Author: disneyfoodblog.com

The reopening isn’t the only big news out of Disney World. As you may have heard, the NBA is playing the rest of their season in Disney World!

This is a pretty unique situation! 22 teams are all headed to Disney World for the playoffs and that means a LOT of NBA players, coaches, and crews will be accommodated on Disney property. If you’re headed to Disney World during this time, you might be wondering how all this will affect your trip. We’re looking at the numbers!

What dates will the NBA be in Disney?

First, let’s take a look at the dates that the NBA will be at Disney. The teams are set to travel to Orlando between July 7th and July 11th in time for three weeks of training before the teams begin to play on July 30th. As the games continue, teams that are eliminated from the playoffs will be able to leave the “bubble,” slowly reducing the number of NBA affiliated folks in Disney World.

Each team will play eight games to determine playoff seeding. Once those games are over, the playoffs will begin in their regular format. If there is an NBA Finals Game 7, it will be played on October 13th. So, the total time the NBA will be at Disney World should be right around three months.

Click here to learn more about the NBA season.

Will the NBA accommodations affect hotel availability?

One BIG way this could affect guests is through the number of hotel rooms that will be occupied by the teams and their affiliates. At the start of the arrangement, eight teams will be staying in Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, eight teams at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and six teams at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Each team is allowed up to a 35-person traveling party and 17 rooms for guests. That’s a lot of hotel rooms. Let’s break down what that means for each of the affected hotels.

Gran Destino Tower has 15 floors with approximately 36 rooms each. If each team gets a floor, and one floor is set aside for guests of every two teams, the eight teams will occupy twelve of the fifteen floors of the hotel. Following the same math, the NBA will occupy half of Grand Floridian’s 867 standard rooms and over half of Yacht Club’s 539 standard rooms. And, all of that is not counting press and non-team affiliated officiants.

Coronado Springs Resort will be considered one of the main hub areas for the NBA in Orlando — that’s why all of the higher-seeded teams are placed there. If a team that is staying at one of the other two hotels makes it further into the playoffs, they could be asked to move to Gran Destino so that the other resorts can open to guests on August 24th (for Yacht Club) and September 21st (for Grand Floridian).

Keep in mind that the Yacht Club does share some amenities with Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Though all of Beach Club will not reopen until August 24th with Yacht Club, the Villas at Disney’s Beach Club Resort are open now. Still, the areas that connect to Yacht Club are blocked off with signage, and some amenities — like Stormalong Bay pool — won’t be open until the resorts open to guests.

The Grand Floridian resort is currently erecting a massive fence to keep players and guests separated (parts of the Grand Floridian resort are open to guests). Players will also have private amenities including players-only lounges in their respective resorts.

All this to say, YES, the NBA will have an effect on hotel availability. Press and officials occupying other spaces will further this effect.

So currently, guests who have reservations at the affected hotels may have to call and change their reservation to a different resort hotel during their travel dates. 

Teams will leave Orlando as they are eliminated from the tournament. The finals will have only two teams occupying hotel space, so by the end of the tournament, only Gran Destino Tower will have teams occupying the space. Grand Floridian and Yacht Club will be fully open to the public by that time. 

Click here to learn more about the NBA’s accommodations!

Will players have priority access to experiences?

You might be wondering if the NBA will have priority access to experiences like dining and theme park hours. In some cases, yes, and in some, you won’t have to worry. The reason the NBA is in Disney is to create a bubble. Interactions outside of their specific areas and teams will be limited, making it less likely that NBA activities will interrupt your day.

The teams will have planned excursions, separate from any that are available to guests. According to theme park journalist Scott Gustin, these excursions may include the NBA Experience, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Wild Africa Trek. 

The NBA handout includes a list of possible “excursions” at Walt Disney World including The NBA Experience, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Wild Africa Trek. pic.twitter.com/dwHOZVr18p

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 17, 2020

 

 

But besides those privatized restaurant experiences (FYI — those likely include the signature dining locations that aren’t opening to the public at the resorts), you don’t need to worry about players taking up dining reservations. Disney chefs will be preparing many of the teams’ daily meals and they will have a special room service dining option. So, no, Steph Curry is not going to swipe your Topolino’s Terrace reservation.

One thing to note is that players may receive access to the parks, but it would be after guests leave for the day. We’re not sure yet if this will have any effect on park hours, but we’ll be sure to keep an eye on it.

Click here to learn more about the amenities NBA players will get.

Will I see any NBA players out and about?

For basketball fans, being in Disney at the same time can be exciting! Will you be seeing NBA players out and about? Well, most likely no. Again “out and about” isn’t really the point of all this. It’s called a bubble for a reason. Will you maybe see a fancy car or bus drive by with NBA players inside? Possibly, but don’t count on it.  

You might get a glimpse of players flying into the Orlando International Airport (MCO) if you’re there between July 7th and 11th, but it would be from a distance. According to Sportscasting, NBA teams typically use private jets, even in normal times. To preserve the bubble, these guys likely won’t enter public areas either. 

You probably won’t see them in restaurants, in the parks, or in the lobby of open hotels, as they’ll be encouraged to stay away from others. For those staying at the Beach Club Villas, you might see them getting in the car at Yacht Club — but don’t expect to be strolling into EPCOT next to Lebron. If you want to see the players in Disney World, you’ll have to tune in to the games on your TV.

So, yes, the NBA might have an effect on your Disney vacation — but maybe not a huge one. Keeping these teams away from the public is important to keep them healthy so that they CAN play, which will help to lessen any meddling in your trip plans. Follow along with DFB for all the latest NBA updates!

Click here to learn more about the NBA staying in Disney World!

Will you be traveling at the same time as the NBA? Tell us in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Beach Club Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Grand Floridian Resort, Walt Disney World, Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, NBA, NBA in Disney, NBA Play-offs

Disney World’s phased reopening of its theme parks is just under two weeks away and continues to move forward, but Disneyland has postponed its July 17th grand reopening while it awaits guidelines from state officials.

And while Disney hasn’t and won’t be generating anywhere close to the pre-closure levels of revenue in the Parks, Experience, and Products sector for a while, CEO Bob Chapek noted that the company would not reopen any park unless it would ultimately generate profit.

We’ve already shared with you how many guests Disney will need to stay in the black once the theme parks reopen, otherwise, the company could actually lose even more money by reopening. We also know Disney will capping its attendance for the foreseeable future, requiring guests to obtain both a park ticket and reservation using the new Disney Park Pass system before visiting the parks.

But due to the upward trend in cases, there is growing concern that the theme parks might be reopening too soon. In fact, the Wall Street Journal has just reported the findings of a survey that was conducted earlier this month in which  2,000 U.S. consumers were asked if they would visit a Disney park this year. Almost two-thirds said they would only think about going to Disney if a vaccine existed.

There will be a number of new health and safety procedures implemented at the theme parks upon their reopening, including limited capacity, modified attractions and entertainment offerings, required face coverings for guests and Cast Members, mandatory temperature screenings to enter, increased sanitation, social distancing markers, and more. But despite Disney’s best efforts to keep its guests and Cast Members safe, it seems the majority agree that until there’s a vaccine, the parks will not be able to reach a normal pre-closures attendance level making Disney’s road to financial recovery even longer.

Would you visit the Disney parks before a vaccine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney california adventure, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Disneyland, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, News, cure, disney parks, Disney World, health and safety measures, in-person entertainment, limited capacity, reduced capacity, reopening, rise in cases, vaccine, wall street journal

Disney is a pretty massive company, and that means they’re constantly making big decisions — especially right now.

These decisions are ESPECIALLY controversial when it comes to the theme parks. With the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World coming next year and the global health crisis causing unprecedented changes, it can be easy to feel a little (or a LOT) mad at how Disney is handling things. We’re taking a look at some things you SHOULDN’T be mad at Disney for…and some things you maybe SHOULD!

Things you SHOULDN’T be mad about…

Sometimes, even though an action is inconvenient, Disney has chosen to take them for the greater good. Let’s take a look at some of the recent things that have some Disney fans up in arms and why we shouldn’t be so mad.

