Universal Orlando Will Encourage But Not Require Masks Indoors

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Shortly after Orange County issued a state of emergency, Walt Disney World put out a notice that will once again require ALL guests (even those vaccinated) to wear a mask while indoors. The news was hard to take as we had all hoped masks were in the past. Nonetheless, today (July 30), Walt Disney World’s mask policy has been updated with the indoor mask requirement. Walt Disney World’s competitor and neighbor, Universal Orlando, has announced that they will not be requiring masks indoors, but rather encouraging guests to wear them.

As shared by journalist Ashley Carter via Twitter: “Universal Orlando says it will “encourage” guests to wear face masks indoors. All employees, beginning Saturday, will be required to wear face masks while working indoors in guest areas.”

The Universal Orlando website reads, “Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests. Non-vaccinated guests are asked to wear face coverings at all indoor locations.”

Ashley goes on to share in a Tweet today, “REMINDER: Disney World is requiring all guests ages 2 and older to wear face masks at all indoor locations. Signs are out at Magic Kingdom”:

Disney Guests May Be Able To Ride EPCOT’s Newest Attraction Before It Opens

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Intriguing news is coming out of Walt Disney World that has us on our toes with mouse ears wide open. While we await the beginning of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” – on October 1, we’re finding ourselves eager get the 18-month long party started! While we’re thrilled with the Cinderella Castle décor and new nighttime spectacular called “Disney Enchantment” coming to Magic Kingdom, we are equally excited about what EPCOT is dishing out. Not only will we finally see the debut of EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular, “Harmonious”, but we’re also going to have a chance to ride EPCOT’s newest attraction – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. BUT… do we have to wait until October 1 to ride along with Remy? Maybe not! The President of Walt Disney World, Jeff Vahle, took to social media to share the intriguing news.

As shared via Jeff Vahle Instagram on July 30: “Walt Disney World Cast Members, we’re COOKING up some fun for you! Starting next month, you will have the opportunity to experience Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure before it officially opens to our Guests on October 1. More info will be posted on the HUB soon, so keep an eye out. And if you’re not a Cast Member, there may still be a way for you to see this attraction before it opens. More details to come!”

It sounds like some soft openings may be in the works Disney fans! We’d recommend everyone keep an eye on Disney news and the My Disney Experience App to see if a soft opening date(s) gets released. Currently, the Walt Disney World website notes: “In this 4D ride experience, join Chef Remy on a daring culinary caper that will captivate all your senses as you zip, dash and scurry through the bustling kitchen, dining room and walls of Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant. C’est magnifique!” The opening date listed is still October 1, 2021. 

Walt Disney World Is Hiring Thousands of New Cast Members

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

We are just a little over 60 days away from celebrating Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary called “The World’s Most Magical Celebration“ which kicks off on October 1. As Disney reopens more resorts, more restaurants, more attractions, and more experience – they need talented Cast Members to make the magic happen. Even though we’ve seen Disney hire in their largest ever Traditions Class and offer huge hiring bonuses, it’s obviously Disney still needs help as they are launching a hiring spree as they seek thousands more Cast Members.

As shared via Walt Disney World Cast & Community Facebook: “The magic is calling everyone to Walt Disney World Resort for The World’s Most Magical Celebration – and we’re looking for magic makers, dreamers and doers to join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary! We are now hiring thousands of new Cast Members in an online hiring event now through July 31. For more information and to apply, visit WaltDisneyWorld.jobs/jobfair #DisneyJobs”

If you’re a Disney fan, chances are you have one or more stories about an extra magical Cast Members that went above and beyond to make your visit to Walt Disney World extra special. Just think – now you’ll have a chance to make magic for others while you get to enjoy the parks and resorts as part of your job regularly. Simply visit DisneyCareers.com to check out all the available positions. 

Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney Over ‘Black Widow’ Disney+ Release

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

Big news coming out of the film industry today… and it involves a lawsuit again Disney. Marvel’s newest film, Black Widow, recently debuted on both Disney+ Premier Access and in theaters on the same day. Now, the star of the film, Black Widow herself – Scarlett Johansson – is suing Disney for breach of contract. Apparently, the simultaneous release of the film in theaters and on Disney+ was not part of the originally plan.

As reported by Wall Street Journal: Scarlett Johansson, star of the latest Marvel movie “Black Widow,” filed a lawsuit Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court against Disney, alleging her contract was breached when the media giant released the film on its Disney+ streaming service at the same time as its theatrical debut. Ms. Johansson said in the suit that her agreement with Disney’s Marvel Entertainment guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release, and her salary was based in large part on the box-office performance of the film. “Disney intentionally induced Marvel’s breach of the agreement, without justification, in order to prevent Ms. Johansson from realizing the full benefit of her bargain with Marvel,” the suit said.

“This will surely not be the last case where Hollywood talent stands up to Disney and makes it clear that, whatever the company may pretend, it has a legal obligation to honor its contracts,” said John Berlinski, an attorney at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP who represents Ms. Johansson. According to the complaint, Ms. Johansson’s representatives sought to renegotiate her contract after learning of the dual-release strategy for “Black Widow,” which she has said is her ninth and last Marvel movie. Disney and Marvel were unresponsive, the suit said. The decision to put the movie on Disney+ is projected to cost Ms. Johansson more than $50 million, a person familiar with details of her contract claimed.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Hotel Guests

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

As we recently shared, as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas and other select hotels can enjoy Extended Evening Hours – experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours – in select theme parks on select nights.

The current schedule for extended evening theme park hours is now available under the Disney Resort Hotels section of DisneyTravelTradeInfo.com/WDW.

Together with early theme park entry, which is available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests, Guests will get to arrive earlier and stay later so they can maximize their time in the parks during The World’s Most Magical Celebration! 

To enjoy these benefits, Guests will need a valid Resort ID, valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day. (Or a ticket or annual pass with the Park Hopper option, provided the Guest entered the park where made their reservation earlier in the day.)