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It seems like every day we’ve stopped by World of Disney since it reopened, we’ve spotted something new! World of Disney Yesterday, there was an entire display of new Monsters University stuff! And today, well…take a look for yourself! We gotta warn you guys what we’re about to show you is ridiculously cute! Nobody warned us this morning when we first saw it and we just about fell over laughing! It’s Stitch! Look at this hilarious new Stitch Hat! Is it just us, or is this thing totally insane? It’s so funny that we LOVE it. Just look at its nubby little toofers! Stitch Hat The new Stitch Hat features an adjustable velcro strap so you can make it fit as snuggly as you want it! Stitch Hat And here’s the back of the adorable lad! It’s so stinkin’ cute from every angle! We had no idea Stitch was so photogenic! Stitch Hat If you want to rascal-it-up like Experiment 626, you can buy the new Stitch Hat for $27.99 at World of Disney in Disney Springs today! We haven’t spotted it online yet, but we’ll let you know if and when it shows up! Check out this new Haunted Mansion Ghost Park Pal we spotted recently here! Are you going to buy this new Stitch Hat? Let us know if you are in the comments below! Related posts: This is the Most POPPIN’ Phone Case We’ve Ever Seen in Disney World! What’s New at Disney Springs: Frozen Merch, Frozen Merch, and MORE Frozen Merch! (Also Leia Ears, a Baloo Plush, and More!) Grab Your Wallets — ULTRA NEW Frozen 2 Costumes Have Arrived in Disney World! View the full article

It’s been a long time since the last time we stood in front of our beloved castle! And we’ll be able to see it again on July 11th when Magic Kingdom reopens! Cinderella Castle And as you may recall, Cinderella Castle had just begun to receive her royal makeover shortly before the parks closed. The rosy gold paint job was going up FAST, but due to the temporary closures, all construction projects were put on hold! But thanks to DFB Reader @bioreconstruct, we can see work on Cinderella Castle has once again resumed! These are ariel photos of how the castle looks TODAY! Photo Used With Permission By @bioreconstruct Is it just us, or does the royal makeover seem to be happening at lightspeed? Look at all those cherrypickers! Photo Used With Permission By @bioreconstruct In this shot, you can actually see folks standing in Fantasyland! Could they be training? Maybe! Photo Used With Permission By @bioreconstruct The rest of the park is ghostly calm and quiet — almost as empty as Magic Kingdom appeared on the first day of Disney World’s closure, but not for very much longer! Photo Used With Permission By @bioreconstruct We’re so excited to see this sneak peek of Cinderella Castle and see how gorgeous she’s looking! There’s still a lot of work to be done, but judging by these photos, we’re wondering if Disney World is hoping to welcome us all with a completely-finished castle! Only time will tell! Click here to read which Disney construction projects might be affected by the temporary closures! Are you surprised to see how fast Cinderella Castle’s refurb is happening? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Related posts: Progress Update! Take a Look at the Cinderella Castle Makeover Happening in Disney World! BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Will Be Undergoing a HUGE Refurb Soon! The Major Cinderella Castle Refurbishment Has Started in Disney World! View the full article

On Wednesday, even more stores and eateries reopened all around Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district, Disney Springs. Among them was the cheerful waterside sipping spot, Dockside Margaritas! Dockside Margaritas We tried the truly tasty Watermelon Margarita during our visit, but were also tempted by the Blood Orange Margarita. And that’s what brings us back today! You won’t find the Blood Orange Margarita under the regular menu items — instead, it’s a seasonal offering. (That said, this isn’t the first we’ve seen of it, as it was the seasonal option in January, and it’s still holding strong at the moment!) Dockside Menu So it’s high time to give this blood orange bevvy a try, don’t you think? Blood Orange Margarita While “Blood Orange” gets the spotlight in the name, the blood orange flavor in the drink isn’t particularly prominent, but it’s refreshing and delicious, nonetheless. Blood Orange Margarita The pleasant surprise, though, was that this pour was heavier on the tequila than other margaritas we’ve enjoyed here, and we were impressed with both the strength and taste! Blood Orange Margarita That said, if you prefer a sweeter summer sip… Check out the Watermelon Margarita at Dockside Margaritas here! No matter what the seasonal offering is during your visit, they range from $16.00 – $17.00. (The Blood Orange Margarita rings up at $16.00.) You’ll also find a few frozen drinks (like the Dockside Colada and Daquiri) along with a selection of wine and beer and even a Seasonal Mocktail on the menu in addition to the margaritas. So whenever you’re ready to cool down with a cold drink while visiting the Disney Springs Marketplace… Dockside Margaritas is here for you! CHEERS! Have you ever stopped at Dockside Margaritas? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: REVIEW!!! A Black Magic Margarita Has Been Conjured Up at Disney World! News! Paradiso 37 in Disney Springs Has New Operating Hours An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today! View the full article

Today’s been a big ole bottomless honey pot of good news for Winnie the Pooh lovers! ©Loungefly Not only did we spot this new Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack on BoxLunch’s website this morning, but now another brand has just shared a preview of a new Winnie the Pooh line they’ll be launching next week! Love You Melon makes some cutest knitted caps for Disney-loving fams! We’ve already told you guys about their adorable Baby Yoda Beanies, as well as their spring collection which featured a bunch of new Mickey and Minnie styles! Now, Love Your Melon is teamin’ up with Christopher Robin to bring us a bunch of new Winnie the Pooh Beanies for babies! ©Love Your Melon The new Disney x LYM Baby Beanie Collection will be launching on Monday, June 15th at 10AM Central so set your alarms! Love Your Melon’s new beanies tend to sell out FAST! ©Love Your Melon The new styles include a yellow Winnie the Pooh Beanie, orange Tigger Beanie, pink Piglet Beanie, and blue Eeyore Beanie! Each Baby Beanie will cost $35 and while you can’t order them just yet, here’s a sneak peek of the little cuties that’ll be available SOON! ©Love Your Melon And remember — when you buy from these guys, they donate a portion of their proceeds to the fight against pediatric cancer, so grab a few extras to give as gifts! Check out another cute baby accessory we spotted for your little Disney princess here! Are you excited about the new Winnie the Pooh Love Your Melon collection? Let us know which one you’ll be buying for your little honey in the comments below! Related posts: Disney Style Alert! Serious Winnie the Pooh Fans Gotta See This! Review: Crystal Palace at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom CUTE ALERT! NEW Pooh Bear and Friends Disney Wishables Are in The Disney Parks! View the full article

Friday, I’m in LOVE! We thought we were going to have to wait until tomorrow for shopDisney’s free shipping offer, but guess what? ©shopDisney They’ve released it a day early! That means you can get your new Rainbow Minnie Ears and other gear for Pride Month (including the new Rainbow Mickey Alex and Ani Bracelet!) or glow-up your wardrobe with some items from Disney parks’ new Neon Collection! But that’s just the tip of the shopDisney iceberg! Don’t forget we’ve also spotted a bunch of new Disney watches, the new Mickey Parts Collection, and even a Pirates of the Caribbean Backpack! ©shopDisney And even though the website states the offer is only good today, we know Disney will be doing free shipping through June 16th, so you have plenty of time to put together those wishlists! Click here to get a sneak peek of the new Mickey and Minnie Dooney and Bourke Collection that will be released online on June 19th! Related posts: We Need Every Piece of Disney’s ADORABLE New Mickey Mouse Parts Collection! You Can Get a $1 Disney Plush Online RIGHT NOW! Find Out How! TREND ALERT! We’re Loving These New Customizable Disney Shoes! View the full article

