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Good morning from Disney Springs! It’s been a long time since we were here! Starbucks at Disney Springs Today We’ve been walking around checking out what’s new (umm, the new Homecomin’ Shine Bar & Social, anyone?!?) but now it’s time to duck in line for a quick Starbucks! Starbucks has placed markers for where guests should stand. The line wraps around itself allowing plenty of space for everyone waiting to socially distance. Starbucks at Disney Springs Today We noticed this Starbucks location still had Reusable Cups for sale BUT… Starbucks is Still Selling Its Reusable Cups …a sign at the cash registers said Starbucks is not allowing the use of these cups at this time. Starbucks Sign When it was our turn, the friendly Starbucks employee who took our order was wearing a face mask — as was everyone behind the counter. Starbucks at Disney Springs Today And here’s what we’re getting! It’s called the Welcome Back — a specialty drink Starbucks is serving today made from mango, dragonfruit refresher, coconut milk, strawberries, blackberries, and pineapple ginger syrup topped with golden ginger whipped cream! Starbucks Menu Starbucks still had its card readers out as a payment option, but if you want to go touchless, download the Starbucks app! That way, you can pay without touching any buttons — the employee will just scan your phone instead! Starbucks at Disney Springs Today Instead of everyone waiting around the window area for their drinks to be made, a Starbucks barista passes each person their drink. Starbucks at Disney Springs Today And here it is — our Welcome Back! It’s such a pretty bright PINK drink against the deep blue sky! It looks so good, even the LEGO Loch Ness Monster is eyeballing it! Paws off, Nessie! Welcome Back Talk about such a warm welcome back — except that this is a cold drink! The fruity flavors pair so nicely! If you’re looking for something refreshing, definitely check it out! Welcome Back See which other Disney Springs restaurants have reopened today here! The Welcome Back costs $6.85 before tax, and we hope it sticks around for a while so that you’ll be able to try it next time you visit Disney Springs. Are you looking forward to trying the new Welcome Back drink at Starbucks? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: What’s New at Disney Springs — Halloween Shakes, Dooney & Bourke’s Anniversary, And Disney Tees Galore! What’s New at Disney Springs — The Quake Shake, A Retro Throwback, And The Spookiest Halloween Decorations EVER! What’s New at Disney Springs: Missing Treats; Halloween Cookie Dough; Slimy Cupcakes; and Merchandise Explosion! View the full article

Whether you love Disney’s live-action remakes or you can do without them, one thing is certain: they aren’t going away anytime soon! It seems that within the next few years, there will be hardly any Disney animated films left that have not been translated into a live-action counterpart. The Lion King ©Disney Here is the full list of films, which includes completed projects set for a theatrical release as well as films that are still in the development phase! Mulan The next live-action remake to hit theaters is Mulan. Based on the 1998 animated film, this remake was originally slated to debut on March 27. ©Walt Disney Studios Due to the current global health crisis, it was delayed until July 24. Read more about upcoming Disney films that were delayed here! Cruella We got a first look at Cruella at the D23 Expo in 2019! This reimagining of the classic villain Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians will take place in 1970s London, complete with a pop-rock soundtrack. ©Walt Disney Studios The film stars Emma Stone as Cruella as well as Emma Thompson. Go back to when we first OBSESSED over Cruella here! The Little Mermaid A live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is currently in development! This film will star singer Halle Bailey as Ariel. ©Walt Disney Studios No additional casting has yet to be announced, but what we DO know in addition to Bailey starring is that the film will be directed by Rob Marshall, and Lin-Manuel Miranda (also one of the film’s producers!) will join forces with Alan Menken on the film’s score. Learn more about Halle Bailey’s casting here! Robin Hood We can also expect a live-action remake of Robin Hood! This film won’t see a theatrical release however — it will debut on Disney+. ©Disney The project will be directed by Blindspotting director Carlos Lopez Estrada, and Lady and the Tramp writer Kari Granlund will pen the script! Casting has yet to be announced. Read more about the live-action remake of Robin Hood for Disney+ here! Hercules The most recent official announcement we heard concerning a live-action remake was for Hercules! In the announcement, we heard that there are some Marvel alumni attached to this project. The Russo Brothers are set to produce the film, and Shang-Chi writer Dave Callaham will work on the screenplay. ©Walt Disney Studios Casting has yet to be announced and this film is currently in pre-production. Find out more about the live-action remake of Hercules here! Peter Pan & Wendy A NEW live-action Peter Pan film is in the works! According to Variety, Peter Pan will be portrayed by Alexander Molony, and Wendy will be played by Ever Anderson. Pete’s Dragon director David Lowery is this film’s director and he will also pen the screenplay alongside Toby Halbrooks. Peter Pan and Captain Hook Topiaries in Epcot There are some reports suggesting that this film may go straight to Disney+ like Lady and the Tramp and Robin Hood, but that has yet to be confirmed! Check out this upcoming Peter Pan-inspired merch collection we can’t wait to get our hands on! The Jungle Book sequel A follow-up to the successful live-action/CGI hybrid remake of The Jungle Book is in the works! Mowgli and Balloo! The film is set to bring back director Jon Favreau and will have a screenplay by Justin Marks. No casting has been confirmed yet. Bring the jungle to your home with these fun tips of creating your own tropical hideaway! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs “Heigh-ho, heigh-ho,” it’s off to the movie theaters we go when the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premieres! Snow White! The Amazing Spider-Man director Marc Webb is the director of this project, along with screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson writing the script! No casting or release date has been announced yet. Check out the newest princess-inspired merchandise collection here! Lilo and Stitch A couple of years ago, it was announced that a live-action/CGI hybrid remake of Lilo and Stitch was in the works. Experiment 626 Currently, Mike Van Waes is attached as a writer on the film, and Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are set as the film’s producers. Ever wonder what Lilo’s hometown was based on? Take a look at the real-life locations behind some of our favorite animated films! Bambi Perhaps not FULLY “live-action,” we can most likely expect a Bambi remake to more closely resemble The Lion King with its photo-realistic CGI. Will we be able to endure losing Bambi’s Mother in high-def CGI? We’ll have to wait and see! Bambi! No release date has been announced yet, but what we DO know, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is Captain Marvel screenwriter Geneva Robertson-Dworet, along with Lindsey Beer, will pen the script. Check out the newest Bambi-inspired Dooney & Bourke collection here! The Hunchback of Notre Dame David Henry Hwang will write the screenplay of this live-action tale in Paris, and the voice of Olaf, Josh Gad, is attached as one of the film’s producers! ©Disney Will we see Gad appear in the film as well? Only time will tell as no casting has been announced! Do you feel like Quasimodo these days, longing for one day “out there“? See what other Disney quotes are our TRUTHS right now! Aladdin sequel Can you believe it’s already been one year since the release of the live-action remake of Aladdin? And it looks like the film’s creators already have their sights set on a sequel! While this project is still in its early development phase, we know that John Gatins and Andrea Berloff are penning the script. ©Disney We don’t know at this time if any of the cast from the first film will be reprising their roles. There is also an untitled Aladdin spin-off reportedly in the works for Disney+. Let’s take a look back at all the fun merch we spotted in the parks when Aladdin premiered last year! The Sword in the Stone A live-action remake of The Sword in the Stone is currently in the works for Disney+! Sword in the Stone Float in Magic Happens The film is set to be directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and will feature a script by Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman! Check out Merlin & Arthur in the ‘Magic Happens’ parade! Pinocchio And finally, there’s the live-action remake of Pinocchio in the works. This film is still in its development phase, but there are some big names attached to this film! Blue Fairy Mural It is set to be directed by legendary film director Robert Zemeckis. He is also set to be one of the film’s screenwriters, along with Chris Weitz. Feeling the need to watch a BUNCH of Disney movies all of a sudden like we are? Take a look at these park-inspired watch lists! Whew, that’s a LOT of live-action films in the works! We’ll keep you updated as any casting news or release dates are announced for these films! Which of these live-action remakes are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Check Out The REAL LIFE Inspirations For 14 Disney Animated Film Settings! Life Is the Bubbles! Today’s International Mermaid Day (and We’re Celebrating with Some Disney Magic)! A Brand-New Disney Castle Collection is Coming to shopDisney SOON! View the full article

Hey! We’re back with another DFB Video, and today we’re talking about 6 SURPRISING problems Disney World could experience this year. Soda Refill From carbonated beverage shortages to technology that’s suddenly out of date, Disney World could be in for a very weird set of problems they’ll need to solve. Check out all this and more in our latest DFB Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and let us know: The problems that surprised you the most. Related posts: DFB Video: 7 Disney World Restaurants We Never Talk About…And Why! DFB Video: 8 Tools EVERYONE Needs For Their Disney World Vacation! DFB Video: 7 Risks I’m Willing To Take in Disney World (And One I’m NOT)! View the full article

We’re back in Disney Springs today for the first time since the historic closure of Disney World began in March. Disney Springs Perhaps unsurprisingly, things look a little different in Disney’s dining, retail, and entertainment district. Prior to the reopening, Disney detailed that guests could expect to see some logistical changes with limited parking, temperature screenings, required face coverings, physical distancing, and more. Let’s take a look at what it’s like to be back in Disney Springs with all of these new protocols! Arrival and Parking Hours in Disney Springs, upon reopening, are currently set from 10AM to 10PM. To help limit capacity in the district, Disney has limited parking options at Disney Springs. Of the garages, only the Lime and Orange Parking Garages will be open in the initial phase, with no surface parking available. Orange Parking Garage We arrived early and found that only the Orange Parking lot was open at that time. Cast Members informed us that the Orange Garage was being filled first, and that Lime would be opened to guests later. Parking Garage direction signs As always, helpful signs direct guests as to which lots are open and closed upon arrival, so you won’t wonder about where you’re able to park. Entering Orange Garage Something unexpected was that we were allowed to self-park. Though we would find Cast Members in the area, none were dedicated to directing guests for parking. Inside Orange Parking Garage We’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day — and in the sections below — at all the individual new measures. But the presence of signage in the parking garage — reminding guests of safety warnings and new procedures — are noticed immediately upon arrival within the garage. Warning Sign 6ft apart pole This Way to Temperature Screening Cast Members were available to help direct guests through the new procedures. Cast Member Again, we’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day at various measures, but we’d like to share an overview here of what the new look and procedures are like at Disney Springs. Face Coverings Face masks or appropriate coverings are required for all Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs. Cast Member with required face mask These masks, covering the nose and mouth, are mandatory at all times unless a guest is seated at a dining table or under 3 years of age. Guests of the complex must bring their own masks and be wearing them to be admitted. Signage Note that there is a VERY limited number of disposable masks at the temperature check areas. However, these are used as a last resort and because they are limited, there are no guarantees that any disposable face coverings will be available. Cast Members have been provided with three washable and reusable face masks. Cast members may also bring their own, with stipulations. Temperature Screenings As we’ve discussed for the recently reopened Disneyland Shanghai and experienced in CityWalk at Universal Orlando, temperature screenings are a new piece of preventative measures for many tourist destinations. Advent Health Signage Disney has partnered with AdventHealth to provide temperature screenings using touchless thermometers. Advent Health Representative Screening points are set up at four locations — Orange (pictured here) and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location. Temperature Screening Temperature checks are required for all guests entering the complex. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will be turned away. Temperature Check Additionally, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to complete a temperature check and health screening at home before heading to work. To learn about our full experience with temperature checks at Disney Springs, click here! Physical Distancing Disney Springs has also taken measures to encourage and increase physical distancing as health officials maintain that people should keep a 6-feet distance between themselves and others. Ground markers outside of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill To accomplish this, we noticed that Disney has implemented markings on the ground, physical barriers, signage, and reminders from Cast Members. Distancing signage We are encountering distancing reminders all along the way, from the moment of arrival throughout all areas of the district. Cleanliness and Sanitization Disney has stated that there will be increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic public areas. Hand sanitizer station Additionally, guests are encouraged to make use of hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations placed throughout Disney Springs. Hand-washing station Signs remind to clean hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer. Additional Health Measures Finally, there are a few other health measures that we noticed in Disney Springs today. One interesting measure… well, we can’t show you a picture, because it’s SOUND-related! Guests will hear occasional announcements via the loudspeakers. “Thanks for being our guest today,” precedes audio reminders regarding distancing, hand-washing, and more. Welcome Back to Disney Springs “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” follows the message. As you are out and about shopping and dining, cashless forms of payment are encouraged. Free People reopening today And, as a reminder, Disney Springs is currently operating under limited hours (10 AM – 10 PM, at press time). Overall, there are some serious logistical changes to the way that Disney Springs works as of today. While our day has only begun (and we hope you’ll join us for the rest of it), so far we are finding clear information presented in a large variety of ways for implementation on behalf of Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs. Follow along with DFB as we continue our coverage of the first part of a reopened Disney World! We’re LIVE at the reopening of Disney Springs! Click here for all the details! Were you at the reopening of Disney Springs? Have thoughts on the new safety measures? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: 3 Things We Hope We DON’T See At The Disney Springs Reopening This Week Before You Go To Disney Springs, You Need To Know These 10 Things We Experienced At CityWalk Last Week We Asked Our Readers: “Should Disney World Give out Free Masks for Guests?” Here’s What They Said. View the full article

