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PHOTOS: What to Expect at Disney Springs Now That More Stores Are Open

When Disney officials announced that Disney Springs would re-open in phases, I wasn’t sure how long and spread out each phase would be. Now, we have entered the second phase in which some Disney owned and operated locations have reopened – the biggest of which is the massive World of Disney store. This new phase brings a surge of Disney energy back into Disney Springs. A member of our field research team ventured there to scope out what was open and what it is like to visit Disney Springs during this next reopening phase.

Disney Springs Food Trucks Are Gone

Virtual Queue for World of Disney and Marketplace Co-op

Most likely this will not be the case long term, but at the moment guests wanting to enter World of Disney or Marketplace Co-op need to enter a “Virtual Queue.” What that means is that you check in with a Cast Member at the entrance to the store, providing your phone number, and they will text you when it is your turn to enter the store. This is similar to the system that is used for waiting for a table at many full-service restaurants at Walt Disney World. The challenge is that the communication about this from Disney to its guests has not been that great. This resulted in lots of folks crowding around the entrance, unaware of what to do. Our field team counted 359 people in line for the virtual queue, as in to get their name into the system, at World of Disney around 10:45 a.m. on reopening day. I am hopeful that this is purely because of reopening day hype.

World of Disney Exit
World of Disney Purchases

Other Disney Owned Locations Remain Closed at Disney Springs

Many of the smaller venues that are owned and operated by Disney have not yet reopened. Places like Candy Cauldron and Disney Style at West Side remain closed. We can theorize multiple reasons for this including staffing, the size of the venue, and overall demand each particular retail location not warranting the cost it would take to have it open at the moment. Reopening stores in phases does allow Disney and their hardworking Cast Members to get used to the new procedures before expanding the locations. To our field research team’s deep dismay Amorette’s Patisserie and The Ganachery also remain closed.

Candy Cauldron Remains Closed
The Ganachery Disney Springs Remains Closed
Amorette’s Disney Springs Remains Closed

Exit Only Doors at Many Locations

To help with social distancing and crowd flow, many location have designated entrance doors and exit only doors. It is interesting to see the signs in place. One has to imagine that this may get difficult to manage if Disney Springs becomes busier over the summer once the theme parks reopen.

Additional Changes at Disney Springs

Required face coverings and temperature scans do remain in place, and will for quite some time. Additional changes to Disney Springs include the elimination of paper guide maps. The brochure stands were removed from the entrances to Disney Springs. The LEGO Store is another location that reopened this week, but the interactive play area remains closed – no surprise there. The Disney Food Trucks were removed from the West Side – goodbye cookie dough food truck, we barely knew thee.

LEGO Store Play Area Closed Disney Springs
Disney Springs Maps and Guides Removed

With all this reduction in offerings at Disney Springs there was one surprising addition: Stormtroopers. These Stormtroopers stood on a balcony in the Town Center, above Ever After Jewelry, with First Order banners draped beneath them. Their addition surprised me immensely. Turns out they are their to provide an entertaining way to get social distancing messaging across. Perhaps they are also a test for how to incorporate this type of entertainment and messaging into the theme parks when they reopen.

Ever After Jewelry Disney Springs Remains Closed – And the First Order has moved in

Our field research team, having visited Disney Springs a few times now, recommends bringing multiple face coverings or masks if you plan to be at Disney Springs long, to help with the heat, rain, and humidity. We also encourage you to be prepared for adjustments in procedures at the situation progresses. We will keep you posted with updates to our TouringPlans blog and social media channels.

Goofy’s Candy Company Disney Springs Closed
Disney Springs Sprinkles Cupcakes Closed
Daily Poutine Disney Springs Is Now Open

As mentioned, it seems Disney could have done a better job communicating the virtual queue process for its big merchandise stores. Other than that, things seem to be going fairly smoothly at Disney Springs, all things considered. Will you visit Disney Springs anytime soon? Let us know in the comments.

The post PHOTOS: What to Expect at Disney Springs Now That More Stores Are Open appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Dos and Don’ts, coronavirus, disney reopening, disney springs reopening

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Disney Business Disney Merch Disney News Disney Parks

Disney Stores Near YOU Will Be Reopening “VERY SOON!” See the Details HERE!

What a day! We were LIVE at the reopening of World of Disney in Disney Springs AND Disney World shared their reopening plan!

World of Disney

While we got a firsthand look at what it’s like to experience the reopened World of Disney, it didn’t take long for Disney to share a reopening plan for Disney Store locations around the world!

Disney shared that select Disney Store locations will begin reopening in the coming weeks. 

Disney Store Reopening Announcement ©Disney

Disney stated guests can check their Store Locator to see when their local stores will be open.

