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Disney World’s theme parks will begin their phased reopenings starting with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th followed by Hollywood Studios and Epcot on July 15th. Epcot Food and Wine Festival And now, Disney has just announced Epcot will be offering a modified version of its Epcot Food and Wine Festival starting on the very first day of its initial grand reopening! July 15th!! A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will feature 20 signature global marketplaces spaced throughout the park. ©Disney A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Popular food booths from Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival will be returning including Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean! We’re also told elements of Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival (which was cut short this year due to the temporary closures) will be “sprinkled in” with the global goodies of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. The new Remy topiary will be out in the France pavilion and Flower & Garden merchandise will also be for sale. So…this will basically be a hybrid Food and Wine and Flower and Garden Festival…which is kind of awesome! Remy Topiary at Ecpot’s Flower and Garden Festival The festival is scheduled to be EPCOT’s LONGEST EVER, continuing through the fall! Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns and Food & Wine merchandise will join the party later this year! But sadly, the Eat to the Beat concerts have been canceled for 2020. We’ll share more details with you about this new hybrid festival as they’re released! What do you think of Disney offering this festival to guests? Let us know if you’d be interested it in attending in the comments below! Related posts: FULL MENU For The NEW Cool Wash Booth at the 2019 Epcot Food & Wine Festival! Check Out How Disney World Is Celebrating the Big Release of “Frozen 2” HERE! What’s New in Epcot: Cotton Candy Santa Hats, Construction Updates, and MAYBE a Starbucks? View the full article

Disney World just dropped a TON of info about special events! Typhoon Lagoon As the Disney World parks prepare to open next month, we’re starting to learn more about what differences we can expect. And tonight, Disney announced that several special events, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, will be canceled. Disney has also said that H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, are canceled through the remainder of 2020. Typhoon Lagoon Sign According to Disney, guests who have already bought tickets to H2O Glow Nights events will be “assisted with refunds over the coming weeks.” We’ll continue to keep an eye out for other announcements from Disney as the reopening of the parks approached. Click here to learn more about the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Did you have tickets for an H2O Glow Night event? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Glowing Drinks and Fun Eats for 2019 H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park H2O GLOW Nights at Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park! H2O Glow Nights Return to Typhoon Lagoon This Summer View the full article

Today, we learned that Cast Members at numerous dining locations, resorts, and festivals across Walt Disney World have been called back to work. Magic Kingdom As select Walt Disney World hotels gear up to reopen on June 22nd and the theme parks in mid-July, we learned that even MORE Disney World Cast Members will be going back to work soon. According to a Facebook post from Local 362, the union of attractions, custodial, and vacation planning Cast Members at Disney World, full-time attractions Cast Members will be recalled on June 28th. Haunted Mansion Cast Members This recall of full-time Cast Members includes those who work at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Cirque du Soleil, auto plaza, and Disney World’s mini-golf courses. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex While Cast Members for Cirque du Soleil, the water parks, and more are being called back to work, keep in mind we still have no OFFICIAL word from Walt Disney World about when these experiences will reopen. Part-time attractions cast members at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom will also be recalled for a June 28th start date, roughly two weeks before the theme parks begin to reopen. Spaceship Earth With Cast Members coming back to work, it’s really starting to feel like Walt Disney World is reopening soon! And when we know more about Cast Members going back to work and what, exactly, Disney World will look like upon reopening, you know we’ll fill you in! For MORE Cast Member recall news today, click here! Are you excited for Disney World to reopen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Related posts: News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year The BIGGEST Time Wasters in Disney World — And How To Avoid Them! 6 Tips for Planning a Disney World Trip During Hurricane Season View the full article

Disney World will officially start reopening its theme parks on July 11th. Disney has already shared that a few experiences like parades and fireworks would be suspended when the parks reopen. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Sign This left us questioning how Disney World would handle special ticketed events that offer special entertainment offerings. Would they still happen? How would Disney modify the experience? Now, Disney has officially released information pertaining to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which was set to take place on select nights from August 13 – November 1, 2020, has officially been canceled. Not so Scary According to Disney, “we determined that many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.” LOTS of updates of JUST been released so check the blog for lots of big news! Were you planning to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: NEW Additions Coming to Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade in Disney World! What’s This?? You Can Watch Disney’s 2019 Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Whenever You Want! Colorful Seating Upgrades Arrive at Tomorrowland Terrace in Magic Kingdom! View the full article

As we prepare for the reopening of our theme parks next month, we’re taking a measured and deliberate approach to our planning that applies appropriate new health and safety measures. We continue to follow guidance from government and health officials for responsibly operating our theme parks, so we can make the right adjustments to our offerings, including our upcoming fall events. One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, we’re pleased to share that not only have we cooked up a creative, modified festival experience, it will also be our longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!” This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. And, if you’ve ever imagined a world where the floral fun of Flower & Garden is sprinkled in with the global goodies of Food & Wine, here’s your chance – guests will be able to see our newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns. And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins. We know the popular musical acts during the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” often pack the house and, in an effort to accommodate proper physical distancing, we will not be able to host these concerts this year. There will be plenty of music to enjoy at America Gardens Theatre with local EPCOT entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre, the JAMMitors and more. These fan favorites will spread out their performances throughout the day, giving audiences more options to enjoy them. While assessing another fall special event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Additionally, Disney H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will not take place for the remainder of 2020. Guests who have already bought tickets to these events will be assisted with refunds over the coming weeks. Looking ahead to the holiday season, this may spark questions about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the Candlelight Processional. We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials. As always, our goal is to explore every option and look at ways in which we can still host events and festivals full of Disney magic, while still operating responsibly with the health and safety of our guests and cast members in mind. View the full article

Tri-Circle-D Ranch is one of the many things that makes Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort so unique! Welcome to Fort Wilderness! At Tri-Circle-D Ranch, guests can enjoy trail rides, pony rides, wagon rides, and carriage rides right in the middle of Disney World! And Jeff Vahle, the recently appointed president of Walt Disney World Resort, has shared some exciting updates about new additions to Tri-Circle-D Ranch! ©Jeff Vahle First, the brand new barn at the ranch has been completed, and Cast Members are working to ensure it’s ready when guests return to Fort Wilderness on Monday! ©Jeff Vahle But there’s another ADORABLE new addition to Tri-Circle-D — Vahle also shared a photo of Violet, a foal who was born at the ranch just a few weeks ago! We’re swooning over this super-cute baby! ©Jeff Vahle Vahle also shared a photo of the horses escorting the Dragon Calliope — a horse-drawn musical instrument that Walt Disney purchased in 1955 to use in Disneyland parades — to its new home. ©Jeff Vahle It’s exciting to get a peek at the action as the reopening date of Fort Wilderness Resort draws near! And we can’t wait to see sweet baby Violet! Click here to see what online check-in looks like for Disney World hotel guests! Have you been to Tri-Circle-D Ranch in Disney World? Share your experience in the comments! Related posts: Our 10 Favorite (Weird) Secrets About Disney World’s Hotels! Review and Food Photos: Is Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue a Must Do? The 12 Best Meals To Eat in Disney World…Without Leaving Your Hotel!! View the full article

Earlier this week, we were truly shaken to our core when we found out The Polite Pig in Disney Springs was no longer selling the famous Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie! THE HORROR! R.I.P. Gideon’s Cookies at The Polite Pig! Of course, we later found out WHY, and also much to our relief, The Polite Pig began offering its own replacement: hence the Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookie was born! But ever since the new cookie debuted at The Polite Pig, the results have been a mixed bag. Some people thought its over-the-top chocolate-chip-to-cookie-ratio was similar to a Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie! New Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookie at The Polite Pig Even though the recipe is completely different from Gideon’s (it has BOURBON in it, people!) the cookies still looked pretty similar! The Polite Pig has since changed their recipe, and they’ve now swapped the chocolate chips for chocolate rock candies instead! Bourbon on the Rocks Cookie They’ve also, rather cleverly, changed the treat’s name to the Bourbon on the Rocks Cookie! Bourbon on the Rocks Cookie As you can see, it now looks VERY different from a Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie. Taste-wise it’s exactly the same Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookie we tried earlier this week — minus the chocolate chips, of course! Bourbon on the Rocks Cookie Our cookie was especially gooey and ate more like cookie dough. But it still had plenty of salt flakes sprinkled over the top to balance some of that sweetness. The Bourbon on the Rocks Cookie costs $5 and will be available all day long or until it sells out! We’ll be VERY interested in finding out what you guys think of them this time around! Click here to learn more about Gideon’s Bakehouse’s new timed cookie drops in Disney Springs! Let us know if you’re looking forward to trying out the new Bourbon on the Rocks Cookie in the comments below! Related posts: REVIEW and PHOTOS: This Crazy Popular Treat Is GONE in Disney World…But There’s A Brand New Replacement… Apple Cinnamon Wings and Maple Bourbon Eggnog? YES PLEASE! We’re Heading to Disney Springs for These Eats! “Chill” Out This Holiday Season With New Dish in Disney Springs! View the full article

