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We’re LIVE From Reopening Day at Disney Springs in Disney World!

Last week Universal Studios CityWalk reopened with new health and safety procedures in place.

Disney Springs

Now, Disney Springs is officially reopening. And we’re here live to report on all of the restaurant, retail, and new procedures.

We will be updating this post throughout the day, so be sure to check back for new information and details. And if you have any questions about the opening of Disney Springs or the new procedures, please let us know and we will do our best to pass the information along.

Disney Springs

Today, select third-party locations are opening. You can see a complete list of the restaurants opening today — here. And you can check out the full list of retail locations reopening today — here.

It is important to note that Disney-owned locations will be opening May 27th. You can read all of the details about those locations — here. We will be reporting live from Disney Springs that day as well, so be sure to check the blog for all the need-to-know news.

Now, let’s get into the reopening of Disney Springs!

©Disney

Parking

Guests are able to self-park in the Orange and Lime garages and all surface parking lots are closed at this time. Valet parking is unavailable at this time as well.

Orange Lot

This morning we were told that Orange garage would be filled first. When we arrived it was self-park, meaning we weren’t directed by a Cast Member and we could park anywhere.

Parking Lot

Markers are located throughout the garage to remind people to stay 6ft apart.

6ft apart pole

Warning signs are spread out throughout the garage as well.

Warning Sign

Hand sanitizer locations are also available throughout the garage.

Hand Sanitizer

Due to capacity restrictions at Disney Springs, once the parking garages are full, guests will no longer be able to park and visit Disney Springs. This includes guests who have booked a dining reservation. If a guest is unable to make their reservation because Disney Springs is closed due to capacity, the dining guarantee charge will be waived.

Rideshare drop-offs are allowed and take place in the Marketplace lot.

Masks and Temperature Checks

When guests arrive at Disney Springs, they undergo a temperature check at one of the four open entrances. Temperatures are being checked at 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.

Advent Health Signage

Markers have been placed on the ground to assist with social distancing.

Temperature Check

Advent Health employees use a touchless forehead thermometer for each guest. If you are wearing a hat, you will be asked to remove it.

Temperature Screening

Those with a temperature above 100.4 F or above are directed to an additional location (which is a large white tent) for rescreening and assistance. Guests can go here to sit and cool off. After cooling off, they can try to screen their temp one more time. After the additional screening, those with a temp that is still 100.4 F or higher will not be allowed into Disney Springs and their party is not allowed entry either.

Signage

These temperature checks are required for anyone going to Disney Springs, including guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees.

Temperature Screening

Face coverings are required for everyone (except for guests 3 and under). The only time guests are permitted to remove their face coverings is when they are dining.

Advent Health Cast Member

Disney has also shared that they may have a few disposable masks available for those who have arrived without a mask. However, these are not guaranteed, so come prepared!

Entering Disney Springs

Entering Disney Springs

There were a few guests, but crowds this morning have been pretty low.

Orange Garage

The official Springs hours are 10AM – 10PM for the time being.

Disney Springs

As we said earlier, we will be updating this post throughout the day, so be sure to check back for more information. 

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

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney news, disney springs, disney springs reopening, masks, temperature checks, temperature checks at Disney Springs

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Disney Springs Reopens today at 10am

Disney Springs Reopening

Disney Springs has begun a phased reopening today! The hours of operation are 10 am to 10 pm.

Matt Simon Vice President of Disney Springs talks about the new safety measures at Disney Springs.

To get an idea of what they will look like check out this video.

Here is more information on what to expect at Disney Springs.

For Cast Members, Operating Participant employees and Guests, there are 6 key things to know before arriving at Disney Springs, and they include:

  • Limited parking and reduced entrances
  • Temperature screenings prior to entry
  • Face coverings required for Guests ages 3 and up
  • Physical distancing practices including physically-distanced queues and physical barriers
  • Temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas
  • An increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas

Since many of these measures will be new, and may evolve, we want to be sure Guests, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are aware of all these changes.

  COVID-19 Warning

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Disney Springs.

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.

By visiting Disney Springs you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Help keep each other healthy.

Guest Parking and Entrances

During this initial phase, Guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime garages; all surface parking lots will be closed. At opening, we have also reduced Guest entryways to 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location. Guest access to Disney Springs from the Grapefruit garage will be restricted.

Temperature Screening

All Guests are required to undergo temperature screenings upon arrival at Disney Springs.

  • Guest Screening: During this initial period, Guests will undergo temperature screening in these locations: the second-floor exits of Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (to serve Guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare drop-off lot). Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
  • Employee Screening: Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check at home, prior to coming to work.

Limited Contact

Following guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, we have made some temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to ensure a responsible and enjoyable environment for everyone.

  • Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 and older are required to wear face coverings when visiting Walt Disney World Resort.All face coverings should:
    • Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
    • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
    • Be secured with ties or ear loops
    • Be made of breathable cloth material, either disposable or reusable

    Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.

    Guests are required to wear face coverings at all times, except while dining or swimming. The use of face coverings should not be seen as a substitute for physical distancing. Guests must provide their own disposable or reusable face covering.

  • Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.
  • Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless or contactless payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Rewards Redemption Cards and mobile wallets—including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Guests may purchase a Disney Gift Card at select Merchandise locations and Welcome Center (Guest Relations) to pay without cash.

Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures

Managing the number of Guests visiting Disney Springs has been a major consideration as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on recommendations from health authorities and government officials. One of the ways to do that is to limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location. Additional measures include:

  • Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.
  • Training: We are also training Cast Members to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.

Cleanliness and Sanitation

We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, Disney Springs will open with hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations, and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting.

Cast Training

We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety among Cast Members and Operating Participant employees, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we navigate through the reopening phases.

About These Measures

As part of these efforts, Guests may see other changes to our retail and dining offerings, as well as other experiences. Though it may be different from the last time you visited, these new measures are designed to offer a magical Disney experience in a responsible way.

We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate as responsibly as we can. Together, we can find new ways to have fun while being diligent to maintain proper physical distancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

View frequently asked questions about the phased reopening of Disney Springs—as well as related updates.

What’s Open?

The following locations will open on May 20. Hours of operation vary. Please contact the store or restaurant directly for hours of operation.

More Information

In addition to the information shared here, please see the Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules for more details.

Upon reopening, theme parks, Disney Resort hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings may be modified and will be limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure, based on direction from health experts and government officials to promote physical distancing.

Additionally, attractions, experiences, services and amenities may have limited availability or may remain closed. We will provide more information as it becomes available. We reserve the right to cancel any reservations, admission media or purchases and provide applicable refunds. Please also see our policies regarding cancellations by Guests.

From our friends at chipandco.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, COVID-19, Disney Springs Reopening, Disney World, Disney World Reopening

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News! Analyst Downgrades Disney’s Stock Rating Due To Leadership Changes

We reported yesterday that The Walt Disney Company shifted around their executives to form a new leadership team.

@joshdamaro on Instagram

This change-up moved Josh D’Amaro to the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, and named new presidents for both Disney World and Disneyland. Former Disneyland President, Rebecca Campbell, is stepping into the role of Chairman for the Direct-To Consumer sector and analysts shared their concerns with this recent change.

Campbell is taking over the chairman role previously held by Kevin Mayer. However, Mayer recently stepped down to become the CEO of TikTok and COO of its parent company.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Loop Capital analyst, Alan Gould, downgraded his rating of Disney from “buy” to “hold.” He explained by stating, “we believe the bounce-back from the pandemic will take longer than the Street is currently estimating, the stock is approaching our price target, and the uncertainty is exacerbated by the loss of Kevin Mayer.”

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

He referred to Mayer as “”the architect of the Disney+ launch” and Bernstein analyst, Todd Juenger, referred to Mayer’s successor, Campbell, by stating, “She joins the business at a moment where the already thin original content pipeline has dwindled to essentially ‘nothing.’”

He continued, “There are also vitally important strategic decisions to be made on the future of Hulu…She will not have the luxury of time to contemplate most of these tough decisions.”

@rebeccacampbelldisneyland on Instagram

Jeunger also posed questions about the changes including “Why put somebody from parks in charge of the future of streaming? Given the crucial and transformative role of streaming to Disney’s future, many investors were surprised that Disney didn’t name someone from the streaming side as CEO. Now, Disney hasn’t even named someone from the streaming side to be in charge of streaming.”

©Disney

Juenger continues to explain that if Disney had looked for someone with a deeper streaming background, the “very short list” would have been expensive individuals who are not looking to change jobs right now. He stated this was a “cold comfort for nervous investors who now have a surprise departure and unfamiliar replacement in charge of the division most associated with Disney’s future.”

©ESPN

Juenger explained that investors are already concerned about a new risk that they are unfamiliar with. He expressed concern with Disney’s limited “visibility” for roles apart from CEO and CFO, so he is hoping Disney will work to connect Campbell with investors to help ease their uncertainty during this transition.

What do you think of the new Disney Company transitions? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Disneyland, Featured, News, Disney, Disney Company, disney plus, disney streaming, Disney World, disney world president, disneyland president, Disneyland Resort, espn, Hulu, josh d’amaro, kevin mayer, Rebecca Campbell, streaming, the walt disney company, walt disney company, Walt Disney World

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News! Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs Share New Safety Protocols

Disney Springs is planning to start Disney World’s phased re-opening tomorrow, May 20th.

Chicken Guy!

We’ve been keeping you updated with all of the restaurants that plan to re-open tomorrow, but Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood just released more information on how they plan to protect guests at the re-opening.

Earlier today, we got a sneak peek of what Disney Springs’ new health and safety protocols look like in practice, but now we know more about how Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood will adapt their restaurants with extra safety procedures.

Planet Hollywood

These restaurants will first protect guests by enforcing extra safety measures with their employees.

All employees will be required to undergo health checks each day, wash their hands every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, wear personal protective equipment (where appropriate), undergo enhanced training on sanitation and social distancing.

Chicken Guy!

The restaurants will also work with their vendors to ensure they are following similar precautions and will remind employees of these standards at the beginning of each shift.

The restaurants have modified the guest experience by transitioning to single-use menus, installing sanitizer dispensers, and updating the dining room floor plans to promote social distancing. They will sanitize and disinfect tables after each party and will sanitize throughout the restaurant frequently.

Guy’s Favorite Sauces

You can read more about Earl of Sandwich’s opening here, Chicken Guy’s here, and Planet Hollywood’s here. We will continue to keep you updated with the latest and be sure to tune in tomorrow for our live coverage from Disney Springs!

Which of these three restaurants is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservation, Chicken Guy!, dining, Disney, disney dining, disney reservations, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs dining, disney springs reopening, disney springs restaurant, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, Earl of Sandwich, Planet Hollywood, reopening, table service dining, walt disney world resort

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SeaWorld Orlando Tested Their Mako Coaster With Masked Riders Today!

Although Disney Springs is set to begin a phased re-opening tomorrow, May 20th, and Universal Orlando’s CityWalk has re-opened to the public, Florida’s major theme parks still remain closed.

©SeaWorld

No opening dates have been announced for Disney World, Universal Orlando, or SeaWorld Orlando, but SeaWorld appears to already be prepping for guests to return.

The Orlando Sentinel spoke with Dan Leavelle, who was passing by the park earlier this morning. He caught a glimpse of one of the park’s coasters, Mako, racing around the track carrying masked passengers.

Mako Coaster in SeaWorld Florida ©DanLeavelle

The coaster reaches 73 miles per hour and features a 200 foot drop. Leavelle reports he watched for about an hour and through about 30 run-throughs, he didn’t see any masks fall off. Dan Leavelle runs Midway Mayhem and posted a video of the test runs on his YouTube.

©SeaWorld

A SeaWorld representative confirmed the park was testing the coaster, but did not have any additional information on a re-opening timeline. We will keep you updated as we learn more about SeaWorld, Disney World, and Universal Orlando’s re-opening dates!

Would you ride a coaster if masks were required? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, News, CityWalk, coaster, Disney, disney springs, Disney World, florida, mako, Orlando, re-open, re-opening, reopen, reopening, seaworld, SeaWorld Orlando, theme park, Universal, Universal CityWalk, universal orlado, Walt Disney World