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Universal Orlando Begins Reopening Process June 1st

universal orlando

This week Universal Orlando Resort submitted plans to begin reopening in phases starting on June 1st.

June 1st and 2nd the resort will open to team members to test the new safety protocols. June 3rd and 4th will be open to invited guests and annual passholders. And finally, on June 5th Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay will welcome guests back.

“We want to invite guests back to our theme parks in a cautious and thoughtful way,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “We have put new health and safety procedures in place for both our team members and guests. And we have worked hard to make sure our guests can enjoy their time with family and friends. Doing this the right way will take all of us — and we need everyone’s help. Guests should follow our guidelines and continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and health officials.”

With the reopening, several new safety measures will be in place, including:

  • Temperature checks at every entrance, as well as for every employee.
  • Masks will be mandatory for all guests and employees. Those without a mask will be offered one for free. Stores will also sell face coverings.
  • Staggered parking
  • Managed and reduced daily park attendance
  • Managed and reduced attraction ridership, show attendance and restaurant seating. Some areas and events may remain closed for now.
  • Increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, restrooms and other frequent “touch points” that go beyond Universal’s already aggressive cleaning procedures
  • Social distancing practices at all locations through the parks, within attractions and queues and at restaurants
  • Use of virtual lines at select attractions
  • Cashless payments and “no touch” policies where possible

Universal’s hotels are an important part of the guest experience. Reopening plans are being finalized and will be shared as soon as they are available.

You can see all of Universal’s safety guidelines here.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Universal Studios Orlando, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Universal Reopening, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Volcano Bay

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BREAKING NEWS: Universal Orlando Is Officially Opening June 5th

Just yesterday, we found out that Universal Orlando had submitted a reopening plan that included an early June opening date.

Islands of Adventure Main Entrance

From there, the plan had to go through several rounds of approval. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings approved the plan last night. From there, the plan went on for approval from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and apparently it was approved.

Universal Orlando just released a statement that Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay will open to the public on June 5th.

A statement on the Universal Orlando website begins with the phrase “Welcome Back” and goes on to announce the reopening of Universal Orlando theme and water park properties. Health, safety, and hygiene procedures are acknowledged.

Universal Orlando Screenshot

The company also reminds guests that on top of the new protocols in the theme parks, guests will need to abide by CDC guidelines and the guidance of health officials. They remind that they cannot guarantee that a guest will not be exposed to health risks.

Just like at CityWalk, guests and team members must wear face coverings and undergo temperature checks. Those with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter.

Universal

There will also be staggered parking in the parking garage. Universal also shared that they WILL be limiting and reducing daily park attendance and the number of people on each attraction. At this time, “a reservation is not needed in order to visit the theme parks. Please note that since we’re limiting attendance, there may be times when the parks reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted.” A virtual line will be available for select attractions.

Universal

Social distancing will be enforced throughout the parks including within attraction queues and at restaurants. There will be increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, and other “touch points.” They will also offer cashless payments and “no touch” policies where possible.

Many of these policies were implemented when Universal CityWalk opened a few days ago.

We will be sharing all of the details on the reopening on Universal soon. Stay tuned! 

Are you planning to visit Universal when they reopen in June? Let us know in the comments below. 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, Islands of Adventure, Universal, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal reopening, Universal Studios, Universal Volcano Bay, Volcano Bay

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Disney Parks Other

This Is the One Attraction You Can Ride in Disney World Right Now!

Shopping and dining is becoming more and more plentiful at Disney Springs in its initial reopening phase.

Disney Springs

For those looking for a little adventure on their next trip to Disney Springs, there is an attraction currently OPEN and ready for guests!

The hot air balloon at Disney Springs, also known as Aerophile, has reopened!

Aerophile is flying high in the sky!

We noticed that it was still closed when Springs initially reopened on Wednesday, but today we spotted it flying high above Disney Springs so we went to go investigate! Employees said they simply weren’t ready to open Wednesday, but things are up and running now!

Aerophile

A ride in the balloon is still $20 per guest. There are physical distancing measures in place while you stand in line as well as once you get on the balloon itself.

The queue area for Aerophile

Parties are kept at a six-foot distance from other parties, and whereas before you were able to roam around the balloon during flight, you are now kept in one designated section on the balloon.

Queue area for Aerophile

The balloon is wiped down and cleaned after every flight to keep guests and employees safe.

Cleaning supplies at Aerophile

So if you’ve ever dreamed about getting a bird’s-eye view of Disney World, you can do so once again at Disney Springs. Be sure to check back in as we continue to cover all of the latest developments and openings.

Have you gone up in the hot air balloon at Disney Springs before? Let us know in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, aerophile, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, hot air balloon

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NEWS! Reopening Date Announced for Terralina Crafted Italian and Paddlefish in Disney Springs

Disney Springs began a phased reopening on May 20th. A number of third-party stores and restaurants are currently open in Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district, and select Disney-owned and operated locations will open on May 27th.

Paddlefish

And now, we have reopening information for two more eateries in Disney Springs, as both Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian have announced their shared reopening date.

Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian will welcome back guests starting Friday, May 29th according to their Instagram accounts (which you can follow @terralinacrafteditalian and @paddlefishorl).

Terralina Crafted Italian

Both will begin with operating hours of 12 PM – 8 PM daily, and encourage guests to make reservations on OpenTable.com.

Southern Sangria with a view over the water at Paddlefish

Additionally, the locations have shared new safety measures with the reopening announcements.

Dining Table at Terralina Crafted Italian

Guests will be required to wear a face covering at all times except “when enjoying their meal or sipping on a refreshing cocktail.” Both Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian will also seat guests with regards to physical distancing in compliance with local and state regulations.

And you may click any of the links below to learn more about the current status of Disney Parks and destinations around the world.

Have you dined at Terralina Crafted Italian or Paddlefish in Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Paddlefish, Terralina Crafted Italian

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

This Meal at Victoria and Albert’s Restaurant In Disney World Is Getting a HUGE Price Increase!

Victoria and Albert’s Restaurant is one of Disney Word’s most critically-acclaimed restaurants. It offers some of the finest signature dining restaurants you’ll find on the property and it’s where a lot of guests like to spend some BIG BUCKS!

Victoria Room at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

But while the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will already set you back some major moola, it looks the price of the Chef’s Table is about to go up by A LOT!

We can say we’ve enjoyed quite a few gourmet meals at Victoria and Albert’s over the years, all of which cost us a pretty penny, but hey, it was worth it!

Texas Wild Boar with Elote and Salsa Verde at Victoria and Albert’s Restaurant

But as much fun as it is to dine in Victoria and Albert’s luxurious dining room, our favorite seat in the house happens to be in the kitchen!

Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table

That’s right — every night one party is seated at the Chef’s Table — located right inside the heart of Victoria and Albert’s bustling kitchen! Not only will you and your guests have a front-row seat of the culinary action happening around you, but you’ll also dine on a special prix fixe meal tailored to your precise food preferences! We hope you saved room for 11 courses of gourmet delights such as caviar, Maine scallops, and Japanese Wagyu beef!

Chef Joe prepares Octopus in the Victoria and Albert’s Kitchen

Like we said, only one party gets to sit at the Chef’s Table per night and you must reserve it in advance. But let’s get to the cost of this delicious experience. The price of admission is currently $25o per guest — which DOESN’T include any beverages. If you want some wine to go with your fancy Chef’s Table meal (which why wouldn’t you?) be ready to shell out an additional $150 per guest, and that’s just the minimum. Wine pairings only go up from there! (We did get some free bubbly, though!)

Complimentary Champagne Toast at Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table

You can enjoy the chef’s table with a group of up to eight, so if we did our math right — that’s about a final bill of $3,200 before tax and tip. But get this — on August 30th, 2020, the prix fixe meal at the Chef’s Table will increase to $350 per guest! That means if you dine with 8 people, the same meal is going to cost you another $800! We noticed the increase listed on the restaurant’s website.

© Victoria and Albert’s Website

Not scared away by that hefty price increase? Well, then there are a few more things you should know before you go!

Berkshire “Porchetta”at Victoria & Albert’s

The incredible Chef’s Table experience normally lasts 3 hours, and while the table seats up to eight guests, you can reserve it for as few as two guests! You can make your reservations for the Chef’s Table at Victoria and Albert’s up to 180 days in advance and everyone in your party must be at least ten years old.

Learn from the Chefs at Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table

There is also a dress code which means your normal jeans and capris aren’t going to cut it! Make sure you pack the appropriate clothes you’ll need for this once-in-a-lifetime dinner! For guys, this means a sport coat, dress pants, and shoes. Ladies may wear dresses, dressy pants, or a skirt and blouse combo — no tennis shoes!

Skillfully Prepared Sweet Endings at Victoria & Albert’s

The Chef’s Table was already one of the most expensive meals you could find at Disney World, so we’ll be curious to see if guests will think it’s worth the extra $100 upcharge!

Here’s to your champagne dreams and caviar wishes coming true on your next trip to Disney World!

Have you ever eaten at Victoria and Albert’s Chef Table? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Grand Floridian Resort, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, Chef’s Table, Disney World, disney’s grand floridian resort, major price increase, most expensive meal, most expensive restaurant, price increase, special dining experience, Victoria and Albert’s, Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table, victoria and alberts restaurant