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Disney Parks

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Since theme parks have started to reopen, one of their highest priorities has been implementing stricter health and sanitation procedures.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Disney Springs Sign

Although Disney World and Disneyland haven’t welcomed guests back just yet (but will soon!!), Disney has still started to implement some of its heath and safety procedures in Disney Springs. On top of the temperature checks, social distancing measures, and face mask requirements, restrooms (yes, restrooms) have even switched things up, too.

However, during our time at Universal Orlando, we noticed that their bathroom regulations were well-thought-out for safety, convenience, and cleanliness for everyone visiting. And, before the Disney Parks reopen, they might need to take a few notes from Universal on how restroom facilities should operate.

Universal Orlando Safety Measures

Universal has REALLY been on top of their game with everything we have seen in the parks. Although there have been some bumps in the road (remember the Mobile Order chaos during the opening week?), Universal Orlando has done whatever it can to iron out the kinks and continue to provide the best experiences for guests.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Hogsmeade

From what we’ve seen, Universal’s temperature checks have been running smoothly. Hotel guests are given wristbands if they have already been screened to lessen the amount of time spent re-checking everyone. The sanitation measures are also well thought out with hand-sanitizer stations everywhere, attractions being wiped down after use, and more.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Temp Checks at Universal

We’ve also noted the attention to distancing with characters placed on stage or behind roped off areas, dots to stand on to watch shows, and distancing signs and stickers throughout the parks to keep everyone six feet apart at all times.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

How Ya Doin’, Homer??

Universal Orlando Restrooms

But, while there have been consistent signs to remind everyone of the health and safety procedures in the parks, the bathrooms have also been managed extremely well. There are signs outside the restrooms pointing to the nearest available stops and signs inside the restrooms to reassure guests that facilities would be cleaned frequently. We also spotted a number of signs instructing guests to use every other sink to maintain distancing.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Restroom Signs at Universal

Universal even shuts restrooms down for a short period of time to do another round of heavy cleaning, just to make sure things are cleaned to their standards. Within the restrooms and stalls, there is still a lot of social distancing and space implemented so guests don’t have to feel worried about an overcrowded area during afternoon rushes to the restrooms.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Restrooms

The amount of time spent on something as simple as a restroom shows that Universal has been putting a LOT of thought and effort into their sanitation and custodial measures in the parks.

Disney Springs Safety Measures

Disney has also placed strict health and safety measures all around Disney Springs to make sure that Cast Members and guests are protected. On top of the temperature checks and hand-sanitizing stations, there are also new procedures in restaurants and stores (they’ve implemented Virtual Queues and QR menus to promote distancing and contactless protocols).

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

World of Disney Queue

Disney has continued to find ways to clean high-touch spaces and maintain cleanliness throughout different locations, all while allowing guests to still have great experiences during their time in the shopping and dining district.

Disney Springs Restrooms

However, opposed to the rest of Disney Springs, the restroom situation seems to pale in comparison to Universal’s methods. Disney Springs has SO many signs and markers around the area to clearly designate to guests what each sign means and what to do.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Pin Traders

But, the restrooms haven’t seen much change from what they were previously like before. While there are distancing markers outside most restrooms, there are no signs pointing out the restroom areas like Universal and no signs in the restrooms with detailed guidelines either.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Restrooms

The same towels dispensers with the pull-down towels and little turning knobs are still present as they had been previously (which is pretty high-touch, if you think about it). Air-blowing hand dryers are still available too, though it’s widely regarded that these sorts of driers actually spread more germs than they prevent. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean Disney is cleaning any less! We’ve seen custodial teams in restrooms constantly to keep things sanitary.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Restroom

The lack of signage in Disney Springs restrooms is very contrary to the extensive information we usually see around the shopping and dining district, let alone at other parks.

Although there have been other interesting ideas that Disney could take from Universal’s reopening, the amount of signs and instructions for restrooms is especially something that Disney World should think of implementing. The additional signage likely does make guests feel reassured about the sanitation procedures around the parks.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Cast Member with required face mask

Disney tends to go above and beyond to help guests and keep them informed, and this would be another way to do so. Since there are so many changes happening in the parks, this extra bit of information and guidance would continue to help guests feel safe, like it seems to have done so far in Universal Orlando.

