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6 Things That REALLY Surprised Us About the Reopening of Universal Orlando

We spent yesterday at Universal Orlando attending a special Annual Passholder preview!

Gringotts

And while we had some idea what to expect based on the new health and safety measures we’d already experienced when several CityWalk stores and restaurants began to reopen on May 14th, we knew our first time back to an ACTUAL theme park was probably going to look and feel A LOT more different!

We had prepared ourselves for temperature screenings, social distancing, and wearing a face covering for the duration of our stay, but that doesn’t mean we weren’t thrown a few curveballs along the way! Here are a couple of things that really surprised us the most about our visit to the newly reopened Universal Studios!

Which Attractions Are Harder to Ride with Face Masks

We were totally expecting our face masks to fly off on Universal’s most-thrilling rides such as Hollywood’s Rip Ride Rockit or The Incredible Hulk Coaster (luckily we brought some back-ups, just in case!). But strangely enough, the speed of these attractions actually helps to hold your face mask in place!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The rides that proved to be the most challenging for us were ones where you had to wear 3D glasses such as Skull Island: Reign of Kong or Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Our breath kept fogging up the lenses until we figured out if we wore our glasses over our masks, it helped cut down on the fogginess!

See what our experience was like on several Universal attractions while wearing face mask here!

Mobile Order Was Glitchy

Universal’s Mobile Order was having a rough go of it yesterday! Even though Universal offered Mobile Order at select restaurants before the temporary closures, a bunch of new locations have been added to the app — even the walk-up spots at Diagon Alley!

Mobile Order Pickup Line at The Hopping Pot

But all of these extra locations really added a lot of strain to the already struggling system (we even had some issues with the Virtual Line Experience in the early A.M.). The app was crashing a lot or not work properly throughout the day. This was the first day of Annual Passholder previews though, so hopefully Universal will be able to work out the kinks over the next few days.

Read more about troubleshooting Universal’s mobile order system here!

Characters Were Everywhere

Even though we couldn’t walk up and hug our favorite characters, we were really shocked by how many of them were out!

Dr. Seuss Characters

Several sectioned-off stage areas have been set up throughout the parks where you can watch and wave to your favorite characters! We saw a bunch of Dr. Suess dudes (including the Lorax and the Grinch!) hanging out in Suessland yesterday along with some of The Simpsons, Blues Brothers, Hello Kitty, Beetlejuice, Spiderman, and lots MORE! Many of these characters wore masks, but there were also a few who did not.

While Disney has shared that character meet-and-greets will be suspended, we’re eager to see if they interact like the character at Universal did.

Water Rides and Misting Effects Were Running

While earlier Universal had stated some of their rides that involve water such as Jurassic Park River Adventure might not reopen with the rest of the park, we were surprised to see it running yesterday! Guests are permitted to remove their masks once they board water rides and are they seated in an every-other row!

One note on water rides, do hold onto your mask in your lap because it would be very easy for it to fly away!

Jurassic Park River Adventure

We were also told water effect features on some rides (such as misters) would be deactivated, but on The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Escape From Gringotts, they were STILL working!

Personal Wand Shopper at Ollivanders

Something we were truly amazed to see was how Ollivanders Wand Shop is operating now!

Hogsmeade

To keep the shop from becoming too crowded, each guest is given their own personal attendant! You can’t handle the wands like you could before, but we think the one-on-one service is pretty nifty!

Virtual Lines Aren’t the Same as FastPassses

Since we’re so used to using Disney World’s FastPass+, it took us a little time to figure out Universal’s virtual queue system is a bit different. We traveled with a group of two and since the apps aren’t linked, we were able to make two reservations at one time. There aren’t any tiers so our two reservations could be made for the same ride.

And despite having a guaranteed ride time, there were still about a 20-30 minute wait to ride each attraction (unlike FastPass where you usually just walk-on). With no preshows, for the time being, the wait can feel a little long.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

But similar to the My Disney Experience app, once you use one of your reservations, you can make another. We also noticed when we refreshed the app, sometimes new Virtual Line Venues appeared like they sometimes do when you refresh the available FastPasses.

Click here to learn of the virtual queue system works at Universal Studios!

We’ll be back at Universal tomorrow reporting all day once the theme parks officially open to the public, so stay tuned! And if you have any questions on the new processes that theme parks are implementing, please let us know!

Did you attend Universal’s Annual Passholder preview? What surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. Here’s A Look at the Safety Measures Being Discussed By Major U.S. Theme Parks Right Now
  2. Universal Studios Has EXTENDED Its Temporary Closure
  3. Universal Orlando’s CityWalk Has Just Reopened! See What Our Experience Was Like Here!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, 3d glasses, 3d goggles, 3d rides, characters, face masks, masks, Mobile Order, ollivanders, roller coasters, surprising, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios, virtual lines, virtual queues, wand shop, water rides

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Disney World Quietly Updates Mask Requirements For Reopening

We just learned that Disney World is temporarily suspending FastPass+ reservations, canceling existing Dining Reservations and Disney Dining Plans, and halting Extra Magic Hours once the parks reopen on the proposed mid-July date.

Magic Kingdom

And now, we noticed a quiet change to the language pertaining to who will be required to wear masks at the parks upon their reopening.

Until now, Disney had stated that guests aged three and up would be required to wear face coverings at all times when visiting the parks.

Now, we’ve spotted that Disney has altered its language to state that guests aged two and up will be required to wear a mask when visiting Disney World. 

Update Mask Requirements ©Disney

Disney has not released any further information about this change at this time. We’ll update you as we learn more.

Click here to learn more about required face masks at Disney World

What do you think of this change to who has to wear masks in Disney World? Let us know in the comments. 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney c, disney opening, disney world masks, Disney World reopening, face coverings, face masks, masks

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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 Parks Other

PHOTOS and TIPS: Our FULL Experience From Disney Springs’ Reopening Day

Welcome back to Disney World! Disney Springs began a phased reopening today, May 20th.

Disney Springs

We have been taking you around Disney Springs to see the new safety procedures and how they affect guests’ shopping and dining experiences. We’re walking you step-by-step through a post-closure Disney Springs and going over exactly how your visit could look much different than your previous trips.

Entering Disney Springs

To control crowds and provide a more streamlined entry process, Disney Springs is limiting entrances and establishing additional safety procedures for guests.

Hours and Limited Capacity

Disney Springs is currently open from 10AM to 10PM.

Disney Springs

However, Disney Springs is limiting the number of people visiting the property, stores, and restaurants. Once the designated parking garages (Lime and Orange) are full, guests are not allowed to park and enter Disney Springs.

Orange Garage

That means, even guests with dining reservations at a Disney Springs restaurant will not be allowed in. But, cancellation fees for these reservations will be waived for guests unable to enter due to limited capacity.

Parking

All of the surface-level lots are currently closed so guests may self-park (no valet available at this time!) in the Orange and Lime garages. We were told that the Orange garage would be filled first, and we were able to choose our parking spot since there were no Cast Members directing traffic within the garage.

Orange Garage

But there were Cast Members inside the garage welcoming back guests! We also spotted distancing markers, warning signs, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the garage.

Warning Sign

We arrived early (before Disney Springs officially opened at 10 AM), so we didn’t have any issue finding a parking space. Really…NO trouble.

Parking Lot

Now, let’s take a look at actually entering Disney Springs!

Entrances

Guests are only permitted to enter Disney Springs from the following four locations: Orange garage, Lime garage, the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge, and the rideshare location.

Disney Springs

Guests aren’t allowed to enter until they’ve completed a temperature screening.

Masks Are Required

Guests ages three years and older and employees are required to wear masks. These masks must cover your mouth and nose at all times, except when you are seated at a dining table.

Required Measures sign

Guests are required to bring their own face masks. Let’s say it one more time: no mask = no entry. If you want pack an extra! Better to be prepared than to make it all the way to Disney Springs and realize you can’t go inside because you dropped your mask while getting in your car.

Temperature Checks

Guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees are all required to have their temperatures checked prior to entering Disney Springs.

Temperature Screening

Temperature check stations are located at the second-floor exits of the Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (for guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and rideshare drop-off).

Advent Health Signage

The temperature checks were completed with touchless forehead thermometers. Any guests who test 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to a tent where they were allowed to cool off and rest for a few moments before attempting one more screening. If they test above the maximum accepted temperature again, their entire party will be required to leave.

New Protocols to Enter Disney Springs

The temperature check process only took a few seconds for us once we made it to the front of the line and the friendly employees completing the screenings made us feel at ease!

Open Dining Locations

Disney Springs reopened with select third-party dining locations — you can find a full list of available restaurants here!

STK

Click on each location below to check out our full experience at the reopening!

Reservations

Before Disney Springs reopened, we were able to make dining reservations through OpenTable and individual restaurants’ websites.

Wolfgang Puck

And if you’re planning on eating at a table-service location, we recommend trying for a reservation first — otherwise, you could find yourself with a bit of a wait. When we arrived at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, there was an hour wait for walk-in guests.

Tips For Dining in Reopened Disney Springs

In addition to making a reservation, we picked up a few more dining tips as well. Make sure to keep an eye out for social distancing markers at quick-service dining locations, or anywhere else you might run into a queue.

Distance Markers at YeSake

Certain locations, like Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, only allow one group inside at a time. So be careful to read signs, ask Cast Members if you have questions, and know that each location is operating a little differently.

Also, keep in mind that not all dining locations are reopened yet! We spotted signage for House of Blues and The Smokehouse indicating they’ll be back soon.

House of Blues Opening Soon Sign

Also, you might want to bring a few items along with you for your dining experience. If you’d like to sanitize your hands immediately before you eat, be sure to bring your own bottle of hand sanitizer. And if you’d prefer to use your own pen to sign receipts, don’t forget to pack one!

Eating On The Go With a Mask

If you’re a fan of grab-and-go style eating, you’re in luck! We noticed that the to-go dining experiences were pretty similar to what we’re used to in Disney Springs. We saw tables and chairs placed outside dining locations that wouldn’t usually have their own designated seating. We also didn’t notice any areas where seating had been entirely removed.

Sunshine Churros

On our visit to Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, we learned that guests are allowed to walk around with their food or drinks in Disney Springs. And while guests are required to wear their masks at all times, they are allowed to lower masks to take a bite or drink — then recover their faces. We put this method to the test with the brand new Welcome Drink from Starbucks!

Welcome Back Drink at Starbucks

So, whether you’d prefer to snag a table, or take a stroll while you enjoy your snack or beverage, both options are available!

Open Retail Locations

Disney will start opening some of its Disney-owned locations on May 27th, but the following locations were open on the first day of Disney Springs’ reopening.

  • Anthropologie
  • American Threads
  • Free People
  • UNIQLO
  • Crystal Art by Arribas Bros.
  • Pele Soccer
  • Pop Gallery
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop
  • Basin
  • Chapel Hats
  • Columbia Sportswear
  • Edward Beiner Eyewear
  • Happy Hound
  • Lucky Brand
  • Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
  • Pandora
  • Royally Yours Arribas Bros
  • Sanuk
  • Savannah Bee Company
  • Sosa Family Cigars
  • Sugarboo and Co.
  • UGG
  • UNOde50
  • Volcom
  • Vera Bradley
  • Zara

Tips For Shopping in Reopened Disney Springs

As with dining locations, retail locations are also operating with reduced capacity. Be sure to keep an eye out for designated entrances and exits, since many locations are keeping them separate.

Ugg Store Exit Only

On a similar note, keep an eye out for those social distancing markers that show proper spacing!

Social Distancing Marker

Also, bring a non-cash form of payment, because some stores like Ron Jon Surf Shop are not accepting cash.

Ron Jon Surf Shop Not Accepting Cash Payments

It can be difficult to retrain ourselves to abide by these new measures, so try to be mindful on your next visit!

Changes in Stores

In addition to the distancing measures, designated exits and entrances, and some changes in payment methods, we also noticed signs asking guests to limit contact with merchandise.

Arribas Bros. Merchandise Sign

Plus, we also spotted social distancing markers and signs in front of cash registers like at Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Overall, we weren’t too surprised to see the changes at retail locations, since they closely mirrored the reopened shopping at Universal’s CityWalk, but they can take some getting used to if this is your first experience.

Cashless Payment

Disney recommends guests use cashless payments such as debit cards, credit cards, and Disney gift cards whenever possible. Contactless payment or cash can be used to purchase gift cards at the Welcome Center and other select retail places throughout Disney Springs.

Welcome Center at Disney Springs

While we did find several locations that were accepting cash, some places like Ron Jon Surf Shop were not. So, we’d say plan on coming to Disney Springs with a non-cash method of payment just in case. Or, stop by the Welcome Center to buy a gift card if needed!

Additional Cast Members to Enforce New Procedures

Guest Relations Cast Members were stationed throughout Disney Springs to enforce social distancing and answer guests’ questions. Cast Members were each equipped with masks, of course.

Guest Relations Cast Member

One question we asked a Guest Relations Cast Member was: Are there any masks for sale within Disney Springs? And surprisingly, the only place we know of that’s selling masks (so far, at least) is Vera Bradley.

Access to Hand Sanitizer

We spotted hand sanitizer stations in the parking garage, at entrances to restaurants, and throughout Disney Springs.

Hand Sanitizer Locations

Plus, we also spotted it for sale at Basin.

Basin Reopening

We recommend carrying your own personal hand sanitizer so you can clean off whenever you need and don’t have to scramble to try and find a sanitizer station.

Crowds

While there was somewhat of a crowd when Disney Springs first reopened at 10 AM, the crowds dispersed throughout the day and were noticeably lower by mid-afternoon.

Disney Springs

The places where we felt the impact of the crowds the most was at dining locations. We noticed that some table-service locations had a wait for walk-in guests — like we mentioned from Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. This was likely a combination of demand and reduced seating capacity.

Wolfgang Puck

And we did notice some long lines at quick-service dining spots too. Check out those people waiting for Chicken Guy!

Chicken Guy!

But again, outside of waits for dining locations, the crowds didn’t feel too heavy at all, especially as we were strolling around.

Overall

With Disney Springs being the first U.S. Disney attraction to reopen, Disney was tasked with keeping guests safe while delivering a comfortable, enjoyable environment to dine and shop. Similar to our initial thoughts at the reopening of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, we were very impressed by Disney’s attention to detail, the friendliness of the staff, and the flow of operations. This new system will take some getting used to for guests and Cast Members alike. However, we are encouraged to see Disney put these new health and safety measures into practice diligently while still maintaining a positive experience for their guests.

What questions do YOU have about Disney Springs’ reopening? Let us know in the comments and we will do our best to get the info to you!

Related posts:

  1. You’ve NEVER Shopped in Disney World Like This Before
  2. News! Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs Share New Safety Protocols
  3. The Rubber Duckie Drink RETURNS! We’re Back at The Boathouse in Disney Springs on Reopening Day

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We’re LIVE From Reopening Day at Disney Springs in Disney World!

Last week Universal Studios CityWalk reopened with new health and safety procedures in place.

Disney Springs

Now, Disney Springs is officially reopening. And we’re here live to report on all of the restaurant, retail, and new procedures.

We will be updating this post throughout the day, so be sure to check back for new information and details. And if you have any questions about the opening of Disney Springs or the new procedures, please let us know and we will do our best to pass the information along.

Disney Springs

Today, select third-party locations are opening. You can see a complete list of the restaurants opening today — here. And you can check out the full list of retail locations reopening today — here.

It is important to note that Disney-owned locations will be opening May 27th. You can read all of the details about those locations — here. We will be reporting live from Disney Springs that day as well, so be sure to check the blog for all the need-to-know news.

Now, let’s get into the reopening of Disney Springs!

©Disney

Parking

Guests are able to self-park in the Orange and Lime garages and all surface parking lots are closed at this time. Valet parking is unavailable at this time as well.

Orange Lot

This morning we were told that Orange garage would be filled first. When we arrived it was self-park, meaning we weren’t directed by a Cast Member and we could park anywhere.

Parking Lot

Markers are located throughout the garage to remind people to stay 6ft apart.

6ft apart pole

Warning signs are spread out throughout the garage as well.

Warning Sign

Hand sanitizer locations are also available throughout the garage.

Hand Sanitizer

Due to capacity restrictions at Disney Springs, once the parking garages are full, guests will no longer be able to park and visit Disney Springs. This includes guests who have booked a dining reservation. If a guest is unable to make their reservation because Disney Springs is closed due to capacity, the dining guarantee charge will be waived.

Rideshare drop-offs are allowed and take place in the Marketplace lot.

Masks and Temperature Checks

When guests arrive at Disney Springs, they undergo a temperature check at one of the four open entrances. Temperatures are being checked at 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.

Advent Health Signage

Markers have been placed on the ground to assist with social distancing.

Temperature Check

Advent Health employees use a touchless forehead thermometer for each guest. If you are wearing a hat, you will be asked to remove it.

Temperature Screening

Those with a temperature above 100.4 F or above are directed to an additional location (which is a large white tent) for rescreening and assistance. Guests can go here to sit and cool off. After cooling off, they can try to screen their temp one more time. After the additional screening, those with a temp that is still 100.4 F or higher will not be allowed into Disney Springs and their party is not allowed entry either.

Signage

These temperature checks are required for anyone going to Disney Springs, including guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees.

Temperature Screening

Face coverings are required for everyone (except for guests 3 and under). The only time guests are permitted to remove their face coverings is when they are dining.

Advent Health Cast Member

Disney has also shared that they may have a few disposable masks available for those who have arrived without a mask. However, these are not guaranteed, so come prepared!

Entering Disney Springs

Entering Disney Springs

There were a few guests, but crowds this morning have been pretty low.

Orange Garage

The official Springs hours are 10AM – 10PM for the time being.

Disney Springs

As we said earlier, we will be updating this post throughout the day, so be sure to check back for more information. 

Are you planning to visit Disney Springs soon? Let us know in the comments below. 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney news, disney springs, disney springs reopening, masks, temperature checks, temperature checks at Disney Springs