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If you are missing the Disney Parks while they’re closed, raise your hand high (both of ours are up in the air)! Magic Kingdom Since many of the parks are closed indefinitely, many federal guidelines have started to be implemented as a way for them to reopen. And, while there’s no certain timeline for when the Disney parks will be opening its gates (excluding Shanghai Disneyland) back up to guests, yesterday’s Walt Disney Company Fiscal Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results Conference Call gave us a few details about the state of the Walt Disney Company! So, if you were too busy celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some Disney recipes and cocktails, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know! Shanghai Disneyland’s Reopening Disney announced yesterday that Shanghai Disneyland will be reopening its gates on May 11th. The resort partially began to resume operations on May 9th at shopping, dining, and other locations in Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, and the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. Now, the theme park will reopen with increased health and safety protocols. ©Disney On top of previously using temperature checks and the scanning of Health QR Codes, Disney will introduce personal distancing in queues, restaurants, and attractions as well as increased sanitation. The parks will open with a limited capacity of less than 24,000 opposed to its regular capacity of 80,000 people per day. ©Disney In order to visit the park, guests will need to have advanced ticketing and reservations prior to coming to Shanghai Disneyland. During this time, general admission tickets won’t be accepted. Read all the details about Shanghai Disneyland’s reopening here! Disney Cruise Line Although the parks have started to reopen, the Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek stated that the Disney Cruise Line will probably be the last of their businesses to open back up. ©Disney Magic Although Disney has canceled all departures of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy through June 18th as well as the Disney Magic through July 2nd, the cruises most likely won’t begin sailings again for several months. Read more about the Chapek’s Disney Cruise Line statements here. New Health and Safety Procedures in Disney Parks As the parks begin to reopen, there have been discussions about the best ways to keep guests and employees safe during these times. Disney has already stated that they are looking into Cast and Crew Member training to make sure they are up to speed with the new regulations. Disney World and Disneyland are also exploring options including capacity limits, physical distancing, and increased sanitation efforts. Shanghai will be implementing many of these procedures when the parks reopen. You can learn all about those here. Shanghai Disneyland @gourmetdyy Since there may be a need for increased park-wide distancing in some capacity, Disney has also been looking into the addition of virtual queues at Disney World and Disneyland. Although there is already a FastPass+ system in Disney World and MaxPass in Disneyland, the parks might implement a similar version of a larger-scale virtual queue system through smart devices. Haunted Mansion Disney could also lean towards using the virtual queue system that Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge uses. There are only a certain amount of return times distributed during the day, so the parks could potentially have more control over distancing guests. Boarding Group While Disney didn’t share specific details on the virtual queue system, we will be on the lookout for updates. Read more about the potential for virtual queues in Disney World and Disneyland here. Disney Restaurants and Stores Opening First Shanghai Disneyland opened select shopping and dining locations back in March and Hong Kong Disneyland reopened a character meal recently. Yesterday, in a letter from the Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel we learned that Disney is indeed exploring the option of opening their retail and dining locations (e.g. Disney Springs in Disney World and Downtown Disney in Disneyland as well as resorts and shops in some hotels, potentially) before the parks reopen. Disney Springs Other theme parks have started to consider this option as well with Knott’s Berry Farm opening its Chicken-To-Go restaurant this week and Universal Orlando CityWalk rumored to reopen Starbucks and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville soon. Learn more about Disney’s statement on potentially opening dining and retail locations first here. The Walt Disney Company’s Financial Situation Since the parks, restaurants, and hotels have been closed, there have been a lot of financial choices that Disney has had to make. Due to many of the closures, there has been a projected financial loss of $21 billion through 2022 for the Walt Disney Company. This is under the assumption that attendance in the parks will drop by 50% through the end of the 2020 fiscal year. For 2021, the assumption is projected to 75% of previous attendance levels and 90% for 2022. Magic Kingdom At the moment, the Walt Disney Company has seen its Parks, Experiences, and Products segment fall 10% this quarter compared to last year. Right now, there is a predicted loss of almost $1 billion in revenue from the closures as the company has experienced a 58% drop in its operating income for this segment of the quarter. Half of this $1 billion loss is associated with the first two weeks of the US parks closures with the other half belonging to the international parks and Disney Cruise Line. Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle Disney is reporting a 21% revenue growth of $18.01 billion for its second fiscal quarter. ©Disney When it’s broken down, most of this comes from Disney’s media networks like Disney+ and Hulu that have been pulling in millions of streamers: Media Networks: $7.26 billion, up 28% Parks, Experiences, and Products: $5.54 billion, down 10% Studio Entertainment: $2.54 billion, up 18% Direct-to-Consumer and International: $4.12 billion, up more than 100% Read about the current FULL financial situation of the Walt Disney Company here! So much is changing and new information is constantly being released about the future of Disney’s Parks, Cruise Line industry, and more. We are watching and monitoring closely to ensure that you have the most up to date and reliable news. Check back on the blog for the latest info! Sending you all virtual hugs during this strange time! Here’s what our DFB readers think about planning their next Disney trip in 2020! Will you be visiting Disney Parks when they reopen? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: News! Disney Racks Up $5 Billion More In Credit We Dare You to Watch These Disney Commercials Without Laughing or Crying! “It’s About The Data, And Not The Date” Says Disney Chairman Bob Iger to NBA Owners View the full article

Disney parks around the world have been closed for almost two months or more. Now, we’re starting to imagine what a reopened Disney will look like. ©The Venetian While we’ve heard a lot of discussions from local and state governments and Bob Iger has mentioned ideas such as temperature checks, we have yet to hear of a concrete opening date or plan from Disney in regard to their theme parks. But some tourist destinations around the country have gone ahead with an outline of what health measures guests can expect when they return. We’re taking a look at two Las Vegas resorts, The Venetian and Wynn Las Vegas, to see what their plans are. The Venetian Resort The Venetian Resort is a famous Las Vegas hotel and casino with over 7,000 rooms and suites. Such a large-scale destination could use similar methods to the ones that we will see employed in Disney resorts. The team at The Venetian has formulated an 800(!!!)-step plan to reopen The Venetian, Palazzo, and Venitia Tower, according to Fox Business. That’s a lot of steps! ©The Venetian The Venetian has canceled all reservations through May, but reservations still stand for June 1st right now — just like they do for Disneyland and Disney World. In anticipation of an opening, whenever that is, The Venetian is set to make some big changes. All rooms and suites will be stocked with kits containing face masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves. Beyond that, The Venetian is considering temperature checks too. According to USA Today, they’ve opted to use thermal cameras to monitor entering guests. Those with a temperature over 100.4 degrees will be subject to a secondary screening to protect employees and other guests. That could be a no-contact way for Disney parks or resorts to health screen guests without causing too much of a back-up in wait times. ©The Venetian The resort will also be employing a full-time staff of emergency medical technicians. Specifically, they’re looking at having a team of approximately 25 certified EMTs available 24 hours a day. To keep the resort clean, The Venetian is introducing extra disinfecting and cleanliness measures (as you can imagine with an 800-step plan). Some of the most notable of these measures include the use of electrostatic sprayers to disinfect high-touch surfaces during off-peak hours, the use of ultraviolet lights to disinfect all shipments and mail, and the use of Sterilray disinfection wands to disinfect surfaces at retail locations. Click here to read about the June 1st reservation date for Disney parks. Wynn Las Vegas Wynn Las Vegas is a similar resort space containing over 3,000 rooms, a casino, a convention center, and retail space. Like The Venetian, the team at Wynn has also released concrete health measures essential to their reopening. ©Wynn Las Vegas They too will be using thermal cameras to test guests’ temperatures, but with slightly more strict guidelines. Anyone with a temperature over 100 degrees will be subject to a secondary screening. Security will greet guests too, asking them to use hand sanitizer and encouraging the use of face masks (provided by the resort). Distancing measures will be encouraged as well. Notably, some of the slot machines in the casino will be turned off to keep guests several feet apart. ©Wynn Las Vegas Great measures will be taken to ensure sanitation. Guests checking in to the Wynn can expect to see their rooms sealed with a disinfection sticker that will break upon entry. There will be no self-service of food and beverages throughout the entire resort, and external doors will remain propped open so that guests do not have to touch them. Want to learn what the Florida government is considering for Disney World? Click here! Could similar measures be taken for Disney resorts? As you can see, the Las Vegas resorts are implementing some pretty stringent measures. In an effort to ensure guest confidence and safety, Disney may do the same. As we mentioned before, Iger has suggested temperature checks at the park gates. Perhaps Disney could opt to use thermal cameras to accomplish this. Disneyland Hotel Room Beyond that, Disney may already be considering many of these measures, or perhaps they will take inspiration from large-scale tourist destinations like these. Whatever the case, Disney resorts will be different when we return. To reopen, the company will need to ensure guest safety and make sure that guests feel like they’re safe too. We’ll be keeping a close eye on other reopening destinations and any news from the Disney parks. Grand Floridian Maybe we’ll hear more news of a plan from Disney soon! To read Bob Iger’s comments on changes to the Disney parks, click here. What do you think of the Las Vegas resort plans? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related posts: One Wall Street Analyst Thinks That Disney World Could Reopen SOON Will Disney World and Disneyland Reopen at the Same Time? Six Big Questions Disney World Still Hasn’t Answered. View the full article

Known for their vibrant and warm performances at the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT, Mariachi Cobre are using their #VoicesFromHome to bring a little Disney magic and music to your home. We are honored to share with you and your familia Mariachi Cobre’s special performance of the Mexican classic, “Cielito Lindo.” Be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments stories like this, as Disney Cast Members continue to share Disney magic with all of you. View the full article

Just when we think we have tried everything in Disney World, we stumble upon brand NEW experiences. Cinderella Castle From going underground to trips on the high seas, we’ve got some fun things you may not know you can experience at Disney World! So will you be adding theses unique experiences to your next Disney World vacay? Tour Magic Kingdom’s Underground Tunnels Have you heard about the “secret tunnels” under Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? It’s true — the Magic Kingdom sits atop a series of interconnecting service tunnels only accessible to Cast Members known as the Utilidors. But did you know you can actually SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF?? Enter the Keys to the Kingdom Tour! Magic Kingdom Tour This five-hour guided walking experience lets you see “backstage” in Magic Kingdom and teaches you about how Disney brings the magic to life in the park. This tour is $99 and includes lunch and a gift! Guests must be 16 years or older and you can call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687 to book this tour! Find out more about the Keys to the Kingdom Tour here! See a Burlesque Show By now you probably know that Disney World isn’t JUST for kids. But did you know that there are some experiences ONLY for adults? The Edison in Disney Springs serves up classic American food and hand-crafted cocktails, but once the clock strikes 10PM, The Edison becomes an adults-only location. Edison Dancers ©The Edison The venue clears out the tables to create a dance floor and the nightly entertainment begins. After 10, guests 21-and-over can enjoy everything from live music and DJs to live cabaret, aerialists, contortionists, palm readers, and more. Aerial Performer Our servers warned us that the costuming “leaves little to the imagination,” so make sure everyone in your party is comfortable with attending. Check out more of The Edison here! Rent a Yacht Feeling like a night out on the high seas while you are in Disney World? How about a fancy cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon? You can rent your very own yacht at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa’s Marina. The Grand 1 Yacht is a 52-foot Sea Ray® Sedan Bridge Yacht stocked with snacks, balloons, and celebration banners (upon request). Grand 1 Yacht Prices start at $399 per hour for a minimum number of hours, and you can add Private Dining and a Butler Service (!!) for an additional charge. Call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 for reservations! If you’re looking for a unique way to get fancy on your next Disney vacation, then anchors away! Find out more info on the Grand 1 Yacht here! Go on a Fireworks Cruise If you’re not looking to shell out yacht-level cash, but still looking to hit the seas, consider the Happily Ever After Fireworks Cruise. You can watch Magic Kingdom’s nighttime fireworks spectacular on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Happily Ever After ©Disney You can choose from a 21-foot pontoon for up to 8 guests or the 25-foot pontoon for up to 10. The cruise also includes a Captain (aye-aye) along with assorted snacks and beverages. You can even add a birthday package! ©Disney The fireworks show’s soundtrack is played onboard so you won’t miss a thing! Rentals start at $299 per hour for a 21-foot pontoon or $349 per hour for a 25-foot pontoon, so just a LITTLE cheaper than the yacht option. Check out more info about the Happily Ever After Fireworks Cruise here! The Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise lets guests sail on Magic Kingdom’s General Joe Potter Ferryboat with desserts and drinks (including alcohol for guests 21 and older)! Guests even get a special souvenir to remember their cruise with! Ferrytale Fireworks Cruise The Sparkling Dessert Cruise is $99.00 for adults and $69.00 for children ages 3 to 9. You can book online or call (407) 939-3463. Find out more about the Ferrytale Fireworks Cruise here! If you’re looking for a more swashbuckling adventure, consider the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage. This experience begins at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll receive your pirate-themed attire for the evening (a bandana), enjoy a selection of small bites, AND have a chance to meet Captain Hook and Mr. Smee! Pirates and Pals Eats You’ll then set sail on Seven Seas Lagoon with your pirate themed guides for a great view of the Happily Ever After fireworks in Magic Kingdom. Happily Ever After Fireworks Tickets for the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage cost $83.83 for adults and $49.87 for children ages 3 to 9. You can book online or call (407) 939-3463. Click here to learn more about the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage Take an Animation Class in Animal Kingdom We’ve spotted drawing classes at Art of Animation Resort and long ago at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but the Disney World parks once again have their own Animation Experience! Animation Experience Over at Rafiki’s Planet Watch Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom, you can learn to draw your very own Disney character with a live animation class! The classes are about 20 minutes long and you can grab a FastPass+ if you wish, but they run several times throughout the day if you are looking to drop in! Timon The conservation station is only accessible by the Wildlife Express Train, so plan a little extra time beforehand. But the class is included in your park ticket, so show off those drawing skills! Check out more details about the Animation Experience here! Get a FREE Brownie in Magic Kingdom Free Disney food? Sign us up! If you’re interested too, head over to Casey’s Corner right before it opens for the First Pitch of the day. Each morning, the first two people (sometimes they look for kids specifically) in line at Casey’s get to throw a “first pitch” to kick off the restaurant opening. Casey’s Corner First Pitch These brave athletes will receive a free brownie for their efforts while Cast Members lead everyone in a verse of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game!” Even if you don’t score a free brownie, it’s a fun bit of Disney magic to experience! Get more deets on Casey’s “First Pitch” here! Get Up Close With Rhinos There are plenty of different tours where you can go behind-the-scenes to learn more about Disney’s animals at Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. But did you know you can get Up Close with Rhinos? Rhinos Learn more about these amazing creatures as well as Disney’s conservation efforts with this hour-long guided backstage adventure in Animal Kingdom. The $40 experience begins at 11AM and you can call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 for reservations! Check out more of Disney World’s animal tours here! Relax in a Resort Cabana If you’re planning on taking a day to rest at the resort or really get the most out of that resort pool, you can upgrade your pool-side lounge chair to a resort cabana! You can rent these for a full or half-day at select Disney Resort hotels and enjoy a “furnished, shaded oasis.” Yacht and Beach Club Cabanas The amenities vary based on resort but most of them include a ceiling fan, couch, speaker, TV with cable, phone, fruit tray or snack basket, sodas, waters, and a safe. Wow. The cabanas at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are available to guests of any Disney World Resort hotel. But the cabanas shared by Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts can only be rented by guests of those resorts. Stormalong Bay Prices vary from $138-212 for a half-day and $212-319 for a full day. You can call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 for details and reservations! Check out the BEST Disney World resort pools here! Character Couture If you are an adult who’s jealous of all those little princes and princesses at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney has heard your cries and created Character Couture just for you! Just like how Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transforms the kiddos into their favorite princesses (or young prices!), Character Couture makes over guests of all ages with looks inspired by Disney characters. Disney Springs Location You can get your hair, makeup, or nails done to resemble many of your favorite Disney heroes (or villains!). This service is available at Ship Shape Salon at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Senses — A Disney Spa and Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian, La Vida Salon at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Salon by the Springs at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Or you can even have in-room services for an additional fee! Halloween Looks from Character Couture ©Disney Prices range from $20 for nails to $75 for hairstyling. To make a reservation call 407-WDW-GLAM or 407-WDW-4526. Find out more info about Character Couture here! It seems like there is always something new to do in Disney World! And although several of these might be a major #upgrade to your trip, you get to pick what’s best for you and your family! So what will you choose?? Need even more ideas? Check out this DFB video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! What do YOU want to add to your next Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year DFB Tips: How To Plan Your Girls’ Weekend in Disney World! 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! View the full article

