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Disney News Disney Parks Other

Update! Disney Launched A New Annual Passholder Webpage With New Information on the Reservation System

We know we’ve been piling a lot on your plate lately, but Disney World is dishing up a heaping amount of news lately! Our cup runneth over, TOO!

©Disney

Now that Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are officially reopening on July 11th along with Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15th, Disney World has created a new Annual Passholder webpage with some VERY important information!

Disney has shared that they are rolling out a brand new reservation system to limit capacity therefore Disney World has temporarily stopped selling park tickets and isn’t currently accepting new reservations.

Disney has kind of been piecing together what will be needed in order to obtain a reservation. For starters, they have shared “When our theme parks reopen, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system on DisneyWorld.com that will require all guests to make a reservation in advance for theme park entry. Over the coming weeks, we will be making some necessary updates to prepare for the launch of this park reservation system,” They also informed guests that “Guests with existing Resort reservations will have priority access to the new park reservation system when it becomes available.”

Cinderella Castle

Accessing the New Webpage

Now, Disney has rolled out a new webpage with updated information for Annual Passholders. This webpage is pretty hard to find you guys so we thought we’d walk you through it a bit.

  1. Visit the Disney World website.
  2. On the website, you will see a large chunk of text describing the closures. Click view important details at the bottom of this text and you will be taken to a new experience update page.
  3. If you scroll to the very bottom of this experience page you will see a blue text box that reads Annual Passes.
  4. Click learn more and you will be redirected to the new Annual Passholder update page

2020 Annual Passholder Magnet

New Annual Passholder Information Regarding Reservations

Information on this page shares that due to high-demand for re-entry (and the parks not being able to accommodate as many guests each day) Annual Passholders will only be allowed to hold a certain number of reserved days at one time once the new reservation system is put in place. They also share that it may be difficult for Annual Passholder’s to get reservations on certain dates. Here’s how the statement reads on Disney World’s website:

Screenshot fro Disney World’s Annual Passholder Website

Disney World also notes some AP member benefits and features might not be available while Annual Passes will still be subject to blackout dates.

We know that this statement can be rather confusing. But what we can take from it is that dates for Annual Passholders may be limited and that passes will be subject to block out dates and depending on your pass type, these dates may vary.

So while this can all be confusing and even overwhelming, take a deep breath! Disney is still saying that Annual Passholders will have the ability to make reservations. Those reservations just may have a few limitations based on the type of pass you have. We’re not gonna lie, things are gonna be a little bit weird for a while. But we here at DFB have got YOU! We will do our best to brake these weird statements down and will do our best to get you all the answers you need. So, if you have any questions, please let us know!

Are you an Annual Passholder? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. All Your Questions About the New Disney World Passholder Payment Changes ANSWERED
  2. Annual Passholders Can Celebrate the Holidays with Exclusive Photo Ops in Disney World!
  3. Small Price Increases That Could Have a BIG Impact on Your Next Disney World Vacation!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Annual Passholder, ap member, blackout dates, blockout dates, Disney World, Disney World Annual Passholder, features might not be available, limited capacity, limited days, member benefits, modifications, restricted days

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Disney Parks Other

Who Counts as a “Disney World Resort Guest” For the Reopening? We’ve Done Some Digging!

Now that Disney World has dropped a bombshell of updates to their policies regarding their July 11th reopening date, there’s a lot of confusion going around!

Walt Disney World

Following the announcement that a new reservation system will be needed to gain access to the parks,  all previously booked Fastpass+dining reservations, and Disney Dining Plans have been canceled, many guests are now left wondering if they’re even ELIGIBLE to gain access to the parks when they reopen.

While we’ve known for some time Disney World would reopen with a limited capacity, we didn’t know to what extent they’d be scaling back admission (and it’s still unknown at this time!). BUT, we DO know guests who have previously purchased theme park tickets AND have hotel reservations ON THE BOOKS will be given priority access.

Disney World has temporarily paused ticket sales and new hotel reservations! Learn more here!

Some of our readers who have BOTH of these essentials still feel in the dark following the announcements. We’re going to help clarify.

Walt Disney World Partner Hotels

What does this mean for guests who have booked stays at non-Disney operated hotels such as Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort as well as Shades of Green? Remember — while these properties are situated on Disney World’s property, they’re only partnered with the resort.

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort

We reached out to Disney World today to get some answers. We chatted with a Cast Member who told us guests staying at Disney World’s partner hotels will also count as resort guests.

Screenshot of Chat with Cast Member from Disney World’s Website

That means if you have already purchased Disney World park tickets and have a hotel reservation at a partner resort, you will be among the first group of guests to gain access back in the parks if you’re staying at one of these hotels.

Disney Vacation Club Hotels

It has been previously announced that Disney Vacation Club Resorts will begin reopening to guests on June 22nd. While regular guests cannot book reservations at this time, Disney Vacation Club Members are STILL able to book new room reservations with their points at the time of writing this.

Disney Vacation Club

So if you’re a DVC member, you might still be able to snag a reservation around the reopening.

