A Special Walt Disney World Offer For Guests Impacted By Park Closures

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Even though we do not know when the parks will open yet, Disney World has just released a special Free Dining Offer for guests who booked a vacation package or room reservation to stay at a Disney Resort hotel from March 16th through May 31st, 2020.

Here are the official details:

Eligible Guests can take advantage of a vacation package offer that includes accommodations at a select Disney Resort hotel, park admission and a FREE Disney Dining Plan – valid for arrivals most nights June 1st through September 30th, 2020 when you book through May 31st, 2020.

This offer is valid only for Guests who booked a vacation package or room reservation to stay at a Disney Resort hotel from March 16th through May 31st, 2020 (even if the park opens before then). Offer not valid for reservations canceled before March 1st, 2020.

The Disney Free Dining Package offered depends on the level of the resort you are staying in.

The breakdown is as follows:

  • Value Resort – Quick Service Dining Plan
  • Moderate Resort – Quick Service Dining Plan
  • Deluxe Resort – Disney Dining Plan

Guests wishing to upgrade your dining plan can do so for an additional fee.

Important Details

  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
  • Advance reservation required.
  • Length of stay is 2 nights-14 nights
  • Ticket requirements: 2-day minimum; all ticket types included (i.e., Base, Park Hopper, Water Park & Sports, Park Hopper Plus
  • Offer excludes the following room types: campsites
  • Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if available.
  • Gratuities are not included.
  • Theme park admission is required for some dining locations.

This offer is subject to availability. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Theme park tickets valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on the length of stay and ticket.

For more information contact Disney or your travel agent.

WDW Golf Courses Remain Open Amidst The Pandemic

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Despite the closure of all Walt Disney World Resort hotels and theme parks, there’s one segment that, oddly enough, remains open throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its requisite stay-at-home orders––the golf courses.

The website for Golf WDW currently lists the following announcement at the top of their home page:

Walt Disney World® Golf is open!
Golf and FootGolf operations remain available on our regular schedule. We continue to closely monitor recommendations by health officials and have implemented measures to help ensure the well-being of all who visit and work at Walt Disney World® Golf. We recommend continuing to visit our website for further updates to our schedule.

Guests are still allowed to book tee times due to the fact that golf is considered a form of exercise, which is allowed within the recent stay-at-home mandate. Given that guests practice social distancing while golfing, this would technically break none of the rules established by the mandate.

The online reservations page explains some of the social distancing guidelines in place:

Thank you for choosing to play Walt Disney World® Golf, we look forward to welcoming you to the “Happiest Place on TURF!”

In the interest of social distancing, we would prefer that you pre-pay for your tee time, thus minimizing your human interaction and touch-points at the golf course. Please select that option before finalizing your online reservation today. Additionally, Cash purchases will not be accepted at this time. Only Credit/Debit Card or Apple Pay purchases will be permitted. Thank you for your understanding!

Do note that since all Walt Disney World Resort hotels are closed, in order to access to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, you must have a prior reservation. Reservations can be made online or by calling (407) WDW-GOLF.

“Shades of Green” To Close Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Shades of Green, a resort on Walt Disney World property fully owned and operated by the United States Department of Defense (DOD) for members of the military and their families, has announced that it is closing out of concerns for the current ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The resort will be asking any of its current guests to return to their home station as soon as they can make the necessary travel arrangements, with all cancellation fees now waived. As far as when they’ll be taking reservations again, new arrivals will be accepted after May 15th. Of course, this is not an official reopening date for Walt Disney World, but merely an estimate of when this specific resort expects to reboot its operations.

Shades of Green has since updated their home page to include information regarding the closure:

Shades of Green will temporarily close in response to the Coronavirus

The safety of our guests and staff is our primary concern at AFRC Resorts. Shades of Green will temporarily close to ensure the health and well-being of service members and their families during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite our best efforts to serve guests through this situation, it is now apparent that this crisis requires collective action to slow its progression in the United States. Guests will be asked to return to their home station as soon as they can make the necessary travel arrangements. We are waiving any cancellation or early departure fees for reservations during this time.

There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Shades of Green Resort.

Shades of Green will continue to accept reservations for new arrivals after May 15th. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will make a determination to reopen in coordination with our partners at Disney World Resorts when it is safe for our guests and staff.

We will continue to support our staff and military community the best we can during this temporary closure. If you have questions regarding your reservation, please email us at guestsupport@shadesofgreen.org

We encourage all of our military guests to limit their travel during this time. All the world-class attractions, beautiful golf courses, and relaxing vacation amenities will all still be here when this crisis is finished and it is safe to travel once again. We look forward to having you stay with us in the very near future.

Meghan Markle Narrates DisneyNature Film “Elephants”

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Uncategorized

Meghan Markle, the famous Duchess of Sussex, is returning to her acting career more than three years after her last piece of showbiz. See the details below as shared by the New York Post:

More than three years after quitting her acting career for love, former “Suits” star Meghan Markle is back in the showbiz saddle again.

A new trailer dropped by Disneynature confirms that the 38-year-old, who married Britain’s Prince Harry in May 2018, will narrate the upcoming documentary “Elephant,” due to livestream on Disney+ beginning April 3.

Mother of one Markle, who is joining her husband in turning their backs on royal life effective Tuesday, accepted and recorded the gig with Disney before the couple’s decision to break ranks from the Windsor family in favor of Megxit. Despite taking leave of her official royal duties, the film studio still hypes Markle as the Duchess of Sussex in the new promo clip.

The plot of “Elephant” revolves around African pachyderm Shani and her rambunctious son, Jomo, as their herd makes a pilgrimage hundreds of miles across the Kalahari Desert.

They are led by their indomitable matriarch, Gaia, and face hardships along the way as they follow in the footsteps of their ancestors on a mission to reach a lush, green paradise. The challenges they face include brutal heat, dwindling resources and threats from predators.

Proceeds from the film will benefit Elephants Without Borders, a charity believed to be close to Meghan and Harry’s hearts.

It’s not the first time that Disneynature has partnered with A-list celebrities. Meryl Streep and Morgan Freeman have voiced different projects, with profits similarly aiding organizations supporting wildlife and conservation.

Meanwhile “Black Swan” actress Natalie Portman’s Disneynature documentary “Dolphin Reef” will premiere alongside “Elephant” on April 3.

Walt Disney World Closed “Until Further Notice”

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

We’re sorry to report Disney fans… but Disney has announced they will be extending their park closures due to COVID-19 / Coronavirus concerns. This doesn’t come as much of a shock as state-wide shut downs and government quarantine requests continue. It is however painful for us Disney fans that can’t wait to step foot in our favorite parks once again! Here are the details below as shared by Disney:

This notice was shared via Disney Parks News, an official Disney Twitter feed:

Also, according to the Walt Disney World website:

“The safety and well-being of our Guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority. As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice.” You can click here if you have questions on how to cancel your vacation.

As we wait for the joyful day when we can once again stroll down Main Street U.S.A., take flight on Soarin’, and Rise against the Resistance, we do wish all our fellow Disney friends stay well and stay safe!