Categories
Disney Parks Other

FIRST LOOK: New Hand-Washing Stations Installed Throughout Disney Springs Ahead of Reopening

Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening tomorrow, May 20th. And today, as Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district continues to prepare for the reopening, Disney is giving a preview to local Orlando media of what the “new normal” will look like.

Disney Springs

Disney has already announced new measures that will be in place for guest and cast safety. While you can read about the variety of protocols in further detail here, the category of Cleanliness and Sanitization includes increased cleaning and disinfecting in high-traffic public areas as well as additional hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations.

Guests are highly encouraged to use the hand sanitizer and washing stations during their visit. And Robert Guaderrama with FOX 35 Orlando has shared a quick look at what you can expect to find throughout Disney Springs via Twitter.

He shares, “if while you’re walking around and think you need to wash your hands… well, they have provided several of these hand-washing stations situated throughout Disney Springs.”

We will be sharing more about the reopening of Disney Springs both today and tomorrow, so please stay tuned with us. To learn more about additional safety protocols including temperature checks, capacity limits, and more, you can read about those in detail here.

And you can learn more about the status of Disney parks around the world by visiting any of the links below.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, News, disney springs, disney springs reopening, hand washing station, health and safety measures, May 20th Disney Springs

Categories
Disney Parks Other

Disney Springs PREVIEW! Here’s What Disney World’s “New Look” Is Like

Disney Springs is set to reopen tomorrow with limited hours and we’re getting set to check out all of the changes.

Disney Springs

Today though, local Orlando media has been allowed into a preview of the health measures that will be in place for tomorrow in Disney Springs. We’re taking a look at some of their coverage to get an idea of what we’ll see in the dining, retail, and entertainment complex tomorrow.

Disney is currently allowing a limited variety of local media sources to get a glimpse at what a reopened Disney Springs may look like. We’re taking a look at some of the social posts from Cierra Putman at WFTV, Dewayne Bevil at Orlando Sentinel, Amanda Dukes at WESH, Asher Wildman from Spectrum News, and Robert Guaderrama from FOX 35 Orlando.

Let’s see what Disney Springs looks like today!

Health Screening and Temperature Checks

As we know, Disney is requiring health screenings and temperature checks for those entering Disney Springs. It is also required that all guests and Cast Members wear masks during their time in the complex. Dukes reported in on what the screening space looked like when she arrived.

Remember, anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will not be allowed into Disney Springs. Guaderrama also checked in on these requirements on his way into the media preview.

Looking back on our experience at Universal Orlando CityWalk, we interested to see how smoothly these temperature checks will run.

Greeter Team from Resort Children’s Activities Cast

A big difference from CityWalk’s reopening is that Disney Springs will have a dedicated team that will roam the complex making sure that guests are physical distancing and adding a little bit of magic for kids so that the safety precautions don’t seem too scary.

©Disney

Members of the team are called Greeters, per Guaderrama, and are made up of Resorts Children’s Activities Cast Members.

This group had a lot of energy at the media preview, giving us a taste of the way they’ll try to bring smiles to guests’ faces.

Health and Safety Signage

There is also a bunch of health and safety signage posted as well. Bevil posted this photo of a sign that encourages distancing and sanitation standards.

Like we’ve seen in Disneyland Shanghai and in Universal’s CityWalk, Disney has opted to add some markings on the ground to aid in distancing and the flow of guest traffic.

World of Disney even has some stickers that are just like the ones in Shanghai to help guests with queueing at the entrance, per Bevil. Perhaps capacity will be limited within the store too. Remember, Disney-owned locations will not open until May 27th.

These measures will help to keep guests aware and doing their part when it comes to safety tomorrow and beyond.

Hand Washing Stations

There are a bunch of handwashing and hand sanitizing stations located around the complex for guest use.

One interesting measure is that trash cans have had their lids removed so that they can be hands-free, according to Wildman! He also noted the water fountains will not be functioning for the time being. However, Cast Members explained that this could change in the future.

Guests and Cast Members are encouraged to wash their hands often for their safety.

Changes to Dining

Bevil posted some photos from a few dining locations. Wine Bar George, for instance, has spread out the tables on the patio so that customers can keep their distance from one another.

