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The state of California has slowly been re-opening in accordance with Governor Newsom’s Four-Stage Plan. Disneyland Main Entrance – Closed The state recently transitioned into Phase Two, which reopens retail stores and select restaurants with modifications. Today, Governor Newsom commented on how the state has been progressing since moving into this second phase. Newsom noted the state is increasing frequency of tests and is working towards a goal of 60-80 thousand tests per day. However, the uptick in positive tests yesterday re-enforced the importance of reaching that goal promptly. Disney California Adventure entrance Newsom stated over 70% of the state is “open with modifications,” but more modified experiences are set to re-open soon — specifically, office spaces for those who cannot work at home, car washes, pet grooming, and outlet malls for pickup orders only. Disneyland The briefing stressed that guidelines will be state, county, and business specific. Regional variances will not be “static announcements” but will be responsive to certain criteria being met at the local level. Newsom stated that the state has chosen to work towards flexibility and not provide a prescriptive approach like “states that decided to open at 25%, 30%, etc.” An empty Downtown Disney The California Department of Public Health released this document of guidelines for restaurant re-opening, but Newsom noted the state is “not there” yet in regards to transitioning to Phase Three. He stated the “worst mistake” they could make is to “take the masks off” and resume normal operations too soon. He hopes with a flexible approach, businesses like restaurants and their employees can make the decision to not come back if they don’t feel it is safe to do so. Disneyland Main Entrance Disneyland Resort still remains closed, but large “high risk” crowded gatherings are not slated to open until Phase Four of Newsom’s plan. As California assesses whether it plans to re-open dine-in restaurants in the upcoming weeks, Disney World is already approaching it’s phased re-opening in Disney Springs. Find out more info about Newsom’s four part plan here! Related posts: Grab Some Treasure to Celebrate the Anniversary of Indiana Jones Adventure with These Eats, Merchandise, and More in Disneyland! Salt and Straw Temporarily Changes Its Hours in Downtown Disney Now You Can Watch Disneyland’s Magic Happens Parade Without Visiting the Park! View the full article

We have been keeping you updated on all of the restaurants taking part in Disney Springs‘ re-opening on May 20th. 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck So far, we’ve seen places like The Polite Pig, YeSake, Wine Bar George, and more planning to open their doors, but we just found out there will be some street food coming to Disney Springs for the re-opening. 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck just confirmed that they will be re-opening on May 20th. 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck If you haven’t visited 4 Rivers Cantina before, you can check out our full review here! Nachos, Taco Cone, Dessert Nachos, and Dulce de Leche Churro Balls We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more information about 4 Rivers and other Disney Springs locations’ re-opening protocols. Find out more about the specific procedures in place for Disney Springs’ re-opening here! Have you visited Disney Springs before? Let us know your favorite part in the comments! Related posts: Loading Up on Chicken Guy! Loaded Fries and Mac ‘N’ Cheese!! News! Hennessy Week Is Coming to Disney World! You Can Now Get Finger-Lickin’ Good Chicken at D-Luxe Burger in Disney World! View the full article

Disney Springs in Walt Disney World will begin a phased reopening on May 20th. And joining the list of eateries reopening that day is Sunshine Churros. Sunshine Churro Cart Sunshine Churros has two kiosks in Disney Springs, with one in the Marketplace and one on the West Side. BOTH serve up a variety of Churros in unique flavors including traditional cinnamon, watermelon, apple cinnamon, Fruity Pebbles and more… PLUS Gourmet Churros like Strawberry Cheesecake. Sunshine Churros A reminder: as the dining and shopping district in Walt Disney World begins its phased reopening, it is at the discretion of third party vendors as to when they will reopen. We are keeping a full and continuously updated list of restaurants that are reopening on May 20th, which you can find by clicking here. See the full list of Disney Springs restaurants that are reopening on May 20th here! Have you ever tried a unique churro at Sunshine Churros? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…Peppermint Churro in Disney World! Confirmed: Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company Will Be Reopening in Disney Springs on May 20th What’s New This Week: Disney Springs (November 12-18, 2017) View the full article

#DisneyMagicMoments: Learn the Aulani Hula View the full article

If you’ve ever visited Aulani Resort, you may have had the chance to learn the Aulani Hula from one of our friendly Cast Members. And we’ve already seen how this beautiful and simple dance can help bring our Cast Members, guests and Disney Vacation Club Members together during this time. We received such a great response to our Cast Aulani Hula video, and we’d love to continue the connection that the Aulani Hula is creating among all of us. For those who haven’t had a chance to learn the Aulani Hula – you’re in for a treat! Check out this entertaining instructional video and join in the fun with your ‘ohana! View the full article

Back in March, the Walt Disney Company took out an additional $6 billion dollars in debt to protect its financial future. Cinderella Castle at Night And according to Deadline.com, Disney has just taken out more loans totaling $11 billion dollars. On a recent earnings call, Disney outlined with stockholders just how devastating just the first two weeks of the temporary park closures have been for the company, estimating its total loss of revenue generated from in-person guest experiences at almost $1 billion. Mickey Waffle at Magic Kingdom This figure also includes the operational losses which resulted from the Disney Cruise Line shutting down, but not Walt Disney Studios — which despite the recent closures, made a profit of $2.54 billion when compared to last year’s second quarter. Liberty Belle Riverboat at Magic Kingdom In fact, the Walt Disney Company turned a profit of $18.01 billion for its second fiscal quarter, but that doesn’t mean the company isn’t interested in reestablishing a better foothold for itself. Now Disney has just successfully raised an additional $11 billion dollars in loans to add the $38 billion in debt it’s was already carrying at the close of last year. Magic Kingdom “We believe that the cash on hand and bank facilities will be more than adequate to meet all the company’s needs at this time and this transaction will only further bolster the company’s solid liquidity position which is important financial insurance since the crisis duration and economic knock-on effects are still unknown,” Moody’s analyst Neil Begley told Deadline. Cinderella Castle Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, says it’s still too early to predict when Disney World and Disneyland would re-open, but as of last week, we do have confirmation from Disney that several third-party restaurants will start to re-open in Disney Springs on May 20th with more restaurants now accepting reservations starting June 1st. See the full list of restaurants we’ve confirmed are reopening in Disney Springs on May 2oth here! Related posts: Here’s The Current State Of The Walt Disney Company’s Finances, As Told By The CEO And CFO 10 Ways The Current Crisis is Particularly BAD for The Walt Disney Company NEW DETAILS Revealed for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney World and Disneyland! View the full article

With Disney Springs set to open on May 20th, it seems another Orlando entertainment district is opening too. Universal CityWalk Following the lengthy closure of the nearby theme parks, CityWalk at Universal Orlando will open on May 14th with limited hours, limited offerings, and new health and safety measures. Universal announced today that select venues will be open daily from 4-10PM at CityWalk. Many of the larger venues will be closed such as Blue Man Group, nightclubs, and Universal Cinemark. Self-parking is complimentary as valet parking is unavailable at this time. Restaurants will be operating with limited seating and menus. Universal Orlando! The confirmed open venues include the following: Food Service: Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (outside & Lone Palm), Red Oven Pizza Bakery (mobile ordering available), and Voodoo Doughnut (mobile ordering available) Shopping Venues: Airbrush, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company (retail only), Universal Studios Store, and select merchandise carts Entertainment Venue: Hollywood Drive-In Golf CityWalk will implement new procedures in line with CDC guidelines. Universal asks that all guests use a face covering, have their temperatures checked upon arrival, wash their hands often, social distance, follow floor markings, and avoid people who are sick. ©Universal Beyond that, the area has other protocols as well. All team members will undergo temperature checks and wear face coverings. Those with a fever above 100.4 degrees will be sent home. Venues are operating under limited capacity, and there is the option for cashless payments at all venues. There are also thorough cleaning and disinfecting measures in place. Click here to learn more about the closure of Universal Orlando. We will continue to update you on this situation as it unfolds, thanks! Are you planning to visit Universal’s CityWalk when it reopens? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: Universal Studios Has EXTENDED Its Temporary Closure Universal Orlando CityWalk is Reportedly Planning a Partial Reopening SOON Universal Sends Out Surveys About Potential Re-Opening Scenarios View the full article

Universal Orlando reopening part of CityWalk, requiring face masks View the full article

In celebrating May the Fourth last week, we dug up this early sketch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The image is an example of how Disney Imagineers often start with a hand-drawn sketch to help solidify and provide direction for an idea before it’s brought to life through other areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). All five fields work in tandem at Imagineering to develop new concepts and create amazing experiences. In this new series, Imagineers share their STEAM tips based on what works for them. We’ll cover other areas of STEAM and related tips in later blog posts, but let’s do as one Imagineer suggested and start with “A” – art! Lyndsey Vincent, a senior interior designer, said, “With all the great technology out there today, it can be tempting to start design sitting at your screen, but you’ll be surprised how putting pen to paper changes the way you think about your design. Having a hand-drawing to review often solicits great feedback in early phases of design as the looseness of the drawing communicates the intent, but leaves room for other ideas to emerge. Having good hand-drawing skills also will be a stand-out factor in your portfolio for those getting ready to apply to college or jobs.” Visual Effects Designer Matthew Schoepf said, “Creating art and media for theme parks and attractions requires a high level of technical execution and planning. To stimulate creative thinking, it’s important for me to find that quiet time between tasks or in the early morning or evening to research something I’m personally curious about, and study it to make sure I’m growing as an artist. I would encourage students to recharge mentally by taking time to study great art from our past, from color and light in traditional landscape paintings to artists whose anatomy studies and sculptures are widely available online. You don’t need to be an ‘exceptional’ artist. It just takes a pencil, a piece of paper and curiosity to get started.” Lanny Smoot, a Disney Research Fellow, advised, “If you want something that doesn’t exist in this world yet, think of what it would be like to have it, and then think about how you could cause it to happen. Learn as much as you can about ways to cause your vision to come true. For example, see how others may have approached what you want to do. I am always curious and wonder whether things that haven’t been done could be done, and if things that are being done could be done in better, or different, ways.” Stay tuned as we cover engineering next! View the full article

Last week, we started compiling a list of third-party restaurants that will be reopening when Disney Springs resumes some of its operations on May 20th. Joffrey’s And now we’ve just received confirmation from another business that plans to reopen as part of Disney Springs’ gradual reopening. After speaking with a representative over the phone today, we can confirm the Disney Springs’ Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company plans to reopen on May 20th. Joffrey’s in Disney Springs Before the Closure So far they haven’t released any details about which safety measures and social distancing practices they’ll be requiring for their guests and baristas starting May 2oth. We hope to provide additional information shortly once it’s announced. Pastries at Joffrey’s And don’t forget — even though we’ve been able to confirm a few restaurants will be reopening May 20th, we’ve also just found out several Disney Springs locations are now accepting reservations starting June 1st! Find out more details here! During the closure, Joffrey’s has shared a few recipes for make-at-home versions of some of their most popular drinks. You can check those out here! See which other restaurants and businesses will be reopening in Disney Springs on May 20th here! Are you planning to visit Disney Springs on the 20th? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: NEWS and Review: NEW Bubble Waffle Trophy Slides Into Disney Springs! What’s New at Disney Springs! Designer Bags, a Floral Dress, and a BIG Bayou Buffet… REVIEW: Smashing Pumpkins Has Got Nothin’ On The WonderFall Autumn Smash Cocktail in Disney World! View the full article

Disney Springs is set to have a pretty big day on May 20th. The Polite Pig That’s because the complex is starting a phased reopening so that third-party restaurants and retail locations can open to the public if they choose. No Disney-owned locations are opening for the time being, but we’ve been compiling a list of all the dining spots that will be. These locations will be implementing new health and safety measures and we’ve got a favorite restaurant of ours to add to the list! Polite Pig is a beloved barbecue quick-service joint in Disney Springs Town Center that we dig for their southern pig, mac and cheese, and KILLER corn! We reached out to Polite Pig today and they told us that, yes, they will be opening on May 20th. Mac and Cheese So, if you’re planning on hanging in Disney Springs on reopening day, you can swing by Polite Pig to “pig” out (Get it?). The Southern Pig While we have only received confirmation from a handful of locations for May 20th, today, we noticed that a much longer list of Disney Springs restaurants have reservations available through My Disney Experience beginning June 1st. We’ll keep reporting in on all of the restaurants that will be open, and you can check out our UPDATED list at the link below! CLICK HERE for our UPDATED list of Disney Springs restaurants opening on the 20th. Will you be headed to Polite Pig on May 20th? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Disney World Marathoners! Show Your Bib or Medal To Get This FREEBIE in Disney Springs! A NEW Seasonal Side Item Has Arrived in Disney Springs! Breaking News! Disney World Begins A Phased Reopening on May 20th With Disney Springs View the full article

