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Disney Parks

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Disney World is going to look pretty different when it reopens on July 11th, and the guests aren’t the only ones who are going to see new health measures.

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Mickey Mouse

Our favorite Disney pals in the parks are going to have to make some changes, too! Disney has announced that character meet and greets and character dining (except for one modified version at Topolino’s Terrace in Disney’s Riviera Resort) won’t be a part of the reopened parks at first. Still, that doesn’t mean we won’t see those iconic friends during our Disney day. We’re diving into what character interaction might look like when the parks reopen!

You might meet your favorite characters from a distance.

First up, you might meet your favorite characters from farther away than usual. In Disneyland Shanghai, you can still see characters but you can’t get close to them. This is to keep up physical distancing requirements for both Cast Members and guests.

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Universal Orlando Spider-Man

We’ve also seen this method used at the reopening of Universal Orlando theme parks. The characters are stationed on blocked off platforms and areas that make sure guests are more than six feet away. You can still wave and interact with them (and snap a selfie!), but no getting close and no hugs! It’s also important to note that a few of the face characters in Universal were wearing masks!

You may be eating without company from your Disney pals.

Character dining is typically a big piece of a Disney trip, but that won’t be true when we first return to a reopened Disney World. Disney has announced that character dining will be mostly suspended initially.

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters

Notice we did say MOSTLY. There is one character dining experience that will be reopening. Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera at Riviera Resort will be offering their Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends but it will be a modified experience. Disney has yet to share details on what exactly these modifications will be but this is good to note.

There might be new ways that characters make their appearance.

On the other hand, we’re not just LOSING character meet and greets altogether. Disney may release some NEW ways to interact with characters that are super cool. Like we’ll see in Disney World, Shanghai Disneyland reopened without parades or meet and greets — but they’ve got a pretty neat replacement.

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Shanghai Disneyland

Multiple times throughout the day, a Character Procession drives through the streets of Shanghai Disneyland. This is essentially like a mini-parade that allows guests to see and interact with iconic characters without gathering in large groups or getting too close to the characters.

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

©ShanghaiDisneylandResort on Instagram

You can also spot groups of characters greeting guests at the entrance to each land in Shanghai Disneyland. We actually think it would be super cool to see groups of characters all together so this would be a fun option to see in Disney World.

Maybe they’ll bring back the Epcot double decker buses for characters!

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Omnibus in Epcot circa 1985

You might have to forego some favorite souvenirs.

Keep in mind, you may have to miss out on some typical souvenirs. A big part of meeting characters are the souvenirs that you can get from doing so. Some favorites include pictures of you or your kids with a classic Disney character or a signature for your autograph book.

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Autograph Books

You can still photograph these characters, but it will be at a distance. So that photo of your little one posing with Mickey might not be as easy as we’d want it to be. Plus, Disney hasn’t said how autograph books will work! There might be a system where characters can give their autograph, but it’s also possible that we won’t be able to collect those signatures for a while.

What Could Character Interactions Look Like When the Parks Reopen?

Meet and Greets for Onward in Disney World

Keep in mind that Cast Members WON’T be able to help snap those family photos for you once the parks reopen, so you’ll need to come up with your own way of capturing those memories with everyone in the photo!

Whatever the case, character interactions are sure to feel a little weird when we get back to Disney World. Perhaps we’ll be hugging Mickey again sometime in the future, but for now, we’ll stay back and pal around with the Mouse from afar.

How do you feel about the changes to character interactions? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Character Dining, Character Meal, Character meet and greets, Disney characters, Disney World characters, meet and greet

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

Universal Orlando reopened a little over a week ago to greet all sorts of guests, show off its new Virtual Queue system, and introduce U-Rest locations (even if there were some bumps in the road throughout the day).

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

The Simpsons

Prior to reopening to the general public, Universal Orlando offered Annual Passholder previews. And now, Universal is doing something else for APs eager to hang out at the parks again.