We noticed some really cool items at World of Disney in Disney Springs today — like these Drizella and Anastasia Pot Holders! Drizella and Anastasia Pot Holders And one of our favorite finds is an Up-inspired journal that’s giving us allllll the feels! We might not make it to Paradise Falls anytime soon, but we still NEED this “My Adventure Book” journal! My Adventure Book Inspired by the Adventure Book from the movie Up, the journal includes recreations of some of the pages shown in the film! My Adventure Book It even has a clipping of Paradise Falls complete with Carl Fredricksen’s house taped in place! My Adventure Book We might have shed a tear over this sweet page! My Adventure Book And of course, there are lined pages for you to add your own adventures and exploits! My Adventure Book You can pick up the My Adventure Book journal for $29.99. The wilderness must be explored — and this journal is a great place to document all of your new discoveries! We spotted Disney masks for sale in Disney Springs today! Do you plan on grabbing this journal? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: This Color-Changing Poisoned Apple Mug We Spotted in Disney World is Wickedly Fun! What’s New at Disney Springs: The Lightfloat, More ABC Disney Merch, and the Return of the Avengers! Spotted! New “M” (for MICKEY!!!) Cap at World of Disney in Disney Springs View the full article

The state of Florida has slowly but surely been reopening for a few weeks now. Rainbow Mickey Face Mask With Disney World set to reopen select hotels in just a few days, we’re keeping a close eye on government mandates for the area. In response to an increase of coronavirus cases across the state, Florida Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced that face masks will be mandatory in public spaces starting this weekend. He has issued and signed an executive order that mandates the wearing of face masks in any public space. The order is effective beginning Saturday, June 20th, at 12:01AM. Palm Trees The mask mandate applies to everyone in a public space who is “working, living, visiting, or doing business in Orange County.” Masks must be consistent with CDC guidelines. Disney Springs When asked about enforcement of the rule for those eating or drinking in public spaces, Demings confirmed that masks will be expected most of the time. He did note that people cannot wear masks while actively eating and drinking but at all other times, they should be wearing them. There is also an exception for those exercising outdoors, per Demings. Red Face Mask CDC guidelines state that those 2 years old and under and those with preexisting health conditions should not wear masks. Mayor Demings is asking for voluntary compliance with the mandate. As of now, the Executive Order will be in place indefinitely. Florida As we know, Disney World will require masks in public areas in the parks and resorts with few exceptions. We will report if this has any effect on the reopening protocols for Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates. Click here to learn more about what counts as a mask in Disney World! Headed to Orange County soon? Share your thoughts in the comments. Related posts: Here’s What Qualifies — and Doesn’t Qualify — as a Mask in Disney World! BREAKING NEWS: How your Disney World Hotel Experience Will Be VERY DIFFERENT This Summer This Disney Springs Store Is Now Selling Some Super-Fancy Face Masks! View the full article

All of us are in the same boat as we await more details regarding Disney World’s plan for its phased reopening. Polynesian Lobby When it comes to hotels, Disney has only released information for the select Disney World resort hotels that will begin reopening next week. However, in a post on Unite Here Local 737’s Facebook page, (one of the largest unions of Disney World Cast Members), we now know Disney’s Pop Century Resort workers are being asked to return to their posts! This is very interesting as this is a hotel that has not been given a reopening date yet by Disney. Pop Century Resort Although we don’t know when guests will be able to make reservations at Disney’s Pop Century Resort especially with the new reservation system and the fact that all new bookings are still temporarily on pause, Cast Members are set to return as early as June 28th. Tie-Dye Cheesecake Disney’s Pop Century Resort has begun calling back its Culinary & Stewarding, Everything Pop, Food Handlers, and Petals Pool Bar crews. Hopefully, we hear more information from Disney World about a possible reopening date for this hotel soon! Click here to see how your Disney World hotel experience will be very different this summer! Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort? Tell us about your trip in the comments below! Related posts: What’s New at Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts — New Skyliner Signs, Wines, and Mickey SMOOCHING Minnie! What’s New at Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts — Christmas Decorations, Skyliner Merch, and the Frozen 2 Wave Cupcake! Mickey Pretzels and Popcorn Never Tasted SO GOOD — Snacks are BACK at Disney World! View the full article

We were really hoping Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’s new outdoor Shine Bar + Social would be opening with the rest of the restaurant today. Ever since we spotted construction on this secret project at one of our favorite Disney Springs’ spots, we’ve become a little obsessed! Shine Bar And while we had a marvelous time at Homecomin’s grand reopening (and maybe brought home a fabulous Chicken Print Face Mask or two with our doggy bag of leftovers) the new patio bar is only open for outdoor seating for the time being. Let’s take a peek at, anyways! When the signs for Shine Bar + Social were hung yesterday, we thought it might be a sign this new grab n’ go spot would be opening soon. But it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer! Shine Bar Although the new seating area is currently being used, you can’t just walk up and sit down. Guests at these tables had a reservation and were being sat by Homecomin’s hostess. Walk ins were being seated here by a host or hostess as well. We were told that the footprint is complete for the new patio and eventually we will see signage change and a few decor upgrades. Homecomin’ is in the process of approvals for a walk up bar and a live music area! Shine Bar Meanwhile, the old bar is still open and you can place your order through the window. Shine Bar On busier days, we’re told there will be a line for folks that just want to grab a to-go drink or refill their Homecomin’ “squeeze bottle” refillable sippers, but today there was no wait! We just walked right up! Shine Bar Here’s the menu of shines Homecomin’ currently has on tap! A signature moonshine cocktail still costs $13 while a larger-size refillable sipper is $22. Shine on Tap If you bring your sipper back, you can still get it refilled with moonshine for $13 OR you can also refill it with Coke products or iced tea for FREE! Refillable Sipper You can also try a free sample of one of Homecomin’s concoctions before you commit to buying the whole drink! We love how it comes in an adorable baby red cup! Click here to learn more about Homecomin’s refillable sippers! Sample Cup We’ll let you know when Shine Bar + Social officially opens, which we’re told will offer Homecomin’s entire menu, but for now, it looks like you’ll need a reservation to snag some of Chef Art Smith’s good ol’ Southern cooking! Click here to read our review of Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin! Are you looking forward to sitting outside on Homecomin’s new outdoor patio? Let us know if you’re excited about Shine Bar + Social in the comments below! Related posts: We Sat Down With Chef Art Smith at Homecomin’ in Disney World to Talk Menus, Reopening, and His FAVORITE Eats! Exciting News! Homecomin’ In Disney Springs Is Getting a NEW Patio Shine Bar! Chef Art Smith Is Shelling Out Not One, But TWO Shrimp and Grits Cooking Demos View the full article

SPECIAL EDITION: New #DisneyCastLife Features Cast Member Magic at Hong Kong Disneyland View the full article

Select Disney World hotels are getting ready to welcome back guests next week and the theme parks are gearing up for their July 11th and July 15th grand reopenings! Magic Kingdom And according to a recent post on Unite Here Local 737’s Facebook page, we’ve just learned of a few more groups of restaurant Cast Members that are being asked to return to work. We’ve been combing over this list of restaurants, and picking out a few areas of interest. First, we noted Epcot’s Festival Cast Members were being asked to return — although Disney hasn’t released any official information about the Epcot festivals yet. Disney World Also, Be Our Guest Restaurant’s Cast Members are getting recalled — but potentially only for its table service dinner option at this time. Will its fast-casual breakfast and lunch be temporarily discontinued? We’ll have to await the official word from Disney World regarding the status of this restaurant, but we’ll be super-curious until we learn more! Be Our Guest Ballroom But that’s not all we found out today, we also spotted a sidenote which read, “Family Style” next to Biergarten Restaurant in Epcot’s World Showcase and Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! This may be an indication that these restaurants will be offering platefuls of help-yourself offerings instead of their standard serve-yourself buffets for the time being. Chef Mickey’s Based on what has been shared, Cast Members at other restaurants such as Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace or Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House Restaurant have NOT been called back yet. So we don’t know Disney’s plans for these buffet locations just yet. Buffet at Crystal Palace And keep in mind, while Chef Mickey’s normally offers character dining Disney has shared that character dining will be unavailable for the time being, and at this time the only confirmed character meal that’s returning is Topolino Terrace’s breakfast which you can learn more about here. Click here to learn more about the ONE character dining meal we know will be returning to Disney World here! What do you think about the possibility of some Disney World buffets switching over to family-style? Let us know if you’d still dine at one of these restaurants in the comments below! Related posts: STK Has Reopened in Disney World…And They’re Doing Things a Little Differently Review! We’re Dining at T-Rex in Disney World, But Will Our Meal Be Dino-MITE?? NEWS: Disney World Is Calling Back More Full-Time Food and Beverage Cast Members View the full article

Harry Potter celebrates 10 years today at Universal Orlando. Orlando Sentinel theme park reporter Dewayne Bevil reflects on the opening festivities when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on June 18, 2010. He talks about double-secret Butterbeer, how the film stars embraced the park, and the massive opening day line that the Sentinel needed a helicopter to photograph. View the full article

