Categories
Disney Parks

How Could Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Be Different This Year in Disney World??

Even though it’s still the springtime, we’ve got Halloween on our minds!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The spookiest holiday of the year starts early in Disney World with the first day of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party set for August 13th. How we love a late-summer Halloween! That early start might mean that there are some changes to the way the party works this year. If new measures are still in place by August, how might Mickey’s Not So Scary be different? Let’s take a look!

Adults might get to wear masks — just not the fun ones.

If you’ve been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party before, you know that it’s the only time that adults are allowed to wear costumes in Disney World. One of the rules though? “Masks of any kind may not be worn.” Hmm…something tells us they might amend that rule this year!

Now, we’re not saying that you can break out that Frankenstein mask, but it could be recommended (or even mandatory like they are in Disney Springs!) for guests to wear face coverings in the interest of health. After all, August isn’t too far off and according to the phased plans being discussed in Florida and in California, it’s going to take some time for all precautions to be lifted. Health concerns will likely still be a thing!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party = Costumes Galore!

Now, that’s not to say that your mask will have to be boring! Maybe spruce it up and get one themed to your costume (if Disney allows it). It could be a fun excuse to upgrade your Halloween look in an unexpected way.

There could be some changes to Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular and other entertainment.

As we know, the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland is showing us some changes in the way that entertainment works in the park. As Shanghai becomes the first Disney theme park to reopen, fireworks and parades are not initially returning.

If a similar tack is taken in Disney World, what does that mean for Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular and the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade?

Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular

After all, these events often result in large gatherings of crowds, which may still be advised against come August. If social distancing regulations are still in place, then these shows might be swapped out for some smaller featured entertainment.

In Shanghai, the daily parade is being swapped for a periodic character processional, and in lieu of fireworks, the castle comes to life with music and lights in the nighttime.

Boo to You

If necessary, we could see these changes made at Not So Scary. We could definitely imagine something similar to the Villains After Hours Villains Cursed Caravan!

Cursed Caravan

If the shows are not canceled, there may be alterations. Choreography in the show may be altered to allow dancers to distance from one another and there may be little to no guest interaction with parade performers. As for how Disney could regulate crowds to encourage distancing, that remains unknown at this time.

Character meet and greets might be different or be removed altogether.

Speaking of distancing, there may be changes to the way that character meet and greets work to keep guests and Cast Members safe. Shanghai’s reopening already showed us that characters will still be in the park, but at a distance. Could this mean we won’t be able to get our pic with Jack and Sally?

Jack & Sally

The interesting thing about this change is that meeting rare characters is a BIG draw for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Meeting villains and collecting pics and rare autographs can be quite the experience. If characters are removed or meetings have to happen at a distance, the appeal might be lost on some guests.

Seven Dwarfs at MNSSHP

Even if these greets do continue as usual, we may see some changes to the way you wait for them. Those waits for the rare characters can be looooong, and that’s a lot of people close together. Perhaps Disney will opt to tape off queue areas to space out guests, like in Shanghai, or possibly even opt to use Virtual Queues for the popular characters!

There could be fewer tickets available.

On top of all these measures, the capacity for the entire party may be lowered. Typically, the parks are still pretty crowded on Not So Scary evenings — especially as you get closer to October. It’s possible that Disney will work to increase distancing by limiting the number of tickets sold for this event.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

In this instance, it might be more difficult to get a ticket for your preferred party night. On the bright side, there would be fewer people in the park so you could have a less-crowded experience.

Still, if Disney looks to lower capacity they may run into some issues. Tickets have been on sale for some time already. Would they need to revoke tickets from those who have already purchased them?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

On the other hand, parties already have a lowered capacity from a regular park day so it may be that Not So Scary fits into capacity parameters without changes.

Trick-or-treating might not be quite the same.

There have been lots of calls to limit the spread of germs and we might see some efforts made with how trick-or-treating is handled. One big draw of the Halloween parties is the ability to trick-or-treat around the parks, but with queue lines backing up it could be a physical distancing nightmare. Maybe Disney will look to change this process.

Trick-or-Treating Might Change in the Magic Kingdom

It’s possible Disney could utilize pre-packaged bags of candy that you pick up the entrance instead of the trick-or-treating process. Or there could just be changes to the way that Cast Members handle the candy to limit exposure.

