Tag: health and safety measures

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

REVIEW! We Found BEER CHEESE…at Morimoto Asia in Disney World?!

Disney Springs began its phased reopening on May 20th to welcome guests back to its third-party restaurants and stores.

Morimoto Asia

Since there are plenty of new health and safety procedures in place across Disney Springs, restaurants are limiting capacity and implementing social distancing measures. And, while we gave you ALL the details on dining in Disney Springs, we’re back again for more food! But, this time, we’re heading to Morimoto Asia for some Japanese cuisine.

Check In

When you first arrive at the restaurant, there are is a line for guests with reservations to the left, with distancing stickers on the ground.

Morimoto Asia Line

And, there’s a separate line for drop-in guests to the right of the restaurant.

Morimoto Asia Distancing Signs

Atmosphere

Every time we walk into Morimoto Asia, we can’t get over how BEAUTIFUL the atmosphere is! It feels like you’re walking into a magical fantasy with its string light chandeliers (which fit right into Disney World!).

Morimoto Asia

Although we noticed that the cocktail bar and sushi bar were both closed, you can still order both of them at your table! So, don’t worry — you can get that Sake with your meal!

Morimoto Asia Sign

Annnd, you’re going to want to pull out your phone to check the menu since Morimoto Asia is only using a QR menu for the time being.

Morimoto Sign

If you don’t have a compatible device, notify your servers and they will be able to assist you! But know that Morimoto Asia is operating with a limited menu, so your favorite meal might not be available at this time.

Drinks

As we were deciding what to get, our server told us that two new drinks were debuting at the restaurant!

Forbidden Highball and Sparkling Belvedere

The Sparkling Belvedere is Morimoto’s twist on a Cosmo made with belvedere vodka, yuzu, cranberry, and topped with sparkling rosé for $18. Just like a regular Cosmo, the Sparkling Belvedere was delicious and SUPER refreshing. But, the most unique part of the cocktail was the citrusy yuzu — which added some tartness to the otherwise sweeter flavors!

Sparkling Belvedere

The Forbidden Highball is a simple combination of Toki Japanese whiskey and soda water, but don’t be fooled — it packs a lot of flavor! We were actually surprised that the drink was made with whiskey since it is so light. Our server told us that Morimoto is actually one of the few restaurants in the United States that sells Toki. So, in order to make the Forbidden Highball, Morimoto had to get a special machine called the Toki Highball to mix the drink properly.

Forbidden Highball

You can grab the Forbidden Highball for $16!

Eats

After we ordered, we were given disposable plastic silverware and chopsticks to use. We started our meal off with the Cauliflower and Cheese Spring Rolls for $16, which actually surprised us by how much of a treat they are!

Cauliflower Spring Rolls

While most restaurants with Asian cuisine might leans towards a more traditional Spring Roll, Morimoto’s unique twist was extremely good with plenty of cheese packed into the flaky rolls.

Inside the Cauliflower Spring Rolls

The Cauliflower and Cheese Spring Rolls also came with a side of Buffalo Beer Cheese Sauce, which is SO GOOD. We won’t pass up an opportunity for some extra cheese with a spicy kick! ?

Buffalo Beer Cheese Sauce

After all that cheesy goodness, we decided to try the Buri Bop and Beef Lo Mein for our main courses. And, if you have never had Buri Bop, it’s basically a little show as it’s prepared in front of you for $36 ! Iron Chef Morimoto actually won Japan’s Iron Chef Competition with this recipe, so it’s one of the restaurant’s favorite things to serve up. (We stan an iconic dish!)

Buri Bop Being Made!

The chef started with raw Japanese yellowtail and a raw egg with rice and veggies (including chili curls that look BOMB). It was presented in a 550 degree hot bowl (!!!) and the chef seared the fish on it while he stirred the other ingredients and cooked the egg.

Anybody Else Super Hungry Now??

If the show doesn’t sound interesting enough, the flavors of the dish were AH-MAZING. Even if you aren’t normally a fan of fish this Buri Bop might just change your mind!

Yellowtail Fish

The bowl was packed with flavors of ginger and soy in every bite of the yellowtail and rice. Since the Buri Bop sat in the hot dish, the rice at the bottom got all crispy, which was a great texture contrast to the other soft ingredients.

Buri Bop

And, believe it or not, our meal got even better since the Beef Lo Mein was also incredible! The dish was made with stir-fried noodles, beef tenderloin, napa cabbage, carrots, bean sprout, mushroom, and scallions for $25.