We Hope Disney Does THIS In Their Restrooms When The Parks Reopen

Disney Springs Restrooms

Of course, Disney could have this already installed in its parks (and we won’t know until they re-open in July). While updated signage in restrooms hasn’t been installed in Disney Springs just yet, it might be another update Disney should look into in the future!

What has your experience been like in re-open theme parks? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney bathrooms, disney news, disney restrooms, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Universal, universal bathrooms, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, universal restrooms

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Disney Guides Disney Parks

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

The last year has brought some significant changes to theme parks.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Hollywood Studios Before Park Opening Waiting to Get Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance

We’ve been seeing a TON of changes as Florida theme parks (and beyond) reopen from their historic closures this year, but our focus is on an even more noticeable change. Prior to the closures, we started to see Virtual Queues in theme parks, and now they’re expanding more as a health measure. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Virtual Queues, and how YOU can navigate them like a pro!

How do Virtual Queues work?

We’ve seen a few instances of virtual queues used in the past few years at the Disney Parks and most recently at Universal Orlando and Shanghai Disneyland. Though there are slight variations in the different systems, there are also a lot of similarities.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

World of Disney Virtual Queue sign

The Virtual Line at Universal Orlando uses the free Universal app on your smartphone. Once they’re in the park, the app gives guests the option of reserving a spot in line for any of the attractions that offer Virtual Lines. You can reserve a spot in line for up to two rides at a time and once you use those reservations, you’re free to make more. Universal’s Virtual Line is the only example where some attractions have both a Virtual Line and a standard standby line available at the same time.

Disney World and Disneyland have used a system that is slightly different at the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and later at the opening of Rise of the Resistance. Both systems utilize a Boarding Group method where guests use the My Disney Experience app to reserve a space in a Boarding Group. These groups would then get called in order throughout the day (starting with Boarding Group 1 and moving up) and you could head to the ride when yours was called (via a push notification to your phone).

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Rise of the Resistance Crowds

Of course, the system works a little differently when it’s used for a whole land, like Galaxy’s Edge, instead of a singular attraction. In Disneyland, the Boarding Groups offered a four-hour window during which guests were allowed in the land. When those four hours were up, guests from the current boarding group were required to leave the land to make way for the next boarding group. However for an attraction like Rise of the Resistance, the boarding group simply meant you were permitted to enter the queue once your group was called.

The most recent Disney implementation of a virtual queue is the Disney Standby Pass in Shanghai Disneyland. This pass is currently in a trial period but gets rid of a physical line much like other implementations of a Virtual Queue. The Standby Pass is a free service through the Shanghai Disney Resort Official App. New passes become available hourly and allow guests to enter the standby line during a specific hour-long period, much in the same way that Disneyland’s MaxPass system has worked.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Virtual Line

As you can see, there are some differences in the implementation of Virtual Queues, but the general process remains the same: guests use an app to reserve a specific window of time to access the ride. This keeps them out of the physical line and able to enjoy other areas of the parks while they wait for their designated ride time.

The Pros of Virtual Queues

As you can probably expect, there are a lot of advantages to using these queues. They definitely help to allow for physical distancing in reopened parks. We’ve seen them effectively help to keep large crowds from clustering in a high-demand queue like Universal’s Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The same could be true if they were used to control crowds in more high-demand areas of the parks.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Virtual Line

A behind-the-scenes pro of Virtual Queues is that they allow Disney and other parks to regulate the number of guests entering the queue in a given window of time. Disney, for instance, knows their rides’ capacities so that they can maximize riders and minimize wait times.

The Universal method is actually somewhat similar to Disneyland Resort’s MaxPass offering, and since you reserve rides two at a time throughout the day, that means that your day is not as structured. This has the effect of everyone getting a chance to ride the rides they want. There are no rides with availability running out first thing in the morning (like we were seeing each and every morning with Rise of the Resistance). Everyone is on an even playing ground.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

When we tried out Universal’s Virtual Line, it felt pretty practical. You can plan out your day without that plan being too rigid, and you’ll spend less time waiting in line. With no pre-planning, we felt like we could’ve gotten on every single attraction in the course of a day! That’s pretty cool.

Plus, these systems can be flexible so that they can adjust for the demand. In Universal, once crowds started to lessen later in the day — they could turn the Virtual Line feature off. This allows for even MORE measured control of guests and ultimately can make for a more pleasant park day.

The Cons of Virtual Queues

But, the systems are not perfect. They can get wonky if there’s really high demand. The Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue essentially turned into a lottery system for those who got to the parks HOURS before it opened. This resulted in a situation where people who couldn’t get to the park until later in the day didn’t have a chance to ride at all.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Rise of the Resistance opening day in Disneyland

In Universal, some rides were Virtual Line only; and Disneyland Shanghai’s Standby Pass shuts down access to the ride for anyone who DOESN’T have the pass. This can limit options for anyone who is unable to get a spot in the Virtual Queues for whatever reason.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Standby Pass Rules

Perhaps one of the biggest cons is that these Virtual Queue systems are not super accessible for those who aren’t tech-savvy or those who don’t have a smartphone. These folks could have a LOT of trouble in situations where the Virtual Line is the only option — and that doesn’t really seem fair.

Pro Tips!

So, let’s talk tips so that you can get the full advantage of these Virtual Queues! First off, if you’re having trouble with the system (whether from glitches or because you’re not the most tech-savvy), ask a Cast Member or Team Member. They will be happy to help you and get everything worked out!

It’s also beneficial to screenshot any important info (just in case!). If your booking suddenly disappears from your phone, it helps to have a photo you can show a Cast Member to prove it was there in the first place.

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

Advent Health Cast Member at Temperature Screening

And what happens when a ride breaks down during your ride window? When rides break down at Universal Studios, those with active Virtual Queue windows are given the equivalent of a Multi-Experience Fastpass. Keep in mind, though, that you should give it some time after the ride comes back up before you head back. Hagrid’s broke down in Universal while we were there; since there was no express line, the line was SUPER long when we came back as all the people returned as SOON as the ride was running again.

Finally, and perhaps the most important tip, BRING A PORTABLE CHARGER! Having a functional phone is more important than ever when you’re in theme parks now. If your phone dies early in the day, you’re going to have a lot of trouble navigating the parks. So, be prepared!

Theme Park Virtual Queue TIPS! What You Need To Know To Be A Pro When Disney World Opens!

FuelRod Station

FuelRod chargers are available at stations around the parks and resorts for $30 with unlimited free exchanges after your initial purchase, or you can bring your own charger from home. Here’s one of our favorites.

And there you have it! Now you know everything there is to know about this relatively new advent in theme parks. We’ll let you know as soon as more information is revealed pertaining to virtual queues in the Disney Parks. You can keep checking in with DFB for updates about Virtual Queues in Disney and beyond!

How do YOU feel about Virtual Queues? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney parks, Featured, News, Boarding Groups, Disney Standby Pass, Disneyland Shanghai, Ride of the Resistance, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Virtual Line, virtual line, virtual lines, virtual queue, virtual queues

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

Universal Orlando reopened a little over a week ago to greet all sorts of guests, show off its new Virtual Queue system, and introduce U-Rest locations (even if there were some bumps in the road throughout the day).

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

The Simpsons

Prior to reopening to the general public, Universal Orlando offered Annual Passholder previews. And now, Universal is doing something else for APs eager to hang out at the parks again.

According to the website, Universal has lifted some of the blockout dates on passes throughout the summer.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida Seasonal Passes July blockout dates have been lifted.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

©Universal Orlando

And that seems to be the case for Islands of Adventure as well.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

©Universal Orlando

Volcano Bay is switching a lot things up by removing many blockout dates for the 3-Park passes available for guests. The 3-Park Seasonal Pass and 3-Park Power Annual Pass will both be lifting their June and August blockout dates. And, the 3-Park Preferred Annual Pass will also no longer have lockout dates for the month of August.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

©Universal Orlando

Although there are a lot of blockout dates being lifted, the 3-Park Power Annual Pass and 3-Park Preferred Annual Pass will still have blockouts that apply before 4PM throughout July.

NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders

Hogwarts Express

This gives AP even more opportunities to kick back and relax with a Lard Lad Donut in one hand and a chilly Butterbeer in the other. NEWS: Universal Orlando Lifts Summer Blockout Dates for Select Annual Passholders ?

We’re keeping our eye out to see what update Disney World and Disneyland share about their Annual Passes. Will they lift blockout dates? Only time shall tell. As of right now, many things dealing with Disney World Annual Passes, including their current expiration dates, are still very up in the air. So be sure to check the blog for the latest info!

Have you gone back to Universal Orlando yet? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, annual passes, annual passholders, Disney, disney news, Islands of Adventure, Universal, universal annual passholders, universal news, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, universal parks, Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

Trump proposes Explore America Tax Credit which includes Theme Parks

Trump proposes Explore America Tax Credit which includes Theme Parks Explore America

The U.S. tourism industry wants people to resume traveling. Soon, a proposed “Explore America” tax credit might help the industry recover. The travel industry has lost 8.1 million jobs so far and is projected to lose $519 billion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbyists are currently circulating a proposed plan in Congress that would offer $4,000 tax breaks for U.S. vacationers. The intent is to get Americans to begin traveling and spending money at hotels, theme parks and other tourism businesses.

The “Explore America” tax credit is one of several proposed subsidies that tourism industry lobbyists are pitching to policymakers as the early contours of a new economic stimulus package begin to take shape in Washington. President Trump is in favor of the “Explore America” tax credit.

The tax credit would be a great benefit even though the federal government committed trillions of dollars to stop the economic damage caused by the pandemic. However, they will have to spend even more to help pull the tourism industry back to its feet. Tori Emerson Barnes, a lobbyist for the U.S. Travel Association, went on to say:

“We are grateful to the president for hearing our call for a national effort to get Americans traveling again as the country shifts into the recovery phase.”

Some of the members of the U.S. Travel Association include the Walt Disney Co. and Comcast Corp.’s Universal Parks & Resorts. Also, Roger Dow, CEO and President of the U.S. Travel Association, issued the following statement in regards to the proposed tax credit:

“An ‘Explore America’ tax credit and campaign will do wonders to put America back on the path to prosperity. We applaud the president’s support, and with our industry’s health and safety guidance for the reopening of travel businesses in place, we are very prepared to work with the administration to push the effort forward at the right time.”

Source: www.ustravel.org

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Planning, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, Walt Disney World, Travel, Traveling 2020, Universal Orlando, vacation

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Disney Parks Other

Meet The New Baby Velociraptor Now At Univeral’s Raptor Encounter

Meet The New Baby Velociraptor Now At Univeral’s Raptor Encounter

Universal Orlando recently opened back up to the public last week and they had a fun new surprise. There’s not only an upgraded Raptor Encounter area to meet Blue (the scary full grown raptor) but there’s a new a new 6 month old raptor as well!

Meet The New Baby Velociraptor Now At Univeral’s Raptor Encounter

The brand new Raptor Encounter is located inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They have an entire area dedicated to Jurassic Park including a new roller coaster being built. You can’t miss the new meet and greet area. It’s on the way to Hogwarts.

There’s a brand new baby Raptor @universalorlando Right now Sierra meets opposite Blue and is so cute!! Check her out at the brand new Raptor Encounter at Islands of Adventure. #universalmoments #universalstudios #universalorlandoresort #universalorlando #uoap #letyourselfwoah #readyforuniversal #jurrasicpark #jurassicworld #raptorencounter

A post shared by Chip and Co (@chipandco) on Jun 8, 2020 at 5:31pm PDT

The Raptor Encounter starts at 10 AM and runs until 5:30 (weather permitting). While the location is on the official Universal app it doesn’t state which times will be Blue or Sierra the new baby. Since she’s so new hopefully they will add that soon.

We had so much fun meeting the new velociraptor Sierra. Make sure to go and visit the next time you’re at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Universal Studios Orlando, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, Baby Raptor, Islands of Adventure, Raptor Encounter, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios