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NBA looking at Orlando/Disney World as ‘clear frontrunner’ to resume season

NBA resume season

The 2019-2020 NBA season came to an abrupt halt in mid-March this year. It seemed the season would not be finished given the pandemic. However, there’s renewed hope that a solution is at hand. Sources in the league have told The Athletic that the NBA is looking at Orlando to finish the 2020 basketball games at Walt Disney World.

The Athletic’s duo of Sam Amick and Shams Charania say that NBA sources tell them how Walt Disney World is the current frontrunner for the rest of the season. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, this would be an interesting development for the basketball league.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously mentioned his idea of seeking a “campus environment” to utilize for the remaining games. Their bubble-isolation plan would enable teams to gather in one place and help players follow safety protocols.

Of course, the league would have to decide whether they would continue with the same list of remaining games or if they would shorten it to get to playoff games. Several players have confirmed their interest in going forward, but it’s up to the league officials to reach a set date to return. Health and safety are the primary concerns, but it would be quite thrilling to see basketball resume at Disney World!

Source: Yahoo Sports

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Resorts, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, disney sports, ESPN, ESPN Sports Complex, nba, NBA Experience, Walt Disney World

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

Margaritaville’s Island H2O Live! Water Park will reopen to Guests on Saturday, May 23rd

Margaritaville's Island H2O Live

It is with great anticipation that Margaritaville‘s Island H2O Live announces its reopening on select days beginning Saturday, May 23, 2020. As required, Island H2O Water Park submitted a reopening plan to the State of Florida that includes a proposed date for resumption of operations and proposed guidelines to ensure guest and staff safety, which was endorsed by the Osceola County Administrator.

“We are excited to reopen and provide an entertaining break from the day-to-day world,” states Island H2O Water Park General Manager Jim Kunau. “We look forward to providing wonderful memories for our guests and their families. Our entire team has been working hard to prepare the park and welcome our guests back.”

The park is raising their already demanding standards to an even higher level with new protocols and procedures. “The health, safety, and well-being of every guest and team member is our utmost priority,” states Kunau. “To ensure the safest experience for everyone, we also need our guests to help by adhering to social distancing practices, washing and sanitizing hands frequently, and following safety guidelines provided by our trained staff.”

Island H2O Water Park is implementing new Safe-Splash Guidelines to continue delivering a great guest experience while ensuring the park operates safely, responsibly and sustainably. Island H2O Water Park will:

  1. Manage Park Capacity: The number of guests admitted each day is limited. Guests who arrive after park capacity is reached are not guaranteed admittance to the park and may be asked to wait or visit on a different day.
  2. Implement Daily Wellness Checks: Team members and guests undergo a verbal screening upon arrival each day. Team members also receive a temperature check and are sent home if their temperature exceeds 100.4 °F.
  3. Require Face Masks: Team members are required to wear a face-covering in virtually every area of the park. Between rides and attractions, guests are recommended to wear face coverings. Due to safety constraints, face coverings are not permitted while in the water or on slides.
  4. Practice Social Distancing: Signs and ground markers are provided to assist guests with social distancing practices while in line at the park entrance, attractions, restrooms, food service locations, and more. Deck layouts are modified to ensure distancing in all lounging and dining areas.
  5. Promote Hand Hygiene & Respiratory Etiquette: Additional hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the park, and signs are displayed to encourage all employees and guests to wash their hands often and cover their coughs and sneezes.
  6. Clean, Disinfect and Sanitize on a Continuous Basis: The CDC states, “disinfection with chlorine… should inactivate the virus in the water.” The water in all attractions at Island H2O Water Park is double treated with chlorination and ultraviolet light to maintain the healthiest water conditions. All water that circulates through the water park is exposed to UV light in the filtration process. UV light works by disrupting the DNA or RNA of specific organisms, such as viruses, which in turn, kills or inactivates the virus completely. Team members are assigned additional duties that support cleanliness throughout the park, including the disinfection of handrails, loungers, tabletops, tubes, mats, door handles, and other surfaces.
  7. Encourage Electronic Payments: Guests are encouraged to purchase admission tickets online prior to arriving at the park to minimize interactions during the park entry experience. Guests are also encouraged to use cashless payment methods while visiting.
  8. Manage Use of Indoor Areas & Communal Spaces: Homeland Security’s biodefense research laboratory states, “sunlight seems to be very detrimental to the virus,” and “within minutes, the majority of the virus is inactivated on surfaces and in the air in direct sunlight.” Our guests spend their entire day outdoors in the sunshine or in shaded areas, except for restroom buildings and other minor service areas which are disinfected regularly throughout the day.
  9. Provide a COVID-19 Response Team: A team of supervisors and managers is available to respond to COVID-19 concerns from guests or employees. The team trains staff on all safety protocols and ensures that they are socially distanced during meetings and training.
A complete list of all health and safety measures can be found at www.islandh2olive.com.
The park will continue to coordinate with local, state and federal agencies as well as public health officials and is prepared to make any and all adjustments as necessary, now and after re-opening, to maintain the highest standards of health and safety for all.
“We know the finances of several of our guests have been impacted, so we are extending a special discount on our season passes this summer,” commented Kunau. “A 2020 Season Pass is currently available for just $10 more than a one-day admission ticket, and guests can even split their purchase into 2-monthly payments when they buy online by May 31.”
For details on park hours, season passes, events and offers, please visit www.islandh2olive.com.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Island H2O Live!, Margaritaville Orlando, Margaritaville Resort, Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Margaritaville’s Island H2O Live

