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It’s been a wild ride the past few days when it comes to theme park news! ©Disney While Shanghai Disneyland announced its May 11th reopening date, there has been a lot of discussion about what it will take for Disney World and Disneyland to open their gates again too. And, although there is no certain timeline yet about when the U.S. theme parks will reopen, Florida discussed the next steps for tourism in today’s task force meetings. Since Florida has started to reopen with Phase One of their current plan, the Orange County Task Force and Mayor Jerry Demings met to talk about what the future holds for theme parks. Walt Disney World Although there was a lot of discussion about the guidelines Governor Ron DeSantis has made about health and safety precautions, the meeting acknowledged how tourism is an essential part of the Florida economy. Mayor Demings stated there is no timeline for reopening theme parks, but that they are still extremely important to consider as the state moves forward in the upcoming months. Tower of Terror However, Demings is hopeful seeing Shanghai Disneyland open with new protocols! Once their parks start to re-open slowly, Florida officials will be keeping a “close watch” on what steps need to be taken for the U.S. theme parks. Even though the Orange County Task Force is prioritizing the safety of guests and workers, the Bringing Back Tourism group stated that there is “pent up demand” for attractions like theme parks at this time. Spaceship Earth They claim there is a major possibility that tourists might drive long distances to attend events, activities, and more. The group noted that around 70% of Orlando’s visitors drive and there would be differences for airport travelers as tourism spots open back up. Orlando International Airport Since Shanghai Disneyland announced a re-opening date, many U.S. park-goers are anxiously awaiting to see when the Orlando parks will open as well. The President and CEO of Visit Orlando, George Aguel, predicts many Americans will take shorter vacations due to the current health and financial situations, even if theme parks reopen. Epcot Monorail Vacations are being canceled through the end of May currently, and Disney has commented that they do not have a re-opening date in mind yet. However, capacity limits, virtual queues, physical distancing, and more are being explored for whenever Disney World does re-open to the public. Check out the biggest Disney news you might have missed yesterday! Have you planned a trip to any Florida theme parks during 2020? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: DFB Video: Bizarre Disney Honeymoon Stories… and Tips We Learned From Them! DFB Video: Our Top Picks for the Most Outrageously Expensive Disney Experiences! Star Wars Hotel Construction Update: See What Disney World’s Galactic Starcruiser Looks Like Now! View the full article

Disney World has been going the extra mile to help out the Orlando community while the parks are closed! Magic Kingdom Although they’ve already donated rain ponchos, excess food, and more, now Disney is teaming up with the Orlando Ballet to help deliver masks to the area! Since the Disney Parks are closed and the performance season is temporarily suspended at the Orlando Ballet, the costuming departments from both companies are working together to help out the Orlando community. Festival of Fantasy Parade At the moment, Orlando Ballet has been using its wardrobe team to sew face coverings for donation. To support this effort, Walt Disney World provided the organization with more than 400 yards of fabric and 2,400 yards of elastic to make 3,000 non-medical, non-industrial-grade masks. Disney continues to support the Orlando Ballet by also giving dance programming sponsorship, financial support, and more to encourage the arts. ©Orlando Ballet You can watch Disney and the Orlando Ballet work together here! We’re so amazed to see so many people working together to provide a little extra magic during this time! Find out how to create your own Disney themed mask here! What ways have you been giving back to the community during this time? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: You Have to See the Sweet Way Disney World Is Giving Back to the Community This Easter! Electric Umbrella Has Officially CLOSED at Epcot! New ‘Mulan’-Inspired Mini Cake Coming to Disney Springs! View the full article

We have been closely monitoring any closures or cancellations Disney announces in response to the current outbreak. ©Disney Although Shanghai Disneyland announced its plan to re-open yesterday, the U.S. parks remain closed and Disney cruises have been halted. We recently reported that Disney Cruises were being cancelled as far out as the first week in July, but the Adventures by Disney schedule just received another update. Until now, Adventures by Disney Cruise Packages were cancelled up until the July 1st departure of the 12-Night Mediterranean cruise. But now, Adventures by Disney departures have been cancelled through July 26th. ©Disney The following Adventures by Disney Cruise Packages are now cancelled: Seine River Cruise — July 2 and July 16, 2020 Danube River Cruise — July 4 and July 11, 2020 Paris Escape — July 7 and July 9, 2020 Rhone River Cruise — July 9, 2020 Rhine River Cruise — July 12 and July 26, 2020 Amsterdam Escape — July 19, 2020 ©Disney Disney reminds guests that they may transfer the cost of their trip to another Adventures by Disney experience, or receive a refund. Affected guests are also able to book 2021 Adventures by Disney trips at this time. ©Disney Cruise Line Sailing to Alaska If you were planning an Adventures by Disney trip during these affected cancellation dates, Disney will be reaching out to you! Find out what Disney’s CEO said about when cruises could resume here! What is your favorite part about Disney cruises? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: NEWS! Outbreak Concerns Change Policies for Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line’s Updated Refund Policy for Halted Departures! Now You Can Watch The Disney Dream’s “Beauty and the Beast” Musical From Home! View the full article

Walt Disney World Donates Fabric to Orlando Ballet to Create Face Coverings for Local Communities View the full article

Today we’ve been discussing reopening procedures which will be implemented at Shanghai Disneyland as the Resort prepares for its May 11th reopening. And even though all other Disney Parks around the world remain closed until further notice, we are looking at new safety measures in Shanghai Disneyland as possible indicators for how the rest of the parks may follow suit. Alice in Wonderland Maze at Shanghai Disneyland We’ve talked about park capacity limits and health screening protocols for guests. We’ve also explored what the Disney character experience will be like and how parades and nighttime spectaculars will be impacted — at least during the initial reopening phase of Disneyland Shanghai. These procedures are outlined in a press release which accompanied the reopening announcement for Shanghai Disneyland. And one more item addressed in the release is the availability of park experiences like attractions and shows. Pirates of the Caribbean at Shanghai Disneyland Disneyland Shanghai shares that starting on May 11th — reopening day — the “majority of Shanghai Disneyland’s attractions, rides, some shows and shopping and dining locations will resume operations,” albeit with controlled attendance to promote physical distancing. Pater Pan’s Flight at Shanghai Disneyland Certain “interactive attractions and experiences” — which, according to the release include play areas and theater shows — will remain closed. Of course, since guests will certainly want to find out what will be open, they will be able to check the availability of specific attractions and entertainment on the Shanghai Disneyland website and app. (As a reminder, parades and nighttime spectaculars in particular will not return until “a later date.”) Duffy and Shellymae Buns Shanghai Disneyland These and other procedures fall under the safety measures which the Disney company is considering as they also look towards reopening of the other Parks. The areas of consideration include phased reopening, capacity measures and physical distancing, sanitation, screening and prevention support, and Cast training. Disney will provide more specifics as each Resort approaches reopening, but we can look towards — and LOOK FORWARD to! — the reopening of Disneyland Shanghai to see what might be in store for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney destinations beyond. To learn more about safety measures Disney is considering for the parks, you can click here. What are your thoughts on the safety measures in Shanghai Disneyland? Please let us know with a comment. Related posts: Photos! Shanghai Disney Resort Testing Simulated Health Measures for a Possible Reopening Will We Get to Hug Mickey When Walt Disney World and Disneyland Reopen? Shanghai Disneyland May Shed Some Light The Reopening of Shanghai Disneyland Will Not Include Parades or Fireworks. So What Will Guests See Instead? View the full article

As we continue to identify ways to support our community during this unprecedented time, Walt Disney World Resort is joining together with Orlando Ballet to make a difference for the Central Florida community. With the temporary suspension of the performance season at Orlando Ballet, staff from their wardrobe department have been hard at work using their talents to sew face coverings for the members of our community who need them most. To support this inspiring effort, Walt Disney World Resort donated more than 400 yards of fabric and 2,400 yards of elastic to the organization, which will be converted into an estimated 3,000 of these much-needed non-medical, non-industrial-grade face coverings for local healthcare workers. Check out this video to see how the teams are making a difference together! “It’s an honor to collaborate with one of Orlando Ballet’s longtime supporters and neighbors — Walt Disney World Resort — on this project,” said Cheryl Collins, interim executive director, Orlando Ballet. “Disney does such inspiring work in our community and we can’t thank them enough for their generosity. Orlando Ballet is extremely proud of our team and volunteers who have come together to create so many face coverings that are vital to people in Central Florida during this time.” For Costuming Strategy and Initiatives Manager Fredd Gunzel, who has worked at Walt Disney World Resort for more than 20 years and has a background in the arts, this story was particularly meaningful. It was only fitting that he would be the one to make this impactful delivery. “In costuming, we’re all about taking care of each other,” said Fredd. “So being able to donate this fabric and elastic to Orlando Ballet to create these face coverings for our local community is something we are grateful to be a part of.” In addition to this contribution, Walt Disney World Resort actively supports Orlando Ballet through dance programming sponsorship, financial and in-kind support. View the full article

We recently shared the latest collaboration between Loungefly and Disney that was set to arrive online! Since these celebrate all things FOOD, we had to share some exciting news. ©Disney The collection is now LIVE and we are ready to “scoop” up these delicious-looking bags. They look like such fun summer accessories! The first colorful item in this collection is the Ice Cream Cones Crossbody Bag! ©Loungefly From Snow White to Belle and Ariel, all of these “sweet” ladies are represented in ice cream form! TOO CUTE. You can get your hands on this bag for $68.00. © Loungefly Shop for the crossbody bag here! You can also carry your everyday essentials with you with the Ice Cream Cones Mini Backpack! ©Loungefly The bag comes in the same print as the crossbody bag, but with an added ice cream cone detailing. From the waffle cone front pocket to the literal “cherry on top,” it’s a good thing this bag isn’t edible! This one is $75.00. © Loungefly Shop for the mini backpack here! These princess-themed cones have us missing some of our favorite iconic sundaes back in the parks. Luckily, we found a few ways to recreate some of them at home. Find out how you can recreate EPIC Disney Ice Cream Sundaes here! What’s your favorite Loungefly bag that you’ve seen so far? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: We Found the PERFECT Accessory to Pair with Your International Mermaid Day Outfit! Just When We Thought Baby Yoda Couldn’t Get Cuter … Loungefly Redesigns ‘The Child’ Backpack! You Can Score Even MORE ‘Year of the Mouse’ Goodies with the NEW Disney x Aldo Collection! View the full article

Disneyland Resort is currently closed until further notice and now it looks like mid-summer could potentially be the earliest reopening. Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle Prior to today, Disneyland and Disney World both were accepting reservations for June 1st and later. According to OCR, Disneyland has pushed this to July. New reservations for the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel are currently only available for dates July 1st and later. The resort has moved the earliest reservations back one month from June 1st. Disneyland’s Grand Californian Similarly, other reservations are unavailable before June 1st too. Dining reservations and bookable experiences are not available until July. Pixar Pier As of now, there is little information as to when the domestic parks will open. The only concrete reopening that has been announced is for Shanghai Disneyland on May 11th. Click here to learn more about the reopening of Shanghai Disney. Will this delay in reservations impact your plans? Share your thoughts in the comments. Related posts: FIRST LOOK: Breakfast Review and FOOD PHOTOS from the Newly Reopened Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel! Photos and Review: TWO NEW Cocktails (and NEW Souvenir Mugs!!) at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland! Deck Your Halls With the NEW Mickey Ornament Sipper at Disneyland Resort! View the full article

We are thrilled to share an even easier way for kids to access some of their favorite Disney Parks content from home. A whole new world of Disney Magic can be virtually experienced now in the DisneyNOW app. Race around with the Parr family on the Incredicoaster at Disney’s California Adventure park, sing a tale as old as time with Beauty and the Beast stage show on Disney Cruise Line or even watch the new “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland park!* 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 Disney Magic Moments collection in DisneyNOW! What is your favorite video in the collection? Let us know in the comments below! *Disney Magic Moments were previously recorded. Please check DisneyParks.com for current availability of offerings. View the full article

“Howdy folks! Welcome to the one and only Country Bear Jamboree!” Country Bear Jamboree We’re super pumped that we’re seeing a little merch love for a beloved Magic Kingdom attraction. It’s Country Bear Jamboree! We spotted the sa-weetest new Country Bear Jamboree Wishables online and we can’t WAIT to show them to you! Like all Wishables, most of the ones from this collection come in a blind bag! For $9.99 you’ll have a chance of getting Henry, Teddi Barra, Baby Oscar, or a joint plush for Bunny, Bubbles, and Buelah! ©Disney Do you just NEED these cute little Country Bears? Click here! To complete the collection, you can pick up the standalone Big Al Wishable (look at this cutie!) for $9.99 too! ©Disney Click here to snag Big Al for yourself! We can’t wait to pick up these Wishables. The blind bags and standalone plush are available on shopDisney right now! What Disney Wishables would YOU like to see? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Laugh With Your Pals Mike and Sulley Because New Monsters, Inc. Wishables Are Now Available Online! Naughty Or Nice, The Nightmare Before Christmas Wishables Are CUTE in Disney World and Disneyland! Okay, the NEW Frozen Wishables at the Disney Parks Are the Cutest Ones Yet! View the full article

Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort | #DisneyMagicMoments View the full article

When you read “banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar” you know what’s coming – Tonga Toast! Currently served at Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s, this decadent breakfast classic has been on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since 1971. This blissfully rich breakfast recipe is the perfect Mother’s Day treat and a great way for the family to enjoy a taste of Disney magic. Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Serves 4 Ingredients: Sugar-Cinnamon 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon Batter 4 large eggs 1 1/3 cup whole milk 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Tonga Toast 1 quart canola oil, for frying 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long) 2 large bananas, peeled Directions: For Sugar-Cinnamon: Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended. Set aside. For Batter: Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside. For Tonga Toast: Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.) Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast. Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder, while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby. Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe! Keep checking back on the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments that include delicious Disney recipes. And be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking! View the full article

There’s nothing quite like ending a Disney day with a magical display of FIREWORKS, is there? Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom We mention them today because new information is being presented for what the guest experience will look like when Shanghai Disneyland reopens on May 11th. At press time, all other Disney Parks around the world remain closed in light of the current global situation. But as we look towards the reopening of all the parks, the reopening procedures revealed for Shanghai Disneyland may give us an idea of what we might anticipate moving forward. We’ve already discussed some of the capacity and safety measures that will be implemented during the initial reopening phase for Shanghai Disneyland. Physical distancing is also a primary safety measure, and one that Disney is focusing on as it considers measures for all their parks worldwide. Shanghai Disneyland So what does that mean for signature presentations like parades and fireworks where lots (And lots. And LOTS.) of guests gather? Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom For Shanghai Disneyland, that question has been answered in a press release which can be found via the Shanghai Disneyland website. It states that parades and nighttime spectaculars will return at “a later date” to promote social distancing, so they will not be included in the initial reopening phase. BUT! Shanghai Disneyland has announced that the new Mickey and Friends Express will present a character processional several times daily. It’s also noted that “the Enchanted Storybook Castle will come to life with light and music at dusk each day with Evening Magical Moments.” Keep in mind too, that, even though we do not know that “later date,” we DO know that fireworks testing has taken place at Shanghai Disneyland very recently (and you can read more about that here)! Shanghai Disneyland Fireworks Testing And of course, we will keep you posted on the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland and the status of Disney Parks around the world in the meantime! Find out more about the Disney Parks around the world by visiting any of the links below. Are Disney fireworks a must-see for you? Please let us know with a comment. Related posts: Photos! Shanghai Disney Resort Testing Simulated Health Measures for a Possible Reopening Shanghai Disneyland Expected To Reopen Within Weeks Will We Get to Hug Mickey When Walt Disney World and Disneyland Reopen? Shanghai Disneyland May Shed Some Light View the full article

Just yesterday, Disney announced that Shanghai Disneyland will reopen on May 11th! This is indeed BIG news, as Shanghai Disneyland closed in January to promote safety in light of the current global health situation. (At press time, all other Disney Parks around the world remain closed until further notice.) Shanghai Disneyland But as we look forward to the eventual re-opening of all Disney parks, a big question on the minds of fans is: What will the Disney character experience be like in a time which requires social distancing measures for safety? A press release accompanying the reopening announcement for Shanghai Disneyland is shedding some light on that very question. Before we dive into specifics, we should mention that the information we’re discussing in this post is specific to Shanghai Disneyland (though Disney has released some information regarding safety measures the company is considering for all Disney parks, resorts, and stores). Mickey at Shanghai Disneyland Royal Banquet Hall That said, it’s definitely worth exploring the topic as it may inform Disney character experiences in the other Disney destinations. After all, what is a day at a Disney park without our favorite Disney pals? Shanghai Disneyland That doesn’t sound very magical at all, does it? Fortunately, the press release reveals that the beloved Disney characters will still be part of the Shanghai Disneyland experience! New Character Experiences It’s stated that the characters will make their appearances “in a new way.” Mickey and Minnie During the “initial reopening phase,” for instance, a special character procession by the name of Mickey and Friends Express will be presented several times daily. Disneyland’s Magic Happens Parade Characters will also be making appearances in each land and “greeting and welcoming everyone back to Shanghai Disneyland.” Rapunzel We can’t wait to welcome the characters back, too! What About Pictures? Be aware, though, that the press release states that “close interaction” including close-up pictures with characters will be suspended during the initial reopening phase. Chip and Goofy at Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure Still, while you can see that the character experience will indeed be different — at least with regards to the initial reopening phase for Shanghai Disneyland — it seems that they will still play a big part in any guests’ Disney day! There’s more to share about the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland, so we hope you’ll stay tuned! And you can read more about the Disney Parks around the world by visiting the links below. What do you think about the initial plans for Disney characters at Shanghai Disneyland? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Shanghai Disneyland Expected To Reopen Within Weeks The Reopening of Shanghai Disneyland Will Not Include Parades or Fireworks. So What Will Guests See Instead? Say “Hiya, Pal!” to the New Character Meet-and-Greet Locations in Epcot! View the full article

