Walt Disney World has delayed the reopening of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort from October 4, 2020 until Summer 2021. This is to accommodate refurbishment work at the hotel, including Moana-inspired guest rooms and enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House. In this post, we’ll cover all of the details and what you need to know. For […]
Starting on September 1st, Tokyo Disney Resort will bring back nighttime entertainment to its parks with a total of three shows. What’s Happening: Tokyo Disney Resort is about to relaunch nighttime shows at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. As of September 1, 2020 guests will be able to enjoy night time entertainment: At Tokyo Disneyland […]
Actor Yoson An got his start doing short films in New Zealand, followed by appearances in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, The Meg, and Mortal Engines, plus recurring roles on TV series such as Dead Lucky and Fresh Eggs. Now Yoson An is costarring as the love interest Chen Hongui in Disney’s live-action reimagining […]
Today’s story on WDWNT is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction… because four new T-shirts themed to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror have checked into Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The Hollywood Tower Hotel T-Shirt – $24.99 The stately charm of The Hollywood Tower Hotel is captured on this dark grey t-shirt featuring the hotel’s logo. It’s a subtle reference to the thrilling attraction that lurks within. Mickey Mouse The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror “Do Drop […]
The magic of a visit to Walt Disney World starts before you even arrive. It’s fun to plan out your trip and anticipate the experience. Arriving to Walt Disney World’s theme parks for the day is a quite different than it used to be, so let’s review what you need to know.
Parking Process
When pulling through the parking toll plaza of each park, I’ve been asked if I have a reservation for the park. Then my MagicBand is scanned and my ID confirmed, since I am an annual passholder with parking included. Disney is encouraging everyone to use contactless payment as much as possible. Each parking booth Cast Member I have encountered has been wearing both a mask and a protective clear face shield.
Parking is rather delightful right now because every other spot is filled first. Then after guests have moved on from loading up and walking to the park the empty spots are backfilled. Having the extra space makes it very nice for everyone, especially families who have kids to wrangle into strollers and such.
I have found that the parking lot can be a challenge for safety compliance in that some guests do not have their mask on yet and have not adjusted to physically distancing practices. I generally wait in the car for the majority of folks in my row to head toward the park, and then I finally get out and get moving. Parking trams are not currently operational so you will have to walk through the parking lot to the park entrance.
As you approach the entrance you’ll probably notice a few white tents. Staffed by one of Florida’s largest hospital groups, AdventHealth, every guest has their temperature taken with a no-touch thermometer. Disney states on their website that; “Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.”
During my visits everyone has been extremely friendly, always joking around with my son. It is a quick, touchless scan. Every guest I have witnessed has been great about the screening too.
Bag Screening
I recently visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT. At both parks the bag screening process has changed to a touchless systems. For safety reasons I will not go into detail about the process, and I did not take pictures specifically of the bag check area. During my recent it was just my son and I so I had to manage the bag check with my son in the stroller. The Security Cast Members did a great job of directing me and helping me navigate the screening process with bags and a stroller with no additional party members. Cell phones can stay in bags as they are checked. Larger metal items (like umbrellas) may need to be removed.
Physical Distancing
During busy hours such as park opening, the entrance and ticket scan area can get backed up. There are markings throughout the main gate area in order to allow for safe physical distancing. Plenty of Cast Members are on hand to direct guests and ensure everyone is following the procedures. Members of the “Mask Enforcement Squad” are around the park, and definitely have a strong presence at the front of the park. They not only ensure guests are wearing masks, but that their face coverings comply with specifications such as no exhalation valves.
No Bio-Metric Finger Scan
To reduce touch points, the bio-metric finger scan is turned off when you scan you ticket or MagicBand. Of course having reservations just to get into the park helps with some of the reasons bio-metric scans exist in the first place. It also speeds up the process of getting into the park, which is welcomed. Between walking to the park entrance, going through the temperature screening, then the bag check, it can seem like a lot of work to finally walk into the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Are you planning on visiting Walt Disney World anytime soon? What other aspects of visiting Disney are you curious about? Let us know in the comments.
Last year, we opened the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, and this weekend marked the first anniversary of the grand opening of this incredible land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For the occasion, we’re sharing a special beverage recipe from Oga’s Cantina, one of the most popular spots at on both coasts!
Oga’s Cantina is the heartbeat of Black Spire Outpost. It’s a place where you can share your own tales from around the galaxy while you enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels. One of these beverages comes in perhaps the cutest vessel of all – the Cliff Dweller. This adorable drink features citrus juices, coconut, hibiscus-grenadine, and ginger ale – and it’s served in a SOUVENIR PORG MUG! While you have to visit Oga’s Cantina to get your hands on this special mug, today we’re sharing the recipe for this fan-favorite non-alcoholic drink.
Cliff Dweller Non-Alcoholic Beverage
From Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts Serves 1
Combine orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and cream of coconut in Boston cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well and pour over fresh ice in a tall glass. Top with ginger ale.
Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.
Stay connected with Disney Parks Blog for more delicious Disney recipes and be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!
Even though Halloween Horror Nights isn’t happening this year, Universal Orlando Resort has found plenty of ways to bring the terrifying fun with specialty merchandise and food. Now, they’re paying tribute to arguably their most popular event icon with a Jack the Clown doughnut! The doughnut, available at Universal CityWalk Orlando, is a raised yeast doughnut filled with raspberry Bavarian cream and decorated with vanilla frosting and vanilla icing to make up Jack’s intimidating face. In addition, the letters “HHN,” […]
Six years ago, the theme park world was forever changed by the addition of the new Diagon Alley area to Universal Studios Florida– an expansion of its sister park Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Now fans will have the opportunity to bring home this famous location inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Harry […]
Starting tomorrow, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge visitors can scoop up this new version of the immensely popular Batuuan Spira. The collectible Disney Gift Card will be available exclusively on Batuu while supplies last. What’s Happening: Travellers to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu will soon be able to pick up a new themed Disney Gift Card that […]