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News: Disney Is Suing Orange County in Florida Over Property Tax Appraisal

Walt Disney World takes up thousands upon thousands of acres in Florida.

News: Disney Is Suing Orange County in Florida Over Property Tax Appraisal

Cinderella Castle

And it should come as no surprise that Disney has to pay a LOT of taxes on said acreage.

But, according to The Orlando Sentinel, the amount of money Disney should pay in property tax, is well, to be debated.

News: Disney Is Suing Orange County in Florida Over Property Tax Appraisal

Spaceship Earth

Disney is suing Property Appraiser Rick Singh over its property taxes, saying that its 2019 property tax appraisals were too high. The company has filed a dozen lawsuits in the Orange Circuit Court.

News: Disney Is Suing Orange County in Florida Over Property Tax Appraisal

Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

According to Singh spokeswoman Beth Watson, “[Walt Disney World] had been undervalued for decades by previous property appraisers.” Meanwhile, Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler said, “As we have shared before and as a matter of public record, we have challenged the property appraiser’s assessments and we will continue to dispute the errors by the property appraiser as any property owner in Orange County would do.”

News: Disney Is Suing Orange County in Florida Over Property Tax Appraisal

Cinderella Castle Makeover Was Stopped Due to the Halt in Construction

According to Disney’s lawsuit, Singh listed the value for EPCOT at $539 million, Magic Kingdom at $504, Animal Kingdom at $435 million, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at $394 million. Disney didn’t say what it thought its resort’s value was, but called Singh’s numbers “excessive.”

News: Disney Is Suing Orange County in Florida Over Property Tax Appraisal

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Lawsuits between Disney and the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office are a regular occurrence. According to the Sentinel, this has been happening every single spring since 2016, and Disney has “dozens of court cases”  pending.

News: Disney Is Suing Orange County in Florida Over Property Tax Appraisal

Epcot Monorail

When this latest lawsuit gets resolved, you KNOW we’ll keep you updated.

What do you think of Disney’s latest lawsuit? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney lawsuit, Disney World, Lawsuit, Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office, Orlando Sentinel, property taxes, Rick Singh, taxes

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4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

You’re probably used to seeking our advice when it comes to avoiding some common mistakes people make on their Disney World vacations (as well as what you should definitely PIG OUT on in and around the parks)!

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Cake Pop at Magic Kingdom

But over the last few weeks, as we’ve watched Shanghai Disneyland slowly start its phased reopening, we’ve realized there is a slew of new issues heading our way when the Disney parks open back up again here in the States!

Besides ways to save money and where to find a decent poutine for the french fry-obsessed, have you thought about all of the new challenges you’ll face at Disney World and Disneyland when the parks reopen? We’ve thought of four MAJOR problems we’re betting our Corn Dog Nuggets that many of you guys will encounter when going back to the parks — but don’t worry! We’ve also figured out (almost) the “perfect” solutions for them too!

Problem:

Kids Touch EVERYTHING

We know your kids have to literally touch EVERYTHING they see — because that’s exactly how our kids are!

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

It’s Mickey!

It’s like they can’t believe it’s real or something until they grab it, try to hang from it, or worst of all, want to put it in their MOUTHS! (Show of hands, how many of us parents are guilty of telling our kids to NOT put their mouths on a Disney handrail?! Yuck.)

Solution:

Real Talk

While some of you may be used to sitting down with your kids before heading to Disney World to explain a few rules, we think it’s going to be more important than ever to establish some guidelines at home prior to arriving at the parks.

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Mickey Balloons

Whether your kids are fully aware of the global health crisis or not, you’ll want to tell them how this will impact your visit to Disney World. This means abiding by the rules and guidelines Disney World will be implementing upon the parks’ reopening such as wearing face masks at all times, social distancing from other guests, and limiting their contact with frequently-touched surfaces. Explain the importance of following the rules so they can still have a good time.

Problem:

Your Mask Gets Wet on a Ride or In the Rain

It’s QUITE common to get soaked in a rogue thunderstorm or splashed on a water ride at Disney World, but instead of drenched clingy clothes, how much of a bummer is it going to be to try breathing through a soggy wet face mask?

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Splash Mountain Ziploc

We’re thinking it’s going to be a pretty big one!

Solution:

Bring a Spare Face Mask For Everyone in Your Day Bag

We’re thinking everyone in our group is going to need a least one back-up face mask — just in case! You never know what could happen. And instead of trying to dry a soaked mask under a hand dryer at the parks, we’d just rather swap it out with a dry one instead!

Then when you get back to your room, you can go over it with the hairdryer you’ll find in your bathroom at most of the Disney World resorts!

