We were able to confirm with Universal Orlando that beginning tomorrow, May 29th, face masks will no longer be required indoors. When combined with Universal’s current outdoor mask policy, this means face coverings will be optional everywhere on property.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
The Team Member we spoke with was unable to confirm further corresponding changes to social distancing or capacity, but we will keep a close eye on the situation.
Disney World has just shared a brand new commercial for its 50th anniversary celebration! There are also a ton of Easter eggs to find! Check it out right here. Golden Anniversary The celebrations will begin on October 1, 2021 and will run 18 months. That means the special events and entertainment will be over sometime […]
Disney Parks Blog has shared a first look at the Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary commercial and some of the hidden details you can find. What’s Happening: Disney Parks Blog shared a first look at the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary commercial this morning, showing some of the hidden Easter eggs fans can spot. The […]
Walt Disney World has debuted a new commercial for the resort’s 50th anniversary and “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning October 1, 2021. Watch it below: The commercial features a version of Aladdin‘s “A Whole New World” playing in the background. Pixie dust lights up each theme park icon as a “Beacon of Magic” and flies around families while the “magic calls” to them. What are you most excited to see during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”? Let us know […]
As we get ready for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, we’re sharing a first look at a magical, new commercial that calls you to the upcoming celebration and features hidden Easter egg surprises for eagle-eyed Disney fans!
Florida is hot and when I say hot, we really mean it! When you think of the weather here in Orlando, Florida, many jump immediately to the state’s nickname – The Sunshine State. What everyone thinks of when vacationing to Florida, is the beaches and theme parks. But some might just want to come and relax, rather than GO GO GO all the time and we don’t blame you. Fortunately, there’s plenty of things to do here in Florida if you’re trying to relax and take a load off. That leads us into the beaches here in Florida, there are dozens of beaches you can go to and experience. But today, we are going to share with you 3 things you can do at New Smyrna Beach here in Florida!
1. NEW SMYRNA BEACH
To start off our list of 3 things you can do at New Smyrna Beach, of course we have to begin with the beach itself. I mean who doesn’t like the beach, besides all of the sand getting everywhere! You can get all of the relaxation you need here at New Smyrna Beach and enjoy the soothing sounds of waves crashing. New Smyrna Beach is a 17-mile long stretch of beautiful white sandy beaches. The beach itself is well known for its surfers and offers some of the greatest wave’s on the east coast. So if you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, now is your chance. Have you ever wanted to drive onto a beach? Now you can here at New Smyrna Beach, with a cost of $20 per car. If you do decide to bring your pets along to your beach day, New Smyrna provides a dog beach just located on the north side of the jetty at Smyrna Dunes Park! You can get everything and more while you enjoy your day here at the Beach!
2. DOLPHIN SIGHTING BOAT TOUR
Have you ever wanted to see a dolphin but never had the opportunity to? Look no further because New Smyrna offers Dolphin sighting boat tours! Here at New Smyrna you can checkout the Marine Discovery Center to do your very own Dolphin sighting boat tour. Not only do they do dolphin sighting tours, you can also do a plethora of encounters. You can do a Dolphin Lighthouse Cruise, where you will travel the Indian River Lagoon on a 2-hour journey and explore the variety of species that call the lagoon home. You can also choose from a Sunset Eco Cruise, Full Moon Boat Tour, and you can even do Kayak tours! The possibilities are endless at the Marine Discovery Center here at New Smyrna Beach. So, now you know and you may have the chance to see Dolphins on your boat tour.
3. AMAZING DINING OPTIONS
If you and your family are looking for a bite to eat here at New Smyrna Beach, there are plenty of amazing opportunities for you to indulge your taste buds in! With an assortment of dining options all throughout New Smyrna, you and your family will have the chance to taste and experience the beach side flavors! When you head out to your beach paradise, be sure to let every flavor welcome you. The beautiful town of New Smyrna Beach provides a wide variety of laid-back vibes, but their assortment of dining options is to die for. Everyone knows that fish is better by the beach, so if you’re a fishy eater … you’re in for a treat! Their variety of restaurants are off the hook and provide a flavorful mouthwatering experience.
CHECKOUT OUR STAYCATION HERE AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH!
What everyone thinks of when vacationing to Florida, is the beaches and theme parks. But some might just want to come and relax, rather than GO GO GO all the time and we don’t blame you. Fortunately, there’s plenty of things to do here in Florida if you’re trying to relax and take a load off. That’s why you can now head out to New Smyrna Beach to get your quiet time or just enjoy the beach life! Here was our list of 3 things you can do at New Smyrna Beach here in Florida! Be sure to share your next trip with us and let us know if you decided to do something off the grid!
