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Adventures By Disney is known for taking the magic of Disney to travel destinations around the world! In April, new destinations were announced for 2021. And today, we have some more Adventures By Disney news to share. ©Disney An early booking offer has been announced for select trip departures in 2021 and early 2022, with potential for a savings of up to $750 per guest. Previous Adventures By Disney guests — Adventure Insiders — may book starting today, and booking will open to the general public on May 19, 2020. Note that travel must be booked by August 31, 2020 (for travel from February 8, 2021 to March 30, 2022), and availability is limited. Neuschwanstein Castle — Inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle ©Disney The following savings for the selected departure dates are listed on the Adventures By Disney website as seen below: Save $750 per person on these select departure start dates: February 8 – March 11, 2021 April 10 – May 29, 2021 August 30 – December 11, 2021 January 10 – March 9, 2022 Save $500 per person on these select international departure start dates: March 12 – April 7, 2021 May 30 – August 29, 2021 December 12, 2021 – January 1, 2022 March 10 – March 30, 2022 Save $400 per person on these select North America departure start dates: March 12 – April 7, 2021 May 30 – August 29, 2021 December 12, 2021 – January 1, 2022 March 10 – March 30, 2022 Please note that the Special Offer excludes river cruise, Escape and Disney Cruise Line related packages. You can learn more about Adventures By Disney destinations and inclusions here! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you Have you ever been on an Adventures By Disney trip? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Adventures By Disney Announces New Destinations For 2021! ALL the Disney NEWS and REVIEWS This Week: It’s Everything You Gotta Know! NEWS: Go “Into the Unknown” with THIS Frozen 2 Sweepstakes to Norway! View the full article

Broadway musical "Hamilton" is headed to Disney Plus on July 3. View the full article

A Florida city closed its beaches Sunday, one week after they reopened, because officials said visitors were not practicing social distancing and could have contributed to the spread of coronavirus. View the full article

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Adventure Kit – An All-New Game in DisneyNOW View the full article