A Friendship-Filled Moment with Duffy & Friends Shared Around the World View the full article

Moments ago, we just showed you guys a sneak peek of some new Mickey and Minnie Dooney and Bourkes that are being released on June 19th! ©Disney But that’s not all we spotted! It looks like shopDisney is also gearin’ up to drop a bunch of new sleepwear on us! If you’re anything like us, you’ve been LIVING in your pajama pants and sweatshirts for the past few months and could probably use some fresh sleep duds right about now! Thanks to Disney, it looks like we’ll soon be able to switch up our jammies-only wardrobe with some brand new styles on June 15th! ©shopDisney Umm…if all the sleepwear is as cute as this Minnie Donut PJ Set, we’re going to be buying these pajamas by the dozen! And don’t forget — shopDisney is offering $20 off $100 plus free shipping from June 13th through June 16th! Disney’s just added a ton of new watches to their website! Check ’em out here! Do you have a favorite pair of Disney pjs? Tell us which characters are on them in the comments below! Related posts: SIVAKO! Pandora — The World of Avatar Wishables Are Now Available Online! Laugh With Your Pals Mike and Sulley Because New Monsters, Inc. Wishables Are Now Available Online! So Many New Summery Looks Just Dropped on shopDisney — AND WE NEED THEM ALL! View the full article

Disney World recently announced its reopening plans, and while that’s exciting for many guests who can’t wait to get back into the parks, it does have its concerning aspects. Magic Kingdom The global health crisis has caused some major changes to the offerings in the parks. We’re sure a lot of you are worried that Disney World is going to be disappointing once it reopens. Let’s take a look at some of the things that are concerning guests. What is Disney World losing? First, let’s talk about what Disney World is losing from the last time we were there. For one, to keep guests and Cast Members safe, traditional character meet and greets aren’t going to be a thing. And you can count out most character dining too. Instead, characters will be meeting from a distance, but that means no close-up pictures and no hugs. Um…bummer. Disney World Character meet and greets aren’t the only offerings that have been removed in the name of physical distancing. Fireworks, parades, and shows are all going to be suspended when the parks reopen and FastPass+ and Disney Dining Plans are not being offered so that more space can be made in queue areas and restaurants. Magic Kingdom So, yeah. Needless to say, a lot of quintessential Disney experiences aren’t going to be available when the parks reopen. Who would have thought one day we’d be going to a Disney World where we can’t hug Mickey or watch fireworks over Cinderella Castle at the end of the night? Want to learn more about the changes to entertainment? Click here! But there is a bright side. We know what you’re thinking. What could possibly be the bright side of all these changes in response to the global health crisis? Well, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has mentioned that we can expect VERY short wait times for attractions — the majority of which will be open. Well, hey, that sounds pretty good actually. We’d LOVE to waltz right on to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! Wouldn’t you?! Whether this is the case or not won’t be known until the parks actually reopen. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom But Disney is significantly lowering capacity, and that will probably make for a pleasant day sans the sea of crowds. Not only will there be lower waits, but you’ll also be able to snag some GREAT Disney pictures with fewer people in them. Disney might seem a little bit more like it did years ago before crowds started getting so pervasive — that sounds like a silver lining to us. Click here to learn more about Bob Chapek’s comments on reopening! So, is Disney World going to be disappointing? Ok, so now we know the good and the bad — does that mean Disney is going to be disappointing? It really depends on your expectations. If you’re looking to get back to the same old Disney you remember, you might want to hold off on visiting for a little while. Magic Kingdom The same is true if one of your priorities is fireworks, character meet and greets, or parades. Since these offerings aren’t going to be available at first, you might be super disappointed with what is left to do. If this is your family’s FIRST trip to Disney World, it might be a major letdown to not get the full experience. Still, if you’ve been many times before and had your chance to see the fireworks, parades, and more, it might make for a really nice Disney day. For more on health measures we can expect, click here! Here’s what to consider to decide if Disney’s worth it right now. So, it really can go either way depending on your party and your expectations. If you’re wondering if you should take your first-ever Disney trip right now, as we said before, the changes will be a huge consideration and possibly a big deterrent. You’ll miss out on a few iconic pieces of the Disney experience, but Disney IS still a standout when it comes to the theming, rides, and restaurants that WILL be open. The choice is uniquely yours. Tower of Terror It really all comes down to if the trip is worth the money and time for you. If one of these cancellations or health measures sounds like it could make your Disney day not worth it, hold off on the trip. Offerings are set to return at some point in the future, and Disney will feel a lot more like it used to. Magic Kingdom But if you are itching to get back, this will certainly make for a memorable trip you’ll likely speak of for years to come! But of course, it goes without saying that the world is still in the midst of a global health crisis, and may continue to be for months to come. So please make your decisions carefully, especially if you have people in your traveling party who may be more susceptible to complications from this illness. We hope this is helpful when you’re figuring out what to expect in a reopened Disney World! We’ll be reporting on all new developments and what the resort is like in the coming weeks so stick around for ALL the latest updates. Click here for ALL the details on Disney World’s reopening plan! Do you think Disney World will be disappointing? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related posts: ANSWERS for Your 10 Biggest Disney World Planning Questions What Will Happen if You Refuse To Wear A Mask In Disney World? Disney World Parades, Fireworks, and Character Meet and Greets Will Be Temporarily Suspended When Theme Parks Reopen View the full article

We love shopping for interesting finds at the Disney Parks, but did you know BoxLunch has its own line of exclusive Disney merch? Winnie the Pooh Topiaries That’s where we spotted this new Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack today and it’s just the cutest thing we ever did see! Check out this adorable new Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack for $69.90! It’s just flown in straight from the Hundred Acre Wood — via airmail, we’re guessing from the looks of it! ©BoxLunch Even though it says, “Oh, bother” Pooh Bears seems to be goin’ with the flow! Click here to buy the new Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack! Of course, we love how the bag features the classic scene of Pooh Bear merrily floating along with his signature red balloon! ©BoxLunch And on the back, Pooh’s best friend Piglet makes a cameo appearance! Looks like he’s also found himself in a rather precarious dilemma! Hang in there, little buddy! ©BoxLunch And while we’re still waiting for the new Heimlich Loungefly Backpack and Wall-E Loungefly Backpack to drop-in, the new Wall-E and Eve Loungefly Wallet is now available! Find out where you can get it here! Check out these new Disney Kitchen Sets we discovered on BoxLunch’s website here! Do you love Winnie the Pooh? Let us know if you’ll be picking this Loungefly Backpack up in the comments below! Related posts: These Chic ‘Star Wars’ Loungefly Bags Are Bringing Us A New Hope! You Might Not Be Ready For How Cute These ‘A Bug’s Life’ Loungeflys Are! ANOTHER ONE?! Loungefly Is Back On Its Stuff With This New Mulan Bag! View the full article

With reopened locations like Universal and SeaWorld and the fact that Disney World will be reopening next month, Orlando International Airport is gearing up to receive travelers. Universal If you’re planning on flying to down to Florida soon, we want to provide you with a list of the MCO’s businesses that are currently open just in case you need to grab a newspaper, souvenir, cup of coffee, or a quick bite! Some of the airport’s locations have chosen to only be open on certain days or operate with reduced hours. For now, it appears only the A-Side of the airport is in use. ©Orlando International Airport Main Terminal Restaurants McDonald’s (open daily) 5:30AM – 10:00PM Chick-Fil-A (open Monday – Saturday) 5:00AM – 8:00PM Sbarro’s (open Sunday) 11:00AM – 7:00PM Starbucks (open daily) 4:00AM – 9:00PM Dunkin Donuts(open daily) 4:00AM – 10:00PM Panda Express (open daily) 10:00AM – 9:00PM McCoy’s (open daily) 7:00AM – 10:00PM Retail Orlando Market(open daily) 7:00AM – 7:00PM Hudson News (open daily) 6:00AM – 8:00PM Universal Studios Store — both locations, (open daily) 9:00AM – 6:00PM Magic of Disney in Orlando International Airport is Still Closed at This Time A-1 Terminal Restaurants Burger King (open daily) 5:00AM – 8:00PM Starbucks (open daily) 5:00AM – 8:00PM Retail Hudson News (open daily) 7:00AM – 8:00PM ©Orlando International Airport A-2 Terminal Restaurants Asian Chao (open daily) 9:00AM – 7:00PM Chipotle (open daily) 9:00AM – 7:00PM Jersey Mike’s (open daily) 6:00AM – 7:00PM Market by Villa (open daily) 8:00AM – 7:00PM McDonald’s (open daily) 5:30AM – 9:00PM Starbucks (open daily) 5:00AM – 8:00PM Villa Italian Kitchen (open daily) 6:00AM – 7:00PM Retail Hudson News (open daily) 7:00AM – 8:00PM InMotion (open daily) 6:00AM – 6:00PM Starbucks Coffee!! A-3 Terminal Restaurants Wendy’s (open daily) 6:00AM – 9:00PM ZaZa’s (open daily) 4:30AM – Last Flight Retail Hudson News (open daily) 7:00AM – 8:00PM InMotion (open daily) 6:00AM – 6:00PM ©Disney Orlando International Airport A-4 Terminal Restaurants Burger King (open daily) 5:00AM – 8:00PM Starbucks (open daily) 5:00AM – 8:00PM Retail Stellar News (open daily) 6:00AM- 8:00PM Orlando International Airport We’ll continue to update this list as more businesses reopen, so check back as it gets closer to your trip and click here to familiarize yourself with some of the safety measures you might see the next time you fly! Traveling to Disney World soon? Orlando International Airport wants to know your thoughts on flying! Learn more here! Will you be flying into MCO soon? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: NEWS: Orlando Airport Will Be Closed for Hurricane Dorian — Disney World Flights are a No-Go! Find Out How Orlando International Airport Got Even More Magical Today! Orange County’s Mayor Is Expected To Announce His Phased Approach To Reopen Orlando Tomorrow View the full article

Remember all that awesome Haunted Mansion merch Disney teased us with last month as part of a Halfway 2 Halloween sneak peek? Haunted Mansion Graveyard We were already howling with excitement over some of the new Haunted Mansion accessories along with spooky spirit jerseys and a bunch of new Funkos! But almost as mysterious as the Haunted Mansion itself, when Disney showed us the new Funkos that were heading our way, they left THIS guy out! It’s a Haunted Mansion Butler Funko and it comes with its own very own HAUNTED MANSION! Doesn’t it look exactly like the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square? We certainly think so! ©Funko Funko was pretty vague on the deets regarding when and where the new Haunted Mansion Butler will be released! So far, they’ve just stated we should add it to our wishlists! We checked, and so far it hasn’t shown up on Funko’s website or shopDisney, but we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled it! And if your Haunted Mansion Butler needs a few friends, don’t forget these new Funkos will also be released sometime this year! I mean, you gotta get the Haunted Mansion Maid too, right? ©Funko We can’t wait until we get to hop aboard our beloved doombuggies again! We bet Madame Leota has really missed all of us! At least, we certainly wonder sometimes if the Disney rides have been missing us too! Click here to see the new Haunted Mansion Ghost Park Pal we spotted at Disney Springs yesterday! Are you excited about the new Haunted Mansion Butler Funko? Let us know if you are in the comments below! Related posts: The Hatbox Ghost Takes Over Disney World and Disneyland Resort with NEW Tiki Mug, Pin, and Ornament! DFB Video: 5 Disney Changes That Turned Out Way Better Than Expected What’s New at the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney: Haunted Mansion Refurb and the Best Popcorn Bucket EVER! View the full article

Who’s your favorite mouse? Runaway Railway If you’re a fan of the cutest mouse couple in the world, we have great news for you! Dooney & Bourke is releasing an all-new collection of Mickey and Minnie-inspired bags and they are SO COOL. Check them out! Disney released a sneak peek of the new Dooney & Bourke line with a glimpse of this abstract and WAY cool Mickey and Minnie tote! Can you spot the two lovebirds in the pattern? Typically Dooney & Bourke collections include a tote, a crossbody, and a wallet; but sometimes it varies. ©Disney You’ll be able to see the new collection on June 19th on shopDisney, and you can bet that we’ll be reporting in on it too! Can’t get enough Dooney & Bourke? Click here! Will YOU be snagging one of these new bags? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: The New Minnie Mouse Dooney & Bourke Collection Is Now Available Online! Disney Animal Lovers, This New Dooney & Bourke Collection Is For YOU! This NEW Epcot-Inspired Dooney and Bourke Collection Is Practically Perfect in Every Way! View the full article