As I enter the Magic Kingdom and walk down Main Street, U.S.A, I notice a long line stretching from the Main Street Bakery, all the way down the sidewalk. I’m struck with curiosity. What’s going on here? Is it a special character meet and greet? Maybe even an early line forming for guests to snag their favorite spot to watch the afternoon parade? No. It’s the line for Starbucks Coffee. And just like that, I’m taken out of the fantasy and brought back into the real world. It’s the real world that I specifically came here to avoid for as long as my wallet will allow. As I pass the entrance, I can’t help but think to myself that we don’t need this. Perhaps more accurately, we don’t want this. I know this example may seem a bit arbitrary, but I can’t get it out of my head. Inside the bakery, I gaze at the menu littered with Starbucks drink titles and trademark logos displayed like a stamp of approval allowing Disney the right to sell their brand. Those trademark logos tattooed across the board feel somewhat intrusive. As if my fortress of fantasy has been penetrated by reality. I guess having a Starbucks on Main Street, U.S.A is somewhat poetic. An all too real reflection of corporations muscling their way onto the main streets of America. The long line of customers acting as the public’s willingness to play along. Although, I didn’t come here for a realistic view of our daily lives. I came here to escape daily life with a little help from some Disney magic.
I’m not completely naive. I understand the business motive behind these types of decisions. Money. Commercial branding, big movie properties, and a wider appeal to the general public seem like a sure bet for a prosperous financial future. Yet, as a loyal regular, I have to wonder. At what cost?
As a child, I recall my interactions with cast members as being one of the key components that made the Disney difference I fell in love with. Now, those special interactions seem to be dwindling. It’s not a criticism of the caliber of cast members these days. It’s more a reflection of how many guests are now circulating the parks on a daily basis. This example is further illustrated by visitor’s recent accounts of better service and better cast member interactions during their COVID limited-capacity visits. The number of guests they aim to pack into the parks now seems to have made it impossible for the cast members to give each of us that little special attention that we used to get. A lot of them seem to have the attitude of “let’s keep this train rolling.” Make sure guests queue correctly and efficiently. Make sure they pay up and get out as quickly as possible from their favorite dining locations. And, for the love of God, don’t take too long taking your picture with Mickey. It’s made to feel as if the cast members are just there to make sure that we stay in line and keep moving. Unfortunately, I think this is an answer to the question I posed above. As they commercialize more, we get less. My most recent visits have started to feel like “get in, empty your wallet, and get out”.
I keep walking. All the way back to Tomorrowland. Although a bit outdated in its decor, this is still a unique and original creation that expertly displays Walt’s vision of the future. I marvel at the sight of my favorite mountain. Space Mountain. Gleaming in the distance as a unique promissory note that we’re not in Kansas anymore. To the left, I notice a new attraction being built with one big word stretched across the construction barrier; Tron. Now, here I am again. Pulled away from the unique fantasy and pushed back into the real world with big movie titles. The coaster itself looks fantastic, but I have trouble looking past the (insert big movie title here) branding. Like it or not, this seems to be the future of Disney World attractions and refurbishments. It feels like a somewhat desperate attempt to appeal to the general public with big names that they can identify with. To me, it feels like the death of artistic integrity and originality. The unique Disney storylines featured in their rides seem to be on their way out the door to make way for the next summer blockbuster.
I’m not saying the magic is all gone. I still love Disney World. I typically find myself planning my next trip on the plane ride home. I simply want to point out the commercially motivated changes that I’ve seen recently and why they worry me for the future. Disney World has always been the definition of artistic success with its ability to entertain, educate, and inspire guests of all ages. At its core is originality, unbeatable customer service, and commitment to the value of art. For now, let’s just call that core magic. It’s the foundation to which everything else is layered upon. Without it, nothing works. As we move forward, I hope we embrace the future without losing that magic.
Universal Orlando Resort has officially informed Team Members that they will no longer be requiring vaccinated guests to wear face masks indoors or outdoors, effective Saturday, May 29. Universal is not requiring guests to provide proof of vaccination to go without a mask, but expects guests to comply. While onstage, Team Members are required to wear face coverings both indoors and outdoors. Backstage, fully vaccinated Team Members are not required to wear masks, with “some exceptions.” If they are not […]