Officials issued about 900 verbal social distancing warnings to people during the first weekend that Volusia County’s beaches were largely reopened for almost all activities. View the full article

While we’re growing more used to our new normal with every passing day at home, we’re still having trouble imagining what the parks will be like when they reopen. Magic Kingdom We’ve already explored which new protocols Disney might use to ensure only healthy guests are allowed entry, and we recently got more information about how Shanghai Disneyland will handle their reopening on May 11th. Armed with information about how other theme parks and vacation destinations are handling reopenings, we may finally be getting a few answers to our questions about what Disney World will be like when it reopens. We’ve also been keeping track of everything that’s being discussed at the Re-Open Florida Task Force meetings in hopes some new details pertaining to the Disney theme parks might emerge soon. After all, President of Walt Disney World Josh D’Amaro is among the group of leaders hand-picked by Governor Ron DeSantis tasked with re-starting Florida’s economy. Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural But until we know for sure how things will look once Disney World reopens, here are some of our biggest questions — and even a few ANSWERS. Question #1: Will We Have to Wear Masks When Disney World Reopens? While many of us are looking forward to Disney World reopening soon, a lot of us are wondering if we’ll have to wear a mask. After all, some locations are now requiring the use of face coverings by residents when self-distancing practices aren’t enough. Disney-themed Cloth Face Masks ©Disney Right now, Governor DeSantis and the reopening task force are only ASKING all Florida residents to wear masks in public areas. This is not a requirement, but a recommendation in accordance with CDC guidelines. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Florida’s task force has stated they’ll be re-evaluating and possibly modifying their recommendations on at least a weekly basis. The CEO of Universal Studios, John Sprouls, indicated Universal theme park employees might be asked to wear masks, but he didn’t speak to the topic of Disney World’s Cast Members directly. And According to Shanghai Disneyland’s reopening protocol, the resort is requiring guests to wear masks at all times, except when dining. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Sprouls also mentioned that employees will be encouraged to employ sanitation practices at home and at work. Universal is also implementing mandatory temperature checks for all employees, but no word from Disney yet if similar measures will be taken. To date the primary information we have about healthcare protocol in the Disney Parks is what we’ve learned from Disney’s Chief Medical Officer in a recent public letter. She notes that, though no official decisions have been made, Disney is officially considering measures like limited capacity, health screenings, and virtual queues for implementation when the parks reopen. Masks and other appropriate PPE have been mentioned as a potential requirement for cast members. Click here to learn more about the required health protocol for Shanghai Disneyland’s reopening Question #2: Will They Be Selling Face Masks at the Parks? Disney currently has Face Masks available for pre-order online. Designs include Pixar Pals, Princesses, Mickey and Minnie, and Star Wars characters, including Baby Yoda. We’re not sure yet if face coverings will be sold inside the parks yet, but Florida’s Task Force has already told us airports MIGHT be selling masks. Disney Cloth Masks ©Disney Since Disney World sells almost everything else a person could need on vacation including medicine, rain ponchos, and more, it seems possible they could sell masks if guests desired them or if they were required for entry. See Florida task force’s other recommendations for airports and travel here! Question #3: Will This be the End of Drinking Fountains and the Rise of Bottle Filling Stations? Disney World likely won’t do away with their drinking fountains entirely without a viable replacement. Many guests don’t realize that Disney offers free cups of ice water from almost any fast food restaurant. And a similar system could potentially be implemented at a larger scale. We often recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to use at one of the touchless refill stations that have begun popping up throughout the parks, but not everyone likes to carry a bottle around all day, and these stations are still VERY sparse throughout the parks. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Water Bottle Refill Station In the interest of responsibility, Disney would likely provide several accessible free water options for all guests. We might see more water stations with spigots and disposable cups, like those sometimes brought out on hot days, until more permanent accommodations can be made. These can generate a lot of paper waste, but could be a viable temporary option! Check out more info on Disney World’s refillable bottle stations here! Woody’s Lunch Box And we’ll most likely see several additional hand sanitizing and hand washing locations, especially near drinking fountains, which we saw Disney World implement before the parks temporarily shut down. They even added a feature to the My Disney Experience app which provided guests with turn-by-turn directions to the nearest hand sanitation station based on their location in the parks. Click here to learn more about the portable hand sanitizer stations that appeared in Disney World Question #4: Will We Still Be Able to Use Our Refillable Popcorn Buckets and Refillable Mugs? Refillable items pose a unique challenge in that the act of refilling the items could be a health concern. Cast members could use disposable gloves for each customer, but the scoop used (in the case of popcorn) would need to avoid accidentally contacting the container or the gloved hands of the Cast Member that already touched the refillable bucket. The chance of germ transmission could be still high. Paper popcorn carton refills could be easily distributed as a refill in lieu of actually refilling the containers, which would reduce contamination if gloves were still utilized. Mickey Balloon Refillable Popcorn Bucket If Disney World could automate its soda dispensers with sensors so that you didn’t have to touch the buttons, this would also make filling up your refillable resort mugs possible. Otherwise, they could station a Cast Member wearing gloves at the soda fountain to dispense your beverage for you. In both cases though, ensuring the cups don’t accidentally make contact with spigots or parts of the soda dispenser would be vital to success. In both instances, Disney will need to carefully weigh its options. Question #5: How Will We Stay Six Feet Apart at the Parks? While we don’t yet know what Disney World will do, Shanghai Disneyland is experimenting with signage designating how far guests should be standing apart while waiting in lines. They are also employing the temporary use of portable barriers to control the flow of guests. It’s unclear if we’ll see the same thing happen at the U.S. Disney parks, but it’s something to consider. © @gourmetdyy Shanghai Disneyland is also running some social distancing trials on performances of its Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration live show. Guests are being seated every other row in the theater while each family is being given a group of seats between them and the next party. See more photos of Shanghai Disneyland’s re-opening simulations here! Shanghai Disneyland John Sprouls said in a Task Force meeting that Universal theme parks are considering using more technology (likely similar to Disney’s Mobile Order System [which we’ll talk about more in a sec] and Mobile Pay), increasing the use of virtual queues (which Disney World currently uses with Rise of the Resistance, and which they are officially considering using more broadly), using primarily outdoor queues, and staggering seating on rides and in shows. Again, Disney has not announced any confirmed decisions, but they are officially considering measures like limited capacity and virtual queues for implementation when the parks reopen. Click here to see more of Bob Iger’s statements on possible temperature checks at the Disney Parks Question #6: Will Transportation Be Running in Disney World? What Will It Be Like? Even if Disney World’s theme parks and resorts don’t re-open at the same time (Disney World is considering a phased reopening), guests will need a way to get from A to B. So it seems likely Disney World will still need to operate several modes of transportation to accommodate its guests. Epcot Monorail How many buses, ferry boats, monorails, or parking trams will be in service when the parks reopen is unknown at this time. Delays on transportation could be possible, especially if Disney plans on sanitizing between pickups and drop-offs and will likely have plans to space out guests. Question #7: Will More Restaurants Utilize Mobile Order on My Disney Experience App? We briefly touched on Mobile Order above when we mentioned some of the ideas Universal Studios’ CEO mentioned about practicing social distancing in Universal’s theme parks, but let’s explore the option as it would apply at the Disney parks. Mobile Order is a contactless way to pre-order and pay for your food without standing in the typical lines, which a number of quick-service restaurants already offer at Disney World. Mobile Order at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe But there are many popular spots that aren’t currently available on Mobile Order such as Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, Hollywood Scoops, and Pongu Pongu — all of which frequently have lengthy lines. Pongu Pongu Many of these fast-casual spots are rather small, so having enough space for a Mobile Order pick-up window could be problematic, unless they made Mobile Order the only option. Pongu Pongu Line But now that many of us are a lot more familiar with ordering meals using food delivery apps (since many restaurants around the country have continued to offer carry-out and many of us are trying to practice social distancing measures), maybe we’ll see more of Disney World’s dining options added to Mobile Order in the near future. Click here to learn all about Mobile Order in Disney World! Question #8: Will We Have to Wait in Line At All? Disney has stated that expanded use of virtual queues is a definite possibility when the parks reopen. And Universal Studios has noted the same. FastPass+ Sign at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run So how will that work? We don’t have confirmed details yet. But Disney World might modify or develop a virtual reservation system in order to limit guests in the stand-by queues, or it could utilize their own virtual queue system (like they were currently using for Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios until the recent shutdown). Lieutenant Beck on Rise of the Resistance Whatever they decide, it’s likely that guests will still face at least a somewhat short line that Disney will have to configure so that guests remain a safe distance apart at all times. Read our thoughts on why we think exploring a virtual queue system at Disney World makes a lot of sense! Question #9: How Weird Is It Going to Feel? We’re quite curious about that ourselves! Can Disney implement safety measures without diminishing (much of) the magic? If you’ll recall, the parks closed while several guests were just finishing up their spring vacations. The parks introduced a lot of hand washing signage, provided additional hand sanitation locations, and put material regarding the transmission of the virus at their First Aid Centers. Mickey and Friends Topiaries All of this was done without much imposing on guests’ overall experience. Governor DeSantis said, “[Disney was] doing a lot of stuff behind the scenes that they weren’t given credit for. And I don’t think you can tie a major outbreak from the people there, at least that I’m aware of. And so certainly I think that they did things that really were effective.” Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival Things could look and feel a little different than we’re used to for a while. We trust Disney will provide a safe environment while keeping our overall guest experience and enjoyment in mind. It’s still going to be Disney World, after all. You’ll still get to walk down Main Street, U.S.A. and stand in front of Cinderella Castle. It’s just unclear the steps it will take to get us there and, once there, keep us safe. Click here to see what our readers said when we asked when they’d feel safe going back to Disney World Question #10: Will I Be Able to Hug Mickey When I See Him? WILL I Get to See Him??! You could still hug your favorite Disney character at the U.S. parks before they closed, although some character meals were modified. And while character dining has resumed on the weekends at Lumiere’s Kitchen in Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland has reopened Enchanted Garden, it looks like no hugging is being permitted yet. Farmer Mickey is SAVAGE Character meals and greeting locations in the parks might need to operate differently for a little while for everyone’s safety. Again, we will need to see how Disney chooses to handle characters coming in contact with guests. We know some of this stuff can sound a little scary right now. At this time, much is unknown about what a reopened Disney World will look like or even WHEN a reopening will happen. Disney will work to keep its Cast and guests safe and make calls that facilitate that accordingly. We’ll keep you posted as we learn the answers to any of these burning questions, so check back with us for updates. Click here to find out ways the Disney World parks might be even better the next time you visit them here! Which questions are you hoping Disney will answer soon? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: The BIGGEST Time Wasters in Disney World — And How To Avoid Them! Guest Review: Allergy Friendly Dining at Walt Disney World News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year View the full article

