Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has extended Florida’s coronavirus State of Emergency for another 60 days. A tweet from Orlando news anchor Greg Angel shows the executive order signed by the governor.
The amendment to the State of Emergency Order reads:
“WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-52, declaring a state of emergency for the entire state due to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020, President Donald J. Trump approved my request and declared a Major Disaster due to COVID-19 in Florida; and WHEREAS, on June 3, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-139, implementing Phase 2 of my Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery; and WHEREAS, I, as Governor of Florida, am committed to providing all available resources and assisting all Floridians and our local communities with their efforts; and WHEREAS, no state of emergency declared pursuant to the Florida Emergency Management Act may continue for more than 60 days unless renewed by the Governor; and WHEREAS, the impact of COVID-19 poses a continuing threat to the health, safety and welfare of the State of Florida and its residents.”
Extending the State of Emergency Order also means the mandate requiring visitors from the Tri-State area to self isolate for 14 days has been extended. That mandate was set to end July 8th but now looks like it will be in effect through September 5th.
Even though the COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Florida, Disney is continuing with its current reopening plan for Walt Disney World. The Cast Member preview of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom went on as scheduled today and Annual Passholder previews will happen later this week.
From our friends at chipandco.com Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Annual Passholder Preview, Cast Member Preview, COVID-19, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, Florida State of Emergency, Magic Kingdom, Ron DeSantis
So far, Cast Members have been stationed at each of the relaxation stations we’ve visited to ensure guests were socially distancing themselves while their face masks were removed. We also saw hand sanitizer stations were set up near the entrance!
Magic Kingdom
Adventureland
This relaxation station is located conveniently between Adventureland and Frontierland next to A Pirates Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas and the quick service dining location, Golden Oak Outpost. The restaurant will remain closed for the time being so its seating area can be used as a relaxation station instead.
Relaxation Zone
Although there’s no covered awning, partial shade provided by the trees and shrubbery. Golden Oak Outpost’s tables and chairs are available for use and guests may sit without their face coverings while social distancing.
Relaxation Station
Since the tables at this relaxation station are fixed (can’t be moved around) there are markers on which tables aren’t available for guests to use.
Relaxation Station
Tomorrowland
On the other side of the park, Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant is also being used as a relaxation station while the dining location itself remains closed.
Tomorrowland Relaxation Station
The partially-enclosed area is open-air but provides ample protection from the sun. You’ll find lots of seating in this spacious dining area with plenty of tables and chairs.
Tomorrowland Relaxation Station
Fantasyland
Magic Kingdom has one additional relaxation station found at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus where character greetings used to occur before the closures. Note: Magic Kingdom’s new maps show where each of the three relaxation stations can be located.
From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, a pirate’s adventure, Adventureland, Disney World, face masks, fantasyland, golden Oak Outpost, Hollywood Studios, no mask zones, petes silly sideshow, relaxation zones, Storybook Circus, Tomorrowland Relaxation Station
Disney Parks Health and Safety Update from Disney’s Chief Medical Officer
Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel has just released a Health and Safety Update before the Disney World Theme Parks reopen later this week:
As we continue the phased reopenings of our parks and resorts across the world, promoting health and safety for our guests, cast members, and the larger community is a responsibility we take very seriously.
On Saturday, we will continue the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, marking the first of our domestic theme parks to welcome guests back to the magic. While we await California guidelines for reopening Disneyland Resort, and will adjust as necessary, we wanted to share more information on our approach to health and safety in the Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks.
We remain deeply committed to focusing on your well-being when you visit or work at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. From increased cleaning and disinfecting across our parks and resorts, to updated health and safety policies, we have reimagined the Disney experience so we can all enjoy the magic responsibly. We implemented our health and safety measures after considering the guidance of government and local health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to the U.S. Travel Association and Disney’s team of health experts.
Together, we are a Disney family, and while COVID-19, and the risk of contracting it, is present in public places, there are many important ways that we can all help promote each other’s safety. As we implement our guidelines at our parks and resorts, we want to thank our guests and cast members for all they do to care for one another by doing their part.
1. Health & Wellness
At Disney, our approach emphasizes a combination of measures to help reduce risk in the carefully managed environment of our parks and resorts.
Limited and carefully managed attendance: All guests will be required to make advanced ticket purchases and reservations.
Reduced capacity and physical distancing: We’re reducing capacity by letting fewer people enter our parks and are adjusting experiences to allow for physical distancing, a key measure reinforced by the CDC. This includes physical distancing in dining experiences, attractions, queues and other locations. Additionally, physical barriers have been installed in areas where physical distancing may be difficult to maintain, like cash registers.
Temperature checks: Quick temperature checks are required for all guests at entry to our theme parks.
Face coverings: We will be requiring both cast members and guests ages two and older to wear a face covering – unless swimming or when eating or drinking – and enforcing this policy across our parks and resorts.
Handwashing and hand sanitizer: We have increased the number of hand sanitizer locations and handwashing stations throughout our parks and resorts.
First Aid locations: Our first aid locations are staffed by experienced nursing staff and have updated their protocols for responding to symptoms of illness.
2. Cleaning & Disinfecting
We’ve updated our already high standards for cleanliness across our parks and resorts, with a special emphasis on areas such as attractions, queues, dining, lobbies, transportation and other common spaces.
Increased cleaning & disinfecting: We’re increasing the frequency of cleaning, especially for frequently-touched surfaces and high-traffic areas. Following park close, each park will receive an enhanced cleaning before guests arrive the next day.
New procedures for resort stays: In addition to increasing cleaning in areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, tables, handles, and restrooms, we’ve updated our procedures for guest rooms at our owned-and-operated Walt Disney World hotels. Before arrival, every room will be given an enhanced cleaning and a light cleaning service (including removal of trash and replenishment of towels and amenities) will be offered every other day during the stay.
3. Technology Solutions
We are tapping into Disney innovation to help promote health and safety for our guests and cast members.
Disney apps: With the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps our guests already know and love, guests can view hand sanitizer and handwashing locations, explore digital menus, and more.
Limited-contact options: From Mobile Order and cashless payments, to Walt Disney World’s MagicBands and online check-in at select locations, we’re offering technology solutions that can make it easier for our guests to minimize contact and maintain physical distancing.
4. Cast Member Training & Workplace Safety
Safety starts with our cast, and we’ve adopted a number of new policies and practices for cast members at work.
Training: Cast members are receiving additional training on both new measures and the continued importance of personal health and hygiene, such as handwashing and of course, staying home when ill. For some, this includes training on how to help everyone who visits to follow new health and safety measures, including wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing.
Workplace health and safety: We’ve increased the frequency of cleaning in work areas, adjusted our work practices to promote physical distancing, and introduced new protocols for temperature checks and face coverings.
Health screenings: Cast members will self-screen for temperature and symptoms of illness before each shift and will stay home if they are not feeling well.
5. Working Together
Because each of us shares responsibility for the health of our community, we’re making resources available to make guests aware of our new policies, so they too can do their part.
Guest communication: We’re proactively sharing information with guests about what to expect ahead of their visit to support their planning. In our parks and resorts, we have added signage about personal health and hygiene measures, physical distancing, and more.
Following our guidelines: A special group of cast members will also be present in the parks to explain our new procedures, answer questions guests may have, and encourage everyone to follow these measures to promote the well-being of us all.
“Together We Can Make Today Incredible” campaign: In June, we introduced “Together We Can Make Today Incredible,” a health and safety campaign that spotlights healthy behaviors featuring fan-favorite characters from the Incredibles animated movies. The campaign emphasizes that everyone has an important role to play in health and safety while engaging guests in a uniquely Disney way.
We’re looking forward to upholding this plan each day, and to the return of our guests and cast members to our parks and resorts.
If you have additional questions about a specific experience, we hope that you’ll explore the resources below:
From our friends at chipandco.com Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney Parks Health and Safety Update, Disney World, Disney World Reopening, Disney’s Chief Medical Officer
We’ve probably seen just as many Disney characters today with these new experiences than we would on an ordinary day at Magic Kingdom — we might have even seen more! We also saw something else pretty interesting!
Prepare your eyes for all this man stallion we’re about to show you — it’s Gaston…ON A HORSE!!
Gaston
That’s right — the infamous Beauty and the Beast (self) love interest had mounted a steed and was clip clipping his way down Main Street, U.S.A.! While we’ve seen this during Villains After Hours, we weren’t expecting to see it today.
Gaston
But hold the phone…Merida from Brave also arrived in My Little Pony style! Angus is that YOU???
Merida
We’re taking this as proof you never know WHAT you’ll see at a newly reopened Magic Kingdom! We’ll let you know what other strange and exciting things catch our eye just as soon as we spot ’em!
Were you expecting to see equestrian-versions of these Disney characters today? Tell us which characters you’d like to see ride a horse in the comments below!
From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, character cavalcade, characters, Disney World, equestrian disney characters, gaston, horseback, merida, reopening, riding horses, strange things, unusual, weird
As we continue the phased reopenings of our parks and resorts across the world, promoting health and safety for our guests, cast members, and the larger community is a responsibility we take very seriously.
On Saturday, we will continue the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, marking the first of our domestic theme parks to welcome guests back to the magic. While we await California guidelines for reopening Disneyland Resort, and will adjust as necessary, we wanted to share more information on our approach to health and safety in the Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks.
We remain deeply committed to focusing on your well-being when you visit or work at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. From increased cleaning and disinfecting across our parks and resorts, to updated health and safety policies, we have reimagined the Disney experience so we can all enjoy the magic responsibly. We implemented our health and safety measures after considering the guidance of government and local health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to the U.S. Travel Association and Disney’s team of health experts.
Together, we are a Disney family, and while COVID-19, and the risk of contracting it, is present in public places, there are many important ways that we can all help promote each other’s safety. As we implement our guidelines at our parks and resorts, we want to thank our guests and cast members for all they do to care for one another by doing their part.
1. Health & Wellness
At Disney, our approach emphasizes a combination of measures to help reduce risk in the carefully managed environment of our parks and resorts.
Limited and carefully managed attendance: All guests will be required to make advanced ticket purchases and reservations.
Reduced capacity and physical distancing: We’re reducing capacity by letting fewer people enter our parks and are adjusting experiences to allow for physical distancing, a key measure reinforced by the CDC. This includes physical distancing in dining experiences, attractions, queues and other locations. Additionally, physical barriers have been installed in areas where physical distancing may be difficult to maintain, like cash registers.
Temperature checks: Quick temperature checks are required for all guests at entry to our theme parks.
Face coverings: We will be requiring both cast members and guests ages two and older to wear a face covering – unless swimming or when eating or drinking – and enforcing this policy across our parks and resorts.
Handwashing and hand sanitizer: We have increased the number of hand sanitizer locations and handwashing stations throughout our parks and resorts.
First Aid locations: Our first aid locations are staffed by experienced nursing staff and have updated their protocols for responding to symptoms of illness.
2. Cleaning & Disinfecting
We’ve updated our already high standards for cleanliness across our parks and resorts, with a special emphasis on areas such as attractions, queues, dining, lobbies, transportation and other common spaces.
Increased cleaning & disinfecting: We’re increasing the frequency of cleaning, especially for frequently-touched surfaces and high-traffic areas. Following park close, each park will receive an enhanced cleaning before guests arrive the next day.
New procedures for resort stays: In addition to increasing cleaning in areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, tables, handles, and restrooms, we’ve updated our procedures for guest rooms at our owned-and-operated Walt Disney World hotels. Before arrival, every room will be given an enhanced cleaning and a light cleaning service (including removal of trash and replenishment of towels and amenities) will be offered every other day during the stay.
3. Technology Solutions
We are tapping into Disney innovation to help promote health and safety for our guests and cast members.
Disney apps: With the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps our guests already know and love, guests can view hand sanitizer and handwashing locations, explore digital menus, and more.
Limited-contact options: From Mobile Order and cashless payments, to Walt Disney World’s MagicBands and online check-in at select locations, we’re offering technology solutions that can make it easier for our guests to minimize contact and maintain physical distancing.
4. Cast Member Training & Workplace Safety
Safety starts with our cast, and we’ve adopted a number of new policies and practices for cast members at work.
Training: Cast members are receiving additional training on both new measures and the continued importance of personal health and hygiene, such as handwashing and of course, staying home when ill. For some, this includes training on how to help everyone who visits to follow new health and safety measures, including wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing.
Workplace health and safety: We’ve increased the frequency of cleaning in work areas, adjusted our work practices to promote physical distancing, and introduced new protocols for temperature checks and face coverings.
Health screenings: Cast members will self-screen for temperature and symptoms of illness before each shift and will stay home if they are not feeling well.
5. Working Together
Because each of us shares a responsibility for the health of our community, we’re making resources available to make guests aware of our new policies, so they too can do their part.
Guest communication: We’re proactively sharing information with guests about what to expect ahead of their visit to support their planning. In our parks and resorts, we have added signage about personal health and hygiene measures, physical distancing, and more.
Following our guidelines: A special group of cast members will also be present in the parks to explain our new procedures, answer questions guests may have, and encourage everyone to follow these measures to promote the well-being of us all.
“Together We Can Make Today Incredible” campaign: In June, we introduced “Together We Can Make Today Incredible,” a health and safety campaign that spotlights healthy behaviors featuring fan-favorite characters from the Incredibles animated movies. The campaign emphasizes that everyone has an important role to play in health and safety while engaging guests in a uniquely Disney way.
We’re looking forward to upholding this plan each day, and to the return of our guests and cast members to our parks and resorts.
If you have additional questions about a specific experience, we hope that you’ll explore the resources below:
