There’s EARidescent magic to be discovered in every corner of the Walt Disney World Resort during the 50th anniversary celebration. And today, our “Everything 50th” series continues with a look at exciting experiences – now and in the future – at Disney Water Parks, runDisney events and more!
Right now, dazzling 50th anniversary celebration decorations and magical touches can be seen throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney teams have created decor that shimmers and sparkles all day and into the night.
There are also new, delicious 50th anniversary menu items at Walt Disney World Resort – many inspired by Walt’s favorite dishes. At Disney’s Water Parks, celebratory treats are available now and in the future at several locations:
Avalunch at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (Snack Shack at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park when reopened)
Loaded Nachos with Walt’s Chili – This classic treat is upgraded for the 50th anniversary celebration and features Walt’s favorite chili atop a bed of house fried tortillas, cheese guacamole, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and jalapeno.
I.C. Expeditions at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (Happy Landings at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park when reopened)
EARidescent Ice Dream Cone – Birthday cake-flavored soft serve ice cream cone served up with EARidescent accents to celebrate 50 years of Walt’s dreams that turned into reality.
And at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Guests will find a new version of our collectible and refillable mugs featuring a giant 50 for the celebration! The mug design includes creative art highlighting Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck with Goofy skiing hijinks in the background and can be found at different locations, including Beach Haus, Lotta Wotta Lodge and Cooling Hut. At Typhoon Lagoon, special 50th mugs will be available at Singapore Sal’s and High & Dry.
From Disney’s Water Parks to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and across the Resort, our legendary Cast Members are the heart of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration and they’re eager to share a little bit of their world during this special time.
Smiling Cast Members are easy to spot, wearing special nametags with the 50th anniversary castle logo above each cast member’s name, along with gold accents and a touch of pixie dust.
The magic is also calling all runners to become part of something special at runDisney events during The World’s Most Magical Celebration.
For runDisney 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Jan. 5-9, 2022, participants will run through the magic and stories of Walt Disney World Resort. And they’ll have the opportunity for amazing 50th anniversary celebration views during runs near our breathtaking Beacons of Magic!
Mickey Mouse and other favorite characters will be wearing their shimmering EARidsecent best during the race weekend as well. Marathon Weekend will feature amazing entertainment and unique commemorative finisher medals glowing with EARidesence.
Also, during the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration, the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE will have participants running into the magic on Feb. 24-27, 2022. This event will feature events for all skill levels, coveted regal medals inspired by the 50th anniversary celebration, special merchandise, celebratory treats and other surprises.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has closed its gates today following the discovery by authorities that a Guest who visited the park over the weekend was infected with COVID-19.
The Disney Resort, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company and the local government spoke about the decision to close the park, saying the choice was “an abundance of caution.”
A visitor who recently arrived in Hong Kong from Indonesia had completed her mandatory 21-day quarantine, and following the completion of the quarantine, she tested positive for the virus. However, authorities say she has a “low viral load,” which is clinical-speak for “a low amount of the virus in her body.” This lead authorities to believe the young Indonesian woman is a repositive case, meaning she likely had the virus and recovered, but still tested positive.
She visited the park on Sunday.
According to the Hong Kong Disneyland website, anyone who was present in the park between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 14 is required by the government to be tested for the virus:“Hong Kong Disneyland Park Temporary Closure on Nov 17 (Wed)
In an abundance of caution, Hong Kong Disneyland Park will be closed on Nov 17 (Wed) to ensure relevant Cast Members can complete the test sooner. Guests who planned to visit the park on Nov 17 are advised to visit on another day.
The government issued a compulsory testing notice requiring any persons who were present at the park at any time during the period from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Nov 14 (Sun) to undergo compulsory testing for COVID-19 on or before Nov 18 (Thu).”
The order for compulsory testing applies to both Guests and Cast Members who were in the park on Sunday, and testing must be completed by Thursday, November 18.
Reservations are now open for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the first-of-its-kind, two-night immersive vacation experience in a galaxy far, far away. Debuting March 1, 2022, at Walt Disney World Resort, this Star Wars adventure will make Guests the hero of their own story as they tour the galaxy aboard the glamorous Halcyon starcruiser.
Throughout their voyage, Guests will see, feel and live Star Wars, which includes the possibility of meeting heroes of the Resistance like Rey and Chewbacca, or encountering the malevolent Kylo Ren of the First Order. But the starcruiser also brings with it a host of characters new to the Star Wars galaxy, created especially for this experience.
Let’s meet a few of them for the first time!
Captain Riyola Keevan
Charismatic, respected and trustworthy, Captain Keevan will lead Guests’ voyage aboard the Halcyon starcruiser. She is a strong and decisive leader, endearing herself to both her crew and her passengers by being fair to all and cool under pressure – a skill she’s learned from her … “adventurous” history. Guests will likely find the captain on the ship’s bridge – and they’d be wise to listen carefully and follow her instructions.
Cruise Director Lenka Mok
There is much fun to be had aboard the starcruiser, and Lenka Mok is Guests’ go-to crew member to discover it all. As the captain’s right hand, Mok is in charge of onboard entertainment, so it’s her job to make sure every voyage is an adventure. An optimistic and joyful soul, Mok’s happiness is derived from Guests, so this is definitely someone they’ll want to meet!
SK-62O
This astromech droid is Mok’s assistant cruise director, ensuring things run smoothly and on time. He keeps an eye on all the workings of the ship and is devoted to Mok and Captain Keevan. And while he loves to have fun with guests, he’s also good in a pinch if anything should go awry (one of his many hidden talents).
Sammie the Mechanic
Sammie’s proficiency as the ship’s new mechanic is actually not his most endearing feature. His enthusiasm and good-natured personality quickly won over the starcruiser’s crew and that makes him popular among guests who happen across his path. He’s clearly eager to prove himself on such a well-appointed vessel, and his tasks always seem to get done … somehow.
D3-O9
D3-O9 is another droid Guests may see appear on viewscreens onboard the Halcyon starcruiser. Her primary responsibility is running ship logistics, so she certainly knows everyone and everything happening onboard during a voyage. But her favorite part of the job is talking with passengers. Built centuries ago by Chandrila Star Line’s founder, D3 has seen the ship’s history – and the entire galaxy – evolve, and she’s not shy about sharing her knowledge and opinions with passengers.
First Order Lt. Harman Croy
While the Halcyon starcruiser is a pleasure vessel, this is a stormy time in the galaxy as battles rage between the First Order and the Resistance – and it’s often impossible to avoid the conflict. The ambitious and intimidating Lt. Croy is on special assignment to root out and expose any Resistance fighters who are rumored to be aboard the ship. Will you help him? Will you support the Resistance? Will you just sit back and see how the whole thing plays out? The choice is yours.
We’ll have much more on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser as we prepare for its debut in March, so keep following along with us here for all the goings-on from that galaxy far, far away.
The SeaMail below will be sent to affected Guests today to inform them of updates to Disney Cruise Line health and safety protocols, including a new COVID-19 vaccination policy for Guests ages 5-11 for sailings beginning on and after January 13, 2022, as well as updated information on accepted vaccine types.
The Disney Dream docks at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. In a setting of crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches and lush landscapes, the 1,000-acre island offers one-of-a-kind areas and activities for every member of the family. (David Roark, photographer)
Dear [Guest who booked through a Travel Agent],
All of us at Disney Cruise Line hope you and your family are staying well. We are reaching out with important updated information about the COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for your sailing.
As we welcome Guests aboard our ships, the health and safety of our Guests, Cast Members and Crew Members is a top priority. We have resumed sailing in a gradual, phased approach that emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures, developed considering guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical experts.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on U.S. eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This will be a requirement for all Guests (U.S. and international) ages 5 and older for sailings beginning on and after January 13, 2022.
In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the World Health Organization, Disney Cruise Lines accepts the following vaccine types: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving:
a single-dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine
the second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine
the full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials
the second dose of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart)
Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing:
Guests who are not vaccine-eligible, because of age, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date. Guests ages 5-11 may complete these testing requirement in lieu of being fully vaccinated for sailings that depart before January 13, 2022. Guests 4 years of age and under must complete these testing requirements.
The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Disney Cruise Line has secured a special rate of $98.33 per PCR test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee) through our third-party vendor, Inspire Diagnostics. Guests may also obtain their test from any independent testing supplier.
Safe Passage website, by Inspire Diagnostics:
In order to sail, all Guests (adults and children, regardless of age) must upload their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results on the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. To learn more about how to provide proof of your negative COVID-19 test result, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go.
After appropriate documents have been uploaded and reviewed by Inspire, Guests should see the words “Clear to Arrive” in the Pre-Sail Screening section when they log into their account before arriving at the port.
It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test result with them to the port. If you have any questions about your Safe Passage registration or status, please contact 877-250-5132.
Embarkation COVID-19 Testing:
In consideration of guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all Guests (regardless of age and vaccination status) are required to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Inspire Diagnostics) at the terminal before boarding. This will be the second of two COVID-19 PCR tests required for unvaccinated Guests. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and their close contacts—will be denied boarding.
Debarkation Day COVID-19 Antigen Testing
All unvaccinated Guests on 5-night and longer sailings are required to take a COVID-19 antigen test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line) on the ship the day before debarking.
Online Check-in:
You must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to your sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. It’s important you arrive at the terminal on time. Guests arriving prior to their selected arrival time will be asked to return at the appropriate time; and Guests arriving after their scheduled time may be delayed and asked to wait behind those arriving at their scheduled time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival.
Going Ashore:
Considering guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated Guests who wish to disembark the ship while in a port of call can do so on their own. Guests who are vaccinated and wish to disembark the ship with unvaccinated children, in any port of call other than Disney Castaway Cay, will need to purchase a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure for their party. Additional details about going ashore can be found in the Ports of Call: Know Before You Go section of our website.
My Plans:
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or go online to make advance reservations that are necessary for participating in youth activities or reserve premium experiences like beverage tastings and dinner at Palo. You’ll be able to reserve these experiences once your reservation is paid in full and you are within your Castaway Club booking window. At this time, we are still finalizing some of the onboard activity offerings and Port Adventures for your sailing and encourage you to continue checking back as new inventory becomes available.
Guests sailing on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy through May 30, Disney Magic through May 8 and Disney Wonder through April 17, 2022, may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting their travel agent by December 1, 2021. Please note that cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after December 2, 2021.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.
Sincerely,
The Cast and Crew Disney Cruise Line
Updated information will be reflected on the Disney Cruise Line Know Before You Go page.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort celebrated the grand opening of its newest addition, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, on Friday, Nov. 12 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, bringing together hotel owners Tishman and MetLife along with executives from Walt Disney World and Marriott International.
This new 14-story hotel designed by Gensler is positioned adjacent to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in the middle of Walt Disney World Resort, features a captivating design offering 349 spacious and versatile guest rooms – including 151 suites – with incredible floor-to-ceiling views of the resort. Guests of the resort can walk to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and receive special Walt Disney World hotel guest benefits including early theme park entry and extended evening theme park hours.
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin reside amongst the greatest theme parks and attractions in Central Florida. They are located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 22 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The resorts feature six pools, three health clubs, nearby golf and complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The newest addition, the 14-story Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, offers an upscale, boutique atmosphere as well as 149 suites ideal for families and two presidential suites.
