Disney Face Masks Review: Updated

Earlier this year, Disney released a line of face masks on shopDisney.com.  We immediately ordered a bunch in all three sizes that were available at that time.  You can find our original review here.  A few months later, possibly in response to customer feedback, Disney made revisions to the sizing on their masks and added a fourth size, XL.  Of course, we had to check out the new size and see if the sizing revisions resolved the sizing problems we observed in our original review.  Here is our Disney Face Masks Review (Updated), to reflect both the new sizing and our actual experiences wearing the masks inside the theme parks.

Note: This post contains some links to shopDisney.com.  If you follow any of our links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission on your purchase.  This does not affect the price you pay in any way.    

Sizing

Originally, Disney offered their masks in three sizes: Small, Medium and Large.  Buyers quickly learned that the masks ran SMALL, and in response, Disney resized these original three sizes to be Youth Small, Youth Medium, and Adult Large.  They also (thank goodness!) added a fourth size, Adult Extra Large.

Disney Face masks Minnie Mouse
Katelyn, age 6. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

In our original review, we found that the Youth Small is very small–best for toddlers and young children.  Our test subjects, ages 6 and 7, found the Youth Medium masks the perfect size for them.  Our teens and most of our adult testers found the Adult Large to be too small.  We have one petite adult who found the Adult Large fit her perfectly, but she was definitely the exception.

Disney Face Masks Disney Princess
Maria loves her new Disney Princess themed face mask. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Fortunately, we have found the new size, Adult Extra Large has solved our problem.  This size fit comfortably on all the adults we tried it on.  In addition, during our Disney World vacation last month, I had anecdotal conversations with MANY guests wearing Disney masks, and found, almost without exception, that most adults preferred the Adult Extra Large.

Disney Face Masks Review
Photo: Disney PhotoPass

Disney has released a chart, helpfully showing the measurements for each size.  Not as helpful?  They refer to Small and Medium, instead of Youth Small and Youth Medium, which could confuse some shoppers.

Disney Face Masks Review

Comfort

Over the summer months, I tried a LOT of different masks.  In working over the last few months, I found I often needed to wear a mask for most, if not all of the day.  I tried disposable masks, gaiter-style masks, reusable masks with filters, handmade masks, etc.  I tried them all, pretty much.  The Disney masks are by far my favorite and not just because they are so cute (which there are, but we will get to the cute in a minute).  They are really soft, and comfortable to wear.  Disney masks have two layers, and are made of a very soft cotton blend fabric.  These masks are not abrasive to the skin, and have stayed soft even after many washings.

Disney Face masks
Photo: Disney PhotoPass

I hand wash my masks and hang to dry, but you can machine wash and dry if you prefer.  The only recommendation from Disney is NOT to use bleach on them.  They are lightweight, and dry fairly quickly.  On vacation, I washed each day’s mask that night and hung it to dry.  It was always dry and ready to go in the morning.

We did surprisingly well with the masks in the Disney heat.  For us Mid-westerners, that Florida heat can really be a challenge!  The masks were not clingy, and the fabric was surprisingly cool and comfortable.

Effectiveness

There has been some debate on the internet about whether the Disney masks are as effective as they could be against COVID-19.  I am not a doctor, but I will say this: ANY face mask is more effective than NO face mask.  However, Disney masks are not medical grade, nor do they have a pocket for a filter.

The Disney face masks do meet the published recommended requirements for masks. They are comprised of two layers of breathable fabric.  They cover both your nose and your mouth, with the bottom fitting snugly under your chin.  The sides lay flat against your face with no gaps, and the ear loops secure the mask to your face comfortably.  In addition, if you really wanted to add a filter, I think you could do that pretty easily by cutting an insertion point on the interior layer.  You could then insert a filter between the layers, which would make the mask more protective.  It would probably also make the mask less comfortable, but that may be a trade off you are comfortable with.

Disney Face masks
Photo: Disney PhotoPass

The Disney masks clearly meet all of Disney’s requirements for guests visiting the Disney theme parks.  We wore ours all week long quite happily as we visited the parks.

I continue to wear one of my Disney masks every time I go out now that we’re home.  As I mentioned, these are not just really cute.  They are soft and very comfortable.

Cuteness Factor

Let’s face it, it’s pretty difficult to out-cute Disney.  The Disney face masks are all pretty cute!  You can purchase Disney’s face masks at shopdisney.com in packs of either four or two, depending on the “theme”.  The four packs are $19.99, and the two packs are $11.99.  For comparison, inside the theme parks, you can purchase ONE mask for $9.99.

Disney seems to be changing designs fairly frequently.  There are designs we purchased in the first round that are no longer available.  Also, there were some masks we saw for sale individually in the parks that are not currently available online.  For example there was a “The Child” themed mask that was VERY popular in the parks that is not (currently) available online.  The Haunted Mansion themed masks we got are not currently available online.  The moral of the story is that if you see a design you really like, I recommend you buy now because it may not be available next time you shop.

Here are the current available mask designs.

Holiday Themed

The holiday face masks are sold in two packs, and each two pack is $11.99.

Disney Face Masks Review
Disney Holiday Face Masks? Click the image above to BUY NOW.
Disney Face masks review Disney Holiday Face masks
Disney Holiday Face Masks. Click the picture to SHOP.

Character Themed

There are several face mask packages themed to particular characters.  These are all four packs, and sell for $19.99 per pack.  Take a look at these options.

Mickey Mouse
Disney Face masks review Disney mickey mouse masks
Click the picture above to SHOP.
Minnie Mouse
Disney Face masks review Minnie Mouse face masks
Click the picture above to SHOP!
Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale
Disney Face Masks review
Click the picture to SHOP!
Stitch
Disney Face masks review
Click the picture to SHOP!

Movie Franchise Themed

Are you a Star Wars fan?  Love Pixar movies?  Dying for the next Marvel movie?  Enjoying National Geographic documentaries on Disney+?  Disney has a face mask package for you! (maybe even two!)  Each four mask package sells for $19.99.

Star Wars
Disney face masks review star wars face masks
Click on the picture to shop now!
Marvel
Disney face masks review marvel face masks
Click on the picture to shop!
Disney face masks marvel face masks
Click the picture to shop now!
Pixar
Disney face masks Pixar face masks
Click the picture to shop!
Disney Face Masks Review Pixar face masks
Click the picture to shop!
National Geographic

These are really gorgeous in person!

Disney Face masks national geographic face masks
Click the picture above to shop!

Limited Edition Two Packs

There are a variety of limited edition mask two packs available at shopdisney.com.  Each two pack is $11.99.

Nightmare Before Christmas
Disney Face Masks review Nightmare before christmas face masks
Click the picture above to shop!
Mulan Live Action
Disney Face Masks Review Mulan Face mask
Click the picture above to shop!
Disneyland – Vintage Style
Disney Face Masks Disneyland Face Masks
Click the picture above to shop!
Walt Disney World – Vintage Style
Disney Face Masks review Walt Disney World Face masks
Click the picture to shop!
Snacks!
Disney face masks review disney snacks face masks
Click the picture to shop!
Ariel and Tiana
Disney Face Masks Review
Click the picture to shop!

The Bottom Line

Now that Disney has fixed their sizing issues by adding a larger size that fits most adults, we highly recommend the Disney face mask line.  They are comfortable to wear when sized correctly.  The designs are fun and colorful, and are terrific for Disney fans.  If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, I highly recommend buying your masks online before you go.  It’s more economical to buy from shopDisney.com at $19.99 for a package of four ($4.99 each) or $11.99 for a package of two ($5.99 each) than to pay $9.99 per mask in the parks.  Once you get there, you WILL want one (or more), I promise.  And you’ll convince yourself $9.99 isn’t that bad.  I know I did!

Disney face masks
Photo: Disney PhotoPass

Seriously, though.  Experts say that our single best defense is to wear a mask, followed by social distancing.  If you are going to be out in the world, wearing a mask is highly recommended for both your safety and for the safety of others.  If you are going to wear a mask, it might as well be comfortable AND Disney themed, right?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

P.S. YES, you do have to wear your masks at all times when you visit Disney theme parks.  Even when you are taking pictures or riding attractions.  Did it detract from our experience?  Not at all!  And ten years from now, the pictures from THIS vacation will definitely stand out from the others.😉  Have questions?  Email me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Disney Halloween Merchandise 2020

Disneyland and Walt Disney World may have cancelled this year’s ticketed Halloween parties, but there is a LOT of fun Disney Halloween merchandise available for 2020!! Earlier this year, Disney made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s scheduled Mickey’s Very Scary Halloween Parties. A fairly large fall revenue source for Disney, these popular Halloween themed special events require a separate ticket for admission, and featured activities, entertainment and merchandise exclusive to the parties. (For more on this annual event, please see our posts here or here.)

Disney’s decision made sense to us.  With social distancing requirements already impacting so much Disney entertainment, fireworks and parades, there was just no way to provide guests with the value they expect for the price of the party ticket.  The decision was disappointing, but certainly the correct decision on Disney’s part.  Guests that had already purchased tickets are being refunded.

Disney may be losing out on party ticket revenue but they are NOT going to let that merchandise revenue slip through their hands.  Halloween is an extremely popular holiday in the United States, and  Disney Halloween themed merchandise is second only to Disney Christmas/Holiday themed merchandise.

ShopDisney.com Halloween Shop

If you are unable to visit either of the Disney parks this year, don’t worry.  ShopDisney.com has got you covered.  This year’s shopDisney Halloween shop is filled with fun Disney Halloween merchandise.  If you are a Disney Halloween merchandise fan, read on with caution.  I take no responsibility for your credit card melting. 😉

*The fine print:  There are some links provided on our site and in this article.  If you follow one of these links and ultimately make a purchase, we receive a small commission.  This does not affect the price you pay in anyway.  We provide information about Disney related products that we believe you will enjoy.  Thank you.

Halloween Costumes

One of my favorite departments in the Halloween Shop at shopDisney.com this year is the Halloween costumes section.

I mean look at some of these…couldn’t you just die from the cute?

Baby Costumes

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When I was little, my mom made our costumes, and they were the BEST.  But these days, most parents don’t have time to go the homemade route.  If you can’t go do homemade, I think these Disney costumes look like a great alternative.  (And if you ARE going the homemade route, I think you can find some terrific inspiration looking at all the Disney costumes!)

 Kids Costumes

The kids costumes have the widest variety of options. If your kid loves Disney or Marvel or Star Wars, you are likely to find something they will love.  Looks at some of these adorable options.

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The pricing on the kids costumes covers a wide range. The lowest price I found was $29.99, and the highest was a whopping $500!!!

Disney has even included a couple of costumes for kids that have a wheelchair that also needs a costume.  Check these out!

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Finally, we have the “not a costume” costume.  I love this idea for the kids in colder climates who always have to put a coat on over their cute costumes.  These are hoodies, themed to various characters.  Your kid can warm and cozy AND be channeling their inner Monster (or Princess).  There are a bunch of these, here are just a couple.

Adult Costumes

Of course, the adults can’t be left out of the mix, right? A word for my fellow plus size Disney fans—these costumes are not for us.  Most adult costumes come in S,M and L.  A few offer size XXL, but not many.  And based on my experience with Disney sizing, I predict these probably run small.  No plus size options at all.

There aren’t a lot of options in the Adult Costume category.  And like most Halloween stores, you’ll notice most of the women’s costumes walk the “sexy” line and most of the men’s are “heroes” costumes.

Here are some of the costumes I found:

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The Sanderson Sisters would be fun if you were going to a party in a group, and all loved Hocus Pocus!

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 Pet Costumes

I didn’t even think this was a real thing.  Over the years, I have seen some animals in costumes, but those were generally pretty simple and handmade. I had no idea that Disney pet costumes were a real thing.  But they are!!

These pet costumes are pretty intricate and detailed.  Would your pet actually be willing to wear one of these?

My favorite is the Ewok.  So darn cute.  But what dog would actually wear it and not chew on it?  If you dress your pet up for Halloween and they enjoy it, please send me a picture for the blog!  I’d love to post your pictures and show off your pet costumes.  They do not need to be Disney themed!

Home Decor

Well, it’s pretty hard to beat the costumes, but Disney does try in the home decor section.

If you are a fan of the Haunted Mansion, the Nightmare Before Christmas or Hocus Pocus, Disney has a home decor item for you to help get you home in the Halloween spirit.

Check out this cute collectible featuring the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus.  (Did you hear Hocus Pocus is getting a reboot?  More on that in a future post!)

Disney Halloween Merchandise
Click the photo for more information

The Nightmare Before Christmas stuff is really cute.  It also includes some party decorations (balloons, photo booth props,etc.) if you are planning a Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween party!

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There is so much stuff!  I love the Minnie themed Halloween kitchen towels. There are several Mickey head pumpkin designs as well.  Take a look at just a few of the items below.

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Haunted Mansion

And of course, there’s the Haunted Mansion merchandise. Disney’s line of Haunted Mansion themed merchandise is actually available all year round, but it seems particularly popular and appropriate around Halloween, doesn’t it?  There are TONS of items in the Haunted Mansion “shop”, but here are a few that could add to your spooky theme for Halloween.

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Wearables

If you want to add a little Halloween into your every day wardrobe, this department is for you.  Lots of Disney Halloween themed backpacks, T-shirts, sweatshirts, face masks and socks.  There are pins and “ear hats” and even light up pumpkin Mickey head necklaces.  Here’s just a sample of all the goodies up for grabs at shopDisney.com.

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Will Your Halloween Be Disney-Themed?

I don’t usually dress up for Halloween.  However, I have been known to throw on a pair of Mickey or Minnie ears for the occasion.  This year, I’m really thinking the Minnie Witch Hat ears and the light up Mickey head pumpkin necklace might just be my go-to.

 

What about all of you?  Do you decorate for Halloween?  Do you take your kids trick or treating?  Do you wear a costume or go to any Halloween parties?

Please like this post and share below.  I would love to know how you all celebrate Halloween, and whether any of you include Disney in your celebrations!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Disney Face Masks: Our Review


A few weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Disney Store released pre-orders for a line of Disney face masks.  Initially, the masks were available in four different themes, in packs of four masks for each theme.  Each four pack was available for pre-order for $19.99.  The available sizes (at that time) were small, medium and large.

Because we were planning a big family trip for October at that time, we placed an order for several packages.  At that point,  we were still optimistic that we’d be able to take our October trip, but we assumed we’d probably be wearing face masks when we went.  (For more on our decision to postpone our big family vacation, click here.)

Disney Face Mask Themes

Disney face masks are currently available in six different themes.

Star Wars Themed

The Star Wars themed face masks include four designs.  These designs include:

      • The Child (Baby Yoda)
      • R2D2
      • Episode IV:A New Hope
      • Star Wars Logos and Symbols
shopDisney.com new Star Wars themed face masks
Star Wars themed face masks! Click the image above!

Mickey & Minnie Mouse Themed

One of the most popular Disney face mask themes is Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  As with the other collections, there are four different designs in this package.  The designs include:

    • All over Mickey Mouse figure
    • All over Minnie Mouse figure in black and white
    • Minnie Mouse face with dots
    • Mickey Mouse icon all over
Disney has really cute face masks for sale
Disney themed face masks? Let’s go! Click the picture above.

Pixar Themed

The Disney face mask line that features Pixar is pretty cute.  There are four different designs featuring Pixar icons.  The four designs include:

    • Forky
    • All over print of Pixar characters on blue background
    • Mike Wazowski
    • All over print of Pixar characters on white background
Toy Story themed face masks at shopdisney.com
Toy Story themed face masks at shopdisney.com. Please click the picture above!

Marvel Themed

One of the latest additions to the Disney face mask options is the Marvel themed collection.  Like the other themed collections, the Marvel collection includes four different designs.  The four designs include:

    • Hulk
    • All over Black Panther symbols
    • All over Marvel logo
    • All over grid with Marvel characters and symbols
Disney Face Masks Marvel
Marvel themed Disney face masks

Princess  and Frozen Themed

If you are a Disney Princess, or just love them a lot, the Disney face masks featuring Disney Princesses might be your favorite.  This collection also features four distinct designs.  The four designs include:

    • Frozen
    • The Little Mermaid
    • All over Disney Princess figures
    • Disney Princess names, all over
Disney face masks Disney Princess and Frozen Face Masks
Disney Princess and Frozen Face Masks

Disney “Faces” Themed

Disney face masks’ newest collection features the lower half of famous Disney character faces. The four faces in this collection include:

    • Winnie the Pooh
    • Stitch
    • Mickey Mouse
    • Marie (the Aristocats)
Disney Face Masks Mickey Mouse Winnie-the-Pooh Aristocats Marie Stitch
Disney Face Masks

Disney Face Masks: The Good

The good news is that the Disney face masks are even cuter in person than they look on the shopdisney.com website.  They’re made of a very soft knit fabric.  They are not heavy weight, and they are fairly comfortable to wear and breathe in.

Disney Face Masks Disney Princess
Maria loves her new Disney Princess themed face mask. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

The colors are strong, and after several washings, the masks that are getting worn are holding their colors very well.

While there have been “fit” issues (see The Bad, below), the masks are comfortable to wear and fairly easy to breathe in.  They are not as lightweight as disposable masks or all cotton masks, but they are not heavy.

Disney Face masks Minnie Mouse
Katelyn, age 6. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Maintenance

You can machine wash the masks, using cold water and gentle cycle.  Do NOT bleach.  You can tumble dry them on low heat.  I’ve also hand washed them and laid flat to dry.  They don’t feel quite as soft that way, but it does the job.

Disney recommends you wash your masks between wearings.  The masks dry fairly quickly, but you’d probably want at least two if they were the only masks you were wearing (on vacation for example). That way you could wash at night and alternate days for each mask.

Disney Face masks
Top: Youth Medium. Bottom: Adult Large (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Supporting a Good Cause

Disney is donating one million cloth face masks for children and families in underserved and vulnerable communities across the United States.  Disney’s donated masks will be distributed by MedShare (www.medshare.org).  In addition, Disney is donating $1 million in profits from the sale of Disney face masks.  This donation is also going to MedShare to support the medical community’s ongoing efforts to provide care to those in need.

Disney Face Masks: The Bad

Sizing Issues

These masks run SMALL.  When we placed our order, there were three sizes available, small, medium and large.

This has changed.  There are now four sizes available: Youth Small, Youth Medium, Adult Large and Adult Extra Large.  The three smaller sizes are the sizes that were previously labeled small, medium, and large.

For our review, we ordered some masks in each size.  The small size masks were too small for our six and seven year old family members, but worked well for cousins that are two and three. Disney has since renamed this size “Youth Small”.  This is obviously in response to complaints from buyers unhappy with the small sizing.

Medium

The size medium masks we ordered we thought would be perfect for our teenaged family members, but we have found they are way too small for the older kids.  The medium (now called “Youth Medium”) fit a small six year old perfectly, but was too small for her seven year old cousin.

Disney Face Masks Review.
Katelyn, age 6. Medium Minnie Mouse Mask (Youth Medium) fits great! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

He’s a little big for his age, probably closer to your average nine year old.  Unfortunately the size large (now Adult Large) is way too big for him, so we are making some modifications to his medium mask so he can wear it.

Disney Face Mask Sizing
DeMarco, age 7. Youth Medium, ear loops too short and pull on his ears. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Disney Face Mask Mickey Mouse
DeMarco, age 7. The mask itself is a perfect fit for his face, but the ear loops are too short. Youth Medium. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Based on the kids we have asked to model the masks so far, we are predicting the Youth Medium mask will work for kids of average size, age 4-8 (maybe 7).

Large

The size large masks we had planned for all the adult family members.

Disney Face masks
Linda, Disney Princess Face Mask, Size Adult Large (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

We were successful with two people.  Both found the size large masks (now called “Adult Large”) very comfortable.

Disney Face mask Disney Princess
Maria, side view Disney Princess face mask, size Adult Large (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

We were less successful with our teenager, Vinny.  Vinny is 5’10” tall, and pretty lean.  We’d originally thought a size medium would work for Vinny, but once we realized that the medium wouldn’t fit his little brother, we knew Vinny would need a large.

Disney Face Mask
Vinny, age 16. He’s wearing an Adult Large Star Wars themed mask. It’s slightly large for his face, but the ear loops are pulling on his ears. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Disney Face Masks
Vinny, age 16. As you can see, the mask covers his face fine, but the ear loops pull on his ears too much. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Unfortunately, Vinny’s experience proved to be common.  The rest of the “adults” in the family all found the masks to be too small.  The loops for the ears just are not long enough.

Disney Face masks
Jason, Star Wars themed Adult Large. Mask fits on his face just fine, but the loops are too short and pull on his ears. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Functionality

There is no where to put a filter in these masks.  That isn’t necessarily a big deal; they are two layers and provide basic protection.  If you wanted to add a filter, you could cut a slot in the back layer and insert a filter between the layers.

Disney Face Masks: The Ugly

Ok, so there isn’t really any UGLY.  I just had this fun The Good, The Bad and The Ugly film analogy going, and couldn’t let it go!

Seriously though, lots of buyers have been very frustrated by the Disney face masks, no matter how cute they are.  If you spend $19.99 on a four mask package for your kids, you expect to be able to use them for your kids.  When they are too small, it’s annoying.

Similarily, if you had your heart set on wearing that Forky mask to work next week and it’s way too small, you might be disappointed.

Modify?

Some folks have been able to successfully modify the masks to make them fit.  Some workable options that we have seen include:

    • Cutting the ear loops and extending them
    • Removing the ear loops completely and replacing them
    • Looping elastic or ribbon through the loops and tying the mask behind your head (not using the ear loops for your ears at all)

However, most of us don’t expect to have to modify our Disney Store purchases to “make it work”.

Disney Face Mask
Star Wars themed Disney face mask, sizing inconsistency. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

I will also say that I did find some inconsistency in this initial group of masks.  Some were slightly uneven, slightly larger on one end than the other.  I suspect that because we ordered almost as soon as they were available for pre-order, we received some of the first masks shipped out.  Most likely, inconsistencies and quality issues have been worked out by now.

The Disney Store does accept returns, and the fact that they have renamed the sizes does seem to indicate they recognize they may not have provided enough sizing information initially.

Sizing

More good news.  ShopDisney.com now provides very detailed sizing information including measurements for all the Disney face masks.  This should help you avoid some of the frustration that other buyers have experienced.