Although the Disney atmosphere, attractions, and shows are incredible, the Disney Cast Members are really the ones who bring all the magic to the parks (and we love them for it)! Hi Zero!! When a Cast Member tells you “Welcome Home” after you’ve been traveling for hours, kindly helps fix something that went wrong, or just tries to sprinkle some extra pixie dust on your vacation, they make your memories even happier when you visit. So, while we’re at home daydreaming about the parks, we are also thinking about some of the AMAZING Cast Members who make our trips to Disney that much better! Citizens of Main Street If you’ve ever been walking down Main Street, U.S.A., you’ve probably noticed a few Cast Members dressed in outfits from the early 1900s (oooh, snazzy). You might know that Main Street is actually modeled after Walt’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri with that turn-of-the-century feel, opening guests’ hearts up to exploration, innovation, and imagination. The Citizens of Main Street USA are ready for Halloween Right before you journey into the lands of Tomorrow and Fantasy, you will be transported to the land of Yesterday on Main Street, fit with characters straight out of the turn of the century! Get to Magic Kingdom earlier in the morning if you want an opportunity to see the Citizens at their finest! Citizens of Main Street and the Dapper Dans The Citizens of Main Street might be small-town folk, but they have BIG personalities! You can talk to the Mayor, a Suffragette, and so many others as they give you all the latest gossip and talk of the town. But, be warned — things can get a little topsy turvy since Main Street exists in a magical kingdom. The Dapper Dans And, right along with the Citizens of Main Street, you’ll find the Dapper Dans are dressed in their colored vests and hats, ready to sing you into a stupor! While we’re big fans of the barbershop quartet harmonizing on their own, we also love the fact that they are known for interacting with their audience. Dapper Dans They even bring guests up with them to dance along to their songs and take some of the cutest photographs with the people watching! Plus, they just love being able to put smiles on the faces of everyone passing by (and we adore them for it). Want to see what the Dapper Dans are up to at home? Click here! Candy Makers at the Confectionery We appreciate ALL the amazing chefs and bakers in Disney, buuut the candy makers at the Main Street Confectionery hold a special place in our hearts. They make the most delightful treats fresh each day, like apples, cookies, fudge, and cotton candy (brb, daydreaming about all that fluffy goodness straight out of the mixer!). Their costumes are also top-notch. Those hats! On top of making sure that the snacks are delicious, the candy makers also pay attention to details. The decorations amaze us when we see them, and we can’t help but be blown away by the creativity of the treats they imagine! Sometimes we’ll spend ages watching them prepare treats! Cast Member While the candy from the Confectionery is sweet, the candy makers are even sweeter. When we’ve stopped by to grab a new treat to review, we’ve had Cast Members create so much magic for us (thank you to the MVP who let us have one of their first Rose Cake Pops). Rose Cake Pop We can’t wait to see you all cooking up fresh sweets when we’re in the parks again! Custodians The custodians of Disney are some of the BEST people you can meet in the parks. On top of being VERY kind (we’ve dropped many a treat, and they are always there to help us with a happy heart), they also are extremely talented. You can find some of them making water drawings of different Disney characters on the ground or even playing music for everyone to enjoy. Water drawings Has anybody else seen those awesome videos of the custodians playing Disney songs on those eggs in Tokyo DisneySea?? Citizens of Hollywood We’re heading over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for another group that makes us want to do the Charleston! Just like Main Street, Hollywood Studios has its own group of swanky individuals that waltz down Sunset Boulevard. You can meet Hollywood producers and actresses, cabaret singers, gangsters, and others dressed to impress in their 1920s outfits! Citizens of Hollywood They’ll tell you everything going on in the film industry as well as who happens to be the most up-and-coming star (they all seem to have different opinions though). Citizens of Hollywood We’ve witnessed them sing, dance, and even put on some comedy acts that will leave you bent over in laughter! Stormtroopers Whether you’re in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or near the Star Wars Launch Bay, the Stormtroopers are on the prowl to spot some rebels or praise First Order supporters. (My sister and I have been captured by them while we were dressed as C-3PO and Princess Leia.) They’ll put you in your place if you’re stepping out of line, letting you know that Kylo Ren is close by. But, if you’re a rebel, they’ll make sure to make an example out of you in the name of the First Order! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge We have to say, though, that the Stormtroopers are a lot less intimidating and a lot more adorable since you can spot them holding little Padawans’ hands in the parks and taking iconic photos with guests traveling from all over the galaxy. A little Stormtrooper meets his character counterpart! Just remember, young Jedi — if a Stormtrooper stops to question you about your lightsaber, tell em “it’s just a flashlight.” Jungle Cruise Skippers Although the Jungle Cruise has the same basic storyline when you go on it, your skipper will typically add a little bit of personal flair to each boat ride! So, that means ANYTHING can happen (invisible gunfire, crazy stories from the jungle, and terrifying tales about Disney ducks are all on that list). Jungle Cruise Sign The skippers are all rightfully comedians on their own, making everyone on-board laugh during a ride that’s pretty cheesy in and of itself (but we love it just the same!). Jungle Cruise But, while we showed some love to these specific Cast Members, we honestly just miss ALL OF THEM (we’re not crying, you are!). From the Disney College Program kids to the folks who have been making magic in the parks for most of their lives, we love each and every one of them. We know that vacation plans can go awry, or things can turn completely upside down without warning. No matter what, Cast Members are there to help make your trip as wonderful as possible (thank you to all the Guest Service Cast Members who have helped us out when everything has fallen apart MANY times!). Walt Disney World Cast Members One of the first things we’re going to do when we get back to the parks is say thank you to all the amazing people who never fail to bring the magic to life for us. We love you Cast Members and we are sending you a HUGE virtual hug during this strange time! <3 Check out some of the ways Cast Members are using their talents to give back to the community right now! What Cast Members do you miss the most right now? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: There’s a SECRET “Chewie Mode” in Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?! Find Out How You Can Do It HERE! DFB Video: Latest Disney Parks News — CEO Shakeup, HUGE Refurb News, and MORE! DFB Video: Latest Disney News — Big Land Purchases, Annual Pass Holder Updates & Tips to Rebook Your Trip! View the full article

Disneyland Paris has been closed along with the rest of the international Disney parks since March. ©Disney Though the official terminology is that the resort is closed “until further notice,” we’ve been keeping a close eye on what reservations and bookings have been canceled. Prior to today, reservations before June 30th were canceled, now the policy has extended into mid-July. We spotted that the statement on the Disneyland Paris website had been amended today. Now, reservations arriving on or before July 14th are eligible for the cancellation offer — receive a refund or a voucher for the same amount. The voucher can be used within 18 months to book a future trip to Disneyland Paris. ©Disney Disneyland Paris also shared that their Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel opening date, which was set for June 15th has been postponed until further notice. Like the rest of the Disney company, Disneyland Paris has been watching the recommendations from health officials and the trends in data to determine a reopening timeline or date. This extension potentially means that the resort isn’t quite in the position to reopen just yet. Keep checking back with DFB for more updates! Disney shared some BIG information regarding the reopening of their parks yesterday. Get all the details here. Related posts: Disneyland Paris Will Feature Frozen and Star Wars Celebrations in 2020! It’s Costing Disney HOW MUCH To Close The Theme Parks?! Booking NOW OPEN For Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in Disneyland Paris View the full article

Less than a week ago, Disney began canceling reservations for guests who had bookings during the week of May 17th through 23rd, 2020. Big Thunder Mountain And even though Shanghai Disneyland recently announced it will be reopening on May 11th, another batch of cancellation letters are being sent out to folks with plans to visit Disney World or Disneyland later this month. Notifications are now being sent out to guests with arrival dates beginning May 24th through May 31st. The message is very similar to prior emails and directs people to “modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations or Walt Disney Travel Company packages.” If guests didn’t book their trip directly with Disney, they should contact the travel agency they used. Mickey Balloons Disney World is still currently accepting reservations starting June 1st. But do keep in mind that this does not confirm that Disney World is officially opening in June. Check out the do’s and don’ts of how to cancel your Disney World trip here. Furthermore, if no action is taken by the guest, Disney will automatically cancel and process a refund for any bookings during the week of May 24th through 31st, 2020. Note: you will be able to apply the full value of your booking towards future visits without penalties or fees. Splash Mountain Click here to find out what Disney World is (and isn’t) refunding! Most dining reservations and FastPasses will also be canceled automatically, but if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to chat with a Cast Member online or call Customer Support at (407) 934-7639. You can also cancel many of your reservations online through My Disney Experience under “My Reservations.” Cinnamon Roll at Gaston’s Tavern Eligible guests who were affected by these cancelations can take advantage of a private free dining offer. Mickey Bar Disney World invites you to reschedule your trip with this special package offer valid for arrivals starting June 1st through September 30th, 2020 which you can book now through May 31st. See more details here about the private free dining offer Disney World has offered guests impacted by the recent closures! Guests who had trips booked for Disneyland from March 16th through May 31st, 2020 may be eligible for an exclusive special room discount offer when they re-book. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Get the details regarding Disneyland’s exclusive room discount offer for impacted guests here! As always, our hearts go out to those of you who have had to cancel your Disney plans during this time. We love you guys and we will get through this strange time together! Click here to read some of the new safety measures and protocols that Disney is planning on implementing when the parks reopen! When’s your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: DFB Video: Latest Disney Parks News — CEO Shakeup, HUGE Refurb News, and MORE! What Has To Happen Before Disney World Reopens News! Disney World Is Notifying Guests and Canceling More Reservations in May View the full article

