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Disney Parks

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

We’ve been exploring what a reopened Disney Springs is like for a few weeks now.

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Disney Springs

With new health measures, requirements, and capacity limitations; things have definitely changed in Disney World. The reopening of the theme parks is on the horizon, so we’re taking a look back at what our first steps back in Disney mean. Here’s everything we’ve learned from two weeks in a reopened Disney World!

Wearing a mask isn’t the worst thing ever.

Perhaps the most jarring change that we’ve had to get used to is wearing masks when we’re in Disney Springs. What we’ve learned here is that even in the Florida heat, wearing a mask is not the worst thing ever. Would we rather not be wearing masks? Yes. But you definitely get used to wearing one quicker than you think!

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Cast Member with required face mask

If you’re concerned about comfort, check out the tips we’ve put together about wearing your mask around Disney. We also have some recommendations for the most comfortable masks we’ve found so far. We also think they can be super fun when you get a pretty or fun pattern. Disney even came out with a series of official Disney mask designs you can check out!

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Disney Cloth Masks ©Disney

We also learned that you CAN eat and drink while walking around Disney Springs. With this, remember to use your best judgment — you CAN pull your mask down to take a sip of your drink, but try not to leave it down. Try to remain considerate of others as you snack!

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Masks

If you’re worried about the heat, go in and out of shops to cool off some. There are TONS of stores you can step into to get some much needed AC. We also recommend picking some restaurants you’ve been meaning to try and use that as an excuse to sit down and take a break from your mask — if you’re sitting and eating, you’re free to remove your mask, and you can try some new FOOD at the same time!

Disney is serious about new health measures.

We’ve also learned that Disney’s new health measures are rules, NOT guidelines. Physical distancing, temperature checks, and masks are all musts for guests in Disney Springs and Cast Members will let you know when you’re not following one of the health measures.

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

World of Disney Social Distancing Stickers

We spotted a few Cast Members reminding guests to replace their mask if they had removed it without eating or drinking! You can refresh yourself on the scope of these new rules with our full breakdown HERE.

Cast Members are still bringing the magic.

Speaking of Cast Members, they are something that HASN’T changed in Disney World. As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, Cast Members are STILL bringing the magic — even from behind their masks.

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Cast Member

We’ve had a wonderful time interacting with the Disney Springs Social Distancing Squad and Guest Services Cast. We’ve been cracking up at the fact that STORMTROOPERS are one of the more lighthearted means of enforcing the new rules as well!

Cast Members still are just as awesome at putting a smile on guests’ faces — with good reason. One Cast Member told us that they underwent training for how to be friendly and expressive with their eyes when they can’t show their smiles to guests.

Crowd levels can be a little wonky.

Something else we’ve learned in the past few weeks is that attendance in Disney World is unpredictable right now. We’ve seen some CRAZY crowded days and some days where it seemed like we were the only ones there.

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Lines around World of Disney

We’ve seen everything from a six-hour wait to get into World of Disney to entirely empty areas of the complex. Of course, some of this has to do with what’s reopening, the day of the week, and the weather, but we’ve learned NOT to have expectations when it comes to crowd levels from day to day!

Things definitely FEEL different.

The biggest thing we’ve learned is that Disney World definitely feels different. Sure, we expected this, but there was a part of us that hoped things would just fall right back to the way they were before all this. It’s STILL Disney and STILL has all the good that comes with it, but it’s changed just a little bit.

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Disney Springs

If you know that being around people or wearing a mask is going to be difficult for you, build up your tolerance in advance. Wear your masks on walks around your neighborhood to get used to the way they feel, especially outdoors in the heat.

On top of that, know your limits and your surroundings. Be aware of “getaway” spots that will be less crowded if you need to get away from people for a moment.

What We’ve Learned From Visiting a VERY Different Disney World

Disney Springs

Things DO feel different but Disney is still Disney. We still love strolling the streets of Disney Springs even with these changes. The parks could still feel just as magical when they reopen, even if there’s a different experience that accompanies the old feelings. We’ll be here every step of the way to give you the best tips, tricks, and advice to make returning to Disney World easy for YOU too.

What have you learned with Disney World open again? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, cast members, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Disney World reopening, face masks, guest services, health measures

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Disney Food Disney News Disney Parks

PHOTOS! Here’s a Construction Update On the NEW Patio Shine Bar Coming to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs!

A few weeks ago, we discovered construction walls alongside Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs complete with concept art for an upcoming new spot: Shine Bar & Social.

PHOTOS! Here’s a Construction Update On the NEW Patio Shine Bar Coming to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs!

Chef Art Smith Shine Bar & Social Concept Art

And though Homecomin’ won’t reopen to guests until this coming Wednesday, June 17th, today we got a glimpse at the spot’s new patio bar, as those construction walls have been removed!

Here’s a peek…

PHOTOS! Here’s a Construction Update On the NEW Patio Shine Bar Coming to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs!

Shine Bar & Social

And here’s another!

PHOTOS! Here’s a Construction Update On the NEW Patio Shine Bar Coming to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs!

Shine Bar & Social

Wednesday’s highly anticipated reopening of Homecomin’ will include the Grand Opening of Shine Bar & Social. And Chef Art Smith himself will be present for the big day!

PHOTOS! Here’s a Construction Update On the NEW Patio Shine Bar Coming to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs!

Shine Bar & Social

We’re looking forward to showing you this new spot (and enjoying some of our current favorites) when Homecomin’ reopens on Wednesday. To whet your appetite, you can check out the temporary menu that will be offered upon the initial reopening. (SPOILER ALERT: there will be TAKE-HOME MOONSHINE available!) And you can also…

In the meantime… keep on SHININ’!

Are you looking forward to visiting the Shine Bar & Social patio? Please let us know with a comment!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, Chef Art Smith, Chef Atr Smith’s Homecomin’, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Homecomin, Homecomin’ Shine Bar, Patio Shine Bar, Shine Bar, Shine Bar & Social, Shine Bar and Social

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Disney News Disney Parks

An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today!

Wanna know where you can get on a ride right now in Walt Disney World?

An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today!

No, it’s not in any of the four theme parks. (Those won’t start reopening until July 11th.) You’ll actually find it in Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district, Disney Springs…

The Marketplace Carousel is now spinning once again!

An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today!

Marketplace Carousel

You’ll spy a few distancing markers on the ground as you wait in order promote safe distancing between guests.

An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today!

Marketplace Carousel

And Cast Members wipe down the carousel horses after use.

An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today!

Marketplace Carousel

And they are as pretty as ever…

An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today!

Marketplace Carousel

The carousel welcomes guests from 1PM to 9PM (weather permitting).

An ACTUAL RIDE Is Open in Walt Disney World Today!

Marketplace Carousel

While we continue to visit all of the recently reopened spots in Disney Springs, you can find all the latest information on the phased reopening of Walt Disney World by visiting any of the links below.

Have you ever taken a spin on the Marketplace Carousel? Please let us know with a comment!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs, Disney Springs Marketplace, disney springs reopening, Marketplace Carousel, Walt Disney World attractions, walt disney world rides

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Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Reviews

Review! The Watermelon Margarita Has Some Serious Competition in Disney World…

On Wednesday, even more stores and eateries reopened all around Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district, Disney Springs. Among them was the cheerful waterside sipping spot, Dockside Margaritas!

Review! The Watermelon Margarita Has Some Serious Competition in Disney World…

Dockside Margaritas

We tried the truly tasty Watermelon Margarita during our visit, but were also tempted by the Blood Orange Margarita. And that’s what brings us back today!

You won’t find the Blood Orange Margarita under the regular menu items — instead, it’s a seasonal offering. (That said, this isn’t the first we’ve seen of it, as it was the seasonal option in January, and it’s still holding strong at the moment!)

Review! The Watermelon Margarita Has Some Serious Competition in Disney World…

Dockside Menu

So it’s high time to give this blood orange bevvy a try, don’t you think?

Review! The Watermelon Margarita Has Some Serious Competition in Disney World…

Blood Orange Margarita

While “Blood Orange” gets the spotlight in the name, the blood orange flavor in the drink isn’t particularly prominent, but it’s refreshing and delicious, nonetheless.

Review! The Watermelon Margarita Has Some Serious Competition in Disney World…

Blood Orange Margarita

The pleasant surprise, though, was that this pour was heavier on the tequila than other margaritas we’ve enjoyed here, and we were impressed with both the strength and taste!

Review! The Watermelon Margarita Has Some Serious Competition in Disney World…

Blood Orange Margarita

That said, if you prefer a sweeter summer sip…

No matter what the seasonal offering is during your visit, they range from $16.00 – $17.00. (The Blood Orange Margarita rings up at $16.00.) You’ll also find a few frozen drinks (like the Dockside Colada and Daquiri) along with a selection of wine and beer and even a Seasonal Mocktail on the menu in addition to the margaritas. So whenever you’re ready to cool down with a cold drink while visiting the Disney Springs Marketplace… Dockside Margaritas is here for you! CHEERS!

Have you ever stopped at Dockside Margaritas? Please let us know with a comment!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, Blood Orange Margarita, disney springs, Disney Springs Marketplace, disney springs reopen, disney springs reopening, Dockside Margaritas, seasonal margarita, Watermelon Marg

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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