Youth Small

    • Mask Width: 5”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Closed): 2 1/2”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Opened): 4 1/2”
    • Ear Loop Strap Length Per Side, Joint to Joint: 5 1/2”

Youth Medium

    • Mask Width: 6”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Closed): 3 1/4”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Opened): 5 1/2”
    • Ear Loop Strap Length Per Side, Joint to Joint: 6 1/2”

Adult Large

    • Mask Width: 7”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Closed): 3 3/4”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Opened): 6”
    • Ear Loop Strap Length Per Side, Joint to Joint: 6 1/2”

Adult Extra Large

    • Mask Width: 7 1/2”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Closed): 4”
    • Mask Height (Pleats Opened): 6 1/4”
    • Ear Loop Strap Length Per Side, Joint to Joint: 7 1/2”

Sizing Guide

Measure from the bridge of the nose to the bottom of the chin.  Use the guidelines below to help identify the correct size mask to order.  Disney suggest you choose the LARGEST size your measurement falls into.  However, also take a look at the ear loop strap length per side, joint to joint, provided above.  You want to be sure that the straps are going to be long enough, unless you are comfortable modifying the loops.

    • Youth Small: 2 1/2” – 3 1/2”
    • Youth Medium: 3 1/4” – 4 1/2”
    • Adult Large: 3 3/4” – 5 3/4”
    • Adult Extra Large: 4” – 6”

Overall Grade: B+

We’d give these masks an A+ for cuteness, absolutely. An A- for comfort, mainly because the ear loops are a little thicker than needed, in our opinion.  Where the masks take a hit is on FIT.  That’s a C, based on what we’ve tried so far.

However, Disney DOES appear to have rectified the size issue by renaming the sizes and adding a fourth, larger size.  We have an order of the new Adult Extra Large masks on the way, and will update you once we’ve had a chance to try them out.

 

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
Disclaimer

All the Disney face masks used in this review were bought and paid for.  We did not receive any free or sample masks in exchange for this review.  There are some links on our site that lead you to products or services we recommend that we think you will like.  If you follow those links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission on your purchase.  This does NOT affect the price you pay.  Thank you.

Disney World Reopened: What We Know

In our pandemic plagued world, many of us thrive on good news.  If you are a Disney lover (and if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you are), there is good news in the Disney arena today.  Disney World has reopened at last!  Here’s what we know so far about Disney World reopening.

Watch this short video Disney released of cast members preparing for Disney World reopening.  Warning: it COULD make you cry.  Just sayin’.

Limited Capacity

As we have discussed before, Disney World parks are reopening with limited capacity in order to promote social distancing.  The way Disney is managing park capacity is through a new park reservation system, the Disney Park Pass System.  Every guest with a Disney park ticket must also have a reservation for a particular theme park on a particular day in order to enter that theme park.  At this time, no park hopping is allowed.

Disney has set capacity numbers for each park, controlled through the park reservation system.  Disney is not officially revealing the capacity numbers they have set for each park.  Most likely, these numbers are very fluid and will change frequently, at least this first few months, as Disney observes guest response to new restrictions.

At this time, most park reservations well into August are “sold out”.  However, if you are trying to make a reservation, keep checking because we are seeing changes almost daily as Disney reallocates availability between the resort guests with tickets, non resort guest ticket holders and Annual Passholder groups for each park and each day.  This is definitely a “learn as we go” situation for all of us, especially for Disney.

Annual Passholders and Park Pass System

If you are a Disney World Annual Passholder, and have a resort reservation, you are able to make park reservations for the duration of your resort stay, presuming there is availability.  If you do not have a resort reservation, you are able to book up to three days at a time.  After you have used the first day’s reservation, you’ll be able to book an additional day.  Again, assuming there is availability.  At this time the most limited availability for park reservations is in the Annual Passholder group.  But again, check back frequently if you are trying to make reservations, as we are seeing availability change as Disney reallocates between reservation groups.

Disney World Reopened
Photo: Disney Parks

Safety Measures

Disney has done absolutely everything they can (short of not opening the parks at all) to protect the safety of park guests and cast members.  This means there are a lot of “new” processes and things to see if you visit Disney during this time.

Transportation and Parking

If you’re driving to the parks, you will immediately notice signs encouraging cashless payment for parking.  Disney will still accept cash, but they are highly encouraging guests to use cashless forms of payment.

When parking, cast members will direct cars to park in every other spot to encourage social distancing as guests emerge from their cars.  After guests emerge from their vehicles and move towards the trams or gates, cast members will fill in the empty alternating spots with new guests arriving.  We love this safety measure!  It makes sense for social distancing, but also minimizes the need to wait for the guests in the next car to close their doors so you can open yours!

Minnie Vans are NOT available at this time.  Guests can still use Rideshare (Lyft/Uber) as an option.

Disney World Reopens
Opening Day (Photo: Disney World)
Disney Transportation

Buses are running, and in each bus, some seats are blocked off to encourage social distancing.  Similarly, Monorails are running, and social distancing is encouraged.  The Monorails don’t seem to be managing this quite as well–probably due to volume availability.  There are markers on the ground as you wait for both buses and Monorails, indicating the suggested six feet for social distancing.

Boats and ferries are ALSO up and running, again with social distancing markers to remind guests to maintain appropriate distances.  Lots of new signs promoting social distancing.

Temperature and Bag Checks

Prior to entering the parks, guests visit large white tents for temperature checks.  The tents are manned by Advent Health professionals using handheld infrared thermometers.  If you are wearing a hat or have hair covering your forehead, they will ask you to remove your hat and/or pull back your hair.  This process moves pretty quickly, then you head to bag check.

Security

Bag check has changed.  Previously, if you weren’t carrying a bag, you entered through one area, and if you were carrying a bag, you got in line.  All bags were manually searched by security at tables before you were allowed to move on.  Usually, you were encouraged to remove large items like cameras from your bag to enable security to more easily search your bag.

In the new process, you do not remove anything from your bag.  You carry your bag with you through detectors.  If your bag triggers the sensor, you may be asked to submit to a no-touch bag search.  (Basically, you empty your bag into a tub so security can look at the contents).  This definitely moves more quickly than the old process, but it is likely that this process will evolve over time.

Masks

All guests over the age of two are required to wear a face covering.  This is not optional.  On opening day, guests all appeared to be complying with this requirement.  Hopefully, we will see this compliance continue, as we definitely don’t want to see Disney as a source of increased infections.

Disney World Reopens
Opening Day Sparkles! (Photo: Disney Parks)

Additionally, all cast members are wearing masks.  The only exceptions we have seen have been performers–and they are maintaining a healthy distance from guests and each other.

Guests are expected to wear their masks at all times, except when eating or drinking.  However, Disney has set up several “relaxation stations” in each park.  These relaxation stations are areas with tables and fans, designed for people to sit and remove their masks for a break.  The tables are spread out to maximize social distancing between parties.  They are small areas, but the idea is much appreciated.

Social Distancing

Throughout each park you will see signs reminding you to socially distance yourself from other parties.  You will also see lots of stickers on the ground, designed to help guests maintain proper distance from others.

Disney World Reopened
Opening Day (Photo: Disney Parks)

You’ll notice new health and safety reminder signs on trash cans, too!  Also, Disney has propped the trash cans open so that you don’t have to touch the lid when throwing items away.

Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer Stations

You will notice new hand washing and hand sanitizer stations throughout the entry areas to the parks, and within the parks themselves.

No Finger Scan

At this time, guests are scanning their Magic Bands or Park Passes to enter the parks. However, the finger scans are covered up at this time.  Disney has done this in the past to speed up park entry during very crowded periods, but it’s not common. Most likely, the scans are covered at this time for disease prevention.  It would be pretty tough to clean the scans between each visitor, and would significantly slow down park admittance.  We don’t know if this procedure change will last, but no finger scan certainly speeds things up!