Disney World may be closed, but there is one interesting thing that the closure has us looking forward to. Disney’s Contemporary Resort In the past, hurricane closures and recessions have caused some serious dips in attendance for Disney World. With the special health concerns of the current situation and the projected recession, there is certainly a possibility going into the next few months (and even years) that attendance will be lower than usual in the parks. Disney has a track record of trying to drive attendance with discounts so we might see some CRAZY Disney deals soon! So let’s take a walk down memory lane and take a look at the kind of discounts Disney has offered in the past to drive attendance up. Maybe we’ll see some of these in the coming months or years — once it’s safe for Disney to be incentivizing guests to return. SIGNIFICANT Hotel Rate Discounts In 2009 after the Great Recession, Disney offered MAJOR discounts on rooms and vacation packages. One deal was so crazy that the New York Times wrote, “If you’ve been putting off your kids’ entreaties to take them on a Disney vacation…you may soon be running out of excuses.” The deals were REALLY good! Polynesian Resort Lobby According to AllEars.net, the 2009 deal allowed guests who purchased a four-night/four-day Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way hotel and ticket package to receive three EXTRA nights of hotel accommodations AND THREE MORE DAYS added to their theme park tickets for free. For some of the dates, this also included a free $200 Disney Gift Card for use on their trip. Woah. Wilderness Lodge Lobby That’s a pretty crazy discount. It’s so crazy, in fact, that it DID keep hotel occupancy at normal levels despite the fact that it had an effect on earnings. Newsday quoted a Disney guest in 2009 saying they “did consider canceling their trip” until they saw that great deal and changed their mind. Then-CEO Bob Iger recognized the implications of such an immense discount saying, “We made a conscious decision to put in place promotions that would drive attendance. This strategy has had a predictable impact on margins, but it’s also had the intended effect of bringing people to our parks.” Animal Kingdom If a similar pattern in attendance occurs, Disney might need to drive up attendance again. Based on the past, this could mean the release of some inexpensive vacation packages to do so. Click here to check out current Disney discounts and deals! Special Park Tickets 2009 also saw the release of some special park tickets to draw people in — some of which provided FREE theme park entry. We don’t know about you, but getting into the parks for FREE is a pretty tantalizing reason to pack your bags for Disney. The deals in 2009 included free park entry on your birthday (with valid ID, of course), and those actively serving or retired from the U.S. Military were offered a free FIVE-DAY park ticket. That’s over a $400 value today. Epcot At this time no discounts or specials have been announced to lure guests to the parks besides what had already been announced before the closures — the parks don’t even have set reopenings as of press time! So it will be extra important to keep an eye on DFB so that you can see ALL of our coverage of the best and newest Disney discounts to take advantage of — maybe even some surprising ones! Looking for ways to save money on your Disney trip? Click here! Fewer Price Increases Disney World tends to see price increases regularly, usually every year. Prior to the closures, we already saw the price increase for Annual Passes for both Disney World and Disneyland, and we’ve been on the lookout for a regular ticket price increase too. MagicBand Scanner ©Disney Now, with the lengthened closures, Disney might have to make a change of plans. If attendance takes a hit, Disney might put such ticket and other price increases on hold until regular attendance levels return. To learn more about the recent Annual Pass price increase, click here! Disney World Free Dining Offer! Finally, it’s possible that Disney could release a Walt Disney World Free Dining package. Disney has been releasing Free Dining deals since 2005. This allows guests to receive a free Disney Dining Plan alongside their resort hotel and ticket packages if they make the reservation during certain dates and at select resorts. The last Free Dining deal was released in January. Free Dining Interestingly enough, Disney has already released a new Free Dining offer for guests affected by the closures, but if attendance needs a boost we could possibly see a general Free Dining offer released soon. We’ve definitely seen Disney use Free Dining offers to buff attendance levels before, typically during “slower” times of year, and it could be a move they make again. To find out if Free Dining is the deal for you, click here! Whatever deals are on the horizon, you can BET we’re on the lookout so we can let you know as soon as they go live. If you’re thinking about a trip to Disney World when it reopens, make sure you stay tuned into DFB so that you can get the most BANG for your buck! But remember, Disney will likely keep attendance levels lowered — as they’re doing in Shanghai — until they confirm they have the right mix of precautions to keep everyone in the parks completely safe. So while we do think Disney will incentivize guests to return at some point in the next 12 months, we’re not sure when that will start to happen. Click here to learn more about what the next few months could look like for Disney World! Will YOU be on the lookout for some good Disney discounts Related posts: 2020 Disney World FREE DINING Offer is Available NOW! NEWS! Three MORE Big Disney World Hotel Discounts for 2020! Breaking Down Disney World’s NEWEST Discounts (And Some That Might Be Coming Soon)! View the full article

Have I got some news to share! You can now bring the magic of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to life in your home with Mickey & Minnie’s Runway Railway: Adventure Kit, an all-new free game in the DisneyNOW app! Control Mickey and friends’ cars, trains, and more through a series of scenic adventures in this delightfully surprising, off-the-rails sandbox game, based off the newest attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Using augmented reality, this game brings the magic of Disney Parks into your home and you’ll never know what you’ll find! Choose from three characters (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy) and three worlds (Runnamuck Park, Big City Snarl, and Carnival Chaos). Each setting is taken directly from the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction, so you can truly relive the attraction at home and see how #MouseRulesApply! DisneyNOW is a kids-safe app with the newest episodes and current seasons of your favorite Disney Channel shows, DCOMs and dozens of games. Click here to access the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Adventure Kit in DisneyNOW! View the full article

Disney+ has revealed a huge “SURPRISE!” this morning! ©Disney As announced by Disney+ on Twitter, the original Broadway production of Hamilton (which was filmed live onstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre) is coming exclusively to Disney+ in July! Mark your calendars for July 3rd — the date Hamilton is set to start streaming on Disney+. Originally, the filmed production of Hamilton was announced for film release on October 15, 2021. (2021!) But now, it’s coming to Disney+ subscribers THIS SUMMER. “Just you wait….” Disney has also shared the following about the unique process of filming Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical: “The film is a leap forward in the art of “live capture” which transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. Combining the best elements of live theater, film, and streaming, the result is a cinematic stage performance that is a wholly new way to experience ‘Hamilton.’ ” As you can see, Disney+ invites you to “Shout it to the rooftops!!!” Are you EXCITED about watching “Hamilton” on Disney+? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: ALL the NEW Content Coming to Disney+ Through January 26th! Hey, Western Europe! We’ve Got A Big Disney+ Update For Ya News! Disney+ Has Officially Launched in Europe! View the full article

Gatorland: School of Croc’s Savannah Boan keeps rolling with reptiles View the full article

The mayor of Orange County, Florida provided an update on local goals and initiatives. Walt Disney World Entrance Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings, held a press conference to update the public on the weekly goals and initiatives that are being implemented to increase public health and safety. In today’s press conference, Mayor Demings spoke to the three weekly goals on which his administration is focused. First, is the distribution of free personal protective equipment (PPE) to small businesses. The distribution of one million masks to small businesses began today, with a focus on businesses with 25 employees or less. ©Harvey’s The second goal is to continue to work to reduce the spread of the virus. Dr. Yolanda Martinez, the head of the Orange County Health Services Department, stressed the importance of safe distancing, face masks, and other health precautions to reduce the spread. It was also noted that until a vaccine is created, sanitization efforts will be of the utmost importance. And the third goal is to continue to increase testing. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced that new mobile testing sites are coming to the city to help support this initiative. Walt Disney World Orange County Comptroller, Phil Diamond, stated that in month of March, tourist tax collections decreased by 56.5% compared to March 2019. Additionally, the tourism industry was ahead by $10 million at the beginning of the year, but is now behind by $70 million. He noted tourism’s finances will be affected by Shanghai Disneyland’s reopening along with the local parks’ future re-opening. The team stated it is too early to tell how the re-openings are affecting the data, so they do not have a timeline for moving to “Phase Two” yet. Spaceship Earth Mayor Demings also stressed the importance of personal and social responsibility to stop the spread of the virus. These goals are intended to increase public health and safety as certain businesses have started to reopen. Disney Springs will also begin to reopen in phases starting on May 20th. We’ll continue to keep an eye on any updates in the Orlando area. Click here to learn about the reopening plan for Orange County Did you catch the press conference with Mayor Demings? Let us know in the comments. Related posts: Mayor Demings Extends Curfew and Announces Reopening Plan For Orange County in Florida News: Mayor Predicts When Business Around Disney World May Resume 8 Disney World Changes the Reopen Florida Task Force Has Discussed So Far View the full article

Round one of our Rides and Attractions Throw Down is in the books! Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom After an exciting first round including some shocking upsets, 32 attractions have emerged victorious — so far, at least! Did your favorite attraction fight their way through to round two?? Take a look! All Disney World attractions hold a special place in our hearts for different reasons — but there’s only room for one winner in this throw down! Last night, we asked our Instagram followers to make their picks for the last matchups of round one. And some of these battles were truly neck-and-neck! In a standoff between two Hollywood Studios shows, our readers advanced Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage past Muppet Vision 3D! ©Disney But that wasn’t the end of the Hollywood Studios “show” downs! Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular just edged out the Frozen Sing-Along! Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Now the next matchup might have been the toughest choice of the first round — two fan-favorite attractions entered the ring, but only one emerged. Flight of Passage managed to topple the iconic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! Flight of Passage From one Animal Kingdom victor to another, Expedition Everest raced past Festival of the Lion King! Expedition Everest Looms Behind the Rivers of Light Amphitheater And it seems our readers don’t mind getting soaked on a water ride — Kali River Rapids took the win over Na’vi River Journey! Kali River Rapids Over in DinoLand USA, Primeval Whirl inched past TriceraTop Spin! Primeval Whirl And the consistent crowd-pleaser Kilimanjaro Safaris took down Finding Nemo: The Musical! Kilimanjaro Safaris Last but not least, DINOSAUR roared past It’s Tough To Be A Bug! Dinosaur Whew! And with that, round one is complete — here’s a look at which rides advanced from all of the initial matchups! Round One Results There’s still plenty of competition left to go! We’re kicking off round two TONIGHT, so be sure to head over to our Instagram to cast your votes! Click here to grab a black and white printer-friendly bracket of our Rides and Attraction Throw Down! Which round one winner surprised you the most?? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: News: Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour Coming to Animal Kingdom Let’s Take a Look at Everything That’s Closed for Refurbishment in Disney World Next Week! Do You Think The PeopleMover Misses Us, Too? We’re Peeking Inside Disney World’s Closure Diary! View the full article

