Author: disneyfoodblog.com

Just a few days ago, some of our readers were reporting their multi-day Disney World tickets had magically been extended through September 26, 2021!

Although Disney World hadn’t released any information on the subject, we told you guys we’d wait for more information…and now we have it!

Disney previously stated that multi-day park tickets that were affected by the closure would be valid through September 30th, 2020. But now Disney has officially confirmed on their website that this no longer seems to be the case. Multi-day park tickets have officially been extended through September 26th, 2021! Here’s how Disney World’s ticket policy now reads:

If you are unable to use your ticket by September 26, 2021, you can apply the value of those tickets to the purchase of another ticket on a later date.

With Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom set to reopen on July 11th along with Epcot and Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15th, now you’ll have even more time to enjoy the theme parks!

Learn more about Disney World’s new reservation system here!

Let us know if you’re excited about getting your ticket dates extended!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, disney parks, Disney World, extended, multi-day tickets, september 26th 2021, temporary closure, ticket extensions, tickets extended

While we’re all about dishing up Disney news, we recently went to Universal Studios to do a little theme park reopening recon!

And while we don’t know exactly what Disney World’s theme parks will be like when Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopen on July 11th followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15th, we do have a better idea of you can expect!

While we already shared six of the most surprising things we saw at Universal’s reopening, our experience at the newly re-opened theme parks also gave us some critical insight! Some of which we’ll definitely be applying to our first trip back to Disney World! Here are six of the most important things we learned from yesterday’s big outing!

3D Glasses Fog Up

While wearing masks on attractions wasn’t that big of a deal (especially once we realized they stayed in place on rollercoasters thanks to all that SPEED!), we had a harder time wearing face masks on some of Universal’s 3D experiences!

Hey, ya gotta breathe, right? But for those of you who don’t normally wear glasses AND face masks, you might not be familiar with this pesky little problem! Those pesky masks direct your breath right up to the glasses! We had some foggy lenses on Escape from Gringotts and Skull Island: Reign of Kong thanks to our bodies requiring oxygen!

It’s unclear if Disney’s 3D shows such as It’s Tough to be a Bug at Animal Kingdom or Mickey’s Philharmagic at Magic Kingdom will resume right away since these attractions are housed in large indoor theaters, but there are a few 3D rides such as Toy Story Midway Mania and Star Tours that might pose a problem! If you wear the 3D glasses slightly over your mask, that should help cut down on those foggy lenses and help you see better!

Check out what our experience was like wearing a face covering on Universal’s rides here!

Bring a Back-Up

While we didn’t have to pull out our spare face masks we brought with us yesterday, we were happy to have them — just in case! One of our friends wasn’t so lucky and lost hers on a ride (Universal is allowing its guests to remove their masks once they’re seated on water rides, but she didn’t properly secure hers and it flew off her lap!). They didn’t have a disposable one to give her, so it left our friend in a strange situation.

Luckily, Universal has plenty of face masks for sale, but we’d rather not chance it when Disney World reopens! What if it rains or falls off the table while your eating and gets stepped on? Like we said– it’s much easier to just have a dry, clean mask ready to go in case we need one instead of covering our faces while frantically searching the gift shops for a replacement!

You’ll Be On Your Phone — A LOT!

Between all the pictures we like to take at the parks as well as how frequently we’re using the My Disney Experience app to change dining reservations and to mobile order our meals, we already on our phones a lot at Disney World! And yesterday we realized we were on our phones even MORE at Universal since so much of the theme park experience has now been switched over to the app! 

We were draining our batteries a lot faster reversing spots in the virtual lines, looking up where the URest “relaxation zones” were located on the map, and well as getting all of our mobile ordering done!

Universal’s mobile order was struggling yesterday! Learn more here!

Take our advice and bring a charging cable and portable back-up battery so that you don’t completely drain your device — almost everything is done on your phone now that the parks reopen, so you gotta keep it juiced! FuelRods are available at Universal, but if you’d rather not interact with one more heavily touched area, we recommend packing your own.

Learn more about Universal’s URest Areas here!

Plan on Taking Your Own Photos

It’s likely when Disney World reopens, you won’t be able to hand a Cast Member your device to snap a pic of you and your crew.

