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Disney Parks News Update 10.14.2020

In this week’s Disney Parks News Update, we have GUNS confiscated on Disney property, refurbishment updates, LOTS of food news, scary clowns and more! Please watch this week’s Disney Parks News Update video below.

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For those of you that prefer reading your Disney Parks news Update to watching the video, please read on!

Disney Parks News Update

Refurbishments

We are starting this week’s news update with refurbishments.

EPCOT

EPCOT currently looks a little bit like a construction zone, as EPCOT Future World is in the midst of a major overhaul. There are a number of projects in progress around EPCOT’s Entrance and throughout Future World. Among these projects is the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, scheduled to open sometime next year. We are happy to report that construction appears to be moving ahead on all these projects. We don’t have completion dates or opening dates for any of the work going on, but we are hopeful that Disney is on track with their plans to have this work complete in time for Walt Disney World’s 50^th Anniversary next October.

Frozen Ever After

A VERY popular attraction, Frozen Ever After, is closing for refurbishment in a couple of weeks. Don’t worry—it’s only for a few days. The attraction will be closed from November 2 – 6, 2020. This is likely just for cleaning and general maintenance; this is not enough time for Disney to do any major overhauls. Not to mention, this is still a fairly new attraction. It really shouldn’t need any major refurbishment yet.

We’ll be in the park the following week, and will let you know how the attraction looks when it reopens!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney World 2020 Vacation Packages — Art of Animation Resort (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is reopening at long last on November 1, 2020. If you aren’t familiar with the Art of Animation resort, it is a very popular Value Resort, and one of our favorites. Check out our blog post about this resort here.

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During the shutdown, Art of Animation got some minor refurbishments, including new flooring and updates in the lobby area. The rooms themselves got minor updates to furnishings and room details.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Art of Animation, it is located on the Skyliner line, and it’s a worthwhile stop to check it out. All the themed icons from Cars, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and the Little Mermaid make terrific backdrops and props for unique family pictures.

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The Big Blue Pool, Art of Animation’s largest pool, did not get it’s refurbishment done during the closure, however. As a result, the Big Blue Pool will be closed for refurbishment from January 1, 2021 through early April 2021.

Art of Animation Resort Big Blue Pool Refurbishment Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20 — Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

Guests are encouraged to use the Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little mermaid area) or the Cozy cone Pool (in the Cars area) during the closure. The Schoolyard Sprayground play area is NOT being affected by the closure.

Art of Animation Cozy Cone Pool — Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

Guests staying at Art of Animation during this time should expect to see or hear construction during their stay; however, construction does not occur between dusk and 9 am, so your rest time should not be impacted.

If you have a reservation during this time and are concerned about this refurbishment, please reach out to your travel agent (or me!).

Boardwalk Inn: Luna Pool

A highlight for me personally in this week’s Disney Parks News Update is about the CLOWN over at the Luna Pool at the Boardwalk Inn.

The pool at the Boardwalk Inn, the Luna Pool is currently being refurbished while the Boardwalk Inn is closed. The pool area at the Boardwalk Inn is themed to the turn of the 20^th century Coney island. The area has a sort of “Circus-y/Old timey amusement park” vibe.

Boardwalk Inn Luna Pool Area (Photo: Disney Parks)

The centerpiece of the pool area has always been a giant clown face. The mouth of the clown is a waterslide. I’m not a giant fan of clowns to begin with but this clown? Totally creeps me out. In fact, I’ve avoided booking there for my family because of the creepy clown.

I mean, look at that thing. Don’t you think it’s a little creepy? (OR A LOT CREEPY???!!!)

Here’s the big news: locals have reported that the giant clown head has been REMOVED as part of the Luna Pool refurbishment!!! It has been seen being taken away from the pool area (although no one actually saw it dismantled, thrown in the trash or burned in a ceremonial cleansing so we do not know for sure it is not coming back). The area where the clowns head WAS is still covered with tarps, but work is continuing.

Dare we hope that the clown is gone for good? Could the Imagineers have something new and creative for that area that doesn’t terrorize small children (or ME)??? I do not know, unfortunately. We will definitely scope out the pool area when we visit next month; hopefully we will be able to give you a more definitive update then. But for now? I’m happily booking a reservation for my mom and I at Boardwalk for May, assuming the clown will be GONE.

Food News

We have lots of FOOD NEWS in this week’s Disney Parks News Update!

ABC Commissary

Over at Hollywood Studios, the ABC Commissary has reopened with a brand new menu. Some old favorites are still there, but the menu has had a major overhaul. Tacos and curry rice bowls have taken center stage. New items include Pork carnitas tacos, Shrimp tacos, curry rice bowl with shrimp and a plant based curry rice bowl with tofu. Two new chicken sandwiches also join the lineup. Kids can choose from a Pork taco, grilled cheese sandwich, a turkey sandwich or their old favorite, uncrustables.

Minnie’s Halloween Dine

Also at Hollywood Studios, we have a new menu for Minnie’s Halloween Dine over at Hollywood and Vine.

This meal does feature character appearances. The characters will parade through the dining area and wave and let you take pictures. However, they won’t be stopping at your table for individual pictures as you are probably used to from character meals pre Covid.

This is a fixed price, three course meal, featuring a salad, entrée and dessert.

Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20 — Photo: Disney Parks

Entrée choices include prime rib, roasted turkey breast, macaroni and cheese with shrimp, Salmon, Pork osso bucco and plant based pan seared king trumpet mushrooms.

Minnie's Halloween Dine — Photo: Disney Parks

Desserts include your choice of apple blueberry pie, banana crème pie, chocolate smores pie, vanilla crème brulee and a plant based cherry lemon pie.

Cocktails, wine and beer are available for an additional price. Beer starts at $7.50, Wine by the glass starts at $10, and cocktails start at $13.

In the past I have NOT enjoyed Hollywood & Vine, however, I have to admit this sounds pretty good. We may have to check this out for ourselves!

Chef Mickey’s

Next up in Food news: Chef Mickey’s Character Dining is coming back! One of the most popular character meals on property, Chef Mickey’s will soon be visited by Chef Mickey himself (and a few of his friends!).

Chef Mickey's Character Dining Returns Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20 — Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

Starting on December 16, 2020, Mickey and Minnie and their friends will be back at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It’s not quite the same—this is NOT a buffet at the moment, and the characters will not be coming to your table. However, the characters will “pop up” at surprise intervals and parade through the dining rooms, waving at guests for pictures. Reservations for Chef mickey’s character dining open up October 17.

Its important to note that Chef Mickey’s IS currently open. Right now, it’s an all you care to eat family feast WITHOUT characters. Pricing for adults is $25 and kids are $14 (plus tax). However, once the characters return, pricing will jump to $42 for adults and $27 for kids (plus tax).

Mickey's Celebration Pancakes Chef Mickey's Character Dining Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20 — Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

In addition to the characters joining diners, there are three new entrees being added to the menu. Mickey’s celebration pancakes, a loaded potato cheese casserole with smoked bacon crumbles and chives and finally, Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast—which looks and sounds like a heart attack on a plate.

Chef Mickey's Character Dining Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20 — Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

It will probably taste AMAZING though. If you plan to check out this very popular character dining experience, reservations are HIGHLY recommended (really, required).

Updated Mask Warnings

New mask warning signs appeared throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks last week. These signs more specifically state that guests must wear their masks properly, at all times, and further state that guests who do not wear their masks will be asked to leave the parks.

In addition to the new signs located throughout the parks, Disney has added an audio announcement about the mask policy that plays in the parks several times each day. Finally, they’ve added the message to the My Disney Experience phone app. Disney is very serious that guests understand this policy.

I know there has been some confusion on this: Florida was recently moved to Phase 3, which means the Florida state government is no longer requiring masks in all public places, and the state has rescinded the fines for not wearing a mask. HOWEVER, it is important to recognize that each business has the right to establish and follow their own protocols, based on what they believe is safest for their guests or customers.

Disney is SERIOUS about their Mask Policy

Completely separate from what the state dictates, Disney has their OWN policies. Disney has determined, based on their research and advice from scientific advisors and guidelines from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that masks help prevent the spread of Covid-19 (and other airborne spread diseases). Disney is requiring all guests over the age of 2 to wear masks at all times while in the theme parks, and while in public areas of Disney resorts.

Disney News Updates — Photo: Disney Parks

I understand this is a hot button topic for some people. Bottom line: If you aren’t willing to wear a mask during your Disney visit, do not visit Disney.

If you don’t wear a mask, you will not be permitted entry to the theme parks. If you remove your mask (other than while dining), you will be asked to leave the theme park. It’s very simple. If your aren’t comfortable wearing a mask during your Disney theme park visit, do not visit Disney until masks are no longer required. Hopefully, sometime next year. Disney has a very good refund policy right now, due to the challenges raised by Covid-19, and I am confident they will work with you to cancel or reschedule your trip.

Walt Disney World Theme Parks Capacity

In last week’s Disney Parks News Update, we talked about capacity at the theme parks. We expressed our belief that Disney has been quietly increasing capacity at the theme parks. This belief is based on anecdotal and observational evidence. The theme parks are feeling more crowded. We are seeing much longer lines for attractions. It’s getting more difficult to social distance in main traffic areas throughout the parks. Park reservations are fully booked up, and then Disney releases more availability for certain days, especially weekends. In general, it just “feels” like the parks are getting more crowded every week.

Bob Chapek, Disney CEO

However, Bob Chapek, Disney’s CEO told CNBC this week that Walt Disney World theme parks are still capped at 25% capacity. He also stated that the parks will remain capped at 25% capacity until the CDC guidelines change.

We have to assume that Bob Chapek knows what he’s talking about. He’s the boss of all the bosses, and while he’s not in the trenches admitting guests into the park, we figure he’s heavily involved with the decisions related to capacity. Especially as those decisions will affect the overall profitability of the theme parks dramatically, right?

We’re NOT at 25% Capacity?

So what could explain the discrepancy between what we (and many others who have visited over the last few weeks) are feeling and what Bob Chapek tells us must be true?

1) It’s likely that when the parks first opened, they were not any where near 25% capacity. Perhaps they opened at 5 or 10% and hovered there for a while. We saw lots of pictures and comments that the parks were like ghost towns, and all the attractions were walk-ons during the first couple of months. That has certainly changed. So perhaps what we are seeing now is truly 25% capacity?

2) Another factor in longer lines could be staffing related. If Disney is staffing fewer cast members on attractions, perhaps some “lanes” are closed in attractions? This could slow down the movement of guests through those rides, resulting in longer lines and more congestion?

I’m not sure. It sure seems like the crowds we are seeing, especially in Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom, are higher than 25% capacity. But we don’t work at the parks, and Disney is fairly tightlipped about what they consider FULL capacity to be. So the short answer right now? We don’t know. We will update you next month with our perspective when we are actually there ourselves.

Assault Weapons at Disney World?

Our final story this week is a troubling one. We have learned, courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel as well as several other news outlets, that a Disney guest brought an AR-15 rifle and 9 mm handgun with him on his Disney vacation!

The guest, a 43 year old man from Palm Beach Gardens, checked into the Polynesian Villages Resort over Labor Day Weekend. When the guns were discovered in his luggage, Disney contacted the local sheriff. The man had a concealed weapons permit, and therefore was not arrested.

However, Disney does not allow weapons of any kind on property, so Disney confiscated and held the man’s arsenal for him until the end of his vacation. He stated he brought the weapons because he was worried about his family’s safety during the social justice protests in the Orlando area last month.

Personally, I think if you are worried enough about the safety of your family that you need to bring an assault rifle, a hand gun and more than 100 rounds of ammunition with you to DISNEY WORLD where there are THOUSANDS of unarmed adults and children, perhaps you should postpone your vacation until a time when it feels safer for you to visit.

Again, Disney is being extremely flexible with cancellations, refunds and rescheduling. I would never want anyone to feel unsafe, but we can’t have assault rifles and other deadly weapons making their way onto Disney property.

To be clear: Disney does not allow guests to bring weapons of any kind onto its property. If you have issues with this policy, please contact Disney directly.

Disney Parks News Update: Final Thoughts

That’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News Update. It’s good to see that in some ways, things at the parks are starting to look a little more normal. However, it is a sign of the times that we are seeing stronger mask warnings from Disney, and that we had a story this week that included the word “assault rifle”. I’m hopeful that we will have more stories about things getting back to normal as time goes on.

Thank you for reading!

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Parks News Update 10.07.20

This week’s Disney Parks News Update includes more information about Disney’s recent announcement that 28,000 cast members from the theme parks division will be laid off. Critics and analysts weigh in on Disney’s decision. Also featured this week: Disney resort news from Hawaii, Walt Disney World Discounts, and runDisney virtual race updates. Please watch this week’s video below.

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For those of you that would rather read than watch the video, today’s Disney Parks News Update is detailed below.

Disney Layoffs

This week’s top story continues to be Disney laying off more than 25% of its 100,000 theme park employees. We have learned that 67% of the 28,000 theme park employees being laid off are part time employees. Also, 6,700 of the employees being laid off are Walt Disney World non union employees.

Disney is still negotiating the terms of the layoffs with the various unions. Therefore, we don’t yet have numbers for union employees being impacted by the layoffs.

However, we are hearing that all departments and all levels within the theme park division are being affected. From Imagineers to Janitorial staff, every department is being impacted. Of the employees so far that have gotten the call, it seems that December 4, 2020 is the effective date for most of the layoffs so far.

We won’t know the impact on the guest experience until after December 4. However it seems pretty obvious that the guest experience WILL be significantly impacted.

Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell Weighs In

Scott Maxwell at the Orlando Sentinel had a terrific commentary piece this week addressing the Orlando area’s dependence on tourism as the primary economic driver and primary source of employment. Maxwell included information about many of the other tourism related layoffs happening in and around the Orlando area, including 1,900 Sea World employees, 2,300 Universal Studios employees, and thousands of employees from various hotel employers. It’s a really interesting commentary and I encourage you to check it out.

Abigail Disney Chastises Disney

Also weighing in on Disney’s decision to layoff 28,000 employees was Abigail Disney. Abigail Disney is the granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy Disney. She took to twitter to make her feelings about the layoffs known. In her Twitter thread about the layoffs, Abigail Disney chastised Disney for underpaying its theme park employees. She also emphasized the impact these layoffs will have on employees and their families.

She went on to say “If Disney had not spent down every penny of its cash on share buy-backs in 2019 (11.5 billion worth), perhaps there’d have been some dough on hand to ensure that even at a partial level they could continue to keep some of these workers on until things return to normal.”

Strong words, to be sure. However, it is important to realize that her words are likely to have little effect on Disney, a giant publicly traded company. Ms. Disney does not currently hold a position of power or influence at Disney. She is, nonetheless, a member of the Disney family and is expressing her personal opinions.

Disney World Reopens — Disney Cast Member (Photo: Disney Parks)

October Hours

In more optimistic news, Disney has recently been increasing park hours here and there. Most weekends in October now feature extended hours, with each park staying open about one hour later than the rest of the week. I think this is a result of increased capacity as well as Disney’s attempt to drive more guests to quick service and table service restaurants open later in the day.

We are hopeful that we will continue to see this happen into November and December. Keep in mind that Disney always reserves their right to change park hours, at their discretion, based on anticipated crowds, staffing levels and other parameters.

Crowd Levels

As we mentioned last week, Disney has been quietly increasing capacity levels and adding park reservation availability for both annual passholders, resort guests and ticket holders. We are seeing longer lines, especially on the weekends. This trend is expected to continue as Disney moves closer and closer to normal.

We can pretty confidently say that we do not expect crowd levels to return to the extremely low levels we were seeing in the first couple months the parks reopened. Guests are gaining more confidence both in traveling in general, and in Disney’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic specifically. I think Disney will continue gradually increasing capacity in response both to the State of Florida’s movement to Phase 3 and to guest reservations and demand.

We don’t yet know when (or even IF) we can expect Fast Pass+ to return. For now, the lack of Fast Pass+ actually helps the overall speed of the stand by lines. This is the result of cast members not needing to merge Fast Pass+ holders into the standby lines.

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa

While this is not theme park news, this is a Disney resorts news story. Disney has announced that Disney’s Hawaiian resort, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa will begin gradually reopening on November 1, 2020.

Disney is working with the State of Hawaii to coordinate their reopening plans. Potential guests are encouraged to check with the Hawaiian tourism board for specific travel restrictions that may include mandated quarantines or pre travel testing. Visit gohawaii.com/travel-restrictions to learn more.

Aulani Flexible Cancellation Policy

To encourage guests to visit Aulani, Disney has some new policies and discounts in place.

First, there is a flexible cancelation policy in place for Aulani guests through May 20, 2021. This policy enables guests to cancel their Aulani reservations up to 24 hours before arrival without penalty!

If you have been thinking about planning a Hawaiian vacation, but have been concerned about future Covid-19 developments, this flex policy is terrific. You can plan with confidence, knowing that if you need to reschedule or even cancel your trip you can do so without worry about losing money.

Disney Parks News Update Aulani — Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

Aulani Discounts

Also in place to encourage guests to visit Aulani are discounts of up to 35%, depending on your dates and room types. This resort is truly extraordinary, and is an amazing vacation destination. If you’d like more information on planning an Aulani vacation, please contact me at Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Walt Disney World Vacation Package Discounts

Staying on the topic of discounts but returning to the theme parks, Walt Disney World is currently offering a few discounts I wanted to make you aware of.

First up, Vacation package discounts. These are room and ticket packages, and require a minimum 4 night stay/4 day ticket package. You can save up to $500 over the non discounted prices of room & tickets for the same dates.

Discounts vary by resort type, and are good for stays through December 25, 2020. As we’ve discussed before, the Disney theme park experience is limited right now. Much of the entertainment is not happening. Character meals and character greetings are not happening. Fireworks and parades are not happening.

While this is a decent discount, it’s not outstanding. Especially when you consider the given the current limited hours and entertainment offerings. However, if you really want to visit between now and December 25, I want to make sure you save as much money as possible. This discount may make a winter trip possible for some of you.

Southern State Disney Discounts

Disney is actively wooing guests from “southern” states. I think the game plan here is to appeal to guests within driving distance. Especially since so many travelers are still not comfortable flying right now.

To take advantage of this discounts, you must have residency in one of the following states:

- - - - Alabama
      - Georgia
      - Kentucky
      - Louisiana
      - Mississippi
      - North Carolina
      - South Carolina
      - Tennessee
      - Virginia
      - West Virginia

These discounts are room only packages. Discounts are up to 30% for guests staying in a deluxe resort, and up to 20% for guests staying in a value resort. If you want to price out a potential trip for your family, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or by commenting below.

Florida Resident Discounts

The biggest discounts at the moment are for Florida residents, which makes a lot of sense. Florida residents are most likely to be able to visit in the immediate short term.

If you are a Florida resident (note: they do make you prove residency), there are some really terrific discounts right now. The big win: you are eligible for a four day flex ticket at $49/day, which is a savings of about 50% over a regular priced four day ticket.

Florida residents are also eligible for room only hotel discounts of up to 35% for deluxe resorts and up to 25% for Art of Animation (a Value resort, but value Plus in my opinion.) These Florida resident discounts are really good, even with the current limitations of hours, entertainment, character greetings etc.

runDisney Virtual Races

In runDisney news, the virtual races for both the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend for 2021 are still available to for registration. Race dates are:

- - Walt Disney World 2021 Marathon Weekend: January 7 – January 10, 2021
  - Princess Half Marathon 2021 Weekend: February 20 – 21, 2021

If you choose to do a virtual runDisney event, you are still going to train for your event. You will still complete the distance of the race you register for. Ideally, on the date the original runDisney onsite race was planned. The big difference? You will complete the race at home, on a route of your choosing or on your treadmill.

Your completion of the race is “required” for you to receive your finisher’s medal, which will be mailed out by Disney after the race weekends are complete. However, these virtual races are essentially done on the “honor system”. So if you do the race on a different day, or take more than 16 minutes per mile to complete the race, that will be ok.

Prices range from $49 – $500, depending on the race and/or the challenge you want to do, and whether you want to include the race tech shirts with your purchase.

Mom/Daughter Challenge

My mom and I have decided to do the Princess 10k virtual race together; I am also doing the Princess half marathon to complete the Fairy Tale Challenge. We’ll be posting our training updates both here and on the blog.

If you want to follow along, please make sure you subscribe both to our YouTube channel and to this blog.

If you’re considering a runDisney event, I offer “Couch to 10K”, “Couch to Half Marathon” and “Couch to runDisney Challenge” training programs that include weekly email coaching, training schedules and personalized support. Contact me to learn more. (Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com)

If you want to learn more about the runDisney experience, please check out this post.

And that’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News Update. If you have a topic you would like us to cover in the blog or on YouTube, please let us know by commenting below. You can also send an email to brooke@disneycastledreaming.com with your suggestions.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Resume at Walt Disney World!

We have more good news this week coming from Walt Disney World. Disney Fairy Tale Weddings resume this week. The first Disney Fairy Tale Wedding since the shutdown due to Covid-19 was held yesterday, October 1, 2020. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Happy News!

This is great news for all the Disney brides and grooms that have been holding their breath, waiting to hear if their scheduled weddings would be cancelled. Over the last few months, hundreds of scheduled weddings were postponed, cancelled or rescheduled. Many left in the lurch couples elected to get married at home or at their local courthouse, giving up their dreams of a Disney Fairy Tale wedding altogether.

Others postponed their big day, hoping to reschedule it for sometime next year. Still others did both–electing to get legally married at home, and planning to reschedule their Disney event for later this year or next year.

For all those couples, and for the newly engaged couples anxiously hoping to get started with their Disney Fairy Tale Wedding dreams, yesterday was an important milestone.

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings have been growing in popularity over the last few years, and returning to “business as usual” is good news for all Disney Brides and Grooms, past, present and future.

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Department Hit by Layoffs

We have learned that the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings department has been impacted by the layoffs announced by Disney earlier this week. (Please check out this week’s news for more information.) It is our understanding that a number of planners and assistant planners have been given notice.

What does this mean for future Disney Fairy Tale Wedding couples? Most likely, it means one of three things

1. 1. Disney is planning to schedule fewer weddings per day and/or week in the coming months. Each planner will still manage the same number of weddings in the future as they have managed in the past.
  2. Disney is experiencing lower demand for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings due to concerns about Covid-19, and has determined that the department is currently overstaffed. Each planner will still manage the same number of weddings in the future as they have managed in the past.
  3. Disney has made these cuts based primarily on budget cuts and financial concerns. They are still expecting to manage the same number of weddings as before; but with fewer team members. Each planner will manage MORE weddings in the future than they have managed in the past.

I suspect both 2 and 3 are true. I also expect that we will be seeing price increases across the board for Disney Fairy Tale Wedding events over the next few months. Disney Fairy Tale Weddings has already increased pricing and changed minimums several times over the six years since our Disney Fairy Tale Wedding–I suspect that trend will continue.

The Bottom Line

While it’s not particularly romantic to think about, Disney is a business and a publicly traded one at that. With at least $4 billion in losses so far this calendar year, I think it is safe to assume that Disney will do everything in their power to improve their bottom line across the entire business. Weddings are a bit of a captive market. If you are a Disney fan, and you’ve been dreaming of getting married at Disney, you will do whatever you can to make that happen. The overall wedding industrial complex and wedding industry as a whole are already so expensive. It makes sense that Disney capitalizes on this aspect of their business.

IllumiNations Reflections Disney Fairy Tale Wedding of Earth Final Show Date Announced — Photo: David and Vicki Arndt Photography

As a Disney bride, the price increases and increased minimums make me sad. I’m not sure we would be able to have our wedding at Disney with the new structure. Our wedding day was AMAZING, and I loved absolutely everything about it. Our guests still talk about how much fun they had that weekend. The whole experience was magical, and I want that for every bride or groom that wants a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding.

Planning Your Disney Fairy Tale Wedding

If you are a prospective Disney bride or groom, congratulations. Hopefully your wedding will be as wonderful and magical as ours was (or even more so!)

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Here are a few suggestions to help minimize the madness:

The Disney Fairy Tale Wedding planners are very busy. They are managing dozens of weddings across the year. This situation may worsen after the layoffs. It’s not that your wedding is not important. It’s just not as constantly front of mind and URGENT with your planner as it will be with your during your planning process.

- - Manage your expectations. A DFTW planner is not a traditional wedding planner like you would have if you hired a local wedding planner to manage your wedding. You will not have 47,000 meetings or phone calls with this person, and they will not be there to review and chime in on every decision about every detail of your wedding.

- - The more you know, the better off you will be. Do your research. I’m a big fan of Carrie Hayward’s Fairytale Weddings Guide. It’s often referred to as the bible for Disney brides, and this is absolutely true! She updates it very frequently (a necessity as Disney pricing and rules change with almost alarming frequency!).

Social Media Can Help

- - Join a Disney brides/grooms group on Facebook. There are several. They are a great resource for questions, emotional support and advice. They can also sometimes get a little drama filled, but if you ignore that, you will find TONS of great information, inspirational pictures and other brides and grooms that have been through the process.

Destination Weddings

Planning a Disney wedding (or most other destination weddings) is very different from planning a regular/at home wedding. There is not as much to do. Once you make the big decisions (where, when, how much), the bulk of your planning–at least with Disney, is done.

If your type of wedding calls for it, you will have an onsite planning meeting with your planner. This is a real highlight of the planning process, and I recommend it highly if its feasible for you to do an onsite planning meeting. This will be a relatively short meeting in the grand scheme of things.

You will get to taste cake and filling samples so you can choose your cake flavors. You will meet with floral to discuss what you want, and you may visit some locations if you haven’t decided on your venue yet. We also did a menu tasting, which enabled us to taste some of the dishes we were considering including in our menu.

We did our planning meeting about six months prior to our wedding. Once that was over, most decisions were made. Other than getting our paperwork with pricing, which went back and forth a few times, that was kind of it from our planner’s perspective until the day of our rehearsal.

- Photo: David and Vicki Arndt Photography
  
  If you are someone who wants simple planning or easier planning, a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding is perfect for you. It can be a super easy process with very few decisions and voila! Your day is planned.

It’s All About the Projects

If you are someone who wants a lot more involvement, and wants to do a lot more “wedding stuff” through the process, understand that you will do that outside of the Disney process. For example, I got really invested in all our paper products. Our invitations were a work of art that I truly loved. I ended up making our table cards, various signs for the wedding and reception, our menus, etc. inspired by our invitations.

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We did welcome bags for our guests–that took a lot of planning and fulfillment energy. Sometimes as a bride (or groom), you need “projects” related to the wedding to feel like you are doing something. There are lots of things you can do–just know that Disney won’t really be that involved.

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Disney wedding planners have a checklist, and they follow it. Your wedding will be lovely, and in all likelihood, everything will go exactly as planned. Disney has done thousands of these–several per day, for many, many years. They are very, very good at what they do. Not much is left to chance.

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Keep a Healthy Perspective

- - While your wedding is the most special day ever for you and even for your guests, it’s important to remember that for your planner and the team, there are hundreds of other couples in the same process at the same time. You will have 100% of their focus on your day, and during your event. Just recognize that the rest of the time, they will be doing a lot of juggling.

If you manage your expectations, it won’t make you crazy, and you’ll enjoy the process a lot more!

Magic Memories

I’m so happy to see Disney Fairy Tale Weddings resume at Walt Disney World this week. I love seeing all the new pictures pop up every day, and I have missed them!

In looking for pictures to include in this post, I had so much fun going through our wedding pictures. Truly, we had the best day and Disney did a BEAUTIFUL job with our event.

If you are planning a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding and would like advice from a fellow Disney Bride (or her groom), please reach out. Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

I also have lots of experience coordinating group travel for weddings, reunions and other celebrations and can help your guests, too!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Disney Parks News Update 09.30.20

It’s time for another Disney Parks News Update. In this week’s report, we discuss Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to move the State of Florida to Phase 3. This removes capacity restrictions on theme parks, restaurants and bars throughout Florida. We also discuss Disney’s announcement that they are laying off 28,000 employees from their theme parks division.

We also report on changes to entertainment at Walt Disney World in the coming weeks. In addition, there was fireworks testing going on after hours and the ongoing refurbishment at the Polynesian Villages Resort. Finally, we give you an update on runDisney’s virtual race registrations and report a parade sighting on this week’s Dancing With the Stars.

Please check out this weeks Disney Parks News Update below.

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For those of you that prefer reading, here’s the written version of this week’s Disney Parks News Update.

Disney Parks News Update

Florida moves to Phase 3

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially moved Florida to Phase 3, effectively lifting Covid-19 restrictions on theme parks, restaurants and bars. The state is no longer issuing fines for failure to comply with mask regulations, and is no longer restricting capacity.

Disney released a statement, essentially stating that they will continue to adhere to their reopening plans, and continue to exercise caution and above and beyond safety protocols. As we mentioned last week, Disney has been quietly increasing capacity in its theme parks; however I would not expect any drastic or sudden changes in response to the Governor’s actions.

Disney Lays Off 28,000 Employees

Yesterday, Disney announced upcoming layoffs of 28,000 employees from its theme parks division. While many Disney theme park employees were furloughed following the closure in April due to the Pandemic, this announcement is a major blow to theme park employees both hoping to be brought back to work soon, and those currently working in the parks.

Disney’s official statement cites California’s failure to allow Disneyland to reopen as a major factor; however, the travel industry as a whole has been VERY hard hit this year, and it may take years for it to fully recover. Sea World, Universal and other Florida theme parks have also been announcing layoffs, just not quite this large.

Our hearts go out to all the employees that will soon learn they are among the 28,000. This has been such a difficult year for so many, and this giant layoff by one of the worlds largest corporations is certainly an indicator that no one is immune from the pain, not even the happiest places on Earth.

Fireworks Testing

In the “good news” category, there was some after hours testing of Fireworks over at EPCOT a few nights ago. The testing went on for several hours. Most likely, this is Disney testing the new nighttime show for EPCOT, Harmonious. Harmonious was originally scheduled to be added to EPCOT this summer or fall; however, it is more likely that it will be added in the spring. This new show is supposed to be the biggest and most technical of any of the nighttime Epcot spectaculars, and it is likely that months of testing lie ahead before the show is released to guests.

Disney Epcot Updates Epcot 2020 Nighttime Show — Epcot Nighttime Show, Harmonious, Concept Art, Artist’s Rendering (Source: Disney Parks)

When fireworks DO return to Disney, I do think EPCOT is a great candidate for the first shows as it is more spread out and will allow for more disbursement of crowds and less congestion. However, fireworks shows like Disney does are very expensive and I highly doubt they will resume until the parks are returned to normal capacity and the hotels are all back open and full of guests.

Magic Kingdom Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom announced a couple attraction closures this week. The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer island will be closed from October 5 through at least Jan 21 2021 for refurbishment. This may mean that the Rivers of America will be drained during that period, although that is not confirmed.

Magic Kingdom Liberty Square Riverboat — Liberty Square Riverboat (Photo: Disney Parks)

Polynesian Villages Resort Refurbishment

Last week we discussed that the Polynesian Villages Resort will be closed until next year as it is getting refurbishment. At that time Disney had not released any concept art.

Disney has now released this concept art for the new entrance and Port Cochere for the Polynesian Villages Resort. Further, Disney stated the resort will reopen in Summer 2021. The Polynesian’s 50^th anniversary is October 1 2021, and it seems the refurbishment is designed to coincide with that anniversary as well as with Walt Disney World’s 50^th Anniversary, also October 2021.

Polynesian Villages Resort Refurbishment — Concept Art: Polynesian Villages Resort (Concept Art: Disney Parks and Resorts)

The statement released by Disney with the new art stated that the new entrance will feature a bold new facade that will complement the longhouses throughout the resort. Disney also stated that the gardens and fountains are getting refurbished as well, with new dramatic lighting elements, and new chandeliers, inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and bamboo. The new outdoor chandeliers will match the existing chandelier in the resort lobby and bridge the two spaces.

Disney World guests can still access the Grand Ceremonial House and its operating retail and dining venues during the refurbishment project.

I think this is preliminary art is a good sign. The Polynesian’s ground entrance has always been a little underwhelming, and it looks like Disney is finally fixing that, and making it more worth of this beautiful resort.

The Grand Floridian Orchestra

After 32 years, Disney has ended the run of the Grand Floridian Orchestra. This six piece orchestra has entertained guests at the Grand Floridian from high above the lobby for years, and is beloved by many.

While the Grand Floridian remained closed to guests when the parks reopened, the Grand Floridian Orchestra was performing several times per day over at Hollywood Studios in the Beauty and the Beast theater as the Disney Society Orchestra.

The Grand Floridian Orchestra announced a few days ago that their final Walt Disney World performance will be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday October 3, 2020. Disney’s official statement was pretty brief and vague, but seemed to indicate that it was time for a change at the Grand Floridian.

More likely, the cut is budget related, and is a troubling indicator of things to come. In March, many of the entertainment acts featured throughout EPCOT World Showcase found their contracts canceled. I am very concerned that we are losing, perhaps permanently, that “extra” entertainment that is part of what makes Disney parks so very special.

Entertainment Coming to Hollywood Studios

However, there is some good news on the entertainment front. At Hollywood Studios, we have some entertainment coming back very soon. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing A Long Celebration is returning to Hollywood Studios on October 5, 2020.

Frozen Sing a Long Celebration — For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration (Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has stated that there are no changes to the show, other than minor staging and audience seating to allow for social distancing.

Also coming soon to the animation courtyard is Disney Junior Play and Dance. These dance parties will feature a DJ playing songs and encouraging kids to dance. Disney Junior stars like Mickey Mouse and Vampirina will appear on stage during the dance party.

Pop Up Motorcades at Hollywood Studios

Pop up motorcades are coming to Hollywood Studios. These motorcades will allow guests to see their favorite characters safely, and provide photo opportunities. Much like the character cavalcades we’ve been seeing at Magic Kingdom, these themed motorcades will not appear on the daily schedule. This will discourage crowds from gathering to see a motorcade. These motorcades will pop up throughout the day.

Disney Parks News Updates Pop Up Motorcade Incredibles — Pixar Pals Character Motorcade (Photo: Disney Parks)

There are three different motorcades, all featuring custom colorful convertibles, powered by Chevrolet. Gotta love those sponsorships. The Mickey and Friends motorcade will feature Minnie, Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale. The Pixar Pals Motorcade will feature the Incredibles, Woody, Buzz lightyear and others. The Disney junior stars motorcade will feature Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina.

Disney Parks Updates Pop Up Motorcade Vampirina — Disney Junior Character Motorcade (Photo: Disney Parks)

runDisney Virtual Race Registration Update

Last week we shared runDisney’s announcement that the 2021 Marathon Weekend and 2021 Princess Half Marathon weekend were both transitioning to virtual races, and that registration for the races was opening up for those races for a limited time.

Registration is currently still open for all the virtual races for both weekends, if you are interested. I don’t know how long registration will remain open, so I wouldn’t wait too long.

If you’re not familiar with a “virtual” race, basically you will run the race on the scheduled date, but you will run it in a location of your choosing, not on Disney property and without the porta-potties and water stations we rely on for major races. For marathon weekend, prices range from $40-79 for the 5K, $49-$99 for the 10k, $59-$118 for the half, and $65-$120 for the full marathon. The lower price includes a digital bib, digital race tool kit including mile markers, digital goody bag, virtual playlist. The higher price adds an event tech shirt.

The challenges are also available: Goofy (the half and full completed on consecutive days) is $129 – $275, and Dopey (all four races completed on consecutive days) is $225 – $480.

Pricing for the Princess half marathon weekend is very similar. We are posting a more detailed post about the runDisney virtual races tomorrow. Please check back to visit that post.

Disney and Dancing with the Stars

Finally, loosely tied to Parks news, it was Disney week on Dancing with the Stars. Host Tyra Banks sported Minnie ears and a Minnie inspired dress throughout the show, and every dance featured Disney songs.

Disney Parks News Updates Dancing with the Stars Tyra Banks — Disney Week on Dancing with the Stars. Host Tyra Banks (Screenshot: Hulu)

The highlight for me was the inclusion of elements from the Main Street Electrical Parade during the beginning segment of the show. The “floats” were displayed and the little snail even drove around the dance floor.

Disney Parks News Updates Dancing with the Stars Main Street Electrical Parade — The Main Street Electrical Parade Visits Disney Week on Dancing with the Stars (Screenshot: Hulu)

I’ve always loved this little parade, and was happy to see the floats and elements still exist. Hopefully we will all get a chance to see this beloved nighttime parade at a Disney park sometime soon!

Tune in Next Week for More Disney Parks News Updates!

We hope you have enjoyed this week’s Disney Parks News Update. Please join us next Wednesday for next week’s news!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

P.S. Looking for last week’s Disney Parks News Updates? Please visit our YouTube video here.

Halloween Fun at Disney World

Now that we are “officially” in the Halloween season (which apparently begins in August these days), Disney is working hard to get guests excited about visiting Walt Disney World during Halloween. It sounds like we can count on more Halloween fun at Disney World this fall. Previously, we talked about Minnie’s Seasonal Dining bringing Halloween Festivities to Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We also shared Disney’s announcement that adults will be able to wear costumes this year when they visit the Magic Kingdom between September 15 and October 31. Read more about that announcement and other related news in this post.

The Cadaver Dans

Good news! The beloved Dapper Dans are returning to Walt Disney World this Halloween season. Beginning September 20, 2020, guests will be able to see the Dapper Dans appearing as their Halloween alter egos, the Cadaver Dans.

The Cadaver Dans will emerge from their Tomb several times each day to thrill (or is that chill?) guests with their acappella performances. Personally, I’m hoping that the Dapper Dans are back for good. These wonderful performers have been missed. Hopefully this news means MORE of the streetmosphere performers all over the parks will soon be returning.

Here’s a video from a few years ago of the Cadaver Dans in action at Disneyland.

Halloween Character Cavalcades

As you may (or may not) already be aware, Disney’s response to Covid-19 has included a lot of restrictions to help ensure social distancing. Among these restrictions are no character greetings and no parades. In lieu of both, Disney has been sending out Character Cavalcades several times each day. The Character Cavalcades are essentially mini “spontaneous” parades that give guests an opportunity to wave at their favorite characters and take pictures of them. The guiding principal is that these cavalcades aren’t scheduled. This way, guests don’t congregate and create crowds lining up for a parade.

Halloween Fun at Disney World Character Cavalcades — Halloween Character Cavalcades coming this Halloween Season (Photo: Disney Parks)

From September 15 – October 31, the Character Cavalcades will be Halloween themed, featuring characters in costume. Several times each day, Character Cavalcades will pop up on the parade route and journey down Main Street.

In addition, Disney promises that guests may get an opportunity on some days to see a cavalcade of their favorite villains! Other than the Halloween season, most villains are rarely seen by guests. Getting a chance to see Maleficent, the Queen of Hears or Jafar will be exciting for many! Disney says we may also get to see a Cavalcade led by the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington. Dare we hope to see Sally at his side? (unconfirmed, I’m just hopeful.)

Halloween Fun at Disney World

I’m glad to see Disney injecting a little more “Halloween” into this Halloween season. So many guests have been disappointed by the cancellation of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween parties this year. It will be fun for guests to be able to get little snippets of the party fun in their regular park day. And who can resist the Cadaver Dans? Creepy but SO fun.

Fans of Disney villains will have fun hunting for sightings of their favorite villains, as well.

Are you planning to enjoy some Halloween fun at Disney World this season? Or will you be adding some Disney magic to your home Halloween celebrations? Please like this post and comment below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

P.S. I was at Costco earlier today and they have their CHRISTMAS stuff on display. September 11, people. That is WAY too early. I love Christmas, but come on! Halloween in August and Christmas in September. We need to slow down and enjoy this tail end of Summer while we can. I know fall is coming, but I refuse to accept winter is on the way!

P.P.S. Looking for Disney themed Halloween merchandise to bring some Disney to your home Halloween celebrations? Check out this post. (and yes Disney is also selling Christmas merchandise but I’m going to tell you about that until the proper time!)

More Disney Restaurants Reopening

Walt Disney World is taking one more step back towards normal. This week, more Disney restaurants are reopening.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

One of the most popular Disney restaurants reopening is Cinderella’s Royal Table. This restaurant, “hidden” inside Cinderella Castle, is reopening September 24, 2020. Reservations will open up on September 11, 2020.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the Princesses will NOT be visiting every table as they have in the past. In addition, you will not take a picture with Cinderella before your meal like you used to. The official release says “the princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting guests”, so at least initially, there will be no royal visitors during your meal. Perhaps in the future, the Princesses may come through the dining area so you can take pictures from a distance, (this is how Beast sightings are handled at Be Our Guest) but this is not confirmed.

Disney Restaurants Beast Be Our Guest — Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

At this time, it appears that Cinderella’s Royal Table is opening for lunch and dinner. It doesn’t appear that it will open for breakfast, at least not initially.

No pricing information has been released, but the cynic in me suspects it will be the same as it was before, despite the lack of character interaction and photo opportunities.

If you haven’t been to Cinderella’s Royal Table, it is a beautiful dining room. The food is fairly good, but it is a very pricey meal. In the past, Disney also required full payment at the time the reservation was made. I don’t know if that will still be the case; we will find out once reservations open on September 11.

Update: Reservations are Open

**Update: September 11, 2020: Reservations officially opened today for Cinderella’s Royal Table. In the interest of research, I tested booking a reservation for two adults for both lunch and dinner. The price has NOT been reduced; it is $62.00 per adult plus tax. In addition, Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the few table service restaurants that requires full payment in advance in order to make a reservation.

Full Payment Required at the Time of Reservation

So book a table for two adults at Cinderella’s Royal Table for either lunch or dinner, the total cost that you must pay AT THE TIME YOU MAKE THE RESERVATION is $154.38 (including tax). This is not a new thing; CRT has required full payment in advance for at least the last 10 years, probably longer. I think this policy is due to the popularity of this dining location. Disney wants to be sure you aren’t making a “maybe” reservation that might be canceled; you are DEFINITELY planning on keeping this reservation. (Note: As with any other reservation, you ARE able to cancel a Cinderella’s Royal Table reservation and get your money back; however, your money is tied up from the moment you make the reservation until you either a) use the reservation or b) cancel the reservation.

My husband and I have eaten at Cinderella’s Royal Table a few times in the past. One of my favorites was the morning after we got engaged. All the princesses made a very big deal out of my ring (and my handsome prince!). It was a lot of fun.

Disney Restaurants Reopening Cinderella's Royal Table Sleeping Beauty — Sleeping Beauty Greeting, January 2013

Is it worth it?

The quality of the food does not really warrant the $62/person price tag–it’s the added value of the experience that gives Cinderella’s Royal Table a boost. Being inside the Castle, entering where you are not allowed to enter UNLESS you have a reservation–that’s pretty cool. The dining room itself is nice, if rather loud. They pack every table in the room (Most likely that is different right now due to Covid), and with the high ceilings, the sound really builds. This is not a quiet, elegant dining experience. It’s FUN, but not so much with the elegance.

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Honestly, it’s the combination of being in the Castle and the Princess interactions that have always made Cinderella’s Royal Table so special for us. I don’t think the experience is worth $62/person without the character interactions. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Gaston’s Tavern

Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland returned to operations on September 4, 2020. Guests have been enjoying the unique quick service menu at Gaston’s for a few days now.

Disney Restaurants Reopening Gaston's — Gaston’s (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

If you’ve never visited Gaston’s, the menu includes roasted pork shank, cinnamon rolls, mixed vegetable cups, mixed fruit cups, apple slices with caramel, and chocolate croissants, as well as some unique beverages and souvenir mugs.

It’s a fun place to visit, and in the past, was made more so by visits from Gaston himself. I’m not sure if those are still common, but I promise to check it out when we visit in November!

ABC Commissary

Over at Hollywood Studios, the ABC Commissary is reopening on October 8, 2020. Disney calls the ABC Commissary “Fast Casual”, but it’s a pretty decent quick service restaurant with LOTS of indoor seating. (Great when you need a break in the air conditioning!)

The announcement specifically mentions the Commissary reopening for lunch and does not mention dinner, so dinner service may not open for a while yet. However, the ABC Commissary does support mobile ordering for your quick service meal, and is another option for burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Hollywood & Vine

Another Disney restaurant reopening at Hollywood Studios is the Hollywood & Vine family-style table service restaurant. I have eaten at Hollywood & Vine TWICE in the last 10 years, and vowed never to return (found the food quality very poor, and the experience WAY overpriced). However, our last visit was several years ago, so we may give this one another shot…eventually. However, any additional Disney restaurants reopening are a good thing, so we’ll view this positively.

Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is scheduled to return to Hollywood & Vine starting Friday, September 25, 2020. In seasons past, this was a character meal where the characters would come to your table. Of course in this era of Covid and no character greetings, things will be different this year. Hollywood & Vine will be decked out in Halloween glory. Your party will be served a “monster” feast at your table. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and their friends will make appearances so you can wave and snap photos. Unfortunately, there will be no table side character interactions, but you will be able to see the characters in their Halloween finery, at least.

Disney Restaurants Reopening Hollywood & Vine — Minnie Mouse Hollywood & Vine (Photo: Disney Parks)

The official release states there were be Halloween decor and music, as well as “scary” good food. The jury will remain out on how “good” until the first guests start to report back to us.

Update: Reservations are Open

**Update: September 11, 2020. Reservations officially opened today for Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine. I tested booking reservations over a few different days. Surprisingly, several of the days I tried were already completely booked up. This really isn’t too strange; with Covid-19 precautions in place, this restaurant is probably only reserving about 20-25% of it’s normal capacity. It’s not a huge space, so it makes sense there weren’t that many reservations available to begin with.

Is it worth it?

The good news: this is NOT a dining experience that requires full payment in advance. The bad news: This is still a fairly pricey dining experience, reflecting pricing that you’d expect with most character meals. $35.99 – $59.99 (kids and adults), except you have no character interactions. My bad dining experiences pre-date these Minnie Seasonal Dining events, and the updated menu sounds good, so perhaps the food had gotten better? I will have to investigate and get back to you on that. These meals include a salad (choose from two options for the table), an entree (choose from six entree options), and a dessert (choose from five dessert options).

What does this mean?

The good news is that Disney is trying to return to more normalcy, and they obviously believe they have enough business to support these additional restaurant locations opening up.

Gaston's — Mom at Gaston’s (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

I don’t think things are returning to normal as quickly as any of us, especially Disney, had hoped. However, even small baby steps in the right directions are positive.

If you are planning to visit the parks this fall, will you be visiting any of these Disney restaurants reopening soon? Please like this post and comment below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

P.S. Want more information about the reopening of Disney theme parks? Check out this post.

It’s Time for Halloween at Disney World!

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but fall is fast approaching. Halloween candy is suddenly out at all the grocery stores. Those “Spirit of Halloween” temporary shops filled with costumes and decorations for Halloween are starting to pop up around every corner. It’s true. Autumn is coming, and with it, Halloween. Halloween at Disney World has been an extremely popular time for many years. Usually, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties (a separate, ticketed event) start in late August and run through Halloween weekend. This year, Halloween at Disney World will look a bit different.

No MNSSHP Events–Cancelled

All the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties (MNSSHP) originally scheduled for this late summer and fall have been cancelled and refunded. While this is disappointing, it is also extremely easy to understand. With tickets for this event approaching $100 per person, attendee expectations are high. Many of the cornerstones of a MNSSHP would be impossible under the current restrictions due to Covid-19.

Halloween at Disney World Halloween Fireworks — Hallowishes fireworks Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (Photo: Disney Parks)

The Boo-to-You Parade, a staple of the MNSSHP, and my personal FAVORITE Disney parade, can’t happen in this era of social distancing. Nighttime fireworks displays are NOT happening at the moment, again due to the gathering of crowds. The special Halloween themed fireworks extravaganza is another vital component of MNSSHP.

One of the big highlights of the annual MNSSHP is that you can see characters you don’t often see, and most characters are in Halloween costumes of their own. That’s very fun, but again, character greetings are not possible right now due to social distancing needs due to the pandemic. Even the various shows and dance parties that are part of any MNSSHP can’t happen right now due to social distancing requirements. Finally, you can’t trick or treat at the candy sessions in our current climate, because the social distancing lines would be EVERYWHERE, and it would be a mess. So the parties are not happening this year.

Halloween Decorations at Magic Kingdom

There may be no Halloween parties this year, but Halloween is still coming to Disney World. Disney will decorate the Magic Kingdom for the fall season, with lots of pumpkins and grinning jack o’lanterns. Traditionally, most of the Halloween and fall decor is mainly on Main Street. Some years, there’s been a little overflow into Frontierland.

It’s time for Halloween at Disney — It’s Time for Halloween at Disney World! (Photo: Disney Parks)

Main Street USA will be decked out for Halloween from September 15 through October 31.

Halloween merchandise, however, is another story. That will be (and already is, in many cases!) EVERYWHERE throughout the Magic Kingdom. For more information on what Halloween merchandise has been released this year on ShopDisney.com, please visit this post. Most of the Halloween merchandise featured at ShopDisney.com is also available in the park. Disney has a short window of opportunity to sell their Halloween merchandise, so they will make it very easy for us to find!

Cavalcade of Characters

Since the parks reopened in July, character greetings have been off limits due to social distancing requirements. Disney’s solution has been periodic “character cavalcades” where the characters come out on floats and interact with guests from a distance. These happen a few times each day, and are vaguely reminiscent of the Move it, Shake it “mini parades” that they were doing the last couple of years.

For this Halloween at Disney World, Disney plans to jazz up the character cavalcades. The characters will be dressed in their Halloween costumes! I love this idea, and am happy that guests will be able to see the characters in their Halloween costumes without purchasing a pricey Halloween party ticket.

Halloween at Disney World Donald and Daisy — Characters in Costume Photo: Disney Parks

The really cute thing is that it seemed that each character had at least a couple of different costumes, so if you went every year to the party, the characters would be in different costumes.

Keep in mind these pictures are from MNSSHP from a few years ago, so we have no way of know which characters you might see this year in a character cavalcade, or what costume they might be wearing.

Halloween at Disney World, Mickey and Daisy — Mickey and Daisy in costume. (Photo Brooke Hudson)

Halloween at Disney World Mickey and Minnie — Mickey and Minnie at Halloween (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Adult Guests can Dress Up, TOO!

For the first time, Disney is letting adult guests wear costumes into the Magic Kingdom during regular business hours. Previously, the only time adult guests (and children over 14) could wear costumes was to the separate ticketed event, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Costume masks are NOT allowed, however, for adults or kids. Approved face coverings are still required, however.

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

All guests may wear their Halloween costumes or favorite Disney themed (or inspired) costumes into the Magic Kingdom this year, during regular park hours. The Halloween season at Disney World this year is from September 15 and October 31. It will be a TON of fun to see what everyone wears.

Just leave the costume weapons at home. Consider the heat, and think about safety. As Edna Mode would say “No Capes!”. They get caught, stepped on, ripped, dirty AND they’re heavy. Capes are technically allowed, but we recommend against them! Do YOU want to argue with Edna?

Disney Hollywood Studios vacation planning reasons to visit Disney trip planning meet Edna Mode — Edna Mode at Hollywood Studios

ShopDisney.comhas a lot of fun options for all ages (see last week’s blog post for more examples).

Halloween at Disney World Halloween Costumes

Halloween at Disney World: Snacks!

Let’s face it, when we start talking Halloween, most of us immediately start thinking of CANDY. Sweets and treats, right?

Halloween at Disney World means LOTS of sweet treats, all themed to the season.

Halloween snacks at Disney World — Halloween goodies at Disney World (Photo: Disney Parks)

There are Halloween themed cupcakes and cookies and candy treats all over the Magic Kingdom during the Halloween season. You’ll find Halloween themed drinks, special Halloween ice cream flavors, even Halloween themed popcorn buckets! If you have the budget (and the sugar tolerance), you could quite happily indulge in different Halloween sweet treats for DAYS.

PhotoPass Halloween Surprises!

If you’ve read many of my other posts, you’ve probably recognized that I am a BIG fan of Disney PhotoPass. I love that there are so many opportunities throughout the parks where you can get pictures of your family or group without one of you having to NOT be in the picture in order to take the picture.

I also tell you all the time to take LOTS of Disney PhotoPass pictures when you are in the parks, because the quality of the photographers vary, as do the lighting conditions and the surrounding crowds. You just don’t know what you’ll get, so play the odds!

One favorite Disney PhotoPass treat are the “Magic Shots”. These are the pictures where the photographer “magically” adds something to your picture that will show up later, when you see the picture.

For example, you might see Tinkerbell sitting on your hand, or you might see a character sitting next to you on a bench.

Epcot Magic Shot Minnie Mouse — Minnie Mouse Magic Shot (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Halloween Magic Shots

For Halloween, Disney has had a few Magic Shots in their arsenal, but USUALLY those were reserved for MNSSHP guests. This year, some special Halloween themed Magic Shots will be available in some areas of the Magic Kingdom throughout the day between September 15 and October 31. Keep in mind that not all PhotoPass photographers will have access to all Magic Shots. If the line is long, and the photographer is busy, they may not have time to set up a Magic Shot. These are special “extras”, not automatic or to be expected.

Here are a few sample Halloween Magic Shots that have been available in the past. We don’t know yet what Magic Shots will be available this year. I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

Disney Halloween Parties cancelled for 2020

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (Photo: Disney Parks)

Halloween at Disney World Magic Ghost Shot

Are you ready for Halloween?

It still feels a bit early for me, but looking at all this stuff is starting to get me in the Halloween mood. We won’t make it Disney World this year for the Halloween fun; our trip is in November this year. But next year’s big family trip is in October, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the Magic Kingdom all decked out for Halloween. I’m hopeful that at least some of these changes for day guests to the park will stay in place for next year, even if they have the ticketed parties next year.

Costume silliness from a couple years ago. I was a witch (too easy!) and my husband went as Iron Man. (Photo: Linda Harkness)

Are you ready for Halloween at Disney World, or even in your neck of the woods? Do you add any Disney touches to your at home celebrations? Please comment below.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. If you are thinking about a Disney vacation in 2021, now is the time! Vacation packages are available for most of the year. Please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote.

Disney Attraction Closures

Disney World parks have now been reopened for two weeks. How it’s going seems to depend a lot on who you talk to. Now that the dust has settled a little bit on the reopening, we wanted to update you on a few announcements Disney has made since the parks reopened. Disney has announced Disney attraction closures, both temporary and permanent. There are also several highly anticipated upcoming attractions that have been put on the back burner, modified or cancelled altogether.

Resort Opening Changes

Disney has decided NOT to reopen Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn until further notice. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resorts will both remain closed until further notice. In addition, the three All Star value resorts and Pop Century resorts remain closed at this time.

Disney has pushed back the reopening of both Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Here is the new schedule of the resorts that are scheduled to reopen this year.

- - July 29:Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  - August 24: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  - September 21: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  - October 4: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  - October 14: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  - November 1: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

It is important to remember that all these dates are still subject to change. Disney continues to evaluate the health situation and what is happening in the state of Florida.

Spaceship Earth Refurbishment

Previously, Disney had planned to close Spaceship Earth in May 2020 for a two to three year refurbishment. Read about that here.

When the parks reopened, fans were happy to see that Spaceship Earth reopened, right along with the rest of EPCOT attractions. Shortly after reopening, Disney announced that plans to refurbish/reimagine Spaceship Earth had been paused indefinitely.

At this time, no additional information has been released. If you’ve ridden Spaceship Earth anytime over the last year or two, you’ve probably noticed that it needs refurbishment. Some areas of the ride, and many of the ride vehicles look worn.

Why the pause? In short: Money. Disney lost more than $1 billion during the first month the parks were closed, and when the next quarter’s results are released, that loss will no doubt be mind boggling large. As a result, it is likely that Disney will be scaling back on planned projects, or even canceling projects to control spending until the parks start to recover financially. This, unfortunately, is likely to take YEARS.

We suspect that Spaceship Earth will close at some point either in 2021 or 2022 for a few months for cleaning and refurbishment, but it is doubtful that the substantial refurbishment originally planned will happen at all. This is not official, this is just our opinion. On the upside, if you are planning to visit the parks over the next 18 months, most likely Spaceship Earth will be open.

Mary Poppins Attraction

For as long as Disney has been building attractions, there have been rumors that a Mary Poppins themed attraction would be built. For many, the very brief Mary Poppins scene in the now-gone Great Movie Ride was a favorite scene. When Mary Poppins Returns was released in 2018, a resurgence of interest in Mary Poppins was born. When Disney announced that at long last, a Mary Poppins themed attraction was going to land in the UK Pavilion at EPCOT, many fans were THRILLED. While very few details were ever released about the planned attraction, it was officially announced. The attraction was included in the presentation at the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. The attraction has now been removed from that presentation.

Disney officially announced that the planned Mary Poppins attraction has been “postponed”. In this case, it is likely that the attraction will never materialize. It doesn’t appear that the attraction had gotten very far down the imagineering road, and given the financial losses Disney sustained this year? It doesn’t look good for our girl Mary. Hopefully, we are wrong, and we will eventually see this attraction move ahead. It is unlikely to happen for several years, however, and we suspect other properties will be higher priorities by then.

Disney Attraction Closures

Along with announcing postponements, Disney also announced some attraction closures. For the most part, these were not surprising.

Stitch’s Great Escape

Disney has permanently closed Stitch’s Great Escape. This controversial ride was (in our opinion) a ham fisted overlay of the failed scary attraction, Alien Adventure. After many guest complained, Alien Adventure was closed and a new “story” was created to make the attraction less scary and more funny, using the same basic attraction features. Stitch was stuck into the “story”, assumably to attract younger children and families to try the new version of the attraction.

The attraction was never very popular. In our opinion, it didn’t really work. The story was neither fun nor funny, and including Stitch didn’t really make much sense. The ride wasn’t as scary, it was more gross—and while that can be both fun and funny, in this case…it really wasn’t.

For the last couple of years, Stitch’s Great Escape has been closed more than it’s been opening. The attraction has opened a few times a year when crowds are particularly high to try and give people another attraction to visit. Disney’s decision to permanently close the attraction and no longer use it for overflow suggests it wasn’t really working in that capacity either. We suspect even the most loyal Stitch fan will not be sorry to see this attraction go.

We hope this space will be used for a really terrific Tomorrowland attraction at some point in the future. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to happen any time in the next 2-5 years.

Primeval Whirl

Primeval Whirl is another not-very-popular attraction that is now officially closed, per Disney’s recent announcement. Located in Dinoland at Animal Kingdom, Primeval Whirl is part of the “carnival” section of Dinoland. It’s very much an “off the shelf” attraction, similar to basic attractions you’d find at an actual carnival or very basic theme park. It certainly lacked any “Disney Magic”.

Much like Stitch’s Great Escape, Primeval Whirl has been mostly closed for the last couple of years. Disney opened Primeval Whirl occasionally, when crowds were especially high. We doubt there is a plan to replace Primeval Whirl. Likely, Disney just decided to close it permanently to reduce training and operating costs for a rarely used, unpopular attraction.

Rivers of Light

The announcement that Animal Kingdom’s nighttime show, Rivers of Light, would NOT be returning permanently was a surprise and a disappointment. Part of the Animal Kingdom expansion when Disney decided the park needed to be a full day “experience”, Rivers of Light was a unique nighttime show unlike anything else on Disney property.

Disney built a gorgeous waterside theater near the Finding Nemo the Musical theater to house Rivers of Light when it was designed. Because of the animals, nighttime entertainment at Animal Kingdom cannot include fireworks, explosions or loud pyrotechnics like we are used to seeing at most Disney nighttime shows.

Rivers of Light Disney Attraction Closures — Animal Kingdom’s Rivers of Light (Photo:Disney Parks)

Rivers of Light uses hauntingly beautiful music, stained glass floats, dancing waters and water projections to entertain. It’s a slower, quieter show, but very beautiful to look at and a nice way to unwind at the end of a busy day.

We are disappointed that Disney will not be bringing the show back, but we hope those beautiful floats and that theater will be used for SOMETHING in the future. Again, due to financial constraints, it is unlikely we will see anything for a few years. (SIGH).

Projects in Process

There are quite a few projects in process around Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, we don’t know the current status on most of these projects. We are assuming work is progressing, but we’ve had no announcements.

For example, the Ratatouille themed attraction originally slated to open in “Summer 2020” has not opened. The signs outside the attraction building that used to say “Summer 2020” have been removed. The attraction was in fairly good shape prior to the parks closing in March. We would have thought the attraction would be opening perhaps late summer or early fall at the latest, based on construction delays caused by Covid-19. However, Disney has not made any announcements or been talking about this attraction at all. We suspect that with the parks opened with limited capacity and the health crisis still looming, Disney has decided to save this attraction for when the parks are welcoming more guests, and they can generate positive buzz for the attraction. Just speculation on our part, but we think they may want a bigger “good news” announcement than they would likely get right now.

Epcot’s new space themed restaurant Space 220 — Space 220 Concept Art, Disney Parks

Similarly, Space 220 is a new table service restaurant, originally planned to open late 2019 and pushed back to Summer 2020. There has been no news on this restaurant for months, so we suspect it will not open this year. We hope to be wrong as we are very anxious to check this one out. Unfortunately, we doubt we are wrong.

Big Coming Attractions

The Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and the Tron Lightcycle coaster ride are both projects scheduled for completion sometime in 2021. We’ve had no information on these, but hopefully they are still on track.

Disney TRON Attraction Billboard — Tron Billboard, visible from Storybook Circus

We’ve also had no significant updates on the reconfiguring of EPCOT’s main entrance and future world. This is another project not expected to finish until sometime next year. This is a project that we think will be scaled WAY back from the original plans. It will be interesting to see what happens with this fairly massive project over the next 12 months.

Disney Attraction Closures: What About the PARKS???

The big question, of course, is will Walt Disney World close the parks again. We just don’t know the answer to that one. It is possible, especially considering how fast new cases are emerging in Florida every day. While we are confident that Disney will do everything in its power to keep from closing down, they also don’t want to jeopardize public health, their image or their bottom line. There are a lot of things that could (and should) factor into a decision to close the parks again. Hopefully, it will not become necessary. We will keep you posted as we learn more in the days ahead!

Are you upset or worried by any of the closures or postponements mentioned above? Please like this post and comment below.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?).

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

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.

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.

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

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!

Should You Cancel Your 2020 Disney World Vacation?

Walt Disney World is preparing to reopen this weekend. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are opening on July 11, followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15. All four parks are opening in a limited capacity. Many regular entertainment features and special experiences have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. Disney Vacation Club resorts are open at this time, with other resorts gradually opening over the coming months. Not all resorts are scheduled to reopen in 2020. When Disney opens this weekend, it will be a very different Disney World. So the big question: If you were planning to visit, should you cancel your 2020 Disney World vacation?

It’s Not an Easy Answer

The short answer? I don’t know. It depends on your unique circumstances. There are pros and cons to both visiting this year and to waiting next year.

For some of us, this is a more difficult decision than for others.

If you have been planning your trip for a long time, or are a huge Disney World fan, the thought of postponing your trip into next year (or even the following year!) may make you feel very sad.

On the other hand, if you have been financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, you may find it a lot easier to postpone your trip.

Florida Coronavirus Cases are Spiking!

Particularly troubling for many people is that Covid-19 is not yet contained in the United States. While some states have successfully slowed the spread of Coronavirus, other states have seen dramatic increases in new cases as the states have reopened their economies. Florida is one of the states seeing the most dramatic increases in cases. Almost every day, the state is setting new records for new cases.

Some states are requesting that residents returning home from Florida self quarantine for a minimum of 14 days before returning to normal activities.

Hopefully this is a short term situation, and Florida will soon have the spread of Coronavirus under control. But until they do, the rapid increases in new cases will continue to be an alarming factor that you should definitely consider when deciding whether to visit this year.

A Possible Second Surge in the Fall?

Related to the concerns of Covid-19 continuing to spread right now throughout Florida is the prediction from many medical experts that we may see a nationwide surge in the spread of the disease this Fall, when flu season returns. We don’t KNOW that this will happen, it’s pure conjecture. However, to date, more than 130,000 people have died in the United States from the Coronavirus. As much as I love Disney World, I’m not sure it’s worth risking lives.

Financial Considerations

Another factor that must be considered is your financial investment. I love to talk about all the fun stuff you and your family can do on a Disney vacation. I love to focus on the memories you’ll create together. My favorite thing in the world is watching Disney work its magic on guests of all ages.

However, there is no getting around the fact that a Disney vacation is an expensive investment. Worth every penny? Absolutely. But it is expensive. For many of us, a Disney vacation may take years to save up for.

Given the large financial investment necessary for your vacation, we have to look at value received. Normally, I think Disney wins on value all day every day. There are so many experiences and attractions. You can watch shows and meet characters. There are fireworks and musicians from all over the world. There is truly an astounding amount of entertainment available to you and your family on a Disney vacation. Normally.

However, right now, many of those experiences have been dramatically reduced or eliminated. You need to take that into consideration when you consider the value you will receive for your vacation. If your vacation is planned for 2020, it is highly likely that you will receive a lot less value than you would in different circumstances.

What Should We Expect?

If you are planning to visit in July, August or September, it is highly likely that you will encounter shortened park hours. You will have to wear masks throughout the theme parks and the resorts. There will be no nighttime entertainment at all, and many shows will not be happening. Social distancing requirements will make many activities either impossible, or very, very different. With attendance at each park limited each day to ensure there is room for social distancing, you may find you can’t visit the park you wanted to visit on the day you wanted to visit it. Park hopping is not allowed at this time. You will need to have your temperature taken each time you enter a theme park.

Is it possible that in October, November and December, park capacity will be increased and some normalcy will return? Certainly. Anything is possible. However, I expect that Disney will be extremely cautious moving forward. They don’t want to have to shut down again.

This is my personal opinion, based on my experience and research over the years. I don’t think the parks will return to normal during 2020. If there is a new outbreak of Covid-19 in the Fall, I’m not even sure we will see the parks return to normal by Spring 2021. I could, of course, be completely wrong about this. It is entirely possible that Covid-19 will be contained, and visitors to Disney will not encounter or spread the virus among other guests or cast members. It is also possible that Disney will find that each park can handle a larger capacity than this initial plan calls for, allowing more park reservations each day for each park. However, I still believe that it will be months before many of the nighttime entertainments, daytime shows, fireworks and character greetings return.

Our Family Vacation – A Case Study

Our family faced this exact decision this week. For more than a year, we have been planning a big family vacation for October 2020. Our vacation included grandparents and three families, including several children, aged 6-17.

Should you cancel your 2020 disney vacation? — 2014 Family Vacation. Our “littles” were too little to remember this trip. (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

We carefully chose our dates around school institute days. We all were saving for and making payments towards the trip. Last summer, we had a big planning meeting where we reviewed lots of options and chose our resort and ticket options.

Everyone was excited about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. (Well, to be fair, I’m not sure the kids were excited about THAT, but the rest of us were!). My mom made this amazing calendar for all of us for 2020 with notes and reminders and special pictures, all leading up to the trip in October. We’ve all be having “family movie nights” to make sure the little kids were familiar with Disney and Pixar characters they might not have known about yet. Everyone was watching Star Wars and Avatar in preparation for our big trip.

Countdown Calendar Build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation — Calendar designed by Linda Harkness (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

We had scheduled another big planning meeting for this summer.

When the Coronavirus pandemic began, we all immediately worried whether we’d be able to take our trip. However, I was sure that the pandemic would be controlled quickly and our trip wouldn’t be impacted. When Disney made the decision to close their theme parks “until further notice”, I got nervous. But still, I believed we’d be able to take our trip as planned. After all, October was months away.

Reality Bites

Unfortunately, as time wore on, it became all too apparent that our trip was probably going to be affected in some way. I continued to work on planning our trip, drafting itineraries and back up touring plans. We planned dining options and drafted our fast pass+ strategy. Disney cancelled all our carefully scheduled dining reservations, but still we didn’t give up.

However, once the parks announced their reopening schedule and strategy, it became very obvious that many of the things we all love about Disney would probably be missing if we pushed through and visited in October. For our little kids, this would be the first trip to Disney that they would remember. For our parents, this would be a family reunion and a special celebration of the whole family.

We all wanted it to be amazing . We wanted character meals and character greetings. We wanted to see the dragon in the afternoon Magic Kingdom parade. We wanted amazing fireworks and other nighttime entertainment. We wanted my niece to be a princess and my nephew to be a pirate. In short, this was going to be a once in many years (or perhaps a lifetime) trip for many in the group. When we looked at the value and talked about the options, the group made their decision pretty quickly.

We have postponed our family vacation until October 2021.

Reasons NOT to Postpone or Cancel

For our large family, postponing the trip until next year is the right decision. We don’t know when or even if Disney will return to “normal”. However, it seems likely that 14-15 months from now, we’ll be a lot closer to normal than we are now.

However that may NOT be the right decision for your family. There are some visitors that absolutely may want to visit during this year:

- - Florida residents: If you aren’t traveling far, or if you live within a short driving distance, it may make sense for you to still visit. Especially if you visit often, and aren’t as likely to be upset by some of the missing features or experiences.
  - Frequent/Annual Visitors: If your family visits every year, or multiple times per year, it might be the right decision to still visit. In this case you’ll have a “new” experience that might be super memorable and unique.
  - Annual Passholders: Similarly, if you are an Annual Passholder, and visit frequently, it may make sense to visit during this time. Note: Many Annual Passholders have voiced dissatisfaction with the return on their investment for their current annual passes. Many are upset that they paid full price for their pass and will be receiving limited value. While Disney did credit passholders back for one month due to the closures, many passholders feel this wasn’t sufficient. Some passholders are electing to cancel their passes and get refunds. So your mileage may vary.

Benefits of Visiting This Year

- - Limited capacity means fewer people in the parks. It has been YEARS since I’ve been in the parks and had lots of room to comfortably move around. When was the last time you were able to photograph landmarks without tons of other guests in your photo? I want to visit this year purely for the novelty of lighter crowds, even if I do have to wear a mask to do it!

Disney has really cute face masks for sale — Disney themed face masks? Let’s go! Click the picture above.

- - Limited capacity and no Fast Pass+ reservations should (at least theoretically) mean shorter lines for attractions.
  - Merchandise sales? Potentially, fewer guests will mean a lot fewer merchandise sales. Perhaps this will result in theme park stores putting more merchandise on sale sooner? I’d like to think there will be bargains to be found. However, that may just be a fantasy!

Disney Skyliner Takes Flight Merchandise

- - Unique experience. Many, many people have cancelled their 2020 trips due to concerns related to Covid-19. Those guests that visit this year will most likely have a very unique experience. While some of that will be negative as favorite experiences will be missing, some of that will be positive. Everyone wearing masks, lighter crowds, using Magic Bands and your phones more frequently to order and pay. If you live nearby and visit frequently, you will likely see operations and rules change as time goes by.

What’s the Right Answer for YOU?

Disney vacations for both 2020 and 2021 are now available for booking. If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, I’m here to help. If you’d to discuss your decision further, I am here for you. I know it’s a tough decision. Every family has unique factors they must consider. Vacation time, flying versus driving, everyone’s overall health and emotional well being. The considerations are almost endless.

I want to be very clear: I am a HUGE Disney Parks fan. I am THRILLED they are reopening, and personally am very excited to return to the parks.

For my family’s big reunion vacation, the best decision for the entire group was to postpone the trip until next year.

However, my husband and I will be visiting the parks in November on our own. We are planning to drive down rather than fly. Also, we are frequent visitors and Annual Passholders. This won’t be a regular trip for us, but the changes will be less impactful on us as we visit so often.

While I am certain I will be disappointed at some of my favorite experiences being limited or missing, I am still looking forward to visiting this year.

As an added bonus, I am looking forward to doing some “boots on the ground” research for all of you. I will keep you posted as our planning on that trip moves forward.

Should You Cancel?

So…what do you think? Should you cancel your 2020 Disney World vacation? Please like this post and comment below!

If you want my help with your decision, or with planning your next Disney adventure, please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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