Author: chipandco.com

FuelRod announces the availability of the “Founders” status in recognition of the continued support and loyalty of the most valued customers and “early adopters” (*) of FuelRod’s world-first, power-on-the-go program. The creation of the “Founders” status also resolves pending litigation against it pertaining to changes in its policies regarding charges for swapping its devices.  As a Founder, the customer can continue to enjoy free, unlimited swaps at any FuelRod kiosks. There is no cost to eligible customers to become a Founder.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney World, fuel rod, FuelRod, FuelRod Kiosks

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort officially opening to guests starting on July 29th

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort are reopening for guests on July 29th.  Reservations are now available at www.swandolphin.com.

“With the Disney parks reopening, we are thrilled to open our doors again,” said the hotel’s newly appointed area general manager, Sean Verney. “We are committed to providing a relaxing and revitalizing experience but doing so in a responsible manner.”

In preparation for reopening, the property has implemented Our Commitment to Clean, a new set of policies and procedures for cast members and guests to address the unique challenges presented by the current pandemic environment.

The new procedures were developed in conjunction with experts from the fields of medicine and public health and include cleaning protocols throughout each step of the guest’s journey and through every physical space in the hotel.

Guests who have reservations at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort are now eligible to access Disney Park Pass system to make park reservations. Guests must have valid theme park admission. Follow the link for more information on the Disney Park Pass system. The Walt Disney World theme parks are scheduled to reopen in phases on July 11 and July 15.

The key components of Our Commitment to Clean include:

• Enhanced Cleaning – cleaning efforts will be increased across all areas of the hotel, with special attention paid to high-traffic spaces and high-touch surfaces
• Physical Distancing – restaurants, meeting spaces and other public areas will have reduced seating capacities; signage and stanchions throughout the property will assist with proper distancing in lines
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment – face coverings will be required for all cast members and required for all guests in public spaces

A full overview of the policies and procedures can be found at: www.swandolphin.com/importantinfo.

The hotel will continue to host meetings and groups, working with each to customize their events under strict new standards. Groups interested in booking a meeting can visit www.swandolphinmeetings.com.

“We’re ready!” said Verney. “While much of the world has changed, our goal remains the same – to deliver a magical experience for our guests  – and that’s what we plan to do.”

In case you missed the news Annual Passholders can now book additional days in Disney’s Park Pass System

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney World, Disney World Resorts, Swan and Dolphin, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

With the Walt Disney World Resort starting to reopen, transportation has slowly resumed operations as well. Disney’s Friendship Boats will soon join the other transportation options available to guests. The boats will resume service starting July 29.

Right now the main forms of transportation at Disney World are buses, the monorail, and ferries. The Disney Skyliner will resume operations on July 15th.

The Friendship Boats travel through Crescent Lake between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They offer transportation to guests at Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club as well as Disney’s BoardWalk. The DVC components of these resorts have been open since June 22.

The rest of Disney’s Beach & Yacht Clubs will open on August 24, with the rest of the BoardWalk opening on October 1.

An update to Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas on the Disney’s Experience Updates website page states: “Beginning the week of July 29, boat transportation will be available to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.”

Just like other transportation at Disney World, the Friendship Boats will operate under limited capacity as well as with new health and safety measures.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Do and See, Parks & Resorts, Places to Stay, Resorts, Transportation, Walt Disney World, disney transportation, Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Yacht Club, Epcot, Friendship Boats, Walt Disney World Resort

Advanced Dining Reservations opened up to all guests for select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants earlier this week. Now reservations are available for Chef Mickey’s and California Grill as well!

Both restaurants are located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Chef Mickey’s is a character dining location and California Grill is a signature dining location.

Chef Mickey’s is only available for breakfast reservations right now starting July 10th for up to 60 days in advance. While this restaurant typically features a buffet breakfast, brunch, or dinner as a Character Meal, upon reopening it will only serve breakfast and will not have characters.

Disney’s website says breakfast will be “Chef Mickey’s Family Feast” and guests will “Enjoy a lively, all-you-care-to-eat family-style meal in a bright, happy space.”

California Grill, a popular signature dining restaurant, will also be accepting reservations starting July 10th. Dinner is the only meal available for reservations right now. The restaurant’s “Brunch at the Top”, which is typically offered on Sundays, is still listed as “temporarily unavailable.”

Who else is excited to get to dine at these Contemporary restaurants again?!

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Disney Food, Parks & Resorts, Resorts, Walt Disney World, Advanced Dining Reservations, California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are reopening at the Walt Disney World Resort next week. While things will be different upon reopening, there will still be character experiences for guests visiting.

Part of the magic of a Walt Disney World Resort theme park visit is seeing beloved Disney characters. With traditional parades and character greetings on hiatus to promote physical distancing among guests, theme park character experiences have been reimagined in new and different ways.

Character Experiences at Epcot (reopening July 15)

• “Mickey and Friends World Tour” – As guests travel around World Showcase, they may come upon Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and Goofy all out sightseeing and waving to their friends.
• “Frozen Promenade” – Queen Anna and Elsa venture into the unknown around World Showcase, journeying from country to country and waving hello to guests along the way.

Character Experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (reopening July 15)

• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – While living their own adventures in a galaxy far, far away, guests are likely to come across some familiar faces as they explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu:
  o Heroes of the Resistance, including Rey, Chewbacca and Vi Moradi, may be spotted on platforms above the garage in Black Spire Station or surveying activity around the spaceport where the Millennium Falcon has landed.
  o A contingent of First Order Stormtroopers join Kylo Ren in patrolling the landing platform at Docking Bay 9 beneath their TIE Echelon assault vehicle.
• “Pixar Pals Motorcade” – Some of the biggest stars from Pixar Animation Studios’ films arrive on Hollywood Boulevard, from The Incredibles to Toy Story pals and more. They’ll wave to their fans as they head down the avenue accompanied by a celebratory musical score.
• “Disney Junior Stars Motorcade” – Throughout the day, Disney Junior stars including Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, and Vampirina will cruise down Hollywood Boulevard waving to fans from colorful custom convertibles.

Will you be visiting these parks when they reopen next week?

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Characters, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, character experiences, Disney Junior Stars Motorcade, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Frozen Promenade, Mickey and Friends World Tour, Pixar Pals Motorcade, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge