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Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures

Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney has reopened new health and safety measures in place. In this post we’ll take a look at these new procedures and go over what guests can expect during their visit.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures

These signs can be seen as you aproch the entrance from either Harbor boulevard or the screening area near Disneyland Hotel. All guests must go through a temperature screening. It’s a simple process which includes you standing there and a Disney cast member scanning your forehead with an infrared thermometer. It only takes a couple of seconds and then you are cleared to go in.
Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures

The temperature screen tent us located in the area that is usually used for bus transport to and from the Toy Story parking lot.
Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures The social distancing markers can be seen at the entrance in to Downtown Disney and at the queues for many shops and restaurants.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Signs with information about the safety measures in place at Downtown Disney.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Many hand washing and hand sanitation stations have been set up throughout Downtown Disney and the esplanade.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Taking a look at the Disney California Adventure entrance you can see barriers set up between the turnstiles and where the cast members would be located.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures The same setup can be seen over at the Disneyland entrance as well.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures

All stores in Downtown Disney are limiting the amount of people they let in. Most of them have queues set up, but World of Disney and The Disney Dress Shop use a virtual queue system to gain entry. You provide a Disney cast member your phone number and then you’ll get a text when it’s your turn to enter.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Once inside you’ll see signs and cast members enforcing social distancing rules.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Inside World of Disney.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Disney face masks are available for purchase, 4 for $20.00.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Disneyland 65th birthday merchandise available at World of Disney.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures As you can see, there’s a lot of new items for Disneyland’s anniversary.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures One last look at World of Disney before we head out.

Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures Pictures: Downtown Disney Reopens With New Safety Measures

Some restaurants remain closed, but others, such as Naples and Uva Bar remain open with only limited outdoor seating.

Here’s the locations that are currently open:

Both Starbucks locations
Asian Street Eats by
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
California Churro
Curl Surf
Disney Home
Disney’s Pin Traders
Earl of Sandwich
Jamba
Kayla’s Cakes
Marceline’s Confectionery
Naples
Pandora Jewelry
Rinse Bath & Body Co.
Salt & Straw
Sephora
Sugarboo & Co.
Sunglass Icon
The Disney Dress Shop
The LEGO Store
Uva Bar & Cafe
Wetzel’s Pretzels
WonderGround
World of Disney

The following locations remain closed at this time:

Tortilla Jo’s
Ballast Point Brewing Co.
Catal Restaurant
La Brea Bakery Cafe
Napolini Pizzeria
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Sprinkles

Downtown Disney is open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Both Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and the three Disneyland Resort hotels remain closed.  Parking for Downtown Disney is only available in the Simba parking lot on the corner of Katella and Disneyland Drive.

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Filed Under: Disneyland (CA)

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Downtown Disney Officially Reopens Today at the Disneyland Resort

Guests are once again able to visit the Disneyland Resort beginning today! That’s because the Downtown Disney District is now reopen as part of the phased reopening of the resort overall.

Of course, the health and safety of Guests, operating participant employees and Disney Cast Members are at the forefront therefore, several operational changes have been implemented based on guidance from health authorities to promote physical distancing and enhanced cleanliness throughout the Downtown Disney District.

To help guide you through these new measures, Cast Members from the Guest Experience Team can be found throughout the Downtown Disney District to help explain new health and safety measures and answer any questions you may have.

A variety of specialty shopping and dining experiences will be open for Guests. They will include:

  •  World of Disney
  • Disney Home
  • Earl of Sandwich
  • Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
  • The Disney Dress Shop
  • Sugarboo & Co.
  • Curl Surf
  • Sephora
  • The LEGO Store
  • Rinse Bath & Body Co.
  • WonderGround Gallery
  • Salt & Straw
  • Naples Ristorante e Bar
  • UVA Bar & Cafe
  • Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

Of course, additional restaurants and shops will be added to the list as time goes on.

 

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Filed Under: Disneyland (CA), Downtown Disney, News, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

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Asian Street Eats — Better Know a Restaurant

For this installment of our “Better Know a…” series, we’re checking out Asian Street Eats, a counter service restaurant in the Downtown Disney District.

Asian Street Eats — Better Know a Restaurant
Asian Street Eats — ©Disney

What is Asian Street Eats?

Asian Street Eats is a walk-up counter service restaurant serving casual Asian-inspired fare from Chef Hung Huynh, winner of Season 3 of Bravo’s Top Chef.

Where is Asian Street Eats?

Asian Street Eats is located on the far western side of Downtown Disney, past the Monorail Station and just before you would get to the Disneyland Hotel.  Walking from the esplanade, it will be on your right-hand side.

Asian Street Eats — Better Know a Restaurant

 

What You Need to Know About the Menu at Asian Street Eats

Don’t let the “quick service” label dissuade you — Asian Street Eats is one of the better options for food at Downtown Disney, especially with many of the table service restaurants remaining closed for the time being.  The menu is fairly limited — primarily bowls and scallion pancake wraps with your choice of chicken, beef, or tofu, but the food at Asian Street Eats is excellent, especially for the price.

What the Dining Experience Is Like at Asian Street Eats

Asian Street Eats essentially presents a grab-and-go sort of concept. It’s intended to be quick food that you can eat more or less on the go.

What are Some Items to Target at Asian Street Eats?

Chef Hung’s food is very good, and you’re really not going to go wrong with any of the options; it’s just a matter of personal preference as to which protein you prefer.

Asian Street Eats — Better Know a Restaurant
© Disney

What You Need to Know About Accessibility for Asian Street Eats

Asian Street Eats is fully accessible and should not present any unique challenges for visitors in wheelchairs or ECVs. There is no need for a guest to get out of a mobility device.

Does Weather Affect Asian Street Eats?

In a word, yes. The entire operation is outdoors, both the ordering area and the surrounding area where you might eat. If it’s raining, you’re going to get wet.

What is a Good Time to Visit Asian Street Eats?

Asian Street Eats is not large, but a simple menu means they are generally able to turn around food fairly quickly, making it a good option for quick, quality food pretty much any time. With that said, waits will be longest at the apex of lunch and dinner times.

Are you a fan of Asian Street Eats? What’s your favorite dish? Let us know in the comments!

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From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Disneyland (CA), Downtown Disney, Asian Street Eats

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The Best Outdoor Activities and Attractions at EPCOT

Earlier this week, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom began reopening and many Disney fans had mixed emotions, myself included. One of the ways I am working through my concerns is to focus on the attractions and activities that are outdoors. I would much prefer to remain outside as much as possible for the foreseeable future. So, if you’re like me and feel more comfortable with outdoor activities right now, you may find it helpful to think about the best outdoor activities at Walt Disney World.

I put together a quick list of outdoor activities at Magic Kingdom. Now let’s take a look at EPCOT. This park is having a rough time. In the middle of its massive transformation it shut down, like the rest of Walt Disney World. Its future and relaunch is now on shaky ground. Moreover, every single ride in this park is indoors, other than the Friendships – which are more of a mode of transportation than an attraction. Thankfully, EPCOT is full of beautiful scenery, architecture, and entertainment that are outdoors.

The Best Outdoor Activities and Attractions at EPCOT
EPCOT Hand Washing and Sanitizer Station

Best Outdoor Activities in Future World

  • Test Track does have one outdoor portion, but the vast majority of the attraction is indoors.
  • Future World West gardens – one of the ways I remember Future World West vs. East is that West has beautiful water features. W is for West and for water. (Can you tell I have a toddler?) With EPCOT’s lack of outdoor attractions, just strolling and appreciating the scenery of Future World West is a treat itself.
  • Watch the jumping fountains at the Imagination pavilion.

Anyone else have any Future World outdoor activities to suggest? Let us know in the comments

The Best Outdoor Activities and Attractions at EPCOT Cloudless blue sky in Epcot - spring break weather in Orlando

Future World West Gardens

Best Outdoor Activities in World Showcase

  • Stroll the promenade and enjoy the architecture and landscaping
  • Canada Pavilion’s gardens and waterfalls
  • United Kingdom Pavilion’s tea garden and small maze
  • Japan Pavilion’s zen garden
  • American Garden Theater is said to be the new home for most of EPCOT’s live entertainment
  • New character cavalcade experiences around World Showcase
  • Germany Pavilion’s train garden
  • Mexico Pavilion’s lush landscaping
  • DuckTales World Showcase Adventure – opening date TBD
  • Enjoy the food and beverage booths of the modified EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
The Best Outdoor Activities and Attractions at EPCOT
Japan Pavilion at EPCOT (picture is pre-COVID-19)

As you can see, you have to get extra creative to enjoy EPCOT while staying outdoors as much as possible. Did I miss your favorite outdoor activity at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments.

You can learn more about the best strategies for enjoying a day at the EPCOT here.

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Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Epcot, Trip Planning, disney reopening, epcot rides, epcot shows

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Changes to Disney’s Magical Express During The Initial Reopening

For Guests who are traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort and utilizing Disney’s Magical Express to get them to their Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, there have been some changes that you need to be aware of.

During the initial reopening phase, while the complimentary airport transportation option is still available for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport, beginning on July 16, Disney’s Magical Express service will not be providing luggage delivery service for those arriving to and departing from the airport. What this means is that Guests will need to make sure they pick up their own luggage first from the baggage claim area and then head to the Disney’s Magical Express section of the airport. In addition, Guests who are departing the resort to head back to the airport will also need to bring their luggage with them on the bus. The resort airline check-in service will not be offered at this time.

Luggage assistance will be available at the front of your Disney Resort hotel, including luggage storage, as well as the ability to assist you by transporting your luggage to the room.

Also, during these times of uncertainty, many airlines are modifying their flight schedules, so you will want to make sure that you contact Disney’s Magical Express to let them know of any changes to your flight information.

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Filed Under: News, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney’s Magical Express, Orlando International Airport, walt disney world