While we’ve all fallen in love with Disney World for one reason or another, we’re going to have to face some big changes when the parks re-open. Cinderella Castle While it’s unknown when or if the parks will return to “normal,” there’s a silver lining when it comes to Disney World undergoing some updates right now. It may not seem like it, but change can be a good thing (especially since Walt himself said to “keep moving forward”). And, even though there are going to be a lot of adjustments for everyone, we’ve found that there are some changes ended up not being nearly as bad as first envisioned in Disney World! Everyone Wearing Face Masks Ok, real talk — we’re not saying wearing masks is our favorite thing ever, but it’s nowhere near as bad as we first pictured. Those first few times we wore a face mask, it was a little new and uncomfortable. But, once we started doing it more frequently, we almost didn’t even notice our masks were there! We originally thought that many people wouldn’t want to go to Disney World wearing the masks, but guests are STILL having a great time around Disney World with them on! American Threads Face Masks at Disney Springs There has been concern with riding attractions in theme parks with a mask on, especially roller coasters or rides that have a lot of quick movements. A lot of readers have asked us about what happens when you lose your mask and how to prevent it. Now that we’ve gone back to the theme parks at Universal, we’ve realized that masks don’t actually fly off on roller coasters (luckily). Sephora Employee They may slip up or down a bit so you have to adjust them, but, if you have the masks on properly, it’s pretty easy to keep them on during something as intense as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or Expedition Everest. However, if you do happen to lose your mask (it happens, folks), there are ways to get around it! World of Disney Make sure to pack extra with you before you head into the parks so you don’t have to worry about rushing to find another in a store. You can still buy them in places like Vera Bradley, Sephora, and American Threads in Disney Springs. While Universal Orlando has been selling masks in their merchandise locations, we’ll have to wait to see if Disney World will be doing the same! Face Mask The biggest problem with masks that we’ve encountered is that they can get uncomfortable after you’re wearing them for a prolonged period of time. There are a few times that it can even be hard to breathe when you’re in the rain or direct heat. However, Disney World has taken this into consideration and laid out plans for “relaxation zones” for guests to take off their masks. Cast Member Checking in Guests at World of Disney You can still get some relief without taking off your mask! We’ve found that chewing minty gum helps us breathe a bit easier. Guests with Face Coverings in Disney Springs Handheld fans and air-conditioning are also essential to use when you need to increase some airflow with your mask on. In general though, even in the heat, it’s been bearable to wear a mask all day. Here are the times you will and won’t have to wear a mask in Disney World! Distancing Measures A LOT of people have worried that distancing measures would be hard to enforce in theme parks (we were even a bit skeptical too, TBH). Yet, guests (with a few exceptions) and employees have generally all been incredibly respectful of one another and continue to follow health and safety guidelines. World of Disney Social Distancing Stickers While our own experiences at Disney Springs have changed with the need for physical distancing, it does make you more conscious about other people and your surroundings (in a good way). You might spend a little more time admiring the water features or noticing a cute outfit someone is wearing six feet away from you in line. Marketplace Co-Op The crowds are also nowhere nearly as chaotic with nobody pushing into you or trying to shove past you. People have been respecting space so much that it makes your interactions and experiences generally a lot more pleasant. When you’re sitting in a restaurant, you’re more secluded from other guests with new spacing. (No more crammed-in banquette seating where Karen and her husband are listening to your every word.) Instead of having to raise your voice to be heard with the noise, you can actually hear your party better. Wine Bar George Bar Seating Since you don’t have to worry about grabbing the same thing at the same time as another guest or maneuvering around someone to look at the Minnie Ears display, shopping also doesn’t have as much commotion as before. World of Disney Now that there is only a certain amount of people allowed in each store on top of the use of Virtual Queues to enter, many of the retail locations don’t get overly hectic. We’re enjoying the vacation from the crowded atmosphere of Summer in Disney World! We’re decoding all the distancing signs in Disney World here! Temperature Screening Since temperature screening is something entirely new to most of us, some people have worried that it would take a really long time to get into the parks or that it would be invasive. However, that hasn’t been our experience at all. We were actually surprised when we first went to Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk by how quickly everything moved. Temp Checks A Cast or Team Member would stand at a distance from you and point a temperature scanner at your forehead. There was no physical contact and distance was respected between everyone, even during the temperature check itself. The whole process from start to finish takes mere seconds. Temperature Screening Also, Disney won’t just test you once and turn you away if you have a high temperature. If your temp registers above 100.4, you’ll be given an opportunity to cool off in a nearby tent for a bit, then retest. If the temperature persists, only then will they turn you (and your party) away. Disney Springs We also had originally envisioned Cast Members conducting the tests but, in actuality, healthcare workers from AdventHealth are conducting the tests. We thought all of these steps were not only extremely thorough but also helpful to guests to make sure that each reading is as accurate as possible. Read all about the health and safety measures we’ve experienced in Disney World here! Hand-Washing and Hand-Sanitizing Stations Disney World started implementing hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations in the parks before they closed, but we’re guessing they will be more prevalent once the parks re-open. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk have them readily available and encourage guests to use them frequently. Hand-washing Station Many guests have been on board with making sure they stick to the same health protocols that employees do. Since the hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations have been made readily available, more people will likely spend the time to clean their hands. Hand Sanitizer Station Plus, it’s easier to wash and sanitize since you don’t have to go all the way to a bathroom just to do it! Universal Orlando has also even required guests to use sanitizer before or after boarding some attractions. Hand Sanitizer Locations Although there’s no certainty that this will be happening in Disney World, there’s a good possibility that Disney could be doing this as well, which would be beneficial in sanitation efforts. Here is the ULTIMATE guide to a re-opened Disney Springs! Virtual Queues Since the Virtual Queues for numerous rides are something entirely new (before this, we’d only really ever seen the Boarding Pass virtual queue system used in Disneyland and Disney World for Galaxy’s Edge and Rise of the Resistance), it’s easy for a lot of guests to worry that they might lose their information due to glitches. Although there will obviously be bumps along the way, we’ve found that the Virtual Queues we’ve experienced have mostly gone smoothly. World of Disney Virtual Queue sign In Disney Springs, you’re able to get in line for the Virtual Queues at restaurants and stores and walk around while you wait. Instead of just standing around and causing longer physical queues, you receive a return notification when it’s your turn to enter. This has helped a lot with distancing efforts to add space in between guests in the area and limit the people inside shopping and dining locations. World of Disney Queue While we have already seen a shift towards the Virtual Queue system in Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Rise of the Resistance‘s boarding groups, Disney will be making their own version of a Virtual Queue for the parks as well. It should help disperse people so there’s not a congregation of guests in line and possibly help lower wait times. Boarding Group Status Even though there are going to be differences, it might be helpful for Disney to take a few cues from Universal Orlando’s re-opening. Virtual Line While there were still some problems during the first week, the Virtual Lines (their version of Virtual Queues) were actually very helpful when it came to distancing guests and allowing everyone to experience what they wanted to see when they were in the parks. These are strange things we may see in Disney World when the parks re-open! While everyone’s experiences with these changes will be different, we can’t tell you enough how important it is to keep an open mind! All we know is that, as Disney World continues to update to serve the changing needs of its guests and employees, we can still do our best to enjoy the magic (since that’s what it’s all about)! Here are all the ways your experience is going to be different in Disney World during 2020! What are some upcoming changes in Disney World you’re really excited about? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Breaking News! Disney World Begins A Phased Reopening on May 20th With Disney Springs The Full GUIDE to Decoding Disney World’s Social Distancing Stickers These Face Coverings from Sephora in Disney Springs Are SO Cute! (And Give Back to Charity!) View the full article

