Tag: Featured

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 28, 2020

Since the Disney Resorts have re-opened and Disney World will be opening for guests soon, there has been plenty of preparation on Disney’s side. Things are being completely changed to ensure guest and cast member safety, and that includes limited theme park capacity!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Although Disney has sent out surveys to guests who have recently stayed at the Disney Resorts, many guests and readers have given us their own thoughts on the Disney Park Pass reservation system. And, if you happened to book a visit to the parks when they re-open, Disney is looking for your opinion on how well Disney Park Pass works too!

The Disney Park Pass reservation initially went live for resort guests on June 22nd, and it also opened to Annual Passholders and regular ticket holders soon afterwards. While the system has been operating well recently, it debuted with a VERY bumpy start.

However, Disney has only recently sent the survey out after many of the issues with the system were seemingly sorted out.

Disney Park Pass Survey

This particular survey we received begins by asking where guests permanently reside and if they were over 18 years old to confirm that they could take part in the survey. Standard stuff.

But Disney also confirmed that we recently booked Disney Park Pass reservations. Interestingly, they were ONLY asking about ONE of our park pass reservations.

Disney Park Pass Survey

Since there have been some varied guest experiences, Disney went on to ask about the ease of use for the new system. (While we JUST made this park pass in the last two days, it was easy to do since many of the original issues have been ironed out.)

Disney Park Pass Survey

In light of the varying experiences with the Disney Park Pass system, Disney went into depth with how guests feel about how their experiences at Disney World will be affected. The survey asked for opinions on how tricky the situations will be in the parks, the length of wait times, crowds, and more.

THIS is super fascinating that Disney is gauging guest perception based on their own “before you go” marketing and, we assume, opinions gleaned from public discussions on social media.

Disney Park Pass Survey

Disney’s trying to figure out the mindset of the guests who are coming into the parks, so that they can use appropriate language and marketing around the experience. After all, how guests perceive their vacation could feel can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. (E.g. if the majority of guests say that they believe that wait times will be longer than in the past, then Disney knows it’s their job to focus on getting the word out that they think wait times could, in fact, be shorter. I mean, maybe. I’m clearly not a marketing professional! But that’s one way they could use this information.)

Plus, Disney wanted to make sure that guests were thoroughly aware of the health and safety regulations across the parks and resorts. This stems back to checking up on their own goal to get the word out to guests as much as possible.

Disney Park Pass Survey

Disney went on to ask some more standard questions that we see in most Disney World surveys — checking to see if this was the guest’s first trip to Walt Disney World, and, if not, the dates of the guest’s last trip.

And although the survey did ask earlier about our upcoming resort reservation, it confirmed this fact again…

Disney Park Pass Survey

…before diving into more detailed questions that pertained to guests’ specific situations, like income, ages of those in the household, etc.

Disney Park Pass Survey

So Disney’s listening y’all. At least they’re trying to find out information about our experiences and about how we THINK our experiences could go down when we’re actually in the parks. Fun insight for sure.

What have your experiences been with the Disney Park Pass system? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney news, Disney Park Pass, disney park pass reservation system, Disney Park Pass System, disney survey, Disney World, Disney World reopening

Tags disney, Disney News, Disney Park Pass, disney park pass reservation system, Disney Park Pass System, disney parks, Disney Survey, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Featured, Walt Disney World

Disney Parks

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 28, 2020

The Disney World parks have remained closed since initially shutting their gates on March 16th.

Magic Kingdom

But with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom set to reopen on July 11th, followed by Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th, the longest closure in Disney World history will soon be coming to an end.

There will be a number of new health and safety procedures implemented upon reopening, including reduced park capacity with required reservations, limited attractions and entertainment offerings, required face coverings for guests and Cast Members, to name a few.

Despite the planned safety measures, there have still been concerns raised that the parks are reopening too soon. These concerns are heightened by the increasing case numbers in Florida, as highlighted by the closure of recently reopened bars. And since Disneyland has delayed its planned park reopening date of July 17th, some have suggested that Disney World should do the same.

