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Disney Parks

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride the Monorail in a Reopened Disney World!

This is a big week for Disney fans as Walt Disney World is preparing for its phased reopening of the Resort’s four theme parks which begins this Saturday, July 11th with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, followed by EPCOT and Hollywood Studios on July 15th.

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride the Monorail in a Reopened Disney World!

Monorail

One big topic we’ve been exploring is what getting around the property will look like. We’ve taken a look at buses with the recent reopening of select Resort hotels, but what will it be like to ride the Disney Skyliner, the boats, and (of course) the Monorail? Well, we took our first cruise on a reopened Monorail today (with thanks to a friend who invited us to a Cast Member preview which is currently taking place) and we’re here to tell you what it was like!

We took the Monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom. The Transportation and Ticket Center (or TTC, for short) serves to offer parking for Magic Kingdom guests in addition to transportation options to the park itself. (The picture below, just for reference, was taken during a previous visit.)

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride the Monorail in a Reopened Disney World!

Monorail Station at Walt Disney World Ticket and Transportation Center

It’s worth noting that the Tram vehicles — which guests can ride from the parking lots to the TTC in order to shorten the walk — were not in operation this morning. However, we’d like to remind that today is a cast member preview, so things may work differently when the parks officially reopen. (P.S. Ferry Boat transportation was also available.)

Approaching the Monorail station, numbers are placed on the ground, giving guests the ability to easily spot where they may stand in order to keep a safe distance from other groups. (We’d like to thank @aleyafromdisney on Instagram for sharing the picture below with us!)

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride the Monorail in a Reopened Disney World!

Physical Distancing Stickers

Number signage is also put in use as guests await the arrival of the next Monorail to carry them along the “Highway in the Sky” that leads to the Magic Kingdom.

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride the Monorail in a Reopened Disney World!

Monorail stickers

A cast member gave us a number to stand on prior to boarding, which helped not only with traffic flow but also with the ultimate purpose of dispersing guests — keeping appropriate distancing in mind — throughout the cars themselves.

Cars are now split with physical distancing barriers, and our car was limited to us and one other party of four.

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride the Monorail in a Reopened Disney World!

Monorail partition

Overall, it was nice to ride along the “Highway in the Sky” once more. We’d like to state again that, because today was a Cast Member preview, things may change when Magic Kingdom reopens to guests this weekend. So be sure to stay tuned to DFB this week for all of the HUGE new Disney World updates!

Have any specific questions about riding the Monorail in a reopened Disney World? Ask them in the comments and we’ll do our best to get you answers.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, disney transportation, Disney World reopening, health measures, monorail, monorail health measures, monorail reopening, transportation and ticket center

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Disney News Disney Parks

BREAKING NEWS! More Disney Transportation Will Start to Re-Open at the Beginning of Next Week!

While limited Disney Transportation has already started to run at the Disney Resorts and Disney Springs, Disney World will be re-opening its parks next week with more transportation options.

BREAKING NEWS! More Disney Transportation Will Start to Re-Open at the Beginning of Next Week!

The Grand Floridian is One Quick Stop From Magic Kingdom!

Although we’ve had a few hints of which transportation options would be opening and when, Disney has officially confirmed the dates of when most of the methods of Disney World transportation will be welcoming us back again!

Although Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will be opening on July 11th, transportation re-openings will be starting earlier in the week on July 7th. We’ve were able to spot Disney transportation out in the open today when we visited Disney World!

BREAKING NEWS! More Disney Transportation Will Start to Re-Open at the Beginning of Next Week!

©Disney

We’ve already been able to hop back on the Disney Buses since they re-opened along with the Disney Resorts on July 22nd

BREAKING NEWS! More Disney Transportation Will Start to Re-Open at the Beginning of Next Week!

Disney World Bus at Contemporary Resort

…July 7th will bring some of the Ticket and Transportation Center’s options back to guests! Guests will be able to ride the Monorail with new distancing barriers and other health and safety precautions

BREAKING NEWS! More Disney Transportation Will Start to Re-Open at the Beginning of Next Week!

Green Monorail

…along with the Ferries to take guests to the parks and Disney Springs.

BREAKING NEWS! More Disney Transportation Will Start to Re-Open at the Beginning of Next Week!

Ferry Boats

While the Skyliners were on the lines but not running today, they’ll be back in use starting July 15th! Disney hasn’t shared information yet concerning what health and safety precautions will be in effect when they start running again, but there will most likely be a limit of one party per gondola.

BREAKING NEWS! More Disney Transportation Will Start to Re-Open at the Beginning of Next Week!

Skyliners

The Minnie Van service and other watercraft options won’t be coming back yet. However, Disney has stated that they will be providing updates on when its other Disney Transportation will be available soon! We’ll keep you updated with the transportation modifications that we see when we make our way back into Disney World next week.

What are you looking forward to seeing the most when Disney World re-opens? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney boats, disney buses, disney ferries, disney news, disney transportation, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Minnie Vans, monorail, skyliner gondola system

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Disney Guides Disney Parks Other

What changes are coming to Walt Disney World before they reopen in July?

disney world

Last night Disney World released a bunch of changes coming to Reservations, Resort Stays, Transportation, and much more. We wanted to break down all of the changes coming for those thinking about going to Walt Disney World during this time.

Take a look…

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

While visiting Walt Disney World Resort, all Guests ages 2 and older—along with all Cast Members—will be required to wear face coverings.

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Help keep each other healthy.

RESORTS

As part of our plans for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World® Resort, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen to Guests on June 22, 2020 – ahead of our Theme Parks.

Many Disney Resort benefits and amenities may be temporarily unavailable. Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be open during your travel dates but other Disney Resort hotels will remain closed.

If you have a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel that won’t be open during your travel dates or if you have a room and theme park ticket package, you can choose to modify your plans by contacting your Travel Professional.

On June 22, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen.

These select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts include:

Additionally, Magic Kingdom park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will begin a phased reopening on July 11—with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15. Learn more about the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort.

Additionally, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will reopen to Members and Guests on June 15.

Note: Some of the details below may not apply to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

We made some important updates at our Disney Resort hotels and implemented a number of new health and safety measures.

What You’ll Need

Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Please be aware that you’ll also need:

  • A confirmed room reservation for your stay. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account to receive important information prior to your arrival—visit My Plans to get started
  • A confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day Guest (not staying overnight)
  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up—which must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining
  • Planning to visit a theme park during your stay? Select Walt Disney World theme parks will begin to reopen on July 11. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required (a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access)

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment, including MagicBands, which Disney Resort hotel Guests can use to charge purchases to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Wellness Screening

Persons who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. Before you leave home, please check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.

If you need to reschedule your reservation, please call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY or (407) 934-7639. If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, please call Member Services at (800) 800-9800.

Disney Resort Hotel Guest Benefits

During the initial reopening period, some benefits may be modified or unavailable.

Disney’s Magical Express® Service
Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service will be available for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport.

Many airlines have modified their flight schedules, so please confirm your flight information. If you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express service, contact your room reservation booking agent, or call (407) 939-1936 to make any updates to your flight information on file.

FastPass+ Service
As a result of the COVID-19 impact, FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing. With that in mind, access to FastPass+ planning is temporarily unavailable. We will share updates at a later date.

Extra Magic Hours
The Extra Magic Hours benefit is unavailable until further notice.

Cleaning

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and serviced during your stay. Plus, common areas will receive enhanced cleaning.

Common Areas
We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.

Housekeeping
Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests

Inside your room, you’ll find:

  • Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
  • Individually wrapped glassware
  • Double-cased pillows
  • Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging

And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed

You can also decline the every-other-day service.

Please note that:

  • If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decline that service.
  • If there is more than one room on your reservation and you choose to decline service, your selection will apply to all rooms on the reservation.
  • We reserve the right to enter any room at a Disney Resort hotel for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door. View Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules.

Learn more about housekeeping service.

Transportation & Parking

Resort transportation around the property will be available in a limited capacity to allow for physical distancing. Also, if you are arriving via Orlando International Airport, you may still take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express Service.

Complimentary Resort Transportation
Before the theme parks reopen, bus transportation will be available between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney Springs area.

When the theme parks reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney theme parks.

Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place, reducing capacity. As a result, you may experience delays.

Minnie Van Service
Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.

Parking

Self-parking will be available. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance. A valid disability parking permit is required. Parking fees apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests.

Resort Service

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Changes include:

  • Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
  • Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
  • Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
  • In-room celebrations will not be available
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
  • Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
  • Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable

Resort Amenities & Recreation

Amenities and recreation will be modified based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Pools

  • Feature pools may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day
  • Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing
  • Select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests of this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Fitness Centers & Sports Courts

  • Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours
  • Fitness centers may have reduced hours and capacity
  • Instructor-led fitness classes will not be available
  • Fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing

Available Recreation
Activities and schedules will vary. The schedule of activities for your Disney Resort hotel will be shared during your stay.

Merchandise Locations
In merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Guests will continue to discover favorite Disney items, with some modifications to the shopping experience that will help us manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

  • New Product Launches: New collection product launches and limited-edition merchandise will not be available for in-person purchases at Walt Disney World Resort until further notice. As always, Guests can find these items on shopDisney, subject to availability.
  • Pin Trading: We will continue to offer Guests the opportunity to pin trade with Cast Members through the use of pin boards in select locations. Cast pin trading with lanyards will not be available at this time to maintain physical distancing.
  • Delivery Option: Package delivery to the front of our theme parks or to Disney Resort hotels will be suspended. However, shipping merchandise to Guests’ homes continues to be available.
  • Dressing Rooms: For the time being, dressing rooms will not be available.
  • Returns: In-person returns will be available upon the reopening of our merchandise locations.

Temporarily Unavailable 
The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Character experiences
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Additionally, the following special offerings and childcare services will not be available during the initial reopening:

  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Check In Online

To aid in physical distancing efforts, we strongly recommend that you use Online Check-In Service in advance—online or with the My Disney Experience app.

When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room!

If you don’t receive your MagicBand(s) prior to your vacation, simply use the My Disney Experience app as a digital key to enter your room. At your convenience, you can visit the Front Desk to pick up your MagicBand(s).

Automatic Checkout

On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room—so you don’t have to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).

Virtual Chat With a Resort Cast Member

Beginning June 22, you can chat with a Resort Cast Member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during your stay. This new feature will offer convenient support nearly anytime—so there’s no need to visit the Lobby or stand in line.

DINING

During your stay, dining locations and experiences may be limited to manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

Changes and Enhancements to Dining

We’re committed to a responsible reopening of Walt Disney World Resort—and we’ve made some important updates and enhancements to our dining experiences based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing.

What You’ll Need

Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:

  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking
  • Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment

In-Park Dining Reservations

At this time, dining reservations are not available. Reservations will resume at a later date.

When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.

Disney Springs Dining Reservations

Select dining locations at Disney Springs are currently accepting reservations.

Dining Plans

At this time, Disney dining plans cannot be added to reservations. Check back soon for more information.

Learn about cancellations and refunds for dining plans.

Booking Windows

Learn about updates to booking windows for dining reservations.

Health and Hygiene

New measures have been implemented across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:

  • Enhanced Cleaning: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
  • Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. At quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
  • Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.

Enhanced Technology

Use convenient technologies to minimize your contact with others:

  • Mobile Order Service: A time-saving feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead at select dining locations and pick up food during a designated arrival window.
  • Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can use your own mobile device to scan a code for access to the digital menu.
  • Cashless Payments: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Dining Experiences

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

  • Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
  • Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
  • Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
  • Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
  • Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
  • Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

Modifications, Cancellations and Refunds

We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning your visits to Walt Disney World Resort and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as our Cast remains focused on delivering magical experiences and incredible storytelling for everyone who visits.

During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:

  • All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
  • Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
  • We have made the difficult decision to cancel and temporarily no longer offer Disney dining plans. If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, we will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.

Tables in Wonderland
Learn about updates to Tables in Wonderland.

For other changes coming to Disney World next month click the links below.

Source Walt Disney World website

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney Dining, disney transportation, Disney World, Disney World Changes, disney world dining, Disney World Resort

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Disney Parks Other

Changes to Disney World Transportation When Walt Disney World Opens Next Month

Here are the changes to Disney World Transportation when Walt Disney World reopens next month:

Transportation & Parking

Complimentary Resort Transportation

Before the theme parks reopen, bus transportation will be available between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney Springs area. When the theme parks reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney theme parks.

Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place, reducing capacity. As a result, you may experience delays.

Minnie Van Service

Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.

Parking

Self-parking at hotels will be available. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance. A valid disability parking permit is required. Parking fees apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests.

For other changes coming to Disney World next month click the links below.

Source Walt Disney World website

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Transportation, Walt Disney World, disney transportation, Minnie Van service, Self Parking

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Disney News Disney Parks

BREAKING NEWS: Disney World Transportation UPDATES That Are Coming SOON.

Disney World will be re-opening in July for guests of all ages to return back to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

Walt Disney World

While the parks have been keeping us up to date on their re-opening plans regarding the hotels, FastPasses, Advance Dining Reservations, and more, Disney World has also started to make some changes to how the transportation will operate before and after the parks re-open.

Thanks to @ScottGustin, who sent out the alert about Disney’s updates via twitter, Disney will be modifying a number of transportation options when the resort reopens to guests. While we already knew that the Monorail and ferry boats will be running on a limited basis for resort guests and that buses would be running, there are new updates to what transportation will be accessible.

©Disney

Before the parks re-open starting July 11th, guests will be able to take buses to and from Disney Springs to the resort areas. Once the parks have opened back up again, guests will still be able to use the buses to travel from the theme parks to the Disney Resort and Disney Springs locations. There will be distancing and reduced capacity of Disney transportation during this time. So expect delays.

Minnie Bus

However, the Minnie Van service and Valet Parking services will not be available. If a guest has a disability, though, they are still able to enquire about the Valet services that will be provided to them. Self-parking will be available to all other guests who are traveling to Disney World.

Orange Garage

Noticably absent from the updates was whether the Skyliner Gondolas will be open again. We will continue to keep you updated on Disney World’s re-opening procedures.

Will you be returning to Disney World when the parks re-open? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney buses, disney news, disney springs, disney transportation, Disney World, Disney World reopening, ferry boats, Minnie Vans, monorail, self-parking, valet