Beef Lo Mein

Although it may seem like a more typical meal to find at a restaurant like this, it was a stand-out against other lo meins that we’ve had! The beef tasted like very good quality and was cooked well. The flavors of the mushrooms and scallions added to the tender beef. Plus, that beef and veggie to noodle ratio was ON POINT, so you get enough of each part when you take each bite!

Beef Lo Mein Noodles

The only thing that could have made our meal better was dessert. BUT, Morimoto Asia isn’t serving dessert right now since the company that makes their ice cream hasn’t opened yet.

Overall

Morimoto Asia is one of those spots in Disney Springs that consistently serves up amazing food, even if you’re just trying the Street Food quick-stop outside!

Morimoto Asia

If you’re looking for a place to have traditional Japanese cuisine or try something new, check out Morimoto Asia the next time you’re in Disney Springs. Plus, that Buri Bop turned our dinner into dinner with a show!

Have you eaten at Morimoto Asia before? Let us know your experience in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. The Rubber Duckie Drink RETURNS! We’re Back at The Boathouse in Disney Springs on Reopening Day
  2. PHOTOS and TIPS: Our FULL Experience From Reopening Day at Disney Springs
  3. News! Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs Share New Safety Protocols

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney restaurant review, Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs crowd levels, disney springs dining, disney springs re-opening, disney springs reopening, Disney World, health and safety measures, highball, lo mein, Morimoto, Morimoto Asia, reservation, Tori

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

Universal Orlando Is Reopening June 5th and We’ve Got ALL the Details!

Universal Orlando is reopening its theme parks to the public on June 5th. 

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is set to become one of the first major theme park resorts to reopen in the United States. Though they have set a precedent with the reopening of Universal CityWalk last week, the company is still working out many of the details about how their reopening will look on June 5th. Here’s what we know so far.

Going to the Theme Parks

According to the reopening plan that Universal submitted to the Florida government, the theme parks will implement a soft opening with limited guests on June 1st before moving to a public and official reopening on June 5th.

Universal

Unlike Shanghai Disneyland, guests will not be required to make a reservation to visit the theme parks. Still, the parks will be operating at limited capacity so Universal does note that the parks may reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted.

The majority of attractions and experiences are set to be available when the park opens. Some experiences will not be available and some may be altered. More specific information will be released soon and we will be sure to update.

Islands of Adventure Gate

The rest of the Universal Resort health, safety, and hygiene measures will apply (below). We will keep an eye out for more specific information on the theme park operations.

Going to Volcano Bay

Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay, will be opening as well. To implement physical distancing, the water park will follow the same guidelines as the rest of the resorts plus a few more specific ones. Capacity will be limited on each attraction (rivers and pools included), one party will be allowed per raft for raft rides, and lounge chairs will be arranged so that parties may sit together with six feet between other guests.

©Universal

Guests will be required to wear face masks during their time in Volcano Bay however they will not be permitted on the water slides or in the pools. Team members will be wearing face coverings as long as it is not required that they get in the water. Those who may need to enter the water (lifeguards, etc.) will wear balaclavas when not specifically on a slide or in a pool.

Health Measures

The general health measures at Universal are as follows:

  • Guests and team members are required to wear face coverings.
  • Guests and team members are required to undergo temperature checks. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter Universal CityWalk or the theme parks.
  • Parking will be staggered within the parking garage to help create distance between travel groups.
  • Park and attraction capacity will be limited and reduced in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
  • There will be increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, and other frequent touchpoints.
  • Physical distancing will be encouraged at all locations through the parks.
  • Virtual Line will be available for select attractions.
  • Cashless payments and “no-touch” policies will be available where possible.

CityWalk Reopening

With the exception of water rides, guests will be required to wear their face coverings while on the attractions. Hand sanitizer will also be required prior to boarding a ride vehicle and Universal team members will provide guests with sanitizer.

Soft Opening

As we mentioned, Universal Orlando will be opening with a limited number of guests on June 1st to get ready for the public reopening a few days later.

Universal CityWalk

At this time, Universal is still working through the details as to who those limited guests may be.

Passholder Update

Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders received an email today announcing the reopening with a “Welcome Home.” Special Passholder experiences will apparently be announced soon.

Universal Email Screenshot

As a reminder, Universal is automatically extending all affected Annual and Seasonal passes by the number of days that the parks were closed.

Hotel Information

As for the hotels, Universal is still working out the details. Guests with reservations will be contacted as soon as plans are made available.

