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An Update on Disney Resort Hotels from Katie Kelly, Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services

Dear Guests,

As we look towards reopening our parks and resorts around the world, your wellbeing – and the wellbeing of our cast members – is one of our top priorities. In March, we began the phased reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort, and on May 20, we took another step as guests returned to shop and dine at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Just as we’ve started making plans for our theme parks, we are also making plans for our domestic hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts. With that in mind, we wanted to share what you can expect when you book a stay at a Disney Resort hotel.*

As Disney’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel shared in her previous update, our health and safety team has taken a close look at the experiences at our hotels, from resort and room cleaning to check-in, dining and entertainment, so you can have a magical visit with peace of mind. During your stay, you’ll find updates and enhancements made with health and safety in mind, in line with the guidance of health and government authorities.

At the Resort 

Staying with confidence starts at check-in, with options to use Online Check-in service at select locations and meet your luggage at your room with redesigned bell services.

Throughout Disney Resort hotels, we’re increasing cleaning in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more. We’ve also expanded the number of hand sanitizer locations across the property.

At our restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers, and other public areas, we’re looking at adjusting services to enable preventive measures and physical distancing, including reducing capacity where appropriate and implementing enhanced cleaning measures.

We’re using technology to aid us in these efforts, with limited-contact services in place at our shopping and dining locations, with Mobile Order, cashless options and Magic Bands.**

In Your Room

Before arrival, every room will be given an enhanced cleaning. During your stay, a light cleaning service (including removal of trash and replenishment of towels and amenities) will be offered every other day.***

Our housekeeping cast members will receive training on increased cleaning measures throughout the resort hotel and for each guest room, including updated practices for cleaning tools and managing in-room amenities, linens, luggage, and more.

An Update on Disney Resort Hotels from Katie Kelly, Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services

Of course, we all have an important role to play in promoting health and safety. We are asking our guests to help, by washing your hands frequently with soap and water; following physical distancing and other guidelines when you visit; and rescheduling your visit if you or a member of your party feel ill or are subject to quarantine or other travel restrictions.

We’ll share more information about the health and safety measures at Disney Resort hotels with you ahead of your visit – and continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as appropriate.

While our new experience may be a little different from the last time you stayed with us, a magical and memorable visit awaits you at our Disney Resort hotels. We’re looking forward to welcoming you – see you real soon!

Katie Kelly

Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services
Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products

*Domestic owned-and-operated Disney Resort hotels only.
**Available at Walt Disney World Resort only.
***Disney Vacation Club members will receive their traditional housekeeping service.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Vacation Planning, Walt Disney World Resort

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Disney News Disney Parks Disney Vacations

3 Disney World Resorts Announce Reopening In July

disney world resort

We are getting closer to the reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort!

And with that comes the reopening of some Disney resorts as well. As we know, Disney recently announced they will be opening certain resorts on June 22. More specifically, DVC resorts.

But now there are some good news for those that are not DVC members or are looking for a more affordable option. Three Disney World area hotels will be reopening on July 1st!

Just in time to book your room and be ready for when Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopen on July 11 and Hollywood Studios and Epcot on July 15!

If you would like to know more about what to expect with the reopening of Walt Disney World, you can do it here. 

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Resorts, Places to Stay, Walt Disney World, animal kingdom, disney world area hotels, Disney World Resorts, DVC, Epcot, Four Seasons Orlando, Hilton Bonnet Creek, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, WDW

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Disney News Disney Parks Disney Vacations

News! Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Asking July Guests to Confirm Reservations!

Over the weekend, there was STILL a way to book a non-DVC room on Disney property for the reopening of Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th and the reopening of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th. Guests could go through Mariott’s website and book a room at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts.

THEN, the Swan and Dolphin’s website was updated to state that both resorts will remain closed through July 29th.

That left guests with rooms at the Swan and Dolphin with one MAJOR question: What would happen to their reservations?! Now it seems as though the Swan and Dolphin WILL be open to guests with previously booked stays.

Swan and Dolphin Resort

The Swan and Dolphin resorts are asking guests to confirm their reservations by 5PM on Monday, June 15th, otherwise, the reservation will be canceled and refunded. If you have a reservation at the Swan and Dolphin for July, confirm by calling 800-227-1500 or by emailing reservations@swandolphin.com.

Email From Swan and Dolphin

According to the email, the Swan and Dolphin resorts will be operating with “limited services initially, which will impact amenities and restaurants typically available to guests.” Though these are third-party hotels, this is in line with what Walt Disney World resort hotels will look like after reopening on June 22.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Note that the Swan and Dolphin did NOT confirm when they will be reopening to new guests, nor when the hotels will open to new reservations before July 30th. We’ll monitor this story and keep you updated as we learn more.

Are you staying at the Swan and Dolphin anytime soon? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. There’s Still a Way to Book a Room on Disney World Property Right Now!
  2. NEWS! Annual Passholders Can Get Some AWESOME Discounts on Disney World Area Hotels This Spring!
  3. What’s New at Disney’s Caribbean Beach and Swan and Dolphin Resorts: Disney X Nike Gear and Princess Crown Pins!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney resorts, Featured, Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney hotels, disney news, disney parks, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, disney’s dolphin resort, disney’s swan resort, marriott, swan and dolphin, Swan and Dolphin Resort

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Disney Guides Disney Parks Disney Vacations

Disney World Trip Packing in the Time of Coronavirus

Universal Orlando is now open to the public, and Walt Disney World will be reopening in a few weeks. This means that some of you will soon start PACKING for vacation!

TouringPlans has run approximately eleventy-billion posts about WDW trip packing over the years. A greatest hits list of them might include:

Now that we’re living in the COVID-19 era, there may be a few tweaks you want to make to your usual packing routine.

MASKS

Disney will require that all guests wear face coverings in the parks. That’s a non-negotiable given. It’s also a given that it’s summer and Florida, so the weather will inevitably be hot, hot, hot. Keep that in mind as you decide what type of mask to bring with you on vacation.

I’ve purchased half a dozen styles, from disposables sold at my local supermarket, to heavy multi-layered multi-filtered washables bought from Etsy. As much as possible, you should try to experiment with a variety of masks BEFORE you show up on vacation. They’re not all stifling and uncomfortable. Think about:

  • Will this provide protection to me and those around me?
  • Is the fit secure? Will I constantly be worried about this falling off while I’m walking around or on a ride? Is there something I can do to adjust the fit? (It could be particularly fun to use a monkey to adjust your mask in Toy Story Land.)
  • How does the paper/fabric feel next to my skin?
  • Can a take a deep breath while wearing this mask? How does it feel when I’m slightly exerted, like walking around my neighborhood?
  • With disposable masks, what is my environment impact? Is it worth it to avoid washing masks during my vacation?
  • With reusable masks, how will I care for it or clean it during my vacation?
  • Do I have enough masks with me if one becomes soiled due to food spills or sweat?
  • Will my mask withstand the inevitable Florida summer downpours? Do I have replacements for a wet mask?
  • Do I care about the aesthetics of my mask? Do I want it to match my attire?
  • Have I evaluated the mask situation for my kids? Have we practiced at home and do they understand that mask wearing in the parks is non-negotiable?
  • If I’m planning to buy Disney-branded masks on site, do I have a back-up plan if I find them uncomfortable or otherwise bothersome?

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is almost always a must at Walt Disney World. When you’re wearing a mask, you’ll want to be extra attentive to sunscreen application on your face lest you end up with some really wacky tan lines. Be sure you bring one that works for you with frequent application.

HAND SANTIZER

Yes, you should absolutely wash your hands thoroughly many times throughout the day. Yes, cast members will increase their sanitation of attractions and high-touch surfaces. Yes, there will be hand sanitizer stations located throughout the parks and resorts. Nevertheless, you probably want to keep at least a small amount of hand sanitizer with you at all times, just in case.

Bear in mind that TSA has now changed the rules about quantities of sanitizer that are allowed to be carried onto airplanes.

As you decide what form of sanitizer to have with you (liquid, spray, wipes), consider whether you’re a no-bags-in the park person or be-prepared-for-anything person and whether your choice of sanitizer will be impacted by that.

WATER BOTTLES

Proper hydration is essential and many folks bring reusable water bottles for environment reasons. Normally this is fantastic, but if you’re in a higher-risk group you may want to consider how you’re going to refill your bottle. Will you feel comfortable having your bottle close to taps that may have been touched by many people?

SMALL DIVERSIONS

Given the reduced park hours, you may be spending more time at your hotel than you would during a typical Disney vacation. Will you need to bring any items to help fill your down time? A deck of cards, a small board game, an extra novel, etc.?

HOW MUCH CLOTHING TO BRING

Some guests pack minimally, planning to do laundry while at Walt Disney World. The COVID factor may change your laundry strategy. If you think you’ll have more time on hand to do chores like washing clothes (because of less time in the parks), then you may decide to pack less overall. On the other hand, if you’d rather avoid enclosed spaces like public laundry rooms, then you may want to bring more clothes and skip doing laundry on this trip.

PAYMENT METHODS

Prior to your trip, you may want to check whether your credit cards have a no-contact payment feature. If one does, that may be the one you choose to use for this trip (to help you avoid touching card readers). Apple Pay is another good option for this.

Do you have any thoughts on packing for a post-COVID Disney vacation? Is there anything new you’re planning to bring? Is there anything you used to bring that you won’t take this time? Let us know!

The post Disney World Trip Packing in the Time of Coronavirus appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus, packing

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News! Four Seasons Orlando at Disney World Is Set to Reopen SOON

Disney World is slowly gearing up again.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

With the Disney World theme parks set to begin opening on July 11th and many of the Disney World hotels opening on June 22nd, it looks like some of the area’s partner hotels are moving towards opening too. Four Seasons Orlando in Disney World is now set to open soon.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando is currently accepting reservations for July 1st. In a statement about the opening, the Four Seasons team said, “From the bottom of our hearts, again we thank you…we cannot wait to welcome you to Four Seasons Orlando!”

Four Seasons Statement

The resort is using a new Lead With Care program developed in conjunction with Johns Hopkins Medicine International. According to Four Seasons CEO John Davison, “Lead With Care sets out clear procedures that educate and empower employees to take care of guests and each other.”

The Disney Help Desk

The program focuses on enhanced cleanliness, heightened guest safety and comfort, and empowered employees to create a safe environment in the wake of the global health crisis.

Stairwell to the lobby

The Four Seasons is a luxury resort and the reopening will be welcome for many. Keep an eye on DFB for more Disney World reopening news!

Will you be staying at a reopened Four Seasons Orlando? Tell us in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. News! Four Seasons Resort Orlando Is Closing Its Disney World Location Temporarily
  2. Why Disney World Could Be Very DIFFERENT When It Reopens
  3. TripAdvisor Lists Disney World Hotels As Closed Until July 30th; But Bookings Can Be Made From June 1st

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney resorts, Featured, Four Seasons Orlando, Walt Disney World, Disney World Four Seasons, Disney World reopening, four seasons, Four Seasons Reopening, Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Resort