food IS a theme park
CityWalk in Universal Orlando has officially reopened and we’re coming at you LIVE with the latest.
Universal
We’ve already updated you on crowds, parking, and the new safety protocols in place, but now we are heading to grab some food and drinks to see what the new restaurant experience is like.
Businesses across the country have begun to reopen and we have been keeping you updated with how local task forces are working to balance supporting the economy while keeping citizens safe.
CityWalk
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk reopened today with new procedures, and Disney Springs plans to reopen next week. Today, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a new set of guidelines to help businesses decide whether they are ready to proceed with reopening or not.
We’re reporting live from CityWalk in Universal Orlando now that some of the entertainment district’s restaurants and shops have started to reopen after being closed since mid-March.
CityWalk
So far, we’ve had our temperatures taken and we’ve seen face masks and hand sanitizer being sold at numerous retail locations, but here’s something we DIDN’T expect to see!
Much of Florida has been in Phase One of the reopening of the state’s economy as of May 4th. However, when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would begin reopening — which includes businesses such as retail stores and restaurants — three counties that have been most impacted by the current health situation were excluded from the reopening.
Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs
These three counties were Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. However, at a press conference today Governor DeSantis has announced that Miami-Dade and Broward can now join the rest of the state in Phase One. [Read more…]
Disney World recently announced while its theme parks and hotel locations will remain shuttered for the time being, some third-party Disney Springs stores and restaurants will be allowed to reopen starting May 20th ( learn more details here).
Disney Springs
And while previously we’ve shared with you a list of every confirmed restaurant that will be resuming its operations, we also wanted to provide you with a comprehensive guide to which retail stores will be reopening on May 20th. Disney-owned locations will begin opening seven days later on May 27th.
As we’ve been compiling a list of which Disney Springs restaurants we’re expecting to reopen on May 20th, we’ve also been checking in on several retail locations.
Disney Springs
In addition to American Threads, we’ve just received confirmation Free People will be one of the first shops to reopen on May 20th as part of Disney Springs’ gradual reopening plan.
If you're looking for information related to the current closures and their effect on the Disney Parks, click here for all the up-to-date details and click here for answers to dozens of reader FAQs.
It’s been a while since we’ve checked in on the renovated McDonald’s location at Disney World! So, we thought it would be great to check-in on the construction progress today!
McDonald’s Construction Back in January
And as of today, it looks like the construction has come a long way! Check out how the new Mickey D’s is stylin’ and profilin’ now!
Mayor Buddy Dyer announced in a press conference yesterday that the city of Orlando’s Fourth of July fireworks display is being canceled this year.
Epcot Forever Fireworks
A pre-recorded version of Fireworks at the Fountain, the annual show held at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, will be televised instead.
UPDATE 5/17: Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company announced they will operate from 10AM to 10PM on May 20th.
Last week, we started compiling a list of third-party restaurants that will be reopening when Disney Springs resumes some of its operations on May 20th.
Joffrey’s
And now we’ve just received confirmation from another business that plans to reopen as part of Disney Springs’ gradual reopening.
Yesterday we shared that custodial Disney Cast Members have been called back to work at Disney Springs since the location will begin partially reopening on May 20th. We have also been able to confirm a few of the restaurants that will be reopening on May 20th.
Disney Springs
And now it appears that several additional locations will be reopening by June 1st!
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