Disney hasn’t officially made a statement on this matter, but a leader of one of Disney World’s unions has said Cast Members won’t be taking photos for guests. This has also been our experience since being back at Universal Studios — you can still take all the selfies you want and photos of characters from a distance, though! And team members aren’t able to take these fun photos for ya.

Click here to see more about this potential change in Disney World

Longer Waits

Despite having reserved ride times, we still ended up waiting to get on attractions for a good 20-30 minutes at Univeral. This was due largely to the ride vehicles being loaded with guests every-other row, and lots of cleaning occurring between guests.

Elevators at the hotels can only operate with one party at a time. Mobile order pick-up lines were bananas. Everything in general just seemed to take a little longer, despite fewer people being inside the parks. We’re not sure what the sitch will be at Disney World, but it might be a good time to start brushing up your patiently-waiting skills.

Click here to learn more about Universal’s Virtual Lines

You Might Need to Space Out Your Rides A Little Differently

Something we’ll definitely be on the lookout for when Disney World reopens is how the normally higher capacity rides will be operating. While Universal attractions such as Skull Island: Reign of Kong and Fast & Furious — Supercharged are usually super-efficient at getting guests on and off, we noticed other attractions like The Incredible Hulk Coaster were loading a lot faster.

We think rides like Flight of Passage might take longer to disinfect between guests versus something with fewer components such as Big Thunder Railroad Moutain or Peter Pan’s Flight. It’s definitely something we’ll be thinking about if we’ll be stacking more complicated rides back-to-back since we don’t want to be late and miss our window!

We’ll be carefully considering all of these things before Disney World reopens, but of course, we’ll be at the theme parks on July 11th so that’ you’ll know exactly what’s going on and how to navigate a newly re-opened Disney World like a pro!

Take a look inside one of Universal Studios’ newly reopened hotels here!

Have you been to Universal since it reopened? What tips or tricks did you pick up? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, 3d glasses, back-up battery, back-up face mask, can’t take your picture, cast members, drain battery, face mask, first time back, foggy goggles, limited capacity, longer wait, Mobile Order, no photos, our experience at universal, phone battery, relaxation zones, rides, space out rides, theme parks, Universal Studios, virtual lines, waits, what we learned from universal studios

Only a few short days ago, Cookes of Dublin released its official reopening date!

Now, Cookes of Dublin is officially frying up fish again in Disney Springs! Let’s go check them out!

Folks were clamoring to get their Fish and Chips fix yesterday when the restaurant reopened at noon!

Social distancing markers have been added to the sidewalk out front just in case a school of fried fish-lovers happens to show up all at once!

Check out some of the other restaurants that have reopened in Disney Springs here!

We also noticed a new sign out front stating the restaurant’s commitment to the safety of its guests and employees!

But we came here for one thing and one thing only — some famous Cookies of Dublin Fish and Chips!

Cute social distancing markers with fish puns have been placed inside the restaurant…

…meanwhile, tables have been spaced out inside the dining room as well as outside.

Plexiglass has been installed at the registers and counters are being sanitized after every order. The cashier no longer hands you a table number. Instead, they circle the table number on your receipt and ask you to remember it.

When the food brought out, the runner calls your number and you just wave them over to your table.

They also ask you what condiments you want when you order so they can bring them out with your food. Since their soda machine isn’t running, you can order canned beverages instead.

The Fish and Chips at Cookes of Dublin literally melt in your mouth. The batter is so light and crisp while the fish is flaky and tender! We’re talkin’ heaven in every BITE!

And we can’t understate the importance of adding a little Tartar Sauce into the Fish and Chip equation! Always make sure you ask for some to go with your meal! Just trust us — this stuff’s totally going to take your Fish and Chip experience to the next level!

We always seem to gravitate towards delicious cheese sauce, and their Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip doesn’t disappoint! You get a pretty hefty portion for $5.50 which is why we ordered an extra side of fries to help sop up all that rich, cheesy goodness!

The bacon lends just a little bit of depth to the gooey cup of pure cheesy enjoyment. Combined with the saltiness of the fries, we can’t think of a snack we’d rather be having right now!

