One of Disney World’s most popular resort hotels was placed under evacuation orders on Wednesday because of a potentially dangerous chemical reaction.
A brief chemical scare was reported by staff members at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson from the Reedy Creek Fire Department confirmed to FOX 35 News. According to the spokesperson, no cast members or guests were injured during the incident.
People magazine reported that guests staying at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort were forced to evacuate the property on Wednesday morning following a call to the Reedy Creek Fire Department for assistance after a mixture of two chemicals in the kitchen of the resort hotel produced gasses that could have potentially posed health hazards to those in the area.
Details about the Disney World employee responsible for the improper combination of chemicals are not available, and there’s no evidence to suggest that the act was intended to create a danger for anyone else or that the act was malicious in any way. There has also been no word about the types of chemicals that were combined or why they were mixed in the first place.
Emergency vehicles from the Reedy Creek Fire Department were seen in the parking lot of the resort hotel, and guests reported that the Disney World Resort monorail bypassed its usual stop in front of the Polynesian Resort while firefighters responded to the call for emergency assistance.
Emergency personnel with the Reedy Creek Fire Department were initially called to the Walt Disney World Resort hotel to investigate the hotel kitchen staff’s reports of a possible chemical exposure following the improper mix of two chemicals.
WESH Orlando Channel 2 reports that Eryka Washingon, spokeswoman for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly referred to as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, explained that an employee of the resort hotel was mixing chemicals in the kitchen area at the Polynesian Village Resort–an action that resulted in the production of gasses that were perceived as potentially dangerous to cast members and guests.
The kitchen was immediately evacuated as a precaution, and several employees underwent medical evaluations with first responders onsite. By 11:00 a.m., officials announced that the situation had been cleared.
The Reedy Creek Fire Department spokesperson confirmed that an employee at the resort hotel had mixed chemicals that should not have been combined, and the resulting reaction from that combination forced employees to evacuate the kitchen so that firefighters could assess the scene.
More details will be shared as they become available.
Playful Pixar elements have been coming to life over the past few months at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland Resort, and we’re excited to share that the property will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, 2024, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. Today, we’re giving you a glimpse of rooms inspired by Pixar stories, menu items to look forward to when Great Maple opens soon, plus what you can enjoy on your vacation now!
Favorite Pixar Stories Abound in the New Pixar Place Hotel Lobby
Pixar Place Hotel will evoke the inspiration and humor that goes into every Pixar film, while celebrating the artistic process. Showcasing early sketches to finished design, the art and decor will highlight vibrant Pixar stories, revealing some never-before-seen artwork.
When the lobby is complete, guests will see even more unique art inspired by Pixar films and be greeted by the iconic Pixar Lamp balancing atop its ball, with an imaginative mobile of beloved Pixar characters floating from the bright skylight above. The mobile will depict the beginning stages of Pixar filmmaking, when animators create the characters’ designs with their most basic shapes and colors. The characters we’ll see are at the beginning of their journey, just as the guests who step into the lobby begin their own story at the Disneyland Resort!
First Look at a Reimagined Guest Room Featuring Iconic Pixar Characters
Now, let’s give you a colorful peek inside one of the guest rooms! From pillows inspired by the Pixar Ball to lighting reminiscent of the Pixar Lamp, there will be whimsical nods to the animation studio throughout these comfortable and contemporary accommodations. Some of the art was even created by Pixar Animation Studios artists expressly for Pixar Place Hotel! The headboards will consist of concept art from a variety of Pixar features, including “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 3” and more that are arranged in order from warm to cool colors, sharing the importance of color to the tone of a scene.
Great Maple Opening Soon, Plus More Snacking Details Revealed
Now, let’s dish! Opening in November, Great Maple restaurant will bring its innovative menu of upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This modern American eatery will serve a robust selection of dishes made from scratch daily including the Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs, Charred Cauliflower Hummus, Maple Pecan-Crusted Salmon, Market Fish, a variety of inspired salads, and my favorite, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Maple Bacon Doughnuts!
