are recommended to book experiences at least 48 hours in advance.” Test Track But that’s not all — while we’ve already learned about some of the extra amenities NBA players will enjoy while inside the Disney bubble such as video games, pedicures, and 24-hour concierge service, they’ve just sweetened the pot a lot more! Check out these brand-new“bookable experiences on the NBA campus at Disney” that have been just been added! Golf NBA players and staff will now have special access to Disney’s Palm Golf Course, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, and Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course with exclusive tee times for four players throughout the day, six days a week. Disney’s Palm & Magnolia Golf Course Fishing and Boating Later this month, fishing excursions for the NBA players will start! The trips will last up to two-hours with five guests allowed per boat. These guided fishing tours will disembark from the Grand Marina (many NBA players will be staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort). Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort NBA players will also have access to motorized pontoon boats. Bowling Earlier, we learned Splitsville Luxury Bowling Lanes would be reopening July 10th in Disney Springs. And 2-3 times a week, NBA players will have the chance to bowl! Splitsville By the end of the day today, all 22 NBA teams that will be participating in the NBA restart will be inside the Disney bubble while the first game will kick-off July 30th. You can click here to see their game schedule and be sure to let us know which teams you’ll be rooting for in the comments below! Check out the newly installed practice courts where NBA players will be warming up at Disney World here! What do you think about these new perks for NBA players inside the Disney bubble? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Related posts: Pardon Disney’s Pixie Dust: This Disney World Construction Could Impact Your Next Vacation The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! Have YOU Conquered These 5 Snack Challenges in Disney World?? View the full article

We are back in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, bringing you coverage from today’s Annual Passholder Preview ahead of the park’s official reopening to guests this Saturday, July 11th. Main Street, U.S.A. And if there’s one thing that a LOT of people associate with a stroll down Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A., it’s the fragrance of buttery popcorn that greets you from the Main Street Popcorn Cart the moment you step into the park. Of course, that’s not the only place you can find popcorn, as carts are located in each land and right by Cinderella Castle. So, no matter where you are in Magic Kingdom, you’re only steps away from POPCORN… which also means you’re only steps away from a Refillable Popcorn Bucket available for purchase! Popcorn Cart Refillable Popcorn Buckets can vary in price (especially with regards to specialty souvenir buckets which can vary with the season), but your basic bucket will run you $12.00, filled with popcorn for your first purchase. Refills are then available for 2 bucks a POP, valid for your length of stay. Popcorn Cart sign But how do Refillable Popcorn Buckets work in light of new safety protocols which encourage contactless measures to promote physical distancing when possible? Refillable Popcorn Bucket and Popcorn Box Well, from our experience today, we learned how they are handling things at the Magic Kingdom carts. We showed them our Refillable Popcorn Bucket, and they were indeed able to offer us a $2.00 refill. BUT! Rather than filling our Red Mickey Balloon Refillable Bucket (the way they did in Disney Springs), they gave us our refill in a fresh BOX of popcorn. (Great to see the Mary Blair-inspired popcorn boxes again, isn’t it?) Popcorn Refill in a Mary Blair Box Enjoy it by the carton, or you can go ahead and pour your fresh batch into your Refillable Popcorn Bucket. Refillable Popcorn Bucket So, THAT’S how things are poppin’ in Magic Kingdom right now! Remember, Magic Kingdom will be joined by the reopening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Saturday, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios which will both reopen on July 15th. You can catch up on all the latest about the phased reopening of Walt Disney World and other Disney Parks around the globe by visiting any of the links below. Is popcorn a must-eat snack for you in Disney World? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: NEWS! The Disney World Popcorn Boxes Have Gotten a Little Mary Blair Flair! NEW! Maple Popcorn in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom New Treats — Including MINNIE Waffles In a Sundae! — Arrive For Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration in Magic Kingdom View the full article

Now that Magic Kingdom has officially welcomed back guests, we’re making our way through the park to see what all has changed. Be Our Guest Restaurant One place that is definitely different than our last visit is Be Our Guest Restaurant. Prior to reopening, we noticed that the restaurant would no longer offer quick service breakfast or lunch, and the menu options saw some changes. So, what’s it REALLY like inside the reopened Be Our Guest Restaurant? Let’s take a look! When we stopped by the host stand for Be Our Guest, they were actually taking limited same-day reservations. The Cast Member told us that later in the afternoon, they would be operating more on a first-come, first-served basis. Do keep in mind, we’re here during Passholder previews, so the situation may be different come Saturday. Be Our Guest Check In On the way into the restaurant, we spotted some directional markings on the bridge to make sure that guests keep to their side of the path. Be Our Guest Entrance Once seated, we were able to access our menu via the QR code on the table. Remember, Be Our Guest has a prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner (the only available mealtimes right now). For adults, it’s $62 and for kids, it’s $37. Mobile Menu Well, shockingly, we actually got to see a character while we were here! Though it was not previously announced that Be Our Guest would have a modified character experience, we got to wave at Beast while we ate! Sure enough, our big buddy wandered the restaurant for much of our meal. Beast! He even stopped by the West Wing to check on the rose! This was seriously a sweet surprise considering characters are a little bit less of a known commodity in a reopened Disney World. He didn’t pause for selfies like we’ve seen our Disney pals do in other modified meals like Topolino’s Terrace, but it was still a treat to have him here. Beast with the Rose We will back with more details on our meal soon, so stay tuned! And there you have it! Our meal at Be Our Guest definitely had its surprises! It was made all the better by Beast’s presence in the dining room. Stay tuned to DFB as we cover EVERYTHING there is to see at the reopened Disney World theme parks! Click here to see all of the Disney World restaurants that are reopening with the parks! Would you still eat at Be Our Guest Restaurant with these changes in place? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: NEWS: See the Be Our Guest Restaurant MENU Changes In Store When Walt Disney World Reopens Is Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World Canceling Their Quick Service Offering for the Time Being? Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World Will NO LONGER Be Serving Quick Service Breakfast or Lunch For the Time Being! View the full article

A lot of our attention has been centered around Disney World lately now that Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom have reopened for Cast Member and Annual Passholder preview days this week, but now we’re taking you over to the west side of the United Stares — or SoCal to be more specific! Disneyland Resort Disney World’s shopping and entertainment district known as Disney Springs reopened all the way back in May, but Downtown Disney (the Disneyland Resort equivalent) has just started welcoming guests back TODAY! It’s been a minute since we roamed Disneyland Resort! The theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney closed down right around the same time as Walt Disney World back in March! Disney California Adventure Park And while it’s still unknown when Disneyland’s theme parks and hotels will reopen, Downtown Disney is now open from 10AM to 8PM daily — although some individual locations might have varying hours. Disneyland Park We had a chance to scope it out yesterday for a Cast Member preview (we were invited by a friend) and found the vibe to be pretty chill. Crowds were minimal with very short wait times to enter shops — some stores we were able to walk right in! That being said, we’re hearing reports that Downtown Disney is much busier today now that it’s open to the general public. We’ll be returning to Downtown Disney later today and will update you with all the latest information regarding what the crowd levels are like this afternoon, but for now, here are some photos from our experience yesterday. Transportation Parking at Downtown Disney is currently free, but only the self-park Simba lot is open (located next to/behind Paradise Pier Hotel). Disneyland’s monorail is not currently running. Monorail Station Health and Safety Measures Disney has already informed us about the many precautions they’ll be taking to keep guests and Cast Members safe. We noticed several new health and safety signs have gone up throughout Downtown Disney. Health and Safety Sign Guests are also required to provide their own face masks. We saw some Cast Members handing out disposable face masks to a few guests who didn’t have appropriate face coverings, but we highly recommend bringing your own face mask with ear loops — or you could be turned away. Click here to learn what types of face coverings are accepted at Disney The new signs remind folks to wear face coverings at all times, wash hands their frequently, and practice social distancing. Disneyland Resort Some health and safety notices have also been installed on the light posts, similar to the ones we’ve previously seen at Disney World. Health and Safety Sign Hand sanitizer stations have been set up throughout the district so that guests may disinfect regularly. Hand Sanitizer Station We also saw that some portable sinks have been set up for guests to use. Portable Handwashing Station Temperature Checks All guests are required to have their temperature taken before entering Downtown Disney. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above will be asked to leave, along with the rest of their party. Temp Check Bag Check After passing through the temperature check, guests will be required to have their bags screened and pass through the metal detectors. Plexiglass barriers have installed between guests and Security Cast Members who are conducting the bag checks. Bag Check Shopping World of Disney Select retail locations (including World of Disney!) have reopened with new health and safety procedures in place. Stores have a limited capacity, so once they’re full, guests must wait outside while practicing social distancing. World of Disney Just like we’ve experienced at Disney World, several Disney-owned shops have a virtual queue system they can activate if the line is too long. You’ll still have to wait in line to give Cast Members your name and number, but they’ll contact you when it’s time to return to the store and do your shopping. Most stores now have a dedicated entrance and exit as well. World of Disney At World of Disney’s check out, we noticed social distancing markers have been placed in their queue area. World of Disney Plexiglass barriers have been installed at each cash register and contactless forms of payment are being highly encouraged. Cash Register We spotted this amazing display of the new Disneyland Resort 65th-Anniversary merch which we’ll be back to tell you more about in a little bit! It’s such a gorgeous collection and we can’t wait to show you more pics of it! 65th Anniversary Merch Meanwhile, we noticed a few more shops have reopened including Disney Home which had a bit of a line. Disney Home Curl Surf Shop has also reopened for all your surfer needs. Curl Surf Shop The Dress Shop is also welcoming back guests and plexiglass shields have been installed at their cash registers. The Dress Shop And right next door, Marceline’s Confectionery was pretty bumping! This was the longest we had to wait to enter a store yesterday. Marceline’s Confectionery In fact, Marceline’s Confectionery was busy enough for Cast Members to utilize its virtual queue to keep a crowd from forming outside. We put in our name and number and roamed around Downtown Disney until we were notified to return to the entrance. There was also the option to wait in a standby socially distanced line. Screenshot of Virtual Queue Marceline’s Confectionery is rather small, so only three parties are permitted inside at one time. Marceline’s Confectionery A few varieties of treats were available including cookies, candy apples, marshmallow wands, and other goodies, but the number of offerings was significantly fewer. They DID have Churro Toffee, but supplies might be limited! Treats Some of the treats were already packaged… Packaged Treats …and some were being packaged inside the store like these Minnie Krispy Treats. To us, it appeared nothing was being made fresh inside the store while guests were there. We’ll keep on eye on this. Treats The bakery case was stocked up with goodies — although noticeably fewer. Bakery Case If you don’t see your favorite type of treat just yet, don’t worry. We’re sure they’ll return someday when things are more normal. For now, you might want to get to Marceline’s Confectionery early to head off the crowds and have the best selection. All items in the bakery case are now individually wrapped. Candy Apples They had plenty of Stitch Extreme Sours in stock and were also selling Disney cloth face masks which we’ve seen online and at Disney World before. Packaged Candy The Goofy Sour Candy Straw stand that used to be located in this spot has also been removed. Marceline’s Confectionery Plexiglass shields have also been installed at Marceline’s Confectionery’s cash registers as well. We were still able to use our Disneyland AP discount. Cash Register Dining California recently enforced a new mandate that requires indoor dining locations to close in 19 counties, including Orange County, where Disneyland Resort is located. A few Downtown Disney dining locations that offer outdoor seating or to-go orders have been able to open though. Earl of Sandwich We noticed a few restaurants have reopened at Downtown Disney including Earl of Sandwich. Earl of Sandwich Plexiglass barriers have been installed around Earl of Sandwich’s counter. Earl of Sandwich Grab and go bottled drinks and snacks are available for guests to pick out on their own. Earl of Sandwich They had lots of bags of chips and we found out you can still get fountain drinks. A Disneyland Cast Member will fill your cup for you and refills are still available. Earl of Sandwich When it’s time to dine, guests can sit out on their outdoor patio. There are no big communal tables and tables have been spread apart. Earl of Sandwich Salt & Straw We also stopped by Salt & Straw for some dessert. There were two options for ordering here — wait in a socially distanced line or order and pay using your phone and they will bring your ice cream out to you! Salt & Straw They had a QR code outside you could scan with your phone to place your order. Salt & Straw We decided to go inside to order. Only four parties are being allowed inside at one time. You’re directed to a taped rectangle on the ground and there are currently no samples. Seating is available outside. Salt & Straw We got their seasonal flavor, Birthday Cake & Blackberries flavor from the summer Berries, Berries, Berries series and it was delicious! Birthday Cakes & Blackberries Catal Restaurant will be reopening soon, but Uva Bar is now open. Catal Restaurant Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes had their window open, but the restaurant was still closed yesterday. Black Tap Splitsville isn’t open yet, but folks are permitted to sit outside on their patio. Splitsville Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen is still currently closed. Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen The updated Jamba is now open and had a little bit of a crowd outside. Jamba Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria’s patio is also open. Naples Risorante e Bar California Churro cart is also open. California Churro Overall, we had a great experience at Downtown Disney yesterday. Cast Members were very welcoming and were thanking guests for coming. The crowds felt manageable and guests seemed to be following the rules. But do keep in mind this was a Cast Member preview, so our experience today will be more telling. We’ll continue our live reporting from Downtown Disney is just a little bit and let you know what the crowds are like now that the district has reopened to the general public, so stay tuned for more updates! Will you be heading to Downtown Disney this week? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: What’s New at Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Resorts: TONS of Wedding Merchandise, a Sparkly Galaxy Parfait, and More! Holiday Eats and Sweets – and Starbucks! — in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District What’s New at Disneyland — Magic Way’s Grand Opening, TWO New Menus, And Halloween AND Arendelle Aqua Treats! View the full article

Today, Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort begins its phased reopening with a variety of specialty shopping and dining experiences. The health and safety of guests, operating participant employees and Disney cast members are at the forefront of our planning. Several operational changes have been implemented based on guidance from health authorities to promote physical distancing and enhanced cleanliness throughout the Downtown Disney District. To learn more about what you can expect on your next visit, check out Disneyland.com/DTD. To help guide you through these new measures, cast members from our Guest Experience Team are walking throughout the Downtown Disney District to help explain our new health and safety measures and answer any questions you may have. They, along with other Downtown Disney cast members, are on hand to encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of us all. This one-of-a-kind Disney experience has reopened with a mix of family-friendly restaurants, favorite snacking stops and shopping boutiques you all know and love. The flagship World of Disney store reopens, offering the largest selection of Disney toys, souvenirs, accessories, collectibles and more at the Disneyland Resort. Down the way, The Disney Dress Shop has vintage-style apparel perfect for summer, and Disney Home can give you a touch of Disney for every room in your house. Other shops to find great items include Sugarboo & Co., Curl Surf, Sephora, The LEGO Store, Rinse Bath & Body Co. and WonderGround Gallery, to name a few. After shopping, relax and dine at one of the Downtown Disney District’s lovely patios and outdoor seating areas, such as Naples Ristorante e Bar or UVA Bar & Cafe. Enjoy a hearty meal or a gourmet treat! Savor something sweet at Salt & Straw scoop shop, or try the signature Strawberry Shortcake CrazyShake from Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes outdoor order window. We look forward to seeing you! View the full article

Just yesterday, we reported that Advance Dining Reservations are now open for all guests for select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants. Disney’s Contemporary Resort And today, we have updates on not one, but TWO popular restaurants that have joined the list of spots that are currently accepting reservations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! But — in case you missed the scoop yesterday — you’ll want to read closely, because there are some changes in store that you’ll want to know about… Chef Mickey’s typically features a buffet breakfast, brunch, or dinner as a Character Meal with the Fab Five! However, it is very important to note that it appears that Chef Mickey’s will not offer character dining upon the reopening. And the ONLY meal served will be Breakfast. Chef Mickey’s Instead, guests will partake in Chef Mickey’s Family Feast. According to the Walt Disney World website, guests will “Enjoy a lively, all-you-care-to-eat family-style meal in a bright, happy space.” Walt Disney World website screenshot Chef Mickey’s is currently accepting Advance Dining Reservations for breakfast only for 60 days out. Contemporary’s signature dining restaurant — the very popular California Grill — is also now accepting Advance Dining Reservations! California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Do note, however, that reservations are only available for dinner at this time. California Grill’s Brunch at the Top — typically offered on Sundays — is listed as “Temporarily Unavailable.” And that’s the latest news about Disney’s Contemporary Resort! We hope you’re staying tuned with us today as we bring you all the latest about Walt Disney World’s phased reopening, because we’ll continue to keep you posted right here! Have you ever dined at Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: DFB Video: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Food Tour Here’s What to Eat at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort! News: Chef Mickey’s Temporarily Relocating to Convention Center View the full article

