Tag: hand sanitizer

Dear Disney, Please Don’t Make These Mistakes When the Parks Reopen

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

All eyes are on Disney as they prepare to reopen Disney World’s theme parks! While we have every confidence that Disney is thinking everything through a thousand times over, there are still a few things we hope Disney doesn’t mess up!

Disney World

After visiting Disney Springs every day since its reopening in addition to Universal Orlando and CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood, we’ve learned a thing or two about what mistakes we DON’T want to see Disney make when the parks reopen!

Please don’t make us wish you had a virtual queue system!

One of the biggest surprises as we await the reopening of Disney World was the news that the theme parks will NOT be using virtual queues upon reopening. We saw virtual queue systems implemented at Universal Orlando, and it seemed like the obvious solution for Disney as well to address the concern of physical distancing within the parks.

Rise of the Resistance

We know now that no rides or attractions, including Rise of the Resistance, will utilize virtual queues — at least at the beginning. Instead, every ride and attraction will use traditional standby queues.

With FastPass+ currently suspended and no Single Rider lines available, Disney will have additional queue space available to accommodate parties at six feet apart.

Physical distancing at Universal Orlando

We also know that Disney has stated that the capacity in their parks will be reduced, as it has been in Shanghai Disneyland. Disney will also utilize its Park Pass reservation system to further limit crowds. So, it may be that Disney anticipates no need for a virtual queue system to help control crowds.

Haunted Mansion

We hope that Disney’s decision to eliminate the possibility of virtual queues was the right one! It’s possible some systems may be implemented in the future, similar to how Shanghai Disneyland did not have virtual queues at first but are now rolling out a Standby Pass. Only time will tell!

Please don’t rely too heavily on paper menus, and instead push digital!

As restaurants have begun to reopen around Disney World, QR Code-based menus are the name of the game now! These digitally accessed menus are contactless and easily updated. Restaurants throughout the resort should be prepared for the necessity of paper menus for those without smartphones. That said, we hope that those restaurants have those on reserve for guests who truly need them.

Raglan Road paper menu

Giving paper menus out to only those who specifically request them will drastically reduce the amount of waste that all those paper menus will surely create!

Wine Bar George QR Code for Digital Menus

Digital menus are becoming more and more common throughout Disney Springs and the reopened Disney World hotels. Plus, with the huge strides Disney has taken lately to be more “green,” digital menus seem to be the perfect solution for the current global situation AND to further their green initiatives!

QR Code for Digital Menu

Disney can also continue to push mobile order at their counter service locations, as long as it doesn’t malfunction! We noticed a few technical bugs with the mobile order system at Universal Orlando, but Disney has been heavily pushing their Mobile Order system pre-closure, so they might not see the same troubles.

Mobile Order at Universal Orlando

The digital experience at dining locations is also being introduced before you even sit down to enjoy your meal! Disney recently announced that they are rolling out Mobile Dine Check-In, which allows you to check-in for your Advance Dining Reservation via My Disney Experience, skipping the host stand entirely.

Please don’t make it too difficult to find masks for purchase!

So far it seems as though most major theme parks are not handing out face masks for free. Disney has stated on multiple occasions that face coverings are required for all guests above the age of two for entry and must remain on for the duration of your stay at Disney World and Disneyland when the parks and resorts reopen.

American Threads Face Masks at Disney Springs

The exceptions to this rule are when you are seated at a dining location, you are eating or drinking on the go (your mask can be lifted temporarily to take a sip or a bite), or in the announced “relaxation zones” that Disney said may be a part of the park experience. These will be similar to the “URest Zones” we saw at Universal Orlando.

URest Area Entrance

It goes without saying that having access to masks is key! Plus, when you consider the likelihood of folks losing their masks, it needs to be as easy as possible to find new masks for purchase.

Vera Bradley Face Masks

Universal Orlando as well as Disney Springs and Disney World hotels have several retail locations that sell masks, but we wouldn’t complain if we saw even more locations AND even more varieties. We’ve learned one type of mask doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, so having a few options would be handy.

Face masks for sale at Bayview Gifts

We enjoyed the system at CityWalk Universal Studios Hollywood. There, we spotted a vending machine before you pass security that sold disposable as well as washable face masks!

Vending machine selling face masks

Many guests will not think to pack a spare mask or two for everyone in their party…for every single day, and purchasing masks should be as easy as possible!

Please don’t limit the number of places we can at least get a glimpse of the characters!

Perhaps the most jarring change guests will experience when visiting a reopened Disney World and Disneyland is the lack of character meet and greets, which have been temporarily suspended. In addition to that, all character dining has been canceled, with the one exception that we know of so far at Topolino’s Terrace.

Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters

As much as we understand the need to keep guests and Cast Members safe, there is surely pent up demand for a photo of Mickey Mouse!

Now, we do know that Disney World has announced that Character Cavalcades will take place throughout the day in each park.

Mickey Mouse

Having multiple character experiences throughout the day should lessen the likelihood of large crowds forming. If guests know there are plenty of chances to see the characters and Disney makes these encounters plentiful, there will be less demand — and less overcrowding — to catch that ONE show or that ONE cavalcade.

Will we see more mini-cavalcades when the parks reopen?

This was something we saw go EXTREMELY well at Universal Orlando! Characters seemed to be EVERYWHERE, more so than usual, and it lessened the need to crowd around any one character experience.

Please don’t skimp on the sanitization!

When a guest sees frequent sanitization of surfaces, they are more likely to feel safe and know that Disney has their health in mind first and foremost. This includes frequent cleaning of rides, counters at retail locations, dining locations, and any other touchpoints that a guest may come into contact with.

Cast Member cleaning at Disney Springs

Physical distancing is one step towards mitigating any risk, but frequently sanitizing surfaces will put everyone’s minds at ease that every precaution is being taken! So it’s super important when the parks reopen for guests to SEE the sanitization happening in front of their very eyes!

Cast Member with required face mask

Disney will have ample opportunity for guests to wash and sanitize their hands. Disney has always been known for keeping its parks super clean and tidy, and from what we’ve already seen in Disney Springs, we expect sanitizer and handwashing stations to be plentiful.

Please don’t have too few social distancing floor markers!

What we’ve observed over the past few weeks is that when places run out of physical distancing floor markers, it creates a “free for all” environment.

Physical distancing floor markers at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

And with the likelihood that crowds will naturally form in some places in the parks (like what we saw at Hogsmeade in Universal), those floor markers will be super important to help encourage distancing!

Universal Studios

While it’s impossible to mark every square inch of a theme park (could you imagine what that would look like?), having as many floor markers as possible goes a long way in helping folks know where to stand, and more importantly, where NOT to stand!

We’re learning more every day about what Disney is planning on implementing in their theme parks to keep guests and Cast Members safe. While we can only hope Disney is taking every extra precaution to mitigate risk, we still know that at the end of the day that this is all new, and all locations are learning as they go! So, yes, we can also expect this to be a learning experience for Disney as well as for guests as the theme parks reopen, so expect things to change and be modified even after the parks reopen!

Are you planning on visiting Disney World or Disneyland shortly after they reopen? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, cleaning, digital menus, Disney World, disney world masks, Disney World reopening, Disneyland reopening, distancing markers, face masks, hand sanitizer, handwashing stations, QR Code, qr menus, sanitizer, virtual queues

Tags cleaning, digital menus, Disney World, disney world masks, Disney World reopening, Disneyland Reopening, distancing markers, face masks, Featured, hand sanitizer, handwashing stations, QR Code, qr menus, sanitizer, virtual queues, Walt Disney World

Disney Lists Disney Parks

7 Problems You WON’T Have When Disney World Reopens

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 19, 2020

Here at DFB, we take pride in our Disney World trouble-shooting capabilities! We love decoding the theme parks and breaking down all of the key pieces of advice we need to equip y’all with so that you can have the best time EVER on your vacations!

Hollywood Studios

Recently it dawned on us while we’ve been dishing out Disney World advice to our family and friends that some of the theme parks’ biggest challenges might no longer be applicable when the parks reopen!