Some restaurant employees were around too, getting their spots ready to serve customers tomorrow. Bevil noticed some workers getting things prepared over at Paradiso 37.

These are just two of the restaurants confirmed to be opening tomorrow, and some of the others may have differences in their health measures.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs, Disney Springs closure, Disney Springs health measures, disney springs reopening

Categories
Disney Parks Other

A New Team of Health and Safety Cast Members Will Be at the Reopening of Disney Springs Tomorrow

As we’re gearing up to see what Disney Springs will be like tomorrow during the first day of its phased reopening, we’ve already learned about some of the new safety measures and menu changes many of the third-party restaurants have been making.

Disney Springs Pre-Closure

Now we’ve learned about a special team of Disney World ambassadors that will be present at Disney Springs starting tomorrow.

On Disney World Cast and Community’s Facebook page, we just learned a new team of Cast Members has been assembled for Disney Springs’ gradual reopening. This group is comprised of Cast Members from various Disney World Resorts’ Children Activities Services are now called Greeters and they’ll be helping guests in fun and caring ways while providing a little extra assistance when needed!

They will also be making sure that guests are adhering to social distancing guidelines. According to Disney, “they have a keen understanding of our enhanced health and safety procedures, and will throw in some pixie dust for good measure.”

©Photo Courtesy of Disney World Cast and Community’s Facebook Page

If you’re on your way to Disney Springs tomorrow, make sure you check out the latest safety guidelines here, and if you see any of these Disney Cast Members in their spiffy bright yellow shirts out and about, say hello!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, ambassadors, cast members, disney springs, Disney World Cast and Community’s, Disney World Resorts’ Children Activities Services, gradual reopening, guest services, health and safety, may 20th, new team, phased reopening, specialized cast members, team

Categories
Disney Parks

News: Menu Changes Revealed Ahead of Disney Springs Reopening at Ghirardelli, Planet Hollywood, and The BOATHOUSE

Tomorrow will be the first day of the phased reopening of Disney Springs. A number of restaurants and shops owned by third-party vendors will start to welcome guests on May 20th, while select Disney-owned-and-operated locations will open starting May 27th.

Disney Springs Town Center

We know that there will be changes at Disney Springs with regards to new safety measures upon the reopening of Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district. And as individual locations prepare to reopen, we are also becoming aware of menu modifications we might anticipate at various restaurants, according to changes as spotted on online menus.

Yesterday, we explored menu changes for Wine Bar George, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and Paddlefish. And Frontera Cocina has released a look at the location’s temporary menu upon reopening.

And now, we’re checking out changes we spotted for Planet Hollywood, Ghirardelli, and The BOATHOUSE.

Planet Hollywood

Guests at Planet Hollywood can typically expect to find a HUGE array of items on the menu. For that reason, the menu at Planet Hollywood looks at though it remains fairly extensive.

Planet Hollywood

However, among the removed options, we noticed the following: appetizers including the Hummus Trio, Potato Wedge Dippers, Fried Jumbo Shrimp, and Spinach and Berries have been removed.

Among Entrees that are no longer listed are the Six-Cheese Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, Shrimp Florentine, Turkey Pic A Nic, Fresh Florida Mahi Mahi, the New York Strip Steak for 2, and — a DFB Planet Hollywood pick — the Pimento Grilled Cheese.

Pimento Grilled Cheese

Unavailable side options include the Baked Potato, Fresh Cut Fruit, and House Salad.

And desserts — at least upon the reopening — appear to not include Sticky Toffee Pudding, Key Lime Pie, Planet Meltdown, or the Brownie Sundae Martini.

Planet Meltdown — Melt Commencing

Additionally, Big Dipper Shakes are not currently listed.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli appears to be preparing a highly modified menu for the initial reopening, with the most notable change being the reduced selection of specialty sundaes.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain

Offerings including the Golden Gate Banana Split, the Treasure Island Warm Brownie Sundae, Strike It Rich Butterscotch, the Marina Raspberry Sorbet Sundae, and the Crissy Fields Cookie Bits Sundae and more are all currently removed from the menu.

Crissy Fields Cookie Bits Sundae

And The Earthquake — a HUGE, made-for-sharing, family-sized sundae made to serve four (similar to the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream) is also missing from the options.

Earthquake Family Favorite

For Sundaes, the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae, World Famous Hot Fudge, and Gold Rush Sundae are all still listed. And guests will be able to order up a classic shake in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or cookies and cream, and a good ol’ scoop or cone of ice cream — single, double, or take on the triple! However, specialty Quake Shakes (such as Sea Salt Caramel and chocolate bar infused-shakes) are not currently listed on the menu; and neither are Ice Cream Floats or Waffle Bowls.

Ghirardelli’s Quake Shake

Specialty coffee beverages (lattes, cappuccinos, and the like), as well as tea varieties have been removed from the selections. And we are not seeing the Decadent Drinking Chocolate on the list.

Ghirardelli Drinking Chocolate

A selection of Ghirardelli chocolate drinks that are still listed include the popular Classic and Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa — and, now that the temperatures are definitely warming up, the still-available Frozen Hot Cocoa will likely be an even more popular option.

The BOATHOUSE

Before we look at changes for The BOATHOUSE, it’s well worth noting that, as a Signature restaurant, the menu at The BOATHOUSE does change with some frequency for seasonal offerings, so change is often the name of the seasonal game here!

The Boathouse

That said, the removals we noticed include the Lobster Cocktail, Broiled Wild-Caught Swordfish Steak, BOATHOUSE BBQ Shrimp & Grits, BOATHOUSE BBQ Bacon Burger, and the FBA State Champion 2017 Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Boathouse’s Dockside Lager at The BOATHOUSE

Also no longer spotted on the menu are the Award-Winning Cherry-Smoked BBQ Chicken, Lobster with Orecchiette Pasta, New England Sea Scallops, and the BOATHOUSE Lobster Clambake.

We ARE excited to see the Shrimp & Andouille Mac & Cheese still on the menu, along with plenty of other favorites at this popular waterfront-dining spot.

Boathouse Andouille Mac and Cheese

We will be following the happenings at Disney Springs all day tomorrow for the reopening, and we hope you’ll join us here.

Will you be following the reopening of Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment. 

Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, disney springs, disney springs reopening, ghirardelli, May 20th Disney Springs, menu changes, Planet Hollywood, The Boathouse

Categories
Disney News Disney Parks Other

Going To Disney World in February? Here’s What You Need To Know!

Here’s the info you need to maximize the magic on your February trip to Disney World!

Valentine’s Day Cupcake

By February, many of us are feeling the winter blues. And a Disney World vacation can be the perfect cure! But before you start planning, you need to BE PREPARED — Scar might be a Disney villain, but that’s a solid piece of advice that we’re going to borrow! Here are all the deets you need to know in order to set yourself up for a fabulous February vacay!

Crowds at Disney World in February

In general, the crowds at Disney World in February tend to range from light to moderate. But there are a few holidays and happenings that can cause attendance to spike!

Typically the parks will be busier during President’s Day weekend since lots of guests take advantage of the long weekend for a quick getaway! And with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts running through most of the month (more on that later!), Epcot tends to be busier on the weekends with locals visiting for the festival.

Sunshine Seasons Cupcake

In addition to these more predictable crowd boosters, some schools around the country have Spring Break or Winter Break during February. Since these dates vary by school and change from year-to-year, unfortunately, they’re more difficult to account for while planning. So just be aware that if you’re planning a trip in February, you could run into some early Spring/Winter Break crowds!

Park Hours at Disney World in February

The parks hours throughout the month of February tend to be pretty steady! Most parks will open at either 8AM or 9AM, and close at either 8PM or 9PM.

Hollywood Studios

Magic Kingdom will usually stay open a little later (usually 10PM), but outside of that, Disney World park hours are pretty consistent in February!

Weather at Disney World in February

The temperatures tend to start warming up a little bit this month compared to January, which has the lowest average temps throughout the year! In February, the average high is 75 degrees and the average low is 54 degrees. So, typically the mornings and evenings are chilly, but the afternoons can warm up a bit!

Disney’s Boardwalk

February is also relatively dry — by Disney World standards! There are an average of 4 rainy days throughout the month, which is less frequent than you could expect during the summer months.