Florida began re-opening businesses to the public on May 4th and has been progressing slowly each day. Disney Springs A few days ago, Disney World announced that they would begin re-opening retail and restaurants in Disney Springs on May 20th, but other Orlando area shopping and dining locations are already opening back up. The Mall at Millenia in Orlando re-opened today with a new set of procedures for patrons and stores. According to WESH2 News, The General Manager of the Mall, Steven Jamieson, stated “Everyone has a different threshold of what will make them feel safe coming out to the marketplace again and we want to take the whole sanitation aspect out of guests’ visit to the mall.” Disney Springs The mall installed several hand sanitizer dispensers, mall workers are frequently spraying down surfaces, and shoppers and workers are “encouraged” to wear masks. Hand Sanitizer Jamieson reported that nearly 50 stores opened today and more plan to open later this week. Stores are required to monitor and enforce social distancing and must keep their capacity below 25%. Hand-Washing Sign Stores are opening at their own discretion, but certain stores, like Apple, remain closed and are awaiting corporate approval to re-open. Other stores are taking time to re-train their employees and update inventory. D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs The food court is operating under a new rotating seating system. Diners are directed to a specific section and after they finish, that section is closed and sanitized before the next group is seated. Blaze Pizza at Disney Springs Disney Springs plans to follow similar procedures including limiting capacity, requiring face coverings, increasing safety measures, and re-training cast-members for their May 20th re-opening. Click here to see all of the Disney Springs restaurants that will be open on May 20th! Do you plan to visit Disney Springs this summer? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: NEW! Groovy Rainbow 1970’s Retro Merch in Disney World! Running in the 2019 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon? Here Are All the Discounts You Can Enjoy at Disney Springs! Go on a Grand Circle Tour of Tomorrowland With the NEW PeopleMover Hat in Disney World! View the full article

ICYMI, we’re keeping an updated list of eateries in Disney Springs that will join in the phased reopening of Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district starting May 20th. And we have another addition for the list… Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC — beloved for its vegan and allergy-friendly baked goods — will reopen on May 20th. The location will operate from 10 AM – 10 PM. In order to promote safety, the bakery has shared with us that they will only be letting in one family at a time (and therefore note that guests may anticipate standing in line). Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC They require that all guests over the age of 2 wear face masks. (This is in keeping with the recent announcement that guests and cast members in Disney Springs will be required to wear face coverings.) In addition to the helpful information, Erin Mckenna’s Bakery NYC also shared that they will be offering their full menu! Erin McKenna’s Bakery Case Interested guests may also want to know the location is going to be accepting orders by phone 24 hours in advance, and guests are welcome to pay over the phone (since the bakery is encouraging cashless payment as much as possible). To see the full — and continuously updated — list of restaurants reopening in Disney Springs, you can click here! Do you grab bakery treats at Erin McKenna’s NYC Bakery when in Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New in Disney Springs! August 10, 2018 What’s New in Disney Springs? Frosé, Potion Purple, Loaded Mac and Cheese and More: January 16, 2019 What’s New in Disney Springs — $600 Minnie Ears, Evil Piñatas, and Adorable Christmas Ornaments!! View the full article

Celebrating the Magic at Shanghai Disneyland View the full article

Disney Springs is set to begin a phased reopening on May 20th, and the complex is gearing up for the return of guests. Disney Springs Though Disney locations are set to remain closed, Disney Springs in Disney World is opening to allow third-party restaurants and retail to reopen. These third-party locations can make the decision on if they will open on May 20th (you can see the full list of confirmed restaurants here). In preparation for this partial reopening, Disney has called custodial staff back to work to keep the complex clean. According to the Orlando Sentinel, almost 120 Disney World custodians have been called back to work for the first phase of the Disney Springs reopening. Union leader Eric Clinton states that some workers could return to their jobs as early as Friday. Disney Springs These workers will receive masks provided by Disney and the public will be required to wear masks in the complex as well. Plus, other distancing and health policies will be in place. These measures are meant to protect the Cast Members and the guests. Disney will also meet regularly with union leaders to discuss safety concerns as they arise. Disney Springs Food Trucks Select restaurants and retail locations have already confirmed that they will be opening on May 20th. We are keeping a close eye on these locations and will continue to update you with new information. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on the reopening in Disney Springs so that we can report back to you! To learn more about the phased reopening of Disney Springs, click here! Will you be heading to a reopened Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Breaking News! Disney World Begins A Phased Reopening on May 20th With Disney Springs NEWS: Anthropologie Will Be Reopening at Disney Springs in Disney World on May 20th NEWS: STK Orlando Joins the List of Disney Springs Locations Reopening on May 20th View the full article

Though Walt Disney World Resort’s theme parks and hotels remain closed until further notice, a phased reopening of Disney Springs — the Resort’s shopping and dining district — will begin on May 20th. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill As individual third party restaurants may reopen under their own discretion, we are keeping an updated list of the restaurants that will reopen on May 20th. And today, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill joins that list. Reservations are currently available on OpenTable.com and the Wolfgang Puck website. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill website screenshot Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill website screenshot We are currently keeping an updated list of the reopening status of restaurants and stores in Disney Springs (including those opening on May 20th, and those who have confirmed that they will not reopen on that date), and you can click here to learn more. (And you can see our review of Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill here while you’re at it!) Take a look at the full list of restaurants reopening in Disney Springs here! Have you dined at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Breaking News! Disney World Begins A Phased Reopening on May 20th With Disney Springs SNEAK PEEK: The Newly Reimagined World of Disney Store at Disney Springs NEW Cirque du Soleil Show Is Coming to Disney Springs in March 2020 — and Tickets Are Now On Sale! View the full article

Shanghai Disneyland has officially reopened with new health and safety measures in place. Select locations at Disney Springs in Disney World plan to reopen with new processes on May 20th. You can see a running list of locations that plan to open here. Walt Disney Hometown Museum The Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri has also released information regarding when they expect to resume operations. According to The Walt Disney Hometown Museum’s website, the location is planning to reopen on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. They plan to implement a touchless payment system for ticket and museum store purchases. The museum will also transition their story stations to be touchless before their expected June 2nd opening date. Walt Disney Hometown Museum The Walt Disney Hometown Museum also encourages visitors to maintain safe social distancing practices within the museum galleries. We will continue to keep you posted as more information is released regarding the reopening of the museum, thanks! Have you visited The Walt Disney Hometown Museum? Let us know in the comments below! No related posts. View the full article

We’re following along again this week with the discussions by Florida’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs Orange County is one of two counties in which Walt Disney World Resort resides (the other being Osceola County). So these conversations reveal many of the considerations that businesses are keeping in mind with the goal of a safe re-opening of the Florida economy. Phase One of Florida’s re-opening began one week ago on May 4th. And, in addition to other select subcommittees for the Task Force, the Bringing Back Tourism Working Group met today to continue discussions during this initial phase. Disney Springs Welcome Center If you’ve spent time outside of the major theme parks in the Orlando area, you may be familiar with International Drive (or I-Drive), which is home to a wide array of restaurants (around 50 of which are currently open), attractions, hotels, and more. Guest Speaker Maria Triscari, President of International Drive Chamber of Commerce began her portion of the meeting by recognizing that Florida’s tourism industry is resilient. When we think of Orlando attractions, most of us think of the major theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Epcot Entrance in Walt Disney World Many of the 35 smaller attractions on the I-Drive corridor have interest in opening now, but have concerns that they are being categorized together with the major theme parks, though they may actually operate closer to a smaller retail location with a different business model and capacity. As a reminder, previous Task Force meetings have discussed the theme parks reopening under their own discretion, due to being a unique business model and also due to their solid record and reputation for keeping guest safety as a top priority. In light of that, it was noted that many hotels, restaurants, and attractions are waiting on word from the major theme parks as to when they will open in order to follow suit, as they rely on the visitors drawn by the major attractions. Universal Orlando Resort It was acknowledged that theme parks are “key” to the area’s economic recovery, and that when Disney closed, a message was sent to America that the situation was serious. This was followed by noting that “when they do open, it will send a message that it is safe to come out, travel, and enjoy life again,” and that when they do, I-Drive Resort area will be ready to help them accomplish that. Moving into the group discussion, it was once again recognized in a word by Visit Florida’s George Aguel that the theme parks will reopen when they believe that they have everything they need in place to do so, reminding that they are currently conducting research and taking more steps in their determinations. Task Force committee groups are presented for public viewing on Orange TV on YouTube. And to learn more about Disney Parks around the world, you can visit any of the links below. Are you following the reopening of Florida? Please let us know with a comment. Related posts: Today’s Takeaways From Florida’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force Meetings What You Need to Know From Florida’s Latest Orange County Economic Recovery Meeting How To Get Your Hands on the Starbucks “You Are Here” Disney Parks Mugs WITHOUT Actually Visiting the Parks! View the full article