Tree of Life

So, with all of the buzz around the ever-evolving situation, we asked our Instagram followers, “Do you think it’s too soon to reopen the parks?”

Of the respondents, 57% said yes, they think it’s too soon to reopen the parks, while the remaining 43% said no, they don’t think it’s too soon.

Pie Chart of Our Readers’ Responses When Asked If They Think It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen

Let’s take a look at some of the responses we received from our readers!

“Yes, It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen.”

Many of those who said they do think it’s too soon for the Disney World parks to reopen pointed to the recent increase of case numbers in Florida. “I think when they made the plan it was fine, but now with the rising [number of] cases it’s too soon.” This was a common concern expressed by those who responded.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance

Others also pointed out that despite the precautions Disney has taken, there is still no guarantee that other guests will follow the rules the parks have put in place. “Yes. Not because I don’t trust Disney, but because I don’t trust people.” Some respondents expressed concern that social distancing and face mask guidelines would not be adhered to.

“No, I don’t think the parks are reopening too soon.”

There were also some common trends among those who don’t think the parks are reopening too soon. Several people pointed out that Disney World waited longer to reopen than many other theme parks. “No. They waited longer to be safe. They will make the parks safe for guests and Cast Members.”

Magic Kingdom

A number of people also said that they’re impressed by the health and safety precautions Disney has implemented, and due to these measures, they would feel comfortable in the parks. “I honestly feel safer at Disney World than any other place we could possibly visit.”

Currently, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are scheduled to reopen on July 11th, which would mark the end of a 117-day closure of all Disney World parks. However, despite the new health and safety measures planned for the reopening, some guests still have concerns about the timing of the reopening. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, details are subject to change, so we’re keeping a close eye on any updates.

Do you think the Disney World parks are reopening too soon? Share your thoughts in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, DFB Reader Questions, dfb readers response, disney parks reopen, disney parks reopening, Disney World Reopen, Disney World reopening, Disney World Reopening Date, we asked our readers

Tags animal kingdom, DFB Reader Questions, dfb readers response, disney parks, disney parks reopen, disney parks reopening, Disney World Reopen, Disney World reopening, Disney World Reopening Date, disney's hollywood studios, epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, we asked our readers

Disney Parks

Can I Get A Refund On My Disney World Park Hopper Ticket Add-On? Here Are Three Options!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 28, 2020

As Disney World starts to put its re-opening plans into action, the parks will be making a lot of modifications to fit with the health and safety guidelines they have put in place.

Cinderella Castle

Since there will be limited capacity in the theme parks when they reopen, guests will need to make reservations through the Disney Park Pass system in order to visit the theme parks. Due to the lower capacity as well as limited options available to guests once the parks reopen, Disney made the decision to pause all park hopping — which means “hopping” between Disney World theme parks in the same day — temporarily. (Note that Disney is selling park hopper add-ons for 2021 tickets at this time, so if your trip is in 2021, you’ll likely be able to park hop. This information is primarily for guests headed to Disney World in 2020.)

So what about all those guests who had purchased the Park Hopper add-on with their 2020 tickets?? Can they get refunds for that extra cost?

OK let’s break down the options. When Disney World reopens, guests are only allowed to make a park pass reservation for one park per day. While they can leave a park and return back into that same park later that day if capacity allows, guests can no longer spend a morning in Magic Kingdom before hopping over to enjoy an afternoon in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (for example).

Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance

Disney has been offering refunds for guests who have been affected by the closures as well as a few options for Annual Passholders whose passes have been impacted.

And Disney will also be giving guests options for how to handle Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus add-ons that had been previously added to their tickets.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Option 1: Ticket Use Dates Have Been Extended, So “Wait and See” If Park Hopping is Reinstated

Disney has stated that guests with Park Hopper tickets can use their “current date-based ticket by September 26th, 2021, with the existing add-on options, should the options return by that date.” So if Park Hopping is allowed any time in the next year+, you can use your tickets as normal.

Based on our reader responses when we asked about park hopping add-on refunds, this is what many guests are choosing to do: wait it out. Currently, there’s no penalty for not changing your tickets. So guests who have vacations booked later in 2020 can simply wait to see if park hopping is reinstated by the time their vacation rolls around. OR they can postpone their vacations into 2021, as many tickets have been extended for use into September 2021.

If park hopping is not reinstated by the time your vacation approaches, then it’s time to move on to Option 2… .

Flower and Garden Festival

Option 2: Modify Your Tickets

Resort packages that include tickets are able to be modified by contacting the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 566-4985 or your travel agent directly. “Modifications” is likely where you will be able to switch your tickets to a different type and receive a refund on the park hopper add-on. We’ve had several readers confirm that they were able to modify their tickets with Disney and receive refunds.

That said, when I reached out to Disney World directly via website chat, I didn’t get as satisfactory an answer as I was hoping for. Initially, my chat companion, Wendy, told me that ticket cancellation would be as close as I could get to a refund:

Then, I started asking about modifying ticket packages directly. Wendy told me that I could keep everything else in my package the same and JUST modify my tickets… .

And that sounds to me like I’d be able to change tickets to non-park-hopper tickets and get a refund. But when I got down to brass tacks, Wendy tapped out.

So, yes, we have had some readers confirm that they were able to refund their park-hopper add-on by modifying their tickets. But you’ll need to speak with Disney directly to see if that’s an option for you.

Moving on to Option 3… .

Magic Kingdom

Option 3: Cancel Your Tickets

However, if you choose NOT to visit Disney World, you can also cancel your ticket or package. The Disney Reservation Center and travel agents will have more details so that you can explore your options.

But please be VERY careful with canceling tickets right now. Remember — Disney is NOT selling tickets for 2020 right now, and has not stated when those sales would return beyond “later this summer.” So if you have tickets for 2020 at the moment, those are precious commodities and you might not want to be too hasty with canceling those if you have them. If you cancel, you may not be able to purchase more for this year.

Epcot

So there we have it — three options for trying to manage your park hopper ticket add-on here in 2020! Remember, if you’re not going for a while, your best bet is probably to sit tight and wait to see if park hopping comes back by the time your trip rolls around. You can always “modify” or cancel your tickets later if needed!

Mission Space

Other Things To Note About Disney World Park Tickets

So while you’re deciding what to do with your tickets, here are two more details that Disney has released that may impact your decision:

Ticket Use Dates Have Been Extended For Most Guests and Flexibility Has Been Added

First — guests who have just about any kind of multi-day theme park ticket may now be able to use those tickets through September 26, 2021.

Second — we have also confirmed with Disney directly that if you have tickets for specific dates and they’ve been extended, those tickets can be broken up and used separately. For example, if you have a 5-day ticket dated November 1-5, 2020, you can use those five days — individually or altogether — anytime between park reopening and September 26, 2021.

Speak with a Disney reservations specialist to get more details on how to do this. And note that things are changing very quickly right now, so this could be updated at any time.

Via Napoli in Epcot

It’s important to note that guests will need a valid park ticket in order to use the Disney Park Pass system to make reservations for the theme parks. If you plan on visiting Disney World any time soon, be sure to talk to Disney or your travel agent to decide which option is the best for your situation!

When will you be returning to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney news, disney passes, disney tickets, Disney World, Disney World reopening, park hopper, park hopper plus

Tags disney, Disney News, disney parks, disney passes, Disney Tickets, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Featured, park hopper, park hopper plus, Walt Disney World

Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS! Disney English Learning Centers Will Be Closing in China!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 28, 2020

Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland have already been welcoming guests back into the parks in China.

Shanghai Disneyland

However, since this unprecedented situation constantly changes, Disney has had to make a few tough decisions outside of the parks in China.

Shine News has reported that Disney English will no longer be available in China after operating for 12 years. Disney English opened its learning centers with English-immersion classes that included storytelling, singing, and interactive games as a way to educate people in the country.

©Disney

The first Disney English location was debuted in Shanghai in October 2008, before making its way across the country with 26 learning centers (10 of which are based in Shanghai). Over 100,000 children ages 2 through 12 have been able to expand upon their language skills through Disney’s programs.

However, classes were closed in-person in January due to health concerns, and online classes were offered starting March 19th. The Walt Disney Company Executive Vice President Mahesh Samat has stated that “Over the past few years, we have noticed a shift in consumer preferences toward online learning experiences and this trend has been accelerated by the global pandemic as families are hesitant to resume in-person supplemental learning classes.”

Hong Kong Disneyland

He went on to comment that “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to not reopen the centers. We are ensuring that each family of a Disney English learner is refunded accordingly, and we are taking care of each and every one of our affected cast members.”

Shanghai Disneyland

Disney has notified parents that they are able to apply for refunds through July 21st. In order to visit the learning centers in person, parents should make an appointment. Anyone coming inside the Disney English locations will be required to wear masks, show their health QR codes, and bring their ID cards, bank cards, and contracts to receive a refund.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

As situations at different Disney locations around the world unfold, we will continue to keep you updated with more information!

Have you been to any of the international Disney Parks? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Hong Kong Disneyland, News, Disney, disney english, disney news, shanghai disneyland

Tags disney, disney english, Disney News, disney parks, Featured, hong kong disneyland, news, Shanghai Disneyland

Disney Parks Other

So WHY Can’t I Buy Disney World Park Tickets For 2020 Right Now??

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 28, 2020

The Disney World parks are currently set to reopen in mid-July.

Magic Kingdom

And, while we are now able to book vacation packages for 2021, guests still can’t purchase tickets or hotel reservations for dates in the remainder of 2020. So, what’s the deal?

With all of the moving parts surrounding the reopening of Disney World, it can be tough to decode what’s really going on — and why! Officially, Disney has stated that they will open up ticket sales and hotel reservations for the rest of 2020 “later this summer.” Although, as the situation progresses, this timeframe is subject to change.

©Disney

So, why the hold-up on 2020 tickets and hotel reservations? This comes down to the limited park capacity that will be implemented upon reopening. Prior to the closure, Disney was selling park tickets for 2020 dates based on full capacity. Now that they’ve released that park capacity will need to be greatly reduced this year, they want to ensure those who’ve already purchased a ticket for 2020 are able to visit.

Animal Kingdom Entrance

Essentially, the goal is to determine how many people currently have tickets AND how many are still planning to come to Disney World so that they’re not overselling the limited capacity theme parks. If the number of guests currently holding tickets already meets (or exceeds) the park capacity for the year, opening up ticket sales for 2020 would allow guests to purchase tickets that couldn’t be used.

Tower of Terror

Once those with 2020 tickets have made their Disney Park Pass reservations, Disney will determine whether they have any additional capacity in 2020 and if so, they’ll open up ticket sales at a later date.

Mission: SPACE

With all of the new policies and procedures, it can be tough to figure out exactly what’s happening with your Disney World vacation plans. Which is why we’re keeping a close eye on things as they unfold, to help break it down! If (or when) Disney World ticket sales are resumed for 2020, we’ll report back with the details!

Are YOU looking to get Disney World tickets for 2020? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Disney Park Pass, Disney Park Pass System, Disney World 2020, Disney World reopening, disney world ticket, disney world tickets, disney world vacation package, Disney World Vacation Packages, walt disney world 2020

Tags animal kingdom, Disney Park Pass, Disney Park Pass System, disney parks, Disney World 2020, Disney World reopening, disney world ticket, disney world tickets, disney world vacation package, Disney World Vacation Packages, disney's hollywood studios, epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, walt disney world 2020