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Disney News Disney Parks

Disney’s CEO Discusses Disney World’s Reopening and Shorter Ride Wait Times

Disney proposed a potential reopening date and plan for Disney World yesterday, and it’s a lot to dig into.

Bob Chapek

Yesterday, we heard some comments from Disney CEO Bob Chapek about the reopening and how Disney is looking to welcome guests back responsibly. Today, Chapek spoke with Good Morning America to further lay out the reasoning and expectations behind what a reopening day in Disney World will look like.

Explaining the July 11th date Chapek noted that they chose that date by working backward. As their ability to reopen safely became clear, they picked the date by determining how much time the company would need to open responsibly considering all of the imminent training and procedure changes.

Mickey Waffle at Magic Kingdom

He explained that Disney is going to be a little bit different when we return. Unfortunately, that means an environment where not everyone can be accommodated like they normally could. He asked for patience and understanding from guests as these sorts of situations arise.

“In order to go to full speed, you gotta start somewhere,” Chapek explained, “And we’re going from the beginning and we’re going to be very responsible in doing it.”

When asked about how things will look different, Chapek talked about how the park has had to be re-engineered in a way to allow for appropriate physical distancing. Guests will definitely see areas that are taped off to help with this.

Disney Springs

Beyond that, we’re going to see much less density in the parks. Disney is not releasing capacity numbers, but the limits will be significant. Chapek explained that as some things remain closed in the parks, most will be open. “Do the math,” he said — fewer people means shorter wait times.

Chapek called the reduction in waits a “silver lining” of the new measures. He mentioned that for those lucky enough to get into the new reservation system, it’s going to be quite the magical day.

Big Thunder Mountain Crowds

When asked about the biggest challenge to reopening the parks, Chapek spoke on the inherent trust that people have in Disney.

To wrap the interview, Chapek made a few comments about the conversations of the NBA completing their season at Disney World. He noted that Disney is in daily conversations with the NBA to see if that’s something that they want to happen. He noted, “We certainly want it to happen.”

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Chapek’s insights certainly shed some light on what we can expect as Disney World steps toward that reopening. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with any more information as it becomes available!

Click here to read more of Chapek’s comments on reopening!

What do you think of Chapek’s statements? Share your thoughts in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, bob chapek, disney ceo, Disney World health measures, Disney World reopening, Disney World Reopening Date, good morning america, health and safety measures

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Disney Food Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS: The Disney Dining Plan Cannot Be Booked at this Time

Yesterday, Disney shared that they plan to reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom July 11th followed by Hollywood Studios and Epcot on July 15th after the park’s longest closure in history. With this, Disney has made a few BIG changes.

Magic Kingdom

Disney World will implement a new reservation system, they have suspended new resort reservations and ticket sales, and new dining reservations are currently unavailable. And now, Disney has shared that there is one more thing that guests cannot modify or change for the time being.

According to the Disney World website, the Disney Dining Plan cannot be modified or added to Resort reservations at this time.

©Disney

Disney has not released any specific details on this change at this time. When they will do, we will be sure to update you will all of the new information.

Read MORE about the Disney World closure here! 

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

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, dining plan, disney dining plan, disney news, disney world news

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Disney Parks Other

World of Disney in Disney Springs Looks VERY Different Today…

Disney-owned locations have officially reopened their doors in a newly-reopened Disney Springs!

World of Disney

The first place we wanted to head yesterday was World of Disney so we could get our long-overdue Disney merch fix. But we weren’t the only ones! The line to get into World of Disney yesterday was absolutely CRAZY — they even used a virtual queue! But today, it seems like crowds are a little more manageable today.

When we arrived at World of Disney this morning, we were somewhat shocked to see that there was no line at all to get into the store. Multi-hour wait, who? Virtual queue, who? We don’t know them. ?

World of Disney Today

Yup, those crowds are GONE. Much like the first few days of the Disney Springs reopening, we saw the complex go from packed to pretty empty. We were able to walk right up to and into World of Disney, even as Cast Members continue to monitor capacity.

World of Disney Today

We guess that first-day hype died down pretty quickly! So, if you were thinking of taking a trip to World of Disney, but weren’t jazzed about a multi-hour wait; that no longer seems to be the case (today at least!!).

Want to see how CROWDED Disney Springs was yesterday? Click here!

Hoping to swing by World of Disney soon? Tell us in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, crowds, disney springs, disney springs reopening, World of Disney, World of Disney Reopening

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Disney Business Disney News Disney Parks

News! New Walt Disney Company Treasurer Announced

Earlier this month, The Walt Disney Company announced a wave of leadership shifts.

Disney Springs

These changes included appointing new park presidents for both Disney World and Disneyland, naming Josh D’Amaro the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, and shifting Rebecca Campbell into the role of Chairman for the Direct-To Consumer sector. And now, Disney announced a change to its financial leadership.

Shortly after news broke that the Disney World parks were proposed to reopen in July after being closed since March, Deadline reported that The Walt Disney Company has appointed a new treasurer.

Cinderella Castle

Previous senior vice president, Treasurer, Jonathan Headley, is retiring and finance executive, Carlos Gómez, has been promoted to take his place. Gómez will report to the Chief Financial Officer, Christine McCarthy, and will oversee Disney’s “corporate finance, liquidity management, capital markets, and banking activities,” among other roles.

Disney Springs

Gómez has been a member of the Walt Disney Co. team for 22 years and has served as the vice president of Investor Relations since 2011. He commented on his new position stating, “I look forward to leveraging my experience in this new role…to ensure the company has the access to capital necessary to execute on its strategic priorities, and to help guide the team through this unprecedented time.”

Walt Disney World

McCarthy referred to Gómez as “an exceptionally talented and versatile finance executive,” and noted Headley “leaves behind an impressive legacy which includes an outstanding treasury organization and strong roster of talent…of which Carlos is a tremendous example.”

You can read more about how The Walt Disney Company’s new leadership affected stock ratings here!

What do you think of Disney’s new leadership changes? Let us know in the comments below.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Disney, Disney Company, disney executives, Disney Leadership, Disney World, Disneyland, disny co, the walt disney co, the walt disney company, walt disney co, walt disney company, walt disney leadership team

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

Review: Move Over Burgers — We’re Trying D-Luxe Burger’s Buffalo Fried Chicken in Disney World!

Disney Springs kicked off its phased reopening last week. While we originally saw third-party stores and restaurants open back up to guests, a few Disney-owned locations opened their doors again today.

D-Luxe Burger

We’ve already given you a look at what’s hoppin’ at the World of Disney and now we’re taking you with us to grab a burger, fries, and a shake at the reopened D-Luxe Burger!

D-Luxe Burger is a great place if you’re looking for a quick meal or snack. But, it’s also AWESOME because the restaurant rolls out unique burgers (Pizza Burger, we’re looking at you!) along with classic meals.

Waiting In Line

Before you walk into the restaurant, there are distancing markers on the ground to separate parties from each another.

D-Luxe Burger Markers

D-Luxe is currently accepting Mobile Order ONLY — unless you have an allergy — in which case you can order inside. After you tap the “I’m here” button in the My Disney Experience app, you wait outside behind physical distance markers. Once your order is ready, a Cast Member will direct you into the restaurant.

D-Luxe Mobile Order

While we were there, we encountered a small exception to the outdoor queue. Cast Members let us wait under the patio cover as it started pouring rain — but we still had to remain at least six feet apart from other guests.

D-Luxe Cast Member

When our order was ready, we headed in!

Picking Up Your Order

They gave us a station number were our food was waiting for us. Each station had napkins, utensils, and packaged condiments.

Food Pick-Up Station

For signature sauces, you can order them in the app or request them from a Cast Member but ONLY garlic ranch and curry ketchup were available during our visit. A Cast Member kindly brought out the extra sauce in a no-touch basket.

No=Touch Sauces

We noticed that if you order a bottled drink, it will be served alongside your food at the pickup station. But if you ordered a fountain beverage, Cast Members will assist you at the machines.

Drink Station

If you order booze or a shake, your bag will have a sticker that says that your order is unfinished.

D-Luxe Order

You’ll head to a separate counter to pick up your specialty beverage.

Seating

Similar to the rest of Disney Springs, Guests and Cast Members are both required to wear masks, but guests may remove their masks to eat or drink.

Limited Spaced Tables

The tables were separated at least six feet apart from one another, and there were some spots that were sectioned off for the time being.

Unavailable Table

The outdoor seating was increased to allow more guests to grab tables at a safe distance.

Outdoor Seating

Overall, the pickup procedure was streamlined and we could tell they aimed to reduce contact that could commonly occur at a traditional mobile-order pickup.

You can read more about the new logistics of Disney Springs here!

Eats

While we were there, we ordered the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, the Plant-based Pacific Island Burger, some of those delish Fresh-cut Fries, and the Strawberry Gelato Shake.

D-Luxe Spread

The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was A+!!! It was a Fried Chicken Breast topped with Buffalo-Ranch Sauce, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato for $12.49.

Open Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

The chicken in this sandwich was fried to perfection and it was a really good-sized piece too! We loved the way that the flavors came together to give us that classic buffalo chicken profile. Our only complaint was we could’ve used a tad more buffalo sauce. Also, if you’re not a blue cheese fan, order it without! You can definitely taste the blue cheese!

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Next up is the Plant-based Pacific Island Burger. It was made from a Plant-based Patty with Cabbage and Mushroom Ragout, Mango Salsa, Lettuce, and Dill Pickles on Plant-based Parker House Roll with the same price of $12.49.

Plant-based Burger

We’re big meat-eaters so we thought this sammie was just fine. We probably wouldn’t get it again, but it might be a real hit with someone on a plant-based diet! After the beautiful harmony of the buffalo sauce and ranch, these flavors didn’t quite strike the same chord. Mushroom, mango, and pickles? We’re fans of each, but maybe not so much when they are stacked together.

Split Plant-based Burger

But we could rely on our old friend! The $4.99 Fresh-cut Fries were an absolute delight. Also, we are big fans of the signature sauces at D-Luxe. We love the curry ketchup and we would probably take a bath in the garlic ranch if we could.

Fresh-cut Fries

Finally, we had that super tempting Strawberry Gelato Shake, and yes, it was as good as it sounds. Think: Vanilla Gelato blended with Milk and Strawberry Sauce, topped with Whipped Cream, Strawberry drizzle, and Maraschino Cherry. Ugh, now we’re thinking about it again. Maybe we’ll go get another… .

Strawberry Gelato Shake

The consistency of this shake was super smooth and sippable. Plus, it felt like it was made with really high-quality ingredients and you can definitely taste the difference. Next time you’re at D-Luxe, give it a try for $7.50. 

Nosh or Not?

Snag a bite at D-Luxe Burger if:

  • You want a classic AND quality meal of burgers and fries.
  • You’re tired of the plain old milkshakes and are looking for something a cut above.
  • You think you’ll love garlic ranch as much as we do.

Dine elsewhere if:

  • You’re looking for something on the lighter side.
  • You want to have a nice, slow, sit-down meal.
  • You want to swing for something more unique than a burger and fries.

Overall

We love a trip to D-Luxe Burger. The menu items are consistently good and we can rely on this spot for a hearty lunch on a Disney Springs day. Even better, D-Luxe had an IMPRESSIVE grasp on health measures so if that’s a concern for you, this spot might tick all your boxes. Still, if you’re looking for something a little more creative than burgers (and trust us, there are some creative options in Disney Springs), you may want to head elsewhere. Overall though, we’re still impressed with how D-Luxe is doing things on and off the menu and you can bet we’ll be back for more.

Read about our full dining experience at Disney Springs here!

What is your favorite burger at D-Luxe Burger? 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 Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, buffalo chicken sandwich, D-Luxe Burger, d-luxe burger reopening, Disney, disney burgers, disney dining, disney food, disney news, disney restaurants, disney snacks, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Fresh-cut Fries, Plant-based Pacific Island Burger, Strawberry Gelato Shake