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Disney News Disney Parks Other

An Update on Walt Disney World Resort Reservations

In case you missed it, this week we shared some big news about Walt Disney World Resort, including plans to welcome guests back to the theme parks as part of a phased reopening beginning July 11, pending state approval.

We know many of you are excited to return to the magic and make new memories with your family, friends and loved ones. As we previously shared, as we take these next steps forward, we are introducing enhanced health and safety measures reflecting guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies.

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. Here’s some important information to help you plan ahead:

  • New Ticket Sales and Hotel Reservations: At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations. Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make a theme park reservation before new tickets are sold; we will be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new sales of tickets and Disney Resort hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability.
  • Dining and Experiences: In order to foster physical distancing during this time, upon reopening, our offerings, restaurants and other experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be limited in capacity, and other experiences may remain closed. As a result of limited capacity, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all existing dining reservations and experience bookings, including Disney dining plans included in packages. We will reopen dining and experience bookings with more limited numbers closer to when the parks reopen. We will also shift from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings going forward to allow Guests to make their plans closer to their visits.
  • FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours: As a result of the COVID-19 impact, the FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity at our attractions and maintain physical distancing. We will automatically cancel existing FastPass+ selections and share any future updates on the service at a later date. Also, please note that upon reopening, Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended.

Walt Disney World Reservations Update

We are reaching out to guests affected by these updates with additional information and details on options, including refunds. We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning a Disney vacation and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as we remain focused on delivering a wonderful experience for everyone who visits.

You can visit a new “Know Before You Go” hub at DisneyWorld.com/Updates, where you can find the latest updates on our operations and offerings, including details on how to modify your plans. If you booked through a third-party, we recommend you reach out directly to your travel professional or ticket seller.

We appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to keep the well-being of guests and cast members in mind. Stay tuned for more information over the next few weeks on how to use the theme park reservation system and other tips to be aware of prior to your visit.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Vacation Planning, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW

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Disney Parks Other Star Wars

Keep an Eye Out for Stormtroopers from A Galaxy Far, Far Away at Disney Springs

There’s already a lot of excitement happening out at Disney Springs this week with the reopening of the iconic World of Disney store, but we’ve also come across some visitors from a galaxy far, far away. If you spent some time at Disney Springs on Wednesday, you may have spotted some First Order Stormtroopers patrolling the area, on the lookout for members of the Resistance!

Stormtroopers at Disney Springs

We hear they’re stationed on some balconies these days. If you do see them, it’s probably best to snap a photo from afar and “move along,” as Stormtroopers may not appreciate you getting too close. And, if you’re feeling particularly brave, sport some of the Resistance gear you may have picked up on a visit to Batuu! Of course, if you’re more of a First Order sympathizer and want to fly those colors … well, the Stormtroopers will appreciate that, I’m sure.

Stormtroopers at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is in the midst of a phased reopening. The World of Disney store opened its doors Wednesday, along with other Disney-owned and -operated venues D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op. For the latest information about the reopening of Disney Springs, including what you need to know before you arrive, operating hours and a list of open locations, visit DisneySprings.com/reopening. May the Force be with you!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW

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Disney News Disney Parks Other Star Wars

New ILMxLAB Virtual Reality Experience, ‘Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge‘ Will Bring Adventures on Batuu Home To YOU

It’s remarkable to think that almost a year has passed since we held the dedication of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and later at Walt Disney World Resort. We are gratified by just how much fans have embraced this unique place. Today, I’m excited to share that later this year, you will be able to discover new stories, explore the outskirts of Batuu, and meet new characters from your home thanks to ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s award-winning entertainment studio, and Oculus Studios.

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge is a new action-adventure experience that will give fans the opportunity to live their own adventures in virtual reality. The original story will feature both new and iconic characters from the Star Wars galaxy. Multiple styles of gameplay as well as difficulty settings are included so that the experience can be enjoyed by a variety of players – from Star Wars fans to VR gamers.

Explore the outskirts of Batuu, and meet new characters from your home thanks to ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s award-winning entertainment studio, and Oculus Studios

Just like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the story will take place between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Batuu, with the action happening along the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost. This extension of the storytelling found at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge builds on the lore of a land that has redefined what a Disney park experience can be, and we can’t wait for you to experience it yourself!

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details on this new virtual reality experience that is coming out later this year!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

#DisneyMagicMoments: Celebrate Hamburger Day with Favorite Disney Burgers from Around the World, Special Disneyland Hotel Recipe and More

It’s Hamburger Day and to celebrate this universal classic, we’ve cooked up a virtual smorgasbord of mouthwatering Disney burger favorites – past and present – from around the world.

Whether it’s a drippingly-delicious Bison Blue Cheese Burger at Disneyland Resort, a fun Mickey Mouse Glove Burger at Tokyo Disneyland or an amazing Avengers Wagyu Beef Burger at Shanghai Disneyland Resort, hamburgers come in many different forms at our parks.  So, to mark the day, we’ve ordered up some Disney burger magic, including a popular recipe and top grilling items for everyone at home.

Our global celebration of hamburgers begins at Tokyo Disney Resort with the unique Mickey Mouse Glove Burger and Mickey-shaped Rice Ball sandwich.  Also, Donald’s burger is a fan-favorite with a special yellow bun!

There’s a galaxy of stellar specialties for burger lovers at Shanghai Disney Resort, including the popular Avengers Wagyu Beef burger with a photo-worthy red bun.

Shanghai Disney Resort also features a classic American cheeseburger with sour cucumber and barbecue sauce in the middle of a bun stamped with Iron Man’s face!

At Disneyland Paris, the Dark Side Burger wowed guests as part of the offering during the Star Wars Season “Legends of the Force – A Star Wars Celebration.”

The PCH Mesa Burger – served on a hefty pretzel roll – is an attention-grabber at Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. And just as spectacular – the Hungry Bear’s Bison Bison Blue burger at Disneyland park and the delicious burger at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Also, for Hamburger Day, we’re releasing the recipe for the popular Hawaiian Cheese Burger and green papaya slaw from Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel.  Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

At Hong Kong Disneyland, the amazing Beetroot and Cheese Burger is inspired by the Marvel-themed attraction, “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!” Other popular offerings during the launch of the attraction include a Green Tea Cheese Burger with a green bun and a superhero-themed Spicy Chicken Burger.

There are many great burger options at the Walt Disney World Resort and today, we’re focused on the unique Cajun King Burger with Andouille sausage and Creole mustard aioli at the Port Orleans Resort.  Also, the popular Southwest Burger from the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a special treat – piled high with Pepper Jack cheese, bacon, guacamole and jalapeño poppers.

Also at the Walt Disney World Resort, the fantastic Mickey Burger at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café comes with macaroni and cheese, American cheese, cheese sauce, flaming hot cheese dust, and bacon served on a Mickey Mouse bun.

And If you need a burger fix ASAP, you can head over to D-Luxe Burger – now open at Disney Springs – for the Southern Burger, a masterpiece topped with a Fried Green Tomato, Pimento Cheese, Lettuce, Grilled Onion and Bacon.

As many of you know, we offer delectable plant-based options at our parks and resort hotels, and there are several favorites to share on Hamburger Day.   At Shanghai Disneyland Resort, the Gamma Ray Plant Burger features a large vegetable-based “pork chop”, sweet and sour tomato sauce and fresh lettuce in between a green matcha-flavor bun.

Other offerings include the BBQ Jackfruit Burger, a plant-based sandwich on garlic toast topped with BBQ jackfruit, that’s part of the Regal Eagle Smokehouse’s celebration of backyard barbecue at EPCOT, and the popular Impossible™ Burger with Vegan Chipotle Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, and Cherry Peppers at  Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

To celebrate the day in Disney Style, we’re also sharing a few favorite burger grilling items, including Mickey Mouse aprons and mitts.   And don’t miss the special summertime Disney Parks serving bowl, Mickey and Minnie salt and pepper set and more at ShopDisney.com.

We hope you enjoyed our Disney hamburger favorites from around the world!  Be sure to check back for more of these types of stories on our special #DisneyMagicMoments page on the Disney Parks Blog.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Categories
Disney Parks Disney Vacations

Plans Unveiled for the Phased Reopening of Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, Resort Hotels and Disney Stores

Throughout these past few months, we’ve been touched by the outpouring of support from our guests and fans around the world who’ve shared their favorite Disney memories and even replicated their favorite attractions at home. Everyone who has ever visited a Disney theme park has their own special connection to these magical worlds and the amazing cast members who bring that magic to life.

Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re pleased to share that more Disney magic is coming back. Today, we submitted a proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida describing our approach for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11.

Pending Orange County and state approval, our Walt Disney World Resort proposal plans for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to begin a phased reopening to the general public on July 11, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15. In preparing to reopen during this unusual time, we have to manage our theme parks in a very different way from what we’ve known before. As we begin to reach out to our cast members and call them back to work, they will be focused on operating our parks in a responsible way that continues to give our guests opportunities to create magical Disney memories.

This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. That means certain experiences we know draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in our parks to entertain and delight our guests.

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited as we welcome guests back to the magic, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations (Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations). Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold; we’ll be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new ticket sales and hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.

Additionally, Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World will reopen to members and guests and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will also open to members and guests starting on June 15. Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening.

Today, our World of Disney retail shop reopened at our Disney Springs shopping and dining complex at Walt Disney World. And in the coming weeks, Disney stores will begin a phased reopening of operations globally, beginning with a select number of stores in the United States, in addition to stores in Europe and Japan.

We’re looking forward to reopening our theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and stores and doing so in a responsible way. In this spirit, our destinations will continue to follow enhanced safety protocols based upon applicable guidance from health authorities and government agencies. As we all must work together to promote the health and safety of everyone, cast members as well as guests 3 years of age and older will be required to wear appropriate face coverings in theme parks and common areas of resort hotels. All guests will also undergo temperature screenings prior to entering a theme park; cast members will also have temperature checks. Cashless transactions are recommended, and cleaning and disinfection procedures will be increased in high-traffic areas.

Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as we monitor conditions and receive guidance from health and government authorities.

We’re being deliberate during these phased reopenings, and we’re encouraged by how our guests are responding at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs. We’re doing our part, and we need our guests to do their part, too, as we work together to focus on safety.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Vacation Planning, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW