“SpiderMan – Into The Spider-Verse 2” Officially In Production

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Good news for Spider-Man fans! The sequel to the hit animated feature, “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” has officially begun production.

“Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” was a big hit with both critics and fans alike, and it was only a matter of time before we received news that the sequel to the film was green-lit and ready to go.

The news came from lead animator Nick Kondo of Sony Imageworks, along with a short teaser announcement which revealed a 2022 release date for the film.

No Change & Cancellation Fees Through October 3rd

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Disney has recently released a batch of information with brand new opening guidelines for Walt Disney World Resorts. The update gave us a guide for what is and is not available for Walt Disney World Resort Guests upon the reopening for select resorts beginning June 22. If you missed the update, click here. Disney has also shared a new date to give guests with current reservations some piece of mind.

As a reminder, Walt Disney World Resort has temporarily paused Disney Resort hotel reservations. Disney Vacation Club Members can still make new reservations.

According to the Walt Disney World website under Modifications, Cancellations and Refunds Disney shares:

  • To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through October 3, 2020. If Guests need further assistance, they can reach us at the Disney Reservation Center through our online chat feature or by calling our reservation line. 
  • If no action is taken for impacted stays, Disney will automatically cancel your reservation within 7 days of the original check-in date and process any refund due to the original form of payment. Please note that cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines and rental cars, as well as non-refundable products like travel protection plans, are deducted from refundable amounts for Walt Disney Travel Company packages. If you did not book through Disney directly, please contact your travel professional. 

Keep in mind, while select resorts are opening June 22, the Disney Parks don’t begin their phased reopening until July 11. 

Updated Information On Disney Dining For Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Of all the things that Disney has to consider when preparing to reopen Disney World Parks & Resorts, dining issues are perhaps the most complex and present the most significant challenges to providing a safe experience for both guests and cast members. Since the official announcement of a July reopening, we’ve known some general information on changes coming to dining but had very little detail on how Disney would handle new reservations, character dining, etc. Disney has released further information answers many of our questions. Details are below.

Here is the information listed on the Walt Disney World Website:

1 – Changes and Enhancements to Dining

We’re committed to a responsible reopening of Walt Disney World Resort—and we’ve made some important updates and enhancements to our dining experiences based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing.

2 – What You’ll Need

Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:

  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking
  • Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment

3 – In-Park Dining Reservations

At this time, dining reservations are not available. Reservations will resume at a later date.

When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.

4 – Disney Springs Dining Reservations

Select dining locations at Disney Springs are currently accepting reservations.

5 – Dining Plans

At this time, Disney dining plans cannot be added to reservations. Check back soon for more information.

6 – Booking Windows

While we plan for the reopening of our Disney Resort hotels and theme parks, we are keeping the well-being of our Guests and Cast Members in mind. At this time, dining and other experience reservations at the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Resort hotels are unavailable. We will reopen dining and experience bookings with more limited numbers closer to when the parks reopen. Select Disney Springs locations are currently open for bookings.

When reservations resume, Guests will be able to make dining and experience reservations up to 60 days in advance to allow guests to make their plans closer to their visits.

In addition, Disney Resort hotel Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days).

Please note: In order to foster physical distancing during this time, upon reopening, our offerings, restaurants and other experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be limited in capacity, while other experiences may remain closed.

7 – Health & Hygiene

New measures have been implemented across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:

  • Enhanced Cleaning: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
  • Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. At quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
  • Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.

8 – Enhanced Technology

Use convenient technologies to minimize your contact with others:

  • Mobile Order Service: A time-saving feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead at select dining locations and pick up food during a designated arrival window.
  • Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can use your own mobile device to scan a code for access to the digital menu.
  • Cashless Payments: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

9 – Dining Experiences

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

  • Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
  • Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
  • Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
  • Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
  • Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
  • Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

10 – Modifications, Cancellations, and Refunds

We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning your visits to Walt Disney World Resort and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as our Cast remains focused on delivering magical experiences and incredible storytelling for everyone who visits.

During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:

  • All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
  • Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
  • We have made the difficult decision to cancel and temporarily no longer offer Disney dining plans. If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, we will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.

11 – Tables in Wonderland

All active Tables in Wonderland Memberships will be extended for the number of days the parks are closed.

12 – Dining Locations Open at Resorts

The following locations will be open when resorts open on June 22. For more information about Disney Resorts during the phased reopening, click here. 

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • The Wave… of American Flavors
  • The Wave Lounge
  • Contempo Café
  • Cove Bar

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 

  • Whispering Canyon Cafe
  • Roaring Fork

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

  • Whispering Canyon Cafe
  • Roaring Fork
  • Geyser Point Bar & Grill

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

  • Sanaa
  • Kidani Breakfast at Sanaa
  • Sanaa Lounge
  • Maji Pool Bar

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

  • Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
  • Beach Club Marketplace
  • Martha’s Vineyard

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

  • Trattoria al Forno (this excludes Character Dining, which is temporarily unavailable)
  • Pizza Window
  • BoardWalk Bakery
  • Leaping Horse Libations
  • AbracadaBar

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

  • P&J’s Southern Takeout
  • Meadow Snack Bar
  • Crockett’s Tavern

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  • Olivia’s Café
  • Good’s Food to Go
  • Gurgling Suitcase

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

  • Kona Cafe
  • Capt. Cook’s
  • Pineapple Lanai
  • Barefoot Pool Bar

Disney’s Riviera Resort

  • Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (please note that the Character Dining experience will be modified)
  • Primo Piatto
  • Le Petit Café
  • Bar Riva

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

  • The Artist’s Palette
  • The Paddock Grill
  • On the Rocks Pool Bar

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

  • Grand Floridian Cafe
  • Gasparilla Island Grill
  • Enchanted Rose
  • Beaches Pool Bar & Grill

13 – Modifications, Cancellations, and Refunds

We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning your visits to Walt Disney World Resort. Please know we will be here to help you, as our Cast remains focused on delivering magical experiences and incredible storytelling for everyone who visits.

During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:

  • All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
  • Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
  • We have made the difficult decision to cancel and temporarily no longer offer Disney dining plans. If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, we will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.

Updated News On Disney Resorts For Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Hold on tight Disney fans! We have a LOT to share with you as Disney just released breaking news for Walt Disney World Resorts! As we previously learned, on June 22 select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen. This will be taking place prior to the Disney Parks phased reopening which begins July 11 for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and July 15 for EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As we gear up for the June 22 reopening of the Deluxe Villa Resort & Fort Wilderness, Disney has released several new guidelines and details as a “Disney Resort Hotels: Know Before You Go”.

The Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts opening at Walt Disney World on June 22 include:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Top Things You Need To Know:

Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Please be aware that you’ll also need:

  • A confirmed room reservation for your stay. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account to receive important information prior to your arrival—visit My Plans to get started
  • A confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day Guest (not staying overnight)
  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up—which must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining
  • To enter a park beginning July 11, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required (a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access)

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment, including MagicBands, which Disney Resort hotel Guests can use to charge purchases to their Disney Resort hotel folio

Wellness Screening:

Persons who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. Before you leave home, please check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.

Disney Resort Hotel Guest Benefits:

During the initial reopening period, some benefits may be modified or unavailable.

Disney’s Magical Express® Service: Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service will be available for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport. Many airlines have modified their flight schedules, so please confirm your flight information. If you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express service, contact your room reservation booking agent, or call (407) 939-1936 to make any updates to your flight information on file.

FastPass+ Service: As a result of the COVID-19 impact, FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing. With that in mind, access to FastPass+ planning is temporarily unavailable. We will share updates at a later date.

Extra Magic Hours: The Extra Magic Hours benefit is unavailable until further notice.

Cleaning:

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and serviced during your stay. Plus, common areas will receive enhanced cleaning.

Common Areas: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. 

Housekeeping: Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests

Inside your room, you’ll find:

  • Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
  • Individually wrapped glassware
  • Double-cased pillows
  • Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging

And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed

You can also decline every-other-day service.