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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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Disney Parks

Legoland Florida seeking approval to reopen on June 1st

Legoland

According to The Ledger LEGOLAND Florida has filed for a reopening date of June 1st, 2020, and has just received approval from the city of Winter Haven!

Now they just have to get the ok from Florida State Officials before they can officially reopen!

General Manager Rex Jackson detailed the sanitation, social distancing, and other restrictions it would operate under if allowed to reopen on June 1st.

  • Park would operate at 50% capacity
  • Guest would be encouraged to wear face masks
  • Will give temperature checks upon entrance
  • Restaurants will not offer self-service buffets or salad bars
  • Soda fountains and condiment stations will be closed

Legoland has been closed to the public since March 15th, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are the first major theme park to submit their request to open in the Orlando area!

Source

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Legoland, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, legoland Florida, Legoland reopening, Orlando Theme Parks

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Disney Food Disney Parks

REVIEW: Disney Springs “Welcome Back” Drink From Starbucks

We were prepared for a lot of new and different experiences when our field research team headed to Disney Springs now that it is partially reopened. We were not, however, prepared for this colorful drink to serve as the homing beacon to welcome guests back to Disney Springs.

Disney Springs Starbucks Marketplace

At the Marketplace Disney Springs Starbucks a new “Welcome Back” blended drink appeared on the menu, immediately drawing attention. This drink is described as a Blended Mango Dragonfruit Refresher with coconut milk, strawberries, blackberries, and pineapple ginger syrup, and golden ginger whipped creme on top. Me being the experimental eating and drinker that I would actually love to try this. However, this review is a team effort.

Disney Springs Starbucks Welcome Back Drink

Our field research team described it as light, berry flavored, watered down mango, and “not something I would order again.” As one would expect, it is a very fruity beverage with prevailing berry flavors. The pineapple ginger syrup and golden ginger whipped creme adds a slightly spicy and warm flavor. Although it cuts the sweetness a little, there isn’t enough of the ginger syrup to stand out. The golden ginger whipped creme is the star of the cup.

Disney Springs Starbucks Welcome Back Drink

It’s fun that both Disney Springs Starbucks locations often create specially themed drinks based on the season, special events, and even the latest big blockbuster movie. If you’re looking for a special way to commemorate your return to Disney Springs this could be a fun way to do so.

The post REVIEW: Disney Springs “Welcome Back” Drink From Starbucks appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Disney Springs, disney springs reopening, disney starbucks