food IS a theme park
Becoming part of Disney’s official fan club, D23, often gives members access to exclusive access to events and even merchandise.Â
D23 Photo Op at A Touch of Disney! It’s not nice to point, unless you’re Mickey Mouse!
Right now, D23 members can get their hands on a collectible plush that’s simply too cute not to grab!
Welcome back to another weekly roundup on the latest Disney World park hours and current Park Pass Reservation availability for the week of May 23rd, 2021!
Cinderella Castle
The last week has brought some big changes to Disney World, including the outdoor face mask mandate being modified to increased capacity in the parks and on certain rides and attractions. Let’s take a look and see if these changes have had a noticeable impact on park hours or Park Pass availability!
There’s a bit of construction at Disney World right now!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Sometimes, rides, restaurants, and hotels will close temporarily for maintenance or refurbishment. And of course, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any of those closures during your trip! So today, we’re bringing you our weekly refurbishment update for May 24th-30th.
We may be ALL about the eats at Disney World, but sometimes we venture off-property, too!
J.W. Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa
Last year, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa opened up just minutes away from Disney World. But while the hotel has been up and runnin’ for almost a year, its rooftop bar, illume, has yet to make its big debut. That opens on May 27th — and we were able to stop by yesterday for a little preview!
Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort has finally reopened!
Cape May has reopened!
And we were there on its grand reopening day, checking out how things have changed, and comparing it to what it was like before it closed with Disney World last year. We were there for breakfast, but we also decided to check it out for dinner!
So…Disney’s mask rules have undergone a LOT of changes over the past few months.
Face Mask
Previously, masks were required anywhere on property — both indoors and outdoors — unless eating or drinking while stationary or taking a socially distanced outdoor photo. Later, masks no longer became required outdoors. Then, masks no longer became required in most places for fully vaccinated guests. Now, things have changed again and masks are required for all guests indoors (and in select other places), regardless of vaccination status. These changes (and the current mask policy) can affect how you wear your mask during your vacation! And we’re got some tips for ya right here.
On the hunt for some new ears?
Hollywood Studios
Well, you’re in luck! We’ve seen lots of rainbow merch debut in Disney World recently, from MagicBands to collectible keys to ear hats. But if you want even MORE color, boy have we found the pair of ears for you.
There are some pretty awesome and fantastical items in Disney-owned films.
Luke vs. Darth Vader ©Disney
One such item that comes to mind is the lightsaber. An “elegant weapon for a more civilized age,” as Obi-Wan Kenobi would say. These energy swords are the chosen weapon of those who have a connection to the Force in Star Wars and boy, are they cool or what? We’ve been able to make (toy) lightsabers in the Disney parks since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened and we can sometimes snag lightsabers online — but what about that REAL lightsaber that Disney made?
Fireworks have remained suspended since the parks reopened last year.
Spaceship Earth
And while EPCOT has a new nighttime show in the works, Harmonious, there has been no indication on when it could debut. But last night, there was an exciting indication that preparations may be underway.
It’s been over a year since the U.S. cruise industry halted operations due to the global health pandemic. And it’s been difficult on cruise lines ever since — even Disney admitted that cruising would be the last arm of the company to resume operations.
Disney Dream
But as more people get vaccinated, we’re starting to see the first signs that the cruise industry is ready to set sail again soon. The CDC recently stated that cruises could resume as early as mid-July in American waters. But because cruises to Alaska must sail through Canadian waters, things are a little more complicated.
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