Disney World Park Hours Through Nov. 21

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Walt Disney World has done another update to their park hours on the website which is now populated through Saturday, November 21, 2020. Unfortunately, at a time when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be in full swing, the hours remain reduced with no indication of the festive party just yet.

We previously shared Disney plans to reduce their park hours beginning September 8.

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 9am to 5pm (Previously 8am to 6pm)
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 10am to 7pm (Previously 10am to 8pm)
  • EPCOT: 11am to 7pm (Previously 11am to 9pm)
  • Magic Kingdom: 9am to 6pm (Previously 9am to 7pm)

So far, the reduced park hours remain the same through November 21, 2020. While Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was cancelled this year, we were super hopefully Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be available… and still have our fingers crossed!

The most recent update from Disney’s website states:

“Holiday Events: Check back later for updates about holiday events, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, which includes Candlelight Processional. We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials.”

Theme Parks “Can Definitely Do a Lot More” – Governor Ron DeSantis

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via Disneyfanatic.com

Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis and Visit Florida unveiled a $13 million ad campaign yesterday, September 2, designed to urge Floridians to travel within the Sunshine State. DeSantis also said he believed Central Florida theme parks “can definitely do a lot more” when it comes to expanding visitor capacity according to OrlandoSentinel.

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: When DeSantis was asked about theme parks, DeSantis said that while Disney, Universal and SeaWorld “made the business decision to start off very conservative,” he cited the low crowds he saw at Universal Orlando on a recent trip to argue that the parks can begin to expand capacity. “There was a lot of space,” he said. “It was not like people were crowding at all. … The parks are big enough that they can really accommodate a lot of folks, so they can definitely do that if they want.”

Dana Young, head of the taxpayer-financed tourism marketing agency, said research has shown that “people right now, even though many aren’t ready to travel, feel more comfortable traveling closer to home. And right now they’re feeling more comfortable driving. … Our goal of Visit Florida through this campaign is initially to harness that pride that Floridians have, and then channel it toward rebuilding our economy.”

Judson Green, Former President of Walt Disney World, Dies at Age 68

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via DisneyTips.com

Judson Green, a philanthropist, musician and former Walt Disney Co. executive, has died at age 68.

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: Green worked for Disney nearly 20 years. He served as president of Walt Disney World and in 1991 became president of Walt Disney Attractions, which created projects around the globe. He also had been senior vice president and chief financial officer for the resort that became Disneyland Paris. Among the accomplishments during his Disney tenure was the development and opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998.

On opening day ceremonies for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998, Judson Green gave chimp expert Jane Goodall a porcelain Tree of Life.

Green died at his Orlando home on Monday. He had had complications from a stem-cell transplant. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and three grandchildren.

“It was with sadness that we learned of Judson Green’s passing. He was passionate about leadership and creativity and will be greatly missed by many,” Jeff Vahle, Walt Disney World current president, said in a statement.

Some Dining Options Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom

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

Via DisneyLists.com

Disney has released details on several dining options that are returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom this fall. Catch all the details below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast member Laurel Slater:

Fall is just around the corner and recently we’ve shared some pretty exciting updates about Halloween fun planned for Magic Kingdom Park and tasty treats that will be available at all our parks. As part of our phased approach to reopening, we’re adding more Guest-favorite dining choices this fall at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios – which you’ll definitely want to add to your fall dining must-do list.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s some Halloween fun in store at Hollywood & Vine where Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is set to return September 25. While it may look a little different than the last time you visited, you can get in the spooky spirit during Minnie’s Halloween Dine with a monster feast served to your table where you will be able to wave and snap photos of your favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and their friends. It’s a boo-tastic time filled with Halloween décor and music, scary good food, and more! 

Beginning Sept. 24, Guests can enjoy dining in the enchanted, fairytale setting of Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy a delicious regal banquet with unforgettable main courses ranging from roasted chicken breast and tenderloin of beef to chef’s fish of the day. The princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting Guests, but there will be plenty of delicious fare and fun to be enjoyed in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Gaston's Tavern Menu - Magic Kingdom

Both of these immersive dining experiences will be available for reservations on DisneyWorld.com and in the My Disney Experience app beginning September 11.

Additionally, some more snack and quick-service options are reopening soon! Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park will return on September 4 and the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens for walk-in quick service for lunch beginning October 8. With so many delicious delights to try this fall, I’ll certainly be coming to the parks hungry and ready to dig in!