Universal Studios Aventura Hotel Heart Message

For now, guests can modify or cancel bookings held for the closure period with no fee. During the period, cancelation fees are waived for hotel reservations canceled more than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Events

Universal has canceled all scheduled events including Grad Bash 2020 and Gradventure 2020.

On the subject of Halloween Horror Nights and the 2020 Holidays celebration, more details will be released at a later time. We will update you with any more events information.

We will update this post as more details are released about the opening of Universal Orlando Resort. 

Do you have questions about the Universal Orlando reopening? Put them in the comments below. 

Related posts:

  1. BREAKING NEWS: Universal Orlando Is Officially Opening June 5th
  2. Universal Studios Has EXTENDED Its Temporary Closure
  3. Universal Orlando’s CityWalk Has Just Reopened! See What Our Experience Was Like Here!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, health and safety measures, Islands of Adventure, phased reopening, Universal Hotels, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Passholders, universal orlando reopening, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal reopening, Universal Studios, universal studios reopening, Universal Volcano Bay, Volcano Bay

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Disney Parks

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

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

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular

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

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

Boo to You

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

Cursed Caravan

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

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

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

Jack & Sally

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

Seven Dwarfs at MNSSHP

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

There could be fewer tickets available.

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

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

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

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

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

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

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

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

Trick-or-Treating Might Change in the Magic Kingdom

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

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

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

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

Related posts:

  1. Ultimate Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Disney World
  2. NEWS! Get a “First Look” at Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular Coming to Magic Kingdom!
  3. Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Worth The Spend This Year?

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

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Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS! Universal Orlando Resort Presents Plan for Safety Measures Upon Reopening

Universal Orlando Resort has presented a plan for reopening its theme parks with a proposed date to reopen to the public on June 5, 2020. (This would follow a proposed reopening to Universal team members on June 1st and 2nd and “invited guests” such as Annual Passholders on June 3rd and 4th.)

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando — along with Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld — has been closed since mid-March in light of the global health situation. Along with the proposed opening date, Universal Orlando Resort has also presented safety measures to implement upon reopening, which we will be exploring here.

We have already seen new safety measures in action at the reopening of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk on May 14th, which is currently the only area of the Resort open to guests. (Disney Springs began its phased reopening yesterday.)

Bubba Gump at CityWalk

And Universal shared that they are looking towards a “gradual capacity reopening” with a slow ramp up and a focus on three types of measures: Screening, Sanitation, and Spacing Standards.

Guest Services at CityWalk

However, the theme parks will also operate under a set of guidelines encompassing the specific offerings within parks like ride and other attractions. The proposed measures would begin even prior to the guest’s arrival.

Pre-arrival Communications

According to the proposed plan, guests planning to visit Universal Orlando can expect to find pre-arrival communication on the Universal Orlando Resort website and on Universal’s social media accounts.

CityWalk Reopening

Within these communications, the goal will be to make it very clear to guests what Universal intends to do to keep them safe, and also what expectations Universal has for its guests. Representatives of Universal at the meeting shared that “some things are going to be different,” and that they will ask guests to “cooperate.”

Universal

And within the Resort, guests will continue to have access to helpful information. One way that will be presented is with “Ambassadors” placed throughout the Resort to help guests with the new procedures and answer questions. “They will be everywhere and very visible.”

Screening

Screening measures will apply to both Universal team members and guests. Team members will undergo temperature checks each day, as will guests upon arrival — as we’ve experienced already at CityWalk. (There will be additional procedures for team members to employ with guests, and training will begin this weekend.)

Temperature Check

Guests will also be required to wear face masks. Universal plans to provide a free disposable mask for guests who arrive without one.

Sanitation

Upon reopening, water and mist will be eliminated from rides.

Restroom Signs at Universal

Additional measures will include the requirement that team members wash their hands every 30 minutes, noting that Universal will increase amount of breaks for employees to wash hands and remove their masks away from guest areas.

Spacing Standards

Resort capacity will be “managed” and ramped up slowly. Spacing will start in the parking lots with staggered parking for team members and guests (while valet parking will not be in operation).

CityWalk Reopening

And capacity measures will continue to be managed throughout venues within the Resort, with plans in place for physical distancing in restaurants, stores, and more.

Store signage to promote distancing

For instance, attraction lines will utilize virtual queues while single rider lines will be eliminated. Attraction queue entry will have social distancing plans posted at the attraction to explain to guests what the system in place is.