According to the website, Universal has lifted some of the blockout dates on passes throughout the summer.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida Seasonal Passes July blockout dates have been lifted.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

©Universal Orlando

And that seems to be the case for Islands of Adventure as well.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

©Universal Orlando

Volcano Bay is switching a lot things up by removing many blockout dates for the 3-Park passes available for guests. The 3-Park Seasonal Pass and 3-Park Power Annual Pass will both be lifting their June and August blockout dates. And, the 3-Park Preferred Annual Pass will also no longer have lockout dates for the month of August.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

©Universal Orlando

Although there are a lot of blockout dates being lifted, the 3-Park Power Annual Pass and 3-Park Preferred Annual Pass will still have blockouts that apply before 4PM throughout July.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

Hogwarts Express

This gives AP even more opportunities to kick back and relax with a Lard Lad Donut in one hand and a chilly Butterbeer in the other. NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders ?

We’re keeping our eye out to see what update Disney World and Disneyland share about their Annual Passes. Will they lift blockout dates? Only time shall tell. As of right now, many things dealing with Disney World Annual Passes, including their current expiration dates, are still very up in the air. So be sure to check the blog for the latest info!

Have you gone back to Universal Orlando yet? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, annual passes, annual passholders, Disney, disney news, Islands of Adventure, Universal, universal annual passholders, universal news, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, universal parks, Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay

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Disney Food Disney Parks

Find Out Where to Get a HUGE Father’s Day Feast in Disney World!

Although Mickey might be the mouse that started it all, our dads are the King of the Castle and have a VERY special place in our hearts.

Find Out Where to Get a HUGE Father’s Day Feast in Disney World!

Amphicar

And, this Father’s Day, it’s time to celebrate them with a little Disney cheer and a lot of great food!

On Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21st), you can head over into Disney Springs to have a full feast with your family for the occasion at Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill.

Find Out Where to Get a HUGE Father’s Day Feast in Disney World!

Wolfgang Puck

As a part of the party, Wolfgang Puck is hosting a Father’s Day special with Grilled Spicy Prawns, Stone Fruit Salad, St. Louis Ribs, Snake River Farm Bone-in Pork Shoulder, and Barbeque Chicken available individually or on a platter! (We’ll take one of each!)

Find Out Where to Get a HUGE Father’s Day Feast in Disney World!

Father’s Day Specials

You can visit Wolfgang Puck with your whole fam on Father’s Day with the restaurant’s updated hours of 12PM to 8PM on Sunday the 21st. And, be sure to thank Dad for everything he does (like take you to Disney World!) when you’re there!

What will you be doing with your dad for Father’s Day? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney dining, disney news, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Father’s Day, Father’s Day specials, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

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Disney Food Disney Guides Disney Merch Disney Parks Disney Vacations

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

You’ve been planning your Disney World vacation for months (congratulations!!), and it’s about time to head out the door.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

But, instead of feeling excited, you might be spending more time worrying about things you could forget or what may go wrong during your trip! Whether you’ve gone to Disney once or ten times, it’s totally normal to get those pre-trip jitters.

However, we’re here to tell you about things that you don’t have to worry about the next time you go to Disney World (so you can get to relaxing even more quickly!).

Getting Sick in the Happiest Place on Earth

No matter how much we hope we won’t catch a cold in Disney World, sometimes it just happens (even though it’s a massive bummer when you want to ride Toy Story Mania three times in a row).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Toy Story Mania

Although it can be frustrating when you or a family member gets sick while at the Most Magical Place on Earth, there are still ways to get around feeling ill during your vacation.

Motion Sickness

If you know that you are prone to nausea or lightheadedness after riding attractions, be sure to pack some Bonine or Dramamine with you before you head into the parks. Trust us — it can be a life-saver for the days you feel extra adventurous and ride Tower and Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster back-to-back!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

If you take Bonine earlier in the day, it will probably help relieve some of that motion sickness so you can enjoy more in the parks.

Dehydration

After you’ve spent an entire day in Magic Kingdom in that boiling Florida sun walking 10,000 steps and then some, hydration is KEY to surviving in Disney World. But, when you’re running from Space Mountain to sit on Main Street for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, dehydration can creep up on you quickly if you’re not drinking enough water.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Festival of Fantasy

While we recommend to always have a hydrating drink with you, First Aid Stations are available around the parks if you feel faint or dehydrated. The Cast Members will give you a place to cool off for a bit and sports drink to rehydrate before you go back to pound the Disney World pavement.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Blizzard Beach First Aid

You can find where the nearest First Aid Station is located in each park by using the My Disney Experience app!

Medication Delivery

There’s no sure-fire way to get rid of a cold or the flu ASAP in Disney World, but you CAN have prescription medication delivered to your resort directly or to the First Aid Stations in each park to help curb your symptoms. Remember, if you have a contagious illness, it’s best to wait it out in your room!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Gift Shop Medicine

Gift shops in the parks and resorts also keep a stock of different pain relief, stomach relief, allergy, and cold medications that you can pick up.

Although we’d all like to see and do everything we can in Disney World, one of the best ways to get better is to rest. It’s more important to take care of yourself so you can conquer a new day all rejuvenated and ready to go instead of pushing yourself too hard (and possibly making yourself feel worse).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Mickey Waffles in Bed!

Note: since room service won’t initially be available when the parks reopen, make sure you have a few packaged items in your room just in case you need to spend a day inside!

Packing Every Little Thing You’ll Need

If you’re like us, you might be guilty of waiting until the last minute to pack (like the morning of your vacation sometimes). But, even if you plan and pack way ahead of time, leaving something important behind is a fear for many travelers.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Ears Section of World of Disney

While you may not want to forget the essentials, packing for Disney World doesn’t have to be a daunting thing. After all, you’re going on VACATION, friends!! If you’re not sure what to bring or you don’t want to leave something behind, follow along with the ultimate Disney packing list as you get everything together.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rose Gold Suitcases

Although we all feel like we might need to pack 20 pairs of socks or eight pairs of shoes, there’s no need to overpack for your trip. If you leave something behind, you can always pop into a gift shop to pick up an extra pair of sunglasses or a new water bottle! (We don’t need to be told twice to go on a Disney World shopping spree! )

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Dapper Day Sunglasses

Note there are a few things banned in the parks, so leave items like selfie sticks and toy weapons behind. Who wants to go through the hassle of bringing something they won’t be able to use in the parks, anyways?

Plus, you can leave bulky items like pool towels and hairdryers behind since your Disney resort will provide them to you at no additional cost.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Pool Towels

You can also cut down on the amount you take with you by shipping things directly to your resort. The Disney resorts allow you to have anything from packages to groceries delivered right to your Disney resort.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Art of Animation Lobby

Even if your kid will only eat a certain kind of granola bar or you need enough diapers for two toddlers, you don’t have to worry about packing them. Get just what you need for the length of your trip delivered to your hotel instead of cramming it all in your already-full suitcases!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Wilderness Lodge Lobby

Need even MORE packing advice? Watch our Ultimate Packing List video here!!

The “Perfect” Vacation

This is a big one, folks — things go wrong on vacations all the time. We can’t predict when our kids will have meltdowns or when you’ll be late for an Advance Dining Reservation. It’s important to roll with the flow when you’re in Disney World without freaking out if something doesn’t go exactly to plan.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rise of the Resistance

Since there are plenty of unexpected factors that can’t be planned around, your plans could always change, depending on what is happening that day. If something DOES go wrong, though, Cast Members are there to help you fix things like dining reservations, ticket mishaps, and more. (Hey, you might even get lucky and snag one of those No Strings Attached Passes!)

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Pinocchio Pass

Besides, everyone in your party will not have the same definition of a “perfect” vacation. Your grandmother may just want to chill at one of the restaurants, while your kiddos could love doing all the character meet-and-greets. You may be the person who can hop on every attraction and stay in the parks from rope drop until closing, but someone else with you might REALLY need that afternoon nap.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rope Drop

You’ll have to consider what everybody you’re with wants to do to make sure everyone has a magical vacation.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Disney World

It’s all about compromise, folks! Even if you DON’T want to watch PhilharMagic for the hundredth time, your family member could consider it one of the best parts of their vacation. Keep everyone’s opinions in mind and make time for each person’s favorites.