1. Temperature Checks

Temperature checks are definitely a new thing when it comes to getting into the theme parks, and lots of people have some valid concerns! Is this going to make it take longer to get in? What if it doesn’t catch everyone who’s infected? What if I register a high temperature just because of the Florida heat?

Well, don’t worry TOO much. We’ve already had a chance to experience temperature checks with the reopening of Disney Springs and Universal Studios and it’s actually a super quick process. It’s WAY faster than any of the bag checks we’ve done in Disney World.

When it’s your turn, it takes seconds for the thermometer to get a reading and, if you’re under 100.4 degrees, you’re on your way in no time.

And, yes, temperature checks may not catch asymptomatic carriers, but it will catch those who are showing symptoms, and there isn’t a negative affect on most guests for having to go through the temperatures checks.

You don’t need to be too concerned about false positives either. Disney has taken the heat into account and is offering a cool down tent for anyone who registers a little hot. After some cooling off, you test again. Then they KNOW whether it’s a fever or just a warm day. If your temp is too high, you and your party will be denied entry.

This process is certainly new for all of us, but it really wasn’t the inconvenience many thought it would be.

Click here to learn more about Disney’s temperature checks process!

2. Canceling Dining Reservations and the Disney Dining Plan

This one has DEFINITELY gotten people to be grumpier than, well, Grumpy! Disney World recently canceled all upcoming Advance Dining Reservations and Disney Dining Plan packages until further notice. These offerings will come back at some point, but for now, many guests who spent hours planning and booking their dining reservations are out of luck!

It’s certainly disappointing to have gotten up early half a year out from your trip to snag the perfect Cinderella’s Royal Table reservation only to have it snatched away.

But we’ve gotta keep in mind that the way the parks will work once they reopen is going to change significantly. Cinderella’s Royal Table is a character meal and might not even be open (it isn’t included in the current list of Disney World restaurants that will be reopening with the parks)! It wouldn’t be fair to you to let you keep those plans not knowing if they will even be available to you!

Plus, with the park capacity limitations and social distancing measures in restaurants, there is likely no way that Disney will be able to accommodate the original number of reservations. Disney doesn’t want to promise guests on the Dining Plan a certain number of table service meals if they can’t reliably guarantee that in return.

The only fair thing to do is to clear the system so that everyone is on equal ground with the new processes, whatever they may be. Plus, Disney IS accommodating those with canceled reservations. They may get priority to rebook when reservations open up again and some with canceled Dining Plans are getting a steep 35% discount on their vacation packages as compensation for the inconvenience.

To learn more about the dining cancellations, click here!

3. Suspending FastPass+

Similar to the dining cancellations, Disney World has currently suspended the FastPass+ system until further notice. At first glance, this definitely seems like something to be upset about, especially if you’d snagged a coveted Flight of Passage or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train FastPass.

But, just like with the dining reservations, limited park capacity and social distancing throws a wrench in the plans. Currently, Disney World plans to use the FastPass queue lines as part of their social distancing protocol.

Also, with capacity in the parks significantly limited, wait times may be low on their own. Disney CEO Bob Chapek even mentioned how magical the day will be for those in the park. There possibly won’t be a need for FastPass at many attractions.

With physical distancing being such a priority, Disney seems to be working on the plan to let guests access attractions safely, and using the FastPass queue is part of it.

Want to know more about the FastPass+ suspension? Click here!

4. Canceling Reservations a Little Bit at a Time

Now that Disney World has announced their reopening dates, it can be easy to feel a little miffed about how Disney canceled reservations a little bit at a time instead of outright. Why would they lead us on thinking our June vacations were a go?

Well, Disney likely didn’t know when they would land on an opening date. Since things were changing (and tbh still ARE changing) day by day, taking things slowly and one week at a time gave Disney the most opportunity to be faithful to guests’ original plans.

By canceling reservations week by week instead of canceling months at a time, they gave guests the most possible potential of taking their vacation as desired.

Click here to learn more about the incremental cancellations!

5. Constant Construction

And finally, we have one that folks ALWAYS tend to be mad at and probably shouldn’t be! It certainly can feel like Disney World is CONSTANTLY under construction — and that’s because it kind of is! This can be frustrating since there are always construction barriers SOMEWHERE, which can feel a little disruptive to the magic.

BUT, sometimes ya just gotta simmer down. After all, the reason there’s always construction is that there’s always something new coming soon! Disney does a fairly good job at keeping construction non-obstructive too. It’s just a side effect of a classic Walt Disney ideal — “Keep moving forward!” That eyesore or inconvenience now might be your favorite addition ever down the road!

To see the MAJOR construction going on in Epcot right now, click here!

Things you SHOULD be mad about…

On the other hand, there are a few things that you definitely have grounds to be frustrated about. Disney isn’t faultless, and a few of their recent decisions and mistakes have really ground our gears.

1. Not Having a New Reservation System Ready to Go

First up, Disney recently announced the reopening plan including a new theme park reservation system that would be required to access the theme parks. Then…nothing. Crickets.

After waiting and waiting (not so easy for folks biting their nails to see if they should cancel that flight to Orlando because they have no clue if they can even get IN to the Disney theme parks!), we were told the system was opening up just THREE DAYS before it actually did.

And once it did open? Glitches, website slowness, and frustrated guests were the name of the game! For something as crucial to guests as this reservation system that is needed to enter the parks, many hoped that Disney would have taken the extra time they gave themselves to make sure the website and system were airtight. That just wasn’t what happened initially.

Eventually the system leveled out where guests could access it (instead of sitting in a virtual queue for 5 hours!) but there has still been frustration as to why hotel guests, Annual Passholders, and regular admission ticket holders have such a drastic difference in park access availability. Even a week later, many guests are still scratching their heads wondering why Passholders are “sold out” of certain parks on certain days, but other groups of guests are not. The whole system felt poorly communicated to guests and poorly rolled out. 

Check out our Park Pass FAQ here!

2. Not Having Available Phone Lines To Accommodate Guests’ Needs

When the Park Pass Reservation system went haywire, so did Disney’s phone lines. Because guests couldn’t get issues sorted out online (many of the problems had to do with back-end ticket issues, which had to be managed by Disney’s IT professionals), phone lines were so overwhelmed that guests literally couldn’t even get Disney to pick up the phone.

Our team had to redial the Disney phone number for an entire hour before the call was picked up. And then we were placed into hold queues that varied from two to four hours each. Even days after the launch, guests were still in for a multi-hour experience just to get to a Disney telephone representative to change their hotel reservations, manage dining reservations, or help with park pass issues. That’s not OK.

Here’s How To Get Through To Disney When the Phone Lines Are Crazy Busy

3. Frequent ShopDisney Debacles

This next one shouldn’t come as TOO much of a surprise after the Park Pass mess. We’re talking website troubles on shopDisney this time!! ShopDisney is starting to be NOTORIOUS for having major technical difficulties EVERY TIME they release something high-demand or limited edition. ShopDisney has introduced a new virtual queue system for big releases that pretty much leaves guests feeling stranded and unable to access new limited-time merchandise.

The most recent problems came with the May release of The Enchanted Tiki Room Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction line and the Star Wars Day sale before that. In some cases, the site glitches while folks have merch in their carts, and in many cases, the items are sold out within minutes before guests can even click “buy.” Disney certainly has work to do on its shopping platform when it comes to limited-edition merch!

Click here to see the last ShopDisney disaster!

So there are definitely some things that we need to simmer down a bit about, but others for which we think we’re TOTALLY justified in feeling a little (or a LOT of) frustration.

That said, here at DFB we’re doing our best to keep you updated on Disney’s latest information, translating it as best we can so that it makes sense and you’re able to apply it to your current vacation plans. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them. We’re looking at those FAQs, asking Disney for clarification, and working them into posts here on DFB so that we can answer as many questions as possible.

As always, keep an eye on DFB for news updates about all of these situations!

To learn more about Disney World’s reopening, click here!

What do you think we shouldn’t be mad at Disney about? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney parks, Featured, News, advance dining reservations, annual passholders, construction, disney dining plan, Disney World reopening, FastPass+, park pass system, Reservation System, shopdisney, Systemic Cancellations, temperature checks