We won’t lie, we have a hankerin’ for some good homestyle cooking. Homecomin’ And soon we’ll be able to have just that since Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is set to reopen in Disney Springs on June 17th! We’ve got some news about some of the changes we’ll see at Homecomin’ when we’re chowing down on fried chicken and one of those changes is TAKE HOME MOONSHINE. Yes, we are freaking out. Let’s take a look! For one, Homecomin’ will be opening with a temporary menu at first. We’ve seen several spots do this around Disney Springs to help them ramp back up into typical business practices. Don’t worry, though! It’s still got Art’s Famous Fried Chicken and the lovable Hummingbird Cake. ©Homecomin’ Of course, we’re also really missing the Rise and Shine Southern Brunch at Homecomin’. Unfortunately, brunch won’t be offered immediately after reopening but (THANKFULLY) it will be back soon! We want the Hush Puppy Benedict! Hush Puppy Benedict And you KNOW we asked about the moonshine because one of the MANY things that Homecomin’ does well is the SHINE, especially with the new Shine Bar & Social patio opening! We checked in to see if they would still be honoring the Homecomin’ Sippers for $13 moonshine refills and free non-alcoholic drink refills. Well, get those sippers ready because they’ll still be a thing in the reopened Homecomin’! Homecomin’ Squeeze Bottle But that’s not the only exciting news we got about moonshine. Typically, the only way you could nab some shine was by purchasing some in the restaurant or grabbing some to walk around Disney Springs with, but there was no way you were going to be sippin’ that sweet stuff at home. Now, though, that’s all changed. With some of the laws around alcohol distribution changing in response to the global health crisis, Homecomin’ will now be offering bulk servings of moonshine TO GO. Uh… yeah. Homecomin’ will be selling sealed 32 oz milk jugs of select moonshine varieties so that you can get sippin’ from home! Shine Bar So, there you have it! You can bet that we’ll be reporting in from Homecomin’ on June 17th as we get our fair share of Southern food again. See ya then! Click here to see our FULL REVIEW of dinner at Homecomin’! What do you miss most from Homecomin’? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Exciting News! Homecomin’ In Disney Springs Is Getting a NEW Patio Shine Bar! Review: NEW Menu Items at Disney Springs’ Homecomin’!! Review: Rise and Shine Southern Brunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs View the full article

Gatorland workers form strong bonds with favorite alligators View the full article

Disney filed a dozen lawsuits this week in Orange Circuit Court over the tax assessments for its theme parks, resorts, employee buildings and other structures that stand on its sprawling Orange County property. View the full article

Disney World is going to look pretty different when it reopens on July 11th, and the guests aren’t the only ones who are going to see new health measures. Mickey Mouse Our favorite Disney pals in the parks are going to have to make some changes, too! Disney has announced that character meet and greets and character dining (except for one modified version at Topolino’s Terrace in Disney’s Riviera Resort) won’t be a part of the reopened parks at first. Still, that doesn’t mean we won’t see those iconic friends during our Disney day. We’re diving into what character interaction might look like when the parks reopen! You might meet your favorite characters from a distance. First up, you might meet your favorite characters from farther away than usual. In Disneyland Shanghai, you can still see characters but you can’t get close to them. This is to keep up physical distancing requirements for both Cast Members and guests. Universal Orlando Spider-Man We’ve also seen this method used at the reopening of Universal Orlando theme parks. The characters are stationed on blocked off platforms and areas that make sure guests are more than six feet away. You can still wave and interact with them (and snap a selfie!), but no getting close and no hugs! It’s also important to note that a few of the face characters in Universal were wearing masks! Click here to learn more about the characters in Shanghai Disneyland! You may be eating without company from your Disney pals. Character dining is typically a big piece of a Disney trip, but that won’t be true when we first return to a reopened Disney World. Disney has announced that character dining will be mostly suspended initially. Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters Notice we did say MOSTLY. There is one character dining experience that will be reopening. Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera at Riviera Resort will be offering their Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends but it will be a modified experience. Disney has yet to share details on what exactly these modifications will be but this is good to note. Click here to learn more about the reopening of Topolino’s Terrace! There might be new ways that characters make their appearance. On the other hand, we’re not just LOSING character meet and greets altogether. Disney may release some NEW ways to interact with characters that are super cool. Like we’ll see in Disney World, Shanghai Disneyland reopened without parades or meet and greets — but they’ve got a pretty neat replacement. Shanghai Disneyland Multiple times throughout the day, a Character Procession drives through the streets of Shanghai Disneyland. This is essentially like a mini-parade that allows guests to see and interact with iconic characters without gathering in large groups or getting too close to the characters. ©ShanghaiDisneylandResort on Instagram You can also spot groups of characters greeting guests at the entrance to each land in Shanghai Disneyland. We actually think it would be super cool to see groups of characters all together so this would be a fun option to see in Disney World. Maybe they’ll bring back the Epcot double decker buses for characters! Omnibus in Epcot circa 1985 Want to learn more about the character procession? Click here! You might have to forego some favorite souvenirs. Keep in mind, you may have to miss out on some typical souvenirs. A big part of meeting characters are the souvenirs that you can get from doing so. Some favorites include pictures of you or your kids with a classic Disney character or a signature for your autograph book. Autograph Books You can still photograph these characters, but it will be at a distance. So that photo of your little one posing with Mickey might not be as easy as we’d want it to be. Plus, Disney hasn’t said how autograph books will work! There might be a system where characters can give their autograph, but it’s also possible that we won’t be able to collect those signatures for a while. Meet and Greets for Onward in Disney World Keep in mind that Cast Members WON’T be able to help snap those family photos for you once the parks reopen, so you’ll need to come up with your own way of capturing those memories with everyone in the photo! Whatever the case, character interactions are sure to feel a little weird when we get back to Disney World. Perhaps we’ll be hugging Mickey again sometime in the future, but for now, we’ll stay back and pal around with the Mouse from afar. To learn more about the suspension of traditional character meet and greets, click here! How do you feel about the changes to character interactions? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Be Sure To Make These Four DISNEY RESOLUTIONS in 2019! DFB Video: We Went To Every Disney World Character Meal (So You Don’t Have To) When Disney World Reopens THESE Are at the Top of Our Must-Do List View the full article

Universal Orlando reopened a little over a week ago to greet all sorts of guests, show off its new Virtual Queue system, and introduce U-Rest locations (even if there were some bumps in the road throughout the day). The Simpsons Prior to reopening to the general public, Universal Orlando offered Annual Passholder previews. And now, Universal is doing something else for APs eager to hang out at the parks again. According to the website, Universal has lifted some of the blockout dates on passes throughout the summer. Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios Florida Seasonal Passes July blockout dates have been lifted. ©Universal Orlando And that seems to be the case for Islands of Adventure as well. ©Universal Orlando Volcano Bay is switching a lot things up by removing many blockout dates for the 3-Park passes available for guests. The 3-Park Seasonal Pass and 3-Park Power Annual Pass will both be lifting their June and August blockout dates. And, the 3-Park Preferred Annual Pass will also no longer have lockout dates for the month of August. ©Universal Orlando Although there are a lot of blockout dates being lifted, the 3-Park Power Annual Pass and 3-Park Preferred Annual Pass will still have blockouts that apply before 4PM throughout July. Hogwarts Express This gives AP even more opportunities to kick back and relax with a Lard Lad Donut in one hand and a chilly Butterbeer in the other. We’re keeping our eye out to see what update Disney World and Disneyland share about their Annual Passes. Will they lift blockout dates? Only time shall tell. As of right now, many things dealing with Disney World Annual Passes, including their current expiration dates, are still very up in the air. So be sure to check the blog for the latest info! These were the 6 things that really surprised us at Universal Orlando’s reopening! Have you gone back to Universal Orlando yet? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: NEWS! Universal Orlando Annual Passholders Can Register For a Reopening Preview TODAY Here’s Everything You NEED to Know About Wearing Masks on Theme Park Rides! NEWS! Universal Hollywood’s CityWalk Could Reopen as Soon as Mid-June View the full article

Although Mickey might be the mouse that started it all, our dads are the King of the Castle and have a VERY special place in our hearts. Amphicar And, this Father’s Day, it’s time to celebrate them with a little Disney cheer and a lot of great food! On Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21st), you can head over into Disney Springs to have a full feast with your family for the occasion at Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill. Wolfgang Puck As a part of the party, Wolfgang Puck is hosting a Father’s Day special with Grilled Spicy Prawns, Stone Fruit Salad, St. Louis Ribs, Snake River Farm Bone-in Pork Shoulder, and Barbeque Chicken available individually or on a platter! (We’ll take one of each!) Father’s Day Specials You can visit Wolfgang Puck with your whole fam on Father’s Day with the restaurant’s updated hours of 12PM to 8PM on Sunday the 21st. And, be sure to thank Dad for everything he does (like take you to Disney World!) when you’re there! Take a look at our full review of the re-opened Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill here! What will you be doing with your dad for Father’s Day? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Review: Chocolate Paradise and Some Pasta Too! We’re in Disney Springs at the Reopened Terralina Crafted Italian! What’s New at Disney Springs: Dogs Wearing Face Masks, Four Pounds of Loaded Fries, and MORE! What’s New in Disney Springs: a NEW Caramel Sundae, Neon Merch Galore, and Refillable Popcorn Buckets! View the full article

Father’s Day is coming up soon and if your dad loves cupcakes as much as we do, then we have some great news for you! Sprinkles Cupcakes Sprinkles locations (including the Disney Springs shop) are offering an awesome limited-edition cupcake for Father’s Day and you’ll never believe what it’s made with. Check out the limited-edition Shiner Dive Bar Cupcake! The Shiner Dive Bar Cupcake is a pretzel crust-lined chocolate chip-studded potato chip cake, topped with Shiner beer-infused dark chocolate frosting, a chocolate-covered pretzel, and a chocolate-dipped potato chip. That sounds like the sweet AND salty treat of our dreams! ©Sprinkles This limited-time cupcake is available for pre-order only! You can order NOW online through June 17th for pick-up or delivery June 19th through June 21st. We can’t WAIT to try out one of these guys. Happy early Father’s Day! Click here to learn more about the reopening of Sprinkles in Disney Springs! Will you be snagging the Shiner Dive Bar Cupcakes for Father’s Day? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Sprinkles’ Old-Fashioned Cupcake Will Return for Father’s Day Weekend! Sprinkles Cupcakes Introduces NEW Watermelon Mojito Cupcake for a Limited Time! REVIEW! We Could Eat an Entire BOX of the Samoa Cupcakes at Sprinkles in Disney World! View the full article

This week, we announced that D23 will be celebrating the Walt Disney Archives and its Golden Anniversary throughout the month of June and we hope that all of you will join us for an inside look at the wonders of this amazing collection of “everything Disney.” The Archives is the company’s repository for all of its treasures – from film to television to parks around the world. And its vaults hold incredible riches like Walt Disney’s correspondence files, the contract that started the Walt Disney Company, Mary Poppins carpet bag, the Nautilus, Mousketeer Annette’s famous sweater and even amazing treasures like the first ticket to Disneyland and Walt Disney’s own (#1) park nametag. So, we hope you’ll join us for special peek into the Archives this month, and if you want to see even more, we’ll be premiering a brand new film called “Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives.” This new short-form documentary celebrates all 50 years of collecting and preserving the history of the Walt Disney Company. Hosted by renowned producer Don Hahn, the film gives viewers a look inside rarely-seen Archives locations, including those at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park, and the Studio Lot through a historical lens. Each stop on our adventure features treasured artifacts–some are obscure, others are iconic–but all have played a pivotal role in Disney history. The culmination of the film brings us to one of the Archives’ most amazing achievements—the restored Offices of Walt Disney. So here’s to another 50 years and beyond Preserving the Magic of The Walt Disney Company! For more details on the Archive’s anniversary, visit D23.com. View the full article