We’re checking out everything that’s new at Disney Springs as it reopens today. As you can imagine, it’s a lot. lululemon Construction There are a bunch of new health measures around the Springs, but we also spotted some new developments for upcoming locations! Specifically, we spotted some progress on the new lululemon location AND the barriers had an opening season! The new lululemon store was announced back in February and now it looks like there has been a little bit of progress. Construction barriers are up around the location with the opening for the new store is currently listed as “Opening Summer 2020.” lululemon Construction The store is coming to the Town Center section of Disney Springs with much of the other retail options. lululemon Construction We’re eager to check out some new athleisure and workout gear. After all, walking around Disney World all day in the Florida heat is a pretty good workout! lululemon Construction We’ll keep you updated on all updates about lululemon, especially when we get that opening date! We’re LIVE at a reopened Disney Springs. Click here to see what we’re seeing! Are you pumped for the new lululemon coming to Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: What’s New in Disney Springs! August 10, 2018 What’s NEW At Disney Springs? A WHOLE LOT! Check it out…. Big News! lululemon is Officially Coming to Disney Springs in 2020! View the full article

After parking and passing through the new health screening process, we’ve made it inside Disney Springs for the first time since mid-March! Orange Garage And although Disney Springs doesn’t officially open until 10AM, we’re currently walking around to see what’s new or different before the some of the shops and restaurants start to open up. You can follow along with our live, all-day coverage here! On our meanderings this morning, we walked by Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ and noticed something VERY unusual — construction WALLS?! Construction Walls at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs That’s right, friends! This LOOOOONG row of construction walls that were running alongside Homecomin’s building this morning was pretty hard to miss! AND we definitely would have remembered seeing them the last time we stopped by! That means this project is completely NEW and totally out of the blue! Construction Walls at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs Back in December, Homecomin’ introduced a new enclosed patio. Now, a new sign has posted on one of the walls to show us another new addition! It looks like Homecomin’ is gettin’ a fancy new outdoor patio bar called Homecomin’ Shine Bar & Social! Construction Walls at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs Even though Homecomin’ isn’t reopening today, we saw a few construction workers at the restaurant today! This confirmed for us some smaller construction projects have resumed at Disney World despite all construction being halted when the parks initially closed. Construction Workers at Homecomin’ We’re eager to see more about the new Homecomin’ Shine Bar & Social that’s currently underway! So far, there haven’t been any details about this new project yet, but we’ll let you know more about it as soon as Homecomin’ releases some details! Click here to see which Disney Springs restaurants will be reopening today! Are you excited about Homecomin’ Shine Bar & Social? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: News! Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Adds EXTENDED Brunch Hours! Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Debuts New Enclosed Patio in Disney Springs! Review! We’re Loving This NEW Menu Addition to Homecomin’ in Disney Springs! View the full article

