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Disney World’s phased reopening plan is centered around managing attendance levels with a new reservation system called Disney Park Pass. All guests are now required to have both a park ticket and reservation to visit.

Disney World’s Park Pass reservation system originally went live on June 22nd, but only guests with valid theme park admission AND a hotel booking were allowed to access it — until now.

The booking window for Annual Passholders (who didn’t previously have a hotel reservation) is now open and Passholders are allowed to reserve their theme park passes. Just like the general public, Disney World’s APs must make a reservation for EACH day of entry and may only visit one theme park per day (no park hopping).

The system opened up pretty early this morning. We were able to make new reservations for Annual Passholders before 7AM ET!

Click here to see how many days Annual Passholders can reserve at one time!

While some days had originally “booked up” at certain parks, Disney added more park passes to the formerly “sold-out” dates so that Annual Passholders would have the opportunity to snag them. On the other hand, the first two days of reopening — July 11th and 12th — were already showing as unavailable by the time we accessed the site.

Theme park reservations are currently available through September 26, 2021.

Read our Disney World Park Pass System FAQ here!

Despite the fact that several days in the first week of reopening are unavailable for resort guests for Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, we were able to make new park passes this morning for Hollywood Studios on July 15th through 17th — days that are full for resort guests. This means that Disney DID add more available park passes for the new wave of bookings.

As a reminder, Annual Passholders (without resort reservations) are allowed to make THREE days of Disney Park Pass reservations at one time. We double-checked and we WERE cut off at three days.

Update: Some Passholders WITH hotel reservations are noticing they can book right now only the length of their hotel reservation. So it appears Passholders don’t get their resort stay days AND three additional AP days to book.

And even though the system has been a bit glitchy since its launch, Disney Park Pass reservations are subject to availability, so you don’t want to delay if you have any specific dates in mind. Though Disney has not released capacity numbers for the reopened parks — we know that there is a significant limit on attendance.

Note: Once the clock struck 7AM EST (when everyone kind of assumed the system would roll over) we ALREADY started noticing dates “selling out” so act FAST, APs!

If you have any questions about using the new Disney Park Pass System, don’t hesitate to drop us a line! And for you folks who aren’t Annual Passholders or DIDN’T have park tickets AND hotel reservations, your day will soon be here! On June 28th the booking window for existing ticket holders will open, so you only have to sit tight a little while longer!

Click here for answers to five of the BIGGEST questions Annual Passholders have about the new Disney Park Pass System!

Are you a Disney World Annual Passholder? Let us know if you were able to reserve your Disney Park Passes in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, annual pass, annual passholders, annual passholders without reservations, booking window, Disney Park Pass, disney park pass reservation system, Disney World, june 26th, number of days, phased reopening, reopening, theme park admission

Tony Baxter is back at Splash Mountain!

The former Imagineer and Disney Legend will be back as a Creative Adviser in the team that will reimagine Splash Mountain to “The Princess and the Frog” theme at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World and we couldn’t be more excited!

Tony Baxter was the one responsible for the design of Splash Mountain back in 1987 with a theme based on the 1946 classic “Song of the South.”

Did you know he actually came up with the idea in 1983 while he was stuck in traffic during rush hour?. I guess sometimes waiting in traffic is not that bad.

“The attraction will be one to be proud of” mentioned Tony. “I look forward to being a part of a new adventure in Disney magic and fun.”

Tony Baxter knows this attraction like no one else, so we are happy he is back on the project.

The redesign of Splash Mountain will be lead by Charita Carter, a Senior Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. 

“Like Princess Tiana, i believe that courage and love are the key ingredients for wonderful adventures. I am delight to be a part of bringing this fun-filled experience to our guests” said Carter.

As of know, there’s no set date for the start of this redesign or when the project will be completed but we are sure Disney will be releasing more details soon.

We can’t wait for this new theme and join Tiana in a magical journey around the Bayou!

Credit: OC Register

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disneyland, News, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Imagineers, Song of the South, Splash Mountain, The Princess and the Frog, Tiana, Tony Baxter, Walt Disney Imagineering

Select Walt Disney World resort hotels are open now, and the theme parks are officially reopening on July 11th and July 15th.

But even though the resort is coming back to life, not EVERY experience is open or will be open this summer, including some of our favorite hangout spots, like Jellyrolls.

But, after shutting its doors, this spot along Disney’s Boardwalk has FINALLY announced a reopening date! That’s right…we’re talking about Jellyrolls!

According to a post on Jellyrolls’ official Facebook page, the adults-only lounge with dueling pianos will reopen on October 1st!

Fans of Walt Disney World will know this date is significant — the Walt Disney World resort officially opened on October 1st, 1971!

Jellyrolls hasn’t elaborated much on their reopening plans, but if it’s anything else like a reopened Walt Disney World, you’re likely to see social distancing measures, limited capacity, and maybe even a limited menu.

Spending time at Disney’s Boardwalk (especially Jellyrolls!) is one of the things you’ve never tried at Walt Disney World but NEED to. And while we don’t know a TON about Jellyrolls’ reopening plans, the moment we do, you know we’ll fill you in on EVERYTHING you need to know about this fan-favorite spot!

For more about what Disney dining will look like upon reopening, click here.

Are you excited to visit Jellyrolls when it reopens? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Boardwalk Inn, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Disney’s Boardwalk, jellyrolls, Jellyrolls reopening

Welcome back, DFB friends! We’re here with another What’s New at Disney Springs!

And, we’ve got plenty of merchandise, food, and entertainment updates to share with you, so let’s dive right on in!

Disney Springs Merchandise Update

World of Disney

It’s almost June 26th, so that means it’s time to celebrate Experiment 626! The new Stitch Phone Case shows the adorable alien with a huge grin and a leather strap to hook to it.

Plus, if you’re looking for more blue to add to your phone case collection, you can pick up the Luxo Ball Phone Case that features the Toy Story wallpaper and a 3D Luxo ball!

Take a look at all the details on the Stitch and Luxo Ball Phone Cases here!

Father’s Day may have passed, but you can give your dad a little post-Father’s Day gift with the I Am Your Father Hat! The felt hat has Darth Vader etched on the front…

…but the back is mesh so it doesn’t get too hot wearing the Dark Side accessory in the Florida heat!

In other merch news, We’ve been missing the Jungle Cruise SO much since the parks have closed. If you’re like us, you’ll find joy in this boat toy, which features a very happy Skipper telling the guests about the back side of water!

You can check out all the water splashing up around the Jungle Cruise Skipper Toy for $9.99.

Buy it, and you can narrate your very own Jungle Cruise ride from home!

Pandora

Adventure is out there when Disney World theme parks officially reopen on July 11th and July 15th! We can’t wait to explore everything new in the parks, and we definitely want to bring our trusty Up Charm from Pandora along with us!

The charm practically looks like it’s flying away with multicolored balloons and Carl’s house!

We think that this bracelet would look perfect with a Grape Soda Pin, don’t you??

Go on an adventure with us to check out the Up Charm here!

Ring Carvers

As all the kiosks and shops around Disney Springs slowly start to open back up, Ring Carvers has joined the lineup of places visitors can pick up a new accessory or two!

You can always get something simple…

…Or you can spice things up if you want with different names, words, designs, and more on the rings!

Marketplace Co-Op

The Disney Character Face Masks is Disney Springs have been selling out left and right since they arrived at the Marketplace Co-Op.

And, when we passed by today, we spotted that the store was out of the Marie Mask and the Mickey Pattern Mask in large. However, plenty of other styles were available!

These are the most comfortable masks in Disney World!

Rustic Cuff

When one door closes, another one opens, folks!

Although we are sad to see Rustic Cuff close its doors in Disney Springs, we can’t help but wonder if the new Gideon’s Bakehouse location will be taking its place soon!

Find out more details on what could be replacing Rustic Cuff here!

Disney Springs Food Update

Wine Bar George

If you’re looking to add a little pep to your step, Hooten Young American Whiskey is a darn tootin’ good drink over at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs!

The libation comes in two versions, with either the Hooten Young American Whiskey straight up or neat…

…Or as a part of the Hoot Cocktail. This drink features Ginger Beer, Creme De Cassis, and the famous whiskey for a refreshing sip while you’re strolling through the shopping and dining district!

Read our full review of the Hooten Whiskey Cocktail here!

Starbucks

Before we head out on our Disney Springs walks, we need to get caffeinated!

And, we couldn’t be happier to see that Starbucks was offering new cold brew drinks with almondmilk, cinnamon spice, and cocoa (!!!).

Since we were totally craving some chocolate, we went with the Dark Cocoa Almondmilk Cold Brew, and BOY was it good!!

Splitsville

Splitsville has its bar area roped off to guests, but we also spotted a wall near the bowling alley and restaurant that blocked guests from going to the Pop Gallery right around the corner.

Although we aren’t fully sure why it’s there at the moment, you know we’ll keep you updated!

Goofy’s Candy Co.

We can’t help but want to eat three cupcakes in a row now that we can get the famous Disney treats again from Goofy’s Candy Co. Just look at how AMAZING they all are!!

And, just in time for your party at home, you can pick up the Fourth of July Cupcakes with red, white, and blue frosting and chocolate Mickey ear discs.

Could these BE any more festive for the holiday?!

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Although we’ve been craving some of those Coconut Caramel and Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes too, Erin McKenna’s was closed today for AC repairs in the store.

There’s no indication on how long the repairs will take, but we’ll fill you in when this sweet spot reopens again!

Take a look at more detail on Erin McKenna’s temporary closure!

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

FINALLY!! We are thrilled to be back at one of our favorite Indiana Jones-inspired spots in Disney World. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is BACK OPEN with snake drinks and hidden details around the restaurant!

You can enjoy a cocktail from the indoor bar…

…or you can chill on the outdoor patio and admire that view of Disney Springs!

Plus, you can go find hidden nooks and crannies around Jock’s…

…and maybe even discover some of Indiana’s secrets from his adventures along the way!

Check out the details on Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar’s reopening here!

Disney Springs Entertainment Update

Since the Amphicars reopened in Disney Springs, we just felt like we needed to treat ourselves to a ride around the lake today!

We couldn’t help but admire the view of all the restaurants and stores around the area. Look, ma! We can see our Home(comin’) from here!

Well, that’s all for this What’s New at Disney Springs! We’ll catch you next time for more merchandise, food, and entertainment updates!

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney Entertainment, disney merchandise, Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Amphicars, Disney, disney dining, Disney merch, Disney merchandise, disney news, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Goofy’s Candy Co., jock lindsey’s hangar bar, Lilo and Stitch, marketplace co-op, Pandora, ring carvers, RUSTIC cuff, splitsville, Starbucks, Wine Bar George, World of Disney

Now that Disney World restaurants have started to reopen, a number of changes have been made to dining experiences.

Sanaa, located in Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village is among the Disney World restaurants that’s officially reopened.

With gorgeous views of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sunset Savannah, and a menu featuring a fusion of African and Indian cuisine, how will the dining changes impact this hidden gem? Let’s take a look!

Check-In

First off, let’s take a look at how the check-in area looked! Mobile Dine Check-In is an option at Sanaa — we used the Mobile Dine Check-In feature, so we didn’t have to head up to the check-in counter. Still, we wanted to take a look at the various health measures we spotted here.

You can see that there are physical distancing stickers on the ground to keep guests distanced while waiting to check-in with Cast Members. You can also see one of those oh-so-familiar hand-sanitizer stations.

Click here to learn more about the Mobile Dine Check-In! 

Seating

Before heading to our table, we took a peek in Sanaa Lounge to see what sort of health measures they had going on. We noticed traffic flow stickers on the ground, and tables and bar stools marked as unavailable for physical distancing.

Inside the actual dining room, Sanaa has tables spaced out and marked as well, and no two groups of guests were seated close to one another.

As always, many of Sanaa’s tables look out onto the Savannah where you can try to spot the African wildlife while you dine.

This is definitely one of the aspects that makes this restaurant a real hidden gem! There’s nothing like waving at a group of zebras while you sip and snack!

Click here to check out another recent review of this spot!

Menu

As we’ve seen a bunch around the reopened Disney World restaurants, Sanaa has leaflets on the table for access to a QR code menu. This code will take you right to the online listing for the menu on the Disney website.

If you like, you can ask for a physical menu here, and they’ll get you a disposable one.

The Sanaa menu has a wide variety of African dishes with Indian flavors mixed in. There are options for adventurous eaters and picky eaters alike.

Food and Drinks

We started off with some drinks since Sanaa has some really fabulous international wines and interesting cocktails. We snagged the South African Wine Flight for $15 to savor the flavors before we dig into some delicious food.

We also tried one of the cocktails on the menu that we’ve never had before. The African Starr Mojito is a combo of Starr African Rum, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur from South Africa, Fresh Lime Juice, and Mint for $14. Um… yum! This was a really awesome twist on a classic mojito — not too sweet and the fresh mint was delicious.

You didn’t think we were going to go to Sanaa without grabbing that DELICIOUS Sanaa Indian-style Bread Service, did you? This appetizer is super customizable with a choice of five breads between Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, or Paneer Paratha. Our favorite was the Garlic-Ginger Naan!

Then you get ALL NINE of the accompaniments! There’s Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, and Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle. Whew, that’s quite the app for $18! We seriously love the bread service and can’t recommend it enough. Careful, though, that Jalapeno-Lime Pickle has a kick (in a good way)!

For one of our entrees, we got the African-inspired Biryani with Chicken. This was SOOOO good. It has great flavor and you can forgo on the meat for a plant-based option. The herbs were super fresh and we were obsessed with the sauce. With Chicken or Shrimp, the Biryani is $26; with no meat, it’s $19!

Our server told us that the most popular meal at Sanaa is the Potjie Inspired because of how customizable it is (hmm, we’re sensing a theme). We opted to snag the Braised Beef Potjie with a side of Cilantro-Coconut Vegetables. And all that comes with some scented Basmati Rice! The meat was so tender we could cut it with a spoon and everything was way flavorful too.

This meal will run you $28 and it’s a pretty sizable portion! Don’t worry, if the African and Indian options on the menu are a little out of your comfort zone, you can always opt for something familiar like the Grilled New York Strip for $34.

Payment

To pay, we were brought one of those new disposable check folds we’ve been seeing around.

So, yes! Sanaa is incorporating a lot of the new health measures that we’re starting to get used to while still serving the same great food. If you happen to be looking for a surprisingly delicious meal in a reopened Disney World, Sanaa is a great bet.

Click here to read about the changes coming to Disney World dining this summer!

Have you eaten at Sanaa? How to these changes compare to your experience? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom Lodge, disney resorts, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, African Starr Mojito, African-inspired Biryani with Chicken, animal kingdom lodge kidani village, Disney World Changes, disney world dining, disney world dining changes, Disney World restaurant, disney world restaurants, Indian Style Bread Service, Kidani Village, Potjie Inspired, Sanaa, Sanaa Bread Service, South African Wine Flight