A Blog About Disney Stuff

NEWS! Universal Orlando’s Reopening Plan Approved By Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 22, 2020

Earlier today, Universal Orlando Resort presented its reopening plans during a meeting of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force.

Universal

Universal Studios has been closed since mid-March due to the global health situation. However, the resort took its first step towards resuming operations with the phased reopening of CityWalk, which began on May 14th. Earlier today, Universal submitted plans for the parks which included a reopening date of June 5, 2020 for the general public with additional safety measures in place.

The first step of approval for Universal’s plan came from the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. The task force approved the proposal earlier today, and it was then sent to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings. Demings has now said that he will sign off on the proposal and submit a recommendation to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in support of Universal’s plan tomorrow morning.

Universal Orlando

Mayor Demings noted that the main focus upon reopening will be to ensure that theme parks continue to follow the CDC health and safety guidelines. This includes the appropriate screening of guests and employees, proper sanitation, and continued social distancing.

CityWalk

Universal has proposed a phased reopening beginning with team members on June 1st, potentially followed by Annual Passholders, with an opening for the general public on June 5th.

Have you visited CityWalk since it reopened? Let us know in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, mayor demings, Reopening Plan, reopening plans, Universal reopening, Universal Reopening Plan

Tags Featured, mayor demings, news, Reopening Plan, reopening plans, Universal Reopening, Universal Reopening Plan

Disney Business Disney News Disney Parks

BREAKING NEWS: Disney World to Submit Reopening Plans Next Week

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 22, 2020

Today, Universal Studios Orlando submitted their reopening plan with a proposed June 5th reopening date to the general public. Prior to this, they will have a phased reopening where team members will test out the new procedures on June 1st and 2nd. The park will then open to Annual Passholders on June 3rd and 4th. You can read about their reopening plans here.

Cinderella Castle

Now, Mayor Jerry Demings has commented on when Disney World plans to submit their plan for reopening to the Orange County Task Force.

According to Demings, “Disney has given an indication that next week they will submit their plans.” He also said, “At this time it’s an undefined time or date but we do look forward to seeing that sometime next week.”

When Universal presented their plans to the task force, they had to submit a thorough layout of their operation plans along with an expected reopening date. Therefore, we should have much more information on when Disney anticipates that they will be reopening along with a much clearer expectation at what that will look like sometime next week.

Disney Springs

If keeping in line with Universal’s proposal process. Once this is submitted to the Orange County Task Force, they will need to approve the proposal. After this is done Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings must sign off on Disney’s proposed plans before they will be presented to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

At this time, Universal Orlando’s CityWalk location has partially reopened with new health and safety features. Select third-party Disney Springs locations are open right now as well and Disney-owned locations will begin reopening May 27th. We reported live from Disney Springs yesterday to see how Disney World is implementing new guidelines when it comes to shopping and dining — you can see our full coverage here.

Just today, Disney World canceled reservations through mid-June, and at this time they are not accepting new reservations until July 1st.

We will continue to update you on this situation as we know more.

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

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, disney news, Disney World reopening, magic kingdom

Tags Disney News, Disney World reopening, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World

Disney Business Disney Parks

What’s New at Disney Springs: lululemon Construction, Reopening Dining Locations, and a NEW Patio Project

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 21, 2020

Hey, everybody! Disney Springs is open and you know what that means, right? It’s time for another roundup of What’s New at Disney Springs!

Hi old friend!

Whew! It’s been a LONG TIME since we got to write that! In fact, the last time we were here (before this week, of course) we saw Disney Springs as it was gettin’ ready to undergo its lengthy closure! Click here to reminisce with us!

While Disney Springs isn’t in full-swing yet several third-party restaurants and retail locations are now open while more Disney-owned locations are set to reopen May 27th.

World of Disney

During our visit we revisited some locations and took another stroll around the shopping and dining district! Let’s see what Disney Springs has been up to in its first couple of days back in action!

Disney Springs Construction Update

Ample Hills Creamery

On our visit yesterday, we spotted a few construction projects in the works. One of these highly anticipated projects is Ample Hills Creamery! Our favorite spot to grab an ice cream taco is adding a second location to Disney World.

Ample Hills Construction

Along with its location at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the Disney Springs location was slated to open this past winter. Due to the temporary closures, that was clearly pushed back, but we hope to see progress on this location soon!

Beatrix

Another project we’ve been tracking for some time now is Beatrix. This neighborhood market restaurant will feature a menu of fresh, healthy ingredients, in addition to a selection of fresh-squeezed juice cocktails. Sign us up!

Beatrix Construction

It looks like work on Beatrix is still underway, although we have been following this for quite some time — we were reporting on construction updates all the way back in September of last year! Hopefully with business operations resuming, we’ll hear an update soon on Beatrix!

Beatrix Construction

Homecomin’ Shine Bar & Social

We also checked out the work being done at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming! While the restaurant has yet to reopen, there was plenty of new and exciting things to see!

Chef Art Smith!

There will soon be a new patio bar in town! Homecomin’ Shine Bar & Social is currently under construction, and it sounds like there’s more moonshine in store for us to try!

Chef Art Smith Shine Bar & Social

We currently do not have a projected timeline of this project or when we can expect it to open, but we will definitely be keeping a close eye on this one!

lululemon

And calling all yogis, this next construction update is for you! We learned back in February that lululemon is coming to Disney Springs!

lululemon Construction

And from the looks of it, we may not have to wait too long to fill our shopping carts with new yoga pants — they’re currently slated to open Summer 2020!

lululemon Construction

With upcoming runDisney marathon weekends and folks looking to get in their daily steps at Disney World, this could be a very welcomed addition to Disney Springs.

Disney Springs Food Update

Starbucks

Today, the West Side Starbucks location is opened.

West Side Starbucks Line

Currently, only Mobile Order is available via the Starbucks app, but now there are two Disney Springs locations where you can grab your favorite iced latte!

Inside West Side Starbucks

And of course we had to order an ice-cold drink to cool us down on this hot Florida afternoon!

Starbucks Coffee!!

But that’s not the only thing Starbucks has been up to since Disney Springs reopened! We got the sweetest welcome back yesterday when we saw they were serving up a special “Welcome Back” drink!

Starbucks Menu

This special limited-time drink is mango, dragonfruit refresher, coconut milk, strawberries, blackberries, and pineapple ginger syrup topped with golden ginger whipped cream!

Welcome Back Drink at Starbucks

There’s nothing like a brand-new Starbucks drink to welcome us back to Disney Springs!

Earl of Sandwich

We also stopped by Earl of Sandwich to grab some food and see what dining there is like! We swung by yesterday to see what new health and safety protocols were in place, but we wanted the FULL experience today, sandwich and all!

Earl of Sandwich

We spoke with some awesome employees at Earl of Sandwich who told us crowds today were much less intense than yesterday. It seemed like the mad reopening day rush has subsided and they have not seen any huge groups of more than four or five guests at a time.

Earl of Sandwich

Disney Springs Merchandise Update

Time to get our shop on! We gained a lot of insight yesterday on what the new shopping experience in Disney Springs is like. From floor markings to signage just about everywhere you looked, the shops were all implementing new health and safety procedures.

Vera Bradley

On the hunt for face masks, we only found one store that is currently selling them! You can find face masks at Vera Bradley on sale for $8.00 per mask.

Vera Bradley Face Mask

Cards

Speaking of things to look forward to, while lovepop is not open yet, we spotted some ADORABLE greeting cards that we can’t wait to scoop up.

lovepop!

There were a couple of cards we recognized that we’re glad to see are still in stock, like this adorable pop-up Baby Yoda card.

Baby Yoda!

We also found a SECOND Baby Yoda card, because there’s no such thing as too much Baby Yoda!

MORE Baby Yoda at lovepop!

For a more ‘traditional’ Star Wars fan, we also spotted this Yoda birthday card!

Buy this card, you will.

If you’re celebrating a birthday soon in Disney Springs, pick up this pop-up Mickey Mouse cupcake card!

lovepop

And finally, this classic Mickey Mouse through the years card stole our hearts!

lovepop

Each location has implemented new health and safety procedures a little differently. We will continue to keep you updated as more stores reopen. Just as a reminder, Disney-owned locations will begin reopening May 27th.

At this time Walt Disney World theme parks and Resort hotels still remain closed until further notice but now that Disney Springs has started to gradually reopen, we’ll be providing you with lots of coverage! That’s all for this installment of What’s New in Disney Springs — until next time, friends! Stay healthy and stay positive!

What’s your favorite store or restaurant in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, construction update, food update, merchandise update, temporary closure, what’s new, what’s new at disney springs

Tags construction update, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, food update, merchandise update, temporary closure, Walt Disney World, what's new, what's new at disney springs

Disney Food Disney Parks

Review! YES. We’re Eating Pepperoni Pizza Bread and Mac & Cheese at Earl of Sandwich in Disney World!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 21, 2020

We’re back at Disney Springs today to eat…again — we ATE at A LOT of restaurants yesterday, which you can see here!

Earl of Sandwich

We’re here ready to do lunch at Disney World’s Earl of Sandwich today. Let’s go check it out!

Earl of Sandwich continues to use disposable paper menus today (as we mentioned yesterday)!

Earl of Sandwich Menu

Originally, we had plans to order a side of Wings and Wedges which were on the menu, but we were told they didn’t have them in stock.

Earl of Sandwich Menu

We ended up going with Hawaiian BBQ, Wings, Mac and Cheese, and Pepperoni Pizza Bread instead — with a side of Frose! Like we mentioned yesterday, each register has a newly-installed plexiglass shield.

Earl of Sandwich Counter

In the dining room there are fewer tables and they have been spaced apart. Most of the tables inside were occupied.

Earl of Sandwich

There were still places for some guests to sit off to the side.

Earl of Sandwich

When we placed our order we were given a pager.

Pager at Earl of Sandwich

We went to get our order from the pick-up window which has also been enclosed with more plexiglass. Everything was wrapped to-go and we carried our lunch outside where the tables have also been moved around to give guests more space to dine.

Earl of Sandwich Order

Food

For $8.99 this Frose was pretty darn tasty. We would definitely order it again on a hot day at Disney Springs!

Earl of Sandwich Order

Next, we located our plastic cutlery — the handles were unwrapped while the ends were covered in plastic.

Earl of Sandwich

We dove right into the Mac and Cheese for $5.49, (which we already knew would be freaking awesome, only somehow it seemed tastier than ever before!) as it just our imagination or was there an extra layer of cheese melted on top? Either way, it totally hit the spot.

Mac and Cheese

Next, we got to work on our Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich which cost us $7.99! Hello, old friend! How we missed your shiny metallic red, blue, and silver foil wrapper!

Earl of Sandwich

Oh my goodness, you guys. The flavors in this sandwich are such a good mix. Let’s just say Earl of Sandwich knew what they were doing when they created this anything-but-little tropical delight!

Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich

Even if you’re normally completely against pineapple on anything warm, you might actually want more pineapple on this bad boy! The ham was really tasty while the chicken in the sandwich isn’t very flavorful on its own, but when you bite into all the ingredients at once, it’s a mind-blowing experience.

Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich

Last up, the Pepperoni Pizza Bread for $6.99. For us, this looked a whole lot better than it ended up being. We think the pizza at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza or Pizza Ponte are better options if you’re in the mood. The pizza itself was good, but the crust was a little thick for our liking and it had a little too much sauce. We can be a little nit-picky when it comes to our pizza, though, so don’t be afraid to try it out!

Pepperoni Pizza Bread

Overall

Wow! We can’t believe how long it’s been since we enjoyed some Earl of Sandwich! We’re VERY full and energized after such a tasty meal! The food was fresh, filling, and delicious. Dining here is a little different due to all of the changes, but our service and food were great!

Have you ever eaten at Earl of Sandwich before? Let us know what you like to order in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, 2020, closure, counter service restaurant, disney springs, Disney World, Earl of Sandwich, frose, hawaiian bbq sandwich, mac and cheese, may 20th, Pepperoni Pizza Bread, reopen

Tags 2020, closure, counter service restaurant, Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Disney World, Earl of Sandwich, Featured, frose, hawaiian bbq sandwich, mac and cheese, may 20th, Pepperoni Pizza Bread, reopen, Snacks, Walt Disney World

Disney Parks

#DisneyMagicMoments: Celebrate Your 2020 Grad with Disney Magic

Post author By disneyparks.disney.go.com
Post date May 21, 2020

As part of #DisneyMagicMoments, we’re offering some fun and creative ideas to help you add a dose of Disney pixie dust to any at-home graduation celebration!

Our special Disney grad pack includes DIY projects and virtual celebration ideas for everyone at home. Show your graduate just how proud you are with these downloadable surprises:

If you’re throwing a virtual celebration in honor of a special graduate, include our themed video chat background for a touch of Disney magic. Our animated background is easy to add to your video event. Simply right-click on the video above and save it to your computer. Then, follow the conferencing platform’s instructions.

For graduates celebrating at home with a drive-by car parade of friends and family, display your support with a printable Disney sign of congratulations.

You can customize a special graduation banner for a personalized message too. You can customize a special graduation banner for a personalized message too. First, pick which color you’d like. You can choose between yellow, grey, black and red. Then click here to download the instructions!

Also, if you’d like to share words of inspiration for a graduate, download one of our congratulations ecards above.

And of course, a graduation cap is part of the tradition that can add to the feeling of accomplishment! Download instructions for a do-it-yourself cap that can also be customized for a celebrating Disney fan.

Congratulations to the class of 2020! We hope our Disney grad pack adds a touch of Disney magic to your special celebration.

Keep checking back for more #DisneyMagicMoments like this on the Disney Parks Blog.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized, DIY

Tags disney magic moments, DIY, graduation, Uncategorized