There was a lot of news happening in the Disney universe yesterday thanks largely in part to an earnings call detailing the company’s profitability during its second quarter. Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom And while many Disney big wigs including former CEO Bob Iger, current CEO Bob Chapek, and CFO Christine McCarthy spoke on the current financial status of the Walt Disney Company, you might be wondering how any of this information pertains to Disney’s theme parks. During the earnings call yesterday, Chapek made it clear Disney wasn’t ready to start talking about any dates specifically when it comes to reopening the U.S. Disney parks, but that doesn’t mean traction isn’t building in other parts of the world. Shanghai Disneyland In fact, Chapek broke the news that one of Disney’s overseas theme parks would be reopening soon. Current Status of Shanghai Disneyland Bob Chapek officially announced Shanghai Disneyland will reopen May 11th. We had an inkling this news was coming since we’d seen the park partially reopen its hotel and Disneytown on March 9th. ©Disney Read more about Shanghai Disneyland’s plans for reopening here! And so it seems Shanghai Disneyland, which was the first Disney park to close in late January, will also be the first to reopen with a reservation system in place as well as other safety protocols including limited capacity. Shanghai Disneyland Fireworks Testing In recent days, Disney had begun simulating health screenings and implementing social distancing measures as well as conducting tests of the park’s nighttime fireworks spectacular. We’ll be looking for similar events occurring in and around the five other remaining Disney parks to point towards a possible reopening date being released. Read more about the safety precautions Shanghai Disneyland will be implementing upon reopening here! Current Status of Hong Kong Disneyland So far, Hong Kong Disneyland is still “closed until further notice,” which is a phrase you’re probably quite used to hearing these days. Hong Kong Disneyland shuttered its doors on January 26th, a day after Shanghai Disneyland announced its temporary closure. Hong Kong Disneyland Recently, we noticed a character meal at Enchanted Rose Garden had resumed at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. The Hong Kong Disneyland hotels are available for future bookings and Hong Kong’s Inspiration Lake Recreation Center is also open and is operating as usual. So far, there haven’t been any further signs surrounding this park’s tentative reopening plan. Current Status of Disneyland Paris Right now, Disneyland Paris also remains closed until further notice. Paris’ Disney parks closed around the same time as the U.S. theme parks, and also extended its temporary closure around the same time Disney World and Disneyland announced their decision to remain closed. Disneyland Paris Today, Disneyland Paris announced the delay in the opening of their Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel. The originally announced opening date was June 15, 2020, but the website now states that the timeline for the opening has been impacted. Disneyland Paris also shared that they “do not have a new opening date to announce right now.” On top of this, Disneyland Paris has also extended its cancellation offering through July 14th. This date was previously listed as June 30th on the park’s website. Current Status of Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo Disneyland remains closed at this time and its website still states an update will be coming in mid-May. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently extended the state of emergency order he issued for Japan back in March. The extension of this stay at home order and the restrictions it carries will likely impede on the reopening plans for Tokyo Disneyland for the time being. Minnie & Mickey ice pops in Tokyo Disneyland Like Disneyland Paris, no parts of Tokyo Disneyland are currently operating. Japan’s Prime Minister has stated he might consider lifting restrictions sooner if the number of cases declined and medical resources weren’t as stretched thin as they are currently. Current Status of Disney World and Disneyland And for now, no Disney theme park locations including stores, restaurants, or other applicable businesses are currently operating in the United States. But we do have reason to believe that some dining locations and shops will be opening in Disney Springs and Downtown Disney prior to the parks reopening. Disney Springs As mentioned in the earnings call yesterday and in a memo released by Disney Parks from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel, we can expect the reopening of Disney World and Disneyland to be a phased, gradual process with stores and restaurants being likely to resume before theme parks start operating again. Magic Kingdom Read more about the guidelines and protocols Disney is discussing for reopening U.S. theme parks, including virtual queues, health screenings, and capacity caps here! As for Disney Cruise Line, we should expect to see sailings be one of the final experiences to reopen. We’ll continue to check on the status of each Disney theme park and let you know when any of them update their status so stay tuned! Related posts: Disney News This Week: ALL the News and Updates from the Most Magical Places on Earth! The 10 Yummiest Disney Recipes To Make At Home This Week! Here’s the BIGGEST News That Disney Released Yesterday! View the full article

Recently we shared some advice on what you shouldn’t bring on your next Disney World trip! Walt Disney World And now we’re sharing a few new must-have ESSENTIALS you shouldn’t leave home without! It’s funny how times have changed ’cause THESE days, instead of packing our suitcases with lots of extra socks and underwear, we’re stuffing them with our own makeshift PPE — that means personal protection equipment in layman’s terms! Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Yes friends, we’re planning on havin’ fun AND being socially distant when the parks re-open! How, you ask? With our own personal bubble of protection, naturally! And if you’re going to Disney World too, maybe you’ll be interested in grabbing this GoBroBrand Bumper Pack for you and a friend! It’s only for $39.97 for a pack of two! ©Amazon GoBroBrand Bubble Purchase your GoBroBrand Bumpers HERE! Not sure about GoBroBrand? Ludosport is selling a very similar inflatable model, but their’s must be extra-fancy because it costs $111.97! Hmm, on second thought, we’re not entirely sure if we’ll be able to eat our snacks through the thing…does it have a feeding hole at the top??? It’s hard to tell from the pictures. ©Amazon Ludosport Inflatable Bumper Balls Click here to buy your Ludosport Inflatable Bumper Balls! If you’re looking for something a little more bubbly, it doesn’t get much better than this jazzy little number — the Thumbs Up UK Bubble Costume for $29.95! Wrap your entire self in a protective layer of plastic! ©Amazon Thumbs Up UK Bubble Costume Get your Thumbs Up UK Bubble Costume here! Still not eccentric enough for you? My, your tastes DO skew a bit exotic, don’t they?! Then our next hot pink suggestion for you is this Inflatable Flamingo Costume by Hacosoon for $39.98! I promise nobody will come within six feet of you when you have THIS! ©Amazon Hacosoon Inflatable Flamingo Costume Click here to purchase the Hacosoon Inflatable Flamingo Costume! Or if you prefer to keep your inflatables in the Disney family, there’s always this Baymax Inflatable Costume for $50.27! We just hope nobody mistakes us for the huggable healthcare provider from Big Hero 6 in this thing! We’re not going to be taking anyone’s temperature at the parks — just sayin’! ©Amazon Inflatable Bamax Costume Pick up your Inflatable Baymax Costume here! Okay, those last few suggestions were a little extreme. Pluuuussss…we’re pretty sure a lot of that stuff is TOTALLY against Disney’s rules about what we can wear in the parks. Alas. So… We understand some of you guys just want to rock with your regular park attire, and that’s cool too. How about these Socially Distancing Buttons for $7.95? You get all three and they’re equal parts awesome and “Please stay six feet away from me.” How cute would these look on a denim jacket with some Disney patches next to them? ©Amazon Social Distancing Buttons Click here to buy the Social Distancing Buttons! We also dig the understated, subtle elegance of a nice statement piece, like this Please Wash Your Hands Shirt for $13.94 – $19.99. Makes quite the STATEMENT, doesn’t it? ©Amazon Please Wash Your Hands Shirt Purchase the Please Wash Your Hands Shirt here! In fact, there are several designs out there right now to help “politely suggest” people vacate your space! Check out this sweet If You Can Read This…Shirt for $14.99. You could pack a whole suitcase of these and wear a new one for every day of the week! ©Amazon If You Can Read This Shirt Click here to buy the If You Can Read This…Shirt! And don’t forget to rep your love for the unofficial drink of 2020 with this Quarantini Tank Top for $14.99! Not familiar with the Quarantini??? It’s basically the same thing as a regular martini, but you drink it ALONE. ©Amazon Quarrantini Tank Top Buy the Quarrantini Tank Top here! And if people still aren’t getting the hint and are crowding you out, kindly tell them to MOOOOve over with your very own personal Social Distancing Sign for $29.95! We like how this one is travel-sized AND has a cute cow on it, you know, for spacial referencing purposes. ©Amazon Social Distancing Sign Click here to buy your Social Distancing Sign! And don’t forget — you can now preorder Disney Face Masks online! We’re especially partial to the Baby Yoda and Star Wars Masks, but they have a ton of adorable designs to choose from! OK, OK, we’re havin’ a little fun with this one. Hope you enjoyed! And make sure you read Disney’s park rules before you head in. What do you think of our new Disney World MUST-HAVES? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: News! Disney Has Joined Florida’s Re-Opening Task Force Updated! Will Disney World Really Re-open April 1st? BREAKING NEWS! Disney World Has Just Extended Its Closure And Noted More Details View the full article

