Tag: Disney World

How Many Guests Do The Disney Parks Need to Turn a Profit?

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 11, 2020

Disney World and Disneyland will be implementing many costly new procedures to help ensure the safety of guests and Cast Members upon the reopening of their theme parks.

Disney World

All of these potential health measures and capacity cuts mean that Disney could be in a tough position — losing money to be able to make it again. Prior to the reopening announcement, we explored the financial impacts of opening the theme parks versus keeping them closed. With the parks officially reopening, some analysts are noting what Disney will need to do to make money again.

Disney hasn’t and won’t be generating anywhere close to the pre-closure levels of revenue in the Parks, Experience, and Products sector for a while. In an earnings call that took place last month, Disney CEO Bob Chapek noted that the company would not reopen any park unless it would ultimately generate profit.

It’s Chewbacca!

So, with the Disney World parks reopening and Disneyland set to follow soon after, Disney may have determined what levels of capacity the parks need to maintain to keep a profit going. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Bernstein analyst Todd Juengar has estimated that Disney will need to maintain 25 percent of normal [pre-global health crisis] run-rate attendance to turn a profit.

Magic Kingdom Sign

The 25% attendance assertion is interesting. Disney has not made any indication as to how steeply park capacity will be reduced. If Juengar is correct, we may see it cut down to that 25% figure. Disneyland Shanghai saw a similar capacity decrease with a figure somewhere below 30% pre-closure attendance.

When we looked into this topic a month ago, we noted that at current operating cost, Disney would be operating at a loss if they lowered capacity by any more than 28%. Still, we also explored the fact that operating costs will greatly decrease as well with the continued closure of many attractions, resort hotels, dining experiences, and more. Take into account the cuts to operational costs and a less than 30% capacity opening starts to seem likely.

Cinderella Castle

Again, Disney executives have explained that they do not intend to publicly release reopening capacity figures at this time. It seems that we’ll have to determine if Juengar (and our) predictions are right once the parks reopen and we can see how crowded (or not-crowded) they are. Chapek said that guests would have to be “lucky enough” to access the new theme park reservation system, so we can assume that capacity will be significantly limited — maybe even all the way down to 25%.

Do you think Disney will make or lose money when they open their theme parks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney california adventure, Disney News, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Disneyland, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, News, analyst, crowds, Disney World, how many guests, how many people, limited capacity, losing money, profitability, reduced capacity, ticket sales, turn a profit

Disney Food Disney Merch Disney Parks

What’s New at Disney Springs — Baby Yoda Balloons, a Gelato-Filled Doughnut, and a BUNCH of Reopenings!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 11, 2020

Even though Disney Springs started it phased reopening on May 20th, a boatload of businesses have opened up since our last visit!

Wine Bar George Bar Seating

We’ve also spotted a ton of new merch and eaten a bunch of new tasty treats, too! Come and take a look at everything that’s new at Disney Springs with us!

Disney Springs is really pumpin’ into high gear now that so many more stores have opened their doors!

Disney Springs Reopening Update

Disney Springs Stores:

Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories

We were starting to go through some serious Alex and Ani bracelets, Pandora charms, Loungefly backpacks, and Dooney & Bourke withdrawals, but that will all change now that Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories has reopen!

Ever After

We spotted a bunch of goodies we can’t wait to make a second pass at, but you won’t believe how many shops reopened yesterday in Disney Springs! It’s like a whole new world has opened up!

Goofy’s Candy Company

Our day at Disney Springs got even SWEETER when we saw Goofy’s Candy Company’s doors had reopened!

Goofy’s Candy Company

They’re still selling prepackaged candy as well as their self-serve bulk candy but their Create-Your-Own candy offerings are currently unavailable to guests. You CAN still get your Goofy Glaciers, although Boozy Goofy’s Glaciers aren’t back on the menu quite yet.

Candy Cauldron

Goofy’s wasn’t the only spot slangin’ candy yesterday! We noticed the Candy Cauldron was also bubblin’ and brewing after being dormant since last March!

Candy Cauldron

While Candy Cauldron isn’t making anything in-house right now, they are having fresh Candy Apples, Mickey Krispy Treats, and Cookies brought in daily!

Days of Christmas

We can’t wait until its the holiday season at Disney World, and luckily we no longer have to! Inside this specialty Disney Springs store, every day is Christmas!

Disney’s Days of Christmas

We could stay in here and pick out our favorite Christmas ornaments for hours, but we better press on!

