Author: chipandco.com

The Walt Disney World Resort is beginning its phased reopening next week. Select hotels will be reopening followed by the theme parks. With this reopening comes many different changes and updates. Below you’ll find the ultimate guide to these changes and what you can expect when you visit the Walt Disney World Resort.

Health and safety for guests and Cast Members is Disney’s number one priority. The following changes will be implemented at the parks and hotels:

Enhanced Cleaning: Extra attention will be given to high-traffic areas, including public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.

Physical Distancing:

• Signage and Ground Markings: Please follow directional signage and ground markings, which have been installed throughout Walt Disney World Resort to help Guests better navigate common areas while practicing physical distancing.
• Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help promote proper distances between people.
• Training: Cast Members are being trained to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.

Reduced Contact: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Besides enhanced cleaning and reduced physical contact, there are some top things you’ll need to know before you visit the resort.

Park Reservations: Park attendance will be managed via the Disney Park Pass reservation system. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guests ages 3 and up. You can find all the details for the new reservation system here.

Face Coverings: Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Take your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming.

All face coverings should:

• Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable

Temperature Screenings: Temperature screenings may be required for entry to some locations. Upon arrival at Disney Springs area or at the Walt Disney World theme parks, you may undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers.

Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.

My Disney Experience App: Make the most of the magic with the My Disney Experience app. It is strongly recommended that you have the latest version of this app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled.

Helpful features include:

• Mobile Order Service for Dining: Order ahead and save time at select dining locations using mobile order service. Disney highly recommends that you use this service during your visit.
• Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can scan a code to access the digital menu.
• Online Check-In at Disney Resort Hotels: To aid in physical distancing efforts, Disney strongly recommends that you use Online Check-In Service prior to your arrival. When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the app’s digital key feature to enter your room!

Will you be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort soon? Let us know your thoughts!

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Disney Springs, Parks & Resorts, Resorts, Walt Disney World, enhanced cleaning, face coverings, My Disney Experience App, park reservations, physical distancing, reduced contact, temperature screenings, Walt Disney World Resort

We reported earlier that the Cruise Line International Association is extending the suspension of cruise operations at U.S. ports until September 15, 2020. As suspected, Disney Cruise Line has canceled all sailings through September 15 as well.

All Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailings through that date were already suspended so this applies to all Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream sailings.

Guests who have paid their reservation in full will have the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing prior to March 31, 2022, or a full refund. The credit will be automatically added to their account on Monday, June 22, 2020. Guests that have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Disney Cruise Line, Canceled Sailings, Cruise Credit, Cruise Line International Association

Walt Disney World is reopening in 3 weeks and with that come some changes to be able to enjoy the magic again.

One of the recent ones is the temporarily suspension of park hopping tickets. In order to comply with the reduced capacity at theme parks, this option will not be available for now.

If you have a Disney reservation with park hopper tickets, these are the options available for you:

• Ticket extension: You may use your current date based ticket by September 26, 2021 with the existing add-on options, should the options return by that date.
• Ticket modification: Resort packages with tickets may be modified or cancelled. To discuss your options please contact the Disney Reservation Center at 407-934-7639 beginning June 22 or contact your travel professional.
• Ticket cancellation: If you don’t want to use your ticket, you also have the option of cancelling your ticket or package. To discuss your options please contact the Disney Reservation Center at 407-566-4985 beginning June 22 or contact your travel professional.

As of now there’s no specific date as when this option will be back but Disney hopes it will be soon.

In the meantime, why not enjoy that extra money and treat yourself with your favorite Disney snack!

Walt Disney World will be reopening on July 11th for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, and July 15th for Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Credit: Walt Disney World

 

 

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Current Disney Offers, Walt Disney World, disney reservation, Disney Tickets, Disney World, park hopper tickets, Park Hopping, WDW

The Cruise Line International Association announced today that they are extending the suspension of cruise operations at U.S. ports until September 15, 2020. Disney Cruise Line is a member of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).

The CDC’s No Sail Order, which expires July 24, has not been extended as of now. Check out the official announcement from CLIA below:

“Due to the ongoing situation with the U.S. related to COVID-19, CLIA member cruise lines have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations. The current No Sail Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will expired on 24 July, and although we had hoped that cruise activity could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the United States.

Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crewmembers. We have therefore decided to further extend our suspension of operations from U.S. ports until 15 September. The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations.

This voluntary suspension applies to all CLIA members to which the No Sail Order applied (vessels with capacity to carry 250 persons or more). CLIA member cruise lines will continually evaluate the evolving situation and make a determination as to whether a further extension is necessary.”

As of today, Disney Cruise Line has canceled sailings in Europe through October 2, in Canada through September 2, and all other itineraries through July 17. We expect DCL to announce more cancelations soon.

Source: Cruise Line International Association

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Disney Cruise Line, Travel, CDC, COVID-19, Cruise Line International Association, Cruise Lines