Okay, we’re happy and totally STUFFED with all the carbs we just ate! Here’s what we think!

Nosh or Not?

Stop by Cookes of Dublin if:

• You love some good pub grub
• You don’t have time to sit down for a full meal at Raglan Road (or couldn’t snag a reservation!)
• Fish and Chips and authentic Irish eats are your love language

Skip Cookes of Dublin if:

• Irish food just isn’t your style
• Prefer healthier options (lots of fried, heavy foods are featured on the menu)
• Already got your Fish and Chips fix somewhere else (we’ve been known to frequent Epcot’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop a few times not leaving much room for other Fish and Chip delights!)

Check out our Disney World Fish N Chips throw down here!

Overall

We think Cookes of Dublin is time and money well spent. The Irish cuisine is a more unique take on convenience food at Disney Springs while the quality is seriously on point for the price. The option to sit outdoors and enjoy the patio bar is also a major boon. Next time you’re feelin’ jiggy, definitely check out Cookes of Dublin!

See what else just reopened at Disney Springs today here!

Which Disney World spot serves your favorite Fish N Chips? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, 2020 closures, Cookes of Dublin, disney springs, Disney World, Dubliner Irish Cheese & Bacon Dip, Fish and Chips, fish n chips, happy hour, Hole in the Wall, new safety measures, reopened, social distancing

Disney Springs has been reopened for a few weeks, and there are new things popping up daily!

Though there are a lot of general changes to how Disney Springs is run so that guests, Cast Members, and employees are safe; some things are still the way they were before the closure. For instance, we’re still able to check in on NEW food items, NEW construction updates, and NEW merchandise! Let’s check out everything that’s new in Disney Springs today!

Disney Springs Food Update

As always, we’re starting off with our number one priority — the food of Disney Springs!

Pizza Ponte

Though there aren’t too many food updates today in the Springs, we did notice a new sign up outside of Pizza Ponte.

The Fruit and Wine Pops and Frozen Sangrias have been around for a while, but boy does this sign make us want to pop in and grab a treat to cool off with.

Click here to learn more about the Fruit and Wine Pops at Pizza Ponte!

Starbucks

Starbucks has a new drink AND a new souvenir cup. Remember, you can’t get your souvenir cup filled right now, but you’re of course welcome to pour the drink in yourself. The new cup is to celebrate Pride Month. When we first saw the Confetti Cup, we were a little confused. Those white spots don’t look like confetti! Or DO they???

To really see why the cup was called the Confetti Cup, we picked up the new Love is Love drink special (also for pride month) made of a Violet Drink with strawberries and topped with strawberry sweet cream cold foam.

Not only was the drink DELICIOUS, but when we poured it into our new cup, the design started to change. That’s right, there are COLOR CHANGING confetti pieces. Look how cute!

You can snag the new cup for $4 and the drink was priced at $8.10 for a Venti.

Gotta know more about these cute Starbucks offerings? Click here!

Cookes of Dublin

Cookes of Dublin and The Hole in the Wall Outside Bar have officially reopened.

Obviously, we celebrated with some Fish & Chips and yummy Cheese Dip. Plus, they’ve got NEW HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS!

Want to know more about those new specials? Click here!

House of Blues

House of Blues has reopened too! In fact, we were the first ones there when the doors opened from the closure.

We were actually really impressed with the apps we tried here and listening to live music again was a total treat.

To see our experience at the reopened House of Blues, click here!

Disney Springs Construction Update

Next up let’s take a look at some of the construction in Disney Springs. There’s a good bit of it!

M&M Store

First up, construction on the M&M Store continues. They’ve added construction barriers that weren’t there just a few days ago!

We can’t wait to see the WALL of M&Ms that is coming to this spot sometime this year.

Want a sneak peek of the M&M Store? Click here!

lululemon

We checked in on the upcoming lululemon location as well. This location is set to open this summer!

It looks like they’ve got a sign in the works for above the entrance!

Click here to find out when lululemon will open!

Homecomin’ Shine Bar

We’re super excited about the new Shine Bar (that’s MOONSHINE, friends!) that’s coming to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’!

You can catch a glimpse of the progress from just across the Springs. It looks like work is coming along!

To learn more about the Shine Bar, click here!

Beatrix

We figured we’d check in on Beatrix, too!

Ample Hills Creamery

As far as we can tell, there’s still work being done just across the way at Ample Hills Creamery.

City Works Eatery and Pour House

And finally, there’s actually a little bit of construction going on at the new City Works restaurant too! Those temporary planters are up to hide the work.

Disney Springs Merchandise Update

Now for the biggest group of updates. Let’s take a look at that new merch, pals!

World of Disney

Of course, we started at the quintessential World of Disney.

Unlike its opening day, there was no line here when we visited. We just walked right in!

Click here to see how the World of Disney queue works!

And there were a lot of new items! Our favorite? Possibly this Main Street Popcorn Phone Case for $44.99.

Yes, that popcorn moves around in there.

Click here for MORE PICS of the new Popcorn Case!

Then there was a whole collection of rainbow merch. It IS Pride Month after all. Check out these two-person Jumbo Beach Towels for $27.99.

The also had rainbow plushes of our FAVORITE mice, Mickey…

…and Minnie! You can snag either of them for $29.99.

We spotted these returning Rainbow Minnie Ears displayed around this collection too.

Click here to see more of the new Rainbow Collection!

For $36.99 you can snag the Rainbow Love Shirt that features Cinderella Castle in a Mickey shape!

Speaking of Mickey, have you ever seen anything cooler than these Rainbow Mickey Socks?

We’ve seen a very similar bag to this Rainbow Backpack before, but this one has some changes. Look closely to see all sorts of Disney motifs hidden in the colors. Get it for $55.

Is your fridge looking a little bare?

Pick up this $12.99 Magnet Set to spice is up!

Can you have too many magnets? If you don’t think so, click here!

But wait, you didn’t think that was all of the rainbow stuff, did you? Look at this ADORABLE Rain Jacket for $54.99!

Then there’s a matching collection of rainbow bags with snack symbols too! There’s the Tote…

…the Crossbody for $34.99…

…and this Hip Pack for $24.99!

Take a closer look at these NEW bags here! 

For $27.99, we saw this fun Mickey Mouse Varsity Hat that was new to us…

Want to find out more about this cool cap? Click here!

…and for $19.99 we spotted this Monsters University Notebook too!

Do you love the Fab Four as much as we do? Well, bring that love into the kitchen with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy Kitchen Towels for $24.99 each.

Check out these fun hand towels here!! 

With summer days coming soon, it’s pretty hard to resist grabbing this Minnie Pool Float for $54.99.

Click here to float on over to more info on this float!

Mother’s Day may have passed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show appreciation for your favorite lady with these $14.99 Socks!

Marketplace Co-Op

Perhaps the oddest thing we spotted in Disney Springs today popped up in Marketplace Co-Op. You remember that Inside Out Unicorn Romper we spotted on shopDisney? Well, we found it in stores for $128!

Really want to get your hands on this romper? Click here!

Over near the customizable MADE merch, we saw this Baby Yoda Tote. Right now, you can print the little guy on anything you normally can with a MADE kiosk, and add your name if you want.

The totes are new too, but soon you’ll be able to print any of the available designs on them.

Want to customize your own The Child Tote? Click here!

Once Upon a Toy

Once Upon a Toy reopened so that your kids can be tempted by all the goodies inside once more!

And trust us, they will be tempted.

Click here to take a tour of Once Upon a Toy with us!

Art of Shaving

Art of Shaving opened too! If you’re looking for a new razor, NOW IS YOUR TIME.

Note that the Barber Shop IS still closed though.

Click here to learn more about the reopening of Art of Shaving!

Vera Bradley

We finished our tour at Vera Bradley to see what mask designs they had available today. According to the associate, the masks have been super popular so they’ve been rotating the patterns a lot.

And there you have it! That’s everything new in Disney Springs! We’ll check back next time there are big updates. Until then!

What’s your favorite new piece of merchandise in Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, Ample Hills Creamery, Beatrix, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works Eatery & Pour House, disney springs, Homecomin’ Shine Bar, lululemon, m&m store, marketplace co-op, Pizza Ponte, Vera Bradley, what’s new, what’s new disney springs, World of Disney