According to a recent post on Unite Here Local 737’s Facebook page (one of the largest unions of Disney World Cast Members) another wave of callbacks for food and beverage workers has just begun! Be Our Guest Sign And we’re picking out a few particularly tasty tidbits of information from the “teams” Disney World is asking to return to work! So far, we mentioned that Epcot Festival Cast Members have started receiving callbacks. Whether this means we’re likely to see Epcot’s Festivals resume when the parks reopen or not — it’s still too soon to tell. But another interesting thing we noticed is that Be Our Guest Restaurant Cast Members are being asked to return — but only for Table Service! Be Our Guest This hard-to-get-into Magic Kingdom spot opened in New Fantasyland back in 2012. Due to its popularity (and often needing to obtain an advance reservation for dinner 180 days earlier), Disney began offering a quick-service breakfast and lunch option. Breakfast at Be Our Guest Both are unique in that you can still make an advance dining reservation for either breakfast or lunch. Guests can also pre-order breakfast and lunch using the My Disney Experience app. Dine In The Beast’s Castle! However, since Disney is only recalling its staff for its sit down dinners, we’re wondering if Be Our Guest Restaurant will resume their fast-casual breakfast and lunch offerings — or if they’ll be postponing them for the time being? Either way, it is very interesting that the union specifically listed is as “Be Our Guest (TSR only – no QSR).” Grand Ballroom at Be Our Guest While we’ll be awaiting the official world from Disney regarding the status of Be Our Guest Restaurant we do know the restaurant will be one of the locations using the new Mobile Dine Check-In feature on the My Disney Experience app which you can learn more about here. Click here to read our review of Be Our Guest Restaurant’s prix fixe dinner! Have you ever eaten at Be Our Guest Restaurant? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! Related posts: 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED The BIGGEST Time Wasters in Disney World — And How To Avoid Them! Review: Crystal Palace at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

It has just been announced that Californians are required to wear face masks or coverings when in common and public spaces. Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Starting today — June 18th — coverings must be worn “in common and public indoor spaces and outdoors when distancing is not possible.” A tweet by the Office of the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, links to the new face covering mandate, which you can also find here. Wine Country Trattoria at Disney California Adventure Exemptions include — but are not limited to — children ages two and under as well as “Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking.” Recently, Orange County (where Disneyland Resort is located) revised its face mask policy. However, as a reminder, this new mandate is statewide. (Guests and cast members at Disneyland Resort will be required to wear face coverings, as noted on the Disneyland Resort website.) This announcement comes ahead of the proposed reopening of Disneyland Resort, which will — pending approval — begin with the Downtown Disney District on July 9th, followed by the parks on July 17th. You can find out more about the reopening of Disneyland and Disney Parks around the world by visiting any of the links below. Related posts: Eggstravaganza 2019 Kicks Off on April 5th in Disneyland Resort A NEW Annual Pass Option Is Coming to Disneyland Resort: The Disney Flex Passport There Are Just a Few Days Left to Try the “Get Your Ears On” Eats in Disneyland Resort! View the full article

An Update on Disney Parks from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel Dear Guests, As we continue with the phased reopening of Disney locations around the world, I wanted to update you on our plans and the principles that guide us as we welcome guests back to the magic. Josh D’Amaro, our Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said it best when he spoke about the trust you have in the Disney brand. As we prepare for the reopening of our destinations, this is a responsibility we take very seriously. We know what a privilege it is to continue to earn your trust every day. Our domestic theme parks were among the first to close earlier this year and they will be among the last to reopen when guests return in July in California, pending state and local government approvals, and in Florida. Disney parks have always been places for families to gather, to celebrate important moments in their lives, and to make memories that will last a lifetime. This legacy of integrity, care, and community is what guides us as we prepare for the return of our cast members and guests. What to Expect at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort We’re taking a multi-pronged approach to our reopening, after considering the guidance of various governmental authorities and health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and recommendations from our team of health and safety experts. We’re also actively working with industry groups and research universities to discuss best practices. At both parks, this includes reducing capacity; temperature checks for guests prior to entering our theme parks; increasing cleaning and disinfecting, especially in high-traffic areas; adjusting experiences to accommodate physical distancing; requiring face coverings for guests 2 and older; and empowering our guests with options like contactless payments and easy access to handwashing and hand sanitizer locations. Our deliberate and phased approach at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures. And as always, our cast members are at the center of our approach. We’ve already adopted a number of important guidelines for cast members at work at the Walt Disney World Resort, such as increasing the frequency of cleaning in work areas, adjusting our work practices to promote physical distancing, requiring temperature checks and wearing face coverings. We are also working with our unions to responsibly and thoughtfully implement these health and safety guidelines at the Disneyland Resort. As reopening approaches, we’re providing our cast with additional training on both new measures and the continued importance of personal health best practices, such as handwashing, covering coughs and of course, staying home when ill. Promote Safety Together Many of the actions we all take in our daily lives to help reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 are designed to help protect not only ourselves, but others as well. For example, I wear a face covering in public spaces because it may help protect you, and in turn, you wear a face covering because it may help protect me. When you wear a face covering during your visit, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or even make the important decision to reschedule to another day if you’re not feeling well, you help make the experience safer for everyone. This shared responsibility is an important strategy to help reduce the risk of infection. And so, when you join us for the first time after reopening, you will find not only enhanced health and safety measures, but also a special group of cast members that are trained to share information about our new policies. They will be available to explain our new procedures, answer questions guests may have, and encourage everyone to follow these measures so we can all have a safer visit to the parks. We hope you’ll also be interested in our new Incredibles-themed health and safety campaign . This campaign spotlights healthy behaviors that can help everyone have a magical experience, featuring beloved characters from the Incredibles animated movies. The Magic Returns We are looking forward to celebrating the return of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort with our cast members, our guests and our communities next month. As exciting as this moment is for all of us, we are still in the early days of our phased approach. We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments based on the guidance of local government and health authorities. And in the coming weeks, we will share additional details about the policies and procedures that our guests can expect when we reopen our domestic theme parks. We will do some things differently when we return, but what has not changed is the special Disney magic that awaits you at each of our destinations around the world. On behalf of the entire Disney family, be well and take care. We can’t wait to welcome you back very soon! Dr. Pamela Hymel Chief Medical Officer Disney Parks, Experiences and Products View the full article

We’re continuing our celebration of the reopening of Hong Kong Disneyland with a special edition of #DisneyCastLife from inside the park where cast members are once again creating magic for guests. Today, Disney Ambassadors at Shanghai Disney Resort, Eleven and Fiona, are passing the torch and welcoming Hong Kong Disneyland cast members as they reopen the gates and greet guests and fans. As in Shanghai, cast members are coming together to bring Disney magic back to the park. For more #DisneyCastLife stories, follow the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Ambassador team on Instagram at @WDW.Ambassador and @Disneylandambassador. And be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments. New #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: Disney Ambassadors Share Cast Member Magic in New Video SeriesDisney Ambassadors Highlight Cast Member Magic in New Episode of #DisneyCastLife #DisneyCastLife: Disney Ambassadors Highlight Cast Member Magic Around the World#DisneyCastLife: New Episode Highlights Cast Member Magic Around the WorldView the full article

According to a recent post on Unite Here Local 737’s Facebook page, we now know Disney has started calling even more Cast Members to return to work at Disney World’s theme parks and resorts. Spaceship Earth These Cast Members will join the union members Disney called back earlier this month in preparation for the select Disney World Resort hotels that are reopening June 22nd. Unite Here Local 737 is one of the biggest unions at Disney World, and we took a particular interest in one of the groups. On the Union’s long list for Cast Members that are being asked to return, festival Cast Members are noted. Disney World So far, Disney hasn’t said anything about Epcot’s festivals. We don’t know if they’ll be resuming their normal festival schedule, modifying it, or postponing festivals for a while. At this time, information regarding festivals is still very up in the air. It is important to note that the 2020 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic was recently canceled. Epcot Epcot’s 2020 Flower and Garden Festival had just started right before the temporary closures happened. The fest was only slated to run through June 1st. Disney hasn’t shared information on if this festival will resume when Epcot reopens. Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival And while Epcot’s 2020 Food and Wine Festival normally kicks off in August, Disney has yet to release the official dates for the festival! Under normal circumstances, we would typically know exactly when Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival would be taking place by now (the 2019 festival ran from August 29th through November 23rd). So as you can see, we’re still at a bit of a loss for words when folks ask what’s going on with Epcot’s festivals! 2019 Epcot Food and Wine! And for now, we can’t assume Epcot festival Cast Members being called back means festivals are coming back — it’s way too early to make that claim, especially when Disney will need Cast Members to fill in for its College Interns and Cultural Ambassadors whose programs were canceled. Rose and Crown Pub So, keep in mind that while it looks like festival Cast Members are being called back to work, that does not guarantee that festivals are returning or operating as normal this year. But, it is pretty exciting to see it listed. Hopefully, we will have updates regarding festivals soon. Stay tuned! Click here to find out were the NBA teams will most likely be staying at Disney World! Do you think Epcot’s festivals will resume or be canceled this year? Leave your answer in the comments below! Related posts: Going to Disney World?? You Need Our BEST Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit VALUES for 2020! 7 Things You’ve Gotta Know If You’re Going To Disney World in September The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! View the full article