You’ve been planning your Disney World vacation for months (congratulations!!), and it’s about time to head out the door. Disney’s Riviera Resort But, instead of feeling excited, you might be spending more time worrying about things you could forget or what may go wrong during your trip! Whether you’ve gone to Disney once or ten times, it’s totally normal to get those pre-trip jitters. However, we’re here to tell you about things that you don’t have to worry about the next time you go to Disney World (so you can get to relaxing even more quickly!). Getting Sick in the Happiest Place on Earth No matter how much we hope we won’t catch a cold in Disney World, sometimes it just happens (even though it’s a massive bummer when you want to ride Toy Story Mania three times in a row). Toy Story Mania Although it can be frustrating when you or a family member gets sick while at the Most Magical Place on Earth, there are still ways to get around feeling ill during your vacation. Motion Sickness If you know that you are prone to nausea or lightheadedness after riding attractions, be sure to pack some Bonine or Dramamine with you before you head into the parks. Trust us — it can be a life-saver for the days you feel extra adventurous and ride Tower and Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster back-to-back! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster If you take Bonine earlier in the day, it will probably help relieve some of that motion sickness so you can enjoy more in the parks. Click here to learn more about how motion-sickness meds can save your day! Dehydration After you’ve spent an entire day in Magic Kingdom in that boiling Florida sun walking 10,000 steps and then some, hydration is KEY to surviving in Disney World. But, when you’re running from Space Mountain to sit on Main Street for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, dehydration can creep up on you quickly if you’re not drinking enough water. Festival of Fantasy While we recommend to always have a hydrating drink with you, First Aid Stations are available around the parks if you feel faint or dehydrated. The Cast Members will give you a place to cool off for a bit and sports drink to rehydrate before you go back to pound the Disney World pavement. Blizzard Beach First Aid You can find where the nearest First Aid Station is located in each park by using the My Disney Experience app! Click here to learn more about First Aid in the parks! Medication Delivery There’s no sure-fire way to get rid of a cold or the flu ASAP in Disney World, but you CAN have prescription medication delivered to your resort directly or to the First Aid Stations in each park to help curb your symptoms. Remember, if you have a contagious illness, it’s best to wait it out in your room! Gift Shop Medicine Gift shops in the parks and resorts also keep a stock of different pain relief, stomach relief, allergy, and cold medications that you can pick up. Read more about prescription delivery in Disney World here. Although we’d all like to see and do everything we can in Disney World, one of the best ways to get better is to rest. It’s more important to take care of yourself so you can conquer a new day all rejuvenated and ready to go instead of pushing yourself too hard (and possibly making yourself feel worse). Mickey Waffles in Bed! Note: since room service won’t initially be available when the parks reopen, make sure you have a few packaged items in your room just in case you need to spend a day inside! These are the things we’ve learned from our biggest Disney World disasters that YOU need to know! Packing Every Little Thing You’ll Need If you’re like us, you might be guilty of waiting until the last minute to pack (like the morning of your vacation sometimes). But, even if you plan and pack way ahead of time, leaving something important behind is a fear for many travelers. Ears Section of World of Disney While you may not want to forget the essentials, packing for Disney World doesn’t have to be a daunting thing. After all, you’re going on VACATION, friends!! If you’re not sure what to bring or you don’t want to leave something behind, follow along with the ultimate Disney packing list as you get everything together. Rose Gold Suitcases Although we all feel like we might need to pack 20 pairs of socks or eight pairs of shoes, there’s no need to overpack for your trip. If you leave something behind, you can always pop into a gift shop to pick up an extra pair of sunglasses or a new water bottle! (We don’t need to be told twice to go on a Disney World shopping spree! ) Dapper Day Sunglasses Note there are a few things banned in the parks, so leave items like selfie sticks and toy weapons behind. Who wants to go through the hassle of bringing something they won’t be able to use in the parks, anyways? Plus, you can leave bulky items like pool towels and hairdryers behind since your Disney resort will provide them to you at no additional cost. Pool Towels You can also cut down on the amount you take with you by shipping things directly to your resort. The Disney resorts allow you to have anything from packages to groceries delivered right to your Disney resort. Art of Animation Lobby Even if your kid will only eat a certain kind of granola bar or you need enough diapers for two toddlers, you don’t have to worry about packing them. Get just what you need for the length of your trip delivered to your hotel instead of cramming it all in your already-full suitcases! Wilderness Lodge Lobby Find out how you can Disney Parks food delivered to your hotel! Need even MORE packing advice? Watch our Ultimate Packing List video here!! The “Perfect” Vacation This is a big one, folks — things go wrong on vacations all the time. We can’t predict when our kids will have meltdowns or when you’ll be late for an Advance Dining Reservation. It’s important to roll with the flow when you’re in Disney World without freaking out if something doesn’t go exactly to plan. Rise of the Resistance Since there are plenty of unexpected factors that can’t be planned around, your plans could always change, depending on what is happening that day. If something DOES go wrong, though, Cast Members are there to help you fix things like dining reservations, ticket mishaps, and more. (Hey, you might even get lucky and snag one of those No Strings Attached Passes!) Pinocchio Pass Besides, everyone in your party will not have the same definition of a “perfect” vacation. Your grandmother may just want to chill at one of the restaurants, while your kiddos could love doing all the character meet-and-greets. You may be the person who can hop on every attraction and stay in the parks from rope drop until closing, but someone else with you might REALLY need that afternoon nap. Rope Drop You’ll have to consider what everybody you’re with wants to do to make sure everyone has a magical vacation. Disney World It’s all about compromise, folks! Even if you DON’T want to watch PhilharMagic for the hundredth time, your family member could consider it one of the best parts of their vacation. Keep everyone’s opinions in mind and make time for each person’s favorites. You DEFINITELY don’t want to do these 8 things when you’re planning your Disney vacation! Not Finding a Good Spot for the Fireworks or Parades You know the spiel where you “HAVE” to look for a spot at LEAST thirty minutes or more before the parade or fireworks start, or you won’t have a good place to watch them? If you’re looking for a very specific spot right in front of Cinderella Castle, this might be true. But, for the most part, you can still enjoy that Disney magic without sacrificing your time in the parks. Happily Ever After Now, when the parks reopen, there won’t even BE any fireworks or parades, so BAM — problem solved. But once the parades and fireworks come back (and we know they will!), here are a few great tips to create a little more zen for you as you plan. Fireworks will be canceled temporarily in Disney World, but they’ll be back! We’ve found a few spots that are GREAT for fireworks viewings that most people don’t hang around during the show! These spots are best for folks who’ve seen the shows at least once before and already had the full experience. Although you might not be able to fully watch the projections, you can get a one-of-a-kind view of the fireworks in each park that offers them in places like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the entrance to Tomorrowland, and next to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Part of the fun of Disney vacations is trying new things, so maybe you can find a NEW favorite spot to watch the fireworks the next time you’re in Disney World! Parades are a teensy bit different than the fireworks, however, since you can’t always find a spot to stand or sit if it’s crowded. Festival of Fantasy In general in Magic Kingdom, the very start or very end of the parade route is typically the easiest to get a close view last minute. But even if you happen to find a last-minute place standing next to a trash can or at the very end of Main Street, the parade is still just as enjoyable. You can take in all the floats, dancers, costumes, and music from wherever you’re at as the show passes by you (don’t forget to wave to Mickey!). Mickey Mouse However, if you’re willing to shell out some extra cash for an extra great place to watch a show, there are multiple dining packages in the parks that will give you a VIP viewing section. You can snack on some desserts as you watch Happily Ever After, feast on a great lunch before Festival of Fantasy, or have a nice dinner with your family before watching Fantasmic! Happily Ever After…Now With Alcohol! Disney Resorts even offer some great fireworks viewing locations, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort! Dinner and a show sound like a great evening, right?? Take a look at the best Disney World restaurants with a fireworks view! Although we totally understand the stress of worrying about things that could go wrong during your vacation after all that planning, take a deep breath and ENJOY it! You still get to go to the Most Magical Place on Earth with your family. So, if you’re feeling worried, remember a very important lesson from Timon and Pumbaa — hakuna matata, friends! For more great tips and solutions to problems… Here’s what you should do if your Disney trip turns into a HUGE failure! What are some of the things you worry about the most before your Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: These Are the 6 Biggest Decisions We Regret Making in Disney World When Disney World Reopens THESE Are at the Top of Our Must-Do List 6 Things You 🚫Shouldn’t Bring🚫 on Your Next Disney Trip! View the full article

In our most recent jaunt around Disney Springs, we stopped by World of Disney to check out all the latest Disney goodies. World of Disney As usual, there are no shortage of options to cover your noggin in the summer sun with character caps, and two new choices just joined the lineup. The hats represent two totally different moods… and two totally different Disney characters: Grumpy and Cinderella! Cinderella’s signature sentiment — “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” — is embroidered on this new pink cap. “A Dream is a Wish” Hat Cinderella’s Glass Slipper shines on the front, while the detailing on the back features one of the helpful little bluebirds “sewing” away! “A Dream is a Wish” Hat “A Dream is a Wish” Hat And now, in a completely different frame of mind, Grumpy makes a simple, but bold — and perfectly Grumpy — statement: “How About NO.” Grumpy Hat No matter which you choose, each of the hats is $27.99. Back of Grumpy Hat These join recent additions on the shelves like the M (for Mickey!) cap and the tribute-in-a-hat to Pleasure Island. We’ll be keeping you posted on all our Disney Springs discoveries, so stay with us… and have a Happy Friday! Which hat would you choose? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New at Disney Springs — Loungefly Backpacks, Star Wars Merch, Pins, and More! What’s New at Disney Springs! Minnie Cake, Killer Tees, $$$ Raincoats, and Valentine’s Day Jewelry! What’s New at Disney Springs! NEW Menu Items; Missing Menu Items; The CUTEST Valentine’s Day Cards; and FREE Cupcakes! View the full article