It’s possible the lines for trick-or-treating will be distanced like other areas of the park. Nothing has been announced by Disney at this time, but it seems likely some changes could be made to this process.

Whatever happens, brace yourself that things might be different! We can still expect Disney to bring some serious Halloween magic, regardless of the limitations in place. It’s possible the changes will be subtle so the party isn’t overwhelmed by the new precautions. Whatever happens, we’ll keep an eye on the situation and update you as soon as news is released ?.

Are you planning to head to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney parks, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Character meet and greets, Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular, face coverings, face masks, Global health crisis, health and safety measures, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, trick or treat

Categories
Disney Parks

We’re Answering ALL Your Questions About the Reopening of Disney Springs!

It’s a whole new world in Disney Springs now that some of the shops and restaurants have started to reopen!

Disney Springs

With temperature checks, physical distancing, face masks, and more; we’re getting a LOT of questions about how to navigate the newly reopened Disney Springs. Well, you know us. If you’ve got questions — we’ve got ANSWERS! That’s why we’re taking a look at some of the frequently asked questions that we’re getting from our readers so that you have a FULL understanding of what it’s like to spend a day in Disney Springs!

So, without further ado, let’s get to those FAQs!

Where can I park?

Disney Springs is now operating on a reduced schedule. As of right now, hours of operation are 10AM to 10PM. Yesterday, the Orange parking garage was the first to open around 8:30AM. The Green parking garage was only to be used after the Orange garage filled up. These are the only two areas where guests are currently permitted to park at Disney Springs.

Parking Lot

There weren’t Cast Members around directing people where to park, but there were some Cast Members on mics welcoming guests back when we arrived and guiding folks to the temperature screening area.

What time should I arrive?

After figuring out which parking garage was open, we arrived shortly after 8:3oAM yesterday. Our wait time getting through the temperature screening was minimal (since very few people were around). The screening process was super fast and efficient (which we’ll touch on more in a sec), while the line to pass through the checkpoint had social distancing markers indicating where guests should stand before they were called forward.

Temperature Check

Keep in mind we arrived VERY early — before many of the businesses at Disney Springs were open. While some stores and places to grab a coffee such as Starbucks and Joffrey’s opened at 10AM, several shops and restaurants didn’t open until 11AM.

Line Outside T-REX

If you’re planning on visiting one of Disney Springs’ third-party businesses, check its website for their most current hours (which might not be the same as Disney Springs’ hours). You may not want to wait around as long as we did although we saw many folks waiting in line (while social distancing) for stores and restaurants to reopen.

What’s the capacity like and how is Disney Springs’ limiting it?

In addition to reducing its hours, Disney Springs is limiting its capacity.

Orange Parking Garage

Once the designated parking garages (Lime and Orange) are full, guests are not allowed to park and enter Disney Springs. This includes those with dining reservations.

Where is Disney Springs conducting its temperature screenings?

Checkpoints are located in four areas: inside the Orange and Lime parking garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge, and at the Rideshare drop-off location. 

What if the parking garages are full and I have a dining reservation?

Once Disney Springs’ parking garages are full, that’s it. Even if you have booked a dining reservation, you won’t be allowed in until a space opens in the lot.

Wolfgang Puck

But luckily if a guest is unable to make their reservation because Disney Springs is closed due to capacity, we DID find out the dining guarantee charge will be waived.

Are temperature screenings mandatory?

All of Disney Springs’ new safety guidelines and procedures including temperature screenings and wearing face masks at all times are mandatory. If you don’t want to have your temperature taken or wear a face mask, you won’t be allowed to enter.

Advent Health Signage

All guests and Cast Members, including vendors and construction workers, must follow these new safety measures for the duration of their stay.

What is the temperature cut-off at Disney Springs?

To be allowed inside Disney Springs, your temperature needs to be under 100.4 F.

Does Florida’s heat affect temperature readings?

Disney knows many guests might have concerns about Florida’s heat impacting temperature screenings. That’s why professional healthcare workers from AdventHealth who are trained in using touchless thermometers are conducting the screenings.

Temperature Screening

If someone’s temperature is over 100.4 F, they’re taken off to the side and given the chance to “cool down” in a tented area before they are rescreened. If they still have a temperature over 100.4F or higher, they will not be allowed into Disney Springs and their party is not allowed entry either.

