food IS a theme park
Many Walt Disney World Resort hotels have reopened in preparation for the theme parks phased reopening beginning this Saturday.
©Shades of Green Hotel Room
Shades of Green Resort, the Walt Disney World hotel reserved for members of the military, closed temporarily in March. The closure was scheduled to last until July 1st and was later postponed to July 15th.
We’re inching closer and closer to Disney World’s grand reopening this weekend!
Cinderella Castle
Along with things like Disney World transportation and many in-park dining locations resuming operations soon, we’ve now learned that a few more restaurants are reopening as well!
We’ll be honest, there were a few modifications we were already a feeling a little apprehensive about before we arrived at Magic Kingdom yesterday.
Main Street, U.S.A.
One of the biggest changes we were having a hard time wrapping our heads around was the new Character Cavalcades at Disney World. A while ago, Disney told us they would be replacing their standard entertainment offerings with these unscheduled performances since character meet and greets, parades, and firework shows will be returning at a later time.
Moments ago, we learned Disney World’s parking lot trams will not be operating for the time when the parks reopen.
Disney Skyliner
And while Disney World has previously announced Disney Skyliner service will resume on July 15th, they’ve just announced a new important safety detail!
Walt Disney World is preparing to reopen this weekend. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open on July 11th with Hollywood Studios and EPCOT following closely on July 15th.
Cinderella Castle
Cast Member previews gave us insight into how dining, shopping, and attractions will be handled when the theme parks have officially opened. Disney just released a short video depicting how Cast Members are preparing for the park’s official re-opening the public since the closure in March. [Read more…]
With Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom set to reopen to the general public this Saturday, July 11th, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT following next week on July 15th, we’ve been closely monitoring all the official statements Disney World has released about which transportation services will be available to guests.
Magic Kingdom
Previously, we confirmed that monorail and ferryboat service to and from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom will resume earlier than originally projected and in time for the Annual Passholder previews scheduled for July 9th and 10th. Disney World Annual Passholders, however, will be required to provide their own transportation to the parking lots and parking lot tram service will not be running.
News regarding the reopening of Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort has been slowly trickling in. There has been some speculation and confirmations of what businesses will be available to the public on July 9th.
Catal and UVA Bar at Downtown Disney
Some restaurants had to adjust given the recent California mandate that required indoor dining at restaurants and bars to close. We confirmed that Naples Ristorante e Bar and Uva Bar will reopen with outdoor seating and limited menus. We also learned Salt & Straw will be available with a new to ice cream flavor to mark the reopening. We now have a full list of confirmed restaurants and retail shops that will re-open tomorrow!
Make room for dim sum! Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs has extending a discount for select guests!
Morimoto Asia
Morimoto offered a 20% discount to all Cast Members upon reopening. Now, Morimoto Asia is continuing to show its appreciation for the hard-workers of Disney!
Tune your guitar and get on your dancin’ shoes! House of Blues Orlando is offering another limited-time discount!
House of Blues Orlando
House of Blues Orlando in Disney Springs opened with a 20% discount for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Cast Members. Now, Florida Residents can join in and get their own discounted dishes! [Read more…]
Silly old bear! While we saw Rabbit, Piglet, and Eeyore were out bright and early yesterday morning at Magic Kingdom, Winnie the Pooh was nowhere to be found!
Pooh and Friends Minus One Pooh Bear
He must have gotten his paw stuck in a honey pot or something — but he did eventually show up later in the day! And check out where else we spotted Winnie Pooh and his pals recently — in corduroy PLUSH form!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