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom

Both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opened earlier this week for cast member previews and Annual Passholder previews.  MK and AK officially opened to the public on Saturday, July 11, 2020.

Disney World Reopened
Welcome Back! (Photo: Disney Parks)

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle has been undergoing a makeover (previously reported here).  It appears to be nearly finished, and Cinderella Castle looks BEAUTIFUL.  While cranes were visible during the cast member previews earlier in the week, there were no cranes in sight on reopening day.  Some touch ups probably remain, so it’s likely the cranes are not gone for good.  However, it was amazing to see Cinderella Castle in all its glittering glory on reopening day.

Disney World Reopened, Cinderella Castle makeover
Photo: Disney Parks
Cinderella Castle Makeover
Photos: Disney Parks

Cinderella’s Royal Table, the table service restaurant inside Cinderella Castle remains closed at this time.

Also, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo is closed for the foreseeable future.

Crowds

Although right after the park opened, Main Street was fairly congested as people moved towards the hub and off into their various destinations, it soon thinned out to a more comfortable level.  Crowds were fairly light throughout the day, and guests did a pretty good job managing social distancing.  Of course, the lighter than usual crowds are due to the capacity limitations Disney has placed on the park.  However, even knowing it is due to dangerous circumstances, it is a joy to see the parks in all their glory without wall to wall people.

Disney World Reopened
Opening Day! (Photo: Disney Parks)

Lines

For the most part, lines for attractions remained pretty short throughout the day.  Attractions like Flight of Passage (AK), Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (MK) and Splash Mountain (MK) had the longest waits, topping out around 55 minutes a few times, but mostly staying around 40 minutes.  Splash Mountain was in high demand as most guests are aware the attraction will be closing soon to make way for reimagining for The Princess and the Frog.

Virtual Queue at Splash Mountain GIFT SHOP

Surprisingly, or maybe not?  The longest lines of the day (although virtual) were for the Splash Mountain merchandise shop!  Guests could check in and be given a return time to shop.  Those virtual lines got as long as 3 and 4 HOURS.  It was pretty quick to check in and get a return time; however, the line for returning guests seemed slow. Again, given that this merchandise will soon be gone forever, this shop was in high demand both by Splash Mountain fans, Disney memorabilia collections and eBay sellers!

Interactive Queues and Ride Queue Safety

There are now plexiglass dividers in some of the ride queues where social distancing would be a challenge, given the way the queues loop back and forth.  All of the “hands on” queue activities for rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Winnie the Pooh have been roped off.  Again, it would be impossible to clean these items frequently enough to protect guests as they are handled constantly when in use.  Therefore it makes sense to just block them off.  Its a bummer, but the shorter lines help offset the disappointment.

Disney World Reopens
Opening Day (Photo: Disney Parks)

Attractions

The biggest questions people had before Disney World reopened were about attractions.  As mentioned above, some attractions now have plexiglass barriers between queue sections to help keep guests separated.  All attractions are cleaning the vehicles and public areas frequently.  Most attractions have hand sanitizer at the entrance and exit areas of the queues.  We did notice that some lines looked REALLY long–mainly because of social distancing markers.  Even the longest looking lines moved pretty quickly throughout the day, though. At all attractions, the Fast Pass signs are off and the Fast Pass queues are blocked off.  Fast Pass has been disabled until further notice.

Disney World Reopened
(Photo: Disney Parks)

Here’s some additional information on some of the most popular attractions at the park.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

As mentioned above, there is plexiglass in sections of the queue, and the interactive portions of the queue have been completely blocked off.  In addition, there are physical distance markers on the ground throughout to help guests know where to wait.

As guests board the attraction, cast members are leaving empty seats between parties to promote physical distancing.  Also, cast members are not checking the lap bars themselves as they pass to do the lap bar check; they are asking guests to do it themselves.

Haunted Mansion

Honestly, this is the only one we were really concerned about, haha.  Many of you have asked about the stretching room pre show at Haunted Mansion.  Now that Disney Word has reopened, we can confirm that the stretching room pre show is NOT part of the attraction at this time.  Cast members guide guests through the stretching room straight into the doom buggy queue.

This is the only logical outcome, and was predicted as the solution by many experts.  However, we know many of you will mourn the loss of the stretching room.  Hopefully, as the disease is contained and hopefully eradicated, we can return our beloved stretching room to its natural state.

There are social distancing markers on the ground throughout the queue.  As with other attractions, the interactive elements of the outside queue are blocked off and bypassed.

Splash Mountain

Cast members are limiting the logs to one party per log.  We saw logs of logs with 2 and 3 people in them.  This process may change, but for now, get those ride photos with no strangers in them!!  (Hey, gotta find the silver lining, right?)

Loading was a little slower than usual, both because the parties were so spread out, and also because each log was getting sanitized after each ride.  We have to add–as big fans of CLEAN, we are loving the new measures of frequent cleaning.  Disney has always had a great reputation for cleanliness, but these extra measures are taking it to a whole new level.

Much like the virtual queue areas at other attractions, the play area at Splash Mountain is blocked off and closed.

Space Mountain

As with the other attractions we’ve mentioned, the interactive games in the queue were blocked off.

Cast members were leaving empty seats between parties in the ride vehicles.

Disney World Reopened
Photo: Disney Parks
Wilderness Explorers

Wilderness Explorers can still earn badges and complete activities (and adventures!) Masks are, of course required, as is physical distancing.  However, the Wilderness MUST be Explored!

Pandora

We tend to think of the entire land of Pandora as an attraction, because even if you aren’t going to ride the rides, you still HAVE to visit Pandora and look at everything.  And you have to see it both in the light and in the dark.  Unfortunately, Animal Kingdom (or any other park for that matter) is not open after dark at this time, so the magic of Pandora at night is not an option.

Pandora has a lot of interactive elements.  Drums to play, flowers to touch that react to your touch, etc.  Right now, those interactive elements are not available for guests to play with.  Much as we’ve mentioned for interactive queue elements above, it would be impossible for Disney cast members to keep up with cleaning these elements between each guest touching them as when they are in use, they are constantly being touched.  So it makes sense that you can’t “play” with Pandora right now, but you can still be stunned by its visual beauty.

Flight of Passage

There are physical distancing stickers on the ground throughout the queue.  There are areas where there are plexiglass barriers between queue lines to protect guests.  For those of us that prioritize bathroom locations, we are pleased to report that the mid-queue bathrooms in the Flight of Passage queue are open!

They limited the parties in the preshow area so not all the floor circles were filled.  They also didn’t “pair” you with your banshee during the preshow, so no hands on.

Parties were seated on banshees together with two empty banshees between parties.

The best thing about the limited capacity situation is the queue for Flight of Passage.  This ride usually has 2 hour waits, every single day, all day.  For much of reopening day, Flight of Passage wait times were less than 40 minutes.  Many guests reported wait times of 20 minutes or less.  Silver lining?

It’s Tough to Be a Bug

For this “show-like” attraction, parties are encouraged to stand by physically distanced dots.  Parties of 5 or more will be split in to two (or more) dots.  Every other row is blocked off, and empty seats are left between each group of 4.  Happy to report no magic lost here.

Expedition Everest

At least for now, both the Fast Pass queue and Single rider queue are closed.  There are social distancing markers on the ground throughout the queue.

Empty seats are left between parties, and the ride vehicles are getting cleaned frequently.

Disney World Reopens
Opening Day (Photo: Disney Parks)

Quick Service Dining

Outside each Quick Service restaurant, you’ll now see signs encouraging you to use your My Disney Experience app for Mobile ordering.  Inside, you’ll see some tables are blocked off with signs to make sure guests are physically distancing themselves.

If you do get in line to order with a cast member, you’ll notice the plexiglass barriers that have become so prevalent in fast food restaurants and grocery store checkouts around the country (don’t you wish you owned stock is a plexiglass company right now?).

Disney World Reopened
Opening Day (Photo: Disney Parks)

Table Service Dining

At table service restaurants, you will notice a sign outside encouraging you to use mobile check in for your reservation using your My Disney Experience app and the QR Code on the sign.  This makes us a little sad, as we have always enjoyed interreacting with the hosts at the check in desks–especially when they are from other parts of the world.  However, with the College Program terminated for the time being, and Disney losing more than a billion dollars during the shut down, this change makes sense from a cost cutting measure.  It also helps guests remain physically distanced, but surely plexiglass at the desk and the stickers on the ground would have also accomplished that?  We think this one is more about cost cutting.

Inside, you will see that tables are left empty to promote physical distancing.

Advance Dining Reservations

As a side note, guests are able to make Advance Dining Reservations for table service restaurants sixty days in advance now.  As a reminder, Disney cancelled ALL dining reservations through the end of the year a few months ago.  The process has changed however.  In order to make an ADR, you must have a Park Pass reservation for the day and park the restaurant is in.  This means you must already have your passes purchased and linked to your My Disney Experience account.  In addition, you must use the Disney Park Pass system to book a Park Pass reservation for everyone in your party for that park on that day in order to make a dining reservation.

PhotoPass

As PhotoPass aficionados, we were very worried as to whether PhotoPass photographers would be working in the parks when Disney World reopened.  We are happy to report there were lots of PhotoPass photographers to be found.  Note: For the moment, at least, you must be wearing your mask in the photo, as well as in the queue and when you approach the photographer to scan your Magic Band or PhotoPass card.  We suspect as guests adapt to wearing their masks all the time, Disney may allow mask removal for photos, but for now–you must wear your mask all the time.

Characters

Another huge question we’ve been getting from readers is about character greetings and meals.  Unfortunately, as Disney World reopens there are no Character Meals in the parks, and all standard Character Greetings are on hold.

However, Disney has recognized that for many guests, Character interactions are a crucial part of their Disney parks experience.  As a result they have implemented some NEW Character experiences to help ensure most guests will have the opportunity to see the characters they want to see.  You won’t be able to get the close up experience and character interaction and intimate photos of a true character greetings, but you will see and interact with characters from a distance.

Character Cavalcades, Disney World Reopened
Character Cavalcade Concept Art: Disney Parks
Character Cavalcades

New in the Magic Kingdom are Character Cavalcades.  These remind us a bit of the “Dance Party” mini parades that have been popular the last couple of years–without the guest interaction.  Throughout the day, small floats will tour Main Street and the hub area. These floats are filled with characters and surrounded by Disney entertainers.

Disney World Reopened
Opening Day Character Cavalcade (Photo: Disney Parks)
Casual Character Sightings

Some characters will also appear in the parks periodically and “randomly”, also for distanced interaction.  For example, you might see Buzz Lightyear in his usual spot for Character Greetings in Tomorrowland–you just can’t approach him and get your photo taken.  At a different time of day, you might see characters on board one of the Main Street trolleys, or riding on a firetruck.  Disney is trying to get Characters out into the public for photos and waving, while still protecting the Characters and guests from each other.  Disney has told us that Characters may surprise guests at any time, walking down a street, or visiting an attraction queue.  While these compromised efforts may not completely satisfy a parent wanting a photo of their child with Mickey Mouse, at least the child will still get to SEE Mickey Mouse.  At this point we will take what we can get!

Disney World Reopens – Is the Magic Back?

Yes, the magic is back.  It’s not the same, but it’s still filled with fun and laughter and brilliant imagination.  We miss some things terribly (fireworks junkie over here), but are thrilled that Disney World has reopened.  We remain hopeful that we will all work together to stop the spread of Covid-19, and that Disney will be able to add more normalcy to the parks as time goes on.

Disney World Reopens
Welcome Back! (Photo: Disney Parks)

The world is pretty crazy right now, and a lot of people are suffering.  Knowing that Disney World has reopened may seem like a trivial thing to a lot of people, in the midst of all the difficulties people are facing.  For us, it’s kind of a reminder that the good things are still out there, they’re still ahead.  That magic and beauty are still happening, and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Now more than ever, we all need hope, and for us, Disney is providing a beacon of hope.  Disney World has reopened at last!  Lots of fun times ahead, friends!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Disney World vacations are available for booking for both the duration of 2020 and 2021.  If you’d like to get a no obligation quote, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.  I’m also available if you want advice on whether to visit the parks this year.

P.S. If you DO have a trip planned, Disney has put together a Know Before You Go website they plan to keep updated as information changes.  Be sure to check it out!

 

The Mandalorian Merchandise Now Available at ShopDisney.com

Great news!  The Mandalorian merchandise is now available at shopdisney.com!

We knew it was only a matter of time, and that time has come.  Disney couldn’t release any merchandise featuring The Child (popularly known as Baby Yoda) until after the series introduced the character to avoid spoilers.  However, once the character WAS introduced, The Child practically broke the internet!  People started searching for The Mandalorian merchandise even before the series premiered on Disney+ in November.  Since the series premiered and has been gaining in popularity, the demand for The Mandalorian merchandise has really escalated!

And of course, The Child is EVERYWHERE!  If you’ve been looking for your own piece of The Mandalorian, or perhaps want your very own Child to take care of, it’s time to visit shopdisney.com.

Take a Look

Here are a just a few of the items you can find at shopdisney.com*.

The Mandalorian merchandise now available

The Child – Plush

The Mandalorian Merchandise is now available

Mandalorian T-Shirt

The Mandalorian Merchandise is now available

The Child – Super Sized Pop! Funko

The Mandalorian Merchandise is now available

Mandalorian T-Shirt

The Mandalorian Merchandise is now available

The Child – Pop! Funko

The Mandalorian Merchandise is now available

Bounty Hunter T-Shirt

The Mandalorian Merchandise is now available

Mandalorian The Child T-Shirt

There is a LOT more The Mandalorian merchandise available now.  There are mugs, phone cases, socks, blankets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, toys–just about anything you could possibly want with either The Mandalorian or The Child.  Visit shopdisney.com and enter Mandalorian into the search box.  You will see all The Mandalorian merchandise currently available, as well as merchandise coming soon.

Note: some of The Mandalorian merchandise is available for pre-order, and won’t arrive until May or June.  This is mostly “The Child” merchandise.  In an effort to avoid spoilers, Disney didn’t even START working on The Child merchandise until after the character appeared on The Mandalorian.  And of course, promptly broke the internet.

Final Thoughts

Are you excited to get your very own merchandise from The Mandalorian?  Trip planning tip:  We like to have a few surprises for the kids when we arrive at Disney.  New t-shirts of favorite characters, new Disney hats, or a special themed Magic Band are popular choices.  If you have kids really into The Mandalorian, think about surprising them with a new T-shirt they could wear to the parks.  Packing a couple of new The Mandalorian t-shirts as a surprise could kick the trip off in a really fun way!

There are rumors that The Mandalorian may be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland soon for a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge meet and greet.  I will keep you posted on that as I learn more!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

*Note: I am an affiliate of shopdisney.com.  If you click on any of these links to visit the Disney store online, I will earn a small commission on any purchase you make, at no cost to you. 

P.S. To learn more about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, please visit this post or this post.

Disney Skyliner Takes Flight!

