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NEWS: Afternoon Tea, Jiko Wine Tasting, Dessert Parties, and MORE Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

ICYMI, yesterday delivered a LOT of news about special events at Walt Disney World Resort.

NEWS: Afternoon Tea, Jiko Wine Tasting, Dessert Parties, and MORE Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

With decisions made to promote safety in light of the current global health situation, it was announced, for instance, that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled for the fall. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, however, will return — and SOON! (You can read all about it here.)

Of course, these are just two examples of Special Events and unique experiences that are typically available to guests, either as seasonal offerings or year-round enhancements.

NEWS: Afternoon Tea, Jiko Wine Tasting, Dessert Parties, and MORE Will Not Be Available When Walt Disney World Reopens

Afternoon Tea at The Grand Floridian

And — even though we have known for some time that experiences will be modified, with many not offered upon the initial reopening of Walt Disney World — a full list of experiences that will NOT be available upon reopening has been added to the Walt Disney World website. Of course, standing reservations have been canceled for experiences, and the ability to book these experiences has been unavailable since. But we thought this specific list would be helpful for those currently in the planning stages.

Walt Disney World Dining Experiences

Offerings that will not be available include select special Dining Events — ranging from Afternoon Tea at The Grand Floridian to Jiko Wine Tasting and more (such as Dining Packages for select shows and spectaculars) — as listed below:

  • Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room
  • Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie
  • Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night
  • Dine with an Animal Specialist
  • Dining with an Imagineer – Cítricos
  • Dining with an Imagineer – The Hollywood Brown Derby
  • Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland
  • Epcot Forever Dining Package
  • Fantasmic! Dining Package
  • Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package
  • Highway in the Sky Dine Around
  • Jiko Wine Tasting
  • Rivers of Light Dining Package
  • Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
  • Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Signature Celebration at Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour
  • Tiffins Talks
  • Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table Dinner
  • Wanyama Safari
  • Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare

Walt Disney World Dessert Parties

Of course, we have also known that — upon the initial reopening — nighttime spectaculars and parades (essentially, in-park events which lend themselves to large group gatherings) will not be part of the park experience. This naturally affects the availability of Dessert Parties and Dining Packages, which are add-on offerings that include reserved viewing areas for these popular shows.

The Dessert Parties that will NOT be available upon reopening include:

  • Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience
  • Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
  • Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
  • Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing
  • Frozen Ever After Dessert Party
  • Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Rivers of Light Dessert Party
  • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

As a reminder, Disney has already stated that previously booked experiences that are affected by cancellations will be refunded, and you can read about that here.

We will be taking a look today at additional experiences that will not be available upon the reopening of Walt Disney World, which includes select Tours, Nature Experiences, and more.

In the meantime, to learn more about the upcoming reopening of Walt Disney World Resort — which begins with select Disney Resort hotels on June 22nd, followed by the theme parks starting with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th — you can visit any of the links below.

What do you think of these modifications? Please let us know with a comment.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney resorts, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, afternoon tea at grand floridian, Amorette’s Cake Decorating Experience, Circle of Flavors, Dine with an Animal Specialist, Dine with an Imagineer, Disney Early Morning Magic, Highway in the Sky Dine Around, jiko wine tasting, Special Dining events, walt disney world reopening, walt disney world resort

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AMC Theatre in Disney Springs Reopening July 15

With the news of the Walt Disney World Resort making progress towards reopening, Disney fans are getting a feeling of some normalcy. The Disney Springs area was among in the first at the resort to begin a phased reopening. However, when Disney Springs reopened on May 27th, something was noticeably still closed. Not to worry, because we just got word that everyone’s favorite AMC Dine-In Theatre will be reopening very soon!

AMC Theatre in Disney Springs Reopening July 15 AMC Theatre in Disney Springs Reopening Soon

As the world gets used to a new kind of normal, AMC is also adapting to create a positive and safe experience for their guests to enjoy. AMC theatres have partnered with cleaning brand Clorox to ensure they have the best methods of keeping their space clean and sanitary. They have also implimented a new initiative that is named, AMC Safe & Clean. This initiative ensures that intense measures of cleanliness are being taken daily to ensure the health and safety of AMC staff and guests.

With implementing these new methods of health and safety, AMC in Disney Springs is ready to start showing plenty of new films and classic films we all know and love! They are more than excited to welcome their guests back just in time for the premier of Disney’s live action Mulan!

Also to help keep patrons safe, AMC will have capacity restrictions. This will be in order to keep up with social distancing efforts. Contactless ticketing methods will be encouraged. Mobile ordering for food and beverages at this dine-in location will be encouraged as well.

Starting July 15th, Disney Springs AMC Dine-In location will be in full operation with the aforementioned safety measures in place. By the end of July, AMC is expecting all of their locations to be reopened with the AMC Safe & Clean initiative. We can’t wait to head back and catch a movie with AMC!

For tickets and more information, please visit: AMC Theatres

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs, AMC Theatres, disney, Disney Dining, Disney Springs, The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort

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Update on Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World Resort

As we prepare for the reopening of our theme parks next month, we’re taking a measured and deliberate approach to our planning that applies appropriate new health and safety measures. We continue to follow guidance from government and health officials for responsibly operating our theme parks, so we can make the right adjustments to our offerings, including our upcoming fall events.

One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, we’re pleased to share that not only have we cooked up a creative, modified festival experience, it will also be our longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!”

Update on Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World Resort Pork Tostada: Fried Corn Tortilla topped with Chipotle Black Beans, Roasted Pork, Fresh Salsa Verde, Onions, and Cilantro

This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. And, if you’ve ever imagined a world where the floral fun of Flower & Garden is sprinkled in with the global goodies of Food & Wine, here’s your chance – guests will be able to see our newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns. And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins.

We know the popular musical acts during the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” often pack the house and, in an effort to accommodate proper physical distancing, we will not be able to host these concerts this year. There will be plenty of music to enjoy at America Gardens Theatre with local EPCOT entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre, the JAMMitors and more. These fan favorites will spread out their performances throughout the day, giving audiences more options to enjoy them.

While assessing another fall special event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  Additionally, Disney H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will not take place for the remainder of 2020. Guests who have already bought tickets to these events will be assisted with refunds over the coming weeks.

Looking ahead to the holiday season, this may spark questions about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the Candlelight Processional. We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials. As always, our goal is to explore every option and look at ways in which we can still host events and festivals full of Disney magic, while still operating responsibly with the health and safety of our guests and cast members in mind.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort

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Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs

Like most people I know, I try to eat healthy the majority of the time but treat myself to occasional indulgences when they’re worth the splurge! One of my favorite places to find some sweet treats here in Orlando is Gideon’s Bakehouse, which is why I’m so excited to share this small, award-winning bakery is opening a new location in The Landing at Disney Springs!

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

Anticipating to open later this year, Gideon’s is best known for small-batch, handmade, almost half-pound cookies (yes, you read that right, half-pound) and cakes. Not only does their size make these cookies so special, Gideon’s brings its own spin to cookie flavors like Peanut Butter Crisp, Cookies & Cream and my absolute favorite, Pistachio Toffee Dark Chocolate.

“This opportunity is truly a dream come true and will allow us to flex all of our creative muscle in both desserts and décor. We’re passionate, inspired, and ready,” said Steve Lewis, owner and creator of Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse
Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

Gideon’s plans to bring an expanded menu of cookie and cake slices to Disney Springs, plus add its own line of unique iced coffees, like the Original Peanut Butter Iced Coffee. Of course, guests can expect to find their favorite cookie flavors along with new and limited editions offered during special daily releases. The ever-popular Coffee Cake Cookie (previously only available one month a year) will be on sale every morning, with a Hot Cookie Hour each evening for those looking to cure a sweet tooth after dinner.

“We’re also excited to bring more cake flavors to our new location, offering never-before-seen creations like our special line of Double Frosted Cakes.” Steve said. “There are more than a few secrets we have up our sleeves that you’ll just have to wait to see. It’s not Gideon’s if it isn’t a little dark and mysterious.” We aim to even make the wait in line entertaining by immersing everyone in a transformative environment that will share our story as guests progress toward the counter.”

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cake from Gideon’s Bakehouse

Guests can also look forward to collectible art becoming a part of the product packaging at the new bakery, which will be located in The Landing across from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. The new Gideon’s location is being created with health-and-safety considerations in mind and its operation will model similar guidelines in use elsewhere in Disney Springs.

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future updates. In the meantime, be sure to follow Gideon’s Bakehouse on Instagram at @gideonsbakehouse for drool-worthy desserts!

Multi-Award-Winning Local Bakery Gideon’s Bakehouse to Open Location at Disney Springs Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Resort, Dining, WDW

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Disney World suing Orange County over property taxes

Disney World suing Orange County over property taxes Orange County

Taxes! Taxes! Beautiful, lovely taxes!

Those who watched Disney’s animated Robin Hood movie might remember this particular Prince John quote. Unfortunately, taxes are something Disney is not excited about these days. The Walt Disney Company is suing Orange County’s Property Appraiser, Rick Singh, over their Walt Disney World property taxes. Disney argues that their 2019 property tax appraisals are too high.

In the past week, Disney filed a dozen lawsuits in the Orange Circuit Court over the property tax assessments for their theme parks, resorts, employee buildings and other structures on its sprawling property. However, Beth Watson, spokeswoman for Rick Singh’s office, disagrees with Disney’s complaints. Her office believes that Walt Disney World Resort was previously undervalued for decades by property appraisers.

“Again this year, the Disney organization has chosen use the court system to dispute the value of its property in Orange County and thereby pay reduced property taxes that would benefit area infrastructure and public schools,” Watson said. “The Orange County Property Appraiser looks forward to defending these values in court on behalf of the citizens of Orange County, so that Disney’s responsibility to the community is upheld.”

According to the Orange County appraisers, the assessed value for the four theme parks includes:

  • Magic Kingdom – $504 million
  • Epcot – $539 million
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – $394 million
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom – $435 million

Even though Disney argues that the assessed property values are excessive, the company hasn’t stated what they believe the true values should be for the Orlando area theme parks. It’ll take time before any determination is made regarding the disputed property taxes and assessed values.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Disney & Co, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney Orlando News, Disney Parks, Disney World, Orange County, Walt Disney World Resort