We Feel Ya, Mickey Mouse

Yes, we’re bummed that certain guest experiences are being modified or will be temporarily unavailable for a large portion of 2020, but try to look on the bright side — with less stuff happening, we might be in for a MUCH easier time at the parks when Disney World officially reopens July 11th and July 15th!

Here are some major problems you likely WON’T have to solve in Disney World this year!

Finding a Parking Space

How much do you dislike parking at Magic Kingdom? No? Just us?

Magic Kingdom

Since the parks will be opening with a limited capacity, we’re thinking this could mean waaay fewer cars! Of course, more folks might be driving instead of flying to Disney World this year so we can’t guarantee you won’t still lose your car (as we have on occasion!). But the idea of an easy-breezy time finding our car at the Transportation and Ticket Center sounds like a dream!

Getting a Seat on the Bus

Sometimes finding a spot to sit down on the bus is next to impossible! We can count on one hand how many times we’ve actually been able to sit down and relax on a bus heading home from the parks at the end of the night! Normally we’re elbow to elbow, standing room only, and counting down the seconds ’til we get to our resort!

Minnie Bus

But thanks to fewer passengers being loaded onto Disney World’s buses when the parks reopen, and required limited capacity and physical distancing, finding a seat might not be such a rare treat! Now that’s a big change our tired feet and aching bodies could really get used to!

A Shared Log

It’s likely that when rides begin operating at Disney World again strangers won’t be seated together on some attractions that place guests in close quarters, like Splash Mountain.

Logs are normally filled to capacity, but we have a feeling Disney World will be taking a lot of extra precautions by spacing out peeps as much as possible! This has some potential to be a one-log-per-family scenario!

Splash Mountain

And that’s just one example — think about riding Pirates of the Caribbean, it’s a small world, or even Spaceship Earth with smaller groups or JUST your fam (btw, Spaceship Earth WILL be reopening since its reno got postponed!). A lot fewer friends in our ride vehicles sounds downright magical to us — not to sound antisocial or anything!

Omnimovers in Action on Spaceship Earth

This also means PERFECT on-ride pics of JUST your family! No more wondering why grandma’s face is blocked by some guy in front of her in the pic from Frozen Ever After! Finally, a PhotoPass in-ride family portrait worthy of a frame!

Waiting in Long Standby Lines

And while we’re still awaiting more details about the new virtual queue system Disney World will be implementing, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has already stated rides will have significantly shorter wait times due to the parks operating with a limited number of guests!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Fewer people? Less waiting? This is starting to sound like a pretty sweet deal if you ask us!

Not Bringing Enough Hand Sanitizer With You

Didn’t we hear somewhere that all the water rides and pools are having their H20 replaced with Purell? Boy wouldn’t that be nice, but we kid, WE KID!

Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

Ok, hand sanitizer madness hasn’t gotten THAT bad, but here’s the thing — Disney World will provide plenty of free hand sanitizer as well as additional places for guests to wash their hands when the parks reopen. Don’t freak out if you can’t find the stuff at your local grocery stores. Rest assured hand sanitizer will be in high supply!

Having to Stake Out Your Spot for the Parade or Fireworks

Even though we’re sad about Disney World’s parades and fireworks being canceled for now, at least we won’t have to lose an hour (or MORE!) of our time staking out the perfect viewing spot!

(Real talk — we love the fireworks and parades and are quite bummed these will be missing for a while — and we know lots of you are, too — but we’re trying to see the bright side.)

Heavy Fireworks Crowds

We’re also not going to miss getting caught and almost trampled in the mass exodus of people once the parade and firework crowds let out. That doesn’t mean we won’t be wishing for these special events to return — but if there’s a silver lining to be found, we’ll just enjoy more time on rides than waiting for shows!

Making Awkward Chit-Chat With Disney Face Characters

Since most character experiences (except for Topolino Terrace’s character breakfast) won’t be resuming right away, another thing we’ll be cutting back on is the awkward small talk we sometimes have with face characters. Meeting Mickey and Minnie seems easy-breezy, but coming up with a few topics to discuss with princesses requires a lot of effort!

Snow White!

Don’t get us wrong — we love a chance to gab with Cinderella or Snow White! But there are only so many ways a grown man or woman can ask about gooseberry pies or talking mice before it starts to get weird!