This year, many Disney World trips have been turned upside down a bit due to closures and cancellations. 2019 Food and Wine Classic And although Disney World is gearing up to reopen its theme parks come July, it appears that the cancellations are over. The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic typically coincides with Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival and was set to take place on November 6-7, 2020. Today, we noticed that tickets were currently unavailable for the event. After seeing this, we called the resort to see if this was a glitch or if the event had been postponed or canceled due to the current health situation. Tickets Unavailable After talking with an employee, we were informed that the 2020 Food and Wine Classic has been canceled and that the resort plans to host it again in 2021. Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic We do want to mention that at this time, we have not heard anything regarding Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. We will continue to keep you updated on this situation and we will let you know if anything changes. Were you planning to attend this year’s Food and Wine Classic? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: First Look and Review: Phins and Fuel in Disney World’s Dolphin Hotel DFB Tips: How To Plan Your Girls’ Weekend in Disney World! What’s New at the Epcot Area Resorts — Menu Changes, Skyliner Construction, Independence Day Merch, and More! View the full article

You’re probably used to seeking our advice when it comes to avoiding some common mistakes people make on their Disney World vacations (as well as what you should definitely PIG OUT on in and around the parks)! Cake Pop at Magic Kingdom But over the last few weeks, as we’ve watched Shanghai Disneyland slowly start its phased reopening, we’ve realized there is a slew of new issues heading our way when the Disney parks open back up again here in the States! Besides ways to save money and where to find a decent poutine for the french fry-obsessed, have you thought about all of the new challenges you’ll face at Disney World and Disneyland when the parks reopen? We’ve thought of four MAJOR problems we’re betting our Corn Dog Nuggets that many of you guys will encounter when going back to the parks — but don’t worry! We’ve also figured out (almost) the “perfect” solutions for them too! Problem: Kids Touch EVERYTHING We know your kids have to literally touch EVERYTHING they see — because that’s exactly how our kids are! It’s Mickey! It’s like they can’t believe it’s real or something until they grab it, try to hang from it, or worst of all, want to put it in their MOUTHS! (Show of hands, how many of us parents are guilty of telling our kids to NOT put their mouths on a Disney handrail?! Yuck.) Solution: Real Talk While some of you may be used to sitting down with your kids before heading to Disney World to explain a few rules, we think it’s going to be more important than ever to establish some guidelines at home prior to arriving at the parks. Mickey Balloons Whether your kids are fully aware of the global health crisis or not, you’ll want to tell them how this will impact your visit to Disney World. This means abiding by the rules and guidelines Disney World will be implementing upon the parks’ reopening such as wearing face masks at all times, social distancing from other guests, and limiting their contact with frequently-touched surfaces. Explain the importance of following the rules so they can still have a good time. Problem: Your Mask Gets Wet on a Ride or In the Rain It’s QUITE common to get soaked in a rogue thunderstorm or splashed on a water ride at Disney World, but instead of drenched clingy clothes, how much of a bummer is it going to be to try breathing through a soggy wet face mask? Splash Mountain Ziploc We’re thinking it’s going to be a pretty big one! Solution: Bring a Spare Face Mask For Everyone in Your Day Bag We’re thinking everyone in our group is going to need a least one back-up face mask — just in case! You never know what could happen. And instead of trying to dry a soaked mask under a hand dryer at the parks, we’d just rather swap it out with a dry one instead! Then when you get back to your room, you can go over it with the hairdryer you’ll find in your bathroom at most of the Disney World resorts! Hair Dryer If you don’t have enough face masks to wear a new one each day AND have a back-up, it’s a good idea to bring some laundry detergent so you can handwash them in the sink and then line-dry them over your bathtub overnight! Most of the Disney World resorts have a retractable clothesline in their tubs for drying bathing suits and the like! Check out the BEST masks to wear in the summer here!! Problem: You Blew Through Your Week’s Worth of Hand Sanitizer in Two Days We all know you can only transport so much liquid with you in a carry-on bag when you fly to Disney World — and you might not want to put a huge bottle of hand sanitizer in your suitcase, should it choose to explode mid-travel all over your clothes (yuck). Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer But now that you’ve already used up all of your hand sanitizer and you still have several days left in your vacay, what should you do? Solution: Disney World Has Got You Covered Luckily, the Disney parks have got your back! Before they closed, Disneyland and Disney World installed several new hand sanitizing locations, especially around restaurants and restroom areas before they closed. Handwash stations and copious amounts of hand sanitizer can currently be found around Disney Springs as well. The Disney parks also provide free hand sanitizer to guests and Cast Members at several counters and kiosks at the parks and resorts, while the gift shops have been selling travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer for as long as we can remember! Hand Wash Station That’s why we’ll still toss a few travel bottles of hand sanitizer in our bag, but if we run out, we’re not too worried. Besides, now that we’ve seen Universal Orlando reopen, we know they are selling hand sanitizer and face masks, so it’s possible that the Disney Parks will also have a steady supply available for purchase. Check out the new feature that was added to the My Disney Experience app shortly before the parks closed which helps guests locate nearby hand sanitizing stations here! Problem: People Are Standing Too Close To You By now you’ve probably experienced this in a grocery store or a restaurant while waiting for your to-go order — someone getting a little close! And whether they realize it or not, they’re crowding you out of your six feet of buffer space! Magic Kingdom Crowds on Final Night In a place like Disney World where crowds are the name of the game, even with a limited capacity, what’s a rule-following Disney guest to do?? Solution: Take a Step Back We don’t like to be confrontational since most people don’t seem to realize they’re standing a little too close for our liking (sometimes social distancing markers are a little unclear or absent in some cases). In most situations, we try to put a little more space between ourselves and them if and whenever possible before saying something. Social Distancing Markers But if we’re in a situation where we can’t step back and space ourselves out more, then we kindly ask those around us if we could have a little elbow room. Its also helpful to flag down a Cast Member and let them know if more social distancing markers are needed since sometimes there aren’t enough! In situations where a guest won’t comply with the rules and step back, be sure to let a Cast Member know so they can help speak with the guest. Learn more about decoding Disney Springs’ social distancing markers here! Well, friends, we hope we’ve helped you solve these four very important matters so that when they happen to you, you’ll know exactly what to do! What are some new problems you think you might run into when the Disney parks reopen? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Here’s A Look at the Safety Measures Being Discussed By Major U.S. Theme Parks Right Now DFB Video: Latest Disney Parks News — CEO Shakeup, HUGE Refurb News, and MORE! What Has To Happen Before Disney World Reopens View the full article