It’s hard to believe, but after more than two years of construction, Disney Skyliner is ready for take off!  Disney Skyliner officially takes flight for Walt Disney World park and resort guests on Sunday, September 29, 2019.  However, Disney Skyliner has been taking special guests and members of the press on test “flights” all week.

Early reports are VERY positive, and I cannot WAIT for my first ride!

Disney Skyliner Takes Flight

I am so excited to check out this latest mode of transportation at Walt Disney World!  Take a look at the latest video of Disney Skyliner, released by Disney earlier this week:

Partly a means of transportation from one park or resort to another, Disney Skyliner also looks like one heck of an attraction!  The views from the Skyliner gondolas look amazing!

Skyliner visits both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Epcot theme parks.  In addition, Skyliner visits four resorts: Disney’s Caribbean Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and the NEW Disney’s Riviera Resort (opening in December).

Skyliner Merchandise

Perhaps most exciting for the shoppers among us, there is LOTS of new merchandise available at Walt Disney World starring Disney Skyliner!

Disney Skyliner Ready for Take Off Merchandise
Photo: Disney Parks

You’ll be able to find Skyliner merchandise in select locations; predominantly at resorts and theme parks on the Skyliner line.  Merchandise will be available at the International Gateway at Epcot, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort, when it opens in December.  There is no official mention of Skyliner merchandise being featured at the World of Disney Store in Disney Springs, but I have a hard time believing we won’t be able to find SOMETHING Skyliner themed there, don’t you?

Check out these ADORABLE Christmas ornaments.  Has a Disney attraction ever been MORE perfect for an ornament?

Similar to the ornaments are these models.  If you want to have your very own Skyliner gondola in your home, one of these might be for you!

But wait, there’s more!  (Shocking, I know!)  Check out some of these options:

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Annual Passholders, do not fear!  There is (of course!!!) special Disney Skyliner merchandise just for you.  Take a look:

And, of course, because this is Disney and we know they want ALL our money, I feel fairly confident in assuring you that there is much, much more in the Disney Skyliner merchandise line.  And certainly, some holiday themed Skyliner merchandise will be coming.  I don’t know that for sure, but I feel reasonably confident, don’t you?

Are You Ready To Take Flight on Skyliner?

I love how colorful the gondolas (also called cabins) are.  Featuring eight colors and a TON of graphics featuring characters from Disney movies, theme park attractions and traditional cartoons, I think watching Skyliner from the ground is going to be almost as much fun as riding it.

Each Disney Skyliner cabin can handle up to 10 guests, including those traveling in wheelchairs or with strollers.  The gondolas are NOT air conditioned; however, they are vented, and Disney assures us that the cabins will be comfortable as air moves through them as the cabins move through the system.

#DisneyTransportationGoals

I think an excellent adventure plan for Disney guests looking for a challenge will be to plan to enjoy all FOUR methods of official Disney transportation on a given day. For example, you could start your day via bus and head to Hollywood Studios to start your day.  From there, you could take the Skyliner to Epcot, and then travel by monorail to the Magic Kingdom.  From Magic Kingdom, you could take a boat to the Ticket and Transport Center or one of the nearby resorts, and have dinner or drinks to celebrate your success.  Even more fun would be to plan stops along both the monorail lines and the Skyliner lines.  Lots of terrific options for Walt Disney World Resort guests!

Are you looking forward to your first ride on Disney Skyliner?  Please like this post and comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

P.S. To learn more about Skyliner, please check out these previous posts:

 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN at Disneyland

Can you believe it?  After all our anticipation, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is NOW OPEN at the Disneyland Resort.  I’ve got lots of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news and updates for you, including information about the live streaming of the opening dedication, what you will need to know before you go, and updates on food, beverage and MERCHANDISE.  Read on, because we have lots to chat about today.

Go Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Check out this terrific video Disney released, taking us inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.

How amazing does that look?  I can’t WAIT to go and see for myself!

 

Are you planning a visit to Disneyland to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  There are some things you should know BEFORE you go!

Good Morning America’s Visit

Good Morning America’s Ginger Zee got to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland a few days ago.  Lucky for us, she’s sharing a sneak peek of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with GMA viewers (and all of us!)

Here’s a quick look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with Ginger Zee that GMA posted earlier this week:

ABC News Sneak Peek

On Wednesday, Good Morning America posted a more in depth look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Ginger Zee’s ride on Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run!  Click the link below to check out the video and article.

GMA Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Opening Dedication LIVESTREAM

In related news, Inside Disney Parks live streamed the Opening Dedication for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort.  The live stream aired Tuesday night.  I tried to watch, but the feed keep kicking me out for some reason.

The good news is that Disney has released a link to a replay of the 40 minute livestream.  You can watch it below:

Know Before You Go: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Here’s the latest “Know Before You Go” video from Disney Parks:

Here are important things to know, whether you are visiting right away, or later in the year:

      • Reminder: Reservations are required from May 31 – June 23, 2019.  Guests without reservations will NOT be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from May 31 – June 23, 2019.  The only way to get a reservation at this point is to book a resort reservation at one of the three Disneyland resorts (Disney’s Paradise Pier Resort, Disneyland Resort, or Disney’s Grand Californian Spa and Resort) during the reservation period.  Resort guests are automatically granted a reservation during their stay to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
      • Disneyland theme park admission IS required.  If you have a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but do NOT have a ticket to get into Disneyland, you will NOT be visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
      • If you have a reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you may check in for your reservation up to two hours early; however, you don’t NEED to check in early.  If you have a reservation, you WILL get in.
      • If you do not have a reservation, you will NOT get in to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  There will NOT be a queue for guests without reservations to gain access.

Stormtroopers Will Escort You OUT…

We are in the home stretch now.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31, 2019, and I can’t wait to hear all the first hand accounts of visitors from those first few days!

As we’ve discussed on this blog before, Disneyland is requiring reservations for Disneyland guests that wish to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during this first few weeks.  Guests visiting between May 31 and June 23, 2019 had to request free reservations to be awarded a four hour window within which they will be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  It appears that each guest with a reservation will be given a color coded wrist band to help cast members verify that the guest IS visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the appropriate time.

Here’s the fun part: If a guest “overstays their welcome” at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they will be asked to leave BY STORMTROOPERS!  In fact, it appears that Disney is planning for Stormtroopers to escort guests that have stayed too long out of the new land entirely!!

Food and Beverages

Here’s a “Know Before You Go” video that Disney released about the food and beverage options we have to look forward to inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Here are some pictures Disney has released of the food and beverage offerings:

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Now Open Milk Stand
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Now Open Rontos Roasters
The Ronto Morning Wrap can be found at Ronto Roasters and is scrambled eggs, grilled pork sausage, shredded cheese and peppercorn sauce wrapped in pita. (Photo: David Nguyen/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Olgas Cantina
Left to right, non-alcoholic drinks: Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession provision and Cliff Dweller can be found at Oga’s Cantina. (Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Where’s the Merchandise?

There is going to be TONS of fun stuff for us all to drool over and add to our Star Wars merchandise collections.

Disney released another “Know Before You Go” video featuring the merchandise we have to look forward to.

It looks like SOME items will also be added to the Star Wars Launch Bay gift shop in Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland.  This means even if you can’t get in to the new land right away, you may still be able to get your hands on some of that limited time only merchandise.

We previously did a blog about some of the merchandise coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  If you missed it, click here.

Here’s some new pictures Disney released.