Here's good news for a small number of Disney workers. About 120 custodians are getting called back to work at Disney Springs. View the full article

Slowly but surely, restaurants around Disney World property are beginning to reopen. Four Seasons Resort Orlando Today, thanks to a reader and friend for letting us know, we can add another restaurant to the list of reopened Disney World area restaurants with Plancha at Four Seasons Orlando in Walt Disney World. The Cuban restaurant in the hotel reopened today with limited hours. According to a phone conversation with employees at Four Seasons Orlando, Plancha is officially open for lunch from 11 PM to 3 PM. Reservations are currently available and they are accepting walk-ins depending on available space in the restaurant. You do not have to be staying at the Four Seasons to eat at Plancha currently. Plancha Salad Seating is set to allow customers and staff to socially distance at tables both inside and outside. You can also use a contactless digital menu through the use of a QR code displayed on your table. Plancha Digital Menu Here’s how the menu pulls up on your phone! Plancha Menu Plancha hours are subject to change, and though we were told that the restaurant is open to anyone, it is connected to a golf course. La Plancha at the Four Seasons Orlando So if you plan to go, please call ahead of time to confirm operating hours, that tables are available, and that golf reservations are not required on that day to dine. To make a reservation or confirm walk-in availability, call +1 (407) 313-7777. To find out what other restaurants are reopening in the Disney World area, click here! Have you dined at Plancha before? Tell us what you thought! Related posts: Florida Residents Can Get a Special DISCOUNT at the Four Seasons in Disney World! News! Four Seasons Resort Orlando Is Closing Its Disney World Location Temporarily Ride in Style with These Fun NEW Magnets in Disney Springs! View the full article

At Monday's rally, some Central Florida hospitality workers wrote messages in anger on their car windows, such as “Want to work, Don’t want to die!” View the full article

Today, Shanghai Disneyland became the first Disney theme park to reopen following the recent closures. ©CNBC In reaction to the opening day, CNBC conducted an interview with Bob Chapek, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. In the interview, Chapek commented on pent-up demand for the theme parks, the role of guests in keeping everyone safe, and some of the ways the global health crisis has had an effect on the company. Bob Chapek sat down with CNBC after the end of Shanghai Disneyland’s “reopening day,” to talk about the present situation for the theme parks and the company. Chapek spoke positively about the situation in Shanghai on the first day. ©CNBC He noted that there was clearly some pent-up demand to visit the parks, explaining that, “We’re pretty much booked out for the rest of the week…This is really indicative I think of the love that consumers have for our brand across the world.” With Shanghai open, the world is looking to Disney for news of the next reopening. Chapek declined to comment on an exact opening date but did say, “We certainly want to open up as soon as we can across the world but we’re going to do so in a responsible way.” ©Disney The park is currently operating at less than 30% capacity which Chapek calls, “a baby step.” Moving forward, “The plan, essentially, is to go up 5,000 a week,” when it comes to Shanghai’s capacity. Once the parks hit the 30% cut-off dictated by the government, they will wait until government restrictions loosen again to begin ramping up capacity. When asked about how feasible distancing will be at 100% capacity, Chapek explained that a lot of that has to do with the guests. So far, guests have been diligent with distancing in Shanghai. There isn’t a disconnect with expectations. Chapek noted that “Everybody across the world knows that this is a relatively important condition on which we can continue to operate the parks.” ©WaltDisneyImagineering on Instagram According to Chapek, theme parks can only do so much. The way that guests conduct themselves will be an important piece of reopenings as well. “We’re going to do our part,” Chapek said, “and we need our guests to do their part too.” For a practical example of this, Chapek mentioned that masks will be required for guests and Cast in the parks — something that may be “culturally new” and challenging. The interview wrapped up with a focus on film and TV. Notably, Chapek mentioned that the company is sticking to the July 24th release date for Mulan and that they aren’t yet sure about how sales will look with the precautions that theaters might take. ©CNBC When asked about the effect of live sports cancellations, Chapek explained that (though advertising numbers are down) ESPN was up by 11% for April primetime. “There’s no doubt we’re going to feel the impact of the advertising hit,” he said. On the other hand, he noted, “ESPN is nimble. They found a way. So, I think we’ll be resilient.” Chapek’s interview echoed sentiments previously expressed by Executive Chairman Bob Iger. We’ll keep you posted on the state of the park and if any more news is released by Disney. Click here to read comments from Bob Iger about the state of the theme parks going forward. Related posts: Disney Executives Push Back on Details Of Recent Salary Cuts NEWS! Disneyland Paris Has Extended Its Cancellation Offer for Reservations Into July NEWS and PHOTOS: Check Out Pictures from REOPENING DAY At Shanghai Disneyland! View the full article

Disney CEO Bob Chapek addresses Disney World opening rumors and other questions during a new interview with CNBC. View the full article

Looking for some at-home fun? Well, a new item now available for purchase at shopDisney.com may provide plenty of it, complete with “Oooohs!” from the kiddos! Alien Popcorn Bucket (“Oooh!”) Or, at least, that’s what WE said when we saw the Toy Story Inflatable Space Crane Ball Pit on shopDisney.com! How cool is THIS?! Toy Story Inflatable Space Crane Ball Pit ©shopDisney The Space Crane game from Pizza Planet fame is now available as an inflatable Ball Pit. Toy Story Inflatable Space Crane Ball Pit ©shopDisney Oodles of Little Green Men on one “wall” are ready to join in the fun. Toy Story Inflatable Space Crane Ball Pit ©shopDisney For $49.99, the Inflatable Space Crane Ball Pit — assembly of five pieces required — comes complete with 100 plastic balls and is topped off with a claw hoop. Inflated, the pit is 60 inches high by 32 inches wide, and you can find more specifics on shopDisney.com. I’m guessing the kids will be “eternally grateful” for all the ball pit fun! What do you think of the Inflatable Space Crane Ball Pit? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Find Out How to Celebrate The Premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker at Your Local Disney Store! Remember That SUPER Adorable New ABC Disney Collection? It’s Now Available Online! This New Mickey Jewelry Collection on shopDisney Is Seriously Stunning! View the full article

#DisneyCastLife Features Cast Members Making Magic at Shanghai Disney Resort View the full article

With today’s start of the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland, we’re sharing a special edition episode of our #DisneyCastLife series from inside the park where cast members are once again making magic for guests. Along with an exclusive look from inside Shanghai Disneyland, we also have some inspiring messages from Disney Ambassadors around the world. Check it out: For more #DisneyCastLife stories, follow the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Ambassador teams on Instagram at @WDW.Ambassador and @Disneylandambassador. And be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments. RELATED STORIES: #DisneyCastLife: Disney Ambassadors Share Cast Member Magic in New Video SeriesDisney Ambassadors Highlight Cast Member Magic in New Episode of #DisneyCastLife #DisneyCastLife: Disney Ambassadors Highlight Cast Member Magic Around the WorldView the full article