The Actors’ Equity Association has filed a grievance and accused Disney of retaliating against its members after the union voiced concerns that performers should be regularly tested for COVID-19 because it’s difficult to socially distance on stage. View the full article

We all know it. Disney fans go CRAZY for great Disney merchandise. ©Disney Whenever Disney decides to drop an online release of something limited-edition or high demand, folks FLOCK to make sure they get the goods. For shopDisney, this has caused a bunch of technical issues in the past like wonky virtual queues and more. Now, there’s a way to make sure you don’t have to deal with those issues — with your chance at the shopDisney MerchPass. Okay, bear with us here because this is a little confusing. When we got on shopDisney to check out what’s new today, we spotted something interesting. As you may know, the Arendelle Castle is next to be released in the limited-edition Disney Castle Collection. Now, that listing comes accompanied with a notice about the new Disney MerchPass. ©Disney The MerchPass is a drawing that gives you the chance of getting early access to purchase some of the highest demand items on shopDisney. For items equipped with the MerchPass (like the Arendelle collection), you choose your items (one entry per drawing but each item has its own drawing), check your email, and if you’re selected you can complete your purchase! ©Disney For the first-ever MerchPass for the Arendelle Castle, entries begin on July 13th. Those selected for the merch pass will be notified in their email by 5PM PST on July 16th. Then, there’s a limited window during which those selected can log in to shopDisney and find their selected items in their bag. You can get all the specific details on this new early access pass here. © Disney According to Disney, “If your entry is not selected, you will not receive the early access purchase opportunity for the product. These products may be offered for sale at shopDisney and/or in the Disney store at a later date.” To us, this sounds like people looking to purchase the collection that are not chosen for the MerchPass may not be guaranteed that opportunity. We will keep you updating on all the details after we experience this process for the first time. This certainly seems like an interesting solution to help alleviate the rush to the website when these high demand items go live, but we’re not sure about how well it will work in practice. We’ll have to see it in action! Keep an eye on DFB for all of the latest Disney updates! Click here to learn more about problems on shopDisney! What do you think of the new shopDisney MerchPass? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: The NEW Limited Edition Live Action Mulan Doll Has Arrived! BIG Cyber Monday Deals on shopDisney are HERE! So Nice They Did it TWICE! The BIG Cyber Monday Sale on shopDisney has Been Extended! View the full article

Walt Disney World Resort will reopen its theme parks to guests starting this weekend, with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th. Magic Kingdom Of course, during the initial reopening phase, there will be a number of experiences — from dining to unique tours — that will be unavailable, at least for a time. Included on the list is the Walt Disney World Private VIP Tour; however, we have a booking update for this unique experience! Private VIP Tours offer guests the opportunity to hop on most of the available park attractions at the front of the line. A personal Guest Services Cast Member will take your group (up to a party of 10) on a customizable trip around the parks, while also giving you plenty of fun facts and insider knowledge! Sever Dwarfs Mine Train With a call to the dedicated Private VIP Tour line for the Walt Disney World Reservation Center (407-560-4033), we learned that while indeed the Private VIP Tours will not be available for booking upon the initial reopening of the parks, they are currently taking reservations for dates starting in late August! (It is recommended that you call to find availability for a specific date, as this experience offers very limited capacity.) Pandora in Animal Kingdom Booking is available for dates 60-days out; however, you can still get pricing information into future months even if they fall outside the booking window. A very unique feature of this experience is that guests will be able to arrange to visit more than one park! (Remember, park hopping will not be available to ticket holders during the initial reopening of the theme parks.) Heads up — this one is a splurge: Private VIP Tours are booked at a 7-hour minimum, with prices ranging from $425 to $750 per hour, depending on the date. (Prices do not include the required valid theme park admission.) Interested guests may call 407-560-4033 for available dates and more information. As always, we will keep you posted on any updates! And to find more information on the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort and Disney destinations around the globe, you can visit any of the links below. Have you ever taken a unique tour at Disney World? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: How To Get Your Hands on the Starbucks “You Are Here” Disney Parks Mugs WITHOUT Actually Visiting the Parks! Discount News! Mid-Day Magic Tickets Announced for Disney World Should You Even Go to Disney World with All This Construction? Your Questions Answered. View the full article

Roy Disney’s Family Home | Disney Files on Demand View the full article