Governor DeSantis Says Florida Will Have No New Lockdowns, Mask Mandates, or Other COVID-19 Measures

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

In a recent press conference, Governor Ron DeSantis stated that Florida would have no more anti-COVID-19 measures, including lockdowns or mask mandates, though cases continue to rise in the state and the rest of the U.S.A.

He specifically said there would be “no lockdowns, no fines, no school closures. No one’s losing their job because of a government dictate. Nobody’s losing their livelihood or their business. That is totally off the table.”

The press conference at Boggy Creek Elementary was highlighting an order that allows Florida schools to stay open for the rest of the year.

There were 54,246 new COVID-19 cases and 509 reported deaths last Sunday to Sunday according to the state health department. Total cases for the state are nearing 1 million and deaths are nearing 19,000.

DeSantis has prevented local governments from imposing mask mandates and waived outstanding fees for non-compliance of previously issued mandates.

Private businesses like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are able to impose their own mask mandate. As of now masks, social distancing, and temperature checks are required throughout Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Orange County, where Walt Disney World resides, has also maintained a mask mandate since June.

Disney Magic at Home: Ham Sliders with Pineapple Cherry Jam

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

From a Disney Cast Member;

For many of us, Thanksgiving leftovers are as much a part of the holiday as the meal itself. But plain ham or turkey sandwiches can get old fast – real fast!

I checked our files for fun Disney recipes that will take your Thanksgiving leftovers up a notch and are so delicious your family will crave year-round!

Our recipe today is Ham Sliders with Pineapple Cherry Jam. Offered during past Disney California Adventure Festival of Holidays at Disneyland Resort, it is the yummy Pineapple Cherry Jam that takes this seemingly simple slider to the next level. (Note to the cook – be sure to reserve some of the tasty jam to spread on warm buttered toast for a morning treat. You deserve it!)

HOLIDAY HAM SLIDER WITH PINEAPPLE CHERRY JAM
Makes 8

PINEAPPLE CHERRY JAM

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 fresh pineapple, cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • Coarse salt, to taste

HAM SLIDER

  • 8 brioche buns
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 1/2 pounds Applewood smoked ham, sliced medium thickness

FOR PINEAPPLE CHERRY JAM:

  1. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until translucent.
  2. Add pineapple, vinegar and sugar; cook on low heat for 45 minutes, until vinegar and pineapple juices are reduced and pineapple begins to break down.
  3. Stir in cherries and mustard; season with salt.
  4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FOR HAM SLIDER:

  1. Preheat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cut brioche buns in half and spread butter on cut side. Toast on hot griddle for 1 minute, or until golden brown.
  2. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and warm ham.
  3. Evenly divide ham on warm brioche buns and top with jam.

Cook’s Note: Refrigerate any leftover jam—it’s delicious spread on warm buttered toast.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. 

WDW Donates $20,000 in Wishing Well Coins to Homeless Charity

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Have you ever made a wish in the wishing well near Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom? Or maybe you’ve tossed a coin in the “it’s a small world” water? Walt Disney World gathers up those coins periodically and donates them. Their most recent donation was $20,000 for a local homeless charity.

As shared by WESH.com: Some $20,000 in coins that tourists tossed into Walt Disney World’s wishing wells and fountains became a Thanksgiving gift for Central Florida’s largest homeless shelter.

Allison Krall is the CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. She says she’s thankful, especially with everything Disney has gone through during the coronavirus pandemic.

The coins were dropped in the wishing well at Cinderella’s Castle, along the waterways of the “It’s a Small World” ride, and in fountains throughout the local parks.