The global health crisis made an impact on the travel industry as a whole. Star Wars United Airlines Plane ©United Airlines Airlines and travel hubs around the world are suffering in particular and for those of us who use air travel as our preferred or only transportation option to the Disney parks, this can be confusing and may cause some worry. European airlines have started to make significant cuts to remain afloat and despite a $25 billion airline rescue package in the US, some domestic companies are doing the same. Without a rescue package, European air travel companies are having to scramble to shoulder the brunt of the financial downturn. CNN Business calls the European cuts a “tsunami” of airline job losses. Ryanair, Lufthansa, British Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and Air France-KLM could cut as many as 32,000 jobs in an effort to lengthen the lives of their businesses. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante ©Patina Restaurant Group These numbers seem large, but when you consider the immense drop in flight demand, we start to see where these cuts become a possibility. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said that their flight schedule has “gone back in time” to levels not seen since 1955. 92% of its fleet is grounded and 3,000 of its daily flights are canceled. British Airways echoes similar woes in an article to CNN Business. They may lay-off more than a quarter of their workforce as they expect that “the recovery of passenger demand to 2019 levels will take several years.” In some cases, entire travel hub operations could be permanently ceased. Virgin Atlantic has opted to end its operation at Gatwick airport, a notable connection from Europe to Orlando. The company has made this call in an effort to elongate its lifespan, dropping over 3,000 jobs as well, per BBC. Airline Check-In And European airlines and travelers aren’t the only ones who are and will be seeing effects in the coming months. Some domestic airlines have had significant financial trouble, despite being partial recipients of the $25 billion airline rescue package. How is it that these airlines are seeing job cuts and financial hardship despite receiving such a lofty amount of aid from the government? First of all, only some airlines — Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, and Southwest Airlines — are set to participate in receiving aid, according to the New York Times. Other airlines are going without aid. Disney’s Magical Express Bus Plus, in some cases, the aid just isn’t enough. Just yesterday according to CNN Business, United Airlines told staff to take 20 unpaid days off before October and is considering layoffs of 30% of management and executive employees — despite being a recipient in the rescue package. In an explaining statement, the airline said, “Travel demand is essentially zero for the foreseeable future and, even with federal assistance that covers a portion of our payroll expense through September 30, we anticipate spending billions of dollars more than we take in for the next several months. That’s not sustainable for any company.” Of course, these cuts could have far-reaching ramifications for businesses outside of airlines too. General Electric is already cutting as many as 13,000 jobs in its jet engine business as demand has been devastated, according to CNN Business. MarketWatch cites the negative outlook at GE being the catalyst for a dive in stock. The aviation job cuts could be permanent for the company. Orlando International Airport Beyond that, tourism may suffer as the economy gets back online. If airlines have significantly reduced availability, it may be more difficult to get from place to place. Naturally, this could affect a Disney vacation, especially for European and other international travelers. We’ll be sure to report in with further news from the airline industry as we examine how these layoffs and budget cuts could affect your Disney trip. Click here to learn more about the $25 billion airline rescue package in the US. Do you find the airline cuts worrying? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related posts: Will Disney World and Disneyland Reopen at the Same Time? 5 Critical Points in the New Federal Guidelines That Could Affect Disney World and Disneyland New Orlando Theme Park Reopening Procedures Discussed at Re-Open Florida Task Force Meeting View the full article

By now, you’ve probably heard the big news about Shanghai Disneyland’s official reopening date. Shanghai Disneyland But you might be wondering where that leaves us here in the United States. Just how far away are our major theme parks from reopening? While we can’t tell you any exact dates (because everyone’s keeping pretty tight-lipped about that sort of thing right now), we’ve scoured the news for details regarding what preparations several nationwide theme parks are making. These include some of the modifications they will be implementing upon reopening. Let’s take a look at what’s being discussed. Disney’s Theme Parks Reopening Strategy We’ll start with the parks that are most near and dear to our hearts, Disney World and Disneyland. Yesterday, Disney’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pam Hymel outlined a series of potential options they are exploring ahead of the parks reopening. Cinderella Castle Makeover Progress “Together, with our colleagues in operations, and local health and government authorities, we’re evaluating several new and enhanced safety measures to do our part towards helping us stay well while we work, stay, and play at a Disney resort,” Hymel wrote. Magic Kingdom Crowds She indicated there will be five key factors of Disney theme parks’ reopening plan. Read more of Dr. Hymel’s statement and what it means for the Disney parks here! 1. Phased Reopening Most likely, the reopening of Disney World and Disneyland will occur in stages. Disney will assess all of its businesses and locations separately to decide how and when it will best to proceed. Main Street, U.S.A. It’s possible Disney’s retail and dining locations (like Disney Springs in Disney World and Downtown Disney in Disneyland) will reopen before theme parks. Learn more about Disney’s gradual approach to reopen stores and restaurants before the theme parks here! 2. Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures Upon reopening, Disney will be implementing physical distancing guidelines. These will be based on guidelines from local health authorities, as well as the CDC and federal agencies. This will likely include the implementation of guest capacity measures, and Disney is “exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts,” such as virtual queues. it’s a small world We’ve already spoken about the possibility of more virtual queues when the Disney parks reopen, so we will be closely watching as they announce plans to implement this technology more. Virtual queues are being considered for Disney World and Disneyland upon reopening! Read more details here! 3. Cleanliness and Sanitization Increased measures of cleaning and disinfection high-traffic areas are also being discussed as Disney is determining which cleaning products and processes they’ll be using. Main Street, U.S.A. It’s possible they’re considering pressure-washing their restrooms or using hospital-grade cleaners like the ones being used by some airport facilities in Florida right now, according to Joe Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport. 4. Screening and Prevention Support Following the guidelines set in place from the government as well as the medical community, enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures are being talked about. Entering Magic Kingdom Some measures, like adding hand sanitizers and handwashing stations across the parks were already implemented before they closed, but whether or not all guests and Cast Members will be required to wear masks at Disney World and Disneyland has yet to be decided. Bog Iger also spoke recently about the possibility of temperature screening all guests, but no official statement has been released. 5. Cast Training Since safety at the parks is one of Disney’s biggest concerns, they are currently working on ways to provide new training to Cast Members. Fantasyland hand-washing station That way, as the parks get closer to reopening, Disney employees will understand these new procedures and how to implement them properly once guests return. Other Social Distancing Measures Disney May Decide to Implement Bob Chapek stated that when Shanghai Disneyland reopens on the 11th, strict social distancing measures will be implemented. This will include the use of masks, temperature checks, contact tracing, and other early detection systems. He also shared that masks in Shanghai will be worn by guests and employees. Face characters will not wear masks but will be kept at a distance from crowds. Shanghai Disneyland @gourmetdyy While Shanghai Disneyland’s normal capacity is 80,000 visitors a day, Chapek stated a government mandate will not allow more than 24,000 guests at the park at once. Even so, Disney is only planning on selling a limited number of tickets available each day during the initial reopening phase. Read more about Shanghai Disneyland’s new reopening safety measures here! Guidelines for the Disney Parks to Reopen Based on the latest federal guidelines issued by President Trump, Disney can decide to reopen the theme parks at their discretion, in accordance with Florida and California government guidelines. Walt Disney World But clearly, they won’t move forward until they’ve got the perfect plan in place. When it’s time to discuss a reopening date, we expect their plan will be a responsible and carefully-calculated one, following the recommended procedures of each local governing agency. Guidelines Disney World is Following Disney World in Orlando, Florida falls under the jurisdiction of Governor Ron DeSantis who leads the Re-Open Florida Task Force. The team of business leaders (including President of Walt Disney World Resort Josh D’Amaro) meets regularly to propose and implement new safety regulations for businesses to reopen. While Disney World hasn’t been specifically mentioned, other major theme parks such as Universal Studios Orlando have (which we’ll talk more about in the Universal segment shorty). Cinderella Castle Florida’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force led by Orlando Mayor Jerry Demings is also setting the pace for Disney World’s gradual approach of re-opening theme parks. They’ve recently been discussing reopening theme park locations based on their size. Smaller theme parks would be permitted to open sooner than large parks such as Disney World and Universal. Guidelines Disneyland is Following Disneyland’s Anaheim, California location is presided over by Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Business Recovery Task Force (executive chairman and former Disney CEO Bob Iger is a member of this committee). Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle California is moving to phase 2, which includes opening select dining and retail locations. Florida began reopening restaurants and shops on May 4th with limited capacity and new safety protocols in place. Now that we’ve discussed what Disney is up to, let’s explore what some of the other major players in the theme park industry are doing. Universal’s Theme Park Reopening Strategy So far, employees at restaurants in Universal Orlando’s CityWalk were reportedly informed that restaurants will begin partially reopening on Monday, May 11th. Temperature Checks Are Required for Employees Universal has also stated they will be temperature screening their employees including vendors and contractors. Those with a temperature of 99.9 degrees or greater will be sent home and 72 hours must pass before they can return to work. Universal Orlando Resort John Sprouls, CEO of Universal Orlando Resort and Executive Vice President of Universal Parks & Resorts, proposed a number of guidelines Universal might be implementing in a recent Re-Open Florida Task Force meeting. Increased Technology, Sanitation, and Safety Measures Sprouls said Universal is considering the use of virtual queues like the ones they currently have at Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park and implementing more technology such as Mobile Order and Mobile Pay to reduce contact when ordering and paying for food and merchandise. Universal CityWalk He also said Universal would be encouraging their workers to employ good sanitation practices at home and at work, and will most likely require all employees wear masks when in the parks. Limited Capacity and Other Modifications Sprouls expects Universal’s reopening to be a slow ramp up with potential caps on attendance. In addition to working diligently on reducing the number of frequent contact points throughout the parks, he also said they are planning on using primarily outdoor queues when the parks reopen. Universal Orlando! Sprouls also anticipates Universal will likely employ a staggered seating method on most rides and shows. SeaWorld and LegoLand’s Reopening Strategy According to California’s OCR, SeaWorld, Legoland, and other major attractions reopening in San Diego will require face masks for visitors and temperature checks for employees. ©SeaWorld The San Diego Tourism Authority has outlined several new procedures for its theme parks as well as its zoos and museums which also include reduced attendance, cashless transactions, social distancing, and constant sanitization. SeaWorld and LegoLand in Florida have yet to make a statement. ©San Diego Zoo Governor Gavin Newsom did not explicitly mention theme parks in his four-stage plan to reopen California businesses. SeaWorld, Legoland, and other California theme parks would most likely fall into Stage 4 — the last phase of the plan. It’s possible some California theme parks could fall into the earlier Stage 3 if they adopt substantial operational changes that promote social distancing and other health and safety measures. Six Flags’ Reopening Strategy Six Flags has just announced they plan on reopening some parks as early as mid-May with a reservation system in place. Mercury News recently reported Six Flags Over Texas outside of Dallas will most likely be the first of Six Flags’ theme parks to open followed by parks in San Antonio and Atlanta. Unlike Disney parks, Six Flags parks are more regionally diversified with no park claiming more than 10% of Six Flag’s attendance base. Six Flags CEO Michael Spanos laid out a new plan for Six Flags on April 30th. Spanos said they would need at least 2 to 3 weeks to prepare the parks for re-opening. ©Six Flags According to the OCR, the new normal at Six Flags Magic Mountain and other Six Flags locations will include face masks, temperature screenings, limited capacity, virtual queueing, mobile ordering, cashless transactions, social distancing, and heightened sanitization. Click here to see what parts of Disney theme parks have reopened already! Right now, many theme parks are right on the cusp of making some significant procedural changes. So far, no major theme park has stepped forward and provided an official reopening date domestically, but geographically-speaking, some locations in our country’s less-impacted areas might begin to resume their “new normal soon.” We’ll continue to follow this story and update this post with any relevant information! Which major nationwide theme park do you think will be the first to reopen? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: It’s Costing Disney HOW MUCH To Close The Theme Parks?! Hey Disney, You Might Wanna Cut Annual Passholders a Break With Those Monthly Payments Right About Now! What Has To Happen Before Disney World Reopens View the full article

What’s not to love about some hot, melty cheese?? Pulled Pork Fries with Cheese at Flame Tree Barbecue If there was a hall of fame for food, queso would be a shoo-in! Need to know where you can find some cheesy goodness on your next trip to Disney World? We’ve got you covered! Here’s where you need to go when you’re in a state of QUESO-EMERGENCY! Wine Bar George As its name suggests, Wine Bar George in Disney Springs offers more than 130 choices of wine by the ounce, glass, and bottle. And what food pairs famously well with wine?? CHEESE! Welcome to Wine Bar George! (First floor) Wine Bar George offers a few cheese-heavy menu items that we highly recommend! Let’s start with the Saganaki On Fire ($15). It’s not exactly a traditional “queso” but it is SOOOO good! And it’s on FIRE SO HOW WELL DOES IT MATCH THE TITLE OF THIS ARTICLE?!? The appetizer consists of Vlahoriti cheese (think a sharp cheese, like parmesan but softer), which your server douses with Metaxa (which, we agree, sounds like it should be fake chemical ingredient, but it’s totes not) liquor and then SETS ON FIRE tableside! Saganaki on Fire We loved (SO MANY HEART EYES) this app — the cheese was perfectly melty with delicious crispy bits. Our only complaint: it’s served with just a few crostini on the side and we didn’t get nearly enough to scoop up all the cheese! But other than that, just an excellent take on dippable cheese! Saganaki Cheese If you’re willing to stray farther from standard queso, we have a cheese-based honorable mention! The Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites ($12) are the chef’s take on grilled cheese with tomato soup and they do not disappoint! Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites Wine Bar George is one of our favorite spots in Disney Springs to grab apps and drinks. Grab some flaming cheese on your next visit, if you dare! Click HERE to check out our review of Wine Bar George! Cookes of Dublin Also in Disney Springs is Cookes of Dublin, which is a quick-service location next to Raglan Road! Cookes of Dublin This place serves up one of our favorite cheesy indulgences — Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip ($5.50)! The dip is made with a strong, stout Irish cheese, and big chunks of bacon! As incredible as cheese is by itself, the salty bacon in this dip is what really kicks it up to the level of irresistible! THIS, my friends, is queso to the NEXT LEVEL. Dubliner Irish Cheese and Bacon Dip Wondering what you should use to dip in this glorious melty cheese? Well, just about anything on the menu! A few of our choices for dipping are the onion rings ($6), fish and chips ($12.95), and chicken tenders and chips ($12.45). (But seriously just bring a tupperware and like cart it around for your whole Disney World trip. You’ll find plenty to dunk.) Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip Basically if it’s edible — dip it in the cheeeeeeese! We reviewed the updated menu items at Cookes of Dublin! Frontera Cocina Next up is Frontera Concina — man, Disney Springs restaurants REALLY know how to do queso! Frontera Cocina The must-do app for cheese lovers is the Queso Fundido ($13), which is Queso Chihuahua melted with roasted poblano peppers and caramelized onions. It comes with warm tortillas for dipping, so you can scoop plenty of melty cheese into every bite! Queso Fundido The warm, gooey cheese was too hard to resist, so we might have eaten a little more than we’d planned! But if you just can’t get enough cheesy goodness, follow this up with the Queso Añejo Mashed Potatoes ($7)! WHAT??? Yes. Queso Anejo Mashed Potatoes Frontera Cocina is another great stop for those of you on a queso mission! Check out our review of Frontera Cocina! La Cava del Tequila Now let’s take a trip over to Epcot — more specifically, La Cava del Tequila! La Cava del Tequila La Cava del Tequila is nestled inside the pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion, which gives it a warm and cozy atmosphere. But it definitely doesn’t rest on the laurels of its truly impeccable margaritas! Their chips and queso might just be our favorite on all of Disney property! The queso is the perfect blend of creamy, melty, and spicy. We love the *almost* white queso and chunks of jalapeno! Queso and Chips And this queso just so happens to pair wonderfully with one of their classic margs! The menu includes some super unique options, including the one that put them on the map: the La Cava Avocado Margarita ($15.25)! Avocado Margarita If you’re looking for classic queso that is out of this world, it’s gotta be La Cava del Tequila! Click here for our full review of La Cava del Tequila! Three Bridges Bar and Grill Last but not least, for a dining experience on the water, check out Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort! Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago Here, you’ll want to snag the Warm Manchego and Oaxaca Cheese Dip ($14). The dip has chorizo and poblano peppers mixed in, and it was soooo good, we could have eaten it with a spoon! But, it came served with house-made tortilla chips, so we didn’t have to resort to shoveling it directly into our mouths (still, we totally WOULD have!). Warm Manchego and Oaxaca Cheese Dip The heat and smoke from the chorizo really upped the flavor of the cheese and this app is definitely at the top of our list the next time we’re visiting Coronado Springs! Click here for our review of Three Bridges Bar and Grill! We’re willing to admit, we might have just a bit of an addiction to queso. But if it tastes so right, it can’t be wrong! Check out these spots on your next trip to Disney World to get your fix! Ready for more cheese overload? Click here for the 31 things you HAVE to get in Disney World if you’re obsessed with cheese! What is your favorite queso at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! 2019 Disney Restaurant ULTIMATE GUIDE: What You Need To Know About EVERY Restaurant Opening In Disney World and Disneyland in 2019! What’s New in Disney Springs! August 10, 2018 View the full article

If you’ve spent any amount of time strolling around EPCOT’s World Showcase (perhaps while visiting one of the park’s Festivals presented throughout the year), then you likely have fond memories of listening to Mariachi Cobre perform in the Mexico pavilion. Mariachi Cobre Performing During EPCOT’s 35th Anniversary Celebration Today, Disney presents the group as part of the #VoicesFromHome series with a special performance — from their homes to yours! — of “Cielito Lindo.” You can enjoy the voices and instruments of Mariachi Cobre right here thanks to the video from Disney below! #VoicesFromHome are presented as part of #DisneyMagicMoments, a series delivering magic to you right at home including performances by the Dapper Dans of Disneyland and Walt Disney World, online animation classes by Disney artists, and more. You can find out more about how you can catch other performances by Disney artists at home by clicking here! Have you listened to Mariachi Cobre at Epcot? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Take This New Three Caballeros MagicBand on a Gran Fiesta Tour Around Disney World! Review! We’re LOVING the NEW Neil Patrick Harris Black Magic Margarita in Epcot! Find Out Where You Can Get a FREE Margarita Jello Heart in Disney World Today! View the full article

Mariachi Cobre from EPCOT Bring Their Vibrant #VoicesFromHome to Your Home | #DisneyMagicMoments View the full article

Hey, pals! We’re back with another DFB Video, and today chatting about a few things about Disney World that need explaining! Orange Bird Sipper What’s the deal with school bread? Who’s the orange bird? Why does Canada only have one restaurant? We’re answering the Disney World questions you didn’t even know you had… . Check out all this and more in our latest DFB Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and let us know: What you want to know about Disney World! Related posts: DFB Video: 7 Disney World Restaurants We Never Talk About…And Why! DFB Video: 4 Things Disney Fans Freak Out About Each Year! DFB Video: The 13 Weirdest Things We’ve Eaten in Disney World (And Some Were REALLY GOOD)! View the full article