We’re just trying to stay positive and hopeful about the new routine once Disney World reopens (which is shaping up to be something we NEVER thought we’d ever experience!). But if you only take away one piece of info from this story, remember this — Disney World is so much more than just a sum of its parts. Take some of those parts away, and it will still be Disney World, no matter what! We just have to look on the bright side!

What are some things you’re looking forward to not having to deal with when Disney World reopens? Tell us what they are in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, disney world attractions, fewer cars, fewer people, find a seat on the bus, fireworks, get to sit on the bus, good things, hand sanitizer, less challenges, less crowded, less people, limited capacity, make chit chat, no parade spots, problems you won’t have to deal with, ride more attractions, shorter waits, sit down on bus, standby lines, talk to face characters, won’t have to stake out a spot

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

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 12, 2020

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)!

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!

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.

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?

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!

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).

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!

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!

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.

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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The ULTIMATE GUIDE to the Reopened Disney Springs in Disney World!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 2, 2020

On May 20th, Disney Springs began a phased reopening. And we’ve been there every step of the way to see how each business has been adapting to the changes.

Disney Springs

In fact, we’ve been visiting every day so we can report back on all the dining, shopping, and safety info you need.

Since we’ve written A LOT on the subject, we wanted to provide you with the “ultimate guide” to navigating the newly reopened Disney Springs! We have the scoop on all of the health and safety measures taking place as well as where to eat, drink, and shop and how eating, drinking, and shopping will look! Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know!

Entering Disney Springs

In order to help enforce the new health and safety precautions in place, the process for entering Disney Springs is a bit different than we’ve seen in the past.

Temperature Screening

There are differences in parking, where you can enter, and what you need to know and do before you go.

Operating Hours

Disney Springs is officially operating with reduced hours (10AM to 10PM).

Disney Springs

However, those hours are subject to change. To align with Orange County’s temporarily enacted curfew, Disney Springs is operating only until 7PM until further notice.

Parking

Surface parking lots and valet are unavailable. Currently, parking is only available in the Lime and Orange Parking Garages to help reduce capacity, and once these garages are full, guests won’t be able to park there and visit Disney Springs.

Orange Parking Garage

We have seen that the Orange Parking Garage has been opening well before 9AM most days. Of course, this is always subject to change.

Entrances

At this time, there are only five entrances open to Disney Springs, all of which have temperature screening checkpoints.

This Way to Temperature Screening

The entrances are at the Orange and Lime garages, the Marketplace Entrance, the bus loop near Town Center, and the rideshare drop off area.

All your questions about the reopened Disney Springs, ANSWERED!

Health and Safety Initiatives

Guests will notice a number of health and safety precautions throughout Disney Springs, some of which they’ll experience before they even have the chance to enter.

AdventHealth Signage

From what face coverings to wear to what temperature you cannot exceed to what social distancing you’ll see, we’re going to cover all of the protocols Disney has implemented below.

Face Coverings

All guests aged 2 and older are required to wear a proper face covering while visiting Disney Springs — guests without masks will not be admitted.

Advent Health Cast Member at Temperature Screening

These face coverings should cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly, be secured with ties or ear loops, and be made of a breathable material. The face coverings can either be a reusable fabric mask or disposable.

Required Measures Sign

It’s important to keep in mind you must wear your face mask for the entire duration of your visit. The only times you’re allowed to take it off are when you’re seated in a restaurant or walking around with a food or drink in hand, in which case you’re allowed to lower your mask.

Click here to learn when you will and won’t have to wear a mask in Disney World

Temperature Screenings

In addition to mandatory face masks, all guests are required to have their temperature checked before entering Disney Springs. Health care workers from AdventHeath are providing temperature screenings for guests to help ensure accuracy.

Disney Springs

Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above will not be allowed to enter.

Temperature Check

If a guest does test with an elevated temperature, they’re allowed to attempt a second screening a few minutes later after waiting in a tented “cool down” area. But if they still test above the maximum temperature, they will be asked to leave along with their entire party.

Rescreening Tent

Though there is a temperature check, there is no bag check to enter Disney Springs.