Is Disney providing face masks for guests?

If you accidentally forget your face mask at home, Disney MIGHT be able to help you out but don’t count on it. They told us they did have an extremely limited supply of face masks, but that guests ARE responsible for having their own face masks.

Cast Member with required face mask

If you don’t bring your own mask, you might not be allowed inside. Children under the age of three aren’t required to wear a face mask, but everyone else is.

Are there masks available to purchase?

As only a few third-party retailers have reopened at Disney Springs, we found only one store that was selling face masks yesterday.

Vera Bradley Face Masks

Vera Bradley is selling cotton face masks (the elastic kind) which cost $8 each. We’ll keep on eye out for face masks at other Disney Springs stores, especially Disney-owned locations such as World of Disney when those locations start to reopen May 27th.

Do I still need to wear a mask outside?

Guests and workers must wear face masks at all times, both indoors and outdoors. 

Wolfgang Puck

There are a few exceptions, though. When you’re seated in a restaurant, you can remove your mask because tables have been socially distanced. IF you get up to leave or use the restroom though, you’ll be expected to recover with a mask.

What about walking around with coffee or a snack?

So, if face masks are required, how do you walk around sippin’ or snackin’? This question has definitely been on our mind since we found out that grab and go places like Sunshine Churros and Joffrey’s Coffee would be opening.

Joffrey’s Reopened

After speaking with a couple of Cast Members yesterday, we were told if you’re holding a snack or a drink, you’re permitted to lower your mask to take a bite or a drink, then recover as long as you keep practicing social distancing. If you’re not eating or drinking, Cast Members will advise you to put your mask back on.

Can you pull your mask down for pictures?

Based on our understanding of the guidelines issued by Disney Springs, removing your mask for any reason other than eating or drinking isn’t advisable.

How is Disney enforcing mandatory masks after guests have entered Disney Springs?

Face masks are required for all Cast Members and guests during their entire visit, and because everyone over the age of three is wearing one, it’s pretty noticeable when someone isn’t.

Advent Health Cast Member at Temperature Screening

Walking around Disney Springs yesterday, we saw several types of Cast Members were monitoring the crowds ensuring guests were being safe. This included the AventHealth care specialists who took our temperatures, as well as Disney security officers, custodial workers, and the team of new health and safety ambassadors we recently learned about called “greeters.”

What are the accommodations if you have a disability or health condition that prevents you from wearing a mask?

Children under the age of three aren’t required to wear one, but everyone else is. When we asked, we were told there are no exceptions to this requirement.

Is World of Disney open?

Since World of Disney is owned by Disney, it is not open yet. Only third-party shops and restaurants have begun to reopen. For the complete list of retailers that have reopened in Disney Springs, click here. For reopened Disney Springs restaurants, click here.

World of Disney is Still Closed

World of Disney and other Disney-operated businesses are expected to reopen May 27th while the rest of Disney World’s theme parks and hotels will remain closed until further notice.

Can you still handle products/ try on clothes?

As we checked out some of the stores yesterday, we noticed many of the newly reopened businesses were still allowing guests to touch their products. A sign at Arribas Bros. asked guests to limit their handling of merchandise and stated more items were available behind the counter.

Arribas Bros. Merchandise Sign

Basin was allowing guests to test its bath and body products using its in-store sinks while Uniqlo was allowing guests to try on clothing in every-other fitting room, to maintain distance requirements.

Are the ferries running?

For now, it appears the ferryboats are not operating in Disney Springs.

The Boathouse Amphicar Do Not Stand Markers

And although The Boathouse had originally announced they would resume giving rides in their vintage Amphicars, we haven’t seen any of them sailing around quite yet either.

What surprised us the most about the reopening?

Having attended the partial reopening of Universal Studios’ CityWalk last week, we pretty much knew what to expect in terms of going through temperature screenings, having to wear face masks all day, and what a dining experience inside a restaurant would look like. Disney Springs made all of these procedures seem as normal as possible while ensuring guests and Cast Members were acting responsibly.