When you think of Disney, the first thing that pops into your head probably isn’t “basketball.” NBA Experience Still, Disney actually has a pretty close relationship with the NBA in more ways than one. You might have heard about the NBA Experience in Disney Springs or maybe you’ve watched basketball on Disney-owned ESPN, but those aren’t the ONLY ways these two companies are linked. Come with us down the strange, winding rabbit hole of seven weird ways that Disney and the NBA are connected right NOW! 1. The NBA might use Disney World as a potential playing site if the 2019-2020 season resumes. The big NBA/Disney news right now is that IF the NBA 2019-2020 season is able to resume, they’re considering using Disney World as a potential venue for (fan-less) games. They’ve even already gotten the “OK” from Disney! Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex The NBA has been looking at the logistics of sequestering the entire league. If play could resume at one centralized location, the league could create a “bubble” to keep the players safe. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex If such a situation came to pass, it would be pretty unique to see Disney help get the NBA back up and running. Click here to learn why Disney World could be a good site for the NBA to finish their season. 2. An NBA Player ended up in possession of some stolen vintage Disney World items. There was a theft case over some missing vintage Disney items a few months ago. Interestingly enough, the stolen items ended up in the possession of mega-Disney fan and Milwaukee Bucks center Robin Lopez. ©ESPN According to the Orlando Sentinel, authorities found some vintage Disney clothing that used to belong to the Buzzy animatronic from the old Cranium Command attraction in Epcot in Lopez’s possession. The player claimed he did not know that the items were stolen, but he had purchased them from a former Disney employee who had stolen them from Disney property. ©D23 The case has since been settled with the perpetrators taking a plea deal. The situation was pretty high profile, partially because of Lopez’s involvement and because the entire Buzzy animatronic that was stolen still remains missing! The perpetrators claim to have no knowledge of the missing animatronic. 3. Disney is taking a major financial loss due to the suspension of the NBA season. Remember how we said that Disney owns ESPN? Well, they are taking a significant loss due to the fact that the NBA season has been suspended. According to The Motley Fool, the NBA’s media rights deal with ESPN is worth $2.6 billion per year. Right now, that worth is taking a hit with downgrades to stock and losses in ad revenue. NBA Experience Store Some analysts are suggesting that the loss could culminate in a multi-million dollar drop in income due to the NBA alone. It’s interesting to think about how the two businesses have such a dramatic effect on one another! To learn more about the state of Disney’s finances, click here! 4. The NBA is looking to Bob Iger for guidance on reopening. Even though the NBA is completely separate from Disney, the league is reportedly looking to Disney’s executive chairman Bob Iger for some business guidance. Bob Iger ©Disney Iger was invited to advise the Board of Governors of the NBA and he addressed how the Disney parks have been making decisions saying, “It’s about the data, and not the date.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appears to agree with this sentiment noting, “We’re just not ready to set a date yet in terms of how long we could wait before we no longer would be able to continue this season.” Basketball Minnie Ears ©Disney The two companies are both MASSIVE entertainment-based organizations that notably require people to come together for their business models to work. To learn more about Iger’s comments to the NBA, click here! 5. The NBA Experience opened in Disney Springs in 2019. Though temporarily closed right now, the NBA Experience opened up in Disney Springs last year. For several years, Disney Springs had a major indoor interactive attraction in the same space called DisneyQuest, but as technology advanced, the experience grew stagnant. So, ultimately, the plug was pulled on DisneyQuest and replaced by a new immersive experience — one that’s b-ball-centric. NBA Experience NBA Experience has been open for almost a year now and offers a unique sports experience. The two-story attraction features a bunch of immersive activities designed to make the guest (that’s you) feel like an NBA star. This attraction is a cool option for sports fans! Click here to check out our coverage of the opening of the NBA Experience! 6. The NBA and Disney theme parks announced closures within one day of each other. Like we mentioned, the Disney parks and the NBA are both in a state of temporary closure right now. What’s interesting is that they actually started their closures within one day of each other! The NBA suspended their season on March 11th and Disney announced the closure of many of their theme parks on March 12th. Disneyland Main Entrance Both companies noted a growing concern in the global health crisis and were some of the first large organizations to close or suspend operations to protect their employees and patrons. Want to see the initial Disney parks closure announcement? Click here! 7. The new Michael Jordan documentary is the most-watched ESPN documentary EVER. And our last interesting link to note is related to the Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance. This ESPN docuseries has been on the channel for a few weeks and, according to the Disney earnings call the other day, it’s the most-watched ESPN documentary EVER. Woah. ©ESPN What’s crazy is that this is making ESPN (and therefore Disney) some serious money despite the fact that there aren’t a lot of sports going on. In fact, April brought a rise in primetime viewership per CEO Christine McCarthy. For more on the Disney earnings call, click here! So there you have it! It certainly shocked us how intertwined Disney and the NBA are with each other! We love finding interesting things like this to share with you guys and we’re interested to see what ends up happening with a few of these situations. Were you surprised about the different ways that Disney and the NBA are linked? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: “It’s About The Data, And Not The Date” Says Disney Chairman Bob Iger to NBA Owners Get Ready for the NBA Experience Coming to Disney Springs in Summer 2019! Disney Springs Construction Update: NBA Experience and City Works Eatery and Pour House View the full article

This is a backstage magic photo I took in the “balloon room” at Magic Kingdom Park, where the balloons are prepped for the day. My plan for being in this room was to show how Walt Disney World Resort brings joy to guests every day. And what brings more joy to a child than a balloon? The balloons on Main Street, U.S.A. are one of my absolute favorite things in any Disney park. The colors … the liveliness of them bopping into one another … I just LOVE them! When I walked into the room on this particular morning a few years ago, balloons were flooding the space, making it hard to even close the door behind me. Walking through hundreds of these balloons – having them all bump up against me and my camera gear – felt like a hug. It was a really magical moment that made me feel lucky to work where I do. I had some lighting equipment in tow and an assistant to help me carve out a shot I had envisioned in my head, but as we were setting things up, I saw this scene playing out and quickly fired the shutter. I knew immediately, before even looking at the little screen on my camera or getting back to my desk, I had the shot that was in my head – no additional help or lights needed! It’s moments like that when I’m reminded Disney magic is everywhere. Ready to take your picture-taking skills to the next level? Head over to the Disney Youth Programs Kahoot! page to learn photography concepts used by Disney photographers! View the full article

Disney Springs reopened today, becoming the first part of Disney World to do so as the parks remain closed. Disney Springs Still, things aren’t quite how they used to be in the dining, retail, and entertainment complex as we’re seeing a good amount of added health and safety measures. One such measure is that all guests and Cast Members are required to undergo temperature screenings. Here was our team’s experience with the temperature checks today! May 20th marks the day that many Disney Springs locations have reopened for the first time, many with limited hours and modifications to their offerings. To be safely admitted into the complex, guests have to have their temperature taken by a no-touch thermometer. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees is not allowed to enter Disney Springs. ©Disney Today, we visited Disney Springs to see what some of these new health measures look like. The first step to entering Disney Springs is to get your temperature checked. Here’s how the temperature check process worked. Temperatures are being checked at 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge, and the rideshare location. We arrived at Disney Springs bright and early and the Orange Garage was the only one that was open. After we parked, we headed towards the temperature check station. Temperature Checks Temperature checks are being conducted by AdventHealth, thus meaning health professionals are at these health screenings — not just Cast Members. Advent Health Signage As we approached the temperature check stations there were signs reminding us of what is required for entry into the complex: face coverings, temperature screening, and physical distancing. Signage Plus, similar to the opening at Universal Orlando CityWalk, there are markings on the ground to keep guests distanced as they wait for their turn on the temperature checks. Temperature Screening Queue We also noticed a few hand sanitizer stations before and after the screening. Hand Sanitizer Temperature Screening When it’s your turn, the AdventHealth employee will take your temperature using a handheld infrared thermometer. Temperature Screening Remember, hats off for this part! The thermometers have to be pointed directly at your forehead so anything that covers that part of your face will have to come off. Hats Off! As long as you pass your temperature check (that’s below 100.4 degrees), you’re good to enter the complex! If you don’t pass, you will head to a rescreening tent where you can sit and cool off. If your temperature is still 100.4F when they test you again, you and the rest of your party will not be allowed into Disney Springs. Temperature Screening Overall Overall, the process was very quick. We found it to be even quicker than some of our experiences with bag checks when entering the parks. While this is a new and different experience to undergo at Disney World, the Advent Health employee helped us feel comfortable. We even saw a little boy even got a round of applause when he passed! Temperature Checks Then it was on to Disney Springs! To Disney Springs! We’re LIVE from Disney Springs today! Click here to follow along with our coverage! Keep following along with us today as we continue our exploration of a reopened Disney Springs! And if you have any questions about the screening, please ask us and we will do our best to get the answers you need. Wondering about the science behind these temperature screenings?! Click here. What do you think about the temperature check process at Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: We’re LIVE From Reopening Day at Disney Springs in Disney World! THIS IS The Baby Yoda Valentine’s Day Gift You’ve Been Looking For in Disney World! NEWS: STK Orlando Joins the List of Disney Springs Locations Reopening on May 20th View the full article

The coronavirus pandemic that has forced the cruise industry to a halt since March has hit one of the world’s largest cruise companies with a $1.44 billion loss in the first quarter. View the full article

Last week Universal Studios CityWalk reopened with new health and safety procedures in place. Disney Springs Now, Disney Springs is officially reopening. And we’re here live to report on all of the restaurant, retail, and new procedures. We will be updating this post throughout the day, so be sure to check back for new information and details. And if you have any questions about the opening of Disney Springs or the new procedures, please let us know and we will do our best to pass the information along. Disney Springs Today, select third-party locations are opening. You can see a complete list of the restaurants opening today — here. And you can check out the full list of retail locations reopening today — here. It is important to note that Disney-owned locations will be opening May 27th. You can read all of the details about those locations — here. We will be reporting live from Disney Springs that day as well, so be sure to check the blog for all the need-to-know news. Now, let’s get into the reopening of Disney Springs! ©Disney Parking Guests are able to self-park in the Orange and Lime garages and all surface parking lots are closed at this time. Valet parking is unavailable at this time as well. Orange Lot This morning we were told that Orange garage would be filled first. When we arrived it was self-park, meaning we weren’t directed by a Cast Member and we could park anywhere. Parking Lot Markers are located throughout the garage to remind people to stay 6ft apart. 6ft apart pole Warning signs are spread out throughout the garage as well. Warning Sign Hand sanitizer locations are also available throughout the garage. Hand Sanitizer Due to capacity restrictions at Disney Springs, once the parking garages are full, guests will no longer be able to park and visit Disney Springs. This includes guests who have booked a dining reservation. If a guest is unable to make their reservation because Disney Springs is closed due to capacity, the dining guarantee charge will be waived. Rideshare drop-offs are allowed and take place in the Marketplace lot. Masks and Temperature Checks When guests arrive at Disney Springs, they undergo a temperature check at one of the four open entrances. Temperatures are being checked at 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location. Advent Health Signage Markers have been placed on the ground to assist with social distancing. Temperature Check Advent Health employees use a touchless forehead thermometer for each guest. If you are wearing a hat, you will be asked to remove it. Temperature Screening Those with a temperature above 100.4 F or above are directed to an additional location (which is a large white tent) for rescreening and assistance. Guests can go here to sit and cool off. After cooling off, they can try to screen their temp one more time. After the additional screening, those with a temp that is still 100.4 F or higher will not be allowed into Disney Springs and their party is not allowed entry either. Signage These temperature checks are required for anyone going to Disney Springs, including guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees. Temperature Screening Face coverings are required for everyone (except for guests 3 and under). The only time guests are permitted to remove their face coverings is when they are dining. Advent Health Cast Member Disney has also shared that they may have a few disposable masks available for those who have arrived without a mask. However, these are not guaranteed, so come prepared! Entering Disney Springs Entering Disney Springs There were a few guests, but crowds this morning have been pretty low. Orange Garage The official Springs hours are 10AM – 10PM for the time being. Disney Springs As we said earlier, we will be updating this post throughout the day, so be sure to check back for more information. Are you planning to visit Disney Springs soon? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: You NEED to See This Crazy Sundae at Disney Springs! News!! Celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day with a Deal in Disney Springs! REVIEW! The INSANE Campfire Shake is BACK at Disney Springs! View the full article

As venues across the world begin to reopen, like Disney Springs and Shanghai Disneyland, we’re starting to get an idea of what the expectation will be of guests. Disney Springs Health and safety measures are mandatory at this time to keep guests and employees safe, but one that seems standard across many entertainment venues is temperature screening. So, if we’re going to get our temperatures taken a whole bunch as things reopen, we’re wondering — what exactly is the science behind these temperature checks? Are they legitimately giving true data, or are they all for show? Why is Disney using temperature checks? Let’s start with the basics: what factors are making temperature checks such a ubiquitous measure? To start, safety is a priority for Disney and other companies. And due to the global health crisis, safety is more difficult to guarantee. Until a mass-produced, quick, and reliable method of detecting this illness is present, temperature checks are likely going to be the top choice for large venues. ©Disney According to Health, government and health officials maintain that temperature checks are an important piece of a much wider strategy in preventing the spread of illness. That is to say, checks won’t stop the spread or keep people safe alone, but with other health measures, they could help. Disney Springs Temperature checks, then, help to keep sick individuals out of contact with others. This means that folks in the venue might be able to stay healthy and as a result, they may feel a whole lot safer knowing that no one with a fever is walking around. BUT, as a number of our readers have pointed out, body temperature is not always a reliable indicator of illness. So with temp checks becoming more commonplace now, how do these touchless thermometers work? Click here to learn more about the ways that Disney is working to keep guests safe. How do they work? There are a few different no-touch thermometers we’ve seen employed so far. Universal CityWalk is using infrared thermometers — an easy-to-use handheld tool. Temperature Check at Universal Orlando CityWalk Disneyland Shanghai is using a much more efficient method with thermal cameras. This allows the set-up of a big walkthrough area that displays the temperature of each guest passing through. A Cast Member is stationed to review temperatures as guests enter the park. According to NPR, both of these devices capture the infrared energy coming off of the body and translate that energy into a temperature reading. Did you know that human skin is a super-efficient producer of infrared energy? Some no-touch thermometers can even match an oral reading within two-tenths of a degree — that’s pretty accurate! Shanghai Disneyland Venues are generally determining the maximum temperature that guests and employees can have to be allowed to enter. For both Universal’s CityWalk and Disney Springs, that maximum is 100.4 degrees. If you’re a touch warmer than that, you won’t be getting in. Are they foolproof? You’re probably not surprised to find out that these temperature checks are NOT foolproof. The infrared thermometers work best with dry skin and draft-free rooms. If someone is sweating or happened to stand in a windy area, they may register a normal temperature even if they have a fever, per NPR. Cast Members Cleaning in Galaxy’s Edge Beyond that, some guests may, unfortunately, attempt to trick the thermometers intentionally. Aspirin and other pain relievers have fever-reducing effects that can mask a higher temperature. Instagram users in Shanghai have even been sharing tips to lower their temperatures as they head to Disneyland. On top of that, these thermometers only keep out people with fevers. According to Health, Some people who are ill are completely asymptomatic or they don’t register fever as a symptom. These folks could be unaware that they are sick or not think that their symptoms warrant any alarm. A thermometer won’t stop them from being around others. Universal CityWalk on its reopening day So no thermometer is perfect, but health officials still say that these screenings are the best bet for venues to isolate people who may not know that they’re sick. We asked our readers how they feel about temperature checks in Disney World. Here’s what they said! Will temperature checks be a permanent feature? So, now that we know how temperature checks work, will they be a permanent addition to our theme park and leisure experiences? It’s hard to say! They may only need to be a measure until the advent of a vaccine, a high cure-rate is present, or until rapid testing kits are readily available, or they might stick around for a while. Walt Disney World However, some (including Bob Iger) think that this crisis will change what allows people to feel comfortable in theme parks and out and about in general. Iger asserted that temperature checks could become as common as security measures like bag checks after 9/11, as people expect a higher level of health awareness. After all, 70% of readers we polled are on board with the idea of temperature checks at the park gates. Disneyland Main Entrance – Closed For now, as long as businesses are beginning to reopen and people wish to patronize them, temperature checks are one of the better options available at this time to identify ill guests. Click here to learn about Iger’s comments on temperature checks! How do you feel about temperature checks in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Universal Studios to Officially Implement Employee Temperature Checks Our Experience with Temperature Checks at the Newly Reopened Universal CityWalk Orlando 3 Things We Hope We DON’T See At The Disney Springs Reopening This Week View the full article

Disney Springs reopens with 44 stores, restaurants plus new rules View the full article

We reported yesterday that The Walt Disney Company shifted around their executives to form a new leadership team. @joshdamaro on Instagram This change-up moved Josh D’Amaro to the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, and named new presidents for both Disney World and Disneyland. Former Disneyland President, Rebecca Campbell, is stepping into the role of Chairman for the Direct-To Consumer sector and analysts shared their concerns with this recent change. Campbell is taking over the chairman role previously held by Kevin Mayer. However, Mayer recently stepped down to become the CEO of TikTok and COO of its parent company. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Loop Capital analyst, Alan Gould, downgraded his rating of Disney from “buy” to “hold.” He explained by stating, “we believe the bounce-back from the pandemic will take longer than the Street is currently estimating, the stock is approaching our price target, and the uncertainty is exacerbated by the loss of Kevin Mayer.” Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney He referred to Mayer as “”the architect of the Disney+ launch” and Bernstein analyst, Todd Juenger, referred to Mayer’s successor, Campbell, by stating, “She joins the business at a moment where the already thin original content pipeline has dwindled to essentially ‘nothing.'” He continued, “There are also vitally important strategic decisions to be made on the future of Hulu…She will not have the luxury of time to contemplate most of these tough decisions.” @rebeccacampbelldisneyland on Instagram Jeunger also posed questions about the changes including “Why put somebody from parks in charge of the future of streaming? Given the crucial and transformative role of streaming to Disney’s future, many investors were surprised that Disney didn’t name someone from the streaming side as CEO. Now, Disney hasn’t even named someone from the streaming side to be in charge of streaming.” ©Disney Juenger continues to explain that if Disney had looked for someone with a deeper streaming background, the “very short list” would have been expensive individuals who are not looking to change jobs right now. He stated this was a “cold comfort for nervous investors who now have a surprise departure and unfamiliar replacement in charge of the division most associated with Disney’s future.” ©ESPN Juenger explained that investors are already concerned about a new risk that they are unfamiliar with. He expressed concern with Disney’s limited “visibility” for roles apart from CEO and CFO, so he is hoping Disney will work to connect Campbell with investors to help ease their uncertainty during this transition. Find out more about Kevin Mayer stepping down here! What do you think of the new Disney Company transitions? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: News! Former Disney Chairman Named CEO of TikTok 10 Ways The Current Crisis is Particularly BAD for The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger Comments Reveal How Set-Backs Could Affect The Walt Disney Company Long-Term View the full article

Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E, of course! Mickey Mouse And our main mouse got a makeover with this new bag you have to see to believe! Say hello to the new Mickey Mouse 3D Head Crossbody from Danielle Nicole! ©Danielle Nicole This faux leather 3D purse is $68 and modeled after one of the most recognizable shapes on the planet: Mickey Mouse’s head. It comes with an adjustable strap and a spacious interior compartment. ©Danielle Nicole You can pre-order now, but this 3-D wonder will begin shipping on June 29th! So whether you’re visiting Disney Springs or chillin’ at home — now’s the time to get your perfect matching outfit ready to show off this new bag! Check out the new, adorable Wall-E Loungeflys coming soon here! Which Disney character would you want to see next from Danielle Nicole? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Disney Is Experiencing Technical Difficulties…Again. The Saga Continues. You Can Score Even MORE ‘Year of the Mouse’ Goodies with the NEW Disney x Aldo Collection! Disney Collab ALERT! Check Out The Mickey Mouse x Adidas You’ll Need 3-D Glasses To See! View the full article

Although Florida public schools remained closed through the end of the spring semester, some Florida universities are already inching towards re-opening. Florida No official dates have been announced yet, but select universities are planning on re-opening for the Fall 2020 semester. According to the Orlando Sentinel, certain Florida public universities are planning to re-open for the fall semester, but it isn’t clear to what extent they will be operating. Next month, the Board of Governors is scheduled to meet and decide the full plan for the Florida fall semester. The Board of Governors oversees the twelve Florida public campuses and is working on individual plans for each campus. The Board will compile “overarching guidelines” for universities by May 28th, then each campus will submit their individual plans by June 23rd. ©Florida State Board of Governors The University of Central Florida is starting to show early signs of re-opening with some employees returning to work as early as June 1st and the privately-owned housing complex, UnionWest, plans to re-open as well. Researchers using UCF’s labs were able to return to work this month. ©UCF The University of Florida has several groups working to plan the school’s re-opening while addressing health and financial concerns. A spokesman stated, “We know that students are very eager to come back this fall,” he said. “We fully anticipate that whatever form fall takes, we will have students in Gainesville, so we need to be prepared for that.” Some universities, like those in California, have already announced plans to remain largely online this fall, but universities across the country are still looking to the evolving data for how to proceed with the fall semester. Find out more about Florida attractions that are already planning to re-open here! Has your school or your children’s schools made a decision on the fall semester yet? Let us know in the comments! No related posts. View the full article

Disney Springs is planning to start Disney World’s phased re-opening tomorrow, May 20th. Chicken Guy! We’ve been keeping you updated with all of the restaurants that plan to re-open tomorrow, but Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood just released more information on how they plan to protect guests at the re-opening. Earlier today, we got a sneak peek of what Disney Springs’ new health and safety protocols look like in practice, but now we know more about how Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood will adapt their restaurants with extra safety procedures. Planet Hollywood These restaurants will first protect guests by enforcing extra safety measures with their employees. All employees will be required to undergo health checks each day, wash their hands every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, wear personal protective equipment (where appropriate), undergo enhanced training on sanitation and social distancing. Chicken Guy! The restaurants will also work with their vendors to ensure they are following similar precautions and will remind employees of these standards at the beginning of each shift. The restaurants have modified the guest experience by transitioning to single-use menus, installing sanitizer dispensers, and updating the dining room floor plans to promote social distancing. They will sanitize and disinfect tables after each party and will sanitize throughout the restaurant frequently. Guy’s Favorite Sauces You can read more about Earl of Sandwich’s opening here, Chicken Guy’s here, and Planet Hollywood’s here. We will continue to keep you updated with the latest and be sure to tune in tomorrow for our live coverage from Disney Springs! Check out some of the new health protocols we were surprised to see in Disney Springs here! Which of these three restaurants is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: News! Earl of Sandwich Is Opening With Disney Springs on May 20th! The BIGGEST Time Wasters in Disney World — And How To Avoid Them! News! Chicken Guy In Disney Springs Will Reopen on May 20th View the full article

Although Disney Springs is set to begin a phased re-opening tomorrow, May 20th, and Universal Orlando’s CityWalk has re-opened to the public, Florida’s major theme parks still remain closed. ©SeaWorld No opening dates have been announced for Disney World, Universal Orlando, or SeaWorld Orlando, but SeaWorld appears to already be prepping for guests to return. The Orlando Sentinel spoke with Dan Leavelle, who was passing by the park earlier this morning. He caught a glimpse of one of the park’s coasters, Mako, racing around the track carrying masked passengers. Mako Coaster in SeaWorld Florida ©DanLeavelle The coaster reaches 73 miles per hour and features a 200 foot drop. Leavelle reports he watched for about an hour and through about 30 run-throughs, he didn’t see any masks fall off. Dan Leavelle runs Midway Mayhem and posted a video of the test runs on his YouTube. ©SeaWorld A SeaWorld representative confirmed the park was testing the coaster, but did not have any additional information on a re-opening timeline. We will keep you updated as we learn more about SeaWorld, Disney World, and Universal Orlando’s re-opening dates! Get a sneak peek of updated Disney Springs here! Would you ride a coaster if masks were required? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: The CDC Just Released New “Decision Tools” for Businesses and Schools to Reopen We’re LIVE from the Reopening of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk We Ate At Universal Orlando’s CityWalk on Reopening Day — Here’s What It Was Like! View the full article

SeaWorld: Mako coaster test runs include riders with masks View the full article

Recently, we shared a sneak peek of what Disney Springs will look like tomorrow when some of its third-party restaurants and stores reopen thanks to a special media preview that took place earlier today. Disney Springs But while we were ready to see temperature screening areas and increased signage based on our experience at Universal CityWalk Orlando as well as the safety guidelines previously issued by Disney Springs, there were still a few surprises mixed in! Trash Can Lids Have Been Removed For guests’ and Cast Members’ safety, you’ll notice Disney Springs has their trash can lids so that disposing of trash will now be hands-free. They’ll be helping guests in fun and caring ways while ensuring that guests are maintaining health and social distancing guidelines while roaming Disney Springs! Check out Disney Springs’ new reduced hours of operations here! What surprised you the most about the media preview at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: A New Team of Health and Safety Cast Members Will Be at the Reopening of Disney Springs Tomorrow NEWS! Disney Springs Reduces Operating Hours We’re Adding Another Restaurant to the List! Blaze Pizza in Disney Springs Will Reopen May 20th View the full article