A few weeks after the ground-floor flagship eatery opens, more culinary delights also operated by Great Maple will open. A new grab-and-go coffee shop in the lobby called Sketch Pad Café will serve assorted pastries accompanied by a selection of coffee and tea. Plus, an all-new menu will debut at the rooftop pool bar to be named Small Bytes, serving up salads, wraps, assorted cheese plates and more which you can enjoy with signature beverages.
Pixar-Themed Offerings You Can Enjoy Now
If guests are ready to “dive in” to the fun now, families can frolic at the hotel’s new “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad and pool area! Recently opened for guests of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, this rooftop oasis features Pixel Pool, which is lined with relaxing loungers, along with Nemo’s Cove pop-jet splash pad, and the not-to-miss Crush’s Surfin’ Slide, a 186-foot-long waterslide inspired by the coolest sea turtle in the ocean. The adjacent play court and pool bar will open later this fall.
Near the pool, gather with friends on comfy couches surrounding firepits inspired by some of Pixar’s more hotheaded characters, including Jack-Jack from Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and Anger from Pixar’s “Inside Out.”
Back in the lobby, browse through the new gift shop STOR-E — a playful take on the Pixar film name “WALL-E” — featuring Pixar-themed apparel and toys, plus more Disneyland Resort souvenirs and sundries.
Plus, a new and expanded fitness center recently opened, offering treadmills, free weights and more complimentary for hotel guests. Keep an eye out for a mural of Mike and Sulley running on a treadmill, inspired by Pixar’s “Monsters University.”
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is open and welcoming guests during this transformation and offers the added benefits of staying on property at the Disneyland Resort, including a dedicated entrance across the street with direct access to Disney California Adventure Park.*
There’s much more to come, so don’t miss a thing!
*Both Theme Park admission and park reservation for Disney California Adventure Park are required for park entry at this special entrance for Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel guests, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access.
The sheer size of Walt Disney World makes getting around property, or knowing how to get around property, an essential part of your Disney vacation. However, Disney has afforded guests means of travel throughout its 27,520-acre resort by way of Disney World bus service, monorails, the Disney Skyliner, and the Magic Kingdom ferry boat.
As the Orlando-based resort, known as the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” is home to four theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, as well as numerous resort rooms, golf courses, water parks, and much more; navigating the vast property can be overwhelming. For many guests, it’s best to simply park your car at your Disney resort and utilize Walt Disney World Transportation services instead.
Disney World’s flagship park, Magic Kingdom, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Tens of thousands of guests visit the park each day, meaning its accessibility is of utmost importance to manage the flow of crowds. For this reason, Magic Kingdom, unlike Disney World’s other three parks, doesn’t have direct parking to gate service. Instead, visitors to Magic Kingdom must use a Disney bus, monorail, or ferry boat to access the park.
Although the monorail is as iconic as Cinderella Castle, many forgo the long waits and opt to use Disney World’s water transportation system instead to get to various locations, including Magic Kingdom. Disney’s water transportation system offers theme park and resort guests access to areas such as Fort Wilderness Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney Springs, the World Showcase at EPCOT, and travel across Seven Seas Lagoon.
The transportation system consists of many different styles of ferry boats; some, such as the friendship boats, which are smaller crafts, offering access to other areas within theme parks. However, some are designed to move large numbers of guests, such as the Magic Kingdom ferry boat that brings visitors across Seven Seas Lagoon from the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Guests to popular Disney World Resorts such as Port Orleans can also use Disney’s water transportation center to access fabulous dining and shopping like that found in Disney Springs. Although you’ll find several ferry boats around Disney World property, the main ferry that carries guests from the ticket center to the front door of Magic Kingdom definitely sees the heaviest traffic.
Pilots and captains of Disney’s transportation systems are highly trained. As safety remains the top priority at Walt Disney World, ensuring guests can get from point A to point B efficiently and without incident means that Disney spares little expense in preparing their Cast Members to escort thousands of guests a day.
However, this doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. A notable history of transportation problems has occurred on almost all of Disney World’s different systems. Guests a few years back found themselves shocked when their Disney Skyliner gondola collided with another ride vehicle just outside of EPCOT. There have also been several instances of bus accidents across Walt Disney World property, and sadly, even deaths associated with monorail accidents outside of Magic Kingdom.
Although Disney does everything they can to ensure that guests are safe, accidents do happen. However, whether you’re using their transportation to get from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom or to make your way across the World Showcase to the Morocco Pavilion, you should feel relatively confident that your complimentary ride will be event-free.
With so many buses running from Disney resorts, Disney Springs, and theme parks, ferry boats in waterways that alligators call home, and guests soaring high above Walt Disney World on the Skyliner or monorail, the unavoidable fact is that things will still happen. Recently, a guest at Walt Disney World learned this the hard way.
Despite the safety associated with industry-leading Disney transportation, a recent Reddit post by user u/careerpathlost suggests that a recent accident involving the Magic Kingdom ferry boat while docking at the TTC sent a guest tipping over from their motorized scooter.
“We were on the ferry Saturday night around 10:30, and I said to my daughter as we were approaching the dock at the TTC, ‘We aren’t lined up, s**t brace yourself,’ and then we hit the dock sideways,” writes the user. “One lady toppled out of her scooter, almost everyone on the boat flew sideways. No cast members said a thing; they just waited for the admiral to correct (which took a couple of minutes) and then debarked everyone. That’s all, just wondered if any of you guys happened to be on the ship as well.“
Surprisingly, many who chose to respond to the Reddit post also shared stories and experiences in which Disney World’s ferry boat system had also “crashed” into the docks. One specific corroboration stated that a water taxi collided with the ports at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Although not mentioned in the Reddit post, it’s safe to assume everyone in the ferry boat was fine after the reported incident. As we’ve previously stated, Disney goes to great lengths to ensure that their transportation offerings are a safe service for guests at Walt Disney World, or at any of their parks, for that matter.
As the need for buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner remains high, transporting huge numbers of guests all over Disney World, the company often revisits its training and safety standards. However, if true, the latest report of a ferry boat colliding at the TTC dock raises concerns for future riders.
The Magic Kingdom ferry remains an excellent option for returning to the TTC or the parking lots at Disney World’s flagship park. It’s also a great place to enjoy Happily Ever After while beating some of the crowds that exit the park after the end of the nighttime spectacular. However, it can be a bit intimidating as the boats, during busy times, can become quite crowded. Despite complaints of mishaps such as this, guests can rest assured that Disney does everything to ensure their safety.
On the beautiful shores of Oahu in Hawaii, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise that seamlessly blends the natural beauty and culture of Hawaii with the enchantment of Disney storytelling. This unique destination offers guests an unforgettable vacation experience filled with relaxation, adventure, and a touch of Disney magic.
Aulani is situated on the tranquil Ko Olina Lagoon, providing guests with direct access to a pristine beach. The resort’s design draws inspiration from Hawaiian culture and architecture, creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the islands.
Aulani offers a range of accommodations to suit every family’s needs, from spacious standard rooms to luxurious suites and villas. The rooms feature Hawaiian-inspired decor and modern amenities, ensuring that guests have a comfortable and relaxing retreat.
For those seeking adventure, Aulani offers a wide range of activities and experiences. Guests can explore the lush tropical gardens, take part in traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, embark on snorkeling excursions, and even go on a thrilling water slide adventure at the Waikolohe Stream, a lazy river that winds through the resort’s pool area.
Aulani boasts a diverse selection of dining options, with Aulani Makahiki being a highlight. This buffet-style restaurant serves up a delightful mix of Hawaiian and international dishes, making it perfect for both breakfast and dinner. Character breakfasts are also a hit with families, where beloved Disney characters make appearances to the delight of children and adults alike.
For those in need of relaxation, the Laniwai Spa is a serene sanctuary that offers a wide range of spa treatments inspired by Hawaiian healing traditions. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments in an atmosphere designed to soothe the senses.
Disney characters make appearances throughout the resort, providing ample opportunities for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. From Mickey and Minnie to Moana and Stitch, these encounters add a touch of Disney magic to your Hawaiian adventure.