Disney World is working through a phased reopening. Some Disney Vacation Club resorts are set to open on June 22nd and the parks will follow next month. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on July 11th, and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will reopen on July 15th. Disney World With the return of guests, Disney will need to bring back many of their Cast Members. Some workers have already been called back to staff the now-open locations in Disney Springs and in preparation for the reopening of some of the resort hotels. Now, according to the Orlando Hotel and Restaurant Workers Movement, even MORE Disney World workers are being called to return to work soon. The Orlando Hotel and Restaurant Workers Movement is a group that is directly affiliated with UNITE HERE Local 737, the union for hotel and restaurant workers at Disney World. This workers’ union is in direct talks with Disney to negotiate workers’ return to work. You might remember UNITE HERE was also a player in negotiating employee furloughs a few months ago. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Today, the Orlando Hotel and Restaurant Workers Movement made a post on their Facebook page to inform Disney workers that a major round of recalls is set to begin. According to the post, some workers will be called to return on June 28th and others will be recalled for July 5th. All workers will not be called back immediately; Disney is expected to follow seniority for each job and location. Magic Kingdom We will list all of the locations that workers being called to returning to below. Keep in mind, this list may not be accurate and is subject to change. There are a few potentially inaccurate locations listed — Liberty Inn in Epcot, for instance, has been closed for months prior to the closures. We will denote any potentially inaccurate listings with an asterisk (*) and note more information in red. Magic Kingdom Adventureland Stewarding Be Our Guest (Table Service only, no Quick Service) Central Bakery Cone Shop (possibly Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor) Cosmic Ray’s Food Handlers Jungle Skipper (Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen) Liberty Square (possibly Liberty Square Market, Columbia Harbor House, and/or Sleepy Hollow) Liberty Tree Tavern Main Street Bakery Outdoor Foods Pecos Bill’s Pinocchio Village Haus Plaza Restaurant Tony’s Town Square Animal Kingdom Africa Bars Africa Stands Asia Bars Asia Stands Central Bakery Creature Comforts Discovery Island Bars Flame Tree BBQ Food Handlers Harambe Market Nomads (Nomad Lounge) Outdoor Foods Restaurantosaurus & Bar Satu’li (Satu’li Canteen) Tiffins Epcot Coral Reef *Electric Umbrella (Electric Umbrella has closed.) Festivals Food Handlers *Fountain View (Fountain View has closed. Possibly Traveler’s Cafe) Garden Grill *Liberty Inn (Liberty Inn has closed.) Production Bakery Regal Eagle Sunshine Seasons Le Cellier (No International Workers) Biergarten (Family Style, No International Workers) Norway (Non-Tipped only, No International Workers) (possibly Kringla Bakeri og Kafe) Rose & Crown Disney’s Hollywood Studios Backlot Express Brown Derby (Hollywood Brown Derby) Culinary Support Docking Bay Food Handlers Galaxy Edge Culinary & Stewarding Mama Melrose Ogas Cantina & Carts (possibly including Milk Stand and Ronto Roasters) Outdoor Foods PizzeRizzo Prime Time (50s Prime Time Cafe) Production Bakery Quick Service Stewarding Sci Fi & Tap House (Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater) Sunset Blvd. (possibly Fairfax Fare, Catalina Eddie’s, KRNR The Rock Station, and/or Rosie’s All American Cafe) Tap House (possibly BaseLine Tap House) Trolley Car Café Tune In Lounge Disney Springs Deluxe Burger (D-Luxe Burger) Food Trucks Culinary Hangar Bar (Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar) Outdoor Vending Patisserie (Amorette’s Patisserie) Walt Disney World Resorts Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Food Handlers Housekeeping *Mara (Disney has stated that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House locations will not be reopening immediately.) Sanaa Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Food Handlers Quick Service (possibly BoardWalk Pizza Window, etc.) Trattoria Al Forno Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bakery Culinary Bay Lake Tower Bartenders California Grill Chef Mickey’s (Family Style) Contempo Café Food Handlers Housekeeping Sand Bar The Wave Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Barcelona Lounge Catering Culinary & Stewarding Food Handlers Housekeeping Stewarding Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Food Handlers Meadow Snack Bar Pioneer Hall Culinary (venue for Hoop Dee Doo Revue) Stewarding Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Bakery Culinary Catering Culinary & Stewarding Food Handlers Gasparilla Grill Grand Café (Grand Floridian Café) Housekeeping Narcoossee’s Pool Bars Room Service Service Bar Disney’s Old Key West Resort Food Handlers Goods to Go Olivia’s Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Bakery Culinary Captain Cook’s Food Handlers Housekeeping Phones Kona Café Disney’s Pop Century Resort Culinary & Stewarding Everything Pop Food Handlers Petals Pool Bar Disney’s Riviera Resort Food Handlers Le Petit Café Pastry Culinary Primo Piatto Topolino’s (Topolino’s Terrace) Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Artist’s Palette Culinary Culinary & Stewarding Food Handlers Housekeeping Runners Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Food Handlers Whispering Canyon Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts Ale & Compass Beaches & Cream Culinary & Stewarding Catering Culinary & Stewarding Food Handlers Housekeeping Market Quick Service (possibly The Market at Ale & Compass) Martha’s Vineyard Lounge Private Dining This is NOT a guarantee that any of the listed locations will be opening as soon as the resorts and parks open. Cast Members may be working in alternate roles or locations than they typically do. The only CONFIRMED reopening locations are the ones that Disney has officially announced. You can see the official list of reopening dining here. Keep an eye on DFB for all of the latest Disney World dining updates as we move closer to a reopening! Click here for the full list of CONFIRMED restaurants! What restaurants are you excited to eat in? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: NEWS: Date Announced for Suspension of Disney Transportation in Walt Disney World Resort Disney World Annual Pass Price Increases for Disney Vacation Club Members UPDATED! What Is Still Open and What Is Closed in Walt Disney World Today View the full article

We noticed something rather unusual in Disney Springs today! Disney Springs Sign We spotted a sign for Complimentary Photos from Disney PhotoPass! BUT, there’s a small catch… The sign said the opportunity is for “today only.” Complimentary Photos sign But, hey… signs can come and go (and then come back again!), can’t they? So we thought we’d give you a heads up to keep your eyes peeled if you find yourself in Disney Springs soon! First Photo Op Area We were informed that photographers could scan Annual Pass cards (or MagicBands, if you happen to have yours handy) to receive the digital download when it comes through on your My Disney Experience app. But, if you don’t happen to have those, the cast members have disposable cards to provide with the necessary info to download your pic! Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs Originally, the photo op was located on an outlook with a water view across from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. But just a little later it was moved to the Orange Bird Mural (which you’ll find in The Landing near Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC for a fun photo op with our favorite little orange pal! So keep an eye out for more potential fun — and free! — PhotoPass photo ops in Disney Springs! Will you be visiting Disney Springs soon? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Wine Bar George at Disney Springs in Disney World Announces New Safety Procedures as They Start Taking Reopening Reservations NEWS: Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers to Reopen on May 20th in Disney Springs Before You Go To Disney Springs, You Need To Know These 10 Things We Experienced At CityWalk Last Week View the full article

The Walt Disney World Resort will start welcoming guests again — starting with select Disney World Resort hotels — on June 22nd. (The theme parks will follow starting with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th.) Walt Disney World Resort entrance As Walt Disney World reopens (joining Universal Orlando Resort which opened earlier this month), Orlando will naturally welcome more visitors. And many of them will, of course, arrive by way of Orlando International Airport. Orlando International Airport (MCO) has shared on Facebook that “Effective immediately, all badged employees are required to wear a mask/face covering at the airport” as they also continue to practice social distancing. It is stated that this is “in compliance to our Mayor’s Executive Proclamation directing protective measures at MCO.” Magic of Disney at Orlando International Aiport While the requirement applies to badged workers at Orlando International Airport, travelers are encouraged to wear a face covering when in the airport, according to the same Facebook post. The post also links to an official press release by GOAA (the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority). Again, while Disney Springs is currently open, Walt Disney World Resort is preparing to reopen to guests starting at select Resort hotels on June 22nd, followed by the theme parks in July. You can find all the latest information on the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort by visiting any of the links below. Source: Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Facebook Do you travel through MCO when visiting Orlando? Please let us know with a comment. Related posts: This Is the ONE Place We Found Masks For Sale in Disney World Today What Will Happen if You Refuse To Wear A Mask In Disney World? Here’s What Qualifies — and Doesn’t Qualify — as a Mask in Disney World! View the full article

A pair of self-described serial entrepreneurs, best-known for flying a KFC chicken sandwich into space and living two years sealed inside a biosphere, are attempting to start a new human spaceflight company that instead of launching rockets will lift civilian passengers into the sky tethered to a high-performance balloon. View the full article

A pair of self-described serial entrepreneurs, best-known for flying a KFC chicken sandwich into space and living two years sealed inside a biosphere, are attempting to start a new human spaceflight company that instead of launching rockets will lift civilian passengers into the sky tethered to a high-performance balloon. View the full article

Sparks were really flying between us and this new Wall-E and Eve Wallet we recently spotted on Loungefly’s website! ©Disney And now our favorite robot couple has just collaborated on another Loungefly accessory that you’ve gotta see! Check out this new out-of-this-world Wall-E and Eve Loungefly Backpack! Talk about some star-crossed lovers! These two are cuties are so adorable, we can’t stand it! ©BoxLunch The new Wall-E and Eve Loungefly Backpack is a BoxLunch exclusive, so don’t expect to find it anywhere else in the ENTIRE galaxy! ©BoxLunch We love how the little outer space designs really pop against the bold black faux leather background of the bag! Plus, the blue piping and straps really add some major style points! ©BoxLunch Look for the new Wall-E and Eve Loungefly Backpack for $69.90 on BoxLunch’s site today, and to see a sneak peek of yet another Wall-E Loungefly Backpack that’s coming soon, click HERE! Get your own Wall-E and Eve Loungefly here! Have you seen the cuteness that is the new Heimlich Loungefly Backpack? Make sure you brace yourself before clicking here! What do you think of this new Wall-E and Eve Loungefly? Let us know if you’ll be getting one in the comments below! Related posts: Just When We Thought Baby Yoda Couldn’t Get Cuter … Loungefly Redesigns ‘The Child’ Backpack! The New Loungefly x Disney Collection Has Us Screaming for Ice Cream! Sparks Are Flyin’ Between Us and These New Wall-E and Eve Loungefly Bags! View the full article