Tag: reopening

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Disney Parks Disney Vacations

News! Florida’s Vacation Rentals Near Disney World Have Been Approved to Reopen

After being shuttered for many months, Florida is well into Phase One of its gradual reopening.

Disney Springs

Just yesterday, we saw several third-party restaurants and shops resume business at Disney Springs and last week Universal Studios’ CityWalk took its first reopening steps. But while Disney and Universal-owned hotels and theme parks will remain closed until further notice, some vacation rental properties in the area have just been given the green light to start reopening.

According to News 6 WKMG, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has approved an outline that was submitted to him last week allowing Osceola County vacation rentals to reopen.

Palm Trees

“We appreciate the quick review of our plan and the State’s realization that the vacation rental home sector is a massive part of our economy,” Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer said. “We know that this action will have a ripple effect in our community as there are so many small businesses that support the vacation rental market – from housekeepers to lawn and pool maintenance workers, to security staff and caterers, to property managers and companies that handle the numerous details that surround a successful vacation.”

Earl of Sandwich

Osceola County, a major tourist destination that comprises a portion of Walt Disney World Resort, has over 30,000 licensed vacation home rentals.

City Works

Osceola Country included some of the key details in the plan they gave to Florida’s Governor which included:

  • Property owners and managers have to adopt guidelines that are in place for businesses
  • They must follow reopen guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for all lodging
  • Property owners will be asked to provide coronavirus guidance on local restrictions put in place during a guest stay
  • Any guest coming from a highly-infected area must reserve a minimum stay of 14 nights and follow CDC’s self-quarantine guidelines
  • Vacation rentals are not allowed to be used for gatherings that exceed the maximum occupancy

So far, Osceola County is the first to have its plan passed by Governor Ron DeSantis. We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops.

Are you planning to visit Florida soon? Let us know in the comments below. 

Related posts:

  1. Orange County’s Mayor Is Expected To Announce His Phased Approach To Reopen Orlando Tomorrow
  2. Annual Passholders Can Celebrate the Holidays with Exclusive Photo Ops in Disney World!
  3. Updated! Will Disney World Really Re-open April 1st?

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
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Fact Check: What Is Disney Springs Like Now That It Has Reopened?

In the middle of April, I mused about what Walt Disney World will be like when it reopens. Many others did as well, so I put together some of those theories in a post. You can imagine we received a lot of feedback on our “What Will Walt Disney World Be Like When It Reopens?” post. Now that Disney Springs has partially reopened, we get a glimpse of the “new normal” being practiced at Walt Disney World.

So let’s take a look at the theories we discussed in our post last month to see what came true and what hasn’t. It is important to note that procedures and policies will change as the situation evolves. It should also be noted that Walt Disney World and all major Orlando area businesses have been working very closely with local and state agencies throughout this process.

Health and safety signage at Disney Springs

Reduced Capacity of the Disney Theme Parks – TRUE

Although the theme parks have not opened yet, Disney Springs is indeed at a reduced capacity. The only places to park are the Orange and Lime garages; all surface parking lots are closed. Once the garages are full, no additional parking will be opened up. Pedestrians can still enter, and while the capacity of Disney Springs is not being monitored and “shut off” at some point, having parking reduced to only two garages definitely reduces the capacity. Entryways are reduced to the following locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location. In accordance with the State of Florida, restaurants are at 50% capacity for indoor seating, and all tables (both inside and outside) must be at least six feet (two meters) apart.

COVID-19 Warning posted at Orange Garage Disney Springs

Controlled Directional Flow Throughout Disney Property – TRUE

Although not the case everywhere you turn at Disney Springs, there are quite a few areas with directional arrows. These areas are generally small spaces, like bridges, and all high-traffic areas. Like going to a grocery store nowadays, the directional flow is meant to help with social distancing. As someone who frequented Disney Springs a lot in the “Before Time” I rather appreciate this practice. There are Cast Members, most of which hail from the Kids’ Activities and Recreation department, whose new sole purpose is to help guests practice social distancing – may Tinker Bell grace them with plenty of pixie dust.

Directional signage at bridge at Disney Springs

All Hands Off Deck and Cleaning Stations – TRUE

Just as we saw in the last few days before the mid-March closure of the parks, hand washing stations as well as hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout Disney Springs. Disney Parks around the world are known for their cleanliness and the hard working Custodial Cast who make it happen every day. These invaluable Cast Members are working harder than ever with even more stringent practices and frequent sanitation measures.

Hand sanitizer station at signage at Disney Springs
Health and safety signage at Disney Springs restrooms
Health and safety signage and handwashing station at Disney Springs
Flaps removed from trash cans at Disney Springs

Required Masks and Temperature Screening – TRUE

This is the most talked about measure of all. Guests who wish to enter Disney Springs must have a face covering on at all times, aside from when seated at a table for dining. Additionally, guests will have their temperature scanned at the entrance to Disney Springs; each entryway has a scanning station set up. This temperature screening is conducted by one of the biggest healthcare and hospital companies in Florida: AdventHealth.

If anyone in a guest’s party scans with a temperature of 100.4 or more they will be retested a second time. If they still present a higher temperature, they are given the option to wait in a tent for a few minutes to see if another scan shows a better temperature. You can imagine this practice itself has received lots of comments. All Cast Members and managers are wearing marks and subject to a health screening prior to the start of their shift.

Temperature screening by AdventHealth at Disney Springs
Temperature screening by AdventHealth and holding tent at Disney Springs

By Reservation Only – FALSE

While Disney Springs itself is not by reservation only, it is advised that you make reservations at the restaurant at which you desire to eat – though not all restaurants accept reservations at the moment. Currently only third-party-operated restaurants are open, and some of them do accept reservations via OpenTable. At the time of writing this post, dining reservations were not available for Disney owned and operated restaurants at Disney Springs. Worth noting, a dining reservation does not guarantee access to Disney Springs, should the parking garages close at capacity.

Line for dining at The Boathouse at Disney Springs

While Disney Springs does give us a good indicator of some of the practices that will be in place once the theme parks open, we will not know for sure until Disney makes their announcements what other practices will be put into play. Shanghai Disneyland has opened with modified practices, but even those practices could be different for the domestic parks, which may be based on whatever new health and safety advisements are out at the time.

  • Designated Days for Each Theme Park – TBD
  • Reduced Shows, Attractions, and Character Experiences – TBD
  • Restricting Access to Resort Hotels – TBD

Each of us has our own experience during this time. As an Orlando native, and someone who used to frequent Walt Disney World multiple times a month, it is difficult to stay away right now. Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have posted signs in multiple places, as well as verbiage on their websites. On Disney Springs’ website it reads: “An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.”

I fight an internal battle every single day, wanting to return to both Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk. Both destinations are working very, very hard to keep things as safe as possible. I truly commend both companies for their hard work and dedication to the matter. As someone who has certain health factors to be mindful of, now is not the time for me personally to return to either of these places (the pictures included in this post were provided by another wonderful member of the TouringPlans team). Those that choose to visit, I hope have a wonderful and safe time.

The post Fact Check: What Is Disney Springs Like Now That It Has Reopened? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Dos and Don’ts, Observations, Trip Planning, disney covid, disney springs reopening, walt disney world reopening

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Disney Parks Other

PHOTOS and TIPS: Our FULL Experience From Disney Springs’ Reopening Day

Welcome back to Disney World! Disney Springs began a phased reopening today, May 20th.

Disney Springs

We have been taking you around Disney Springs to see the new safety procedures and how they affect guests’ shopping and dining experiences. We’re walking you step-by-step through a post-closure Disney Springs and going over exactly how your visit could look much different than your previous trips.

Entering Disney Springs

To control crowds and provide a more streamlined entry process, Disney Springs is limiting entrances and establishing additional safety procedures for guests.

Hours and Limited Capacity

Disney Springs is currently open from 10AM to 10PM.

Disney Springs

However, Disney Springs is limiting the number of people visiting the property, stores, and restaurants. Once the designated parking garages (Lime and Orange) are full, guests are not allowed to park and enter Disney Springs.

Orange Garage

That means, even guests with dining reservations at a Disney Springs restaurant will not be allowed in. But, cancellation fees for these reservations will be waived for guests unable to enter due to limited capacity.

Parking

All of the surface-level lots are currently closed so guests may self-park (no valet available at this time!) in the Orange and Lime garages. We were told that the Orange garage would be filled first, and we were able to choose our parking spot since there were no Cast Members directing traffic within the garage.

Orange Garage

But there were Cast Members inside the garage welcoming back guests! We also spotted distancing markers, warning signs, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the garage.

Warning Sign

We arrived early (before Disney Springs officially opened at 10 AM), so we didn’t have any issue finding a parking space. Really…NO trouble.

Parking Lot

Now, let’s take a look at actually entering Disney Springs!

Entrances

Guests are only permitted to enter Disney Springs from the following four locations: Orange garage, Lime garage, the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge, and the rideshare location.

Disney Springs

Guests aren’t allowed to enter until they’ve completed a temperature screening.

Masks Are Required

Guests ages three years and older and employees are required to wear masks. These masks must cover your mouth and nose at all times, except when you are seated at a dining table.

Required Measures sign

Guests are required to bring their own face masks. Let’s say it one more time: no mask = no entry. If you want pack an extra! Better to be prepared than to make it all the way to Disney Springs and realize you can’t go inside because you dropped your mask while getting in your car.

Temperature Checks

Guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees are all required to have their temperatures checked prior to entering Disney Springs.

Temperature Screening

Temperature check stations are located at the second-floor exits of the Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (for guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and rideshare drop-off).

Advent Health Signage

The temperature checks were completed with touchless forehead thermometers. Any guests who test 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to a tent where they were allowed to cool off and rest for a few moments before attempting one more screening. If they test above the maximum accepted temperature again, their entire party will be required to leave.

New Protocols to Enter Disney Springs

The temperature check process only took a few seconds for us once we made it to the front of the line and the friendly employees completing the screenings made us feel at ease!

Open Dining Locations

Disney Springs reopened with select third-party dining locations — you can find a full list of available restaurants here!

STK

Click on each location below to check out our full experience at the reopening!

Reservations

Before Disney Springs reopened, we were able to make dining reservations through OpenTable and individual restaurants’ websites.

Wolfgang Puck

And if you’re planning on eating at a table-service location, we recommend trying for a reservation first — otherwise, you could find yourself with a bit of a wait. When we arrived at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, there was an hour wait for walk-in guests.

Tips For Dining in Reopened Disney Springs

In addition to making a reservation, we picked up a few more dining tips as well. Make sure to keep an eye out for social distancing markers at quick-service dining locations, or anywhere else you might run into a queue.

Distance Markers at YeSake

Certain locations, like Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, only allow one group inside at a time. So be careful to read signs, ask Cast Members if you have questions, and know that each location is operating a little differently.

Also, keep in mind that not all dining locations are reopened yet! We spotted signage for House of Blues and The Smokehouse indicating they’ll be back soon.

House of Blues Opening Soon Sign

Also, you might want to bring a few items along with you for your dining experience. If you’d like to sanitize your hands immediately before you eat, be sure to bring your own bottle of hand sanitizer. And if you’d prefer to use your own pen to sign receipts, don’t forget to pack one!

Eating On The Go With a Mask

If you’re a fan of grab-and-go style eating, you’re in luck! We noticed that the to-go dining experiences were pretty similar to what we’re used to in Disney Springs. We saw tables and chairs placed outside dining locations that wouldn’t usually have their own designated seating. We also didn’t notice any areas where seating had been entirely removed.

Sunshine Churros

On our visit to Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, we learned that guests are allowed to walk around with their food or drinks in Disney Springs. And while guests are required to wear their masks at all times, they are allowed to lower masks to take a bite or drink — then recover their faces. We put this method to the test with the brand new Welcome Drink from Starbucks!

Welcome Back Drink at Starbucks

So, whether you’d prefer to snag a table, or take a stroll while you enjoy your snack or beverage, both options are available!

Open Retail Locations

Disney will start opening some of its Disney-owned locations on May 27th, but the following locations were open on the first day of Disney Springs’ reopening.

  • Anthropologie
  • American Threads
  • Free People
  • UNIQLO
  • Crystal Art by Arribas Bros.
  • Pele Soccer
  • Pop Gallery
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop
  • Basin
  • Chapel Hats
  • Columbia Sportswear
  • Edward Beiner Eyewear
  • Happy Hound
  • Lucky Brand
  • Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
  • Pandora
  • Royally Yours Arribas Bros
  • Sanuk
  • Savannah Bee Company
  • Sosa Family Cigars
  • Sugarboo and Co.
  • UGG
  • UNOde50
  • Volcom
  • Vera Bradley
  • Zara

Tips For Shopping in Reopened Disney Springs

As with dining locations, retail locations are also operating with reduced capacity. Be sure to keep an eye out for designated entrances and exits, since many locations are keeping them separate.

Ugg Store Exit Only

On a similar note, keep an eye out for those social distancing markers that show proper spacing!

Social Distancing Marker

Also, bring a non-cash form of payment, because some stores like Ron Jon Surf Shop are not accepting cash.

Ron Jon Surf Shop Not Accepting Cash Payments

It can be difficult to retrain ourselves to abide by these new measures, so try to be mindful on your next visit!

Changes in Stores

In addition to the distancing measures, designated exits and entrances, and some changes in payment methods, we also noticed signs asking guests to limit contact with merchandise.

Arribas Bros. Merchandise Sign

Plus, we also spotted social distancing markers and signs in front of cash registers like at Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Overall, we weren’t too surprised to see the changes at retail locations, since they closely mirrored the reopened shopping at Universal’s CityWalk, but they can take some getting used to if this is your first experience.

Cashless Payment

Disney recommends guests use cashless payments such as debit cards, credit cards, and Disney gift cards whenever possible. Contactless payment or cash can be used to purchase gift cards at the Welcome Center and other select retail places throughout Disney Springs.

Welcome Center at Disney Springs

While we did find several locations that were accepting cash, some places like Ron Jon Surf Shop were not. So, we’d say plan on coming to Disney Springs with a non-cash method of payment just in case. Or, stop by the Welcome Center to buy a gift card if needed!

Additional Cast Members to Enforce New Procedures

Guest Relations Cast Members were stationed throughout Disney Springs to enforce social distancing and answer guests’ questions. Cast Members were each equipped with masks, of course.

Guest Relations Cast Member

One question we asked a Guest Relations Cast Member was: Are there any masks for sale within Disney Springs? And surprisingly, the only place we know of that’s selling masks (so far, at least) is Vera Bradley.

Access to Hand Sanitizer

We spotted hand sanitizer stations in the parking garage, at entrances to restaurants, and throughout Disney Springs.

Hand Sanitizer Locations

Plus, we also spotted it for sale at Basin.

Basin Reopening

We recommend carrying your own personal hand sanitizer so you can clean off whenever you need and don’t have to scramble to try and find a sanitizer station.

Crowds

While there was somewhat of a crowd when Disney Springs first reopened at 10 AM, the crowds dispersed throughout the day and were noticeably lower by mid-afternoon.

Disney Springs

The places where we felt the impact of the crowds the most was at dining locations. We noticed that some table-service locations had a wait for walk-in guests — like we mentioned from Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. This was likely a combination of demand and reduced seating capacity.

Wolfgang Puck

And we did notice some long lines at quick-service dining spots too. Check out those people waiting for Chicken Guy!

Chicken Guy!

But again, outside of waits for dining locations, the crowds didn’t feel too heavy at all, especially as we were strolling around.

Overall

With Disney Springs being the first U.S. Disney attraction to reopen, Disney was tasked with keeping guests safe while delivering a comfortable, enjoyable environment to dine and shop. Similar to our initial thoughts at the reopening of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, we were very impressed by Disney’s attention to detail, the friendliness of the staff, and the flow of operations. This new system will take some getting used to for guests and Cast Members alike. However, we are encouraged to see Disney put these new health and safety measures into practice diligently while still maintaining a positive experience for their guests.

What questions do YOU have about Disney Springs’ reopening? Let us know in the comments and we will do our best to get the info to you!

Related posts:

  1. You’ve NEVER Shopped in Disney World Like This Before
  2. News! Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs Share New Safety Protocols
  3. The Rubber Duckie Drink RETURNS! We’re Back at The Boathouse in Disney Springs on Reopening Day

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The Polite Pig: Small Safety Changes, Same Great Food

polite pig reopening

Many restaurants are beginning the reopening phases at Disney Springs.  Obviously the reopening brings some changes to dining.  We checked out Polite Pig to see how dining may be a little different.

First, expect queues to maybe be out the door.  This is because they are distancing travel parties by 6ft.  We were at this point in the line and it probably only took us 10-15 minutes.

On the window, which you pass as you’re waiting, there is a QR code to scan for the menu. They also had paper menus but were not handing them out unless requested from a patron.

The staff cheerfully greeted us with their Polite Pig masks on!

Once inside, dots were placed on the floor which clearly marked where your party should stand.  We noticed they were much further than 6 feet from the person in front of us but realized they wanted us to be spaced 6 feet away in all directions as much as possible.

Then it was time to order!  From the first picture, you can see the employees at the register were behind plexiglass.That honestly was the only real difference here.  They seemed to offer the full menu which we were happy about.

We chose the pulled pork shoulder accompanied by barbeque cauliflower, coleslaw, and cornbread.  Then, of course, had to pick red velvet cake for dessert (because there were no Gideon’s cookies).  They did not have the sauce bar open but you could easily request for sauces from a waiter. You can, obviously, remove your masks when seated at your table with your travel party.

Tables were spaced out a lot more than usual but they did add some additional outdoor tables.  Many employees were working so I didn’t feel like I needed to get up for anything.  Also, staff members were cleaning and sanitizing tables swiftly after each party left.

These signs were also posted around the store just reminding of the new policies.  Mobile ordering is a good option as well.

Overall, we had a great experience at The Polite Pig.  It was so delicious and the employees were wonderful.  So cheerful and willing to help!  It was so nice to feel a sense of normal while dining.

The air conditioning and opportunity to not wear your mask for awhile are two reasons why I recommend dining at one of the open establishments if you plan on staying at Disney Springs for more than a couple hours.

Thank you Polite Pig for an amazing first meal back at Disney Springs!

Julie de la Fé

@sonshine.adventures

We know there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Disney Food, Disney Springs, barbeque, polite pig

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News! Sephora In Disney Springs Announces Reopening Date

It has been a day full of shopping, eating, and keeping our distance at Disney Springs’ grand reopening.

Disney Springs

We’ve already shared all of the retail locations that reopened in Disney Springs today, along with Disney-owned locations that will reopen next week, but now we know another opening date for a Disney Springs retail location.

Today on Instagram, Sephora announced they will be reopening their Disney Springs location on May 29th.

©Sephora via Instagram

The store will operate from 10AM to 8PM. Sephora’s Instagram post said “Let’s get back to beauty together!” We will continue to keep you updated as we learn of more retail locations opening in Disney Springs.

What is your favorite Disney Springs retail location? Let us know in the comments.

Related posts:

  1. The Rubber Duckie Drink RETURNS! We’re Back at The Boathouse in Disney Springs on Reopening Day
  2. Photos: We Tried Out The NEW Addition To The Polite Pig’s Menu in Disney Springs
  3. The Chicken Guy! Reopening in Disney World Had LONG LINES and New Procedures. Check Out Our Experience Here!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, disney-owned, Instagram, Makeup, reopening, retail, retail reopening, sephora, sephora reopening, walt disney world resort