Aulani also features Aunty’s Beach House, a supervised kids’ club that offers a variety of engaging and educational activities for young guests. Children can participate in Hawaiian-themed games, crafts, and even hula dancing lessons while parents enjoy some downtime.
Aulani takes great pride in celebrating Hawaiian culture and traditions. Guests can experience the art of hula, listen to live Hawaiian music, and witness mesmerizing fire-dancing performances that pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the islands.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is a destination that offers a unique blend of Hawaiian paradise and Disney magic. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, this resort has something for everyone. It’s a place where families create cherished memories, nature enthusiasts revel in the beauty of Oahu, and Disney fans discover a tropical paradise infused with their favorite storytelling magic. From the beautiful accommodations to the endless adventures, delectable dining options, and Hawaiian cultural experiences, Aulani is a destination that captures the essence of relaxation and enchantment on the shores of Oahu. It’s a place where Hawaiian hospitality meets Disney’s legendary service, ensuring that every guest leaves with a heart full of aloha and unforgettable memories of their Hawaiian escape.
Three popular restaurants at three different Walt Disney World resorts will receive new menu updates beginning next week.
From a Disney cast member;
Foodies, grab your appetites and get ready to eat because three popular spots at Walt Disney World Resort are giving their menus a revamp. Over at our Disney Resort hotels, the culinary teams have been hard at work putting together dishes and beverages that are sure to satisfy. Starting Oct. 11, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Banana Cabana at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be getting new items with a little something for everyone.
I won’t keep you waiting. Let’s jump right in and see “What’s Cooking” with all the new items coming to these three locations next week.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Let’s take a trip on the wild side over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge where you’ll find Geyser Point Bar & Grill nestled pool and lakeside. You don’t have to explore very hard to know that this spot doesn’t disappoint with its dishes. And these new additions are no different. The iconic Bison Burger is always still available to indulge in, but the culinary team has created some additional plates for the lineup, including three new plant-based bites. Not to mention, all of the food offerings are available on mobile order. Are you ready to see them all?
First up, the Crispy ‘Peking’ Ribs. This dish is tossed in a tasty peking sauce with cashews. If wings are more your thing, the Geyser Chicken Wings are now available in two new flavors – Thai Chili or Sriracha Buffalo. But don’t worry, if you love the Teriyaki, it’s still available too!
What’s better than charcuterie? Charcuterie in flatbread form. The Charcuterie Flatbread is topped with salami, brisket, chorizo, bacon, and smoked gouda beer cheese. YUM! The new Turkey BLT Sandwich is not your average BLT. It combines house-smoked black pepper turkey, candied bacon, and avocado puree for the perfect blend of flavors in every bite.
As I mentioned, there are three – yes, three – new plant-based offerings that simply cannot be missed. The Macaroni and ‘Cheese’ Bites are “cheesy” bites of goodness paired with tomato and peppers. This is one starter you’ll definitely want to order. The Vegetable Burger with ‘Cheese’ is a fantastic plant-based option. It’s topped with a spicy slaw, pepper jack ‘cheese’, lettuce, and tomato. Lastly, we’ve got the Multigrain Salad with Tofu. This delicious new addition combines mixed greens, wild rice, bell peppers, and sesame vinaigrette. It’s also available with chicken, steak, or salmon if you’d like.
In addition to all these bites, there’s also a new sip joining the menu. The Pineapple Mule is returning from its temporary run during Black History Month, and now will be featured as a permanent offering at Geyser Point Bar & Grill. It brings together Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Ginger Bitters, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint for a refreshing and delicious beverage. Guest Experience Managers Mauro Santiago Marcos and Megan Reinhardt crafted this cocktail centered around Uncle Nearest Whiskey which pays homage to the first known Black master distiller, Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green. In addition to Geyser Point Bar & Grill, the Pineapple Mule will be added to over 40 Disney Resort hotel bars and lounges.
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago
Get ready to bask in the good vibes and good flavors at Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago. This open-air spot found at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a fan favorite, and for good reason. In a few short days, this location will be adding quite a few mouthwatering delights to its flavorful selections. And, in case you didn’t know, all the food is available via mobile order too.
First up, we’ve got the Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns. This bite is paired with lime mayo, sweet-and-spicy gochujang sauce, ‘kimchi’ pickles, and radish. Another new starter is the Tamarind Soy-glazed Pork Ribs with scallions, pickled fresno chili, and cilantro. Whether you’re a ceviche fan or looking to try it, the Ceviche Classico is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. It deliciously features kona kampachi, sweet potato, cancha, red onion, chile, and leche de tigre. Yes, yes, and yes!
For a refreshing salad, the Villa del Lago Wedge Salad is a must. It combines baby iceberg lettuce, chorizo, bleu cheese, and marinated tomatoes topped with avocado dressing. You can also get it with grilled shrimp or grilled chicken if you’d like some added protein.
It’s time for the entrées! Few things are better than tacos and the new Pork Carnitas Tacos are no different. These are served with a trio of sauces – chipotle-pineapple salsa, tomatillo salsa verde, and salsa borracha – along with cotija cheese and pickled vegetables served with black beans and rice. That’s what I call a taco. The Chicken Mole Poblano is another must-try with a sweet corn-Oaxacan cheese tamale, – yes, you heard that right – rich mole poblano sauce, and radish.
If you’re in the mood to fulfill that burger fix (we’ve all been there), the Three Bridges Signature Burger is just the plate for you. This is not your average burger. This one is topped with a bacon marmalade, sun-dried tomato jam, smoked gouda queso, crispy vegetables, and arugula served with smoked paprika fries. Yes, please!
Last up for new main dishes is the Plancha-seared Mahi Mahi and Shrimp. Seafood fans will love this new item. It’s expertly paired with basmati rice, bok choy, Thai red coconut-curry sauce, and mint.
Attention plant-based diners! Some of your favorite plant-based bites like the Guacamole, Roasted Corn Dip, and ‘Poke’ Bowl, which is now available with tofu, aren’t going anywhere, so no need to fret.
What meal is complete without a sweet treat? The Warm Churros are still on the menu, but now featuring three dipping sauces: tequila caramel, spiced chocolate, and mango-chamoy. My mouth is already watering for this one! Another sweet delight is the Coconut Flan with passionfruit sauce, mango, and hibiscus. You may have seen this dish previously on the menu for Women’s History Month, and now it has made Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago its permanent home.
Before we head over to our next location, we have to take a look at three new beverages on the way. The Cold Brew Old Fashioned will satisfy cold brew and old-fashioned fans alike. It combines SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur, Joffrey’s Mexican Femenino Cold Brew, and Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters. For some red wine with a twist, the Tinto de Veranoserves up red wine, Combier Creme de Mure, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, and Sprite. This refreshing cocktail is traditionally served in the summer months in Spain. And for a tropical beverage that’s non-alcoholic, the Tropical Coconut Cooler is a refreshing blend of coconut, orange, pineapple, and lime juices with a salt rim.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Now, it’s time to relax and feast because we’re heading over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where Banana Cabana has got some new bites joining the menu. Pair one of this location’s deliciously refreshing beverages with a savory bite like the new Banana Cabana Burger. This dish features Caribbean barbecue, tomatillo-jalapeño cream cheese, and pineapple salsa with plantain crunch served with french fries.
Do you love yourself some wings? If so, you’re in luck because the Grilled Wings now feature two new sauce flavors – Rum Barbecue and Guava Buffalo. But don’t worry, the tasty Jamaican Jerk is still there too. These three options are designed by the talented culinary team to be an island-style of mild (Rum Barbecue), medium (Guava Buffalo), and hot (Jamaican Jerk). No matter your sauce of choice, your wings will be joined by carrots and a tasty cilantro-lime crema.
For those of you who love seafood, there are two new items you should try poolside – the Seafood Fritters served with a passion fruit aïoli and the Coconut Shrimp served with citrus-chili sauce and french fries. How delicious! The island vibes are even better on Fridays and Saturdays when Banana Cabana features a live steel drum band.
I don’t know about you, but I am now very hungry! Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory, the foodie adventures are endless at Disney Parks.
