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To-Do: Contact Disney by June 12 to Re-Confirm Trips Between June 22 and July 11

Disney is asking guests with reservations between June 22 and July 11, 2020, to contact Disney to re-confirm those reservations.  Here’s the initial part of the message that’s going out to travel agents:

Your Clients may be receiving email communication from us if they have a Resort hotel booking between June 22, 2020, and July 4, 2020, if we have their contact information. We are asking them to contact their Travel Professional, but since we cannot reach all of your Guests, we request that you contact your Guests regarding their reservation adjustments and all of the information in the example Guest email below. We need them to confirm, modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations or Walt Disney Travel Company packages by June 12 for the travel period above.

Here’s additional text from Disney to travel agents on how to confirm those reservations.  Note that if you’ve booked through a travel agent, Disney expects the TA to do the work of confirming:

If you want to confirm your reservation:

    • Contact the Disney Reservation Center to notify our team of your Guest’s confirmation.
    • As needed, our team will move Guests from closed to open resorts during this time. This move will be at no additional cost to your Guests. Note that they won’t have an option to modify to another resort of their choosing for this reservation.
    • As previously communicated, for Guests who had a dining plan, we will be modifying their package to remove the dining plan.
    • If guests staying in our resorts before park opening on July 11, 2020, want to keep their reservation, they will be downgraded out of the ticket package and the package price will be reduced. Alternately, they can move their reservation to new dates, or cancel.

Note the part about moving guests from closed to open resorts, and that modifications to another resort won’t be possible.  I wouldn’t be too concerned about this, because the list of hotels that are opening appear to be DVC and Deluxe resorts. It’s possible that many guests will get significant upgrades.

Also, because tickets will be cancelled as part of any package between those two dates, it could be that any park soft-openings will be limited to annual passholders.  Now, I’ve got no information to suggest that the parks will soft-open before July 11. My thought is that if I was Disney, I wouldn’t want to wait until July 11 to open the gates to two of the world’s most popular theme parks, and only then see how a bunch of new procedures work with the general public. If it was me, I think I’d rather see a set of small, controlled tests. I could be completely wrong.

Here are Disney’s instructions for guests who want to modify or cancel their reservations.  Note again that if you’ve booked using a travel agent, Disney expects the TA to do the work:

For Guests wishing to modify their reservations to a future date in 2020:

    • Contact the Disney Reservation Center to modify their booking to a later date in 2020.
    • If your Client would like to modify to a date on or after July 11, 2020, they may only modify to one of the announced opened resorts, based on availability. Guests will be responsible for any higher rates.
    • Travel protection may be moved to a new reservation in 2020. The Guest will be responsible for any difference in price.

For Guests wishing to cancel their reservations:

    • Contact the Disney Reservation Center to notify our team of your Guest’s cancellation.

I didn’t see anything in these communications about how Disney will handle those guests who re-booked from earlier in the year, and received either a free-dining offer, or other discounts, if they moved to dates that fall between June 22 and July 11.  My guess is that those reservations are being handled separately.

Finally, Disney released other information on Saturday, June 6, about changes to resort operations.  Here’s a summary of which amenities will and will not be available during the re-opening phase.  And here’s a summary of how dining will run during that phase.

Let us know of any questions in the comments – we’ll try to answer them either in the comments or by updating this post.

The post To-Do: Contact Disney by June 12 to Re-Confirm Trips Between June 22 and July 11 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus

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Here’s What It’s Like To Wear a Mask in a Theme Park All Day!

Disney Springs and Universal Orlando’s CityWalk reopened last month and brought about several big changes — some of which are taking a little more getting used to than others! ?

Universal Orlando

Both shopping and dining districts mandated the use of masks for both guests and employees. Making the change to wearing masks in daily life has been a bit of a transition — but add a little Florida heat and walking around all day to the mix and things start to get a little swampy pretty FAST. 

Our Disney Springs days while wearing face masks were good practice (and gave us some idea of what to expect!) but now that Universal Orlando theme parks have reopened, we can finally give you the official scoop on what it’s like to wear a face mask at a theme park ALL. DAY. LONG!

Masks vs. the Heat

We’d be kidding ourselves if we said wearing a face mask wasn’t really, REALLY hot at times. It definitely the hardest part of the whole face mask-wearing lifestyle we’ve recently procured for ourselves (along with everyone else)! Mid-day when the sun is beating down (not to mention Florida is VERY humid) we’ve been noticeably sweating uncontrollably!

Universal Lines

But here’s the thing — if you’re like us, you’re already used to shvitzing half of your body mass in sweat and having your clothes cling to your body! Being outside this time of year can be hot, sticky, and uncomfortable even without a mask.

Universal

Luckily, we did a little pre-theme park conditioning before we hit Universal Orlando — and we highly recommend taking some long walks outdoors with your face masks and see how well you handle the heat. Chances are you’ll find it tolerable — but you’ll probably have to work up to it!

Click Here For Suggestions To Find The Most Comfortable Masks

Masks vs. Thrill Rides

We weren’t exactly sure what would happen to our face masks once we went on a rollercoaster for the first time since we know what usually happens to loose articles! Bye-bye favorite sunglasses!

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Check out 6 things that really surprised us about Universal’s reopening here!

But with face coverings that fit snugly against your nose and mouth, this isn’t an issue! The only time we felt our mask start to slide was on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit — one of Universal’s more-intense rides. And even then, our face mask stayed in place. We recommend giving your mask a quick tug to make sure it’s secure before take-off!

Mask vs. Excitement

Does wearing a face mask take away from rides? This was something we were the MOST curious to find out!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

So what did we think? We still had a great time on the rides, despite wearing face coverings. In fact, on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, there were moments we totally forgot we were wearing them!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Check out 6 things we learned at Universal this week that you’ll need to know for Disney World’s reopening!

But here’s the thing — if this is your first time visiting Universal Studios or experiencing these rides, you might not get the full experience! We’ve been on the rides before, so for us, it’s just exciting to get to enjoy them again. If you’re only planning on visiting Universal (or Disney World) once, you might want to wait until face masks aren’t mandatory.

Masks vs. Eating

We weren’t about to let a face mask stop us from consuming as much Butterbeer (and Butterbeer Ice Cream!) as Muggle-ly possible! And like our experience at CityWalk and Disney Springs, eating and drinking with a face mask isn’t much of an issue.

Universal

Guests are allowed to lower their masks while eating or drinking and since tables at restaurants have been spaced apart, you’re free to remove your face covering while you enjoy your meal. Universal employees were keeping a watchful eye on everybody and any time a guest had their mask lowered but wasn’t holding a snack or drink, they were asked to re-cover.

Masks vs. Breathing

Getting in some practice with wearing a mask definitely helped us get more acclimated to breathing through a mask while outside. We also noticed the material of your face mask will make it easier or harder to breathe. Click here for some suggestions as to the most comfortable face masks you can choose.

U-Rest Area

Universal has set up several U-Rest Areas (two inside each theme park and one at CityWalk) where guests can remove their masks temporarily while social distancing. You can stay in these areas for however long you need to get a break.

Click here to learn more about Universal’s U-Rest Areas!

Masks vs. Children

We didn’t have any children with us on our trips to the theme parks this week, but we understand many of our readers are concerned about being able to get their young children to wear face masks for the duration of their visit. The kids we’ve seen so far have been doing a really good job keeping their face masks on, and waiting until they got to a restaurant or U-Rest Area before taking them off!

Line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

While we think this will be a matter each parent will need to address with their children individually, we think having the flexibility to remove face coverings when sitting down for a meal or in a designated U-Rest Area will provide some extra relief for families with younger kids. It’s also possible you might need to plan shorter park days than you’re used to — at least for the time being!

Honeydukes

Overall, face masks do take some getting used to. But that being said, wearing a mask in a theme park didn’t feel TOO much different from a mask all day at Disney Springs. We found out some lessons the hard way, so we have some top tips for wearing a face covering here!

Our most important tip is probably to have back-up. Bring at least two masks (and maybe three) for each person in your party, just in case one does fly off on a ride, or you’re stuck in a rainstorm and the mask you’re wearing is no longer effective.

Thunder Falls

And remember — YOU get to decide when you’re ready to go back out in public and if you’re ready to go to a theme park right now. But we were pleasantly surprised that face coverings didn’t actually put too much of a damper on our day!

Check out all of our live coverage from Universal’s reopening here!

Do you have any questions about wearing a mask in a theme park? Please let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, News, Disney, Disney reopening, disney springs, face covering, hulk, Islands of Adventure, Mask, reopen, reopening, theme park, Universal, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort

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Disney Food Disney Lists Disney Parks Other

List of Disney World Restaurants reopening on June 22nd

Disney World Dining

There will be lots of changes coming to Disney World when they reopen, especially with Disney Dining… Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

  • Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
  • Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
  • Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
  • Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
  • Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
  • Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:

  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking
  • Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment

Below, you find the list of the restaurants that plan to reopen June 22nd.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

  • Sanaa
  • Kidani Breakfast at Sanaa
  • Sanaa Lounge
  • Maji Pool Bar

Disney’s BoardWalk

  • Trattoria al Forno
  • Pizza Window
  • BoardWalk Bakery
  • Leaping Horse Libations
  • AbracadaBar
  • Screen Door General Store

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • The Wave…of American Flavors
  • The Wave Lounge
  • Contempo Cafe
  • Cave Bar

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

  • P&J’s Southern Takeout
  • Meadow Snack Bar
  • Crockett’s Tavern

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

  • Grand Floridian Cafe
  • Gasparilla Island Grill
  • Enchanted Rose
  • Beaches Pool Bar & Grill

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  • Olivia’s Cafe
  • Good’s Food to Go
  • Gurgling Suitcase

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Kona Cafe
  • Capt. Cook’s
  • Pineapple Lanai
  • Barefoot Pool Bar

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

  • The Artist’s Palette
  • The Paddock Grill
  • On the Rocks Pool Bar

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

  • Whispering Canyon Cafe
  • Roaring Fork

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort

  • Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
  • Beach Club Marketplace
  • Martha’s Vineyard

Hours of operation will be provided during your stay.

Please note the list of Disney World Restaurants is subject to change…

For more information visit the Disney World website.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Disney Food, Walt Disney World, Disney Dining, Disney World, disney world dining, Disney World Restaurants reopening, List of restaurants

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Disney Guides Disney Parks Other

What changes are coming to Walt Disney World before they reopen in July?

disney world

Last night Disney World released a bunch of changes coming to Reservations, Resort Stays, Transportation, and much more. We wanted to break down all of the changes coming for those thinking about going to Walt Disney World during this time.

Take a look…

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

While visiting Walt Disney World Resort, all Guests ages 2 and older—along with all Cast Members—will be required to wear face coverings.

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Help keep each other healthy.

RESORTS

As part of our plans for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World® Resort, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen to Guests on June 22, 2020 – ahead of our Theme Parks.

Many Disney Resort benefits and amenities may be temporarily unavailable. Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be open during your travel dates but other Disney Resort hotels will remain closed.

If you have a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel that won’t be open during your travel dates or if you have a room and theme park ticket package, you can choose to modify your plans by contacting your Travel Professional.

On June 22, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen.

These select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts include:

Additionally, Magic Kingdom park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will begin a phased reopening on July 11—with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15. Learn more about the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort.

Additionally, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will reopen to Members and Guests on June 15.

Note: Some of the details below may not apply to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

We made some important updates at our Disney Resort hotels and implemented a number of new health and safety measures.

What You’ll Need

Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Please be aware that you’ll also need:

  • A confirmed room reservation for your stay. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account to receive important information prior to your arrival—visit My Plans to get started
  • A confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day Guest (not staying overnight)
  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up—which must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining
  • Planning to visit a theme park during your stay? Select Walt Disney World theme parks will begin to reopen on July 11. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required (a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access)

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment, including MagicBands, which Disney Resort hotel Guests can use to charge purchases to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Wellness Screening

Persons who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. Before you leave home, please check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.

If you need to reschedule your reservation, please call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY or (407) 934-7639. If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, please call Member Services at (800) 800-9800.

Disney Resort Hotel Guest Benefits

During the initial reopening period, some benefits may be modified or unavailable.

Disney’s Magical Express® Service
Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service will be available for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport.