Click here to learn more about temperature checks in Disney World

Increased Sanitation

Guests will find hand sanitizer stations throughout Disney Springs.

Hand sanitizer station

Portable handwashing stations are also located throughout Disney Springs. They’re highly visible and easy to locate, but if you need to use one and can’t find it on your own, ask a friendly Cast Member, and they’ll be happy to direct you!

Click here to see the handwashing stations in Disney Springs

Social Distancing Squads

Speaking of wonderful Cast Members, we’ve had our first chance encounter with the Social Distancing Squad at Disney Springs!

Cast Member

These Cast Members are on hand to provide guests with additional support while ensuring nobody is breaking any rules.

Click here to learn more about these Cast Members

Social Distancing

In order to reduce contact between guests, there are social distancing markers placed throughout Disney Springs.

World of Disney Social Distancing Stickers

While Disney has its own standard set of social distancing markers, other third-party businesses are using their own signage. For instance, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company is using coffee bean floor decals to show guests where to stand and keep them at a six-foot distance.

Joffrey’s Coffee Bean Distancing Markers

Click here to learn more about the social distancing markers in Disney Springs

Dining in Disney Springs

While not all dining locations have reopened in Disney Springs, guests will find a wide variety of options to choose from, with new locations continuing to open.

George Miliotes at Wine Bar George’s Reopening

From new utensil dispensers to contactless menus, and mobile order payment updates, we’ve seen a bunch of new procedures at some of our favorite places to dine in Disney World.

Table Service Dining

Since May 20th, we’ve eaten at STK, The Boathouse, Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, T-Rex, Frontera Cocina, and more table service spots to see what changes they’ve implemented.

Sever at The Boathouse

Changes at table service locations include, but are not limited to: lower capacity, socially distanced tables, and single-use paper menus. We’ve also noticed some locations providing disposable bags to store our masks, and using contactless payment methods.

digital Checkout at STK

Note that at this time, reservations for Table-Service restaurants can NOT be made through the My Disney Experience app, but certain locations are currently bookable on Open Table or directly through the restaurants.

See what it’s like to dine at several Disney Springs restaurants that have just reopened here!

Quick Service Dining

We’ve also visited Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, Chicken Guy!, D-Luxe Burger, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., Pizza Ponte, Morimoto Asia Street Food, The Polite Pig, Earl of Sandwich, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, The Basket, 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck, and The Daily Poutine. Yep — we’ve been STUFFED lately!

Pork Rinds at The Polite Pig

In addition to single-use menus, quick service spots are also spacing out their tables, putting up plexiglass in front of cash registers, and limiting capacity in addition to other health and safety measures.

Check out our answers to ALL your questions about the reopening of Disney Springs here!

Snacking at Disney Springs

If you’re feeling thirsty or need a small snack, you’re in luck — plenty of outdoor pop-up bar and snack carts are now fully operational!

Disney Springs Pop-Up Bar Cart

Beyond alcoholic beverages, there are carts selling Mickey Pretzels and Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars! And if you’re jonesing for some Pineapple Dole Whip — the snack you voted as your most-loved Disney food — you can find it in Disney Springs right now too!

Dole Whip in Disney Springs

And for you folks at home with refillable popcorn buckets, you CAN still get ’em refilled at Disney Springs right now! If you forgot yours at home, Disney is selling some basic popcorn buckets so you can fill up on the good stuff!

Click here to see what it’s like snacking around reopened Disney Springs

Shopping in Disney Springs

World of Disney

As of May 27th, World of Disney is open daily from 10AM to close.

World of Disney

While the first day was CRAZY with over a three-hour wait and a new virtual queue system just to step foot in the store, the crowds have mostly calmed down since then.

Ears Section of World of Disney

Another thing we’ve noticed is the store has been opening earlier on certain days than its posted operating hours.

World of Disney

When we spoke with a Cast Member about why the store was already open (well before 10 AM) she told us they are trying to get a better handle on things and are taking it day-by-day. But your mileage may vary, so don’t count on getting in before the designated opening time!

Click here to learn more about the very busy reopening of World of Disney!

Store Capacity

Both Disney-owned stores and third party shops are limiting the number of guests allowed in a store at any given time. Shops such as Sephora, Under Armour, and World of Disney have reached capacity over the recent week, for example.