An update to the Disneyland Paris website reveals additional information regarding the upcoming Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel. Disneyland Paris Due to the current global health situation, construction was put on hold for the renovation of the hotel (as Disneyland Paris currently remains closed until further notice). Though the originally announced opening date was June 15, 2020, the website now states that the timeline for the opening has been impacted. Disneyland Paris states that they “do not have a new opening date to announce right now.” They hope to have more information to share once construction work is resumed. Disneyland Paris website screenshot As a reminder, booking opened in November 2019 for Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel. And to that end, the Disneyland Paris site is providing information for guests who have booked a stay. Concept Art for Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel ©Disney Information is provided both for guests who have a stay at the new hotel between June 15 and October 31, 2020 and also starting November 1, 2020 and beyond. For those in the initial booking window (June 15 through October 31), refunds or vouchers for a future visit “or to rebook a similar holiday to your original booking at the same price and under the same conditions Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel once the date of opening is known.” Concept Art for Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel ©Disney Guests who have booked for November 1 or beyond remain confirmed, and will be notified by email if the situation changes. Impacted guests who want to learn more can read the details in full on the Disneyland Paris website. And to learn more about the current status of closures of Disney Parks around the world (which, as of yesterday, includes the announced re-opening of Disneyland Shanghai), you can visit any of the links below. Do you have plans to visit Disneyland Paris in the future? Please let us know with a comment. Related posts: Here’s How Much it Would Cost For You To Go to EVERY Disney Theme Park in the World! Booking NOW OPEN For Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in Disneyland Paris NEWS! The Disneyland Paris Princess Run Has Officially Been Canceled View the full article

The Orlando Science Center's annual "Science of Wine" event is postponed for now, but in celebration of National Wine Day (May 25) they're offering generous donors a thank-you: one bottle of wine and admission to an exclusive virtual fun zone - the Stellar Wine Cellar. View the full article

The family of a cruise crew member who died after testing positive for COVID-19 sued Royal Caribbean Cruises, saying the company failed to protect its employees as the pandemic ravaged sailings around the world. View the full article

We’ve been missing riding our favorite attractions and seeing our favorite shows at theme parks around the world (don’t mind us, we’ll just be daydreaming about Splash Mountain over here). ©Disney Shanghai Disneyland is planning to reopen and Disney World and Disneyland have stated they are looking into the possibility of virtual queues, capacity limits, and increased health and safety protocols during a phased reopening. And we are already seeing theme parks in the U.S. trend towards phased re-openings starting with their restaurants! Knott’s Berry Farm in California will be reopening its on-site Chicken-To-Go restaurant for takeout orders on May 6th. ©Knott’s Berry Farm This comes after the news that there is a possibility Universal Orlando CityWalk will be opening their Starbucks and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville locations on May 11th. Although Universal originally stated the parks and CityWalk wouldn’t open until at least May 31st, they did state that they would be monitoring the situation and making changes as needed. Universal CityWalk Disney has even stated that retail and dining locations may reopen before the parks do as well. They have already started re-opening the restaurants and stores of their overseas locations with health screening, social distancing, and limited capacity. Disney Springs Although there could be phased re-openings in Disneyland and Disney World, restaurants in Downtown Disney and Disney Springs could be among the earlier phases. (We are totally craving Mac and Cheese Bites from Wine Bar George!!) Downtown Disney Fried Chicken To Go may be a small step in the scheme of things, but if it means we could be one step closer to riding Splash Mountain, we are pretty thrilled! Take a look at the details for virtual queues in the Disney Parks here! What is your favorite restaurant in Disneyland or Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: DFB Video: 5 Disney Changes That Turned Out Way Better Than Expected DFB Video: Our Top Picks for the Most Outrageously Expensive Disney Experiences! This Is Not A Drill! You Can Get a FREE Treat at Disney Sprinkles Locations Through the End of the Month! View the full article

Although we’ve been building our own DIY movie theaters at home, it’s not the same as visiting one in person. Opening Night Pin and Ticket Since many films have been rescheduled or postponed, it’s hard to know when we will be able to watch Disney movies on the big screen again. But today Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, spoke out on how the closures have affected Disney’s films. We already commented on how the future of Disney movies could be via the On Demand platform, and Chapek’s comments acknowledge the company’s need to re-evaluate their future plans in light of the current closures. ©Disney Chapek stated, “because of changing and evolving consumer dynamics or because of certain situations like COVID, [they] may have to make some changes to that overall strategy just because theaters aren’t open or aren’t open to the extent that anyone needs to be financially viable.” However, he did note that “[they] believe in the value of the theatrical experience,” so they will be reviewing their films on a case-by-case basis to determine what the best option is for viewers. AMC Theater in Disney Springs While Disney has already changed up its schedule for hits like Mulan and Spider-Man 3, there could be a shift towards releasing more films through Disney+ or premium video-on-demand. Recently, Artemis Fowl was one of the films scheduled for a theatrical release that was moved to Disney+ instead. ©Disney Just like construction has been shut down in the parks, production on Disney films and television shows have also halted. Although there is no certain time for when the sets will reopen, Chapek stated that there would be new safety regulations with masks and similar procedures to the ones in Disney parks when production does resume. ©Disney/Marvel Despite the reported $1 billion in overall company losses, Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming services have contributed greatly to Disney’s revenue (especially since there are over 50 million Disney+ subscribers and counting). ©Disney Plus While it may not be certain if the future of Disney films will be through streaming services or not, there is the possibility that movie theaters will be reopening this summer for big blockbuster hits. We’re thankful everyone is doing what they can to keep others safe (keep it up!), but we do miss grabbing popcorn and a soda to watch a Disney movie on the big screen! Check out how the future of Disney movies could be On Demand here! What upcoming Disney movies are you looking forward to seeing the most? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: NEWS! New Film Release Dates Announced For Mulan, Jungle Cruise, Black Widow, and More! Create Your Own Home Movie Theater With This Disney DIY Onward Screening! Here’s EVERYTHING Coming to Disney+ in May! View the full article

We were thrilled to share the news that Shanghai Disneyland will reopen on May 11th! And while that is indeed exciting, it remains true that other Disney Parks and destinations around the world remain closed until further notice due to the current global health situation. Shanghai Disneyland However, we are starting to learn more about what the guest experience may look like in the Disney parks, thanks to a message from Disney regarding measures currently under consideration for a reopening that is safe for both guests and cast members. As we explore what the “new normal” might include, we’re turning our attention to one Florida location that will be reopening later this month: the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Disney and the Florida Aquarium are, of course, two very different venues. That said, as the aquarium sets plans in motion for a May 15th reopening, it is interesting to note some of the ways that detailed safety measures will be implemented, according to the information currently posted on flaquarium.org. Guest Capacity Disney has stated that capacity measures are currently being explored for the parks. It has already been announced that Shanghai Disneyland will require tickets to be purchased in advance prior to arrival (and that a reservation system will be in place for Annual Passholders). Magic Kingdom Park Entrance And the Florida Aquarium is also utilizing a required reservation-only system, with online reservations available starting Thursday, May 7th (a phone number has also been provided for members without online access). The website states that hourly capacity will be limited in order to provide social distancing. Additionally, groups will be limited to 8 tickets. Physical Distancing The website states that floor graphics in the entry area will help guests stay 6 feet apart, and a one-way path will be utilized throughout the aquarium. Shanghai Disneyland @gourmetdyy “Touch Experiences” will not be available for activities like Stingray Beach; however, guests will still be able to visit and view the exhibits. The Outdoor Play Space, which includes a Splash Pad, will not be available. Guests are advised that no stroller or wheelchairs will be available to rent. Seating will be limited for food service areas, as will the number of guests allowed in the gift shop. And it is expressed that water fountains will not be available, noting that guests may bring their own water or buy single-serve drinks. Protective Equipment Disney mentioned new training and reinforcement will be put in place for Cast Members in order to promote safety. Measures being implemented by the Aquarium include the requiring of face masks for staff and volunteers, who will also undergo a temperature check each morning. Guests will be “strongly encouraged” to wear masks. Hand Sanitizer Hand sanitizer stations will be increased in number and will be located throughout the aquarium including the exit, entry, and restrooms. Cleanliness While Disney is still exploring the measures for increasing cleaning and disinfecting, the Aquarium has stated it will “maintain its high standards of cleanliness” and cites high-touch surfaces such as windows, railings, restrooms, and elevators will receive cleaning “continuously.” Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs We have been following guidelines as they are currently being considered for various businesses throughout Florida, and it is interesting to learn how companies are prioritizing the safety of both visitors and their staff. If you’d like to learn more about visiting the Florida Aquarium, you can check out their website for information! And, of course, we’ll be keeping you posted on the latest developments for Disney Parks around the world right here. In the meantime, you can visit any of the links provided below to learn more. Check out Florida’s business re-opening plan here! Are you looking forward to traveling again soon? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments. Related posts: Halloween Gift Cards With a Spooky Secret Now Available in Disney Parks and Online What Has To Happen Before Disney World Reopens Bob Iger Comments Reveal How Set-Backs Could Affect The Walt Disney Company Long-Term View the full article

The Walt Disney Company held an earnings call today to discuss the results of its second fiscal quarter of 2020. Magic Kingdom In addition to addressing the financial effects of the temporary closure, Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek, made several key announcements. Shanghai Disneyland will be officially re-opening May 11th and we finally know some of the safety measures Disney parks will be implementing when they re-open. But let’s take a look at what the Walt Disney Company had to say about their current finances as they work towards re-opening! Words of Encouragement from Bob Iger Former Disney CEO and current executive chairman, Bob Iger, was the first to speak. He stated he was confident in the company’s ability to recover successfully from this disruption. He said Disney itself was “especially resilient” and even amidst all of the recent adversity, he’s seen the best in humanity shine through. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland He commended courageous healthcare providers working on the front lines and also praised key Cast Members who are safeguarding and maintaining the Disney parks during this time. Disney’s Second Quarter Only Includes Two Weeks of the U.S. Parks’ Closures Before going too much further in, these Q2 results only reflect about 2 weeks of the parks being closed in the U.S.. The Walt Disney Company’s third quarter is also likely to be impacted by these uncertain times. Bob Chapek Stated It’s Still too Early for U.S. Disney Parks to Re-Open Current Disney CEO, Bob Chapek spoke next stating it was still too early to predict when Disney World and Disneyland would re-open. Chapek said when it comes time to discuss re-opening the U.S. parks, the decision would be made cautiously, sensibly, and deliberately. Walt Disney World He also said Disney would not re-open any park unless it could make a positive contribution to the company’s overhead cost and could operate while generating a profit. With over 100,000 employees furloughed, Chapek answered the question, “How will you re-staff parks when they open?” by saying, Disney will staff them according to their expected capacity levels. This will give them the ability to make decisions on a sliding variable basis. Some Bad Financial News… The Walt Disney Company’s Parks, Experience, and Products segment fell 10% in this quarter when compared to the same quarter last year. Disney’s second-quarter per-share earnings did not meet expectations and fell 63% from $1.61 a share (from the previous year) to 60 cents a share. The loss was mostly attributed to the company’s suspended operations. …But Some Good Financial News, Too Still, the Walt Disney Company is reporting a 21% revenue growth of $18.01 billion for its second fiscal quarter. Haunted Mansion Don’t forget, Disney’s second-quarter — although greatly disrupted by the virus — still had many of its operations intact. We’re curious to see what it’s third-quarter will look like. CFO Christine McCarthy Said Disney Would Be Withholding Dividends…For Now Moving forward, CFO Christine McCarthy announced Disney would be suspending its dividend payout for the first half of the fiscal year which would have been payable in July. This would reserve $1.6 billion in cash assuming the dividend held constant at 88 cents per share. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Total operating income was $2.42 billion in the quarter, down from $3.82 billion, reflecting a 37% drop. Disney would like to revisit the dividend over the next six months once the company has a fuller picture of the closures’ impacts. Over $1 Billion Dollars in Estimated Losses At this time, Disney estimates its operating income is at a loss of revenue equal to almost $1 billion — mostly due to closures. The company also reported it has experienced a 58% drop in operating income for this segment of the quarter when compared to the same period last year. Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay About half of this billion dollar-estimated loss is attributed to the first 2 weeks the U.S. parks were closed while the remainder is attributed to international parks and the Disney Cruise Line shutting down. Other Key Sources of Disney’s Revenue The Walt Disney Company also shared second quarter revenues from these four segments: Media Networks: $7.26 billion, up 28% Parks, Experiences and Products: $5.54 billion, down 10% Studio Entertainment: $2.54 billion, up 18% Direct-to-Consumer and International: $4.12 billion, up more than 100% Mickey Balloons How Disney’s Streaming Services and Films Are Factoring In Last month, the company shared it had reached over 50 million Disney+ subscribers, but CFO McCarthy announced today that number has increased to over 54.5 million Disney+ subscribers as of May 4th. This number is only expected to grow as Disney+ will begin rolling out in Japan next month along with other countries and regions in the following months. ©Disney Plus Disney’s other streaming platform, Hulu, had over 32.1 million subscribers as of March 28th, which puts it up 27% when compared to this time last year. Chapek emphasized the strength of several new theatrical releases including Mulan. He hopes in spite of diminished capacity in movie theaters Disney’s new films will still perform well. Mulan Minnie Ears He acknowledged Disney might need to change its overall theatrical strategy and will review each film on a case by case basis. Disney’s ESPN is Preparing for Live Sports to Resume Due to the loss of live sporting events, Disney’s ESPN has suffered some major losses. Advertising revenue was down about 8%, but McCarthy pointed to signs of “meaningful pent up demand.” She stated the recently televised NFL draft was one of the most-watched live sporting events ever broadcasted, with more than 55 million viewers tuning in over the three days it took place. Michael Jordan’s docu-series, The Last Dance, also received a record number of views. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex McCarthy did not comment on the NBA finishing their 2020 season at Disney World but remarked instead, “We are working very very closely with the leagues and the conference partners.” This meeting may have only reflected two weeks of Disney closures, but Disney’s second quarter financials speak to the toll the latest events have taken on the Walt Disney Company. We expect to see a fuller picture of the closures’ impact on Disney at their third quarter financial meeting. We’ll continue to follow this story and report more information when Disney releases additional details! Find out more details about Disney’s theme park re-opening protocols here! Did you watch Disney’s financial report? Let us know what you thought in the comments! Related posts: Bob Iger Comments Reveal How Set-Backs Could Affect The Walt Disney Company Long-Term According to Disney’s CEO, Disney Cruises Could Be The Last Experience To Re-Open The 14 Disney Memes You Need in Your Life RIGHT NOW View the full article

Have you already watched the final episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars which is — as of yesterday, May the 4th — streaming on Disney+? The Clone Wars Cast Reunion Challenge ©D23 Well, here’s some good news… you don’t have to say your last goodbye to the cast of The Clone Wars just yet. Because D23 is hosting an online event this coming Friday to celebrate the final episode of the final season of the series: the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cast Reunion Challenge! The cast will be looking back over the seven seasons of the series AND will be tested “in the ways of the Force,” according to D23 by way of some Clone Wars trivia! The event will include the following guests: Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano Catherine Taber, voice of Padmé Amidala Dee Bradley Baker, voice of Clone Troopers, Captain Rex James Arnold Taylor, voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi Matt Lanter, voice of Anakin Skywalker Sam Witwer, voice of Darth Maul You can stream the conversation, hosted by D23’s Justin Arthur, and D23 invites you to play along from home! Here are all the details you need to tune in: Friday, May 8th at 7 PM EST/4 PM PST Where to watch: D23.com DisneyD23 on Facebook DisneyD23 on YouTube May the Force be with you! Will you be tuning in to The Clone Wars cast reunion? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Join D23 Online This Friday for “Disney Wild Kingdoms” With Joe Rohde and Disneynature Filmmakers Gear Up For the Final Episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars with the NEW “Order 66” Sweatshirt by Her Universe Here’s EVERYTHING Coming To Disney+ This March! View the full article

Earlier today, Disney executives spoke out on their financial status amidst the closures and answered questions regarding the future of the company. ©Disney Magic CEO Bob Chapek and CFO Christine McCarthy announced Shanghai Disneyland will open later this month, but when asked about when Disney’s other experiences (like cruises) will resume, they were much less certain. According to Chapek, Disney has “limited visibility into reopening the rest of the parks, cruise ships, and stores.” When asked about how Disney plans to handle orders on upcoming cruise ships, Chapek said cruises will probably be the last of their travel oriented businesses to come back online. Castaway Cay Disney’s parks, experiences, and products sector (which included cruises, was down 10% in the last quarter.CFO Christine McCarthy commented “cruises represent a relatively small percentage of operating income in the parks segment but is highly rated amongst consumers.” ©Disney Cruise Line According to McCarthy, Disney depends on repeat customers. And although Chapek noted guests have expressed interest in returning, the cruises likely won’t start sailing for several months. Castaway Cay Disney is confident cruise schedules will eventually return to normal, but as of now, they have cancelled all departures of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy through June 18th, and cancelled Disney Magic sailings through July 2nd. Disney Cruise Line website screenshot We will keep you posted with any updated information here at DFB! Check out Disney Parks’ re-opening plan here! When would you feel safe going on a Disney cruise again? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: NEWS! Outbreak Concerns Change Policies for Disney Cruise Line Review! Hop on Over for these Easter Treats on the Disney Cruise Line! News! Disney Cruise Line Departures HALTED View the full article