Many airlines have modified their flight schedules, so please confirm your flight information. If you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express service, contact your room reservation booking agent, or call (407) 939-1936 to make any updates to your flight information on file.

FastPass+ Service
As a result of the COVID-19 impact, FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing. With that in mind, access to FastPass+ planning is temporarily unavailable. We will share updates at a later date.

Extra Magic Hours
The Extra Magic Hours benefit is unavailable until further notice.

Cleaning

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and serviced during your stay. Plus, common areas will receive enhanced cleaning.

Common Areas
We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.

Housekeeping
Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests

Inside your room, you’ll find:

  • Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
  • Individually wrapped glassware
  • Double-cased pillows
  • Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging

And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed

You can also decline the every-other-day service.

Please note that:

  • If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decline that service.
  • If there is more than one room on your reservation and you choose to decline service, your selection will apply to all rooms on the reservation.
  • We reserve the right to enter any room at a Disney Resort hotel for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door. View Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules.

Learn more about housekeeping service.

Transportation & Parking

Resort transportation around the property will be available in a limited capacity to allow for physical distancing. Also, if you are arriving via Orlando International Airport, you may still take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express Service.

Complimentary Resort Transportation
Before the theme parks reopen, bus transportation will be available between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney Springs area.

When the theme parks reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney theme parks.

Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place, reducing capacity. As a result, you may experience delays.

Minnie Van Service
Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.

Parking

Self-parking will be available. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance. A valid disability parking permit is required. Parking fees apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests.

Resort Service

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Changes include:

  • Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
  • Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
  • Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
  • In-room celebrations will not be available
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
  • Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
  • Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable

Resort Amenities & Recreation

Amenities and recreation will be modified based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Pools

  • Feature pools may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day
  • Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing
  • Select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests of this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Fitness Centers & Sports Courts

  • Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours
  • Fitness centers may have reduced hours and capacity
  • Instructor-led fitness classes will not be available
  • Fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing

Available Recreation
Activities and schedules will vary. The schedule of activities for your Disney Resort hotel will be shared during your stay.

Merchandise Locations
In merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Guests will continue to discover favorite Disney items, with some modifications to the shopping experience that will help us manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

  • New Product Launches: New collection product launches and limited-edition merchandise will not be available for in-person purchases at Walt Disney World Resort until further notice. As always, Guests can find these items on shopDisney, subject to availability.
  • Pin Trading: We will continue to offer Guests the opportunity to pin trade with Cast Members through the use of pin boards in select locations. Cast pin trading with lanyards will not be available at this time to maintain physical distancing.
  • Delivery Option: Package delivery to the front of our theme parks or to Disney Resort hotels will be suspended. However, shipping merchandise to Guests’ homes continues to be available.
  • Dressing Rooms: For the time being, dressing rooms will not be available.
  • Returns: In-person returns will be available upon the reopening of our merchandise locations.

Temporarily Unavailable 
The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Character experiences
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Additionally, the following special offerings and childcare services will not be available during the initial reopening:

  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Check In Online

To aid in physical distancing efforts, we strongly recommend that you use Online Check-In Service in advance—online or with the My Disney Experience app.

When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room!

If you don’t receive your MagicBand(s) prior to your vacation, simply use the My Disney Experience app as a digital key to enter your room. At your convenience, you can visit the Front Desk to pick up your MagicBand(s).

Automatic Checkout

On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room—so you don’t have to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).

Virtual Chat With a Resort Cast Member

Beginning June 22, you can chat with a Resort Cast Member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during your stay. This new feature will offer convenient support nearly anytime—so there’s no need to visit the Lobby or stand in line.

DINING

During your stay, dining locations and experiences may be limited to manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

Changes and Enhancements to Dining

We’re committed to a responsible reopening of Walt Disney World Resort—and we’ve made some important updates and enhancements to our dining experiences based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing.

What You’ll Need

Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:

  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking
  • Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment

In-Park Dining Reservations

At this time, dining reservations are not available. Reservations will resume at a later date.

When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.

Disney Springs Dining Reservations

Select dining locations at Disney Springs are currently accepting reservations.

Dining Plans

At this time, Disney dining plans cannot be added to reservations. Check back soon for more information.

Learn about cancellations and refunds for dining plans.

Booking Windows

Learn about updates to booking windows for dining reservations.

Health and Hygiene

New measures have been implemented across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:

  • Enhanced Cleaning: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
  • Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. At quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
  • Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.

Enhanced Technology

Use convenient technologies to minimize your contact with others:

  • Mobile Order Service: A time-saving feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead at select dining locations and pick up food during a designated arrival window.
  • Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can use your own mobile device to scan a code for access to the digital menu.
  • Cashless Payments: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Dining Experiences

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

  • Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
  • Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
  • Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
  • Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
  • Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
  • Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

Modifications, Cancellations and Refunds

We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning your visits to Walt Disney World Resort and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as our Cast remains focused on delivering magical experiences and incredible storytelling for everyone who visits.

During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:

  • All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
  • Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
  • We have made the difficult decision to cancel and temporarily no longer offer Disney dining plans. If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, we will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.

Tables in Wonderland
Learn about updates to Tables in Wonderland.

For other changes coming to Disney World next month click the links below.

Source Walt Disney World website

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney Dining, disney transportation, Disney World, Disney World Changes, disney world dining, Disney World Resort

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The Top 10 Most Evacuated Rides in Disney World!

Disney World can seem like the perfect place in theory, but that’s not always the case.

Frozen Ever After

Sometimes things just happen to go wrong — yes, even in Disney World! It’s happened to most of us. We’re pumped for our favorite ride only to find that it’s inexplicably closed. Or perhaps we’re halfway THROUGH our favorite ride when it randomly STOPS! Whatever the case, we know big breakdowns happen. Let’s check out the top ten most evacuated rides in Disney World!

This data is pulled from an Orlando Sentinel report on the Reedy Creek Fire Department (Disney’s own!) reported evacuations from July 27th, 2016, through July 18th, 2018. Keep in mind that these dates WOULDN’T catch newer rides like the popular (and often reported to break down) Rise of the Resistance!

10. Spaceship Earth

Coming in at tenth place for most evacuations we have the most iconic and recognizable ride in Epcot — it’s Spaceship Earth! In the measured period, this ride had 15 evacuations. Not too bad, but there are a whole lot of rides that had fewer!

Spaceship Earth

Though the report does not include the causes for breakdowns, Spaceship Earth is an original 1982 attraction with some significantly complex ride pathways through the sphere. Its age and complexity could be part of the issue.

Is Spaceship Earth NOT closing for refurb now?? Click here!

9. Toy Story Mania!

Just BARELY beating out Spaceship Earth is the relatively new Toy Story Mania! in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This attraction racked up 16 evacuations in the two-year period.

Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania! is a super technologically advanced ride so a failure of the software could potentially be a reason for evacuation. Still, Disney doesn’t report the reason for evacuations (unless there’s an injury) so it’s hard to say.

Want to get the highest score in Toy Story Mania? Click here!

8. Splash Mountain

Next up on our list is Splash Mountain! This beloved attraction (one of the favorites among our readers) had 21 evacuations in the period reported. We’ve definitely been on this one more than a few times when it’s broken down for a while!

Does Everyone Want To Ride Splash Mountain??

Splash Mountain might be prone to big breakdowns simply thanks to the fact that it is a water ride. Log flume rides are notorious for being difficult to maintain. Maybe when things go wrong at Splash Mountain, the fixes aren’t so easy.

To learn how Splash Mountain stacks up with other attractions, click here!

7. Peter Pan’s Flight

A little bit of a jump here as this next attraction had about ten more full evacuations than Splash Mountain. Peter Pan’s Flight came in at 31 evacuations in the two years.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Surprisingly, this is the ONLY opening day attraction to make this list (guess those other OG rides really hold up)! Not only is Peter Pan’s Flight an older ride, but it also uses a unique suspended system. That’s why people love it so much, but it’s also what makes it a little more challenging to run.

Click here to check out some SWEET upcoming merch inspired by Peter Pan’s Flight!

6. The Barnstormer

The Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini (previously The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm) is a favorite for many little ones thanks to it being an easily conquerable rollercoaster.

Barnstormer

Still, despite not being as impressive as the other coasters of Disney, this one has some of the most evacuations with 32 in the period. Why? We’re stumped!

Want to see how our readers feel about The Barnstormer? Click here!

5. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Alright! We made it to the top five! Just barely edging out Barnstormer and Peter Pan’s Flight is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh with 33 evacuations in the period.

Winnie the Pooh at The Crystal Palace

There are few incidents reported for this ride and it is a traditional dark ride. Maybe it’s just the wily Heffalumps up to no good!

To find out which Tiger King person we matched up with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, click here!

4. Kali River Rapids

We’ve got a pretty big jump for this next one again — and get used to it, because the evacuation counts on the final three are gonna climb quick! Not quite in the final three is Kali River Rapids with 44 evacuations in two years.

Kali River Rapids

Kali could suffer from the water ride maintenance woes as part of the reasoning behind the frequent evacuations. There have also been reports of monitoring sensors being triggered on this ride. These are triggered when the ride system thinks someone isn’t where they should be or something is wrong and it automatically stops the ride, per WESH.

Click here to read about our Kali River Rapids MISTAKES!

3. Space Mountain

Okay folks, we’ve made it. Let’s talk about our top three. We’re talking about our BIGGEST breakdown offenders. Taking the third spot is Space Mountain with a leap up to 64 evacuations in a two year period!

Space Mountain

Though the ride had no reported injuries in the measured period, that doesn’t mean that there weren’t medical reasons for stopping the ride. Space Mountain can be intense and it has had some incidents reported in the past. Plus, Space has been around since 1975! That’s an old coaster! Sometimes, things just might need some extra attention for the ride to get up and running again.

PRO TIP: If this ride DOES break down for a prolonged period, hop on the PeopleMover. It travels through Space Mountain even if it’s closed and you can possibly get a really cool look at the ride with the lights on!

Want to see come collectible Space Mountain merch? Click here!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean

Our runner up for most breakdowns is Pirates of the Caribbean. Well, wouldn’t you know it! Another water ride — and an old one too. Pirates of the Caribbean has been around since 1973. That’s a lot of time, a LOT of animatronics, and a lot of water making some room for things to go a little sideways.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Maybe those are the reasons that Pirates of the Caribbean is dealing with a HIGH record of evacuations. We’re talking really high — like 72 evacuations in two years high. Maybe it’s that tricky ghost George that’s to blame! ? Shockingly though, there is one ride that has MANY more evacuations than even this number.

To learn how Pirates of the Caribbean makes us feel things, click here!

1. Frozen Ever After

Coming in first place, the NUMBER ONE MOST EVACUATED RIDE is Frozen Ever After! On paper, that might sound surprising since it’s so new, but most of us have witnessed Frozen Ever After closed for downtime at some point or another. Just how many evacs did it have, you ask? 113 evacuations in two years! Phew!

Frozen Ever After Ride

Again, Disney doesn’t release the reasoning behind these evacs but we have some theories. The ride ticks a LOT of the boxes that we’ve mentioned as breakdown potential.

Water ride? Check. Older ride? Frozen is new but it’s predecessor Maelstrom opened in 1988 so…check! Complex technology? Definitely check! This was the first ride to use the new animatronics (ever ridden the ride mid-breakdown and see Anna and Elsa with their faces TURNED OFF? We have!). That sounds like a pretty decent recipe for high evacuations to us!

Click here to learn how you can ride Frozen Ever After — after hours!

So now you know the top ten most evacuated rides at Disney! To quote a Disney statement, “Our rides operate at a high degree of reliability, and while occasional downtimes and full-ride exits are a part of normal operations, they represent a very small part of the total operating day and overall guest experience.”

Despite some of these trickier ride systems, Disney actually had a pretty great track record with keeping rides running smoothly. Still, it makes for a unique story if you’ve ever been evacuated from a ride! Maybe we’ll go hop on Frozen Ever After…

Love in-ride photos? Click here to see what rides we think NEED one!

Have you ever been caught on a broken-down ride? Tell us 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, Frozen Ever After, kali river rapids, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Ride Evacuations, space mountain, Spaceship Earth, splash mountain, the barnstormer, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Toy Story Mania