Virtual Queue

World of Disney has initiated a virtual queue for busy days, while other shops have guests wait outside in lines.

Click here to see our experience when Under Armour when hit capacity

Social Distancing at Stores

In addition to limiting the number of shoppers, plexiglass shields have been installed at most stores’ cash registers, and queues have been outfitted with social distancing markers.

Please Stand Here Markers at Checkout

Although contactless forms of payment are highly encouraged, most businesses are still accepting cash.

Contactless Payment Sign

We’ve seen signage asking guests to limit the handling of products and we’ve also seen that many larger stores have defined entrances and exits.

What About Samples?

Smelling spices at The Spice Tea & Exchange, playing with Legos at the Lego Store, or trying on a little makeup at Sephora is half the fun of shopping! But what about samples and trying out new products right now?

Sephora

Upon entering The Spice & Tea Exchange, we were offered hand sanitizer. However, we were still able to open jars to get a sense of the 140-plus spice blends! The jars and displays were being regularly wiped down by Cast Members.

The Spice & Tea Exchange

As for Sephora, it’s offering freshly sanitized shopping baskets and wiping down counters, but testers are for display only and all Beauty Bar services are temporarily suspended.

Safety Measures at Sephora

We also recently stopped by the newly reopened Lego Store to get ourselves equipped for Legoland Florida’s June 1st reopening.

LEGO Store employee shows a product to guests

In addition to having just one working entrance, the shop’s interactive touch screen computers have been turned off and bins with build-your-own parts were unavailable.

Computers are shut down in the LEGO Store

Store associates were also on hand to give guests products — we were NOT allowed to grab items ourselves — and guests stood to the side of cashiers when purchasing items instead of in front of them.

Click here to see more of our experience at the Lego Store!

Where to Buy Face Masks at Disney Springs

While we haven’t seen any face masks for sale yet at Disney-owned locations, we have spotted some at American Threads, Vera Bradley, and The Polite Pig.

Vera Bradley Face Masks

The stock at stores is always changing, so you never know what you’ll find at Disney Springs!

Read about our shopping experience at Disney Springs here!

Disney Springs Attractions

The new Cirque du Soliel show, Drawn to Life, has been postponed and other Disney Springs attractions such as the NBA Experience and The VOID are closed.

But there is one attraction you can still enjoy at Disney Springs!

Soar in the Sky on the Aerophile

The Aerophile, also known as the hot air balloon at Disney Springs, IS operating right now!

Disney Springs

Aerophile flights are available for $20 per person. The attraction is enforcing social distancing both in the line and in the balloon. Whereas you could wander the balloon before, now you need to stay in a designated spot while in flight.

The queue area for Aerophile

Cast members also told us they are wiping down the carriage area between parties to keep guests as safe as possible.

Click here to learn more about riding the Aerophile in reopened Disney Springs

Atmosphere

Normally, when you walk around Disney Springs, there are bands playing music and street performers entertaining crowds. But right now, those performances are on pause.

Stormtroopers

But not ALL is lost. In fact, we spotted some particularly intimidating guys enforcing social distancing! That’s right…STORMTROOPERS were patrolling above Uno de 50 recently! They’ve since relocated to the balcony above AMC!

Yes, there are STORMTROOPERS in Disney Springs today!

While it’s a far cry from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we’ll still take it!

Click here to learn more about these unique security guards in Disney Springs!

As you can see, we’ve been pounding the pavement at Disney Springs to bring you all the details you need for your next visit as well as spotting as much new stuff as we can find!

Be sure to plan ahead for the dining and shopping experiences you want to visit, and you’ll set yourself up for a fantastic day at Disney Springs — even if it does look a little different than your last visit.

What Will It Take For You to Feel Safe at Disney World? Here’s What Our Readers Said!