Universal CityWalk signage

Post-show meet and greets will be eliminated (though performers will stay onstage so guests may take photos of them).

Safe distancing will be encouraged for team members outside of work. Mobile food ordering will be utilized in the “back of the house and the front of the house.”

There is more information to share, and we will continue to update this post with proposed plans from Universal Orlando Resort!

Universal Orlando Resort presented its plans to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings during today’s meeting of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. Mayor Demings has stated it will take 24-48 hours to review the plans before submitting them to Governor DeSantis.

This process of local approval is in keeping with instruction from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that theme parks should work alongside their local governments on their plans for reopening and that local government officials will need to endorse any potential plans prior to submitting them for state approval. So we will be keeping you posted on this developing story!

You can read more about the current status of Disney Resorts and parks around the world by following any of the links below.

Have you visited Universal while in Orlando? Please let us know with a comment.

Related posts:

  1. NEWS and PHOTOS: Face Masks and Hand Sanitizer Available for Purchase at Universal Orlando Resort Stores
  2. Universal Orlando CityWalk is Reportedly Planning a Partial Reopening SOON
  3. Universal Sends Out Surveys About Potential Re-Opening Scenarios

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, health and safety measures, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando News, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal reopening, Universal Reopening Plan

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Disney Parks Other

Review: We’re Trying the Chocolatti Drink at the Reopened Earl of Sandwich in Disney World

Disney Springs has started its phased reopening today, with select third-party restaurant and retail locations welcoming back guests.

Earl of Sandwich

Disney Springs has started to reopen with additional health and safety measures in place. And, while not all locations have resumed operations, Earl of Sandwich has officially reopened. Our team headed out to get a feel for how things are going around Disney Springs — so, let’s take a peek inside Earl of Sandwich!

Last week, we learned that Earl of Sandwich would be reopening their doors on May 20th. So, we stopped by to see how things look inside one of our favorite sandwich shops. Much of these protocols were present at other counter service dining locations. Our first encounter with Earl included ground markers outside in case they needed to start an outdoor queue, but we were able to head right inside!

Earl of Sandwich

Menu

Like other Disney Springs dining locations, Earl of Sandwich implemented disposable paper menus.

Earl of Sandwich Menu

Their menu looked largely the same with many of our favorites available for purchase! Their disposable menus also provided information about what your Disney Dining Plan credits would get you.

Earl of Sandwich Menu

Service

Like other locations today at Disney Springs, floor markers were present to remind guests to stand six feet apart while in line.

Earl of Sandwich

We saw employees wearing masks as well as gloves. Similar to our experience at Chicken Guy!, guests were not allowed to approach the counter where you would normally grab cup lids, napkins, and utensils. An employee was ready to grab whatever you needed for you!

Earl of Sandwich

This included filling and refilling whatever fountain drinks you need.

Earl of Sandwich

There was hand sanitizer ready and available for customers to use.

Earl of Sandwich

Like other dining locations, indoor, as well as outdoor tables, were spread out to meet physical distancing guidelines.

Earl of Sandwich

Eats (or rather, drinks!)

Obviously, we had to give something a try while we visited Earl! We picked up the new-to-us Chocolatti beverage, which is blended Ghirardelli chocolate topped with sea salt, whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles. Essentially a chocolate lover’s dream, or so we thought!

Chocolatti

While we found the drink to be a cool and refreshing sip on a hot Florida afternoon, we wished the chocolate flavor was more pronounced. Especially when you include Ghirardelli as your main ingredient, we want to taste ALL that chocolatey goodness!

Chocolatti at Earl of Sandwich

Payment

The plexiglass screen guards were present at the registers for Earl of Sandwich. Other than that, the payment process was very familiar and not as out of the ordinary to us. At this time, they are still accepting cash as a method of payment.

Earl of Sandwich

Overall Experience

As a long-standing Disney Springs staple, Earl of Sandwich is back and in full swing! We noticed many similar protocols to other counter service dining locations throughout Disney Springs.

What is your favorite menu item at Earl of Sandwich? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. Have A Royal Banquet with the NEW “Earl’s Feast” in Disney Springs!
  2. NEWS: Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC to Reopen in Disney Springs on May 20th
  3. News! Earl of Sandwich Is Opening With Disney Springs on May 20th!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs crowd levels, Disney Springs Earl of Sandwich, disney springs re-opening, disney springs reopening, Earl of Sandwich, health and safety measures