“WE KNOW THE WAY… “ that YOU can attend a virtual Moana Watch Party with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the voice of Moana, Auliʻi Cravalho! © Disney On Thursday night, May 20th, The Wonderful World of Disney will feature Moana on ABC. And while you tune in, you can join @auliicravalho and @Lin_Manuel on Twitter for behind-the-scenes stories and more! Special guests will join in the fun, too! ©Disney Don’t forget, Moana airs on ABC at 8 PM EST on May 20th on The Wonderful World of Disney. (As Maui himself would say, “You’re welcome!” ;-D ) Will you be tuning in to Moana tomorrow night? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: The “Wonderful World of Disney” is Returning to ABC with a Movie Series! Review! NEW “Heart of Te Fiti” Lime Dole Whip Cone at Pineapple Lanai in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort The Stars are Out for the 2019 Disney World Holiday Specials Filming NOW at Disney World! View the full article

As we’ve seen many new safety guidelines and other preparations being made for Disney Springs’ phased reopening tomorrow. Now, we’ve just learned what the new hours will be for the time being. Disney Springs According to its website, the new hours for Disney Springs will be 10AM to 10PM. So far, only some third-party restaurants and retail locations will be reopening tomorrow with several Disney-owned businesses planning to reopen on May 27th. Check out a sneak peek of what Disney Springs’ new normal will look like HERE. We’ll be reporting live from Disney Springs tomorrow to show you what the restaurants and shops at Disney World look and feel like so you’ll know what you can expect if you plan on visiting the area soon. Stay tuned! Which restaurant at Disney Springs are you excited to return to? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: News! The Boathouse in Disney Springs Will Be Reopening May 20th Roll Call! Here’s the Current Status of Every Disney Park After Yesterday’s BIG NEWS! Updated! These Restaurants Will Be Reopening at Disney Springs in Disney World on May 20th View the full article

Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening tomorrow, May 20th. And today, as Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district continues to prepare for the reopening, Disney is giving a preview to local Orlando media of what the “new normal” will look like. Disney Springs Disney has already announced new measures that will be in place for guest and cast safety. While you can read about the variety of protocols in further detail here, the category of Cleanliness and Sanitization includes increased cleaning and disinfecting in high-traffic public areas as well as additional hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations. Guests are highly encouraged to use the hand sanitizer and washing stations during their visit. And Robert Guaderrama with FOX 35 Orlando has shared a quick look at what you can expect to find throughout Disney Springs via Twitter. He shares, “if while you’re walking around and think you need to wash your hands… well, they have provided several of these hand-washing stations situated throughout Disney Springs.” We will be sharing more about the reopening of Disney Springs both today and tomorrow, so please stay tuned with us. To learn more about additional safety protocols including temperature checks, capacity limits, and more, you can read about those in detail here. Click here to learn about the safety measures that will be implemented in Disney Springs upon reopening. And you can learn more about the status of Disney parks around the world by visiting any of the links below. Are you following the reopening of Disney Springs? 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 We Asked Our Readers: “Should Disney World Give out Free Masks for Guests?” Here’s What They Said. The 10 Most Important Dates in 2020 For Disney Fans View the full article

Disney Springs is set to reopen tomorrow, May 20th, and we’re getting set to check out all of the changes. Disney Springs Today though, local Orlando media has been allowed into a preview of the health measures that will be in place for tomorrow in Disney Springs. We’re taking a look at some of their coverage to get an idea of what we’ll see in the dining, retail, and entertainment complex tomorrow. Disney is currently allowing a limited variety of local media sources to get a glimpse at what a reopened Disney Springs may look like. We’re taking a look at some of the social posts from Cierra Putman at WFTV, Dewayne Bevil at Orlando Sentinel, Amanda Dukes from WESH, and Robert Guaderrama from FOX 35 Orlando. These are just two of the restaurants confirmed to be opening tomorrow, and some of the others may have differences in their health measures. To see which dining locations are reopening with the complex, click here! We will continue to update this post as more information is shared, so be sure to follow along. Click here to learn more about the official statement for Disney health measures. What do you think of this sneak preview into the soon-to-reopen Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: NEWS: STK Orlando Joins the List of Disney Springs Locations Reopening on May 20th NEWS! Disney Springs Custodial Cast Members Have Been Called to Return to Work Morimoto Asia and Other Locations Reopening in Disney Springs May 22nd View the full article

As we’re gearing up to see what Disney Springs will be like tomorrow during the first day of its phased reopening, we’ve already learned about some of the new safety measures and menu changes many of the third-party restaurants have been making. Disney Springs Pre-Closure Now we’ve learned about a special team of Disney World ambassadors that will be present at Disney Springs starting tomorrow. On Disney World Cast and Community’s Facebook page, we just learned a new team of Cast Members has been assembled for Disney Springs’ gradual reopening. This group is comprised of Cast Members from various Disney World Resorts’ Children Activities Services are now called Greeters and they’ll be helping guests in fun and caring ways while providing a little extra assistance when needed! They will also be making sure that guests are adhering to social distancing guidelines. According to Disney, “they have a keen understanding of our enhanced health and safety procedures, and will throw in some pixie dust for good measure.” ©Photo Courtesy of Disney World Cast and Community’s Facebook Page See which Disney Springs restaurants and shops will be reopening tomorrow here! If you’re on your way to Disney Springs tomorrow, make sure you check out the latest safety guidelines here, and if you see any of these Disney Cast Members in their spiffy bright yellow shirts out and about, say hello! What’s your favorite snack to get at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Updated! These Restaurants Will Be Reopening at Disney Springs in Disney World on May 20th What’s New at Disney Springs — The Quake Shake, A Retro Throwback, And The Spookiest Halloween Decorations EVER! What’s New in Disney Springs — Snowmen Mugs, Turkey Poutine, And Fa La La La LOTS Of Holiday Goodies! View the full article