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Guests Can Now MODIFY Disney World Reservations From Now to June 21st But There’s A BIG Catch

With the reopening of Disney World parks set for July 11th, a lot of folks with June reservations have been left in limbo.

Polynesian Resort Lobby

Shortly after the official announcement of a reopening date, Disney’s hotel reservations and ticket sales systems went dark so Disney could begin to implement their new reservation system. That meant no new reservations and no modifications to existing reservations. For many folks who just wanted to reschedule their June reservations, that was frustrating. Well, now Disney is allowing guests with check-in dates prior to June 21st to call and modify their reservations.

As of right now, anyone with existing reservations between now and June 21st can call Guest Services at (407) 934-7639 to modify their reservation. The ONLY locations that you can currently rebook for are Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villas and Fort Wilderness Cabins.

Bay Lake Tower

Wherever your original reservation was, you can reschedule for one of these locations but you will need to pay the difference in price if you choose to do so. If you take no action to modify at this time, your reservations prior to June 22nd will be automatically canceled.

Fort Wilderness Cabin ©Disney

We know this is a big change, so if you have any questions please let us know and we will do our best to get those answers for you! We’ll be keeping a close eye on developments with the reservation system at Disney so keep up with DFB for all the latest updates.

Click here to learn more about the suspension of new hotel reservations.

Will you be modifying your June reservation? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney modifications, disney world closure, disney world hotel reopening, Disney World hotel reservations, Disney World reopening, disney world reservations, hotel reservations, Reservation Modifications

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

Disney World Photopass Photographers no Longer Using Guests Phones/Cameras

Walt Disney World is reopening next month but not without some changes. Among the new health and safety measures in place is one specifically to protect Cast Members: they can no longer use your phone or camera to take your picture.

According to the Orlando Sentinel:

“Disney has already said it’s eliminating parades, character meet-and-greets and fireworks, all of which would draw major crowds at theme parks when it first reopens.

Don’t ask a cast member to take a photograph with your phone either. Employees will politely decline.”

PhotoPass photographers will still be available to take your pictures but they’re no longer able to use your phone or camera. So if guests want to have those photos, they will have to purchase them.

Disney’s PhotoPass is a completely digital system that allows Guests to collect and view their photos in their Disney account on the My Disney Experience app before ever having to go to the shop and get them printed. And by using Magic Bands, those photos can be uploaded to Guests’ accounts in an almost contactless exchange.

“That’s how serious Disney is taking this,” said Cast Member Union representative Eric Clinton while addressing Cast Members. “That’s a very different Disney World you all worked at back in March.”

The phased reopening of Disney World‘s theme parks begins July 11. We will continue to update with more information as we receive it.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Photos, Walt Disney World, Cast Members, Disney World, Photopass

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

News! Rider Swap Is Still Available at Universal Studios

We know you guys have a lot of questions about the Universal Studios theme parks grand reopening today!

Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure Queue

So far, we’ve been running around to give you guys some perspective on what it was like arriving at the parks as well as how the crowds have been today!

And while we’re finally starting to get the hang of using new Universal’s virtual line system, we noticed something we wanted to share with you guys as we disembarked from Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — a sectioned off rider swap area!

Rider Swap at Universal

We can finally confirm Universal is continuing to use rider swap. If you’re not familiar with this term, it’s where one person waits in line while another person stays outside with a small child (or guest who doesn’t want/isn’t able to ride the attraction). Once the first person rides, they can then “swap” with their partner, and the second person doesn’t have to wait in line again! Disney World also permits rider switch, so we’re interested to see if they will continue to offer this once the parks reopen.

Click here to learn how Universal’s virtual lines work!

Rider Swap at Universal

We spoke with a Universal employee who said folks who want to use rider swap will each need to have their own virtual line reservation, so make sure you book a party of two when you reserve your ride time!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

We’ll be on the look-out for which attractions are offering rider swap since Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the first attraction we’ve seen with it!

See what it’s like to wear a mask on some of Universal’s rides here!

Are you excited Universal is still offering rider swap? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, kids, parents, planning, reopening, Rider Swap, Rider Switch, theme parks reopening, Universal Studios

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Disney Business Disney News Disney Parks Other

Creepy or Very Cool? Disney Just Filed a Patent for More Realistic and Advanced Skin for Robots and Animatronics!

Disney is always working on some crazy new tech, and WE’RE always looking out for their newest innovations!

Hondo Ohnaka

Imagineers have been doing a lot of work on tech for the parks and a LOT of that has to do with robotics. Disney is at the forefront of animatronic and entertainment robotics engineering, so they come up with crazy new inventions ALL THE TIME. Recently, we’ve spotted a realistic robot handshake and a patent for an autonomous park-roaming robot. Today, we spotted a NEW patent and this one focuses on a robot’s…skin? You read that right! Take a look!

Disney cranks out patents like nobodies business, but they don’t all apply to the parks. Sometimes they’re coming up with a neat consumer product or a new way to innovate in the film industry. Today though, we spotted a patent for a “Robotics Skin System with Integral Elastomeric Links to Complete Mechanical Linkages.”

©Disney

Now we know what you’re thinking: “What the HECK does that mean???” Essentially, Disney has developed a new skin (yes, like people skin) for their animatronics and robots. The “new” aspect is that this skin system can be used to connect moving parts of the robot instead of with a frame and joints underneath. The best way to visualize this is to think of a robotic octopus tentacle that has no mechanical bones.

©Disney

We apologize for the following illustration because it IS horrifying, but it’s a pretty good explanation of how this tech could be used. In a humanoid robot, the skin system could be used as a face made of latex (or similar material) with stiffened areas to connect to the motorized and robotic aspects, rather than the more traditional “robot skeleton” with a rubber skin stretched over it.

©Disney

We’re not sure if that’s cool or creepy, but we are leaning towards the cool side. This is definitely the kind of tech that Disney could apply with new animatronics in their theme parks so it will be interesting to see what sort of bots are developed in the coming years!

We’ll be keeping a close eye on new Disney tech, so follow along with us to make sure you know all about the new innovations!

What do you think of this amazing new tech? Tell us in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Animatronics, Audio-Animatronics, Disney innovation, Disney Patent, Disney Tech, Imagineering, Robot skin

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

Review! Are Killer Fries Enough to Make Us Love Planet Hollywood in Disney World?

We’ve been eating our way around all the newly reopened restaurants at Disney Springs. Now it’s time to take a trip over to Disney Springs’ local observatory, Planet Hollywood to see how the food has fared since reopening.

Planet Hollywood

While we’ve already taken you with us to Terralina Crafted Italian, Morimoto Asia, The Polite Pig, and more, we’re heading back to Flavortown to see if the food is a hit or miss.

We’re typically cautiously optimistic when we eat at Planet Hollywood. The food is ok. Is it the BEST food in Disney Springs? Nah, probably not. But, there’s a decent variety offered here, and with Guy Fieri designing much of the menu, the food has his unique flair to it. Want mac and cheese on your burger? They got that. Want not one but THREE kinds of fries with your meal? Yep, got that too. Those big, crazy milkshakes in a mason jar? You get it. ?

But while the menu boasts some unique options, we’ve been largely underwhelmed by this spot in the past. Would this trip change our minds?

Atmosphere

If you’ve never been to Planet Hollywood, it’s right across from the AMC Theatres! As we walked inside the restaurant, we spotted multiple health and safety guidelines from the get-go. There are hand-sanitizing stations and hand-sanitizer canisters placed around the area for guests and Cast Members to use.

Hand-Sanitizing Stations

There were social distancing stickers placed on the ground before you greeted the hostess at the front with a plexiglass barrier.

Planet Hollywood Entrance

Since Planet Hollywood also has two stories, there are distancing markers on the ground leading upstairs as well! (Wave hi to Chewie on your way up to your table!!)

Staircase

If you’ve never been here before, be sure to stop and check out some of the movie memorabilia on the walls. They have some REALLY unique props and costumes from some of your favorite movies and it’s totally worth checking out.

Inconceivable! They Have Princess Bride Costumes on Display!

Although seating is available inside the restaurants so you can watch some movies while you eat on the domed ceiling…

Planet Hollywood Indoor Seating

…we decided to enjoy the sunshine on the rooftop since outdoor seating is currently open as well.

Planet Hollywood Outdoor Seating

Time to eat!

Eats

Planet Hollywood has a limited menu at the moment, and your server will provide you with a paper menu to look at while you decide what you want to snack on!

Planet Hollywood Menu

The restaurant is using wrapping cutlery wrapped in napkins, so there’s no contact!

Cutlery

The drinks are in glass cups that the servers are careful to touch minimally…

Water Glass

…and the restaurant is also using compostable straws in drinks.

Compostable Straw

Our server told us that since it’s been very quiet at the restaurant and there’s a limited menu, our food would come out pretty quickly after it’s ordered. And, boy was she right! We received our whole meal within a few minutes of placing our order (!!!). It was CRAZY fast!

Our Meal!

Drinks

First up, we ordered a frosty drink. The B-A-N-A-N-A-S Boozy Milkshake for $17.99 used to be known as the Space Monkey, but now it appears to be named after Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” (because why not??). The milkshake is served in a souvenir glass and mixed up with Cruzan coconut rum, banana liqueur, coconut purée, and chocolate milk.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

Although it might be a milkshake, B-A-N-A-N-A-S tasted more like a banana piña colada! While the name implied a LOT of banana flavor, it was more of a coconut and chocolate drink with just a hint of banana.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

We would have loved to had a stronger banana flavor, but we still thought the “cocktail” (it’s more like a dessert tbh) was smooth and sweet!

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

This drink is pretty hefty sized though, so be careful not to fill up on shake instead of food! ?

Eats

We tried the “Bird Is the Word” Chicken Sandwich, which reminded us of a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich! You can grab this for $17.99. The sandwich was piled with fried chicken, buttermilk ranch dressing, hot honey sauce, pickles, cheddar cheese, and cole slaw.

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

Although we’re big fans of the chicken sandwiches you can get at Chicken Guy! or Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ right around the corner, the “Bird Is The Word” was still very tasty!

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

The honey was the most prominent part of the sandwich, which gave a hint of spiciness to the sandwich. We thought there could have been a bigger punch of spiciness to balance things out. Buuut, we did LOVE all the pickles on top!

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

IF you’re not a fan of spice, this should still be enjoyable for you. We picked up way more sweetness than spice on this one! We do have to say, though, that Planet Hollywood’s fries ROCKED!!

Fries

These are Guy Fieri’s Triple Fries which basically means they dump three styles of fries in the frier instead of one. We ain’t complainin’. We had standard french fries, waffle fries, and filmstrip type fries in our mix. They were delightfully seasoned and crispy, which complimented the sweetness of the chicken sandwich.

Fries

If you want to add some ketchup to your fries, your server will currently give you packets instead of a bottle.

Ketchup Packets

We’ll give credit where credit is due — the fries here are legit. They’re REALLY good.

Paying

At this time, Planet Hollywood isn’t using checkbooks, so your server will bring your check out on a plate with a towelette.

Check

And, before you leave, you can also use hand-sanitizer located at the tables inside Planet Hollywood!

Hand-Sanitizer

Nosh or Not

Consider dining at Planet Hollywood if:

  • You’d like to experience a unique atmosphere. Planet Hollywood has an array of movie memorabilia (like Chewbacca’s costume) that you can look at.
  • You want approachable comfort food like burgers, pastas, more.
  • You want a fun experience for your whole family! While grown-ups may be able to enjoy the cleverly named menu items a little more than the kids, your whole party can enjoy the entertainment at Planet Hollywood. Whether you want to watch movies while you eat or have a beautiful view of Disney Springs at night, there’s something for everyone here.

Planet Hollywood Server

You may want to skip Planet Hollywood if:

  • You are looking for really great, unique food. Disney Springs has a lot of awesome places that just have better eats and drinks — to put it simply. If you want a chicken sandwich like the one we had during our visit, we recommend visiting Chicken Guy! or Homecomin’ instead for some awesome options.
  • You want something on the cheaper side. While Planet Hollywood is not as expensive as other places like The Boathouse or Wine Bar George, it still can be pricey. Plus, for the food you’re getting, you can get better options at quick-service locations for a lower price.

Planet Hollywood Meal

Overall

So is it our favorite restaurant in all of Disney Springs now? Nope, sorry guys. BUT, we still enjoyed our meal. Planet Hollywood checks a lot of boxes for certain families looking for a unique meal in Disney Springs, which we can appreciate. We LOVED the crazy quick service and the fact that our server was a total sweetheart. However, our meal was just okay for the price we paid. But, we would totally go back to Planet Hollywood just to have another basket of fries all to ourselves. ?

Do note that Planet Hollywood closed again. While we don’t know when they will be reopening, we will be sure to keep you updated. You can read about this closure here.

These are the 5 restaurants you should skip during your next trip to Disney World!

What is your favorite thing to eat at Planet Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, bananas boozy milkshake, bird is the word, chicken sandwich, Disney, disney dining, disney news, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Planet Hollywood, planet hollywood reopening