Disney-Owned Hotels

Finally, Disney-owned hotels on property are a bit trickier. It was announced that Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be reopening on June 22nd along with the DVC resorts.

Welcome to Fort Wilderness!

Aside from Ft. Wilderness, no reopenings have been officially announced for other Disney hotels. Prior booked reservations have not been canceled by Disney at this time.

We know all this news to come out of Disney in the past few days is a massive bomb dropped on many guest’s vacation plans, and we’re doing all we can to get you answers. Please share in the comments ANY questions you may have about your upcoming trip and we will do everything we can to help you get answers.

It’s official! Disney World theme parks and hotels will be reopening soon! Learn more details here!

Are you one of the lucky folks with valid tickets and a hotel reservation? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. Review! We’re In Chocolate Heaven Thanks to This Delicious Dessert in Disney World!
  2. News! Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts Are Now Fully Closed
  3. News! Disney World’s Shades of Green Resort Set to Remain Closed Until Mid-May

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, Shades of Green, Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Walt Disney World, 2020 closure, bookings, disney world hotels, Disney World reopening, dolphin resort, reopening, reservations, shades of green resort, Swan and Dolphin Resort, swan resort, tickets, who counts as a guest

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

Review! The NEW (Yes, New!) Gold Rush Sundae at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain — Now Reopen in Disney Springs

Attention CHOCOLATE LOVERS! (And ice cream fans! And people who love caramel and pretty much anything that tastes yummy!) Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is now reopen in Disney Springs!

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Mostly, that is… the Soda Fountain portion is now open to guests looking for some sweet treats. The Chocolate Shop (retail) section remains closed for the moment. But we’re here to show you around the newly reopened space, check out the new safety measures, and grab a (HUGE) sundae while we’re at it. So, let’s head in!

Aside from the lovely Ghirardelli sign and a not-so-small reminder of what’s in store (LOTS of ice cream, as evidenced by the larger-than-life sundae prop), you’ll also notice hand sanitizer available right when you enter.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Hand Sanitizer

You’ll also see plenty of clear reminders around the store to “Please keep a safe distance.”

Distance Markers

Distance Markers

Additional signage provides more reminders of the new safety measures for shopping and dining in Disney Springs, which also include the required wearing of face masks, more distancing notices, and more.

Safety Sign

There is no indoor dining available at the moment, with the inside tables sectioned off from the ordering area.

Indoor seating closed

Indoor area closed

But even though the indoor dining and the store part are closed, you can still pick up some of those classic Ghirardelli Squares!

Ghirardelli Squares

And another noticeable difference is the reduced menu upon the reopening. Previously, the paper lists guests picked up to peruse was packed with a huge selection of sundaes and more (including the family-sized Earthquake).

Sundae Menu

Ice Cream Menu

But things are starting back up with a more limited selection for the time being featuring three Sundaes, ice cream scoops and some toppings, shakes, and cocoa — including the Frozen Hot Cocoa in time for the rising Florida temps!

Shakes and Cocoa Menu

So it was impossible NOT to notice the intriguing Gold Rush Caramel Sundae — designated as NEW!

Gold Rush sign

But, wait a minute… how can it be new? We’ve had a Gold Rush Sundae at Ghirardelli before. (Okay, more than one — it was a favorite!)

When we asked about it, it was confirmed that this Gold Rush is indeed a new version, featuring (obviously) Salted Caramel instead of the old Gold Rush Peanut Butter Sundae (pictured below) that was once one of our absolute favorites.

PREVIOUS Gold Rush Sundae

Yeah, that’s it…. and it was a beautiful thing. Of course, since Ghirardelli stopped serving up peanut butter as an ingredient in 2015, this is not a huge surprise — we haven’t had the “old” Gold Rush in Disney World for years. (The Disneyland Ghirardelli location did continue to be the only spot to serve it for a while.)

So, how is the new Gold Rush different? Well…

The NEW Gold Rush Caramel Sundae

Instead of peanut butter as the toppings star, this one serves up oodles of caramel sauce over vanilla ice cream with sea salt, diced almonds, and whipped cream. It’s topped with a White Chocolate Caramel Ghirardelli Square.

White Chocolate Caramel Squares

Before we dig in, here’s how serving works now. After placing your order, you step outside to wait. A cast member brings your treat on a tray with your spoon and a napkin.

Cast Member delivering Sundae

You, in turn, take the whole thing, including the tray. (It’s also worth mentioning that cast members were wiping things down the entire time.)

And NOW… here’s a full look at the NEW Gold Rush Caramel Sundae!

NEW Gold Rush Caramel Sundae

I mentioned those “oodles” of caramel, right? Check it out… they’re not playing around!

NEW Gold Rush Caramel Sundae

And you know what? As much as we loved the old Gold Rush… there’s really nothing to complain about with the new one, either! In fact, it’s better than just “no complaints.”

NEW Gold Rush Caramel Sundae

It’s really, REALLY good. It’s flavorful, while not being as rich as the chocolate sundaes (in a good way, what with it being SO HUGE.) The sea salt brings some terrific balance to the super sweet caramal, and the almonds — which are plentiful — really deliver a nice crunch.