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Hair Dryer

If you don’t have enough face masks to wear a new one each day AND have a back-up, it’s a good idea to bring some laundry detergent so you can handwash them in the sink and then line-dry them over your bathtub overnight! Most of the Disney World resorts have a retractable clothesline in their tubs for drying bathing suits and the like!

Problem:

You Blew Through Your Week’s Worth of Hand Sanitizer in Two Days

We all know you can only transport so much liquid with you in a carry-on bag when you fly to Disney World — and you might not want to put a huge bottle of hand sanitizer in your suitcase, should it choose to explode mid-travel all over your clothes (yuck).

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

But now that you’ve already used up all of your hand sanitizer and you still have several days left in your vacay, what should you do?

Solution:

Disney World Has Got You Covered

Luckily, the Disney parks have got your back! Before they closed, Disneyland and Disney World installed several new hand sanitizing locations, especially around restaurants and restroom areas before they closed. Handwash stations and copious amounts of hand sanitizer can currently be found around Disney Springs as well.

The Disney parks also provide free hand sanitizer to guests and Cast Members at several counters and kiosks at the parks and resorts, while the gift shops have been selling travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer for as long as we can remember!

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Hand Wash Station

That’s why we’ll still toss a few travel bottles of hand sanitizer in our bag, but if we run out, we’re not too worried. Besides, now that we’ve seen Universal Orlando reopen, we know they are selling hand sanitizer and face masks, so it’s possible that the Disney Parks will also have a steady supply available for purchase.

Problem:

People Are Standing Too Close To You

By now you’ve probably experienced this in a grocery store or a restaurant while waiting for your to-go order — someone getting a little close! And whether they realize it or not, they’re crowding you out of your six feet of buffer space!

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Magic Kingdom Crowds on Final Night

In a place like Disney World where crowds are the name of the game, even with a limited capacity, what’s a rule-following Disney guest to do??

Solution:

Take a Step Back

We don’t like to be confrontational since most people don’t seem to realize they’re standing a little too close for our liking (sometimes social distancing markers are a little unclear or absent in some cases). In most situations, we try to put a little more space between ourselves and them if and whenever possible before saying something.

4 New Problems (And SOLUTIONS!) You’ll See On Your Next Trip to Disney World

Social Distancing Markers

But if we’re in a situation where we can’t step back and space ourselves out more, then we kindly ask those around us if we could have a little elbow room. Its also helpful to flag down a Cast Member and let them know if more social distancing markers are needed since sometimes there aren’t enough!

In situations where a guest won’t comply with the rules and step back, be sure to let a Cast Member know so they can help speak with the guest.

Well, friends, we hope we’ve helped you solve these four very important matters so that when they happen to you, you’ll know exactly what to do!

What are some new problems you think you might run into when the Disney parks reopen? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney california adventure, disney’s hollywood studios, Disneyland, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, News, Bubble Wand, Disney World, face mask tan lines, face masks, hand sanitizer, hand washing, how to dry your face mask fast, how to stop your kids from touching stuff, kids touching everything, ppe, unusual problems, wet face mask

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

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.

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

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.

How Many Guests Do The Disney Parks Need to Turn a 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.

How Many Guests Do The Disney Parks Need 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.

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

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

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Walt Disney World Reaches Out to Annual Passholders with a Special Message

Recently, Annual Passholders received an e-mail message from Walt Disney World Resort with information regarding some of the changes that will be implemented — such as the new theme park reservation system — when the parks begin a phased reopening on July 11th.

Walt Disney World Reaches Out to Annual Passholders with a Special Message

2020 Annual Passholder Magnet

And now, Annual Passholders have started to receive a new e-mail communication. This time, it’s a word of thanks… along with some Disney magic.

The message begins: “Soon it’ll be time to return to the enchantment. To laugh. To wish. To dream…”

Walt Disney World Reaches Out to Annual Passholders with a Special Message

Annual Passholder email screenshot

Before that time begins, the email goes on to say that “we wanted to offer our most sincere thanks. For your patience. For your trust. For always keeping the magic in your hearts. And for being some of our most cherished fans.”

Walt Disney World Reaches Out to Annual Passholders with a Special Message

Annual Passholder email screenshot

It’s noted, of course, that changes will be in place, recognizing that the experience of visiting the parks “will understandably be different” upon the return. But it also assures that “the magic will still be there.”

As we await further details on the new reservation system for Annual Passholders and ticket holders to enter the theme parks, as well as any new information for guests preparing to re-enter Walt Disney World when its phased reopening begins this summer, we will be sure to keep you posted. In the meantime, you can find all the latest information regarding the reopening of Disney Parks (which, as of yesterday, includes a proposed reopening date for Disneyland Resort) by visiting any of the links below.

Are you a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder? 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, Annual Passholder, Annual Passholder communications, Annual Passholder e-mail, Annual Passholder message, walt disney world annual passholder, walt disney world resort

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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