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Having a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access

Disney Hotel Reservation

There has been a lot of news coming out tonight about the reopening of Walt Disney World. One of the bigger news items is how having a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access…

On the Disney World website under Top things you should know Disney list out details for guests staying at Walt Disney World.

Let’s take a look

Top Things You Need To Know

We made some important updates at our Disney Resort hotels and implemented a number of new health and safety measures.

What You’ll Need

Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Please be aware that you’ll also need:

  • A confirmed room reservation for your stay. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account to receive important information prior to your arrival—visit My Plans to get started
  • A confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day Guest (not staying overnight)
  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up—which must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining
  • Planning to visit a theme park during your stay? Select Walt Disney World theme parks will begin to reopen on July 11. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required (a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access)

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment, including MagicBands, which Disney Resort hotel Guests can use to charge purchases to their Disney Resort hotel folio

Could you imagine getting all the way to Disney World and you might not make it to the park?

Disney Fans online are quite upset over that bit of news. I understand having to run at limited capacity due to COVID-19 but many people including myself spend thousands of dollars to visit the theme parks. I couldn’t imagine getting all the way there and not having access to the parks…

What do you think? Let us know in the comment box below!

For other changes coming to Disney World next month click the links below.

Source Walt Disney World website

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Places to Stay, Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney Resort hotel reservation, Disney World, Disney World Reopening, Disney World Theme Park Access

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What To Expect at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Following Coronavirus

The Walt Disney World Resort officially reopens to Guests with Resort Hotel reservations on June 22. A few weeks later, the theme parks will officially reopen, with the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopening on July 11 and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15. With that being said, there are expected to be a number of changes that will occur that will definitely impact your vacation. Here is what you need to know.

General Resort Hotel Knowledge

First, before you even think of traveling to Florida, you need to make sure that travel is allowed to Florida from the state you are visiting from. You’ll want to visit here to find out additional information and if your state is listed as one of the ones that there is a quarantine order from, you cannot enter the Walt Disney World Resort.

In addition, those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders also must not enter the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. In addition, prior to leaving home, you should check the temperatures of everyone in your travel party—including you.

In order to visit a resort hotel, you’ll also need to have a confirmed room reservation or a confirmed dining reservation for those visiting – not staying overnight. Face coverings are required for each Guest age 2 and up. These must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated at a dining location.

If you wish to enter a theme park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required. Do keep in mind that a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee a Guest theme park access.

Check In/Check Out

It is strongly recommend that Guests use Online Check-In Service in advance. When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room.

On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room, so there will be no need to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).

Cleaning

Hotel Guests will be able to enjoy peace of mind knowing that their rooms will be thoroughly cleaned prior to arrival and serviced during your stay. Additional attention will be paid to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests
  • Guests will find in their rooms extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging, individually wrapped glassware, double-cased pillows, and additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging.

During a Guests’ stay, rooms will receive light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed

You can choose to decline every-other-day service.

In addition, there will be increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.

Parking and Transportation

As far as Resort Hotel benefits are concerned, as or right now, Disney’s Magical Express will still be available and will remain complementary for those arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport.

For those who drove to the Walt Disney World Resort, self-parking will be available and parking fees will still apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance.

Prior to the theme parks reopening, for those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, bus transportation will be available to and from Disney Springs. When the theme parks do reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and the theme parks. Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place and there will be a reduction in capacity, which may mean it may take longer for buses to pick up Guests.

Unfortunately, Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.

Resort Services

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines. These will include:

  • Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
  • Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
  • Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
  • In-room celebrations will not be available
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
  • Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
  • Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable

Amenities

Feature pools will be open, but may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day. Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing and select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels. Unfortunately, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours and capacity. Any instructor-led fitness classes will not be available. Also , fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing

The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Additionally, the following special offerings will not be available during the initial reopening:

  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Additional Notes

As a reminder, it was previously announced that FastPass+ will not be available for Guests, as the additional queue space that was used by FastPass+ will be used to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing.  In addition, Extra Magic Hours is also currently unavailable.

The post What To Expect at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Following Coronavirus appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: News, Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus, walt disney world, Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

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Traveling to Disney World in 2020? Here’s How Your Experience Will Be Different!

We’re taking a DEEP collective breath and getting ready to plunge into Disney World once some of the theme parks begin to reopen on July 11th.

Magic Kingdom

And if you’re still planning on making a trip to Disney World this summer, you may be wondering what changes you can expect.

While some of the ways Disney World has adapted to these times will be more obvious than others, here are the five most important differences you should know before you go.

Disney World Will Have a Limited Capacity

As you’ve possibly heard by now, Disney World will only be allowing a certain number of guests to visit each day. They hope to achieve this by implementing a new reservation system. To put the new system in place, they had to temporarily suspend all ticket sales and aren’t accepting any new reservations at this time.

Disney Springs

Disney also canceled all previously booked FastPasses, dining reservations, and Disney Dining Plans. The planning functions for each of these offerings have also been frozen until Disney World works out the exact number of guests they’ll be accepting each day. (Note that you CAN now make dining reservations in Disney Springs through the Disney World app.) Once the new reservation system is up and running, guests with valid park admission and a hotel reservation will be given priority access to book theme park reservations.

While all of this seems like a lot to take in, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has stated one of the changes will be significantly fewer people inside the parks, meaning possibly much shorter wait times for popular rides.

Click HERE to check out our answers to these most important questions our readers are asking us about Disney World.

Face Coverings Will Be Mandatory

As we’ve already seen implemented at Disney Springs since its May 20th phased reopening, guests over the age of two will be required to wear face masks at all times when visiting the theme parks. Disney World is working on a plan to offer guests “relaxation zones” where they can temporarily remove their masks for a spell.

Disney Ambassadors

Disney World’s Cast Members are also required to wear face coverings at all times and a new health and safety group has been formed to help navigate guests through all of the guidelines while ensuring everyone is following the rules. They’re called Social Distancing Squads and you can learn more about them here!

What happens if I refuse to wear a face mask at Disney World? Find out here!

Temperature Screenings Are Also Required for Entry

While you’re probably used to walking through a security checkpoint and having your bag screened, you must have your temperature taken using an infrared touchless thermometer before you’ll be allowed inside the parks.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We’ve also seen this implemented at Universal Orlando as well as when entering Disney Springs. AdventHealth employees are conducting the screenings at Disney World and you must have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or lower to enter. If your temperature comes in too high, you’ll be given the opportunity to sit in a cool-down tent for a bit, then recheck your temperature. If your temperature still comes in too high, you AND your party will be asked to leave.

Click here to read everything you need to know about temperature checks at Disney World!

Eating Will Be Uniquely Different

When Disney announced they were canceling all pre-existing dining reservations, they also stated they would be shifting from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window going forward to allow guests to make their plans closer to their visits.

50’s Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios

But it’s not just how you’ll make dining reservations that will be different — the whole process of sitting down to enjoy a meal at Disney World has drastically changed. Hostess booths have plexiglass shields while many restaurants are offering contactless check-in, menus, and payment options.

Mickey Pretzel

Tables are spaced apart or labeled “not for use” while condiments and silverware aren’t being left on the tables anymore at most restaurants. All servers are wearing masks (and usually gloves) while only guests who are seated at a table are able to remove their masks. You can also lower your mask if you’re walking around Disney Springs with a snack or beverage.

See PHOTOS of what it’s like to eat in a reopened Disney World restaurant right now!

Shopping Poses a Few New Challenges

We’ve been checking out some of the retail locations at Disney Springs that have begun to reopen. While many shops have made modifications to their check-out counters such as laying down social distancing markers, installing plexiglass barriers, promoting self-bagging, and providing hand sanitizer for guests, some of the rules tend to vary from store to store.

Disney Springs

Some businesses have fitting rooms available to guests, but we’ve found many do not. Some stores are only allowing a handful of customers inside at one time with guests queued up outside waiting for their turn to enter.

We’ve seen some shops are still allowing guests to test their products (such as Basin), but others like Sephora aren’t. It can be a little tricky to interpret the new set of rules each store has implemented so if you’re unclear about anything, just as ask a cast member in the store!

See what it’s like to shop in reopened Disney Springs here!

Now that we’ve discussed five of the biggest changes you’ll see at Disney World, here are five MORE things you’ll need to wrap your head around!

Guest Experiences May Be Modified

Disney World has made this very clear that not all experiences will be offered upon reopening — they’ve posted this information on their website everywhere you turn. Now we finally know what a few of those “modifications” will be. Character dining is temporarily on hold, and Disney World’s water parks aren’t expected to reopen, (at least, not right away).

Mickey Mouse

In addition fireworks, parades, and character meet and greets being postponed, and Disney World is also revising their park hours. Extra Magic Hours have been halted and some Disney World transportation services (such as the monorail and ferryboats) may be reduced.

See what else you WON’T SEE when Disney World reopen here!

Disney World is Making Changes to Its Annual Passholder Policies

Even bigger changes are being announced for Disney World’s Annual Passholders. There are so many, in fact, that they’ve launched a new webpage to address AP-specific concerns.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder

While APs will have a special preview of the theme parks as well as early access to make theme park reservations before the general public does, Annual Passholders will only be allowed to hold a certain number of reserved days at one time. More updates regarding Disney World APs are forthcoming.

Read more about the latest Disney World Annual Passholder policy changes here!

How Will You Travel to AND Around Disney World

As we mentioned earlier, Disney World has already announced some of its transportation services will be limited, but that only covers internal transportation. How will you be planning on getting TO Disney World?

Disney’s Magical Express Sign

For many travelers who have never considered an alternative to flying, it might make more sense (both financially as well as practically-speaking) to drive instead of fly. Read more about this Disney World shake-up here.

Click HERE for the five things you need to know if you’re planning to go to Disney World when the parks reopen!

Where Will You Stay at Disney World

Planning your trip is even trickier right now since Disney World hotels aren’t currently accepting new reservations and we only know of the Disney Vacation Club resorts that will be reopening June 22nd (Note that Disney Vacation Club members CAN still book new resort reservations at this time). The other Disney World hotels don’t have a confirmed reopening date yet.

DIsney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney World originally announced the theme park resort hotels would also be reopening July 11th, but later retracted the statement. What we do know is guests with a current hotel reservation and valid park admission will be given first crack at making reservations once the new system is released.

See which Disney World hotels will be reopening June 22nd here!

What Time of Year Should You Visit

With so much uncertainty still looming, you might be wondering if it’s even worth it to go to Disney World this year.

Magic Kingdom Sign

It’s a difficult question but you have some alternative options if your previous spring or summer trips were canceled. Booking a trip to Disney World in September has its benefits while November is also a season you should consider.

Magic Kingdom

Click here to learn more about the times of year you can consider visiting Disney World

It’s practically certain that Disney World will be QUITE different when it reopens. But if you’ve done the work of preparing for the unique challenges you’ll be experiencing and have taken every necessary health and safety precaution into consideration, we know Disney World is still committed to providing their guests with a magical experience regardless of the changes they’ve made and will be making in the future!

Are you planning on going to Disney World when the parks reopen? Let us know in the comments below.

Related posts:

  1. News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year
  2. 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED
  3. 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Character Dining, Counter-Service, Disney Springs, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, annual passholder policy changes, different, Dining Reservations, disney dining plan, Disney World, Disney World Resort hotels, disney world resort will be different, driving to disney world, dvc hotels, eating, fastpasses, limited capacity, limited transportation, modified guest experiences, new reservation system, no character meet and greets, no fireworks, no parades, reopening, shopping

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Trust Us. These Nine Things in Disney World Are MUCH Cooler Than They Sound!!

Some of these attractions might not sound cool, but trust us, they’re worth considering next time you go to Disney World!

Behold: The PeopleMover

While we’re the first ones that will tell you about the hottest new show or attraction at Disney World, we also want to make sure you aren’t quick to write anything off! Some of our favorite rides and experiences are those under-the-radar offerings that, on paper, might sound a little boring! Trust us — you might find yourself falling in love with some of these next time you visit!

Rides and Attractions

Not every ride in Disney World is going to be as flashy as Rise of the Resistance! These rides and attractions are just as cool, despite the fact that they may sound a little drab.

Living With the Land

Living With the Land is a slow-moving boat ride in The Land Pavilion in Epcot. Guests are brought through several working greenhouses where you learn about how Disney is developing innovative agricultural methods that yield higher amounts of produce!

Living With the Land Boat

We know, that might not sound like the most thrilling experience you’ll have while at Disney World, but lots of folks SWEAR by this ride. It’s arguably one of the most relaxing twenty minutes you’ll have on vacation (is it just us or is that first scene where you’re floating through the thunderstorm SO zen?).

Living With the Land

The catchy old “Listen to the Land” song may not play anymore (in our HEARTS it does!), but this ride is actually really entertaining and offers a chance to see some unique plants you may have never seen! You can even head to neighboring  Sunshine Seasons or Garden Grill and eat the food that is grown in those greenhouses!

See how Living With the Land plays a key role at the Food and Wine Festival here!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Next time you visit Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, look up! You may notice some very happy and relaxed guests floating by on Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, or simply The PeopleMover.

People Mover!

This attraction is often SKIPPED because folks don’t realize that it’s a total gem! We know, it kind of looks and sounds like a glorified escalator (or perhaps those moving walkways you see at airports), but Disney fans know that this is one of the coolest rides in the park!

Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland

The PeopleMover is a great opportunity to give your feet a break while enjoying a bit of a breeze from up above Tomorrowland. You even get some unique views inside popular Tomorrowland attractions like Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin AND a chance to see Walt Disney’s original model of what would become EPCOT — Progress City. Now, if only The PeopleMover came with a snack stand…we may never leave.

We found PeopleMover’s DIARY!! Does it miss us? Find out here!

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Another “cult classic” attraction at Magic Kingdom that often gets a bad rep’ is Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Many see this as only a great spot to take a nap. We aren’t saying they are WRONG, but we strongly encourage you to fight the urge to catch some zzz’s and instead bask in all of its glory! There is so much more to this ride than air conditioning!

© Disney

To truly appreciate just how cool this attraction is, we have to go way back to the 1964 World’s Fair. That’s when this show first premiered (audio-animatronics and all!), after Walt Disney himself first came up with the concept for Disneyland. Despite the original concept being shelved for Anaheim, it was brought to Florida and it has run continuously at Magic Kingdom since 1975. 

© Disney

While it may seem outdated to some, there’s a certain charm to this all-American family as they traverse through the technological progress of the 20th century! And as Disney prepares for its own 50th Anniversary in 2021, the Carousel of Progress hit its own milestone this year — its 45th anniversary!

See what FIFTY things you should do before Disney World turns FIFTY next year!

Pandora — The World of Avatar

Pandora is one of the coolest places in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a few reasons. Flight of Passage is a technological wonder, and even its less popular, “calmer” counterpart, Na’vi River Journey, features a jaw-dropping audio-animatronic.

Inside Na’vi River Journey

Combine those two rides with one of the best counter service locations (Satu’li Canteen) in Animal Kingdom and you’ve got a recipe for a COOL land.

But if folks don’t know this, they may only associate Pandora with the film Avatar. Believe it or not, this movie came out eleven years ago. And while there are sequels in the works, the franchise’s relevance over the years has declined.

Pandora

But there’s a reason both of Pandora’s attractions are Tier One FastPasses. Beyond the rides, the land itself is an Imagineering feat, and it completely transforms from day to night! Even if you weren’t a big fan of the movie, you might fall in love with Pandora – The World of Avatar just like we have over the years!

Read more about Pandora – The World of Avatar here!

Walking Tours

A great way to spend a few hours in the parks is to take a walking tour! Some of these tours can run you a few hundred dollars and take up half of your day, while other tours are much shorter and are pretty affordable!

Behind the Seeds Tour

Since we just convinced you that Living With the Land is a really cool ride, let’s talk about the walking tour that takes you “behind the SEEDS!” Have you ever been on Living With the Land and spotted a bunch of other guests walking around the greenhouse? They’re on the Behind the Seeds Tour! 

Behind the Seeds Tour Desk

This super fun, super informative tour departs multiple times throughout the day and brings guests into the greenhouses where you get an even MORE in-depth look at the innovative agricultural methods Disney is developing.

The tour also includes fun activities, like identifying various spices through smell, feeding fish in their Aquacell, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to taste some of the vegetables grown in the greenhouse for yourself!

Mickey Plant on Living With the Land

As of June 2, 2020, the cost for Behind the Seeds is $29 per guest. The tour is one hour long, and afterward, you’ll likely want to ride Living With the Land all over again!

Learn more about Behind the Seeds here!

Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour

Did you laugh when you read the title of this next tour? We get it, steam trains are…not the coolest things in the world to everyone. If you aren’t a train expert, you may wonder why anyone would ever want to spend a couple of hours listening to someone else talk to them about steam trains.

The Walt Disney Railroad

On Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour, you get to learn all about the locomotives that call Magic Kingdom home! One of the cool things about this tour is that it starts before the park opens to guests — 7:30AM to be exact. That early morning will be worth it, though! Getting into the parks before they open is a super neat experience that is typically reserved for those with early morning tours or dining reservations.

Walt Disney Railroad Steam Train “In Residence” at Main Street, U.S.A. Station

Because the Magic Kingdom Railroad is currently closed due to the construction of TRON Lightcycle Run, the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour is also currently unavailable. But once things are up and running again, consider booking a tour! The tour costs $54.00 per person and lasts three hours.

Learn more about The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour here!

Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy

The only thing cooler than checking out all of the beautiful holiday decorations is to learn where they are stored the rest of the year, right?

Christmas in Magic Kingdom

Alright, so maybe on paper Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy tour doesn’t sound like the most thrilling activity to bring the family on, but Christmas aficionados will totally soak in all of the behind-the-scenes logistics of how Disney World is able to pull off the holidays each and every year. Whoever thought LOGISTICS would be so cool?

Christmas Decorations on Main Street!

The three-hour tour departs from Epcot and brings guests to the Floral Department, as well as Disney Springs where you’re joined by a culinary expert that will help you “whip up” your very own holiday treat!

Epcot UK Christmas Tea Topiary

Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy is offered on select days in November and December. The cost is $149.00 per guest, and everyone receives a special gift at the end of the tour! In the past, these have been super cute trading pins. Keep in mind that guests must be at least 12 years of age to participate. 

Yuletide Fantasy Tour Pin

If you have the time to spare on your Disney World vacation this holiday season, consider filling that time up with this one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes tour!

Curious? Learn more about Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy here!

Activities Outside of the Parks

There’s plenty to see and do outside of the four theme parks. In fact, you’re missing out on some of the best activities Disney has to offer if all you do is go to those main parks. Let’s briefly go over a couple of our favorite things to do when we aren’t standing in line for Slinky Dog Dash or eating the seventh Dole Whip of the day in Adventureland.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

One of the reasons folks love coming to Disney World is that they get to have experiences that they wouldn’t normally get to have at home. So, when given the opportunity to make s’mores by a campfire, a lot of people may decline and hit up the parks for an extra few hours instead.

Welcome to Fort Wilderness!

And while that’s a totally logical decision, if you find yourself with a free night, you may find that the best vacation memories are made from the simplest of activities! Chip & Dale host a campfire sing-a-long every night at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge.

While the event is FREE (and free is cool!), you do need to purchase s’mores supplies from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar, or you can bring your own ingredients. It’s certainly cheaper than dinner in the parks!

Benches where you can enjoy a movie under the stars!

And once it’s dark, cuddle up under a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars! There are plenty of benches for you to use, or you can bring your own chairs. There are actually TONS of cool activities at Fort Wilderness to do on your “day off” from the parks, like horseback riding, hiking, and more!

Check out all of the restaurants at Fort Wilderness and make a whole day out of it!

The VOID at Disney Springs

Our last activity that is way cooler than it sounds is The VOID. At first glance, it’s really hard to tell exactly what goes on in The VOID. Are you in a void? What do you do in this void?

The Void in Disney Springs ©Disney

The VOID is actually one of the coolest activities you and your family can take part in at Disney Springs. This highly interactive virtual reality experience hooks you up for fifteen minutes to these helmet-mounted machines that really make you feel like you are IN the action! And it’s not just any action — you can embark on your very own Star Wars or Wreck it Ralph themed adventure!

The Void ©Disney

Prices range from $35-$40 per guest depending on which experience you choose, and you have to believe us when we say that it is TOTALLY worth the cost! We’ll leave it up to you to decide if it’s cooler than Rise of the Resistance. ?

The VOID is also available at Downtown Disney in Anaheim! Learn more about it here!

What’s considered “cool” in Disney World is totally up to you! Some folks agree that the high-speed, thrilling attractions are the coolest things in the parks, while others are totally mesmerized by the special exhibits and behind-the-scenes tours that Disney provides. No matter what your definition of “cool” is, we hope that this gave you some ideas on new things to try next time you visit Disney World!

What is your favorite thing in Disney World that others might not think is “cool”? Argue why you think it is the coolest thing in Disney World in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. 50 Memories You Should Make Before Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!
  2. Star Wars Fans: Get Ready for a Triple Force Friday Shopping Spree in Disney Springs!
  3. How To Get A FREE Pandora Bangle in Disney Springs!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, Behind the Seeds, carousel of progress, Chip and Dale Campfire Singalong, disney springs, disney’s yuletide fantasy, fort wilderness lodge, Living with the Land, Pandora, the magic behind our steam trains, the peoplemover, the void

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Observations from Reopening at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is reopened its theme parks on June 5. While Spider-Man still slings above New York City and Hogwarts’ gate is once again open, some things have changed to make guests safer in a COVID-19 world. Prior to opening for the general public Universal invited their Team Members and Annual Passholders to preview and test out those new security measures and protocols. We will go over some of those changes and what it means for your touring of the parks.

Virtual Queue

Universal Orlando is now offering a Virtual Queue option for many of its most popular attractions. Here’s how it works:

  • Download and create an account for the Universal Orlando app
  • Open the app when near or inside the parks
  • At park open, select the attraction you wish to reserve a time for
  • Select the Virtual Line Pass button on the attraction’s page
  • Select a party size and return time
  • A QR code with the party’s return time will display on the app (we suggest taking a screengrab of that QR code for safekeeping)
  • When it is your return time, head to the attraction and present the QR code for scanning

Now you will have a minimal wait in a standard, socially distanced queue. Guests are able to hold two passes at once and when one pass is redeemed they can book another.

Attractions offering Virtual Queue are changing frequently; check the Universal Orlando app for the most up-to-date list.

Queue Modifications

Queues throughout the resort are modified to practice social distancing. Guests are spaced out 10 feet apart with markers and normal switchbacks are now reduced or eliminated. Some attractions that feature preshows rooms, such as at Men in Black and Gringotts, are turned off; guests now walk through the rooms as if they are standard queue space. The Simpsons Ride, Fallon, and Fast & Furious still operate their preshow rooms due to required safety spiels. If an attraction features 3D video, a Team Member will hand out the glasses to each guest. Additionally, prior to boarding, guests will be given hand sanitizer before handling ride vehicle restraints.

Modified Character Greetings

Characters are Universal, so we are excited to see our favorites return to the parks. Universal landed on a novel solution that takes cues from its Halloween Horror Nights event: characters now greet guests from a safe distance on stages. While on stage, the characters will interact with guests, pose for photos, and wave to all that pass by. Such character interactions include Marvel characters between Marvel Super Hero Island and the Toon Lagoon Amphitheater, Seuss Landing characters outside Circus McGurkus, The Simpsons in their Winnebago, the Knight Bus conductor at the back of the bus, Doc Brown working on the Time Train, and more.

While the Universal Superstar Parade is no longer running, some parade floats do make a small run around the park frequently to bring more character interaction to the streets.

Reservation Only Olivanders

Here at TouringPlans, we were wondering how an experience like Olivanders could work in a world of social distancing. Each Olivanders show places roughly 20 guests into a small room where one guest is picked to have a wand choose them. Universal took a page from Disney’s Savi’s Workshop and has made the Olivanders experience reservation only. Approach the Team Member in Diagon Alley (at this time outside the Fireworks store facade) or in Hogsmeade to schedule a time.

Dining Changes

Universal Dining has morphed, too. Full-service dining locations such as Mythos, Confisco Grill, Finnegan’s, Lombard’s, and more are running at a reduced capacity. Menus are now one-time use (a free souvenir? In a theme park?!), silverware and plates are presented on a tray you take yourself, and interactions with Team Members are kept to a minimum.

Counter-service restaurants now highlight mobile ordering; simply use the Universal Orlando app and order the food and beverages for the party. If a guest has an Annual Pass or Team Member discount, the difference is offered back in change at pick up. Seating and ordering change location to location. Indoor locations, such as Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley, seat you prior to order and the food is delivered to your table. Other venues operate like normal, including the illusive Wimpy’s Burgers in Toon Lagoon, which offers standard window ordering.

One food and beverage location NOT open currently are bars due to Florida regulations. Backwater Bar and Hog’s Head in Islands of Adventure along with Moe’s, Duff Gardens, and Finnegan’s in Universal Studios Florida remain closed. Florida Governor DeSantis announced recnelty bars can reopen June 5 but it is unknown when Universal will reopen their bars.

U-Rest Areas

If guests require a rest, Universal has set up areas where social distancing is possible and masks are allowed to be removed. Named U-Rest, these areas sprinkled throughout the parks provide tables, chairs, umbrellas, and places to rest without having to wear a mask. U-Rest areas are subject to change and currently located at Port of Entry in Islands of Adventure, Central Park in Universal Studios Florida, and Fear Factor Live in Universal Studios Florida.

Hotels

What’s a visit to Univerasl Orlando without a stay at their amazing resorts? This week the Universal hotels reopened, with Endless Summer Dockside and Portofino Bay remaining closed. Prior to entry a temperature check is required and masks must be worn at all times in public areas. Universal is only filling every other room on flooors to keep social distancing when returning to your room.

These are the first looks at changes to Universal’s parks and resorts. While several of these changes are unique and specific to Universal, it is very possible these changes will be adopted at Disney parks as well. Universal has not stated an end date for their policies and procedures, but we expect them to last through the fall and until a therapeutic and/or vaccine for COVID-19 is developed.

Universal Orlando Resort reopened June 5, 2020; CityWalk Cinemark movie theater and the Blue Man Group Orlando show remain closed until further notice. Follow TouringPlans Blog and TouringPlans on Twitter for the latest reopening information for the Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

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From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Universal Orlando Resort, Islands of Adventure, universal citywalk, Universal Studios Florida