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Now Open Droid Depot
Guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be able to stop by the Droid Depot to build their own R-series or BB-series droids that will act as a friend throughout the village of Black Spire Outpost. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Build Your Own Light Saber
At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests will have the opportunity to customize and craft their own lightsabers. In this exclusive experience, guests will feel like a Jedi as they build these elegant weapons from a more civilized age. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Marketplace
Guests will be able to wander the lively marketplace of Black Spire Outpost and encounter a robust collection of merchant shops and stalls filled with authentic Star Wars creations. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run Extra Extra Magic Hours
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open, but there is only one of its two flagship attractions open at this time.  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is open, and looks really terrific.

For all of us that have WISHED we could fly the Millennium Falcon someday, it looks like we’re going to get our chance!

Disney released this video to show us what we can expect.  We get to go through the queue and see some of the hidden treasures we can look for.  We even get to go for a quick ride (Don’t watch this if you’re avoiding spoilers!)

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Millennium Falcon
Inside Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles aboard the fastest ship in the galaxy. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN

When are you going to visit?  Everything I’ve seen so far from the press and early visitors is VERY positive, and I cannot wait to check this place out!

How about you?  Are you excited to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  Do you already have a trip planned?  Please like this post, and let us know below when you are going!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

New Magic Band Options Coming for Disney Resort Guests

UPDATE: 5/20/19: New Magic Band upgrades are NOW available!

Good news!  There are new magic band options coming for Disney resort guests!  For the last few years, Disney has included magic bands for every resort guest as part of their resort reservation.

As you start planning your trip, one of the fun steps has always been choosing the colors of the magic bands for each person in your group.

New Magic Band Options Coming Soon

It didn’t take long for people to start decorating their bands.  All kinds of different types of decorations emerged.  From intricate, hand painted designs, pre-printed stickers designed to specially fit magic bands, to bands covered in Swarovski crystals, magic bands have become expressions of individuality, special occasions, relationships and celebrations.

Disney Magic Band Decorations
Magic band stickers, sold on Etsy                                    (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Disney Magic Band Decorations
Original style magic bands decorated with stickers from Etsy.                      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Disney Special Edition Magic Bands

Now we know Disney, and Disney doesn’t leave money on the table.  It didn’t take long for Disney to come out with special, decorated magic bands.  Disney sells a variety of magic bands at the Disney store and at the gift shops in the parks and resorts.

The Disney Store has lots of limited edition magic bands.  Check them out here.  If you have park tickets, but are not staying on property, you may want to purchase magic bands to pair with your tickets.  That way you can use your magic band for park entry, instead of having to pull out your tickets every time you need park access, or to use a Fast Pass reservation.

Solid color magic bands are available for $14.99. Most of the special decorated magic bands are priced at $24.99 – $29.99.

New Magic Band Options for Resort Guests

New Magic Bands Coming Soon for Disney Resort Guests
(Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has decided to make special magic bands available for resort guests as an add-on option.  The solid color bands will continue to be available for no charge with your reservation.  However, if you want to “upgrade” your bands to special custom bands, you will have that option.  The price to upgrade will be $14.99, and you will have more than 30 magic band options available.

These special “upgraded” magic bands will be available to Disney resort guests.  They will also be available to new and renewing annual passholders.

Disney released a video about the new magic band options.

I think this is pretty good news, what do you think?  Will you be upgrading your next magic band?  Please comment below.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise Coming Soon to Disney Parks

It’s time to think about SHOPPING.  Recently, Disney has released some information regarding the exclusive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise we can expect to find once the new lands open.

We’ve seen just the tip of iceberg, but there is some pretty exciting stuff coming.  The initial fan response to all these goodies when they got to see them at the recent Star Wars Celebration in Chicago was very excited. I think my original prediction that Disney is going to get ALL our money is definitely on track!

Disney is promising that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature the same merchandise.  Regardless of which park you visit, you won’t have to worry about missing out on something amazing.

The Resistance and the First Order

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Merchandise
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Park Exclusive Merchandise                                                 (Photo: Disney Parks)

The first look at the park exclusive merchandise for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge focuses primarily on Resistance and First Order themed items.  There are Resistance fighter pilot and Storm Trooper helmets.  There are weapons and supplies favored by both sides.  Also, there are uniforms and accessories that any Resistance fighter or First Order soldier would be proud to wear.

Take a look at this video, released by Disney Parks.  It gives a great look at some of this park exclusive merchandise.

The FUN Stuff

After giving us a look at the Resistance and First Order themed items, Disney gave us a chance to see some of the more “fun” products that will be for sale exclusively in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stores and market stalls.

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Exclusive Merchandise
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Exclusive Merchandise                                                           (Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has told us that there will be four primary locations in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where Star Wars fans will want to look for these exclusive items.

  • Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers  I suspect Savi’s Workshop will be an extremely popular destination.  This may be a place Mom and Dad will want to avoid if they don’t want to spend $$ on a lightsaber!  The workshop Master will guide guests to customize and build their own lightsaber, while instructing them on the ways of the Jedi.  (Yep, ALL the money).
  • Droid Depot  Similarly, for those of us that adore R2D2 and BB8, the Droid Depot is bound to be financially dangerous!  Here, you’ll be able to choose parts and construct your own droid to join you as you explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Then, your new friend will go with you to your home world.
  • First Order Cargo  This hangar bay serves as a “temporary” base and landing spot for the First Order.  The officers have brought in extra supplies and gear to help win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors.  (And your $$ will no doubt help fund the Dark Side).
  • Resistance Supply  Local resistance sympathizers and Resistance members manage a stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, gear and supplies.

In addition to this four “main” locations, there are also several market stalls which will sell a variety of exclusive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise and goodies.

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Toys
Toydarian Toymaker Toy Sample, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Photo: Disney Parks)
  • Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
  • The Jewels of Bith (accessories and trinkets)
  • Creature Stall (interesting critters to take home)
  • Toydarian Toymaker (toys)

Here’s a second, longer video that Disney released, spotlighting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge exclusive merchandise.  This one focuses more on the toys and collectibles that we’ll be DYING to get our hands on!  (ALL the money).

Pricing and Budget?

As I’m sure you have guessed, Disney has NOT yet released any pricing on ANY of these items.  However, given the BILLIONS of dollars they’ve spent on park expansions over the last few years, not to mention the GIANT investment in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  Yes, I’m thinking most of this stuff will have price tags that will make most of us uncomfortable, if not downright terrified.

If you’ve been in any of the Disney parks recently, you know that Disney parks merchandise is not necessarily budget friendly.  The Disney Ears headbands that have become so popular in recent years now start at $23.  Basic T-shirts usually start around $25, and long sleeve T-shirts and sweatshirts usually range from $40 – $70.  Even keychains, pens and magnets, which used to be the go-to budget souvenirs, aren’t so budget friendly anymore, with many priced over $10.  As much as we love it, Disney is still a business.  If they can get us to pay $40 for a T-shirt and $30 for Ears, you can bet they will do it.

So while I don’t actually know any pricing yet for any of the oh-so-intriguing items shown above in the pictures and videos, I feel reasonably confident that there won’t be much under $20.  In fact, I suspect there will be a LOT over $100.  I could be wrong.  Oh boy, I REALLY hope I’m wrong.  There are several things already on my wish list 😉!  As I learn more about new merchandise and pricing, I will of course share with all of you.

But come on, do you agree with me yet?  Disney is going to get ALL our money.  Seriously, ALL of it. 😉

What’s on YOUR List?

Did any of this stuff grab you?  Or are you impervious to the draw of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise?  Is there anything that you REALLY want to see in person?  Are you already planning a Star Wars merchandise budget for your next trip?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: If you’d like to check out my most recent updates on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, please click on one of the topics below:

PPS: If you’re looking for the new teaser trailer for the Star Wars Episode 9 movie coming out in December, please click here.