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Will Disneyland Open in July? Here’s Why It Might!

Disney World is set to open on July 11th, but we haven’t heard a peep about reopening from Disneyland!

Sleeping Beauty Castle

The original Disney park has been closed since March in response to the global health crisis, and many are wondering about reopening. With Disney World set to open next month, could Disneyland Resort follow a similar pattern to open in July? Some signs point to yes!

Reservations are currently available starting July 15th.

Originally, Disneyland Resort was only accepting reservations for June 1st and later. After a few weeks, that date got pushed back to July 1st. Now, it has been pushed AGAIN with the earliest reservations available starting July 15th.

Disneyland Main Entrance

On one hand, the fact that reservations have been pushed back might make it seem like Disneyland will be closed for longer. BUT, the fact that the date was only pushed back further into July and not all the way into August could be a good sign. If things were still looking like late summer or beyond, they may have wanted to push it back even further.

it’s a small world in Disneyland

In Disney World, new reservations and ticket sales are currently halted so that they can accommodate those who already had reservations as they get ready to open on July 11th. Disneyland’s reopening could be handled differently, but if Disney uses the Disney World reopening as a model — the July 15th date could mean that the parks will reopen near that date.

Disneyland would be permitted to reopen in Phase 3 of California’s reopening plan — as early as June.

The reopening of Disneyland depends on the restrictions that have been put in place by the California government. Right now, the government has indicated that the state is moving towards Phase 3 of reopening, which includes its theme parks. Governor Newsom stated that the next phase could be less than one month away.

Partners Statue at Disneyland

Disneyland isn’t the only theme park waiting for a reopening. Several other major theme parks in California are looking to open in July. Legoland California is hoping to reopen on July 1st and Universal Studios Hollywood is pushing to be allowed to open next month as well.

Universal Studios

The lifting of government restrictions would be a huge step towards the reopening of Disneyland. Still, Disney HAS erred on the side of caution. Even as theme parks begin to open in Florida, Disney opted for a reopening date of more than a month later than other theme parks. Again, if Disneyland follows a similar model, then entry into Phase 3 in June could still mean a July reopening for the theme park.

Positive response to Disney World’s reopening could help Disney executives make decisions about Disneyland.

With Disney World potentially opening prior to Disneyland, the results of the Florida opening could indicate what the company can expect. Disney executives like Bob Chapek and Bob Iger looked to success in Shanghai Disneyland to help with the plan for Disney World, and they may look to Disney World when reopening Disneyland.

Disneyland Magic Happens Cupcake

Even prior to opening, Disney can look to indicators of demand and customer satisfaction for how a Disneyland reopening will look. Plus, Disneyland has more local visitors than Disney World which will simplify the effects that travel could have on theme parks. If Disney World sees success, Disney may have more confidence in reopening the California parks.

Magic Happens Parade

Even if Disneyland waits a while for Disney World to reopen, a mid to late July reopening is still possible.

Disneyland Hotel

So far, there are a few indicators that Disneyland could possibly reopen in July. Ultimately though, it will be up to when the California government, health officials, and Disney executives determine that a reopening can happen responsibly. We’ll be sure to keep you updated about all of the new information for Disneyland’s reopening!

When do YOU think Disneyland will reopen? Share your thoughts in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney california adventure, disney parks, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, Featured, California Government, disneyland closure, Disneyland reopening, Theme Park Reopening

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Disney Parks Other

Here’s a Look At Universal Orlando’s Grand Reopening Crowds Today!

We’re reporting LIVE from the grand reopening of Universal Orlando today.

Universal Studios

And while we’ve already stopped by to check out theme parks earlier this week during an Annual Passholder preview, today is the first day Universal is open to the general public!  Let’s go check it out!

Universal is limiting its capacity, but they aren’t implementing a reservation system like Disney World will be offering when its theme parks reopen next month. Since guests aren’t required to purchase a ticket beforehand, we were curious just how many folks would show up!

Universal Crowds

Turns out A LOT of people were heading to Universal this morning! We got stuck in a bit of a traffic jam waiting to enter the parking garages! The gridlock took about an hour to clear up — not our favorite way to start the day!

Entering Universal

With so much action just trying to get to Universal, we feared the worst — but actually, the rest of getting inside Universal was smooth sailing! There wasn’t a back-up at the temperature screening area and we quickly made it through the checkpoint without a hitch!

Temp Checks

Since many folks hadn’t purchased their tickets yet, we did notice some long lines at the ticket booths. When we asked an employee how Universal would be limiting their capacity, they told us once a park was full an attendant would stand out front. Once guests exited whichever theme park had reached capacity, more people would be admitted in.

Universal Ticket Line

The lines were much shorter at the turnstiles and once we arrived, we noticed very few people were around. The parks officially open at 9AM but they started letting guests in a little early. At 8:45AM, the place was still virtually a ghost town!

Universal Studios

And it has remained pretty quiet all morning long! Doctor Doom’s Fearfall was a walk-on!

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

There wasn’t a wait for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man either!

Universal

In fact, there seems to be far fewer people here than there was during the Annual Passholder preview we attended earlier this week. Even Hogsmeade looks relatively much calmer!

Hogsmeade

The line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure looked a lot more manageable! We’ll return to Hogsmeade a little later in the day and see what the crowds are like around mid-day!

Hogsmeade

Remember, Universal is offering a virtual line system for most of the attractions. This helps to space guests out in line, so even if there are crowds, you should be able to distance yourself from others.

Virtual Line

We’ll be updating this post throughout the day as the park fills up, so check back!

Have you been to Universal before? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, crowds, no crowds, no wait, Universal, Universal crowds, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, walk on

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Disney Guides Disney Merch Disney Parks

How To Choose The BEST Masks for Summer in Disney World!

There’s no denying that Disney World is very hot and humid in the summertime. And with the new requirement of face masks for all Guests and Cast Members as a part of the reopening of Disney Springs, as well as masks required when Disney World reopens its theme parks beginning July 11th, it is totally normal to have some questions about how to stay comfortable in a face mask this summer. It’s a new experience for many of us!

Disney Springs Safety Ambassadors © Disney

While we navigate these new realities for the time being, we’re bringing you some tips for finding the most comfortable masks around. We gathered some helpful information to keep in mind when purchasing masks to use this summer!

What Kind of Materials and Masks to Look For

There are a few key factors to look for when shopping for masks. When it comes to meeting Disney’s requirements, the official statement noted “the use of appropriate face coverings by both Cast Members and Guests.” ‘Face coverings’ may sound a little vague but as a rule of thumb, you want to make sure the mask covers both your nose and your mouth.

© Harvey’s

What we’ve found is that breathable fabric is the key! You are going to want to look for 100% cotton when purchasing a standard face mask.

©LittleShopOfGeeks on Etsy

And don’t forget about the material of the strap! The wrong kind of strap in the heat can make it SUPER uncomfortable around your ears, especially if worn for prolonged periods of time. If you’re concerned about this, there are masks that come with straps that go around your head that you can adjust with either elastic or ties.

Making Sure It Fits Properly

A mask that is too tight can make breathing more difficult than it needs to be. You want to make sure it fits snug enough that it won’t fall off, but you don’t want to wear a mask that is too small that it constricts your breathing or too large to not be effective. Keep this in mind for children too — their heads are a bit smaller and they may be more comfortable with a child-sized mask.

Mask Sizing Chart on shopDisney

Test your mask out prior to wearing it on vacation to make sure it’s going to be comfortable to wear all day. We recommend washing them a few times to see if they shrink or warp. The last thing you want to discover is you packed a ton of masks that don’t fit properly anymore due to laundering!

Take Extra Precautions So You’re Comfortable All Day

Before you leave home on vacation, you may want to spend some time getting used to wearing a face mask for prolonged periods of time.

Quick trips to the grocery store won’t compare to spending all day in a theme park, so wear one around the house for a few full days to grow accustomed to all-day wear. Or better yet — wear it outside. Go for a long walk or mow the lawn and see how you feel in the heat with your mask.

Entering Magic Kingdom

When you’re in the parks, take frequent breaks — perhaps more breaks than you’re used to taking. If you’re typically someone who hits the pavement hard rushing around Disney World, consider walking through the parks at a more leisurely pace while managing a mask.

Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Speaking of breaks, consider taking longer mid-day breaks and go back to your hotel room where you can completely remove your face mask for a longer stretch of time. Hotel breaks are always a good idea, in general, to keep your energy and spirits up over the course of your vacation, and they can really come in handy this summer!

Masks will not be required while swimming at resort pools, so a mid-day pool break may be a welcome relief.

Beach Club Resort

If you aren’t planning to do laundry during your stay, be sure to use a new mask every day. On top of that, be prepared to change your mask at least once per day while you are in the parks. This is especially true in summer when you’re visiting Disney World — be prepared for RAIN.

Rain, rain, go away!

Once a mask becomes wet it is considered no longer useful, so have extra face masks packed in your park bag if you don’t plan on going back to your hotel.

Find or Make Masks With Summer or Disney Patterns and Prints!

Whether you are making your own masks or looking to buy them, make your masks ready for summer with some fun prints! Maybe have different themed masks to match each of the four theme parks, or maybe match the resort you’re staying at!

©BitOfMagicCo on Etsy

The choices are really endless and your face mask can be another way to rep your favorite Disney character, sports team, band, or perhaps just your favorite color or pattern.

While we are faced with the reality of needing to wear face masks for the time being, we can certainly make the most out of the situation and make sure we are as comfortable (and perhaps a bit stylish) as possible.

Do you currently have plans to visit Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney Face Masks, Disney World, face masks, summer, summer 2020

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Disney Parks Disney Vacations

What Happens If I Booked a Trip to Disney World This Summer, But I End Up Canceling?

Despite Disney World reopening its theme parks beginning on July 11, some guests may be weighing the pros and cons of keeping their upcoming Disney World reservation for a number of reasons.

With new realities such as an advance reservation system to enter the parks, no fireworks or parades, no character dining, and sanitation concerns, it’s completely understandable that travelers may be reconsidering their summer vacation plans.

Magic Kingdom

Disney offered a slew of automatic refunds during the park closures. Now that the parks will be open again, however, it may be more tricky to get everything refunded. While we cannot decide for each guest if they should cancel or not, we CAN offer some insight into what the repercussions might be.

If a guest selectively chooses to cancel their upcoming vacation, here’s what they can expect will happen.

How to Cancel

According to Disney’s website, most reservations can be canceled online. If you are in the unique circumstance where you need to call Disney in order to cancel, the phone number to call is (407) 934-7639.

To cancel online, sign in to your Disney account and go to your Reservations page. If you are able to cancel your reservation online, you will see a link that says “Cancel Reservation.”

general

Mickey Mouse

Disney’s site notes that a cancellation fee may apply. During the closures, however, this fee was waived. According to Disney, “To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through the closing period.” This indicates that Disney MAY NOT be waiving these fees anymore once the closing period ends.

What Disney is Automatically Cancelling Due to Capacity Reductions

Whether you choose to cancel your reservation or not, Disney has announced a series of cancellations that they will be making automatically that may impact your upcoming vacation. These include:

Haunted Mansion

If you had previously booked any of these experiences and prepaid any sort of amount of down payment towards those bookings, Disney should be refunding that amount in full.

Disney’s Cancellation and Refund Policies

Per Disney’s website, the following policies apply to arrivals between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020:

  • “For cancellations made 30 days or more prior to guest arrival, amounts paid, minus cancellation fees assessed by third party hotels or other suppliers, non-refundable air transportation, non-refundable runDisney race registrations, non-refundable travel protection plan costs, and other amounts owed, will be refunded”
  • “For cancellations made 2 days to 29 days prior to guest arrival, amounts paid, minus a cancellation fee of $200.00 per package and minus any cancellation fees assessed by third party hotels or other suppliers, non-refundable air transportation, non-refundable runDisney race registrations, non-refundable travel protection plan costs, and other amounts owed, will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations of any personalized products or experiences.”
  • For cancellations made 1 day or less prior to guest arrival or for no-shows, the full price of the package is non-refundable.

Welcome to Disney World!

What is unclear at this time is if this cancellation policy will remain in effect once the theme parks reopen. These are unprecedented times and Disney World has never been faced with so many unique circumstances regarding guests’ reservations. However, at this time we have not seen anything from Disney to indicate a change in their policy except for refunds during the closure. For now, we will have to wait and see!

Hotel Rooms & Packages

During the closures, Disney was automatically canceling and refunding all hotel reservations. Now that the parks are set to reopen in July, these automatic cancellations may no longer be happening, and guests could need to selectively cancel their reservations.

Grand Villa Bedroom at Disney’s Riviera Resort

For guests with impacted reservations during the closures who were offered Free Dining, those packages are also being canceled. However, Disney is offering a hefty 35% room discount for those impacted.

Park Tickets

During the closures, Disney was pretty flexible in extending the useful life of park tickets. Per Disney, “Unexpired multi-day theme park tickets with unused days, or date-specific theme park tickets with a start date on or before March 31, 2020 will automatically be extended to use any date through December 15, 2020. If you are unable to visit by December 15, 2020 you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.”

Note that Disney has now begun to extend some multi-day tickets through September 26, 2021.

Animal Kingdom Gate

We spoke with a Cast Member regarding the possibility of Park Hopper add-ons being refunded, as many guests were wondering if park hopping would be halted at the time of reopening. As of time of writing, we were told that park-hopper add-ons will NOT be automatically refunded, primarily due to the fact that they currently do not know yet if guests will be able to park hop when the parks reopen.

Magic Kingdom Sign

There are also special events tickets, like for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, that summer travelers need to consider (those parties start in August, after all!). At this time, purchased Halloween party tickets are still valid. There is no word yet on whether or not Disney will still hold these events, but if they choose to do so and you cancel your vacation, we cannot guarantee that Disney will refund your party tickets.

Dining Reservations & Disney Dining Plan

As we mentioned earlier, Disney recently announced that they will be automatically canceling all existing dining reservations as well as Disney Dining Plan packages.

Be Our Guest Ballroom

If you purchased a Disney Dining Plan, that will automatically be refunded regardless of whether or not you choose to cancel your vacation altogether.

Non-Disney Related Refunds

For most travelers, there are a couple of additional major expenses to deal with when canceling your vacation that have nothing to do with Disney themselves. This could be a more complex issue that will be unique to each traveler, but here’s what we know so far.

Airlines

Each airline operates differently, so what one airline does in terms of refunds may not be how another one works. In general, the airline industry is going to want your business, so you may see enticing deals, which could include:

  • Canceling or rebooking your flight with no fees
  • Automatically extending rewards status
  • Lowering the qualifications for elite status

Orlando International Airport

Not all airlines are going to be as open about discussing refunds as others, so keep asking (politely) when speaking with an agent!

Car Rentals

Similar to airlines, each rental car company will operate differently in terms of what they will refund. For example, Enterprise is currently offering a no-fee cancellation policy for existing prepaid rental reservations.

Contact the company you are renting through to see what they are doing differently during this time and what their cancellation policies are.

Magic Kingdom

Ultimately the decision on whether or not to cancel your summer reservation is entirely up to you. There’s no question that Disney World will look very different than what we’re accustomed to, but we’re sure that Disney is doing all that they can to create those magical experiences we have all come to expect.

With that in mind, know that once the parks reopen, Disney will probably be less lenient in terms of full refunds, so be prepared! Review those cancellation policies and make the best decision for your family!

Do you have a current reservation at Disney World this summer? Have you considered canceling? Share your experience with us in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservation, cancelling reservation, dining plan, disney dining plan, Disney World, Disney World reopening, FastPass+

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Disney Parks Other

Umm…It Was a MESS Getting Into Universal On Its Official Reopening Day!

Today is the official public reopening of Universal Orlando’s theme parks and, of course, we’re there to check it out!

Universal

We attended one of the Annual Passholder early access days this week and getting into the park was relatively simple. But on this first day open to the general public, one particular aspect of getting into the parks has been a little bit crazy so far!

Universal Orlando’s theme parks open at 9AM EST to the general public, so we headed out early to check out what was going on. When we got to the gates to get into the parking garage, we were met with a lengthy wait!

Waiting at Universal Gates

Initially, it appeared only 4 lanes were open at the gate, causing the massive lines of cars to have to quickly merge down.

Entering Universal

Which led to waiting…

Getting Closer

…and waiting. All in all, it took us almost an HOUR from arriving at the parking gates to enter. Getting our temperature check and getting through the turnstiles were much swifter and more efficient processes and so far, the crowds actually don’t seem too bad!

Temp Checks

We’re assuming that as the parks open they’ll open more lanes to enter the parking garage, so hopefully, others won’t run into the same trouble we did.

Click here to check out our coverage of the reopening day of Universal (that’s today!)

Are you planning to visit Universal soon? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, general public, Parking, Universal, Universal Orlando, universal parking, Universal reopening, Universal Studios