Behind the Magic of the Legendary Mariachi Cobre

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Disney is taking us behind the magic of the legendary Mariachi Cobre from EPCOT! Check out the details and video below as shared by DisneyParksBlog:

The group is celebrating its decades-long performing history at Walt Disney World Resort here in Florida and are sharing with all of us some of their favorite songs. Watch as Esteban Carrillo, a long-standing member of Mariachi Cobre, takes us on the journey of this fantastic musical family that has been performing at Walt Disney World for 38 years! 

You can attend Mariachi Cobre’s daily performances of the world-famous, traditional folk music from Jalisco, Mexico, at the America Gardens Theater at EPCOT. 

“Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” Premiere Day Sees Special Giraffe Delivery

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

What a special day for Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Not only is it the first day to view the premiere of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom”, but Disney is also celebrating a new addition to their giraffe family! Check out the details and video below as shared by DisneyParksBlog:

To say we’re excited at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is putting it lightly  – we are over the moon ecstatic about the premiere of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom”  from National Geographic, streaming today on Disney+. I know you are going to love getting to see the exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into caring for the 5,000+ animals who call Walt Disney World Resort home. What better way to celebrate a new show…than with a new addition. 

I’m thrilled to share news that in the wee hours of Tuesday, Sept. 22, a baby female Masai giraffe was born backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Weighing in at 156 pounds, she is healthy, actively nursing and was strong and feisty during her neonatal exam. Our girl, yet-to-be-named, is already showing she has a close bond with her mom Mara. The pair will continue to stay backstage until baby meets all her developmental milestones. We expect her to join the herd on the savanna in the coming weeks.

Florida Moves Into Phase 3 Reopening; No Restrictions on Restaurant & Bar Capacity

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

HUGE NEWS for Florida last week! Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order September 25, removing all remaining restrictions on businesses because of COVID-19. Bars and restaurants are no longer required to operate at less than full capacity effective immediately.

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: “We are today moving into what we initially called phase 3,” DeSantis said during a press conference in St. Petersburg. “And what that’ll mean for the restaurants is there will not be limitations from the state of Florida.” “We’re also saying in the state of Florida everybody has a right to work,” he added. “(Local governments) can do reasonable regulations but they can’t just say no.”

There are four major provisions of the order:

  • It removes all remaining state-level restrictions on businesses, including on bars and restaurants, which were capped at 75% capacity in Phase 3 of DeSantis’ original reopening plan.
  • It provides a general right to work and to operate a business. Local governments can limit and regulate businesses, but won’t be able to close businesses because of coronavirus concerns.
  • Local governments won’t be able to prevent restaurants from operating at below 50% capacity. Under previous orders, local governments could go further than state-level restrictions, and counties in South Florida kept restaurants and bars closed after the state allowed them to reopen. Also, cities and counties won’t be able to impose any restrictions without an economic and health justification.
  • Cities and counties can’t collect on any outstanding fines they issued as part of their pandemic response. The order, though, doesn’t compel local governments to refund anyone who has already paid a fine.

Black Panther Mural Pays Tribute to Chadwick Boseman at Downtown Disney

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer in late August. The very talented actor was best known for playing King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther and Avengers superhero movies. Today, Sept. 24, the ‘King Chad’ mural by artist Nikkolas Smith was unveiled in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney shopping district.

As shared by OCRegister: A former Walt Disney Imagineer is paying tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman with a mural of the “Black Panther” star making the Wakanda salute on the side of a Downtown Disney building. The “King Chad” mural by artist Nikkolas Smith was unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 24 on the side of the former ESPN Zone building in the outdoor shopping center next to Disneyland. The mural shows Boseman and a young boy in a Black Panther mask both making the folded arm Wakanda salute.

“Seeing Chadwick’s heart for people in person, and later discovering his courageous battle with cancer, I was inspired to create this tribute to honor his life and legacy,” reads the artist statement next to the artwork in Downtown Disney.

“To millions of kids, T’Challa was a legend larger than life, and there was no one more worthy to fill those shoes than Chadwick Boseman,” Smith wrote on Instagram. “I’m so thankful to be able to honor Chadwick’s life and purpose in this way.”

Aulani Resort Will Plan to Begin a Phased Reopening on November 1

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Aloha! Great news Disney fans! Aulani Resort is planning to begin their phased reopening on November1, 2020. Check out all the details as shared below by Disney.

Over the past several months we have enjoyed sharing some Aulani Resort magic with you at home. We shared peaceful scenes from the resort to help you find your Zen, an inside look at Aulani Resort, Cast Member performances of hula at home and celebrated national Lū‘au Month. Through it all, we have looked forward to welcoming families back to our vacation paradise when the time was right, and today we’d like to share our plans with you. 

Credit: Disney

Given Hawaii’s recent announcement of a pre-arrival testing program for those traveling from out-of-state, we are working toward a phased reopening of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa beginning on Sunday, November 1. And just like our other Disney destinations that have re-opened, we are using a measured approach that focuses on the health and safety of our guests, cast and community. 

Our gradual, phased approach to reopening considers the guidance of local and national government and health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the U.S. Travel Association and Disney’s team of health and safety experts. This deliberate approach allows us to evaluate and adjust along the way, as circumstances and the recommendations of health authorities evolve.