Not Finding a Good Spot for the Fireworks or Parades

You know the spiel where you “HAVE” to look for a spot at LEAST thirty minutes or more before the parade or fireworks start, or you won’t have a good place to watch them? If you’re looking for a very specific spot right in front of Cinderella Castle, this might be true. But, for the most part, you can still enjoy that Disney magic without sacrificing your time in the parks.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Happily Ever After

Now, when the parks reopen, there won’t even BE any fireworks or parades, so BAM — problem solved.  But once the parades and fireworks come back (and we know they will!), here are a few great tips to create a little more zen for you as you plan.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Fireworks will be canceled temporarily in Disney World, but they’ll be back!

We’ve found a few spots that are GREAT for fireworks viewings that most people don’t hang around during the show! These spots are best for folks who’ve seen the shows at least once before and already had the full experience. Although you might not be able to fully watch the projections, you can get a one-of-a-kind view of the fireworks in each park that offers them in places like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the entrance to Tomorrowland, and next to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Part of the fun of Disney vacations is trying new things, so maybe you can find a NEW favorite spot to watch the fireworks the next time you’re in Disney World!

Parades are a teensy bit different than the fireworks, however, since you can’t always find a spot to stand or sit if it’s crowded.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Festival of Fantasy

In general in Magic Kingdom, the very start or very end of the parade route is typically the easiest to get a close view last minute. But even if you happen to find a last-minute place standing next to a trash can or at the very end of Main Street, the parade is still just as enjoyable. You can take in all the floats, dancers, costumes, and music from wherever you’re at as the show passes by you (don’t forget to wave to Mickey!).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Mickey Mouse

However, if you’re willing to shell out some extra cash for an extra great place to watch a show, there are multiple dining packages in the parks that will give you a VIP viewing section. You can snack on some desserts as you watch Happily Ever After, feast on a great lunch before Festival of Fantasy, or have a nice dinner with your family before watching Fantasmic!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Happily Ever After…Now With Alcohol!

Disney Resorts even offer some great fireworks viewing locations, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort! Dinner and a show sound like a great evening, right??

Although we totally understand the stress of worrying about things that could go wrong during your vacation after all that planning, take a deep breath and ENJOY it! You still get to go to the Most Magical Place on Earth with your family. So, if you’re feeling worried, remember a very important lesson from Timon and Pumbaa — hakuna matata, friends!

For more great tips and solutions to problems…

What are some of the things you worry about the most before your Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney attractions, Disney fireworks, disney news, disney parades, disney planning, disney rides, Disney Tips, Disney World, Packing List, resort delivery

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

News: Florida’s Orange County Mayor Speaks on the MLS and NBA Playing in Disney World

As Disney World prepares to reopen to visitors, the NBA and MLS are getting ready to host their seasons and tournaments at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports.

News: Florida’s Orange County Mayor Speaks on the MLS and NBA Playing in Disney World

NBA Experience

Although Milwaukee Bucks player Robin Lopez has spoken out about the NBA’s stay (in three different resorts on property) at Disney World in the most entertaining way possible, Mayor Jerry Demings is also chiming in about the sports leagues return.

Mayor Demings has previously shared his support for Disney World’s reopened plans, the Orange County mayor has gone on to say that he believes the NBA and MLS are moving in the right direction by heading to Disney.

News: Florida’s Orange County Mayor Speaks on the MLS and NBA Playing in Disney World

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

In an Orange County Task Force meeting, he stated that “Disney has gone through great lengths to ensure the safety of those [NBA] players, and the sanitation associated with the facilities that they will be living in and playing in so that those games will be broadcast for our pleasure. We want to see those games continue.”

News: Florida’s Orange County Mayor Speaks on the MLS and NBA Playing in Disney World

NBA Teams Playing

He also went on to briefly mention that MLS is “exercising an abundance of caution” to continue soccer games and keep players safe.

News: Florida’s Orange County Mayor Speaks on the MLS and NBA Playing in Disney World

©MLS

We will continue to share all the details on what the MLS and NBA coming to Disney World will look like, so stay tuned!

Will you be watching the NBA and MLS when they return to Disney? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney news, Disney World, Disney World reopening, ESPN Wide World of Sports, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, MLS, NBA