While the Disney Cruise Line has suspended all departures through at least December 6, 2020, they are still very much at work trying to navigate through COVID-19 and what it means for future sailings. It is being reported that yesterday, September 21, some progress has been made with safety agreements needed before cruise lines can attempt to resume sailing in the future.
In fall 2019, the Disney Magic sails to Bermuda, Bahamas and Canada from New York, followed by Bahamian and Caribbean voyages from Miami. Aboard the Disney Magic, guests can experience new spaces and experiences, including dining at Rapunzel’s Royal Table. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
As shared by OrlandoSentinel: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the trade association for companies that include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Disney and MSC Cruises among others, made the announcement Monday (Sept. 21), saying that all member lines had come to an agreement for some basic, but major components for any line’s safe return to cruising in North America amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief among the recommendations were that anyone planning to sail should have taken a COVID-19 test between five days and 24 hours of departure and have received a negative result. Anyone who tests positive should not board, or even come to the port. And neither should anyone in that person’s traveling party.
In addition, before boarding, passengers will be screened for symptoms, including the taking of temperatures and answering questions, which might lead to a secondary screening to determine if they should be allowed to board.
CDC guidelines for social distancing and face protection should be followed by wearing of face coverings indoors and maintaining 6 feet of social distance when checking in, and while sailing, in major public areas indoors where people congregate.
Walt Disney World’s new Tron coaster, Tron Lightcylce Power Run, has been a fun one to follow along with as construction moves forward. Thanks to aerial photos taken by @bioreconstruct shared on Twitter, we can take a look at seven photos of Tron’s progress.
Aerial look at Space Mountain and Tron. A section of the canopy is up.
Disney’s initial deadline was to have the coaster ready to ride in 2021 – in time to celebrate Disney’s 50th Anniversary. With the pandemic hitting, construction halted back in March but the construction resumed shortly after. Disney has not announced if there will be a delay to the opening.
Walt Disney World has updated their website to show parks hours through December 5, 2020. As you plan your holiday vacation to the most magic place on earth, here are the posted park hours. You’ll also note there are a couple of dates that Disney has an extra hour listed.
Magic Kingdom: Park hours for Magic Kingdom are currently 9am – 6pm. Beginning November 6, park hours have been updated to show Magic Kingdom will remain open for one additional hour – making the park hours 9am – 7pm. These 9am – 7pm hours will continue through December 5.
EPCOT: Park hours for EPCOT are currently 11am – 7pm with a few changes. September 26, October 3, and October 10 are open one extra hour: 11am – 8pm. Beginning November 27, EPCOT hours shift one hour back making the park hours 12pm – 8pm. These 12pm – 8pm hours will continue through December 5.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: As of right now, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has the same parks hours through December 5 which is 9am – 5pm. There are however a couple of changes. September 26 & 27 are open one additional hour: 9am – 6pm.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: As of right now, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has the same parks hours through December 5 which is 10am – 7pm.
If you love good food AND good deals, you’ll be excited to know Disney is introducing a new special offering: Weekdays at Disney Springs. Starting today, you’ll be able to receive special 20% discounts on select menu items at 20 dining locations throughout Disney Springs. These offers will be available Monday-Thursday each week through October 29, 2020. Check out all the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.
Blaze Pizza: Enjoy 20% off with the purchase of a pizza and a drink – Including popular pizzas like the Green Stripe Pizza with pesto drizzle over grilled chicken, toasted red peppers, chopped garlic, mozzarella, and arugula or the Meat Eater Pizza with pepperoni, crumbled meatballs, red onion, mozzarella, and red sauce.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Get your southern fix with 20% off Shrimp & Grits – Pan-seared shrimp with tomato gravy and Tasso ham served over creamy Bradley’s grits.
City Works Eatery & Pour House: Grab a brew and enjoy 20% off the Tex Mex Mac ‘n Cheese Dish (with spicy chorizo, roasted jalapeño, pepper jack cheese sauce, crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, and cavatappi) and Smoked Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese Dish (with grilled chicken, bacon lardons, smoked cheddar cheese sauce, cavatappi, and smoked cheddar cheese).
D-Luxe Burger: Have a sweet sip with 20% off non-alcoholic Artisanal Shakes – Includes the Chocolate Gelato Shake, Cookies ‘n Cream Gelato Shake, Pumpkin Pie Gelato Shake, S’mores Gelato Shake, Strawberry Gelato Shake, and Vanilla Gelato Shake.
The Edison: Drop in for 20% off the Queen Cut Prime Rib – Boneless 14oz prime rib with au jus, horseradish cream sauce, popover, and your choice of baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or fries.
Enzo’s Hideaway: Enjoy 20% off Dolce Vita – Charcuterie board featuring cured meats, artisan cheeses, and bread sticks.
Frontera Cocina: Enjoy 20% off of select dishes and the Sparkling Margarita – Dishes include the Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas, Garlicky Mushroom and Eggplant Tacos, and Cochinita Pibil.
Haagen Dazs: Satisfy your sweet tooth with 20% off any Dazzlers Sundae (Three (3) maximum per transaction) – Includes the Banana Split, Rocky Road, Dulce Split, and Mint Chip Sundaes.
Hot Diggity Dogs and Mac & Cheese Disney Food Trucks: Stop by Disney Springs West Side 20% off any purchase – Try bites like the Santa Fe Loaded House-made Chips, the Santa Fe All-Beef Hot Dog, the Six-Cheese Crunchy Macaroni and Cheese, and more.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company: Receive 20% off of the Fall-favorite Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cold Brew (also available in Nitro Brew) – Featuring hints of pumpkin pie and vanilla custard.
Maria & Enzo’s: Enjoy 20% off Pollo Alla Parmigiana – Lightly-breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, parmagiano-reggiano, and spaghetti pomodoro.
Morimoto Asia: Enjoy 20% off Peking Duck Ramen – Served with Peking duck broth, egg noodles, duck meat, scallion, cilantro, and soy marinated egg.
Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas: Enjoy 20% off of any appetizer – Includes Chips & Salsa, Beef Empanadas, P37 Dipping Trio, P37 Nachos, South American Crazy Corn, Poutine, and Peruvian Salchipapa.
Pizza Ponte: Grab a cheesy bite with 20% off of the Big Roman Pizza Slice – With tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Planet Hollywood: Receive a 20% discount on your entire bill – Not valid with other special discounts or promotions; valid with our Special Prime Rib and Grouper menu; not valid for alcohol, gift cards or group events; valid one per table per visit.
Polite Pig: Chow down with 20% off Spiced Pork Rinds – Served with pimento cheese dip.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes: Strike! Get 20% off Loaded Fries – Fries smothered with queso blanco, bacon, ranch, and scallions.
Sunshine Churros: Get your churro fix with 20% off your entire purchase – Yummy churros include dipped churros (chocolate-hazelnut or milk chocolate), gourmet churros (strawberry cheesecake or cookies and cream), and classic churros (traditional cinnamon, watermelon, apple cinnamon, fruity cereal, salted caramel, and rose gold).
Starbucks: Enjoy 20% off all merchandise and retail coffee.
Wetzel’s Pretzels: Grab a sweet snack with 20% off Cinnamon Bitz (Three (3) maximum per transaction)
Wolfgang Puck Express: Enjoy 20% off all Hand-Crafted Gourmet Pizzas including the Margherita Pizza, Roasted Mushroom Pizza, Classic Cheese Pizza, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Meatball Pizza, and Pepperoni Pomodoro Pizza
Walt Disney World’s Mobile Ordering Service is a fantastic way to order meals from quick-service restaurants. It appears that Disney is now testing this service to include a new feature called “Mobile Oder-Table Service to Go,” allowing guests to easily order to-go meals from table service restaurants. Right now this is only available at Sanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village.
In the My Disney Experience App, at the bottom of the page is a “+” button. Once you push that button, you’ll be given four options: check dining availability, order food, shop memory maker, and buy tickets and passes. Click on the “order food” button, and you’ll be able to see the different restaurants that offer Mobile Ordering.
As you scroll down, you’ll see “Sanaa To Go – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village.” You’ll be able to choose an arrival window, just like at a quick-service restaurant.
After that, you’ll see a new informational pop-up that gives information on this new service including:
Arrival Window – let us know when to begin freshly preparing your order during the time slot you selected.
Prep & Wait Time – These meals are made to order, so expect the wait to be about the same as if you were to sit down at a restaurant.
Order Pick Up – Please hold off on going to the restaurant until we notify you that your order is ready.
Next, you’ll be able to “Build Your Order.” You’ll be able to view the menu and build your order, just as you would for a sit-down meal.
Next, you’ll select payment methods and pay for your order.