Stores will follow many of the same protocols we’ve seen in World of Disney when they reopen. Most notably, guests three and up will be required to wear a mask at all times (and Disney specified guests must provide their own masks) as well as maintain physical distancing while in the stores.

World of Disney Distancing Sticker

Capacity will be limited in the stores and hours may be limited. Also of note — Limited Release merchandise will NOT be released in-store and special in-store events will be halted for the time being.

Limited Releases like the Minnie Mouse Main Attraction Collection Won’t Be Released in Disney Stores Initially

The stores will also be cleaned more frequently and hand sanitizer will be readily available to guests. Contactless payment will also be available.

We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about Disney Stores reopening near you!

Click here to see our full coverage of the reopening of World of Disney (and more!)

Are you excited to see Disney Stores reopening? Let us know in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Disney News, Featured, News, Special Stuff, contactless payment, Disney reopening, disney store, masks, reopening disney stores, sanitizer, World of Disney

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

Shanghai Disneyland Is Already Making Progress Less Than Two Weeks After Reopening!

Shanghai Disneyland has been re-opened for almost two weeks (can you believe it??).

©Disney

While the hotels and parks have been welcoming guests again, Shanghai Disneyland has implemented multiple health and safety protocols to keep guests and Cast Members safe — including Health QR Codes, physical distancing, mask requirements, and more.

However, when the parks re-opened, there were a limited amount of attractions available to guests.

Shanghai Disneyland

Parades and fireworks have been halted for the time being, along with play areas and theater shows. However, Shanghai Disneyland has still brought magic to the guests with the Mickey and Friends Express character processional several times during the day. They have also managed to promote social distancing while hosting the Evening Magical Moments — which lights up the Enchanted Storybook Castle and plays music at dusk daily.

©Disney

But, since the parks have been open for a few weeks now, Shanghai Disneyland has started to slowly reopen other guest experiences. Although the park announced that they would be doing distanced character shows and entertainment, @gourmetdyy has been giving us a look at things available in Shanghai Disneyland currently!

Alice in Wonderland Maze at Shanghai Disneyland

Custodians at Shanghai Disneyland are bringing joy to guests through their water art, incredibly detailed paintings, and much more!

Since Shanghai Disneyland originally opened with limited attractions and restaurants, there are signs that Disney is progressing with reopening by bringing back select shows and dining locations. Some of the places you can visit now include Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular, Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration, and Tribal Table restaurant.

While Disney World and Disneyland may not be open open yet, Shanghai Disneyland’s health and safety protocols have allowed them to already progress their reopening in under two weeks. At this time, the only Disney attraction open in the U.S. is Disney Springs, but Disney World is set to propose a reopening date by next week. We will continue to keep you updated on Disney Parks news here!

What are you looking forward to doing the most when the Disney Parks re-open? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, News, Disney, disney news, Disney reopening, Disneyland, evening magical moments, Mickey and Friends Express, reopening, shanghai, shanghai disneyland, shanghai disneyland reopening

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

NEWS: Statement About the Disney Parks Ongoing Closures Released By Disney’s Guest Relations Team

Just yesterday we found out the Universal Orlando intends to open on July 5th.

Disneyland Main Entrance

Naturally, this has us wondering when Disney parks will seek to reopen (they are set to submit their proposal next week). Today, the Guest Relations team from the domestic parks released a statement about expectations for Disney World and Disneyland. Here’s what they said.

The statement posted on Disney Parks Blog, serves as an update to the many Disney guests who are seeking an upcoming Disney vacation. In it, the Guest Relations team explains that there is still much uncertainty about when the Disney parks will reopen, so they have had to periodically adjust the booking window and cancelations.

Guest Relations Update Screenshot

The team explains that these adjustments are not necessarily the final dates and that changes to booked experiences, park tickets, and park passes may continue to shift in the coming weeks. Just yesterday, guests received emails that vacations through mid-June had been canceled and at this time Disney is accepting new reservations beginning July 1. 

Cinderella Castle in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

As a reminder, if you have any reservations that need to be changed or canceled, the Guest Relations team will work with you to make sure all of the necessary modifications are made. Stay tuned with DFB as we report in on any more updates from the Disney team.

What do you think of this statement? Share your thoughts in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Disney Parks closures, Disney reopening, Disney World, Disneyland, Guest Relations

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Disney Parks

PHOTOS: Disney World’s NEW Health Measures — Face Coverings, Distancing Signs, and MORE

We’re back in Disney Springs today for the first time since the historic closure of Disney World began in March.

Disney Springs

Perhaps unsurprisingly, things look a little different in Disney’s dining, retail, and entertainment district. Prior to the reopening, Disney detailed that guests could expect to see some logistical changes with limited parking, temperature screenings, required face coverings, physical distancing, and more. Let’s take a look at what it’s like to be back in Disney Springs with all of these new protocols!

Arrival and Parking

Hours in Disney Springs, upon reopening, are currently set from 10AM to 10PM. To help limit capacity in the district, Disney has limited parking options at Disney Springs. Of the garages, only the Lime and Orange Parking Garages will be open in the initial phase, with no surface parking available.

Orange Parking Garage

We arrived early and found that only the Orange Parking lot was open at that time. Cast Members informed us that the Orange Garage was being filled first, and that Lime would be opened to guests later.

Parking Garage direction signs

As always, helpful signs direct guests as to which lots are open and closed upon arrival, so you won’t wonder about where you’re able to park.

Entering Orange Garage

Something unexpected was that we were allowed to self-park. Though we would find Cast Members in the area, none were dedicated to directing guests for parking.

Inside Orange Parking Garage

We’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day — and in the sections below — at all the individual new measures. But the presence of signage in the parking garage — reminding guests of safety warnings and new procedures — are noticed immediately upon arrival within the garage.

Warning Sign

6ft apart pole

This Way to Temperature Screening

Cast Members were available to help direct guests through the new procedures.

Cast Member

Again, we’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day at various measures, but we’d like to share an overview here of what the new look and procedures are like at Disney Springs.

Face Coverings

Face masks or appropriate coverings are required for all Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs.

Cast Member with required face mask

These masks, covering the nose and mouth, are mandatory at all times unless a guest is seated at a dining table or under 3 years of age. Guests of the complex must bring their own masks and be wearing them to be admitted.

Signage

Note that there is a VERY limited number of disposable masks at the temperature check areas. However, these are used as a last resort and because they are limited, there are no guarantees that any disposable face coverings will be available. Cast Members have been provided with three washable and reusable face masks. Cast members may also bring their own, with stipulations.

Temperature Screenings

As we’ve discussed for the recently reopened Disneyland Shanghai and experienced in CityWalk at Universal Orlando, temperature screenings are a new piece of preventative measures for many tourist destinations.

Advent Health Signage

Disney has partnered with AdventHealth to provide temperature screenings using touchless thermometers.

Advent Health Representative

Screening points are set up at four locations — Orange (pictured here) and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.

Temperature Screening

Temperature checks are required for all guests entering the complex. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will be turned away.

Temperature Check

Additionally, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to complete a temperature check and health screening at home before heading to work.

Physical Distancing

Disney Springs has also taken measures to encourage and increase physical distancing as health officials maintain that people should keep a 6-feet distance between themselves and others.

Ground markers outside of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

To accomplish this, we noticed that Disney has implemented markings on the ground, physical barriers, signage, and reminders from Cast Members.

Distancing signage

We are encountering distancing reminders all along the way, from the moment of arrival throughout all areas of the district.

Cleanliness and Sanitization

Disney has stated that there will be increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic public areas.

Hand sanitizer station

Additionally, guests are encouraged to make use of hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations placed throughout Disney Springs.

Hand-washing station

Signs remind to clean hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Additional Health Measures

Finally, there are a few other health measures that we noticed in Disney Springs today. One interesting measure… well, we can’t show you a picture, because it’s SOUND-related! Guests will hear occasional announcements via the loudspeakers. “Thanks for being our guest today,” precedes audio reminders regarding distancing, hand-washing, and more.

Welcome Back to Disney Springs

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” follows the message.

As you are out and about shopping and dining, cashless forms of payment are encouraged.

Free People reopening today

And, as a reminder, Disney Springs is currently operating under limited hours (10 AM – 10 PM, at press time).

Overall, there are some serious logistical changes to the way that Disney Springs works as of today. While our day has only begun (and we hope you’ll join us for the rest of it), so far we are finding clear information presented in a large variety of ways for implementation on behalf of Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs. Follow along with DFB as we continue our coverage of the first part of a reopened Disney World!

Were you at the reopening of Disney Springs? Have thoughts on the new safety measures? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. 3 Things We Hope We DON’T See At The Disney Springs Reopening This Week
  2. Before You Go To Disney Springs, You Need To Know These 10 Things We Experienced At CityWalk Last Week
  3. We Asked Our Readers: “Should Disney World Give out Free Masks for Guests?” Here’s What They Said.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs, Disney Springs health measures, Disney Springs Parking, disney springs reopening, disney world closure, Disney World reopening, face coverings, face masks, Global health crisis, health and safety measures, Operational Changes, Parking limitations, Physical Distancing, sanitation, social distancing, temperature checks, temperature screenings