Disney Springs Releases Guidelines For Reopening

Disney is ready to welcome guests back to Disney Springs beginning May 20. On May 16, they released a “what you need to know” list. So, before you head out for some shopping and dining, you’ll need to read all the details and watch the video below from DisneyParksBlog. We’ll see you on the May 20th!

Wednesday, May 20, will be a great first step in the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney Springs begins its initial reopening that morning. With the safety and well-being of our guests, cast members and third-party operating participants at the forefront of our planning, we are eager to begin welcoming you back to this part of Walt Disney World. While our theme parks and resort hotels remain temporarily closed, the phased reopening of Disney Springs is a welcome milestone as we navigate through this unprecedented time together as responsibly as we can.

Next week, many of our third-party operating participants will open their doors to Disney Springs guests. On May 27, three Disney-owned and -operated stores and venues will reopen: World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op. You can visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most current information on which locations are open.

Based on applicable government requirements, as well as guidance from health authorities such as the CDC and appropriate government agencies, we are implementing a number of new health and safety measures and operational changes. Rest assured, there is plenty of magic awaiting you at Disney Springs – it just may feel a bit different than before. Here is what you need to know prior to your arrival: 

  • Parking and Entrances: During this initial phase, guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime Garages. All surface lots will be closed. We will also reduce the number of entrances for Disney Springs to four locations: Orange and Lime Garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge and ride share location.
  • Appropriate Face Coverings: All guests 3 years of age and older, along with cast members and third-party operating-participant employees, will be required to wear an appropriate face covering while visiting Disney Springs. This is an important part of protecting both our guests and our cast. Please be sure you have an ample amount of face coverings for yourself and your party before you arrive, as you’ll need to wear them over your nose and mouth at all times (except when sitting at a dining table).
  • Temperature Screenings: Once you arrive at Disney Springs, you and your party will be required to undergo temperature screenings. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance; those who again measure 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party. I encourage you to check temperatures of yourself and your party prior to leaving home, as an extra layer of precaution.  
  • Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures: To maintain appropriate physical distancing throughout Disney Springs during this initial phase, we will limit the number of guests visiting the property, as well as within each location. In addition, ground markings will help promote proper distancing when queuing is necessary. We will also add physical barriers in select places where it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing. 
  • Cleanliness: We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. We will also have hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available, and encourage you to use these frequently.
  • Cashless Transactions: We’re recommending you use cashless payment options whenever possible during your visit to Disney Springs, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, etc. You can also opt for contactless payment options or use cash to purchase a Disney gift card at the Welcome Center and select merchandise locations. 

Our cast members are going through extensive new training as we all learn to adjust to these changing times together. To that end, we will have some cast members walking throughout Disney Springs to explain our new procedures and answer any questions you may have. They will also encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of us all. 

Everything we’re doing during this unprecedented time is in service of our guests, our cast members and our third-party operating participants, who will also be following these new guidelines in their locations. We are constantly monitoring conditions and best practices, and we continue to learn every day from health and government authorities. As a result, our operational changes and safety measures may change from time to time as circumstances evolve. We want to deliver all the Disney magic you know and love with safety, as always, our top priority. 

I understand this is a great deal of change to absorb, and I speak for all of us at Walt Disney World in thanking you for your cooperation and patience during this initial phase. Today’s world is different, and it’s going to require a shared responsibility, with everyone doing their part.

As a reminder, please visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most up-to-date information on available shopping and dining locations, operating hours, new safety procedures and more.

We’re looking forward to seeing you real soon!

Dapper Dans Perform “Grim Grinning Ghosts” Virtually

We are halfway to Halloween and Disney is celebrating with a few spooktacular surprises! This is an especially fun one as DisneyParksBlog released the Dapper Dans harmonizing to “Grim Grinning Ghosts”… one of our favorites! Check out the video below on this “halfway to Halloween” day:

Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween,” listen up! We are pleased to bring another special and “spirited” #DisneyMagicMoments video to you. A few weeks back, the Disneyland park Dapper Dans materialized from their homes with their rendition of the iconic song, “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” Of all the Disney Parks attractions with catchy theme songs, this Haunted Mansion anthem is surely a fan favorite, and one that you requested to hear!

We hope you enjoy this #VoicesFromHome performance:

Governor DeSantis Announces Full Phase 1 Reopening May 18th

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that starting May 18, businesses may enter a “Full” Phase 1 reopening.

WATCH LIVE: Press conference in Jacksonville regarding #COVID19 https://t.co/kKfDUfQZ3i

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 15, 2020

Under this “full” Phase 1, restaurants can move up to 50% indoor capacity, with retail also moving up to 50% capacity, up from the initial 25% capacity. Gyms may reopen while respecting social distancing and maintaining high sanitation levels. Florida businesses (with the exception of West Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County) first entered Phase 1 on May 4.

The Governor has also prompted theme parks to submit their reopening plans, but they will require endorsement from the Orange County Mayor. Movie theaters will remain closed.

Disney Springs will begin its phased reopening on May 20, with third-party restaurants and stores now able to abide by the new increased capacity limits. Starting on May 27, Disney-owned shops and eateries will also reopen under the new guidelines.

Saudi Investment Fund Purchases $500 Million of Disney Stock

Despite The Walt Disney Company’s stale financial outlooks as of late due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the majority of its businesses, it seems some investors are making some big purchases while stock prices are low.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has purchased over 5 million shares from The Walt Disney Company, valued at just under $500 million. The fund disclosed the stakes in a regulatory filing Friday afternoon.

PIF has also invested in a number of other large U.S. companies, including Facebook, Starbucks, and even Carnival Cruises, which has also been hard-hit by the health crisis.

The new acquisitions were purchased on the public market as the fund wishes to expand to expand its U.S. presence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It currently has over $10 billion invested in the U.S. equity market.

Celebrate National Pizza Day With The 25th Anniversary of Toy Story

Today, May 15th, is National Pizza Party Day! What better way to celebrate than with the 25th Anniversary of Toy Story. It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since we first met Woody, Buzz, and the gang. To celebrate, DisneyParksBlog has released the perfect recipes! Check it out below:

To celebrate the iconic film’s 25th Anniversary and National Pizza Party Day on May 15th, we’ve created a couple delicious recipes with a healthy twist for families to cook up while watching their favorite Toy Story movies on Disney+. 

With the official Disney check, these recipes are inspired by one of the most adventurous and iconic scenes from the first Toy Story film. Take off with the super cheesy and delicious Rocket Ship Pizza or make alien friends with the Alien Veggie “Meatball” Pizza!

The ingredients list and directions for both pizza recipes are below. Be sure to tag @pixar & @toystory and use #NationalPizzaPartyDay when you share your pizzas on social!