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Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS: Legoland Florida Has Initial Approval for June 1st Reopening

We have been following the status of the major theme parks in Orlando including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld as they are all currently closed until further notice in light of the current global situation.

©Legoland

We are also watching other area attractions to follow their plans for reopening, and today information has been shared for another popular theme park located in Winter Haven, Florida: Legoland.

According to wesh.com, Legoland has received permission from the Winter Haven City Commission to reopen on June 1, 2020. However, Legoland still needs permission from the state of Florida to move forward with that date.

Legoland General Manager Rex Jackson shared the guidelines the park would operate under with the Winter Haven City Commission. These include operating at a maximum 50% capacity (about 6,000 guests).The park would “highly recommend” the wearing of face masks by guests. Though not required, the park also noted plans to provide face coverings for guests who do not bring one. Additionally, guests with temperatures of 100.4 or higher would not be allowed to enter the park.

Florida Palm Trees

This process of local approval is in keeping with instruction from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that theme parks should work alongside their local governments on their plans for reopening and that local government officials will need to endorse any potential plans prior to submitting them for state approval.

As a reminder, this is the process that Universal Orlando Resort is expected to begin this afternoon when it makes a presentation to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. Presentations require a proposed reopening date. The presentation date for Walt Disney World’s reopening plan is not yet known at press time. We’ll be keeping you posted as this story develops, and you can learn more about the status of Disney Resorts and destinations around the world by visiting any of the links below.

Source: wesh.com

Have you ever visited Legoland Florida? Please let us know with a comment!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, legoland, Legoland Florida, reopening, theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

We’ve Tried Every Frozen Drink at Disney World and These Are Our Favorites!

Drinking around the World is one of our favorite pastimes, whether the sips are spiked or non-alcoholic!

Drinks

We’ve tried pretty much ALL of the frozen drinks in the parks. Although we love grabbing new things (and sharing them with you guys ;-D), we’ve found a few frozen sips over the year that have secured a special place in our hearts.

And, while you can still mix up some Disney margs at home, we’re taking you with us (virtually) to try our favorite frozen drinks in Disney World!

Fiesta Margarita

Before the original Mexico margarita stand was closed to make way for Choza de Margarita, the kiosk had the Fiesta Margarita (which was a PARTY IN A GLASS with a combo of the lime, strawberry, and mango margs available there). But, when the new location opened in 2017, they switched up the iconic drink just a little bit.

Choza de Margarita

The newer version has Classic Lime, Wild Strawberry with a bit of prickly pear puree, and Mango with some passion fruit as the flavors in the frozen drink.

Fiesta Margarita

And, while we just happened to have the very first Fiesta Marg EVER poured at Choza at its opening, we have to say that it’s just SO good!! There’s a lot of depth and richness to the flavors, which is satisfying AND sweet when you’re walking around the World Showcase.

Gata-Melon Juice

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort may seem like a trek to get to on Disney property, but this drink (and the Mickey Beignets) are WORTH IT. Although there are plenty of sips to try at the Muddy Rivers bar at Port Orleans Riverside and the Mardi Grogs bar at Port Orleans French Quarter, we’re big fans of the Gata-Melon Juice. The drink is mixed up with Midori Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Monin Banana, and Piña Colada Mix, and it’s just as delicious as it sounds.

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar

The bright green drink is not only perfect for an Insta photo, but it’s also basically like a trip to the tropics in a cup! Each of the melon, pineapple, and banana flavors stand out in the drink but blend together wonderfully with each sip.

All That Jazz with Gata-Melon Juice on Top

Plus, if you really like the Gata-Melon Juice, you can try it along with the Front Porch Freeze and Nola Cola in the All That Jazz slush!

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

The France Pavilion in Epcot is home to some of the BEST treats in all of Disney World (major heart eyes for Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie). And, while you might feel like you’ve stepped right into the center of Beauty and the Beast, you can make your way over to the Les Vins des Chefs de France booth across from Les Chefs de France for a very special treat.

The Grand Marnier Orange Slush is mixed up with Grand Marnier (of course), Rum, Grey Goose, and Orange Juice.

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

While this France drink is already super eye-catching served in a plastic martini glass, the flavors are AMAZING. It’s like drinking a grown-up Dreamsicle or a fancy frozen mimosa, but BETTER!!

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

Although it may taste fantastic, don’t be fooled — this drink is strong, so sip with caution!! Or, go back for another if you really want to. ? Not in the mood for orange? They have a lemony Grey Goose Citron Slush on the menu too!

Avocado Margarita

La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion is a BOMB spot in Disney World to get a drink since the menu items are made fresh with 100% agave tequila. And although we’ve had some amazing sips like the Black Magic Margarita, the Avocado Margarita has become a fan-favorite and one of our own top picks!

While we were able to take a sip of it as a Food and Wine Festival offering in 2009, it ended up permanently making itself a home on the menu of La Cava del Tequila!

Avocado Margarita

The Avocado Margarita is made with El Mayor Blanco Tequila, Midori Melon Liquor, Fresh Avocado, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar Syrup and served frozen with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim.

Although it may seem surprising, the drink is a creamy mix of sweet and tart (and super-refreshing). Honestly, it kind of tastes like bananas??? While you can’t visit the park right now to get one, you can still make the Avocado Margarita at home (thank goodness)!

Piña CoLAVA

Although the Piña CoLAVA has become a drink that’s very well-known across the property (you can find it in most standard Disney World bar menus!), it still reigns as one of the best sips available in Disney World!

Pina CoLAVA and Bahama Mama

You can find the drink blended with Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Piña Colada Mix, and Raspberry Purée at places like Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Trout Pass at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and MANY more spots all over the Disney World Resorts.

Pina CoLAVA

The flavors are very sweet, but taste INCREDIBLE with every sip. We love the raspberry twist on a regular piña colada, which makes for a unique Disney drink that you don’t want to miss on your next trip to the parks!

Spikey Pineapple

Spiked Dole Whip?! Count us in!! While Dole Whips may be a classic Disney treat, you can get a little twist on them with the addition of rum in a frozen Spikey Pineapple at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Spikey Pineapple

It’s perfect for those days you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring the resort! If you prefer to eat your boozy Dole Whip with a spoon, you can find different versions of spiked Dole Whips in a few locations around Disney World.

In fact, head to Pineapple Lanai just around the corner from the Tiki Terrace to find a few unique boozy Dole Whip options!

Night Blossom

After you’ve waited in a 2-hour line for Flight of Passage, sometimes you need a little pick-me-up to keep your day going in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pongu Pongu — located just outside the exit to the ride — has two versions of the Night Blossom for kiddos and parents alike!

Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu

The original happens to be one of the BEST non-alcoholic drinks we’ve ever had in Disney World made with limeade, apple, and prickly pear flavors with passion fruit boba balls on top.

But, the Pandora-based stop also serves an alcoholic version with Bacardi rum so you can add a little kick to your trip to the Valley of Mo’ara!

Provence Frosé

When the Riviera Resort opened, we took you all over the hotel to try the eats, treats, and drinks at its counter-service and table-service restaurants. And, although the resort’s pool bar, Bar Riva, has an open-air environment, the quick-stop has some delicious snacks and drinks that are worth grabbing.

Provence Frosé

One of our favorites happens to be the Provence Frosé made with Provence Rosé Wine and Cîroc Vodka. While the imported wine is very smooth in the drink, the flavors are also light and yummy! So, if you’re looking for a drink to pair with that Baked Brie, check this out the next time you’re at the Riviera Resort!

Wonderland Slush

Although Cheshire Cafe in Magic Kingdom is home to that wonderful Cheshire Cat Tail, did you know that it has a super tasty frozen treat too? The Wonderland Slush is made with Minute Maid Frozen Raspberry Lemonade and Frozen Fanta Grape Soda with a candy-coated straw!

Wonderland Slush at the Cheshire Cafe

Trust us — if you’re a fan of grape soda, you’ll love this one!! While the flavors are sweet, they aren’t overwhelmingly so (but you still might get a brain freeze sipping on this one!).

While these have become some of our top picks, we love finding new things in the parks to continue adding to our list!! New drinks are always showing up in the parks, so be sure to check back on DFB for even more frozen reviews!  Cheers, friends!

What are some of your favorite frozen drinks in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Polynesian Resort, Pop Century Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Riviera Resort, Snacks, Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge, Aguacate, alcoholic beverages, All That Jazz, avocado margarita, Bar Riva, Barefoot Pool Bar, Cheshire Cafe, Choza de Margarita, Disney, disney drinks, disney frozen drinks, disney news, Disney non-alcoholic drinks, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Riviera Resort, fiesta margarita, France Pavilion, gata-melon juice, Grand Marnier Orange Slush, La Cava del Tequila, les vins des chefs de france, Mardi Grogs, Mexico pavilion, Muddy Rivers, Night Blossom, Petals pool bar, pina colava, Pongu Pongu, Provence Frosé, Spikey Pineapple, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, Trout Pass Pool Bar, Wonderland Slush

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Other

NEWS: You May See Some NEW TSA Safety Measures the Next Time You Fly

With the global health crisis changing the way that people think about public safety, a lot of industries are changing the way they do things.

Orlando International Airport

One of the affected industries has been air travel. Now, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reworking how it screens passengers.

According to Click Orlando, the TSA has implemented several changes to their security screening process to reduce any chance of contamination at the security checkpoints. Their goal is to have the new process rolled out in airports nationwide by mid-June.

Airline Check-In

The new procedures include the following:

  • Travelers will keep possession of their boarding passes. TSA agents will no longer handle boarding passes. Instead, travelers will place passes on the readers themselves and hold passes for agents to inspect.
  • Food will be separated for X-ray screening. Food often triggers an alarm during screening. By separating it, there is less of a chance that TSA agents will need to open a carry-on bag to inspect its contents.
  • Travelers are encouraged to pack smart. If passengers take care to remove liquids, gels, or aerosols in quantities greater than 3.4 oz, there is less of a chance that TSA agents will need to open their carry on bag. If a prohibited item is detected, passengers will be pulled aside to remove and discard the item themselves.
  • Agents will be wearing face coverings and travelers are encouraged to as well. Note that travelers may need to adjust their masks during the screening.

Star Wars United Airlines Plane ©United

These new changes are not the only ones that have been instituted in airports thus far. Prior instituted health measures include:

  • Reduced security lane usage.
  • Masks and gloves for TSA agents.
  • Frequent glove changes for TSA agents.
  • Plastic shielding installed at various locations.
  • Distancing measures.
  • Routine cleaning and disinfecting.

©Orlando International Airport

Of the changes, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, “In the interest of TSA frontline workers and traveler health, TSA is committed to making prudent changes to our screening processes to limit physical contact and increase physical distance as much as possible. We continue to evaluate our security measures with an eye towards making smart, timely decisions benefiting health and safety, as well as the traveler experience.

We’ll be following along with more changes from the TSA so that we can keep you updated.

What do you think of the new TSA health measures? Tell us in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, Air Travel, Airline, airport, health measures, Transportation Security Administration, TSA

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Disney+ Hulu

Hulu Is Getting a BIG Update to Look More Like Disney+!

We often find ourselves watching Hulu thanks to the selection of shows and movies, but we do think the platform could be easier to navigate.

©Hulu

Hulu’s navigation interface is on the challenging side. Unlike most other streaming services, it makes you scroll vertically through every category instead of horizontally. Well, good news! It looks like Hulu is getting an update — and it’s going to look a lot like Disney+.

According to Variety, Hulu is launching a new interface due to the fact that customers have had issues with the old one.

©Hulu

In the new interface, users can navigate through categories vertically and content horizontally instead of vice versa. That sounds familiar because that’s how pretty much every other major streaming service does things — including Disney+. We should also see a change in the way Hulu recommends content.

Major categories like Movies, TV Shows, and Sports will be moving to the main page for easier navigation, too. The update is meant to improve the Hulu experience and provide a more unified look for Disney’s streaming services (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+).

© Disney

The new interface began rolling out to some Roku and Apple TV devices on May 20th and will continue to arrive on devices for the next two months on all platforms. We’re eager to see the new look!

Are you excited about the new Hulu interface? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney+, Featured, News, Disney, disney+ streaming service, espn, Hulu, Hulu interface, streaming service

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Disney Parks

NEWS: Disney World is Canceling MORE June Reservations

Disney World is currently accepting new bookings starting July 1st, but a reservation does not mean that your vacation is secured.

Spaceship Earth

Many guests have booked reservations for June, only to have them subject to cancelation. Just last week we reported that Disney World had begun canceling reservations in early June. Now, Disney is reaching out to notify guests that their later June reservations will be canceled as well.

Disney is currently sending out notification to guests with vacation days up to June 13th with information to modify or cancel their hotel reservations or travel packages. Now, one of our readers shared that their June 8th-13th vacation was canceled.

Monorail at Disney World

As a reminder, Disney is waiving any change or cancellation fees for guests affected by the closure. If you are affected by the new round of cancellations and do not take any action, Disney will automatically cancel and refund your hotel reservation.

Magic Kingdom

If you have any questions about the new round of cancelations or your booking, you can call (407) 934-7639 for Disney Customer Support. To cancel or change your reservation, you can do so online using My Disney Experience.

Are your Disney plans impacted by the cancelations? Share your story in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, closing, Disney cancelations, Disney World, Disney World cancelations, disney world closing, disney world closure, disney world reservations, june reservations