Attention all chocoholics! This next list is for YOU! Disney World is full of tasty chocolate treats, and we’re sharing ten of the absolute best chocolate desserts you can find in the parks and resorts! Oh chocolate, we love you so much. These are in no particular order (we couldn’t POSSIBLY rank these even if we wanted to) so let’s dig in. Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Caramel – Karamell-Küche We’re starting our list with a CLASSIC chocolate treat from Karamell-Küche over in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot. Karamell-Küche If you’re a chocolate or caramel fanatic, you might want to consider taking up residence here (you know…if they let you!). We could talk your ears off about all the things you can enjoy there, from the caramel corn to those boozy caramel squares and everything sticky and sweet in between! Karamell Kuche Bakery Case But for top-tier chocolate desserts, nothing quite compares to the Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Caramel. This is totally a case where something is greater than the sum of its parts. This simple dessert is really just three ingredients — gooey fresh-made Werther’s caramel, chocolate, and salt — but those 3 ingredients work MAGIC together. The crunch of the salt makes that caramel SHINE and it pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Chocolate-Covered Sea Salt Caramel at Karamell Kuche in Epcot You can get this snack in milk or dark chocolate. We think the dark chocolate gives it a little more contrast against the super sweet caramel, but BOTH are equally delicious! Simple but effective, you’ll find yourself going back to Karamell-Küche for another…and another…and another… . Click here for even more chocolate-covered goodies! Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen Sink – Beaches and Cream Many folks are well-aware of the colossal Kitchen Sink Sundae at Beaches and Cream, which just received a spiffy makeover at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Beaches and Cream But did you know there’s a Kitchen Sink Sundae entirely for CHOCOLATE LOVERS!? The Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen Sink Aptly named the Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen Sink, this beauty is chocolate, cookies and cream, and vanilla ice cream, topped with brownies, candy bars, Oreos, and chocolate sauce, chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, and chocolate shavings. And of course, the WHOLE CAN of whipped cream. Close up on Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen Sink toppings And just like the standard Kitchen Sink, you still get all the flashing lights and fanfare that goes along with ordering these massive sundaes, so brace yourself to be the star of the show for a moment! If you’re a huge fan of all things chocolatey, grab a few of your hungriest pals and tackle this chocolate behemoth! Read our full review of the “new” Beaches and Cream here! Mickey Dark Chocolate with Chili Pepper – Zuri’s Sweet Shop Nestled in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Zuri’s Sweet Shop, our next stop on our chocolate trip around Disney World. Zuri’s Sweets Holiday Decor There, you’ll find tons of specialty sweets with an African flair, many of which come with some unique seasonings. Bakery Case at Zuri’s Sweets One of our FAVORITES, and one of the more unique items on this list, is the Dark Chocolate Mickey! He seems pretty unassuming at first glance, but he has a ‘spicy’ surprise! Dark Chocolate Mickey with Chili Peppers That’s because he’s made with chili peppers! While we didn’t find it to be too spicy, we definitely noticed a bit of heat! We actually thought the spice paired nicely with the dark chocolate! If the idea of spicy chocolate is too much for you though, you can opt for a milk chocolate Mickey with bits of banana chips throughout! Dark Chocolate Chili Pepper Mickey — Inside This is a surprisingly sophisticated treat that we find ourselves going out of our way to get in Animal Kingdom! Read our review of a bunch of treats from Zuri’s Sweet Shop here! Salted Caramel Pop – The Ganachery The Ganachery in Disney Springs is a chocolate lover’s paradise. If chocolate is your middle name, you HAVE to check this place out. The Ganachery We could go on and on (and on and on and on…) about all the amazing chocolate treats we’ve tried here over the years. Yummy chocolate from The Ganachery We are always blown away by their specialty items from their indulgent sipping chocolate to the fun chocolate piñatas you can whack with a wooden mallet. But the item we keep coming back to time and time again is their Salted Caramel Pop. Salted Caramel Pop Much like the Chocolate-Covered Sea Salt Caramel in Epcot, this treat strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Salted Caramel Pop — Inside What’s unique about this treat is the filling is a chocolate caramel ganache and it’s not sticky or chewy; it’s almost creamy when you bite into it! The pop is covered in a thin coating of milk chocolate and a hefty sprinkling of flakey sea salt. We happen to LOVE salty-sweet combinations so the amount of salt was right on the money for us, but if it’s too much for you just swipe a bit off before biting! Check out our full review on The Ganachery here! Chocolate Covered Bacon – Kona Island This next item is so much fun AND quite the match made in heaven, if you ask us! We’re heading to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where you can find all sorts of interesting treats at Kona Island. Kona Island We’re talking about none other than their chocolate-covered bacon! Candied Bacon We’ve seen a few different versions of this snack, from classic Dark Chocolate to Dark Chocolate Chili (there’s more heat for ya!), and Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan Bacon! Dark Chocolate Candied Bacon The bacon is BIG and crispy and the chocolate sets it off. We were pleasantly surprised by these meaty sweets!! Read about our most recent chocolate-covered bacon discovery at Kona Island here! Chocolate Ice Cream Martini – L’Artisan des Glaces We have another Epcot STAPLE chocolate food item to talk to you about. If you haven’t been to L’Artisan des Glaces yet in the France Pavilion, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!? We kid, we kid…but seriously, this place is the bomb. L’Artisan Des Glaces in the France Pavilion Not only do they serve up delicious hand-scooped, freshly made ice cream and sorbet, but adults can REALLY indulge in what is known as an Ice Cream Martini. Ice Cream Martini from L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion So, obviously what you want to do is grab a scoop of chocolate ice cream (or really any flavor but…you know…chocolate. Totes get the chocolate. ) and add a splash of your choice of Grand Marnier, Rhum from Martinique, or Whipped Cream flavored Vodka! Sounds like the perfect dessert to stroll around World Showcase with if you ask us. Finished Ice Cream Martini in Epcot’s France This is surprisingly delicious and usually served with a more than healthy pour of booze, so brace yourself! If that’s too much to handle, consider switching it up for a pressed brioche ice cream sammie here instead. Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich You pick the flavor ice cream (chocolate, obv!), a sauce (chocolate, obv!), and it’s then pressed in between a fresh-baked brioche roll in a hot press to make a kind of warm and cold ice cream treat. YUM. Read more about the scrumptious Ice Cream Martinis in Epcot here! Turtle Brownie – Sunshine Seasons We’re staying in Epcot for this next item, but we’re heading to Future World and Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion. The Land Pavilion This counter service location has tons of variety in what they offer, from salads to soups to sandwiches to sweets! And one of our favorite sweets of ALL TIME from Sunshine Seasons is easily the turtle brownie. This dessert sent from the heavens is a brownie, of course, but with a THICK layer of caramel and topped with all sorts of crunchy goodies like MORE chocolate and pecans. Turtle Brownie But what’s this!? On a recent trip we discovered that they CHANGED our beloved Turtle Brownie! It was transformed into a traditional brownie with a coating of thin caramel sauce on top! Temporary Turtle Brownie Not to fear: we’ve been told that it was a temporary supplier issue and that our cute little Turtle should return to his former glory soon! You can bet we’ll be the first ones in line when that day finally comes! I mean, LOOK at that caramel-to-brownie ratio below: Turtle Brownie with Serious Caramel Action! This unassuming sweet is SO SO good and we really can’t highly recommend it enough (in its OG form, of course!). Read all about the Turtle Brownie that we love and cherish here! South American Chocolate Ganache – Tiffins From Epcot to Animal Kingdom we go! Our next stop is Tiffins, a signature dining restaurant that is known mostly for their African, Asian, and South American-inspired dishes. Tiffins After you’ve indulged in some seriously spectacular food, you’ll want to seal the deal with the best dessert that they have to offer. In our opinion, that’s none other than the South American Chocolate Ganache. South American Chocolate Ganache Here’s what you’re in for: the Ganache is small but incredibly strong in flavor. This is for those SERIOUS chocolate enthusiasts. You’ll be presented a VERY unassuming small brick of ganache and some accompaniments and go, “Huh. This doesn’t look like much.” But after one bite, friends — this isn’t your average hunk of chocolate. Chocolate Ganache We love us some chocolate but the other goodies on the plate are always a welcome addition to have SOMETHING to help cut that rich creamy chocolate. Honestly, we always have a hard time finishing this dessert — it’s SO RICH but SO good! Read our full review of Tiffins here! Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake – Liberty Tree Tavern Okay, we know what some of you are probably thinking, “This isn’t REALLY a chocolate dessert.” While this may not be ENTIRELY made out of chocolate like most of the other items on this list, if you love chocolate, you will likely LOVE the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake from Liberty Tree Tavern. Liberty Tree Tavern Let’s break it down: the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is Vanilla Toffee Cake, Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Sauce, and Vanilla Ice Cream. It comes topped with SO MUCH crumbled toffee too, to give you that extra bit of flavor and crunch. Looks like a chocolatey dessert to me! There are definitely enough chocolate components in this dessert to make it onto our must-have list of sweet treats for all you chocolate lovers out there! Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake Be warned, this dessert is rich, too! Learn how you can recreate this dish at home with our recipe! Spice Trade Candy Bar – Sanaa We’re heading over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for our tenth entry on our list of chocolate desserts you MUST try next time you’re in Disney World! Sanaa is one of our favorite restaurants in the entire resort, for many reasons. It has some fantastic food, and you get great views of the resort’s savanna and resident animals! Sanaa And while you’ve heard us go on and on about their amazing Bread Service, we’re skipping to dessert today to talk to you about their Spice Trade Candy Bar! Spice Trade Candy Bar This is basically a next level Snickers bar: it’s a Coconut, Apricot, Caramel, Pistachio, and Cashew Bar covered in Milk Chocolate, and topped with Chai Cream, Pistachio Crumb, and Apricot Gelee. We bet it’s one of the fanciest “candy bars” you’ll ever try. Spice Trade Candy Bar Interior Packed with wonderful flavors and textures, we recommend you end your next meal at Sanaa with one of these! Read our full review of Sanaa here! BONUS: Custom Chocolate Snacks – Goofy’s Candy Company SURPRISE!!! We have a bonus eleventh chocolate treat to share with you! For this one, we’re heading back to Disney Springs, which we have already established as a haven for all things chocolate. Goofy’s Candy Company Between The Ganachery and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain, a chocolate lover shouldn’t have too much of a struggle finding something they love. But if you TRULY cannot find something that’s speaking to you, or perhaps you want to be a little creative…head to Goofy’s Candy Company and make your very own custom chocolate dessert! DIY Sweets at Goofy’s Cando Co.! You fill out a little form with all your choices including selecting a base for the chocolatey madness — usually a marshmallow wand, a caramel apple, a krispie treat, or a Mickey gingerbread cookie — then picking what type of chocolates you want dipped and drizzled on your creation. Oh yea, you also pick at least one candy or sweet to have sprinkled ALL over the top! The best part is then watching the candy experts make YOUR custom treat right before your eyes! Read more about how to create your own chocolate treat here! This is just the tip of the chocolatey iceberg in terms of Disney’s celebrating all things CHOCOLATE. We hope we helped you narrow down the tough choice of which chocolate is worth yo’ time around Disney World. Whew, we need a big glass of milk to wash that all down after just THINKING about all those treats! What’s your favorite chocolate treat in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: December 20, 2016 Disney News This Week: ALL the News and Updates from the Most Magical Places on Earth! What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 View the full article

Broadway was an early suspension as the global health crisis ramped up, and it may not be able to come back anytime soon. ©Disney Today, just hours after we found out that a recording of the Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton will be coming to Disney+, it was announced that Broadway is set to remain closed through labor day, at least. According to The New York Times, The Broadway League officially canceled performances through September 6th and said that they aren’t sure when shows will resume. ©Disney Based on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan, this suspension follows suit. New York remains an epicenter of the global health crisis and the governor has arts and entertainment returning in the final phase of his reopening plan, which could be months away. ©Disney Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin explained, “Broadway will be back when the governor tells us it’s safe to be back — we’re working closely with his office and with experts to know when that will be.” Broadway is expected to be one of the last sectors of the economy to reopen due to the necessity of large crowds in confined spaces onstage, backstage, and in the audience. ©Disney Aladdin The Musical Disney currently has three shows on Broadway with Frozen, The Lion King, and Aladdin. We’ll be keeping up with news from the Broadway League and beyond to see when these shows will return to the stage. Click here to learn more about the closure on Broadway. What do you think about the closure of Broadway? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: News! The Disney on Broadway Benefit Concert is BACK ON! D23 Expo to Host Exclusive Concert to Celebrate Disney’s 25th Year on Broadway ALL The BIG News You Missed In the Disney Parks Last Week! View the full article

Talk about some “pent-up demand!” As you’ll recall, due to the temporary closure, Disney World had to cancel its Star Wars Rival Run Weekend which was to take place in April this year. ©Disney And today, general registration (which was initially postponed) for the 2021 runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend opened! But faster than the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy (a.k.a. The Millenium Falcon!), all of the spots are almost ALL GONE! Usually, it takes a little while for some of these events to sell-out, with certain runDisney races not booking up until closer to the BIG DAY! But even though the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is over 238 days away, almost all of the races have already SOLD OUT! © runDisney We’re not sure if the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend sold out so quickly because the demand is simply that high or if Disney is potentially selling fewer tickets. Whatever the case may be, the only race that is still open for registration at this time is the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge which requires a separate Disney Cruise Line package to participate! © runDisney The 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is still scheduled to take place on January 6th through January 10th in 2021! If you were planning on running this year, we hope you were lucky enough to snag your tickets, otherwise, you might have to wait until June 16th, 2020, when the 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend registration opens! Don’t forget to check out runDisney’s virtual races HERE! Are you planning to race in the Walt Disney World Marathon? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: Discount News! Mid-Day Magic Tickets Announced for Disney World DFB Video: Secrets About My Disney Experience NEWS! Disney Announces a Special Disney World Offer Just for Florida Residents! View the full article