Today, Disney’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pam Hymel outlined a series of potential options they are exploring ahead of the parks reopening. At this time, only Shanghai Disneyland has announced a reopening date. Shanghai Disneyland Disney is unsure at this time when their other parks will reopen. However, when the remaining parks do reopen, there may be many new measures in place to ensure guest and Cast Member safety. One of these measures is one we have previously talked about as a possibility once the parks resume business operations: Virtual Queues. In addition to measures such as a phased reopening where restaurants and shops may reopen ahead of the parks, Hymel pointed out potential protocols on physical distancing and capacity. In her letter, she states, “We’re also exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts, like with our Play Disney Parks App and through virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.” Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Read about the possibility of shops and restaurants opening ahead of the theme parks here! We’ve spoken on the possibility of virtual queues when the Disney parks reopen, and it seems as though Disney is strongly considering it as something they could implement once the parks do reopen. This would allow for easier physical distancing amongst guests. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster line While it is not clear yet exactly how a park-wide virtual queue system would work, there are a couple of examples we can point to as indicators. First, Disney’s FastPass+ system in Disney World and MaxPass in Disneyland may offer insight into how a larger-scale virtual queue system may be rolled out. Reservations for an attraction could potentially be made on a smart device on My Disney Experience or the Disneyland App, much like a digital FastPass. My Disney Experience Once a guest actually enters a queue area when their time is called, Disney may be able to better distance guests apart from one another, since there would be an overall lesser flow of people entering a ride at any given time. We may also see shorter return windows to allow for even more efficiency (right now, FastPass return windows are one hour long). Haunted Mansion May have Modifications When Disney World Reopens Another example we can look at is the virtual queue system implemented for the opening of Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge. This system allows for guests to be assigned a return time to access the attraction, and only a certain, finite amount of return times are distributed each day. Again, this would give Disney more control over how many guests are entering a queue area at any given time. Boarding Group Read more about how the virtual queue and boarding group system works on Rise of the Resistance So, will we see a system that is more similar to FastPass+ at Disney World? Will these virtual queue reservations be made ahead of time, or same-day like MaxPass at Disneyland? Or will we see something more akin to the virtual queue experience for Rise of the Resistance? Rise of the Resistance Boarding Groups Sign It’s possible Disney will implement an entirely new system that is a hybrid of the two, or it can be like something we have yet to experience in the parks. One thing is certain: it appears as though Disney is taking the idea of virtual queues very seriously, and we are potentially looking at it being a part of our future theme park experiences, at least in the short term. Read more about our case for virtual queues here! What do you think of this potential new distancing protocol in Disney Parks? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! Related posts: Find Out Which Restaurants Have Been Added to Disney’s Mobile Order System! Banshee or Millennium Falcon? Is Disney World’s Pandora STILL More Popular Than Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? NEWS! Updates to My Disney Experience May Change The Way You Make Your FastPasses! View the full article

Perhaps you’ve head the BIG NEWS already… Disney has announced that Shanghai Disneyland will reopen on May 11th! Shanghai Disneyland Of course, in light of the global situation which has resulted in closures of Disney Parks around the globe (with all others remaining closed until further notice at this time), today’s announcement brings further questions regarding HOW the parks will operate upon reopening. And today, along with revealing some of the procedures which will be implemented at Shanghai Disneyland, Disney also shared a message addressing some of those questions. Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel, by way of Disney Parks Blog, shared the following statement before diving into some of the possible measures the Disney Parks are exploring: “I’m fortunate to work with Disney’s extraordinarily talented team of health and safety experts who are some of the most experienced in the industry. 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 and a Disney store.” Entering Epcot Dr. Pamela Hymel is working together with the US Travel Association on a “set of guidelines the travel industry may tailor to their individual businesses” to demonstrate the focus on traveler safety, and she also shares that Disney is currently exploring the plans the company is considering as they prepare for the reopening of the parks, resorts, and retail locations. World of Disney Here are some of those measures under consideration: Phased Reopening “Certain locations” may include a gradual and/or partial reopening. The Edison Complex in Disney Springs One provided example is the opening of retail and dining locations before the opening of theme parks. Capacity Measures and Physical Distancing Disney plans to implement physical distancing guidelines based on the guidance of health authorities including the CDC and appropriate government agencies. Dr. Hymel shared this will “likely include” implementing guest capacity measures in order to comply with state and federal guidelines. @gourmetdyy Ways to implement these guidelines may stem from current technology, including utilization of the Play Disney Parks App and virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Sanitation A strategy is being put into place for an increase in cleaning and disinfecting. Currently, they are determining where these should be implemented (citing high-traffic areas as an example) and also which cleaning products and processes will be used. Screening and Prevention Support Guidance from the government and the medical community will also inform “enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures” including suggestions regarding PPE — which stands for personal protective equipment (like face masks). Hand sanitizer station in Disney World These will be in addition to items such as hand sanitizers and hand washing stations, which we have already seen added, for instance, in Walt Disney World. Cast Training New training and reinforcement will be provided for cast members as reopenings approach, with the goal of “further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety” among cast. Cast Members in Front of Spaceship Earth Dr. Hymel goes on to share that certain measures are already being implemented among cast with regards to “increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in work areas, adjusting practices to promote physical distancing, and providing Cast with access to necessary PPE, including face coverings.” Please note that Disney also states that the above are to serve as simply “a few examples of the many areas we are developing plans for,” noting that the company will provide further details as they are confirmed and begin implementation. (It’s also expressed that practices may evolve as the global situation continues to change.) Dr. Hymel shares this message with readers, as well: “We’re looking forward to welcoming all of you back to our Disney parks, resorts and stores. Until we are together once again, we wish you and your families health, hope, and happiness.” Mickey and Minnie We are very much looking forward to the same! And we will certainly keep you posted right here as information regarding reopenings and the guest experience are revealed. In the meantime, you may catch up on the current information regarding Disney Parks and destinations around the globe by visiting any of the links below. What are your thoughts on the measures Disney is considering? Please let us know with a comment. Related posts: Here’s How Much it Would Cost For You To Go to EVERY Disney Theme Park in the World! 7 Impossible Decisions Disney Has To Make Right Now It’s Costing Disney HOW MUCH To Close The Theme Parks?! View the full article

In a letter from the Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel, today, several issues relating to the reopening of the Disney theme parks was addressed. Magic Kingdom in Disney World One of the most compelling was the confirmation that Disney is indeed exploring the option of opening their retail and dining locations (e.g. Disney Springs in Disney World and Downtown Disney in Disneyland as well as resorts and shops in some hotels, potentially) before they reopen the Theme Parks proper. We’ve seen this tack taken already in Shanghai Disneyland, where Disneytown and restaurants in the Disneyland hotel were reopened over two months before Theme Parks. In Hong Kong Disneyland we’ve also seen a character meal reopen in the past week. Hong Kong Disneyland In the restaurants and retail locations Disney has already reopened overseas, we’re seeing regulated health checks, personal distancing, limited capacity, and other health protocol enacted. World of Disney in Disney Springs While Disney hasn’t officially stated their policies for dining and retail establishments when they reopen, the Chief Medical Officer has noted that priorities could be physical distancing and capacity measures, cleanliness and sanitization protocol, screenings, and phased reopening. Related posts: Disney Food News This Week! What’s NEW at the Disney Parks and Resorts Disney News This Week: ALL of the MUST-READ News and Updates from the Most Magical Places On Earth Disney News This Week: ALL the News and Updates from the Most Magical Places on Earth! View the full article

Breaking news — Disney CEO Bob Chapek has just announced Shanghai Disneyland is reopening! Shanghai Disneyland Fireworks Testing The theme park was shuttered amidst growing concerns over health and safety for Cast Members and guests back in January, but in less than a week, Shanghai Disneyland is now expected to resume its operations. In an earnings call today, Bob Chapek said Shanghai Disneyland would officially reopen May 11th. ©Shanghai Disneyland Chapek stated that strict social distancing measures will be implemented which will include the use of masks, temperature checks, contact tracing, and other early detection systems. Chapek also mentioned that it’s too early to know when they will open any of the other theme parks, domestic or international at this time. We’ll report more on this developing story as more details become available — stay tuned! Related posts: Why Did Disney’s Bob Iger Really Step Down From The CEO Spot? Disney World’s Options For Potential Health Screening in the Parks Shanghai Disneyland Is Running Tests On Their Fireworks Show! View the full article

Dear Guests, As you may have heard at Disney’s Q2 FY20 Earnings Results Webcast, our CEO Bob Chapek announced that Shanghai Disney Resort will begin the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland on May 11 – an encouraging sign for Disney parks and retail locations all over the world. After so much time at home, I know many of you are eager to enjoy the magic of a Disney parks visit, and we can’t wait to welcome you back. I’m fortunate to work with Disney’s extraordinarily talented team of health and safety experts who are some of the most experienced in the industry. 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 and a Disney store. I’m also working closely with the US Travel Association on a set of guidelines the travel industry may tailor to their individual businesses to help demonstrate that safety of travelers is a top focus. To that end, I want to share an update with you about our plans and considerations as we prepare for the reopening of our parks, resorts and stores. At Disney, we’re exploring: Phased reopening: We’re looking at all of our locations and how best to begin the reopening process, including a gradual reopening and/or partial reopening of certain locations. For example, the opening of retail and dining locations prior to the opening of our theme parks.Physical distancing and capacity measures: As you can imagine, managing guest density in queues, restaurants, hotels, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park and across the resort is a major focus, as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. This will likely include implementation of guest capacity measures to comply with state and federal guidelines. We’re also exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts, like with our Play Disney Parks App and through virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.Cleanliness and sanitization: We’re planning increased cleaning and disinfection, determining where that should take place (for example, in high-traffic areas), and the cleaning products and processes we’ll use. Screening and prevention support: We’ll follow guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, including those related to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings. Some measures, like adding hand sanitizers and hand washing stations across our resorts, have already been implemented.Cast training: We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety amongst our cast members, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we get closer to reopening.These are just a few examples of the many areas we are developing plans for, so please keep an eye on our online channels, where we’ll provide more details as we confirm and begin to implement our plans. Given the constantly changing global health environment, these practices may evolve as we consider the latest guidance, but we will share more information with you as we look towards reopening. In the meantime, our focus remains on the health and safety of the entire Disney community – including the wellbeing of the Cast Members who are caring for and securing our parks and resorts during the closure. We have already implemented a number of enhanced health and safety measures, such as increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in work areas, adjusting practices to promote physical distancing, and providing Cast with access to necessary PPE, including face coverings. We continue to learn from these experiences and will carry these lessons into reopening and beyond. Finally, I want to recognize the medical professionals working to bring care and comfort in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. We will continue to do what we can to help support the medical community and our local communities during this time. We’re looking forward to welcoming all of you back to our Disney parks, resorts and stores. Until we are together once again, we wish you and your families health, hope, and happiness. Thank you, View the full article

Over the past few months, all of our lives have been reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. But even in the midst of uncertainty, it has been heartwarming to see people and communities around the world show compassion and support for one another. At Shanghai Disney Resort, where I’m fortunate to serve as President and General Manager, we’ve been deeply touched by the kind words of care and courage shared with us as we navigated the longest park closures in the history of the Disney company. In Shanghai, we took the first measured steps towards reopening in early March, with the opening of some retail, dining, and entertainment experiences at Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. Today, as residents in Shanghai and its neighboring provinces have returned to more normal life – including at workplaces, schools, shops, restaurants, and entertainment destinations – I’m excited to share that Shanghai Disneyland will also be reopening to the public on May 11. As we welcome guests back to the park, we will draw on the learnings from the reopening of Disneytown and Wishing Star Park, and we will implement new and enhanced health and safety measures reflecting the guidance of our local health and government authorities. While some things will look a little different, know that that a magical experience awaits you at Shanghai Disneyland. Now, more than ever, Shanghai Disney Resort is a special place for families and fans to create joyful memories and celebrate being together once again. As Shanghai Disney Resort embarks on the first Disney park reopening, the rest of the Disney family at our other parks around the world also are busy preparing for reopening. When the time is right, they will be able to once again welcome guests – to explore and play, and to enjoy the lands of adventure, fantasy, tomorrow and imagination together. Until then, stay safe, keep dreaming and stay tuned for more Disney Parks news and stories from Shanghai Disneyland! And remember, you can always experience the magic of Disney wherever you may be on DisneyMagicMoments.com, and use #DisneyMagicMoments on social media to share your stories. See you real soon! View the full article

Revenue for Disney theme parks fell 10% during the quarter when the theme parks giant closed down from the coronavirus pandemic. View the full article

Airbnb is laying off 25% of its workforce, or about 1,900 workers, as it confronts a steep decline in global travel due to the new coronavirus. View the full article

Yesterday we celebrated Star Wars Day (“May the 4th Be With You!”). And today we’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo! What do these two occasions have in common? Joffrey’s! They can both be celebrated with fun and festive recipes from Joffrey’s Coffee! May the 4th featured the Dark Side Mocha and the Light Side Mocha. And today Joffrey’s brings us recipes for Churro Fluff Iced Coffee and Mexican Hot Java! Joffrey’s mentions that this first recipe is a “dessert-inspired” iced coffee… Churro Fluff Iced Coffee … and since that dessert is a CHURRO, we are here for it!! Churro Fluff Iced Coffee ©Joffrey’s Ingredients 1/2 oz. Monin® Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup 1/2 oz. Monin® Toasted Marshmallow Syrup 5 oz. Joffrey’s Mexico Single Origin Coffee (chilled) Milk Cinnamon Dusted Marshmallows (optional garnish) Whipped Cream (optional garnish) Instructions Fill serving glass with ice Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed Pour mixture in mixing tin and back into serving glass Add garnish, serve and enjoy! Mexican Hot Java Next up is a hot — and spiked! — sip. Mexican Hot Java ©Joffrey’s Ingredients 1/2 oz. Monin® Dark Chocolate Sauce 1/2 oz. Monin® Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper 3/4 oz. Rumchata® Liqueur 3/4 oz. Reposado Tequila 8 oz. Joffrey’s Mexico Single Origin Coffee Cayenne Pepper (optional garnish) Cinnamon Stick (optional garnish) Cocoa Powder (optional garnish) Whipped Cream (optional garnish) Instructions Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed Stir gently Add garnish, serve and enjoy! For the occasion, Joffrey’s also recommends their Mexico single origin coffee from the southern most states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. “This unique coffee has a smooth, mellow taste with notes of creamy caramel and chocolate.” You can find out more about it — and place an order to enjoy some Joffrey’s right at home — by clicking here! What’s your favorite Joffrey’s coffee drink? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Review: Joffrey’s Specialty Beverages at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Celebrate Mickey Mouse’s Birthday with A Brand New Joffrey’s Coffee Blend! NEW Eats, Merch, and Construction Updates: Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Have you exhausted your Disney+ watch lists and are looking for new content to enjoy? Well, you may be excited to hear that National Geographic and actor Leonardo DiCaprio have joined forces and are bringing a new series to Disney+! ©National Geographic The new original scripted series is called The Right Stuff and will explore the topic of space travel in the United States. The series is adapted from Tom Wolfe’s nonfiction bestseller of the same name, which is about the early years in the U.S. space program and the historic “space race.” ©NatGeo The series is being produced by Appian Way and Warner Horizon Scripted Television, and will star Jake McDorman and Patrick J. Adams. ©NatGeo Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson serve as Executive Producers on the series. You can check a behind-the-scenes trailer here! Disney is introducing a bunch of new and exciting content! We can’t wait to check it all out. Read about season 2 of The Mandalorian, also set to debut on Disney+ this fall! Have you checked out all the National Geographic content on Disney+? What is your favorite series so far? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Have an Earth Day Watch Party With This Disney+ Play List! Life Is the Bubbles! Today’s International Mermaid Day (and We’re Celebrating with Some Disney Magic)! Homeschooling the Kiddos? Let Disney Help With These Interactive Learning Tools! View the full article