How to Pack for Disney World in February

Okay, we just touched on how the temperature can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, but warm up during the afternoon. So that means you’ll want to pack clothes you can layer for your February trip! We suggest bringing a sweatshirt or jacket, gloves, scarf, and hat so you can wear them out in the morning, and store them in your park bag when it starts to warm up!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

And don’t forget those closed-toe shoes! Even if you’re usually a sandals in the park kinda person, the frigid temps in the mornings and evenings can be especially hard on the feet. So make sure you come prepared!

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

If you’re traveling to Disney World in February, there’s a good chance your trip will overlap with the Epcot International Festival of the ArtsThe event usually runs through late-February, so if your vacation lands at the end of the month, be sure to check the festival dates and plan your park days accordingly. Trust us, this isn’t an event you want to miss out on if you can help it!

Festival of the Arts Sign

The Festival of the Arts has so much to see and do, including Food Studios, live entertainment, unique merchandise, complimentary seminars, and extra-ticketed workshops!

2020 Pop Eats! Food Studio

We looooove the festival Food Studios because the food is both delicious AND beautiful! Since it is the Festival of the Arts, there’s a huge focus on the presentation of the menu items at each of the booths.

In past years, we’ve seen favorites like the Sushi Donut, Smoked Salmon and Cream Gâteauand Festival of the Arts Mini-Cake!

Sushi Donut

Festival entertainment includes Performing Arts like the  Disney on Broadway Concert Series, live music, living statues, and more! And the Visual Arts are represented as well! Guests can find Artful Photo Opschalk art, and character art throughout the park!

Peter Pan Photo Op

And guests can commemorate their time by picking up some festival merchandise! In addition to classic options like tumblers, clothing, and plushes, you can also purchase work by featured artists located throughout the park!

Festival of the Arts Merchandise

If you want to take your exploration of the arts to another level, check out one of the free seminars or extra-ticketed workshops offered during the event!

Trailblazing Ladies of Disney Animation Complimentary Seminar

Even though it’s the newest addition to the Epcot lineup, the Festival of the Arts is quickly becoming one of our favorite events! It’s definitely worth checking out during your February trip!

Annual Ride Refurbishments

Another thing to consider if you’re planning a February trip — several of the rides and attractions in Disney World will be down for annual refurbishments! This is particularly important if you’re a water ride enthusiast. Both Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom and Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom usually go down for refurbishment in mid-January and remain unavailable until mid to late-March.

Splash Mountain Refurbishment

And you’ll have limited access to the water parks as well! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach go down for refurbishment in alternating months. So, if you’re traveling in February, only one of them will be open!

Valentine’s Day Treats

If you’re traveling in mid-February, you’ll see a lot of pink, red, and heart-shaped treats! We typically see Valentine’s Day themed snacks available at least a few days before and after the holiday.

Of course, there are plenty of Valentine’s Day Cupcakes available around the parks and resorts! And we’ve spotted some more inventive desserts as well — like the (almost too pretty to eat) Bella Notte Petit Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs!

Bella Notte Petit Cake

If you’re traveling in February, be sure to keep an eye on menus across Disney World for fun, Valentine’s Day menu options! For instance, in the past, Kona Cafe at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort has offered Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Topping as a limited-time offering!

Red Velvet Breakfast Special

And there are plenty of places in Disney World to have a date night! Several locations in Disney Springs offer Valentine’s Day specials and menus for a romantic night out on the town! So if you find yourself in Disney World with your Valentine, you can have a Bella Notte, indeed.

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in February, you have a lot to be excited about! The (usually) manageable crowd levels, super-fun Epcot Festival of the Arts, and delicious Valentine’s Day treats can make Disney World even more awesome! Just be sure to prepare yourself for the ride refurbishments and potentially chilly temps and you’ll be in for a magical vacay!

Are you planning a trip to Disney World in February? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts, 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, attraction refurbishments, Blizzard Beach, Blizzard Beach Refurbishment, closed typhoon lagoon, crowd levels, disney valentine’s day treats, disney world crowd levels, Disney World crowds, disney world park hours, disney world planning, disney world planning tips, disney world valentine’s day, Disney World weather, disney’s typhoon lagoon, kali river rapids, ride refurbish, splash mountain, Splash Mountain Closure, valentine’s day menus, valentine’s day menus at disney world, valentine’s day specials, walt disney world planning, weather