Please note that:

  • If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decline that service.
  • If there is more than one room on your reservation and you choose to decline service, your selection will apply to all rooms on the reservation.
  • We reserve the right to enter any room at a Disney Resort hotel for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door. View Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules. Learn more about housekeeping service.

Transportation & Parking:

Learn about parking and transportation options at Walt Disney World Resort.

  • Complimentary Resort Transportation: Before the theme parks reopen, bus transportation will be available between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney Springs area. When the theme parks reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney theme parks. Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place, reducing capacity. As a result, you may experience delays.
  • Minnie Van Service: Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.
  • Parking: Self-parking will be available. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance. A valid disability parking permit is required. Parking fees apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests. 

Resort Services:

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines. Changes include:

  • Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
  • Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
  • Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
  • In-room celebrations will not be available
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
  • Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
  • Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable

Resort Amenities & Recreation:

Amenities and recreation will be modified based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Dining Experiences: Select dining locations will be available at Disney Resort hotels. Learn about updates to dining experiences.

Pools:

  • Feature pools may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day
  • Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing
  • Select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests of this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Fitness Centers & Sports Courts

  • Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours
  • Fitness centers may have reduced hours and capacity
  • Instructor-led fitness classes will not be available
  • Fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing

Available Recreation: Activities and schedules will vary. The schedule of activities for your Disney Resort hotel will be shared during your stay.

Merchandise Locations: In merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Guests will continue to discover favorite Disney items, with some modifications to the shopping experience that will help us manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

  • New Product Launches: New collection product launches and limited-edition merchandise will not be available for in-person purchases at Walt Disney World Resort until further notice. As always, Guests can find these items on shopDisney, subject to availability.
  • Pin Trading: We will continue to offer Guests the opportunity to pin trade with Cast Members through the use of pin boards in select locations. Cast pin trading with lanyards will not be available at this time to maintain physical distancing.
  • Delivery Option: Package delivery to the front of our theme parks or to Disney Resort hotels will be suspended. However, shipping merchandise to Guests’ homes continues to be available.
  • Dressing Rooms: For the time being, dressing rooms will not be available.
  • Returns: In-person returns will be available upon the reopening of our merchandise locations.

Temporarily Unavailable: The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Character experiences
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Additionally, the following special offerings and childcare services will not be available during the initial reopening:

  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Check In Online:

To aid in physical distancing efforts, we strongly recommend that you use Online Check-In Service in advance—online or with the My Disney Experience app. When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room! If you don’t receive your MagicBand(s) prior to your vacation, simply use the My Disney Experience app as a digital key to enter your room. At your convenience, you can visit the Front Desk to pick up your MagicBand(s).

Automatic Checkout

On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room—so you don’t have to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).

Virtual Chat With a Resort Cast Member:

Beginning June 22, you can chat with a Resort Cast Member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during your stay. This new feature will offer convenient support nearly anytime—so there’s no need to visit the Lobby or stand in line.

WDW Ticket Holders Have Extended Ticket Expiration Date

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Good news from Walt Disney World! As many of us have had to alter our travel plans to the most magic place on earth due to COVID-19, Disney caught on that an extended ticket expiration date is needed.

Previously, Walt Disney World’s ticket expiration date for unused tickets due to the parks closures was December 15, 2020. According to Disney’s website, they have extended that day for visits all the way through September 26, 2021.

As shared on the Disney website under “Need to Adjust Your Travel Plans?”:

  • Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Resort hotels are currently closed. Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with usage window impacted by park closure, or date-specific theme park tickets purchased through June 6, 2020 with a valid use period beginning March 12, 2020 or later, will automatically be extended to use any date through September 26, 2021. If you are unable to visit by September 26, 2021, you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.
  • To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through the closure period. As a reminder, most reservations can be cancelled online. If Guests need further assistance, they can reach us at the Disney Reservation Center through our online chat feature or by calling our reservation line.

This is great news as we’ve heard many Disney fans prefer to plan their visit for next year in hopes of not having to deal with masks and social distancing.