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This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Today was a HUGE day. On top of the Disney World Resorts re-opening, the Disney Park Pass system went live for the first time.

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Disney’s Riviera Resort

However, there’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to the resorts and the new theme park reservation system.

This week, the Disney Park Pass reservations are only opening up to resort guests with tickets (June 22), Annual Passholders (June 26), and regular ticket holders without resort hotel bookings (June 28). While new tickets and passes aren’t being sold, new Disney Resort reservations also aren’t available either (bummer).

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Grand Floridian Resort Pool

Although you may really miss chilling on your balcony at the Contemporary, Disney made these limitations as a way of prioritizing guests who have existing reservations, tickets, and passes since Disney will need to limit access to the parks due to CDC guidelines, and they’re making sure guests with existing reservations get the first crack at the park pass system.

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Boardwalk Resort

So what if you have a regular Disney World ticket, but no valid resort hotel, and you want to grab your reservations BEFORE the June 28th free-for-all (after all, we’re already starting to see opening days sell out!)? Well, if you get a valid hotel reservation before the 28th, then you’ll be able to book your park passes before they’re open to all ticket-holders.

But the issue is: Disney has halted resort hotel bookings for the time being. HOWEVER, there are several non-Disney-owned hotels that also offer the early park pass booking perk!

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Beach Club Resort in Disney World

On top of the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Shades of Green Resorts, and Four Seasons Orlando Resort, Disney has direct connections to multiple applicable Good Neighbor and surrounding area resorts. Many of them will provide many of the same perks that the Disney Resorts do and give you access to Disney World privileges that on-property resort guests receive.

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Swan and Dolphin Resort

One of the privileges includes the ability to have primary access to the Disney Park Pass system with an existing hotel reservation. And, some of the resorts are allowing guests to book new stays for the future, so if you already have your tickets but don’t want to wait until the 28th to book your park passes, you might even be able to score Disney Park Pass spots EARLY after making a reservation at one of the hotels in the area. (Thanks to @themeparkmillennial for reminding us of this awesome tip!)

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

However, keep in mind that it may take up to 72 hours before your resort reservation can be linked into My Disney Experience, so in order to book BEFORE other ticketed guests on the 28th, be sure to book your applicable good neighbor hotel quickly. You’ll need to check with individual resorts to confirm the ability to use Disney Park Pass early before trying to book park reservations with an existing stay or making a new stay.

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Boardwalk Resort

Some of the Bonnet Creek Resorts and Disney Springs Area Resorts listed here may have availability:

  • Hilton
  • Waldorf Astoria
  • B Resort & Spa
  • Best Western (note that this hotel appears to be not accepting new bookings at this time)
  • DoubleTree Suites
  • Holiday Inn
  • Wyndham and Wyndham Garden

This Great TIP Could Be The Key To Getting Your Disney World Theme Park Reservations Early!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

This can be a BIG DEAL for the guests wanting to visit the parks as soon as possible, especially since Disney hasn’t stated when new reservations will be able to be booked on property. While it may not work for every Good Neighbor and surrounding resort, we definitely recommend looking into the possibility that your existing stay (or maybe even a new one) could be eligible to book Disney Park Pass reservations ASAP.

When do you plan on taking a vacation in Disney World next? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, bonnet creek resorts, Disney, disney hotels, disney news, Disney Park Pass, disney springs area resort, Disney World, Disney World reopening, good neighbor resorts, new theme park reservation system

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6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

As of today, select Disney World Resort hotels have now reopened!

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

And prior to the reopening, Disney released lots of details regarding changes guests could expect to see — including the suspension of some resort activities, enhanced cleaning protocol, and the requirement that all guests have a hotel (or both hotel and dining) reservations to enter.

But even though we were well-prepared, having combed over the must-read Health Acknowledgement Disney sent us last night and read through all the information that was provided to us while we used Disney World’s online check-in for our resort stay, there were still a few things that snuck up on us!

Only Buses Are Running Until Parks Open

Disney has shared with us some information regarding which methods of transportation we’ll be able to use during the initial phase of Disney World’s reopening.

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Daisy Duck Bus

However, we found out today the only Disney transportation method of getting around right now is Disney World’s bus system. Buses are currently running to and from Disney Springs from each resort that has reopened today.

If you want to get from one resort to another, your only free options are to do a bus switch at Disney Springs, or drive yourself. (Guests can also use a taxi or a ride share service, but that would incur an extra cost.)

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Grand Floridian Resort

Valet parking is not currently available at the resorts and keep in mind you must have a hotel reservation (and dining reservation if you’re headed to a hotel you’re not staying in) booked to be allowed at a Disney World resort at this time, according to Disney.

It appears, for now at least, Disney World’s monorail service, ferryboats, and Disney’s Skyliner aren’t likely to resume until the theme parks reopen, but we’ll keep you posted with any and all updates!

No Temperature Screenings to Enter the Resorts

Another thing we were surprised by this morning is how we walked right into our hotel! There are new health and safety signs throughout the grounds stating face coverings must be worn at all times while in common areas, but on-site temperature screenings aren’t currently being performed at any of the Disney World resorts.

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

New Health and Safety Signage

By now, we’re very used to having our temperatures taken since health screenings are required to enter Disney Springs and will be required to enter Disney World’s theme parks when they reopen next month.

Click here to learn everything you need to know about temperature checks in Disney World!

But this time, Disney World’s resorts are not requiring their guests to undergo mandatory temperature checks. They ask that you take your temperature at home before you arrive and stay home if you have any symptoms of illness.

This Place Is EMPTY

The Disney World hotels we’ve been exploring today have been very calm and quiet. Without the monorail whizzing by us at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and folk disembarking from Disney’s Skyliner at Disney’s Riviera Resort, there’s barely anyone here.

Topolino’s Terrace was very empty today when we stopped by for their character breakfast.

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Topolino’s Terrace Dining Room

Click here to see how character dining is now different in Disney World!

Grand Floridian Resort was a ghost town!

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Grand Floridian Lobby

Beach Club, Boardwalk…everywhere we went there was nobody!

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Boardwalk Resort

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Beach Club Resort

Keep in mind Disney World is also limiting who they’re allowing to visit their resorts at this time. You must have a hotel reservation (and a dining reservation as well if you’re not staying at that particular hotel) to be allowed in.

Security Cast Members asked us our name at the gate of one of the hotels we weren’t staying at but had made a lunchtime reservation to dine at. Only after checking their list to ensure we had a dining reservation there were we granted access.

You Can Still Use Your Refillable Mugs!

The Refillable Mug Program at Disney World has become an institution, allowing guests to receive free refills for a limited time. We were curious to see if refillable mugs would still be available — OR NOT!

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Refillable Mugs

And it turns out, refillable mugs are still very much alive and well at Disney World! There have been a few modifications made to the process, but other than that, you’ll have the same fun gettin’ as much soda, coffee, and ice tea as you could ever want!

Now, guests will bring their mug to a Cast Member who will fill a paper cup with the guests’ preferred beverage. The guest will then be given the paper cup to empty into their own refillable mug.

Click here for more details about using refillable mugs at a newly reopened Disney World resort!

Masks and Temperature Patches Are for Sale

We noticed some new products have shown up on the shelves at Disney World’s gift shops. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s Bayview Gifts, hand sanitizer and Disney-themed cloth face masks are now being sold. They’re the same ones we’ve seen for sale at Disney Springs recently as well as online.

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Face masks for sale at Bayview Gifts

La Boutique at Disney’s Riveria Resort also had Disney-themed cloth face masks for sale as well as disposable face masks.

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Disposable Face Masks

Click here to see what it’s like to shop at a few of the newly reopened Disney World resorts!

We also spotted Forehead thermometers that work like stickers and are reusable in case you don’t want to bring your own thermometer from home.

Cinderella Castle Is Looking really, REALLY Pink!

But perhaps the most shocking change of them all has been how far Cinderella Castle’s transformation has come along since our last visit to Magic Kingdom! We could see it from Disney’s Contemporary Resort today and it’s gone from gray to a rosy-pinkish hue!

6 Surprises We Didn’t Expect at Disney World’s Reopened Hotels

Cinderella Castle

To us, the castle seems to be nearing its completion! Could it be ready in time for Magic Kingdom’s grand reopening on July 11th?

It’s truly a mix of emotions being back at Disney World today and we can’t wait to share more of our experience with you! Make sure you’re following along with our live coverage here so that you don’t miss a thing!

Click here to learn more about the changes you can expect at Disney World Resort hotels this summer!

Do you have an upcoming Disney World Resort hotel reservation? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney World Changes, disney world hotel, disney world hotel changes, Disney World hotel experience, disney world hotel reopening, disney world hotels, Disney World Reopen, Disney World reopening, disney’s skyliner, empty, forehead thermometers, masks and patches for sale, no health screenings, no monorail, no transportation, nobody here

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Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

In order to help manage attendance, Disney World is implementing a theme park reservation system upon reopening — which means that there’s a BRAND NEW element that guests will need to plan for their vacation!

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

These theme park reservations will be available through September 26, 2021, and all guests will need a reservation in order to enter. As with all new processes, there is likely to be a bit of a learning curve — and since we know how important Disney World vacation planning is, we’re here to help! Here are five mistakes you’ll want to avoid while making your theme park reservations!

1. Not Making a Reservation for Each Day of a Multi-Day Ticket

Okay, let’s start out with a biggie — you’ll need a separate reservation for each day in a theme park! So, if you have a multi-day ticket, don’t snag your reservation for Magic Kingdom on the first day and assume that you’re good to visit the park for the length of your trip!

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Magic Kingdom

Yes, you can visit the Magic Kingdom on multiple days if you’d like — but you’ll need to secure a reservation for each day of your ticket. And keep in mind that the reservations are subject to availability! Which brings us to our next point…

Click here to learn about how character experiences will work in the reopened Disney World parks!

2. Waiting to Make Your Theme Park Reservations

Prior to the theme park closure, many guests enjoyed having some spontaneity in their Disney World vacation — maybe you’re used to deciding which park to visit based on how you feel when you wake up in the morning. If that sounds like you, you might want to switch up your planning style and make your theme park reservation as early as possible.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Spaceship Earth

The reservations are subject to availability, so if you wait until the last minute, you might end up missing out. Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ first few days sold out quickly on the program’s first day!

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance

So, when can you make your reservations? Disney Resort and other select hotel Guests with valid theme park admission could make reservations beginning June 22nd. Annual Passholders without an already-booked Resort Hotel stay can make reservations beginning June 26th. And existing ticket holders can make reservations beginning June 28th.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

On June 28th, all guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make theme park reservations for arrivals in 2021. Theme park availability WILL be visible before you buy! So, if you’re planning on heading to Disney World in the next year or so, be sure to snag your theme park reservations ASAP. (Note that Disney has paused hotel reservations and ticket purchases for 2020 at this time. Stay tuned for information about when they reopen those bookings and purchases later this summer.)

Here are all of the rides and attractions that will be available at Magic Kingdom when the park reopens!

3. Not Linking Your Hotel and Park Tickets to My Disney Experience Ahead of Time

Guests will need to use their My Disney Experience account to make theme park reservations. So, if you don’t have an MDE account, start by making one at DisneyWorld.com!

Your tickets (and eligible hotel stays) must be linked to your account so that the Park Pass system recognizes your ticket eligibility, so you’ll need to be sure to link your park admission ticket numbers (usually listed on the back of the ticket) and Disney Resort hotel reservation BEFORE you try to book park passes.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Each person in your travel party (e.g. the people you want to visit the parks with) must have their valid admission linked. And this can be a surprisingly time-consuming process, especially if you run into any confusion — so we suggest taking care of this as far ahead of time as possible to minimize any delays in your theme park reservation selections!

Here are the changes guests can expect to the Disney World Resort hotel experience this summer!

4. Not Linking Your Friends and Family Ahead of Time

Within My Disney Experience, guests will find their Family & Friends list. Prior to the closure, this allowed guests to specify members of their party for Fastpass+ or Advance Dining Reservations.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

My Disney Experience screenshot

And with the theme park reservation system, guests will also need to have all of the members of their party added to their Family & Friends list in order to add them to the park reservation. Again, don’t underestimate the time it can take to get your party connected — your friends will need to confirm that they approve of linking their MDE account to your list!

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Cinderella Castle

So, make sure that all of the members of your travel party are added to your Family & Friends list ASAP to prevent delays in snagging those park reservations!

These are the changes coming to Disney World dining this summer!

5. Not Deciding on a Plan With Your Family Ahead of Time

There are a few additional factors to consider with the theme park reservation system. First, guests can only choose one park per day, so park hopping will not be an option (at least, for the foreseeable future). Also, everyone in your selected travel party will need to go to the same park that you snagged a reservation for, so again, there is less opportunity for spontaneity than in the past.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

The France Pavilion

With those things in mind, it’s important to talk to your family as early as possible to formulate a plan. Which park(s) are your absolute must-dos? Have more than 4 days? Which parks do you want to repeat?

Keep in mind that a few rides and attractions will be unavailable (we have full lists for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios!) so double-check which rides are running.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Making Your Disney World Park Pass Reservations!

Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

Be sure to decide as a family where your priorities lie and make your reservations accordingly!

Click Here For The ULTIMATE GUIDE To EVERYTHING Reopening in Disney World

As with any new process, there is definitely a learning curve with the theme park reservation system. But, by avoiding these mistakes, you can simplify the process and set yourself up for a successful visit to the newly reopened Disney World!

Click here to check out our tutorial for the Disney World theme park reservation system!

What do you think about the new theme park reservation system? Share your thoughts in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Disney theme park reservations, Disney World Changes, Disney World Reopen, Disney World reopening, Disney World Theme Park Reservation, My Disney Experience, new theme park reservation system, theme park reservation system, Theme Park Reservations

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NEWS: Tokyo Disneyland Announces Reopening Date

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have been closed since February.

NEWS: Tokyo Disneyland Announces Reopening Date

Soaring: Fantastic Flight

But now, Tokyo Disneyland just announced they plan to start a phased reopening.

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will reopen on July 1st.

NEWS: Tokyo Disneyland Announces Reopening Date

Minnie & Mickey ice pops in Tokyo Disneyland

Disneyland Paris also announced its reopening date today. You can read more about that here! So, soon all of the Disney theme parks will be reopened for guests.

NEWS: Tokyo Disneyland Announces Reopening Date

Mickey Waffles

We will share more details on the reopening of Tokyo Disneyland soon. Stay tuned!

Watch Tokyo Disneyland shows from the comfort of your own home here!

Have you ever been to Tokyo Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo Disneyland, coronavirus, coronavirus closures, coronavirus reopening, Disney, disney news, tokyo disneyland reopening, Tokyo DisneySea

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BREAKING NEWS: These Disney World Restaurants are OPENING July 11th and 15th!

We spent the day dining in the reopened Disney World resorts, but that’s not the end of our excitement.

BREAKING NEWS: These Disney World Restaurants are OPENING July 11th and 15th!

Hi Mickey!

With many restaurants reopened around the Disney World resort hotels, we’ve been patiently waiting to hear which familiar dining spots will be reopening with the parks on July 11th (for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom) and July 15th (for Epcot and Hollywood Studios).

Well, we’re in luck because Disney just dropped the FULL LIST of restaurants that will reopen with the theme parks next month! Let’s take a look!

Magic Kingdom Restaurants

The restaurants opening with Magic Kingdom on July 11th include:

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

The restaurants opening with Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 11th include:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants

The restaurants opening with Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th include:

EPCOT Restaurants

The restaurants opening with EPCOT on July 15th include:

And you know we’ll be dining in so many favorites so you can have a full review of what they’re like when the parks reopen. Stay tuned to DFB for all of the latest updates about Disney World’s reopening days!

Click HERE To See The Ultimate Guide to EVERYTHING Reopening in Disney World!

What restaurants are you excited to dine in again? Tell us in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Drinking Around the World, Epcot, Featured, Food and Wine Festival, magic kingdom, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, animal kingdom dining, Animal Kingdom reopening, disney world dining, Disney World reopening, Disney World restaurant reopening, Epcot Dining, Epcot reopening, hollywood studios dining, hollywood studios reopening, magic kingdom dining, magic kingdom reopening