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Disney Parks

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.”

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

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

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Disney Parks Other

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

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

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

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.

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

©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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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Disney News Disney Parks

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

One of the perks available to Disney Vacation Club Members is the opportunity to attend Moonlight Magic events.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

Spaceship Earth

These are after-hours events where DVC members can ride attractions with shorter wait times, meet characters, indulge in complimentary snacks and drinks, and attend dance parties!

While the Disney World parks are set to reopen in July, some offerings and entertainment will be temporarily suspended. For example, the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events have been canceled this year.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom

And, for the safety of both guests and Cast Members, Disney has announced that the Moonlight Magic events scheduled during the months of June, July, and August have been canceled.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

©Disney

There are currently Moonlight Magic events scheduled at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 15th, September 22nd, and October 6, 2020. Currently, these event dates have NOT been canceled, however, that is subject to change as Disney continues to monitor the situation.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

©Disney

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for any updates or announcements regarding the remaining Moonlight Magic dates in 2020!

Did you have plans to attend one of these Moonlight Magic events? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Club, Disney World cancellations, DVC, DVC Members, DVC Membership Magic Event, moonlight magic

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Disney Food Disney Guides Disney Lists Disney Parks

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

When people come up with their absolute “must do” activities at Disney World, most travelers think of things like riding Space Mountain, watching the fireworks, and enjoying a delicious Dole Whip.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Dole Whip from Marketplace Snacks in Disney Springs

But in addition to these fan-favorite attractions and activities, there’s an entire world of unique and perhaps a bit bizarre things you can do at Disney World! Follow along for 10 of the best!

Mail a coconut!

Why mail any old postcard to your friends and family back home when you can mail them a COCONUT!?

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Coconut Postcard

You can purchase a painted coconut (postage comes included!) from Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar by Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom, BouTiki at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Calypso Trading Post at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. They’ll ship anywhere in the US!

Face coffee and beer

Personalized merchandise is one of the more popular souvenirs you can scoop up at Disney World. Getting your name embroidered on a pair of Mickey ears is one thing, but you can get personalized latte art designs at several Joffrey’s Coffee locations throughout Disney World!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Latte Art Sign

Most Latte Art locations offer classic designs like Mickey, but a select few locations offer WAY more variety!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Joffrey’s Reopened

Ripples is an app that lets you pick your favorite logos and designs for your foamy beverage! This also includes the ability to add an image of your very own FACE! Yes, you can get a Latte Selfie on your coffee!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Our Adorable Cast Member and Her Latte Selfie!

Aside from your morning cup of joe, we also recently discovered you can get a special design (as well as your very own FACE!) on beer, too!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Face Beer!

Next time you’re at Disney Springs, stop by Raglan Road Irish Pub to print your face on your next round of beer!

Get a silhouette of your pet on Main Street

Folks might know that you can get silhouette portraits of yourself and your family at the silhouette portrait cart in Magic Kingdom. But did you know you can also get one done of your PET!?

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Mary Poppins Character Silhouettes

Just bring a photo of your furry friend and the artist can add them to your family’s collection of portraits! There are multiple carts around Disney World (that can sometimes be less busy than the Main Street location). Head to Liberty Square, the France Pavilion in Epcot, or to Disney Springs to find additional silhouette carts!

Purchase Shaq’s shoe!

There are tons of unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise items you can find throughout Disney World. For sports fanatics, you may want to stop into the NBA Experience in Disney Springs next time you visit for the opportunity to ‘score’ some special sports memorabilia!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

NBA Experience Store

You can purchase Shaquille O’Neal’s size 22 “Shaq Attaq” sneaker, SIGNED, for $900! Or, you can get a basketball signed by Michael Jordan for the low entry price of $3,000!

Go fishing along the waterways of Disney World!

Disney World is home to tons of recreational activities for you and your family to enjoy outside of the theme parks! Non-park days are a great way to recharge and explore everything else that Disney World has to offer!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Port Orleans

One activity you can take part in is fishing! Guided catch-and-release fishing excursions are offered on several waterways around the resort, including Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, Village Lake, Crescent Lake, and even World Showcase Lagoon!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

If you don’t have time to head out on a boat, you can rent a casting rod and fish dockside at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside.

Go scuba diving

If fishing doesn’t fit your style and you’re looking for a little bit more adventure, why not swim WITH the fish? You can go scuba diving at The Seas in EPCOT!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Hidden Mickey in Epcot

This three-hour class includes 40 minutes in the water, as well as a backstage tour of the aquarium where you’ll learn all about how the team at EPCOT cares for their animals!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

You must be scuba certified before enrolling in this experience.

Get a haircut

Next time you need to get a trim, wait until you’re on vacation and you can get your hair cut at Disney World! Harmony Barber Shop is located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom and offers appointments for kids AND adults!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Harmony Barbershop ©Disney

Lots of folks may know about kiddos getting their “first haircut” at Disney World, but adults can get their hair cut there, too! Kid haircuts start at $18, and adult haircuts start at $19. Be sure to get some added pixie dust!

Indulge in a manicure & pedicure

If you’re seeking the ultimate relaxation in Disney World, why not get a manicure and pedicure? Several Disney World Resort hotels have full-service spas that are open to anyone, not just guests at that particular resort.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

©Disney

In addition to nail salons, you can get massages, facials, and a wide variety of hair services, too! Indulge in ultimate bliss and escape the hustle and bustle of the theme parks by booking a spa package! Call (407)WDW-SPAS to book any services.

(But note, if you’re looking for true luxury, we’d highly recommend using the spa services at the Four Seasons Resort on property in Walt Disney World. Disney World’s spas are OK, but pretty standard fare.)

Take surfing lessons

Ever wanted to learn how to surf? You can do so at Disney World! Surf lessons are available at Typhoon Lagoon on select mornings. Learn how to hang ten from a professional surfer!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool ©Disney

Surf lessons cost $199 per person and include a light breakfast and a photo!

Decorate a Christmas tree all year round!

Our next bizarre thing you can do at Disney World can be found at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. Every morning, the first child in the shop gets to decorate one of the Christmas trees in the store with the ornaments available in the store.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

The decorator’s name is then added to the tree so everyone who goes into the shop that day can see who decorated the tree! If you’re craving the holiday spirit all year round, you can get your fill in Magic Kingdom!

We hope this list gave you some ideas on how to make your next trip to Disney World truly unique! Everyone knows about the four theme parks, but there are TONS of off-the-beaten-path activities that could add that extra bit of magic to your vacation that you should totally take advantage of! If you want to look for even more ideas, check out our video here:

How many of these activities have you taken part in at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, Boutiki, Calypso Trading Post, caribbean beach, disney springs, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Epcot, face beer, harmony barber shop, Joffrey’s, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, latte selfie, Liberty Square, magic kingdom, main street u.s.a., NBA Experience, Pirates of the Caribbean, Polynesian, Raglan Road, scuba diving, senses spa, silhouette portrait, surf lessons, the seas, typhoon lagoon, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

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Disney World Cinderella Castle Update

Disney World Cinderella Castle Update

We previously reported on how Cinderella Castle is receiving a magical makeover this year. We saw Disney start work on the castle back in March, and it’s amazing how much the appearance has changed already. In recent days, we went to explore the monorail resorts and caught a glimpse of Cinderella Castle from Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The great news is it looks like the magical makeover is almost complete!

Disney World Cinderella Castle Update

The castle’s paintwork is the first sign of progress we’ve seen so far. The blue spires show the most noticeable paintwork so far. It went from a baby clue to a vibrant royal blue color. This bold color choice gives a vibrant appearance to the top of the castle. Also, the inner curtain, which is what we call the interior section of Cinderella Castle, is getting a rose gold paint treatment. It’s a subtle color choice, but it definitely adds a pop of color to a traditionally grey castle.

The last time we saw Cinderella Castle up close inside Magic Kingdom was in March. But now other Disney fans have observed signs that the magical makeover is still being worked on at Magic Kingdom. We can see that the crew has advanced in painting and that we’re getting closer to seeing the finished product!

What do you think of the new blue and pink paint on Cinderella Castle? It’ll be exciting to see the finished product once the magical makeover is complete.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Attractions, News, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Cinderella Castle, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort