Tag: Walt Disney World (FL)

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Disney Guides Disney Parks Disney Vacations

Disney World Trip Packing in the Time of Coronavirus

Universal Orlando is now open to the public, and Walt Disney World will be reopening in a few weeks. This means that some of you will soon start PACKING for vacation!

TouringPlans has run approximately eleventy-billion posts about WDW trip packing over the years. A greatest hits list of them might include:

Now that we’re living in the COVID-19 era, there may be a few tweaks you want to make to your usual packing routine.

MASKS

Disney will require that all guests wear face coverings in the parks. That’s a non-negotiable given. It’s also a given that it’s summer and Florida, so the weather will inevitably be hot, hot, hot. Keep that in mind as you decide what type of mask to bring with you on vacation.

I’ve purchased half a dozen styles, from disposables sold at my local supermarket, to heavy multi-layered multi-filtered washables bought from Etsy. As much as possible, you should try to experiment with a variety of masks BEFORE you show up on vacation. They’re not all stifling and uncomfortable. Think about:

  • Will this provide protection to me and those around me?
  • Is the fit secure? Will I constantly be worried about this falling off while I’m walking around or on a ride? Is there something I can do to adjust the fit? (It could be particularly fun to use a monkey to adjust your mask in Toy Story Land.)
  • How does the paper/fabric feel next to my skin?
  • Can a take a deep breath while wearing this mask? How does it feel when I’m slightly exerted, like walking around my neighborhood?
  • With disposable masks, what is my environment impact? Is it worth it to avoid washing masks during my vacation?
  • With reusable masks, how will I care for it or clean it during my vacation?
  • Do I have enough masks with me if one becomes soiled due to food spills or sweat?
  • Will my mask withstand the inevitable Florida summer downpours? Do I have replacements for a wet mask?
  • Do I care about the aesthetics of my mask? Do I want it to match my attire?
  • Have I evaluated the mask situation for my kids? Have we practiced at home and do they understand that mask wearing in the parks is non-negotiable?
  • If I’m planning to buy Disney-branded masks on site, do I have a back-up plan if I find them uncomfortable or otherwise bothersome?

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is almost always a must at Walt Disney World. When you’re wearing a mask, you’ll want to be extra attentive to sunscreen application on your face lest you end up with some really wacky tan lines. Be sure you bring one that works for you with frequent application.

HAND SANTIZER

Yes, you should absolutely wash your hands thoroughly many times throughout the day. Yes, cast members will increase their sanitation of attractions and high-touch surfaces. Yes, there will be hand sanitizer stations located throughout the parks and resorts. Nevertheless, you probably want to keep at least a small amount of hand sanitizer with you at all times, just in case.

Bear in mind that TSA has now changed the rules about quantities of sanitizer that are allowed to be carried onto airplanes.

As you decide what form of sanitizer to have with you (liquid, spray, wipes), consider whether you’re a no-bags-in the park person or be-prepared-for-anything person and whether your choice of sanitizer will be impacted by that.

WATER BOTTLES

Proper hydration is essential and many folks bring reusable water bottles for environment reasons. Normally this is fantastic, but if you’re in a higher-risk group you may want to consider how you’re going to refill your bottle. Will you feel comfortable having your bottle close to taps that may have been touched by many people?

SMALL DIVERSIONS

Given the reduced park hours, you may be spending more time at your hotel than you would during a typical Disney vacation. Will you need to bring any items to help fill your down time? A deck of cards, a small board game, an extra novel, etc.?

HOW MUCH CLOTHING TO BRING

Some guests pack minimally, planning to do laundry while at Walt Disney World. The COVID factor may change your laundry strategy. If you think you’ll have more time on hand to do chores like washing clothes (because of less time in the parks), then you may decide to pack less overall. On the other hand, if you’d rather avoid enclosed spaces like public laundry rooms, then you may want to bring more clothes and skip doing laundry on this trip.

PAYMENT METHODS

Prior to your trip, you may want to check whether your credit cards have a no-contact payment feature. If one does, that may be the one you choose to use for this trip (to help you avoid touching card readers). Apple Pay is another good option for this.

Do you have any thoughts on packing for a post-COVID Disney vacation? Is there anything new you’re planning to bring? Is there anything you used to bring that you won’t take this time? Let us know!

The post Disney World Trip Packing in the Time of Coronavirus appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus, packing

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Disney Guides Disney Parks Other

Everything You Need to Know About the Discovery Island Trails

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on the Discovery Island Trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

What are the Discovery Island Trails?

The Discovery Island Trails are self-guided walking trails below the Tree of Life and around a variety of animal-viewing locations.

Where are the Discovery Island Trails?

The Discovery Island Trails are located near the base of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are two entrances/exits to the trails. One can be found to the right of the walkway when approaching Africa from Discovery Island. If you’re like me and use Starbucks locations as a point of reference for directions, the path is right across the way from the park’s Starbucks, which is known as Creature Comforts.

Another entrance/exit sits to the right of the entrance to the Tree of Life itself.

What is the History of the Discovery Island Trails?

The Discovery Island Trails were originally called the Tree of Life Gardens and opened to guests on May 24, 1998, just a few weeks after Animal Kingdom’s opening day. The trail was later renamed the Discovery Island Gardens before it was changed again to its current name of Discovery Island Trails.

What You Need to Know About the Queue

There is no queue for the Discovery Island Trails since its a self-guided walking path. However, guests might encounter crowds around certain animal viewing areas and may need to wait their turn for a good view.

What You Need to Know About the Experience

The Discovery Island Trails are lush pathways winding around the base of the Tree of Life. This quiet area is removed from the crowds and park activity while offering spectacular, close-up views of the carvings of the Tree of Life. Guests can even explore tunnels formed by the tree’s roots!

In addition to the tree, the trails’ lush landscaping, and even waterfalls, guests will also encounter small animal viewing areas. Be on the lookout for flamingos, otters, storks, vultures, porcupines, red kangaroos, and more!

Also, at times, Pocahontas can be found on the Discovery Island Trails meeting with guests. Be sure to check a times guide upon entering the park for where she will be and when.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility

Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to experience the Discovery Island Trails.

What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories

There are no health or safety advisories for this attraction! It’s an experience everyone in the family can enjoy together and at their own pace.

What are the Height Requirements?

There is no height requirement for the Discovery Island Trails!

Do the Discovery Island Trails Offer FastPass+?

No. The the Discovery Island Trails do not offer FastPass+. Since this is a self-guided path, there is no posted wait to experience it.

Does Weather Affect the Discovery Island Trails?

A June storm pops over World Drive as a rainy afternoon gets started.

The Discovery Island Trails are located outdoors and guests will be exposed to inclement weather.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience the Discovery Island Trails?

There really isn’t a bad time to check out the Discovery Island Trails. Very few guests know about these trails or take the time to explore them. While you never know when the animals might make their appearance, the coolest part of the day is often your best bet. The trek also serves as a great retreat from the crowds and long lines during the busiest parts of the day.

Did I answer all of your questions about the Discovery Island Trails? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Discovery Island Trails appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Walt Disney World (FL), Character Meets, Discovery Island Trails, Disney Attractions, disney world, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, FastPass+, Pocahontas, Tree of Life, walt disney world

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

To-Do: Contact Disney by June 12 to Re-Confirm Trips Between June 22 and July 11

Disney is asking guests with reservations between June 22 and July 11, 2020, to contact Disney to re-confirm those reservations.  Here’s the initial part of the message that’s going out to travel agents:

Your Clients may be receiving email communication from us if they have a Resort hotel booking between June 22, 2020, and July 4, 2020, if we have their contact information. We are asking them to contact their Travel Professional, but since we cannot reach all of your Guests, we request that you contact your Guests regarding their reservation adjustments and all of the information in the example Guest email below. We need them to confirm, modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations or Walt Disney Travel Company packages by June 12 for the travel period above.

Here’s additional text from Disney to travel agents on how to confirm those reservations.  Note that if you’ve booked through a travel agent, Disney expects the TA to do the work of confirming:

If you want to confirm your reservation:

    • Contact the Disney Reservation Center to notify our team of your Guest’s confirmation.
    • As needed, our team will move Guests from closed to open resorts during this time. This move will be at no additional cost to your Guests. Note that they won’t have an option to modify to another resort of their choosing for this reservation.
    • As previously communicated, for Guests who had a dining plan, we will be modifying their package to remove the dining plan.
    • If guests staying in our resorts before park opening on July 11, 2020, want to keep their reservation, they will be downgraded out of the ticket package and the package price will be reduced. Alternately, they can move their reservation to new dates, or cancel.

Note the part about moving guests from closed to open resorts, and that modifications to another resort won’t be possible.  I wouldn’t be too concerned about this, because the list of hotels that are opening appear to be DVC and Deluxe resorts. It’s possible that many guests will get significant upgrades.

Also, because tickets will be cancelled as part of any package between those two dates, it could be that any park soft-openings will be limited to annual passholders.  Now, I’ve got no information to suggest that the parks will soft-open before July 11. My thought is that if I was Disney, I wouldn’t want to wait until July 11 to open the gates to two of the world’s most popular theme parks, and only then see how a bunch of new procedures work with the general public. If it was me, I think I’d rather see a set of small, controlled tests. I could be completely wrong.

Here are Disney’s instructions for guests who want to modify or cancel their reservations.  Note again that if you’ve booked using a travel agent, Disney expects the TA to do the work:

For Guests wishing to modify their reservations to a future date in 2020:

    • Contact the Disney Reservation Center to modify their booking to a later date in 2020.
    • If your Client would like to modify to a date on or after July 11, 2020, they may only modify to one of the announced opened resorts, based on availability. Guests will be responsible for any higher rates.
    • Travel protection may be moved to a new reservation in 2020. The Guest will be responsible for any difference in price.

For Guests wishing to cancel their reservations:

    • Contact the Disney Reservation Center to notify our team of your Guest’s cancellation.

I didn’t see anything in these communications about how Disney will handle those guests who re-booked from earlier in the year, and received either a free-dining offer, or other discounts, if they moved to dates that fall between June 22 and July 11.  My guess is that those reservations are being handled separately.

Finally, Disney released other information on Saturday, June 6, about changes to resort operations.  Here’s a summary of which amenities will and will not be available during the re-opening phase.  And here’s a summary of how dining will run during that phase.

Let us know of any questions in the comments – we’ll try to answer them either in the comments or by updating this post.

The post To-Do: Contact Disney by June 12 to Re-Confirm Trips Between June 22 and July 11 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus

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Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Vacations Other

What to Expect When Dining at Walt Disney World Following Coronavirus

A big part of the Walt Disney World vacation for many is dining. Disney has recently shared details of what Guests can expect to experience when looking to dine while visiting the resort following the closure due to the coronavirus. Enhancements made to the dining experiences are based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing. In addition, Guests ages 2 and up will need to wear face coverings in all public areas, including while entering and exiting dining establishments. These coverings can be removed while eating and drinking.

For those looking to dine in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you will need to have a confirmed reservation, particularly if you are a day Guest.

When the parks reopen, in order to dine at table service locations, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation. Keep in mind these reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.

When Guests visit a restaurant moving forward, they will notice that Disney has increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests. Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. For those eating at quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. At table-service restaurants, you will have the ability to scan a QR code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
Items like beverages that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

  • Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
  • Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
  •  Restaurants will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
  • Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
  • Mobile order service will be offered at select quick service locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

At the end of your meal when it’s time to pay, you’ll strongly be suggested to use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options like mobile wallets. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their room.

Disney did announce previously that Disney Dining Plans have officially been cancelled. If you had booked the Disney Dining Plan, you will be refunded your money and those who had Free Dining will have that part of their reservation cancelled. In addition, if you did have an Advance Dining Reservation made prior, they have also been cancelled.

The post What to Expect When Dining at Walt Disney World Following Coronavirus appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, News, Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus, dining, walt disney world

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Disney Guides Disney Parks

What To Expect at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Following Coronavirus

The Walt Disney World Resort officially reopens to Guests with Resort Hotel reservations on June 22. A few weeks later, the theme parks will officially reopen, with the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopening on July 11 and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15. With that being said, there are expected to be a number of changes that will occur that will definitely impact your vacation. Here is what you need to know.

General Resort Hotel Knowledge

First, before you even think of traveling to Florida, you need to make sure that travel is allowed to Florida from the state you are visiting from. You’ll want to visit here to find out additional information and if your state is listed as one of the ones that there is a quarantine order from, you cannot enter the Walt Disney World Resort.

In addition, those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders also must not enter the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. In addition, prior to leaving home, you should check the temperatures of everyone in your travel party—including you.

In order to visit a resort hotel, you’ll also need to have a confirmed room reservation or a confirmed dining reservation for those visiting – not staying overnight. Face coverings are required for each Guest age 2 and up. These must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated at a dining location.

If you wish to enter a theme park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required. Do keep in mind that a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee a Guest theme park access.

Check In/Check Out

It is strongly recommend that Guests use Online Check-In Service in advance. When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room.

On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room, so there will be no need to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).

Cleaning

Hotel Guests will be able to enjoy peace of mind knowing that their rooms will be thoroughly cleaned prior to arrival and serviced during your stay. Additional attention will be paid to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests
  • Guests will find in their rooms extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging, individually wrapped glassware, double-cased pillows, and additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging.

During a Guests’ stay, rooms will receive light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed

You can choose to decline every-other-day service.

In addition, there will be increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.

Parking and Transportation

As far as Resort Hotel benefits are concerned, as or right now, Disney’s Magical Express will still be available and will remain complementary for those arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport.

For those who drove to the Walt Disney World Resort, self-parking will be available and parking fees will still apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance.

Prior to the theme parks reopening, for those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, bus transportation will be available to and from Disney Springs. When the theme parks do reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and the theme parks. Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place and there will be a reduction in capacity, which may mean it may take longer for buses to pick up Guests.

Unfortunately, Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.

Resort Services

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines. These will include:

  • Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
  • Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
  • Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
  • In-room celebrations will not be available
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
  • Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
  • Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable

Amenities

Feature pools will be open, but may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day. Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing and select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels. Unfortunately, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours and capacity. Any instructor-led fitness classes will not be available. Also , fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing

The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Additionally, the following special offerings will not be available during the initial reopening:

  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Additional Notes

As a reminder, it was previously announced that FastPass+ will not be available for Guests, as the additional queue space that was used by FastPass+ will be used to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing.  In addition, Extra Magic Hours is also currently unavailable.

The post What To Expect at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Following Coronavirus appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: News, Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus, walt disney world, Walt Disney World Resort Hotels