All in all… things are still decadent and delicious at Ghirardelli’s! We’re still checking out all of the recently reopen shops and restaurants around Disney Springs. And speaking of reopening… Walt Disney World theme parks have received the official approval to open to guests starting on July 11th. You can read more about the reopening and catch up on all the latest news by visiting any of the links below.

Will you be trying a new Gold Rush Sundae? Please let us know with a comment!

Related posts:

  1. What’s the Status of the Chocolate Square Samples at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop? You Might Be Surprised…
  2. What’s New in Disney Springs? Frosé, Potion Purple, Loaded Mac and Cheese and More: January 16, 2019
  3. REVIEW! Ghirardelli’s Quake Shake Has Us SHOOK in Disney World!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs, disney springs reopen, ghirardelli chocolate, Ghirardelli Disney Springs, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Gold Rush, Gold Rush Caramel Sundae, gold rush sundae

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

BREAKING NEWS! Disney World Has an OFFICIAL Reopening Date

Disney World recently proposed a reopening plan to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for approval.

Walt Disney World

The plan, which includes a soft reopening of July 11th for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and of July 15th for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, was approved by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and set to move on for review by the state government. Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed off on the proposal, which means the plan is approved for use.

With this go-ahead from government officials, Disney will open the theme parks in mid-July with significant added health measures. Prior to this, we will see the Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground begin to reopen on June 22nd.

Reopening Approval Letter

Disney plans are likely set as a baseline with the approval from the governor, but that does not mean that certain aspects will not develop or change. We will keep you updated as we learn more or as any modifications are made.

At this time, Disney is not accepting new hotel reservations or allowing guests to purchase additional tickets. This is because Disney is introducing a brand NEW reservation system.

Magic Kingdom

Read the latest details on the new reservation system here.

FastPass+ and the Disney Dining Plan have been suspended for the time being. And all Disney dining reservations have been canceled at this time.

Mickey Ice Cream

We know that things are changing quickly, but we are here to HELP! We’re doing our best to answer all of your questions so that you can still have the best Disney World vacation possible! If you have any questions about upcoming reservations or your future vacay, please let us know. And check back here for the latest and most up-to-date news!

Click here to read the DETAILS of Disney’s reopening proposal! 

Have questions about Disney’s reopening plan? Ask them in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. Florida Surgeon General Warns That Current Measures Should Continue Until a Vaccine Exists. What Does That Mean for Disney World?
  2. Florida Governor Says Disney is “Ahead of the Curve” When it Comes to Reopening
  3. Disney World Says, “We Do Not Have an Opening Date Yet.”

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Disney World Reopening Date, Disney world reopening plan, florida governor, Florida gvoernor ron desantis, ron desantis

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

We Have an UPDATE on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties in Reopened Disney World!

While tickets for the 2020 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties went on sale in February, we haven’t heard very much on the subject of Disney World’s spookiest season since then!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom

With so many changes happening right now regarding Disney World’s reopening, including a new reservation system, including suspending all Fastpass+ and dining reservations, and canceling all Disney Dining Plans through 2021 (not to mention you can’t purchase park tickets or book a room at Disney World right now), what could this mean for Magic Kingdom’s annual Halloween celebration?

Well, we had to get to the bottom of this pressing matter and, after speaking with a Cast Member today, we were able to confirm all Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets ARE still valid…but they aren’t selling any more of them right now.

Screenshot of Our Chat with a Cast Member from Disney World’s Website

And just moments ago, Disney World added this message to their Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties ticket page meaning guests can no longer reserve tickets.

Screenshot From Disney World’s Website

Now whether or not this means Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties will happen or not, we can’t confirm at this time. The 2020 separately-ticket parties are scheduled to begin August 13th and run on select nights through November 1st. That doesn’t leave Disney with a lot of time to get its stuff figured out since Magic Kingdom’s tentative reopening date is July 11th.

Boo to You Parade

Keep in mind, Disney has stated that everything is subject to change, so things might be altered at any time. It’s also worth noting that if Disney reopens with their proposed plan to halt fireworks, parades, and character meet-and-greets, it’s possible that many of the experiences people are eager to experience at the Halloween parties may be altered or missing entirely. We’ll keep you posted if Disney announces anything further.

Click here to learn more about Disney World’s reopening proposal!

And keep in mind we are also still waiting on Disney World to release tickets for the 2020 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties which came out on April 8th last year.

Main Street at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

See what other big announcements we’re STILL waiting on from Disney here!

We’re continuing to dig and look for answers and we’ll report back soon with any information we uncover, but for now hold onto those Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets because as far as we know, they’ll still GOOD!

Do you have tickets to attend a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. 2020 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets NOW ON SALE!
  2. Ticket Discounts on Disney Theme Parks, Water Parks, and Special Events! See How Much You Can SAVE!
  3. Updated! Will Disney World Really Re-open April 1st?

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, 2020 mickey’s not so scary halloween party, Disney World, MNSSHP, mnsshp 2020, MVMCP, mvmcp 2020, not selling tickets, reopening, tickets, tickets still valid, tickets unavailable, Update