Tag: citywalk

3 Things We Hope We DON’T See At The Disney Springs Reopening This Week

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 18, 2020

CityWalk at Universal Orlando began a phased reopening on May 14th, and we were there to report back.

There were a number of new health and safety measures implemented including temperature checks, limited hours, and social distancing protocols. Overall, we thought the reopening of CityWalk went pretty smoothly, but there were a few things that we hope NOT to see when Disney Springs begins its own phased reopening on May 20th.

Let’s check ’em out.

Use of Paper Menus Instead Of Digital Menus

When dining at Margaritaville, we were given disposable paper menus which our server informed us are thrown away after each use. This adheres to sanitary standards, but if this practice is maintained for long, it’s costing a TON of money and creating significant waste.

If we’re gonna go to the effort of implementing a new system, let’s do it in a sustainable, inexpensive, and even more sanitary way by using digital menus that can be scanned with your smartphone.

Margaritaville Menu

I imagine we’re going to be in this “new normal” for a while, so if restaurant guests get used to digital menus, it can be the wave of the future.

PLUS it will be WAY easier for restaurants to change their menus if they run out of a dish, highlighting a new special menu item, or offering a short-term discount (you know, to get rid of the stuff that’s NOT selling). Just changing the code on a website vs. re-printing hundreds of menus week after week? That could save SO MUCH MONEY, which is something restaurants definitely need to be thinking about right now.

Wine Bar George at Disney Springs has announced that they will be using digital menus upon reopening. And we recently visited Plancha Restaurant at Four Seasons Orlando, where guests could scan a QR code in order to view the menu.

Plancha Digital Menu

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll see more digital menus at Disney Springs restaurants — and everywhere else — instead of disposable ones!

Limited To-Go Food Options

We also noticed there were few to-go food options at CityWalk. We were able to mobile order at Voodoo Doughnut and Red Oven Pizza Bakery, plus Auntie Ann’s Pretzels offered their standard grab-and-go service. But the carry out service at Margaritaville was unavailable — to order any food or drinks, we had to put in our name and wait for a table.

Red Oven Pizza Bakery

We would have liked to have had more to-go options so we could get a substantial meal to carry out with us instead of having to wait the 2.5 hours to dine-in!

Limited Access to Masks Outside of the Entrance

All guests are required to wear masks at CityWalk as part of the additional health and safety measures. And this same requirement will be implemented at Disney Springs. But we did find some confusion about the availability of masks outside of the CityWalk entrance in case a guest forgets theirs.

According to the Universal website, masks are available for sale outside of the entrance to CityWalk, but we weren’t able to find any there on our visit. There were plenty stocked at the Universal Studios Store, but since guests wouldn’t be able to get that far without a mask, that wouldn’t help in an emergency.

Face coverings

We hope that Disney Springs either offers masks for sale outside of the entrance or has a large stock of disposable masks for guests who may have forgotten theirs!

Overall, we were impressed with Universal’s handling of the CityWalk reopening. But, we did notice a few not-so-great processes that we hope Disney doesn’t replicate at Disney Springs!

What protocol do you want to see when Disney Springs reopens? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Tags citywalk, face masks, news, safety, Universal Orlando

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News! Tennessee Theme Parks Are Cleared to Re-Open This Week

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 17, 2020

While Florida has started to re-open places like Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk, Texas is in talks about opening its own theme parks to guests again.

Universal CityWalk

And, now another state is making plans to re-open its larger tourist locations.

According to News 4 Nashville, Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group announced 89 of the state’s 95 counties will move into the next phase of re-opening on May 22nd.

This transition allows restaurants, shops, and larger attractions — like theme parks — to re-open with safety measures in place.

Monorail Red

Some of the large attractions included in the phased re-opening are:

Race tracks
Amusement parks
Water parks
Theaters
Dinner theaters
Auditoriums
Large museums

These attractions must “practice social distancing with strong measures to protect employees and customers.”

Universal CityWalk

Governor Bill Lee stated, “We’re able to allow restaurants and retail businesses to operate at greater capacity and large attractions to open in a safe and thoughtful way.”

He said the “state continues to see downward trends in case growth and meets the White House criteria for a phased reopening.” Although, he urged citizens to continue to wear makes and wash their hands.

Hand Sanitizing Station

In closing, he stated “By taking the Tennessee Pledge, our businesses can reopen in a way that protects the health of their customers and employees, and protects the livelihoods of hard-working Tennesseans.”

Disney Springs

Anakeesta is scheduled to open May 21st and others such as Dollywood and Lake Winnepesaukah are still planning their re-openings. We will keep you updated as we learn more!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Tags Anakeesta, citywalk, disney reopening, Dollywood, Lake Winnepesaukah, news, reopening, Tennessee

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All the Disney News You Missed While You Were Zoom Calling Your Mom on Mother’s Day!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 17, 2020

There are LOTS of interesting and exciting developments across the Walt Disney Company! We are starting to see the gradual reopening process begin around the globe, and the news just doesn’t stop these days!

©WaltDisneyImagineering on Instagram — Shanghai Disneyland reopening

So, let’s get caught up on all things Disney Parks and entertainment!

Shanghai Disneyland Officially Reopens!

Shanghai Disneyland was officially the first park to reopen since the parks worldwide closed their gates earlier this year. Various health and safety procedures were implemented to encourage physical distancing between guests while they are in the park.

Shanghai Disneyland

Currently, tickets for Shanghai Disneyland must be booked in advance. Full-day tickets for its first day of operations, May 11, sold out ahead of time.

Check out these pics of Shanghai Disneyland’s reopening day here!

Disney Springs Prepares to Reopen May 20

Since we learned that Disney Springs will partially reopen for guests beginning on May 20, a number of restaurants have been confirmed. As of this writing, The Boathouse, Wine Bar George, STK Orlando, Erin McKenna’s Bakery, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Planet Hollywood, and more are set to reopen on the 20th.

Welcome to Wine Bar George!

See our most up-to-date list on which restaurants will be open on May 20

We have also learned that World of Disney will reopen on May 27. Other Disney owned and operated locations will also open May 27, including Market Place Co-Op.

World of Disney in Disney Springs

See which Disney Springs retail shops will be open on May 20

The exact guidelines that Disney Springs will be following were announced, including mandatory face masks, temperature checks, and physical distancing protocols.

©Disney

We will be reporting live from Disney Springs on May 20 to let you know how locations are operating with their new health and safety procedures.

Universal Orlando CityWalk Reopens

CityWalk, the shopping and dining district at Universal Orlando Resort, reopened with limited operations on Thursday, May 14. We reported live with a first look at the protocols put into place by Universal. Many of these measurements are similar to what Disney Springs will implement on May 20.

©Universal

In this initial reopening phase, guests and employees will be required to wear face masks as well as undergo temperature screenings before entering the premises. Those with temperatures of 100.4 degrees and above will not be allowed to enter.

Universal CityWalk on its reopening day

We did notice many of the new health and safety protocols when we visited CityWalk. From the frequent sanitization to the reduced capacity at the various dining locations, Universal took a very active role in ensuring the opening of CityWalk was smooth and most importantly safe!

Essential Construction Resumes at Disneyland

Skeleton crews have returned to Disneyland to work on Avengers Campus and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The essential work being done by these crews includes weather-wrapping Avenger’s Campus and receiving steel deliveries for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Disneyland Main Entrance

Currently, Avenger’s Campus will open “soon.” Disney originally announced the land would open on July 18, 2020, but the wording on their website has changed to “Coming Soon,” indicating a possible delay. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is slated to debut in Toontown in 2022.

CEO Bob Chapek Speaks Publicly on the Future of Disney Parks

Following last week’s quarterly earnings call, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek spoke on CNBC regarding the future of the Company, and specifically the parks. He spoke on the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland and the present demand from consumers to return to the theme parks.

When asked about reopening more parks, Chapek stated that “We certainly want to open up as soon as we can across the world but we’re going to do so in a responsible way.”

Disneyland and Disney World No Longer Accepting Reservations Until July 1

Until recently, both resorts were accepting future bookings after June 1. It was announced recently that this was being pushed back, and now Disneyland and Disney World are no longer accepting reservations in the month of June, they now begin July 1st.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Thomas Mazloum, Disney World senior vice president, stated at a recent Reopening Business workgroup meeting, “Just because there are reservations open in July, does not mean that we will open in July.” He also emphasized that reopening Shanghai is a “baby step” in the gradual reopening of the parks worldwide.

Tokyo Disney Resort Announces Another Closure Extension

Previously, Tokyo Disney Resort had planned on giving an update on the park’s closure status mid-May, which would have included a better idea on when they were planning to reopen.

Tokyo Disney Resort ©Disney

Since then, however, Japan’s state of emergency has been extended through the end of May. Disney is now saying that the Tokyo Disney Resort is closed until further notice.

New Content Coming to Disney+

There’s a slew of new and exciting content coming to Disney+! Just in these past few days, we have heard of some MAJOR titles coming to the streaming service. Most notably, the live performance recording of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton will launch exclusively on Disney+ on July 3. This is 15 months ahead of its previously planned debut in movie theaters.

Surprise! The original Broadway production of Hamilton, filmed LIVE onstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, is now coming exclusively to #DisneyPlus this July 3rd. Shout it to the rooftops! #Hamilfilm pic.twitter.com/4FK4lZhcO6

— Disney+ (@disneyplus) May 12, 2020

We also learned that the live recording of Taylor Swift’s recent one-night concert in Paris will arrive to Disney+ on May 18. This will follow its premiere on ABC on May 17. Streaming of the concert will also be available on Hulu.

Excited to announce the City of Lover Concert! We filmed my show in Paris in September and thought it’d be fun to share it with you May 17 at 10p ET on @abcnetwork and available the next day on @hulu and @disneyplus! #TaylorSwiftCityOfLover pic.twitter.com/7B3ky0rO5B

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 8, 2020

The Muppets are coming to Disney+! This summer, a short film series called Muppets Now will arrive on the streaming platform.

©Disney

A press release from Disney states, “Fans of The Muppets can also see more of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and friends in the upcoming Disney+ series, Muppets Now, premiering this summer.”

‘Wonderful World of Disney’ Returning to ABC

Finally, if you’re looking for new ways to fill your evenings, ABC has announced the return of the “Wonderful World of Disney.” This is in an attempt for ABC to fill out their primetime schedule, and we are super excited to see this programming return!

©Disney

This will be the first time ABC is having a full lineup of ‘movie nights’ since their 2007-2008 season. The series will air on Wednesdays beginning on May 20 and will continue for four weeks. The series will include Moana, Thor: The Dark World, Up, and Big Hero 6.

Vice President Pence is Traveling to Orlando to Discuss Economic Reopening

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 17, 2020

As the phased reopening of Florida continues, the Vice President will visit the state to discuss plans.

©Moving.com

Florida businesses are in the early stages of resuming operations, including CityWalk at Universal Orlando which partially reopened on May 14th, and Disney Springs, which will begin a phased reopening on May 20th.

As Florida businesses continue to take steps towards resuming services, Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Orlando on Wednesday to meet with Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis. As reported by Click Orlando, they will discuss Florida’s phased reopening process.

Universal

During his visit, Pence will also join a roundtable with leaders from the hospitality and tourism industries to review their plans for reopening. Coincidentally, his visit will fall on the same day as the initial reopening of Disney Springs.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Tags citywalk, disney reopening, Disney Springs, pence, reopening, Universal Orlando, veep

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Orange County Florida Mayor Predicts Major Theme Parks Like Disney World Won’t Re-Open Until June or Later!

Post author By Oogie Boogie Bot
Post date May 16, 2020

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

It’s been a WEEK in theme park news, you guys!

Walt Disney World

While we took you with us to check out everything at the re-opening of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, we also gave you all the details on the confirmed restaurants and stores that will be opening back up in Disney Springs.

According to Click Orlando News, Orange County Florida Mayor, Jerry Demings, doesn’t expect major theme parks to re-open until June or afterwards.

Magic Kingdom

Governor Ron DeSantis plans to move into a “full phase one” this coming Monday, May 18th, where theme parks can submit re-opening plans for consideration. These plans must include opening dates, health and safety guidelines, and an endorsement from Demings. However, Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld hadn’t submitted any plans as of Friday.

Universal Orlando

Demings believes that large theme parks are “looking at later dates to reopen…and a measured reopening. They will likely start with smaller business units, maybe hotels and resort-type areas before the major, massive theme parks themselves will reopen but in any case I suspect that that is going to be, clearly, some time in June or thereafter before that occurs.”

Walt Disney World’s Epcot

While theme parks are allowed to open during Phase Two of Florida’s re-opening plan, there is no certain timeline when this phase will begin. However, Gatorland Orlando and Fun Spot America are expected to re-open within the next few weeks.

Demings said that representatives from both of the smaller theme parks will present their plans on keeping guests safe to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. If needed, they will discuss Gatorland and Fun Spot America’s re-opening with state officials as they are trying to “get as many business units reopened as [they] can but safely so.”

Universal

Although they may not have opening dates for their parks, Universal CityWalk re-opened on Thursday, while Disney Springs is slated to re-open on May 20th. The restaurant and shopping areas in both locations will follow strict health and safety procedures and operate with limited capacity and hours.

At this time, Disney World isn’t accepted reservations until July 1st.

Universal CityWalk Reopening

While theme parks haven’t released any information on when they expect to re-open, Disney World announced they are planning to follow strict health and safety protocols during their phased re-opening in Disney Springs. We will continue to keep you updated with more information!

Tags citywalk, disney reopening, reopening, Universal Orlando, universal studios