Have you visited Disney Springs since it has reopened? Share your story with us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, AdventHealth, aerophile, dining in disney springs, Disney Springs Counter Service, Disney Springs entertainment, Disney Springs health measures, Disney Springs Parking, disney springs quick service, disney springs reopen, disney springs reopening, disney springs reopening faq, disney springs restaurants, disney springs shopping, disney springs table service, Disney Springs temperature checks, do I have to wear a face mask?, eating, entertainment, face coverings, face masks, hand sanititzer stations, hand sanitizer, Hand Sanitizer Station, health checkpoints, lego store, lime garage, mandatory face masks, orange garage, Parking, sanitation, shopping, social distancing, stormtroppers, Table Service Restaurants, temperature checks, temperature screenings, wearing face masks, where to buy face masks, World of Disney

Tags AdventHealth, aerophile, Counter-Service, dining in disney springs, Disney Springs, Disney Springs Counter Service, Disney Springs entertainment, Disney Springs health measures, Disney Springs Parking, disney springs quick service, disney springs reopen, disney springs reopening, disney springs reopening faq, Disney Springs Restaurants, disney springs shopping, disney springs table service, Disney Springs temperature checks, do I have to wear a face mask?, eating, entertainment, face coverings, face masks, Featured, hand sanititzer stations, hand sanitizer, Hand Sanitizer Station, health checkpoints, lego store, lime garage, mandatory face masks, orange garage, Parking, sanitation, Shopping, Snacks, social distancing, stormtroppers, Table Service Restaurants, Table-Service, temperature checks, temperature screenings, Walt Disney World, wearing face masks, where to buy face masks, World of Disney

Disney Parks Other

Potential Solutions For Disney World’s New Guest Transportation Problems

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 29, 2020

We have a major question about the reopening of Disney World — and some ideas about how it might play out!

Walt Disney World’s Epcot

While the Disney World parks remain closed, the resort has taken its first step towards resuming operations with the phased reopening of Disney Springs on May 20th.

We can look at the reopening of Disney Springs, as well as Shanghai Disneyland, for an idea of what to expect when the Disney World parks welcome back guests. But we have one HUGE question for which Disney hasn’t yet set a precedent.

Here’s What We’ve Learned So Far

We have several models to reference for a picture of what it may look like inside the reopened parks. There are some standard procedures that we’ve seen in the reopenings of Shanghai Disneyland, Disney Springs, and Universal CityWalk. Each of these locations has implemented safety measures including temperature checks, required face coverings, limited hours and offerings, and social distancing. So, we expect to see these precautions when the Disney World parks reopen as well.

But even though we have somewhat of an idea of what the INSIDE of the parks might look like, we still have one major question about the reopening of Disney World.

What About Transportation??

With many vacationers flying in from out of state, transportation is a huge part of the guest experience at Disney World. In fact, sometimes Disney transportation is unavoidable.

Monorail

With so many guests reliant on Disney transportation, that often leads to enclosed spaces packed tight with people. As a part of their proposed reopening plan, Disney noted that we may see modifications to the way that transportation is run. According to WDWMagic.com, Disney World will be offering limited transportation services such as the monorail and Friendship ferryboats.

So, how will Disney address these limitations? Let’s take a look at the different forms of available transportation, along with potential solutions.

Buses

Disney buses are one of the primary modes of transportation around property, especially for hotel guests. And if you’ve ever been on one of these buses around park open or close, you’ve probably experienced just how many people they can pack in. So, with the importance of distance, how would the buses operate?

Minnie Bus

Well, let’s take a look at how other bus systems have adapted.

According to the BBC, the buses in London have reduced capacity to 13-15% of their normal number of passengers. The largest, double-length Disney buses can typically carry over 100 passengers, so, in theory, this would need to be reduced to about 15 passengers per bus if Disney were to follow the same reduced capacity measures.

Aladdin Bus Wrap

The CDC has also recommended that bus drivers take precautions in order to ensure their safety. In addition to requiring both the passengers and driver to wear a mask, it’s also suggested that passengers enter and exit through a rear door, and that hand sanitizer be made readily available.

Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

So, based on the precedent set by other bus operations and recommendations from the CDC, if Disney bus service is made available, they would need to greatly reduce capacity, change the loading and unloading procedure, and sanitize regularly.

Monorail

While buses might be more widely used, the Monorail is certainly an iconic form of Disney transportation. But similar to the issues with buses, the Monorail is often incredibly crowded, with little ventilation. So, what changes might we see to Monorail transportation?