If you’ve been to Disney World before, chances are you faced at least one Florida torrential downpour that cleared to sunny skies minutes later (sometimes multiple times in the same day!). A Rainy Magic Kingdom But what do you do when a hurricane is headed to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Do you cancel your trip or make the most of it? We’re sharing six tips to help you plan for hurricane season in Disney World! Pick a Disney Hotel Best Suited for Hurricanes Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st through November 30th, with activity typically peaking around September. So if you’re planning a trip during that time, you may want to consider booking a Disney hotel with an ideal layout for hurricanes. Rest assured, all of the Disney Resort hotels are equipped to weather the storm, but some of them are easier for you as a guest in the case of a hurricane making landfall. Walt Disney World Hurricane Clouds A hurricane might not be the best time to try out the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort or the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which often require extra uncovered walking to get back to common areas. Consider taking advantage of resorts built with indoor commutes to common areas like dining and shopping. Many Polynesian Village Resort rooms do not have dry access to the lobby during severe storms Most value and moderate resorts like the All-Star Resorts and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort are sprawled across the property which can create quite the challenge to navigate in a monsoon. These resorts may also have minimal or no covering between your room and the main gathering areas. So if you’re staying at Port Orleans, you may get soaked going over the river and through the woods to pick up beignets from Scat Cat’s Cafe! Mickey Beignets Several of the deluxe resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are well connected and have indoor access to the lobbies and shops from most rooms. Beach Club Resort in Disney World If you aren’t ready to shovel out the extra cash for a deluxe resort, select suites in Disney’s All-Star Music and Disney’s Art of Animation Resorts have kitchenettes. This option gives you the choice to prep your own food and cut down on your trips across the resort in the middle of the storm. Art of Animation kitchenette This may come in handy if you have special dining needs, you’re traveling with a little one who eats on a specific schedule, or you just like the flexibility of having a backup plan. Find out more about how Disney Resort hotels handle hurricanes and other disasters here! Taper Your Expectations We have braved many stormy days at Disney World and the silver lining is that they often make for lighter crowds! But if you’re visiting Disney close to when a hurricane is making landfall, you are risking your experience not being quite what you expected. My Disney Experience App Info In many cases, outside rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, and Jungle Cruise will close down in bad weather. And in worse cases, Disney has closed down the parks to protect guests. Magic Kingdom In past hurricanes that have required the parks to close, Disney World has reopened relatively quickly following the storm, and with minimal to no damage. So while a storm might keep you out of the parks temporarily, there’s a reasonable chance things will return to normal quickly. You get to make the call of what is best for you and your family, so you may need to taper your Disney expectations if you’re visiting during the unpredictable hurricane season. Check out some of our favorite Disney World rainy day activities here! Pack the Essentials…and a Little Extra Packing for Disney is an art of its own, and we admit we have made a lot of in-park purchases of essentials we forgot at home — but learn from our mistakes and prep! Prepare for rain and pack an extra pair (if not THREE pairs) of shoes for everyone in your family (squishy wet shoes are no joke!). Animal Kingdom rain Chances are it WILL rain, especially when visiting during a hurricane, and you don’t want to have to slip on a pair of already soaked shoes before you head to the parks. That can be a day-ruiner in and of itself, and a brand new set of blisters just waiting to happen. If you have little ones, it is never a bad idea even when it’s NOT raining to throw one of their spare pairs in your park bag because nothing can end a day faster than “Mom, I have blisters” or “Dad, my feet hurt!” Magic Kingdom In that same vein, go ahead and double or triple up on socks and underwear in your suitcase, and consider packing a few extra outfits just in case. Again, don’t be like us and be forced to wash out your underwear in the sink of the hotel!! It’s not a good look — but it happens. So save yourself the trouble and bring extra. Disney Springs Hurricane Clouds Light, quick-drying clothes can also be a game-changer to add to your park bag. Jeans and wet skin can tear you to shreds, so stick to softer blends and consider packing an anti-chafing gel, powder, or cream — whatever your preferred method is. Add it on before the chafing starts and you can also use it on your feet in a pinch to prevent blisters. (But moleskin has been our savior more than once!) Rain Clouds over Magic Kingdom If you don’t want to make a pit stop back at the hotel midday, pack a rain jacket or poncho and roll up a little bundle of clothes (or just socks) for you or your family as well. You’ll be amazed at how dry socks can change your whole mood post-downpour. Ambush Rain Jacket If a hurricane is strong enough, your Disney hotel may request guests stay in their rooms to ride out the storm. So prep by packing snacks, hitting up the nearest fast food spot in your resort before things get bad, or grabbing some essentials in the parks for your time in your room in case you’re hunkered down for a day or two. Check out some of our park bag essentials here! Be Familiar With Disney World’s Hurricane Policy Disney’s website states, “If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.“ Hurricane Skies in Disney World’s Epcot But if you took advantage of a special offer, you may not be able to apply that same offer to your rescheduled vacation. Depending on availability, you might not be able to reserve the same accommodations. Animal Kingdom Lodge So if you booked the perfect Savanna view room at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with a great room discount, if you reschedule and a similar offer isn’t running at the time, you may have to adjust your plans to compensate! Click here for more info on why this year’s hurricane season may be worse than usual! Get Trip Insurance In the instance of a hurricane, Disney will work with you to cancel or reschedule, but you still may be bound to flight cancellation fees. If you’re traveling during hurricane season, it might make sense to grab trip insurance on your flights and any other bookings. Disney offers travel insurance for a fee for vacation packages booked through their website, but read the fine print before you purchase — not everything is always covered! Walt Disney World’s Train Station Don’t forget to write down or screenshot all of your plans and confirmation numbers and keep them close in case you need to cancel or reschedule. Save yourself the headache and have some sort of backup plan in case things go sideways! Check out what else you may be forgetting when you plan a Disney vacation here! Book With a Travel Agent We already rave about planning a Disney World trip with an authorized travel agent like Small World Vacations because they’re FREE and they can save you a lot of trouble — especially if your plans go awry (thank you, hurricanes). Do you really want to sit on the phone for hours trying to get through to reschedule your trip if you don’t have to? So why not work with a travel agent who will make the phone calls, reservations, cancellations, and do all the planning leg work for you? Sounds like a pretty good plan to us! Hurricane season is approaching in Disney World, but with planning and clear expectations, it doesn’t have to sound as scary as it does! Keep in mind that while Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, Disney World had faced a very small number and made it out the other side unscathed so far. So even if one happens to hit during your vacation, there’s still plenty of room to make the best of it or work around it. Your trip might not be exactly how you originally pictured, but grab some snacks (and some extra dry socks) and make the most of it! Need more tips on how to survive hurricane season? Check out this DFB Video: And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! Have you visited Disney in hurricane season? Let us know your tips in the comments below! Related posts: ALL the LIMITED TIME TREATS Coming to Disney World and Disneyland for MICKEY’S 90TH BIRTHDAY Celebration!! News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year We Bet You Didn’t Know You Could Do THIS in Disney World View the full article

We’ve been closely following the discussions going on from the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida. Florida-Themed Orange Bird Mural in Specifically, the Reopening Business workgroup is of interest thanks to the fact that Thomas Mazloum, Disney World senior vice president, is on the committee. They’ve discussed the reopening of the Orlando theme parks several times, and today it came up in conversation once again. During today’s meetings, the group discussed the reopening of barbershops and salons across the state, when they reached out to Mazloum for comment on the situation at Disney now that there are reservations open in July. He responded saying, “Just because there are reservations open in July, does not mean that we will open in July.” Harmony Barbershop ©Disney He continued to echo sentiments of other Disney executives explaining that the driving decision for the reopening will be from the data and the government and health officials (like executive chairman Bob Iger said). When asked about Shanghai’s reopening, Mazloum expressed that the company is encouraged by what they are seeing Shanghai due to the level of prudence practiced by the company AND guests. Like CEO Bob Chapek, Mazloum called the reopening in Shanghai “a baby step.” ©ShanghaiDisneylandResort on Instagram The group also discussed some of the current trending data for the state of Florida. The three doctors on call — Dr. Pino, Dr. Brady, and Dr. Ralls — explained that case numbers are trending downward and widespread testing has revealed a trend of 0.3%-3.4% positive cases per day. They expressed that these numbers are low but they won’t know how things will develop until two weeks post reopening (next Monday). The group also commented on the fact that curfew is ended for the county. Magic Kingdom While we don’t know the official opening date for Disney World and Disneyland, we do know that Disney Springs will begin its phased reopening on May 20th. We will continue to follow the workgroups, Mayor Demings’ comments, and the task force as a whole so that we can share the most up-to-date news with you! Click here to read Bob Chapek’s comments on the future of the Disney parks. What do you think of Mazloum’s responses today? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related posts: Disney World Says, “We Do Not Have an Opening Date Yet.” Why Disney World Could Be Very DIFFERENT When It Reopens NEWS! Initial Plan to Reopen Theme Parks Like Disney World Proposed By the Orange County Economic Task Force View the full article

