Interestingly enough, Florida is petitioning for the Tokyo Olympics to be moved to the Sunshine State. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a letter to the International Olympic Committee encouraging them to consider relocating the 2021 Olympics from Tokyo, Japan to the United States of America, and more specifically to Florida. In the letter, Patronis cites Walt Disney World’s success amidst COVID-19.
Disney cast members welcome guests to Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the first day of the theme park’s phased reopening. (Kent Phillips, Photographer)
According to a letter by CFO Jimmy Patronis, “media reports of leaders in Japan “privately” concluding that they are too concerned about the pandemic for the 2021 Olympics to take place, there is still time to deploy a site selection team to Florida to meet with statewide and local officials on holding the Olympics in the Sunshine State. I would welcome the opportunity to pitch Florida and help you make the right contacts to get this done.”
Jimmy Patronis continues stating: “The State of Florida has successfully allowed sports to take place during the pandemic. When most states shut down their sporting events, the city of Jacksonville hosted the Ultimate Fighting Championship (the UFC) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) setup the “bubble” to hold games in Orlando. Moreover, during football season the National Football League (NFL) and college teams were able to compete on Florida soil. Additionally, our international tourist destinations, like Disney parks have been open and operating safely in Florida for some time. In fact, Disney serves as an incredible model for how to run a complex organization in the midst of COVID-19.”
The Walt Disney World water parks have been closed since March 2020. The time is almost here for Blizzard Beach to reopen on March 7 and we can’t wait! Disney has announced that tickets are now on sale and have given an update on the health and safety protocols that will be in place at the water parks.
From a Disney Cast Member;
The secret is out! If you haven’t heard the latest Disney Water Parks news, I am thrilled to share that cast members are working hard to prepare Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park for its reopening on March 7, 2021. Disney Water Parks fans are roughly one month, one week, one day and 22 hours away from once again leisurely floating along Cross Country Creek, speeding down Summit Plummet and indulging in their favorite meals at the Lottawatta Lodge. I know I’m not the only one counting down the days!
Our One-Day Water Park Ticket (without blockout dates) is now available for $69 + tax (Adult) and $63 + tax (ages 3 – 9). Other ticket options are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at Disneyworld.com and will remain valid through Dec. 31, 2021. If you’re planning a 2021 Disney vacation or a day trip to Disney’s Blizzard Beach, now is the perfect time to get your Disney Water Park tickets.
When Disney’s Blizzard Beach reopens, it will operate in alignment with the health and safety protocols implemented throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including reduced capacity, temperature screenings, physical distancing and face coverings.
Water Park Health and Safety Guidelines
Here are the guidelines as stated from the Walt Disney World website:
Like the other areas of Walt Disney World Resort, we will welcome back Guests and Cast Members to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park in a responsible way, with a plan focused on health and well-being. When Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park reopens, it will operate in alignment with the health and safety protocols implemented throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, including reduced capacity, temperature screenings, physical distancing markings and face coverings. Face coverings will be required in designated areas for each Guest age 2 and up, including but not limited to the park entrance and exit, retail areas, and food and beverage ordering areas. Face coverings will not be permitted while experiencing water slides or in the water. You may also remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
At this time a park reservation is not required to visit a water park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change. Water parks are subject to rehabilitation, seasonal, weather and capacity closures.
Water Park Ticket Information
Here is the information from the Walt Disney World website:
Water Park Tickets 1-Day Disney Water Park tickets are now available for purchase for arrivals beginning March 7.
We will automatically extend unused, unexpired 1-Day Disney Water Park tickets that were active at the time the water parks were closed through December 31, 2021. Not all unused, unexpired 1-Day Disney Water Park tickets have been extended yet, but such extensions should be completed by March 7, 2021. As an alternative, Guests may instead choose to cancel their ticket. To choose this option, please call the Disney Reservation Center. If you are unable to visit by December 31, 2021, you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.
Ticket Add-Ons If you have a ticket that includes the Park Hopper Plus Option or Water Park & Sports Option for dates prior to the opening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, we are continuing to offer:
Ticket Usage: You may use your current date-based ticket with the existing add-on options at other experiences available during your visit.
Ticket Modification: Tickets, as well as Disney Resort hotel packages with tickets, may be modified. To discuss your options, please call the Disney Reservation Center, or contact your travel professional.
Ticket Cancellation: If you do not want to use your ticket, you also have the option of cancelling your ticket or package. To discuss your options, please call the Disney Reservation Center, or contact your travel professional.
At this time, Guests can purchase new tickets that include the Park Hopper Plus Option or Water Park & Sports Option for admission March 7, 2021 and later. We will resume sales of Water Parks Annual Passes at a later date.
Water Park Annual Passes Water Parks and Water Parks After 2 Annual Passes active at the time the Water Parks were closed will be automatically extended for the period both Water Parks were closed. Not all Water Park Annual Passes have been extended yet, but such extensions should be completed by March 7, 2021. As an alternative, water park Passholders may instead choose to cancel their pass. To choose this option, please call (407) 939-2732.
It’s hard to believe that we are just over five weeks away from the 2021 Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! The festival runs this year from March 3-July 5. Disney has announced new details about what we can expect this year!
From a Disney Cast Member;
The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a little more than a month away! To get you ready for this year’s event, debuting March 3 and continuing through July 5, let’s take a look at some fresh new festival details we’re sharing today.
1 – Topiaries Full of Disney Character
Throughout the park you’ll see gorgeous topiaries of Disney characters blooming to life in floral sculptures. Highlights will include Remy in the France pavilion, Tinker Bell and the Fairy Houses in the United Kingdom, Lady and the Tramp in Italy and Sorcerer Mickey at the park’s reimagined main entrance.
2 – Gardens to Explore
Soak in the sights of spring in 20 different garden areas all across EPCOT, including floating gardens on the waters of Future World, a bamboo garden in China, a tropical rainforest garden in Mexico and the English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London in the United Kingdom (where you can also take a Self-Guided Tea Tour!). Another picturesque spot is The Goodness Garden Butterfly House Presented by GoGo squeeZ, where you can view a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. And at Outdoor Escapes Presented by OFF! Repellents in Future World East, you can unwind in refreshing spaces that show you just how easy it is to create an outdoor escape for family and friends.
3 – Outdoor Kitchens Galore
Embark on a mouth-watering journey around the park and discover a smorgasbord of options, with more than 20 delectable stops to choose from. Each Outdoor Kitchen offers a specialty menu of creative cuisine and libations to savor and sip. We’ll have more details to share in an upcoming post about all the foodie fun you can expect this year.
Here are the Outdoor Kitchens and descriptions as listed on the Walt Disney World website:
Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market Venture to Germany for Bavarian bites sure to sate foodies of all ages—every dish is köstlich!
Cider House (Located in World Showplace) Behold buzz-worthy ciders and artisanal provisions that are sure to hit the spot.
The Citrus Blossom Treat your taste buds to the subtleties of lemon, orange and lime—turning delicious dishes even more delish!
Festival Favorites (Located in World Showplace) Discover Guest-favorite dishes, microbrews and other beverages.
Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth Discover the many flavors of healthy cuisine in this delightful eatery, featuring vegetables straight from the garden!
Fleur de Lys Indulge in haute cuisine and boissons that’ll make you fall in ooo-la-la-love with this palate-pleasing Parisian pop-up!
Hanami Journey to Japan for innovative plates crafted with culinary Zen.
Jardin de Fiestas Take a food-tastic tour of the Mexico Pavilion… these tantalizing tastes will add some spice to your day!
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board™ Quell cravings with an incredible menu of all-natural food and drink infused with the nectar of the gods!
La Isla Fresca Nibble on Caribbean-seasoned dishes that’ll send appetites swaying to the island beat!
Lotus House Sink your teeth into authentic Chinese eats filled with morsels of good fortune!
Magnolia Terrace Get a nice, cozy feeling with some comfort food inspired by the Gulf region.
Northern Bloom Please discriminating palates with fantastic fare from our Great White North neighbor… O Canada!
Pineapple Promenade Get your tropical fruit fix from tart ‘n’ tangy to the sweetest frozen treats!
Primavera Kitchen Mangiare hearty helpings of Old-Country dishes served with a glass of vino… now that’s amore!
Taste of Marrakesh Intoxicate taste buds with the exotic flavors of this North African mecca—mysterious Morocco!
Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible™ Foods Delight in some of your favorite foods—created from innovative recipes with some impossibly delicious twists!
Additional Locations Delight your appetite with mouthwatering morsels, nibbles and noshes from these year-round food stops.
Refreshment Port
Refreshment Outpost
Cool Wash
Funnel Cake
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
4 – Entertainment All Around
The festival features plenty of live music every day. Voices of Liberty perform an all-American a cappella showcase, celebrating the landscape, heart and human spirit of America, and Mariachi Cobre takes the stage for a performance of world-famous Mexican folk music. You can also tap your toes to the sound of the Jammin’ Gardeners, performing rhythmic beats with inspired backyard percussion, and head into World Showplace, where the EPCOT Pianist will be playing a selection of songs of the season.
5 – Health Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth
Looking for inspiration, creativity and some youthful energy? At the Flavor Full Outdoor Kitchen and garden along the Imagination Walkway, the whole family can learn ways to stay healthy.
6 – Family Fun with Scavenger Hunts
Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a springtime quest to find the buzzzz-iest honey bee at Walt Disney World Resort. And as a special treat during the Easter season (March 19 – April 4), you can also take part in the Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt to find Disney pals and their oversized eggs all around World Showcase.
7 – Festival Memories
Commemorate your visit with official event merchandise, including apparel, headwear, drinkware and much more, featuring Orange Bird, Figment, Minnie Mouse and Spike the Bee.
Announced yesterday, the Jungle Cruise attraction at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be receiving new scenes and an updated storyline.
While these changes seemingly line up with the release of the Jungle Cruise movie, now set to release in 2021, it has been confirmed that there will be no significant tie between the new changes and the Jungle Cruise movie.
Here is a quote from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Portfolio Executive Chris Beatty:
I’m excited about the movie, and having Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt be a part of that film. But these adjustments are really focused on enhancing the existing attraction storyline and addressing some areas that needed refreshing along the way. I’m sure the film is fantastic and we’re very excited about it, but integrating the film into our classic Jungle Cruise is not part of this effort. Does that mean that as Imagineers we won’t put Easter eggs in there? We’ll definitely do that. But we are not adding a major storyline or character from that film.
While there may be Easter eggs that nod to the new movie in the attraction, there will be no large connection between the two enterprises. Read the entire interview here.
President Joe Biden has signed an executive order renewing the COVID-19 travel restrictions that were scheduled to be lifted today. Restrictions have been in place since March 13, 2020, severely affecting travel to and from U.S.A. theme parks.
Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a White House press conference, “On advice of our administration’s medical and Covid team, President Biden has decided to maintain the restrictions previously in place for the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Brazil. With the pandemic worsening and more contagious variants spreading, this isn’t the time to be lifting the restrictions on international travel.”
The travel restrictions will be re-evaluated each month and stay in effect until President Biden terminates them.
The “Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease” is available to read in full on the White House website.