Monorail at Disney World

We can look at the adjustments made to train and subway systems for some potential clues. In New York City, the subway service is suspended from 1 AM to 5 AM to allow for deep cleaning, and even daytime service is reduced to 25%. In 2016, Orlando Sentinal reported that the Disney World Monorail carries roughly 150,000 guests per day. If capacity were limited to 25%, that would be only 37,500 guests per day.

Walt Disney World Monorail

Luckily, sanitation could be done at night when the monorail isn’t already running, so that should not cut into the amount of guests who can be transported. Also, given the importance of distance (and the size of each Monorail compartment), Disney could place each party in their own compartment.

Skyliner

In theory, it would be easier to implement health and safety measures on the Disney Skyliner than other forms of transportation. Since each gondola can only hold up to ten guests, Cast Members could seat one party per gondola. Also, the windows on the gondola allow for airflow and ventilation.

Disney Skyliner

But, if the Skyliner gondolas must be sanitized after each party, we could see the line running much slower to give Cast Members the time to wipe down the surfaces. Depending on how much slower they would need to run, this could become uncomfortable for guests suspended in the air for an extended period of time.

There’s still a major question as to how/if Disney will sanitize transportation compartments between riders on the Skyliner and Monorail.

Boats

There are also several boats that transport guests around Disney property, including the ferryboats that travel between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Magic Kingdom, and the Friendship boats which connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs to surrounding resorts.

Friendship Boat Transportation Cards

Most of the boats have better ventilation than the buses and Monorail — some of them are even open-air. So, while guest distancing would still need to be practiced with staggered seating (or standing, in the case of the ferryboat), in theory, the boats should provide a safer travel environment than enclosed forms of transportation.

Friendship Boat

As with the other forms of transportation, services would need to be reduced to allow for regular sanitization and cleaning, and capacity would likely be limited, resulting in possibly longer wait times.

Minnie Vans

While this isn’t a free form of Disney transportation, Minnie Vans allow guests to request a rideshare service within Disney World property or between Disney World property and the Orlando International Airport or Port Canaveral. The service is run through the Lyft app, but all Minnie Vans are driven by Disney Cast Members.

Minnie Vans don’t come cheap, but we could see more guests opt to utilize them if other transportation changes cause extended delays. This form of transportation has built-in social distancing since guests pay for a private ride.

New Minnie Vans Driver Costume

As reported by CNBC, Uber has recently started requiring that all drivers and passengers wear masks, and it’s likely that Minnie Van drivers and passengers would need to wear masks as well. In addition, the vehicles would need to be regularly sanitized between parties.

Click here to learn more about Disney’s Minnie Van service

Walking

While many of the Disney World hotels require some form of transportation to get to the parks, there are a few that guests are able to walk directly to the parks!

There’s a path from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the Magic Kingdom and resort guests can walk to the park in five or ten minutes. And guests at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort all have access to walking paths directly to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

What appears to be a walkway connecting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to the Magic Kingdom was under construction pre-closure. If completed, it would allow guests at the Grand Floridian and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to be able to walk to the Magic Kingdom as well.

Disney’s Boardwalk

All of the resorts that do have access to a walking path directly to one of the parks are on the pricy side. But guests who are able to stay in one of these resorts can bypass Disney transportation all together — for certain parks at least!

Click here to see Bob Chapek’s comments about Disney World’s reopening here

Now that the first steps are being taken towards reopening theme parks, we are starting to get a picture of what operations in the park might look like. But given Disney World’s unique transportation needs, we’re waiting to see how buses, boats, the Monorail, and the Skyliner might change! And based on the precedent set by other transportation systems around the world, some of these are set up for success more than others.

Which form of Disney transportation would you feel most comfortable using? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Beach Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Contemporary Resort, disney parks, disney resorts, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Contemporary, disney bus, Disney Bus service, Disney Bus System, disney transportation, Disney World Monorail, Disney World reopening, Disney World transportation, Disney’s yacht club resort, face masks, ferryboat, hand sanitizer, health and safety measures, Minnie Vans, monorail, sanitation