Balloons in Disney Springs Today

We were really curious about what the reopening was like from a cast member’s perspective, which you can read more about here. All in all, we were glad to hear so many of them felt comfortable and happy to be back at work! We did hear from a few Cast Members that their biggest question of the day was less about the new procedures and actually why World of Disney was still closed!

We will continue updating this post, so if you have any BIG questions we haven’t answered, reach out to us on social or in the comments below! 

Have any questions we missed? Ask them in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, 100.4, cool down tent, disney springs, Disney springs faq, Disney Springs health measures, disney springs reopening, disney springs reopening faq, do i have to wear a mask at disney springs, does disney provide masks, face coverings, face masks, faq, FAQs, ferryboats, giving out masks, health conditions, how can i get inside, how do i eat with a face mask, mandatory, quick service, restaurants, selling mask, suprised us about the reopening, temperature checks, temperature screenings, The Boathouse, Vera Bradley, what are the hours, what if the garages are full, what time should i arrive, when do i have to wear a mask at disney springs, where are the temperature screenings, where can i park, where do i park, who’s taking my temperature, World of Disney

Categories
Disney Parks

This Is the ONE Place We Found Masks For Sale in Disney World Today

We’re at Disney Springs today as it reopens for the first time since it closed alongside the Disney parks back in March. Oh, look! Mickey balloons!

Mickey Balloons at Disney Springs Today

Though the Disney World parks remain closed, we’re getting to experience a taste of all of the new procedures in Disney Springs today. By now, you’ve probably realized a big piece of what that looks like is everybody is now wearing face masks! 

That’s because to be allowed inside Disney Springs right now ALL Guests and Cast Members at Disney Springs are required to wear masks for the entirety of their stay.

Disney Springs

Though Disney Springs’ guidelines explicitly stated guests ages three and up must bring their own face coverings to pass through the health screening, what happens if your elastic breaks or your face mask gets wet and you don’t have a back-up? Surely Disney Springs would have face masks for sale at several retail stores like we saw at Univeral Studios’ CityWalk, right?

Disney Springs

Actually, we looked around and couldn’t find face masks being sold anywhere — at least, initially. It’s possible Disney-owned stores will sell them, but Disney-operated businesses haven’t reopened yet since they’re waiting until May 27th.

So your only option is third-party retailers which have reopened. (Do note that Disney does have a select number of disposable masks if needed.) That’s how we came up with the idea to duck into Vera Bradley! We had actually walked by the store earlier in the day before it opened at 11AM and noticed there was already a line out front. Were these folks hoping to find some Vera Bradley Face Masks inside?

Vera Bradley

Once inside, we asked an employee if Vera Bradley was selling face masks. Sure enough — THEY ARE!

Vera Bradley Face Masks

The associate (who was wearing a vibrant Vera Bradley Face Mask herself) held up a few options. They’re made of cotton fabric and are the kind that wrap around your ears with elastic bands.

Vera Bradley Face Mask

Vera Bradley Face Masks are individually-packaged and sell for $8 each! Plus they come in an array of beautiful colors and patterns. So far this is the ONLY spot we’ve found face masks for sale at Disney Springs, but we’ll let you know if we find anywhere else that’s selling them. And if you spotted them elsewhere, please let us know!

Are you surprised that Vera Bradley is the only store selling face masks? Share your thoughts in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, $8, Disney Spring face masks, disney springs, Disney Springs health measures, disney springs reopening, face coverings, face masks, health measures, only place to buy face masks at disney springs, Vera Bradley, where can I buy a face mask at Disney springs, where can I buy a face mask at disney world, where to buy face masks

Categories
Disney Parks

PHOTOS: Disney World’s NEW Health Measures — Face Coverings, Distancing Signs, and MORE

We’re back in Disney Springs today for the first time since the historic closure of Disney World began in March.

Disney Springs

Perhaps unsurprisingly, things look a little different in Disney’s dining, retail, and entertainment district. Prior to the reopening, Disney detailed that guests could expect to see some logistical changes with limited parking, temperature screenings, required face coverings, physical distancing, and more. Let’s take a look at what it’s like to be back in Disney Springs with all of these new protocols!

Arrival and Parking

Hours in Disney Springs, upon reopening, are currently set from 10AM to 10PM. To help limit capacity in the district, Disney has limited parking options at Disney Springs. Of the garages, only the Lime and Orange Parking Garages will be open in the initial phase, with no surface parking available.

Orange Parking Garage

We arrived early and found that only the Orange Parking lot was open at that time. Cast Members informed us that the Orange Garage was being filled first, and that Lime would be opened to guests later.

Parking Garage direction signs

As always, helpful signs direct guests as to which lots are open and closed upon arrival, so you won’t wonder about where you’re able to park.

Entering Orange Garage

Something unexpected was that we were allowed to self-park. Though we would find Cast Members in the area, none were dedicated to directing guests for parking.

Inside Orange Parking Garage

We’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day — and in the sections below — at all the individual new measures. But the presence of signage in the parking garage — reminding guests of safety warnings and new procedures — are noticed immediately upon arrival within the garage.

Warning Sign

6ft apart pole

This Way to Temperature Screening

Cast Members were available to help direct guests through the new procedures.

Cast Member

Again, we’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day at various measures, but we’d like to share an overview here of what the new look and procedures are like at Disney Springs.

Face Coverings

Face masks or appropriate coverings are required for all Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs.

Cast Member with required face mask

These masks, covering the nose and mouth, are mandatory at all times unless a guest is seated at a dining table or under 3 years of age. Guests of the complex must bring their own masks and be wearing them to be admitted.

Signage

Note that there is a VERY limited number of disposable masks at the temperature check areas. However, these are used as a last resort and because they are limited, there are no guarantees that any disposable face coverings will be available. Cast Members have been provided with three washable and reusable face masks. Cast members may also bring their own, with stipulations.

Temperature Screenings

As we’ve discussed for the recently reopened Disneyland Shanghai and experienced in CityWalk at Universal Orlando, temperature screenings are a new piece of preventative measures for many tourist destinations.

Advent Health Signage

Disney has partnered with AdventHealth to provide temperature screenings using touchless thermometers.

Advent Health Representative

Screening points are set up at four locations — Orange (pictured here) and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.

Temperature Screening

Temperature checks are required for all guests entering the complex. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will be turned away.

Temperature Check

Additionally, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to complete a temperature check and health screening at home before heading to work.

Physical Distancing

Disney Springs has also taken measures to encourage and increase physical distancing as health officials maintain that people should keep a 6-feet distance between themselves and others.

Ground markers outside of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

To accomplish this, we noticed that Disney has implemented markings on the ground, physical barriers, signage, and reminders from Cast Members.

Distancing signage

We are encountering distancing reminders all along the way, from the moment of arrival throughout all areas of the district.

Cleanliness and Sanitization

Disney has stated that there will be increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic public areas.

Hand sanitizer station

Additionally, guests are encouraged to make use of hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations placed throughout Disney Springs.

Hand-washing station

Signs remind to clean hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Additional Health Measures

Finally, there are a few other health measures that we noticed in Disney Springs today. One interesting measure… well, we can’t show you a picture, because it’s SOUND-related! Guests will hear occasional announcements via the loudspeakers. “Thanks for being our guest today,” precedes audio reminders regarding distancing, hand-washing, and more.

Welcome Back to Disney Springs

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” follows the message.

As you are out and about shopping and dining, cashless forms of payment are encouraged.

Free People reopening today

And, as a reminder, Disney Springs is currently operating under limited hours (10 AM – 10 PM, at press time).

Overall, there are some serious logistical changes to the way that Disney Springs works as of today. While our day has only begun (and we hope you’ll join us for the rest of it), so far we are finding clear information presented in a large variety of ways for implementation on behalf of Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs. Follow along with DFB as we continue our coverage of the first part of a reopened Disney World!

Were you at the reopening of Disney Springs? Have thoughts on the new safety measures? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. 3 Things We Hope We DON’T See At The Disney Springs Reopening This Week
  2. Before You Go To Disney Springs, You Need To Know These 10 Things We Experienced At CityWalk Last Week
  3. We Asked Our Readers: “Should Disney World Give out Free Masks for Guests?” Here’s What They Said.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs, Disney Springs health measures, Disney Springs Parking, disney springs reopening, disney world closure, Disney World reopening, face coverings, face masks, Global health crisis, health and safety measures, Operational Changes, Parking limitations, Physical Distancing, sanitation, social distancing, temperature checks, temperature screenings