We’re living in interesting times with the global crisis going on, and that means that Disney has had quite the situation to contend with from a business perspective. Cinderella Castle With the closures of Disney theme parks around the world, the suspension of movie production and theatrical releases, and the cancellation of hundreds of sports games, Disney has seen an earnings dip. Analysts and executives have had mixed opinions on how long this period will last and some analysts are trying to predict a worst-case scenario. What could that outcome mean for the Walt Disney Company financials? Keep in mind, this article and the possible financial outcome in it are based on a WORST CASE SCENARIO, not a projection. We’re talking about if everything that COULD go wrong, DID go wrong — which might not happen. Many of these situations could be mitigated and Disney is already working toward solutions. If the parks don’t reopen until 2021 and then operate at significantly lowered capacity… As we said, analysts have various predictions for a reopening of the theme parks. The latest projection so far has come from USB analyst John Hodulik, who predicts that January 2021 could be a possible opening date for the domestic parks and that crowds are unlikely to return until there is a vaccine made readily available. Disneyland Main Entrance He’s not the only one who expects some difficulty in the climb back to pre-crisis crowd levels. Wells Fargo analyst Steven Cahall predicts that the parks could operate at 50% capacity through fiscal 2021, and take a full two years to return to previous attendance numbers. If these worst-case predictions proved true, it could mean significant losses for the company — much bigger than they’ve already seen this year. To illustrate this, we’ll compare the numbers from Disney’s super successful 2019 earnings to the potential numbers if the theme parks have such a dramatic loss in revenues. In 2019, Parks, Experiences, and Products had an operating income of $6.75 billion. Should the parks not reopen for the rest of 2020, operating incomes will be approximately $5 billion less than they were last year. Whew. Now we CAN note that at least ONE Disney theme park is definitely going to operate before 2021 — Disneyland Shanghai opened at less than 30% capacity on May 11th. So, Disney is working in the direction of opening the parks to help mitigate these losses. ©WaltDisneyImagineering on Instagram — Shanghai Disneyland reopening Beyond that, operating at 50% capacity for 2021 could cut operating income in half, which is major for a company of Disney’s size. Especially when Disney was anticipating celebrating Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021, opening several new attractions, and hitting record numbers of guests and profits. Early Morning In the circumstances of a worst-case scenario, the theme parks could potentially see budget cuts, employment cuts, and abandoned projects. Click here to read how Disney is working to protect their financial assets RIGHT NOW! If movie theaters don’t open for a long time… As you’ve probably seen, the theme parks aren’t the only sector under Disney that is suffering. Filming is also halted and a bunch of theatrical releases have been delayed…so theaters, even if they’re allowed to open in some states, remain closed since there simply aren’t any new movies to show. Of course, the box office tends to rake in billions for Disney, so how could the rest of 2020 look without it? According to Variety, Disney brought home $11.1 billion from the box office in 2019. So, if there IS no box office through the end of the year, this could slash earnings significantly. It’s possible that Walt Disney Studios would not be quite as affected as the theme parks since they can use alternate solutions like digital releases, but they’d still be looking at a potentially multi-billion dollar loss. ©Disney There is still a possibility of seeing theatrical releases rebound slightly this year. AMC Theatres noted that they intend to remain closed until studios start to release new movies, but this summer will bring Warner Bros. Christopher Nolan film Tenet on July 17th as well as Disney’s Mulan on July 24th, which could give theaters the chance to reopen and see a profit for the first time in months. Time will tell how the public responds to new films in a theater setting following the closures. LOTS of big money films have delayed releases already in an attempt to salvage their projected earnings. Mulan, Jungle Cruise, and the Avengers spinoff, Black Widow, among others, have been pushed back later this year and well into the next, which could have a big effect on 2020 numbers. ©Marvel Beyond theatrical releases, Disney faces a struggle in resuming or starting new projects. Hollywood professionals expect that larger projects (like Disney’s big tentpole films) will be the last to return to operations as the industry establishes health and safety standards that could limit production capabilities. This means the next big Disney films might not able ABLE to be filmed for an undetermined period of time, which could greatly affect every step in a film’s life cycle from production to distribution to digital releases and more. For more on the future of the film industry, click here. If sporting events and regular filming don’t resume until 2021… Finally, we have to mention another one of Disney’s biggest earnings sectors in 2019 — broadcasting. Last year, the company brought in $7.5 billion in operating income from its media networks. But these networks are not immune to the effects of the global health crisis. Some organizations like the National Hockey League are still very much in a wait-and-see state, having paused their 2019-2020 season due to the crisis. According to ESPN, the NHL is trying to determine if the current season could be salvaged later in the year, as well as how that could potentially affect the 2020-2021 season. They’re at the mercy of federal and state restrictions and haven’t been able to formulate a clear plan yet. Regardless, they’ve noted it seems likely that if play was to resume, fans would not be allowed to spectate in the stands. Other sports like Major League Baseball have begun proposing how to try and salvage the current season. According to ESPN, the MLB is proposing an 82 game season (half of what a normal season looks like) that would start in July. They’re also proposing no fans are allowed in the stands at the games, but they could still be broadcast. Hall of fame baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. and Disney Sports Vice President Faron Kelley pose with Mickey Mouse at the Magic Kingdom Park as Ripken Baseball and Walt Disney World Resort jointly announced Tuesday the Ripken Experience is coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2020. ©Disney If sports were to resume, even without fans in the stands, ESPN, one of Disney’s biggest earners, could see a potentially huge benefit. ESPN has already lost millions of dollars this year from the cancellation of sports seasons, per the LA Times. The company was able to net an 11% uptick in primetime viewership in April — but will those numbers be sustainable? If sports DO begin to resume, this could be a much-needed shot in the arm for Disney’s broadcasting sector. Disney is also limited by the film industry shutdown in creating new content for channels such as ABC, Disney Channel, and FX. ©Disney If things continue without improvement through the end of 2020 (according to health officials, that’s still possible), Disney won’t be able to release the typical amount or quality of content for ESPN and its other channels. This could mean potentially even more losses in this sector. The NBA might be playing again — in Disney World? Click here to learn more! What would this all mean for Disney? So, the worst-case scenario would mean that Disney’s operating income could drop from $15 billion in 2019 to approximately $9 billion or lower for 2020. The predicted uptick in 2021 would likely not be enough to return the company to its pre-crisis position, at least not for a while. Epcot This could leave new CEO Bob Chapek in charge of handling one of the biggest financial dips the company has seen since the 1980s. Disney has enjoyed a position as one of the top 100 most profitable companies in the world (according to Forbes, they’re sitting at #70 right now). Keep in mind while this could potentially affect that standing, many other companies around the world are in similar situations as Disney during this crisis. It’s possible that Disney wouldn’t have the capital to take risks anymore. With the cushion gone, projects could potentially be put on hold or other cuts could be made in various sectors of the business. Aspects of the company could even be sold to maintain advantageous marketing positions though, at this time, Disney hasn’t revealed any plans regarding the long-term financial future of the company. Bob Chapek ©Disney We gotta remind ya again though, this is the WORST case scenario, and Disney is already doing what they can to prevent these things from happening. Remember, we also have a best-case scenario to hope for, and in the words of Executive Chairman Bob Iger, the Disney team is one of optimists, so it seems Disney is looking for a future that’s a whole lot better than worst-case. Click here to read more comments from Iger on the future of the Disney company! Does the financial side of the closures surprise you? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: It Could Take Two Years for Disney Parks to Return to Normalcy Predicts Wall Street Analyst 10 Ways The Current Crisis is Particularly BAD for The Walt Disney Company Will Disney World and Disneyland Reopen at the Same Time? View the full article

“Oh, BOY!” A brand new game is available on the DisneyNOW app: Mickey & Minnie’s Runway Railway: Adventure Kit! Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway This free game gives you the chance to control cars, trains, and more driven by Mickey and pals through “a series of scenic adventures” based on the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Players will choose from three characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy. Players will also choose from three worlds (which you’ll recognize if you’ve had a chance to ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway): Runnamuck Park, Big City Snarl, and Carnival Chaos! See it in action below! Disney reminds that DisneyNOW is a kids-safe app featuring new episodes and current seasons of Disney Channel shows, games, and more. You can find out more — and access the new game — here! Will you be playing Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Adventure Kit? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: See More of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — Coming to Hollywood Studios in 2019! NEW Eats, Merch, and Construction Updates: Disney’s Hollywood Studios See the Marquee for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

Do you consider yourself to be quite the Disney World buff? Can no one else hold a candle to your wisdom of Walt and all things mouse-related?? Cinderella Castle Well then, it’s time to put your Disney knowledge to the test! That’s because although we pride ourselves on knowing almost everything there is to know about Walt Disney World, sometimes things slip throughout the cracks of even OUR ever-expansive wisdom! Epcot In fact, we’ve got five surprising facts we dug up to share with you today! Believe it or not, some of us just found this stuff out and our minds are still totally blown! The Beatles Officially Broke Up at Disney World While The Beatles had been on the outs after releasing Let It Be in 1970, the band was legally dissolved in 1974 AT DISNEY WORLD! Yup — it’s TRUE! The Beatles ©Getty Images John Lennon was staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on Christmas holiday when he received the documents that would officially disband The Beatles. Who knew this tropical hideaway hid such a deep, dark secret?! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Isn’t it crazy to think you could book THE room where John Lennon officially disbanded The Beatles? Disney won’t share the ACTUAL room number, but from photos, fans have pieced together it was a ground room floor with a Magic Kingdom View in the Samoa Longhouse (if you’re eager to hunt it down!). As crazy as it is to think, Cinderella Castle was a distant observer of this momentous occasion! Next time you’re sipping a Lapu Lapu from Tambu Lounge, maybe hum a little “Here Comes the Sun” in your head, you know…out of respect. Nixon Gave His Famous “I Am Not a Crook” Speech at Disney World Another major historical event took place at Disney World in 1973, just ONE YEAR before the crazy Beatles sitch over at the Polynesian! In the Ballroom of the Americas on the second floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, President Richard Nixon gave his famous speech during which he exclaimed the infamous phrase, “I am not a crook!” President Richard Nixon ©Getty Images The speech was filmed during an hour-long Q&A session which took place in November! One year later, Nixon resigned from office. You could have knocked us over with a feather when we found out Disney’s Contemporary Resort served as the backdrop for this iconic moment in American History! Next time you’re on a monorail ride through this hotel (or, ya know, charging your phone or taking a nap on those sweet couches on the 2nd floor), consider the HUGE American history that happened steps away!! Disney World’s Original Plan Included Asian, Persian, and Venetian-Themed Hotels Disney’s Contemporary and Polynesian Village Resorts were the first hotels to open in Disney World, but did you know these were only two of the five initial hotels planned for Disney World’s Phase One and Two? In fact, they were seen all throughout the original promotional materials for Disney World! Disney’s Contemporary Resort The other three hotels were set to live around Bay Lake, the lake that connects to Seven Seas Lagoon. This is the same lake that Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds resides on. The land was even cleared to begin construction, but due to an oil embargo in 1973, tourism dropped sharply causing construction to stop. Pre-Opening Pamphlet ©Disney By the time construction was able to resume, the projects were stalled by other problems. Ever notice how this prime land in Disney World sits vacant around the backside of Bay Lake? There’s a reason: Florida swamp. The ground is essentially wet mush. Every time the Imagineers sent crews out to hammer pylons in the waterfront, they’d basically be sucked up by the earth over time! The swampy land was considered too unstable and costly to securely house the resorts at the time. Persian Resort Artwork ©Disney To entice visitors back to the park as the 1973 Oil Crisis eased up, it was decided that resorts weren’t as much of a priority as having more attractions for visitors, so the resorts were shelved in favor of ramping up construction on the next Disney World theme park: Epcot. Asian Resort Concept Art ©Disney When building new resorts was put back on the table, the new CEO of Disney, Michael Eisner, favored the idea of a flagship beachfront resort inspired by the Florida shoreline (sound familiar? Hint: it’s now Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!) over resorts heavily themed to foreign cultures. After the success of the Grand Floridian, Eisner revisited the idea of construction of the lavish Venetian resort but, again, the mucky swampland proved problematic and plans were put on hold again. Venetian Resort Concept Art ©Disney The project was put on a shelf and hasn’t been revisited since (at least publicly). How amazing would it be if you could hop on the monorail and ride to Disney’s Asian, Persian, or Venetian-inspired resorts? We imagine the food at these places would’ve been GREAT! Dolphins and Humans Are Eating Off the Same Menu at Epcot Speaking of great food, did you know Disney World feeds its animals as well as it feeds its guests? For instance, the dolphins that are swimming around The Seas at Epcot are enjoying the exact same quality fish you get served at the adjoining Coral Reef Restaurant! But where do they keep their wallets to pay the bill? Coral Reef Aquarium Views One of our team members picked up this tidbit on the Epcot Seas Adventure — Aqua Tour at Epcot. She also found out it contains over 5.7 million gallons of water making it one of the top ten biggest aquariums in the whole world! Disney World Has an Abandoned Airstrip If you’ve ever wished you could fly straight to Disney World without hopping on Disney’s Magical Express, you actually could at one time! Star Wars United Airlines Plane The Lake Buena Vista STOLport was built in 1971 (the same year Magic Kingdom opened) to allow direct flights by Shawnee Airlines to Disney World! Although it was operational for fewer than 10 years, with Shawnee Airlines only running flights there for about three of them, it was conveniently located right next to Disney World’s Transportation and Ticket Center! Guests Exiting TTC at Disney World The runway proved too impractical for the airline, and eventually the monorail was extended out near the end of the runway, making it impossible to safely land on the airstrip. Walt Disney World is now a designated no-fly zone after 9/11, meaning you won’t see planes or helicopters in the air space above the parks with the occasional rare exception. Walt Disney World The space is now used as storage and parking. And another fun fact — the grooves on the runway (which is STILL THERE to this day) are rumored to have played “When You Wish Upon a Star” when you drove over them at a rate of 45MPH, earning it the nickname “The Singing Runway!” That’s some pretty incredible stuff we just learned and now you’ve learned it too! Did you know all these cool facts? WE sure didn’t! See, there’s always something interesting to be learned about the Most Magical Place On Earth! Go forth and spread your newly-found wisdom with the Disney masses! Check out 14 interesting facts about Disney World’s opening day attractions right here! Which Disney fact were you super-surprised by? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Here It Is! Our ULTIMATE GUIDE to EVERY SINGLE Arendelle Aqua Treat in Disney World and Disneyland (plus full reviews!)! Where To Do THANKSGIVING in Disney World! Consider Making THESE Weird Choices On Your Next Disney World Trip. View the full article

“The Force is truly with you…” That’s just part of a special message from Mark Hamill and Lucasfilm made for Star Wars fans on the front lines. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker A recently released video (as shared by @starwars on Instagram and Star Wars on YouTube) comes accompanied by the following message: “The challenging times we’re currently facing have truly brought out the best in many from the Star Wars community, especially those first responders, front-liners and volunteers who are working to keep us all safe. @hamillhimself and @lucasfilm would like to thank all the heroes who put their health and well-being on the line for us every day — the Force is truly with you…” “… and we salute you.” You can visit Star Wars on YouTube.com. Are you a Star Wars fan? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: EVERYTHING You Need To Know From The Walt Disney Studios Panel at The D23 Expo! New Location From “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” Coming Soon to Star Tours at Disney! NEWS! New Star Wars WILL Be Returning to the Big Screen…But It Might Take a Few Years View the full article

Yesterday we shared that custodial Disney Cast Members have been called back to work at Disney Springs since the location will begin partially reopening on May 20th. We have also been able to confirm a few of the restaurants that will be reopening on May 20th. Disney Springs And now it appears that several additional locations will be reopening by June 1st! Starting today, the My Disney Experience app is allowing guests to make reservations starting June 1st for the following Disney Springs restaurants: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ City Works Eatery & Pour House Enzo’s Hideaway Frontera Cocina Jaleo by José Andrés Maria and Enzo’s Ristorante Morimoto Asia Paddlefish Paradiso 37 Planet Hollywood Rainforest Cafe Ravello Splitsville (Dining Room) T-REX Terralina Crafted Italian The Boathouse The Edison Raglan Road Irish Pub My Disney Experience June 1st reservations Meanwhile, STK Orlando, Wine Bar George, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill along with some quick-service spots including Erin McKenna’s NYC Bakery and Häagen-Daz Ice Cream will all be reopening on of Disney Springs’ gradual reopening plan on May 20th. ©Disney Click here to see the list of confirmed restaurants that will be reopening in Disney Springs on May 2oth So far, only third-party restaurants and retail locations are reopening with new safety guidelines and social distancing protocols for guests and Cast Members in place. We’ll continue to provide more details on this developing story as soon as they’re announced! Related posts: Orange County’s Mayor Is Expected To Announce His Phased Approach To Reopen Orlando Tomorrow Updated! These Restaurants Will Be Reopening at Disney Springs in Disney World on May 20th DFB Video: Food Tour of Disney Springs Town Center View the full article

Last July, the Mandara Spa location in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort closed its doors. ©Disney Now, we’re waiting patiently on its replacement. Tenaya Stone Spa was set to debut in Spring 2020, but in light of the recent closures, Disney just quietly updated the opening date to say “Coming Soon.” We were checking out the Disney websites today when we spotted a change to the Grand Californian page. The opening date for Tenaya Stone Spa, a California-themed full-service experience, has been changed from “Spring 2020” to “Coming Soon” in light of the current closure of Disneyland Resort. ©Disney Disneyland is currently accepting reservations for July 1 and beyond. While Disneyland has resumed some essential construction, most has been halted due to the closures. The closures and delays in construction have resulted in Disneyland Resort changing the Avengers Campus opening date to “coming soon” as well. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on the spa and the rest of the resort to report back as things change! Click here to learn more about Tenaya Stone Spa! Are you hoping to get some pampering at Tenaya Stone Spa? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: NEW! Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet at Storytellers Cafe at Disneyland’s Grand Californian New! Halloween Time Treats at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel! Sneak Preview! ALL THE EATS Coming To Disneyland This Weekend for The “Get Your Ears On” Celebration! View the full article

Wild Florida: Drive-through safari rolls with animals again after shutdown View the full article

Who’s dreaming of setting sail on a Disney Cruise?? The Disney Wonder We love the totally immersive experience that Disney Cruise Line gives us! But with the current increased health and safety concerns about cruising, we wanted to know how our readers feel about getting back on board. Currently, all Disney Cruise Line departures through June 18th are canceled, and Vancouver and European sailings are postponed even longer (through June 30th and July 2nd, respectively.) So, when the ships do take to the high seas again, would you be ready to set sail with Captain Mickey? The cruise industry has taken a serious hit in consumer confidence amid the current shutdowns. With stories of passengers falling ill and ships anchored off the coast, people are understandably concerned about boarding a cruise ship when sailings resume. When Disney Cruise Line does begin sailing again, we’ll almost certainly see some changes to the way things are run. While Disney hasn’t announced any decisions yet, CNBC reported that changes could include the elimination of buffet-style dining, increased medical screenings, and fewer passengers per sailing. Donald on a Disney Cruise to Alaska With all of the concern and uncertainty surrounding the industry, we wanted to know how our readers were feeling! So, we asked our followers on Instagram, “When will you feel safe going on another Disney Cruise?” And the results were pretty divided! Of the 233 responses, 75 would go on a cruise immediately, 45 would go at some point later in 2020, 95 would wait until 2021 or later, and 18 wouldn’t feel comfortable cruising again. Here’s a visual breakdown of the results! Pie Chart of Our Readers’ Responses When Asked When They Would Go on a Disney Cruise Let’s take a look at the reasons people gave for their responses! “I Would Get on a Cruise Right Away!” Of our readers who responded, 32% said they would go on a Disney Cruise as soon as they start sailing again. Many of the people in this group pointed to Disney’s solid track record with health and safety. “[I would go] the moment Disney is choosing to cruise. I trust their judgment!” Castaway Cay Another reader echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “When Disney opens them back up, I know they’ll be following the right procedures.” Check out our video on must-do activities on a Disney Cruise! “I Would Go on a Disney Cruise Later This Year” Moving a little farther out, 19% of respondents said they would go on a Disney cruise later in 2020. Several even mentioned that they have trips planned that they’re planning to keep as long as the sailings aren’t canceled. “We have one booked for September and if they don’t cancel it, we are definitely going.” Castaway Cay Others said they wouldn’t feel comfortable until a little later in the year. One reader said they wouldn’t consider cruising until “November at the earliest.” Click here to watch our video on things we wish we knew before going on a Disney Cruise! “I Won’t go on a Disney Cruise Until at Least 2021” Making up the largest group, 41% said they don’t plan on cruising until 2021 or later. Many people said they aren’t convinced that enough can be done to ensure the health of passengers on board, and several said they’re waiting until a vaccine is available. “Honestly, it may not feel ‘safe’ to me for at least a year or two. Or if a vaccine is created soon.” ©Disney Another reader had similar thoughts about holding out to make sure health measures are working. “Not for a year once this all clears, just to be safe.” We asked our readers when they would feel safe returning to Walt Disney World and here’s what they said “I Don’t Plan on Cruising Ever Again” And some readers don’t think they’ll ever feel comfortable enough to cruise. 8% said they’ll never go on another Disney Cruise. Some of these respondents mentioned that this situation reaffirms their previously held concerns. “Can’t really see myself cruising again. It’s always made me a bit uneasy.” Disney Cruise Line Some pointed out that despite the high standards of health and cleanliness on Disney Cruise Line, the risk is still too high for them. “I would feel more comfortable going on a Disney Cruise than any other cruise, but I still wouldn’t.” So, our readers hold a variety of opinions about when they’ll feel safe to sail on another Disney Cruise! While some are confident in Disney’s ability to maintain a clean and safe environment, others plan to hold out a bit longer for a vaccine. And some are leery about ever returning to the high seas. Click here for more information about the current closures of Disney parks, resorts, and cruises When would you feel safe enough to go on another Disney Cruise? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: NEWS! Check out the Latest Disney Wonder Updates! Heroes Unite! Marvel Day At Sea Will Return To Disney Cruise Line in 2021! Disney Cruise Line’s Nautical Navy Collection is Now Available ONLINE! View the full article

May 20th is a HUGE date for Disney Fans, as Disney Springs has announced that some stores and restaurants will be reopening that day — starting Disney World’s phased reopening. Disney Springs A limited number of third-party (e.g. NOT Disney) owned and operated outlets will open that day, implementing increased health and safety protocols for guests and workers. These range from local darling Wine Bar George to STK and Erin McKenna’s NYC Bakery, and now we’ve got another one to add to the list! YeSake, a Disney Springs kiosk run by Mitsukoshi (who also runs the restaurants in EPCOT’s Japan pavilion), messaged DFB today to let us know that they will indeed be reopening on May 20th! YeSake Kiosk If you’re heading to Disney Springs on the 20th, head on over for some incredible Japanese drinks and snacks! YeSake Kobucha Check the link below for our full, UPDATED list of all the restaurants opening in Disney Springs on May 20th. Click Here to See ALL the Restaurants Opening in Disney Springs on May 20th Are you planning to visit Disney Springs when it reopens? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: Pretty AND Pink! Take a Sweet Sip of the NEW Strawberry Nigori Sake in Disney World! What’s New in Disney Springs: Mint Cannolis, the Most Adorable Rubber Duck Drink, and a BRAND NEW Uniqlo Collection! Breaking News! Disney World Begins A Phased Reopening on May 20th With Disney Springs View the full article