Pin Traders

Sadly, Pin Traders isn’t doing any pin trading at the moment or selling any new limited edition pins…

Pin Traders

…but we’re still happy to see it open, anyways! It was well stocked with Pop vinyls, MagicBands, and oh yeah, LOTS of PINS!

Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Marvel Superhero Headquarters

Avengers and Star Wars fans can assemble once more now that their favorite shops have reopened!

Marvel Super Hero Headquarters

Both Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Marvel Superhero Headquarters have opened their doors once more!

Build Your Own Lightsaber

You can never have enough Thanos Mugs or Ewok Plush, so we’re thrilled we can finally start adding to our collections again! We did, however, notice the build-your-own-lightsabers were a no-go for now!

The Art of Disney and Wonderful World of Memories

The Art of Disney has also reopened along with the adjacent Wonderful World of Memories gift shop!

The Art of Disney

We saw plenty of signed limited edition prints, BIG FIGS, and a bunch of other collectibles we wouldn’t mind selling our cars for!

DisneyStyle

Now that we’re finally out and about for the first time in months, we can’t wait to add some new Disney fashions to our sweatpants routine! Now we can since DisneyStyle has reopened!

DisneyStyle

And guess what? You can still sit in the teacup!! We were super-curious, so we asked!

The Ganachery

The Ganachery reopened as well!

The Ganachery

We’ve been trying to scratch our chocolate itch for months, and The Ganachery’s chocolate squares FINALLY hit the spot!

LovePop

Just in time to get your dad or grad a card, LovePop is now open!

Lovepop Cards

Man, we love ourselves some LovePop cards because they always seem to express how we’re feeling in not only two but THREE dimensions!

Disney Springs Restaurants:

City Works Eatery & Pour House

We also stopped by to check out City Works Eatery & Pour House which said it would be reopening on June 10th!

City Works

They’re offering a limited menu (which is printed on paper) while you can view their current selection of beers on their website. They told us they hope to have their Weekday Happy Hour and Rock N’Roll Brunch up and runnin’ again soon!

Raglan Road and Shop

We did a little Irish jig when we saw Raglan Road was open, just like they said they would be!

Nom Nom Wings at Raglan Road

You can now get your Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Irish soda bread (along with plenty of ale to wash them down with!) every day from 4PM-10PM!

Dockside Margaritas

Low and behold! Dockside Margaritas has now reopened in Disney Springs.

Watermelon Margarita

We sampled their Watermelon Margarita just ’cause we were thirsty (it’s on their permanent menu!).

Planet Hollywood

And after mysteriously closing down almost a week ago, we noticed that Planet Hollywood had opened — yet again!

Planet Hollywood Meal

We’re not sure why the restaurant has been closed the last few days since reopening, but everything seemed to be the new normal!

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

And if you’ll recall, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill had also unexpectedly shuttered itself for the last few days.

Wolfgang Puck

But its employees are now back and guests are dining at Wolfgang’s Disney Springs digs once more!

Vivoli il Gelato

Guess who’s back in da house! Vivoli il Gelato! The gelateria began scooping up delicious gelatos and serving up cannolis again on Tuesday!

Vivoli il Gelato

But that’s not the only hot spot to find a cool treat at Disney Springs right now!

Vivoli il Gelato Cart

That’s right — it’s baby bro the Vivoli il Gelato Cart is also open!

Vivoli il Gelato Cart

We spotted another one of our favorite rolling “snacks on wheels” spots is reopening too!

Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet Food Truck

Yup — you can come and get your one, two, three, or MORE scoops of cookie dough now that Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet Food Truck has reopened as of 5PM this afternoon!

Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet Food Truck

We’re still waiting on the other food trucks to reopen, but they’re parked at Disney Springs’ Exposition Park as we speak, and poised to reopen any day now!

Disney Springs Food Update

Marketplace Starbucks

We managed to squeeze in a quick visit to Starbucks to try there new Campfire Cold Brew and Picnic Punch!

Campfire Cold Brew and Picnic Punch

Plus we were excited to see the Welcome Back and Love is Love Drink are both still on the menu!

Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company at The Landing

We found an even BIGGER surprise waiting for us at Joffrey’s! It was pretty hard to miss this COLOSSAL Pride Month Donut for $4.99!

Pride Month Donut

The barista we spoke to said they should have it in stock through June 28th!

