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Disney Parks

NEWS: Disney World Releases Updated Options for Annual Passholders Ahead of Reopening

The reopening of the Disney World theme parks is an unprecedented situation. Disney is walking a fine line in making sure their guests are happy with the protocols.

NEWS: Disney World Releases Updated Options for Annual Passholders Ahead of Reopening

2020 Annual Passholder Magnet

One heavily affected group is Disney World Annual Passholders. The closure of the parks and modified reopening are definitely not what Passholders had in mind when they purchased their passes. Now, Disney is giving Passholders options for how they want to handle their passes with the reopening.

We already know that Disney is extending affected annual passes by the number of days the parks were closed. The issue now is that many Passholders may have concerns with navigating the Disney Park Pass reservation system and being limited to one park each day with a 3-day reservable limit. In response, Disney is giving Passholders the option to FURTHER extend their pass or to cancel their pass.

NEWS: Disney World Releases Updated Options for Annual Passholders Ahead of Reopening

MMRR Annual Passholder MagicBand

For Annual Passholders that have paid in full, your options are:

  • Receive a one-month extension to your pass. The additional month will be automatically processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020.
  • Or, choose to cancel your annual pass and receive a partial refund.

NEWS: Disney World Releases Updated Options for Annual Passholders Ahead of Reopening

Passholder Reopening Screenshot

For Annual Passholders on the monthly payment plan, your options are:

  • Receive a one-month extension to your pass. The additional month will be automatically processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020. Monthly payments will resume on July 11th.
  • Or, choose to cancel your annual pass and waive your monthly payments due after August 11th. Any payments made between July 11th and August 11th will be retroactively refunded and all future payments will be stopped.

NEWS: Disney World Releases Updated Options for Annual Passholders Ahead of Reopening

Passholder Reopening Screenshot

Disney will be sending out information to Passholders in early July with details on how to choose an option. If you’re an affected Passholder with questions, reach out to us! We’ll do everything we can to source the answers to your questions in this confusing time. For all the latest Annual Passholder updates, keep an eye on DFB!

Will you be canceling your Annual Pass or taking the extension? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, annual pass, Annual pass extension, annual pass refund, Annual Passholder, annual passholder extension, Annual Passholder refund, Disney World reopening

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Disney Parks

Here’s How Disney’s PhotoPass Service Will CHANGE When Disney World Reopens

Disney World is moving towards a reopening, and there are going to be a lot of new protocols in place.

Here’s How Disney’s PhotoPass Service Will CHANGE When Disney World Reopens

PhotoPass Photographers in Hollywood Studios

Disney is making a lot of experience updates to the theme parks in the interest of keeping guests and Cast Members healthy and safe. With the new Disney Park Pass theme park reservation system and cancellations abound, it can be hard to keep up. Well, now, Disney has updated the way that the PhotoPass service will function in the reopened parks.

Disney posted a new update to its website that talks about the ways that the PhotoPass Service will change. The goal of the changes is to promote physical distancing, cleanliness, and reduced contact so that PhotoPass interactions are safe and enjoyable for guests and photographers.

Here’s How Disney’s PhotoPass Service Will CHANGE When Disney World Reopens

Photopass Updates Screenshot

For one, PhotoPass photographers will no longer be able to take pictures or handle guests’ personal devices (i.e. cell phones and cameras). So, if you want that picture with Cinderella Castle, you’ll either need to purchase Disney’s PhotoPass picture or have someone from your party take the photo separately.

Here’s How Disney’s PhotoPass Service Will CHANGE When Disney World Reopens

Disney Springs

For PhotoPass photo ops that have props, they will be cleaned thoroughly between guests. For some props, guests will be asked not to touch them. Instead, the PhotoPass photographer will help to snap the perfect picture through the best angles and perspective.

Here’s How Disney’s PhotoPass Service Will CHANGE When Disney World Reopens

PhotoPass outside of Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios

Finally, the website asks that guests have their MagicBands or cards ready for the photographer to quickly scan and link your photos to your account. The goal is to keep as much distance as possible between Cast Members and guests.

Stay tuned with DFB for all the latest updates on Disney World’s reopening procedures!

What do you think of the new ways that Photopass will be handled? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney PhotoPass Service, Disney World reopening, health and safety measures, Memory Maker, PhotoPass, Photopass Photographer, Photopass Service

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Disney Parks

NEWS: Here’s the Full List of Tours That Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

Walt Disney World Resort will begin reopening to guests at select Resort hotels on June 22nd followed by the theme parks beginning on July 11th.

NEWS: Here’s the Full List of Tours That Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

Cinderella Castle

While we have known for some time that — upon initial reopening — experiences around the Resort will see modifications (and, in some cases, will be unavailable), we are getting a full picture of what that means for specific offerings and special events. For instance, it was just announced that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled for this fall. (The Epcot Food and Wine Festival, however, will return SOON!).

Offerings that will also be unavailable upon initial reopening include things like unique dining experiences (which you can see listed here), and enhancements such as backstage tours. At press time, these include — but are not limited to — the Disney Private VIP Tours and nature experiences including the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

NEWS: Here’s the Full List of Tours That Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

Animal Kingdom Tours sign

We’ll take a look at the lists of unavailable experiences — as found on the Walt Disney World website — for each of these kind of offerings below.

Walt Disney World Tours

The following Walt Disney World Tours will be unavailable upon the initial reopening:

  • Backstage Magic
  • Behind the Seeds
  • Disney Private VIP Tours
  • Disney’s Family Magic Tour
  • Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
  • Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
  • Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour
  • The UnDISCOVERed Future World
  • Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour
  • Up Close with Rhinos
  • Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
  • World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered
  • Wild Africa Trek
  • Wild Africa Trek (Morning)

Wild Africa Trek is also mentioned under the next group of impacted offerings, featuring nature experiences.

Walt Disney World Nature Tours

The following Walt Disney World Nature Tours will also be unavailable upon the initial reopening:

  • A Path Less Traveled Tour
  • Behind the Seeds
  • Caring for Giants
  • Dine with an Animal Specialist
  • Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour
  • Epcot Seas Adventures – DiveQuest
  • Epcot Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth
  • Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
  • Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Up Close with Rhinos
  • Wanyama Safari
  • Wild Africa Trek
  • Wild Africa Trek (Morning)

As a reminder, Disney has already stated that guests who have previously booked experiences that are impacted will receive refunds.

Also note that Disney states that details may change, so we’ll be keeping you posted as more information is provided! To learn more about what the Walt Disney World Resort experience will look like upon reopening, you can visit the links below.

What are your thoughts of the modified offerings at Walt Disney World upon reopening? Please let us know with a comment.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Backstage Tours, Disney Tours, disney world tours, Hollywood Studios, VIP Tours, Walt Disney World cancellations, Walt Disney World refunds, walt disney world reopening

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Disney Food Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS: Afternoon Tea, Jiko Wine Tasting, Dessert Parties, and MORE Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

ICYMI, yesterday delivered a LOT of news about special events at Walt Disney World Resort.

NEWS: Afternoon Tea, Jiko Wine Tasting, Dessert Parties, and MORE Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

With decisions made to promote safety in light of the current global health situation, it was announced, for instance, that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled for the fall. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, however, will return — and SOON! (You can read all about it here.)

Of course, these are just two examples of Special Events and unique experiences that are typically available to guests, either as seasonal offerings or year-round enhancements.

NEWS: Afternoon Tea, Jiko Wine Tasting, Dessert Parties, and MORE Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

Afternoon Tea at The Grand Floridian

And — even though we have known for some time that experiences will be modified, with many not offered upon the initial reopening of Walt Disney World — a full list of experiences that will NOT be available upon reopening has been added to the Walt Disney World website. Of course, standing reservations have been canceled for experiences, and the ability to book these experiences has been unavailable since. But we thought this specific list would be helpful for those currently in the planning stages.

Walt Disney World Dining Experiences

Offerings that will not be available include select special Dining Events — ranging from Afternoon Tea at The Grand Floridian to Jiko Wine Tasting and more (such as Dining Packages for select shows and spectaculars) — as listed below:

  • Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room
  • Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie
  • Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night
  • Dine with an Animal Specialist
  • Dining with an Imagineer – Cítricos
  • Dining with an Imagineer – The Hollywood Brown Derby
  • Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland
  • Epcot Forever Dining Package
  • Fantasmic! Dining Package
  • Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package
  • Highway in the Sky Dine Around
  • Jiko Wine Tasting
  • Rivers of Light Dining Package
  • Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
  • Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Signature Celebration at Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour
  • Tiffins Talks
  • Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table Dinner
  • Wanyama Safari
  • Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare

Walt Disney World Dessert Parties

Of course, we have also known that — upon the initial reopening — nighttime spectaculars and parades (essentially, in-park events which lend themselves to large group gatherings) will not be part of the park experience. This naturally affects the availability of Dessert Parties and Dining Packages, which are add-on offerings that include reserved viewing areas for these popular shows.

The Dessert Parties that will NOT be available upon reopening include:

  • Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience
  • Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
  • Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
  • Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing
  • Frozen Ever After Dessert Party
  • Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Rivers of Light Dessert Party
  • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

As a reminder, Disney has already stated that previously booked experiences that are affected by cancellations will be refunded, and you can read about that here.

We will be taking a look today at additional experiences that will not be available upon the reopening of Walt Disney World, which includes select Tours, Nature Experiences, and more.

In the meantime, to learn more about the upcoming reopening of Walt Disney World Resort — which begins with select Disney Resort hotels on June 22nd, followed by the theme parks starting with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th — you can visit any of the links below.

What do you think of these modifications? Please let us know with a comment.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney resorts, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, afternoon tea at grand floridian, Amorette’s Cake Decorating Experience, Circle of Flavors, Dine with an Animal Specialist, Dine with an Imagineer, Disney Early Morning Magic, Highway in the Sky Dine Around, jiko wine tasting, Special Dining events, walt disney world reopening, walt disney world resort

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Disney Parks Disney Rumors & Gossip

Could Disney World’s Water Parks Be Reopening SOON?!

There’s a LOT we know about Walt Disney World’s plans to reopen in the coming weeks, but there’s a lot we DON’T know yet.

Could Disney World’s Water Parks Be Reopening SOON?!

Entering Walt Disney World Resort

We know that certain Disney World hotels are opening on June 22nd, the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are reopening on July 11th, and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are reopening on July 15th.

One thing we DON’T know, however, is when Disney World’s two water parks — Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon — will open back up. But a post on one of the Disney World Cast Member union Facebook pages indicates it could be soon!

Could Disney World’s Water Parks Be Reopening SOON?!

Typhoon Lagoon

Plenty of Disney World Cast Members for restaurants, festivals, and hotels have been called back to work and so have Cast Members for attractions. And in a Facebook post for Unite Here! Local 362 — a union representing Disney Cast Members — full-time attraction Cast Members at both water parks are being called to go back to work on June 28th.

Could Disney World’s Water Parks Be Reopening SOON?!

Enjoy a day at Blizzard Beach!

This is the same time that other Cast Members are being called back for early summer reopening dates, and this COULD mean that the water parks are reopening sooner than we thought!

Could Disney World’s Water Parks Be Reopening SOON?!

©Disney

So far, we don’t know when Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will reopen as Disney has made no official announcement. However, we DO know that the H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon have been canceled for 2020.

Could Disney World’s Water Parks Be Reopening SOON?!

H2O Glow Nights

Whenever Disney does announce when the water parks are reopening, you KNOW we’ll tell you ASAP! So stay tuned for more reopening info!

Will you visit Disney World’s water parks when they reopen? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Blizzard Back reopening, Blizzard Beach, cast members, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney’s typhoon lagoon, H2O Glow Nights canceled, typhoon lagoon, Typhoon Lagoon reopening, Unite Here Local 362, water parks, Water Parks reopening