Vivoli il Gelato

There’s nothing better than cake batter! We thrilled by the Birthday Cake Shake for $14 at Vivoli il Gelato made with cake batter gelato — and it wasn’t even our birthday!

Birthday Cake Shake

And what could be better than a milkshake that comes topped with a cupcake? How about this new seasonal Strawberry Shortcake Bombolato for $9.50!

Strawberry Shortcake Bombolato

Believe it or not, this Italian donut is stuffed with the same cake batter gelato, and then topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce!

Pizza Ponte

We also had the chance to tuck into the new Chicken Parm Sandwich — a special menu item at Pizza Ponte for $9.50!

Chicken Parm Sandwich

The freshly-baked bread was the real stand-out for us, but the sandwich itself packed a lot of flavor!

Ghirardelli

We also made our way to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop for their new Nacho Sundae for $14.50!

Nacho Sundae

It includes three scoops of your choice of ice cream on top of Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips, all covered with whipped cream and a sprinkling of nuts! This one was a home run for us!

Disney Springs Merchandise Update

Various Locations

What’s that in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a PLANE?? Nope — it’s Baby Yoda BALLOON!

Baby Yoda Balloon

Disney Springs is now selling Mickey Balloons AND Baby Yoda Balloons — and we couldn’t be more PUMPED!

Marketplace Co-Op

We also spied a bunch of new Ink & Paint D-Tech Phone Cases at the Marketplace Co-Op!

Ink & Paint Phone Cases

It’s not every day we get to see a Mr. Toad Phone Case, so we were very pleased with this recent development. Toady’s finally comin’ up in the world!

Pin Traders

We also spotted a gorgeous new Castle MagicBand for $24.99!

Cinderella MagicBand

How many days is it until we can stand in the hub and gaze up at Cindy’s Castle IRL? We’re so excited!

World of Disney

A bunch of new Monsters University merch has marched its way into World of Disney today! We’ll definitely be picking some of these items up to give as grad gifts!

Monsters University Merch

And how cool is this new Neon Yellow MagicBand for$14.99! Its color is so vibrant and HAPPY! We can’t help but smile when we look at it!

Neon Yellow MagicBand

We also found this Haunted Mansion Park Pal for $11.99 lurking around World of Disney! We’ve seen it online before, but it’s even more spine-tingling in person!

Haunted Mansion Park Pal

The new Rainbow Ear Hat Collection Ornament for $24.99 also brightened our day!

Rainbow Mickey and Minnie Eat Hat Ornament

And to go with all our new fluorescent fashions, we scored this new Neon Mickey Plush Purse for $24.99!

Neon Mickey Plush Purse

There’s no shortage of new gear at World of Disney lately, but we also discovered a couple new finds in Disney Springs over the last few days too!

The Polite Pig

At The Polite Pig, they’ve restocked their branded face masks!

Polite Pig Face Masks

Of course, we only know this because we went sniffing around for more of their delicious Pork Rinds!

Chapel Hats

Chapel Hats was branching out yesterday! They had a stylish Sequin Face Mask and an American Flag Face Covering for sale!

Face Masks

Both of the styles were $14.99! Of course, they had plenty of HATS as well!

Not sure about you guys, but we could use a little lay-down after that MASSIVE What’s New! Turns out the last few days have been like the Resnaisannce here at Disney Springs with A LOT of shops awakening! On that note, this concludes our roundup of what’s been going on at Disney Springs, but we’ll be back soon with more updates for you in just a little bit!

Have you been to Disney Springs since stores and restaurants have started reopening or have you been holding back? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, 2020 june, baby yoda balloons, birthday cake sundae, campfire cold brew, Candy Cauldron, chapel hats, chicken parm sandwich, cinderella magicband, city works, Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet, d-tech phone cases, days of christmas, disney springs, Disney World, disneystyle, Dockside Margaritas, ever after jewelry co. & accessories, face coverings, face masks, food truck, Food Update at Disney Springs, ghirardelli, Goofy’s Candy Company, haunted mansion park pal, ink & paint, Joffrey’s, lovepop, Marvel Superhero Headquarters, Merchandise Update at Disney Springs, Monsters University, Nacho Sundae, neon mickey plush purse, Neon Yellow MagicBand, Nom Nom Wings, picnic punch, pin traders, Pizza Ponte, Planet Hollywood, pride month donut, Raglan Road, rainbow ear hat ornament, reopening, reopening update at disney springs, star wars galactic outpost, Starbucks, strawberry shortcake bombolato, the art of disney, The Ganachery, The Polite Pig, Vivoli il Gelato, Vivoli il Gelato Bicycle Cart, watermelon margarita, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, wonderful world of memories, World of Disney

Tags 2020 june, baby yoda balloons, birthday cake sundae, campfire cold brew, Candy Cauldron, chapel hats, chicken parm sandwich, cinderella magicband, city works, Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet, Counter-Service, d-tech phone cases, days of christmas, disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, Disney World, disneystyle, Dockside Margaritas, ever after jewelry co. & accessories, face coverings, face masks, Featured, food truck, Food Update at Disney Springs, ghirardelli, Goofy's Candy Company, haunted mansion park pal, ink & paint, Joffrey's, lovepop, Marvel Superhero Headquarters, Merchandise Update at Disney Springs, Monsters University, Nacho Sundae, neon mickey plush purse, Neon Yellow MagicBand, Nom Nom Wings, picnic punch, pin traders, Pizza Ponte, Planet Hollywood, pride month donut, Raglan Road, rainbow ear hat ornament, reopening, reopening update at disney springs, Snacks, star wars galactic outpost, Starbucks, strawberry shortcake bombolato, Table-Service, the art of disney, The Ganachery, The Polite Pig, Vivoli il Gelato, Vivoli il Gelato Bicycle Cart, Walt Disney World, watermelon margarita, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, wonderful world of memories, World of Disney

Disney Guides Disney Parks

Here’s What Qualifies — and Doesn’t Qualify — as a Mask in Disney World!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 11, 2020

As the Walt Disney World theme parks prepare to welcome guests again, it’s only natural that there are questions GALORE!

Early Morning at Cinderella Castle

There are a LOT of new guidelines and policies to keep up with. Don’t worry if you’re still super confused, because we’ve got ya covered…literally!

Wearing a face covering is going to be one of the BIGGEST adjustments guests will have to make when visiting the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom when they reopen on July 11th and Epcot and Hollywood Studios when they reopen on July 15th.

But before you go, you may be wondering: Who has to wear a face covering? When do you have to wear a face covering? What even IS a face covering?!

Who has to wear a face covering?

A recent update confirmed that Cast Members and ALL guests ages TWO and up will be required to wear a face covering while at the Walt Disney World Resort.

American Threads Face Masks at Disney Springs

According to Disney, you need to bring your own face mask.

Where do you have to wear a face mask?

We already know you need to wear a face mask while visiting Disney Springs, and you’ll have to wear them all around the theme parks. Additionally, hotel guests will have to wear face masks while in common areas of the resort, according to a Disney rep.

Disney will require guests to wear face masks unless eating or swimming while at a resort hotel

As previously reported, you will NOT have to wear your face covering when dining and swimming! Guests also will not be required to wear a mask while in their own rooms.

Luna Park Pool

In the proposal Disney offered to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, it was mentioned they may be offering “relaxation zones.”

Guests with Face Coverings in Disney Springs

These are spots “in and around and off the property” where folks can remove their face coverings for a while and breathe in that fresh Florida air. Universal Studios introduced similar locations when they reopened, called URest areas.

What counts as a face covering?

That’s two big questions out of the way! But you might still be wondering… what counts as a face covering at Disney World?

Cast Member with required face mask

The CDC has great information regarding face coverings! But since we’re here for Disney World, it’s important to note that the Disney World website currently states the following in regard to face coverings. They must:

Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the guest to remain hands-free
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable

So, what constitutes as a face mask?! Scarves tied snugly around your face, gaiters, buffs, disposable or reusable masks (including bandanas), and handmade or homemade masks are all examples of what is allowed Disney World.

Monsters Inc. Bandanas

When it comes to religious coverings, the most important thing to note is that your face and nose MUST be covered and your covering should fit snugly against the side of your face. If you are unsure whether or not your religious covering will be approved as a face mask, it’s best to bring an alternative with you JUST IN CASE! And it’s important to note that Disney can change its face covering policy at any time!

Face Masks at American Threads

One quick note here to remember is that the rules regarding costumes and masks still apply! Sorry to those who thought they would be able to get away wearing their Darth Vader masks as face coverings! Costume helmets/masks, ski masks, or anything else that covers the entire face (excluding religious coverings) are also BIG no-nos at Walt Disney World.

Disney Springs Planet Hollywood Server

A Cast Member we spoke with said face shields are also an acceptable face covering since they cover the nose and mouth. They haven’t seen many folks wearing face shields, but they’re allowed.

While it’s been reported that Disney Springs has a very limited amount of disposable masks for those who show up without one, it’s SUPER important to note that you shouldn’t rely on them! Definitely bring your own!

What will happen if you refuse to wear a face covering?

Face coverings will be required…but what will happen if you refuse to wear one? With increased security and social distancing squads on the lookout for face coverings, it’s HIGHLY likely that those without proper face coverings or those disobeying the guidelines will be quickly addressed! So be sure to cover up!

Guest Relations Cast Member in Disney Springs

In compliance with Osceola County law, you WILL be required to wear face masks at Disney World once it reopens. Don’t let that get you down, though! Use your mask as just another Disney accessory! If you’re stuck picking a fun mask and need a little inspiration, check out these ADORABLE face coverings!

Are there other questions you have about face masks in Disney World? Let us know!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, 2020 magic kingdom pin, Animal Kingdom, coronavirus, coronavirus disney parks, coronavirus disney world, Disney Face Masks, disney hotels, disney parks reopen, disney parks reopening, Disney World, Disney World health measures, Epcot, face coverings, face masks, face masks at Disney World, health and safety measures, health and safety procedures, Hollywood Studios, mandatory face masks, relaxation zones, social distancing

Disney Food Disney Parks

Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet Food Truck Is Set to Reopen in Disney Springs Today!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 11, 2020

A couple of days ago, we noticed the Disney Springs’ food trucks had rolled back into town!

Disney Springs Food Trucks

But with the exception of 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck, all these mini-restaurants (on wheels!) have remained closed in Disney Springs — until TODAY!

We spoke with a Cast Member today who shared that Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet is set to open at 5PM this evening!

Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet Food Truck

We still haven’t received confirmation on the rest of the Disney Springs’ food trucks, but for now, rest assured that you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a big heaping scoop of various flavored cookie doughs once more!

Have you ever eaten at one of Disney Springs’ food trucks before? Let us know which ones you’ve tried in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, Cookie Dough, Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet Food Truck, disney springs, Disney World, Dowtown Disney West Side, exposition park, food truck, reopening, west side

Tags cookie dough, Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet Food Truck, Disney News, Disney Springs, Disney World, Dowtown Disney West Side, exposition park, Featured, food truck, reopening, Snacks, Walt Disney World, west side

Disney News Disney Parks

Could Disney Annual Passholders Get EXTRA Days Added to Their Passes Following the Reopening?

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 11, 2020

Now that Disney World is reopening July 11th and July 15th and Disneyland has a proposed reopening date, both resorts have stated they will be utilizing a new reservation system which will require all guests — including Annual Passholders — obtain a reservation to enter a park in advance of their visit.

Annual Passholder Magnet

We’ve been receiving a TON of questions about how this new reservation system will affect Annual Passholders since Disney hasn’t released very much info on the subject yet!

Disney World recently launched a new webpage for APs where we learned Annual Passholders will only be allowed to hold a certain number of reserved days at one time while park capacity is limited, but they didn’t give any explanation on what kind of compensation APs could expect for not being able to fully utilize their annual passes.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder

Thanks to a tip from nuptiousdisney on Instagram, we noticed something very interesting over on Shanghai Disneyland’s Annual Pass website. Shanghai Disneyland reopened on May 11th and is also using a new reservation system. Similar to Disney World and Disneyland’s annual passes, they’ve extended expiration dates for APs who have paid-in-full for their memberships or kept up with payments by how many days the parks have been closed, BUT their policy also says they will be extending expiration dates for the amount of time that their new reservation system will be in use, too!

Screenshot from Shanghai Disneyland’s Website

If Shanghai Disneyland is implementing this new extension to make up for the AP restrictions, it seems possible this could happen for Disney World and Disneyland APs as well. Keep in mind though that neither Disney World nor Disneyland has stated that this will be the case once the U.S. parks reopen.

If Passholders have limited ability to access the parks during the initial reopening, an extension on passes through the first phase of the reopening would likely be a well-received gesture. Again, Disney World and Disneyland have NOT made this announcement on their websites, but we’ll be watching and let you know the second we see any updates!

What do you think? Should Disney World and Disneyland extend annual passes while the new reservation system is in use? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney california adventure, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Disneyland, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, News, annual pass, Annual Passholder, annual passholder policy, ap, ap member, Disney World, expiration date, extension, new reservation system, passholder extension, shanghai disneyland, Update